bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Processes Associated with Convection Initiation in the North American Mesoscale Forecast System, Version 3 (NAMv3)
Authors: Colbert Michael , Stensrud David J. , Markowski Paul M. , Richardson Yvette P. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
In support of the Next Generation Global Prediction System (NGGPS) project, processes leading to convection initiation in the North American Mesoscale Forecast System, version 3 (NAMv3) are explored. Two severe weather outbreaks—occurring over the southeastern United States on 28 April 2014 and the central Great Plains on 6 May 2015—are forecast retrospectively using the NAMv3 CONUS (4 km) and Fire Weather (1.33 km) nests, each with 5-min output. Points of convection initiation are identified, and patterns leading to convection initiation in the model forecasts are determined. Results indicate that in the 30 min preceding convection initiation at a grid point, upward motion at low levels of the atmosphere enables a parcel to rise to its level of free convection, above which it is accelerated by the buoyancy force. A moist absolutely unstable layer (MAUL) typically is produced at the top of the updraft. However, when strong updrafts are collocated with large vertical gradients of potential temperature and moisture, noisy vertical profiles of temperature, moisture, and hydrometeor concentration develop beneath the rising MAUL. The noisy profiles found in this study are qualitatively similar to those that resulted in NAMv3 failures during simulations of Hurricane Joaquin in 2015. The CM1 cloud model is used to reproduce these noisy profiles, and results indicate that the noise can be mitigated by including explicit vertical diffusion in the model. Left unchecked, the noisy profiles are shown to impact convective storm features such as cold pools, precipitation, updraft helicity intensity and tracks, and the initiation of spurious convection.
The Closer, the Better? Untangling Scientist–Practitioner Engagement, Interaction, and Knowledge Use
Authors: Lemos Maria Carmen , Wolske Kimberly S. , Rasmussen Laura V. , Arnott James C. , Kalcic Margaret , Kirchhoff Christine J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractScholarship on climate information use has focused significantly on engagement with practitioners as a means to enhance knowledge use. In principle, working with practitioners to incorporate their knowledge and priorities into the research process should improve information uptake by enhancing accessibility and improving users’ perceptions of how well information meets their decision needs, including knowledge credibility, understandability, and fit. Such interactive approaches, however, can entail high costs for participants, especially in terms of financial, human, and time resources. Given the likely need to scale up engagement as demand for climate information increases, it is important to examine whether and to what extent personal interaction is always a necessary condition for increasing information use. In this article, we report the results from two experimental studies using students as subjects to assess how three types of interaction (in-person meeting, live webinar, and self-guided instruction) affect different aspects of climate information usability. Our findings show that while in-person interaction is effective in enhancing understanding of climate knowledge, in-person interaction may not always be necessary, depending on the kinds of information involved and outcomes desired.
High concentration of plasma methoxytyramine: dopamine-producing tumour or Parkinson’s disease therapy?
Authors: Chtioui Haithem , Sadowski Samira M , Winzeler Bettina , Tschopp Oliver , Grouzmann Eric , Abid Karim 
Published: April 2019

Background Levodopa (L-DOPA) provided to patients with Parkinson’s disease causes an increase in dopamine and methoxytyramine blood concentration which may lead to erroneous diagnosis of dopamine-producing tumours based on a plasma fractionated metanephrines and methoxytyramine assay. Considering that oral L-DOPA is mainly transformed in the gut wall into dopamine and methoxytyramine, we hypothesize that patients treated with L-DOPA produce predominantly sulphated methoxytyramine, whereas dopamine-producing tumours, devoid of sulfotransferase, will secrete free methoxytyramine. These metabolic differences may allow for discrimination between the two groups of patients through methoxytyramine plasma concentration. Methods We retrospectively investigated a cohort of 16 patients with a dopamine-secreting pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma and 22 patients treated for Parkinson’s disease to see whether the metabolic ratio of free and sulphated methoxytyramine differs. Results Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicates an absolute separation between the two groups when using a cut-off of free/total methoxytyramine (sum of free and sulphated methoxytyramine) ratio of 0.0059, corresponding to a free methoxytyramine fraction of 0.59% ( P < 0.0001, AUC 1.0 indicating 100% sensitivity and specificity). Conclusion Dopamine secreted by tumours and exogenous dopamine (from Parkinson’s disease treatment) follow different metabolic pathways. We observed that free/total methoxytyramine ratio may be a useful tool in distinguishing between patients with a dopamine-secreting tumour from patients treated with L-DOPA when clinical information is incomplete or lacking.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension outcomes upon endothelin-1 receptor antagonist switch to macitentan
Authors: Tynan Timothy , Hird Kathryn , Hannon Tara , Gabbay Eli 
Published: April 2019

Objectives To assess whether switching patients with suboptimally controlled pulmonary arterial hypertension from bosentan or ambrisentan to macitentan would improve six-minute walk test (6MWT) distance and World Health Organization functional class. Methods This was a retrospective cohort analysis of 37 patients from a single center. Patients were separated into three heterogeneous treatment groups and followed for 18 months: switch group (n = 14): patients switched to macitentan from bosentan/ambrisentan; added group (n = 11): patients who began macitentan as de novo therapy (n = 5) or who added macitentan to an existing sildenafil regimen (n = 6); and control group (n = 12): patients for whom sildenafil and/or bosentan/ambrisentan therapy was unchanged. Results Mortality was observed in two patients (one each, switch and added groups). Patients in the control group had one hospital admission and 100% survival. There was significant improvement in functional class for the switch and added groups. Statistically significant improvement was observed in 6MWT distance in the added group alone. Overall, 92% of patients continued macitentan throughout the study. Conclusion Macitentan was well tolerated. For bosentan/ambrisentan-treated patients with suboptimally controlled pulmonary arterial hypertension, switching to macitentan may facilitate an improvement in functional class.
Inadequate Zinc Intake in India: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Smith Matthew R. , DeFries Ruth , Chhatre Ashwini , Ghosh-Jerath Suparna , Myers Samuel S. 
Published: April 2019

Background: India has made important strides in reducing nutritional deficiencies over the past several decades. However, for micronutrients such as zinc, previous studies have suggested a worsening situation, contrary to most other dietary indicators. Adding to this burden, higher carbon dioxide (CO2) levels of 550 ppm, projected to potentially occur within decades, could reduce the zinc content of many staple crops. Objective: To assess the historical prevalence of inadequate zinc intake, as well as to estimate the future prevalence attributable to rising CO2. Methods: Seven household food consumption surveys between 1983 and 2012 were used to calculate total dietary zinc, phytate, and absorbable zinc intakes and to assess the prevalence of historic inadequacy in zinc intake. The added nutritional effect of elevated CO2 on zinc intake is then modeled. Results: Prevalence of inadequate absorbable zinc intake has increased from 17.1% (15.3%-19.0%) in 1983 to 24.6% (22.3%-27.1%) in 2011-12, corresponding to an additional 82 million people consuming inadequate zinc than would have otherwise if 1983 rates had persisted. These increases in inadequacy have been driven by a relatively constant zinc intake being increasingly insufficient to meet a 5% growth in zinc requirements due to the aging of the population. Reaching 550 ppm CO2 by 2050 could potentially increase the prevalence of inadequate zinc intake by another 3.9 percentage points (2.1-5.8), corresponding to 65 million additional people having inadequate zinc intake. Conclusions: The persistently worsening trend for zinc—opposite most other measures of human nutrition—shows that it may pose an ongoing risk unless addressed.
Evaluation of amalgam-related retinal neurotoxicity with optical coherence tomography findings
Authors: Bilak Ş , Önderci M , Şimşek A 
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the neurotoxic effect of amalgam dental fillings on plasma mercury (Hg) levels and retino-choroidal layers measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Materials/Methods: Study participants included 56 cases with amalgam dental fillings and 44 healthy controls. All participants were examined in terms of detailed ophthalmic examination, oral examination, and body mass index (BMI). The measurement of retinal layers and choroid was performed using SD-OCT. Venous blood samples were collected and blood Hg levels were measured using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometric analysis. Correlations between SD-OCT measurement results and blood Hg levels were analyzed. Results: There were no differences between groups in terms of age, sex, or BMI. The mean blood Hg level was 2.76 ± 1.21 µg/L in the amalgam group and 2.06 ± 1.15 µg/L in the control group ( p = 0.04). The Hg/BMI ratio was 0.12 ± 0.06 kg/m2 in the amalgam group and 0.09 ± 0.05 kg/m2 in the control group ( p = 0.01). Reduced volumes of ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer were observed in the amalgam group when compared with the control group ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Amalgam dental fillings can cause retinal neurotoxicity. SD-OCT can be useful for evaluating amalgam-related retinal neurotoxicity.
Alleviation of trigeminal neuropathic pain by electroacupuncture: the role of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel protein expression in the Gasserian ganglion
Authors: Yang Liuyue , Ding Weihua , You Zerong , Yang Jinsheng , Shen Shiqian , Doheny Jason T , Chen Lucy , Li Ruhui , Mao Jianren 
Published: April 2019

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on trigeminal neuropathic pain in rats and explore the potential mechanism underlying the putative therapeutic effect of EA. Methods: Trigeminal neuropathic pain behavior was induced in rats by unilateral chronic constriction injury of the distal infraorbital nerve (dIoN-CCI). EA was administered at ST2 ( Sibai) and Jiachengjiang. A total of 60 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into the following four groups ( n = 15 per group) to examine the behavioral outcomes after surgery and/or EA treatment: sham (no ligation); dIoN-CCI (received isoflurane only, without EA treatment); dIoN-CCI+EA-7d (received EA treatment for 7 days); and dIoN-CCI+EA-14d (received EA treatment for 14 days). Both evoked and spontaneous nociceptive behaviors were measured. Of these, 12 rats ( n = 4 from sham, dIoN-CCI, and dIoN-CCI+EA-14d groups, respectively) were used to analyze protein expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel in the Gasserian ganglion (GG) by immunohistochemistry. Results: dIoN-CCI rats exhibited mechanical allodynia and increased face-grooming activity that lasted at least 35 days. EA treatment reduced mechanical allodynia and face-grooming in dIoN-CCI rats. Overall, 14 days of EA treatment produced a prolonged anti-nociceptive effect as compared to 7-day EA treatment. The counts of HCN1 and HCN2 immunopositive puncta were increased in the ipsilateral GG in dIoN-CCI rats and were reduced by 14 days of EA treatment. Discussion: EA treatment relieved trigeminal neuropathic pain in dIoN-CCI rats, and this effect was dependent on the duration of EA treatment. The downregulation of HCN expression may contribute to the anti-nociceptive effect of EA in this rat model of trigeminal neuropathic pain.
Platinum-group minerals from Seyba, Eastern Sayans, Russia, and substitutions in the PGE-rich pentlandite and ferhodsite series
Authors: Barkov Andrei Y. , Shvedov Gennadiy I. , Nikiforov Andrey A. , Martin Robert F. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractChromitite zones associated with ultramafic units of the Lysanskiy layered complex of dunite–peridotite–gabbro composition could well represent the primary source for the placers bearing platinum-group minerals (PGM) of the entire drainage of the River Sisim and its tributaries, the rivers Ko and Seyba, eastern Sayans. Alluvial gold present in the placers of River Seyba, as elsewhere in the Sisim Placer Zone, reflects mineralisation during a recent period of tectonic activity. We focus on the PGM in the Seyba suite, and in particular on the attributes of pentlandite enriched in platinum-group-elements (PGE) and the compositionally similar and recently defined ferhodsite, which were trapped in host grains of Os–Ir–Ru alloy. Both minerals formed from small volumes of fractionated Fe–Ni–Cu melt considerably enriched in the PGE. In the Seyba suite, as in several others, the amounts of PGE in ferhodsite exceeds that in pentlandite, which results in a greater proportion of vacancies than in pentlandite.
Identifying Pathogenic Variants of Monogenic Diabetes Using Targeted Panel Sequencing in an East Asian Population
Authors: Park Seung Shin , Jang Se Song , Ahn Chang Ho , Kim Jung Hee , Jung Hye Seung , Cho Young Min , Lee Young Ah , Shin Choong Ho , Chae Jong Hee , Kim Jae Hyun , Choi Sung Hee , Jang Hak C , Bae Jee Cheol , Won Jong Cheol , Kim Sung-Hoon , Kim Jong-Il , Kwak Soo Heon , Park Kyong Soo 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Purpose
Monogenic diabetes is a specific type of diabetes in which precision medicine could be applied. In this study, we used targeted panel sequencing to investigate pathogenic variants in Korean patients with clinically suspected monogenic diabetes.

Methods
The eligibility criteria for inclusion were patients with nontype 1 diabetes with age at onset ≤30 years and body mass index (BMI) ≤30 kg/m2. Among the 2090 patients with nontype 1 diabetes, 109 had suspected monogenic diabetes and underwent genetic testing. We analyzed 30 monogenic diabetes genes using targeted panel sequencing. The pathogenicity of the genetic variants was evaluated according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and Association for Molecular Pathology guidelines.

Results
Among the 109 patients with suspected monogenic diabetes, 23 patients (21.1%) harbored pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants. A total of 14 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants of common maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) genes were identified in GCK, HNF1A, HNF4A, and HNF1B. Other pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were identified in WFS1, INS, ABCC8, and FOXP3. The mitochondrial DNA 3243A>G variant was identified in five participants. Patients with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants had a significantly higher MODY probability, a lower BMI, and a lower C-peptide level than those without pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (P = 0.007, P = 0.001, and P = 0.012, respectively).

Conclusions
Using targeted panel sequencing followed by pathogenicity evaluation, we were able to make molecular genetic diagnoses for 23 patients (21.1%) with suspected monogenic diabetes. Lower BMI, higher MODY probability, and lower C-peptide level were characteristics of these participants.
Endothelial Function, Adipokine Serum Levels, and White Matter Hyperintesities in Subjects With Diabetic Foot Syndrome
Authors: Tuttolomondo Antonino , Di Raimondo Domenico , Casuccio Alessandra , Guercio Giovanni , Del Cuore Alessandro , Puleo Maria Grazia , Della Corte Vittoriano , Bellia Chiara , Caronia Aurelio , Maida Carlo , Pecoraro Rosaria , Simonetta Irene , Gulotta Gaspare , Ciaccio Marcello , Pinto Antonio 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Context
No study has analyzed the prevalence of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in subjects with diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) and their relationship to adipokine serum levels and indexes of endothelial and cognitive performance.

Objective
To evaluate omentin and vaspin serum levels and the prevalence of WMHs in subjects with DFS and to analyze their relationship with other endothelial, arterial stiffness, and cognitive functions.

Design
Case-control study enrolling 40 subjects with DFS, 40 diabetic subjects without foot complications, 40 controls with foot lesions without diabetes, and 40 patients without diabetes mellitus.

Main Outcome Measures
Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index, reactive hyperemia index (RHI), serum vaspin and omentin levels, Fazekas score, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Results
Subjects with DFS showed higher mean PWV values when compared with diabetic controls and lower RHI values when compared with controls. They also showed a lower mean MMSE score, significantly lower omentin serum levels, and a higher prevalence of grade 2 severity of periventricular hyperintensities (PVHs). We observed a significant positive correlation between PWV and PVH and between Fazekas score and PWV among diabetic subjects, whereas among subjects with diabetic foot we observed a significant negative correlation between PVH and RHI.

Conclusions
Diabetes seems to be more associated with endothelial function disturbance in comparison with patients with diabetic foot that exhibit a more strict association with microvascular brain damage as indicated by our significant finding of an association with PVHs.
Effect of Obesity and Exercise Training on Plasma Amino Acids and Amino Metabolites in American Indian Adolescents
Authors: Short Kevin R , Chadwick Jennifer Q , Teague April M , Tullier Mary A , Wolbert Lisa , Coleman Charlotte , Copeland Kenneth C 
Published: April 2019

AbstractContextAmino acids (AAs) and their metabolites are altered with obesity and may be predictive of future diabetes in adults, but there are fewer studies on AAs, as well as conflicting findings on how they vary with obesity, in adolescents.ObjectiveTo determine whether plasma AAs vary with body composition and insulin sensitivity and are altered in response to exercise training.DesignCross-sectional, and an exercise intervention.SettingTribal wellness center.ParticipantsAmerican Indian boys and girls, 11 to 17 years of age with obesity (Ob, n = 58) or normal weight (NW, n = 36).InterventionThe Ob group completed 16 weeks of aerobic exercise training.Main Outcome MeasureA panel of 42 plasma AAs.ResultsCompared with the NW group, the Ob group had lower aerobic fitness and insulin sensitivity (interactive homeostasis model assessment 2), 17 AAs that were higher, and 7 AAs that were lower. Branched-chain AAs (+10% to 16%), aromatic AAs (+15% to 32%), and glutamate were among the higher AAs; all were positively correlated with body fat and negatively correlated with insulin sensitivity. The lysine metabolite 2-aminoadipic acid (2-AAA) and the valine metabolite β-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA) were 47% higher and 29% lower, respectively, in the Ob group, and were positively (2-AAA) and negatively (BAIBA) correlated with insulin sensitivity. Exercise training increased aerobic fitness by 10%, but body composition, insulin sensitivity, and AAs were not significantly changed.ConclusionsSeveral plasma AAs are altered in American Indian adolescents with obesity and are associated with insulin sensitivity, but they were not altered with this exercise intervention.
Long-Term Cortisol Exposure and Associations With Height and Comorbidities in Turner Syndrome
Authors: Savas Mesut , Wester Vincent L , Dykgraaf Ramon H M , van den Akker Erica L T , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W , Dessens Arianne B , de Graaff Laura C G , de Rijke Yolanda B , van Rossum Elisabeth F C 
Published: April 2019

AbstractContextTurner syndrome (TS) usually manifests in traits as short stature and premature ovarian failure. Many patients also have an increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders and psychological distress, which are features that overlap with those of a prolonged state of hypercortisolism.ObjectiveTo investigate whether TS is associated with increased long-term cortisol concentrations as measured in scalp hair and whether these are linked to cardiometabolic and psychological parameters.DesignProspective observational case-control study.SettingAcademic outpatient TS expertise center.ParticipantsFifty-five patients with TS (53% 45,X karyotype), and 110 age-matched female community control subjects from the general population–based Lifelines cohort study.Main Outcome MeasuresHair cortisol concentrations (HCC), anthropometrics, biochemical parameters, and psychological questionnaires for perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale–14), fatigue (Checklist Individual Strength–20), and health-related quality of life (RAND-36).ResultsCompared with control subjects, patients with TS had higher HCC [geometric mean, 3.51 pg/mg (95% CI, 2.64 to 4.65) vs 2.39 pg/mg (2.13 to 2.68); P = 0.003] and a worse cardiometabolic profile in terms of fasting glucose, and triglycerides. HCC was only associated with total cholesterol levels (standardized β = 0.294; P = 0.047) and was not associated with the psychological outcomes. A higher HCC was inversely associated with height only in patients with TS (standardized β = −0.307; P = 0.023).ConclusionPatients with TS are chronically exposed to higher cortisol levels, which is associated with short stature and increased total cholesterol levels, and potentially contributes to the known elevated cardiovascular disease risk.