bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Patients Experience Similar Symptoms of Disease Activity
Authors: Cedars Ari M. , Stefanescu Schmidt Ada , Broberg Craig , Zaidi Ali , Opotowsky Alexander , Grewal Jasmine , Kay Joseph , Bhatt Ami B. , Novak Eric , Spertus John 
Published: March 2016

Background—
There is a lack of objective data on the symptoms characterizing disease activity among adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). The purpose of this study was to elicit the most important symptoms from patients across the spectrum of ACHD and to examine whether reported symptoms were similar across the spectrum of ACHD as a foundation for creating a patient-reported outcome measure(s).

Methods and Results—
We constructed a 39-item survey using input from physicians specializing in ACHD to assess the symptoms patients associate with disease activity. Patients (n=124) prospectively completed this survey, and the results were analyzed based on underlying anatomy and disease complexity. A confirmatory cohort of patients (n=40) was then recruited prospectively to confirm the validity of the initial data. When grouped based on underlying anatomy, significant differences in disease-related symptom rankings were found for only 6 of 39 symptoms. Six symptoms were identified which were of particular significance to patients, regardless of underlying anatomy. Patients with anatomy of great complexity experienced greater overall symptom severity than those with anatomy of low or moderate complexity, attributable exclusively to higher ranking of 5 symptoms. The second patient cohort had symptom experiences similar to those of the initial cohort, differing in only 5 of 39 symptoms.

Conclusions—
This study identified 6 symptoms relevant to patients across the spectrum of ACHD and remarkable homogeneity of patient experience, suggesting that a single disease-specific patient-reported outcome can be created for quality and outcome assessments.
Angiographic and Intracoronary Manifestations of Coronary Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Authors: Saw Jacqueline , Bezerra Hiram , Gornik Heather L. , Machan Lindsay , Mancini G.B. John 
Published: March 2016

Background—
We previously described a strong association between fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Angiographic manifestations of coronary FMD aside from dissection were considered rare. However, we observed several coronary FMD angiographic abnormalities with corresponding optical coherence tomography abnormalities.

Methods and Results—
Baseline demographics and imaging of patients with suspected coronary FMD at Vancouver General Hospital were reviewed. Presence of multifocal (string-of-beads) extracoronary FMD was confirmed by 2 specialists. In these patients, coronary angiographic findings (excluding dissected segments) were reviewed and classified by 2 experienced angiographers for irregular stenosis, that is, stenosis with irregular borders in a focal or diffuse pattern with/without systolic accentuation; smooth stenosis, diffuse or focal; segmental dilatation/ectasia; and tortuosity. Optical coherence tomography was performed in a subset of patients. Of 32 patients with extracoronary FMD and suspected coronary involvement, 28 were women (88%), and their mean age was 59.4±9.9 years. Nineteen presented with myocardial infarction (13 caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection), and 13 had stable symptoms. The observed coronary angiographic abnormalities included tortuosity in all cases (91% were moderate to severe), irregular stenosis in 59%, smooth stenosis in 19%, and segmental dilatation/ectasia in 56%. Fifteen patients had optical coherence tomography of the abnormal segments showing abnormalities, including multiple areas of patchy or diffuse intimal, medial or adventitial abnormalities with thickening/accumulation of varied reflectivities, macrophage infiltration, loss/duplication of elastic membranes, and cavitation.

Conclusions—
This is the first case series describing findings suggestive of angiographic and intracoronary manifestations of coronary FMD. Future studies should prospectively review these features in patients with extracoronary FMD.
Affiliation, dominance and friendship among companion dogs
Authors: Trisko Rebecca K. , Sandel Aaron A. , Smuts Barbara 
Published: March 2016

Dog social behaviour has been well studied, but little is known about affiliative relationships between dogs. We report a yearlong study of dominance and affiliation in 24 dogs at a dog daycare facility and provide additional details on dog relationships through long-term observations of pairs of dogs who lived together in the same household or met frequently for years. Companion dogs formed highly differentiated relationships with one another. At daycare, some dyads affiliated and displayed one-way submission (formal dominance), others affiliated without a dominance relationship (egalitarian), and the majority of dyads did not affiliate at all (agonistic or non-interactive). The dogs in household environments showed formal and egalitarian relationships, and two dyads exchanged two-way agonism without submission (unresolved). Sex influenced the types of relationships dogs formed, with mixed sex dyads more likely to affiliate and less likely to exhibit dominance than same-sex pairs. Dominance influenced the nature of affiliation in relationships; egalitarian dyads were more likely to play and showed more equitable gentle affiliation. Gentle affiliation was reciprocal in the group as a whole, but it was highly skewed in many dyads, especially those with dominance relationships. Gentle affiliation was usually, but not always, directed up the hierarchy. Certain dyads affiliated at much higher rates than others, indicating that the dogs formed friendships. Most friends were mixed sex and/or egalitarian pairs, but friendships occurred in all of the sex class/dominance combinations. Long-term observations demonstrated how dyadic relationships can change over time. Such highly differentiated relationships suggest significant social complexity in dogs.
Stratospheric Gravity Wave Fluxes and Scales during DEEPWAVE
Authors: Smith Ronald B. , Nugent Alison D. , Kruse Christopher G. , Fritts David C. , Doyle James D. , Eckermann Steven D. , Taylor Michael J. , Dörnbrack Andreas , Uddstrom M. , Cooper William , Romashkin Pavel , Jensen Jorgen , Beaton Stuart 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
During the Deep Propagating Gravity Wave Experiment (DEEPWAVE) project in June and July 2014, the Gulfstream V research aircraft flew 97 legs over the Southern Alps of New Zealand and 150 legs over the Tasman Sea and Southern Ocean, mostly in the low stratosphere at 12.1-km altitude. Improved instrument calibration, redundant sensors, longer flight legs, energy flux estimation, and scale analysis revealed several new gravity wave properties. Over the sea, flight-level wave fluxes mostly fell below the detection threshold. Over terrain, disturbances had characteristic mountain wave attributes of positive vertical energy flux (EFz), negative zonal momentum flux, and upwind horizontal energy flux. In some cases, the fluxes changed rapidly within an 8-h flight, even though environmental conditions were nearly unchanged. The largest observed zonal momentum and vertical energy fluxes were MFx = −550 mPa and EFz = 22 W m−2, respectively.
A wide variety of disturbance scales were found at flight level over New Zealand. The vertical wind variance at flight level was dominated by short “fluxless” waves with wavelengths in the 6–15-km range. Even shorter scales, down to 500 m, were found in wave breaking regions. The wavelength of the flux-carrying mountain waves was much longer—mostly between 60 and 150 km. In the strong cases, however, with EFz &gt; 4 W m−2, the dominant flux wavelength decreased (i.e., “downshifted”) to an intermediate wavelength between 20 and 60 km. A potential explanation for the rapid flux changes and the scale “downshifting” is that low-level flow can shift between “terrain following” and “envelope following” associated with trapped air in steep New Zealand valleys.
Intensified Interannual Relationship between Tropical Cyclone Genesis Frequency over the Northwest Pacific and the SST Gradient between the Southwest Pacific and the Western Pacific Warm Pool since the Mid-1970s
Authors: Zhao Jiuwei , Zhan Ruifen , Wang Yuqing , Tao Li 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The sea surface temperature gradient (SSTG) between the southwest Pacific (SWP; 40°–20°S, 160°E–170°W) and the western Pacific warm pool (WWP; 0°–16°N, 125°–165°E) in boreal spring was revealed to contribute significantly to the interannual variability of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis frequency over the western North Pacific (WNP) since 1980. The present study extends the analysis back to 1951. Results show that the interannual relationship between the SSTG and WNP TC genesis frequency is statistically significant only after the mid-1970s while insignificant prior to 1974. Further analyses show that the SSTG is strongly negatively correlated with the SST anomaly (SSTA) in the central Pacific (CP) in the recent period while with the SSTA in the equatorial eastern Pacific (EP) in the prior period. In the prior period, the spring positive (negative) EP SSTA induces an anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulation over the WNP. This partly offsets the impact of the SSTG anomaly on the atmospheric circulation over the WNP. In addition, the SSTG anomaly in spring shows poor persistence through summer. As a result, the relationship between the spring SSTG anomaly and WNP TC genesis frequency is largely weakened in the prior period. In the recent period, the response of the atmospheric circulation over the WNP to the CP SSTAs enhances the atmospheric circulation response to the spring SSTG anomaly, thus strengthening the relationship between the SSTG and WNP TC genesis frequency. These results are further confirmed by the atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) simulations.
Attribution of Runoff Decline in the Amu Darya River in Central Asia during 1951–2007
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Luo Yi , Sun Lin , He Chansheng , Zhang Yiqing , Liu Shiyin 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Runoff in the Amu Darya River (ADR) in central Asia has been declining steadily since the 1950s. The reasons for this decline are ambiguous, requiring a complete analysis of glaciohydrological processes across the entire data-scarce source region. In this study, grid databases of precipitation from the Asian Precipitation–Highly Resolved Observational Data Integration Toward Evaluation of Water Resources (APHRODITE) and temperature from Princeton’s Global Meteorological Forcing Dataset (PGMFD) are used to force the distributed, glacier-enhanced Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to simulate glaciohydrological processes for 1951–2007 so as to determine long-term streamflow changes and the primary driving factors in the source region of the ADR. The study suggests that the database was a suitable proxy for temperature and precipitation forcing in simulating glaciohydrological processes in the data-scarce alpine catchment region. The estimated annual streamflow of 72.6 km3 in the upper ADR had a decreasing trend for the period from 1951 to 2007. Change in precipitation, rather than in temperature, dominated the decline in streamflow in either the tributaries or mainstream of the ADR. The streamflow decreased by 15.5% because of the decline in precipitation but only increased by 0.2% as a result of the increase in temperature. Thus, warming temperature had much less effect than declining precipitation on streamflow decline in the ADR in central Asia in 1951–2007.
Influence of Patient-Centered Decision Making on Sustained Weight Loss and Risk Reduction Following Lifestyle Intervention Efforts in Rural Pennsylvania
Authors: Piatt Gretchen A. , Seidel Miriam C. , Powell Robert O. , Zgibor Janice C. 
Published: March 2016

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether weight loss and cardiovascular disease risk factor reduction was maintained following a lifestyle intervention. Methods Five hundred fifty-five individuals without diabetes from 8 rural communities were screened for BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and abdominal obesity (86.1% female, 95.1% white, 55.8% obese). Communities and eligible participants (n = 493; mean age, 51 years, 87.6% female, 94.1% Caucasian) were assigned to 4 study groups: face-to-face, DVD, Internet, and self-selection (SS) (n = 101). Self-selection participants chose the intervention modality (60% face-to-face, 40% Internet, 0% DVD). Outcomes included weight change and risk factor reduction at 18 months. Results All groups achieved maintenance of 5% weight loss in over half of participants. Self-selection participants had the largest proportion maintain (89.5%). Similarly, nearly 75% of participants sustained risk factor reduction. After multivariate adjustment, participants in SS were 2.3 times more likely to maintain 5% weight loss compared to the other groups, but not risk factor reduction. Conclusion Despite the modality, lifestyle intervention was effective at maintaining weight loss and risk reduction. However, SS participants were twice as likely to sustain improvements compared to other groups. The importance of patient-centered decision making in health care is paramount.
A Novel Silk Fiber–Based Scaffold for Regeneration of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Teuschl Andreas , Heimel Patrick , Nürnberger Silvia , van Griensven Martijn , Redl Heinz , Nau Thomas 
Published: March 2016

Background: Because of ongoing problems with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, new approaches in the treatment of ACL injuries, particularly strategies based on tissue engineering, have gained increasing research interest. To allow for ACL regeneration, a structured scaffold that provides a mechanical basis, has cells from different sources, and comprises mechanical as well as biological factors is needed. Biological materials, biodegradable polymers, and composite materials are being used and tested as scaffolds. The optimal scaffold for ACL regeneration should be biocompatible and biodegradable to allow tissue ingrowth but also needs to have the right mechanical properties to provide immediate mechanical stability. Hypotheses: The study hypotheses were that (1) a novel degradable silk fiber–based scaffold with mechanical properties similar to the native ACL will be able to initiate ligament regeneration after ACL resection and reconstruction under in vivo conditions and (2) additional cell seeding of the scaffold with autologous stromal vascular fraction–containing adipose-derived stem cells will increase regenerative activity. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 33 mountain sheep underwent ACL resection and randomization to 2 experimental groups: (1) ACL reconstruction with a scaffold alone and (2) ACL reconstruction with a cell-seeded scaffold. Histological evaluation of the intra-articular portion of the reconstructed/regenerated ligament was performed after 6 and 12 months. Results: After 6 months, connective tissue surrounded the silk scaffold with ingrowth in some areas. The cell-seeded scaffolds had a significant lower silk content compared with the unseeded scaffolds and demonstrated a higher content of newly formed tissue. After 12 months, the density of the silk fibers decreased significantly, and the ingrowth of newly formed tissue increased in both groups. No differences between the 2 groups regarding silk fiber degradation and regenerated tissue were detected at 12 months. Conclusion: The novel silk fiber–based scaffold was able to stimulate ACL regeneration under in vivo conditions. Additional cell seeding led to increased tissue regeneration and decreased silk fiber content at 6 months, whereas these differences were not present at 12 months. Clinical Relevance: ACL regeneration using a silk fiber–based scaffold with and without additional cell seeding may provide a new treatment option after joint injuries.
Risk of Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Is Not Associated With Slope and Concavity of the Tibial Plateau in Recreational Alpine Skiers
Authors: Blanke Fabian , Kiapour Ata M. , Haenle Maximilian , Fischer Jens , Majewski Martin , Vogt Stephan , Camathias Carlo 
Published: March 2016

Background: Anatomic features of the tibial plateau (ie, posterior slope and medial concavity) have been associated with an increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. However, it remains unclear whether these findings translate to ACL injuries sustained during recreational alpine skiing. Purpose: To investigate the association in recreational alpine skiers between prominent morphological features of the tibial plateau (slope and concavity) and the risk of sustaining an ACL injury during a noncontact incident. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging data of 121 recreational alpine skiers (74 female, 47 male) after a noncontact knee injury were used for this study. Of these patients, 80 (71% female [n = 57]) had a complete unilateral ACL tear (rupture group), and 41 (41% female [n = 17]) had no indications of an ACL injury (intact group). Two blinded independent examiners measured the slopes of the tibial plateau in the sagittal and coronal planes along with the maximum depth of the medial tibial plateau. Measurements were compared between sexes and between groups using t tests. Logistic regression was used to assess the associations between quantified anatomic indices and the risk of ACL injuries. Results: Within 121 study patients, female skiers had greater odds of an ACL tear compared with male skiers (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.6-7.8; P < .001). Female skiers were more likely to have a greater lateral tibial slope (LTS) ( P = .02) and medial tibial slope (MTS) ( P = .02) with a shallower medial tibial depth (MTD) ( P = .02) compared with male skiers. No differences between sexes were observed in the coronal tibial slope (CTS) ( P = .97). Male and female skiers as a combined group showed no associations between quantified anatomic indices and the risk of sustaining an ACL tear ( P > .10). Likewise, no significant differences were observed between the intact versus rupture group in any of the quantified anatomic indices ( P > .10). Similar findings were observed when the analyses were repeated on male and female skiers separately. Conclusion: Despite differences between sexes in knee anatomy and the injury risk, the sagittal and coronal slopes (LTS, MTS, CTS), as well as the concavity of the medial tibial plateau (MTD), were not associated with the risk of an ACL tear during a noncontact injury among recreational alpine skiers.
A liposomal steroid nano-drug for treating systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Moallem E , Koren E , Ulmansky R , Pizov G , Barlev M , Barenholz Y , Naparstek Y 
Published: March 2016

Background Glucocorticoids have been known for years to be the most effective therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus. Their use, however, is limited by the need for high doses due to their unfavorable pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. We have previously developed a novel liposome-based steroidal (methylprednisolone hemisuccinate (MPS)) nano-drug and demonstrated its specific accumulation in inflamed tissues, as well as its superior therapeutic efficacy over that of free glucocorticoids (non-liposomal) in the autoimmune diseases, including the adjuvant arthritis rat model and the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model. Objectives In the present work we have evaluated the therapeutic effect of the above liposome-based steroidal (MPS) nano-drug in the MRL-lpr/lpr murine model of SLE and compared it with similar doses of the free MPS. Methods MRL-lpr/lpr mice were treated with daily injections of free MPS or weekly injections of 10% dextrose, empty nano-liposomes or the steroidal nano-drug and the course of their disease was followed up to the age of 24 weeks. Results Treatment with the steroidal nano-drug was found to be significantly superior to the free MPS in suppressing anti-dsDNA antibody levels, proliferation of lymphoid tissue and renal damage, and in prolonging survival of animals. Conclusion This significant superiority of our liposome based steroidal nano-drug administered weekly compared with daily injections of free methylprednisolone hemisuccinate in suppressing murine lupus indicates this glucocorticoid nano-drug formulation may be a good candidate for the treatment of human SLE.
Maternal Nutritional Status, Food Intake and Pregnancy Weight Gain in Nepal
Authors: Acharya Ojaswi , Zotor Francis B. , Chaudhary Pushpa , Deepak K. , Amuna Paul , Ellahi Basma 
Published: March 2016

Poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy may predispose to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), immunological and metabolic adaptations which manifest as low birth weight (LBW) and increase the risk of adult non-communicable disease. This study examined the relationships between maternal nutritional status, food intake and pregnancy weight gain (PWG) which may account for risk of LBW in Nepal. A prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken in rural and urban Nepalese population using simple random sampling to select eligible subjects. Retrospective data was extracted from records and dietary intake was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24 Hour Dietary Recall. A total of 376 women were recruited. A high prevalence of LBW (27.9 per cent) and preterm (14 per cent) delivery were observed. LBW was higher in rural than urban subjects ( p < 0.05). Birth weight was related to period of gestation ( r = 0.609, p < 0.05) ( r = 0.49, p < 0.001), energy intake ( r = 0.061, p < 0.001) and maternal protein intake ( r = 0.501, p < 0.001). Low PWG (8.11 kg) was also observed and was associated with protein ( r = 0.499, p < 0.01) and energy intake ( r = 0.396, p < 0.01) and were lower among mothers in rural areas ( p < 0.05). Calcium intake was related to crown heel length (CHL) ( r = 0.399, p < 0.001). Lipid, zinc and folate intake were significantly different in rural and urban subjects although the latter were adequate in both. Findings demonstrate the impact of maternal nutrition on birth outcomes in relation to specific nutrients and components of the diet. Targeted interventions are supported by the findings of this study in both rural and urban areas of Nepal.
Viewing Bhadra: Of Pedestrian Vision in Ahmedabad’s Global City Image
Authors: Thomas Pooja Susan 
Published: March 2016

This article will examine the redevelopment plan of the Bhadra Fort precincts (the Bhadra Plaza) in the walled city of Ahmedabad to understand the city’s projection of its neoliberal visual ability to produce the symbol and space of global habitude. The Bhadra Fort is the citadel, the ceremonial centre of the city of Ahmedabad that Ahmed Shah founded in 1411. Over the years, as the city of Ahmedabad grew and expanded its city limits, this inner core of the city came to be perceived as a site of disease, communal conflict and general residential decline. The Bhadra project promises to transform the fort precincts into a site of leisure and a source of economic revitalization. I critically trace the rationale of this project taken up by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and Archaeological Survey of India that articulates the seamless integration of the walled city with the rest of the ‘developed’ parts of Ahmedabad. I show that this integration is envisaged as consequent to the complete pedestrianization of the Bhadra Plaza. I argue that the project erases the materiality of its historical space and the history of its use. Unlike de Certeau’s pedestrian whose ways of seeing offered a critique to the hegemony of the planner’s eye, the figure of the pedestrian is now co-opted into the imagination of the Bhadra Plaza.