bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability Assessment of the Water Supply Systems under Uncertain Future Extreme Climate Conditions
Authors: Karamouz Mohammad , Goharian Erfan , Nazif Sara 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Increase in global mean temperature and changes in rainfall amount, pattern, and distribution over the world are all indicative of climate change events. These changes alter the hydroclimatic condition of regions as well as the availability of water resources. In this study, the data generated by 14 general circulation models (GCMs) developed under the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) A1B, A2, and B2 are downscaled and utilized to evaluate climate change impact on the hydroclimatic system of the Karaj River basin located in central Iran. The precipitation and temperature of the study region are downscaled using the change factor approach (CFA). The study analyzes future climate data, extreme changes of future climatic conditions of precipitation, and temperature. The Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV) model developed by the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) is used to simulate streamflow under extreme climate change conditions. Two different sources of uncertainty are investigated in this study. First, the model parameters uncertainty is analyzed with the Monte Carlo procedure, and then different datasets of GCMs projection are investigated under the climate of the twentieth-century climate simulation (20C3M). Results show the GCMs projections range can almost capture the historical records during the 1980s through 2000 for the Karaj basin. By applying the HBV model, considerable range of streamflow changes in the future can be projected that will affect the operation scheme of Karaj Reservoir. In this study, the system dynamics (SD) modeling approach is used to simulate the system behavior through time in an integrated fashion and evaluate its overall reliability in supplying water. The results of this study show that the runoff will decrease in the future under the climate change impact. This will result in more than 50% decrease in reliability of the Karaj Reservoir system under the extreme conditions. As a result, this research predicts that the Karaj Reservoir system will face more than 50% decrease in its reliability under the extreme conditions. Consequently, meeting the increasing water demands would be difficult and application of demand management strategies will be unavoidable.
Requirement for antiapoptotic MCL-1 in the survival of BCR-ABL B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Koss Brian , Morrison Jeffrey , Perciavalle Rhonda M. , Singh Harpreet , Rehg Jerold E. , Williams Richard T. , Opferman Joseph T. 
Published: July 2013

Key Points
Using a mouse genetic mouse model of Ph+ B-lineage ALL, endogenous antiapoptotic MCL-1 is required for leukemia survival. In BCR-ABL+ B-lineage ALL human and mouse cells, combining TKIs with small-molecule inhibitors of BCL-2 can potentiate sensitivity to cell death.
Altered natural killer cell subset homeostasis and defective chemotactic responses in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Authors: El-Sherbiny Yasser M. , Kelly Richard J. , Hill Anita , Doody Gina M. , Hillmen Peter , Cook Graham P. 
Published: July 2013

Key Points
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria identifies a role for GPI-linked proteins in the homeostasis of human NK cell subsets. GPI-deficient NK cells exhibit impaired chemotactic responses.
Automatic extraction of biomolecular interactions: an empirical approach
Authors: Zhang Lifeng , Berleant Daniel , Ding Jing , Wurtele Eve Syrkin 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
We describe a method for extracting data about how biomolecule pairs interact from texts. This method relies on empirically determined characteristics of sentences. The characteristics are efficient to compute, making this approach to extraction of biomolecular interactions scalable. The results of such interaction mining can support interaction network annotation, question answering, database construction, and other applications.

Results
We constructed a software system to search MEDLINE for sentences likely to describe interactions between given biomolecules. The system extracts a list of the interaction-indicating terms appearing in those sentences, then ranks those terms based on their likelihood of correctly characterizing how the biomolecules interact. The ranking process uses a tf-idf (term frequency-inverse document frequency) based technique using empirically derived knowledge about sentences, and was applied to the MEDLINE literature collection. Software was developed as part of the MetNet toolkit (http://www.metnetdb.org).

Conclusions
Specific, efficiently computable characteristics of sentences about biomolecular interactions were analyzed to better understand how to use these characteristics to extract how biomolecules interact.
The text empirics method that was investigated, though arising from a classical tradition, has yet to be fully explored for the task of extracting biomolecular interactions from the literature. The conclusions we reach about the sentence characteristics investigated in this work, as well as the technique itself, could be used by other systems to provide evidence about putative interactions, thus supporting efforts to maximize the ability of hybrid systems to support such tasks as annotating and constructing interaction networks.
Identification of G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway proteins in marine diatoms using comparative genomics
Authors: Port Jesse A , Parker Micaela S , Kodner Robin B , Wallace James C , Armbrust E Virginia , Faustman Elaine M 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway plays an essential role in signal transmission and response to external stimuli in mammalian cells. Protein components of this pathway have been characterized in plants and simpler eukaryotes such as yeast, but their presence and role in unicellular photosynthetic eukaryotes have not been determined. We use a comparative genomics approach using whole genome sequences and gene expression libraries of four diatoms (Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries, Thalassiosira pseudonana, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Fragilariopsis cylindrus) to search for evidence of GPCR signaling pathway proteins that share sequence conservation to known GPCR pathway proteins.

Results
The majority of the core components of GPCR signaling were well conserved in all four diatoms, with protein sequence similarity to GPCRs, human G protein α- and β-subunits and downstream effectors. There was evidence for the Gγ-subunit and thus a full heterotrimeric G protein only in T. pseudonana. Phylogenetic analysis of putative diatom GPCRs indicated similarity but deep divergence to the class C GPCRs, with branches basal to the GABAB receptor subfamily. The extracellular and intracellular regions of these putative diatom GPCR sequences exhibited large variation in sequence length, and seven of these sequences contained the necessary ligand binding domain for class C GPCR activation. Transcriptional data indicated that a number of the putative GPCR sequences are expressed in diatoms under various stress conditions in culture, and that many of the GPCR-activated signaling proteins, including the G protein, are also expressed.

Conclusions
The presence of sequences in all four diatoms that code for the proteins required for a functional mammalian GPCR pathway highlights the highly conserved nature of this pathway and suggests a complex signaling machinery related to environmental perception and response in these unicellular organisms. The lack of evidence for some GPCR pathway proteins in one or more of the diatoms, such as the Gγ-subunit, may be due to differences in genome completeness and genome coverage for the four diatoms. The high divergence of putative diatom GPCR sequences to known class C GPCRs suggests these sequences may represent another, potentially ancestral, subfamily of class C GPCRs.
Sub-inhibitory concentrations of some antibiotics can drive diversification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations in artificial sputum medium
Authors: Wright Elli A , Fothergill Joanne L , Paterson Steve , Brockhurst Michael A , Winstanley Craig 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations within the cystic fibrosis lung exhibit extensive phenotypic and genetic diversification. The resultant population diversity is thought to be crucial to the persistence of infection and may underpin the progression of disease. However, because cystic fibrosis lungs represent ecologically complex and hostile environments, the selective forces driving this diversification in vivo remain unclear. We took an experimental evolution approach to test the hypothesis that sub-inhibitory antibiotics can drive diversification of P. aeruginosa populations. Replicate populations of P. aeruginosa LESB58 were cultured for seven days in artificial sputum medium with and without sub-inhibitory concentrations of various clinically relevant antibiotics. We then characterised diversification with respect to 13 phenotypic and genotypic characteristics.

Results
We observed that higher population diversity evolved in the presence of azithromycin, ceftazidime or colistin relative to antibiotic-free controls. Divergence occurred due to alterations in antimicrobial susceptibility profiles following exposure to azithromycin, ceftazidime and colistin. Alterations in colony morphology and pyocyanin production were observed following exposure to ceftazidime and colistin only. Diversification was not observed in the presence of meropenem.

Conclusions
Our study indicates that certain antibiotics can promote population diversification when present in sub-inhibitory concentrations. Hence, the choice of antibiotic may have previously unforeseen implications for the development of P. aeruginosa infections in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients.
Improving the management of people with a family history of breast cancer in primary care: before and after study of audit-based education
Authors: Rafi Imran , Chowdhury Susmita , Chan Tom , Jubber Ibrahim , Tahir Mohammad , de Lusignan Simon 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn England, guidance from National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) states women with a family history of breast cancer presenting to primary care should be reassured or referred.We reviewed the evidence for interventions that might be applied in primary care and conducted an audit of whether low risk women are correctly advised and flagged.MethodsWe conducted a literature review to identify modifiable risk factors. We extracted routinely collected data from the computerised medical record systems of 6 general practices (population approximately 30,000); of the variables identified in the guidance. We implemented a quality improvement (QI) intervention called audit-based education (ABE) comparing participant practices with guidelines and each other before and after; we report odds ratios (OR) of any change in data recording.ResultsThe review revealed evidence for advising on: diet, weight control, physical exercise, and alcohol. The proportion of patients with recordings of family history of: disease, neoplasms, and breast cancer were: 39.3%, 5.1% and 1.3% respectively. There was no significant change in the recording of family history of disease or cancer; OR 1.02 (95% CI 0.98-1.06); and 1.08 (95% CI 0.99-1.17) respectively. Recording of alcohol consumption and smoking both increased significantly; OR 1.36 (95% CI 1.30-1.43); and 1.42 (95% CI 1.27-1.60) respectively. Recording lifestyle advice fell; OR 0.84 (95% CI 0.81-0.88).ConclusionsThe study informs about current data recording and willingness to engage in ABE. Recording of risk factors improved after the intervention. Further QI is needed to achieve adherence to current guidance.
The effectiveness of individual placement and support for people with mental illness new on social benefits: a study protocol
Authors: Viering Sandra , Bärtsch Bettina , Obermann Caitriona , Rüsch Nicolas , Rössler Wulf , Kawohl Wolfram 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
In Switzerland, people with a severe mental illness and unable to work receive disability benefits (‘IV-pension’). Once they are granted these benefits, the chances to regain competitive employment are usually small. However, previous studies have shown that individual placement and support (IPS) supports a successful reintegration into competitive employment. This study focuses on the integration of newly appointed IV-pensioners, who have received an IV-pension for less than a year.

Method/design
The present pilot project ZHEPP (Zürcher Eingliederungs-Pilot Projekt; engl.: Zurich integration pilot project) is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The 250 participants will be randomized to either the intervention or the control group. The intervention group receives support of a job coach according to the approach of IPS. Participants in the control group do not receive IPS support. Participation takes a total of two years for each participant. Each group is interviewed every six months (T0-T4). A two-factor analysis of variance will be conducted with the two factors group (intervention versus control group) and outcome (employment yes/no). The main criterion of the two-factor analysis will be the number of competitive employment contracts in each group.

Discussion
This study will focus on the impact of IPS on new IV-pensioners and aims to identify predictors for a successful integration. Furthermore, we will examine the effect of IPS on stigma variables and recovery orientation.

Trial registration

ISRCTN54951166
Improving understanding in the research informed consent process: a systematic review of 54 interventions tested in randomized control trials
Authors: Nishimura Adam , Carey Jantey , Erwin Patricia J , Tilburt Jon C , Murad M Hassan , McCormick Jennifer B 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Obtaining informed consent is a cornerstone of biomedical research, yet participants comprehension of presented information is often low. The most effective interventions to improve understanding rates have not been identified.

Purpose
To systematically analyze the random controlled trials testing interventions to research informed consent process. The primary outcome of interest was quantitative rates of participant understanding; secondary outcomes were rates of information retention, satisfaction, and accrual. Interventional categories included multimedia, enhanced consent documents, extended discussions, test/feedback quizzes, and miscellaneous methods.

Methods
The search spanned from database inception through September 2010. It was run on Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid CINAHL, Ovid PsycInfo and Cochrane CENTRAL, ISI Web of Science and Scopus. Five reviewers working independently and in duplicate screened full abstract text to determine eligibility. We included only RCTs. 39 out of 1523 articles fulfilled review criteria (2.6%), with a total of 54 interventions. A data extraction form was created in Distiller, an online reference management system, through an iterative process. One author collected data on study design, population, demographics, intervention, and analytical technique.

Results
Meta-analysis was possible on 22 interventions: multimedia, enhanced form, and extended discussion categories; all 54 interventions were assessed by review. Meta-analysis of multimedia approaches was associated with a non-significant increase in understanding scores (SMD 0.30, 95% CI, -0.23 to 0.84); enhanced consent form, with significant increase (SMD 1.73, 95% CI, 0.99 to 2.47); and extended discussion, with significant increase (SMD 0.53, 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.84). By review, 31% of multimedia interventions showed significant improvement in understanding; 41% for enhanced consent form; 50% for extended discussion; 33% for test/feedback; and 29% for miscellaneous.Multiple sources of variation existed between included studies: control processes, the presence of a human proctor, real vs. simulated protocol, and assessment formats.

Conclusions
Enhanced consent forms and extended discussions were most effective in improving participant understanding. Interventions of all categories had no negative impact on participant satisfaction or study accrual. Identification of best practices for studies of informed consent interventions would aid future systematic comparisons.
Investigating the utilization of radiological services by physician patients: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chen-Yi , Hu Hsiao-Yun , Chen Likwang , Huang Nicole , Chou Yiing-Jeng , Li Chung-Pin 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Advances in radiology technology have contributed to a substantial increase in utilization of radiology services. Physicians, who are well educated in medical matters, would be expected to be knowledgeable about prudent or injudicious use of radiological services. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the utilization of radiology modalities among physician and non-physician patients.

Methods
This nationwide population-based cohort study was carried out using data obtained from the Taiwan National Insurance Database from 1997 to 2008. Physicians and comparison controls selected by propensity score matching were enrolled in the current study. The claims data of ambulatory care and inpatient discharge records were used to measure the utilization of various radiology modalities. Utilization rates of each modality were compared between physicians and non-physicians, and odds ratios of the utilization of each radiology modality were measured. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the predictors of X-ray, MRI, and interventional procedures utilization during the study period.

Results
The utilization of most radiologic services increased among physicians and the comparison group during the observation period. Compared to non-physicians, physicians had significantly higher utilization rates of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but lower utilization rates of X-rays, sonography, and interventional procedures. After adjusting for age, gender, major diseases, urbanicity, and residential regions, logistic regression analysis showed that, compared to non-physicians, the physicians used significantly more MRI (odds ratio [OR]: 2.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.68–2.84, P < 0.001) and significantly less X-rays and interventional procedures (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72–0.99, P = 0.04 for X-rays and OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.54–0.83, P < 0.001 for interventional procedures). Being a physician was a significant predictor of greater usage of MRI and of less usage of X-ray and interventional procedures.

Conclusions
This study revealed different utilization patterns of X-rays, MRI, and interventional procedures between physician and non-physician patients, even after controlling for such factors as socioeconomic status and major diseases.
One-step synthesis of highly efficient three-dimensional Cd1-xZn
x
S photocatalysts for visible light photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Xiong Zuzhou , Zheng Maojun , Zhu Changqing , Zhang Bin , Ma Li , Shen Wenzhong 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Visible light accounts for about 43% of the solar spectrum, and developing highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst is of special significance. In this work, highly efficient three-dimensional (3D) Cd1−x
Zn
x
S photocatalysts for hydrogen generation under the irradiation of visible light were synthesized via one-step solvothermal pathway. Scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, Raman spectrometer, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer were utilized to characterize the morphology, crystal structure, vibrational states, and surface composition of the obtained 3D Cd1−x
Zn
x
S. UV-Vis spectra indicated that the as-synthesized Cd1−x
Zn
x
S had appropriate bandgap and position of the conduction band that is beneficial for visible light absorption and photo-generated electron-hole pair separation. Moreover, the 3D structure offers a larger surface area thus supplying more surface reaction sites and better charge transport environment, and therefore, the efficiency of water splitting was improved further.
The effect of home-based cardiac rehabilitation program on self efficacy of patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation center
Authors: Poortaghi Sarieh , Baghernia Ali , Golzari Samad EJ , Safayian Abdolrasoul , Atri Shirin B 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of coronary heart disease is increasing worldwide contributing to mortality and morbidity of millions of people. Cardiac rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary activity with the aim of facilitating and improving the physical, psychological and emotional state of the patients with cardiac complications. This study aimed to evaluate the probable positive effects of continuing cardiac rehabilitation programs at home on self-efficacy of the patients with cardiac complications.MethodIn a randomized controlled trial, 80 patients referred to rehabilitation center from Feb 2009 to Jan 2010 were randomly divided into case and control groups. Both groups received routine cardiac rehabilitation programs in the rehabilitation center. In addition, the case group received education and practical training in various rehabilitation measures along with home visits of a community health nurse throughout the follow-up period. General Self Efficacy Scale (GSES) was used to assess self-efficacy between two groups at baseline and follow-up periods. Collected data from GSES questionnaires were analyzed using Minitab software and repeated measurement analysis model.ResultsNo first time (before beginning of rehabilitation program) GESE differences were observed between case (26.36 ± 0.84) and control (28.53 ± 0.54) groups (P = 0.44). In the final measurement, GESE in case group was 36.59 ± 5.65 vs. 26.5 ± 0.91 in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference in self-efficacy between two groups and in different measurements (P = 0.000).ConclusionHome-based cardiac rehabilitation has a positive effect on patients’ self-efficacy and therefore it is recommended for the patients suffering from heart diseases.Trial registrationRCT registration number:IRCT201106086747N1.
Spatial pattern of schistosomiasis in Xingzi, Jiangxi Province, China: the effects of environmental factors
Authors: Hu Yi , Zhang Zhijie , Chen Yue , Wang Zengliang , Gao Jie , Tao Bo , Jiang Qiulin , Jiang Qingwu 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe recent rebounds of schistosomiasis in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River pose a challenge to the current control strategies. In this study, identification of potential high risk snail habitats was proposed, as an alternative sustainable control strategy, in Xingzi County, China. Parasitological data from standardized surveys were available for 36,208 locals (aged between 6–65 years) from 42 sample villages across the county and used in combination with environmental data to investigate the spatial pattern of schistosomiasis risks.MethodsEnvironmental factors measured at village level were examined as possible risk factors by fitting a logistic regression model to schsitosomiasis risk. The approach of ordinary kriging was then used to predict the prevalence of schistosomiasis over the whole county.ResultsRisk analysis indicated that distance to snail habitat and wetland, rainfall, land surface temperature, hours of daylight, and vegetation are significantly associated with infection and the residual spatial pattern of infection showed no spatial correlation. The predictive map illustrated that high risk regions were located close to Beng Lake, Liaohuachi Lake, and Shixia Lake.ConclusionsThose significant environmental factors can perfectly explain spatial variation in infection and the high risk snail habitats delineated by the predicted map of schistosomiasis risks will help local decision-makers to develop a more sustainable control strategy.