bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins as Novel Targets in Inflammatory Processes
Authors: Mayer Bettina A. , Rehberg Markus , Erhardt Annette , Wolf Alexander , Reichel Christoph A. , Kracht Michael , Krombach Fritz , Tiegs Gisa , Zahler Stefan , Vollmar Angelika M. , Fürst Robert 
Published: August 2011

Objective—
Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), such as X-linked or cellular IAP 1/2 (XIAP, cIAP1/2), are important regulators of apoptosis. IAP antagonists are currently under clinical investigation as anticancer agents. Interestingly, IAPs participate in the inflammation-associated TNF receptor signaling complex and regulate NFκB signaling. This raises the question about the role of IAPs in inflammation. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of IAP inhibitors and the role of IAPs in inflammatory processes of endothelial cells.

Methods and Results—
In mice, the small molecule IAP antagonist A-4.10099.1 (ABT) suppressed antigen-induced arthritis, leukocyte infiltration in concanavalin A-evoked liver injury, and leukocyte transmigration in the TNFα-activated cremaster muscle. In vitro, we observed an attenuation of leukocyte–endothelial cell interaction by downregulation of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1. ABT did not impair NFκB signaling but decreased the TNFα-induced activation of the TGF-β–activated kinase 1, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. These effects are based on the proteasomal degradation of cIAP1/2 accompanied by an altered ratio of the levels of membrane-localized TNF receptor-associated factors 2 and 5.

Conclusion—
Our results reveal IAP antagonism as a profound anti-inflammatory principle in vivo and highlight IAPs as important regulators of inflammatory processes in endothelial cells.
A Unique MicroRNA Signature Associated With Plaque Instability in Humans
Authors: Cipollone Francesco , Felicioni Lara , Sarzani Riccardo , Ucchino Sante , Spigonardo Francesco , Mandolini Claudia , Malatesta Sara , Bucci Marco , Mammarella Chiara , Santovito Donato , de Lutiis Federica , Marchetti Antonio , Mezzetti Andrea , Buttitta Fiamma 
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—
Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is considered the most important mechanism that underlies the onset of stroke, myocardial infarction, and sudden death. Several evidences demonstrated the pivotal role of inflammatory processes in plaque destabilization. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous RNAs and represent a new important class of gene regulators. Nevertheless, no data exist about the expression profile of miRNAs in atherosclerotic plaques. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression level of miRNAs in human plaques and to correlate it with clinical features of plaque destabilization.

Methods—
Two separate groups of plaques were collected from patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy in Chieti (n=15) and Ancona (n=38) Hospitals. All the plaques were subdivided in symptomatic (n=22) and asymptomatic (n=31) according to the presence/absence of stroke.

Results—
First, on the plaques collected at Chieti Hospital, we performed large-scale analysis of miRNA expression. Between the 41 miRNAs examined, we discovered profound differences in the expression of 5 miRNAs (miRNA-100, miRNA-127, miRNA-145, miRNA-133a, and miRNA-133b) in symptomatic versus asymptomatic plaques. Remarkably, when we repeated the analysis on the Ancona plaque subset, all these 5 miRNAs confirmed to be significantly more expressed in the symptomatic plaques. Finally, in vitro experiments on endothelial cells transfected with miRNA-145 and miRNA-133a confirmed the importance of these miRNAs in the modulation of stroke-related proteins.

Conclusions—
These results are the first to report alterations in the expression of specific miRNAs in human atherosclerotic plaques and suggest that miRNAs may have an important role in regulating the evolution of atherosclerotic plaque toward instability and rupture. Furthermore, by identifying the specific miRNA signature for stroke now, we are able to use computer algorithms to identify previously unrecognized molecular targets.
Socioeconomic Differences in Quality of Care and Clinical Outcome After Stroke
Authors: Langagergaard Vivian , Palnum Kaare H. , Mehnert Frank , Ingeman Annette , Krogh Birgitte R. , Bartels Paul , Johnsen Søren P. 
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—
The association among socioeconomic status, quality of care, and clinical outcome after stroke remains poorly understood. In a Danish nationwide follow-up study, we examined whether socioeconomic-related differences in acute stroke care occur and, if so, whether they explain socioeconomic differences in case-fatality and readmission risk.

Methods—
Using population-based public registries, we identified and followed all patients aged ≤65 years admitted with stroke from 2003 to 2007 (n=14 545). We compared the proportion of patients receiving 7 specific processes of care according to income, educational attainment, and employment status. Furthermore, we computed 30-day and 1-year hazard ratios for death and readmission adjusted for patient characteristics and received processes of acute stroke care.

Results—
For low-income patients and disability pensioners, the relative risk of receiving all of the relevant processes of care was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.86) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.87), respectively, compared with high-income patients and employed patients. Adjusted 30-day and 1-year hazard ratios for death for unemployed patients were 1.57 (95% CI, 1.25 to 1.97) and 1.58 (1.32 to 1.88), respectively, compared with employed patients. Unemployed patients also had a higher risk of readmission. The differences in mortality and readmission risk remained after controlling for received processes of acute stroke care.

Conclusions—
Low socioeconomic status was associated with a lower chance of receiving optimal acute stroke care. However, the differences in acute care did not appear to explain socioeconomic differences in mortality and readmission risk.
Intraventricular Fibrinolysis Versus External Ventricular Drainage Alone in Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Authors: Gaberel Thomas , Magheru Cristian , Parienti Jean-Jacques , Huttner Hagen Bernhard , Vivien Denis , Emery Evelyne 
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—
The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of intraventricular fibrinolysis (IVF) compared with external ventricular drainage alone on mortality and functional outcome in the management of intraventricular hemorrhage secondary to spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods—
The authors conducted a systematic review and performed a meta-analysis. They reviewed the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Liliacs databases. In addition, they conducted a manual review of article bibliographies.

Results—
Using a prespecified search strategy, 4 randomized and 8 observational studies were included in a meta-analysis. These studies involved a total of 316 patients with intraventricular hemorrhage at baseline, of whom 167 had IVF (52·8%). Pooled odds ratios of the impact of IVF on patient mortality, functional outcomes, and complications were calculated. The overall mortality risk decreased from 46·7% in the external ventricular drainage alone group to 22.7% in the external ventricular drainage+IVF group, corresponding to an overall pooled Peto OR of 0.32 (95% CI, 0.19 to 0.52). This result was highly significant with urokinase, not with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator. IVF was also associated with an increase in good functional outcome. There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of shunt dependence and complications.

Conclusions—
The combination of IVF and external ventricular drainage in the management of severe intraventricular hemorrhage secondary to small intracerebral hemorrhage in young patients was associated with better survival and functional outcome results. Urokinase and recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator could not have the same therapeutic effects. Well-designed randomized trials with special considerations to the fibrinolytic agents are needed.
Predictors of Early and Late Case-Fatality in a Nationwide Danish Study of 26 818 Patients With First-Ever Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Andersen Klaus Kaae , Andersen Zorana Jovanovic , Olsen Tom Skyhøj 
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—
Predictors of early case-fatality (3-day, 7-day, and 30-day) in first-ever ischemic stroke were identified and compared with predictors of late case-fatality (90-day and 1-year).

Methods—
A registry designed to register hospitalized patients with stroke in Denmark 2000 to 2007 holds 26 818 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke with information on stroke severity (Scandinavian Stroke Scale), CT scan, cardiovascular risk factors, marital status, and fatality within 1 year. Multiple logistic regression was used in identifying predictors.

Results—
Mean age was 71.2 years; 48.5% were women; mean Scandinavian Stroke Scale score was 43.9. Early case-fatality showed stroke severity and age were significant predictors of 3-day, 7-day, and 30-day case-fatality (nonlinear effect). In addition, atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.56) predicted 30-day case-fatality. For late case-fatality, significant predictors of 90-day and 1-year case-fatality were age, stroke severity (nonlinear effect), atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.37 and 1.57), and diabetes (OR, 1.35 and 1.33), respectively. Male gender (OR, 1.28), previous myocardial infarction (OR, 1.40), and smoking (OR, 1.21) were also associated with 1-year case-fatality. Alcohol consumption, hypertension, intermittent arterial claudication, and marital state had no influence. All case-fatality rates accelerated with increasing age, but 3-day and 7-day case-fatality rates tended to level off or decline at the highest ages.

Conclusions—
Age and stroke severity were the only significant predictors of fatality within the first poststroke week; they were associated with late case-fatality as well. Cardiovascular risk factors were associated with late case-fatality; with the exception of atrial fibrillation, they were not significantly associated with early case-fatality rates.
Preclinical Evidence Toward the Use of Ketamine for Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator-Mediated Thrombolysis Under Anesthesia or Sedation
Authors: Gakuba Clement , Gauberti Maxime , Mazighi Mikael , Defer Gilles , Hanouz Jean-Luc , Vivien Denis 
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—
Endovascular treatment of ischemic stroke usually involves recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA)-mediated thrombolysis in anesthetized patients. Paradoxically, differential influences of anesthetic agents on thrombolysis outcome remain unknown.

Methods—

In situ thrombotic stroke was induced in mice by local injection of thrombin. Four hours after the ischemic onset, mice underwent rtPA-mediated thrombolysis either awake or subjected to different anesthetic regimens (propofol, isoflurane/N
2
O, ketamine). Infarct volume and arterial recanalization were assessed by MRI at 24 hours.

Results—
Whatever the anesthetic regimen, infarct volumes measured at 24 hours were not affected. However, in contrast with other anesthetic agents tested, ketamine dramatically reduced infarct volume when combined with rtPA.

Conclusions—
Altogether these data suggest that ketamine significantly improves the benefit of rtPA-induced thrombolysis after stroke.
Self-Reported Atrial Fibrillation and Risk of Stroke in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study
Authors: Soliman Elsayed Z. , Howard George , Meschia James F. , Cushman Mary , Muntner Paul , Pullicino Patrick M. , McClure Leslie A. , Judd Suzanne , Howard Virginia J. 
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—
We compared the associations of self-reported atrial fibrillation (AF) and ECG-detected AF with incident stroke in the Risk of Stroke in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study.

Methods—
In this analysis, 27 109 participants aged 45 years or older without previous stroke were included. Stroke cases were identified and adjudicated during an average of 4.4 years of follow-up. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) of self-reported AF, ECG-detected AF, and AF detected by either method with incident stroke. We also examined the predictive ability of the Framingham Stroke Risk Score (FSRS) when the component AF was defined by different methods.

Results—
After adjustment for components of the FSRS, self-reported AF, ECG-detected AF, and AF by either method were predictive of incident stroke (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.05–1.88; HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.10–3.27; HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.16–2.01, respectively). When self-report, ECG, or either method, separately, were considered as the method of AF ascertainment in the FSRS, the HR per 1% increase in the FSRS were identical across AF ascertainment methods (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03–1.04; HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.04–1.05; HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03–1.04; respectively).

Conclusions—
Self-reported AF is a strong predictor of stroke that can be used interchangeably or in combination with ECG-detected AF in stroke risk prediction models.
Progression of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Defined Brain Vascular Disease Predicts Vascular Events in Elderly
Authors: Longstreth W.T. , Arnold Alice M. , Kuller Lewis H. , Bernick Charles , Lefkowitz David S. , Beauchamp Norman J. , Manolio Teri A. 
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—
To determine whether progression of MRI-defined vascular disease predicts subsequent vascular events in the elderly.

Methods—
The Cardiovascular Health Study, a longitudinal cohort study of vascular disease in the elderly, allows us to address this question because its participants had 2 MRI scans ≈5 years apart and have been followed for ≈9 years since the follow-up scan for incident vascular events.

Results—
Both MRI-defined incident infarcts and worsened white matter grade were significantly associated with heart failure, stroke, and death, but not transient ischemic attacks, angina, or myocardial infarction. Strongest associations occurred when both incident infarcts and worsened white matter grade were present for heart failure (hazard ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.18–2.73), stroke (hazard ratio, 2.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.53–4.36), death (hazard ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–2.24), and cardiovascular death (hazard ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–3.14).

Conclusions—
Progression of MRI-defined vascular disease identifies elderly people at increased risk for subsequent heart failure, stroke, and death. Whether aggressive risk factor management would reduce risk is unknown.
Estimating Atmospheric Boundary Layer Depth Using COSMIC Radio Occultation Data
Authors: Guo P. , Kuo Y.-H. , Sokolovskiy S. V. , Lenschow D. H. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
This study presents an algorithm for estimating atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) depth from Global Positioning System (GPS) radio occultation (RO) data. The algorithm is applied to the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) RO data and validated using high-resolution radiosonde data from the island of St. Helena (16.0°S, 5.7°W), tropical (30°S–30°N) radiosondes collocated with RO, and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) high-resolution global analyses. Spatial and temporal variations of the ABL depth obtained from COSMIC RO data for a 1-yr period over tropical and subtropical oceans are analyzed. The results demonstrate the capability of RO data to resolve geographical and seasonal variations of ABL height. The spatial patterns of the variations are consistent with those derived from ECMWF global analysis. However, the ABL heights derived from ECMWF global analysis, on average, are negatively biased against those estimated from COSMIC GPS RO data. These results indicate that GPS RO data can provide useful information on ABL height, which is an important parameter for weather and climate studies.
The Basic Ingredients of the North Atlantic Storm Track. Part II: Sea Surface Temperatures
Authors: Brayshaw David James , Hoskins Brian , Blackburn Michael 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The impact of North Atlantic SST patterns on the storm track is investigated using a hierarchy of GCM simulations using idealized (aquaplanet) and “semirealistic” boundary conditions in the atmospheric component (HadAM3) of the third climate configuration of the Met Office Unified Model (HadCM3). This framework enables the mechanisms determining the tropospheric response to North Atlantic SST patterns to be examined, both in isolation and in combination with continental-scale landmasses and orography.
In isolation, a “Gulf Stream” SST pattern acts to strengthen the downstream storm track while a “North Atlantic Drift” SST pattern weakens it. These changes are consistent with changes in the extratropical SST gradient and near-surface baroclinicity, and each storm-track response is associated with a consistent change in the tropospheric jet structure. Locally enhanced near-surface horizontal wind convergence is found over the warm side of strengthened SST gradients associated with ascending air and increased precipitation, consistent with previous studies.
When the combined SST pattern is introduced into the semirealistic framework (including the “North American” continent and the “Rocky Mountains”), the results suggest that the topographically generated southwest–northeast tilt in the North Atlantic storm track is enhanced. In particular, the Gulf Stream shifts the storm track south in the western Atlantic whereas the strong high-latitude SST gradient in the northeastern Atlantic enhances the storm track there.
Kinematics of the Secondary Eyewall Observed in Hurricane Rita (2005)
Authors: Didlake Anthony C. , Houze Robert A. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Airborne Doppler radar data collected from the concentric eyewalls of Hurricane Rita (2005) provide detailed three-dimensional kinematic observations of the secondary eyewall feature. The secondary eyewall radar echo shows a ring of heavy precipitation containing embedded convective cells, which have no consistent orientation or radial location. The axisymmetric mean structure has a tangential wind maximum within the reflectivity maximum at 2-km altitude and an elevated distribution of its strongest winds on the radially outer edge. The corresponding vertical vorticity field contains a low-level maximum on the inside edge, which is part of a tube of increased vorticity that rises through the center of the reflectivity tower and into the midlevels. The secondary circulation consists of boundary layer inflow that radially overshoots the secondary eyewall. A portion of this inflowing air experiences convergence and supergradient forces that cause the air to rise and flow radially outward back into the center of the reflectivity tower. This mean updraft stretches and tilts the vorticity field to increase vorticity on the radially inner side of the tangential wind maximum. Radially outside this region, perturbation motions decrease the vorticity at a comparable rate. Thus, both mean and perturbation motions actively strengthen the wind maximum of the secondary eyewall. These features combine to give the secondary eyewall a structure different from the primary eyewall as it builds to become the new replacement eyewall.
Multiple Changepoint Detection via Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Li Shanghong , Lund Robert 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
This paper studies genetic algorithms as a means of estimating the number of changepoints and their locations in a climatic time series. Such methods bypass classic subsegmentation algorithms, which sometimes yield suboptimal conclusions. Minimum description length techniques are introduced. These techniques require optimizing an objective function over all possible changepoint numbers and location times. The general objective functions allow for correlated data, reference station aspects, and/or nonnormal marginal distributions, all common features of climate time series. As an exhaustive evaluation of all changepoint configurations is not possible, the optimization is accomplished via a genetic algorithm that randomly walks through a subset of good models in an intelligent manner. The methods are applied in the analysis of 173 yr of annual precipitation measurements from New Bedford, Massachusetts, and the North Atlantic basin tropical cyclone record.
Influence of Twenty-First-Century Atmospheric and Sea Surface Temperature Forcing on West African Climate
Authors: Skinner Christopher B. , Ashfaq Moetasim , Diffenbaugh Noah S. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The persistence of extended drought events throughout West Africa during the twentieth century has motivated a substantial effort to understand the mechanisms driving African climate variability as well as the possible response to elevated greenhouse gas (GHG) forcing. An ensemble of global climate model experiments is used to examine the relative roles of future direct atmospheric radiative forcing and SST forcing in shaping potential future changes in boreal summer precipitation over West Africa. The authors find that projected increases in precipitation throughout the western Sahel result primarily from direct atmospheric radiative forcing. The changes in atmospheric forcing generate a slight northward displacement and weakening of the African easterly jet (AEJ), a strengthening of westward monsoon flow onto West Africa, and an intensification of the tropical easterly jet (TEJ). Alternatively, the projected decreases in precipitation over much of the Guinea Coast region are caused by SST changes induced by the atmospheric radiative forcing. The changes in SSTs generate a weakening of the monsoon westerlies and the TEJ as well as a decrease in low-level convergence and resultant rising air throughout the midlevels of the troposphere. Experiments suggest a potential shift in the regional moisture balance of West Africa should global radiative forcing continue to increase, highlighting the importance of climate system feedbacks in shaping the response of regional-scale climate to global-scale changes in radiative forcing.
A Bayesian ANOVA Scheme for Calculating Climate Anomalies, with Applications to the Instrumental Temperature Record
Authors: Tingley Martin P. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Climate datasets with both spatial and temporal components are often studied after removing from each time series a temporal mean calculated over a common reference interval, which is generally shorter than the overall length of the dataset. The use of a short reference interval affects the temporal properties of the variability across the records, by reducing the standard deviation within the reference interval and inflating it elsewhere. For an annually averaged version of the Climate Research Unit’s (CRU) temperature anomaly product, the mean standard deviation is 0.67°C within the 1961–90 reference interval, and 0.81°C elsewhere.
The calculation of anomalies can be interpreted in terms of a two-factor analysis of variance model. Within a Bayesian inference framework, any missing values are viewed as additional parameters, and the reference interval is specified as the full length of the dataset. This Bayesian scheme is used to re-express the CRU dataset as anomalies with respect to means calculated over the entire 1850–2009 interval spanned by the dataset. The mean standard deviation is increased to 0.69°C within the original 1961–90 reference interval, and reduced to 0.76°C elsewhere. The choice of reference interval thus has a predictable and demonstrable effect on the second spatial moment time series of the CRU dataset. The spatial mean time series is in this case largely unaffected: the amplitude of spatial mean temperature change is reduced by 0.1°C when using the 1850–2009 reference interval, while the 90% uncertainty interval of (−0.03, 0.23) indicates that the reduction is not statistically significant.