bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘All singing, all dancing’: staff views on the integration of family planning and genitourinary medicine in Lothian, UK
Authors: Higgins Martin , Chen Eric Zhong , Gebbie Ailsa E , Fernando Imali , Milne Dona , Cochrane Rosemary 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundUK policy documents advocate integrated approaches to sexual health service provision to ensure that everyone can access high-quality treatment. However, there is relatively little evidence to demonstrate any resultant benefits. The family planning and genitourinary medicine services in Lothian have been fully integrated and most care is now delivered from a purpose-built sexual health centre. We wished to study the views of staff on integrated sexual and reproductive care.MethodsStaff completed anonymous questionnaires before and after integration, looking at four main aspects: the patient pathway, specific patient groups, their own professional status, and their working environment. The surveys used a mixture of five-point Likert-type scales and open-ended questions.ResultsOver 50% of staff completed the surveys on each occasion. Six months after the new building opened, staff attitudes about the integrated service were mixed. Staff reported more stress and less opportunity for specialisation but there was no change in their sense of professional status or development. There were concerns about how well the integrated service met the needs of specific patient groups, notably women. These concerns co-existed with a verdict that overall service quality was no worse following integration.ConclusionsStaff views should form an important part of service redesign and integration projects. Although the results from the Lothian surveys suggest a perceived worsening of some aspects of the service, further evaluation is needed to unpick the different problems that have appeared under the catch-all term of ‘integration’.
Biolimus-Eluting Stents With Biodegradable Polymer Versus Bare-Metal Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Räber Lorenz , Kelbæk Henning , Taniwaki Masanori , Ostojic Miodrag , Heg Dik , Baumbach Andreas , von Birgelen Clemens , Roffi Marco , Tüller David , Engstrøm Thomas , Moschovitis Aris , Pedrazzini Giovanni , Wenaweser Peter , Kornowski Ran , Weber Klaus , Lüscher Thomas F. , Matter Christian M. , Meier Bernhard , Jüni Peter , Windecker Stephan 
Published: May 2014

Background—
This study sought to determine whether the 1-year differences in major adverse cardiac event between a stent eluting biolimus from a biodegradable polymer and bare-metal stents (BMSs) in the COMFORTABLE trial (Comparison of Biolimus Eluted From an Erodible Stent Coating With Bare Metal Stents in Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) were sustained during long-term follow-up.

Methods and Results—

A total of 1161 patients were randomly assigned to biolimus-eluting stent (BES) and BMS at 11 centers, and follow-up rates at 2 years were 96.3%. A subgroup of 103 patients underwent angiography at 13 months. At 2 years, differences in the primary end point of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization continued to diverge in favor of BES-treated patients (5.8%) compared with BMS-treated patients (11.9%; hazard ratio=0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.31–0.72;
P
<0.001) with a significant risk reduction during the second year of follow-up (hazard ratio 1–2 years=0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.20–1.00;
P
=0.049). Differences in the primary end point were driven by a reduction in target lesion revascularization (3.1% versus 8.2%;
P
<0.001) and target-vessel reinfarction (1.3% versus 3.4%;
P
=0.023). The composite of death, any reinfarction and revascularization (14.5% versus 19.3%;
P
=0.03), and cardiac death or target-vessel myocardial infarction (4.2% versus 7.2%;
P
=0.036) were less frequent among BES-treated patients compared with BMS-treated patients. The 13-month angiographic in-stent percent diameter stenosis amounted to 12.0±7.2 in BES- and 39.6±25.2 in BMS-treated lesions (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
Among patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, BES continued to improve cardiovascular events compared with BMS beyond 1 year.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NTC00962416.
Effect of Genetic Variants Associated With Plasma Homocysteine Levels on Stroke Risk
Authors: Cotlarciuc Ioana , Malik Rainer , Holliday Elizabeth G. , Ahmadi Kourosh R. , Paré Guillaume , Psaty Bruce M. , Fornage Myriam , Hasan Nazeeha , Rinne Paul E. , Ikram M. Arfan , Markus Hugh S. , Rosand Jonathan , Mitchell Braxton D. , Kittner Steven J. , Meschia James F. , van Meurs Joyce B.J. , Uitterlinden Andre G. , Worrall Bradford B. , Dichgans Martin , Sharma Pankaj 
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose—
Elevated total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) levels are known to be associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke (IS). Given that both tHcy and IS are heritable traits, we investigated a potential genetic relationship between homocysteine levels and stroke risk by assessing 18 polymorphisms previously associated with tHcy levels for their association with IS and its subtypes.

Methods—
Previous meta-analysis results from an international stroke collaborative network, METASTROKE, were used to assess association of the 18 tHcy-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 12 389 IS cases and 62 004 controls. We also investigated the associations in regions located within 50 kb from the 18 tHcy-related SNPs and the association of a genetic risk score, including the 18 SNPs.

Results—

One SNP located in the
RASIP1
gene and a cluster of 3 SNPs located at and near
SLC17A3
were significantly associated with IS (
P
<0.0003) after correcting for multiple testing. For stroke subtypes, the sentinel SNP located upstream of
MUT
was significantly associated with small-vessel disease (
P
=0.0022), whereas 1 SNP located in
MTHFR
was significantly associated with large-vessel disease (
P
=0.00019). A genetic risk score, including the 18 SNPs, did not show significant association with IS or its subtypes.

Conclusions—

This study found several potential associations with IS and its subtypes: an association of an
MUT
variant with small-vessel disease, an
MTHFR
variant with large-vessel disease, and associations of
RASIP1
and
SLC17A3
variants with overall IS.
Strip-tract revascularization as a source of recurrent venous reflux following high saphenous tie and stripping: results at 5–8 years after surgery
Authors: Ostler Alexandra E , Holdstock Judy M , Harrison Charmaine C , Price Barrie A , Whiteley Mark S 
Published: May 2014

Objective We have previously reported strip-tract revascularization 1 year following high saphenous ligation and inversion stripping. This study reports the 5–8 year results in the same cohort. Methods Between 2000 and 2003, 72 patients presented with primary varicose veins and had undergone high saphenous ligation and inversion stripping plus phlebectomies with or without subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery. Of the 64 patients who had attended for follow-up at 1 year, 35 patients (male:female, 16:19; 39 legs) underwent duplex ultrasonography 5–8 years after surgery (response rate 55%). Duplex ultrasonography was performed and all strip-tract revascularization and reflux and groin neovascularization was documented. Results Eighty-two percent of legs of patients showed some evidence of strip-tract revascularization and reflux. Full and partial strip-tract revascularization and reflux was seen in 12.8% and 59% of limbs of patients, respectively, and 10.2% limbs of patients had neovascularization only at the saphenofemoral junction only. Seven limbs of patients showed no revascularization. Conclusion Five to eight years after high saphenous tie and stripping, 82% of legs of patients showed some strip-tract revascularization and reflux and 12% showed total revascularization and reflux of the stripped great saphenous vein.
Patterns of dignity-related distress at the end of life: A cross-sectional study of patients with advanced cancer and care home residents
Authors: Hall Sue , Davies Joanna M , Gao Wei , Higginson Irene J 
Published: May 2014

Background: To provide effective palliative care in different settings, it is important to understand and identify the sources of dignity-related distress experienced by people nearing the end of life. Aim: To describe and compare the sources of dignity-related distress reported by cancer patients and care home residents. Design: Secondary analysis of merged data. Participants completed the Patient Dignity Inventory (assessing 25 sources of dignity-related distress) and measures of quality of life and depression. Setting/participants: A total of 45 adult patients with advanced cancer referred to hospital-based palliative care teams in London, United Kingdom, and 60 residents living in one of 15 care homes in London. Results: Care home residents were older and had poorer functioning. Both groups reported a wide range of dignity-related problems. Although the number or problems reported on the Patient Dignity Inventory was similar for the two groups (mean (standard deviation): 5.9 (5.5) for cancer patients and 4.1 (4.3) for care home residents, p = 0.07), there was a tendency for more cancer patients to report some existential problems. Experiencing physically distressing symptoms and functional limitations were prevalent problems for both groups. Patient Dignity Inventory problems were associated with poorer performance status and functioning for residents, with age and cognitive impairment for cancer patients and with poorer quality of life and depression for both groups. Conclusion: Although characteristics of the samples differed, similarities in the dignity-related problems reported by cancer patients and care home residents support research suggesting a common pathway towards death for malignant and non-malignant disease. A wider understanding of the sources of dignity-related distress would help clinicians provide more effective end-of-life care.
A geometric index to differentiate abnormal from normal septal wall motion on cardiac MRI
Authors: Secchi Francesco , Resta Elda Chiara , Giardino Antonello , Di Leo Giovanni , Bandera Francesco , Guazzi Marco , Sardanelli Francesco 
Published: May 2014

Background The definition of abnormal septal wall motion (SWM) is usually performed on a subjective visual assessment with cardiac MR (CMR). Purpose To quantify SWM using a geometric index and to compare this index to the visual inspection in patients with or without abnormal SWM. Material and Methods Cine CMR images of 100 consecutive patients were retrospectively assessed for visual evaluation of SWM and calculation of a convexity septal index (CSI) on mid-ventricular short-axis images, defined as b/ a ( a = minimal distance from anterior to posterior ventricular junctions; b = maximal distance from septum to a), obtained in end-systole (ES) and end-diastole (ED). Cohen κ, Bland-Altman method, Kruskall-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Jonckheere-Terpstra, and Spearman statistics were used to compare the two methods. Results At visual evaluation, 73 patients had normal SWM (group A), nine abnormal SWM at ES (group B), and 18 at ES and ED (group C). Median CSI for group A was significantly higher (ES = 0.23, ED = 0.25) than those for group B and C (0.10–0.15) ( P < 0.001). Inter-reader reproducibility of visual evaluation was high (κ = 0.841, P < 0.001) while that for CSI was 77%. Average time for visual analysis was 3 min, for quantitative analysis 4 min. Conclusion CSI is a simple and reproducible way to quantify SWM. ED CSI seems to be sensitive in detecting abnormal SWM in patients with apparently normal SWM at visual evaluation.
Size-controllable synthesis and bandgap modulation of single-layered RF-sputtered bismuth nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Bin-Kun , Chern Ming-Yau , Lee Hsin-Yen 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
We here report a simple and efficient method to grow single-layer bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) with various sizes on glass substrates. Optimal conditions were found to be 200°C and 0.12 W/cm2 at a growth rate of 6 Å/s, with the deposition time around 40 s. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were used to calculate the particle size distribution statistics, and high-resolution X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were used to examine the chemical interactions between BiNPs and the substrates. By measuring the transmission spectra within the range of 300 to 1,000 nm, we found that the optical bandgap can be modulated from 0.45 to 2.63 eV by controlling the size of these BiNPs. These interesting discoveries offer an insight to explore the dynamic nature of nanoparticles.
Effect of Linum usitatissimum L. (linseed) oil on mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hashempur Mohammad Hashem , Homayouni Kaynoosh , Ashraf Alireza , Salehi Alireza , Taghizadeh Mohsen , Heydari Mojtaba 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Carpal tunnel syndrome is known as the most common entrapment neuropathy. Conservative treatments cannot reduce the symptomatic severity satisfactorily; therefore, effectiveness of Linum usitatissimum L. (linseed) oil on carpal tunnel syndrome, as a complementary treatment, was evaluated in the current study. Linseed oil is a well-known preparation in Iranian traditional medicine and its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects have been shown in previous studies.

Methods
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. One hundred patients (155 hands) with idiopathic mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome aged between 18 and 65 years old were randomized in two parallel groups. These two groups were treated during 4 weeks with topical placebo and linseed oil. In addition, a night wrist splint was prescribed for both groups. Symptomatic severity and functional status were measured using Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. In addition, median sensory nerve conduction velocity, motor distal latency, sensory distal latency and compound latency as electrodiagnostic parameters were measured at baseline and after the intervention period.

Results
After the intervention, significant improvement was observed regarding Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire symptomatic severity and functional status mean differences (p <0.001) in the linseed oil group compared with those in the placebo group. Also, regarding the mean differences of both groups, significant improvement of nerve conduction velocity of the median nerve was seen in the linseed oil group by a value of 2.38 m/sec (p < 0.05). However, motor distal latency and sensory distal latency of the median nerve showed no between-group significant changes (p = 0.14 for both items). Finally, compound latency was improved slightly in the case group, comparing mean differences between the groups (p <0.05). No significant adverse events were reported from using linseed oil.

Conclusions
It seems that linseed oil could be effective in the management of mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, especially in improving the severity of symptoms and functional status. In addition, its effect on electerodiagnostic parameters, especially on the nerve conduction velocity, can be considered as a valuable point.
Acoustical Treatment of Multi-Tone Broadband Noise with Hybrid Side-Branched Mufflers Using a Simulated Annealing Method
Authors: Chiu Min-Chie 
Published: May 2014

Presently, there existed in industrial plants broadband noise hybridized with pure tones. In order to overcome a pure tone noise with a high peak value that is harmful to human hearing, a traditional reactive muffler has been used. However, the traditional method for designing a reactive muffler has proven to be time-consuming and insufficient. Helmholtz mufflers that deal with a pure tone have been adequately researched. However, manufacturing costs for the Helmholtz resonator have been too expensive. Noise elimination of pure tones for side-branched resonators (SBRs) that are easily manufactured has also been addressed. Nevertheless, the shape optimization of multi-chamber side-branched mufflers that deal with a broadband noise hybridized with multiple tones has been mostly ignored. In order to efficiently reduce the peak noise level, interest in shape optimization of a side-branched muffler is coming to the forefront. That being so, an analysis of the sound transmission loss ( STL) and the best optimized design for a hybrid side-branched muffler under a space-constrained situation will be considered, here. Concerning the plane wave effect, the theoretical acoustic performance of a multi-tone hybrid side-branched muffler will be established using a four-pole system matrix. A numerical case for eliminating broadband noise hybridized with two tones emitted from a machine room using eight kinds of mufflers (muffler B–I) will also be introduced. To find the best acoustical performance of a space-constrained muffler, a numerical assessment using a simulated annealing ( SA) method is adopted. To verify the availability of the SA optimization, a numerical optimization of muffler A at a pure tone (600 Hz) is exemplified. Before the SA operation can be carried out, the accuracy of the mathematical model has been checked using the experimental data. Moreover, the influences of the sound transmission loss (STL) with respect to n-series SBRs and the STL with respect to m-parallel SBRs have also been assessed. Also, the influence of the STL with respect to the design parameters such as the section area (Sb) of the SBR, the height (ZH) of the SBR, and the section area (S) of the main duct has been analyzed. Results reveal that the peak values of the pure tones are efficiently reduced after the hybrid side-branched muffler is added. Moreover, the acoustical performance of the hybrid side-branched muffler will increase when the number (m) of the parallel SBRs increases. Consequently, a successful approach in eliminating a broadband noise hybridized with two pure tones using optimally shaped hybrid mufflers and a simulated annealing method within a constrained space has been demonstrated.
Nonlinear Kalman Filtering in Affine Term Structure Models
Authors: Christoffersen Peter , Dorion Christian , Jacobs Kris , Karoui Lotfi 
Published: May 2014

The extended Kalman filter, which linearizes the relationship between security prices and state variables, is widely used in fixed-income applications. We investigate whether the unscented Kalman filter should be used to capture nonlinearities and compare the performance of the Kalman filter with that of the particle filter. We analyze the cross section of swap rates, which are mildly nonlinear in the states, and cap prices, which are highly nonlinear. When caps are used to filter the states, the unscented Kalman filter significantly outperforms its extended counterpart. The unscented Kalman filter also performs well when compared with the much more computationally intensive particle filter. These findings suggest that the unscented Kalman filter may be a good approach for a variety of problems in fixed-income pricing. This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
Walking art: Sustaining ourselves as arts educators
Authors: Triggs Valerie , Irwin Rita L. , Leggo Carl 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Through a year-long collaborative practice of walking as art, three artists/researchers/teachers investigated embodied perception in terms of its capacities for self-sustenance. Amidst the rush and routine of busy lives, familiarity with feelings of potential as the nourishment sustaining bodily movement is often forgotten. However, in immersive practices such as walking, conceptual categories are not as significant as the positions and orientations that postures address, and the degrees of potential bodies feel in assuming these postures. Perception derives its sustenance in a social awareness at the level of the body where availabilities for next movement are generated by sensations of a world in movement already underway. The repeated aesthetic experience of practice-generated potential in every bodily repositioning grounds philosophical matters of perception in this study. This article describes our enquiry into the integrating capacities of walking art for feelings of relational aliveness and it includes both poetry and visual art as part of the study.
Inclusivity and aesth/ethics in third participatory a/r/tographic spaces
Authors: Manrique Marta Madrid 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In this article, my a/r/tographic practice explores the complexity and uncertainty of educational situations in a third pedagogical space for inclusivity through the creation of a comic story. I draw, narrate and reflect on a situation during a participatory audio-visual project with nine young people (9–15 years old), where a learning proposal leads to different and unexpected results for three participants with learning disabilities. This experience invites me to reflect on the extent to which the creation of participatory audio-visual narratives in third pedagogical spaces can lead to inclusivity. To explore this issue, I first question the idea of third spaces of learning as places for democracy and transformation for inclusivity, free from power relationships. Furthermore, I propose complexity and acceptation of constraints as a path of unexpected transformation. Finally, I conclude by situating ‘aesth/ethics’ in a/rtography and propose the contiguity of image and text in comic narratives as an inclusive means to committing to living enquiry through with consent, capacity and confidentiality.
Visual a/r/tography in art museums
Authors: Roldan Joaquin , Marin-Viadel Ricardo 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This article describes an a/r/tographic project entitled Art for Learning Art wherein the audience was invited to respond visually to a museum exhibition-installation. The three main objectives were: first, to rethink current practices in museum education in an effort to reach a dialectical synthesis between art-making and educational activities; second, to further develop three key identities held within a/r/tography; and third, to develop visual research instruments in a/r/tographic final reports. An exhibition-installation was organized around seven engravings, two photographs and one sculpture including the artworks by L. Bourgeois, E. Chillida, E. Munch, P. Picasso, A. Tàpies, among others, in the Spanish Caja-Granada Memory of Andalusia Museum. The main educational goal was to engage visitors with learning to interact visually with original artwork before producing new images that would then immediately became part of the installation.
Automatische Extraktion von Fachterminologie aus Volltexten
Authors: Bredack Juliane , Lepsky Klaus 
Published: May 2014

Zusammenfassung
Fachterminologie in wissenschaftlichen Texten liegt häufig in Form von Phrasen oder Mehrwortgruppen vor. Vorgestellt wird ein algorithmisches Verfahren zur Identifikation und Extraktion fachtermi­nologischer Mehrwortgruppen. Besonderer Schwerpunkt ist die Einbindung von Funktionswörtern der deutschen Sprache, um die Extraktion komplexer Mehrwortkonstruktionen zu ermöglichen. Eingesetzt wurde das automatische Indexierungssystem Lingo. Die Ergebnisse für eine Extraktion kunsthistorischer Fachterminologie aus dem Reallexikon zur Deutschen Kunstgeschichte belegen die Tauglichkeit des Verfahrens.