bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbohydrate Antigen 125 Predicts Long‐Term Mortality in African American Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Mansour Ibrahim N. , Napan Sirikarn , Tarek Alahdab M. , Stamos Thomas D. 
Published: August 2009

Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:15–20. ©2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.The goal of this study was to evaluate the relation between serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and prognosis in African American (AA) patients with heart failure (HF). Little is known about the usefulness of CA125 in the AA population, which has different pathophysiology and higher prevalence of HF. The authors enrolled 172 consecutive AA patients (mean age, 55.8 years; 61.1% men) admitted with a clinical diagnosis of acute decompensated HF. CA125 was measured within 48±12 hours of presentation. Patients were grouped according to CA125 levels into quartiles. The median CA125 level was 16 U/mL. Serum levels of CA125 were elevated (>35 U/mL) in 58 patients (33.7%). Fifty‐two patients (30.8%) died over a median follow‐up period of 40 months. The CA125 threshold derived from the receiver operating characteristic curves for the prediction of mortality was 35 U/mL. In a multivariate analysis, CA125 levels >35 U/mL were found to be predictive of 40‐month all‐cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.53; confidence interval, 1.40–4.59; P=.002). However, CA125 levels were not associated with 18‐month HF rehospitalization. CA125 value is a strong and independent predictor of long‐term mortality in AA patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute decompensated HF. Identifying a higher‐risk cohort might allow for a more targeted treatment approach.
Consistency in Global Climate Change Model Predictions of Regional Precipitation Trends
Authors: Anderson Bruce T. , Reifen Catherine , Toumi Ralf 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Projections of human-induced climate change impacts arising from the emission of atmospheric chemical constituents such as carbon dioxide typically utilize multiple integrations (or ensembles) of numerous numerical climate change models to arrive at multimodel ensembles from which mean and median values and probabilities can be inferred about the response of various components of the observed climate system. Some responses are considered reliable in as much as the simulated responses show consistency within ensembles and across models. Other responses—particularly at regional levels and for certain parameters such as precipitation—show little intermodel consistency even in the sign of the projected climate changes. The authors’ results show that in these regions the consistency in the sign of projected precipitation variations is greater for intramodel runs (e.g., runs from the same model) than intermodel runs (e.g., runs from different models), indicating that knowledge of the internal “dynamics” of the climate system can provide additional skill in making projections of climate change. Given the consistency provided by the governing dynamics of the model, the authors test whether persistence from an individual model trajectory serves as a good predictor for its own behavior by the end of the twenty-first century. Results indicate that, in certain regions where intermodel consistency is low, the short-term trends of individual model trajectories do provide additional skill in making projections of long-term climate change. The climate forcing for which this forecast skill becomes relatively large (e.g., correct in 75% of the individual model runs) is equivalent to the anthropogenic climate forcing imposed over the past century, suggesting that observed changes in precipitation in these regions can provide guidance about the direction of future precipitation changes over the course of the next century.
Challenges to Reproduce Vegetation Structure and Dynamics in Amazonia Using a Coupled Climate–Biosphere Model
Authors: Senna Mônica Carneiro Alves , Costa Marcos Heil , Pinto Lucía Iracema Chipponelli , Imbuzeiro Hewlley Maria Acioli , Diniz Luciana Mara Freitas , Pires Gabrielle Ferreira 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
The Amazon rain forest constitutes one of the major global stocks of carbon. Recent studies, including the last Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report and the Coupled Climate Carbon Cycle Model Intercomparison Project, have suggested that it may reduce in size and lose biomass during the twenty-first century through a savannization process. A better understanding of how this ecosystem structure, dynamics, and carbon balance may respond to future climate changes is needed. This article investigates how well a fully coupled atmosphere–biosphere model can reproduce vegetation structure and dynamics in Amazonia to the extent permitted by available data. The accurate representation of the coupled climate–biosphere dynamics requires the accurate representation of climate, net primary production (NPP), and its partition among the several carbon pool components. The simulated climate is validated against precipitation (within 5% of four datasets) and incident solar radiation (within 7% of observations). The authors also validate (i) simulated land cover, which reproduces well the observed patterns; (ii) NPP, within 5% of observations; and (iii) respiration rates, within 15% of observations. The performance of simulated variables that depend on carbon allocation, like NPP partitioning, leaf area index, and aboveground live biomass, although good on a regional mean, is significantly low when spatial patterns are considered. These errors may be attributed to fixed carbon allocation and residence time parameters assumed by the model. Carbon allocation apparently varies spatially, and to simulate this spatial variability is quite a challenge.
Space and Time Variations in Turbulence during the Manhattan Midtown 2005 Field Experiment
Authors: Hanna S. R. , Zhou Y. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
The Manhattan Midtown-2005 field experiment (MID05) collected turbulence observations at 12 street-level sites (at 3-m height) and at 5 rooftop sites (at 220-m average height). The MID05 observations of 30-min averaged standard deviations of wind speed components and temperature and of sensible heat and momentum flux are found to be consistent with the authors’ previously reported averaged observations in similar tall-building surroundings in the Oklahoma City Joint Urban 2003 (JU2003) and Manhattan Madison Square Garden 2005 (MSG05) field experiments. The main focus of this paper, though, is on the magnitudes of the space and time variations of the 30-min averaged turbulence values. Wind tunnel experiments and computational fluid dynamics model outputs would suggest large variations, but the full-scale urban observations show that the standard deviations of the space and time variations are usually less than 50% of the averages. Some individual observations are tabulated and the minimum and maximum listed, showing a typical range at street level for, say, συ of about ±10%–20% in time and about ±40% in space. It is suggested that the reason for the observed lack of large variations in turbulence is the large amount of mixing generated by (i) the 20°–40° meanders in wind direction over the 30-min periods, which cause a “flopping” of building wakes, and (ii) the strong vertical mixing around the tall buildings.
Impacts of Evaporation from Raindrops on Tropical Cyclones. Part I: Evolution and Axisymmetric Structure
Authors: Sawada Masahiro , Iwasaki Toshiki 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Cloud-resolving simulations of an ideal tropical cyclone (TC) on an f plane are performed to investigate the effects of evaporative cooling on the evolution and structure of a TC. Evaporative cooling has markedly different impacts on the TC development and structure than melting/sublimation cooling because of the formation of rainbands. Evaporative cooling suppresses the organization of a TC at the early development stage. Evaporative cooling effectively forms convective downdrafts that cool and dry the boundary layer. Stabilizing the TC boundary layer reduces convective available potential energy (CAPE) around the eyewall by about 40% and slows the development. However, at the mature stage evaporative cooling steadily develops the TC for a longer period and enlarges the TC size because of rainbands, which are formed by the cold pool associated with evaporative cooling outside the eyewall. The large amounts of latent heating greatly induce the secondary circulation and transport large absolute angular momentum inward around the midtroposphere, resulting in the steady development of the TC. After a three-day integration, both the area-averaged precipitation and the kinetic energy become greater than when evaporative cooling is excluded.
Simulations of Processes Associated with the Fast Warming Rate of the Southern Midlatitude Ocean
Authors: Cai Wenju , Cowan Tim , Godfrey Stuart , Wijffels Susan 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Significant warming has occurred across many of the world’s oceans throughout the latter part of the twentieth-century. The increase in the oceanic heat content displays a considerable spatial difference, with a maximum in the 35°–50°S midlatitude band. The relative importance of wind and surface heat flux changes in driving the warming pattern is the subject of much debate. Using wind, oceanic temperature, and heat flux outputs from twentieth-century multimodel experiments, conducted for the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the authors were able to reproduce the fast, deep warming in the midlatitude band; however, this warming is unable to be accounted for by local heat flux changes. The associated vertical structure and zonal distribution are consistent with a Sverdrup-type response to poleward-strengthening winds, with a poleward shift of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) supergyre and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. However, the shift is not adiabatic and involves a net oceanic heat content increase over the SH, which can only be forced by changes in the net surface heat flux. Counterintuitively, the heat required for the fast, deep warming is largely derived from the surface heat fluxes south of 50°S, where the surface flux into the ocean is far larger than that of the midlatitude band. The heat south of 50°S is advected northward by an enhanced northward Ekman transport induced by the poleward-strengthening winds and penetrates northward and downward along the outcropping isopycnals to a depth of over 1000 m. However, because none of the models resolve eddies and given that eddy fluxes could offset the increase in the northward Ekman transport, the heat source for the fast, deep warming in the midlatitude band could be rather different in the real world.
Dynamics of Terrestrial Water Storage Change from Satellite and Surface Observations and Modeling
Authors: Tang Qiuhong , Gao Huilin , Yeh Pat , Oki Taikan , Su Fengge , Lettenmaier Dennis P. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Terrestrial water storage (TWS) is a fundamental component of the water cycle. On a regional scale, measurements of terrestrial water storage change (TWSC) are extremely scarce at any time scale. This study investigates the feasibility of estimating monthly-to-seasonal variations of regional TWSC from modeling and a combination of satellite and in situ surface observations based on water balance computations that use ground-based precipitation observations in both cases. The study area is the Klamath and Sacramento River drainage basins in the western United States (total area of about 110 000 km2). The TWSC from the satellite/surface observation–based estimates is compared with model results and land water storage from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data. The results show that long-term evapotranspiration estimates and runoff measurements generally balance with observed precipitation, suggesting that the evapotranspiration estimates have relatively small bias for long averaging times. Observations show that storage change in water management reservoirs is about 12% of the seasonal amplitude of the TWSC cycle, but it can be up to 30% at the subbasin scale. Comparing with predevelopment conditions, the satellite/surface observation–based estimates show larger evapotranspiration and smaller runoff than do modeling estimates, suggesting extensive anthropogenic alteration of TWSC in the study area. Comparison of satellite/surface observation–based and GRACE TWSC shows that the seasonal cycle of terrestrial water storage is substantially underestimated by GRACE.
A Comparison of Australian Open Water Body Evaporation Trends for Current and Future Climates Estimated from Class A Evaporation Pans and General Circulation Models
Authors: Johnson Fiona , Sharma Ashish 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Trends of decreasing pan evaporation around the world have renewed interest in evaporation and its behavior in a warming world. Observed pan evaporation around Australia has been modeled to attribute changes in its constituent variables. It is found that wind speed decreases have generally led to decreases in pan evaporation. Trends were also calculated from reanalysis and general circulation model (GCM) outputs. The reanalysis reflected the general pattern and magnitude of the observed station trends across Australia. However, unlike the station trends, the reanalysis trends are mainly driven by vapor pressure deficit changes than wind speed changes. Some of the GCMs modeled the trends well, but most showed an average positive trend for Australia. Half the GCMs analyzed show increasing wind speed trends, and most show larger changes in vapor pressure deficit than would be expected based on the station data. Future changes to open water body evaporation have also been assessed using projections for two emission scenarios. Averaged across Australia, the models show a 5% increase in open water body evaporation by 2070 compared to 1990 levels. There is considerable variability in the model projections, particularly for the aerodynamic component of evaporation. Assumptions of increases in evaporation in a warming world need to be considered in light of the variability in the parameters that affect evaporation.
Subjective fatigue is not associated with cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis
Authors: Morrow SA , Weinstock-Guttman B , Munschauer FE , Hojnacki D , Benedict RHB 
Published: August 2009

Background Studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) report conflicting conclusions regarding fatigue and cognition, which may partly be due to the use of small sample sizes and frequent reliance on a cross-sectional approach. Objective The ability to distinguish between these two disabling symptoms is necessary in order to properly assess and treat MS patients. Methods In a retrospective analysis, we assessed the correlation between fatigue and neuropsychological (NP) testing using a cross-sectional ( n = 465) and longitudinal approach ( n = 69). Cognition was measured using a comprehensive battery called the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS), and fatigue was measured with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). FSS scores were categorized as normal (≤4.0), borderline fatigue (4 < FSS < 5.0), and fatigued (≥5.0). Repeat assessments ( n = 69) were categorized as improved or worsened by a change in FSS of either 0.5 or 1.0. Results MS patients had significantly higher FSS scores than normal controls ( P < 0.001). No correlation was found between FSS and NP scores in either cross-sectional or longitudinal analyses. Fatigue was moderately correlated with depression, assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory Fast Screen (BDIFS) ( r = 0.44, P < 0.001). Longitudinally, there was a medium correlation between change in FSS and BDIFS ( r = 0.34, P = 0.001), but no significant differences on NP scores using either definition of change. Conclusion We conclude that self-reported fatigue, while correlated with self-reported depression, is not significantly related to cognitive capacity in MS.
Multiple sclerosis risk in radiologically uncovered asymptomatic possible inflammatory-demyelinating disease
Authors: Siva A , Saip S , Altintas A , Jacob A , Keegan BM , Kantarci OH 
Published: August 2009

Background Natural history of patients with incidentally discovered lesions that fulfill magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) in the absence of objective clinical symptoms suggestive of central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory-demyelinating disease is not well defined. Objective We evaluated the risk of developing symptomatic MS in patients with radiologically uncovered asymptomatic possible inflammatory-demyelinating disease (RAPIDD). Methods We identified and longitudinally followed a cohort of 22 patients from two tertiary care MS centers: Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey, and Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, after an initial MRI study fulfilling the Barkhof–Tintore MRI criteria completed for other reasons unrelated to MS. Results Eight of 22 patients developed an objective clinical symptom consistent with a CNS inflammatory-demyelinating syndrome and fulfilled dissemination in space and time criteria for definite MS. Median age at the time of diagnosis of MS was 44.8 years (range 28.3–71.4 years). Time taken for the development of definite MS was studied by survival analysis. Cumulative event rates were; 12 months: 9%, 24 months: 15%, 36 months: 30.4%, and 60 months: 44.6%. Six of 22 patients were followed beyond 60 months. Two of these six patients developed MS later (at 66 and 112 months, respectively). Three patients remained asymptomatic despite follow-up of 10 years. Conclusions Patients with RAPIDD develop MS at a similar rate to treated patients (and less frequently than placebo groups) with clinically isolated syndromes from prior randomized controlled studies. Some patients with RAPIDD continue to have radiological evolution of subclinical disease without MS symptoms despite long follow-up periods.
Serial combination therapy: is immune modulation in multiple sclerosis enhanced by initial immune suppression?
Authors: Bar-Or A , Oger J , Gibbs E , Niino M , Aziz T , Renoux C , Alatab S , Shi FD , Campagnolo D , Jalili F , Rhodes S , Yamashita T , Fan B , Freedman MS , Panitch H , Arnold DL , Vollmer T 
Published: August 2009

Background Although the concept that an initial course of immune-suppression facilitates subsequent immune-modulation (such as Th1 to Th2 deviation) is attractive for several autoimmune diseases, such a mechanism for serial-combination therapy has never been formally demonstrated. Recently, brief mitoxantrone induction-chemotherapy followed by immune-modulation with glatiramer acetate (GA) was significantly more effective at reducing multiple sclerosis disease activity than with GA alone. Objective To examine whether the benefit of initial immune suppression with mitoxantrone before GA treatment is associated with more efficient immune modulation. Methods IgG1/IgG4 GA-reactive antibody profiles, previously established as markers of GA-induced Th2 immune-deviation, were prospectively measured in vivo in patients treated with GA alone or with mitoxantrone induction therapy followed by GA. Results Significant and sustained increase in IgG4 antibodies (and the anticipated reversal of the IgG1/IgG4 ratio) was seen in patients treated with GA alone. Combination therapy resulted in lesser IgG4 induction (and no reversal of IgG1/IgG4 ratio). Thus, the enhanced efficacy of mitoxantrone–GA combination regimen was associated with decreased, rather than increased, efficiency of shifting the GA-reactive IgG1/IgG4 antibody profile. Conclusion These results provide important insights into mechanisms of combination therapy and therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases.
Magnetic resonance evidence of cortical onset of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Calabrese M , Gallo P 
Published: August 2009

Background Despite clinical symptoms and signs of central nervous system dysfunction, conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord may appear normal in multiple sclerosis (MS) at clinical onset. Objective To demonstrate cortical pathology, namely the presence of cortical lesions (CLs) in patients with symptoms/signs suggestive of MS but having normal appearing white matter (WM) on MRI. Methods CLs were disclosed by double inversion recovery (DIR) MRI sequence. The final diagnosis of MS was achieved by the demonstration of the dissemination in space and time of WM lesions, and the absence of a better explanation of symptoms/signs, according to the established international diagnostic criteria. Results We describe four patients with MS, in which CLs were observed by DIR months/years before the MRI evidence of inflammatory lesions in the WM. Interpretation We suggest that, at least in some patients with MS, the pathological process underlying MS starts in the cortex. DIR sequence should be included in the MRI examination of suspected patients with MS with normal conventional MRI sequences at clinical onset. CLs should be evaluated for their inclusion in the MRI diagnostic criteria for MS.
Nonparametric estimator of relative time with application to the Acyclovir Prevention Trial
Authors: Cole Stephen R , Haitao Chu  , Lei Nie  
Published: August 2009

Background Relative hazard is a central measure of association in randomized clinical trials. Relative time (RT) is a competing measure that is rarely used. PurposeWe describe a simple area-based nonparametric estimator of RT and illustrate its use in the Acyclovir Prevention Trial. Methods Let Q x(p) be the quantile function for the xth treatment group, defined as the time by which p% of the treatment group experience the event, and p x be the maximum event proportion observed. Our consistent estimator is defined as the ratio of the integrals of Q1(p) and Q0 (p) with integration over 0 to p, where p =min(p1, p 0). Confidence limits (CL) are provided by bootstrap. Results A total of 703 immunocompetent adult men and women (54% male, 79% Caucasian, median age 49 years) with a history of ocular herpes simplex virus (HSV) were enrolled in 1992—1996, randomized to acyclovir or placebo, followed for up to 1 year for the 1st episode of ocular HSV, and 170 events were confirmed by a study-certified ophthalmologist using slit-lamp biomicroscopy. The nonparametric RT comparing acyclovir use with nonuse was 2.6 (bootstrap 95% CL: 1.6, 4.2). For comparison, the best-fitting parametric model was the lognormal (RT = 2.5; 95% CL: 1.5, 3.9). In limited simulations, the average proposed estimate of RT was similar to the true RT with a relative root mean squared error of 1.13 compared to a correctly specified parametric (lognormal) model. Limitations An analytical variance estimator for the proposed RT is lacking. Also, more examples and more extensive simulations are warranted. Conclusions Similar to Cox’s relative hazard estimator, the proposed RT does not assume the data are generated from a particular distribution. RTs should be more widely used as a measure of association in clinical trials. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 320—328. http://ctj.sagepub.com