bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic Seasonal Forecasting of African Drought by Dynamical Models
Authors: Yuan Xing , Wood Eric F. , Chaney Nathaniel W. , Sheffield Justin , Kam Jonghun , Liang Miaoling , Guan Kaiyu 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
As a natural phenomenon, drought can have devastating impacts on local populations through food insecurity and famine in the developing world, such as in Africa. In this study, the authors have established a seasonal hydrologic forecasting system for Africa. The system is based on the Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), and the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) land surface model. With a set of 26-yr (1982–2007) seasonal hydrologic hindcasts run at 0.25°, the probabilistic drought forecasts are validated using the 6-month Standard Precipitation Index (SPI6) and soil moisture percentile as indices. In terms of Brier skill score (BSS), the system is more skillful than climatology out to 3–5 months, except for the forecast of soil moisture drought over central Africa. The spatial distribution of BSS, which is similar to the pattern of persistency, shows more heterogeneity for soil moisture than the SPI6. Drought forecasts based on SPI6 are generally more skillful than for soil moisture, and their differences originate from the skill attribute of resolution rather than reliability. However, the soil moisture drought forecast can be more skillful than SPI6 at the beginning of the rainy season over western and southern Africa because of the strong annual cycle. Singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis of African precipitation and global SSTs indicates that CFSv2 reproduces the ENSO dominance on rainy season drought forecasts quite well, but the corresponding SVD mode from observations and CFSv2 only account for less than 24% and 31% of the covariance, respectively, suggesting that further understanding of drought drivers, including regional atmospheric dynamics and land–atmosphere coupling, is necessary.
Efficient Flowline Simulations of Ice Shelf–Ocean Interactions: Sensitivity Studies with a Fully Coupled Model
Authors: Walker Ryan T. , Holland David M. , Parizek Byron R. , Alley Richard B. , Nowicki Sophie M. J. , Jenkins Adrian 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThermodynamic flowline and plume models for the ice shelf–ocean system simplify the ice and ocean dynamics sufficiently to allow extensive exploration of parameters affecting ice-sheet stability while including key physical processes. Comparison between geophysically and laboratory-based treatments of ice–ocean interface thermodynamics shows reasonable agreement between calculated melt rates, except where steep basal slopes and relatively high ocean temperatures are present. Results are especially sensitive to the poorly known drag coefficient, highlighting the need for additional field experiments to constrain its value. These experiments also suggest that if the ice–ocean interface near the grounding line is steeper than some threshold, further steepening of the slope may drive higher entrainment that limits buoyancy, slowing the plume and reducing melting; if confirmed, this will provide a stabilizing feedback on ice sheets under some circumstances.
An Overview of the China Meteorological Administration Tropical Cyclone Database
Authors: Ying Ming , Zhang Wei , Yu Hui , Lu Xiaoqin , Feng Jingxian , Fan Yongxiang , Zhu Yongti , Chen Dequan 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The China Meteorological Administration (CMA)’s tropical cyclone (TC) database includes not only the best-track dataset but also TC-induced wind and precipitation data. This article summarizes the characteristics and key technical details of the CMA TC database. In addition to the best-track data, other phenomena that occurred with the TCs are also recorded in the dataset, such as the subcenters, extratropical transitions, outer-range severe winds associated with TCs over the South China Sea, and coastal severe winds associated with TCs landfalling in China. These data provide additional information for researchers. The TC-induced wind and precipitation data, which map the distribution of severe wind and rainfall, are also helpful for investigating the impacts of TCs. The study also considers the changing reliability of the various data sources used since the database was created and the potential causes of temporal and spatial inhomogeneities within the datasets. Because of the greater number of observations available for analysis, the CMA TC database is likely to be more accurate and complete over the offshore and land areas of China than over the open ocean. Temporal inhomogeneities were induced primarily by changes to the nature and quality of the input data, such as the development of a weather observation network in China and the use of satellite image analysis to replace the original aircraft reconnaissance data. Furthermore, technical and factitious changes, such as to the wind–pressure relationship and the satellite-derived current intensity (CI) number–intensity conversion, also led to inhomogeneities within the datasets.
Sierra Barrier Jets, Atmospheric Rivers, and Precipitation Characteristics in Northern California: A Composite Perspective Based on a Network of Wind Profilers
Authors: Neiman Paul J. , Hughes Mimi , Moore Benjamin J. , Ralph F. Martin , Sukovich Ellen M. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Five 915-MHz wind profilers and GPS receivers across California's northern Central Valley (CV) and adjacent Sierra foothills and coastal zone, in tandem with a 6-km-resolution gridded reanalysis dataset generated from the Weather Research and Forecasting Model, document key spatiotemporal characteristics of Sierra barrier jets (SBJs), landfalling atmospheric rivers (ARs), and their interactions. Composite kinematic and thermodynamic analyses are based on the 13 strongest SBJ cases observed by the Sloughhouse profiler between 2009 and 2011. The analyses show shallow, cool, south-southeasterly (i.e., Sierra parallel) flow and associated water vapor transport strengthening with time early in the 24-h compositing period, culminating in an SBJ core at &lt;1 km above ground over the eastern CV. The SBJ core increases in altitude up the Sierra's windward slope and poleward toward the north end of the CV, but it does not reach the westernmost CV. Above the developing SBJ, strengthening southwesterly flow descends temporally in response to the landfalling AR. The moistening SBJ reaches maximum intensity during the strongest AR flow aloft, at which time the core of the AR-parallel vapor transport slopes over the SBJ. The inland penetration of the AR through the San Francisco Bay gap in the coastal mountains contributes to SBJ moistening and deepening. The SBJ subsequently weakens with the initial cold-frontal period aloft, during which the shallow flow shifts to southwesterly and the heaviest precipitation falls in the Sierra foothills. An orographic precipitation analysis quantitatively links the Sierra-perpendicular (nearly AR parallel) vapor fluxes to enhanced precipitation along the Sierra's windward slope and the SBJ-parallel fluxes to heavy precipitation at the north end of the CV.
Clarithromycin, QTc interval prolongation and torsades de pointes: the need to study case reports
Authors: Vieweg W. Victor R. , Hancox Jules C. , Hasnain Mehrul , Koneru Jayanthi N. , Gysel Michael , Baranchuk Adrian 
Published: July 2013

Background: The manufacturers of clarithromycin sought a drug similar in efficacy to erythromycin but with a superior side-effect profile. They generally achieved this outcome, but postmarketing findings identified a series of reports linking clarithromycin to QTc interval prolongation and torsades de pointes (TdP) ultimately leading to a Black Box Warning. We sought to clarify risk factors associated with TdP among case reports of patients receiving clarithromycin linked to QTc interval prolongation and TdP. Methods and results: In a detailed literature search, we found 15 women, five men, and one boy meeting our search criteria. Among the 17 adults with reported clarithromycin dose and concurrent QTc interval measurement, we found no statistically significant relationship between clarithromycin dose and QTc interval duration. This did not change for the adults who developed TdP. Among adults, major risk factors were female sex (15), old age (11) and heart disease (17). A total of eight adult subjects had all three major risk factors and 14 of the 20 adults had at least two major risk factors. All adult subjects had at least two risk factors besides clarithromycin. A total of four of the 20 adults received cisapride and three received disopyramide. Three adults were considered to suffer from some aspect of the congenital long QT syndrome. Conclusions: We believe that the risk factor description for this drug should be refined to emphasize the major risk factors of (1) female sex, (2) old age and (3) heart disease.
Automatic landmark annotation and dense correspondence registration for 3D human facial images
Authors: Guo Jianya , Mei Xi , Tang Kun 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Traditional anthropometric studies of human face rely on manual measurements of simple features, which are labor intensive and lack of full comprehensive inference. Dense surface registration of three-dimensional (3D) human facial images holds great potential for high throughput quantitative analyses of complex facial traits. However there is a lack of automatic high density registration method for 3D faical images. Furthermore, current approaches of landmark recognition require further improvement in accuracy to support anthropometric applications.

Result
Here we describe a novel non-rigid registration method for fully automatic 3D facial image mapping. This method comprises two steps: first, seventeen facial landmarks are automatically annotated, mainly via PCA-based feature recognition following 3D-to-2D data transformation. Second, an efficient thin-plate spline (TPS) protocol is used to establish the dense anatomical correspondence between facial images, under the guidance of the predefined landmarks. We demonstrate that this method is highly accurate in landmark recognition, with an average RMS error of ~1.7 mm. The registration process is highly robust, even for different ethnicities.

Conclusion
This method supports fully automatic registration of dense 3D facial images, with 17 landmarks annotated at greatly improved accuracy. A stand-alone software has been implemented to assist high-throughput high-content anthropometric analysis.
Stage-specific transcription during development of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Harker Brent W , Behura Susanta K , deBruyn Becky S , Lovin Diane D , Mori Akio , Romero-Severson Jeanne , Severson David W 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundAedes aegyptiis the most important global vector of dengue virus infection in humans. Availability of the draft genome sequence of this mosquito provides unique opportunities to study different aspects of its biology, including identification of genes and pathways relevant to the developmental processes associated with transition across individual life stages. However, detailed knowledge of gene expression patterns pertaining to developmental stages ofA. aegyptiis largely lacking.ResultsWe performed custom cDNA microarray analyses to examine the expression patterns among six developmental stages: early larvae, late larvae, early pupae, late pupae, and adult male and female mosquitoes. Results revealed 1,551 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) showing significant differences in levels of expression between these life stages. The data suggests that most of the differential expression occurs in a stage specific manner inA. aegypti.Based on hierarchical clustering of expression levels, correlated expression patterns of DETs were also observed among developmental stages. Weighted gene correlation network analysis revealed modular patterns of expression among the DETs. We observed that hydrolase activity, membrane, integral to membrane, DNA binding, translation, ribosome, nucleoside-triphosphatase activity, structural constituent of ribosome, ribonucleoprotein complex and receptor activity were among the top ten ranked GO (Gene Ontology) terms associated with DETs. Significant associations of DETs were also observed with specific KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway modules. Finally, comparisons with the previously reported developmental transcriptome of the malaria vector,Anopheles gambiae, indicated that gene expression patterns during developmental processes reflect both species-specific as well as common components of the two mosquito species.ConclusionsOur study shows that genes involved in the developmental life cycle ofA. aegyptiare expressed in a highly stage-specific manner. This suggests that transcriptional events associated with transition through larval, pupal and adult stages are largely discrete.
Osteomyelitis pubis caused by Kingella kingaein an adult patient: Report of the first case
Authors: Wilmes Dunja , Omoumi Patrick , Squifflet Jean , Cornu Olivier , Rodriguez-Villalobos Hector , Yombi Jean Cyr 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background

Kingella kingae is the second most common pathogen causing paediatric arthritis and is described to be the causative bacteria in some paediatric osteomyelitis. Its microbiological detection is particularly difficult due to its slow growing. To our best knowledge this is the first case description of osteomyelitis pubis caused by this microorganism.

Case presentation
We report the unusual case of pubic osteomyelitis with soft tissue abcess caused by Kingella kingae in an adult patient of 66 years with a history of end-stage renal disease and breast carcinoma. Diagnosis was based on imaging and the microorganism was isolated from Computed Tomography-guided aspiration of synovial fluid. The infection resolved completely after twelve weeks of treatment with oral amoxicillin.

Conclusion
This case description highlights the importance in osteoarticular infections of systematic inoculation of synovial liquid in BACTEC vials to optimise the detection of causative organisms, which can necessitate specific treatments.
Epidemiological and molecular analysis of human norovirus infections in Taiwan during 2011 and 2012
Authors: Tang Meng-Bin , Chen Chien-Hsien , Chen Shou-Chien , Chou Yu-Ching , Yu Chia-Peng 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The human norovirus (NV) circulates worldwide and is a major cause of epidemics, which have increased in Taiwan since 2002. NV in acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and non-acute gastroenteritis (asymptomatic) patients, including children and adults, have not been previously examined in Taiwan; therefore, we examined the epidemiology and phylogeny of NV in AGE and asymptomatic patients of all ages.

Methods
253 stool samples were collected from August 2011 to July 2012 (including 155 AGE and 98 asymptomatic samples in Taiwan) and analyzed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for NV. Primers targeting the RNA-polymerase gene were used for RT-PCR to allow DNA sequencing of Taiwan NV strains and phylogenetic analyses.

Results
NV was detected in 24 (9.5%) of 253 stool specimens using RT-PCR. NV was isolated from all age groups (1 to 86 y) and those NV-positive samples were major identified from inpatients (79.2%, 19/24). Statistical analysis showed that the NV infectious rate of AGE patients was statistically significant (P < 0.05) for age, season and water type, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses of the RdRp region sequence showed that 24 NV isolates belonged to Genogroup II Genotype 4 (GII.4). They were closely related to the epidemic strain in Taiwan in 2006, the GII.4-2006b pandemic strain in 2006, and the GII.4-New Orleans strain in 2010.

Conclusion
This study is the first to examine NV in sporadic AGE and asymptomatic patients in Taiwan. Furthermore, epidemic strains of isolated GII.4 were predominant in Taiwan during 2011 and 2012.
Reticulocyte dynamic and hemoglobin variability in hemodialysis patients treated with Darbepoetin alfa and C.E.R.A.: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Forni Valentina , Bianchi Giorgia , Ogna Adam , Salvadé Igor , Vuistiner Philippe , Burnier Michel , Gabutti Luca 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
In a simulation based on a pharmacokinetic model we demonstrated that increasing the erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) half-life or shortening their administration interval decreases hemoglobin variability. The benefit of reducing the administration interval was however lessened by the variability induced by more frequent dosage adjustments. The purpose of this study was to analyze the reticulocyte and hemoglobin kinetics and variability under different ESAs and administration intervals in a collective of chronic hemodialysis patients.

Methods
The study was designed as an open-label, randomized, four-period cross-over investigation, including 30 patients under chronic hemodialysis at the regional hospital of Locarno (Switzerland) in February 2010 and lasting 2 years. Four subcutaneous treatment strategies (C.E.R.A. every 4 weeks Q4W and every 2 weeks Q2W, Darbepoetin alfa Q4W and Q2W) were compared with each other. The mean square successive difference of hemoglobin, reticulocyte count and ESAs dose was used to quantify variability. We distinguished a short- and a long-term variability based respectively on the weekly and monthly successive difference.

Results
No difference was found in the mean values of biological parameters (hemoglobin, reticulocytes, and ferritin) between the 4 strategies. ESAs type did not affect hemoglobin and reticulocyte variability, but C.E.R.A induced a more sustained reticulocytes response over time and increased the risk of hemoglobin overshooting (OR 2.7, p = 0.01). Shortening the administration interval lessened the amplitude of reticulocyte count fluctuations but resulted in more frequent ESAs dose adjustments and in amplified reticulocyte and hemoglobin variability. Q2W administration interval was however more favorable in terms of ESAs dose, allowing a 38% C.E.R.A. dose reduction, and no increase of Darbepoetin alfa.

Conclusions
The reticulocyte dynamic was a more sensitive marker of time instability of the hemoglobin response under ESAs therapy. The ESAs administration interval had a greater impact on hemoglobin variability than the ESAs type. The more protracted reticulocyte response induced by C.E.R.A. could explain both, the observed higher risk of overshoot and the significant increase in efficacy when shortening its administration interval.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01666301
An unusual case of glomerulonephritis in a patient with non-Hodgkin Mucosal Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Yeo See Cheng , Chuah Khoon Leong , Lee Hwei Yee , Liew Adrian 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Kidney involvement in non-Hodgkin lymphoma is well recognized and glomerulonephritis, when present, has been commonly reported to be associated with a membranoproliferative pattern.

Case presentation
We report a case of a 58-year-old lady with a recurrence of non-Hodgkin MALT B-cell lymphoma, presenting with acute kidney injury, nephrotic range proteinuria and a cellular urinalysis. She underwent a renal biopsy that showed a severe diffuse proliferative and exudative lupus-like glomerulonephritis, which is likely paraneoplastic in nature. We discuss the differential diagnosis and possible pathogenesis of glomerular injury in lymphoma-related proliferative glomerulonephritis.

Conclusion
Differentiating between true lupus nephritis and a paraneoplastic glomerulonephritis is important, as it would have significant implications on treatment and clinical course.
Calcified, minimally Fat-contained angiomyolipoma clinically indistinguishable from a renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Chin-Li , Tang Shou-Hung , Wu Sheng-Tang , Meng En , Tsao Chih-Wei , Sun Guang-Huan , Yu Dah-Shyong , Chang Sun-Yran , Cha Tai-Lung 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Angiomyolipomas are benign tumors of the kidney. Typical angiomyolipomas are usually recognized by identifying fat components before any intervention. On the contrary, solid renal masses without evident fatty components but containing calcifications on the computed tomography scan are suspicious for malignancy. However, as in this rare case, rules of diagnostic imaging are of exceptions.

Case presentation
A 40-year-old man presented with left flank pain. The plain X-ray showed multiple coarse calcifications of 4.0 x 3.2 cm in diameter on the left upper quadrant abdomen. Computed tomography scan further revealed a solid renal mass and inside the mass there were calcifications. The size of the tumor was 5.6 × 5.5 × 6.3 cm. We performed a radical nephrectomy, and the histopathology showed a minimally fat-contained angiomyolipoma of multiple calcifications. The patient was free of recurrence or metastases after a follow-up period of 3 years.

Conclusion
An angiomyolipoma containing calcification is rare. An angiomyolipoma with minimal fat concomitant with calcifications is an even rarer presentation. It is very difficult to differentiate a minimal-fat angiomyolipoma with calcifications from a renal cell carcinoma preoperatively. In such a circumstance, a well-planned partial nephrectomy may be optimal for the patient, regardless of the tumor size.
Randomized comparison of vaginal self-sampling by standard vs. dry swabs for Human papillomavirus testing
Authors: Eperon Isabelle , Vassilakos Pierre , Navarria Isabelle , Menoud Pierre-Alain , Gauthier Aude , Pache Jean-Claude , Boulvain Michel , Untiet Sarah , Petignat Patrick 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
To evaluate if human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling (Self-HPV) using a dry vaginal swab is a valid alternative for HPV testing.

Methods
Women attending colposcopy clinic were recruited to collect two consecutive Self-HPV samples: a Self-HPV using a dry swab (S-DRY) and a Self-HPV using a standard wet transport medium (S-WET). These samples were analyzed for HPV using real time PCR (Roche Cobas). Participants were randomized to determine the order of the tests. Questionnaires assessing preferences and acceptability for both tests were conducted. Subsequently, women were invited for colposcopic examination; a physician collected a cervical sample (physician-sampling) with a broom-type device and placed it into a liquid-based cytology medium. Specimens were then processed for the production of cytology slides and a Hybrid Capture HPV DNA test (Qiagen) was performed from the residual liquid. Biopsies were performed if indicated. Unweighted kappa statistics (к) and McNemar tests were used to measure the agreement among the sampling methods.

Results
A total of 120 women were randomized. Overall HPV prevalence was 68.7% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 59.3–77.2) by S-WET, 54.4% (95% CI 44.8–63.9) by S-DRY and 53.8% (95% CI 43.8–63.7) by HC. Among paired samples (S-WET and S-DRY), the overall agreement was good (85.7%; 95% CI 77.8–91.6) and the κ was substantial (0.70; 95% CI 0.57-0.70). The proportion of positive type-specific HPV agreement was also good (77.3%; 95% CI 68.2-84.9). No differences in sensitivity for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade one (CIN1) or worse between the two Self-HPV tests were observed. Women reported the two Self-HPV tests as highly acceptable.

Conclusion
Self-HPV using dry swab transfer does not appear to compromise specimen integrity. Further study in a large screening population is needed.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01316120