bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence That Links Loss of Cyclooxygenase-2 With Increased Asymmetric Dimethylarginine
Authors: Ahmetaj-Shala Blerina , Kirkby Nicholas S. , Knowles Rebecca , Al’Yamani Malak , Mazi Sarah , Wang Zhen , Tucker Arthur T. , Mackenzie Louise , Armstrong Paul C. J. , Nüsing Rolf M. , Tomlinson James A. P. , Warner Timothy D. , Leiper James , Mitchell Jane A. 
Published: December 2014

Background—
Cardiovascular side effects associated with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor drugs dominate clinical concern. Cyclooxygenase-2 is expressed in the renal medulla where inhibition causes fluid retention and increased blood pressure. However, the mechanisms linking cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition and cardiovascular events are unknown and no biomarkers have been identified.

Methods and Results—

Transcriptome analysis of wild-type and cyclooxygenase-2
−/−
mouse tissues revealed 1 gene altered in the heart and aorta, but >1000 genes altered in the renal medulla, including those regulating the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitors asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) and monomethyl-
l
-arginine. Cyclo-oxygenase-2
−/−
mice had increased plasma levels of ADMA and monomethyl-
l
-arginine and reduced endothelial nitric oxide responses. These genes and methylarginines were not similarly altered in mice lacking prostacyclin receptors. Wild-type mice or human volunteers taking cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors also showed increased plasma ADMA. Endothelial nitric oxide is cardio-protective, reducing thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Consequently, increased ADMA is associated with cardiovascular disease. Thus, our study identifies ADMA as a biomarker and mechanistic bridge between renal cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition and systemic vascular dysfunction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage.

Conclusions—
We identify the endogenous endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor ADMA as a biomarker and mechanistic bridge between renal cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition and systemic vascular dysfunction.
Residual High-Grade Stenosis After Recanalization of Extracranial Carotid Occlusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Luitse Merel J.A. , Velthuis Birgitta K. , Dauwan Meenakshi , Dankbaar Jan Willem , Biessels Geert Jan , Kappelle L. Jaap , Majoie C.B. , Roos Y.B. , Duijm L.E. , Keizer K. , van der Lugt A. , Dippel D.W. , Droogh-de Greve K.E. , Bienfait H.P. , van Walderveen M.A. , Wermer M.J. , Lycklama à Nijeholt G.J. , Boiten J. , Duyndam D.A. , Kwa V.I. , Meijer F.J. , van Dijk E.J. , Kesselring F.O. , Hofmeijer J. , Vos J.A. , Schonewille W.J. , van Rooij W.J. , de Kort P.L. , Pleiter C.C. , Bakker S.L. , Bot J.C. , Visser M.C. , van der Schaaf I.C. , Mali W.P. , van Seeters T. , Horsch A.D. , Niesten J.M. , van der Graaf Y. 
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—
Residual stenosis after recanalization of an acute symptomatic extracranial occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) might be an indication for carotid endarterectomy. We evaluated the proportion of residual high-grade stenosis (≥70%, near occlusions not included) on follow-up imaging in a consecutive series of patients with an acute symptomatic occlusion of the extracranial ICA.

Methods—
We included patients participating in the Dutch Acute Stroke Study (DUST), who had an acute symptomatic occlusion of the extracranial ICA that was diagnosed on computed tomographic angiography within 9 hours after onset of neurological symptoms. Follow-up imaging of the carotid artery had to be available within 7 days after admission.

Results—
Of the 1021 patients participating in DUST between May 2009 and May 2013, an acute symptomatic occlusion of the extracranial ICA was found in 126 (12.3%) patients. Follow-up imaging was available in 86 (68.3%) of these patients. At follow-up, a residual stenosis of <30% was found in 15 (17.4%; 95% confidence interval, 10.8–26.9) patients, a 30% to 49% stenosis in 3 (3.5%; 95% confidence interval, 0.8–10.2) patients, a 50% to 69% stenosis in 2 (2.3%; 95% confidence interval, 0.1–8.6) patients, and a ≥70% stenosis in 14 (16.3%; 95% confidence interval, 9.8–25.6) patients. A near or persistent occlusion was present in the remaining 52 (60.5%) patients.

Conclusions—
A residual high-grade stenosis of the extracranial ICA occurs in 1 of 6 patients with a symptomatic occlusion in the acute stage of cerebral ischemia. Because this may have implications for secondary prevention, we recommend follow-up imaging in these patients within a week after the event.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00880113.
Precipitation Forecasting with Gamma Distribution Models for Gridded Precipitation Events in Eastern Oklahoma and Northwestern Arkansas*
Authors: Amburn Steven A. , Lang Andrew S. I. D. , Buonaiuto Michael A. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
An elegant and easy to implement probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecasting model that can be used to estimate the probability of exceedance (POE) is presented. The model was built using precipitation data collected across eastern Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas from late 2005 through early 2013. The dataset includes precipitation analyses at 4578 contiguous, 4 km × 4 km grid cells for 1800 precipitation events of 12 h. The dataset is unique in that the meteorological conditions for each 12-h event were relatively homogeneous when contrasted with single-point data obtained over months or years where the meteorological conditions for each rain event could have varied widely. Grid cells were counted and stratified by precipitation amount in increments of 0.05 in. (1.27 mm) up to 10 in. (254 mm), yielding histograms for each event. POEs were computed from the observed precipitation distributions and compared to POEs computed from two gamma probability density functions ( and ). The errors between the observed POEs and gamma-computed POEs ranged between 2% and 10%, depending on the threshold POE selected for the comparison. This accuracy suggests the gamma models could be used to make reasonably accurate estimates of POE, given the percent areal coverage and the mean precipitation over the area. Finally, it is suggested that the areal distribution for each event is representative of the distribution at any point in the area over a large number of similar events. It then follows that the gamma models can be used to make forecasts for the probability of exceedance at a point, given the probability of rain and the expected mean rainfall at that same point.
Social deprivation and adult blunt chest trauma: A retrospective study
Authors: Battle Ceri , Hutchings Hayley , Bouamra Omar , Evans Phillip A 
Published: December 2014

Introduction The relationship between socioeconomic status and various components of health is well established. Research has also highlighted that social deprivation can affect patterns of injury and outcome after trauma. The interaction between outcomes following blunt chest trauma and socioeconomic status has received limited attention in trauma research. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic factors, mechanisms of injury and outcomes following blunt chest trauma using deprivation measures calculated on the basis of domicile postcodes. Methods A retrospective study design was used in order to examine the medical notes of all blunt chest wall trauma patients who presented to the ED of a large regional trauma centre in South West Wales in 2012 and 2013. Baseline characteristics were presented as median and interquartile range or numbers and percentages. Differences between the baseline characteristics were analysed using Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were presented from the univariable analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors for the development of complications. Results Patients in the ‘more deprived’ group were more likely to be the victims of assault ( p < 0.001) and were more likely to have an unplanned re-attendance at the Emergency Department than the patients in the ‘less deprived’ group ( p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, social deprivation was not a risk factor for the development of complications, but it was a significant risk factor for prolonged length of stay ( p < 0.05). Conclusions This is the first study in which social deprivation has been investigated as a risk factor for complications following isolated blunt chest wall trauma. Residing in a ‘more deprived’ area in South West Wales is not associated with the development of complications following isolated blunt chest wall trauma.
Benchmarking rehabilitation practice in the intensive care unit
Authors: Knott Anna , Stevenson Matt , Harlow Stephanie KM 
Published: December 2014

Introduction Early rehabilitation in critically ill patients has been demonstrated to be safe and is associated with many positive outcomes. Despite this, there are inconsistencies in the early active rehabilitation that patients receive on intensive care units. The aims of this study were to quantify the amount of active rehabilitation provided for patients in a District General Hospital intensive care unit and to identify specific barriers encountered. Methods Data were collected over a six-week period during March and April 2013. All patients admitted to the intensive care unit at St Peter’s Hospital for more than 48 h were included. For every treatment session, the treating physiotherapist recorded what type of treatment took place. Treatments were classified as either non-active or active rehabilitation. Non-active rehabilitation included chest physiotherapy, passive range of movement exercises and hoisting to a chair. Active rehabilitation was defined as any treatment including active/active-assisted exercises, sitting on the edge of the bed, sitting to standing, standing transfers, marching on the spot or ambulation. Classification of rehabilitation was based upon internationally agreed intensive care unit activity codes and definitions. All barriers to active rehabilitation were also recorded. Results The study included 35 patients with a total of 194 physiotherapy treatment sessions. Active rehabilitation was included in 51% of all treatment sessions. The median time to commencing active rehabilitation from intensive care unit admission was 3 days (range 3–42 [IQR 3–7]). The most frequent barriers to active rehabilitation were sedation and endotracheal tubes, which together accounted for 50% of the total barriers. Conclusion The study provides useful benchmarking of current rehabilitation activity in a District General Hospital intensive care unit and highlights the most common barriers encountered to active rehabilitation. Longer duration studies incorporating larger sample sizes are warranted. Future studies should utilise the internationally agreed intensive care unit activity codes to improve comparability.
Depression following critical illness: Analysis of incidence and risk factors
Authors: Battle Ceri , James Karen , Temblett Paul 
Published: December 2014

Purpose Depression is common in ICU survivors and is known to negatively affect health-related quality of life. The reported risk factors for depression include increasing age, gender and hospital and ICU length of stay. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for depression in survivors of critical illness. Materials and methods Patients attending the ICU Follow-up Clinic completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and data were also collected from their medical records. Risk factors investigated included age, gender, Apache II score, ICU length of stay and a diagnosis of sepsis during ICU admission. Results A total of 63 patients participated, with 29 (46%) patients suffering with depression. On multivariable logistic regression, the only significant risk factor for depression was sepsis (p < 0.05, odds ratio: 6.8; 95% CI: 1.8–25.8). Age, gender and ICU length of stay were not found to be risk factors for depression. Conclusions There are a number of potential causative factors as to why sepsis would cause long-term depression and this needs further investigation.
Primary anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome causing recurrent venous thrombosis and thrombocytopenia in a patient with Addison’s disease
Authors: Elebrashy Ibrahim , Yousief Elham , Saif Aasem 
Published: December 2014

Lesson We report a case of Addison's disease presenting with recurrent deep venous thrombosis and thrombocytopenia and proved to have primary anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome. The case report highlights the shared autoimmune nature of both diseases.
Utilization of triangle nanosilver to prepare spherical nanosilver and quantitatively detect trace titanium by SERS
Authors: Liu Qingye , Wen Guiqing , Zhang Xinghui , Liang Aihui , Jiang Zhiliang 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The blue triangle nanosilver (BAgNP) sol was prepared by the two reducers of NaBH4 and H2O2. Using BAgNP as the precursor, a small spherical nanosilver (AgNP) sol in yellow was synthesized by addition of suitable amounts of X
− (X = Cl, Br, and I). The oxidization process of BAgNP to AgNP was studied in detail by resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS), surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), laser scattering, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption, and microscope techniques. It has been observed that NaCl accelerated the oxidizing BAgNP to form AgNP, and an oxidizing mechanism and quasi-nanograting Raman-scattering enhanced mechanism were developed to explain the phenomena. Using the BAgNP sol as substrate and based on the catalysis of Ti(IV) on the BrO3
− oxidizing safranine T (ST) molecular probe with a strong SERS peak at 1,535 cm−1, a new catalytic SERS quantitative method was developed for the determination of 1.0 to 100 ng/mL Ti, with a detection limit of 0.4 ng/mL.
Real-time deflection and friction force imaging by bimorph-based resonance-type high-speed scanning force microscopy in the contact mode
Authors: Cai Wei , Fan Haiyun , Zhao Jianyong , Shang Guangyi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe report herein an alternative high-speed scanning force microscopy method in the contact mode based on a resonance-type piezoelectric bimorph scanner. The experimental setup, the modified optical beam deflection scheme suitable for smaller cantilevers, and a high-speed control program for simultaneous data capture are described in detail. The feature of the method is that the deflection and friction force images of the sample surface can be obtained simultaneously in real time. Images of various samples (e.g., a test grating, a thin gold film, and fluorine-doped tin oxide-coated glass slides) are acquired successfully. The imaging rate is 25 frames per second, and the average scan speed reaches a value of approximately 2.5 cm/s. The method combines the advantages of both observing the dynamic processes of the sample surface and monitoring the frictional properties on the nanometer scale.PACS07.79.Lh; 07.79.Sp; 68.37.Ps
Co-enhancement of fluorescence and singlet oxygen generation by silica-coated gold nanorods core-shell nanoparticle
Authors: Ke Xuebin , Wang Dong , Chen Changqing , Yang Anqi , Han Yu , Ren Lei , Li Donghui , Wang Hongjun 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) as a newly recognized technology has been attracting considerable attention and is widely used in fluorescence-based technology. In this paper, we reported a novel distance-dependent MEF and metal-enhanced singlet oxygen generation phenomenon based on silica-coated gold nanorods (AuNRs@SiO2) core-shell structure with tetra-substituted carboxyl aluminum phthalocyanine (AlC4Pc) that serve as both fluorophore and photosensitizer. When the AlC4Pc was linked on the surface of AuNRs@SiO2, the fluorescence intensity and singlet oxygen productivity varied with the thickness difference of silica shell from 2.1 to 28.6 nm. The co-enhancement effect reached the maximum of 7-fold and 2.1-fold, respectively, when the separation distance was 10.6 nm. These unique characteristics make the prepared core-shell nanoparticles promising for MEF-based biological imaging and photodynamics therapy.
K

r
/K

c
but not d

N
/d

S
correlates positively with body mass in birds, raising implications for inferring lineage-specific selection
Authors: Weber Claudia C , Nabholz Benoit , Romiguier Jonathan , Ellegren Hans 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Background
The ratio of the rates of non-synonymous and synonymous substitution (d
N
/d
S
) is commonly used to estimate selection in coding sequences. It is often suggested that, all else being equal, d
N
/d
S
should be lower in populations with large effective size (Ne) due to increased efficacy of purifying selection. As Ne is difficult to measure directly, life history traits such as body mass, which is typically negatively associated with population size, have commonly been used as proxies in empirical tests of this hypothesis. However, evidence of whether the expected positive correlation between body mass and d
N
/d
S
is consistently observed is conflicting.

Results
Employing whole genome sequence data from 48 avian species, we assess the relationship between rates of molecular evolution and life history in birds. We find a negative correlation between d
N
/d
S
and body mass, contrary to nearly neutral expectation. This raises the question whether the correlation might be a method artefact. We therefore in turn consider non-stationary base composition, divergence time and saturation as possible explanations, but find no clear patterns. However, in striking contrast to d
N
/d
S
, the ratio of radical to conservative amino acid substitutions (K
r
/K
c
) correlates positively with body mass.

Conclusions
Our results in principle accord with the notion that non-synonymous substitutions causing radical amino acid changes are more efficiently removed by selection in large populations, consistent with nearly neutral theory. These findings have implications for the use of d
N
/d
S
and suggest that caution is warranted when drawing conclusions about lineage-specific modes of protein evolution using this metric.
A positive fixed point theorem with applications to systems of Hammerstein integral equations
Authors: Cabada Alberto , Cid José Ángel , Infante Gennaro 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
We present new criteria on the existence of fixed points that combine some monotonicity assumptions with the classical fixed point index theory. As an illustrative application, we use our theoretical results to prove the existence of positive solutions for systems of nonlinear Hammerstein integral equations. An example is also presented to show the applicability of our results.

MSC: 47H10, 34B10, 34B18, 45G15, 47H30.
Efffect of desensitizing agents on the bond strength of dental adhesive systems
Authors: Andreatti Luciene Santana , Lopes Murilo Baena , Guiraldo Ricardo Danil , Borges Alvaro Henrique , Dorilêo Maura Cristiane Orçati , Gonini Alcides 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The exposure of dentin to the oral environment leads to dentinal sensitivity, the treatment of which exposes the substrate to various substances that can alter its interaction with adhesive restorative materials. The objective of this study was to analyze whether the prior use of desensitizing agents interferes with the bond strength of resin restorative materials. A total of 48 molars were divided into six groups, according to conventional application (CV) of the adhesive systems Scotchbond Multipurpose (SB) and Clearfil SE Bond (CF) and their association with bioglass (BG/Biosilicate®) or arginine (AR/Sensitive Pro-Relief/TM). Bond strength was assessed by a microshear mechanical test, using a composite resin as restorative material (Filtek Z350 XT). Mechanical testing was performed at a speed of 0.5 mm/min in a universal testing machine, and the data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). The bond strength (MPa) was 17.03 for SBCV; 21.19 for SBAR; 26.24 for SBBG; 21.37 for CFCV; 27.09 for CFAR and 29.51 for CFBG group. A significant increase in bond strength (p <0.05) was observed when Biosilicate® was used prior to the conventional and self-etching adhesive systems. Fracture pattern analysis by means of optical microscopy showed a predominance of mixed type fractures, with the exception of the CFCV group, where adhesive fractures predominated. It is concluded that arginine did not interfere with the bond strength with dentin, while the use of Biosilicate® tended to strengthen the bond between dentin and the adhesive systems used.
Foxp3-mediated inhibition of Akt inhibits Glut1 (glucose transporter 1) expression in human T regulatory cells
Authors: Basu Samik , Hubbard Britany , Shevach Ethan M 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs have a diminished capacity to activate the PI3K/Akt pathway. Although blunted Akt activity is necessary to maintain Treg function, the consequences of this altered signaling are unclear. Glut1 is a cell-surface receptor responsible for facilitating glucose transport across plasma membranes, whose expression is tightly coupled to costimulatory signals and Akt phosphorylation. Freshly isolated human Tregs were unable to up-regulate Glut1 in response to TCR and costimulatory signals compared with Tconv. Consequently, the ability of Tregs to use glucose was also reduced. Introduction of Foxp3 into Tconv inhibited Akt activation and Glut1 expression, indicating that Foxp3 can regulate Glut1. Finally, pharmacologic activation of Akt in Tregs can induce Glut1, overcoming the effects of Foxp3. Together, these results illustrate the molecular basis behind differential glucose metabolism in Tregs.
Pitfalls in the seismic interpretation of fault shadow events — Vicksburg formation of south Texas
Authors: Bain Richard C. 
Published: December 2014

Reliance on prestack time-migrated seismic data to define structural highs without incorporating all subsurface data and without taking into account the regional and local lateral depositional trends may result in dry holes or poorly positioned production wells due to local velocity changes, which are usually caused by some depositional or structural phenomenon. Tying check-shot control to depositional units may reveal those phenomena and permit assumptions to be made about velocities in areas beyond check-shot control points. We discovered a significant gas accumulation in an area surrounded by dry holes and marginal wells in the Vicksburg Formation in McAllen Ranch Field, Hidalgo County, Texas, by treating a seismic velocity anomaly as a geologic problem and by simple application of arithmetic and geometry to a 3D velocity model. Due to the effects of the anomaly, seismic data displayed in time gave no indication of the existence of a 325 ha (800 ac), 150 BCFG anticlinal structure. A subsurface model that accounted for the velocity anomaly was able to predict its extent and severity by readily identifiable thickness changes in the anomalous units. The resulting discovery yielded a sevenfold increase in field production within a two-year time span.