bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The English Chalk and London Clay: two remarkable British bony fish
Lagerstätten
Authors: Friedman Matt , Beckett Hermione T. , Close Roger A. , Johanson Zerina 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

The Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian–Maastrichtian) Chalk Group and Eocene (Ypresian) London Clay Formation are two British marine deposits that yield globally significant assemblages of fossil actinopterygian (ray-finned) fishes. Materials from these units, especially the Chalk, featured prominently in the work of Arthur Smith Woodward. Here we summarize the history of study of actinopterygian fossils from the Chalk and London Clay, review their geological and palaeoenvironmental context and provide updated faunal lists. The Chalk and London Clay are remarkable for preserving fossil fishes in three dimensions rather than as the flattened individuals familiar from many other famous
Lagerstätten
, as well as capturing detailed ‘snapshots’ of marine fish faunas that bracket the major taxonomic shift that took place near the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary.
Confounding of the Association between Radiation Exposure from CT Scans and Risk of Leukemia and Brain Tumors by Cancer Susceptibility Syndromes
Authors: Meulepas Johanna M. , Ronckers Cécile M. , Merks Johannes , Weijerman Michel E. , Lubin Jay H. , Hauptmann Michael 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackground: Recent studies linking radiation exposure from pediatric computed tomography (CT) to increased risks of leukemia and brain tumors lacked data to control for cancer susceptibility syndromes (CSS). These syndromes might be confounders because they are associated with an increased cancer risk and may increase the likelihood of CT scans performed in children.Methods: We identify CSS predisposing to leukemia and brain tumors through a systematic literature search and summarize prevalence and risk estimates. Because there is virtually no empirical evidence in published literature on patterns of CT use for most types of CSS, we estimate confounding bias of relative risks (RR) for categories of radiation exposure based on expert opinion about the current and previous patterns of CT scans among CSS patients.Results: We estimate that radiation-related RRs for leukemia are not meaningfully confounded by Down syndrome, Noonan syndrome, or other CSS. In contrast, RRs for brain tumors may be overestimated due to confounding by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) while von Hippel–Lindau disease, neurofibromatosis type 1, or other CSS do not meaningfully confound. Empirical data on the use of CT scans among CSS patients are urgently needed.Conclusions: Our assessment indicates that associations with leukemia reported in previous studies are unlikely to be substantially confounded by unmeasured CSS, whereas brain tumor risks might have been overestimated due to confounding by TSC.Impact: Future studies should identify TSC patients in order to avoid overestimation of brain tumor risks due to radiation exposure from CT scans. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(1); 114–26. ©2015 AACR.
Optimal Dosing for Targeted Therapies in Oncology: Drug Development Cases Leading by Example
Authors: Sachs Jeffrey R. , Mayawala Kapil , Gadamsetty Satvik , Kang Soonmo Peter , de Alwis Dinesh P. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
One of the key objectives of oncology first-in-human trials has often been to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). However, targeted therapies might not exhibit dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) at doses significantly higher than sufficiently active doses, and there is frequently a limited ability to objectively quantify adverse events. Thus, while MTD-based determination of recommended phase II dose may have yielded appropriate dosing for some cytotoxics, targeted therapeutics (including monoclonal antibodies and/or immunotherapies) sometimes need alternative or complementary strategies to help identify dose ranges for a randomized dose-ranging study. One complementary strategy is to define a biologically efficacious dose (BED) using an “effect marker.” An effect marker could be a target engagement, pharmacodynamic, or disease progression marker (change in tumor size for solid tumors or bone marrow blast count for some hematologic tumors). Although the concept of BED has been discussed extensively, we review specific examples in which the approach influenced oncology clinical development. Data extracted from the literature and the examples support improving dose selection strategies to benefit patients, providers, and the biopharmaceutical industry. Although the examples illustrate key contributions of effect markers in dose selection, no one-size-fits-all approach to dosing can be justified. Higher-than-optimal dosing can increase toxicity in later trials (and in clinical use), which can have a negative impact on efficacy (via lower adherence or direct sequelae of toxicities). Proper dose selection in oncology should follow a multifactorial decision process leading to a randomized, dose-ranging study instead of a single phase II dose. Clin Cancer Res; 22(6); 1318–24. ©2015 AACR.
Relation of Central Arterial Stiffness to Incident Heart Failure in the Community
Authors: Tsao Connie W. , Lyass Asya , Larson Martin G. , Levy Daniel , Hamburg Naomi M. , Vita Joseph A. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Mitchell Gary F. , Vasan Ramachandran S. 
Published: November 2015

Background

Arterial stiffness, pressure pulsatility, and wave reflection are associated with cardiovascular disease. Left ventricular function is coupled to proximal aortic properties, but the association of central aortic stiffness and hemodynamics with incident clinical heart failure (
HF
) is not well described.

Methods and Results

Framingham Study participants without clinical
HF
(n=2539, mean age 64 years, 56% women) underwent applanation tonometry to measure carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (
CFPWV
), central pulse pressure, forward wave amplitude, and augmentation index.
CFPWV
was inverse‐transformed to reduce heteroscedasticity and multiplied by −1 to restore effect direction (
iCFPWV
). Over 10.1 (range 0.04–12.9) years, 170
HF
events developed. In multivariable‐adjusted analyses,
iCFPWV
was associated with incident
HF
in a continuous, graded fashion (hazards ratio [
HR
] per
SD
unit [
SDU
] 1.29, 95% confidence interval [
CI
] 1.02–1.64,
P
=0.037).
iCFPWV
was associated with
HF
with reduced ejection fraction (
HR
=1.69/
SDU
, 95%
CI
1.19–2.42,
P
=0.0037) in age‐ and sex‐adjusted models, which was attenuated in multivariable‐adjusted models (
P
=0.065). Central pulse pressure and forward wave amplitude were associated with
HF
in age‐ and sex‐adjusted models (per
SDU
,
HR
=1.20, 95%
CI
1.06–1.37,
P
=0.006, and
HR
=1.15, 95%
CI
1.01–1.31,
P
=0.036, respectively), but not in multivariable‐adjusted models (both
P
≥0.28). Augmentation index was not associated with
HF
risk (
P
≥0.19 in all models).

Conclusions

In our prospective investigation of a large community‐based sample of middle‐aged to elderly individuals, greater aortic stiffness (reflected by higher
iCFPWV
) was associated with increased risk of
HF
. Future studies may investigate the impact of modifying aortic stiffness in reducing the community burden of
HF
.
Periodic Forcing of Inhibition-Stabilized Networks: Nonlinear Resonances and Phase-Amplitude Coupling
Authors: Veltz Romain , Sejnowski Terrence J. 
Published: November 2015

Inhibition-stabilized networks (ISNs) are neural architectures with strong positive feedback among pyramidal neurons balanced by strong negative feedback from inhibitory interneurons, a circuit element found in the hippocampus and the primary visual cortex. In their working regime, ISNs produce damped oscillations in the [Formula: see text]-range in response to inputs to the inhibitory population. In order to understand the properties of interconnected ISNs, we investigated periodic forcing of ISNs. We show that ISNs can be excited over a range of frequencies and derive properties of the resonance peaks. In particular, we studied the phase-locked solutions, the torus solutions, and the resonance peaks. Periodically forced ISNs respond with (possibly multistable) phase-locked activity, whereas networks with sustained intrinsic oscillations respond more dynamically to periodic inputs with tori. Hence, the dynamics are surprisingly rich, and phase effects alone do not adequately describe the network response. This strengthens the importance of phase-amplitude coupling as opposed to phase-phase coupling in providing multiple frequencies for multiplexing and routing information.
A TaqMan real-time PCR assay for detection of Meloidogyne hapla in root galls and in soil
Authors: Sapkota Rumakanta , Skantar Andrea M. , Nicolaisen Mogens 
Published: November 2015

Early detection and quantification of Meloidogyne hapla in soil is essential for effective disease management. The purpose of this study was to develop a real-time PCR assay for detection of M. hapla in soil. Primers and a TaqMan probe were designed for M. hapla detection. The assay detected M. hapla and showed no significant amplification of DNA from non-target nematodes. The assay was able to detect M. hapla in a background of plant and soil DNA. A dilution series of M. hapla eggs in soil showed a high correlation (, ) with Ct values. The assay could predict root-knot development in carrots by testing soils before planting. The assay could be useful for management decisions in carrot cultivation.
A Method for Calculating the Height of Overshooting Convective Cloud Tops Using Satellite-Based IR Imager and CloudSat Cloud Profiling Radar Observations
Authors: Griffin Sarah M. , Bedka Kristopher M. , Velden Christopher S. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAssigning accurate heights to convective cloud tops that penetrate into the upper troposphere–lower stratosphere (UTLS) region using infrared (IR) satellite imagery has been an unresolved issue for the satellite research community. The height assignment for the tops of optically thick clouds is typically accomplished by matching the observed IR brightness temperature (BT) with a collocated rawinsonde or numerical weather prediction (NWP) profile. However, “overshooting tops” (OTs) are typically colder (in BT) than any vertical level in the associated profile, leaving the height of these tops undetermined using this standard approach. A new method is described here for calculating the heights of convectively driven OTs using the characteristic temperature lapse rate of the cloud top as it ascends into the UTLS region. Using 108 MODIS-identified OT events that are directly observed by the CloudSat Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR), the MODIS-derived brightness temperature difference (BTD) between the OT and anvil regions can be defined. This BTD is combined with the CPR- and NWP-derived height difference between these two regions to determine the mean lapse rate, −7.34 K km−1, for the 108 events. The anvil height is typically well known, and an automated OT detection algorithm is used to derive BTD, so the lapse rate allows a height to be calculated for any detected OT. An empirical fit between MODIS and geostationary imager IR BT for OTs and anvil regions was performed to enable application of this method to coarser-spatial-resolution geostationary data. Validation indicates that ~75% (65%) of MODIS (geostationary) OT heights are within ±500 m of the coincident CPR-estimated heights.
Tropical Cyclone–Relative Environmental Helicity and the Pathways to Intensification in Shear
Authors: Onderlinde Matthew J. , Nolan David S. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Tropical cyclone–relative environmental helicity (TCREH) is a measure of how the wind vector changes direction with height, and it has been shown to modulate the rate at which tropical cyclones (TCs) develop both in idealized simulations and in reanalysis data. The channels through which this modulation occurs remain less clear. This study aims to identify the mechanisms that lead to the observed variations in intensification rate. Results suggest that the difference in intensification rate between TCs embedded in positive versus negative TCREH primarily results from the position of convection and associated latent heat fluxes relative to the wind shear vector. When TCREH is positive, convection is more readily advected upshear and air parcels that experience larger fluxes are more frequently ingested into the TC core. Trajectories computed from high-resolution simulations demonstrate the recovery of equivalent potential temperature downwind of convection, latent heat flux near the TC core, and parcel routes through updrafts in convection. Differences in trajectory characteristics between TCs embedded in positive versus negative TCREH are presented. Contoured frequency-by-altitude diagrams (CFADs) show that convection is distributed differently around TCs embedded in environments characterized by positive versus negative TCREH. They also show that the nature of the most intense convection differs only slightly between cases of positive and negative TCREH. The results of this study emphasize the fact that significant variability in TC-intensification rate results from vertical variations in the environmental wind direction, even when the 850–200-hPa wind shear vector remains unchanged.
Relationships among Four-Dimensional Hybrid Ensemble–Variational Data Assimilation Algorithms with Full and Approximate Ensemble Covariance Localization
Authors: Liu Chengsi , Xue Ming 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Ensemble–variational data assimilation algorithms that can incorporate the time dimension (four-dimensional or 4D) and combine static and ensemble-derived background error covariances (hybrid) are formulated in general forms based on the extended control variable and the observation-space-perturbation approaches. The properties and relationships of these algorithms and their approximated formulations are discussed. The main algorithms discussed include the following: 1) the standard ensemble 4DVar (En4DVar) algorithm incorporating ensemble-derived background error covariance through the extended control variable approach, 2) the 4DEnVar neglecting the time propagation of the extended control variable (4DEnVar-NPC), 3) the 4D ensemble–variational algorithm based on observation space perturbation (4DEnVar), and 4) the 4DEnVar with no propagation of covariance localization (4DEnVar-NPL). Without the static background error covariance term, none of the algorithms requires the adjoint model except for En4DVar. Costly applications of the tangent linear model to localized ensemble perturbations can be avoided by making the NPC and NPL approximations. It is proven that En4DVar and 4DEnVar are mathematically equivalent, while 4DEnVar-NPC and 4DEnVar-NPL are mathematically equivalent. Such equivalences are also demonstrated by single-observation assimilation experiments with a 1D linear advection model. The effects of the non-flow-following or stationary localization approximations are also examined through the experiments.
All of the above algorithms can include the static background error covariance term to establish a hybrid formulation. When the static term is included, all algorithms will require a tangent linear model and an adjoint model. The first guess at appropriate time (FGAT) approximation is proposed to avoid the tangent linear and adjoint models. Computational costs of the algorithms are also discussed.
Postoperative Complications in Elderly Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Cramer John D. , Patel Urjeet A. , Samant Sandeep , Smith Stephanie Shintani 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveTo assess the frequency and nature of postoperative complications that occur in elderly patients, as compared with younger patients, following head and neck surgery.Study DesignCohort study of national database.SettingAmerican College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2013.Subjects and MethodsWe identified 29,891 patients who had head and neck surgery during the study period and classified them as having upper aerodigestive tract surgery (n = 8383) or endocrine/salivary gland (n = 21,508) surgery. We analyzed patients stratified by age categories: young (<65 years), intermediate age (65‐75 years), and elderly (≥75 years). Risk‐adjusted 30‐day morbidity and mortality outcomes were compared across age categories with multivariable logistic regression models to adjust for patient characteristics, comorbidities, and surgical procedure.ResultsElderly patients had increased odds for morbidity (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.22‐1.78; OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.46‐2.44) for upper aerodigestive tract and endocrine/salivary gland groups, respectively, versus young patients and for mortality (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.26‐5.06; OR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.32‐10.52). Elderly patients were more likely to develop pulmonary, urologic, and blood clotting–related complications. Elderly patients undergoing endocrine/salivary gland surgery were significantly more likely to have cardiac complications; however, this was not the case for aerodigestive tract operations.ConclusionsHead and neck surgery in the elderly carries an increased risk of certain types of postoperative complications as compared with younger patients treated similarly. Quality improvement efforts should focus on minimizing the risk of cardiac, pulmonary, and urologic complications in elderly patients.
Return to Sports and Physical Activities After Primary Partial Arthrodesis for Lisfranc Injuries in Young Patients
Authors: MacMahon Aoife , Kim Paul , Levine David S. , Burket Jayme , Roberts Matthew M. , Drakos Mark C. , Deland Jonathan T. , Elliott Andrew J. , Ellis Scott J. 
Published: November 2015

Background: Research regarding outcomes in sports and physical activities after primary partial arthrodesis for Lisfranc injuries has been sparse. The purposes of this study were to assess various sports and physical activities in young patients following primary partial arthrodesis for Lisfranc injuries and to compare these with clinical outcomes. Methods: Patients who underwent primary partial arthrodesis for a Lisfranc injury were identified by a retrospective registry review. Thirty-eight of 46 eligible patients (83%) responded for follow-up at a mean of 5.2 (range, 1.0 to 9.3) years with a mean age at surgery of 31.8 (range, 16.8 to 50.3) years. Physical activity participation was assessed with a new sports-specific, patient-administered questionnaire. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Results: Patients participated in 29 different and 155 total physical activities preoperatively, and 27 different and 145 total physical activities postoperatively. Preoperatively, 47.1% were high impact, and postoperatively, 44.8% were high impact. The most common activities were walking, bicycling, running, and weightlifting. Compared to preoperatively, difficulty was the same in 66% and increased in 34% of physical activities. Participation levels were improved in 11%, the same in 64%, and impaired in 25% of physical activities. Patients spent on average 4.2 (range, 0.0 to 19.8) hours per week exercising postoperatively. In regard to return to physical activity, 97% of respondents were satisfied with their operative outcome. Mean postoperative FAOS subscores were significantly worse for patients who had increased physical activity difficulty. Conclusion: Most patients were able to return to their previous physical activities following primary partial arthrodesis for a Lisfranc injury, many of which were high-impact. However, the decreased participation or increase in difficulty of some activities suggests that some patients experienced postoperative limitations in exercise. Future studies could compare sports outcomes between primary partial arthrodesis and open reduction internal fixation for Lisfranc injuries. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Assessment of a hypertension screening and education intervention in Charlestown, Guyana
Authors: Dyal Navita , Dolovich Lisa 
Published: November 2015

Background: Hypertension is the leading cause of mortality among Guyanese between the ages of 45 and 64 years and is inversely related to wealth and education. This pilot study aims to determine 1) the feasibility of a pharmacy-based clinic, 2) the prevalence of elevated blood pressure and 3) the outcome of follow-up of those with elevated blood pressure. Methods: Participants were recruited based on a convenience sample. Adults with or without a previous diagnosis of hypertension were included. Screening, education and patient counselling were provided. Participants with elevated blood pressure readings were contacted 1 month after the initial visit for a follow-up. Results: Twenty-two subjects between the ages of 27 and 78 years participated: 32% (7 of 22) were found to have elevated blood pressure readings, and 71% (5 of 7) of those with high blood pressure readings visited a physician within 1 month of the screening. Of those prescribed antihypertensive medications, 71% (5 of 7) reported low adherence to their medication. Conclusion: The methods developed in this study advanced knowledge on the effective management of hypertension in a developing country. One-third of participants were found to have elevated blood pressure. Among those with elevated blood pressure, most followed up with a physician and were diagnosed with hypertension. Pharmacists and pharmacies can play a pivotal role in providing education and improving drug therapy adherence. The need for pharmacy interventions is heightened in areas where access to physicians is scarce. This pilot study illustrates that a pharmacy-based screening and education intervention is indeed feasible.
Impact of fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results from an exploratory study
Authors: Antoniu Sabina Antonela , Petrescu Elena , Stanescu Raluca , Anisie Ecaterina , Boiculese Lucian 
Published: November 2015

Introduction: Fatigue, which is also present in the healthy population, is a common but understudied symptom in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We hypothesized that clinically significant fatigue is also frequent in COPD and can be associated with an increased disease burden. Methods: An exploratory analysis derived from an ongoing cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate levels of fatigue and impact on health-related quality of life/health status in patients with COPD (COPD group; n = 20) and healthy subjects (control group; n = 5). Health-related quality of life was measured using the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36), health status with the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), and airways obstruction with postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 %predicted). Fatigue was measured with the vitality score of the SF-36, its clinical significance being defined by values of 50 or less. Fatigue was also measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy scale for fatigue (FACIT-F). Results: Vitality scores were significantly worse in the COPD group (45.60 versus 76.25; p = 0.004). FACIT-F scores were significantly lower in the COPD group versus the control group (74.5 versus 95.0; p = 0.03). Clinically significant fatigue was detected in 60% of the COPD group, and was associated with a worse FEV1 %predicted (47.71 versus 65.82%; p = 0.016), worse symptoms burden (CCQ symptoms score 3.75 versus 2.43; p = 0.019), and worse overall health status (CCQ total score 3.30 versus 2.11; p = 0.011). Its link with systemic inflammation remains to be clarified further. Conclusions: Clinically significant fatigue is common among patients with COPD and is associated with an increased disease burden. It should therefore be integrated as a measure of disease prognosis and control in patients with COPD.