bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surrogate Markers: Lessons from the Next Gen?
Authors: Reid Brian J. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The article by Banerjee and colleagues published in this issue of the journal involving a randomized control prevention trial of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in Barrett esophagus reported a null outcome despite being well designed and executed. Possible reasons for this null outcome are discussed focusing on use of surrogate endpoints in the trial. The trial is especially topical because it comes at a time when there are calls for a Pre-Cancer Genome Atlas (PCGA) for “understanding the earliest molecular and cellular events associated with cancer initiation…” This commentary discusses current concepts in prevention research including branched evolution that leads to therapeutic resistance. Length bias sampling postulates underdiagnosis is due to rapidly progressing disease that is difficult to detect by screening because it progresses to cancer too rapidly and that overdiagnosis is the result of very slowly or nonprogressing disease that is easy to detect by screening because it persists for a lifetime and the patient dies of unrelated causes. Finally, it also explores study designs, including surrogate endpoints in Barrett esophagus trials, and opportunities and pitfalls for a PCGA in the context of high levels of over and underdiagnosis of Barrett esophagus as well as many other cancers and their precursors. Cancer Prev Res; 9(7); 512–7. ©2016 AACR.
See related article by Banerjee, et al., p. 528
Clinical Implications and Determinants of Left Atrial Mechanical Dysfunction in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Kim Darae , Shim Chi Young , Hong Geu-Ru , Kim Mi-Hyun , Seo Jiwon , Cho In Jeong , Kim Young Dae , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Ha Jong-Won , Heo Ji Hoe , Chung Namsik 
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose—
The evaluation of sources of cardioembolism with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with stroke is crucial but semi-invasive. We hypothesized that the size and mechanical function of the left atrium (LA) assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) could provide useful information on high risk of cardioembolism on TEE in patients with stroke. Furthermore, we sought to define the determinants of LA mechanical dysfunction in these patients.

Methods—
A total of 248 patients with acute ischemic stroke (147 men; 64±13 years) who underwent 2-dimensional and speckle tracking TTE followed by TEE were analyzed.

Results—

LA appendage emptying velocity, prevalence of LA or LA appendage thrombus, prevalence of aortic plaques, and incidence of embolic stroke showed significant differences among the 4 groups classified according to the median values of the LA volume index and global LA longitudinal strain (LALS). Patients at high risk of cardioembolism evidenced by TEE revealed significantly larger LA volume index and lower global LALS than those without. Global LALS (cutoff, 11.5%; area under the curve, 0.947; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 91%;
P
<0.001) revealed a significantly better diagnostic power (
P
=0.04) for LA or LA appendage thrombus than LA volume index (cutoff, 36.2 mL/m
2
; area under the curve, 0.823; sensitivity, 88%; specificity, 75%;
P
=0.002). Age, left ventricular systolic function, LA volume index, and pulse wave velocity were independent determinants for global LALS.

Conclusions—
LA mechanical dysfunction is closely associated with high risks of cardioembolism. Global LALS assessed by speckle tracking TTE well discriminates the presence of LA or LA appendage thrombus on TEE in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Local Meteorological and Large-Scale Weather Characteristics of Fog over the Grand Casablanca Region, Morocco
Authors: Bari Driss , Bergot Thierry , El Khlifi Mohamed 
Published: May 2016

AbstractUsing a fog event approach, the local meteorological and synoptic characteristics of fogs that formed over the Grand Casablanca (GCB) region during a 9-yr period (2001–09) are investigated. A climatological study of fog, with emphasis on the fog temporal variability and spatial distribution, is carried out on the basis of hourly surface meteorological observations at two synoptic stations in the region. The fog events are classified into fog types, using an objective classification algorithm, and are characterized by their duration, intensity, and times of onset and dissipation. In addition, fog events are classified into two distinct categories (isolated and widespread) on the basis of their spatial extent. K-means cluster analysis is applied to the patterns of mean sea level pressure in ERA-Interim reanalyses at 0000 UTC to determine the synoptic circulation types associated with fog occurrence in the GCB region. Results show that the fog frequency at the inland suburban station is more recurrent than at the coastal urban station. The fog events are predominantly of the advection–radiation type, with a marked tendency of nighttime occurrence during the winter. The spatial distribution analysis points out the localized character of fog and reveals the possibility of different fog types occurring when fog is present near the two stations simultaneously. Furthermore, the interaction between local- and large-scale mechanisms suggests that advective processes associated with sea-breeze circulation during daytime, followed by radiative processes early in the night, often lead to fog formation over the GCB region.
Multiregional Satellite Precipitation Products Evaluation over Complex Terrain
Authors: Derin Yagmur , Anagnostou Emmanouil , Berne Alexis , Borga Marco , Boudevillain Brice , Buytaert Wouter , Chang Che-Hao , Delrieu Guy , Hong Yang , Hsu Yung Chia , Lavado-Casimiro Waldo , Manz Bastian , Moges Semu , Nikolopoulos Efthymios I. , Sahlu Dejene , Salerno Franco , Rodríguez-Sánchez Juan-Pablo , Vergara Humberto J. , Yilmaz Koray K. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
An extensive evaluation of nine global-scale high-resolution satellite-based rainfall (SBR) products is performed using a minimum of 6 years (within the period of 2000–13) of reference rainfall data derived from rain gauge networks in nine mountainous regions across the globe. The SBR products are compared to a recently released global reanalysis dataset from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The study areas include the eastern Italian Alps, the Swiss Alps, the western Black Sea of Turkey, the French Cévennes, the Peruvian Andes, the Colombian Andes, the Himalayas over Nepal, the Blue Nile in East Africa, Taiwan, and the U.S. Rocky Mountains. Evaluation is performed at annual, monthly, and daily time scales and 0.25° spatial resolution. The SBR datasets are based on the following retrieval algorithms: Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA), the NOAA/Climate Prediction Center morphing technique (CMORPH), Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN), and Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP). SBR products are categorized into those that include gauge adjustment versus unadjusted. Results show that performance of SBR is highly dependent on the rainfall variability. Many SBR products usually underestimate wet season and overestimate dry season precipitation. The performance of gauge adjustment to the SBR products varies by region and depends greatly on the representativeness of the rain gauge network.
Revisiting the Generation of Internal Waves by Resonant Interaction with Surface Waves
Authors: Olbers Dirk , Eden Carsten 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTwo surface waves can interact to produce an internal gravity wave by nonlinear resonant coupling. The process has been called spontaneous creation (SC) because it operates without internal waves being initially present. Previous studies have shown that the generated internal waves have high frequency close to the local Brunt–Väisälä frequency and wavelengths that are much larger than those of the participating surface waves, and that the spectral transfer rate of energy to the internal wave field is small compared to other generation processes. The aim of the present analysis is to provide a global map of the energy transfer into the internal wave field by surface–internal wave interaction, which is found to be about 10−3 TW in total, based on a realistic wind-sea spectrum (depending on wind speed), mixed layer depths, and stratification below the mixed layer taken from a state-of-the-art numerical ocean model. Unlike previous calculations of the spectral transfer rate based on a vertical mode decomposition, the authors use an analytical framework that directly derives the energy flux of generated internal waves radiating downward from the mixed layer base. Since the radiated waves are of high frequency, they are trapped and dissipated in the upper ocean. The radiative flux thus feeds only a small portion of the water column, unlike in cases of wind-driven near-inertial waves that spread over the entire ocean depth before dissipating. The authors also give an estimate of the interior dissipation and implied vertical diffusivities due to this process. In an extended appendix, they review the modal description of the SC interaction process, completed by the corresponding counterpart, the modulation interaction process (MI), where a preexisting internal wave is modulated by a surface wave and interacts with another one. MI establishes a damping of the internal wave field, thus acting against SC. The authors show that SC overcomes MI for wind speeds exceeding about 10 m s−1.
Kinetic Energy Budget during the Genesis Period of Tropical Cyclone Durian (2001) in the South China Sea
Authors: Wang Yaping , Cui Xiaopeng , Li Xiaofan , Zhang Wenlong , Huang Yongjie 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
A set of kinetic energy (KE) budget equations associated with four horizontal flow components was derived to study the KE characteristics during the genesis of Tropical Cyclone (TC) Durian (2001) in the South China Sea using numerical simulation data. The genesis process was divided into three stages: the monsoon trough stage (stage 1), the midlevel mesoscale convective vortex (MCV) stage (stage 2), and the establishment stage of the TC vortex (stage 3). Analysis showed that the KE of the symmetric rotational flow (SRF) was the largest and kept increasing, especially in stages 2 and 3, representing the symmetrization process during TC genesis. The KE of the SRF was mainly converted from the KE of the symmetric divergent flow (SDF), largely transformed from the available potential energy (APE). It was found that vortical hot towers (VHTs) emerged abundantly, aggregated, and merged within the MCV region in stages 1 and 2. From the energy budget perspective, massive moist-convection-produced latent heat was concentrated and accumulated within the MCV region, especially in stage 2, and further warmed the atmosphere, benefiting the accumulation of APE and the transformation from APE to KE. As a result, the midlevel circulation (or MCV) grew strong rapidly. In stage 3, the intensity and number of VHTs both decreased. However, affected by increasing lower-level inward radial wind, latent heat released by the organized convection, instead of disorganized VHTs in the first two stages, continuously contributed to the strengthening of the surface TC circulation as well as the warm core.
Sensitivity of Calibrated Week-2 Probabilistic Forecast Skill to Reforecast Sampling of the NCEP Global Ensemble Forecast System
Authors: Ou Melissa H. , Charles Mike , Collins Dan C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCPC requires the reforecast-calibrated Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) to support the production of their official 6–10- and 8–14-day temperature and precipitation forecasts. While a large sample size of forecast–observation pairs is desirable to generate the necessary model climatology and variances, and covariances to observations, sampling by reforecasts could be done to use available computing resources most efficiently. A series of experiments was done to assess the impact on calibrated forecast skill of using a smaller sample size than the current available reforecast dataset. This study focuses on the skill of week-2 probabilistic forecasts of the 7-day-mean 2-m temperature and accumulated precipitation. The tercile forecasts are expressed as being below-, near-, and above-normal temperature/median precipitation over the continental United States (CONUS). Calibration statistics were calculated using an ensemble regression technique from 25 yr of daily, 11-member GEFS reforecasts for 1986–2010, which were then used to postprocess the GEFS model forecasts for 2011–13. In assessing the skill of calibrated model output using a reforecast dataset with fewer years and ensemble members, and an ensemble run less frequently than daily, it was determined that reductions in the number of ensemble members to six or fewer and reductions in the frequency of reforecast runs from daily to once a week were achievable with minimal loss of skill. However, reducing the number of years of reforecasts to less than 25 resulted in a greater skill degradation. The loss of skill was statistically significant using only 18 yr of reforecasts from 1993 to 2010 to generate model statistics.
Gustatory Dysfunction and Decreased Number of Fungiform Taste Buds in Patients With Chronic Otitis Media With Cholesteatoma
Authors: Saito Takehisa , Ito Tetsufumi , Ito Yumi , Yamada Takechiyo , Okamoto Masayuki , Manabe Yasuhiro 
Published: May 2016

Objective: To compare the number of fungiform taste buds among patients with chronic otitis media (COM), those with pars flaccida retraction type cholesteatoma, and those with pars tensa retraction type cholesteatoma in combination with gustatory function. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with COM, 22 patients with pars flaccida retraction type cholesteatoma, and 17 patients with pars tensa retraction type cholesteatoma were included. An average of 10 fungiform papillae (FP) per patient in the midlateral region of the tongue were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy in vivo, and the average number of taste buds were counted. Just before the observation of FP, electrogustometry (EGM) was performed to evaluate gustatory function. Results: A significant decrease of the average number of fungiform taste buds and significant elevation of EGM thresholds were clarified in the pars tensa retraction type cholesteatoma group but not in the COM or pars flaccida type cholesteatoma group. Conclusion: It was suggested that some neurotoxic cytokines produced by cholesteatoma tissue might affect the CTN morphology, resulting in a decreased number of fungiform taste buds and elevation of EGM threshold in patients with pars tensa retraction type cholesteatoma.
Paediatric reference ranges for faecal calprotectin: a UK study
Authors: Davidson Fiona , Lock Robert J 
Published: May 2016

Background Faecal calprotectin has been shown to be a useful non-invasive marker for the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease in children and adults. Although there are well-established reference ranges for the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease in adults, these have been less well studied in children. The objective was to establish reference ranges in our local population. Method All faecal calprotectin results from 2011 to 2014 were retrospectively collated and grouped according to patient age. Probability plots were used to determine expected upper limit of normal for each age group, and Mann-Whitney test was used to determine statistical difference between groups. Results Upper limit of normal for age groups 1–3.9 years, 4–17.9 years and 18 years plus were 77, 62 and 61  µg/g, respectively. There was a significant difference ( P = 0.0013) between the median calprotectin concentration for the age group 1–3.9 years ( n = 87) and 4–17.9 years ( n = 636) and between the age group 1–3.9 years and 18 years plus ( n = 7953, P = 0.0001), but there was no significant difference between the age groups 4–17.9 years and 18 years plus ( P = 0.4206). Conclusions In our local population, faecal calprotectin varies with age. Children aged 1–3.9 years had higher concentrations of faecal calprotectin than adults, but there was no significant difference in faecal calprotectin between older children and adults. This is in agreement with other published studies; however, the faecal calprotectin upper limit of normal calculated for children aged 1–3.9 years was lower than has been observed elsewhere.
School meals do not have a given place in Swedish school’s quality management
Authors: Olsson Cecilia , Waling Maria 
Published: May 2016

Objectives: Sweden is one of three countries worldwide which has a legal requirement to ensure that pupils in compulsory school should be offered free, nutritious school meals. Furthermore, the law states that school meal provision should be included in schools’ internal quality management (IQM) system. The objective of this study was to examine to what extent schools in Sweden are following the legal requirement to include school meals in IQM and the relationship between this inclusion and the application of government advisory guidelines regarding school meals. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Head teachers evenly distributed across all regions in Sweden representing municipality schools, independent schools and Sami schools. Method: Web-based questionnaire completed by 216 head teachers. Results: About half of the schools did not meet the legal requirement to include schools meals in the IQM. Furthermore, familiarity with and use of the National Food Agency (NFA) guidelines and the web-based tool School Food Sweden, as well as activities considered as part of a pedagogical school meal and the inclusion of school meals in interdisciplinary work, were reported to be less common in schools not including school meals in their IQM system. Conclusion: Findings suggest that when there is inclusion of school meals in a school’s quality management system, the school is also more likely to include school meals as part of educational activities. By acknowledging school meal provision as part of the educational process, possibilities are opened up for health-promoting activities to prevent non-communicable disease.
Vocal Fold Paralysis after Esophagectomy for Carcinoma
Authors: Loochtan Michael J. , Balcarcel Daniel , Carroll Elizabeth , Foecking Eileen M. , Thorpe Eric J. , Charous Steven J. 
Published: May 2016

Objectives(1) To recognize factors that contribute to vocal fold paralysis (VFP) after esophagectomy. (2) To describe the morbidity associated with VFP after esophagectomy.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary care academic medical center.Subjects and MethodsThe medical records of 91 patients undergoing esophagectomy for malignancy were reviewed (2008‐2014). Twenty‐two patients with postoperative VFP were compared with 69 patients without VFP with regard to preoperative variables, surgical approach (transcervical vs other), and postoperative outcomes. A subset analysis of cervical approaches was performed, including those where an otolaryngologist assisted.ResultsThere were no significant differences in preoperative variables between patients with and without VFP. Cervical approaches were associated with increased VFP (P <. 0001). Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) identification was associated with increased VFP (P =. 0001). RLN dissection by head and neck surgeons was associated with decreased VFP (P =. 0223). Patients with VFP had longer lengths of stay (P =. 0078), higher rates of tracheotomy (P =. 0439), and required more outpatient swallow evaluations (P =. 0017). Mean time to diagnosis of VFP was 45.6 days (median, 7.5 days).ConclusionsCervical approaches are associated with increased VFP in patients undergoing esophagectomy for malignancy. When cervical approaches and mobilization are required, the inclusion of an experienced cervical surgeon to identify the RLN may improve the rate of postoperative VFP. Patients with VFP after esophagectomy experience significantly more morbidity. Due to the potential delay in diagnosis and treatment of postoperative VFP, routine assessment of inpatient vocal fold function may be beneficial.
L’humour comme arme : Le cas du Dieu du carnage de Yasmina Reza
Authors: Jaccomard Hélène 
Published: May 2016

Résumé Le conflit est l’essence du théâtre, la chose est connue lorsqu’il s’agit de la tragédie, mais c’est également vrai pour la comédie. En prenant à titre d’exemple la pièce de Yasmina Reza, Le Dieu du carnage, l’article analyse les rapports en apparence paradoxaux entre la violence et l’humour. La pièce repose sur la théorie que la civilisation est incapable de contrôler la violence des instincts, avec des dialogues où l’humour fonctionne comme une arme entre les personnages, arme qui tantôt entretient le cycle de la violence, tantôt l’interrompt. On s’interroge pour savoir quelle place dans la modernité occupe cette arme qu’est l’humour, arme d’attaque, de défense voire de dissuasion. L’humour révèle-t-il la nature primitive des conflits de nos sociétés pourtant policées ?
The effects of intravenous aminophylline on level of consciousness in acute intentional benzodiazepines poisoning in comparison to flumazenil
Authors: Aghabiklooei A , Sangsefidi J 
Published: May 2016

Aim: Acute intentional benzodiazepine poisoning is marked by a significant loss of consciousness, aspiration pneumonia, and increased rates of mortality and morbidity, especially in older patients with underlying heart or lung disease. These patients may need flumazenil to reverse the respiratory effects of benzodiazepines. The positive effects of aminophylline on respiration and neonatal apnea improvement have been shown previously. However, its possible effects on increasing the level of consciousness have never been evaluated. Methods: In a placebo-controlled study, we assessed the effectiveness of aminophylline on increasing the level of consciousness. Results: Time to full awakening was significantly shorter in those who received aminophylline (72 min vs. 881 min, p = 0.001), compared to those who received a placebo. Conclusion: When “flumazenil” is contraindicated or unavailable, intravenous aminophylline can be used as a second choice.