bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of Glycemic Control With Cardiovascular Outcomes Among US Hemodialysis Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Rhee Jinnie J. , Zheng Yuanchao , Montez‐Rath Maria E. , Chang Tara I. , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. 
Published: June 2017

Background
There is a lack of data on the relationship between glycemic control and cardiovascular end points in hemodialysis patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results

We included adult Medicare‐insured patients with diabetes mellitus who initiated in‐center hemodialysis treatment from 2006 to 2008 and survived for >90 days. Quarterly mean time‐averaged glycated hemoglobin (HbA
1c
) values were categorized into <48 mmol/mol (<6.5%) (reference), 48 to <58 mmol/mol (6.5% to <7.5%), 58 to <69 mmol/mol (7.5% to <8.5%), and ≥69 mmol/mol (≥8.5%). Medicare claims were used to identify outcomes of cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (
MI
), fatal or nonfatal
MI
, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. We used Cox models as a function of time‐varying exposure to estimate multivariable adjusted hazard ratios and 95%
CI
for the associations between HbA
1c
and time to study outcomes in a cohort of 16 387 eligible patients. Patients with HbA
1c
58 to <69 mmol/mol (7.5% to <8.5%) and ≥69 mmol/mol (≥8.5%) had 16% (
CI
, 2%, 32%) and 18% (
CI
, 1%, 37%) higher rates of cardiovascular mortality (
P
‐trend=0.01) and 16% (
CI
, 1%, 33%) and 15% (
CI
, 1%, 32%) higher rates of nonfatal
MI
(
P
‐trend=0.05), respectively, compared with those in the reference group. Patients with HbA
1c
≥69 mmol/mol (≥8.5%) had a 20% (
CI
, 2%, 41%) higher rate of fatal or nonfatal
MI
(
P
‐trend=0.02), compared with those in the reference group. HbA
1c
was not associated with stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

Higher HbA
1c
levels were significantly associated with higher rates of cardiovascular mortality and
MI
but not with stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or all‐cause mortality in this large cohort of hemodialysis patients with diabetes mellitus.
‘A supplicacion for the Havon’: Sandwich, Civic Pageantry, and Queen Elizabeth i’s Visit of 1573
Authors: Adrian John Mark 
Published: June 2017

Though typically seen as occasions of royal performance, Elizabethan progresses were also opportunities for the cities visited by the English queen to fashion and project images of themselves to the reigning monarch. Unlike those created by Bristol (1574) and Norwich (1578), Sandwich’s 1573 entertainments feature few formal pageant devices and therefore appear to be much less elaborate. Nonetheless, the citizens of Sandwich did indeed “speak” to their queen over the course of her three-day visit, though they relied primarily on spatial and topographical performance. Everywhere Elizabeth went and everything she saw—the gate through which she entered, her route through the town, the location of her lodgings, the buildings and landmarks that she was shown—were part of a calculated attempt to assert Sandwich’s historical importance and continuing vitality. These messages sought both to refashion reality (Sandwich was in economic decline) and to shrewdly lay the groundwork for the town’s formal request for royal aid. This paper looks closely at sixteenth-century Sandwich’s layout, topography, buildings, and town records to provide a “close reading” of Elizabeth’s visit.
Revisiting the Balanced and Unbalanced Aspects of Tropical Cyclone Intensification
Authors: Heng Junyao , Wang Yuqing , Zhou Weican 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The balanced and unbalanced aspects of tropical cyclone (TC) intensification are revisited with the balanced contribution diagnosed with the outputs from a full-physics model simulation of a TC using the Sawyer–Eliassen (SE) equation. The results show that the balanced dynamics can well capture the secondary circulation in the full-physics model simulation even in the inner-core region in the boundary layer. The balanced dynamics can largely explain the intensification of the simulated TC. The unbalanced dynamics mainly acts to prevent the boundary layer agradient flow in the inner-core region from further intensification. Although surface friction can enhance the boundary layer inflow and make the inflow penetrate more inward into the eye region, contributing to the eyewall contraction, the net dynamical effect of surface friction on TC intensification is negative.
The sensitivity of the balanced solution to the procedure used to ensure the ellipticity condition for the SE equation is also examined. The results show that the boundary layer inflow in the balanced response is very sensitive to the adjustment to inertial stability in the upper troposphere and the calculation of radial wind at the surface with relatively coarse vertical resolution in the balanced solution. Both the use of the so-called global regularization and the one-sided finite-differencing scheme used to calculate the surface radial wind in the balanced solution as utilized in some previous studies can significantly underestimate the boundary layer inflow. This explains why the boundary layer inflow in the balanced response is too weak in some previous studies.
A Global Gridded Dataset of GRACE Drought Severity Index for 2002–14: Comparison with PDSI and SPEI and a Case Study of the Australia Millennium Drought
Authors: Zhao Meng , A Geruo , Velicogna Isabella , Kimball John S. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
A new monthly global drought severity index (DSI) dataset developed from satellite-observed time-variable terrestrial water storage changes from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) is presented. The GRACE-DSI record spans from 2002 to 2014 and will be extended with the ongoing GRACE and scheduled GRACE Follow-On missions. The GRACE-DSI captures major global drought events during the past decade and shows overall favorable spatiotemporal agreement with other commonly used drought metrics, including the Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) and the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI). The assets of the GRACE-DSI are 1) that it is based solely on satellite gravimetric observations and thus provides globally consistent drought monitoring, particularly where sparse ground observations (especially precipitation) constrain the use of traditional model-based monitoring methods; 2) that it has a large footprint (~350 km), so it is suitable for assessing regional- and global-scale drought; and 3) that it is sensitive to the overall terrestrial water storage component of the hydrologic cycle and therefore complements existing drought monitoring datasets by providing information about groundwater storage changes, which affect soil moisture recharge and drought recovery. In Australia, it is demonstrated that combining GRACE-DSI with other satellite environmental datasets improves the characterization of the 2000s “Millennium Drought” at shallow surface and subsurface soil layers. Contrasting vegetation greenness response to surface and underground water supply changes between western and eastern Australia is found, which might indicate that these regions have different relative plant rooting depths.
Planetary and Gravity Waves in a Polar Basin
Authors: Willmott Andrew J. , Pascual-Ahuir Estanislao Gavilan 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe eigenfrequencies of freely propagating barotropic, divergent, planetary waves and gravity waves in a spherical polar cap are presented using an approximation in which full spherical geometry is retained in the derivation of the wave amplitude equation. Subsequently, the colatitude angle in the coefficients of the wave amplitude equation is fixed, thereby allowing the eigenvalue problem to be solved using analytical methods. The planetary wave frequencies are compared with published results that adopt the polar-plane approximation to solve the equivalent free-wave problem. Low-order planetary wave frequencies calculated in this study agree well with the polar-plane approximation results. The sensitivity of the wave frequencies to the choice of the fixed colatitude in the coefficients of the wave amplitude equation is discussed.
More on the Scale Dependence of the Predictability of Precipitation Patterns: Extension to the 2009–13 CAPS Spring Experiment Ensemble Forecasts
Authors: Surcel Madalina , Zawadzki Isztar , Yau M. K. , Xue Ming , Kong Fanyou 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper analyzes the scale and case dependence of the predictability of precipitation in the Storm-Scale Ensemble Forecast (SSEF) system run by the Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms (CAPS) during the NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Experiments of 2008–13. The effect of different types of ensemble perturbation methodologies is quantified as a function of spatial scale. It is found that uncertainties in the large-scale initial and boundary conditions and in the model microphysical parameterization scheme can result in the loss of predictability at scales smaller than 200 km after 24 h. Also, these uncertainties account for most of the forecast error. Other types of ensemble perturbation methodologies were not found to be as important for the quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs). The case dependences of predictability and of the sensitivity to the ensemble perturbation methodology were also analyzed. Events were characterized in terms of the extent of the precipitation coverage and of the convective-adjustment time scale , an indicator of whether convection is in equilibrium with the large-scale forcing. It was found that events characterized by widespread precipitation and small values (representative of quasi-equilibrium convection) were usually more predictable than nonequilibrium cases. No significant statistical relationship was found between the relative role of different perturbation methodologies and precipitation coverage or .
Pilot Feasibility Study of a Digital Storytelling Intervention for Immigrant and Refugee Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Wieland Mark L. , Njeru Jane W. , Hanza Marcelo M. , Boehm Deborah H. , Singh Davinder , Yawn Barbara P. , Patten Christi A. , Clark Matthew M. , Weis Jennifer A. , Osman Ahmed , Goodson Miriam , Porraz Capetillo Maria D. , Hared Abdullah , Hasley Rachel , Guzman-Corrales Laura , Sandler Rachel , Hernandez Valentina , Novotny Paul J. , Sloan Jeff A. , Sia Irene G. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose The purpose of this pilot feasibility project was to examine the potential effectiveness of a digital storytelling intervention designed through a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach for immigrants and refugees with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods The intervention was a 12-minute culturally and linguistically tailored video consisting of an introduction, 4 stories, and a concluding educational message. A structured interview was used to assess the intervention for acceptability, interest level, and usefulness among 25 participants with T2DM (15 Latino, 10 Somali) across 5 primary care clinical sites. After watching the video, participants rated their confidence and motivation about managing T2DM as a result of the intervention. Baseline A1C and follow-up values (up to 6 months) were abstracted from medical records. Results All participants reported that the intervention got their attention, was interesting, and was useful; 96% reported that they were more confident about managing their T2DM than before they watched the video, and 92% reported that the video motivated them to change a specific behavior related to T2DM self-management. The mean baseline A1C level for the intervention participants was 9.3% (78 mmol/mol). The change from baseline to first follow-up A1C level was −0.8% (−10 mmol/mol) ( P < .05). Conclusions Implementation of a digital storytelling intervention for T2DM among immigrant populations in primary care settings is feasible and resulted in self-rated improvement in psychosocial constructs that are associated with healthy T2DM self-management behaviors, and there was some evidence of improvement in glycemic control. A large-scale efficacy trial of the intervention is warranted.
Polymer-coated cardiopulmonary bypass circuit attenuates upregulation of both proteases/protease inhibitors and platelet degranulation in pigs
Authors: Suehiro Shoichi , Shimizu Kouji , Imai Kensuke , Niii Atsushi , Akeho Kazuhiro , Nakata Hayato , Yamaguchi Akane , Matsumoto Ken-ichi , Oda Teiji 
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Interaction of blood with a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit activates the coagulation-fibrinolysis, complement and kinin-kallikrein systems that are mainly supported by proteases and their inhibitors. Methods: Biocompatibility of a new polymer-coated (SEC-coated) CPB circuit was globally evaluated and compared with that of a non-coated CPB circuit by quantitative proteomics, using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification labeling tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma samples were taken three times (5 min after initiation of CPB, just before declamping and just before termination of CPB) in 12 pigs undergoing 120 min of CPB with the SEC-coated CPB circuit or a non-coated CPB circuit (n = 6, respectively). Results: Identified were 224 proteins having high protein confidence (>99%) and false discovery rate (FDR) <5%. Among these proteins, there were 25 significantly upregulated proteins in the non-coated CPB group compared to those in the SEC-coated CPB group. Dominant protein functions were platelet degranulation, serine-type (cysteine-type) endopeptidase inhibitor activity and serine-type endopeptidase activity in the 25 proteins. Bioinformatics analysis similarly revealed upregulation of proteins belonging to platelet degranulation and negative regulation of endopeptidase activity in the non-coated CPB group; these upregulations were effectively attenuated in the SEC-coated CPB group. Conclusion: The new polymer (SEC)-coated CPB circuit effectively attenuated upregulation of proteins compared to the non-coated CPB circuit. These proteins were associated with both proteases/protease inhibitors and platelet degranulation.
Which patients die in their preferred place? A secondary analysis of questionnaire data from bereaved relatives
Authors: Raijmakers Natasja JH , de Veer Anke JE , Zwaan Rosanne , Hofstede Jolien M , Francke Anneke L 
Published: June 2017

Background: Previous studies on factors influencing the place of death have focused on cancer patients dying at home. However, home is not always the preferred place. Aim: To provide insight into the extent to which patients with various diseases die in their preferred place and into factors associated with dying in the preferred place. Design: A secondary analysis of the data set of the evaluation study of the National Quality Improvement Programme for Palliative Care was undertaken to explore factors related to ‘dying in the preferred place’. Setting/participants: A total of 797 bereaved relatives filled in the Consumer Quality Index Palliative Care, a validated and reliable questionnaire. Results: Two-thirds of the patients died in the preferred place. A preference for dying at home and having had a stroke decreased the likelihood of dying in the preferred place, while having a partner, dementia, contact with the general practitioner in the last week before death, and continuity of care between professionals increased the likelihood of dying in the preferred place. Furthermore, people who wanted to die at home and also had dementia were more likely to die elsewhere than people without dementia who wanted to die at home. Conclusion: Positive associations were found between continuity of care between healthcare professionals and contact with the general practitioner and the chance of people dying in their preferred place. Moreover, special attention for people who have had a stroke and for people with dementia who want to die at home seems indicated as their diagnosis is negatively associated with dying in their preferred place.
Evaluation of left ventricular strain in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yu Yaohan , Yu Sisi , Tang Xuepei , Ren Haibo , Li Shuhao , Zou Qian , Xiong Fakui , Zheng Tian , Gong Lianggeng 
Published: June 2017

Objective Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can cause structural and functional changes in the left ventricle (LV). In this study, we evaluated whether cardiac magnetic resonance tissue-tracking (MR-TT) can be applied to the detection of LV abnormalities in patients with DCM. Methods We used MR-TT to analyze the global peak radial strain (GPRS), global peak circumferential strain (GPCS), and global peak longitudinal strain (GPLS) in every segment of the LV in 23 patients with DCM and 25 controls. The LV ejection fraction was also measured as a function indicator. Results Compared with the controls, the GPRS, GPCS, and GPLS were significantly reduced in patients with DCM, indicating global LV function impairment in all directions. We also identified a significant linear correlation between the GPRS, GPCS, and GPLS and the LV ejection fraction, indicating that LV function relies on coordinated wall motion from all directions. Moreover, we found that patients with DCM had a significantly reduced magnitude of the PRS, PCS, and PLS in most segments at different levels, indicating impaired myocardial function in most LV regions. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that LV myocardial strain in patients with DCM can be sensitively detected by MR-TT (not only the global LV function changes but also the segmental strain), which can help to identify the injured segment at an early stage and guide clinical treatment.
Implementation of ultra-low-dose lung protocols in CT-guided lung biopsies: feasibility and safety in the clinical setting
Authors: Frisch Barbara K , Slebocki Karin , Mammadov Kamal , Puesken Michael , Becker Ingrid , Maintz David , Chang De-Hua 
Published: June 2017

Objective To evaluate the use of ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ULDCT) for CT-guided lung biopsy versus standard-dose CT (SDCT). Methods CT-guided lung biopsies from 115 patients (50 ULDCT, 65 SDCT) were analyzed retrospectively. SDCT settings were 120 kVp with automatic mAs modulation. ULDCT settings were 80 kVp with fixed exposure (20 mAs). Two radiologists evaluated image quality (i.e., needle artifacts, lesion contouring, vessel recognition, visibility of interlobar fissures). Complications and histological results were also evaluated. Results ULDCT was considered feasible for all lung interventions, showing the same diagnostic accuracy as SDCT. Its mean total radiation dose (dose–length product) was significantly reduced to 34 mGy-cm (SDCT 426 mGy-cm). Image quality and complication rates ( P = 0.469) were consistent. Conclusions ULDCT for CT-guided lung biopsies appears safe and accurate, with a significantly reduced radiation dose. We therefore recommend routine clinical use of ULDCT for the benefit of patients and interventionalists.
Characteristics and demographics of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: A large prospective series of Korean patients
Authors: Choi Hyun Ah , Lee Mi Ji , Choi Hanna , Chung Chin-Sang 
Published: June 2017

Objectives To report demographics and characteristics of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) in the Korean cohort. Methods We prospectively recruited patients with definite (imaging-proven) RCVS and probable (imaging-negative) RCVS who visited Samsung Medical Center between June 2012 and September 2016. Clinical manifestations, neuroimaging, treatment, and clinical outcomes were evaluated in all patients. Characteristics of RCVS without typical causes (“idiopathic RCVS”) were compared with those of RCVS with identifiable causes (“secondary RCVS”). International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD)-3 beta criteria for 6.7.3 RCVS and 6.7.3.1 probable RCVS were tested. Results A total of 138 patients (104 definite and 34 probable RCVS) were included in this study. Patients with definite RCVS were predominantly female (85.6%) and middle-aged (mean, 50.7 [range, 23–82] years). Probable RCVS was associated with less female predominance (70.6%, p = 0.049), more typical manifestations ( p < 0.001), and none of neurological complications. One-hundred and one (97.1%) patients with definite RCVS had headache, but the typical “recurrent and/or triggered” thunderclap headache was reported in only 83 (82.2%). In most patients with definite RCVS (84.6%), RCVS was idiopathic, while only 16 (15.4%) had secondary causes. Compared to those with secondary RCVS, patients with idiopathic RCVS were older (52.8 ± 11.42 vs. 39.1 ± 9.55 years, p < 0.001). Patients with secondary RCVS had more complications than those with idiopathic RCVS (40.5% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.018). Among idiopathic RCVS patients, 33 (37.5%) reported a preceding event or a change in lifestyle, environment, health, or medication within one month before onset. Conclusion In our cohort, RCVS was benign and idiopathic in most patients, and occurred frequently in middle-aged women. Manifestations of RCVS were more diverse than previously recognized, and forms without any headache existed. Different genetic, social, and environmental factors should be taken into account to unveil the spectrum and pathophysiology of RCVS.
Management of Severe Equinovalgus in Patients With Cerebral Palsy by Naviculectomy in Combination With Midfoot Arthrodesis
Authors: Dussa Chakravarthy U. , Döderlein Leonhard , Forst Raimund , Böhm H. , Fujak Albert 
Published: June 2017

Background: Equinovalgus deformity is the second most common deformity in cerebral palsy and may be flexible or rigid. Several operative methods from joint sparing to arthrodesis have been described with varying success rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of naviculectomy in combination with midfoot arthrodesis (talo-cuneiform and calcaneocuboid arthrodesis) in the correction of a rigid equinovalgus foot deformity in cerebral palsy. Methods: Forty-eight rigid equinovalgus feet were operated upon in 30 patients from 2008 to 2013. Of these, 44 feet in 26 patients with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System III, IV, or V) with follow-up of more than 2 years were included in the study. The mean age at surgery was 18.1 years. The outcomes were measured objectively using radiographic angles and subjectively using 5 questions to be answered by the caregiver. The feet were then graded into excellent, good, fair, and poor. The mean follow-up was 5.0 ± 1.7 years. Results: Excellent to good results were obtained in 81% of the feet. Both objective and subjective outcomes improved significantly postoperatively ( P < .001). Three feet in 2 patients were graded as poor and underwent a revision operation for pain and recurrence. Conclusions: Naviculectomy in combination with midfoot arthrodesis enabled a good 3-dimensional correction of the forefoot. However, the procedure did not necessarily correct the fixed subtalar joint deformity. Several additional bony and soft-tissue procedures were necessary to achieve a complete correction in these difficult feet. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.