bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High aminopeptidase A activity contributes to blood pressure control in ob/ob mice by AT2 receptor-dependent mechanism
Authors: Morais Rafael L. , Hilzendeger Aline M. , Visniauskas Bruna , Todiras Mihail , Alenina Natalia , Mori Marcelo A. , Araújo Ronaldo C. , Nakaie Clovis R. , Chagas Jair R. , Carmona Adriana K. , Bader Michael , Pesquero João B. 
Published: December 2016

Obesity is assumed to be a major cause of human essential hypertension; however, the mechanisms responsible for weight-related increase in blood pressure (BP) are not fully understood. The prevalence of hypertension induced by obesity has grown over the years, and the role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in this process continues to be elucidated. In this scenario, the ob/ob mice are a genetic obesity model generally used for metabolic disorder studies. These mice are normotensive even though they present several metabolic conditions that predispose them to hypertension. Although the normotensive trait in these mice is associated with the poor activation of sympathetic nervous system by the lack of leptin, we demonstrated that ob/ob mice present massively increased aminopeptidase A (APA) activity in the circulation. APA enzyme metabolizes angiotensin (ANG) II into ANG III, a peptide associated with intrarenal angiotensin type 2 (AT2) receptor activation and induction of natriuresis. In these mice, we found increased ANG-III levels in the circulation, high AT2 receptor expression in the kidney, and enhanced natriuresis. AT2 receptor blocking and APA inhibition increased BP, suggesting the ANG III-AT2 receptor axis as a complementary BP control mechanism. Circulating APA activity was significantly reduced by weight loss independently of leptin, indicating the role of fat tissue in APA production. Therefore, in this study we provide new data supporting the role of APA in BP control in ob/ob mouse strain. These findings improve our comprehension about obesity-related hypertension and suggest new tools for its treatment. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we reported an increased angiotensin III generation in the circulation of ob/ob mice caused by a high aminopeptidase A activity. These findings are associated with an increased natriuresis found in these mice and support the role of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system as additional mechanism regulating blood pressure in this genetic obese strain.
Transspinal direct current stimulation modulates migration and proliferation of adult newly born spinal cells in mice
Authors: Samaddar Sreyashi , Vazquez Kizzy , Ponkia Dipen , Toruno Pedro , Sahbani Karim , Begum Sultana , Abouelela Ahmed , Mekhael Wagdy , Ahmed Zaghloul 
Published: December 2016

Direct current electrical fields have been shown to be a major factor in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival, as well as in the maturation of dividing cells during development. During adulthood, spinal cord cells are continuously produced in both animals and humans, and they hold great potential for neural restoration following spinal cord injury. While the effects of direct current electrical fields on adult-born spinal cells cultured ex vivo have recently been reported, the effects of direct current electrical fields on adult-born spinal cells in vivo have not been characterized. Here, we provide convincing findings that a therapeutic form of transspinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) affects the migration and proliferation of adult-born spinal cells in mice. Specifically, cathodal tsDCS attracted the adult-born spinal cells, while anodal tsDCS repulsed them. In addition, both tsDCS polarities caused a significant increase in cell number. Regarding the potential mechanisms involved, both cathodal and anodal tsDCS caused significant increases in expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, while expression of nerve growth factor increased and decreased, respectively. In the spinal cord, both anodal and cathodal tsDCS increased blood flow. Since blood flow and angiogenesis are associated with the proliferation of neural stem cells, increased blood flow may represent a major factor in the modulation of newly born spinal cells by tsDCS. Consequently, we propose that the method and novel findings presented in the current study have the potential to facilitate cellular, molecular, and/or bioengineering strategies to repair injured spinal cords.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our results indicate that transspinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) affects the migratory pattern and proliferation of adult newly born spinal cells, a cell population which has been implicated in learning and memory. In addition, our results suggest a potential mechanism of action regarding the functional effects of applying direct current. Thus tsDCS may represent a novel method by which to manipulate the migration and cell number of adult newly born cells and restore functions following brain or spinal cord injury.
Longitudinal Impact of Smoking and Smoking Cessation on Inflammatory Markers of Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: King Cecile C. , Piper Megan E. , Gepner Adam D. , Fiore Michael C. , Baker Timothy B. , Stein James H. 
Published: December 2016

Objective—
To evaluate longitudinal changes in 6 inflammatory markers that predict cardiovascular disease events among smokers making a quit attempt and to characterize their cross-sectional associations between smoking and smoking heaviness.

Approach and Results—

In a longitudinal cohort study of contemporary smokers (n=1652), we evaluated (1) independent associations of smoking heaviness markers (exhaled carbon monoxide, cigarettes/d, pack-years) with inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, D-dimer, fibrinogen, urinary F
2
isoprostane:creatinine [F
2
:Cr] ratio, white blood cell [WBC] count, myeloperoxidase) and (2) the effects of smoking cessation and continued smoking on these inflammatory markers after 1 year, among the 888 smokers who made an aided quit attempt as part of a randomized comparative effectiveness trial or standard care. There were strong, independent associations between smoking heaviness markers and the F
2
:Cr ratio, WBC, and myeloperoxidase (all
P
adj
<0.001), but not high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, D-dimer, or fibrinogen. Participants were mean (SD) 49.6 years old (11.6), 54% women, 34% non-white, and smoked 16.8 cigarettes/d (8.5) for 27.3 pack-years (18.6). After 1 year, the 344 successful abstainers gained more weight (4.0 [6.0] versus 0.4 [5.7] pounds;
P
<0.001) and had larger increases in insulin resistance scores (
P
=0.02) than continuing smokers. Despite these increases, abstainers had significant decreases in F
2
:Cr ratio (
P
<0.001) and WBC counts (
P
<0.001). Changes in other markers were not related to quitting.

Conclusions—

Smoking heaviness is associated with increased F
2
:Cr ratio, myeloperoxidase, and WBC counts. Cessation improves the F
2
:Cr ratio and WBC counts independent of weight change, suggesting reduced inflammation related to less oxidant stress.
Preoperative Proteinuria and Reduced Glomerular Filtration Rate Predicts Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients Supported With Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Topkara Veli K. , Coromilas Ellie J. , Garan Arthur Reshad , Li Randall C. , Castagna Francesco , Jennings Douglas L. , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Takeda Koji , Takayama Hiroo , Sladen Robert N. , Mancini Donna M. , Naka Yoshifumi , Radhakrishnan Jai , Colombo Paolo C. 
Published: December 2016

Background—
Renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) has detrimental effects on quality of life and survival of patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs). Current guidelines do not offer a decision-making algorithm for CF-LVAD candidates with poor baseline renal function. Objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with RRT after CF-LVAD implantation.

Methods and Results—

Three hundred and eighty-nine consecutive patients underwent contemporary CF-LVAD implantation at the Columbia University Medical Center between January 2004 and August 2015. Baseline demographics, comorbid conditions, clinical risk scores, and renal function were analyzed in patients with or without RRT after CF-LVAD implantation. Time-dependent receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to define optimal cutoffs for continuous risk factors. Forty-four patients (11.6%) required RRT during a median follow-up of 9.9 months. Patients requiring RRT had significantly worse renal function, lower hemoglobin, and increased proteinuria at baseline. Low estimated glomerular filtration rate (<40 mL/min/1.73 m
2
) and proteinuria (urine protein to creatinine ratio ≥0.55 mg/mg) were significant predictors of RRT after CF-LVAD support. Dipstick proteinuria was also a significant predictor of RRT after CF-LVAD implantation. Patients with both low estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria had highest risk of RRT (63.6%) compared with those with either low estimated glomerular filtration rate or proteinuria (18.7%) and those with neither of these risk factors (2.7%) at 1-year follow-up (log-rank
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
Estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria are predictors RRT after CF-LVAD implantation and should be routinely assessed in CF-LVAD candidates to guide decision making.
Development and Validation of a Grading Scale for Primary Pontine Hemorrhage
Authors: Huang Kaibin , Ji Zhong , Sun Lihua , Gao Xiaoya , Lin Shaopeng , Liu Tao , Xie Shanfang , Zhang Qishan , Xian Wenchuan , Zhou Saijun , Gu Youquan , Wu Yongming , Wang Shengnan , Lin Zhenzhou , Pan Suyue 
Published: December 2016

Background and Purpose—
We aimed to develop and validate a grading scale for predicting 30-day mortality and 90-day functional outcome in patients with primary pontine hemorrhage (PPH).

Methods—
We retrospectively reviewed records of consecutive patients with first-ever pontine hemorrhage from 3 teaching hospitals between 2005 and 2012. Independent factors associated with 30-day mortality were identified by logistic regression to establish a risk stratification scale, named the new PPH score. For validation of the new PPH score, we prospectively recruited subjects from 10 units between December 2014 and November 2015. The performance of the new PPH score was presented as discrimination and calibration, measured by area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic and Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit, respectively.

Results—

Data of 171 patients were available for scale development. The new PPH score consisted of 2 independent factors with individual points assigned as follows: Glasgow Coma Scale score 3 to 4 (=2 points), 5 to 7 (=1 point), and 8 to 15 (=0 point); PPH volume >10 mL (=2 points), 5 to 10 mL (=1 point), and <5 mL (=0 point). An independent cohort of 98 patients was applied as an external validation of the new PPH score. Results showed that the new PPH score was discriminative in predicting both 30-day mortality (area under the curve, 0.902) and 90-day good outcome (area under the curve, 0.927). Furthermore, the new PPH score revealed a good calibration (χ
2
=1.387;
P
=0.846) in 30-day mortality prediction.

Conclusions—
The new PPH score is simple and reliable in predicting short-term and long-term outcome for PPH patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.chictr.org.cn
. Unique identifier: ChiCTR-OOC-14005533.
Können wir uns entscheiden, etwas zu glauben? – Zur Möglichkeit und Unmöglichkeit eines doxastischen Willens
Authors: Schmidt Sebastian 
Published: December 2016

The author argues that believing at will – i.e. believing for practical reasons – is in some sense possible and in some sense impossible. It is impossible insofar as we think of belief formation as a result of our exercise of certain capacities (perception, memory, agency). But insofar as we think of belief formation as an action that might lead to such a result (i.e. a deliberation or an inquiry), believing at will is possible. First the author presents and clarifies the problem and its philosophical relevance (section 1). The author then argues that a belief formation as an immediate reaction to practical reasons is not necessarily equivalent to believing at will, because the causal mechanism that leads to the formation might be deviant (section 2). Finally, the author explains the difference between the two meanings of “belief formation” mentioned above, in order to clarify the possibility and impossibility of believing at will (section 3).
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission for Science and Society
Authors: Skofronick-Jackson Gail , Petersen Walter A. , Berg Wesley , Kidd Chris , Stocker Erich F. , Kirschbaum Dalia B. , Kakar Ramesh , Braun Scott A. , Huffman George J. , Iguchi Toshio , Kirstetter Pierre E. , Kummerow Christian , Meneghini Robert , Oki Riko , Olson William S. , Takayabu Yukari N. , Furukawa Kinji , Wilheit Thomas 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Precipitation is a key source of freshwater; therefore, observing global patterns of precipitation and its intensity is important for science, society, and understanding our planet in a changing climate. In 2014, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory (CO) spacecraft. The GPM CO carries the most advanced precipitation sensors currently in space including a dual-frequency precipitation radar provided by JAXA for measuring the three-dimensional structures of precipitation and a well-calibrated, multifrequency passive microwave radiometer that provides wide-swath precipitation data. The GPM CO was designed to measure rain rates from 0.2 to 110.0 mm h−1 and to detect moderate to intense snow events. The GPM CO serves as a reference for unifying the data from a constellation of partner satellites to provide next-generation, merged precipitation estimates globally and with high spatial and temporal resolutions. Through improved measurements of rain and snow, precipitation data from GPM provides new information such as details on precipitation structure and intensity; observations of hurricanes and typhoons as they transition from the tropics to the midlatitudes; data to advance near-real-time hazard assessment for floods, landslides, and droughts; inputs to improve weather and climate models; and insights into agricultural productivity, famine, and public health. Since launch, GPM teams have calibrated satellite instruments, refined precipitation retrieval algorithms, expanded science investigations, and processed and disseminated precipitation data for a range of applications. The current status of GPM, its ongoing science, and its future plans are presented.
Initiation of Deep Convection over an Idealized Mesoscale Convergence Line
Authors: Rousseau-Rizzi Raphaël , Kirshbaum Daniel J. , Yau Man Kong 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
This study performs cloud-resolving simulations of cumulus convection over an idealized surface-based convergence zone to investigate the mechanisms and sensitivities of deep convection initiation forced by mesoscale ascent. The surface convergence forms in response to a localized diurnal heating anomaly over an otherwise homogeneous and unheated surface, producing a strong boundary layer updraft over the center of the heat source. This updraft gives rise to a line of cumuli that gradually deepen and, in some cases, transition into deep convection. To statistically investigate the factors controlling this transition, a new thermal-tracking algorithm is developed to follow incipient cumulus cores as they ascend through the troposphere. This tool is used to isolate the impacts of key environmental parameters (cloud-layer lapse rate, midlevel humidity, etc.) and initial core parameters near cloud base (horizontal area, vertical velocity, etc.) on the ultimate cloud-top height. In general, the initial core size determines which thermals in a given cloud field will undergo the deepest ascent, and the sensitivity of cloud depth to initial core parameters increases in environments that are more hostile to deep convection. Diurnal midlevel moistening from detraining cumuli above the convergence line produces a small but robust enhancement in cloud-top height, particularly for smaller cores.
Risk of Extreme Precipitation under Nonstationarity Conditions during the Second Flood Season in the Southeastern Coastal Region of China
Authors: Gao Lu , Huang Jie , Chen Xingwei , Chen Ying , Liu Meibing 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
This study analyzes the variation and risk changes of extreme precipitation under nonstationarity conditions using the Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS) and the Mann–Kendall (MK) test. The extreme precipitation series is extracted from the observations during the second flood season (July–September) from 1960 to 2012 derived from 86 meteorological stations in the southeastern coastal region of China. The trend of mean (Mn) and variance (Var) of extreme precipitation is detected by MK. Ten large-scale circulation variables and four greenhouse gases are selected to construct a climate change index and a human activity index, which are based on principal component analysis. The recurrence risk of extreme precipitation is calculated by GAMLSS while considering climate changes and human activities. The results demonstrate that the nonstationarity characteristic of extreme precipitation is widespread in this region. A significant increasing trend of Mn is found in Shanghai, eastern Zhejiang, and northern and southern Fujian. An enhanced Var is found in eastern Guangdong. A significant positive correlation exists between climate changes/human activities and Mn/Var, especially in Zhejiang and Fujian. Generally, the contribution of climate changes and human activities to Mn is greater than it is to Var. In this region, the precipitation amount of high-frequency (2-yr return period) and low-frequency (100-yr return period) events increases from inland to coastal and from north to south. The government should pay careful attention to these trends because the intensity of extreme precipitation events and their secondary disasters could result in serious losses.
A Scheme for Rain Gauge Network Design Based on Remotely Sensed Rainfall Measurements
Authors: Dai Qiang , Bray Michaela , Zhuo Lu , Islam Tanvir , Han Dawei 
Published: December 2016

AbstractA remarkable decline in the number of rain gauges is being faced in many areas of the world, as a compromise to the expensive cost of operating and maintaining rain gauges. The question of how to effectively deploy new or remove current rain gauges in order to create optimal rainfall information is becoming more and more important. On the other hand, larger-scaled, remotely sensed rainfall measurements, although poorer quality compared with traditional rain gauge rainfall measurements, provide an insight into the local storm characteristics, which are sought by traditional methods for designing a rain gauge network. Based on these facts, this study proposes a new methodology for rain gauge network design using remotely sensed rainfall datasets that aims to explore how many gauges are essential and where they should be placed. Principal component analysis (PCA) is used to analyze the redundancy of the radar grid network and to determine the number of rain gauges while the potential locations are determined by cluster analysis (CA) selection. The proposed methodology has been performed on 373 different storm events measured by a weather radar grid network and compared against an existing dense rain gauge network in southwestern England. Because of the simple structure, the proposed scheme could be easily implemented in other study areas. This study provides a new insight into rain gauge network design that is also a preliminary attempt to use remotely sensed data to solve the traditional rain gauge problems.
A 10-Year Comparison of Water Levels Measured with a Geodetic GPS Receiver versus a Conventional Tide Gauge
Authors: Larson Kristine M. , Ray Richard D. , Williams Simon D. P. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractA standard geodetic GPS receiver and a conventional Aquatrak tide gauge, collocated at Friday Harbor, Washington, are used to assess the quality of 10 years of water levels estimated from GPS sea surface reflections. The GPS results are improved by accounting for (tidal) motion of the reflecting sea surface and for signal propagation delay by the troposphere. The RMS error of individual GPS water level estimates is about 12 cm. Lower water levels are measured slightly more accurately than higher water levels. Forming daily mean sea levels reduces the RMS difference with the tide gauge data to approximately 2 cm. For monthly means, the RMS difference is 1.3 cm. The GPS elevations, of course, can be automatically placed into a well-defined terrestrial reference frame. Ocean tide coefficients, determined from both the GPS and tide gauge data, are in good agreement, with absolute differences below 1 cm for all constituents save K1 and S1. The latter constituent is especially anomalous, probably owing to daily temperature-induced errors in the Aquatrak tide gauge.
Influence of multiaxial loading on the failure of Kevlar KM2 single fiber
Authors: Sockalingam Subramani , Gillespie John W , Keefe Michael 
Published: December 2016

The role of multiaxial loading on the failure of Kevlar® KM2 ballistic fibers during transverse loading is not well understood. Quasi-static experiments reported by Hudspeth M, Li D, Spatola J, et al. (2015) on single KM2 fiber subjected to transverse loading by three indenter geometries over a wide range of loading angles exhibit significant reductions in the average axial tensile failure strain. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model is developed to predict the degree of multiaxial loading present at the location of fiber failure in these experiments. The model predicts an axial tensile strain concentration within the indenter–fiber contact zone. The fiber is also subjected to multiaxial stress/strain states within the contact zone consisting of axial tension, axial compression, transverse compression and interlaminar shear that can degrade axial tensile failure strain. For a round indenter with a radius much higher than the fiber diameter, the axial tensile strain concentration and multiaxial strain in the fiber are negligible. In the case of a fragment-simulating projectile and a razor indenter, significant axial tensile strain concentrations (2.2–5.9) are predicted and the localized transverse loading results in extensive inelastic deformation within the fiber cross-section. Based on the results, a maximum axial tensile strain failure criterion incorporating the multiaxial loading degradation effects is developed. The failure criterion correlates well with the experimental measurements reported by Hudspeth et al. for all three indenters. Modeling the experiments provides new insights into the tensile failure strain of high-performance ballistic fibers at extremely small gage lengths subject to transverse impact loading.