bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Numeric Study of Regional Climate Change Induced by Urban Expansion in the Pearl River Delta, China
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Liao Jingbiao , Zhang Jian , Shen Chong , Chen Weihua , Xia Beicheng , Wang Tijian 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe Pearl River Delta region has experienced rapid urbanization and economic development during the past 20 years. To investigate the impacts of urbanization on regional climate, the Advanced Research core of the Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW-WRF) model is used to conduct a pair of 1-yr simulations with two different representations of urbanization. Results show that the reduction in vegetated and irrigated cropland due to urban expansion significantly modifies the near-surface temperature, humidity, wind speed, and regional precipitation, which are obtained based on the significance t test of the differences between two simulations with different urbanization representations at the 95% level. Urbanization causes the mean 2-m temperature over urbanized areas to increase in all seasons (from spring to winter: 1.7° ± 0.7°C, 1.4° ± 0.3°C, 1.3° ± 0.3°, and 0.9° ± 0.4°C, respectively) and the urban diurnal temperature range decreases in three seasons and increases in one (from spring to winter: −0.5° ± 0.3°C, +0.6° ± 0.3°C, −0.4° ± 0.2°C, and −0.8° ± 0.2°C, respectively). Urbanization reduces near-surface water vapor (1.5 g kg−1 in summer and 0.4 g kg−1 in winter), 10-m wind speed (37% independent of season), and annual total precipitation days (approximately 6–14 days). However, the total rainfall amount increases by approximately 30%, since the decrease in the number of days with light rain (8–12) is overcome by the increase in the number of days of heavy or extreme rain (3–6), suggesting that urbanization induces more heavy rain events over the urban areas. Overall, the effect of urbanization on regional climate in the Pearl River Delta is found to be significant and must be considered in any broader regional climate assessment.
The Dependence of ITCZ Structure on Model Resolution and Dynamical Core in Aquaplanet Simulations
Authors: Landu Kiranmayi , Leung L. Ruby , Hagos Samson , Vinoj V. , Rauscher Sara A. , Ringler Todd , Taylor Mark 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Aquaplanet simulations using the Community Atmosphere Model, version 4 (CAM4), with the Model for Prediction Across Scales–Atmosphere (MPAS-A) and High-Order Method Modeling Environment (HOMME) dynamical cores and using zonally symmetric sea surface temperature (SST) structure are studied to understand the dependence of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) structure on resolution and dynamical core. While all resolutions in HOMME and the low-resolution MPAS-A simulations give a single equatorial peak in zonal mean precipitation, the high-resolution MPAS-A simulations give a double ITCZ with precipitation peaking around 2°–3° on either side of the equator. This study reveals that the structure of ITCZ is dependent on the feedbacks between convection and large-scale circulation. It is shown that the difference in specific humidity between HOMME and MPAS-A can lead to different latitudinal distributions of the convective available potential energy (CAPE) by influencing latent heat release by clouds and the upper-tropospheric temperature. With lower specific humidity, the high-resolution MPAS-A simulation has CAPE increasing away from the equator that enhances convection away from the equator and, through a positive feedback on the circulation, results in a double ITCZ structure. In addition, it is shown that the dominance of antisymmetric waves in the model is not enough to cause double ITCZ, and the lateral extent of equatorial waves does not play an important role in determining the width of the ITCZ but rather the latter may influence the former.
North American Climate in CMIP5 Experiments: Part III: Assessment of Twenty-First-Century Projections*
Authors: Maloney Eric D. , Camargo Suzana J. , Chang Edmund , Colle Brian , Fu Rong , Geil Kerrie L. , Hu Qi , Jiang Xianan , Johnson Nathaniel , Karnauskas Kristopher B. , Kinter James , Kirtman Benjamin , Kumar Sanjiv , Langenbrunner Baird , Lombardo Kelly , Long Lindsey N. , Mariotti Annarita , Meyerson Joyce E. , Mo Kingtse C. , Neelin J. David , Pan Zaitao , Seager Richard , Serra Yolande , Seth Anji , Sheffield Justin , Stroeve Julienne , Thibeault Jeanne , Xie Shang-Ping , Wang Chunzai , Wyman Bruce , Zhao Ming 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn part III of a three-part study on North American climate in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) models, the authors examine projections of twenty-first-century climate in the representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) emission experiments. This paper summarizes and synthesizes results from several coordinated studies by the authors. Aspects of North American climate change that are examined include changes in continental-scale temperature and the hydrologic cycle, extremes events, and storm tracks, as well as regional manifestations of these climate variables. The authors also examine changes in the eastern North Pacific and North Atlantic tropical cyclone activity and North American intraseasonal to decadal variability, including changes in teleconnections to other regions of the globe. Projected changes are generally consistent with those previously published for CMIP3, although CMIP5 model projections differ importantly from those of CMIP3 in some aspects, including CMIP5 model agreement on increased central California precipitation. The paper also highlights uncertainties and limitations based on current results as priorities for further research. Although many projected changes in North American climate are consistent across CMIP5 models, substantial intermodel disagreement exists in other aspects. Areas of disagreement include projections of changes in snow water equivalent on a regional basis, summer Arctic sea ice extent, the magnitude and sign of regional precipitation changes, extreme heat events across the northern United States, and Atlantic and east Pacific tropical cyclone activity.
Detecting Processes Contributing to Interannual Halosteric and Thermosteric Sea Level Variability
Authors: Köhl Armin 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
On interannual time scales, regional sea level variability is largely determined by changes in the steric component. The relation between the thermosteric and halosteric components is studied by separating the components into contributions from the mixed layer and, below the mixed layer, into the part that is related to isopycnal motion and that contributes to the steric sea level and the inactive part related to changes of spiciness. The decomposition provides a simple diagnostic to detect and understand physical mechanisms leading to regional sea level changes. In most areas of the world’s oceans, steric sea level variability is dominated by the contribution from isopycnal motion to the thermosteric sea level while halosteric variability relates more to spiciness. Because of the salinity minimum at middepth, different spatial salinity gradients above and below the minimum lead to opposing contributions and thus to a small contribution from isopycnal motion to the halosteric sea level. In nonpolar regions, both active components oppose each other, rendering the thermosteric variability larger than the steric variability. In the Arctic, the variability of both components is governed by spiciness in the Eurasian Basin and isopycnal motion in the Amerasian Basin.
Fibers susceptibility to contamination by environmental tobacco smoke markers
Authors: Cieślak Małgorzata , Schmidt Hubert , Świercz Radosław , Wąsowicz Wojciech 
Published: December 2013

Textiles are characterized by a diversified and relatively high susceptibility to sorption of volatile substances and may influence indoor air quality. The aim of this study was investigation the susceptibility of fibers to sorption of two environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) markers: nicotine and 3-ethenylpyridine (3-EP) and changes in concentrations of these substances in fibers under light exposure. For this purpose, we used non-colored, natural and synthetic fibers, which had not been subjected to any modification. It was observed that nicotine as pure or as one of the ingredients of ETS was adsorbed on the surface of all of the used fibers, and cotton and polypropylene fibers adsorbed it more than other fibers. 3-EP (in ETS) was adsorbed by synthetic fibers and when we used high concentrations of 3-EP in the air it was adsorbed on the surface of cotton fibers in the presence of synthetic fibers. The greatest susceptibility for simultaneous sorption of nicotine and 3-EP (in ETS) was observed for polypropylene fibers. Results show that nicotine is a better marker for ETS contamination of textile materials than 3-EP.
Contrast material and radiation dose reduction strategy for triple-rule-out cardiac CT angiography: feasibility study of non-ECG-gated low kVp scan of the whole chest following coronary CT angiography
Authors: Kidoh Masafumi , Nakaura Takeshi , Nakamura Shinichi , Namimoto Tomohiro , Nozaki Toshimitsu , Sakaino Naritsugu , Harada Kazunori , Yamashita Yasuyuki 
Published: December 2013

Background Dedicated coronary computed tomography (CT) scan has been proven to be an accurate diagnostic modality in evaluating coronary artery disease. A second phase scan starting immediately after the coronary CT scan might enable visualization of the different vascular territories of the entire chest. Purpose To investigate the feasibility of a contrast material and radiation dose reduction triple-rule-out (TRO) CT angiography (CTA) protocol with serial non-ECG-gated low kVp scan of the whole chest, which utilizes a recirculated contrast agent. Material and Methods Thirty patients were scanned with the new TRO-CTA protocol; after the coronary scan with retrospective ECG-gating, non-ECG-gated whole-chest CTA was performed at 80 kVp to evaluate aortic arch (AAr) and pulmonary trunk (PT). Another 30 patients were scanned by our conventional TRO-CTA protocol at 120 kVp with retrospective ECG-gating. We compared the estimated effective dose (ED), contrast material (CM) dose, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the ascending aorta (AAo), and the rate of patients who could achieve adequate attenuation of the AAr and PT between the two protocols. Results The total ED of the new TRO-CTA protocol was 29.6% lower than that of the conventional protocol ( P < 0.01). The amount of CM used for the new TRO-CTA protocol was significantly lower than in the conventional protocol (60.1 ± 9.6 mL vs. 91.8 ± 22.6 mL, P < 0.01). The CNR of the AAo was 30.2% higher with the new TRO-CTA protocol than with the conventional protocol ( P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the success rate of adequate attenuation of the AAr and PT between the two protocols ( P > 0.05). Conclusion The new TRO-CTA protocol can reduce the total dose of radiation and the contrast dose and yield adequate vascular enhancement compared with the conventional protocol.
Neuroprotective effects of folic acid on experimental diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Yilmaz Mustafa , Aktug Huseyin , Oltulu Fatih , Erbas Oytun 
Published: December 2013

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is widely considered as a degenerative complication of diabetic patients. The clinical effectiveness of folic acid (FA) on DPN is uncertain. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of FA in DPN using electromyography (EMG), histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry, inclined plane test, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a marker for lipid peroxidation in experimental diabetic rats. A total of 21 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, diabetes group, and FA-treated group. In EMG, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude in the sciatic nerve was lower in the diabetes group compared with the control group. CMAP amplitude in the sciatic nerve was higher in the FA-treated group when compared with the diabetes group. Distal latency and CMAP duration in the sciatic nerve were lower in the FA-treated group when compared with the diabetes group. In histopathological examination of the sciatic nerve, peripheral fibrosis was present in the diabetic group; the fibrosis was lower in the FA-treated group. In comparison with the diabetes group, the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) was higher in the FA-treated group. The scores for the inclined plane test were lower in the diabetes group and higher in the FA-treated group than the control group. The MDA levels were significantly lower in the FA-treated group when compared with the diabetes group. The study suggests that FA can protect diabetic rats against DPN and that the underlying mechanism for this may be related to improvement of the expression of NGF and lower MDA levels.
Undergraduate healthcare ethics education, moral resilience, and the role of ethical theories
Authors: Monteverde Settimio 
Published: December 2013

Background: This article combines foundational and empirical aspects of healthcare education and develops a framework for teaching ethical theories inspired by pragmatist learning theory and recent work on the concept of moral resilience. It describes an exemplary implementation and presents data from student evaluation. Objectives: After a pilot implementation in a regular ethics module, the feasibility and acceptance of the novel framework by students were evaluated. Research design: In addition to the regular online module evaluation, specific questions referring to the teaching of ethical theories were added using simple (yes/no) and Likert rating answer formats. Participants and research context: At the Bern University of Applied Sciences, a total of 93 students from 2 parallel sub-cohorts of the bachelor’s program in nursing science were sent the online survey link after having been exposed to the same modular contents. A total of 62% of all students participated in the survey. Ethical considerations: The survey was voluntary and anonymous. Students were free to write their name and additional comments. Findings: Students consider ethical theories—as taught within the proposed framework—as practically applicable, useful, and transferable into practice. Discussion: Teaching ethical theories within the proposed framework overcomes the shortcomings described by current research. Students do not consider the mutually exclusive character of ethical theories as an insurmountable problem. Conclusion: The proposed framework is likely to promote the effectiveness of healthcare ethics education. Inspired by pragmatist learning theory, it enables students to consider ethical theories as educative playgrounds that help them to “frame” and “name” the ethical issues they encounter in daily practice, which is seen as an expression of moral resilience. Since it does not advocate a single ethical theory, but is open to the diversity of traditions that shape ethical thinking, it promotes a culturally sensitive, ethically reflected healthcare practice.
Upregulation of zinc transporter 2 in the blood–CSF barrier following lead exposure
Authors: Fu Xue , Zeng Andrew , Zheng Wei , Du Yansheng 
Published: December 2013

Zinc (Zn) is an essential element for normal brain function; an abnormal Zn homeostasis in brain and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been implied in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanisms that regulate Zn transport in the blood–brain interface remain unknown. This study was designed to investigate Zn transport by the blood–CSF barrier (BCB) in the choroid plexus, with a particular focus on Zn transporter-2 (ZnT2), and to understand if lead (Pb) accumulation in the choroid plexus disturbed the Zn regulatory function in the BCB. Confocal microscopy, quantitative PCR and western blot demonstrated the presence of ZnT2 in the choroidal epithelia; ZnT2 was primarily in cytosol in freshly isolated plexus tissues but more toward the peripheral membrane in established choroidal Z310 cells. Exposure of rats to Pb (single ip injection of 50 mg Pb acetate/kg) for 24 h increased ZnT2 fluorescent signals in plexus tissues by confocal imaging and protein expression by western blot. Similar results were obtained by in vitro experiments using Z310 cells. Further studies using cultured cells and a two-chamber Transwell device showed that Pb treatment significantly reduced the cellular Zn concentration and led to an increased transport of Zn across the BCB, the effect that may be due to the increased ZnT2 by Pb exposure. Taken together, these results indicate that ZnT2 is present in the BCB; Pb exposure increases the ZnT2 expression in choroidal epithelial cells by a yet unknown mechanism and as a result, more Zn ions may be deposited into the intracellular Zn pool, leading to a relative Zn deficiency state in the cytoplasm at the BCB.
Discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia: when is this a safe option to consider?
Authors: Sweet Kendra , Oehler Vivian 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Mrs G is a 54-year-old woman with a diagnosis of chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia dating back 8 years. She had a low-risk Sokal score at diagnosis and was started on imatinib mesylate at 400 mg orally daily within one month of her diagnosis. Her 3-month evaluation revealed a molecular response measured by quantitative RT-PCR of 1.2% by the International Scale. Within 6 months of therapy, she achieved a complete cytogenetic response, and by 18 months, her BCR-ABL1 transcript levels were undetectable using a quantitative RT-PCR assay with a sensitivity of ≥ 4.5 logs. She has maintained this deep level of response for the past 6.5 years. Despite her excellent response to therapy, she continues to complain of fatigue, intermittent nausea, and weight gain. She is asking to discontinue imatinib mesylate and is not interested in second-line therapy. Is this a safe and reasonable option for this patient?
High-risk acute myelogenous leukemia: treatment today … and tomorrow
Authors: Schiller Gary J. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
High-risk acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) constitutes a distinct subset of disease based on clinical and biological characteristics and comprises a significant percentage of all cases of adult AML. Biologic features such as distinct clonal cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities identify a subgroup of AML patients characterized by poor response to induction chemotherapy and poor long-term survival after treatment with consolidation chemotherapy. Clinical variables that predict for poor response include AML relapsed after less than 1 year of remission and AML characterized by resistance to conventional agents. We review here our understanding of the defining biologic subtypes of AML and discuss how adequate initial evaluation can be used to inform the choice of treatment. By defining high-risk biologic and clinical variables, a strong case can be made for treating patients with investigational agents, with treatment directed at distinct cytogenetic or molecular abnormalities. Allogeneic transplantation is the only form of therapy available outside of the setting of a clinical trial that may offer a chance for long-term survival for patients with high-risk AML.
FLT3 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia: what is the best approach in 2013?
Authors: Levis Mark 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia who harbor an FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutation present several dilemmas for the clinician. The results of an FLT3 mutation test, which can be influenced by several variables, need to be interpreted according to the clinical setting and there is a need for internationally standardized FLT3 mutation assays. Because of the lack of prospective studies, the role of allogeneic transplantation as consolidation therapy is still somewhat controversial, but the preponderance of evidence suggests that transplantation in first remission, if possible, is probably the best option. Clinically useful FLT3 inhibitors are hopefully on the near horizon and are being studied in the context of current treatment paradigms.
Utilization of mouse models to decipher natural killer cell biology and potential clinical applications
Authors: Sungur Can M. , Murphy William J. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells represent a key component of innate immunity. The utility of mouse models to recapitulate the human immune response has been a matter of ongoing debate, especially with regard to NK cells. However, mouse models of NK cells have provided significant advancements in our understanding of the biology of the cells that bridge these species. Initial characterization of NK cell activity was in mouse hematopoietic stem cell transplantation models. Recent findings include uncovering functionally disparate subsets of NK cells based on unique inhibitory receptor expression patterns, the existence of memory-like NK cells, and immunoregulatory NK cells that affect hematopoiesis and T-cell function. In addition, the biology of these cells with regard to MHC-binding receptors that affect NK cell subset maturation and function in the context of licensing, the importance of cytokines such as IL-15 in their development and maintenance, and evidence of NK exhaustion have been initially studied in mice. Many of these findings have been validated in clinical studies and demonstrate the significant wealth of knowledge that can be obtained by mouse models. However, it is important to understand the limitations and conditions of the mouse models, particularly when studying NK cells in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cancer.
Bringing natural killer cells to the clinic: ex vivo manipulation
Authors: Childs Richard W. , Berg Maria 
Published: December 2013

AbstractRecently, there has been a substantial gain in our understanding of the role that natural killer (NK) cells play in mediating innate host immune responses against viruses and cancer. Although NK cells have long been known to be capable of killing cancer cells independently of antigen recognition, the full therapeutic potential of NK cell–based immunotherapy has yet to be realized. Here we review novel methods to activate and expand human NK cells ex vivo for adoptive transfer in humans, focusing on the important phenotypic and functional differences observed among freshly isolated, cytokine activated, and ex vivo–expanded NK populations.