bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prophylactic catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia reduces morbidity and mortality in patients with implantable cardioverter–defibrillator devices
Authors: Niwano Shinichi , Oikawa Jun , Fukaya Hidehira 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the use of implantable cardioverter–defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization therapy device with a defibrillator (ICD/CRT‐D) is the principal therapy for patients with life‐threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF), prophylactic VT ablation may reduce arrhythmic episodes and mortality in patients with an ICD/CRT‐D. In this retrospective study, the prognoses among patient groups with different results of attempted VT ablation were compared.MethodsThe study population consisted of 151 consecutive patients with an ICD/CRT‐D and structural heart disease. The mean age was 64±9 years, and 63 of the 151 patients were women. Of the 151 patients, 117 cases underwent catheter ablation procedure for elimination of monomorphic VT. The 151 patients were divided into 3 groups based on the results of the ablation or whether ablation was attempted, i.e., success, failure, and not‐attempted groups (n=87, 30, and 34, respectively). The event rate of VT/VF and total mortality were compared among the 3 groups.ResultsDuring a follow‐up period of 31±22 months, VT/VF episodes and death occurred in 45 (30%) and 16 (11%) patients, respectively. When comparing the 3 groups, the rates of VT/VF episodes and death were significantly lower in the success group than in the failure and not‐attempted groups (16.1%, 46.7%, 50.0%, p=0.0001 and 6.9%, 20.0%, 11.8%, p=0.0213, respectively).ConclusionIn patients with an ICD/CRT‐D implant for VT/VF, prophylactic ablation of monomorphic VT may reduce morbidity and mortality.
Interfacial waves and the dynamics of backflow in falling liquid films
Authors: Doro Emmanuel O. , Aidun Cyrus K. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBy studying the dynamics of the streamwise pressure gradient at the wavefront of travelling interfacial waves, we investigate the formation and evolution of backflow regions for the sinusoidal and teardrop-shaped surface wave regimes of laminar falling liquid films. The magnitude of the wavefront streamwise pressure gradient grows as the flow inlet disturbance increases in amplitude and steepness. At large enough values, the adverse pressure gradient induces flow separation and subsequently backflow at the large-amplitude wavefront. The backflow region evolves from a closed circulation to an open vortex as the wave grows to saturation. The dynamics of the streamwise pressure gradient at the sinusoidal wavefront approaches a stable fixed point at saturation. Thus, the open vortex retains its structure as the wave continues downstream. The streamwise pressure gradient at the wavefront of the teardrop-shaped pulse evolves similarly to a time-periodic function with multiple minima/maxima. This phenomenon is a consequence of the interaction between the teardrop-shaped wave and newly formed preceding capillary waves. The nature of the teardrop pulse–capillary wave interaction is such that a decrease in magnitude of the streamwise pressure gradient at the teardrop-shaped wavefront is followed by an increase at the capillary wavefront and vice versa. The increased adverse pressure gradient at the capillary wavefront induces a second open vortex backflow, while the teardrop-shaped wavefront’s open vortex reverts to a closed circulation. This interaction between the waves continues as the teardrop pulse–capillary wavetrain travels downstream, leading to multiple capillary waves and backflow regions.
Low-Reynolds-number swimming in a capillary tube
Authors: Zhu L. , Lauga E. , Brandt L. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe use the boundary element method to study the low-Reynolds-number locomotion of a spherical model microorganism in a circular tube. The swimmer propels itself by tangential or normal surface motion in a tube whose radius is of the order of the swimmer size. Hydrodynamic interactions with the tube walls significantly affect the average swimming speed and power consumption of the model microorganism. In the case of swimming parallel to the tube axis, the locomotion speed is always reduced (respectively, increased) for swimmers with tangential (respectively, normal) deformation. In all cases, the rate of work necessary for swimming is increased by confinement. Swimmers with no force dipoles in the far field generally follow helical trajectories, solely induced by hydrodynamic interactions with the tube walls, and in qualitative agreement with recent experimental observations forParamecium. Swimmers of the puller type always display stable locomotion at a location which depends on the strength of their force dipoles: swimmers with weak dipoles (small$\alpha $) swim in the centre of the tube while those with strong dipoles (large$\alpha $) swim near the walls. In contrast, pusher swimmers and those employing normal deformation are unstable and end up crashing into the walls of the tube. Similar dynamics is observed for swimming into a curved tube. These results could be relevant for the future design of artificial microswimmers in confined geometries.
SOLUTIONS TO POLYNOMIAL CONGRUENCES IN WELL-SHAPED SETS
Authors: KERR BRYCE 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe use a generalisation of Vinogradov’s mean value theorem of Parsell et al. [‘Near-optimal mean value estimates for multidimensional Weyl sums’, arXiv:1205.6331] and ideas of Schmidt [‘Irregularities of distribution. IX’, Acta Arith. 27 (1975), 385–396] to give nontrivial bounds for the number of solutions to polynomial congruences, when the solutions lie in a very general class of sets, including all convex sets.
Nasolacrimal duct tumours in the era of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: literature review
Authors: Tanweer F , Mahkamova K , Harkness P 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground:Nasolacrimal duct tumours are rare and are often found inadvertently during dacryocystorhinostomy. Anecdotal case reports have been published, mostly in ophthalmology journals. Since the era of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, such cases are more frequently encountered by ENT surgeons.Method:This paper reports a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy over the last 10 years in our dedicated epiphora clinic. It also provides a systematic literature review of nasolacrimal duct tumour cases published in English over the last 16 years.Results:Four of 525 endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy procedures exposed a tumour (inverted papilloma, oncocytoma, lymphoma and solitary fibrous tumour). The literature review revealed 118 published case reports. Papilloma was the most frequently reported benign tumour and lymphoma was the most common malignant tumour.Conclusion:Since the advent of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, tumours are being diagnosed relatively early when smaller in size. Because of the rarity of this condition, it is advisable that such cases are managed through a dedicated epiphora service framework.
Increased susceptibility of a triclabendazole (TCBZ)-resistant isolate of Fasciola hepatica to TCBZ following co-incubation in vitro with the P-glycoprotein inhibitor, R(+)-verapamil
Authors: MEANEY M. , SAVAGE J. , BRENNAN G. P. , HOEY E. , TRUDGETT A. , FAIRWEATHER I. 
Published: June 2013

SUMMARYA study was carried out to investigate whether the action of triclabendazole sulphoxide (TCBZ.SO) against the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica is altered by inhibition of P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-linked drug efflux pumps. The Oberon TCBZ-resistant and Cullompton TCBZ-susceptible fluke isolates were used for this in vitro study and the Pgp inhibitor selected was R(+)-verapamil [R(+)-VPL]. For experiments with the Oberon isolate, flukes were incubated for 24 h with either R(+)-VPL (1×10−4m) on its own, TCBZ.SO (15 μg mL−1) alone, a combination of R(+)-VPL (1×10−4m) plus TCBZ.SO (15 μg mL−1), TCBZ.SO (50 μg mL−1) on its own, or a combination of TCBZ.SO (50 μg mL−1) plus R(+)-VPL (1×10−4m). They were also incubated in TCBZ.SO (50 μg mL−1) alone or in combination with R(+)-VPL (1×10−4m) until they became inactive; and in TCBZ.SO (50 μg mL−1) alone for a time to match that of the combination inactivity time. Flukes from the Cullompton isolate were treated with either TCBZ.SO (50 μg mL−1) alone or in combination with R(+)-VPL (1×10−4m) until they became inactive, or with TCBZ.SO (50 μg mL−1) alone time-matched to the combination inactivity time. Morphological changes resulting from drug treatment and following Pgp inhibition were assessed by means of scanning electron microscopy. Incubation in R(+)-VPL alone had a minimal effect on either isolate. TCBZ.SO treatment had a relatively greater impact on the TCBZ-susceptible Cullompton isolate. When R(+)-VPL was combined with TCBZ.SO in the incubation medium, however, the surface disruption to both isolates was more severe than that seen after TCBZ.SO treatment alone; also, the time taken to reach inactivity was shorter. More significantly, though, the potentiation of drug activity was greater in the Oberon isolate; also, it was more distinct at the higher concentration of TCBZ.SO. So, the Oberon isolate appears to be particularly sensitive to efflux pump inhibition. The results of this study suggest that enhanced drug efflux in the Oberon isolate may be involved in the mechanism of resistance to TCBZ.
Leader–follower-based dynamic trajectory planning for multirobot formation
Authors: Liu Shuang , Sun Dong 
Published: June 2013

SUMMARYThe present paper presents a new approach to a leader–follower-based dynamic trajectory planning for multirobot formation. A near-optimal trajectory is generated for each robot in a decentralized manner. The main contributions of the current paper are the proposal of a new objective function that considers both collision avoidance and formation requirement for the trajectory generation, and an analytical solution of trajectory parameters in the trajectory optimization. Simulations and experiments on multirobots are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach to the multirobot formation in a dynamic environment.
COLLABORATION IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT (EUnetHTA JOINT ACTION, 2010–2012): FOUR CASE STUDIES
Authors: Huić Mirjana , Nachtnebel Anna , Zechmeister Ingrid , Pasternak Iris , Wild Claudia 
Published: June 2013

Objectives: The aim of this study was to present the first four collaborative health technology assessment (HTA) processes on health technologies of different types and life cycles targeted toward diverse HTA users and facilitators, as well as the barriers of these collaborations.Methods: Retrospective analysis, through four case studies, was performed on the first four collaboration experiences of agencies participating in the EUnetHTA Joint Action project (2010–12), comprising different types and life cycles of health technologies for a diverse target audience, and different types of collaboration. The methods used to initiate collaboration, partner contributions, the assessment methodology, report structure, time frame, and factors acting as possible barriers to and facilitators of this collaboration were described.Results: Two ways were used to initiate collaboration in the first four collaborative HTA processes: active brokering of information, so-called “calls for collaboration,” and individual contact between agencies after identifying a topic common to two agencies in the Planned and Ongoing Projects database. Several success factors are recognized: predefined project management, high degree of commitment to the project; adherence to timelines; high relevance of technology; a common understanding of the methods applied and advanced experience in HTA; finally, acceptance of English-written reports by decision makers in non–English-speaking countries. Barriers like late identification of collaborative partners, nonacceptance of English language and different methodology of assessment should be overcome.Conclusions: Timely and efficient, different collaborative HTA processes on relative efficacy/effectiveness and safety on different types and life cycles of health technologies, targeted toward diverse HTA users in Europe are possible. There are still barriers to overcome.
On a generalisation of Roth's theorem for arithmetic progressions and applications to sum-free subsets
Authors: DOUSSE JEHANNE 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe prove a generalisation of Roth's theorem for arithmetic progressions to d-configurations, which are sets of the form {ni+nj+a}1 ≤ i ≤ j ≤ d with a, n1,. . .,nd ∈ $\mathbb{N}$, using Roth's original density increment strategy and Gowers uniformity norms. Then we use this generalisation to improve a result of Sudakov, Szemerédi and Vu about sum-free subsets [10] and prove that any set of n integers contains a sum-free subset of size at least logn(log(3)n)1/32772 − o(1).
Ecosystem services of the Southern Ocean: trade-offs in decision-making
Authors: Grant Susie M. , Hill Simeon L. , Trathan Philip N. , Murphy Eugene J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractEcosystem services are the benefits that mankind obtains from natural ecosystems. Here we identify the key services provided by the Southern Ocean. These include provisioning of fishery products, nutrient cycling, climate regulation and the maintenance of biodiversity, with associated cultural and aesthetic benefits. Potential catch limits for Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba Dana) alone are equivalent to 11% of current global marine fisheries landings. We also examine the extent to which decision-making within the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) considers trade-offs between ecosystem services, using the management of the Antarctic krill fishery as a case study. Management of this fishery considers a three-way trade-off between fisheries performance, the status of the krill stock and that of predator populations. However, there is a paucity of information on how well these components represent other ecosystem services that might be degraded as a result of fishing. There is also a lack of information on how beneficiaries value these ecosystem services. A formal ecosystem assessment would help to address these knowledge gaps. It could also help to harmonize decision-making across the ATS and promote global recognition of Southern Ocean ecosystem services by providing a standard inventory of the relevant ecosystem services and their value to beneficiaries.
Otolith morphology and feeding ecology of an Antarctic nototheniid,Lepidonotothen larseni
Authors: Curcio Nadia , Tombari Andrea , Capitanio Fabiana 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis study is based on the analysis of the stomach content and the morphology and morphometry of the three pairs of otoliths (sagitta, asteriscus and lapillus) ofLepidonotothen larseni(Lönnberg) collected at the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula during summer, in order to find possible relationships between ontogenetic change of sagittal otolith shape and feeding ecology. Length-weight relationship resulted in a positive allometric growth, with juveniles and adults in good nutritional condition (Le Cren condition index > 1), and with a decreasing trend from noon to late evening of the stomach repletion index. The stomach content consisted of several prey, with copepods and amphipods more frequent and abundant in juveniles, whereas euphausiids were in adults. The morphometric analysis of otoliths enabled us to relate different measurements with fish size, and those contributing mostly to separate juveniles from adults were the otolith and rostrum length and their percentage (R index). Juveniles proportionally showed a shorter and wider sagitta than adults reflected in a major E index because of a rounded shape and a minor R index because of a less developed rostrum. This pattern can be tentatively linked to the different habitat of juveniles and adults of this species, being respectively pelagic and epibenthic, as also evidenced by the ontogenetic change of feeding habits.
Phosphorylated 11S globulins in sunflower seeds
Authors: Quiroga Ivana , Regente Mariana , Pagnussat Luciana , Maldonado Ana , Jorrín Jesús , de la Canal Laura 
Published: June 2013

AbstractHelianthinins are storage proteins present in Helianthus annuus seeds, belonging to the 11S globulin family. Here we describe that a fraction of the helianthinins is phosphorylated. This conclusion is supported by different criteria, including identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry of major protein bands revealed with a specific dye for phosphoproteins, anti-phosphoserine antibody and binding to a phosphoprotein affinity matrix. Moreover, we show that the phosphorylation status of helianthinins changes following germination.
Maternal effects and embryo genetics: germination and dormancy of crop–wild sunflower hybrids
Authors: Weiss Alexa N. , Primer Samantha B. , Pace Brian A. , Mercer Kristin L. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractGene flow between agricultural crops and related wild plant populations can produce hybrids which differ significantly from their wild counterparts in many life history traits, including seed traits. Seeds from wild annuals often possess significant dormancy, while cultivated varieties have been selected to germinate immediately under favourable conditions. Consequently, the dormancy characteristics of crop–wild hybrids could influence their survival, seed-bank dynamics and, ultimately, the extent to which crop genes persist in wild populations. Dormancy characteristics can be influenced by both maternal effects, as well as the genetics of a seed's embryo, which are the result of contributions from both parents. Here we focus on how maternal effects and embryo genetics affect seed dormancy in crop–wild hybrid sunflowers (Helianthus annuus). Using three laboratory experiments, we quantified the germination and dormancy of 15 crop–wild hybrid sunflower cross types, while also identifying achene characteristics that may influence the differential germination observed. We found that increased frequencies of crop alleles and the maternal effects imparted by hybridization can reduce dormancy, though the effect of increased frequencies of crop alleles was more pronounced in wild- and F1-produced than in the crop-produced achenes. The more open pericarp of the crop-produced achenes and the shorter relative distance that their radicles had to travel to germinate may explain some of the observed maternal effects. Finally, we generated hypotheses about how these results could affect survival and crop gene introgression in the field.
Information-driven societies and Fermi's paradox
Authors: Lampton Michael 
Published: June 2013

AbstractFermi's paradox is founded on the idea that one or more Galactic extraterrestrial civilizations (ETCs) existed long ago and sustained exploration for millions of years, but in spite of their advanced knowledge, they could not find a way to explore the Galaxy other than with fleets of starships or self replicating probes. Here, I question this second assumption: if advanced technology generally allows long-distance remote sensing, and if ETCs were motivated by gaining information rather than conquest or commerce, then such voyages would be unnecessary, thereby resolving Fermi's paradox.
Fragmentation in international trade law: insights from the global investment regime
Authors: JOHNSTON ADRIAN M. , TREBILCOCK MICHAEL J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWith World Trade Organization negotiations stagnant, and preferential trade agreements (PTAs) rapidly proliferating, international trade relations are shifting markedly toward bilateralism. The resulting fragmentation in the international trade regime poses serious risks to economic welfare and the coherence of international trade law. Similar challenges have been faced in the international investment regime, which is comprised of a highly fragmented network of bilateral investment treaties (BITs). However, scholars have identified several mechanisms that promote harmonization in the international investment regime. Among these are cross-treaty interpretation in dispute settlement and the inclusion of most-favoured nation (MFN) clauses in BITs. This paper assesses the scope for these two mechanisms to emerge in the international trade regime by comparing the legal framework, institutional dynamics, and political economy of the trade and investment regimes. The analysis suggests that cross-treaty interpretation is likely to emerge in the trade regime as PTA dispute settlement activity increases and that greater use of MFN clauses in PTAs is a viable possibility. These developments would mitigate the effects of fragmentation and advance harmonization in the international trade regime.
Voltage sag susceptibility of 230 V equipment
Authors: Elphick Sean , Smith Vic , Gosbell Vic , Drury Gerrard , Perera Sarath 
Published: June 2013

The ITI curve developed by the Information Technology Industry Council (USA) describes an AC input voltage envelope, which typically can be tolerated by most information technology (IT) equipment supplied by nominal 120 V 60 Hz electricity networks. Although the curve ostensibly applies only to IT equipment supplied at 120 V 60 Hz it is often used throughout the electricity supply industry, including at other nominal voltages and frequencies, without modification or consideration of applicability to provide an indication of the input voltage tolerance of a wide range of equipment. This paper details a preliminary study aimed at developing an ITI style curve to suit 230 V 50 Hz electricity networks. A range of domestic and industrial equipment has been tested to determine voltage sag susceptibility. Overall, results for domestic appliances show that equipment connected to the Australian 230 V 50 Hz electricity network has voltage sag immunity considerably better than that defined by the ITI curve. The same may be said for the majority of industrial equipment tested. As such, the suitability of the ITI curve in describing a sag immunity envelope for individual pieces of equipment connected to 230 V 50 Hz electricity networks is highly questionable.
Patterns in groundfish abundance along the Eastern Bering Sea outer continental margin
Authors: Wigand Laura A. , Klinger Terrie , Logsdon Miles G. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWigand, L. A., Klinger, T., and Logsdon, M. G. 2013. Patterns in groundfish abundance along the Eastern Bering Sea outer continental margin. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 1181–1197. Place-based management approaches require understanding the spatial arrangement and interaction of elements. To address this need, we explored the utility of spatial-pattern analysis to understand the distribution of groundfish in the Eastern Bering Sea outer continental margin. We divided this region into discrete geomorphological units to explore spatial pattern on a range of scales. We used groundfish catch per unit effort (cpue) trawl survey data collected in four years to quantify spatial autocorrelation. Global statistics indicated that groundfish cpue was dominated by clusters of low values in all years. Local statistics showed that clusters of low values in groundfish cpue were confined to the southern portion of the study area, while clusters of high values varied across the study area. Outliers were most commonly found in close proximity to the shelf–slope break. Our results reveal the existence of spatial dependency in groundfish abundance and demonstrate that spatial analysis can be used to better understand spatial arrangements of these and other living marine resources, and to quantify and validate the local ecological knowledge of resource users. Our results indicate the feasibility of using spatially explicit tools to improve integration and visualization of marine environmental data for purposes of management and conservation.