bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of nifekalant hydrochloride on the spatial dispersion of repolarization after direct current defibrillation in patients with oral amiodarone and β‐blocker therapy
Authors: Maeda Keiko , Takagi Masahiko , Tatsumi Hiroaki , Nakagawa Eiichiro , Yoshiyama Minoru 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlthough nifekalant hydrochloride (NIF) has been demonstrated to suppress ventricular tachyarrhythmias, especially electrical storms, the mechanism by which it does so is still unclear. We examined the effects of NIF on the spatial dispersion of repolarization (SDR) after implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) shock.Methods and ResultsIn 35 patients with oral amiodarone and β‐blocker therapy, and an ICD, we recorded the 87‐lead electrocardiogram during sinus rhythm (CONTROL‐1 group) under general anesthesia, and just after the termination of induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) by ICD shock, with or without NIF administration. In all recordings, the corrected QT interval (QTc) was measured in each lead. The dispersion of QTc (QTc‐D; maximum QTc minus minimum QTc) was also measured. Compared with that in the CONTROL‐1 group, the QTc‐D exhibited significant deterioration after ICD shock (61±14 and 90±19 ms1/2, respectively; p<0.05). However, after the termination of induced VF by ICD shock with NIF administration, the QTc‐D did not differ significantly from that in the CONTROL‐1 group (63±20 and 61±14 ms1/2, respectively).ConclusionsNIF suppressed the deterioration of the SDR after ICD shock. This might be one of the mechanisms by which NIF suppresses recurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmia just after ICD shock in patients with oral amiodarone and β‐blocker therapy.
Hydralazine inhibits ventricular tachyarrhythmias in an acquired long QT rabbit model
Authors: Tsutsui Kenta , Yamagishi Satoshi , Kunishima Tomoyuki , Hayami Noriyuki , Murakawa Yuji 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundSome cardioactive vasodilating agents inhibit ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT) associated with acquired long QT syndrome (LQT). We tested whether a vasodilator without direct cardiac effect can eliminate abnormal repolarization‐related VT.MethodsThe effect of hydralazine on the occurrence of VT was assessed in a methoxamine‐sensitized rabbit model of acquired LQT. To verify that VTs in this animal model are triggered by early afterdepolarization (EAD), monophasic action potential (MAP) on the left ventricular surface was recorded in open‐chest rabbits.ResultsIn control rabbits, combined administration of methoxamine and nifekalant frequently induced VTs (16/20, 80%). In contrast, VT occurred only in 2 out of 14 rabbits treated with hydralazine (14.3%, P<0.0001 vs. control). After the treatment, blood pressure was lower in the hydralazine group than in the control group (systolic pressure, 146±19 vs. 165±16 mmHg, P<0.0001; diastolic pressure, 54±10 vs. 101±11 mmHg, P<0.0001). EAD‐like hump was less frequently detected in hydralazine‐treated rabbits (2/10) than in saline‐treated rabbits (9/10, P<0.005). Presence of a hump was significantly related to the appearance of VTs (P<0.05).ConclusionHydralazine inhibited VT in a rabbit LQT model. Vasodilation may have a therapeutic effect on abnormal repolarization‐related VT.
The continuing relevance of Germany’s engine for CEE and the EU
Authors: Handl Vladimir , Paterson William E. 
Published: July 2013

The article looks first into the nature of the relations between Germany and the CEE countries a decade since the accession of the CEE countries to the EU. The relations are characterized as normalised and intensive with diverse levels of closeness and cooperation reflecting of the conceptual and ideological compatibility/differences.
Next, the article focuses on the German attitude to the euro zone crisis. Germany has become a hegemon in the rescue effort aimed at stabilisation and economic invigoration of the euro zone. However, German hegemony has developed by default, not by design: her leading position is linked with considerable political and financial costs. Germany moved central stage and took the position of a reluctant hegemon. However, German role is contested internationally (it has not the support of the French government in key areas) as well as internally (particularly by the Federal Constitutional Court and the Bundesbank).
The article argues that the new situation makes the German–CEE relations increasingly relevant for both sides. The German leadership of the EU increasing split along the north–south divide requires backing by the Northern group countries to which the CEE in general belongs. Given a number of reasons the CEE countries implement three distinctive strategies of co-operation with Germany in European politics. Also military co-operation, which remained rather limited so far, may receive new impulses, given the financial austerity.
New objective findings after whiplash injuries: High blood flow in painful cervical soft tissue: An ultrasound pilot study
Authors: Kalawy Hatem , Stålnacke Britt-Marie , Fahlström Martin , Öhberg Lars , Linetsky Felix , Alfredson Håkan 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The presence of high blood flow in the structurally abnormal and painful regions of tendinosis, but not in the normal pain-free tendons, was recently confirmed by colour Doppler (CD) ultrasound (US). Biopsies from the regions with high blood flow demonstrated the presence of sympathetic and sensitive nerve fibres juxtapositioned to neovessels. Grey-scale US and CD are reliable methods used to evaluate structural homogeneity, thickness, and blood flow in the peripheral tendons. The aim of this study was to utilize CD to qualitatively evaluate for the presence of abnormal high blood flow in paravertebral tissues after whiplash injuries in patients with chronic neck pain.

Methods
Twenty patients with chronic neck pain after whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) and 20 pain-free control subjects were included in the study. The same experienced radiologist performed all grey-scale US and CD examinations.

Results
More regions with high blood flow were observed in the patient group than in the control group. At all levels, the high blood flow pattern was detected at the enthesis of the spinous processes and bilaterally juxtapositioned to the facet joints.

Conclusion
All regions identified by the patients as painful and tender corresponded to the positive high blood flow found during the CD examination.

Implications
These findings document increased blood-flow/neovascularisation at insertions of neck muscles which may indicate that there are pathological neovascularisation with accomanying pain-and sympathetic nerves, similar to what has been found in Achilles-tendinosis. These findings promise that similar treatments that now is successful with Achilles tendinosis, may be effective in the WAD-painful muscle insertions of the neck.
Decision tools for managing biological invasions: existing biases and future needs
Authors: Dana Elías D. , Jeschke Jonathan M. , García-de-Lomas Juan 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe increasing number of invasive species and their effects on wildlife conservation, together with a lack of public resources, make it necessary to prioritize management actions. In practice, management decisions are often reached on the basis of subjective reasoning rather than scientific evidence. To develop a more evidence-based and efficient management of biological invasions, decision tools (e.g. multi-criteria frameworks) that help managers prioritize actions most efficiently are key. In this paper we review to what degree such decision tools are currently available. We used a literature search to identify relevant studies. Our analysis indicates that available studies are largely biased towards risk analysis and that only a few authors have proposed cost-benefit or multi-criteria frameworks for decision making. Until now, these frameworks have only been applied at limited regional scales but they could be applied more widely. Our review also shows critical biases in the geographical focus, habitats, and taxonomic groups of available studies. Most studies have focused on Europe, North America or Australia; other continents have largely been ignored. The majority of studies have focused on terrestrial plants; other habitats and taxonomic groups have been poorly covered. Most studies have focused on a single invasive species but practical management tools should consider a wide variety of invaders. We conclude with suggestions for developing improved decision tools.
Antimalarial drug discovery – the path towards eradication
Authors: BURROWS JEREMY N , BURLOT EMILIE , CAMPO BRICE , CHERBUIN STEPHANIE , JEANNERET SARAH , LEROY DIDIER , SPANGENBERG THOMAS , WATERSON DAVID , WELLS TIMOTHY NC , WILLIS PAUL 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYMalaria is a disease that still affects a significant proportion of the global human population. Whilst advances have been made in lowering the numbers of cases and deaths, it is clear that a strategy based solely on disease control year on year, without reducing transmission and ultimately eradicating the parasite, is unsustainable. This article highlights the current mainstay treatments alongside a selection of emerging new clinical molecules from the portfolio of Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and our partners. In each case, the key highlights from each research phase are described to demonstrate how these new potential medicines were discovered. Given the increased focus of the community on eradicating the disease, the strategy for next generation combination medicines that will provide such potential is explained.
ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF CITIZEN DELIBERATIONS ON THE HEALTH TECHNOLOGY PROCESS
Authors: Abelson Julia , Bombard Yvonne , Gauvin François-Pierre , Simeonov Dorina , Boesveld Sarah 
Published: July 2013

Objectives:We assessed the impacts of a Citizens’ Reference Panel on the deliberations of a provincial health technology advisory committee and its secretariat, which produce, recommendations for the use of health technologies in Ontario, Canada.Methods:A fourteen-member citizens’ reference panel was convened five times between February 2009 and May 2010 to participate in informed, facilitated discussions to inform the assessment of individual technologies and provincial health technology assessment processes more generally. Qualitative data collection methods were used to document observed and perceived impacts of the citizens’ panel on the health technology assessment (HTA) process.Results:Panel impacts were observed for all technologies reviewed, at two different stages in the HTA process, and represented macro- (raising awareness) and micro-level (informing recommendations) impacts. These impacts were shaped by periodic opportunities for direct and brokered exchange between the Panel and the expert advisory committee to clarify roles, foster accountability, and build trust. Our findings offer new insights about one of the main considerations in the design of deliberative participatory structures—how to maintain the independence of a citizens’ panel while ensuring that their input is considered at key junctures in the HTA process.Conclusions:Citizens’ panels can exert various impacts on the HTA process. Ensuring these types of structures include opportunities for direct exchange between citizens and experts, to clarify roles, promote accountability, and build trust will facilitate their impacts in a variety of settings.
QUANTITATIVE PATIENT PREFERENCE EVIDENCE FOR HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Brooker Ann-Sylvia , Carcone Steven , Witteman William , Krahn Murray 
Published: July 2013

Objectives: We conducted a systematic review of quantitative research regarding patients’ preferences, perspectives and values for ventilation among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Our objective was to explore the feasibility and desirability of incorporating patient preferences within the health technology assessment (HTA) process by working through a case study.Methods: Medical and economic databases were searched for studies published in English from 1990 through March 4, 2011. Studies were selected based on title and abstract. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, data were analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach.Results: Among 1833 identified citations, twelve studies met our inclusion criteria. Ten of these studies pertained to COPD patient preferences for ventilation. Results indicate that a significant proportion of COPD patients are willing to forgo ventilation, particularly when it is expressed as “indefinite life support” (60–78 percent) rather than as temporary modality. Results indicate that patient preferences for mechanical or noninvasive ventilation cannot be predicted by covariates (e.g., age, quality of life) or by others who are frequently called upon to make decisions are their behalf.Conclusions: We found that it is indeed feasible to conduct a systematic review of quantitative preference-related evidence for an HTA topic. However, the process of conducting this preference-related case study also revealed several challenges because there is a high degree of variation in taxonomy, instrumentation, and study design. Therefore, we do not recommend it as a routine part of the HTA process, but we suggest that it is a promising area to pursue for preference-sensitive technological decisions.
USE OF IMPLICIT AND EXPLICIT BAYESIAN METHODS IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
Authors: Cooper Nicola J. , Spiegelhalter David , Bujkiewicz Sylwia , Dequen Pascale , Sutton Alex J. 
Published: July 2013

Objectives:The aim of this study was to examine the use of implicit and explicit Bayesian methods in health technology assessments and to identify whether this has changed over time.Methods:A review of all health technology assessment (HTA) reports of secondary research published by the UK National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) between 1997 and 2011. Data were extracted on the use and implementation of Bayesian methods, whether defined as such by the original authors (i.e., explicit) or not (i.e., implicit).Results: A total of 155 of 375 (41 percent) NIHR HTA reports, identified as relevant to this review, contained a Bayesian analysis. Of these, 128 (83 percent) contained an implicit Bayesian analysis, 3 (2 percent) an explicit Bayesian analysis and 24 (15 percent) both implicit and explicit Bayesian analyses. Of the twenty-seven reports that explicitly used Bayes theorem, only six included prior information in the form of (informative) prior distributions. Over time, the percentage of HTA reports that used Bayesian (implicit and/or explicit) methods increased from 0 percent in 1997 to nearly 80 percent in 2011.Conclusions: This review has shown that there has been an increase in the use of Bayesian methods in HTA, which is likely to be a result of the increase in freely available resources to implement the approach. Areas where Bayesian methods have the potential to advance healthcare evaluations in the future are considered in the discussion.
Enhancing and inhibiting star formation: high-resolution simulation studies of the impact of cold accretion, mergers and feedback on individual massive galaxies
Authors: Powell Leila C. , Bournaud Frederic , Chapon Damien , Devriendt Julien , Gaibler Volker , Khochfar Sadegh , Slyz Adrianne , Teyssier Romain 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe quest for a better understanding of the evolution of massive galaxies can be broadly summarised with 2 questions: how did they build up their large (stellar) masses and what eventually quenched their star formation (SF)? To tackle these questions, we use high-resolution ramses simulations (Teyssier 2002) to study several aspects of the detailed interplay between accretion (mergers and cold flows), SF and feedback in individual galaxies. We examine SF in major mergers; a process crucial to stellar mass assembly. We explore whether the merger-induced, clustered SF is as important a mechanism in average mergers, as it is in extreme systems like the Antennae. We find that interaction-induced turbulence drives up the velocity dispersion, and that there is a correlated rise in SFR in all our simulated mergers as the density pdf evolves to have an excess of very dense gas. Next, we introduce a new study into whether mechanical jet feedback can impact upon the ability of hot gas haloes to provide a supply of fuel for SF during mergers and in their remnants. Finally, we briefly review our recent study, in which we examine the effect of supernova (SN) feedback on galaxies accreting via the previously overlooked cold-mode, by resimulating a stream-fed galaxy at z ~ 9. A far-reaching galactic wind results yet it cannot suppress the cold, filamentary accretion or eject significant mass in order to reduce the SFR, suggesting that SN feedback may not be as effective as is often assumed.
The First Billion Years simulation project. Galactic outflows and metal enrichment
Authors: Vecchia Claudio Dalla , Khochfar Sadegh , Schaye Joop 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe First Billion Years is one of the largest and most comprehensive cosmological, hydrodynamical simulation of the early Universe to date. It studies the formation of the first proto-galaxies down to redshift 6, and provides the path of the evolution from proto-galaxies to the observed galaxy population at redshift 4. It also provides predictions for future observations.
Gas Accretion and Mergers in Massive Galaxies at z ~ 2
Authors: Conselice C. J. , Ownsworth Jamie , Mortlock Alice , Bluck Asa F. L. ,   the GNS team
Published: July 2013

AbstractGalaxy assembly is an unsolved problem, with ΛCDM theoretical models unable to easily account for among other things, the abundances of massive galaxies, and the observed merger history. We show here how the problem of galaxy formation can be addressed in an empirical way without recourse to models. We discuss how galaxy assembly occurs at 1.5 < z < 3 examining the role of major and minor mergers, and gas accretion from the intergalactic medium in forming massive galaxies with log M* > 11 found within the GOODS NICMOS Survey (GNS). We find that major mergers, minor mergers and gas accretion are roughly equally important in the galaxy formation process during this epoch, with 64% of the mass assembled through merging and 36% through accreted gas which is later converted to stars, while 58% of all new star formation during this epoch arises from gas accretion. We also discuss how the total gas accretion rate is measured as Ṁ = 90±40 M⊙ yr−1 at this epoch, a value close to those found in some hydrodynamical simulations.
The progenitors of the first red sequence galaxies at z ~ 2
Authors: Barro G. , Faber S. , Perez-Gonzalez P. , Koo D. , Williams C. , Kocevski D. , Trump J. , Mozena M. ,   CANDELS collaboration
Published: July 2013

AbstractNearby galaxies come in two flavors: red quiescent galaxies (QGs) with old stellar populations, and blue young star-forming galaxies (SFGs). This color bimodality seems to be already in place at z = 2 − 3, presenting also strong correlations with size and morphology. Surprisingly, massive QGs at higher redshifts are ~5 times smaller than local, equal mass analogs. In contrast, most of the massive SFGs at these redshifts are still relatively large disks. The strong bimodality in both SFR and sizes indicates that some SFGs must experience strong structural transformations accompanied by a rapid truncation of the star-formation to match the observed properties of QGs. Using high-resolution HST/WFC3 F160W imaging from the CANDELS survey in GOODS-S and UDS, along with multi-wavelength ancillary data, we analyze stellar masses, SFRs and sizes of a sample of massive (M* > 1010M⊙) galaxies at z = 1.4 − 3.0 to identify a population of compact SFGs with similar structural properties as compact QGs at z~2. We also find that the number density of QGs increases rapidly since z = 3. Among these, the number of compact QGs builds up first, and only at z < 1.8 we do start finding a sizable number of extended QGs. This suggests that the bulk of these galaxies are assembled at late times by both continuous migration (quenching) of non-compact SFGs and size growth of cQGs. As a result of this growth, the population of cQGs disappears by z~1. Simultaneously, we identify a population of compact SFGs (cSFGs) whose number density decreases steadily with time since z = 3.0, being almost completely absent at z < 1.4. The number of cSFGs makes up less than 20% of all massive SFGs, but they present similar number densities as cQGs down to z~2, suggesting an evolutionary link between the two populations.
Starburst and old population in z=3.8 radio galaxies with Pégase.3
Authors: Rocca-Volmerange Brigitte , Drouart Guillaume 
Published: July 2013

AbstractDistant radio galaxies, hosted by massive ellipticals, follow the galaxy evolution process on an extremely large (0 ≥ z ≥7) time-scale ≥ 1012Gyrs, up to primeval galaxies. The new evolutionary code Pégase.3 predicts on similar time-scales, the coupled stellar and dust emissions of various galaxy types: starbursts and Hubble sequence types. All z=0 templates are fitted on local observations at ages ≃13 Gyrs (except irregulars at 9 Gyrs). The multi-λ spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of two z=3.8 radiogalaxies, including the most recent Herschel data from the HeRGÉ consortium, are interpreted in the observer's frame by Rocca-Volmerange et al. (2012) with Pégase.3. The apparent SEDs are fitted at best with the sum of a young starburst and an older early-type population, an AGN simple model is taken into account. These results favor massive gas-rich mergers at work in evolved galaxies at z≃4. Massive starbursts would be at the origin of galaxy evolution initiated at the earliest epochs (zfor≥10). The possible relation with super massive black holes is still debated.
Hα Equivalent Widths from the 3D-HST survey: evolution with redshift and dependence on stellar mass
Authors: Fumagalli Mattia , Patel Shannon G. , Franx Marijn , Brammer Gabriel , Dokkum Pieter van , da Cunha Elisabete , Kriek Mariska , Lundgren Britt , Momcheva Ivelina , Rix Hans-Walter , Schmidt Kasper B. , Skelton Rosalind E. , Whitaker Katherine E. , Labbe Ivo , Nelson Erica 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe investigate the evolution of the Hα equivalent width, EW(Hα), with redshift and its dependence on stellar mass, using the first data from the 3D-HST survey, a large spectroscopic Treasury program with the HST-WFC3. Combining our Hα measurements of 854 galaxies at 0.8<z<1.5 with those of ground based surveys at lower and higher redshift, we can consistently determine the evolution of the EW(Hα) distribution from z=0 to z=2.2. We find that at all masses the characteristic EW(Hα) is decreasing towards the present epoch, and that at each redshift the EW(Hα) is lower for high-mass galaxies. We find EW(Hα) ~ (1+z)1.8 with little mass dependence. Qualitatively, this measurement is a model-independent confirmation of the evolution of star forming galaxies with redshift. A quantitative conversion of EW(Hα) to sSFR (specific star-formation rate) is model dependent, because of differential reddening corrections between the continuum and the Balmer lines. The observed EW(Hα) can be reproduced with the characteristic evolutionary history for galaxies, whose star formation rises with cosmic time to z ~ 2.5 and then decreases to z = 0. This implies that EW(Hα) rises to 400 Å at z = 8. The sSFR evolves faster than EW(Hα), as the mass-to-light ratio also evolves with redshift. We find that the sSFR evolves as (1+z)3.2, nearly independent of mass, consistent with previous reddening insensitive estimates. We confirm previous results that the observed slope of the sSFR-z relation is steeper than the one predicted by models, but models and observations agree in finding little mass dependence.