bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypoxic Response Contributes to Altered Gene Expression and Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Wei , Ma Shwu-Fan , Desai Ankit A. , Saraf Santosh , Miasniakova Galina , Sergueeva Adelina , Ammosova Tatiana , Xu Min , Nekhai Sergei , Abbasi Taimur , Casanova Nancy G. , Steinberg Martin H. , Baldwin Clinton T. , Sebastiani Paola , Prchal Josef T. , Kittles Rick , Garcia Joe G. N. , Machado Roberto F. , Gordeuk Victor R. 
Published: February 2014

Background—
We postulated that the hypoxic response in sickle cell disease (SCD) contributes to altered gene expression and pulmonary hypertension, a complication associated with early mortality.

Methods and Results—

To identify genes regulated by the hypoxic response and not other effects of chronic anemia, we compared expression variation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 13 subjects with SCD with hemoglobin SS genotype and 15 subjects with Chuvash polycythemia (
VHL

R200W

homozygotes with constitutive upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factors in the absence of anemia or hypoxia). At a 5% false discovery rate, 1040 genes exhibited >1.15-fold change in both conditions; 297 were upregulated and 743 downregulated including
MAPK8
encoding a mitogen-activated protein kinase important for apoptosis, T-cell differentiation, and inflammatory responses. Association mapping with a focus on local regulatory polymorphisms in 61 patients with SCD identified expression quantitative trait loci for 103 of these hypoxia response genes. In a University of Illinois SCD cohort, the A allele of a
MAPK8
expression quantitative trait locus, rs10857560, was associated with precapillary pulmonary hypertension defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mm Hg and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≤15 mm Hg at right heart catheterization (allele frequency, 0.66; odds ratio, 13.8; n=238). This association was confirmed in an independent Walk–Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension and Sickle Cell Disease With Sildenafil Therapy cohort (allele frequency, 0.65; odds ratio, 11.3; n=519). The homozygous AA genotype of rs10857560 was associated with decreased
MAPK8
expression and present in all 14 of the identified precapillary pulmonary hypertension cases among the combined 757 patients.

Conclusions—

Our study demonstrates a prominent hypoxic transcription component in SCD and a
MAPK8
expression quantitative trait locus associated with precapillary pulmonary hypertension.
Introduction to “Stenogram of the General Meeting of the
Artists of the Union of Soviet Artists of Moldovia (15 May,
1951)”
Authors: Eşanu Octavian 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This stenogram was recorded at an artists' meeting that took place in 1951 in Kishinev (as the capital of today's Republic of Moldova was called in those days). The discussion among the members of the local Union of Artists—a new type of art organization that was implemented in Moldova after the advance of the Red Army westwards—revolves around the organization of their annual art exhibition of 1951. The text discloses some of the major issues and challenges faced by the members of this artist organization during the late Stalinist era.
Rising Seas, Receding Coastlines, and Vanishing Maritime Estates and Territories: Possible Solutions and Reassessing the Role of International Law
Authors: Puthucherril Tony George 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This article probes the role of international law, (namely, the international law of the sea, the international rules on statehood, and international environmental law) in providing a legal and normative framework to help countries respond to the challenges brought about by sea level rise. It is noted that possible solutions can operate at two levels – first, by re-engineering existing international rules to secure continuance of the rights and privileges guaranteed under existing international law, and second, by bringing to the fore the need to develop international rules on integrated coastal zone management to facilitate the implementation of coastline armouring. The central argument here is that while new rules and principles of international law are required at both levels, the emphasis should, as a first step, be on rule development vis-à-vis integrated coastal zone management.
Back to Lotus? A Recent Decision by the Supreme Court of India on an Incident of Navigation in the Contiguous Zone
Authors: Farnelli Gian Maria 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This article stems from a recent decision of the Indian Supreme Court concerning whether the criminal courts of the Indian State of Kerala have jurisdiction over two Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen. The analysis is critical of the Court’s reasoning and findings over the two main defences raised by the accused: namely, the lack of jurisdiction of the coastal state on the basis of the law of the sea and in relation to the customary rule on the jurisdictional immunity of military personnel for acts carried out in their line of duty. Finally, this study also critically examines the operational decision of the Indian Supreme Court in providing for the establishment of a specific domestic court deemed competent to entertain its jurisdiction over the cause in view of its international nature.
Introduction to Medicine or Satire on Doctors
Authors: Bianchi Alessandro 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis article aims to shed light on the multifarious relationship between medicine and literature in Tokugawa Japan (1603-1867) by focusing on a humorous-informative work of popular fiction entitledYōjō kyōkun isha dangi(1759). Firstly, this essay provides an overview ofIsha dangiexplaining how medical knowledge is grafted onto narrative structure. Secondly, it analyses the didactic and entertaining aspects of this text and describes howIsha dangiwas influenced both by works of comic literature and by instructive medical manuals produced during the Tokugawa period. In doing so, this study supports the hypothesis of genre hybridism in Japanese early-modern literature. Finally, usingIsha dangias a case study, this article takes into account issues of authorship and readership in medically-themed literary works.
Mobile Communication and Relational Mobilization in China
Authors: Liu Jun 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRecent studies have shown what indispensable role mobile phones play as means of mobilization in contentious politics around the world. Nevertheless, there has been no clear elaboration of how mobile phone uses translate into mobilization in contentious politics. To fill this gap, the current study employs Passy’s (2003) framework of the threefold function of social ties as channels of mobilization to examine how mobile communication, embedding the dynamics of social ties, influences protest mobilization. It investigates two cases in rural and urban China in which Chinese people employed their mobile phones to mobilize participants for protests, and conducts 24 in-depth interviews with participants in these protests. Findings suggest that using mobile phones for mobilization registers the relational dynamics of social ties, which shapes participants’ perceptions of given protest issues, ensures the safety of protest recruitment and mobilization in a repressive context, and generates pressure on participation, all of which contributes to the mechanism of mobilization. This study concludes with the concept of ‘relational mobilization’, which addresses the embedment and relevance of social ties in the process of mobile-phone-mediated mobilization and its implication for Asian countries.
Summer Nonconvective Severe Wind Frequency over Ontario and Its Correlation with Tropical Pacific Sea Surface Temperature
Authors: Zhang Da-Lin , Cao Zuohao , Ma Jianmin , Wu Aiming 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe summer nonconvective severe surface wind (NCSSW) frequency over Ontario, Canada, in relation to regional climate conditions and tropical Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures (SSTs) during the period of 1979–2006 is examined using surface wind reports and large-scale analysis data. A statistically robust positive trend in Ontario summer NCSSW frequency is identified using three independent statistical approaches, which include the conventional linear regression that has little disturbance to the original time series, the Mann–Kendall test without a lag-1 autoregressive process, and the Monte Carlo simulation. A composite analysis of the large-scale monthly mean data reveals that the high- (low-) NCSSW occurrence years are linked to stronger (weaker) large-scale horizontal pressure gradients and more (less) intensive vector wind anomalies in the upper troposphere. Unlike the low-event years, anomalous anticyclonic circulations are found at 500 and 250 hPa in the high-event years, which are conducive to downward momentum transport and favorable for severe surface wind development. It is also found that the summer NCSSW occurs more frequently under the conditions of warmer surface air temperature over Ontario. Further analyses indicate that an increase in the summer NCSSW frequency is well correlated with an increase in the previous winter SSTs over the eastern equatorial Pacific, namely, in the Niño-1+2 and Niño-3 areas, through a decrease in sea level pressure over northern Ontario and an increase in surface air temperature over central and southern Ontario.
Volcanic Influence on European Summer Precipitation through Monsoons: Possible Cause for “Years without Summer”*
Authors: Wegmann Martin , Brönnimann Stefan , Bhend Jonas , Franke Jörg , Folini Doris , Wild Martin , Luterbacher Jürg 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Strong tropical volcanic eruptions have significant effects on global and regional temperatures. Their effects on precipitation, however, are less well understood. Analyzing hydroclimatic anomalies after 14 strong eruptions during the last 400 years in climate reconstructions and model simulations, a reduction of the Asian and African summer monsoons and an increase of south-central European summer precipitation in the year following the eruption was found. The simulations provide evidence for a dynamical link between these phenomena. The weaker monsoon circulations weaken the northern branch of the Hadley circulation, alter the atmospheric circulation over the Atlantic–European sector, and increase precipitation over Europe. This mechanism is able to explain, for instance, the wet summer in parts of Europe during the “year without a summer” of 1816, which up to now has not been explained. This study underlines the importance of atmospheric teleconnections between the tropics and midlatitudes to better understand the regional climate response to stratospheric volcanic aerosols.
Characteristics of Precipitation Features and Annual Rainfall during the TRMM Era in the Central Andes
Authors: Mohr Karen I. , Slayback Daniel , Yager Karina 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The central Andes extends from 7° to 21°S, with its eastern boundary defined by elevation (1000 m and greater) and its western boundary by the coastline. The authors used a combination of surface observations, reanalysis, and the University of Utah Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation features (PF) database to understand the characteristics of convective systems and associated rainfall in the central Andes during the TRMM era, 1998–2012. Compared to other dry (West Africa), mountainous (Himalayas), and dynamically linked (Amazon) regions in the tropics, the central Andes PF population was distinct from these other regions, with small and weak PFs dominating its cumulative distribution functions and annual rainfall totals. No more than 10% of PFs in the central Andes met any of the thresholds used to identify and define deep convection (minimum IR cloud-top temperatures, minimum 85-GHz brightness temperature, maximum height of the 40-dBZ echo). For most of the PFs, available moisture was limited (&lt;35 mm) and instability low (&lt;500 J kg−1). The central Andes represents a largely stable, dry to arid environment, limiting system development and organization. Hence, primarily short-duration events (&lt;60 min) characterized by shallow convection and light to light–moderate rainfall rates (0.5–4.0 mm h−1) were found.
A Time Series Sodar Simulator Based on Large-Eddy Simulation
Authors: Wainwright Charlotte E. , Stepanian Phillip M. , Chilson Phillip B. , Palmer Robert D. , Fedorovich Evgeni , Gibbs Jeremy A. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A sodar simulator capable of producing time series data emulating sodar signals has been developed and tested. The atmospheric fields used to populate the sodar simulator are taken from output of a large-eddy simulation code. The characteristics of the sodar (number and zenith angle of beams, beamwidth, transmit frequency, range resolution, etc.) are defined by the user to allow emulation of existing systems. The range of the reflected acoustic signal is calculated based upon a temperature-dependent speed of sound. Realistic acoustic background noise is simulated using filtered white noise. The raw acoustic time series data are processed using a Fourier transform to yield acoustic Doppler spectra, from which the radial velocities are calculated. The design of the simulator allows for the testing of and comparisons between various signal-processing techniques and averaging periods. An example case of feeding the sodar simulator with large-eddy simulation data representative of a developing convective boundary layer is presented and discussed.
Viability of Talus Osteochondral Defect Cartilage for Chondrocyte Harvesting
Authors: Kreulen Christopher , Giza Eric , Kim Jason , Campanelli Valentina , Sullivan Martin 
Published: February 2014

Background: Large talar cartilage defects can be treated with either autologous chondrocyte implantation or matrix autologous chondrocyte implantation. Both techniques depend on successful harvesting of the chondrocytes. In the past, they have come from the ipsilateral knee, which has been associated with donor site morbidity. We hypothesized that damaged cartilage from the talus can be used as a reliable source for chondrocyte cell harvesting in preparation for possible matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI). Methods: Chondrocytes were harvested from the injured talar cartilage during ankle arthroscopy and sent to a cell laboratory, measured for initial biopsy weight, cultured for 4 to 6 weeks, and then analyzed for viability. A total of 151 patients were analyzed. Results: The average biopsy initial weight was 187.1 mg. The average number of cells was 3.13 × 105. The viability of the chondrocytes provided by the manufacturer averaged 92.3% (range, 33%-100%). Conclusions: Chondrocytes harvested from the damaged talar articular cartilage were functional and proliferated with an average viability of 92%. Clinical Relevance: This technique may provide a useful source of chondrocytes if needed for a future cell-based regenerative procedure such as MACI while eliminating the need to harvest chondrocytes from the knee or other intact areas of cartilage on the talus. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
On the effective strain tensor in heterogeneous materials
Authors: Berger MA , Evans KE , Smith CW 
Published: February 2014

This paper considers effective strain tensors within the context of linear elastic equilibrium theory. The elastic properties of structured materials are often averaged over subvolumes of various scales inside the material. For subvolumes smaller than a representative volume element, simple volume-averaging of the stress and strain may not preserve the elastic energy. We introduce an averaging process which preserves the energy for all boundary conditions. This averaging process emphasizes the parts of the material which carry the most stress. Here the effective strain is weighted by the local stress, and can be interpreted as an average strain over all paths taken by loads and forces through the volume. This alternative effective strain may be especially appropriate for materials with voids, such as foams and granular matter, as the averaging only involves the material itself. For uniform boundary conditions the weighted strain matches the volume-averaged strain. This paper investigates the properties of this weighted strain tensor. First, for each path taken by loads and forces through the volume we can measure a net length as well as a net extension due to the linear deformation. The weighted effective strain equals the ratio of average length to average extension, where the averaging is over all possible force paths. Thus this method provides a connection to load path analysis. Secondly, even when the average rotation within the subvolume is zero, there may be local fluctuations in the rotation field. These rotations can act like a mechanism, transferring elastic energy between boundaries or degrees of freedom. The effective strain defined here highlights this mechanism effect.
Comparative Assessment of Lixisenatide, Exenatide, and Liraglutide Pen Devices
Authors: Stauder Udo , Enginee Diplom , Elton Hina , Penfornis Alfred , Edelman Steve 
Published: February 2014

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a relatively recent addition to the treatment options for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and are administered using prefilled pen devices. Method: In this open-label task and interview-based pilot study, 3 GLP-1 receptor agonist pen devices—exenatide (Byetta®, Bristol-Myers Squibb/AstraZeneca), liraglutide (Victoza®, Novo Nordisk), and lixisenatide (Lyxumia®, Sanofi-Aventis)—were comparatively assessed in a randomized order in 30 participants with T2DM for ease of use, using a series of key performance measures (time taken to complete a series of tasks, number of user errors [successful performance], and user satisfaction rating). Linear and logistic regression analysis was conducted for the lixisenatide and liraglutide pens versus the exenatide pen. Participants’ mean age was 60 years; 27% and 20% of the participants had visual impairments and reduced manual dexterity, respectively. Results: Tasks were completed faster ( P < .001) and with higher successful performance ( P = .001) with the lixisenatide pen than with the exenatide pen, whereas the liraglutide pen was not statistically significant versus the exenatide pen on these parameters. Overall, user satisfaction was statistically higher for the lixisenatide and liraglutide pens versus the exenatide pen ( P < .001 for both). Conclusions: Lixisenatide and liraglutide pens are associated with higher user satisfaction compared with the exenatide pen. In addition, the lixisenatide pen is faster and results in fewer errors than its comparator (exenatide). The lixisenatide pen may therefore be a suitable choice for patients with T2DM, including older and pen device-naïve patients, and those with visual impairments and reduced manual dexterity.
Measurement of Lens Autofluorescence Can Distinguish Subjects With Diabetes From Those Without
Authors: Cahn Frederick , Burd John , Ignotz Keith , Mishra Shardendu 
Published: February 2014

Introduction: Lens autofluorescence is increased in patients with diabetes mellitus, but clinical application has been limited by the lack of an instrument suitable for routine clinical use. We investigate possible uses of a new scanning confocal biomicroscope (1) to identify subjects with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and (2) as a marker for the progression of diabetes. Methodology: One hundred seventy-eight subjects self-reported as normal and 53 subjects physician-diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes were recruited. Measurements were collected using a ClearPath DS-120 Lens Fluorescence Biomicroscope calibrated with standards traceable to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Results: Fluorescence intensities were corrected for age by subtracting the value expected from a regression of intensity versus age for normal subjects. This “fluorescence deviation” showed progressively higher values for normal, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and type 1 diabetes and a high degree of predictability of diabetes diagnosis. A receiver operating characteristics curve was used to determine sensitivity and specificity for prediction of diabetes type 2. At a fluorescence deviation of 2500, a sensitivity of 67% at 94% specificity was observed detection of type 2 diabetes. Discussion: The progressively higher fluorescence deviations are consistent with the physiological mechanisms of accumulation of fluorescent advanced glycation end products as the subject ages. The sensitivity and specificity performance of the lens autofluorescence test for type 2 diabetes is comparable to the performance of glucose threshold tests. Conclusion: The statistically significant difference between fluorescence deviations of normal and type 2 diabetes supports the feasibility of lens autofluorescence to screen subjects for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Ophthalmic practices are points of care at which there may be a public health benefit for screening patients for undiagnosed diabetes.
Does Device Make Any Difference? A Real-world Retrospective Study of Insulin Treatment Among Elderly Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Miao Raymond , Wei Wenhui , Lin Jay , Xie Lin , Baser Onur 
Published: February 2014

Background: We compared real-world clinical and economic outcomes for insulin glargine treatment administered by disposable pen and traditional vial-and-syringe injections among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Using a large database of US retirees, this retrospective longitudinal study examined 1-year follow-up outcomes in patients with T2DM aged 65 years or older who were either insulin naïve and initiated insulin glargine via disposable pen (pen initiators [PI]) or vial (vial initiators [VI]) or were already insulin glargine users but either continued with a vial (vial continuers [VC]) or switched to a disposable pen (pen switchers [PS]). Results: There were 7856 propensity-score-matched patients, including 2930 each in the PI and VI cohorts, and 998 each in the VC and PS cohorts. Compared with vial-and-syringe users, the disposable pen users had significantly greater treatment persistence ( P < .0001 for both comparisons), duration of persistence ( P < .0001 for both), and adherence ( P < .01 for both) and lower insulin daily average consumption ( P < .05 for both). Compared with the VI cohort, the PI cohort had significantly fewer hypoglycemia-related events ( P = .0164). Total health care costs were comparable for the respective matched cohorts. Conclusions: In elderly patients with T2DM receiving insulin glargine therapy, initiating or switching to a disposable pen was associated with better treatment persistence and adherence than initiating or continuing with vial-and-syringe, without increased total health care costs. Among insulin-naïve patients, initiating insulin glargine by disposable pen was also associated with significantly reduced risk of hypoglycemia compared with vial-and-syringe patients.