bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biventricular Pacing Attenuates T‐Wave Alternans and T‐Wave Amplitude Compared to Other Pacing Modes
Authors: ANH DAEJOON , SRIVATSA UMA , BUI HANH M , VASCONCELLOS SCOTT , NARAYAN SANJIV M. 
Published: May 2008

Background: The impact of altered ventricular activation, including biventricular (BV) pacing, on T‐wave alternans (TWA) and arrhythmic substrates is unclear. We studied how differing ventricular activation sequence alters TWA; the interval from peak‐to‐end of the T‐wave (TpTe) and T‐wave amplitude during right (RV), left (LV), and biventricular (BV) pacing; and right atrial (RA) pacing in patients with preexisting conduction delay.
Methods and Results: We measured TWA during RA, RV, LV, and BV pacing in 33 patients receiving cardiac‐resynchronization‐therapy‐defibrillators. TWA magnitude (Valt) was lower during BV than RV (P < 0.01), RA (P < 0.01), or LV pacing. As a result, BV‐TWA was more often negative than RV‐TWA (P < 0.01), LV‐TWA, and RA‐TWA, particularly when discordant between pacing modes (P < 0.01). Overall, 83% of TWA recordings were abnormal (25% indeterminate), and 17% negative. BV pacing reduced T‐wave amplitude (P < 0.05) and TpTe (P < 0.005) compared to RV pacing and LV pacing (P < 0.05; P < 0.005 respectively). Notably, TWA magnitude varied linearly with T‐wave amplitude for all pacing modes (P < 0.001). Over 410 ± 252 days' follow‐up, RV‐TWA predicted the combined endpoint of death and ICD therapy with 86% negative predictive value (P < 0.05). BV‐TWA, RA‐TWA, and other repolarization indices were not predictive.
Conclusions: BV pacing attenuates TWA in tandem with reduced T‐wave magnitude. In these patients with baseline QRS prolongation, RV‐TWA predicted events more effectively than BV‐TWA and RA‐TWA. Further studies are required to understand how altered ventricular activation influences repolarization dynamics and arrhythmic tendency.
Effects of Scatter Radiation on ICD and CRT Function
Authors: KAPA SURAJ , FONG LUIS , BLACKWELL CHARLES R , HERMAN MICHAEL G. , SCHOMBERG PAULA J , HAYES DAVID L 
Published: May 2008

Background: Effects of direct radiation on implantable cardiac devices have been well studied. However, the effects of scatter radiation are not as clear. Recommendations on management of patients with implantable cardiac devices undergoing radiotherapy are based on limited studies mostly involving pacemakers. We sought to elucidate the effects of scatter radiation on implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)‐ICDs.
Methods: We exposed 12 ICDs and eight CRT‐ICDs to 400 cGy of scatter radiation from a 6‐MV photon beam. Devices were programmed with nominal parameters and interrogated prior to radiation, after each fraction, upon completion of the radiation course and again 1 week later. A retrospective review of patients undergoing radiotherapy at the Mayo Clinic–Rochester between 2002 and 2007 in whom the device was outside the radiation field was also performed. There were 13 patients with devices undergoing radiotherapy during this time period, 12 of whom were interrogated prior to and after radiation.
Results: Interrogation reports were reviewed for device reset or parameter changes. There was no evidence of reset or malfunction during or after radiation. Also, no episodes of device reset, inappropriate sensing or therapy, or changes in programmed parameters were found in our review of patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Conclusions: Device reset or malfunction associated with scatter radiation likely represents an unpredictable, rare occurrence. While we see no clear contraindication to radiotherapy in patients with ICDs or CRT‐ICDs, precautions should be taken to avoid direct radiation exposure and to closely evaluate patient outcomes before and after the radiation course.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Shipboard Integrated Power System
Authors: PREMPRANEERACH PRADYA , HOVER FRANZ S. , TRIANTAFYLLOU MICHAEL S. , MCCOY TIMOTHY J. , CHRYSSOSTOMIDIS CHRYSSOSTOMOS , KARNIADAKIS GEORGE E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractStochastic sensitivity analysis is a valuable tool in ranking inputs and in investigating the degree of interaction of its components. In this paper, we present stochastic simulation results for a shipboard integrated power system and study its sensitivity. Specifically, we apply sensitivity analysis to two high‐fidelity models of shipboard subsystems, investigating open‐ and closed‐loop control of the propulsion system. The results show that different inputs are most important for the open‐ and closed‐loop control, with sensitivities that change dramatically in time as they reflect the transition from the fast electrical scales to slower mechanical scales. We also demonstrate how sensitivity analysis can be used to establish the robustness of the AC drive.
The Art of Successfully Applying Human Systems Integration
Authors: LANDSBURG ALEXANDER C. , AVERY LARRY , BEATON ROBERT , BOST J. ROBERT , COMPERATORE CARLOS , KHANDPUR RAJIV , MALONE THOMAS B. , PARKER CHRISTOPHER , POPKIN STEPHEN , SHERIDAN THOMAS B. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis paper reviews developments in human factors and then draws from a number of “best practice” cases in studying how best to apply behavioral science principles, knowledge, and analytical tools to the engineering design or improvement of systems. Government and other commercial experiences are examined with a focus on the Navy human system integration (HSI) process. Included are discussions facilitated at a workshop session sponsored by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies. There is general consensus that in addition to using a well‐designed or proven process and doing the right things, success is dependent upon attending to a prioritized short list of critical elements. Continued focus on these elements is necessary to successfully apply human behavioral sciences effectively during design, construction, and operation of systems to improve safety, reliability, effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of life.
The role of host plant species in the phenotypic differentiation of sympatric populations of Aleiodes nolophanae and Cotesia marginiventris
Authors: Medina Raul F. , Barbosa Pedro 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe ecology of parasitoids is strongly influenced by their host plant species. Parasitoid fitness can be affected by a variety of plant traits that could promote phenotypic differentiation among populations of parasitoids. Generalist parasitoids are expected to be more affected by plant traits (e.g., plant defensive traits) than specialist parasitoids. Data are presented on phenotypic differences of two braconid parasitoid wasps ovipositing on the same insect host species on two different host plant species. Adult mass, adult longevity, and percent parasitism are compared for the generalist parasitoid Cotesia marginiventris Cresson and the specialist parasitoid Aleiodes nolophanae Ashmead (both Hymenoptera: Braconidae) emerging from green cloverworms, Hypena scabra Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), feeding on two host plant species, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) (both Fabaceae), at three locations. Specialist wasps that parasitized the green cloverworm on alfalfa had a significantly larger mass than the ones that parasitized the green cloverworm on soybean at the three study sites. Generalist wasps that parasitized green cloverworms on alfalfa had a larger mass than wasps parasitizing green cloverworms on soybean only at one of the study sites (i.e., Prince George's County, MD, USA). Similarly, both specialist and generalist wasps lived longer when parasitizing green cloverworms on alfalfa than when parasitizing them on soybean at only one of the study sites (i.e., Prince George's County). In Prince George's County, percent parasitism on alfalfa by the specialist parasitoid was higher than on soybean for three consecutive years and percent parasitism by the generalist parasitoid was the same on alfalfa and soybean every year. Thus, phenotypic differences among populations associated with different host plant species vary geographically (i.e., parasitoid phenotype associated with different host plant species differ at some sites while it is the same at other sites). The implications of geographic variation for biological control are discussed.
Study of gene expression profile during cord blood‐associated megakaryopoiesis
Authors: Lim Che Kang , Hwang William Y. K. , Aw Swee Eng , Sun Li 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAims:  To study the gene profile in cord blood (CB)‐associated megakaryopoiesis.Methods:  In vitro differentiation of megakaryocytes (Mks) was carried out using human CB CD34+ cells under the stimulation of recombinant human interleukin‐3, stem cell factor and thrombopoietin for 7 d, followed by thrombopoietin only for further 3 d. Lineage‐specific differentiation of Mk was examined by the expression of CD41 using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Total cellular RNA was extracted from day‐0 CD34+, day‐10 CD41+ and CD41− populations were isolated by immunomagnetic sorting respectively. Microarray was performed, and the data were analyzed using the GeneChipTM Operating System, Spotfire software and Genomatix BiblioSphere.Results:  Flow cytometric analysis showed 19.44 ± 3.05% CD41+ cells at day 10 of culture. The purity of CD41+ population was enriched to 95.70 ± 4.19% after sorting. Gene expression profiling revealed an upregulation of 285 and downregulation of 53 unique genes in the CD41+ cells compared with CD41− and CD34+ cells. Platelet‐associated genes, such as thrombospondin 1, platelet glycoprotein IIIa, etc., were highly expressed in CD41+ cells but not in CD41− cells and CD34+ cells. Moreover, some genes that have not been reported to be associated with CB‐derived megakaryopoiesis, such as Cbl‐interacting proteins Sts‐1, protocadherin 21, etc., are found to be highly expressed in the CD41+ cells from this study.Conclusions:  This study reveals a global gene expression profile of in vitro human CB‐derived megakaryopoiesis at day 10. Some of these genes may play regulatory roles during the development of CB‐derived megakaryopoeisis.
Absence and size of massa intermedia in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Ceyhan Meltem , Adapınar Baki , Aksaray Gokay , Ozdemir Figen , Colak Ertugrul 
Published: May 2008

Objective:To evaluate the absence and size of massa intermedia (MI), a midline thalamic structure, and its gender-specific alteration in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.Methods:Thirty-five patients with schizophrenia (17 females and 18 males), 21 patients with bipolar disorder (15 females and 6 males) and 89 healthy controls (50 females and 39 males) were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Thin-slice magnetic resonance images of the brain were evaluated. MI was determined in coronal and sagittal images, and area of the MI was measured on the sagittal plane.Results:Females had a significantly lower incidence of absent MI compared with males in the healthy control group. The absence of MI in schizophrenia and bipolar patients was not higher than the incidence in healthy controls. The size of MI showed a gender difference. The mean MI area size was smaller in female schizophrenia patients than in female controls, while no significant difference was observed between male schizophrenia patients and their controls.Conclusions:The size of MI, a gender difference midline structure, is smaller in females with schizophrenia, and the results of this study support other studies of structural aberration of the thalamus and other midline structures in the brains of patients with schizophrenia.
Influence of previous antimicrobial therapy on oral carriage of beta‐lactamase producing Capnocytophaga isolates
Authors: Jolivet‐Gougeon Anne , Guérin Jacques , Tamanai‐Shacoori Zohreh , Gandemer Virginie , Sixou Jean‐Louis , Bonnaure‐Mallet Martine 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAim: In order to assess the prevalence of beta‐lactamase producing oral bacteria in childhood, the influence of different parameters on the oral carriage of Capnocytophaga was studied in a specific population of children with cancer. The examined parameters included clinical observation of oropharyngeal mucosa, type of malignant disease and intake of chemotherapy and antimicrobial treatment.Methods: The gingival and mucosal status of the patients was recorded before each sampling procedure. Samples were collected by oropharyngeal swabbing in children with leukaemia or other oncological diseases for isolation of Capnocytophaga strains.Results: Capnocytophaga strains were more often isolated in samples from children with oncological diseases (71%) other than leukaemia (57%). Concomitant chemotherapy had no influence on oral Capnocytophaga carriage. A significant decrease of the prevalence of Capnocytophaga strains isolated was observed in children who received antimicrobial treatment within 8 days before the sampling procedure (15.5% vs. 28%). But, the incidence of beta‐lactamase‐producing strains was not linked to previous antimicrobial treatments.Conclusion: Oral carriage of Capnocytophaga strains can be linked to haematological disease and previous antibiotherapy, but results did not confirm that beta‐lactamase treatments exert a selective pressure. Other factors might be involved in emerging for oral beta‐lactamase‐producing Capnocytophaga strains.
A Comparison of Stability between Delayed versus Immediately Loaded Orthodontic Palatal Implants
Authors: JACKSON AMY , LEMKE ROBERT , HATCH JOHN , SALOME NORMAN , GAKUNGA PETER , COCHRAN DAVID 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTIntroduction:  Control of anchorage is a fundamental problem in orthodontics. Conventional means of controlling anchorage are characterized by potential disadvantages and inconveniences: visibility, compliance dependence, risk of undesirable side effects, and injury. Titanium implants have evolved as a potential clinical alternative in overcoming the limits of conventional dental orthodontic anchorage.Methods:  This project was designed as a prospective observational study on 20 patients whose treatment plans required maximum (stable) anchorage during orthodontic treatment. The patients received palatal implants (Institut Straumann AG, Waldenburg, Switzerland: length of implant 4–6 mm, diameter 3.3 mm), which were placed into the midpalate. The goal of this study was to evaluate if the implant could be loaded immediately, or if time should be allowed for integration. Patients were randomized into two groups; one group had their implants loaded immediately with a coil spring, and the second group remained nonloaded, with an annealed coil spring, for the 8‐week experimental period. Measurement of implant stability was taken using resonance frequency analysis on both groups at the time of implant placement and at 8 weeks post‐placement.Results:  This study demonstrated that immediate loading of the Straumann orthodontic implant is possible, based on the clinical success observed in both groups. However, compared with the nonloaded group, the stability of the immediately loaded implant was significantly less at 8 weeks. The mean implant stability quotient (ISQ) of the nonloaded group was 38.7 kHz at baseline and 47.3 kHz after 8 weeks. The mean ISQ of the loaded group was 42.0 kHz at baseline and 38.4 kHz after 8 weeks. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the group that was loaded and the nonloaded group after 8 weeks (p < 0.05).Conclusion:  Based on the results of this study, an unloaded healing period provides for increased stability of the implants compared with immediately loaded palatal implants.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEPatients often like to have their orthodontic treatment begin as soon as possible. This study examined if palatal implants could be loaded immediately after placement so overall treatment time could be decreased. It appears that this is possible based on the results of the study; however, an unloaded healing period results in a more stable implant.
Tear Strength of Five Elastomeric Impression Materials at Two Setting Times and Two Tearing Rates
Authors: LAWSON NATHANIEL C. , BURGESS JOHN O. , LITAKER MARK 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTProblem/Aims:  Thin sections of impression materials are susceptible to tearing in gingival crevices and interproximal spaces. This study measures the tear strength of six fast and regular set impression materials after different setting times and at different tearing rates.Materials/Methods:  Tear strength specimens were prepared of four addition silicone materials: Aquasil (Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany), Imprint 3 (3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany), Stand Out (Kerr, Orange, CA, USA), Virtual (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein); one polyether material: Impregum (3M ESPE); and a new hybrid material: Senn (GC, Aichi, Japan) using a split mold. Specimens were divided into four groups (N = 5). Groups 1 and 2 were immediately removed from the mold and loaded in tension until failure using an Instron testing device (Instron Corp., Canton, MA, USA). Groups 3 and 4 were tested 24 hours after fabrication. Groups 1 and 3 were tested at 1 mm/minute, and groups 2 and 4 were tested at 500 mm/minute.Results:  A two‐factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test revealed differences among material brands (α = 0.05) in all experimental groups. The polyether and hybrid material were in the lowest statistically significant ranking group for all experimental groups. A three‐factor ANOVA determined that a 500 mm/minute tearing rate and a 24‐hour set time produced higher tear strengths and that fast set materials produced greater tear strength than regular set materials.Conclusions:  Most addition silicone materials provide higher tear strengths than polyether and hybrid materials. Materials display higher tear strengths after longer set times and at faster tearing rates. Impressions should be removed from the mouth with the fastest possible speed.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEAddition silicone materials should be used in impressions requiring replication of gingival crevices or interproximal spaces to prevent tearing of thin sheets of material. Impressions should be removed from the mouth and separated from the model with the fastest possible speed.
Questions of Life and Death
Authors: Charlton William 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWhat sort of right is the right to life? Does it make sense to speak of a right to die, or to be allowed to die, or to be helped to die, or to die with dignity? Are life and death straightforward alternatives? Are they possible objects of desire or aversion? Can they be given as gifts? If life is a gift, have recipients of it a duty to be grateful? Answers to these questions are obtained by philosophical analysis, chiefly of the concepts of life and death.
Delayed Surgical Repair of Penile Fracture under Local Anesthesia
Authors: Nasser Taha Abdel , Mostafa Taymour 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Penile fracture is a traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea because of blunt injury of an erect penis.

Aim
To assess the efficacy of a simple delayed surgical repair of penile fracture after a conservative treatment under local anesthesia in patients presented after 24 hours.

Methods
Twenty-four patients with penile fracture presented after 24 hours were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, urine analysis, and penile ultrasound. They underwent conservative treatment for 7–12 days, and then a surgical repair under local anesthesia was carried out.

Main Outcome Measures
A follow-up for 6 months for sexual activity and any associated complaints in addition to local examination.

Results
All cases were presented with unilateral single tear, and the main cause of penile fracture was sexual intercourse. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. They regained their sexual activity 4–6 weeks after the repair. One case developed a mild penile deviation that did not interfere with sexual relation after the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusion
Surgical repair of penile fracture after a conservative treatment is an effective method for patients with delayed presentation devoid of urethral involvement.
Predictive and prognostic factors associated with survival outcomes in patients with stage I–III breast cancer: A report from a developing country
Authors: AZIZ Zeba , IQBAL Javaid , AKRAM Mohammad 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground:  There is a paucity of data on factors that predict relapse and survival for stages I to III breast cancer patients from developing countries. The primary purpose of our study is to correlate clinical outcomes with established prognostic and predictive factors in patients with stage I to III breast cancer.Methods:  A total of 525 patients followed from January 1996 to December 2005 were analyzed for factors predicting relapse and mortality. These included their age, social strata, tumor size, number of positive lymph nodes, stage and histological grade, estrogen and progesterone receptor status and treatment profiles.Results:  The patients' median age was 45 years. Only 6.7% patients presented with stage I disease. Factors that were predictive of relapse were a poor socioeconomic status P < 0.0001, T2/T3/T4 tumors P < 0.0001, N1/N2/N3 P < 0.0001, grade III P < 0.0001, initial stage II/III P < 0.0001, estrogen receptor negativity P 0.01. For overall survival significant predictive factors were poor socioeconomic status P < 0.009 T2/T3/T4 P < 0.0001, N1/N2/N3 P < 0.0001, grade III P < 0.001, initial stage II/III P < 0.0001, estrogen receptor (ER) negativity P < 0.002. Event free survival and overall survival for all patients at 5 and 10 years were 57 and 37%, and 72 and 61%, respectively.Conclusion:  Poor prognostic markers for survival outcomes were large tumors, advanced disease, number of positive lymph nodes, grade III tumors, ER/progesterone receptor (PR) negative tumors, poor socioeconomic status and variable treatment profiles. Clinical outcomes and survival associated for each prognostic marker were inferior when compared to developed countries due to the larger tumor burden and less than optimal treatment. Early detection programs, improvements in technical expertise and quality of care, with economically feasible guidelines, need to be developed for countries with limited resources.