bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implication of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Seo Jae-Young , Lee Kyung Bok , Lee Jung-Gon , Kim Ji-Sun , Roh Hakjae , Ahn Moo-Young , Park Byoung Won , Hyon Min Su 
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose—
Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is a predictor for atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was aimed to investigate whether LVDD in cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CS) could be a clue to stroke mechanism.

Methods—
The clinical and echocardiographic findings of 1589 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack between 2004 and 2013 were reviewed. LVDDs among stroke subtypes were graded by transthoracic echocardiography into 4 groups by severity: normal, abnormal relaxation (grade I), pseudonormal (grade II), and restrictive diastolic filling (grade III), whereas severe LVDD was defined as grade III. We classified the lesion pattern of CS into cardioembolism-mimic or non–cardioembolism-mimic and determined whether cardioembolism-mimic lesions were associated with severe LVDD.

Results—

The fraction of severe LVDD in CS was not different from that of stroke with AF (27.3% versus 37.1%;
P
=0.173) but was significantly higher than that of stroke without AF (27.3% versus 13.4%;
P
=0.008). Cardioembolism-mimic CS had more severe LVDD than non–cardioembolism-mimic CS (41.4% versus 11.5%;
P
=0.013). LVDD of grade II (odds ratio, 4.37; 95% confidence interval, 2.99–6.41) and grade III (odds ratio, 5.60; 95% confidence interval, 3.42–9.17) were independently related to stroke with AF after adjusting covariates.

Conclusions—
The severe LVDD could be a predictor of stroke with AF, and its frequency was similar between CS and stroke with AF. Cardioembolism-mimic CS had significantly more severe LVDD than non–cardioembolism-mimic CS. LVDD could be helpful to discriminate the stroke mechanism in the patients with acute CS.
Agrostis pendryi (Poaceae: Agrostidinae)—a new species from the Central Himalaya
Authors: Paszko Beata 
Published: July 2014

Agrostis pendryi, a new species from Nepal and northwest India, is described and illustrated. This species is morphologically similar to A. pilosula and A. munroana, but differs from them by its shorter, weak and straight awn, and palea less than half the length of the lemma.
Quantifying Emerging Local Anthropogenic Emissions in the Arctic Region: The ACCESS Aircraft Campaign Experiment
Authors: Roiger A. , Thomas J.-L. , Schlager H. , Law K. S. , Kim J. , Schäfler A. , Weinzierl B. , Dahlkötter F. , Krisch I. , Marelle L. , Minikin A. , Raut J.-C. , Reiter A. , Rose M. , Scheibe M. , Stock P. , Baumann R. , Bouarar I. , Clerbaux C. , George M. , Onishi T. , Flemming J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractArctic sea ice has decreased dramatically in the past few decades and the Arctic is increasingly open to transit shipping and natural resource extraction. However, large knowledge gaps exist regarding composition and impacts of emissions associated with these activities. Arctic hydrocarbon extraction is currently under development owing to the large oil and gas reserves in the region. Transit shipping through the Arctic as an alternative to the traditional shipping routes is currently underway. These activities are expected to increase emissions of air pollutants and climate forcers (e.g., aerosols, ozone) in the Arctic troposphere significantly in the future. The authors present the first measurements of these activities off the coast of Norway taken in summer 2012 as part of the European Arctic Climate Change, Economy, and Society (ACCESS) project. The objectives include quantifying the impact that anthropogenic activities will have on regional air pollution and understanding the connections to Arctic climate. Trace gas and aerosol concentrations in pollution plumes were measured, including emissions from different ship types and several offshore extraction facilities. Emissions originating from industrial activities (smelting) on the Kola Peninsula were also sampled. In addition, pollution plumes originating from Siberian biomass burning were probed in order to put the emerging local pollution within a broader context. In the near future these measurements will be combined with model simulations to quantify the influence of local anthropogenic activities on Arctic composition. Here the authors present the scientific objectives of the ACCESS aircraft experiment and the the meteorological conditions during the campaign, and they highlight first scientific results from the experiment.
On the Co-Occurrence of Warm Conveyor Belt Outflows and PV Streamers*
Authors: Madonna Erica , Limbach Sebastian , Aebi Christine , Joos Hanna , Wernli Heini , Martius Olivia 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The co-occurrence of warm conveyor belts (WCBs), strongly ascending moist airstreams in extratropical cyclones, and stratospheric potential vorticity (PV) streamers, indicators for breaking Rossby waves on the tropopause, is investigated for a 21-yr period in the Northern Hemisphere using Interim European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) data. WCB outflows and PV streamers are respectively identified as two- and three-dimensional objects and tracked during their life cycle. PV streamers are more frequent than WCB outflows and nearly 15% of all PV streamers co-occur with WCBs during their life cycle, whereas about 60% of all WCB outflows co-occur with PV streamers. Co-occurrences are most frequent over the North Atlantic and North Pacific in spring and winter. WCB outflows are often located upstream of the PV streamers and form earlier, indicating the importance of diabatic processes for downstream Rossby wave breaking. Less frequently, PV streamers occur first, leading to the formation of new WCBs.
A Global Climatology of Outgoing Longwave Spectral Cloud Radiative Effect and Associated Effective Cloud Properties
Authors: Huang Xianglei , Chen Xiuhong , Potter Gerald L. , Oreopoulos Lazaros , Cole Jason N. S. , Lee Dongmin , Loeb Norman G. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Longwave (LW) spectral flux and cloud radiative effect (CRE) are important for understanding the earth’s radiation budget and cloud–radiation interaction. Here, the authors extend their previous algorithms to collocated Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and Cloud and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) observations over the entire globe and show that the algorithms yield consistently good performances for measurements over both land and ocean. As a result, the authors are able to derive spectral flux and CRE at 10-cm−1 intervals over the entire LW spectrum from all currently available collocated AIRS and CERES observations. Using this multiyear dataset, they delineate the climatology of spectral CRE, including the far IR, over the entire globe as well as in different climate zones. Furthermore, the authors define two quantities, IR-effective cloud-top height (CTHeff) and cloud amount (CAeff), based on the monthly-mean spectral (or band by band) CRE. Comparisons with cloud fields retrieved by the CERES–Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) algorithm indicate that, under many circumstances, the CTHeff and CAeff can be related to the physical retrievals of CTH and CA and thus can enhance understandings of model deficiencies in LW radiation budgets and cloud fields. Using simulations from the GFDL global atmosphere model, version 2 (AM2); NASA’s Goddard Earth Observing System, version 5 (GEOS-5); and Environment Canada’s Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis (CCCma) Fourth Generation Canadian Atmospheric General Circulation Model (CanAM4) as case studies, the authors further demonstrate the merits of the CTHeff and CAeff concepts in providing insights on global climate model evaluations that cannot be obtained solely from broadband LW flux and CRE comparisons.
Consistency and the Lack Thereof in Pacific Decadal Oscillation Impacts on North American Winter Climate
Authors: McAfee Stephanie A. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Impacts of the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on North American climate were initially assessed over one negative (~1943 to 1976) and one positive (1977 to ~1990) PDO regime. Release of the Twentieth Century Reanalysis and the recent occurrence of negative PDO years make it possible to study the stability of PDO teleconnections. This analysis identified consistency in broad-scale teleconnection patterns but also critical differences in the amplitude of circulation pattern, temperature, and precipitation anomalies between comparable phases of the PDO. Many of these discrepancies were apparent after controlling for long-term trends and the impact of ENSO and were associated with variability in Atlantic Ocean temperatures and in the northern annular mode. Results from this study suggest that not all of the climate variability attributed to the PDO derives solely from fluctuations in Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs), that the climatic impact of these SST anomalies varies over time, or that the PDO might have a “mixed” state with muted teleconnections. Any of these conclusions has substantial implications for reconstruction of the PDO and its use to understand past hydrologic or ecological changes. They suggest that evaluation of climate models on the basis of their ability to simulate teleconnection patterns of low-frequency modes of climate variability should be undertaken with the recognition that observational records may not be long enough to capture the full range of variability in teleconnection patterns.
The tissue effect of argon‐plasma coagulation with prior submucosal injection (Hybrid‐APC) versus standard APC: A randomized ex‐vivo study
Authors: Manner Hendrik , Neugebauer Alexander , Scharpf Marcus , Braun Kirsten , May Andrea , Ell Christian , Fend Falko , Enderle Markus D 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundThermal ablation for Barrett's oesophagus has widely been established in gastrointestinal endoscopy during the last decade. The mainly used methods of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and argon‐plasma coagulation (APC) carry a relevant risk of stricture formation of up to 5–15%. Newer ablation techniques that are able to overcome this disadvantage would therefore be desirable. The aim of the present study was to compare the depth of tissue injury of the new method of Hybrid‐APC versus standard APC within a randomized study in a porcine oesophagus model.MethodsUsing a total of eight explanted pig oesophagi, 48 oesophageal areas were ablated either by standard or Hybrid‐APC (APC with prior submucosal fluid injection) using power settings of 50 and 70 W. The depth of tissue injury to the oesophageal wall was analysed macroscopically and histopathologically.ResultsUsing 50 W, mean coagulation depth was 937 ± 469 µm during standard APC, and 477 ± 271 µm during Hybrid‐APC (p  = 0.064). Using 70 W, coagulation depth was 1096 ± 320 µm (standard APC) and 468 ± 136 µm (Hybrid‐APC; p  = 0.003). During all settings, damage to the muscularis mucosae was observed. Using standard APC, damage to the submucosal layer was observed in 4/6 (50 W) and 6/6 cases (70 W). During Hybrid‐APC, coagulation of the submucosal layer occurred in 2/6 (50 W) and 1/6 cases (70 W). The proper muscle layer was only damaged during conventional APC (50 W: 1/6; 70 W: 3/6).LimitationsEx‐vivo animal study with limited number of cases.ConclusionsHybrid‐APC reduces coagulation depth by half in comparison with standard APC, with no thermal injury to the proper muscle layer. It may therefore lead to a lower rate of stricture formation during clinical application.
Single-snapshot DOA estimation by using Compressed Sensing
Authors: Fortunati Stefano , Grasso Raffaele , Gini Fulvio , Greco Maria S , LePage Kevin 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper deals with the problem of estimating the directions of arrival (DOA) of multiple source signals from a single observation vector of an array data. In particular, four estimation algorithms based on the theory of compressed sensing (CS), i.e., the classicalℓ1minimization (or Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator, LASSO), the fast smoothℓ0minimization, and the Sparse Iterative Covariance-Based Estimator, SPICE and the Iterative Adaptive Approach for Amplitude and Phase Estimation, IAA-APES algorithms, are analyzed, and their statistical properties are investigated and compared with the classical Fourier beamformer (FB) in different simulated scenarios. We show that unlike the classical FB, a CS-based beamformer (CSB) has some desirable properties typical of the adaptive algorithms (e.g., Capon and MUSIC) even in the single snapshot case. Particular attention is devoted to the super-resolution property. Theoretical arguments and simulation analysis provide evidence that a CS-based beamformer can achieve resolution beyond the classical Rayleigh limit. Finally, the theoretical findings are validated by processing a real sonar dataset.
Psoriatic arthritis and sacroiliitis are associated with increased vascular inflammation by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography: baseline report from the Psoriasis Atherosclerosis and Cardiometabolic Disease Initiative
Authors: Rose Shawn , Dave Jenny , Millo Corina , Naik Haley B , Siegel Evan L , Mehta Nehal N 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but surrogate markers for CVD in these disorders are inadequate. Because the presence of sacroiliitis may portend more severe PsA, we hypothesized that sacroiliitis defined by computed tomography (CT) would be associated with increased vascular inflammation defined by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT), which is an established measure of CVD.

Methods
Participants (n = 65) underwent whole-body FDG-PET/CT. Metabolic activity of the aorta was measured using the maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax), a measure of atherosclerotic plaque activity. The primary outcome was aortic vascular inflammation. Linear regression (with β-coefficients (β) and P-values reported for PsA and sacroiliitis) was used to adjust for CVD risk factors to determine associations of PsA or sacroiliitis with vascular inflammation. Likelihood ratio testing was performed to evaluate the contribution of sacroiliitis to vascular disease estimation compared to the effects of PsA and traditional CVD risk factors.

Results
Vascular inflammation (measured as SUVmax) was greater (P < 0.001) in patients with sacroiliitis (mean ± SD = 7.33 ± 2.09) defined by CT compared to those without sacroiliitis (6.39 ± 1.49, P = 0.038). There were associations between PsA and aortic inflammation (β = 0.124, P < 0.001) and between sacroiliitis and aortic inflammation (β = 0.270, P < 0.001) after adjusting for CVD risk factors. Sacroiliitis predicted vascular inflammation beyond PsA and CVD risk factors (χ2 = 124.6, P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Sacroiliitis is associated with increased vascular inflammation detected by FDG-PET/CT, suggesting that sacroiliac joint disease may identify patients at greater risk for CVD. Large, ongoing prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
Safety and feasibility of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in treatment-refractory systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis: time for a double-blind placebo-controlled trial to determine efficacy
Authors: Woodworth Thasia G , Furst Daniel E 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAs translational clinical researchers familiar with the risk-benefit of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in autoimmune diseases, we are intrigued by the recent report of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) transplantation in treatment-refractory systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis by Wang and colleagues. They report the results of an open-label single-arm multicenter phase I/II study. This stimulated us to examine whether collective data from this group provide sufficient evidence for the feasibility, safety, dose rationale, and potential efficacy of UC-MSCs to conduct a randomized controlled trial in such patients. Results, though confounded by variable baseline prednisone and immuno-suppressive treatment, appear to indicate near-term response rates of approximately 50%, which are comparable to those seen with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation but with less morbidity and mortality.
Early prediction of new-onset physical disability after intensive care unit stay: a preliminary instrument
Authors: Schandl Anna , Bottai Matteo , Holdar Ulrika , Hellgren Elisabeth , Sackey Peter 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Many intensive care unit (ICU) survivors suffer from physical disability for months after ICU stay. There is no structured method to identify patients at risk for such problems. The purpose of the study was to develop a method for early in-ICU prediction of the patient’s individual risk for new-onset physical disability two months after ICU stay.

Methods
In total, 23 potential predictors for physical disability were assessed before individual ICU discharge. Two months after ICU discharge, out of 232 eligible patients, 148 ICU survivors (64%) completed the activity of daily living (ADL) staircase questionnaire to determine new-onset physical disability.

Results
A total of 95% percent of patients had no ADL reduction prior to ICU admission. Forty-seven percent (n = 69) of questionnaire responders suffered from worsened ADL. We identified four independent predictors for new-onset physical disability: Low educational level (odds ratio (OR) = 6.8), impaired core stability (OR = 4.6), fractures (OR = 4.5) and ICU length of stay longer than two days (OR = 2.6). The predictors were included in a screening instrument. The regression coefficient of each predictor was transformed into a risk score. The sum of risk scores was related to a predicted probability for physical disability in the individual patient. The cross-validated area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) for the screening instrument was 0.80.

Conclusions
Educational level is the single most important predictor for new-onset physical disability two months after ICU stay, followed by impaired core stability at ICU discharge, the presence of fractures and ICU stay longer than two days. A simple screening instrument based on these predictors can be used at ICU discharge to determine the risk for new-onset physical disability. This preliminary instrument may help clinicians to identify patients in need of support, but needs external validation prior to wider clinical use.
Effects of prehospital adrenaline administration on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Atiksawedparit Pongsakorn , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , McEvoy Mark , Graham Colin A , Sittichanbuncha Yuwares , Thakkinstian Ammarin 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for determining the effects of prehospital adrenaline administration on return of spontaneous circulation, hospital admission, survival to discharge and discharge with cerebral performance category 1 or 2 in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

Methods
MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched to identify studies reported to March 2014. Study selection and data extraction were independently completed by two reviewers (PA and SR). The baseline characteristics of each study and number of events were extracted. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated. Heterogeneity and publication bias were also explored.

Results
In total 15 studies were eligible and included in the study. Of 13 adult observational studies, four to eight studies were pooled for each outcome. These yielded a total sample size that ranged from 2,381 to 421,459. A random effects model suggested that patients receiving prehospital adrenaline were 2.89 times (95% CI: 2.36, 3.54) more likely to achieve prehospital return of spontaneous circulation than those not administered adrenaline. However, there were no significant effects on overall return of spontaneous circulation (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.5, 1.74), admission (RR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.38) and survival to discharge (RR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.48, 1.00).

Conclusions
Prehospital adrenaline administration may increase prehospital return of spontaneous circulation, but it does not improve overall rates of return of spontaneous circulation, hospital admission and survival to discharge.
Physical activity and telomere length in early stage breast cancer survivors
Authors: Garland Sheila N , Johnson Brad , Palmer Christina , Speck Rebecca M , Donelson Michelle , Xie Sharon X , DeMichele Angela , Mao Jun J 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Telomere length (TL) is a biomarker of accumulated cellular damage and human aging. Evidence in healthy populations suggests that TL is impacted by a host of psychosocial and lifestyle factors, including physical activity. This is the first study to evaluate the relationship between self-reported physical activity and telomere length in early stage breast cancer survivors.

Methods
A cross-sectional sample of 392 postmenopausal women with stage I-III breast cancer at an outpatient oncology clinic of a large university hospital completed questionnaires and provided a blood sample. TL was determined using terminal restriction fragment length analysis of genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Physical activity was dichotomized into two groups (none versus moderate to vigorous) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with mean TL and physical activity.

Results
Among participants, 66 (17%) did not participate in any physical activity. In multivariate model adjusted for age, compared to those who participated in moderate to vigorous physical activity, women who participated in no physical activity had significantly shorter TL (adjusted coefficient β = −0.22; 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.41 to −0.03; P = .03). Non-white race, lower education and depressive symptoms were associated with lack of self-reported physical activity (P < 0.05 for all) but not TL.

Conclusion
Lack of physical activity is associated with shortened TL, warranting prospective investigation of the potential role of physical activity on cellular aging in breast cancer survivors.