bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differing autonomic responses to dobutamine stress in the presence and absence of myocardial ischaemia
Authors: Sharma Rajan , O'Driscoll Jamie M , Saha Ansuman , Sritharan Mukunthan , Sutton Richard , Rosen Stuart D 
Published: February 2015

Key points
Dobutamine stress echocardiography is a validated tool for the non‐invasive evaluation of myocardial ischaemia and enables the recording of heart rate variability in non‐resting conditions.
In this study we determined whether individuals with transient myocardial ischaemia had different autonomic responses to the stress of dobutamine infusion compared to non‐ischaemic (normal) responders.
Non‐ischaemic responders had a residual predominance of parasympathetic over sympathetic activity. However, under conditions of myocardial ischaemia, there was a directionally opposite cardiac autonomic response with a residual increase of sympathetic over parasympathetic modulation.
The sympathetic response to dobutamine stress is augmented as the burden of myocardial ischaemia is increased.
AbstractCardiac autonomic dysfunction has prognostic significance in patients with coronary artery disease. This investigation aimed to assess changes in autonomic modulation induced by dobutamine stress in the presence and absence of myocardial ischaemia. In total, 314 individuals underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography to detect or exclude myocardial ischaemia. Simultaneous autonomic and haemodynamic data were obtained using a plethysmographic device. Total power spectral density and associated low‐frequency (LF) and high‐frequency (HF) power spectral components in absolute (ms2) and normalised units (nu) were determined. Participants were categorised as non‐ischaemic (NI) or ischaemic (IS) responders. There were no significant differences in LFnu or HFnu between groups at baseline. At peak stress, LFnu decreased from baseline in NI (43 ± 1.8 to 40 ± 1.8%), but increased from baseline in IS responders (39.5 ± 2 to 56 ± 2%, P < 0.05). In contrast, HFnu increased in NI patients (57 ± 1.8 to 60 ± 1.8%) but decreased in IS responders (60.5 ± 2 to 44 ± 2%, P < 0.05). Those with a high ischaemic burden [more than three ischaemic left ventricular (LV) segments] had a greater increase in LFnu (41 ± 4.8 to 65 ± 3.2% vs. 44.8 ± 3.8 to 57.7 ± 3.1%, P < 0.05) and greater decrease in HFnu (59 ± 4.8 to 35 ± 3.2% vs. 55.2 ± 3.8 to 42.3 ± 3.1%, P < 0.05) compared to patients with a low ischaemic burden (1–3 ischaemic LV segments) respectively, at peak stress. In the absence of myocardial ischaemia, dobutamine stress is associated with a residual predominance of parasympathetic over sympathetic activity. Under conditions of ischaemia, there is a directionally opposite autonomic response with a significant residual increase of sympathetic over parasympathetic modulation. This response is augmented as the burden of ischaemia is increased.
Why do Italian stroke patients receive CT scans earlier than UK patients?
Authors: Wardlaw J M , Lewis S C , Sandercock P A G , Ricci S , Spizzichino L ,   the International Stroke Trial Collaborators in Italy and the UK
Published: February 2015

Summary
Computed tomography (CT) scanning is important prior to acute stroke treatment. We wished to identify factors associated with being able to obtain a CT scan quickly, from a recent large stroke treatment trial. A questionnaire survey on the organisation of CT scanning services for stroke was sent to 179 UK and Italian hospitals who had randomised patients into the International Stroke Trial and performed at least one pre-randomisation CT scan. Data from the questionnaire were analysed in conjunction with other patient data. Italian doctors expected the CT scans to be done more quickly than UK doctors, their hospitals were more likely to have a CT scanner operating all the time, and a porter was used less frequently to take the patient to the CT scanner. A few simple changes in the way CT scanning is organised for stroke patients in the UK could speed access to CT considerably.
The use of data-mining techniques for developing effective decision support systems: a case study of simulating the effects of climate change on coastal salinity intrusion
Authors: Conrads Paul A. , Roehl Edwin A. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Natural-resource managers and stakeholders face difficult challenges when managing interactions between natural and societal systems. Potential changes in climate could alter interactions between environmental and societal systems and adversely affect the availability of water resources in many coastal communities. The availability of freshwater in coastal streams can be threatened by saltwater intrusion. Even though the collective interests and computer skills of the community of managers, scientists and other stakeholders are quite varied, there is an overarching need for equal access by all to the scientific knowledge needed to make the best possible decisions. This paper describes a decision support system, PRISM-2, developed to evaluate salinity intrusion due to potential climate change along the South Carolina coast in southeastern USA. The decision support system is disseminated as a spreadsheet application and integrates the output of global circulation models, watershed models and salinity intrusion models with real-time databases for simulation, graphical user interfaces, and streaming displays of results. The results from PRISM-2 showed that a 31-cm and 62-cm increase in sea level reduced the daily availability of freshwater supply to a coastal municipal intake by 4% and 12% of the time, respectively. Future climate change projections by a global circulation model showed a seasonal change in salinity intrusion events from the summer to the fall for the majority of events.
The experimental
in-situ
study of gas migration in crystalline rock with a focus on the EDZ
Authors: Svoboda Jiri , Smutek Jan 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Centre of Experimental Geotechnics (CEG) participated in the FORGE project within WP4, which was focused on disturbed host rock formations. The Czech deep radioactive repository concept envisages crystalline rock as the host rock environment; therefore the CEG concentrated on such formations. Large-scale gas injection tests were carried out in Josef Underground Laboratory as part of the project aiming to study the behaviour of both the excavation damaged/disturbed zone (EDZ) and the undisturbed rock environment. The project schedule involved the performance of a large number of tests at various pressure levels and flow rates and in different parts of the rock mass. The various phenomena were studied employing gas injection test techniques using both single- and double-packer equipment. The tests performed revealed a significant difference in terms of gas permeability between the EDZ and the undisturbed rock mass. An investigation of the influence of the effect of pressure on gas permeability was also performed in order to study the process of the opening and closing of fractures (pathway dilation).
Cooperation, coordination and team issues in disaster management: the need for a holistic and integrated approach
Authors: Parkash Surya 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Disaster management requires not only efficient technical, administrative, financial and legal systems within the affected community but also a strong political, socio-cultural and ethical framework. Although it is possible to improve the systems through the implementation of guidelines, plans, procedures, codes and other regulatory measures, it is difficult to change the attitude of the individuals, community, executives and the political leaders that affects the working environment and functional capabilities of these systems. In such situations, ethical practices and moral values play an important role in positively nurturing the environment. The experiences often reveal a lack of good cooperation, coordination and team spirit among different stakeholders, leading to unnecessary delays and inaction or wrong actions for disaster management. The approach is mostly ad-hoc, isolated and uncoordinated. There is hardly any networking, linkage and coordination to work in a multidisciplinary and integrated manner. However, the recent policies and strategies related to disaster risk reduction are now focusing on a systematic way of coordination, linkage and networking for sharing information on resources, knowledge and practices. This paper illustrates the relevant issues with examples from some popular stories/poems that will help the reader to understand the significance of these issues.
pVHL/HIF-Regulated CD70 Expression Is Associated with Infiltration of CD27+ Lymphocytes and Increased Serum Levels of Soluble CD27 in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ruf Melanie , Mittmann Christiane , Nowicka Anna M. , Hartmann Arndt , Hermanns Thomas , Poyet Cédric , van den Broek Maries , Sulser Tullio , Moch Holger , Schraml Peter 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurpose: CD70, a member of the TNF ligand superfamily, has been shown frequently overexpressed in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The mechanisms of CD70′s upregulation and its role in ccRCC are unknown.Experimental Design: CD70 expression was immunohistochemically analyzed in 667 RCCs and RCC metastases. Von Hippel–Lindau gene (VHL) mutations, expression patterns of VHL protein (pVHL), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) α, and several HIF targets were studied in tissues and cell lines and correlated with CD70 overexpression. Gene promoter analysis was performed to confirm CD70 as HIF target gene. Consecutive tissue sections were immunostained to reveal the relation between CD70-expressing RCCs and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes positive for the CD70 receptor (CD27). CD70-mediated release of soluble CD27 in RCC was assessed by coculture experiments and sera analysis of patients with RCC.Results: Elevated CD70 expression was seen in 80% of primary tumors and metastases of ccRCC and correlated with dysregulation of the pVHL/HIF pathway. In vitro analyses demonstrated that CD70 upregulation is driven by HIF. Furthermore, CD27+ lymphocytes preferentially infiltrate CD70-expressing ccRCCs. CD70-dependent release of soluble CD27 in cocultures may explain the high CD27 levels observed in sera of patients with CD70-expressing ccRCC. The combination of lymphocyte infiltration and CD70 expression in RCC was associated with worse patient outcome.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that in ccRCC, CD70 expression is regulated by HIF as a consequence of pVHL inactivation. Increased serum levels of CD27 suggest the existence of CD70-expressing ccRCC, thus representing a potential serum marker for patients suffering from this disease. Clin Cancer Res; 21(4); 889–98. ©2015 AACR.
An annotated checklist of the Recent non-marine ostracods (Ostracoda: Crustacea) from Italy
Authors: PIERI VALENTINA , MARTENS KOEN , MEISCH CLAUDE , ROSSETTI GIAMPAOLO 
Published: February 2015

We present an updated checklist of non-marine ostracods from Italy. Data were obtained from the published literature up to April 2013 and new collections carried out in 18 out of 20 Italian regions. Altogether, 1665 ostracod samples were collected from 1241 new sites visited between 1981 and 2013. Sites were selected to encompass the most widespread types of freshwater aquatic habitats (i.e., pools, ponds, peat bogs, springs and streams, etc.). This field study led to the identification of 89 ostracod species. Five additional taxa remained at the generic level because only few (juvenile) individuals were available or the material was damaged. Of particular interest is the occurrence of four species new to Italy: Candonocypris novaezelandiae, Eucypris elongata, Ilyocypris getica and I. hartmanni. In addition, three putative new species (Pseudolimnocythere sp., Candona sp.1 and Eucypris sp.1) are left in open nomenclature. After synonymising several species and removing invalid taxa reported in the literature, the updated checklist now includes 152 species and 5 taxa identified at supraspecific level, belonging to 57 genera and 12 families (Candonidae, Cyprididae, Cytherideidae, Darwinulidae, Ilyocyprididae, Notodromadidae, Limnocytheridae, Leptocytheridae, Loxochonchidae, Hemicytheridae, Xestoleberididae and Entocytheridae). For each species, its distribution in Italy and its bibliographic records (including synonyms) for Italy are provided.
The Simulated Structure and Evolution of a Quasi-Idealized Warm-Season Convective System with a Training Convective Line
Authors: Peters John M. , Schumacher Russ S. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
This study details the development and use of an idealized modeling framework to simulate a quasi-stationary heavy-rain-producing mesoscale convective system (MCS). A 36-h composite progression of atmospheric fields computed from 26 observed warm-season heavy-rain-producing training line/adjoining stratiform (TL/AS) MCSs was used as initial and lateral boundary conditions for a numerical simulation of this MCS archetype.
A realistic TL/AS MCS initiated and evolved within a simulated mesoscale environment that featured a low-level jet terminus, maximized low-level warm-air advection, and an elevated maximum in convective available potential energy. The first stage of MCS evolution featured an eastward-moving trailing-stratiform-type MCS that generated a surface cold pool. The initial system was followed by rearward off-boundary development, where a new line of convective cells simultaneously redeveloped north of the surface cold pool boundary. Backbuilding persisted on the western end of the new line, with individual convective cells training over a fixed geographic region. The final stage was characterized by a deepening and southward surge of the cold pool, accompanied by the weakening and slow southward movement of the training line. The low-level vertical wind shear profile favored kinematic lifting along the southeastern cold pool flank over the southwestern flank, potentially explaining why convection propagated with (did not propagate with) the former (latter) outflow boundaries.
The morphological features of the simulated MCS are common among observed cases and may, therefore, be generalizable. These results suggest that they are emergent from fundamental features of the large-scale environment, such as persistent regional low-level lifting, and with the vertical environmental wind profile characteristic to TL/AS systems.
Arctic Warming Induced by Tropically Forced Tapping of Available Potential Energy and the Role of the Planetary-Scale Waves
Authors: Baggett Cory , Lee Sukyoung 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
One of the challenging tasks in climate science is to understand the equator-to-pole temperature gradient. The poleward heat flux generated by baroclinic waves is known to be central in reducing the equator-to-pole temperature gradient from a state of radiative–convective equilibrium. However, invoking this relationship to explain the wide range of equator-to-pole temperature gradients observed in past climates is challenging because baroclinic waves tend to follow the flux–gradient relationship such that their poleward heat flux is proportional to the equator-to-pole temperature gradient and zonal available potential energy (ZAPE). With reanalysis data, the authors show the existence of poleward heat transport by planetary-scale waves that are independent of the flux–gradient relationship and baroclinic instability. This process arises from a forced tapping of atmospheric ZAPE by planetary-scale waves that are triggered by enhanced tropical convection over the Pacific warm pool region. The Rossby waves excited by this tropical convection propagate northeastward over the Pacific Ocean and constructively interfere with the climatological stationary waves at higher latitudes. During polar night, when the current warming is most rapid, the forced tapping of ZAPE by planetary-scale waves produces a substantially greater warming than that by the synoptic-scale eddy fluxes that presumably arise from baroclinic instability.
Personality characteristics in childhood and outcomes in adulthood: Findings from a 30 year longitudinal study
Authors: Newton-Howes Giles , Horwood John , Mulder Roger 
Published: February 2015

Objective: Personality has been associated with a variety of outcomes in adulthood. Most of the literature related to mental state disorder and personality is cross sectional. Methods: Data from more than 900 participants of the Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS) were examined. Extroversion and neuroticism were measured at 14 years old and social outcomes at age 30. The presence of mental state disorder between 18-30 years old was identified. Multiple potential confounders in childhood were included in the analysis. Results: Neuroticism at fourteen was significantly correlated with multiple environmental exposures whereas extroversion had relatively few associations. Regression analysis found that neuroticism at 14 predicted depression, anxiety, suicidality and overall mental health problems at 30 as well as poor self-esteem but not relationship quality or wellbeing. Extroversion at 14 predicted alcohol and drug dependence and overall mental health problems, but also predicted improved social wellbeing, self-esteem and relationship quality at 30. Conclusions: In this analysis extroversion interacts with significantly fewer environmental factors than neuroticism in predicting adult outcomes. Neuroticism at 14 years predicts poorer mental health outcomes in adulthood. Extroversion in childhood may be a protective factor in the development of mental disorder other than alcohol use disorders. Extroverted adolescents have more positive social outcomes at 30 years.
Association of ABO blood types with the risk of in-stent restenosis
Authors: Pourafkari L , Ghaffari S , Ahmadi M , Tajlil A , Nader ND 
Published: February 2015

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of in-stent restenosis (ISR) in patients with various ABO blood types. Methods: Clinical information from 150 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ISR and 150 patients with a diagnosis of patent coronary stents in the secondary angiography was collected. Comprehensive demographic and laboratory data, including ABO and Rhesus blood groups, as well as comorbid conditions and vessel and stent characteristics, were recorded for each patient. The association of ABO blood groups with the risk of ISR before and after controlling for coronary risk factors was determined. Categorical data were analyzed with the Chi-square test and numerical values were analyzed with t-tests. Binary logistic regression models were constructed to compare type A and non-A for the frequency of risk factors. Results: A total of 392 stents were implanted in 300 patients. Two hundred and fourteen stents (54.6%) were patent and 178 stents (45.4%) were stenosed. Blood group A was significantly more common in the ISR group (43.3% vs. 28.7%, p=0.03). However, the frequencies of other blood types, as well as Rh antigen, were similar between the two groups. Triglyceride and low-density lipoproteins were the only significantly different variables (221 ± 198 mg/dL vs. 138 ± 76 mg/dL, p<0.001 and 108 ± 36 mg/dL vs. 96 ± 73 mg/dL, p=0.04, in type-A vs. non-A, respectively). After matching for coronary risk factors, there was no difference between A blood type patients and their controls. Conclusion: ISR is significantly more prevalent in individuals with the type A blood group. However, this higher association is most likely due to higher atherogenic conditions in patients within this population.
Analysis of risk factors and diseases associated with atherosclerosis in the progression of carotid artery stenosis
Authors: Batagini Nayara Cioffi , da Silva Erasmo Simão , Pinto Carlos AV , Puech-Leão Pedro , de Luccia Nelson 
Published: February 2015

Objective The objective of this study was to analyze the roles of demographic, clinical, and laboratory factors on the progression of atherosclerotic stenosis in carotid bifurcation. It was based on prospective information from records entered on a specific application form for follow-up outpatients at a tertiary university service. Methods Consecutive symptomatic and asymptomatic patients ( n = 210) who had undergone more than one carotid duplex scan but no surgical intervention were selected for the analysis. The patients were divided into two groups: patients whose duplex scans did not show bilateral progression of carotid stenosis and patients with carotid stenosis progression of <50%, 50%–69%, or >70%. Clinical and demographic parameters were compared between groups. Results Group II levels of plasma urea (51.6 ± 27.8 mg/dl) and fibrinogen (493.2 ± 113.3 mg/dl) were higher than the Group I levels (43.0 ± 14.9 mg/dl and 441.3 ± 106.7 mg/dl, respectively) with statistical significance (p urea = 0.013 and p fibrinogen = 0.018). Paradoxically, the mean body mass index was higher in Group I (26.4 ± 4.6 kg/m2) than in Group II (24.6 ± 3.9 kg/m2; p = 0.02). Conclusions Traditional risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis in a carotid bifurcation are important but not unique. Metabolic and inflammatory factors can contribute to disease progression.
Anatomic and procedural determinants of fluoroscopy time during elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Ruz Ricardo , Lee Kevin , Power Adam H , DeRose Guy , Forbes Thomas L , Dubois Luc 
Published: February 2015

Objective To identify both the procedural and anatomic factors which determine duration of fluoroscopy during elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods We retrospectively analyzed our prospectively maintained EVAR database for the relationship between fluoroscopy time and both procedural (type of graft, configuration, number of components, surgeon) and anatomic factors reflective of aneurysm complexity (15 variables). Results A total of 128 patients underwent elective EVAR with a mean fluoroscopy time of 5.7 ± 3.4 min. The type of grafts used consisted of 41 (32%) Zenith, 85 (66.4%) Endurant and 2 (1.6%) Anaconda, with 105 (82%) being bifurcated and 23 (18%) being aorto-uni-iliac (AUI) in configuration. Both the surgeon performing the procedure ( p = 0.001) and graft configuration (bifurcated vs. AUI, p = 0.03) were found to be predictive of fluoroscopy time; while procedural and anatomic variables were not. Conclusions The surgeon’s efficiency in the use of fluoroscopy during EVAR is the most important determinant of total fluoroscopy time. Anatomic complexity, make of device, and number of components inserted have minimal impact on duration of fluoroscopy. An endovascular surgeon’s ability to curtail fluoroscopy duration is the key component in minimizing radiation exposure to both the surgical team and the patient.
Endovascular repair of symptomatic carotid artery aneurysm with covered stent: A case report and literature review
Authors: Jahromi Alireza Hamidian , Tan Tze-Woei , Coulter Amy H , Doucet Linda D , Zhang Wayne W 
Published: February 2015

Objectives: Extracranial carotid artery true aneurysm is extremely uncommon, and definite treatment has traditionally involved open surgical repair. Although successful management of the internal carotid artery aneurysms using endovascular stenting and embolization has recently been reported, only a limited number of cases have been reported. Methods: We present a case of symptomatic carotid true aneurysm repaired with covered stent and coil embolization of the external carotid artery. We also review the English literature and discuss the epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, and management options of internal carotid artery aneurysms. Results: The patient did not have any complications, and was discharged home on the postoperative day 1 in stable condition. Conclusion: Our report suggests that endovascular procedure is feasible in the treatment of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms.