bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mean platelet volume is associated with lower risk of overall and non-vascular mortality in a general population
Authors: Bonaccio Marialaura , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Costanzo Simona , De Curtis Amalia , Persichillo Mariarosaria , Cerletti Chiara , Donati Maria Benedetta , de Gaetano Giovanni , Iacoviello Licia ,   the Moli-sani Study Investigators
Published: March 2017

SummaryLarger mean platelet volume (MPV) has been associated with adverse health outcomes in high-risk populations or patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We tested the association of MPV with mortality in a prospective cohort study including 17,402 subjects randomly recruited from an adult general population within the Moli-sani study (2005–2010). Two distinct subgroups (with or without CVD at baseline) were subsequently analysed. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using multivariable Cox-proportional hazard models. Over a median follow up of eight years (137,547 person-years), 925 all-cause deaths occurred (330 vascular, 351 cancer and 244 other deaths). In a multivariable model, the highest MPV quintile (mean MPV=10.0 fL), as compared to the lowest one, was associated with reduced risk of overall mortality (HR=0.79; 95 % confidence interval 0.64–0.98), cancer death (HR=0.70; 0.49–1.00) and death from other non- vascular/non cancer causes (HR=0.55; 0.36–0.84) but not with vascular mortality. The inverse association with overall death appeared even stronger in the subgroup without CVD at baseline (HR=0.64; 0.50–0.81). In contrast, within 920 subjects reporting a previous CVD event, larger MPV was associated with higher risk of total mortality (HR=1.69; 1.05–2.72; p for interaction=0.048) and with a trend of risk for other cause-specific deaths. In conclusion, larger MPV is associated with lower risk of overall and non-vascular death in subjects apparently free from CVD, but appears to be a predictive marker of death in patients with CVD history. The latter is a likely effect modifier of the association between MPV and death.
Modulation of Endothelial Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor Type 2 Activity by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 3 in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Hwangbo Cheol , Lee Heon-Woo , Kang Hyeseon , Ju Hyekyung , Wiley David S. , Papangeli Irinna , Han Jinah , Kim Jun-Dae , Dunworth William P. , Hu Xiaoyue , Lee Seyoung , El-Hely Omar , Sofer Avraham , Pak Boryeong , Peterson Laura , Comhair Suzy , Hwang Eun Mi , Park Jae-Yong , Thomas Jean-Leon , Bautch Victoria L. , Erzurum Serpil C. , Chun Hyung J. , Jin Suk-Won 
Published: March 2017

Background:

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling has multiple roles in the development and function of the blood vessels. In humans, mutations in BMP receptor type 2 (BMPR2), a key component of BMP signaling, have been identified in the majority of patients with familial pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, only a small subset of individuals with
BMPR2
mutation develops PAH, suggesting that additional modifiers of BMPR2 function play an important role in the onset and progression of PAH.

Methods:

We used a combination of studies in zebrafish embryos and genetically engineered mice lacking endothelial expression of
Vegfr3
to determine the interaction between vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) and BMPR2. Additional in vitro studies were performed by using human endothelial cells, including primary lung endothelial cells from subjects with PAH.

Results:

Attenuation of Vegfr3 in zebrafish embryos abrogated Bmp2b-induced ectopic angiogenesis. Endothelial cells with disrupted VEGFR3 expression failed to respond to exogenous BMP stimulation. Mechanistically, VEGFR3 is physically associated with BMPR2 and facilitates ligand-induced endocytosis of BMPR2 to promote phosphorylation of SMADs and transcription of
ID
genes. Conditional, endothelial-specific deletion of
Vegfr3
in mice resulted in impaired BMP signaling responses, and significantly worsened hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Consistent with these data, we found significant decrease in VEGFR3 expression in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells from human PAH subjects, and reconstitution of VEGFR3 expression in PAH pulmonary arterial endothelial cells restored BMP signaling responses.

Conclusions:
Our findings identify VEGFR3 as a key regulator of endothelial BMPR2 signaling and a potential determinant of PAH penetrance in humans.
Fibroblast-Specific Genetic Manipulation of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase In Vivo Reveals Its Central Regulatory Role in Fibrosis
Authors: Molkentin Jeffery D. , Bugg Darrian , Ghearing Natasha , Dorn Lisa E. , Kim Peter , Sargent Michelle A. , Gunaje Jagadambika , Otsu Kinya , Davis Jennifer 
Published: March 2017

Background:

In the heart, acute injury induces a fibrotic healing response that generates collagen-rich scarring that is at first protective but if inappropriately sustained can worsen heart disease. The fibrotic process is initiated by cytokines, neuroendocrine effectors, and mechanical strain that promote resident fibroblast differentiation into contractile and extracellular matrix–producing myofibroblasts. The mitogen-activated protein kinase p38α (
Mapk14
gene) is known to influence the cardiac injury response, but its direct role in orchestrating programmed fibroblast differentiation and fibrosis in vivo is unknown.

Methods:

A conditional
Mapk14
allele was used to delete the p38α encoding gene specifically in cardiac fibroblasts or myofibroblasts with 2 different tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase–expressing gene–targeted mouse lines. Mice were subjected to ischemic injury or chronic neurohumoral stimulation and monitored for survival, cardiac function, and fibrotic remodeling. Antithetically, mice with fibroblast-specific transgenic overexpression of activated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6, a direct inducer of p38, were generated to investigate whether this pathway can directly drive myofibroblast formation and the cardiac fibrotic response.

Results:

In mice, loss of
Mapk14
blocked cardiac fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts and ensuing fibrosis in response to ischemic injury or chronic neurohumoral stimulation. A similar inhibition of myofibroblast formation and healing was also observed in a dermal wounding model with deletion of
Mapk14
. Transgenic mice with fibroblast-specific activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6–p38 developed interstitial and perivascular fibrosis in the heart, lung, and kidney as a result of enhanced myofibroblast numbers. Mechanistic experiments show that p38 transduces cytokine and mechanical signals into myofibroblast differentiation through the transcription factor serum response factor and the signaling effector calcineurin.

Conclusions:
These findings suggest that signals from diverse modes of injury converge on p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase within the fibroblast to program the fibrotic response and myofibroblast formation in vivo, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach with p38 inhibitors for future clinical application.
Individual Differences in Face Identity Processing with Fast Periodic Visual Stimulation
Authors: Xu Buyun , Liu-Shuang Joan , Rossion Bruno , Tanaka James 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
A growing body of literature suggests that human individuals differ in their ability to process face identity. These findings mainly stem from explicit behavioral tasks, such as the Cambridge Face Memory Test (CFMT). However, it remains an open question whether such individual differences can be found in the absence of an explicit face identity task and when faces have to be individualized at a single glance. In the current study, we tested 49 participants with a recently developed fast periodic visual stimulation (FPVS) paradigm [Liu-Shuang, J., Norcia, A. M., & Rossion, B. An objective index of individual face discrimination in the right occipitotemporal cortex by means of fast periodic oddball stimulation. Neuropsychologia, 52, 57–72, 2014] in EEG to rapidly, objectively, and implicitly quantify face identity processing. In the FPVS paradigm, one face identity (A) was presented at the frequency of 6 Hz, allowing only one gaze fixation, with different face identities (B, C, D) presented every fifth face (1.2 Hz; i.e., AAAABAAAACAAAAD…). Results showed a face individuation response at 1.2 Hz and its harmonics, peaking over occipitotemporal locations. The magnitude of this response showed high reliability across different recording sequences and was significant in all but two participants, with the magnitude and lateralization differing widely across participants. There was a modest but significant correlation between the individuation response amplitude and the performance of the behavioral CFMT task, despite the fact that CFMT and FPVS measured different aspects of face identity processing. Taken together, the current study highlights the FPVS approach as a promising means for studying individual differences in face identity processing.
The Cost of Structure Learning
Authors: Collins Anne G. E. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Human learning is highly efficient and flexible. A key contributor to this learning flexibility is our ability to generalize new information across contexts that we know require the same behavior and to transfer rules to new contexts we encounter. To do this, we structure the information we learn and represent it hierarchically as abstract, context-dependent rules that constrain lower-level stimulus–action–outcome contingencies. Previous research showed that humans create such structure even when it is not needed, presumably because it usually affords long-term generalization benefits. However, computational models predict that creating structure is costly, with slower learning and slower RTs. We tested this prediction in a new behavioral experiment. Participants learned to select correct actions for four visual patterns, in a setting that either afforded (but did not promote) structure learning or enforced nonhierarchical learning, while controlling for the difficulty of the learning problem. Results replicated our previous finding that healthy young adults create structure even when unneeded and that this structure affords later generalization. Furthermore, they supported our prediction that structure learning incurred a major learning cost and that this cost was specifically tied to the effort in selecting abstract rules, leading to more errors when applying those rules. These findings confirm our theory that humans pay a high short-term cost in learning structure to enable longer-term benefits in learning flexibility.
A population study of the amphipod Nototropis minikoi (Gammaridea, Atylidae) in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Authors: Cházaro-Olvera Sergio , García-Delgado Xochitl , Winfield Ignacio , Ortiz Manuel 
Published: March 2017

The population structure, growth and fecundity of the amphipod Nototropis minikoi in front of the Campechen Lagoon, Quintana Roo, were analysed. A total of 1207 juveniles, 120 adult females and 211 adult males were collected. The relationship of the total length and head length was allometric. Using the Von Bertalanffy equation the maximum length was calculated to be 6.66 ± 0.55 mm, the growth rate was 0.67 ± 0.02, which is faster and higher than in other peracarids. There was a significant relationship between the size of ovigerous females and the number of eggs, with an average of 6 ± 3.27 eggs and total length of 5.21 ± 0.57 mm, similar to that found in other studies. The net reproduction rate was 4.98, generation time 124.49 days, maximum intrinsic growth rate of 0.0131 and a low survival (15%). This work represents the first study on the population structure of the amphipod N. minikoi.
Mechanisms for a PNA-Like Teleconnection Pattern in Response to the MJO
Authors: Seo Kyong-Hwan , Lee Hyun-Ju 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Kinematic mechanisms of the Pacific–North America (PNA)-like teleconnection pattern induced by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is examined using an atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) and a barotropic Rossby wave theory. Observation shows that a negative PNA-like teleconnection pattern emerges in response to MJO phase-2 forcing with enhanced (suppressed) convection located over the Indian (western Pacific) Ocean. The GCM simulations show that both forcing anomalies contribute to creating the PNA-like pattern. Indian Ocean forcing induces two major Rossby wave source (RWS) regions: a negative region around southern Asia and a positive region over the western North Pacific (WNP). The negative RWS to the north of the enhanced convection in the Indian Ocean arises from southerly MJO-induced divergent wind crossing the Asian jet. Unexpectedly, another significant RWS region develops over the WNP owing to refracted northerly divergent wind. A ray-tracing method demonstrates three different ways of wave propagation emanating from the RWS to the PNA region: 1) direct arclike propagation from the negative RWS to the PNA region occurs in the longest waves, 2) shorter waves are displaced first downstream by the jet waveguide effect and then emanate at the jet exit to the PNA region, and 3) waves with zonal wavenumbers 1 and 2 exhibit canonical wave propagation from the positive RWS at the jet exit to the PNA region.
On the other hand, the positive RWS induced by western Pacific forcing shows similar characteristics to feature 3 described above, with some relaxation such that much shorter waves also contribute to the formation of the southern cells.
Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on the Waterlogging Risk in Coastal Cities: A Case Study of Guangzhou, South China
Authors: Zhang Han , Wu Chuanhao , Chen Wenjie , Huang Guoru 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Climate warming is expected to occur with an increased magnitude of extreme precipitation and sea level rise, which leads to an increased probability of waterlogging in coastal cities. In this paper, a combined probability model is developed to evaluate the impact of climate change on waterlogging in Guangzhou by using eight climate models with four emissions scenarios [Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) scenario A1B and representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5]. The copula method was applied to derive the bivariate distributions of extreme rainfall and tidal level. The uncertainty in the projected future temperature, extreme rainfall, sea level, and the combined extreme rainfall and tidal level probability were discussed. The results show that although there is a large uncertainty driven by both climate models and emissions scenarios in the projection of climate change, most modeling results predict an increase in temperature and extreme precipitation in Guangzhou during the future period of 2020–50, relative to the historical period of 1970–2000. Moreover, greater increases are projected for higher emissions scenarios. The sea level is projected to increase in the range of 11.40–23.37 cm during the period 2020–50, consistent with climate warming. Both simultaneous probability and waterlogging probability are projected to show an upward trend in the future period 2020–50, with the largest and smallest increases in the RCP4.5 and RCP2.6 scenarios, respectively. The results of this paper provide a new scientific reference for waterlogging control in Guangzhou under climate change conditions.
Show Me What Happened
Authors: Willits Dale W. , Makin David A. 
Published: March 2017

Objectives: Using temporal sequencing of unedited police body-worn camera (BWC) footage of use of force incidents, we test four hypotheses to understand how incident-characteristics influence use of force, duration of that force, and the type and severity of force used by police. Method: We code and analyze using data visualization techniques and regression analysis unedited BWC footage involving use of force in a single police agency in the United States. Results: Use of force occurs relatively early in most interactions, though gender, race, and behavioral factors partially explain when and how much force is used. Regression results indicate that force is used more quickly against Black suspects and males. Suspect resistance predicts both time to force (TtF) and the duration of force applied. Finally, police are more likely to use greater levels of force in longer, more drawn-out interactions. Conclusions: Our results appear to support existing theories for disproportionate use of force, though we caution restraint in generalizing our results. We find support only at our temporal level (TtF) and do not find support for the duration or severity of that force used. These temporal variables provide additional context toward better understanding and further contextualizing use of force by police.
Estimating Demand for and Supply of Pediatric Preventive Dental Care for Children and Identifying Dental Care Shortage Areas, Georgia, 2015
Authors: Cao Shanshan , Gentili Monica , Griffin Paul M. , Griffin Susan O. , Harati Pravara , Johnson Ben , Serban Nicoleta , Tomar Scott 
Published: March 2017

Objectives: Demand for dental care is expected to outpace supply through 2025. The objectives of this study were to determine the extent of pediatric dental care shortages in Georgia and to develop a general method for estimation that can be applied to other states. Methods: We estimated supply and demand for pediatric preventive dental care for the 159 counties in Georgia in 2015. We compared pediatric preventive dental care shortage areas (where demand exceeded twice the supply) designated by our methods with dental health professional shortage areas designated by the Health Resources & Services Administration. We estimated caries risk from a multivariate analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data and national census data. We estimated county-level demand based on the time needed to perform preventive dental care services and the proportion of time that dentists spend on pediatric preventive dental care services from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Results: Pediatric preventive dental care supply exceeded demand in Georgia in 75 counties: the average annual county-level pediatric preventive dental care demand was 16 866 hours, and the supply was 32 969 hours. We identified 41 counties as pediatric dental care shortage areas, 14 of which had not been designated by the Health Resources & Services Administration. Conclusions: Age- and service-specific information on dental care shortage areas could result in more efficient provider staffing and geographic targeting.
Trends in the incidence of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia in the UK, 2001–2013: a Clinical Practice Research Datalink study
Authors: Collin Simon M , Bakken Inger J , Nazareth Irwin , Crawley Esther , White Peter D 
Published: March 2017

Objective Trends in recorded diagnoses of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS, also known as ‘myalgic encephalomyelitis’ (ME)) and fibromyalgia (FM) in the UK were last reported more than ten years ago, for the period 1990–2001. Our aim was to analyse trends in incident diagnoses of CFS/ME and FM for the period 2001–2013, and to investigate whether incidence might vary by index of multiple deprivation (IMD) score. Design Electronic health records cohort study. Setting NHS primary care practices in the UK. Participants Participants: Patients registered with general practices linked to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) primary care database from January 2001 to December 2013. Main outcome measure Incidence of CFS/ME, FM, post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS), and asthenia/debility. Results The overall annual incidence of recorded cases of CFS/ME was 14.8 (95% CI 14.5, 15.1) per 100,000 people. Overall annual incidence per 100,000 people for FM was 33.3 (32.8–33.8), for PVFS 12.2 (11.9, 12.5), and for asthenia/debility 7.0 (6.8, 7.2). Annual incidence rates for CFS/ME diagnoses decreased from 17.5 (16.1, 18.9) in 2001 to 12.6 (11.5, 13.8) in 2013 (annual percent change −2.8% (−3.6%, −2.0%)). Annual incidence rates for FM diagnoses decreased from 32.3 (30.4, 34.3) to 27.1 (25.5, 28.6) in 2007, then increased to 38.2 (36.3, 40.1) per 100,000 people in 2013. Overall annual incidence of recorded fatigue symptoms was 2246 (2242, 2250) per 100,000 people. Compared with the least deprived IMD quintile, incidence of CFS/ME in the most deprived quintile was 39% lower (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.61 (0.50, 0.75)), whereas rates of FM were 40% higher (IRR 1.40 (0.95, 2.06)). Conclusion These analyses suggest a gradual decline in recorded diagnoses of CFS/ME since 2001, and an increase in diagnoses of fibromyalgia, with opposing socioeconomic patterns of lower rates of CFS/ME diagnoses in the poorest areas compared with higher rates of FM diagnoses.
Relational Group Psychotherapy: An Overview. Part II: Relational Models of Group Process
Authors: Billow Richard M. 
Published: March 2017

In a three part series, I present an overview of my approach to relationally based group psychotherapy. Topics introduced in Part I include a brief introduction to relational theory and its historical foundation; the efficacy of combined-individual psychotherapy; the central role of the therapist; and brief descriptions of key foundational concepts. Part III will present models of group leadership. In Part II, I summarise models of group process—different perspectives through which we may think about what is going on and prepare our interventions. These include: nodes, developing nuclear ideas, the ‘3Rs’ (resistance, rebellion, and refusal), reality testing and testing reality, relational variations of the ‘container–contained’, irruptions, nodules, entitlement, polarized thinking/polemic ideas, and inveiglement. The article considers the metaphorical and experiential bases of the concept of group process, and concludes with a discussion of the therapist’s work process.
Does the CATCH Early Childhood Program Increase Physical Activity Among Low-Income Preschoolers?—Results From a Pilot Study
Authors: Chuang Ru-Jye , Sharma Shreela V. , Perry Cheryl , Diamond Pamela 
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To explore whether the physical activity (PA) component of the Coordinated Approach to Child Health Early Childhood (CATCH EC) program helps increasing preschoolers’ PA during active times at preschool. Design: Nonrandomized controlled experimental study. Setting: Head Start centers in Houston, Texas, 2009 to 2010 school year. Participants: A total of 439 preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years (3 intervention centers, n = 220; 3 comparison centers, n = 219). Intervention: The CATCH EC preschool-based teacher-led nutrition and PA program. Measures: Preschoolers’ PA was measured at baseline and postintervention using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time–Preschool version, a direct observation method measuring PA at the classroom level. Parent surveys provided demographic data. Analysis: Pre-to-post changes in preschoolers’ PA were examined using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Results show a significant decrease in the percentage time preschoolers spent in level 2 PA (low activity) at intervention ( P = .005) and comparison ( P = .041) centers. Indoor vigorous activity increased significantly on an average by +6.04% pre-to-post intervention among preschoolers in the intervention group ( P = .049); no significant change was found in the comparison group. Conclusion: The CATCH EC favorably increased indoor vigorous PA level among low-income children attending Head Start.