bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dickkopf‐3 Ablation Attenuates the Development of Atherosclerosis in ApoE‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Cheng Wen‐Lin , Yang Yang , Zhang Xiao‐Jing , Guo Junhong , Gong Jun , Gong Fu‐Han , She Zhi‐Gang , Huang Zan , Xia Hao , Li Hongliang 
Published: February 2017

Background

Dickkopf‐3 (
DKK
3) is a negative regulator of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, which is involved in inflammation. However, little is known about the relationship between
DKK
3 expression and the progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to define the role of
DKK
3 and its potential mechanism in the development of atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results

Immunofluorescence analysis showed that
DKK
3 was strongly expressed in macrophages of atherosclerotic plaques from patients with coronary heart disease and in hyperlipidemic mice. The expression level was significantly increased in atherogenesis.
DKK
3
−/−
ApoE
−/−
mice exhibited a significant decrease in atherosclerotic lesions in the entire aorta, aortic sinus, and brachiocephalic arteries. Transplantation of bone marrow from
DKK
3
−/−
ApoE
−/−
mice into lethally irradiated ApoE
−/−
recipients resulted in a reduction of atherosclerotic lesions, compared with the lesions in recipients transplanted with ApoE
−/−
donor cells, suggesting that the effect of
DKK
3 deficiency was largely mediated by bone marrow–derived cells. A reduction in the necrotic core size, accompanied by increased collagen content and smooth muscle cells and decreased accumulation of macrophages and lipids, contributed to the stability of plaques in
DKK
3
−/−
ApoE
−/−
mice. Furthermore, multiple proinflammatory cytokines exhibited marked decreases in
DKK
3
−/−
ApoE
−/−
mice. Finally, we observed that
DKK
3 ablation increased β‐catenin expression in the nuclei of macrophages both in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusions

DKK
3 expression in macrophages is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis through modulation of inflammation and inactivation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
A Comparison of Equilibrium and Time-Evolving Approaches to Modeling the Wind Profile under Stable Stratification
Authors: Optis Michael , Monahan Adam 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this study, the authors contrast the modeling of the wind profile under stable stratification considering both equilibrium (i.e., constant in time) and time-evolving frameworks, as well as one-dimensional (1D) and 3D approaches. The models considered include an equilibrium-based single-column model (SCM), a time-evolving SCM, and a time-evolving 3D mesoscale model. Data obtained from the Cabauw meteorological tower in the Netherlands over a 10-yr period are used to drive the models and to assess model performance. First, a composite dataset of low-level jet (LLJ) case studies was used to demonstrate the ability of the time-evolving SCM and the mesoscale model to accurately simulate the evolving stratification, the inertial oscillation, and the LLJ. The equilibrium SCM did not accurately simulate the LLJ case studies. The mean performances of the different models in different stability classes over the 10-yr period were then compared. Both the equilibrium and time-evolving SCMs were found to overestimate wind speeds in weakly and moderately stable conditions because of the influence of an internal boundary layer but were found to be more accurate in the higher-stability classes. Frequent model breakdown and the tendency to underestimate stratification limited the usefulness of the equilibrium SCM. Despite its various limitations and simplified physics, the time-evolving SCM approach is found to perform comparably to the mesoscale model while using a fraction of the computational cost but requiring local observations. Consequently, an SCM approach may be useful in the context of commercial wind resource assessment.
Intermember Variability of the Summer Northwest Pacific Subtropical Anticyclone in the Ensemble Forecast
Authors: Ma Jing , Xie Shang-Ping , Xu Haiming 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The accurate prediction of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) remains a major challenge for the climate research community. The northwest Pacific (NWP) subtropical anticyclone (NWPSA) is the dominant feature of the EASM low-level circulation variability. This study identifies two coupled modes between intermember anomalies of the NWPSA and sea surface temperature (SST). The first mode features SST anomalies over the tropical Pacific. This tropical Pacific mode has little impact on East Asian climate. The second mode features a strong coupling between SST in the north Indian Ocean (NIO)–NWP and NWPSA, with large impacts on East Asia. This resembles the Indo–western Pacific Ocean capacitor (IPOC) mode of interannual variability. Major differences exist in temporal evolution of the intermember SST spread between the equatorial Pacific and NIO. In the equatorial Pacific, the intermember SST spread grows gradually with lead time, while the spread of SST and low-level zonal wind grow rapidly from May to June in the NIO. The rapid growth over the NIO is due to positive feedback arising from the coupling between intermember anomalies of SST and winds. In post–El Niño summer, the intermember spread in equatorial Pacific SST forecast represents the variations in the timing of the El Niño phase transition. The late decay of El Niño relates to SST cooling and an anomalous cyclonic circulation over the South China Sea (SCS) but with little impact on East Asian climate. Thus, a better representation of the IPOC mode of regional ocean–atmosphere interaction over the NIO–NWP holds the key to improving the reliability of seasonal forecast of East Asian climate.
Impact of Irrigation over the California Central Valley on Regional Climate
Authors: Yang Zhao , Dominguez Francina , Zeng Xubin , Hu Huancui , Gupta Hoshin , Yang Ben 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Irrigation, while being an important anthropogenic factor affecting the local to regional water cycle, is not typically represented in regional climate models. An irrigation scheme is incorporated into the Noah land surface scheme of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model that has a calibrated convective parameterization and a tracer package is used to tag and track water vapor. To assess the impact of irrigation over the California Central Valley (CCV) on the regional climate of the U.S. Southwest, simulations are run (for three dry and three wet years) both with and without the irrigation scheme. Incorporation of the irrigation scheme resulted in simulated surface air temperature and humidity that were closer to observations, decreased depth of the planetary boundary layer over the CCV, and increased convective available potential energy. The result was an overall increase in precipitation over the Sierra Nevada range and the Colorado River basin during the summer. Water vapor rising from the irrigated region mainly moved northeastward and contributed to precipitation in Nevada and Idaho. Specifically, the results indicate increased precipitation on the windward side of the Sierra Nevada and over the Colorado River basin. The former is possibly linked to a sea-breeze-type circulation near the CCV, while the latter is likely associated with a wave pattern related to latent heat release over the moisture transport belt.
Modeling and simulation of furnace pulse firing improvements using fuzzy control
Authors: Cadena-Ramírez Alejandro , Favela-Contreras Antonio , Dieck-Assad Graciano 
Published: February 2017

Pulse firing offers significant process and productivity benefits, such as improved temperature uniformity and high heat transfer rates to the product load through maximum system turndown and utilizes the system’s burners at their most efficient firing rates. However, overshoot and undershoot is unavoidable. To minimize these effects, the system operates the burner at an enhanced turndown rate. Faster cycle rates improve temperature uniformity but reduce equipment lifetime. Therefore, a tradeoff exists between furnace temperature uniformity and the cycle rate used by the pulse firing control. This paper proposes models and simulates an advanced technique that improves temperature uniformity while decreasing the cycle time used by the pulse firing control. This provides reliable, safe furnace operating conditions, thereby extending the lifetime of the equipment. After an analysis of a furnace’s combustion system that utilizes the pulse firing method to control the heat demand of the furnace, non-linearities were found in the combustion system. To improve the performance of the temperature control, an error-driven function was coupled to the control strategy to compensate the signal error fed to a proportional–integral–derivative controller. The error-driven function was implemented using a fuzzy system, which improved the temperature uniformity and allowed a 60% duty cycle reduction in comparison with similar combustion systems.
The Political Impact of Chilean New Song in Exile
Authors: McSherry J. Patrice 
Published: February 2017

The musical movement known as Chilean New Song became a key mobilizing force in politics in the 1960s and early 1970s in Chile, inspiring, uniting, and motivating people in a common cause and articulating the dreams and hopes of masses of people for progressive social change. Similarly, the New Song movement in exile, after the 1973 coup, helped to generate and sustain the support and solidarity of Chilean exiles and foreign nationals around the world, speaking about the repression in Chile, communicating the ideals of the popular movements, and inspiring and strengthening solidarity movements in many countries. El movimiento musical conocido como la Nueva Canción Chilena fue una fuerza movilizadora clave en las luchas políticas de los años 60 y principios de los 70 en Chile. Sirvió como fuente de inspiración para unir a la gente en una causa común y para articular los sueños y las esperanzas de un cambio social progresista de las masas del pueblo. De igual manera, en el exilio, después del golpe de 1973, el movimiento ayudó a generar y sostener el apoyo y la solidaridad de los exiliados chilenos y de los extranjeros alrededor del mundo, ofreciendo testimonio sobre la represión en Chile, dándole voz a los ideales de los movimientos populares y fortaleciendo los movimientos de solidaridad en muchos países.
Base deficit is a predictor of mortality in organophosphate insecticide poisoning
Authors: Lee SB , Kang C , Kim DH , Kim T , Lee SH , Jeong JH , kim SC , Rhee DY , Lim D 
Published: February 2017

Objective: Organophosphate insecticide (OPI) self-poisoning is a major medical problem in many countries. Several studies have demonstrated that the base deficit (BD) is a prognostic tool that is correlated with the severity of injury and predicted mortality, particularly in trauma patients. Here, we aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of BD in OPI poisoning. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted between January 1, 2006, and January 31, 2015, at a single emergency department (ED). The BD values were divided into quartiles according to the number of patients: 3 mEq/L or less, 3–5.9 mEq/L, 6–9.9 mEq/L, and 10 mEq/L or greater. Survival at 30 days from ED admission was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results: Among 154 patients, 31 died, yielding a mortality of 20.1%. The highest BD quartile (≥ 10 mEq/L) and the 6–9.9 mEq/L group were associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality. Patients with a BD of 10 mEq/L or greater had a 5.85-fold higher risk of 30-day mortality and patients with a BD of 6–9.9 mEq/L had a 5.40-fold higher risk of 30-day mortality compared to patients with a BD of 3 mEq/L or less. The area under the curves of the BD and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score for mortality were 0.748 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.660–0.835) and 0.852 (95% CI, 0.789–0.915), respectively. Conclusions: This study showed that the BD is a predictor of 30-day mortality in patients with OPI poisoning.
Conversational model psychotherapy
Authors: Korner Anthony , McLean Loyola 
Published: February 2017

Objectives:To briefly outline historical development, theoretical orientation, evidence and areas of application for Conversational Model Psychotherapy.Conclusions:Conversational Model Therapy remains an important evidence-based option in fostering recovery and growth for many patients with traumatic disruptions and restrictions of self. It is one of an emerging group of relational psychotherapies, broadly reflecting a change from a one person to a two person (intersubjective) psychological paradigm in psychotherapy.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Stress Radiography in Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability
Authors: Jung Hong-Geun , Kim Na-Ra , Kim Tae-Hoon , Eom Joon-Sang , Lee Dong-Oh 
Published: February 2017

Background: Studies regarding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the lateral ankle ligaments in chronic lateral ankle instability and their clinical relevance for surgery are lacking. This study classified the lateral ankle ligament MRI findings of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) in chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) and correlated these findings with ankle stress radiographs. Methods: We included 132 ankles with CLAI that underwent ligament reconstructions from 2006 to 2013. The distributions of the ATFL and CFL morphologies were evaluated using the following categories: (1) the amount of thickness: normal/thickened/attenuated/non-visualized, (2) the presence of discontinuity, (3) wavy or irregular contour, and (4) increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images. The relationships between the ligament morphologies and stress radiographs were analyzed. Results: The ATFL was normal in 5 (4%) ankles, thickened in 35 (27%), attenuated in 76 (58%), and non-visualized in 16 (12%), while the CFL was normal in 39 (30%) ankles, thickened in 42 (32%), attenuated in 44 (33%), and non-visualized in 7 (5%). Discontinuity of the ATFL or CFL was observed in 46 (35%) ankles. Wavy or irregular contours were observed in 55 (42%) ATFLs and 37 (28%) CFLs, and signal intensity of both ligaments was increased in 19 (14%) ankles. ATFL ( P < .001) and CFL thickness ( P = .007) correlated with the talar tilt angle. Conclusions: The MRI findings of CLAI showed several morphologies and specific incidences for each morphology. Attenuated, wavy appearance was the most frequent MRI pattern. Thickness was related to the degree of instability. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Storage and transport of reconstituted omacetaxine mepesuccinate: Considerations for home administration
Authors: Parikh Alpa , van de Rijn Jennifer , Melville Chris , Sarkari Marazban , Peltier Sylvie , McKean Robert 
Published: February 2017

Purpose Omacetaxine mepesuccinate (“omacetaxine”) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adult patients with chronic- or accelerated-phase chronic myeloid leukemia with resistance and/or intolerance to two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In May 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration approved revisions to the packaging information that included directions for home administration of reconstituted omacetaxine by patients or caregivers using syringes filled at a healthcare facility. We developed recommendations for the transport, storage, and spill-clean procedure of reconstituted omacetaxine for home and clinic administration. Methods We conducted chemical stability and microbial growth studies of reconstituted omacetaxine solution stored in vials and syringes at room temperature or refrigerated for various durations. Several shipping configurations were tested in simulated transport conditions to evaluate their ability to contain solution leakage and maintain product quality during distribution. In addition, we evaluated cleaning products and procedures for their effectiveness in removing residual omacetaxine from household surfaces after mock spills. Results Reconstituted omacetaxine showed limited degradation when refrigerated for 14 days in vials and syringes, and no microbial growth was observed for 12 days after intentional inoculation. In shipping studies, the configurations maintained prepared syringes within the recommended storage temperature range throughout transport and could contain leaks if spills occurred. In the event of an accidental spill in a home environment, effective cleaning can be achieved using household cleaning products and defined procedures. Conclusion These data provide important information regarding the safe transportation and administration of reconstituted omacetaxine in the home and clinic.
Stability of sodium bicarbonate injection 8.4% in syringes over a six-week period in refrigerated temperature
Authors: Seki Jack T , Wang Tian Q , Yip Paul M , Mazzulli Tony , Minden Mark D 
Published: February 2017

Background Dysfunctional central venous catheter prohibits the administration of potential life-saving chemotherapy and the delivery of essential supportive care needs to patients. Sodium bicarbonate injection has been shown to impede against fibrin clot formation and prolong prothrombin time and thrombin clotting time. Sodium bicarbonate injection has been tried as a second-line agent with good results in a small number of patients (internal data not published) when alteplase failed. We assessed whether the pre-filled sodium bicarbonate injection in 5 mL syringes would not only preserve sterility and retain its pH and concentration but also amount to the potential cost savings for future use when stored in a refrigerated environment. Methodology Twelve pre-filled 5 mL syringes were prepared aseptically, of which four each were tested for pH, sodium bicarbonate injection concentration and sterility when stored in refrigerated temperature over a six-week period. A standard pH meter, enzymatic carbon dioxide analyzer, and a 14-day incubation for microbial detection were employed for this study. Results Sodium bicarbonate concentration measured in the form of carbon dioxide ranged from 923 mmol/L or (1846 mosol/L) to 1006 mmol/L or (2012 mosmol/L), and pH ranged from (7.88 to 8.05) were reported over the duration of the study period. The 14-day incubation period resulted in no microbial growth. Conclusion Our study results have indicated that the pH and sodium bicarbonate injection concentration values were stable and within range, comparable to those reported by the manufacturer within the study period. The contents of the subdivided sodium bicarbonate injection 5 mL syringes retained sterility over a 14-day incubation period.
Culture of human cells in experimental units for spaceflight impacts on their behavior
Authors: Cazzaniga Alessandra , Moscheni Claudia , Maier Jeanette AM , Castiglioni Sara 
Published: February 2017

Because space missions produce pathophysiological alterations such as cardiovascular disorders and bone demineralization which are very common on Earth, biomedical research in space is a frontier that holds important promises not only to counterbalance space-associated disorders in astronauts but also to ameliorate the health of Earth-bound population. Experiments in space are complex to design. Cells must be cultured in closed cell culture systems (from now defined experimental units (EUs)), which are biocompatible, functional, safe to minimize any potential hazard to the crew, and with a high degree of automation. Therefore, to perform experiments in orbit, it is relevant to know how closely culture in the EUs reflects cellular behavior under normal growth conditions. We compared the performances in these units of three different human cell types, which were recently space flown, i.e. bone mesenchymal stem cells, micro- and macrovascular endothelial cells. Endothelial cells are only slightly and transiently affected by culture in the EUs, whereas these devices accelerate mesenchymal stem cell reprogramming toward osteogenic differentiation, in part by increasing the amounts of reactive oxygen species. We conclude that cell culture conditions in the EUs do not exactly mimic what happens in a culture dish and that more efforts are necessary to optimize these devices for biomedical experiments in space. Impact statement Cell cultures represent valuable preclinical models to decipher pathogenic circuitries. This is true also for biomedical research in space. A lot has been learnt about cell adaptation and reaction from the experiments performed on many different cell types flown to space. Obviously, cell culture in space has to meet specific requirements for the safety of the crew and to comply with the unique environmental challenges. For these reasons, specific devices for cell culture in space have been developed. It is important to clarify whether these alternative culture systems impact on cell performances to allow a correct interpretation of the data.
Targeted High Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry-based Metabolomics differentiates metabolic syndrome from obesity
Authors: Zhong Fanyi , Xu Mengyang , Bruno Richard S , Ballard Kevin D , Zhu Jiangjiang 
Published: February 2017

Both obesity and the metabolic syndrome are risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Identification of novel biomarkers are needed to distinguish metabolic syndrome from equally obese individuals in order to direct them to early interventions that reduce their risk of developing further health problems. We utilized mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolic profiling of 221 metabolites to evaluate the associations between metabolite profiles and established metabolic syndrome criteria (i.e. elevated waist circumference, hypertension, elevated fasting glucose, elevated triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) in plasma samples from obese men ( n = 29; BMI = 35.5 ± 5.2 kg/m2) and women ( n = 40; 34.9 ± 6.7 kg/m2), of which 26 met the criteria for metabolic syndrome (17 men and 9 women). Compared to obese individuals without metabolic syndrome, univariate statistical analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis showed that a specific group of metabolites from multiple metabolic pathways (i.e. purine metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation, and tryptophan metabolism) were associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome. Receiver operating characteristic curves generated based on the PLS–DA models showed excellent areas under the curve (0.85 and 0.96, for metabolites only model and enhanced metabolites model, respectively), high specificities (0.86 and 0.93), and good sensitivities (0.71 and 0.91). Moreover, principal component analysis revealed that metabolic profiles can be used to further differentiate metabolic syndrome with 3 versus 4–5 metabolic syndrome criteria. Collectively, these findings support targeted metabolomics approaches to distinguish metabolic syndrome from obesity alone, and to stratify metabolic syndrome status based on the number of criteria met. Impact statement We utilized mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolic profiling of 221 metabolites to evaluate the associations between metabolite profiles and established MetS criteria. To our best knowledge, the findings of this study provide the first evidence that metabolic profiles can be used to differentiate participants with MetS from similarly obese individuals who do not meet established criteria of MetS. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that within MetS participants, their unique metabolic profiles correlated to the number of criteria used for MetS determination. Taken together, this metabolic profiling approach can potentially serve as a novel tool for MetS detection and monitoring, and provide useful metabolic information for future interventions targeting obesity and MetS.