bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BRAF Gene Copy Number and Mutant Allele Frequency Correlate with Time to Progression in Metastatic Melanoma Patients Treated with MAPK Inhibitors
Authors: Stagni Camilla , Zamuner Carolina , Elefanti Lisa , Zanin Tiziana , Bianco Paola Del , Sommariva Antonio , Fabozzi Alessio , Pigozzo Jacopo , Mocellin Simone , Montesco Maria Cristina , Chiarion-Sileni Vanna , De Nicolo Arcangela , Menin Chiara 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is characterized by complex genomic alterations, including a high rate of mutations in driver genes and widespread deletions and amplifications encompassing various chromosome regions. Among them, chromosome 7 is frequently gained in BRAF-mutant melanoma, inducing a mutant allele–specific imbalance. Although BRAF amplification is a known mechanism of acquired resistance to therapy with MAPK inhibitors, it is still unclear if BRAF copy-number variation and BRAF mutant allele imbalance at baseline can be associated with response to treatment. In this study, we used a multimodal approach to assess BRAF copy number and mutant allele frequency in pretreatment melanoma samples from 46 patients who received MAPK inhibitor–based therapy, and we analyzed the association with progression-free survival. We found that 65% patients displayed BRAF gains, often supported by chromosome 7 polysomy. In addition, we observed that 64% patients had a balanced BRAF-mutant/wild-type allele ratio, whereas 14% and 23% patients had low and high BRAF mutant allele frequency, respectively. Notably, a significantly higher risk of progression was observed in patients with a diploid BRAF status versus those with BRAF gains [HR, 2.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.29–6.35; P = 0.01] and in patients with low percentage versus those with a balanced BRAF mutant allele percentage (HR, 4.54; 95% CI, 1.33–15.53; P = 0.016). Our data suggest that quantitative analysis of the BRAF gene could be useful to select the melanoma patients who are most likely to benefit from therapy with MAPK inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(6); 1332–40. ©2018 AACR.
Metabolomic Profiling in Acute ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Identifies Succinate as an Early Marker of Human Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Kohlhauer Matthias , Dawkins Sam , Costa Ana S. H. , Lee Regent , Young Timothy , Pell Victoria R. , Choudhury Robin P. , Banning Adrian P. , Kharbanda Rajesh K. ,   Oxford Acute Myocardial Infarction (OxAMI) Study, Saeb‐Parsy Kourosh , Murphy Michael P. , Frezza Christian , Krieg Thomas , Channon Keith M. 
Published: April 2018

Background
Ischemia–reperfusion injury following ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a leading determinant of clinical outcome. In experimental models of myocardial ischemia, succinate accumulation leading to mitochondrial dysfunction is a major cause of ischemia–reperfusion injury; however, the potential importance and specificity of myocardial succinate accumulation in human STEMI is unknown. We sought to identify the metabolites released from the heart in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for emergency treatment of STEMI.

Methods and Results
Blood samples were obtained from the coronary artery, coronary sinus, and peripheral vein in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute STEMI and in control patients undergoing nonemergency coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention for stable angina or non‐STEMI. Plasma metabolites were analyzed by targeted liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Metabolite levels for coronary artery, coronary sinus, and peripheral vein were compared to derive cardiac and systemic release ratios. In STEMI patients, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed 2 days and 6 months after primary percutaneous coronary intervention to quantify acute myocardial edema and final infarct size, respectively. In total, 115 patients undergoing acute STEMI and 26 control patients were included. Succinate was the only metabolite significantly increased in coronary sinus blood compared with venous blood in STEMI patients, indicating cardiac release of succinate. STEMI patients had higher succinate concentrations in arterial, coronary sinus, and peripheral venous blood than patients with non‐STEMI or stable angina. Furthermore, cardiac succinate release in STEMI correlated with the extent of acute myocardial injury, quantified by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Conclusion
Succinate release by the myocardium correlates with the extent of ischemia.
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Autoantibodies in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
Authors: Yu Xichun , Li Hongliang , Murphy Taylor A. , Nuss Zachary , Liles Jonathan , Liles Campbell , Aston Christopher E. , Raj Satish R. , Fedorowski Artur , Kem David C. 
Published: April 2018

Background

Both the adrenergic and renin‐angiotensin systems contribute to orthostatic circulatory homeostasis, which is impaired in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (
POTS
). Activating autoantibodies to the α1‐adrenergic and β1/2‐adrenergic receptors have previously been found in sera from patients with POTS. We hypothesized that patients with POTS might also harbor activating autoantibodies to the angiotensin
II
type 1 receptor (
AT
1R) independently of antiadrenergic autoimmunity. This study examines a possible pathophysiological role for
AT
1R autoantibodies in
POTS
.

Methods and Results

Serum immunoglobulin G from 17 patients with
POTS
, 6 patients with recurrent vasovagal syncope, and 10 normal controls was analyzed for the ability to activate
AT
1R and alter
AT
1R ligand responsiveness in transfected cells in vitro. Of 17 subjects with POTS, 12 demonstrated significant
AT
1R antibody activity in immunoglobulin G purified from their serum. No significant
AT
1R antibody activity was found in the subjects with vasovagal syncope or healthy subjects.
AT
1R activation by
POTS
immunoglobulin G was specifically blocked by the
AT
1R blocker losartan. Moreover,
POTS
immunoglobulin G significantly shifted the angiotensin
II
dosage response curve to the right, consistent with an inhibitory effect. All subjects with POTS were positive for one or both autoantibodies to the
AT
1R and α1‐adrenergic receptor.

Conclusions

Most patients with
POTS
harbor
AT
1R antibody activity. This supports the concept that
AT
1R autoantibodies and antiadrenergic autoantibodies, acting separately or together, may exert a significant impact on the cardiovascular pathophysiological characteristics in
POTS
.
Five Influential Factors for Chinese Buddhists’ Vegetarianism
Authors: Tseng Ampere A. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The article explores five leading factors influencing Chinese Buddhists to observe vegetarian diets. The first one is the influence from the precepts and teachings of the important Mahayana sutras on vegetarianism. The second factor is the influence of Chinese imperial authority, leading political figures who promoted Buddhism to popularize vegetarianism. The third and fourth factors are the influences of Chinese indigenous religions, which consider the contributions of Confucianism and Taoism, respectively, to the vegetarianization of Chinese Buddhists. The final one explores the sociocultural influence, including societal norms or other aspects of one’s lived environment, which can smooth the path to vegetarian eating. We then conduct an assessment to gauge the influence of each factor. By studying and comparing the gauging data, we discover that the second factor, the advocacy of the imperial authority, is the most influential factor for the vegetarianization of ordained Chinese Buddhists. Although the influence levels of Buddhist sutras and Taoism are not as strong as that of the imperial authority, their influences are higher than that of Confucianism and sociocultural influence. Finally, we present a closing remark on future efforts to promote vegetarianism worldwide.
Assessing the impacts of the invasive frog, Xenopus laevis, on amphibians in western France
Authors: Courant Julien , Secondi Jean , Vollette Julie , Herrel Anthony , Thirion Jean-Marc 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
As invasive species are one of the principal threats on global biodiversity, assessing their impact is a crucial element of conservation biology. Quantifying the possible impacts of an invasive population represents the first step in the establishment of efficient management plans. In this study, we applied a method of site-occupancy modeling to estimate the influence of an invasive frog, Xenopus laevis, on the amphibian species richness in western France. In our analyses we took into account habitat characteristics (i.e. the size and general shape of the ponds), the structure of the aquatic vegetation, the presence of other vertebrates, and the physicochemical parameters of the pond. Richness was negatively related to the abundance of X. laevis and to the time since colonization as estimated by the distance of the pond to the site of introduction. Habitat niche breadth of native amphibians did not differ between invaded and non-invaded areas. This might be a consequence of the homogeneity of the habitats selected for our study. The lack of heterogeneity in the abiotic factors, the absence of a correlation between species richness and these abiotic factors, and the correlation of the abundance and time since colonization by X. laevis with species richness suggest a negative effect of this species on local amphibians. This result highlights the importance of conservation and management plans aiming to limit the expansion of this invasive species.
Foregrounding Management in Class Warfare from Above
Authors: Bradshaw Alan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe books The Mythology of Management by Peter Fleming and The Dark Side of Management by Gerard Hanlon are reviewed. Both books foreground the practices and ideologies of management as core elements of neoliberalism and provide both historical analysis as well as contemporary observation of management as a persistent form of de-skilling workers that leaves them utterly dependent on an antagonistic class of managers.
Null models for explaining inland water crustacean zooplankton communities in Chile
Authors: De los Ríos Patricio , Figueroa-Muñoz Guillermo , Parra-Coloma Luciano 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Inland water crustaceans in Chile are characterized by their low species number and marked endemism; this is due to the marked oligotrophy of water bodies and the geographical properties of Chilean territory, which consists of mountains and glaciers. The aim of the present study is to typify the inland water crustaceans in the northern Aysen region (44-46°S), which is branded by the presence of mountains, ice fields and inland seas, with different kinds of water bodies such as large lakes, permanent and ephemeral pools, rivers and streams. The results revealed low species numbers, but the species associations are random, because in many sites the same species frequently reoccur. Nevertheless, there are marked differences in species associations. The present results tend to agree with similar results for the Magallanes region in southern Patagonia and Argentinean Patagonia.
A Synoptic Analysis of the First AVE-SESAME '79 Period
Authors: Moore James T. , Fuelberg Henry E. 
Published: April 2018

Fields of divergence, vertical motion, stability, and surface pressure tendency are examined at 3 h intervals for the first regional scale AVE-SESAME '79 (Atmospheric Variability Experiment—Severe Environmental Storms and Mesoscale Experiment) day. Two areas of severe storms formed during the period from 1200 GMT 10 April through 1200 GMT 11 April. The Red River Valley outbreak began during the afternoon of 10 April, while a second area formed in southwestern Texas during the early evening hours. Results show the rapid changes in environmental conditions associated with these two storm areas.
The propagation of an upper level jet streak into the region was a major factor in producing the Red River Valley outbreak. This streak was associated with the formation of a strong low-level jet and a small-scale surface pressure perturbation. The sudden development of a strong upper tropospheric wind maximum over Oklahoma and Kansas corresponded with major changes in kinematic parameters at that level. Instability over the Red River Valley was released by strong upward motion producing intense convection.
Similar features were responsible for the storms in southwestern Texas. Although this area was quite unstable, forcing mechanisms appear somewhat weaker than in the earlier outbreak.
Atmospheric Science Education Program at Purdue University: Summer Program for Teachers (Grades 5–9)1
Authors: Smith David R. , Krockover Gerald H. , Snow John T. , Abridge Michelle E. , Harley Shawn B. , McClelland Thomas M. 
Published: April 2018

The Atmospheric Science Education Program (ASEP) established in 1986 at Purdue University had two components: (1) To conduct a summer program for teachers on topics in atmospheric science; and (2) To develop educational materials for teaching atmospheric science to grades five through nine.
The ASEP Summer Program for Teachers was conducted at Purdue University in July 1987 for selected Indiana teachers. Its purpose was to help teachers that teach science in grades five through nine to incorporate atmospheric science topics into their school curricula. The teachers participated in a four-week program that included lectures, laboratory sessions, educational applications seminars, field trips, and guest speakers.
The ASEP staff also developed a series of videotapes and an accompanying set of instructional booklets for students and teachers. These materials were designed to reach a nationwide audience of students and teachers of science so they could incorporate atmospheric-related activities into the general science classroom. The participating teachers in the summer program provided input on the suitability (for the targeted school grades) of these materials, which will become available in late 1988.
Follow-up visitations were made by ASEP staff to the schools of the summer participants to determine the impact of the summer program and to assist the teachers with implementation of atmospheric science into their science classrooms. These visitations and other correspondence with the participating teachers have revealed that the teachers are actively adapting the educational materials and components of the summer program instruction into their science curricula, as well as conducting in-service training for other teachers in their own school districts and at state science-teachers' meetings.
Long-Term Observations and High-Resolution Modeling of Midlatitude Nocturnal Boundary Layer Processes Connected to Low-Level Jets
Authors: Marke Tobias , Crewell Susanne , Schemann Vera , Schween Jan H. , Tuononen Minttu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLow-level-jet (LLJ) periods are investigated by exploiting a long-term record of ground-based remote sensing Doppler wind lidar measurements supported by tower observations and surface flux measurements at the Jülich Observatory for Cloud Evolution (JOYCE), a midlatitude site in western Germany. LLJs were found 13% of the time during continuous observations over more than 4 yr. The climatological behavior of the LLJs shows a prevailing nighttime appearance of the jets, with a median height of 375 m and a median wind speed of 8.8 m s−1 at the jet nose. Significant turbulence below the jet nose only occurs for high bulk wind shear, which is an important parameter for describing the turbulent characteristics of the jets. The numerous LLJs (16% of all jets) in the range of wind-turbine rotor heights below 200 m demonstrate the importance of LLJs and the associated intermittent turbulence for wind-energy applications. Also, a decrease in surface fluxes and an accumulation of carbon dioxide are observed if LLJs are present. A comprehensive analysis of an LLJ case shows the influence of the surrounding topography, dominated by an open pit mine and a 200-m-high hill, on the wind observed at JOYCE. High-resolution large-eddy simulations that complement the observations show that the spatial distribution of the wind field exhibits variations connected with the orographic flow depending on the wind direction, causing high variability in the long-term measurements of the vertical velocity.
A Parameterization Scheme for Air–Sea Surface Interface Fluxes: Design and Stand-Alone Experiments
Authors: Zhuang Haixiong , Yang Xiaojun , Wu Zhenling 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Observations show that sea surface temperature (SST) can vary up to several degrees in a day and sea surface energy fluxes up to a few hundreds of watts per square meter. For synoptic- and subsynoptic-scale atmospheric modeling, there remains a need for the parameterization of air–sea surface interaction using simple schemes. In this paper, such a simple scheme, Atmosphere–Ocean Surface Interaction Scheme (AOSIS), is presented so that the short time variations in SST and energy fluxes can be estimated using a small number of atmospheric and oceanic bulk quantities. The scheme consists of three components: a two-layer ocean temperature model, a wind-wave model, and a surface flux model. Numerical experiments show that the scheme performs well in simulating SST and the air–sea exchanges. Relative to other schemes, AOSIS shows the following improvements: 1) it simulates SST and the cool-skin and warm-layer effect of the ocean mixed layer without the input of ocean bulk temperature of the mixed layer as a prior condition, which is required by most one-layer models; 2) the depth of the ocean mixed layer is allowed to vary according to surface wind stress and buoyancy flux; and 3) a method for computing ocean surface roughness length is proposed, which accounts for the aerodynamic effect of wind-generated waves. For experimental studies, AOSIS can be used in stand-alone mode for the calculation of SST through a small number of bulk measurements. AOSIS can also be used as an interface between the atmosphere and ocean models to be coupled together.
Assessing the Impact of Volcanic Eruptions on Climate Extremes Using CMIP5 Models
Authors: Paik Seungmok , Min Seung-Ki 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This study analyzes extreme temperature and precipitation responses over the global land to five explosive tropical volcanic eruptions that occurred since the 1880s, using CMIP5 multimodel simulations. Changes in annual extreme indices during posteruption years are examined using a composite analysis. First, a robust global decrease in extreme temperature is found, which is stronger than the internal variability ranges (estimated from random bootstrap sampling). Intermodel correlation analysis shows a close relationship between annual extreme and mean temperature responses to volcanic forcing, indicating a similar mechanism at work. The cooling responses exhibit strong intermodel correlation with a decrease in surface humidity, consistent with the Clausius–Clapeyron relation. Second, extreme and mean precipitation reductions are observed during posteruption years, especially in Northern and Southern Hemisphere summer monsoon regions, with good intermodel agreement. The precipitation decreases are also larger than the internal variability ranges and are dominated by the monsoon regions. Moisture budget analysis further reveals that most of the precipitation decrease over the monsoon regions is explained by evaporation decrease, as well as dynamic and thermodynamic contributions. Interestingly, the dynamic effect is found to have a large influence on intermodel spread in precipitation responses, with high intermodel correlation with mean and extreme precipitation changes. These model-based results are largely supported by an observational analysis based on the Hadley Centre Global Climate Extremes Index 2 (HadEX2) dataset for the recent three volcanic eruptions. Our results demonstrate that temperature and precipitation extremes significantly respond to volcanic eruptions, largely resembling mean climate responses, which have important implications for geoengineering based on solar radiation management.
A video-game group intervention: Experiences and perceptions of adults with chronic stroke and their therapists
Authors: Rand Debbie , Givon Noa , Avrech Bar Michal 
Published: April 2018

Background. Ongoing physical activity is important for maintaining the functional level of individuals with chronic stroke. Video games in a group setting might be a cost-effective way for providing mobility and preventing physical inactivity. Purpose. This study explores the experiences and perceptions of individuals with chronic stroke who participated in a novel community-based video-game group intervention and their therapists. Method. A qualitative study, nested in a randomized controlled trial, was conducted using semistructured interviews with eight individuals with chronic stroke (four men and four women) ages 29 to 69 and a focus group of their three occupational therapists, following a video-game intervention. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Findings. Three main categories were identified by the study participants: (a) using video games, (b) the group/team experience, and (c) intervention outcomes/evolving understandings following the intervention. Implications. Playing video games was perceived not as treatment but as a motivating tool to facilitate whole-body movement. Therefore, this intervention might be suitable to be used in the community for ongoing intervention.
A retrospective analysis of the mixed venous oxygen saturation as the target for systemic blood flow control during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Svenmarker Staffan , Hannuksela Matias , Haney Michael 
Published: April 2018

Objectives: The patient’s body surface area serves as the traditional reference for the determination of systemic blood flow during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). New strategies refer to different algorithms of oxygen delivery. This study reports on the mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) as the target for systemic blood flow control. We hypothesise that an SvO2>75% (SvO275) is associated with better preservation of renal function and improved short-term survival. Methods: This retrospective, 10-year, observational study analysed 6945 consecutive cardiac surgical cases requiring CPB. Endpoints included rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) and short-term survival, also the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), lactate levels and blood transfusions. Results: Seventy-seven percent of the patients attained the SvO275 target. For this group, the median SvO2 was 78.1 (5.8) %, with a mean oxygen delivery of 331 (78) ml/min per m2 body surface area. Overall incidence of AKI levels (I-III): 7.5% - 2.6% - 0.6%. Incidence of eGFR (<50%): 3.9%, increasing to 6% for haemoglobin levels <80 g/L (p<0.001). Red cell transfusion was more frequent (p<0.001) within this group (30.6%) compared to levels >100 g/L (0.3%). Further, women (52.8%) were transfused more often than men (14.6%). Lactate level at weaning from CPB was 1.3 (0.7) mmol/L. The SvO275 target demonstrated a relative risk reduction of 22.5% (p=0.032) for AKI (I), increasing to 32.3% (p=0.026) for procedures extending >90 minutes. In addition, the risk for death 90-days postop was lower (p=0.039). Conclusion: The SvO275 target showed a decreased risk for postoperative AKI and prolonged short-term survival. Good clinical outcomes were also linked to measures of lactate and the eGFR. However, anaemia remains a risk factor for AKI.