bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted observations of a polar low in the Norwegian Sea
Authors: Irvine E. A. , Gray S. L. , Methven J. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA developing polar low is targeted with dropsonde observations to improve the forecast of its landfall. Accurately forecasting a polar low's strength and location remains a challenge; polar lows form over the ocean in poorly observed regions, therefore initial condition errors may contribute significantly to forecast error. The targeted polar low formed in the Norwegian Sea on 3 March 2008, during the Norwegian IPY‐THORPEX field campaign. Two flights, six hours apart, released dense networks of dropsondes into a sensitive region covering the polar low and Arctic front to its west. The impact of the targeted observations is assessed using the limited‐area Met Office Unified Model and three‐dimensional variational (3D‐Var) data assimilation scheme. Forecasts were verified using ECMWF analysis data, which show good agreement with both dropsonde data from a flight through the mature polar low, and 10 m QuikSCAT winds. The impact of the targeted data moved southwards with the polar low as it developed and then hit the Norwegian coast after 24 hours. The results show that the forecast of the polar low is sensitive to the initial conditions; targeted observations from the first flight did not improve the forecast, but those from the second flight clearly improved the forecast polar low position and intensity. However, caution should be applied to attributing the forecast improvement to the assimilation of the targeted observations from a single case‐study, especially in this case as the forecast improvement is moderate relative to the spread from an operational ensemble forecast. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Components Separation Technique Combined with a Double‐Mesh Repair for Large Midline Incisional Hernia Repair
Authors: Bröker Mirelle , Verdaasdonk Emiel , Karsten Tom 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe surgical treatment of large midline incisional hernias remains a challenge. The aim of this report is to present the results of a new technique for large midline incisional hernia repair which combines the components‐separation technique with a double‐prosthetic‐mesh repair.MethodsThe records of all consecutive patients who received a double‐mesh combined with the components‐separation technique for ventral hernia repair were reviewed. The clinical, surgical, and follow‐up data were analyzed.ResultsNine patients [3 women, 6 men; median age = 62 years (range = 26–77)] were included in the study. Median transverse defect size was 20 cm (range = 15–25). The median duration of hospital stay was 8 days (range = 5–17). Postoperative complications occurred in 66% (6/9). Follow‐up [median = 13 months (range = 3–49)] showed no recurrent hernias, but one patient had a small hernia after a relaparotomy for colon carcinoma recurrence. The overall occurrence of wound infections was 44% (4/9). There was no mortality.ConclusionThe components‐separation technique in combination with a double‐mesh has shown a low recurrence rate in the short‐term follow‐up. However, there is a considerable occurrence of postoperative wound infections. Long‐term results of the hernia recurrence rate have to be awaited.
Anemia of Renal Disease
Authors: Chalhoub Serge , Langston Cathy , Eatroff Adam 
Published: August 2011

Patient group It is estimated that 15–30% of geriatric cats will develop chronic kidney disease (CKD), and that 30–65% of these cats will develop anemia as their renal disease worsens. Anemia of renal disease is multifactorial in its pathogenesis, but the main cause is reduced production of erythropoietin, a renal hormone that controls the bone marrow's production of red blood cells, as kidney disease progresses. Practical relevance It is important to recognize the presence of anemia of renal disease so that adequate treatment may be instituted to improve quality of life and metabolic function. Erythrocyte-stimulating agents (ESAs), such as epoetin alfa, epoetin beta and darbepoetin alfa, have been developed to counteract the effects of decreased erythropoietin production by the kidneys. These treatments, which are the focus of this review, have 83% similarity in amino acid sequence to the feline hormone. On average, the target packed cell volume (>25%) is reached within 3–4 weeks of ESA therapy. Clinical challenges The use of ESAs has been associated with a number of complications, such as iron deficiency, hypertension, arthralgia, fever, seizures, polycythemia and pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). Darbepoetin has a prolonged half-life compared with epoetin and thus can be given only once a week, instead of three times a week. The incidence of PRCA appears to be decreased with darbepoetin use when compared with epoetin use in cats. Evidence base There is limited published evidence to date to underpin the use of ESAs in cats. This review draws on the relevant publications that currently exist, and the authors’ personal experience of using these therapies for over 5 years.
Cats and Calcium Oxalate
Authors: Palm Carrie A , Westropp Jodi L 
Published: August 2011

Practical relevance Calcium oxalate (CaOx) containing stones are among the most common of the urinary tract stones identified in cats. Risk factors Risk factors for CaOx stone formation include such things as breed, gender and diet; stress and obesity have also been hypothesized to be risk factors for this disease. Management approach A tailored, individual management strategy for preventing CaOx stone recurrence is important and should include addressing the diet, environment and any other comorbid conditions present. Increasing the cat's moisture intake is one of the key mechanisms for preventing recurrence. Clinical challenges CaOx ureterolithiasis has emerged as a difficult and sometimes life-threatening problem for cats. In those cats where stones are found incidentally, periodic monitoring may be required to assess for disease progression. Interventional procedures such as ureteral stent placements are now increasingly being performed for recurrent cases or those with larger stone burdens. Periodic radiographs for more severe cases and frequent client communication can help ensure successful outcomes for cats with lower and upper CaOx stone disease. Evidence base Limited evidence-based studies are published regarding management of feline upper and lower urinary tract CaOx stone disease, making this a difficult condition to manage in some cats. Studies designed to evaluate the relationship to dietary modifications, medical management, stress, obesity and surgical techniques are warranted in cats with upper and lower urinary tract CaOx stones.
Managing Cats with Cancer
Authors: Moore Antony S 
Published: August 2011

Ethical issues Caring for cancer patients presents many ethical issues for veterinarians and other veterinary health workers. The issues that most veterinarians think of relate to management of the patient when the owners’ preferences for treatment do not appear to be in the animal's best interest, as well as concerns about toxicities and about costs of veterinary services (advanced imaging, surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy). While not limited to the veterinary profession, we are more often faced with dilemmas about the appropriateness of palliative care and decisions about euthanasia than our medical colleagues. Equally important are the ethics of not treating patients, and the integration of unproven and alternative strategies into conventional care. A separate ethical issue arises from investigational therapies and research. Less often considered, but nonetheless relevant, are the ethics of suboptimal evaluation (staging) of patients prior to treatment, or of not informing owners about all the options available. Client communication Ethical veterinary care is intertwined with good client communication. Without good communication, it is impossible, for example, to gain informed consent; and without informed consent, the ethics of cancer treatment are uncertain. Goal This article, which draws in part on published research, where stated, and otherwise on the author's personal experiences/opinions and those of veterinary colleagues, is intended to provoke further thought and discussion on the ethics of caring for our cancer patients.
Smoothing for the Optimal Surface of a 3D Image Model of the Human Ossicles
Authors: Yu J.-F. , Chen C.-I. , Fan C.-L. , Chen C.-K. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTThis study assessed the optimal process for the surface smoothing of 3D image models of in vivo human ossicles. A 3D image model of the ossicles was reconstructed from high resolution computed tomography imaging data. Three smoothing methods including constrained smoothing, unconstrained smoothing and smoothsurface will be discussed. The volume of the 3D image model produced by unconstrained smoothing differed substantially from the original model volume prior to smoothing. Constrained smoothing had an uneven effect on the surface of the 3D image models. Using the smoothsurface module, we were able to obtain an optimal surface of the 3D image model of the human ossicles including the malleus, incus and stapes, using 20 iterations and a λ value of 0.6.
Projections from cingulate cortex to the cat’s thalamic reticular nucleus
Authors: FITZGIBBON THOMAS , KIKUCHI NICK 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe cingulate cortex (CG) and the adjacent region designated as the splenial visual area (SVA) project to areas of the extrageniculate thalamic system that are concerned with processing visual information. En route to the thalamus, they pass through the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), an important source of thalamic inhibition. We wished to determine whether SVA axon collaterals projected to the previously defined visual sector of the TRN or a separate projection zone and did this differ from the projection zone of CG. We iontophoretically injected different neuroanatomical tracers into several locations within CG/SVA and traced the labeled axons through the TRN. The CG and SVA have a projection zone that only partially overlaps the dorsorostral regions of the visuocortical projection zone; there was no evidence to suggest separate SVA and CG zones or tiers of label within the TRN. The projection formed only a weak topographic map in the TRN, which is largely defined in the rostrocaudal axis and is similar to that of the area 7 projection; both projections have a high degree of overlap in the dorsal TRN. We postulate that CG/SVA may be involved in the initiation of orientation behaviorsviastimulation of thalamic nuclei and attentional mechanisms of the TRN.
The divergent approaches of English and South African courts, when considering actuarial expert testimony in the matter of an award for damages for future loss of earnings after a damage-causing event
Authors: du Plessis H.L.M. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis paper analyses the driving forces behind the willingness of South African courts to hear actuarial expert testimony in even the most simple of cases, in contrast to the more circumspect approach of the English courts, when assessing the damages arising out of future loss of earnings following a damage-causing incident. The analysis may well add insight to members of other professions and scientific communities that provide expert testimony to the courts. It is argued that English substantive law of damages and those influenced by its application have something to gain from a consideration of the approach in South Africa.
Photoelectron spectroscopic and computational studies of the Pt@Pb101- and Pt@Pb121-/2- anions
Authors: Grubisic Andrej , Wang Haopeng , Li Xiang , Ko Yeon-Jae , Kocak F. Sanem , Pederson Mark R. , Bowen Kit H. , Eichhorn Bryan W. 
Published: August 2011

A combination of anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations has elucidated the geometric and electronic structure of gas-phase endohedral Pt/Pb cage cluster anions. The anions,

and

were prepared from “preassembled” clusters generated from crystalline samples of [K(2,2,2-crypt)]
2
[Pt @ Pb
12
] that were brought into the gas phase using a unique infrared desorption/photoemission anion source. The use of crystalline [K(2,2,2-crypt)]
2
[Pt @ Pb
12
] also provided access to K[Pt @ Pb

n

]
-
anions in the gas phase (i.e., the K
+
salts of the

anions). Anion photoelectron spectra of

,

, and K[Pt @ Pb
12
]
1-
are presented. Extensive density functional theory calculations on

and

provided candidate structures and anion photoelectron spectra for

and

. Together, the calculated and measured photoelectron spectra show that

and

endohedral complexes maintain their respective
D

4
d

and slightly distorted
I

h

symmetries in the gas phase even for the charge states with open shell character. Aside from the fullerenes, the

endohedral complex is the only bare cluster that has been structurally characterized in the solid state, solution, and the gas phase.
Separation of VUV/UV photons and reactive particles in the effluent of a He/O2atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Schneider S , Lackmann J-W , Narberhaus F , Bandow J E , Denis B , Benedikt J 
Published: August 2011

The incorrect surface density of bacteria (4 × 106cm-2) on the agar plate was given in the right column, line 16, on page 3 in section 3 'Substrate preparation'. The correct surface coverage was 2.2 × 103cm-2. This surface coverage was selected to obtain a homogeneous surface coverage after 18 hours of incubation at 37 °C. The term 'monolayer surface coverage' in the same section is used to stress the fact that there is no multilayer of bacteria during the treatment and that the shadowing effects can be neglected. However, the surface is not fully covered by one continuous layer of bacteria. This error and ambiguity in the use of the term 'monolayer surface coverage' does not affect the interpretation of the results and conclusions in the article.Additionally, the names of Volker Schulz-von der Gathen and Nikolas Knake have been misspelled in the 'Acknowledgments'. The authors apologize for any inconvenience and confusion they may have caused.
A new mechanism preventing proarrhythmia in chronic heart failure: rapid phase‐III repolarization explains the low proarrhythmic potential of amiodarone in contrast to sotalol in a model of pacing‐induced heart failure
Authors: Frommeyer Gerrit , Milberg Peter , Witte Patricia , Stypmann Jörg , Koopmann Matthias , Lücke Martin , Osada Nani , Breithardt Günter , Fehr Michael , Eckardt Lars 
Published: August 2011

AimsLife‐threatening arrhythmias are a major problem in chronic heart failure (CHF). The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism underlying the low proarrhythmic potential of amiodarone in a model of pacing‐induced heart failure.Methods and resultsHeart failure was induced in 35 female rabbits by rapid ventricular pacing, resulting in a significant decrease of ejection fraction. Thirty‐four rabbits were sham‐operated. In 17 of 35 CHF‐rabbits and 20 of 34 ‘sham’‐rabbits, amiodarone (50 mg/kg/day) was fed for 6 weeks. Eight monophasic action potentials and a simultaneously recorded 12‐lead electrocardiogram showed prolongation of QT‐interval and action potential duration (APD90) in all failing hearts (P< 0.05). Amiodarone pre‐treatment led to a prolongation of APD90 (+19 ms) as compared with sham‐controlled hearts but showed only a marginal effect on APD90 in failing hearts. Infusion of sotalol (50–100 µM) led to a significant prolongation of APD90 in sham and a further prolongation of APD90 in failing hearts [+55 ms (50 µM); +70 ms (100 µM); P< 0.01 as compared with sham hearts]. Sotalol led to a triangular action potential configuration in sham and failing hearts, whereas amiodarone did not cause triangularization but caused a rapid phase‐III repolarization. Moreover, amiodarone did not increase dispersion of repolarization either in sham or in failing hearts. Infusion of sotalol led to a significant increase in dispersion of repolarization in sham (+29 ms) and a further increase in failing hearts (+67 ms; P< 0.05).ConclusionChronic amiodarone results in a rapid phase‐III‐repolarization and does not increase dispersion of repolarization. These electrophysiological findings are present in healthy hearts and are preserved in heart failure. This contributes to the low proarrhythmic potential of amiodarone in heart failure.
Design and preliminary results of the Heart Function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia (HEARTS) in patients with acute and chronic heart failure†
Authors: AlHabib Khalid F. , Elasfar Abdelfatah A. , AlBackr Hanan , AlFaleh Hussam , Hersi Ahmad , AlShaer Fayez , Kashour Tarek , AlNemer Khalid , Hussein Gamal A. , Mimish Layth 
Published: August 2011

AimsThe heart function assessment registry trial in Saudi Arabia (HEARTS) is the first multicentre national quality improvement initiative in the Arab population to study the clinical features, management, and outcomes of inpatients admitted with acute heart failure (AHF) and outpatients with high‐risk chronic heart failure (HCHF).Methods and resultsWe conducted a prospective pilot phase for the registry that included consecutive patients with AHF and HCHF in five tertiary care hospitals in Saudi Arabia between October 2009 and December 2010. The study enrolled 1090 patients, 722 (66.2%) of whom were admitted with AHF and 368 (33.8%) had HCHF. The mean age ± SD of AHF patients was 60.6 ± 15.3 years; 65.2% were men, 55.3% were de novo heart failure, 60.7% had diabetes mellitus, 72.5% had moderate or severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, and 51.5% had coronary artery disease as the main aetiology. More than 80% of AHF and HCHF patients were treated with beta‐blockers and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers. Patients with HCHF had a similar clinical profile, but only one‐third had implantable cardioverter defibrillators. In‐hospital mortality was 5.3% for AHF patients and 7.5% at 30 days after hospital discharge.ConclusionHeart failure patients in Saudi Arabia present at a relatively younger age, have a much higher rate of diabetes mellitus, and predominantly have LV systolic dysfunction, which is mainly ischaemic in origin, compared with patients in developed countries. The preliminary results of the study show potential targets for improvement in care.
The effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy on left ventricular diastolic function assessed with speckle‐tracking echocardiography
Authors: Shanks Miriam , Antoni M. Louisa , Hoke Ulas , Bertini Matteo , Ng Arnold C.T. , Auger Dominique , Marsan Nina Ajmone , van Erven Lieselot , Holman Eduard R. , Schalij Martin J. , Bax Jeroen J. , Delgado Victoria 
Published: August 2011

AimsChanges in left ventricular (LV) diastolic function after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in relation to LV reverse remodelling and heart failure aetiology have not been extensively characterized. The aims of the study were to evaluate changes in LV diastolic function with speckle‐tracking echocardiography in relation to: (i) cardiac resynchronization therapy response (LV remodelling) and (ii) heart failure aetiology.Methods and resultsA total of 192 heart failure patients undergoing CRT implantation were evaluated. Speckle‐tracking echocardiography was performed before and 6 months after implantation and reliable analysis was obtained in 188 patients. Left ventricular diastolic function was assessed by measuring diastolic strain rate during the isovolumic relaxation period (SRIVR) and by calculating the ratio of peak transmitral E‐wave to SRIVR (E/SRIVR). Changes in LV diastolic parameters were evaluated in responders and non‐responders and in patients with ischaemic and non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Response to CRT was defined as ≥15% reduction in LV end‐systolic volume at 6 months follow‐up. One‐hundred and nine patients (58%) were defined as responders. Significant improvements in LV diastolic performance were observed in responders with improvement in SRIVR (from 0.14 ± 0.08 to 0.18 ± 0.12 s−1, P= 0.001) and E/SRIVR (from 834 ± 840 to 641 ± 612, P= 0.04). In addition, LV relaxation improved in patients with non‐ischaemic aetiology (SRIVR: from 0.15 ± 0.08 to 0.19 ± 0.13 s−1, P= 0.004). In contrast, LV relaxation did not improve in non‐responders and in patients with ischaemic heart disease.ConclusionsNovel diastolic strain rate indices are useful for evaluating changes in LV diastolic function after CRT. Improvement in diastolic function was only observed in responders to CRT and patients with non‐ischaemic aetiology.
Generation of Human Fab Antibody Libraries: PCR Amplification and Assembly of Light- and Heavy-Chain Coding Sequences
Authors: Andris-Widhopf Jennifer , Steinberger Peter , Fuller Roberta , Rader Christoph , Barbas Carlos F. 
Published: August 2011

INTRODUCTIONThe development of therapeutic antibodies for use in the treatment of human diseases has long been a goal for many researchers in the antibody field. One way to obtain these antibodies is through phage-display libraries constructed from human lymphocytes. This protocol describes the construction of human Fab (fragment antigen binding) antibody libraries. In this method, the individual rearranged heavy- and light-chain variable regions are amplified separately and are linked through a series of overlap polymerase chain reaction (PCR) steps to give the final Fab products that are used for cloning.
Live Cell Imaging of Yeast
Authors: Rines Daniel R. , Thomann Dominik , Dorn Jonas F. , Goodwin Paul , Sorger Peter K. 
Published: August 2011

INTRODUCTIONThe development of cloning vectors for green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the simplicity of yeast reverse genetics allow straightforward labeling of yeast proteins in living cells. Budding and fission yeast are therefore attractive organisms in which to study dynamic cellular processes such as growth, cell division, and morphogenesis using live cell fluorescence microscopy. This article focuses on methods to culture, mount, and observe budding yeast cells using three-dimensional (3D) microscopy, but the methods are broadly applicable to other types of cells and other imaging techniques. The emphasis is on 3D imaging, because yeast cells are roughly spherical, and most organelles in yeast move in three dimensions. Three-dimensional imaging also makes it possible to apply image restoration methods (e.g., deconvolution) to obtain sharper images with better definition. This is important, because yeast cells are small (haploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells have a diameter of ~4–5 µm) relative to the resolution of even the best optical microscope (~0.25 µm).
Stress-Responsive Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Interact with the EAR Motif of a Poplar Zinc Finger Protein and Mediate Its Degradation through the 26S Proteasome
Authors: Hamel Louis-Philippe , Benchabane Meriem , Nicole Marie-Claude , Major Ian T. , Morency Marie-Josée , Pelletier Gervais , Beaudoin Nathalie , Sheen Jen , Séguin Armand 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) contribute to the establishment of plant disease resistance by regulating downstream signaling components, including transcription factors. In this study, we identified MAPK-interacting proteins, and among the newly discovered candidates was a Cys-2/His-2-type zinc finger protein named PtiZFP1. This putative transcription factor belongs to a family of transcriptional repressors that rely on an ERF-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif for their repression activity. Amino acids located within this repression motif were also found to be essential for MAPK binding. Close examination of the primary protein sequence revealed a functional bipartite MAPK docking site that partially overlaps with the EAR motif. Transient expression assays in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) protoplasts suggest that MAPKs promote PtiZFP1 degradation through the 26S proteasome. Since features of the MAPK docking site are conserved among other EAR repressors, our study suggests a novel mode of defense mechanism regulation involving stress-responsive MAPKs and EAR repressors.