bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes After Coronary Artery Calcium and Other Cardiovascular Biomarker Testing Among Asymptomatic Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Shreibati Jacqueline Baras , Baker Laurence C. , McConnell Michael V. , Hlatky Mark A. 
Published: April 2014

Background—
Biomarkers improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction, but their comparative effectiveness in clinical practice is not known. We sought to compare the use, spending, and clinical outcomes in asymptomatic Medicare beneficiaries evaluated for CVD with coronary artery calcium (CAC) or other cardiovascular risk markers.

Methods and Results—

We used a 20% sample of 2005 to 2011 Medicare claims to identify fee-for-service beneficiaries aged ≥65.5 years with no CVD claims in the previous 6 months. We matched patients with CAC with patients who received high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; n=8358) or lipid screening (n=6250) using propensity-score methods. CAC was associated with increased noninvasive cardiac testing within 180 days (hazard ratio, 2.22, 95% confidence interval, 1.68–2.93,
P
<0.001, versus hs-CRP; hazard ratio, 4.30, 95% confidence interval, 3.04–6.06,
P
<0.001, versus lipid screening) and increased coronary angiography and revascularization. During 3-year follow-up, CAC was associated with higher CVD-related spending ($6525 versus $4432 for hs-CRP,
P
<0.001; and $6500 versus $3073 for lipid screening,
P
<0.001) and fewer CVD-related events when compared with hs-CRP (hazard ratio, 0.74, 95% confidence interval, 0.58–0.94,
P
=0.017) but not compared with lipid screening (hazard ratio, 0.84, 95% confidence interval, 0.64–1.11,
P
=0.23).

Conclusions—
CAC testing among asymptomatic Medicare beneficiaries was associated with increased use of cardiac tests and procedures, higher spending, and slightly improved clinical outcomes when compared with hs-CRP testing.
ERK5 Activation in Macrophages Promotes Efferocytosis and Inhibits Atherosclerosis
Authors: Heo Kyung-Sun , Cushman Hannah J. , Akaike Masashi , Woo Chang-Hoon , Wang Xin , Qiu Xing , Fujiwara Keigi , Abe Jun-ichi 
Published: April 2014

Background—
Efferocytosis is a process by which dead and dying cells are removed by phagocytic cells. Efferocytosis by macrophages is thought to curb the progression of atherosclerosis, but the mechanistic insight of this process is lacking.

Methods and Results—

When macrophages were fed apoptotic cells or treated with pitavastatin in vitro, efferocytosis-related signaling and phagocytic capacity were upregulated in an ERK5 activity–dependent manner. Macrophages isolated from macrophage-specific ERK5-null mice exhibited reduced efferocytosis and levels of gene and protein expression of efferocytosis-related molecules. When these mice were crossed with low-density lipoprotein receptor
−/−
mice and fed a high-cholesterol diet, atherosclerotic plaque formation was accelerated, and the plaques had more advanced and vulnerable morphology.

Conclusions—
Our results demonstrate that ERK5, which is robustly activated by statins, is a hub molecule that upregulates macrophage efferocytosis, thereby suppressing atherosclerotic plaque formation. Molecules that upregulate ERK5 and its signaling in macrophages may be good drug targets for suppressing cardiovascular diseases.
Dissociation of Pentameric to Monomeric C-Reactive Protein Localizes and Aggravates Inflammation
Authors: Thiele Jan R. , Habersberger Jonathon , Braig David , Schmidt Yvonne , Goerendt Kurt , Maurer Valentin , Bannasch Holger , Scheichl Amelie , Woollard Kevin J. , von Dobschütz Ernst , Kolodgie Frank , Virmani Renu , Stark G. Bjoern , Peter Karlheinz , Eisenhardt Steffen U. 
Published: April 2014

Background—
The relevance of the dissociation of circulating pentameric C-reactive protein (pCRP) to its monomeric subunits (mCRP) is poorly understood. We investigated the role of conformational C-reactive protein changes in vivo.

Methods and Results—
We identified mCRP in inflamed human striated muscle, human atherosclerotic plaque, and infarcted myocardium (rat and human) and its colocalization with inflammatory cells, which suggests a general causal role of mCRP in inflammation. This was confirmed in rat intravital microscopy of lipopolysaccharide-induced cremasteric muscle inflammation. Intravenous pCRP administration significantly enhanced leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and transmigration via localized dissociation to mCRP in inflamed but not noninflamed cremaster muscle. This was confirmed in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Mechanistically, this process was dependent on exposure of lysophosphatidylcholine on activated cell membranes, which is generated after phospholipase A2 activation. These membrane changes could be visualized intravitally on endothelial cells, as could the colocalized mCRP generation. Blocking of phospholipase A2 abrogated C-reactive protein dissociation and thereby blunted the proinflammatory effects of C-reactive protein. Identifying the dissociation process as a therapeutic target, we stabilized pCRP using 1,6-bis(phosphocholine)-hexane, which prevented dissociation in vitro and in vivo and consequently inhibited the generation and proinflammatory activity of mCRP; notably, it also inhibited mCRP deposition and inflammation in rat myocardial infarction.

Conclusions—
These results provide in vivo evidence for a novel mechanism that localizes and aggravates inflammation via phospholipase A2–dependent dissociation of circulating pCRP to mCRP. mCRP is proposed as a pathogenic factor in atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. Most importantly, the inhibition of pCRP dissociation represents a promising, novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategy.
Individual Feedback Contributions to the Seasonality of Surface Warming
Authors: Sejas Sergio A. , Cai Ming , Hu Aixue , Meehl Gerald A. , Washington Warren , Taylor Patrick C. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Using the climate feedback response analysis method, the authors examine the individual contributions of the CO2 radiative forcing and climate feedbacks to the magnitude, spatial pattern, and seasonality of the transient surface warming response in a 1% yr−1 CO2 increase simulation of the NCAR Community Climate System Model, version 4 (CCSM4).
The CO2 forcing and water vapor feedback warm the surface everywhere throughout the year. The tropical warming is predominantly caused by the CO2 forcing and water vapor feedback, while the evaporation feedback reduces the warming. Most feedbacks exhibit noticeable seasonal variations; however, their net effect has little seasonal variation due to compensating effects, which keeps the tropical warming relatively invariant all year long. The polar warming has a pronounced seasonal cycle, with maximum warming in fall/winter and minimum warming in summer. In summer, the large cancelations between the shortwave and longwave cloud feedbacks and between the surface albedo feedback warming and the cooling from the ocean heat storage/dynamics feedback lead to a warming minimum. In polar winter, surface albedo and shortwave cloud feedbacks are nearly absent due to a lack of insolation. However, the ocean heat storage feedback relays the polar warming due to the surface albedo feedback from summer to winter, and the longwave cloud feedback warms the polar surface. Therefore, the seasonal variations in the cloud feedback, surface albedo feedback, and ocean heat storage/dynamics feedback, directly caused by the strong annual cycle of insolation, contribute primarily to the large seasonal variation of polar warming. Furthermore, the CO2 forcing and water vapor and atmospheric dynamics feedbacks add to the maximum polar warming in fall/winter.
Robust ENSO across a Wide Range of Climates
Authors: Manucharyan Georgy E. , Fedorov Alexey V. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a pronounced mode of climate variability that originates in the tropical Pacific and affects weather patterns worldwide. Growing evidence suggests that despite extensive changes in tropical climate, ENSO was active over vast geological epochs stretching millions of years from the late Cretaceous to the Holocene. In particular, ENSO persisted during the Pliocene, when a dramatic reduction occurred in the mean east–west temperature gradient in the equatorial Pacific. The mechanisms for sustained ENSO in such climates are poorly understood. Here a comprehensive climate model is used to simulate ENSO for a broad range of tropical Pacific mean climates characterized by different climatological SST gradients. It is found that the simulated ENSO remains surprisingly robust: when the east–west gradient is reduced from 6° to 1°C, the amplitude of ENSO decreases only by 30%–40%, its dominant period remains close to 3–4 yr, and the spectral peak stays above red noise. To explain these results, the magnitude of ocean–atmosphere feedbacks that control the stability of the natural mode of ENSO (the Bjerknes stability index) is evaluated. It is found that as a result of reorganization of the atmospheric Walker circulation in response to changes in the mean surface temperature gradient, the growth/decay rates of the ENSO mode stay nearly constant throughout different climates. These results explain the persistence of ENSO in the past and, in particular, reconcile the seemingly contradictory findings of ENSO occurrence and the small mean east–west temperature gradient during the Pliocene.
Reduced-Rank Sigma-Point Kalman Filter and Its Application in ENSO Model
Authors: Manoj K. K. , Tang Youmin , Deng Ziwang , Chen Dake , Cheng Yanjie 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The huge computational expense has been a main challenge while applying the sigma-point unscented Kalman filter (SPUKF) to a high-dimensional system. This study focuses on this issue and presents two methods to construct a reduced-rank sigma-point unscented Kalman filter (RRSPUKF). Both techniques employ the truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD) to factorize the covariance matrix and reduce its rank through truncation. The reduced-rank square root matrix is used to select the most important sigma points that can retain the main statistical features of the original sigma points. In the first technique, TSVD is applied on the covariance matrix constructed in the data space [RRSPUKF(D)], whereas in the second technique TSVD is applied on the covariance matrix constructed in the ensemble space [RRSPUKF(E)]. The two methods are applied to a realistic El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) prediction model [Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory model, version 5 (LDEO5)] to assimilate the sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. The results show that both the methods are more computationally efficient than the full-rank SPUKF, in spite of losing some estimation accuracy. When the truncation reaches a trade-off between cost expense and estimation accuracy, both methods are able to analyze the phase and intensity of all major ENSO events from 1971 to 2001 with comparable estimation accuracy. Furthermore, the RRSPUKF is compared against ensemble square root filter (EnSRF), showing that the overall analysis skill of RRSPUKF and EnSRF are comparable to each other, but the former is more robust than the latter.
Response of FSSP-100 and PVM-100A to Small Ice Crystals
Authors: Gerber H. , DeMott P. J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Correction factors Cf are derived for ice-crystal volume and effective radius Re, measured by Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe (FSSP) and Particulate Volume Monitor (PVM) that are known to overestimate both parameters for nonspherical particles. Correction factors are based on ice-crystal volume and the projected area of randomly oriented model ice crystals with column, rosette, capped-column, and dendrite habits described by Takano and Liou. In addition, Cf are calculated for oblate and prolate spheroids. To test Cf, both probes are compared to small, predominately solid hexagonal ice-crystal plates and columns generated in the Colorado State University (CSU) Dynamic Cloud Chamber (DCC). The tendency of heat released by the PVM (placed inside the chamber) to evaporate ice crystals and the smaller upper size range of the PVM than the size range of the FSSP caused large differences in the probes’ outputs for most comparisons in the DCC. Correction factors improved the accuracy of Re measured by the FSSP for the solid hexagonal crystals, and both probes produced similar results for the projected area and ice water content when crystal sizes fell within the probes’ size ranges. The modification for minimizing ice-crystal shattering and the application of Cf for forward scatter probes such as the FSSP suggests the probes’ improved usefulness for measuring small ambient ice crystals.
Somatic mutation as a mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation in CLL
Authors: Wang Lili , Shalek Alex K. , Lawrence Mike , Ding Ruihua , Gaublomme Jellert T. , Pochet Nathalie , Stojanov Petar , Sougnez Carrie , Shukla Sachet A. , Stevenson Kristen E. , Zhang Wandi , Wong Jessica , Sievers Quinlan L. , MacDonald Bryan T. , Vartanov Alexander R. , Goldstein Natalie R. , Neuberg Donna , He Xi , Lander Eric , Hacohen Nir , Regev Aviv , Getz Gad , Brown Jennifer R. , Park Hongkun , Wu Catherine J. 
Published: April 2014

Key Points
Wnt pathway is frequently mutated in CLL. Wnt pathway mutations can lead to pathway activation and enhanced CLL survival.
Exome sequencing helped the fine diagnosis of two siblings afflicted with atypical Timothy syndrome (TS2)
Authors: Fröhler Sebastian , Kieslich Moritz , Langnick Claudia , Feldkamp Mirjam , Opgen-Rhein Bernd , Berger Felix , Will Joachim C , Chen Wei 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Long-QT syndrome (LQTS) causes a prolongation of the QT-interval in the ECG leading to life threatening tachyarrhythmia and ventricular fibrillation. One atypical form of LQTS, Timothy syndrome (TS), is associated with syndactyly, immune deficiency, cognitive and neurological abnormalities as well as distinct cranio-facial abnormalities.

Case presentation
On a family with both children diagnosed with clinical LQTS, we performed whole exome sequencing to comprehensively screen for causative mutations after a targeted candidate gene panel screen for Long-QT syndrome target genes failed to identify any underlying genetic defect. Using exome sequencing, we identified in both affected children, a p.402G > S mutation in exon 8 of the CACNA1C gene, a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel. The mutation was inherited from their father, a mosaic mutation carrier. Based on this molecular finding and further more careful clinical examination, we refined the diagnosis to be Timothy syndrome (TS2) and thereby were able to present new therapeutic approaches.

Conclusions
Our study highlights the difficulties in accurate diagnosis of patients with rare diseases, especially those with atypical clinical manifestation. Such challenge could be addressed with the help of comprehensive and unbiased mutation screening, such as exome sequencing.
Longitudinal analysis of minority women’s perceptions of cohesion: the role of cooperation, communication, and competition
Authors: Harden Samantha M , Estabrooks Paul A , Mama Scherezade K , Lee Rebecca E 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundInteraction in the form of cooperation, communication, and friendly competition theoretically precede the development of group cohesion, which often precedes adherence to health promotion programs. The purpose of this manuscript was to explore longitudinal relationships among dimensions of group cohesion and group-interaction variables to inform and improve group-based strategies within programs aimed at promoting physical activity.MethodsEthnic minority women completed a group dynamics-based physical activity promotion intervention (N = 103; 73% African American; 27% Hispanic/Latina; mage = 47.89 + 8.17 years; mBMI = 34.43+ 8.07 kg/m2) and assessments of group cohesion and group-interaction variables at baseline, 6 months (post-program), and 12 months (follow-up).ResultsAll four dimensions of group cohesion had significant (ps < 0.01) relationships with the group-interaction variables. Competition was a consistently strong predictor of cohesion, while cooperation did not demonstrate consistent patterns of prediction.ConclusionsFacilitating a sense of friendly competition may increase engagement in physical activity programs by bolstering group cohesion.
Significance of an increase in the Child-Pugh score after radiotherapy in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Son Seok Hyun , Jang Hong Seok , Jo In-Young , Choi Byung Ock , Jang Jeong Won , Yoon Seung Kew , Kay Chul Seung 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
We attempted to analyze the effects of an increase in the Child-Pugh (CP) score on the overall survival of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiotherapy (RT).

Methods
From March 2006 to February 2012, 103 patients received RT using the TomoTherapy Hi-Art at Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital and Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. The dose per fraction was 1.8–5 Gy, and the total dose was 40–60 Gy (median, 50 Gy). We considered an increase of at least 2 points in the CP score within 3 months after RT to be clinically important radiation-induced hepatic toxicity and analyzed the effects of an increased CP score on overall survival.

Results
The median follow-up duration was 11.6 months (range, 3.5–85.3 months). The median survival time was 11.6 months. In multivariate analysis, planning target volume and an increase in the CP score after RT were found to be a statistically significant factors (p = 0.010 and 0.015, respectively). In a comparison of cases with and without an increase in the CP score, there was an 11.0-month difference in the median survival time (6.9 vs. 17.9 months), and the relative risk of mortality was 1.8.

Conclusion
An increase of at least 2 points in the CP score within 3 months of RT completion is an important on-treatment factor that affects overall survival. To minimize such increases, careful patient selection and a more sophisticated radiation treatment plan are imperative.
Sleep quality and general health status of employees exposed to extremely low frequency magnetic fields in a petrochemical complex
Authors: Monazzam Mohammad Reza , Hosseini Monireh , Matin Laleh Farhang , Aghaei Habib Allah , Khosroabadi Hossein , Hesami Ahmad 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Advances in science and technology of electrical equipment, despite increasing human welfare in everyday life, have increased the number of people exposed to Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMFs). Because of possible adverse effects on the health of exposed individuals, the EMFs have being the center of attention. This study was performed to determine possible correlation between Extremely Low Frequency Electro-Magnetic Fields (ELF EMFs) and sleep quality and public health of those working in substation units of a petrochemical complex in southern Iran.

Materials and method
To begin with, magnetic flux density was measured at different parts of a Control Building and two substations in accordance with IEEE std 644–1994. Subsequently, the questionnaires “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index” (PSQI) and “General Health Quality (GHQ)” were used to investigate relationship between ELF exposure level and sleep quality and public health, respectively. Both questionnaires were placed at disposal of a total number of 40 workers at the complex. The filled out questionnaires were analyzed by T-test, Duncan and the Chi-square tests.

Results
The obtained results revealed that 28% of those in case group suffered from poor health status and 61% were diagnosed with a sleep disorder.
However, all members in control group were in good health condition and only 4.5% of them had undesirable sleep quality.

Conclusion
In spite of a significant difference between the case and control groups in terms of sleep quality and general health, no significant relationship was found between the exposure level and sleep quality and general health. It is worth noting that the measured EMF values were lower than the standard limits recommended by American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). However, given the uncertainties about the pathogenic effects caused by exposure to ELF EMFs, further epidemiological studies and periodic testing of personnel working in high voltage substations are of utmost importance.
Integrated computational materials engineering from a gas turbine engine perspective
Authors: Bolcavage Ann , Brown Paul D , Cedoz Robert , Cooper Nate , Deaton Chris , Hartman Daniel R , Keskin Akin , Ma Kong , Matlik John F , Modgil Girish , Stillinger Jeffrey D 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn 2008, the National Research Council published a landmark report on Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) and defined it as ‘an emerging discipline that aims to integrate computational materials science tools into a holistic system that can accelerate materials development, transform the engineering design optimization process, & unify design and manufacturing’. ICME is becoming a critical enabler for reducing the design/make cycle time and getting complex systems into production more quickly. There are several reasons why this is the case. Firstly, ICME allows materials experts to develop new material systems and methods of manufacture much more quickly. Advanced new materials and their associated manufacturing processes can be tailored to deliver products that meet design requirements quickly and more effectively in terms of cost and performance. Secondly, ICME enables design processes to quantify cause and affect relationships between manufacturing methods and variability, material properties, product geometry, and design requirement margins. In the design phase, material selection itself can impose consideration of material-specific failure modes that are naturally correlated to important attributes such as strength, weight, and geometry. ICME enables designers to quickly understand the complex and probabilistic interactions between the material, manufacturing processes, manufacturing variability, and design. Thirdly, it has been shown that successful account of variability of the manufacturing processes in life calculations leads to improved accuracy in declared low cycle fatigue crack initiation and damage tolerance lives on life limited gas turbine engine components. Furthermore, ICME enables engineers to rapidly explore more effective design and manufacturing solutions for delivering superior products at lower cost, faster but not without challenges. To highlight challenges and progress toward realization of this transformational technology, a survey of recent examples of materials and manufacturing process simulations along with the overarching approach and requirements within ICME to link these simulation capabilities to design and manufacturing methods will be reviewed from a gas turbine engine perspective.