bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Feature Calibration and Alignment to High-Resolution Analysis: Examples Using Observations Sensitive to Cloud and Water Vapor
Authors: Nehrkorn Thomas , Woods Bryan , Auligné Thomas , Hoffman Ross N. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Alignment errors [i.e., cases where coherent structures (“features”) of clouds or precipitation in the background have position errors] can lead to large and non-Gaussian background errors. Assimilation of cloud-affected radiances using additive increments derived by variational and/or ensemble methods can be problematic in these situations. To address this problem, the Feature Calibration and Alignment technique (FCA) is used here for correcting position errors by displacing background fields. A set of two-dimensional displacement vectors is applied to forecast fields to improve the alignment of features in the forecast and observations. These displacement vectors are obtained by a nonlinear minimization of a cost function that measures the misfit to observations, along with a number of additional constraints (e.g., smoothness and nondivergence of the displacement vectors) to prevent unphysical solutions. The method was applied in an idealized case using Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) forecast fields for Hurricane Katrina. Application of the displacement vectors to the three-dimensional WRF fields resulted in improved predicted hurricane positions in subsequent forecasts. When applied to a set of high-resolution forecasts of deep moist convection over the central United States, displacements are able to efficiently characterize part of the ensemble spread. To test its application as an analysis preprocessor, FCA was applied to a real-data case of cloud-affected radiances of one of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) channels. The displaced background resulted in an improved fit to the AIRS observations in all cloud-sensitive channels.
Effect of surgery on periventricular white matter in normal pressure hydrocephalus patients: comparison of two methods of DTI analysis
Authors: Nicot Benjamin , Bouzerar Roger , Gondry-Jouet Catherine , Capel Cyrille , Peltier Johann , Fichten Anthony , Balédent Olivier 
Published: September 2013

Background Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a useful tool for assessing changes that occur in microstructures. We have developed a novel method for region of interest (ROI) delineation in the assessment of DTI parameters in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). Purpose To compare the standard method and our novel method in an evaluation of the impact of surgery on periventricular white matter in patients with NPH. Material and Methods Ten patients with NPH underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; including 12-direction DTI sequences) before and after surgery. We recorded diffusion parameters (λi, the fractional anisotropy [FA], the apparent diffusion coefficient, and Dr) in the internal capsule (IC) and the body of the corpus callosum (BCC). Using the standard delineation technique, regions of interest (ROIs) were positioned according to anatomical and functional considerations and then filled with several sub-ROIs. The ROIs delineated with our novel technique (extracted as the six sub-ROIs with the lowest standard deviation for the FA) were arranged in two rows (medial and lateral), from the ventricle to the brain surface. Results The within-ROI homogeneity was higher with the novel method than with the conventional method ( P < 10−4). When the conventional delineation method was applied to the IC data, only λ2 was found to be significantly greater after surgery; in contrast, application of our novel method evidenced a significant decrease in FA and λ1 and a significant increase in λ2 ( P < 0.05). Both before and after surgery, the FA in the medial row of ROIs was greater than the FA in the lateral row ( P < 0.01). In the BCC, only λ2 and Dr varied significantly (when evaluated with the novel method). Conclusion Our results show that use of a novel method of DTI data analysis may be more sensitive to local changes induced by surgical procedures. Furthermore, this novel method was able to detect the transmantle pressure gradient related to the regional stress distribution.
Safety and tolerability of iopromide intravascular use: a pooled analysis of three non-interventional studies in 132,012 patients
Authors: Palkowitsch Petra K , Bostelmann Sven , Lengsfeld Philipp 
Published: September 2013

Background Determining the safety of contrast agents is challenging. In the absence of large controlled clinical trials, non-interventional (post-marketing surveillance) studies provide an opportunity to clearly investigate the safety profile of contrast agents. Purpose To assess the safety profile of iopromide in contrast-enhanced X-ray in clinical practice, using pooled data from three non-interventional studies. Material and Methods All studies were international, multicenter, non-interventional studies examining iopromide tolerability in clinical practice. Patients received iopromide (iodine concentrations of 300 mg/mL or 370 mg/mL) via intravenous or intra-arterial administration according to the diagnostic indication and in compliance with the local package insert. Results In total, 132,012 patients (37 countries, >1600 centers) were included. Overall, 3823 patients (2.49%) reported an adverse drug reaction (ADR) and 1983 patients (1.50%) reported an ADR without tolerance indicators (injection site warmth, feeling hot or injection site pain, of mild intensity only). This is a similar rate to other low osmolar contrast media. In most patients, ADRs were mild ( n = 2632; 1.99% of all patients) and did not require any action ( n = 2799; 2.12% of all patients). ADRs were more common among women ( n = 1680 [2.8%]) than men ( n = 1586 [2.2%]) and among younger patients (<18 years: n = 98 [3.2%]) than older patients (18–49 years: n = 1261 [3.5%]; 50–69 years: n = 1224 [2.2%]; ≥70 years: n = 362 [1.5%]). The most common ADRs were injection site warmth/feeling hot, nausea/vomiting, and dysguesia. Forty-five serious ADRs were reported in 19 patients. ADRs were more common in at-risk patients (5.00%) than in the overall population. Conclusion This pooled analysis confirms the well-established good safety profile of iopromide in clinical practice in Asian and European countries and the USA.
Impact of highly active antiretroviral treatment on expression of HIV-1 coreceptors and ligand levels in peripheral blood from HIV-1 infected patients in China
Authors: Fang Jiajie , Bai Shi , Wu Lijuan , Zhu Xuanwen , Yao Xiaolin , Jin Changzhong , Wang Chaojun 
Published: September 2013

Objective Coreceptors are important for HIV-1 entry into target cells and disease progression. The impact of HIV-1 and highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) on coreceptor expression has been little studied. Methods Expression of C–C chemokine receptor (CCR) 5 and C–X–C chemokine receptor (CXCR) 4 on CD4+ and CD8 + T cells was compared in HIV-1-infected individuals who had/had not received HAART, and in healthy controls. Relationships between coreceptors and their chemokine ligands were studied. Results This study included 23 controls and 88 HIV-1-infected individuals, 35 of whom were HAART naïve. Percentages of CCR5 and CXCR4+ CD8 + T cells were higher, and CXCR4+ CD4 + T cells were lower, in patients than in controls. Patients receiving HAART showed a higher percentage of CCR5 expression on CD4 + T cells compared with HAART-naïve patients. HIV-infected individuals had significantly increased levels of peripheral ligands for coreceptors, compared with controls; levels were significantly higher in those receiving HAART compared with the HAART-naïve. Conclusions HIV-1 infection increases coreceptor expression on T cells; HAART increases CCR5 expression further and decreases CXCR4 expression, reversing the switch from CCR5 to CXCR4, which was significant for CD4 + T.
The Relations between Work Intensity and Work-Family Conflict in Collectivist Culture: Evidence from Turkish Health Care Professionals
Authors: Ozutku Hatice , Altindis Selma 
Published: September 2013

The main purpose of this article is to advance the understanding of the relations between work intensity factors and work-family conflict factors in the collectivist culture pattern of Turkey. Data were collected using questionnaires from 462 health care professionals who are working in 25 different state hospitals and 12 cities in Turkey. SEM using by LISREL 8.0, hierarchical regression analysis, and ANOVA were used in analyzing the data. The structural equation modelling results showed that work intensity factors were the significant predictors of work-to-family conflict factors for Turkish health care professions. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that personal demographics and work situation characteristics accounted for a significant increment in explained variance on the time based work family conflict factors measure. Support was found for the hypothesis that samples would demonstrate a positive relation between work intensity and work-family conflict for Turkish health care professions. There are no statistically significant differences of time, strain and behaviour based work-to-family conflict according to gender, age, marital status, having children and function. There is a significant difference between the work-family conflict levels of health care professionals according to number of children, education level, work hours per week and organizational position.
In situ revascularisation for femoropopliteal graft infection: ten years of experience with silver grafts
Authors: Matic P , Tanaskovic S , Babic S , Gajin P , Jocic D , Nenezic D , Ilijevski N , Vucurevic G , Radak Dj 
Published: September 2013

Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyze clinical outcome of patients for femoropopliteal graft infection who were treated by in situ reconstruction with a silver-coated prosthesis. Basic methods From December 2001 to December 2011, 27 patients were treated for femoropopliteal graft infection. Twenty patients (74%) were male and seven (26%) were female. Mean age was 65 years. The primary endpoint was recurrence of infection. Secondary endpoints were early and late mortality and morbidity, primary graft patency, major amputation rates and patient survival. Principal findings Early reinfection occurred in 11% and late in 8% of patients. Perioperative mortality was 7% and late was 4%. Above-knee amputation was performed in 4% of patients during early postoperative course and in 12% of patients during follow-up. Early and late graft patency was 96% and 72%, respectively. Conclusions Results of in situ implantation of silver-coated grafts for femoropopliteal prosthesis infection are according to our opinion acceptable, but the risk of reinfection remains.
Tracking MPOWER in 14 countries: results from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2008–2010
Authors: Song Yang , Zhao Luhua , Palipudi Krishna Mohan , Asma Samira , Morton Jeremy , Talley Brandon , Hsia Jason , Ramanandraibe Nivo , Caixeta Roberta , Fouad Heba , Khoury Rula , Sinha Dhirendra , Rarick James , Bettcher Douglas , Peruga Armando , Deland Katherine , D’Espaignet Edouard Tursan ,   the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Collaborative Group
Published: September 2013

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) MPOWER is a technical package of six tobacco control measures that assist countries in meeting their obligations of the WHO Framework Convention Tobacco Control and are proven to reduce tobacco use. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) systematically monitors adult tobacco use and tracks key tobacco control indicators. Methods: GATS is a nationally representative household survey of adults aged 15 and older, using a standard and consistent protocol across countries; it includes information on the six WHO MPOWER measures. GATS Phase I was conducted from 2008–2010 in 14 high-burden low- and middle-income countries. We selected one key indicator from each of the six MPOWER measures and compared results across 14 countries. Results: Current tobacco use prevalence rates ranged from 16.1% in Mexico to 43.3% in Bangladesh. We found that the highest rate of exposure to secondhand smoke in the workplace was in China (63.3%). We found the highest ‘smoking quit attempt’ rates in the past 12 months among cigarette smokers in Viet Nam (55.3%) and the lowest rate was in the Russian Federation (32.1%). In five of the 14 countries, more than one-half of current smokers in those 5 countries said they thought of quitting because of health warning labels on cigarette packages. The Philippines (74.3%) and the Russian Federation (68.0%) had the highest percentages of respondents noticing any cigarette advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Manufactured cigarette affordability ranged from 0.6% in Russia to 8.0% in India. Conclusions Monitoring tobacco use and tobacco control policy achievements is crucial to managing and implementing measures to reverse the epidemic. GATS provides internationally-comparable data that systematically monitors and tracks the progress of the other five MPOWER measures.
Autocrine TNF-α production supports CML stem and progenitor cell survival and enhances their proliferation
Authors: Gallipoli Paolo , Pellicano Francesca , Morrison Heather , Laidlaw Kamilla , Allan Elaine K. , Bhatia Ravi , Copland Mhairi , Jørgensen Heather G. , Holyoake Tessa L. 
Published: September 2013

Key PointsAutocrine TNF-α production by CML stem/progenitor cells is not BCR-ABL kinase-dependent and provides survival signals. Targeting TNF-α production by stem/progenitor cells might be exploited therapeutically, especially in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Nfix is a novel regulator of murine hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell survival
Authors: Holmfeldt Per , Pardieck Jennifer , Saulsberry Anjelica C. , Nandakumar Satish Kumar , Finkelstein David , Gray John T. , Persons Derek A. , McKinney-Freeman Shannon 
Published: September 2013

Key Points
HSPCs fail to persist in the bone marrow of lethally irradiated recipients in the absence of Nfix. Nfix-deficient HSPCs display increased apoptosis during ex vivo culture and in recipient marrow.
Genome sequencing of lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Mullighan Charles G. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Our understanding of the pathogenesis of lymphoid malignancies has been transformed by next-generation sequencing. The studies in this review have used whole-genome, exome, and transcriptome sequencing to identify recurring structural genetic alterations and sequence mutations that target key cellular pathways in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the lymphomas. Although each tumor type is characterized by a unique genomic landscape, several cellular pathways are mutated in multiple tumor types—transcriptional regulation of differentiation, antigen receptor signaling, tyrosine kinase and Ras signaling, and epigenetic modifications—and individual genes are mutated in multiple tumors, notably TCF3, NOTCH1, MYD88, and BRAF. In addition to providing fundamental insights into tumorigenesis, these studies have also identified potential new markers for diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic intervention. Several genetic alterations are intuitively “druggable” with existing agents, for example, kinase-activating lesions in high-risk B-cell ALL, NOTCH1 in both leukemia and lymphoma, and BRAF in hairy cell leukemia. Future sequencing efforts are required to comprehensively define the genetic basis of all lymphoid malignancies, examine the relative roles of germline and somatic variation, dissect the genetic basis of clonal heterogeneity, and chart a course for clinical sequencing and translation to improved therapeutic outcomes.
Beak and skull shapes of human commensal and non-commensal house sparrows Passer domesticus
Authors: Riyahi Sepand , Hammer Øyvind , Arbabi Tayebeh , Sánchez Antonio , Roselaar Cees S , Aliabadian Mansour , Sætre Glenn-Peter 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe granivorous house sparrowPasser domesticusis thought to have developed its commensal relationship with humans with the rise of agriculture in the Middle East some 10,000 years ago, and to have expanded with the spread of agriculture in Eurasia during the last few thousand years. One subspecies,P. d. bactrianus,residing in Central Asia, has apparently maintained the ancestral ecology, however. This subspecies is not associated with human settlements; it is migratory and lives in natural grass- and wetland habitats feeding on wild grass seeds. It is well documented that the agricultural revolution was associated with an increase in grain size and changes in seed structure in cultivated cereals, the preferred food source of commensal house sparrow. Accordingly, we hypothesize that correlated changes may have occurred in beak and skull morphology as adaptive responses to the change in diet. Here, we test this hypothesis by comparing the skull shapes of 101 house sparrows from Iran, belonging to five different subspecies, including the non-commensalP. d. bactrianus, using geometric morphometrics.ResultsThe various commensal house sparrow subspecies share subtle but consistent skeletal features that differ significantly from those of the non-commensalP. d. bactrianus. Although there is a marked overall size allometry in the data set, the shape difference between the ecologically differentiated sparrows cannot be explained by differences in size alone. Relative to the size allometry commensal house sparrows exhibit a skull shape consistent with accelerated development (heterochrony), resulting in a more robust facial cranium and a larger, more pointed beak.ConclusionThe difference in skull shape and robustness of the beak between commensal and non-commensal house sparrows is consistent with adaptations to process the larger and rachis encapsulated seeds of domesticated cereals among human associated populations.
The splice site variant rs11078928 may be associated with a genotype-dependent alteration in expression of GSDMB transcripts
Authors: Morrison Faer S , Locke Jonathan M , Wood Andrew R , Tuke Marcus , Pasko Dorota , Murray Anna , Frayling Tim , Harries Lorna W 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Many genetic variants have been associated with susceptibility to complex traits by genome wide association studies (GWAS), but for most, causal genes and mechanisms of action have yet to be elucidated. Using bioinformatics, we identified index and proxy variants associated with autoimmune disease susceptibility, with the potential to affect splicing of candidate genes. PCR and sequence analysis of whole blood RNA samples from population controls was then carried out for the 8 most promising variants to determine the effect of genetic variation on splicing of target genes.

Results
We identified 31 splice site SNPs with the potential to affect splicing, and prioritised 8 to determine the effect of genotype on candidate gene splicing. We identified that variants rs11078928 and rs2014886 were associated with altered splicing of the GSDMB and TSFM genes respectively. rs11078928, present in the asthma and autoimmune disease susceptibility locus on chromosome 17q12-21, was associated with the production of a novel Δ exon5-8 transcript of the GSDMB gene, and a separate decrease in the percentage of transcripts with inclusion of exon 6, whereas the multiple sclerosis susceptibility variant rs2014886, was associated with an alternative TFSM transcript encompassing a short cryptic exon within intron 2.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate the utility of a bioinformatic approach in identification and prioritisation of genetic variants effecting splicing of their host genes, and suggest that rs11078928 and rs2014886 may affect the splicing of the GSDMB and TSFM genes respectively.
Alveolar macrophages of GM-CSF knockout mice exhibit mixed M1 and M2 phenotypes
Authors: Dalrymple Heidi , Barna Barbara P , Malur Anagha , Malur Achut G , Kavuru Mani S , Thomassen Mary Jane 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundActivin A is a pleiotrophic regulatory cytokine, the ablation of which is neonatal lethal. Healthy human alveolar macrophages (AMs) constitutively express activin A, but AMs of patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) are deficient in activin A. PAP is an autoimmune lung disease characterized by neutralizing autoantibodies to Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF). Activin A can be stimulated, however, by GM-CSF treatment of AMsin vitro. To further explore pulmonary activin A regulation, we examined AMs in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from wild-type C57BL/6 compared to GM-CSF knockout mice which exhibit a PAP-like histopathology. Both human PAP and mouse GM-CSF knockout AMs are deficient in the transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ).ResultsIn sharp contrast to human PAP, activin A mRNA was elevated in mouse GM-CSF knockout AMs, and activin A protein was increased in BAL fluid. Investigation of potential causative factors for activin A upregulation revealed intrinsic overexpression of IFNγ, a potent inducer of the M1 macrophage phenotype, in GM-CSF knockout BAL cells. IFNγ mRNA was not elevated in PAP BAL cells.In vitrostudies confirmed that IFNγ stimulated activin A in wild-type AMs while antibody to IFNγ reduced activin A in GM-CSF knockout AMs. Both IFNγ and Activin A were also reduced in GM-CSF knockout micein vivoafter intratracheal instillation of lentivirus-PPARγ compared to control lentivirus vector. Examination of other M1 markers in GM-CSF knockout mice indicated intrinsic elevation of the IFNγ-regulated gene, inducible Nitrogen Oxide Synthetase (iNOS), CCL5, and interleukin (IL)-6 compared to wild-type. The M2 markers, IL-10 and CCL2 were also intrinsically elevated.ConclusionsData point to IFNγ as the primary upregulator of activin A in GM-CSF knockout mice which in addition, exhibit a unique mix of M1-M2 macrophage phenotypes.
Catechin prevents the calcium oxalate monohydrate induced renal calcium crystallization in NRK-52E cells and the ethylene glycol induced renal stone formation in rat
Authors: Zhai Wei , Zheng Junhua , Yao Xudong , Peng Bo , Liu Min , Huang Jianhua , Wang Guangchun , Xu Yunfei 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Reactive oxygen species play important roles in renal calcium crystallization. In this study, we examined the effects of catechin, which have been shown to have antioxidant properties on the renal calcium crystallization.

Methods
In the vitro experiment, the changes of the mitochondrial membrane potential, expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase 3 were measured to show the effects of catechin treatment on the NRK-52E cells induced by calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM). In the vivo study, Sprague–Dawley rats were administered 1% ethylene glycol (EG) to generate a rat kidney stone model and then treated with catechin (2.5 and 10 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. The urine and serum variables were dected on 7 and 14 days after EG administration. The expression of cytochrome c, cleaved caspase 3, SOD, osteopontin (OPN), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in kidney were measured. Furthermore, the mitochondrial microstructure in the kidney was also examined by transmission electron microscopy.

Results
Catechin treatment could prevent the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and expression of SOD, 4-HNE, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase 3 in NRK-52E cells induced by the COM. For the in vivo experiments, the EG administration induced renal calcium crystallization was also prevented by the catechin. The expression of SOD, OPN, MDA, OPN and 8-OHdG, were increased after EG administration and this increase was diminished by catechin. Moreover, catechin also prevented EG induced mitochondrial collapse in rat.

Conclusions
Catechin has preventive effects on renal calcium crystallization both in vivo and in vitro, and provide a potential therapeutic treatment for this disease.