bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Language- Specific Interdependence of Tonal and Durational Cues in Perceived Rhythmicality
Authors: Cumming Ruth E. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
This experiment investigated whether fundamental frequency (f0) and duration are interdependent cues for the perceived rhythmicality of sentences, and whether this depends on the native language of listeners. The task required a judgement of which stimulus sentence had the most natural- sounding rhythm. In the stimuli, duration and f0 were manipulated on a certain syllable to test whether a deviant duration results in a less natural- sounding rhythm than a deviant f0 movement, or vice versa. The listeners were native speakers of Swiss German (SG), Swiss French (SFr) or French (Fr). SG and Fr differ from each other in terms of prosodic properties involving f0 and duration; in particular, their rhythms sound different. The results demonstrate that duration and f0 are interdependent cues for perceived rhythmicality, and that the relative significance of a non-deviant duration and a non-deviant f0 excursion in the rhythmicality judgements of listeners depends on their native language. Importantly, these findings have implications for current research on speech rhythm.
Production of a Catalan-Specific Vowel Contrast by Early Spanish-Catalan Bilinguals
Authors: Simonet Miquel 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The present study investigates the acoustics (F1 × F2) of Catalan and Spanish mid-back vowels as produced by highly proficient, early Spanish-Catalan bilinguals residing on the island of Majorca, a bilingual speech community. Majorcan Catalan has two phonemic mid-back vowels in stressed positions (/o/ and /c/) while Spanish possesses only one (/o/). Two groups of bilinguals were recruited and asked to produce materials in both languages – one group of Spanishdominant and one of Catalan-dominant speakers. It was first found that Catalan and Spanish /o/ are virtually indistinguishable. Catalan /c/ is lower and more fronted than the other two vowels. Spanish-dominant bilinguals were found to differ from Catalan-dominant ones in that they did not produce the Catalan-specific /o/-/c/ contrast in their speech; that is, they produced a single, merged Catalan mid-back vowel. A within-subjects analysis of first- and second-language mid-back vowels further suggested, for Spanish-dominant bilinguals, that they had developed a separate vowel category to accommodate their single, merged Catalan mid-back vowel; that is, they possessed a two-category mid-back vowel system, i.e. one for their Spanish /o/ and one for their merged Catalan /o/ + /c/. Potential explanations and theoretical implications are discussed.
Association Between Left and Right Atrial Remodeling With Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Pulmonary Vein Catheter Ablation in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Akutsu Yasushi , Kaneko Kyouichi , Kodama Yusuke , Suyama Jumpei , Li Hui-Ling , Hamazaki Yuji , Tanno Kaoru , Gokan Takehiko , Kobayashi Youichi 
Published: July 2011

Background—
Left atrial (LA) remodeling is a factor in atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after pulmonary vein catheter ablation (CA), but right atrium (RA) remodeling has not been investigated for possible associations to AF recurrence.

Methods and Results—

Using 64-slice multidetector computed tomography, RA and LA volumes were measured 3-dimensionally before CA in 65 patients with initially proven idiopathic paroxysmal AF (mean age, 60±10 years, 81.5% men). The CA procedure was guided by CARTO Merge atrial electroanatomic mapping. Sixteen patients (24.6%) had AF recurrence within the 6-month period after the CA. The recurrence was associated with a large RA volume [odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02 to 1.07,
P
<0.0001], a large LA volume with 1.04 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.06,
P
=0.002], and low LA mean voltage with 1.03 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.05,
P
=0.002]. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, RA and LA volumes remained predictive of AF recurrence. Large atrial volumes (mL) (RA ≥87 or LA ≥99) predicted AF recurrence (sensitivity of RA volume: 81.3% in 13 of 16 patients with AF recurrence; specificity: 75.5% in 37 of 49 patients without AF recurrence; sensitivity of LA volume: 81.3% in 13 of 16 patients with AF recurrence; specificity: 69.4% in 34 of 49 patients without AF recurrence), and the combined estimate of both atrial volumes was incremental and additive prognostic power (sensitivity: 75% in 12 of 16 patients with AF recurrence; specificity: 93.9% in 46 of 49 patients without AF recurrence).

Conclusions—
Both LA and RA remodeling are equally associated with post-CA AF recurrence.
Imaging-Based Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke due to Proximal Intracranial Anterior Circulation Occlusion Treated Beyond 8 Hours From Time Last Seen Well
Authors: Jovin Tudor G. , Liebeskind David S. , Gupta Rishi , Rymer Marilyn , Rai Ansaar , Zaidat Osama O. , Abou-Chebl Alex , Baxter Blaise , Levy Elad I. , Barreto Andrew , Nogueira Raul G. 
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—
Current selection criteria for intra-arterial therapies in the anterior circulation use time windows of 8 hours. Modern neuroimaging techniques have identified individuals with salvageable penumbra who present beyond this timeframe. We sought to assess safety, procedural, and clinical outcomes of MRI or CT perfusion imaging-based endovascular therapy in patients with anterior circulation stroke treated beyond 8 hours from time last seen well.

Methods—
We conducted a multicenter retrospective review of consecutive patients meeting the following criteria: (1) acute proximal intracranial anterior circulation occlusion; (2) endovascular treatment initiated >8 hours from time last seen well; and (3) treatment selection based on MRI or CT perfusion imaging.

Results—

Two hundred thirty-seven patients were identified (mean age, 63.8±16 years; mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, 15±5.5; mean time last seen well to treatment, 15±11.2 hours; male gender, 46%). Successful revascularization was achieved in 175 of 237 (73.84%) patients. Parenchymal hematoma occurred in 21 of 237 (8.86%) patients. The 90-day mortality rate was 21.5% (51 of 237). The rate of good outcomes was 45% (100 of 223) in the 223 patients with available modified Rankin Scale data at 90 days or time of hospital discharge. In multivariate analyses, age (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94 to 0.98;
P
=0.002), admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (OR, 0.93; 0.87 to 0.98;
P
=0.016), and successful revascularization (OR, 4.32; 1.99 to 9.39;
P
<0.0001) were identified as independent predictors of good outcomes.

Conclusions—
Endovascular therapy can be instituted with acceptable safety beyond 8 hours from time last seen well when selection is based on advanced neuroimaging. Successful revascularization is significantly associated with higher rates of good outcomes. The benefit of this approach compared with standard medical therapy should be assessed in a prospective randomized trial.
Body Mass Index and Etiology of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Biffi Alessandro , Cortellini Lynelle , Nearnberg Caryn M. , Ayres Alison M. , Schwab Kristin , Gilson Aaron J. , Rost Natalia S. , Goldstein Joshua N. , Viswanathan Anand , Greenberg Steven M. , Rosand Jonathan 
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—
Extremes of body mass index (BMI) are associated with increased incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Because ICH can result from different vessel pathologies, we investigated whether the effect of BMI depends on ICH etiology.

Methods—
We analyzed 384 consecutive ICH cases (188 lobar ICH and 196 deep ICH) and 388 control subjects enrolled between 2004 and 2009 in an ongoing single-center prospective study of primary ICH. ICH was categorized as lobar or deep based on CT imaging at admission. BMI was calculated based on subjects' height and weight at enrollment. We constructed multivariate logistic regression models including BMI and known predictors of ICH occurrence. Analyses were performed separately for lobar and deep ICH subjects versus control subjects.

Results—

Low BMI (<18.5 kg/m
2
) and very high BMI (>30.0 kg/m
2
) were associated with deep ICH risk (OR, 1.76;
P
=0.011 and OR, 1.75;
P
=0.013, respectively), whereas no effect was found for lobar ICH. Furthermore, sex-stratified analyses uncovered that among low BMI individuals, males were at higher ICH risk (OR, 2.85;
P
=0.041) but females were not (OR, 0.89;
P
=0.54, respectively).

Conclusions—
Extremes of BMI are associated with increased risk of deep ICH, but not lobar ICH, suggesting a role for BMI in the vascular pathologies underlying deep ICH, but not in pathologies such as cerebral amyloid angiopathy that cause ICH in the lobar brain regions.
The Impact of a Community‐Based Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Screening for Reducing Tobacco Consumption
Authors: Hapner Edie R. , Bauer Kellie L. , Wise Justin C. 
Published: July 2011

ObjectiveExamine the usefulness of large‐scale community‐based head and neck cancer screening for reducing tobacco use in an at‐risk population. Questions answered: (1) Is participating in a community‐based head and neck cancer screening related to a reduction in tobacco usage? (2) Do differing factors between participants predict behavior change?Study DesignSurvey based with a longitudinal follow‐up component.SettingAtlanta Motor Speedway during a National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) race event.Subjects and MethodsRecruited NASCAR fans (n = 620). Initial screening and 11‐question survey for 6‐month telephone follow‐up.ResultsOne hundred fifty‐six participants (25%) required medical follow‐up. Chi‐square analysis indicated a significantly higher proportion of smokers (13%) evidenced positive findings compared to nonsmokers (8%) or past smokers (6%). Kruskal‐Wallis analysis followed by Dunn’s multiple comparison post hoc test indicated smokers were from a significantly lower socioeconomic status background compared to nonsmokers. Analysis of variance indicated contacted participants reported smoking significantly fewer cigarettes per day 6 months postscreening compared to the number of cigarettes smoked at the baseline. Forty‐four (59%) participants reported reducing the number of cigarettes smoked per day, and 11 participants reported quitting smoking.ConclusionThe authors have demonstrated that large‐scale community‐based head and neck cancer screenings can be effectively implemented in nonmedical venues. This study demonstrated that targeting education for reduction of risk factors in the NASCAR population positively affected tobacco cessation.
Dimension of Subperiosteal Orbital Abscess as an Indication for Surgical Management in Children
Authors: Gavriel Haim , Yeheskeli Eyal , Aviram Eliad , Yehoshua Lior , Eviatar Ephraim 
Published: July 2011

ObjectiveEyelid edema in children is one of the signs of orbital complications secondary to acute rhinosinusitis, and identifying abscess formation is crucial for management decision. The objective of this study is to determine whether there are different computed tomography scan abscess dimensions and volumes in children requiring medical versus surgical management for subperiosteal orbital abscess (SPOA).Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingThe study was conducted at Assaf Harofeh Medical Center.Subjects and MethodsClinical and radiological parameters of 95 children admitted with eyelid edema between January 2005 and December 2007 were studied.ResultsOf 95 cases of orbital cellulitis, a total of 48 children with sinogenic orbital complications with a mean (SD) age of 4.03 (3.46) years were included. No significant difference was found between the surgically and medically treated SPOA groups regarding the use of preadmission antibiotic and clinical presentation. Statistically significant larger abscesses in the surgically treated group were noted (mean volume 1.389 vs 0.486 mL in the conservatively treated group; P =. 013) and a longer mean anterior‐posterior and medial‐lateral dimension (P =. 001 and. 017, respectively).ConclusionChildren presenting with significant or progressing ocular findings or failure to improve after 48 hours of medical therapy, together with an abscess volume of more than 0.5 mL, a length greater than 17 mm, and a width greater than 4.5 mm, should be strongly considered to have surgical drainage.
Improved outcome with rituximab in patients with HIV-associated multicentric Castleman disease
Authors: Hoffmann Christian , Schmid Holger , Müller Markus , Teutsch Christian , van Lunzen Jan , Esser Stefan , Wolf Timo , Wyen Christoph , Sabranski Michael , Horst Heinz-August , Reuter Stefan , Vogel Martin , Jäger Hans , Bogner Johannes , Arasteh Keikawus 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Although HIV-associated multicentric Castleman disease (HIV-MCD) is not classified as an AIDS-defining illness, mortality is high and progression to lymphoma occurs frequently. At present, there is no widely accepted recommendation for the treatment of HIV-MCD. In this retrospective (1998-2010), multicentric analysis of 52 histologically proven cases, outcome was analyzed with respect to the use of different MCD therapies and potential prognostic factors. After a mean follow-up of 2.26 years, 19 of 52 patients died. Median estimated overall survival (OS) was 6.2 years. Potential risk factors, such as older age, previous AIDS, or lower CD4 T cells had no impact on OS. Treatment was heterogeneous, consisting of cytostatic and/or antiviral agents, rituximab, or combinations of these modalities. There were marked differences in the outcome when patients were grouped according to MCD treatment. Patients receiving rituximab-based regimens had higher complete remission rates than patients receiving chemotherapy only. The mean estimated OS in patients receiving rituximab alone or in combination with cytostatic agents was not reached, compared with 5.1 years (P = .03). Clinical outcome and overall survival of HIV-MCD have markedly improved with rituximab-based therapies, considering rituximab-based therapies (with or without cytostatic agents) to be among the preferred first-line options in patients with HIV-MCD.
Mutations in the second zinc finger of human EKLF reduce promoter affinity but give rise to benign and disease phenotypes
Authors: Singleton Belinda K. , Lau Winnie , Fairweather Victoria S. S. , Burton Nicholas M. , Wilson Marieangela C. , Parsons Steve F. , Richardson Ben M. , Trakarnsanga Kongtana , Brady R. Leo , Anstee David J. , Frayne Jan 
Published: July 2011

AbstractMutations in the human erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF) can lead to either anemia or the benign InLu phenotype. To elucidate the relationship between these mutations and the differing phenotypes, we prepared recombinant forms of wild-type and 5 mutant EKLF proteins and quantitated their binding affinity to a range of EKLF-regulated genes. Missense mutants (R328H, R328L, and R331G) from persons with InLu phenotype did not bind DNA. Hence, as with the heterozygous loss of function nonsense (L127X, S270X, and K292X) and frameshift (P190Lfs and R319Efs) EKLF mutations, monoallelic loss of EKLF does not result in haploinsufficiency at all loci. In contrast, K332Q has a slightly reduced DNA binding affinity (∼ 2-fold) for all promoters examined but exhibits a phenotype only in a compound heterozygote with a nonfunctional allele. E325K also has a reduced, but significant, binding affinity, particularly for the β-globin gene but results in a disease phenotype even with the wild-type allele expressed, although not as a classic dominant-negative mutant. E325K protein may therefore actively interfere with EKLF-dependent processes by destabilizing transcription complexes, providing a rational explanation for the severity of the disease phenotype. Our study highlights the critical role of residues within the second EKLF zinc finger domain.
The effect of spontaneous breathing on systemic interleukin-6 during ventilator weaning
Authors: Sellarés J. , Loureiro H. , Ferrer M. , Amaro R. , Farré R. , Torres A. 
Published: July 2011

During the weaning process, spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) involve cardiopulmonary stress for ventilated patients. As interleukin (IL)-6 is a major modulator of the stress response, we hypothesised that systemic IL-6 increases during a SBT and that this increase is more evident in SBT failure.49 SBTs of 30-min duration were performed on different mechanically ventilated patients, and classified as SBT failure or success. Blood samples were drawn before and at the end of the SBT. An additional sample was drawn 24 h later in a subset of patients (n=39). Serum IL-6 levels and other inflammatory mediators commonly associated with stress were determined.IL-6 levels increased from mechanical ventilation to spontaneous breathing in all patients (p=0.02) and in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) population (p=0.05) with SBT failure compared with success, but not in non-COPD patients (p=0.12). After 24 h of SBT stress, IL-6 levels decreased in patients with SBT failure (under mechanical ventilation at that point) (p=0.02) and those with weaning success (p=0.04). No changes were observed in the remaining inflammatory mediators.Systemic IL-6 increases during a 30-min, failed SBT, especially in COPD patients. Future studies may corroborate the different IL-6 responses among different populations who initiate weaning, together with the potential clinical implications.
Aspergillus fumigatusconidia induce interferon-β signalling in respiratory epithelial cells
Authors: Beisswenger C. , Hess C. , Bals R. 
Published: July 2011

Aspergillus fumigatusis a fungal pathogen of major clinical importance. However, little is known about the role of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) duringA. fumigatusconidia induced inflammation.Here, we show that differentiated respiratory epithelial cells recognise inactivated resting conidia but not swollen conidia or hyphae, resulting in the induction of the interferon (IFN)-β signalling pathway and the expression of IFN-β-inducible genes, such as IFN-γ-inducible protein (IP)-10. This induction was internalisation dependent.We identified double-stranded conidial RNA recognised by Toll-like receptor-3 as a factor responsible for the expression of IFN-β and IP-10. Inhibition of receptor-interacting protein-1/TANK-binding kinase-1, known to mediate IFN-β signalling, was sufficient to inhibit the induction of IFN-β and IP-10 expression by conidia. Even though conidia induced the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in HBECs, IP-10 expression was only partially dependent on NF-κB signalling.These results provide evidence that respiratory cells are activated by the double-stranded RNA of resting conidia and initiate a first immune response to inhaled conidia in an IFN-β-dependent manner.
Pulmonary hypertension diagnosed by right heart catheterisation in sickle cell disease
Authors: Fonseca G.H.H. , Souza R. , Salemi V.M.C. , Jardim C.V.P. , Gualandro S.F.M. 
Published: July 2011

Recent studies have recognised the importance of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in sickle cell disease (SCD). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and prognostic impact of PH and its features in patients with SCD.80 patients with SCD underwent baseline clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, 6-min walk tests (6MWTs) and echocardiography. Patients with a peak tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRV) of ≥2.5 m·s−1were further evaluated through right heart catheterisation (RHC) to assure the diagnosis of PH.Our study evidenced a 40% prevalence of patients with elevated TRV at echocardiography. RHC (performed in 25 out of 32 patients) confirmed PH in 10% (95% CI 3.4–16.5%) of all patients, with a prevalence of post-capillary PH of 6.25% (95% CI 0.95–11.55%) and pre-capillary PH of 3.75% (95% CI -0.4–7.9%). Patients with PH were older, had worse performance in 6MWTs, and more pronounced anaemia, haemolysis and renal dysfunction. Survival was shorter in patients with PH.Our study reinforced the use of echocardiography as a screening tool for PH in SCD and the mandatory role of RHC for proper diagnosis. Our findings confirmed the prognostic significance of PH in SCD as its association to pronounced haemolytic profile.
Relationship between past airway pathology and current lung function in preschool wheezers
Authors: Sonnappa S. , Bastardo C.M. , Saglani S. , Bush A. , Aurora P. 
Published: July 2011

The functional outcome in preschool severe wheezers with eosinophilic airway inflammation and increased reticular basement membrane (RBM) thickness is unknown. We investigated the relationship between airway pathology at age 2 yrs and lung function at age 4–6 yrs in previous severe wheezers.Severe wheezers previously investigated by endobronchial biopsy and healthy children aged 4–6 yrs were recruited. Lung clearance index (LCI), conducting zone ventilation inhomogeneity (Scond), acinar ventilation inhomogeneity by multiple-breath washout, plethysmographic-specific airway resistance and exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) were measured. Lung function was compared between wheezers and healthy controls, and in wheezers correlated with past RBM thickness and mucosal eosinophilia (EG2+ cells).72 healthy controls and 28 previous severe wheezers were tested. Wheezers had significantly higher median LCI (6.8versus6.6; p=0.001) andScond(0.046versus0.016; p<0.0005) than healthy controls. Past RBM thickness (r=0.474, p=0.047) and EG2+ cells (r=0.552, p=0.041) showed significant correlations with currentFeNO, but no correlations were seen between past RBM thickness and current lung function.RBM thickness and EG2+ cells at age 2 yrs show a significant positive association withFeNOat age 5 yrs. Although lung function was abnormal at age 5 yrs in severe wheezers, this did not correlate with past RBM thickness.
Duration and exclusiveness of breastfeeding and childhood asthma-related symptoms
Authors: Sonnenschein-van der Voort A.M.M. , Jaddoe V.W.V. , van der Valk R.J.P. , Willemsen S.P. , Hofman A. , Moll H.A. , de Jongste J.C. , Duijts L. 
Published: July 2011

The aim of our study was to examine the associations of breastfeeding duration and exclusiveness with the risks of asthma-related symptoms in preschool children, and to explore whether these associations are explained by atopic or infectious mechanisms.This study was embedded in a population-based prospective cohort study of 5,368 children. Information on breastfeeding duration, exclusiveness and asthma-related symptoms, including wheezing, shortness of breath, dry cough and persistent phlegm, was obtained by questionnaires.Compared with children who were breastfed for 6 months, those who were never breastfed had overall increased risks of wheezing, shortness of breath, dry cough and persistent phlegm during the first 4 yrs (OR 1.44 (95% CI 1.24–1.66), 1.26 (1.07–1.48), 1.25 (1.08–1.44) and 1.57 (1.29–1.91), respectively). Similar associations were observed for exclusive breastfeeding. The strongest associations per symptom per year were observed for wheezing at 1 and 2 yrs. Additionally adjusted analyses showed that the associations of breastfeeding with asthma-related symptoms were not explained by eczema but partly by lower respiratory tract infections.Shorter duration and nonexclusivity of breastfeeding were associated with increased risks of asthma-related symptoms in preschool children. These associations seemed, at least partly, to be explained by infectious, but not by atopic, mechanisms.