bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulation of odour dispersion downwind from natural windbreaks using the computational fluid dynamics standard k-ε modelA paper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.
Authors: Lin Xing Jun , Barrington Suzelle , Gong Guangcai , Choinière Denis 
Published: May 2009

If natural windbreaks create air turbulence and can help disperse odours from livestock operations, their dispersion effect has not been extensively researched. This paper introduces a model simulating odour dispersion downwind from natural windbreaks. The standard k-ε model of the FLUENT software was used to incorporate the effect of climatic conditions and windbreak structure. The model was calibrated for wind velocity recovery, odour concentration (OC) from field observations and inertial resistance. Once calibrated, the model accurately reproduced the odour plume developing downwind from the windbreak. The correlation between OC for 11 field trials and that simulated were statistically significant (P < 0.01), indicating that the model was accurate. The model demonstrated that a windbreak did alter the magnitude and direction of the wind velocity, thus creating a pressure jump across its width. This pressure jump produces a strong downwind turbulence forming a mixing layer capable of enhancing odour dispersion.
INFORMATION ENERGY AS AN ELECTRON CORRELATION MEASURE IN ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR SYSTEMS
Authors: MOHAJERI AFSHAN , ALIPOUR MOJTABA 
Published: May 2009

The information energy is proposed as a possible measure for electron correlation energy in atoms and molecules. For neutral atoms and their cations, we proposed an expression for correlation energy with explicit dependence on the information energy and atomic number. The obtained correlation energies have been used to compute the first ionization potentials of the ground state of the main group elements from hydrogen through krypton.It is shown that the information energy of a molecule can be well-estimated by use of the information energies of its constituent atoms. On the basis of the molecular information energy and number of electrons in the molecule, a simple model has been proposed for evaluation of molecular correlation energy.
Evaluation of hormonal change, biochemical parameters, and histopathological status of uterus in rats exposed to 50-Hz electromagnetic field
Authors: Aydin M , Cevik A , Kandemir FM , Yuksel M , Apaydin AM 
Published: May 2009

This study investigates the effects of the electromagnetic field (EMF) resulting from the 170 kV high-voltage power lines on hormonal status, on progesterone and 17-β estradiol levels, and on morphology of the uterus and ovaries associated with biochemical parameters of adult Wistar female rats. The rats were assigned to experimental (21) and control groups (7). The rats in the experimental group were housed in a wooden barn with 7.5 m vertical distance to the power line. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were exposed continuously (24 h) to electric-electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) (48.21 ± 1.58 mG) for 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively. The rats of group 4 served as the control and were placed in laboratory conditions (The average value of the ELF was 0.75 ± 0.05 V/m. The value of the EMF was calculated to be 0.48 ± 0.05 mG.). Significant ( P < 0.05) decreases were determined among the groups in terms of reproductive organ weights (uterus and ovaries) and progesterone and estrogen levels in relation to the varying periods of the estrous cycle. Although marked reductions ( P < 0.05) were observed among the groups in relation to plasma catalase activity, depending on exposure time, no significant differences were found in terms of glutathione and malondialdehyde levels. It is concluded that exposure to the ELF-EMFs for different time periods produced significant decreases in plasma catalase activities in the 3-month exposure groups but no effects on progesterone level, on 17-β estradiol level, or on the morphology and weight of uterus and ovaries.
Tumorigenesis in B6C3F1 mice exposed to ozone in combination with 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and dietary dibutyl phthalate
Authors: Kim Min Young , Cho Myung Haing 
Published: May 2009

Although ozone exposure has been suspected as a risk factor for the development of lung cancer, data are still inconclusive. Studies in the literature infrequently recognize that the potential toxicity of ozone could be influenced by the combined exposure with other environmental carcinogens. To evaluate the carcinogenic potential of ozone alone or in combination with other toxicants, male and female B6C3F1 mice were exposed through inhalation and diet, to 0.5 ppm of ozone, 1.0 mg/kg of 4-( N-methyl- N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), 5000 ppm of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), individually and in combination for 1 year. No treatment-related death was seen, but significant differences in body and organ weights between control and treated mice were observed during the study. No tumor incidence was found in mice of either gender exposed to ozone alone. Pulmonary neoplasms were found in both, male and female mice exposed to NNK alone and in combination, ozone with NNK only or NNK plus DBP. Oviductal carcinomas were observed in females exposed to DBP alone and together with ozone plus NNK. These results indicate that ozone alone is not a lung carcinogen and in conjunction with NNK and/or DBP have no effect on tumor development in B6C3F1 mice under our experimental conditions.
Effect of parenteral cladribine on relapse rates in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis: results of a 2-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study
Authors: Stelmasiak Z , Solski J , Nowicki J , Jakubowska B , Ryba M , Grieb P 
Published: May 2009

Objective This randomized, 2-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study evaluated cladribine for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Design Patients ( n = 84) received seven 5-day courses of subcutaneous cladribine at 5 mg/day (group A) or placebo (group B) in year 1; treatment was reversed in year 2. Results Cladribine was well tolerated and associated with a favorable safety profile. Mean Expanded Disability Status Scale scores remained stable. In group A, mean relapse rates were 0.15 in year 1 (cladribine) and 0.42 in year 2. In group B, relapse rates were 0.61 in year 1 and 0.50 in year 2 (cladribine). Patients required fewer steroid courses during cladribine periods. The therapeutic efficacy of cladribine was associated with a sustained reduction in lymphocyte count.
Twin studies and the heritability of MS: a conclusion
Authors: Hawkes CH , Macgregor AJ 
Published: May 2009

Objective The classical twin study has the potential to evaluate the relative contribution of genes and environment and guide further research strategies, provided the sampling and methods of analysis are correct. We wish to review all the more informative twin studies on multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods We examined six large population-based twin studies in MS and calculated indices of heritability (h2), which is the traditional method of assessing genetic contribution to disease and to allow comparison between studies. Results This index was found to vary widely from 0.25 to 0.76 with large confidence intervals that reflect small sample size and prevent robust interpretation. Conclusion Overall the studies support a genetic contribution to disease; however, the imprecision of the heritability estimates and potential biases that they contain mean that very little inference can be drawn its exact size. Given that the magnitude of genetic effect cannot be measured because of the relative infrequency of MS; the consequent difficulty in collecting an informative sample; and in many countries, the lack of a comprehensive twin register, we suggest that further twin prevalence surveys should not be undertaken. Twin studies could be used more effectively in other ways, such as the co-twin case–control approach.
A common bipotent progenitor generates the erythroid and megakaryocyte lineages in embryonic stem cell–derived primitive hematopoiesis
Authors: Klimchenko Olena , Mori Marcella , DiStefano Antonio , Langlois Thierry , Larbret Frédéric , Lecluse Yann , Feraud Olivier , Vainchenker William , Norol Françoise , Debili Najet 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
The megakaryocytic (MK) and erythroid lineages are tightly associated during differentiation and are generated from a bipotent megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor (MEP). In the mouse, a primitive MEP has been demonstrated in the yolk sac. In human, it is not known whether the primitive MK and erythroid lineages are generated from a common progenitor or independently. Using hematopoietic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells on the OP9 cell line, we identified a primitive MEP in a subset of cells coexpressing glycophorin A (GPA) and CD41 from day 9 to day 12 of coculturing. This MEP differentiates into primitive erythroid (GPA+CD41−) and MK (GPA−CD41+) lineages. In contrast to erythropoietin (EPO)–dependent definitive hematopoiesis, KIT was not detected during erythroid differentiation. A molecular signature for the commitment and differentiation toward both the erythroid and MK lineages was detected by assessing expression of transcription factors, thrombopoietin receptor (MPL) and erythropoietin receptor (EPOR). We showed an inverse correlation between FLI1 and both KLF1 and EPOR during primitive erythroid and MK differentiation, similar to definitive hematopoiesis. This novel MEP differentiation system may allow an in-depth exploration of the molecular bases of erythroid and MK commitment and differentiation.
A physiological model of patient-reported breathlessness during daily activities in COPD
Authors: Jolley C. J. , Moxham J. 
Published: May 2009

Breathlessness during daily activities has a significant impact on quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Herein, we present a physiological model of patient-reported breathlessness based on the relationship between ventilatory load, respiratory muscle capacity, neural respiratory drive and neuromechanical dissociation during daily activities. This model should facilitate an understanding of the mechanisms driving increased intensity of breathlessness during daily activities and the relief of breathlessness following medical or surgical interventions.The model should also provide a structure on which to base the development of patient-reported outcome instruments to measure the severity of breathlessness during daily activities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Prevalence of asthma control among adults in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK
Authors: Demoly P. , Paggiaro P. , Plaza V. , Bolge S. C. , Kannan H. , Sohier B. , Adamek L. 
Published: May 2009

The objectives of this article were to estimate the prevalence of asthma control and describe the characteristics of at least well-controlled (ALWC)versusnot well-controlled (NWC) asthmatics.Data were obtained from the European National Health and Wellness Survey, an internet-based, cross-sectional study of 37,476 adults in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Analysis was limited to 2,337 respondents who self-reported a physician diagnosis. Based on the Asthma Control Test (ACT), respondents were grouped as ALWC (ACT ≥20) and NWC (ACT ≤19).The prevalence of diagnosed asthma across five countries was estimated to be 5.8% (14 million extrapolated for the European Union population). Of these, 50.4% (7.1 million) were NWC. Compared with ALWC, NWC were older (15.8versus15.0%; p<0.001), less likely to be college educated (28.7versus36.3%; p<0.001) and more likely to be obese (30.0versus22.7%; p<0.001), experience depression (28.0versus18.7%; p<0.001) and smoke (34.7versus25.0%; p<0.001). The NWC had more occasions of contact with healthcare providers and were more likely to use controller and rescue medications, but with less adherence.A substantial portion of asthmatics are NWC. However, the proportion of NWC asthmatics found in this study was less than in previously reported. Patients and physicians need to be educated on the importance of asthma control and adherence to treatments.
In vivo reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in leaves of Nicotiana tabacumL. transformed with plastin-GFP. Correlation with light-activated chloroplast responses
Authors: Anielska-Mazur Anna , Bernaś Tytus , Gabryś Halina 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
The actin cytoskeleton is involved in the responses of plants to environmental signals. Actin bundles play the role of tracks in chloroplast movements activated by light. Chloroplasts redistribute in response to blue light in the mesophyll cells of Nicotiana tabacum. The aim of this work was to study the relationship between chloroplast responses and the organization of actin cytoskeleton in living tobacco cells. Chloroplast movements were measured photometrically as changes in light transmission through the leaves. The actin cytoskeleton, labeled with plastin-GFP, was visualised by confocal microscopy.

Results
The actin cytoskeleton was affected by strong blue and red light. No blue light specific actin reorganization was detected. EGTA and trifluoperazine strongly inhibited chloroplast responses and disrupted the integrity of the cytoskeleton. This disruption was reversible by Ca2+ or Mg2+. Additionally, the effect of trifluoperazine was reversible by light. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide kinases, potently inhibited chloroplast responses but did not influence the actin cytoskeleton at the same concentration. Also this inhibition was reversed by Ca2+ and Mg2+. Magnesium ions were equally or more effective than Ca2+ in restoring chloroplast motility after treatment with EGTA, trifluoperazine or wortmannin.

Conclusion
The architecture of the actin cytoskeleton in the mesophyll of tobacco is significantly modulated by strong light. This modulation does not affect the direction of chloroplast redistribution in the cell. Calcium ions have multiple functions in the mechanism of the movements. Our results suggest also that Mg2+ is a regulatory molecule cooperating with Ca2+ in the signaling pathway of blue light-induced tobacco chloroplast movements.
Genetic variation in Fcγ receptor IIa and risk of coronary heart disease: negative results from two large independent populations
Authors: Karakas Mahir , Hoffmann Michael M , Vollmert Caren , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Meisinger Christa , Winkelmann Bernhard , Khuseyinova Natalie , Böhm Bernhard O , Illig Thomas , März Winfried , Koenig Wolfgang 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe role of the Fcγ receptor IIa (FcγRIIa), a receptor for C-reactive protein (CRP), the classical acute phase protein, in atherosclerosis is not yet clear. We sought to investigate the association of FcγRIIa genotype with risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in two large population-based samples.MethodsFcγRIIa-R/H131 polymorphisms were determined in a population of 527 patients with a history of myocardial infarction and 527 age and gender matched controls drawn from a population-based MONICA- Augsburg survey. In the LURIC population, 2227 patients with angiographically proven CHD, defined as having at least one stenosis ≥ 50%, were compared with 1032 individuals with stenosis <50%.ResultsIn both populations genotype frequencies of the FcγRIIa gene did not show a significant departure from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. FcγRIIa R(-131) → H genotype was not independently associated with lower risk of CHD after multivariable adjustments, neither in the MONICA population (odds ratio (OR) 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 1.44), nor in LURIC (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.81 to 1.14).ConclusionOur results do not confirm an independent relationship between FcγRIIa genotypes and risk of CHD in these populations.
Diagnostic problems with parasitic and non-parasitic splenic cysts
Authors: Adas Gokhan , Karatepe Oguzhan , Altiok Merih , Battal Muharrem , Bender Omer , Ozcan Deniz , Karahan Servet 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe splenic cysts constitute a very rare clinical entity. They may occur secondary to trauma or even being more seldom due to parasitic infestations, mainly caused by ecchinocccus granulosus. Literature lacks a defined concencus including the treatment plans and follow up strategies, nor long term results of the patients. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnosis, management of patients with parasitic and non-parasitic splenic cysts together with their long term follow up progresses.MethodsTwenty-four patients with splenic cysts have undergone surgery in our department over the last 9 years. Data from eighteen of the twenty-four patients were collected prospectively, while data from six were retrospectively collected. All patients were assessed in terms of age, gender, hospital stay, preoperative diagnosis, additional disease, serology, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), cyst recurrences and treatment.ResultsIn this study, the majority of patients presented with abdominal discomfort and palpable swelling in the left hypochondrium. All patients were operated on electively. The patients included 14 female and 10 male patients, with a mean age of 44.77 years (range 20–62). Splenic hydatid cysts were present in 16 patients, one of whom also had liver hydatid cysts (6.25%). Four other patients were operated on for a simple cyst (16%) two patients for an epithelial cyst, and the last two for splenic lymphangioma. Of the 16 patients diagnosed as having splenic hydatit cysts, 11 (68.7%) were correctly diagnosed. Only two of these patients were administered benzimidazole therapy pre-operatively because of the risk of multicystic disease The mean follow-up period was 64 months (6–108). There were no recurrences of splenic cysts.ConclusionSurgeons should keep in mind the possibility of a parasitic cyst when no definitive alternative diagnosis can be made. In the treatment of splenic hydatidosis, benzimidazole therapy is not necessary, although it is crucial to perform splenectomy without rupturing and spilling the cysts.
Heme and menaquinone induced electron transport in lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Brooijmans Rob , Smit Bart , Santos Filipe , van Riel Jan , de Vos Willem M , Hugenholtz Jeroen 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
For some lactic acid bacteria higher biomass production as a result of aerobic respiration has been reported upon supplementation with heme and menaquinone. In this report, we have studied a large number of species among lactic acid bacteria for the existence of this trait.

Results
Heme- (and menaquinone) stimulated aerobic growth was observed for several species and genera of lactic acid bacteria. These include Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacilllus brevis, Lactobacillus paralimentarius, Streptococcus entericus and Lactococcus garviae. The increased biomass production without further acidification, which are respiration associated traits, are suitable for high-throughput screening as demonstrated by the screening of 8000 Lactococcus lactis insertion mutants. Respiration-negative insertion-mutants were found with noxA, bd-type cytochrome and menaquinol biosynthesis gene-disruptions. Phenotypic screening and in silico genome analysis suggest that respiration can be considered characteristic for certain species.

Conclusion
We propose that the cyd-genes were present in the common ancestor of lactic acid bacteria, and that multiple gene-loss events best explains the observed distribution of these genes among the species.
The effect of dietary red palm oil on the functional recovery of the ischaemic/reperfused isolated rat heart: the involvement of the PI3-Kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Engelbrecht Anna-Mart , Odendaal Louise , Du Toit Eugene F , Kupai Kristina , Csont Tamás , Ferdinandy Peter , van Rooyen Jacques 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
We have previously shown that dietary red palm oil (RPO) supplementation improves functional recovery in hearts subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion-induced injury. Unfortunately, the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon are still poorly understood and no knowledge exists regarding the effects of RPO supplementation on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K) signaling pathway and apoptosis during ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Therefore, the aims of the present study were three fold: (i) to establish the effect of RPO on the functional recovery of the heart after ischaemia/reperfuion injury; (ii) to determine the effect of the PI3-K pathway in RPO-induced protection with the aid of an inhibitor (wortmannin); and (iii) to evaluate apoptosis in our model. Wistar rats were fed a standard rat chow control diet or a control diet plus 7 g RPO/kg for six weeks. Hearts were excised and mounted on a Langendorff perfusion apparatus. Mechanical function was measured after a 25 min period of total global ischaemia followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. Hearts subjected to the same conditions were freeze-clamped for biochemical analysis at 10 min during reperfusion to determine the involvement of the PI3-Kinase signaling pathway and apoptosis in our model. Dietary RPO supplementation significantly increased % rate pressure product recovery during reperfusion (71.0 ± 6.3% in control vs 92.36 ± 4.489% in RPO; p < 0.05). The % rate pressure product recovery was significantly reduced when wortmannin was added during perfusion (92.36 ± 4.489% in the RPO group vs 75.21 ± 5.26% in RPO + Wm). RPO + Wm also significantly attenuated PI3-K induction compared with the RPO group (59.2 ± 2.8 pixels in RPO vs 37.9 ± 3.4 pixels in RPO + Wm). We have also demonstrated that PI3-K inhibition induced PARP cleavage (marker of apoptosis) in the hearts during ischaemia/reperfusion injury and that RPO supplementation counteracted this effect.
Automated detection of residual cells after sex-mismatched stem-cell transplantation – evidence for presence of disease-marker negative residual cells
Authors: Erlecke Jörn , Hartmann Isabell , Hoffmann Martin , Kroll Torsten , Starke Heike , Heller Anita , Gloria Alexander , Sayer Herbert G , Johannes Tilman , Claussen Uwe , Liehr Thomas , Loncarevic Ivan F 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
A new chimerism analysis based on automated interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) evaluation was established to detect residual cells after allogene sex-mismatched bone marrow or blood stem-cell transplantation.
Cells of 58 patients were characterized as disease-associated due to presence of a bcr/abl-gene-fusion or a trisomy 8 and/or a simultaneous hybridization of gonosome-specific centromeric probes. The automatic slide scanning platform Metafer with its module MetaCyte was used to analyse 3,000 cells per sample.

Results
Overall 454 assays of 58 patients were analyzed. 13 of 58 patients showed residual recipient cells at one stage of more than 4% and 12 of 58 showed residual recipient cells less than 4%, respectively. As to be expected, patients of the latter group were associated with a higher survival rate (48 vs. 34 month). In only two of seven patients with disease-marker positive residual cells between 0.1–1.3% a relapse was observed. Besides, disease-marker negative residual cells were found in two patients without relapse at a rate of 2.8% and 3.3%, respectively.

Conclusion
The definite origin and meaning of disease-marker negative residual cells is still unclear. Overall, with the presented automatic chimerism analysis of interphase FISH slides, a sensitive method for detection of disease-marker positive residual cells is on hand.