bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inducibility of Atrial Fibrillation After GP Ablations and “Autonomic Blockade”: Evidence for the Pathophysiological Role of the Nonadrenergic and Noncholinergic Neurotransmitters
Authors: LIU YU , SCHERLAG BENJAMIN J. , FAN YOUQI , VARMA VANDANA , MALE SHAILESH , CHAUDHRY MUHAMMAD A. , HUANG CONGXIN , PO SUNNY S. 
Published: August 2012

Autonomic Blockade and Atrial Fibrillation. Background: Recent clinical reports that used cholinergic and adrenergic blockade (CAB) as an alternative to ganglionated plexi (GP) ablation to terminate atrial fibrillation (AF) showed mixed results. We investigated the role of other neurotransmitters in AF inducibility.
Methods:
In 23 pentobarbital anesthetized dogs, a left and right thoracotomy allowed the attachment of electrode catheters to the left and right pulmonary veins and atrial appendages (AA). Programmed stimulation was used to determine the effective refractory periods (ERP) and AF inducibility, measured by the window of vulnerability (WOV). AF duration in response to acetylcholine (Ach; 100 mM) applied to the AA was measured before and after GP ablation + CAB and with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). After GP ablation + CAB, Ach induced AF duration was determined in response to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and its specific antagonist ([Ac‐Tyr1,D‐phe2]‐VIP).
Results:
GP ablation + CAB significantly prolonged ERP, eliminated WOV, and suppressed the duration of Ach induced AF (P ≤ 0.01 for all). Also slowing of the heart rate by VNS was essentially blocked; however, with Ach 100 mM applied to the AA, VNS, and VIP applied to the AA markedly prolonged AF duration. This effect was blocked by the VIP antagonist.
Conclusions:
Neither GP ablation nor CAB can fully suppress AF inducibility arising from the atrial neural network. Our findings suggest that other neurotransmitters, such as VIP released during VNS, can promote sustained AF despite GP ablation and “autonomic blockade,” which may further define the substrate for AF outside the pulmonary vein‐atrial junctions. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 188‐195, February 2013)
Phase Formation, Sintering Behavior, and Magnetic Properties of Low‐Temperature Fired Mg–Cu–Zn Ferrites
Authors: Mürbe Julia , Töpfer Jörg 
Published: August 2012

The phase formation, sintering behavior, and magnetic properties of Mg–Cu–Zn ferrites with composition Mg1−x−yCuyZnx+zFe2−zO4−z/2 with 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8; 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.35; and 0 ≤ z ≤ 0.06 were investigated. Ferrite formation from starting oxides is complete at 900°C. To guarantee sufficient densification at 900°C substoichiometric compositions with small iron deficiency z = 0.02 are required. Substitution of Cu for Mg with 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.35 in a ferrite with x = 0.5 has minor effect on permeability only; however, the shrinkage is significantly shifted to temperatures as low as T < 900°C. The permeability is mainly governed by the Zn concentration; μ increases from μ = 200 to 700 as x increases from x = 0.4 to 0.6, whereas simultaneously the Curie temperature is reduced from 180°C to 40°C, respectively. Mg–Cu–Zn ferrites represent an interesting alternative to Ni–Cu–Zn ferrites with large potential for multilayer applications.
Prognostic Value of Incremental Lactate Elevations in Emergency Department Patients With Suspected Infection
Authors: Puskarich Michael A. , Kline Jeffrey A. , Summers Richard L. , Jones Alan E. 
Published: August 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:983–985 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractObjectives:  Previous studies have confirmed the prognostic significance of lactate concentrations categorized into groups (low, intermediate, high) among emergency department (ED) patients with suspected infection. Although the relationship between lactate concentrations categorized into groups and mortality appears to be linear, the relationship between lactate as a continuous measurement and mortality is uncertain. This study sought to evaluate the association between blood lactate concentrations along an incremental continuum up to a maximum value of 20 mmol/L and mortality.Methods:  This was a retrospective cohort analysis of adult ED patients with suspected infection from a large urban ED during 2007–2010. Inclusion criteria were suspected infection evidenced by administration of antibiotics in the ED and measurement of whole blood lactate in the ED. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Logistic and polynomial regression were used to model the relationship between lactate concentration and mortality.Results:  A total of 2,596 patients met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The initial median lactate concentration was 2.1 mmol/L (interquartile range [IQR] = 1.3 to 3.3 mmol/L) and the overall mortality rate was 14.4%. In the cohort, 459 patients (17.6%) had initial lactate levels >4 mmol/L. Mortality continued to rise across the continuum of incremental elevations, from 6% for lactate <1.0 mmol/L up to 39% for lactate 19–20 mmol/L. Polynomial regression analysis showed a strong curvilinear correlation between lactate and mortality (R = 0.72, p < 0.0001).Conclusions:  In ED patients with suspected infection, we found a curvilinear relationship between incremental elevations in lactate concentration and mortality. These data support the use of lactate as a continuous variable rather than a categorical variable for prognostic purposes.
A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study Demonstrating a Novel, Effective Model of Transfer of Care between Physicians: The 5 Cs of Consultation
Authors: Kessler Chad S. , Afshar Yalda , Sardar Gurkiran , Yudkowsky Rachel , Ankel Felix , Schwartz Alan 
Published: August 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:968–974 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractObjectives:  The objective was to evaluate whether a standardized consultation model in the emergency department (ED), the 5 Cs of Consultation (Contact, Communicate, Core Question, Collaboration, and Closing the Loop), would improve physicians’ ability to relay appropriate information and communicate successfully during a consultation.Methods:  This was a prospective, randomized study at a large, academic, urban, tertiary care medical center in Chicago. Forty‐three emergency medicine (EM) and EM/internal medicine (EM/IM) residents were randomized into two groups, an intervention group and an unstructured group, stratified by postgraduate year (PGY). Intervention group participants received an interactive educational session on the 5 Cs of Consultation, a standardized consultation model. Intervention and unstructured groups placed two simulated consultation phone calls, based on pretested simulated patient cases, to a standardized consultant. Three raters, naive to the consultation model and blinded to group assignments, individually assessed recordings of each call using a seven‐item, five‐point global rating scale (GRS). Finally, an attending surgeon and an attending psychiatrist each rated respective cases using a single global rating to provide validity evidence for the scale.Results:  Residents trained with the 5 Cs model communicated significantly better, regardless of PGY and clinical case. The intervention group had significantly higher mean GRS scores than the unstructured group (4.1 vs. 3.5, F(1,39) = 33.5, p < 0.0001). Secondary analysis of the recordings suggested that encounters with more 5 Cs behaviors tended to receive higher GRS scores.Conclusions:  A standardized educational model increased the effectiveness of consultation communication from the ED. Residents trained with the 5 Cs of Consultation scored better on consultation assessments compared with untrained residents. Training programs should consider adopting standardized consultation models.
Early Maladaptive Schemas and Aggressive Sexual Behavior: A Preliminary Study with Male College Students
Authors: Sigre-Leirós Vera Lúcia , Carvalho Joana , Nobre Pedro 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The influence of adverse early attachment experiences on the development of aggressive sexual behavior has been demonstrated. Nonetheless, there is a gap in the literature regarding the conceptualization of this behavior according to developmental psychopathology models.

Aim
The purpose of the present study was to investigate a potential association between Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs) and aggressive sexual behavior.

Methods
A total of 166 male college students participated in the study. Participants were divided into two comparative groups according to data from the Sexual Experiences Survey—Short Form Perpetration (SES-SFP): Group of individuals with history of aggressive sexual behavior (N = 37) and Group of individuals without history of aggressive sexual behavior (N = 129).

Main Outcome Measures
Aggressive sexual behavior was measured by the SES-SFP, and EMSs were measured by the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S3).

Results
Results showed that students who have committed any form of sexually aggressive behavior exhibited significantly higher levels of EMSs from the Disconnection and Rejection domain (namely, Mistrust/Abuse schema), from the Impaired Autonomy and Performance domain (namely, Dependence/Incompetence schema), and from the Overvigilance and Inhibition domain (namely, Negativity/Pessimism schema).

Conclusions
These preliminary findings suggest that the EMSs were associated with aggressive sexual behavior, but further investigation is warranted.
H2S Relaxes Vas Deferens Smooth Muscle by Modulating the Large Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ (BKCa) Channels via a Redox Mechanism
Authors: Li Yan , Zang Yuanwei , Fu Shanshan , Zhang Hongyuan , Gao Lu , Li Jingxin 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is generated in mammalian cells mainly by one of the two pyridoxal-5′-phosphate-dependent enzymes, cystathione-γ-lyase (CSE), and cystathione-β-synthase (CBS) using L-cysteine as the main substrate. In previous studies, we found that CBS and CSE were functionally expressed in vas deferens (VD) and H2S-mediated VD smooth muscle relaxation. However, the detail mechanisms that H2S-relaxed VD smooth muscle were unknown so far.

Aim
The aim of this study is to explore the molecular target sites of H2S in VD smooth muscle.

Methods
Isolated rat VD smooth muscle strips were used for tension recording in vitro. Double immunofluorescence staining was used to identify the localization of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels.

Main Outcome Measures
Changes in tonic contraction of isolated rat VD smooth muscle strip were measured after the treatment of drugs. The expression of BKca channels in rat VD smooth muscle cells was also assessed.

Results
The results showed that L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) did not affect the response of VD to sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS), suggesting that nitric oxide pathway was not involved. Further studies revealed that transient receptor potential (TRP) channels did not contribute to the NaHS-induced relaxant effect. Glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K channel blocker, did the same thing, whereas BKCa channel blockers iberiotoxin or tetraethylammonium largely reversed the relaxant effect, suggesting that H2S may target BKCa channels. We also confirmed that BKCa channels were localized in VD smooth muscle cells. Then, studies revealed that NaHS-induced VD smooth muscle relaxation was abolished by N-ethylmaleimide, which was widely used as a sulfhydryl alkylation compound protecting thiols from oxidation, whereas DL-Dithiothreitol, a strong reducing agent, did not affect the response of VD to NaHS.

Conclusions
We concluded that H2S relaxed the VD smooth muscle by targeting BKCa channels via redox-mediated mechanism.
The Neuroprotective Effect of Platelet-rich Plasma on Erectile Function in Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Injury Rat Model
Authors: Wu Chien-Chih , Wu Yi-No , Ho Hsiu-O , Chen Kuo-Chiang , Sheu Ming-Thau , Chiang Han-Sun 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Neurogenic erectile dysfunction resulting from cavernous nerve (CN) injury is a major complication caused by radical prostatectomy. The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the nerve-injured site has shown promising results for the nerve regeneration. However, the effects of PRP injection in corpus cavernosum after bilateral CN injury have never been investigated.

Aim
To assess the neuroprotective effect of PRP injection in corpus cavernosum after bilateral CN injury.

Methods
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group I underwent sham operation, while the remaining two groups underwent bilateral CN crush. Crush injury groups were treated at the time of injury with an application of PRP or normal saline only injection in the corpus cavernosum, respectively. Four weeks later, erectile function (EF) was assessed by CN electrosimulation, and CNs as well as penile tissue were collected for histology.

Main Outcome Measures
Intracavernous pressure (ICP) monitored during electrical stimulation of CNs; myelinated axons number of CNs and dorsal penile nerve; collagen type change, number of apoptotic cells, and mRNA expression of caspase-3 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the corpus cavernosum.

Results
Four weeks after surgery, in the vehicle-only group, the functional evaluation showed a lower mean maximal ICP than that in the sham group (P &lt; 0.05). PRP treatments resulted in significant recovery of EF, as compared with the vehicle-only group (P &lt; 0.05). Histologically, the PRP-treated group had a significant preservation of myelinated axons of CNs compared with the vehicle-only group (P &lt; 0.05) and reduced the apoptotic index. The mRNA expression of TGF-β1 in the corpus cavernosum tissue was significantly decreased in the PRP group compared with the vehicle-only group (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
PRP injection in the corpus cavernosum increased the number of myelinated axons and facilitated recovery of EF in the bilateral CN injury rat model.
The 21-cm radiation from minihaloes as a probe of small primordial non-Gaussianity
Authors: Chongchitnan Sirichai , Silk Joseph 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We present a new probe of primordial non-Gaussianity via the 21-cm radiation from minihaloes at high redshifts. We calculate the fluctuations in the brightness temperature (measured against the cosmic microwave background) of the 21-cm background from minihaloes containing H i at redshift ∼6–20, and find a significant enhancement due to small non-Gaussianity with amplitude fNL ≲ 1. This enhancement can be attributed to the non-linear bias which is strongly increased in the presence of non-Gaussianity. We show that our results are robust against changes in the assumed mass function and some physical aspects of minihalo formation, but are nevertheless sensitive to the presence of strong radiation sources within or around the minihaloes. Our findings are relevant for constraining and searching for small primordial non-Gaussianity with upcoming radio telescopes such as Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) and Square Kilometre Array (SKA).
A Systematic Review of Patient Self‐Reported Barriers of Adherence to Antihypertensive Medications Using the World Health Organization Multidimensional Adherence Model
Authors: AlGhurair Suliman A. , Hughes Christine A. , Simpson Scot H. , Guirguis Lisa M. 
Published: August 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012;14:877–886. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Multiple barriers can influence adherence to antihypertensive medications. The aim of this systematic review was to determine what adherence barriers were included in each instrument and to describe the psychometric properties of the identified surveys. Barriers were characterized using the World Health Organization (WHO) Multidimensional Adherence Model with patient, condition, therapy, socioeconomic, and health care system/team‐related barriers. Five databases (Medline, Embase, Health and Psychological Instruments, CINHAL, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts [IPA]) were searched from 1980 to September 2011. Our search identified 1712 citations; 74 articles met inclusion criteria and 51 unique surveys were identified. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was the most commonly used survey. Only 20 surveys (39%) have established reliability and validity evidence. According to the WHO Adherence Model domains, patient‐related barriers were most commonly addressed, while condition, therapy, and socioeconomic barriers were underrepresented. The complexity of adherence behavior requires robust self‐report measurements and the inclusion of barriers relevant to each unique patient population and intervention.
Resistance, Aerobic, and Combination Training on Vascular Function in Overweight and Obese Adults
Authors: Ho Suleen S. , Radavelli‐Bagatini Simone , Dhaliwal Satvinder S. , Hills Andrew P. , Pal Sebely 
Published: August 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 14:848–854. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.The authors investigated the effects of moderate‐intensity resistance, aerobic, or combined exercise on blood pressure and arterial stiffness in overweight and obese individuals compared with no exercise. Participants were randomized to 4 groups: control, aerobic, resistance, and combination. Assessments were made at baseline, week 8, and week 12. In participant‐designated responders, those in the intervention groups who had improved levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP) or augmentation index (AI), we observed a significant decrease of SBP in aerobic (−4%, P=.027), resistance (−5.1%, P=.04), and combination groups (−6.3%, P=.000) at week 8 and in the combination group (−6.3%, P=.005) at week 12, compared with baseline. AI was significantly lower at week 12 in the aerobic (−12%, P=.047), resistance (−9.5%, P=.036), and combination (−12.7%, P=.003) groups compared with baseline, as well as in the combination group (−10.7%, P=.047) compared with the control group. We did not observe significant changes in SBP, DBP, or AI between the interventions when assessing the entire cohort, although there were significant improvements in a subgroup of responders. Thus, some but not all overweight and obese individuals can improve blood pressure and arterial stiffness by participating in regular combination exercise, decreasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
How Does Product Market Competition Interact with Internal Corporate Governance?: Evidence from the Korean Economy*
Authors: Byun Hee Sub , Lee Ji Hye , Park Kyung Suh 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn this study, we empirically test whether firms that belong to a business group (chaebol) behave differently from stand‐alone firms in their decisions regarding internal corporate governance, given product market competition. The existing literature has ignored the possibility that firm characteristics may differentially affect this relationship. We find that the member firms of chaebol maintain better internal corporate governance in a non‐competitive environment, whereas stand‐alone firms do so in a competitive environment. We also find that the positive effects of internal corporate governance on firm value are stronger in a non‐competitive environment for stand‐alone firms, but not for affiliated firms. We ascribe the detected differences in corporate behavior and performance to differences in the level of competitive pressure to which firms are exposed. When we classify the firms by asset size or product market leadership, we observe a similar pattern, which also supports our conjecture.
Do Investors Price Accruals Quality? A Reexamination in the Implied Cost of Equity Capital*
Authors: Hwang Lee‐Seok , Lim Seung‐Yeon 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis study investigates whether accruals quality (AQ) influences the expected returns of stock investors. We employ estimates of the implied cost of equity capital (ICOE) as the expected returns of stock investors because they are well specified ex ante without the need for noisy realized returns. Extending a current debate on AQ pricing, we control for several properties of analysts’ forecasts and find that AQ is positively and significantly related to ICOE. In addition, AQ is more closely related to the innate component than to the discretionary component. However, even after controlling for innate factors, we find that investors also price the discretionary component. Finally, we show that the relationship between AQ and ICOE is more pronounced for firms in poor information environments, such as small firms and firms with a low analyst following, implying that a firm’s information environment influences the relationship between AQ and ICOE.
ITMs versus OTMs*
Authors: Yoon Sun‐Joong , Kang So Hyun 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBy comparing liquidity and price discovery effects, the market microstructure literature insists that in‐the‐money options (ITMs) are informationally inferior to out‐of‐the‐money options. However, such an argument is at odds with the anecdotal point that ITMs may be more effective for hedging future volatility risk. ITMs are driven by institutional investors, who are considered to be informed traders, and can provide significant hedging benefits such that a hedging with ITMs requires fewer options and less frequent rebalancing. To clear this suspicion, we compare implied risk‐neutral densities, implied risk aversions and volatility forecasting performances. Contrary to the anecdotal evidence, our findings show the inferiority of ITMs in forecasting future volatilities, even after adjusting for the risk attitude of investors. These findings offer support for the arguments made in the extant market microstructure literature.
Therapeutic implications of endothelin and thrombin G-protein-coupled receptor transactivation of tyrosine and serine/threonine kinase cell surface receptors
Authors: Kamato Danielle , Burch Micah L , Osman Narin , Zheng Wenhua , Little Peter J 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Objectives
This review discusses the latest developments in G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling related to the transactivation of cell surface protein kinase receptors and the therapeutic implications.

Key findings
Multiple GPCRs have been known to transactivate protein tyrosine kinase receptors for almost two decades. More recently it has been discovered that GPCRs can also transactivate protein serine/threonine kinase receptors such as that for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Using the model of proteoglycan synthesis and glycosaminoglycan elongation in human vascular smooth muscle cells which is a component of an in vitro model of atherosclerosis, the dual tyrosine and serine/threonine kinase receptor transactivation pathways appear to account for all of the response to the agonists, endothelin and thrombin.

Summary
The broadening of the paradigm of GPCR receptor transactivation explains the broad range of activities of these receptors and also the efficacy of GPCR antagonists in cardiovascular therapeutics. Deciphering the mechanisms of transactivation with the aim of identifying a common therapeutic target remains the next challenge.