bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nationwide Improvements in Survival From Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Japan
Authors: Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Iwami Taku , Kawamura Takashi , Nitta Masahiko , Nagao Ken , Nonogi Hiroshi , Yonemoto Naohiro , Kimura Takeshi 
Published: October 2012

Background—
Little is known about the nationwide trend in the survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Japan and the differences in incidence and survival by age group and origin of arrest.

Methods and Results—

A nationwide, prospective, population-based observation covering the whole population of Japan and involving consecutive OHCA patients with resuscitation attempts was conducted from January 2005 to December 2009. The main outcome measure was 1-month survival with favorable neurological outcome. The nationwide trends in OHCA incidence and outcome by age and origin of arrest were assessed. Multiple logistic regression analysis for bystander-witnessed OHCA was used to adjust for factors that were potentially associated with favorable neurological outcome. During 5 years, 547 153 overall OHCAs and 169 360 bystander-witnessed OHCAs were enrolled. The annual incidence significantly increased among overall OHCAs and bystander-witnessed OHCAs. Neurologically favorable survival significantly increased from 1.6% (1676/102 737) in 2005 to 2.8% (3280/115 250) in 2009 (
P
<0.001), from 2.1% (638/30 556) to 4.3% (1558/36 361) (
P
<0.001), and from 9.8% (437/4461) to 20.6% (1215/5906) (
P
<0.001) among overall OHCA, bystander-witnessed OHCA, and bystander-witnessed ventricular fibrillation OHCA, respectively. Public-access automated external defibrillator use, either bystander-initiated chest compression–only cardiopulmonary resuscitation or conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and earlier emergency medical services response time were associated with a better neurological outcome. Favorable neurological outcome among adult OHCA subjects significantly improved, but the outcome among younger children and very elderly subjects did not improve and was poor irrespective of origin of OHCA.

Conclusions—
Nationwide improvements of favorable neurological outcome from OHCA were observed in Japan and differed by age group and origin of OHCA.
Homeostatic and Tissue Reparation Defaults in Mice Carrying Selective Genetic Invalidation of CXCL12/Proteoglycan Interactions
Authors: Rueda Patricia , Richart Adèle , Récalde Alice , Gasse Pamela , Vilar José , Guérin Coralie , Lortat-Jacob Hugues , Vieira Paulo , Baleux Frano̧ise , Chretien Fabrice , Arenzana-Seisdedos Fernando , Silvestre Jean-Sébastien 
Published: October 2012

Background—
Interaction with heparan sulfate proteoglycans is supposed to provide chemokines with the capacity to immobilize on cell surface and extracellular matrix for accomplishing both tissue homing and signaling of attracted cells. However, the consequences of the exclusive invalidation of such interaction on the roles played by endogenous chemokines in vivo remain unascertained.

Methods and Results—

We engineered a mouse carrying a
Cxcl12
gene (
Cxcl12

Gagtm

) mutation that precludes interactions with heparan sulfate structures while not affecting CXCR4-dependent cell signaling of CXCL12 isoforms (α, β, γ).
Cxcl12

Gagtm/Gagtm

mice develop normally, express normal levels of total and isoform-specific
Cxcl12
mRNA, and show increased counting of circulating CD34
+
hematopoietic precursor cells. After induced acute ischemia, a marked impaired capacity to support revascularization was observed in
Cxcl12

Gagtm/Gagtm

animals associated with a reduced number of infiltrating cells in the ischemic tissue despite the massive expression of CXCL12 isoforms. Importantly, exogenous administration of CXCL12γ, which binds heparan sulfate with the highest affinity ever reported for a cytokine, fully restores vascular growth, whereas heparan sulfate–binding CXCL12γ mutants failed to promote revascularization in
Cxcl12

Gagtm/Gagtm

animals.

Conclusion—
These findings prove the role played by heparan sulfate interactions in the functions of CXCL12 in both homeostasis and physiopathological settings and document for the first time the paradigm of chemokine immobilization in vivo.
Comparing Two Approaches for Assessing Observation Impact
Authors: Todling Ricardo 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Langland and Baker introduced an approach to assess the impact of observations on the forecasts. In that approach, a state-space aspect of the forecast is defined and a procedure is derived ultimately relating changes in the aspect with changes in the observing system. Some features of the state-space approach are to be noted: the typical choice of forecast aspect is rather subjective and leads to incomplete assessment of the observing system, it requires availability of a verification state that is in practice correlated with the forecast, and it involves the adjoint operator of the entire data assimilation system and is thus constrained by the validity of this operator. This article revisits the topic of observation impacts from the perspective of estimation theory. An observation-space metric is used to allow inferring observation impact on the forecasts without the limitations just mentioned. Using differences of observation-minus-forecast residuals obtained from consecutive forecasts leads to the following advantages: (i) it suggests a rather natural choice of forecast aspect that directly links to the data assimilation procedure, (ii) it avoids introducing undesirable correlations in the forecast aspect since verification is done against the observations, and (iii) it does not involve linearization and use of adjoints. The observation-space approach has the additional advantage of being nearly cost free and very simple to implement. In its simplest form it reduces to evaluating the statistics of observation-minus-background and observation-minus-analysis residuals with traditional methods. Illustrations comparing the approaches are given using the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System.
Preface to the Special Section on Human Factors and Automation in Vehicles
Authors: Merat Natasha , Lee John D. 
Published: October 2012

Objective: This special section brings together diverse research regarding driver interaction with advanced automotive technology to guide design of increasingly automated vehicles. Background: Rapidly evolving vehicle automation will likely change cars and trucks more in the next 5 years than the preceding 50, radically redefining what it means to drive. Method: This special section includes 10 articles from European and North American researchers reporting simulator and naturalistic driving studies. Results: Little research has considered the consequences of fully automated driving, with most focusing on lane-keeping and speed control systems individually. The studies reveal two underlying design philosophies: automate driving versus support driving. Results of several studies, consistent with previous research in other domains, suggest that the automate philosophy can delay driver responses to incidents in which the driver has to intervene and take control from the automation. Understanding how to orchestrate the transfer or sharing of control between the system and the driver, particularly in critical incidents, emerges as a central challenge. Conclusion: Designers should not assume that automation can substitute seamlessly for a human driver, nor can they assume that the driver can safely accommodate the limitations of automation. Designers, policy makers, and researchers must give careful consideration to what role the person should have in highly automated vehicles and how to support the driver if the driver is to be responsible for vehicle control. As in other domains, driving safety increasingly depends on the combined performance of the human and automation, and successful designs will depend on recognizing and supporting the new roles of the driver.
Augmented Reality Cues and Elderly Driver Hazard Perception
Authors: Schall Mark C. , Rusch Michelle L. , Lee John D. , Dawson Jeffrey D. , Thomas Geb , Aksan Nazan , Rizzo Matthew 
Published: October 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) cues in improving driving safety among elderly drivers who are at increased crash risk because of cognitive impairments. Background: Cognitively challenging driving environments pose a particular crash risk for elderly drivers. AR cuing is a promising technology to mitigate risk by directing driver attention to roadway hazards. We investigate whether AR cues improve or interfere with hazard perception in elderly drivers with age-related cognitive decline. Method: A total of 20 elderly ( M = 73 years, SD = 5) licensed drivers with a range of cognitive abilities measured by a speed-of-processing (SOP) composite participated in a 1-hr drive in an interactive, fixed-base driving simulator. Each participant drove through six straight, 6-mile-long, rural roadway scenarios following a lead vehicle. AR cues directed attention to potential roadside hazards in three of the scenarios, and the other three were uncued (baseline) drives. Effects of AR cuing were evaluated with respect to (a) detection of hazardous target objects, (b) interference with detecting nonhazardous secondary objects, and (c) impairment in maintaining safe distance behind a lead vehicle. Results: AR cuing improved the detection of hazardous target objects of low visibility. AR cues did not interfere with detection of nonhazardous secondary objects and did not impair ability to maintain safe distance behind a lead vehicle. SOP capacity did not moderate those effects. Conclusion: AR cues show promise for improving elderly driver safety by increasing hazard detection likelihood without interfering with other driving tasks, such as maintaining safe headway.
Governability Framework for the Evaluation and Implementation of Complex Public Health Functions
Authors: Varghese Joe , Kutty V. Raman 
Published: October 2012

Background: The dominant theoretical basis of our public health practice originates from a positivist or reductionist paradigm. It fails to take into account the complexity emerging out of public health’s multiple influences originating from biological and social worlds. A deeper understanding of the interaction of elements that characterize the implementation of public health functions will enhance our ability to generate evidence and learn further. Objective: The “interactive governance theory” by Jan Kooiman introduced here offers an analytical framework that uses the concept of “governability.” It is a measure of how governable a particular social system is that takes care of a public function. Assessment is facilitated by breaking down and describing the social system into constituent parts and by exploring the properties, qualities, and the way in which they interact with each other. Further, by deliberating a complex public health function such as immunization services in the context of developing countries, we explore the application of the interactive governance theory and governability. Conclusion: The theory offers new insights into how interactive and holistic approaches can be integrated into public health practice. The advantage of the concept of “governability” is that it enables us to explore why some governance systems deliver what they are expected to, while others do not. This might help us to identify areas where governance can be improved.
Hearing Outcomes in Stapes Surgery
Authors: Wiet Richard J. , Battista Robert A. , Wiet R. Mark , Sabin Andrew T. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveTo compare short‐ and long‐term hearing results following stapedectomy using 3 different oval window grafting materials with the same stapes prosthesis.Study DesignDatabase review.SettingTertiary referral private practice.Subjects and MethodsSubjects were ears that underwent stapedectomy for otosclerosis, with placement of fat, fascia, or vein as an oval window seal and reconstruction with a titanium bucket handle prosthesis. A total of 365 procedures met these inclusion criteria: 98 fat grafts, 135 fascia grafts, and 132 vein grafts. Outcome measures included short‐term (<1 year) and long‐term follow‐up air‐bone gap. We compared the preoperative and postoperative amount of change in air‐bone gap and preoperative and postoperative amount of change in the high‐frequency bone conduction average.ResultsOverall median times to short‐term and long‐term follow‐ups were 2.2 months and 36.1 months, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the 3 tissue seal groups in the amount of change in air‐bone gap. There was no significant difference in amount of change in high‐frequency bone conduction (representing sensorineural hearing level) between the 3 tissue seal groups. Most patients in all 3 groups had an air‐bone gap at long‐term follow‐up of ≤10 dB (fat, 79.5%; fascia, 78.8%; and vein, 75.6%), with 90.3% of all patients at ≤20 dB.ConclusionsIn both the short‐term postoperative period and long‐term follow‐up, there were no significant differences in hearing results among 3 types of tissue seals of the oval window in stapes surgery. Fat, fascia, and vein grafts all provide satisfactory hearing outcomes in stapedectomy.
Management of Pathologic Fractures of the Mandible Secondary to Osteoradionecrosis
Authors: Sawhney Raja , Ducic Yadranko 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveTo review our experience with late Marx stage III osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the mandible in patients who present with pathologic fracture.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care center.Subjects and MethodsThirty‐seven patients were identified from June 1998 to August 2010 who underwent treatment of Marx grade III osteoradionecrosis with pathologic fracture of the mandible. All patients underwent reconstruction with osteocutaneous free tissue transfer and when possible underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy Marx protocol.ResultsThe average time between completion of radiation therapy and presentation of ORN‐induced pathologic fracture was 3.2 years. Sixteen patients developed ORN following tooth extraction. Sixteen patients had no previous documented ORN prior to presenting with pathologic fracture. Follow‐up after surgery averaged 4.5 years with no recurrence of disease. The overall complication rate was 24% with no total flap loss. Of the patients, 95% returned to prefracture dietary intake. Twenty‐six patients underwent a staged protocol, in which after resection and plate reconstruction, they underwent 20 hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) dives. They then underwent free tissue transfer followed by a further 10 HBO dives. There were no flaps lost or nonbony unions. Eleven patients did not receive HBO therapy as part of their surgical treatment plan. Again, there was no total flap loss, but 2 skin paddles were lost and 4 bony nonunions occurred.ConclusionsPathologic fracture in conjunction with ORN has a relatively high treatment complication rate. Free tissue transfer and HBO are the treatment of choice for this population.
Effects of a single session of whole body vibration on ankle plantarflexion spasticity and gait performance in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chan Kwan-Shan , Liu Chin-Wei , Chen Tien-Wen , Weng Ming-Cheng , Huang Mao-Hsiung , Chen Chia-Hsin 
Published: October 2012

Objective: To investigate the effects of a single session of whole body vibration training on ankle plantarflexion spasticity and gait performance in chronic stroke patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Rehabilitation unit in university hospital. Participants: Thirty subjects with chronic stroke were randomized into either a control group ( n = 15) or a group receiving a single session of whole body vibration ( n = 15). Intervention: The intervention group was actually treated with whole body vibration while the control group was treated with placebo treatment. Main measures: The spastic changes were measured clinically and neurophysiologically. Subjective evaluation of ankle spasticity was performed via a visual analogue scale. Gait performances were evaluated by the timed up and go test, 10-meter walk test and cadence. A forceplate was used for measuring foot pressure. Results: The changes between whole body vibration and control groups were significantly different in Modified Ashworth Scale (1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06~1.60). The Hmax/ Mmax ratio (0.14, 95% CI = 0.01~0.26) and visual analogue scale (1.87, 95% CI = 1.15~2.58) were significantly decreased. Whole body vibration could significantly improve gait velocity, timed up and go test (6.03, 95% CI = 3.17~8.89) and 10-meter walk test (1.99, 95% CI = 0.11~3.87). The uneven body weight posture on bilateral feet was also improved after vibration. Conclusion: These results suggest that a single session of whole body vibration training can reduce ankle plantarflexion spasticity in chronic stroke patients, thereby potentially increasing ambulatory capacity.
Waiting list-controlled evaluation of a participatory arts course for people experiencing mental health problems
Authors: Margrove Kerrie L ,   SE-SURG (South Essex Service User Research Group), Heydinrych Kirsten , Secker Jenny 
Published: October 2012

Aims: The potential for participation in creative activity to promote recovery from mental ill health is highlighted in mental health policy and guidance, alongside a perceived dearth of robust evidence of effectiveness. Open Arts has run participatory arts courses in South Essex since 2008 and a course waiting list has developed with increasing demand for places. Given the waiting list and the need to improve the evidence base for the utility of participatory arts groups in mental health, the aim of this project was to conduct a naturalistic waiting list-controlled evaluation of the 12-week courses routinely provided and to explore participants’ experiences of their course. It was expected that people on the waiting list who were allocated places on a course would gain improvements in well-being and social inclusion, whereas those not allocated places would show no changes over the same time period. Methods: Measures included the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) and the Social Inclusion Scale (SIS). People on the Open Arts waiting list who had been allocated a place on the courses formed an intervention group; those remaining on the waiting list were asked to complete the same measures over the same time period (forming a control group). Participants in the intervention group were asked to rate the service and were offered the opportunity to join a focus group. Results: Thirty-two people in the control group and 26 people in the intervention group could be included in the final analyses. There were no significant differences between the two groups on either measure at baseline. Intervention group total mean scores were significantly higher after the Open Arts course than at baseline on both the WEMWBS and SIS, but no significant differences across time were found for the control group. Of the intervention group 96% reported enjoying the course and most of those providing feedback reported gains in confidence (81%) and motivation (88%). Nineteen participants in the control group completed an Open Arts course later in the year and similar improvements between baseline and follow-up scores on the WEMWBS and SIS were then found in this group. Conclusions: This service evaluation of Open Arts has provided some preliminary evidence that participatory arts groups are likely to have benefits for mental health service users in terms of improved well-being and social inclusion. The evaluation justifies a future randomised controlled trial and economic appraisal of participatory arts projects.
Pathogenesis of and strategies for preventing Edwardsiella tarda infection in fish
Authors: Park Seong Bin , Aoki Takashi , Jung Tae Sung 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Edwardsiella tarda is one of the serious fish pathogens, infecting both cultured and wild fish species. Research on edwardsiellosis has revealed that E. tarda has a broad host range and geographic distribution, and contains important virulence factors that enhance bacterial survival and pathogenesis in hosts. Although recent progress in edwardsiellosis research has enabled the development of numerous, highly effective vaccine candidates, these efforts have not been translated into a commercialized vaccine. The present review aims to provide an overview of the identification, pathology, diagnosis and virulence factors of E. tarda in fish, and describe recent strategies for developing vaccines against edwardsiellosis. The hope is that this presentation will be useful not only from the standpoint of understanding the pathogenesis of E. tarda, but also from the perspective of facilitating the development of effective vaccines.
Insights into the molecular mechanism of RGL2-mediated inhibition of seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Stamm Petra , Ravindran Pratibha , Mohanty Bijayalaxmi , Tan Ee Ling , Yu Hao , Kumar Prakash P 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Seed germination is of immense significance for agriculture and has been studied for centuries. Yet, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying regulation of dormancy and germination is still in its infancy. Gibberellins are the key phytohormones that promote germination, and the DELLA protein RGL2 is the main signalling intermediate involved in this response. Germination is completely inhibited if functional RGL2 is overexpressed and/or stabilized; however, the molecular mechanisms of RGL2 function are still largely unknown. We therefore attempted to shed light onto some of the genetic events downstream of RGL2.

Results
Gene ontology of the transcriptome differentially regulated by RGL2, as well as extensive cross-comparison with other available microarray data indicates that RGL2-mediated inhibition of germination causes seeds to enter a state of dormancy. RGL2 also appears to differentially regulate a number of transcription factors, many of which are known to be involved in light- or phytohormone-mediated aspects of germination. A promoter analysis of differentially expressed genes identified an enrichment of several motifs that can be bound by specific transcription factors, for example GAMYB, ARF1, or Dof-type zinc fingers. We show that Dof-binding motifs indeed play a role in RGL2-mediated transcription. Using Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we show that RGL2 directly downregulates at least one cell wall modifying enzyme, which is predicted to constrain cell growth thereby leading to inhibition of seed germination.

Conclusions
Our results reveal that RGL2 controls various aspects of germination. Through the repression of cell wall modifying enzymes, cell growth is directly constrained to inhibit germination. Furthermore, RGL2 likely interacts with various types of proteins to regulate transcription, and differentially regulates several transcription factors. Collectively, our data indicate that gibberellins, acting via RGL2, control several aspects of seed germination.