bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Teaching paediatric epilepsy to medical students: A randomised crossover trial
Authors: Bye Ann ME , Connolly Anne M , Farrar Michelle , Lawson John A , Lonergan Amy 
Published: October 2009

Aim:  Research has shown computerised tutorial to be as effective as face‐to‐face teaching in promoting knowledge acquisition. Subsequently, the clinician must synthesise and interpret data (clinical reasoning). This study extends previous research and compares the effectiveness of interactive lecture and computerised tutorial in promoting observational skills and clinical reasoning in the evaluation of paroxysmal events.Methods:  The modalities were compared through a randomised crossover trial teaching epilepsy to third and fourth year medical students. The content matter (history and video clip) and format were identical for each topic (Topic 1: altered awareness, Topic 2: movement and posturing) in both modalities (interactive lecture and computerised tutorial). Structured worksheets promoted and evaluated skills of observation and clinical reasoning. Responses in both domains were compared with gold standard qualitative scores. Participants rated modality preference and perceptions of teaching.Results:  One‐hundred and fifty‐seven medical students participated. Interactive lecture and computerised tutorial were both effective in promoting observational skills and clinical reasoning with no differences between modalities. Participants preferred the interactive lecture and rated it more enjoyable and effective. Twenty‐five participants randomised to the computerised tutorial for Topic 1, elected to withdraw participation. Both modalities promoted interest and willingness to further learn.Conclusion:  This is the first randomised crossover trial evaluating the teaching of clinical reasoning in comparative medical education research. Interactive lecturing and computerised tutorial were both effective in teaching observational skills and clinical reasoning. Interactive lecture is the preferred method, and may influence initial engagement in learning.
Family functioning at meals relates to adherence in young children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Patton Susana R , Piazza‐Waggoner Carrie , Modi Avani C , Dolan Lawrence M , Powers Scott W 
Published: October 2009

Aims:  This study examined associations between mealtime family functioning, dietary adherence and glycaemic control in young children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We hypothesised that poorer family functioning would correlate with poorer dietary adherence and glycaemic control.Methods:  Thirty‐five families of children (M = 5.6 ± 1.5 years) with T1DM had meals videotaped in their home, which were coded for family functioning according to the McMaster Interaction Coding System. Children's dietary adherence was assessed according to deviations from the prescribed number of carbohydrate units per meal and recommended carbohydrate intake levels per day. Glycaemic control was measured via 14 days of self‐monitoring of blood glucose levels.Results:  Findings demonstrated significant negative associations between children's dietary adherence and two dimensions of family functioning: Task Accomplishment (r=−0.43, P= 0.03) and Behavioral Control (r=−0.54, P= 0.00). Affect Management correlated negatively with the percent of blood glucose levels below the normal range (r=−0.33, P= 0.05). Eleven families (31%) of young children with type 1 diabetes demonstrated mealtime family functioning in the unhealthy range.Conclusions:  This was the first study to examine the relationship between mealtime family functioning and children's dietary adherence and glycaemic control in families of young children with T1DM. Previous research has found mealtime family functioning to be impaired in families of young children with T1DM when compared with families of children without diabetes. Research is needed to determine if family functioning and dietary adherence can be improved via specific family‐based behavioural training around mealtimes.
Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of dacryocystitis in rabbits: a retrospective study of 28 cases (2003–2007)
Authors: Florin Marion , Rusanen Elina , Haessig Michael , Richter Marianne , Spiess Bernhard M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjective  To document the clinical presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and clinical outcome of rabbits with dacryocystitis.Materials and methods  This retrospective study included 28 rabbits diagnosed with dacryocystitis. Available records of clinical and ophthalmological examinations, bacteriological samplings, diagnostic imaging, and treatment were reviewed. A telephone survey of the owners was conducted to evaluate recovery and recurrences.Results  The mean age of the 28 rabbits presenting with ocular discharge from the nasolacrimal duct was 4.4 years. In 25 rabbits (89%), dacryocystitis was a unilateral finding. No underlying cause could be determined in 10 animals (35%). Dental malocclusion was observed in 14 rabbits (50%) and rhinitis in two animals (7%), with one animal showing both symptoms (4%). One rabbit (4%) presented with panophthalmitis. Most animals (96%) received topical antibiotic treatment. If necessary, additional topical (acetylcysteine, vitamin A ointment, nonsteroidals) or systemic treatment (antibiotics, nonsteroidals, paramunity inducer, and glucocorticoids) was provided. The mean duration of therapy was 5.8 weeks. The nasolacrimal duct was flushed in 27 of 31 affected eyes (87%). Dentistry was performed in 80% of the animals suffering from malocclusion. Regarding the clinical outcome, 12 animals (43%) showed complete recovery, eight rabbits (28%) were euthanized, three (11%) died due to unrelated causes, and three (11%) were lost to follow‐up. Two rabbits (7%) continue to display signs of dacryocystitis and are being treated symptomatically by the owners.Conclusions  This study reports the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of dacryocystitis in rabbits and outlines the importance of examination of the oral cavity, diagnostic imaging, and bacteriologic sampling.
Mutation in HSF4 is associated with hereditary cataract in the Australian Shepherd
Authors: Mellersh Cathryn S. , McLaughlin Bryan , Ahonen Saija , Pettitt Louise , Lohi Hannes , Barnett Keith C. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractCataracts are a leading cause of blindness in dogs with approximately 100 breeds affected by primary hereditary forms. Despite the large number of breeds affected with hereditary cataracts (HC) little is known about the genetics of the condition, and to date only a single gene, HSF4, has been implicated in the development of the disease in dogs. We previously identified a recessively inherited 1‐bp insertion in the transcription factor gene HSF4 resulting in the loss of the open reading frame in Boston terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers. While testing the insertion mutation in other breeds with HC, we identified a 1‐bp deletion at the same nucleotide of HSF4 in some Australian Shepherds with cataract. Using DNA samples from almost 400 privately owned Australian Shepherds we have investigated the association between the deletion mutation in HSF4 and cataracts in this breed. We conclude that the mutation is significantly associated with cataracts and that a dog carrying the mutation is approximately 17 times more likely to develop binocular cataracts than dogs that are clear of the mutation. The data also indicate that additional mutations associated with the development of cataracts are likely to be co‐segregating in the Australian Shepherd population.
Angiogenesis inhibitor therapies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: effectiveness, safety and treatment patterns in clinical practice‐based on medical chart review
Authors: Choueiri Toni K. , Duh Mei Sheng , Clement Jessica , Brick Ashley J. , Rogers Miranda J. , Kwabi Christabel , Shah Karishma , Percy Andrew G. , Antràs Lucia , Jayawant Sujata S. , Chen Kristina , Wang Si‐Tien , Luka Andi , Neary Maureen P. , McDermott David , Oh William K. 
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo assess the effectiveness, safety, and treatment patterns of anti‐angiogenic agents in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in tertiary clinical practice settings.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records in two tertiary oncology centres in the USA for all patients treated while off clinical trials from April 2003 to June 2008 who met the entry criteria and received one or more prescriptions for sunitinib or sorafenib, or one or more intravenous administrations of bevacizumab (off‐label) as first‐line anti‐angiogenic treatment. The objective response rate (ORR) reviewed by independent physicians, adverse events (AEs), and treatment modifications were assessed.RESULTSAmong 144 patients receiving sunitinib (57), sorafenib (62) and bevacizumab (25), the median treatment duration was 10.5, 8.1 and 7.9 months, and the ORR was 37%, 9% and 13%, respectively. The ORR was lower for patients with metastases to bone, brain, lungs or lymph nodes. Common AEs (all grades) for sunitinib were fatigue (53%), diarrhoea (37%); for sorafenib, diarrhoea (50%), fatigue (40%); for bevacizumab, fatigue (40%), nausea (24%). In all, 34 (60%), 51 (82%) and 20 (80%) patients receiving sunitinib, sorafenib and bevacizumab, respectively, discontinued treatment; 10 (18%), 11 (18%) and four (16%) discontinued due to AEs; 21%, 40% and 12% had a dose interruption, and 30%, 35% and 0% had a dose reduction.CONCLUSIONSCurrently available anti‐angiogenic agents had considerable effectiveness in clinical practice. However, the response rates appeared to be low in certain subgroups, but sample sizes were small. Patients had significant rates of AEs, many of which led to treatment modifications. The findings from this retrospective study suggest that there is a need for better‐tolerated therapies for mRCC.
Radical prostatectomy as initial monotherapy for patients with pathologically confirmed high‐grade prostate cancer
Authors: Bahler Clint D. , Foster Richard S. , Bihrle Richard , Beck Stephen D.W. , Gardner Thomas A. , Sundaram Chandru P. , Masterson Timothy A. , Cheng Liang , Koch Michael O. 
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo report the long‐term outcome of high‐grade prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) as initial monotherapy, analyse the effect of clinical and pathological variables on survival, and report cancer‐related symptoms.PATIENTS AND METHODSA retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients with Gleason 8–10 prostate cancer found on pathological review in men undergoing RP as initial therapy for clinically localized disease between 1988 and 2005. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was used to calculate event‐free survival. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to assess the effects of clinical and pathological variables on prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) recurrence.RESULTSAfter excluding 20 patients, 119 were identified with pathologically confirmed high‐grade cancers at the time of RP. The overall median (interquartile range) follow‐up was 73 (41–113) months. Twenty‐four (20%) patients had organ‐confined cancer, 60 (50%) had specimen‐confined cancer, and 14 (12%) had nodal metastasis. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years, respectively, of 90% and 75%, cancer‐specific survival of 92% and 82%, and a PSA recurrence‐free follow‐up at 5 years of 31%. Using univariable analysis, preoperative PSA level, pathological Gleason score, pathological stage, surgical margin status and tumour volume were found to significantly affect the PSA recurrence‐free follow‐up. No variables were significant on multivariable analysis. Cancer‐related symptoms were reported by only 14 patients, with a median time from surgery to first symptom of 43 months.CONCLUSIONHigh‐grade prostate cancer can be treated with RP as initial monotherapy with an acceptable 10‐year cancer‐specific survival (82%). The PSA recurrence‐free follow‐up is poor (31% at 5 years). However, few patients progress to symptomatic recurrence after PSA relapse within the first 5 years.
Viral obesity: fact or fiction?
Authors: Mitra A. K. , Clarke K. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryThe aetiology of obesity is multifactorial. An understanding of the contributions of various causal factors is essential for the proper management of obesity. Although it is primarily thought of as a condition brought on by lifestyle choices, recent evidence shows there is a link between obesity and viral infections. Numerous animal models have documented an increased body weight and a number of physiologic changes, including increased insulin sensitivity, increased glucose uptake and decreased leptin secretion that contribute to an increase in body fat in adenovirus‐36 infection. Other viral agents associated with increasing obesity in animals included canine distemper virus, rous‐associated virus 7, scrapie, Borna disease virus, SMAM‐1 and other adenoviruses. This review attempted to determine if viral infection is a possible cause of obesity. Also, this paper discussed mechanisms by which viruses might produce obesity. Based on the evidence presented in this paper, it can be concluded that a link between obesity and viral infections cannot be ruled out. Further epidemiologic studies are needed to establish a causal link between the two, and determine if these results can be used in future management and prevention of obesity.
Twenty‐year changes in the prevalence of obesity among Finnish adults
Authors: Lahti‐Koski M. , Seppänen‐Nuijten E. , Männistö S. , Härkänen T. , Rissanen H. , Knekt P. , Rissanen A. , Heliövaara M. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryWe investigated changes in the prevalence of obesity among Finnish adults (aged ≥30 years) during a 20‐year period. Data were derived from two cross‐sectional nationally representative surveys (n = 13 844) in 1978–1980 and 2000–2001. Weight and height were measured using a standardized protocol. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg m−2. Cut‐offs of BMI ≥ 35 kg m−2 and BMI ≥ 40 kg m−2 were also used. A 20‐year difference in the prevalence of obesity was from 11.3% to 20.7% in men and from 17.9% to 24.1% in women. In 1978–1980, 1.1% of men and 3.8% of women had a BMI at least 35 kg m−2. The corresponding prevalence was 3.9% in men and 6.8% in women 20 years later. The educational gradient in obesity diminished in 20 years because of the most prominent increase among highly educated men. Yet, 25% of men and 28% of women with low education are obese. Obesity increased in all age and educational groups over the 20‐year period. It was highest among women and individuals with the lowest education, but the increase was most striking among well‐educated men. A comprehensive public health strategy targeting the whole population and especially those with low education is urgently needed to halt the obesity epidemic.
Evaluation of an Augmented Reality Supported Picking System Under Practical Conditions
Authors: Reif R. , Günthner W. A. , Schwerdtfeger B. , Klinker G. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract Order picking is one of the most important process steps in logistics. Because of their flexibility, human beings cannot be replaced by machines. But if workers, in order, picking systems are equipped with a head‐mounted display, Augmented Reality can improve the information visualization. In this paper, the development of such a system—called Pick‐by‐Vision—is presented. The system is evaluated in a user study performed in a real storage environment. Important logistics figures as well as the subjective strain were measured. The results show that a Pick‐by‐Vision system can considerably improve industrial order picking processes.
Replica Exchange Light Transport
Authors: Kitaoka Shinya , Kitamura Yoshifumi , Kishino Fumio 
Published: October 2009

Abstract We solve the light transport problem by introducing a novel unbiased Monte Carlo algorithm called replica exchange light transport, inspired by the replica exchange Monte Carlo method in the fields of computational physics and statistical information processing. The replica exchange Monte Carlo method is a sampling technique whose operation resembles simulated annealing in optimization algorithms using a set of sampling distributions. We apply it to the solution of light transport integration by extending the probability density function of an integrand of the integration to a set of distributions. That set of distributions is composed of combinations of the path densities of different path generation types: uniform distributions in the integral domain, explicit and implicit paths in light (particle/photon) tracing, indirect paths in bidirectional path tracing, explicit and implicit paths in path tracing, and implicit caustics paths seen through specular surfaces including the delta function in path tracing. The replica‐exchange light transport algorithm generates a sequence of path samples from each distribution and samples the simultaneous distribution of those distributions as a stationary distribution by using the Markov chain Monte Carlo method. Then the algorithm combines the obtained path samples from each distribution using multiple importance sampling. We compare the images generated with our algorithm to those generated with bidirectional path tracing and Metropolis light transport based on the primary sample space. Our proposing algorithm has better convergence property than bidirectional path tracing and the Metropolis light transport, and it is easy to implement by extending the Metropolis light transport.
High Dynamic Range Imaging and Low Dynamic Range Expansion for Generating HDR Content
Authors: Banterle Francesco , Debattista Kurt , Artusi Alessandro , Pattanaik Sumanta , Myszkowski Karol , Ledda Patrick , Chalmers Alan 
Published: October 2009

Abstract In the last few years, researchers in the field of High Dynamic Range (HDR) Imaging have focused on providing tools for expanding Low Dynamic Range (LDR) content for the generation of HDR images due to the growing popularity of HDR in applications, such as photography and rendering via Image‐Based Lighting, and the imminent arrival of HDR displays to the consumer market. LDR content expansion is required due to the lack of fast and reliable consumer level HDR capture for still images and videos. Furthermore, LDR content expansion, will allow the re‐use of legacy LDR stills, videos and LDR applications created, over the last century and more, to be widely available. The use of certain LDR expansion methods, those that are based on the inversion of Tone Mapping Operators (TMOs), has made it possible to create novel compression algorithms that tackle the problem of the size of HDR content storage, which remains one of the major obstacles to be overcome for the adoption of HDR. These methods are used in conjunction with traditional LDR compression methods and can evolve accordingly. The goal of this report is to provide a comprehensive overview on HDR Imaging, and an in depth review on these emerging topics.
Fast Four‐Way Parallel Radix Sorting on GPUs
Authors: Ha Linh , Krüger Jens , Silva Cláudio T. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract Efficient sorting is a key requirement for many computer science algorithms. Acceleration of existing techniques as well as developing new sorting approaches is crucial for many real‐time graphics scenarios, database systems, and numerical simulations to name just a few. It is one of the most fundamental operations to organize and filter the ever growing massive amounts of data gathered on a daily basis. While optimal sorting models for serial execution on a single processor exist, efficient parallel sorting remains a challenge. In this paper, we present a hardware‐optimized parallel implementation of the radix sort algorithm that results in a significant speed up over existing sorting implementations. We outperform all known General Processing Unit (GPU) based sorting systems by about a factor of two and eliminate restrictions on the sorting key space. This makes our algorithm not only the fastest, but also the first general GPU sorting solution.
Simplifying Character Skins with Analytic Error Metrics
Authors: Merry B. , Marais P. , Gain J. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract Traditionally, levels of detail (LOD) for animated characters are computed from a single pose. Later techniques refined this approach by considering a set of sample poses and evaluating a more representative error metric. A recent approach to the character animation problem, animation space, (AS) provides a framework for measuring error analytically. The work presented here uses the animation‐space framework to derive two new techniques to improve the quality of LOD approximations. First, we use an animation‐space distance metric within a progressive mesh‐based LOD scheme, giving results that are reasonable across a range of poses, without requiring that the pose space be sampled. Second, we simplify individual vertices by reducing the number of bones that influence them, using a constrained least‐squares optimization. This influence simplification is combined with the progressive mesh to form a single stream of simplifications. Influence simplification reduces the geometric error by up to an order of magnitude, and allows models to be simplified further than is possible with only a progressive mesh. Quantitative (geometric error metrics) and qualititative (user perceptual) experiments confirm that these new extensions provide significant improvements in quality over traditional, naïve simplification; and while there is naturally some impact on the speed of the off‐line simplification process, it is not prohibitive.
When ‘Choice’ and ‘Choice’ Are not the Same: Institutional Frameworks of Choice in the German Welfare System
Authors: Blank Florian 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe creation and strengthening of welfare markets in Germany means that citizens can increasingly choose among competing providers of welfare goods and services. However, the conditions under which citizens may exercise choice in various fields of social policy are quite different. A major reason for these differences can be found in the public institutions that frame citizens' choice in welfare markets. This article analyses welfare markets in German health care, long‐term care, pensions and employment policies, paying special attention to the respective public institutional frameworks. It will be argued that differences between frameworks of choice can be categorized by means of four parameters representing different aspects of public involvement in welfare markets. Depending on the kind and the degree of public involvement, welfare markets may be compatible with ‘traditional’ notions of public responsibility for citizens' social security.
The Nature of Symbols in the Language of Thought
Authors: SCHNEIDER SUSAN 
Published: October 2009

Abstract:The core of the language of thought program is the claim that thinking is the manipulation of symbols according to rules. Yet LOT has said little about symbol natures, and existing accounts are highly controversial. This is a major flaw at the heart of the LOT program: LOT requires an account of symbol natures to naturalize intentionality, to determine whether the brain even engages in symbol manipulations, and to understand how symbols relate to lower‐level neurocomputational states. This paper provides the much‐needed theory of symbols, and in doing so, alters the LOT program in significant respects.