bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Quality of Life by Increasing Outings after Stroke: Study Protocol for the Out-and-About Trial
Authors: McCluskey Annie , Ada Louise , Middleton Sandy , Kelly Patrick J. , Goodall Stephen , Grimshaw Jeremy M. , Logan Pip , Longworth Mark , Karageorge A. 
Published: December 2012

Rationale Almost one-third of Australians need help to travel outdoors after a stroke. Ambulation training and escorted outings are recommended as best practice in Australian clinical guidelines for stroke. Yet fewer than 20% of people with stroke receive enough of these sessions in their local community to change outcomes. Aims The Out-and-About trial aims to determine the efficacy and cost effectiveness of an implementation program to change team behavior and increase outings by people with stroke. Design A two-group cluster-randomized trial will be conducted using concealed allocation, blinded assessors, and intention-to-treat analysis. Twenty community teams and their stroke clients ( n = 300) will be recruited. Teams will be randomized to receive either the Out-and-About program or written guidelines only. Study Outcomes The primary outcome is the proportion of people with stroke receiving multiple escorted outings during therapy sessions, measured at baseline and 13 months postintervention. Secondary outcomes include number of outings and distance traveled, measured using a self-report diary at baseline and six months postbaseline, and a global positioning system after six months. Cost effectiveness will measure quality-adjusted life years and health service use, measured at baseline and six months postbaseline. Discussion A potential outcome of this study will be evidence for a costed, transferable implementation program. If successful, the program will have international relevance and transferability. Another potential outcome will be validation of a novel and objective method of measuring outdoor travel (global positioning system) to supplement self-report methods.
The Home Stroke Rehabilitation and Monitoring System Trial: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Linder Susan M. , Rosenfeldt Anson B. , Reiss Aimee , Buchanan Sharon , Sahu Komal , Bay Curtis R. , Wolf Steven L. , Alberts Jay L. 
Published: December 2012

Rationale Because many individuals poststroke lack access to the quality and intensity of rehabilitation to improve upper extremity motor function, a home-based robotic-assisted upper extremity rehabilitation device is being paired with an individualized home exercise program. Aims/Hypothesis The primary aim of this project is to determine the effectiveness of robotic-assisted home therapy compared with a home exercise program on upper extremity motor recovery and health-related quality of life for stroke survivors in rural and underserved locations. The secondary aim is to explore whether initial degree of motor function of the upper limb may be a factor in predicting the extent to which patients with stroke may be responsive to a home therapy approach. We hypothesize that the home exercise program intervention, when enhanced with robotic-assisted therapy, will result in significantly better outcomes in motor function and quality of life. Design A total of 96 participants within six-months of a single, unilateral ischemic, or hemorrhagic stroke will be recruited in this prospective, single-blind, multisite randomized clinical trial. Study Outcomes The primary outcome is the change in upper extremity function using the Action Research Arm Test. Secondary outcomes include changes in: upper extremity function (Wolf Motor Function Test), upper extremity impairment (upper extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer Test), self-reported quality of life (Stroke Impact Scale), and affect (Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale). Discussion Similar or greater improvements in upper extremity function using the combined robotic home exercise program intervention compared with home exercise program alone will be interpreted as evidence that supports the introduction of in-home technology to augment the recovery of function poststroke.
Haemoabdomen secondary to granulomatous periarteritis due to parasitism withHalicephalobus gingivalisin a mare
Authors: Rodriguez J. Y. , Snowden K. F. , Oliveira F. N. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryA 22‐year‐oldQuarterHorse mare exhibited neurological signs consisting of head pressing, central blindness, minimal ataxia and dysphagia. Despite treatment, the mare collapsed and died shortly after onset of signs. On necropsy, there were approximately 15 l of free blood in the abdominal cavity. A 12 × 4 cm diameter, irregularly‐shaped, nodular, firm, tan/yellow mass was found adhered to the outer surface of the right lateral aspect of the caudal abdominal aorta. A similar mass also affected the caudal aspect of the right kidney. Histopathology of the aortic and renal masses revealed multiple coalescing granulomas containing intralesional nematodes compatible withHalicephalobus gingivalis. Inflammatory cells disrupted the aortictunica adventitiaas well as the outertunica media. Similar exudate also affected the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of a portion of the large subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene were performed using previously published primers forH. gingivalisto confirm the identity of the nematode. Although rupture of a blood vessel could not be demonstrated grossly, the histological findings suggest that inflammation may have breached a small calibre artery and caused the haemoabdomen.
Estimation of Stress Exponent and Activation Energy for Rapid Densification of 8 mol% Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia Powder
Authors: Kumagai Tatsuo 
Published: December 2012

The rapid densification behavior of 8 mol% Y2O3‐stabilized ZrO2 polycrystalline (8Y‐SZP) powder compacts at the initial stage of pressure sintering (relative density () below 0.92) has been investigated using an electric current‐activated/assisted sintering (ECAS) system. Data points corresponding to a fixed heating rate were extracted from the densification rate () versus ρ and versus temperature (T) curves. These curves were obtained experimentally by consolidation at a fixed current. Under fixed current ECAS, the heating rate () decreases continuously over sintering time. Using a quasi‐ constant heating rate (CHR) method, data points were extracted to plot vs. ρ, vs. T, and ρ vs. T curves at a fixed . The stress exponent (n), estimated from a log‐log plot of grain size (d)‐corrected /ρ and effective stress (σeff) at 1300–1400 K, shows an almost constant value of 1. In addition, the activation energy (Q) for rapid densification, estimated from an Arrhenius plot of d‐corrected /ρ also shows an almost constant value of 350 kJ/mol, which is considerably lower than the previously reported value of the activation energy for Zr4+ lattice diffusion of about 440 kJ/mol. These results suggest that rapid densification of 8Y‐SZP by ECAS seems to proceed by diffusional creep controlled by grain‐boundary diffusion of Zr4+ ions.
The Effect of Barium Substitution on the Ferroelectric Properties of Sr2Nb2O7 Ceramics
Authors: Gao Zhipeng , Ning Huanpo , Chen Chen , Wilson Rory , Shi Baogui , Ye Haitao , Yan Haixue , Reece Michael J. 
Published: December 2012

This work revealed that the solid solution compounds of Sr2−xBaxNb2O7 are promising lead‐free materials for high‐temperature piezoelectric sensor application. These compounds were confirmed as ferroelectric materials with high Curie points (> 900°C) by their piezoelectric activity after poling, ferroelectric domain switching in their P–E hysteresis loops and thermal depoling behavior. The effect of Ba substitution on the structure and properties of Sr2−xBaxNb2O7 (x < 1.0) was investigated. The solid solution limit of Sr2−xBaxNb2O7 was determined by XRD as x < 0.6. The a‐, b‐, c‐ axes, and cell volume increase with Ba addition. The textured ceramics of Sr2−xBaxNb2O7 were prepared for the first time. The highest d33 was measured as 3.6 ± 0.1 pC/N for Sr1.8Ba0.2Nb2O7.
Flux Synthesis of Na2Ca2Nb4O13: The Influence of Particle Shapes, Surface Features, and Surface Areas on Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Arney David , Fuoco Lindsay , Boltersdorf Jonathan , Maggard Paul A. 
Published: December 2012

The layered perovskite (n = 4) Ruddlesden‐Popper phase Na2Ca2Nb4O13 was prepared within molten NaCl and Na2SO4 fluxes, yielding either rod‐shaped or platelet‐shaped particles, respectively. The flux‐to‐reactant molar ratios of 5:1 or 20:1 were found to significantly influence particle sizes and surface areas, while still maintaining the overall particle shapes. Measured surface areas of flux‐prepared Na2Ca2Nb4O13 particles ranged from ∼0.36 to 4.6 m2/g, with the highest surface areas obtained using a 5:1 (NaCl‐to‐Na2Ca2Nb4O13) molar ratio. All samples exhibited a bandgap size of ∼3.3 eV, as determined by UV–Vis diffuse reflectance measurements. Photocatalytic rates for hydrogen production under ultraviolet light for platinized Na2Ca2Nb4O13 particles in an aqueous methanol solution ranged from ∼230 to 1355 μmol H2 g−1 h−1 when using the photochemical deposition (PCD) method of platinization, and ∼113–1099 μmol H2 g−1 h−1 when using the incipient wetness impregnation (IWI) method of platinization. The higher photocatalytic rates were obtained for the rod‐shaped particles with the highest surface areas, with an apparent quantum yield (AQY) measured at ∼6.5% at 350 nm. For the platelet‐shaped particles, the higher photocatalytic rates were observed for the sample with the lowest surface area but the largest concentration of stepped edges and grooves observed at the particle surfaces. The latter origin of the photocatalytic activity is confirmed by the significant enhancement of the photocatalytic rates by the PCD method that allows for the preferential deposition of the surface Pt cocatalyst islands at the stepped edges and grooves, while the photocatalytic enhancement is much smaller when using the more general IWI platinization method.
Solid Solution Effects on the Thermal Properties in theMgAl2O4–MgGa2O4System
Authors: Wilkerson K. R. , Smith J. D. , Sander T. P. , Hemrick J. G. 
Published: December 2012

Solid solution effects on thermal conductivity within theMgO–Al2O3–Ga2O3system were studied. Samples with systematically varied additions ofMgGa2O4–MgAl2O4were prepared and the laser flash technique was used to determine thermal diffusivity at temperatures between 200°C and 1300°C. Heat capacity as a function of temperature from room temperature to 800°C was also determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Solid solution in theMgAl2O4–MgGa2O4system decreases the thermal conductivity up to 1000°C. At 200°C thermal conductivity decreased 24% with a 5 mol% addition ofMgGa2O4to the system. At 1000°C, the thermal conductivity decreased 13% with a 5 mol% addition. Steady‐state calculations showed a 12.5% decrease in heat flux with 5 mol%MgGa2O4considered across a 12 inch thickness.
Ceramic Capillary Suspensions: Novel Processing Route for Macroporous Ceramic Materials
Authors: Dittmann Jens , Koos Erin , Willenbacher Norbert 
Published: December 2012

We introduce a novel method to produce macroporous ceramics by capillary suspensions. Adding a small amount (~1 vol%) of an immiscible secondary phase to a low concentration (~20 vol%) suspension can increase the yield stress by several orders of magnitude. This drastic change in flow behavior is induced by the creation of a sample‐spanning particle network in the suspension controlled by capillary forces. This strong network may persist even if the primary bulk phase is removed. Accordingly, capillary suspensions can be used as a precursor for manufacturing porous materials. Here, we focus on the specific features of this universal, low‐cost processing route for porous ceramics. An Al2O3 model system is used to demonstrate how to adjust porosity and pore size. With this system, we were able to achieve open porosities higher than 60% with an average pore size below 10 μm.
Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Metastable RFeO3 (R: Rare‐earth element) Formed from Undercooled Melt
Authors: Kumar Malahalli Vijaya , Kuribayashi Kazuhiko , Yu Jianding , Okada Junpei.T. , Ishikawa Takehiko 
Published: December 2012

Containerless levitation technique, where the undercooling can be treated as one of the major thermodynamic parameters, was used to study the influence of oxygen partial pressure () on the microstructure and physical properties of rare‐earth orthoferrites RFeO3 (where R = Rare‐earth element) in the ranges from 105 to 10−1 Pa. The microstructure of the as‐solidified samples changed into orthorhombic RFeO3 (o‐RFeO3), metastable hexagonal RFeO3 (h‐RFeO3), and Fe2+‐containing RFe2O4 and a new metastable R3Fe2O7 phases with decreasing . The effect of on the magnetic properties was indicated as that the saturation magnetization gradually increased for R = La to Yb and decreased for R = Lu with decreasing due to the formation of metastable and magnetic phases such as Fe3O4 and Fe.
Solute Diffusion of Platinum in Rutile Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Sheppard Leigh R. , Lamo Marta Bello , Holik John , Mayfield Kirsty J. , Nelson David R. 
Published: December 2012

195Pt solute diffusion coefficients in undoped single‐crystal rutile TiO2 have been determined parallel to the c‐axis over the temperature range of 1073–1523 K and oxygen partial pressure of 101 kPa. This has yielded the following temperature dependence: urn:x-wiley:00027820:media:jace12130:jace12130-math-0001On the basis of this result, it has been concluded that 195Pt diffuses via an interstitial mechanism involving rapid transport parallel to the c‐axis through open interstitial diffusion channels. While other divalent cations have also displayed diffusion via the same mechanism, and report diffusion rates that greatly exceed that for cation self‐diffusion, the overall rate of 195Pt diffusion is slow. This has been attributed to the size of Pt2+ (0.80 Å) which is comparative to the dimension of interstitial channels (0.77 Å) through which transport is believed to be taking place.
Effect of FeO Concentration on the Crystallization of High‐Temperature CaO–Al2O3–MgO–FeO Melts
Authors: Jung Sung Suk , Sohn Il 
Published: December 2012

Continuous cooling transformation (CCT) and time–temperature transformation (TTT) diagrams were plotted for CaO–Al2O3–MgO–FeO melts, and the morphology of the primary crystals formed was determined with a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). When the CaO/Al2O3 ratio is 1.0, the crystallization temperature and incubation time increase with increasing MgO content. The TTT curve at 7.5 mass% MgO has a “C” shape, which facilitates the formation of amorphous phases. However, increasing the FeO content accelerated the crystallization time and lowered the crystallization temperature. The solidified melt with an FeO content of less than 10 mass% was a combination of the C3MA2 and C5A3 phases; higher FeO content led to the formation of a secondary phase of Ca2FeAlO5 and CA following the precipitation of the C3MA2 primary phase. In addition, kinetic evaluation of the crystal growth with confocal micrographs indicated that the calculated crystal volume agreed well with the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami sigmoidal curve fit.
Hydronium Ions in Soda‐lime Silicate Glass Surfaces
Authors: Bradley Laura C. , Dilworth Zachary R. , Barnette Anna L. , Hsiao Erik , Barthel Anthony J. , Pantano Carlo G. , Kim Seong H. 
Published: December 2012

The presence of leachable alkali ions, or their hydrated sites in the glass, is believed to be a determining factor for the interfacial water structure at the glass surface, influencing the surface properties of glass. The interfacial water structure on soda‐lime silicate glass in humid ambience at room temperature was analyzed with sum‐frequency‐generation (SFG) vibration spectroscopy, which can probe the interfacial water layer without spectral interferences from the gas phase water. The soda‐lime glass surface exposed to water vapor shows three sharp SFG peaks at 3200, 3430, and 3670 cm−1 in SFG, which is drastically different from the SFG spectra of the water layers on the fused quartz glass surface and the liquid water/air interface. The sharp peak at 3200 cm−1 is believed to be associated with the hydronium ions in the Na+‐leached silicate glass surface. The 3200 cm−1 peak intensity varies with the relative humidity, indicating its equilibrium with the gas phase water. It is proposed that the hydronium ions in the Na+‐leached sites produce compressive stress in the silicate glass surface; thus the growth of hydronium ions with increasing humidity might be responsible for the increased wear resistance of soda‐lime glass surfaces in near‐saturation humidity conditions.
No‐touch intermittent catheterization: caregiver point of view on sterility errors, duration, comfort and costs
Authors: Goessaert An‐Sofie , Antoons Stephanie , Van Den Driessche Melissa , Tourchi Ali , Pieters Ronny , Everaert Karel 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimsTo determine which method of intermittent urinary catheterization, sterile with a catheterization‐set or the no‐touch method, offers the most advantages for caregivers in a hospital settingBackgroundThe no‐touch catheter is assumed to decrease the risk for infection and increase the comfort for caregivers due to its construction, however, evidence is lackingDesignA cross‐over experimental study was carried out from October until December 2009, 100 nurses and 71 nursing students participated.MethodEvery participant had to catheterize as well according to the no‐touch method as to the standard intermittent catheterization method. A randomization programme determined whether the subjects had to catheterize a male or female simulation model.FindingsMultiple regression analysis shows that nurses and nursing students appear to make on average two more errors with the sterile intermittent catheterization method with set than with the no‐touch method. The duration of the no‐touch method is 92 seconds less than the classical catheterization method. On a scale with 10 points for comfort, the classical sterile method with set scored on average two points lower than the no‐touch method, as well for the nurses as for the students.ConclusionsCompared with the classical method, both students and nurses spend less time on performing the no‐touch method, less sterility errors are made and a higher score is assigned to the no‐touch method. Also classical catheterization of men implies higher costs compared with the no‐touch method. No‐touch intermittent catheterization is thus expected to be preferred above the gold standard catheterization method.
Catheter Ablation of Atrial Arrhythmias After Cardiac Transplantation: Findings at EP Study Utility of 3‐D Mapping and Outcomes
Authors: NOF EYAL , STEVENSON WILLIAM G. , EPSTEIN LAURENCE M. , TEDROW USHA B. , KOPLAN BRUCE A. 
Published: December 2012

Catheter Ablation of Atrial ArrhythmiasBackgroundManagement of atrial arrhythmias (AA) in orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) patients is challenging.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to define the mechanisms of these arrhythmias and to evaluate the role of ablation.MethodsPatients with OHT referred for ablation of AA from 1999 to 2011 were included (n = 15). Entrainment and anatomic 3‐D mapping were utilized to identify AA mechanism and guide ablation.ResultsThe median time from OHT to ablation was 8 years (range: 1 month–16 years). AA types included 1 (7%) AVNRT, 5 (33%) cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent donor atrial flutter (AFl), 3 (20%) non‐CTI‐dependent donor AFL (n = 3), focal atrial tachycardia (AT) (n = 2) and in 4 (27%) recipient to donor atria conduction (RDC) that involved the right atrial anastomosis in 3 and left atrial anastamosis in 1 patient. In RDC tachycardia, ablation was performed at the site of earliest donor atrial activation on the suture line. AA in the recipient atria were not targeted. This resulted in acute success in all cases. In most patients 12/15 (80%) only right atrial ablation was necessary. Regardless of surgical technique (bicaval vs biatrial) right‐sided AA was most common. Acute success occurred in 14/15 (93%) patients and 3/15 (20%) required repeat Abl for recurrence. There were no major complications.ConclusionAA after OHT are most commonly due to atrial macroreentry, but focal arrhythmias and RDC atrial conduction also occur. Ablation of organized AA is usually successful with low risk, warranting early consideration in preference to medical treatment.
Contact Force Monitoring for Cardiac Mapping in Patients with Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: MIZUNO HIROYA , VERGARA PASQUALE , MACCABELLI GIUSEPPE , TREVISI NICOLA , ENG SEBASTIANO COLOMBO , BROMBIN CHIARA , MAZZONE PATRIZIO , DELLA BELLA PAOLO 
Published: December 2012

Contact Force for Ventricular Tachycardia AblationBackgroundAlthough the importance of contact force monitoring during mapping and ablation procedures is widely recognized, only indirect measurements have been validated.MethodsReal‐time force values were measured using the force‐sensing catheter and electroanatomical mapping system from 27 chambers (13 LVs, 6 RVs, and 8 epicardial space) in 17 patients affected by ventricular tachycardia. Left ventricular mapping was performed by the transaortic approach in all patients and in 5 patients also by a transseptal approach with the aid of a deflectable sheath. All points were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of positive contact force during diastole: good and poor contact. The frequency of good contact and its impact on electrophysiological parameters such as signal amplitude, local impedance, and frequency of late potentials was evaluated. The best cut‐off value to discriminate the 2 groups was calculated by a generalized linear mixed‐effects model.ResultsAmong all 5,926 points, 1,566 (26%) points were taken with poor contact. In healthy tissue, categorical increase of contact force caused the increase of unipolar and bipolar signal potential amplitude followed by plateau. The frequency of late potentials in the poor contact group was significantly lower when compared to the good contact group (11.9 vs 23.2%; P < 0.0001). The best cut‐off force value to predict good contact during left ventricular endocardial and epicardial mappings was 9 g.ConclusionsA combined transaortic and transseptal approach allows better endocardial contact during left ventricular mapping. Ventricular mapping with sufficient contact force produces better substrate characterization within pathological areas.
Potential New Indication for Ivabradine: Treatment of a Patient with Congenital Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia
Authors: AL‐GHAMDI SALEH , AL‐FAYYADH MAJID I. , HAMILTON ROBERT M. 
Published: December 2012

Potential New Indication for IvabradineIvabradine is a new antiarrhythmic agent with direct inhibition of the pacemaker (If) current. It has been used extensively to decrease sinus rate in the treatment of cardiac failure, and also in a single case of atrial ectopic tachycardia in a child. Here we report the case of a 3‐year‐old girl with congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET), resistant to conventional antiarrhythmic medications, who was successfully treated with ivabradine. We suggest that ivabradine can be an effective treatment for junctional automatic tachycardias and can be considered as a new line of therapy for this incessant form of tachycardia.