bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen Generation from Highly Activated Al–Ce Composite Materials in Pure Water
Authors: Luo Hui , Liu Jie , Pu Xuxin , Liang Jie , Wang Zhengjun , Wang Feijiu , Zhang Kun , Peng Yingjie , Xu Bo , Li Jihong , Yu Xibin 
Published: September 2011

The reaction of aluminum with pure water is an eco‐friendly approach to generate hydrogen. The main difficulty associated with this approach is that an oxide or hydroxide protective film around aluminum particles prohibit the hydrogen generation. In this article, a kind of highly activated Al–Ce composite material has been developed via a convenient ball milling method. Typically, Al–13 wt% Ce has a total hydrogen production of 1134 mL/g and a conversion yield of 92.42% within 60 min. The influences of the cerium concentration and ball milling time on the hydrogen production efficiency are discussed based on XPS, XRD, FESEM, and BET techniques. In addition, the hydrogen production efficiency can be improved by adding alkali chloride (NaCl or KCl) to the Al–Ce composite materials.
Maize cellulosic biofuels: soil carbon loss can be a hidden cost of residue removal
Authors: Kochsiek Amy E. , Knops Johannes M. H. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSecond generation biofuels, like cellulosic ethanol, have potential as important energy sources that can lower fossil fuel carbon emissions without affecting global food commodity prices. Agricultural crop residues, especially maize, have been proposed for use as biofuel, but the net greenhouse warming effect of the gained fossil fuel carbon offset needs to account for any ecosystem carbon losses caused by the large‐scale maize residue removal. Using differential 13C isotopic ratios between residue and soil in an incubation experiment, we found that removal of residue increased soil organic matter decomposition by an average of 16%, or 540–800 kg carbon ha−1. Thus, removal of residue for biofuel production can have a hidden carbon cost, reducing potential greenhouse gas benefits. Accurate net carbon accounting of cellulosic biofuel needs to include not only fossil fuel savings from use of the residue, but also any declines in soil carbon caused directly and indirectly by residue removal.
Stimulus‐dependent release of tissue‐regenerating factors by equine platelets
Authors: DUNKEL B. , BOLT D. M. , SMITH R. K. , CUNNINGHAM F. M. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryReasons for performing the study: Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is increasingly used for treatment of orthopaedic injuries. However, the effects of different stimuli on the release pattern of regenerative and proinflammatory factors from equine platelets are largely unknown and an optimal treatment protocol remains to be established.Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify a stimulus that enhanced release of histopromotive factors (platelet‐derived growth factor BB [PDGF] and transforming growth factor 1β[TGF]) without causing concurrent release of a proinflammatory mediator (CCL5).Methods: Washed platelets were prepared from 6 healthy ponies and release of growth factors and CCL5 measured using commercially available ELISAs for human proteins following incubation with or without thrombin, chitosan or equine recombinant tumour necrosis factor (erTNF) over 24 h and subsequently over 96 h. Additionally, noncoagulated samples were analysed.Results: Regardless of whether a stimulus was present or what stimulus was used, PDGF and TGF release was maximal by 0.5–1 h when clot formation took place and very little release was observed after 24 h. Growth factor release was minimal in noncoagulated samples. In contrast, CCL5 release was not associated with coagulation and appeared to persist for much longer. High concentrations of erTNF caused significantly greater release of CCL5 at 6 h than any other stimulus tested.Conclusions: Growth factor release from equine platelets is dependent on coagulation but independent of the initiating stimulus, and is accompanied by more sustained release of proinflammatory mediators.Potential relevance: Supernatants collected from coagulated platelets could be an alternative treatment to PRP.
Medical care delivery at the Inaugural Youth Olympic Games Singapore 2010
Authors: Chia Jason Kok Kiong , Tay Keng Boon , Suresh Pillai , Schamasch Patrick , Jegathesan Manikavasagam , Mountjoy Margo , Lim Weng Kee , Lwa Peng Ju , Wong Cheong Yoong 
Published: September 2011

ContextMass gatherings such as the Youth Olympic Games require medical services for large populations with special needs specific to elite competitive youth athletes. The location of the Games in a heavily populated city with dispersed competition venues provides unique challenges.ObjectiveTo describe the planning and delivery of medical services and to provide data for future planning.SettingSingapore. One large multipurpose clinic was set up in the Games Village as well as medical posts at competitive venues for 26 sports for onsite coverage. Period of coverage: 10 August 2010 to 28 August 2010.ParticipantsA total of 1,337 medical encounters ranging from athletes to officials and volunteers who received medical care from a spectrum of medical professionals.Major outcome measuresNumber of cases attended to at the Games Village medical centres and the medical posts at the competition venues, utilisation of medical services, and the pattern of these injuries and referral patterns to hospitals.ResultsMedical encounters for non-athletes represented 40.9% of the total medical encounters. The rate of heat illnesses was low for athletes at 1.7% (N= 13). The total hospitalisation rate was low at 1.7% (n= 23). Utilisation of onsite pharmacy and physiotherapy services were high at 45.2% (n= 887) and 37.8% (n= 743), respectively, of the encounters for all support services.ConclusionThe dispersed nature of the Games venues provided challenges to the organisation of medical cover for the participants. Organisers in future Games can make use of the data to plan for future Games of a similar nature.
Influence of pinniped-caused injuries on the survival of adult Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Columbia River basin
Authors: Naughton George P. , Keefer Matthew L. , Clabough Tami S. , Jepson Michael A. , Lee Steven R. , Peery Christopher A. , Caudill Christopher C. 
Published: September 2011

Increasing pinniped abundance in the Pacific Northwest has coincided with population declines of Pacific salmon ( Oncorhynchus spp.) and steelhead trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ), and concentrated predation may affect the recovery of some threatened and endangered salmonid stocks. We used radiotelemetry to evaluate pinniped-caused injury effects on migration survival of 17 007 adult Columbia River Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) and steelhead trout. Injuries from pinnipeds were common (mean injury rate across 29 run-years = 36.5%) and were most common for spring Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Injury was not consistently associated with adult survival to spawning tributaries, but some negative survival effects were detected. Pinniped-caused injury rates decreased as annual run sizes increased, indicating density-dependent or saturation effects. Within a run, large fish generally had a higher injury incidence than small fish, suggesting pinnipeds targeted large fish or more efficiently captured small fish. Seasonal, size-dependent, and density-dependent results imply that pinniped effects likely differ widely among salmonid populations within the Columbia River basin. A better understanding of these effects is needed to guide management and conservation strategies.
Weakened portfolio effect in a collapsed salmon population complex
Authors: Carlson Stephanie Marie , Satterthwaite William Hallowell 
Published: September 2011

Recent research has highlighted the importance of interpopulation diversity in fostering the stability of population complexes. Here we focus on California’s recently collapsed fall-run Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) and ask whether portfolio effect induced buffering is observed across the complexity hierarchy from individual populations to populations within a river basin (Sacramento, San Joaquin) to the entire Central Valley. Some buffering was observed when comparing the coefficient of variation in adult returns to a given river basin with its constituent populations but not when comparing returns to the entire Central Valley with its constituent basins because of disproportionately many fish returning to the Sacramento Basin. Moreover, we report that positive correlations in population dynamics between rivers were stronger in the last 25 years of the study compared with the first 25 years. Together, these results suggest evidence of only a weak portfolio effect that has deteriorated in recent years. Nonetheless, we also report that correlations between rivers decreased significantly with distance, suggesting that some biocomplexity remains. Our results suggest that the greatest potential for strengthening the portfolio effect would come through restoration of San Joaquin Basin populations, which at low abundance currently contribute little to the overall buffering capacity despite low cross-basin correlations.
Inhibition of Neurotensin Receptor 1 Selectively Sensitizes Prostate Cancer to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Valerie Nicholas C.K. , Casarez Eli V. , DaSilva John O. , Dunlap-Brown Marya E. , Parsons Sarah J. , Amorino George P. , Dziegielewski Jaroslaw 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Radiotherapy combined with androgen depletion is generally successful for treating locally advanced prostate cancer. However, radioresistance that contributes to recurrence remains a major therapeutic problem in many patients. In this study, we define the high-affinity neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1) as a tractable new molecular target to radiosensitize prostate cancers. The selective NTR1 antagonist SR48692 sensitized prostate cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, increasing apoptotic cell death and decreasing clonogenic survival. The observed cancer selectivity for combinations of SR48692 and radiation reflected differential expression of NTR1, which is highly expressed in prostate cancer cells but not in normal prostate epithelial cells. Radiosensitization was not affected by androgen dependence or androgen receptor expression status. NTR1 inhibition in cancer cell–attenuated epidermal growth factor receptor activation and downstream signaling, whether induced by neurotensin or ionizing radiation, establish a molecular mechanism for sensitization. Most notably, SR48692 efficiently radiosensitized PC-3M orthotopic human tumor xenografts in mice, and significantly reduced tumor burden. Taken together, our findings offer preclinical proof of concept for targeting the NTR1 receptor as a strategy to improve efficacy and outcomes of prostate cancer treatments using radiotherapy. Cancer Res; 71(21); 6817–26. ©2011 AACR.
Selective Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 Increases Collagen Content of Established Mouse Atherosclerosis
Authors: Quillard Thibaut , Tesmenitsky Yevgenia , Croce Kevin , Travers Richard , Shvartz Eugenia , Koskinas Konstantinos C. , Sukhova Galina K. , Aikawa Elena , Aikawa Masanori , Libby Peter 
Published: September 2011

Objective—
Evidence has linked collagen loss with the onset of acute coronary events. This study tested the hypothesis that selective matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) collagenase inhibition increases collagen content in already established and nascent mouse atheromas.

Methods and Results—
In vitro and in situ experiments documented the selectivity and efficacy of an orally available MMP-13 inhibitor (MMP13i-A). In vivo observations monitored macrophage accumulation and MMP-13 activity using molecular imaging. After 10 weeks of MMP13i-A treatment, apolipoprotein E–deficient mice with evolving or established lesions exhibited reduced MMP-13 activity without affecting macrophage content, measured either by intravital microscopy or fluorescence reflectance imaging. Histological analysis indicated that MMP13-iA did not affect plaque size or macrophage or smooth muscle cell accumulation. Administration of MMP13i-A to mice with evolving or established atheromas substantially increased plaque interstitial collagen content in the intima and locally in the fibrous cap, compared with vehicle-treated controls. Analysis of collagen revealed thicker collagen fibers within the plaques of treated groups.

Conclusion—
Pharmacological MMP-13 inhibition yields collagen accumulation in plaques (a feature associated in humans with resistance to rupture), even in established plaques. This study, of considerable clinical relevance, furnishes new mechanistic insight into regulation of the plaque's extracellular matrix and validates molecular imaging for studying plaque biology.
Reduced Vascular Nitric Oxide–cGMP Signaling Contributes to Adipose Tissue Inflammation During High-Fat Feeding
Authors: Handa Priya , Tateya Sanshiro , Rizzo Norma O. , Cheng Andrew M. , Morgan-Stevenson Vicki , Han Chang-Yeop , Clowes Alexander W. , Daum Guenter , O'Brien Kevin D. , Schwartz Michael W. , Chait Alan , Kim Francis 
Published: September 2011

Objective—
Obesity is characterized by chronic inflammation of adipose tissue, which contributes to insulin resistance and diabetes. Although nitric oxide (NO) signaling has antiinflammatory effects in the vasculature, whether reduced NO contributes to adipose tissue inflammation is unknown. We sought to determine whether (1) obesity induced by high-fat (HF) diet reduces endothelial nitric oxide signaling in adipose tissue, (2) reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling is sufficient to induce adipose tissue inflammation independent of diet, and (3) increased cGMP signaling can block adipose tissue inflammation induced by HF feeding.

Methods and Results—
Relative to mice fed a low-fat diet, an HF diet markedly reduced phospho-eNOS and phospho-vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (phospho-VASP), markers of vascular NO signaling. Expression of proinflammatory cytokines was increased in adipose tissue of eNOS−/− mice. Conversely, enhancement of signaling downstream of NO by phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition using sildenafil attenuated HF-induced proinflammatory cytokine expression and the recruitment of macrophages into adipose tissue. Finally, we implicate a role for VASP, a downstream mediator of NO-cGMP signaling in mediating eNOS-induced antiinflammatory effects because VASP−/− mice recapitulated the proinflammatory phenotype displayed by eNOS−/− mice.

Conclusion—
These results imply a physiological role for endothelial NO to limit obesity-associated inflammation in adipose tissue and hence identify the NO-cGMP-VASP pathway as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of diabetes.
Diastolic Carotid Artery Wall Shear Stress Is Associated With Cerebral Infarcts and Periventricular White Matter Lesions
Authors: Mutsaerts Henri J.M.M. , Palm-Meinders Inge H. , de Craen Anton J.M. , Reiber Johan H.C. , Blauw Gerard J. , van Buchem Mark A. , van der Grond Jeroen , Box Frieke M.A. 
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—
Low wall shear stress (WSS) is an early marker in the development of vascular lesions. The present study aims to assess the relationship between diastolic and systolic WSS in the internal carotid artery and periventricular (PWML), deep white matter lesions, and cerebral infarcts (CI).

Methods—
Early, mid, and late diastolic and peak systolic WSS were derived from shear rate obtained by gradient echo phase contrast magnetic resonance sequences multiplied by individually modeled viscosity.
PWML, deep white matter lesions, and CI were derived from proton density (PD), T2, and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI in 329 participants (70–82 years; PROSPER baseline). Analyses were adjusted, if appropriate, for age, gender, intracranial volume, and multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Results—

Mid-diastolic WSS was significantly correlated with the presence of PWML (B=−10.15;
P
=0.006) and CI (B=−2.06;
P
=0.044), but not with deep white matter lesions (B=−1.30;
P
=0.050; adjusted for age, gender, WML, and intracranial volume). After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, these correlations weakened but remained significant. Systolic WSS was not correlated with any of the cerebrovascular parameters.

Conclusions—
This study is the first to our knowledge to present a cross-sectional correlation between carotid artery WSS and cerebrovascular pathology such as PWML and CI in a large population. Furthermore, it shows that diastolic hemodynamics may be more important than systolic or mean hemodynamics. Future studies exploring vascular hemodynamic damage should focus on diastolic WSS.
Transient Cognitive Impairment in TIA and Minor Stroke
Authors: Pendlebury Sarah T. , Wadling Sarah , Silver Louise E. , Mehta Ziyah , Rothwell Peter M. 
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—
Acute cognitive impairment and delirium occur after major stroke and are associated with poor cognitive outcome. We conducted a population-based study to determine whether transient cognitive impairment (TCI) is seen acutely after cerebral transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke, and whether it predicts long-term cognitive decline.

Methods—
Mini-mental-state examination was performed in consecutive testable patients with TIA or minor stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≤3) seen acutely (1–7 days) in the Oxford Vascular Study (2002–2005) versus after 7 days, and in referrals seen acutely who had a subsequent noncerebrovascular diagnosis. We defined TCI as a baseline Mini-mental-state examination score ≥2 points below the 1-month follow-up score, and identified cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] <26/30) and severe dementia at 1-, 2-, and 5-year follow-up.

Results—

In 280 TIA and minor stroke patients (mean age/SD 73.5/11.8 years), TCI was more frequent in those seen at 1 to 7 days (80/206; 38.9%) versus later (14/74; 19%;
P
=0.002) or in noncerebrovascular patients (10/47; 21%;
P
=0.004). TCI was associated with acute confusion (OR, 5.5; 95% CI, 2.5–11.7;
P
<0.0001), acute infarct on computed tomography (OR, 2.0; 1.2–3.5;
P
=0.01), and with residual focal deficits (OR,1.94; 1.13–3.34;
P
=0.01). However, it was still seen acutely in those whose focal deficits had resolved by time of assessment (41/120; 34%). Although patients with TCI had similar Mini-mental-state examination score by 1 month compared with those without TCI, their 5-year risks of cognitive impairment (OR, 4.3; 1.2–15.7;
P
=0.03) and severe dementia (OR, 4.9; 1.0–25.8;
P
=0.05) were increased.

Conclusions—
TCI is a manifestation of TIA and minor stroke, and may persist beyond resolution of focal symptoms. Our findings have implications for definitions in TIA and minor stroke and suggest that cognitive fragility may be revealed by minor cerebrovascular events.
Antithrombotic Therapy Use at Discharge and 1 Year in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Stroke
Authors: Lopes Renato D. , Shah Bimal R. , Olson DaiWai M. , Zhao Xin , Pan Wenqin , Bushnell Cheryl D. , Peterson Eric D. 
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—
Current American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines identify warfarin use as a class IA indication in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, few studies have examined factors associated with long-term antithrombotic therapy use in IS/TIA patients with AF.

Methods—
We utilized the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke national quality improvement registry and the Adherence eValuation After Ischemic Stroke Longitudinal (AVAIL) Registry to examine patterns of antithrombotic use at discharge and at 12 months in IS/TIA patients with AF. A multivariate logistic regression model was developed to identify predictors of warfarin use in this patient population at 12 months.

Results—

Of the 2460 IS/TIA patients, 291 (11.8%) had AF, of which 5.5% of patients were discharged on aspirin alone, 49.1% on warfarin alone, 1.4% on clopidogrel alone, 34.7% on warfarin plus aspirin, 2.1% on aspirin plus clopidogrel, and 1.0% on aspirin plus clopidogrel plus warfarin. Paradoxically, there was a decrease in the rate of warfarin use in patients with a CHADS
2
score >3. The only factor associated with warfarin use at 12-month follow-up was male gender (adjusted odds ratio, 2.27; confidence interval, 1.22–4.35;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

Overall, the use of warfarin therapy is high at discharge in IS/TIA patients with AF; however, there was a decrease in the rate of warfarin use in patients with a CHADS
2
score >3. Compared to women, men were more likely to be on warfarin at 1 year after the index stroke event. Therefore, opportunities exist to improve antithrombotic use in all IS/TIA patients with AF.
Short-Term Effect of Atorvastatin on Carotid Artery Elasticity
Authors: Ratchford Elizabeth V. , Gutierrez Jose , Lorenzo Dalia , McClendon Mark S. , Della-Morte David , DeRosa Janet T. , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Sacco Ralph L. , Rundek Tatjana 
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—
Few studies have examined the early effects of statins on carotid artery elasticity, a potential surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk. This study examined the short-term effects of atorvastatin 80 mg daily on carotid elasticity measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound.

Methods—

The study included 40 stroke-free and statin-naive subjects older than age 45 (mean age, 70±7 years; 55% men; 64% Caribbean-Hispanic). Outcome measures included carotid stiffness indices at 14 and 30 days after initiation of treatment. The systolic and diastolic diameters of the right common carotid artery were averaged from multiple B-mode imaging frames. Absolute and relative changes of strain [(systolic diameter−diastolic diameter)/diastolic diameter], stiffness (β) [ln (systolic/diastolic blood pressure)/strain], and distensibility (1/β adjusted for wall thickness) from baseline were compared by the repeated measures
t
test and were considered significant at α=0.05.

Results—

Baseline mean stiffness was 0.08 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06–0.10). It significantly decreased at day 30 to 0.05 (CI, 0.04–0.06;
P
<0.01). Mean baseline distensibility was 15.25 (CI, 13.18–17.32), increasing significantly at day 30 to 17.23 (CI, 14.01–20.45;
P
<0.05). An improvement in distensibility of ≥10% from baseline was observed in 29 (73%) subjects. Changes in stiffness and distensibility were maximal among subjects with baseline low-density lipoprotein levels <130 mg/dL.

Conclusions—
Short-term treatment with high-dose atorvastatin was associated with improvement in the carotid elasticity metrics. Carotid artery elasticity measured by B-mode ultrasound is a simple noninvasive measure of arterial wall function and may be a useful surrogate end point in clinical trials targeting individuals at increased risk for atherosclerosis.