bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized Assessment of Ticagrelor Versus Prasugrel Antiplatelet Effects in Patients with ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Alexopoulos Dimitrios , Xanthopoulou Ioanna , Gkizas Vassilios , Kassimis George , Theodoropoulos Konstantinos C. , Makris George , Koutsogiannis Nikolaos , Damelou Anastasia , Tsigkas Grigorios , Davlouros Periklis , Hahalis George 
Published: November 2012

Background—
Ticagrelor and prasugrel provide stronger platelet inhibition compared with clopidogrel. Direct pharmacodynamic comparison between them has not yet been reported in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Methods and Results—

In a prospective, single-center, single-blind study, 55 out of 117 (47%) screened consecutive ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention were randomized to either ticagrelor 180 mg loading followed by 90 mg bid, or prasugrel 60 mg loading followed by 10 mg od for 5 days. Platelet reactivity (PR) was assessed with the VerifyNow P2Y12 function assay and the Multiplate Analyzer at 0, 1, 2, 6, 24 hours, and 5 days postrandomization. The primary end point, PR with VerifyNow at hour 1, did not differ significantly between patients randomized to ticagrelor versus prasugrel (257.3 P2Y12 reaction unit [PRU], 95% CI 230.8–283.8 versus 231.3 PRU, 95% CI 205.3–257.4;
P
=0.2). PR did not differ at 2, 6, and 24 hours, although at day 5 it was lower with ticagrelor than prasugrel (25.6 PRU, 95% CI 12.3–38.9 versus 50.3 PRU, 95% CI 36.4–64.1;
P
=0.01). At hour 2, high on-treatment PR rates (cutoff 208 PRU) were 46.2% and 34.6% for ticagrelor and prasugrel, respectively, decreased significantly thereafter, whereas did not differ significantly between the 2 agents at all the time points of the study.

Conclusions—
In patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, both ticagrelor and prasugrel exhibit an initial delay in the onset of their antiplatelet action. Ticagrelor did not appear superior to prasugrel in reducing PR during the first 24 hours of ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01463163.
Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Without Significant Coronary Stenosis
Authors: Aldrovandi Annachiara , Cademartiri Filippo , Arduini Daniele , Lina Daniela , Ugo Fabrizio , Maffei Erica , Menozzi Alberto , Martini Chiara , Palumbo Alessandro , Bontardelli Federico , Gherli Tiziano , Ruffini Livia , Ardissino Diego 
Published: November 2012

Background—
It is known that a significant number of patients experiencing an acute myocardial infarction have normal coronary arteries or nonsignificant coronary disease at coronary angiography (CA). Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) can identify the presence of plaques, even in the absence of significant coronary stenosis. This study evaluated the role of 64-slice CTCA in detecting and characterizing coronary atherosclerosis in these patients.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive patients with documented acute myocardial infarction but without significant coronary stenosis at CA underwent late gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance and CTCA. Only the 50 patients with an area of myocardial infarction identified by late gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance were included in the study. All of the coronary segments were assessed for the presence of plaques. CTCA identified 101 plaques against the 41 identified by CA: 61 (60.4%) located in infarct-related arteries (IRAs) and 40 (39.6%) in non-IRAs. In the IRAs, 22 plaques were noncalcified, 17 mixed, and 22 calcified; in the non-IRAs, 5 plaques were noncalcified, 8 mixed, and 27 calcified (
P
=0.005). Mean plaque area was greater in the IRAs than in the non-IRAs (6.1±5.4 mm
2
versus 4.2±2.1 mm
2
;
P
=0.03); there was no significant difference in mean percentage stenosis (33.5%±14.6 versus 31.7%±12.2;
P
=0.59), but the mean remodeling index was significantly different (1.25±0.41 versus 1.08±0.21;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—
CTCA detects coronary plaques in nonstenotic coronary arteries that are underestimated by CA, and identifies a different distribution of plaque types in IRAs and non-IRAs. It may therefore be valuable for diagnosing coronary atherosclerosis in acute myocardial infarction patients without significant coronary stenosis.
CXCR4 Antagonist AMD3100 Protects Blood–Brain Barrier Integrity and Reduces Inflammatory Response After Focal Ischemia in Mice
Authors: Huang Jun , Li Yaning , Tang Yaohui , Tang Guanghui , Yang Guo-Yuan , Wang Yongting 
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—
Inflammatory response plays a critical role in propagating tissue damage after focal cerebral ischemia. CXCL12 is a key chemokine for leukocyte recruitment. However, the role of CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 in ischemia-induced inflammatory response is unclear. Here we use the pharmacological antagonist of CXCR4, AMD3100, to investigate the function of CXCL12/CXCR4 in regulating inflammatory response during acute ischemia.

Methods—
Adult male CD-1 mice (n=184) underwent permanent suture middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). AMD3100 was injected for 3 days (1 mg/kg/day) after MCAO. Brain water content, infarct volume, neurological score, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) expression and activity were examined at 24, 48, and 72 hours after MCAO. Proinflammatory cytokine RNA and protein levels in brain tissue were measured by RT-PCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Results—

Neurological score was greatly improved in AMD3100-treated mice compared with the control mice 3 days after MCAO (
P
<0.05). Brain edema–induced change of water content, IgG protein leakage, Evans blue extravasation, occludin, and ZO-1 expression in ipsilateral hemisphere were alleviated by acute treatment of AMD3100. MPO expression and activity revealed that AMD3100 profoundly reduced the number of MPO-positive cells in the ischemic region (
P
<0.05). It also attenuated proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor α, and interferon γ; their mRNA and protein levels changed accordingly compared with the controls (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—
CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 significantly suppressed inflammatory response and reduced blood–brain barrier disruption after MCAO. AMD3100 attenuated ischemia-induced acute inflammation by suppressing leukocyte migration and infiltration, in addition to reducing proinflammatory cytokine expression in the ischemic region.
Postal and Face-to-Face Administration of Stroke Outcome Measures
Authors: Sutton Christopher J. , Watkins Caroline L. , Cook Neil , Leathley Michael J. , McAdam Joanna , Dey Paola 
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—
Different modes of administration are used to collect stroke outcomes, even within the same study, potentially leading to different results. We investigated the effect of administration mode (postal questionnaire; face-to-face interview) on self-reports of activities of daily living and mood.

Methods—

The study was nested within a poststroke motivational interviewing trial. Activities of daily living (Barthel; Nottingham Extended) and mood (General Health Questionnaire; Yale) were collected at 3 and 12 months via postal questionnaire. Participants were approached to respond again via face-to-face interview. Paired
t
tests (McNemar test) and intraclass correlation coefficients (Cohen κ) were used, with 95% CI, to compare scores (items).

Results—
Forty-four participants consented. Only Barthel scores were significantly different; they were 1.0 (95% CI, 0.5–1.6) higher face-to-face. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the Barthel was 0.90; for the other scales it was between 0.83 and 0.87. The Yale κ was 0.72.

Conclusions—
Modes of administration might be used interchangeably, albeit in conjunction with corrections for the Barthel.
Correlation of Large Artery Intracranial Occlusive Disease With Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Presence of Carotid Plaque
Authors: Leng Xin Yi , Chen Xiang Yan , Chook Ping , Xiong Li , Lin Wen Hua , Liu Jing Yi , Tomlinson Brian , Thomas G. Neil , Lam Tai Hing , Lam Karen S.L. , Cheung Bernard M.Y. , Wong Ka Sing 
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—
Large artery intracranial occlusive disease (LAICOD) is a predominant cause of ischemic stroke in China. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and presence of carotid plaque are also related to subsequent ischemic stroke. However, the correlation between these and LAICOD is less clear.

Methods—
This was a community-based cross-sectional study. All subjects underwent carotid duplex ultrasonography and transcranial Doppler. Mean CIMT value of bilateral common carotid arteries was used. Plaque was defined as a focal CIMT of >1.5 mm. LAICOD in transcranial Doppler was defined by peak systolic velocity and age, and presence of turbulence or musical sound was also considered.

Results—

For the 537 subjects studied (mean age, 54.7±10.1 years; 46.9% males), mean CIMT was 0.74±0.12 mm, with the 75th percentile of 0.80 mm. CIMT ≥1.0 mm was identified in 13 subjects (2.4%). Plaques were detected in 79 subjects (14.7%). Compared with those without LAICOD, the 48 subjects (8.9%) with LAICOD had greater CIMTs (0.77±0.09 versus 0.73±0.12 mm;
P
=0.044), more with CIMT of higher quartiles (
P
=0.007), and more with carotid plaques (25.0% versus 13.7%;
P
=0.035). However, after adjusting for confounding factors, CIMT and presence of carotid plaque were not significantly associated with LAICOD.

Conclusions—
The results suggest that CIMT and presence of carotid plaque probably are not independently correlated with LAICOD in Chinese community residents, which supported the existence of pathologic and pathophysiologic differences in atherogenesis of intra- and extracranial arteries.
Mesoscale Energy Spectra of Moist Baroclinic Waves
Authors: Waite Michael L. , Snyder Chris 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The role of moist processes in the development of the mesoscale kinetic energy spectrum is investigated with numerical simulations of idealized moist baroclinic waves. Dry baroclinic waves yield upper-tropospheric kinetic energy spectra that resemble a −3 power law. Decomposition into horizontally rotational and divergent kinetic energy shows that the divergent energy has a much shallower spectrum, but its amplitude is too small to yield a characteristic kink in the total spectrum, which is dominated by the rotational part. The inclusion of moist processes energizes the mesoscale. In the upper troposphere, the effect is mainly in the divergent part of the kinetic energy; the spectral slope remains shallow (around −) as in the dry case, but the amplitude increases with increasing humidity. The divergence field in physical space is consistent with inertia–gravity waves being generated in regions of latent heating and propagating throughout the baroclinic wave. Buoyancy flux spectra are used to diagnose the scale at which moist forcing—via buoyant production from latent heating—injects kinetic energy. There is significant input of kinetic energy in the mesoscale, with a peak at scales of around 800 km and a plateau at smaller scales. If the latent heating is artificially set to zero at some time, the enhanced divergent kinetic energy decays over several days toward the level obtained in the dry simulation. The effect of moist forcing of mesoscale kinetic energy presents a challenge for theories of the mesoscale spectrum based on the idealization of a turbulent inertial subrange.
Time Scales of the Trade Wind Boundary Layer Adjustment
Authors: Bellon Gilles , Stevens Bjorn 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The adjustment of the trade wind atmospheric boundary layer to an abrupt sea surface warming is investigated using a large-eddy simulation (LES) and two simple bulk models: a mixed-layer model (MLM), and a model based on the mixing-line hypothesis (XLM). The near-surface temperature adjusts in a few hours, faster than can be expected from the characteristic time scales associated with the physical processes at play. The near-surface humidity adjusts more slowly, with a time scale of about a day, and it exhibits an initial decrease before increasing to its equilibrium value. An analysis of the MLM suggests that the initial tendency of humidity and temperature results from the difference in Bowen ratios between the equilibrium and the perturbation. An analysis of the three linear modes of the XLM shows that the fastest-decaying mode adjusts the subcloud-layer buoyancy, with a constructive interaction of all of the physical processes. The second-fastest-decaying mode is an adjustment of the boundary layer thermodynamical structure and the slowest mode adjusts the boundary layer depth. Approximate analytical expressions of the time scales characterizing these linear modes are derived both for the MLM and the XLM. The MLM exhibits no scale separation between the fastest and second-fastest time scales and a scale separation between these and the slowest time scale only in the case of a shallow well-mixed boundary layer. The XLM exhibits a scale separation between the buoyancy adjustment of the subcloud layer and the overall thermodynamic adjustment, while conserving the scale separation with the slower adjustment of the boundary layer depth.
Global Observations of Ocean-Bottom Subinertial Current Dissipation
Authors: Wright Corwin J. , Scott Robert B. , Furnival Darran , Ailliot Pierre , Vermet Franck 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Quadratic bottom boundary layer drag is a potentially significant source of energy dissipation in the deep ocean. This study presents a new estimate of the energy dissipated by this process, using results from the world’s largest archive of ocean current meter time series and focusing strongly upon the potential uncertainties in this calculation. Two methods are used, one based on a simple division of the World Ocean into a series of regular grids and the other based on a more sophisticated analysis using a hierarchical clustering mechanism assisted by estimates from the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) model. From these analyses, the authors estimate a globally integrated bottom boundary layer dissipation of 0.65 ± 0.15 (statistical uncertainty) ± 0.15 (methodological uncertainty) TW.
Ship-Mounted Real-Time Surface Observational System on board Indian Vessels for Validation and Refinement of Model Forcing Fields*
Authors: Harikumar R. , Balakrishnan Nair T. M. , Bhat G. S. , Nayak Shailesh , Reddem Venkat Shesu , Shenoi S. S. C. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
A network of ship-mounted real-time Automatic Weather Stations integrated with Indian geosynchronous satellites [Indian National Satellites (INSATs)] 3A and 3C, named Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services Real-Time Automatic Weather Stations (I-RAWS), is established. The purpose of I-RAWS is to measure the surface meteorological–ocean parameters and transmit the data in real time in order to validate and refine the forcing parameters (obtained from different meteorological agencies) of the Indian Ocean Forecasting System (INDOFOS). Preliminary validation and intercomparison of analyzed products obtained from the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts using the data collected from I-RAWS were carried out. This I-RAWS was mounted on board oceanographic research vessel Sagar Nidhi during a cruise across three oceanic regimes, namely, the tropical Indian Ocean, the extratropical Indian Ocean, and the Southern Ocean. The results obtained from such a validation and intercomparison, and its implications with special reference to the usage of atmospheric model data for forcing ocean model, are discussed in detail. It is noticed that the performance of analysis products from both atmospheric models is similar and good; however, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts air temperature over the extratropical Indian Ocean and wind speed in the Southern Ocean are marginally better.
Foams based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposites with enhanced thermal stability
Authors: Scamardella Anna Maria , Vietri Umberto , Sorrentino Luigi , Lavorgna Marino , Amendola Eugenio 
Published: November 2012

Novel poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposites have been developed, incorporating commercial bottle grade polyester and modified organoclay, which exhibit enhanced thermal and dynamic-mechanical properties and improved foaming behavior. A benefit arising from the use of an organoclay is that this class of material is generally able to withstand the high processing temperatures of engineering polymers, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate), and not undergo decomposition. This offers a great advantage over the use of organic modifiers, whose volatile by-products are known to promote thermal degradation of the polymer matrix under such conditions. In this work, a novel organoclay was obtained via intercalation of bis-(hydroxyethyl terephthalate) in sodium montmorillonite layers and then used to prepare poly(ethylene terephthalate)-clay nanocomposites via melt compounding by using a twin-screw extruder. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the onset decomposition temperatures of poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposites incorporating this organoclay were higher than those of controls based on commercial organoclays. However, the inclusion of this new nanofiller also led to a drastic decrease of melt viscosity, which in turn suppressed foaming. In order to compensate for the effects of the viscosity reduction, pyromellitic dianhydride was used in the reactive extrusion process of poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposites. Rheological analysis showed a strong improvement in viscosity of these poly(ethylene terephthalate)/pyromellitic dianhydride/organoclay nanocomposites, to levels of the same order of magnitude as reference commercial foaming grade poly(ethylene terephthalate), or higher. Samples were foamed using carbon dioxide as physical blowing agent in a batch foaming process. Comparison of sample morphology, performed by scanning electron microscopic analysis, indicated very good results in some samples in terms of cellular morphology and foam density.
Zero-Tolerance Policing, Stealth Real Estate Development, and the Transformation of Public Space
Authors: Davis Diane E. 
Published: November 2012

Rising criminality and violence in key neighborhoods surrounding Mexico City’s historic center have limited easy access to downtown public spaces that used to host much of the city’s social, commercial, and political life. In 2002 a group of powerful local businessmen hired the international security consultant Rudolph Giuliani to design security measures that might remedy the city’s crime problems. The Giuliani plan not only called for restrictions on free movement and intense scrutiny of public behavior associated with the strategy of “zero tolerance” but also suggested the criminalization of certain behaviors and made recommendations for police reform that called into question the distinction between public and private police. One of the principal consequences of its implementation was to circumscribe public access to downtown space. Stated simply, the widening of downtown’s public sphere brought a narrowing of access to it along class lines. An examination of the context in which the plan was pursued traces the Giuliani invitation to the dynamics of downtown real estate development and land-use collusion between elected officials and private developers in the name of security policy. El alza del crimen y la violencia en barrios claves rodeando el centro histórico de la Ciudad de México han limitado el acceso a los espacios públicos céntricos que antes recibían una gran parte de la vida social, comercial y política de la ciudad. En el 2002, un grupo de poderosos empresarios locales contrataron al asesor de seguridad internacional, Rudolph Giuliani para que volvieran a diseñarse medidas de seguridad que pudieran remediar los problemas del crimen de la ciudad. El plan Giuliani no solo recomendaba la restricción de la movilidad libre y escrutinio intenso del comportamiento público asociado con la “cero tolerancia” sino que también la criminalización de ciertos comportamientos y en donde se hicieron recomendaciones de reforma policiaca que cuestionan la distinción entre la policía pública y la particular. Una de las consecuencias principales de su implementación fue la forma en que se circunscriba el acceso público al espacio céntrico. Puesto simplemente, el anchar de la esfera pública del centro urbano conllevo al estrechar del acceso al mismo según líneas de clase. Un examen del contexto en el cual se prosigue en el plan traza la invitación que se le hizo a Giuliani con la dinámica del desarrollo urbano en bienes raíces y la colusión en uso de la tierra entre oficiales electos y empresarios urbanizadores en nombre de la seguridad.
Physical and thermal properties of thermoplastic poly(azo-urethane)s
Authors: Kausar Ayesha , Hussain Syed Tajammul 
Published: November 2012

New thermoplastic segmented poly(azo-urethane)s (PAUs) have been synthesized by one-step polycondensation from aromatic diazo-diol, ( E)-1-(4-(4-(3-hydroxypyridyl-azo)thiocarbamoylaminobenzyl)-phenyl)-3-(3-hydroxypyridylazo)thiourea, as chain extenders, phenylene diisocyanate and 20–60 mol % polyethylene glycol (PEG) with the molecular weight of 2000 g/mol. The effect of diazo-diol used in the structure and some physicochemical, thermal and mechanical properties of the segmented polyurethanes were studied. The structure was examined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. Polyazos were the products with good processability and high molar mass in the range 120 × 103–135 × 103 g/mol. Thermal properties, investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry indicated that PAUs up to 40 mol % polyol were fairly stable above 530°C, having initial weight loss of around 528–539°C, 10% gravimetric loss in the range 553–567°C and own high glass transition temperature 259–264°C. The polymers also demonstrated higher tensile strength (56.53–63.83 MPa) and elongation at break (1.58–1.63). However, compared with typical polyurethanes, PAUs with lower polyol content displayed higher Tgs, heat and mechanical stability owing to warily designed rigid hard segment structure.