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Recorder
Kinds of Recorder Selected AbstractsInvestigating the transport dynamics and the properties of bedload material with a hydro-acoustic measuring systemEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 1 2008Andreas Krein Abstract This article deals with the following two questions. Are acoustic measurements in running waters appropriate for a highly resolved investigation of the bedload transport? Which characterizations of the bedload regarding mass and shape are possible via the acoustic signals? The signals were recorded by means of data recorders (Tascam Inc. DAP1 Portable Data Recorder) and hydrophones (International Transducer Corp. ITC-4001 A). The ITC-4001 is a shallow water omnidirectional transducer containing a flexural disc transducer utilizing Channelite-5400 ceramics mounted in a rugged corrosion-resistant housing. These hydrophones were screwed onto the bottom side of stainless steel plates, serving as a contact surface for the bedload in motion above them. After more than 100 series of tests in the laboratory, which indicated the basic relations between the dimension, shape and weight of the bedload and the resulting signal, field tests of the measuring system were conducted. By artificially produced flood waves in the small brooks Riverisbach, Olewiger Bach and by a winter flood wave in the River Moselle, it is possible to elaborate similar structures of the signal course of the bedload movement. The highest transport rates can be observed at the beginning of the increasing limbs and behind the peaks of the waves. At the beginning of the waves, the increasing transport power of the water and the loose material can be considered as the cause for this result. The high stream velocity behind the wave peaks explains the increase in the bedload transport so that material from the channel beds is unfastened and will be mobilized. The characterization of the bedload regarding the shape and mass is still limited regarding the field measurements and could be solved only for homogeneous grain sizes and single stones under laboratory conditions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Discussion on ,Personality psychology as a truly behavioural science' by R. Michael FurrEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 5 2009Article first published online: 14 JUL 200 Yes We Can! A Plea for Direct Behavioural Observation in Personality Research MITJA D. BACK and BORIS EGLOFF Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany mback@uni-leipzig.de Furr's target paper (this issue) is thought to enhance the standing of personality psychology as a truly behavioural science. We wholeheartedly agree with this goal. In our comment we argue for more specific and ambitious requirements for behavioural personality research. Specifically, we show why behaviour should be observed directly. Moreover, we illustratively describe potentially interesting approaches in behavioural personality research: lens model analyses, the observation of multiple behaviours in diverse experimentally created situations and the observation of behaviour in real life. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Categories of Behaviour Should be Clearly Defined PETER BORKENAU Department of Psychology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany p.borkenau@psych.uni-halle.de The target paper is helpful by clarifying the terminology as well as the strengths and weaknesses of several approaches to collect behavioural data. Insufficiently considered, however, is the clarity of the categories being used for the coding of behaviour. Evidence is reported showing that interjudge agreement for retrospective and even concurrent codings of behaviour does not execeed interjudge agreement for personality traits if the categories being used for the coding of behaviour are not clearly defined. By contrast, if the behaviour to be registered is unambiguously defined, interjudge agreement may be almost perfect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Behaviour Functions in Personality Psychology PHILIP J. CORR Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK Philip.Corr@btopenworld.com Furr's target paper highlights the importance, yet under-representation, of behaviour in published articles in personality psychology. Whilst agreeing with most of his points, I remain unclear as to how behaviour (as specifically defined by Furr) relates to other forms of psychological data (e.g. cognitive task performance). In addition, it is not clear how the functions of behaviour are to be decided: different behaviours may serve the same function; and identical behaviours may serve different functions. To clarify these points, methodological and theoretical aspects of Furr's proposal would benefit from delineation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. On the Difference Between Experience-Sampling Self-Reports and Other Self-Reports WILLIAM FLEESON Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA fleesonW@wfu.edu Furr's fair but evaluative consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of behavioural assessment methods is a great service to the field. As part of his consideration, Furr makes a subtle and sophisticated distinction between different self-report methods. It is easy to dismiss all self-reports as poor measures, because some are poor. In contrast, Furr points out that the immediacy of the self-reports of behaviour in experience-sampling make experience-sampling one of the three strongest methods for assessing behaviour. This comment supports his conclusion, by arguing that ESM greatly diminishes one the three major problems afflicting self-reports,lack of knowledge,and because direct observations also suffer from the other two major problems afflicting self-reports. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. What and Where is ,Behaviour' in Personality Psychology? LAURA A. KING and JASON TRENT Department of Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA kingla@missouri.edu Furr is to be lauded for presenting a coherent and persuasive case for the lack of behavioural data in personality psychology. While agreeing wholeheartedly that personality psychology could benefit from greater inclusion of behavioural variables, here we question two aspects of Furr's analysis, first his definition of behaviour and second, his evidence that behaviour is under-appreciated in personality psychology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Naturalistic Observation of Daily Behaviour in Personality Psychology MATTHIAS R. MEHL Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA mehl@email.arizona.edu This comment highlights naturalistic observation as a specific method within Furr's (this issue) cluster direct behavioural observation and discusses the Electronically Activated Recorder (EAR) as a naturalistic observation sampling method that can be used in relatively large, nomothetic studies. Naturalistic observation with a method such as the EAR can inform researchers' understanding of personality in its relationship to daily behaviour in two important ways. It can help calibrate personality effects against act-frequencies of real-world behaviour and provide ecological, behavioural personality criteria that are independent of self-report. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Measuring Behaviour D. S. MOSKOWITZ and JENNIFER J. RUSSELL Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada dsm@psych.mcgill.ca Furr (this issue) provides an illuminating comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of various methods for assessing behaviour. In the selection of a method for assessing behaviour, there should be a careful analysis of the definition of the behaviour and the purpose of assessment. This commentary clarifies and expands upon some points concerning the suitability of experience sampling measures, referred to as Intensive Repeated Measurements in Naturalistic Settings (IRM-NS). IRM-NS measures are particularly useful for constructing measures of differing levels of specificity or generality, for providing individual difference measures which can be associated with multiple layers of contextual variables, and for providing measures capable of reflecting variability and distributional features of behaviour. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Behaviours, Non-Behaviours and Self-Reports SAMPO V. PAUNONEN Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada paunonen@uwo.ca Furr's (this issue) thoughtful analysis of the contemporary body of research in personality psychology has led him to two conclusions: our science does not do enough to study real, observable behaviours; and, when it does, too often it relies on ,weak' methods based on retrospective self-reports of behaviour. In reply, I note that many researchers are interested in going beyond the study of individual behaviours to the behaviour trends embodied in personality traits; and the self-report of behaviour, using well-validated personality questionnaires, is often the best measurement option. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. An Ethological Perspective on How to Define and Study Behaviour LARS PENKE Department of Psychology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK lars.penke@ed.ac.uk While Furr (this issue) makes many important contributions to the study of behaviour, his definition of behaviour is somewhat questionable and also lacks a broader theoretical frame. I provide some historical and theoretical background on the study of behaviour in psychology and biology, from which I conclude that a general definition of behaviour might be out of reach. However, psychological research can gain from adding a functional perspective on behaviour in the tradition of Tinbergens's four questions, which takes long-term outcomes and fitness consequences of behaviours into account. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. What is a Behaviour? MARCO PERUGINI Faculty of Psychology, University of Milan,Bicocca, Milan, Italy marco.perugini@unimib.it The target paper proposes an interesting framework to classify behaviour as well as a convincing plea to use it more often in personality research. However, besides some potential issues in the definition of what is a behaviour, the application of the proposed definition to specific cases is at times inconsistent. I argue that this is because Furr attempts to provide a theory-free definition yet he implicitly uses theoretical considerations when applying the definition to specific cases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Is Personality Really the Study of Behaviour? MICHAEL D. ROBINSON Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA Michael.D.Robinson@ndsu.edu Furr (this issue) contends that behavioural studies of personality are particularly important, have been under-appreciated, and should be privileged in the future. The present commentary instead suggests that personality psychology has more value as an integrative science rather than one that narrowly pursues a behavioural agenda. Cognition, emotion, motivation, the self-concept and the structure of personality are important topics regardless of their possible links to behaviour. Indeed, the ultimate goal of personality psychology is to understanding individual difference functioning broadly considered rather than behaviour narrowly considered. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Linking Personality and Behaviour Based on Theory MANFRED SCHMITT Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany schmittm@uni-landau.de My comments on Furr's (this issue) target paper ,Personality as a Truly Behavioural Science' are meant to complement his behavioural taxonomy and sharpen some of the presumptions and conclusions of his analysis. First, I argue that the relevance of behaviour for our field depends on how we define personality. Second, I propose that every taxonomy of behaviour should be grounded in theory. The quality of behavioural data does not only depend on the validity of the measures we use. It also depends on how well behavioural data reflect theoretical assumptions on the causal factors and mechanisms that shape behaviour. Third, I suggest that the quality of personality theories, personality research and behavioural data will profit from ideas about the psychological processes and mechanisms that link personality and behaviour. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Apparent Objectivity of Behaviour is Illusory RYNE A. SHERMAN, CHRISTOPHER S. NAVE and DAVID C. FUNDER Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA funder@ucr.edu It is often presumed that objective measures of behaviour (e.g. counts of the number of smiles) are more scientific than more subjective measures of behaviour (e.g. ratings of the degree to which a person behaved in a cheerful manner). We contend that the apparent objectivity of any behavioural measure is illusory. First, the reliability of more subjective measures of behaviour is often strikingly similar to the reliabilities of so-called objective measures. Further, a growing body of literature suggests that subjective measures of behaviour provide more valid measures of psychological constructs of interest. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Personality and Behaviour: A Neglected Opportunity? LIAD UZIEL and ROY F. BAUMEISTER Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA Baumeister@psy.fsu.edu Personality psychology has neglected the study of behaviour. Furr's efforts to provide a stricter definition of behaviour will not solve the problem, although they may be helpful in other ways. His articulation of various research strategies for studying behaviour will be more helpful for enabling personality psychology to contribute important insights and principles about behaviour. The neglect of behaviour may have roots in how personality psychologists define the mission of their field, but expanding that mission to encompass behaviour would be a positive step. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cognitive Screening Using a Tape Recorder: A Pilot StudyJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 3 2003Peter W. Schofield MD OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a tape recorder can be used to administer cognitive tests efficiently and yield valid results. DESIGN: Convenience sample. Administration of cognitive test materials by tape recorder and conventional technique. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects from memory disorder clinic, hostel accommodation, and community. MEASUREMENTS: Responses to Hopkins Verbal Learning Test,revised, verbal fluency items from the controlled oral word association test, 10-item naming task, a construction task, and speed writing task. RESULTS: Performances on the tape- and clinician-administered battery of tests were highly correlated. Memory impairment was accurately detected using the tape battery. Data from 30 minutes of testing via tape were obtained at the cost to the clinician of 2 to 3 minutes of scoring time. CONCLUSION: Tape-administration of cognitive test material warrants further study as an efficient means of cognitive screening. [source] Electromagnetic Interference in an Implantable Loop Recorder Caused by a Portable Digital Media PlayerPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 10 2008JAY P. THAKER The implantable loop recorder has been shown to be a cost-effective tool for diagnosis of intermittent cardiovascular symptoms such as syncope and palpitations. Electromagnetic interference in these recorders may be caused by commonly encountered electronic devices such as antitheft electronic surveillance systems and magnetic resonance imaging cameras. In this report, we describe interference in two patients with implantable loop recorders from a portable digital media player. [source] Feasibility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with an Implantable Loop RecorderPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2008JORGE A. WONG M.D. Background: The implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a useful tool in the diagnosis of syncope. Our understanding of their functional and safety profile in interfering environments such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) becomes increasingly important as they become more prevalent. Methods: We report four patients with an ILR who underwent MRI. The ILR memory was cleared before MRI and no changes were made to programmed settings. Device interrogation took place immediately after the scan. Patients were surveyed for device movement and heating, in addition to cardiopulmonary symptoms after their MRI. Results: Following MRI scanning, all patients were asymptomatic and no device movement or heating was observed. In addition, the functionality of the device remained unaffected. Artifacts mimicking arrhythmias were seen in all ILR patients regardless of the type of MRI scan. Conclusions: MRI scanning of ILR patients can be performed without harm to patient or device, but artifacts that could be mistaken for a tachyarrhythmia are seen frequently. [source] Electromagnetic Interference of an Implantable Loop Recorder by Commonly Encountered Electronic DevicesPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 10 2000CAREL C. DE COCK De COCK, C.C., et al.: Electromagnetic Interference of an Implantable Loop Recorder by Commonly Encountered Electronic Devices. Electromagnetic interference of pacemaker systems has been well established and can lead to an inappropriate function of these devices. Recently, an implantable loop recorder (ILR) (REVEAL, Medtronic Inc.) has been introduced to evaluate the possible arrhythmic etiology of patients with recurrent syncope. We evaluated the interference of this device in two patients with implantable ILR and in three nonimplanted ILRs with four electromagnetic sources: cellular phones (GSMs), electronic article surveillance systems (EASs), metal detector gates (MDGs), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The GSM did not affect appropriate function of the ILR whereas radiofrequency (RF) EAS could interfere with normal function in implanted and nonimplanted systems. The MDG had no influence on ILR function. The magnetic field induced by the MRI resulted in an irreversible error in one nonimplanted ILR. Therefore, although interference between electromagnetic sources and ILRs appears to be rare in our study, physicians should be aware of possible malfunctioning of these devices. [source] Demonstration of Myocardial Ischemia by an Internal Loop RecorderPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 10 2000STEPHEN C. VLAY VLAY, S.C., et al.: Demonstration of Myocardial Ischemia by an Internal Loop Recorder. An internal loop recorder (ILR) implanted to evaluate syncope was activated during an episode of chest pain. Analysis of the recorded event revealed a marked increase in the amount of ST-segment depression over baseline. In addition to rhythm analysis, the ILR may be able to assess myocardial ischemia. Further refinements of filtering may make analysis more accurate. [source] Evaluation of Patients with Palpitations: Cardiac Event Recorder Versus 48-hour Holter MonitoringANNALS OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROCARDIOLOGY, Issue 4 2000Ewa Makowska M.D. Objectives: (1) To compare a diagnostic yield of cardiac event recorders with that of 48-hour Holler monitoring, (2) to determine the etiologies of palpitations, and (3) to assess an optimal duration of using an event recorder by a patient. Background: Palpitation is a common symptom which accounts for 16% of total complaints reported by patients in general medical settings. An ambulatory Holter ECG monitoring or an event recorder can be used to establish the cause of palpitations. Methods: (1)The study group consisted of 33 consecutive patients (24 females, 9 males, mean age 50 ± 32 years) with undiagnosed attacks of palpitations, occurring at least once per month. Each patient was randomly allocated to use either an event monitor or 48-hour Holler monitoring. The patient kept the event monitor for 4 weeks. After the first monitor was returned, the patient was given the other device. Results: Holter monitoring determined the etiology of palpitations in 11 (33%) patients, and the event recorder in 21 (64%) patients (P = 0.0138). In the whole study group, the etiology of palpitations was disclosed in 23 (70%) patients. The diagnosis was possible using Holler ECG monitoring in only 2 (9%) patients, whereas the event recorder revealed the underlying mechanism of palpitations in 12 (52%) patients (P = 0.0007). In nine (39%) patients both methods were able to disclose the eliology of palpitations. The findings of 117 recordings obtained using an event recorder during palpitations were atrial fibrillation in 10 (9%), narrow QRS tachycardia in 4 (3%), frequent supraventricular eclopy in 17 (15%), frequent ventricular eclopy in 6 (5%), and episodes of palpitations sinus rhythm were recorded in the remaining 80 (68%). Of patients who experienced episodes of palpitations while using an event recorder, the earliest recording was obtained on the first day of the study, and the latest on the 18 day of using the event recorder. Conclusions: (1) The cardiac event recorders yield more diagnoses than 48-hour Holter monitoring in patients with palpitations occurring at least once per month, (2) in this group of patients the event recorder provided a diagnostic ECG recording during the first 18 days of using the device, and (3) in the majority (57%) of patients a normal sinus rhythm was recorded during episodes of palpitations. A.N.E. 2000;5(4):315,321 [source] Experience With Implantable Loop Recorders for Recurrent Unexplained SyncopeCONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 2008Michele Brignole MD Knowledge of what occurs during spontaneous syncope is the gold standard for evaluation. Initially, implantable loop recorders (ILRs) were used in patients with unexplained syncope at the end of unsuccessful full, conventional work-up. In pooled data regarding 247 patients, a correlation between syncope and electrocardiographic findings was found in 84 patients (34%); of these, 52% had a bradycardia or asystole at the time of the recorded event, 11% had tachycardia, and 37% had no arrhythmia. Presyncope-electrocardiography correlation was observed in another third of the patients; presyncope was much less likely to be associated with an arrhythmia than was syncope. The diagnostic yield was similar in patients with and without structural heart diseases and was higher in older than in younger patients. Recent studies showed that ILR implantation can be safely performed in an early phase of the diagnostic evaluation,provided that patients at risk for life-threatening events are carefully excluded,in the patients who have a severe presentation of syncope (because of high risk of trauma or high frequency of episodes) which can be a benefit of a mechanism-specific therapy. Congest Heart Fail. 2008;14:7,12. ©2008 Le Jacq [source] Improved Arrhythmia Detection in Implantable Loop RecordersJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 9 2008MICHELE BRIGNOLE M.D. Introduction: Implantable loop recorders (ILR) have an automatic arrhythmia detection feature that can be compromised by inappropriately detected episodes. This study evaluated a new ILR sensing and detection scheme for automatically detecting asystole, bradyarrhythmia, and tachyarrhythmia events, which is implemented in the next generation device (Reveal DX/XT). Methods and Results: The new scheme employs an automatically adjusting R-wave sensing threshold, enhanced noise rejection, and algorithms to detect asystole, bradyarrhythmia, and tachyarrhythmia. Performance of the new algorithms was evaluated using 2,613 previously recorded, automatically detected Reveal Plus episodes from 533 patients. A total of 71.9% of episodes were inappropriately detected by the original ILR, and at least 88.6% of patients had one or more inappropriate episodes, with most inappropriate detections due to R-wave amplitude reductions, amplifier saturation, and T-wave oversensing. With the new scheme, inappropriate detections were reduced by 85.2% (P < 0.001), with a small reduction in the detection of appropriate episodes (1.7%, P < 0.001). The new scheme avoided inappropriate detections in 67.4% of patients that had them with the original scheme. Conclusions: The new sensing and detection scheme is expected to substantially reduce the occurrence of inappropriately detected episodes, relative to that of the original ILR. [source] How Revealing Are Insertable Loop Recorders in Pediatrics?PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2008PATRICIA A. FRANGINI M.D. Introduction: An insertable loop recorder (ILR) in patients with infrequent syncope or palpitations may be useful to decide management strategies, including clinical observation, medical therapy, pacemaker, or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). We sought to determine the diagnostic utility of the Reveal® ILR (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) in pediatric patients. Methods: Retrospective review of clinical data, indications, findings, and therapeutic decision in 27 consecutive patients who underwent ILR implantation from 1998,2007. Results: The median age was 14.8 years (2,25 years). Indications were syncope in 24 patients and recurrent palpitations in three. Overall, eight patients had structural heart disease (six congenital heart disease, one hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, one Kawasaki), five had previous documented ventricular arrhythmias with negative evaluation including electrophysiology study, and three patients had QT prolongation. Tilt testing was performed in 10 patients, of which five had neurocardiogenic syncope but recurrent episodes despite medical therapy. After median three months (1,20 months), 17 patients presented with symptoms and the ILR memory was analyzed in 16 (no episode stored in one due to full device memory), showing asystole or transient atrioventricular (AV) block (2), sinus bradycardia (6), or normal sinus rhythm (8). Among asymptomatic patients, 3/10 had intermittent AV block or long pauses, automatically detected and stored by the ILR. In 19 of 20 patients, ILR was diagnostic (95%) and five subsequently underwent pacemaker implantation, while seven patients remained asymptomatic without ILR events. Notably, no life-threatening events were detected. The ILR was explanted in 22 patients after a median of 22 months, two due to pocket infection, 12 for battery depletion and eight after clear documentation of nonmalignant arrhythmia. Conclusions: The ILR in pediatrics is a useful adjunct to other diagnostic studies. Patient selection is critical as the ILR should not be utilized for malignant arrhythmias. A diagnosis is attained in the majority of symptomatic patients, predominantly bradyarrhythmias including pauses and intermittent AV block. [source] The Utility of Holter Monitoring Compared to Loop Recorders in the Evaluation of Syncope and PresyncopeANNALS OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROCARDIOLOGY, Issue 3 2000Andrew D. Krahn M.D. Background: Holter monitoring is frequently used to assess patients with syncope, but rarely provides a diagnosis. Newer loop recorders provide the opportunity for prolonged electrocardiographic monitoring to enhance diagnostic yield. Methods: The results of 232 Holter monitors and 81 loop recordings performed for the investigation of syncope or presyncope were reviewed for indication, patient demographics, and presence and type of symptoms and/or arrhythmias. The results were classified as (1) symptom-arrhythmia correlation, (2) clinically useful information (group 1 plus those excluding arrhythmic syncope, and those demonstrating asymptomatic serious arrhythmias) and (3) unhelpful (asymptomatic and no serious arrhythmias). Results: Loop recorders provided a symptom-arrhythmia correlation in 11.1% of patients compared to only 0.4% in the Holter group (P < 0.0001). Clinically useful information was obtained in 54.3% of loop patients compared to 27.6% in the Holter group (P < 0.0001). Technical problems occurred in 0.4% of the Holter patients and in 3.7% of loop patients (P = 0.05). Classification was difficult in seven patients in the Holter group; two experienced symptoms during sinus rhythm but also had a serious asymptomatic arrhythmia, and five patients had 6,10 beats of asymptomatic ventricular tachycardia at a rate < 160 beats/min. Conclusion: Loop recording was well tolerated and superior to Holter monitoring in providing a symptom-arrhythmia correlation or clinically useful information in patients with syncope and presyncope. An initial approach with a loop-recording device should be employed in these patients. [source] The ,Life of Muhammad' in Eulogius of Córdoba: some evidence for the transmission of Greek polemic to the Latin westEARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE, Issue 3 2008Janna Wasilewski Eulogius of Córdoba, the principal recorder of the ninth-century Córdoban martyrs' movement, copied for posterity a polemic biography of the Prophet Muhammad. The lost original is the earliest such text known in Latin, despite the longstanding tradition of anti-Islamic polemic in the Greek east. However, textual analysis indicates that Eulogius revised the original biography, and that his revisions were influenced by the polemic of John of Damascus. Eulogius's exposure to John's writings probably came through personal contact with a monk from the monastery of Mar Saba, contact which offers rare evidence of a non-textual transmission of ideas. [source] Using focus groups to seek the views of patients dying from cancer about the care they receiveHEALTH EXPECTATIONS, Issue 3 2000Norma V. Raynes Purpose The prime purpose of the study was to investigate whether focus groups were a practical way of seeking the views of dying people and whether the information collected added to that collected by more established methods. Design A sample frame of Macmillan nurse patients was collated from which three cluster samples were randomly selected to participate in focus groups. The focus groups were structured with an experienced facilitator and recorder to answer three key questions. Setting and participants Patients of Macmillan nurses in three NHS Trusts in West Yorkshire who were living at home with incurable cancer. They were aware of their condition and were willing to participate. Main variables studied The three key questions were; what kind of help are you currently receiving? What sort of help do you want? Of the kind of help you are receiving what kind is most important to you? Results 17 patients participated in three focus groups. Participants were generally fairly able and living with spouses or relatives. They were of varying age with different types and duration of cancer. They were receiving a range of health and social services of varying importance to them. More help was particularly wanted with support for daily living, support from specialist cancer nurses, help getting out and with housework. Macmillan nurses and general practice services were highly rated in some but not all three trust areas. Conclusions We propose that focus groups are a practical way of collecting information about dying patients that can complement other sources of information in planning and auditing the provision of care. [source] The Influence of Labels, Non-Labeling Sounds, and Source of Auditory Input on 9- and 15-Month-Olds' Object CategorizationINFANCY, Issue 3 2003Anne L. Fulkerson This experiment examines the joint influence of auditory and social cues on infants' basic-level and global categorization. Nine- and fifteen-month-olds were familiarized to a series of category exemplars in an object-examining task. Objects were introduced with a labeling phrase, a non-labeling sound, or no sound, and auditory input was presented orally by the experimenter or played on a hidden voice recorder. Novel objects from the familiarized category and a contrasting category were then presented. Results of analyses performed on novelty preference scores indicated that infants demonstrated basic-level categorization in all conditions. However, infants at both age levels only demonstrated global categorization when labeling phrases were introduced. In addition, labels led to global categorization in 9-month-olds regardless of the source of those labels; however, labels only led to global categorization in 15-month-olds when the labels were presented orally by the experimenter. [source] Does propofol and alfentanil-induced sedation cause periodic apnoea in chronic renal failure patients?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2010S. M. Lee Summary Aims:, There is evidence suggesting that the respiratory response to sedation is different in patients with sleep apnoea, which is common in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). This study examined the respiratory response of sedation with propofol and alfentanil, whose pharmacokinetics are not affected by the renal function, in CRF patients. Methods:, Chronic renal failure patients who underwent arteriovenous-fistular surgery (CRF group) and patients who underwent chemoport insertion (control group) were enrolled in this study. Sedation was induced by infusing propofol 1.5 ,/ml and alfentanil 0.2 ,/kg/min continuously in both groups. In the desaturation study, the respiratory rate and peripheral oxygen saturation in room air were checked. In the apnoea,hypopnoea study, the patient's sedation (Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation) score, apnoea,hypopnoea index (AHI) was recorded using a portable ventilation effort recorder (microMesam) while applying 5 l/min of oxygen through a facial mask. Results:, The desaturation event was more common (21.5/h vs. 2/h, p = 0.001) in the CRF patients. Apnoea and hypopnoea (AHI: 13.0 vs. 1.6, p = 0.012, per cent of patients with an AHI > 5: 53.3% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.014) occurred more frequently in the CRF patients but the sedation score was not different. Conclusion:, Chronic renal failure patients have a higher risk of developing apnoea and hypopnoea during sedation, which highlights the need for careful monitoring and management in these patients. [source] Standardisation of process parametres for ready-to-eat squid masala in indigenous polymer-coated tin-free steel cansINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2007Sreenath Pathiyaparambil Gopinath Summary Squid masala was prepared following three different traditional recipes and one recipe was selected based on the taste panel studies. About 160 g of squid masala was packed in indigenous polymer-coated easy open-end tin-free steel cans of 307 × 109 size and processed at 121.1 °C to three F0 values of 7, 8 and 9 with cook values of 82, 91 and 95 min, respectively. The data were recorded using an Ellab TM 9608 temperature recorder. The raw, blanched and processed squid rings were subjected to manual and instrumental sensory analysis. Even though the processed cans for all three F0 values were found to be commercially sterile, the product processed to F0 8 was found to be ideal with regard to all sensory attributes. The instrumental texture profile analysis of raw, blanched and processed squid muscle shows softening with cooking. [source] Flume or weir continuous water flow rate recorder for irrigation use,,IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE, Issue 1 2005Blair L. Stringam Abstract US Bureau of Reclamation projects and irrigation districts need simple, low-cost, robust devices to measure and record water use for effective water management decisions. This need has resulted in the development of a continuous flow meter and recorder (CFM). The CFM is designed to continuously measure flow rates through open channel measurement structures, such as flumes or weirs, by recording the water levels upstream. The water level measurements are then converted to flow rate using a simple weir power equation. The CFM consists of an easily programmed CPU, an LCD for displaying the flow rate and total amount of water that has passed through the measurement structure, and a water level sensor. The CFM, including a solar power supply, may be purchased for under US$1000. The majority of that cost is for the water level sensor and may be reduced depending upon the needed accuracy. Presently, some of these devices have been installed on irrigation systems in the field where they have been exposed to harsh weather conditions. Despite the harsh environments, the CFMs have been functioning as designed. This paper discusses the design, installation, and testing of the continuous flow meter. Published in © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cognitive Screening Using a Tape Recorder: A Pilot StudyJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 3 2003Peter W. Schofield MD OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a tape recorder can be used to administer cognitive tests efficiently and yield valid results. DESIGN: Convenience sample. Administration of cognitive test materials by tape recorder and conventional technique. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects from memory disorder clinic, hostel accommodation, and community. MEASUREMENTS: Responses to Hopkins Verbal Learning Test,revised, verbal fluency items from the controlled oral word association test, 10-item naming task, a construction task, and speed writing task. RESULTS: Performances on the tape- and clinician-administered battery of tests were highly correlated. Memory impairment was accurately detected using the tape battery. Data from 30 minutes of testing via tape were obtained at the cost to the clinician of 2 to 3 minutes of scoring time. CONCLUSION: Tape-administration of cognitive test material warrants further study as an efficient means of cognitive screening. [source] Prevalence, Predictors, and Prognosis of Atrial Fibrillation Early After Pulmonary Vein Isolation: Findings from 3 Months of Continuous Automatic ECG Loop RecordingsJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 10 2009SANDEEP JOSHI M.D. Introduction: Following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF), early recurrences are frequent, benign and classified as a part of a "blanking period." This study characterizes early recurrences and determines implications of early AF following PVI. Methods and Results: Seventy-two consecutive patients (59.8 ± 10.7 years, 69% male) were studied following PVI for paroxysmal or persistent AF. Subjects were fitted with an external loop recorder for automatic, continuous detection of AF recurrence for 3 months. AF prevalence was highest 2 weeks after PVI (54%) and declined to an eventual low of 22%. A significant number (488, 34%) of recurrences were asymptomatic; however, all patients with ,1 AF event had ,1 symptomatic event. No clear predictor of early recurrence was identified. Forty-seven (65%) patients had at least 1 AF episode, predominantly (39 of 47 patients, 83%) within 2 weeks of PVI. Of the 33 patients who did not experience AF within the first 2 weeks, 85% (28/33) were complete responders (P = 0.03) at 12 months. Recurrence at any time within 3 months was not associated with procedural success or failure. Conclusions: Early AF recurrence peaks within the first few weeks after PVI, but continues at a lower level until the completion of monitoring. A blanking period of 3 months is justified to identify patients with AF recurrences that do not portend procedure failure. Freedom from AF in the first 2 weeks following ablation significantly predicts long-term AF freedom. [source] Nurses' decision-making in collecting information for the assessment of patients' nursing problemsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 2 2002TARJA JUNNOLA MNSc ,,The paper addresses two questions: Firstly, what kind of information do nurses acquire from cancer patients for purposes of judging their patients' problems and preparing a care plan? Secondly, how systematically do nurses proceed in the decision-making process from the formulation of initial assumptions about the patient's situation to the final definition of problems? ,,The instrument used for data collection was a computer-simulated case description compiled by a team of four nursing researchers and one medical researcher. The case description was based on a real patient history. ,,The sample consisted of 107 Registered Nurses on four oncology, two internal medicine and five surgical wards of two central university hospitals in Finland. Data were collected in autumn 1998 and spring 1999 using a laptop computer and a tape recorder. ,,The four most important problems identified by nurses at baseline were pain (85%), pain medication (59%), family situation (66%) and spread of cancer (49%). Presented with a list of 23 options, they obtained additional information on average on 13 areas. Almost one-third collected information from 16 to 22 areas. On average nurses identified 12 of the 28 nursing problems specified. A statistically significant association was observed between information acquisition and problem definition in seven different variables. These had to do with pain, general condition and prognosis. ,,Nurses adequately prioritized their patients' problems and systematically collected data on those problems. On the other hand they also identified a number of problems that were not relevant to the situation. [source] A portable system for continuous monitoring of bird nests using digital video recordersJOURNAL OF FIELD ORNITHOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Andrew J. Pierce ABSTRACT A variety of photographic methods have been described for monitoring nest predation. All have limitations for studying active nests in remote situations, such as size, expense, volume of data recorded, and types of trigger mechanisms. We developed a digital video surveillance system using infrared cameras to monitor predation at bird nests. The main advantage of this system over other video recorders is the small size of the recorder that can run continuously at 29 frames/s for more than 3 days. The recorder's built-in monitor makes it more transportable and allows for easy setup. Digital data is compact, can be reviewed quickly, and requires less physical storage space than videotapes. We recorded nest predation by mammals, birds, and snakes as well as egg and nestling losses not caused by predation. System failure rates were low and the total cost was comparable to ($700 US) video cassette recorders that are often used to monitor nests. SINOPSIS Se han descrito una gran variedad de métodos fotográficos para monitorear la depredación de nidos. Todos los métodos tienen limitaciones para estudiar nidos activos a distancia, como su tamaño, costo, volumen de los datos grabados y mecanismos para activar el equipo. Desarrollamos un sistema digital de vigilancia, utilizando cámaras infrarrojas para monitorear la depredación de nidos. La ventaja principal de este equipo sobre otros similares es el tamaño de la grabadora, la cual puede funcionar continuamente a 29 cuadros/s por más de tres días. El monitor integrado a la cámara hace que el equipo que sea más fácil de transportar y permite que se pueda montar con facilidad. Los datos digitales son compactos, se pueden revisar rápidamente, y requieren menos espacio de almacenaje que las cintas de video convencionales. Grabamos depredación de nidos por mamíferos, aves y culebras al igual que la pérdida de huevos y pichones por otras causas. La tasa de malfuncionamiento fue baja y el costo del equipo ($700 US) es comparable a otros equipos de videograbación a cassette que se utilizan frecuentemente para monitorear nidos. [source] Glycoconjugates in the otolithic membrane of herring larvae: a possible framework for encoding the life history recorder in fishesJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2002P. Tytler Glycoconjugates in the inner ear of herring Clupea harengus larvae, investigated by laser confocal and electron microscopy, were located mainly in the gelatinous layer of the otolithic membranes, forming a collar around the proximal surfaces of the otoliths. The site of secretion was located on the surface of the sensory macula, from which a colonnade of glycoconjugate streamers projected through the subcupular region to connect with the gelatinous layer of each otolith. An electron dense component of the outer gelatinous layers, shown by TEM to be closely associated with the sensory kinocilia, suggested that they provided a basis for the streamers and offered a potential role in directing the path of secretion. It is hypothesized that this highly structured glycoconjugate framework could provide a mechanism for localizing and containing ionic and protein gradients previously detected in this vicinity and which are considered to have a key role in driving the differential growth and mineralization of the otoliths. [source] Vital signs for vital people: an exploratory study into the role of the Healthcare Assistant in recognising, recording and responding to the acutely ill patient in the general ward settingJOURNAL OF NURSING MANAGEMENT, Issue 5 2010JAYNE JAMES RN., Ortho. james j., butler-williams c., hunt j. & cox h. (2010) Journal of Nursing Management18, 548,555 Vital signs for vital people: an exploratory study into the role of the Healthcare Assistant in recognising, recording and responding to the acutely ill patient in the general ward setting Aim, To examine the contribution of the Healthcare Assistant (HCA) as the recogniser, responder and recorder of acutely ill patients within the general ward setting. Background, Concerns have been highlighted regarding the recognition and management of the acutely ill patient within the general ward setting. The contribution of the HCA role to this process has been given limited attention. Methods, A postal survey of HCAs was piloted and conducted within two district general hospitals. Open and closed questions were used. Results, Results suggest that on a regular basis HCAs are caring for acutely ill patients. Contextual issues and inaccuracies in some aspects of patient assessment were highlighted. It would appear normal communication channels and hierarchies were bypassed when patients' safety was of concern. Educational needs were identified including scenario-based learning and the importance of ensuring mandatory training is current. Conclusions and implications for nursing management, HCAs play a significant role in the detection and monitoring of acutely ill patients. Acknowledgement is needed of the contextual factors in the general ward setting which may influence the quality of this process. The educational needs identified by this study can assist managers to improve clinical supervision and educational input in order to improve the quality of care for acutely ill patients. [source] Assessment of an ECG event recorder in healthy dogs in a hospital environmentJOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2003J. M. Eastwood Ambulatory electrocardiography techniques are superior to standard electrocardiography in evaluating rhythm disturbances in dogs with episodic weakness or collapse. Disadvantages include cumbersome equipment, short recording periods and an inherent delay in trace analysis. A small programmable cardiac event recorder with combined automatic and owner-triggered recording capability was evaluated in 13 healthy dogs in a hospital environment. The unit was well tolerated and produced diagnostic recordings directly to a personal computer, with useful information about continuous heart rate. It detects premature complexes, pauses and bradycardias according to programmed detection thresholds. These events were counted frequently but trace review revealed concerns regarding specificity. Recordings were often triggered by sinus arrhythmia, sinus tachycardia and unclassifiable rate changes rather than by clinically significant arrhythmias. Correct detection of ventricular ectopic complexes, a single supraventricular premature complex, sinus arrest and second-degree atrioventricular block occurred in individual dogs. Visual review of all automatically recorded events was essential and significantly increased the time required for event recording analysis. Manual recordings might be more useful and the overall results suggest that further studies are warranted to evaluate the system in clinical cases in the home environment. [source] In vivo behaviour of long-circulating liposomes in blood vessels in hamster inflammation and septic shock models,use of intravital fluorescence microscopyLUMINESCENCE: THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL LUMINESCENCE, Issue 2 2001Jean-Marie Devoisselle Abstract This study aimed to observe liposome uptake by leukocytes in vivo. The study was performed on skin by using a dorsal skin-fold chamber implanted in golden hamsters using intravital microscopy. 5 and 6-CF-encapsulated polyethylene glycolated liposomes were injected intravenously. The skin microcirculation was observed with an intravital Eclipse E800 Nikon microscope (using ×40, ×80 magnification) fitted with a Xenon light source and an epifluorescence assembly (excitation, 470,nm, FWHM 40,nm; emission, 540,nm, FWHM 40,nm). An ultra-high sensitivity videocamera mounted on the microscope projected the image onto a monitor, and the images (720,×,576 pixels) were recorded for playback analysis with a digital video cassette recorder. An acute inflammatory response was obtained by removing one complete layer of skin and the underlying fascia and avascular tissue on the opposing side of the flap corresponding to an area equivalent to the window aperture. Using this model and set-up, leukocyte rolling and adhesion were easily observed and the entry of PEGylated liposomes into hamster blood leukocytes was studied for a period of 6,h. PEGylated liposomes were clearly identified alone inside the blood flow and inside the leukocytes as soon as the inflammatory reaction appeared. This study shows for the first time that blood leukocytes in their natural milieu of whole blood are capable of interacting with, and taking up, liposomes. This observation is in accordance with previous in vitro studies. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Feasibility of Using Peroneal Nerve Recordings for Deriving Stimulation Timing in a Foot Drop Correction SystemNEUROMODULATION, Issue 1 2003Morten Hansen Abstract The objective of this research was to demonstrate the potential of using peroneal nerve activity to derive timing control for stimulation in foot drop correction and to attempt recording and stimulation through the same electrode. Two subjects were implanted with cuff electrodes on the peroneal nerve. An input domain was derived from the recorded electroneurogram (ENG) and fed to a detection algorithm based on an Adaptive Logic Network (ALN) for predicting stimulation timing. A switching circuit was furthermore built for switching between stimulator and recorder for combined use of the cuff electrode. The detection was successful, but the accuracy depended on the signal to noise ratio of the recorded ENG. The switching circuit successfully allowed for simultaneous recording and stimulation through the same cuff electrode. We conclude that the peroneal nerve can potentially be used to record sensory information for derivation of a stimulator control signal in a foot drop application, while at the same time being stimulated to activate foot dorsiflexors. [source] All is Not Lost: Utilizing Continuous Remote ILR Monitoring to Diagnose SyncopePACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2010PAUL S. G. HONG M.D. A 63-year-old man with frequent unexplained syncope was implanted with a second generation remotely monitored implantable loop recorder for continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. He had a subsequent syncopal episode and despite accidental destruction of his patient activator, vital ECG data from the event were transmitted wirelessly, enabling a cardiac arrhythmia to be excluded. This case highlights the benefit of remote monitoring in syncope assessment, as well as a transmission system that ensures prompt analysis of the ECG data and therefore rapid optimal patient management. (PACE 2010; 33:763,765) [source] How Revealing Are Insertable Loop Recorders in Pediatrics?PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2008PATRICIA A. FRANGINI M.D. Introduction: An insertable loop recorder (ILR) in patients with infrequent syncope or palpitations may be useful to decide management strategies, including clinical observation, medical therapy, pacemaker, or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). We sought to determine the diagnostic utility of the Reveal® ILR (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) in pediatric patients. Methods: Retrospective review of clinical data, indications, findings, and therapeutic decision in 27 consecutive patients who underwent ILR implantation from 1998,2007. Results: The median age was 14.8 years (2,25 years). Indications were syncope in 24 patients and recurrent palpitations in three. Overall, eight patients had structural heart disease (six congenital heart disease, one hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, one Kawasaki), five had previous documented ventricular arrhythmias with negative evaluation including electrophysiology study, and three patients had QT prolongation. Tilt testing was performed in 10 patients, of which five had neurocardiogenic syncope but recurrent episodes despite medical therapy. After median three months (1,20 months), 17 patients presented with symptoms and the ILR memory was analyzed in 16 (no episode stored in one due to full device memory), showing asystole or transient atrioventricular (AV) block (2), sinus bradycardia (6), or normal sinus rhythm (8). Among asymptomatic patients, 3/10 had intermittent AV block or long pauses, automatically detected and stored by the ILR. In 19 of 20 patients, ILR was diagnostic (95%) and five subsequently underwent pacemaker implantation, while seven patients remained asymptomatic without ILR events. Notably, no life-threatening events were detected. The ILR was explanted in 22 patients after a median of 22 months, two due to pocket infection, 12 for battery depletion and eight after clear documentation of nonmalignant arrhythmia. Conclusions: The ILR in pediatrics is a useful adjunct to other diagnostic studies. Patient selection is critical as the ILR should not be utilized for malignant arrhythmias. A diagnosis is attained in the majority of symptomatic patients, predominantly bradyarrhythmias including pauses and intermittent AV block. [source] An Approach to Measure Atrial and Ventricular Heart Rate Variability Using Pacemaker-Mediated Intracardiac ElectrogramsPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 12 2003ANDREAS SCHUCHERT Heart rate variability (HRV) measurements are usually performed from ventricular beat-to-beat intervals because of the difficulty to precisely locate the P wave fiducial point in surface ECG recordings. The aim of the study was to describe an approach to determine the atrial and ventricular HRV using pacemaker-mediated intracardiac electrograms. Twelve patients with the dual chamber pacemaker Logos were included. The atrial and ventricular intracardiac electrograms were transmitted with the high resolution telemetry channel of the pacemaker to an external recorder for 20 minutes while the patients were supine. During the measurements the patients were in sinus rhythm with intrinsic AV conduction. After computer assisted triggering of the atrial and ventricular events, the resultant intervals were used to calculate the standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN), the square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals (RMSSD), and the percentage of successive interval differences >50 ms (pNN50). The differences between atrial and ventricular HRV-Indexes were assessed for each patient with a cut-off point of 1%. Differences >1% were analyzed in detail. A total of 15,504 heart cycles were analyzed. A manual correction due to false or not triggered atrial or ventricular events was necessary in 0.9%. The overall difference between atrial and ventricular pNN50 was ,0.5%±2.1%and differences >1% were observed in 4 patients. The NN50 events occurred in the atrial as well as in the related ventricular interval in 84%. NN50 events occurred only in the atrium in 6% and only in the ventricle in 10%. The mean differences between atrial and ventricular SDNN and RMSSD were0.4±2.1ms and ,0.1±3.5 mswith intra-individual differences <1%. The present study described a new method and demonstrated its feasibility to determine atrial as well as ventricular HRV from pacemakermediated intracardiac electrograms. The differences for pNN50 indicate that ventricular HRV did not reflect the changes of sinus node activity in all patients. (PACE 2003; 26:2272,2274) [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||