bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age- and Gender-Specific Familial Risks for Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Zöller Bengt , Li Xinjun , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina 
Published: August 2011

Background—
This nationwide study sought to determine age- and gender-specific familial risks in siblings hospitalized for venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods and Results—
The Swedish Multigeneration Register on 0- to 75-year-old subjects was linked to the Hospital Discharge Register for the years 1987–2007. Standardized incidence ratios were calculated for individuals whose siblings were hospitalized for VTE compared with those whose siblings were not affected. Among a total of 45 362 hospitalized cases with VTE, 2393 affected siblings were identified, with a familial standardized incidence ratio of 2.45 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66 to 3.61). Gender-specific differences in incidence rates were observed. The familial risks were significantly increased from the age of 10 to 69 years, with a familial standardized incidence ratio of 4.77 (95% CI, 1.96 to 10.83) at ages 10 to 19 years, which decreased to 2.08 (95% CI, 1.35 to 3.20) at ages 60 to 69 years, although the absolute risk increased with age. The familial standardized incidence ratios for siblings with 2 and ≥3 affected probands were 51.87 (95% CI, 31.47 to 85.00) and 53.69 (95% CI, 25.59 to 108.50), respectively. Spouses had low familial risks (standardized incidence ratio=1.07; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.10; observed spouse cases=3900).

Conclusions—
Familial factors, although influenced by age and gender, are important risk factors for VTE. The present study shows that VTE is aggregated in families and suggests that uncovering the sources of familial aggregation (genetic and nongenetic) may be worthwhile. Moreover, in a small fraction of siblings, the familial risk was very high, suggesting segregation of rare but strong genetic risk factors.
Relation of Obesity to Circulating B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations in Blacks
Authors: Fox Ervin R. , Musani Solomon K. , Bidulescu Aurelian , Nagarajarao Harsha S. , Samdarshi Tandaw E. , Gebreab Samson Y. , Sung Jung Hye , Steffes Michael W. , Wang Thomas J. , Taylor Herman A. , Vasan Ramachandran S. 
Published: August 2011

Background—
Lower plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in obese individuals (“natriuretic handicap”) may play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related hypertension. Whether this phenomenon may contribute to hypertension in blacks is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that body mass index is inversely related to BNP concentrations in blacks.

Methods and Results—

We examined the relation of plasma BNP to body mass index in 3742 Jackson Heart Study participants (mean age, 55±13; 62% women) without heart failure using multivariable linear and logistic regression, adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic covariates. The multivariable-adjusted mean BNP was higher for lean participants compared with obese participants in both normotensive (
P
<0.0001) and hypertensive (
P
<0.0012) groups. In sex-specific analyses, the adjusted mean BNP was higher in lean hypertensive individuals compared with obese hypertensive individuals for both men (20.5 versus 10.9 pg/mL, respectively;
P
=0.0009) and women (20.0 versus 13.8 pg/mL;
P
=0.011). The differences between lean and obese participants were more pronounced in normotensive participants (men, 9.0 versus 4.4 pg/mL;
P
<0.0001; women, 12.8 versus 8.4 pg/mL;
P
=0.0005). For both hypertensive and normotensive individuals in the pooled sample, multivariable-adjusted BNP was significantly related to both continuous body mass index (
P
<0.05 and
P
<0.0001, respectively) and categorical body mass index (
P
for trend <0.006 and <0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion—
Our cross-sectional study of a large community-based sample of blacks demonstrates that higher body mass index is associated with lower circulating BNP concentrations, thereby extending the concept of a natriuretic handicap in obese individuals observed in non-Hispanic whites to this high-risk population.
The Global Subduction/Obduction Rates: Their Interannual and Decadal Variability
Authors: Liu Ling Ling , Huang Rui Xin 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Ventilation, including subduction and obduction, for the global oceans was examined using Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA) outputs. The global subduction rate averaged over the period from 1959 to 2006 is estimated at 505.8 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1), while the corresponding global obduction rate is estimated at 482.1 Sv. The annual subduction/obduction rates vary greatly on the interannual and decadal time scales. The global subduction rate is estimated to have increased 7.6% over the past 50 years, while the obduction rate is estimated to have increased 9.8%. Such trends may be insignificant because errors associated with the data generated by ocean data assimilation could be as large as 10%. However, a major physical mechanism that induced these trends is primarily linked to changes in the Southern Ocean. While the Southern Ocean plays a key role in global subduction and obduction rates and their variability, both the Southern Ocean and equatorial regions are critically important sites of water mass formation/erosion.
Atmospheric Temperature Measurement Biases on the Antarctic Plateau
Authors: Genthon Christophe , Six Delphine , Favier Vincent , Lazzara Matthew , Keller Linda 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Observations of atmospheric temperature made on the Antarctic Plateau with thermistors housed in naturally (wind) ventilated radiation shields are shown to be significantly warm biased by solar radiation. High incoming solar flux and high surface albedo result in radiation biases in Gill (multiplate)-styled shields that can occasionally exceed 10°C in summer in cases with low wind speed. Although stronger and more frequent when incoming solar radiation is high, biases exceeding 8°C are found even when solar radiation is less than 200 W m−2. Compared with sonic thermometers, which are not affected by radiation but are too complex to be routinely used for mean temperature monitoring, commercially available aspirated shields are shown to efficiently protect thermistor measurements from solar radiation biases. Most of the available in situ reports of atmospheric temperature on the Antarctic Plateau are from automatic weather stations that use passive shields and are thus likely warm biased in the summer. In spite of low power consumption, deploying aspirated shields at remote locations in such a difficult environment may be a challenge. Bias correction formulas are not easily derived and are obviously shield dependent. On the other hand, because of a strong dependence of bias to wind speed, filtering out temperature reports for wind speed less than a given threshold (about 4–6 m s−1 for the shields tested here) may be an efficient way to quality control the data, albeit at the cost of significant data loss and records that are biased toward high wind speed cases.
Systematic Functional Assessment of Nasal Dyspnea
Authors: Larson Daniel A. , Cilento Benjamin W. 
Published: August 2011

ObjectiveEvaluate the ability of a systematic preoperative evaluation to determine the most appropriate procedures for patients undergoing functional septorhinoplasty and to accurately predict postoperative outcomes.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care military hospital.Subjects and MethodsFifty‐nine consecutive patients from a quality control database who underwent functional rhinoplasties for nasal dyspnea were evaluated. All patients underwent a full preoperative assessment using intranasal manipulation to determine the area(s) contributing to their nasal dyspnea. Rates of success for the predictive ability and for the functional outcome were determined for each side of the nose by comparing preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores (1‐10) to postoperative scores.ResultsOverall there was a 91% success rate in predicting the outcome of surgery and a 95% success rate in improving nasal dyspnea at 1 year. There was no statistically significant difference in improvement between different surgical groups (septoplasty ± alar strut grafts ± spreader grafts) or between primary surgeries and revisions.ConclusionUsing a systematic approach to evaluate patients for nasal dyspnea, it is possible to predict and improve outcomes by choosing the most appropriate surgery for each individual.
Design and Functional Test of a Morphing High-Lift Device for a Regional Aircraft
Authors: Pecora R. , Barbarino S. , Concilio A. , Lecce L. , Russo S. 
Published: August 2011

Several flight regimes occurring during a typical aircraft mission make it impossible to define a unique optimized wing configuration able to maximize aerodynamic efficiency, maneuverability, and stability in every flight condition. Components like ailerons and flaps, in some way, guarantee a certain level of adaptability, being far from optimal. Wing morphing can strongly improve the aerodynamic efficiency of future aircraft by assuring an optimal adaptive behavior which best fits the specific flight regime requirements. Such an approach, in spite of related benefits, presents a challenging problem: the same structure rigid enough to keep its shape under the aerodynamic loads has to largely deform itself without undergoing structural collapses. In the frame of a research project funded by Alenia Aeronautica S.p.A., the authors came to the definition of a novel morphing architecture acting as high-lift device. In this study, the design assessment of an innovative flap architecture for a variable-camber trailing edge is illustrated. The reference geometry is based on a full-scale wing of a reference civil regional transportation aircraft, where the conventional flap component has been substituted by a morphing trailing edge based on compliant ribs. The presented architecture moves toward the direction of assuring high deformability while keeping good load-sustaining capabilities: each rib is composed of multiple, suitably shaped rigid elements connected by means of hinges and linking rods. The rib’s shape changes upon the activation of a smart actuator based on shape memory alloy technology. Design process of the morphing rib and integrated actuator structure has been widely discussed as well as the functional tests performed on a technological demonstrator manufactured in order to prove the goodness of chosen design strategies and adopted numerical models.
A comparison of benchmark task and insight evaluation methods for information visualization
Authors: North Chris , Saraiya Purvi , Duca Karen 
Published: August 2011

This study compares two different empirical research methods for evaluating information visualizations: the traditional benchmark-task method and the insight method. The methods are compared using criteria such as the conclusions about the visualization designs provided by each method, the time participants spent during the study, the time and effort required to analyse the resulting empirical data, and the effect of individual differences between participants on the results. The study compares three graph visualization alternatives that associate bioinformatics microarray time series data to pathway graph vertices in order to investigate the effect of different visual grouping structures in visualization designs that integrate multiple data types. It is confirmed that visual grouping should match task structure, but interactive grouping proves to be a well-rounded alternative. Overall, the results validate the insight method’s ability to confirm results of the task method, but also show advantages of the insight method to illuminate additional types of tasks. Efficiency and insight frequently correlate, but important distinctions are found. Categories: H.5.2 [Information Interfaces and Presentation]: User Interfaces – evaluation/methodology.
Using the continual reassessment method to estimate the minimum effective dose in phase II dose-finding studies: a case study
Authors: Zohar Sarah , Resche-Rigon Matthieu , Chevret Sylvie 
Published: August 2011

Background The Continual Reassessment Method typically is presented as the method of choice for the purpose of dose-finding based on a toxicity scale in phase I clinical trials. However, this adaptive statistical approach also can be applied easily to dose-finding experiments in phase II trials. Purpose To provide a case study from a real clinical trial to illustrate the use of the Continual Reassessment Method in the context of phase II dose finding. Methods The Continual Reassessment Method was used to model the dose-failure relationship in order to estimate the minimal effective dose. This approach was retrospectively used to determine the minimal effective dose of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for peripheral blood stem cell collection in allografted patients following chemotherapy. Results After the inclusion of 25 patients, the minimal effective dose was estimated to be the third dose level tested in the study. Limitations The main limitation of the Continual Reassessment Method, which is not specific to the method but to the dose-finding setting, is that the empirical choice of the dose range can be either under or over-estimated. The method requires a calibration study prior to trial onset. Conclusions Assuming that a dose-effect relationship is monotonically increasing, the use of the Continual Reassessment Method in phase II dose-finding studies allows the estimation of the minimum effective dose for further studies. Modeling the dose-failure relationship allows the direct use of available software developed for the Continual Reassessment Method in the context of phase I clinical trials.
Boosting enrolment in clinical trials: validation of a regional network model
Authors: Kernan W , Viscoli C , Brass L , Amatangelo M , Birch A , Clark W , Conwit R , Furie K , Gorman M , Pesapane B , Kleindorfer D , Lovejoy A , Osborne J , Silliman S , Zweifler R , Horwitz R 
Published: August 2011

Background Clinical trials of stroke therapy have been hampered by slow rates of enrolment. Purpose Our purpose is to validate a previously developed model for accelerating enrolment in clinical trials by replicating it at new locations. The model employs coordinators who travel from a host institution to enrol participants from a network of participating hospitals. Active surveillance assures identification of all eligible patients. Methods Among 70 U.S. investigators participating in National Institutes of Health-funded trial of stroke prevention, five investigators were invited to develop local identification and outreach networks (LIONs). Each LION comprised a LION coordinating centre servicing multiple hospitals. Hospitals provided names of patients with stroke or transient ischaemic attack to researchers at the LION coordinating centre who initiated contact; patients were offered home visits for consent and randomization. Outcomes were feasibility, enrolment, data quality, and cost. Results Five LIONs varied in size from two to eight hospitals. All 24 hospitals we approached agreed to participate. The average monthly rate of enrolment at the research sites increased from 1.4 participants to 3.5 after expanding from a single institution model to the LION format (mean change = 2.1, range 0.9–3.7). Monthly performance improved over time. Data quality was similar for LIONs and non-LION sites, except for drug adherence which was lower at LIONs. The average cost to randomize and follow one participant during the study interval was 2.4 times the cost under the per-patient, cost-reimbursement strategy at non-LION sites. The cost ratio declined from 3.4 in year one to 1.8 in year two. Limitations The LION strategy requires unprecedented collaboration and trust among institutions. Applicability beyond stroke requires confirmation. Conclusion LIONs are a practical, reproducible method to increase enrolment in trial research. Twelve months were required for the average site to reach its potential. The per-participant cost at LIONs was higher than conventional sites but declined over time.
Mutational spectrum analysis of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia includes genes associated with epigenetic regulation: UTX, EZH2, and DNMT3A
Authors: Jankowska Anna M. , Makishima Hideki , Tiu Ramon V. , Szpurka Hadrian , Huang Yun , Traina Fabiola , Visconte Valeria , Sugimoto Yuka , Prince Courtney , O'Keefe Christine , Hsi Eric D. , List Alan , Sekeres Mikkael A. , Rao Anjana , McDevitt Michael A. , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), a myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm, is characterized by monocytic proliferation, dysplasia, and progression to acute myeloid leukemia. CMML has been associated with somatic mutations in diverse recently identified genes. We analyzed 72 well-characterized patients with CMML (N = 52) and CMML-derived acute myeloid leukemia (N = 20) for recurrent chromosomal abnormalities with the use of routine cytogenetics and single nucleotide polymorphism arrays along with comprehensive mutational screening. Cytogenetic aberrations were present in 46% of cases, whereas single nucleotide polymorphism array increased the diagnostic yield to 60%. At least 1 mutation was found in 86% of all cases; novel UTX, DNMT3A, and EZH2 mutations were found in 8%, 10%, and 5.5% of patients, respectively. TET2 mutations were present in 49%, ASXL1 in 43%, CBL in 14%, IDH1/2 in 4%, KRAS in 7%, NRAS in 4%, and JAK2 V617F in 1% of patients. Various mutant genotype combinations were observed, indicating molecular heterogeneity in CMML. Our results suggest that molecular defects affecting distinct pathways can lead to similar clinical phenotypes.
TGF-β1 signaling and Krüppel-like factor 10 regulate bone marrow–derived proangiogenic cell differentiation, function, and neovascularization
Authors: Wara Akm Khyrul , Foo ShiYin , Croce Kevin , Sun Xinghui , Icli Basak , Tesmenitsky Yevgenia , Esen Fehim , Lee Jung-Soo , Subramaniam Malayannan , Spelsberg Thomas C. , Lev Eli I. , Leshem-Lev Dorit , Pande Reena L. , Creager Mark A. , Rosenzweig Anthony , Feinberg Mark W. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Emerging evidence demonstrates that proangiogenic cells (PACs) originate from the BM and are capable of being recruited to sites of ischemic injury where they contribute to neovascularization. We previously determined that among hematopoietic progenitor stem cells, common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) and granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells (GMPs) differentiate into PACs and possess robust angiogenic activity under ischemic conditions. Herein, we report that a TGF-β1–responsive Krüppel- like factor, KLF10, is strongly expressed in PACs derived from CMPs and GMPs, ∼ 60-fold higher than in progenitors lacking PAC markers. KLF10−/− mice present with marked defects in PAC differentiation, function, TGF-β responsiveness, and impaired blood flow recovery after hindlimb ischemia, an effect rescued by wild-type PACs, but not KLF10−/− PACs. Overexpression studies revealed that KLF10 could rescue PAC formation from TGF-β1+/− CMPs and GMPs. Mechanistically, KLF10 targets the VEGFR2 promoter in PACs which may underlie the observed effects. These findings may be clinically relevant because KLF10 expression was also found to be significantly reduced in PACs from patients with peripheral artery disease. Collectively, these observations identify TGF-β1 signaling and KLF10 as key regulators of functional PACs derived from CMPs and GMPs and may provide a therapeutic target during cardiovascular ischemic states.
Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation ameliorates motor function deterioration of spinocerebellar ataxia by rescuing cerebellar Purkinje cells
Authors: Chang You-Kang , Chen Ming-Hsiang , Chiang Yi-Hung , Chen Yu-Fan , Ma Wei-Hsien , Tseng Chian-You , Soong Bing-Wen , Ho Jennifer H , Lee Oscar K 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) refers to a disease entity in which polyglutamine aggregates are over-produced in Purkinje cells (PCs) of the cerebellum as well as other neurons in the central nervous system, and the formation of intracellular polyglutamine aggregates result in the loss of neurons as well as deterioration of motor functions. So far there is no effective neuroprotective treatment for this debilitating disease although numerous efforts have been made. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess multi-lineage differentiation potentials as well as immuno-modulatory properties, and are theoretically good candidates for SCA treatment. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether transplantation of human MSCs (hMSCs) can rescue cerebellar PCs and ameliorate motor function deterioration in SCA in a pre-clinical animal model.

Method
Transgenic mice bearing poly-glutamine mutation in ataxin-2 gene (C57BL/6J SCA2 transgenic mice) were serially transplanted with hMSCs intravenously or intracranially before and after the onset of motor function loss. Motor function of mice was evaluated by an accelerating protocol of rotarod test every 8 weeks. Immunohistochemical stain of whole brain sections was adopted to demonstrate the neuroprotective effect of hMSC transplantation on cerebellar PCs and engraftment of hMSCs into mice brain.

Results
Intravenous transplantation of hMSCs effectively improved rotarod performance of SCA2 transgenic mice and delayed the onset of motor function deterioration; while intracranial transplantation failed to achieve such neuroprotective effect. Immunohistochemistry revealed that intravenous transplantation was more effective in the preservation of the survival of cerebellar PCs and engraftment of hMSCs than intracranial injection, which was compatible to rotarod performance of transplanted mice.

Conclusion
Intravenous transplantation of hMSCs can indeed delay the onset as well as improve the motor function of SCA2 transgenic mice. The results of this preclinical study strongly support further exploration of the feasibility to transplant hMSCs for SCA patients.