bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethical issues in funding research and development of drugs for neglected tropical diseases
Authors: Oprea L , Braunack-Mayer A , Gericke C A 
Published: April 2009

Neglected and tropical diseases, pervasive in developing countries, are important contributors to global health inequalities. They remain largely untreated due to lack of effective and affordable treatments. Resource-poor countries cannot afford to develop the public health interventions needed to control neglected diseases. In addition, neglected diseases do not represent an attractive market for pharmaceutical industry. Although a number of international commitments, stated in the Millennium Development Goals, have been made to avert the risk of communicable diseases, tropical diseases still remain neglected due to delays in international assistance. This delay can be explained by the form international cooperation has generally taken, which is limited to promoting countries’ national interests, rather than social justice at a global level. This restricts the international responsibility for global inequalities in health to a humanitarian assistance.We propose an alternative view, arguing that expanding the scope of international cooperation by promoting shared health and economic value at a global level will create new opportunities for innovative, effective and affordable interventions worldwide. It will also promote neglected diseases as a global research priority. We build our argument on a proposal to replace the patenting system that currently regulates pharmaceutical research with a global fund to reward this research based on actual decreases in morbidity and mortality at a global level. We argue that this approach is beneficent because it will decrease global health inequalities and promote social justice worldwide.
Dissolved and particulate phosphorus concentration and export patterns in headwater streams draining Boreal Plain watersheds one year after experimental forest harvest and post-harvest silvicultural activities
Authors: Prepas Ellie E. , Burke Janice M. , Putz Gordon , Smith Daniel W. 
Published: April 2009

This study examined total dissolved (TDP) and particulate phosphorus (PP) concentration and export in nine headwater streams draining Boreal Plain forests in Alberta, Canada, during the growing season and autumn before and in the first year after winter harvest in four of the watersheds. Mechanical and chemical site preparation was also conducted before and during the post-harvest sampling period. During the growing season, TDP and PP concentrations in streams draining harvested watersheds were higher than in the reference streams at storm peaks (P ≤ 0.08) and along the falling limbs of storm flows (P ≤ 0.03). We postulate that forestry activities enhanced TDP leaching from watershed soils after they became saturated. This promoted the growth of periphyton in streams, which subsequently sloughed off during high flows. In autumn, TDP concentrations were higher in streams draining harvested watersheds along the rising limb, at the storm peaks, and along the falling limbs (P ≤ 0.05). However, PP concentrations in autumn were similar in harvested and reference streams along the rising limb (P = 0.19) and were lower in harvested streams at the storm peaks and along the falling limbs (P ≤ 0.08). No differences in TDP or PP concentration were detected between harvested and reference streams during baseflow-dominated periods. Mean TDP and PP export coefficients tended to be higher in the post-harvest than pre-harvest year in both reference and harvested watersheds. After normalization to precipitation inputs, this change (“impact ratio”) was 153% and 130% higher in harvested than reference watersheds for TDP and PP, respectively (P ≤ 0.08). The TDP impact ratio and percent of the watershed area cut were positively related (r2 = 0.95, P = 0.02). A 30 m riparian buffer strip in two harvested watersheds did not appear to reduce the harvest response.
Balanced Performance Index and Its Implications: Evidence from Taiwan's Commercial Banks
Authors: Hwang Dar-Yeh , Lee Alice C. , Liu Chi-Chun , Ouyang Lishu 
Published: April 2009

Taking into account only financial factors does not provide complete information on performance. This paper takes into consideration of both financial and non-financial performances when evaluating 35 sampled publicly traded commercial banks in Taiwan. The performance of banks is measured using an indexing method consisting of financial and non-financial measures. Banks are classified into two categories according either to the year founded, or to the type of major stockholders of a bank when founded. The results show that privatized government-owned/old banks are larger than private/new banks, respectively. Moreover, privatized government-owned banks have significantly higher financial performance index than private banks but both types of banks are not significantly different from each other in non-financial performance index. New and old banks are not significantly different from each other in both financial and non-financial performance indexes. With relatively large scale, higher profitability and better management, banks will perform relatively better among competitors in the following year. Furthermore, non-financial factors are important predictors of future financial and total performance indexes, though individual factor may not be consistently significant. More branch offices, better capital structure and solvency, and higher rates of growth in deposits and loans all result in more profits, and lead to higher customer satisfaction and more efficient management. Providing better technology to customers is an efficient way in promoting customer services, which in turn produces more profits and results in efficient management. CEOs, on average, have plans for better management and more profits. Among the factors that have direct and positive impacts on profitability, increasing the efficiency of management is the most efficient way. On the contrary, adding more branch offices contributes the least profits. Therefore, to increase bank profits, CEOs should aim to improve bank management, capital structure and solvency, rather than to add more branch offices.
Geochemistry and Tectonics of the Xionger Group in the Eastern Qinling Mountains of China—a mid Proterozoic Volcanic arc Related to Plate Subduction
Authors: Chengzao Jia 
Published: April 2009

Summary
A mid Proterozoic volcanic series, the Xionger Group, in the eastern Qinling Mountains of central China, may be one of the earliest products of plate subduction in eastern Asia. The main rock types of the 1710 Ma Xionger Group are andesites and dacites of the calcalkaline series. The rocks of the Xionger Group have trace element contents and REE patterns which are comparable to those of lavas from modern active continental margins, implying that the Xionger Group volcanics had a similar tectonic setting. It appears that there was an important event in China at 1800–2000 Ma, after which plate tectonics with the Wilson cycle was the main contributor to crustal growth.
Zoledronic Acid Inhibits Both the Osteolytic and Osteoblastic Components of Osteosarcoma Lesions in a Mouse Model
Authors: Labrinidis Agatha , Hay Shelley , Liapis Vasilios , Ponomarev Vladimir , Findlay David M. , Evdokiou Andreas 
Published: April 2009

AbstractPurpose: To evaluate the efficacy of zoledronic acid (ZOL) against osteosarcoma (OS) growth, progression, and metastatic spread using an animal model of human OS that closely resembles the human disease.Experimental Design: Human K-HOS or KRIB OS cells, tagged or untagged with a luciferase reporter construct, were transplanted directly into the tibial cavity of nude mice. ZOL was given as weekly, or a single dose of 100 μg/kg body weight, equivalent to the 4 mg i.v. dose used clinically. Tumor growth at the primary site and as pulmonary metastases was monitored by bioluminescence imaging and histology, and OS-induced bone destruction was measured using high-resolution micro–computed tomography.Results: Mice transplanted with OS cells exhibited aberrant bone remodeling in the area of cancer cell transplantation, with areas of osteolysis mixed with extensive new bone formation extending from the cortex. ZOL administration prevented osteolysis and significantly reduced the amount of OS-induced bone formation. However, ZOL had no effect on tumor burden at the primary site. Importantly, ZOL failed to reduce lung metastasis and in some cases was associated with larger and more numerous metastatic lesions.Conclusions: Our data show that clinically relevant doses of ZOL, while protecting the bone from OS-induced bone destruction, do not inhibit primary tumor growth. Moreover, lung metastases were not reduced and may even have been promoted by this treatment, indicating that caution is required when the clinical application of the bisphosphonate class of antiresorptives is considered in OS.
A Universal Formula Based on Cystatin C to Perform Individual Dosing of Carboplatin in Normal Weight, Underweight, and Obese Patients
Authors: Schmitt Antonin , Gladieff Laurence , Lansiaux Amélie , Bobin-Dubigeon Christine , Etienne-Grimaldi Marie-Christine , Boisdron-Celle Michèle , Serre-Debauvais Françoise , Pinguet Frédéric , Floquet Anne , Billaud Eliane , Le Guellec Chantal , Penel Nicolas , Campone Mario , Largillier Rémy , Capitain Olivier , Fabbro Michel , Houede Nadine , Medioni Jacques , Bougnoux Philippe , Lochon Isabelle , Chatelut Etienne 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Purpose: It has recently been shown that it is possible to improve the prediction of carboplatin clearance by adding plasma cystatin C level (cysC), an endogenous marker of glomerular filtration rate, to the other patient characteristics routinely used for carboplatin individual dosing, namely serum creatinine (Scr), actual body weight (ABW), age, and sex. This multicenter pharmacokinetic study was done to evaluate prospectively the benefit of using cysC for carboplatin individual dosing.
Experimental Design: The 357 patients included in the study were receiving carboplatin as part of established protocols. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was done using NONMEM program. Seven covariates studied were as follows: Scr, cysC, age, sex, ABW, ideal body weight, and lean body mass.
Results: The best covariate equation was as follows: carboplatin clearance (mL/min) = 117.8. (Scr/75)−0.450. (cysC/1,00)−0.385. (ABW/65)+0.504. (age/56)−0.366. 0.847sex, with Scr in μmol/L, cysC in mg/L, ABW in kilograms, age in years, and sex = 0 for male. Using an alternative weight descriptor (ideal body weight or lean body mass) did not improve the prediction. This final covariate model was validated by bootstrap analysis. The bias (mean percentage error) and imprecision (mean absolute percentage error) were +1% and 15%, respectively, on the total population, and were of a similar magnitude in each of the three subgroups of patients defined according to their body mass index.
Conclusion: For the first time, a unique formula is proposed for carboplatin individual dosing to patients, which is shown to be equally valid for underweight, normal weight, and obese patients.
A Randomized Phase II Chemoprevention Trial of 13-CIS Retinoic Acid with Or without α Tocopherol or Observation in Subjects at High Risk for Lung Cancer
Authors: Kelly Karen , Kittelson John , Franklin Wilbur A. , Kennedy Timothy C. , Klein Catherine E. , Keith Robert L. , Dempsey Edward C. , Lewis Marina , Jackson Mary K. , Hirsch Fred R. , Bunn Paul A. , Miller York E. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
No chemoprevention strategies have been proven effective for lung cancer.
We evaluated the effect of 13-cis retinoic acid (13-cis RA), with or without α tocopherol, as a lung cancer chemoprevention agent in a phase II randomized controlled clinical trial of adult subjects at high risk for lung cancer as defined by the presence of sputum atypia, history of smoking, and airflow obstruction, or a prior surgically cured nonsmall cell lung cancer (disease free, &gt;3 years). Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 13-cis RA, 13-cis RA plus α tocopherol (13-cis RA/α toco) or observation for 12 months.
Outcome measures are derived from histologic evaluation of bronchial biopsy specimens obtained by bronchoscopy at baseline and follow-up. The primary outcome measure is treatment “failure” defined as histologic progression (any increase in the maximum histologic score) or failure to return for follow-up bronchoscopy.
Seventy-five subjects were randomized (27/22/26 to obervations/13-cis RA/13-cis RA/α toco); 59 completed the trial; 55 had both baseline and follow-up bronchoscopy. The risk of treatment failure was 55.6% (15 of 27) and 50% (24 of 48) in the observation and combined (13 cis RA plus 13 cis RA/α toco) treatment arms, respectively (odds ratio adjusted for baseline histology, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-2.66; P = 0.95). Among subjects with complete histology data, maximum histology score in the observation arm increased by 0.37 units and by 0.03 units in the treated arms (difference adjusted for baseline, −0.18; 95% confidence interval, −1.16 to 0.81; P = 0.72). Similar (nonsignificant) results were observed for treatment effects on endobronchial proliferation as assessed by Ki-67 immunolabeling.
Twelve-month treatment with 13-cis RA produced nonsignificant changes in bronchial histology, consistent with results in other trials. Agents advancing to phase III randomized trials should produce greater histologic changes. The addition of α tocopherol did not affect toxicity.
Impact of Synoptic-Scale Wave Breaking on the NAO and Its Connection with the Stratosphere in ERA-40
Authors: Kunz Torben , Fraedrich Klaus , Lunkeit Frank 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
This observational study investigates the impact of North Atlantic synoptic-scale wave breaking on the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and its connection with the stratosphere in winter, as derived from the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40). Anticyclonic (AB) and cyclonic wave breaking (CB) composites are compiled of the temporal and spatial components of the large-scale circulation using a method for the detection of AB and CB events from daily maps of potential vorticity on an isentropic surface. From this analysis a close link between wave breaking, the NAO, and the stratosphere is found: 1) a positive feedback between the occurrence of AB (CB) events and the positive (negative) phase of the NAO is suggested, whereas wave breaking in general without any reference to AB- or CB-like behavior does not affect the NAO, though it preferably emerges from its positive phase. 2) AB strengthens the North Atlantic eddy-driven jet and acts to separate it from the subtropical jet, while CB weakens the eddy-driven jet and tends to merge both jets. 3) AB (CB) events are associated with a stronger (weaker) lower-stratospheric polar vortex, characterized by the 50-hPa northern annular mode. During persistent weak vortex episodes, significantly more frequent CB than AB events are observed concurrently with a significant negative NAO response up to 55 days after the onset of the stratospheric perturbation. Finally, tropospheric wave breaking is related to nonannular stratospheric variability, suggesting an additional sensitivity of wave breaking and, thus, the NAO to specific distortions of the stratospheric polar vortex, rather than solely its strength.
Quantifying Carbon Cycle Feedbacks
Authors: Gregory J. M. , Jones C. D. , Cadule P. , Friedlingstein P. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Perturbations to the carbon cycle could constitute large feedbacks on future changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration and climate. This paper demonstrates how carbon cycle feedback can be expressed in formally similar ways to climate feedback, and thus compares their magnitudes. The carbon cycle gives rise to two climate feedback terms: the concentration–carbon feedback, resulting from the uptake of carbon by land and ocean as a biogeochemical response to the atmospheric CO2 concentration, and the climate–carbon feedback, resulting from the effect of climate change on carbon fluxes. In the earth system models of the Coupled Climate–Carbon Cycle Model Intercomparison Project (C4MIP), climate–carbon feedback on warming is positive and of a similar size to the cloud feedback. The concentration–carbon feedback is negative; it has generally received less attention in the literature, but in magnitude it is 4 times larger than the climate–carbon feedback and more uncertain. The concentration–carbon feedback is the dominant uncertainty in the allowable CO2 emissions that are consistent with a given CO2 concentration scenario. In modeling the climate response to a scenario of CO2 emissions, the net carbon cycle feedback is of comparable size and uncertainty to the noncarbon–climate response. To quantify simulated carbon cycle feedbacks satisfactorily, a radiatively coupled experiment is needed, in addition to the fully coupled and biogeochemically coupled experiments, which are referred to as coupled and uncoupled in C4MIP. The concentration–carbon and climate–carbon feedbacks do not combine linearly, and the concentration–carbon feedback is dependent on scenario and time.
Western North Pacific Typhoons with Concentric Eyewalls
Authors: Kuo Hung-Chi , Chang Chih-Pei , Yang Yi-Ting , Jiang Hau-Jang 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
This study examines the intensity change and moat dynamics of typhoons with concentric eyewalls using passive microwave data and best-track data in the western North Pacific between 1997 and 2006. Of the 225 typhoons examined, 55 typhoons and 62 cases with concentric eyewalls have been identified. The data indicate that approximately 57% of category 4 and 72% of category 5 typhoons possessed concentric eyewalls at some point during their lifetime. While major typhoons are most likely to form concentric eyewalls, the formation of the concentric structure may not be necessarily at the lifetime maximum intensity. Approximately one-third of concentric eyewall cases are formed at the time of maximum intensity.
The moat is known to be heavily influenced by the subsidence forced by the two eyewalls. Rozoff et al. proposed that the rapid filamentation dynamics may also contribute to the organization of the moat. This paper examines the possibility of rapid filamentation dynamics by devising a filamentation moat width parameter. This parameter can be computed from the best-track typhoon intensity and the passive microwave satellite-estimated inner eyewall radius for each typhoon with concentric eyewalls. The filamentation moat width explains 40% of the variance of the satellite-observed moat width in the group with concentric eyewall formation intensity greater than 130 kt.
The typhoon intensity time series in both the concentric and nonconcentric composites are studied. The time series of intensity is classified according to the 24-h intensity change before and after the concentric eyewalls formation. The averaged concentric eyewall formation latitudes in the groups with negative intensity change before concentric eyewall formation are at higher latitudes than that of the positive intensity change groups. Intensity of the concentric typhoons tends to peak at the time of secondary eyewall formation, but the standard model of intensification followed by weakening is valid for only half of the cases. Approximately 74% of the cases intensify 24 h before secondary eyewall formation and approximately 72% of the cases weaken 24 h after formation. The concentric composites have a much slower intensification rate 12 h before the peak intensity (time of concentric formation) than that of the nonconcentric composites. For categories 4 and 5, the peak intensity of the concentric typhoons is comparable to that of the nonconcentric typhoons. However, 60 h before reaching the peak the concentric composites are 25% more intense than the nonconcentric composites. So a key feature of concentric eyewall formation appears to be the maintenance of a relatively high intensity for a longer duration, rather than a rapid intensification process that can reach a higher intensity.
A Case Study of a Ross Ice Shelf Airstream Event: A New Perspective*
Authors: Steinhoff Daniel F. , Chaudhuri Saptarshi , Bromwich David H. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
A case study illustrating cloud processes and other features associated with the Ross Ice Shelf airstream (RAS), in Antarctica, is presented. The RAS is a semipermanent low-level wind regime primarily over the western Ross Ice Shelf, linked to the midlatitude circulation and formed from terrain-induced and large-scale forcing effects. An integrated approach utilizes Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite imagery, automatic weather station (AWS) data, and Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS) forecast output to study the synoptic-scale and mesoscale phenomena involved in cloud formation over the Ross Ice Shelf during a RAS event. A synoptic-scale cyclone offshore of Marie Byrd Land draws moisture across West Antarctica to the southern base of the Ross Ice Shelf. Vertical lifting associated with flow around the Queen Maud Mountains leads to cloud formation that extends across the Ross Ice Shelf to the north. The low-level cloud has a warm signature in thermal infrared imagery, resembling a surface feature of turbulent katabatic flow typically ascribed to the RAS. Strategically placed AWS sites allow assessment of model performance within and outside of the RAS signature. AMPS provides realistic simulation of conditions aloft but experiences problems at low levels due to issues with the model PBL physics. Key meteorological features of this case study, within the context of previous studies on longer time scales, are inferred to be common occurrences. The assumption that warm thermal infrared signatures are surface features is found to be too restrictive.
Object-Based Analysis of Satellite-Derived Precipitation Systems over the Low- and Midlatitude Pacific Ocean
Authors: Skok Gregor , Tribbia Joe , Rakovec Jože , Brown Barbara 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
The Method for Object-based Diagnostic Evaluation (MODE) developed by Davis et al. is implemented and extended to characterize the temporal behavior of objects and to perform a diagnostic analysis on the spatial distribution and properties of precipitation systems over the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The analysis is performed on two satellite-derived datasets [Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B42 and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN)]. A sensitivity analysis showed that temporal convolution produces an unwanted “spillover” effect and that a large spatial convolution radius produces too much smoothing, which results in unrealistically large objects. The analysis showed that the largest and most long-lived precipitation systems in the tropical Pacific are typically located in the western part. A good ability to track precipitation systems in the tropical Pacific was demonstrated: movement of precipitation systems in the ITCZ is both westward and eastward although westward movement is more frequent and in the eastern part of the Pacific ITCZ the westward movement is dominant. Movement of systems in the midlatitudes was predominantly eastward. These findings were common to both satellite products, despite the fact that the average rainfall accumulation can differ by 20%–30% and the occurrence of systems with long life spans can differ by 20%.