bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a critical role of ceruloplasmin oxidase activity in iron metabolism of Wilson disease gene knockout mice
Authors: Merle Uta , Tuma Sabine , Herrmann Thomas , Muntean Valer , Volkmann Martin , Gehrke Sven G. , Stremmel Wolfgang 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Wilson disease is a genetic disorder associated with copper overload due to mutations within the ATP7B gene. Although copper and iron metabolism are closely linked, the influence of mutations of the ATP7B gene on iron homeostasis is unknown. Therefore, the present study was carried out to elucidate iron metabolism in Atp7b(−/−) mice, an animal model of Wilson disease.Methods:  Hepatic iron content, serum iron parameters and blood hemoglobin levels of Atp7b(−/−) mice and wild type mice were studied. Hepatic and duodenal expression of iron metabolism‐related genes was measured quantitatively by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and post‐translational expression of Dmt1 was analyzed by immunoblot.Results:  Atp7b(−/−) mice displayed copper accumulation (P < 0.001), slightly elevated hepatic iron content (P = NS), and a low serum ceruloplasmin oxidase activity (1.5 ± 1.9 U/L vs 18.9 ± 4.0 U/L, P < 0.001) when compared with wild type mice. Serum iron, serum transferrin saturation, and blood hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in Atp7b(−/−) mice compared with controls (121.2 ± 35.3 µg/dL vs 201.8 ± 34.9 µg/dL (P < 0.001); 44.0 ± 12.7% vs 68.0 ± 8.2% (P < 0.001); and 12.7 ± 0.2 g/dl vs 15.3 ± 0.1 g/dl (P < 0.001), respectively). Hepatic mRNA expression of hepcidin, TfR‐1, TfR‐2, hemojuvelin, and Dmt1 + IRE did not differ significantly between Atp7b(−/−) and wild type mice. In the duodenum of Atp7b(−/−) mice Dmt1 + IRE and hephaestin did not show any differences in their mRNA levels compared with wild type mice, while Dcytb mRNA expression was 1.7‐fold increased compared with wild type mice (P = 0.01).Conclusion:  Atp7b(−/−) mice demonstrated decreased serum iron parameters and hemoglobin levels most likely related to a low serum ceruloplasmin oxidase activity and not due to total body iron deficiency.
Seasonal variation in the acute presentation of urinary calculi over 8 years in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Lo Sum Sum , Johnston Richard , Al Sameraaii Ahmed , Metcalf Patricia A. , Rice Michael L. , Masters Jonathan G. 
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (retrospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2bOBJECTIVETo determine the incidence of acute presentation of urinary calculi (UC) in Auckland, New Zealand, during the period 1999–2007, and whether there was any significant seasonal variation.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe details of all UC within the population presenting acutely to public hospitals in Auckland between 1999 and 2007 were collected using clinical coding searches International Classification of Disease 10th revision (Australian Modification) N132 and N20. Climatic variables for the Auckland region were obtained from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, New Zealand. The mean atmospheric temperature, hours of sunshine and humidity data were calculated monthly for this period.RESULTSDuring the study there were 7668 acute presentations of UC in the Auckland region. A Poisson regression model showed that the number of presentations was significantly related to temperature (P < 0.001) and hours of sunshine (P = 0.004) but not humidity (P = 0.14). For each degree increase in temperature the number of presentations increased by 2.8% (95% confidence interval 1.3–4.3%). For each 1‐h increase in sunshine, the number of presentations increased by 0.2% (0.06–0.33)%.CONCLUSIONThe acute presentation of UC in Auckland, New Zealand, varies significantly with temperature and hours of sunshine. Humidity was not a significant factor.
Development of a Brief Waiting Room Observation for Behaviours Typical of Reactive Attachment Disorder
Authors: McLaughlin Alexis , Espie Carolyn , Minnis Helen 
Published: November 2009

Objective:  To develop a brief standardised observational schedule for Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) in school‐age children to aid clinician recognition of these behaviours.Design:  A new structured observational schedule for symptoms of RAD was developed using unstructured observation of children in a clinic waiting room setting. The measure’s ability to discriminate between a sample of children with RAD and a normative sample was established by comparing scores in these two groups.Method:  Children aged 5–8 years (n = 77 [38 RAD cases and 39 controls]) were observed with their primary caregiver in a standardised waiting room setting. A structured observational tool was developed that tested the reliability, sensitivity and specificity of each item.Results:  The schedule has good internal consistency (0.75). The individual items on the observational schedule were predominantly highly discriminatory between cases and comparisons, showing both reasonable sensitivity and excellent specificity. Certain questions were dropped due to poor discrimination and/or poor inter‐rater reliability.Conclusion:  The 10‐item observational schedule for RAD in school‐age children provides a promising tool for assessment, although further research will be required to evaluate its ability to discriminate between RAD and other disorders.
Youth‐, Family‐, and Professional‐Rated Utility of a Narrative Discharge Letter Written to Older Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatients
Authors: Bobier Candace , Dowell Joanne , Craig Brian 
Published: November 2009

PROBLEM:  Little has been written on the value of composing narrative letters to adolescent psychiatric inpatients as rated by those who receive them.METHODS:  Survey of youth, family members, and professionals given copies of a narrative discharge letter written as an alternative to a copy of an initial discharge letter written to the referrer.FINDINGS:  Narrative letters conceptualized and validated youth experience, progress, and future directions in a language easily understood by the youth and family members, enabling reflection and empowerment.CONCLUSION:  Narrative letter writing is a valuable therapeutic tool to facilitate reflective, empowering partnerships among professionals, youth, and family members.
Immunomodulatory Effects of
Yersinia pestis
Lipopolysaccharides on Human Macrophages
Authors: Matsuura Motohiro , Takahashi Hideyuki , Watanabe Haruo , Saito Shinji , Kawahara Kazuyoshi 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

In the current study, we investigated the activity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) purified from
Yersinia pestis
grown at either 27°C or 37°C (termed LPS-27 and LPS-37, respectively). LPS-27 containing hexa-acylated lipid A, similar to the LPS present in usual gram-negative bacteria, stimulated an inflammatory response in human U937 cells through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). LPS-37, which did not contain hexa-acylated lipid A, exhibited strong antagonistic activity to the TLR4-mediated inflammatory response. The phagocytic activity in the cells was not affected by LPS-37. To estimate the activity of LPS in its bacterial binding form, formalin-killed bacteria (FKB) were prepared from
Y. pestis
cells grown at 27°C or 37°C (termed FKB-27 and FKB-37, respectively). FKB-27 strongly stimulated the inflammatory response. This activity was suppressed in the presence of an anti-TLR4 antibody but not an anti-TLR2 antibody. In addition, this activity was almost completely suppressed by LPS-37, indicating that the activity of FKB-27 is predominantly derived from the LPS-27 bacterial binding form. In contrast, FKB-37 showed no antagonistic activity. The results arising from the current study indicate that
Y. pestis
causes infection in humans without stimulating the TLR4-based defense system
via
bacterial binding of LPS-37, even when bacterial free LPS-37 is not released to suppress the defense system. This is in contrast to the findings for bacteria that possess agonistic LPS types, which are easily recognized by the defense system
via
the bacterial binding forms.
Longitudinal Survey of
Plasmodium falciparum
Infection in Vietnam: Characteristics of Antimalarial Resistance and Their Associated Factors
Authors: Isozumi Rie , Uemura Haruki , Dao Le Duc , Van Hanh Truong , Giang Nguyen Duc , Vien Ha Viet , Phuc Bui Quang , Van Tuan Nguyen , Nakazawa Shusuke 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Plasmodium falciparum
is the main cause of human malaria and is one of the important pathogens causing high rates of morbidity and mortality. The total number of malaria patients in Vietnam has gradually decreased over the last decade. However, the spread of pathogens with drug resistance remains a significant problem. Defining the trend in genotypes related to drug resistance is essential for the control of malaria in Vietnam. We undertook a longitudinal survey of
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria in 2001, 2002, and 2005 to 2007. The
pfcrt
,
pfmdr1
,
pfdhfr
, and
pfdhps
genes were analyzed by sequencing; and correlations by study year, age, gender, and genotype were identified statistically. The ratio of the chloroquine resistance genotype
pfcrt
76T was found to have decreased rapidly after 2002. High numbers of mutations in the
pfdhfr
and
pfdhps
genes were observed only in 2001 and 2002, while the emergence of parasites with a new K540Y mutation in the
P. falciparum
dihydropteroate synthetase (PfDHPS) was observed in 2002. For males and those in younger age brackets, a correlation between vulnerability to
P. falciparum
infection and strains with
pfcrt
76K or strains with decreased numbers of mutations in
pfdhfr
and
pfdhps
was demonstrated. The parasites with
pfcrt
76T exhibited a greater number of mutations in
pfdhfr
and
pfdhps
.
Comparison of a Rapid Antigen Test with Nucleic Acid Testing during Cocirculation of Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 2009 and Seasonal Influenza A/H3N2
Authors: Kok Jen , Blyth Christopher C. , Foo Hong , Patterson Jason , Taylor Janette , McPhie Kenneth , Ratnamohan V. Mala , Iredell Jonathan R. , Dwyer Dominic E. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

The rapid diagnosis of influenza is critical in optimizing clinical management. Rapid antigen tests have decreased sensitivity in detecting pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus compared to seasonal influenza A subtypes (53.4% versus 74.2%,
P
< 0.001). Nucleic acid tests should be used to detect pandemic influenza virus when rapid antigen tests are negative.
Nasal Colonization of and Clonal Transmission of Methicillin-Susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
among Chinese Military Volunteers
Authors: Qu Fen , Cui Enbo , Guo Tongsheng , Li Haijing , Chen Suming , Liu Liming , Han Wang , Bao Chunmei , Mao Yuanli , Tang Yi-Wei 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Military facilities provide unique opportunities for studying
Staphylococcus aureus
nasal colonization and transmission patterns. In this cross-sectional observational study, we assessed the prevalence of
S. aureus
nasal colonization among Chinese military volunteers in two camps in the Beijing area. Antimicrobial resistance patterns, risk factors for colonization, and transmission patterns using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis were also evaluated. From May to July 2007, 1,044 nasal swabs were collected from military volunteers from suburban (560) and urban (484) camps. A total of 209
S. aureus
isolates were recovered, of which all were methicillin susceptible. Independent factors associated with methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) nasal colonization included younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.03 to 2.21,
P
= 0.0347), higher education (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.73,
P
= 0.0056), shorter length of service (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.28 to 2.36,
P
= 0.0004), nonsmoking (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.14 to 2.28,
P
= 0.0069), and inactive participation in social events (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.25 to 5.49,
P
= 0.0082). Among 209 MSSA isolates, 126 (60.3%) were determined to be epidemic and a total of 12 genotypes were identified, of which four (90 isolates [71.4%]) represented the majority of strains. Length of service and camp location were statistically related to the four major MSSA genotype clonal transmissions. Our data indicated that MSSA, not methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA), nasal colonization and clonal transmission occur in healthy military volunteers in Beijing. Younger, female, nonsmoking volunteers with higher education, little or no participation in social events, and less time in service are at higher risk for nasal MSSA carriage.
To Be or Not to Be: A Reexamination of Name Language in Deuteronomy and the Deuteronomistic History
Authors: Hundley Michael 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAdvocates of name theology have long argued that Deuteronomy and the Deuteronomistic History relocate YHWH from the temple to heaven, putting the name in his place, as either a forwarding station for prayer or some form of substitute presence. In recent years, this position has come under particular scrutiny. Rather than rejecting the traditional theory outright, the present article posits an important corrective through a reexamination of the name language in context. In sum, the Deuteronomistic innovation lies not in absenting God from earth, but in leaving the exact nature and extent of his presence on earth ambiguous.
Estimation of N*0 for the Two-Scale Gamma Raindrop Size Distribution Model and Its Statistical Properties at Several Locations in Asia
Authors: Kozu Toshiaki , Masuzawa Kazuhiro , Shimomai Toyoshi , Kashiwagi Nobuhisa 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
An automatic estimation method is developed to detect stepwise changes in the amplitude parameter of the normalized raindrop size distribution (DSD) N*0. To estimate N*0, it is also assumed that the variation of three DSD parameters follows the two-scale gamma DSD model; this is defined as a DSD model in which one DSD parameter is fixed, the second is allowed to vary rapidly, and the third is constant over a certain space or time domain and sometimes exhibits stepwise transitions. For this study, it is assumed that N*0 is the third DSD parameter. To estimate this stepwise-varying parameter automatically, a non-Gaussian state-space model is used for the time series of log10N*0. The smoothed time series of log10N*0 fit well to the stepwise transition of log10N*0 when it was assumed that the state transition probability follows a Cauchy distribution. By analyzing the long-term disdrometer data using this state-space model, statistical properties for log10N*0 are obtained at several Asian locations. It is confirmed that the N*0 thus estimated is useful to improve the rain-rate estimation from the measurement of radar reflectivity factor.
Linear Spectral Numerical Model for Internal Gravity Wave Propagation
Authors: Marty J. , Dalaudier F. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
A three-dimensional linear spectral numerical model is proposed to simulate the propagation of internal gravity wave fluctuations in a stably stratified atmosphere. The model is developed to get first-order estimations of gravity wave fluctuations produced by identified sources. It is based on the solutions of the linearized fundamental fluid equations and uses the fully compressible dispersion relation for inertia–gravity waves. The spectral implementation excludes situations involving spatial variations of buoyancy frequency or background wind. However, density stratification variations are taken into account in the calculation of fluctuation amplitudes. In addition to gravity wave packet free propagation, the model handles both impulsive and continuous sources. It can account for spatial and temporal variations of the sources, encompassing a broad range of physical situations. The method is validated with a monochromatic pressure monopole, which is known to generate St. Andrew’s cross–shaped waves. It is then applied to the case of the ozone layer cooling during a total solar eclipse. The asymptotic response to a Gaussian thermal forcing traveling at constant velocity and the transient response to the 4 December 2002 eclipse show good agreement with previous numerical simulations. Further applications for the model are discussed.
Response of Tropical Cyclone Potential Intensity to a Global Warming Scenario in the IPCC AR4 CGCMs
Authors: Yu Jinhua , Wang Yuqing , Hamilton Kevin 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
This paper reports on an analysis of the tropical cyclone (TC) potential intensity (PI) and its control parameters in transient global warming simulations. Specifically, the TC PI is calculated for phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) integrations during the first 70 yr of a transient run forced by a 1% yr−1 CO2 increase. The linear trend over the period is used to project a 70-yr change in relevant model parameters. The results for a 15-model ensemble-mean climate projection show that the thermodynamic potential intensity (THPI) increases on average by 1.0% to ∼3.1% over various TC basins, which is mainly attributed to changes in the disequilibrium in enthalpy between the ocean and atmosphere in the transient response to increasing CO2 concentrations. This modest projected increase in THPI is consistent with that found in other recent studies.
In this paper the effects of evolving large-scale dynamical factors on the projected TC PI are also quantified, using an empirical formation that takes into account the effects of vertical shear and translational speed based on a statistical analysis of present-day observations. Including the dynamical efficiency in the formulation of PI leads to larger projected changes in PI relative to that obtained using just THPI in some basins and smaller projected changes in others. The inclusion of the dynamical efficiency has the largest relative effect in the main development region (MDR) of the North Atlantic, where it leads to a 50% reduction in the projected PI change. Results are also presented for the basin-averaged changes in PI for the climate projections from each of the 15 individual models. There is considerable variation among the results for individual model projections, and for some models the projected increase in PI in the eastern Pacific and south Indian Ocean regions exceeds 10%.
Recent Changes in the Mediterranean Water Cycle: A Pathway toward Long-Term Regional Hydroclimatic Change?
Authors: Mariotti Annarita 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
An observational analysis of Mediterranean Sea water cycle variability based on recently available datasets provides new insights on the long-term changes that affected the region since the 1960s. Results indicate an overall increase in evaporation during 1958–2006, with a decrease up until the mid-1970s and an increase thereafter. Precipitation variability is characterized by substantial interdecadal variations and a negative long-term trend. Evaporation increase, primarily driven by SST variability, together with precipitation decrease resulted in a substantial increase in the loss of freshwater from the Mediterranean Sea toward the overlying atmosphere. An increase in the freshwater deficit is consistent with observed Mediterranean Sea salinity tendencies and has broad implications for the Mediterranean water cycle and connected systems.
These observational results are in qualitative agreement with simulated Mediterranean Sea water cycle behavior from a large ensemble of models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 3 (CMIP3). However, simulated anomalies are about one order of magnitude smaller than those observed. This inconsistency and the large uncertainties associated with the observational rates of change highlight the need for more research to better characterize and understand Mediterranean water cycle variations in recent decades, and to better simulate the crucial underlying processes in global models.
Mesoscale Convective Vortices in Multiscale, Idealized Simulations: Dependence on Background State, Interdependency with Moist Baroclinic Cyclones, and Comparison with BAMEX Observations
Authors: Conzemius Robert J. , Montgomery Michael T. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
A set of multiscale, nested, idealized numerical simulations of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) and mesoscale convective vortices (MCVs) was conducted. The purpose of these simulations was to investigate the dependence of MCV development and evolution on background conditions and to explore the relationship between MCVs and larger, moist baroclinic cyclones. In all experiments, no mesoscale convective system (MCS) developed until a larger-scale, moist baroclinic system with surface pressure amplitude of at least 2 hPa was present. The convective system then enhanced the development of the moist baroclinic system by its diabatic production of eddy available potential energy (APE), which led to the enhanced baroclinic conversion of basic-state APE to eddy APE. The most rapid potential vorticity (PV) development occurred in and just behind the leading convective line. The entire system grew upscale with time as the newly created PV rotated cyclonically around a common center as the leading convective line continued to expand outward. Ten hours after the initiation of deep moist convection, the simulated MCV radii, heights of maximum winds, tangential velocity, and shear corresponded reasonably well to their counterparts in BAMEX. The increasing strength of the simulated MCVs with respect to larger values of background CAPE and shear supports the hypothesis that as long as convection is present, CAPE and shear both add to the strength of the MCV.
Comparative analysis of plant genomes allows the definition of the "Phytolongins": a novel non-SNARE longin domain protein family
Authors: Vedovato Marco , Rossi Valeria , Dacks Joel B , Filippini Francesco 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Subcellular trafficking is a hallmark of eukaryotic cells. Because of their pivotal role in the process, a great deal of attention has been paid to the SNARE proteins. Most R-SNAREs, or "longins", however, also possess a highly conserved, N-terminal fold. This "longin domain" is known to play multiple roles in regulating SNARE activity and targeting via interaction with other trafficking proteins. However, the diversity and complement of longins in eukaryotes is poorly understood.

Results
Our comparative genome survey identified a novel family of longin-related proteins, dubbed the "Phytolongins" because they are specific to land plants. Phytolongins share with longins the N-terminal longin domain and the C-terminal transmembrane domain; however, in the central region, the SNARE motif is replaced by a novel region. Phylogenetic analysis pinpoints the Phytolongins as a derivative of the plant specific VAMP72 longin sub-family and allows elucidation of Phytolongin evolution.

Conclusion
"Longins" have been defined as R-SNAREs composed of both a longin domain and a SNARE motif. However, expressed gene isoforms and splice variants of longins are examples of non-SNARE motif containing longins. The discovery of Phytolongins, a family of non-SNARE longin domain proteins, together with recent evidence on the conservation of the longin-like fold in proteins involved in both vesicle fusion (e.g. the Trs20 tether) and vesicle formation (e.g. σ and μ adaptin) highlight the importance of the longin-like domain in protein trafficking and suggest that it was one of the primordial building blocks of the eukaryotic membrane-trafficking machinery.