bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The VDAC Technique: A Variational Method for Detecting and Characterizing Convective Vortices in Multiple-Doppler Radar Data
Authors: Potvin Corey K. , Shapiro Alan , Biggerstaff Michael I. , Wurman Joshua M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe vortex detection and characterization (VDAC) technique is designed to identify tornadoes, mesocyclones, and other convective vortices in multiple-Doppler radar data and retrieve their size, strength, and translational velocity. The technique consists of fitting radial wind data from two or more radars to a simple analytical model of a vortex and its near environment. The model combines a uniform flow, linear shear flow, linear divergence flow (all of which comprise a broad-scale flow), and modified combined Rankine vortex. The vortex and its environmental flow are allowed to translate. A cost function accounting for the discrepancy between the model and observed radial winds is evaluated over space and time so that observations can be used at the actual times and locations they were acquired. The model parameters are determined by minimizing this cost function.Tests of the technique using analytically generated, numerically simulated, and one observed tornadic wind field were presented by Potvin et al. in an earlier study. In the present study, an improved version of the technique is applied to additional real radar observations of tornadoes and other substorm-scale vortices. The technique exhibits skill in detecting such vortices and characterizing their size and strength. Single-Doppler experiments suggest that the technique may reliably detect and characterize larger (>1-km diameter) vortices even in the absence of overlapping radar coverage.
Using Medical Simulation to Teach Crisis Resource Management and Decision‐Making Skills to Otolaryngology Housestaff
Authors: Volk Mark S. , Ward Jessica , Irias Noel , Navedo Andres , Pollart Jennifer , Weinstock Peter H. 
Published: March 2011

ObjectivesDevelop a course to use in situ high‐fidelity medical simulation (HFS) in an actual operating room (OR) to (1) teach teamwork and crisis resource management (CRM) skills simultaneously to otolaryngology and anesthesia trainees and OR nurses and (2) provide decision‐making experience to ear, nose, and throat residents and OR teams in simulated high‐risk, low‐frequency airway emergencies.Study DesignA simulation‐based, in situ CRM course was developed to teach airway management and CRM in the OR. Upon completion of each course, the participants were surveyed using questions with (1‐5) scale answers.SettingThe simulated clinical scenarios took place in the intensive care unit and OR at Children’s Hospital Boston.Subjects and MethodsThe participants consisted of pediatric otolaryngology fellows, otolaryngology residents, anesthesiology residents, fellows, and certified registered nurse anesthetists as well as OR nurses. Fifty‐nine individuals participated in 9 simulation‐based courses given between October 2008 and May 2010. The team members participated together in 3 simulated medical crises that centered on airway and anesthesia issues. Each simulated crisis was followed by a structured debriefing session conducted by trained debriefers. Embedded within the course were didactics on CRM principles.ResultsThe participants’ responses on the survey included General Course Organization, Realism, Debriefing, and Relevance to Future Practice. Ninety percent of the responses were favorable or very favorable.ConclusionUsing a newly developed, in situ HFS‐based course, clinical decision‐making skills and teamwork can be effectively taught concurrently to members of an OR team.
Facial Movement in 3 Dimensions
Authors: Popat Hashmat , Richmond Stephen , Marshall David , Rosin Paul L. 
Published: March 2011

ObjectiveTo construct 3‐dimensional (3D) templates of average lip movement based on a group of normal healthy subjects.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingSchool of Dentistry, Cardiff University, United Kingdom.Subjects and MethodsOne hundred fifteen white subjects were asked to perform 2 reproducible verbal gestures (/puppy/ and /rope/) in a normal relaxed manner. The sequences were captured using a noninvasive, 3D motion scanner (3dMDFace Dynamic System). Mesh‐registration software was used to align sequential facial shells to a standardized reference plane. Lip movement during the verbal facial gestures was quantified using the displacement vectors (x, y, z coordinates) of 6 lip landmarks of sequential 3D facial shells subtracted from the reference or rest shell. Descriptive statistics were used to build references for average lip movement, and independent t tests were used to compare lip movement between men and women.ResultsMean reference movements were created for lip opening, lip stretch, and lip purse that corresponded to the visemes /pu/ /ppy/ and /rope/, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the lip movement between genders for the visemes /pu/ and /ppy/, although when quantified these were found not to be of clinical significance. Men favored left‐sided movement and women right‐sided movement, although only slightly—again, when quantified, this was considered to be within symmetrical limits.ConclusionIt was possible to quantify and create normal templates of lip movement for the words /puppy/ and /rope/. Men and women show similar standardized lip movements for these 2 words.
Attitudes of UK doctors towards euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide: A systematic literature review
Authors: McCormack Ruaidhri , Clifford Margaret , Conroy Marian 
Published: March 2011

Objectives: To review studies over a 20-year period that assess the attitudes of UK doctors concerning active, voluntary euthanasia (AVE) and physician-assisted suicide (PAS), assess efforts to minimise bias in included studies, determine the effect of subgroup variables (e.g. age, gender) on doctors’ attitudes, and make recommendations for future research. Data sources: Three electronic databases, four pertinent journals, reference lists of included studies. Review methods: Literature search of English articles between January 1990 and April 2010. Studies were excluded if they did not present independent data (e.g. commentaries) or if they related to doctors outside the UK, patients younger than 18 years old, terminal sedation, withdrawing or withholding treatment, or double-effect. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted. Results: Following study selection and data extraction, 15 studies were included. UK doctors oppose the introduction of both AVE and PAS in the majority of studies. Degree of religiosity appeared as a statistically significant factor in influencing doctors’ attitudes. The top three themes in the qualitative analysis were the provision of palliative care, adequate safeguards in the event of AVE or PAS being introduced, and a profession to facilitate AVE or PAS that does not include doctors. Conclusions: UK doctors appear to oppose the introduction of AVE and PAS, even when one considers the methodological limitations of included studies. Attempts to minimise bias in included studies varied. Further studies are necessary to establish if subgroup variables other than degree of religiosity influence attitudes, and to thoroughly explore the qualitative themes that appeared.
Revascularization Process of the Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Autograft Evaluated by Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging 6 and 12 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Ntoulia Aikaterini , Papadopoulou Frederica , Ristanis Stavros , Argyropoulou Maria , Georgoulis Anastasios D. 
Published: March 2011

Background: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies conducted on animal models have shown that the observed signal intensity changes are related to the degree of graft vascularity and its biomechanical properties. Purpose: To evaluate by contrast-enhanced MRI the revascularization process at 3 distinct sites discerned in relation to the surrounding microenvironment along the course of bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autograft in uncomplicated human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–reconstructed knees. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Thirty-two male patients were assessed with a 3-dimensional fast field echo/short tau inversion recovery (FFE/STIR) MRI sequence at the third postoperative day and at time intervals of 6 and 12 months after surgery. Signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) was calculated for 3 specific graft sites (intra-articular site, intraosseous tibial tunnel site, and intraosseous juxta screw site) before and after gadolinium administration. Comparisons of the enhancement index (EI: SNQafter/SNQbefore gadolinium) were performed independently for each graft site and time interval. Results: Three days postoperatively, insufficient vascularization was noticed at the 3 sites. Six and 12 months after surgery, the enhancement index was significantly increased in all 3 sites ( P < .001). The intra-articular site, 6 months postoperatively, achieved satisfactory contrast medium uptake (enhancement index >1), with significantly higher enhancement index values compared with the other 2 sites ( P < .001). Twelve months after surgery, only the intraosseously enclosed sites displayed an increase of the enhancement index, although nonsignificant ( P = .09 and P = .07, respectively). Conclusion: Revascularization of the graft occurs gradually along its length, with the intra-articular site being the first and the faster part to complete this phase, while both the intraosseous sites are still in progress throughout the first postoperative year. Revascularization is an important link at the intrinsic healing chain of the ACL graft. The surrounding microenvironment does seem to play a significant role in this process, and the differences in its composition along the graft course are reflected at the revascularization progress of the corresponding sites.
Offspring sex determines the impact of the maternal ACE I/D polymorphism on maternal glycaemic control during the last weeks of pregnancy
Authors: Hocher Berthold , Schlemm Ludwig , Haumann Hannah , Jian Li  , Rahnenführer Jan , Guthmann Florian , Bamberg Christian , Kalk Philipp , Pfab Thiemo , Chen You-Peng 
Published: March 2011

Hypothesis/Introduction: We recently demonstrated that fetal sex may affect maternal glycaemic control in genetically prone mothers. We tested the hypothesis that fetal sex/fetal Y/X chromosomes might affect maternal glycaemic control during pregnancy depending on the maternal angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism. Material and methods: One thousand, three hundred and thirty-two Caucasian women without pre-existing diabetes and pre-existing hypertension with singleton pregnancies delivering consecutively at the Charité obstetrics department were genotyped. Glycaemic control was analysed by measuring total glycated haemoglobin at birth. Correction for confounding factors and multiple testing was done. Results: Maternal ACE I/D polymorphism showed significant interaction with fetal sex concerning maternal total glycated haemoglobin. Total glycated haemoglobin in DD mothers delivering boys was 6.42 ± 0.70% vs. 6.21 ± 0.66% in DD mother delivering girls ( p < 0.005), whereas the II carrying mothers showed the opposite effect. II mothers delivering a girl had a higher ( p = 0.044) total glycated haemoglobin at birth (6.40 ± 0.80%) compared to II mothers delivering boys (6.21 ± 0.81%). There was no interaction of the ACE I/D polymorphism and fetal sex with respect to new onset proteinuria, new onset edema and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Conclusions: Maternal glycaemic control during the last weeks of pregnancy seems to be influenced by an interaction of the ACE I/D genotyp and fetal sex.
Losartan protects mesenteric arteries from ROS-associated decrease in myogenic constriction following 5/6 nephrectomy
Authors: Vavrinec Peter , van Dokkum Richard PE , Goris Maaike , Buikema Hendrik , Henning Robert H 
Published: March 2011

Background: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with hypertension, proteinuria, loss of myogenic constriction (MC) of mesenteric arteries and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under experimental conditions. Previous results showed that ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme activity) inhibitor therapy is effective in slowing down the progression of disease. Therefore, we wanted to study whether the inverse AT1 (angiotensin II type 1) receptor agonist, losartan (LOS) was effective in preventing loss of MC in a rat model of CRF and whether acute ROS scavengers could improve MC. Methods: Rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) and were treated with vehicle or LOS (20 mg/kg/day; 5/6 Nx + LOS) for 12 weeks. Thereafter, the MC of the mesenteric arteries were measured in the presence and/or absence of tempol and catalase. Systolic blood pressure and proteinuria were measured weekly. Results: Systolic blood pressure and proteinuria in the 5/6 Nx + LOS group were significantly lower than in the 5/6 Nx group. Moreover, the MC of 5/6 Nx + LOS arteries was significantly increased compared with the untreated 5/6 Nx group (maximum MC, 32.3 ± 6.9 vs 8.9 ± 3.8% (p < 0.01)). Tempol + catalase significantly increased the MC in the 5/6 Nx group, but not in the 5/6 Nx + LOS group (increase in MC, 59.7 ± 13.0 (p < 0.05) vs. 17.0 ± 15.1%). Conclusion: These results support the roles of the RAAS (renin—angiotensin—aldosterone system) and ROS in the vascular dysfunction of systemic vessels in CRF.
Verification and evaluation of aldosteronism demographics in the Taiwan Primary Aldosteronism Investigation Group (TAIPAI Group)
Authors: Kuo Chin-Chi , Wu Vin-Cent , Huang Kuo-How , Wang So-Mong , Chang Chin-Chen , Lu Ching-Chu , Yang Wei-Shun , Tsai Ching-Wei , Lai Chun-Fu , Lee Tzong-Yann , Lin Wei-Chou , Wu Ming-Shou , Lin Yen-Hung , Chu Tzong-Shinn , Lin Chien-Yu , Chang Hung-Wei , Wang Wei-Jei , Kao Tze-Wah , Chueh Shih-Chieh , Wu Kwan-Dun , TAIPAI Study Group  
Published: March 2011

Objective: Current data on primary aldosteronism (PA) from Asian populations are scarce. This cohort study clarifies the attributes of patients with PA in a typical Chinese population. Design: An observational cohort study. Methods: The records of patients referred to the Hypertension Clinic from a multi-centre registration in Taiwan from January 1995 to December 2007 were reviewed. All patients with PA were classified into two subtypes: aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA); their characteristics were compared. Results: Our cohort consisted of 346 patients with PA, 255 with APA and 91 with IHA. The initial hypokalaemia (59% in APA vs. 27.5% in IHA, p < 0.0001) and transtubular potassium gradient (TTKG) (6.30 ± 2.41 in APA vs. 4.91 ± 2.03 in IHA, p = 0.01) were higher in the APA group. Baseline plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) was also significantly different between the two subgroups (49.96 ± 38.15 ng/dl in APA vs. 34.24 ± 21.47 in IHA, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In typical Chinese PA patients, the APA subgroup had a higher proportion of hypokalaemia with elevated TTKG and higher PAC as compared with the IHA subgroup. This largest Asian database also demonstrated major differences between the Caucasian and Chinese populations including female predilection, frequent hypokalaemia, and common paralytic myopathy.
Highly purified human peripheral blood monocytes produce IL-6 but not TNFα in response to angiotensin II
Authors: Gelinas Laura , Falkenham Alec , Oxner Adam , Sopel Mryanda , Légaré Jean-Francois 
Published: March 2011

Hypothesis: Monocytes produce pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to Angiotensin II (AngII). Introduction: AngII has been suggested by many to be pro-inflammatory and likely to contribute to the migration of leukocytes in patients with cardiovascular conditions. Materials and methods: Monocytes were purified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by negative selection using antibodies conjugated to magnetic beads. Detection of CD14+ and AT1R expression was achieved by double-labeling flow cytometry. Highly purified monocytes were then stimulated with AngII (6 and 24 h) to assess IL-6 and TNF-α transcript levels by qRT-PCR and protein secretion by ELISA. Results: Monocytes comprised 9.7 ± 2.0% of the PBMCs. Monocyte isolation by negative selection yielded a purity of up to 99.8%. We demonstrated AT1R expression on 9.5 ± 0.3% of highly purifed CD14+/CD16- monocytes. Stimulation of highly purified monocytes with AngII resulted in increased transcript levels of IL-6 at 6 h but not at 24 h, and increased secretion of IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner compared with controls ( p <0.01). Conversely, there was no increase in TNF-α mRNA transcripts or protein secretion. Conclusions: We provide evidence that a CD14+/CD16- subset of highly purified human monocytes express AT1R and respond to AngII exposure in vitro by producing IL-6 but not TNF-α.
Characterization of a stable, hypertensive rat model suitable for the consecutive evaluation of human renin inhibitors
Authors: St-Jacques René , Toulmond Sylvie , Auger Anick , Binkert Christoph , Cromlish Wanda , Fischli Walter , Harris Jennifer , Hess Patrick , Jie Lan  , Liu Susana , Riendeau Denis , Steiner Beat , Percival M David 
Published: March 2011

Introduction: The hypertensive double-transgenic (dTG) rat strain, expressing human renin and angiotensinogen, develops severe hypertension and organ damage and 50% of individuals die by 7 weeks of age. Here, we characterise a variation of this model in which animals present stable hypertension. Materials and methods: The effect of renin—angiotensin system blockers on blood pressure was determined with adult dTG rats treated with enalapril from 3 to 12 weeks of age. Tissue expression levels of renin and angiotensinogen were determined in dTG rats and rhesus monkeys by quantitative PCR. Results: Upon withdrawal from enalapril, mean arterial pressure (MAP) rose to 160—180 mmHg, with 95% of the female dTG rats surviving for 6 to 12 months, In Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and rhesus monkeys, renin mRNA was absent or weakly expressed in most tissues, except for the kidneys and adrenals. In dTG rats, human renin expression was high in many additional tissues. The expression of human angiotensinogen in dTG rats followed a similar tissue pattern to SD and rhesus monkey angiotensinogen. Oral dosing of aliskiren, enalapril or losartan provided a similar maximal reduction in MAP and duration of efficacy in telemetrised dTG rats. Conclusions: Enalapril-pretreated dTG rats are suitable for long-term MAP monitoring and sequential evaluation of human renin inhibitors.
Diastolic dysfunction and abnormal exercise ventilation predict adverse outcome in elderly patients with chronic systolic heart failure
Authors: Malfatto Gabriella , Branzi Giovanna , Giglio Alessia , Ciambellotti Francesca , Villani Alessandra , Parati Gianfranco , Facchini Mario 
Published: March 2011

Background: Heart failure is increasing in the elderly and represents a socioeconomic burden requiring the correct management for which risk stratification is mandatory. Among younger patients, echocardiogram and cardiopulmonary exercise test are useful in prognostic stratification. Few studies have analyzed the utility of these tests in elderly patients. Methods: We report on 90 patients over 70 years old, on whom cardiopulmonary tests and echocardiograms were performed between 1998 and 2006 (67 M, 23 F; 75 ± 3 years; ejection fraction (EF) 30 ± 6%; NYHA 2.1 ± 0.8; 60% ischemic; therapy according to international guidelines). Echocardiographic variables were (1) left ventricular ejection fraction (EF); (2) severity of diastolic dysfunction on multiparametric examination of Doppler and TDI parameters; (3) severity of functional mitral regurgitation. Cardiopulmonary variables were (1) peak VO2; (2) peak O2 pulse; (3) peak respiratory quotient (RQ); (4) VE/VCO2 slope. Endpoint considered was mortality of any cause at three-years follow-up. Results: Mortality was 21%. At univariate analysis, survivors ( n = 71) and deceased ( n = 19) were similar for age, NYHA class, peakVO2 and RQ; they differed for EF, severity of mitral regurgitation, severity of diastolic dysfunction, O2 pulse and VE/VCO2 slope. At multivariate analysis, only VE/VCO2 slope and severe diastolic dysfunction (restrictive filling pattern) discriminated between the two groups. In particular, the association of restrictive filling pattern and VE/VCO2 slope ≥ 45 predicted 3-year mortality with sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 88%. Conclusions: Echocardiographic and cardiopulmonary data can identify high-risk elderly patients with systolic heart failure, who may need aggressive clinical management.
Inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein signaling attenuates anemia associated with inflammation
Authors: Steinbicker Andrea U. , Sachidanandan Chetana , Vonner Ashley J. , Yusuf Rushdia Z. , Deng Donna Y. , Lai Carol S. , Rauwerdink Kristen M. , Winn Julia C. , Saez Borja , Cook Colleen M. , Szekely Brian A. , Roy Cindy N. , Seehra Jasbir S. , Cuny Gregory D. , Scadden David T. , Peterson Randall T. , Bloch Kenneth D. , Yu Paul B. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Anemia of inflammation develops in settings of chronic inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic disease. In this highly prevalent form of anemia, inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, stimulate hepatic expression of hepcidin, which negatively regulates iron bioavailability by inactivating ferroportin. Hepcidin is transcriptionally regulated by IL-6 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. We hypothesized that inhibiting BMP signaling can reduce hepcidin expression and ameliorate hypoferremia and anemia associated with inflammation. In human hepatoma cells, IL-6–induced hepcidin expression, an effect that was inhibited by treatment with a BMP type I receptor inhibitor, LDN-193189, or BMP ligand antagonists noggin and ALK3-Fc. In zebrafish, the induction of hepcidin expression by transgenic expression of IL-6 was also reduced by LDN-193189. In mice, treatment with IL-6 or turpentine increased hepcidin expression and reduced serum iron, effects that were inhibited by LDN-193189 or ALK3-Fc. Chronic turpentine treatment led to microcytic anemia, which was prevented by concurrent administration of LDN-193189 or attenuated when LDN-193189 was administered after anemia was established. Our studies support the concept that BMP and IL-6 act together to regulate iron homeostasis and suggest that inhibition of BMP signaling may be an effective strategy for the treatment of anemia of inflammation.
Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, generation of induced pluripotent stem cells, and isolation of endothelial progenitors from 21- to 23.5-year cryopreserved cord blood
Authors: Broxmeyer Hal E. , Lee Man-Ryul , Hangoc Giao , Cooper Scott , Prasain Nutan , Kim Young-June , Mallett Coleen , Ye Zhaohui , Witting Scott , Cornetta Kenneth , Cheng Linzhao , Yoder Mervin C. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) is crucial for cord blood (CB) banking and transplantation. We evaluated recovery of functional HPC cryopreserved as mononuclear or unseparated cells for up to 23.5 years compared with prefreeze values of the same CB units. Highly efficient recovery (80%-100%) was apparent for granulocyte-macrophage and multipotential hematopoietic progenitors, although some collections had reproducible low recovery. Proliferative potential, response to multiple cytokines, and replating of HPC colonies was extensive. CD34+ cells isolated from CB cryopreserved for up to 21 years had long-term (≥ 6 month) engrafting capability in primary and secondary immunodeficient mice reflecting recovery of long-term repopulating, self-renewing HSCs. We recovered functionally responsive CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, generated induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells with differentiation representing all 3 germ cell lineages in vitro and in vivo, and detected high proliferative endothelial colony forming cells, results of relevance to CB biology and banking.