bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D interpretation by integrating seismic and potential field data in the vicinity of the proposed COSC-1 drill site, central Swedish Caledonides
Authors: Hedin Peter , Malehmir Alireza , Gee David G. , Juhlin Christopher , Dyrelius Dan 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

The scientific drilling project COSC (Collisional Orogeny in the Scandinavian Caledonides), designed to study key questions concerning orogenic processes, aims to drill two fully cored boreholes to depths of
c.
2.5 km each at carefully selected locations in west-central Sweden. The first of these, COSC-1, is scheduled for start late spring 2014 and will target the Seve Nappe Complex, characterized by inverted metamorphism and with parts that have evidently been subjected to hot ductile extrusion. In this study available seismic sections have been combined with surface geology to produce a 3D interpretation of the tectonic structures in the vicinity of the COSC-1 borehole. Constrained 3D inverse gravity modelling over the same area supports the interpretation, and the high-density Seve Nappe Complex stands out clearly in the model. Interpretation and models show that the maximum depth extent of the Seve Nappe Complex is less than 2.5 km, consistent with reflection seismic data. The gravity modelling also requires underlying units to comprise low-density material, consistent with the Lower Allochthon, but the modelling is unable to discern the décollement separating the allochthons from the crystalline Precambrian basement.
miRNA Dysregulation in Breast Cancer
Authors: Mulrane Laoighse , McGee Sharon F. , Gallagher William M. , O'Connor Darran P. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractmiRNAs have emerged, in the last decade, as key players in the carcinogenic process, with many candidates identified as playing important roles in many aspects of tumor development, growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. More recently, polymorphisms in miRNAs themselves or in their binding sites in target genes have been identified to incur increased risk of breast cancer in certain populations. In addition, epigenetic regulation and differential expression of processing enzymes has been shown to contribute to the aberrant expression of miRNAs in breast cancer. This review focuses on the area of miRNA dysregulation in breast cancer through both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, and the impact of this dysregulation on breast cancer risk and resistance to therapies. Cancer Res; 73(22); 6554–62. ©2013 AACR.
Role of Local Versus Systemic Vitamin D Receptors in Vascular Calcification
Authors: Lomashvili Koba A. , Wang Xiaonan , O’Neill W. Charles 
Published: November 2013

Objective—
Calcitriol and various analogs are commonly used to suppress secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease but may also exacerbate vascular calcification. Although this could be because of increased intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption, direct effects through vitamin D receptors (VDRs) on vascular smooth muscle have also been proposed.

Approach and Results—

The role of these receptors was investigated by examining gene regulation in rat aortas treated with calcitriol ex vivo and in vivo and by transplanting aortas from VDR-null (VDR
−/−
) mice into wild-type mice before induction of uremia and treatment with calcitriol. In cultured rat aortas, calcitriol increased the expression of mRNA for CYP24A1 but not mRNA for any bone-related or calcification-related genes. Gene expression in aortas in vivo was not altered by doses of calcitriol that promote calcification. Calcitriol markedly increased aortic calcification in uremic mice and this did not differ between VDR
−/−
aortic allografts and VDR
+/+
recipient aortas.

Conclusions—
Calcitriol promotes vascular calcification through a systemic action rather than through a direct vascular action.
Circulating CD40
+
and CD86
+
B Cell Subsets Demonstrate Opposing Associations With Risk of Stroke
Authors: Mantani Polyxeni T. , Ljungcrantz Irena , Andersson Linda , Alm Ragnar , Hedblad Bo , Björkbacka Harry , Nilsson Jan , Fredrikson Gunilla Nordin 
Published: November 2013

Objective—

Accumulating evidence shows that immune cells play an important role in atherosclerosis. Most attention has focused on the role of different T cell subsets, whereas the possible involvement of B cells has been less studied. In this study, we assessed the association of 2 different B cell subsets, CD19
+
CD40
+
and CD19
+
CD86
+
B cells, with risk for development of acute cardiovascular events.

Approach and Results—

The prospective study included 700 subjects randomly selected from the cardiovascular cohort of the Malmö Diet and Cancer study. Mononuclear leukocytes, stored at –140
○
C at the baseline investigation in 1991–1994, were thawed and B cell subsets analyzed by flow cytometry. Cytokine release from CD3/CD28-stimulated mononuclear leukocytes was measured with multiplex ELISA. Baseline carotid intima-media thickness and stenosis were assessed by ultrasonography, and clinical events were monitored through validated national registers during a median/mean follow-up time of 15 years. The subjects in the highest tertile of CD19
+
CD40
+
B cells had a significantly lower risk of incident stroke after adjustment for other risk factors. In contrast, CD19
+
CD86
+
B cells were associated with higher risk for development of a stroke event and increased release of proinflammatory cytokines from mononuclear leukocytes.

Conclusions—
These observations provide evidence for an involvement of B cells in the incidence of stroke and suggest that both pathogenic and protective B cell subsets exist.
Inhibition of Bone Morphogenic Protein 4 Restores Endothelial Function in
db/db
Diabetic Mice
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liu Jian , Tian Xiao Yu , Wong Wing Tak , Chen Yangchao , Wang Li , Luo Jiangyun , Cheang Wai San , Lau Chi Wai , Kwan Kin Ming , Wang Nanping , Yao Xiaoqiang , Huang Yu 
Published: November 2013

Objective—

Bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) is involved in the development of endothelial dysfunction in hypertension. This study investigated whether the inhibition of BMP4 signaling improves endothelial function in
db/db
diabetic mice.

Approach and Results—

Male
db/db
mice were treated with noggin via osmotic pump infusion (1 µg/[h·kg
–1
]) for 2 weeks. Adenovirus BMP4-short hairpin RNA was introduced via tail vein injection at a dosage of 10
9
pfu/mouse and its effects were examined 7 days after. Vasoreactivity was studied on wire and pressure myograph. Both noggin treatment and adenovirus BMP4-short hairpin RNA transduction improved endothelium-dependent relaxations in aortae and flow-mediated dilatation in mesenteric arteries of
db/db
mice. Ex vivo treatment with BMP4 inhibitors and adenovirus BMP4-short hairpin RNA rescued the impaired endothelium-dependent relaxations in
db/db
mouse aortae and reduced reactive oxygen species overproduction determined by dihydroethidium staining, CM-H
2
DCFDA fluorescence imaging, and chemiluminescence assay in
db/db
mouse aortae, and also in ex vivo cultured C57BL/6 mouse aortae or primary mouse aortic endothelial cells treated with high glucose. Likewise, activin receptor–like kinase 3 silencing by short hairpin RNA lentivirus improved endothelium-dependent relaxations in
db/db
mouse aortae accompanied by reactive oxygen species inhibition in endothelial cells. In addition, noggin reduced BMP4 upregulation in high-glucose–treated endothelial cells and in C57BL/6 mouse aortae and in aortae from
db/db
mice.

Conclusions—
Inhibition of BMP4/activin receptor–like kinase 3/reactive oxygen species signaling improved endothelial function in diabetic mice through limiting oxidative stress in endothelium. Inhibiting BMP4 cascade can become another potential therapeutic strategy against diabetic vascular dysfunction.
Prevalence and Prognostic Importance of Changes in Renal Function After Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Brisco Meredith A. , Kimmel Stephen E. , Coca Steven G. , Putt Mary E. , Jessup Mariell , Tang Wilson W.H. , Parikh Chirag R. , Testani Jeffrey M. 
Published: November 2013

Background—
The long-term durability and prognostic significance of improvement in renal function after mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has yet to be characterized in a large multicenter population. The primary goals of this analysis were to describe serial post-MCS changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and determine their association with all-cause mortality.

Methods and Results—

Adult patients enrolled in the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) with serial creatinine levels available (n=3363) were studied. Early post-MCS, eGFR improved substantially (median improvement, 48.9%;
P
<0.001) with 22.3% of the population improving their eGFR by ≥100% within the first few weeks. However, in the majority of patients, this improvement was transient, and by 1 year, eGFR was only 6.7% above the pre-MCS value (
P
<0.001). This pattern of early improvement followed by deterioration in eGFR was observed with both pulsatile and continuous-flow devices. Interestingly, poor survival was associated with both marked improvement (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–2.26;
P
=0.002) and worsening in eGFR (adjusted HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.15–2.13;
P
=0.004).

Conclusions—
Post-MCS, early improvement in renal function is common but seems to be largely transient and not necessarily indicative of an improved prognosis. This pattern was observed with both pulsatile and continuous-flow devices. Additional research is necessary to better understand the mechanistic basis for these complex post-MCS changes in renal function and their associated survival disadvantage.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00119834.
Rationale and Design of a Multicenter Echocardiographic Study to Assess the Relationship Between Cardiac Structure and Function and Heart Failure Risk in a Biracial Cohort of Community-Dwelling Elderly Persons
Authors: Shah Amil M. , Cheng Susan , Skali Hicham , Wu Justina , Mangion Judy R. , Kitzman Dalane , Matsushita Kunihiro , Konety Suma , Butler Kenneth R. , Fox Ervin R. , Cook Nakela , Ni Hanyu , Coresh Josef , Mosley Thomas H. , Heiss Gerardo , Folsom Aaron R. , Solomon Scott D. 
Published: November 2013

Background—
Heart failure is an important public health concern, particularly among persons >65 years of age. Women and blacks are critically understudied populations that carry a sizeable portion of the heart failure burden. Limited normative and prognostic data exist on measures of cardiac structure, diastolic function, and novel measures of systolic deformation in older adults living in the community.

Methods and Results—
The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study is a large, predominantly biracial, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute–sponsored epidemiological cohort study. Between 2011 and 2013, ≈6000 surviving participants, now in their seventh to ninth decade of life, are expected to return for a fifth study visit during which comprehensive 2-dimensional, Doppler, tissue Doppler, and speckle-tracking echocardiography will be performed uniformly in all cohort clinic visit participants. The following objectives will be addressed: (1) to characterize cardiac structural and functional abnormalities among the elderly and to determine how they differ by sex and race/ethnicity, (2) to determine the relationship between ventricular and vascular abnormalities, and (3) to prospectively examine the extent to which these noninvasive measures associate with incident heart failure.

Conclusions—
We describe the design, imaging acquisition and analysis methods, and quality assurance metrics for echocardiography in visit 5 of the ARIC cohort. A better understanding of the differences in cardiac structure and function through the spectrum of heart failure stages in elderly persons generally, and between sexes and racial/ethnic groups specifically, will deepen our understanding of the pathophysiology driving heart failure progression in these at-risk populations and may inform novel prevention or therapeutic strategies.
Adiponectin and Risk of Stroke
Authors: Arregui Maria , Buijsse Brian , Fritsche Andreas , di Giuseppe Romina , Schulze Matthias B. , Westphal Sabine , Isermann Berend , Boeing Heiner , Weikert Cornelia 
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose—
The favorable cardiovascular effects attributed to adiponectin may lower risk of stroke. We investigated this in a prospective study and meta-analysis.

Methods—
A case–cohort study nested within the Potsdam cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer was performed, with 170 incident cases of ischemic stroke and a randomly selected subcohort of 2155 participants without major cardiovascular disease at baseline. A random-effects dose–response meta-analysis was performed on prospective studies reporting on adiponectin and incident stroke in healthy populations up to April 2013, identified through MEDLINE and EMBASE.

Results—

In European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Potsdam, after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, the hazard ratio of ischemic stroke per 5-µg/mL higher total-adiponectin was 1.10 (95% confidence interval, 0.89–1.37). Participants with higher total-adiponectin had higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and triglyceride levels, and had less often diabetes mellitus. Additional adjustment for these putative mediators yielded a hazard ratio of 1.31 (95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.64). Nine studies (19 259 participants, 2960 cases), including European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Potsdam, were meta-analyzed. Pooling relative risks adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors not including putative mediators indicated moderate between-study heterogeneity (
I
2
=52.2%). This was explained by the smallest study, and the pooled relative risk (95% confidence interval) before and after its exclusion was 1.03 (0.98–1.08) and 0.99 (0.96–1.01) per 5 µg/mL, respectively. The pooled relative risk (95% confidence interval) additionally adjusted for potential mediators was 1.08 (1.01–1.15) and 1.05 (1.00–1.11) before and after excluding the same study, respectively.

Conclusions—
Adiponectin is not associated with risk of stroke. If anything, adiponectin relates directly to stroke risk after controlling for risk factors that favorably correlate with adiponectin.
Detecting and Classifying Events in Noisy Time Series
Authors: Kang Yanfei , Belušić Danijel , Smith-Miles Kate 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Time series are characterized by a myriad of different shapes and structures. A number of events that appear in atmospheric time series result from as yet unidentified physical mechanisms. This is particularly the case for stable boundary layers, where the usual statistical turbulence approaches do not work well and increasing evidence relates the bulk of their dynamics to generally unknown individual events.
This study explores the possibility of extracting and classifying events from time series without previous knowledge of their generating mechanisms. The goal is to group large numbers of events in a useful way that will open a pathway for the detailed study of their characteristics, and help to gain understanding of events with previously unknown origin. A two-step method is developed that extracts events from background fluctuations and groups dynamically similar events into clusters. The method is tested on artificial time series with different levels of complexity and on atmospheric turbulence time series. The results indicate that the method successfully recognizes and classifies various events of unknown origin and even distinguishes different physical characteristics based only on a single-variable time series. The method is simple and highly flexible, and it does not assume any knowledge about the shape geometries, amplitudes, or underlying physical mechanisms. Therefore, with proper modifications, it can be applied to time series from a wider range of research areas.
Interactive Effects of the COMT Gene and Training on Individual Differences in Supervisory Control of Unmanned Vehicles
Authors: Parasuraman Raja , Kidwell Brian , Olmstead Ryan , Lin Ming-Kuan , Jankord Ryan , Greenwood Pamela 
Published: November 2013

Objective: We examined whether a gene known to influence dopamine availability in the prefrontal cortex is associated with individual differences in learning a supervisory control task. Background: Methods are needed for selection and training of human operators who can effectively supervise multiple unmanned vehicles (UVs). Compared to the valine (Val) allele, the methionine (Met) allele of the COMT gene has been linked to superior executive function, but it is not known whether it is associated with training-related effects in multi-UV supervisory control performance. Method: Ninety-nine healthy adults were genotyped for the COMT Val158Met single nucleotide polymorphism (rs4680) and divided into Met/Met, Val/Met, and Val/Val groups. Participants supervised six UVs in an air defense mission requiring them to attack incoming enemy aircraft and protect a no-fly zone from intruders in conditions of low and high task load (numbers of enemy aircraft). Training effects were examined across four blocks of trials in each task load condition. Results: Compared to the Val/Met and Val/Val groups, Met/Met individuals exhibited a greater increase in enemy targets destroyed and greater reduction in enemy red zone incursions across training blocks. Conclusion: Individuals with the COMT Met/Met genotype can acquire skill in executive function tasks, such as multi-UV supervisory control, to a higher level and/or faster than other genotype groups. Application: Potential applications of this research include the development of individualized training methods for operators of multi-UV systems and selecting personnel for complex supervisory control tasks.
Hand-assisted laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy: initial Glasgow experience
Authors: Hanif F , Clancy MJ 
Published: November 2013

Aims The study presents the early results of hand-assisted laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy (HALDN) carried out in West of Scotland from June 2009 to October 2010. Methods The first 20 HALDN procedures carried out in our unit are presented. The outcomes reported are warm ischaemia time, operative time, delayed graft function, recipient renal function and one-month morbidity and mortality of donor and recipient. SPSS 15.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results The mean age of the donors was 44 ± 10 years, predominantly females ( n = 13), median operative time 135 ± 33 min and warm ischaemia time 41 ± 16 s. The length of the incision used was 65 mm in all cases. Duration of hospital stay was 5 ± 1 days. Patient mortality was 0 and morbidity minimal with two donors developing minor wound infection and no other clinically significant postoperative morbidity. Among the recipients, 18/20 (90%) transplants worked primarily with two delayed graft functions, one due to early surgical complications in a small paediatric recipient and one due to recipient renal artery thrombosis. Conclusion HALDN is safe and associated with minimal morbidity; further analysis aims to confirm excellent cosmetic results and quick return to activity compared with the standard open nephrectomy technique.
The development and piloting of the REnal specific Advanced Communication Training (REACT) programme to improve Advance Care Planning for renal patients
Authors: Bristowe Katherine , Shepherd Kate , Bryan Liz , Brown Heather , Carey Irene , Matthews Beverley , O’Donoghue Donal , Vinen Katie , Murtagh Fliss EM 
Published: November 2013

Background: In recent years, the End-Stage Kidney Disease population has increased and is ever more frail, elderly and co-morbid. A care-focused approach needs to be incorporated alongside the disease focus, to identify those who are deteriorating and improve communication about preferences and future care. Yet many renal professionals feel unprepared for such discussions. Aim: To develop and pilot a REnal specific Advanced Communication Training (REACT) programme to address the needs of End-Stage Kidney Disease patients and renal professionals. Design: Two-part study: (1) development of the REnal specific Advanced Communication Training programme informed by multi-professional focus group and patient survey and (2) piloting of the programme. Setting/participants: The REnal specific Advanced Communication Training programme was piloted with 16 participants (9 renal nurses/health-care assistants and 7 renal consultants) in two UK teaching hospitals. Results: The focus group identified the need for better information about end-of-life phase, improved awareness of patient perspectives, skills to manage challenging discussions, ‘hands on’ practice in a safe environment and follow-up to discuss experiences. The patient survey demonstrated a need to improve communication about concerns, treatment plans and decisions. The developed REnal specific Advanced Communication Training programme was acceptable and feasible and was associated with a non-significant increase in confidence in communicating about end-of-life issues (pre-training: 6.6/10, 95% confidence interval: 5.7–7.4; post-training: 6.9/10, 95% confidence interval: 6.1–7.7, unpaired t-test – p = 0.56), maintained at 3 months. Conclusion: There is a need to improve end-of-life care for End-Stage Kidney Disease patients, to enable them to make informed decisions about future care. Challenges include prioritising communication training among service providers.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and Radiologic Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ajuied Adil , Wong Fabian , Smith Christian , Norris Mark , Earnshaw Peter , Back Diane , Davies Andrew 
Published: November 2013

Background: Knee osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has previously been reported. However, there has been no meta-analysis reporting the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Purpose: We present the first meta-analysis reporting on the development and progression of osteoarthritis after ACL injury at a minimum mean follow-up of 10 years, using a single and widely accepted radiologic classification, the Kellgren & Lawrence classification. Study Design: Meta-analysis. Method: Articles were included for systematic review if they reported radiologic findings of ACL-injured knees and controls using the Kellgren & Lawrence classification at a minimum mean follow-up period of 10 years. Appropriate studies were then included for meta-analysis. Results: Nine studies were included for systematic review, of which 6 studies were further included for meta-analysis. One hundred twenty-one of 596 (20.3%) ACL-injured knees had moderate or severe radiologic changes (Kellgren & Lawrence grade III or IV) compared with 23 of 465 (4.9%) uninjured ACL-intact contralateral knees. After ACL injury, irrespective of whether the patients were treated operatively or nonoperatively, the relative risk (RR) of developing even minimal osteoarthritis was 3.89 ( P < .00001), while the RR of developing moderate to severe osteoarthritis (grade III and IV) was 3.84 ( P < .0004). Nonoperatively treated ACL-injured knees had significantly higher RR (RR, 4.98; P < .00001) of developing any grade of osteoarthritis compared with those treated with reconstructive surgery (RR, 3.62; P < .00001). Investigation of progression to moderate or severe osteoarthritis (grade III or IV only) after 10 years showed that ACL-reconstructed knees had a significantly higher RR (RR, 4.71; P < .00001) compared with nonoperative management (RR, 2.41; P = .54). It was not possible to stratify for return to sports among the patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. Conclusion: Results support the proposition that ACL injury predisposes knees to osteoarthritis, while ACL reconstruction surgery has a role in reducing the risk of developing degenerative changes at 10 years. However, returning to sports activities after ligament reconstruction may exacerbate the development of arthritis.