bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transmural Conduction Is the Predominant Mechanism of Breakthrough During Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Eckstein Jens , Zeemering Stef , Linz Dominik , Maesen Bart , Verheule Sander , van Hunnik Arne , Crijns Harry , Allessie Maurits A. , Schotten Ulrich 
Published: March 2013

Background—
Endo-epicardial dissociation (EED) of electric activations resulting in transmural conduction of fibrillation waves (breakthroughs) has been postulated to contribute to the complexity of the substrate of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to elucidate the correlation between EED and incidence of breakthrough and to test the plausibility of transmural conduction versus ectopic focal discharges as sources of breakthrough.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed high-resolution simultaneous endo-epicardial in vivo mapping data recorded in left atrial free walls of goats with acute AF, 3 weeks and 6 months of AF (all n=7). Waves were analyzed for number, size, and width and categorized according to their origin outside (peripheral wave) or within the mapping area (breakthrough). Breakthrough incidence was lowest (2.1±1.0%) in acute AF, higher (11.4±6.1%) after 3 weeks (
P
<0.01 versus acute AF) and highest (14.2±3.8%) after 6 months AF (
P
<0.001 versus acute AF) and similar in the epicardium and endocardium. Most of the breakthroughs (86%; n=564) could be explained by transmural conduction, whereas only 13% (n=85) could be explained by ectopic focal discharges. Transmural microreentry did not play a role as source of breakthrough.

Conclusions—
This is the first study to present simultaneous endo-epicardial in vivo mapping data at sites of breakthrough events. Breakthrough incidence and degree of EED increased with increasing AF substrate complexity. In goat left atrial free walls, most of the breakthroughs can be explained by transmural conduction, whereas ectopic focal discharges play a limited role as source of breakthrough.
Depression, Healthcare Utilization, and Death in Heart Failure
Authors: Moraska Amanda R. , Chamberlain Alanna M. , Shah Nilay D. , Vickers Kristin S. , Rummans Teresa A. , Dunlay Shannon M. , Spertus John A. , Weston Susan A. , McNallan Sheila M. , Redfield Margaret M. , Roger Véronique L. 
Published: March 2013

Background—
The increasing prevalence of heart failure (HF) and high associated costs have spurred investigation of factors leading to adverse outcomes in patients with HF. Studies to date report inconsistent evidence on the link between depression and outcomes with only limited data on emergency department and outpatient visits.

Methods and Results—
Olmsted, Dodge, and Fillmore county, Minnesota residents with HF were prospectively recruited between October 2007 and December 2010 and completed a 1-time 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire for depression categorized as: none to minimal (Patient Health Questionnaire score, 0–4), mild (5–9), or moderate to severe (≥10). Andersen-Gill models were used to determine whether depression predicted hospitalizations and emergency department visits, whereas negative binomial regression models explored the association of depression with outpatient visits. Cox proportional hazards regression characterized the relationship between depression and all-cause mortality. Among 402 patients with HF (mean age, 73±13 years; 58% men), 15% had moderate to severe depression, 26% mild, and 59% none to minimal depression. During a mean follow-up of 1.6 years, 781 hospitalizations, 1000 emergency department visits, 15 515 outpatient visits, and 74 deaths occurred. After adjustment, moderate to severe depression was associated with nearly a 2-fold increased risk of hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–2.47) and emergency department visits (hazard ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.34–2.50), a modest increase in outpatient visits (rate ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–1.45), and a 4-fold increase in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 4.06; 95% confidence interval, 2.35–7.01).

Conclusions—
In this prospective cohort study, depression independently predicted an increase in the use of healthcare resources and mortality. Greater recognition and management of depression in HF may optimize clinical outcomes and resource utilization.
The
microRNA-342-5p
Fosters Inflammatory Macrophage Activation Through an Akt1- and
microRNA-155
–Dependent Pathway During Atherosclerosis
Authors: Wei Yuanyuan , Nazari-Jahantigh Maliheh , Chan Lily , Zhu Mengyu , Heyll Kathrin , Corbalán-Campos Judit , Hartmann Petra , Thiemann Anna , Weber Christian , Schober Andreas 
Published: March 2013

Background—
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease driven by the subendothelial accumulation of macrophages. The mechanism regulating the inflammatory response in macrophages during atherogenesis remains unclear. Because microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in cellular signaling by posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression, we studied the miRNA expression profiles during the progression of atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

Using an miRNA real-time polymerase chain reaction array, we found that macrophage-derived
miR-342-5p
and
miR-155
are selectively upregulated in early atherosclerotic lesions in
Apoe
−/−
mice.
miR-342-5p
directly targets
Akt1
through its 3′-untranslated region.
Akt1
suppression by
miR-342-5p
induces proinflammatory mediators such as
Nos2
and
II6
in macrophages via the upregulation of
miR-155
. The local application of an
miR-342-5p
antagomir inhibits the development of atherosclerosis in partially ligated carotid arteries. In atherosclerotic lesions, the
miR-342-5p
antagomir upregulated
Akt1
expression and suppressed the expression of
miR-155
and
Nos2
. This reduced
Nos2
expression was associated with a diminished generation of nitrotyrosine in the plaques. Furthermore, systemic treatment with an inhibitor of
miR-342-5p
reduced the progression of atherosclerosis in the aorta of
Apoe
−/−
mice.

Conclusions—

Macrophage-derived
miR-342-5p
promotes atherosclerosis and enhances the inflammatory stimulation of macrophages by suppressing the
Akt1
-mediated inhibition of
miR-155
expression. Therefore, targeting
miR-342-5p
may offer a promising strategy to treat atherosclerotic vascular disease.
Improving Statistical Machine Translation by Adapting Translation Models to Translationese
Authors: Lembersky Gennadi , Ordan Noam , Wintner Shuly 
Published: March 2013

Translation models used for statistical machine translation are compiled from parallel corpora that are manually translated. The common assumption is that parallel texts are symmetrical: The direction of translation is deemed irrelevant and is consequently ignored. Much research in Translation Studies indicates that the direction of translation matters, however, as translated language (translationese) has many unique properties. It has already been shown that phrase tables constructed from parallel corpora translated in the same direction as the translation task outperform those constructed from corpora translated in the opposite direction. We reconfirm that this is indeed the case, but emphasize the importance of also using texts translated in the “wrong” direction. We take advantage of information pertaining to the direction of translation in constructing phrase tables by adapting the translation model to the special properties of translationese. We explore two adaptation techniques: First, we create a mixture model by interpolating phrase tables trained on texts translated in the “right” and the “wrong” directions. The weights for the interpolation are determined by minimizing perplexity. Second, we define entropy-based measures that estimate the correspondence of target-language phrases to translationese, thereby eliminating the need to annotate the parallel corpus with information pertaining to the direction of translation. We show that incorporating these measures as features in the phrase tables of statistical machine translation systems results in consistent, statistically significant improvement in the quality of the translation.
Pelagic shrimps collected during the TALUD I-VII cruises aboard the R/V “El Puma” in the SE Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: Hendrickx Michel E. 
Published: March 2013

A total of 15 species of pelagic shrimps were collected during the TALUD cruises I-VII (R/V “El Puma”, UNAM) in 1990 and in 2000-2001 in the southeastern Gulf of California, including seven species of Dendrobranchiata (Hymenopenaeus doris, Sergia phorca, S. filicta, Parasergestes halia, Eusergestes similis, Gennadas incertus, and G. sordidus) and eight species of Caridea (Pasiphaea americana, P. emarginata, Hymenodora glacialis, Acanthephyra brevicarinata, A. cf. brevirostris, Plesionika trispinus and Maryprocessa pippinae). Most frequently collected species were G. sordidus (56% of samples), S. phorca (40%), P. emarginata (32%), P. americana and H. doris (both 28%). Most abundant species in the samples were G. sordidus, S. phorca, S. similis and P. trispinus. Sampling was performed between the surface to more than 2000 m. This explains the presence of P. emarginata, a deep-water species rarely reported from the area and not found in much shallower samples taken by the R/V “El Puma” in 1981-1985.
Assessing Flag State Performance in Legal Terms: Clarifications of the Margin of Discretion
Authors: Takei Yoshinobu 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A lack of control by flag states over their ships is one of the main causes of the current crisis in oceans management. To address this, the international community has been developing actions against irresponsible flag states in various sectors. However, it is not always clear under what circumstances they are considered to be in breach of their duties. A clarification of this issue will enable the international community to better address this problem by establishing a clear common understanding of what the breach of flag state duties entails. The present article examines this issue by considering the margin of discretion, which is akin to the concept ‘margin of appreciation’ often used in other areas, such as human rights, enjoyed by flag states in discharging their duties and analyzing the circumstances under which acts of private ships lead to the international responsibility of their flag state for their wrongful acts.
Projection of Global Wave Climate Change toward the End of the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Semedo Alvaro , Weisse Ralf , Behrens Arno , Sterl Andreas , Bengtsson Lennart , Günther Heinz 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Wind-generated waves at the sea surface are of outstanding importance for both their practical relevance in many aspects, such as coastal erosion, protection, or safety of navigation, and for their scientific relevance in modifying fluxes at the air–sea interface. So far, long-term changes in ocean wave climate have been studied mostly from a regional perspective with global dynamical studies emerging only recently. Here a global wave climate study is presented, in which a global wave model [Wave Ocean Model (WAM)] is driven by atmospheric forcing from a global climate model (ECHAM5) for present-day and potential future climate conditions represented by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) A1B emission scenario. It is found that changes in mean and extreme wave climate toward the end of the twenty-first century are small to moderate, with the largest signals being a poleward shift in the annual mean and extreme significant wave heights in the midlatitudes of both hemispheres, more pronounced in the Southern Hemisphere and most likely associated with a corresponding shift in midlatitude storm tracks. These changes are broadly consistent with results from the few studies available so far. The projected changes in the mean wave periods, associated with the changes in the wave climate in the middle to high latitudes, are also shown, revealing a moderate increase in the equatorial eastern side of the ocean basins. This study presents a step forward toward a larger ensemble of global wave climate projections required to better assess robustness and uncertainty of potential future wave climate change.
Secular Variation in Rainfall Intensity and Temperature in Eastern Australia
Authors: Chen Yi-Ru , Yu Bofu , Jenkins Graham 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
It is generally assumed that rainfall intensity will increase with temperature increase, irrespective of the underlying changes to the average rainfall. This study documents and investigates long-term trends in rainfall intensities, annual rainfall, and mean maximum and minimum temperatures using the Mann–Kendall trend test for nine sites in eastern Australia. Relationships between rainfall intensities at various durations and 1) annual rainfall and 2) the mean maximum and minimum temperatures were investigated. The results showed that the mean minimum temperature has increased significantly at eight out of the nine sites in eastern Australia. Changes in annual rainfall are likely to be associated with changes in rainfall intensity at the long duration of 48 h. Overall, changes in rainfall intensity at short durations (&lt;1 h) positively correlate with changes in the mean maximum temperature, but there is no significant correlation with the mean minimum temperature and annual rainfall. Additionally, changes in rainfall intensity at longer durations (≥1 h) positively correlate with changes in the mean annual rainfall, but not with either mean maximum or minimum temperatures for the nine sites investigated.
Development and Testing of Instrumentation for UAV-Based Flux Measurements within Terrestrial and Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layers
Authors: Reineman Benjamin D. , Lenain Luc , Statom Nicholas M. , Melville W. Kendall 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Instrumentation packages have been developed for small (18–28 kg) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to measure momentum fluxes as well as latent, sensible, and radiative heat fluxes in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and the topography below. Fast-response turbulence, hygrometer, and temperature probes permit turbulent momentum and heat flux measurements, and shortwave and longwave radiometers allow the determination of net radiation, surface temperature, and albedo. UAVs flying in vertical formation allow the direct measurement of fluxes within the ABL and, with onboard high-resolution visible and infrared video and laser altimetry, simultaneous observation of surface topography or ocean surface waves. The low altitude required for accurate flux measurements (typically assumed to be 30 m) is below the typical safety limit of manned research aircraft; however, with advances in laser altimeters, small-aircraft flight control, and real-time kinematic differential GPS, low-altitude flight is now within the capability of small UAV platforms. Flight tests of instrumented BAE Systems Manta C1 UAVs over land were conducted in January 2011 at McMillan Airfield (Camp Roberts, California). Flight tests of similarly instrumented Boeing Insitu ScanEagle UAVs were conducted in April 2012 at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (Dahlgren, Virginia), where the first known measurements of water vapor, heat, and momentum fluxes were made from low-altitude (down to 30 m) UAV flights over water (Potomac River). This study presents a description of the instrumentation, summarizes results from flight tests, and discusses potential applications of these UAVs for (marine) atmospheric boundary layer studies.
On the Viability of Group Lending when Microfinance Meets the Market
Authors: Arnold Lutz G. , Reeder Johannes , Steger Susanne 
Published: March 2013

Besley and Coate (1995) analyse the impact of joint liability and social sanctions on repayment rates when repayment enforcement is imperfect. Motivated by the microfinance industry’s move towards markets, we conduct an equilibrium analysis of the Besley–Coate model. We find that individual loan contracts may be used in market equilibrium, even though group lending entails the higher repayment rate and the lower break-even interest rate. This is because group lending causes potentially large deadweight losses. The market equilibrium is possibly characterised by financial fragility, redlining or rationing. Cooperation between borrowers and social sanctions imposed on each other in the case of strategic default turn group lending into the equilibrium mode of finance and ameliorate the market failures. JEL Classification: G21
Repetitive and Stereotypic Phenomena and Dementia
Authors: Cipriani Gabriele , Vedovello Marcella , Ulivi Martina , Nuti Angelo , Lucetti Claudio 
Published: March 2013

Background: Behavioral disturbances of dementia, such as repetitive and stereotypic phenomena, can be distressing to caregivers and may lead to early institutionalization of the patient. Objective: The purpose of this article is to examine the phenomenon of repetitive phenomena in patients with dementia. Methods: We searched the PubMed electronic databases for original research and review articles on repetitive phenomena in patients with dementia using the search terms “repetitive behavior, stereotypic behavior, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal dementia.” Results: Repetitive and stereotypic phenomena are common problems in dementia, which may reflect a disruption of coordinated function within the basal ganglia or corticostriatal structures. Conclusions: There are no systematic studies concerning repetitive phenomena in patients with dementia, and very little is known about the treatment. Further studies are needed to determine the specific phenomena.
Improved Long-Term Survival for Rheumatic Mitral Valve Repair Compared to Replacement in the Young
Authors: Remenyi Bo , Webb Rachel , Gentles Tom , Russell Peter , Finucane Kirsten , Lee Mildred , Wilson Nigel 
Published: March 2013

Background: Mitral valve (MV) repair offers potential advantages over replacement in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). We present the first long-term study that compares MV repair with replacement in children with RHD. Methods and Results: Single institute retrospective review of patients with RHD under 20 years of age, who underwent their first isolated MV surgery between 1990 and 2006. Of the 81 patients, 98% were Māori or Pacific Islander. The median age was 12.7 (3-19) years. The MV was repaired in 59%, a mechanical valve replacement (MVR) took place in 35% and bioprosthetic valve replacement in 6% of the patients. Follow-up data were available for 91.4% of the patients with mean follow-up of 7.6 years (range 0-19.4 years), a total of 620 patient years. Actuarial survival at 10 and 14 years for patients with MVR was 79% and 44%, compared to 90% and 90% for patients who underwent repair ( P = .06). Actuarial freedom from late reoperation at 10 and 14 years for patients with MVR was 88% and 73%, compared to 76% and 76% for patients with repair ( P = .52). Actuarial freedom from thrombotic, embolic, and hemorrhagic events at 10 and 14 years for patients with MVR was 63% and 45%, compared to 100% and 100% for patients with repair P < .01). Conclusion: This study shows that MV repair is superior to replacement for RHD in the young with follow-up to 19 years. Repair offers a survival advantage, greater freedom from valve-related morbidity, and long-term durability that equals that of MVR.
Congenital Heart Disease in Nigerian Children
Authors: Sadoh Wilson E. , Uzodimma Chinyere C. , Daniels Queennette 
Published: March 2013

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in childhood. We report on the spectrum of echocardiographically diagnosed CHD from three different centers across Nigeria. Methods: Over a period of 42 months, children who were referred for echocardiographic evaluation in the centers located in three large metropolitan cities were consecutively recruited if they were confirmed to have identifiable CHD. Data were collected on age, gender, and types of CHD and analyzed using SPSS 16 (Chicago, Illinois,). Results: A total of 605 children were recruited, their mean age was 2.1 ± 3.5 (range 0-17) years, and 296 (48.9%) were males. Nearly half (42.5%) had echocardiographic diagnosis of their CHD within the first year of life. Only 17% of the diagnoses were made in the neonatal age group. Acyanotic CHDs were more common than the cyanotic heart diseases (82.8% vs 17.2%). The most common CHD was ventricular septal defect (VSD; 46.6%) followed by patent ductus arteriosus (12.1%), atrial septal defect (8.7%), atrioventricular septal defect (8.2%), and tetralogy of Fallot (7.8%). More than half of the VSDs were perimembranous (55.1%) followed by outlet VSD (23.8%), muscular (10.7%), and inlet VSD (9.6%). Only 42 (6.9%) of the entire study population had definitive intervention. Conclusion: The VSD is the most prevalent CHD in Nigerian children. There is increasing awareness, availability, and use of diagnostic facilities as mirrored in the age distribution of the children. However, access to definitive surgery is poor and draws attention to the urgent need for affordable surgical facilities in the country.
Fetal Complete Common Atrioventricular Canal Defect
Authors: Adebo Dilachew , Louis James St. , Prosen Tracy , Sivanandam Shanthi 
Published: March 2013

Background: We describe in utero anatomic evolution and postnatal outcome of complete common atrioventricular canal defect (CCAVCD). Methods: Retrospective data on 31 fetuses with CCAVCD were analyzed. We reviewed prenatal and postnatal echocardiograms, karyotype, and postnatal outcomes. Results: A total of 20 fetuses had complete data, 18 with serial fetal echocardiograms and postnatal data and 2 terminations. At initial examination, isolated CCAVCD was seen in 12 (67%) fetuses while 6 (33%) were associated with heterotaxy syndrome. On follow-up, 4 fetuses (22%) had spontaneous closure of the inlet ventricular septal defect (VSD) component of the CCAVCD, seen both at 30 to 35 weeks of gestation and on postnatal echocardiograms. These 4 fetuses had previously demonstrated CCAVCD between 18 and 25 weeks of gestation. A total of 15 (83%) patients underwent operative correction, 10 with isolated complete atrioventricular septal defect and 5 with heterotaxy had surgical repair. Four infants in whom spontaneous intrauterine closure of the VSD component was observed had no VSD noted at surgery and underwent closure of primum atrial septal defect and repair of the left atrioventricular (AV) valve cleft. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that CCAVCD diagnosed during fetal life is not a static anomaly. In our series, an inlet VSD less than 4 mm and Rastelli type A anatomy (AV valve attachment to septal crest) during second trimester may evolve during third trimester by formation of AV sulcus pouch and spontaneous closure of the VSD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report such anatomic evolution of CCAVCD in the fetus. This information is vital for appropriate counseling for expectant parents.