bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of deep sedation on the accuracy of hepatic and portal venous pressure measurements in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Reverter Enric , Blasi Annabel , Abraldes Juan G. , Martínez‐Palli Graciela , Seijo Susana , Turon Fanny , Berzigotti Annalisa , Balust Jaume , Bosch Jaume , García‐Pagán Juan C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsMeasurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) offers valuable prognostic information in patients with cirrhosis. In specific circumstances, (children, agitated patients, TIPS placement) deep sedation is required. This study aims to assess the impact of deep sedation on the accuracy of hepatic/portal pressure measurements.MethodsForty‐four patients were included. Measurements of baseline HVPG (n = 30), HVPG response to i.v. propranolol (n = 11), portal pressure gradient (PPG) after TIPS (n = 27) and of cardio‐pulmonary pressures (n = 25) were obtained in awake conditions and under deep sedation with propofol and remifentanil.ResultsDuring deep sedation, a marked oscillation within respiratory cycle was observed in abdominal pressures. End‐expiratory sedated HVPG showed a better agreement with awake HVPG (intra‐class correlation coefficient – ICC 0.864) than end‐inspiratory HVPG (ICC 0.796). However, in almost half of the patients both values differed by more than 10%. Accuracy was not improved by using mean HVPG along the respiratory cycle. Similarly, changes in HVPG caused by propranolol while under sedation had a poor agreement to those obtained in awake conditions. Indeed, about a half of patients were misclassified according to the 10% HVPG reduction target. After TIPS, PPG values obtained under sedation were significantly different to awake PPG, usually underestimating the awake value. The systemic hemodynamic changes induced by sedation were not associated to a greater variability of PPG/HVPG measurements.ConclusionDeep sedation with propofol and remifentanil adds substantial variability and uncertainty to HVPG/PPG measurements. This must be considered when using these values to estimate prognosis, or targeting HVPG/PPG reductions.
Effect of lifetime alcohol consumption on the histological severity of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kwon Hellan K. , Greenson Joel K. , Conjeevaram Hari S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined based on recent alcohol consumption; however, remote or lifetime alcohol consumption is not taken into account. It is not known whether lifetime alcohol consumption contributes to the severity of disease in patients with NAFLD. To determine the effect of lifetime alcohol consumption on the histological severity in patients with NAFLD.Patients & MethodsAdults >18 years of age with presumed NAFLD and alcohol consumption <40 g/week were enrolled. Lifetime alcohol consumption was determined using a questionnaire. Patients with a history of long‐term alcohol abuse or dependence were excluded. A liver biopsy was reviewed by a single pathologist in a blinded fashion. Demographic, clinical and histological findings were compared in those who had regular alcohol consumption and those who did not.ResultsA total of 77 patients had fatty liver on biopsy. Fifty‐two patients had a history of regular alcohol consumption. The median lifetime cumulative alcohol intake was 24 gram‐years. On multivariable analysis, increasing age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.14) was associated with severe liver disease, whereas alcohol consumption of ≥24 gram‐years was associated with less severe disease (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.07–0.97, P = 0.04). Patients who continued to consume alcohol or had been abstinent for ≤1 year had less severe disease.ConclusionSome degree of regular alcohol consumption over the course of a lifetime compared to minimal intake appears to have a protective effect on the histological severity of liver disease among patients with strictly defined NAFLD.
Hydrodynamic performance of the flippers of large‐bodied cetaceans in relation to locomotor ecology
Authors: Weber Paul W. , Howle Laurens E. , Murray Mark M. , Reidenberg Joy S. , Fish Frank E. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCetaceans evolved flippers that are unique in both size and shape probably due to selection pressures associated with foraging and body size. Flippers function as control surfaces for maneuverability and stability. Flippers of cetaceans and engineered hydrofoils are similar with streamlined cross‐sections and wing‐like planforms, which affect lift, drag and hydrodynamic efficiency. Scale models of the flippers from large‐bodied (body length > 6 m) cetaceans (fin whale, killer whale, sperm whale) were constructed from computed tomography (CT) scans of flippers. Flipper planforms were highly tapered for the fin whale, a rounded, paddle‐like design for the killer whale, and a square geometry for the sperm whale. Hydrodynamic properties of the models at varying angles of attack (−40º to 40o) were determined in a water tunnel with a multi‐axis load cell. The flippers were found to have hydrodynamic characteristics similar to engineered wings. Differences in flipper morphology of large‐bodied cetaceans and their hydrodynamic performance are associated with the requirements of aquatic locomotion involved with ecology of the whales. The flippers of the killer whale provided the greatest maneuverability, whereas the flippers of the fin whale had low drag for lunging and the flippers of the sperm whale provided lift for diving.
Spatial and temporal analysis of killer whale (Orcinus orca) strandings in the North Pacific Ocean and the benefits of a coordinated stranding response protocol
Authors: Barbieri Michelle M. , Raverty Stephen , Bradley Hanson M. , Venn‐Watson Stephanie , Ford John K. B. , Gaydos Joseph K. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractKiller whales (Orcinus orca) are widely distributed throughout the world's oceans, yet little has been documented about their stranding patterns. Knowledge of stranding patterns improves our ability to examine and sample carcasses and provides a foundation for understanding killer whale natural history, diet, reproduction, anthropogenic stressors, emerging diseases, and patterns of unusual mortality. We compiled published and unpublished killer whale stranding data to describe stranding patterns in the North Pacific Ocean. Between 1925 and 2011, 371 stranded killer whales were reported in Japan (20.4%), Russia (3.5%), Alaska (32.0%), British Columbia (27.4%), Washington (4.0%), Oregon (2.7%), California (5.1%), Mexico (3.8%), and Hawaii (0.8%). Strandings occurred at all times of year, but regionally specific seasonal differences were observed. Mortality and annual census data from Northern and Southern Resident populations were extrapolated to estimate that across the North Pacific, an average of 48 killer whales die annually. However, over the last two decades, an average of only 10 killer whale carcasses were recovered annually in this ocean, making each event a rare opportunity for study. Publication of a standardized killer whale necropsy protocol and dedicated funding facilitated the number of complete postmortem necropsies performed on stranded killer whales from 1.6% to 32.2% annually.
No evidence for the persistence of Schmallenberg virus in overwintering mosquitoes
Authors: SCHOLTE E. J. , MARS M. H. , BRAKS M. , DEN HARTOG W. , IBAÑEZ‐JUSTICIA A. , KOOPMANS M. , KOENRAADT C. J. M. , DE VRIES A. , REUSKEN C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn 2011, Schmallenberg virus (SBV), a novel member of the Simbu serogroup, genus Orthobunyavirus, was identified as the causative agent of a disease in ruminants in Europe. Based on the current knowledge on arthropods involved in the transmission of Simbu group viruses, a role of both midges and mosquitoes in the SBV transmission cycle cannot be excluded beforehand. The persistence of SBV in mosquitoes overwintering at SBV‐affected farms in the Netherlands was investigated. No evidence for the presence of SBV in 868 hibernating mosquitoes (Culex, Anopheles, and Culiseta spp., collected from January to March 2012) was found. This suggests that mosquitoes do not play an important role, if any, in the persistence of SBV during the winter months in northwestern Europe.
Blow fly responses to semiochemicals produced by decaying carcasses
Authors: JOHANSEN H. , SOLUM M. , KNUDSEN G. K. , HÅGVAR E. B. , NORLI H. R. , AAK A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractVolatiles from mouse carcasses in decay stages ranging from fresh to 33 days old were used to investigate oriented flight and landings in male and female blow flies of Calliphora vicina Robineau‐Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Oriented flight increased significantly from 36% towards fresh carcasses to 68%, 61% and 65% towards carcasses aged 3 days, 6 days and 9 days, respectively. Carcasses aged 20 days and 33 days were significantly less attractive, achieving 51% and 41% attraction, respectively. No differences emerged between the sexes in oriented flight, but a significant increase in female landings at the most attractive carcasses was observed. Headspace collections from the different stages of decay showed a succession in the volatile profile emitted from the carcasses and identified nine chemicals which peak in quantity in concurrence with the most attractive stages of decay. Three of these chemicals also showed dose–response effects as indicated by a significant correlation between the amount present and the proportion of flies responding. Blow flies are important pests and efficient traps are needed. The significant interaction between fly sex and carcass age highlights behavioural differences between male and female blow flies which can be exploited in blow fly trapping. Three new volatile chemicals, butylated hydroxyl toluene, 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone and nonanal, emitted from dead mice are suggested as potential attractants.
A Critical Appraisal of the Evidence for Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Treatment for Cervico‐Thoracic Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Authors: Desai Mehul J. , Shkolnikova Tatyana , Nava Andrew , Inwald Danielle 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMyofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by regional pain and muscle tenderness associated with the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). The last decade has seen an exponential increase in the use of botulinum toxin (BTX) to treat MPS. To understand the medical evidence substantiating the role of therapeutic BTX injections and to provide useful information for the medical practitioner, we applied the principles of evidence‐based medicine to the treatment for cervico‐thoracic MPS. A search was conducted through MEDLINE (PubMed, OVID, MDConsult), EMBASE, SCOPUS and the Cochrane database for the period 1966 to 2012 using the following keywords: myofascial pain, muscle pain, botulinum toxin, trigger points, and injections. A total of 7 trials satisfied our inclusion criteria and were evaluated in this review. Although the majority of studies found negative results, our analysis identified Gobel et al.'s as the highest quality study among these prospectively randomized investigations. This was due to appropriate identification of diagnostic criteria, excellent study design and objective endpoints. The 6 other identified studies had significant failings due to deficiencies in 1 or more major criteria. We conclude that higher quality, rigorously standardized studies are needed to more appropriately investigate this promising treatment modality.
Concern for Pain in the Pre‐Operative Period‐ Is the Internet Being Used for Information By Patients?
Authors: Kurup Viji , Dabu‐Bondoc Susan , Senior Audrey , Dai Feng , Hersey Denise , Vadivelu Nalini 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectivesThis study was conducted to provide information regarding prevalence of pain, type of provider managing pain, and use of Internet for information regarding pain, among patients coming for presurgical anesthesia consultation at a major academic institution.MethodsWith IRB approval, patients were invited to participate in a voluntary and anonymous 14 question survey given to them when they presented for anesthesia consultation prior to their surgical procedure. The qualitative/categorical data were summarized by number (percentage [%]) and analyzed by Chi‐square test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. All data analyses were performed using the statistical software SAS, v9.2.ResultsA total of 1039 patients were asked to complete the survey and 670 patients returned their responses (response rate = 64.5%). 83% of patients had a history of prior surgery. 57% were concerned about postoperative pain. 30% of patients had chronic pain for more than 3 months pre‐operatively. 16% of patients had looked online for information regarding pain. Pain physicians were involved in pain management only in 3.8% of these patients.DiscussionPatients are presenting for surgery with significant pre‐operative pain issues. Knowing this information pre‐operatively will help healthcare personnel manage postsurgical pain more effectively. Patients are also using the Internet to obtain information regarding pain. As providers, there may be value to directing patients to reliable information online during consultation. As all physicians will eventually be managing chronic pain in their patients, pain education should be given priority in medical school curriculum.
Circadian clock gene Clock is involved in the photoperiodic response of the bean bug Riptortus pedestris
Authors: IKENO TOMOKO , ISHIKAWA KIMIKA , NUMATA HIDEHARU , GOTO SHIN G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe role of the circadian clock gene Clock in the circadian rhythm and the photoperiodic regulation of reproductive diapause in the bean bug Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) is investigated. Clock RNA interference (RNAi) disrupts the circadian rhythm in an alternating deposition of polarized and nonpolarized cuticle layers in the endocuticle, and produces only a polarized layer. This indicates that Clock is a core component of the circadian clock and that it acts as a positive element in activating the transcription of downstream genes. In addition, Clock RNAi suppresses ovarian development irrespective of day‐length conditions, which indicates that Clock is involved in the photoperiodic response. The observed phenotypes in Clock RNAi insects, the production of a single polarized layer in the endocuticle and an arrested ovarian development irrespective of photoperiod are the same as those induced by RNAi of cycle, a positive element in the circadian clock. However, the phenotypes induced by RNAi of negative elements period and mammalian‐type cryptochrome differ from those induced by the positive elements. Considering the current data together with previously published findings, it is concluded that the circadian clock, comprising the circadian clock genes, is involved in the photoperiodic response of R. pedestris.
Differential regulation of heat shock protein genes by temperature in relation to initial diapause in the egg of the katydid Paratlanticus ussuriensis
Authors: SHIM JAE‐KYOUNG , BANG HEA‐SON , LEE KYEONG‐YEOLL 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe lifecycle of Paratlanticus ussuriensis Uvarov can extend for longer than 1 year (plurennial) as a result of prolonged diapause. Eggs can overwinter by entering a facultative initial diapause in the early embryonic stage within the egg, followed by further overwintering by entering an obligatory final diapause at the fully developed embryonic stage. The initial diapause is temperature‐dependent and initiated by continuous incubation at 20 °C but not at 30 °C. To understand the mechanism of initial diapause at the molecular level, cDNAs of small heat shock protein genes (shsp), hsp90, as well as three hsp70 genes (hsp70a, hsp70b and hsp70c), are determined and the transcript levels of the five hsp genes are compared in eggs incubated at 20 or 30 °C for 60 days after oviposition using real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis. At 30 °C, transcript levels of shsp, hsp70a, hsp70b and hsp90 increase in eggs with age. However, hsp70c levels uniquely peak only in 25‐day‐old eggs, corresponding to the time of initial diapause. At 20 °C, distinct levels of shsp, hsp70a and hsp90 appear in some stages and fluctuate throughout the 60‐day observation period, although both hsp70b and hsp70c are undetectable. These results suggest that each hsp may play a specific role in relation to initial diapause. In addition, up‐regulation of hsp70c may be associated with the mechanism of embryonic activation for averting initial diapause in warmer conditions.
Seasonal Variations in the Subsurface Ultraviolet‐B on an Inshore Pacific Coral Reef Ecosystem
Authors: Downs Nathan J. , Schouten Peter W. , Parisi Alfio V. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractFringing coral reefs provide a unique opportunity to study shallow aquatic ecosystems. A fringing coral reef system located in close proximity to a developed region was considered in this study. In such an environment, the rate of decay of dissolved organic matter is high and the penetration of higher energy ultraviolet‐B (UVB) extends a greater influence on species diversity, particularly upon shallow benthic communities. Results from a 9 month subsurface UVB exposure measurement campaign performed at a site located on the southern Queensland coast (Hervey Bay, 25°S) are presented in this research. For this, a novel dosimetric technique was utilized to measure long‐term subsurface UVB exposures. The resultant data set includes exposure measurements made during the significant La Niña event of late 2010 which resulted in unprecedented high sea surface temperatures and severe flooding across eastern Australia, impacting upon the lagoon regions of the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland's southern estuaries, including the study site. The influence of season, diurnal tidal variation, cloud cover and solar zenith angle were analyzed over the campaign period. Mean minimum daylight water depth was found to be the most significant factor influencing subsurface UVB.
Follow your breath: Respiratory interoceptive accuracy in experienced meditators
Authors: Daubenmier Jennifer , Sze Jocelyn , Kerr Catherine E. , Kemeny Margaret E. , Mehling Wolf 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAttention to internal bodily sensations is a core feature of mindfulness meditation. Previous studies have not detected differences in interoceptive accuracy between meditators and nonmeditators on heartbeat detection and perception tasks. We compared differences in respiratory interoceptive accuracy between meditators and nonmeditators in the ability to detect and discriminate respiratory resistive loads and sustain accurate perception of respiratory tidal volume during nondistracted and distracted conditions. Groups did not differ in overall performance on the detection and discrimination tasks; however, meditators were more accurate in discriminating the resistive load with the lowest ceiling effect. Meditators were also more accurate during the nondistracted tracking task at a lag time of 1 s following the breath. Results provide initial support for the notion that meditators have greater respiratory interoceptive accuracy compared to nonmeditators.
The Environmental Protection Agency Regulates Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Is Anyone Paying Attention?
Authors: Cook Jeffrey J. , Rinfret Sara R. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe promulgation of the Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule stands as the first step to developing a comprehensive national approach to climate change. However, what role, if any, did interest groups play in the development of this rule? This paper applies Kingdon's multiple streams model as a descriptive framework to analyze interview data for this rule to better understand interest group involvement across all the stages of the rule‐making process (rule development, notice and comment phase, and rule finalization). Our research suggests that interest groups were indeed influential throughout the process, but those involved during rule development were clearly at an advantage.
Conventional Politics for Unconventional Drilling? Lessons from Pennsylvania's Early Move into Fracking Policy Development
Authors: Rabe Barry G. , Borick Christopher 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe emergence of hydraulic fracturing techniques is generating a dramatic expansion of the development of domestic natural gas resources in theUnitedStates and abroad. Fracking also poses a series of environmental protection challenges that cut across traditional medium and program boundaries. Formal constraints on federal government engagement thus far devolve considerable latitude to individual states for policy development. This provides an important test of whether recent scholarly emphasis on highly innovative state environmental and energy policies can be extended to this burgeoning area.Pennsylvania has moved to the epicenter of the fracking revolution, reflecting its vast Marcellus Shale resource and far‐reaching 2012 legislation. This article examines thePennsylvania case and notes that the state's emerging policy appears designed to maximize resource extraction while downplaying environmental considerations. The case analysis generates questions as to whether this experience constitutes an influential state early mover that is likely to diffuse widely or is instead an aberration in a rapidly diversifying state policy development process.
A Mixed Effects Model for Identifying Goal Scoring Ability of Footballers
Authors: McHale Ian G. , Szczepański Łukasz 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe paper presents a model that can be used to identify the goal scoring ability of footballers. By decomposing the scoring process into the generation of shots and the conversion of shots to goals, abilities can be estimated from two mixed effects models. We compare several versions of our model as a tool for predicting the number of goals that a player will score in the following season with that of a naive method whereby a player's goals-per-minute ratio is assumed to be constant from one season to the next. We find that our model outperforms the naive model and that this outperformance can be attributed, in some part, to the model's disaggregating a player's ability and chance that may have influenced his goal scoring statistic in the previous season.
Handling Missing Values in Cost Effectiveness Analyses that Use Data From Cluster Randomized Trials
Authors: Díaz-Ordaz K. , Kenward Michael G. , Grieve Richard 
Published: May 2013

SummaryPublic policy makers use cost effectiveness analyses (CEAs) to decide which health and social care interventions to provide. Missing data are common in CEAs, but most studies use complete-case analysis. Appropriate methods have not been developed for handling missing data in complex settings, exemplified by CEAs that use data from cluster randomized trials. We present a multilevel multiple-imputation approach that recognizes the hierarchical structure of the data and is compatible with the bivariate multilevel models that are used to report cost effectiveness. We contrast this approach with single-level multiple imputation and complete-case analysis, in a CEA alongside a cluster randomized trial. The paper highlights the importance of adopting a principled approach to handling missing values in settings with complex data structures.