bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of order of draw of blood samples during phlebotomy on routine biochemistry results: Table 1
Authors: Sulaiman Raashda A , Cornes Michael P , Whitehead Simon J , Othonos Nadia , Ford Clare , Gama Rousseau 
Published: July 2011

AimTo investigate whether incorrect order of draw of blood samples during phlebotomy causes in vitro potassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid EDTA (kEDTA) contamination of blood samples.MethodsSerum kEDTA, potassium, calcium, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, zinc and iron concentrations were measured in blood samples drawn before and after collecting blood into kEDTA containing sample tubes by an experienced phlebotomist using the Sarstedt Safety Monovette system.ResultsEDTA was undetectable in all samples. The concentrations of other analytes were similar in blood samples drawn before and after collection of the EDTA blood sample.ConclusionOrder of draw of blood samples using the Sarstedt Safety Monovette system has no effect on serum biochemistry results, when samples are taken by an experienced phlebotomist.
Diversity of the desert truffleTerfezia boudieriChatin. in southern Tunisia
Authors: Sbissi Imed , Ghodhbane-Gtari Faten , Neffati Mohamed , Ouzari Hadda , Boudabous Abdellatif , Gtari Maher 
Published: July 2011

This study reports the genetic diversity of Terfezia boudieri collected from southern Tunisia. The study was carried out using 135 truffle fruiting bodies harvested from seven different locations. Twenty-eight Terfezia claveryi fruiting bodies were also sampled from one of the seven locations. A PCR-based technique was used to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA, including the ITS1–5.8S–ITS2. The PCR products were digested with the four restriction enzymes RsaI, HhaI, AluI, and HinfI. Based on the HinfI patterns, T. boudieri specimens were separated into two different haplotypes (I and II). Nucleotide sequences of some representative amplicons were also obtained. Based on the phylogenetic results, three T. boudieri genotypes could be differentiated. One sequence, SKtb1, retrieved from PCR–RFLP of haplotype I, was obtained from a low pH soil in association with Helianthemum kahiricum . Based on the results presented in the current study, this isolate may represent a novel taxa within the Terfezia genus.
Communicative Functions Integrate Segments in Prosodies and Prosodies in Segments
Authors: Kohler Klaus J. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
This paper takes a new look at the traditionally established divide between sounds and prosodies, viewing it as a useful heuristics in language descriptions that focus on the segmental make- up of words. It pleads for a new approach that bridges this reified compartmentalization of speech in a more global communicative perspective. Data are presented from a German perception experiment in the framework of the Semantic Differential that shows interdependence of f0 contours and the spectral characteristics of a following fricative segment, for the expression of semantic functions along the scales questioning – asserting, excited – calm, forceful – not forceful, contrary – agreeable. The results lead to the conclusion that segments shape prosodies and are shaped by them in varying ways in the coding of semantic functions. This implies that the analysis of sentence prosodies needs to integrate the manifestation of segments, just as the analysis of segments needs to consider their prosodic embedding. In communicative interaction, speakers set broad prosodic time windows of varying sizes, and listeners respond to them. So, future phonetic research needs to concentrate on speech analysis in such windows.
Constitutive Androstane Receptor Activation Decreases Plasma Apolipoprotein B–Containing Lipoproteins and Atherosclerosis in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor–Deficient Mice
Authors: Sberna Anne-Laure , Assem Mahfoud , Xiao Rui , Ayers Steve , Gautier Thomas , Guiu Boris , Deckert Valérie , Chevriaux Angélique , Grober Jacques , Le Guern Naig , Pais de Barros Jean-Paul , Moore David D. , Lagrost Laurent , Masson David 
Published: July 2011

Objective—
The goal of this study was to determine the impact of the nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) on lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice.

Methods and Results—

Low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient (Ldlr
−/−
) and apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE
−/−
) mice fed a Western-type diet were treated weekly with the Car agonist 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene (TCPOBOP) or the vehicle only for 8 weeks. In Ldlr
−/−
mice, treatment with TCPOBOP induced a decrease in plasma triglyceride and intermediate-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (≈30% decrease in both cases after 2 months,
P
<0.01). These mice also showed a significant reduction in the production of very-low-density lipoproteins associated with a decrease in hepatic triglyceride content and the repression of several genes involved in lipogenesis. TCPOBOP treatment also induced a marked increase in the very-low-density lipoprotein receptor in the liver, which probably contributed to the decrease in intermediate-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein levels. Atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic valves of TCPOBOP-treated Ldlr
−/−
mice were also reduced (−60%,
P
<0.001). In ApoE
−/−
mice, which lack the physiological apoE ligand for the very-low-density lipoprotein receptor, the effect of TCPOBOP on plasma cholesterol levels and the development of atherosclerotic lesions was markedly attenuated.

Conclusion—
CAR is a potential target in the prevention and treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.
Dual Metabolic Defects Are Required to Produce Hypertriglyceridemia in Obese Subjects
Authors: Taskinen Marja-Riitta , Adiels Martin , Westerbacka Jukka , Söderlund Sanni , Kahri Juhani , Lundbom Nina , Lundbom Jesper , Hakkarainen Antti , Olofsson Sven-Olof , Orho-Melander Marju , Borén Jan 
Published: July 2011

Objective—
Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. However, not all obese subjects develop the metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanisms that induce dyslipidemia in obese subjects.

Methods and Results—

Stable isotope tracers were used to elucidate the pathophysiology of the dyslipidemia in hypertriglyceridemic (
n
=14) and normotriglyceridemic (
n
=14) obese men (with comparable body mass index and visceral fat volume) and in normotriglyceridemic nonobese men (
n
=10). Liver fat was determined using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and subcutaneous abdominal and visceral fat were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Serum triglycerides in obese subjects were increased by the combination of increased secretion and severely impaired clearance of triglyceride-rich very-low-density lipoprotein
1
particles. Furthermore, increased liver and subcutaneous abdominal fat were linked to increased secretion of very-low-density lipoprotein 1 particles, whereas increased plasma levels of apolipoprotein C-III were associated with impaired clearance in obese hypertriglyceridemic subjects.

Conclusion—
Dual metabolic defects are required to produce hypertriglyceridemia in obese subjects with similar levels of visceral adiposity. The results emphasize the clinical importance of assessing hypertriglyceridemic waist in obese subjects to identify subjects at high cardiometabolic risk.
Premature Senescence in Cells From Patients With Autosomal Recessive Hypercholesterolemia (ARH)
Authors: Sun Xi-Ming , Patel Dilip D. , Acosta Juan-Carlos , Gil Jesùs , Soutar Anne K. 
Published: July 2011

Objective—
The defective gene causing autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia (ARH) encodes ARH, a clathrin-associated adaptor protein required for low-density-lipoprotein receptor endocytosis in most cells but not in skin fibroblasts. The aim here was to elucidate why ARH fibroblasts grow slowly and undergo premature senescence.

Methods and Results—

Knockdown of ARH by RNA interference in IMR90 cells produces the same phenotype, indicated by increased p16 expression, γ-H2AX-positive foci, and enlarged flattened morphology. We showed that ARH contributes to several aspects of mitosis: it localizes to mitotic microtubules, with lamin B1 on the nuclear envelope and spindle matrix, and with clathrin heavy chain on mitotic spindles. Second, ARH is phosphorylated in G
2
/M phase by a roscovitine-sensitive kinase, probably cdc2. Third, cells lacking ARH show disfigured nuclei and defective mitotic spindles. Defects are most marked in ARH W22X cells, where translation starts at Met46, so the protein lacks a phosphorylation site at Ser14, identified by mass spectrometry of wild-type ARH.

Conclusion—
The ARH protein is involved in cell cycle progression, possibly by affecting nuclear membrane formation through interaction with lamin B1 or other mitotic proteins, and its absence affects cell proliferation and induces premature senescence, which may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis in ARH.
Outcomes of Intravenous Thrombolysis in Posterior Versus Anterior Circulation Stroke
Authors: Sarikaya Hakan , Arnold Marcel , Engelter Stefan T. , Lyrer Philippe A. , Mattle Heinrich P. , Georgiadis Dimitrios , Bonati Leo H. , Fluri Felix , Fischer Urs , Findling Oliver , Ballinari Pietro , Baumgartner Ralf W. 
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—
Intravenous thrombolysis is an approved treatment for anterior (ACS) and posterior (PCS) circulation stroke. However, no randomized controlled trial has investigated safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis according to stroke territory, although PCS is assumed to differ from ACS in many ways. We aimed to compare the safety and clinical outcome of intravenous thrombolysis applied to patients with PCS and ACS.

Methods—
Prospectively collected data of 883 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (788 ACS, 95 PCS) treated with intravenous thrombolysis in 3 Swiss stroke centers were analyzed. Presenting characteristics, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, mortality, and favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale 0 or 1) at 3 months were compared between patients with PCS and ACS.

Results—

As compared with patients with ACS, those with PCS were younger (mean age, 63 versus 67 years,
P
=0.012) and had a lower mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (9 versus 12,
P
<0.001). Patients with PCS less often had symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (0% versus 5%,
P
=0.026) and had more often a favorable outcome (66% versus 47%,
P
<0.001). Mortality was similar in the 2 groups (PCS, 9%; ACS, 13%;
P
=0.243). After multivariable adjustment, PCS was an independent predictor of lower symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage frequency (
P
=0.001), whereas stroke territory was not associated either with favorable outcome (
P
=0.177) or with mortality (
P
=0.251).

Conclusions—
Our study suggests that PCS is associated with a lower risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after intravenous thrombolysis as compared with ACS, whereas favorable outcome and mortality were similar in the 2 stroke territories.
Vertebral Artery Ostium Atherosclerotic Plaque as a Potential Source of Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Al-Ali Firas , Barrow Tom , Duan Li , Jefferson Anne , Louis Susan , Luke Kim , Major Kevin , Smoker Sandy , Walker Sarah , Yacobozzi Margaret 
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—
Although atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid and coronary arteries is accepted as a cause of ischemia, vertebral artery ostium (VAO) atherosclerotic plaque is not widely recognized as a source of ischemic stroke. We seek to demonstrate its implication in some posterior circulation ischemia.

Methods—
This is a nonrandomized, prospective, single-center registry on consecutive patients presenting with posterior circulation ischemia who underwent VAO stenting for significant atherosclerotic stenosis. Diagnostic evaluation and imaging studies determined the likelihood of this lesion as the symptom source (highly likely, probable, or highly unlikely). Patients were divided into 4 groups in decreasing order of severity of clinical presentation (ischemic stroke, TIA then stroke, TIA, asymptomatic), which were compared with the morphological and hemodynamic characteristics of the VAO plaque. Clinical follow-up 1 year after stenting assessed symptom recurrence.

Results—
One hundred fourteen patients underwent stenting of 127 lesions; 35% of the lesions were highly likely the source of symptoms, 53% were probable, and 12% were highly unlikely. Clinical presentation correlated directly with plaque irregularity and presence of clot at the VAO, as did bilateral lesions and presence of tandem lesions. Symptom recurrence at 1 year was 2%.

Conclusions—
Thirty-five percent of the lesions were highly likely the source of the symptoms. A direct relationship between some morphological/hemodynamic characteristics and the severity of clinical presentation was also found. Finally, patients had a very low rate of symptom recurrence after treatment. These 3 observations point strongly to VAO plaque as a potential source of some posterior circulation stroke.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Recurrence After Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Vertebrobasilar Dissecting Aneurysms
Authors: Kim Byung Moon , Shin Yong Sam , Kim Se-Hyuk , Suh Sang Hyun , Ihn Yon-Kwon , Kim Dong Ik , Kim Dong Joon , Park Sung Il 
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—
The incidence and risk factors for recurrence after endovascular treatment of intracranial vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms (VBDAs) have not been studied. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for recurrence after endovascular treatment of VBDAs.

Methods—
A total of 111 patients (mean age, 45±10 years) underwent endovascular treatment for 119 VBDAs (ruptured/unruptured=73:46). Incidence and risk factors for recurrence were retrospectively evaluated.

Results—

Sixty-two VBDAs were treated by a reconstructive technique by using 1 to 3 overlapping stents with or without coiling, and 57 VBDAs were treated by a deconstructive technique by using proximal occlusion or internal trapping at the dissected segment of the parent artery. Follow-up angiography was available for 97 VBDAs (81.5%) in 89 patients at 3 days to 48 months (median, 13 months) after treatment. There were 13 recurrences: 6 had rebleeding but 7 had no rebleeding. All 6 hemorrhagic recurrences had initially presented with a ruptured form. Ten recurrences were confirmed by angiography, but 3 recurrences with rebleeding did not receive follow-up angiography. The rate of post-treatment recurrence did not differ between reconstructive and deconstructive treatments. Involvement of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery origin (odds ratio=8.026; 95% confidence interval, 1.561 to 41.259;
P
=0.013) was the only independent risk factor for recurrence.

Conclusions—
There was a 13% recurrence after endovascular treatment of VBDAs. Posterior inferior cerebellar artery origin involvement was the only independent risk factor for recurrence after endovascular treatment of VBDAs.
An Extension of Smith’s Linear Theory of Orographic Precipitation: Introduction of Vertical Layers*
Authors: Barstad Idar , Schüller Felix 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
This paper proposes an extension of a linear theory of orographic precipitation (OP). In the original theory, cloud water is produced by forced lifting over mountains, moderated by airflow dynamics. Controlled by a time delay τc, the cloud water converts into hydrometeors, which drift and fall out as precipitation. This drift is controlled by another time delay τf. The new extension proposed here introduces vertical layers, limited to two in this study. In this way, a more realistic vertical structure is permitted. Wind and stability may change with height and different microphysical properties may be assigned to the layers. For instance, a long fallout delay in the upper layer may represent snow that, after falling through a melting layer, turns into rain that has a short delay in the lower model layer. The sensitivity to microphysical delay and wind speed has been addressed for various interface heights separating the two layers. This layered approach allows adjustment of the water vapor influx and truncation of dry descent above a crest line, which, in the context of the existing linear theory, otherwise could cancel cloud water in lower layers. The introduction of layers requires more information in the vertical, but this may be derived, to some extent, from surface information.
Toward a Global Climatology of Severe Hailstorms as Estimated by Satellite Passive Microwave Imagers
Authors: Cecil Daniel J. , Blankenship Clay B. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAn 8-yr climatology of storms producing large hail is estimated from satellite measurements using Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (AMSR-E). This allows a unique, consistent comparison between regions that cannot be consistently compared using ground-based records because of varying data collection standards. Severe hailstorms are indicated most often in a broad region of northern Argentina and southern Paraguay and a smaller region in Bangladesh and eastern India. Numerous hailstorms are also estimated in the central and southeastern United States, northern Pakistan and northwestern India, central and western Africa, and southeastern Africa (and adjacent waters). Fewer hailstorms are estimated for other regions over land and scattered across subtropical oceans. Very few are estimated in the deep tropics other than in Africa. Most continental regions show seasonality with hailstorms peaking in late spring or summer. The South Asian monsoon alters the hailstorm climatology around the Indian subcontinent. About 75% of the hailstorms on the eastern side (around Bangladesh) occur from April through June, generally before monsoon onset. Activity shifts northwest to northern India in late June and July. An arc along the foothills in northern Pakistan becomes particularly active from mid-June through mid-August. The AMSR-E measurements are limited to early afternoon and late night. Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) measurements are used to investigate diurnal variability in the tropics and subtropics. All of the prominent regions have hailstorm peaks in late afternoon and early evening. The United States and central Africa have the fewest overnight and early morning storms, while subtropical South America and Bangladesh have the most.
Climatological Diurnal Cycles in Clear-Sky Brightness Temperatures from the High-Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS)
Authors: Lindfors Anders V. , Mackenzie Ian A. , Tett Simon F. B. , Shi Lei 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
A climatology of the diurnal cycles of HIRS clear-sky brightness temperatures was developed based on measurements over the period 2002–07. This was done by fitting a Fourier series to monthly gridded brightness temperatures of HIRS channels 1–12. The results show a strong land–sea contrast with stronger diurnal cycles over land, and extending from the surface up to HIRS channel 6 or 5, with regional maxima over the subtropics. Over seas, the diurnal cycles are generally small and therefore challenging to detect. A Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis showed that more robust results are reached by aggregating the data zonally before applying the fit. The zonal fits indicate that small diurnal cycles do exist over sea. The results imply that for a long-lived satellite such as NOAA-14, drift in the overpass time can cause a diurnal sampling bias of more than 5 K for channel 8 (surface and lower troposphere).
Mortality of Patients With Respiratory Insufficiency and Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome After Surgery
Authors: Memtsoudis Stavros G. , Bombardieri Anna Maria , Ma Yan , Walz J. Matthias , Chiu Ya Lin , Mazumdar Madhu 
Published: July 2011

Introduction: Obesity has long been considered a risk factor for the development of various pathologies, yet evidence supporting increased risk of perioperative mortality in obese individuals developing postoperative complications is limited. Therefore, we sought to characterize the demographics of obese and nonobese individuals developing postoperative respiratory insufficiency (RI)/adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and to quantify the impact of obesity on in-hospital mortality among this patient population utilizing data collected for the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Methods: Nationwide Inpatient Sample data for each year between 1998 and 2007 were accessed. Entries were included if they underwent a surgical procedure and had a diagnosis of RI/ARDS following surgery. Patients fulfilling entry criteria were divided into those with and without obesity. In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome. A logistic regression model was fitted to elucidate if obesity was associated with increased odds for the outcome while controlling for age, gender, admission and procedure type, and comorbidity burden. Results: We identified 9 149 030 admissions that underwent the included surgical procedures between 1998 and 2007. Of those, 5.48% had a diagnosis of obesity. The incidence of RI/ARDS was 1.82% among obese and 2.01% among nonobese patients. Obese patients whose postoperative course was complicated by RI/ARDS had a significantly lower incidence of the need for mechanical ventilation (50% vs 55%). In-hospital mortality was significantly lower compared to nonobese patients (5.45% vs 18.72%). For those patients with RI/ARDS requiring intubation, the in-hospital mortality rate was 11% for obese and 25% for nonobese patients. In the multivariate regression analysis, obesity was associated with a 69% reduction in the odds of in-hospital mortality in postoperative patients with RI/ARDS. Conclusion: In our analysis, obesity was associated with a decreased incidence and adjusted odds for in-hospital mortality after surgery. Our results support the emerging concept of the “obesity paradox.”
Decreases in IL-7 levels during antiretroviral treatment of HIV infection suggest a primary mechanism of receptor-mediated clearance
Authors: Hodge Jessica N. , Srinivasula Sharat , Hu Zonghui , Read Sarah W. , Porter Brian O. , Kim Insook , Mican JoAnn M. , Paik Chang , DeGrange Paula , Di Mascio Michele , Sereti Irini 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIL-7 is essential for T-cell homeostasis. Elevated serum IL-7 levels in lymphopenic states, including HIV infection, are thought to be due to increased production by homeostatic feedback, decreased receptor-mediated clearance, or both. The goal of this study was to understand how immune reconstitution through antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV+ patients affects IL-7 serum levels, expression of the IL-7 receptor (CD127), and T-cell cycling. Immunophenotypic analysis of T cells from 29 HIV− controls and 43 untreated HIV+ patients (30 of whom were followed longitudinally for ≤ 24 months on ART) was performed. Restoration of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was driven by increases in CD127+ naive and central memory T cells. CD4+ T-cell subsets were not fully restored after 2 years of ART, whereas serum IL-7 levels normalized by 1 year of ART. Mathematical modeling indicated that changes in serum IL-7 levels could be accounted for by changes in the receptor concentration. These data suggest that T-cell restoration after ART in HIV infection is driven predominantly by CD127+ cells and that decreases of serum IL-7 can be largely explained by improved CD127-mediated clearance.