bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AMSU-A-Only Atmospheric Temperature Data Records from the Lower Troposphere to the Top of the Stratosphere
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Zou Cheng-Zhi 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A, 1998–present) not only continues but surpasses the Microwave Sounding Unit’s (MSU, 1978–2006) capability in atmospheric temperature observation. It provides valuable satellite measurements for higher vertical resolution and long-term climate change research and trend monitoring. This study presented methodologies for generating 11 channels of AMSU-A-only atmospheric temperature data records from the lower troposphere to the top of the stratosphere. The recalibrated AMSU-A level 1c radiances recently developed by the Center for Satellite Applications and Research group were used. The recalibrated radiances were adjusted to a consistent sensor incidence angle (nadir), channel frequencies (prelaunch-specified central frequencies), and observation time (local solar noon time). Radiative transfer simulations were used to correct the sensor incidence angle effect and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-15 (NOAA-15) channel 6 frequency shift. Multiyear averaged diurnal/semidiurnal anomaly climatologies from climate reanalysis as well as climate model simulations were used to adjust satellite observations to local solar noon time. Adjusted AMSU-A measurements from six satellites were carefully quality controlled and merged to generate 13+ years (1998–2011) of a monthly 2.5° × 2.5° gridded atmospheric temperature data record. Major trend features in the AMSU-A-only atmospheric temperature time series, including global mean temperature trends and spatial trend patterns, were summarized.
Study on different bandages and application techniques for achieving stiffer compression
Authors: Suehiro K , Morikage N , Murakami M , Yamashita O , Ueda K , Samura M , Hamano K 
Published: December 2013

Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between interface pressure and stiffness of compression achieved by various combinations of bandages and application techniques. Method There were eight healthy volunteers. One roll (4.5 m) of four types of bandages with different extensibilities (0, 90, 108 and 218%) was applied to the leg in single-layer bandage fashion with eight random tensions. Then, the leg was wrapped with one to eight rolls in multi-layer bandage fashion. Results Each combination of bandage and application technique displayed an indigenous linear interface pressure-static stiffness index relationship. With single-layer bandage, lower extensibility was associated with higher static stiffness index at a given interface pressure. With multi-layer bandage, the static stiffness index at a given interface pressure was independent of the bandage type. Conclusion The stiffness at a given interface pressure was affected by the extensibility with single-layer bandage but not with multi-layer bandage.
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the French version of the Knee Outcome Survey–Activities of Daily Living Scale
Authors: Roy Jean-Sébastien , Esculier Jean-Francois , Maltais Désirée B 
Published: December 2013

Purpose: The Activities of Daily Living Scale of the Knee Outcome Survey (KOS-ADLS) is a joint-specific questionnaire measuring functional limitation experienced by individuals with knee disorders. The original English version of the KOS-ADLS has been shown to be highly reliable and responsive to change. The purpose of this study was to perform a translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the original version of the KOS-ADLS questionnaire into French and to validate this French version of the questionnaire. Method: In accordance with standard procedure, the original version of the KOS-ADLS was translated and cross-culturally adapted into French. Once the final French version of the KOS-ADLS was developed, it was subjected to further psychometric evaluation with 76 individuals with knee disorders. Each participant completed the KOS-ADLS on three occasions: at baseline, two days later to evaluate test–retest reliability, and four weeks later to evaluate responsiveness. Symptoms and function-oriented construct questions were also completed to evaluate construct-convergent and known-group validity. Results: The cross-cultural adaptation procedure revealed no major problems with content or language. The French version of the KOS-ADLS showed excellent test–retest reliability with low measurement error (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92, minimal detectable change = 8.3), as well as high responsiveness (standardized response mean = 1.41; clinically important difference = 13.6). Further, it discriminates between different levels of self-rated or clinician-rated knee function. Conclusions: The French version of the KOS-ADLS is a reliable, valid and responsive questionnaire for the assessment of functional limitation in individuals with musculoskeletal knee disorders.
Clinical, Radiological, and Morphological Evaluations of Posterior Horn Tears of the Lateral Meniscus Left In Situ During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Lee Dhong Won , Jang Hyoung Won , Lee Sung Rak , Park Jung Ho , Ha Jeong Ku , Kim Jin Goo 
Published: December 2013

Background: Recent studies have shown that lateral menisci have a higher healing potential and that they can be treated successfully without symptoms by being left in situ during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, few studies have reported morphological results. Hypothesis: Stable posterior horn tears of the lateral meniscus left in situ during ACL reconstruction could be healed spontaneously and would result in not only successful clinical outcomes but also morphological restoration. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Among 367 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction between 2008 and 2010, 53 patients who had lateral meniscus tears that were left in situ were analyzed. These patients were evaluated subjectively and radiologically and compared with a matched control group that underwent ACL reconstruction without any other structural disorders. Of the 53 patients with stable posterior horn tears of the lateral meniscus left in situ, 28 patients were assessed by second-look arthroscopic surgery and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: The mean follow-up of the study group and the control group was 36.47 and 37.26 months, respectively. There were no statistical differences in postoperative clinical outcomes between the 2 groups. Clinical results of both groups including the Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score significantly improved. In the subgroup composed of 28 patients, follow-up MRI showed 25 (89%) and 24 (86%) healed menisci in sagittal and coronal views, respectively. Twenty-one (75%) were considered to be completely healed, and 5 (18%) were incompletely healed on second-look arthroscopic surgery. Conclusion: Stable posterior horn tears of the lateral meniscus left in situ at the time of ACL reconstruction revealed successful clinical outcomes compared with isolated ACL injuries and showed considerable healing and functional restoration of tears with repeat MRI and second-look arthroscopic surgery. Therefore, leaving stable posterior horn tears of the lateral meniscus in situ during ACL reconstruction should be considered.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ramski David E. , Kanj Wajdi W. , Franklin Corinna C. , Baldwin Keith D. , Ganley Theodore J. 
Published: December 2013

Background: Debate regarding the optimal initial treatment for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children and adolescents has not resulted in a clear consensus for initial nonoperative treatment or operative reconstruction. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to systematically analyze aggregated data from the literature to determine if a benefit exists for either nonoperative or early operative treatment for ACL injuries in the pediatric patient. The hypothesis was that combined results would favor early operative reconstruction with respect to posttreatment episodes of instability/pathological laxity, symptomatic meniscal tears, clinical outcome scores, and return to activity. Study Design: Meta-analysis. Methods: A literature selection process included the extraction of data on the following clinical variables: symptomatic meniscal tears, return to activities, clinical outcome scores, return to the operating room, and posttreatment instability/pathological laxity. A symptomatic meniscal tear was defined as occurring after the initial presentation, limiting activity, and requiring further treatment. Instability/pathological laxity was defined for the sake of this study as having an episode of giving way, a grade ≥2 Lachman/pivot-shift test result, or a side-to-side difference of >4 mm as measured by the KT-1000 arthrometer. All studies were evaluated using a formal study quality analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted for aggregated data in each category. Results: Six studies (217 patients) comparing operative to nonoperative treatment and 5 studies (353 patients) comparing early to delayed reconstruction were identified. Three studies reported posttreatment instability/pathological laxity; 13.6% of patients after operative treatment experienced instability/pathological laxity compared with 75% of patients after nonoperative treatment ( P < .01). Two studies reported symptomatic meniscal tears; patients were over 12 times more likely to have a medial meniscal tear after nonoperative treatment than after operative treatment (35.4% vs 3.9%, respectively; P = .02). A significant difference in scores between groups was noted in 1 of 2 studies reporting International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores ( P = .002) and in 1 of 2 studies reporting Tegner scores ( P = .007). Two studies reported return to activity; none of the patients in the nonoperative groups returned to their previous level of play compared with 85.7% of patients in the operative groups ( P < .01). Study quality analysis revealed that the majority of the studies were inconsistent in reporting outcomes. Conclusion: Meta-analysis revealed multiple trends that favor early surgical stabilization over nonoperative or delayed treatment. Patients after nonoperative and delayed treatment experienced more instability/pathological laxity and inability to return to previous activity levels than did patients treated with early surgical stabilization.
Genetic architecture of resistance to Septoria tritici blotch in European wheat
Authors: Miedaner Thomas , Zhao Yusheng , Gowda Manje , Longin C Friedrich H , Korzun Viktor , Ebmeyer Erhard , Kazman Ebrahim , Reif Jochen C 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Septoria tritici blotch is an important leaf disease of European winter wheat. In our survey, we analyzed Septoria tritici blotch resistance in field trials with a large population of 1,055 elite hybrids and their 87 parental lines. Entries were fingerprinted with the 9 k SNP array. The accuracy of prediction of Septoria tritici blotch resistance achieved with different genome-wide mapping approaches was evaluated based on robust cross validation scenarios.

Results
Septoria tritici blotch disease severities were normally distributed, with genotypic variation being significantly (P < 0.01) larger than zero. The cross validation study revealed an absence of large effect QTL for additive and dominance effects. Application of genomic selection approaches particularly designed to tackle complex agronomic traits allowed to double the accuracy of prediction of Septoria tritici blotch resistance compared to calculation methods suited to detect QTL with large effects.

Conclusions
Our study revealed that Septoria tritici blotch resistance in European winter wheat is controlled by multiple loci with small effect size. This suggests that the currently achieved level of resistance in this collection is likely to be durable, as involvement of a high number of genes in a resistance trait reduces the risk of the resistance to be overcome by specific pathogen isolates or races.
Identification of new developmentally regulated genes involved in Streptomyces coelicolorsporulation
Authors: Salerno Paola , Persson Jessica , Bucca Giselda , Laing Emma , Ausmees Nora , Smith Colin P , Flärdh Klas 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe sporulation of aerial hyphae ofStreptomyces coelicoloris a complex developmental process. Only a limited number of the genes involved in this intriguing morphological differentiation programme are known, including some key regulatory genes. The aim of this study was to expand our knowledge of the gene repertoire involved inS. coelicolorsporulation.ResultsWe report a DNA microarray-based investigation of developmentally controlled gene expression inS. coelicolor. By comparing global transcription patterns of the wild-type parent and two mutants lacking key regulators of aerial hyphal sporulation, we found a total of 114 genes that had significantly different expression in at least one of the two mutants compared to the wild-type during sporulation. AwhiAmutant showed the largest effects on gene expression, while only a few genes were specifically affected bywhiHmutation. Seven new sporulation loci were investigated in more detail with respect to expression patterns and mutant phenotypes. These includedSCO7449-7451that affect spore pigment biogenesis;SCO1773-1774that encode an L-alanine dehydrogenase and a regulator-like protein and are required for maturation of spores;SCO3857that encodes a protein highly similar to a nosiheptide resistance regulator and affects spore maturation; and four additional loci (SCO4421,SCO4157,SCO0934,SCO1195) that show developmental regulation but no overt mutant phenotype. Furthermore, we describe a new promoter-probe vector that takes advantage of the red fluorescent protein mCherry as a reporter of cell type-specific promoter activity.ConclusionAerial hyphal sporulation inS. coelicoloris a technically challenging process for global transcriptomic investigations since it occurs only as a small fraction of the colony biomass and is not highly synchronized. Here we show that by comparing a wild-type to mutants lacking regulators that are specifically affecting processes in aerial hypha, it is possible to identify previously unknown genes with important roles in sporulation. The transcriptomic data reported here should also serve as a basis for identification of further developmentally important genes in future functional studies.
Proanthocyanidin synthesis in Theobroma cacao: genes encoding anthocyanidin synthase, anthocyanidin reductase, and leucoanthocyanidin reductase
Authors: Liu Yi , Shi Zi , Maximova Siela , Payne Mark J , Guiltinan Mark J 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
The proanthocyanidins (PAs), a subgroup of flavonoids, accumulate to levels of approximately 10% total dry weight of cacao seeds. PAs have been associated with human health benefits and also play important roles in pest and disease defense throughout the plant.

Results
To dissect the genetic basis of PA biosynthetic pathway in cacao (Theobroma cacao), we have isolated three genes encoding key PA synthesis enzymes, anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) and leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR). We measured the expression levels of TcANR, TcANS and TcLAR and PA content in cacao leaves, flowers, pod exocarp and seeds. In all tissues examined, all three genes were abundantly expressed and well correlated with PA accumulation levels, suggesting their active roles in PA synthesis. Overexpression of TcANR in an Arabidopsis ban mutant complemented the PA deficient phenotype in seeds and resulted in reduced anthocyanidin levels in hypocotyls. Overexpression of TcANS in tobacco resulted in increased content of both anthocyanidins and PAs in flower petals. Overexpression of TcANS in an Arabidopsis ldox mutant complemented its PA deficient phenotype in seeds. Recombinant TcLAR protein converted leucoanthocyanidin to catechin in vitro. Transgenic tobacco overexpressing TcLAR had decreased amounts of anthocyanidins and increased PAs. Overexpressing TcLAR in Arabidopsis ldox mutant also resulted in elevated synthesis of not only catechin but also epicatechin.

Conclusion
Our results confirm the in vivo function of cacao ANS and ANR predicted based on sequence homology to previously characterized enzymes from other species. In addition, our results provide a clear functional analysis of a LAR gene in vivo.
Glomerular tip adhesions predict the progression of IgA nephropathy
Authors: Maeda Kunihiro , Kikuchi Shogo , Miura Naoto , Suzuki Keisuke , Kitagawa Wataru , Morita Hiroyuki , Banno Shogo , Imai Hirokazu 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis-like lesions have been proposed to be predictive factors for IgA nephropathy. This single center, retrospective cohort study was designed to clarify which clinical and pathological factors are predictive of decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 5 and 10 years in IgA nephropathy patients.

Methods
Of the 229 patients with IgA nephropathy who were admitted to Aichi Medical University Hospital between 1986 and 2010, 57 were included in this study during the 5 to 10 years after renal biopsy. Clinical, laboratory, and pathological parameters were analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis with backward elimination to determine independent risk factors. After identifying such factors, we compared patients with and without each factor using the Student’s t test, Wilcoxon test, or Mann–Whitney U test.

Results
Four variables were identified as predictive factors for progression of IgA nephropathy: initial eGFR (p = 0.0002), glomerular tip adhesion (p = 0.004), global sclerosis (p = 0.019), and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.024). The annual decrease in eGFR of patients with (n = 9) or without glomerular tip adhesions (n = 48) was 4.13 ± 3.58 and 1.49 ± 2.89 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively (p = 0.015). Serum total cholesterol levels were 231 ± 45 mg/dl and 196 ± 42 mg/dl, respectively (two-sided p = 0.064; one-sided p = 0.032).

Conclusions
The presence of glomerular tip adhesions predicts the progression of IgA nephropathy. High levels of serum total cholesterol may affect glomerular tip adhesions.
A qualitative study on the breastfeeding experiences of first-time mothers in Vientiane, Lao PDR
Authors: Lee Hope Mei Hong , Durham Jo , Booth Jenny , Sychareun Vanphanom 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
The benefits of breastfeeding are well-recognised. The majority of first-time mothers in the Lao People's Democratic Republic however do not follow WHO guidelines of exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months, and less than half breastfeed for two years. UNICEF identified lack of exclusive breastfeeding as the second highest risk factor for under 5 mortality in Lao PDR, closely following lack of skilled delivery care. This study explored the reasons and influences behind first-time mothers' breastfeeding practices, as well as the role of attitudes, beliefs and experiences in influencing those practices.

Methods
A qualitative research design was chosen for this exploratory study. Two districts in Vientiane were selected, and in each district four focus group discussions, two with six first-time mothers and two with health staff were undertaken. In addition, sixteen in-depth interviews with first-time mothers and seven individual key informants were conducted.

Results
Participants demonstrated positive attitudes towards breastfeeding and recognised its importance. Despite this, breastfeeding practices were suboptimal. Few exclusively breastfed for the first six months of the baby’s life and most of the first-time mothers included in the sample had stopped or planned to stop breastfeeding by the time the infant was 18 months of age. Work was named as one of the main reasons for less than ideal breastfeeding practices. Traditional beliefs and advice from health staff and the first-time mothers' own mothers, were important influences on breastfeeding practices. First-time mothers also cited experiencing tension when there were differences in advice they received from different people.

Conclusion
Overall, the mothers were well-informed on the benefits of breastfeeding, and displayed positive attitudes towards it. Nevertheless, few maintained optimal breastfeeding practices in the first two years of the infant’s life. Further effort needs to be directed at addressing knowledge and non-knowledge barriers to optimal breastfeeding practices. Of particular importance is working with employers, developing supportive employment policies, providing postnatal support and working with lay people and health professionals. Research is also needed to identify the optimal combination of interventions to promote good breastfeeding practices.
NCOA3 is a selective co-activator of estrogen receptor α-mediated transactivation of PLAC1 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Wagner Meike , Koslowski Michael , Paret Claudia , Schmidt Marcus , Türeci Özlem , Sahin Ugur 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundTheplacenta-specific 1(PLAC1)gene encodes a membrane-associated protein which is selectively expressed in the placental syncytiotrophoblast and in murine fetal tissues during embryonic development. In contrast to its transcriptional repression in all other adult normal tissues, PLAC1 is frequently activated and highly expressed in a variety of human cancers, in particular breast cancer, where it associates with estrogen receptor α (ERα) positivity. In a previous study, we showed that ERα-signaling in breast cancer cells transactivatesPLAC1expression in a non-classical pathway. As the members of the p160/nuclear receptor co-activator (NCOA) family, NCOA1, NCOA2 and NCOA3 are known to be overexpressed in breast cancer and essentially involved in estrogen-mediated cancer cell proliferation we asked if these proteins are involved in the ERα-mediated transactivation ofPLAC1in breast cancer cells.MethodsApplying quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), Western Blot analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation, we analyzed the involvement of NCOA1, NCOA2, NCOA3 in the ERα-mediated transactivation ofPLAC1in the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and SK-BR-3. RNAi-mediated silencing of NCOA3, qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis and ERα activation assays were used to examine the role of NCOA3 in the ERα-mediated regulation of PLAC1 in further detail. Transcript expression ofNCOA3andPLAC1in 48 human breast cancer samples was examined by qRT-PCR and statistical analysis was performed using Student’st-test.ResultsWe detected selective recruitment of NCOA3 but not NCOA1 or NCOA2 to thePLAC1promoter only in ERα-positive MCF-7 cells but not in ERα-negative SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells. In addition, we demonstrate that silencing of NCOA3 results in a remarkable decrease of PLAC1 expression levels in MCF-7 cells which cannot be restored by treatment with estradiol (E2). Moreover, significant higher transcript levels ofPLAC1were found only in ERα-positive human breast cancer samples which also show aNCOA3overexpression.ConclusionsIn this study, we identified NCOA3 as a selective co-activator of ERα-mediated transactivation ofPLAC1in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Our data introducePLAC1as novel target gene of NCOA3 in breast cancer, supporting the important role of both factors in breast cancer biology.