bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coupled Air–Mixed Layer Temperature Predictability for Climate Reconstruction
Authors: Pendergrass Angeline G. , Hakim Gregory J. , Battisti David S. , Roe Gerard 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
A central issue for understanding past climates involves the use of sparse time-integrated data to recover the physical properties of the coupled climate system. This issue is explored in a simple model of the midlatitude climate system that has attributes consistent with the observed climate. A quasigeostrophic (QG) model thermally coupled to a slab ocean is used to approximate midlatitude coupled variability, and a variant of the ensemble Kalman filter is used to assimilate time-averaged observations. The dependence of reconstruction skill on coupling and thermal inertia is explored. Results from this model are compared with those for an even simpler two-variable linear stochastic model of midlatitude air–sea interaction, for which the assimilation problem can be solved semianalytically.
Results for the QG model show that skill decreases as the length of time over which observations are averaged increases in both the atmosphere and ocean when normalized against the time-averaged climatological variance. Skill in the ocean increases with slab depth, as expected from thermal inertia arguments, but skill in the atmosphere decreases. An explanation of this counterintuitive result derives from an analytical expression for the forecast error covariance in the two-variable stochastic model, which shows that the ratio of noise to total error increases with slab ocean depth. Essentially, noise becomes trapped in the atmosphere by a thermally stiffer ocean, which dominates the decrease in initial condition error owing to improved skill in the ocean.
Increasing coupling strength in the QG model yields higher skill in the atmosphere and lower skill in the ocean, as the atmosphere accesses the longer ocean memory and the ocean accesses more atmospheric high-frequency “noise.” The two-variable stochastic model fails to capture this effect, showing decreasing skill in both the atmosphere and ocean for increased coupling strength, due to an increase in the ratio of noise to the forecast error variance. Implications for the potential for data assimilation to improve climate reconstructions are discussed.
T cell–independent restimulation of FVIII-specific murine memory B cells is facilitated by dendritic cells together with toll-like receptor 7 agonist
Authors: Pordes Aniko G. , Baumgartner Christina K. , Allacher Peter , Ahmad Rafi U. , Weiller Markus , Schiviz Alexandra N. , Schwarz Hans Peter , Reipert Birgit M. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Memory B cells are involved in long-term maintenance of antibody-dependent immunologic disorders. Therefore, it is essential to understand how the restimulation of FVIII-specific memory B cells in hemophilia A with FVIII inhibitors is regulated. We asked whether concurrent activation of the innate immune system by an agonist for toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 is able to facilitate the differentiation of FVIII-specific memory B cells in the absence of T-cell help. TLR7 recognizes single-stranded RNA as contained in RNA viruses such as influenza, Sendai, and Coxsackie B viruses. Our results indicate that highly purified murine memory B cells do not differentiate into FVIII-specific antibody-secreting cells in the presence of FVIII and the TLR7 agonist when cultured in the absence of CD4+ T cells. However, CD11c+ dendritic cells facilitate the T cell–independent differentiation of FVIII-specific memory B cells but only in the presence of FVIII and the TLR7 agonist. In contrast to T cell–dependent restimulation, the antibody response after T cell–independent restimulation of FVIII-specific memory B cells is skewed toward IgG2a, an antibody subclass that is efficient in activating the complement system and in inducing Fc-receptor–mediated effector functions, both are required for effective immune responses against pathogens.
Campylobacter jejuni dsb gene expression is regulated by iron in a Fur-dependent manner and by a translational coupling mechanism
Authors: Grabowska Anna D , Wandel Michał P , Łasica Anna M , Nesteruk Monika , Roszczenko Paula , Wyszyńska Agnieszka , Godlewska Renata , Jagusztyn-Krynicka Elzbieta K 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
Many bacterial extracytoplasmic proteins are stabilized by intramolecular disulfide bridges that are formed post-translationally between their cysteine residues. This protein modification plays an important role in bacterial pathogenesis, and is facilitated by the Dsb (disulfide bond) family of the redox proteins. These proteins function in two parallel pathways in the periplasmic space: an oxidation pathway and an isomerization pathway. The Dsb oxidative pathway in Campylobacter jejuni is more complex than the one in the laboratory E. coli K-12 strain.

Results
In the C. jejuni 81-176 genome, the dsb genes of the oxidative pathway are arranged in three transcriptional units: dsbA2-dsbB-astA, dsbA1 and dba-dsbI. Their transcription responds to an environmental stimulus - iron availability - and is regulated in a Fur-dependent manner. Fur involvement in dsb gene regulation was proven by a reporter gene study in a C. jejuni wild type strain and its isogenic fur mutant. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) confirmed that analyzed genes are members of the Fur regulon but each of them is regulated by a disparate mechanism, and both the iron-free and the iron-complexed Fur are able to bind in vitro to the C. jejuni promoter regions. This study led to identification of a new iron- and Fur-regulated promoter that drives dsbA1 gene expression in an indirect way. Moreover, the present work documents that synthesis of DsbI oxidoreductase is controlled by the mechanism of translational coupling. The importance of a secondary dba-dsbI mRNA structure for dsbI mRNA translation was verified by estimating individual dsbI gene expression from its own promoter.

Conclusions
The present work shows that iron concentration is a significant factor in dsb gene transcription. These results support the concept that iron concentration - also through its influence on dsb gene expression - might control the abundance of extracytoplasmic proteins during different stages of infection. Our work further shows that synthesis of the DsbI membrane oxidoreductase is controlled by a translational coupling mechanism. The dba expression is not only essential for the translation of the downstream dsbI gene, but also Dba protein that is produced might regulate the activity and/or stability of DsbI.
Cost-Effectiveness of Universal Hepatitis B Virus Screening in Patients Beginning Chemotherapy for Solid Tumors
Authors: Day Fiona L. , Karnon Jonathan , Rischin Danny 
Published: July 2011

PurposeUniversal screening for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection before chemotherapy has been recommended. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of HBV screening before chemotherapy given for nonhematopoietic solid tumors (STs).MethodsA decision-analytic model was used to compare the cost-effectiveness of universal screening conducted per professional guidelines versus no screening in hypothetical patient cohorts beginning adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer or palliative chemotherapy for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer. Survival times were extrapolated using Markov models. Probabilities were derived from published studies and costs estimated from the perspective of the Australian health care system. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed, including with the application of an alternative HBV screening strategy.ResultsUsing an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio threshold of $50,000 (Australian dollars) per life-year (LY) saved, universal HBV screening was not cost-effective for adjuvant patients ($88,224/LY, 13% probability of being cost-effective), palliative patients ($1,344,251/LY, 0%), or pooled (all) patients ($149,857/LY, 1%). Sensitivity analyses found that screening approached cost-effectiveness among adjuvant patients with the highest reported rates of undiagnosed chronic HBV (65%, $59,445/LY) or HBV reactivation with chemotherapy (41%, $56,537/LY). Cost- effectiveness was also significantly influenced by HBV population prevalence. An alternative screening strategy using hepatitis B surface antigen testing only produced the most economically favorable results, with $30,126/LY (80% probability) for adjuvant patients and $51,201/LY (43%) for the pooled cohort.ConclusionUniversal HBV screening conducted per current guidelines is not cost-effective in patients with STs. Screening may be economically favorable in selected patient subpopulations and/or with simplification of the screening strategy.
Capture of Radioactive Nuclear Wastes from Sea Water by Use of Clay Minerals
Authors: Morimoto Kazuya , Tamura Kenji , Umemura Yasushi , Sato Hisako , Yamagishi Akihiko 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The use of smectite-type clay minerals is proposed for capturing radioactive nuclear wastes from sea water. Iodine molecules dissolved in a 3 wt % aqueous NaCl solution were completely taken up by a column packed with Ag-modified synthetic saponite. Cs+ and Sr2+ ions in a 3 wt % aqueous NaCl solution were adsorbed efficiently on a column packed with magnesium vermiculite under appropriate conditions.
The effects of a plant proteinase inhibitor from Enterolobium contortisiliquum on human tumor cell lines
Authors: Nakahata Adriana Miti , Mayer Barbara , Ries Christian , de Paula Cláudia Alessandra Andrade , Karow Marisa , Neth Peter , Sampaio Misako U. , Jochum Marianne , Oliva Maria Luiza V. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractSupplementary to the efficient inhibition of trypsin, chymotrypsin, plasma kallikrein, and plasmin already described by the EcTI inhibitor fromEnterolobium contortisiliquum, it also blocks human neutrophil elastase (Kiapp=4.3 nm) and prevents phorbol ester (PMA)-stimulated activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 probably via interference with membrane-type 1 (MT1)-MMP. Moreover, plasminogen-induced activation of proMMP-9 and processing of active MMP-2 was also inhibited. Furthermore, the effect of EcTI on the human cancer cell lines HCT116 and HT29 (colorectal), SkBr-3 and MCF-7 (breast), K562 and THP-1 (leukemia), as well as on human primary fibroblasts and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was studied. EcTI inhibited in a concentration range of 1.0–2.5 μmrather specifically tumor cell viability without targeting primary fibroblasts and hMSCs. Taken together, our data indicate that the polyspecific proteinase inhibitor EcTI prevents proMMP activation and is cytotoxic against tumor cells without affecting normal tissue remodeling fibroblasts or regenerative hMSCs being an important tool in the studies of tumor cell development and dissemination.
Static and Dynamic Behavior of Hydro-Collapsible Soils
Authors: Elkady Tamer Y. , Houston Sandra L. , Houston William N. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Collapsible soils, whether engineered or naturally occurring, may exist in seismic zones. This study focuses on the evaluation of the shear strength and volume change of collapsible soils subjected to static and dynamic shear loading under a range of confining pressures and wetting conditions which ranged from “as-prepared” to soaked to backpressure saturated. Tests are conducted on reconstituted samples simulating compacted engineered fill and natural density samples. Prior to shear loading (whether static or dynamic), triaxial response-to-wetting tests are performed under soaked or backpressure saturated conditions. Volumetric strains are measured using an image processing technique and the results are compared with those obtained from a one-dimensional test. A series of consolidated-undrained triaxial tests are performed to evaluate undrained shear strength after wetting, and correlations between undrained shear strength and degree of saturation are obtained. A series of stress-controlled cyclic triaxial tests are performed to evaluate the dynamic shear strength after wetting. Trends for the development of axial strain with the progression of loading cycles are dependent on wetting conditions (degree of saturation/matric suction). Furthermore, the cyclic stress ratio at failure is correlated with degree of saturation and charts for the evaluation of dynamic settlement of the test soils are developed. Finally, post-cyclic static shear strengths are determined by conducting a series of undrained static shear triaxial tests on selected samples following the application of cyclic load.
Non-isothermal moisture movement in unsaturated kaolin: An experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Cleall Peter J , Martand Singh Rao , Thomas Hywel R 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Non isothermal moisture movement in unsaturated kaolin is investigated in a series of experiments. Vapour transfer is then empirically quantified, and its theoretical representation considered. A thermo-hydraulic cell is used to apply thermal and hydraulic gradients to confined specimens in a number of thermal gradient, thermal-hydraulic gradient, and isothermal-hydraulic tests. Transient measurements of the thermal regime are made, and end of test measurement of moisture content, porosity, and chemical composition from a number of identical tests run for different durations allow pseudo transient variations of these parameters to be established. In each of the tests, where a thermal gradient is applied, the accumulation of chloride ions in the hottest regions indicates a cyclic movement of vapour and liquid moisture. Estimated vapour fluxes are determined by consideration of overall moisture and conservative ion movements in the sealed thermal gradient tests. These vapour fluxes are then compared to those predicted by an established vapour flow theory, and a modification to this theory is proposed based on a variable enhancement factor.
Outcome and Prognostic Features in Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome From Infancy to Adult Life
Authors: Brunklaus Andreas , Pohl Keith , Zuberi Sameer M. , de Sousa Carlos 
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE:Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a serious and often chronically disabling neurologic illness with onset in early childhood. Our aim was to identify long-term neurologic sequelae of OMS and predictors for disease outcome.METHODS:We retrospectively assessed the case records of 101 patients diagnosed with OMS over a 53-year period. Clinical data were obtained from medical record review; we documented age at onset, severity of symptoms, response to treatment, and neurocognitive sequelae.RESULTS:Overall, 21% of the patients had a neuroblastoma detected; however, in those born after 1990, this figure rose to 40%. Sixty-one percent of the patients had a chronic-relapsing course, 32% experienced several acute exacerbations, and 7% had a monophasic course. At the most recent review, 60% had residual motor problems, 66% speech abnormalities, 51% learning disability, and 46% behavior problems. One-third of the patients had normal intellectual outcome and cessation of symptoms. A severe initial presentation predicted a chronic disease course (odds ratio [OR]: 2.77 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.47–5.23]; P = .002) and later learning disability (OR: 2.03 [95% CI: 1.08–3.79]; P = .026). Those with cognitive impairment were younger at disease onset (15.0 vs 19.5 months; P = .029). A chronic-relapsing disease course was associated with motor (P &lt; .001), speech (P = .001), cognitive (P &lt; .001), and behavior (P = .006) problems.CONCLUSIONS:OMS is a chronic and debilitating illness; those with severe initial symptoms and those who are very young at disease onset are at increased risk of developing long-term sequelae. It is important for affected children to be identified early, because they might benefit from targeted immunomodulating therapy in specialist centers.
Spectroscopic Characterization of Ultra-thin Al2O3/SiO2/Si Films by SR-XPS
Authors: Lay Thithi , Imamura Motoyasu , Matsubayashi Nobuyuki 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTAl2O3 films (2-5nm) deposited on SiO2/Si (100) n-type substrate with thickness 500μm were characterized by Synchrotron Radiation- X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (SR-XPS). Excitation energy 730eV show surface sensitive results compare to 1000eV. Using excitation energy 730eV, Al, Si, O core-level elements and their excited species were analyzed. Plasmon loss peak with energy separation (18.8-19.1eV) for Al2p main peak and (14.7-15.3eV) for Al2s main peak is likely due to bulk plasmon. XPS spectra of O1s peak showed different onset and energy seperation for each sample. Energy seperation between O1s peak and onset of plasmon is 8.4eV for 5nm lead to band gap of Al2O3 layer. But and in case of 2nm this value is 9.2eV, hence, it is likely corresponds to SiO2 interfacial layer.The reason for this might consider as top Al2O3 form island rather than homogenous oxide layer.
The Impact of Summer Research Experience for Science Teachers on Classroom Instruction
Authors: Sen T. , Baker D. R. , Culbertson R. J. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTMore than 100 science and mathematics teachers have participated in the ASU Math and Science Teaching Fellows program for summers in 2007-2010 at Arizona State University. The goal of the program was to expose the teachers to the real world of science and help them transfer the experience into the classroom. The teachers spend the mornings in small groups in assigned research laboratories and afternoons in whole group interactive sessions. During the afternoon sessions the teachers worked on a poster presentation and a classroom unit integrating the research experience. The present study focuses on the impact of the research experiences on the teachers’ classrooms and the differences between a larger and longer program (37 teachers for 5 weeks in 2009) and a smaller and shorter program (8 teachers for 4 weeks in 2010). The lesson plans were coded based on a rubric. The posters were coded using qualitative analysis software. The scores on the lesson plans and the frequency of codes on transfer to classroom were higher in 2010 compared to those in 2009. The results indicate that the research experience program had a better impact on transfer to school curriculum with a smaller cohort of teachers. This implies that future research experience programs should be designed for smaller groups of teachers.
Underrepresented Minority Diversity in Materials Science and Engineering
Authors: Bowman Keith J 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTDuring the decade 2000 to 2009, the diversity trends for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees and faculty underwent very different changes in the number and fraction of women represented compared to men in the field of materials science and engineering (MSE). Although the number and fraction of women increased substantially in graduate programs and within faculties, the fraction of women receiving bachelor’s of science degrees in engineering (BSE) in this field was significantly lower in 2009 than in 2000. In contrast with gender, the outcomes for diversity in terms of underrepresented minorities (URMs) across the decade are more disappointing. The potential implications are discussed with respect to ongoing limited degree attainment of URMs in many engineering and science disciplines
Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Renewable Energy
Authors: Stone Chuck 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTDuring summers 2009 and 2010, the Renewable Energy Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (REMRSEC) at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) successfully piloted a 10-week Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program that addressed fundamental materials issues related to the science and technology of renewable energy. In January 2011, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded CSM a three-year grant to establish an REU Site that will strengthen our recruiting of women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities in research. This paper describes the features of these pilot programs and outlines the nature of our 2011 REU.
Role of Parenting Style in Achieving Metabolic Control in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Shorer Maayan , David Ravit , Schoenberg-Taz Michal , Levavi-Lavi Ifat , Phillip Moshe , Meyerovitch Joseph 
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE
To examine the role of parenting style in achieving metabolic control and treatment adherence in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Parents of 100 adolescents with type 1 diabetes completed assessments of their parenting style and sense of helplessness. Parents and patients rated patient adherence to the treatment regimen. Glycemic control was evaluated by HbA1c values.

RESULTS
An authoritative paternal parenting style predicted better glycemic control and adherence in the child; a permissive maternal parenting style predicted poor adherence. A higher sense of helplessness in both parents predicted worse glycemic control and lesser adherence to treatment. Parental sense of helplessness was a significant predictor of diabetes control after correcting for other confounders (patient age, sex, and treatment method).

CONCLUSIONS
An authoritative nonhelpless parenting style is associated with better diabetes control in adolescents. Paternal involvement is important in adolescent diabetes management. These results have implications for psychological interventions.
Hemoglobin A1c, Fasting Glucose, and Cardiovascular Risk in a Population With High Prevalence of Diabetes
Authors: Wang Hong , Shara Nawar M. , Lee Elisa T. , Devereux Richard , Calhoun Darren , de Simone Giovanni , Umans Jason G. , Howard Barbara V. 
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE
We compared A1C and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a population with widespread obesity and diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 4,549 American Indian adults underwent the Strong Heart Study (SHS) baseline examination (1989–1991). Data from 3,850 individuals (60% women) with baseline measurements of FPG and A1C and no prevalent CVD were analyzed; 1,386 had known diabetes. CVD events were ascertained over a median of 15 years.

RESULTS
A1C ≥6.5% had a 44.3% sensitivity and 98.9% specificity to identify participants with FPG ≥126 mg/dL. Increases in A1C were associated with adverse CVD risk factor profiles; individuals with known diabetes had worse profiles. For A1C &lt;5, 5 to &lt;5.5, 5.5 to &lt;6, 6–6.5, or ≥6.5% or known diabetes, the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) [95% CI] for coronary heart disease (CHD) was significant only for individuals with known diabetes (2.76 [2.17–3.51]). Similarly, the adjusted HRs for total CVD were significant only for individuals with A1C ≥6.5% or known diabetes (1.50 [1.10–2.04] and 2.52 [2.06–3.08], respectively). Similar results were observed for FPG.

CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with known or newly diagnosed diabetes had increased risk for CVD. Although A1C is more convenient than FPG in diagnosing diabetes, neither test adds to conventional CVD risk factors in predicting CHD or total CVD.