bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Gender and Age on Cardiovascular Function Late After Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Sarikouch Samir , Koerperich Hermann , Dubowy Karl-Otto , Boethig Dietmar , Boettler Petra , Mir Thomas S. , Peters Brigitte , Kuehne Titus , Beerbaum Philipp ,   for the German Competence Network for Congenital Heart Defects Investigators
Published: September 2011

Background—
The impact of gender and age on cardiac function by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is unknown, which limits the value of currently discussed volumetric thresholds and the accuracy of individual follow-up.

Methods and Results—

In a nationwide, prospective, 14-center study, 407 consecutive patients with repaired TOF (age, 17.9±8.3 years; range, 8–59 years; 226 male patients) underwent standardized CMR ventricular volumetry and flow quantification (pulmonary artery/ascending aorta). There were no sex differences for age at TOF repair, type of repair, number of prior repair palliations or reinterventions after repair, pulmonary regurgitation fraction, and maximal gradient across the right ventricular outflow tract. Biventricular volumes and mass (indexed to body surface area), available in 380 of 407 patients, respectively, were higher in male patients (
P
<0.003), but biventricular ejection fraction was higher in female patients (
P
<0.012). As opposed to reported data of healthy populations, sex-specific reference percentiles computed for an age range of 8 to 40 years (lambda-mu-sigma method) demonstrated (1) an increase of end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular volumes, particularly in female patients; (2) an increase of end-systolic right ventricular volumes in both sexes; and (3) a decrease of biventricular ejection fraction in male patients, whereas in female patients, only right ventricular ejection fraction decreased.

Conclusions—
Significant gender differences of biventricular volumes, function, and mass by CMR exist late after repair of TOF, suggesting that age and gender cannot be ignored when discussing thresholds. Gender-specific percentiles may present a more relevant framework of reference for an individual patient at a given age and suggest a gradual decline of biventricular systolic function over time.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00266188.
Genome-wide expression assay comparison across frozen and fixed postmortem brain tissue samples
Authors: Chow Maggie L , Li Hai-Ri , Winn Mary E , April Craig , Barnes Cynthia C , Wynshaw-Boris Anthony , Fan Jian-Bing , Fu Xiang-Dong , Courchesne Eric , Schork Nicholas J 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Gene expression assays have been shown to yield high quality genome-wide data from partially degraded RNA samples. However, these methods have not yet been applied to postmortem human brain tissue, despite their potential to overcome poor RNA quality and other technical limitations inherent in many assays. We compared cDNA-mediated annealing, selection, and ligation (DASL)- and in vitro transcription (IVT)-based genome-wide expression profiling assays on RNA samples from artificially degraded reference pools, frozen brain tissue, and formalin-fixed brain tissue.

Results
The DASL-based platform produced expression results of greater reliability than the IVT-based platform in artificially degraded reference brain RNA and RNA from frozen tissue-based samples. Although data associated with a small sample of formalin-fixed RNA samples were poor when obtained from both assays, the DASL-based platform exhibited greater reliability in a subset of probes and samples.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that the DASL-based gene expression-profiling platform may confer some advantages on mRNA assays of the brain over traditional IVT-based methods. We ultimately consider the implications of these results on investigations of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Effects of calcium channel blockers on glucose tolerance, inflammatory state, and circulating progenitor cells in non-diabetic patients with essential hypertension: a comparative study between Azelnidipine and amlodipine on Glucose tolerance and ENdothelial function - a crossover Trial (AGENT)
Authors: Fukao Kosuke , Shimada Kazunori , Hiki Makoto , Kiyanagi Takashi , Hirose Kuniaki , Kume Atsumi , Ohsaka Hiromichi , Matsumori Rie , Kurata Takeshi , Miyazaki Tetsuro , Daida Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Hypertension is associated with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Medical treatment that interferes with various steps in the renin-angiotensin system improves glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. However, it remains unclear if long-acting calcium channel blockers (CCBs) such as azelnidipine and amlodipine affect glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in clinical practice.

Methods
Seventeen non-diabetic patients with essential hypertension who had controlled blood pressure levels using amlodipine (5 mg/day) were enrolled in this study. After randomization, either azelnidipine (16 mg/day) or amlodipine (5 mg/day) was administered in a crossover design for 12-weeks. At baseline and the end of each CCB therapy, samples of blood and urine were collected and 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. In addition, hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) were measured at each point by flow cytometry and endothelial functions were measured by fingertip pulse amplitude tonometry using EndoPAT.

Results
Although blood pressure levels were identical after each CCB treatment, the heart rate significantly decreased after azelnidipine administration than that after amlodipine administration (P < 0.005). Compared with amlodipine administration, azelnidipine significantly decreased levels of glucose and insulin 120 min after the 75 g OGTT (both P < 0.05). Serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = 0.067) and interleukin-6 (P = 0.035) were decreased. Although endothelial functions were not different between the two medication groups, the number of circulating HPCs was significantly increased after azelnidipine administration (P = 0.016).

Conclusions
These results suggest that azelnidipine treatment may have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, the inflammatory state, and number of circulating progenitor cells in non-diabetic patients with essential hypertension.
Instrumented large scale subsurface liquid injection model for bioreactor landfills
Authors: Mukherjee Moumita , Khire Milind V. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Bioreactor landfills are complex unsaturated systems where liquids are injected at relatively high pressures in on/off dosing cycles. In order to simulate hydraulic scenarios to improve understanding of leachate recirculation systems for landfills, 86 cm long by 30 cm wide by 56 cm tall unsaturated flow physical model was designed and fabricated. A permeable blanket was installed in the model to inject water. The blanket was 50 cm long × 30 cm wide × 2 cm thick and was made up of pea gravel. Uniform fine and coarse sands, which were thoroughly characterized for their hydraulic properties, were used in separate experiments to simulate waste. Pressure transducers and water content sensors were embedded in the model to monitor the migration of injected water in the blanket and in the underlying soils. Water was injected at flow rates ranging from 20 to 150 cm3/s in continuous and on/off modes to achieve transient and steady-state conditions. The responses of the pressure transducers embedded in the blanket in the model mimicked the responses of the pressure sensors embedded in an instrumented field-scale (55 m long × 9 m wide × 0.15 m thick) permeable blanket made up of crushed recycled glass used for recirculation of leachate at a municipal solid waste landfill. The effect of entrapped air present in the voids was evident from greater pressures developed during wetting which dissipated as the entrapped air escaped the system. This finding highlights the need to use of dual phase models for simulating pressures in bioreactor landfills.
Random Uncertainty in the Measurement of Matric Potential Using the Miniature Tensiometer
Authors: Monroy Rafael , Zdravkovic Lidija , Ridley Andrew 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The miniature (high-capacity) tensiometer is increasingly being used both in practice and in research to determine the matric potential in unsaturated soils. Although the potential which can be recorded with this type of device tends to be limited to a maximum of approximately 1500 kPa (a function of the air entry value of the porous element), simplicity of use, together with the ability to measure potentials under atmospheric conditions, makes this a unique piece of equipment for investigating and characterizing the hydro-mechanical response of unsaturated soils in the laboratory and in the field. The use of the miniature tensiometer is now well established and documented, and the particulars of a number of such devices, together with modifications to standard laboratory equipment to accommodate them, have appeared in the literature. The measurement of potential with the tensiometer, like any other measurement of a physical quantity, is not exempt from a certain degree of uncertainty. Additionally, the device is usually calibrated by applying a positive water pressure; however, when in use, the fluid filling the internal reservoir experiences a tensile stress. Although extrapolation of the calibration curve to negative values of water pressure is justified, it is nevertheless interesting to assess the level of uncertainty associated with a single measurement of potential in a soil. To this effect, data on gravimetric water content and matric potential from a statistically representative set of clay samples, carefully prepared and compacted in a similar manner to the same initial conditions, were analysed. This paper presents details and results from this exercise, together with the statistical treatment of the data.
Demographics of Orofacial Clefts in Canada from 2002 to 2008
Authors: Pavri Sabrina , Forrest Christopher R. 
Published: September 2011

Objective Orofacial clefts such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and cleft lip and palate are the most frequent congenital anomalies of the head and neck. The purpose of this study was to determine the current demographics for orofacial clefts in Canada. Methods A request for data from all Canadian provinces (excluding Quebec due to incompatibilities with provincial coding systems) for the fiscal years 2002–2003 to 2007–2008 was submitted to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Variables evaluated included gender, cleft type, gestational age, birth weight, income quintile, and institution health region. Results Over the period studied, the prevalence of orofacial clefts ranged from 11.0 to 15.3 per 10,000 live births (1 in 654 to 1 in 909 live births). The distribution of cleft types for live births with orofacial clefts was 17% for cleft lip, 41% for cleft palate, and 42% for cleft lip and palate, of which cleft lip and cleft lip and palate were male dominant (62% and 66% male, respectively) and cleft palate was female dominant (56% female). Saskatchewan and Manitoba had significantly higher cleft birthrates ( P < .05) compared with the other provinces. Birth weight and gestational age (but not income quintile) were significantly ( P < .0001) lower for newborns with orofacial clefting compared with those with no cleft. Conclusions Canada has one of the highest orofacial cleft birthrates in the world (prevalence of 12.7 per 10,000 live births, approximately 1 in 790 live births). This study presents an updated demographic of orofacial clefts in Canadian newborns and may be useful in predicting the burden of anticipated health care.
Combien de temps nous reste-t-il à vivre ? La durée de la vie comme objet mathématique et comme enjeu politique au xviiie siècle
Authors: Chamayou Grégoire 
Published: September 2011

Au xviie siècle, la question de la durée de la vie fait l’objet d’un nouveau traitement en termes d’arithmétique politique. Cette mathématisation, avec la construction de la notion de « vie moyenne », permet une intégration de l’art de prolonger la vie aux techniques de gouvernement. Élaborée dans le cadre des pratiques financières de rentes viagères, la notion émigre vers l’économie politique, où la vie n’est plus conçue comme support d’intérêts mais comme force productive. Le problème se pose alors en termes de philosophie politique : le pouvoir peut-il se fonder sur des impératifs de maximisation de la vie moyenne pour contraindre ses sujets ? La question fut posée au sujet de l’inoculation de la petite vérole. Dans le débat qui déchira les Lumières françaises, c’est en réalité la question du fondement de ce que Michel Foucault appelait le biopouvoir qui est en jeu.
Stations dans la discursivité sociale : alternance et fenêtres
Authors: Lagazzi-Rodrigues Suzy 
Published: September 2011

Ce travail s’insère dans un projet intitulé « Le discours aux frontières du social », qui vise à analyser, dans des films documentaires, l’entrecroisement des différents matériaux en jeu dans ces productions. Pour comprendre comment se formule la critique sociale, j’ai choisi d’analyser deux documentaires ayant pour thème des conflits sociaux : Tereza (« Thérèse », qui met en scène la vie des détenus dans une prison de Campinas) et Boca de Lixo (« Décharge publique », qui présente la vie de personnes qui habitent et travaillent dans les dépôts d’ordures).
Chronic Chemoimmunotherapy Achieves Cure of Spontaneous Murine Mammary Tumors via Persistent Blockade of Posttherapy Counter-Regulation
Authors: Rowswell-Turner Rachael B. , Harden Jamie L. , Nair Raji E. , Gu Tao , Kilinc Mehmet O. , Egilmez Nejat K. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Intratumoral delivery of IL-12 and GM-CSF induces local and systemic antitumor CD8+ T cell activation and tumor kill. However, the effector response is transient and is rapidly countered by CD4+ Foxp3+ T suppressor cell expansion. To determine whether depletion of the pre-existing T suppressor cell pool prior to treatment could diminish posttherapy regulatory cell resurgence, FVBneuN mice bearing advanced spontaneous mammary tumors were treated with cyclophosphamide (CY) 1 d before IL-12/GM-CSF therapy. Administration of CY mediated a significant delay in the post–IL-12/GM-CSF T suppressor cell rebound, resulting in a 7-fold increase in the CD8+ CTL/T suppressor cell ratio, a 3-fold enhancement of CTL cytotoxicity, and an extension of the effector window from 3 to 7 d. In long-term therapy studies, chronic chemoimmunotherapy promoted a dramatic enhancement of tumor regression, resulting in complete cure in 44% of the mice receiving CY plus IL-12/GM-CSF. Tumor eradication in the chronic therapy setting was associated with the ability to repeatedly rescue and maintain cytotoxic CD8+ T cell activity. These findings demonstrated that chronic administration of CY in conjunction with immune therapy enhances the initial induction of antitumor T effector cells and, more importantly, sustains their cytotoxic activity over the long-term via persistent blockade of homeostatic counter-regulation.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Is Required for CD4+ T Cell-Mediated Lymphopenia-Associated Autoimmunity
Authors: Housley William J. , Adams Catherine O. , Vang Amanda G. , Brocke Stefan , Nichols Frank C. , LaCombe Melissa , Rajan Thiruchandurai V. , Clark Robert B. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) was shown to play an immunoregulatory role in many immune-related cell types, and activation of PPARγ was reported to be an effective therapeutic approach in murine and human autoimmune disease. However, despite an association between lymphopenia and autoimmunity, there has been no study on the role of T cell PPARγ in lymphopenia-associated autoimmunity. In the present studies, we examined the role of PPARγ in CD4+ T cells in two murine models of lymphopenia-associated autoimmunity. Surprisingly, we found that PPARγ expression in CD4+ CD25− T cells (T effector cells [Teffs]) is actually required for development of autoimmunity under lymphopenic conditions. Mechanistically, the inability of PPARγ-deficient (T-PPAR) Teffs to mediate lymphopenic autoimmunity is associated with a significant decrease in accumulation of Teffs in the spleen, lymph nodes, and tissues after adoptive transfer. This abnormal accumulation of T-PPAR Teffs was associated with defects in both in vivo proliferation and survival. Additionally, T-PPAR Teffs demonstrated decreased cytokine production in inflammatory sites and decreased expression of the homing receptor α4β7. Finally, these abnormalities in T-PPAR Teff function were not elicited by lymphopenia alone but also required the additional activation involved in the mediation of autoimmunity. Thus, in contrast to its documented immunosuppressive role, we identified an unexpected function for PPARγ in Teffs: a role in Teff proliferation and survival in lymphopenia-associated autoimmunity. These findings highlight both the multifunctional role of PPARγ in T cells and the complexity of PPARγ as a potential therapeutic target in autoimmunity.
STABILIZATION OF RAW DIENIC SYNTHETIC RUBBER POLYMERS
Authors: Kuczkowski Joseph A. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The mechanism of rubber polymer autoxidation is briefly reviewed with an emphasis and an appreciation for what these uninhibited free radical reactions can do to polymer properties and quality. Significant differences between hydrocarbon and rubber oxidation are discussed. Differences in polymer substructure are described which affect the mode of oxidation as well as the choice of stabilizer to protect these materials. An explanation of color formation and color prevention for 2,6-dialkyl-4-methylphenols is provided which also includes a discussion of how their oxidized transformation products interact with the rubber polymer. Additional factors that affect polymer quality include proxidative effects of the stabilizer, oxygen diffusion, and the formation of gel. Studies which varied the steric bulk of the alkyl groups in the 2,6 position were conducted to optimize the antioxidant activity of this system in its function in the hydrogen atom donor—hydrogen atom acceptor mechanism of stabilization. A description of the preparation and activity impact of the secondary antioxidant synergist Wingstay® SN-1 is included. Finally, the discovery of highly active 2,6-di(alkylthiomethyl) substituted phenols is described which led to the discovery of Wingstay® K and its contained synergist methylene-bis(dodecylsulfide). This material is a highly persistent auto synergistic stabilizer which is outstanding for the protection of emulsion-styrene butadiene rubber when used 50/50 with Wingstay® 29. When used by itself in polybutadiene rubber polymers, it is highly effective against the effects of oxidation and also for the prevention of gel formation and Mooney viscosity changes.
INTRINSICALLY CONDUCTING RUBBERS: TOWARD MICRO APPLICATIONS
Authors: Predeep P. , Mathew Anisha Mary 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
More than three decades after the major breakthrough in the efforts to develop intrinsic electric conductivity in conjugated polymers, which culminated in the year 2000 Nobel Prize for Shirakawa et al., conducting plastics hold the promise of providing a cost effective and unique alternative material solution for applications ranging from consumer electronics to optoelectronics, solar cells, lighting, memory, and a host of new photonic applications. It would not be an exaggeration to mention conducting polymers as the materials for the next century. The notion of conjugation as a pre-condition for a polymer to be made intrinsically conducting was challenged when a conjugated polymer such as natural rubber was doped to increase its electrical conductivity by more than 10 orders in magnitude. This discovery by Thakur et al., triggered a spate of investigations on the phenomenon and mechanism of conduction in nonconjugated polymers such as Elastomers. The discovery that rubbers could be doped like conjugated polymers raised the hope of finding extremely different micro applications hitherto unknown for natural rubber as well as synthetic rubbers. Investigations point toward the possibility of conducting rubbers, unlike the conjugated polymers having easy processability and cost effectiveness, finding wide applications in organic electronics and photonic applications. A critique of the early and current efforts in developing intrinsic electric conductivity in natural rubber as well as synthetic elastomers in the context of the investigations made by the authors in this direction is reviewed and presented.
Muscle Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Congenital Myopathies Due to Ryanodine Receptor Type 1 Gene Mutations
Authors: Klein Andrea , Jungbluth Heinz , Clement Emma , Lillis Suzanne , Abbs Stephen , Munot Pinki , Pane Marika , Wraige Elizabeth , Schara Ulrike , Straub Volker , Mercuri Eugenio , Muntoni Francesco 
Published: September 2011

ObjectivesTo establish the consistency of the previously reported pattern of muscle involvement in a large cohort of patients with molecularly defined ryanodine receptor type 1 (RYR1)–related myopathies, to identify possible additional patterns, and to compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with clinical and genetic findings.DesignBlinded analysis of muscle MRI patterns of patients with congenital myopathies with dominant or recessive RYR1 mutations and control patients without RYR1 mutations. We compared MRI findings with the previously reported pattern of muscle involvement.SettingData from 3 tertiary referral centers.PatientsThirty-seven patients with dominant or recessive RYR1 mutations and 23 controls with other myopathies.Main Outcome MeasuresEach MRI was classified as typical if it was identical to the reported pattern, consistent if it was similar to the reported one but with some additional features, or different. Images with no or few changes were classified as uninformative.ResultsTwenty-one of 37 patients with RYR1 mutations had a typical pattern; 13 had a consistent pattern. Two patients had uninformative MRIs and only 1 had a different pattern. Compared with patients with dominant mutations, patients with recessive mutations and ophthalmoparesis had a more diffuse pattern, classified as consistent in 6 of 8. In contrast, 10 of 11 with recessive mutations but without ophthalmoparesis had a typical pattern. All MRIs of 23 control patients were classified as different.ConclusionsOur results suggest that muscle MRI is a powerful predictor of RYR1 involvement in patients with a congenital myopathy, especially if they carry a dominant mutation or recessive mutations without ophthalmoparesis.
One‐Dimensional Hierarchical Structures Composed of Novel Metal Oxide Nanosheets on a Carbon Nanotube Backbone and Their Lithium‐Storage Properties
Authors: Ding Shujiang , Chen Jun Song , (David) Lou Xiong Wen 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSome facile solution methods are developed to directly grow anatase TiO2 nanosheets with exposed (001) facets and SnO2 nanosheets onto a carbon nanotube backbone for the first time. TiO2 nanosheets can also be grown on SnO2@CNT coaxial nanocables. An electrochemical investigation shows that these unique one‐dimensional hierarchical nanostructures exhibit significantly enhanced lithium‐storage properties under different testing conditions by comparison to the pure metal oxide counterparts, and evidently suggests that improved electrochemical properties of TiO2 and SnO2 can be achieved through proper design of the nanostructure and chemical composition.