bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Penetrance of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Jensen Morten K. , Havndrup Ole , Christiansen Michael , Andersen Paal S. , Diness Birgitte , Axelsson Anna , Skovby Flemming , Køber Lars , Bundgaard Henning 
Published: November 2012

Background—
The penetrance of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) during childhood and adolescence has been only sparsely described. We studied the penetrance of HCM and the short- and long-term outcomes of clinical screening and predictive genetic testing of child relatives of patients with HCM.

Methods and Results—
Ninety probands and 361 relatives were included in a family screening program for HCM (1994–2001). Eleven sarcomere genes, CRYAB, α-GAL, and titin were screened. Sixty-six relatives and 4 probands were <18 years of age at inclusion. Twelve child relatives were mutation carriers (age, 12 ± 5 years), and 26 had unknown genetic status, ie, relatives from families without identified mutations (n = 21) or not tested (n = 5) (age, 11 ± 5 years). Twenty-eight noncarriers (42%; age, 10 ± 4 years) served as control subjects. Two of 38 child relatives (5%) at risk of developing HCM fulfilled diagnostic criteria for HCM at inclusion. After 12 ± 1 years of follow-up, 2 of the 36 (6%; 95% confidence interval, 2–18) at-risk child relatives who were phenotype negative at inclusion had developed the HCM phenotype at 26 and 28 years of age. During follow-up, none of the child relatives experienced serious cardiac events. Participation in the screening program had no long-term negative psychological impact.

Conclusions—
The penetrance of HCM in phenotype-negative child relatives at risk of developing HCM was 6% after 12 years of follow-up. The finding of phenotype conversion in the mid-20s warrants continued screening into adulthood. Forty-two percent of the child relatives were noncarriers, and repeat clinical follow-up could be safely limited to the remaining children.
Brain and Circulating Levels of Aβ1–40 Differentially Contribute to Vasomotor Dysfunction in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Park Laibaik , Zhou Ping , Koizumi Kenzo , El Jamal Sleiman , Previti Mary Lou , Van Nostrand William E. , Carlson George , Iadecola Costantino 
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—
Amyloid-β (Aβ), a peptide that accumulates in the brain and circulates in the blood of patients with Alzheimer disease, alters the regulation of cerebral blood flow and may contribute to the brain dysfunction underlying the dementia. However, the contributions of brain and circulating Aβ1–40 to the vascular dysfunction have not been elucidated.

Methods—
We used transgenic mice overexpressing mutated forms of the amyloid precursor protein in which Aβ1–40 is elevated in blood and brain (Tg-2576) or only in brain (Tg-SwDI). Mice were equipped with a cranial window, and the increase in cerebral blood flow induced by neural activity (whisker stimulation), or by topical application of endothelium-dependent vasodilators, was assessed by laser-Doppler flowmetry.

Results—
The cerebrovascular dysfunction was observed also in Tg-SwDI mice, but despite ≈40% higher levels of brain Aβ1–40, the effect was less marked than in Tg-2576 mice. Intravascular administration of Aβ1–40 elevated plasma Aβ1–40 and enhanced the dysfunction in Tg-SwDI mice, but not in Tg-2576 mice.

Conclusions—
The results provide evidence that Aβ1–40 acts on distinct luminal and abluminal vascular targets, the deleterious cerebrovascular effects of which are additive. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of circulating Aβ1–40 in the cerebrovascular dysfunction and may provide insight into the cerebrovascular alterations in conditions in which elevations in plasma Aβ1–40 occur.
Statistical Characteristics of Convective Storms in Belgium Derived from Volumetric Weather Radar Observations
Authors: Goudenhoofdt Edouard , Delobbe Laurent 
Published: November 2012

AbstractHigh-resolution volumetric reflectivity measurements from a C-band weather radar are used to study the characteristics of convective storms in Belgium. After clutter filtering, the data are processed by the storm-tracking system Thunderstorm Identification, Tracking, Analysis, and Nowcasting (TITAN) using a 40-dBZ reflectivity threshold. The 10-yr period of 5-min data includes more than 1 million identified storms, mostly organized in clusters. A storm is observed at a given point 6 h yr−1 on average. Regions of slightly higher probability are generally correlated with orographic variations. The probability of at least one storm in the study area is 15%, with a maximum of 35% for July and August. The number of storms, their coverage, and their water mass are limited most of the time. The probability to observe a high number of storms reaches a maximum in June and in the early afternoon in phase with solar heating. The probability of large storm coverage and large water mass is highest in July and in the late afternoon. Convective storms are mostly small and weak. Deeper ones are found mainly in the afternoon whereas bigger and more intense ones also appear in the evening. The occurrence of the most intense storms does not vary along the day. Simple tracks have a mean duration of 25 min. Complex tracks, involving splitting or merging, last 70 min on average. Most convective storms move in the northeast direction, with a median speed of 30 km h−1. Their motion is slower in summer and in the afternoon. Regions with slightly higher convective initiation are related to orography.
Factors Controlling the Vertical Extent of Fair-Weather Shallow Cumulus Clouds over Land: Investigation of Diurnal-Cycle Observations Collected at the ARM Southern Great Plains Site
Authors: Zhang Yunyan , Klein Stephen A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSummertime observations for 13 yr at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Southern Great Plains site are used to study fair-weather shallow cumuli (ShCu). To roughly separate forced from active ShCu, days are categorized into “thin-” or “thick-” ShCu days according to whether the daytime-average cloud depth exceeds 300 m. By comparing diurnal-cycle composites of these two regimes, the authors document differences in cloud properties and their radiative impacts. The differences in environmental conditions provide clues as to what controls ShCu vertical extent.Higher boundary layer (BL) relative humidity (RH) is found on thick-cloud days, associated with large-scale moisture advection before sunrise. This higher BL RH not only contributes to a lower cloud base but also to the penetrating ability of an air parcel to reach higher levels, and thus leads to larger cloud vertical extent.Although not as significant as BL RH, ShCu vertical extent also varies with thermal stability and surface fluxes. Enhanced stability above cloud on thin-cloud days may limit cloud vertical extent. A larger sensible heat flux on thin-cloud days encourages greater entrainment of dry air into the BL, whereas a larger latent heat flux on thick-cloud days helps sustain higher afternoon BL RH. These heat flux differences help maintain the BL RH differences that appear to control cloud vertical extent.This study provides observational evidence that forced clouds are related to BL large-eddy overshoots limited by a stronger inversion whereas higher moisture and a weaker stability above favor active cumuli with greater vertical extent.
The Vertical Structure of the Eddy Diffusivity and the Equilibration of the Extratropical Atmosphere
Authors: Jansen Malte , Ferrari Raffaele 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Observations suggest that the time- and zonal-mean state of the extratropical atmosphere adjusts itself such that the so-called “criticality parameter” (which relates the vertical stratification to the horizontal temperature gradient) is close to one. T. Schneider has argued that the criticality parameter is kept near one by a constraint on the zonal momentum budget in primitive equations. The constraint relies on a diffusive closure for the eddy flux of potential vorticity (PV) with an eddy diffusivity that is approximately constant in the vertical.
The diffusive closure for the eddy PV flux, however, depends crucially on the definition of averages along isentropes that intersect the surface. It is argued that the definition favored by Schneider results in eddy PV fluxes whose physical interpretation is unclear and that do not satisfy the proposed closure in numerical simulations. An alternative definition, first proposed by T.-Y. Koh and R. A. Plumb, is preferred. A diffusive closure for the eddy PV flux under this definition is supported by analysis of the PV variance budget and can be used to close the near-surface zonal momentum budget in idealized numerical simulations. Following this approach, it is shown that O(1) criticalities are obtained if the eddy diffusivity decays from its surface value to about zero over the depth of the troposphere, which is likely to be the case in Earth’s atmosphere. Large criticality parameters, however, are possible if the eddy diffusivity decays only weakly in the vertical, consistent with results from quasigeostrophic models. This provides theoretical support for recent numerical studies that have found supercritical mean states in primitive equation models.
Spatial and Temporal Characterization of Sea Surface Temperature Response to Tropical Cyclones*
Authors: Mei Wei , Pasquero Claudia 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The spatial structure and temporal evolution of the sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly (SSTA) associated with the passage of tropical cyclones (TCs), as well as their sensitivity to TC characteristics (including TC intensity and translation speed) and oceanic climatological conditions (represented here by latitude), are thoroughly examined by means of composite analysis using satellite-derived SST data. The magnitude of the TC-generated SSTA is larger for more intense, slower-moving, and higher-latitude TCs, and it occurs earlier in time for faster-moving and higher-latitude storms. The location of maximum SSTA is farther off the TC track for faster-moving storms, and it moves toward the track with time after the TC passage. The spatial extension of the cold wake is greater for more intense and for slower-moving storms, but its shape is quite independent of TC characteristics. Consistent with previous studies, the calculations show that the mean SSTA over a TC-centered box nearly linearly correlates with the wind speed for TCs below category 3 intensity while for stronger TCs the SSTA levels off, both for tropical and subtropical regions. While the linear behavior is expected on the basis of the more vigorous mixing induced by stronger winds and is derived from a simple mixed-layer model, the level-off for intense TCs is discussed in terms of the dependence of the maximum amplitude of the area-mean SSTA on TC translation speed and depth of the prestorm mixed layer. Finally, the decay time scale of the TC-induced SSTA is shown to be dominated by environmental conditions and has no clear dependence on its initial magnitude and on TC characteristics.
A Geographic Primitive-Based Bayesian Framework to Predict Cyclone-Induced Flooding*
Authors: Wijesundera Isuri , Halgamuge Malka N. , Nirmalathas Thas , Nanayakkara Thrishantha 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe effectiveness of managing cyclone-induced floods is highly dependent on how fast reasonably accurate predictions can be made, which is a particularly difficult task given the multitude of highly variable physical factors. Even with supercomputers, collecting and processing vast amounts of data from numerous asynchronous sources makes it challenging to achieve high prediction efficiency. This paper presents a model that combines prior knowledge, including rainfall data statistics and topographical features, with any new precipitation data to generate a probabilistic prediction using Bayesian learning, where the advantages of data-oriented and heuristic modeling are combined. The terrain is partitioned into geographic primitives (GPs) based on manual inspection of flood propagation vector fields in order to simplify the stochastic system identification. High calculation efficiency is achieved through statistically summarizing simultaneous events spread across geography into primitives, allowing a distributed updating algorithm leading to parallel computing. Markov chain processes identified for each of these GPs, based on both simulation and measured rainfall data, are then used in real-time predictions of water flow probabilities. The model takes a comprehensive approach, which enables flood prediction even before the landfall of a cyclone through modularizing the algorithm into three prediction steps: cyclone path, rainfall probability density distribution, and temporal dynamics of flood density distribution. Results of comparative studies based on real data of two cyclones (Yasi and Tasha) that made landfall in Queensland, Australia, in 2010/11 show that the model is capable of predicting up to 3 h ahead of the official forecast, with a 33% improvement of accuracy compared to the models presently being used.
A Global Climatology of Baroclinically Influenced Tropical Cyclogenesis
Authors: McTaggart-Cowan Ron , Galarneau Thomas J. , Bosart Lance F. , Moore Richard W. , Martius Olivia 
Published: November 2012

AbstractTropical cyclogenesis is generally considered to occur in regions devoid of baroclinic structures; however, an appreciable number of tropical cyclones (TCs) form in baroclinic environments each year. A global climatology of these baroclinically influenced TC developments is presented in this study. An objective classification strategy is developed that focuses on the characteristics of the environmental state rather than on properties of the vortex, thus allowing for a pointwise “development pathway” classification of reanalysis data. The resulting climatology shows that variability within basins arises primarily as a result of local surface thermal contrasts and the positions of time-mean features on the subtropical tropopause. The pathway analyses are sampled to generate a global climatology of 1948–2010 TC developments classified by baroclinic influence: nonbaroclinic (70%), low-level baroclinic (9%), trough induced (5%), weak tropical transition (11%), and strong tropical transition (5%). All basins other than the North Atlantic are dominated by nonbaroclinic events; however, there is extensive interbasin variability in secondary development pathways. Within each basin, subregions and time periods are identified in which the relative importance of the development pathways also differs. The efficiency of tropical cyclogenesis is found to be highly dependent on development pathway. The peak efficiency defined in the classification subspace straddles the nonbaroclinic/trough-induced boundary, suggesting that the optimal environment for TC development includes a baroclinic contribution from an upper-level disturbance. By assessing the global distribution of baroclinically influenced TC formations, this study identifies regions and pathways whose further study could yield improvements in our understanding of this important subset of TC developments.
Comparison of responses to vasoactive drugs in human and rat cerebral arteries using myography and pressurized cerebral artery method
Authors: Grände Gustaf , Nilsson Elisabeth , Edvinsson Lars 
Published: November 2012

Background Dilatation of cranial vessels has been proposed as a part of the cascade that initiates an episode of migraine. This is based on the observation that intravenous administration of several substances with vasodilator properties can trigger migraine-like symptoms in migraineurs. Methods We used in vitro myography of human cerebral arteries and in vitro pressurized arteriography of rat middle cerebral artery (MCA) to evaluate the vasomotor responses of cerebral arteries to increasing concentrations of vasoactive substances used to elicit migraine-like attacks. Results All substances except carbachol induced a strong vasodilatory response when applied to the abluminal side of a rat MCA but negligible response when applied to the luminal side. Luminal carbachol gave a strong dilatory response but a weak response at the abluminal side. The prostaglandins PGE2 and epoprostenol constricted the rat MCA while human cerebral arteries relaxed. The pEC50 of carbachol, histamine, epoprostenol, VIP and sildenafil differed significantly between cerebral arteries from man and rat. The differences in pEC50 for SNP, αCGRP, PACAP-27 and PACAP-38 were not significant between the species. PGE2 had no noticeable effect on human arteries in vitro. Conclusion All tested substances with the exception of VIP and carbachol have been found to elicit migraine-like attacks in migraineurs. Since these two agents have vasodilatory effects in humans, it suggests that vasodilatation is not the only reason for eliciting a migraine-like attack in migraineurs. In addition, there are significant species differences that show the importance of performing experiments in human vessels.
Use of cannabis among 139 cluster headache sufferers
Authors: Leroux Elizabeth , Taifas Irina , Valade Dominique , Donnet Anne , Chagnon Miguel , Ducros Anne 
Published: November 2012

Aims A case report suggested the efficacy of cannabis to treat cluster headache (CH) attacks. Our aims were to study the frequency of cannabis use in CH patients, and the reported effects on attacks. Methods A total of 139 patients with CH attending two French headache centers filled out questionnaires. Results Sixty-three of the 139 patients (45.3%) had a history of cannabis use. As compared to nonusers, cannabis users were more likely to be younger ( p < 0.001), male ( p = 0.002) and tobacco smokers ( p < 0.001). Among the 27 patients (19.4% of the total cohort) who had tried cannabis to treat CH attacks, 25.9% reported some efficacy, 51.8% variable or uncertain effects, and 22.3% negative effects. Conclusions Cannabis use is very frequent in CH patients, but its efficacy for the treatment of the attacks is limited. Less than one third of self-reported users mention a relief of their attacks following inhalation. Cannabis should not be recommended for CH unless controlled trials with synthetic selective cannabinoids show a more convincing therapeutic benefit.
Human Milk Fortification with Differing Amounts of Fortifier and Its Association with Growth and Metabolic Responses in Preterm Infants
Authors: Kanmaz Hayriye Gozde , Mutlu Banu , Canpolat Fuat Emre , Erdeve Omer , Oguz Serife Suna , Uras Nurdan , Dilmen Ugur 
Published: November 2012

Background: Fortification of human milk (HM) is a common clinical practice to adapt breast milk to the nutritional needs of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The optimal method for HM fortification remains to be determined, and a variety of protocols are currently used in neonatal intensive care units. Objective: It is believed that standard fortification is insufficient to meet the needs of VLBW infants. Therefore, we designed a randomized prospective study that investigated the effects of varying levels of blind fortification on short-term growth and metabolic responses of preterm infants. Methods: Eligible infants were randomized into 3 groups: standard fortification (SF), moderate fortification (MF), and aggressive fortification (AF). Short-term growth, feeding intolerance, and urea, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels were assessed. Results: There were 26, 29, and 29 infants in the SF, MF, and AF groups, respectively. The baseline characteristics of the groups were similar. Daily weight gain and length at discharge did not differ among the groups; however, head circumference was significantly higher in the MF and AF groups compared with the SF group. Urea, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels were similar between the groups. Conclusion: We demonstrated that blind fortification of HM, even with higher amounts than recommended by manufacturers, did not cause any measured adverse effects on the metabolic response of preterm infants. Anthropometric measurements (except head circumference) were not different between the different dosages of fortification.
Reduction Effect of Toxic Substances for Apartment Buildings with an Ecofriendly Pre-cast Composite Structural System
Authors: Ko Hyo-Jin , Hong Won-Kee , Park Seon-Chee , Lim Gyun-Taek , Kim Ji-Hun , Kim Jeong Tai 
Published: November 2012

Concrete, one of the construction materials used for apartment buildings, emits some toxic substances including CO2 and chromium VI that are detrimental to occupants. This paper presents pre-cast composite beams with T-type steels at each end to reduce the use of concrete. The new structural system is developed to replace the bearing walls of conventional apartment buildings. The pre-cast composite beams of the new concept (which can be used for apartment buildings) provide similar floor depth while minimizing the use of concrete materials. The CO2 and chromium VI emissions estimated from apartment buildings constructed with bearing walls are compared with those from buildings designed with the proposed composite beams. The data obtained from the previous study of Hong et al. [Hong WK, Kim JM, Park SC, Lee SG, Kim SI, Yoon KJ, Kim HC, Kim JT: A new apartment construction technology with effective CO2 emission reduction capabilities: Energy Int J 2010;35(6):2639–2646; Hong WK, Park SC, Kim JM, Kim SI, Lee SG, Yune DY, Yoon TH, Ryoo BY: Development of structural composite hybrid systems and their application with regard to the reduction of CO2 emissions: Indoor Built Environ 2010;19(1):151–162] for the amount of concrete material in the apartment buildings was used to estimate the amounts of CO2 and chromium VI emissions. The pre-cast composite beams of the new concept are believed to be an effective structural system to reduce the use of concrete material, which in turn reduces the amounts of the noxious materials, CO2 and chromium VI. The new healthy structural frame system introduced in this paper shows the potential to enhance the health of occupants.
Efficacy and safety of roflumilast in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Oba Yuji , Lone Nazir A. 
Published: November 2012

Background: Roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, has been shown to improve lung function and reduce exacerbation rates, but is associated with adverse events (AEs). The purpose of this study was to systematically review the clinical effectiveness and safety of roflumilast. Methods: A systematic search was made of MEDLINE, Cochrane trials database, DARE and CINAHL. Randomized, controlled trials of more than 12 weeks’ duration comparing roflumilast with placebo were reviewed. Studies were pooled to yield relative risk (RR), incident rate difference or weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Eight trials (8698 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Roflumilast significantly reduced moderate to severe exacerbations (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.80−0.91) compared with placebo, but not severe exacerbations (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.68–1.01) or mortality (RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.63–1.28). Roflumilast significantly improved lung function relative to placebo, but not quality of life measures. AEs (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.03–1.19) and discontinuations of treatment due to AEs (RR 1.63; 95% CI 1.45–1.84) were significantly more frequent with roflumilast than placebo. In the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Safety Pool (12,054 patients), the overall incidence of serious AEs did not differ between groups. However, atrial fibrillation (0.4% versus 0.2%; p = 0.02) and suicidality (0.08% versus 0%) were more frequent with roflumilast than placebo. Conclusions: The efficacy of roflumilast appears modest compared with other available therapies for COPD. Further studies are needed to investigate the risk–benefit ratio and long-term safety of roflumilast before its wider use.