bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ensemble Probabilistic Forecasts of a Tornadic Mesoscale Convective System from Ensemble Kalman Filter Analyses Using WSR-88D and CASA Radar Data
Authors: Snook Nathan , Xue Ming , Jung Youngsun 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis study examines the ability of a storm-scale numerical weather prediction (NWP) model to predict precipitation and mesovortices within a tornadic mesoscale convective system that occurred over Oklahoma on 8–9 May 2007, when the model is initialized from ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) analyses including data from four Engineering Research Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) X-band and five Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) S-band radars. Ensemble forecasts are performed and probabilistic forecast products generated, focusing on prediction of radar reflectivity (a proxy of quantitative precipitation) and mesovortices (an indication of tornado potential).Assimilating data from both the CASA and WSR-88D radars for the ensemble and using a mixed-microphysics ensemble during data assimilation produces the best probabilistic mesovortex forecast. The use of multiple microphysics schemes within the ensemble aims to address at least partially the model physics uncertainty and effectively plays a role of flow-dependent inflation (in precipitation regions) during EnKF data assimilation. The ensemble predicts with high probability (approximately 0.65) the near-surface mesovortex associated with the first of three reported tornadoes. Though a bias toward stronger precipitation is noted in the ensemble forecasts, all experiments produce skillful probabilistic forecasts of radar reflectivity on a 0–3-h time scale as evaluated by multiple probabilistic verification metrics. These results suggest that both the inclusion of CASA radar data and use of a mixed-microphysics ensemble during EnKF data assimilation positively impact the skill of 2–3-h ensemble forecasts of mesovortices, despite having little impact on the quality of precipitation forecasts (analyzed in terms of predicted radar reflectivity), and are important steps toward an operational EnKF-based ensemble analysis and probabilistic forecast system to support convective-scale warn-on-forecast operations.
Evaluation of Rehabilitation of Memory in Neurological Disabilities (ReMiND): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: das Nair Roshan , Lincoln Nadina B 
Published: February 2012

Objective: The evidence for the effectiveness of memory rehabilitation is inconclusive. The aim was to compare the effectiveness of two group memory rehabilitation programmes with a self-help group control. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Participants: Participants with memory problems following traumatic brain injury, stroke or multiple sclerosis were recruited from community settings. Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated, in cohorts of four, to compensation or restitution group treatment programmes or a self-help group control. All programmes were manual-based and comprised two individual and ten weekly group sessions. Main measures: Memory functions, mood, and activities of daily living were assessed at baseline and five and seven months after randomization. Results: There were 72 participants (mean age 47.7, SD 10.2 years; 32 men). There was no significant effect of treatment on the Everyday Memory Questionnaire ( P = 0.97). At seven months the mean scores were comparable (restitution 36.6, compensation 41.0, self-help 44.1). However, there was a significant difference between groups on the Internal Memory Aids Questionnaire ( P = 0.002). The compensation and restitution groups each used significantly more internal memory aids than the self-help group ( P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups on measures of mood, adjustment and activities of daily living ( P > 0.05). Conclusions: There results show few statistically significant effects of either compensation or restitution memory group treatment as compared with a self-help group control. Further randomized trials of memory rehabilitation are needed.
In vitro evaluation of the protective effects of 4-thujanol against mitomycin-C and cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxic damage in human peripheral lymphocytes
Authors: Kocaman Ayşe Yavuz , İstifli Erman Salih , Büyükleyla Mehmet , Rencüzoğulları Eyyüp , Topaktaş Mehmet 
Published: February 2012

4-Thujanol (sabinene hydrate), a bicyclic monoterpene alcohol, is found in the essential oils of many aromatic and medicinal plants and is widely used as a fragrance and flavouring agent in many different products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of 4-thujanol against the genotoxic effects induced by mitomycin C (MMC) and cyclophosphamide (CP) in human lymphocytes, using the chromosome aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges, and micronucleus tests, in the absence and in the presence of S9 mix, respectively. The cells were treated with 0.25 µg/mL MMC and 28 µg/mL CP as alone and cotreated with 13 + 0.25, 26 + 0.25, and 52 + 0.25 µg/mL 4-thujanol + MMC and with 13 + 28, 26 + 28, and 52 + 28 µg/mL 4-thujanol + CP as a mixture. The present study showed that 4-thujanol was unable to reduce the genetic damage induced by MMC, in the absence of S9 mix. On the other hand, probably the metabolites of 4-thujanol act as an antagonist and markedly antagonize CP-induced genotoxicity, in the presence of S9 mix. In general, 4-thujanol + MMC and 4-thujanol + CP decreased the mitotic index, proliferation index and nuclear division index to the same extent or more than those of individual exposure of MMC or CP. In conclusion, 4-thujanol significantly reduced ( p < 0.001) the genotoxic damage induced by CP but not MMC when compared with the respective positive control alone. We can suggest that 4-thujanol may improve the chemopreventive effects and may also reduce the harmful side effects of CP, which is widely used in chemotherapy against cancer, without reducing its antiproliferative activities.
Dietary ascorbic acid as a means to counter the stress of cypermethrin on the growth of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis
Authors: Saha Suchismita , Kaviraj Anilava 
Published: February 2012

Two months of experiments performed in outdoor vats in a 3 × 3 factorial design to evaluate the effects of three sublethal levels (0.0, 0.3 and 0.5 µg L−1) of cypermethrin on freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis fed with three different levels (0.0, 0.5 and 1.0 g kg−1) of ascorbic acid (AA) in the diet. Even the lower sublethal level (0.3 µg L−1) of cypermethrin produced significant reduction in growth and deposition of protein in the body of H. fossilis. Dietary supplement of AA at 0.5 g kg−1 failed to counter these ill effects of cypermethrin on H. fossilis, but a supplement of 1.0 g kg−1 AA significantly increased the AA reserve in the body of the fish, and the ill effects of cypermethrin on growth were reversed. It was concluded that the catfish H. fossilis required an exogenous supply of AA to counter the stress of cypermethrin.
Diagnosis of myocardial infarction following hospitalisation for exacerbation of COPD
Authors: McAllister David A. , Maclay John D. , Mills Nicholas L. , Leitch Andrew , Reid Philip , Carruthers Ross , O’Connor Jennifer , McAlpine Lawrence , Chalmers George , Newby David E. , Clark Elaine , Macfarlane Peter W. , MacNee William 
Published: February 2012

Cardiovascular disease is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and raised troponin is common in exacerbations. However, the prevalence of myocardial infarction following hospitalisation for exacerbation of COPD is unknown.Patients aged ≥40 yrs hospitalised with acute exacerbation of COPD (n=242) with ≥10 pack-yrs of cigarette smoking were included in a prospective case series conducted in four hospitals. Patients whose primary presenting complaint was chest pain or who had an alternative diagnosis were excluded. Chest pain histories, serial ECGs and troponin levels were obtained.The mean±sdage was 69±9 yrs; 108 (45%) patients were male and almost half were current smokers. 124 (51%; 95% CI 48–58%) patients had chest pain, which was exertional in 62 (26%). 24 (10%) had raised troponin, among whom, 20 (8.3%; 95% CI 5.1–12.5%) had chest pain and/or serial ECG changes, fulfilling the 2007 Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction. Neither chest pain (p=0.77) nor serial ECG changes (p=0.39) were associated with raised troponin.Raised troponin, chest pain and serial ECG changes are common in patients admitted to hospital with exacerbation of COPD. Overall, one in 12 patients met the criteria for myocardial infarction. Whether these patients would benefit from further cardiac investigation is unknown.
Estimating the number of colorectal cancer patients treated with anti-tumour therapy in 2015: the analysis of the Czech National Cancer Registry
Authors: Pavlík Tomáš , Májek Ondřej , Mužík Jan , Koptíková Jana , Slavíček Lubomír , Fínek Jindřich , Feltl David , Vyzula Rostislav , Dušek Ladislav 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a serious health care problem in the Czech Republic, introducing a need for a prospective modelling of the incidence and prevalence rates. The prevalence of patients requiring anti-tumour therapy is also of great importance, as it is directly associated with planning of health care resources.

Methods
This work proposes a population-based model for the estimation of stage-specific prevalence of CRC patients who will require active anti-tumour therapy in a given year. Its applicability is documented on records of the Czech National Cancer Registry (CNCR), which is used to estimate the number of patients potentially treated with anti-tumour therapy in the Czech Republic in 2015.

Results
Several scenarios are adopted to cover the plausible development of the incidence and survival rates, and the probability of an anti-tumour therapy initiation. Based on the scenarios, the model predicts an increase in CRC prevalence from 13% to 30% in comparison with the situation in 2008. Moreover, the model predicts that 10,074 to 11,440 CRC patients will be indicated for anti-tumour therapy in the Czech Republic in 2015. Considering all patients with terminal cancer recurrence and all patients primarily diagnosed in stage IV, it is predicted that 3,485 to 4,469 CRC patients will be treated for the metastatic disease in 2015, which accounts for more than one third (34-40%) of all CRC patients treated this year.

Conclusions
A new model for the estimation of the number of CRC patients requiring active anti-tumour therapy is proposed in this paper. The model respects the clinical stage as the primary stratification factor and utilizes solely the population-based cancer registry data. Thus, no specific hospital data records are needed in the proposed approach. Regarding the short-term prediction of the CRC burden in the Czech Republic, the model confirms a continuous increase in the burden that must be accounted for in the future planning of health care in the Czech Republic.
Primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the bladder with recurrence: a case report and literature review
Authors: Lu Ji , Xu Zhihui , Jiang Fengming , Wang Yan , Hou Yuchuan , Wang Chunxi , Chen Qihui 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Clear cell carcinoma of the bladder is a rare tumor of the bladder. There are few reports available on this rare disease, and no cases with recurrence were reported. Here we present a case of 68-year-old woman with primary clear cell carcinoma of the bladder, who underwent repeat TUR-BT and tumor recurrence. We also reviewed the previous treatments and prognoses in previous case reports and evaluate the proper treatment for this disease. Once the diagnosis is determined, the radical surgery should be recommended. The recurrence is not prevented based on post-TUR intravesical therapy.
The adult retinal stem cell is a rare cell in the ciliary epithelium whose progeny can differentiate into photoreceptors
Authors: Ballios Brian G. , Clarke Laura , Coles Brenda L. K. , Shoichet Molly S. , Van Der Kooy Derek 
Published: February 2012

Summary
Self-renewing, multipotential retinal stem cells (RSCs) reside in the pigmented ciliary epithelium of the peripheral retina in adult mammals. RSCs can give rise to rhodopsin positive-cells, which can integrate into early postnatal retina, and represent a potentially useful option for cellular therapy. The ability to purify a stem cell population and direct the differentiation toward a particular cell lineage is a challenge facing the application of stem cells in regenerative medicine. Here we use cell sorting to prospectively enrich mouse RSCs based on size, granularity and low expression of P-cadherin and demonstrate that only rare cells with defined properties proliferate to form colonies. We show that clonally-derived mouse and human RSC progeny are multipotent and can differentiate into mature rhodopsin-positive cells with high efficiency using combinations of exogenous culture additives known to influence neural retinal development, including taurine and retinoic acid. This directed RSC differentiation follows the temporal sequence of photoreceptor differentiation in vivo, and the cells exhibit morphology, protein and gene expression consistent with primary cultures of rods in vitro. These results demonstrate that the RSC, an adult stem cell, can be enriched and directed to produce photoreceptors as a first step toward a targeted cell replacement strategy to treat retinal degenerative disease.
Thymic involution in pregnancy: a universal finding?
Authors: Swami Sunil , Tong Iris , Bilodeau Courtney Clark , Bourjeily Ghada 
Published: February 2012

The thymus is a lymphatic organ that plays a vital role in the development of immunity in childhood. The thymus involutes during periods of stress and may acutely decrease in size but usually recovers to its normal size. The thymus also involutes during pregnancy, a process that is possibly hormonally mediated and thought to be necessary for fetal survival. This report describes two pregnant patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of pulmonary embolism who were incidentally found to have thymic enlargement on computed tomography. Follow-up imaging postpartum in both cases demonstrates a significant reduction in thymus size, suggesting thymic hyperplasia. Both patients delivered healthy babies at term. Thymic involution does not universally occur in pregnancy, challenging the theory of its necessity to fetal survival.
Determining Mechanical Properties of Escherichia Coli by Nanoindentation
Authors: Wright C. A. , Sullivan C.J. , Crawford B. , Britt L.D. , Mamun M.A. , Elmustafa A.A. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTEscherichia coli, like other gram-negative bacteria, is protected from the surrounding harsh environment by a cell wall consisting of the peptidoglycan and outer membrane. Whereas the cytoplasmic membrane is the selective barrier, the cell wall provides mechanical strength for the cell. As bacteria navigate various environments, osmotic pressure can change dramatically due to changes in local solute concentration. The peptidoglycan together with the cellular proteins mitigates the osmotic stress that would otherwise cause lysis. The mechanical properties of E. coli cells and its individual layers have been largely indeterminable until the recent development of probe-based measurement tools. Since their invention, scientists have reported significant data measuring elasticity, modulus, and stiffness using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fundamentally, in order to determine these mechanical properties through probe-based techniques, the contact area and load should be well defined. The load can be precisely calculated through the AFM cantilever spring constant. However, the silicon tip contact area can only be estimated, potentially leading to compounding uncertainties. Therefore, we developed a methodology to determine nanomechanical properties of E. coli using a nanoindenter.
Effect of van der Waals Interaction Strength and Nanocluster Size on the Dynamical and Mechanical Properties of 1,4-cis-polybutadiene Melts
Authors: Atilgan Canan , Inanc Ibrahim , Atilgan Ali Rana 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTUsing molecular dynamics simulations, we have investigated the effect of embedding nanoclusters of radius 3-7 Å on the dynamical and mechanical properties of 1,4-cispolybutadiene melts. To see the effect of polymer-nanocluster interaction strength on the bulk modulus, the van der Waals interactions (vdW) between the polymer chain and nanocluster have been varied from weak to very stong while keeping polymer-polymer and nanoclusternanocluster interactions constant. The modulus depends on the interaction strength, but not on nanocluster size. Residence time of chains on the surface of the nanocluster (τr) has an increasing trend that reaches to a plateau as the vdW strength is increased. τr also doubles from 100 ps to 200 ps as the nanocluster size is increased from 3 to 7 Å. Our findings give clues on how the properties of polymeric materials may be controlled by nanoparticles of different chemistry and size.
Offshoring Tax and Audit Procedures: Implications for U.S.-Based Employee Education
Authors: Daugherty Brian E. , Dickins Denise , Fennema M. G. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
Large accounting firms are increasingly performing audit and tax work for U.S.-based clients (and clients of other highly developed countries) in offshore locations, particularly India. Such arrangements are advantageous because of the availability of a skilled labor pool at a substantially lower cost than U.S. personnel, and the ability of the firms to operate nearly around the clock due to time differences between the U.S. and India. However, offshoring also creates substantial challenges in managing engagement teams comprised of individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds who rarely, if ever, communicate face to face. This paper identifies some of these challenges and their implications for the education of U.S.-based accountants.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of WC-Ni-Al based cemented carbides developed for engineering applications
Authors: Correa Edmilson O. , Santos Julio N. , Klein Aloísio N. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
In this paper the influence of the Ni binder metal and Al as an additional alloying element on the microstructure and mechanical properties of WC-based cemented carbides processed by conventional powder metallurgy was studied. Microstructural examinations of the cemented carbides with 3 and 5 wt.% of Al in the binder metal indicated the presence of a very low and evenly distributed porosity as well as the presence of islands of metal binder in the microstructure. With the cemented carbide with 7 wt.% of Al in the metal binder, the presence of brittle needle-like regions was observed. The WC particles inside these regions were rounded and had a larger mean free path. Vickers hardness and flexural strength tests indicated that the cemented carbide WC-Ni-Al with addition of 5 wt.% of Al in the binder metal presented bulk hardness similar to the conventional WC-Co cemented carbides as well as superior flexure strength and fracture toughness.
Synthesis, characterization and dehydration–rehydration study of sol-gel derived hydroxide hydrogel of the MgO–ZrO2 system
Authors: Das Sukhen , Mukhopadhyay Jayanta , Das Sudip 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
A mixed hydroxide hydrogel of the MgO – ZrO2 system has been synthesized by wet interaction in the aqueous phase. Both the mole ratio of MgO: ZrO2 and the preparatory conditions strongly influence the particle morphology. This was also reflected in the dehydration – rehydration characteristics studied under equilibrium conditions. Both dehydration and rehydration followed a discontinuous path thereby indicating heterogeneity in the bonding of water to the gel structure.
Improvement of neurological recovery and stimulation of neural progenitor cell proliferation by intrathecal administration of Sonic hedgehog
Authors: Bambakidis Nicholas C. , Petrullis Mary , Xu Kui , Rothstein Brian , Karampelas Ioannis , Kuang Youzhi , Selman Warren R. , LaManna Joseph C. , Miller Robert H. 
Published: February 2012

Object
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a glycoprotein molecule that has been shown to be associated with the proliferative capacity of endogenous neural precursor cells during embryonic development. It has also been shown to regulate the proliferative capacity of neural stem cells in the adult subventricular zone (SVZ), which are also upregulated in animal models of ischemic stroke. In the present study, the effects of exogenous administration of intrathecal Shh protein were examined in the setting of a rodent model of ischemic stroke, with particular attention given to endogenous neural stem cell proliferation and migration as well as inducible differences in behavioral recovery.

Methods
A rodent model of ischemic stroke was created using the intraluminal suture method of reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion. Animals were treated with intrathecal administration of Shh protein at 24 hours after the onset of the stroke. Behavioral testing was performed, and the animals were killed for measurements of infarct volume 7 days after stroke. Immunohistochemical staining was performed and measurements of cellular proliferation were obtained, with a focus on the proportion and distribution of neural progenitor cells in the SVZ. These values were compared across experimental groups.

Results
Treatment with intrathecal Shh protein resulted in significant improvement in behavioral function compared with the control group, with a significant reduction of ischemic tissue in the cerebral hemisphere. An increase of nestin immunoreactive cells was observed along the SVZ.

Conclusions
Intrathecal Shh agonist at doses that upregulate spinal cord GLI1 transcription increases the population of neural precursor cells after spinal cord injury in adult rats. Intrathecal administration of Shh protein appears to have a neuroprotective effect in animal models of ischemic stroke and is associated with improved behavioral recovery, which may be related to its effects on neurogenesis in the SVZ and could be associated with improved functional recovery.
THE INFLUENCE OF CORRUPTION ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STANDARDS: SHARED CHARACTERISTICS OF RAPIDLY DEVELOPING ECONOMIES
Authors: Caron Michelle I. , Ficici Aysun , Richter Christopher L. 
Published: February 2012

This article evaluates the relationship between the level of corruption in rapidly developing economies and corporate governance processes therein. Previous literature illustrates a strong relationship between corporate governance and corruption and suggests that in countries with high levels of corruption, firms lack efficient corporate governance practices. Similarly, countries with deficient corporate governance practices and low levels of compliance to these standards breed corruption leading to a wide range of transparency dilemmas. This study delves deeper through careful examination regarding the level of compliance with corporate governance standards and the pervasive effects of corruption on the governance processes of firms with specific regard to rapidly developing economies as well as offering comparisons and similarities of shared characteristics among these countries.