bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Trans-septal Activation During Septal Pacing
Authors: Betensky Brian P. , Kapa Suraj , Desjardins Benoit , Garcia Fermin C. , Callans David J. , Dixit Sanjay , Frankel David S. , Hutchinson Mathew D. , Supple Gregory E. , Zado Erica S. , Marchlinski Francis E. 
Published: October 2013

Background—
Identification of intramural basal-septal ventricular tachycardia (VT) substrate is challenging in nonischemic cardiomyopathy. We sought to (1) characterize normal/abnormal trans-septal right ventricular (RV) to left ventricular activation; (2) assess the effect of opposite RV pacing on left ventricular septal bipolar electrograms (EGMs); and (3) establish criteria for the identification of intramural septal VT substrate.

Methods and Results—

Endocardial activation mapping and local EGM assessment of the left interventricular septum was performed during RV basal septal pacing in 40 patients undergoing VT ablation with no evidence of septal scar (group 1, n=14) and with septal scar (group 2, n=26) defined by low septal unipolar voltage (<8.3 mV) and delayed enhancement on cardiac MRI with/without abnormal bipolar voltage (<1.5 mV) in sinus rhythm. Left ventricular trans-septal activation time was prolonged in Group 2 compared with Group 1 (55.3±33.0 versus 25.7±8.8 ms;
P
=0.003). In 6 group 2 patients, left ventricular septal breakthrough was displaced to the scar border. During RV pacing, group 2 had fractionated (8.8%), late (2.8%), and split (5.7%) EGMs not seen in group 1. Trans-septal activation >40 ms (sensitivity 60%, specificity 100%;
P
<0.001) and EGM duration >95 ms during pacing (sensitivity 22%, specificity 91%;
P
<0.001) identified septal scar (13/26 pts).

Conclusions—
In patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, VT and septal scar, delayed transmural conduction time (>40 ms) and fractionated, late, split, and wide (>95 ms) bipolar EGMs during RV basal pacing identify intramural VT substrate. In select cases, the basal septum appears compartmentalized as the stimulated wavefront is rerouted to the scar border.
Soluble ST2 in Ambulatory Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Felker G. Michael , Fiuzat Mona , Thompson Vivian , Shaw Linda K. , Neely Megan L. , Adams Kirkwood F. , Whellan David J. , Donahue Mark P. , Ahmad Tariq , Kitzman Dalane W. , Piña Ileana L. , Zannad Faiez , Kraus William E. , O’Connor Christopher M. 
Published: October 2013

Background—
ST2 is involved in cardioprotective signaling in the myocardium and has been identified as a potentially promising biomarker in heart failure (HF). We evaluated ST2 levels and their association with functional capacity and long-term clinical outcomes in a cohort of ambulatory patients with HF enrolled in the Heart Failure: A Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of Exercise Training (HF-ACTION) study—a multicenter, randomized study of exercise training in HF.

Methods and Results—

HF-ACTION randomized 2331 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <0.35 and New York Heart Association class II to IV HF to either exercise training or usual care. ST2 was analyzed in a subset of 910 patients with evaluable plasma samples. Correlations and Cox models were used to assess the relationship among ST2, functional capacity, and long-term outcomes. The median baseline ST2 level was 23.7 ng/mL (interquartile range, 18.6–31.8). ST2 was modestly associated with measures of functional capacity. In univariable analysis, ST2 was significantly associated with death or hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.48;
P
<0.0001), cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization (hazard ratio, 2.14;
P
<0.0001), and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.33;
P
<0.0001; all hazard ratios for log
2
ng/mL). In multivariable models, ST2 remained independently associated with outcomes after adjustment for clinical variables and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. However, ST2 did not add significantly to reclassification of risk as assessed by changes in the C statistic, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement.

Conclusions—
ST2 was modestly associated with functional capacity and was significantly associated with outcomes in a well-treated cohort of ambulatory patients with HF although it did not significantly affect reclassification of risk.

Clinical Trial Information—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00047437.
Trends From 1996 to 2007 in Incidence and Mortality Outcomes of Heart Failure After Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Population‐Based Study of 20 812 Patients With First Acute Myocardial Infarction in Western Australia
Authors: Hung Joseph , Teng Tiew‐Hwa Katherine , Finn Judith , Knuiman Matthew , Briffa Thomas , Stewart Simon , Sanfilippo Frank M. , Ridout Steven , Hobbs Michael 
Published: October 2013

Background

Advances in treatment for acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
) are likely to have had a beneficial impact on the incidence of and deaths attributable to heart failure (
HF
) complicating
AMI
, although limited data are available to support this contention.

Methods and Results

W
estern
A
ustralian linked administrative health data were used to identify 20 812 consecutive patients, aged 40 to 84 years, without prior
HF
hospitalized with an index (first)
AMI
between 1996 and 2007. We assessed the temporal incidence of and adjusted odds ratio/hazard ratio for death associated with
HF
concurrent with
AMI
admission and within 1 year after discharge. Concurrent
HF
comprised 75% of incident
HF
cases. Between the periods 1996–1998 and 2005–2007, the prevalence of
HF
after
AMI
declined from 28.1% to 16.5%, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.50 (95%
CI
, 0.44 to 0.55). The crude 28‐day case‐fatality rate for patients with concurrent
HF
declined marginally from 20.5% to 15.9% (
P
<0.05) compared with those without concurrent
HF
, in whom the case‐fatality rate declined from 11.0% to 4.8% (
P
<0.001). Concurrent
HF
was associated with a multivariate‐adjusted odds ratio of 2.2 for 28‐day mortality and a hazard ratio of 2.2 for 1‐year mortality in 28‐day survivors. Occurrence of
HF
within 90 days of the index
AMI
was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.7 for 1‐year mortality in 90‐day survivors.

Conclusions

Despite encouraging declines in the incidence of
HF
complicating
AMI
, it remains a common problem with high mortality. Increased attention to these high‐risk patients is needed given the lack of improvement in their long‐term prognosis.
Fluorescent Oxidation Products and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: A Prospective Study in Women
Authors: Jensen Majken K. , Wang Yushan , Rimm Eric B. , Townsend Mary K. , Willett Walter , Wu Tianying 
Published: October 2013

Background

Oxidative stress is implicated in the etiology of coronary heart disease (
CHD
). New measures to capture oxidative stress are warranted. Fluorescent oxidation products (
FlOP
s) can be measured in plasma and have been shown to reflect levels of oxidative stress and to predict risk of
CHD
in men over 6 years of follow‐up. The objective of this study is to determine whether measures of
FlOP
s are associated with risk of
CHD
in women over an extended follow‐up period.

Methods and Results

We measured
FlOP
by spectrofluorometer in a nested case–control study within the
N
urses'
H
ealth
S
tudy, with baseline blood collection in 1990 and follow‐up of 397 incident
CHD
cases through 2004 matched 1:2 with controls. Level of
FlOP
s was independently associated with
CHD
. The relative risk across extreme quintiles was 1.64 (95% confidence interval [
CI
], 1.06 to 2.53) when adjusted for lifestyle factors, lipids and C‐reactive protein (
P
trend across quintiles=0.01). A slightly stronger association was observed when analyses were restricted to women fasting >8 hours at blood draw (
RR
, 1.91; 95%
CI
, 1.16 to 3.15). In exploratory time to event analyses, high levels of
FlOP
s measured ≥5 years before the
CHD
event, but not closer to the
CHD
event, were associated with the risk of
CHD
.

Conclusions

Higher levels of
FlOP
s were associated with the risk of
CHD
in women. The association appeared strongest for long‐term prediction of
CHD
events.
Intracerebral Hematomas Disappear on T2*-Weighted Images During Normobaric Oxygen Therapy
Authors: Gaberel Thomas , Gakuba Clement , Hebert Marie , Montagne Axel , Agin Veronique , Rubio Marina , Emery Evelyne , Vivien Denis , Gauberti Maxime 
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose—
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of normobaric oxygen (NBO) therapy on T2*-weighted images of intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs).

Methods—
Two common models of ICH were performed in mice, and longitudinal T2*-weighted images of the hematomas were acquired under normoxia or NBO. The effects of NBO were also investigated on perfusion-weighted imaging, susceptibility-weighted imaging, and molecular imaging of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 after ICH. Last, we performed neurological testing, including neuroscore, actimetry, and gait analysis (Catwalk), to study the influence of NBO on neurological outcome of mice presenting ICH.

Results—
Our results demonstrated that NBO, even during a short period of time, dramatically reduces the sensitivity of T2*-weighted imaging to detect ICH. Moreover, we provide evidence that the disappearance of ICH on T2*-weighted imaging could be used to improve accuracy of perfusion-weighted imaging and to allow molecular imaging after ICH. Importantly, a 30-minute NBO preparation 24 hours after ICH onset does not influence neurological outcome.

Conclusions—
We provide an experimental demonstration that NBO significantly affects T2*-weighted imaging in ICH. Although this phenomenon could lead to inaccurate assessment of ICH volume, it could also be safely used to allow perfusion-weighted imaging and molecular imaging.
Searching for Common Ground on Universal Jurisdiction: The Clash between Formalism and Soft Law
Authors: Almqvist Jessica 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The possibility of prosecuting serious international crimes before domestic foreign courts when territorial courts are unwilling and unable to perform this function and international criminal tribunals with suitable competences are unavailable has been intensively debated since the time of the Spanish arrest warrants against Pinochet. The African disapproval of decisions by European courts to exercise universal jurisdiction over serious crimes allegedly perpetrated by former African leaders indicates the absence of common ground on where and how such jurisdiction is to be utilized. The recent judgment of the International Court of Justice in the dispute between Belgium and Senegal sheds new light on how consensus on these issues might be forged. The Court’s commitment to formalism in the ascertainment and application of international law together with its ends-focused reasoning on the substance of that law reinforces the view that the UN Convention against Torture offers a non-controversial legal basis for upholding universal jurisdiction competences in these cases. However, the conclusions reached in the judgment can also be criticized for clashing with soft law recommendations in the field, pointing to the advantages of the organization of high-profile trials located in Africa in spite of the practical difficulties involved.
‘By Means of its Own Choosing’: Is the Court Refashioning the Remedies of State Responsibility?
Authors: Tully Stephen 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The International Court of Justice (the Court) can formulate appropriate orders whilst being sufficiently attune to the domestic constraints confronted by States. In the Consular Notification cases, the United States was ordered, ‘by means of its own choosing’, to undertake a ‘review and reconsideration’ of the convictions and sentences of certain named individuals whose rights to consular notification were denied. The Court revived a distinction between obligations of conduct and obligations of result but refrained from indicating when a violation of an international obligation occurred, in this case, potential non-compliance with its earlier judgment in Avena. This article argues that the Court need not attempt to remodel the doctrine of State responsibility in order to provide an adequate and effective remedy. Juridical restitution, as evidenced in its prior jurisprudence, contemplates intrusion into the municipal legal order of States. This article also considers the free choice of means principle and the appropriate judicial function in these circumstances. It concludes that the remedial orders declared by the Court can be made by reference to the particular obligation at issue and the circumstances of each case. Furthermore, the litigation context and the claims made by the disputants cannot be overlooked by the Court when determining the degree of specificity required by those orders.
Atmospheric Motion Vectors from Model Simulations. Part II: Interpretation as Spatial and Vertical Averages of Wind and Role of Clouds
Authors: Hernandez-Carrascal Angeles , Bormann Niels 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis is the second part of a two-part paper whose main objective is to improve the characterization of atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) and their errors to guide developments in the use of AMVs in numerical weather prediction (NWP). AMVs tend to exhibit considerable systematic and random errors. These errors can arise in the AMV derivation or the interpretation of AMVs as single-level point estimates of wind. An important difficulty in the study of AMV errors is the scarcity of collocated observations of clouds and wind. The study uses instead a simulation framework: geostationary imagery for Meteorological Satellite-8 (Meteosat-8) is generated from a high-resolution simulation with the Weather Research and Forecasting regional model, and AMVs are derived from sequences of these simulated images. The NWP model provides the “truth” with a sophisticated description of the atmosphere. This second part focuses on alternative interpretations of AMVs. The key results are 1) that interpreting the AMVs as vertical and horizontal averages of wind can give some benefits over the traditional single-level interpretation (improvements in RMSVD of 5% for high-level AMVs and 20% for low-level AMVs) and 2) that there is evidence that AMVs are more representative of either a wind average over the model cloud layer or wind at a representative level within the cloud layer than of wind at the model cloud top or cloud base.
Comparison of Convective Boundary Layer Velocity Spectra Retrieved from Large- Eddy-Simulation and Weather Research and Forecasting Model Data
Authors: Gibbs Jeremy A. , Fedorovich Evgeni 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAs computing capabilities expand, operational and research environments are moving toward the use of finescale atmospheric numerical models. These models are attractive for users who seek an accurate description of small-scale turbulent motions. One such numerical tool is the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, which has been extensively used in synoptic-scale and mesoscale studies. As finer-resolution simulations become more desirable, it remains a question whether the model features originally designed for the simulation of larger-scale atmospheric flows will translate to adequate reproductions of small-scale motions. In this study, turbulent flow in the dry atmospheric convective boundary layer (CBL) is simulated using a conventional large-eddy-simulation (LES) code and the WRF model applied in an LES mode. The two simulation configurations use almost identical numerical grids and are initialized with the same idealized vertical profiles of wind velocity, temperature, and moisture. The respective CBL forcings are set equal and held constant. The effects of the CBL wind shear and of the varying grid spacings are investigated. Horizontal slices of velocity fields are analyzed to enable a comparison of CBL flow patterns obtained with each simulation method. Two-dimensional velocity spectra are used to characterize the planar turbulence structure. One-dimensional velocity spectra are also calculated. Results show that the WRF model tends to attribute slightly more energy to larger-scale flow structures as compared with the CBL structures reproduced by the conventional LES. Consequently, the WRF model reproduces relatively less spatial variability of the velocity fields. Spectra from the WRF model also feature narrower inertial spectral subranges and indicate enhanced damping of turbulence on small scales.
A Comparison of Mesoscale Eddy Heat Fluxes from Observations and a High-Resolution Ocean Model Simulation of the Kuroshio Extension
Authors: Bishop Stuart P. , Bryan Frank O. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
For the first time estimates of divergent eddy heat flux (DEHF) from a high-resolution (0.1°) simulation of the Parallel Ocean Program (POP) are compared with estimates made during the Kuroshio Extension System Study (KESS). The results from POP are in good agreement with KESS observations. POP captures the lateral and vertical structure of mean-to-eddy energy conversion rates, which range from 2 to 10 cm2 s−3. The dynamical mechanism of vertical coupling between the deep and upper ocean is the process responsible for DEHFs in POP and is in accordance with baroclinic instability observed in the Gulf Stream and Kuroshio Extension. Meridional eddy heat transport values are ~14% larger in POP at its maximum value. This is likely due to the more zonal path configuration in POP. The results from this study suggest that HR POP is a useful tool for estimating eddy statistics in the Kuroshio Extension region, and thereby provide guidance in the formulation and testing of eddy mixing parameterization schemes.
Altered profile of chemokines in fibromyalgia patients
Authors: García Juan J , Cidoncha Antonio , Bote María E , Hinchado María D , Ortega Eduardo 
Published: October 2013

Background Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by widespread chronic pain. Its aetiology is still poorly understood, and there are no haematochemical or instrumental tests on which to base a diagnosis. Recent studies suggest that its pathogenesis may involve cytokines, in particular, chemokines – cytokines that regulate cell traffic under both physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to determine possible differences in the profile of systemic concentrations of chemokines between FM patients and healthy women (HW; controls). Methods The study participants were women diagnosed with FM ( n = 17) and a control group of HW ( n = 10). Serum concentrations of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)/(CCL17), monokine induced by gamma-interferon (MIG)/(CXCL9), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC)/(CCL22), interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (I-TAC)/(CXCL11), eotaxin (CCL11), pulmonary and activation-regulated chemokine (PARC)/(CCL18) and hemofiltrate CC-chemokine-4 (HCC-4)/(CCL16) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared between the FM and HW groups. Results FM patients had elevated serum levels of the following inflammatory chemokines: TARC ( P < 0.001), MIG ( P < 0.001), MDC ( P < 0.01), I-TAC ( P < 0.01) and eotaxin ( P < 0.05). No differences were found in the circulating concentrations of PARC and HCC-4 (homoeostatic chemokines). Conclusions Since FM patients present higher serum concentrations of inflammatory chemokines than HW, the evaluation of these biomarkers could help in the diagnosis of this syndrome.
A selection of cases of direct cannulation in surgery for type A dissection
Authors: Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Nie Masaki , Hari Yousuke , Tanaka Yuki , Ohara Kuniyoshi , Miyaji Kagami 
Published: October 2013

Background We use antegrade cannulation, circulatory arrest, and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion in patients with acute aortic dissection. While blood is generally supplied via the ascending aorta, this route can be difficult, depending on the features of dissection and the form of the true lumen. In such cases, we incise the ascending aorta and insert the cannula directly into the true lumen of the ascending aorta to secure the blood supply. Methods Between April 2005 and April 2012, direct true lumen cannulation of the ascending aorta was performed in 12 patients; 5 had total arch replacement, and 7 had ascending aorta and hemiarch replacement. Results Total arch replacement involved circulatory arrest for 62 ± 16 min, aortic crossclamping for 174 ± 13 min, cardiopulmonary bypass for 211 ± 11 min, and a minimal rectal temperature of 28.4℃ ± 1.8℃. Ascending aorta and hemiarch replacement involved arrest of the circulation for 40 ± 9 min, aortic crossclamping for 111 ± 29 min, cardiopulmonary bypass for 131 ± 34 min, and a minimal rectal temperature of 27.8℃ ± 0.9℃. One patient died from cerebral infarction during hospitalization. Conclusion In these cases, direct true lumen cannulation of the ascending aorta was effective.
Myocardial infarction false alarm: Initial electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes
Authors: Gupta Esha Das , Sakthiswary Rajalingham 
Published: October 2013

Objective The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of a myocardial infarction “false alarm” and evaluate the efficacy of the initial electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes in diagnosing myocardial infarction in Malaysia. Methods We recruited patients who were admitted with suspected myocardial infarction from June to August 2008. The medical records of these patients were reviewed for the initial electrocardiogram, initial cardiac enzyme levels (creatinine kinase-MB and troponin T), and the final diagnosis upon discharge. The subjects were stratified into 2 groups: true myocardial infarction, and false alarm. Results 125 patients were enrolled in this study. Following admission and further evaluation, the diagnosis was revised from myocardial infarction to other medical conditions in 48 (38.4%) patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the initial ischemic electrocardiographic changes were 54.5% and 70.8%, respectively. Raised cardiac enzymes had a sensitivity of 44.3% and specificity of 95.8%. Conclusion A significant proportion of patients in Malaysia are admitted with a false-alarm myocardial infarction. The efficacy of the electrocardiogram in diagnosing myocardial infarction in Malaysia was comparable to the findings of Western studies, but the cardiac enzymes had a much lower sensitivity.
Salvage treatment of trigeminal neuralgia by occipital nerve stimulation
Authors: Fontaine Denys , Bozzolo Eric , Chivoret Nathalie , Paquis Philippe , Lanteri-Minet Michel 
Published: October 2013

Background Although most patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia (TN) respond to medical or surgical treatment, nonresponders remain in very severe painful condition. Case result We describe for the first time a case of severe refractory classical TN treated successfully (follow-up one year) by chronic bilateral occipital nerve stimulation (ONS), because other classic medical and surgical options failed or could not be performed. Conclusions This single case suggests that ONS might be offered to TN patients refractory both to standard drugs and interventions, with a favorable risk/benefit ratio, although its long-term efficacy remains unknown.