bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitric oxide – cyclic GMP pathway regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation: implications in vascular diseases
Authors: LINCOLN T.M. , DEY N.B. , BOERTH N.J. , CORNWELL T.L. , SOFF G.A. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThe role of cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKG) in the regulation of rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) phenotype was examined using a transfected cell culture system. Repetitively passaged VSMC do not express PKG and exist in the synthetic phenotype. Transfection of PKG‐lα cDNA, or the active catalytic domain of PKG‐lα, resulted in the appearance of VSMC having a morphology consistent with the contractile phenotype. PKG‐expressing cells also contained markers for the contractile phenotype (for example, smooth muscle specific myosin heavy chain, calponin, α‐actin) and reduced levels of synthetic phenotype markers (osteopontin, thrombospondin). PKG‐transfected VSMC have also reduced the levels of fibroblast growth factor receptors 1 and 2, consistent with the establishment of a more contractile phenotype. The regulation of PKG expression in VSMC is largely undefined; however, continuous exposure of cultured bovine aortic smooth muscle cells with nitric oxide (NO)‐donor drugs or cyclic nucleotide analogues reduced the expression of PKG. These results suggest that PKG occupies a critical role in VSMC phenotype and that suppression of PKG expression during inflammation or injury promotes a more synthetic state of the VSMC.
On the cellular mechanism for the effect of acidosis on vascular tone
Authors: PENG H.‐L. , IVARSEN A. , NILSSON H. , AALKJÆR C. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThe role of smooth muscle [Ca2+]i and membrane potential for the relaxation to hypercapnic (increased CO2) and normocapnic (unchanged CO2) acidosis is not complete understood. It is often stated that membrane hyperpolarization plays an important role but this has not been vigorously tested. In this study we investigated isolated rat cerebral small arteries under isobaric conditions. Lumen diameter was measured simultaneously with either [Ca2+]i or membrane potential, and acidosis was induced by increasing Pco2 or reducing HCO3− of the bathing solution or by adding HCl to a nominally bicarbonate‐free solution. Confocal microscopy verified loading of smooth muscle cells with fluorescent dyes. Acidosis always reduced myogenic tone at transmural pressures between 20 and 120 mmHg. Acidification at a transmural pressure of 40 mmHg caused an increase in diameter and a decrease in [Ca2+]i. This was also seen in the presence of l‐NNA and after depolarization with 50 mM K+. The response to hypercapnic and normocapnic acidosis was similar. However, while hypercapnic acidosis caused hyperpolarization, normocapnic acidosis caused depolarization. Dilatation, decrease of [Ca2+]i and depolarization, was also seen with reduction of pH in bicarbonate‐free solution. We conclude that the isobaric relaxation to both hypercapnic and normocapnic acidosis is most likely mediated by a reduction of [Ca2+]i. Membrane potential may on the other hand not play a major role for this reduction of [Ca2+]i and it is possible that molecular CO2 has an effect on the membrane potential.
MAP kinases and vascular smooth muscle function
Authors: TAKAHASHI E. , BERK B.C. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThe mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase family members are ubiquitously expressed protein kinases activated in response to a variety of extracellular stimuli and shown to be involved in cell growth, transformation, differentiation and apoptosis. MAP kinases have been implicated in both growth and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) which suggests that they play important roles in cardiovascular diseases such as essential hypertension, atherosclerosis, and restenosis followed angioplasty. The MAP kinases are themselves components of specific kinase cascades characterized by activation by specific stimuli, families of related serine and threonine kinases and downstream substrates that include other kinases, transcription factors, membrane receptors and other cell mediators. Cross‐talk among the different MAP kinases results in direct modulation of signal transduction. In addition, increased expression and activation of MAP kinase phosphatases plays an important role in MAP kinase inactivation. Our laboratory has used angiotensin II (Angll), a potent activator of all MAP kinases in VSMC, to study mechanisms by which MAP kinases are regulated by vasoactive peptides. In this review, we describe the mechanisms by which Angll activates MAP kinases, and potential roles for MAP kinases in Angll‐ dependent effects on VSMC function.
Cigarette smoking among intimate partner violence perpetrators and victims: Findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions
Authors: Crane Cory A. , Pilver Corey E. , Weinberger Andrea H. 
Published: July 2014

Background and ObjectivesCigarette smoking and intimate partner violence (IPV) are preventable, major public health issues that result in severe physical and psychological consequences. The primary aim of the current study was to examine the consistency and strength of the association between these highly variable behaviors using a nationally representative sample.MethodsSelf‐reported IPV perpetration, victimization, and smoking data were collected from 25,515 adults (54% female) through the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to determine the relationships among smoking status (current daily, intermittent, former, and never smoker) and IPV (minor and sever victimization as well as perpetration).ResultsResults indicated a robust relationship between IPV and smoking among both victims and perpetrators. The odds for current daily and intermittent smoking were significantly elevated among those who reported both minor and severe IPV relative to their non‐violent counterparts. Mood and anxiety disorders were significant comorbid conditions in the interpretation of the relationship between severe IPV and smoking.ConclusionsThe current study provides strong evidence for a robust relationship between IPV and smoking across current smoking patterns, IPV severity levels, and IPV experience patterns.Scientific SignificanceFindings emphasize the need to better understand the mechanisms by which smoking and IPV are associated and how this interdependence may impact approaches to treatment. Specifically, research is required to assess the efficacy of integrated smoking cessation and IPV treatment or recovery programs over more traditional, exclusive approaches. (Am J Addict 2014;23:493–501)
Examining potential school contextual influences on gambling among high school youth
Authors: Lee Grace P. , Martins Silvia S. , Pas Elise T. , Bradshaw Catherine P. 
Published: July 2014

Background and ObjectivesGambling is an increasing concern among adolescence, yet there has been limited investigation into school‐level factors that may increase the risk for gambling. The current study examined the relationship between substance use and gambling, and explored the influence of school context on adolescent gambling.MethodsData come from 25,456 students in 58 high schools participating in the Maryland Safe and Supportive Schools Initiative. Youth‐reports of socio‐demographics, lifetime gambling, and past‐month substance use (ie, alcohol, cigarette, marijuana, non‐medical prescription drug) were collected. School‐level characteristics were student suspension rate, student mobility, percentage of students receiving free/reduce‐priced meals, percentage of African American students, urbanicity, gambling prevalence, gambling problem prevalence, and substance use prevalence. Weighted multilevel analyses were conducted.ResultsOne‐third (n = 8,318) reported lifetime gambling, and 10% (n = 2,580) of the full sample, or 31% of the gamblers, experienced gambling problems. Being male and alcohol, marijuana, and non‐medical prescription drug use were associated with twice the odds of gambling. Among gamblers, being male, African American, and cigarette, marijuana, and non‐medical prescription drug use were associated with higher odds of gambling problems. The school‐level factors of suspension rate and percentage of African American had minimal, inverse associations with gambling; however, none were related to gambling problems.ConclusionsMultilevel results indicated that adolescents that are male and use substances are more likely to gamble and have gambling problems.Scientific SignificanceThe findings indicate a need for prevention programs targeting risky behaviors to also target gambling as such behaviors often co‐occur among adolescents. (Am J Addict 2014;23:510–517)
Fabrication of Hydroxyapatite Hollow Microspheres by the Composite‐Hydroxide Approach
Authors: Hu Luyang , Chen Haibo , Zhang Yumin , Li Benxia , Zhang Shanmei 
Published: July 2014

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) hollow microspheres with hierarchically porous structure and nanorice‐like architecture units were synthesized by the composite‐hydroxide approach. NH4H2PO4 was first reacted with hydroxides to form a hydroxide‐insoluble M3PO4 (the term M represents either Na or K). The diffusing M3PO4 at the liquid–solid interface then reacted with the Ca(OH)2, forming insoluble HAp hollow spheres by Kirkendall process. Results show that when reaction time is increased from 3 to 12 h, the average diameter of the microspheres increased from 2.64 to 4.16 μm. In addition, the size homogeneity of the hollow microspheres was improved gradually due to Ostwald ripening. The prepared hollow microspheres were treated by ultrasound, and nanorice‐like component units with a large mass of mesopores (<10 nm) were displayed. These prepared HAp hollow microspheres might be expected to apply to ion adsorption and drug delivery.
Benefiting from Failures to Address Climate Change
Authors: Lawford‐Smith Holly 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe politics of climate change is marked by the fact that countries are dragging their heels in doing what they ought to do; namely, creating a binding global treaty, and fulfilling the duties assigned to each of them under it. Many different agents are culpable in this failure. But we can imagine a stylised version of the climate change case, in which no agents are culpable: if the bad effects of climate change were triggered only by crossing a particular threshold, and it was reasonably, but mistakenly, believed by each country that insufficiently many other countries were willing to cooperate in order for that threshold to remain uncrossed, no country would be required to make a unilateral contribution. Yet even without culpability, we can diagnose a moral ill: the world has gone other than it should have. If not for the mistaken beliefs, there would have been a global climate treaty, and all the avoidance of future suffering that would come with it. In this article I argue that this moral ill has implications for the non‐culpable agents, in that it generates duties to disgorge actual holdings over and above the counterpart holdings in the relevant counterfactual: those holdings the agents would have had, were the world to have gone as it should.
The Normative Implications of Benefiting from Injustice
Authors: Haydar Bashshar , Øverland Gerhard 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn this article we investigate whether non‐culpably benefiting from wrongdoing or injustice generates a moral requirement to disgorge these benefits in order to compensate the victims. We argue that a strong requirement to disgorge such benefits is generated only if other conditions or factors are present. We identify three such factors and claim that their presence would explain why the normative features of certain types of cases of benefiting from wrongdoing differ from cases of benefiting from simple misfortune or bad luck.
Atypical Variants of Right Ventricular Outflow Arrhythmias
Authors: MULPURU SIVA K. , KONECNY TOMAS , MADHAVAN MALINI , KAPA SURAJ , NOSEWORTHY PETER A. , MCLEOD CHRISTOPHER J. , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , PACKER DOUGLAS L. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. 
Published: July 2014

RVOT Atypical VariantsBackgroundRight ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) arrhythmias are a common form of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with structurally normal heart. The underlying mechanism is due to triggered activity. Mapping and ablation is relatively straightforward targeting the earliest point of activation. Previously reported causes of difficult ablation in the RVOT region include under recognized right ventricular cardiomyopathy/sarcoidosis, presence of endocavitary structures, close proximity to the coronary vasculature, and origin from non‐RVOT structures.Methods and ResultsWe identified all patients undergoing PVCs/sustained RVOT VT ablation from January 2013 to December 2013. This included 33 patients. Of these, we identified procedures that were considered difficult despite a single morphology arrhythmia being targeted and no underlying cardiomyopathy present. Difficulty was specifically considered when ablation at the earliest site of activation was not successful and eventual successful ablation was at a distance of greater than 15 mm from the early activation site. We identified 3 patients (n = 3, 100% male) with evidence of reentrant arrhythmia based on slow conduction zones necessary for the tachycardia/arrhythmia, mid diastolic signals during VT or preceding bigeminal PVCs, pace mapping from the site abnormal signals reproducing the arrhythmia morphology but with prominent conduction delay, the entire cycle length of the tachycardia or coupling interval for the PVCs being mapping, or based on reset characteristics.ConclusionIn patients with atypical forms of RVOT VT, careful mapping and ablation of the myocardial sleeves near the pulmonic valve can eliminate the arrhythmia.
Clinical Impact of Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia Recorded by the Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: FRANCIA PIETRO , SANTINI DARIA , MUSUMECI BEATRICE , SEMPRINI LORENZO , ADDUCI CARMEN , PAGANNONE ERIKA , PROIETTI GIULIA , VOLPE MASSIMO , AUTORE CAMILLO 
Published: July 2014

NSVT in ICD Patients with HCMBackgroundNonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) is a risk factor for sudden death (SD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) enable accurate assessment of NSVT burden and characteristics. In a cohort of HCM patients with ICD, we characterized Holter‐ and ICD‐retrieved NSVT and evaluated their relationship with prognosis.Methods and ResultsWe studied a cohort of consecutive HCM patients who underwent Holter ECG before receiving a primary prevention ICD. Patients were followed from ICD implantation to the first appropriate ICD therapy. We evaluated the association of NSVT characteristics with ICD interventions.Study cohort included 51 HCM patients (28 males, mean age: 48 ± 15 years). Thirty‐four patients (66%) had NSVT at pre‐ICD Holter ECG. Out of 17 patients with negative baseline Holter, 7 (41%) showed ICD‐NSVT. In patients with both Holter‐ and ICD‐NSVT, these latter were faster (199 ± 27 bpm vs. 146 ± 24 bpm; P < 0.001) and longer (16 ± 8 beats vs. 10 ± 11 beats; P = 0.008) than Holter‐NSVT. During follow‐up (38 ± 24 months), 11 patients (22%) experienced appropriate ICD therapy. NSVT length in beats (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.00–1.10; P = 0.02) but not heart rate (HR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.98–1.02; P = 0.86) predicted ICD intervention. A simple index of NSVT severity (heart rate × length in beats/100 >28) predicted ICD intervention (HR: 5.45; 95% CI: 1.10–27.32; P = 0.03).ConclusionsLong‐lasting and rapid NSVT recorded during continuous rhythm monitoring predict appropriate ICD intervention in high‐risk HCM patients. Further studies should assess whether prolonged rhythm monitoring may assist in evaluating patients at intermediate risk of SD, in which the decision to implant an ICD needs to be individualized.
Physician perceptions and experience of current treatment in actinic keratosis
Authors: Stockfleth E. , Peris K. , Guillen C. , Cerio R. , Basset‐Seguin N. , Foley P. , Sanches J. , Culshaw A. , Erntoft S. , Lebwohl M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundTopical therapy is important in the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK), a major risk factor for, and early development stage of, squamous cell carcinoma. Despite this, research addressing the limitations and challenges associated with topical field therapy in actinic keratosis is lacking.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to highlight the challenges associated with maximizing compliance in patients receiving topical AK therapy and to investigate real‐world experience with currently available topical therapies including perceptions of adherence and persistence.MethodsA 45‐min online survey was developed and completed by physicians in eight countries. All had previously prescribed topical AK therapy and ≥1 other treatment. Physicians' consensus was summarized as overall agreement/disagreement from ≥70% of respondents (≥60% for case‐specific questions).ResultsMore than 70% of the 427 respondents agreed that topical field therapy is essential and had concerns that lengthy treatments and local skin reactions caused non‐adherence/persistence. More than 90% of physicians would preferentially prescribe the shortest duration treatment to such patients.ConclusionsThe research clarifies the challenges associated with prescribing topical AK therapy and highlights that short treatment duration and rapid clearance of skin reactions are key considerations for physicians. This provides a basis for the generation of recommendations for improving the real‐world efficacy of topical therapy.
Development and psychometric validation of the REFlective evaLuation of psoriasis Efficacy of Treatment and Severity (REFLETS) questionnaire: a common measure of plaque‐type psoriasis severity and treatment efficacy for patients and clinicians
Authors: Gilet H. , Roborel de Climens A. , Arnould B. , Bachelez H. , Bagot M. , Beaulieu P. , Joly P. , Jullien D. , Le Maître M. , Ortonne J.P. , Paul C. , Thibout E. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundTo date, there is no global consensus on the definition of the severity of psoriasis. The REFlective evaLuation of psoriasis Efficacy of Treatment and Severity (REFLETS) questionnaire has recently been developed to provide a better understanding of plaque‐type psoriasis severity and treatment efficacy from both patient and clinician perspectives.ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate the new REFLETS questionnaire to evaluate patient and clinician perceptions of plaque‐type psoriasis severity and treatment efficacy.MethodsTwo similar versions of the REFLETS questionnaire were developed following a rigorous methodology for clinicians and patients, referring to ‘the psoriasis of your patient' or to ‘your psoriasis’, respectively. An observational, longitudinal, multicentre study was conducted in France with 34 dermatologists and 430 mild to severe plaque‐type psoriasis patients to finalize the questionnaire and evaluate its psychometric properties.ResultsTwo dimensions were defined – severity and treatment efficacy – with three subdimensions within severity (impact of psoriasis, symptoms and disease course), and two individual items on joint pain. The questionnaire was well accepted by clinicians and patients. Excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.66–0.98) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.83–0.94) were demonstrated. REFLETS scores were moderately to highly correlated to Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (r = 0.35–0.70), Skindex‐29 (r = 0.46–0.82) and DLQI scores (r = 0.36–0.82). Patients with decreased psoriasis severity and those with increased treatment efficacy, according to patient global evaluations, had lower severity and higher treatment efficacy REFLETS scores, respectively.ConclusionREFlective evaLuation of psoriasis Efficacy of Treatment and Severity is a promising tool for assessing plaque‐type psoriasis severity and treatment efficacy from patient and clinician perspectives. It may help to improve patient and clinician communication in treatment decision making.
Artificial selection on larval growth curves in Tribolium: correlated responses and constraints
Authors: Irwin K. K. , Carter P. A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBody size is often constrained from evolving. Although artificial selection on body size in insects frequently results in a sizable response, these responses usually bear fitness costs. Further, these experiments tend to select only on size at one landmark age, rather than selecting for patterns of growth over the whole larval life stage. To address whether constraints may be caused by larval growth patterns rather than final size, we implemented a function‐valued (FV) trait method of selection, in which entire larval growth curves from Tribolium were artificially selected. The selection gradient function used was previously predicted to give the maximal response and was implemented using a novel selection index in the FV framework. Results indicated a significant response after one generation of selection, but no response in subsequent generations. Correlated responses included increased mortality, increased critical weight, and decreased development time (DT). The lack of response in size and development time after the first generation was likely caused by increased mortality suffered in selected lines; we demonstrated that the selection criterion caused both increased body size and increased mortality. We conclude that artificial selection on continuous traits using FV methods is very efficient and that the constraint of body size evolution is likely caused by a suite of trade‐offs with other traits.
Energy Modeling and Simulation of Flexible Manufacturing Systems Based on Colored Timed Petri Nets
Authors: Wang Qiulian , Wang Xianglian , Yang Suihong 
Published: July 2014

SummaryIncreasing pressures from a variety of directives and standards have caused manufacturing enterprises to consider and implement energy assessment and energy performance goals—to improve both their economic and their environmental performance. Flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) pose a challenge for energy management because of their complexity and the difficulty of data collection. FMSs allow manufacturers to adjust to customers’ requirements and meet changing demands, which makes it possible for manufacturers to respond quickly to the market. To address this challenge, a practical energy model for machining systems based on colored timed Petri nets (CTPNs) is proposed. In this article, the energy consumption of FMS are first analyzed. Then, an energy model of FMSs based on CTPNs is proposed in which the uncertainty of task assignment and volatility of operation time are treated by Petri net (PN) functions so that data on the consumption of FMSs can be collected automatically. Finally, through the case study of an FMS with two jobs, the proposed energy model is simulated and the simulation results with colored PN tools are shown to be significant in practice.