bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synoptic Conditions Associated with Propagating and Nonpropagating Cloud/Rainfall Episodes during the Warm Season over the East Asian Continent
Authors: Wang Chung-Chieh , Chen George Tai-Jen , Huang Hsiao-Ling , Carbone Richard E. , Chang Sau-Wa 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Using European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analyses, this study identifies common synoptic flow patterns associated with propagating (long lived) and nonpropagating (short lived) precipitation/cloud episodes in the warm season over East Asia (25°–40°N, 95°–125°E). Among 123 initial cases during May–July 1997–2003, 86 were classified into three categories (propagating cases with strong and weak forcing, and nonpropagating ones with strong inhibition) consisting of 10 types based on their 500-hPa flow patterns. For each type, composites at various levels when episodes moved across 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, and 120°E were made and discussed to elucidate the influence of synoptic conditions.
For propagating episodes with strong 500-hPa forcing (46 cases), four types were identified. In their composites, favorable positive vorticity advection forcing from an approaching trough/short wave exists aloft, and concurrent development of southwest vortex and front/wind-shift line at low levels leads to enhanced southwesterly flow to provide vertical shear and moisture. For nonpropagating episodes with strong inhibition (25 cases), three types dominated by synoptic-scale subsidence from either negative vorticity advection or the subtropical high were identified. Thus, episodes weaken shortly after they move out from the Tibetan Plateau. There are also propagating episodes but with weak forcing (15 cases), for which another three types were found. The differences in their composites from nonpropagating types are mainly at low levels, where the southerly flow is stronger and can penetrate deeper inland. As stability conditions are similar for all type of episodes, the results suggest an important role of stronger low-level southwesterly winds in providing moisture and vertical wind shear to sustain episodes and their propagation.
Does Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair Improve Functional Outcome of Patients Compared With Single-Row Technique?
Authors: DeHaan Alexander M. , Axelrad Thomas W. , Kaye Elizabeth , Silvestri Lorenzo , Puskas Brian , Foster Timothy E. 
Published: December 2011

Background: The advantage of single-row versus double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair techniques has been a controversial issue in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. There is biomechanical evidence that double-row techniques are superior to single-row techniques; however, there is no clinical evidence that the double-row technique provides an improved functional outcome. Hypothesis: When compared with single-row rotator cuff repair, double-row fixation, although biomechanically superior, has no clinical benefit with respect to retear rate or improved functional outcome. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: The authors reviewed prospective studies of level I or II clinical evidence that compared the efficacy of single- and double-row rotator cuff repairs. Functional outcome scores included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder scale, the Constant shoulder score, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale. Radiographic failures and complications were also analyzed. A test of heterogeneity for patient demographics was also performed to determine if there were differences in the patient profiles across the included studies. Results: Seven studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The test of heterogeneity across these studies showed no differences. The functional ASES, Constant, and UCLA outcome scores revealed no difference between single- and double-row rotator cuff repairs. The total retear rate, which included both complete and partial retears, was 43.1% for the single-row repair and 27.2% for the double-row repair ( P = .057), representing a trend toward higher failures in the single-row group. Conclusion: Through a comprehensive literature search and meta-analysis of current arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs, we found that the single-row repairs did not differ from the double-row repairs in functional outcome scores. The double-row repairs revealed a trend toward a lower radiographic proven retear rate, although the data did not reach statistical significance. There may be a concerning trend toward higher retear rates in patients undergoing a single-row repair, but further studies are required.
Healthy Eating Index scores associated with symptoms of depression in Cuban-Americans with and without type 2 diabetes: a cross sectional study
Authors: Exebio Joel C , Zarini Gustavo G , Exebio Cristóbal , Huffman Fatma G 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Low diet quality and depression symptoms are independently associated with poor glycemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the relationship between them is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the association between diet quality and symptoms of depression among Cuban-Americans with and without T2D living in South Florida.

Methods
Subjects (n = 356) were recruited from randomly selected mailing list. Diet quality was determined using the Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-05) score. Symptoms of depression were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Both linear and logistic regression analyses were run to determine whether or not these two variables were related. Symptoms of depression was the dependent variable and independent variables included HEI-05, gender, age, marital status, BMI, education level, A1C, employment status, depression medication, duration of diabetes, and diabetes status. Analysis of covariance was used to test for interactions among variables.

Results
An interaction between diabetes status, gender and HEI-05 was found (P = 0.011). Among males with a HEI-05 score ≤ 55.6, those with T2D had a higher mean BDI score than those without T2D (11.6 vs. 6.6 respectively, P = 0.028). Among males and females with a HEI-05 score ≤ 55.6, females without T2D had a higher mean BDI score compared to males without T2D (11.0 vs. 6.6 respectively, P = 0.012)

Conclusions
Differences in symptoms of depression according to diabetes status and gender are found in Cuban-Americans with low diet quality.
Induction of cytotoxicity of Pelagia noctiluca venom causes reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxydation induction and DNA damage in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Ayed Yosra , Boussabbeh Manel , Zakhama Wiem , Bouaziz Chayma , Abid Salwa , Bacha Hassen 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
The long-lasting and abundant blooming of Pelagia noctiluca in Tunisian coastal waters compromises both touristic and fishing activities and causes substantial economic losses. Determining their molecular mode of action is, important in order to limit or prevent the subsequent damages. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the propensity of Pelagia noctiluca venom to cause oxidative damage in HCT 116 cells and its associated genotoxic effects.

Results
Our results indicated an overproduction of ROS, an induction of catalase activity and an increase of MDA generation. We looked for DNA fragmentation by means of the comet assay. Results indicated that venom of Pelagia noctiluca induced DNA fragmentation. SDS-PAGE analysis of Pelagia noctiluca venom revealed at least 15 protein bands of molecular weights ranging from 4 to 120 kDa.

Conclusion
Oxidative damage may be an initiating event and contributes, in part, to the mechanism of toxicity of Pelagia noctiluca venom.
The versatile application of cervicofacial and cervicothoracic rotation flaps in head and neck surgery
Authors: Liu Fa-yu , Xu Zhong-fei , Li Peng , Sun Chang-fu , Li Rui-wu , Ge Shu-fen , Li Jun-lin , Huang Shao-hui , Tan Xuexin 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
The large defects resulting from head and neck tumour surgeries present a reconstructive challenge to surgeons. Although numerous methods can be used, they all have their own limitations. In this paper, we present our experience with cervicofacial and cervicothoracic rotation flaps to help expand the awareness and application of this useful system of flaps.

Methods
Twenty-one consecutive patients who underwent repair of a variety of defects of the head and neck with cervicofacial or cervicothoracic flaps in our hospital from 2006 to 2009 were retrospectively analysed. Statistics pertaining to the patients' clinical factors were gathered.

Results
Cheek neoplasms are the most common indication for cervicofacial and cervicothoracic rotation flaps, followed by parotid tumours. Among the 12 patients with medical comorbidities, the most common was hypertension. Defects ranging from 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm to 7 cm × 6 cm were reconstructed by cervicofacial flap, and defects from 3 cm × 2 cm to 16 cm × 7 cm were reconstructed by cervicothoracic flap. The two flaps also exhibited versatility in these reconstructions. When combined with the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, the cervicothoracic flap could repair through-and-through cheek defects, and in combination with a temporalis myofacial flap, the cervicofacial flap was able to cover orbital defects. Additionally, 95% patients were satisfied with their resulting contour results.

Conclusions
Cervicofacial and cervicothoracic flaps provide a technically simple, reliable, safe, efficient and cosmetic means to reconstruct defects of the head and neck.
Distributed admission control protocol for end-to-end QoS assurance in ad hoc wireless networks
Authors: Youn JooSang , Pack Sangheon , Hong Yong-Geun 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
To reserve end-to-end bandwidth in quality of service (QoS) supported wireless ad hoc networks, local bandwidth requirement should be carefully determined by considering the number of contending nodes in an interference range. In this article, we propose a novel admission control protocol, called DACP (distributed admission control protocol), which is implemented over a reactive ad hoc routing protocol with minimal overhead. DACP computes the required bandwidth for end-to-end band-width provision at each node and estimates the available bandwidth at the medium access control layer. After that, DACP makes a decision for admitting a flow in a per-hop basis. Extensive simulations are carried out via the OPNET simulator. The simulation results demonstrate that DACP not only provides guaranteed end-to-end resource but also reduces the control overhead to provide QoS support, compared with the existing admission control schemes.
Convergence of the modified Mann's iterative method for asymptotically κ-strictly pseudocontractive mappings
Authors: Zhang Ying , Xie Zhiwei 
Published: December 2011

AbstractLet E be a real uniformly convex Banach space which has the Fréchet differentiable norm, and K a nonempty, closed, and convex subset of E. Let T : K → K be an asymptotically κ-strictly pseudocontractive mapping with a nonempty fixed point set. We prove that (I - T) is demiclosed at 0 and obtain a weak convergence theorem of the modified Mann's algorithm for T under suitable control conditions. Moreover, we also elicit a necessary and sufficient condition that guarantees strong convergence of the modified Mann's iterative sequence to a fixed point of T in a real Banach spaces with the Fréchet differentiable norm.2000 AMS Subject Classification: 47H09; 47H10.
Unusual presentation of hepatitis B serological markers in an Amerindian community of Venezuela with a majority of occult cases
Authors: Cardona Nathalia E , Loureiro Carmen L , Garzaro Domingo J , Duarte María C , García Daisy M , Pacheco Milian C , Chemin Isabelle , Pujol Flor H 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is characterized by the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the absence of HBsAg in the serum of patients. The aim of this study was to characterize HBV infection among a Piaroa community, an Amerindian group which exhibits significant evidence of exposure to HBV but relatively low presence of HBsAg, and to explore the presence of OBI in this population.

Results
Of 150 sera, with 17% anti-HBc and 1.3% HBsAg prevalence, 70 were tested for the presence of HBV DNA. From these, 25 (36%) were found positive for HBV DNA by PCR in the core region. Two of these 25 sera were HBsAg positive, indicating an overt infection. Of the remaining 68 sera tested, 23 exhibited OBI. Of these, 13 were HBV DNA out of 25 anti-HBc positive (52%) and 10 HBV DNA positive, out of 43 anti-HBc negative (23%), with a statistical significance of p = 0.03. Viral DNA and HBsAg were present intermittently in follow up sera of 13 individuals. Sequence analysis in the core region of the amplified DNA products showed that all the strains belonged to HBV genotype F3. The OBI isolates displayed 96-100% nucleotide identity between them. One isolate exhibited the co-circulation of a wild type variant with a variant with a premature stop codon at the core protein, and a variant exhibiting a deletion of 28 amino acids.

Conclusions
The frequency of OBI found in this Amerindian group warrants further studies in other communities exhibiting different degrees of HBV exposure.
Identification of candidate genes for yeast engineering to improve bioethanol production in very high gravity and lignocellulosic biomass industrial fermentations
Authors: Pereira Francisco B , Guimarães Pedro MR , Gomes Daniel G , Mira Nuno P , Teixeira Miguel C , Sá-Correia Isabel , Domingues Lucília 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
The optimization of industrial bioethanol production will depend on the rational design and manipulation of industrial strains to improve their robustness against the many stress factors affecting their performance during very high gravity (VHG) or lignocellulosic fermentations. In this study, a set of Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes found, through genome-wide screenings, to confer resistance to the simultaneous presence of different relevant stresses were identified as required for maximal fermentation performance under industrial conditions.

Results
Chemogenomics data were used to identify eight genes whose expression confers simultaneous resistance to high concentrations of glucose, acetic acid and ethanol, chemical stresses relevant for VHG fermentations; and eleven genes conferring simultaneous resistance to stresses relevant during lignocellulosic fermentations. These eleven genes were identified based on two different sets: one with five genes granting simultaneous resistance to ethanol, acetic acid and furfural, and the other with six genes providing simultaneous resistance to ethanol, acetic acid and vanillin. The expression of Bud31 and Hpr1 was found to lead to the increase of both ethanol yield and fermentation rate, while Pho85, Vrp1 and Ygl024w expression is required for maximal ethanol production in VHG fermentations. Five genes, Erg2, Prs3, Rav1, Rpb4 and Vma8, were found to contribute to the maintenance of cell viability in wheat straw hydrolysate and/or the maximal fermentation rate of this substrate.

Conclusions
The identified genes stand as preferential targets for genetic engineering manipulation in order to generate more robust industrial strains, able to cope with the most significant fermentation stresses and, thus, to increase ethanol production rate and final ethanol titers.
Aberrant axial mineralization precedes spinal ankylosis: a molecular imaging study in ank/ankmice
Authors: Las Heras Facundo , DaCosta Ralph S , Pritzker Kenneth PH , Haroon Nigil , Netchev George , Tsui Hing Wo , Chiu Basil , Erwin W Mark , Tsui Florence WL , Inman Robert D 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Introduction

The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is made from a combination of clinical features and the presence of radiographic evidence that may be detected only after many years of inflammatory back pain. It is not uncommon to have a diagnosis confirmed 5 to 10 years after the initial onset of symptoms. Development of a more-sensitive molecular imaging technology to detect structural changes in the joints would lead to earlier diagnosis and quantitative tracking of ankylosis progression. Progressive ankylosis (ank/ank) mice have a loss of function in the Ank gene, which codes for a regulator of PPi transport. In this study, we used these ank/ank mutant mice to assess a noninvasive, quantitative measure of joint ankylosis with near-infrared (NIR) molecular imaging in vivo.

Methods

Three age groups (8, 12, and 18 weeks) of ank/ank (15 mice) and wild-type littermates (12 +/+ mice) were assessed histologically and radiographically. Before imaging, OsteoSense 750 (bisphosphonate pamidronate) was injected i.v. Whole-body images were analyzed by using the multispectral Maestro imaging system.

Results

OsteoSense 750 signals in the paw joints were higher in ank/ank mice in all three age groups compared with controls. In the spine, significantly higher OsteoSense 750 signals were detected early, in 8-week-old ank/ank mice compared with controls, although minimal radiographic differences were noted at this time point. The molecular imaging changes in the ank/ank spine (8 weeks) were supported by histologic changes, including calcium apatite crystals at the edge of the vertebral bodies and new syndesmophyte formation.

Conclusions

Changes in joint pathology of ank/ank mice, as evaluated by histologic and radiographic means, are qualitative, but only semiquantitative. In contrast, molecular imaging provides a quantitative assessment. Ankylosis in ank/ank mice developed simultaneously in distal and axial joints, contrary to the previous notion that it is a centripetal process. NIR imaging might be feasible for early disease diagnosis and for monitoring disease progression in ankylosing spondylitis.
Sustained remission of symptoms and improved health-related quality of life in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome treated with canakinumab: results of a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized withdrawal study
Authors: Koné-Paut Isabelle , Lachmann Helen J , Kuemmerle-Deschner Jasmin B , Hachulla Eric , Leslie Kieron S , Mouy Richard , Ferreira Alberto , Lheritier Karine , Patel Neha , Preiss Ralph , Hawkins Philip N 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Introduction

To assess the effect of canakinumab, a fully human anti-interleukin-1β antibody, on symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS).

Methods

In this 48-week, phase 3 study, patients with CAPS received canakinumab 150 mg subcutaneously at 8-week intervals. All patients (n = 35) received canakinumab during weeks 1 through 8; weeks 9 through 24 constituted a double-blind placebo-controlled withdrawal phase, and weeks 24 through 48 constituted an open-label phase in which all patients received canakinumab. Patient and physician assessments of symptoms, levels of inflammatory markers, and HRQoL were performed.

Results

Rapid symptom remission was achieved, with 89% of patients having no or minimal disease activity on day 8. Responses were sustained in patients receiving 8-weekly canakinumab. Responses were lost during the placebo-controlled phase in the placebo group and were regained on resuming canakinumab therapy in the open-label phase. Clinical responses were accompanied by decreases in serum levels of C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A protein, and interleukin-6. HRQoL scores at baseline were considerably below those of the general population. Improvements in all 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) domain scores were evident by day 8. Scores approached or exceeded those of the general U.S. population by week 8 and remained stable during canakinumab therapy. Improvements in bodily pain and role-physical were particularly marked, increasing by more than 25 points from baseline to week 8. Therapy was generally well tolerated.

Conclusions

Canakinumab, 150 mg, 8-weekly, induced rapid and sustained remission of symptoms in patients with CAPS, accompanied by substantial improvements in HRQoL.

Trial registration

Clintrials.gov NCT00465985
Regulation of breast cancer metastasis by Runx2 and estrogen signaling: the role of SNAI2
Authors: Chimge Nyam-Osor , Baniwal Sanjeev K , Little Gillian H , Chen Yi-bu , Kahn Michael , Tripathy Debu , Borok Zea , Frenkel Baruch 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Introduction
In contrast to its role in breast cancer (BCa) initiation, estrogen signaling has a protective effect in later stages, where estrogen receptor (ER)α loss associates with aggressive metastatic disease. We asked whether the beneficial effect of estrogen signaling in late-stage BCa is attributable to the recently reported estrogen-mediated antagonism of the pro-metastatic transcription factor Runx2.

Methods
MCF7/Rx2dox breast cancer cells were engineered with a lentivirus expressing Runx2 in response to doxycycline (dox). Cells treated with dox and/or estradiol (E2) were subjected to genome-wide expression profiling, RT-qPCR analysis of specific genes, and Matrigel™ invasion assays. Knockdown of genes of interest was performed using lentiviruses expressing appropriate shRNAs, either constitutively or in response to dox. Gene expression in BCa tumors was investigated using a cohort of 557 patients compiled from publicly available datasets. Association of gene expression with clinical metastasis was assessed by dichotomizing patients into those expressing genes of interest at either high or low levels, and comparing the respective Kaplan-Meier curves of metastasis-free survival.

Results
Runx2 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) evidenced by acquisition of a fibroblastic morphology, decreased expression of E-cadherin, increased expression of vimentin and invasiveness. Runx2 stimulated SNAI2 expression in a WNT- and transforming growth factor (TGF)β-dependent manner, and knockdown of SNAI2 abrogated the pro-metastatic activities of Runx2. E2 antagonized the pro-metastatic activities of Runx2, including SNAI2 upregulation. In primary BCa tumors, Runx2 activity, SNAI2 expression, and metastasis were positively correlated, and SNAI2 expression was negatively correlated with ERα. However, the negative correlation between SNAI2 and ERα in bone-seeking BCa cells was weaker than the respective negative correlation in tumors seeking lung. Furthermore, the absence of ERα in primary tumors was associated with lung- and brain- but not with bone metastasis, and tumor biopsies from bone metastatic sites displayed the unusual combination of high Runx2/SNAI2 and high ERα expression.

Conclusions
E2 antagonizes Runx2-induced EMT and invasiveness of BCa cells, partly through attenuating expression of SNAI2, a Runx2 target required for mediating its pro-metastatic property. That ERα loss promotes non-osseous metastasis by unleashing Runx2/SNAI2 is supported by the negative correlation observed in corresponding tumors. Unknown mechanisms in bone-seeking BCa allow high Runx2/SNAI2 expression despite high ERα level