bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Focal Adhesion Kinase Regulates Smooth Muscle Cell Recruitment to the Developing Vasculature
Authors: Cheng Zhaokang , Sundberg-Smith Liisa J. , Mangiante Lee E. , Sayers Rebecca L. , Hakim Zeenat S. , Musunuri Srilaxmi , Maguire Colin T. , Majesky Mark W. , Zhou Zhigang , Mack Christopher P. , Taylor Joan M. 
Published: July 2011

Objective—

The investment of newly formed endothelial cell tubes with differentiated smooth muscle cells (SMC) is critical for appropriate vessel formation, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We previously showed that depletion of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the
nkx2.5
expression domain led to aberrant outflow tract (OFT) morphogenesis and strove herein to determine the cell types and mechanisms involved.

Methods and Results—

We crossed
fak
loxp
targeted mice with available Cre drivers to deplete FAK in OFT SMC (FAK
wnt
and FAK
nk
) or coronary SMC (FAK
cSMC
). In each case, depletion of FAK led to defective vasculogenesis that was incompatible with postnatal life. Immunohistochemical analysis of the mutant vascular structures revealed that FAK was not required for progenitor cell proliferation, survival, or differentiation into SMC but was necessary for subsequent SMC recruitment to developing vasculature. Using a novel FAK-null SMC culture model, we found that depletion of FAK did not influence SMC growth or survival, but blocked directional SMC motility and invasion toward the potent endothelial-derived chemokine, platelet-derived growth factor PDGFBB. FAK depletion resulted in unstable lamellipodial protrusions due to defective spatial-temporal activation of the small GTPase, Rac-1, and lack of Rac1-dependent recruitment of cortactin (an actin stabilizing protein) to the leading edge. Moreover, FAK null SMC exhibited a significant reduction in stimulated extracellular matrix degradation.

Conclusion—
FAK drives PDGFBB-stimulated SMC chemotaxis/invasion and is essential for SMC to appropriately populate the aorticopulmonary septum and the coronary vascular plexus.
Effects of Posture on Right-to-Left Shunt Detection by Contrast Transcranial Doppler
Authors: Agustin Sherwin Joy U. , Yumul Maricar P. , Kalaw Angelito Jonas L. , Teo Boon Choon , Eng Johnny , Phua Ziqun , Singh Rajinder , Gan Robert N. , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy 
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—
There is controversy about the optimal patient position for the detection of right-to-left shunt (RLS). The study was performed to investigate which patient position best detects RLS during contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler.

Methods—
We prospectively evaluated consecutive patients with ischemic stroke or TIA referred to our Noninvasive Cerebrovascular Laboratory for suspected paradoxical embolism. The standard protocol for RLS detection recommended by the International Consensus Criteria was followed. Each patient was examined at rest and after Valsalva maneuver in 4 positions: supine, right lateral decubitus, right lateral leaning, and upright sitting, in random order. RLS was graded 0 (no microbubbles [mB] detected), 1 (1–10 mB), 2 (>10 mB but no curtain), and 3 (curtain, shower of mB). Blood pressure, heart rate, and neurological symptoms were monitored. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.

Results—

RLS was detected in at least 1 position in 89 of 240 patients (37.1%; 95% CI, 33.1%–43.3%). The detection of at least 1 mB with normal breathing was lowest in supine position and highest in right lateral decubitus. With Valsalva maneuver, this was highest in upright sitting (20.4% versus 8.3%;
P
<0.0002). If mB were undetected on upright sitting position, then they may still be detected in other positions. Changes in the position of the body and the injection of agitated saline were well-tolerated.

Conclusions—
RLS is best detected in the upright sitting position with Valsalva maneuver. If negative, then other positions may be used. Validation of our findings by other centers may be helpful.
Stroke Public Awareness Campaigns Have Increased Ambulance Dispatches for Stroke in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Bray Janet E. , Mosley Ian , Bailey Michael , Barger Bill , Bladin Chris 
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—
Launch of the National Stroke Foundation stroke awareness campaigns has occurred annually during Stroke Week (September) since 2004. From 2006, the campaign used FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) with calling an ambulance added in 2007. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of these campaigns on ambulance dispatches for stroke (Medical Priority Dispatch Card 28) in Melbourne, Australia.

Methods—
A cross-sectional study examining the monthly proportions of ambulance dispatches for stroke between August 1999 and 2010 was conducted. The proportions of dispatches for stroke were used due to increases in the population and in ambulance dispatches over the study period. These proportions were statistically compared for the month before Stroke Week (August) and the month after Stroke Week (October) for each year and seasonal variation was examined.

Results—

Between 1999 and 2009, the annual proportion of dispatches for stroke increased from 2.1% (n=4327) to 2.95% (n=9918). When stroke dispatches in August were compared with those in October, a significant increase in October was only detected since the call an ambulance message was added to FAST: 2007 (2.62% to 3.00%,
P
=0.006), 2008 (2.62% to 3.05%,
P
=0.003), and 2009 (2.70% to 3.09%,
P
=0.007). From 2005, the peak season for stroke dispatches shifted from winter to spring.

Conclusions—
Ambulance dispatches for stroke significantly increased after the National Stroke Foundation campaigns began, particularly in years receiving greater funding and featuring the FAST symptoms and the message to call an ambulance. Monitoring ambulance use appears to be an effective measure of campaign penetration.
Cerebral Microbleeds and Depression in Lacunar Stroke
Authors: Tang W.K. , Chen Y.K. , Lu J.Y. , Chu Winnie C.W. , Mok V.C.T. , Ungvari Gabor S. , Wong K.S. 
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—
Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are common in stroke survivors and the community-dwelling elderly. The clinical significance of CMB in the development of depression after a stroke is unknown. This study examined the association between poststroke depression (PSD) and CMB.

Methods—
A cohort of 235 patients with acute lacunar stroke admitted to the stroke unit of a university-affiliated regional hospital in Hong Kong was recruited. Three months after the onset of the index stroke, a research assistant administered the locally validated 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. PSD was defined as a Genetic Depression Scale score of ≥7. The presence and location of CMB were evaluated with MRI.

Results—

In comparison with the non-PSD group, PSD patients were more likely to have lobar CMB (33.3% versus 19.9%;
P
=0.022). Lobar CMB remained an independent predictor of PSD in the multivariate analysis, with an odds ratio of 2.08 (
P
=0.032).

Conclusions—
The results suggest that lobar CMB may play a role in the development of PSD. The importance of CMB in the pathogenesis of depression in stroke survivors and the general elderly population warrants further investigation.
Liver Cirrhosis and Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Lai Chien-Hsu , Cheng Pei-Yu , Chen Yen-Yu 
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—
The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of future intracerebral hemorrhage development in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods—
Data were collected from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The study cohort included 948 patients with liver cirrhosis diagnosed in 1999 and 9480 age- and sex-matched patients of the same year. All patients were tracked from their index visits for 9 years.

Results—

Intracerebral hemorrhage developed in 1.3% of patients with liver cirrhosis and 1.0% of patients in the comparison cohort during the follow-up period. Log-rank test analysis showed no significant difference between the 2 cohorts (
P
=0.39). A stratified Cox proportional regression model showed an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.62 (95% CI, 0.85 to 3.10) for patients with liver cirrhosis to develop intracerebral hemorrhage compared with patients without liver cirrhosis.

Conclusions—
Patients with liver cirrhosis had a similar intracerebral hemorrhage incidence rate but a trend of increased risk for intracerebral hemorrhage compared with the comparison cohort during the 9-year follow-up period.
Interest Groups and Pro-Animal Rights Legislation
Authors: Lutz Brenda J. , Lutz James M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe American states have demonstrated varying levels of support for animal rights legislation. The activities of interest groups, including pressures from competing groups, help to explain the presence or absence of ten pro-animal regulations and laws. This article analyzes and ranks each of the fifty states with regard to ten key areas of animal protection and welfare legislation. The analysis reveals that states with a more agricultural economic base are less likely to provide protection to animals. In addition, states with a more traditional political culture are less likely to have pro-animal legislation in place.
Uncertainty Avoidance and Innovative Differences in a Multi-ethnic Society: A Female Perspective
Authors: Idris Aida 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn multi-ethnic societies, the subject of cultural diversity and its effects on various aspects of entrepreneurship is often a significant area of research. Related studies contribute to the formulation of organisational strategies, as well as national plans, which aim to address economic imbalances among the various ethnic groups. Unfortunately, most studies in developing countries are conceptual and, therefore, lack empirical evidence to support their arguments. Furthermore, they tend to combine both sexes in a single sample and make little attempt to understand the value and behavioural differences between male and female entrepreneurs. At the same time, more recent scholars of gender have called for greater research on contextual differences among groups of women. The current study attempts to fill some of these gaps in the literature by examining how one particular cultural dimension, namely uncertainty avoidance, affects the entrepreneurial behaviour of Malay and Chinese women entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Innovation is chosen as the measure of entrepreneurial behaviour as it is often considered critical for growth; in turn, uncertainty avoidance is linked to innovation due to its association with novelty, changes, ambiguity and risk-taking. Results of the study affirm that uncertainty avoidance is a significant determinant of innovativeness. However, the study also suggests that women entrepreneurs may not necessarily conform to the values traditionally expected of them.
Rethinking the Concept of Masculinity and Femininity: Focusing on Iran’s Female Students
Authors: Cheng Karen Kow Yip , Ghajarieh Amir Biglar Beigi 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIran, with the world’s youngest population, needs to pay utmost attention to the content of textbooks used to instruct at the primary and secondary school levels because, in many parts of Iran (except for some affluent parts of the capital), the textbooks are the only reference books for the teachers and students. If these textbooks reflect gender-bias in their language and illustrations, especially at lower levels of education, future generations who are the hope for sustainable development in Iran as a developing country can be affected by the pictures of gender stereotypes and the bias generated through these textbooks. In this article, it is argued that due to the religious and social context of Iran, there is still great emphasis on the social theory of differences between men and women. This social role theory in Iran, together with mores and cultural values, leave no room for other versions of femininity and masculinity to emerge in the social sphere of Iranian society.
Probability Distribution Characteristics for Surface Air–Sea Turbulent Heat Fluxes over the Global Ocean
Authors: Gulev Sergey K. , Belyaev Konstantin 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
To analyze the probability density distributions of surface turbulent heat fluxes, the authors apply the two-parametric modified Fisher–Tippett (MFT) distribution to the sensible and latent turbulent heat fluxes recomputed from 6-hourly NCEP–NCAR reanalysis state variables for the period from 1948 to 2008. They derived the mean climatology and seasonal cycle of the location and scale parameters of the MFT distribution. Analysis of the parameters of probability distributions identified the areas where similar surface turbulent fluxes are determined by the very different shape of probability density functions. Estimated extreme turbulent heat fluxes amount to 1500–2000 W m−2 (for the 99th percentile) and can exceed 2000 W m−2 for higher percentiles in the subpolar latitudes and western boundary current regions. Analysis of linear trends and interannual variability in the mean and extreme fluxes shows that the strongest trends in extreme fluxes (more than 15 W m−2 decade−1) in the western boundary current regions are associated with the changes in the shape of distribution. In many regions changes in extreme fluxes may be different from those for the mean fluxes at interannual and decadal time scales. The correlation between interannual variability of the mean and extreme fluxes is relatively low in the tropics, the Southern Ocean, and the Kuroshio Extension region. Analysis of probability distributions in turbulent fluxes has also been used in assessing the impact of sampling errors in the Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS)-based surface flux climatologies, allowed for the estimation of the impact of sampling in extreme fluxes. Although sampling does not have a visible systematic effect on mean fluxes, sampling uncertainties result in the underestimation of extreme flux values exceeding 100 W m−2 in poorly sampled regions.
A New Scheme for Effective Roughness Length and Effective Zero-Plane Displacement in Land Surface Models
Authors: Zhong Zhong , Lu Wei , Song Shuai , Zhang Yaocun 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBased on the similarity theory of the atmospheric surface layer and the flux conservation and mass conservation laws, a new scheme for determining the effective roughness length (ERL) and the effective zero-plane displacement (EZPD) for a heterogeneous terrain is proposed. The test for a two-category system case shows that the ERL (EZPD) is larger (smaller) than the area-weighted logarithmic (linear) averaged one, whereas differences between the new ERL/EZPD and their average values are increased with roughness ratio and rough-portion zero-plane displacement (RZPD) in the grid square. Though the ERL and EZPD show some dependence on atmospheric stability, they can be treated as constants in the land surface models unless the seasonal variation must be taken into account. This is due to the fact that the error percentage of the effective drag coefficients, which are dependent on the ERL and EZPD, is less than 2% under all stability conditions. Moreover, the dynamical effects of the underlying surface can be represented jointly by the ERL and the EZPD, either for a heterogeneous terrain or for a homogeneous terrain with high obstacles. The enhancement effect of the roughness ratio on ERL and EZPD is magnified by the RZPD. However, the ratio of rough area over smooth area, where the maximum ratio of ERL over the area-weighted mean as well as the maximum difference between EZPD and area-weighted mean occurs, is dependent on the roughness ratio but independent of the RZPD. The ERLs computed by this new model are also compared with other schemes and large-eddy simulation, where the effect of RZPD is not considered.
Encounter of Foehn Wind with an Atmospheric Eddy over the Black Sea as Observed by the Synthetic Aperture Radar Onboard Envisat
Authors: Alpers Werner , Ivanov Andrei Yu. , Dagestad Knut-Frode 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Foehn wind blowing through the Kolkhida (Kolkheti) Lowland in the southwestern Caucasus (western Georgia) was observed on an Envisat synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image as it encountered an atmospheric cyclonic eddy over the Black Sea on 13 September 2010. This SAR image reveals unprecedented finescale features of the near-surface wind fields that cannot be resolved by other sensors. It shows, among others, the deflection of the foehn wind by the atmospheric eddy. Quantitative information on the near-surface wind field over the sea is extracted from the SAR image.
A Scale-Selective Data Assimilation Approach to Improving Tropical Cyclone Track and Intensity Forecasts in a Limited-Area Model: A Case Study of Hurricane Felix (2007)
Authors: Liu Bin , Xie Lian 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Accurately forecasting a tropical cyclone’s (TC) track and intensity remains one of the top priorities in weather forecasting. A dynamical downscaling approach based on the scale-selective data assimilation (SSDA) method is applied to demonstrate its effectiveness in TC track and intensity forecasting. The SSDA approach retains the merits of global models in representing large-scale environmental flows and regional models in describing small-scale characteristics. The regional model is driven from the model domain interior by assimilating large-scale flows from global models, as well as from the model lateral boundaries by the conventional sponge zone relaxation. By using Hurricane Felix (2007) as a demonstration case, it is shown that, by assimilating large-scale flows from the Global Forecast System (GFS) forecasts into the regional model, the SSDA experiments perform better than both the original GFS forecasts and the control experiments, in which the regional model is only driven by lateral boundary conditions. The overall mean track forecast error for the SSDA experiments is reduced by over 40% relative to the control experiments, and by about 30% relative to the GFS forecasts, respectively. In terms of TC intensity, benefiting from higher grid resolution that better represents regional and small-scale processes, both the control and SSDA runs outperform the GFS forecasts. The SSDA runs show approximately 14% less overall mean intensity forecast error than do the control runs. It should be noted that, for the Felix case, the advantage of SSDA becomes more evident for forecasts with a lead time longer than 48 h.
Ultra-Low-Velocity Knee Dislocations
Authors: Azar Frederick M. , Brandt Jason C. , Miller Robert H. , Phillips Barry B. 
Published: July 2011

Background: Reports of low-velocity knee dislocations have focused primarily on dislocations occurring during athletic competition. The authors identified a subset of patients with low-velocity knee dislocations that occurred during activities of daily living, such as stepping off a curb, stepping off a stair, or simply falling while walking (ultra-low-velocity dislocations). Hypothesis: Ultra-low-velocity knee dislocations are common in obese individuals and are associated with more complications than high-velocity knee dislocations. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A review of records identified 17 patients with knee dislocations that occurred during daily activities. All 17 were clinically obese, with an average body mass index (BMI) of 48 (BMI <25 is normal; ≥40 is severe obesity). Ligament injuries occurred in all 17 patients, neurologic injuries in 7, and popliteal artery injuries in 7. Thirteen (76.4%) of the 17 dislocations were anterior, 2 (11.8%) were posterior, and 2 (11.8%) were lateral. All dislocations were reduced closed and stabilized with splints, crossed pins, or external fixation; ligament reconstructions were done in 8 patients and popliteal artery repairs in 7. Above-knee amputations were required in 2 patients with vascular repairs because of tissue ischemia; 1 patient died from cardiac arrest 7 days after injury; and 3 were lost to follow-up. Of the 11 remaining patients, 6 had ligament reconstructions and 5 did not. Results: Four standardized knee scoring systems (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Hospital for Special Surgery [HSS], Lysholm, Tegner) were used to evaluate outcome at an average follow-up of 28.5 months. Although scores were low in all patients, those with ligamentous reconstruction had better outcomes (“fair”: 74 ± 22) than those without reconstruction (“poor”: 21 ± 8.5), with a statistically significant ( P = .013) difference in HSS scores. Lysholm scores also were higher in those with reconstruction (average 67) than in those without (average 53), but the difference was not statistically significant ( P = .45). Conclusion: These results indicate that (1) neurovascular injuries are frequent with these ultra-low-velocity dislocations in severely obese patients, (2) the likelihood of combined neurovascular injury tends to increase as BMI increases, and (3) surgical ligament reconstruction with emphasis on posterolateral corner repair appears to improve outcomes.
The Plantar Gap
Authors: Lee Kyung Tai , Park Young Uk , Young Ki Won , Kim Jin Su , Kim Jun Beom 
Published: July 2011

Background: There have been diverse results, even in the same Torg type classification, in cases with fifth metatarsal stress fracture. Hypothesis: The “plantar gap” is correlated with the time for bone union and complications. It might be used for a prognostic factor. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Seventy-five cases with a fifth metatarsal stress fracture treated with modified tension band wiring from January 2003 to December 2008 were evaluated retrospectively. This consecutive series of patients included 71 male and 2 female patients with a mean of 19.8 years of age at the time of surgery. All of the enrolled patients were elite-level athletes. Each case was classified according to Torg classification and the degree of plantar gap was also measured. After the surgery, bone union was determined by computed tomography findings. Statistical analysis of the Torg classification and time for bone union, as well as plantar gap and time for bone union, was performed. Results: The mean time for bone union for each Torg type was 71.05 ± 21.77 days for type I, 104.48 ± 54.62 days for type II, and 122.92 ± 51.75 days for type III. There was a significant difference in the time for bone union among the 3 Torg types ( P = .008). The mean time for bone union in group A (plantar gap <1 mm) was 71.21 ± 29.95 days and it was 126.4 ± 51.99 days for group B (plantar gap ≥1 mm) (significantly different; P < .001). In addition, there was a positive correlation of the time for bone union with the degree of plantar gap (ρ = .661, P < .001). In cases with Torg type II classification, there was a significant difference in the time for bone union between groups A and B ( P < .001) In addition, there was a strong correlation between the time for bone union and the degree of plantar gap (ρ = .657, P < .001). There were 8 cases of nonunion in Torg type II, and 1 case in Torg III. With regard to the plantar gap, there was 1 case of nonunion in group A, and 8 cases in group B. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the plantar gap might be used for prognosis in cases with a fifth metatarsal stress fracture, even in patients with the same Torg classification.