bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation on Renewable Energy Resources in Southwestern Europe
Authors: Jerez S. , Trigo R. M. , Vicente-Serrano S. M. , Pozo-Vázquez D. , Lorente-Plazas R. , Lorenzo-Lacruz J. , Santos-Alamillos F. , Montávez J. P. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEurope is investing considerably in renewable energies for a sustainable future, with both Iberian countries (Portugal and Spain) promoting significantly new hydropower, wind, and solar plants. The climate variability in this area is highly controlled by just a few large-scale teleconnection modes. However, the relationship between these modes and the renewable climate-dependent energy resources has not yet been established in detail. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on the interannual variability of the main and primary renewable energy resources in Iberia. This is achieved through a holistic assessment that is based on a 10-km-resolution climate simulation spanning the period 1959–2007 that provides physically consistent data of the various magnitudes involved. A monthly analysis for the extended winter (October–March) months shows that negative NAO phases enhance wind speeds (10%–15%) and, thereby, wind power (estimated around 30% at typical wind-turbine altitudes) and hydropower resources (with changes in precipitation exceeding 100% and implying prolonged responses in reservoir storage and release throughout the year), while diminishing the solar potential (10%–20%). Opposite signals were also sporadically identified, being well explained when taking into account the orography and the prevailing wind direction during both NAO phases. An additional analysis using real wind, hydropower, and solar power generation data further confirms the strong signature of the NAO.
New Hailstone Physics. Part II: Interaction of the Variables
Authors: List Roland 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The reduction of parameter dimensions in Part I is complemented by the compaction of parameter space in Part II. The range of diameters is 0.5 ≤ D ≤ 8 cm, and the assumed liquid water content varies within 1 ≤ Wf ≤ 3 for dry growth and Wf ≤ 6 g m−3 for shedding. Entirely new data throw new light onto HMT and growth.
Results are as follows: (i) dry growth is unimportant, since most hailstones grow spongy; (ii) radial growth is slow for dry and fast for spongy growth because less latent heat of freezing needs to be discarded if a smaller portion of the accreted water is frozen: this growth with shedding is particularly effective if the product Y of the net collection efficiency and ice mass fraction of the deposit is 0.2 ≤ Y ≤ 0.6; (iii) the lowest possible surface temperature tS for dry growth is −32.3°C. For water-skin-covered, spongy particles tS &gt; −5°C, and tS &gt; −0.55°C for shedding from wet surfaces without water skins; and (iv) the interplay between water-skin thickness and surface temperature allows interconnection of all variables. However, new icing experiments are necessary to prove the proposed sphere growth by special gyration, to quantify the components of Y, and to address water-skin properties and growth.
Radically redesigned dynamic cloud models need to incorporate hail packaging and rain spectra evolution in clouds. The latter will connect hailstone shedding with a warm rain process that is parallel to and interacts with hail formation.
Assessment of the Performance of CORDEX Regional Climate Models in Simulating East African Rainfall
Authors: Endris Hussen Seid , Omondi Philip , Jain Suman , Lennard Christopher , Hewitson Bruce , Chang'a Ladislaus , Awange J. L. , Dosio Alessandro , Ketiem Patrick , Nikulin Grigory , Panitz Hans-Jürgen , Büchner Matthias , Stordal Frode , Tazalika Lukiya 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This study evaluates the ability of 10 regional climate models (RCMs) from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) in simulating the characteristics of rainfall patterns over eastern Africa. The seasonal climatology, annual rainfall cycles, and interannual variability of RCM output have been assessed over three homogeneous subregions against a number of observational datasets. The ability of the RCMs in simulating large-scale global climate forcing signals is further assessed by compositing the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) events. It is found that most RCMs reasonably simulate the main features of the rainfall climatology over the three subregions and also reproduce the majority of the documented regional responses to ENSO and IOD forcings. At the same time the analysis shows significant biases in individual models depending on subregion and season; however, the ensemble mean has better agreement with observation than individual models. In general, the analysis herein demonstrates that the multimodel ensemble mean simulates eastern Africa rainfall adequately and can therefore be used for the assessment of future climate projections for the region.
Simulated Changes in Northwest U.S. Climate in Response to Amazon Deforestation*
Authors: Medvigy David , Walko Robert L. , Otte Martin J. , Avissar Roni 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Numerical models have long predicted that the deforestation of the Amazon would lead to large regional changes in precipitation and temperature, but the extratropical effects of deforestation have been a matter of controversy. This paper investigates the simulated impacts of deforestation on the northwest United States December–February climate. Integrations are carried out using the Ocean–Land–Atmosphere Model (OLAM), here run as a variable-resolution atmospheric GCM, configured with three alternative horizontal grid meshes: 1) 25-km characteristic length scale (CLS) over the United States, 50-km CLS over the Andes and Amazon, and 200-km CLS in the far-field; 2) 50-km CLS over the United States, 50-km CLS over the Andes and Amazon, and 200-km CLS in the far-field; and 3) 200-km CLS globally. In the high-resolution simulations, deforestation causes a redistribution of precipitation within the Amazon, accompanied by vorticity and thermal anomalies. These anomalies set up Rossby waves that propagate into the extratropics and impact western North America. Ultimately, Amazon deforestation results in 10%–20% precipitation reductions for the coastal northwest United States and the Sierra Nevada. Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada experiences declines of up to 50%. However, in the coarse-resolution simulations, this mechanism is not resolved and precipitation is not reduced in the northwest United States. These results highlight the need for adequate model resolution in modeling the impacts of Amazon deforestation. It is concluded that the deforestation of the Amazon can act as a driver of regional climate change in the extratropics, including areas of the western United States that are agriculturally important.
The Spatial Structure of Tidal and Mean Circulation over the Inner Shelf South of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Authors: Kirincich Anthony R. , Lentz Steven J. , Farrar J. Thomas , Ganju Neil K. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The spatial structure of the tidal and background circulation over the inner shelf south of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, was investigated using observations from a high-resolution, high-frequency coastal radar system, paired with satellite SSTs and in situ ADCP velocities. Maximum tidal velocities for the dominant semidiurnal constituent increased from 5 to 35 cm s−1 over the 20-km-wide domain with phase variations up to 60°. A northeastward jet along the eastern edge and a recirculation region inshore dominated the annually averaged surface currents, along with a separate along-shelf jet offshore. Owing in part to this variable circulation, the spatial structure of seasonal SST anomalies had implications for the local heat balance. Cooling owing to the advective heat flux divergence was large enough to offset more than half of the seasonal heat gain owing to surface heat flux. Tidal stresses were the largest terms in the mean along- and across-shelf momentum equations in the area of the recirculation, with residual wind stress and the Coriolis term dominating to the west and south, respectively. The recirculation was strongest in summer, with mean winds and tidal stresses accounting for much of the differences between summer and winter mean circulation. Despite the complex bathymetry and short along-shelf spatial scales, a simple model of tidal rectification was able to recreate the features of the northeastward jet and match an estimate of the across-shelf structure of sea surface height inferred from the residual of the momentum analysis.
Surgical off-pump closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects
Authors: Omelchenko Alexander Y , Zhuang Zhongyun , Schreiber Christian , Gorbatykh Yuriy N , Arkhipov Alexey N , Malakhova Oksana Y , Zaitsev Gregory S 
Published: July 2013

Objective To present our first experience in perventricular closure of ventricular septal defect, which is in our opinion, an important adjunct to current ventricular septal defect treatment options. Background Surgical closure under cardiopulmonary bypass is the treatment of choice for a perimembranous ventricular septal defect. Percutaneous techniques have technical limitations. To date, an off-pump approach and device deployment through the wall of the right ventricle is not widespread and has only been reported from China and Germany. We think this approach is promising in selected patients. Methods In July 2012, 7 pediatric patients with an isolated perimembranous ventricular septal defect (age range, 4 months to 8 years, mean 2.5 years, all female) with a body weight of 5 to 27 kg, mean 12.7 kg, underwent minimally invasive perventricular device closure. Results In all patients, the ventricular septal defect was occluded successfully based on transesophageal echocardiographic confirmation. There were no cases of occluder dislocation noted in the operating room or in the postoperative period. No residual shunts were observed. There was no transient or persistent rhythm disorder in any of the patients. All patients were discharged 4–5 days postoperatively, in excellent physical condition. Conclusions The described off-pump approach showed excellent results. It offers such advantages as avoidance of the morbidity associated with cardiopulmonary bypass, significantly shorter hospital stay and therefore reduced costs, and a cosmetic advantage.
Attempts to create an Inter-ethnic and Inter-generational ‘National Culture’ in Kenya
Authors: Presbey Gail 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe challenges of building community based on a common identity that also respects differences has two different kinds of chasms to cross. There is the division of ethnic groups, and there is also the generational gap. Given recent problems of ethnic violence that broke out during the December 2007 elections, can contemporary Kenyans build community, coming to common understanding with others on issues such as value and identity? This is not a new problem. It has often been expressed as the need to develop a common Kenyan “national culture.” After a survey including Okot p’Bitek, Frantz Fanon, Bethwell Ogot and Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s contribution to the topic in the context of the 1960s and 70s, I will then go on to discuss the contribution of Kenyan Philosophy professor Henry Odera Oruka, who was greatly influenced by the ongoing discussions regarding national culture when he began his sage philosophy project – a project he clearly described as being able to play a role in the creation of Kenyan national culture. I explore some of Odera Oruka’s unpublished work on this topic. Chaungo Barasa has continued this project. I move on to survey how current academics in Kenya are working to describe and forge national values as a meaningful alternative to Kenyan government ongoing endeavors to promote culture as a tourist commodity.
Treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis
Authors: Lee Agnes Y. Y. , Peterson Erica A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTherapeutic options for the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer remain very limited. Although low-molecular-weight heparin monotherapy has been identified as a simple and efficacious regimen compared with an initial parenteral anticoagulant followed by long-term therapy with a vitamin K antagonist, many clinical questions remain unanswered. These include optimal duration of anticoagulant therapy, treatment of recurrent VTE, and the treatment of patients with concurrent bleeding or those with a high risk of bleeding. Treatment recommendations from consensus clinical guidelines are largely based on retrospective reports or extrapolated data from the noncancer population with VTE, as randomized controlled trials focused on cancer-associated thrombosis are sorely lacking. Furthermore, with improvements in imaging technology and extended survival duration of patients with cancer, we are encountering more unique challenges, such as the management of incidental VTE. Clinicians should be aware of the limitations of the novel oral anticoagulants and avoid the use of these agents because of the paucity of evidence in the treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis.
Derivation and validation of a simple, accurate and robust prediction rule for risk of mortality in patients with Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Butt Emma , Foster Jane AH , Keedwell Edward , Bell Julia EA , Titball Richard W , Bhangu Aneel , Michell Stephen L , Sheridan Ray 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background

Clostridium difficile infection poses a significant healthcare burden. However, the derivation of a simple, evidence based prediction rule to assist patient management has not yet been described.
This study aimed to identify such a prediction rule to stratify hospital inpatients according to risk of all-cause mortality, at initial diagnosis of infection.

Method
Univariate, multivariate and decision tree procedures were used to deduce a prediction rule from over 186 variables; retrospectively collated from clinical data for 213 patients. The resulting prediction rule was validated on independent data from a cohort of 158 patients described by Bhangu et al. (Colorectal Disease, 12(3):241-246, 2010).

Results
Serum albumin levels (g/L) (P = 0.001), respiratory rate (resps /min) (P = 0.002), C-reactive protein (mg/L) (P = 0.034) and white cell count (mcL) (P = 0.049) were predictors of all-cause mortality. Threshold levels of serum albumin ≤ 24.5 g/L, C- reactive protein >228 mg/L, respiratory rate >17 resps/min and white cell count >12 × 103 mcL were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. A simple four variable prediction rule was devised based on these threshold levels and when tested on the initial data, yield an area under the curve score of 0.754 (P < 0.001) using receiver operating characteristics. The prediction rule was then evaluated using independent data, and yield an area under the curve score of 0.653 (P = 0.001).

Conclusions
Four easily measurable clinical variables can be used to assess the risk of mortality of patients with Clostridium difficile infection and remains robust with respect to independent data.
Zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein in patients with acute and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Sörensen-Zender Inga , Beneke Jan , Schmidt Bernhard MW , Menne Jan , Haller Hermann , Schmitt Roland 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein (AZGP1) is a secreted protein which is synthesized in a variety of cell types. AZGP1 has functionally been implicated in lipid metabolism, the regulation of cell cycling and cancer progression. Previous studies have shown increased circulating AZGP1 levels in patients with chronic kidney disease but AZGP1 has not been investigated in acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, serum AZGP1 levels were measured in acute and chronic kidney disease to test for a correlation to renal function and other clinical parameters.

Methods
We performed ELISA based measurements of AZGP1 serum levels in 21 patients suffering from grade 3 AKI and in 20 chronic hemodialysis patients. In AKI patients, AZGP1 was first measured before initiation of acute renal replacement therapy and a second measurement was done during renal functional recovery. Sera of healthy blood donors served as controls. The association of AZGP1 with acute and chronic renal dysfunction was analysed, as well as the correlation with clinical parameters, body composition and biochemical variables.

Results
Levels of circulating AZGP1 were significantly elevated in AKI patients. High initial levels of AZGP1 correlated with extra-renal complications but not with parameters of renal function. At follow-up, AZGP1 levels were still increased but now correlated significantly with creatinine, eGFR and urea. Circulating AZGP1 in chronic hemodialysis patients was higher than in AKI patients. An association to parameters of lipid metabolism was not found.

Conclusions
This study illustrates that circulating AZGP1 is not only elevated in chronic hemodialysis patients but also sharply increases during the early phase of AKI. The unexpected association with extra-renal complications during AKI needs further exploration as it might point to unknown biological effects of AZGP1.
Variant extragradient-type method for monotone variational inequalities
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Postolache Mihai , Liou Yeong-Cheng 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Korpelevich’s extragradient method has been studied and extended extensively due to its applicability to the whole class of monotone variational inequalities. In the present paper, we propose a variant extragradient-type method for solving monotone variational inequalities. Convergence analysis of the method is presented under reasonable assumptions on the problem data.

MSC:47H05, 47J05, 47J25.
Fixed points and approximately heptic mappings in non-Archimedean normed spaces
Authors: Park Choonkil , Ghaemi Mohammad Bagher , Majani Hamid , Eshaghi Gordji Madjid , Najati Abbas 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Using the fixed point method, we investigate the stability of the system of additive, quadratic and quartic functional equations with constant coefficients in non-Archimedean normed spaces. Also, we give an example to show that some results in the stability of functional equations in (Archimedean) normed spaces are not valid in non-Archimedean normed spaces.

MSC:39B82, 46S10, 47H10.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T-cell responses to recombinant HBV core protein in patients with normal liver function and co-infected with chronic HBV and human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1)
Authors: Zhang Xin , Xing Hanqian , Feng Xia , Zhang Haiping , Wang Yi , Yan Huiping 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about HBV-specific T-cell responses in chronic Hepatitis B patients (HBV) that are co-infected with Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), especially those with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.MethodsTwenty-five patients with chronic HBV (11 hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg]-positive, 14 HBeAg-negative) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. A longitudinal study as also conducted in which follow-up was done at 3, 12, and 24 months, after acute HIV-1 infection, in 11 individuals who also had chronic HBV. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with recombinant HBV surface protein (S protein), core protein (C protein) or gag peptide. IFN-γ-secreting T cells were identified by ELISPOT assay.ResultsIn the cross-sectional study, co-infected chronic HBV patients had lower C protein-specific T-cell responses compared with mono-infected individuals, though the difference was not significant. In co-infected, chronic HBV patients, the magnitude of C protein-specific T-cell responses was significantly greater in HBeAg-positive subjects compared to HBeAg-negative subjects (p = 0.011). C protein-specific T-cell responses were positively correlated with HBV viral load (rs= 0.40, p = 0.046). However, gag-specific T-cell responses were negatively correlated with HIV viral load (rs = −0.44, p = 0.026) and positively correlated with CD4+count (rs= 0.46, p = 0.021). The results were different in mono-infected individuals. PBMCs from co-infected HBeAg-positive patients secreted more specific-IFN-γ in cultured supernatants compared with PBMCs from co-infected HBeAg-negative patients (p = 0.019). In the longitudinal study, S protein- and C protein-specific T-cell responses were decreased as the length of follow-up increased (p = 0.034, for S protein; p = 0.105, for C protein). Additionally, the S protein- and C protein-specific T-cell responses were significantly higher in HBeAg-positive patients than in HBeAg-negative patients at 3 and 12 months after HIV-1 infection (all p < 0.05), but not at 24 months. A positive correlation (trend) was found between C protein-specific T-cell responses and HBV viral load at 3 and 12 months after HIV-1 infection.ConclusionsHBV-specific T-cell responses to recombinant HBV core protein were reduced in chronic HBV patients co-infected with HIV-1. The reduced C protein-specific T cell responses were positively correlated with HBV viral load in co-infected, chronic HBV patients.
An unusual case of a mature teratoma on the left perineal region of a young cat: surgical treatment and pathological description
Authors: Ober Ciprian Andrei , Taulescu Marian , Oana Liviu , Bel Lucia , Cătoi Cornel , Fărcas Laura , Pestean Cosmin 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
A 10-month-old intact male cat with a clinical history of a large mass in the left perineal region was submitted to the surgery department. The mass had reportedly been present as a small swelling after birth. Cytological evaluation using a fine-needle aspirate showed eosinophilic keratinaceous debris, and was not convincing for the definitive diagnosis. Complete surgical excision was performed. Postoperative function and aesthetics were excellent. Based on gross and histological features the definitive diagnosis of the tumor was mature teratoma with ectodermal and endodermal components. After a follow-up period of 4 months, no signs of recurrence were evident. Surgical excision of the teratoma in our case was considered curative. A perineal location has not been previously reported in the cat and should be considered a rare condition in this species.
The chemotaxonomic classification of Rhodiola plants and its correlation with morphological characteristics and genetic taxonomy
Authors: Liu Zhenli , Liu Yuanyan , Liu Chunsheng , Song Zhiqian , Li Qing , Zha Qinglin , Lu Cheng , Wang Chun , Ning Zhangchi , Zhang Yuxin , Tian Cheng , Lu Aiping 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background

Rhodiola plants are used as a natural remedy in the western world and as a traditional herbal medicine in China, and are valued for their ability to enhance human resistance to stress or fatigue and to promote longevity. Due to the morphological similarities among different species, the identification of the genus remains somewhat controversial, which may affect their safety and effectiveness in clinical use.

Results
In this paper, 47 Rhodiola samples of seven species were collected from thirteen local provinces of China. They were identified by their morphological characteristics and genetic and phytochemical taxonomies. Eight bioactive chemotaxonomic markers from four chemical classes (phenylpropanoids, phenylethanol derivatives, flavonoids and phenolic acids) were determined to evaluate and distinguish the chemotaxonomy of Rhodiola samples using an HPLC-DAD/UV method. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to compare the two classification methods between genetic and phytochemical taxonomy.

Conclusions
The established chemotaxonomic classification could be effectively used for Rhodiola species identification.