bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of the Track and Intensity Forecasts of Typhoon Megi (2010) to Satellite-Derived Atmospheric Motion Vectors with the Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Kieu Chanh Q. , Truong Nguyen Minh , Mai Hoang Thi , Ngo-Duc Thanh 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In this study, sensitivities of the track and intensity forecasts of Typhoon Megi (2010) to the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) University of Wisconsin satellite atmospheric motion vector (AMV) dataset are examined. Assimilation of the CIMSS AMV dataset using the local ensemble transform Kalman filter implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting model shows that the AMV data can significantly improve the track forecast of Typhoon Megi, especially the sharp turn from west-northwest to north after crossing the Philippines. By broadening the western Pacific subtropical high to the west, the AMV data can help reduce the eastward bias of the track, thus steering the storm away inimical shear environment and facilitating its subsequent development.
Further sensitivity experiments with separated assimilation of the low- to midlevel (800–300 hPa) and upper-level (300–100 hPa) AMV winds reveal that, despite the sparse distribution of the low-level AMV winds with most of the data points located in the periphery of Megi’s main circulation, the track forecasts tend to be more sensitive to the low-level than to the upper-level wind observations. This indicates that the far-field low-level observations can improve the large-scale environmental flow that storms are to move in, giving rise to a better representation of the steering flow and subsequent intensity change. While much of the recent effort in tropical cyclone research focuses on inner-core observations to improve the intensity forecast, the results in this study show that the peripheral observations outside the storm center could contribute considerably to the intensity and track forecasts and deserve attention for better typhoon forecast skills.
A pilot study comparing two polymethylpentene extracorporeal membrane oxygenators
Authors: Rambaud J , Guilbert J , Guellec I , Renolleau S 
Published: August 2012

Objective: We compared two polymethylpentene oxygenators being used in our unit: the Maquet Quadrox-iD paediatric® and the Medos Hilite 800LT®. Study design: A mono-centric, prospective pilot study was conducted on ten consecutive newborn patients who had been admitted to our hospital service for extracorporeal circulation (EC) treatment. We examined the rate of oxygen transfer, the CO2 removal capacity and the average sweep gas flow required to produce this result. We also assessed the disturbances of haemostasis, the need for labile blood products and the membrane oxygenator lifetime and cost of use. Conclusions: According to our study, it seems to us that Medos Hilite 800LT® membrane oxygenators demonstrate greater oxygen transfer and CO2 removal capacity than Maquet Quadrox-iD paediatric® membrane oxygenators, at a similar cost. These results lead us to conclude that it is reasonable to continue using Medos Hilite 800LT® membrane oxygenators. A broader comparison study would be necessary in order to support these initial results.
Postnatal Unit Bassinet Types When Rooming-In after Cesarean Birth
Authors: Tully Kristin P. , Ball Helen L. 
Published: August 2012

Background: Postnatal unit rooming-in promotes breastfeeding. Previous research indicates that side-cars (3-sided bassinets that lock onto the maternal bed frame) facilitate breastfeeding after vaginal birth more than stand-alone bassinets (standard rooming-in). No study has previously investigated side-car bassinet use after cesarean, despite the constraints on maternal-infant interactions that are inherent in recovery from this birth mode. Objective: To test the effect of the side-car bassinet on postnatal unit breastfeeding frequency and other maternal-infant behaviors compared to a stand-alone bassinet following cesarean birth. Methods: Participants were recruited and prenatally randomized to receive the side-car or stand-alone bassinet for their postnatal unit stay between January 2007 and March 2009 in northeastern England. Mother-infant interactions were filmed over the second postpartum night. Participants completed face-to-face interviews before and after filming. The main outcome measures were infant location, bassinet acceptability, and breastfeeding frequency. Other outcomes assessed were breastfeeding effort, maternal-infant contact, sleep states, midwife presence, and infant risk. Results: Differences in breastfeeding frequency, maternal-infant sleep overlap, and midwife presence were not statistically significant. The 20 dyads allocated to side-car bassinets breastfed a median of 0.6 bouts/ hour compared to 0.4 bouts/hour for the 15 stand-alone bassinet dyads. Participants expressed overwhelming preference for the side-car bassinets. Bed sharing was equivalent between the groups, although the motivation for this practice may have differed. Infant handling was compromised with stand-alone bassinet use, including infants positioned on pillows while bed sharing with their sleeping mothers. Conclusions: Women preferred the side-car, but differences in breastfeeding frequency were not statistically significant. More infant risks were observed with stand-alone bassinet use.
Potential explanations for control group benefit
Authors: Nichols Linda O , Martindale-Adams Jennifer L , Burns Robert , Graney Marshall J , Zuber Jeffrey K , Kennedy Sarah E 
Published: August 2012

Background Estimating effectiveness of clinical interventions depends on detecting differences between the responses of intervention and control groups. The outcome, intervention, and moderating factors all may influence the between group change. The absence of a clinically or statistically meaningful difference may also result from control group improvement due to nonspecific factors such as participants’ perception of attention, positive regard, expectations, desire to please, and therapeutic alliance with the care provider. Purpose We examined perceived benefit and sources of benefit for control caregivers who participated in the CONNECT randomized controlled trial of a dementia caregiving intervention. Methods After the final scheduled data collection in CONNECT, control group participants were asked whether they believed they benefited from study participation. Those who reported benefit were asked to describe the benefit received. Data were analyzed qualitatively. Results Of 60 available control caregivers, 82% reported a perceived benefit from study participation in five areas: getting information about dementia and caregiving; having someone to talk to and feeling supported; receiving understanding and validation of feelings; knowledge that others were in similar situations; and perceived appreciation of own abilities. Control caregivers who reported benefit were less burdened and depressed and spent less time on duty at baseline than those who did not report benefit. From caregivers’ responses, we have identified the assessment battery, both content and time spent in data collection, as a possible mechanism of action for benefit. Limitations Study limitations include the better baseline characteristics of the control caregivers who reported benefit, the sample size of benefit control caregivers, the possibility of perceptions of benefit being a function of social desirability, and the lack of a similar question about benefit being asked of intervention caregivers. Conclusions These findings suggest that the outcome assessment questionnaires used in this and similar trials may be an intervention of sorts for caregiver participants in the control group. Caregivers who are less distressed may benefit more from the attention provided during assessment. These findings underscore the importance of asking caregivers how they are doing. For researchers, there is a need to develop innovative ways to assess outcomes to avoid unintended benefit of assessments.
Expression of the runt homology domain of RUNX1 disrupts homeostasis of hematopoietic stem cells and induces progression to myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Matsuura Shinobu , Komeno Yukiko , Stevenson Kristen E. , Biggs Joseph R. , Lam Kentson , Tang Tingdong , Lo Miao-Chia , Cong Xiuli , Yan Ming , Neuberg Donna S. , Zhang Dong-Er 
Published: August 2012

AbstractMutations of RUNX1 are detected in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). In particular, C-terminal truncation mutations lack a transcription regulatory domain and have increased DNA binding through the runt homology domain. The expression of the runt homology domain, RUNX1(41-214), in mouse hematopoietic cells induced progression to MDS and acute myeloid leukemia. Analysis of premyelodysplastic animals found expansion of c-Kit+Sca-1+Lin− cells and skewed differentiation to myeloid at the expense of the lymphoid lineage. These abnormalities correlate with the phenotype of Runx1-deficient animals, as expected given the reported dominant-negative role of C-terminal mutations over the full-length RUNX1. However, MDS is not observed in Runx1-deficient animals. Gene expression profiling found that RUNX1(41-214) c-Kit+Sca-1+Lin− cells have an overlapping yet distinct gene expression profile from Runx1-deficient animals. Moreover, an unexpected parallel was observed between the hematopoietic phenotype of RUNX1(41-214) and aged animals. Genes deregulated in RUNX1(41-214), but not in Runx1-deficient animals, were inversely correlated with the aging gene signature of HSCs, suggesting that disruption of the expression of genes related to normal aging by RUNX1 mutations contributes to development of MDS. The data presented here provide insights into the mechanisms of development of MDS in HSCs by C-terminal mutations of RUNX1.
SRSF2 mutations in 275 cases with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML)
Authors: Meggendorfer Manja , Roller Andreas , Haferlach Torsten , Eder Christiane , Dicker Frank , Grossmann Vera , Kohlmann Alexander , Alpermann Tamara , Yoshida Kenichi , Ogawa Seishi , Koeffler H. Phillip , Kern Wolfgang , Haferlach Claudia , Schnittger Susanne 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We analyzed the mutational hotspot region of SRSF2 (Pro95) in 275 cases with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). In addition, ASXL1, CBL, EZH2, JAK2V617F, KRAS, NRAS, RUNX1, and TET2 mutations were investigated in subcohorts. Mutations in SRSF2 (SRSF2mut) were detected in 47% (129 of 275) of all cases. In detail, 120 cases had a missense mutation at Pro95, leading to a change to Pro95His, Pro95Leu, Pro95Arg, Pro95Ala, or Pro95Thr. In 9 cases, 3 new in/del mutations were observed: 7 cases with a 24-bp deletion, 1 case with a 3-bp duplication, and 1 case with a 24-bp duplication. In silico analyses predicted a damaging character for the protein structure of SRSF2 for all mutations. SRSF2mut was correlated with higher age, less pronounced anemia, and normal karyotype. SRSF2mut and EZH2mut were mutually exclusive, but SRSF2mut was associated with TET2mut. In the total cohort, no effect of SRSF2mut on survival was observed. However, in the RUNX1mut subcohort, SRSF2 Pro95His had a favorable effect on overall survival. This comprehensive mutation analysis found that 93% of all patients with CMML carried at least 1 somatic mutation in 9 recurrently mutated genes. In conclusion, these data show the importance of SRSF2mut as new diagnostic marker in CMML.
The efficacy and the risk of immunogenicity of FIX Padua (R338L) in hemophilia B dogs treated by AAV muscle gene therapy
Authors: Finn Jonathan D. , Nichols Timothy C. , Svoronos Nikolaos , Merricks Elizabeth P. , Bellenger Dwight A. , Zhou Shangshen , Simioni Paolo , High Katherine A. , Arruda Valder R. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Studies on gene therapy for hemophilia B (HB) using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors showed that the safety of a given strategy is directly related to the vector dose. To overcome this limitation, we sought to test the efficacy and the risk of immunogenicity of a novel factor IX (FIX) R338L associated with ∼ 8-fold increased specific activity. Muscle-directed expression of canine FIX-R338L by AAV vectors was carried out in HB dogs. Therapeutic levels of circulating canine FIX activity (3.5%-8%) showed 8- to 9-fold increased specific activity, similar to humans with FIX-R338L. Phenotypic improvement was documented by the lack of bleeding episodes for a cumulative 5-year observation. No antibody formation and T-cell responses to FIX-R338L were observed, even on challenges with FIX wild-type protein. Moreover, no adverse vascular thrombotic complications were noted. Thus, FIX-R338L provides an attractive strategy to safely enhance the efficacy of gene therapy for HB.
Two glutamic acid residues in the DNA-binding domain are engaged in the release of STAT1 dimers from DNA
Authors: Koch Verena , Staab Julia , Ruppert Volker , Meyer Thomas 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
In interferon-γ-stimulated cells, the dimeric transcription factor STAT1 (s ignal t ransducer and a ctivator of t ranscription 1) recognizes semi-palindromic motifs in the promoter regions of cytokine-driven target genes termed GAS (g amma-a ctivated s ites). However, the molecular steps that facilitate GAS binding and the subsequent liberation of STAT1 homodimers from these promoter elements are not well understood.

Results
Using a mutational approach, we identified two critical glutamyl residues within the DNA-binding domain adjacent to the phosphodiester backbone of DNA which efficiently release phospho-STAT1 from DNA. The release of STAT1 dimers from DNA enhances transcriptional activity on both interferon-driven reporter and endogenous target genes. A substitution of either of the two glutamic acid residues broadens the repertoire of putative binding sites on DNA and enhances binding affinity to GAS sites. However, despite elevated levels of tyrosine phosphorylation and a prolonged nuclear accumulation period, the STAT1 DNA-binding mutants show a significantly reduced transcriptional activity upon stimulation of cells with interferon-γ. This reduced transcriptional response may be explained by the deposition of oligomerized STAT1 molecules outside GAS sites.

Conclusions
Thus, two negatively charged amino acid residues in the DNA-binding domain are engaged in the liberation of STAT1 from DNA, resulting in a high dissociation rate from non-GAS sites as a key feature of STAT1 signal transduction, which positively regulates cytokine-dependent gene expression probably by preventing retention at transcriptionally inert sites.
Identification of miRNAs and their targets from Brassica napus by high-throughput sequencing and degradome analysis
Authors: Xu Miao Y , Dong Yun , Zhang Qiu X , Zhang Lan , Luo Yan Z , Sun Jie , Fan Yun L , Wang Lei 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous regulators of a broad range of physiological processes and act by either degrading mRNA or blocking its translation. Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is one of the most important crops in China, Europe and other Asian countries with publicly available expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and genomic survey sequence (GSS) databases, but little is known about its miRNAs and their targets. To date, only 46 miRNAs have been identified in B. napus.

Results
Forty-one conserved and 62 brassica-specific candidate B. napus miRNAs, including 20 miRNA* sequences, were identified using Solexa sequencing technology. Furthermore, 33 non-redundant mRNA targets of conserved brassica miRNAs and 19 new non-redundant mRNA targets of novel brassica-specific miRNAs were identified by genome-scale sequencing of mRNA degradome.

Conclusions
This study describes large scale cloning and characterization of B. napus miRNAs and their potential targets, providing the foundation for further characterization of miRNA function in the regulation of diverse physiological processes in B. napus.
Narrow band quantitative and multivariate electroencephalogram analysis of peri-adolescent period
Authors: Rodríguez Martinez EI , Barriga-Paulino CI , Zapata MI , Chinchilla C , López-Jiménez AM , Gómez CM 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe peri-adolescent period is a crucial developmental moment of transition from childhood to emergent adulthood. The present report analyses the differences in Power Spectrum (PS) of the Electroencephalogram (EEG) between late childhood (24 children between 8 and 13 years old) and young adulthood (24 young adults between 18 and 23 years old).ResultsThe narrow band analysis of the Electroencephalogram was computed in the frequency range of 0–20 Hz. The analysis of mean and variance suggested that six frequency ranges presented a different rate of maturation at these ages, namely: low delta, delta-theta, low alpha, high alpha, low beta and high beta. For most of these bands the maturation seems to occur later in anterior sites than posterior sites. Correlational analysis showed a lower pattern of correlation between different frequencies in children than in young adults, suggesting a certain asynchrony in the maturation of different rhythms. The topographical analysis revealed similar topographies of the different rhythms in children and young adults. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated the same internal structure for the Electroencephalogram of both age groups. Principal Component Analysis allowed to separate four subcomponents in the alpha range. All these subcomponents peaked at a lower frequency in children than in young adults.ConclusionsThe present approaches complement and solve some of the incertitudes when the classical brain broad rhythm analysis is applied. Children have a higher absolute power than young adults for frequency ranges between 0-20 Hz, the correlation of Power Spectrum (PS) with age and the variance age comparison showed that there are six ranges of frequencies that can distinguish the level of EEG maturation in children and adults. The establishment of maturational order of different frequencies and its possible maturational interdependence would require a complete series including all the different ages.
The effect of sulindac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, attenuates inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model of chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Bai Han , Chen Xiaokai , Zhang Lin , Dou Xiaoguang 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundChronic pancreatitis is characterized by progressive fibrosis, pain and loss of exocrine and endocrine functions. The long-standing chronic pancreatitis and its associated pancreatic fibrosis are the most common pathogenic events involved in human pancreatic carcinogenesis, but the therapeutic strategies to chronic pancreatitis and the chemoprevention of pancreatic carcinogenesis are very limited.MethodsWe investigated the effect of sulindac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), on inhibition of chronic pancreatitis in a caerulein induced chronic pancreatitis mouse model.ResultsSulindac significantly reduced the severity of chronic pancreatitis including the extent of acini loss, inflammatory cell infiltration and stromal fibrosis. The protein expression of phosphorylation of MEK/ERK was inhibited in the chronic pancreatic tissues by sulindac treatment as measured by Western blot assay. The levels of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and MCP-1 were also significantly decreased with sulindac treatment, as well as the expression of TGF-β, PDGF-β, SHH and Gli in the chronic pancreatic tissue detected by qPCR assay and confirmed by western blot assay. The activation of pancreatic satellet cells was also inhibited by sulindac as measured by the activity of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the pancreatic tissue of chronic pancreatitis.ConclusionsSulindac is a promising reagent for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis via inhibition of inflammatory cell infiltration and stromal fibrosis, the inhibitory effect of sulindac on chronic pancreatitis may through targeting the activation ERK/MAPK signaling pathway.
Effect of add-on direct renin inhibitor aliskiren in patients with non-diabetes related chronic kidney disease
Authors: Li Szu-yuan , Chen Yung-Tai , Yang Wu-Chang , Tarng Der-Cherng , Lin Chih-Ching , Yang Chih-Yu , Liu Wen-Sheng 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an important role in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although dual RAAS inhibition results in worse renal outcomes than monotherapy in high risk type 2 diabetes patients, the effect of dual RAAS inhibition in patients with non-DM CKD is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential renoprotective effect of add-on direct renin inhibitor in non-DM CKD patients.

Methods
We retrospectively enrolled 189 non-DM CKD patients who had been taking angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) for more than six months. Patients were divided into an add-on aliskiren group and an ARB monotherapy group. The primary outcomes were a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and a reduction in urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio at six months.

Results
The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. Aliskiren 150 mg daily reduced the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio by 26% (95% confidence interval, 15 to 37%; p < 0.001). The decline in GFR was smaller in the add-on aliskiren group (−2.1 vs. -4.0 ml/min, p = 0.038). Add-on aliskiren had a neutral effect on serum potassium in the non-DM CKD patients. In subgroup analysis, the proteinuria-reducing effect of aliskiren was more prominent in patients with a GFR less than 60 ml/min, and in patients with a urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio greater than 1.8. The effect of aliskiren in retarding the decline in GFR was more prominent in patients with hypertensive nephropathy than in those with glomerulonephritis.

Conclusion
Add-on direct renin inhibitor aliskiren (150 mg daily) safely reduced proteinuria and attenuated the decline in GFR in the non-DM CKD patients who were receiving ARBs.