bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Cloud-Scale Lightning Data Assimilation Technique and a 3DVAR Method for the Analysis and Short-Term Forecast of the 29 June 2012 Derecho Event
Authors: Fierro Alexandre O. , Gao Jidong , Ziegler Conrad L. , Mansell Edward R. , MacGorman Donald R. , Dembek Scott R. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
This work evaluates the short-term forecast (≤6 h) of the 29–30 June 2012 derecho event from the Advanced Research core of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF-ARW) when using two distinct data assimilation techniques at cloud-resolving scales (3-km horizontal grid). The first technique assimilates total lightning data using a smooth nudging function. The second method is a three-dimensional variational technique (3DVAR) that assimilates radar reflectivity and radial velocity data. A suite of sensitivity experiments revealed that the lightning assimilation was better able to capture the placement and intensity of the derecho up to 6 h of the forecast. All the simulations employing 3DVAR, however, best represented the storm’s radar reflectivity structure at the analysis time. Detailed analysis revealed that a small feature in the velocity field from one of the six selected radars in the original 3DVAR experiment led to the development of spurious convection ahead of the parent mesoscale convective system, which significantly degraded the forecast. Thus, the relatively simple nudging scheme using lightning data complements the more complex variational technique. The much lower computational cost of the lightning scheme may permit its use alongside variational techniques in improving severe weather forecasts on days favorable for the development of outflow-dominated mesoscale convective systems.
Diagnostic role of Gallium-68 DOTATOC and Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET in patients with neuroendocrine tumors: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Jigang , Kan Ying , Ge Benjamin H , Yuan Leilei , Li Chunlin , Zhao Wenrui 
Published: August 2013

Background Gallium-68 somatostatin receptor positron emission tomography (PET) has been used in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The compounds often used in molecular imaging of NETs with PET are 68Ga-DOTATOC, 68Ga-DOTATATE, and 68Ga-DOTANOC. There is varying affinity to different somatostatin receptors. Purpose To systematically review and perform a meta-analysis of published data regarding the diagnostic role of 68Ga-DOTATOC and 68Ga-DOTATATE PET in the diagnosis of NETs. Material and Methods A comprehensive literature search of studies published through 30 April 2013 regarding 68Ga-DOTATOC and 68Ga-DOTATATE PET in the diagnosis of NETs was performed using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of 68Ga-DOTATOC and 68Ga-DOTATATE PET in the diagnosis of NETs were calculated. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated to measure the accuracy of 68Ga-DOTATOC and 68Ga-DOTATATE PET in the diagnosis of NETs. Results Ten studies comprising 416 patients with NETs were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity of 68Ga-DOTATOC and 68Ga-DOTATATE PET in the diagnosis of NETs calculated on a per-patient-based analysis was 93% (95% confidence interval [CI] 89–96%) and 96% (95% CI 91–99%). The pooled specificity of 68Ga-DOTATOC and 68Ga-DOTATATE PET in diagnosing NETs was 85% (95% CI 74–93%) and 100% (95% CI 82–100%). The area under the ROC curve of 68Ga-DOTATOC and 68Ga-DOTATATE PET was 0.96 and 0.98, respectively, on a per-patient-based analysis. Conclusion The molecular imaging agents 68Ga-DOTATOC and 68Ga-DOTATATE demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of NETs on PET scan. Although both are accurate tools in the diagnosis of NETs, 68Ga-DOTATATE PET may be more sensitive and specific than 68Ga-DOTATOC PET scan.
Pilot study assessing a seven-day continuous intrathecal topotecan infusion for recurrent or progressive leptomeningeal metastatic cancer
Authors: Tran Hung C , Gardner Sharon , Weiner Howard L , Liebes Leonard F , Finlay Jonathan L 
Published: August 2013

Objective To determine the feasibility and toxicity profile of topotecan administered as a seven-day continuous intrathecal infusion for patients with leptomeningeal metastasis secondary to recurrent or progressive central nervous system cancer. Study design Two patients with central nervous system leptomeningeal metastasis were treated with a seven-day continuous infusion of topotecan (0.2 mg/day) administered via continuous intrathecal/intraventricular infusion at a rate of 0.6 mL/h, totaling 1.4 mg/course. CSF and plasma concentrations of topotecan closed lactone (the active metabolite) were quantified at various points during topotecan infusion. Patients were monitored for neurologic and systemic toxicities according to NCI common toxicity criteria. Results Both patients tolerated the seven-day continuous topotecan without any significant adverse events. One patient received a second course 21 days after treatment initiation. CSF concentration of topotecan closed lactone ranged from 3.73 to 312 ng/mL (median = 131 ng/mL) and plasma topotecan closed lactone ranged from 0.44 to 1.78 ng/mL (median = 0.92 ng/mL). The median CSF topotecan concentration was greater than the median serum topotecan concentration by a 44-fold magnitude when samples were obtained at the same time point. None of the patients experienced any grade 3 or higher hematological toxicities or signs of arachnoiditis. Conclusion A seven-day continuous intrathecal infusion of topotecan is well tolerated and has the potential of maximizing central nervous system drug exposure.
Pivotal role of HIV and EBV replication in the long-term persistence of monoclonal gammopathy in patients on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Ouedraogo David Eric , Makinson Alain , Vendrell Jean-Pierre , Casanova Marie-Laure , Nagot Nicolas , Cezar Renaud , Bollore Karine , Al Taaba Yassine , Foulongne Vincent , Badiou Stéphanie , Viljoen Johannes , Reynes Jacques , Van de Perre Philippe , Tuaillon Edouard 
Published: August 2013

Key Points
Immunologic and virologic factors are associated with monoclonal gammopathy persistence in HIV-infected patients. B lymphocytes activation and EBV replication are key features of monoclonal gammopathy.
Multiple sclerosis presenting initially with a worsening of migraine symptoms
Authors: Lin Guan-Yu , Wang Chih-Wei , Chiang Tsung-Ta , Peng Giia-Sheun , Yang Fu-Chi 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that targets myelinated axons in the central nervous system. Headache has been reported as a subtle symptom of the onset of MS, with a variable frequency of 1.6–28.5%; however, it remains unclear whether headache is a true symptom of MS onset. Here, we report the case of a female patient who had a history of migraine without aura and experienced worsening of migraine-headache symptoms as the initial manifestation of MS. Three similar cases were reported previously; however, unlike this case, those cases had no history of migraine without aura. In our case, we excluded factors that could trigger migraine attacks, such as changes in weather, drugs, alcohol, caffeine withdrawal, stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, hormonal therapy, diet, and hunger. The patient had one episode of MS attack with the simultaneous presence of asymptomatic gadolinium-enhancing and non-enhancing lesions, including hyperintense lesions in the bilateral periventricular white matter, body of the corpus callosum, and periaqueductal grey matter, as observed on the T2-weighted images obtained at the first brain magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, after the injection of gadolinium contrast, ring enhancement over these lesions was noted in T1-weighted images, which was suggestive of active demyelination. MS was diagnosed according to the McDonald criteria (2010 revision). We conclude that MS with periaqueductal grey matter involvement may present with worsening migraine. It is important to be cautious if any secondary causes exist, especially when the patient has a history of migraine without aura. MS should be one of the differential diagnoses in young women showing a change in headache pattern or poor clinical drug response to migraine treatment accompanied by episodes of focal neurological deficit. Failure to recognize MS may lead to inappropriate treatment and worse prognosis; early diagnosis in patients with MS is essential to improve their clinical outcomes and quality of life.
GST-omega genes interact with environmental tobacco smoke on adult level of lung function
Authors: de Jong Kim , Boezen H Marike , Hacken Nick HT ten , Postma Dirkje S , Vonk Judith M ,   the LifeLines cohort study
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundLung growthin uteroand lung function loss during adulthood can be affected by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Both ETS exposure and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inGlutathione S-Transferase(GST)Omegagenes have been associated with the level of lung function. This study aimed to assess ifGSTOSNPs interact with ETS exposurein uteroand during adulthood on the level of lung function during adulthood.MethodsWe used cross-sectional data of 8,128 genotyped participants from the LifeLines cohort study. Linear regression models (adjusted for age, sex, height, weight, current smoking, ex-smoking and packyears smoked) were used to analyze the associations betweenin utero, daily and workplace ETS exposure,GSTOSNPs, the interaction between ETS andGSTOs, and level of lung function (FEV1, FEV1/FVC). Since the interactions between ETS andGSTOs may be modified by active tobacco smoking we additionally assessed associations in never and ever smokers separately. A second sample of 5,308 genotyped LifeLines participants was used to verify our initial findings.ResultsDaily and workplace ETS exposure was associated with significantly lower FEV1levels.GSTOSNPs (recessive model) interacted within uteroETS and were associated with higher levels of FEV1, whereas the interactions with daily and workplace ETS exposure were associated with lower levels of FEV1, effects being more pronounced in never smokers. The interaction ofGSTO2SNP rs156697 within uteroETS associated with a higher level of FEV1was significantly replicated in the second sample. Overall, the directions of the interactions ofin uteroand workplace ETS exposure with the SNPs found in the second (verification) sample were in line with the first sample.ConclusionsGSTOgenotypes interact within uteroand adulthood ETS exposure on adult lung function level, but in opposite directions.
ZebIAT, an image analysis tool for registering zebrafish embryos and quantifying cancer metastasis
Authors: Annila Teppo , Lihavainen Eero , Marques Ines J , Williams Darren R , Yli-Harja Olli , Ribeiro Andre 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Zebrafish embryos have recently been established as a xenotransplantation model of the metastatic behaviour of primary human tumours. Current tools for automated data extraction from the microscope images are restrictive concerning the developmental stage of the embryos, usually require laborious manual image preprocessing, and, in general, cannot characterize the metastasis as a function of the internal organs.

Methods
We present a tool, ZebIAT, that allows both automatic or semi-automatic registration of the outer contour and inner organs of zebrafish embryos. ZebIAT provides a registration at different stages of development and an automatic analysis of cancer metastasis per organ, thus allowing to study cancer progression. The semi-automation relies on a graphical user interface.

Results
We quantified the performance of the registration method, and found it to be accurate, except in some of the smallest organs. Our results show that the accuracy of registering small organs can be improved by introducing few manual corrections. We also demonstrate the applicability of the tool to studies of cancer progression.

Conclusions
ZebIAT offers major improvement relative to previous tools by allowing for an analysis on a per-organ or region basis. It should be of use in high-throughput studies of cancer metastasis in zebrafish embryos.
The Fukushima nuclear accident and the pale grass blue butterfly: evaluating biological effects of long-term low-dose exposures
Authors: Hiyama Atsuki , Nohara Chiyo , Taira Wataru , Kinjo Seira , Iwata Masaki , Otaki Joji M 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
On August 9th 2012, we published an original research article in Scientific Reports, concluding that artificial radionuclides released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant exerted genetically and physiologically adverse effects on the pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha in the Fukushima area. Immediately following publication, many questions and comments were generated from all over the world. Here, we have clarified points made in the original paper and answered questions posed by the readers.

Results
The following points were clarified. (1) There are many advantages to using the pale grass blue butterfly as an indicator species. (2) The forewings of the individuals collected in Fukushima were significantly smaller than in the northern and southern localities. (3) We observed growth retardation in the butterflies from the Fukushima area. (4) The aberrant colour patterns in the butterflies obtained in the Fukushima area were different from the colour patterns induced by temperature and sibling crosses but similar to those induced by external and internal exposures to the artificial radionuclides and by a chemical mutagen, suggesting that genetic mutations caused the aberrations. (5) This species of butterfly has been plentiful in Fukushima area for at least half a century. We here present specimens collected from Fukushima Prefecture before the accident. (6) Mutation accumulation was detected by the increase in the abnormality rates from May 2011 to September 2011. (7) The abnormal traits were heritable. (8) Our sampling localities were not affected by the tsunami. (9) We used a high enough number of samples to obtain statistically significant results. (10) The standard rearing method was followed, producing normal adults in the control groups. (11) The exposure experiments successfully reproduced the results of the field work. This species of butterfly is vulnerable to long-term low-dose internal and external exposures; however, insect cells are known to be resistant to short-term high-dose irradiation. This discrepancy is reconcilable based on the differences in the experimental conditions.

Conclusions
We are just beginning to understand the biological effects of long-term low-dose exposures in animals. Further research is necessary to accurately assess the possible biological effects of the accident.
Genome-wide transcriptional response of Trichoderma reesei to lignocellulose using RNA sequencing and comparison with Aspergillus niger
Authors: Ries Laure , Pullan Steven T , Delmas Stéphane , Malla Sunir , Blythe Martin J , Archer David B 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundA major part of second generation biofuel production is the enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars. Many fungi produce enzymes that can saccarify lignocellulose and cocktails from several fungi, including well-studied species such asTrichoderma reeseiandAspergillus niger, are available commercially for this process. Such commercially-available enzyme cocktails are not necessarily representative of the array of enzymes used by the fungi themselves when faced with a complex lignocellulosic material. The global induction of genes in response to exposure ofT. reeseito wheat straw was explored using RNA-seq and compared to published RNA-seq data and model of howA. nigersenses and responds to wheat straw.ResultsInT. reesei, levels of transcript that encode known and predicted cell-wall degrading enzymes were very high after 24 h exposure to straw (approximately 13% of the total mRNA) but were less than recorded inA. niger(approximately 19% of the total mRNA). Closer analysis revealed that enzymes from the same glycoside hydrolase families but different carbohydrate esterase and polysaccharide lyase families were up-regulated in both organisms. Accessory proteins which have been hypothesised to possibly have a role in enhancing carbohydrate deconstruction inA. nigerwere also uncovered inT. reeseiand categories of enzymes induced were in general similar to those inA. niger. Similarly toA. niger, antisense transcripts are present inT. reeseiand their expression is regulated by the growth condition.ConclusionsT. reeseiuses a similar array of enzymes, for the deconstruction of a solid lignocellulosic substrate, toA. niger. This suggests a conserved strategy towards lignocellulose degradation in both saprobic fungi. This study provides a basis for further analysis and characterisation of genes shown to be highly induced in the presence of a lignocellulosic substrate. The data will help to elucidate the mechanism of solid substrate recognition and subsequent degradation byT. reeseiand provide information which could prove useful for efficient production of second generation biofuels.
Influence of safety warnings on ESA prescribing among dialysis patients using an interrupted time series
Authors: Thamer Mae , Zhang Yi , Lai Dejian , Kshirsagar Onkar , Cotter Dennis 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
In March, 2007, a black box warning was issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use the lowest possible erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) doses for treatment of anemia associated with renal disease. The goal is to determine if a change in ESA use was observed following the warning among US dialysis patients.

Methods
ESA therapy was examined from September 2004 through August 2009 (thirty months before and after the FDA black box warning) among adult Medicare hemodialysis patients. An interrupted time series model assessed the impact of the warnings.

Results
The FDA black box warning did not appear to influence ESA prescribing among the overall dialysis population. However, significant declines in ESA therapy after the FDA warnings were observed for selected populations. Patients with a hematocrit ≥36% had a declining month-to-month trend before (−164 units/week, p = <0.0001) and after the warnings (−80 units/week, p = .001), and a large drop in ESA level immediately after the black box (−4,744 units/week, p = <.0001). Not-for-profit facilities had a declining month-to-month trend before the warnings (−90 units/week, p = .009) and a large drop in ESA dose immediately afterwards (−2,487 units/week, p = 0.015). In contrast, for-profit facilities did not have a significant change in ESA prescribing.

Conclusions
ESA therapy had been both profitable for providers and controversial regarding benefits for nearly two decades. The extent to which a FDA black box warning highlighting important safety concerns influenced use of ESA therapy among nephrologists and dialysis providers was unknown. Our study found no evidence of changes in ESA prescribing for the overall dialysis population resulting from a FDA black box warning.
Cross-sectional study of the association of body composition and physical fitness with bone status in children and adolescents from 11 to 16 years old
Authors: de Moraes Anderson Marques , Gonçalves Ezequiel Moreira , de Oliveira Barbeta Vinicius Justino , Guerra-Júnior Gil 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The aim of the study was to verify the association between body composition and physical fitness with bone status in children and adolescents.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 healthy students (148 boys, 152 girls). Weight, height, fat and fat-free mass, and percentage of body fat (%BF) were evaluated, as were physical fitness (abdominal exercise, flexibility, and horizontal jump tests) and maximum oxygen consumption. Bone parameters (amplitude-dependent speed of sound; AD-SoS) and the Ultrasound Bone Profile Index (UBPI) were evaluated using DBM Sonic BP ultrasonography.

Results
In the study group, girls had higher bone parameter values than boys. A univariate analysis assessed in a stepwise multiple regression model was conducted. It showed that for boys, the %BF and height were significant independent variables for AD-SoS and UBPI, but the horizontal jump test only for AD-SoS (adjusted r2 = 0.274; p < 0.001), and pubertal maturation only for UBPI (adjusted r2 = 0.295; p < 0.001). For girls, age and %BF were identified as significant independent variables for AD-SoS and UBPI (adjusted r2 = 0.093; p < 0.001) but height only for AD-SoS (adjusted r2 = 0.408; p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Variables related to growth (age, height, and pubertal maturation) are independent positive predictors for the bone parameters in both boys and girls. %BF is an independent negative predictor. For boys, the horizontal jump test was an independent positive predictor for AD-SoS, indicating that physical fitness related to the neuromotor system can influence the amount of bone present.
Active pulmonary tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection among homeless people in Seoul, South Korea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lee Chang-Hoon , Jeong Yun-Jeong , Heo Eun Young , Park Jong Sun , Lee Ji Sun , Lee Byoung Jun , Park Young Sik , Song Eun Hee , Yang Yun Jung , Cho Young Soo , Cho En-hi , Na Kyoung-in , Oh Eun-Jeong , Lee Jin-beom , Oh Soo-Yeon , Kim HeeJin , Park Chang Min , Yim Jae-Joon 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB among homeless in Seoul metropolitan city, South Korea, and to compare the TB burden among homeless people with that of a control group.

Methods
The homeless participants were recruited from five sites between October 30, 2009 and April 12, 2010. LTBI was diagnosed through the QuantiFERON(R) TB Gold In-Tube(QFT-GIT) assay and a tuberculin skin test(TST) and, and active PTB was diagnosed based on chest radiography.

Results
Among 313 participants, the prevalence of LTBI was 75.9% (95% CI, 71.1-80.8%) and 79.8% (95% CI, 74.9-84.7%) based on a QFT-GIT assay and the TST, respectively, and that of active PTB was 5.8% (95% CI, 3.2-8.3%). The prevalence of LTBI among homeless participants was about five times higher than controls. Also, the age-specific prevalence rate ratio of active PTB was as high as 24.86.

Conclusions
The prevalence rate of LTBI as well as active PTB among homeless people was much higher than that of the general population in South Korea. Thus, adequate strategies to reduce the TB burden among homeless people are needed.