bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Downslope Windstorms of San Diego County. Part I: A Case Study
Authors: Cao Yang , Fovell Robert G. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The “Santa Ana” wind is an offshore flow that affects Southern California periodically during the winter half of the year, typically between September and May. The winds can be locally gusty, particularly in the complex terrain of San Diego County, where the winds have characteristics of downslope windstorms. These winds can cause and/or rapidly spread wildfires, the threat of which is particularly acute during the autumn season before the onset of winter rains. San Diego’s largest fires, including the Cedar fire of 2003 and Witch Creek fire of 2007, occurred during Santa Ana wind events.
A case study of downslope flow during a moderately intense Santa Ana event during mid-February 2013 is presented. Motivated by the need to forecast winds impinging on electrical lines, the authors make use of an exceptionally dense network of near-surface observations in San Diego County to calibrate and verify simulations made utilizing the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, which in turn is employed to augment the observations. Results demonstrate that this particular Santa Ana episode consists of two pulses separated by a protracted lull. During the first pulse, the downslope flow is characterized by a prominent hydraulic jumplike feature, while during the second one the flow possesses a clear temporal progression of winds downslope. WRF has skill in capturing the evolution and magnitude of the event at most locations, although most model configurations overpredict the observed sustained wind and the forecast bias is itself biased.
The Manchester urban heat island and adjustments for The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineer calculations
Authors: Levermore G , Parkinson J 
Published: November 2015

Extensive measurements of the urban heat island (UHI), where the urban areas stay warmer than rural areas, have been made for Manchester, over a year. From these adjustment factors have been derived for the new CIBSE Guide A, A2 External design data. The paper briefly outlines the theory behind the UHI and the details of the measurements. It then outlines the method of adjustment for CIBSE calculations for thermal response and plant sizing calculations. Some interesting features of the data are discussed such as the Manchester UHI being comparable to that of London and that it is increasing. Practical applications: Most buildings that building services engineers and other building designers are involved with are in urban or city centres. However, the weather data for their designs are based on near-rural weather data which does not include the urban heat island effect. This paper describes the urban heat island effects that a designer needs to consider and the adjustments that can be made, related to Manchester.
The effect of ultrafiltration with cardiopulmonary bypass on the removal of dabigatran from the circulation of adult pigs
Authors: DeNino Walter F. , Carter Christopher B. , Sievert Alicia , Goss Ashley , Toole John M. , Mukherjee Rupak , Uber Walter E. 
Published: November 2015

Objective: Dabigatran etexilate is a direct thrombin inhibitor approved for use in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. There is no currently available pharmacological therapy to reverse this renally cleared anticoagulant. Dabigatran has a low level of plasma protein binding and has been considered dialyzable. We used a pig model with renal artery ligation to exclude intrinsic drug excretion to examine the efficacy of ultrafiltration (UF) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for dabigatran removal. Method: Dabigatran was intravenously infused (20 mg) in Yorkshire pigs (male, n=7, 70±1 kg) following renal artery ligation. CPB with UF was initiated after heparinization and continued until a total volume of 6 liters of UF effluent was removed. Serial labs, including dabigatran concentration, activated coagulation times (ACT), hematocrit and creatinine were drawn at intervals before the start of CPB and then incrementally during UF (0, 2, 4 and 6 L removed). Hemodialysis (HD) was performed on one animal following UF. Results: Dabigatran concentration (ng/mL) rose from undetectable levels at baseline to 296±70 (p<0.05) at the conclusion of infusion, but dropped significantly upon administration of heparin (178±40, p<0.05). A further decrement in dabigatran concentration was observed from the administration of heparin to the start of CPB (to 135±28, p<0.05). Once on CPB, dabigatran remained stable, with the end UF (eUF) dabigatran concentration being 133±34. Dabigatran concentration in the UF effluent was measured in one animal and was 98.8, with 6 L of effluent having been removed. The total recovery of dabigatran was calculated to be less than 5%. Dabigatran concentrations also did not decrease appreciably with HD on CPB following UF. Conclusions: UF in conjunction with CPB was ineffective at removing dabigatran. Heparin demonstrated a dabigatran-lowering effect, suggesting a possible drug interaction or assay impairment. Based on these findings, emergent cardiac surgery with UF on cardiopulmonary bypass to remove dabigatran is not advisable. Alternative forms of drug removal or reversal must be identified.
Effect of First Ray Insufficiency and Metatarsal Index on Metatarsalgia in Hallux Valgus
Authors: Slullitel Gaston , López Valeria , Calvi Juan Pablo , Seletti Maximiliano , Bartolucci Carla , Pinton Gustavo 
Published: November 2015

Background: Two concepts have been proposed to explain the etiology of metatarsalgia in hallux valgus patients: First, as the magnitude of hallux valgus increases, there is a mechanical overload of the lesser metatarsals. Second, increased relative lesser metatarsal length is a factor in the development of metatarsalgia. However, there is no current evidence that these structural factors lead to primary metatarsalgia. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the factors associated with metatarsalgia in hallux valgus patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 121 consecutive adult patients with non-arthritic hallux valgus was carried out. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify the effect of the clinical and demographic factors on the occurrence of metatarsalgia. One hundred twenty-one patients (184 feet) with hallux valgus were analyzed. The median weight was 65 kg (interquartile range 58-72). Results: Metatarsalgia was present in 84 (45.6%) feet. The binary logistic regression showed that lesser toe deformity (OR 2.6, 95% CI 0.2-0.5), gastrocnemius shortening (OR 5.8, 95% CI 2.8-12.3), metatarsal index (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.5), and weight (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.3) were significantly associated. Conclusion: Metatarsalgia occurs in almost half of hallux valgus patients. It has a multifactorial etiology. Our findings contradict the common theory that both the magnitude of hallux valgus deformity and an increased length of the lesser metatarsals, by themselves, lead to primary metatarsalgia. Metatarsalgia was associated with Achilles shortening, excessive weight, and associated lesser toe deformity. These factors should be addressed in order to treat this disorder adequately. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative series.
The EU-project United4Health: User-centred design of an information system for a Norwegian telemedicine service
Authors: Smaradottir Berglind , Gerdes Martin , Martinez Santiago , Fensli Rune 
Published: November 2015

Introduction Organizational changes of health care services in Norway brought to light a need for new clinical pathways. This study presents the design and evaluation of an information system for a new telemedicine service for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients after hospital discharge. Methods A user-centred design approach was employed composed of a workshop with end-users, two user tests and a field trial. For data collection, qualitative methods such as observations, semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire were used. Results User workshop’s outcome informed the implementation of the system initial prototype, evaluated by end-users in a usability laboratory. Several usability and functionality issues were identified and solved, such as the interface between the initial colour scheme and the triage colours. Iterative refinements were made and a second user evaluation showed that the main issues were solved. The responses to a questionnaire presented a high score of user satisfaction. In the final phase, a field trial showed satisfactory use of the system. Discussion This study showed how the target end-users groups were actively involved in identifying the needs, suggestions and preferences. These aspects were addressed in the development of an information system through a user-centred design process. The process efficiently enabled users to give feedback about design and functionality. Continuous refinement of the system was the key to full development and suitability for the telemedicine service. This research was a result of the international cooperation between partners within the project United4Health, a part of the Seventh Framework Programme for Research of the European Union.
The effect of telemedicine on cognitive decline in patients with dementia
Authors: Kim Heeseok , Jhoo Jin Hyeong , Jang Jae-Won 
Published: November 2015

Introduction Telemedicine has the advantage of providing medical resources in rural areas, but few studies have been conducted to investigate its efficacy in dementia care, compared to face-to-face care. This study evaluated the effectiveness of telemedicine in relation to cognitive changes in patients with dementia. Methods We evaluated cognitive changes over time, according to care modality, in 188 patients with dementia who were registered at our university-based dementia clinic. We followed 98 patients using telemedicine services and 90 patients who attended the dementia clinic in person. Patients in the telemedicine group also visited a public health center located in a rural area about 50 km from the dementia clinic. Results Changes in the mean annualized Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score were not significantly different between the telemedicine group and the face-to-face dementia clinic group ( p = 0.291), with changes of 0.60 and 1.03 points, respectively. However, cognitive decline was significantly lower in the telemedicine group for the less severe initial cognitive performance subgroup than more severe cognitive performance subgroup ( p = 0.049), with changes of 0.62 and 1.59 points, respectively. Higher initial Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores, MMSE scores, and age were found to be independent predictive factors of subsequent cognitive changes, as indicated by mean annualized MMSE scores. Discussion These findings suggest that telemedicine may be a useful alternative to face-to-face clinical visits for management of dementia in patients who are located in rural areas.
Ventriculostomies without dressings: Low infection rates but room for quality improvement
Authors: Ducis Katrina , Thakrar Raj , Tranmer Bruce 
Published: November 2015

Objective Ventriculostomies are common procedures for patients with severe neurologic insults including trauma, aneurysmal rupture, tumor, infection or following an operation. Infection secondary to a ventriculostomy, meningitis or ventriculitis, carries a high morbidity and mortality. Insertion practices and maintenance of these interventions was evaluated. Methods A retrospective review was completed of patients receiving ventriculostomies at a single institution from October 2007 through September 2013. Basic patient demographics, methods of insertion and presence of infection were collected and analyzed. Results The mean of age of patients receiving ventriculostomies was 49 years of age and the most common indications for insertion were trauma, infection and nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage (aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), hemorrhagic stroke, arteriovenous malformation (AVM)). External ventricular drains (EVDs) were inserted after minimal hair removal at the time of procedure, tunneling following procedure and securement of EVDs with suture at exit of skin and remainder of drain stapled to scalp without additional dressing applied. The infection rate using this practice was 5.1%. Conclusion Ventriculostomies with minimal hair removal and no dressing have equivalent infection rates with the most recent published national average.
Feasibility and clinical impact of sharing patient-reported symptom toxicities and performance status with clinical investigators during a phase 2 cancer treatment trial
Authors: Basch Ethan , Wood William A , Schrag Deborah , Sima Camelia S , Shaw Mary , Rogak Lauren J , Kris Mark G , Shouery Marwan , Bennett Antonia , Atkinson Thomas , Pietanza M Catherine 
Published: November 2015

Background: Clinicians can miss up to half of patients’ symptomatic toxicities in cancer clinical trials and routine practice. Although patient-reported outcome questionnaires have been developed to capture this information, it is unclear whether clinicians will make use of patient-reported outcomes to inform their own toxicity documentation, or to prompt symptom management activities. Methods: 44 lung cancer patients that participated in a phase 2 treatment trial self-reported 13 symptomatic toxicities derived from the National Cancer Institute’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events and Karnofsky Performance Status via tablet computers in waiting areas immediately preceding scheduled visits. During visits, clinicians viewed patients’ self-reported toxicity and performance status ratings on a computer interface and could agree or disagree/reassign grades (“shared” reporting). Agreement of clinicians with patient-reported grades was tabulated, and compared using weighted kappa statistics. Clinical actions in response to patient-reported severe (grade 3/4) toxicities were measured (e.g. treatment discontinuation, dose reduction, supportive medications). For comparison, 45 non-trial patients with lung cancer being treated in the same clinic by the same physicians were simultaneously enrolled in a parallel cohort study in which patients also self-reported toxicity grades but reports were not shared with clinicians (“non-shared” reporting). Results: Toxicities and performance status were reported by patients and reviewed by clinicians at (780/782) 99.7% of study visits in the phase 2 trial which used “shared” reporting. Clinicians agreed with patients 93% of the time with kappas 0.82–0.92. Clinical actions were taken in response to 67% of severe patient-reported toxicities. In the “non-shared” reporting comparison group, clinicians agreed with patients 56% of the time with kappas 0.04–0.48 (significantly worse than shared reporting for all symptoms), and clinical actions were taken in response to 44% of severe patient-reported toxicities. Conclusion: Clinicians will frequently agree with patient-reported symptoms and performance status, and will use this information to guide documentation and symptom management. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00807573).
Prenatal maternal psychological stress and childhood asthma and wheezing: a meta-analysis
Authors: van de Loo Kim F.E. , van Gelder Marleen M.H.J. , Roukema Jolt , Roeleveld Nel , Merkus Peter J.F.M. , Verhaak Christianne M. 
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyse observational studies on prenatal maternal psychological stress and the subsequent development of asthma and wheezing in early childhood.All available published literature from 1960 until November 2013 was systematically searched through electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo and Web of Science). All observational studies assessing associations between any form of prenatal maternal psychological stress and respiratory morbidity in the child were included. Data extraction, quality assessment and meta-analyses were performed.The overall meta-analysis included 10 studies and showed that the prevalence of wheezing, asthma and other respiratory symptoms is higher in children of mothers who were exposed to or experienced some form of psychological stress during pregnancy than in mothers who did not (pooled OR 1.56 (95% CI 1.36–1.80)). Comparable results were observed in subgroup analyses of stress exposure, perceived stress, asthma and wheezing.This study demonstrates that prenatal maternal psychological stress is associated with respiratory morbidity, including asthma and wheezing in the child. Future studies examining the early origins of asthma and wheezing need to account for the impact of prenatal maternal stress.
Clinical features of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: a population-based overview
Authors: Derks Jules L. , Hendriks Lizza E. , Buikhuisen Wieneke A. , Groen Harry J.M. , Thunnissen Erik , van Suylen Robert-Jan , Houben Ruud , Damhuis Ronald A. , Speel Ernst J.M. , Dingemans Anne-Marie C. 
Published: November 2015

Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is an orphan disease and few data are available on its clinical characteristics. Therefore, we analysed LCNEC registered in the Netherlands Cancer Registry, and compared data with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) and adenocarcinoma (AdC).Histologically confirmed LCNEC (n=952), SCLC (n=11 844), SqCC (n=19 633) and AdC (n=24 253) cases were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (2003–2012). Patient characteristics, metastasis at diagnosis (2006 or later), overall survival (OS) including multivariate Cox models and first-line treatment were compared for stage I–II, III and IV disease.The number of LCNEC cases increased from 56 patients in 2003 to 143 in 2012, accounting for 0.9% of all lung cancers. Stage IV LCNEC patients (n=383) commonly had metastasis in the liver (47%), bone (32%) and brain (23%), resembling SCLC. Median OS (95% CI) of stage I–II, III and IV LCNEC patients was 32.4 (22.0–42.9), 12.6 (10.3–15.0) and 4.0 (3.5–4.6) months, respectively. Multivariate-adjusted OS of LCNEC patients resembled that of SCLC patients, and was poorer than those of SqCC and AdC patients. However, frequency of surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy resembled SqCC and AdC more than SCLC.Diagnosis of LCNEC has increased in recent years. The metastatic pattern of LCNEC resembles SCLC as does the OS. However, early-stage treatment strategies seem more comparable to those of SqCC and AdC.
Interleukin-15 is associated with disease severity in viral bronchiolitis
Authors: Leahy T. Ronan , McManus Ross , Doherty Derek G. , Grealy Robert , Coulter Tanya , Smyth Paul , Blackshields Gordon , Sheils Orla , Carr Michael J. , Purandare Nikhil , Geary Michael , Hodemaekers Hennie M. , Janssen Riny , Bont Louis , Slattery Dubhfeasa , Ryan Thomas 
Published: November 2015

Disease severity in viral bronchiolitis in infancy is difficult to predict and has been linked to host innate immunity. The study aimed to investigate the innate cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) as a marker of disease severity.A prospective single-centre observational study was conducted in a university-affiliated paediatric teaching hospital, comparing children (0–18 months) hospitalised for viral bronchiolitis, those admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit with severe disease and healthy age-matched controls. IL-15-related parameters were compared between groups. PCR and microRNA (miRNA) sequencing was undertaken on natural killer (NK) cells collected from study participants.Samples from 88 children with viral bronchiolitis and 43 controls enrolled between 2009 and 2012 were analysed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) IL-15 mRNA expression was significantly higher in those with moderate severity bronchiolitis compared with controls and those with severe disease. Serum IL-15 levels correlated with disease severity. The relative frequency of NK cells in peripheral blood was significantly reduced in participants with bronchiolitis. The NK cell miRNA transcriptome in bronchiolitis was distinct. Targets of de-regulated miRNA were differentially expressed in bronchiolitis, includingJAK3,STAT5AandNFKB1on the IL-15 signalling pathway.IL-15 is associated with disease severity in children hospitalised with viral bronchiolitis.
Visual cortical excitability in dementia with Lewy
bodies
Authors: Taylor John-Paul , Firbank Michael , O'Brien John T. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryAlterations in the visual system may underlie visual hallucinations in
dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). However, cortical excitability as measured
by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and functional magnetic resonance
imaging (fMRI) activation of lower visual areas (V1–3) to visual stimuli
appear normal in DLB. We explored the relationship between TMS-determined
phosphene threshold and fMRI-related visual activation and found a positive
relationship between the two in controls but a negative one in DLB. This
double dissociation suggests a loss of inhibition in the visual system in
DLB, which may predispose individuals to visual dysfunction and visual
hallucinations.
CACNA1Cpolymorphism and altered phosphorylation of tau in bipolar disorder
Authors: Jakobsson Joel , Pålsson Erik , Sellgren Carl , Rydberg Frida , Ekman Agneta , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Landén Mikael 
Published: November 2015

SummarySeveral genome-wide association studies and case–control studies have associated the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1006737, situated inCACNA1Cencoding the alpha 1C subunit of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel, with bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders. However, the causal pathway linking genetic variants inCACNA1Cwith increased risk for developing brain disorders remains unclear. Here, we explored the association between the rs1006737 SNP and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers. We found a significant association between the risk allele in rs1006737 and a decreased CSF hyperphosphorylated tau/total tau ratio in patients with bipolar disorder, thus linking variation in theCACNA1Cgene to a neurochemical marker of neuroaxonal plasticity in those with this disorder.
Non-muscle myosin II in disease: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Newell-Litwa Karen A. , Horwitz Rick , Lamers Marcelo L. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTThe actin motor protein non-muscle myosin II (NMII) acts as a master regulator of cell morphology, with a role in several essential cellular processes, including cell migration and post-synaptic dendritic spine plasticity in neurons. NMII also generates forces that alter biochemical signaling, by driving changes in interactions between actin-associated proteins that can ultimately regulate gene transcription. In addition to its roles in normal cellular physiology, NMII has recently emerged as a critical regulator of diverse, genetically complex diseases, including neuronal disorders, cancers and vascular disease. In the context of these disorders, NMII regulatory pathways can be directly mutated or indirectly altered by disease-causing mutations. NMII regulatory pathway genes are also increasingly found in disease-associated copy-number variants, particularly in neuronal disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Furthermore, manipulation of NMII-mediated contractility regulates stem cell pluripotency and differentiation, thus highlighting the key role of NMII-based pharmaceuticals in the clinical success of stem cell therapies. In this Review, we discuss the emerging role of NMII activity and its regulation by kinases and microRNAs in the pathogenesis and prognosis of a diverse range of diseases, including neuronal disorders, cancer and vascular disease. We also address promising clinical applications and limitations of NMII-based inhibitors in the treatment of these diseases and the development of stem-cell-based therapies.