bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exhaled nitric oxide decreases during exercise in non‐asthmatic children
Authors: Evjenth Bjørg , Hansen Tonje E. , Holt Jan 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIntroduction:  Exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurements are recommended to be performed before spirometry and exercise challenge tests because forced breathing might influence FENO values. Information on the effect of exercise on FENO is lacking in non‐asthmatic children.Aim:  To investigate the effect on FENO of a standardized exercise challenge test on a treadmill in non‐asthmatic children with and without allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) symptoms.Methods:  From the case‐control study ‘Asthma and allergy among school children in Nordland’, 330 non‐asthmatic pupils age 8–16 years were enrolled. FENO was measured at baseline and at 1 min and 30 min after exercise challenge test by the single breath technique with EcoMedics Exhalazer® (Eco Physics, Duernten, Switzerland).Results:  Pair‐wise comparison of FENO from baseline demonstrated a highly significant reduction in FENO post‐exercise for all children at 1 min (27.4%) and at 30 min (16.1%) (P < 0.001). The AR group had a significantly higher decline in FENO value at 1 min post‐exercise compared to the non‐AR group, 4.2 parts per billion (ppb) vs 2.6 ppb (P < 0.001). Decline in FENO immediately post‐exercise was more significant if baseline FENO was ≥ 20 ppb; mean reduction 9.9 (95% CI: 8.7–11.4) ppb.Conclusion:  FENO is reduced by 27.4% immediately after a standardized treadmill exercise test in non‐asthmatic children. Pupils reporting AR symptoms demonstrate a larger decline in FENO value at 1 min post‐exercise compared to pupils without AR symptoms. These findings confirm that children should refrain from physical activity before FENO measurement.Please cite this paper as: Evjenth B, Hansen TE and Holt J. Exhaled nitric oxide decreases during exercise in non‐asthmatic children. Clin Respir J 2013; 7: 121–127.
Vigilance of alternatives to blood components
Authors: CROMEY CATHERINE , THOMAS DAFYDD 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYTo help minimize the risks of blood component transfusion various techniques have been developed. These novel therapies have focused on the use of autologous transfusion techniques and the use of pharmacologic agents to reduce bleeding and therefore reduce transfusion requirements. These have the potential to drastically reduce transfusion requirements and benefit patients enormously. However, it is important that these therapies are not considered risk‐free and auditing their safety and monitoring their use is essential. There is a need to develop a hemovigilance reporting system to identify and quantify adverse effects associated with the use of these transfusion alternatives.
Cumulative sum method in nonzero fixed action level setup correction strategy: An application of statistical process control for targeted prostate radiotherapy
Authors: Ung N. M. , Wee L. 
Published: April 2012

Purpose:This study aims to incorporate a statistical process control tool, the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method, in the nonzero fixed action level setup correction strategy for the detection and correction of systematic shifts in prostate position during prostate image‐guided radiotherapy.Methods:A daily nonzero action level setup correction strategy using CUSUM chart was proposed and tested retrospectively on 34 nonrandomized patients with prostate‐implanted fiducial markersin situ plus daily localization via stereoscopic electronic portal imaging. A cumulative error index, which monitors a cumulative process index over time, was implemented in parallel with the localization offsets of the prostate. A value of this index exceeding a decision interval H indicated that a systematic change in the mean value of localization had occurred. When a value of the index exceeding H was recorded, the magnitude of the systematic shift was estimated and the subsequent prescribed offsets were corrected to account for the new setup positions. With the new protocol, the authors produced simulated treatment histories in which the detection of systematic shifts and the frequency of localization offset exceeding action level were evaluated. The protocol was examined against three levels of mean systematic shifts of localization for detection (μ1) of 3, 5, and 7 mm.Results:The overall rates of detection of systematic shifts using this algorithm were relatively high. The level μ1 = 3 mm resulted in the highest rate of detection of systematic offset change, in 42% of the charts. For larger values of μ1, the overall detection numbers fell to 18% and 12% of the charts for μ1 = 5 and 7 mm, respectively. The mean magnitude of change in systematic offset at time of detection was 3.1, 4.4, and 5.2 mm for μ1 = 3, 5, and 7 mm, respectively. By adapting the setup position for any change in systematic localization offset over a course of treatment using the new protocol, it has been shown that the frequency of localization offsets exceeding action levels was reduced. For the optimal choice of intervention levels for correction and μ1, the number of localization offsets exceeding action levels has been reduced by approximately half.Conclusions:The nonzero fixed action level setup correction strategy incorporating CUSUM charts has been shown to provide an objective method for (i) detecting a systematic shift of a patient localization offset, (ii) quantifying the magnitude of a systematic change based on previous observations, and (iii) correcting the prescribed offset by accounting for the systematic shift(s) in patient setup position.
Human papillomavirus vaccine practices in the USA: do primary care providers use sexual history and cervical cancer screening results to make HPV vaccine recommendations?: Table 1
Authors: Kepka Deanna , Berkowitz Zahava , Yabroff K Robin , Roland Katherine , Saraiya Mona 
Published: April 2012

ObjectivesGuidelines recommend against the use of Papanicolaou (Pap) or human papillomavirus (HPV) testing when determining eligibility for the HPV vaccine. Optimally, the HPV vaccine should be administered before sexual initiation. Guidelines recommend that age-eligible women with past exposure to HPV should still be vaccinated. Little is known about how primary care providers (PCPs) use sexual history and HPV and Pap tests in their HPV vaccine recommendations.MethodsData from the 2007 Cervical Cancer Screening Supplement (CCSS) administered with the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) were used to assess HPV vaccination recommendations. The CCSS investigates cervical cancer screening practices, HPV testing and HPV vaccine recommendations among PCPs. A summary measure of compliance with guidelines was defined as rarely or never using the number of sexual partners and HPV tests and Pap tests to determine vaccine receipt. A total of 421 PCPs completed the CCSS in 2007.ResultsAmong NAMCS and NHAMCS providers who recommend the HPV vaccine, only 53% (95% CI 42% to 63%) reported making guideline-consistent recommendations. The majority reported sometimes to always recommending the HPV vaccine to women with a history of an abnormal Pap result (85%; 95% CI 75% to 91%) and a positive HPV test (79%; 95% CI 70% to 86%).ConclusionsA large proportion of providers report practices that are inconsistent with guidelines. Providers may also be recommending the vaccine to women who may receive little benefit from the vaccine. Provider and system-level efforts to improve guideline-consistent practices are needed.
A successful model: 30 years of the Lincolnshire Chalk model
Authors: Hutchinson M. J. , Ingram R. G. S. , Grout M. W. , Hayes P. J. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The Lincolnshire Chalk aquifer on the east coast of England is used regionally for water supply. However, groundwater abstraction can exceed recharge during times of drought, resulting in saline intrusion. Following hydrogeological investigations in the 1970s and 1980s, a regional groundwater model was developed to underpin the tactical management of the aquifer. Although it is a coarse, single-layer, constant-density model, routine regulatory use of the model since 1988 has enabled a sustainable level of groundwater abstraction to be reached and brought saline intrusion under control. Abstraction rates have been proactively adjusted to suit prevailing conditions using model forecasts. Forecasts are evaluated against model-based thresholds, set by comparing model output (e.g. aquifer–estuary flux) with observed data (e.g. groundwater salinity). The success of the model in managing groundwater resources is attributed to: field-based hydrogeological investigations informing the model design; collaboration between regulators and abstractors, which has built confidence in the model results; commitment to updating the model; and flexibility in the supply network through conjunctive use of ground and surface water. The model has also been applied for purposes not considered during development and has therefore provided value for money for the UK water industry over a 30 year period.
Catchment-scale water balance modelling in a Carboniferous Limestone aquifer
Authors: Ingram R. G. S. , Stone N. , Carey M. , Smart P. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Groundwater models are used to manage water resources in carbonate aquifers throughout the UK. These models often utilize non-linear modifications of equivalent porous media (EPM) assumptions to simulate the observed head-flow relationships. This paper describes the application of similar principles to time-variant water balance modelling of a karstified aquifer: the Carboniferous Limestone in SW England. The non-linear model successfully simulates the large changes in bulk hydraulic conductivity required to adequately model flows from two karstic spring catchments. Model results illustrate that the rate of drainage from the vadose zone is affected by the extent and thickness of soil cover. In a catchment with mixed soil cover, vadose zone drainage is shown not to be significant in sustaining summer low flows at the spring. The performance of the model is limited in some cases: summer storm flows in particular are poorly simulated. The limitations suggest that the true response of the system is dependent on recharge intensity (rate) as well as antecedent water levels and that the EPM assumption of good connection between conduits and the diffuse flow zone is not always valid in this aquifer. This may have implications for groundwater model design in other carbonate aquifers.
The use of groundwater levels and numerical models for the management of a layered, moderate-diffusivity aquifer
Authors: Shepley M. G. , Soley R. W. N. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The predictions from a numerical time-variant distributed groundwater model are used to assess the spatial and temporal impacts of groundwater abstraction for an unconfined and layered, moderate diffusivity aquifer; the West Midlands–Worfe Permo-Triassic Sandstone in the UK. These impacts have been determined by comparing a recent actual baseline predictive simulation with simulations where groundwater abstractions are switched off, including a ‘naturalized’ simulation. By reference to the historic simulation, the predictive model results are compared against observed groundwater levels. The predictive simulations demonstrate that observed groundwater levels could be an indicator of groundwater abstraction impacts on surface water flows where widespread stream disconnection has occurred due to high rates of abstraction. This relationship also depends on the aquifer hydraulic characteristics, the interaction between groundwater levels and the surface drainage network and other artificial flow influences. Abstraction impacts on groundwater levels are large for the West Midlands–Worfe aquifer, but can be obscured by the climatic recharge signal in observed groundwater level records. This is a consequence of the moderate diffusivity and the main groundwater abstraction development preceding systematic monitoring. The groundwater model can be used to identify which observation boreholes have negligible abstraction impacts; this may be valuable for identifying groundwater level records that are useful for climate change analysis.
Start, development and status of the regulator-led national groundwater resources modelling programme in England and Wales
Authors: Whiteman M. I. , Seymour K. J. , Van Wonderen J. J. , Maginness C. H. , Hulme P. J. , Grout M. W. , Farrell R. P. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Over the last 10 years there has been a unique regulator-led programme involving extensive development of regional groundwater models across England and Wales for water resources purposes by the Environment Agency for England and Wales. Eight regionally managed programmes are underpinned by a framework, which has allowed a coordinated national approach. The main uses of the models are for catchment abstraction management and licensing. Models have also assisted in monitoring network design, investigating groundwater quality and implementing groundwater source protection zones. A five-yearly review of the programmes recognized the importance of benefit realization and stakeholder involvement as well as technical good practice. The programme already delivered provides a solid foundation for supporting the management decisions required in areas such as climate change mitigation and integrated catchment management using appropriate tools at a time of rapid organization change and financial uncertainty.
How to get your model results used: a guide to stakeholder engagement
Authors: Hughes A. G. , Van Wonderen J. J. , Rees J. G. , Seymour K. J. , Manful D. , Karl H. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The usage of modelling results by their intended audience is an important aspect of undertaking any project. However, providing the appropriate results in the correct way to key stakeholders is not a straightforward task. Fortunately, there is a growing body of work about approaching the engagement of stakeholders in a way to maximize the impact of modelling results. Using the lessons learnt from a number of recent workshops, including those conducted for the benefits realization process undertaken for the Environment Agency of England and Wales, suggestions for best practice are presented and their relative merits discussed. Best practice for getting groundwater modelling results used by their intended audience is proposed.
Advances in modelling groundwater behaviour in Chalk catchments
Authors: Butler A. P. , Hughes A. G. , Jackson C. R. , Ireson A. M. , Parker S. J. , Wheater H. S. , Peach D. W. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Groundwater in Chalk catchments is a major resource that also helps support internationally important habitats and ecosystems. Its dual porosity and dual permeability properties, coupled with large-scale structural features (such as hard rock layers and marls), produce a highly complex hydrogeological system. Recent impacts from groundwater flooding as well as vulnerability to drought have raised questions over the ability of traditional approaches to model these aquifers. Current work on near-surface hydrological processes has highlighted the importance of the soil and weathered zone for controlling recharge rates. In addition, karst-like features, sedimentary deposits and valley bottom processes govern stream–aquifer interaction and present a challenge in their representation in any modelling system. Methods that have, and are being, developed to incorporate these features, and their use in modelling Chalk catchments, are described. These are required in order to address major challenges, such as groundwater flooding and drought impacts, both of which could become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change.
Right or Left Ventricular Pacing in Young Minipigs With Chronic Atrioventricular Block
Authors: Salameh Aida , Dhein Stefan , Blanke Katja , Rastan Ardawan , Hiyasat Bahi , Dietze Anna , Sobiraij Axel , Dähnert Ingo , Janousek Jan 
Published: April 2012

Background—
Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony may occur as a result of right ventricular (RV) pacing and is a known risk factor for the development of heart failure. In children with complete atrioventricular block, pacing-induced dyssynchrony lasting for decades might be especially deleterious for LV function. To determine the hemodynamic and ultrastructural remodeling after either RV free wall or LV apical pacing, we used a chronic minipig model.

Methods and Results—

Fourteen piglets 8 weeks of age underwent atrioventricular node ablation and were paced from either the RV free wall or the LV apex at 120 bpm for 1 year (7 age-matched minipigs served as controls with spontaneous heart rates of 104±5 bpm). Echocardiographic examinations, pressure-volume loops, patch-clamp investigations, and examinations of connexin43, calcium-handling proteins, and histomorphology were carried out. RV free wall–paced minipigs exhibited significantly more LV dyssynchrony than LV apex–paced animals, which was accompanied by worsening of LV function (maximum LV mechanical delay/LV ejection fraction: RV free wall pacing, 154±36 ms/28±3%, LV apical pacing, 52±19 ms/45±2%, control 47±14 ms/62±1%;
P
=0.0001). At the cellular level, both pacemaker groups exhibited a significant reduction in L-type calcium and peak sodium current, shortening of action potential duration and amplitude, increased cell capacity, and alterations in the calcium-handling proteins that were similar for RV free wall– and LV apex–paced animals.

Conclusions—
The observed molecular remodeling seemed to be more dependent on heart rate than on dyssynchrony. LV apical pacing is associated with less dyssynchrony, a more physiological LV contraction pattern, and preserved LV function as opposed to RV free wall pacing.
Bridging Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Mazighi Mikael , Meseguer Elena , Labreuche Julien , Amarenco Pierre 
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—
Pending the results of randomized controlled trials, the benefit and safety of bridging therapy (combined intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolysis) remain to be determined. The aim of this analysis was to give reliable estimates of efficacy and safety outcomes of bridging therapy.

Methods—
We conducted a systematic review of all studies using bridging therapy published between January 1966 and March 2011.

Results—
The literature search identified 15 studies. The pooled estimate for recanalization rate was 69.6% (95% CI, 63.9%–75.0%). Meta-analysis on clinical outcomes showed a pooled estimate of 48.9% (95% CI, 42.9%–54.9%) for favorable outcome, 17.9% (95% CI, 12.7%–23.7%) for mortality, and 8.6% (95% CI, 6.8%–10.6%) for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. In meta-regression analysis, the shorter mean time to intravenous treatment, the greater the recanalization rate (per 10-minute decrease: OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.02–1.51) and the lower mortality rate (per 10-minute decrease: OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60–0.94). By using the control groups of intravenous alteplase-treated patients in 8 studies, bridging therapy was associated with a favorable outcome (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.16–4.40), but no differences in mortality or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage outcomes were found.

Conclusions—
Bridging therapy is associated with acceptable safety and efficacy in stroke patients. Time to intravenous treatment is critical to improve recanalization rates and favorable outcomes.
Hippocampal Involvement in Processing of Indistinct Visual Motion Stimuli
Authors: Fraedrich Eva M. , Flanagin Virginia L. , Duann Jeng-Ren , Brandt Thomas , Glasauer Stefan 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Perception of known patterns results from the interaction of current sensory input with existing internal representations. It is unclear how perceptual and mnemonic processes interact when visual input is dynamic and structured such that it does not allow immediate recognition of obvious objects and forms. In an fMRI experiment, meaningful visual motion stimuli depicting movement through a virtual tunnel and indistinct, meaningless visual motion stimuli, achieved through phase scrambling of the same stimuli, were presented while participants performed an optic flow task. We found that our indistinct visual motion stimuli evoked hippocampal activation, whereas the corresponding meaningful stimuli did not. Using independent component analysis, we were able to demonstrate a functional connectivity between the hippocampus and early visual areas, with increased activity for indistinct stimuli. In a second experiment, we used the same stimuli to test whether our results depended on the participants' task. We found task-independent bilateral hippocampal activation in response to indistinct motion stimuli. For both experiments, psychophysiological interaction analysis revealed a coupling from posterior hippocampus to dorsal visuospatial and ventral visual object processing areas when viewing indistinct stimuli. These results indicate a close functional link between stimulus-dependent perceptual and mnemonic processes. The observed pattern of hippocampal functional connectivity, in the absence of an explicit memory task, suggests that cortical–hippocampal networks are recruited when visual stimuli are temporally uncertain and do not immediately reveal a clear meaning.
Bifurcation of Commercial Tradition in West Indonesia, 1850–1930, as Reflected in Contemporaneous Malay Print Publishing
Authors: Mahdi Waruno 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
To establish the branching-off of a novel tradition, 4 parts of the paper consider: (1) the Austronesian commercial tradition, and precolonial emergence of financial tradition up to the dissolution of the VOC in 1799; (2) continuation of traditional indigenous shipping and trade throughout the 19th and half the 20th centuries; (3) parallel development of divergent, industrial-age forms in indigenous trade and finance since c. 1850, particularly as reflected in commercial advertisements, noting slower modernist development in trade and finance than in indigenous society in general; (4) some post-1930 consequences of the belated modernisation in trade and finance, and the gradual overcoming of the developmental ambiguity after 1945.
Francis Light’s Place in the Trading System of Both Coasts of the Malay Peninsula
Authors: Kratz E. Ulrich 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBased on a close reading of Malay textual sources, this paper looks at the nature of the trading system in place in the Western Malay World towards the end of the 18th century and in particular the role Francis Light played within this system. Touching on Braudel’s broad concept of world theatre and world economy and on Van Leur’s seminal work on the periodization of Southeast Asian history post-Melaka, the paper intends to challenge established notions of the exercise of power and the nature of economic relations in the Malay World during the late 18th century.
The Great Economic Transformation: Social Dilemmas of Chinese Capitalism
Authors: Lue Jen-Der 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe transition from socialism to capitalism involves overcoming tremendous, and unavoidable, difficulties of growth and distribution, and controversial reforms. The case of China presents an important opportunity by inviting us to understand its distinctive experiences from comparative perspectives. While its market-oriented reforms have achieved remarkable growth records, the costs of privatization and liberalization have had to be absorbed by social policy, and redistributed among different social strata and specific units. This study focuses on the reconstruction of state-owned enterprises, the social security system, and industrial relations to show China’s unique path toward a market economy. As a Leninist government continues to enjoy ample room for policy manoeuvres and civil organizations are absent in social policy making, the Chinese case of “great transformation” apparently rests on an unstable ground.