bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Analysis on Perturbation Features of Convection-Allowing Ensemble Prediction Based on the Local Breeding Growth Mode
Authors: Ma Shenjia , Chen Chaohui , He Hongrang , Xiang Jie , Chen Shengjie , Li Yi , Jiang Yongqiang , Wu Dan , Luo Hao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn this study, a convection-allowing ensemble prediction experiment was conducted on a strong convective weather process, based on the local breeding growth mode (LBGM) method proposed according to the strongly local nature of the convective-scale weather system. A comparative analysis of the evolution characteristics of the initial perturbation was also performed, considering the results from the traditional breeding growth mode (BGM) method, to enhance understanding and application of this new initial perturbation generation method. The experimental results showed that LBGM results in the perturbation distribution exhibiting characteristics more evident of flow dependence, and an initial perturbation with greater definite kinetic significance was derived. Information entropy theory could well measure the amount of information contained in the perturbation distribution, indicating that the innovative initial perturbation generation method can increase the amount of local information associated with the initial perturbation. With regard to the physical perturbation quantities, the LBGM method can improve the dispersion of the ensemble prediction system, thereby solving the problem of insufficient ensemble spread of prediction systems obtained by the traditional BGM method. Simultaneously, the root-mean-square error of the prediction can be further reduced, and the predicted precipitation distribution is closer to the observed precipitation, thereby improving the prediction effect of the convection-allowing ensemble prediction. The LBGM method has advantages compared to the traditional method and provides a new theoretical basis for further development of initial perturbation technologies for convection-allowing ensemble prediction.
Does continuous subcutaneous infusion of lignocaine relieve intractable pruritus associated with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma? A retrospective case series review
Authors: Norris Jean , Barker James , Buelens Odette , Spruijt Odette 
Published: February 2019

Background: Intractable pruritus affects an estimated 83% of patients with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Palliative care strategies to improve outcomes for these patients are lacking. Lignocaine antagonises kappa opioid antagonist-induced scratching in mice models and may relieve cutaneous T-cell lymphoma–pruritus. Practice challenge: The aim of this retrospective case series was to evaluate our clinical experience with low-dose continuous subcutaneous infusion lignocaine for intractable pruritus associated with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, from 2000 to 2015. The study received approval from Retrospective Review Panel, Division Cancer Medicine, 12 October 2015, V1.1. Method: Baseline demographics including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma diagnosis and management, comorbidities, and pruritus-related evaluation including onset, severity, past and current therapies were collected. Response categories (Complete, Partial, No, Unknown) were devised for the study, based on severity of pruritus, impact on sleep and mood. The mean of responses was calculated for each patient and across the series. Outcome: Nineteen patients received continuous subcutaneous infusion lignocaine, in 45 treatment episodes, ranging from 1 to 70 days (interquartile range = 5). Baseline mean number of adjuvants was 3.9 (range, 1–9). Across the series, complete response was achieved, on average, 26.7% days, partial response 49.4%, no response 16.1% and unknown response 9.2%. Drowsiness was documented in four patients. Three patients died during continuous subcutaneous infusion due to disease progression. Lessons: Continuous subcutaneous infusion lignocaine offers another therapeutic option in cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma–related intractable pruritus. Future research: Prospective studies using validated assessment tools and systematic approaches to pruritus management are required.
Tissue on the Transferred Coracoid Graft After Latarjet Procedure: Histological and Morphological Findings
Authors: Haeni David L. , Lafosse Thibault , Haggerty Charles , Plath Johannes , Kida Yoshikazu , Sanchez-Brass Matthieu , Wolf Françine , Calvo Emilio , Müller Andreas M. , Barbero Andrea , Lafosse Laurent 
Published: February 2019

Background: Anterior shoulder instability is a debilitating condition that can require stabilization via a Latarjet procedure. Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize the histological composition of the articular-sided surface of the coracoid bone graft after Latarjet procedure. Specific features of cells isolated from the coracoid and graft tissues were assessed. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Tissue samples were harvested from 9 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic debridement and screw removal after arthroscopic or open Latarjet procedure. Tissues were processed histologically. In 2 patients, the samples were analyzed to assess specific cellular properties. Results: Safranin O staining indicated that glenoid tissues contained variable amounts of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and round chondrocytic cells mainly organized in clusters. Graft tissues contained less GAG and were more cellular but were not organized in clusters and had variable morphological features. An association appeared to exist between the cartilage quality of glenoid tissues and that of the graft tissues. Cells isolated from glenoid and graft tissues exhibited similar proliferation capacity. Conclusion: The results of our analysis show that cells located at the articular-sided surface of transferred coracoid grafts demonstrate fibrocartilaginous properties and may have the capacity for chondral proliferation. Further studies are needed to confirm this observation and future application.
Volumes of coronary plaque disease in relation to body mass index, waist circumference, truncal fat mass and epicardial adipose tissue in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and controls
Authors: Gullaksen Søren , Funck Kristian Løkke , Laugesen Esben , Hansen Troels Krarup , Dey Damini , Poulsen Per Løgstrup 
Published: February 2019

Objectives: Coronary atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus may be promoted by regional fat distribution. We investigated the association between anthropometric measures of obesity, truncal fat mass, epicardial adipose tissue and coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients and matched controls. Methods: We examined 44 patients and 59 controls [mean (standard deviation) age 64.4 ± 9.9 vs 61.8 ± 9.7, male 50% vs 47%, diabetes duration mean (standard deviation) 7.7 ± 1.5] with coronary computed tomography angiography. Coronary plaques were quantified as total, calcified, non-calcified and low-density non-calcified plaque volumes (mm3). Regional fat distribution was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, body mass index (kg/m2), waist circumference (cm) and epicardial fat volume (mm3). Endothelial function and systemic inflammation were evaluated by peripheral arterial tonometry (log transformed Reactive Hyperemia Index) and C-reactive protein (mg/L). Results: Body mass index and waist circumference ( p < 0.02) were associated with coronary plaque volumes. Body mass index was associated with low-density non-calcified plaque volume after adjustment for age, sex and diabetes status ( p < 0.01). Truncal fat mass ( p > 0.51), waist circumference ( p > 0.06) and epicardial adipose tissue ( p > 0.17) were not associated with coronary plaque volumes in adjusted analyses. Conclusion: Body mass index is associated with coronary plaque volumes in diabetic as well as non-diabetic individuals.
Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Native Pediatric Posterior Cruciate and Collateral Ligaments
Authors: Schmidt Elaine C. , Chin Matthew , Aoyama Julien T. , Ganley Theodore J. , Shea Kevin G. , Hast Michael W. 
Published: February 2019

Background: Although anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears have received the most attention, the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is thought to be the most commonly injured knee ligament overall. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and posterior collateral ligament (PCL) are less frequently compromised but can be involved in severe multiligament injuries. The paucity of information on the native properties of these ligaments in the pediatric population hinders the overall optimization of treatment for these injuries. Purpose: To characterize the mechanical and microstructural properties of pediatric MCLs, LCLs, and PCLs using a rare cadaveric cohort (mean age, 9.2 years). Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: MCLs, LCLs, and PCLs were harvested from 5 fresh-frozen pediatric knee specimens (3 male, 2 female) and were subjected to a tensile loading protocol. A subset of contralateral tissues from a single donor was analyzed using bright-field, polarized light, and transmission electron microscopy to measure collagen fiber morphology. Results: The pediatric MCL exhibited values for ultimate stress (11.7 ± 6.7 MPa), ultimate strain (18.2% ± 6.8%), and the Young modulus (93.7 ± 56.5 MPa) that were similar to values for the LCL (11.4 ± 11.5 MPa, 27.7% ± 12.9%, and 64.4 ± 76.6 MPa, respectively). The PCL demonstrated decreased ultimate stress (4.2 ± 1.8 MPa), increased ultimate strain (28.8% ± 11.9%), and a decreased Young modulus (19.8 ± 10.4 MPa) when compared with the MCL and LCL. All 3 ligaments had similar mean crimp wavelengths (MCL, 32.8 ± 3.6 µm; LCL, 27.2 ± 3.5 µm; PCL, 25.8 ± 3.5 µm) and collagen fibril diameters (MCL, 88.0 ± 26.0 nm; LCL, 93.3 ± 34.6 nm; PCL, 90.9 ± 34.0 nm); however, the fibril distribution profiles exhibited different modalities. Conclusion: The pediatric MCL and LCL possessed similar mechanical properties, while the pediatric PCL was weaker but capable of withstanding higher amounts of strain. All 3 of these pediatric structures were weaker than what has been reported in studies with adult cohorts. Clinical Relevance: Results from this study can be considered preliminary mechanical and microstructural data for healthy pediatric collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments that can be used to guide further laboratory and clinical research.
K–Ar age determinations on the fine fractions of clay mineral ‘Crystallinity Index Standards’ from the Palaeozoic mudrocks of southwest England
Authors: Schomberg Anna C. , Wemmer Klaus , Warr Laurence N. , Grathoff Georg H. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractClay mineral ‘Crystallinity Index Standards’ (CIS) composed of Palaeozoic mudrocks from southwest England were investigated systematically in five sub-fractions per sample for the first time. X-ray diffraction was used to determine mineral assemblages, calibrated 001 illite full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) values and illite polytype compositions, in addition to K–Ar isotopic analyses of all fine fractions. The FWHM results of the <2 µm fraction are consistent with previous studies and reflect the range of diagenetic to epizonal grades covered by the sample set SW1 to SW7 (~0.61–0.26°2θ). Diagenetic and lower anchizone samples also show significant broadening of 001 illite reflections in the finer fractions and contain mixtures of authigenic 1M+ 1Mdillite and detrital 2M1white mica polytypes suitable for illite age analysis. The estimated end-member ages of the Bude (SW1-1992) and younger Crackington (SW3-2000) mudstones yield detrital ages of Late Cambrian to Middle Ordovician (493–457 Ma) and a broad range of 1M+ 1Mdillite ages between Middle Permian and Early Jurassic (271–190 Ma). The detrital age of the stratigraphically older Crackington Formation mudrock (SW2-1992) is Late Devonian (384–364 Ma) with 1M+ 1Mdillite ages between Late Triassic and Early Jurassic (219–176 Ma). The origin of Mesozoic 1M+ 1Mdillite ages may represent neocrystallized illite associated with Mesozoic hydrothermal events or similar events that thermally reset older authigenic illite with partial loss of radiogenic argon and no renewed crystal growth. In contrast, upper anchizonal and epizonal Devonian slates (SW3-2012, SW4-1992, SW6-1992 and SW7-2012) contain only the 2M1polytype, with K–Ar ages younger than the stratigraphic age. The three finest fractions of SW4-1992 yield consistent Late Carboniferous ages (331–304 ± 7 Ma) that are considered to date the neocrystallized 2M1mica. Most fractions of epizonal slate (SW6-1992, SW7-2012) yield Early Permian ages (293.6–273 Ma) corresponding to published cooling ages of the Tintagel High-Strain Zone and the intrusion of the Bodmin granite (291.4 ± 0.8 Ma). These first K–Ar age constraints for the fine fractions of the CIS should provide useful reference values for testing analytical procedures of illite age analysis.
Indoor air pollution and tobacco smoke exposure: impact on nasopharyngeal bacterial carriage in mothers and infants in an African birth cohort study
Authors: Vanker Aneesa , Nduru Polite M. , Barnett Whitney , Dube Felix S. , Sly Peter D. , Gie Robert P. , Nicol Mark P. , Zar Heather J. 
Published: February 2019

Indoor air pollution (IAP) or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure may influence nasopharyngeal carriage of bacterial species and development of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). The aim of this study was to longitudinally investigate the impact of antenatal or postnatal IAP/ETS exposure on nasopharyngeal bacteria in mothers and infants.A South African cohort study followed mother–infant pairs from birth through the first year. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken at birth, 6 and 12 months for bacterial culture. Multivariable and multivariate Poisson regression investigated associations between nasopharyngeal bacterial species and IAP/ETS. IAP exposures (particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds) were measured at home visits. ETS exposure was measured through maternal and infant urine cotinine. Infants received the 13-valent pneumococcal andHaemophilus influenzaeB conjugate vaccines.There were 881 maternal and 2605 infant nasopharyngeal swabs. Antenatal ETS exposure was associated withStreptococcus pneumoniaecarriage in mothers (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 1.73 (95% CI 1.03–2.92)) while postnatal ETS exposure was associated with carriage in infants (aRR 1.14 (95% CI 1.00–1.30)) Postnatal particulate matter exposure was associated with the nasopharyngeal carriage ofH. influenzae(aRR 1.68 (95% CI 1.10– 2.57)) orMoraxella catarrhalis(aRR 1.42 (95% CI 1.03–1.97)) in infants.Early-life environmental exposures are associated with an increased prevalence of specific nasopharyngeal bacteria during infancy, which may predispose to LRTI.
Valved holding chamber drug delivery is dependent on breathing pattern and device design
Authors: Csonka Péter , Lehtimäki Lauri 
Published: February 2019

Small children with airway obstruction breathe with very low tidal volumes (VT) and high respiratory rates (RRs). These extreme respiratory patterns affect drug delivery unpredictably through valved holding chambers (VHCs).We compared in anin vitrostudy the effectiveness of two VHCs, one small (140 mL, Optichamber Diamond) and one large (350 mL, Babyhaler) without facemasks, to deliver salbutamol to filters positioned between the VHC mouthpieces and a breathing simulator. Different tidal volumes (from 30 mL to 200 mL) and RRs (25·min-1and 50·min-1) were applied through a breathing simulator.The amount of salbutamol delivered increased with increasingVTin both VHCs for both RRs (ρ>0.87 and p<0.001 for both devices at both rates). The effect of RR was not as evident, but drug delivery tended to be higher at the higher rate. Drug delivery was significantly higher through the Optichamber Diamond as compared with the Babyhaler at every combination of RR andVTup to a 12-fold difference.We found marked differences in salbutamol delivery between the Babyhaler and Optichamber Diamond VHCs. The delivered dose of salbutamol increased with increasingVTand RR with both VHCs but with differences related to valve dead spaces. Instead of considering all VHCs equal in clinical paediatric practice, each device should be testedin vitrowith respiratory patterns relevant to small children with respiratory difficulties.
Cancer gene mutations in congenital pulmonary airway malformation patients
Authors: Hsu Jacob Shujui , Zhang Ruizhong , Yeung Fanny , Tang Clara S.M. , Wong John K.L. , So Man-Ting , Xia Huimin , Sham Pak , Tam Paul K. , Li Miaoxin , Wong Kenneth K.Y. , Garcia-Barcelo Maria-Mercè 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundNewborns affected with congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs) may present with severe respiratory distress or remain asymptomatic. While surgical resection is the definitive treatment for symptomatic CPAMs, prophylactic elective surgery may be recommended for asymptomatic CPAMs owing to the risk of tumour development. However, the implementation of prophylactic surgery is quite controversial on the grounds that more evidence linking CPAMs and cancer is needed. The large gap in knowledge of CPAM pathogenesis results in uncertainties and controversies in disease management. As developmental genes control postnatal cell growth and contribute to cancer development, we hypothesised that CPAMs may be underlain by germline mutations in genes governing airways development.MethodsSequencing of the exome of 19 patients and their unaffected parents.ResultsA more than expected number of mutations in cancer genes (false discovery rate q-value <5.01×10−5) was observed. The co-occurrence, in the same patient, of damaging variants in genes encoding interacting proteins is intriguing, the most striking being thyroglobulin (TG) and its receptor, megalin (LRP2). Both genes are highly relevant in lung development and cancer.ConclusionsThe overall excess of mutations in cancer genes may account for the reported association of CPAMs with carcinomas and provide some evidence to argue for prophylactic surgery by some surgeons.
miRNAs 144-3p, 34a-5p, and 206 are a useful signature for distinguishing uterine leiomyosarcoma from other smooth muscle tumors
Authors: Schiavon Beatriz Nunes , Carvalho Katia Candido , Coutinho-Camillo Cláudia Malheiros , Baiocchi Glauco , Valieris Renan , Drummond Rodrigo , da Silva Israel Tojal , De Brot Louise , Soares Fernando Augusto , da Cunha Isabela Werneck 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundLeiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare uterine neoplasm that has a high mortality rate and no specific treatment. The origin of LMS remains unknown; although, it is hypothesized that LMS arises from the malignant transformation of a degenerated uterine leiomyoma (LM). LMs are the most common benign tumors diagnosed and rare variants of LM (unconventional LM) morphologically resemble LMS, thereby making an early and precise diagnosis of LMS difficult. Various molecular features may influence the malignancy risk of LMS tumors, including microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the role of miRNAs in uterine mesenchymal tumors remains poorly understood. Here, our aim was to assess the miRNA expression profiles of LMS, LM, and LM variants (ULM) to identify a specific signature that may facilitate differentiation among these tumor types. Possible associations between these profiles and patients’ clinical and pathological features were also analyzed.MethodsTotal RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples of uterine LMS (n = 37), LM (n = 3), ULM (n = 8), and myometrium (MM) (n = 2) to perform real-time PCR analyses and detect expression levels of a panel of 84 miRNA sequences related to cancer.ResultsBetween the LMS and LM samples, 16 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed, withmiR-372andmiR-34a-5pexhibiting the highest and lowest levels of expression, respectively. When LMS and ULM were compared, 5 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, withmiR-34a-5pdownregulated andmiR-144-3pupregulated. Between ULM and LM, all of the differentially expressed miRNAs were upregulated, andmiR122-5pexhibited 10-fold higher expression. In addition, significant correlations were found between various miRNAs and tumor relapse (miR-148a-3p), metastasis (miR-27b-3p), and patient death (miR-124-3pandmiR-183-5p). Downregulation ofmiR135b-5pwas associated with disease-free survival.ConclusionExpression profiling of miRNAs144-3p,34a-5p,and206may be useful in characterizing uterine LMS and distinguishing it from benign tumors. Furthermore, deregulation ofmiRNAs 148a-3p,27b-3p,124-3p, 183-5p, and135b-5pappear to indicate a poor prognosis for LMS patients.
Measures of Treatment Workload for Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Cheng Alex C. , Levy Mia A. 
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE Patients with breast cancer spend a large amount of time and effort receiving treatment. When the number of health care tasks exceeds a patient’s ability to manage that workload, they could become overburdened, leading to decreased plan adherence. We used electronic health record data to retrospectively assess dimensions of treatment workload related to outpatient encounters, commuting, and admissions. METHODS Using tumor registry and scheduling data, we evaluated the sensitivity of treatment workload measures to detect expected differences in breast cancer treatment burden by stage. We evaluated the impact of the on-body pegfilgrastim injector on the treatment workload of patients undergoing a specific chemotherapy protocol. RESULTS As hypothesized, patients with higher stage cancer experienced higher treatment workload. Over the first 18 months after diagnosis, patients with stage III disease spent a median of 81 hours (interquartile range [IQR], 39 to 113 hours) in outpatient clinics, commuted 61 hours (IQR, 32 to 86 hours), and spent $1,432 (IQR, $690 to $2,552) in commuting costs. In contrast, patients with stage I disease spent a median of 29 hours (IQR, 18 to 46 hours in clinic), commuted for 34 hours (IQR, 19 to 55 hours), and spent $834 (IQR, $389 to $1,649) in commuting costs. In addition, we substantiated claims that the pegfilgrastim on-body injector was effective in reducing some dimensions of workload such as unique appointment days. CONCLUSION Treatment workload measures capture an important dimension in the experience of patients with cancer. Patients and health care organizations can use workload measures to plan and allocate resources, leading to higher quality and better coordinated care.
Avoiding topsy-turvy: how Anna's hummingbirds (Calypte anna) fly through upward gusts
Authors: Badger Marc A. , Wang Hao , Dudley Robert 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT
Flying organisms frequently confront the challenge of maintaining stability when moving within highly dynamic airflows near the Earth's surface. Either aerodynamic or inertial forces generated by appendages and other structures, such as the tail, may be used to offset aerial perturbations, but these responses have not been well characterized. To better understand how hummingbirds modify wing and tail motions in response to individual gusts, we filmed Anna's hummingbirds as they negotiated an upward jet of fast-moving air. Birds exhibited large variation in wing elevation, tail pitch and tail fan angles among transits as they repeatedly negotiated the same gust, and often exhibited a dramatic decrease in body angle (29±6 deg) post-transit. After extracting three-dimensional kinematic features, we identified a spectrum of control strategies for gust transit, with one extreme involving continuous flapping, no tail fanning and little disruption to body posture (23±3 deg downward pitch), and the other extreme characterized by dorsal wing pausing, tail fanning and greater downward body pitch (38±4 deg). The use of a deflectable tail on a glider model transiting the same gust resulted in enhanced stability and can easily be implemented in the design of aerial robots.