bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological findings in non‐human primate recipients of porcine renal xenografts: quantitative and qualitative evaluation of proteinuria
Authors: Pintore Laura , Paltrinieri Saverio , Vadori Marta , Besenzon Federica , Cavicchioli Laura , De Benedictis Giulia Maria , Calabrese Fiorella , Cozzi Emanuele , Nottle Mark B. , Robson Simon C. , Cowan Peter J. , Castagnaro Massimo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundImmunological and histopathological features in pig‐to‐primate renal xenotransplantation are widely studied. Only limited data have been reported about clinicopathological findings in primate recipients of life‐supporting renal xenografts. In human medicine, proteinuria represents a common complication in kidney transplantation and is associated with impaired graft survival. The detection of low molecular weight proteins of tubular origin is considered an early method for predicting potential graft rejection. In this study, the presence and the significance of quantitative and qualitative proteinuria were evaluated in xenotransplanted non‐human primates in which kidney function was supported only by the transplanted organ.MethodsEight bilaterally nephrectomized cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were transplanted with a single kidney from α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout (GTKO) pigs transgenic for human CD39, CD55, CD59, and α1,2‐fucosyltransferase. In addition to hematological and biochemical analyses, quantitative and qualitative analysis of proteinuria was evaluated by urinary protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (UPC ratio) and sodium dodecyl sulfate–agarose gel electrophoresis (SDS‐AGE), respectively.ResultsThe main hematological and biochemical changes recorded after transplantation were a progressive anemia and a severe and progressive decrease in total proteins. In urine samples, the UPC ratio was low before transplantation and increased after transplantation. Similarly, SDS‐AGE was negative before transplantation, but bands consistent with mixed (i.e., tubular and glomerular) proteinuria were observed in all samples collected post‐transplantation.ConclusionsThe study of clinicopathological changes in cynomolgus monkey renal xenograft recipients provides a valid help in monitoring the health conditions in the post‐transplant period. Moreover, the evaluation of UPC ratio and the use of SDS‐AGE technique in urine samples of cynomolgus monkey renal xenograft recipients may be considered a valid, inexpensive, and less time‐consuming method than more sophisticated techniques in monitoring proteinuria. Proteinuria and presence of low molecular weight (LMW) proteins were consistently found in urine after transplantation, independent of fluctuations in renal function.
Part-Load Performance of Gas Turbines: Part I — A Novel Compressor Map Generation Approach Suitable for Adaptive Simulation
Authors: Tsoutsanis E. , Li Y. G. , Pilidis P. , Newby M. 
Published: October 2013

Part-load performance prediction of gas turbines is strongly dependent on detailed understanding of engine component behavior and mainly that of compressors. The accuracy of gas turbine engine models relies on the compressor performance maps, which are obtained in costly rig tests and remain manufacturer’s proprietary information. The gas turbine research community has addressed this limitation by scaling default generic compressor maps in order to match the targeted off-design measurements. This approach is efficient in small range of operating conditions but becomes less accurate for wide range of operating conditions.
In this part of the paper a novel method of compressor map generation which has a primary objective to improve the accuracy of engine models performance at part load conditions is presented. This is to generate a generic form of equations to represent the lines of constant speed and constant efficiency of the compressor map for a generic compressor. The parameters that control the shape of the compressor map have been expressed in their simplest form in order to aid the adaptation process.
The proposed compressor map generation method has the capacity to refine current gas turbine performance adaptation techniques, and it has been integrated into Cranfield’s PYTHIA gas turbine performance simulation and diagnostics software tool.
Strategies for automatic online treatment plan reoptimization using clinical treatment planning system: A planning parameters study
Authors: Li Taoran , Wu Qiuwen , Zhang You , Vergalasova Irina , Lee W. Robert , Yin Fang‐Fang , Wu Q. Jackie 
Published: October 2013

Purpose:Adaptive radiation therapy for prostate cancer using online reoptimization provides an improved control of interfractional anatomy variations. However, the clinical implementation of online reoptimization is currently limited by the low efficiency of current strategies and the difficulties associated with integration into the current treatment planning system. This study investigates the strategies for performing fast (∼2 min) automatic online reoptimization with a clinical fluence‐map‐based treatment planning system; and explores the performance with different input parameters settings: dose‐volume histogram (DVH) objective settings, starting stage, and iteration number (in the context of real time planning).Methods:Simulated treatments of 10 patients were reoptimized daily for the first week of treatment (5 fractions) using 12 different combinations of optimization strategies. Options for objective settings included guideline‐based RTOG objectives, patient‐specific objectives based on anatomy on the planning CT, and daily‐CBCT anatomy‐based objectives adapted from planning CT objectives. Options for starting stages involved starting reoptimization with and without the original planˈs fluence map. Options for iteration numbers were 50 and 100. The adapted plans were then analyzed by statistical modeling, and compared both in terms of dosimetry and delivery efficiency.Results:All online reoptimized plans were finished within ∼2 min with excellent coverage and conformity to the daily target. The three input parameters, i.e., DVH objectives, starting stage, and iteration number, contributed to the outcome of optimization nearly independently. Patient‐specific objectives generally provided better OAR sparing compared to guideline‐based objectives. The benefit in high‐dose sparing from incorporating daily anatomy into objective settings was positively correlated with the relative change in OAR volumes from planning CT to daily CBCT. The use of the original plan fluence map as the starting stage reduced OAR dose at the mid‐dose region, but increased the monitor units by 17%. Differences of only 2cc or less in OAR V50%/V70Gy/V76Gy were observed between 100 and 50 iterations.Conclusions: It is feasible to perform automatic online reoptimization in ∼2 min using a clinical treatment planning system. Selecting optimal sets of input parameters is the key to achieving high quality reoptimized plans, and should be based on the individual patientˈs daily anatomy, delivery efficiency, and time allowed for plan adaptation.
Parasexuality and Ploidy Change in Candida tropicalis
Authors: Seervai Riyad N. H. , Jones Stephen K. , Hirakawa Matthew P. , Porman Allison M. , Bennett Richard J. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Candida
species exhibit a variety of ploidy states and modes of sexual reproduction. Most species possess the requisite genes for sexual reproduction, recombination, and meiosis, yet only a few have been reported to undergo a complete sexual cycle including mating and sporulation.
Candida albicans
, the most studied
Candida
species and a prevalent human fungal pathogen, completes its sexual cycle via a parasexual process of concerted chromosome loss rather than a conventional meiosis. In this study, we examine ploidy changes in
Candida tropicalis
, a closely related species to
C. albicans
that was recently revealed to undergo sexual mating.
C. tropicalis
diploid cells mate to form tetraploid cells, and we show that these can be induced to undergo chromosome loss to regenerate diploid forms by growth on sorbose medium. The diploid products are themselves mating competent, thereby establishing a parasexual cycle in this species for the first time. Extended incubation (>120 generations) of
C. tropicalis
tetraploid cells under rich culture conditions also resulted in instability of the tetraploid form and a gradual reduction in ploidy back to the diploid state. The fitness levels of
C. tropicalis
diploid and tetraploid cells were compared, and diploid cells exhibited increased fitness relative to tetraploid cells
in vitro
, despite diploid and tetraploid cells having similar doubling times. Collectively, these experiments demonstrate distinct pathways by which a parasexual cycle can occur in
C. tropicalis
and indicate that nonmeiotic mechanisms drive ploidy changes in this prevalent human pathogen.
Effects of Electroacupuncture on Stress-Related Symptoms in Medical Students: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Dias Marcio , Vellarde Guillermo Coca , Olej Beni , Teófilo Salgado Ana Emília , de Barros Rezende Ighor 
Published: October 2013

Objective To assess the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on relieving stress-related symptoms—sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and burnout—in medical students. Methods Eighty-two students were randomised into an EA treatment group (n=30), a sham TENS group (n=18) and an untreated control group (n=34). EA was applied at a continuous frequency of 2 Hz to the limbs, face, ears and scalp for 20 min once a week, over 6–8 weeks. Sham transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was performed on similar sites for the same number of times in each session and for the same length of time. Outcome measurements included a comparison of the indices obtained by different self-applied questionnaires before and after treatment. The surveys used were the Mini-Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI and BAI) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Student Survey (MBI-SS), in addition to the Quality of Life Questionnaire—abbreviated version (WHOQOL-bref). Results EA significantly improved scores on the MSQ, PSQI, BDI and the cynicism and academic efficacy (AE) dimensions of the MBI-SS in relation to the control. Sleep quality (MSQ) improved from 36.9 (SD 7.6) to 25.0 (5.7) with EA, 37.6 (6.0) to 32.1 (6.9) with sham TENS, and 36.5 (5.9) to 33.6 (6.7) in the controls (p=0.0000). Compared with the sham TENS group, EA significantly reduced scores on the PSQI. Score improvements in the sham TENS group in relation to control group were significant in the MSQ, BDI and AE. In the EA group, the number of students with better scores after intervention was significantly higher for the MSQ, PSQI, ESS and BAI. This only occurred for the MSQ in the sham TENS group and for the MSQ and ESS in the control group. Conclusions EA significantly reduced stress-related mental symptoms. The improvement obtained by sham TENS compared with the control group confirmed the presence of a placebo effect resulting from the treatment ritual.
Validity of AHRQ patient safety indicators derived from ICD-10 hospital discharge abstract data (chart review study)
Authors: Quan Hude , Eastwood Cathy , Cunningham Ceara Tess , Liu Mingfu , Flemons Ward , De Coster Carolyn , Ghali William A ,   for the IMECCHI investigators
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo assess if the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality patient safety indictors (PSIs) could be used for case findings in the International Classification of Disease 10th revision (ICD-10) hospital discharge abstract data.DesignWe identified and randomly selected 490 patients with a foreign body left during a procedure (PSI 5—foreign body), selected infections (IV site) due to medical care (PSI 7—infection), postoperative pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT; PSI 12—PE/DVT), postoperative sepsis (PSI 13—sepsis)and accidental puncture or laceration (PSI 15—laceration) among patients discharged from three adult acute care hospitals in Calgary, Canada in 2007 and 2008. Their charts were reviewed for determining the presence of PSIs and used as the reference standard, positive predictive value (PPV) statistics were calculated to determine the proportion of positives in the administrative data representing ‘true positives’.ResultsThe PPV for PSI 5—foreign body was 62.5% (95% CI 35.4% to 84.8%), PSI 7—infection was 79.1% (67.4% to 88.1%), PSI 12—PE/DVT was 89.5% (66.9% to 98.7%), PSI 13—sepsis was 12.5% (1.6% to 38.4%) and PSI 15—laceration was 86.4% (75.0% to 94.0%) after excluding those who presented to the hospital with the condition.ConclusionsSeveral PSIs had high PPV in the ICD administrative data and are thus powerful tools for true positive case finding. The tools could be used to identify potential cases from the large volume of admissions for verification through chart reviews. In contrast, their sensitivity has not been well characterised and users of PSIs should be cautious if using them for ‘quality of care reporting’ presenting the rate of PSIs because under-coded data would generate falsely low PSI rates.
The criticality of metals: a perspective for geologists
Authors: Graedel T. E. , Nassar N. T. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The criticality of metals (the quality, state, or degree of being of the highest importance) is of increasing concern as populations and wealth increase and as mineral extraction follows. Many characteristics are involved in determining criticality, and those involving geology are among the most important. We discuss the state of knowledge of mineable resources across the periodic table, and how those determinations factor into criticality evaluations. We then illustrate criticality evaluations of the copper ore group elements for the specific example of the UK. Given the importance of the ore metals over the long term, we argue that efforts on the part of the geological community to update and maintain criticality-related information deserve much more attention than they are now receiving.
Connecting Genomic Alterations to Cancer Biology with Proteomics: The NCI Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium
Authors: Ellis Matthew J. , Gillette Michael , Carr Steven A. , Paulovich Amanda G. , Smith Richard D. , Rodland Karin K. , Townsend R. Reid , Kinsinger Christopher , Mesri Mehdi , Rodriguez Henry , Liebler Daniel C. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Summary: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium is applying the latest generation of proteomic technologies to genomically annotated tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program, a joint initiative of the NCI and the National Human Genome Research Institute. By providing a fully integrated accounting of DNA, RNA, and protein abnormalities in individual tumors, these datasets will illuminate the complex relationship between genomic abnormalities and cancer phenotypes, thus producing biologic insights as well as a wave of novel candidate biomarkers and therapeutic targets amenable to verification using targeted mass spectrometry methods. Cancer Discov; 3(10); 1108–12. ©2013 AACR.
Are Short Telomeres Predictive of Advanced Cancer?
Authors: Shay Jerry W. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSummary: The combination of variable telomere length in cancer cells and shorter telomere length in cancer-associated stromal cells strongly correlates with progression to prostate cancer metastasis and cancer death. The implication is that telomere length measurements have potential not only as prognostic indicators of prostate cancer outcomes but also as risk stratification enrichment biomarkers for individualized therapeutic interventions. Cancer Discov; 3(10); 1096–8. ©2013 AACR.See related article by Heaphy et al., p. 1130
Hyperglycemia-Induced Secretion of Endothelial Heparanase Stimulates a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Autocrine Network in Cardiomyocytes That Promotes Recruitment of Lipoprotein Lipase
Authors: Zhang Dahai , Wan Andrea , Chiu Amy Pei-Ling , Wang Ying , Wang Fulong , Neumaier Katharina , Lal Nathaniel , Bround Michael J. , Johnson James D. , Vlodavsky Israel , Rodrigues Brian 
Published: October 2013

Objective—
During diabetes mellitus, coronary lipoprotein lipase increases to promote the predominant use of fatty acids. We have reported that high glucose stimulates active heparanase secretion from endothelial cells to cleave cardiomyocyte heparan sulfate and release bound lipoprotein lipase for transfer to the vascular lumen. In the current study, we examined whether heparanase also has a function to release cardiomyocyte vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and whether this growth factor influences cardiomyocyte fatty acid delivery in an autocrine manner.

Approach and Results—
Acute, reversible hyperglycemia was induced in rats, and a modified Langendorff heart perfusion was used to separate the coronary perfusate from the interstitial effluent. Coronary artery endothelial cells were exposed to high glucose to generate conditioned medium, and VEGF release from isolated cardiomyocytes was tested using endothelial cell conditioned medium or purified active and latent heparanase. Autocrine signaling of myocyte-derived VEGF on cardiac metabolism was studied. High glucose promoted latent and active heparanase secretion into endothelial cell conditioned medium, an effective stimulus for releasing cardiomyocyte VEGF. Intriguingly, latent heparanase was more efficient than active heparanase in releasing VEGF from a unique cell surface pool. VEGF augmented cardiomyocyte intracellular calcium and AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and increased heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase.

Conclusions—
Our data suggest that the heparanase-lipoprotein lipase-VEGF axis amplifies fatty acid delivery, a rapid and adaptive mechanism that is geared to overcome the loss of glucose consumption by the diabetic heart. If prolonged, the resultant lipotoxicity could lead to cardiovascular disease in humans.
Intra-Arterial Delivery Is Not Superior to Intravenous Delivery of Autologous Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yang Bing , Migliati Elton , Parsha Kaushik , Schaar Krystal , Xi XiaoPei , Aronowski Jaroslaw , Savitz Sean I. 
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose—
Bone marrow–derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) are an investigational autologous cell-based therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Both intravenous (IV) and intra-arterial (IA) administration routes have been used in clinical trials. However, the route of administration to optimize the effect of MNCs is unknown. In this study, we compared the effect of IV versus IA route of administration of MNCs in the rat stroke model.

Methods—
Long Evans rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. At 24 hours after stroke, animals were randomly assigned to receive autologous bone marrow–derived MNCs using either the IV or IA delivery route. IV saline served as control. One million cells/kg (low dose) and 30 million cells/kg (high dose) were assessed. Neurological testing, cavity size, serum cytokines, neuroregenerative end points, and MNC biodistribution were evaluated.

Results—

High-dose MNCs improved functional recovery, reduced lesion size and proinflammatory cytokines, and increased vessel density and neurogenesis markers compared with saline treatment (
P
<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between IV and IA MNC-treated groups, although IV MNCs reduced serum interleukin-1β levels compared with IA MNCs (
P
<0.05). IA MNCs at high dose led to a greater number of cells in the brain at 1 and 6 hours after injection but not in the lungs and spleen. Low-dose MNCs (by IV or IA) did not improve any functional or structural end point compared with saline.

Conclusions—
At low and high doses of MNCs, we found that IV or IA achieves similar structural and functional outcomes after stroke.
Evaluating Winter Orographic Cloud Seeding: Design of the Wyoming Weather Modification Pilot Project (WWMPP)
Authors: Breed Daniel , Rasmussen Roy , Weeks Courtney , Boe Bruce , Deshler Terry 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAn overview of the Wyoming Weather Modification Pilot Project (WWMPP) is presented. This project, funded by the State of Wyoming, is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of cloud seeding with silver iodide in the Medicine Bow and Sierra Madre Ranges of south-central Wyoming. The statistical evaluation is based on a randomized crossover design for the two barriers. The description of the experimental design includes the rationale behind the design choice, the criteria for case selection, facilities for operations and evaluation, and the statistical analysis approach. Initial estimates of the number of cases needed for statistical significance used historical Snow Telemetry (SNOTEL) data (1987–2006), prior to the beginning of the randomized seeding experiment. Refined estimates were calculated using high-resolution precipitation data collected during the initial seasons of the project (2007–10). Comparing the sample size estimates from these two data sources, the initial estimates are reduced to 236 (110) for detecting a 10% (15%) change. The sample size estimates are highly dependent on the assumed effect of seeding, on the correlations between the two target barriers and between the target and control sites, and on the variance of the response variable, namely precipitation. In addition to the statistical experiment, a wide range of physical studies and ancillary analyses are being planned and conducted.
Developing complex interventions: lessons learned from a pilot study examining strategy training in acute stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Skidmore Elizabeth R , Dawson Deirdre R , Whyte Ellen M , Butters Meryl A , Dew Mary Amanda , Grattan Emily S , Becker James T , Holm Margo B 
Published: October 2013

Objective: To examine the feasibility of a strategy training clinical trial in a small group of adults with stroke-related cognitive impairments in inpatient rehabilitation, and to explore the impact of strategy training on disability. Design: Non-randomized two-group intervention pilot study. Setting: Two inpatient rehabilitation units within an academic health centre. Participants: Individuals with a primary diagnosis of acute stroke, who were admitted to inpatient rehabilitation and demonstrated cognitive impairments were included. Individuals with severe aphasia; dementia; major depressive disorder, bipolar, or psychotic disorder; recent drug or alcohol abuse; and anticipated length of stay less than five days were excluded. Intervention: Participants received strategy training or an attention control session in addition to usual rehabilitation care. Sessions in both groups were 30–40 minutes daily, five days per week, for the duration of inpatient rehabilitation. Main outcome measures: We assessed feasibility through participants’ recruitment and retention; research intervention session number and duration; participants’ comprehension and engagement; intervention fidelity; and participants’ satisfaction. We assessed disability at study admission, inpatient rehabilitation discharge, 3 and 6 months using the Functional Independence Measure. Results: Participants in both groups (5 per group) received the assigned intervention (>92% planned sessions; >94% fidelity) and completed follow-up testing. Strategy training participants in this small sample demonstrated significantly less disability at six months ( M (SE) = 117 (3)) than attention control participants ( M(SE) = 96 (14); t8 = 7.87, P = 0.02). Conclusions: It is feasible and acceptable to administer both intervention protocols as an adjunct to acute inpatient rehabilitation, and strategy training shows promise for reducing disability.