bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Historical Diurnal Temperature Range Trends in CMIP5 Models
Authors: Lewis Sophie C. , Karoly David J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractDiurnal temperature range (DTR) is a useful index of climatic change in addition to mean temperature changes. Observational records indicate that DTR has decreased over the last 50 yr because of differential changes in minimum and maximum temperatures. However, modeled changes in DTR in previous climate model simulations of this period are smaller than those observed, primarily because of an overestimate of changes in maximum temperatures. This present study examines DTR trends using the latest generation of global climate models participating in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and utilizes the novel CMIP5 detection and attribution experimental design of variously forced historical simulations (natural-only, greenhouse gas–only, and all anthropogenic and natural forcings). Comparison of observed and modeled changes in DTR over the period of 1951–2005 again reveals that global DTR trends are lower in model simulations than observed across the 27-member multimodel ensemble analyzed here. Modeled DTR trends are similar for both experiments incorporating all forcings and for the historical experiment with greenhouse gases only, while no DTR trend is discernible in the naturally forced historical experiment. The persistent underestimate of DTR changes in this latest multimodel evaluation appears to be related to ubiquitous model deficiencies in cloud cover and land surface processes that impact the accurate simulation of regional minimum or maximum temperatures changes observed during this period. Different model processes are likely responsible for subdued simulated DTR trends over the various analyzed regions.
The Impact of MetOp and Other Satellite Data within the Met Office Global NWP System Using an Adjoint-Based Sensitivity Method
Authors: Joo Sangwon , Eyre John , Marriott Richard 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The role of observations in reducing 24-h forecast errors is evaluated using the adjoint-based forecast sensitivity to observations (FSO) method developed within the Met Office global numerical weather prediction (NWP) system. The impacts of various subsets of observations are compared, with emphasis on space-based observations, particularly those from instruments on board the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites Meteorological Operational-A (MetOp-A) platform. Satellite data are found to account for 64% of the short-range global forecast error reduction, with the remaining 36% coming from the assimilation of surface-based observation types. MetOp-A data are measured as having the largest impact of any individual satellite platform (about 25% of the total impact on global forecast error reduction). Their large impact, compared to that of NOAA satellites, is mainly due to MetOp's additional sensors [Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Receiver for Atmospheric Sounding (GRAS), and the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT)]. Microwave and hyperspectral infrared sounding techniques are found to give the largest total impacts. However, the GPS radio occultation technique is measured as having the largest mean impact per profile of observations among satellite types. This study demonstrates how the FSO technique can be used to assess the impact of individual satellite data types in NWP. The calculated impacts can be used to guide improvements in the use of currently available data and to contribute to discussions on the evolution of future observing systems.
Effects of cyclic stretch on the molecular regulation of myocardin in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Chiu Chiung-Zuan , Wang Bao-Wei , Shyu Kou-Gi 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The expression of myocardin, a cardiac-restricted gene, increases during environmental stress. How mechanical stretch affects the regulation of myocardin in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is not fully understood. We identify the mechanisms and pathways through which mechanical stretch induces myocardin expression in VSMCs.

Results
Rat VSMCs grown on a flexible membrane base were stretched to 20% of maximum elongation, at 60 cycles per min. An in vivo model of aorta-caval shunt in adult rats was also used to investigate myocardin expression. Cyclic stretch significantly increased myocardin and angiotensin II (AngII) expression after 18 and 6 h of stretch. Addition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) pathway inhibitor (PD98059), ERK small interfering RNA (siRNA), and AngII receptor blocker (ARB; losartan) before stretch inhibited the expression of myocardin protein. Gel shift assay showed that myocardin-DNA binding activity increased after stretch. PD98059, ERK siRNA and ARB abolished the binding activity induced by stretch. Stretch increased while myocardin-mutant plasmid, PD98059, and ARB abolished the promoter activity. Protein synthesis by measuring [3H]proline incorporation into the cells increased after cyclic stretch, which represented hypertrophic change of VSMCs. An in vivo model of aorta-caval shunt also demonstrated increased myocardin protein expression in the aorta. Confocal microscopy showed increased VSMC size 24 h after cyclic stretch and VSMC hypertrophy after creation of aorta-caval shunt for 3 days.

Conclusions
Cyclic stretch enhanced myocardin expression mediated by AngII through the ERK pathway in cultured rat VSMCs. These findings suggest that myocardin plays a role in stretch-induced VSMC hypertrophy.
The miniature genome of a carnivorous plant Genlisea aurea contains a low number of genes and short non-coding sequences
Authors: Leushkin Evgeny V , Sutormin Roman A , Nabieva Elena R , Penin Aleksey A , Kondrashov Alexey S , Logacheva Maria D 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background

Genlisea aurea (Lentibulariaceae) is a carnivorous plant with unusually small genome size - 63.6 Mb – one of the smallest known among higher plants. Data on the genome sizes and the phylogeny of Genlisea suggest that this is a derived state within the genus. Thus, G. aurea is an excellent model organism for studying evolutionary mechanisms of genome contraction.

Results
Here we report sequencing and de novo draft assembly of G. aurea genome. The assembly consists of 10,687 contigs of the total length of 43.4 Mb and includes 17,755 complete and partial protein-coding genes. Its comparison with the genome of Mimulus guttatus, another representative of higher core Lamiales clade, reveals striking differences in gene content and length of non-coding regions.

Conclusions
Genome contraction was a complex process, which involved gene loss and reduction of lengths of introns and intergenic regions, but not intron loss. The gene loss is more frequent for the genes that belong to multigenic families indicating that genetic redundancy is an important prerequisite for genome size reduction.
Widespread acquisition of antimicrobial resistance among Campylobacter isolates from UK retail poultry and evidence for clonal expansion of resistant lineages
Authors: Wimalarathna Helen ML , Richardson Judith F , Lawson Andy J , Elson Richard , Meldrum Richard , Little Christine L , Maiden Martin CJ , McCarthy Noel D , Sheppard Samuel K 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Antimicrobial resistance is increasing among clinical Campylobacter cases and is common among isolates from other sources, specifically retail poultry - a major source of human infection. In this study the antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates from a UK-wide survey of Campylobacter in retail poultry in 2001 and 2004–5 was investigated. The occurrence of phenotypes resistant to tetracycline, quinolones (ciprofloxacin and naladixic acid), erythromycin, chloramphenicol and aminoglycosides was quantified. This was compared with a phylogeny for these isolates based upon Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) to investigate the pattern of antimicrobial resistance acquisition.

Results
Antimicrobial resistance was present in all lineage clusters, but statistical testing showed a non-random distribution. Erythromycin resistance was associated with Campylobacter coli. For all antimicrobials tested, resistant isolates were distributed among relatively distant lineages indicative of widespread acquisition. There was also evidence of clustering of resistance phenotypes within lineages; indicative of local expansion of resistant strains.

Conclusions
These results are consistent with the widespread acquisition of antimicrobial resistance among chicken associated Campylobacter isolates, either through mutation or horizontal gene transfer, and the expansion of these lineages as a proportion of the population. As Campylobacter are not known to multiply outside of the host and long-term carriage in humans is extremely infrequent in industrialized countries, the most likely location for the proliferation of resistant lineages is in farmed chickens.
Seroepidemiology of human enterovirus71 and coxsackievirusA16 among children in Guangdong province, China
Authors: Li Wei , Yi Lina , Su Juan , Lu Jing , Zeng Hanri , Guan Dawei , Ma Cong , Zhang Wanly , xiao Hong , Li Hui , Zhang Yonghui , Lin Jinyan , Ke Changwen 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundHand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common pediatric illness. Mainly induced by the Enterovirus 71 and Coxsackievirus A 16 infections, the frequently occurred HFMD outbreaks have become a serious public health problem in Southeast Asia. Currently,only a few studies have investigated the human immunity to HFMD in China. In this study, we conducted a cohort study in Guangdong province, China.MethodsStored serum samples from children less than 10 years old were analyzed. The levels of EV71 and CA16 specific antibodies before, during and shortly after the 2008 large outbreak of HFMD were evaluated by the microneutralization test. The geometric mean titer (GMT) was calculated and compared. Statistical significance was taken as P < 0.05.ResultsThe seroprevalence data showed a continuous circulation of EV71 and CA16 in Guangdong province China in 2007–2009. The low positive rate in 2009 correlated well with the unprecedented outbreak of HFMD in 2010. Age related increase of seroprevalence was identified in 1–3 years old children for EV71 and in 1–5 years old children for CA16 in Guangdong province. High GMT of EV71 and CA16 antibody titers were also found for these age groups.ConclusionsAll of the above findings indicated common infections for these age groups. And they should clearly be at the top of the priority in periodical seroprevalence survey and future vaccination campaign.
Cervical dystonia: effectiveness of a standardized physical therapy program; study design and protocol of a single blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: van den Dool Joost , Visser Bart , Koelman J Hans TM , Engelbert Raoul HH , Tijssen Marina AJ 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Cervical dystonia is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions of the neck and abnormal head positions that affect daily life activities and social life of patients. Patients are usually treated with botulinum toxin injections into affected neck muscles to relief pain and improve control of head postures. In addition, many patients are referred for physical therapy to improve their ability to perform activities of daily living. A recent review on allied health interventions in cervical dystonia showed a lack of randomized controlled intervention studies regarding the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions.

Methods/design
The (cost-) effectiveness of a standardized physical therapy program compared to regular physical therapy, both as add-on treatment to botulinum toxin injections will be determined in a multi-centre, single blinded randomized controlled trial with 100 cervical dystonia patients. Primary outcomes are disability in daily functioning assessed with the disability subscale of the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes are pain, severity of dystonia, active range of motion of the head, quality of life, anxiety and depression. Data will be collected at baseline, after six months and one year by an independent blind assessor just prior to botulinum toxin injections. For the cost effectiveness, an additional economic evaluation will be performed with the costs per quality adjusted life-year as primary outcome parameter.

Discussion
Our study will provide new evidence regarding the (cost-) effectiveness of a standardized, tailored physical therapy program for patients with cervical dystonia. It is widely felt that allied health interventions, including physical therapy, may offer a valuable supplement to the current therapeutic options. A positive outcome will lead to a greater use of the standardized physical therapy program. For the Dutch situation a positive outcome implies that the standardized physical therapy program forms the basis for a national treatment guideline for cervical dystonia.

Trial registration
Number Dutch Trial registration (Nederlands Trial Register): NTR3437
Physical durability of PermaNet 2.0 long-lasting insecticidal nets over three to 32 months of use in Ethiopia
Authors: Wills Aprielle B , Smith Stephen C , Anshebo Gedeon Y , Graves Patricia M , Endeshaw Tekola , Shargie Estifanos B , Damte Mesele , Gebre Teshome , Mosher Aryc W , Patterson Amy E , Tesema Yohannes B , Richards Frank O , Emerson Paul M 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Ethiopia scaled up net distribution markedly starting in 2006. Information on expected net life under field conditions (physical durability and persistence of insecticidal activity) is needed to improve planning for net replacement. Standardization of physical durability assessment methods is lacking.

Methods
Permanet®2.0 long-lasting insecticidal bed nets (LLINs), available for distribution in early 2007, were collected from households at three time intervals. The number, size and location of holes were recorded for 189 nets used for three to six months from nine sites (2007) and 220 nets used for 14 to 20 months from 11 sites (2008). In 2009, a “finger/fist” sizing method classified holes in 200 nets used for 26 to 32 months from ten sites into small (<2 cm), medium (> = 2 to < =10 cm) and large (>10 cm) sizes. A proportionate hole index based on both hole number and area was derived from these size classifications.

Results
After three to six months, 54.5% (95% CI 47.1-61.7%) of 189 LLINs had at least one hole 0.5 cm (in the longest axis) or larger; mean holes per net was 4.4 (SD 8.4), median was 1.0 (Inter Quartile Range [IQR] 0–5) and median size was 1 cm (IQR 1–2). At 14 to 20 months, 85.5% (95% CI 80.1-89.8%) of 220 nets had at least one hole with mean 29.1 (SD 50.1) and median 12 (IQR 3–36.5) holes per net, and median size of 1 cm (IQR 1–2). At 26 to 32 months, 92.5% of 200 nets had at least one hole with a mean of 62.2 (SD 205.4) and median of 23 (IQR 6–55.5) holes per net. The mean hole index was 24.3, 169.1 and 352.8 at the three time periods respectively. Repairs were rarely observed. The majority of holes were in the lower half of the net walls. The proportion of nets in ‘poor’ condition (hole index >300) increased from 0% at three to six months to 30% at 26 to 32 months.

Conclusions
Net damage began quickly: more than half the nets had holes by three to six months of use, with 40% of holes being larger than 2 cm. Holes continued to accumulate until 92.5% of nets had holes by 26 to 32 months of use. An almost complete lack of repairs shows the need for promoting proper use of nets and repairs, to increase LLIN longevity. Using the hole index, almost one third of the nets were classed as unusable and ineffective after two and a half years of potential use.
Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum and distribution of drug resistance haplotypes in Yemen
Authors: Al-Hamidhi Salama , Mahdy Mohammed AK , Al-Hashami Zainab , Al-Farsi Hissa , Al-mekhlafi Abdulsalam M , Idris Mohamed A , Beja-Pereira Albano , Babiker Hamza A 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundDespite evident success of malaria control in many sites in the Arabian Peninsula, malaria remains endemic in a few spots, in Yemen and south-west of Saudi Arabia. In addition to local transmission, imported malaria sustains an extra source of parasites that can challenge the strengths of local control strategies. This study examined the genetic diversity ofPlasmodium falciparumin Yemen and mutations of drug resistant genes, to elucidate parasite structure and distribution of drug resistance genotypes in the region.MethodsFive polymorphic loci (MSP-2,Pfg377and three microsatellites on chromosome 8) not involved in anti-malarial drug resistance, and four drug resistant genes (pfcrt,pfmdr1,dhfranddhps) were genotyped in 108P.falciparumisolates collected in three sites in Yemen: Dhamar, Hodeidah and Taiz.ResultsHigh diversity was seen in non-drug genes,pfg377(He = 0.66),msp-2(He = 0.80) and three microsatellites on chr 8, 7.7 kb (He = 0.88), 4.3 kb (He = 0.77) and 0.8 kb (He = 0.71). There was a high level of mixed-genotype infections (57%), with an average 1.8 genotypes per patient. No linkage disequilibrium was seen between drug resistant genes and the non-drug markers (p < 0.05). Genetic differentiation between populations was low (most pair-wiseFSTvalues <0.03), indicating extensive gene flow between the parasites in the three sites.There was a high prevalence of mutations inpfmdr1,pfcrtanddhfr; with four mutantpfmdr1genotypes (NFCDD[57%], NFSND[21%], YFCDD[13%] and YFSND[8% ]), two mutantpfcrtgenotypes (CVIET[89%] and SVMNT[4%]) and one mutantdhfrgenotype (ICNI[53.7%]). However, nodhpsmutations were detected.ConclusionThe high diversity ofP.falciparumin Yemen is indicative of a large parasite reservoir, which represents a challenge to control efforts. The presence of two distinctpfcrtgenotype, CVIET and SVMNT, suggests that chloroquine resistance can possibly be related to a migratory path from Africa and Asia. The absence of the triple mutantdhfrgenotype (IRN) anddhpsmutations supports the use of artesunate + sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine as first-line therapy. However, the prevalentpfmdr1genotype NFSND [21%] has previously been associated with tolerance/resistance response to artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). Regular surveys are, therefore, important to monitor spread of pfmdr1 and dhfr mutations and response to ACT.
‘Help for Hay Fever’, a goal-focused intervention for people with intermittent allergic rhinitis, delivered in Scottish community pharmacies: study protocol for a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Porteous Terry , Wyke Sally , Smith Sarah , Bond Christine , Francis Jill , Lee Amanda J , Lowrie Richard , Scotland Graham , Sheikh Aziz , Thomas Mike , Smith Lorraine 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines for managing allergic rhinitis in primary care, management of the condition in the United Kingdom (UK) remains sub-optimal. Its high prevalence and negative effects on quality of life, school performance, productivity and co-morbid respiratory conditions (in particular, asthma), and high health and societal costs, make this a priority for developing novel models of care. Recent Australian research demonstrated the potential of a community pharmacy-based ‘goal-focused’ intervention to help people with intermittent allergic rhinitis to self-manage their condition better, reduce symptom severity and improve quality of life. In this pilot study we will assess the transferability of the goal-focused intervention to a UK context, the suitability of the intervention materials, procedures and outcome measures and collect data to inform a future definitive UK randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Methods/Design
A pilot cluster RCT with associated preliminary economic analysis and embedded qualitative evaluation. The pilot trial will take place in two Scottish Health Board areas: Grampian and Greater Glasgow & Clyde. Twelve community pharmacies will be randomly assigned to intervention or usual care group. Each will recruit 12 customers seeking advice or treatment for intermittent allergic rhinitis. Pharmacy staff in intervention pharmacies will support recruited customers in developing strategies for setting and achieving goals that aim to avoid/minimize triggers for, and eliminate/minimize symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Customers recruited in non-intervention pharmacies will receive usual care. The co-primary outcome measures, selected to inform a sample size calculation for a future RCT, are: community pharmacy and customer recruitment and completion rates; and effect size of change in the validated mini-Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire between baseline, one-week and six-weeks post-intervention. Secondary outcome measures relate to changes in symptom severity, productivity, medication adherence and self-efficacy. Quantitative data about accrual, retention and economic measures, and qualitative data about participants’ experiences during the trial will be collected to inform the future RCT.

Discussion
This work will lay the foundations for a definitive RCT of a community pharmacy-based ‘goal-focused’ self-management intervention for people with intermittent allergic rhinitis. Results of the pilot trial are expected to be available in April 2013.

Trial registration
Current Controlled TrialsISRCTN43606442
Lipofibroadenoma of the thymus: a case report
Authors: Qu Guimei , Yu Guohua , Zhang Qian , Ma Junjie , Wang Xiaolei 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
We observed an unusual case of Lipofibroadenoma (LFA) in the anterior mediastinum with a 21-year-old man, who was detected with a mass on a chest X-ray scan for one month. Thymothymectomy was then performed and the mass was excised completely, in which the tumor was histologically composed of epithelial cells, lymphocytes, mature adipose and fibrous tissue. Within the tumor, the fat cells was distributed singly or multifocally under the ground of fibro tissue with hyaline degeneration, and the epithelial cells were arranged as crack structure with lymphocytes infiltrated sparsely. By immunohistochemical staining assay, the epithelial cells were positive for AE1/AE3 and CK19, and the lymphocytes were CD3 and CD20 positive. Based on the histological characters, a diagnosis of LFA was made, and the total follow-up period was determined to be forty six months. The final repeated CT scan revealed no recurring or residual lesions were detected during the post-surgical course.

Virtual slide

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1500429801911703