bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atlantic Hurricanes and Climate Change. Part II: Role of Thermodynamic Changes in Decreased Hurricane Frequency
Authors: Mallard Megan S. , Lackmann Gary M. , Aiyyer Anantha 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
A method of downscaling that isolates the effect of temperature and moisture changes on tropical cyclone (TC) activity was presented in Part I of this study. By applying thermodynamic modifications to analyzed initial and boundary conditions from past TC seasons, initial disturbances and the strength of synoptic-scale vertical wind shear are preserved in future simulations. This experimental design allows comparison of TC genesis events in the same synoptic setting, but in current and future thermodynamic environments. Simulations of both an active (September 2005) and inactive (September 2009) portion of past hurricane seasons are presented.
An ensemble of high-resolution simulations projects reductions in ensemble-average TC counts between 18% and 24%, consistent with previous studies. Robust decreases in TC and hurricane counts are simulated with 18- and 6-km grid lengths, for both active and inactive periods. Physical processes responsible for reduced activity are examined through comparison of monthly and spatially averaged genesis-relevant parameters, as well as case studies of development of corresponding initial disturbances in current and future thermodynamic conditions. These case studies show that reductions in TC counts are due to the presence of incipient disturbances in marginal moisture environments, where increases in the moist entropy saturation deficits in future conditions preclude genesis for some disturbances. Increased convective inhibition and reduced vertical velocity are also found in the future environment. It is concluded that a robust decrease in TC frequency can result from thermodynamic changes alone, without modification of vertical wind shear or the number of incipient disturbances.
What Caused the Winter Drought in Western Nepal during Recent Years?*,+
Authors: Wang Shih-Yu , Yoon Jin-Ho , Gillies Robert R. , Cho Changrae 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWestern Nepal has experienced consecutive and worsening winter drought conditions since 2000, culminating in a severe drought episode during 2008/09. In this study, the meteorological conditions and a historical perspective of the winter droughts in western Nepal were analyzed using instrumental records, satellite observations, and climate model simulations. Meteorological diagnosis using atmospheric reanalysis revealed that 1) winter drought in western Nepal is linked to the Arctic Oscillation and its decadal variability, which initiates a tropospheric short-wave train across Eurasia and South Asia; and that 2) the persistent warming of the Indian Ocean likely contributes to the suppression of rainfall through enhanced local Hadley circulation. Simulations from the phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) sets of historical single-forcing experiments indicated that the increased loading of anthropogenic aerosols is also a compounding factor in the precipitation decline during the later decades. It is therefore conceivable that the recent spells of decadal drought in Nepal are symptomatic of both natural variability and anthropogenic influences. Given the observations that winter precipitation has declined to near zero while groundwater has hardly been replenished, appropriate management of western Nepal's water resources is both critical and necessary.
Southward Eddy Heat Transport Occurring along Southern Flanks of the Kuroshio Extension and the Gulf Stream in a 1/10° Global Ocean General Circulation Model
Authors: Aoki Kunihiro , Minobe Shoshiro , Tanimoto Youichi , Sasai Yoshikazu 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The present study investigates meridional heat transport induced by oceanic mesoscale variability in the World Ocean using a ° global ocean general circulation model (OGCM) running on the Earth Simulator. The results indicate prominent poleward eddy heat transport around the western boundary currents and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, and equatorward eddy heat transport in the equatorial region, consistent with the previous studies using coarse-resolution OGCMs. Such poleward eddy heat transport in midlatitude oceans suggests that the eddies act to reduce meridional background temperature gradients across the currents, as would be expected based on baroclinic instability. Interestingly, however, along the southern flanks of the eastward jets of the Kuroshio Extension and the Gulf Stream, southward eddy heat transport occurs in subsurface layers. This is likely due to the southward migration of warm water cores originating from southern areas adjacent to these currents. Southward movement of these cores is caused by interactions with unsteady meanders and cold eddies detaching from the meanders. The potential impact on biological production in the subtropical surface layers of these southward-traveling warm water cores is also discussed.
Excess all-cause mortality in the evaluation of a screening trial to account for selective participation
Authors: Kranse Ries , van Leeuwen Pim J , Hakulinen Timo , Hugosson Jonas , Tammela Teuvo L , Ciatto Stefano , Roobol Monique J , Zappa Marco , Aus Gunar , Bangma Chris H , Moss Sue M , Auvinen Anssi , Schröder Fritz H 
Published: July 2013

Objective In addition to disease-specific mortality, a randomized controlled cancer screening trial may be evaluated in terms of excess mortality, in which case no patient-specific information on causes of death is needed. We studied the effect of not accounting for attendance on the calculated excess mortality in a prostate cancer screening trial. Methods The numerator of the excess mortality rate related to prostate cancer diagnoses in each study arm equals the excess number of deaths observed in the cancer patients. The estimation of the expected number of deaths in the absence of the prostate cancer diagnoses has to account for the self-selection of those participating in the trial, particularly if the proportion of non-participants is substantial. Setting The European prostate cancer screening trial (ERSPC). Results In the screening arm, non-attendees had roughly twice the mortality rate of attendees. Approximately twice as many cancers were detected in the screening arm compared with the control arm, primarily in attendees. Unless attendance is properly accounted for, the expected mortality of prostate cancer patients in the screening arm is overestimated by 0.9–3.6 deaths per 1000 person-years. Conclusions Attendees have a lower all-cause mortality rate (are healthier) and a higher probability of a prostate cancer diagnosis than non-attendees and the men randomized to the control arm. If attendance is not accounted for, the excess mortality and the between-arm excess mortality rate ratio are underestimated and screening is considered more effective than it actually is. These effects may be sizeable, notably if non-attendance is common. Correcting for attendance status is important in the calculation of the excess mortality rate in prostate cancer patients that can be used in conjunction with a disease-specific mortality analysis in a randomized controlled cancer screening trial.
A comparative study assessing the efficacy and acceptability of anorectal swabs for antenatal GBS screening
Authors: Law Kenneth S K , Parmar Priya , Gregora Michael , Abbott Jason 
Published: July 2013

Objectives To assess women's perception of pain and acceptability of low vaginal swab (LVS) and anorectal swab (ARS) for antenatal screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS), and to compare the detection rate between these tests. Methods Separate LVS and ARS were collected at the 36-week antenatal visit, either by the patient herself or by her clinician. Acceptability and pain were evaluated on a Likert scale using a standardised questionnaire. Results A total of 278 women were recruited, with a median gestation of 36.3 weeks (IQR 36–37). Of these women, 96% undertook specimen self-collection. The overall prevalence of colonisation was 64/278 (23%); 52 women had positive LVS results (18.7%), and an additional 12 (5.5%; 95% CI 2.5–8.5) were negative on LVS but positive on ARS. Most women rated LVS (99%) and ARS (92%) to be either ‘pain-free’ or causing ‘mild discomfort’, and found the LVS (90%) and ARS (84%) to be either ‘totally acceptable’ or ‘somewhat acceptable’. Conclusions The addition of an ARS resulted in an enhanced GBS positive rate, and most women found the test acceptable.
Fragile X carrier screening in Korean women of reproductive age
Authors: Kim Mi Jin , Kim Do Jin , Kim Shin Young , Yang Jae Hyug , Kim Min Hyoung , Lee Si Won , Jeong Sin Ok , Park So Yeon , Ryu Hyun Mee 
Published: July 2013

Objective To estimate the distribution of the FMR1 alleles and the prevalence of the premutaion (PM) and full mutation (FM) of the FMR1 gene in Korean women of reproductive age. Methods Using polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot, 5829 women of reproductive age were screened (low-risk group n = 5470 and high-risk group n = 359) and 11 prenatal diagnoses were completed between September 2003 and December 2011. Results Of the 5829 women screened, normal FMR1 alleles (11,607) had a bimodal distribution with most alleles having 29 (37.87%) and 30 (31.87%) CGG repeats. Of the 5470 women in the low-risk group, 7 PM were identified, giving a PM carrier frequency of 1:781; none of the women had Fragile X syndrome. We also identified 38 intermediate alleles, with a reported incidence of 1:143. Of the 11 prenatal diagnoses, five were normal, five had a premutation, and one had a full mutation allele. Conclusions The carrier frequency is 1/781 (0.13%) in Korean women of reproductive age. This is lower than among Caucasians, but relatively higher than in other Asian populations. Although there may be a founder effect, these results might be valuable in understanding Fragile X syndrome in Koreans and Asians as a whole.
Structural role of tellurium in the minerals of the pearceite-polybasite group
Authors: Bindi L. , Voudouris P. , Spry P. G. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe crystal structure of a Te-rich polybasite has been refined by means of X-ray diffraction data collected at room temperature (space group Pm1; R = 0.0505 for 964 observed reflections and 94 parameters; refined formula Ag14.46Cu1.54Sb1.58As0.42S9.67Te1.33). The structure comprises stacking of [(Ag, Cu)6(Sb, As)2(S, Te)7]2–A and [Ag9Cu(S, Te)2(S, Te)2]2+B layer modules in which Sb forms isolated SbS3 pyramids, as occurs typically in sulfosalts, Cu links two S atoms in a linear coordination and Ag occupies sites with coordination ranging from quasi linear to almost tetrahedral. The silver d10 ions are found in the B layer module along two-dimensional diffusion paths and their electron densities evidenced by means of a combination of a Gram-Charlier development of the atomic displacement factors and a split model. The Te-for-S substitution occurs at the same structural sites that Se substitutes for S in selenopolybasite and the Te occupancy at one of these sites is 0.49, thus suggesting the possibility that 'telluropolybasite' could be found in nature.
Aluminopyracmonite, (NH4)3Al(SO4)3, a new ammonium aluminium sulfate from La Fossa crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy
Authors: Demartin F. , Castellano C. , Campostrini I. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe new mineral aluminopyracmonite, ideally (NH4)3Al(SO4)3, was found in a medium-temperature (∼250°C) intracrater active fumarole at La Fossa crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy. It occurs on a pyroclastic breccia as colourless to white prismatic crystals up to 0.2 mm long, in association with adranosite, mascagnite, alunite and salammoniac. The mineral is identical to the synthetic compound (NH4)3Al(SO4)3. It is trigonal, space group: R (no. 148) with a = 15.0324(8), c = 8.8776(5) 5, V = 1737.3(2) Å3 and Z = 6. The six strongest reflections in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are: [dobs in Å (I)(hkl)] 3.336(100)(131), 7.469(62)(1 1 0), 3.288(60)(122), 4.289(45)(31), 2.824(29)(51), 4.187(27) (012). The empirical formula based on 12 anions is [(NH4)2.89K0.10]Σ 2.99(Al1.18Fe0.01)Σ 1.19S2.91O12, and the simplified formula (NH4,K)3Al(SO4)3. The measured density is 2.12(1) g/cm3, calculated density 2.143 g/cm3. The mineral is uniaxial(–) with ω = 1.545(3) and ε = 1.532(3) (λ = 589 nm). Using single-crystal diffraction data, the structure was refined to a final R(F) = 0.0258 for 998 independent observed reflections [I > 2σ(I)]. In spite of having unitcell parameters comparable with those of pyracmonite, the two minerals are not isostructural; the difference is related to a disordered conformation of the sulfate anions about the two independent Al3+ ions in aluminopyracmonite.
Camaronesite, [Fe3+(H2O)2(PO3OH)]2(SO4)·1–2H2O, a new phosphate-sulfate from the Camarones Valley, Chile, structurally related to taranakite
Authors: Kampf A. R. , Mills S. J. , Nash B. P. , Housley R. M. , Rossman G. R. , Dini M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractCamaronesite (IMA 2012-094), [Fe3+(H2O)2(PO3OH)]2(SO4)·1–2H2O, is a new mineral from near the village of Cuya in the Camarones Valley, Arica Province, Chile. The mineral is a low-temperature, secondary mineral occurring in a sulfate assemblage with anhydrite, botryogen, chalcanthite, copiapite, halotrichite, hexahydrite, hydroniumjarosite, pyrite, römerite, rozenite and szomolnokite. Lavender-coloured crystals up to several mm across form dense intergrowths. More rarely crystals occur as drusy aggregates of tablets up to 0.5 mm in diameter and 0.02 mm thick. Tablets are flattened on {001} and exhibit the forms {001}, {104}, {015} and {018}. The mineral is transparent with white streak and vitreous lustre. The Mohs hardness is 2½, the tenacity is brittle and the fracture is irregular, conchoidal and stepped. Camaronesite has one perfect cleavage on {001}. The measured and calculated densities are 2.43(1) and 2.383 g/cm3, respectively. The mineral is optically uniaxial (+) with ω = 1.612(1) and ε = 1.621(1) (white light). The pleochroism is O (pale lavender) > E (colourless). Electron-microprobe analyses provided Fe2O331.84, P2O529.22, SO315.74, H2O 23.94 (based on O analyses), total 100.74 wt.%. The empirical formula (based on 2 P a.p.f.u.) is: Fe1.94(PO3OH)2(S0.96O4)(H2O)4·1.46H2O. The mineral is slowly soluble in concentrated HCl and extremely slowly soluble in concentrated H2SO4. Camaronesite is trigonal, R32, with cell parameters:a = 9.0833(5), c = 42.944(3) Å, V = 3068.5(3) Å3 and Z = 9. The eight strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are [dobs Å (I)(hkl)]: 7.74(45)(101), 7.415(100)(012), 4.545(72)(110), 4.426(26)(018), 3.862(32)(021,202,116), 3.298(93)(027,119), 3.179(25)(208) and 2.818(25)(1·1·12,125). In the structure of camaronesite (R1 = 2.28% for 1138 Fo > 4σF), three types of Fe octahedra are linked by corner sharing with (PO3OH) tetrahedra to form polyhedral layers perpendicular to c with composition [Fe3+(H2O)2(PO3OH)]. Two such layers are joined through SO4 tetrahedra (in two half-occupied orientations) to form thick slabs of composition [Fe3+(H2O)2(PO3OH)]2(SO4). Between the slabs are partially occupied H2O groups. The only linkages between the slabs are hydrogen bonds. The most distinctive component in the structure consists of two Fe octahedra linked to one another by three PO4 tetrahedra yielding an [Fe2(PO4)3] unit. This unit is also the key component in the sodium super-ionic conductor (NASICON) structure and has been referred to as the lantern unit. The polyhedral layers in the structure of camaronesite are similar to those in the structure of taranakite. The Raman spectrum exhibits peaks consistent with sulfate, phosphate, water and OH groups.
A mutation in MYD88 (L265P) supports the survival of lymphoplasmacytic cells by activation of Bruton tyrosine kinase in Waldenström macroglobulinemia
Authors: Yang Guang , Zhou Yangsheng , Liu Xia , Xu Lian , Cao Yang , Manning Robert J. , Patterson Christopher J. , Buhrlage Sara J. , Gray Nathanael , Tai Yu-Tzu , Anderson Kenneth C. , Hunter Zachary R. , Treon Steven P. 
Published: July 2013

Key Points
MYD88 L265P is a widely expressed somatic mutation in WM patients that supports NF-κB signaling through stimulation of BTK and IRAK 1/4. Combined suppression of BTK and IRAK in MYD88 L265P expressing WM cells promotes synergistic inhibition of NF-κB signaling and WM cell killing.
Phylogeny and evolutionary history of glycogen synthase kinase 3/SHAGGY-like kinase genes in land plants
Authors: Qi Xinshuai , Chanderbali André S , Wong Gane Ka-Shu , Soltis Douglas E , Soltis Pamela S 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background

GSK3 (glycogen synthase kinase 3) genes encode signal transduction proteins with roles in a variety of biological processes in eukaryotes. In contrast to the low copy numbers observed in animals, GSK3 genes have expanded into a multi-gene family in land plants (embryophytes), and have also evolved functions in diverse plant specific processes, including floral development in angiosperms. However, despite previous efforts, the phylogeny of land plant GSK3 genes is currently unclear. Here, we analyze genes from a representative sample of phylogenetically pivotal taxa, including basal angiosperms, gymnosperms, and monilophytes, to reconstruct the evolutionary history and functional diversification of the GSK3 gene family in land plants.

Results
Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyses resolve a gene tree with four major gene duplication events that coincide with the emergence of novel land plant clades. The single GSK3 gene inherited from the ancestor of land plants was first duplicated along the ancestral branch to extant vascular plants, and three subsequent duplications produced three GSK3 loci in the ancestor of euphyllophytes, four in the ancestor of seed plants, and at least five in the ancestor of angiosperms. A single gene in the Amborella trichopoda genome may be the sole survivor of a sixth GSK3 locus that originated in the ancestor of extant angiosperms. Homologs of two Arabidopsis GSK3 genes with genetically confirmed roles in floral development, AtSK11 and AtSK12, exhibit floral preferential expression in several basal angiosperms, suggesting evolutionary conservation of their floral functions. Members of other gene lineages appear to have independently evolved roles in plant reproductive tissues in individual taxa.

Conclusions
Our phylogenetic analyses provide the most detailed reconstruction of GSK3 gene evolution in land plants to date and offer new insights into the origins, relationships, and functions of family members. Notably, the diversity of this “green” branch of the gene family has increased in concert with the increasing morphological and physiological complexity of land plant life forms. Expression data for seed plants indicate that the functions of GSK3 genes have also diversified during evolutionary time.
Global Rsh-dependent transcription profile of Brucella suisduring stringent response unravels adaptation to nutrient starvation and cross-talk with other stress responses
Authors: Hanna Nabil , Ouahrani-Bettache Safia , Drake Kenneth L , Adams L Garry , Köhler Stephan , Occhialini Alessandra 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
In the intracellular pathogen Brucella spp., the activation of the stringent response, a global regulatory network providing rapid adaptation to growth-affecting stress conditions such as nutrient deficiency, is essential for replication in the host. A single, bi-functional enzyme Rsh catalyzes synthesis and hydrolysis of the alarmone (p)ppGpp, responsible for differential gene expression under stringent conditions.

Results
cDNA microarray analysis allowed characterization of the transcriptional profiles of the B. suis 1330 wild-type and Δrsh mutant in a minimal medium, partially mimicking the nutrient-poor intramacrophagic environment. A total of 379 genes (11.6% of the genome) were differentially expressed in a rsh-dependent manner, of which 198 were up-, and 181 were down-regulated. The pleiotropic character of the response was confirmed, as the genes encoded an important number of transcriptional regulators, cell envelope proteins, stress factors, transport systems, and energy metabolism proteins. Virulence genes such as narG and sodC, respectively encoding respiratory nitrate reductase and superoxide dismutase, were under the positive control of (p)ppGpp, as well as expression of the cbb3-type cytochrome c oxidase, essential for chronic murine infection. Methionine was the only amino acid whose biosynthesis was absolutely dependent on stringent response in B. suis.

Conclusions
The study illustrated the complexity of the processes involved in adaptation to nutrient starvation, and contributed to a better understanding of the correlation between stringent response and Brucella virulence. Most interestingly, it clearly indicated (p)ppGpp-dependent cross-talk between at least three stress responses playing a central role in Brucella adaptation to the host: nutrient, oxidative, and low-oxygen stress.
Potential of bacteriophage ΦAB2 as an environmental biocontrol agent for the control of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Chen Li-Kuang , Liu Yu-Lin , Hu Anren , Chang Kai-Chih , Lin Nien-Tsung , Lai Meng-Jiun , Tseng Chun-Chieh 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundMultidrug-resistantAcinetobacter baumannii(MDRAB) is associated with nosocomial infections worldwide. To date, the use of a phage to prevent infections caused by MDRAB has not been demonstrated.ResultsThe MDRAB-specific phage ϕAB2 was stable at 4°C and pH 7 in 0.5% chloroform solution, and showed a slight decrease in plaque-forming units (PFU)/ml of 0.3–0.9 log after 330 days of storage. The addition of ϕAB2 at a concentration of at least 105PFU/ml to anA. baumanniiM3237 suspension killed >99.9% ofA. baumanniiM3237 after 5 min, regardless ofA. baumanniiM3237 concentration (104, 105, or 106colony-forming units (CFU)/ml). The addition of ϕAB2 at a concentration of 108PFU/slide (>107PFU/cm2) to glass slides containingA. baumanniiM3237 at 104, 105, or 106CFU/slide, significantly reduced bacterial numbers by 93%, 97%, and 99%, respectively. Thus, this concentration is recommended for decontamination of glass surfaces. Moreover, infusion of ϕAB2 into 10% glycerol exhibited strong anti-MDRAB activity (99.9% reduction), even after 90 days of storage. Treatment of a 10% paraffin oil-based lotion with ϕAB2 significantly reduced (99%)A. baumanniiM3237 after 1 day of storage. However, ϕAB2 had no activity in the lotion after 1 month of storage.ConclusionsPhages may be useful for reducing MDRAB contamination in liquid suspensions or on hard surfaces. Phages may also be inoculated into a solution to produce an antiseptic hand wash. However, the phage concentration and incubation time (the duration of phage contact with bacteria) should be carefully considered to reduce the risk of MDRAB contamination.