bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A PDF-Based Microphysics Parameterization for Shallow Cumulus Clouds
Authors: Kogan Yefim L. , Mechem David B. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Unbiased calculations of microphysical process rates such as autoconversion and accretion in mesoscale numerical weather prediction models require that subgrid-scale (SGS) variability over the model grid volume be taken into account. This variability can be expressed as probability distribution functions (PDFs) of microphysical variables. Using dynamically balanced large-eddy simulation (LES) model results from a case of marine trade cumulus, the authors develop PDFs of the cloud water, droplet concentration, and rainwater variables (qc, Nc, and qr). Both 1D and 2D joint PDFs (JPDFs) are presented. The authors demonstrate that accounting for the JPDFs results in more accurate process rates for a regional-model grid size. Bias in autoconversion and accretion rates are presented, assuming different formulations of the JPDFs. Approximating the 2D PDF using a product of individual 1D PDFs overestimates the autoconversion rates by an order of magnitude, whereas neglecting the SGS variability altogether results in a drastic underestimate of the grid-mean autoconversion rate. PDF assumptions have a much smaller impact on accretion, largely because of the near-linear dependence of the variables in the accretion rate formula and the relatively weak correlation between qc and qr over the small LES grid volumes. The latter is attributed to the spatial decorrelation in the vertical between the two fields. Although the full PDFs are both height and time dependent, results suggest that fixed-in-time and fixed-in-height PDFs give an acceptable level of accuracy, especially for the crucial autoconversion calculation.
Convergence analysis of Agarwal et al. iterative scheme for Lipschitzian hemicontractive mappings
Authors: Kang Shin Min , Rafiq Arif , Ali Faisal , Kwun Young Chel 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we establish strong convergence for the Agarwal et al. iterative scheme associated with Lipschitzian hemicontractive mappings in Hilbert spaces.

MSC:47H10, 47J25.
Existence of a solution of integral equations via fixed point theorem
Authors: Gülyaz Selma , Karapınar Erdal , Rakocević Vladimir , Salimi Peyman 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we establish a solution to the following integral equation:

u
(
t
)
=

∫
0
T

G
(
t
,
s
)
f

(
s
,
u
(
s
)
)

d
s

for all
t
∈
[
0
,
T
]
,

where

T
>
0

,

f
:
[
0
,
T
]
×
R
→
R

and

G
:
[
0
,
T
]
×
[
0
,
T
]
→
[
0
,
∞
)

are continuous functions. For this purpose, we also obtain some auxiliary fixed point results which generalize, improve and unify some fixed point theorems in the literature.

MSC:47H10, 54H25.
Comparative genomics analysis of Streptococcus agalactiae reveals that isolates from cultured tilapia in China are closely related to the human strain A909
Authors: Liu Guangjin , Zhang Wei , Lu Chengping 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background

Streptococcus agalactiae, also referred to as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a frequent resident of the rectovaginal tract in humans, and a major cause of neonatal infection. In addition, S. agalactiae is a known fish pathogen, which compromises food safety and represents a zoonotic hazard. The complete genome sequence of the piscine S. agalactiae isolate GD201008-001 was compared with 14 other piscine, human and bovine strains to explore their virulence determinants, evolutionary relationships and the genetic basis of host tropism in S. agalactiae.

Results
The pan-genome of S. agalactiae is open and its size increases with the addition of newly sequenced genomes. The core genes shared by all isolates account for 50 ~ 70% of any single genome. The Chinese piscine isolates GD201008-001 and ZQ0910 are phylogenetically distinct from the Latin American piscine isolates SA20-06 and STIR-CD-17, but are closely related to the human strain A909, in the context of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs), prophage, virulence-associated genes and phylogenetic relationships. We identified a unique 10 kb gene locus in Chinese piscine strains.

Conclusions
Isolates from cultured tilapia in China have a close genomic relationship with the human strain A909. Our findings provide insight into the pathogenesis and host-associated genome content of piscine S. agalactiae isolated in China.
Whole genome comparative analysis of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) with four model fish species
Authors: Jiang Yanliang , Gao Xiaoyu , Liu Shikai , Zhang Yu , Liu Hong , Sun Fanyue , Bao Lisui , Waldbieser Geoff , Liu Zhanjiang 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundComparative mapping is a powerful tool to study evolution of genomes. It allows transfer of genome information from the well-studied model species to non-model species. Catfish is an economically important aquaculture species in United States. A large amount of genome resources have been developed from catfish including genetic linkage maps, physical maps, BAC end sequences (BES), integrated linkage and physical maps using BES-derived markers, physical map contig-specific sequences, and draft genome sequences. Application of such genome resources should allow comparative analysis at the genome scale with several other model fish species.ResultsIn this study, we conducted whole genome comparative analysis between channel catfish and four model fish species with fully sequenced genomes, zebrafish, medaka, stickleback andTetraodon. A total of 517 Mb draft genome sequences of catfish were anchored to its genetic linkage map, which accounted for 62% of the total draft genome sequences. Based on the location of homologous genes, homologous chromosomes were determined among catfish and the four model fish species. A large number of conserved syntenic blocks were identified. Analysis of the syntenic relationships between catfish and the four model fishes supported that the catfish genome is most similar to the genome of zebrafish.ConclusionThe organization of the catfish genome is similar to that of the four teleost species, zebrafish, medaka, stickleback, andTetraodonsuch that homologous chromosomes can be identified. Within each chromosome, extended syntenic blocks were evident, but the conserved syntenies at the chromosome level involve extensive inter-chromosomal and intra-chromosomal rearrangements. This whole genome comparative map should facilitate the whole genome assembly and annotation in catfish, and will be useful for genomic studies of various other fish species.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of tumor biomarkers in predicting prognosis in esophageal cancer
Authors: Chen Meilan , Huang Jizheng , Zhu Zhenli , Zhang Jun , Li Ke 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a frequently occurring cancer with poor prognosis despite combined therapeutic strategies. Many biomarkers have been proposed as predictors of adverse events. We sought to assess the prognostic value of biomarkers in predicting the overall survival of esophageal cancer and to help guide personalized cancer treatment to give patients the best chance at remission.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature to summarize evidence for the discriminatory ability of prognostic biomarkers for esophageal cancer. Relevant literature was identified using the PubMed database on April 11, 2012, and conformed to the REMARK criteria. The primary endpoint was overall survival and data were synthesized with hazard ratios (HRs).

Results
We included 109 studies, exploring 13 different biomarkers, which were subjected to quantitative meta-analysis. Promising markers that emerged for the prediction of overall survival in esophageal squamous cell cancer included VEGF (18 eligible studies, n = 1476, HR = 1.85, 95% CI, 1.55-2.21), cyclin D1 (12 eligible studies, n = 1476, HR = 1.82, 95% CI, 1.50-2.20), Ki-67 (3 eligible studies, n = 308, HR = 1.11, 95% CI, 0.70-1.78) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (5 eligible studies, n = 700, HR = 1.28, 95% CI, 0.97-1.69); prognostic markers for esophageal adenocarcinoma included COX-2 (2 eligible studies, n = 235, HR = 3.06, 95% CI, 2.01-4.65) and HER-2 (3 eligible studies, n = 291, HR = 2.15, 95% CI, 1.39-3.33); prognostic markers for uncategorized ECs included p21 (9 eligible studies, n = 858, HR = 1.27, 95% CI, 0.75-2.16), p53 (31 eligible studies, n = 2851, HR = 1.34, 95% CI, 1.21-1.48), CRP (8 eligible studies, n = 1382, HR = 2.65, 95% CI, 1.64-4.27) and hemoglobin (5 eligible studies, n = 544, HR = 0.91, 95% CI, 0.83-1.00).

Conclusions
Although some modest bias cannot be excluded, this review supports the involvement of biomarkers to be associated with EC overall survival.
Epidemiological urinalysis of children from kindergartens of Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam
Authors: Nhu Nguyet Dang Le , Le Binh Doan Thi , Doan Ngoc Hue , Kim Hoa Pham Thi , Smets Françoise , Tran Thi Mong Hiep , Janssen Françoise , Robert Annie 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies on Vietnamese children have shown that kidney diseases are not detected early enough to prevent chronic renal failure. The dipstick test is a simple and useful tool for detecting urinary abnormalities, especially in isolated or remote areas of Vietnam, where children have limited access to health care.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011 at seven kindergartens in Can Gio district, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Two thousand and twelve children, aged 3 to 5, were enrolled. Morning mid-stream urine samples were examined by dipstick. Children with abnormal findings were re-examined with a second dipstick and underwent further investigations.ResultsUrinalysis was available for 1,032 boys and 980 girls. Mean age was 4.4 ± 0.8 years. Urinary abnormalities were detected in 108 (5.5%) of the subjects. Among them, nitrituria and leucocyturia accounted for more than 50%. Positive fractions of proteinuria, hematuria, nitrituria, leucocyturia, and combined nitrituria and leucocyturia after two dipsticks were 0.1%, 0.1%, 2%, 1% and 0.3%, respectively. Abnormal findings were more common in girls than boys (p < 0.001), and higher in communes with very low (< 50 persons/km2) population density (14.3% vs 4.1%, p < 0.001). A renal ultrasound detected four cases of hydronephrosis and one case of duplication of ureter.ConclusionsThe prevalence of urinary abnormalities in asymptomatic children in South Vietnam demonstrates the need for hygiene education among parents. Training for dipstick usage for all medical staff at health stations, especially in remote areas and in places with very low population density, is also clearly necessary. Routine urinalysis can be set up if a close control is conducted at locations.
Artemisinin-naphthoquine combination versus chloroquine-primaquine to treat vivax malaria: an open-label randomized and non-inferiority trial in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Liu Hui , Yang Heng-lin , Xu Jian-Wei , Wang Jia-zhi , Nie Ren-hua , Li Chun-fu 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background

Plasmodium vivax is the main malaria parasite in China, and China is now making efforts to eliminate malaria by 2020. Radical cure of vivax malaria is one of challenges for malaria elimination. The purpose is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of artemisinin-naphthoquine (ANQ) versus chloroquine-primaquine (CQ-PQ) in treatment of vivax malaria in Yunnan Province, China.

Methods
An open-label randomized and non-inferiority design, eligible patients with monoinfections of P. vivax were randomly assigned to receive either a total target dose of ANQ 24.5 mg/kg (naphthoquine 7 mg/kg and artemisinin 17.5 mg/kg), once a day for three days, or a total CQ dose of 24 mg base/kg, once a day for three days plus a PQ dose of 0.45 mg base/kg/day, once a day for eight days. Patients were followed up for one year. The difference in efficacy between ANQ and CQ-PQ was compared via Wilson’s test.

Results
By day 42, the number of patients free of recurrence was 125 (98.4%; 95% Confidence interval, 94.4-99.8%) for ANQ arm and 123 (96.1%; 95%CI, 91.1-98.7%) for CQ-PQ, and non-significant (P = 0.4496). By day 365, the number was 101 (79.5%; 95%CI, 71.8-85.9%) for ANQ and 106 (82.8%; 95%CI, 75.1-88.9%) for CQ-PQ, and non-significant (P = 0.610). So the proportions of patients free of recurrence had no significant difference between ANQ and CQ-PQ groups by day 28, 42 and 365; compared with CQ-PQ, the side effect of ANQ was mild.

Conclusion
ANQ is non-inferior to CQ-PQ in terms of patients free of recurrence, and safer than CQ-PQ.
The relationship between polymorphisms in the promoter region of Tim-3 and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion in Han Chinese women
Authors: Shen Yang , Wang Chen , Hong Dun , Zeng Baojin , Fang Congcheng , Yuan Chiting , Fan Lilong , Lv Haiyan , Zhu Min 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) refers to 2 or more consecutive pregnancy losses, and RSA with unknown causes is called unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). Tim-3, a subtype of the T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain (Tim) protein family, might be an important regulatory molecule that plays a pivotal role in URSA, which might be triggered mostly by Th1/Th2 immune deviation. To understand the etiology and pathogenesis of URSA in Han Chinese women, we investigated the association between polymorphisms of rs10053538 and rs10515746 in the promoter of Tim-3 and the risk of URSA in Han Chinese women.

Methods
One hundred and forty-eight women with RSA resulting in still birth were enrolled in the URSA group. We performed tests to rule out congenital reproductive system malformation, reproductive system tumor, endocrine dyscrasia, and chromosome abnormalities. One hundred and fifty-three women with normal pregnancy leading to live birth were selected at random to comprise the control group. All women included in this study were genetically unrelated Han Chinese women. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) were used to determine polymorphisms of rs10053538 and rs10515746, respectively, in all subjects. PCR products were chosen at random for sequencing.

Results
No significant statistical difference was found between the distribution frequency of the GT + TT genotype and T allele on the rs10053538 locus in the URSA group or the control group (10.1% vs. 11.8%, Chi(2) = 0.205, P = 0.651; 5.1% vs. 6.5%, Chi(2) = 0.592, P = 0.441; respectively). Neither was there a significant difference between the distribution frequency of the GT + TT genotype and T allele on the rs10515746 locus in the groups (6.8% vs. 3.9%, Chi(2)1.201, P = 0.273; 3.4% vs. 2.0%, Chi(2) = 1.169, P = 0.280; respectively).

Conclusions
The present study suggested that these polymorphisms of rs10053538 or rs10515746 in the Tim-3 promoter may not be associated with URSA in Han Chinese women.
Removal of traces of mercury from a carrier gas for analytical purpose
Authors: Theil Cristina MI , Niencheski Luis FH , Fillmann Gilberto , Milani Marcio R 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The analysis of mercury by cold vapor requires a gas, usually argon or helium, to transport elementary mercury to the gold trap or directly to the detector. When analyzing mercury in environmental matrices, a gas with a metal concentration as low as a few picograms per cubic meter is needed. Different sorbents have been used to purify the gas for a long time, but little information is available about them, mainly considering the analytical purpose. This paper presents results of the absorption capacity for solids and hypochlorite solutions that usually are used as mercury sorbents, giving technical information to the analyst to decide the best gas cleaning process to be used.

Findings
The absorption capacities of different sorbents were tested using atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Among the tested solids, platinum presented the highest absorption capacity (13.04 pg Hg per gram of Pt). Interaction between sodium hypochlorite, sodium chloride, and EDTA in the absorption capacity was investigated by a 23 factorial design. Results showed a significant interaction between hypochlorite and chloride.

Conclusions
A solution of 1.26 mmol L−1 sodium hypochlorite, 0.48 mol L−1 sodium chloride, and 0.6 mmol L−1 EDTA shows the highest absorption capacity (167.3 pg Hg) among the tested compositions. That solution has eliminated even traces of mercury from gases, resulting in a carrier free of mercury, what cannot be achieved using the solid sorbents tested, despite the use of solutions which is more tedious than the use of solids to clean gas. Anyway, the hypochlorite solution shows to be a good option to clean gases that have to be used in the analysis of mercury in samples with very low concentration.
Non-invasive ventilation for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: intubation rate and risk factors
Authors: Thille Arnaud W , Contou Damien , Fragnoli Chiara , Córdoba-Izquierdo Ana , Boissier Florence , Brun-Buisson Christian 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction
We assessed rates and predictive factors of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) failure in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for non-hypercapnic acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF).

Methods
This is an observational cohort study using data prospectively collected over a three-year period in a medical ICU of a university hospital.

Results
Among 113 patients receiving NIV for AHRF, 82 had acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and 31 had non-ARDS. Intubation rates significantly differed between ARDS and non-ARDS patients (61% versus 35%, P = 0.015) and according to clinical severity of ARDS: 31% in mild, 62% in moderate, and 84% in severe ARDS (P = 0.0016). In-ICU mortality rates were 13% in non-ARDS, and, respectively, 19%, 32% and 32% in mild, moderate and severe ARDS (P = 0.22). Among patients with moderate ARDS, NIV failure was lower among those having a PaO2/FiO2 >150 mmHg (45% vs. 74%, p = 0.04). NIV failure was associated with active cancer, shock, moderate/severe ARDS, lower Glasgow coma score and lower positive end-expiratory pressure level at NIV initiation. Among intubated patients, ICU mortality rate was 46% overall and did not differ according to the time to intubation.

Conclusions
With intubation rates below 35% in non-ARDS and mild ARDS, NIV stands as the first-line approach; NIV may be attempted in ARDS patients with a PaO2/FiO2 > 150. By contrast, 84% of severe ARDS required intubation and NIV did not appear beneficial in this subset of patients. However, the time to intubation had no influence on mortality.
English in Ghana: Growth, Tensions, and Trends
Authors: Adika Gordon Senanu Kwame 
Published: November 2013

<strong><strong></strong></strong><p align="LEFT">T<span style="font-family: DejaVuSerifCondensed; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: DejaVuSerifCondensed; font-size: small;">his paper provides snapshots of the growth of English in Ghana by reviewing </span></span>the debates that have characterised its usage, recapitulating the distinctive features of Ghanaian English (GhaE), and examining current directions of its growth. From its fi rst implantation in Ghana, then the Gold Coast, in the early part of the 16 <span style="font-family: DejaVuSerifCondensed; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: DejaVuSerifCondensed; font-size: xx-small;">th </span></span><span style="font-family: DejaVuSerifCondensed; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: DejaVuSerifCondensed; font-size: small;">century to date, English in Ghana, like in other West African countries </span></span>has shown formidable resilience as the language of formal education, and a medium for cross-ethnic communication in a predominantly multilingual environment. The tensions attendant upon which language to use as a medium of instruction at the lower levels of education appear to be yielding to the logic of complementarities and bilingualism within the local language ecology. English in Ghana, as an outercircle phenomenon, has been travelling the delicate expansionist path of innovation, adaptation, and maintenance of standards over the years. The distinctive Ghanaian linguistic and cultural colouration continues to permeate the English language on all levels, including vocabulary, idiomatic usage, and pronunciation.</p>
Contemporary English in the USA
Authors: Axelrod Melissa , Scheibman Joanne 
Published: November 2013

<strong><strong></strong></strong><p align="LEFT">I<span style="font-family: DejaVuSerifCondensed; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: DejaVuSerifCondensed; font-size: small;">ndigenous and immigrant speakers from a variety of linguistic and sociocultural </span></span>backgrounds have in <span style="font-family: DejaVuSerifCondensed; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: DejaVuSerifCondensed; font-size: small;">diff erent ways contributed to the development of presentday </span></span>American English, as have the geographical and social dimensions of thecountry. This paper provides a survey of contemporary usage of American English by describing and illustrating linguistic features documented for social and regional groups in the United States. The focus on variation in pronunciation, grammar, and meaning in American English highlights the diversity of dialects and styles in the U.S. as well as the centrality of sociocultural identities to language use. We group examples of variation according to the social and geographical factors that these features have been associated with in the literature: region, age, ethnicity, and gender. We note though that patterns of linguistic usage differ both within and across communities, with particular features used by diff erent social groups for shifting purposes. The examples here provide a snapshot of the kinds of variation observed in contemporary American English as we move into the 21st century.</p>
Nasal decongestant and chronic headache: a case of naphazoline overuse headache?
Authors: Di Lorenzo Cherubino , Coppola Gianluca , La Salvia Valeria , Pierelli Francesco 
Published: November 2013

Background: Chronic headache is an incapacitating condition afflicting patients at least for 15 days per month. In the most cases it is developed as a consequence of an excessive use of symptomatic drugs.Case: Here we report the case of a 34 year-old man suffering from chronic headache possibly related to the overuse of naphazoline nitrate nasal decongestant, used to treat a supposed chronic sinusitis. However, the patient did not suffer from sinusitis, but from a medication overuse headache (ICHD-II 8.3; ICD-10 44.41) that appeared to be due to excessive use of naphazoline.Conclusion: The use of naphazoline nitrate may result in an analgesic effect upon first use, through activation of adrenergic and opioidergic systems, followed by a pro-migraine effect via a late induction of an inflammatory cascade, modulated by nitric oxide and arachidonic acid. The observation that naphazoline detoxification relieved the patient’s headache, indicates that prolonged use of naphazoline may cause chronic headaches. Therefore, physicians should ask for details on the use of nasal decongestants in patients complaining of chronic headache, as they could potentially be suffering from a medication-overuse headache.