bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Sensitivity of WRF Daily Summertime Simulations over West Africa to Alternative Parameterizations. Part I: African Wave Circulation
Authors: Noble Erik , Druyan Leonard M. , Fulakeza Matthew 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe performance of the NCAR Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) as a West African regional-atmospheric model is evaluated. The study tests the sensitivity of WRF-simulated vorticity maxima associated with African easterly waves to 64 combinations of alternative parameterizations in a series of simulations in September. In all, 104 simulations of 12-day duration during 11 consecutive years are examined. The 64 combinations combine WRF parameterizations of cumulus convection, radiation transfer, surface hydrology, and PBL physics. Simulated daily and mean circulation results are validated against NASA’s Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) and NCEP/Department of Energy Global Reanalysis 2. Precipitation is considered in a second part of this two-part paper. A wide range of 700-hPa vorticity validation scores demonstrates the influence of alternative parameterizations. The best WRF performers achieve correlations against reanalysis of 0.40–0.60 and realistic amplitudes of spatiotemporal variability for the 2006 focus year while a parallel-benchmark simulation by the NASA Regional Model-3 (RM3) achieves higher correlations, but less realistic spatiotemporal variability. The largest favorable impact on WRF-vorticity validation is achieved by selecting the Grell–Devenyi cumulus convection scheme, resulting in higher correlations against reanalysis than simulations using the Kain–Fritch convection. Other parameterizations have less-obvious impact, although WRF configurations incorporating one surface model and PBL scheme consistently performed poorly. A comparison of reanalysis circulation against two NASA radiosonde stations confirms that both reanalyses represent observations well enough to validate the WRF results. Validation statistics for optimized WRF configurations simulating the parallel period during 10 additional years are less favorable than for 2006.
Case: Case report (A) (A child by her mother and litigation friend) v Guy's & St Thomas hospital NHS foundation trust
Authors: Jones Antonia 
Published: December 2013

Clinical negligence: Delayed delivery at birth causing chronic partial hypoxia probably due to cord compression during labour and the failure to deliver before the Claimant sustained injury. Settlement for approximately £9.2 m over the Claimant's lifetime. Liability: Clinical Negligence: Delayed delivery at birth causing chronic partial hypoxia probably due to cord compression during labour and the failure to deliver before the Claimant sustained injury. Quantum: Cerebral palsy. Settlement: 4 September 2012.
Epidemiology and awareness of hypertension in a rural Ugandan community: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kotwani Prashant , Kwarisiima Dalsone , Clark Tamara D , Kabami Jane , Geng Elvin H , Jain Vivek , Chamie Gabriel , Petersen Maya L , Thirumurthy Harsha , Kamya Moses R , Charlebois Edwin D , Havlir Diane V ,   the SEARCH Collaboration
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Hypertension is one of the largest causes of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are few population-based studies on hypertension epidemiology to guide public health strategies in sub-Saharan Africa. Using a community-based strategy that integrated screening for HIV and non-communicable diseases, we determined the prevalence, awareness, treatment rates, and sociodemographic factors associated with hypertension in rural Uganda.

Methods
A household census was performed to enumerate the population in Kakyerere parish in Mbarara district, Uganda. A multi-disease community-based screening campaign for hypertension, diabetes, and HIV was then conducted. During the campaign, all adults received a blood pressure (BP) measurement and completed a survey examining sociodemographic factors. Hypertension was defined as elevated BP (≥140/≥90 mmHg) on the lowest of three BP measurements or current use of antihypertensives. Prevalence was calculated and standardized to age distribution. Sociodemographic factors associated with hypertension were evaluated using a log-link Poisson regression model with robust standard errors.

Results
Community participation in the screening campaign was 65%, including 1245 women and 1007 men. The prevalence of hypertension was 14.6%; awareness of diagnosis (38.1%) and current receipt of treatment (20.6%) were both low. Age-standardized to the WHO world standard population, hypertension prevalence was 19.8%, which is comparable to 21.6% in the US and 18.4% in the UK. Sociodemographic factors associated with hypertension included increasing age, male gender, overweight, obesity, diabetes, alcohol consumption, and family history. Prevalence of modifiable factors was high: 28.3% women were overweight/obese and 24.1% men consumed ≥10 alcoholic drinks per month.

Conclusions
We found a substantial burden of hypertension in rural Uganda. Awareness and treatment of hypertension is low in this region. Enhanced community-based education and prevention efforts tailored to addressing modifiable factors are needed.
Clinical Verification of A Clinical Decision Support System for Ventilator Weaning
Authors: Hsu Jiin-Chyr , Chen Yung-Fu , Chung Wei-Sheng , Tan Tan-Hsu , Chen Tainsong , Chiang John Y 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Background
Weaning is typically regarded as a process of discontinuing mechanical ventilation in the daily practice of an intensive care unit (ICU). Among the ICU patients, 39%-40% need mechanical ventilator for sustaining their lives. The predictive rate of successful weaning achieved only 35-60% for decisions made by physicians. Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) are promising in enhancing diagnostic performance and improve healthcare quality in clinical setting. To our knowledge, a prospective study has never been conducted to verify the effectiveness of the CDSS in ventilator weaning before. In this study, the CDSS capable of predicting weaning outcome and reducing duration of ventilator support for patients has been verified.

Methods
A total of 380 patients admitted to the respiratory care center of the hospital were randomly assigned to either control or study group. In the control group, patients were weaned with traditional weaning method, while in the study group, patients were weaned with CDSS monitored by physicians. After excluding the patients who transferred to other hospitals, refused further treatments, or expired the admission period, data of 168 and 144 patients in the study and control groups, respectively, were used for analysis.

Results
The results show that a sensitivity of 87.7% has been achieved, which is significantly higher (p<0.01) than the weaning determined by physicians (sensitivity: 61.4%). Furthermore, the days using mechanical ventilator for the study group (38.41 ± 3.35) is significantly (p<0.001) shorter than the control group (43.69 ± 14.89), with a decrease of 5.2 days in average, resulting in a saving of healthcare cost of NT$45,000 (US$1,500) per patient in the current Taiwanese National Health Insurance setting.

Conclusions
The CDSS is demonstrated to be effective in identifying the earliest time of ventilator weaning for patients to resume and sustain spontaneous breathing, thereby avoiding unnecessary prolonged ventilator use and decreasing healthcare cost.
The silent sinus syndrome: protean manifestations of a rare upper respiratory disorder revisited
Authors: Guillen Denisse E , Pinargote Paulette M , Guarderas Juan C 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Silent Sinus Syndrome (SSS) is known to be a rare clinical condition, characterized by spontaneous and progressive enophthalmos and hypoglobus associated with atelectasis of the maxillary sinus and alteration of the orbital floor. Most of the patients with this syndrome present with ophthalmological complaints without any nasal sinus symptoms, and it typically has a painless course and slow development, ergo the term “silent.” Here we present a case report of a patient with occasional coughing spells as the presenting symptom of Silent Sinus Syndrome, which has not been previously described in the literature. The CT scan findings suggested chronic rhinosinusitis. The radiological findings were suggestive of maxillary sinus hypoplasia, with evidence of maxillary sinus atelectasis. Awareness of this syndrome is important for specialists who work with nasal sinus disease, since its management is different than chronic rhinosinusits.
A comparative study of lung toxicity in rats induced by three types of nanomaterials
Authors: Lin Zhiqing , Ma Li , X Zhu-ge , Zhang Huashan , Lin Bencheng 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The public is increasingly exposed to various engineered nanomaterials because of their mass production and wide application. Even when the biological effects of nanomaterials have been assessed, the underlying mechanisms of action in vivo are poorly understood. The present study was designed to seek a simple, effective, and oxidative stress-based biomarker system used for screening toxicity of nanomaterials. Nano-ferroso-ferric oxide (nano-Fe3O4), nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2), and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were dispersed in corn oil and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Rats were exposed to the three nanomaterials by intratracheal instillation once every 2 days for 5 weeks. We investigated their lung oxidative and inflammatory damage by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) detection and comparative proteomics by lung tissue. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) of proteins isolated from the lung tissue, followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, was performed. In the present study, we chose to detect lactate dehydrogenase, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde as the biomarker system for screening the oxidative stress of nanomaterials and IL-6 as the inflammatory biomarker in BALF. Proteomics analysis revealed 17 differentially expressed proteins compared with the control group: nine were upregulated and eight were downregulated. Our results indicated that exposure by intratracheal instillation to any of the three typical nanomaterials may cause lung damage through oxidative damage and/or an inflammatory reaction.
Alternative ways of representing Zapotec and Cuicatec folk classification of birds: a multidimensional model and its implications for culturally-informed conservation in Oaxaca, México
Authors: Alcántara-Salinas Graciela , Ellen Roy F , Valiñas-Coalla Leopoldo , Caballero Javier , Argueta-Villamar Arturo 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Background
We report on a comparative ethno-ornithological study of Zapotec and Cuicatec communities in Northern Oaxaca, Mexico that provided a challenge to some existing descriptions of folk classification. Our default model was the taxonomic system of ranks developed by Brent Berlin.

Methods
Fieldwork was conducted in the Zapotec village of San Miguel Tiltepec and in the Cuicatec village of San Juan Teponaxtla, using a combination of ethnographic interviews and pile-sorting tests. Post-fieldwork, Principal Component Analysis using NTSYSpc V. 2.11f was applied to obtain pattern variation for the answers from different participants.

Results and conclusion
Using language and pile-sorting data analysed through Principal Component Analysis, we show how both Zapotec and Cuicatec subjects place a particular emphasis on an intermediate level of classification. These categories group birds with non-birds using ecological and behavioral criteria, and violate a strict distinction between symbolic and mundane (or ‘natural’), and between ‘general-purpose’ and ‘single-purpose’ schemes. We suggest that shared classificatory knowledge embodying everyday schemes for apprehending the world of birds might be better reflected in a multidimensional model that would also provide a more realistic basis for developing culturally-informed conservation strategies.
High glutamate permeability and distal localization of Best1 channel in CA1 hippocampal astrocyte
Authors: Park Hyungju , Han Kyung-Seok , Oh Soo-Jin , Jo Seonmi , Woo Junsung , Yoon Bo-Eun , Lee C Justin 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Glutamate is the major neurotransmitter that mediates a principal form of excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain. From the presynaptic terminals of neurons, glutamate is released upon exocytosis of the glutamate-packaged vesicles. In recent years, astrocytes are also known to release glutamate via various routes to modulate synaptic transmission. In particular, we have characterized a glutamate-permeable Ca2+-activated anion channel encoded by Bestrophin 1 gene (Best1) that is responsible for Ca2+-dependent, channel-mediated glutamate release in astrocyte. Best1 channel contains a large pore that is readily permeable to large molecules such as glutamate and GABA. In those studies we obtained permeability ratio of glutamate to Cl- in heterologously expressed mouse Best1 in HEK293T cells and in endogenously expressed mouse Best1 in cultured astrocytes. However, up to now, glutamate permeability of the native Best1 channel in vivo has not been reported.

Findings
In whole-cell recordings of CA1 hippocampal astrocytes, we found that opening of Best1 channel upon activation of a Gq-coupled GPCR, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) generated the anion current carried by glutamate via Ca2+ increase. This Ca2+-evoked glutamate-mediated anion current was unaffected by pretreatment of the inhibitors for a gap junction hemi-channel or Ca2+-activated K+ conductance. This astrocytic anion conductance carried by glutamate was mediated by Best1 channel expression in CA1 hippocampal astrocytes, because Best1 knock-down by shRNA expression eliminated astrocytic glutamate conductance by PAR-1 activation. However, we found that these astrocytes showed a deviation in reversal potential of Best1-mediated current from the predicted value. By performing dual patch recording, we concluded that the deviation of reversal potential is due to incomplete space clamping arising from extremely leaky membrane (input resistance ranging 1–3 MΩ), very low length constant of astrocytic processes, and the localization of Best1 channel in distal microdomains near synapses. Based on the relative shift of reversal potentials by ion substitutions, we estimated the permeability ratio of glutamate and Cl- (Pglutamate/PCl) as 0.53.

Conclusions
Our study shows that Best1, located at the microdomains near the synaptic junctions, has a significantly high permeability to glutamate in vivo, serving as the prominent glutamate-releasing channel in astrocytes, mediating the release of various gliotransmitters in the brain, and playing an important role in modulating synaptic transmission.
Foraging guild structure and niche characteristics of waterbirds in an epicontinental lake in Mexico
Authors: Pérez-Crespo María José , Fonseca Juanita , Pineda-López Rubén , Palacios Eduardo , Lara Carlos 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundIt was suggested that ecological patterns can be used to infer the nature of ecological processes (i.e., competition) that structure communities. Analysis of patterns of resource partitioning under the classical niche paradigm (competitive niche differentiation in exploiting limited resources) has traditionally been used to understand the structure of communities. On the contrary, neutral theory states that patterns result from neutral processes such as stochasticity and dispersal abilities. Thus, if any ecological process gives rise to a characteristic ecological pattern, the comparative study of patterns with appropriate neutral models may reveal the magnitude of that process. In this study, we analyzed patterns of resource utilization of a waterbird community in Lake Acuitlapilco, an epicontinental lake in central Mexico. In February 2011 to January 2012, we recorded foraging behaviors of waterbird species in two niche dimensions or axes: feeding technique and foraging habitat. The pattern of resource utilization was characterized by niche breath and niche overlap.ResultsResults showed that waterbird species in Lake Acuitlapilco were specialists in resource utilization patterns and therefore were vulnerable to fluctuations in resources, particularly feeding habitat. Niche overlaps were generally largest among species belonging to the same guild. To test competition as an ecological process that plays a role in the community structure, observed niche overlaps were compared with niche overlaps generated with null models of communities in the absence of competition using the RA4 randomization algorithm. Habitat and observed bidimensional overlaps were higher than those of randomly generated communities.ConclusionsOur study suggested that other processes can be used to predict resource utilization patterns instead of competition alone, as suggested by neutral theory. Future studies analyzing the mechanisms that structure waterbird communities should include the use of null models to support their conclusions.
The phylogenetic position of the enigmatic Atlantic forest-endemic spiny mouse Abrawayaomys (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae)
Authors: Ventura Karen , Silva Maria José J , Geise Lena , Leite Yuri LR , Pardiñas Ulyses FJ , Yonenaga-Yassuda Yatiyo , D'Elía Guillermo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe phylogenetic position of the sigmodontine genusAbrawayaomys, historically assigned to the tribe Thomasomyini or considered a sigmodontine incertae sedis, was assessed on the basis of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences obtained from four individuals from different localities in the Atlantic forest of Brazil. Sequences ofAbrawayaomyswere analyzed in the context of broad taxonomic matrices by means of maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian analyses (BA).ResultsThe phylogenetic position ofAbrawayaomysdiffered depending on the gene analyzed and the analysis performed (interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) ML: sister to Thomasomyini; IRBP BA: sister to Akodontini; cytochrome (Cyt)bML: sister toNeotomys; and CytbBA: sister to Reithrodontini). With the sole exception of the BA based on Cytbsequences, where theAbrawayaomys-Reithrodonclade had strong support, all sister-group relationships involvingAbrawayaomyslacked any significant support.ConclusionsAs such,Abrawayaomysconstitutes the only representative so far known of one of the main lineages of the sigmodontine radiation, differing from all other Atlantic forest sigmodontine rodents by having a unique combination of morphological character states. Therefore, in formal classifications, it should be regarded as a Sigmodontinae incertae sedis.
ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΚΟΙΝΟΤΗΤΑΣ ΒΕΝΕΤΙΑΣ (18ΟΣ ΑΙΩΝΑΣ)
Authors: ΚΟΥΤΜΑΝΗΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΗΣ 
Published: December 2013

<p>During the eighteenth century the religious-ecclesiastical crisis of theGreek community of Venice, caused by the conversion of Meletios Typaldos,the Metropolitan of Philadelphia (1685-1713), to Roman Catholicism,resulted in the production of a large number of texts regarding the history ofthe Greek presence in Venice. These writings were composed in the Italian byVenetian officers, Catholic theologians and members of the Orthodoxconfraternity of San Nicolò dei Greci. In our study we use the term"chronicles" (memorie) in order to define those various compositions(informazioni, scritture, notizie, relazioni), which were directed primarily tothe Venetian authorities and whose main subject was the religious rights of theOrthodox Greeks and the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Latin Patriarch ofVenice over them. Yet the problem of religious freedom was treated by theauthors as a historical issue. The interpretation and analysis of the papal andVenetian decrees involved the historical approach and engendered textualstrategies of historical representation. Very often repetitious and rhetorical,the memorie nevertheless revealed the perception, both of the Greeks and theVenetians of the 18th century, of Greek community's past.</p><p>The present paper gives abstracts of fourteen chronicles of this kind and,since the majority of them are anonymous and undated, it attempts</p><p> </p>
PERSONNEL POLICY AND PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT AS FACTORS OF RUSSIA’S MODERNIZATION
Authors: Турчинов  , Turchinov Alyeksandr 
Published: December 2013

The article deals with current problems of management theory and
practice devoted to personnel policy, personnel management in the
context of the modernization of society, as well as risks, challenges and
threats to human resources of an organization and the state under the
conditions of a globalizing world.
Practical work in mathematics as methodical innovation
Authors: Смолеусова  , Smoleusova T. 
Published: December 2013

The paper grounds the currency of practical work
in mathematics at the modern lesson as methodical
innovation in education. Resource support of the organization
and holding of practical work is described. The author
considers different forms and types of practical work for
each section of approximate curriculum in mathematics
and gives the examples of tasks.
Effect of Initial Planting Density and Tree Features on Growth, Wood Density, and Anatomical Properties from a Hevea brasiliensis Trial Plantation
Authors: Naji Hamid Reza , Bakar Edi Suhaimi , Soltani Mojtaba , Ebadi Seyed Eshagh , Abdul-Hamid Hazandy , Javad Samaneh Karbalaei Seyed , Sahri Mohd. Hamami 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The effect of initial planting density (500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 trees per ha) on tree growth, wood density, and wood anatomical properties was studied in a 9-year-old Heave brasiliensis plantation in Malaysia. Results showed that effects of initial planting density on tree radial growth, wood density, fiber length, fiber wall thickness, and ray density were more visible in trees planted at 500 trees per ha compared with the other planting densities. Bole length was significantly increased with higher planting densities. However, vessel density showed an infinite pattern with increasing planting density. For vessel and ray areas, no significant effect of initial planting density was detected. A negative relationship was observed between wood density, fiber length, and fiber wall thickness with planting density, bole length, and height-to-diameter ratio. The ray density was significantly and positively correlated with stand/tree features with the exception of a negative correlation with radial growth increment. The regression models with various degrees of goodness of fit indicated that wood density followed by fiber wall thickness was successfully quantified due to selected stand/tree features. According to the results of this study, it is recommended that a low planting density of 500 trees per ha is ideal for rubberwood plantation development.