bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Reanalysis Products from GSFC, NCEP, and ECMWF Using Flux Tower Observations
Authors: Decker Mark , Brunke Michael A. , Wang Zhuo , Sakaguchi Koichi , Zeng Xubin , Bosilovich Michael G. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Reanalysis products produced at the various centers around the globe are utilized for many different scientific endeavors, including forcing land surface models and creating surface flux estimates. Here, flux tower observations of temperature, wind speed, precipitation, downward shortwave radiation, net surface radiation, and latent and sensible heat fluxes are used to evaluate the performance of various reanalysis products [NCEP–NCAR reanalysis and Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) from NCEP; 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) from ECMWF; and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) from the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)]. To combine the biases and standard deviation of errors from the separate stations, a ranking system is utilized. It is found that ERA-Interim has the lowest overall bias in 6-hourly air temperature, followed closely by MERRA and GLDAS. The variability in 6-hourly air temperature is again most accurate in ERA-Interim. ERA-40 is found to have the lowest overall bias in latent heat flux, followed closely by CFSR, while ERA-40 also has the lowest 6-hourly sensible heat bias. MERRA has the second lowest and is close to ERA-40. The variability in 6-hourly precipitation is best captured by GLDAS and ERA-Interim, and ERA-40 has the lowest precipitation bias. It is also found that at monthly time scales, the bias term in the reanalysis products are the dominant cause of the mean square errors, while at 6-hourly and daily time scales the dominant contributor to the mean square errors is the correlation term. Also, it is found that the hourly CFSR data have discontinuities present due to the assimilation cycle, while the hourly MERRA data do not contain these jumps.
Subtropical Western Boundary Currents over Slopes Detaching from Coasts with Inshore Pool Regions: An Indication to the Kuroshio Nearshore Path
Authors: Nishigaki Hajime , Mitsudera Humio 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The dynamics of subtropical western boundary currents over slopes detaching from coasts with inshore pool regions, where the water of the subtropical gyre does not enter and the velocity is small, are investigated. This study is intended to understand the dynamics of the nearshore path of the Kuroshio, which has a distinct boundary between the boundary current and the coastal water. Numerical experiments under idealized conditions are made. The results show flow patterns with pool regions similar to the Kuroshio under simple conditions. A deep countercurrent is present on the lower bottom slope, which represents observed deep currents. This is part of a deep cyclonic recirculation north of the jet, which extends to the lower bottom slope despite steep topography. This extension can be explained by the geostrophic contours. In this region, the upper boundary current feels the bottom slope and the westward intensification is blocked. In the other region, where the bottom-layer velocity is very small, the upper boundary current is free from the bottom slope and westward intensification occurs at the coast. The sensitivity to the volume transport of the boundary current is investigated by case studies. The pool regions are broken in cases with large volume transports. It is indicated that these unsteady inshore regions are produced by instability caused by an outcrop of the upper isopycnal, which is led by a large baroclinic volume transport.
Decay function estimation for linear time delay systems via the Lambert W function
Authors: Duan Shiming , Ni Jun , Ulsoy A Galip 
Published: October 2011

The estimation of the decay function (i.e., [Formula: see text]; see equation (2)) for time delay systems has been a long-standing problem. Most existing methods focus on dominant decay rate (i.e., α) estimation, i.e., the estimation of the rightmost eigenvalue. Although some frequency domain approaches, such as bifurcation or finite dimensional approximation approaches are able to approximate the optimal decay rate computationally, the estimation of the factor, K, requires knowledge of the system trajectory over time and cannot be obtained from the frequency domain alone. The existing time domain approaches, such as matrix measure/norm or Lyapunov approaches, yield conservative estimates of decay rate. Furthermore, the factor K in the Lyapunov approaches is typically not optimized. A new Lambert W-function-based approach for estimation of the decay function for time delay systems is presented. This new approach is able to provide a closed-form solution for time delay systems in terms of an infinite series. Using this solution form, the optimal decay rate, α, and an estimate of the corresponding factor, K, can be obtained. Less conservative estimates of the decay function can lead to more accurate description of the exponential behavior of time delay systems, and more effective control design based on those results. The method is illustrated with several examples, and results compare favorably with existing methods for decay function estimation.
Exact modeling for control of flexible manipulators
Authors: Castri Carmelo di , Messina Arcangelo 
Published: October 2011

This work presents the dynamic modeling and active vibration control of planar multilink manipulators having flexible links. Since the eigenvalue problem of such continuous structures is strongly dependent on the posture configuration, at first an efficient matrix formulation is provided in order to derive exact natural frequencies and mode shapes of a robot in its general posture. The analytical modal data are used to develop the forced vibration model; this is accomplished through the analytical decoupling of the modal coordinates of the manipulator; to this latter end, orthogonality conditions of modal shapes sets of planar multilink manipulators are demonstrated. The suppression of vibrations is challenged through a full-state linear quadratic regulator controller by optimally placing collocated sensor/actuator pairs. An optimal stochastic observer is designed in line with the noise-corrupted truncated model, i.e. the continuous Kalman-Bucy filter. The simulation results demonstrate that the presented matrix formulation for deriving exact modal data is effective, and the designed control method, along with the forcedvibration solving strategy, is feasible and efficient.
Radon Exhalation Rate from Building Materials Using CR-39 Nuclear Track Detector
Authors: Topçu N. , Biçak D. , Çam S. , Ereeş F. S. 
Published: October 2011

Humans are exposed to radiological hazards from natural radiation sources that exist mainly in the earth’s crust. Radon is a noble gas and is formed by the decay of 226Ra, which is one of the nuclides formed in the disintegration series from 238U. Building materials are considered as one of the major sources of radon in the indoor environment. Radon is one of the indoor sources that cause radiological health risk. To study radon exhalation rate, samples of sand, gravel, stone, cement, granite, marble, ashlar, ceramic tile and bricks were collected from Manisa and Izmir provinces of Turkey. The radon exhalation rates (in terms of mass and surface area) for these materials were also calculated by using solid-state nuclear track detector (CR-39). The mass and surface exhalation rates are calculated by following the radon activity growth as a function of time. These values were also compared with literature values.
Statistical analysis and design for estimating accuracy in clinical-center classification of cause-specific clinical events in clinical trials
Authors: Yan Guofen , Greene Tom 
Published: October 2011

Background When cause-specific clinical events (for instance, hospitalization for cardiac disease) are used as the primary or key secondary outcomes, it is important to assess how accurately these events have been classified and estimate the error-corrected treatment effects to ensure validity. However, it may not be feasible to verify cause classification for every event in large clinical trials. Purpose We present statistical methods for the design and analysis of outcome-classification accuracy and for estimating error-corrected treatment effects. Methods Using the Hemodialysis (HEMO) Study, in which primary causes were designated for all 7822 hospitalizations by the 15 participating clinical centers – but only two subsets were audited by the Outcome Committee – we applied existing methods to obtain unbiased estimates of the sensitivity and specificity of clinical-center classifications. The multiple imputation method was used to correct for the misclassification of events. We then examined how trial results were affected by three methods of event classification: unaudited, imputed, and adjudicated. Results We applied a three-step procedure to extend the results for the two subsets of audited events to estimate the sensitivity and specificity for the complete set. Finite population sample size formulas were developed for designing the quality control sample. Based on the HEMO analysis, the estimate of the intervention effect using the unaudited outcome was biased; the bias was reduced using the outcome corrected by imputation. Limitations The methods are limited to situations in which there are clinical-center classifications for all clinical events but only partial availability of reference standard classifications, and the verification process does not depend on the true event cause or other unobserved information. Conclusions Designing a quality control study to estimate the accuracy of outcome classification is important. The multiple imputation method can be used to correct for errors in outcome classification and to estimate the error-corrected treatment effect. Trial results need to be reexamined using the error-corrected outcome.
Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study randomized trial of I-125 brachytherapy
Authors: Hawkins Barbara S 
Published: October 2011

Background Although findings from observational studies published in the 1970s and early 1980s suggested that length of remaining life after a diagnosis of uveal melanoma was similar following enucleation (removal of the eye) and local eye-conserving radiotherapy, the majority of ophthalmologists in the United States were not convinced that “saving the eye” would not compromise survival. Purpose The Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) was designed to compare enucleation and radiotherapy among similar patients with respect to survival outcomes. Methods A multicenter randomized trial of primary treatment with iodine-125 brachytherapy versus enucleation (i.e., a comparative effectiveness trial) was conducted to provide the evidence required to answer the concerns of ophthalmologists and their patients. Eligibility criteria adopted for the trial were intended to apply to the majority of patients diagnosed with choroidal melanoma who would be suitable candidates for either form of primary treatment. Results Accrual to this COMS trial began in 1986 and ended in 1998. Participating patients were followed for 5 to 15 years, depending upon date of enrollment, before all clinical follow-up ended in 2003. No difference in survival outcomes and little difference in quality-of-life outcomes were observed between patients in the brachytherapy arm and those in the enucleation arm. Five-year survival was substantially better than anticipated based on a review of the literature when the trial was designed. Limitations The choice of brachytherapy for delivery of radiation to the tumor had important advantages but also imposed restrictions regarding eligibility. Conclusions The multidisciplinary COMS Group not only successfully conducted a randomized trial that answered the primary study questions but also has contributed to clinical and epidemiologic knowledge of choroidal melanoma through numerous publications. As a consequence of the COMS, a standard approach to I-125 brachytherapy for treatment of choroidal melanoma became widely available to affected patients.
No difference in outcome between children and adolescents transplanted for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in second remission
Authors: Dini Giorgio , Zecca Marco , Balduzzi Adriana , Messina Chiara , Masetti Riccardo , Fagioli Franca , Favre Claudio , Rabusin Marco , Porta Fulvio , Biral Erika , Ripaldi Mimmo , Iori Anna Paola , Rognoni Carla , Prete Arcangelo , Locatelli Franco 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in second complete remission is one of the most common indications for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in pediatric patients. We compared the outcome after HCST of adolescents, aged 14 to 18 years, with that of children (ie, patients < 14 years of age). Enrolled in the study were 395 patients given the allograft between January 1990 and December 2007; both children (334) and adolescents (61) were transplanted in the same pediatric institutions. All patients received a myeloablative regimen that included total body irradiation in the majority of them. The donor was an HLA-identical sibling for 199 patients and an unrelated volunteer in the remaining 196 patients. Children and adolescents had a comparable cumulative incidence of transplantation-related mortality, disease recurrence, and of both acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease. The 10-year probability of overall survival and event-free survival for the whole cohort of patients were 57% (95% confidence interval, 52%-62%) and 54% (95% confidence interval, 49%-59%), respectively, with no difference between children and adolescents. This study documents that adolescents with ALL in second complete remission given HSCT in pediatric centers have an outcome that does not differ from that of patients younger than 14 years of age.
Endogenous annexin A1 counter-regulates bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis
Authors: Damazo Amílcar S , Sampaio André LF , Nakata Cintia MAG , Flower Roderick J , Perretti Mauro , Oliani Sonia M 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
The balancing functions of pro/anti-inflammatory mediators of the complex innate responses have been investigated in a variety of experimental inflammatory settings. Annexin-A1 (AnxA1) is one mediator of endogenous anti-inflammation, affording regulation of leukocyte trafficking and activation in many contexts, yet its role in lung pathologies has been scarcely investigated, despite being highly expressed in lung cells. Here we have applied the bleomycin lung fibrosis model to AnxA1 null mice over a 21-day time-course, to monitor potential impact of this mediator on the control of the inflammatory and fibrotic phases.

Results
Analyses in wild-type mice revealed strict spatial and temporal regulation of the Anxa1 gene, e.g. up-regulation in epithelial cells and infiltrated granulocytes at day 7, followed by augmented protein levels in alveolar macrophages by day 21. Absence of AnxA1 caused increases in: i) the degree of inflammation at day 7; and ii) indexes of fibrosis (assessed by deposition of hydroxyproline in the lung) at day 7 and 21. These alterations in AnxA1 null mice were paralleled by augmented TGF-β1, IFN-γ and TNF-α generation compared to wild-type mice. Finally, treatment of wild type animals with an AnxA1 peptido-mimetic, given prophylactically (from day 0 to 21) or therapeutically (from day 14 onward), ameliorated both signs of inflammation and fibrosis.

Conclusion
Collectively these data reveal a pathophysiological relevance for endogenous AnxA1 in lung inflammation and, more importantly, fibrosis, and may open new insights for the pharmacological treatment of lung fibrosis.
Central domain deletions affect the SAXS solution structure and function of Yeast Hsp40 proteins Sis1 and Ydj1
Authors: Silva Julio C , Borges Julio C , Cyr Douglas M , Ramos Carlos HI , Torriani Iris L 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Ydj1 and Sis1 are structurally and functionally distinct Hsp40 proteins of the yeast cytosol. Sis1 is an essential gene whereas the ydj1 gene is essential for growth at elevated temperatures and cannot complement sis1 gene deletion. Truncated polypeptides capable of complementing the sis1 gene deletion comprise the J-domain of either Sis1 or Ydj1 connected to the G/F region of Sis1 (but not Ydj1). Sis1 mutants in which the G/F was deleted but G/M maintained were capable of complementing the sis1 gene deletion.

Results
To investigate the relevance of central domains on the structure and function of Ydj1 and Sis1 we prepared Sis1 constructs deleting specific domains. The mutants had decreased affinity for heated luciferase but were equally capable of stimulating ATPase activity of Hsp70. Detailed low resolution structures were obtained and the overall flexibility of Hsp40 and its mutants were assessed using SAXS methods. Deletion of either the G/M or the G/M plus CTDI domains had little impact on the quaternary structure of Sis1 analyzed by the SAXS technique. However, deletion of the ZFLR-CTDI changed the relative position of the J-domains in Ydj1 in such a way that they ended up resembling that of Sis1. The results revealed that the G/F and G/M regions are not the only flexible domains. All model structures exhibit a common clamp-like conformation.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that the central domains, previously appointed as important features for substrate binding, are also relevant keeping the J-domains in their specific relative positions. The clamp-like architecture observed seems also to be favorable to the interactions of Hsp40 with Hsp70.
Aurora-A inactivation causes mitotic spindle pole fragmentation by unbalancing microtubule-generated forces
Authors: Asteriti Italia A , Giubettini Maria , Lavia Patrizia , Guarguaglini Giulia 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Aurora-A is an oncogenic kinase playing well-documented roles in mitotic spindle organisation. We previously found that Aurora-A inactivation yields the formation of spindles with fragmented poles that can drive chromosome mis-segregation. Here we have addressed the mechanism through which Aurora-A activity regulates the structure and cohesion of spindle poles.

Results
We inactivated Aurora-A in human U2OS osteosarcoma cells either by RNA-interference-mediated silencing or treating cultures with the specific inhibitor MLN8237. We show that mitotic spindle pole fragmentation induced by Aurora-A inactivation is associated with microtubule hyperstabilisation. Silencing of the microtubule-stabilising factor ch-TOG prevents spindle pole fragmentation caused by inactivation of Aurora-A alone and concomitantly reduces the hyperstabilisation of microtubules. Furthermore, decreasing pole-directed spindle forces by inhibition of the Eg5 kinesin, or by destabilisation of microtubule-kinetochore attachments, also prevents pole fragmentation in Aurora-A-inactivated mitoses.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that microtubule-generated forces are imbalanced in Aurora-A-defective cells and exert abnormal pressure at the level of spindle poles, ultimately causing their fragmentation. This study therefore highlights a novel role of the Aurora-A kinase in regulating the balance between microtubule forces during bipolar spindle assembly.
PAP and NT5E Inhibit Nociceptive Neurotransmission by Rapidly Hydrolyzing Nucleotides to Adenosine
Authors: Street Sarah E , Walsh Paul L , Sowa Nathaniel A , Taylor-Blake Bonnie , Guillot Thomas S , Vihko Pirkko , Wightman R Mark , Zylka Mark J 
Published: October 2011

Background: Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E, CD73) produce extracellular adenosine from the nucleotide AMP in spinal nociceptive (pain-sensing) circuits; however, it is currently unknown if these are the main ectonucleotidases that generate adenosine or how rapidly they generate adenosine. Results: We found that AMP hydrolysis, when measured histochemically, was nearly abolished in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and lamina II of spinal cord from Pap/Nt5e double knockout (dKO) mice. Likewise, the antinociceptive effects of AMP, when combined with nucleoside transport inhibitors (dipyridamole or 5-iodotubericidin), were reduced by 80-100% in dKO mice. In addition, we used fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) to measure adenosine production at subsecond resolution within lamina II. Adenosine was maximally produced within seconds from AMP in wild-type (WT) mice but production was reduced >50% in dKO mice, indicating PAP and NT5E rapidly generate adenosine in lamina II. Unexpectedly, we also detected spontaneous low frequency adenosine transients in lamina II with FSCV. Adenosine transients were of short duration (<2 s) and were reduced (>60%) in frequency in Pap−/−, Nt5e−/− and dKO mice, suggesting these ectonucleotidases rapidly hydrolyze endogenously released nucleotides to adenosine. Field potential recordings in lamina II and behavioral studies indicate that adenosine made by these enzymes acts through the adenosine A1 receptor to inhibit excitatory neurotransmission and nociception. Conclusions: Collectively, our experiments indicate that PAP and NT5E are the main ectonucleotidases that generate adenosine in nociceptive circuits and indicate these enzymes transform pulsatile or sustained nucleotide release into an inhibitory adenosinergic signal.
A diagnostic challenge for schistosomiasis japonica in China: consequences on praziquantel-based morbidity control
Authors: Zhou Yi-biao , Zheng Hui-min , Jiang Qing-wu 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Worldwide schistosomiasis continues to be a serious public health problem. Over the past five decades, China has made remarkable progress in reducing Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans to a relatively low level. Endemic regions are currently circumscribed in certain core areas where re-infection and repeated chemotherapy are frequent. At present, selective chemotherapy with praziquantel is one of the main strategies in China's National Schistosomiasis Control Program, and thus diagnosis of infected individuals is a key step for such control. In this paper we review the current status of our knowledge about diagnostic tools for schistosomiasis japonica. A simple, affordable, sensitive, and specific assay for field diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica is not yet available, and this poses great barriers towards full control of schistosomiasis. Hence, a search for a diagnostic approach, which delivers these characteristics, is essential and should be given high priority.