bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is an Epic Pluvial Masking the Water Insecurity of the Greater New York City Region?*,+
Authors: Pederson Neil , Bell Andrew R. , Cook Edward R. , Lall Upmanu , Devineni Naresh , Seager Richard , Eggleston Keith , Vranes Kevin P. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Six water emergencies have occurred since 1981 for the New York City (NYC) region despite the following: 1) its perhumid climate, 2) substantial conservation of water since 1979, and 3) meteorological data showing little severe or extreme drought since 1970. This study reconstructs 472 years of moisture availability for the NYC watershed to place these emergencies in long-term hydroclimatic context. Using nested reconstruction techniques, 32 tree-ring chronologies comprised of 12 species account for up to 66.2% of the average May–August Palmer drought severity index. Verification statistics indicate good statistical skill from 1531 to 2003. The use of multiple tree species, including rarely used species that can sometimes occur on mesic sites like Liriodendron tulipifera, Betula lenta, and Carya spp., seems to aid reconstruction skill. Importantly, the reconstruction captures pluvial events in the instrumental record nearly as well as drought events and is significantly correlated to precipitation over much of the northeastern United States. While the mid-1960s drought is a severe drought in the context of the new reconstruction, the region experienced repeated droughts of similar intensity, but greater duration during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The full record reveals a trend toward more pluvial conditions since ca. 1800 that is accentuated by an unprecedented 43-yr pluvial event that continues through 2011. In the context of the current pluvial, decreasing water usage, but increasing extra-urban pressures, it appears that the water supply system for the greater NYC region could be severely stressed if the current water boom shifts toward hydroclimatic regimes like the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
El Niño Impacts on Seasonal U.S. Atmospheric Circulation, Temperature, and Precipitation Anomalies: The OLR-Event Perspective*
Authors: Chiodi Andrew M. , Harrison Don E. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This study shows that, since 1979 when outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) observations became reliably available, most of the useful U.S. seasonal weather impact of El Niño events is associated with the few events identified by the behavior of outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) over the eastern equatorial Pacific (“OLR–El Niño events”). These events produce composite seasonal regional weather anomalies that are 95% statistically significant and robust (associated with almost all events). Results also show that there are very few statistically significant seasonal weather anomalies, even at the 80% level, associated with the non-OLR–El Niño events. A major enhancement of statistical seasonal forecasting skill over the contiguous United States appears possible by incorporating these results. It is essential to respect that not all events commonly labeled as El Niño events lead to statistically useful U.S. seasonal forecast skill.
Near-N Oscillations and Deep-Cycle Turbulence in an Upper-Equatorial Undercurrent Model
Authors: Pham Hieu T. , Sarkar Sutanu , Winters Kraig B. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Direct numerical simulation (DNS) is used to investigate the role of shear instabilities in turbulent mixing in a model of the upper Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC). The background flow consists of a westward-moving surface mixed layer above a stably stratified EUC flowing to the east. An important characteristic of the eastward current is that the gradient Richardson number Rig is larger than ¼. Nevertheless, the overall flow is unstable and DNS is used to investigate the generation of intermittent bursts of turbulent motions within the EUC region where Rig &gt; ¼. In this model, an asymmetric Holmboe instability emerges at the base of the mixed layer, moves at the speed of the local velocity, and ejects wisps of fluid from the EUC upward. At the crests of the Holmboe waves, secondary Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities develop, leading to three-dimensional turbulent motions. Vortices formed by the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability are occasionally ejected downward and stretched by the EUC into a horseshoe configuration creating intermittent bursts of turbulence at depth. Vertically coherent oscillations, with wavelength and frequency matching those of the Holmboe waves, propagate horizontally in the EUC where the turbulent mixing by the horseshoe vortices occurs. The oscillations are able to transport momentum and energy from the mixed layer downward into the EUC. They do not overturn the isopycnals, however, and, though correlated in space and time with the turbulent bursts, are not directly responsible for their generation. These wavelike features and intermittent turbulent bursts are qualitatively similar to the near-N oscillations and the deep-cycle turbulence observed at the upper flank of the Pacific Equatorial Undercurrent.
Impact of norm perceptions and guilt on audience response to anti-smoking norm PSAs: The case of Korean male smokers
Authors: Lee Hyegyu , Paek Hye-Jin 
Published: August 2012

Objective: To examine how norm appeals and guilt influence smokers’ behavioural intention. Design: Quasi-experimental design. Setting: South Korea. Method: Two hundred and fifty-five male smokers were randomly assigned to descriptive, injunctive, or subjective anti-smoking norm messages. After they viewed the norm messages, their norm perceptions, guilt and behavioural intention were measured. Results: The study revealed several findings: (1) injunctive norm perceptions significantly affected behavioural intention; (2) descriptive norm perceptions had a non-significant impact; (3) subjective norm perceptions had an unexpected impact on behavioural intention; (4) guilt arousal strongly and directly affected behavioural intention in all three conditions; and (5) guilt arousal did not mediate the relationship between norm perceptions and guilt. Conclusion: Injunctive norms messages that smoking in the presence of others is an unacceptable behaviour in society could persuade smokers to alter their behaviours. In addition, our study suggests substantial potentials of guilt in smokers’ behaviour change.
Headaches that kill: A retrospective study of incidence, etiology and clinical features in cases of sudden death
Authors: Lynch Karen M , Brett Francesca 
Published: August 2012

Objective: The study objective was to analyze cases of sudden death that presented to the National Deptartment of Clinical Neurosciences, Ireland, over a 10-year period (1997–2006) where headache was the presenting symptom. Background: Headache is a common yet challenging presentation in clinical neurology. In the vast majority of cases, the cause is trivial and reversible—however, in a few patients it may be indicative of a more sinister intracranial process. Recognizing associated “red flag” features and identifying possible life-threatening causes are crucial in ensuring prompt and appropriate intervention. Design/methods: A retrospective study/database of all autopsy cases presenting to the Neuropathology Department in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, was carried out for the period 1997–2006. Cases were selected with headache as the presenting clinical feature. Traumatic head injuries or known central nervous system (CNS) disorders were excluded. Autopsy and medical reports were reviewed to identify associated red flag features at initial presentation according to the International Classification of Headache Diseases, second edition (ICHD-II) criteria. Results: Fifty-five autopsy cases out of a total of 499 complying with selection criteria were reviewed. Over the 10-year-study period, the number of cases of fatal headaches over time were negatively correlated. The most commonly associated red flag symptoms included age over 50: loss of consciousness and collapse, and worst/thunderclap character of headache. Cause of death at autopsy comprised vascular events 60.4% ( N = 29), primary brain tumours/cysts 16.7% ( N = 8) and meningitis 6.25% ( N = 3). Aneurysms accounted for the majority of vascular cases 22.9% ( N = 11), with loss of consciousness, occipital headache, neck pain and a focal neurological deficit seen more commonly in this subset of cases. Conclusions: Sudden-onset headache is a common and often alarming presentation. The majority of cases are of a benign nature; however, a small proportion may be indicative of a catastrophic etiology. Documenting “red flags” on initial presentation is crucial to acutely identify and treat those at highest risk. The results demonstrate an improving trend among clinicians in recognizing and initiating appropriate interventions in these patients, and highlights particular red flag features common in cases of fatal headaches.
Chronic headaches and insomnia: Working toward a biobehavioral model
Authors: Ong Jason C , Park Margaret 
Published: August 2012

Background: Sleep disturbances are consistently associated with chronic headaches, yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. One potential barrier to generating new hypotheses is the lack of synthesis between models of headache and models of sleep. The goal of this paper is to present a perspective on the chronification of migraine and tension-type headaches based upon conceptual models used in sleep research. Methods: We provide a critical review of the literature on sleep and headache, highlighting the limitations in sleep methodology. Models of sleep physiology and insomnia are discussed, along with the potential implications for the chronification of migraine and tension-type headache. In addition, we propose a biobehavioral model that describes the interaction between behaviors related to coping with headache, the impact of these behaviors on insomnia and sleep physiology and the downstream propensity for future headache attacks. Conclusions: We hope that this perspective will stimulate interdisciplinary activity toward uncovering the pathway for more effective interventions for chronic headache patients.
The analysis of allodynia in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Ekizoglu Esme , Baykan Betul , Orhan Elif K , Ertas Mustafa 
Published: August 2012

Objectives: Allodynia is frequently associated with migraine and other primary headaches. Our aim was to investigate the presence of allodynia and related features in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), which is a disabling secondary headache disorder. Methods: We included 46 IIH patients and analyzed their clinical and laboratory findings retrospectively. Allodynia was assessed using the validated 12-item allodynia symptom checklist (ASC-12), in addition to examining pressure (with von Frey filaments) and brush allodynia. Results: Allodynia was detected in 23 (50%) of IIH patients with ASC-12 and/or instrumental testing. The most commonly reported location was unilateral V1 distribution. The allodynic symptom profile was similar but milder when compared to 143 migraineurs with ASC-12. Only the aggravation of headache with physical activity emerged as a significant variable associated with allodynia in IIH. Among allodynic patients, only eight had previous migraine diagnosis. After onset of IIH, 20 patients reported migraine-like headache, while only three reported non-migrainous headache. In contrast, 13 of 23 non-allodynic IIH patients had non-migrainous headache features ( p = 0.0045). Conclusion: Half of the IIH patients reported allodynia, and these allodynic patients had mostly migraine-like headache profiles. Our study suggested that IIH may trigger some common mechanisms with migraine in pain pathways causing allodynia.
Emerging role of kinase-targeted strategies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Wiestner Adrian 
Published: August 2012

AbstractChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignancy of mature B cells that depend on host factors in the tissue microenvironment for survival and proliferation. In vitro, CLL cells rapidly undergo apoptosis unless microenvironmental factors are provided that support their survival. Signaling pathways activated in the microenvironment in vivo include the B-cell receptor (BCR) and NF-κB pathways. Thus, CLL is a disease “addicted to the host” and is dependent on pathways that promote normal B-cell development, expansion, and survival; this is particularly true in the case of the BCR signaling cascade. Small-molecule inhibitors of kinases that are essential for BCR signal transduction abrogate the stimulating effects of the microenvironment on CLL cells. The orally administered tyrosine kinase inhibitors fostamatinib and ibrutinib and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor GS-1101 have induced impressive responses in relapsed and refractory CLL patients, mostly with moderate side effects. Reductions in lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly are seen within weeks and are frequently accompanied by a transient rise in absolute lymphocyte count that is asymptomatic and probably the result of changes in CLL cell trafficking. This review discusses the biologic basis for kinase inhibitors as targeted therapy of CLL and summarizes the exciting early clinical experience with these agents.
Genome-wide mapping of NBS-LRR genes and their association with disease resistance in soybean
Authors: Kang Yang Jae , Kim Kil Hyun , Shim Sangrea , Yoon Min Young , Sun Suli , Kim Moon Young , Van Kyujung , Lee Suk-Ha 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
R genes are a key component of genetic interactions between plants and biotrophic bacteria and are known to regulate resistance against bacterial invasion. The most common R proteins contain a nucleotide-binding site and a leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) domain. Some NBS-LRR genes in the soybean genome have also been reported to function in disease resistance. In this study, the number of NBS-LRR genes was found to correlate with the number of disease resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) that flank these genes in each chromosome. NBS-LRR genes co-localized with disease resistance QTL. The study also addressed the functional redundancy of disease resistance on recently duplicated regions that harbor NBS-LRR genes and NBS-LRR gene expression in the bacterial leaf pustule (BLP)-induced soybean transcriptome.

Results
A total of 319 genes were determined to be putative NBS-LRR genes in the soybean genome. The number of NBS-LRR genes on each chromosome was highly correlated with the number of disease resistance QTL in the 2-Mb flanking regions of NBS-LRR genes. In addition, the recently duplicated regions contained duplicated NBS-LRR genes and duplicated disease resistance QTL, and possessed either an uneven or even number of NBS-LRR genes on each side. The significant difference in NBS-LRR gene expression between a resistant near-isogenic line (NIL) and a susceptible NIL after inoculation of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines supports the conjecture that NBS-LRR genes have disease resistance functions in the soybean genome.

Conclusions
The number of NBS-LRR genes and disease resistance QTL in the 2-Mb flanking regions of each chromosome was significantly correlated, and several recently duplicated regions that contain NBS-LRR genes harbored disease resistance QTL for both sides. In addition, NBS-LRR gene expression was significantly different between the BLP-resistant NIL and the BLP-susceptible NIL in response to bacterial infection. From these observations, NBS-LRR genes are suggested to contribute to disease resistance in soybean. Moreover, we propose models for how NBS-LRR genes were duplicated, and apply Ks values for each NBS-LRR gene cluster.
Functional expression of a penicillin acylase from the extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus HB27 in Escherichia coli
Authors: Torres Leticia L , Ferreras Eloy R , Cantero Ángel , Hidalgo Aurelio , Berenguer José 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Penicillin acylases (PACs) are enzymes of industrial relevance in the manufacture of β-lactam antibiotics. Development of a PAC with a longer half-life under the reaction conditions used is essential for the improvement of the operational stability of the process. A gene encoding a homologue to Escherichia coli PAC was found in the genome of the thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus (Tth) HB27. Because of the nature of this PAC and its complex maturation that is crucial to reach its functional heterodimeric final conformation, the overexpression of this enzyme in a heterologous mesophilic host was a challenge. Here we describe the purification and characterization of the PAC protein from Tth HB27 overexpressed in Escherichia coli.

Results
Fusions to a superfolder green fluorescent protein and differential membrane solubilization assays indicated that the native enzyme remains attached through its amino-terminal end to the outer side of the cytoplasmic membrane of Tth cells. In order to overexpress this PAC in E. coli cells, a variant of the protein devoid of its membrane anchoring segment was constructed. The effect of the co-expression of chaperones and calcium supplementation of the culture medium was investigated. The total production of PAC was enhanced by the presence of DnaK/J and GrpE and even more by trigger factor and GroEL/ES. In addition, 10 mM calcium markedly improved both PAC specific and volumetric activities. Recombinant PAC was affinity-purified and proper maturation of the protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF analysis of the subunits. The recombinant protein was tested for activity towards several penicillins, cephalosporins and homoserine lactones. Hydrophobic acyl-chain penicillins were preferred over the rest of the substrates. Penicillin K (octanoyl penicillin) was the best substrate, with the highest specificity constant value (16.12 mM-1.seg-1). The optimum pH was aprox. 4 and the optimum temperature was 75 °C. The half-life of the enzyme at this temperature was 9.2 h.

Conclusions
This is the first report concerning the heterologous expression of a pac gene from a thermophilic microorganism in the mesophilic host E. coli. The recombinant protein was identified as a penicillin K-deacylating thermozyme.
Immunization with recombinant enterovirus 71 viral capsid protein 1 fragment stimulated antibody responses in hamsters
Authors: Ch’ng Wei-Choong , Stanbridge Eric J , Wong Kum-Thong , Ong Kien-Chai , Yusoff Khatijah , Shafee Norazizah 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Enterovirus 71 (EV71) causes severe neurological diseases resulting in high mortality in young children worldwide. Development of an effective vaccine against EV71 infection is hampered by the lack of appropriate animal models for efficacy testing of candidate vaccines. Previously, we have successfully tested the immunogenicity and protectiveness of a candidate EV71 vaccine, containing recombinant Newcastle disease virus capsids that display an EV71 VP1 fragment (NPt-VP11-100) protein, in a mouse model of EV71 infection. A drawback of this system is its limited window of EV71 susceptibility period, 2 weeks after birth, leading to restricted options in the evaluation of optimal dosing regimens. To address this issue, we have assessed the NPt-VP11-100 candidate vaccine in a hamster system, which offers a 4-week susceptibility period to EV71 infection. Results obtained showed that the NPt-VP11-100 candidate vaccine stimulated excellent humoral immune response in the hamsters. Despite the high level of antibody production, they failed to neutralize EV71 viruses or protect vaccinated hamsters in viral challenge studies. Nevertheless, these findings have contributed towards a better understanding of the NPt-VP11-100 recombinant protein as a candidate vaccine in an alternative animal model system.
Genetic and bioinformatic analyses of the expression and function of PI3K regulatory subunit PIK3R3 in an Asian patient gastric cancer library
Authors: Zhou Jin , Chen Geng Bo , Tang Yew Chung , Sinha Rohit Anthony , Wu Yonghui , Yap Chui Sun , Wang Guihua , Hu Junbo , Xia Xianmin , Tan Patrick , Goh Liang Kee , Yen Paul Michael 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
While there is strong evidence for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) involvement in cancer development, there is limited information about the role of PI3K regulatory subunits. PIK3R3, the gene that encodes the PI3K regulatory subunit p55γ, is over-expressed in glioblastoma and ovarian cancers, but its expression in gastric cancer (GC) is not known. We thus used genetic and bioinformatic approaches to examine PIK3R3 expression and function in GC, the second leading cause of cancer mortality world-wide and highly prevalent among Asians.

Methods
Primary GC and matched non-neoplastic mucosa tissue specimens from a unique Asian patient gastric cancer library were comprehensively profiled with platforms that measured genome-wide mRNA expression, DNA copy number variation, and DNA methylation status. Function of PIK3R3 was predicted by IPA pathway analysis of co-regulated genes with PIK3R3, and further investigated by siRNA knockdown studies. Cell proliferation was estimated by crystal violet dye elution and BrdU incorporation assay. Cell cycle distribution was analysed by FACS.

Results
PIK3R3 was significantly up-regulated in GC specimens (n = 126, p < 0.05), and 9.5 to 15% tumors showed more than 2 fold increase compare to the paired mucosa tissues. IPA pathway analysis showed that PIK3R3 promoted cellular growth and proliferation. Knockdown of PIK3R3 decreased the growth of GC cells, induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, decreased retinoblastoma protein (Rb) phosphorylation, cyclin D1, and PCNA expression.

Conclusion
Using a combination of genetic, bioinformatic, and molecular biological approaches, we showed that PIK3R3 was up-regulated in GC and promoted cell cycle progression and proliferation; and thus may be a potential new therapeutic target for GC.
Geotechnical Properties of Recycled Concrete Aggregate in Pavement Sub-Base Applications
Authors: Arulrajah A. , Piratheepan J. , Ali M. M. Y. , Bo M. W. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This paper presents a laboratory investigation of the geotechnical properties of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). The properties of RCA were compared with state road authority requirements to assess its performance as a pavement sub-base material. The experimental programme included tests such as particle size distribution, modified Proctor compaction, particle density, water absorption, California bearing ratio (CBR), Los Angeles abrasion loss, pH, organic content, static triaxial, and repeated load triaxial tests. The Los Angeles abrasion loss tests indicated that the RCA is durable. CBR values were found to satisfy the local state road authority requirements for sub-base material. Repeated load triaxial tests established that the RCA would perform satisfactorily as a pavement sub-base material in the field. The results of the laboratory testing undertaken in this research indicated that RCA satisfied the criteria for use in pavement sub-base applications.
Dispersion Analysis in Geotechnical Laboratory Tests: Time-frequency and Time-scale Signal Transforms
Authors: Wuttke F. , Markwardt K. , Schanz T. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Signal processing techniques are very important for the analysis of dispersion characteristics in geotechnical laboratory applications. The scope of this paper includes the study of advanced time-frequency and time-scale methods with regard to the development of an efficient method of group velocity determination based on the time-frequency behavior of propagating wave fields. The paper analyzes different time-frequency and time-scale transform methods for further use in group velocity determination as alternatives to conventional techniques. Besides the alternative itself, the presented scheme overcomes some existing problems of conventional methods in velocity determination. The advantages and disadvantages of the time-frequency and time-scale methods are presented and discussed. Finally, the applicability of given time-frequency and time-scale methods is validated by synthetic and experimental data.