bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term Detection of Human Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells After Intraarticular Injection in SCID Mice
Authors: Toupet Karine , Maumus Marie , Peyrafitte Julie‐Anne , Bourin Philippe , van Lent Peter L. E. M. , Ferreira Rosanna , Orsetti Béatrice , Pirot Nelly , Casteilla Louis , Jorgensen Christian , Noël Danièle 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising tool for cell therapy for several disorders, among them the osteoarticular diseases. For such clinical applications, intraarticular (IA) injection of MSCs may be favored for higher levels of safety and targeting of specific joints. Although the safety of intravenous (IV) administration of MSCs has been reported in a number of clinical trials, the safety and biodistribution of MSCs after IA injection have not been tested. Our objective was to assess the toxicity of clinical‐grade human adipose‐derived MSCs (AD‐MSCs), as well as their biodistribution, after IA injection into SCID mice.MethodsSCID mice received IA or IV administration of 106 human AD‐MSCs. Several tissues were recovered at different time points and processed for histologic assessment or real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. A highly sensitive assay was used to monitor the distribution of AD‐MSCs, based on amplification of human‐specific Alu sequences.ResultsAbsence of toxicity was observed after AD‐MSC infusion. Alu PCR assay revealed a high sensitivity (1 human AD‐MSC/105 murine cells), with a large linear range (1–5 × 104/105 murine cells). Importantly, 15% of the IA‐injected AD‐MSCs were detectable in the joint for the first month and 1.5% of the AD‐MSCs engrafted over the long term, at least 6 months. AD‐MSCs were observed in the injected joints and in areas of tissue referred to as stem cell niches, such as the bone marrow, adipose tissue, and muscle.ConclusionThese data support the feasibility and safety of using IA delivery of human AD‐MSCs in the treatment of rheumatic diseases that affect the joints.
Brief Report: Citrullination Within the Atherosclerotic Plaque: A Potential Target for the Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibody Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Sokolove Jeremy , Brennan Matthew J. , Sharpe Orr , Lahey Lauren J. , Kao Amy H. , Krishnan Eswar , Edmundowicz Daniel , Lepus Christin M. , Wasko Mary Chester , Robinson William H. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate whether citrullinated proteins within the atherosclerotic plaque can be targeted by anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), forming stimulatory immune complexes that propagate the progression of atherosclerosis.MethodsProtein lysates prepared from atherosclerotic segments of human aorta were assessed for the presence of citrulline‐modified proteins, and specifically citrullinated fibrinogen (Cit‐fibrinogen), by immunoprecipitation and/or immunoblotting followed by mass spectrometry. Immunohistochemical analysis of coronary artery plaque was performed to determine the presence of citrullinated proteins and peptidylarginine deiminase type 4 (PAD‐4). Serum levels of anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP), anti–citrullinated vimentin (anti–Cit‐vimentin), and anti–Cit‐fibrinogen antibodies were measured in 134 women with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis; these subjects had previously been characterized for the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, by electron beam computed tomography scanning.ResultsWestern blot analysis of atherosclerotic plaque lysates demonstrated several citrullinated proteins, and the presence of Cit‐fibrinogen was confirmed by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry. Immunohistochemical analysis showed colocalization of citrullinated proteins and PAD‐4 within the coronary artery plaque. In age‐adjusted regression models, antibodies targeting Cit‐fibrinogen and Cit‐vimentin, but not CCP‐2, were associated with an increased aortic plaque burden.ConclusionCitrullinated proteins are prevalent within atherosclerotic plaques, and certain ACPAs are associated with the atherosclerotic burden. These observations suggest that targeting of citrullinated epitopes, specifically Cit‐fibrinogen, within atherosclerotic plaques could provide a mechanism for the accelerated atherosclerosis observed in patients with RA.
Neuropathic Features of Joint Pain: A Community‐Based Study
Authors: Soni A. , Batra R. N. , Gwilym S. E. , Spector T. D. , Hart D. J. , Arden N. K. , Cooper C. , Tracey I. , Javaid M. K. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveQuantitative sensory testing (QST) and questionnaire‐based assessments have been used to demonstrate features of neuropathic pain in subjects with musculoskeletal pain. However, their direct relationship has not been investigated in the community. The purpose of this study was to conduct an observational study to describe the characteristics of joint pain and to examine the relationship between QST measures and the PainDETECT Questionnaire (PD‐Q).MethodsWarm detection, heat pain, and mechanical pain thresholds as well as mechanical pain sensitivity over the sternum were determined and the PD‐Q scores were calculated in a cross‐sectional study of 462 participants in the Chingford Study. Comparisons were made between subjects with and those without joint pain. Logistic regression modeling was used to describe the association between neuropathic pain features, as determined by the PD‐Q score, and each of the QST measures individually, adjusting for age, body mass index, and use of pain‐modifying medications.ResultsA total of 66.2% of the subjects reported recent joint pain, with a median average pain severity of 5 of 10. There was increased sensitivity to painful stimuli in the group with pain as compared to the pain‐free group, and this persisted after stratification by pain‐modifying medication use. While only 6.7% of subjects had possible neuropathic pain features and 1.9% likely neuropathic pain features according to the standard PD‐Q thresholds, features of neuropathic pain were common and were present in >50% of those reporting pain of at least moderate severity. Heat pain thresholds and mechanical pain sensitivity were significantly associated with features of neuropathic pain identified using the PD‐Q, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.79–0.97; P = 0.011) and an OR of 1.24 (95% CI 1.04–1.48; P = 0.018), respectively.ConclusionQST measures and the PD‐Q identified features of neuropathic pain in subjects in this community‐based study, with significant overlap between the findings of the two techniques.
Evaluation of Initial Input Effects on Discrete‐Time Stochastic Iterative Learning Control
Authors: Meng Deyuan , Jia Yingmin , Du Junping 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis paper is devoted to the performance evaluation of initial input effects on discrete‐time iterative learning control (ILC) when the plants are subject to random iteration‐varying disturbances. The optimal selection of initial input is provided from the viewpoints of both expectation and variance by investigating the derivative of the error function with respect to the initial input. It is shown that the nonrandom initial input minimizing the initial expected tracking error can enable the tracking error to possess the minimal expectation and variance at all iterations. Simulation tests are included to verify the theoretical study.
H∞ Model Reduction for Positive Fractional Order Systems
Authors: Shen Jun , Lam James 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis paper focuses on the H∞ model reduction problem of positive fractional order systems. For a stable positive fractional order system, we aim to construct a positive reduced‐order fractional system such that the associated error system is stable with a prescribed H∞ performance. Then, based on the bounded real lemma for fractional order systems, a sufficient condition is given to characterize the model reduction problem with a prescribed H∞‐norm error bound in terms of a linear matrix inequality (LMI). Furthermore, by introducing a new flexible real matrix variable, the desired reduced‐order system matrices are decoupled with the complex matrix variable and further parameterized by the new matrix variable. A corresponding iterative LMI algorithm is also proposed. Finally, several illustrative examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Asymptotic Stability and Finite‐Time Stability of Networked Control Systems: Analysis and Synthesis
Authors: Xue Wenping , Mao Weijie 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis paper focuses on the problems of asymptotic stability and finite‐time stability (FTS) analysis, along with the state feedback controller design for networked control systems (NCSs) with consideration of both network‐induced delay and packet dropout. The closed‐loop NCS is modeled as a discrete‐time linear system with a time‐varying, bounded state delay. Sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability and the FTS of the closed‐loop NCS are provided, respectively. Based on the stability analysis results, a mixed controller design method, which guarantees the asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop NCS in the usual case and the FTS of the closed‐loop NCS in the unusual case (that is, in some particular time intervals, large state delay occurs), is presented. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed mixed controller design method.
Designing Emission Charging Schemes for Transportation Conformity
Authors: Yang Yanni , Yin Yafeng , Lu Huapu 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARYThis paper designs emission charging schemes to ensure traffic emissions not exceeding the emission budgets in emission regulation areas. In a network where all links are tollable, we prove that, under mild conditions, there exists a non‐negative link‐based toll scheme that achieves the transportation conformity requirement while minimizing total emissions. We further consider only tolling in the emission regulation areas and formulate a model to determine optimal area‐based emission charges to ensure the conformity. The model is formulated as a mathematical program with complementarity constraints. A solution framework is developed to solve the model, leveraging on a derivative‐free pattern search algorithm and integrating MOVES to estimate vehicular emissions more accurately. The proposed models are demonstrated on two numerical examples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sustainability in the Transport and Logistics Sector: Lacking Environmental Measures
Authors: Oberhofer Peter , Dieplinger Maria 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTSustainability as part of the development of companies' business strategies is gaining in importance. Due to its impact on the environment, this is particularly essential for companies of the transport and logistics sector. This paper explores several factors that influence the environmental behaviour of transport and logistics companies in Austria. It discusses the importance of the economic impact on environmental management decision in detail and analyses the sector's specific characteristics in terms of environmental behavior. A case‐based approach involving multiple field studies with face‐to‐face expert interviews and secondary data analysis was used to evaluate environmental performance and specific practices. Using selected cases, we will demonstrate how environmental measures contribute to overall business performance and draw general conclusions regarding the transport and logistics sector. Furthermore, suggestions are given as to how the government can further support transport and logistics companies in this regard. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Gender differences in long‐term outcome after primary percutaneous intervention for ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Wijnbergen Inge , Tijssen Jan , van 't Veer Marcel , Michels Rolf , Pijls Nico H.J. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundPrevious studies on gender differences in outcome in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have been performed, but most of those are from before the current era of PCI technique and medical therapy and have a short duration of follow‐up. The objective of our study is to assess the influence of gender on long‐term outcome in patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous intervention (PCI) between January 2006 and May 2008.MethodsTwo‐year follow‐up data from 202 female and 668 male patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI were available from the DEBATER (A Comparison of Drug Eluting and Bare Metal Stents for Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with or without Abciximab in ST‐segment elevation Myocardial Infarction: The Eindhoven Reperfusion Study) trial database. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization.ResultsWomen were older (64.7 ± 11.7 vs. 59.0 ± 10.7; P < 0.001), and had more often diabetes mellitus (15% vs. 9%; P = 0.01) and hypertension (44% vs. 25%; P < 0.001). At two years, the rate of MACE was significantly higher in women (21% vs. 14%; P = 0.02). The mortality rate in women was 8% versus 2.6% in men (P < 0.001). However, multivariate analysis after adjustment for age and the baseline characteristics hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, stent diameter, and time between onset of symptoms and arrival of the ambulance showed similar MACE and mortality rates in men and women.ConclusionWomen have higher rates of both MACE and mortality after primary PCI for STEMI compared to men because of higher age with higher baseline risk profiles.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A 25‐year experience of endomyocardial biopsy safety in infants
Authors: Zhorne Derek , Petit Christopher J. , Ing Frank F. , Justino Henri , Jefferies John L. , Dreyer William J. , Kearney Debra , Crystal Matthew A. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTo analyze the outcomes and risk factors associated with endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) in children less than one year of age.BackgroundEMB has proven to be an integral diagnostic tool to evaluate suspected myocarditis, identify tumor histology, and provide tissue‐graft surveillance after cardiac transplantation. The morbidity and mortality of EMB has been well established in the adult literature and reviewed in the general pediatric population, but there remains limited data for children in the first year of life.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the cardiology database at our institution to identify patients less than one year of age who underwent EMB between 1984 and 2008. Cardiac catheterization reports were reviewed for patient demographics, biopsy indication, procedural details, and complications.ResultsA total of 99 EMBs were performed, 49 for evaluation of suspected myocarditis, 43 for transplant rejection surveillance, 3 to identify tumor histology, and 4 for suspected endocardial fibroelastosis. Forty procedures were performed in children age < 6 months with 11 complications and 59 procedures performed in children age ≥ 6 months with four complications. In total, there were 12 EMB procedures (12.1%) with associated complications: 9 arrhythmias, 4 perforations requiring pericardiocentesis, 1 pneumothorax, and 1 death. Univariate analysis revealed a significant association between perforation and both weight <8 kg (P = 0.05) and age <6 months (P = 0.01).ConclusionEndomyocardial biopsies can be performed safely in infants, although children under 6 months of age and less than 8 kg represent a high risk group and deserve special consideration due to the incidence of complications in this cohort.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of internal pudendal artery atherosclerosis using aortography and multi‐detector computed angiography
Authors: Philip Femi , Shishehbor Mehdi H. , Desai Milind Y. , Schoenhagen Paul , Ellis Stephen , Kapadia Samir R. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo compare multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) and aortography in the assessment of the internal pudendal artery (IPA) anatomy and degree of atherosclerosis.MethodsEighty‐three patients underwent MDCT and aortography of the pelvic vasculature prior to consideration for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. These modalities were used to localize the IPA origin, degree of stenosis (normal: <50% stenosis or abnormal: >50% stenosis or occlusion), normal= and extent of calcification, quantified using a nominal scale (0 = no calcification, 1 = <25%, 2 = 25–50%, 3 = >50% of the IPA length). These studies were read independently and were blinded.ResultsMean patient age was 78 ± 8 years with a high prevalence of atherosclerotic disease (70% coronary artery disease (CAD) and 30% peripheral artery disease (PAD)). The prevalence of having IPA stenosis or occlusion was 54%, 18% had an accessory arterial origin. In a patient‐based analysis, the sensitivity of MDCT for detecting significant proximal IPA disease was 100% and, specificity 74%, positive predictive valve was 66%, and negative predictive value was 100%. In assessing the distal IPA and cavernosal arteries, the sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 64%, positive predictive value 89%, and negative predictive value of 100%. MDCT used significantly more contrast and more radiation than aortography.ConclusionMDCT had a high false‐positive rate and low false‐negative rate in evaluating the proximal IPA. For the distal IPA or cavernosal arteries, MDCT showed a high sensitivity and low specificity. These modalities have complementary roles in the assessment of IPA patency. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation without balloon predilation: A single‐center pilot experience
Authors: Mendiz Oscar A. , Fraguas Hugo , Lev Gustavo A. , Valdivieso Leon R. , Favaloro Roberto R. 
Published: April 2013

AimTo assess the results of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using the Medtronic CoreValve prosthesis (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN), without balloon predilation, in high‐risk patients with degenerated severe aortic stenosis.Methods and ResultsFifty‐one consecutive patients who underwent direct TAVI, 98% through a transfemoral approach. Patients were 79 ± 8 years of age, 74% in New York Heart Association classes III or IV and at high risk for surgical valve replacement (mean logistic EuroScore 20 ± 15). Mean aortic valve area was 0.7 ± 0.2 cm2. Procedural success rate was 94.2%. In‐hospital, there were 2 deaths, 1 minor stroke with minimal sequelae, and 14 (28%) pacemaker implantation. At 30 days, there was one additional stroke and no new deaths. The mean postprocedural transprosthetic gradient was 15 ± 5 mm Hg; periprosthetic severe regurgitation was absent and moderate in one case. After a median follow‐up of 7 months, there were five additional deaths (two cardiac), while 84% of survivors were in New York Heart Association classes I or II.ConclusionsThese results suggest that direct CoreValve implantation in patients with severe aortic stenosis is feasible and may lead to hemodynamic and clinical improvement in patients who are poor candidates for aortic valve surgery, pending confirmation in larger series with longer follow‐up. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emergency and prophylactic use of miniaturized veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Husser Oliver , Holzamer Andreas , Philipp Alois , Nunez Julio , Bodi Vicente , Müller Thomas , Lubnow Matthias , Luchner Andreas , Lunz Dirk , Riegger Günter A.J. , Schmid Christof , Hengstenberg Christian , Hilker Michael 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTo report our center's experience using veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vaECMO) in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).BackgroundIn TAVI, short‐term mortality closely relates to life threatening procedural complications. VaECMO can be used to stabilize the patient in emergency situations. However, for the prophylactic use of vaECMO in very high‐risk patients undergoing TAVI there is no experience.MethodsFrom January 2009 to August 2011, we performed 131 TAVI. Emergency vaECMO was required in 8 cases (7%): ventricular perforation (n = 3), hemodynamic instability/cardiogenic shock (n = 4), hemodynamic deterioration due to ventricular tachycardia (n = 1). Since August 2011, during 83 procedures, prophylactic vaECMO was systematically used in very high‐risk patients (n = 9, 11%) and emergency ECMO in one case (1%) due to ventricular perforation.ResultsMedian logistic EuroScore in prophylactic vaECMO patients was considerably higher as compared to the remaining TAVI population (30% vs. 15%, P = 0.0003) while in patients with emergency vaECMO it was comparable (18% vs. 15%, P = 0.08). Comparing prophylactic to emergency vaECMO, procedural success and 30‐day mortality were 100% vs. 44% (P = 0.03) and 0% vs. 44% (P = 0.02), respectively. Major vascular complications and rate of life threatening bleeding did not differ between both groups (11% vs. 11%, P = 0.99 and 11% vs. 33%, P = 0.3) and were not vaECMO‐related.ConclusionsLife‐threatening complications during TAVI can be managed using emergency vaECMO but mortality remains high. The use of prophylactic vaECMO in very high‐risk patients is safe and may be advocated in selected cases. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Placement of tryton side branch stent only; A new treatment strategy for Medina 0,0,1 coronary bifurcation lesions
Authors: Grundeken Maik J. , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , Lesiak Maciej , Koch Karel T. , Voskuil Michiel , de Winter Robbert J. , Wykrzykowska Joanna J. , Stella Pieter R. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesWe propose a new treatment strategy of Medina 0,0,1 bifurcation lesions using a dedicated side branch stent alone (Tryton Side Branch Stent™) without additional main branch stenting, with the advantage of an optimal ostial side branch coverage without the disadvantage of an excessive amount of metal in the main branch.BackgroundMedina 0,0,1 lesions are relatively rare and there is no consensus on treatment strategy. Several previous techniques have been described, all with considerable disadvantages.MethodsBetween October 2009 and November 2011, 12 patients with Medina 0,0,1 lesions treated with Tryton alone were included. Clinical outcomes were reported as all‐cause mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and target vessel failure (TVF; defined as the composite of all‐cause mortality, MI, and TVR). Procedural success was defined as successful stent placement with residual stenosis <30%, postprocedural TIMI 3 flow, and no in‐hospital TVF.ResultsMean age was 64 years. Median side branch reference vessel diameter was 2.6 [2.5–3.0] mm (median stenosis 75%). Procedural success was 100%. Median clinical follow‐up duration was 868 [470–906] days with just one of the patients suffering from a late adverse clinical outcome: TLR at 427 days, resulting in TVF, TVR, and TLR rates of 8.3%.ConclusionTreatment of Medina 0,0,1 lesions with the Tryton stent alone was associated with a 100% procedural success and only one late clinical adverse event (median follow‐up of 868 days). These first positive results need to be confirmed in larger prospective randomized studies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A high performance engine for concurrent complex event processing
Authors: Karakostas Bill 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARYThis paper describes the architecture, prototype implementation and performance analysis of a complex event processing engine that can scale up to very large numbers of concurrent events while keeping the requirements on system resources predictable and low. The main innovation of this approach is that each instantiated event pattern is handled by a dedicated Erlang process, instead of a single or shared operating system thread. This in turn, reduces the latency in processing the event processing as it avoids the overheads associated with resource contention. We demonstrate how this approach can achieve linear event processing times under high event loads, using modest computing resources. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.