bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of left bundle branch block on heart rate and its relationship to treatment with ivabradine in chronic heart failure
Authors: Reil Jan‐Christian , Robertson Michele , Ford Ian , Borer Jeffrey , Komajda Michel , Swedberg Karl , Tavazzi Luigi , Böhm Michael 
Published: May 2013

AimsLeft bundle branch block (LBBB) increases morbidity and mortality in heart failure (HF). Heart rate reduction with ivabradine improves outcomes in patients with systolic HF. Therefore, we aimed to analyse the impact of LBBB on outcomes in patients with systolic HF as a function of heart rate, and the relationship between LBBB and the effect of treatment with ivabradine.Methods and resultsPatients from the SHIFT (n = 6505) were divided into groups with (n = 912) or without (n = 5593) LBBB at baseline, and according to tertiles of heart rate (70–73, 74–80, and ≥81 b.p.m.). The effect of LBBB, heart rate, and ivabradine on the primary endpoint (cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization) and other endpoints was analysed. LBBB was associated with increases in the primary endpoint by 65%, cardiovascular mortality by 49%, HF hospitalization by 86%, and all‐cause mortality by 49% (all P < 0.001). No interaction appeared between the impact of heart rate on outcomes and presence of LBBB (P = 0.83 for the primary endpoint); thus LBBB increases risk for all heart rates. No interaction was apparent in the effect of ivabradine with LBBB or without LBBB. Ivabradine did not increase the prevalence of bradycardia in patients with LBBB.ConclusionLBBB increases risk in HF patients with heart rates ≥70 b.p.m. in sinus rhythm, unmodulated by heart rate. Ivabradine was safe in LBBB. Its effect was directionally similar to that in patients without LBBB, but did not reach statistical significance, possibly due to lack of power to test this effect because of the small number of LBBB patients.
Survival bottlenecks in the early ontogenesis of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus, L.) in coastal lagoon spawning areas of the western Baltic Sea
Authors: Polte Patrick , Kotterba Paul , Hammer Cornelius , Gröhsler Tomas 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDominant drivers of larval survival are considered to include oceanographic dispersal, sea temperatures, and food availability in the phase of first-feeding. However, research progress on larval herring survival dynamics indicates that multiple factors might act on differing larval developmental stages. Hypothesizing that in inshore systems of the western Baltic Sea bottlenecks of herring development occur before the point of first-feeding, we analysed an extensive time-series of weekly abundances of early stage larvae in Greifswald Bay, an important spawning area for Western Baltic herring. Additionally, we investigated whether distinct hatching cohorts contribute differently to established survival indices on the level of (i) later larval stages in Greifswald Bay and (ii) 1+ group juveniles in the overall western Baltic Sea. Results revealed that abundances of the earliest larval stage explain 62% of the variability of later stage larvae and 61% of the variability of surviving juveniles, indicating pre-hatching survival bottlenecks. Hatching cohorts occurring later during the spawning season contribute most to the surviving year class. Earlier hatching cohorts were not found to result in significant amounts of growing larvae, indicating a bottleneck phase at the critical period when larvae start feeding.
Characterizing walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) winter distribution from opportunistic acoustic data
Authors: Barbeaux Steven J. , Horne John K. , Dorn Martin W. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBarbeaux, S. J., Horne, J. K., and Dorn, M. W. 2013. Characterizing walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) winter distribution from opportunistic acoustic data. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 1162–1173. In 2003, acoustic data from 25 000 km of ship track lines were collected from two fishing vessels participating in the eastern Bering Sea walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) fishery. Although these data were not calibrated or collected on a systematic grid, their broad temporal extent combined with high spatial resolution facilitated the examination of the distribution and behaviour of fished aggregations. To demonstrate their scientific applicability, these data were used to identify the spatio-temporal dynamics of pollock aggregations over scales ranging from hundreds of metres to hundreds of kilometres and from minutes to months. The spatial analysis identified three levels of pollock aggregation. The largest regions of high pollock density had an average diameter of 110 km and were comparable with distinct fishing grounds identified by fishers. The next smaller areas of high pollock density had a diameter between 2.5 and 6 km. Within these areas were clusters of pollock at even higher densities. The extent of the smallest aggregations ranged in diameter from 0.1 km in daylight to 0.6 km at night. Time-series analysis identified vertical and horizontal diel changes in pollock distribution and an overall decline in pollock density over the study period.
Fisheries management under climate and environmental uncertainty: control rules and performance simulation
Authors: Punt André E. , A'mar Teresa , Bond Nicholas A. , Butterworth Douglas S. , de Moor Carryn L. , De Oliveira José A. A. , Haltuch Melissa A. , Hollowed Anne B. , Szuwalski Cody 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe ability of management strategies to achieve the fishery management goals are impacted by environmental variation and, therefore, also by global climate change. Management strategies can be modified to use environmental data using the “dynamic B0” concept, and changing the set of years used to define biomass reference points. Two approaches have been developed to apply management strategy evaluation to evaluate the impact of environmental variation on the performance of management strategies. The “mechanistic approach” estimates the relationship between the environment and elements of the population dynamics of the fished species and makes predictions for population trends using the outputs from global climate models. In contrast, the “empirical approach” examines possible broad scenarios without explicitly identifying mechanisms. Many reviewed studies have found that modifying management strategies to include environmental factors does not improve the ability to achieve management goals much, if at all, and only if the manner in which these factors drive the system is well known. As such, until the skill of stock projection models improves, it seems more appropriate to consider the implications of plausible broad forecasts related to how biological parameters may change in the future as a way to assess the robustness of management strategies, rather than attempting specific predictions per se.
From mountains to sound: modelling the sensitivity of Dungeness crab and Pacific oyster to land–sea interactions in Hood Canal, WA
Authors: Toft J. E. , Burke J. L. , Carey M. P. , Kim C. K. , Marsik M. , Sutherland D. A. , Arkema K. K. , Guerry A. D. , Levin P. S. , Minello T. J. , Plummer M. , Ruckelshaus M. H. , Townsend H. M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMany diagnoses of declining marine species and habitats along US coasts point to upland and freshwater sources of imperilment. Yet, little work has examined how and whether activities on land affect marine resources. Similarly, the impacts of climate change on coastal systems are among the most certain; yet, few studies have explored how alternative management and climate scenarios will affect the delivery of diverse benefits to people from coasts. We estimated how Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) and Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) harvest in Hood Canal, WA, may change given predictions of land uses and effects of climate change. These two marine species are critical components of local commercial and recreational fisheries and thus represent key “ecosystem service” endpoints. We found that Dungeness crab harvest responds strongly to effects of climate change, as mediated by increased ocean temperature, whereas Pacific oyster harvest is more responsive to projected change in land-use/land-cover due to increased nutrient loading to the marine system. These changes vary spatially throughout Hood Canal. These results can be used as a heuristic framework to help decision-makers, planners, and other stakeholders in the region as they work to target conservation and restoration activities and plan for future growth in a changing climate.
Pedicle Screw Combined With Lateral Mass Screw Fixation in the Treatment of Basilar Invagination and Congenital C2–C3 Fusion
Authors: Wang Shenglin , Wang Chao , Leng Huijie , Zhao Weidong , Yan Ming , Zhou Haitao 
Published: May 2013

Study Design:
Clinical evaluation of a surgical fixation technique featuring combined use of pedicle screw and lateral mass screw (LMS).

Objective:
Introduction of a novel technique for the treatment of congenital C2–C3 fusion and basilar invagination (BI).

Summary of Background:
Posterior occipitocervical fixation using C2 pedicle screw was widely used for BI. However, in cases where BI is concurrent with congenital C2–C3 fusion, the C2 pedicles tend to be thinner than that in normal population and hence more likely to fail. We prompted to tackle the issue by combining the pedicle screw with the additional use of LMS in attempt to strengthen the fixation.

Methods:
Twenty-five patients who underwent combined pedicle screw with LMS fixation were retrospectively studied. The instrument position, fusion status, and complications were analyzed.

Results:
None had spinal cord or vertebral artery injury. The average follow-up time was 20 months. Solid fusion was achieved in 23 patients (92%) as detected radiologically. Two cases suffered from recurred BI and instrument failure but eventually achieved solid fusion between the occiput and C2 was after revision. Among all 25 patients, 4 suffered from complications including instruments failure, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and intracranial infection.

Conclusions:
The clinical outcome indicates that the technique is reliable for the treatment of BI with congenital C2–C3 fusion.
Blood pressure regulation via the epithelial sodium channel: From gene to kidney and beyond
Authors: Büsst Cara J 
Published: May 2013

Summary

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) has long been recognized as playing a vital role in blood pressure (BP) regulation due to its involvement in fluid balance. The genes encoding the three ENaC subunits are likewise important contributors to hypertension, both in rare monogenic diseases and in the general population.

The unusually high numbers of genetic variants associated with complex traits, including BP, that are located in non‐coding areas suggest an involvement of these variants in regulatory functions. This may involve differential regulation of expression in different tissues.

Emerging evidence indicates that the ENaC plays an important role in BP determination not only via its actions in the kidney, but also in other tissues commonly involved in BP regulation. The ENaC in the central nervous system is proposed to regulate BP via sympathetic nervous system activity. Recent evidence suggests that the ENaC contributes to vascular function and the myogenic response. Additional roles potentially include initiation of the baroreceptor reflex via ENaC in the baroreceptors and driving high salt intake with a ‘taste for salt’ via ENaC in the tongue.

The present review describes the involvement of the ENaC in the determination of BP at a genetic and physiological level, detailing recent evidence for its role in the kidney and in other pertinent tissues.
When Mayors Go Global: International Strategies, Urban Governance and Leadership
Authors: Beal Vincent , Pinson Gilles 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAn enigma lies at the heart of this article. In December 2006, the mayor of Saint‐Étienne, Michel Thiollière, was elected as the fifth best mayor in the world by the internet site City Mayors. Yet no publicity was made locally around this award. Taking this anecdote as a starting point, this article deals with the motivations that can lead a city mayor to become involved in urban international relationships' policy (city twinning, participation in cities networks, study trips, etc.). On the one hand these activities provide resources for building up political legitimacy and for electoral control, and on the other they provide resources for policy solutions to urban problems in the public realm. Nevertheless, in a context of transformation of the process of legitimization of urban elected officials, the second kind of resources seems to be the most sought after in mayoral involvement in international activities.
Preterm birth time trends in Europe: a study of 19 countries
Authors: Zeitlin J , Szamotulska K , Drewniak N , Mohangoo AD , Chalmers J , Sakkeus L , Irgens L , Gatt M , Gissler M , Blondel B ,   The Euro‐Peristat Preterm Study Group
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate time trends in preterm birth in Europe by multiplicity, gestational age, and onset of delivery.DesignAnalysis of aggregate data from routine sources.SettingNineteen European countries.PopulationLive births in 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008.MethodsAnnual risk ratios of preterm birth in each country were estimated with year as a continuous variable for all births and by subgroup using log‐binomial regression models.Main outcome measuresOverall preterm birth rate and rate by multiplicity, gestational age group, and spontaneous versus non‐spontaneous (induced or prelabour caesarean section) onset of labour.ResultsPreterm birth rates rose in most countries, but the magnitude of these increases varied. Rises in the multiple birth rate as well as in the preterm birth rate for multiple births contributed to increases in the overall preterm birth rate. About half of countries experienced no change or decreases in the rates of singleton preterm birth. Where preterm birth rates rose, increases were no more prominent at 35–36 weeks of gestation than at 32–34 weeks of gestation. Variable trends were observed for spontaneous and non‐spontaneous preterm births in the 13 countries with mode of onset data; increases were not solely attributed to non‐spontaneous preterm births.ConclusionsThere was a wide variation in preterm birth trends in European countries. Many countries maintained or reduced rates of singleton preterm birth over the past 15 years, challenging a widespread belief that rising rates are the norm. Understanding these cross‐country differences could inform strategies for the prevention of preterm birth.
Two new subspecies of carabid beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in Korea
Authors: Park Jong Kyun , Park Jinyoung 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCoptolabrus smaragdinus sungkii ssp. nov. and Eucarabus sternbergi gureopensis ssp. nov. are reported as new subspecies in Korea. Descriptions, photographs, distributional map, genitalic characteristics, and keys of each subspecies are provided.
Predicting haemorrhage in pre‐hospital traumatic patients: evaluation of the novel heart‐to‐arm time index
Authors: VETTORELLO M. , SANTAMBROGIO S. M. , CALINI A. R. , TIZZONI L. , MARCONI G. , LIPPI M. G. , SESANA G. , CHIARA O. , FUMAGALLI R. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundEarly recognition of hypovolaemia in trauma patients is very important. However, the most often used clinical signs, such as hypotension and tachycardia, lack specificity and sensitivity.MethodsWe propose a non‐invasive index of hypovolaemia, the heart to arm time (iHAT), based on a modified pulse transit time indexed to heart rate. Pulse transit time is the sum of pre‐ejection period and vascular transit time. Following pre‐load reductions due to hypovolaemia, ventricular diastolic filling time increases causing an increase in pre‐ejection‐period, pulse transit time, and hence iHAT. One hundred and four consecutive patients with suspected major trauma were enrolled. The primary aim was to evaluate the use of the iHAT for detecting haemorrhage in major trauma. The secondary end point was to compare the specificity and sensitivity of iHAT compared to commonly used indexes.ResultsiHAT was calculated in 84 subjects, 11 of whom were haemorrhagic. iHAT discriminated haemorrhagic from non‐haemorrhagic group (46.8% vs. 66.9%, P < 0.0001). The cut‐off for iHAT with the best compromise between sensitivity (90.9%) and specificity (100%) was reached at the 58.78% level. Comparing haemorrhagic and non‐haemorrhagic patients, the area under the ROC curve was 0.952 for iHAT, 0.835 for heart rate, and 0.911 for systolic blood pressure, showing no significant differences.ConclusionsiHAT is a non‐invasive index that can identify haemorrhage in trauma patients with high sensitivity and specificity. These data should be considered as an exploration, but any conclusion should be validated in a new set of consecutive patients.
Caloric restriction ameliorates kidney ischaemia/reperfusion injury through PGC‐1α–eNOS pathway and enhanced autophagy
Authors: Lempiäinen J. , Finckenberg P. , Mervaala E. E. , Sankari S. , Levijoki J. , Mervaala E. M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimWe investigated whether preconditioning with caloric restriction (CR) ameliorates kidney ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and whether the salutary effects of CR are mediated through enhanced autophagy and/or activation of key metabolic sensors SIRT1, AMP‐kinase and PGC‐1α.MethodsSix‐ to seven‐week‐old Wistar rats were divided into three groups: (i) sham‐operated group; (ii) I/R group (40‐min ischaemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion); and (iii) I/R group kept under CR (energy intake 70%) for 2 weeks before surgery. In additional experiments, sirtinol and 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) were used as inhibitors of SIRT1 and autophagy respectively. Renal function was measured, and acute tubular damage and nitrotyrosine expression were scored. Kidney adenosine monophosphate‐activated kinase (AMPK), SIRT1, eNOS, PGC‐1α and LC‐3B expressions were measured.ResultsCaloric restriction improved renal function, protected against the development of acute tubular necrosis and attenuated I/R‐induced nitrosative stress. Kidney I/R injury decreased eNOS and PGC‐1α expression, inhibit autophagy and increased SIRT1 and AMPK expressions by 2.6‐ and fourfold respectively. However, phosphorylation level of AMPK was decreased. As compared with I/R injury group, CR further increased kidney SIRT1 expression by 1.8‐fold, promoted autophagy and counteracted I/R‐induced decreases in the expression of eNOS and PGC‐1α. 3‐MA abolished the renoprotective effects of CR, whereas sirtinol did not influence renal function in CR rats with I/R injury.ConclusionsCaloric restriction ameliorates acute kidney I/R injury through enhanced autophagy and counteraction of I/R‐induced decreases in the renal expression of eNOS and PGC‐1α.
St. John's Wort Reduces Beta‐Amyloid Accumulation in a Double Transgenic Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model—Role of P‐Glycoprotein
Authors: Brenn Anja , Grube Markus , Jedlitschky Gabriele , Fischer Andrea , Strohmeier Barbara , Eiden Martin , Keller Markus , Groschup Martin H. , Vogelgesang Silke 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transport protein P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1) is involved in the export of beta‐amyloid from the brain into the blood, and there is evidence that age‐associated deficits in cerebral P‐glycoprotein content may be involved in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. P‐glycoprotein function and expression can be pharmacologically induced by a variety of compounds including extracts of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort). To clarify the effect of St. John's Wort on the accumulation of beta‐amyloid and P‐glycoprotein expression in the brain, St. John's Wort extract (final hyperforin concentration 5%) was fed to 30‐day‐old male C57BL/6J‐APP/PS1+/− mice over a period of 60 or 120 days, respectively. Age‐matched male C57BL/6J‐APP/PS1+/− mice receiving a St. John's Wort‐free diet served as controls. Mice receiving St. John's Wort extract showed (i) significant reductions of parenchymal beta‐amyloid 1–40 and 1–42 accumulation; and (ii) moderate, but statistically significant increases in cerebrovascular P‐glycoprotein expression. Thus, the induction of cerebrovascular P‐glycoprotein may be a novel therapeutic strategy to protect the brain from beta‐amyloid accumulation, and thereby impede the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Quality of life, firm productivity, and the value of amenities across Canadian cities
Authors: Albouy David , Leibovici Fernando , Warman Casey 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe estimate quality‐of‐life and productivity differences across Canada's metropolitan areas in a hedonic general‐equilibrium framework. These are based on the estimated willingness‐to‐pay of heterogeneous households and firms to locate in various cities, which differ in their wage levels, housing costs, and land values. Using 2006 Canadian Census data, our metropolitan quality‐of‐life estimates are somewhat consistent with popular rankings, yet find Canadians care more about climate and culture. Quality of life is highest in Victoria for anglophones, Montreal for francophones, and Vancouver for allophones, and lowest in more remote cities. Toronto is Canada's most productive city; Vancouver is the overall most valuable city.
Middle school or junior high? How grade‐level configurations affect academic achievement
Authors: Dhuey Elizabeth 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDoes the grade‐level configuration of a school affect academic achievement? This research examines the effect of attending a middle/junior high school on academic outcomes in British Columbia, Canada, relative to attending a school from kindergarten through grade 8. Using an OLS strategy, I find that attending a middle/junior high school reduces grades 4 to 7 achievement gains in math and reading by 0.125–0.187 and 0.055–0.108, respectively. Similar‐sized estimates are found for math using a 2SLS strategy. Finally, large negative effects on grade 10 and grade 12 English exams are also found.
Maximizing human development
Authors: Engineer Merwan , King Ian 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe Human Development Index (HDI) is widely used as a measure of well‐being. We examine the allocations implied by the maximization of this index using a standard growth model. Maximization leads to consumption (excluding education and health expenditures) being pushed to minimal levels. It also leads to the overaccumulation of education and/or health capital and possibly physical capital, relative to the standard golden rule. We propose an alternative specification for the HDI, where consumption replaces income as a proxy for decent standard of living. Maximization of this alternative implies a ‘human development golden rule’ which balances consumption, education and health expenditure. We advocate the method of optimization subject to constraints for revealing the policy implications of taking an achievement measure and its underlying philosophy seriously.
Do central banks respond to exchange rate movements? Some new evidence from structural estimation
Authors: Dong Wei 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of exchange rate movements on the conduct of monetary policy in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. We develop and estimate a structural general equilibrium model, in which monetary policy is represented as a simple rule and exchange rate pass‐through is incomplete due to the presence of local currency pricing and distribution services. We find that the Bank of Canada, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, and the Bank of England have not adjusted interest rates in response to exchange rate movements since the adoption of inflation targeting, while our model selection results for Australia are less clear.