bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NF‐κB inhibitors induce lytic cytotoxicity in Epstein—Barr virus‐positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Liu Su‐Fang , Wang Hai , Lin Xu‐Chi , Xiang Hui , Deng Xi‐Yun , Li Wei , Tang Min , Cao Ya
Published: April 2008

Epstein—Barr virus (EBV) infection in tumor cells is generally restricted to the latent forms of viral infection. Switching the latent form of viral infection into the lytic form may induce tumor cell death. An important nuclear factor, nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, is thought to play an essential role in EBV lytic infection; high levels of NF‐κB can inhibit EBV lytic replication. In this study, we tested the effect of inducing EBV lytic replication using two NF‐κB inhibitors: Bay11‐7082 and Z‐LLF‐CHO, to reveal the possibility of targeting EBV‐positive cancer therapy with these two NF‐κB inhibitors. Our results showed that Bay11‐7082 and Z‐LLF‐CHO reactivated EBV in a dose‐dependent manner, thus resulting in EBV‐positive 5‐8F cell death. In contrast, there was no significant effect on EBV‐negative HNE3 cells. When ganciclovir was used in combination with either Bay11‐7082 or Z‐LLF‐CHO to treat 5‐8F cells, the cytotoxic effect of the NF‐κB inhibitor was amplified. The finding indicates that inhibiting the NF‐κB activity of EBV‐positive cells can induce lytic replication of EBV and cause lytic cytotoxicity against these cells.
17β‐Estradiol affects proliferation and apoptosis of rat prostatic smooth muscle cells by modulating cell cycle transition and related proteins
Authors: Luo Yi , Waladali Wafi , Li Shiwen , Zheng Xinmin , Hu Liquan , Zheng Hang , Hu Wanli , Chen Chan
Published: April 2008

Abundant evidence indicates that estrogens have an important role in the pathology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). To investigate the effect of 17β‐estradiol (E2) on the proliferation and apoptosis of prostatic smooth muscle cells (PSMCs), rat PSMCs were obtained and exposed to gradient concentrations (0.1–100 nmol/l) of E2 over varying amounts of time. The progression of cell cycle, cellular apoptosis, cyclin D1, Bcl‐2 and Bax proteins were detected. The data show that the effect of E2 on rat PSMCs is bilateral: it promotes cell proliferation by enhancing the expression of cyclin D1, which accelerates G
1 to S phase transition; on the other hand, it induces apoptosis of the cells by up‐regulating the expression of Bax. We thus suggest that an increase in estrogen may exert a launching effect in the pathology of BPH.
Beneficial effects of bisoprolol on the survival of hypertensive diastolic heart failure model rats
Authors: Nishio Mayu , Sakata Yasushi , Mano Toshiaki , Ohtani Tomohito , Takeda Yasuharu , Miwa Takeshi , Hori Masatsugu , Masuyama Tohru , Kondo Takashi , Yamamoto Kazuhiro
Published: April 2008

Background:

β‐blocker therapy is an established therapeutic strategy for systolic heart failure. However, its benefits in diastolic heart failure (DHF) are controversial.

Aims:

This study was designed to investigate the effects of bisoprolol on DHF.

Methods and results:

Dahl salt‐sensitive rats fed on 8% NaCl diet from age 6weeks, DHF model rats, were divided into three groups at age 13 weeks. One group was treated with bisoprolol 12.5 mg/kg/day (Low dose group, n=18), one group was treated with bisoprolol 250 mg/kg/day (High dose group, n=18), and there was also an untreated group (Untreated group, n=18). The survival rate was best in the High dose group. Left ventricular hypertrophy and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the myocardium were significantly attenuated in the High dose group, but not in the Low dose group, and oxidative stress was most suppressed in the High dose group. Measurement with electron spin resonance revealed that bisoprolol had a potent scavenging ability, and bisoprolol attenuated the down‐regulation of peroxisome proliferation‐activated receptor coactivator‐1α, an important element in the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species detoxification system.

Conclusion:

β‐blocker administration, particularly at high dose, improved the survival rate of the DHF model, at least partly through the attenuation of inflammatory changes and oxidative stress.
Bartonella species antibodies and DNA in cerebral spinal fluid of cats with central nervous system disease
Authors: Leibovitz Karyn , Pearce Laurie , Brewer Melissa , Lappin Michael R.
Published: April 2008

Bartonella species infection is associated with central nervous system (CNS) disease in some humans and cats but the diagnosis is difficult to confirm with blood or serum test results. In this retrospective study of 100 client-owned cats, serum and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) were assayed for Bartonella species IgG antibodies and CSF was assayed for Bartonella species DNA. Bartonella species IgG antibodies were detected in serum of 36 cats, Bartonella species C-values>1 (suggesting antibody production by the CNS) were detected in CSF of 11 cats, and B henselae DNA was amplified from the CSF of 10 cats. While the clinical significance of these findings cannot be assessed without a control group, the development of neurological signs in some cats inoculated with B henselae and the results of this study warrant prospective evaluation of the association of Bartonella species with feline CNS disease.
The Canonisation of Clare of Assisi and Early Franciscan History
Authors: PATTENDEN MILES
Published: April 2008

This article examines the canonisation process of Clare of Assisi and seeks to contextualise it within the currents of early Franciscan history. It refutes recent scholarship on Clare that has focused upon her place in the history of medieval women and draws on Italian scholarship to argue for a more nuanced reading of the texts surrounding Clare that takes into account the deep-set divisions between the papacy and the friars about the role of women in the Franciscan order and compares the post-mortem treatment of Clare to that of Francis.
Wegener's granulomatosis of the orbit: two cases requiring endoscopic surgical decompression
Authors: Fishman J M , Slovick A , East C A
Published: April 2008

Objectives:

We report two unusual and contrasting cases of Wegener's granulomatosis involving the orbit, requiring urgent endoscopic orbital decompression surgery.

Case series:

Both patients presented with an acute deterioration in visual function which failed to improve with medical management. Case one presented with systemic features of the condition, in contrast with case two, who presented with a more localised form of the disease. Whereas case one exhibited primary orbital disease with maxillary sinus extension (i.e. focal disease), case two illustrates orbital involvement secondary to sinus disease extension (i.e. contiguous disease). Prompt diagnosis, assisted by the presence of systemic features, led to a good visual outcome in case one. In case two, in which diagnosis was difficult and surgery delayed, the outcome was poor.

Conclusions:

These cases of orbital Wegener's granulomatosis illustrate the diagnostic challenge, the requirement for early intervention following acute visual deterioration and the importance of heightened awareness of the rarer ENT manifestations of this disease.
Technique of high-frequency endolaryngeal ultrasound
Authors: Kraft M , Arens C
Published: April 2008

Objective:

We describe in detail the technique of in vivo endolaryngeal ultrasound during microlaryngoscopy, offering a number of practical suggestions which may be of use, especially to the otolaryngologist.

Methods:

Endosonography is a non-invasive imaging technology usually applied for the assessment of local tumour growth and regional lymph node metastases in the digestive tract.

Conclusions:

Due to a penetrating depth of up to 25 mm and a high tissue resolution, endosonography also qualifies for use in the larynx. The technique may have a potentially important role in the intra- and post-operative investigation of laryngeal lesions bigger than 3 mm.
Rapid reviews versus full systematic reviews: An inventory of current methods and practice in health technology assessment
Authors: Watt Amber , Cameron Alun , Sturm Lana , Lathlean Timothy , Babidge Wendy , Blamey Stephen , Facey Karen , Hailey David , Norderhaug Inger , Maddern Guy
Published: April 2008

Objectives:This review assessed current practice in the preparation of rapid reviews by health technology assessment (HTA) organizations, both internationally and in the Australian context, and evaluated the available peer-reviewed literature pertaining to the methodology used in the preparation of these reviews.

Methods:A survey tool was developed and distributed to a total of fifty International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA) members and other selected HTA organizations. Data on a broad range of themes related to the conduct of rapid reviews were collated, discussed narratively, and subjected to simple statistical analysis where appropriate. Systematic searches of the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Australian Medical Index were undertaken in March 2007 to identify literature pertaining to rapid review methodology. Comparative studies, guidelines, program evaluations, methods studies, commentaries, and surveys were considered for inclusion.

Results:Twenty-three surveys were returned (46 percent), with eighteen agencies reporting on thirty-six rapid review products. Axiomatic trends were identified, but there was little cohesion between organizations regarding the contents, methods, and definition of a rapid review. The twelve studies identified by the systematic literature search did not specifically address the methodology underpinning rapid review; rather, many highlighted the complexity of the area. Authors suggested restricted research questions and truncated search strategies as methods to limit the time taken to complete a review.

Conclusions:Rather than developing a formalized methodology by which to conduct rapid reviews, agencies should work toward increasing the transparency of the methods used for each review. It is perhaps the appropriate use, not the appropriate methodology, of a rapid review that requires future consideration.
Systematic reviews and economic evaluations conducted for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in the United Kingdom: A game of two halves?
Authors: Drummond Michael F. , Iglesias Cynthia P. , Cooper Nicola J.
Published: April 2008

Background:Decision analytic models, as used in economic evaluations, require data on several clinical parameters. The gold standard approach is to conduct a systematic review of the relevant clinical literature, although reviews of economic evaluations indicate that this is rarely done. Technology appraisals for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), which are fully funded, represent the best case scenario for the close integration of economic evaluations and systematic reviews. The objective of this study was to assess the extent to which the systematic review of the clinical literature informs the economic evaluation in NICE technology appraisals.

Methods:All NICE technology assessment reports (TARs) published between January 2003 and July 2006 were considered. Data were abstracted on the TAR topics, the primary measure of clinical effectiveness, the approach to pooling in the clinical review, the measure of economic benefit and the use, or non-use, of the systematic review in the economic evaluation.

Results:Forty-one TARs were published in the period studied, all of which contained a systematic review. Most of the economic evaluations (85 percent) were cost-utility analyses, reflecting NICE's guidelines for economic evaluation. In seventeen cases, the clinical data were not pooled in the review, owing to heterogeneity in the clinical data or the limited number of studies. In these cases, the economists used alternative approaches for estimating the key effectiveness parameter in the model. The results of the review (when pooled) were always used when the primary clinical effectiveness measure corresponded with the measure of economic benefit (e.g., survival). However, because preference-based quality of life measures are rarely included in clinical trials, the results of the systematic review were never directly used in the cost-utility analyses. Nevertheless, the outputs of the systematic review were used when the data were useful in estimating components of the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) (e.g., the life-years gained, or the frequencies of health states to which QALYs could be assigned). Problems occurred mainly when the clinical data were not pooled, or when the measure of clinical benefit could not be converted into health states to which QALYs could be assigned.

Conclusions:Economic evaluations can benefit from systematic reviews of the clinical literature. However, such reviews are not a panacea for conducting a good economic evaluation. Much of the relevant data for estimating QALYs are not contained in such reviews and the chosen method for summarizing the clinical data may inhibit the assessment of economic benefit. Problems would be reduced if those undertaking the technology assessments discussed the data requirements for the economic model at an early stage.
Increasing decision-makers' access to economic evaluations: Alternative methods of communicating the information
Authors: Thurston Stephanie J. , Craig Dawn , Wilson Paul , Drummond Michael F.
Published: April 2008

Objectives:Although the importance of economic evaluations is recognized, research suggests the ways in which studies are summarized may not be optimal for a busy decision maker with little training in economics methodology. Therefore, the objective of this study was to seek decision makers' views on different summary formats, including a score, short summary, and structured abstracts of different degrees of detail.

Methods:We contacted 2,400 people, of which 84 decision makers volunteered and were presented, cumulatively, with different formats and asked whether these provided sufficient detail on the methodology and results of an economic study.

Results:From the fifty decision makers who responded to the questionnaire, it was found that the preferred combination was a very short summary, plus a more detailed structured abstract. It was also found that decision makers with economics training preferred the most detailed format, partly reflecting their reasons for consulting economic evaluations.

Conclusions:Decision makers require both an initial screen of study content, plus more detail should they find the study relevant or interesting.
Physician awareness of diagnostic and nondrug therapeutic costs: A systematic review
Authors: Allan G. Michael , Lexchin Joel
Published: April 2008

Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate doctors' knowledge of the relative and absolute costs of diagnostic tests, medical consumables (e.g., syringes or intravenous tubing), and healthcare visits as well as to determine factors influencing awareness.

Methods:For this systematic review, we searched the Cochrane Library, EconoLit, EMBASE, and MEDLINE; reviewed reference lists; and had contact with authors. Studies were included if either doctors or trainees were surveyed, there were >10 survey respondents, costs of diagnostic or therapeutic items were estimated, results were expressed quantitatively, and a clear description was provided of how authors defined Accurate Estimates and determined True Cost. Two authors reviewed each article for eligibility and extracted data independently. Cost accuracy outcomes were summarized, but data were not combined due to extensive heterogeneity.

Results:Fourteen articles were included in the final analysis. Cost accuracy was low; 33 percent of estimates were within 20 percent or 25 percent of true cost and 50 percent were within 50 percent or in the 50–200 percent range of the true cost. Country, year of study, level of training, and specialty did not impact accuracy. The cost of items appears to have no impact on the accuracy (Fisher's exact test,p= .41) or pattern of estimation (binomial test,p= .92).

Conclusions:Doctors have a limited understanding of diagnostic and nondrug therapeutic costs, and we could not identify anything that impacts understanding of these costs. More focus is required in the education of physicians about costs and the access to cost information.
Influence of expert clinical adviser characteristics on opinions about interventional procedures
Authors: Lyratzopoulos Georgios , Hoy Andrew R. , Veeramootoo Darmarajah , Shanmuganathan Nava V. , Campbell Bruce
Published: April 2008

Objectives:The aim of this study was to examine potential associations between the professional background and experience of expert clinicians and their opinions about the clinical utility of interventional procedures.

Methods:A retrospective survey of expert clinician characteristics and their opinions was conducted. Information was collected on expert clinical adviser self-declared “operator,” “researcher,” and conflict of interest status. Associations were sought between expert clinical adviser characteristics and their opinions on whether procedures were “established,” “efficacious,” and “safe.” The setting was the Interventional Procedures Programme of the UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). A total of 598 expert clinician questionnaires relating to 182 different interventional procedures were analyzed.

Results:Expert clinical advisers with operative experience of procedures were significantly more likely to consider them as established (odds ratio [OR] 3.93; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 2.43 to 6.36;p< .001), efficacious (OR 1.76; 95 percent CI, 1.00 to 3.08;p= .049), and safe (OR 2.28; 95 percent CI, 1.43 to 3.65;p= .001). Once adjusted for other characteristics, there was no association between either researcher or conflict of interest status and opinions about the clinical utility of procedures.

Conclusions: Expert clinical advisers are an important source of information for decision makers producing guidance about the use of procedures, especially when published evidence is sparse or of poor quality. This study suggests that those who are operators, but not those who are researchers or declare a conflict of interest, are more likely to have a favorable opinion of a procedure's clinical utility. Use of expert clinical advisers with a variety of experience and backgrounds seems a reasonable approach to obtaining authoritative opinions about interventional procedures, to supplement and help interpret evidence from published data.
Cost-effectiveness of primarily human papillomavirus–based cervical cancer screening in settings with currently established Pap screening: A systematic review commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Health
Authors: Mühlberger Nikolai , Sroczynski Gaby , Esteban Eva , Mittendorf Thomas , Miksad Rebecca A. , Siebert Uwe
Published: April 2008

Objectives:The aim of this study was to summarize the current evidence for the cost-effectiveness of primarily human papillomavirus (HPV) -based cervical cancer screening in settings with already established Papanicolaou test (Pap) programs. Emphasis was placed on the German situation with annual Pap screening.

Methods:Medical, economic, and health technology assessment (HTA) databases were systematically searched for cost-effectiveness studies comparing HPV to Pap screening. Study data were extracted, standardized, and summarized in cost-effectiveness plots contrasting HPV strategies to Pap screening with 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-years interval. For each Pap setting, the likelihood of cost-effective HPV screening was assessed depending on willingness-to-pay.

Results:We reviewed twelve decision-analytic cost-effectiveness models. Study results showed wide variation due to methodical heterogeneity. Data synthesis revealed that the cost-effectiveness of HPV screening depends on the interval of the established Pap screening strategy. In comparison with Pap screening every 2 years, only 25 percent of the HPV-based screening strategies were cost-effective. However, in comparison with Pap screening every 1, 3, or 5 years, 83 percent, 55 percent, and 92 percent of HPV screening strategies were cost-effective, respectively. Results for settings with annual Pap screening are based on models assuming 100 percent screening coverage.

Conclusions:The introduction of HPV-based screening programs is cost-effective if the screening interval of the established Pap program exceeds 2 years. In settings with biennial Pap screening, introduction of HPV-based screening is unlikely to be cost-effective. Results also suggest cost-effectiveness of HPV-based screening in settings with annual Pap screening; however, this finding should be confirmed under realistic screening adherence assumptions.
Cost-effectiveness of a multidisciplinary fall prevention program in community-dwelling elderly people: A randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN 64716113)
Authors: Hendriks Marike R. C. , Evers Silvia M. A. A. , Bleijlevens Michel H. C. , van Haastregt Jolanda C. M. , Crebolder Harry F. J. M. , van Eijk Jacques Th. M.
Published: April 2008

Objectives:Multidisciplinary and multifactorial interventions seem to be effective in preventing falls. We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of a multidisciplinary fall prevention program compared with usual Dutch healthcare in community-dwelling people 65 years of age or older who experienced a fall.

Methods:Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis were performed from a societal perspective. Falls and healthcare utilization were continuously measured for 12 months. Daily functioning and quality of life were measured at baseline, after 4 and 12 months. Bootstrap analyses were performed to estimate uncertainty of the findings and sensitivity analysis to assess the generalizability of assumptions made.

Results:One hundred sixty-six participants were randomly allocated to the experimental group and 167 to the control group. The overall response rate was 74 percent. Healthcare and patient and family costs of both groups were comparable. Our analyses showed no effect of the intervention program on falls, daily functioning, or quality of life measures.

Conclusions:The multidisciplinary intervention program to prevent falls was not cost-effective compared with usual care in the Netherlands. Notwithstanding our findings, however, falls still have an important impact on society and individuals in terms of costs and effects. Economic evaluations studying promising interventions to prevent falls, therefore, remain necessary.
Assessing short-term effects and costs at an early stage of innovation: The use of positron emission tomography on radiotherapy treatment decision making
Authors: Remonnay Raphaël , Morelle Magali , Pommier Pascal , Giammarile Francesco , Carrère Marie-Odile
Published: April 2008

Objectives:Positron emission tomography (PET) is an innovative imaging tool. Associated with computed tomography (CT), it allows a better definition for the tumor volume for radiotherapy, compared with CT only. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of PET on resource allocation (costs and savings) and on the choice of the following treatment in radiotherapy.

Methods:In 2004 and 2005, 209 patients were enrolled (97 patients with Hodgkin's disease and 112 with non-small cell lung cancer) in a national study conducted in eight hospitals. Two treatment decisions made on the basis of CT only or CT associated with PET, were compared in a prospective study where each subject was his/her own control. The direct medical cost of using PET was assessed by microcosting, using data collected from specific questionnaires. The costs of new tests and the costs and savings associated with changes in the chosen treatment were calculated on the basis of reimbursement rates.

Results:The mean cost of using PET was approximately €800 per patient (50 percent for the radionuclide18F-FDG [2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose]). Radiotherapy treatments were modified for 10 percent of patients with Hodgkin's disease versus 40 percent of patients with lung cancer. Overall, the use of PET induced both increases and decreases in the mean cost per patient: the net effect was a €425 and €931 cost increase in lung cancer and Hodgkin's disease, respectively.

Conclusions:The use of PET for radiotherapy decision making seems more valuable for lung cancer than for Hodgkin's disease, both in terms of costs and changes in radiotherapy treatment. This result might help policy makers for prioritization.
Health-related quality of life in elderly patients with familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Hyttinen Laura , Kekäläinen Päivi , Vuorio Alpo F. , Sintonen Harri , Strandberg Timo E.
Published: April 2008

Objectives:There are very few descriptions on how familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic disorder with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), affects older patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of elderly patients with FH.

Methods:All FH patients with the same FH North Karelia-mutation aged 65 and over living in North Karelia province in Eastern Finland were asked to participate in the study in 2003. They were compared with age-standardized controls from the Finnish general population. A total of forty-three elderly FH patients were identified and thirty-seven of them (aged 65 to 84 years, M/F 10/27) agreed to participate. Most of them (27/37) had been diagnosed with CHD. All but one of these FH patients had been using statins for approximately 15 years. HRQoL was assessed with the RAND-36 (SF-36) and 15D instruments.

Results:Despite the clear cardiovascular morbidity and low socioeconomic status, these FH patients enjoyed a similar HRQoL as the age-standardized controls in the general population.

Conclusions:Lifelong hypercholesterolemia was not associated with poorer HRQoL in elderly survivors of FH. These elderly FH individuals were characterized by their healthy lifestyle and long-term statin treatment.
Cloning and Characterization of Long‐Chain Fatty Alcohol Oxidase LjFAO1 in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Zhao Shilan , Lin Zhixin , Ma Wei , Luo Da , Cheng Qi
Published: April 2008

The Lotus japonicus EST database was searched against Arabidopsis thaliana AtFAO3, a full‐length cDNA that encodes a membrane‐bound, flavin‐containing, hydrogen peroxide generating, long‐chain fatty alcohol oxidase. One EST fragment was detected, and the corresponding full‐length cDNA was obtained by screening a cDNA library of L. japonicus. The LjFAO1 genomic DNA was amplified by PCR, to give a product 3.6 kb in length. Comparison between the LjFAO1 cDNA and genomic DNA revealed that the LjFAO1 contains 3 exons and 2 introns. RT‐PCR analysis showed that the LjFAO1 was expressed in the whole plant, with the highest expression level in the apex and the lowest expression level in the siliques. The LjFAO1 gene was down‐regulated by cold stress in both the apex and the cotelydon of the 8‐day old seedlings, the first time that a long‐chain alcohol oxidase has been shown to respond directly to stress. The full length cDNA and a C‐terminal truncated version were overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The full length version of LjFAO1 exhibited long‐chain fatty alcohol oxidase activity and was subsequently purified by Ni‐NTA chromatography. The active LjFAO1 protein showed substrate specificities toward 1‐dodecanol, 1‐hexadecanol, and 1,16‐hexadecanediol with Km values 59.6 ± 14.8 (μM), 40.9 ± 8.2 (μM) and 19.4 ± 1.5 (μM), respectively, suggesting apparent differences in substrate preferences with AtFAO3.
In situ calibration of Mg/Ca ratio in planktonic foraminiferal shell using time series sediment trap: A case study of intense dissolution artifact in the South China Sea
Authors: Huang Kuo‐Fang , You Cheng‐Feng , Lin Hui‐Ling , Shieh Ying‐Tzeng
Published: April 2008

This study examines Mg/Ca‐temperature equations through the use of planktonic foraminifers collected from continuous time series sediment traps at four water depths in the South China Sea. This deployment provides an opportunity to refine partial dissolution artifacts and to identify responses of shell chemistry to changes in ambient seawater conditions. Paired Mg/Ca and δ18O measurements on shells are strongly correlated with seasonal variability in terms of temperature at specific habitat depths. However, partial dissolution can significantly alter Mg/Ca ratios even at depths well above the calcite lysocline or carbonate compensation depth. Of the three species studied, Neogloboquadrina dutertrei is the most sensitive species to dissolution relative to the other surface‐dwelling species (Globigerinoides ruber and Globigerinoides sacculifer). Differences between the Mg‐derived temperature equation here and those from previously established core top or sediment trap calibrations can be attributed to various degrees of dissolution and lateral advection, thus highlighting the need for in situ empirical calibration for different ocean basins.
Influence of water ice clouds on Martian tropical atmospheric temperatures
Authors: Wilson R. John , Lewis Stephen R. , Montabone Luca , Smith Michael D.
Published: April 2008

The Reanalysis derived from the UK Mars general circulation model assimilation of Thermal Emission Spectrometer temperature and dust opacity retrievals at present provides the best estimate of the evolving state of the Martian atmosphere over the course of the Mars Global Surveyor mapping mission. A Control simulation has also been carried out using the same evolving dust distribution as the Reanalysis, but without the temperature assimilation. Differences in zonal mean temperatures between these two simulations reflect possible biases in the representation of dynamical and radiative forcing in the assimilating model. We have identified a cold bias in the Control simulation of tropical temperature which develops in the northern hemisphere summer solstice season. We attribute this bias to the absence of radiatively active water ice clouds in the model and show that clouds likely play a prominent role in shaping the vertical thermal structure of the tropical atmosphere during this season.
Multifluid model of a one‐dimensional steady state magnetotail current sheet
Authors: Steinhauer L. C. , McCarthy M. P. , Whipple E. C.
Published: April 2008

The central current sheet of the magnetotail has been modeled frequently as a nearly one‐dimensional configuration that might have a significant role in magnetospheric physics as a site of particle acceleration. Yet comparisons of data with tail models have mainly used the Harris solution in spite of its deficiencies: No normal magnetic field, uniform cross‐tail drift, and vanishing asymptotic plasma density. We present a time‐independent one‐dimensional multifluid model that separates ions into groups coming from sources above and below the current sheet. Electrons are a separate group. A disadvantage is that equations of state are required for closure. The isotropic pressure equation of state is supported by observation and gives reasonable results. This model is more realistic; it encodes more information than a single fluid or an ion and electron fluid model. This fluid model can be easily used to compare with magnetotail data. Field and plasma moment data provide boundary conditions for a model calculation. We examine symmetric models that predict specific relations between various quantities, such as magnetic field or density. Solutions are obtained similar to Harris' model, but with non‐uniform out‐of‐plane ion flow and non‐vanishing asymptotic density. Sheet thickness has weak dependence on the normal magnetic field and modest dependence on electron‐to‐ion pressure ratio. The ratio of sheet center to asymptotic density decreases with asymptotic ion pressure. This one‐dimensional configuration of the current sheet, in Earth's reference frame, provides an example of conversion of electromagnetic energy into fluid energy.
Coastal sea surface temperature warming trend along the continental part of the Atlantic Arc (1985–2005)
Authors: Gómez‐Gesteira Moncho , deCastro Maite , Alvarez Inés , Gómez‐Gesteira José Luis
Published: April 2008

Coastal warming was analyzed by means of satellite‐derived sea surface temperature (SST) along the continental part of the Atlantic Arc extending from 37°N to 48°N for the period 1985–2005. Interannual SST variability calculated from anomalies shows an inhomogeneous warming trend in coastal SST (ΔSST). Coastal warming trend ranges from 3.5°C 100 a−1 at latitudes close to 48°N to 1.2°C 100 a−1 at latitudes close to 37°N. This warming is observed to reflect oceanic ΔSST which increases northward in the Atlantic area. In addition, a westward increase was also observed across the North Atlantic. Coastal warming is not constant all year long. It only occurs during spring and summer in the entire area under scope, following a trend similar to the annual one. The mean spring ΔSST values are 5.1°C 100 a−1 in the French coast, 4.4°C 100 a−1 in the Cantabrian coast, and 3.8°C 100 a−1 in the western Iberian Peninsula coast. Similar values (5.0°C 100 a−1, 3.7°C 100 a−1, and 2.7°C 100 a−1) are observed in summer.
European surface ozone in the extreme summer 2003
Authors: Solberg S. , Hov Ø. , Søvde A. , Isaksen I. S. A. , Coddeville P. , De Backer H. , Forster C. , Orsolini Y. , Uhse K.
Published: April 2008

Measurements of ozone and other trace species in the European EMEP network in 2003 are presented. The European summer of 2003 was exceptionally warm, and the surface ozone data for central Europe show the highest values since the end of the 1980s. The 95th percentiles of daily maximum hourly ozone concentrations in 2003 were higher than the corresponding parameter measured in any previous year at many sites in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. In this paper we argue that a number of positive feedbacks between the weather conditions and ozone contributed to the elevated surface ozone. First, we calculated an extended residence time of air parcels in the atmospheric boundary layer for several sites in central Europe. Second, we show that it is likely that extensive forest fires on the Iberian Peninsula, resulting from the drought and heat, contributed to the peak ozone values in north Europe in August. Third, regional‐scale model calculations indicate that enhanced levels of biogenic isoprene could have contributed up to 20% of the peak ozone concentrations. Measurements indicate elevated concentrations of isoprene compared to previous years. Sensitivity runs with a global chemical transport model showed that a reduction in the surface dry deposition due to drought and the elevated air temperature both could have contributed significantly to the enhanced ozone concentrations. Because of climate change, such heat waves may occur more frequently in the future and may gradually overshadow the effect of reduced emissions from anthropogenic sources of VOC and NOx in controlling surface ozone.
Modeling study on aerosol dynamical processes regulating new particle and CCN formation at clean continental areas
Authors: Anttila Tatu , Kerminen Veli‐Matti
Published: April 2008

The formation of new particles and CCNs under conditions typical for clean continental areas has been investigated by performing simulations with an aerosol dynamical model. The main goal was to quantify the relative importance of the key dynamic parameters to new‐particle and CCN formation. To this end, the model output was analyzed using a global sensitivity analysis technique. It was shown that there is no unambiguous answer to the question regarding the most important factor regulating new particle formation (NPF). Instead, the answer depends largely on the relative magnitudes of the pre‐existing particle surface area and emission rates of aerosol precursors which vary according to the atmospheric conditions. We also demonstrate that different factors may control the formation of particles with detectable sizes and particles having larger, climatically relevant sizes. These results suggest that varying, problem‐specific approaches should be adopted in large scale modeling of NPF.
Work, Weight, and Wellness: The 3W Program: A Worksite Obesity Prevention and Intervention Trial
Authors: Williams Andrew E. , Vogt Thomas M. , Stevens Victor J. , Albright Cheryl A. , Nigg Claudio R. , Meenan Richard T. , Finucane Melissa L.
Published: April 2008

Objective: In this paper, we describe the aims, intervention, and design of the Work, Weight, and Wellness program, a group‐randomized worksite obesity prevention and intervention trial being conducted at 31 hotels with 11,559 employees on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. We report baseline prevalence of overweight and obesity, and the distribution of BMI (kilograms per meter squared) across sex, race, and job categories. We also describe factors that have influenced intervention adoption and employee participation.

Research Methods and Procedures: The study's primary outcome is change in BMI among hotel employees over a 2‐year intervention period. The intervention includes environmental and group components that target diet, physical activity, and weight management.

Results: Men, Pacific Islanders, and individuals employed in managerial or facility maintenance roles had higher prevalence of obesity and higher mean BMI than women and individuals from other races or in other occupational categories.

Discussion: These results may be helpful in guiding choices about the adoption or design of future worksite and community interventions addressing at‐risk ethnically diverse populations and are especially relevant to the hotel industry and similar industries.
Using Formative Research to Develop Environmental and Ecological Interventions to Address Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Wilson Mark G. , Goetzel Ron Z. , Ozminkowski Ronald J. , DeJoy Dave M. , Della Lindsay , Roemer Enid Chung , Schneider Jennifer , Tully Karen J. , White John M. , Baase Catherine M.
Published: April 2008

Objective: This paper presents the formative research phase of a large multi‐site intervention study conducted to inform the feasibility of introducing environmental and ecological interventions.

Research Methods and Procedures: Using mixed methods that included an environmental assessment, climate survey, leadership focus groups and interviews, and archival data, information was collected on employee health and job factors, the physical environment, social‐organizational environment, and current health programs.

Results: Results show that 83% of employees at the study sites were overweight or obese. Leadership was very supportive of health initiatives and felt integrating the strategies into organizational operations would increase their likelihood of success. Environmental assessment scores ranged from 47 to 19 on a 100‐point scale. Health services personnel tended to view the organizational climate for health more positively than site leadership (mean of 3.6 vs. 3.0, respectively).

Discussion: Intervention strategies chosen included increasing healthy food choices in vending, cafeterias, and company meetings, providing a walking path, targeting messages, developing site goals, training leaders, and establishing leaders at the work group level.
Artificial miRNAs mitigate shRNA-mediated toxicity in the brain: Implications for the therapeutic development of RNAi
Authors: McBride Jodi L. , Boudreau Ryan L. , Harper Scott Q. , Staber Patrick D. , Monteys Alex Mas , Martins Inâs , Gilmore Brian L. , Burstein Haim , Peluso Richard W. , Polisky Barry , Carter Barrie J. , Davidson Beverly L.
Published: April 2008

Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal, dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine repeat expansion in exon 1 of the HD gene, which encodes the huntingtin protein. We and others have shown that RNAi is a candidate therapy for HD because expression of inhibitory RNAs targeting mutant human HD transgenes improved neuropathology and behavioral deficits in HD mouse models. Here, we developed shRNAs targeting conserved sequences in human HD and mouse HD homolog (HDh) mRNAs to initiate preclinical testing in a knockin mouse model of HD. We screened 35 shRNAs
in vitro
and subsequently narrowed our focus to three candidates for
in vivo
testing. Unexpectedly, two active shRNAs induced significant neurotoxicity in mouse striatum, although HDh mRNA expression was reduced to similar levels by all three. Additionally, a control shRNA containing mismatches also induced toxicity, although it did not reduce HDh mRNA expression. Interestingly, the toxic shRNAs generated higher antisense RNA levels, compared with the nontoxic shRNA. These results demonstrate that the robust levels of antisense RNAs emerging from shRNA expression systems can be problematic in the mouse brain. Importantly, when sequences that were toxic in the context of shRNAs were placed into artificial microRNA (miRNA) expression systems, molecular and neuropathological readouts of neurotoxicity were significantly attenuated without compromising mouse HDh silencing efficacy. Thus, miRNA-based approaches may provide more appropriate biological tools for expressing inhibitory RNAs in the brain, the implications of which are crucial to the development of RNAi for both basic biological and therapeutic applications.
Interobserver Variability in the Assessment of Clinical Criteria for Suspected Urinary Tract Infection in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Juthani-Mehta Manisha , Tinetti Mary , Perrelli Eleanor , Towle Virginia , Van Ness Peter H. , Quagliarello Vincent
Published: April 2008

We determined the interobserver variability in the assessment of clinical criteria for urinary tract infection (UTI) in nursing home residents. Pairs of nursing home staff caring for 30 residents were interviewed at the time UTI was suspected. At least one measure from each of 7 clinical criteria categories was reliably assessed by nursing home staff members.
Experience in integrated control of the multi-megawatt electron cyclotron heating system on the TCV tokamak: the first decade
Authors: Goodman T.P.
Published: April 2008

The ECH system on the TCV tokamak consists of six gyrotrons (82.6 GHz/0.5 MW/2 s) used for X2 and electron Bernstein wave (EBW) ECH/ECCD with individual low-field-side launchers. Three additional gyrotrons (118 GHz/0.5 MW/2 s) are used for X3-ECH in a top-launch configuration to provide central heating of high-density plasmas, at nearly 3 times the cutoff density of X2. The X2 subsystem was installed by the end of 1999 and the X3 subsystem by the end of 2003, making 4.2 MW available for experiments. The installation work provides data related to testing, repair and reliability of a complex ECH system designed to allow the highest possible degree of automation, integration and flexibility in the experimental programme. Its effective integration into the TCV plant is evidenced by the fact that the mean time between shots when operating with ECH increases roughly in proportion to the increase in the resources required to prepare, monitor and record the experimental sessions. Each of the X2 and X3 subsystems is routinely individually operated by one person. This gives confidence that with proper layout, planning and integration, the EC systems of future fusion experiments, such as ITER, can routinely provide reliable actuators, on demand.
Overview of the ITER EC upper launcher
Authors: Henderson M.A. , Heidinger R. , Strauss D. , Bertizzolo R. , Bruschi A. , Chavan R. , Ciattaglia E. , Cirant S. , Collazos A. , Danilov I. , Dolizy F. , Duron J. , Farina D. , Fischer U. , Gantenbein G. , Hailfinger G. , Kasparek W. , Kleefeldt K. , Landis J.-D. , Meier A. , Moro A. , Platania P. , Plaum B. , Poli E. , Ramponi G. , Saibene G. , Sanchez F. , Sauter O. , Serikov A. , Shidara H. , Sozzi C. , Spaeh P. , Udintsev V.S. , Zohm H. , Zucca C.
Published: April 2008

The ITER electron cyclotron (EC) upper port antenna (or launcher) is nearing completion of the detailed design stage and the final build-to-print design stage will soon start. The main objective of this launcher is to drive current locally to stabilize the neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) (depositing ECCD inside of the island that forms on either the q = 3/2 or 2 rational magnetic flux surfaces) and control the sawtooth instability (deposit ECCD near the q = 1 surface). The launcher should be capable of steering the focused beam deposition location to the resonant flux surface over the range in which the q = 1, 3/2 and 2 surfaces are expected to be found for various plasma equilibria susceptible to the onset of NTMs and sawteeth. The aim of this paper is to provide the design status of the principal components that make up the launcher: port plug, mm-wave system and shield block components. The port plug represents the chamber that provides a rigid support structure that houses the mm-wave and shield blocks. The mm-wave system comprises the components used to guide the RF beams through the port plug structure and refocus the beams far into the plasma. The shield block components are used to attenuate the nuclear radiation from the burning plasma, protecting the fragile in-port components and reducing the neutron streaming through the port assembly. The design of these three subsystems is described; in addition, the relevant thermo-mechanical and electro-magnetic analyses are reviewed for critical design issues.
Improved design of an ITER equatorial EC launcher
Authors: Takahashi K. , Kajiwara K. , Kobayashi N. , Kasugai A. , Sakamoto K.
Published: April 2008

New design improvements for an ITER equatorial EC launcher are described. A design of the front shield modules was evaluated analytically. The results indicate that these modules can withstand the electromagnetic forces induced by plasma disruption and vertical plasma motion. The steering mirror mock-up including the spiral cooling tubes was fabricated based on the present design with application of the hot isostatic pressing technique to bond the copper alloy mirror body and the embedded stainless steel cooling tubes. The test of water flow was carried out and the expected flow rate was successfully obtained. A quasi-optical (QO) transmission layout has been proposed instead of the waveguide lines. The advantage of this option is possibly to increase the reliability in terms of fabrication and refurbishment. According to the beam propagation analysis, it is verified that transmission loss at the QO region is 1.1%–2.2%, which is comparable to the reference design. The peak heat load on the steering mirror surface could be reduced by 55%, which relaxes the mirror design.