bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the acute effects of oral, non-combustible potential reduced exposure products marketed to smokers
Authors: Cobb C O , Weaver M F , Eissenberg T 
Published: April 2009

BackgroundNon-combustible potential reduced exposure products (PREPs; eg, Star Scientific's Ariva; a variety of other smokeless tobacco products) are marketed to reduce the harm associated with smoking. This marketing occurs despite an absence of objective data concerning the toxicant exposure and effects of these PREPs. Methods used to examine combustible PREPs were adapted to assess the acute effects of non-combustible PREPs for smokers.Methods28 overnight abstinent cigarette smokers (17 men, 14 non-white) each completed seven, Latin-squared ordered, approximately 2.5 h laboratory sessions that differed by product administered: Ariva, Marlboro Snus (Philip Morris, USA), Camel Snus (RJ Reynolds, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA), Commit nicotine lozenge (GlaxoSmithKline; 2 mg), own brand cigarettes, Quest cigarettes (Vector Tobacco; delivers very low levels of nicotine) and sham smoking (ie, puffing on an unlit cigarette). In each session, the product was administered twice (separated by 60 min), and plasma nicotine levels, expired air CO and subjective effects were assessed regularly.ResultsNon-combustible products delivered less nicotine than own brand cigarettes, did not expose smokers to CO and failed to suppress tobacco abstinence symptoms as effectively as combustible products.ConclusionsWhile decreased toxicant exposure is a potential indicator of harm reduction potential, a failure to suppress abstinence symptoms suggests that currently marketed non-combustible PREPs may not be a viable harm reduction strategy for US smokers. This study demonstrates how clinical laboratory methods can be used to evaluate the short-term effects of non-combustible PREPs for smokers.
Unconfounding the effects of climate and density dependence using 60 years of data on spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias)
Authors: Taylor Ian G. , Gallucci Vincent F. 
Published: April 2009

The confounded effects of changes in climate and density on a population’s demography are hard to separate for long-lived species because demographic traits are usually the aggregated result of conditions faced over years. Demographic parameters are compared for spiny dogfish ( Squalus acanthias ) in the Northeast Pacific, the longest lived and latest maturing of all sharks, using samples from the 1940s and 2000s. This 60-year interval has seen ocean temperatures rise by almost 1 °C and dogfish harvests peak above 50 000 tonnes (t)·annum–1 and then drop below 50 t·annum–1. Over this period, the age at 50% maturity for dogfish declined from 43 to 32 years, while the estimated average number of embryos per litter for a 100 cm dogfish increased from 5.9 to 6.7. Growth parameters changed significantly, with faster growth to a smaller size. Leslie matrix analysis showed that these changes could lead to an increase in population growth rate of about 1%. Comparison with published demographic parameters from the 1970s and 1980s indicated that the greatest change in demographic parameters occurred between the 1940s and 1970s, prior to the largest changes in ocean temperatures. The implications for fishing on long-lived populations during times of rapid environmental change are explored.
The sampling volume of trawl and acoustics: estimating availability probabilities from observations of tracked individual fish
Authors: Handegard Nils Olav , Tjøstheim Dag 
Published: April 2009

The effective sampling volume of trawl and acoustics is an important parameter in fish abundance estimation surveys. This paper presents a method to compute the probability of a fish being available to the bottom trawl and the probability of it being seen on the echo sounder, given its initial position relative to the vessel path. These probabilities are then related to the calculation of the effective observational volume for trawl and acoustics, the two main tools of measuring abundance of Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua ) and haddock ( Melanogrammus aeglefinus ). As an example, the computation is carried out for a typical vertical distribution in the Barents Sea. Our model is based on an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck model for the fish swimming trajectories, and its parameters are estimated using observations of swimming trajectories for individual fish, recorded by a split-beam echo sounder. The model itself constitutes a general method to translate observations on behaviour of individual fish to probability maps. The results indicate a typical fishing height of 20 m for the bottom trawl, but it is also shown that there is a relatively low probability of catching by the trawl what you see on the echo sounder, even for fish positioned directly in the trawl path. This is because of strong lateral movements of the fish.
Stream temperature responses to partial-harvest logging in riparian buffers of boreal mixedwood forest watersheds
Authors: Kreutzweiser David P. , Capell Scott S. , Holmes Stephen B. 
Published: April 2009

As part of a larger study to examine the operational feasibility, ecological benefits, and environmental impacts of partial-harvest logging in riparian buffers along boreal mixedwood forest streams, we determined the effects on summer stream temperatures. Three logged study reaches were compared with three reference reaches over two prelogging and two postlogging summers. Partial-harvest logging resulted in an average removal of 10%, 20%, and 28% of the basal area from riparian buffers at the three logged sites. At the two more intensively logged sites, there were small (<10%) reductions in canopy cover (P = 0.024) and no significant changes in light at stream surfaces (P > 0.18). There were no measurable impacts on stream temperatures at two of the three logged sites. At the most intensively logged site, daily maximum temperatures were significantly higher (∼4 °C) for about 6 weeks in the first summer after logging than in prelogging years or at the reference sites (P < 0.001). Temperature increases were attributed to a logging-induced temporary disruption of cool water inputs from ground disturbance in a lateral-input seep area. Our results indicate that partial-harvest logging in riparian buffers of boreal mixedwood forest streams can sustain effective canopy cover and mitigate logging-induced water temperature increases.
Tenth-year survival and size of underplanted seedlings in the Oregon Coast Range
Authors: Cole Elizabeth , Newton Michael 
Published: April 2009

This study initiated a two-aged forest stand structure by underplanting 50-year-old stands, primarily of Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii) and Douglas-fir – western hemlock ( Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.), thinned to 19–33 m2/ha on interior and coastal sites in the Oregon Coast Range. Douglas-fir, grand fir ( Abies grandis (Dougl. ex D. Don) Lindl.) (interior site only), western hemlock, and western redcedar ( Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don) were planted following thinning either uniformly or in gaps of 0.06 or 0.1 ha. Understory vegetation treatments included (i) a preharvest site preparation herbicide application and an untreated control at both sites and (ii) a postharvest herbicide release treatment at the interior site. Planting conditions and stock at the interior site were not ideal, so survival was adjusted for first-year mortality. Adjusted 10 year survival ranged from 27% to 56% for Douglas-fir, 47% to 65% for western hemlock, 61% to 80% for grand fir, and 78% to 96% for western redcedar. Tenth-year survival at the coastal site ranged from 79% to 92% for Douglas-fir, 61% to 75% for western hemlock, and 67% to 86% for western redcedar. All species grew moderately well beneath the lowest-density overstories, and size was better within gaps than matrices for most species. Understory site preparation improved size for most species. Browsing on Douglas-fir and western redcedar impacted size on both sites.
EXCITED HYPERONS PRODUCED IN PROTON-PROTON COLLISIONS WITH ANKE AT COSY
Authors: ZYCHOR IZABELLA 
Published: April 2009

Excited neutral hyperons Y0* produced in the pp → pK+Y0* reaction with a COSY beam momentum of 3.65 MeV/c have masses below 1540 MeV/c2. The ANKE spectrometer allows the simultaneous observation of different decay modes: Y0* → π0Σ0, π∓Σ±, π0Λ, K-p by measuring kaons and pions of either charge in coincidence with protons. We have found indications for a neutral excited hyperon resonance Y0* with a mass of M(Y0*) = (1480 ± 15) MeV / c 2 and a width of Γ(Y0*) = (60±15) MeV / c 2. The cross section for Y0* is of the order of few hundred nanobarns. It can be either a Σ0 or a Λ hyperon and on the basis of existing data no conclusion could be made whether it is a three–quark baryon or an exotic state. Missing- and invariant–mass techniques have been used to identify the Λ(1405) resonance decaying via Σ0π0. The cross section for Λ(1405) production is equal to (4.5 ± 0.9 stat ± 1.8 syst ) µb. The shape and position of the Λ(1405) distribution are similar to those found from other decay modes, so no support is given to the two-pole model.
PROJECT OF THE NUCLOTRON-BASED ION COLLIDER FACILITY (NICA) AND MULTIPURPOSE DETECTOR (MPD) AT JINR
Authors:   for NICA/MPD collaboration, MESHKOV IGOR N. 
Published: April 2009

The project of The Nuclotron-based Ion Collider fAcility (NICA) that is under development at JINR is presented. The general goal of the project is to start in the coming 5–7 years experimental study of hot and dense strongly interacting barionic matter and search for possible signs of the mixed phase and critical endpoint in heavy ion collisions. The MultiPurpose Detector (MPD) is proposed for this purpose. Another goal of the NICA construction is performance of experimental studies on spin physics with colliding beams of polarized protons and light nuclei. The superconducting (SC) proton synchrotron Nuclotron, that has been constructed and being operated at JINR, is one of key elements of NICA. The report contains description of the physics motivation (the scientific case) and main characteristics of the project: the facility scheme and operation scenario, the elements parameters, the proposed methods of intense ion beam formation, acceleration and achievement of the required luminosity of the collider. Essential feature of the project is an application of cooling methods — electron cooler in the Booster synchrotron and electron and/or stochastic cooling in the collider rings. Status and plans of the project development are presented as well.
Modification of the cytoprotective protein C pathway during Dengue virus infection of human endothelial vascular cells
Authors: Cabello-Gutiérrez Carlos , Manjarrez-Zavala Maria Eugenia , Huerta-Zepeda Alejandra , Cime-Castillo Jorge , Monroy-Martínez Verónica , Biruete-Correa Benjamín , Ruiz-Ordaz Blanca 
Published: April 2009

SummaryDengue fever (DF) is the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral disease of humans. No safe vaccine is available, there is no experimental animal model and no specific treatment (antiviral) for Dengue virus (DV) infection exists. The pathogenic mechanisms of the severe forms of the disease, such as Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) and Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF), in which endothelial damage is the pathognomonic sign, are not fully understood. Clinical observations have revealed significant abnormalities in the coagulation and inflammation systems, with increased levels of soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) in the plasma of patients with DHF/DSS (grade III or IV). Blood sTM was proposed as an early predictor of DSS during the febrile stage. However, the role of the DV in endothelial injury during DSS is unclear. Here, we present novel insights into the participation of DV in the downregulation of the thrombomodulin-thrombin-protein C complex formation at the endothelial surface, with a reduction in activated protein C (APC). APC is the most important vasoprotective protein because it downregulates thrombin generation (by the inactivation of procoagulant factors Va and VIIIa) and has anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and barrier protection properties. These biological functions of APC are associated with the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and pro-tease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) signalling pathways, which link the coagulation-inflammation responses. We found alterations in the antithrombotic and cytoprotective protein C pathways during DV infection of human endothelial vascular cells, which may explain the vasculopathy observed during DHF/DSS. Clarification of the basic principles that underlie these processes has important implications for the design of new therapeutic strategies for DHF/DSS.
Comparative study of accuracy and clinical agreement of the CoaguChek XS portable device versus standard laboratory practice in unexperienced patients
Authors: Fernández Elizabeth Gómez , Rodríguez Rosa Mariño , López Carmen Vázquez , Núñez Julia Barreal , Torreiro Eduardo 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe objective of the study was to compare the accuracy and clinical agreement of the CoaguChek XS versus the standard laboratory practice. Forty-one patients on long-term anticoagulation with acenocumarol without previous experience in self-monitoring participated to obtain 218 pairs of data. Several methods for comparative statistics were applied to assess the possible disagreements between techniques as well as a range of previously published criteria of clinical agreement and the very recently described error-grid for INR comparison that we partially modify. The mean age was 52.1 and the indications for oral anticoagulation were prosthetic valves (36.59%), atrial fibrillation (34.15%), venous thromboembolic disease (21.95%) and others (7.31%) with a target range of 2–3 INR units (63.4%) or 2.5–3.5 (36.6%). Analyzing the whole series of data, the Pearsons ρ correlation coefficient for precision between methods was 0.95 and the Cb bias correction factor for accuracy 0.99 with a minimal bias of 0.1 INR units between methods applying the Bland-Altman plot. The linear regression procedure described by Passing and Bablok showed a minimal deviation from the best-fit line and a slope of 0.90. The mean of the absolute relative differences was 7% which is in the “very good” range of agreement. No results were found in the clinically “dangerous” D zone of the error-grids with 99% of data in the clinically irrelevant and low relevant areas A and B. In this study self-management with the CoaguChek XS was clinically safe and reliable.
Influence of platelet count on the expression of platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Bigalke Boris , Stellos Konstantinos , Stakos Dimitrios , Joos Thomas , Pötz Oliver , Geisler Tobias , Bischofs Christian , Kremmer Elisabeth , Krämer Björn , Seizer Peter , May Andreas , Lindemann Stephan , Gawaz Meinrad 
Published: April 2009

SummaryPlatelets play a key role in the development of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and contribute to cardiovascular events. Platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI) contributes significantly to platelet adhesion and thrombus formation in ACS. We consecutively investigated both the platelet count and the platelet surface expression of GPVI in 843 patients with a symptomatic coronary artery disease verified by coronary angiography. Four hundred fourteen patients presented with stable angina pectoris and 429 patients with ACS. Platelet surface expression of GPVI and CD62P was determined by flow cytometry and platelet count with a coulter counter, plasmatic soluble GPVI was measured by ELISA. Platelet GPVI expression in patients with ACS was compared to platelet count. Patients with ACS showed significantly elevated GPVI expression levels in the first and second quartiles of platelet count compared to patients with higher platelet count [mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) ± standard deviation): 1st vs. 4th: 20.44 ± 6.1 vs. 18.62 ± 3.7; p=0.012; 2ndvs.3rd:21.2±8.5vs.18.76±3.7;P=0.03; 2ndvs.4th: 21.2±8.5vs.18.62±3.7;P=0.004], which was paralleled in trend for the CD62P expression [MFI: 1st vs. 4th: 11.2 ± 6.8 vs. 12.3 ± 9; p=0.057; 2nd vs. 3rd: 16.3 ± 16 vs.12.7 ± 5.3; p=0.138; 2nd vs. 4th: 16.3 ± 16 vs.11 ± 4.4; p=0.043]. In a subgroup of 48 patients with ACS, determination of soluble GPVI showed similar results [plasma GPVI (ng/ml): 1stvs.4th: 1.6 ± 0.6 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4; p=0.046; 1st vs. 3rd: 1.6 ± 0.6 vs. 1.1 ± 0.5; p=0.038; 2nd vs. 3rd: 1.9 ± 0.8 vs. 1.1 ± 0.5; p=0.04; 2nd vs. 4th: 1.9 ± 0.8 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4; p=0.056]. Thus, a lower platelet count comes along with a higher GPVI surface expression and plasma concentration in patients with ACS, which potentially reflects increased activation and enhanced recruitment of platelets to the site of vascular injury.
Influence of molecular weight of chemically sulfated citrus pectin fractions on their antithrombotic and bleeding effects
Authors: Cipriani Thales , Gracher Ana Helena , de Souza Lauro , Fonseca Roberto , Belmiro Celso , Gorin Philip , Sassaki Guilherme , Iacomini Marcello 
Published: April 2009

SummaryEvaluated were the anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities, and bleeding effect of two chemically sulfated polysaccharides, obtained from citric pectin, with different average molar masses. Both low-molecular-weight (Pec-LWS, 3,600 g/mol) and high-molecular-weight sulfated pectins (Pec-HWS, 12,000 g/mol) had essentially the same structure, consisting of a (1→4)-linked α-D-GalpA chain with almost all its HO-2 and HO-3 groups substituted by sulfate. Both polysaccharides had anticoagulant activity in vitro, although Pec-HWS was a more potent anti-thrombotic agent in vivo, giving rise to total inhibition of venous thrombosis at a dose of 3.5 mg/kg body weight. Surprisingly, in contrast with heparin, Pec-HWS and Pec-LWS are able to directly inhibit α-thrombin and factor Xa by a mechanism independent of antithrombin (AT) and/or heparin co-factor II (HCII). Moreover, Pec-HWS provided a lower risk of bleeding than heparin at a dose of 100% effectiveness against venous thrombosis, indicating it to be a promising antithrombotic agent.
Argatroban and bivalirudin compared to unfractionated heparin in preventing thrombus formation on mechanical heart valves
Authors: Linde Torsten , Michel Thomas , Hamilton Kathrin , Steinseifer Ulrich , Friedrich Ivar , Schubert Sebastian , Hauroeder Baerbel , Raaz Uwe , Buerke Michael , Werdan Karl , Schlitt Axel , Maegdefessel Lars 
Published: April 2009

SummaryPrevention of valve thrombosis in patients after prosthetic mechanical heart valve replacement and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is still an open issue. The aim of the present in-vitro study was to investigate the efficacy of argatroban and bivalirudin in comparison to unfractionated heparin (UFH) in preventing thrombus formation on mechanical heart valves. Blood (230 ml) from healthy young male volunteers was anticoagulated either by UFH, argatroban bolus, argatroban bolus plus continuous infusion, bivalirudin bolus, or bivalirudin bolus plus continuous infusion. Valve prostheses were placed in a newly developed in-vitro thrombosis tester and exposed to the anticoagulated blood samples. To quantify the thrombi, electron microscopy was performed, and each valve was weighed before and after the experiment. Mean thrombus weight in group 1 (UFH) was 117 + 93 mg, in group 2 (argatroban bolus) 722 + 428 mg, in group 3 (bivalirudin bolus) 758 + 323 mg, in group 4 (argatroban bolus plus continuous infusion) 162 + 98 mg, and in group 5 (bivalirudin bolus plus continuous infusion) 166 + 141 mg (p-value <0.001). Electron microscopy showed increased rates of thrombus formation in groups 2 and 3. Argatroban and bivalirudin were as effective as UFH in preventing thrombus formation on valve prostheses in our in-vitro investigation when they were administered continuously. We hypothesise that continuous infusion of argatroban or bivalirudin are optimal treatment options for patients with HIT after mechanical heart valve replacement for adapting oral to parenteral anticoagulation or vice versa.
Reduced levels of putative endothelial progenitor and CXCR4+ cells in coronary artery disease: Kinetics following percutaneous coronary intervention and association with clinical characteristics
Authors: Egan Colin Gerard , Caporali Francesca , Huqi Alda , Zito Maria Cristina , Focardi Marta , Mondillo Sergio , Pierli Carlo , Marzilli Mario , Sorrentino Vincenzo 
Published: April 2009

SummaryLevels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and CXCR4-positive cells are decreased in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD); however, their ability to change in response to acute vascular injury remains to be elucidated. Progenitor and CXCR4-positive cells were analysed by flow cytometry from the peripheral blood of 23 healthy controls and 23 patients with CAD, of which 13 patients underwent angiogram and 10 patients received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation. Baseline levels of progenitor and CXCR4-positive cells were substantially reduced in CAD patients compared to controls, although they were still capable of increasing in response to vascular injury. Levels of progenitor and CXCR4-positive cells were increased to a greater extent in the PCI group compared to angiogram patients. At presentation, levels of putative endothelial progenitor and CXCR4-positive cells were found to be negatively correlated with disease severity. A one-year follow-up revealed that out of the cell populations examined, only levels of CXCR4-positive cells were positively correlated with angina frequency in the PCI group, but not in patients receiving angiogram. Baseline levels of progenitor cells are differentially increased depending upon the severity of vascular injury incurred, regardless of a significant deficit in baseline levels in CAD patients. Levels of putative EPCs and CXCR4-positive cells were negatively correlated with disease severity at presentation, however, only CXCR4-positive cells were associated with patient condition in a one-year follow-up.
Association of genetic variants with myocardial infarction in Japanese individuals with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Fujimaki Tetsuo , Kato Kimihiko , Yoshida Tetsuro , Oguri Mitsutoshi , Watanabe Sachiro , Metoki Norifumi , Yoshida Hidemi , Satoh Kei , Aoyagi Yukitoshi , Nishigaki Yutaka , Tanaka Masashi , Nozawa Yoshinori , Kimura Genjiro , Yamada Yoshiji 
Published: April 2009

SummaryChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious clinical condition that is associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease and end-stage renal disease. Although CKD has been recognised as a risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI), genetic factors for predisposition to MI in individuals with CKD have remained largely unknown. The purpose of the present study was to identify genetic variants that confer susceptibility to MI in Japanese individuals with CKD. The study subjects comprised 1,339 Japanese individuals with CKD, including 496 subjects with MI and 843 controls. The genotypes for 248 polymorphisms of 181 candidate genes were determined by a method that combines the polymerase chain reaction and sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes with suspension array technology. An initial screen of allele frequencies by the chi-square test revealed that the 11496G→A (Arg353Gln) polymorphism of F7 (rs6046) was significantly (false discovery rate <0.05) associated with the prevalence of MI in individuals with CKD. Subsequent multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for covariates and a stepwise forward selection procedure also revealed that this polymorphism was significantly (p <0.005) associated with MI, with the variant A (Gln) allele protecting against this condition. Determination of genotype for the 11496G→A (Arg353Gln) polymorphism of F7 may prove informative for assessment of the genetic risk for MI in individuals with CKD.