bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genotype‐ and Sex‐Specific QT‐RR Relationship in the Type‐1 Long‐QT Syndrome
Authors: Couderc Jean‐Philippe , Xia Xiaojuan , Denjoy Isabelle , Extramiana Fabrice , Maison‐Blanche Pierre , Moss Arthur J. , Zareba Wojciech , Lopes Coeli M. 
Published: May 2012

Background
Genotype‐phenotype investigations have revealed significantly larger risk for cardiac events in patients with type 1 long‐QT syndrome (LQT‐1), particularly in adult females, with missense mutation in the cytoplasmic loop (C‐loop) regions of the α subunit of the KCNQ1 gene associated with an impaired ion channel activation by adrenergic stimulus. We hypothesize that the impaired response to increases in heart rate leads to abnormal QT‐RR dynamic profiles and is responsible for the increased cardiac risk for these patients.

Methods and Results

We measured the QT‐RR slope in 24‐hour Holter ECGs from LQT‐1 patients with the mutations associated with impaired adrenergic stimulus (C‐loop, n=18) and compared to LQT‐1 patients with other mutations (non–C‐loop, n=48), and to a healthy control group (n=195). The diurnal QT‐RR slope was less steep in C‐loop mutation patients (0.10±0.05) than in the ECGs from non–C‐loop mutation patients (0.17±0.09,
P
=0.002). For female patients, slower heart rates were associated with prolonged QT and increased QT‐RR slope. Male patients with C‐loop mutations showed an impaired repolarization for shorter range of heart rates than in females, which is consistent with gender differences in triggers for events in this syndrome.

Conclusions

Our observations suggest that the C‐loop LQT‐1 patients have specific impaired adrenergic regulation of the ventricular repolarization. This response to heart rate increases may be useful in identification of high‐risk patients with inherited prolonged QT and may help select an optimal antiarrhythmic therapeutic strategy.

(
J Am Heart Assoc
. 2012;1:e000570 doi: 10.1161/JAHA.112.000570.)
High On‐Aspirin Platelet Reactivity and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease: Results From ASCET (Aspirin Nonresponsiveness and Clopidogrel Endpoint Trial)
Authors: Pettersen Alf‐Åge R. , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Abdelnoor Michael , Arnesen Harald 
Published: May 2012

Background
Patients with stable coronary artery disease on single‐antiplatelet therapy with aspirin are still at risk for atherothrombotic events, and high on‐aspirin residual platelet reactivity (RPR) has been suggested as a risk factor.

Methods and Results

In this randomized trial, the association between platelet function determined by the PFA100 platelet function analyzer system (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Germany) and clinical outcome in 1001 patients, all on single‐antiplatelet therapy with aspirin (160 mg/d) was studied. Patients were randomized to continue with aspirin 160 mg/d or change to clopidogrel 75 mg/d. A composite end point of death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and unstable angina was used. At 2‐year follow‐up, 106 primary end points were registered. The prevalence of high RPR was 25.9%. High on‐aspirin RPR did not significantly influence the primary end point in the aspirin group (13.3% versus 9.9%,
P
=0.31). However, in post hoc analysis, patients with von Willebrand factor levels or platelet count below median values and high on‐aspirin RPR had a statistically significant higher end point rate than that of patients with low RPR (20% versus 7.5%,
P
=0.014, and 18.2% versus 10.8%,
P
=0.039, respectively). The composite end point rate in patients with high on‐aspirin RPR treated with clopidogrel was not different from that of patients treated with aspirin (7.6% versus 13.3%,
P
=0.16).

Conclusions
In stable, aspirin‐treated patients with coronary artery disease, high on‐aspirin RPR did not relate to clinical outcome and did not identify a group responsive to clopidogrel. Post hoc subgroup analysis raised the possibility that high on‐aspirin RPR might be predictive in patients with low von Willebrand factor or platelet count, but these findings will require confirmation in future studies.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
Unique identifier: NCT00222261.

(
J Am Heart Assoc
. 2012;1:e000703 doi: 10.1161/JAHA.112.000703.)
Global Psychological Distress and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation Among Women: The Women's Health Study
Authors: Whang William , Davidson Karina W. , Conen David , Tedrow Usha B. , Everett Brendan M. , Albert Christine M. 
Published: May 2012

Background
Symptoms of psychological distress and depression have been associated with risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Their relationship with atrial arrhythmias, however, is less well studied.

Methods and Results

We sought to assess the long‐term relations between psychological distress and risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Women's Health Study of female health professionals. We measured psychological symptoms with the Mental Health Inventory‐5. Incident AF was assessed annually and verified through medical records. Among 30 746 women without history of cardiovascular disease or AF, 771 cases of AF occurred during a median follow‐up of 125 months (interquartile range, 117–130 months). Global psychological distress was not associated with AF risk in age‐stratified (
P
=0.61 for linear trend) or multivariable proportional‐hazards models that included antidepressant use (
P
=0.34). A proxy measure for depression, consisting of Mental Health Inventory‐5 score <53, antidepressant use, or both, was also not associated with AF risk in multivariable models (hazard ratio=0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–1.25;
P
=0.93). In post hoc analyses of individual symptoms from the Mental Health Inventory‐5, positive affect, “feeling happy some/a good bit of the time,” was associated with reduced risk of AF (hazard ratio=0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–0.99;
P
=0.04); other depressive and anxious symptoms were not.

Conclusions

In this prospective study of women without known cardiovascular disease, global psychological distress and specific depressive symptoms were unrelated to AF risk.

(
J Am Heart Assoc
. 2012;1:e001107 doi

:
10.1161/JAHA.112.001107
.)
Myocardial Revascularization in New York State: Variations in the PCI‐to‐CABG Ratio and Their Implications
Authors: Ko Wilson , Tranbaugh Robert , Marmur Jonathan D. , Supino Phyllis G. , Borer Jeffrey S. 
Published: May 2012

Background
During the past 2 decades, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has increased dramatically compared with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients with coronary artery disease. However, although the evidence available to all practitioners is similar, the relative distribution of PCI and CABG appears to differ among hospitals and regions.

Methods and Results
We reviewed the published data from the mandatory New York State Department of Health annual cardiac procedure reports issued from 1994 through 2008 to define trends in PCI and CABG utilization in New York and to compare the PCI/CABG ratios in the metropolitan area to the remainder of the State. During this 15‐year interval, the procedure volume changes for CABG, for all cardiac surgeries, for non‐CABG cardiac surgeries, and for PCI for New York State were −40%, −20%, +17.5%, and +253%, respectively; for the Manhattan programs, the changes were similar as follows: −61%, −23%, +14%, and +284%. The average PCI/CABG ratio in New York State increased from 1.12 in 1994 to 5.14 in 2008; however, in Manhattan, the average PCI/CABG ratio increased from 1.19 to 8.04 (2008 range: 3.78 to 16.2). The 2008 PCI/CABG ratios of the Manhattan programs were higher than the ratios for New York City programs outside Manhattan, in Long Island, in the northern counties contiguous to New York City, and in the rest of New York State; their averages were 5.84, 5.38, 3.31, and 3.24, respectively. In Manhattan, a patient had a 56% greater chance of receiving PCI than CABG as compared with the rest of New York State; in one Manhattan program, the likelihood was 215% higher.

Conclusions

There are substantial regional and statewide differences in the utilization of PCI versus CABG among cardiac centers in New York, possibly related to patient characteristics, physician biases, and hospital culture. Understanding these disparities may facilitate the selection of the most appropriate, effective, and evidence‐based revascularization strategy.

(
J Am Heart Assoc
. 2012;1:e001446 doi: 10.1161/JAHA.112.001446.)
Microparticles Induce Cell Cycle Arrest Through Redox‐Sensitive Processes in Endothelial Cells: Implications in Vascular Senescence
Authors: Burger Dylan , Kwart Dylan G. , Montezano Augusto C. , Read Naomi C. , Kennedy Christopher R.J. , Thompson Charlie S. , Touyz Rhian M. 
Published: May 2012

Background
Chronic disease accelerates endothelial dysfunction in aging, a process associated with cell senescence. However, the mechanisms underlying this process are unclear. We examined whether endothelial cell (EC)‒derived microparticles (MPs) facilitate EC senescence and questioned the role of reactive oxygen species in this process.

Methods and Results

Senescence was induced by sequential passaging of primary mouse ECs. Cells retained phenotypic characteristics of ECs from passage 4 through passage 21. Passage 21 ECs exhibited features of senescence, including increased staining of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐βgal), a greater percentage of cells in G
1
/G
0
phase of the cell cycle, and increased phosphorylation of p66
Shc
(
P
<0.05). Microparticle formation from passage 21 ECs was increased versus passage 4 ECs (∼2.2‐fold increase versus passage 4,
P
<0.05), and the Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil blocked this increase. Exposure of passage 4 ECs to MPs shifted cells from a proliferating to a nonproliferating phenotype, as indicated by cell cycle analysis and increased senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase staining. MPs increased EC generation of O
2
●−
(∼2.7‐fold) and H
2
O
2
(∼2.6‐fold), effects blocked by apocynin (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase inhibitor) and rotenone (mitochondrial oxidase inhibitor) but not by allopurinol (xanthine oxidase inhibitor). MPs increased expression of cell cycle proteins p 21 cip1 and p16ink4a and stimulated phosphorylation of p66
Shc
in ECs (
P
<0.05 versus untreated ECs). Pretreatment with the reactive oxygen species scavenger sodium 4,5‐dihydroxybenzene‐1,3‐disulfonate (tiron) abrogated the prosenescent effects of MPs.

Conclusions

MPs promote EC senescence through nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase‒ and mitochondrial‐derived reactive oxygen species. Such redox‐sensitive processes may be important in vascular dysfunction in aging.

(
J Am Heart Assoc
. 2012;1:e001842 doi: 10.1161/JAHA.112.001842.)
The Informal Economy Worldwide: Trends and Characteristics
Authors: Charmes Jacques 
Published: May 2012

It has now been more than 40 years since the first attempts of defining and data collection on informal sector and informal employment on a large scale were launched in the early 1970s. Many debates paved the way for the international definition of the informal sector in 1993 and informal employment in 2003. The informal economy is finally a means for conciliating the two concepts and since the mid-1970s, national estimates of size (employment) and contribution (share of gross domestic product [GDP]) of the informal sector, and later on of the informal economy (and of its two major components: informal sector and employment outside the informal sector), have regularly been attempted and gathered on a large scale. This article is the most recent synthesis of these works. It is based on the recent compilations by the Bureau of Statistics of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the National Accounts Section of the United Nations (UN) Statistics Division as well as on original national data. Employment in the informal economy is revealed to be as high as 58–70 per cent of non-agricultural employment at regional level (the informal sector representing from 50 per cent to 80 per cent of the informal economy) and the informal sectors contribution to non-agricultural GDP is from 25 per cent up to 50 per cent. JEL Classifications: O17, O57, J21
Urban Employment in India: Recent Trends and Patterns
Authors: Chen Martha Alter , Raveendran G. 
Published: May 2012

This article explores trends in urban employment in India, with a focus on urban informal employment. The data presented are from three of the recent large-sample rounds of the National Sample Survey which are carried out every five years in India: the 55th Round covering 1999–2000; the 61st Round covering 2004–05; and the 66th Round covering 2009–10. All tables in this article are based on tabulations of the raw data by one of the authors (G. Raveendran). The article reviews trends in urban employment in India, including the marked de-acceleration of employment growth and the marked decline in the female labour force participation rate between 2004–05 and 2009–10. Also, an overview of urban informal employment is presented, which represents 80 per cent of total employment, by employment status and branch of industry as well as four specific groups of informal workers—domestic workers, home-based workers, street vendors and waste pickers—which together represent 33 per cent of total urban employment in India in 2009–10. In the end, we summarise what we know about urban informal employment in India today and over the first decade of the 21st century and conclude with a call for re-envisioning cities in India to allow informal enterprises, activities and workers to operate alongside larger firms, more formal activities and formal workers. JEL Classifications: J8, E26, D13
The Determinants of Selection into Non-agricultural Self-employment in Ghana
Authors: Heintz James , Pickbourn Lynda 
Published: May 2012

Selection into informal employment is frequently theorised as either an individual choice, for example, to avoid taxation or regulation, or as a structural feature of the formal labour market: for example, the rationing of opportunities prevents free entry into formal employment. However, participation in informal employment can also be understood as the outcome of choices made in the context of structural constraints outside the labour market. Such constraints include the distribution of assets, access to education, responsibilities for unpaid care work and social norms, among others. This article uses data from the Fifth Round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 5) to examine the determinants of selection into self-employment in non-agricultural household enterprises. The Fifth Round of the GLSS was administered with a special focus on non-agricultural household enterprises and provides a rich set of information on informal self-employment outside of agriculture. By considering a range of factors at the individual and household levels, the results of the data analysis will present a more nuanced view of participation in informal self-employment. JEL Classifications: J21, J24, O17, O55
A Segmented Labour Supply Model Estimation for the Construction of a CGE Microsimulation Model: An Application to the Philippines
Authors: Boccanfuso D. , Savard L. 
Published: May 2012

Labour market analysis is an important element to understand the inequality and poverty within a given population. The literature reveals that the informal sector is characterised by a great deal of flexibility and is exempt from formal market rigidities on the one hand, but on the other hand, this sector can constitute a trap from which it is difficult to exit for workers active in the sector with low wages. In this article, we aim to identify the main characteristics differentiating the labour supply of workers on the informal and formal market in the Philippines while estimating these two labour supplies, capturing discrete choice or changes in employment status. We use these estimates to construct a labour supply model that can serve as an input for a broader macro–microsimulation model applied to the Philippines. The results of the estimation provide relatively intuitive findings, highlighting some differences between the two markets. We also shed some light on this macro–microsimulation modelling framework that is generally opaque, in describing how to construct a microsimulation model with endogenous discrete choice model linked to a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. JEL Classification: C35, O53, J24, C81, O17
Trade, Employment and the Informal Sector: An Agent-based Analysis
Authors: Gibson Bill 
Published: May 2012

This article discusses a multi-agent model of the informal sector. An analytical model is first developed to explore the possible range of relationships between formal and informal employment. Data from the agent-based model support protecting formal sector jobs with current account restrictions. It is seen that restrictions on outsourcing can have a positive effect on formal sector activity. Offshoring, that is, relocating to another country, is also considered. When restrictions on offshoring are studied, it is seen that formal sector employment growth is less robust. Unrestricted current and capital account activity produces a steady state with near zero informal activity, while restrictions preserve the informal sector indefinitely. JEL Classifications: O17, E17, D58
White Si–O–C(–H) Particles with Photoluminescence Synthesized by Decarbonization Reaction on Polymer Precursor in a Hydrogen Atmosphere
Authors: Narisawa Masaki , Watase Seiji , Matsukawa Kimihiro , Dohmaru Takaaki , Okamura Kiyohito 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Colorless white Si–O–C(–H) particles with photoluminescence were synthesized from silicone resin precursor. Pyrolysis of the precursor particles in a hydrogen atmosphere was effective for adjustment of resulting carbon content. Analysis of chemical compositions revealed that the resulting materials contained a small amount of hydrogen with Si, O, and C.
Synthesis and Structure of a Neutral AuI4NiII2 Hexanuclear Complex Containing d-Penicillaminate and 1,2-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane
Authors: Igashira-Kamiyama Asako , Matsushita Natsuko , Lee Raeeun , Tsuge Kiyoshi , Konno Takumi 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The 1:1 reaction of [Au2(dppe)(d-Hpen)2] (dppe: 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, d-H2pen: d-penicillamine) with Ni(CH3COO)2·4H2O in ethanol, followed by the vapor diffusion of diethyl ether, gave blue-green crystals of [Au4Ni2(dppe)2(d-pen)4]. This compound showed single-crystal-to-single-crystal conversion on soaking in water, accompanied by the drastic change in complex-molecular arrangements from straight chain to helix structures.
Ratiometric Fluorescence Detection of Anions by an Amide-Based Receptor Bearing Pyrenyl Groups
Authors: Kondo Shin-ichi , Nakajima Shin-ichiro , Unno Masafumi 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
A tetraamide-based receptor 3 bearing two pyrenyl moieties as signaling units was designed and synthesized. Receptor 3 showed enhancement of the monomer emission with a concomitant decrease in the excimer emission upon the addition of relatively basic oxoanions allowing ratiometric measurements to determine the concentration of anions.
Preparation of Er2O3 Nanorod Catalyst without Using Organic Additive and Its Application to Catalytic Dehydration of 1,4-Butanediol
Authors: Sato Fumiya , Yamada Yasuhiro , Sato Satoshi 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Er2O3 nanorods were successfully prepared with hydrothermal treatment without using organic additives such as surfactant, fatty acid, or alcohol. Er2O3 nanorods were obtained under high temperature and/or long reaction times. Er2O3 nanorods mainly exposed {440} and {400} facets on the surface. Er2O3 nanorods showed excellent catalytic activity compared to commercial Er2O3 nanoparticles in the dehydration of 1,4-butanediol to produce 3-buten-1-ol.
Fabrication of a Highly Sensitive and Selective Ag-doped WO3 Formaldehyde Gas Sensor
Authors: Wang Xinmin , Yu Chengqun , Wu Junxi , Zhang Yidong 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Ag-doped WO3 nanowhiskers have been successfully synthesized by a simple sol–gel treatment from the precursors W, H2O2, and AgNO3 at room temperature, followed by heat treatment at 400 °C for 1 h. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Obtained results show that the obtained nanowhiskers width is ca. 200 nm with orthorhombic phase under different Ag-doped concentrations. Compared with the pure WO3-based sensor, all of the Ag-doped sensors showed better sensing performance in respect of sensitivity and selectivity. The sensor containing 3.0 mol % Ag exhibited the maximum sensitivity to formaldehyde vapor at 150 °C. A possible mechanism for the influence of Ag on the formaldehyde-sensing properties of Ag-doped WO3 sensors is proposed.
Noncovalent Modification of Carbon Nanotubes with Proteins via Biotinylated Peptides Having a Binary Pattern within the Sequences
Authors: Tomizaki Kin-ya , Kurosawa Takahiro , Kajiyama Makoto , Imai Takahito 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
We describe peptide-based solubilization and functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), in which biotinylated peptides that are physically adsorbed onto the sidewalls of MWNTs can anchor proteins of interest via specific interactions.
Copper(II)-catalyzed ortho-Benzoxylation of 2-Arylpyridines with Sodium Carboxylates
Authors: Li Liping , Yu Peng , Cheng Jiang , Chen Fan , Pan Changduo 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Copper-catalyzed ortho-benzoxylation of an sp2 C–H bond by sodium carboxylates is described. The procedure tolerates carbomethoxy, formyl, bromo, and chloro groups, providing the benzoxylated products in moderate to good yields.
Fractionation of Au Nanomaterials Using Selective Adsorption of a Long-chain Amidoamine Derivative
Authors: Imura Yoshiro , Morita Clara , Kawai Takeshi 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Two-step phase transfer using C18AA molecules as the transfer agent was found to be very useful for the fractionation of large Au nanoparticles (NPs) (average diameter 7.7 nm), small Au NPs (average diameter 4.9 nm), and Au nanowires (NWs) according to their surface structural distinction. We also demonstrated that the use of organic solvents with different solubilities for C18AA was effective for the fractionation of Au nanocrystals.
Preparation of Graphene Dispersion and Carbon Nanoscrolls
Authors: Xiong Yuzi , Chen Hao , Ou Encai , Qian Jiangtao , Peng Chang , Xiong Yuanqin , Xu Weijian 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
A novel versatile approach for the bulk and facile preparation of graphene dispersion with high concentration is developed, via sonication of graphite that is intercalated by a mixture of benzene derivative and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Subsequently, graphene nanoscrolls, a new structure between graphene and nanotubes are obtained by heat treatment of graphene sheets.
Spontaneous Motion of o-Toluidine Droplets: Repetitive Motion of Running and Squashing
Authors: Nanzai Ben , Ishikawa Ryotaro , Igawa Manabu 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
We observed a unique spontaneous motion for an o-toluidine droplet containing iodine in an aqueous solution of cation surfactant. The droplet repeated a running motion and a squashing motion on the glass surface. The contact angle determines the motion of droplets on the glass surface. We analyzed this motion quantitatively using video capture. As the initial trigger of the running motion, the receding contact angle increased before the advancing contact angle increased. The predominant squashing span increased with time, although little change was found in the running span.
Al-doped Ceria: A New Cathode Catalyst for Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Kalubarme Ramchandra S , Park Chan-Jin 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Nanostructured aluminum-doped ceria (ADC) particles with uniform spherical shape, as a new catalyst material for the cathode in Li–O2 batteries, are prepared by a solution combustion method. The nonaqueous Li–O2 cell employing the Ce0.8Al0.2O2 catalyst exhibits a specific capacity as high as 1549 mA h g−1. The discharge product of the Li–O2 cell mostly contains lithium carbonate and a small amount of lithium peroxide.