bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mobitz Type II Second‐Degree Atrioventricular Block with Narrow QRS and Junctional Extrasystoles: What is the Mechanism?
Authors: JIMÉNEZ‐DÍAZ JAVIER , GONZÁLEZ‐FERRER JUAN J. , HEREDIA GIOVANNA U. , MORENO‐PLANAS JAVIER 
Published: November 2013

Arrhythmia RoundsA 74‐year‐old man underwent an electrophysiological study because of Mobitz type II second‐degree atrioventricular (AV) block with narrow QRS and frequent junctional extrasystoles. During the study, there were very frequent single His bundle depolarizations with multiple coupling intervals that reproduce the ECG findings. In this case, some His bundle extrasystoles result in retrograde concealed conduction and prolonged local refractoriness in the AV node that manifest as block of the next atrial impulse.
RebalancingEUInterest Representation? Associative Democracy andEUFunding of Civil Society Organizations
Authors: Sanchez Salgado Rosa 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEuropeanUnion (EU) funding of civil society organizations (CSOs) is a substantial and important part ofEUgovernance, but study of such funding is scarce and theoretically underdeveloped. To fill this gap, this article analyzes the main features ofEUfunding ofCSOsand its effects on theEUsystem of interest representation, drawing on policy documents and theEUregister of interest representatives. The resulting analysis shows thatEUfunding ofCSOsin the social sector tends to reflect many of the characteristics of the model of associative democracy.European funds are being directed to groups that voice the concerns of excluded groups and, in this way, address imbalances inEUinterest representation. TheEUalso promotes certain healthy features amongCSOs, since it restricts access to funding opportunities to interest groups fulfilling key normative criteria. Hence, theEUhelps sustain, but does not significantly constrain, the development ofEuropeanCSOs.
Of Gay Rights and Christmas Ornaments: The Political History of Sexual Orientation Non‐discrimination in the Treaty of Amsterdam
Authors: Mos Martijn 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis article asks why sexual orientation was included in the anti‐discrimination clause of the Treaty of Amsterdam (Article 13) in the absence of active support within the Council of Ministers and even though few Member States had established it as protected ground prior to the intergovernmental conference. A detailed historical analysis reveals how the European Parliament (EP) gradually developed into the hub of a transnational advocacy network that promoted gay rights to the European Commission and the Council. The dynamics of the intergovernmental conference enabled the EP to introduce sexual orientation into the treaty‐making process, while the use of naming‐and‐shaming tactics vis‐à‐vis the Dutch Presidency secured the ground's final inclusion. This political history has theoretical implications since it presents a challenge to extant liberal intergovernmentalist and institutionalist analyses of the Amsterdam Treaty and suggests that the EP should be afforded more attention by neofunctionalist scholars.
Comparing Constitutional Change in European Union Member States: In Search of a Theory
Authors: Karlsson Christer 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis article explores the under‐researched issue of how constitutional change is brought about in modern democracies. Despite the fundamental importance of constitutions, we know surprisingly little about whether constitutional change is achieved by changing the explicit wording of the constitutional document, or by way of changing the meaning of the constitution while leaving the constitutional text unaltered. Which is the more common method and what variations in the use of these different methods are there in democratic political systems? This study systematically compares the use of explicit and implicit constitutional change in European Union (EU) Member States. The results show that implicit constitutional change is the more frequently used method, but also reveal substantial differences between EU countries. The article closes by discussing the road towards a theory of constitutional change. It does so by presenting five testable propositions that could lay the foundation for a theory of constitutional change.
Hypothermia induced by adenosine 5′‐monophosphate attenuates injury in an L‐arginine‐induced acute pancreatitis rat model
Authors: Wang Yunlong , Guo Weiting , Li Yuan , Pan Xinting , Lv Wenshan , Cui Lingling , Li Changgui , Wang Yangang , Yan Shengli , Zhang Jidong , Liu Bin 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and AimThis study sought to investigate the effects of hypothermia induced by adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (5′‐AMP) on L‐arginine (L‐Arg)‐induced acute pancreatitis in rats.MethodsThe rats were divided into four groups: the control group, the acute pancreatitis group, the 5′‐AMP pretreatment group, and the 5′‐AMP posttreatment group. Rats in all groups, except for the control group, received two injections of 2.5 g/kg body weight (intraperitoneally) L‐Arg, with an interval of 1 h between the injections. Subsequently, the rats were observed to assess whether hypothermia induced by 5′‐AMP could effectively inhibit inflammation associated with L‐Arg‐induced acute pancreatitis in rats.ResultsHypothermia induced by 5′‐AMP produced protective effects in our acute pancreatitis model. These effects exhibited the following manifestations: (i) a significant reduction in rat mortality rates; (ii) a significant decrease in the occurrence of pancreatic edema; (iii) significant reductions in serum amylase (P < 0.001), interleukin‐6 (P < 0.001), interleukin‐1β (P < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (P < 0.001); (iv) the significant inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation in rats that were pre‐ and posttreated with 5′‐AMP compared with rats that were only injected with L‐Arg; and (v) significant decreases in the occurrence of pancreatic interstitial edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, hemorrhage, and acinar cell necrosis.ConclusionsHypothermia induced by 5′‐AMP could inhibit the acute inflammatory reaction and NF‐κB activation associated with acute pancreatitis.
Quantification of hepatic steatosis: A comparison of the accuracy among multiple magnetic resonance techniques
Authors: Wu Chih‐Horng , Ho Ming‐Chih , Jeng Yung‐Ming , Hsu Chao‐Yu , Liang Po‐Chin , Hu Rey‐Heng , Lai Hong‐Shiee , Shih Tiffany Ting‐Fang 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and AimMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) are important diagnostic tools for the non‐invasive assessment of hepatic steatosis (HS). This study was conducted to compare different magnetic resonance (MR) techniques and correlate the MR findings with histological and intracellular lipid density findings.MethodsIn this institutional review board‐approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act‐compliant prospective study, 60 patients scheduled for liver resection were included in this study. Fat fraction in the non‐tumorous liver parenchyma was estimated using double‐echo MRI, triple‐echo MRI (TE‐MRI), and MRS. HS was defined by the histologic steatosis percentage (HSP), and intrahepatocellular triglyceride density (IHTGD) of the surgical specimen used as the reference standard. Imaging quantification results were evaluated using Pearson's correlation. Lin's concordance coefficient and Bland–Altman 95% limits of agreement were used to evaluate the concordance of IHTGDs estimated by the three MR techniques. The diagnostic performance was compared using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.ResultsHS assessed by TE‐MRI and MRS had a stronger relationship with HS assessed by HSP and IHTGD. The TE‐MRI method had the highest concordance correlation coefficients (ρ = 0.881) and percentage (95%, 57/60) within the Bland–Altman 95% limits of agreement. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for diagnosing > 5% HSP showed significantly larger area under the curve (0.9783) for TE‐MRI than for double‐echo MRI (0.8773, P = 0.0121).ConclusionsAmong the three MR techniques, TE‐MRI and MRS may be the preferred techniques for non‐invasive assessment of HS.
Effectiveness of Tadalafil 5 mg Once Daily in the Treatment of Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Suggestive to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia With or Without Erectile Dysfunction: Results from Naturalistic Observational TadaLutsEd Study
Authors: Bechara Amado , Casabe Adolfo , Rodriguez Baigorri Gustavo , Cobreros Christian 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Naturalistic clinical trials provide data on the effectiveness of drugs in nonexperimental and everyday situations and are extremely helpful for decision-making purposes and for confirming experimental findings in clinical trials. No data have been published from naturalistic studies performed in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) with or without erectile dysfunction (ED) and treated with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

Aim
The aim of this study (TadaLutsEd Study) was to assess, in the context of medical practice, the effectiveness of tadalafil 5 mg once daily in patients with LUTS/BPH with or without erectile dysfunction.

Methods
The study was a 6-week uncontrolled, prospective, open-label, multicentric, observational study.
The patient population involved sexually active males aged ≥50 years, diagnosed with LUTS/BPH with or without concomitant ED, and treated with tadalafil 5 mg daily in accordance with standard urological practice.

Main Outcome Measures
Effectiveness was assessed through the self-administered International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire; quality of life was evaluated through the IPSS quality of life section (IPSS-QoL). The patients were also evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Adverse events were recorded. Statistical analyses using paired data samples was applied (Wilcoxon signed-ranks test).

Results
Sixty-two patients (mean age 62.2 years) completed the treatment, of whom 85.5% showed improvement in their urinary symptoms. Pre- and post-treatment differences in the IPSS, IPSS-QoL, and IIEF-5 scores were statistically significant at 4.4, 1, and 5.4 points, respectively (P &lt; 0.0001). Tadalafil was well tolerated, and adverse events were mild, with a discontinuation rate of 1.6%.

Conclusion
According to study results, the use of tadalafil 5 mg once daily in a nonselected patient population with LUTS/BPH with or without ED led to improvements in terms of symptoms and quality of life and exhibited a safety profile similar to that obtained in controlled tadalafil clinical trials.
A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Foreign‐Language Vocabulary Learning Enhanced by Phonological Rehearsal: The Role of the Right Cerebellum and Left Fusiform Gyrus
Authors: Makita Kai , Yamazaki Mika , Tanabe Hiroki C. , Koike Takahiko , Kochiyama Takanori , Yokokawa Hirokazu , Yoshida Haruyo , Sadato Norihiro 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTPsychological research suggests that foreign‐language vocabulary acquisition recruits the phonological loop for verbal working memory. To depict the neural underpinnings and shed light on the process of foreign language learning, we conducted functional magnetic resonance imaging of Japanese participants without previous exposure to the Uzbek language using learning of novel Uzbek words. During encoding, spoken Uzbek words and corresponding visual objects were shown, and subjects either overtly repeated the words (phonological rehearsal) or overtly rehearsed numbers (phonological suppression). Phonological rehearsal improved the encoding performance. A learning‐related decrease in rehearsal‐specific activation was found in the left fusiform gyrus, right inferior temporal gyrus, and right cerebellum. Recollection of the phonologically rehearsed words activated the right cerebellum and left fusiform gyrus more prominently than recollection of the phonologically suppressed words in a performance‐dependent manner. The phonological loop might provide the temporal and fragile registration of the articulatory pattern that is converted into a more durable form in the right cerebellum, which is in turn integrated with the object information in the fusiform gyrus.
Loss of endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump expression in choroid plexus tumours
Authors: Ait‐Ghezali Lamia , Arbabian Atousa , Jeibmann Astrid , Hasselblatt Martin , Hallaert Giorgio G. , Van den Broecke Caroline , Gray Françoise , Brouland Jean‐Philippe , Varin‐Blank Nadine , Papp Bela 
Published: November 2013

AimsSarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase‐type calcium pumps (SERCA enzymes) control cell activation by sequestering calcium ions from the cytosol into the endoplasmic reticulum. Although endoplasmic reticulum calcium signalling plays an important role in the regulation of choroid plexus epithelial function, SERCA expression in the choroid plexus has not been investigated so far.MethodsIn this work we investigated the expression of the SERCA3‐type calcium pump in choroid plexus epithelial cells grown in vitro, and in normal and hyperplastic choroid plexus tissue, in choroid plexus papillomas displaying various degrees of atypia, and in choroid plexus carcinoma by immunohistochemistry in situ.ResultsWhereas normal choroid plexus epithelial cells express SERCA3 abundantly, SERCA3 expression is strongly decreased in papillomas, and is absent in choroid plexus carcinoma, while expression in hyperplastic epithelium is high, similarly to normal epithelium. SERCA3 expression was detected also in normal primary choroid plexus epithelial cells grown in vitro, and expression was markedly enhanced by short‐chain fatty acid‐type cell differentiation inducing agents, including valproate.ConclusionThese observations show that SERCA3 is a new phenotypic marker of normal choroid plexus epithelial differentiation, and that SERCA3 constitutes an early tumour marker ‘by loss of expression’ in the choroid plexus that may be useful to distinguish hyperplastic processes from papillomas. Endoplasmic reticulum calcium homeostasis becomes anomalous, due to loss of SERCA3 expression, already in benign neoplastic lesions of the choroid plexus epithelium.
Diaper Dermatitis: Etiology, Manifestations, Prevention, and Management
Authors: Stamatas Georgios N. , Tierney Neena K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPediatricians and parents report diaper dermatitis (DD) to be one of the most common skin diseases that affects almost every child at some point during the early months and years of life. Diapered skin is exposed to friction and excessive hydration, has a higher pH than nondiapered skin, and is repeatedly soiled with feces that contains enzymes with high irritation potential for the skin. The combination of these factors frequently results in skin damage, leading to visible erythematous lesions that can be irritating and painful to the child. Behavioral changes such as increased crying and agitation and changes in eating and sleeping patterns indicate emotional distress. Appropriate skin care can help to prevent the occurrence of DD and to speed up the healing of affected skin. This includes frequent diaper changes and aeration, gentle cleansing, and the use of a barrier cream. Mild to moderate cases usually resolve after a few days of following this routine, but the use of harsh cleaning products can exacerbate DD.
Langerhans Cell Disease of the Eyelids Masquerading as Blepharochalasis
Authors: Gupta Ruchi , Gautam Ram Krishan , Dewan Taru , Bhardwaj Minakshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractLangerhans cell disease (LCD) occurring as an isolated tumor of the eyelids has been described infrequently. Moreover, none of the reported cases had associated systemic involvement. We present an unusual case of LCD of the eyelids masquerading as blepharochalasis with central diabetes insipidus (CDI).
Pediatric Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Treated with Pulsed Dye Laser
Authors: Yélamos Oriol , Roé Esther , Baselga Eulàlia , Puig Lluís 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPulsed dye laser (PDL) has been used in adults to treat refractory cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). We report the first case of CLE in a child successfully treated with PDL.
Combined effects of resource heterogeneity and simulated herbivory on plasticity of clonal integration in a rhizomatous perennial herb
Authors: Gao Y. , Wang D. , Xing F. , Liu J. , Wang L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPrevious lines of investigation assuming potential advantage of clonal integration generally have neglected its plasticity in complex heterogeneous environments. Clonal plants adaptively respond to abiotic heterogeneity (patchy resource distribution) and herbivory‐induced heterogeneity (within‐clone heterogeneity in ramet performance), but to date little is known about how resource heterogeneity and simulated herbivory jointly affect the overall performance of clones. Partial damage within a clone caused by herbivory might create herbivory‐induced heterogeneity in a resource‐homogeneous environment, and might also decrease or increase the extent of heterogeneity under resource‐heterogeneous conditions. We conducted a greenhouse experiment in which target‐ramets of Leymus chinensis segments within homogeneous or heterogeneous nutrient treatments were subject to clipping (0% or 75% shoot removal). In homogeneous environments with high (9:9) nutrient availability, ramet biomass of L. chinensis with intact or severed rhizomes is 0.70 or 0.69 g. Conversely, target‐ramet biomass with intact rhizomes is obviously lower than that of the severed target‐ramets in the homogeneous environments with medium (5:5) and low (1:1) nutrient availability. High resource availability and the presence of herbivory can alleviate negative effects of rhizome connection under homogeneous conditions, by providing copious resource or creating herbivory‐induced heterogeneity respectively. Herbivory tolerance of clonal fragments with connected rhizomes was higher than that of fragments with severed rhizomes under heterogeneous conditions. These findings confirmed the unconditional advantage of clonal integration on reproduction under the combined influence of resource heterogeneity and simulated herbivory. Moreover, our results made clear the synergistically interactive effects of resource heterogeneity and simulated herbivory on costs and benefits of clonal integration. This will undoubtedly advance our understanding on the plasticity of clonal integration under complex environmental conditions.
In vitro properties of platelets stored in a small container for pediatric transfusion
Authors: Tynngård Nahreen , Trinks Marie , Berlin Gösta 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundThe quality of a platelet (PLT) concentrate (PC) is affected by the number of PLTs in relation to the size and gas permeability of the container. This study evaluates the in vitro function, including hemostatic properties (clot formation and elasticity), of PLTs stored in a container of standard or small size.Study Design and MethodsPCs with 30% plasma and 70% PLT additive solution were prepared from buffy coats. Two PCs were pooled and divided into the following containers: 1 unit and ½ a unit into a 1.8‐L container (reference container) and ½ a unit into a 0.45‐L container (test container). In a second set of experiments ¼ of a unit was stored in the reference and test containers. Swirling, PLT count, blood gases, metabolic variables, PLT activation markers, hypotonic shock response (HSR), and coagulation by free oscillation rheometry were analyzed during 7 days of storage.ResultsSwirling was well preserved and pH was acceptable (6.4‐7.4) during storage of PLTs in both containers. Glycolysis and PLT activation were higher when storing ½ and ¼ of a unit in the reference container and storage of ¼ of a unit in the reference container resulted in the largest decrease in HSR. The clotting time was similar whereas the clot elasticity was slightly lower for PLTs when stored as ½ and ¼ of a unit in the reference container.ConclusionStorage of a low number of PLTs benefits by storage in a small container in terms of better maintained in vitro properties.
Experimental Study: Effects of the Annulus’ Center Body End Shape on the Performance of Low Mach Number Air-Air Ejector With Entraining Diffuser
Authors: Namet-Allah A. , Birk A. M. 
Published: November 2013

In the present paper, an experimental investigation of the performance of a low mach number round straight air-air ejector with a 4-ring entraining diffuser is reported. The ejector system was mounted on an annular flow wind tunnel. Based on the hydraulic diameter and average velocity and temperature at the nozzle exit, the tunnel provides cold flow at Mach 0.2 with a Reynolds number of 5.2×105 and hot flow at Mach 0.27 with a Reynolds number of 2.6×105.
The end shape of the annulus’ center body has major effects on the core separation size and shape that strongly affects the ejector performance. The effects of the annulus’ center body with elliptical and square ends on the ejector pumping, wall static pressure distribution and back pressure were investigated under different flow temperatures and swirl angles: 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30°. These measurements were conducted at 129 mm standoff distance using two different nozzle exit diameters.
It was found that for both nozzle exit diameters, using the annulus’ center body with a square end improved the total pumping ratio over its ratio with an elliptical end due to the flatness of the core separation at the nozzle exits. For all configurations tested, the maximum entrainment ratio was observed with 20° swirl angle and the back pressure coefficient decreased as swirl angle increased. Removing the elliptical end, creating the square shape, the flow has more space to spread after the annulus’ center body to give the higher centerline velocity which enhances the flow uniformity at the nozzle and diffuser exits.
Using CFD to Enhance the Preliminary Design of High-Pressure Steam Turbines
Authors: Bellucci Juri , Sazzini Federica , Rubechini Filippo , Arnone Andrea , Arcangeli Lorenzo , Maceli Nicola 
Published: November 2013

This paper focuses on the use of the CFD for improving a steam turbine preliminary design tool.
Three-dimensional RANS analyses were carried out in order to independently investigate the effects of profile, secondary flow and tip clearance losses, on the efficiency of two high-pressure steam turbine stages. The parametric study included geometrical features such as stagger angle, aspect ratio and radius ratio, and was conducted for a wide range of flow coefficients to cover the whole operating envelope. The results are reported in terms of stage performance curves, enthalpy loss coefficients and span-wise distribution of the blade-to-blade exit angles. A detailed discussion of these results is provided in order to highlight the different aerodynamic behavior of the two geometries.
Once the analysis was concluded, the tuning of a preliminary steam turbine design tool was carried out, based on a correlative approach. Due to the lack of a large set of experimental data, the information obtained from the post-processing of the CFD computations were applied to update the current correlations, in order to improve the accuracy of the efficiency evaluation for both stages. Finally, the predictions of the tuned preliminary design tool were compared with the results of the CFD computations, in terms of stage efficiency, in a broad range of flow coefficients and in different real machine layouts.