bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistent Contrails and Contrail Cirrus. Part II: Full Lifetime Behavior
Authors: Lewellen D. C. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
More than 200 large-eddy simulations of long-lived contrails from several-seconds age until their demise have been performed and their lifetime-integrated behavior has been analyzed. The simulations employ size-resolved microphysics and include variations of effective ice crystal number emission index, temperature, relative humidity with respect to ice, stratification, shear, supersaturated-layer depth, uplift/subsidence, and coupled radiation. Basic scaling behaviors are analyzed for contrail lifetime, width, ice mass, and surface area. Lifetimes exceeding 40 h, widths exceeding 100 km, and ice masses exceeding 50 kg m−1 of flight path were sometimes encountered. Distinct behavior regimes produced by radiative forcing are identified and found to be predicted by a simplified model. The lifetime-integrated ice crystal surface area per length of flight path SΣ is used as an approximate metric of contrail significance, and a simple, physically based model is derived. Over much of the parameter space, SΣ is found to vary approximately simply as the product of the maximum contrail depth and the effective number of ice crystals per flight path; other parameters have their impact on SΣ dominantly through their effects on these two quantities. Model and simulation results highlight the importance of crystal number loss mechanisms, the interaction between shear and ice sedimentation, the depth of the supersaturated layer below flight level, and the potential integrated significance of “cold” subvisible contrails. The results can aid in estimating the effects of more complex contrail scenarios or mitigation strategies and in understanding some aspects of natural-cirrus dynamics.
Dual Forcing and State Correction via Soil Moisture Assimilation for Improved Rainfall–Runoff Modeling
Authors: Chen Fan , Crow Wade T. , Ryu Dongryeol 
Published: May 2014

AbstractUncertainties in precipitation forcing and prestorm soil moisture states represent important sources of error in streamflow predictions obtained from a hydrologic model. An earlier synthetic twin experiment has demonstrated that error in both antecedent soil moisture states and rainfall forcing can be filtered by assimilating remotely sensed surface soil moisture retrievals. This opens up the possibility of applying satellite soil moisture estimates to address both key sources of error in hydrologic model predictions. Here, in an attempt to extend the synthetic analysis into a real-data environment, two satellite-based surface soil moisture products—based on both passive and active microwave remote sensing—are assimilated using the same dual forcing/state correction approach. A bias correction scheme is implemented to remove bias in background forecasts caused by synthetic perturbations in the ensemble filtering routines, and a triple collocation–based technique is adopted to derive rescaled observations and observation error variances. Results are largely in agreement with the earlier synthetic analysis. That is, the correction of satellite-derived rainfall forcing is able to improve streamflow prediction, especially during relatively high-flow periods. In contrast, prestorm soil moisture state correction is more efficient in improving the base flow component of streamflow. When rainfall and soil moisture state corrections are combined, the RMSE of both the high- and low-flow components of streamflow can be reduced by ~40% and ~30%, respectively. However, an unresolved issue is that soil moisture data assimilation also leads to underprediction of very intense precipitation/high-flow events.
Effects of priming volume reduction on allogeneic red blood cell transfusions and renal outcome after heart surgery
Authors: Ranucci M , Pistuddi V , Carboni G , Cotza M , Ditta A , Boncilli A , Brozzi S , Pelissero G ,   for the Surgical and Clinical Outcome Research (SCORE) Group
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Excessive hemodilution during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with an increased rate of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and acute kidney injury (AKI). Minimization of the oxygenator priming volume is a measure to contain hemodilution. In this study, we evaluated the new oxygenator, Sorin Inspire 6™, with respect to its ability to limit hemodilution, RBC transfusion rate and postoperative AKI rate. Methods: A retrospective study on a consecutive series of 1,724 adult patients receiving heart surgery with CPB. Patients treated with the Inspire 6™ were assigned to the low priming volume oxygenator (LPVO) group (N=383) and patients treated with conventional oxygenators to the conventional group (N=1,341). Dynamic priming volume, time course of the hematocrit, RBC transfusions and AKI rate were compared between the groups. Results: Priming volume was significantly (p=0.001) lower in the LPVO group (624±113 mL) vs. the conventional group (775±150 mL), with higher values of hematocrit during and after CPB. After correction for other confounders, patients in the LPVO group had a significantly lower RBC transfusion rate (odds ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.52-0.90, p=0.006) and AKI rate (odds ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.32-0.93, p=0.032). Conclusion: The Inspire 6™ oxygenator allows a significant containment of hemodilution during CPB, reducing the risk of RBC transfusions and postoperative AKI.
The DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin and endothelial function in patients with acute coronary syndromes and newly detected glucose perturbations: A report from the BEGAMI study
Authors: Hage Camilla , Brismar Kerstin , Lundman Pia , Norhammar Anna , Rydén Lars , Mellbin Linda 
Published: May 2014

Objective: Compromised endothelial function contributes to poor prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes. Incretin-based therapy may exert beneficial cardiovascular effects beyond glucose lowering. We tested whether sitagliptin improves endothelial function. Research design and methods: In the double-blind BEta-cell function in patients with Glucose Abnormalities and Acute Myocardial Infarction (BEGAMI) trial, acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-patients with newly detected impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were randomised to sitagliptin 100 mg (n = 31) or placebo (n = 33) during 12 weeks. Endothelial function was studied as reactive hyperaemia index (RHI). Results: At baseline, the RHI was slightly compromised in both groups (sitagliptin 1.67; Q1;Q3: 1.46;2.17 vs placebo 1.61; 1.44;1.96; ns). The RHI did not change during the study period and was 1.57 (1.40;2.36) in the sitagliptin and 1.60 (1.46;1.81; ns) in the placebo group after treatment. Conclusion: Sitagliptin did not improve endothelial function in patients with ACS and newly detected glucose perturbations.
Preservation of ageing classes in deterioration models with independent increments
Authors: Sangüesa Carmen , Badía Francisco German , Cha Ji Hwan 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In the present paper we consider ageing properties in a deterioration model in which the stochastic process measuring deterioration is a process with independent increments. Preservation of increasing and decreasing failure rates, as well as decreasing reversed hazard rate, is considered. We also take into account the preservation of log-concave and log-convex densities. Our main results are based on technical results concerning preservation of log-concave and log-convex functions by positive linear operators, and they include the study of stochastic ordering properties among the random variables in the process.

MSC:60G51, 60E15, 60K10, 26A51.
The general status of patients and limited physical activity as risk factors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus occurrence in long-term care facilities residents in Krakow, Poland
Authors: Romaniszyn Dorota , Pobiega Monika , Wójkowska-Mach Jadwiga , Chmielarczyk Agnieszka , Gryglewska Barbara , Adamski Pawel , Heczko Piotr B , Ochońska Dorota , Bulanda Malgorzata 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology and resistance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from long-term care facilities (LTCF) residents and to analyze the potential risk factors for MRSA occurrence, defined as MRSA colonization and/or infection.

Methods
Point prevalence (PPS) and prospective incidence continuous study (CS) was carried out on a group of 193 residents in 2009-2010.

Results
Overall MRSA occurred (with or without infection) among 17.6% of residents. There was 16 cases of infections with SA aetiology, of which 10 (58.8%) were caused by MRSA. The MRSA prevalence in PPS was 12.9%, in CS infection incidence rate was 5.2%. Factors associated with MRSA occurrence were: general status of patients, limited physical activity, wound infections (odds ratio, OR 4.6), ulcers in PPS (OR 2.1), diabetes (OR 1.6), urinary catheterization (OR 1.6) and stool incontinence (OR 1.2).

Conclusions
Our data indicate a need for screening of MRSA before hospitalization or transfer to rehabilitation centres, especially in a group of residents with limitations in physical activity – i.e. with the highest risk of MRSA. Results also suggest the need for contact precautions in patients with high risk of MRSA occurrence, only. Focus on the high-risk population might be a solution for the cost-effective surveillance.
The chick chorioallantoic membrane as an in vivo xenograft model for Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Klingenberg Marcel , Becker Jürgen , Eberth Sonja , Kube Dieter , Wilting Jörg 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive malignancy that arises from B-cells and belongs to the group of Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). Due to the lack of appropriate in vivo models NHL research is mainly performed in vitro. Here, we studied the use of the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) for the generation of human BL xenograft tumors, which we compared with known characteristics of the human disease.

Methods
In order to generate experimental BL tumors, we inoculated human BL2B95 and BL2-GFP cells on the CAM. BL2B95 xenograft-tumors were grown for seven days and subsequently analyzed with transmission electron and immunofluorescence microscopy, as well as histological staining approaches. BL2-GFP cells were studied at regular intervals up to seven days, and their metastatic behavior was visualized with intravital immunofluorescence techniques.

Results
Xenografted BL2B95 cells formed solid tumors in the CAM model with a Ki67-index greater than 90%, preservation of typical tumor markers (CD10, CD19, CD20), a ‘starry sky’ morphology, production of agyrophilic fibers in the stroma, formation of blood and lymphatic vessels and lymphogenic dissemination of BL2B95 to distant sites. We identified macrophages, lymphocytes and heterophilic granulocytes (chick homolog of neutrophils) as the most abundant immune cells in the experimental tumors. BL2-GFP cells could be traced in real-time during their distribution in the CAM, and the first signs for their dissemination were visible after 2-3 days.

Conclusions
We show that xenografted BL2B95 cells generate tumors in the CAM with a high degree of cellular, molecular and proliferative concord with the human disease, supporting the application of the CAM model for NHL research with a focus on tumor-stroma interactions. Additionally we report that BL2-GFP cells, grafted on the CAM of ex ovo cultured chick embryos, provide a powerful tool to study lymphogenic dissemination in real-time.
A kinetic fluorescence assay reveals unusual features of Ca++ uptake in Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes
Authors: Zipprer Elizabeth M , Neggers McKinzie , Kushwaha Ambuj , Rayavara Kempaiah , Desai Sanjay A 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
To facilitate development within erythrocytes, malaria parasites increase their host cell uptake of diverse solutes including Ca++. The mechanism and molecular basis of increased Ca++ permeability remains less well studied than that of other solutes.

Methods
Based on an appropriate Ca++ affinity and its greater brightness than related fluorophores, Fluo-8 was selected and used to develop a robust fluorescence-based assay for Ca++ uptake by human erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium falciparum.

Results
Both uninfected and infected cells exhibited a large Ca++-dependent fluorescence signal after loading with the Fluo-8 dye. Probenecid, an inhibitor of erythrocyte organic anion transporters, abolished the fluorescence signal in uninfected cells; in infected cells, this agent increased fluorescence via mechanisms that depend on parasite genotype. Kinetic fluorescence measurements in 384-well microplates revealed that the infected cell Ca++ uptake is not mediated by the plasmodial surface anion channel (PSAC), a parasite nutrient channel at the host membrane; it also appears to be distinct from mammalian Ca++ channels. Imaging studies confirmed a low intracellular Ca++ in uninfected cells and higher levels in both the host and parasite compartments of infected cells. Parasite growth inhibition studies revealed a conserved requirement for extracellular Ca++.

Conclusions
Nondestructive loading of Fluo-8 into human erythrocytes permits measurement of Ca++ uptake kinetics. The greater Ca++ permeability of cells infected with malaria parasites is apparent when probenecid is used to inhibit Fluo-8 efflux at the host membrane. This permeability is mediated by a distinct pathway and may be essential for intracellular parasite development. The miniaturized assay presented here should help clarify the precise transport mechanism and may identify inhibitors suitable for antimalarial drug development.
pH-responsive micelles based on (PCL)2(PDEA-b-PPEGMA)2 miktoarm polymer: controlled synthesis, characterization, and application as anticancer drug carrier
Authors: Lin Wenjing , Nie Shuyu , Xiong Di , Guo Xindong , Wang Jufang , Zhang Lijuan 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Amphiphilic A2(BC)2 miktoarm star polymers [poly(ϵ-caprolactone)]2-[poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b- poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)]2 [(PCL)2(PDEA-b-PPEGMA)2] were developed by a combination of ring opening polymerization (ROP) and continuous activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP). The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values were extremely low (0.0024 to 0.0043 mg/mL), depending on the architecture of the polymers. The self-assembled empty and doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded micelles were spherical in morphologies, and the average sizes were about 63 and 110 nm. The release of DOX at pH 5.0 was much faster than that at pH 6.5 and pH 7.4. Moreover, DOX-loaded micelles could effectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells HepG2 with IC50 of 2.0 μg/mL. Intracellular uptake demonstrated that DOX was delivered into the cells effectively after the cells were incubated with DOX-loaded micelles. Therefore, the pH-sensitive (PCL)2(PDEA-b-PPEGMA)2 micelles could be a prospective candidate as anticancer drug carrier for hydrophobic drugs with sustained release behavior.
Multi-point boundary value problems for a class of Riemann-Liouville fractional differential equations
Authors: Li Bingxian , Sun Shurong , Li Yanan , Zhao Ping 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we shall study the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the multi-point boundary value problem of fractional differential equations

D

0
+

α

u
(
t
)
+
f
(
t
,
u
(
t
)
)
=
0

,

0
<
t
<
1

,

2
<
α
≤
3

, with boundary conditions

u
(
0
)
=
0

,

D

0
+

β

u
(
0
)
=
0

,

D

0
+

β

u
(
1
)
=

∑

i
=
1

m
−
2

b
i

D

0
+

β

u
(

ξ
i

)

,

1
≤
β
≤
2

, involving Riemann-Liouville fractional derivatives

D

0
+

α

and

D

0
+

β

. We use the nonlinear alternative of Leray-Schauder and the Banach contraction mapping principle to obtain the existence and uniqueness of solutions. Some examples are given to show the applicability of our main results.

MSC:34A08, 34K10.
Interactomics profiling of the negative regulatory function of carbon monoxide on RANKL-treated RAW 264.7 cells during osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Tseng Feng-Jen , Chia Wei-Tso , Shyu Jia-Fwu , Gou Guo-Hau , Sytwu Huey-Kang , Hsia Ching-Wu , Tseng Min-Jen , Pan Ru-Yu 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundDuring osteoclastogenesis, the maturation of osteoclast (OC) progenitors is stimulated by the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). Excess OC production plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bone disorders. Conversely, the inhibition of abnormal OC proliferation reduces inflammation-induced bone loss. Low concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) are known to decrease inflammation and OC-mediated bone erosion but the molecular mechanism is unknown.ResultsTo obtain insight into the biological function of CO, cultured RANKL-treated RAW 264.7 cells were used in an in vitro experimental model of osteoclastogenesis. The results showed that CO inhibited: 1) tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cell formation; 2) F-actin ring production; 3) c-fos pathway activation; 4) the expression of cathepsin K, TRAP, calcitonin receptor, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 mRNAs; 5) the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic, calcineurin-dependent 1 in translation. Protein-protein interaction analysis predicted mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 4 as the controlling hub.ConclusionsLow-concentrations of CO (250 ppm) may inhibit osteoclastogenesis. Data from STRING- and IPA-based interactome analyses suggested that the expression of proteins with the functions of signal transduction, enzymes, and epigenetic regulation are significantly altered by CO during RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. Our study provides the first interactome analysis of osteoclastogenesis, the results of which supported the negative regulation of OC differentiation by CO.
The assessment and management of diabetes related lower limb problems in India‐an action research approach to integrating best practice
Authors: Harrison‐Blount Michael , Cullen Michelle , Nester Christopher J , Williams Anita E 
Published: May 2014

AbstractsBackgroundIn this article the authors explore the current issues and barriers related to achieving successful outcomes to diabetic foot complications in India. This was achieved by engaging clinicians in taking ownership of the problems and facilitating them in the identification of solutions to action change in clinical practice.MethodsThis was accomplished through facilitating participants in this study via a process of problem identification and planning, the first phases of an action research cycle approach. The methods of data collection were focus groups, observations and individual conversations. The data were analysed using a thematic framework.ResultsBased on the practitioner's experiences and opinions, key themes were identified. These themes had the potential to inform the changes needed in clinical practice, to overcome barriers and embed ownership of the solutions. Five themes were identified highlighting: concerns over a fragmented service; local recognition of need; lack of standardised care pathways; lack of structured assessment and an absence of annual foot screening. Combined, the issues identified were thought to be important in preventing timely assessment and management of foot problems.ConclusionIt was unanimously agreed that a formalised process of foot assessment should be developed and implemented as part of the subsequent phases of the action research process, which the authors intended to take forward and report in a further paper. The aim of which is to guide triage, education, care pathways, audit and evaluation of outcomes. Facilitation of the clinicians in developing a program and screening tool to implement and teach these skills to others could be an important step in reducing the number of high‐risk cases that are often resulting in the amputation of limbs.
Integrated analysis of chronic lipotoxicity on muscle metabolism and stress and its reversal by antioxidants
Authors: Verma Mahesh Kumar , Yateesh Aggunda Nagaraju , Smitha Rachapalli , Neelima Korrapati , Pallavi Puttrevana M , Reddy Madhusudhan , Poornima Jayaram , Oommen Anup M , Jagannath Madanahalli R , Somesh Baggavalli P 
Published: May 2014

AbstractApart from elevated glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol, elevated levels of serum free-fatty acid (FFA) are observed in diabetic patients. Increased FFA load can cause multiple dysregulation which are collectively known as lipotoxicity. Impacts of FFA induced lipotoxicity were evaluated on various cellular responses of metabolism and stress in skeletal muscle myotubes. Under lipotoxicity, oxidative capacity of C2C12 myotubes was reduced and decreased levels ATP and NAD were observed. Lipotoxicity augmented non-oxidative disposal of metabolites in terms of lactate release, IMTG and ceramide synthesis. Concomitantly, insulin resistance was also observed. These impacts were in conjunction with increased cellular stress, inflammation, proteolysis and apoptosis. Quenching of lipotoxicity mediated oxidative stress by antioxidant reverted its deleterious impacts and restored insulin stimulated glucose uptake. In conclusion, thein vitrolipotoxicity makes a system which resemblesin vivopathology of muscle as seen in diabetic patients and represents an integrated perspective of lipotoxicity on various parameters of metabolism and stress.
Inhibition of neutral sphingomyelinases in skeletal muscle attenuates fatty-acid induced defects in metabolism and stress
Authors: Verma Mahesh Kumar , Yateesh Aggunda Nagaraju , Neelima Korrapati , Pawar Niketa , Sandhya Kandoor , Poornima Jayaram , Lakshmi Mudigere N , Yogeshwari Sivakumaran , Pallavi Puttrevana M , Oommen Anup M , Somesh Baggavalli P , Jagannath Madanahalli R 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Chronic metabolic overload leads to insulin resistance in a variety of tissues. It has been shown that exposure to saturated fatty acid palmitate can cause insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells. Fatty acid induced synthesis of ceramide is considered to be one of the major causes for insulin resistance. Both de novo synthesis and sphingomyelin hydrolysis by sphingomyelinase are implicated for ceramide generation. Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of neutral sphingomyelinase (nSMase) inhibition on saturated fatty acid induced lipotoxicity and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle myotubes.

Results
Treatment of saturated fatty acid (palmitate) but not unsaturated fatty acid (oleate) caused an up-regulation in expression of various nSMase genes which are associated with ceramide synthesis through the salvage pathway. Inhibition of nSMase by a pharmacological inhibitor (GW4869) partially reverted the palmitate induced insulin resistance in C2C12 myotubes. Inhibition of nSMase improved metabolic functions of myotubes as measured by improved oxidative capacity in terms of increased mitochondrial number, PGC1α expression and ATP levels with concomitant decrease in intramyocellular triglyceride levels. Palmitate induced inflammatory response was also reduced by nSMase inhibitor. GW4869 treatment reduced palmitate induced oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress and improved cell survival.

Conclusion
In this study, we provide evidences that inhibition of nSMase can protect skeletal muscles from saturated fatty acid induced insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, cellular stress and inflammation.