bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential Predictability of Interannual Variability in the Kuroshio Extension Jet Speed in an Eddy-Resolving OGCM
Authors: Nonaka Masami , Sasaki Hideharu , Taguchi Bunmei , Nakamura Hisashi 
Published: March 2012

AbstractVariability in the Kuroshio Extension (KE) jet speed has been considered to impact the upper-ocean ecosystem. This study investigates potential predictability of interannual variability in the KE jet speed that could arise from the propagation time of wind-driven Rossby waves as suggested by previous studies, through prediction experiments with an eddy-resolving ocean general circulation model (OGCM) under the perfect-model assumption. Despite the small number of experiments available because of limited computational resources, the prediction experiments with no anomalous atmospheric forcing suggest some predictability for not only broad-scale sea surface height anomalies (SSHAs) but also the frontal-scale KE jet speed. The predictability is confirmed in a 60-yr hindcast OGCM integration as a significantly high correlation (r = 0.68) of 13-month running mean time series of the anomalous KE jet speed with SSHAs that appear in the central North Pacific Ocean 3 yr earlier. Although with fewer degrees of freedom, the same lag relationship can be found between satellite-measured SSHAs and the geostrophically derived KE jet speed.
Convection and Rapid Filamentation in Typhoon Sinlaku during TCS-08/T-PARC
Authors: Kuo Hung-Chi , Chang Chih-Pei , Liu Ching-Hwang 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
This study examines the convection and rapid filamentation in Typhoon Sinlaku (2008) using the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) P-3 aircraft data collected during the Tropical Cyclone Structure 2008 (TCS-08) and The Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment (THORPEX) Pacific Asian Regional Campaign (T-PARC) field experiments. The high-resolution aircraft radar and wind data are used to directly compute the filamentation time, to allow an investigation into the effect of filamentation on convection. During the reintensification stage, some regions of deep convection near the eyewall are found in the vorticity-dominated area where there is little filamentation. In some other parts of the eyewall and the outer spiral rainband region, including areas of upward motion, the filamentation process appears to suppress deep convection. However, the magnitude of the suppression differs greatly in the two regions. In the outer spiral band region, which is about 200 km from the center, the suppression is much more effective, such that the ratio of the deep convective regime occurrence over the stratiform regime varies from around 50% (200%) for filamentation time shorter (longer) than 24 min. In the eyewall cloud region where the conditions are conducive to deep convection, the filamentation effect may be quite limited. While effect of filamentation suppression is only about 10%, it is still systematic and conspicuous for filamentation times shorter than 19 min. The results suggest the possible importance of vortex-scale filamentation dynamics in suppressing deep convection and organizing spiral bands, which may affect the development and evolution of tropical cyclones.
The individual and contextual impact of a school-based exhibition for AIDS prevention: A mixed methodology approach
Authors: Menezes Isabel , Ribeiro Norberto , Cabral-Gouveia Carmo 
Published: March 2012

Objective: To consider the short- and medium-term impact of a school-based exhibition of prevention materials designed by adolescents in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) knowledge and attitudes and in the school’s involvement in health education. Design: Mixed-methodology that combines quantitative and qualitative methods to consider short- and medium-term impact of a school-based HIV prevention project. Setting: Thirteen basic and secondary schools across Portugal, randomly selected. Method: A one-group pre–posttest design study in 13 schools addressing changes in adolescents’ HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes as mediated by gender and age, followed by a replicated field study design. Expert interviews and focus groups with teachers, school staff, students, and parents to explore medium-term impact. Results: The project was effective in promoting students’ AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes, especially for girls and younger adolescents. The project also inspired the participating schools to develop initiatives in the field of AIDS education. Conclusions: The paper demonstrates how AIDS education in the school context can be effective, but research must guarantee the quality of data collection instruments, consider the diversity and heterogeneity of adolescents as a target group, and disseminate the project’s results in the school’s context.
Feasibility of mitral valve surgery using minimal extracorporeal circulation
Authors: Sjatskig J , Yilmaz A , van Boven JW , Sonker U , Waanders FG , Kloppenburg GTL 
Published: March 2012

Aim: Using minimal extracorporeal circulation (MECC) in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting or aortic valve replacement has been proven to be safe, feasible and superior compared to standard cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in terms of postoperative complications, total hospital stay and blood product transfusions. This feasibility study evaluates the clinical outcomes of mitral valve surgery performed with MECC. Methods: From March 2006 to January 2011, seventy-five patients who underwent mitral valve surgery performed with MECC (n=75) in our institution were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic characteristics, operative data and clinical outcomes were collected in a prospectively designed database. Results: The mean age was 68.8 ± 10.2 years with a EuroSCORE of 7.0 ± 2.3. Thirty-seven patients had a moderate left ventricular function (with a range of 30-40%). All patients except two had severe mitral valve incompetence (MI). Surgery was successful in all procedures. The mean duration of surgery was 210 ± 44 min (range 118-356 min). The mean CPB time was 128 ± 30 (range 67-249) min. The cross-clamp time was 99 ± 26 (range 48-205) min. There were no intraoperative perfusion problems or airlocks reported. The mean intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay was two days. Subsequent analysis showed a first postoperative haemoglobin value of 9.4 g/dL ± 1.7. There were no peroperative neurological complications. One patient developed an ischaemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA) on the forth postoperative day due to inadequate anticoagulation. Other postoperative complications included eight patients with pneumonia, one superficial wound infection, temporary renal insufficiency in two patients and four patients needed re-exploration for excessive postoperative leakage. Overall in-hospital mortality was four percent. Conclusion: Our results show, for the first time, that isolated or combined mitral valve surgery using MECC is feasible and safe.
The views of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on advance care planning: A qualitative study
Authors: MacPherson Anna , Walshe Catherine , O’Donnell Valerie , Vyas Aashish 
Published: March 2012

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of death worldwide and there are concerns that end-of-life care for these patients is inadequate. Advance care planning is encouraged, with the hope that it will improve communication and avoid unwanted interventions, which have been particular concerns; in practice, these discussions rarely occur. We have little knowledge of the views of patients with COPD on advance care planning. Understanding this could help integrate advance care planning into the routine management of patients with COPD. Aim: To explore the views of people with severe COPD about advance care planning. Design: Qualitative design, with data collection incorporating audio recorded semi-structured interviews. Analysis followed a grounded theory approach. Setting/participants: Patients with severe COPD ( n =10, Gold Standards Framework criteria) were recruited from primary and secondary care settings. Results: Participants felt they had not been given enough information about their diagnosis and prognosis, and were keen for more discussion with healthcare professionals. They wanted more involvement in decisions about their treatment when those decisions were required. Participants were happy to discuss their general views about future care, but felt uncomfortable with the traditional model of binding ‘advance directives’. Conclusions: Considering advance care planning as a repeated process of discussion of prognosis, concerns and probable preferences for care would be more useful than encouraging binding advance decisions. Further research should assess the effectiveness of this approach. Local coordination of who is responsible for information provision is needed, and greater involvement of patients with COPD in management decisions as they arise.
Nonoxidative thermal degradation kinetic of polyamide 6,6 reinforced with carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ribeiro B , Nohara LB , Oishi SS , Costa ML , Botelho EC 
Published: March 2012

The thermal degradation of the polyamide 6,6 (abbreviated henceforth as PA 6,6) reinforced with different concentrations of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was investigated by means of thermal analysis. In this study, the nanostructured composites were produced using 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 wt% of CNT. X-ray diffraction analyses were performed in order to evaluate the crystallographic properties of nanostructured composite. The degradation kinetics of PA 6,6/CNT nanostructured composites were measured by thermogravimetric analysis at different heating rates under nitrogen flow. TGA experiments were performed to elucidate the thermal behavior and supply the data that characterize the degradation kinetic. The degradation parameter kinetics was determined using the Ozawa–Wall–Flynn (O-W-F) methods, which do not require knowledge of the reaction mechanism. In this work, the results show that the addition of CNT up to the amount of 0.5 wt% increases the thermal stability of PA 6,6.
Preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol)/clay hydrogel through freezing and thawing followed by electron beam irradiation for the treatment of wastewater
Authors: Ibrahim Sayeda M , El-Naggar Amal A 
Published: March 2012

In this work, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/clay hydrogel based on various ratios of clay (20%, 50%, and 60%) were prepared using freezing and thawing techniques followed by electron beam (EB) irradiation at different irradiation doses (20, 25, and 30 kGy). The physicochemical property of such hydrogel in terms of gel fraction (%) and water uptake (%) was investigated. The structure and property of the hydrogel were investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Thermal property was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicated that the gel fraction (%) increases on increasing the clay content in the hydrogel at all irradiation doses. The results obtained by XRD and SEM show an intercalation and exfoliation between PVA and clay. The occurrence of one Tg and Tm of the hydrogel indicates the presence of complete miscibility between PVA and clay. Also, the prepared hydrogel exhibit high thermal stability by increasing clay content in the hydrogel. It was found that the prepared PVA/clay hydrogel has a high water uptake, making it acceptable for the use in treatment of wastewater from heavy and toxic metal ions and dye wastes.
Effect of diisocyanates on the properties and morphology of epoxy/polyurethane interpenetrating polymer networks
Authors: Bakar M , Hausnerova B , Kostrzewa M 
Published: March 2012

The present work investigates the effect of epoxy resin (EP) modification with polyurethanes (PURs) based on polyethylene glycol and two different diisocyanates: 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI). The impact strength of the material based on 15 wt% PUR with TDI was enhanced by 130%, while the critical stress intensity factor and the flexural strength of epoxy composition based on 5 wt% PUR with MDI increased by approximately 140% in comparison with unmodified EP. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the occurrence of chemical reaction between the hydroxyl groups of EP and isocyanate groups of PUR, explaining the improvement in the mechanical properties of EP. Moreover, scanning electron micrographs showed a rough surface with plastic yielding and several microcracks in the compositions containing TDI-based PUR and deformed leaf-like morphology with more elongated structure for the EP modified with MDI-based PUR.
The miR-17-92 cluster expands multipotent hematopoietic progenitors whereas imbalanced expression of its individual oncogenic miRNAs promotes leukemia in mice
Authors: Li Yanmei , Vecchiarelli-Federico Laura M. , Li You-Jun , Egan Sean E. , Spaner David , Hough Margaret R. , Ben-David Yaacov 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The miR-17-92 cluster and its 6 encoded miRNAs are frequently amplified and aberrantly expressed in various malignancies. This study demonstrates that retroviral-mediated miR-17-92 overexpression promotes expansion of multipotent hematopoietic progenitors in mice. Cell lines derived from these miR-17-92–overexpressing mice are capable of myeloid and lymphoid lineage differentiation, and recapitulate the normal lymphoid phenotype when transplanted to nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice. However, overexpression of individual miRNAs from this locus, miR-19a or miR-92a, results in B-cell hyperplasia and erythroleukemia, respectively. Coexpression of another member of this cluster miR-17, with miR-92a, abrogates miR-92a–induced erythroleukemogenesis. Accordingly, we identified several novel miR-92a and miR-17 target genes regulating erythroid survival and proliferation, including p53. Expression of this critical target results in marked growth inhibition of miR-92a erythroleukemic cells. In both murine and human leukemias, p53 inactivation contributed to the selective overexpression of oncogenic miR-92a and miR-19a, and down-regulation of tumor-suppressive miR-17. This miR-17-92 expression signature was also detected in p53− B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients displaying an aggressive clinical phenotype. These results revealed that imbalanced miR-17-92 expression, also mediated by p53, directly transforms the hematopoietic compartment. Thus examination of such miRNA expression signatures should aid in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers displaying miR-17-92 gene amplification.
Progression in smoldering Waldenström macroglobulinemia: long-term results
Authors: Kyle Robert A. , Benson Joanne T. , Larson Dirk R. , Therneau Terry M. , Dispenzieri Angela , Kumar Shaji , Melton L. Joseph , Rajkumar S. Vincent 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to define the risk of progression and survival of patients with smoldering Waldenström macroglobulinemia (SWM). SWM is defined clinically as having a serum monoclonal IgM protein ≥ 3 g/dL and/or ≥ 10% bone marrow lymphoplasmacytic infiltration but no evidence of end-organ damage (anemia, constitutional symptoms, hyperviscosity, lymphadenopathy, or hepatosplenomegaly). We searched a computerized database and reviewed the medical records of all patients at Mayo Clinic who fulfilled the criteria of SWM between 1974 and 1995. During 285 cumulative person-years of follow-up of the 48 patients with SWM (median, 15.4 years), 34 (71%) progressed to symptomatic Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) requiring treatment, one to primary amyloidosis, and one to lymphoma (total, 75%). The cumulative probability of progression to symptomatic WM, amyloidosis, or lymphoma was 6% at 1 year, 39% at 3 years, 59% at 5 years, and 68% at 10 years. The major risk factors for progression were percentage of lymphoplasmacytic cells in the bone marrow, size of the serum M-spike, and the hemoglobin value. Patients with SWM should be followed and not treated until symptomatic WM develops. Treatment on a clinical trial for those at greatest risk of progression should be considered.
Distinct mutations in STXBP2 are associated with variable clinical presentations in patients with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 5 (FHL5)
Authors: Pagel Julia , Beutel Karin , Lehmberg Kai , Koch Florian , Maul-Pavicic Andrea , Rohlfs Anna-Katharina , Al-Jefri Abdullah , Beier Rita , Bomme Ousager Lilian , Ehlert Karoline , Gross-Wieltsch Ute , Jorch Norbert , Kremens Bernhard , Pekrun Arnulf , Sparber-Sauer Monika , Mejstrikova Ester , Wawer Angela , Ehl Stephan , zur Stadt Udo , Janka Gritta 
Published: March 2012

AbstractFamilial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is a genetically determined hyperinflammatory syndrome caused by uncontrolled immune response mediated by T-lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages. STXBP2 mutations have recently been associated with FHL5. To better characterize the genetic and clinical spectrum of FHL5, we analyzed a cohort of 185 patients with suspected FHL for mutations in STXBP2. We detected biallelic mutations in 37 patients from 28 families of various ethnic origins. Missense mutations and mutations affecting 1 of the exon 15 splice sites were the predominant changes detectable in this cohort. Patients with exon 15 splice-site mutations (n = 13) developed clinical manifestations significantly later than patients with other mutations (median age, 4.1 year vs 2 months) and showed less severe impairment of degranulation and cytotoxic function of NK cells and CTLs. Patients with FHL5 showed several atypical features, including sensorineural hearing deficit, abnormal bleeding, and, most frequently, severe diarrhea that was only present in early-onset disease. In conclusion, we report the largest cohort of patients with FHL5 so far, describe an extended disease spectrum, and demonstrate for the first time a clear genotype-phenotype correlation.
Drug response in a genetically engineered mouse model of multiple myeloma is predictive of clinical efficacy
Authors: Chesi Marta , Matthews Geoffrey M. , Garbitt Victoria M. , Palmer Stephen E. , Shortt Jake , Lefebure Marcus , Stewart A. Keith , Johnstone Ricky W. , Bergsagel P. Leif 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The attrition rate for anticancer drugs entering clinical trials is unacceptably high. For multiple myeloma (MM), we postulate that this is because of preclinical models that overemphasize the antiproliferative activity of drugs, and clinical trials performed in refractory end-stage patients. We validate the Vk*MYC transgenic mouse as a faithful model to predict single-agent drug activity in MM with a positive predictive value of 67% (4 of 6) for clinical activity, and a negative predictive value of 86% (6 of 7) for clinical inactivity. We identify 4 novel agents that should be prioritized for evaluation in clinical trials. Transplantation of Vk*MYC tumor cells into congenic mice selected for a more aggressive disease that models end-stage drug-resistant MM and responds only to combinations of drugs with single-agent activity in untreated Vk*MYC MM. We predict that combinations of standard agents, histone deacetylase inhibitors, bromodomain inhibitors, and hypoxia-activated prodrugs will demonstrate efficacy in the treatment of relapsed MM.
Transcriptome landscape of the human placenta
Authors: Kim Jinsil , Zhao Keyan , Jiang Peng , Lu Zhi-xiang , Wang Jinkai , Murray Jeffrey C , Xing Yi 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
The placenta is a key component in understanding the physiological processes involved in pregnancy. Characterizing genes critical for placental function can serve as a basis for identifying mechanisms underlying both normal and pathologic pregnancies. Detailing the placental tissue transcriptome could provide a valuable resource for genomic studies related to placental disease.

Results
We have conducted a deep RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) study on three tissue components (amnion, chorion, and decidua) of 5 human placentas from normal term pregnancies. We compared the placental RNA-Seq data to that of 16 other human tissues and observed a wide spectrum of transcriptome differences both between placenta and other human tissues and between distinct compartments of the placenta. Exon-level analysis of the RNA-Seq data revealed a large number of exons with differential splicing activities between placenta and other tissues, and 79% (27 out of 34) of the events selected for RT-PCR test were validated. The master splicing regulator ESRP1 is expressed at a proportionately higher level in amnion compared to all other analyzed human tissues, and there is a significant enrichment of ESRP1-regulated exons with tissue-specific splicing activities in amnion. This suggests an important role of alternative splicing in regulating gene function and activity in specific placental compartments. Importantly, genes with differential expression or splicing in the placenta are significantly enriched for genes implicated in placental abnormalities and preterm birth. In addition, we identified 604-1007 novel transcripts and 494-585 novel exons expressed in each of the three placental compartments.

Conclusions
Our data demonstrate unique aspects of gene expression and splicing in placental tissues that provide a basis for disease investigation related to disruption of these mechanisms. These data are publicly available providing the community with a rich resource for placental physiology and disease-related studies.
Effects of probiotics and antibiotics on the intestinal homeostasis in a computer controlled model of the large intestine
Authors: Rehman Ateequr , Heinsen Femke-Anouska , Koenen Marjorie E , Venema Koen , Knecht Henrik , Hellmig Stephan , Schreiber Stefan , Ott Stephan J 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Antibiotic associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile infection are frequent complications of broad spectrum antibiotic therapy. Probiotic bacteria are used as therapeutic and preventive agents in these disorders, but the exact functional mechanisms and the mode of action are poorly understood. The effects of clindamycin and the probiotic mixture VSL#3 (containing the 8 bacterial strains Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus) consecutively or in combination were investigated and compared to controls without therapy using a standardized human fecal microbiota in a computer-controlled in vitro model of large intestine. Microbial metabolites (short chain fatty acids, lactate, branched chain fatty acids, and ammonia) and the intestinal microbiota were analyzed.

Results
Compared to controls and combination therapy, short chain fatty acids and lactate, but also ammonia and branched chain fatty acids, were increased under probiotic therapy. The metabolic pattern under combined therapy with antibiotics and probiotics had the most beneficial and consistent effect on intestinal metabolic profiles. The intestinal microbiota showed a decrease in several indigenous bacterial groups under antibiotic therapy, there was no significant recovery of these groups when the antibiotic therapy was followed by administration of probiotics. Simultaneous application of anti- and probiotics had a stabilizing effect on the intestinal microbiota with increased bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

Conclusions
Administration of VSL#3 parallel with the clindamycin therapy had a beneficial and stabilizing effect on the intestinal metabolic homeostasis by decreasing toxic metabolites and protecting the endogenic microbiota from destruction. Probiotics could be a reasonable strategy in prevention of antibiotic associated disturbances of the intestinal homeostasis and disorders.