bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tropical Cyclone Outflow-Layer Structure and Balanced Response to Eddy Forcings
Authors: Ditchek Sarah D. , Molinari John , Vollaro David 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The ERA-Interim is used to generate azimuthally averaged composites of Atlantic basin tropical cyclones from 1979 to 2014. Both the mean state and the eddy forcing terms exhibited similar radial–vertical structure for all storm intensities, varying only in magnitude. Thus, only major hurricanes are described in detail. Radial inflow and outflow extended beyond the 2000-km radius. Warm anomalies reached 2000 km in the outflow layer. Composite eddy momentum fluxes within the outflow layer were 2.5 times larger than mean momentum fluxes, highlighting the importance of outflow–environment interactions. A balanced vortex equation was applied to understand the role of eddy heat and momentum fluxes. Dominant terms were the lateral eddy heat flux convergence, lateral eddy momentum flux, and eddy Coriolis torque. Each acted to enhance the secondary circulation. The eddy momentum flux terms produced about twice the response of heat flux terms. The circulation created by the eddy Coriolis torque arises from a vertical gradient of mean storm-relative meridional wind in the upper troposphere at outer radii. It is produced by background inertial stability variations that allow stronger outflow on the equatorward side. Overall, the fluxes drive a strengthened secondary circulation that extends to outer radii. Balanced vertical motion is strongest in the upper troposphere in the storm core. A method is proposed for evaluating the role of environmental interaction on tropical cyclone intensity change.
The Role of Tropical Interbasin SST Gradients in Forcing Walker Circulation Trends
Authors: Zhang Lei , Karnauskas Kristopher B. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe effects of externally forced tropical sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies on long-term Walker circulation changes are investigated through numerical atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) experiments. In response to the observed tropics-wide SST trend, which exhibits a prominent interbasin warming contrast (IBWC) with smaller warming in the Pacific than the Indian and Atlantic Oceans that includes a weak La Niña–like pattern in the equatorial Pacific, pronounced low-level easterly anomalies emerge over the equatorial Pacific. Through sensitivity experiments, the intensification of the Pacific trade winds (PTWs) is attributable to the IBWC, whereas the slightly enhanced zonal SST gradient within the equatorial Pacific plays a small role relative to the observed IBWC. It is further demonstrated that the greater Indian Ocean warming forces low-level easterly anomalies over the entire equatorial Pacific, while the greater tropical Atlantic warming-driven enhancement of PTWs is located over the central equatorial Pacific. In contrast to observations, a negligible IBWC emerges in the tropical SST trends of CMIP5 historical simulations due to a strong El Niño–like warming in the tropical Pacific. Lacking the observed IBWC (and the observed enhancement of the zonal SST gradient within the equatorial Pacific), the PTWs in the CMIP5 ensemble can only weaken.
Alcohol consumption reduces HbA1c and glycated albumin concentrations but not 1,5-anhydroglucitol
Authors: Inada Shinya , Koga Masafumi 
Published: October 2016

Background The effect of alcohol consumption on glycaemic control indicators is not well known. In this study, we studied the effect of alcohol consumption on the plasma glucose and glycaemic control indicators in non-diabetic men. Methods The study enrolled 300 non-diabetic men who received a complete medical checkup (age: 52.8 ± 6.5 years, body mass index: 24.4 ± 2.8 kg/m2). The subjects were divided into four groups by the amount of alcohol consumed, and the plasma glucose, HbA1c, glycated albumin (GA) and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) concentrations of the groups were compared. Results As the level of alcohol consumption increased, significantly high concentrations of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were observed, and the oral glucose tolerance test 2-h plasma glucose concentrations tended to rise. While no significant effect of alcohol consumption on HbA1c, 1,5-AG, and the 1,5-AG/FPG ratio was observed, the HbA1c/FPG ratio, GA and the GA/FPG ratio exhibited significantly low values as the level of alcohol consumption increased. In stepwise multivariate regression analysis, alcohol consumption was a significant negative independent variable for HbA1c and GA, but not for 1,5-AG. Conclusions As the level of alcohol consumption increased, the plasma glucose concentrations rose, but the HbA1c and GA concentrations were lower compared with the plasma glucose concentrations. These findings suggest that alcohol consumption may reduce HbA1c and GA concentrations, but not 1,5-AG.
Chitotriosidase enzyme activity: is this a possible chronic inflammation marker in children with common variable immunodeficiency and early atherosclerosis?
Authors: Azarsız Elif , Karaca Neslihan , Levent Erturk , Kutukculer Necil , Sozmen Eser 
Published: October 2016

Background Common variable immunodeficiency is a rare clinically symptomatic primary immunodeficiency disorder which manifests a wide variability of symptoms, complications. Atherosclerosis in common variable immunodeficiency patients has not been investigated yet contrary to other severe clinical complications. We aimed to investigate the chitotriosidase enzyme's role as an inflammation and atherosclerosis marker in paediatric common variable immunodeficiency patients. Methods Common variable immunodeficiency patients (n = 24) and healthy controls (n = 23) evaluated for chitotriosidase activity with other inflammation markers (hsCRP, myeloperoxidase, serum amyloid A, ferritin), lipid profile and echocardiographic findings (carotid artery intima media thickness – cIMT, brachial artery flow-mediated vazodilatation – FMD%). Results In patients, the mean chitotriosidase activity (8.98 ± 6.28) was significantly higher than the controls (5.17 ± 3.42) ( P = 0.014). Chitotriosidase showed positive relation with hs-CRP ( P = 0.011) and SAA ( P = 0.011) but had no relation with ferritin ( P = 0.155), HDL ( P = 0.152) or LDL-cholesterol ( P = 0.380). Mean cIMT increased in patients compared with the controls ( P < 0.001) but did not show any relation with chitotriosidase ( P = 0.546). FMD% decreased in patients ( P < 0.001) also showing no relation with chitotriosidase ( P = 0.298). Ventricular myocardial performance indexes had no significant difference, but RVEF% decreased in patients ( P = 0.043). Conclusions High chitotriosidase activity in common variable immunodeficiency patients demonstrated in vivo the presence of activated macrophages indicating ongoing inflammation. Echocardiographic diastolic functional deficiency, increased cIMT and decreased FMD% may be accepted as early atherosclerotic findings, but none of them showed relationship with chitotriosidase activities.
The preanalytical stability of glucagon as measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and two commercially available immunoassays
Authors: Cegla Jaimini , Jones Ben J , Howard James , Kay Richard , Creaser Colin S , Bloom Stephen R , Tan Tricia M 
Published: October 2016

Background One of the main challenges in the measurement of glucagon is the premise that it is unstable in human plasma. Traditionally, protease inhibitors have been used to prevent its degradation; however, their use is controversial. Here, we investigated the optimal method of sample collection for glucagon, with measurement by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and two commercially available immunoassays. Methods Blood from healthy fasting volunteers (n = 10) was processed under a variety of preanalytical conditions including collection in EDTA vs. lithium heparin tubes and the addition of aprotinin and/or a dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPPIV) inhibitor. Additionally, the effect of freeze thaw was assessed. Plasma glucagon concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS and two commercially available immunoassays (HTRF® sandwich immunoassay, Cisbio and Milliplex MAP Human Metabolic Hormone Panel, Merck Millipore). Results A systematic bias of Milliplex > LC-MS/MS > HTRF was noted and plasma glucagon concentrations were significantly different between methods (Milliplex vs. LC-MS/MS P < 0.01; Milliplex vs. HTRF P < 0.0001; LC-MS/MS vs. HTRF P < 0.001). The addition of aprotinin, DPPIV inhibitor or a combination of aprotinin and DPPIV inhibitor had no effect on plasma glucagon concentrations when compared to ‘non-stabilized’ samples or each other. Whether samples were taken in EDTA tubes or lithium heparin tubes made no difference to plasma glucagon concentrations. These findings were consistent for all three methods. Plasma glucagon concentrations were not significantly different after two freeze–thaw cycles (performed on samples in EDTA tubes containing aprotinin and DPPIV inhibitor). Conclusions This study demonstrates that glucagon is stable in both EDTA and lithium heparin tubes when stored at −80℃. Furthermore, the addition of aprotinin and DPPIV inhibitors is unnecessary.
Computational fluid dynamics study on the drag and flow field differences between the single and coupled bends
Authors: Gao Ran , Chen Shikuo , Li Angui , Yang Zhigang , Cong Beihua 
Published: October 2016

Owing to the limited installation space and duct size, coupled fittings are common in the duct systems of buildings. The coupling effect leads to changes in drag and fan energy consumption. This study investigates duct drag and flow field characteristics under coupling conditions. Experiments and numerical simulations with the Reynolds stress model are conducted. Flow field changes, flow field deformation, and drag changes in the duct are analyzed. Regardless of the coupling form, the velocity near the inner arc is fast, whereas that near the outer arc is slow. Under three different coupling connection conditions (S-shaped, L-shaped, and U-shaped), the outlet velocity gradient of the U-shaped coupling connection is the least obvious. After the fluid flows through the bend, a significant centerline velocity reduction can be observed, even greater than that in the bend. The lowest centerline velocity lies within the range of 2.5 D to 4.5 D after the bend. Coupling connection has an insignificant effect on upstream duct resistance. The resistance of single bend is less than that of the downstream bend for the coupled bend and greater than that of the upstream bend under coupling conditions. Practical application: Coupling effect is common in practical application of ventilation engineering. This effect leads to the change of fluid resistance loss of ducts and pipes. However, few researchers focus on this effect. This study finds that regardless of the coupling form, the velocity near the inner arc is fast, whereas that near the outer arc is slow. It means the guide vane should be set near inner arc. L-shaped coupling connection has the largest downstream piping resistance. The resistance of the downstream piping under S-shaped coupling is the least, thus L-shaped coupling connection should be avoided as far as possible in practical application.
Zofenopril and ramipril in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction: A propensity analysis of the Survival of Myocardial Infarction Long-term Evaluation (SMILE) 4 study
Authors: Borghi Claudio , Omboni Stefano , Novo Salvatore , Vinereanu Dragos , Ambrosio Giuseppe , Ambrosioni Ettore ,   on behalf of the SMILE-4 Working Party
Published: October 2016

Introduction: This was a propensity score analysis of the prospective, randomized, double-blind Survival of Myocardial Infarction Long-term Evaluation (SMILE) 4 study in which one-year treatment with zofenopril 60 mg plus acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 100 mg gave superior results compared to ramipril 10 mg plus ASA in terms of death or hospitalization for cardiovascular causes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). Materials and methods: A total of 716 patients of the intention-to-treat population were divided into homogeneous propensity quintiles (Q) using a logistic regression model (QI: best risk profile; QV: worst risk profile). Results: Treatment was associated with a similar low rate of major cardiovascular events in any Q. However, the efficacy of zofenopril was better than that of ramipril in QII, QV, and particularly QIII (odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval: 0.43 (0.21–0.87), p<0.05]. This result was primarily attributed to a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization, particularly striking in the QIII (OR: 0.40, 0.19-0.85; p<0.05). Mortality rate did not significantly differ between the two treatments in any Q. Conclusions: In the SMILE-4 study the propensity analysis confirmed the efficacy of zofenopril in the prevention of long-term cardiovascular outcomes irrespective of the cardiovascular risk profile of post-AMI patients.
An evaluation of the performance of SCORE Sweden 2015 in estimating cardiovascular risk
Authors: Karjalainen Tina , Adiels Martin , Björck Lena , Cooney Marie-Therèse , Graham Ian , Perk Joep , Rosengren Annika , Söderberg Stefan , Eliasson Mats 
Published: October 2016

Background Risk prediction models for cardiovascular death are important for providing advice on lifestyle and in decision-making regarding primary preventive drug treatment. The latest Swedish version of the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE 2015) has yet not been tested in the population. Objective The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of high and very high risk of fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) of the current population according to 2015 SCORE Sweden and to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the 2003 Swedish version of SCORE (2003 SCORE Sweden) and 2015 SCORE Sweden in a population with declining CVD mortality. Methods We estimated the high and very high risk group for cardiovascular death for individuals 40–65 years of age in the 2014 Northern Sweden MONICA population survey excluding subjects with known diabetes or previous CVD ( n = 813). Using the 1999 MONICA survey ( n = 3347) followed up for 10 years for CVD mortality, we assessed the calibration of both 2003 and 2015 SCORE Sweden. Results In 2014 2.6% of the population was considered at high or very high risk for fatal CVD, 95% were men and 76% were in the age group 60–65 years. Including subjects with a single markedly elevated risk factor, known diabetes or CVD, 12% of the population was at high or very high risk. During 10 years of follow-up of the 1999 cohort, 34 CVD deaths (24 men and 10 women) occurred. The 2003 SCORE overestimated the risk of death from CVD (ratio predicted/observed 2.3, P < 0.001) whereas the 2015 SCORE slightly overestimated the number of deaths (predicted/observed 1.3, P = 0.12). The 2015 SCORE predicted more accurately than the 2003 SCORE the number of deaths in the different risk and age categories. Conclusion The 2015 SCORE Sweden more adequately than 2003 SCORE Sweden predicts the number of deaths. In 2014, the proportion of high-risk individuals is small in northern Sweden. The main use of 2015 SCORE Sweden would therefore be as an educational tool between the physician and people without diabetes or CVD in a consultation regarding cardiovascular risk.
Descending necrotizing mediastinitis: Management and controversies
Authors: Putra Muhammad Arza , Romolo Harvey , Syafina Adinda Bunga , Sani Alvin Ariyanto , Wuryantoro  , Wardoyo Suprayitno , Susanti Dhama Shinta 
Published: October 2016

Background: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis has been known to be a life-threatening condition. It is most likely to be lethal without a prompt diagnosis and aggressive surgical management. In the surgical management of this subset of mediastinitis, a debate remains as to whether a transthoracic incision should be mandatory in addition to cervical approach. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study performed at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital from January 2012 to June 2014. Patients with descending necrotizing mediastinitis were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and with cervical and transthoracic approach (via sternotomy) surgical debridement. Results: There were 16 consecutive cases of descending necrotizing mediastinitis. One patient did not undergo sternotomy and was ruled out from the study. The mean intensive care unit stay was 26.4 days, with a mean hospital stay of 46.7 days. There were three mortality cases reported and a total of three cases that needed reoperation. There was neither post-operative sternal dehiscence nor osteomyelitis found. Conclusion: Considering there are no post-operative sternal-related infection reported in this study, sternotomy should be considered as an access in descending necrotizing mediastinitis management. In the three mortality cases reported, two patients came with preoperative sepsis and one had iatrogenic subclavian artery injury.
When clinical heterogeneity exceeds genetic heterogeneity: thinking outside the genomic box in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Ball Markus , List Alan F. , Padron Eric 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Exome sequencing studies in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) illustrate a mutational landscape characterized by few somatic mutations involving a subset of recurrent gene mutations in ASXL1, SRSF2, and TET2, each approaching 40% in incidence. This has led to the clinical implementation of next-generation sequencing panels that effectively identify clonal monocytosis and complement clinical prognostic scoring systems in most patients. However, most murine models based on single gene mutations fail to recapitulate the CMML phenotype, and many gene mutations are loss of function, making the identification of traditional therapeutic vulnerabilities challenging. Further, as a subtype of the myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms, CMML has a complex clinical heterogeneity not reflected by the mutational landscape. In this review, we will discuss the discordance between mutational homogeneity and clinical complexity and highlight novel genomic and nongenomic approaches that offer insight into the underlying clinical characteristics of CMML.
Functional type Caristi-Kirk theorem on two metric spaces and applications
Authors: Chaira Karim , Marhrani ElMiloudi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we give some generalizations of the functional type Caristi-Kirk theorem (see Functional Type Caristi-Kirk Theorems, 2005) for two mappings on metric spaces. We investigate the existence of some fixed points for two simultaneous projections to find the optimal solutions of the proximity two functions via Caristi-Kirk fixed point theorem.
Protein kinase CK2 controls T-cell polarization through dendritic cell activation in response to contact sensitizers
Authors: de Bourayne Marie , Gallais Yann , El Ali Zeina , Rousseau Philippe , Damiens Marie-Hélène , Cochet Claude , Filhol Odile , Chollet-Martin Sylvie , Pallardy Marc , Kerdine-Römer Saadia 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) represents a severe health problem with increasing worldwide prevalence. It is a T-cell-mediated inflammatory skin disease caused by chemicals present in the daily or professional environment. NiSO4 and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) are 2 chemicals involved in ACD. These contact sensitizers are known to induce an up-regulation of phenotypic markers and cytokine secretion in dendritic cells (DCs; professional APCs), leading to the generation of CD8+ Tc1/Tc17 and CD4+ Th1/Th17 effector T cells. In the present study, using a peptide array approach, we identified protein kinase CK2 as a novel kinase involved in the activation of human monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) in response to NiSO4 and DNCB. Inhibition of CK2 activity in MoDCs led to an altered mature phenotype with lower expression of CD54, PDL-1, CD86, and CD40 in response to NiSO4 or DNCB. CK2 activity also regulated proinflammatory cytokine production, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-23 in MoDCs. Moreover, in a DC/T cell coculture model in an allogeneic setup, CK2 activity in MoDCs played a major role in Th1 polarization in response to NiSO4 and DNCB. CK2 inhibition in MoDCs led to an enhanced Th2 polarization in the absence of contact sensitizer stimulation.
Adaptive working memory strategy training in early Alzheimer's disease: Randomised controlled trial
Authors: Huntley J. D. , Hampshire A. , Bor D. , Owen A. , Howard R. J. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundInterventions that improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease are urgently required.AimsTo assess whether a novel cognitive training paradigm based on ‘chunking’ improves working memory and general cognitive function, and is associated with reorganisation of functional activity in prefrontal and parietal cortices (trial registration: ISRCTN43007027).MethodThirty patients with mild Alzheimer's disease were randomly allocated to receive 18 sessions of 30 min of either adaptive chunking training or an active control intervention over approximately 8 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were also conducted.ResultsAdaptive chunking training led to significant improvements in verbal working memory and untrained clinical measures of general cognitive function. Further, fMRI revealed a bilateral reduction in task-related lateral prefrontal and parietal cortex activation in the training group compared with controls.ConclusionsChunking-based cognitive training is a simple and potentially scalable intervention to improve cognitive function in early Alzheimer's disease.
ACAN Gene Mutations in Short Children Born SGA and Response to Growth Hormone Treatment
Authors: van der Steen Manouk , Pfundt Rolph , Maas Stephan J.W.H. , Bakker-van Waarde Willie M. , Odink Roelof J. , Hokken-Koelega Anita C.S. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Background:
Some children born small for gestational age (SGA) show advanced bone age (BA) maturation during growth hormone (GH) treatment. ACAN gene mutations have been described in children with short stature and advanced BA.

Objective:
To determine the presence of ACAN gene mutations in short SGA children with advanced BA and assess the response to GH treatment.

Methods:
BA assessment in 290 GH-treated SGA children. ACAN sequencing in 29 children with advanced BA ≥0.5 years compared with calendar age.

Results:
Four of 29 SGA children with advanced BA had an ACAN gene mutation (13.8%). Mutations were related to additional characteristics: midface hypoplasia (P = 0.003), joint problems (P = 0.010), and broad great toes (P = 0.003). Children with one or fewer additional characteristic had no mutation. Of children with two additional characteristics, 50% had a mutation. Of children with three additional characteristics, 100% had a mutation. All GH-treated children with a mutation received gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) treatment for 2 years from onset of puberty. At adult height, one girl was 5 cm taller than her mother and one boy was 8 cm taller than his father with the same ACAN gene mutation.

Conclusion:
This study expands the differential diagnosis of genetic variants in children born SGA and proposes a clinical scoring system for identifying subjects most likely to have an ACAN gene mutation. ACAN sequencing should be considered in children born SGA with persistent short stature, advanced BA, and midface hypoplasia, joint problems, or broad great toes. Our findings suggest that children with an ACAN gene mutation benefit from GH treatment with 2 years of GnRHa.