bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting Summer Rainfall over the Yangtze–Huai Region Based on Time-Scale Decomposition Statistical Downscaling
Authors: Liu Na , Li Shuanglin 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
A statistical downscaling scheme based on time-scale decomposition is adapted for summer rainfall prediction over the Yangtze–Huai River region of east China. The predictors are selected from atmospheric circulation variables outputted from the dynamic system models attending the Development of a European Multimodel Ensemble System for Seasonal to Interannual Prediction program (DEMETER) or observational datasets. Both the predictand and the predictors are decomposed into interannual and decadal components. Two distinct statistical downscaling models are built for the separated time scales and the predicted results are combined to represent the total prediction. The efficiency of this approach was assessed through comparisons with the models’ raw hindcasts as well as that from one parallel statistical downscaling scheme without time-scale decomposition. The results display that the time-scale decomposition scheme leads to significant improvements in the spatial and temporal correlation coefficients (CCs) and the root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) as well. The multiyear averaged spatial CCs reach up to 0.49 for all the individual models and their multimodel ensemble (MME), and the temporal CCs at each station are significantly higher with the coefficients from 0.46 to 0.7. Furthermore, two cases, the years 1998 and 1999, are selected for comparison. The former is a relatively easy predictable case and nearly all models predicted successfully, whereas the latter is a difficult case and nearly all models failed. The results suggest significant improvements for both cases. Thus, the present statistical downscaling scheme with time-scale decomposition may be appropriate for operational predictions.
Establishing trimester-specific maternal thyroid function reference intervals
Authors: Khalid Azy S , Marchocki Zbigniew , Hayes Kevin , Lutomski Jennifer E , Joyce Caroline , Stapleton Mary , O’Mullane John , O’Donoghue Keelin 
Published: September 2013

Background Thyroid disorders are common in women of childbearing age and are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Physiological changes in pregnancy and the lack of pregnancy-specific reference ranges make managing thyroid disorders in pregnancy challenging. Our aim was to establish trimester-specific thyroid function reference intervals throughout pregnancy, and to examine the prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity in otherwise euthyroid women. Method This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of thyroid function tests (TFTs) in pregnant women attending a large, tertiary referral maternity hospital. Patients with known thyroid disorders, autoimmune disease, recurrent miscarriage, hyperemesis gravidarum and pre-eclampsia were excluded. TFTs were analysed in the CUH biochemistry laboratory using Roche Modular E170 electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. Trimester-specific reference ranges (2.5th, 50th and 97.5th centiles) were calculated. Results Three-hundred-and-fifty-one women were included into the analysis. Median maternal age was 30. Thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations showed slightly increasing median centile throughout gestation. Free thyroxine (T4) and T3 decreased throughout gestation. Table 1 demonstrates the calculated percentiles according to gestational weeks. Conclusion We established pregnancy-specific thyroid function reference intervals for our pregnant population, for use in clinical practice.
Optimizing Insulin Pump Therapy
Authors: Meade Lisa T. , Rushton Wanda E. 
Published: September 2013

Purpose The purpose of the study was to assess insulin pump use and provide ongoing education. Methods A quality improvement project using a pump assessment questionnaire was implemented at an endocrinology office in the southeastern United States. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate all aspects of insulin pump therapy, including pump operations, infusion set failure, management of acute complications, and usage of advanced device features. Eighty-nine patients (80% with type 1 diabetes and 20% with type 2 diabetes) completed the questionnaire at the endocrinology practice. A certified diabetes educator reviewed the questions with each patient, identifying deficiencies and training opportunities. Results The most common areas of deficiency identified after implementation of the assessment form included the following: expired or no basal insulin prescription in the event of pump failure or removal, no mupirocin (Bactroban®, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina) prescription for suspected site infections, lack of insulin syringe if pump stopped working, failure to check urine ketones, no antiemetic prescription for sick day intervention, using manual bolus instead of bolus calculator, and lack of in-date glucagon kit. Conclusions Use of a pump assessment questionnaire allows for focused discussion concerning patient behaviors related to pump operations, troubleshooting, and self-management. Incorporating use of a pump assessment questionnaire into routine practice may result in improved patient education and avoidance of adverse events specific to insulin pump therapy.
Analysis of Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System Data to Assess the Health of Hispanics With Diabetes in US-Mexico Border Communities
Authors: McEwen Marylyn Morris , Lin Pei-Chao , Pasvogel Alice 
Published: September 2013

Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe and compare personal characteristics, health care access and utilization, and self-management behaviors of Hispanic American adults diagnosed with diabetes who reside in 3 US-Mexico border counties in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. This study also examines the status of this population in attaining Healthy People (HP) 2020 diabetes target goals. Methods Data were extracted from the 2005-2009 Selected Metropolitan/Micropolitan Area Risk Trends (SMART): Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to analyze behavioral and health system factors associated with diabetes management among Hispanic American adults who reside in the border counties (N = 600). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and compared using chi-square and one-way analysis of variance. Results There were significant differences in health care access and utilization and in 1 self-management behavior (daily feet checks) across the counties. The majority of participants (83.4%) had a care provider, however the HP 2020 diabetes target goals for A1C monitoring or foot exams conducted by a care provider were not met. Participants in all counties met the target goal for dilated eye exams. Conclusions Improvement of diabetes management among this population should focus on border health system barriers to attaining HP 2020 diabetes target goals.
Management of spinal tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xifeng , Ji Jianfei , Liu Bo 
Published: September 2013

Objective A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying the clinical benefit of chemotherapy with surgical intervention over chemotherapy alone for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis. Methods Relevant RCTs were identified by computerized database searches. Trial eligibility and methodological quality were assessed and data were extracted and analysed using odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The primary outcome measure was kyphosis angle. Results The literature search identified two RCTs conducted in the 1970s and 1980s and a Cochrane Database Systematic Review published in 2006. There were no significant between-group differences in kyphosis angle, bony fusion, bone loss or development of neurological deficit. Conclusions There is no obvious statistically significant clinical precedence to suggest that routine surgery will improve the prognosis of patients with spinal tuberculosis.
FANCA and FANCC modulate TLR and p38 MAPK–dependent expression of IL-1β in macrophages
Authors: Garbati Michael R. , Hays Laura E. , Keeble Winifred , Yates Jane E. , Rathbun R. Keaney , Bagby Grover C. 
Published: September 2013

Key PointsTLR-activated FANCA- and FANCC-deficient macrophages overproduce IL-1β. IL-1β suppresses in vitro expansion of Fancc-deficient multipotent hematopoietic progenitor cells.
Crenolanib is active against models of drug-resistant FLT3-ITD−positive acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zimmerman Eric I. , Turner David C. , Buaboonnam Jassada , Hu Shuiying , Orwick Shelley , Roberts Michael S. , Janke Laura J. , Ramachandran Abhijit , Stewart Clinton F. , Inaba Hiroto , Baker Sharyn D. 
Published: September 2013

Key Points
The tyrosine kinase inhibitor crenolanib has type 1 inhibitor properties and has potent activity against FLT3-activating mutations. Crenolanib is active in vitro and in vivo against FLT3 inhibitor-resistant FLT3-ITD/D835 mutations.
Elevated depressive symptoms in metabolic syndrome in a general population of Japanese men: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sekita Atsuko , Arima Hisatomi , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Ohara Tomoyuki , Doi Yasufumi , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Fukuhara Masayo , Hata Jun , Yonemoto Koji , Ga Yukiko , Kitazono Takanari , Kanba Shigenobu , Kiyohara Yutaka 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundUncertainty still surrounds the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and depression. We aimed to evaluate the association between MetS and elevated depressive symptoms in a general Japanese population.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional survey of 3,113 community-dwelling individuals aged 40 years or over. MetS was defined according to the joint interim statement. MetS was diagnosed when a subject had three or more of the following components: 1) central obesity (waist circumference ≥90 cm for men, ≥80 cm in for women); 2) elevated blood pressure (≥130/85 mmHg or current use of antihypertensive medication); 3) hypertriglyceridemia (≥1.7 mmol/L); 4) low HDL cholesterol (< 1.0 mmol/L for men, < 1.3 mmol/L for women); and 5) elevated fasting plasma glucose (≥5.55 mmol/L or current use of antidiabetic medication). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The age- and multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using a logistic regression model.ResultsElevated depressive symptoms were observed in 4.3% of male and 6.3% of female participants. In men, the age-adjusted prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms was significantly higher in subjects with MetS than in those without (7.1% versus 3.6%, p = 0.04). The prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms rose progressively as the number of MetS components increased (3.5%, 3.6%, 5.8%, and 9.2% in male subjects with 0–1, 2, 3, and ≥4 components, respectively; p = 0.02 for trend). This association remained significant even after adjustment for age, marital status, history of cardiovascular disease, smoking habit, alcohol intake, and regular exercise. In women, on the other hand, there was no clear association between MetS and depressive symptoms.ConclusionsMetS was associated with elevated depressive symptoms in a general population of Japanese men.
Rapid targeted gene disruption in Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Saldanha Roland J , Pemberton Adin , Shiflett Patrick , Perutka Jiri , Whitt Jacob T , Ellington Andrew , Lambowitz Alan M , Kramer Ryan , Taylor Deborah , Lamkin Thomas J 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease recognized to affect herbivores since Biblical times and has the widest range of susceptible host species of any known pathogen. The ease with which the bacterium can be weaponized and its recent deliberate use as an agent of terror, have highlighted the importance of gaining a deeper understanding and effective countermeasures for this important pathogen. High quality sequence data has opened the possibility of systematic dissection of how genes distributed on both the bacterial chromosome and associated plasmids have made it such a successful pathogen. However, low transformation efficiency and relatively few genetic tools for chromosomal manipulation have hampered full interrogation of its genome.

Results
Group II introns have been developed into an efficient tool for site-specific gene inactivation in several organisms. We have adapted group II intron targeting technology for application in Bacillus anthracis and generated vectors that permit gene inactivation through group II intron insertion. The vectors developed permit screening for the desired insertion through PCR or direct selection of intron insertions using a selection scheme that activates a kanamycin resistance marker upon successful intron insertion.

Conclusions
The design and vector construction described here provides a useful tool for high throughput experimental interrogation of the Bacillus anthracis genome and will benefit efforts to develop improved vaccines and therapeutics.
Leukocyte infiltration in experimental stroke
Authors: Grønberg Nina Vindegaard , Johansen Flemming Fryd , Kristiansen Uffe , Hasseldam Henrik 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. At present, the only available treatment is thrombolysis, which should be initiated no later than 4.5 hours after onset of symptoms. Several studies have shown that an attenuation of the inflammatory response in relation to stroke could widen the therapeutic window. However, the immune system has important functions following infarction, such as removal of dead cells and the subsequent astrocytosis as well as prevention of post-ischemic infection. Hence, detailed knowledge concerning the temporal profile of leukocyte infiltration is necessary in order to develop new and effective treatments.
The purpose of this review is to determine the temporal profile of leukocyte (neutrophil granulocytes, macrophages and T-cells) infiltration following experimental stroke. We found that the number of neutrophil granulocytes peaks between day 1 and 3 after experimental stroke, with short occlusion times (30 and 60 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)) leading to a later peak in response (P <0.001). Macrophages/microglia were found to peak later than day 3 and stay in the infarcted area for longer time periods, whereas duration of occlusion had no influence on the temporal infiltration (P = 0.475). Studies on T-cell infiltration are few; however, a tendency towards infiltration peak at later time points (from day 4 onwards) was seen.
This review provides a framework for the instigation of post-stroke anti-inflammatory treatment, which could prove beneficial and widen the therapeutic window compared to current treatment options.
Niemann-Pick type C1 patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells display disease specific hallmarks
Authors: Trilck Michaela , Hübner Rayk , Seibler Philip , Klein Christine , Rolfs Arndt , Frech Moritz J 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Niemann-Pick type C1 disease (NPC1) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the NPC1 gene. In this lysosomal storage disorder the intracellular transport and sequestration of several lipids like cholesterol is severely impaired, resulting in an accumulation of lipids in late endosomes and lysosomes. The neurological manifestation of the disease is caused by dysfunction and cell death in the central nervous system. Several animal models were used to analyze the impaired pathways. However, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are still not completely understood and the genetic variability in humans cannot be reflected in these models. Therefore, a human model using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells provides a promising approach.

Methods
We reprogrammed human fibroblasts from a NPC1 patient and a healthy control by retroviral transduction with Oct4, Klf4, Sox2 and c-Myc. The obtained human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) were characterized by immunocytochemical analyses. Neural progenitor cells were generated and patch clamp recordings were performed for a functional analysis of derived neuronal cells. Filipin stainings and the Amplex Red assay were used to demonstrate and quantify cholesterol accumulation.

Results
The hiPSCs expressed different stem cell markers, e.g. Nanog, Tra-1-81 and SSEA4. Using the embryoid body assay, the cells were differentiated in cells of all three germ layers and induced teratoma in immunodeficient mice, demonstrating their pluripotency. In addition, neural progenitor cells were derived and differentiated into functional neuronal cells. Patch clamp recordings revealed voltage dependent channels, spontaneous action potentials and postsynaptic currents. The accumulation of cholesterol in different tissues is the main hallmark of NPC1. In this study we found an accumulation of cholesterol in fibroblasts of a NPC1 patient, derived hiPSCs, and neural progenitor cells, but not in cells derived from fibroblasts of a healthy individual. These findings were quantified by the Amplex Red assay, demonstrating a significantly elevated cholesterol level in cells derived from fibroblasts of a NPC1 patient.

Conclusions
We generated a neuronal model based on induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patient fibroblasts, providing a human in vitro model to study the pathogenic mechanisms of NPC1 disease.
Molecular evidence for historical presence of knock-down resistance in Anopheles albimanus, a key malaria vector in Latin America
Authors: Lol Juan C , Castellanos María E , Liebman Kelly A , Lenhart Audrey , Pennington Pamela M , Padilla Norma R 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background

Anopheles albimanus is a key malaria vector in the northern neotropics. Current vector control measures in the region are based on mass distributions of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and focal indoor residual spraying (IRS) with pyrethroids. Resistance to pyrethroid insecticides can be mediated by increased esterase and/or multi-function oxidase activity and/or mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene. The aim of this work was to characterize the homologous kdr region of the voltage-gated sodium channel gene in An. albimanus and to conduct a preliminary retrospective analysis of field samples collected in the 1990’s, coinciding with a time of intense pyrethroid application related to agricultural and public health insect control in the region.

Methods
Degenerate primers were designed to amplify the homologous kdr region in a pyrethroid-susceptible laboratory strain (Sanarate) of An. albimanus. Subsequently, a more specific primer pair was used to amplify and sequence the region that contains the 1014 codon associated with pyrethroid resistance in other Anopheles spp. (L1014F, L1014S or L1014C).

Results
Direct sequencing of the PCR products confirmed the presence of the susceptible kdr allele in the Sanarate strain (L1014) and the presence of homozygous-resistant kdr alleles in field-collected individuals from Mexico (L1014F), Nicaragua (L1014C) and Costa Rica (L1014C).

Conclusions
For the first time, the kdr region in An. albimanus is described. Furthermore, molecular evidence suggests the presence of kdr-type resistance in field-collected An. albimanus in Mesoamerica in the 1990s. Further research is needed to conclusively determine an association between the genotypes and resistant phenotypes, and to what extent they may compromise current vector control efforts.
Common variation contributes to the genetic architecture of social communication traits
Authors: St Pourcain Beate , Whitehouse AndrewJ O , Ang Wei Q , Warrington Nicole M , Glessner Joseph T , Wang Kai , Timpson Nicholas J , Evans David M , Kemp John P , Ring Susan M , McArdle Wendy L , Golding Jean , Hakonarson Hakon , Pennell Craig E , Smith George Davey 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Social communication difficulties represent an autistic trait that is highly heritable and persistent during the course of development. However, little is known about the underlying genetic architecture of this phenotype.

Methods
We performed a genome-wide association study on parent-reported social communication problems using items of the children’s communication checklist (age 10 to 11 years) studying single and/or joint marker effects. Analyses were conducted in a large UK population-based birth cohort (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and their Children, ALSPAC, N = 5,584) and followed-up within a sample of children with comparable measures from Western Australia (RAINE, N = 1364).

Results
Two of our seven independent top signals (P- discovery <1.0E-05) were replicated (0.009 < P- replication ≤0.02) within RAINE and suggested evidence for association at 6p22.1 (rs9257616, meta-P = 2.5E-07) and 14q22.1 (rs2352908, meta-P = 1.1E-06). The signal at 6p22.1 was identified within the olfactory receptor gene cluster within the broader major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region. The strongest candidate locus within this genomic area was TRIM27. This gene encodes an ubiquitin E3 ligase, which is an interaction partner of methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD) proteins, such as MBD3 and MBD4, and rare protein-coding mutations within MBD3 and MBD4 have been linked to autism. The signal at 14q22.1 was found within a gene-poor region.
Single-variant findings were complemented by estimations of the narrow-sense heritability in ALSPAC suggesting that approximately a fifth of the phenotypic variance in social communication traits is accounted for by joint additive effects of genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms throughout the genome (h2(SE) = 0.18(0.066), P = 0.0027).

Conclusion
Overall, our study provides both joint and single-SNP-based evidence for the contribution of common polymorphisms to variation in social communication phenotypes.
Novel Environmentally Friendly Inorganic Blue Pigments Based on Calcium Scandium Silicate Garnet
Authors: Wendusu  , Honda Taihei , Masui Toshiyuki , Imanaka Nobuhito 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Novel environmentally friendly inorganic blue pigments based on garnet-type (Ca1−xEux)3Sc2Si3O12+δ, were successfully synthesized, and their color properties were characterized. Among these samples, (Ca0.94Eu0.06)3Sc2Si3O12+δ pigment calcined at 1648 K for 6 h showed the most brilliant blue color. The −b* value corresponding to blue chromaticity of the pigment was −33.8, which exceeded that of a commercially available iron(III) hexacyanoferrate(II) pigment (Prussian blue, b* = −15.6). Since the present (Ca0.94Eu0.06)3Sc2Si3O12+δ pigment is composed of only nontoxic and safe elements (Ca, Eu, Sc, Si, and O), it could be an effective alternative to the conventional blue materials.
Filmmaking as a Way of life: Tsuchimoto, Ogawa, and Revolutions in Documentary Cinema
Authors: Bingham Adam 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The post-war period in Japanese cinema must surely rank alongside the most important eras in the history of documentary filmmaking. In spite, or perhaps because, of the demise of the country's commercial film industry, which continued almost unabated throughout the 1960s and 1970s, these years saw the emergence of several figures who would revolutionize the documentary form. In particular, they would significantly change the parameters of what is traditionally thought of as a documentary film, and irrevocably alter and transform perceptions of the roles and responsibilities of the documentary filmmaker. Of these directors, the elder statesmen and key names are Tsuchimoto Noriaki and Ogawa Shinsuke. These filmmakers are held in the highest esteem in Japan and Asia for their groundbreaking work in the 1970s, but for various reasons have not quite achieved comparable visibility or acclaim in the West.