bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The morphology of unipolar potentials predicts the depth of activation foci
Authors: Kaneko Yoshiaki , Nakajima Tadashi , Kurabayashi Masahiko 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe depth of an arrhythmic focus is a major determinant of ablation procedural outcome. This study examined the relationship between the morphology of unipolar potentials and the depth and horizontal distance to activation foci.MethodsUnipolar left ventricular epicardial mapping was performed in 7 open‐chest dogs, using silicon sheets with 12 unipolar electrodes 1 mm apart, during bipolar pacing from an octopolar plunge electrode with 1‐mm interelectrode spacing. The morphology of the unipolar electrograms was classified as QS, rS, qrS, qRS, rsr'S, or rsR'S.ResultsA QS complex was recorded immediately above a subepicardial or mid‐myocardial pacing site. An rS complex was recorded away from a subepicardial pacing site. A positive wave originating from a down sloping deflection (R‐in‐QR) such as r wave in qrS, R wave in qRS, r′ wave in rsr'S or R′ wave in rsR'S complexes was observed when the recording was above a deep myocardial pacing site or away from a mid‐myocardial pacing site. The amplitude of negative wave immediately before R‐in‐QR (Q‐in‐QR) was inversely correlated with the horizontal (R=−0.40; P<0.0001) and linear (R=−0.22; P=0.0006) distance to the pacing site, and the amplitude of R‐in‐QR was positively correlated with the horizontal (R=0.25; P=0.0001) and linear (R=0.29; P<0.0001) distance to the pacing site. The amplitude of the initial r wave was not correlated with the depth or horizontal and linear distance to the pacing site.ConclusionThe morphology of unipolar electrograms predicted the horizontal distance and the depth of nearby foci of activation.
Falls, Fear of Falling, Self‐Reported Impairments, and Walking Limitations in Persons With Late Effects of Polio
Authors: Brogårdh Christina , Lexell Jan 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate fall frequency during the past year, circumstances relating to falls, fear of falling, self‐reported impairments, and walking limitations in persons with mild to moderate late effects of polio.DesignA cross‐sectional postal survey.ParticipantsA total of 325 persons with clinically and electrophysiologically verified late effects of polio (175 women and 150 men; mean age 70 years).MethodData regarding demographics, fall frequency during the past year, and circumstances relating to falls were obtained through a questionnaire. Fear of falling when performing daily activities was assessed with the Falls Efficacy Scale‐International (FES‐I), impairments were assessed with the Self‐Reported Impairments in Persons with Late Effects of Polio (SIPP), and walking limitations were assessed with the Walking Impact Scale (Walk‐12).ResultsOf the 325 respondents, 62% reported at least one fall during the past year. Most of the falls were reported in the afternoon (68%) and when walking outdoors (53%). Persons who fell reported significantly higher (P < .001) mean scores than did the persons who did not fall in the FES‐I (35.8 points versus 29.2 points), SIPP (28.2 points versus 25.0 points), and Walk‐12 (63% versus 43%).ConclusionsFalls are common in people with mild to moderate late effects of polio, especially later in the day and while walking outdoors. Fear of falling, self‐reported impairments, and walking limitations were greater among the persons who fell than in the persons who did not fall. To reduce falls and fear of falling in persons with late effects of polio and to increase their activity level and participation in various life situations, evidence‐based interdisciplinary fall management programs are needed.
The three faces of European Union health policy: Policy, markets, and austerity
Authors: Greer Scott L 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
European Union health policy has long had two faces. One face was its most visible: its support for data, networks, agencies and research that promoted shared practice and health objectives in fields such as cancer and communicable disease control. The impact the first face was striking mostly because the budget was so small. A second was long its most important: its courts’ application of internal market law and regulation to health care services in pursuit of an integrated European market and freedom of movement of goods, capital, services and people. The impact of this face created EU health care politics, but ultimately had limited effects on health care systems. Since 2010, though, the reaction to financial crisis has given EU health policy a third face: a newly rigorous and intimate fiscal governance model in which member state policies and budgets will be under continuous review, and countries in extreme trouble will face elaborate loan conditions affecting health care in detail. The credibility and wisdom of these new policies is yet to be seen and will be contested, but in principle they commit member states to detailed EU oversight of their health care systems and priorities in pursuit of fiscal rigor.
Bodies on the border: The state, civil society and HIV at Mexico's Fronteras
Authors: Truby Katherine 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
This article examines how HIV-focused civil society organizations operate at Mexico's northern and southern borders. Drawn from a larger study that uses interviews, participant observation, and document analysis to examine these phenomena at the national level in Mexico, this article provides clear evidence that shifting institutional opportunities and divergent policy frames shape organizational activity in these two border zones. While the United States largely frames border health as a question of national security, the Mexican government increasingly views disease as something to protect migrants from. Given these different perceptions and the inherently transnational nature of HIV/ADS, organizations respond to the opportunities and constraints of working on difficult border issues with hard to reach, vulnerable populations. Given recent indications that the Obama administration will provide support to militarize Mexico's southern border, this timely analysis captures the dynamics of civil society organizations’ operations in a moment of potentially shifting opportunity structures.
Optimal mixing in two-dimensional plane Poiseuille flow at finite Péclet number
Authors: Foures D. P. G. , Caulfield C. P. , Schmid P. J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe consider the nonlinear optimisation of the mixing of a passive scalar, initially arranged in two layers, in a two-dimensional plane Poiseuille flow at finite Reynolds and Péclet numbers, below the linear instability threshold. We use a nonlinear-adjoint-looping approach to identify optimal perturbations leading to maximum time-averaged energy as well as maximum mixing in a freely evolving flow, measured through the minimisation of either the passive scalar variance or the so-called mix-norm, as defined by Mathew, Mezić & Petzold (Physica D, vol. 211, 2005, pp. 23–46). We show that energy optimisation appears to lead to very weak mixing of the scalar field whereas the optimal mixing initial perturbations, despite being less energetic, are able to homogenise the scalar field very effectively. For sufficiently long time horizons, minimising the mix-norm identifies optimal initial perturbations which are very similar to those which minimise scalar variance, demonstrating that minimisation of the mix-norm is an excellent proxy for effective mixing in this finite-Péclet-number bounded flow. By analysing the time evolution from initial perturbations of several optimal mixing solutions, we demonstrate that our optimisation method can identify the dominant underlying mixing mechanism, which appears to be classical Taylor dispersion, i.e. shear-augmented diffusion. The optimal mixing proceeds in three stages. First, the optimal mixing perturbation, energised through transient amplitude growth, transports the scalar field across the channel width. In a second stage, the mean flow shear acts to disperse the scalar distribution leading to enhanced diffusion. In a final third stage, linear relaxation diffusion is observed. We also demonstrate the usefulness of the developed variational framework in a more realistic control case: mixing optimisation by prescribed streamwise velocity boundary conditions.
Olive oil consumption and risk of CHD and/or stroke: a meta-analysis of case–control, cohort and intervention studies
Authors: Martínez-González Miguel A. , Dominguez Ligia J. , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel 
Published: April 2014

Increasing evidence suggests that the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of CVD. Olive oil is the hallmark of this dietary pattern. We conducted a meta-analysis of case–control, prospective cohort studies and a randomised controlled trial investigating the specific association between olive oil consumption and the risk of CHD (101 460 participants) or stroke (38 673 participants). The results of all observational studies were adjusted for total energy intake. The random-effects model assessing CHD as an outcome showed a relative risk (RR) of 0·73 (95 % CI 0·44, 1·21) in case–control studies and 0·96 (95 % CI 0·78, 1·18) in cohort studies for a 25 g increase in olive oil consumption. In cohort studies, the random-effects model assessing stroke showed a RR of 0·74 (95 % CI 0·60, 0·92). The random-effects model combining all cardiovascular events (CHD and stroke) showed a RR of 0·82 (95 % CI 0·70, 0·96). Evidence of heterogeneity was apparent for CHD, but not for stroke. Both the Egger test (P= 0·06) and the funnel plot suggested small-study effects. Available studies support an inverse association of olive oil consumption with stroke (and with stroke and CHD combined), but no significant association with CHD. This finding is in agreement with the recent successful results of the PREDIMED randomised controlled trial.
Three-year change in diet quality and associated changes in BMI among schoolchildren living in socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods
Authors: Lioret Sandrine , McNaughton Sarah A. , Cameron Adrian J. , Crawford David , Campbell Karen J. , Cleland Verity J. , Ball Kylie 
Published: April 2014

Findings from research that has assessed the influence of dietary factors on child obesity have been equivocal. In the present study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that a positive change in diet quality is associated with favourable changes in BMI z-scores (zBMI) in schoolchildren from low socio-economic backgrounds and to examine whether this effect is modified by BMI category at baseline. The present study utilised data from a subsample (n 216) of the Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality study, a longitudinal cohort study with data collected in 2007–8 (T1) and 2010–11 (T2) in socio-economically disadvantaged women and children (5–12 years at T1). Dietary data were collected using a FFQ and diet quality index (DQI) scores derived at both time points. The objective measures of weight, height and physical activity (accelerometers) were included. The other variables were reported in the questionnaires. We examined the association between change in DQI and change in zBMI, using linear regression analyses adjusted for physical activity, screen sedentary behaviour and maternal education level both in the whole sample and in the sample stratified by overweight status at baseline. After accounting for potential covariates, change in diet quality was found to be inversely associated with change in zBMI only in children who were overweight at baseline (P= 0·035), thus supporting the hypothesis that improvement in diet quality is associated with a concurrent improvement in zBMI among already overweight children, but not among those with a normal BMI status. The identification of modifiable behaviours such as diet quality that affect zBMI longitudinally is valuable to inform future weight gain prevention interventions in vulnerable groups.
Influence of feeding graded levels of canned sardines on the inflammatory markers and tissue fatty acid composition of Wistar rats
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro O. , Martins Susana V. , Lopes Paula A. , Ramos Cristina , Miguéis Samuel , Alfaia Cristina M. , Pinto Rui M. A. , Rolo Eva A. , Bispo Paulo , Batista Irineu , Bandarra Narcisa M. , Prates José A. M. 
Published: April 2014

Canned sardines are a ready-to-use fish product with excellent nutritional properties owing to its highn-3 long-chain PUFA content, mainly EPA (20 : 5n-3) and DHA (22 : 6n-3). The present study aimed to assess the effect of two dosages of canned sardines, recommended for the primary and secondary prevention of human CVD, on the inflammatory marker concentrations and fatty acid composition of erythrocytes and key metabolic tissues (liver, muscle, adipose tissue and brain) in the rat model. Wistar rats were fed a diet containing 11 % (w/w) of canned sardines (low-sardine (LS) diet) and a diet containing 22 % (w/w) of canned sardines (high-sardine (HS) diet) for 10 weeks. Daily food intake, weight gain, and organ and final body weights were not affected by the dietary treatments. The concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol decreased in both the LS and HS groups, while those of alanine aminotransferase and adiponectin increased. The concentrations of IL-1β increased only with the highest dosage of sardine. The dose-dependent influence of the graded levels of EPA+DHA was tissue specific. Compared with that of other tissues and erythrocytes, the fatty acid composition of the brain was less affected by the canned sardine-supplemented diets. In contrast, the retroperitoneal adipose tissue was highly responsive. The deposition ratios of EPA and DHA indicated that the LS diet was optimal for DHA deposition across the tissues, except in the retroperitoneal adipose tissue. Taken together, our findings indicate that a LS diet positively affects plasma lipid profiles and inflammatory mediators, whereas a HS diet has contradictory effects on IL-1β, which, in turn, is not associated with variations in the concentrations of other pro-inflammatory cytokines. This finding requires further investigation and pathophysiological understanding.
Parasitic castration byXenos vesparumdepends on host gender
Authors: CAPPA FEDERICO , MANFREDINI FABIO , DALLAI ROMANO , GOTTARDO MARCO , BEANI LAURA 
Published: April 2014

SUMMARYHost castration represents a mechanism used by parasites to exploit energy resources from their hosts by interfering with their reproductive development or to extend host lifespan by removing risks associated with reproductive activity. One of the most intriguing groups of parasitic castrators is represented by the insects belonging to the order Strepsiptera. The macroparasiteXenos vesparumcan produce dramatic phenotypic alterations in its host, the paper waspPolistes dominula. Parasitized female wasps have undeveloped ovaries and desert the colony without performing any social task. However, very little attention has been given to the parasitic impact ofX. vesparumon the male phenotype. Here, we investigated the effects of this parasite on the sexual behaviour and the morpho-physiology ofP. dominulamales. We found that, differently from female wasps, parasitized males are not heavily affected byXenos: they maintain their sexual behaviour and ability to discriminate between female castes. Furthermore, the structure of their reproductive apparatus is not compromised by the parasite. We think that our results, demonstrating that the definition ofX. vesparumas a parasitoid does not apply to infected males ofP. dominula, provide a new perspective to discuss and maybe reconsider the traditional view of strepsipteran parasites.
High-performance tracking of high-speed supercavitating vehicles with uncertain parameters using novel parameter-optimal iterative learning control
Authors: Yahyazadeh Meisam , Noei Abolfazl Ranjbar 
Published: April 2014

SUMMARYThis paper proposes a new technique based on a Parameter-Optimal Iterative Learning Control (POILC) to track a command pitch rate of a high-speed supercavitating vehicle (HSSV). The pitch rate of a supercavitating vehicle has non-minimum phase behavior. Thus, tracking is fundamentally limited to poor performance. To solve this problem, a feed-forward control can be used while using the cavitator as a control input in the feed-forward path to modify the slow response caused by non-minimum phase behavior. The main idea of this paper is to apply the cavitator input with high precision as a feed-forward control to improve tracking performance. The exact value of the feed-forward control is achieved using POILC. However, in the presence of uncertainty, zero convergence of POILC algorithms is threatened. It will be shown that applying adaptive weight in the performance index, the convergence is guaranteed in the presence of uncertainty and also when the system is sign-indefinite. The proposed technique includes an optimal planning to make the error norm monotonically convergent to zero. The convergence and perfect tracking will be guaranteed through a Lyapunov candidate. Performance and significance of the proposed supercavitating vehicle control will be verified by simulation.
Double aortic arch in a newborn with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and tracheoesophageal fistula
Authors: Chiu Joanne S. , Glickstein Julie , Shah Amee 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCongenital heart disease is associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, but diagnosis by echocardiography can be difficult. We present the unusual case of a patient with a double aortic arch and congenital diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
Footloose and duty-free? Reflections onEuropean Union – Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Footwear from China
Authors: DUNOFF JEFFREY L. , MOORE MICHAEL O. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractEuropean Union (EU) anti-dumping duties imposed on Chinese leather footwear imports led to a challenge before the WTO Dispute Settlement body. The Panel ruled that the EU's presumption that Chinese exporters are subject to economy-wide non-market-economy anti-dumping duties was inconsistent with WTO obligations. The EU declined to appeal this outcome and subsequently changed its anti-dumping regulation in response. This dispute also illustrates the rapidly changing structure of global manufacturing and how these changes can scramble the traditional political economy of import restrictions. In addition, the case highlights how EU members' positions on trade remedy actions can depend importantly on national production patterns and firms' responses to economic pressures from globalization and the further development of global supply chains.
Anxiety among adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer: A missing link in the survivorship literature
Authors: McDonnell Glynnis , Baily Charles , Schuler Tammy , Verdeli Helen 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjective:With growing numbers of pediatric cancer survivors, it is becoming increasingly important to investigate the psychosocial sequelae of surviving cancer diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. It is particularly important to study the psychosocial needs of adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer because adolescence is a critical time during psychosocial development. Although there is existent literature about the general psychosocial adjustment of this population, the literature regarding anxiety is scant. This brief review aimed to assesses currently available literature that addresses anxiety in adolescent cancer survivors.Method:Articles assessing psychosocial adjustment in adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer were reviewed for information regarding anxiety symptoms.Results:To the authors' knowledge, there is no literature that focuses specifically on anxiety in this population. However, many articles reported results that indicated the possibility of increased anxiety in this group.Significance of results:It is critical to further investigate anxiety in this group and develop appropriate interventions if necessary. Doing so will aid the process of enhancing psychosocial care for adolescent cancer survivors.
Family communication and decision making at the end of life: A literature review
Authors: Wallace Cara L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjective:Patients and families coping with a terminal illness are faced with a number of decisions over the course of their disease. The role that family communication plays in the process of decision making is an important one. The objectives for this review are to examine the current state of empirical literature on the relationship between family communication and decision making about end-of-life care, to identify gaps, and to discuss implications for policy, practice, and future research.Method:Articles were identified using systematic keyword searches within the following relevant databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Plus, Communications and Mass Media Complete, ERIC, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, SocINDEX, and ProQuest.Results:The three bodies of relevant literature that emerged during this review include: (1) the importance of family communication at the end of life (EoL); (2) family decision making at the EoL; and (3) the interrelationship of communication (both within the family and with healthcare professionals) and decision making at the EoL. While the literature highlights the role of communication between medical professionals and the patient or family members, there is very little focus on the process of how family communication among the family members themselves contributes to decision making at the end of life.Significance of results:Barriers to end-of-life care are important considerations for helping patients to access timely and appropriate services. Understanding the pertinent role of family communication as it relates to the decision for EoL care is the first step in working to provide another avenue for overcoming these barriers.
Single-photon quantum router with multiple output ports
Authors: Yan Wei-Bin , Fan Heng 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe routing capability is a requisite in quantum network. Although the quantum routing of signals has been investigated in various systems both in theory and experiment, the general form of quantum routing with many output terminals still needs to be explored. Here we propose a scheme to achieve the multi-channel quantum routing of the single photons in a waveguide-emitter system. The channels are composed by the waveguides and are connected by intermediate two-level emitters. By adjusting the intermediate emitters, the output channels of the input single photons can be controlled. This is demonstrated in the cases of one output channel, two output channels and the generic N output channels. The results show that the multi-channel quantum routing of single photons can be well achieved in the proposed system. This offers a scheme for the experimental realization of general quantum routing of single photons.
Ultra‐low power design strategy for two‐stage amplifier topologies
Authors: Leene L.B. , Constandinou T.G. 
Published: April 2014

A novel two‐stage amplifier topology and ultra‐low power design strategy for two‐stage amplifiers that utilises pole zero cancellation to address the additional power requirements for stability are presented. For a 288 nA total bias, the presented amplifier achieves a 1.07 MHz unity gain frequency with a 8560 pF MHz/mA figure of merit.