bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NFATc1 Promotes Antitumoral Effector Functions and Memory CD8+ T-cell Differentiation during Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Development
Authors: Heim Lisanne , Friedrich Juliane , Engelhardt Marina , Trufa Denis I. , Geppert Carol I. , Rieker Ralf J. , Sirbu Horia , Finotto Susetta 
Published: April 2018

AbstractNuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) is a transcription factor activated by T-cell receptor (TCR) and Ca2+ signaling that affects T-cell activation and effector function. Upon tumor antigen challenge, TCR and calcium-release–activated channels are induced, promoting NFAT dephosphorylation and translocation into the nucleus. In this study, we report a progressive decrease of NFATc1 in lung tumor tissue and in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) of patients suffering from advanced-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Mice harboring conditionally inactivated NFATc1 in T cells (NFATc1ΔCD4) showed increased lung tumor growth associated with impaired T-cell activation and function. Furthermore, in the absence of NFATc1, reduced IL2 influenced the development of memory CD8+ T cells. We found a reduction of effector memory and CD103+ tissue-resident memory (TRM) T cells in the lung of tumor-bearing NFATc1ΔCD4 mice, underlining an impaired cytotoxic T-cell response and a reduced TRM tissue-homing capacity. In CD4+ICOS+ T cells, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) was induced in the draining lymph nodes of these mice and associated with lung tumor cell growth. Targeting PD-1 resulted in NFATc1 induction in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tumor-bearing mice and was associated with increased antitumor cytotoxic functions. This study reveals a role of NFATc1 in the activation and cytotoxic functions of T cells, in the development of memory CD8+ T-cell subsets, and in the regulation of T-cell exhaustion. These data underline the indispensability of NFATc1 for successful antitumor immune responses in patients with NSCLC.Significance: The multifaceted role of NFATc1 in the activation and function of T cells during lung cancer development makes it a critical participant in antitumor immune responses in patients with NSCLC. Cancer Res; 78(13); 3619–33. ©2018 AACR.
Phenformin-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction Sensitizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Dual Inhibition of mTOR
Authors: Veiga Sónia R. , Ge Xuemei , Mercer Carol A. , Hernández-Álvarez María I. , Thomas Hala Elnakat , Hernandez-Losa Javier , Ramón y Cajal Santiago , Zorzano Antonio , Thomas George , Kozma Sara C. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks second in cancer mortality and has limited therapeutic options. We recently described the synergistic effect of allosteric and ATP-site competitive inhibitors against the mTOR for the treatment of HCC. However, such inhibitors induce hyperglycemia and increase mitochondrial efficiency. Here we determined whether the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor phenformin could reverse both side effects, impose an energetic stress on cancer cells, and suppress the growth of HCC.
Experimental Design: Human HCC cell lines were used in vitro to access the signaling and energetic impact of mTOR inhibitors and phenformin, either alone or in combination. Next, the therapeutic utility of these drugs alone or in combination was investigated preclinically in human orthotopic tumors implanted in mice, by analyzing their impact on the tumor burden and overall survival.
Results: We found phenformin caused mitochondrial dysfunction and fragmentation, inducing a compensatory shift to glycolysis. In contrast, dual inhibition of mTOR impaired cell growth and glycolysis, while increasing mitochondrial fusion and efficiency. In a mouse model of human HCC, dual inhibition of mTOR, together with phenformin, was highly efficacious in controlling tumor burden. However, more strikingly, pretreatment with phenformin sensitized tumors to dual inhibition of mTOR, leading to a dramatic improvement in survival.
Conclusions: Treatment of HCC cells in vitro with the biguanide phenformin causes a metabolic shift to glycolysis, mitochondrial dysfunction and fragmentation, and dramatically sensitizes orthotopic liver tumors to dual inhibition of mTOR. We therefore propose this therapeutic approach should be tested clinically in HCC. Clin Cancer Res; 24(15); 3767–80. ©2018 AACR.
Impact of Nimbus-6 Temperature Soundings on Australian Region Forecasts
Authors: Kelly G. A. M. , Mills G. A. , Smith W. L. 
Published: April 2018

To test the impact of high-resolution Nimbus-6 sounding data on Australian region forecasts, two parallel analysis/forecast cycling experiments were carried out, using data for 14 days during August and September 1975. In one of these cycles, only conventional data and manual interpretation of satellite imagery were used as input, while the other cycle used conventional and Nimbus-6 sounding data. A manual mean sea level pressure analysis was used in each cycle to provide reference level information over the oceans.
Two series of 24 h limited area prognoses were prepared from these two sets of analyses, using the primitive equations prognosis model developed at the Australian Numerical Meteorology Research Centre. An average improvement in geopotential forecasts of more than 5 skill score points was achieved at all levels over the Australian continent when the Nimbus-6 data were included in the base analyses. Also, significant reductions were obtained in 24 h forecast root-mean-square (rms) temperature errors.
Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology1
Authors: Rodenhuis David R. , Anthes Richard A. 
Published: April 2018

A few examples of scientific accomplishments in tropical meteorology and hurricane research are presented. Tropical field experiments such as GATE have greatly influenced observational studies of convection and tropical easterly waves. One application of the study of convection is the attempt to estimate precipitation from satellite platforms.
Research in tropical cyclones has further improved the definition of large-scale structure and the environment in which the hurricane grows. Radiation, convection, and air-sea interaction studies are directed at the forcing and possible feedback of the hurricane with its environment. With this improved physical understanding, numerical modeling of hurricanes can now produce position forecasts of reasonable accuracy that are becoming competitive with current statistical-dynamical methods. There is a continuing effort to attempt hurricane modification experiments in conjunction with an adequate measurement program.
The University of Oklahoma Severe Storms Intercept Project—1979
Authors: Bluestein Howard B. 
Published: April 2018

The University of Oklahoma (OU) Severe Storms Intercept Project—1979 was conducted in conjunction with the spring field program of the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), Norman, Okla., and the Severe Environmental Storms and Mesoscale Experiment (SESAME ‘79). The purposes of the project were to provide NSSL with ground-based visual observations, in the field, of thunderstorms that were observed simultaneously by Doppler radar; to document and photograph severe-storm phenomena and related damage; and to obtain high-quality movies of tornadic debris clouds.
A ground-based intercept crew consisting of four members operated from 1 April 1979 to 15 June 1979. The itineraries of the chase crews were usually determined jointly by the NSSL forecaster and the OU crew on the basis of conventional data from the service “A” and “C” teletypewriters, the National Facsimile Circuit (NAFAX), interpretation of satellite photographs, and data from both a conventional and a Doppler radar.
Although the total number of missions was small (11), tornadoes were filmed on 2 chases, and severe events were documented on a total of 6 chases; 2 missions were damage surveys. On only 3 out of 11 missions were no severe storm-related phenomena observed. On 2 May the chase crew obtained spectacular, high-quality, normal-speed movies of the entire history of the multiple-vortex stage of a tornado and associated debris west of Orienta, Okla. Other highlights include normal-speed movies of the tornado in Seymour, Tex. on 10 April, time-lapse movies on 6 June of a storm complex that had a Doppler radar-observed mesocyclone signature, and documentation of the occurrence of “staccato” lightning near Buffalo Springs, Tex., on 20 May.
The data collected during this project, along with other types of data gathered simultaneously by others, will lead to a better understanding of the kinematics and dynamics of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Furthermore, the photographs will help spotters recognize potentially dangerous storms, and thereby provide more reliable warnings to the public.
Analysis of Cloud-Resolving Model Simulations for Scale Dependence of Convective Momentum Transport
Authors: Liu Yi-Chin , Fan Jiwen , Xu Kuan-Man , Zhang Guang J. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
We use 3D cloud-resolving model (CRM) simulations of two mesoscale convective systems at midlatitudes and a simple statistical ensemble method to diagnose the scale dependency of convective momentum transport (CMT) and CMT-related properties and evaluate a parameterization scheme for the convection-induced pressure gradient (CIPG) developed by Gregory et al. Gregory et al. relate CIPG to a constant coefficient multiplied by mass flux and vertical mean wind shear. CRM results show that mass fluxes and CMT exhibit strong scale dependency in temporal evolution and vertical structure. The upgradient–downgradient CMT characteristics for updrafts are generally similar between small and large grid spacings, which is consistent with previous understanding, but they can be different for downdrafts across wide-ranging grid spacings. For the small to medium grid spacings (4–64 km), Gregory et al. reproduce some aspects of CIPG scale dependency except for underestimating the variations of CIPG as grid spacing decreases. However, for large grid spacings (128–512 km), Gregory et al. might even less adequately parameterize CIPG because it omits the contribution from either the nonlinear-shear or the buoyancy forcings. Further diagnosis of CRM results suggests that inclusion of nonlinear-shear forcing in Gregory et al. is needed for the large grid spacings. For the small to median grid spacings, a modified Gregory et al. with the three-updraft approach help better capture the variations of CIPG as grid spacing decreases compared to the single updraft approach. Further, the optimal coefficients used in Gregory et al. seem insensitive to grid spacings, but they might be different for updrafts and downdrafts, for different MCS types, and for zonal and meridional components.
Parameter Sensitivity of the Noah-MP Land Surface Model with Dynamic Vegetation
Authors: Arsenault Kristi R. , Nearing Grey S. , Wang Shugong , Yatheendradas Soni , Peters-Lidard Christa D. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The Noah land surface model with multiple parameterization options (Noah-MP) includes a routine for the dynamic simulation of vegetation carbon assimilation and soil carbon decomposition processes. To use remote sensing observations of vegetation to constrain simulations from this model, it is necessary first to understand the sensitivity of the model to its parameters. This is required for efficient parameter estimation, which is both a valuable way to use observations and also a first or concurrent step in many state-updating data assimilation procedures. We use variance decomposition to assess the sensitivity of estimates of sensible heat, latent heat, soil moisture, and net ecosystem exchange made by certain standard Noah-MP configurations that include the dynamic simulation of vegetation and carbon to 43 primary user-specified parameters. This is done using 32 years’ worth of data from 10 international FluxNet sites. Findings indicate that there are five soil parameters and six (or more) vegetation parameters (depending on the model configuration) that act as primary controls on these states and fluxes.
Health Care Utilization and Expenditures Attributable to Cigar Smoking Among US Adults, 2000-2015
Authors: Wang Yingning , Sung Hai-Yen , Yao Tingting , Lightwood James , Max Wendy 
Published: April 2018

Objectives: Cigar use in the United States is a growing public health concern because of its increasing popularity. We estimated health care utilization and expenditures attributable to cigar smoking among US adults aged ≥35. Methods: We analyzed data on 84 178 adults using the 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015 National Health Interview Surveys. We estimated zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression models on hospital nights, emergency department (ED) visits, physician visits, and home-care visits as a function of tobacco use status—current sole cigar smokers (ie, smoke cigars only), current poly cigar smokers (smoke cigars and smoke cigarettes or use smokeless tobacco), former sole cigar smokers (used to smoke cigars only), former poly cigar smokers (used to smoke cigars and smoke cigarettes or use smokeless tobacco), other tobacco users (ever smoked cigarettes and used smokeless tobacco but not cigars), and never tobacco users (never smoked cigars, smoked cigarettes, or used smokeless tobacco)—and other covariates. We calculated health care utilization attributable to current and former sole cigar smoking based on the estimated ZIP models, and then we calculated total health care expenditures attributable to cigar smoking. Results: Current and former sole cigar smoking was associated with excess annual utilization of 72 137 hospital nights, 32 748 ED visits, and 420 118 home-care visits. Annual health care expenditures attributable to sole cigar smoking were $284 million ($625 per sole cigar smoker), and total annual health care expenditures attributable to sole and poly cigar smoking were $1.75 billion. Conclusions: Comprehensive tobacco control policies and interventions are needed to reduce cigar smoking and the associated health care burden.
Social Processes Underlying Acculturation: A Study of Drinking Behavior among Immigrant Latinos in the Northeast United States
Authors: Lee Christina S. , López Steven Regeser , Cobly Suzanne M. , Tejada Monica , García-Coll Cynthia , Smith Marcia 
Published: April 2018

Study Goals To identify social processes that underlie the relationship of acculturation and heavy drinking behavior among Latinos who have immigrated to the Northeast United States of America (USA). Method Community-based recruitment strategies were used to identify 36 Latinos who reported heavy drinking. Participants were 48% female, 23 to 56 years of age, and were from South or Central America (39%) and the Caribbean (24%). Six focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed. Results Content analyses indicated that the social context of drinking is different in the participants’ countries of origin and in the United States. In Latin America, alcohol consumption was part of everyday living (being with friends and family). Nostalgia and isolation reflected some of the reasons for drinking in the USA. Results suggest that drinking in the Northeastern United States (US) is related to Latinos’ adaptation to a new sociocultural environment. Knowledge of the shifting social contexts of drinking can inform health interventions.
Mapping the scope of occupational therapy practice in palliative care: A European Association for Palliative Care cross-sectional survey
Authors: Eva Gail , Morgan Deidre 
Published: April 2018

Background: Occupational therapists play an integral role in the care of people with life-limiting illnesses. However, little is known about the scope of occupational therapy service provision in palliative care across Europe and factors influencing service delivery. Aim: This study aimed to map the scope of occupational therapy palliative care interventions across Europe and to explore occupational therapists’ perceptions of opportunities and challenges when delivering and developing palliative care services. Design: A 49-item online cross-sectional survey comprised of fixed and free text responses was securely hosted via the European Association for Palliative Care website. Survey design, content and recruitment processes were reviewed and formally approved by the European Association for Palliative Care Board of Directors. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse data. Setting/respondents: Respondents were European occupational therapists whose caseload included palliative care recipients (full-time or part-time). Results: In total, 237 valid responses were analysed. Findings demonstrated a consistency in occupational therapy practice in palliative care between European countries. Clinician time was prioritised towards indirect patient care, with limited involvement in service development, leadership and research. A need for undergraduate and postgraduate education was identified. Organisational expectations and understanding of the scope of the occupational therapy role constrain the delivery of services to support patients and carers. Conclusion: Further development of occupational therapy in palliative care, particularly capacity building in leadership and research activities, is warranted. There is a need for continuing education and awareness raising of the role of occupational therapy in palliative care.
Barriers to end-of-life discussions among hematologists: A qualitative study
Authors: Prod’homme Chloé , Jacquemin Dominique , Touzet Licia , Aubry Regis , Daneault Serge , Knoops Laurent 
Published: April 2018

Background: Integrated palliative care is correlated with earlier end-of-life discussion and improved quality of life. Patients with haematological malignancies are far less likely to receive care from specialist palliative or hospice services compared to other cancers. Aim: The main goal of this study was to determine hematologists’ barriers to end-of-life discussions when potentially fatal hematological malignancies recur. Design: Qualitative grounded theory study using individual interviews. Setting/participants: Hematologists ( n = 10) from four hematology units were asked about their relationships with their patients and their attitudes toward prognosis and end-of-life discussions at the time of recurrence. Results: As long as there are potential treatments, hematologists fear that end-of-life discussions may undermine their relationship and the patient’s trust. Because of their own representations, hematologists have great difficulty opening up to their patients’ end-of-life wishes. When prognosis is uncertain, negative outcome, that is, death, is not fully anticipated. Persistent hope silences the threat of death. Conclusion: This study reveals some of the barriers clinicians face in initiating early discussion about palliative care or patients’ end-of-life care plan. These difficulties may explain why early palliative care is little integrated into the hematology care model.
Industrial Effects on Male and Female Unemployment Over the Great Recession: An Interurban Analysis
Authors: Van Gent Thomas , Khan Farida C. , Cloutier Norman 
Published: April 2018

This study looks at the determinants of the interurban variation in male and female unemployment in 2009, a recession year and 2014, a recovery year. We hypothesize that the variation in male and female unemployment is informed by different factors or react to these determinants differently. Industrial shifts in employment across the nation are examined, allowing us to gain insight into the unemployment gender gap and its evolution in recent years, especially in the recent business cycle that includes the Great Recession. The use of cross-sectional data makes an original contribution by analyzing how interurban effects might have impacted recent unemployment levels. JEL Classifications: R10, R64, J16
Closer to the Truth: Admission to Multiple Psychiatric Facilities and an Inaccurate History of Hospitalization Are Strongly Associated with Inpatient Suicide
Authors: Bruer Robert A. , Rodway-Norman Marissa , Large Matthew 
Published: April 2018

Objective: To investigate clinical associations within Canadian psychiatric inpatient suicides. Method: We conducted a case-control study comparing 98 patients who died by suicide while in hospital and 196 similarly admitted living inpatient controls. All were admitted to an Ontario psychiatric bed between 2008 and 2015 inclusive and had data collected at admission using the Resident Assessment Instrument for Mental Health (RAI-MH). The data were analyzed with bivariate tests and logistic regression modeling. Results: The strongest associations with inpatient suicide were prior admission to any Ontario psychiatric bed within the previous 30 days (odds ratio [OR] = 6.13), self-harm assessed at prior admission to a psychiatric hospital other than the hospital of suicide (OR = 6.07), and prior admission to a psychiatric hospital other than the hospital of suicide in the previous year (OR = 5.38). A multivariate model using risk factors assessed at admission had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77. The model improved to (AUC) 0.81 using a retrospective search of all Ontario admissions to more accurately detect prior admissions. The risk model was optimized to (AUC) 0.83 when the model also included a “discrepancy” variable to denote records in which admission assessment data and retrospective search data did not agree regarding past month admissions. Conclusions: In addition to the well-known risks of suicide associated with previous suicide attempts and depressive conditions, our data suggest a particular risk of inpatient suicide associated with inpatient care in more than one hospital, particularly when the treating clinicians were unaware of recent previous admissions.
Electrocardiographic Evaluation in Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Falsaperla Raffaele , Vitaliti Giovanna , Collotta Ausilia Desiree , Fiorillo Chiara , Pulvirenti Alfredo , Alaimo Salvatore , Romano Catia , Ruggieri Martino 
Published: April 2018

Background: This study aimed to show the impairment of autonomic cardiac conduction causing bradycardia and/or electrocardiographic alterations in children affected by spinal muscular atrophy type 1 and 2 (SMA 1 and 2). Methods: We included 25 spinal muscular atrophy patients, admitted from November 2016 to May 2017. All patients underwent an electrocardiographic examination and we studied PR and QRS intervals, P-waves and QRS amplitudes, and heart rate in spinal muscular atrophy patients compared to a control group. Results: In all patients, we found longer PRi and QRSi ( P < .05), lower P-wave and QRS complex amplitudes ( P < .01), and a decreased heart rate ( P < .01) with respect to controls. When we divided our patients into SMA1 and SMA2 subgroups, we found that statistical differences were maintained for P-wave and QRS complex amplitudes and heart rate, but not for PRi and QRSi with respect to controls. Conclusion: We suggest the hypothesis of SMN expression on cardiac tissue condition and/or autonomic cardiac conduction.