bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Target Indices for Clinical Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ullah Waqas , Hunter Ross J. , Baker Victoria , Dhinoja Mehul B. , Sporton Simon , Earley Mark J. , Schilling Richard J. 
Published: January 2014

Background—
In animal studies of radiofrequency ablation, lesion sizes plateau as the maximum lesion size is reached for an ablation. Lesion parameters are not available in clinical ablations, but preclinical work suggests that these correlate with impedance drop and electrogram attenuation. Characterization of the relationships between catheter contact force, ablation duration, and these surrogate markers of lesion formation may allow us to define targets for effective ablation.

Methods and Results—

Fifteen patients undergoing first-time radiofrequency ablation for nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation were studied. All were in atrial fibrillation at the time of the procedure. Ablations were performed with an irrigated-tip contact force–sensing catheter in temperature-controlled mode (temperature limited to 48°C, power to 30 W). Included were 285 left atrial static ablations, 247 with additional impedance data. The ablation force time integral (FTI) correlated with the attenuation of the electrogram with ablation (Spearman ρ, –0.14;
P
=0.02): the relationship plateauing from 500 g·s, a reduction in the electrogram amplitude of 20%. The FTI also correlated with the impedance drop during ablation (Spearman ρ, 0.79;
P
<0.0005): the relationship was logarithmic, the reduction in the impedance with an increasing FTI also plateauing from 500 g·s, an impedance drop of 7.5%. The ablation duration affected the impedance drop at an FTI if the duration was <10 s. Beyond this time point, the FTI achieved rather than the ablation duration or mean contact force applied determined the impedance drop.

Conclusions—
During nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation, an FTI of 500 g·s should be targeted with ablation duration of ≥10 s.

Clinical Trials Registration—

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique Identifier: NCT01587404.
New‐Onset Atrial Fibrillation is Associated With Cardiovascular Events Leading to Death in a First Time Myocardial Infarction Population of 89 703 Patients With Long‐Term Follow‐Up: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Bang Casper N. , Gislason Gunnar H. , Greve Anders M. , Bang Christian A. , Lilja Alexander , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Andersen Per K. , Køber Lars , Devereux Richard B. , Wachtell Kristian 
Published: January 2014

Background

New‐onset atrial fibrillation (
AF
) is reported to increase the risk of death in myocardial infarction (
MI
) patients. However, previous studies have reported conflicting results and no data exist to explain the underlying cause of higher death rates in these patients.

Methods and Results

All patients with first acute
MI
between 1997 and 2009 in Denmark, without prior
AF
, were identified from Danish nationwide administrative registers. The impact of new‐onset
AF
on all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular death, fatal/nonfatal stroke, fatal/nonfatal re‐infarction and noncardiovascular death, were analyzed by multiple time‐dependent Cox models and additionally in propensity score matched analysis. In 89 703 patients with an average follow‐up of 5.0±3.5 years event rates were higher in patients developing
AF
(n=10 708) versus those staying in sinus‐rhythm (n=78 992): all‐cause mortality 173.9 versus 69.4 per 1000 person‐years, cardiovascular death 137.2 versus 50.0 per 1000 person‐years, fatal/nonfatal stroke 19.6/19.9 versus 6.2/5.6 per 1000 person‐years, fatal/nonfatal re‐infarction 29.0/60.7 versus 14.2/37.9 per 1000 person‐years. In time‐dependent multiple Cox analyses, new‐onset
AF
remained predictive of increased all‐cause mortality (
HR
: 1.9 [95%
CI
: 1.8 to 2.0]), cardiovascular death (
HR
: 2.1 [2.0 to 2.2]), fatal/nonfatal stroke (
HR
: 2.3 [2.1 to 2.6]/
HR
: 2.5 [2.2 to 2.7]), fatal/nonfatal re‐infarction (
HR
: 1.7 [1.6 to 1.8]/
HR
: 1.8 [1.7 to 1.9]), and non‐ cardiovascular death (
HR
: 1.4 [1.3 to 1.5]) all
P
<0.001). Propensity‐score matched analyses yielded nearly identical results (all
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

New‐onset
AF
after first‐time
MI
is associated with increased mortality, which is largely explained by more cardiovascular deaths. Focus on the prognostic impact of post‐infarct
AF
is warranted.
Using High-Speed Photography to Study Undercatch in Tipping-Bucket Rain Gauges*
Authors: Duchon Claude , Fiebrich Christopher , Grimsley David 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
To better understand the undercatch process associated with tipping-bucket rain gauges, a high-speed camera normally used in determining the structure of lightning was employed. The photo rate was set at 500 frames per second to observe the tipping of the bucket in a commonly used tipping-bucket rain gauge. The photos showed detail never seen before as the bucket tipped from one side to the other. Two fixed rain rates of 19.9 mm h−1 (0.78 in. h−1) and 175.2 mm h−1 (6.90 in. h−1), the minimum and maximum available, respectively, were used.
The data from four tips at each rain rate were examined. The results show that the time from the beginning of a tip to the time the bucket assembly is horizontal—defined as the period during which undercatch occurs—was an average of 0.450 s for the eight cases. The average time for a complete tip was 0.524 s; thus, the vast majority of the time of a tip, 86%, is spent in undercatch mode. Because there was no apparent dependence of these times on rain rate, it should be possible to apply an accurate linear correction for undercatch as a function of rain rate given the time that undercatch occurs during a tip. Over all eight tips, the undercatch was found to be 0.98% for the 19.9 mm h−1 rate and 8.78% for the 175.2 mm h−1 rate. The procedure used to estimate the undercatch is described. Slow motion videos of the tipping of a bucket are available online.
Minimally Invasive Image‐Guided Cochlear Implantation for Pediatric Patients: Clinical Feasibility Study
Authors: Balachandran Ramya , Reda Fitsum A. , Noble Jack H. , Blachon Grégoire S. , Dawant Benoit M. , Fitzpatrick J. Michael , Labadie Robert F. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveMinimally invasive image‐guided cochlear implantation (CI) involves accessing the cochlea via a linear path from the lateral skull to the cochlea avoiding vital structures including the facial nerve. Herein, we describe and demonstrate the feasibility of the technique for pediatric patients.Study DesignProspective.SettingChildren's Hospital.Subjects and MethodsThirteen pediatric patients (1.5 to 8 years) undergoing traditional CI participated in this Institutional Review Board–approved study. Three fiducial markers were bone‐implanted surrounding the ear, and a CT scan was acquired. The CT scan was processed to identify the marker locations and critical structures of the temporal bone. A safe linear path was determined to target the cochlea avoiding damage to vital structures. A custom microstereotactic frame was fabricated that would mount on the fiducial markers and constrain a tool to the desired trajectory. After traditional mastoidectomy and prior to cochleostomy, the custom microstereotactic frame was mounted on the bone‐implanted markers to confirm that the achieved trajectory was safe and accurately accessed the cochlea.ResultsFor all the 13 patients, it was possible to determine a safe trajectory to the cochlea. Custom microstereotactic frames were validated successfully on 9 patients. Two of these patients had inner ear malformations, and this technique helped the surgeon confirm ideal location for cochleostomy. For patients with normal anatomy, the mean and standard deviation of the closest distance of the trajectory to facial nerve and chorda tympani were 1.1 ± 0.3 mm and 1.2 ± 0.5 mm, respectively.ConclusionMinimally invasive image‐guided CI is feasible for pediatric patients.
Madhya Pradesh: Does Agriculture Determine the State’s Growth Trajectory?
Authors: Sapre Amey 
Published: January 2014

This article empirically analyses whether agricultural growth performance determines the growth trajectory of the economy of an Indian state, namely Madhya Pradesh. Long-term growth trends of nearly three decades (1981–2011) in Madhya Pradesh show that fluctuations in agricultural growth and Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) clearly coincide and have a considerable impact on the overall growth of the state’s economy. In examining this, the agricultural terms of trade are first introduced to capture the relative price responsiveness of agricultural supply in the state. Structural breaks, cointegration and an error correction mechanism are used to explore the long-term relationship between terms of trade, agricultural growth and GSDP growth. Findings show that agricultural fluctuations explain nearly half of fluctuations in the growth of the state economy while agricultural supply remains responsive to price and economic incentives. The analysis suggests that agricultural growth performance remains central to achieving any higher growth trajectory for the state. JEL Classification: C22, C50, Q11, Q18
An Opportunity for Social Work Researchers
Authors: Burnette Catherine E. , McCleary Jennifer S. 
Published: January 2014

Objectives: Recruitment of the needed doctoral level social workers is impeded upon when doctoral graduates experience greater educational debt burden, modest salaries, and limited opportunities for student loan debt repayment. The purpose of this article is to describe a promising opportunity to reduce doctoral level social workers’ educational debt, the National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program (NIH LRP). Methods: Based on the authors’ experiences in applying for the NIH LRP, we outline the major components of the program and discuss its usefulness—not only in its potential for loan forgiveness but also in outlining an early career trajectory. Results: The NIH LRP has the potential to provide instrumental support across multiple dimensions for early career PhD-level social workers. Conclusions: The NIH LRP application process requires the thoughtful consideration and planning necessary to achieve a successful early career experience for doctoral social workers to conduct research on social work practice.
An integrated genetic map based on four mapping populations and quantitative trait loci associated with economically important traits in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
Authors: Ren Yi , McGregor Cecilia , Zhang Yan , Gong Guoyi , Zhang Haiying , Guo Shaogui , Sun Honghe , Cai Wantao , Zhang Jie , Xu Yong 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Modern watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) cultivars share a narrow genetic base due to many years of selection for desirable horticultural qualities. Wild subspecies within C. lanatus are important potential sources of novel alleles for watermelon breeding, but successful trait introgression into elite cultivars has had limited success. The application of marker assisted selection (MAS) in watermelon is yet to be realized, mainly due to the past lack of high quality genetic maps. Recently, a number of useful maps have become available, however these maps have few common markers, and were constructed using different marker sets, thus, making integration and comparative analysis among maps difficult. The objective of this research was to use single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) anchor markers to construct an integrated genetic map for C. lanatus.

Results
Under the framework of the high density genetic map, an integrated genetic map was constructed by merging data from four independent mapping experiments using a genetically diverse array of parental lines, which included three subspecies of watermelon. The 698 simple sequence repeat (SSR), 219 insertion-deletion (InDel), 36 structure variation (SV) and 386 SNP markers from the four maps were used to construct an integrated map. This integrated map contained 1339 markers, spanning 798 cM with an average marker interval of 0.6 cM. Fifty-eight previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) for 12 traits in these populations were also integrated into the map. In addition, new QTL identified for brix, fructose, glucose and sucrose were added. Some QTL associated with economically important traits detected in different genetic backgrounds mapped to similar genomic regions of the integrated map, suggesting that such QTL are responsible for the phenotypic variability observed in a broad array of watermelon germplasm.

Conclusions
The integrated map described herein enhances the utility of genomic tools over previous watermelon genetic maps. A large proportion of the markers in the integrated map are SSRs, InDels and SNPs, which are easily transferable across laboratories. Moreover, the populations used to construct the integrated map include all three watermelon subspecies, making this integrated map useful for the selection of breeding traits, identification of QTL, MAS, analysis of germplasm and commercial hybrid seed detection.
Systematic review, network meta-analysis and economic evaluation of biological therapy for the management of active psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Cawson Matthew Richard , Mitchell Stephen Andrew , Knight Chris , Wildey Henry , Spurden Dean , Bird Alex , Orme Michelle Elaine 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
An updated economic evaluation was conducted to compare the cost-effectiveness of the four tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab and infliximab in active, progressive psoriatic arthritis (PsA) where response to standard treatment has been inadequate.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted to identify relevant, recently published studies and the new trial data were synthesised, via a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA), to estimate the relative efficacy of the TNF-α inhibitors in terms of Psoriatic Arthritis Response Criteria (PsARC) response, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). A previously developed economic model was updated with the new meta-analysis results and current cost data. The model was adapted to delineate patients by PASI 50%, 75% and 90% response rates to differentiate between psoriasis outcomes.

Results
All four licensed TNF-α inhibitors were significantly more effective than placebo in achieving PsARC response in patients with active PsA. Adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab were significantly more effective than placebo in improving HAQ scores in patients who had achieved a PsARC response and in improving HAQ scores in PsARC non-responders. In an analysis using 1,000 model simulations, on average etanercept was the most cost-effective treatment and, at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence willingness-to-pay threshold of between £20,000 to £30,000, etanercept is the preferred option.

Conclusions
The economic analysis agrees with the conclusions from the previous models, in that biologics are shown to be cost-effective for treating patients with active PsA compared with the conventional management strategy. In particular, etanercept is cost-effective compared with the other biologic treatments.
Electroacupuncture decreases cognitive impairment and promotes neurogenesis in the APP/PS1 transgenic mice
Authors: Li Xuying , Guo Fan , Zhang Qiaomei , Huo Tingting , Liu Lixin , Wei Haidong , Xiong Lize , Wang Qiang 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no effective treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether repeated electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation would improve cognitive function and the pathological features of AD in amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice.

Methods
Cognitive function of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice was assessed using the Morris water maze test before and after EA treatment. Levels of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) deposits in the hippocampus and cortex were evaluated by immunofluorescence, western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was also examined by immunofluorescence and western blot. The neurogenesis was labeled by the DNA marker bromodeoxyuridine.

Results
EA stimulation significantly ameliorated the learning and memory deficits of AD mice by shortening escape latency and increasing the time spent in the target zone during the probe test. Additionally, decreased Aβ deposits and increased BDNF expression and neurogenesis in the hippocampus and cortex of EA-treated AD mice were detected. The same change was detected in wild-type mice after EA treatment compared with wild-type mice without EA treatment.

Conclusions
Repeated EA stimulation may improve cognitive function, attenuate Aβ deposits, up-regulate the expression of BDNF and promote neurogenesis in the APP/PS1 double transgenic mice. This suggests that EA may be a promising treatment for AD.
Improvement of experimental testing and network training conditions with genome-wide microarrays for more accurate predictions of drug gene targets
Authors: Christadore Lisa M , Pham Lisa , Kolaczyk Eric D , Schaus Scott E 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Genome-wide microarrays have been useful for predicting chemical-genetic interactions at the gene level. However, interpreting genome-wide microarray results can be overwhelming due to the vast output of gene expression data combined with off-target transcriptional responses many times induced by a drug treatment. This study demonstrates how experimental and computational methods can interact with each other, to arrive at more accurate predictions of drug-induced perturbations. We present a two-stage strategy that links microarray experimental testing and network training conditions to predict gene perturbations for a drug with a known mechanism of action in a well-studied organism.

Results

S. cerevisiae cells were treated with the antifungal, fluconazole, and expression profiling was conducted under different biological conditions using Affymetrix genome-wide microarrays. Transcripts were filtered with a formal network-based method, sparse simultaneous equation models and Lasso regression (SSEM-Lasso), under different network training conditions. Gene expression results were evaluated using both gene set and single gene target analyses, and the drug’s transcriptional effects were narrowed first by pathway and then by individual genes. Variables included: (i) Testing conditions – exposure time and concentration and (ii) Network training conditions – training compendium modifications. Two analyses of SSEM-Lasso output – gene set and single gene – were conducted to gain a better understanding of how SSEM-Lasso predicts perturbation targets.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that genome-wide microarrays can be optimized using a two-stage strategy for a more in-depth understanding of how a cell manifests biological reactions to a drug treatment at the transcription level. Additionally, a more detailed understanding of how the statistical model, SSEM-Lasso, propagates perturbations through a network of gene regulatory interactions is achieved.
Morphological and genetic evaluation of the hydrocoral Millepora species complex in the Caribbean
Authors: Ruiz-Ramos Dannise V , Weil Ernesto , Schizas Nikolaos V 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The hydrocoral Millepora is an important framework builder that dominates shallow turbulent environments in the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic-Caribbean. The Caribbean representatives of the genus are classified in four species - Millepora alcicornis, Millepora complanata, Millepora striata, and Millepora squarrosa - but their taxonomic boundaries are not clearly defined. We used mitochondrial gene sequences to delineate the four Millepora species and evaluated whether morphological traits and mitochondrial sequence divergence were correlated for two most common species M. alcicornis and M. complanata.

Results
Samples were collected from Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, Curaçao, Grand Cayman, and Panama during 2006 to 2007. Diameter of dactylopores distinguished the branching and encrusting morphotypes of M. alcicornis and M. complanata, and gastropore diameter discriminated between M. alcicornis and M. complanata. High levels of haplotypic diversity (H
d = 0.94) were observed, with the most common haplotypes shared by M. alcicornis and M. complanata. Sequence divergence ranged from 0% to 3% among M. alcicornis, M. complanata, and M. striata to 25% between these three species and M. squarrosa. Bayesian analysis of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene indicated the presence of three Caribbean taxa: M. squarrosa, M. striata, and the 'species complex’ encompassing the morphologies displayed by M. complanata and M. alcicornis.

Conclusions
The branched M. alcicornis and encrusted M. alcicornis and M. complanata can be differentiated morphologically but not genetically. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the Caribbean milleporids include three species - M. squarrosa, M. striata, and the species complex of M. alcicornis-M. complanata. Millepora striata is closely related to the M. alcicornis-M. complanata species complex.
The association between pain diagram area, fear-avoidance beliefs, and pain catastrophising
Authors: Walker Bruce F , Losco Christine D , Armson Anthony , Meyer Amanda , Stomski Norman J 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Background
The development of clinical practice guidelines for managing spinal pain have been informed by a biopsychosocial framework which acknowledges that pain arises from a combination of psychosocial and biomechanical factors. There is an extensive body of evidence that has associated various psychosocial factors with an increased risk of experiencing persistent pain. Clinicians require instruments that are brief, easy to administer and score, and capable of validly identifying psychosocial factors. The pain diagram is potentially such an instrument. The aim of our study was to examine the association between pain diagram area and psychosocial factors.

Methods
183 adults, aged 20–85, with spinal pain were recruited. We administered a demographic checklist; pain diagram; 11-point Numerical Rating Scale assessing pain intensity; Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS); MOS 36 Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36); and the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). Open source software, GIMP, was used to calculate the total pixilation area on each pain diagram. Linear regression was used to examine the relationship between pain diagram area and the following variables: age; gender; pain intensity; PCS total score; FABQ-Work scale score; FABQ-Activity scale score; and SF-36 Mental Health scale score.

Results
There were no significant associations between pain diagram area and any of the clinical variables.

Conclusion
Our findings showed that that pain diagram area was not a valid measure to identify psychosocial factors. Several limitations constrained our results and further studies are warranted to establish if pain diagram area can be used assess psychosocial factors.