bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of novel spartin‐interactors shows spartin is a multifunctional protein
Authors: Milewska Malgorzata , McRedmond James , Byrne Paula Catherine 
Published: September 2009

AbstractHereditary spastic paraplegia describes a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by lower limb progressive weakness and spasticity. Troyer syndrome is an autosomal recessive form of hereditary spastic paraplegia caused by a frameshift mutation (1110delA) in the SPG20 gene encoding spartin protein, the cellular function of which remains unknown. Knowledge about spartin‐interactors is also very limited. In this study, we apply a broad spectrum of proteomics techniques to identify novel spartin‐binding proteins. We used a Tandem Affinity Purification technique followed by HPLC‐mass spectrometry to characterize potential spartin‐binding partners. Selected putative interactions were confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation experiments. We identified 94 potential spartin‐binding proteins which were grouped into functional categories. We performed co‐immunoprecipitation experiments to confirm that spartin interacts with GRP78, GRP75 and nucleolin proteins. Additionally, our mass spectrometry results confirmed previously published information about spartin interaction with ubiquitin and the E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligases, AIP4/Itch and AIP5/WWP1. Our studies suggest that spartin is a multifunctional protein and for the first time we suggest a role for spartin in protein folding and turnover both in mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. We also show for the first time interaction between spartin and a nucleolar protein, nucleolin.
Does the Stock Market See a Zero or Small Positive Earnings Surprise as a Red Flag?
Authors: KEUNG EDMUND , LIN ZHI‐XING , SHIH MICHAEL 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTThis study shows that firms collectively incur a cost for managing earnings and analyst expectations to meet earnings forecasts. We compare the coefficient in the regression of abnormal stock returns on earnings surprise (the earnings response coefficient [ERC]) across ranges of earnings surprises. The ERC for earnings surprises in the range [0, 1¢] is significantly lower than ERCs for earnings surprises in adjacent ranges for firm‐quarters in the early and mid 2000s, but not for those in the 1990s. The results are robust to controlling for the sign of estimated discretionary accruals and the trajectory of analyst earnings forecasts. We further find that investors are right to be skeptical about earnings surprises in the range [0, 1¢]. The relation of future earnings surprise with current earnings surprise is more negative for current earnings surprises in that range than for those in any other range. Evidence also suggests analysts react negatively to earnings surprises in that range.
Usability and Safety of Ventricular Assist Devices: Human Factors and Design Aspects
Authors: Geidl Lorenz , Zrunek Philipp , Deckert Zeno , Zimpfer Daniel , Sandner Sigrid , Wieselthaler Georg , Schima Heinrich 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this study was the investigation of the usability and ergonomics of ventricular assist devices (VADs) in everyday usage. Patients with four different VAD types were observed. After implantation, instruction, and discharge from the hospital, the patients returned on a regular basis to the outpatient clinic, where the investigation took place. Data collection took place in two phases. In phase I home‐released VAD patients were asked about perceived problems with the system at home. Additionally health‐care professionals were interviewed to gather information on frequent VAD inconveniences and shortcomings. This inquiry resulted in a standardized self‐assessment questionnaire and a manual skill test, which were performed in phase II by the whole collective (16 patients and ongoing). As a result, 38% of the patients disconnected parts of their system unintentionally at least once. All of them ascribed this problem to their own carelessness. Thirty‐eight percent had to replace a cable. Seventy‐five percent desired an additional cable strain relief. Thirty‐eight percent suffered from rubbing of parts on the body. Sixty‐three percent used a separate repository aside from the factory‐provided transportation systems. The overall noise emission (pump, ventilators, and alarms) annoyed 56%; however, for 32% the alarm signals were too quiet to wake them up. No correlation between the assessed manual skills and the number of adverse events was found. To conclude, this preliminary study revealed considerable potential for improvements in the usability of ventricular assist systems.
The Impact of Aortic/Subclavian Outflow Cannulation for Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Cardiac Support: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study
Authors: Kaufmann Tim A.S. , Hormes Marcus , Laumen Marco , Timms Daniel L. , Linde Torsten , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Moritz Anton , Dzemali Omer , Steinseifer Ulrich 
Published: September 2009

AbstractApproximately 100 000 cases of oxygen deficiency in the brain occur during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures each year. In particular, perfusion of the carotid and vertebral arteries is affected. The position of the outflow cannula influences the blood flow to the cardiovascular system and thus end organ perfusion. Traditionally, the cannula returns blood into the ascending aorta. But some surgeons prefer cannulation to the right subclavian artery. A computational fluid dynamics study was initially undertaken for both approaches. The vessel model was created from real computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging data of young healthy patients. The simulations were run with usual CPB conditions. The flow distribution for different cannula positions in the aorta was studied, as well as the impact of the cannula tip distance to vertebral artery for the subclavian position. The study presents a fast method of analyzing the flow distribution in the cardiovascular system, and can be adapted for other applications such as ventricular assist device support. It revealed that two effects cause the loss of perfusion seen clinically: a vortex under the brachiocephalic trunk and low pressure regions near the cannula jet. The results suggest that cannulation to the subclavian artery is preferred if the cannula tip is sufficiently far away from the branch of the vertebral artery. For the aortic positions, however, the cannula should be injected from the left body side.
Emergency Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Cardiopulmonary Failure
Authors: Arlt Matthias , Philipp Alois , Zimmermann Markus , Voelkel Sabine , Amann Matthias , Bein Thomas , Müller Thomas , Foltan Maik , Schmid Christof , Graf Bernhard , Hilker Michael 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSevere pulmonary and cardiopulmonary failure resistant to critical care treatment leads to hypoxemia and hypoxia‐dependent organ failure. New treatment options for cardiopulmonary failure are necessary even for patients in outlying medical facilities. If these patients are in need of specialized center treatment, additional emergency medical service has to be carried out quick and safely. We describe our experiences with a pumpless extracorporeal lung assist (PECLA/iLA) for out‐of‐center emergency treatment of hypercapnic respiratory failure and the use of a newly developed hand‐held extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system in cardiac, pulmonary, and cardiopulmonary failure (EMERGENCY‐LIFE Support System, ELS System, MAQUET Cardiopulmonary AG, Hechingen, Germany). Between March 2000 and April 2009, we used the PECLA System (n = 20) and the ELS System (n = 33) in adult patients. Cannulation was employed using percutaneous vessel access. The new hand‐held ELS System consists of a centrifugal pump and a membrane oxygenator, both mounted on a special holder system for storing on a standard patient gurney for air or ground ambulance transfer. Bedside cannulation processes were uneventful. The PECLA System resulted in sufficient CO2 removal. In all ECMO patients, oxygen delivery and systemic blood flow could be restored and vasopressor support was markedly down. Hospital survival rate in the PECLA group was 50%, and 61% in the ECMO group. Out‐of‐center emergency treatment of hypercapnic pulmonary failure with pumpless extracorporeal gas exchange and treatment of cardiac, pulmonary, and cardiopulmonary failure with this new hand‐held ECMO device is safe and highlyeffective. Patient outcome in cardiopulmonary organ failure could be improved.
Design of a Small Centrifugal Blood Pump With Magnetic Bearings
Authors: Jahanmir Said , Hunsberger Andrew Z. , Ren Zhaohui , Heshmat Hooshang , Heshmat Crystal , Tomaszewski Michael J. , Walton James F. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDesign of a blood pump with a magnetically levitated rotor requires rigorous evaluation of the magnetic bearing and motor requirements and analysis of rotor dynamics and hydraulic performance with attention to hemolysis and thrombosis potential. Given the desired geometric dimensions, the required operating speed, flow in both the main and wash flow regions, and magnetic bearing performance, one of several design approaches was selected for a new prototype. Based on the estimated operating speed and clearance between the rotor and stator, the motor characteristics and dimensions were estimated. The motor stiffness values were calculated and used along with the hydraulic loading due to the fluid motion to determine the best design for the axial and radial magnetic bearings. Radial and axial stability of the left ventricular assist device prototype was verified using finite element rotor dynamic analysis. The analysis indicated that the rotor could be completely levitated and spun to the desired operating speed with low power loss and no mechanical contact. In vitro experiments with a mock loop test setup were performed to evaluate the performance of the new blood pump prototype.
Improvement of the Accuracy in the Optical Hematocrit Measurement by Optimizing Mean Optical Path Length
Authors: Oshima Shiori , Sankai Yoshiyuki 
Published: September 2009

AbstractOptical techniques have been developed to acquire blood information (e.g., hematocrit [Hct], saturation of oxygen, thrombus) noninvasively and continuously in an artificial heart. For the practical use of an optical Hct measurement, Twersky's theory has been shown to be useful and have a good agreement in forward‐scattered measurements. However, it was not applied to backward‐scattered measurements, which can provide the measurement with a less demanding spatial requirement. Additionally, optimal measurement for accuracy is not well examined. Therefore, we developed an accurate Hct measurement in an artificial heart using current optical devices. To this end, we focused on optimizing an emitter–detector distance to provide a maximum optical path length. We attached optical emitter and detector fibers on Tygon tubing at various distances to measure forward‐ and backward‐scattered light. Fresh bovine blood (Hct: 30–50%) was circulated in the tubing by a nonpulsatile artificial heart. We calculated the optical path length at various emitter–detector distances by fitting the measured optical outputs and the reference Hcts to Twersky's theory. Then, we performed Hct measurements. As a result, Twersky's theory is applicable not only to forward‐ but also to backward‐scattered measurements in the physiogical Hct range. In both forward‐ and backward‐scattered measurements, calculated optical path lengths become maximum at the same emitter–detector distance. The accuracy of Hct measurement is improved two to three times with the emitter–detector distance compared with other distances. The mean error is less than 1 Hct%. This result shows that an accurate Hct measurement is realized by selecting the optimal emitter–detector distance, which provides maximum optical path length defined by Twersky's theory. Our study provides a framework for the practical and less restrictive application of the optical Hct measurement to patients with an artificial heart.
Development of a Disposable Maglev Centrifugal Blood Pump Intended for One‐Month Support in Bridge‐to‐Bridge Applications: In Vitro and Initial In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Someya Takeshi , Kobayashi Mariko , Waguri Satoshi , Ushiyama Tomohiro , Nagaoka Eiki , Hijikata Wataru , Shinshi Tadahiko , Arai Hirokuni , Takatani Setsuo 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMedTech Dispo, a disposable maglev centrifugal blood pump with two degrees of freedom magnetic suspension and radial magnetic coupling rotation, has been developed for 1‐month extracorporeal circulatory support. As the first stage of a two‐stage in vivo evaluation, 2‐week evaluation of a prototype MedTech Dispo was conducted. In in vitro study, the pump could produce 5 L/min against 800 mm Hg and the normalized index of hemolysis was 0.0054 ± 0.0008 g/100 L. In in vivo study, the pump, with its blood‐contacting surface coated with biocompatible 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymer, was implanted in seven calves in left heart bypass. Pump performance was stable with a mean flow of 4.49 ± 0.38 L/min at a mean speed of 2072.1 ± 64.5 rpm. The maglev control revealed its stability in rotor position during normal activity by the calves. During 2 weeks of operation in two calves which survived the intended study period, no thrombus formation was seen inside the pump and levels of plasma free hemoglobin were maintained below 4 mg/dL. Although further experiments are required, the pump demonstrated the potential for sufficient and reliable performance and biocompatibility in meeting the requirements for cardiopulmonary bypass and 1‐week circulatory support.
First Clinical Application of the DuraHeart Centrifugal Ventricular Assist Device for a Japanese Patient
Authors: Yoshitake Isamu , El‐Banayosy Aly , Yoda Masataka , Hata Mitsumasa , Sezai Akira , Niino Tetsuya , Wakui Shinji , Koerfer Reiner , Minami Kazutomo 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe DuraHeart ventricular assist device (VAD) is a third‐generation implantable centrifugal pump with a magnetically levitated impeller. Since February 2007, the device has been clinically applied with excellent results as a bridge to heart transplantation in Europe. As of this writing, however, the device has yet to be approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for clinical use in Japan. We herein report the first clinical application of this device for a Japanese patient. A 31‐year‐old man with dilated cardiomyopathy was transferred to the Heart and Diabetes Center NRW (HDZ‐NRW) in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany, where he was to await heart transplantation. The transfer was safely completed under management with low‐dose dopamine. His condition gradually deteriorated at HDZ‐NRW, and the DuraHeart left ventricular assist device was implanted for the left ventricle at 7 weeks after admission. Shortly thereafter, however, on POD 7, a Thoratec VAD had to be inserted on the right side due to refractory right heart failure. The right ventricular assist device could be explanted after a 3‐month assist, and the patient is now waiting for heart transplantation at home in Germany.
The Influence of Microtopography on Soil Nutrients in Created Mitigation Wetlands
Authors: Moser Kurt F. , Ahn Changwoo , Noe Gregory B. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis study explores the relationship between microtopography and soil nutrients (and trace elements), comparing results for created and reference wetlands in Virginia, and examining the effects of disking during wetland creation. Replicate multiscale tangentially conjoined circular transects were used to quantify microtopography both in terms of elevation and by two microtopographic indices. Corresponding soil samples were analyzed for moisture content, total C and N, KCl‐extractable NH4–N and NO3–N, and Mehlich‐3 extractable P, Ca, Mg, K, Al, Fe, and Mn. Means and variances of soil nutrient/element concentrations were compared between created and natural wetlands and between disked and nondisked created wetlands. Natural sites had higher and more variable soil moisture, higher extractable P and Fe, lower Mn than created wetlands, and comparatively high variability in nutrient concentrations. Disked sites had higher soil moisture, NH4–N, Fe, and Mn than did nondisked sites. Consistently low variances (Levene test for inequality) suggested that nondisked sites had minimal nutrient heterogeneity. Across sites, low P availability was inferred by the molar ratio (Mehlich‐3 [P/(Al + Fe)] < 0.06); strong intercorrelations among total C, total N, and extractable Fe, Al, and P suggested that humic–metal–P complexes may be important for P retention and availability. Correlations between nutrient/element concentrations and microtopographic indices suggested increased Mn and decreased K and Al availability with increased surface roughness. Disking appears to enhance water and nutrient retention, as well as nutrient heterogeneity otherwise absent from created wetlands, thus potentially promoting ecosystem development.
A Spatial Model to Prioritize Sagebrush Landscapes in the Intermountain West (U.S.A.) for Restoration
Authors: Meinke Cara W. , Knick Steven T. , Pyke David A. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract The ecological integrity of Sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystems in the Intermountain West (U.S.A.) has been diminished by synergistic relationships among human activities, spread of invasive plants, and altered disturbance regimes. An aggressive effort to restore Sagebrush habitats is necessary if we are to stabilize or improve current habitat trajectories and reverse declining population trends of dependent wildlife. Existing economic resources, technical impediments, and logistic difficulties limit our efforts to a fraction of the extensive area undergoing fragmentation, degradation, and loss. We prioritized landscapes for restoring Sagebrush habitats within the intermountain western region of the United States using geographic information system (GIS) modeling techniques to identify areas meeting a set of conditions based on (1) optimum abiotic and biotic conditions favorable for revegetation of Sagebrush; (2) potential to increase connectivity of Sagebrush habitats in the landscape to benefit wildlife; (3) location of population strongholds for Greater Sage‐Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus, a species of conservation concern); and (4) potential impediments to successful restoration created by Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum, an invasive exotic annual grass). Approximately 5.8 million ha in southwestern Idaho, northern Nevada, and eastern Oregon met our criteria for restoring Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) and 5.1 million ha had high priority for restoring Mountain big sagebrush (A. tridentata ssp. vaseyana). Our results represent an integral component in a hierarchical framework after which site‐specific locations for treatments can be focused within high‐priority areas. Using this approach, long‐term restoration strategies can be implemented that combine local‐scale treatments and objectives with large‐scale ecological processes and priorities.
When Invasive Plants Disappear: Transformative Restoration Possibilities in the Western United States Resulting from Climate Change
Authors: Bradley Bethany A. , Wilcove David S. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Most ecologists believe that climate change poses a significant threat to the persistence of native species. However, in some areas climate change may reduce or eliminate non‐native invasive species, creating opportunities for restoration. If invasive species are no longer suited to novel climate conditions, the native communities that they replaced may not be viable either. If neither invasive nor native species are climatically viable, a type of “transformative” restoration will be required, involving the translocation of novel species that can survive and reproduce under new climate conditions. Here, we illustrate one approach for restoration planning by using bioclimatic envelope modeling to identify restoration opportunities in the western United States, where the invasive plant cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is no longer climatically viable under 2100 conditions projected by the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL2.1) coupled atmosphere‐ocean general circulation model. We then select one example of a restoration target area and identify novel plant species that could become viable at the site in the wake of climate change. We do so by identifying the closest sites that currently have climate conditions similar to those projected at the restoration target area in 2100. This approach is a first step toward identifying appropriate species for transformative restoration.
Carbon Offsets as Ecological Restorations
Authors: Galatowitsch Susan M. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract The explosive growth of carbon markets is creating unprecedented opportunities for landscape‐scale restoration worldwide. Most mandatory and voluntary greenhouse gas reduction programs allow use of carbon offset credits, including biosequestration projects, to replace actual emission reductions. Are the market schemes configured in a way that promotes ecosystem recovery and long‐term carbon storage? As importantly, is it likely that these efforts will provide significant social and environmental co‐benefits to justify trading offsets rather than actually reducing emissions? Compared with social scientists working in sustainable development, restoration ecologists have not offered much advice on the way carbon markets could be configured to support lasting restorations. Under current standards, the market price is likely governing the quality of restorations, not the reverse. A variety of reforms are needed to ensure that biosequestration projects deliver real, additional, and permanent removals of carbon dioxide. In particular, developing and adopting social and environmental impact assessment tools, changing accounting practices to allow for natural disturbances, universal adoption of strong additionality testing, and supporting critical research through tonnage fees could substantially improve what is accomplished through carbon offsets. Given the magnitude and importance of what carbon markets are attempting to achieve, insights from restoration ecologists are urgently needed to help shape their future.