Deep learning estimation of northern hemisphere soil freeze-thaw dynamics using satellite multi-frequency microwave brightness temperature observations.

Satellite microwave sensors are well suited for monitoring landscape freeze-thaw (FT) transitions owing to the strong brightness temperature (TB) or backscatter response to changes in liquid water abundance between predominantly frozen and thawed conditions. The FT retrieval is also a sensitive climate indicator with strong biophysical importance. However, retrieval algorithms can have difficulty distinguishing the FT status of soils from that of overlying features such as snow and vegetation, while variable land conditions can also degrade performance.

Modeling Terrestrial Dissolved Organic Carbon Loading to Western Arctic Rivers.

The mobilization and land-to-ocean transfer of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in Arctic watersheds is intricately linked with the region's climate and water cycle, and furthermore at risk of changes from climate warming and associated impacts. This study quantifies model-simulated estimates of runoff, surface and active layer leachate DOC concentrations and loadings to western Arctic rivers, specifically for basins that drain into coastal waters between and including the Yukon and Mackenzie Rivers. Model validation leverages data from other field measurements, synthesis studies, and modeling efforts.

The UK's Life Sciences Strategy: opportunities for clinical pharmacology.

The UK's Life Sciences Strategy provides UK clinical pharmacologists with a unique opportunity to enhance the impact of their discipline on patients and the NHS as well as the pharmaceutical industry. The full benefits of electronic prescribing systems, supported by artificial intelligence, will require clinical pharmacological expertise. Similarly, the Strategy's support for 'healthy ageing' will only be realized if clinical pharmacologists are able to use their expertise in promoting the safe and effective use of medicines in older people.

Incidence of adult Huntington's disease in the UK: a UK-based primary care study and a systematic review.

Objectives: The prevalence of Huntington's disease (HD) recorded in the UK primary care records has increased twofold between 1990 and 2010. This investigation was undertaken to assess whether this might be due to an increased incidence. We have also undertaken a systematic review of published estimates of the incidence of HD.

The Prevalence of Huntington's Disease.

Background: Reviews of the epidemiology of Huntington's disease (HD) suggest that its worldwide prevalence varies widely. This review was undertaken to confirm these observations, to assess the extent to which differences in case-ascertainment and/or diagnosis might be responsible, and to investigate whether the prevalence pattern has changed over the past 50 years.

Methods: Eighty two relevant studies were identified from Medline and Embase, previous reviews, scrutiny of references from included and excluded studies and enquiry among those interested in the field.

National Institute for Clinical Excellence: NICE works.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence was established in 1999. Its original remit was to undertake technology appraisals of (mainly) new interventions and to develop clinical guidelines. In providing both forms of guidance, it was required to take into account both clinical and cost effectiveness.

Evidence, values, and decision making.

Background: The evidence supporting the use of new, or established, interventions may be derived from either (or both) experimental or observational study designs. Although a rigorous examination of the evidence base for clinical and cost-effectiveness is essential, it is never sufficient, and those undertaking a health technology assessment (HTA) also have to exercise judgments.

Methods: The basis for this discussion is largely from the author's experience as chairman of the national Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Clinical pharmacologists in pharmacoeconomics: what is their role?

Clinical pharmacologists have three distinct contributions to make in the economic evaluation of new and existing pharmaceutical products: they should play a significant role in promoting the principles of "opportunity costs" in healthcare; they need to have a broad understanding of the methodology of economic evaluation in healthcare; they have a critical role in bringing their specialist knowledge, skills and experience in decision-making. In fulfilling these essential roles clinical pharmacologists may find themselves outside their conventional "comfort zones". Nevertheless, clinical pharmacologists need to rise to the occasion if they are to meet their obligations to patients and to society as a whole.

Juvenile Huntington's disease: a population-based study using the General Practice Research Database.

Background: The juvenile form of Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare disorder. There are no population-based estimates of either its incidence or prevalence in any population in the world. The present study was undertaken to estimate the frequency of juvenile HD in the UK and to examine the range of pharmacological treatments used in its management.

Prevalence of adult Huntington's disease in the UK based on diagnoses recorded in general practice records.

Background And Purpose: The prevalence of Huntington's disease (HD) in the UK is uncertain. Recently, it has been suggested that the prevalence may be substantially greater than previously reported. This study was undertaken to estimate the overall UK prevalence in adults diagnosed with HD, using data from primary care.

What's happening at NICE?

From 1 April 2013, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) will be re-established under the provisions of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Although its name will change to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, its acronym--NICE--has been written into the face of the Act. The new NICE will continue to provide the full range of guidance and other products with which the Institute has become associated.