bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atrial Sources of Reactive Oxygen Species Vary With the Duration and Substrate of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Reilly Svetlana N. , Jayaram Raja , Nahar Keshav , Antoniades Charalambos , Verheule Sander , Channon Keith M. , Alp Nicholas J. , Schotten Ulrich , Casadei Barbara 
Published: August 2011

Background—
An altered nitric oxide–redox balance has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Statins inhibit NOX2-NADPH oxidases and prevent postoperative AF but are less effective in AF secondary prevention; the mechanisms underlying these findings are poorly understood.

Methods and Results—

By using goat models of pacing-induced AF or of atrial structural remodeling secondary to atrioventricular block and right atrial samples from 130 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, we found that the mechanisms responsible for the NO-redox imbalance differ between atria and with the duration and substrate of AF. Rac1 and NADPH oxidase activity and the protein level of NOX2 and p22phox were significantly increased in the left atrium of goats after 2 weeks of AF and in patients who developed postoperative AF in the absence of differences in leukocytes infiltration. Conversely, in the presence of longstanding AF or atrioventricular block, uncoupled nitric oxide synthase activity (secondary to reduced BH
4
content and/or increased arginase activity) and mitochondrial oxidases accounted for the biatrial increase in reactive oxygen species. Atorvastatin caused a mevalonate-reversible inhibition of Rac1 and NOX2-NADPH oxidase activity in right atrial samples from patients who developed postoperative AF, but it did not affect reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide synthase uncoupling, or BH
4
in patients with permanent AF.

Conclusions—
Upregulation of atrial NADPH oxidases is an early but transient event in the natural history of AF. Changes in the sources of reactive oxygen species with atrial remodeling may explain why statins are effective in the primary prevention of AF but not in its management.
Modeling Semidiurnal Internal Tide Variability in the Southern California Bight
Authors: Buijsman M. C. , Uchiyama Y. , McWilliams J. C. , Hill-Lindsay C. R. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The Regional Oceanic Modeling System (ROMS) is applied in a nested configuration with realistic forcing to the Southern California Bight (SCB) to analyze the variability in semidiurnal internal wave generation and propagation. The SCB has a complex topography with supercritical slopes that generate linear internal waves at the forcing frequency. The model predicts the observed barotropic and baroclinic tides reasonably well, although the observed baroclinic tides feature slightly larger amplitudes. The strongest semidiurnal barotropic to baroclinic energy conversion occurs on a steep sill slope of the 1900-m-deep Santa Cruz Basin. This causes a forced, near-resonant, semidiurnal Poincaré wave that rotates clockwise in the basin and is of the first mode along the radial, azimuthal, and vertical directions. The associated tidal-mean, depth-integrated energy fluxes and isotherm oscillation amplitudes in the basin reach maximum values of about 5 kW m−1 and 100 m and are strongly modulated by the spring–neap cycle. Most energy is locally dissipated, and only 10% escapes the basin. The baroclinic energy in the remaining basins is orders of magnitudes smaller. High-resolution coastal models are important in locating overlooked mixing hotspots such as the Santa Cruz Basin. These mixing hotspots may be important for ocean mixing and the overturning circulation.
Optimal Gabor-Frame-Expansion-Based Intermittent-Clutter-Filtering Method for Radar Wind Profiler
Authors: Lehmann Volker 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIntermittent clutter signals are frequently observed by radar wind profilers during the seasonal bird migration. A novel statistical filtering algorithm based on a simultaneous time–frequency analysis of the profiler’s raw data was recently proposed to address shortcomings of existing methods. The foundation of this method is a Gabor frame expansion of the complex time series of the demodulated receiver voltage. In this paper, two objective criteria are suggested to obtain an optimal setup for the discrete Gabor frame expansion from the multitude of possibilities: first, the choice of almost-tight frames for a predefined maximum redundancy and second, the requirement that the analyzing bandwidth of the used Gaussian window function should provide a simultaneously sparse representation of both atmospheric signal components and intermittent clutter. The question of optimal sampling settings, especially dwell time, for a maximum reduction of bird interference is also discussed. Using data obtained during intense bird migration events it is shown that a combination of filtering and quality control of the result is required to prevent the occurrence of significant systematic and correlated errors in the final wind measurement.
Assessing the effectiveness of a natural cellular material used as safety padding material in motorcycle helmets
Authors: de Sousa Ricardo Alves , Gonçalves Daniel , Coelho Rodrigo , Teixeira-Dias Filipe 
Published: August 2011

The efficiency of cork as a material dedicated to energy absorption under impact loading is studied in the present work. The viability of the application of micro-agglomerate cork (MAC) padding on a motorcycle helmet, is studied using finite element simulations of impact tests, considering the specifications of the European Standard ECE-R.22/05. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a widely used material, with excellent results in energy-absorption applications. However, after a first impact, the capability of EPS for energy absorption is significantly decreased, due to the almost total absence of elastic springback. However, cork is a material characterized by having both a good energy-absorption capability and high elastic return, due to its viscoelastic behavior, meaning that its capacity to keep absorbing energy is almost unchanged after the first impact. In this work, a three-dimensional numerical model of the helmet–head system is developed, including the outer shell, safety padding and the head, together with its interactions and constitutive models suitable for the analyzed materials. Results show that the developed models can adequately reproduce the behavior of EPS and MAC, in the context of a preliminary analysis. The referred helmet–headform is then submitted to impacts at different points, as specified by the European Standard. The results from helmeted impacts with EPS padding are compared against experimental values. The application of MAC in the protective padding of the helmet is studied and the results, concerning the acceleration of the gravity center of the head, Head Injury Criterion (HIC) values and kinetic energy are presented. Results obtained with EPS and MAC are compared and discussed. Concerning cork, although the maximum acceleration values of the headform and the HIC values were not verified to be within the established limits of the regulatory standard, the results are promising, launching a sound basis for a more thorough work on the application of cork as a new material for advanced applications as an energy-absorption system.
Designing and conducting randomized controlled trials in palliative care: A summary of discussions from the 2010 clinical research forum of the Australian Palliative Care Clinical Studies Collaborative
Authors: Shelby-James Tania M , Hardy Janet , Agar Meera , Yates Patsy , Mitchell Geoff , Sanderson Christine , Luckett Tim , Abernethy Amy P , Currow David C 
Published: August 2011

Rigorous clinical research in palliative care is challenging but achievable. Trial participants are likely to have deteriorating performance status, co-morbidities and progressive disease. It is difficult to recruit patients, and attrition unrelated to the intervention being trialled is high. The aim of this paper is to highlight practical considerations from a forum held to discuss these issues by active palliative care clinical researchers. To date, the Australian Palliative Care Clinical Studies Collaborative (PaCCSC) has randomized more than 500 participants across 12 sites in 8 Phase III studies. Insights from the 2010 clinical research forum of the PaCCSC are reported. All active Australian researchers in palliative care were invited to present their current research and address three specific questions: (1) What has worked well? (2) What didn’t work well? and (3) How should the research be done differently next time? Fourteen studies were presented, including six double-blind, randomized, controlled, multi-site trials run by the PaCCSC. Key recommendations are reported, including guidance on design; methodologies; and strategies for maximizing recruitment and retention. These recommendations will help to inform future trial design and conduct in palliative care.
The Architecture of Domination: Reflections on Conducting the Symposium Large Group in Dublin
Authors: von Sommaruga Howard Teresa 
Published: August 2011

Reflections on the Large Group at the 14th Group-Analytic Symposium in Dublin: Despair, Dialogue and Desire: The Transformative Power of the Analytic Group in the Movement from Despair to Desire through Dialogue. 567 people from 39 countries came to Dublin. As the largest and probably the most diverse group ever to participate in a group-analytic symposium, the large group inevitably forced a shift in consciousness. Not only was the group challenged to accommodate an expanded picture of the group-analytic society and of the world society we live in, but it was also faced with a new variation in the form of the conducting team. Three people working together replaced the usual single conductor or pair. Göran Ahlin from Stockholm, who was initially invited to take on this role, decided to follow his long-held vision of conducting a large group with a small group by asking David O’Brien from Dublin and me to join him. Despite the unprecedented number of people, we met on a flat floor sitting in 10 concentric circles, arranged like a gigantic wheel. This configuration, although presenting the whole community with extreme difficulties in hearing and seeing each other, also presented us with a rare opportunity: to make sense of the hidden forces that reinforce the political, social, environmental and economic status quo at a moment when the world is on the edge of a profound shift reminiscent of the Industrial Revolution. This article is offered as a reflection to inform our experiences in future symposia. It is written from my perspective as one of the three conductors and as a woman. Working as a threesome was intensely rewarding. We spent many hours together before, during and after the symposium preparing for and metabolizing the material. Our explicit group-analytic intention was to refrain from leading but to encourage leadership from within the group. Keeping to this stance was challenging in an environment where it was difficult to discover who was responsible for conducting. This situation, in all its frustration, exposed a logic that demonstrated the importance of encouraging a joint thinking space that is rare in the face of chaos. Working together enabled each of us to overcome feelings of demoralization and powerlessness to survive the experience and to keep thinking creatively.
Substantial adverse association of visual and vascular comorbidities on visual disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Marrie Ruth Ann , Cutter Gary , Tyry Tuula 
Published: August 2011

Background: Visual comorbidities are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) but the impact of visual comorbidities on visual disability is unknown. Objective: We assessed the impact of visual and vascular comorbidities on severity of visual disability in MS. Methods: In 2006, we queried participants of the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) about cataracts, glaucoma, uveitis, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. We assessed visual disability using the Vision subscale of Performance Scales. Using Cox regression, we investigated whether visual or vascular comorbidities affected the time between MS symptom onset and the development of mild, moderate and severe visual disability. Results: Of 8983 respondents, 1415 (15.9%) reported a visual comorbidity while 4745 (52.8%) reported a vascular comorbidity. The median (interquartile range) visual score was 1 (0–2). In a multivariable Cox model the risk of mild visual disability was higher among participants with vascular (hazard ratio [HR] 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39–1.51) and visual comorbidities (HR 1.47; 95% CI: 1.37–1.59). Vascular and visual comorbidities were similarly associated with increased risks of moderate and severe visual disability. Conclusions: Visual and vascular comorbidities are associated with progression of visual disability in MS. Clinicians hearing reports of worsening visual symptoms in MS patients should consider visual comorbidities as contributing factors. Further study of these issues using objective, systematic neuro-ophthalmologic evaluations is warranted.
Comparative effectiveness of asthma interventions within a practice based research network
Authors: Tapp Hazel , Hebert Lisa , Dulin Michael 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects more than 23 million people in the United States, including 7 million children. Asthma is a difficult to manage chronic condition associated with disparities in health outcomes, poor medical compliance, and high healthcare costs. The research network coordinating this project includes hospitals, urgent care centers, and outpatient clinics within Carolinas Healthcare System that share a common electronic medical record and billing system allowing for rapid collection of clinical and demographic data. This study investigates the impact of three interventions on clinical outcomes for patients with asthma. Interventions are: an integrated approach to care that incorporates asthma management based on the chronic care model; a shared decision making intervention for asthma patients in underserved or disadvantaged populations; and a school based care approach that examines the efficacy of school-based programs to impact asthma outcomes including effectiveness of linkages between schools and the healthcare providers.

Methods/Design
This study will include 95 Practices, 171 schools, and over 30,000 asthmatic patients. Five groups (A-E) will be evaluated to determine the effectiveness of three interventions. Group A is the usual care control group without electronic medical record (EMR). Group B practices are a second control group that has an EMR with decision support, asthma action plans, and population reports at baseline. A time delay design during year one converts practices in Group B to group C after receiving the integrated approach to care intervention. Four practices within Group C will receive the shared decision making intervention (and become group D). Group E will receive a school based care intervention through case management within the schools. A centralized database will be created with the goal of facilitating comparative effectiveness research on asthma outcomes specifically for this study. Patient and community level analysis will include results from patient surveys, focus groups, and asthma patient density mapping. Community variables such as income and housing density will be mapped for comparison. Outcomes to be measured are reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits; improved adherence to medication; improved quality of life; reduced school absenteeism; improved self-efficacy and improved school performance.

Discussion
Identifying new mechanisms that improve the delivery of asthma care is an important step towards advancing patient outcomes, avoiding preventable Emergency Department visits and hospitalizations, while simultaneously reducing overall healthcare costs.
Peripheral anti-inflammatory effects explain the ginsenosides paradox between poor brain distribution and anti-depression efficacy
Authors: Kang An , Hao Haiping , Zheng Xiao , Liang Yan , Xie Yuan , Xie Tong , Dai Chen , Zhao Qijin , Wu Xiaolan , Xie Lin , Wang Guangji 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
The effectiveness of ginseng in preventing and treating various central nervous system (CNS) diseases has been widely confirmed. However, ginsenosides, the principal components of ginseng, are characterized by poor accessibility to the brain, and this pharmacokinetic-pharmacological paradox remains poorly explained. Anti-inflammatory approaches are becoming promising therapeutic strategies for depression and other CNS diseases; however, previous studies have focused largely on anti-inflammatory therapies directed at the central nervous system. It is thus of interest to determine whether ginsenosides, characterized by poor brain distribution, are also effective in treating lipopolysaccharide- (LPS) induced depression-like behavior and neuroinflammation.

Methods
In an LPS-induced depression-like behavior model, the antidepressant effects of ginseng total saponins (GTS) were assessed using a forced swimming test, a tail suspension test, and a sucrose preference test. The anti-inflammatory efficacies of GTS in brain, plasma, and LPS-challenged RAW264.7 cells were validated using ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR. Moreover, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity in the periphery and brain were also determined by measuring levels of kynurenine/tryptophan.

Results
GTS significantly attenuated LPS-induced depression-like behavior. Moreover, LPS-induced increases in 5-HT and tryptophane turnover in the brain were significantly reduced by GTS. IDO activities in brain and periphery were also suppressed after pretreatment with GTS. Furthermore, GTS-associated recovery from LPS-induced depression-like behavior was paralleled with reduced mRNA levels for IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IDO in hippocampus. Poor brain distribution of ginsenosides was confirmed in LPS-challenged mice. GTS treatment significantly decreased production of various proinflammatory cytokines in both LPS-challenged mice and RAW264.7 cells.

Conclusion
This study suggests that the anti-depression efficacy of GTS may be largely attributable to its peripheral anti-inflammatory activity. Our study also strengthens an important notion that peripheral anti-inflammation strategies may be useful in the therapy of inflammation-related depression and possibly other CNS diseases.
Decidual soluble factors participate in the control of HIV-1 infection at the maternofetal interface
Authors: Marlin Romain , Nugeyre Marie-Thérèse , Duriez Marion , Cannou Claude , Le Breton Anne , Berkane Nadia , Barré-Sinoussi Françoise , Menu Elisabeth 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Maternofetal transmission (MFT) of HIV-1 is relatively rare during the first trimester of pregnancy despite the permissivity of placental cells for cell-to-cell HIV-1 infection. Invasive placental cells interact directly with decidual cells of the uterine mucosa during the first months of pregnancy, but the role of the decidua in the control of HIV-1 transmission is unknown.

Results
We found that decidual mononuclear cells naturally produce low levels of IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-γ and CXCL-12 (SDF-1), and large amounts of CCL-2 (MCP1), CCL-3 (MIP-1α), CCL-4 (MIP-1β), CCL-5 (Rantes), CXCL-10 (IP-10), IL-6 and IL-8. CCL-3 and CCL-4 levels were significantly upregulated by in vitro infection with R5 HIV-1 but not X4. Decidual CD14+ antigen presenting cells were the main CCL-3 and CCL-4 producers among decidual leukocytes. R5 and X4 HIV-1 infection was inhibited by decidual cell culture supernatants in vitro. Using HIV-1 pseudotypes, we found that inhibition of the HIV-1 entry step was inhibited by decidual soluble factors.

Conclusion
Our findings show that decidual innate immunity (soluble factors) is involved in the control of HIV-1 infection at the maternofetal interface. The decidua could thus serve as a mucosal model for identifying correlates of protection against HIV-1 infection.
Government use licenses in Thailand: an assessment of the health and economic impacts
Authors: Yamabhai Inthira , Mohara Adun , Tantivess Sripen , Chaisiri Kakanang , Teerawattananon Yot 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Between 2006 and 2008, Thailand's Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) granted government use licenses for seven patented drugs in order to improve access to these essential treatments. The decision to grant the government use licenses was contentious both within and beyond the country. In particular, concerns were highlighted that the negative consequences might outweigh the expected benefits of the policy. This study conducted assessments of the health and economic implications of these government use licenses.

Methods
The health and health-related economic impacts were quantified in terms of i) Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) gained and ii) increased productivity in US dollars (USD) as a result of the increased access to drugs. The study adopted a five-year timeframe for the assessment, commencing from the time of the grant of the government use licenses. Empirical evidence gathered from national databases was used to assess the changes in volume of exports after US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) withdrawal and level of foreign direct investment (FDI).

Results
As a result of the granting of the government use licenses, an additional 84,158 patients were estimated to have received access to the seven drugs over five years. Health gains from the use of the seven drugs compared to their best alternative accounted for 12,493 QALYs gained, which translates into quantifiable incremental benefits to society of USD132.4 million. The government use license on efavirenze was found to have the greatest benefit. In respect of the country's economy, the study found that Thailand's overall exports increased overtime, although exports of the three US GSP withdrawal products to the US did decline. There was also found to be no relationship between the government use licenses and the level of foreign investment over the period 2002 to 2008.

Conclusions
The public health benefits of the government use licenses were generally positive. Specifically, the policy helped to increase access to patented drugs, while the impact of the US GSP withdrawal did not adversely affect the overall export status. Because the levels of benefit gained from the government use licenses varied widely between the seven drugs, depending on several factors, this study makes recommendations for the future implementation of the policy in order to maximise benefits.