bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of e-cigarette use among a cohort of American Indian cigarette smokers: associations with cigarette smoking cessation and cigarette consumption
Authors: Comiford Ashley L , Rhoades Dorothy A , Spicer Paul , Dvorak Justin D , Ding Kai , Wagener Theodore L. , Doescher Mark P 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionDespite American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people having the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking nationwide, few studies have evaluated e-cigarette use among AI/AN adults who smoke. The primary objective of this observational pilot cohort study was to determine if e-cigarette use is associated with cigarette smoking cessation or reduction among adult AI individuals who smoke.MethodsIn 2016, we collected baseline survey and biomarker data among AI adults who smoke. The survey included questions about cigarette consumption and use of e-cigarettes and biomarkers, such as salivary cotinine markers and exhaled carbon monoxide. After 18 months, we repeated data collection, and asked about changes in cigarette smoking status and cigarettes per day (CPD). Comparisons between groups were performed using the χ2 test, Fisher’s exact test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test.ResultsOf 375 baseline participants, 214 (57.07%) returned for follow-up and were included in analyses. Of these, 20 (9.3%) reported having stopped cigarette smoking and had biochemical verification of cigarette smoking abstinence. Among those who quit smoking, 15% were baseline e-cigarette users; while among those who continued to smoke at follow-up, about 11% were baseline e-cigarette users. This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.48). Among all those who continued to smoke at follow-up, there was no overall decrease in CPD, nor a significant difference in change in CPD between baseline e-cigarette users and non-users (p=0.98).ConclusionsE-cigarette use at baseline was not associated with smoking cessation or a change in CPD in this cohort of AI adults who smoke after an 18-month follow-up period.
Non-linear interactions in cosmologies with energy exchange
Authors: Barrow John D. , Kittou Georgia 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe investigate the case of two interacting fluids in homogeneous and isotropic cosmologies with a non-linear interaction term. The interaction term avoids the unrealistic form generally used in the literature, beginning with Tolman, in which the interaction is zero when the Hubble parameter vanishes. A variety of exact solutions for the scale factor are found and describe a range of new behaviors. We also extend the analysis of possible cosmological solutions with interacting fluids when curvature is taken into consideration. We use an example of energy exchange between radiation and scalar field to alleviate the flatness problem.
Effects of Trendelenburg position and increased airway pressure on hepatic regional blood flow of normal and resected liver
Authors: Liu Shengchen , Moller Per W. , Kohler Andreas , Hana Anisa , Beldi Guido , Obrist Dominik , Berger David , Takala Jukka , Jakob Stephan M. 
Published: February 2020

High portal venous blood flow (Qpv) may contribute to posthepatectomy liver failure. Both Trendelenburg position (TP) and elevated airway pressure (Paw) increase backpressure to venous return and may thereby reduce Qpv. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of TP and increased Paw on hepatosplanchnic hemodynamics before and after major liver resection. Arterial and venous blood pressures, Qpv, extrasplanchnic inferior vena cava (Qivc), superior mesenteric (Qsma), hepatic (Qha), and carotid artery blood flows (Qca) were measured in 14 anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs in supine and 30° TP during end-expiratory hold at 5 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and during inspiratory hold with Paw of 15, 20, 25, and 30 cmH2O. After major liver resection, the interventions were repeated in seven randomly selected animals. At baseline, TP increased right atrial pressure (Pra) and Qpv but not Qivc or Qsma. With increased Paw in the supine position, Pra increased and all regional blood flows decreased. TP during increasing Paw attenuated the decrease in Qpv, Qsma, and Qivc but not in Qha or Qca. After liver resection, the effects of TP during increasing Paw remained, albeit at higher portal vein pressures. However, TP alone did not increase IVC venous return. Increasing Paw in supine position reduces Qpv and all other regional flows, while the reduction in Qpv is attenuated in TP, suggesting partly preserved liver waterfall or decreased intrahepatic resistance. Liver resection, despite resulting in major intrahepatic blood flow changes, does not fundamentally influence the interaction of increasing Paw and TP on regional perfusion. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In Trendelenburg position (TP), liver blood flow is the only contributor to increased venous return measured in the inferior vena cava (IVC), which attenuates the decreased IVC venous return induced by increasing airway pressure. After liver resection, TP similarly attenuated effects of increasing airway pressure.
Antitumor Activity of the IGF-1/IGF-2–Neutralizing Antibody Xentuzumab (BI 836845) in Combination with Enzalutamide in Prostate Cancer Models
Authors: Weyer-Czernilofsky Ulrike , Hofmann Marco H. , Friedbichler Katrin , Baumgartinger Rosa , Adam Paul J. , Solca Flavio , Kraut Norbert , Nguyen Holly M. , Corey Eva , Liu Gang , Sprenger Cynthia C. , Plymate Stephen R. , Bogenrieder Thomas 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy and second-generation androgen receptor signaling inhibitors such as enzalutamide are standard treatments for advanced/metastatic prostate cancer. Unfortunately, most men develop resistance and relapse; signaling via insulin-like growth factor (IGF) has been implicated in castration-resistant prostate cancer. We evaluated the antitumor activity of xentuzumab (IGF ligand–neutralizing antibody), alone and in combination with enzalutamide, in prostate cancer cell lines (VCaP, DuCaP, MDA PCa 2b, LNCaP, and PC-3) using established in vitro assays, and in vivo, using LuCaP 96CR, a prostate cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Xentuzumab + enzalutamide reduced the viability of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-expressing VCaP, DuCaP, and MDA PCa 2b cells more than either single agent, and increased antiproliferative activity and apoptosis induction in VCaP. Xentuzumab or xentuzumab + enzalutamide inhibited IGF type 1 receptor and AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT) phosphorylation in VCaP, DuCaP, and MDA PCa 2b cells; xentuzumab had no effect on AKT phosphorylation and proliferation in PTEN-null LNCaP or PC-3 cells. Knockdown of PTEN led to loss of antiproliferative activity of xentuzumab and reduced activity of xentuzumab + enzalutamide in VCaP cells. Xentuzumab + enzalutamide inhibited the growth of castration-resistant LuCaP 96CR PDX with acquired resistance to enzalutamide, and improved survival in vivo. The data suggest that xentuzumab + enzalutamide combination therapy may overcome castration resistance and could be effective in patients who are resistant to enzalutamide alone. PTEN status as a biomarker of responsiveness to combination therapy needs further investigation.
Warfarin Accelerates Medial Arterial Calcification in Humans
Authors: Alappan Harish R. , Kaur Gurleen , Manzoor Shumila , Navarrete Jose , O’Neill W. Charles 
Published: February 2020

Objective:
Warfarin is associated with medial arterial calcification in humans, but the magnitude and specificity of this effect and the role of other risk factors are unknown. Using serial mammograms, progression of arterial calcification was compared in women receiving no anticoagulants, warfarin, or other anticoagulants, and before, during, and after warfarin use.

Approach and Results:

Warfarin users with mammograms were identified by computerized searches of medical records that included renal function and diabetes mellitus. Lengths of calcified arterial segments were measured, with progression expressed as millimeters per breast per year and presented as medians and interquartile range (IQR). In women with normal renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/minute per 1.73 m
2
), progression was 3.9-fold greater in warfarin users: 9.9 (3.8–16) versus 2.5 (0.7–6.7) in controls,
P
=0.0003, but not increased in users of other anticoagulants. In longitudinal analyses, progression increased from 2.1 (IQR, 0.3–3.9) to 13.8 (IQR, 7.8–38.7;
P
=0.011) after starting warfarin (n=11) and decreased from 8.8 (IQR, 1.1–10) to 1.9 (IQR, −10 to 6.7;
P
=0.024) after discontinuation of warfarin (n=13). Progression of calcification was similar in warfarin users with chronic kidney disease (7.3 [IQR, 3.6–17], n=29) but markedly accelerated in warfarin users with end-stage renal disease (47 [IQR, 31–183], n=11;
P
=0.0002). Progression was similar in diabetic and nondiabetic warfarin users (10.1 [IQR, 3.8–24] versus 7.8 [IQR, 3.6–15]) and did not correlate with age (
r
=0.09) or duration of warfarin therapy (
r
=0.12).

Conclusions:
Warfarin significantly accelerates medial arterial calcification in humans. This effect is markedly augmented in end-stage renal disease.
Automated Noncontact Ultrasound Imaging and Ablation System for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Turagam Mohit K. , Petru Jan , Neuzil Petr , Kakita Ken , Kralovec Stepan , Harari David , Phillips Patrick , Piazza Danielo , Whang William , Dukkipati Srinivas R. , Reddy Vivek Y. 
Published: February 2020

Background:
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) using point-by-point radiofrequency energy or single-application one-shot balloons is either technically challenging or have limited ability to accommodate variable patient anatomy to achieve acute and durable pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. A novel ablation system employs low intensity collimated ultrasound (LICU)-guided anatomic mapping and robotic ablation to isolate PVs. In this first-in-human, single-center, multioperator trial, VALUE trial (VytronUS Ablation System for Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation; NCT03639597) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, this LICU system was evaluated to determine its safety, effectiveness in PV isolation, and freedom from recurrent atrial arrhythmias.

Methods:
In the enrolled 52 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, ultrasound M-mode–based left atrial anatomies were successfully created, and ablation was performed under robotic control along an operator-defined lesion path. The LICU system software advanced over the course of the study: the last 13 patients were ablated with enhanced software.

Results:
Acute PV isolation was achieved in 98% of PVs—using LICU-only in 77.3% (153/198) of PVs and requiring touch-up with a standard radiofrequency ablation catheter in 22.7% (45/198) PVs. The touch-up rate decreased to 5.8% (3/52) in patients undergoing LICU-ablation with enhanced software. Freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence was 79.6% (39/49 patients) at 12 months or 92.3% (12/13 patients) with the enhanced software. Major adverse events occurred in 3 patients (5.8%): one had transient diaphragmatic paralysis, one vascular access complication, and one had transient ST-segment elevation from air-embolism, without sequelae.

Conclusions:
In this first-in-human study, low- intensity collimated ultrasound-guided anatomic mapping and robotic ablation allows PV isolation with good chronic safety; PV isolation success is improving with device enhancements.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03639597.
Intestinal Flora Modulates Blood Pressure by Regulating the Synthesis of Intestinal-Derived Corticosterone in High Salt-Induced Hypertension
Authors: Yan Xuefang , Jin Jiajia , Su Xinhuan , Yin Xianlun , Gao Jing , Wang Xiaowei , Zhang Shucui , Bu Peili , Wang Mansen , Zhang Yun , Wang Zhe , Zhang Qunye 
Published: February 2020

Rationale:
High-salt diet is one of the most important risk factors for hypertension. Intestinal flora has been reported to be associated with high salt–induced hypertension (hSIH). However, the detailed roles of intestinal flora in hSIH pathogenesis have not yet been fully elucidated.

Objective:
To reveal the roles and mechanisms of intestinal flora in hSIH development.

Methods and Results:

The abovementioned issues were investigated using various techniques including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, untargeted metabolomics, selective bacterial culture, and fecal microbiota transplantation. We found that high-salt diet induced hypertension in Wistar rats. The fecal microbiota of healthy rats could dramatically lower blood pressure (BP) of hypertensive rats, whereas the fecal microbiota of hSIH rats had opposite effects. The composition, metabolism, and interrelationship of intestinal flora in hSIH rats were considerably reshaped, including the increased corticosterone level and reduced
Bacteroides
and arachidonic acid levels, which tightly correlated with BP. The serum corticosterone level was also significantly increased in rats with hSIH. Furthermore, the above abnormalities were confirmed in patients with hypertension. The intestinal
Bacteroides fragilis
could inhibit the production of intestinal-derived corticosterone induced by high-salt diet through its metabolite arachidonic acid.

Conclusions:

hSIH could be transferred by fecal microbiota transplantation, indicating the pivotal roles of intestinal flora in hSIH development. High-salt diet reduced the levels of
B fragilis
and arachidonic acid in the intestine, which increased intestinal-derived corticosterone production and corticosterone levels in serum and intestine, thereby promoting BP elevation. This study revealed a novel mechanism different from inflammation/immunity by which intestinal flora regulated BP, namely intestinal flora could modulate BP by affecting steroid hormone levels. These findings enriched the understanding of the function of intestinal flora and its effects on hypertension.
Role of DJ‐1 in Modulating Glycative Stress in Heart Failure
Authors: Shimizu Yuuki , Nicholson Chad K. , Polavarapu Rohini , Pantner Yvanna , Husain Ahsan , Naqvi Nawazish , Chin Lih‐Shen , Li Lian , Calvert John W. 
Published: February 2020

Background

DJ
‐1 is a ubiquitously expressed protein typically associated with the development of early onset Parkinson disease. Recent data suggest that it also plays a role in the cellular response to stress. Here, we sought to determine the role
DJ
‐1 plays in the development of heart failure.

Methods and Results

Initial studies found that
DJ
‐1 deficient mice (
DJ
‐1 knockout; male; 8–10 weeks of age) exhibited more severe left ventricular cavity dilatation, cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, and fibrosis in the setting of ischemia‐reperfusion–induced heart failure when compared with wild‐type littermates. In contrast, the overexpression of the active form of
DJ
‐1 using a viral vector approach resulted in significant improvements in the severity of heart failure when compared with mice treated with a control virus. Subsequent studies aimed at evaluating the underlying protective mechanisms found that cardiac
DJ
‐1 reduces the accumulation of advanced glycation end products and activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products—thus, reducing glycative stress.

Conclusions

These results indicate that
DJ
‐1 is an endogenous cytoprotective protein that protects against the development of ischemia‐reperfusion–induced heart failure by reducing glycative stress. Our findings also demonstrate the feasibility of using a gene therapy approach to deliver the active form of
DJ
‐1 to the heart as a therapeutic strategy to protect against the consequences of ischemic injury, which is a major cause of death in western populations.
Two new species of Australopericoma Vaillant (Diptera: Psychodidae: Psychodinae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest
Authors: ARAÚJO MAÍRA XAVIER , BRAVO FREDDY 
Published: February 2020

Two new moth fly species, Australopericoma onofrei sp. nov. and Australopericoma xavierae sp. nov., are described from the Atlantic Rainforest in the state of Bahia, Brazil. A new record of Australopericoma dissimilis Bravo from the state of Sergipe, Brazil and an updated species list are also provided.
Axisymmetric Hadley Cell Theory with a Fixed Tropopause Temperature Rather than Height
Authors: Hill Spencer A. , Bordoni Simona , Mitchell Jonathan L. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Axisymmetric Hadley cell theory has traditionally assumed that the tropopause height (Ht) is uniform and unchanged from its radiative–convective equilibrium (RCE) value by the cells’ emergence. Recent studies suggest that the tropopause temperature (Tt), not height, is nearly invariant in RCE, which would require appreciable meridional variations in Ht. Here, we derive modified expressions of axisymmetric theory by assuming a fixed Tt and compare the results to their fixed-Ht counterparts. If Tt and the depth-averaged lapse rate are meridionally uniform, then at each latitude Ht varies linearly with the local surface temperature, altering the diagnosed gradient-balanced zonal wind at the tropopause appreciably (up to tens of meters per second) but the minimal Hadley cell extent predicted by Hide’s theorem only weakly (≲1°) under standard annual-mean and solsticial forcings. A uniform Tt alters the thermal field required to generate an angular-momentum-conserving Hadley circulation, but these changes and the resulting changes to the equal-area model solutions for the cell edges again are modest (&lt;10%). In numerical simulations of latitude-by-latitude RCE under annual-mean forcing using a single-column model, assuming a uniform Tt is reasonably accurate up to the midlatitudes, and the Hide’s theorem metrics are again qualitatively insensitive to the tropopause definition. However imperfectly axisymmetric theory portrays the Hadley cells in Earth’s macroturbulent atmosphere, evidently its treatment of the tropopause is not an important error source.
Reply to “Comments on ‘What Is the Predictability Limit of Midlatitude Weather?’”
Authors: Sun Y. Qiang , Zhang Fuqing , Magnusson Linus , Buizza Roberto , Chen Jan-Huey , Emanuel Kerry 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In their comment, Žagar and Szunyogh raised concerns about a recent study by Zhang et al. that examined the predictability limit of midlatitude weather using two up-to-date global models. Zhang et al. showed that deterministic weather forecast may, at best, be extended by 5 days, assuming we could achieve minimal initial-condition uncertainty (e.g., 10% of current operational value) with a nearly perfect model. Žagar and Szunyogh questioned the methodology and the experiments of Zhang et al. Specifically, Žagar and Szunyogh raised issues regarding the effects of model error on the growth of the forecast uncertainty. They also suggested that estimates of the predictability limit could be obtained using a simple parametric model. This reply clarifies the misunderstandings in Žagar and Szunyogh and demonstrates that experiments conducted by Zhang et al. are reasonable. In our view, the model error concern in Žagar and Szunyogh does not apply to the intrinsic predictability limit, which is the key focus of Zhang et al. and the simple parametric model described in Žagar and Szunyogh does not serve the purpose of Zhang et al.
Restratification at a California Current Upwelling Front. Part I: Observations
Authors: Johnson Leah , Lee Craig M. , D’Asaro Eric A. , Thomas Leif , Shcherbina Andrey 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA coordinated survey between a subsurface Lagrangian float and a ship-towed Triaxus profiler obtained detailed measurements of a restratifying surface intensified front (above 30 m) within the California Current System. The survey began as downfront winds incited mixing in the boundary layer. As winds relaxed and mixing subsided, the system entered a different dynamical regime as the front developed an overturning circulation with large vertical velocities that tilted isopycnals and stratified the upper ocean within a day. The horizontal buoyancy gradient was 1.5 × 10−6 s−2 and associated with vorticity, divergence, and strain that approached the Coriolis frequency. Estimates of vertical velocity from the Lagrangian float reached 1.2 × 10−3 m s−1. These horizontal gradients and vertical velocities were consistent with submesoscale dynamics that are distinct from the classic quasigeostrophic framework used to describe larger-scale flows. Vertical and horizontal gradients of velocity and buoyancy in the vicinity of the float revealed that sheared currents differentially advected the horizontal buoyancy gradient to increase vertical stratification. This was supported by analyses of temperature and salinity gradients that composed the horizontal and vertical stratification. Potential vorticity was conserved during restratification at 16 m, consistent with adiabatic processes. Conversely, potential vorticity near the surface (8 m) increased, highlighting the role of friction in modulating near-surface stratification. The observed increase in stratification due to these submesoscale processes was equivalent to a heat flux of 2000 W m−2, which is an order-of-magnitude larger than the average observed surface heat flux of 100 W m−2.
Wave Glider–Enhanced Vertical Seafloor Geodesy
Authors: Foster J. H. , Ericksen T. L. , Bingham B. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe have developed a low-cost approach for accurately measuring short-term vertical motions of the seafloor and maintaining a continuous long-term record of seafloor pressure without the requirement for costly ship time. We equipped the University of Hawai‘i Liquid Robotics Wave Glider with an integrated acoustic telemetry package, a dual-frequency geodetic-grade global positioning system (GPS) receiver, meteorological pressure sensor, processing unit, and cellular communications. The Wave Glider interrogates high accuracy pressure sensors on the seafloor to retrieve their pressure and temperature data. We correct the seafloor pressure measurements using sea surface kinematic GPS location and atmospheric pressure data collected by the Wave Glider payload. By combining the concurrent seafloor and sea surface observations, we demonstrate the capability to provide timely, continuous, and high-accuracy estimation and monitoring of centimeter-scale vertical seafloor motions.
GOES-16 Observations of Blowing Snow in Horizontal Convective Rolls on 24 February 2019
Authors: Kennedy Aaron , Jones Carl 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
On 24 February 2019, strong winds behind an Arctic cold front led to widespread blowing snow across the northern Great Plains including areas in eastern North/South Dakota and western Minnesota. Impacts of the event ranged from blizzard conditions in northwest Minnesota to sporadic, minor reductions in visibility across the region. This study documents the event using remotely sensed observations from platforms including geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites, an S-band radar, and time-lapse images from a camera located at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Blowing snow is observed as plumes that resemble horizontal convective rolls (HCRs). Variations in near-infrared imagery are documented, and supporting observations suggest this is due to the occurrence or absence of clouds on top of the blowing snow layer. While lack of in situ observations preclude further investigation of physical differences between plumes, the utility of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-16 (GOES-16) satellite to operational forecasters is discussed. Improvements to spatial, radiometric, and temporal resolution courtesy of the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) on board GOES-16 allows for daytime detection of blowing snow events that previously, was only possible with instruments on board polar-orbiting satellites. This has improved Impact-Based Decision Support Services (IDSS) at National Weather Service offices that deal with the hazard of blowing snow.