bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impacts of Multiscale Weather Systems on Freezing Rain and Snowstorms over Southern China
Authors: Sun Jianhua , Zhao Sixiong 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
This paper investigated the interactions between the synoptic patterns, quasi-stationary fronts, eastward-propagating cloud clusters from the Tibetan Plateau, surface conditions, and atmospheric stratification processes associated with a 20-day event of freezing precipitation over southern China from January to February 2008. It was found that the long duration of the freezing precipitation process was primarily caused by stationary and anomalous synoptic weather patterns such as a blocking high pressure system in the northern branch and a trough in the south branch of the westerlies, which resulted in the convergence of cold air from northern China and warm, moist air from the south. The cloud clusters over the Tibetan Plateau propagated eastward and showed noticeable impacts in the local areas when they moved over southern China during several similar cloud propagation processes from January to February 2008. An east–west-oriented quasi-stationary front system in southern China, which is rare during the Asian winter monsoon season, is responsible for producing freezing precipitation and snowstorms. A stronger horizontal gradient of the isolines of the pseudo-equivalent potential temperature and higher temperatures at the inversion layer in the western part of the front than that in its eastern part can be found. At the same time, low-level moisture convergence ahead of the front enhanced the formation, development, and persistence of freezing precipitation in the west part of the front. The thickness of the warm layer and the temperature inversion layer also modulated the intensity and duration of freezing rain and ice pellets. Temperature from about −1° to −3°C and weak winds were found to be favorable meteorological factors at the surface level for freezing precipitation. These analysis results are synthesized into a conceptual model that coherently describes the physics processes associated with the synoptic features and quasi-stationary front system as well as the atmospheric stratification process during the freezing precipitation event.
Evaluation of the National Hurricane Center’s Tropical Cyclone Wind Speed Probability Forecast Product
Authors: Splitt Michael E. , Shafer Jaclyn A. , Lazarus Steven M. , Roeder William P. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
A tropical cyclone (TC) wind speed probability forecast product developed at the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) and adopted by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is evaluated for U.S. land-threatening and landfalling events over four hurricane seasons from 2004 to 2007. A key element of this work is the discernment of risk associated with the interval forecast probabilities for the three wind speed categories (i.e., 34, 50, and 64 kt, where 1 kt = 0.52 m s−1). A quantitative assessment of the interval probabilities (0–12, 12–24, 24–36, 36–48, 48–72, 72–96, and 96–120 h) is conducted by converting them into binary (yes–no) forecasts using decision thresholds that are selected using the true skill statistic (TSS) and the Heidke skill score (HSS). The NHC product performs well as both the HSS and TSS demonstrate skill out to the 48–72- and 72–120-h intervals, respectively. Overall, reliability diagrams and bias scores indicate that the NHC product has a tendency to overforecast event likelihood for cases where the forecast probabilities exceed 60%. Specifically, the NHC product tends to overforecast for the 34-kt category but underforecasts for the 64-kt category, especially at later forecast intervals. Results for the 50-kt category are mixed but also exhibit a tendency to underforecast during the latter intervals. Decision thresholds range from 1% to 55% depending on the selection method, wind speed category, and time interval. Given that the average forecast probabilities decrease with forecast hour, small forecast probabilities may be meaningful. The HSS is recommended over the TSS for decision threshold selection because the use of the TSS introduces significant bias and the HSS is less sensitive to filtering of correct negatives.
Mechanical Stability of the Subtalar Joint After Lateral Ligament Sectioning and Ankle Brace Application
Authors: Kamiya Tomoaki , Kura Hideji , Suzuki Daisuke , Uchiyama Eiichi , Fujimiya Mineko , Yamashita Toshihiko 
Published: August 2009

Background The roles of each ligament supporting the subtalar joint have not been clarified despite several biomechanical studies. The effects of ankle braces on subtalar instability have not been shown. Hypothesis The ankle brace has a partial effect on restricting excessive motion of the subtalar joint. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Ten normal fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were used. The angular motions of the talus were measured via a magnetic tracking system. The specimens were tested while inversion and eversion forces, as well as internal and external rotation torques, were applied. The calcaneofibular ligament, cervical ligament, and interosseous talocalcaneal ligament were sectioned sequentially, and the roles of each ligament, as well as the stabilizing effects of the ankle brace, were examined. Results Complete sectioning of the ligaments increased the angle between the talus and calcaneus in the frontal plane to 51.7° ± 11.8° compared with 35.7° ± 6.0° in the intact state when inversion force was applied. There was a statistically significant difference in the angles between complete sectioning of the ligaments and after application of the brace (34.1° ± 7.3°) when inversion force was applied. On the other hand, significant differences in subtalar rotation were not found between complete sectioning of the ligaments and application of the brace when internal and external rotational torques were applied. Conclusion The ankle brace limited inversion of the subtalar joint, but it did not restrict motion after application of internal or external rotational torques. Clinical Relevance In cases of severe ankle sprains involving the calcaneofibular ligament, cervical ligament, and interosseous talocalcaneal ligament injuries, application of an ankle brace might be less effective in limiting internal-external rotational instabilities than in cases of inversion instabilities in the subtalar joint. An improvement in the design of the brace is needed to restore better rotational stability in the subtalar joint.
Routines in medication management: the perspective of people with chronic conditions
Authors: Haslbeck Jörg W. , Schaeffer Doris 
Published: August 2009

Objective: To focus on the challenges and problems of medication management in everyday life experienced by people with chronic conditions, giving special attention to chronic illness trajectories. Methods: Using a grounded theory approach, in-depth and follow-up interviews with 27 chronically ill people were conducted and analysed. Results: From the perspective of people with chronic conditions, the main challenge in everyday medication management was to develop, maintain, and adjust routines. Routines were affected by the chronic illness trajectory and a variety of barriers. Developing and adjusting routines was further complicated by inadequate information and counselling, asymmetric relationships and communication with healthcare professionals, restrictive healthcare conditions, increasing complexities in medication regimens as well as healthcare professionals’ lack of interest in the problems of chronically ill people balancing their chronic condition and medication regimen in everyday life. Discussion: Chronically ill persons have to deal with numerous difficulties in everyday medication management on their own. They are often overwhelmed by problems related to both their medication regimen and their routines in medication (self-) management. Thus, they require individualized long-term self-management support. Future research should address the dynamic nature of chronic illness trajectories and focus on later phases of chronic conditions.
Comparison of next generation sequencing technologies for transcriptome characterization
Authors: Wall P Kerr , Leebens-Mack Jim , Chanderbali André S , Barakat Abdelali , Wolcott Erik , Liang Haiying , Landherr Lena , Tomsho Lynn P , Hu Yi , Carlson John E , Ma Hong , Schuster Stephan C , Soltis Douglas E , Soltis Pamela S , Altman Naomi , dePamphilis Claude W 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
We have developed a simulation approach to help determine the optimal mixture of sequencing methods for most complete and cost effective transcriptome sequencing. We compared simulation results for traditional capillary sequencing with "Next Generation" (NG) ultra high-throughput technologies. The simulation model was parameterized using mappings of 130,000 cDNA sequence reads to the Arabidopsis genome (NCBI Accession SRA008180.19). We also generated 454-GS20 sequences and de novo assemblies for the basal eudicot California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) and the magnoliid avocado (Persea americana) using a variety of methods for cDNA synthesis.

Results
The Arabidopsis reads tagged more than 15,000 genes, including new splice variants and extended UTR regions. Of the total 134,791 reads (13.8 MB), 119,518 (88.7%) mapped exactly to known exons, while 1,117 (0.8%) mapped to introns, 11,524 (8.6%) spanned annotated intron/exon boundaries, and 3,066 (2.3%) extended beyond the end of annotated UTRs. Sequence-based inference of relative gene expression levels correlated significantly with microarray data. As expected, NG sequencing of normalized libraries tagged more genes than non-normalized libraries, although non-normalized libraries yielded more full-length cDNA sequences. The Arabidopsis data were used to simulate additional rounds of NG and traditional EST sequencing, and various combinations of each. Our simulations suggest a combination of FLX and Solexa sequencing for optimal transcriptome coverage at modest cost. We have also developed ESTcalc http://fgp.huck.psu.edu/NG_Sims/ngsim.pl, an online webtool, which allows users to explore the results of this study by specifying individualized costs and sequencing characteristics.

Conclusion
NG sequencing technologies are a highly flexible set of platforms that can be scaled to suit different project goals. In terms of sequence coverage alone, the NG sequencing is a dramatic advance over capillary-based sequencing, but NG sequencing also presents significant challenges in assembly and sequence accuracy due to short read lengths, method-specific sequencing errors, and the absence of physical clones. These problems may be overcome by hybrid sequencing strategies using a mixture of sequencing methodologies, by new assemblers, and by sequencing more deeply. Sequencing and microarray outcomes from multiple experiments suggest that our simulator will be useful for guiding NG transcriptome sequencing projects in a wide range of organisms.
The Toll-Like receptor adaptor TRIF contributes to otitis media pathogenesis and recovery
Authors: Leichtle Anke , Hernandez Michelle , Pak Kwang , Webster Nicholas J , Wasserman Stephen I , Ryan Allen F 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundToll-like receptor (TLR) signalling is crucial for innate immune responses to infection. The involvement of TLRs in otitis media (OM), the most prevalent childhood disease in developed countries, has been implicated by studies in middle ear cell lines, by association studies of TLR-related gene polymorphisms, and by altered OM in mice bearing mutations in TLR genes. Activated TLRs signal via two alternative intracellular signaling molecules with differing effects; MyD88 (Myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88) inducing primarily interleukin expression and TRIF (Tir-domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon β) mediating type I interferon (IFN) expression. We tested the hypothesis that TRIF and type I IFN signaling play a role in OM, using a murine model of OM induced by non-typeableHaemophilus influenzae(NTHi). The ME inflammatory response to NTHi was examined in wild-type (WT) and TRIF-/- mice by qPCR, gene microarray, histopathology and bacterial culture.ResultsExpression of TRIF mRNA was only modesty enhanced during OM, but both type I IFN signalling genes and type I IFN-inducible genes were significantly up-regulated in WT mice. TRIF-deficient mice showed reduced but more persistent mucosal hyperplasia and less leukocyte infiltration into the ME in response to NTHi infection than did WT animals. Viable bacteria could be cultured from MEs of TRIF-/- mice for much longer in the course of disease than was the case for middle ears of WT mice.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that activation of TRIF/type I IFN responses is important in both the pathogenesis and resolution of NTHi-induced OM.
Targeted suppression of heme oxygenase-1 by small interference RNAs inhibits the production of bilirubin in neonatal rat with hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Wu Jinyong , Su Wen , Jin Youxin , Shi Yi , Li Chune , Zhong Wenwei , Zhang Xuehong , Zhang Zili , Xia Zhenwei 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundExcessive accumulation of bilirubin contributes to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in rats. Heme oxygenase (HO) is one of the rate-limiting enzymes in catabolizing heme to bilirubin. In the present study, we investigated whether suppression of rat HO-1 (rHO-1) expression by small interference RNAs (siRNAs) reduces bilirubin levels in hyperbilirubinemic rats.ResultsFour pairs of siRNA targeting rHO-1 mRNA were introduced into BRL cells and compared for their inhibitory effect on the expression ofrHO-1gene and production of rHO-1 protein. The siRNA exhibiting the most potent effect on HO-1 expression and activity was then administered intraperitoneally to 7 to 9-day-old rats with hyperbilirubinemia. The siRNA distributed mostly in the liver and spleen of neonatal rat. Serum bilirubin levels and hepatic HO-1 expression were further evaluated. Systemic treatment of siRNA targeting rHO-1 reduced hepatic HO-1 expression and decreased the serum bilirubin levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and siRNA decreased the indirect bilirubin levels more effectively than Sn-protoporphyrin (SnPP), an HO-1 inhibitor.ConclusionsiRNA targeting rHO-l attenuates hepatic HO-1 expression and serum bilirubin levels. Thus this study provides a novel therapeutic rationale for the prevention and treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Antagonistic actions of boron against inhibitory effects of aluminum toxicity on growth, CO2 assimilation, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, and photosynthetic electron transport probed by the JIP-test, of Citrus grandisseedlings
Authors: Jiang Huan-Xin , Tang Ning , Zheng Jin-Gui , Chen Li-Song 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundLittle information is available on the amelioration of boron (B) on aluminum (Al)-induced photosynthesis inhibition. Sour pummelo (Citrus grandis) seedlings were irrigated for 18 weeks with nutrient solution containing 4 B levels (2.5, 10, 25 and 50 μM H3BO3) × 2 Al levels (0 and 1.2 mM AlCl3·6H2O). The objectives of this study were to determine how B alleviates Al-induced growth inhibition and to test the hypothesis that Al-induced photosynthesis inhibition can be alleviated by Bviapreventing Al from getting into shoots.ResultsB had little effect on plant growth, root, stem and leaf Al, leaf chlorophyll (Chl), CO2assimilation, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), Chl a fluorescence (OJIP) transient and related parameters without Al stress except that root, stem and leaf B increased with increasing B supply and that 50 μM B decreased slightly root dry weight. Al-treated roots, stems and leaves displayed a higher or similar B. B did not affect root Al under Al stress, but decreased stem and leaf Al level. Shoot growth is more sensitive to Al stress than root growth, CO2assimilation, Chl, Rubisco, OJIP transient and most related parameters. Al-treated leaves showed decreased CO2assimilation, but increased or similar intercellular CO2concentration. Both initial and total Rubisco activity in Al-treated leaves decreased to a lesser extent than CO2assimilation. Al decreased maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry and total performance index, but increased minimum fluorescence, K-band, relative variable fluorescence at J- and I-steps. B could alleviate Al-induced increase or decrease for all these parameters. Generally speaking, the order of B effectiveness was 25 μM > 10 μM ≥ 50 μM (excess B) > 2.5 μM.ConclusionWe propose that Al-induced photosynthesis inhibition was mainly caused by impaired photosynthetic electron transport chain, which may be associated with growth inhibition. B-induced amelioration of root inhibition was probably caused by B-induced changes in Al speciation and/or sub-cellular compartmentation. However, B-induced amelioration of shoot and photosynthesis inhibition and photoinhibitory damage occurring at both donor and acceptor sides of photosystem II could be due to less Al accumulation in shoots.
Translation and validation study of the Persian version of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 (AIMS2) in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Mousavi Sayed Javad , Parnianpour Mohamad , Askary-Ashtiani Ahmad Reza , Hadian Mohamad Reza , Rostamian Abdolrahman , Montazeri Ali 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
The Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 (AIMS2) has not been translated and validated for Persian-speaking patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. This was to provide a validated instrument to measure functional disability and health-related quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee in Iran. The aim of this study was to culturally adapt and validate the AIMS2 for Persian-speaking patients with osteoarthritis of the knee in Iran.

Methods
A consecutive sample of patients with knee osteoarthritis were asked to complete the AIMS2, the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and four visual analog scales for pain, joint stiffness, patient's and physician's global assessment. Internal consistency and convergent validity were applied to examine psychometric properties of the AIMS2. In addition, 30 randomly selected patients were asked to complete the questionnaire two days later for the second time for test-retest reliability. Finally factor structure of the Persian AIMS2 was performed using the principal component factor analysis.

Results
In all 230 patients were entered into the study. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 56.9 (8.7) years and the mean (SD) duration of disease was 7.2 (3.5) years. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the Persian AIMS2 scales ranged from 0.74 to 0.92 and 0.85 to 0.96, respectively. The correlation between most of the Persian AIMS2 scales and the physical and mental summary scores of the SF-36 and the visual analogue scales for pain, joint stiffness, patient's and physician's global assessment were statistically significant indicating a good convergent validity (p < 0.05). The results obtained from factor analysis indicated three latent factors that jointly accounted for 67.5% of the total variance.

Conclusion
The results showed that the Persian AIMS2 had reasonably good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. It is simple and easy to use and now can be applied in the future studies in Iran. However, its sensitivity to change needs still to be studied.
Acute effect of electroacupuncture at the Zusanli acupoints on decreasing insulin resistance as shown by lowering plasma free fatty acid levels in steroid-background male rats
Authors: Lin Rong-Tsung , Tzeng Chung-Yuh , Lee Yu-Chen , Ho Wai-Jane , Cheng Juei-Tang , Lin Jaung-Geng , Chang Shih-Liang 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
Insulin sensitivity has been enhanced by electroacupuncture (EA) in rats, but the EA phenomenon in an insulin resistant state is still unclear. This study reports the use of a large dose of prednisolone to evaluate the effects of EA in a state of insulin resistance.

Methods
The plasma levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) were estimated in steroid-background rats (SBRs) and compared with those in healthy rats treated with normal saline. In addition, plasma glucose and endogenous insulin levels were assayed to calculate the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index. Intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was carried out to compare glucose tolerance. The SBRs were randomly divided into EA-treatment and non-EA treatment groups and 15-Hz EA was applied to the bilateral Zusanli acupoints to investigate its effects on insulin resistance. In addition to an insulin challenge test (ICT) and IVGTT, the plasma levels of FFAs were measured and western blot was performed to help determine the effects of EA on the insulin resistant state.

Results
The plasma levels of FFAs increased markedly in SBRs, the HOMA index was markedly higher, and glucose tolerance was impaired. EA improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity by decreasing the plasma levels of FFAs. Further, the insulin signaling proteins (IRS1) and glucose transporter isoform protein (GLUT4) in skeletal muscle inhibited by prednisolone recovered after EA.

Conclusion
Insulin resistance was successfully induced by a large dose of prednisolone in male rats. This insulin resistance can be improved by 15 Hz EA at the bilateral Zusanli acupoints, as shown by decreased plasma levels of FFAs.
Online assessment of patients' views on hospital performances using Rasch model's KIDMAP diagram
Authors: Chien Tsair-Wei , Wang Wen-Chung , Wang Hsien-Yi , Lin Hung-Jung 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
To overcome the drawback of individual item-by-item box plots of disclosure for patient views on healthcare service quality, we propose to inspect interrelationships among items that measure a common entity. A visual diagram on the Internet is developed to provide thorough information for hospitals.

Methods
We used the Rasch rating scale model to analyze the 2003 English inpatient questionnaire data regarding patient satisfactory perception, which were collected from 169 hospitals, examined model-data fit, and developed a KIDMAP diagram on the Internet depicting the satisfaction level of each hospital and investigating aberrant responses with Z-scores and MNSQ statistics for individual hospitals. Differential item functioning (DIF) analysis was conducted to verify construct equivalence across types of hospitals.

Results
18 of the 45 items fit to the model's expectations, indicating they jointly defined a common construct and an equal-interval logit scale was achieved. The most difficult aspect for hospitals to earn inpatients' satisfaction were item 29 (staff told you about any medication side effects to watch when going home). No DIF in the 18-item questionnaire was found between types of hospitals, indicating the questionnaire measured the same construct across hospitals. Different types of hospitals obtained different levels of satisfaction. The KIDMAP on the Internet provided more interpretable and visualized message than traditional item-by-item box plots of disclosure.

Conclusion
After removing misfit items, we find that the 18-item questionnaire measures the same construct across types of hospitals. The KIDMAP on the Internet provides an exemplary comparison in quality of healthcare. Rasch analysis allows intra- and inter-hospital performances to be compared easily and reliably with each other on the Internet.