bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Electricity Generation
Authors: Hsu David D. , O’Donoughue Patrick , Fthenakis Vasilis , Heath Garvin A. , Kim Hyung Chul , Sawyer Pamala , Choi Jun‐Ki , Turney Damon E. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryPublished scientific literature contains many studies estimating life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of residential and utility‐scale solar photovoltaics (PVs). Despite the volume of published work, variability in results hinders generalized conclusions. Most variance between studies can be attributed to differences in methods and assumptions. To clarify the published results for use in decision making and other analyses, we conduct a meta‐analysis of existing studies, harmonizing key performance characteristics to produce more comparable and consistently derived results.Screening 397 life cycle assessments (LCAs) relevant to PVs yielded 13 studies on crystalline silicon (c‐Si) that met minimum standards of quality, transparency, and relevance. Prior to harmonization, the median of 42 estimates of life cycle GHG emissions from those 13 LCAs was 57 grams carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt‐hour (g CO2‐eq/kWh), with an interquartile range (IQR) of 44 to 73. After harmonizing key performance characteristics (irradiation of 1,700 kilowatt‐hours per square meter per year (kWh/m2/yr); system lifetime of 30 years; module efficiency of 13.2% or 14.0%, depending on module type; and a performance ratio of 0.75 or 0.80, depending on installation, the median estimate decreased to 45 and the IQR tightened to 39 to 49. The median estimate and variability were reduced compared to published estimates mainly because of higher average assumptions for irradiation and system lifetime.For the sample of studies evaluated, harmonization effectively reduced variability, providing a clearer synopsis of the life cycle GHG emissions from c‐Si PVs. The literature used in this harmonization neither covers all possible c‐Si installations nor represents the distribution of deployed or manufactured c‐Si PVs.
Diagnosis of the Vertebral Level from Which Low Back or Leg Pain Originates. A Comparison of Clinical Evaluation, MRI and Epiduroscopy
Authors: Bosscher Hemmo A. , Heavner James E. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  The precise localization of painful structures in the spine of patients with low back pain and/or pain radiating (LBP/RP) to the lower extremities is important for targeted therapeutic intervention. The aim of the study reported here was to determine and compare the spinal segment(s) where pain was elicited via endoscopic evaluation vs. the vertebral level from where the pain was thought to originate as determined by clinical evaluation and by MRI.Methods:  Observational cohort study of 143 patients 19 to 88 years of age undergoing spinal canal endoscopy (epiduroscopy) in a combined academic and private practice setting January 2008 to December 2008. Patients were asked whether pain generated by pressure upon epidural structures with the tip of an endoscope was similar in character and distribution (concordant) to the pain for which patients sought treatment. Notes from clinical evaluation and MRI reports were reviewed, and segmental level determined to be the locus of pathology was tabulated.Results:  One hundred twenty‐five (87%) patients reported maximal reproducible pain at a specific level during epiduroscopy. The most common level was at L4 to L5 (87 patients). The least common level was L5 to S1 (2 patients). In only 40 patients did the level determined by clinical evaluation correlate with the level at which pain could be reproduced during epiduroscopy. MRI indicated a specific vertebral level that corresponded to the level at which pain could be reproduced during epiduroscopy in 28 of 143 (20%) patients. The results of the 3 diagnostic methods were significantly different (P < 0.01).Conclusion:  Results of this study indicate that epiduroscopy is more reliable than is either clinical evaluation or MRI for determining the vertebral level where clinically significant spinal pathology occurs in patients with LBP/RP.
Nocturnal Peak in Atrial Tachyarrhythmia Occurrence as a Function of Arrhythmia Burden
Authors: SHUSTERMAN VLADIMIR , WARMAN EDUARDO , LONDON BARRY , SCHWARTZMAN DAVID 
Published: March 2012

Nocturnal Initiation of Atrial Tachyarrhythmias.Introduction: We examined circadian periodicity of atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT/AF) in a large group of patients with implantable devices, which allow continuous collection of the event data over prolonged periods of time.Methods and Results: A total of 16,130 AT/AF events were recorded in 236 patients (age: 63 ± 12 years, 27% female, 90% had a history of cardiovascular disease, 33% ischemic, LVEF: 49 ± 18%) over a period of 12 months. To exclude interactions with therapy, the patterns of arrhythmia occurrence were examined for all events and for those episodes that were preceded by at least 1, 6, and 24 hours of sinus rhythm. To prevent biasing toward patients with more frequent episodes, the patterns of AT/AF onset were analyzed both in absolute and patient‐normalized (i.e., divided by the total number of events in each patient) units per hour per patient and then summarized for the entire group. In patients with <4 AT/AF events, the onset times were randomly distributed over 24‐hour period. However, as the number of AT/AF events increased, a nocturnal pattern of occurrence (determined by the occurrence of a trough around noon) gradually emerged and became highly statistically significant (P < 10−4). The magnitude of nocturnal peak of AT/AF events was well explained by a single‐exponential function (R2= 0.97, P < 10−2).Conclusion: Patients with more frequent atrial tachyarrhythmias are more likely to develop AT/AF at night. Knowledge of patient‐specific circadian patterns of arrhythmia occurrence can be useful for personalized management of individuals with significant arrhythmia burden. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 604–611, June 2012)
Role of the Vein of Marshall in Atrial Fibrillation Recurrences After Catheter Ablation: Therapeutic Effect of Ethanol Infusion
Authors: DAVE AMISH S. , BÁEZ‐ESCUDERO JOSÉ L. , SASARIDIS CHRISTINE , HONG THOMAS E. , RAMI TAPAN , VALDERRÁBANO MIGUEL 
Published: March 2012

Vein of Marshall Ethanol in Recurrent AF.
Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter can recur after pulmonary vein (PV) antral isolation (PVAI). The vein of Marshall (VOM) has been linked to the genesis of AF. We hypothesized that the VOM may play a role in AF recurrences and that VOM ethanol infusion may have therapeutic value in this setting.
Methods and Results:
Sixty‐one patients with recurrent AF or flutter after PVAI were studied. The VOM was successfully cannulated in 54; VOM and PV electrograms were recorded, and differential PV‐VOM pacing was performed. VOM signals were present in all patients; however, VOM triggers of AF could not be demonstrated. VOM tachycardia was present in 1 patient. Left inferior (LIPV) and left superior (LSPV) reconnection was present in 32 and 30 patients, respectively. Differential pacing in VOM and LIPV showed VOM‐mediated LIPV reconnection in 5/32 patients. In others, VOM and PV connected indirectly via left atrial tissues. Up to four 1 cc infusions of 98% ethanol were delivered in the VOM. Regardless of the reconnection pattern, ethanol infusion eliminated LIPV and LSPV reconnection in 23/32 and 13/30 patients, respectively. Ethanol terminated VOM and LIPV tachycardias in 2 patients. There were no acute procedural complications.
Conclusions:
VOM signals are consistently present in recurrent AF. VOM may rarely play a role in PV reconnection. However, VOM ethanol infusion can be useful in patients with recurrent AF after PVAI, assisting in achieving redisconnection of reconnected left PVs. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 583–591, June 2012)
Efficacy of Cardiac Autonomic Denervation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: ZHANG YUJIAO , WANG ZHONGSU , ZHANG YONG , WANG WEIJIE , WANG JIANGRONG , GAO MEI , HOU YINGLONG 
Published: March 2012

Cardiac Autonomic Denervation and AF.
Introduction
: Adjunctive complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) ablation or ganglionated plexi (GP) ablation have been proposed as new strategies to increase the elimination of AF, but the difference between CFAE/GP ablation and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), as well as the combined effect of CFAE/GP plus PVI ablation were unclear. This meta‐analysis was designed to determine whether adjunctive cardiac autonomic denervation (CAD) was effective for the elimination of AF, and whether CAD alone was superior to PVI in AF patients.
Methods:
A systemic literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCRT) was performed and controlled trials comparing the effect of PVI plus CFAE/GP ablation with PVI, as well as CFAE/GP ablation with PVI were collected.
Results
: A total of 15 trials including 1,147 patients with AF were qualified for this meta‐analysis. CAD plus PVI significantly increased the freedom from AF/ATs (OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.33–2.59, P = 0.29). Subgroup analysis showed that additional CAD increased the ratio of sinus rhythm maintenance in both paroxysmal AF (OR 1.69; 95% CI: 1.09–2.62, P = 0.41) and nonparoxysmal AF (OR 2.11, 95% CI: 1.14–3.90, P = 0.14). Besides, when compared respectively, adjunctive CAD was not superior to PVI (OR 0.31; 95% CI: 0.11–0.86, P = 0.002).
Conclusion
: This study suggested that CAD plus PVI significantly increase the freedom from recurrence of AF both in paroxysmal and nonparoxysmal patients. However, when compared alone, the benefit of CAD was not superior to PVI. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 592–600, June 2012)
Effects of Nonsystemic Ventricular Pacing in Patients with Transposition of the Great Arteries and Atrial Redirection
Authors: HOROVITZ ALICE , DE GUILLEBON MAXIME , VAN GELDORP IRENE E. , BORDACHAR PIERRE , ROUBERTIE FRANCOIS , IRIART XAVIER , DOUARD HERVÉ , HAISSAGUERRE MICHEL , THAMBO JEAN‐BENOIT 
Published: March 2012

Ventricular Pacing in Transposition of the Great Arteries. Introduction: Ventricular pacing may add additional risk for right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and atrial redirection. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of long‐term nonsystemic ventricular pacing on cardiac function, dyssynchrony, and clinical performance in patients with systemic RV.
Methods and Results:
Forty‐six adults with TGA and atrial redirection, of whom 11 were permanently paced at the nonsystemic ventricle, underwent assessment of clinical status and exercise stress testing, as well as echocardiography to assess parameters of RV function and dyssynchrony. In paced patients, median NYHA functional class was II, which was significantly higher than in nonpaced patients (median class I; P = 0.002). Maximum performance and peak oxygen consumption on exercise testing were significantly lower in paced patients when compared with nonpaced patients (100 ± 30 vs 120 ± 32 W and 22 ± 6 vs 27 ± 7 mLO2/kg/min, respectively; P < 0.05 for both). On echocardiography, RV shortening fraction (27 ± 11 vs 33 ± 10%), RV ejection fraction (39 ± 7 vs 44 ± 10%) and RV dP/dtmax (891 ± 470 vs 1,024 ± 318 mmHg/s) were significantly lower (P < 0.05 for all) in paced versus nonpaced patients. Inter‐ and intraventricular dyssynchrony was most pronounced in the paced group (99 ± 10 vs 25 ± 9 ms and 70 ± 29 vs 21 ± 15 ms, respectively; P < 0.001 for both).
Conclusions:
Long‐term pacing of the nonsystemic ventricle in patients with atrial switch for TGA was associated with significantly impaired functional status, exercise capacity, and systemic ventricular function. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 766‐770, July 2012)
Successful Surgical Repair of Iatrogenic Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Authors: PATEL NEIL S. , PETTERSSON GOSTA , MURAT TUZCU E. , KAPADIA SAMIR R. 
Published: March 2012

Surgical Correction of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis.Pulmonary vein stenosis can complicate ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation and often presents with severe respiratory symptoms. Described in this case report is a 21‐year‐old male who underwent a bilateral surgical augmentation of the pulmonary veins for severe occlusive pulmonary vein stenosis. The occluded left lower and right upper lobe veins were surgically modified to regain flow to the left atrium. Follow‐up computed tomogram imaging showed patency of the veins intervened upon and an exercise test demonstrated an oxygen saturation of 98% at peak stress.This case report marks the first‐ever surgical intervention for acquired pulmonary vein stenosis. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 656–658, June 2012)
ENCOUNTERS WITH POLYNESIA IN BRITAIN: Art, Ancestors, Artists, and Curators
Authors: Hooper Steven , Jacobs Karen , Jessop Maia , Nuku George 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe exhibition, Pacific Encounters: Art and Divinity in Polynesia 1760–1860, shown in 2006 at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich, United Kingdom, involved many Polynesians in opening and closing rituals and a program of artists‐in‐residence. The ancient artworks displayed, called taonga (“treasures”) in New Zealand Maori, were explicitly treated as embodiments of ancestors who were activated and enlivened by the ritual procedures and chanting in their vicinity. The relationship between ancestors, artworks, and descendants, particularly artists and ritual practitioners, is examined in the context of ethical and political debates about the role and location of such artworks, as many of them are held in museums and collections outside Polynesia. A new environment is explored using a conceptual model of kinship between the cultural descendants of makers and the cultural descendants of collectors, in which exhibitions can be vehicles for new productive collaborative relationships based on mutual respect.
CREATING MAMI WATA: An Interactive, Sensory Exhibition
Authors: Drewal Henry John 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn Africa and its diasporas, call and response is an enduring and widespread interactive performance tradition. To encourage such interactive, dialogic activity between audiences and objects in a museum, as guest curator of Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and Its Diasporas I devised a number of exhibition strategies to create an exhibition as interactive and multisensorial as possible, using a theoretical and methodological approach I term sensiotics. This essay details various interactive dimensions and the importance of sensory experience, including notions of “re‐creation,” “re‐membering,” and “re‐presentation,” and the challenges and objectives of this effort to engage and enlighten audiences.
Choice behaviour and performance ofCassida stigmaticaon various chemotypes ofTanacetum vulgareand implications for biocontrol
Authors: Wolf Vera C. , Gassmann André , Müller Caroline 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBiological control is often an effective technique deployed to tackle invasive plant species by the release of highly specialized enemies. However, variation in plant chemistry due to high plasticity and/or evolved during the introduction process needs to be considered when testing the efficacy of potential biocontrol agents. The tortoise beetle,Cassida stigmaticaSuffrian (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a potential biological control agent selected to control the chemically highly variable and invasive plant speciesTanacetum vulgareL. (Asteraceae). This study was conducted to test whether or not plants of different chemical profiles (terpene chemotypes) are equally accepted byC. stigmatica. Therefore, female oviposition and feeding choice behaviour were examined using one pure chemotype (β‐thujone type) and three mixed chemotypes (camphor/1,8‐cineole, β‐thujone/camphor, and camphor/camphene types) in various paired‐choice combinations. Furthermore, larval survival and adult body mass were compared when beetles were reared on the four chemotypes. Overall,C. stigmaticafemales showed a clear preference for the pure β‐thujone chemotype over the mixed chemotypes containing camphor, and no preferences when only mixed chemotypes were offered in choice tests. However, they were able to use all offered chemotypes for oviposition and feeding. No differences in larval survival and adult body mass could be detected when reared on the various chemotypes. The study demonstrates that knowledge of the acceptance of chemically variable host species is essential when testing for applicability of biocontrol agents.
Placental mesenchymal dysplasia and an estimation of the population incidence
Authors: ZENG XING , CHEN MOY FONG , BUREAU YVES‐ANDRÉ , BROWN RICHARD 
Published: March 2012

Abstract Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is a rare placental malformation of as yet undetermined etiology. We report a single center's experience of this diagnosis and present an estimation of the population incidence. Within our institution, all placentae are examined within a pathology department that provides a dedicated perinatal service. In this study, we evaluated the incidence of PMD over a period of 18 years following the description and recognition of PMD as a pathological diagnosis. During the period 1991–2009, only two cases were identified amongst over 95 000 deliveries at our institution. This series of placental examinations is by far the largest in a normal population within which the occurrence of PMD is reported, and the resulting incidence of only 0.02 per 1000 deliveries is some 10 times less than that which has previously been estimated.
Long‐term outcome after obstetric injury: a retrospective study
Authors: SUNDQUIST JAN‐CHRISTER 
Published: March 2012

Abstract Objective. To examine problems experienced by women after vaginal delivery with and without a sphincter tear and compare those with less and more severe injuries. Design. Retrospective questionnaire study. Setting. Regional hospital in Sweden. Sample. A total of 324 women with and 309 without sphincter tears. Methods. Questionnaires were sent out four to eight years after delivery enquiring about the existence and time course of gas incontinence, fecal incontinence, dyspareunia and perineal pain. A question about vacuum delivery was also included. Main outcome measures. Prevalence of persisting symptoms. Results. The reply rate was 77%. About 10% of the women with a sphincter tear had fecal incontinence initially, compared with 3% among those without a sphincter tear. In women with moderate or severe tears, 20 and 31%, respectively, had gas incontinence, compared with 6% of women without a tear. Dyspareunia and perineal pain were present 18–23% of women in the tear groups compared with 9–12% of those without a tear. Almost 45% of women with initial symptoms had remaining problems after four to eight years. There was a significantly higher risk for symptoms after vacuum extraction (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Gas incontinence, fecal incontinence, dyspareunia and perineal pain were common problems after delivery. The prevalence of persisting symptoms was high even among women without a tear. The higher prevalence after vacuum extraction delivery indicates that there are more complications associated with this mode of delivery than previously thought.
Obstetrical situations with a high risk of anal sphincter laceration in vacuum‐assisted deliveries
Authors: ROGNANT SIGOLENE , BENOIST GUILLAUME , CREVEUIL CHRISTIAN , DREYFUS MICHEL 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjective. To determine risk factors for anal sphincter laceration and define situations with a high risk for such trauma in vacuum‐assisted deliveries. Design. Retrospective observational study of 1961 vacuum‐assisted deliveries over a period of 5 years. Setting. French university hospital. Population. All women who delivered with vacuum assistance. Methods. Third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal tears were reviewed. The factors studied through univariate and multivariate logistic regression were the mother's age, parity, history of assisted delivery, cesarean section, gestational age, uterine fundal height, duration of the second stage of labor, head position at expulsion, epidural anesthesia, episiotomy, biparietal diameter and birthweight. Main outcome measures. Third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal tears. Results. There were 1.9% third‐degree and no fourth‐degree perineal tears. Risk factors identified were occipito‐posterior position (odds ratio 4.7, p < 0.001), biparietal diameter (odds ratio 2.0 for each 5 mm increase, p= 0.004), duration of second stage (only significant when parity was ≥1; odds ratio 1.3 for each 10 min increase, p= 0.004) and nulliparity (decreasing effect according to duration of the second stage). The patterns of the association between these factors and the risk of perineal tears were different for nulli‐ and multiparous women. Conclusions. In a targeted population of women having vacuum‐assisted deliveries, the association of specific risk factors allows clinicians to identify women who are at high risk of anal sphincter laceration.
Alkaline phosphatase immobilization onto Bio‐Gide® and Bio‐Oss® for periodontal and bone regeneration
Authors: Oortgiesen Daniël A. W. , Plachokova Adelina S. , Geenen Claudia , Meijer Gert J. , Walboomers X. Frank , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P. , Jansen John A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) immobilization onto Bio‐Gide® in vitro, and to study the in vivo performance of ALP‐enriched Bio‐Gide® and/or Bio‐Oss® with the purpose to enhance periodontal regeneration.Materials and MethodsAlkaline phosphatase ALP was immobilized onto Bio‐Gide® and Bio‐Oss®. Forty‐eight rats received periodontal defects, which were treated according to one of the following strategies: Bio‐Gide®, Bio‐Gide®‐ALP, Bio‐Gide®‐ALP/Bio‐Oss®, Bio‐Gide®/Bio‐Oss®‐ALP, Bio‐Gide®‐ALP/Bio‐Oss®‐ALP, or empty. Micro‐CT and histological analysis were performed.ResultsA 30 min ALP‐deposition time was determined as optimal from mineralization capacity assessment and consequently used as Bio‐Gide®‐ALP membranes in the animal experiment. In vivo results showed that after 2 weeks, the defect and implanted materials were still visible, an inflammatory response was present, and membrane degradation was ongoing. Bone formation, although limited, was observed in the majority of Bio‐Gide®‐ALP specimens and all of the Bio‐Gide®/Bio‐Oss®‐ALP specimens, and was significantly higher compared with Bio‐Gide® and empty controls. After 6 weeks, the defects and particles were still visible, whereas membranes were completely degraded. The inflammatory response was decreased and bone formation appeared superior for Bio‐Gide®‐ALP treated defects.ConclusionImmobilization of ALP onto guided tissue regeneration (GTR)/ guided bone regeneration (GBR)‐materials (Bio‐Gide® and Bio‐Oss®) can enhance the performance of these materials in GTR/GBR procedures.