bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrological Climate Change Impact Analysis for the Figeh Spring near Damascus, Syria
Authors: Smiatek Gerhard , Kaspar Severin , Kunstmann Harald 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA set of downscaled climate change data from transient experiments with regional climate models has been used to access the future climate change signal in the area of the Figeh spring system in Syria and its potential effects on future water availability. The data ensemble at a spatial resolution of 0.25° has been investigated for the period 1961–90 for present-day climate and the periods 2021–50 and 2070–99 for future climate. The focus is on changes to annual, seasonal, and monthly surface air temperature and precipitation. For the first time, the Figeh spring discharge has been assessed with a hydrological runoff model based on an artificial neural network (ANN) approach. The ANN model was formulated and validated for the years 1987–2007, applying daily meteorological driving data. The investigations show that water supply from the spring might face serious problems under changed climate conditions. An expected, a precipitation decrease of about −11% in winter and −8% in spring, together with increased temperatures of up to +1.6°C and a significant decrease in snow mass, can substantially limit the water recharge potential already in the near future until 2050. In the period 2070–99, the annual precipitation amount is simulated to decrease by −22% and the annual mean temperature to increase by +4°C, relative to the 1961–90 mean. The ensemble mean of the relative change in mean discharge reveals a decrease during the peak flow from March to May, with values up to −20% in 2021–50 and almost −50% in the period 2069–98, both related to the 1961–90 mean.
The Operational Implementation of a Great Lakes Wave Forecasting System at NOAA/NCEP*
Authors: Alves Jose-Henrique G. M. , Chawla Arun , Tolman Hendrik L. , Schwab David , Lang Gregory , Mann Greg 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The development of a Great Lakes wave forecasting system at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) is described. The system is an implementation of the WAVEWATCH III model, forced with atmospheric data from NCEP’s regional Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model [the North American Mesoscale Model (NAM)] and the National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD). Reviews are made of previous Great Lakes wave modeling efforts. The development history of NCEP’s Great Lakes wave forecasting system is presented. A performance assessment is made of model wind speeds, as well as wave heights and periods, relative to National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) measurements. Performance comparisons are made relative to NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) wave prediction system. Results show that 1- and 2-day forecasts from NCEP have good skill in predicting wave heights and periods. NCEP’s system provides a better representation of measured wave periods, relative to the GLERL model in most conditions. Wave heights during storms, however, are consistently underestimated by NCEP’s current operational system, whereas the GLERL model provides close agreement with observations. Research efforts to develop new wave-growth parameterizations and overcome this limitation have led to upgrades to the WAVEWATCH III model, scheduled to become operational at NCEP in 2013. Results are presented from numerical experiments made with the new wave-model physics, showing significant improvements to the skill of NCEP’s Great Lakes wave forecasting system in predicting storm wave heights.
All-cause mortality in relation to glycated haemoglobin in individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Khunti Kamlesh , Weston Claire , Gholap Nitin , Molokhia Mariam , Paul Sanjoy , Millett Christopher , Curcin Vasa , Majeed Azeem , Davies Melanie J 
Published: December 2012

Aims: To explore the effect of glycated haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) on all cause mortality in individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with and without previous cardiovascular disease. Methods: We identified a total of 110,372 of individuals aged 18 to 80 years newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (including 9721 (8.8%) with established cardiovascular disease before diagnosis of diabetes) from the UK General Practice Research Database from 1990 to 2005. Primary outcome was all cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the impact of HbA1C on survival. Results: Over a median follow up of 5.2 years (interquartile range 2.9 to 8.1 years) there were 20,481 deaths. The hazard ratios for all cause mortality in individuals without cardiovascular disease, using the category of 6–6.49% as reference, were 1.28 (1.08 to 1.52), 1.16 (1.00 to 1.39), 1.43 (1.20 to 1.72), 1.62 (1.35 to 1.95), 1.80 (1.52 to 2.23), and 2.43 (2.01 to 2.97) for HbA1C categories of < 6.0%, 6.50–6.99%, 7.0–7.49%, 7.5–7.99%, 8.0–8.99%, and > 9.0% respectively. In individuals with established cardiovascular disease a significant increased risk of mortality was observed for HbA1C categories above 8.00%; hazard ratios 1.91 (1.30–2.83) for HbA1C 8.00–8.99% and 1.95 (1.30–2.90) for HbA1C > 9.0%. Conclusions: A target of HbA1C between 6.0 and 6.5% is appropriate for individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes without cardiovascular disease. However, a target of < 8.0% may be less beneficial in individuals with established cardiovascular disease.
The hOCT1 SNPs M420del and M408V alter imatinib uptake and M420del modifies clinical outcome in imatinib-treated chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Giannoudis Athina , Wang Lihui , Jorgensen Andrea L. , Xinarianos George , Davies Andrea , Pushpakom Sudeep , Liloglou Triantafilos , Zhang Jieying-Eunice , Austin Gemma , Holyoake Tessa L. , Foroni Letizia , Kottaridis Panagiotis D. , Müller Martin C. , Pirmohamed Munir , Clark Richard E. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Although the prognosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients treated with imatinib is good, many fail to develop an optimal response or lose one. This heterogeneity could be attributed to the presence of human organic cation transporter-1 (hOCT1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In the present study, we analyzed the effect of 23 hOCT1 SNPs on imatinib treatment outcome in newly diagnosed CML patients using MassARRAY sequencing and pyrosequencing. The only SNP associated with outcome was M420del (rs35191146), with patients with the M420del demonstrating an increased probability of imatinib treatment failure. In CML cell lines transfected with M420del and/or M408V, M420del significantly decreased imatinib uptake, but this effect was countered if the M408V (rs628031) SNP was also present. A similar effect was seen for the uptake of the hOCT1 substrates TEA+ and ASP+. Finally, apparent hOCT1 mRNA levels were studied using both our earlier primers covering the M420del and another set that did not. Different mRNA expression was observed, explaining the disparity in published data on the prognostic importance of hOCT1 mRNA and highlighting the importance of avoiding common SNP sites in primer design. These data demonstrate that the common M420del SNP can modulate the outcome of imatinib treatment.
Steady-state neutrophil homeostasis is dependent on TLR4/TRIF signaling
Authors: Bugl Stefanie , Wirths Stefan , Radsak Markus P. , Schild Hansjörg , Stein Pamela , André Maya C. , Müller Martin R. , Malenke Elke , Wiesner Tina , Märklin Melanie , Frick Julia-Stefanie , Handgretinger Rupert , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Kanz Lothar , Kopp Hans-Georg 
Published: December 2012

Key PointsSteady-state and emergency granulopoiesis are both dependent on TLR signaling.
SAP gene transfer restores cellular and humoral immune function in a murine model of X-linked lymphoproliferative disease
Authors: Rivat Christine , Booth Claire , Alonso-Ferrero Maria , Blundell Michael , Sebire Neil J. , Thrasher Adrian J. , Gaspar H. Bobby 
Published: December 2012

Key Points
This study provides proof of concept that SAP gene transfer into HSCs can correct the multiple immune defects seen in XLP1.
Identifying persistent negative symptoms in first episode psychosis
Authors: Hovington Cindy L , Bodnar Michael , Joober Ridha , Malla Ashok K , Lepage Martin 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Although persistent negative symptoms (PNS) are known to contribute significantly to poor functional outcome, they remain poorly understood. We examined the heuristic value of various PNS definitions and their respective prevalence in patients with first episode psychosis (FEP). We also contrasted those definitions to the Proxy for the Deficit Syndrome (PDS) to identify deficit syndrome (DS) in the same FEP cohort.

Methods
One hundred and fifty-eight FEP patients were separated into PNS and non-PNS groups based on ratings from the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS). PNS was defined in the following ways: 1) having a score of 3 or greater on at least 1 global subscale of the SANS (PNS_1); 2) having a score of 3 or more on at least 2 global subscales of the SANS (PNS_2); and 3) having a score of 3 or more on a combination of specific SANS subscales and items (PNS_H). For all three definitions, symptoms had to be present for a minimum of six consecutive months. Negative symptoms were measured upon entry to the program and subsequently at 1,2,3,6,9 and 12 months. Functional outcome was quantified at first assessment and month 12.

Results
PNS prevalence: PNS_1 (27%); PNS_2 (13.2%); PNS_H (13.2%). The prevalence of DS was found to be 3% when applying the PDS. Regardless of the definition being applied, when compared to non-PNS, patients in the PNS group were shown to have significantly worse functioning at month 12. All three PNS definitions showed similar associations with functional outcome at month 12.

Conclusion
Persistent negative symptoms are present in about 27% of FEP patients with both affective and non-affective psychosis. Although there has previously been doubt as to whether PNS represents a separate subdomain of negative symptoms, the current study suggests that PNS may be more applicable to FEP when compared to DS. Although all three PNS definitions were comparable in predicting functional outcome, we suggest that the PNS definition employed is dependent on the clinical or research objective at hand.
Regulation of antibiotic sales in Mexico: an analysis of printed media coverage and stakeholder participation
Authors: Dreser Anahí , Vázquez-Vélez Edna , Treviño Sandra , Wirtz Veronika J 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Restricting antibiotics sales to those with medical prescriptions only is a central strategy for promoting appropriate use and containing antibiotic resistance; however, many low and middle income countries have not enforced policies that prevent widespread self-medication with antibiotics. In 2010, the Mexican government announced the enforcement of antibiotic sales regulations, a policy that gained media prominence. This study analyzes media coverage of issues, stakeholder representation, and positions taken during policy agenda setting, drafting, and implementation to shed light on policy making to promote appropriate antibiotic utilization.

Methods
We carried out a quantitative content analysis of 322 newspaper articles published between January 2009 and December 2010 in 18 national and regional newspapers. Additionally, we conducted a qualitative content analysis to understand the positions adopted and strategies developed by nine key stakeholders. Framing theory guided the analysis.

Results
The Ministry of Health dominated media coverage, justifying the enforcement policy by focusing on risks of self-medication, and to a lesser degree dangers of increasing antibiotic resistance. Pharmacy associations appeared to be the leading opponents, arguing that the policy created logistical difficulties and corruption, and had negative economic impact for pharmacies and their clients. The associations developed strategies against the regulation such as attempting to delay implementation and installing physicians’ consultation offices within pharmacies. While medical associations and academic institutions called for a comprehensive strategy to combat antibiotic resistance, improve prescription quality, and create public awareness, these issues had little impact on media coverage. Consumer groups and legislators received very little media coverage.

Conclusions
The narrowly-focused and polarized media coverage ─centred on problems of self- medication and economic impact ─ was a missed opportunity to publicly discuss and to develop a comprehensive national strategy on antibiotic use in Mexico. It highlights the need for discussing and developing interventions within the framework of a pharmaceutical policy.
Application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification for malaria diagnosis during a follow-up study in São Tomé
Authors: Lee Pei-Wen , Ji Dar-Der , Liu Chia-Tai , Rampao Herodes S , do Rosario Virgilio E , Lin I-Feng , Shaio Men-Fang 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
A reliable and simple test for the detection of malaria parasite is crucial in providing effective treatment and therapeutic follow-up, especially in malaria elimination programmes. A comparison of four methods, including nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) were used for the malaria diagnosis and treatment follow-up in São Tomé and Príncipe, during a successful pre-elimination campaign.

Method
During the period September to November 2009, blood samples from 128 children (five to 14 years old) with temperature ≥38°C (tympanic) in the District of Agua Grande were examined using four different methods, i.e., histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP-2) based rapid diagnostic tests (HRP-2-RDTs), optical microscopy, nested PCR, and LAMP. First-line treatment with artesunate-amodiaquine was given for uncomplicated malaria and intravenous quinine was given for complicated malaria. Children with persistent positivity for malaria by microscopy, or either by nested PCR, or by LAMP on day 7 were given second-line treatment with artemether-lumefantrine. Treatment follow-up was made weekly, for up to four weeks.

Results
On day 0, positive results for HRP-2-RDTs, microscopy, nested PCR, and LAMP, were 68(53%), 47(37%), 64(50%), and 65(51%), respectively. When nested PCR was used as a reference standard, only LAMP was comparable; both HRP-2-RDTs and microscopy had moderate sensitivity; HRP-2-RDTs had poor positive predictive value (PPV) and a moderate negative predictive value (NPV) for the treatment follow-up. Seventy-one children with uncomplicated malaria and eight children with complicated falciparum malaria were diagnosed based on at least one positive result from the four tests as well as clinical criteria. Twelve of the 79 children receiving first-line treatment had positive results by nested PCR on day 7 (nested PCR-corrected day 7 cure rate was 85%). After the second-line treatment, nested PCR/LAMP-corrected day 28 cure rate was 83% for these 12 children.

Conclusions
HRP-2-RDTs have similar sensitivity as microscopy but less specificity. However, as compared to nested PCR, the poor sensitivity of HRP-2-RDTs indicates that low parasitaemia may not be detected after treatment, as well as the low specificity of HRP-2-RDTs indicates it cannot be applied for treatment follow-up. LAMP has similar sensitivity and specificity to nested PCR. With high PPV and NPV, LAMP is simpler and faster as compared to nested PCR with the advantage of detecting low parasitaemia becoming a potential point-of-care test for treatment follow-up.
Solvothermal synthesis, growth mechanism, and photoluminescence property of sub-micrometer PbS anisotropic structures
Authors: Cao Yali , Hu Pengfei , Jia Dianzeng 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The sub-micrometer PbS with anisotropic microstructures including fishbone-like dendrites, multipods, cubes, corallines, and hopper cubes were successfully prepared by the solvothermal process. Different morphologies can be obtained by adjusting the reaction temperatures or using the nontoxic controlled reagents which can tune the relative growth rate in the <100> direction and the <111> direction of PbS nuclei. Based on the viewpoint of crystallography about face-centered cubic crystal structure, the possible formation mechanism for sub-micrometer anisotropic structures has been discussed. The difference between the enhanced growth rates on the {100} and {111} planes induced the change of ratio between the growth rates in the <100> and <111> directions, which resulted in the formation of the different PbS anisotropic microstructures. The PbS anisotropic structures exhibited the different visible emission with a peak in the red regions mainly attributed to the variation of shape, size, and the trap state of as-obtained PbS.
Validation of a model to investigate the effects of modifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors on the burden of CVD: the rotterdam ischemic heart disease and stroke computer simulation (RISC) model
Authors: van Kempen Bob JH , Ferket Bart S , Hofman Albert , Steyerberg Ewout W , Colkesen Ersen B , Boekholdt S Matthijs , Wareham Nicholas J , Khaw Kay-Tee , Hunink MG Myriam 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundWe developed a Monte Carlo Markov model designed to investigate the effects of modifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors on the burden of CVD. Internal, predictive, and external validity of the model have not yet been established.MethodsThe Rotterdam Ischemic Heart Disease and Stroke Computer Simulation (RISC) model was developed using data covering 5 years of follow-up from the Rotterdam Study. To prove 1) internal and 2) predictive validity, the incidences of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, CVD death, and non-CVD death simulated by the model over a 13-year period were compared with those recorded for 3,478 participants in the Rotterdam Study with at least 13 years of follow-up. 3) External validity was verified using 10 years of follow-up data from the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk study of 25,492 participants, for whom CVD and non-CVD mortality was compared.ResultsAt year 5, the observed incidences (with simulated incidences in brackets) of CHD, stroke, and CVD and non-CVD mortality for the 3,478 Rotterdam Study participants were 5.30% (4.68%), 3.60% (3.23%), 4.70% (4.80%), and 7.50% (7.96%), respectively. At year 13, these percentages were 10.60% (10.91%), 9.90% (9.13%), 14.20% (15.12%), and 24.30% (23.42%). After recalibrating the model for the EPIC-Norfolk population, the 10-year observed (simulated) incidences of CVD and non-CVD mortality were 3.70% (4.95%) and 6.50% (6.29%). All observed incidences fell well within the 95% credibility intervals of the simulated incidences.ConclusionsWe have confirmed the internal, predictive, and external validity of the RISC model. These findings provide a basis for analyzing the effects of modifying cardiovascular disease risk factors on the burden of CVD with the RISC model.
Heat shock protein 70 selectively mediates the degradation of cytosolic PrPs and restores the cytosolic PrP-induced cytotoxicity via a molecular interaction
Authors: Zhang Jin , Wang Ke , Guo Yan , Shi Qi , Tian Chan , Chen Cao , Gao Chen , Zhang Bao-Yun , Dong Xiao-Ping 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Although the aggregation of PrPSc is thought to be crucial for the neuropathology of prion diseases, there is evidence in cultured cells and transgenic mice that neuronal death can be triggered by the accumulation of cytosolic PrPs, leading to the hypothesis that the accumulation of PrPs in the cytosol of neurons may be a primary neurotoxic culprit. Hsp70, a molecular chaperone involved in protein folding/refolding and degradation in the cytoplasm, has a protective effect in some models of neurodegenerative diseases, e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, but its role in prion diseases remains unclear.

Results
To study the role of Hsp70 in prion diseases, we used immunoprecipitation to first identify a molecular interaction between Hsp70 and PrPs. Using immunofluorescence, we found that Hsp70 colocalized with cytosolic PrPs in HEK293 cells transiently transfected with plasmids for Cyto-PrP and PG14-PrP but not with wild-type PG5-PrP or endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-retained PrPs (3AV-PrP and ER-PrP). Using western blot analysis and apoptosis assays of cultured cells, we found that the overexpression of Hsp70 by transfection or the activation of Hsp70 by geldanamycin selectively mediated the degradation of cytosolic PrPs and restored cytosolic PrP-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, we found that Hsp70 levels were up-regulated in cells expressing Cyto-PrP and in hamster brains infected with the scrapie agent 263K.

Conclusion
These data imply that Hsp70 has central role in the metabolism of cytosolic PrPs
Galanin-Expression and Galanin-Dependent Sensory Neurons Are Not Required for Itch
Authors: Holmes Fiona E , Vanderplank Penny , Wynick David 
Published: December 2012

Background: Galanin is a key modulator of nociception, and it is also required for the developmental survival of a subset of C-fibre sensory neurons which are critical to the mediation of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. However, the potential modulatory roles played by galanin, or the galanin-dependent neurons, in pruritoceptive mechanisms underlying the sensation of itch have not been investigated. Findings: Here we report that mice carrying a loss-of-function mutation in the galanin gene (Gal-KO) show no differences in spontaneous behavioural itch responses compared to wild-type (WT) controls. Similarly, the responses to a range of pruritogens are not significantly different between the two genotypes. Conclusions: These results suggest that neither galanin expression, nor the galanin-dependent subpopulation of sensory neurons is required for itch-related behaviours.