bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful public health action to reduce the incidence of symptomatic vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Moy Robert John , McGee Eleanor , Debelle Geoff D , Mather Ian , Shaw Nicholas J 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundIn response to a resurgence of symptomatic cases of vitamin D deficiency in a high-risk predominantly ethnic minority population, a programme of universal rather than targeted vitamin D supplementation was begun with a public awareness campaign about the importance of vitamin D.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of this programme in reducing case numbers.MethodsCases of symptomatic vitamin D deficiency in children under 5 years resident in a primary care trust catchment area presenting at local hospitals were identified through laboratory records of low vitamin D levels which were cross-checked against medical records to confirm the diagnosis. Comparisons were made of the case incidence rate, level of public knowledge and vitamin supplement uptake rate at the onset of the programme in 2005 and 4 years later.ResultsThe number of cases of symptomatic vitamin D deficiency in those under 5 years fell by 59% (case incidence rate falling from 120/100 000 to 49/100 000) despite the supplement uptake rate rising only to 17%. Public awareness of vitamin D deficiency rose to near universal levels.ConclusionsA programme of universal rather than targeted Healthy Start vitamin D supplementation for pregnant and lactating women and young children has led to a substantial decrease in cases of symptomatic vitamin D deficiency in a high-risk population. Supplementation was also started at a younger age than in the national programme. This approach has implications for the delivery of vitamin D supplementation programmes in similar populations.
Effect of fabric on the behaviour of reservoir sandstones
Authors: Alvarado Giovanny , Lui Neville , Coop Matthew R. 
Published: August 2012

A laboratory investigation was undertaken on the mechanical behaviour of two sandstones that are commonly used as analogous hydrocarbon reservoir sandstones, using triaxial apparatuses with a capacity of up to 70 MPa confining pressure. Both materials are lightly cemented, but show a mechanical behaviour at large strains that is similar to that seen in rocks with much stronger cementation. At small strains, however, these materials behave more like uncemented sands in that they show a strong stress dependency of the shear modulus and yield takes places at relatively small strains. It is believed that fabric plays a fundamental role in the observed behaviour and this is supported by the experimental evidence, so that the concept of strong fabric in sandstones is introduced.
Role of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in Urokinase's Paradoxical In Vivo Tumor Suppressing or Promoting Effects
Authors: Jing Yuqi , Kovacs Krisztina , Kurisetty Vittal , Jiang Zhijie , Tsinoremas Nick , Merchan Jaime R. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Tumor proteases and inhibitors have been associated with paradoxical effects on tumor progression in preclinical and clinical settings. We previously reported that urokinase (uPA) overexpression delays tumor progression in mammary cancer. This study aimed to determine the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) on uPA's paradoxical in vivo effects. Using syngeneic murine models, we found that stable uPA overexpression promoted in vivo growth of colon tumors (MC-38) naturally expressing high PAI-1, whereas growth inhibition was observed in renal tumors (RENCA) expressing lower PAI-1 levels. In murine mammary carcinoma (4T1), uPA overexpression shifted the uPA/PAI-1 balance in favor of the protease, resulting in significantly reduced tumor growth and metastases in vivo. Conversely, increased tumor progression was observed in stable PAI-1 overexpressing 4T1 tumors as compared with uPA-overexpressing and control tumors. These effects were associated with downregulation of metastases promoting genes in uPA-overexpressing tumors, such as metalloproteinases, CXCL-1, c-Fos, integrin α-5, VEGF-A, PDGF-α, and IL-1β. In PAI-1–overexpressing tumors, many of the above genes were upregulated. PAI-1 overexpressing tumors had increased total and new tumor microvessels, and increased tumor cell proliferation, whereas the opposite effects were found in uPA-overexpressing tumors. Finally, PAI-1 downregulation led to significant inhibition of 4T1 tumor growth and metastases in vivo. In conclusion, uPA's dual effects on tumor progression occur in the context of its interactions with endogenous PAI-1 expression. Our studies uncover novel mechanisms of in vivo tumor control by modulation of the balance between tumor proteases and inhibitors, which may be exploited therapeutically. Mol Cancer Res; 10(10); 1271–81. ©2012 AACR.
A Novel Function of YWHAZ/β-Catenin Axis in Promoting Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Lung Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Chen Ching-Hsien , Chuang Show-Mei , Yang Meng-Fang , Liao Jiunn-Wang , Yu Sung-Liang , Chen Jeremy J.W. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
YWHAZ, also known as 14-3-3zeta, has been reportedly elevated in many human tumors, including non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) but little is known about its specific contribution to lung cancer malignancy. Through a combined array-based comparative genomic hybridization and expression microarray analysis, we identified YWHAZ as a potential metastasis enhancer in lung cancer. Ectopic expression of YWHAZ on low invasive cancer cells showed enhanced cell invasion, migration in vitro, and both the tumorigenic and metastatic potentials in vivo. Gene array analysis has indicated these changes associated with an elevation of pathways relevant to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), with an increase of cell protrusions and branchings. Conversely, knockdown of YWHAZ levels with siRNA or short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in invasive cancer cells led to a reversal of EMT. We observed that high levels of YWHAZ protein are capable of activating β-catenin–mediated transcription by facilitating the accumulation of β-catenin in cytosol and nucleus. Coimmunoprecipitation assays showed a decrease of ubiquitinated β-catenin in presence of the interaction between YWHAZ and β-catenin. This interaction resulted in disassociating β-catenin from the binding of β-TrCP leading to increase β-catenin stability. Using enforced expression of dominant-negative and -positive β-catenin mutants, we confirmed that S552 phosphorylation of β-catenin increases the β-catenin/YWHAZ complex formation, which is important in promoting cell invasiveness and the suppression of ubiquitnated β-catenin. This is the first demonstration showing YWHAZ through its complex with β-catenin in mediating lung cancer malignancy and β-catenin protein stability. Mol Cancer Res; 10(10); 1319–31. ©2012 AACR.
Testing, Implementation, and Evolution of Seeding Concepts—A Review
Authors: Cotton William R. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In this paper, testing, implementation, and evolution of both static and dynamic seeding concepts are reviewed. A brief review of both waterspray and hygroscopic seeding is first presented. This is followed by reviews of static seeding of stable orographic clouds and supercooled cumuli. We conclude with a review of dynamic seeding concepts with particular focus on the Florida studies.
It is concluded that it is encouraging that our testing procedures have evolved from single-response-variable “blackbox” experiments to randomized experiments that attempt to test a number of components in the hypothesized chain of physical responses to seeding. It is cautioned, however, that changes in the seeding strategy to optimize detection of a physical response (in any of the intermediate links in the hypothesized chain of responses) can have an adverse effect upon rainfall on the ground.
Aggregates as Embryos in Seeded Clouds
Authors: Heymsfield Andrew J. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The growth of ice particles through aggregation is investigated for seeded clouds using currently available field data and a numerical particle-growth model. Observations indicate that the aggregation process is fairly common, even when moderate liquid water contents, ~0.5 g m–3, are available for particle growth through accretion. The modeling study suggests that certain temperature ranges are especially conducive to aggregate formation.
Evaluation of “Static” and “Dynamic” Seeding Concepts through Analyses of Israeli II and FACE-2 Experiments
Authors: Gagin Abraham 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In static-mode seeding two assumptions are usually made: a deficiency in concentrations of natural ice crystals is the reason for delay, or even failure, of precipitation formation in certain cloud conditions; and, moderate increases in ice crystal concentrations, obtained by glaciogenic seeding of such clouds, will result in rainfall enhancement either by making the already existing process of rain formation more effective or by inducing precipitation formation in clouds that otherwise would not have precipitated naturally.
The basic assumption behind seeding for dynamic effects is that increased cloud buoyancy, achieved through conversion of supercooled water to ice by seeding, will cause an increase in cloud depth, which in turn will result in stronger rainfall intensities, areas and durations.
These basic assumptions are examined in terms of physical and statistical analyses of data from Israeli II (a static-mode seeding project) and FACE-2 (a dynamic-mode seeding project).
Static Mode Seeding of Summer Cumuli—A Review
Authors: Silverman Bernard A. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A review of the state of knowledge of the physics of the static mode seeding hypothesis for convective clouds is presented. The central thesis of the review is that the results of past experimental work are diverse but valid and that credibility of the science depends on understanding the physical reasons for the diverse results. Areas of uncertainty and conflicts in evidence associated with the statement of physical hypothesis, the concept of seedability, the seeding operation, and the chain of physical events following seeding are highlighted to identify what issues need to be resolved to further progress in precipitation enhancement research and application.
It is concluded that the only aspect of static seeding that meets scientific standards of cause-and-effect relationships and repeatability is that glaciogenic seeding agents can produce distinct “seeding signatures” in clouds. However, the reviewer argues that a body of inferential physical evidence has been amassed that provides a better understanding of which clouds are seedable (susceptible to precipitation enhancement by artificial seeding) and which are not, even though the tools for recognizing and properly treating them are imperfect. In particular, the inferred evidence appears to support the claims of physical plausibility for the positive statistical results of the Israeli experiments.
It is suggested that future work continue to be designed for physical understanding and evaluation through comprehensive field studies and numerical modeling. Duplicating the Israeli experiments in another location should receive high priority but, in general, future experiments should move upscale from cumulus congestus to convective complexes. In doing so, a new, more complex physical hypothesis that accounts for cloud–environment and microphysical–dynamical interactions and their response to seeding will have to be developed.
Changes in Observed Daily Precipitation over the United States between 1950–79 and 1980–2009
Authors: Higgins R. W. , Kousky V. E. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Changes in observed daily precipitation over the conterminous United States between two 30-yr periods (1950–79 and 1980–2009) are examined using a 60-yr daily precipitation analysis obtained from the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Unified Raingauge Database. Several simple measures are used to characterize the changes, including mean, frequency, intensity, and return period. Seasonality is accounted for by examining each measure for four nonoverlapping seasons. The possible role of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle as an explanation for differences between the two periods is also examined. There have been more light (1 mm ≤ P &lt; 10 mm), moderate (10 mm ≤ P &lt; 25 mm), and heavy (P ≥ 25 mm) daily precipitation events (P) in many regions of the country during the more recent 30-yr period with some of the largest and most spatially coherent increases over the Great Plains and lower Mississippi Valley during autumn and winter. Some regions, such as portions of the Southeast and the Pacific Northwest, have seen decreases, especially during the winter. Increases in multiday heavy precipitation events have been observed in the more recent period, especially over portions of the Great Plains, Great Lakes, and Northeast. These changes are associated with changes in the mean and frequency of daily precipitation during the more recent 30-yr period. Difference patterns are strongly related to the ENSO cycle and are consistent with the stronger El Niño events during the more recent 30-yr period. Return periods for both heavy and light daily precipitation events during 1950–79 are shorter during 1980–2009 at most locations, with some notable regional exceptions.
Convective Initiation in an Idealized Cloud Model Using an Updraft Nudging Technique
Authors: Naylor Jason , Gilmore Matthew S. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Previous cloud modeling studies have noted difficulty in producing strong, sustained deep convection in environments with convective inhibition and/or midlevel dryness when the thermal bubble technique is used to initiate convection. This difficulty is also demonstrated herein, using 113 supercell proximity soundings—most of which contain capping inversions and some amount of convective inhibition. Instead, by using an updraft nudging initiation technique, substantially more supercells result and for a longer period. Additionally, the number of supercell-producing cases is maximized when updraft nudging is applied for only the first 15 min of cloud time near the top of the boundary layer instead of longer/shorter periods or when nudging is applied near the surface.
Simulated Vortex Detection Using a Four-Face Phased-Array Doppler Radar
Authors: Brown Rodger A. , Wood Vincent T. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The National Weather Radar Testbed was established in Norman, Oklahoma, in 2002 to evaluate, in part, the feasibility of eventually replacing mechanically scanned parabolic antennas with electronically scanned phased-array antennas on weather surveillance radars. If a phased-array antenna system is to replace the current antenna, among the important decisions that must be made are the design (flat faces, cylinder, etc.) that will be needed to cover 360° in azimuth and the choice of an acceptable beamwidth. Investigating the flat-face option, four faces seem to be a reasonable choice for providing adequate coverage. To help with the beamwidth decision-making process, the influence of beamwidth on the resolution of various-sized simulated vortices is investigated. It is found that the half-power beamwidth across the antenna should be no more than 1.0° (equating to a broadside beamwidth of 0.75°) in order to provide National Weather Service forecasters with at least the same quality of data resolution that is currently available for making tornado and severe storm warnings.
Vertebral artery dissection associated with viral meningitis
Authors: Pan Xudong , Ma Aijun , Wang Kun , Nie Shumin , Wu Mei 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is often associated with trauma or occurs spontaneously, inevitably causing some neurological deficits. Even though acute infection can be related to the development of spontaneous VAD (sVAD), VAD associated with viral meningitis has never been reported in the literature.

Case presentation
A 42-year-old man with fever, sore throat, and runny nose developed sudden onset of occipital headache, vertigo, transient confusion, diplopia, and ataxia. Brain stem encephalitis was diagnosed initially because the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) study showed inflammatory changes. However, subsequent diffusion-weighted (DWI) magnetic resonance imaging of his brain demonstrated left lateral medullary infarction, and the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed VAD involving left V4 segment of the artery. Consequently, the patient was diagnosed as VAD accompanied by viral meningitis.

Conclusion
This case suggests that viral meningitis might lead to inflammatory injury of the vertebral arterial wall, even sVAD with multiple neurological symptoms.
Exploring the predictive value of the evoked potentials score in MS within an appropriate patient population: a hint for an early identification of benign MS?
Authors: Margaritella Nicolò , Mendozzi Laura , Garegnani Massimo , Nemni Raffaello , Colicino Elena , Gilardi Elisabetta , Pugnetti Luigi 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The prognostic value of evoked potentials (EPs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been fully established. The correlations between the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at First Neurological Evaluation (FNE) and the duration of the disease, as well as between EDSS and EPs, have influenced the outcome of most previous studies. To overcome this confounding relations, we propose to test the prognostic value of EPs within an appropriate patient population which should be based on patients with low EDSS at FNE and short disease duration.

Methods
We retrospectively selected a sample of 143 early relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) patients with an EDSS < 3.5 from a larger database spanning 20 years. By means of bivariate logistic regressions, the best predictors of worsening were selected among several demographic and clinical variables. The best multivariate logistic model was statistically validated and prospectively applied to 50 patients examined during 2009–2011.

Results
The Evoked Potentials score (EP score) and the Time to EDSS 2.0 (TT2) were the best predictors of worsening in our sample (Odds Ratio 1.10 and 0.82 respectively, p=0.001). Low EP score (below 15–20 points), short TT2 (lower than 3–5 years) and their interaction resulted to be the most useful for the identification of worsening patterns. Moreover, in patients with an EP score at FNE below 6 points and a TT2 greater than 3 years the probability of worsening was 10% after 4–5 years and rapidly decreased thereafter.

Conclusions
In an appropriate population of early RRMS patients, the EP score at FNE is a good predictor of disability at low values as well as in combination with a rapid buildup of disability. Interestingly, an EP score at FNE under the median together with a clinical stability lasting more than 3 years turned out to be a protective pattern. This finding may contribute to an early identification of benign patients, well before the term required to diagnose Benign MS (BMS).
Production of medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates by sequential feeding of xylose and octanoic acid in engineered Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Le Meur Sylvaine , Zinn Manfred , Egli Thomas , Thöny-Meyer Linda , Ren Qun 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background

Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is able to synthesize large amounts of medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHAs). To reduce the substrate cost, which represents nearly 50% of the total PHA production cost, xylose, a hemicellulose derivate, was tested as the growth carbon source in an engineered P. putida KT2440 strain.

Results
The genes encoding xylose isomerase (XylA) and xylulokinase (XylB) from Escherichia coli W3110 were introduced into P. putida KT2440. The recombinant KT2440 exhibited a XylA activity of 1.47 U and a XylB activity of 0.97 U when grown on a defined medium supplemented with xylose. The cells reached a maximum specific growth rate of 0.24 h-1 and a final cell dry weight (CDW) of 2.5 g L-1 with a maximal yield of 0.5 g CDW g-1 xylose. Since no mcl-PHA was accumulated from xylose, mcl-PHA production can be controlled by the addition of fatty acids leading to tailor-made PHA compositions. Sequential feeding strategy was applied using xylose as the growth substrate and octanoic acid as the precursor for mcl-PHA production. In this way, up to 20% w w-1 of mcl-PHA was obtained. A yield of 0.37 g mcl-PHA per g octanoic acid was achieved under the employed conditions.

Conclusions
Sequential feeding of relatively cheap carbohydrates and expensive fatty acids is a practical way to achieve more cost-effective mcl-PHA production. This study is the first reported attempt to produce mcl-PHA by using xylose as the growth substrate. Further process optimizations to achieve higher cell density and higher productivity of mcl-PHA should be investigated. These scientific exercises will undoubtedly contribute to the economic feasibility of mcl-PHA production from renewable feedstock.
Analysis of in vitro secretion profiles from adipose-derived cell populations
Authors: Blaber Sinead P , Webster Rebecca A , Hill Cameron J , Breen Edmond J , Kuah Donald , Vesey Graham , Herbert Benjamin R 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Adipose tissue is an attractive source of cells for therapeutic purposes because of the ease of harvest and the high frequency of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Whilst it is clear that MSCs have significant therapeutic potential via their ability to secrete immuno-modulatory and trophic cytokines, the therapeutic use of mixed cell populations from the adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is becoming increasingly common.

Methods
In this study we have measured a panel of 27 cytokines and growth factors secreted by various combinations of human adipose-derived cell populations. These were 1. co-culture of freshly isolated SVF with adipocytes, 2. freshly isolated SVF cultured alone, 3. freshly isolated adipocytes alone and 4. adherent adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) at passage 2. In addition, we produced an ‘in silico’ dataset by combining the individual secretion profiles obtained from culturing the SVF with that of the adipocytes. This was compared to the secretion profile of co-cultured SVF and adipocytes. Two-tailed t-tests were performed on the secretion profiles obtained from the SVF, adipocytes, ADSCs and the ‘in silico’ dataset and compared to the secretion profiles obtained from the co-culture of the SVF with adipocytes. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically different. To assess the overall changes that may occur as a result of co-culture we compared the proteomes of SVF and SVF co-cultured with adipocytes using iTRAQ quantitative mass spectrometry.

Results
A co-culture of SVF and adipocytes results in a distinct secretion profile when compared to all other adipose-derived cell populations studied. This illustrates that cellular crosstalk during co-culture of the SVF with adipocytes modulates the production of cytokines by one or more cell types. No biologically relevant differences were detected in the proteomes of SVF cultured alone or co-cultured with adipocytes.

Conclusions
The use of mixed adipose cell populations does not appear to induce cellular stress and results in enhanced secretion profiles. Given the importance of secreted cytokines in cell therapy, the use of a mixed cell population such as the SVF with adipocytes may be considered as an alternative to MSCs or fresh SVF alone.