bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological Activation of IKr Impairs Conduction in Guinea Pig Hearts
Authors: LARSEN ANDERS PETER , OLESEN SØREN‐PETER , GRUNNET MORTEN , POELZING STEVEN 
Published: February 2010

Activation of IKr Impairs Conduction.  Introduction: The hERG (Kv11.1) potassium channel underlies cardiac IKr and is important for cardiac repolarization. Recently, hERG agonists have emerged as potential antiarrhythmic drugs. As modulation of outward potassium currents has been suggested to modulate cardiac conduction, we tested the hypothesis that pharmacological activation of IKr results in impaired cardiac conduction. Methods and Results: Cardiac conduction was assessed in Langendorff‐perfused guinea pig hearts. Application of the hERG agonist NS3623 (10 μM) prolonged the QRS rate dependently. A significant prolongation (16 ± 6%) was observed at short basic cycle length (BCL 90 ms) but not at longer cycle lengths (BCL 250 ms). The effect could be reversed by the IKr blocker E4031 (1 μM). While partial INa inhibition with flecainide (1 μM) alone prolonged the QRS (34 ± 3%, BCL 250 ms), the QRS was further prolonged by 19 ± 2% when NS3623 was added in the presence of flecainide. These data suggest that the effect of NS3623 was dependent on sodium channel availability. Surprisingly, in the presence of the voltage sensitive dye di‐4‐ANEPPS a similar potentiation of the effect of NS3623 was observed. With di‐4‐ANEPPS, NS3623 prolonged the QRS significantly (26 ± 4%, BCL 250 ms) compared to control with a corresponding decrease in conduction velocity. Conclusion: Pharmacological activation of IKr by the hERG agonist NS3623 impairs cardiac conduction. The effect is dependent on sodium channel availability. These findings suggest a role for IKr in modulating cardiac conduction and may have implications for the use of hERG agonists as antiarrhythmic drugs. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 923‐929, August 2010)
Tana River Mangabey Use of Nonforest Areas: Functional Connectivity in a Fragmented Landscape in Kenya
Authors: Wieczkowski Julie 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTHabitat loss and fragmentation is a serious threat to biodiversity. Fragment isolation can be reduced if fragments are connected, either structurally through habitat corridors or functionally if the species can move through the surrounding matrix. One‐way to evaluate landscape connectivity is to observe natural movements of animals within fragmented landscapes. The Tana River mangabey (Cercocebus galeritus) is an endangered monkey endemic to fragmented forests along the lower Tana River in Kenya, and who has been observed to move through matrix between fragments. One mangabey group moved through 1 km of matrix, while another group moved through two areas of matrix. I collected behavioral and ranging data on the latter group to describe its behavior and time spent in the matrix. Utilizing data from belt transects in the matrix and forest fragments, I characterized the vegetation structure of the matrix and compared it to the forests included in each group's home range. The group spent the majority of their time eating while in the matrix, and spent an average 36.4 min in one matrix area and 100 min in the other. The matrix is generally characterized by the highest measures for a nonforest attribute and the lowest measures for forest attributes. These results suggest that forest fragments are functionally, but not structurally, connected for the mangabey; a landscape approach to conservation, therefore, should be taken for the lower Tana River. Research investigating the limitations of the mangabey's ability to use the matrix is needed.
Biological Invasions in the Amazonian Tropical Rain Forest: The Case of Drosophilidae (Insecta, Diptera) in Ecuador, South America
Authors: Acurio Andrea , Rafael Violeta , Dangles Olivier 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTThere have been few reports of invasions in continental rain forests, especially for exotic animals. This study provides original data concerning the potential of exotic drosophilid species to colonize the Amazonian tropical rain forest. To investigate if the structure of drosophilid assemblages differed in response to anthropogenic disturbance, we performed a taxonomic survey at six sites within the Yasuni National Park in Ecuadorian Amazonia along a disturbance gradient from pristine to clearcut artificial forest. A total of 7425 individuals from 34 species were collected of which seven species were exotic. There was significant variation in the assemblage composition along this disturbance gradient; 31 percent of which was explained by the presence of exotic species, particularly at the most disturbed sites, through nonmetric multidimensional scaling and SIMPER analyses. These results confirm the susceptibility of continental rain forests to invasion by exotic species. There is an urgent need to develop and implement monitoring systems, for example, based on drosophilid assemblage surveys, to detect exotic invasions in continental tropical forests.
Concentrations of unbound bevacizumab in the aqueous of untreated fellow eyes after a single intravitreal injection in humans
Authors: Meyer Carsten H. , Krohne Tim U. , Holz Frank G. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract.Purpose:  To determine the concentration of unbound bevacizumab in untreated fellow eyes after contralateral intravitreal injection of bevacizumab.Methods:  A total of 18 eyes received intravitreal injections of 1.5 mg bevacizumab. Nine probes were obtained in the injected eye and nine in the fellow eye. Each group contained three individual eyes. Aqueous humour samples were obtained during uneventful phacoemulsification at three intervals 1–7 days (group a), 8–12 days (group b) or 13–28 days (group c).Results:  In untreated fellow eyes, the concentration of unbound bevacizumab was below the detectable limit of the ELISA (5 ng/ml in all samples). The mean concentration of unbound bevacizumab in the injected eye declined from 28.6 μg/ml (group a), 16.5 μg/ml (group b) to 7.4 μg/ml (group c).Conclusions:  There are no pharmacological indications for a significant concentration of unbound bevacizumab in the anterior chamber of contralateral eyes in humans.
Study of clinical applications and safety for Pascal® laser photocoagulation in retinal vascular disorders
Authors: Muqit Mahiul M.K. , Sanghvi Chintan , McLauchlan Rita , Delgado Christine , Young Lorna B. , Charles Stephen J. , Marcellino George R. , Stanga Paulo E. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract.Purpose:  To establish safe laser parameter standards for 10–30 ms Pascal® laser in clinical practice and to evaluate clinical and visual outcomes using this 532‐nm multi‐spot photocoagulation system.Methods:  Retrospective observational case series of 313 patients treated between 2006 and 2008. Evaluation of eight groups: A – panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR); B – focal laser treatment for clinically significant diabetic macular oedema; C – grid laser for diffuse diabetic macular oedema; D – sector PRP for ischaemic branch retinal vein occlusions (I‐BRVO); E – full PRP for ischaemic central retinal vein occlusions (I‐CRVO); F – macular laser treatment for macular oedema secondary to non‐ischaemic BRVO; G – full PRP for rubeosis iridis and/or neovascular glaucoma (NVG) secondary to I‐BRVO, I – CRVO or PDR; H – laser retinopexy for retinal breaks/degenerations.Results:  Mean LogMAR visual acuity for all procedures improved postlaser (p = 0.065), and laser prevented visual loss in 85% eyes. Topical anaesthesia was only required. At mean follow‐up of 5 months, 72% procedures had a successful clinical outcome. Significantly higher powers were required for PRP using Pascal® compared to conventional laser (p = 0.001) in PDR, I‐BRVO, I‐CRVO and NVG. Sixty‐seven per cent of patients (15/20) were successfully treated with single‐session 20‐ms PRP using a mean 1952 burns. There were no laser‐associated adverse effects or ocular complications associated with multi‐spot PRP or macular Pascal® arrays.Conclusions:  The clinical efficacy using 10‐ to 30‐ms pulse duration Pascal® laser is comparable to conventional standard protocols used for the treatment of vascular retinal disorders. Higher power, 10‐ to 30‐ms pulse duration laser may be safely and effectively used in clinical practice.
Supporting views in data stream management systems
Authors: Ghanem Thanaa M. , Elmagarmid Ahmed K. , Larson Per-Åke , Aref Walid G. 
Published: February 2010

In relational database management systems, views supplement basic query constructs to cope with the demand for “higher-level” views of data. Moreover, in traditional query optimization, answering a query using a set of existing materialized views can yield a more efficient query execution plan. Due to their effectiveness, views are attractive to data stream management systems. In order to support views over streams, a data stream management system should employ a closed (or composable) continuous query language. A closed query language is a language in which query inputs and outputs are interpreted in the same way, hence allowing query composition.
This article introduces the Synchronized SQL (or SyncSQL) query language that defines a data stream as a sequence of modify operations against a relation. SyncSQL enables query composition through the unified interpretation of query inputs and outputs. An important issue in continuous queries over data streams is the frequency by which the answer gets refreshed and the conditions that trigger the refresh. Coarser periodic refresh requirements are typically expressed as sliding windows. In this article, the sliding window approach is generalized by introducing the synchronization principle that empowers SyncSQL with a formal mechanism to express queries with arbitrary refresh conditions. After introducing the semantics and syntax, we lay the algebraic foundation for SyncSQL and propose a query-matching algorithm for deciding containment of SyncSQL expressions. Then, the article introduces the Nile-SyncSQL prototype to support SyncSQL queries. Nile-SyncSQL employs a pipelined incremental evaluation paradigm in which the query pipeline consists of a set of differential operators. A cost model is developed to estimate the cost of SyncSQL query execution pipelines and to choose the best execution plan from a set of different plans for the same query. An experimental study is conducted to evaluate the performance of Nile-SyncSQL. The experimental results illustrate the effectiveness of Nile-SyncSQL and the significant performance gains when views are enabled in data stream management systems.
Strong Convergence of Iterative Schemes for Zeros of Accretive Operators in Reflexive Banach Spaces
Authors: Jung JongSoo 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe introduce composite iterative schemes by the viscosity iteration method for finding a zero of an accretive operator in reflexive Banach spaces. Then, under certain differen control conditions, we establish strong convergence theorems on the composite iterative schemes. The main theorems improve and develop the recent corresponding results of Aoyama et al. (2007), Chen and Zhu (2006, 2008), Jung (2010), Kim and Xu (2005), Qin and Su (2007) and Xu (2006) as well as Benavides et al. (2003), Kamimura and Takahashi (2000), Maingé (2006), and Nakajo (2006).
Biblical Studies 'after' Theory: Onwards Towards the Past Part Two: The Secret Vices of the Biblical God
Authors: Sherwood Yvonne , Moore Stephen 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAt present, 'high theory', epitomized by poststructuralism, is in a perceived state of decline in literary studies. This three-part article explores the complex ramifications of the 'after theory' debate for biblical studies, a field that, for the most part, still seems to be in a 'before theory' phase. Our intent, however, is not to sell biblical scholars on Theory, finally, before the supply runs out. Our aim, rather, is diagnostic and analytic. We want to look at what has happened, what has failed to happen, and what might yet happen in biblical studies in relation to Theory, and reflect on what these various appropriations, adaptations and missed encounters reveal about the very different disciplinary spaces occupied by biblical studies and literary studies, and the very different disciplinary histories that have brought each of these spaces into being. Contending that Theory's most important contribution is the self-reflexive and metacritical moves it makes possible, our reflection on Theory's reception in biblical studies is intended to defamiliarise the peculiarities of our own disciplinary space. What follows is the second instalment of this three-part article.
Forecasting Long-Lead Rainfall Probability with Application to Australia’s Northeastern Coast
Authors: Clarke Allan J. , Van Gorder Stephen , Everingham Yvette 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The authors develop a method for the long-lead forecasting of El Niño–influenced rainfall probability and illustrate it using the economically important prediction, from the beginning of the year, of September–November (SON) rainfall in the coastal sugarcane producing region of Australia’s northeastern coast. The method is based on two probability distributions. One is the Gaussian error distribution of the long-lead prediction of the El Niño index Niño-3.4 by the Clarke and Van Gorder forecast method. The other is the relationship of the rainfall distribution to the Niño-3.4 index. The rainfall distribution can be approximated by a gamma distribution whose two parameters depend on Niño-3.4. To predict the rainfall at, say, the Tully Sugar, Ltd., mill on the north Queensland coast in SON 2009, the June–August (JJA) value of Niño-3.4 is predicted and then 1000 possible “observed” JJA Niño-3.4 values calculated from the error distribution. Each one of these observed Niño-3.4 values is then used, with the Niño-3.4-dependent gamma distribution for that location, to calculate 1000 possible SON rainfall totals. The result is one million possible SON rainfalls. A histogram of these rainfalls is the required probability distribution for the rainfall at that location predicted from the beginning of the year. Cross-validated predictions suggest that the method is successful.
The Modulation of the Subtropical and Extratropical Atmosphere in the Pacific Basin in Response to the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Moore Richard W. , Martius Olivia , Spengler Thomas 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) data are combined with a number of novel climatologies to conduct a comprehensive examination of the response of the subtropical and extratropical atmosphere over the Pacific basin to an evolving Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) event. The adopted approach constitutes a symbiosis of a climatological analysis during the Northern Hemisphere winter from 1979 to 2002 and a case study analysis of a distinct MJO event that occurred in January–February 1993. The former is designed to obtain the general characteristics observed during a composite MJO life cycle, while the latter is used to provide insight into the instantaneous mechanisms responsible for the observed composite evolution.
A primary component of the study involves the diagnosis of anomalous wave breaking activity in response to MJO forcing in the form of tropical convection and/or upper-level divergence. Wave breaking events are separated by their characteristic life cycles: LC1 (anticyclonic) and LC2 (cyclonic) events. Statistically significant anomalies in wave breaking activity are found to be prevalent during the composite MJO event. Furthermore, the dynamical distinction between LC1 and LC2 wave breaking is useful in that the two different characteristic life cycles exhibit significantly different anomalous behavior during the MJO.
Statistically significant variability is also identified in both the subtropical and extratropical flow and atmospheric blocking and surface cyclone frequency. These data, taken in conjunction with the observed evolution of the 1993 MJO event, provide a relatively coherent picture of the response of the atmosphere to MJO forcing. A schematic representation of the evolution is presented.
Sensitivity of Typhoon Forecasts to Different Subsets of Targeted Dropsonde Observations
Authors: Harnisch Florian , Weissmann Martin 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
For the first time, joint tropical cyclone (TC) surveillance missions by several aircraft were conducted in the western North Pacific basin within the framework of The Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment (THORPEX) Pacific Asian Regional Campaign (T-PARC) 2008. The collected dropsonde observations were divided into three different subsets depending on their location relative to the TC to investigate which observations are most beneficial for typhoon track forecasting. Data denial experiments with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) global model were performed to analyze the influence of the different dropsonde subsets. In these experiments, the largest TC track forecast improvements are found for observations in the vicinity of the storm, placed at a circular ring at the outer boundary of the TC. In contrast, observations in remote regions indicated to be sensitive by singular vectors seem to have a relatively small influence with a slight positive tendency on average. Observations in the TC core and center lead to large analysis differences, but only very small mean forecast improvements. This is likely related to the fact that even modern high-resolution global models cannot fully resolve the TC center and thus can only use a relatively small part of the information provided by observations within the TC center. Times prior to landfall and recurvature are stronger affected by additional observations, while the influence on the track forecast after recurvature is relatively weak.
A Local Formulation of the Ensemble Transform (ET) Analysis Perturbation Scheme
Authors: McLay Justin , Bishop Craig H. , Reynolds Carolyn A. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Following ideas from the local ensemble transform Kalman filter, a local formulation of the ensemble transform (ET) analysis perturbation scheme is developed by partitioning the numerical weather prediction model domain into latitude bands or latitude–longitude blocks. In comparison with analysis perturbations from the original “global” ET formulation, analysis perturbations from the “banded” or “block” ET formulations are much more consistent with estimates of analysis error variance. Banded or block ET forecast ensembles also perform better under a variety of verification metrics than do global ET forecast ensembles. Substantial performance gains are observed for both the midlatitudes and the tropics. A local ET is scheduled to be made operational at the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center.
Immediate effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: Ping Ho Chung Bryan , Kam Kwan Cheng Benson 
Published: February 2010

Objective: To investigate the immediate effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Extended rehabilitation centre. Subjects and intervention: Eighteen subjects with spinal cord injury and symptoms of spasticity over lower limbs were randomly assigned to receive either 60 minutes of active TENS (0.25 ms, 100 Hz, 15 mA) or 60 minutes of placebo non-electrically stimulated TENS over the common peroneal nerve. Outcome measures: Composite Spasticity Score was used to assess the spasticity level of ankle plantar flexors immediately before and after TENS application. Composite Spasticity Score consisted of Achilles tendon jerks, resistance to full-range passive ankle dorsiflexion and ankle clonus. Between-group statistical differences of reduction of Composite Spasticity Score, Achilles tendon jerks, resistance to full-range passive ankle dorsiflexion and ankle clonus were calculated using the Mann—Whitney test. Within-group statistical differences of Composite Spasticity Score, Achilles tendon jerks, resistance to full-range passive ankle dorsiflexion and ankle clonus were calculated using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Results: Significant reductions were shown in Composite Spasticity Score by 29.5% (p = 0.017), resistance to full-range passive ankle dorsiflexion by 31.0% (p = 0.024) and ankle clonus by 29.6% (p = 0.023) in the TENS group but these reductions were not found in the placebo TENS group. The between-group differences of both Composite Spasticity Score and resistance to full-range passive ankle dorsiflexion were significant (p = 0.027 and p = 0.024, respectively). Conclusion: This study showed that a single session of TENS could immediately reduce spasticity.
Reduction in surface contamination with antineoplastic drugs in 22 hospital pharmacies in the US following implementation of a closed-system drug transfer device
Authors: Sessink Paul JM , Connor Thomas H , Jorgenson James A , Tyler Timothy G 
Published: February 2010

Purpose. Surface contamination with the antineoplastic drugs cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and 5-fluorouracil was compared in 22 US hospital pharmacies following preparation with standard drug preparation techniques or the PhaSeal® closed-system drug transfer device (CSTD). Methods. Wipe samples were taken from biological safety cabinet (BSC) surfaces, BSC airfoils, floors in front of BSCs, and counters and analyzed for contamination with cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and 5-fluorouracil. Contamination was reassessed several months after the implementation of the CSTD. Surface contamination (ng/cm2) was compared between the two techniques and evaluated with the Signed Rank Test. Results. Using the CSTD compared to the standard preparation techniques, a significant reduction in levels of contamination was observed for all drugs (cyclophosphamide: p < 0.0001; ifosfamide: p < 0.001; 5-fluorouracil: p < 0.01). Median values for surface contamination with cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and 5-fluorouracil were reduced by 95%, 90%, and 65%, respectively. Conclusions. Use of the CSTD significantly reduces surface contamination when preparing cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and 5-fluorouracil as compared to standard drug preparation techniques.