bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of Satellite-Derived Daily Latent Heat Flux over the South China Sea, Compared with Observations and Five Products
Authors: Wang Dongxiao , Zeng Lili , Li Xixi , Shi Ping 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
This study describes the development of the South China Sea (SCS) daily satellite-derived latent heat flux (SCSSLH) for the period of 1998–2011 at 0.25° × 0.25° resolution using data mainly from the Tropical Rain Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI). Flux-related variables of daily TMI data smoothed with 3-day running mean were finally chosen because of the best fit with the 1727 high-quality observations from seven moored stations and 24 ship surveys. Near-surface air specific humidity was computed using the global relationship based on satellite precipitable water. Verification against 1016 high-resolution radiosonde profiles from 1998 to 2012 and the time series from the Xisha automatic weather station during 2008–10 indicate that this satellite-derived air specific humidity can reasonably capture observed mean condition and temporal variability. They are therefore used to derive SCSSLH based on the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment version 3.0 (COARE 3.0) algorithm. Compared with five other latent heat flux products—the Goddard Satellite-Based Surface Turbulent Fluxes version 2 (GSSTF2), the objectively analyzed air–sea heat fluxes (OAFlux), the Hamburg Ocean Atmosphere Parameters and Fluxes from Satellite Data version 3 (HOAPS3), the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/Department of Energy Global Reanalysis 2 (NCEP-2), and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)—the daily SCSSLH shows the highest spatial resolution and realistic values in the SCS, with an exception along the northern continental shelf. More importantly, the other five products seem to overestimate the latent heat flux systematically. The flux representation in this study comes not only with a better flux algorithm but also with the improved estimates of bulk variables based on in situ measurements, which further highlights the unique role of high-quality meteorological measurements and atmospheric weather stations in evaluating the air–sea interaction in the SCS.
Estimating Monthly Precipitation Reconstruction Uncertainty Beginning in 1900
Authors: Smith Thomas M. , Shen Samuel S. P. , Ren Li , Arkin Phillip A. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Uncertainty estimates are computed for a statistical reconstruction of global monthly precipitation that was developed in an earlier publication. The reconstruction combined the use of spatial correlations with gauge precipitation and correlations between precipitation and related data beginning in 1900. Several types of errors contribute to uncertainty, including errors associated with the reconstruction method and input data errors. This reconstruction includes the use of correlated data for the ocean-area first guess, which contributes to much of the uncertainty over those regions. Errors associated with the input data include random, sampling, and bias errors. Random and bias data errors are mostly filtered out of the reconstruction analysis and are the smallest components of the total error. The largest errors are associated with sampling and the method, which together dominate the total error. The uncertainty estimates in this study indicate that (i) over oceans the reconstruction is most reliable in the tropics, especially the Pacific, because of the large spatial scales of ENSO; (ii) over the high-latitude oceans multidecadal variations are fairly reliable, but many month-to-month variations are not; and (iii) over- and near-land errors are much smaller because of local gauge. The reconstruction indicates that the average precipitation increases early in the twentieth century, followed by several decades of multidecadal variations with little trend until near the end of the century, when precipitation again appears to systematically increase. The uncertainty estimates indicate that the average changes over land are most reliable, while over oceans the average change over the reconstruction period is slightly larger than the uncertainty.
Comparing the Renal Safety of Isoosmolar Versus Low-Osmolar Contrast Medium by Renal Biomarkers N-Acetyl-β-d-Glucosaminidase and Endothelin
Authors: Semerci Tuna , Çuhadar Serap , Akçay Filiz Akyıldız , Aydın Tuğba Kantaroğlu , Atay Ayşenur , Köseoğlu Mehmet , Bayata Serdar 
Published: January 2013

Iodixanol and iopamidol are commonly used contrast agents in coronary angiography. We evaluated the nephrotoxic effects of both contrast media in relation to renal biomarkers. A total of 38 low-risk patients who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive either low-osmolar nonionic monomer or isoosmolar nonionic dimer contrast medium. N-Acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), endothelin, blood urea nitrogen, and urine and serum creatinine (SCr) levels were measured before the procedure (T0), at 6 hours (T6), and at 1 year after the procedure. Plasma endothelin, urine NAG/creatinine, and SCr were higher; accordingly, the urine creatinine values were lower in both the groups when comparing T0 versus T6. The groups were similar with each other when comparing T0 and T6 values. Both the contrast agents may be safely used at a low volume for coronary angiography in low-risk patients. Endothelin and NAG are sensitive to acute renal changes in function. There is a need for further prospective investigations with more patients.
Evaluation of Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Flap and Fat Graft Outcomes for Benign and Malignant Parotid Disease
Authors: Ambro Bryan T. , Goodstein Lindsay A. , Morales Robert E. , Taylor Rodney J. 
Published: January 2013

Objective(1) To evaluate the effectiveness of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) flap and free fat graft in reconstructing the parotidectomy defect. (2) To evaluate the long‐term viability of the free fat graft following parotidectomy for benign and malignant disease, including in the postradiation setting.Study DesignProspective study of consecutive patients.SettingAcademic tertiary care medical center.Subjects and MethodsThirty‐one consecutive patients underwent parotidectomy with SMAS flap and free fat graft reconstruction from 2006 to 2012. Data were compiled through a manual chart review.ResultsTwenty‐three of the 31 total patients had benign disease, including pleomorphic adenoma, oncocytoma, and Warthin tumor. The 8 remaining patients (9 parotidectomies) underwent surgery for malignant disease, followed by postoperative radiation. The average age was 56 years (range, 16‐84 years). The mean follow‐up was 22.5 months. Satisfactory volumetric symmetry was achieved in all procedures for benign and malignant disease. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed long‐term fat graft viability in the postradiation setting. There was 1 case of Frey syndrome and no cases of unexpected, permanent facial nerve weakness among the patients.ConclusionThe combined technique of SMAS flap and free fat graft is effective for immediate reconstruction of the parotidectomy defect with minimal morbidity and low complication rates. This study demonstrates long‐term viability of the free fat graft even in the setting of postoperative radiation.
Minsky in the Shadows
Authors: Nesvetailova Anastasia , Palan Ronen 
Published: January 2013

One of the many lingering questions posed by the continuing meltdown of global finance concerns the role of securitization and the so-called shadow banking system in amplifying the scope of the crisis. As the crisis has revealed, a crucial function of many shadow financial units such as special purpose vehicles (SPVs) has been to make complex debt structures marketable and liquid. To what extent can the financial malaise of 2007 be attributed to the widespread use of such schemes? And how can this problem be conceptualized in contemporary political economy? In this paper we address these questions, examining the case of Northern Rock and its offshore SPV structure, Granite Master Trust. Drawing on the financial instability framework of Hyman Minsky, we find that the collapse of Northern Rock was caused by a confluence of two institutional trends in modern finance. First, it is the tendency of financial firms to exploit the regulatory gap by relying on financial innovation; second, it is the spread of the Ponzi culture as the defining mode of financing for today’s economic units. In this, the crisis of Northern Rock is symptomatic of a wider problem of today’s financial system where the process of securitization and liquefying debt structures is facilitated through the shadow financial system and often involves illicit practices, as well as outright fraud.1 JEL Classification: P16; B310; H260; G010; G210; G280.
Intracardiac thrombus formation induced by carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Ryoo SM , Sohn CH , Kim HJ , Kwak MK , Oh BJ , Lim KS 
Published: January 2013

Introduction: Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the leading causes of poisoning; it inhibits oxygen delivery, subsequently causing ischemic changes and ultimately death by multiorgan failure. Furthermore, thromboembolic episodes due to CO poisoning have been reported. However, intracardiac thrombus formation following exposure to CO has been very rarely described. Here, a case of right atrial large thrombus formation after CO poisoning is presented. Case presentation: A previously healthy 24-year-old woman was referred for CO poisoning. She has attempted suicide, and her initial mental status was drowsy with focal memory loss. Her initial CO fraction was 16%, and initial laboratory data showed creatinine kinase-myocardial bound of 90.6 ng/mL (upper limit 5 ng/mL) and troponin I of 1.899 ng/mL (upper limit 1.5 ng/mL). A transthoracic echocardiography was performed 24 h after the accident, revealing a 30 × 15 mm nodular echogenic mass in the right atrium. Anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin was started along with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. After 7 days of heparinization, the large thrombus in right atrium had resolved. Conclusion: This report describes an intracardiac thrombus formation induced by CO poisoning. Because intracardiac thrombus can result in pulmonary embolism and cerebral embolic infarction, its consideration following CO poisoning is important.
Community pharmacists’ knowledge and perceptions about adverse drug reactions and barriers towards their reporting in Eastern region, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khan Tahir M. 
Published: January 2013

Objective: The present study aims to analyze community pharmacists’ current knowledge and perceived barriers to adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting systems in the Eastern region, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study was planned from 1 June 2012 to 15 July 2012 among the community pharmacies in the Eastern region, Alahsa. A total of 70 community pharmacists were approached using a cluster sampling method. A self-administered, 28-item questionnaire was used to attain the objectives of the study. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science version 13. Relative index ranking was used to identify the top five barriers to the ADR reporting process. Results: Response to the survey was 71.43%. In terms of knowledge about ADRs, very few (four, 8.0%) pharmacists were unable to differentiate between the right and wrong definition of ADRs. About 42 (84.0%) pharmacists mentioned that patients often report adverse events. However, 45 (90.0%) were not aware of the ADR reporting system in Saudi Arabia. A deficient professional environment was the main barrier to the ADR reporting process. In addition, unavailability of the reporting forms and poor understanding of the reporting process were common barriers to the reporting process. Conclusion: Most of the community pharmacists were unaware of the ADR reporting system in Saudi Arabia. Logistic issues were the main barriers to the ADR reporting process.
The Francisella tularensis LVS ΔpdpCmutant exhibits a unique phenotype during intracellular infection
Authors: Lindgren Marie , Bröms Jeanette E , Meyer Lena , Golovliov Igor , Sjöstedt Anders 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
A prerequisite for the virulence of the facultative intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis is effective intramacrophage proliferation, which is preceded by phagosomal escape into the cytosol, and ultimately leads to host cell death. Many components essential for the intracellular life cycle are encoded by a gene cluster, the Francisella pathogenicity island (FPI), constituting a type VI secretion system.

Results
We characterized the FPI mutant ΔpdpC of the live vaccine strain (LVS) of F. tularensis and found that it exhibited lack of intracellular replication, incomplete phagosomal escape, and marked attenuation in the mouse model, however, unlike a phagosomally contained FPI mutant, it triggered secretion of IL-1β, albeit lower than LVS, and markedly induced LDH release.

Conclusions
The phenotype of the ΔpdpC mutant appears to be unique compared to previously described F. tularensis FPI mutants.
Is the processing of affective prosody influenced by spatial attention? an ERP study
Authors: Gädeke Julia C , Föcker Julia , Röder Brigitte 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
The present study asked whether the processing of affective prosody is modulated by spatial attention. Pseudo-words with a neutral, happy, threatening, and fearful prosody were presented at two spatial positions. Participants attended to one position in order to detect infrequent targets. Emotional prosody was task irrelevant. The electro-encephalogram (EEG) was recorded to assess processing differences as a function of spatial attention and emotional valence.

Results
Event-related potentials (ERPs) differed as a function of emotional prosody both when attended and when unattended. While emotional prosody effects interacted with effects of spatial attention at early processing levels (< 200 ms), these effects were additive at later processing stages (> 200 ms).

Conclusions
Emotional prosody, therefore, seems to be partially processed outside the focus of spatial attention. Whereas at early sensory processing stages spatial attention modulates the degree of emotional voice processing as a function of emotional valence, emotional prosody is processed outside of the focus of spatial attention at later processing stages.
Introduction of the AmpliChip CYP450 Test to a South African cohort: a platform comparative prospective cohort study
Authors: Dodgen Tyren M , Hochfeld Warren E , Fickl Heidi , Asfaha Sahle M , Durandt Chrisna , Rheeder Paul , Drögemöller Britt I , Wright Galen E B , Warnich Louise , Labuschagne Christiaan DJ , van Schalkwyk Antoinette , Gaedigk Andrea , Pepper Michael S 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Adverse drug reactions and lack of therapeutic efficacy associated with currently prescribed pharmacotherapeutics may be attributed, in part, to inter-individual variability in drug metabolism. Studies on the pharmacogenetics of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes offer insight into this variability. The objective of this study was to compare the AmpliChip CYP450 Test® (AmpliChip) to alternative genotyping platforms for phenotype prediction of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 in a representative cohort of the South African population.

Methods
AmpliChip was used to screen for thirty-three CYP2D6 and three CYP2C19 alleles in two different cohorts. As a comparison cohort 2 was then genotyped using a CYP2D6 specific long range PCR with sequencing (CYP2D6 XL-PCR + Sequencing) platform and a PCR-RFLP platform for seven CYP2C19 alleles.

Results
Even though there was a low success rate for the AmpliChip, allele frequencies for both CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 were very similar between the two different cohorts. The CYP2D6 XL-PCR + Sequencing platform detected CYP2D6*5 more reliably and could correctly distinguish between CYP2D6*2 and *41 in the Black African individuals. Alleles not covered by the AmpliChip were identified and four novel CYP2D6 alleles were also detected. CYP2C19 PCR-RFLP identified CYP2C19*9,*15, *17 and *27 in the Black African individuals, with *2, *17 and *27 being relatively frequent in the cohort. Eliminating mismatches and identifying additional alleles will contribute to improving phenotype prediction for both enzymes. Phenotype prediction differed between platforms for both genes.

Conclusion
Comprehensive genotyping of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 with the platforms used in this study, would be more appropriate than AmpliChip for phenotypic prediction in the South African population. Pharmacogenetically important novel alleles may remain undiscovered when using assays that are designed according to Caucasian specific variation, unless alternate strategies are utilised.
Chromosomal evolution of Escherichia coli for the efficient production of lycopene
Authors: Chen Yun-Yan , Shen Hong-Jie , Cui Yan-Yan , Chen Shang-Guang , Weng Zhi-Ming , Zhao Ming , Liu Jian-Zhong 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Plasmid-based overexpression of genes has been the principal strategy for metabolic engineering. However, for biotechnological applications, plasmid-based expression systems are not suitable because of genetic instability, and the requirement for constant selective pressure to ensure plasmid maintenance.

Results
To overcome these drawbacks, we constructed an Escherichia coli lycopene production strain that does not carry a plasmid or an antibiotic marker. This was achieved using triclosan-induced chromosomal evolution, a high gene copy expression system. The engineered strain demonstrated high genetic stability in the absence of the selective agent during fermentation. The replacement of native appY promoter with a T5 promoter, and the deletion of the iclR gene in E. coli CBW 12241 further improved lycopene production. The resulting strain, E. coli CBW 12241(Δ
iclR, PT5-appY), produced lycopene at 33.43 mg per gram of dry cell weight.

Conclusions
A lycopene hyper-producer E. coli strain that does not carry a plasmid or antibiotic marker was constructed using triclosan-induced chromosomal evolution. The methods detailed in this study can be used to engineer E. coli to produce other metabolites.
Expression of glioma-associated oncogene 2 (Gli 2) is correlated with poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatectomy
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Cao Liangqi , Li Yue , Lu Haiwu , Yang Xuewei , Xue Ping 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Our previous studies showed that glioma-associated oncogene (Gli)2 plays an important role in the proliferation and apoptosis resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical significance of Gli2 expression in HCC.

Methods
Expression of Gli2 protein was detected in samples from 68 paired HCC samples, the corresponding paraneoplastic liver tissues, and 20 normal liver tissues using immunohistochemistry. Correlation of the immunohistochemistry results with clinicopathologic parameters, prognosis, and the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin were analyzed.

Results
Immunohistochemical staining showed high levels of Gli2 protein expression in HCC, compared with paraneoplastic and normal liver tissues (P < 0.05). This high expression level of Gli2 was significantly associated with tumor differentiation, encapsulation, vascular invasion, early recurrence, and intra-hepatic metastasis (P < 0.05). There was a significantly negative correlation between Gli2 and E-cadherin expression (r = −0.302, P < 0.05) and a significantly positive correlation between expression of Gli2 and expression of vimentin (r = −0.468, P < 0.05) and N-cadherin (r = −0.505, P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with overexpressed Gli2 had significantly shorter overall survival and disease-free survival times (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis suggested that the level of Gli2 expression was an independent prognostic factor for HCC.

Conclusions
Expression of Gli2 is high in HCC tissue, and is associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC after hepatectomy.
Berberine protects human renal proximal tubular cells from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress pathways
Authors: Yu Wenli , Sheng Mingwei , Xu Rubin , Yu Jianjian , Cui Kang , Tong Jingkai , Shi Liying , Ren Hengchang , Du Hongyin 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Ischemia/reperfusion injury plays a crucial role in renal transplantation, and represents a significant risk factor for acute renal failure and delayed graft function. The pathophysiological contribution of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria stress to ischemia/reperfusion injury has also been highlighted. Berberine (BBR) has been showed to attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting oxidative stress. The study was carried out to investigate whether the pretreatment of BBR could reduce hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced injury by inhibiting mitochondria stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways.

Methods
The cultured human renal proximal tubular cell line HK-2 cells were exposed to 24 h hypoxia (5% CO2, 1% O2, 94% N2) followed by 3 h reoxygenation (5% CO2, 21% O2, 74% N2). And BBR was added to the culture medium 2h prior to the treatment. Then the cell viability, oxidative stress level, morphological change of apoptosis and apoptotic rate were determined. In addition, Western blot analysis was performed to identify the expression of apoptotic pathway parameters, including Bcl-2, Bax and cytochrome C involved in mitochondrial-dependent pathway and ER stress hallmarks such as glucose-regulated protein 78 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein.

Results
H/R produced dramatic injuries in HK-2 cells. The cell viability and the oxidative stress level in group H/R was significantly decreased. The classical morphological change of apoptosis was found, while the apoptotic rate and the expression of proteins involved in mitochondrial stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways increased (p<0.05). Administration of BBR significantly inhibited these H/R induced changes (p<0.05).

Conclusion
This study revealed that BBR pretreatment serves a protective role against H/R induced apoptosis of human renal proximal tubular cells, and the mechanism is related to suppression of mitochondrial stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways.
Performance evaluation of reverse osmosis technology for selected antibiotics removal from synthetic pharmaceutical wastewater
Authors: Gholami Mitra , Mirzaei Roya , Kalantary Roshanak Rezaei , Sabzali Ahmad , Gatei Fateme 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
This study addresses the possibility for low pressure reverse osmosis membrane (RE 2521, CSM) process to serve as an alternative to remove selected antibiotics (ampicillin and amoxicillin) from synthetic wastewater by changing operating conditions such as pH = 3, 6.5 and 10; Pressure = 9, 11 and13 (bar); antibiotic concentration = 10, 255 and 500(mg/L), and temperature = 20, 30 and 40°C. The experiment was designed based on Box-benken, which is a Response Surface methodology design (RSM), using Design Expert software. The concentration of antibiotics was measured by applying a UV-spectrophotometer (Cecil), at the wavelength of 254 nm. Results showed a range of rejection percentage from 73.52% to 99.36% and 75.1% to 98.8%, for amoxicillin and ampicillin, respectively. Considering the solute rejections and the membrane porosity show that the prevailing rejection mechanism of the examined antibiotics by the membrane was the size exclusion effect. The permeate flux for both of the antibiotics was 12–18.73 L/m2.h. Although the permeate flux and antibiotic rejection are influenced by operating pressure, pH, and temperature individually, the interaction between operating parameters did not have noticeable effects. According to the results obtained in this study, the application of RO membrane is recommended for the selected antibiotics to be removed to a considerable degree (up to 95%).