bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Consequences of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapy
Authors: Xiong Qiang , Ye Lei , Zhang Pengyuan , Lepley Michael , Tian Jinfeng , Li Jun , Zhang Liying , Swingen Cory , Vaughan J. Thomas , Kaufman Dan S. , Zhang Jianyi 
Published: February 2013

Background—
The use of cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells as cellular therapy for myocardial injury has yet to be examined in a large-animal model.

Methods and Results—

Immunosuppressed Yorkshire pigs were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: A myocardial infarction group (MI group; distal left anterior descending coronary artery ligation and reperfusion; n=13); a cell-treatment group (MI with 4×10
6
vascular cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells administered via a fibrin patch; n=14); and a normal group (n=15). At 4 weeks, left ventricular structural and functional abnormalities were less pronounced in hearts in the cell-treated group than in MI hearts (
P
<0.05), and these improvements were accompanied by declines in scar size (10.4±1.6% versus 8.3±1.1%, MI versus cell-treatment group,
P
<0.05). The cell-treated group displayed a significant increase in vascular density and blood flow (0.83±0.11 and 1.05±0.13 mL·min
−1
·g
−1
, MI versus cell-treatment group,
P
<0.05) in the periscar border zone (BZ), which was accompanied by improvements in systolic thickening fractions (infarct zone, −10±7% versus 5±5%; BZ, 7±4% versus 23±6%;
P
<0.05). Transplantation of vascular cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells stimulated c-kit
+
cell recruitment to BZ and the rate of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation in both c-kit
+
cells and cardiomyocytes (
P
<0.05). Using a magnetic resonance spectroscopic saturation transfer technique, we found that the rate of ATP hydrolysis in BZ of MI hearts was severely reduced, and the severity of this reduction was linearly related to the severity of the elevations of wall stresses (
r
=0.82,
P
<0.05). This decline in BZ ATP utilization was markedly attenuated in the cell-treatment group.

Conclusions—
Transplantation of vascular cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells mobilized endogenous progenitor cells into the BZ, attenuated regional wall stress, stimulated neovascularization, and improved BZ perfusion, which in turn resulted in marked increases in BZ contractile function and ATP turnover rate.
Incidence and Associations of Poststroke Epilepsy
Authors: Graham Neil S.N. , Crichton Siobhan , Koutroumanidis Michael , Wolfe Charles D.A. , Rudd Anthony G. 
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose—
To describe the epidemiology and associations of poststroke epilepsy (PSE) because there is limited evidence to inform clinicians and guide future research.

Methods—
Data were collected from the population-based South London Stroke Register of first strokes in a multiethnic inner-city population with a maximum follow-up of 12 years. Self-completed forms and interviews notified study organizers of epilepsy diagnosis. Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox models were used to assess associations with sociodemographic factors, clinical features, stroke subtype, and severity markers.

Results—

Three thousand three-hundred ten patients with no history of epilepsy presented with first stroke between 1995 and 2007, with a mean follow-up of 3.8 years. Two-hundred thirteen subjects (6.4%) had development of PSE. PSE incidence at 3 months and 1, 5, and 10 years were estimated at 1.5%, 3.5%, 9.0%, and 12.4%, respectively. Sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status were not associations, but markers of cortical location, including dysphasia, visual neglect, and field defect, along with stroke severity indices at presentation, including low Glasgow Coma Scale, incontinence, or poor function on Barthel Index, were associated with PSE on univariate analysis. Young age was independently associated with PSE, affecting 10.7% of patients aged <65 years and 1.6% >85 years (
P
≤0.001) on 10-year estimates. Independent predictors of PSE also included visual neglect, dysphasia, and stroke subtype, particularly total anterior circulation infarcts. Dysarthria was associated with reduced incidence.

Conclusions—
PSE is common, with risk continuing to increase outside the acute phase. Young age, cortical location, larger lesions, and hemorrhagic lesions are independent predictors.
Changes in Animal Welfare Views in New Zealand: Responding to Global Change
Authors: Loveridge Alison 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Consumer action is leading to increasing debate over on-farm activities in New Zealand. Both animal welfare activists and government organizations frequently refer to the importance of welfare standards in order to secure overseas markets, as well as in response to local concerns. This article explores rural and urban people’s views of welfare of animals kept on farms for commercial purposes in response to a 2008 survey commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. It compares and contrasts these recent findings with those of an earlier (1994) survey, to demonstrate how understanding of—and the impetus for—changing farm practices have developed. The article also looks at the global context of the animal welfare issue and discusses how overseas trends impact the New Zealand situation. The view that animal welfare is purely about physical well-being is among those challenged at home and abroad, and farmers are now forced to defend and amend industry standards.
“I Didn’t Feel Right About Animal Dissection”: Dissection Objectors Share Their Science Class Experiences
Authors: Oakley Jan 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
This paper highlights the voices and experiences of individuals who objected to animal dissection in their high school science and biology classes. The data were collected via online surveys (n = 311), and 8 of these participants took part in more in-depth telephone interviews. Participants were former students from Ontario, Canada, who discussed their experiences with animal dissection in general, and objection to dissection in particular, if applicable. The findings reveal that students who expressed objection to dissection experienced a range of teacher responses, including pressure to participate, the request to join another group of students and watch, the choice to use a dissection alternative, warnings of compromised grades, and other responses. The study points to the importance of choice policies to ensure that dissection alternatives are available in classrooms. In this way, students can select among different options of how they would like to learn, and teachers can be prepared to accommodate those who choose not to dissect.
Validation of Environment Canada and NOAA UV Index Forecasts with Brewer Measurements from Canada
Authors: He Huixia , Fioletov Vitali E. , Tarasick David W. , Mathews Thomas W. , Long Craig 
Published: February 2013

AbstractGround-based ultraviolet (UV) irradiance measurements by Brewer spectrophotometers at 10 sites across Canada are compared with UV index forecasts for the same locations from Environment Canada (EC) and NOAA. For the EC forecast validation, summertime (May–August) data for the period from 1996 to 2009 are used. Comparison with NOAA forecasts is made for the more limited period of May–August 2006 and 2007. Several statistical measures are used, including the mean and the standard deviation of differences, correlation coefficients, and the probability of detection and false-alarm rate for prediction of high (UV index of 6 or above) values. For most conditions, only modest differences are found between the two forecasting systems; that is, UV index forecasts reported in the United States and Canada for Canadian sites are compatible. In general, the physically based NOAA system, which started operation in 2005, performs better than the semiempirical EC model, developed in the mid-1990s. The difference in model performance is not large under clear-sky and light-cloud conditions, but the EC model underperforms relative to the NOAA model under heavy-cloud and rainy conditions. Both the EC and the NOAA forecast models tend to overestimate UV under clear-sky and light-cloud conditions. Under heavy-cloud and rainy conditions, the EC model underestimates UV values, with about 30% of all forecasts under these conditions being 2 or more units below observations. NOAA forecasts tend to overestimate UV index values under these conditions.
A Unified Model for Moist Convective Boundary Layers Based on a Stochastic Eddy-Diffusivity/Mass-Flux Parameterization
Authors: Sušelj Kay , Teixeira João , Chung Daniel 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
A single-column model (SCM) is developed for representing moist convective boundary layers. The key component of the SCM is the parameterization of subgrid-scale vertical mixing, which is based on a stochastic eddy-diffusivity/mass-flux (EDMF) approach. In the EDMF framework, turbulent fluxes are calculated as a sum of the turbulent kinetic energy–based eddy-diffusivity component and a mass-flux component. The mass flux is modeled as a fixed number of steady-state plumes. The main challenge of the mass-flux model is to properly represent cumulus clouds, which are modeled as moist plumes. The solutions have to account for a realistic representation of condensation within the plumes and of lateral entrainment into the plumes. At the level of mean condensation within the updraft, the joint pdf of moist conserved variables and vertical velocity is used to estimate the proportion of dry and moist plumes and is sampled in a Monte Carlo way creating a predefined number of plumes. The lateral entrainment rate is modeled as a stochastic process resulting in a realistic decrease of the convective cloudiness with height above cloud base. In addition to the EDMF scheme, the following processes are included in the SCM: a pdf-based parameterization of subgrid-scale condensation, a simple longwave radiation, and one-dimensional dynamics. Note that in this approach there are two distinct pdfs, one representing the variability of updraft properties and the other one the variability of thermodynamic properties of the surrounding environment. The authors show that the model is able to capture the essential features of moist boundary layers, ranging from stratocumulus to shallow-cumulus regimes. Detailed comparisons, which include pdfs, profiles, and integrated budgets with the Barbados Oceanographic and Meteorological Experiment (BOMEX), Dynamics and Chemistry of Marine Stratocumulus (DYCOMS), and steady-state large-eddy simulation (LES) cases, are discussed to confirm the quality of the present approach.
Interhemispheric Temperature Asymmetry over the Twentieth Century and in Future Projections
Authors: Friedman Andrew R. , Hwang Yen-Ting , Chiang John C. H. , Frierson Dargan M. W. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The temperature contrast between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres—the interhemispheric temperature asymmetry (ITA)—is an emerging indicator of global climate change, potentially relevant to the Hadley circulation and tropical rainfall. The authors examine the ITA in historical observations and in phases 3 and 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3 and CMIP5) simulations. The observed annual-mean ITA (north minus south) has varied within a 0.8°C range and features a significant positive trend since 1980. The CMIP multimodel ensembles simulate this trend, with a stronger and more realistic signal in CMIP5. Both ensembles project a continued increase in the ITA over the twenty-first century, well outside the twentieth-century range. The authors mainly attribute this increase to the uneven spatial impacts of greenhouse forcing, which result in amplified warming in the Arctic and northern landmasses. The CMIP5 specific-forcing simulations indicate that, before 1980, the greenhouse-forced ITA trend was primarily countered by anthropogenic aerosols. The authors also identify an abrupt decrease in the observed ITA in the late 1960s, which is generally not present in the CMIP simulations; it suggests that the observed drop was caused by internal variability. The difference in the strengths of the northern and southern Hadley cells covaries with the ITA in the CMIP5 simulations, in accordance with previous findings; the authors also find an association with the hemispheric asymmetry in tropical rainfall. These relationships imply a northward shift in tropical rainfall with increasing ITA in the twenty-first century, though this result is difficult to separate from the response to global-mean temperature change.
MJO and Convectively Coupled Equatorial Waves Simulated by CMIP5 Climate Models
Authors: Hung Meng-Pai , Lin Jia-Lin , Wang Wanqiu , Kim Daehyun , Shinoda Toshiaki , Weaver Scott J. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
This study evaluates the simulation of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and convectively coupled equatorial waves (CCEWs) in 20 models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) phase 5 (CMIP5) in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) and compares the results with the simulation of CMIP phase 3 (CMIP3) models in the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). The results show that the CMIP5 models exhibit an overall improvement over the CMIP3 models in the simulation of tropical intraseasonal variability, especially the MJO and several CCEWs. The CMIP5 models generally produce larger total intraseasonal (2–128 day) variance of precipitation than the CMIP3 models, as well as larger variances of Kelvin, equatorial Rossby (ER), and eastward inertio-gravity (EIG) waves. Nearly all models have signals of the CCEWs, with Kelvin and mixed Rossby–gravity (MRG) and EIG waves being especially prominent. The phase speeds, as scaled to equivalent depths, are close to the observed value in 10 of the 20 models, suggesting that these models produce sufficient reduction in their effective static stability by diabatic heating. The CMIP5 models generally produce larger MJO variance than the CMIP3 models, as well as a more realistic ratio between the variance of the eastward MJO and that of its westward counterpart. About one-third of the CMIP5 models generate the spectral peak of MJO precipitation between 30 and 70 days; however, the model MJO period tends to be longer than observations as part of an overreddened spectrum, which in turn is associated with too strong persistence of equatorial precipitation. Only one of the 20 models is able to simulate a realistic eastward propagation of the MJO.
Twenty-First-Century Compatible CO2 Emissions and Airborne Fraction Simulated by CMIP5 Earth System Models under Four Representative Concentration Pathways
Authors: Jones Chris , Robertson Eddy , Arora Vivek , Friedlingstein Pierre , Shevliakova Elena , Bopp Laurent , Brovkin Victor , Hajima Tomohiro , Kato Etsushi , Kawamiya Michio , Liddicoat Spencer , Lindsay Keith , Reick Christian H. , Roelandt Caroline , Segschneider Joachim , Tjiputra Jerry 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The carbon cycle is a crucial Earth system component affecting climate and atmospheric composition. The response of natural carbon uptake to CO2 and climate change will determine anthropogenic emissions compatible with a target CO2 pathway. For phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), four future representative concentration pathways (RCPs) have been generated by integrated assessment models (IAMs) and used as scenarios by state-of-the-art climate models, enabling quantification of compatible carbon emissions for the four scenarios by complex, process-based models. Here, the authors present results from 15 such Earth system GCMs for future changes in land and ocean carbon storage and the implications for anthropogenic emissions. The results are consistent with the underlying scenarios but show substantial model spread. Uncertainty in land carbon uptake due to differences among models is comparable with the spread across scenarios. Model estimates of historical fossil-fuel emissions agree well with reconstructions, and future projections for representative concentration pathway 2.6 (RCP2.6) and RCP4.5 are consistent with the IAMs. For high-end scenarios (RCP6.0 and RCP8.5), GCMs simulate smaller compatible emissions than the IAMs, indicating a larger climate–carbon cycle feedback in the GCMs in these scenarios. For the RCP2.6 mitigation scenario, an average reduction of 50% in emissions by 2050 from 1990 levels is required but with very large model spread (14%–96%). The models also disagree on both the requirement for sustained negative emissions to achieve the RCP2.6 CO2 concentration and the success of this scenario to restrict global warming below 2°C. All models agree that the future airborne fraction depends strongly on the emissions profile with higher airborne fraction for higher emissions scenarios.
Impaired phagocytosis and susceptibility to infection in pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wu S-A , Yeh K-W , Lee W-I , Yao T-C , Kuo M-L , Huang B , Huang J-L 
Published: February 2013

Objectives Impaired function of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) leads to severe gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infection, and to major morbidity and mortality. Few studies have focused on the association of impaired function of PMNs and SLE patients’ susceptibility to infection. This study aimed to analyze function of PMNs in peroxidase production, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis in pediatric-onset SLE with severe infection. Methods This study compared function of PMNs among pediatric-onset SLE patients with and without histories of severe infection and in normal control subjects. Human peripheral blood PMNs were isolated from patients and controls. Function of PMNs was measured by analyzing peroxidase, chemotaxis, and phagocytic activities. Different disease activity and severity, and drug use in newly diagnosed SLE patients were also compared. Results In total, 34 SLE patients (12 patients with severe infection, 22 patients without infection) and 25 healthy controls were analyzed. There were no differences in function of PMNs between SLE patients with or without severe infection. Regardless of infection status, medication, and disease activity, SLE patients had impaired phagocytic ability against Salmonella-specific lipopolysaccharides (LPS) compared with normal controls ( p < 0.01). The use of immunosuppressants did not influence phagocytic ability against Salmonella-derived LPS. Conclusions Immunosuppressant agents do not influence phagocytic ability against Salmonella in SLE subjects. Impaired phagocytosis against Salmonella is prominent in pediatric-onset SLE subjects, which may result in the high prevalence of Salmonella infection. There is no deficiency of peroxidase production and chemotaxis activity among SLE subjects.
Biomechanical Analysis of the Calcaneocuboid Joint Pressure After Sequential Lengthening of the Lateral Column
Authors: Xia Jiang , Zhang Peng , Yang Yun-Feng , Zhou Jia-Qian , Li Qian-Ming , Yu Guang-Rong 
Published: February 2013

Background: Lengthening of the lateral column by means of the Evans osteotomy is commonly used for reconstruction of adult and pediatric flatfoot. However, some reports have shown that the Evans osteotomy is linked with increased calcaneocuboid joint pressures and an increased risk of arthritis in the joint. The purpose of this study was to measure the pressure across the calcaneocuboid joint and demonstrate the changing trends of the pressure within the calcaneocuboid joint after sequential lengthening of the lateral column. Methods: Six cadaver specimens were physiologically loaded and the peak pressure of the calcaneocuboid joint was measured under the following conditions: (1) normal foot, (2) flatfoot, and (3) sequential lengthening of the lateral column by means of the Evans procedure (from 4 mm to 12 mm, in 2 mm increments). Results: Peak pressures across the joint increased significantly from baseline in the flatfoot ( P < .05). In the corrected foot, with the increment of the graft, the peak pressure decreased initially and then increased. The pressure reached its minimum value (11.04 ± 1.15 kg/cm2) with 8 mm lengthening of the lateral column. The differences were significant compared to the flatfoot ( P < .05) and corrected foot with the other sizes of grafts ( P < .05), but differences were not significant compared to the intact foot ( P = .143). Conclusions: Lateral column lengthening within a certain extent will decrease the pressure in calcaneocuboid joint with a flatfoot deformity. Clinical Relevance: Performing the procedure with an 8 mm lengthening may reduce the risk of the secondary calcaneocuboid osteoarthritis.
Subtalar Arthrodesis Alignment
Authors: Jastifer James R. , Gustafson Peter A. , Gorman Robert R. 
Published: February 2013

Background: The position, axis, and control of each lower extremity joint intimately affect adjacent joint function as well as whole-limb performance. A review of the literature finds little describing the biomechanics of subtalar arthrodesis and the effect on ankle biomechanics. The purpose of the current study was to establish this effect on sagittal plane ankle biomechanics. Methods: A study was performed using a 3-dimensional, validated, computational model of the lower extremity. A subtalar arthrodesis was simulated from 20 degrees of varus to 20 degrees of valgus. At each arthrodesis position, the ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscles’ fiber force, moment arm, and moments were calculated throughout a physiologic range of motion. Results: Throughout ankle range of motion, plantarflexion and dorsiflexion strength varied with subtalar arthrodesis position. When the ankle joint was in neutral sagittal alignment, plantarflexion strength was maximized in 10 degrees of subtalar valgus, and strength varied by a maximum of 2.6% from the peak 221 Nm. In a similar manner, with the ankle joint in neutral position, dorsiflexion strength was maximized with a subtalar joint arthrodesis in 5 degrees of valgus, and strength varied by a maximum of 7.5% from the peak 46.8 Nm. The change in strength was due to affected muscle fiber force generating capacities and muscle moment arms. Conclusion: The significance of this study is that subtalar arthrodesis in a position of 5 to 10 degrees of subtalar valgus has a biomechanical advantage. Clinical Relevance: This supports previous clinical outcome studies and offers a biomechanical rationale for their generally favorable outcomes.