bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two Modes of Gulf Stream Variability Revealed in the Last Two Decades of Satellite Altimeter Data
Authors: Pérez-Hernández M. Dolores , Joyce Terrence M. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Monthly mapped sea level anomalies (MSLAs) of the NW Atlantic in the region immediately downstream of the Gulf Stream (GS) separation point reveal a leading mode in which the path shifts approximately 100 km meridionally about a nominal latitude of 39°N, producing coherent sea level anomaly (SLA) variability from 72° to 50°W. This mode can be captured by use of a simple 16-point index based on SLA data taken along the maximum of the observed variability in the region 33°–46°N and 45°–75°W. The GS shifts between 2010 and 2012 are the largest of the last decade and equal to the largest of the entire record. The second group of EOF modes of variability describes GS meanders, which propagate mainly westward interrupted by brief periods of eastward or stationary meanders. These meanders have wavelengths of approximately 400 km and can be seen in standard EOFs by spatial phase shifting of a standing meander pattern in the SLA data. The spectral properties of these modes indicate strong variability at interannual and longer periods for the first mode and periods of a few to several months for the meanders. While the former is quite similar to a previous use of the altimeter for GS path, the simple index is a useful measure of the large-scale shifts in the GS path that is quickly estimated and updated without changes in previous estimates. The time-scale separation allows a low-pass filtered 16-point index to be reflective of large-scale, coherent shifts in the GS path.
Numerical Simulations of Island-Induced Circulations and Windward Katabatic Flow over the Guadeloupe Archipelago
Authors: Cécé Raphaël , Bernard Didier , d’Alexis Christophe , Dorville Jean-François 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This article deals with the first high-resolution numerical modeling of the weather over the small and high islands of the Guadeloupe archipelago. Its main goal is to analyze the mechanisms that drive local-scale airflow circulations over this archipelago, using the 1-km Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). Three meteorological situations corresponding to weak trade winds (WTW), medium trade winds (MTW), and strong trade winds (STW) have been selected and are linked with local Froude number values of 0.21, 0.41, and 0.82, respectively. For these three weather types, simulated typical meteorological variables present a good agreement with observational data at several locations. The 48-h simulations allow the completion of the previous coarse observational descriptions that did not include a map of the wind, skin temperature, cloud cover, and sensible heat flux for the whole archipelago. The expected local wind regime areas (windward, inland, and leeward) are retrieved in the model outputs, including the predominance of thermal and orographic effects over Grande-Terre Island and Basse-Terre Island, respectively. Under STW, the convection is inhibited and the local circulations are driven by the orography. In the case of WTW, the model simulates well a katabatic wind, inducing cold nocturnal reversed flow on the windward coast of Basse-Terre. This circulation, opposing the trade winds, extends to the sea and Grande-Terre Island. This flow has a maximum wind speed of 4.7 m s−1. This particular flow occurring in the most densely populated area produces an important nocturnal pollution period due to industrial sources (the diesel power plants of the archipelago).
Catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy for chronic venous leg ulcers
Authors: Williamsson Caroline , Danielsson Peter , Smith Lennart 
Published: September 2013

Objectives This study presents the results of catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy (CDS) for chronic venous ulcer refractory to compression treatment, four weeks and one year after treatment. Methods In sum, 31 patients (32 limbs) with refractory chronic venous ulcer and duplex-verified superficial insufficiency were offered CDS. CDS was conducted with 10 ml of sclerosant foam of 3% polidocanol. Four weeks and one year after treatment, the patients were evaluated regarding ulcer healing and ultrasound appearance of the saphenous trunk. Results CDS was successfully performed in all patients. After one year, 65% of the ulcers were healed. Only two (6%) recurred. 86% of the treated saphenous trunk were completely occluded, 3% was partly occluded and 10% were recanalised. No serious side effects occurred. Conclusions CDS is one alternative of eliminating superficial venous reflux when treating refractory venous leg ulcers. This study suggests that the treatment is safe and induce a quick ulcer healing.
Measurement of FEF25–75%and FEF75%does not contribute to clinical decision making
Authors: Quanjer Philip H. , Weiner Daniel J. , Pretto Jeffrey J. , Brazzale Danny J. , Boros Piotr W. 
Published: September 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the added value of measuring the forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of forced vital capacity (FVC) (FEF25–75%) and flow when 75% of FVC has been exhaled (FEF75%) over and above the measurement of the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio.We used spirometric measurements of FEV1, FVC and FEF25–75%from 11 654 white males and 11 113 white females, aged 3–94 years, routinely tested in the pulmonary function laboratories of four tertiary hospitals. FEF75%was available in 8254 males and 7407 females. Predicted values and lower limits of normal, defined as the fifth percentile, were calculated for FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF25–75%and FEF75%using prediction equations from the Global Lung Function Initiative.There was very little discordance in classifying test results. FEF25–75%and FEF75%were below the normal range in only 2.75% and 1.29% of cases, respectively, whereas FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio were within normal limits. Airways obstruction went undetected by FEF25–75%in 2.9% of cases and by FEF75%in 12.3% of cases.Maximum mid-expiratory flow and flow towards the end of the forced expiratory manoeuvre do not contribute usefully to clinical decision making over and above information from FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio.
Genome mining reveals the genus Xanthomonas to be a promising reservoir for new bioactive non-ribosomally synthesized peptides
Authors: Royer Monique , Koebnik Ralf , Marguerettaz Mélanie , Barbe Valérie , Robin Guillaume P , Brin Chrystelle , Carrere Sébastien , Gomez Camila , Hügelland Manuela , Völler Ginka H , Noëll Julie , Pieretti Isabelle , Rausch Saskia , Verdier Valérie , Poussier Stéphane , Rott Philippe , Süssmuth Roderich D , Cociancich Stéphane 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundVarious bacteria can use non-ribosomal peptide synthesis (NRPS) to produce peptides or other small molecules. Conserved features within the NRPS machinery allow the type, and sometimes even the structure, of the synthesized polypeptide to be predicted. Thus, bacterial genome miningvia in silicoanalyses of NRPS genes offers an attractive opportunity to uncover new bioactive non-ribosomally synthesized peptides.Xanthomonasis a large genus of Gram-negative bacteria that cause disease in hundreds of plant species. To date, the only known small molecule synthesized by NRPS in this genus is albicidin produced byXanthomonas albilineans. This study aims to estimate the biosynthetic potential ofXanthomonasspp. byin silicoanalyses of NRPS genes with unknown function recently identified in the sequenced genomes ofX. albilineansand related species ofXanthomonas.ResultsWe performedin silicoanalyses of NRPS genes present in all published genome sequences ofXanthomonasspp., as well as in unpublished draft genome sequences ofXanthomonas oryzaepv. oryzaestrain BAI3 andXanthomonasspp. strain XaS3. These two latter strains, together withX. albilineansstrain GPE PC73 andX. oryzaepv.oryzaestrains X8-1A and X11-5A, possess novel NRPS gene clusters and share related NRPS-associated genes such as those required for the biosynthesis of non-proteinogenic amino acids or the secretion of peptides.In silicoprediction of peptide structures according to NRPS architecture suggests eight different peptides, each specific to its producing strain. Interestingly, these eight peptides cannot be assigned to any known gene cluster or related to known compounds from natural product databases. PCR screening of a collection of 94 plant pathogenic bacteria indicates that these novel NRPS gene clusters are specific to the genusXanthomonasand are also present inXanthomonas translucensandX. oryzaepv.oryzicola. Further genome mining revealed other novel NRPS genes specific toX. oryzaepv.oryzicolaorXanthomonas sacchari.ConclusionsThis study revealed the significant potential of the genusXanthomonasto produce new non-ribosomally synthesized peptides. Interestingly, this biosynthetic potential seems to be specific to strains ofXanthomonasassociated with monocotyledonous plants, suggesting a putative involvement of non-ribosomally synthesized peptides in plant-bacteria interactions.
Mimotope vaccination for epitope-specific induction of anti-VEGF antibodies
Authors: Li Weina , Ran Yonggang , Li Meng , Zhang Kuo , Qin Xin , Xue Xiaochang , Zhang Cun , Hao Qiang , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yingqi 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Tumor angiogenesis is critical for tumor growth, infiltration and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor and targeting it is important in reducing angiogenesis. Bevacizumab (Avastin), a monoclonal antibody that reacts directly against VEGF, has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for various cancers such as rectal cancer, colon carcinoma, and non-small cell lung cancer, etc.

Results
In the current study, we used the phage display technique to generate mimotopes that complemented the screening Avastin antibody (Ab). The candidate mimotopes of VEGF were isolated from a 12-mer peptide library. The phage displaying peptide DHTLYTPYHTHP (designated as 12P) exhibited high affinity to Avastin. The chemically synthesized 12P was conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) by glutaraldehyde (GA) to form vaccine KLH-12 peptide (KLH-12P). This epitope vaccine significantly induced humoral immunity in mice. The blood serum from KLH-12P-immunized mice associated with VEGF and blocked its binding to VEGFR, thus inhibiting vascular endothelial cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusions
Our data indicate that the isolated mimotope 12P reported here could potentially elicit specific antibodies against VEGF and result in the induction of anti-angiogenesis responses.
Sleep medicine education and knowledge among medical students in selected Saudi Medical Schools
Authors: Almohaya Abdulellah , Qrmli Abdulaziz , Almagal Naeif , Alamri Khaled , Bahammam Salman , Al-Enizi Mashhour , Alanazi Atif , Almeneessier Aljohara S , Sharif Munir M , BaHammam Ahmed S 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Limited information is available regarding sleep medicine education worldwide. Nevertheless, medical education has been blamed for the under-recognition of sleep disorders among physicians. This study was designed to assess the knowledge of Saudi undergraduate medical students about sleep and sleep disorders and the prevalence of education on sleep medicine in medical schools as well as to identify the obstacles to providing such education.

Methods
We surveyed medical schools that were established more than 10 years ago, asking fourth- and fifth-year medical students (men and women) to participate. Seven medical schools were selected. To assess knowledge on sleep and sleep disorders, we used the Assessment of Sleep Knowledge in Medical Education (ASKME) Survey, which is a validated 30-item questionnaire. The participants were separated into two groups: those who scored ≥60% and those who scored <60%. To assess the number of teaching hours dedicated to sleep medicine in the undergraduate curricula, the organizers of the major courses on sleep disorders were contacted to obtain the curricula for those courses and to determine the obstacles to education.

Results
A total of 348 students completed the survey (54.9% male). Among the participants, 27.7% had a specific interest in sleep medicine. More than 80% of the study sample had rated their knowledge in sleep medicine as below average. Only 4.6% of the respondents correctly answered ≥60% of the questions. There was no difference in the scores of the respondents with regard to university, gender, grade-point average (GPA) or student academic levels. Only five universities provided data on sleep medicine education. The time spent teaching sleep medicine in the surveyed medical schools ranged from 0-8 hours with a mean of 2.6 ±2.6 hours. Identified obstacles included the following: (1) sleep medicine has a lower priority in the curriculum (53%) and (2) time constraints do not allow the incorporation of sleep medicine topics in the curriculum (47%).

Conclusions
Medical students in the surveyed institutions possess poor knowledge regarding sleep medicine, which reflects the weak level of education in this field of medicine. To improve the recognition of sleep disorders among practicing physicians, medical schools must provide adequate sleep medicine education.
Group X secreted phospholipase A2 induces lipid droplet formation and prolongs breast cancer cell survival
Authors: Pucer Anja , Brglez Vesna , Payré Christine , Pungerčar Jože , Lambeau Gérard , Petan Toni 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Alterations in lipid metabolism are inherent to the metabolic transformations that support tumorigenesis. The relationship between the synthesis, storage and use of lipids and their importance in cancer is poorly understood. The human group X secreted phospholipase A2 (hGX sPLA2) releases fatty acids (FAs) from cell membranes and lipoproteins, but its involvement in the regulation of cellular FA metabolism and cancer is not known.

Results
Here we demonstrate that hGX sPLA2 induces lipid droplet (LD) formation in invasive breast cancer cells, stimulates their proliferation and prevents their death on serum deprivation. The effects of hGX sPLA2 are shown to be dependent on its enzymatic activity, are mimicked by oleic acid and include activation of protein kinase B/Akt, a cell survival signaling kinase. The hGX sPLA2-stimulated LD biogenesis is accompanied by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, up-regulation of FA oxidation enzymes and the LD-coating protein perilipin 2, and suppression of lipogenic gene expression. Prolonged activation of AMPK inhibited hGX sPLA2-induced LD formation, while etomoxir, an inhibitor of FA oxidation, abrogated both LD formation and cell survival. The hGX sPLA2-induced changes in lipid metabolism provide a minimal immediate proliferative advantage during growth under optimal conditions, but they confer to the breast cancer cells a sustained ability to resist apoptosis during nutrient and growth factor limitation.

Conclusion
Our results identify hGX sPLA2 as a novel modulator of lipid metabolism that promotes breast cancer cell growth and survival by stimulating LD formation and FA oxidation.
Detection of interfraction displacement and volume variance during radiotherapy of primary thoracic esophageal cancer based on repeated four-dimensional CT scans
Authors: Wang Jin Zhi , Li Jian Bin , Wang Wei , Qi Huan Peng , Ma Zhi Fang , Zhang Ying Jie , Fan Ting Yong , Shao Qian , Xu Min 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
To investigate the interfraction displacement and volume variation of primary thoracic esophagus carcinoma with enhanced four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) scanning during fractionated radiotherapy.

Methods
4DCT data sets were acquired at the time of treatment simulation and every ten fraction for each of 32 patients throughout treatment. Scans were registered to baseline (simulation) 4DCT scans by using bony landmarks. The gross tumor volumes (GTVs) were delineated on each data set. Coordinates of the GTV centroids were acquired on each respiration phase. Distance between center of the GTV contour on the simulation scan and the centers on subsequent scans were used to assess interfraction displacement between fractions. Volumes were constructed using three approaches: The GTV delineated from the maximum intensity projection (MIP) was defined IGTVMIP, all 10 GTVs were combined to form IGTV10, GTVmean was the average of all 10 phases of each GTV.

Results
Interfraction displacement in left-right (LR), anterior-posterior (AP), superior-inferior (SI) directions and 3D vector were 0.13 ± 0.09 cm, 0.16 ± 0.12 cm, 0.34 ± 0.26 cm and 0.43 ± 0.24 cm, respectively between the tenth fraction and simulation 4DCT scan. 0.14 ± 0.09 cm, 0.19 ± 0.16 cm, 0.45 ± 0.43 cm and 0.56 ± 0.40 cm in LR, AP, SI and 3D vector respectively between the twentieth fraction and simulation 4DCT scan. Displacement in SI direction was larger than LR and AP directions during treatment. For distal esophageal cancer, increased interfraction displacements were observed in SI direction and 3D vector (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively) during radiotherapy. The volume of GTVmean, IGTVMIP, and IGTV10 decreased significantly at the twentieth fraction for middle (median: 34.01%, 33.09% and 28.71%, respectively) and distal (median: 22.76%, 25.27% and 23.96%, respectively) esophageal cancer, but for the upper third, no significant variation were observed during radiotherapy.

Conclusions
Interfractional displacements in SI direction were larger than LR and AP directions. For distal location, significant changes were observed in SI direction and 3D vector during radiotherapy. For middle and distal locations, the best time to reset position should be selected at the twentieth fraction when the primary tumor target volume changed significantly, and it was preferable to guide target correction and planning modification.
Genome replication engineering assisted continuous evolution (GREACE) to improve microbial tolerance for biofuels production
Authors: Luan Guodong , Cai Zhen , Li Yin , Ma Yanhe 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Microbial production of biofuels requires robust cell growth and metabolism under tough conditions. Conventionally, such tolerance phenotypes were engineered through evolutionary engineering using the principle of “Mutagenesis followed-by Selection”. The iterative rounds of mutagenesis-selection and frequent manual interventions resulted in discontinuous and inefficient strain improvement processes. This work aimed to develop a more continuous and efficient evolutionary engineering method termed as “Genome Replication Engineering Assisted Continuous Evolution” (GREACE) using “Mutagenesis coupled-with Selection” as its core principle.

Results
The core design of GREACE is to introduce an in vivo continuous mutagenesis mechanism into microbial cells by introducing a group of genetically modified proofreading elements of the DNA polymerase complex to accelerate the evolution process under stressful conditions. The genotype stability and phenotype heritability can be stably maintained once the genetically modified proofreading element is removed, thus scarless mutants with desired phenotypes can be obtained.
Kanamycin resistance of E. coli was rapidly improved to confirm the concept and feasibility of GREACE. Intrinsic mechanism analysis revealed that during the continuous evolution process, the accumulation of genetically modified proofreading elements with mutator activities endowed the host cells with enhanced adaptation advantages. We further showed that GREACE can also be applied to engineer n-butanol and acetate tolerances. In less than a month, an E. coli strain capable of growing under an n-butanol concentration of 1.25% was isolated. As for acetate tolerance, cell growth of the evolved E. coli strain increased by 8-fold under 0.1% of acetate. In addition, we discovered that adaptation to specific stresses prefers accumulation of genetically modified elements with specific mutator strengths.

Conclusions
We developed a novel GREACE method using “Mutagenesis coupled-with Selection” as core principle. Successful isolation of E. coli strains with improved n-butanol and acetate tolerances demonstrated the potential of GREACE as a promising method for strain improvement in biofuels production.
Prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and Fasciola hepatica in sheep in the northwest of Spain: relation to climatic conditions and/or man-made environmental modifications
Authors: Martínez-Valladares María , Robles-Pérez David , Martínez-Pérez Jose Manuel , Cordero-Pérez Coral , Famularo Ma del Rosario , Fernández-Pato Nélida , González-Lanza Camino , Castañón-Ordóñez Luciano , Rojo-Vázquez Francisco A 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
In the present study we studied and updated the prevalence of the infections caused by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and Fasciola hepatica in grazing sheep in the northwest (NW) of Spain for the last six years (2006–2011), and its relationship with the current climatic conditions.

Methods
We analyzed faecal samples from 110 flocks located in four different provinces of the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León: 76.4% of them were situated in León, 12.7% in Zamora, 9.1% in Palencia and 1.8% in Valladolid.

Results
The prevalence of GIN was 100% and the mean of eggs per gram (epg) in faeces was 237.2 (± 375.9) per flock. Regarding climatic conditions, we found a direct relationship between the GIN infection level and the maximum humidity (p<0.05) but inverse with the degree of solar radiation (p<0.05). The prevalence of fasciolosis was 59.3%, with a mean epg of 17.5 (± 33.9) per flock; these values were correlated with the minimum humidity and precipitations (p<0.05). Comparing our results in León with previous studies during the early 1990s, the mean epg of GIN was increased slightly (134.3 epg); regarding fasciolosis, the prevalence rose significantly, from 26.7% to 60.5%. Since the 1990s we observed that the maximum temperature is nowadays 0.45°C higher (17.0°C) and the minimum 0.5°C lower (5.2°C); the rainfall values were very similar in both decades but at the present time the humidity is higher (75.9%).

Conclusions
We found that the prevalence of GIN and F. hepatica infections was directly influenced by the humidity and also by precipitations in the case of F. hepatica. Comparing the current prevalence with studies carried out in the same area for the early 1990s, we observed that nowadays the mean epg of GIN is higher with a possible cause being the differences in climatic conditions depending on the sampling year. Regarding F. hepatica infection, its prevalence rose significantly probably favoured by an increase in irrigated areas in the area of study.