bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of linkage disequilibrium at PARK16 may explain variances in genetic association studies
Authors: Li Huihua , Teo Yik‐Ying , Tan Eng‐King 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundReproducing genomewide association studies findings in different populations is challenging, because the reproducibility fundamentally relies on the similar patterns of linkage disequilibrium between the unknown causal variants and the genotyped single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).MethodsThe PARK16 locus was reported to alter the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) in genomewide association studies in Japanese and Caucasians. We evaluated the regional linkage disequilibrium pattern at PARK16 locus in Caucasians, Japanese, and Chinese from HapMap and Chinese, Malays, and Indians from the Singapore Genome Variation Project, using the traditional heatmaps and targeted analysis of PARK16 gene via Monte Carlo simulation through varLD scores of these ethnic groups.ResultsOne hundred SNPs in Caucasians, 95 SNPs in Chinese, 78 SNPs in Japanese from HapMap, 86 SNPs in Chinese, 99 SNPs in Indians, and 97 SNPs in Malays from the Singapore Genome Variation Project were included. Our targeted analysis showed that the linkage disequilibrium pattern of SNPs close to rs947211 was similar in Caucasians and Asians, including Chinese, Japanese, and Malay (all P > 0.0001), whereas different linkage disequilibrium patterns around rs823128, rs823156, and rs708730 were found between Caucasians and these Asian groups (all P < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur study suggests a higher chance to detect the association between rs947211 and PD in Chinese, Malay, and other Caucasian groups because of the similar linkage disequilibrium pattern around rs947211. The associations between rs823128/rs823156/rs708730 and PD are more likely to be replicated in Chinese and Malay populations. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Stable Isotope Record of Human and Sheep Enamel Carbonate from the Ancient Middle Euphrates Valley (Syria)
Authors: Tomczyk J. , Wierzbowski H. , Zalewska M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractStable isotope analyses of human tooth enamel have allowed us to reconstruct the isotope composition of dietary carbon, changes in the oxygen isotope composition of drinking water and the possible migration of humans in ancient Terqa and Tell Masaikh (SE Syria). δ18Ocarbonate values of human tooth enamel from the interval comprising the Neo‐Assyrian to the modern Islamic periods (from 900 BC to AD 1949) generally mirror the isotope composition of Euphrates water, which is believed to have been a major drinking water source. Lower δ18Ocarbonate values of human Bronze Age apatite are linked to a different hydrologic system that was present in the Middle Euphrates valley at that time (2650–1700 BC). Higher δ18Ocarbonate values of some individuals in the Neo‐Assyrian (900–700 BC) and Islamic periods (AD 600–1200) may indicate human migration from the interior of the Near East. Low δ13Ccarbonate values (−11.3 to −12.4‰) of human tooth enamel from the interval comprising the Early Bronze to the Islamic periods (from 2650 BC to AD 1200) indicate C3 plants as a predominant source of dietary carbon. Changes in human dietary customs in SE Syria (with inferred usage of C4 plants) occurred in the modern Islamic period only (AD 1850–1949).Oxygen and carbon isotope data of sheep enamel show the usage of water bodies characterised by an enhanced evaporation rate during the Neo‐Assyrian time (900–700 BC) and grazing sheep herds on drier areas during the Islamic and the modern Islamic periods (after AD 600). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Doomsday Equation and 50 years beyond: new perspectives on the human‐water system
Authors: Parolari Anthony J. , Katul Gabriel G. , Porporato Amilcare 
Published: March 2015

In 1960, von Foerster et al. humorously predicted an abrupt transition in human population growth to occur in the mid‐21st century. Their so‐called ‘Doomsday’ emerged from either progressive degradation of a finite resource or faster‐than‐exponential growth of an increasingly resource‐use efficient population, though what constitutes this resource was not made explicit. At present, few dispute the claim that water is the most fundamental resource to sustainable human population growth. Multiple lines of evidence demonstrate that the global water system exhibits nontrivial dynamics linked to similar patterns in population growth. Projections of the global water system range from a finite carrying capacity regulated by accessible freshwater, or ‘peak renewable water,’ to punctuated evolution with new supplies and improved efficiency gained from technological and social innovation. These projections can be captured, to first order, by a single delay differential equation with human–water interactions parameterized as a delay kernel that links present water supply to the population history and its impacts on water resources. This kernel is a macroscopic representation of social, environmental, and technological factors operating in the human‐water system; however, the mathematical form remains unconstrained by available data. A related model of log‐periodic, power‐law growth confirms that global water use evolves through repeated periods of rapid growth and stagnation, a pattern remarkably consistent with historical anecdotes. Together, these models suggest a possible regime shift leading to a new phase of water innovation in the mid‐21st century that arises from delayed feedback between population growth and development of water resources.WIREs Water2015, 2:407–414. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1080This article is categorized under:Engineering Water > Planning Water
Climate model biases in the eastern tropical oceans: causes, impacts and ways forward
Authors: Richter Ingo 
Published: March 2015

The eastern boundaries of the tropical and subtropical oceans are regions of high biological productivity that support some of the world's largest fisheries. They also feature extensive stratocumulus cloud decks that play a pivotal role in the response of the climate system to greenhouse gas forcing. Global climate models experience great difficulties simulating eastern boundary regions, with one of the most notable shortcomings being warm sea‐surface temperature biases that often exceed 5 K. These model biases are due to several reasons. (1) Weaker than observed alongshore winds lead to an underrepresentation of upwelling and alongshore currents and the cooling associated with them. (2) Stratocumulus decks and their effects on shortwave radiation are underpredicted in the models. (3) The offshore transport of cool waters by mesoscale eddies is not adequately represented by global models due to insufficient resolution. (4) The sharp vertical temperature gradient separating the warm upper ocean layer from the deep ocean is too diffuse in the models. More work will be required to assess the relative importance of these error sources and to find ways of mitigating them. Coordinated multi‐model experiments are vital to achieve this goal, as are enhanced ocean and atmosphere observations of the eastern boundary regions. To what extent eastern ocean biases compromise the models' ability to produce accurate seasonal predictions, and climate change projections should be another focus of research efforts. WIREs Clim Change 2015, 6:345–358. doi: 10.1002/wcc.338This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with Models
Nutritional regulation of root development
Authors: Ruiz Herrera León Francisco , Shane Michael W. , López‐Bucio José 
Published: March 2015

Mineral nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and iron (Fe) are essential for plant growth, development, and reproduction. Adequate provision of nutrients via the root system impacts greatly on shoot biomass and plant productivity and is therefore of crucial importance for agriculture. Nutrients are taken up at the root surface in ionic form, which is mediated by specific transport proteins. Noteworthy, root tips are able to sense the local and internal concentrations of nutrients to adjust growth and developmental processes, and ultimately, to increase or decrease the exploratory capacity of the root system. Recently, important progress has been achieved in identifying the mechanisms of nutrient sensing in wild‐ and cultivated species, including Arabidopsis, bean, maize, rice, lupin as well as in members of the Proteaceae and Cyperaceae families, which develop highly sophisticated root clusters as adaptations to survive in soils with very low fertility. Major findings include identification of transporter proteins and transcription factors regulating nutrient sensing, miRNAs as mobile signals and peptides as repressors of lateral root development under heterogeneous nutrient supply. Understanding the roles played by N, P, and Fe in gene expression and biochemical characterization of proteins involved in root developmental responses to homogeneous or heterogeneous N and P sources has gained additional interest due to its potential for improving fertilizer acquisition efficiency in crops. WIREs Dev Biol 2015, 4:431–443. doi: 10.1002/wdev.183This article is categorized under:

Plant Development > Root Development
Plant Development > Vegetative Development
Plant Development > Cell Growth and Differentiation
Mandating better buildings: a global review of building codes and prospects for improvement in the United States
Authors: Sun Xiaojing , Brown Marilyn A. , Cox Matt , Jackson Roderick 
Published: March 2015

This paper provides a global overview of the design, implementation, and evolution of building energy codes. Reflecting alternative policy goals, building energy codes differ significantly across the United States, the European Union, and China. This review uncovers numerous innovative practices including greenhouse gas emissions caps per square meter of building space, energy performance certificates with retrofit recommendations, and inclusion of renewable energy to achieve ‘nearly zero‐energy buildings’. These innovations motivated an assessment of an aggressive commercial building code applied to all US states, requiring both new construction and buildings with major modifications to comply with the latest version of the ASHRAE 90.1 Standards. Using the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS), we estimate that by 2035, such building codes in the United States could reduce energy for space heating, cooling, water heating, and lighting in commercial buildings by 16%, 15%, 20%, and 5%, respectively. Impacts on different fuels and building types, energy rates and bills as well as pollution emission reductions are also examined. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:188–215. doi: 10.1002/wene.168This article is categorized under:

Energy Efficiency > Economics and Policy
Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy
Energy Policy and Planning > Climate and Environment
Organometallic Lewis Acids, Part LIX[1] Pentacarbonylrhenium Complexes with Phosphorus Tricyanide and Di­cyanophosphide
Authors: Sacher Wolfgang , Schmidpeter Alfred , Beck Wolfgang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe addition of Re(CO)5+ [as Re(CO)5FBF3] to P(CN)3 and to P(CN)2– affords the complexes [Re(CO)5]3P(CN)3(BF4)3 and Re(CO)5P(CN)2, respectively. The spectroscopic data indicate that Re(CO)5+ is coordinated to each of the three cyano groups of P(CN)3 to give {P[C≡N‐Re(CO)5]3}[BF4]3, whereas the pseudohalide P(CN)2– is bonded to the rhenium cation through the phosphorus atom.
Recurrent Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Lower Limb with Tibial Invasion
Authors: de la Fuente Teresa Pérez , González Isabel González 
Published: March 2015

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin malignancy and is most prevalent on the head and neck region, although BCC can occur in other sites, including the lower limbs. Objective: We report the case of an 85-year-old female patient who experienced recurrent BCCs in the lower limb with tibial invasion. Methods: Treatment consisted of wide skin excision, tibial osteotomy, intraoperative cryotherapy, and coverage with an internal gastrocnemius muscle flap. Results: The computed tomographic scan showed local bone control of the BCC, with no recurrence, so we avoided limb amputation. Conclusion: The reported case is uncommon because of the site, the extent of bone infiltration, and local treatment with cryotherapy.
Co-Occurrence of Chancroid and Gonorrhea
Authors: Nawaf Al-Mutairi , Joshi Arun , Tayeh Mohammad 
Published: March 2015

Background: Gonorrhea and chancroid are common sexually transmitted infections in many parts of the world. Still, cooccurrence of these two conditions is uncommonly reported. Objective: We present here a patient who presented with painful genital ulcers and urethral discharge simultaneously acquired from a single exposure, which turned out to be chancroid and gonorrhea, respectively. Both conditions responded well to a single intramuscular dose of ceftriaxone 250 mg. Conclusion: This report describes the uncommon occurrence of gonorrhea and chancroid in a patient. Clinical features, relevant investigations, treatment options of these two sexually transmitted infections, and possible implications in view of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic are briefly discussed.
Mycosis Fungoides with Tinea Pseudoimbricata Owing to Trichophyton Rubrum Infection
Authors: Poonawalla Tasneem , Chen Weina , Duvic Madeleine 
Published: March 2015

Background: Dermatophytes can mimic or possibly trigger mycosis fungoides (MF). Objectives: To present the case of a 55-year-old male referred for MF refractory to therapy who instead had extensive tinea pseudoimbricata (concentric, annular lesions secondary to Trichophyton rubrum). Methods: Case report with biopsy and cultures. Results: Oral antifungal therapy dramatically improved his lesions, and only a few MF lesions persisted after treatment. Conclusions: Concurrent tinea may confound the treatment and diagnosis of MF.
Open Mesh Repair for Inguinal Hernia is Safer than Laparoscopic Repair or Open Non‐mesh Repair: A Nationwide Registry Study of Complications
Authors: Kouhia Sanna , Vironen Jaana , Hakala Tapio , Paajanen Hannu 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundInguinal hernia repair is the most common elective procedure in general surgery. Therefore, the number of patients having complications related to inguinal hernia surgery is relatively large. The aim of this study was to compare complication profiles of inguinal open mesh (OM) hernioplasties with open non‐mesh (OS) repairs and laparoscopic (LAP) repairs using retrospective nationwide registry data.MethodsThe database of the Finnish Patient Insurance Centre (FPIC) was searched for complications of inguinal and femoral hernia repairs during 2002–2010. Complications of OM repairs were compared to complications of OS repairs and LAP repairs.ResultsOver 75 % of all inguinal hernia procedures during the study period in Finland were OM hernioplasties. FPIC received 245 complication reports after OM repairs, 40 after OS repairs, and 50 after LAP repairs. Reported complications were significantly more severe after LAP and OS repairs than OM surgery (p < 0.001). Visceral complications (p < 0.001), deep infections (p < 0.001), and deep hemorrhagic complications (p < 0.001) were overrepresented in the LAP group. In the OS group, visceral complications (p < 0.001), recurrences (p < 0.001), and severe neuropathic pain (p < 0.001) predominated.ConclusionLAP and OS repairs of inguinal hernia were associated with more severe complications than open surgery with mesh in this study.
Measurement of psychosine in dried blood spots — a possible improvement to newborn screening programs for Krabbe disease
Authors: Turgeon Coleman T. , Orsini Joseph J. , Sanders Karen A. , Magera Mark J. , Langan Thomas J. , Escolar Maria L. , Duffner Patricia , Oglesbee Devin , Gavrilov Dimitar , Tortorelli Silvia , Rinaldo Piero , Raymond Kimiyo , Matern Dietrich 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundNewborn screening (NBS) for Krabbe disease (KD) in New York and Missouri is conducted by measuring galactocerebrosidase (GALC) activity using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). These NBS efforts have shown that the incidence of KD is unexpectedly low (1:400,000) while many individuals (ca. 1:6000) with reduced GALC activity and genotypes of uncertain significance are detected and subjected to follow up testing. Psychosine (PSY) is a putative marker of KD progression and can be measured in dried blood spots (DBS). We sought to determine the role that PSY levels play in NBS for KD, follow up, and treatment monitoring.MethodsPSY was eluted from DBS with methanol containing N,N‐dimethyl‐D‐erythro‐sphingosine as internal standard (IS). Liquid chromatography‐MS/MS was conducted over 17 minutes in the multiple reaction monitoring positive mode to follow the precursor to product species transitions for PSY and IS. Separation of the structural isomers PSY and glucosylsphingosine was accomplished by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography.ResultsPre‐analytical and analytical factors were studied and revealed satisfactory results. PSY was also measured in DBS collected from controls (range: <8 nmol/L, N = 220), KD patients at various disease stages (range: 8–112, N = 26), and GALC mutation carriers (range: <15 nmol/L, N = 18).ConclusionsPSY measurement in DBS could serve as a 2nd tier assay in NBS for KD, simplify and reduce the cost of follow up protocols, help determine disease progression, and be used to monitor KD patients following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, additional chronological measurements of PSY in KD patients are required to confirm these possibilities.
Metabolic response assessment with 18F-FDG PET/CT: inter-method comparison and prognostic significance for patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Jingbo , Wong Ka Kit , Piert Morand , Stanton Paul , Frey Kirk A , Kong Feng-Ming 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to (1) compare the agreement of two evaluation methods of metabolic response in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and determine their prognostic value and (2) explore an optimal cutoff of metabolic reduction to distinguish a more favorable subset of responders.

Methods
This is a secondary analysis of prospective studies. Enrolled patients underwent 18F-PET/CT within 2 weeks before, during, and months after radiotherapy (post-RT). Metabolic response was assessed using both Peter MacCallum (PM) method of qualitative visual assessment and University of Michigan (UM) method of semiquantitative measurement. The agreement between two methods determined response, and their prediction of outcome was analyzed.

Results
Forty-four patients with median follow-up of 25.2 months were analyzed. A moderate agreement was observed between PM- and UM-based response assessment (Kappa coefficient = 0.434), unveiling a significant difference in CMR rate (p = 0.001). Categorical responses derived from either method were significantly predictive of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p < 0.0001). Numerical percentage decrease of FDG uptake also showed significant correlations with survival, presenting a hazard ratio of 0.97 for both OS and PFS. A 75 % of SUV decrease was found to be the optimal cutoff to predict OS and 2-year progression.

Conclusions
There was a modest discrepancy in metabolic response rates between PM and UM criteria, though both could offer predictive classification for survival. The percentage decrease provides an ordinal value that correlates with prolonged survival, recommending 75 % as the optimal threshold at identifying better responders.
Quantification of Lumbar Stability During Wall Plank‐and‐Roll Activity Using Inertial Sensors
Authors: Yoon Chiyul , Lee Joonnyong , Kim Keewon , Kim Hee Chan , Chung Sun Gun 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a simple method of quantifying dynamic lumbar stability by evaluating postural changes of the lumbar spine during a wall plank‐and‐roll (WPR) activity while maintaining maximal trunk rigidity.DesignA descriptive, exploratory research with a convenience sample.SettingA biomechanics laboratory of a tertiary university hospital.ParticipantsSixteen healthy young subjects (8 men and 8 women; 30.7 ± 6.8 years old) and 3 patients (2 men 46 and 50 years old; 1 woman 54 years old) with low back pain (LBP).MethodsThe subjects performed the WPR activity with 2 inertial sensors attached on the thoracic spine and sacrum. Relative angles between the sensors were calculated to characterize lumbar posture in 3 anatomical planes: axial twist (AT), kyphosis‐lordosis (KL), or lateral bending (LB). Isokinetic truncal flexion and extension power were measured.Main Outcome MeasuresAT, KL, and LB were compared between the initial plank and maximal roll positions. Angular excursions were compared between males and females and between rolling sides, and tested for correlation with isokinetic truncal muscle power. Patterns and consistencies of the lumbar postural changes were determined. Lumbar postural changes of each patient were examined in the aspects of pattern and excursion, considering those from the healthy subjects as reference.ResultsAT, KL, and LB were significantly changed from the initial plank to the maximal roll position (P < .01); that is, the thoracic spine rotated further, lumbar lordosis increased, and the thoracic spine was bent away from the wall by 6.9° ± 12.0°, 9.5° ± 6.5°, and 7.9° ± 4.9°, respectively. The patterns and amounts of lumbar postural changes were not significantly different between the rolling sides or between male and female participants, except that the excursion in AT was larger on the dominant rolling side. The excursions were not related to isokinetic truncal muscle power. The 3 LBP patients showed varied deviations in pattern and excursion from the average of the healthy subjects.ConclusionsCertain amounts and patterns of lumbar postural changes were observed in healthy young subjects, with no significant variations based on gender, rolling side, or truncal muscle power. Application of the evaluation on LBP patients revealed prominent deviations from the healthy postural changes, suggesting potential clinical applicability. Therefore, with appropriate development and case stratification, we believe that the quantification of lumbar postural changes during WPR activity can be used to assess dynamic lumbar stability in clinical practice.