bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial Disaggregation of Mean Areal Rainfall Using Gibbs Sampling
Authors: Gagnon P. , Rousseau A. N. , Mailhot A. , Caya D. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Precipitation has a high spatial variability, and thus some modeling applications require high-resolution data (&lt;10 km). Unfortunately, in some cases, such as meteorological forecasts and future regional climate projections, only spatial averages over large areas are available. While some attention has been given to the disaggregation of mean areal precipitation estimates, the computation of a disaggregated field with a realistic spatial structure remains a difficult task. This paper describes the development of a statistical disaggregation model based on Gibbs sampling. The model disaggregates 45.6-km-resolution rainfall fields to grids with pixel sizes ranging from 3.8 to 22.8 km. The model is conceptually simple, as the algorithm is straightforward to compute with only a few parameters to estimate. The rainfall depth at each grid pixel is related to the depths of the neighboring pixels, while the spatial variability is related to the convective available potential energy (CAPE) field. The model is developed using daily rainfall data over a 40 000-km2 area located in the southeastern United States. Four-kilometer-resolution rainfall estimates obtained from NCEP’s stage IV analysis were used to estimate the model parameters (2002–04) and as a reference to validate the disaggregated fields (2005/06). Results show that the model accurately simulates rainfall depths and the spatial structure of the observed field. Because the model has low computational requirements, an ensemble of disaggregated data series can be generated.
Effects of robot-assisted upper limb rehabilitation on daily function and real-world arm activity in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liao Wan-wen , Wu Ching-yi , Hsieh Yu-wei , Lin Keh-chung , Chang Wan-ying 
Published: August 2011

Objective: To compare the outcome of robot-assisted therapy with dose-matched active control therapy by using accelerometers to study functional recovery in chronic stroke patients. Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Stroke units in three medical centres. Subjects: Twenty patients post stroke for a mean of 22 months. Intervention: Robot-assisted therapy ( n = 10) or dose-matched active control therapy ( n = 10). All patients received either of these two therapies for 90–105 minutes each day, 5 days per week, for four weeks. Main measures: Outcome measures included arm activity ratio (the ratio of mean activity between the impaired and unimpaired arm) and scores on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale, Functional Independence Measure, Motor Activity Log and ABILHAND questionnaire. Results: The robot-assisted therapy group significantly increased motor function, hemiplegic arm activity and bilateral arm coordination (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale: 51.20 ± 8.82, P = 0.002; mean arm activity ratio: 0.76 ± 0.10, P = 0.026; ABILHAND questionnaire: 1.24 ± 0.28, P = 0.043) compared with the dose-matched active control group (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale: 40.90 ± 13.14; mean arm movement ratio: 0.69 ± 0.11; ABILHAND questionnaire: 0.95 ± 0.43). Conclusions: Symmetrical and bilateral robotic practice, combined with functional task training, can significantly improve motor function, arm activity, and self-perceived bilateral arm ability in patients late after stroke.
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerosing Treatment in Patients With Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
Authors: Hoksrud Aasne , Bahr Roald 
Published: August 2011

Background: A randomized controlled study has shown good clinical results after treatment with sclerosing injections into the area with neovessels in patients with patellar tendinopathy, but no study has investigated medium- or long-term outcomes. Purpose: This study investigates the effect of sclerosing treatment 44 months (range, 42-47 months) after start of treatment. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of jumper’s knee and neovascularization corresponding to the painful area were recruited and treated with ultrasound-guided sclerosing injections using polidocanol. Primary outcome was Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA) score, which was recorded before the start of treatment, after 12 months, and 44 months after the start of the study period. Results: Twelve of the 29 patients (14 tendons) who were followed up at 44 months had undergone arthroscopic surgery after sclerosing treatment, either to the patellar tendon (n = 6) or for other intra-articular lesions (n = 8). For patients who did not receive additional treatment after the sclerosing injections (n = 23 tendons), VISA score was 55 (range, 28-71) at baseline and 81 (range, 39-100) at 12-month follow-up ( P < .001 vs baseline).Their VISA score at 44 months’ follow-up was 89 (range, 73-100; P = .047 vs 12 months). For patients who went through arthroscopic tendon surgery, VISA score was 53 (range, 39-71) at baseline and 71 before surgery (range, 48-98; P = .14 vs baseline). Their VISA score at 44 months was 91 (range, 76-100; P = .0.16 vs 12 months; P = .005 vs baseline). For patients who went through non–tendon surgery, VISA score was 45 (range, 15-69) at baseline and 57 (range, 32-95) before surgery ( P = .29 vs baseline). Their VISA score at 44 months was 92 (range, 72-100; P = .006 vs before surgery; P < .001 vs baseline). Conclusion: Sclerosing treatment with polidocanol was effective for the majority of the patients. Nevertheless, one-third elected to seek additional treatment through arthroscopic surgery during the 44-month follow-up period.
One-Year Test-Retest Reliability of the Online Version of ImPACT in High School Athletes
Authors: Elbin R.J. , Schatz Philip , Covassin Tracey 
Published: August 2011

Background: The ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) neurocognitive testing battery is a popular assessment tool used for concussion management. The stability of the baseline neurocognitive assessment is important for accurate comparisons between postconcussion and baseline neurocognitive performance. Psychometric properties of the recently released online version of ImPACT have yet to be established; therefore, research evaluating the reliability of this measure is warranted. Purpose: The authors investigated the 1-year test-retest reliability of the ImPACT online version in a sample of high school athletes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4 Methods: A total of 369 varsity high school athletes completed 2 mandatory preseason baseline cognitive assessments approximately 1 year apart as required by their respective athletics program. No diagnosed concussion occurred between assessments. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for ImPACT online indicated that motor processing speed (.85) was the most stable composite score, followed by reaction time (.76), visual memory (.70), and verbal memory (.62). Unbiased estimates of reliability were consistent with ICCs: motor processing speed (.85), reaction time (.76), visual memory (.71), and verbal memory (.62). Conclusion: The online ImPACT baseline is a stable measure of neurocognitive performance across a 1-year time period for high school athletes. These reliability data for online ImPACT are higher than the 2-year ICCs previously reported from the desktop version. Clinical Relevance: It is recommended that the ImPACT baseline assessment (both desktop and online) continue to be updated every 2 years. The online version of ImPACT appears to be a stable measure of neurocognitive performance over a 1-year period, and systematic evaluation of its stability over a 2-year period is warranted.
Excision of Symptomatic Nonunions of Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Avulsion Fractures in Elite Athletes
Authors: Ritchie J. David , Shaver J. Christopher , Anderson Robert B. , Lawrence Steven J. , Mair Scott D. 
Published: August 2011

Background: An avulsion fracture of the proximal fifth metatarsal may result in a symptomatic nonunion and hinder athletic performance. Nonoperative management is often successful in alleviating symptoms. When symptoms persist, surgery can be undertaken to repair the nonunion or excise the avulsed fragment. Purpose: The excision of the avulsed bone fragment is evaluated in the management of symptomatic nonunions. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Excision of the avulsed fifth metatarsal fragment was performed in 6 male high-performance athletes with symptomatic nonunions. The remaining edge of bone was contoured and smoothed. Results: All 6 patients experienced an uneventful operation and recovery, returning to competitive play at a mean of 11.7 weeks. Activity-related pain and discomfort abated after the excision and rehabilitation. No surgical complications were noted. Conclusion: Surgical excision of the avulsed fragment from the proximal fifth metatarsal is a safe and effective alternative intervention when nonoperative methods fail.
Long-term effects of a community-based lifestyle intervention to prevent type 2 diabetes: the DEPLOY extension pilot study
Authors: Ackermann Ronald T , Finch Emily A , Caffrey Helena M , Lipscomb Elaine R , Hays Laura M , Saha Chandan 
Published: August 2011

Objective: The US Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and other large trials internationally have shown that an intensive lifestyle intervention can reduce the development of type 2 diabetes. We evaluated long-term effects of a lower cost, group-based adaption of the DPP lifestyle intervention offered by the YMCA. Methods: Participants were adults with BMI ≥24 kg/m2 and random capillary blood glucose 6.1–11.1 mmol/L who had been previously enrolled in a cluster-randomized trial comparing a group-based DPP lifestyle intervention versus brief advice alone. Four to 12 months after completion of the initial trial, 72% of 92 participants enrolled in an extension study, and all were offered a group lifestyle maintenance program at the YMCA. Paired t-tests were used to assess within-group changes; ANCOVA with adjustment was used for between-group comparisons. Results: At 28 months, after both arms were offered the same 8-month lifestyle maintenance intervention, both arms had statistically significant weight losses compared to baseline (brief advice controls: −3.6%; 95% CI: −5.8 to −1.4; intensive lifestyle: −6.0%; 95% CI: −8.8 to −3.2). Participants initially assigned to the DPP also experienced significant improvements in blood pressure and total cholesterol. Discussion: The YMCA is a promising channel for dissemination of a low-cost model for lifestyle diabetes prevention. Future studies are needed to verify these findings.
Lysyl oxidase-like protein-2 regulates sprouting angiogenesis and type IV collagen assembly in the endothelial basement membrane
Authors: Bignon Marine , Pichol-Thievend Cathy , Hardouin Julie , Malbouyres Marilyne , Bréchot Nicolas , Nasciutti Luiz , Barret Alain , Teillon Jérémie , Guillon Emilie , Etienne Eric , Caron Michel , Joubert-Caron Raymonde , Monnot Catherine , Ruggiero Florence , Muller Laurent , Germain Stéphane 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Sprouting angiogenesis is associated with extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. The molecular mechanisms involved in building the vascular microenvironment and its impact on capillary formation remain elusive. We therefore performed a proteomic analysis of ECM from endothelial cells maintained in hypoxia, a major stimulator of angiogenesis. Here, we report the characterization of lysyl oxidase-like protein-2 (LOXL2) as a hypoxia-target expressed in neovessels and accumulated in the endothelial ECM. LOXL2 belongs to the lysyl oxidase family of secreted enzymes involved in ECM crosslinking. Knockdown experiments in Tg(fli1:egfp)y1 zebrafish embryos resulted in lack of intersegmental vessel circulation and demonstrated LOXL2 involvement in proper capillary formation. Further investigation in vitro by loss and gain of function experiments confirmed that LOXL2 was required for tubulogenesis in 3D fibrin gels and demonstrated that this enzyme was required for collagen IV assembly in the ECM. In addition, LOXL2 depletion down-regulated cell migration and proliferation. These data suggest a major role for LOXL2 in the organization of endothelial basal lamina and in the downstream mechanotransductive signaling. Altogether, our study provides the first evidence for the role of LOXL2 in regulating angiogenesis through collagen IV scaffolding.
ABT-737 is highly effective against molecular subgroups of multiple myeloma
Authors: Bodet Linda , Gomez-Bougie Patricia , Touzeau Cyrille , Dousset Christelle , Descamps Géraldine , Maïga Sophie , Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Bataille Régis , Moreau Philippe , Le Gouill Steven , Pellat-Deceunynck Catherine , Amiot Martine 
Published: August 2011

AbstractMultiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy that is heterogeneous with respect to its causative molecular abnormalities and the treatment response of patients. The Bcl-2 protein family is critical for myeloma cell survival. ABT-737 is a cell-permeant compound that binds to Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL but not to Mcl-1. Using a myeloma cell line collection (n = 25) representative of different molecular translocations, we showed that ABT-737 effectively kills a subset of cell lines (n = 6), with a median lethal dose ranging from 7 ± 0.4nM to 150 ± 7.5nM. Of interest, all sensitive cell lines harbored a t(11;14). We demonstrated that ABT-737–sensitive and ABT-737–resistant cell lines could be differentiated by the BCL2/MCL1 expression ratio. A screen of a public expression database of myeloma patients indicates that the BCL2/MCL1 ratio of t(11;14) and hyperdiploid patients was significantly higher than in all other groups (P < .001). ABT-737 first induced the disruption of Bcl-2/Bax, Bcl-2/Bik, or Bcl-2/Puma complexes, followed by the disruption of Bcl-2 heterodimers with Bak and Bim. Altogether, the identification of a subset of cell lines and primary cells effectively killed by ABT-737 alone supported the evaluation of ABT-263, an orally active counterpart to ABT-737, for the treatment of t(11;14) and hyperdiploid groups of myeloma harboring a Bcl-2high/Mcl-1low profile.
Clofarabine and busulfan conditioning facilitates engraftment and provides significant antitumor activity in nonremission hematologic malignancies
Authors: Magenau John , Tobai Hiromi , Pawarode Attaphol , Braun Thomas , Peres Edward , Reddy Pavan , Kitko Carrie , Choi Sung , Yanik Gregory , Frame David , Harris Andrew , Erba Harry , Kujawski Lisa , Elenitoba-Johnson Kojo , Sanks Jennifer , Jones Dawn , Paczesny Sophie , Ferrara James , Levine John , Mineishi Shin 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Patients with hematologic malignancies not in remission before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have a poor prognosis. To improve the antitumor activity of conditioning, we combined clofarabine with myeloablative doses of busulfan in a phase 1/2 study in nonremission hematologic malignancies. Forty-six patients were enrolled, including 31 patients with nonremission acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Patients had a median age of 53 years, with a median comorbidity index of 3. Donors were unrelated, HLA mismatched, or both in 59% of patients. Common grade III to IV nonhematologic toxicities included transient transaminitis (50%), mucositis (24%), hand-foot syndrome (13%), transient hypoxia (13%), nausea/vomiting (9%), and diarrhea (9%). All patients engrafted. Complete remission was achieved in 80% of all patients by day +30 and in 100% of AML patients without prior hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Two-year nonrelapse mortality for all patients was 31%, and overall survival was 28%. In AML, the overall survival was 48% at 1 year and 35% at 2 years. These data suggest that clofarabine combined with myeloablative doses of busulfan is well tolerated, secures engraftment, and possesses significant antitumor activity, particularly in nonremission AML. This study is registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT00556452.
Withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids in individuals with COPD - a systematic review and comment on trial methodology
Authors: Nadeem Nighat J , Taylor Stephanie JC , Eldridge Sandra M 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) reduce COPD exacerbation frequency and slow decline in health related quality of life but have little effect on lung function, do not reduce mortality, and increase the risk of pneumonia. We systematically reviewed trials in which ICS have been withdrawn from patients with COPD, with the aim of determining the effect of withdrawal, understanding the differing results between trials, and making recommendations for improving methodology in future trials where medication is withdrawn. Trials were identified by two independent reviewers using MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL, citations of identified studies were checked, and experts contacted to identify further studies. Data extraction was completed independently by two reviewers. The methodological quality of each trial was determined by assessing possible sources of systematic bias as recommended by the Cochrane collaboration. We included four trials; the quality of three was adequate. In all trials, outcomes were generally worse for patients who had had ICS withdrawn, but differences between outcomes for these patients and patients who continued with medication were mostly small and not statistically significant. Due to data paucity we performed only one meta-analysis; this indicated that patients who had had medication withdrawn were 1.11 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.46) times more likely to have an exacerbation in the following year, but the definition of exacerbations was not consistent between the three trials, and the impact of withdrawal was smaller in recent trials which were also trials conducted under conditions that reflected routine practice. There is no evidence from this review that withdrawing ICS in routine practice results in important deterioration in patient outcomes. Furthermore, the extent of increase in exacerbations depends on the way exacerbations are defined and managed and may depend on the use of other medication. In trials where medication is withdrawn, investigators should report other medication use, definitions of exacerbations and management of patients clearly. Intention to treat analyses should be used and interpreted appropriately.
IQMNMR: Open source software using time-domain NMR data for automated identification and quantification of metabolites in batches
Authors: Song Xu , Zhang Bo-Li , Liu Hong-Min , Yu Bo-Yang , Gao Xiu-Mei , Kang Li-Yuan 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
One of the most promising aspects of metabolomics is metabolic modeling and simulation. Central to such applications is automated high-throughput identification and quantification of metabolites. NMR spectroscopy is a reproducible, nondestructive, and nonselective method that has served as the foundation of metabolomics studies. However, the automated high-throughput identification and quantification of metabolites in NMR spectroscopy is limited by severe spectral overlap. Although numerous software programs have been developed for resolving overlapping resonances, as well as for identifying and quantifying metabolites, most of these programs are frequency-domain methods, considerably influenced by phase shifts and baseline distortions, and effective only in small-scale studies. Almost all these programs require multiple spectra for each application, and do not automatically identify and quantify metabolites in batches.

Results
We created IQMNMR, an R package that integrates a relaxation algorithm, digital filter, and similarity search algorithm. It differs from existing software in that it is a time-domain method; it uses not only frequency to resolve overlapping resonances but also relaxation time constants; it requires only one NMR spectrum per application; is uninfluenced by phase shifts and baseline distortions; and most important, yields a batch of quantified metabolites.

Conclusions
IQMNMR provides a solution that can automatically identify and quantify metabolites by one-dimensional proton NMR spectroscopy. Its time-domain nature, stability against phase shifts and baseline distortions, requirement for only one NMR spectrum, and capability to output a batch of quantified metabolites are of considerable significance to metabolic modeling and simulation.
IQMNMR is available at http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/IQMNMR/.
Physiologic cold shock of Moraxella catarrhalisaffects the expression of genes involved in the iron acquisition, serum resistance and immune evasion
Authors: Spaniol Violeta , Troller Rolf , Schaller André , Aebi Christoph 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background

Moraxella catarrhalis, a major nasopharyngeal pathogen of the human respiratory tract, is exposed to rapid downshifts of environmental temperature when humans breathe cold air. It was previously shown that the prevalence of pharyngeal colonization and respiratory tract infections caused by M. catarrhalis are greatest in winter. The aim of this study was to investigate how M. catarrhalis uses the physiologic exposure to cold air to upregulate pivotal survival systems in the pharynx that may contribute to M. catarrhalis virulence.

Results
A 26°C cold shock induces the expression of genes involved in transferrin and lactoferrin acquisition, and enhances binding of these proteins on the surface of M. catarrhalis. Exposure of M. catarrhalis to 26°C upregulates the expression of UspA2, a major outer membrane protein involved in serum resistance, leading to improved binding of vitronectin which neutralizes the lethal effect of human complement. In contrast, cold shock decreases the expression of Hemagglutinin, a major adhesin, which mediates B cell response, and reduces immunoglobulin D-binding on the surface of M. catarrhalis.

Conclusion
Cold shock of M. catarrhalis induces the expression of genes involved in iron acquisition, serum resistance and immune evasion. Thus, cold shock at a physiologically relevant temperature of 26°C induces in M. catarrhalis a complex of adaptive mechanisms that enables the bacterium to target their host cellular receptors or soluble effectors and may contribute to enhanced growth, colonization and virulence.