bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcome and Complications After Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Schinkel Arend F.L. , Vriesendorp Pieter A. , Sijbrands Eric J.G. , Jordaens Luc J.L.M. , ten Cate Folkert J. , Michels Michelle 
Published: July 2012

Background—
Previous observational studies demonstrated that patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) may benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy. A complete overview of outcome and complications after ICD therapy is currently not available. This study pools data from published studies on outcome and complications after ICD therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—
A PubMed database search returned 27 studies on 16 cohorts reporting outcome and complications after ICD therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In case of >1 publications on a particular cohort, the publication with the largest number of patients was included in the meta-analysis. ICD interventions, complications, and mortality rates were extracted, pooled, and analyzed. There were 2190 patients (mean age, 42 years; 38% women), most of whom (83%) received an ICD for primary prevention of SCD. Risk factors for SCD were left ventricular wall thickness ≥30 mm (20%), family history of SCD (43%), nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (46%), syncope (41%), and abnormal blood pressure response (25%). During the 3.7-year follow-up, the annualized cardiac mortality rate was 0.6%, the noncardiac mortality rate was 0.4%, and the appropriate ICD intervention rate was 3.3%. The annualized inappropriate ICD intervention rate was 4.8% and the annualized ICD-related complication rate was 3.4%.

Conclusions—
This meta-analysis demonstrates a low cardiac and noncardiac mortality rate after ICD therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Appropriate ICD intervention occurred at a rate of 3.3%/year, thereby, most probably, preventing SCD. Inappropriate ICD intervention and complications are not uncommon.
Time-Dependent Test Characteristics of Head Computed Tomography in Patients Suspected of Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Backes Daan , Rinkel Gabriel J.E. , Kemperman Hans , Linn Francisca H.H. , Vergouwen Mervyn D.I. 
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—
A recent study suggested that in patients with acute headache suspicious of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is not needed to rule out SAH if head CT performed ≤6 hours after ictus is negative. Before implementation in daily practice, these results need replication. Therefore, we investigated test characteristics of head CT in patients with a clinical suspicion of SAH.

Methods—
Patients suspicious of SAH and a normal level of consciousness presenting to our tertiary care hospital between 2005 and 2012 were included. All patients had a head CT interpreted by experienced neuroradiologists and CSF spectrophotometry if head CT was negative or inconclusive. We determined test characteristics with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for nontraumatic SAH of head CT performed ≤6 or >6 hours after onset of headache.

Results—
Sensitivity of head CT ≤6 hours after ictus (n=137) was 98.5% (95% CI, 92.1%–100%), diagnosing all patients with aneurysmal and perimesencephalic SAH, but not with a cervical arteriovenous malformation. Sensitivity of head CT performed >6 hours after ictus (n=113) was 90.0% (95% CI, 76.3–97.2). After exclusion of patients with an atypical presentation without headache, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of head CT ≤6 hours were all 100%.

Conclusions—
In patients presenting with acute headache and a normal head CT ≤6 hours after ictus, as interpreted by experienced neuroradiologists, there is no added value of CSF analysis. In patients with an atypical presentation without headache and in patients presenting >6 hours after ictus, CSF analysis is still indicated.
Coherent Interdecadal Variability of Tropical Cyclone Rainfall and Seasonal Rainfall in Taiwan during October
Authors: Chen Jau-Ming , Chen Hui-Shan , Liu Jin-Shuen 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
By separating total rainfall into tropical cyclone (TC) rainfall caused by TC passage and seasonal rainfall associated with moisture transport of prevailing seasonal flows, this study examines the interdecadal variability of these two rainfall components in Taiwan during fall. It is found that interdecadal variability of TC rainfall and seasonal rainfall tends to vary coherently in October. This coherent interdecadal rainfall mode features islandwide patterns in Taiwan and evident interdecadal oscillations. The associated large-scale regulating processes for the positive phase are characterized by warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the northern South China Sea and the western North Pacific, which in turn induce an anomalous anticyclonic circulation over the subtropical western Pacific to the east of Taiwan. On the western boundary of this anomalous anticyclone, anomalous southeasterly flows enhance mean moisture transport from the tropical western Pacific into Taiwan. Seasonal rainfall increases in Taiwan with stronger anomalies on the windward side over eastern Taiwan. Warm SST anomalies and accompanying large-scale convergence, ascendance, and positive relative vorticity anomalies provide favorable conditions for more TC formation in the Philippine Sea. More TCs tend to move along the western boundary of the anomalous anticyclone to cross the northern Philippines toward eastern Taiwan or toward the open oceans southwest of Taiwan. Taiwan is influenced by enhanced TC activity to have more TC rainfall with the largest anomalies being in the eastern parts.
Long-Term Variation of the Principal Mode of Boreal Spring Hadley Circulation Linked to SST over the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool
Authors: Feng Juan , Li Jianping , Xie Fei 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
The variability of the boreal spring [March–May (MAM)] Hadley circulation (HC) is investigated, focusing on the long-term variation of the first principal mode for 1951–2008, which is an equatorially asymmetric mode (AM) with the rising branch located around 10°S. This mode explains about 70% of the variance of the MAM HC and shows an obvious upward trend and thus contributes to the strengthening of the MAM HC. The robust warming trends of sea surface temperature (SST) over the Indo-Pacific warm pool (IPWP) play an essential role in the variations of the MAM HC. When SST over the IPWP is warm, anomalous meridional circulation is induced with descending branches located in regions 30°–20°S and 5°–15°N and rising motion located near 10°S. The anomalous rising south of the equator is due to the inhomogeneous warming of SST over the IPWP. SST within the IPWP in the Southern Hemisphere shows a larger warming trend than that in the Northern Hemisphere. The position of the anomalous convergence associated with SST variations over the IPWP is aligned with the maximum meridional gradient of zonal mean SST, resulting in an equatorially asymmetric meridional circulation. This point is further established in theoretical analyses. However, the meridional SST gradient within the IPWP shows a decreasing trend, suggesting the associated anomalous meridional circulation intensifies, which in turn explains the strengthening of the MAM HC. Under this scenario, the accompanied descent in the regions of 30°–20°S and 5°–15°N is enhanced, implying a frequent drought in these regions during MAM.
The Effects of Simulated Hearing Loss on Speech Recognition and Walking Navigation
Authors: Weatherless Rachel A. , Fedele Paul D. , Kehring Kathy L. , Letowski Tomasz R. 
Published: July 2012

Objective: The objective was to assess whether a concurrent but independent navigation task exacerbates the effects of hearing loss on speech recognition and whether hearing loss degrades performance of the navigation task during the concurrent but independent listening task. Background: Navigation performance and speech comprehension both decrease when a driver follows hard-to-hear concurrent verbal instructions. It remains unknown how much both tasks would be affected when performed concurrently, if tasks were independent. Method: Participants performed a listening task by responding to Callsign Acquisition Test (CAT) stimuli at three simulated hearing levels. For each hearing level, one trial was performed with the participant standing still and another trial was performed while navigating a path in a virtual environment using a handheld map. In one more trial, participants navigated a path with no CAT. The proportion of call signs correctly repeated and the total time required to walk the path were measured. Results: CAT scores showed an expected negative effect of hearing loss. Concurrent navigation produced an even larger decrease in CAT score. Hearing loss caused a slight but not significant decrease in navigation task performance. Conclusion: A person with hearing loss may communicate less effectively while walking than predicted on the basis of hearing loss alone. The hearing loss, however, does not significantly decrease walking performance in a simple navigation task. Application: Obtained results may guide soldier performance modeling and requirements for communication systems used during physical activity when a soldier’s hearing becomes compromised during dismounted combat operations.
How therapeutic communities work: Specific factors related to positive outcome
Authors: Pearce Steve , Pickard Hanna 
Published: July 2012

Background: Therapeutic communities (TCs) are becoming increasingly widespread as a form of treatment for entrenched mental health problems, particularly addictions and personality disorders, and are equally used in educational, prison and learning disability settings. Despite growing evidence for their effectiveness, little research has been conducted to establish how TCs work to produce positive outcomes. We hypothesize that there are two specific factors that in combination contribute to TC effectiveness: the promotion of a sense of belongingness and the capacity for responsible agency. Although both factors are found in other therapeutic approaches and are important to the psychosocial aspects of psychiatric care more generally, we argue that their combination, extent and emphasis are unique to TCs. Material: Drawing on social and experimental psychology, we: (1) review research on a sense of belongingness and the capacity for responsible agency; (2) establish the mechanisms by which TCs appear to promote them; (3) draw lessons for TC practice; and (4) suggest why they may contribute to positive outcome. Discussion: A sense of belongingness is correlated with improved self-esteem and overall well-being. The capacity for responsible agency is central to behavioural change. TCs are typically used in fields where positive outcome requires both personal growth and behavioural change. We suggest that TCs are uniquely placed to demand such growth and change of their members because the sense of belongingness engendered by TC methods protects against the risks engendered by this demand. Conclusion: Empirically informed, evidence-driven research is necessary to understand how TCs work and how TC practice can be improved. This understanding may offer lessons for the improvement of psychosocial aspects of psychiatric care more generally.
Modeling of statistical data sources based on measured network traffic
Authors: Fras Matjaž , Mohorko Jože , Čučej Žarko 
Published: July 2012

In the process of network traffic modeling, for simulation purposes, there is often a need for statistical description of traffic data sources. Usually, the network traffic is measured by capturing packets at a physical level. Normally, the estimation of statistical description of traffic data sources cannot be derived directly from such captured packets traffic. For that reason, we have researched for simpler solutions, which are based on the estimation of statistical processes of traffic data sources from the measured packet network traffic. We have developed the estimation methods, which allow the estimation of suitable probability distribution functions and their parameters of stochastic processes of traffic data sources. Statistical distributions of network traffic processes, such as data lengths process and data inter-arrival time, are important since they can be used for modeling of network traffic in simulation tools. For that reason, the estimation method is firstly developed, which mimics the defragmentation process. This method allows an estimation of distributions of data source network traffic processes and their parameters for captured packet traffic. During further testing, this method shows some limitations, especially for the process of data lengths. For that reason, we have developed a new estimation method with the approach described in this paper in further detail. In the new estimation method, which is called estimation method based on histogram comparison (EMHC), we use the opposite concept where distribution of data lengths is transformed by a developed analytical model to a packet size’s histogram. The latter is further compared to a packet size histogram of captured packet traffic. The optimization method is used to find such distribution parameters of the data length process that cause minimal discrepancies between the histogram of captured packets and the estimated packet size histogram. To estimate the discrepancy between two histograms, a well-known χ2 test is used, which is modified by a weighting function that considers, beside packet frequencies, the packet lengths as well. The proposed algorithm and method are confirmed through validations and experiments in a simulation tool.
Aquatic exercise in a chest-high pool for hormone therapy-induced arthralgia in breast cancer survivors: a pragmatic controlled trial
Authors: Cantarero-Villanueva I , Fernández-Lao C , Caro-Morán E , Morillas-Ruiz J , Galiano-Castillo N , Díaz-Rodríguez L , Arroyo-Morales M 
Published: July 2012

Objective: To investigate the impact of aquatic exercise on pressure pain threshold in breast cancer survivors with hormone therapy-associated arthralgia. Design: Single-blind, controlled trial. Setting: Two major metropolitan hospitals and a Sport and Spa Club in Granada, Spain. Subjects: Forty women aged 29–71 years with stage I–III breast cancer who reported arthralgia. Intervention: Patients were allocated alternately to either aquatic exercise in a chest-high pool or usual care while on the waiting list; control patients received treatment later. The two-month hydrotherapy intervention consisted of 24 sessions 3 days per week. Each session included 5 minutes of warm-up, 15–20 minutes of aerobic exercise, 15 minutes of mobility exercise and 20 minutes of recovery techniques. Main measures: Pressure pain threshold at neck, shoulder, hand and leg were evaluated as primary outcomes. Cancer-related fatigue, as measured by the Piper Fatigue Scale, body mass index and waist circumference were secondary outcomes. A 2 × 2 repeated-measure ANCOVA was used in this study. Results: No adverse events or development of worsening of pain was observed. Almost all the participants in the intervention group (89%) adhered to the hydrotherapy programme. Participants experienced a decrease in pressure pain threshold measured in neck, hand, shoulder and leg, as measured by algometry pressure, and waist circumference; all P < 0.05. Cancer-related fatigue ( P = 0.06) and body mass index ( P = 0.42) did not show significant improvement. Conclusions: These data suggest that hydrotherapy in a chest-high pool may reduce the pain threshold and waist circumference in breast cancer survivors with hormone therapy-associated arthralgia.
Preparation and properties of high-performance polyethersulfone composites reinforced by modified silicon nitride
Authors: Dai Zhongming , Zhu Shiyang , Liu Shanyou , Guan Shaowei 
Published: July 2012

Si3N4 fillers were added to polyethersulfone (PES) using the solution mixing and ball-mill mixing methods to increase the thermal conductivity. 3-Aminpropyltriethoxysilane was used as a coupling agent for the surface modification of the Si3N4 particles. The morphology, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and thermal conductivity of the Si3N4/PES composites were then studied in detail. The dispersion of the Si3N4 particles into the matrix resin was higher in ball-mill mixing than in solution mixing. As the Si3N4 content increased, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the composites gradually decreased, whereas the Vickers hardness and thermal conductivity increased. At 19 vol.% Si3N4, the thermal conductivities of the composites via ball-mill mixing and solution mixing reached 0.677 and 0.7 W/m·k, respectively.
Making incentives work: Hospital organisation and performance
Authors: Bjorvatn Afsaneh 
Published: July 2012

Aims: In 1997, financing of Norwegian hospitals was changed to a combination of block grants and activity-based reimbursements. Since then, many hospitals have also reorganised their internal structures, for instance by implementing activity-based budgets at the departmental level. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of departmental activity-based budgets on overall hospital productivity and unit costs. Methods: The analysis is based on register data on hospital admissions and hospital input factors, along with survey data on internal organisation of hospitals. Fixed-effects regression models are applied for the analysis. Results: The main results indicate that hospitals with departmental activity-based budgets and department authority have higher productivity. The effect on unit costs is insignificant. Conclusions: The positive effect of the departmental activity-based budgets and departmental authority on productivity without increase in costs may indicate that providing incentives at lower hospital levels such as departments could be a useful tool for increasing overall hospital productivity and cost efficiency.
Development of a quality of patient–health care provider communication scale from the perspective of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Salt Elizabeth , Crofford Leslie J , Studts Jamie L , Lightfoot Robert , Hall Lynne A 
Published: July 2012

Objectives: To devise a patient-perspective driven measure of the quality of patient–health care provider communication and to evaluate the psychometric properties of this scale in a sample of 150 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Items were developed from interviews with 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Two rheumatologists, a behavioral scientist, and a nurse researcher provided item feedback. Exploratory factor analysis with Oblimin rotation was used to examine the dimensionality of the newly developed Patient–Health Care Provider Communication Scale (PHCPCS). Cronbach’s alpha was computed to assess internal consistency. Test–retest reliability was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient . Construct validity was tested by comparing the PHCPCS with the Perceived Involvement in Care Scale (PICS) using correlation analysis. Results: The PHCPCS measured two dimensions of the quality of patient–health care provider communication [ Quality Communication (α = 0.94) and Negative Patient–Health Care Provider Communication (α = 0.73)]. The total PHCPCS score and its Quality Communication Subscale were positively correlated with the total score on the PICS and with the doctor facilitation subscale of the PICS. Discussion: This new measure of the quality of patient–health care provider communication has the potential for use in clinical practice, provider education, and further studies to improve health care to patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Comparison of oral microbiota in tumor and non-tumor tissues of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pushalkar Smruti , Ji Xiaojie , Li Yihong , Estilo Cherry , Yegnanarayana Ramanathan , Singh Bhuvanesh , Li Xin , Saxena Deepak 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Bacterial infections have been linked to malignancies due to their ability to induce chronic inflammation. We investigated the association of oral bacteria in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC/tumor) tissues and compared with adjacent non-tumor mucosa sampled 5 cm distant from the same patient (n = 10). By using culture-independent 16S rRNA approaches, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and cloning and sequencing, we assessed the total bacterial diversity in these clinical samples.

Results
DGGE fingerprints showed variations in the band intensity profiles within non-tumor and tumor tissues of the same patient and among the two groups. The clonal analysis indicated that from a total of 1200 sequences characterized, 80 bacterial species/phylotypes were detected representing six phyla, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Actinobacteria and uncultivated TM7 in non-tumor and tumor libraries. In combined library, 12 classes, 16 order, 26 families and 40 genera were observed. Bacterial species, Streptococcus sp. oral taxon 058, Peptostreptococcus stomatis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus gordonii, Gemella haemolysans, Gemella morbillorum, Johnsonella ignava and Streptococcus parasanguinis I were highly associated with tumor site where as Granulicatella adiacens was prevalent at non-tumor site. Streptococcus intermedius was present in 70% of both non-tumor and tumor sites.

Conclusions
The underlying changes in the bacterial diversity in the oral mucosal tissues from non-tumor and tumor sites of OSCC subjects indicated a shift in bacterial colonization. These most prevalent or unique bacterial species/phylotypes present in tumor tissues may be associated with OSCC and needs to be further investigated with a larger sample size.