bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alveolar Epithelial Cells Are Critical in Protection of the Respiratory Tract by Secretion of Factors Able To Modulate the Activity of Pulmonary Macrophages and Directly Control Bacterial Growth
Authors: Chuquimia Olga D. , Petursdottir Dagbjort H. , Periolo Natalia , Fernández Carmen 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThe respiratory epithelium is a physical and functional barrier actively involved in the clearance of environmental agents. The alveolar compartment is lined with membranous pneumocytes, known as type I alveolar epithelial cells (AEC I), and granular pneumocytes, type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC II). AEC II are responsible for epithelial reparation upon injury and ion transport and are very active immunologically, contributing to lung defense by secreting antimicrobial factors. AEC II also secrete a broad variety of factors, such as cytokines and chemokines, involved in activation and differentiation of immune cells and are able to present antigen to specific T cells. Another cell type important in lung defense is the pulmonary macrophage (PuM). Considering the architecture of the alveoli, a good communication between the external and the internal compartments is crucial to mount effective responses. Our hypothesis is that being in the interface, AEC may play an important role in transmitting signals from the external to the internal compartment and in modulating the activity of PuM. For this, we collected supernatants from AEC unstimulated or stimulatedin vitrowith lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These AEC-conditioned media were used in various setups to test for the effects on a number of macrophage functions: (i) migration, (ii) phagocytosis and intracellular control of bacterial growth, and (iii) phenotypic changes and morphology. Finally, we tested the direct effect of AEC-conditioned media on bacterial growth. We found that AEC-secreted factors had a dual effect, on one hand controlling bacterial growth and on the other hand increasing macrophage activity.
Differences in risk factors for voluntary early retirement and disability pension: a 15-year follow-up in a cohort of nurses’ aides
Authors: Jensen Lone Donbæk , Ryom Pia Køhler , Christensen Michael Victor , Andersen Johan Hviid 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo estimate the extent of early retirement and to examine risk factors for voluntary early retirement and disability pension in a cohort of nurses’ aides.DesignRegister study including baseline questionnaire and register data covering all transfer incomes from 1991 to 2008 in a cohort of nurses’ aides established in 1993 with a follow-up period of 15 years.SettingNurses’ aides working in nursery homes, homecare or hospitals.Participants3332 gainfully employed nurses’ aides at the time of inclusion in the study.OutcomeDisability pension or early voluntary retirement.Results16.2% of the population was granted disability pension and 27.1% entered early voluntary retirement in the follow-up period representing 11 186 lost working years with a direct cost in transfer payment amounting about €410 million. Health-related risk factors for disability pension was long-lasting low-back pain (HR 2.27(95% CI 1.55 to 3.34), sick leave because of upper-extremity disorders (HR 2.18 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.11), and inflammatory rheumatic disease (HR 2.42 (95% CI 1.67 to 3.52)). Of non-health-related factors, low education, workers compensation case, evening work and high-rated perceived exertion at work all were minor risk factors for disability pension. The primary risk factor for early voluntary retirement was low education (HR 3.19 (95% CI 2.65 to 3.85)).Conclusions43.3% of nurses’ aides gainfully employed in 1993 retired before due time during the follow-up period. Work-related factors at baseline only seemed to have a minor prognostic role. Risk factors for disability pension were mainly health-related factors, whereas economical factors seemed to influence the decision to choose early voluntary retirement. The number of persons and the amount of lost working years underscores the need of a more active counselling towards maintaining employment especially among those with persistent musculoskeletal disorders.
Who is more likely to use doctor-rating websites, and why? A cross-sectional study in London
Authors: Galizzi Matteo Maria , Miraldo Marisa , Stavropoulou Charitini , Desai Mihir , Jayatunga Wikum , Joshi Mitesh , Parikh Sunny 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivesTo explore the extent to which doctor-rating websites are known and used among a sample of respondents from London. To understand the main predictors of what makes people willing to use doctor-rating websites.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingThe Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London, England.Participants200 individuals from the borough.Main outcome measuresThe likelihood of being aware of doctor-rating websites and the intention to use doctor-rating websites.ResultsThe use and awareness of doctor-rating websites are still quite limited. White British subjects, as well as respondents with higher income are less likely to use doctor-rating websites. Aspects of the doctor–patient relationship also play a key role in explaining intention to use the websites. The doctor has both a ‘complementary’ and ‘substitute’ role with respect to Internet information.ConclusionsOnline rating websites can play a major role in supporting patients’ informed decisions on which healthcare providers to seek advice from, thus potentially fostering patients’ choice in healthcare. Subjects who seek and provide feedback on doctor-ranking websites, though, are unlikely to be representative of the overall patients’ pool. In particular, they tend to over-represent opinions from non-White British, medium–low-income patients who are not satisfied with their choice of the healthcare treatments and the level of information provided by their GP. Accounting for differences in the users’ characteristics is important when interpreting results from doctor-rating sites.
A Novel HLA-A*0201 Restricted Peptide Derived from Cathepsin G Is an Effective Immunotherapeutic Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Zhang Mao , Sukhumalchandra Pariya , Enyenihi Atim A. , St. John Lisa S. , Hunsucker Sally A. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Sergeeva Anna , Ruisaard Kathryn , Al-Atrache Zein , Ropp Patricia A. , Jakher Haroon , Rodriguez-Cruz Tania , Lizee Gregory , Clise-Dwyer Karen , Lu Sijie , Molldrem Jeffrey J. , Glish Gary L. , Armistead Paul M. , Alatrash Gheath 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Purpose: Immunotherapy targeting aberrantly expressed leukemia-associated antigens has shown promise in the management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, because of the heterogeneity and clonal evolution that is a feature of myeloid leukemia, targeting single peptide epitopes has had limited success, highlighting the need for novel antigen discovery. In this study, we characterize the role of the myeloid azurophil granule protease cathepsin G (CG) as a novel target for AML immunotherapy.
Experimental Design: We used Immune Epitope Database and in vitro binding assays to identify immunogenic epitopes derived from CG. Flow cytometry, immunoblotting, and confocal microscopy were used to characterize the expression and processing of CG in AML patient samples, leukemia stem cells, and normal neutrophils. Cytotoxicity assays determined the susceptibility of AML to CG-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Dextramer staining and cytokine flow cytometry were conducted to characterize the immune response to CG in patients.
Results: CG was highly expressed and ubiquitinated in AML blasts, and was localized outside granules in compartments that facilitate antigen presentation. We identified five HLA-A*0201 binding nonameric peptides (CG1-CG5) derived from CG, and showed immunogenicity of the highest HLA-A*0201 binding peptide, CG1. We showed killing of primary AML by CG1-CTL, but not normal bone marrow. Blocking HLA-A*0201 abrogated CG1-CTL–mediated cytotoxicity, further confirming HLA-A*0201-dependent killing. Finally, we showed functional CG1-CTLs in peripheral blood from AML patients following allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Conclusion: CG is aberrantly expressed and processed in AML and is a novel immunotherapeutic target that warrants further development. Clin Cancer Res; 19(1); 247–57. ©2012 AACR.
The Variability and Predictability of Axisymmetric Hurricanes in Statistical Equilibrium
Authors: Hakim Gregory J. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The variability and predictability of axisymmetric hurricanes are determined from a 500-day numerical simulation of a tropical cyclone in statistical equilibrium. By design, the solution is independent of the initial conditions and environmental variability, which isolates the “intrinsic” axisymmetric hurricane variability.
Variability near the radius of maximum wind is dominated by two patterns: one associated primarily with radial shifts of the maximum wind, and one primarily with intensity change at the time-mean radius of maximum wind. These patterns are linked to convective bands that originate more than 100 km from the storm center and propagate inward. Bands approaching the storm produce eyewall replacement cycles, with an increase in storm intensity as the secondary eyewall contracts radially inward. A dominant time period of 4–8 days is found for the convective bands, which is hypothesized to be determined by the time scale over which subsidence from previous bands suppresses convection; a leading-order estimate based on the ratio of the Rossby radius to band speed fits the hypothesis.
Predictability limits for the idealized axisymmetric solution are estimated from linear inverse modeling and analog forecasts, which yield consistent results showing a limit for the azimuthal wind of approximately 3 days. The optimal initial structure that excites the leading pattern of 24-h forecast-error variance has largest azimuthal wind in the midtroposphere outside the storm and a secondary maximum just outside the radius of maximum wind. Forecast errors grow by a factor of 24 near the radius of maximum wind.
Supersaturation and Diffusional Droplet Growth in Liquid Clouds
Authors: Pinsky M. , Mazin I. P. , Korolev A. , Khain A. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The process of collective diffusional growth of droplets in an adiabatic parcel ascending or descending with the constant vertical velocity is analyzed in the frame of the regular condensation approach. Closed equations for the evolution of liquid water content, droplet radius, and supersaturation are derived from the mass balance equation centered with respect to the adiabatic water content. The analytical expression for the maximum supersaturation formed near the cloud base is obtained here. Similar analytical expressions for the height and liquid water mixing ratio corresponding to the level where occurs have also been obtained. It is shown that all three variables , , and are linearly related to each other and all are proportional to , where w is the vertical velocity and N is the droplet number concentration. Universal solutions for supersaturation and liquid water mixing ratio are found here, which incorporates the dependence on vertical velocity, droplet concentration, temperature, and pressure into one dimensionless parameter. The actual solutions for and can be obtained from the universal solutions with the help of appropriate scaling factors described in this study. The results obtained in the frame of this study provide a new look at the nature of supersaturation formation in liquid clouds. Despite the fact that the study does not include a detailed treatment of the activation process, it is shown that this work can be useful for the parameterization of cloud microphysical processes in cloud models, especially for the parameterization of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activation.
Diabatic Heating Profiles in Recent Global Reanalyses
Authors: Ling Jian , Zhang Chidong 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Diabatic heating profiles are extremely important to the atmospheric circulation in the tropics and therefore to the earth’s energy and hydrological cycles. However, their global structures are poorly known because of limited information from in situ observations. Some modern global reanalyses provide the temperature tendency from the physical processes. Their proper applications require an assessment of their accuracy and uncertainties. In this study, diabatic heating profiles from three recent global reanalyses [ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim), Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), and Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA)] are compared to those derived from currently available sounding observations in the tropics and to each other in the absence of the observations. Diabatic heating profiles produced by the reanalyses match well with those based on sounding observations only at some locations. The three reanalyses agree with each other better in the extratropics, where large-scale condensation dominates the precipitation process in data assimilation models, than in the tropics, where cumulus parameterization dominates. In the tropics, they only agree with each other in gross features, such as the contrast between the ITCZs over different oceans. Their largest disagreement is the number and level of heating peaks in the tropics. They may produce a single, double, or triple heating peak at a given location. It is argued that cumulus parameterization cannot be the sole source of the disagreement. Implications of such disagreement are discussed.
Portable upper extremity robotics is as efficacious as upper extremity rehabilitative therapy: a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Page Stephen J , Hill Valerie , White Susan 
Published: November 2012

Objective: To compare the efficacy of a repetitive task-specific practice regimen integrating a portable, electromyography-controlled brace called the ‘Myomo’ versus usual care repetitive task-specific practice in subjects with chronic, moderate upper extremity impairment. Subjects: Sixteen subjects (7 males; mean age 57.0 ± 11.02 years; mean time post stroke 75.0 ± 87.63 months; 5 left-sided strokes) exhibiting chronic, stable, moderate upper extremity impairment. Interventions: Subjects were administered repetitive task-specific practice in which they participated in valued, functional tasks using their paretic upper extremities. Both groups were supervised by a therapist and were administered therapy targeting their paretic upper extremities that was 30 minutes in duration, occurring 3 days/week for eight weeks. One group participated in repetitive task-specific practice entirely while wearing the portable robotic, while the other performed the same activity regimen manually. Main outcome measures: The upper extremity Fugl-Meyer, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and Stroke Impact Scale were administered on two occasions before intervention and once after intervention. Results: After intervention, groups exhibited nearly identical Fugl-Meyer score increases of ≈2.1 points; the group using robotics exhibited larger score changes on all but one of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and Stroke Impact Scale subscales, including a 12.5-point increase on the Stroke Impact Scale recovery subscale. Conclusions: Findings suggest that therapist-supervised repetitive task-specific practice integrating robotics is as efficacious as manual practice in subjects with moderate upper extremity impairment.
The locus of flicker adaptation in the migraine visual system: A dichoptic study
Authors: Thabet Michel , Wilkinson Frances , Wilson Hugh R , Karanovic Olivera 
Published: November 2012

Background Flickering light has been shown to sensitize the migraine visual system at high stimulus contrast while elevating thresholds at low contrast. The present study employs a dichoptic psychophysical paradigm to ask whether the abnormal adaptation to flicker in migraine occurs before or after the binocular combination of inputs from the two eyes in the visual cortex. Methods Following adaptation to high contrast flicker presented to one eye only, flicker contrast increment thresholds were measured in each eye separately using dichoptic viewing. Results Modest interocular transfer of adaptation was seen in both migraine and control groups at low contrast. Sensitization at high contrast in migraine relative to control participants was seen in the adapted eye only, and an unanticipated threshold elevation occurred in the non-adapted eye. Migraineurs also showed significantly lower aversion thresholds to full field flicker than control participants, but aversion scores and increment thresholds were not correlated. Conclusions The results are simulated with a three-stage neural model of adaptation that points to strong adaptation at monocular sites prior to binocular combination, and weaker adaptation at the level of cortical binocular neurons. The sensitization at high contrast in migraine is proposed to result from stronger adaptation of inhibitory neurons, which act as a monocular normalization pool.
Genome-derived insights into the biology of the hepatotoxic bloom-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain 90
Authors: Wang Hao , Sivonen Kaarina , Rouhiainen Leo , Fewer David P , Lyra Christina , Rantala-Ylinen Anne , Vestola Johanna , Jokela Jouni , Rantasärkkä Kaisa , Li Zhijie , Liu Bin 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Cyanobacteria can form massive toxic blooms in fresh and brackish bodies of water and are frequently responsible for the poisoning of animals and pose a health risk for humans. Anabaena is a genus of filamentous diazotrophic cyanobacteria commonly implicated as a toxin producer in blooms in aquatic ecosystems throughout the world. The biology of bloom-forming cyanobacteria is poorly understood at the genome level.

Results
Here, we report the complete sequence and comprehensive annotation of the bloom-forming Anabaena sp. strain 90 genome. It comprises two circular chromosomes and three plasmids with a total size of 5.3 Mb, encoding a total of 4,738 genes. The genome is replete with mobile genetic elements. Detailed manual annotation demonstrated that almost 5% of the gene repertoire consists of pseudogenes. A further 5% of the genome is dedicated to the synthesis of small peptides that are the products of both ribosomal and nonribosomal biosynthetic pathways. Inactivation of the hassallidin (an antifungal cyclic peptide) biosynthetic gene cluster through a deletion event and a natural mutation of the buoyancy-permitting gvpG gas vesicle gene were documented. The genome contains a large number of genes encoding restriction-modification systems. Two novel excision elements were found in the nifH gene that is required for nitrogen fixation.

Conclusions
Genome analysis demonstrated that this strain invests heavily in the production of bioactive compounds and restriction-modification systems. This well-annotated genome provides a platform for future studies on the ecology and biology of these important bloom-forming cyanobacteria.
Transcriptome analysis of the spalax hypoxia survival response includes suppression of apoptosis and tight control of angiogenesis
Authors: Malik Assaf , Korol Abraham , Weber Mathias , Hankeln Thomas , Avivi Aaron , Band Mark 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe development of complex responses to hypoxia has played a key role in the evolution of mammals, as inadequate response to this condition is frequently associated with cardiovascular diseases, developmental disorders, and cancers. Though numerous studies have used mice and rats in order to explore mechanisms that contribute to hypoxia tolerance, these studies are limited due to the high sensitivity of most rodents to severe hypoxia. The blind subterranean mole ratSpalaxis a hypoxia tolerant rodent, which exhibits unique longevity and therefore has invaluable potential in hypoxia and cancer research.ResultsUsing microarrays, transcript abundance was measured in brain and muscle tissues fromSpalaxand rat individuals exposed to acute and chronic hypoxia for varying durations. We found thatSpalaxglobal gene expression response to hypoxia differs from that of rat and is characterized by the activation of functional groups of genes that have not been strongly associated with the response to hypoxia in hypoxia sensitive mammals. Using functional enrichment analysis ofSpalaxhypoxia induced genes we found highly significant overrepresentation of groups of genes involved in anti apoptosis, cancer, embryonic/sexual development, epidermal growth factor receptor binding, coordinated suppression and activation of distinct groups of transcription factors and membrane receptors, in addition to angiogenic related processes. We also detected hypoxia induced increases of different criticalSpalaxhub gene transcripts, including antiangiogenic genes associated with cancer tolerance in Down syndrome human individuals.ConclusionsThis is the most comprehensive study ofSpalaxlarge scale gene expression response to hypoxia to date, and the first to use customSpalaxmicroarrays. Our work presents novel patterns that may underlie mechanisms with critical importance to the evolution of hypoxia tolerance, with special relevance to medical research.
Positive- and negative-acting regulatory elements contribute to the tissue-specific expression of INNER NO OUTER, a YABBY-type transcription factor gene in Arabidopsis
Authors: Simon Marissa K , Williams Luis A , Brady-Passerini Kristina , Brown Ryan H , Gasser Charles S 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
The INNER NO OUTER (INO) gene, which encodes a YABBY-type transcription factor, specifies and promotes the growth of the outer integument of the ovule in Arabidopsis. INO expression is limited to the abaxial cell layer of the developing outer integument of the ovule and is regulated by multiple regions of the INO promoter, including POS9, a positive element that when present in quadruplicate can produce low-level expression in the normal INO pattern.

Results
Significant redundancy in activity between different regions of the INO promoter is demonstrated. For specific regulatory elements, multimerization or the addition of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S general enhancer was able to activate expression of reporter gene constructs that were otherwise incapable of expression on their own. A new promoter element, POS6, is defined and is shown to include sufficient positive regulatory information to reproduce the endogenous pattern of expression in ovules, but other promoter regions are necessary to fully suppress expression outside of ovules. The full-length INO promoter, but not any of the INO promoter deletions tested, is able to act as an enhancer-blocking insulator to prevent the ectopic activation of expression by the 35S enhancer. Sequence conservation between the promoter regions of Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica oleracea and Brassica rapa aligns closely with the functional definition of the POS6 and POS9 regions, and with a defined INO minimal promoter. The B. oleracea INO promoter is sufficient to promote a similar pattern and level of reporter gene expression in Arabidopsis to that observed for the Arabidopsis promoter.

Conclusions
At least two independent regions of the INO promoter contain sufficient regulatory information to direct the specific pattern but not the level of INO gene expression. These regulatory regions act in a partially redundant manner to promote the expression in a specific pattern in the ovule and suppress expression outside of ovules. Establishment of this pattern requires cooperation and competition between multiple positive and negative regulatory elements.