bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Full-scale 3D modelling of a nuclear waste repository in the Callovo-Oxfordian clay. Part 2: thermo-hydraulic two-phase transport of water, hydrogen,
14
C and
129
I
Authors: Enssle C. P. , Brommundt J. , Kaempfer Th. U. , Mayer G. , Wendling J. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

The development of deep geological repositories for nuclear waste requires a sound system understanding, to which performance analyses by means of numerical flow and transport simulations form an important contribution. In this context, we present modelling studies of the thermo-hydraulic two-phase transport of water and hydrogen in the planned French repository in part 1. This paper, part 2, uses the same modelling concept extended to include radionuclide transport. The numerical TOUGH2-MP-model encompasses the host rock from cap to bed rock including the repository in full 3D. We performed a series of single-phase and two-phase transport simulations of volatile radionuclides (
14
C) and highly soluble ones (
129
I). The sensitivity analyses concerned different conditions and scenarios, for example, early canister failure, varied hydrogen generation regimes and transport parameters. The results allow determination of the dominant radionuclide transport paths and transfer processes. They demonstrate that hydrogen generation inside the repository has a large impact on the transfer of
14
C, favouring its advective transfer in the gas phase along the backfilled tunnels, whereas it has only minor influence on the transfer of
129
I which is mainly transported by diffusion in the formation water of the host rock. The study demonstrates the feasibility of full-scale radionuclide transport simulations.
Molar Incisor Hypomineralization, Prevalence, and Etiology
Authors: Allazzam Sulaiman Mohammed , Alaki Sumer Madani , El Meligy Omar Abdel Sadek 
Published: May 2014

Aim. To evaluate the prevalence and possible etiological factors associated with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) among a group of children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Methods. A group of 8-12-year-old children were recruited(n=267) from the Pediatric Dental Clinics at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University. Children had at least one first permanent molar (FPM), erupted or partially erupted. Demographic information, children’s medical history, and pregnancy-related data were obtained. The crowns of the FPM and permanent incisors were examined for demarcated opacities, posteruptive breakdown (PEB), atypical restorations, and extracted FPMs. Children were considered to have MIH if one or more FPM with or without involvement of incisors met the diagnostic criteria.Results. MIH showed a prevalence of 8.6%. Demarcated opacities were the most common form. Maxillary central incisors were more affected than mandibular(P=0.01). The condition was more prevalent in children with history of illnesses during the first four years of life including tonsillitis(P=0.001), adenoiditis(P=0.001), asthma(P=0.001), fever(P=0.014),and antibiotics intake(P=0.001).Conclusions. The prevalence of MIH is significantly associated with childhood illnesses during the first four years of life including asthma, adenoid infections, tonsillitis, fever, and antibiotics intake.
A Phase I Dose-Finding Study of the Novel Toll-like Receptor 8 Agonist VTX-2337 in Adult Subjects with Advanced Solid Tumors or Lymphoma
Authors: Northfelt Donald W. , Ramanathan Ramesh K. , Cohen Peter A. , Von Hoff Daniel D. , Weiss Glen J. , Dietsch Gregory N. , Manjarrez Kristi L. , Randall Tressa D. , Hershberg Robert M. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Purpose: This phase I, open-label, uncontrolled, ascending-dose study explored the safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology of the TLR8 agonist VTX-2337 in subjects with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma.
Experimental Design: VTX-2337 doses (0.1–3.9 mg/m2) were administered subcutaneously on days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle. Safety/tolerability assessments included adverse events (AE); physical, ophthalmologic, and laboratory evaluations; and electrocardiograms. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) were evaluated during the first cycle. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated after the first dose. Plasma samples were quantitatively assessed for chemokines, cytokines, and other inflammatory mediators. Antitumor activity was assessed.
Results: Thirty-three subjects were enrolled in 8 cohorts and received an average of 2 treatment cycles (range, 1–8 cycles). Most AEs were grades 1 to 2; the most common drug-related AEs were injection site reactions, chills, pyrexia, and influenza-like illness. One DLT was reported: grade 3 hypotension (3.9 mg/m2). The MTD was considered the highest dose administered. Peak drug plasma levels and total systemic exposure were generally dose proportional. At doses ≥0.4 mg/m2, increases above baseline levels were observed for plasma levels of G-CSF, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, and TNFα. Eight subjects (24.2%) had a best response of stable disease (median duration, 54.5 days).
Conclusions: VTX-2337 is clinically well tolerated and biologically active with a predictable pharmacokinetic profile. Suitable doses for testing in combination studies were identified. Phase II placebo-controlled studies of VTX-2337 in combination with doxorubicin in ovarian cancer, and in combination with platinum chemotherapy, 5 FU, and cetuximab in head and neck cancer have been initiated (NCT #01666444 and NCT#01836029). Clin Cancer Res; 20(14); 3683–91. ©2014 AACR.
Activation of Liver X Receptors Inhibits Hedgehog Signaling, Clonogenic Growth, and Self-Renewal in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Agarwal Jasmin R. , Wang Qiuju , Tanno Toshihiko , Rasheed Zeshaan , Merchant Akil , Ghosh Nilanjan , Borrello Ivan , Huff Carol Ann , Parhami Farhad , Matsui William 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is aberrantly activated in a wide variety of human cancers, and recent clinical studies have demonstrated that pathway inhibitors are effective in advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The majority of these agents have been designed to target SMOOTHENED (SMO), a transmembrane regulator of Hh signaling, but subsequent mutations in SMO have been found to generate drug resistance. In other cancers, oncogenic events that bypass SMO may activate canonical Hh signaling, and SMO antagonists have not demonstrated significant activity in several diseases. Therefore, alternative strategies targeting the Hh pathway downstream of SMO may have clinical utility. Liver X receptors (LXR) regulate cholesterol and fatty acid homeostasis, and LXR activation can inhibit the Hh pathway in normal mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We examined the effects of LXR activation on Hh signaling in human multiple myeloma cells and found that LXR agonists inhibited Hh pathway activity and clonogenic tumor growth in vitro. LXR activation also inhibited putative multiple myeloma cancer stem cells in vivo leading to the loss of tumor initiating and self-renewal potential. Finally, Hh signaling was inhibited downstream of SMO, suggesting that LXR agonists may represent a novel strategy to target pathogenic Hh signaling as well as treat multiple myeloma. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(7); 1873–81. ©2014 AACR.
The Acetylenic Tricyclic Bis(cyano enone), TBE-31 Inhibits Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Migration through Direct Binding with Actin
Authors: Chan Eddie , Saito Akira , Honda Tadashi , Di Guglielmo Gianni M. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The migratory and invasive potential of the epithelial-derived tumor cells depends on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as the reorganization of the cell cytoskeleton. Here, we show that the tricyclic compound acetylenic tricyclic bis(cyano enone), TBE-31, directly binds to actin and inhibits linear and branched actin polymerization in vitro. Furthermore, we observed that TBE-31 inhibits stress fiber formation in fibroblasts as well as in non–small cell lung cancer cells during TGFβ-dependent EMT. Interestingly, TBE-31 does not interfere with TGFβ-dependent signaling or changes in E-cadherin and N-cadherin protein levels during EMT. Finally, we observed that TBE-31 inhibits fibroblast and non–small cell lung tumor cell migration with an IC50 of 1.0 and 2.5 μmol/L, respectively. Taken together, our results suggest that TBE-31 targets linear actin polymerization to alter cell morphology and inhibit cell migration. Cancer Prev Res; 7(7); 727–37. ©2014 AACR.
Rainfall, Convection, and Latent Heating Distributions in Rapidly Intensifying Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Zagrodnik Joseph P. , Jiang Haiyan 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Tropical cyclone (TC) rainfall, convection, and latent heating distributions are compiled from 14 years of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation radar overpasses. The dataset of 818 Northern Hemisphere tropical storms through category 2 hurricanes is divided by future 24-h intensity change and exclusively includes storms with at least moderately favorable environmental conditions. The rapidly intensifying (RI) category is further subdivided into an initial [RI (initial)] and continuing [RI (continuing)] category based on whether the storm is near the beginning of an RI event or has already been undergoing RI for 12 or more hours prior to the TRMM overpass. TCs in each intensity change category are combined into composite diagrams orientated relative to the environmental vertical wind shear direction. Rainfall frequency, defined as the shear-relative occurrence of PR near-surface reflectivity &gt;20 dBZ, is most strongly correlated with future intensity change. The rainfall frequency is also higher in RI (continuing) TCs than RI (initial). Moderate-to-deep convection and latent heating only increase significantly after RI is underway for at least 12 h in the innermost 50 km relative to the TC center. The additional precipitation in rapidly intensifying TCs is composed primarily of a mixture of weak convective and stratiform rain, especially in the upshear quadrants. The rainfall frequency and latent heating distributions are more symmetric near the onset of RI and continue to become more symmetric as RI continues and the rainfall coverage expands upshear. The relationship between rainfall distributions and future TC intensity highlights the potential of 37-GHz satellite imagery to improve real-time intensity forecasting.
Large-Scale Runoff from Landmasses: A Global Assessment of the Closure of the Hydrological and Atmospheric Water Balances*
Authors: Lorenz Christof , Kunstmann Harald , Devaraju Balaji , Tourian Mohammad J. , Sneeuw Nico , Riegger Johannes 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The performance of hydrological and hydrometeorological water-balance-based methods to estimate monthly runoff is analyzed. Such an analysis also allows for the examination of the closure of water budgets at different spatial (continental and catchment) and temporal (monthly, seasonal, and annual) scales. For this analysis, different combinations of gridded observations [Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC), Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP), Climate Prediction Center (CPC), Climatic Research Unit (CRU), and University of Delaware (DEL)], atmospheric reanalysis models [Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim), Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA)], partially model-based datasets [Global Land Surface Evaporation: The Amsterdam Methodology (GLEAM), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Global Evapotranspiration Project (MOD16), and FLUXNET Multi-Tree Ensemble (FLUXNET MTE)], and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite-derived water storage changes are employed. The derived ensemble of hydrological and hydrometeorological budget–based runoff estimates, together with results from different land surface hydrological models [Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) and the land-only version of MERRA (MERRA-Land)] and a simple predictor based on the precipitation–runoff ratio, is compared with observed monthly in situ runoff for 96 catchments of different sizes and climatic conditions worldwide. Despite significant shortcomings of the budget-based methods over many catchments, the evaluation allows for the demarcation of areas with consistently reasonable runoff estimates. Good agreement was particularly observed when runoff followed a dominant annual cycle like the Amazon. This holds true also for catchments with an area far below the spatial resolution of GRACE, like the Rhine. Over catchments with low or nearly constant runoff, the budget-based approaches do not provide realistic runoff estimates because of significant biases in the input datasets. In general, no specific data combination could be identified that consistently performed over all catchments. Thus, the performance over a specific single catchment cannot be extrapolated to other regions. Only in few cases do specific dataset combinations provide reasonable water budget closure; in most cases, significant imbalances remain for all the applied datasets.
On the Limits of Estimating the Maximum Wind Speeds in Hurricanes
Authors: Nolan David S. , Zhang Jun A. , Uhlhorn Eric W. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis study uses an observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) approach to test the limitations of even nearly ideal observing systems to capture the peak wind speed occurring within a tropical storm or hurricane. The dataset is provided by a 1-km resolution simulation of an Atlantic hurricane with surface wind speeds saved every 10 s. An optimal observing system consisting of a dense field of anemometers provides perfect measurements of the peak 1-min wind speed as well as the average peak wind speed. Suboptimal observing systems consisting of a small number of anemometers are sampled and compared to the truth provided by the optimal observing system. Results show that a single, perfect anemometer experiencing a direct hit by the right side of the eyewall will underestimate the actual peak intensity by 10%–20%. Even an unusually large number of anemometers (e.g., 3–5) experiencing direct hits by the storm together will underestimate the peak wind speeds by 5%–10%. However, the peak winds of just one or two anemometers will provide on average a good estimate of the average peak intensity over several hours. Enhancing the variability of the simulated winds to better match observed winds does not change the results. Adding observational errors generally increases the reported peak winds, thus reducing the underestimates. If the average underestimate (negative bias) were known perfectly for each case, it could be used to correct the wind speeds, leaving only mean absolute errors of 3%–5%.
Weather or Not? Examining the Impact of Meteorological Conditions on Public Opinion regarding Global Warming
Authors: Borick Christopher P. , Rabe Barry G. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Public opinion surveys in the United States have shown a substantial shift in American public views on global warming between 2008 and 2012. During the period between 2008 and 2010, surveys tracked a significant decline in the number of Americans that believed there was evidence that global warming was occurring. Then, during 2011 and 2012, surveys began to show a rebound in belief among Americans that global warming was indeed happening. This study serves to further establish the significant role that weather played in the short-term fluctuations in public opinion regarding global warming that has been observed since 2008. First, the study shows that individuals regularly refer to weather-related factors when explaining how they arrived at their conclusion that the planet is either warming or not warming and that these explanations correspond with broad weather patterns observed over the 2008–12 time frame. The study also finds that actual weather conditions, and specifically seasonal snowfall, shape the process by which individuals arrive at their conclusions regarding the existence of global warming. In particular, snowfall levels during the winters between 2009 and 2012 appear related to an individual’s beliefs regarding the existence of global warming, expanding upon previous studies that have shown a link between weather conditions at or near the time of an interview and respondent views regarding the existence of global warming. The study also finds evidence that the effect of weather on perceptions of global warming is modified by factors such as party affiliation and educational attainment.
Trade Integration and Revealed Comparative Advantages of Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asian Merchandize Export
Authors: Beyene Hailay Gebretinsae 
Published: May 2014

Policy issues related to trade are influenced through research outputs that draw on the concept of comparative advantage of nations/regions. The facilitation of economic integration in a region is influenced with the prevailing reality of comparative advantage of a country or region. This article investigates the revealed comparative advantages (RCAs) of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia on the export of merchandise subsectors (Food, Agricultural Raw Materials, Fuels, Ores and Metals and Manufactures) for the period 1995–2010. The study has used RCA indices, and examined the regions’ trade share in the world in relation to their respective population sizes.  The study reveals that trade in the world is skewed towards the high-income economies limiting economic integration of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia regions with the world. Sub-Saharan Africa has RCAs on Food, Agricultural Raw Materials, Fuels, Ores and Metals export. South Asia has shown a change from RCA to comparative advantage position in export of Ores and Metals. Sub-Saharan Africa has very high competitive position in four of the five subsectors, while South Asia has improved from three to four subsectors in high competitive position. Interestingly, the study reveals that both regions have lower competitive position in manufactured goods export. Sub-Saharan Africa’s revealed competitive position is stronger than South Asia in merchandise export except in manufactured goods.
Quantitative measurements of HER2 and phospho-HER2 expression: correlation with pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab
Authors: Cheng Huan , Bai Yalai , Sikov William , Sinclair Natalie , Bossuyt Veerle , Abu-Khalaf Maysa M , Harris Lyndsay N , Rimm David L 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Preoperative therapy with chemotherapy and the HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody trastuzumab is valuable for patients with large or locally advanced HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancers but traditional methods of measuring HER2 expression do not accurately stratify patients for likelihood of response. Quantitative immunofluorescent approaches have the potential to provide a mathematically continuous measure of HER2. Here we seek to determine whether quantitative measurement of HER2 or phospho-HER2 correlates with likelihood of response to trastuzumab- containing neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods
We evaluated core biopsy samples from 27 HER2+ breast cancer patients enrolled in a preoperative clinical trial using trastuzumab, nab-paclitaxel and carboplatin combination therapy (BrUOG BR-211B (NCT00617942)). Tumor core biopsies were taken before initiation of treatment and 9–13 days after patients received "run-in" doses of either single agent trastuzumab or nab-paclitaxel. The AQUA method of quantitative immunofluorescence was used for analysis of in situ protein expression. Patients then received 18 weeks of treatment, followed by surgery to assess pathologic response to the neoadjuvant regimen.

Results
A HER2 score of 2111 by AQUA analysis has been shown to be equivalent to HER2 3+ by immunohistochemical staining in previous studies. Of 20 evaluable patients, 10 cases who achieved a pathologic complete response (pathCR) with neoadjuvant treatment had a mean HER2 level of 10251 compared with 4766 in the patients without pathCR (p = 0.0021). Measurement of phospho-HER2 showed no difference in pathCR vs non-pathCR groups. In 9 patients who had HER2 levels repeated after a single treatment with trastuzumab there was no evidence of a reduction in the HER2 or phospho-HER2 levels following that exposure.

Conclusions
High levels of HER2 are associated with achievement of a pathCR in the preoperative setting, while levels of Phospho-HER2 were not predictive of response. This data suggests that accurate measurement of HER2 may help determine the likelihood of response in the pre-surgical setting. Further validation in larger cohorts is required, but this pilot data shows the feasibility of this approach.
Medicinal plants used in traditional medicine by Oromo people, Ghimbi District, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Balcha 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundEthiopia is one of the six centres of biodiversity in the world with several topographies, climatic conditions and various ethnic cultures. Ethnobotanical study is a real and encourageable in rich biological resource areas for medicinal plant identification, documentation, ranking, conservation and sustainable usages. The purpose of this study was to identify the most effective medicinal plants for specific treatment through priority ranking and to assess the status of the transfer of Traditional Botanical Knowledge (TBK) based on age groups and educational levels.MethodologyEthnobotanical data were collected using field observation and semi-structured interview, A total of 30 key informants and 165 community members were interviewed and data on medicinal plant species and associated knowledge were recorded, quantified and verified using several preference ranking methods.ResultsThe study revealed a total of 49 medicinal plant species (belonging to 31 families and 46 genera) used to treat various human ailments, the majority of which 40 (81.6%) species were collected from wild while the rests from home garden. Herbs constituted the largest growth habit (18 species, 37%) followed by trees (16 species, 32%) and shrubs (15 species, 31%). Leaf `17 (35%) is the plant part widely used followed by root 13 (27%), leafy-stem 5 (10%), and seed 6 (12%). Oral administration was the dominant route (63%), followed by dermal route (22%) and nasal (11%). The highest number of plant species being used for infectious (48%) followed by two or more diseases and non-infectious disease. Of five and seven medicinal plants of preference ranking the highest ranks were given first forCroton macrostaychusused for malaria treatment and forPrunus africanaas ‘’rare” for immediate collection and use in the traditional treatment. Significantly higher average number of medicinal plants (p < 0.05) were reported by informants of higher institution (14.3 ± 34) and adult age groups (11.6 ± 43).ConclusionThe Ghimbi people possess rich ethno-medicinal knowledge. This study can be used as a basis for developing management plans for conservation, sustainable use and drug development.
Dietary flounder skin improves growth performance, body composition, and stress recovery in the juvenile black rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli)
Authors: Hwang Jae-Ho , Rha Sung-Ju , Cho Jae-Kwon , Kim Seon-Jae 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between flounder skin meal (FSM) and vitamin C in mediating collagen biosynthesis. Based on the vitamin C requirements (150 mg/kg) of the black rockfish (mean body weight 10.05 ± 0.44 g), a vitamin C level of 400 mg/kg was selected, and 0, 5, 10, or 20% of the casein (purified proteins) in the diet was replaced with FSM. The feeding study was conducted for 8 weeks by using 4 experimental groups. The FSM supplementation resulted in improvement in growth performance, decrease of body lipids. Furthermore, it elevated the HDL-cholesterol levels and total protein content, reduced blood lipids, and led to rapid recovery in stress, which confirm the functionality of FSM with high collagen content.