bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relevance of Electrical Remodeling in Human Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Healey Jeff S. , Israel Carsten W. , Connolly Stuart J. , Hohnloser Stefan H. , Nair Girish M. , Divakaramenon Syamkumar , Capucci Alessandro , Van Gelder Isabelle C. , Lau Chu-Pak , Gold Michael R. , Carlson Mark , Themeles Ellison , Morillo Carlos A. 
Published: June 2012

Background—
In animal models of atrial fibrillation (AF), changes in atrial electrophysiological properties are associated with the development of AF. Their relevance to human AF is unclear.

Methods and Results—

The Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Evaluation in Pacemaker Patients and the Atrial Fibrillation Reduction Atrial Pacing Trial enrolled 2580 patients receiving a dual-chamber pacemaker, who were older than the age of 65 and had a history of hypertension, but no history of AF. Serial noninvasive electrophysiological testing was performed over 2 years in a subgroup of 485 patients. There were no differences in the clinical characteristics between patients with and those without device-detected atrial tachyarrhythmias during the first year. Patients with atrial tachyarrhythmias had longer paced (153±29 versus 145±28 ms;
P
=0.046) and sensed (128±46 versus 118±25 ms;
P
=0.06) P-wave durations and were more likely to have AF induced during electrophysiological testing (23.5% versus 13.6%;
P
=0.03). They had similar corrected sinus node recovery times at 90 bpm (388±554 versus 376 ± 466 ms;
P
=0.86), atrial effective refractory periods at 90 bpm (250±32 versus 248±36 ms;
P
=0.70), and rate-adaptive shortening of the atrial effective refractory periods (14±13 versus 12±14 ms;
P
=0.11). There were no significant differences in the change in electrophysiological properties over 2 years between patients with and those without atrial tachyarrhythmias.

Conclusions—
Prolonged P-wave duration, but not differences in atrial effective refractory periods, was associated with the development of atrial tachyarrhythmias in pacemaker patients.
Integrated Computational and Experimental Analysis of the Neuroendocrine Transcriptome in Genetic Hypertension Identifies Novel Control Points for the Cardiometabolic Syndrome
Authors: Friese Ryan S. , Ye Chun , Nievergelt Caroline M. , Schork Andrew J. , Mahapatra Nitish R. , Rao Fangwen , Napolitan Philip S. , Waalen Jill , Ehret Georg B. , Munroe Patricia B. , Schmid-Schönbein Geert W. , Eskin Eleazar , O’Connor Daniel T. 
Published: June 2012

Background—
Essential hypertension, a common complex disease, displays substantial genetic influence. Contemporary methods to dissect the genetic basis of complex diseases such as the genomewide association study are powerful, yet a large gap exists betweens the fraction of population trait variance explained by such associations and total disease heritability.

Methods and Results—

We developed a novel, integrative method (combining animal models, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and trait-extreme phenotypes) to identify candidate genes for essential hypertension and the metabolic syndrome. We first undertook transcriptome profiling on adrenal glands from blood pressure extreme mouse strains: the hypertensive BPH (blood pressure high) and hypotensive BPL (blood pressure low). Microarray data clustering revealed a striking pattern of global underexpression of intermediary metabolism transcripts in BPH. The MITRA algorithm identified a conserved motif in the transcriptional regulatory regions of the underexpressed metabolic genes, and we then hypothesized that regulation through this motif contributed to the global underexpression. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated transcriptional activity of the motif through transcription factors HOXA3, SRY, and YY1. We finally hypothesized that genetic variation at
HOXA3
,
SRY
, and
YY1
might predict blood pressure and other metabolic syndrome traits in humans. Tagging variants for each locus were associated with blood pressure in a human population blood pressure extreme sample with the most extensive associations for
YY1
tagging single nucleotide polymorphism rs11625658 on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and fasting glucose. Meta-analysis extended the
YY1
results into 2 additional large population samples with significant effects preserved on diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and fasting glucose.

Conclusions—
The results outline an innovative, systematic approach to the genetic pathogenesis of complex cardiovascular disease traits and point to transcription factor YY1 as a potential candidate gene involved in essential hypertension and the cardiometabolic syndrome.
Proximal Cerebral Arteries Develop Myogenic Responsiveness in Heart Failure via Tumor Necrosis Factor-α–Dependent Activation of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Signaling
Authors: Yang Jingli , Hossein Noyan-Ashraf M. , Meissner Anja , Voigtlaender-Bolz Julia , Kroetsch Jeffrey T. , Foltz Warren , Jaffray David , Kapoor Amita , Momen Abdul , Heximer Scott P. , Zhang Hangjun , van Eede Matthijs , Henkelman R. Mark , Matthews Stephen G. , Lidington Darcy , Husain Mansoor , Bolz Steffen-Sebastian 
Published: June 2012

Background—
Heart failure is associated with neurological deficits, including cognitive dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying reduced cerebral blood flow in the early stages of heart failure, particularly when blood pressure is minimally affected, are not known.

Methods and Results—

Using a myocardial infarction model in mice, we demonstrate a tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)–dependent enhancement of posterior cerebral artery tone that reduces cerebral blood flow before any overt changes in brain structure and function. TNFα expression is increased in mouse posterior cerebral artery smooth muscle cells at 6 weeks after myocardial infarction. Coordinately, isolated posterior cerebral arteries display augmented myogenic tone, which can be fully reversed in vitro by the competitive TNFα antagonist etanercept. TNFα mediates its effect via a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)–dependent mechanism, requiring sphingosine kinase 1 and the S1P
2
receptor. In vivo, sphingosine kinase 1 deletion prevents and etanercept (2-week treatment initiated 6 weeks after myocardial infarction) reverses the reduction of cerebral blood flow, without improving cardiac function.

Conclusions—
Cerebral artery vasoconstriction and decreased cerebral blood flow occur early in an animal model of heart failure; these perturbations are reversed by interrupting TNFα/S1P signaling. This signaling pathway may represent a potential therapeutic target to improve cognitive function in heart failure.
The Regional Benefits of the Employer of Last Resort Program
Authors: Murray Michael J. 
Published: June 2012

The Employer of Last Resort (ELR) program is a New Deal type of program to provide a government position for anyone seeking work. Unlike private industries who compete over prices and wages, the ELR “industry” is not meant to compete with the private sector; rather it provides public services that are not offered by the private sector. The task here is to estimate the private sector effects of the implementation of the ELR program for the State of Missouri. JEL Codes: B51, C3, E11, E12, E23, E24
Usefulness of Palliative Prognostic Index for Patient With Advanced Cancer in Home Care Setting
Authors: Hamano Jun , Maeno Takami , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Shima Yasuo , Maeno Tetsuhiro 
Published: June 2012

Aims: This study aimed to clarify the accuracy of the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) for advanced cancer patients in home care settings. Method: The study included 65 advanced cancer patients who received home visiting services between April 2007 and June 2009, and who died at home or in the hospital. Using the medical records from initial home visits, we retrospectively calculated PPI scores along with sensitivity and specificity. Results: For 3- and 6-week survival, prognostic prediction demonstrated respective sensitivities of 55% and 63%, and specificities of 79% and 77%. Conclusion: The sensitivity of the PPI for advanced cancer patients in home care settings was lower than reported for those in palliative care units. Development of prognostic tools suitable for home care settings is needed.
Agomelatine Treatment with Adolescents with ADHD
Authors: Niederhofer Helmut 
Published: June 2012

Objective: Antidepressants, in particular Atomextine, along with stimulants have demonstrated benefit in the treatment of ADHD. Agomelatine is a new antidepressant with additional affinities to the melatonergic system. As ADHD has been associated with sleep disorders, it is assumed that Agomelatiine might serve as a therapeutic alternative to treat patients with the ADHD refractory to first line medications. Method: Ten late adolescents were evaluated in a placebo controlled manner. Results: Agomelatine’s effect was superior to that of placebo but appeared to be less than that of first line medications such as methylphenidate. Conclusion: Agomelatine may be a useful second line medication for individuals with ADHD, particularly if they suffer from additional sleep disorders.
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Physical Function in Healthy Older Men. Time to Talk Hormones?
Authors: Giannoulis Manthos G. , Martin Finbarr C. , Nair K. Sreekumaran , Umpleby A. Margot , Sonksen Peter 
Published: June 2012

Improving physical function and mobility in a continuously expanding elderly population emerges as a high priority of medicine today. Muscle mass, strength/power, and maximal exercise capacity are major determinants of physical function, and all decline with aging. This contributes to the incidence of frailty and disability observed in older men. Furthermore, it facilitates the accumulation of body fat and development of insulin resistance.Muscle adaptation to exercise is strongly influenced by anabolic endocrine hormones and local load-sensitive autocrine/paracrine growth factors. GH, IGF-I, and testosterone (T) are directly involved in muscle adaptation to exercise because they promote muscle protein synthesis, whereas T and locally expressed IGF-I have been reported to activate muscle stem cells. Although exercise programs improve physical function, in the long-term most older men fail to comply. The GH/IGF-I axis and T levels decline markedly with aging, whereas accumulating evidence supports their indispensable role in maintaining physical function integrity.Several studies have reported that the administration of T improves lean body mass and maximal voluntary strength in healthy older men. On the other hand, most studies have shown that administration of GH alone failed to improve muscle strength despite amelioration of the detrimental somatic changes of aging. Both GH and T are anabolic agents that promote muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy but work through separate mechanisms, and the combined administration of GH and T, albeit in only a few studies, has resulted in greater efficacy than either hormone alone. Although it is clear that this combined approach is effective, this review concludes that further studies are needed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of combined hormone replacement therapy in older men before the medical rationale of prescribing hormone replacement therapy for combating the sarcopenia of aging can be established.
Experience-dependent modulation of antennal sensitivity and input to antennal lobes in male moths (Spodoptera littoralis) pre-exposed to sex pheromone
Authors: Guerrieri Fernando , Gemeno Cesar , Monsempes Christelle , Anton Sylvia , Jacquin-Joly Emmanuelle , Lucas Philippe , Devaud Jean-Marc 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARY
Sex pheromones are intraspecific olfactory signals emitted by one sex to attract a potential mating partner. Behavioural responses to sex pheromones are generally highly stereotyped. However, they can be modulated by experience, as male moths previously exposed to female sex pheromone respond with a lower threshold upon further detection, even after long delays. Here, we address the question of the neural mechanisms underlying such long-term modulation. As previous work has shown increased responses to pheromone in central olfactory neurons, we asked whether brief exposure to the pheromone increases input activity from olfactory receptor neurons. Males pre-exposed to sex pheromone exhibited increased peripheral sensitivity to the main pheromone component. Among nine antennal genes targeted as putatively involved in pheromone reception, one encoding a pheromone-binding protein showed significant upregulation upon exposure. In the primary olfactory centre (antennal lobe), the neural compartment processing the main pheromone component was enlarged after a brief pheromone exposure, thus suggesting enduring structural changes. We hypothesise that higher peripheral sensitivity following pre-exposure leads to increased input to the antennal lobe, thus contributing to the structural and functional reorganization underlying a stable change in behaviour.
Thicker host tissues moderate light stress in a cnidarian endosymbiont
Authors: Dimond James L. , Holzman Benjamin J. , Bingham Brian L. 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARY
The susceptibility of algal–cnidarian holobionts to environmental stress is dependent on attributes of both host and symbiont, but the role of the host is often unclear. We examined the influence of the host on symbiont light stress, comparing the photophysiology of the chlorophyte symbiont Elliptochloris marina in two species of sea anemones in the genus Anthopleura. After 3 months of acclimation in outdoor tanks, polyp photoprotective contraction behavior was similar between the two host species, but photochemical efficiency was 1.5 times higher in A. xanthogrammica than in A. elegantissima. Maximum relative electron transport rates, derived from rapid light curves, were 1.5 times higher in A. xanthogrammica than in A. elegantissima when symbionts were inside intact tissues, but were not significantly different between host species upon removal of outer (epidermis and mesoglea) tissue layers from symbiont-containing gastrodermal cells. Tissues of A. xanthogrammica were 1.8 times thicker than those of A. elegantissima, with outer tissue layers attenuating 1.6 times more light. We found no significant differences in light absorption properties per unit volume of tissue, confirming the direct effect of tissue thickness on light attenuation. The thicker tissues of A. xanthogrammica thus provide a favorable environment for E. marina – a relatively stress-susceptible symbiont – and may explain its higher prevalence and expanded range in A. xanthogrammica along the Pacific coast of North America. Our findings also support a photoprotective role for thicker host tissues in reef corals that has long been thought to influence variability in bleaching susceptibility among coral taxa.
Smelling, feeling, tasting and touching: behavioral and neural integration of antennular chemosensory and mechanosensory inputs in the crayfish
Authors: Mellon DeForest 
Published: June 2012

SummaryCrustaceans possess two pairs of prominent, movable sense organs on the rostral aspect of their bodies termed antennae: (1) a relatively short, usually bifurcate pair, the 1st antennae, also referred to as antennules, and (2) a much longer, uniramous pair, the 2nd antennae, or just ‘antennae’. The antennules are equipped with diverse arrays of six or more types of cuticular setae, most of which are believed to have a sensory function. Axons from these structures course within the antennular nerve to the deutocerebrum, a large middle brain region that is known to receive chemoreceptor and mechanoreceptor inputs. In crayfish, axons from two kinds of single sensory-function setae, the olfactory receptor aesthetasc sensilla and as yet unidentified hydrodynamic sensilla, on the lateral antennular flagellum terminate, respectively, within the ipsilateral olfactory lobe and the lateral antennular neuropil of the deutocerebrum, where their activity generates synaptic potentials in local interneurons having dendritic fields that span both of those regions. It has been suggested that the short-latency hydrodynamic input gates or otherwise supplements the olfactory input signals. Much less is known about the functional capabilities of the other sensillar types on the antennular flagella, including the bimodal sensilla: how their inputs are distributed to the various neuropils of the deutocerebrum, whether they target common or separate brain neurons, and the nature, if any, of their functional relationships to the aesthetasc and hydrodynamic sensilla. Integrated processing of chemical and hydrodynamic signals undoubtedly plays an important role in locating odorant sources, perhaps by detecting boundaries of odorant plumes (tropotactic discrimination); other less-plausible strategies include time averaging of turbulent odorant signals and determination of concentration slopes within turbulence-generated odorant patches. These gaps in our understanding present important, but surmountable, experimental challenges for the future.
How forelimb and hindlimb function changes with incline and perch diameter in the green anole,Anolis carolinensis
Authors: Foster Kathleen L. , Higham Timothy E. 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARYThe range of inclines and perch diameters in arboreal habitats poses a number of functional challenges for locomotion. To effectively overcome these challenges, arboreal lizards execute complex locomotor behaviors involving both the forelimbs and the hindlimbs. However, few studies have examined the role of forelimbs in lizard locomotion. To characterize how the forelimbs and hindlimbs differentially respond to changes in substrate diameter and incline, we obtained three-dimensional high-speed video of green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) running on flat (9 cm wide) and narrow (1.3 cm) perches inclined at 0, 45 and 90 deg. Changes in perch diameter had a greater effect on kinematics than changes in incline, and proximal limb variables were primarily responsible for these kinematic changes. In addition, a number of joint angles exhibited greater excursions on the 45 deg incline compared with the other inclines. Anolis carolinensis adopted strategies to maintain stability similar to those of other arboreal vertebrates, increasing limb flexion, stride frequency and duty factor. However, the humerus and femur exhibited several opposite kinematic trends with changes in perch diameter. Further, the humerus exhibited a greater range of motion than the femur. A combination of anatomy and behavior resulted in differential kinematics between the forelimb and the hindlimb, and also a potential shift in the propulsive mechanism with changes in external demand. This suggests that a better understanding of single limb function comes from an assessment of both forelimbs and hindlimbs. Characterizing forelimb and hindlimb movements may reveal interesting functional differences between Anolis ecomorphs. Investigations into the physiological mechanisms underlying the functional differences between the forelimb and the hindlimb are needed to fully understand how arboreal animals move in complex habitats.
Execution Risk in High-Frequency Arbitrage
Authors: Kozhan Roman , Tham Wing Wah 
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we investigate the role of execution risk in high-frequency trading through arbitrage strategies. We show that if rational agents face uncertainty about completing their arbitrage portfolios, then arbitrage is limited even in markets with perfect substitutes and convertibility. Using a simple model, we demonstrate that this risk arises from the crowding effect of competing arbitrageurs entering the same trade and inflicting negative externalities on each other. Our empirical results provide evidence that support the relevance of execution risk in high-frequency arbitrage. This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
Effect of Sodium Nitroprusside on the Occurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Cardiothoracic Surgery
Authors: Bolesta Scott , Aungst Timothy D , Kong Fanhui 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a frequent complication following cardiothoracic surgery and is associated with an increase in morbidity, mortality, and cost. One small prospective study of patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery has demonstrated a decrease in the risk of POAF with the use of sodium nitroprusside. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is an association between intraoperative sodium nitroprusside use and the incidence of POAF. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 1025 patients aged 18 years and older who underwent any cardiac surgery between April 2007 and July 2010 was evaluated at Regional Hospital of Scranton. Patients with a history of atrial fibrillation, those who had undergone cardiothoracic surgery, or those undergoing surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation were excluded. The primary outcome was the odds of developing POAF given the utilization of sodium nitroprusside during cardiothoracic surgery. POAF was defined according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database version 2.61 as a new onset of atrial fibrillation/flutter requiring treatment that was not present preoperatively. Data on use of intraoperative sodium nitroprusside were obtained from the pharmacy department's billing database. RESULTS: The final analysis included 699 patients; 473 received sodium nitroprusside. The incidence of POAF was 25.4% in the sodium nitroprusside group and 27.9% in the control group. Univariate analysis demonstrated no association of sodium nitroprusside with POAF (OR 0.880; 95% CI 0.615 to 1.257). Multivariate analysis also showed no significant difference in the odds of POAF with sodium nitroprusside (OR 0.827; 95% CI 0.565 to 1.210). Repeating the analysis in 276 propensity score–matched patients also failed to demonstrate any association (OR 0.774; 95% CI 0.454 to 1.319). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant association between the use of sodium nitroprusside during cardiothoracic surgery and POAF.
Safety of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis
Authors: Baker William L , White William B 
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the literature supporting the safe use of mineralocorticoid antagonists (MRAs) in patients with end-stage renal disease who are receiving hemodialysis. DATA SOURCES: A review of the literature was performed using MEDLINE (1950 through week 2 of February 2012) using the key words and MeSH terms mineralocorticoid antagonists, aldosterone antagonists, spironolactone, or eplerenone combined with dialysis, renal disease, or kidney disease. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Studies eligible for inclusion evaluated the impact of MRAs on serum potassium levels in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis. Data related to the patient populations and outcomes of interest were extracted from each publication. DATA SYNTHESIS: Ten studies were included in this review (spironolactone, 9; eplerenone, 1) and reported on the impact of MRAs on potassium levels in this population. In aggregate, the studies, with spironolactone doses ranging from 25 mg 3 times/week after dialysis to 300 mg/day and eplerenone doses of 25 mg twice daily, have shown little increases in serum potassium, particularly with the lower doses. The overall incidence of severe hyperkalemia was low. The literature base is limited by significant methodologic weaknesses of the studies, including low patient numbers, short follow-up periods, and lack of a blinded control group. CONCLUSIONS: The current literature suggests that MRAs may be used safely in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis, although additional large controlled trials are needed before definitive treatment recommendations can be made.