bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute Performance of a Right Ventricular Automatic Pacing Threshold Algorithm for Implantable Defibrillators
Authors: GOLD MICHAEL R. , DONG YANTING , GREER STEVE , GIUDICI MICHAEL C. , HAFFAJEE CHARLES I. , LOWY JONATHAN , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A. 
Published: December 2011

Introduction:

Automatic pacing threshold (AT) testing with threshold trending and output adjustment may simplify follow‐up and improve cardiac rhythm device longevity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a new right ventricular (RV) AT algorithm for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) using RVcoil
to Can evoked response sensing.
Method:

Patients undergoing ICD, with or without cardiac resynchronization therapy device, implant, replacement, or upgrade were enrolled. A pulse generator emulator (Can) was temporarily placed in the device pocket. An external pacing system (Boston Scientific, St. Paul, MN, USA) with customized software was used for performing threshold tests and data acquisition. RV manual threshold and up to four AT tests using various pacing parameters were conducted. The threshold measurement and the capture detection performance of the RV AT tests were evaluated through comparison with visual examination of surface electrocardiogram.
Results:

Data from 43 patients were analyzed. A total of 158 AT tests were performed, in which 144 AT tests (91.1%) measured correct threshold values. No consecutive asystolic noncaptured beats were observed in any AT tests, and none of the AT tests resulted in incorrectly low threshold measurements. The difference between manual and AT measurements was ‐0.05 ± 0.43 V. The accuracy for detecting capture and noncaptured beats were 95% and 99%, respectively.
Conclusion:

The RVcoil to Can evoked response sensing based RV AT algorithm can reliably measure pacing threshold for ICDs, including CRT‐Ds. (PACE 2011;1–10)
A Molecular and Ultrastructural Description of Spathidiopsis buddenbrocki and the Phylogenetic Position of the Family Placidae (Ciliophora)
Authors: Lipscomb Diana L. , Bowditch Brunella M. , Riordan Gavin P. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTSpathidiopsis and Placus are the only two genera within the family Placidae. The family has been placed in the class Prostomatea and order Prorodontida because its members have somatic monokinetids with a radial transverse ribbon, a straight non‐overlapping postciliary ribbon, and anteriorly directed non‐overlapping kinetodesmal fibril, an apical cytostome lacking specialized oral cilia, a brosse, and toxicysts. To confirm the stability of this placement, ultrastructural morphology and small subunit rRNA gene sequences of Spathidiopsis socialis, Spathidiopsis buddenbrocki, and Placus striatus were determined. These data were combined with information from other ciliates, and phylogenetic trees were generated using maximum‐likelihood and maximum‐parsimony methods. The analyses confirmed the family Placidae to be a monophyletic group in the Prostomatea with the Placidae a sister group to a Cryptocaryon + Coleps + Prorodon clade.
Appraisal of the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure in the New Zealand dental educational environment
Authors: Foster Page L. A. , Kang M. , Anderson V. , Thomson W. M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAims:  To examine the reliability and validity of the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) amongst New Zealand students in the first professional year of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) programmes.Method:  In 2009 and 2010, students’ perceptions of the educational environment were evaluated using a modified version of the 50‐item DREEM, completed on the first and last day of their first professional year. Individual DREEM items’ strengths and weaknesses were identified. The difference or dissonance between students’ expectations and actual experience was determined by subtracting the Actual DREEM score (for each item or subscale) from the Expected DREEM score. Effect‐size statistics were calculated, and internal consistency was tested using Cronbach’s alpha.Results:  Overall, 82% of 2009 and 2010 BDS and BOH students in their first professional year completed the Expected and Actual DREEM (N = 176). Both groups identified the ‘overemphasis of factual learning’ as an Expected and Actual aspect and ‘memorising all I need to know’ as an Actual aspect of the educational environment. Internal consistency was high for the overall DREEM and the BDS and BOH Expected DREEM (0.89 and 0.88, respectively) and excellent for both the BDS and BOH Actual DREEM (0.92 and 0.90, respectively).Conclusion:  Overall, students entering the courses anticipated a number of strengths and weaknesses and those expectations were relatively similar in the different programmes (BDS and BOH). The DREEM showed excellent internal consistency for the overall scores, and that for the subscale scores was generally acceptable. The study confirms the DREEM’s utility for the NZ dental education environment.
Talk in the primary curriculum: seeking pupil empowerment in current curriculum approaches
Authors: Bignell Carole 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAt the time of writing, primary English education is, once again, at a crossroads. Within the context of a continuing focus on underachievement in writing for key groups of learners and a large body of research, which suggests that classroom talk is a powerful means of improving children's success in all areas of the curriculum including writing, this article considers two current approaches to talk in the primary curriculum – Talk for Writing and Towards Dialogic Teaching. In doing so, it critically analyses these texts through the theoretical lens of education as social reproduction with a view to identifying their ideological assumptions about the purpose of talk in the curriculum. Discussion considers how such assumptions may influence classroom practice and contribute to the teachers’ understanding of the role of oracy within the primary classroom. The article concludes that whilst both texts might suggest a socially reproductive approach to education, both have the potential to empower the learner through the skilful implementation of oracy as the foundation of teaching and learning.
Protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge in mice by DNA vaccine Ag85A‐ESAT‐6‐IL‐21 priming and BCG boosting
Authors: Dou J. , Wang Y. , Yu F. , Yang H. , Wang J. , He X. , Xu W. , Chen J. , Hu K. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryTuberculosis (TB) is one of most important chronic infectious diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and remains a major global health problem. In the study, we developed the DNA vaccine encoding fusion protein of antigen 85 A and 6 kDa early secretory antigen target of M. tuberculosis as well as the cytokine IL‐21 to investigate its immune protective efficacy against M. tuberculosis challenge in mice after the DNA vaccine priming and Bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) boosting. Compared with the different control groups, the intranasal DNA vaccine priming twice and BCG boosting once markedly increased the cytotoxicities of natural killer cells and splenocytes and enhanced the interferon‐γ level in the splenocyte supernatant as well as sIgA level in bronchoalveolar lavage in the vaccinated mice. Importantly, this heterologous prime–boost strategy significantly decreased the bacterial load in the mouse lungs in contrast to that of intranasal or subcutaneous BCG immunization alone. These findings provide further approaches for mucosal‐targeted prime–boost vaccination to fight against TB.
Genetic variants in potassium channels are associated with type 2 diabetes in a Mongolian population
Authors: ODGEREL Zagaa , LEE Hee S. , ERDENEBILEG Narnygerel , GANDBOLD Suren , LUVSANJAMBA Munkhjargal , SAMBUUGHIN Nyamkhishig , SONOMTSEREN Sainbileg , SHARAVDORJ Purevdulam , JODOV Erdenezul , ALTAISAIKHAN Khasag , GOLDFARB Lev G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  Recent genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 40 common sequence variants associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the results are not always the same in populations with differing genetic backgrounds. In the present study, we evaluated a hypothesis that a North Asian population living in a geographic area with unusually harsh environmental conditions would develop unique genetic risks.Methods:  A population‐based association study was performed with 21 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nine genes selected according to the results of GWAS conducted in other populations. The study participants included 393 full‐heritage Mongolian individuals (177 diagnosed with T2D and 216 matched controls). Genotyping was performed by TaqMan methodology.Results:  The strongest association was detected with SNPs located within the potassium channel‐coding genes KCNQ1 (highest odds ratio [OR] = 1.92; P = 3.4 × 10−5) and ABCC8 (OR = 1.79; P = 5 × 10−4). Genetic variants identified as strongly influencing the risk of T2D in other populations (e.g. KCNJ11 or TCF7L2) did not show significant association in Mongolia.Conclusions:  The strongest T2D risk‐associated SNPs in Mongolians are located within two of three tested potassium channel‐coding genes. Accumulated variations in these genes may be related to the exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
Assessing the Evolving Threat of Terrorism
Authors: Gaibulloev Khusrav , Sandler Todd , Santifort Charlinda 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe ‘war on terror’ has focused exclusively on transnational terrorism since the hijackings of 9/11. Based on almost 40 years of data, this article shows that domestic terrorism poses a much greater threat to the world community. Thus, this focus needs to be reconsidered, especially because recent research shows that domestic terrorism spills over into transnational terrorism. This article also argues that homeland security and the dominance of religious fundamentalist terrorists are making the hardest‐to‐defend targets – private parties – the target of choice since 1999. Moreover, terrorists are increasingly favoring attacking people over property. Even though terrorism murders relatively few people, it poses a supreme collective action problem for the world community.Policy Implications
The war on terror needs to focus on more than just transnational terrorism, because domestic terrorism poses a greater threat in terms of lives and property loss than transnational terrorism. This is also true because domestic terrorism tends to spill over into transnational terrorism as local terrorists seek greater world recognition.
For transnational terrorism, enhanced defensive counterterrorism precautions and the increasing dominance of religious fundamentalist terrorists have made the hardest‐to‐defend targets – private parties – the terrorists’ target of choice since 1999.
The changing targeting of transnational and domestic terrorists has made public places – shopping malls, department stores, public squares and public transport – likely attack venues. For domestic terrorism, private parties have been the prime target since 1981. Targeting differences between domestic and transnational terrorism can inform the allocation of homeland security resources.
For all target types, there is an increased targeting of people over property, which makes defensive homeland security measures more challenging. As defensive action becomes more difficult and costly, more resources must be put into proactive measures that dismantle terrorist groups and their infrastructure.
For transnational terrorism, the need for proactive measures raises a collective action problem because prime‐target nations are more likely to act, with other nations taking a free ride against a common terrorist threat. With the spillover of domestic terrorism into transnational terrorism, there is also a collective action problem arising with respect to the fight against domestic terrorism.
Policy makers must keep the risks and consequences in mind and not overspend on defensive efforts that attempt to shift potential terrorist attacks abroad.
Comparison of Molecular Typing Methods Useful for Detecting Clusters of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli Isolates through Routine Surveillance
Authors: Clark Clifford G. , Taboada Eduardo , Grant Christopher C. R. , Blakeston Connie , Pollari Frank , Marshall Barbara , Rahn Kris , MacKinnon Joanne , Daignault Danielle , Pillai Dylan , Ng Lai-King 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter
spp. may be responsible for unreported outbreaks of food-borne disease. The detection of these outbreaks is made more difficult by the fact that appropriate methods for detecting clusters of
Campylobacter
have not been well defined. We have compared the characteristics of five molecular typing methods on
Campylobacter jejuni
and
C. coli
isolates obtained from human and nonhuman sources during sentinel site surveillance during a 3-year period. Comparative genomic fingerprinting (CGF) appears to be one of the optimal methods for the detection of clusters of cases, and it could be supplemented by the sequencing of the
flaA
gene short variable region (
flaA
SVR sequence typing), with or without subsequent multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Different methods may be optimal for uncovering different aspects of source attribution. Finally, the use of several different molecular typing or analysis methods for comparing individuals within a population reveals much more about that population than a single method. Similarly, comparing several different typing methods reveals a great deal about differences in how the methods group individuals within the population.
Multiple Layers of CD80/86-Dependent Costimulatory Activity Regulate Primary, Memory, and Secondary Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-Specific T Cell Immunity
Authors: Eberlein Jens , Davenport Bennett , Nguyen Tom T. , Victorino Francisco , Sparwasser Tim , Homann Dirk 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThe lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) system constitutes one of the most widely used models for the study of infectious disease and the regulation of virus-specific T cell immunity. However, with respect to the activity of costimulatory and associated regulatory pathways, LCMV-specific T cell responses have long been regarded as relatively independent and thus distinct from the regulation of T cell immunity directed against many other viral pathogens. Here, we have reevaluated the contribution of CD28-CD80/86 costimulation in the LCMV system by use of CD80/86-deficient mice, and our results demonstrate that a disruption of CD28-CD80/86 signaling compromises the magnitude, phenotype, and/or functionality of LCMV-specific CD8+and/or CD4+T cell populations in all stages of the T cell response. Notably, a profound inhibition of secondary T cell immunity in LCMV-immune CD80/86-deficient mice emerged as a composite of both defective memory T cell development and a specific requirement for CD80 but not CD86 in the recall response, while a related experimental scenario of CD28-dependent yet CD80/86-independent secondary CD8+T cell immunity suggests the existence of a CD28 ligand other than CD80/86. Furthermore, we provide evidence that regulatory T cells (TREGs), the homeostasis of which is altered in CD80/86−/−mice, contribute to restrained LCMV-specific CD8+T cell responses in the presence of CD80/86. Our observations can therefore provide a more coherent perspective on CD28-CD80/86 costimulation in antiviral T cell immunity that positions the LCMV system within a shared context of multiple defects that virus-specific T cells acquire in the absence of CD28-CD80/86 costimulation.
The Andes Hantavirus NSs Protein Is Expressed from the Viral Small mRNA by a Leaky Scanning Mechanism
Authors: Vera-Otarola Jorge , Solis Loretto , Soto-Rifo Ricardo , Ricci Emiliano P. , Pino Karla , Tischler Nicole D. , Ohlmann Théophile , Darlix Jean-Luc , López-Lastra Marcelo 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

The small mRNA (SmRNA) of all
Bunyaviridae
encodes the nucleocapsid (N) protein. In 4 out of 5 genera in the
Bunyaviridae
, the smRNA encodes an additional nonstructural protein denominated NSs. In this study, we show that Andes hantavirus (ANDV) SmRNA encodes an NSs protein. Data show that the NSs protein is expressed in the context of an ANDV infection. Additionally, our results suggest that translation initiation from the NSs initiation codon is mediated by ribosomal subunits that have bypassed the upstream N protein initiation codon through a leaky scanning mechanism.
Natural Killer Cells Regulate Murine Cytomegalovirus-Induced Sialadenitis and Salivary Gland Disease
Authors: Carroll Virginia A. , Lundgren Alyssa , Wei Hairong , Sainz Susan , Tung Kenneth S. , Brown Michael G. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThe transmission of herpesviruses depends on viral shedding at mucosal surfaces. The salivary gland represents a major site of persistent viral replication for many viruses, including cytomegalovirus. We established a mouse model of salivary gland dysfunction after acute viral infection and investigated the cellular requirements for the loss of secretion. Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection severely impaired saliva secretion independently of salivary gland virus levels. Lymphocytes or circulating monocytes/macrophages were not required for secretory dysfunction. Dysfunction occurred before glandular inflammation, suggesting that a soluble mediator initiated the disruption of acinar cell function. Despite genetic differences in innate resistance to MCMV, NK cells protected the host against acinar atrophy and the loss of secretions under conditions of an exceedingly low virus inoculum. NK cells also modulated the type of glandular inflammation after infection, as they prevented an influx of Siglec-F+polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Therefore, beyond their recognized role in controlling MCMV replication, NK cells preserve organ integrity and function and regulate the innate inflammatory response within the gland.
Pathogenicity ofUreaplasma urealyticumandUreaplasma parvumin the lower genital tract of female BALB/c mice
Authors: Zhu Guo-xing , Lu Chun , Chen Chuan-jie , Feng Pei-ying , Ma Han , Lu Rong-biao , Yuan Ying-li 
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to establish a murine model of lower genital tract infection by Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum and evaluate differences in pathogenicity of five serotypes. BALB/c female mice were divided into seven groups (five mice in each group), including five groups infected in the lower genital tract after treatment with estradiol with U. urealyticum serotypes 4 and 8 and U. parvum serotypes 1, 3, and 6, respectively, and two control groups of untreated mice and estradiol treated mice. The presence of infection was determined on solid and liquid culture media. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression in lower genital tract secretions was determined by PCR, and morphological and histological changes of the lower genital tract were observed. The genital secretions of all inoculated mice were positive for U. urealyticum and U. parvum on culture in both liquid and solid media. TNF-α expression at 7 and 14 days after infection was markedly increased as compared with that of the controls. Morphological changes of the external genitalia included hair loss and erosions, and histological examination revealed infiltration by inflammatory cells. The five serotypes tested were all found to be pathogenic, and the pathogenicity varied with serotype 4 showing the greatest pathogenicity.
Assessment of Fall-Arrest Systems for Scissor Lift Operators
Authors: Pan Christopher S. , Powers John R. , Hartsell Jared J. , Harris James R. , Wimer Bryan M. , Dong Renguang G. , Wu John Z. 
Published: December 2011

Objective: The current study is intended to evaluate the stability of a scissor lift and the performance of various fall-arrest harnesses/lanyards during drop/fall-arrest conditions and to quantify the dynamic loading to the head/neck caused by fall-arrest forces. Background: No data exist that establish the efficacy of fall-arrest systems for use on scissor lifts or the injury potential from the fall incidents using a fall-arrest system. Method: The authors developed a multibody dynamic model of the scissor lift and a human lift operator model using ADAMS™ and LifeMOD™ Bio-mechanics Human Modeler. They evaluated lift stability for four fall-arrest system products and quantified biomechanical impacts on operators during drop/fall arrest, using manikin drop tests. Test conditions were constrained to flat surfaces to isolate the effect of manikin-lanyard interaction. Results: The fully extended scissor lift maintained structural and dynamic stability for all manikin drop test conditions. The maximum arrest forces from the harnesses/lanyards were all within the limits of ANSI Z359.1. The dynamic loading in the lower neck during the fall impact reached a level that is typically observed in automobile crash tests, indicating a potential injury risk for vulnerable participants. Conclusion: Fall-arrest systems may function as an effective mechanism for fall injury protection for operators of scissor lifts. However, operators may be subjected to significant biomechanical loadings on the lower neck during fall impact. Application: Results suggest that scissor lifts retain stability under test conditions approximating human falls from predefined distances but injury could occur to vulnerable body structures.
The effects of tax and expenditure limitation (TEL) stringency on the level of state expenditure and revenue
Authors: Bae Suho , Jung Changhoon 
Published: December 2011

This article employs a state and local tax and expenditure limitation (TEL) stringency (restrictiveness) index to examine the effects of TEL stringency on the levels of total expenditure, direct general expenditure, total own source revenue, and general own source revenue by analyzing a panel dataset of the 48 contiguous US states for 1977–2006. The findings indicate that a more stringent state TEL results in a reduction in total state spending. However, it does not reduce direct general spending. The findings also show that a more stringent state TEL does not lead to a reduction of state revenue collection. The findings suggest that the level of stringency of a state TEL has little or no effect on the level of either state expenditure or revenue, confirming results from previous literature that state TELs are largely ineffective in controlling state budgets. Points for practitioners The findings of this study provide important policy implications for professionals working in public management and administration. Politicians and state government officials need to reconsider enacting state TELs to use as a tool for the reduction of the size of state government because the findings in this study clearly indicate that a more stringent state TEL does not result in a reduction of state expenditure or revenue. This study and others suggest that state TELs are largely ineffective in controlling expenditure and revenue levels. However, local TELs are quite effective, and thus, policy coordination must follow in designing appropriate state and local TELs.
A Cognitive Approach to Work Intention
Authors: Zigarmi Drea , Nimon Kim 
Published: December 2011

The Problem. The measurement of intention has not been used enough in employee engagement and work passion research The Solution. Using a social cognitive process model for employee work passion, the authors (a) define and describe the term work intention, (b) present three reasons why work intention should be measured, (c) summarize relevant research, and (d) suggest three recommendations for human resource development (HRD) professionals to consider. The Stakeholders. Stakeholders include human resource development scholars, practitioners, and scholar–practitioners concerned with the consequences of employee engagement.