bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in Fidelis Lead Survival
Authors: Cheung Jim W. , Tobin-Hess Aviva , Patel Apoor , Slotwiner David J. , Goldner Bruce G. 
Published: August 2012

Background—
The Sprint Fidelis implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead was recalled in 2007 because of an elevated risk of lead fracture. Several studies have demonstrated an accelerating risk of lead failure over time. We sought to identify predictors and characterize trends of Fidelis lead failure.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated 604 Fidelis leads with ≥90 days of follow-up implanted at our institution. Fidelis lead survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Analysis of log-log plots of cumulative hazard plots was performed to assess changes in lead failure rate over time. During follow-up of 3.3±1.7 years, 51 (8.4%) Fidelis lead failures were identified. The 3-year and 5-year Fidelis lead survival rates were 93.5% and 85.3%, respectively. Female sex was the only significant predictor of lead failure (heart rate, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1–3.9;
P
<0.0001). The rate of lead failure initially increased exponentially with a power of 2.3 (95% CI, 2.22–2.43;
P
<0.0001). However, log-log analysis of cumulative hazard for leads functioning at 2 and 4 years revealed a stable rate of failure of 4.5%/year. Mathematical modeling of the Fidelis lead failure demonstrated a transition from an exponential to linear pattern of lead failure at 2.9 years.

Conclusions—
After 3 years, failure rates of Fidelis leads stabilize but at a significantly elevated rate. Female sex is associated with a doubling of the risk of Fidelis lead failure. These findings have implications for Fidelis lead management decisions that are based on the prediction of lead failure risk.
Shock Efficacy of Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator for Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Aydin Ali , Hartel Friederike , Schlüter Michael , Butter Christian , Köbe Julia , Seifert Martin , Gosau Nils , Hoffmann Boris , Hoffmann Matthias , Vettorazzi Eik , Wilke Iris , Wegscheider Karl , Reichenspurner Hermann , Eckardt Lars , Steven Daniel , Willems Stephan 
Published: August 2012

Background—
Recently, subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) has become available. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of S-ICD in a clinical setting.

Methods and Results—

Between June 2010 and July 2011, 40 consecutive patients (42±15 years; body mass index, 27±6 kg/m
2
; left ventricular ejection fraction, 47±15%; 28 men) received an S-ICD for primary (n=17) or secondary prevention (n=23 [58%]) at 3 institutions in Germany. Intraoperative defibrillation efficacy testing failed in 1 patient with severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction; testing was effective in all other patients. All episodes stored in the S-ICD were analyzed for appropriate and inappropriate detection, as well as effective shock delivery to convert ventricular tachyarrhythmia into sinus rhythm. During a median follow-up of 229 (interquartile range, 116–305) days, 4 patients experienced 21 episodes, with correct detection of ventricular tachyarrhythmia and subsequent shock therapy. A total of 28 shocks were delivered in these 4 patients. Mixed logistic regression modeling revealed a shock efficacy of 96.4% (95% CI, 12.8%–100%). The efficacy of first shocks, however, was only 57.9% (95% CI, 35.6%–77.4%). Four episodes were incorrectly classified as ventricular tachyarrhythmia, which led to inappropriate shock delivery in 2 patients.

Conclusions—
Ineffective shock delivery may occur in patients with S-ICD, even after successful intraoperative testing. Multicenter trials are required with close monitoring of safety and efficacy end points to identify patients who may be at risk for shock failure.
Modes of Infant Feeding and the Occurrence of Coughing/Wheezing in the First Year of Life
Authors: Soto-Ramírez Nelís , Karmaus Wilfried , Zhang Hongmei , Davis Susan , Agarwal Saroochi , Albergottie Alycia 
Published: August 2012

Background: Controversies regarding infant feeding and childhood wheezing may result from insufficient differentiation among various feeding modes. Objectives: We conducted prospective analyses of associations between the repeated ascertainment of feeding mode and wheezing in infancy. Methods: The Infant Feeding Practices Study II (2833 infants) provided data on coughing/wheezing episodes (CWEs) at 8 time points and feeding modes at 9 time points from months 1 to 12. Feeding modes were defined as direct breastfeeding, indirect breastfeeding (IBF, bottled breast milk), formula feeding (FF), and their combinations. In concurrent and delayed models using repeated measurements, the relative risks (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of different feeding modes for CWEs were estimated. In the delayed models, only infants without symptoms were considered at risk for consequent CWE. Results: In a model with a 1-month delay, compared to direct breastfeeding, any other feeding mode showed a statistically significant risk for CWEs (IBF: RR = 1.69, 95% CI [1.05, 2.72]; FF: RR = 1.26, 95% CI [1.08, 1.47]; mixed breast feeding plus FF: RR = 1.25, 95% CI [1.01, 1.55]; and FF and direct breastfeeding: RR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.14, 1.68]). In a concurrent effect model, FF, the combination of FF and IBF, and mixed breastfeeding plus formula were risk factors (RR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.19, 1.59], RR = 1.83, 95% CI [1.27, 2.63], and RR=1.35, 95% CI [1.11, 1.65]; respectively). Conclusions: Any mode of feeding that includes formula or bottled breast milk seems to be a moderate risk for cough or wheezing episodes in the first 12 months of life.
The Experience of Expressing and Donating Breast Milk Following a Perinatal Loss
Authors: Welborn Jessica Marie 
Published: August 2012

Background: The continued ability for a mother to produce breast milk following the death of her baby in utero, at birth, or during the postpartum period is an aspect of perinatal loss that is rarely acknowledged. Objective: To explore the lived experience of bereaved mothers who chose to express and donate their breast milk to a milk bank to feed premature and sick babies following the loss of their own babies. Methods: Twenty-one bereaved mothers who donated their milk between January 2003 and December 2006 to the Mothers Milk Bank in San Jose, CA or Columbus, OH participated in an in-depth, semistructured interview process about their experiences expressing and donating their milk. Results: Each transcribed interview revealed 4 essential themes, as follows: (1) identifying as a mother, grieving the loss of motherhood; (2) meanings associated with the experience of pumping milk; (3) finding meaning in and integrating the experience of perinatal loss; and (4) the importance of addressing lactation with bereaved mothers. Various subthemes were explored within each essential theme. Conclusion: The experiences of these participants reflect the importance of addressing lactation more thoroughly with bereaved mothers who have lost their babies in utero, at birth, or during the postpartum period and providing them with adequate support and education during the healing process.
Familial amyloidotic polineuropathy and systemic lupus
Authors: Ferreira AC , Carvalho F , Nolasco F 
Published: August 2012

Familial amyloidotic polineuropathy is a genetic disorder, leading to systemic amyloid deposits, manifested as sensory-motor and autonomic neuropathy. In the Portuguese classical form, the disease is evident at a young age, and causes death if no specific treatment is received. Variability in penetrance, age of onset and clinical course has been published; environmental and genetic factors are believed to contribute to this variability. The authors report a case of a 51-year-old white female, with a medical history of acquired angioedema, late-onset familial amyloidotic polineuropathy and systemic lupus erythemathosus. The authors consider that these associated diseases could modulate their expression.
Public–Private Partnership in Power Sector: A Focus on Ultra Mega Power Projects
Authors: Gangakhedkar Rajesh , Mishra R.K. 
Published: August 2012

Public–private Partnership in power sector is another significant development in the domain of power sector reforms. The Ultra Mega Power Projects which are based on Public–Private Partnership, are perceived as harbingers of change in the power sector. This article focuses on the study of Ultra Mega Power Projects, with special reference to Sasan and Mundra projects which are the first two Ultra Mega Power Projects that have achieved financial closure. The article is conceptual and uses secondary source of information. The article makes a critical evaluation of Ultra Mega Power Projects. In the process, the article dwells at length on the factors that contribute to the cost-effective power generation by these projects. It also examines the factors that favour the growth of these projects. The article also examines the emerging issues and challenges related to these projects that need due attention. JEL Classification: L-94
Impact of sleep disorder treatment on fatigue in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Côté I , Trojan DA , Kaminska M , Cardoso M , Benedetti A , Weiss D , Robinson A , Bar-Or A , Lapierre Y , Kimoff RJ 
Published: August 2012

Background: We recently reported that sleep disorders are significantly associated with fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: The objective of this paper is to assess the effects of sleep disorder treatment on fatigue and related clinical outcomes in MS. Methods: This was a controlled, non-randomized clinical treatment study. Sixty-two MS patients completed standardized questionnaires including the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), Epworth Sleepiness scale (ESS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and underwent polysomnography (PSG). Patients with sleep disorders were offered standard treatment. Fifty-six subjects repeated the questionnaires after ≥ three months, and were assigned to one of three groups: sleep disorders that were treated (SD-Tx, n=21), sleep disorders remaining untreated (SD-NonTx, n=18) and no sleep disorder (NoSD, n=17). Results: FSS and MFI general and mental fatigue scores improved significantly from baseline to follow-up in SD-Tx ( p <0.03), but not SD-NonTx or NoSD subjects. ESS and PSQI scores also improved significantly in SD-Tx subjects ( p <0.001). Adjusted multivariate analyses confirmed significant effects of sleep disorder treatment on FSS (-0.87, p = 0.005), MFI general fatigue score ( p = 0.034), ESS (p = 0.042) and PSQI (p = 0.023). Conclusion: Treatment of sleep disorders can improve fatigue and other clinical outcomes in MS.
Leveraging Pull Forces for the Future of HR
Authors: Ruona Wendy E. A. , Coates Tabitha K. L. 
Published: August 2012

The Problem Work has rapidly changed over the decades forcing the field to address the notion of pull issues and what these forces demand of HRD. The Solution This preface article introduces the notion and importance of pull issues to the future of HRD. A brief overview of each contributing article is provided. Recommendations for HRD research, theory, and practice are offered. The Stakeholders Scholars and practitioners interested in the importance of the progression and maturation of the field of HRD.
Mammalian target of rapamycin regulates neutrophil extracellular trap formation via induction of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α
Authors: McInturff Alison M. , Cody Mark J. , Elliott Elizabeth A. , Glenn Jared W. , Rowley Jesse W. , Rondina Matthew T. , Yost Christian C. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Neutrophils are highly specialized innate immune effector cells that evolved for antimicrobial host defense. In response to inflammatory stimuli and pathogens, they form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which capture and kill extracellular microbes. Deficient NET formation predisposes humans to severe infection, but, paradoxically, dysregulated NET formation contributes to inflammatory vascular injury and tissue damage. The molecular pathways and signaling mechanisms that control NET formation remain largely uncharacterized. Using primary human neutrophils and genetically manipulated myeloid leukocytes differentiated to surrogate neutrophils, we found that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates NET formation by posttranscriptional control of expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF-1α), a critical modulator of antimicrobial defenses. Next-generation RNA sequencing, assays of mRNA and protein expression, and analysis of NET deployment by live cell imaging and quantitative histone release showed that mTOR controls NET formation and translation of HIF-1α mRNA in response to lipopolysaccharide. Pharmacologic and genetic knockdown of HIF-1α expression and activity inhibited NET deployment, and inhibition of mTOR and HIF-1α inhibited NET-mediated extracellular bacterial killing. Our studies define a pathway to NET formation involving 2 master regulators of immune cell function and identify potential points of molecular intervention in strategies to modify NETs in disease.
Endothelial cells provide an instructive niche for the differentiation and functional polarization of M2-like macrophages
Authors: He Huanhuan , Xu Jingying , Warren Carmen M. , Duan Dan , Li Xinmin , Wu Lily , Iruela-Arispe M. Luisa 
Published: August 2012

AbstractEndothelial cells and macrophages are known to engage in tight and specific interactions that contribute to the modulation of vascular function. Here we show that adult endothelial cells provide critical signals for the selective growth and differentiation of macrophages from several hematopoietic progenitors. The process features the formation of well-organized colonies that exhibit progressive differentiation from the center to the periphery and toward an M2-like phenotype, characterized by enhanced expression of Tie2 and CD206/Mrc1. These colonies are long-lived depending on the contact with the endothelium; removal of the endothelial monolayer results in rapid colony dissolution. We further found that Csf1 produced by the endothelium is critical for the expansion of the macrophage colonies and that blockade of Csf1 receptor impairs colony growth. Functional analyses indicate that these macrophages are capable of accelerating angiogenesis, promoting tumor growth, and effectively engaging in tight associations with endothelial cells in vivo. These findings uncover a critical role of endothelial cells in the induction of macrophage differentiation and their ability to promote further polarization toward a proangiogenic phenotype. This work also highlights some of the molecules underlying the M2-like differentiation, a process that is relevant to the progression of both developmental and pathologic angiogenesis.
SMILE for natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: analysis of safety and efficacy from the Asia Lymphoma Study Group
Authors: Kwong Yok-Lam , Kim Won Seog , Lim Soon Thye , Kim Seok Jin , Tang Tiffany , Tse Eric , Leung Anskar Y. H. , Chim Chor-Sang 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma is rare and aggressive, with poor outcome. Optimal treatment remains unclear. A novel regimen dexamethasone, methotrexate, ifosfamide, l-asparaginase, and etoposide (SMILE) showed promise in phase 1/2 studies with restrictive recruitment criteria. To define the general applicability of SMILE, 43 newly diagnosed and 44 relapsed/refractory patients (nasal, N = 60, nonnasal, N = 21; disseminated, N = 6; male, N = 59; female, N = 28) at a median age of 51 years (23-83 years) were treated. Poor-risk factors included stage III/IV disease (56%), international prognostic index of 3 to 5 (43%), and Korean prognostic scores of 3 to 4 (41%). A median of 3 (0-6; total = 315) courses of SMILE were administered. Significant toxicities included grade 3/4 neutropenia (N = 57; 5 sepsis-related deaths); grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia (N = 36); and nephrotoxicity (N = 15; 1 acute renal failure and death). Interim analysis after 2 to 3 cycles showed complete remission rate of 56%, partial remission rate of 22%, giving an overall response rate of 78%. On treatment completion, the overall-response rate became 81% (complete remission = 66%, partial remission = 15%). Response rates were similar for newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory patients. At a median follow-up of 31 months (1-84 months), the 5-year overall survival was 50% and 4-year disease-free-survival was 64%. Multivariate analysis showed that international prognostic index was the most significant factor impacting on outcome and survivals.
An effective method for network module extraction from microarray data
Authors: Mahanta Priyakshi , Ahmed Hasin A , Bhattacharyya Dhruba K , Kalita Jugal K 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The development of high-throughput Microarray technologies has provided various opportunities to systematically characterize diverse types of computational biological networks. Co-expression network have become popular in the analysis of microarray data, such as for detecting functional gene modules.

Results
This paper presents a method to build a co-expression network (CEN) and to detect network modules from the built network. We use an effective gene expression similarity measure called NMRS (Normalized mean residue similarity) to construct the CEN. We have tested our method on five publicly available benchmark microarray datasets. The network modules extracted by our algorithm have been biologically validated in terms of Q value and p value.

Conclusions
Our results show that the technique is capable of detecting biologically significant network modules from the co-expression network. Biologist can use this technique to find groups of genes with similar functionality based on their expression information.
Giant viruses coexisted with the cellular ancestors and represent a distinct supergroup along with superkingdoms Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya
Authors: Nasir Arshan , Kim Kyung Mo , Caetano-Anolles Gustavo 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The discovery of giant viruses with genome and physical size comparable to cellular organisms, remnants of protein translation machinery and virus-specific parasites (virophages) have raised intriguing questions about their origin. Evidence advocates for their inclusion into global phylogenomic studies and their consideration as a distinct and ancient form of life.

Results
Here we reconstruct phylogenies describing the evolution of proteomes and protein domain structures of cellular organisms and double-stranded DNA viruses with medium-to-very-large proteomes (giant viruses). Trees of proteomes define viruses as a ‘fourth supergroup’ along with superkingdoms Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. Trees of domains indicate they have evolved via massive and primordial reductive evolutionary processes. The distribution of domain structures suggests giant viruses harbor a significant number of protein domains including those with no cellular representation. The genomic and structural diversity embedded in the viral proteomes is comparable to the cellular proteomes of organisms with parasitic lifestyles. Since viral domains are widespread among cellular species, we propose that viruses mediate gene transfer between cells and crucially enhance biodiversity.

Conclusions
Results call for a change in the way viruses are perceived. They likely represent a distinct form of life that either predated or coexisted with the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) and constitute a very crucial part of our planet’s biosphere.
Developing the anemone Aiptasia as a tractable model for cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis: the transcriptome of aposymbiotic A. pallida
Authors: Lehnert Erik M , Burriesci Matthew S , Pringle John R 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Coral reefs are hotspots of oceanic biodiversity, forming the foundation of ecosystems that are important both ecologically and for their direct practical impacts on humans. Corals are declining globally due to a number of stressors, including rising sea-surface temperatures and pollution; such stresses can lead to a breakdown of the essential symbiotic relationship between the coral host and its endosymbiotic dinoflagellates, a process known as coral bleaching. Although the environmental stresses causing this breakdown are largely known, the cellular mechanisms of symbiosis establishment, maintenance, and breakdown are still largely obscure. Investigating the symbiosis using an experimentally tractable model organism, such as the small sea anemone Aiptasia, should improve our understanding of exactly how the environmental stressors affect coral survival and growth.

Results
We assembled the transcriptome of a clonal population of adult, aposymbiotic (dinoflagellate-free) Aiptasia pallida from ~208 million reads, yielding 58,018 contigs. We demonstrated that many of these contigs represent full-length or near-full-length transcripts that encode proteins similar to those from a diverse array of pathways in other organisms, including various metabolic enzymes, cytoskeletal proteins, and neuropeptide precursors. The contigs were annotated by sequence similarity, assigned GO terms, and scanned for conserved protein domains. We analyzed the frequency and types of single-nucleotide variants and estimated the size of the Aiptasia genome to be ~421 Mb. The contigs and annotations are available through NCBI (Transcription Shotgun Assembly database, accession numbers JV077153-JV134524) and at http://pringlelab.stanford.edu/projects.html.

Conclusions
The availability of an extensive transcriptome assembly for A. pallida will facilitate analyses of gene-expression changes, identification of proteins of interest, and other studies in this important emerging model system.