bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Fennec Automatic Weather Station (AWS) Network: Monitoring the Saharan Climate System
Authors: Hobby Matthew , Gascoyne Matthew , Marsham John H. , Bart Mark , Allen Christopher , Engelstaedter Sebastian , Fadel Dieh Mohamed , Gandega Abdoulaye , Lane Richard , McQuaid James B. , Ouchene Bouziane , Ouladichir Abdelkader , Parker Douglas J. , Rosenberg Phil , Ferroudj Mohammed Salah , Saci Azzedine , Seddik Fouad , Todd Martin , Walker Dan , Washington Richard 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe Fennec automatic weather station (AWS) network consists of eight stations installed across the Sahara, with four in remote locations in the central desert, where no previous meteorological observations have existed. The AWS measures temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed, wind direction, shortwave and longwave radiation (upwelling and downwelling), ground heat flux, and ground temperature. Data are recorded every 3 min 20 s, that is, at 3 times the temporal resolution of the World Meteorological Organization’s standard 10-min reporting for winds and wind gusts. Variations in wind speeds on shorter time scales are recorded through the use of second- and third-order moments of 1-Hz data. Using the Iridium Router-Based Unrestricted Digital Internetworking Connectivity Solutions (RUDICS) service, data are transmitted in near–real time (1-h lag) to the United Kingdom, where calibrations are applied and data are uploaded to the Global Telecommunications System (GTS), for assimilation into forecast models.This paper describes the instrumentation used and the data available from the network. Particular focus is given to the engineering applied to the task of making measurements in this remote region and challenging climate. The communications protocol developed to operate over the Iridium RUDICS satellite service is described. Transmitting the second moment of the wind speed distribution is shown to improve estimates of the dust-generating potential of observed winds, especially for winds close to the threshold speed for dust emission of the wind speed distribution. Sources of error are discussed and some preliminary results are presented, demonstrating the system’s potential to record key features of this region.
Outcomes of Patients on Multiple Vasoactive Drugs for Shock
Authors: Prys-Picard Curig O. , Shah Shiwan K. , Williams Brandie D. , Cardenas Victor , Sharma Gulshan 
Published: June 2012

Introduction: Vasoactive drugs are routinely used in critically ill patients with shock to optimize the hemodynamic state while evaluating and treating potentially reversible causes. Limited data exist on the use of multiple vasoactive drugs in the intensive care unit. We hypothesize that the use of 3 or more vasoactive drugs is associated with worse outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively examined the outcome in patients, at least 18 years of age, in whom 3 or more vasoactive drugs were administered simultaneously. We included patients admitted between November 2007 and August 2009. Vasoactive drugs included dopamine, dobutamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, and vasopressin. The primary end point was survival to hospital discharge. Results: Sixty-six patients received 3 or more vasoactive drugs simultaneously. Nine patients (14%) survived to ICU discharge and 6 patients (9%) survived to hospital discharge. There was a significant difference in mean Simplified Acute Physiology Score II between survivors (32.3 ± 28.6) and nonsurvivors (72.1 ± 30.4), P = .003. Five of the 6 survivors had an acute cardiac procedure, either percutaneous cardiac intervention or heart transplantation. The 1 patient with septic shock who survived had surgery for a bowel perforation. All patients who survived received inotropic therapy (dobutamine). None of the patients who received 4 or more vasoactive drugs survived. Conclusion: Patients requiring 3 or more vasoactive drugs rarely survive in the absence of an intervention aimed at correcting the underlying cause such as revascularization or source control surgery.
Does the type of urinary diversion affect the result of distal hypospadias repair? A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Radwan Mohamed , Soliman Mohamed Gaber , Tawfik Ahmed , Abo-Elenen Mohamed , El-Benday Mohamed 
Published: June 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to evaluate different techniques in urinary diversion and urethral stenting in hypospadias surgery. Patients and methods: The surgical procedure included 192 tubularized incised plate (TIP) repairs for distal penile hypospadias. The patients were prospectively randomized into three groups: In group A, a urethral catheter was used as a stent and for diversion of urine (63 patients); in group B we use no urethral stenting (63 patients), only a suprapubic catheter; and in group C we use a suprapubic diversion and we put a small catheter in the anterior urethra only (66 patients). The urethral catheter was removed in group A at the 6th–7th postoperative day and in group C the urethral stent was removed at the 3rd–4th postoperative day. The suprapubic catheter was removed in both groups B and C at the 7th–9th postoperative day. All patients received an injection of antibiotics in the morning of the operation and daily until the day of catheter removal. All of the operations were performed by the same surgeon. Results: The mean ages of our patients were 3, 5, and 5 years in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The mean hospital stay was 5 days (3–8). Follow-up ranged from 8 to 48 months (mean of 21.5 ± 10.1 months). Bladder spasm was observed in 33% of our patients in group A while there were no cases of spasm in the other two groups with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Fistula was reported in eight patients (12.7%) of our urethral catheter group A, while it was observed in three patients (2.3%) of our suprapubic diversion groups B and C with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05). Meatal stenosis was reported in eight patients in group B (12.7%; nonstented group) versus three patients of both groups A and C (2.4%; stented groups) with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Suprapubic diversion is an important step in hypospadias repair as it provides a better success rate with a significantly lower rate of occurrence of fistula. However, the addition of a stent in the anterior urethra to suprapubic diversion avoids the development of meatal stenosis and also avoids the bladder spasm observed with a urethral catheter.
β-empirical Bayes inference and model diagnosis of microarray data
Authors: Hossain Mollah Mohammad Manir , Haque Mollah M Nurul , Kishino Hirohisa 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundMicroarray data enables the high-throughput survey of mRNA expression profiles at the genomic level; however, the data presents a challenging statistical problem because of the large number of transcripts with small sample sizes that are obtained. To reduce the dimensionality, various Bayesian or empirical Bayes hierarchical models have been developed. However, because of the complexity of the microarray data, no model can explain the data fully. It is generally difficult to scrutinize the irregular patterns of expression that are not expected by the usual statistical gene by gene models.ResultsAs an extension of empirical Bayes (EB) procedures, we have developed theβ-empirical Bayes (β-EB) approach based on aβ-likelihood measure which can be regarded as an ’evidence-based’ weighted (quasi-) likelihood inference. The weight of a transcripttis described as a power function of its likelihood,fβ(yt|θ). Genes with low likelihoods have unexpected expression patterns and low weights. By assigning low weights to outliers, the inference becomes robust. The value ofβ, which controls the balance between the robustness and efficiency, is selected by maximizing the predictiveβ0-likelihood by cross-validation. The proposedβ-EB approach identified six significant (p< 10−5) contaminated transcripts as differentially expressed (DE) in normal/tumor tissues from the head and neck of cancer patients. These six genes were all confirmed to be related to cancer; they were not identified as DE genes by the classical EB approach. When applied to the eQTL analysis ofArabidopsis thaliana, the proposedβ-EB approach identified some potential master regulators that were missed by the EB approach.ConclusionsThe simulation data and real gene expression data showed that the proposedβ-EB method was robust against outliers. The distribution of the weights was used to scrutinize the irregular patterns of expression and diagnose the model statistically. Whenβ-weights outside the range of the predicted distribution were observed, a detailed inspection of the data was carried out. Theβ-weights described here can be applied to other likelihood-based statistical models for diagnosis, and may serve as a useful tool for transcriptome and proteome studies.
Expression of 5 S rRNA genes linked to 35 S rDNA in plants, their epigenetic modification and regulatory element divergence
Authors: Garcia Sònia , Crhák Khaitová Lucie , Kovařík Aleš 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
In plants, the 5 S rRNA genes usually occur as separate tandems (S-type arrangement) or, less commonly, linked to 35 S rDNA units (L-type). The activity of linked genes remains unknown so far. We studied the homogeneity and expression of 5 S genes in several species from family Asteraceae known to contain linked 35 S-5 S units. Additionally, their methylation status was determined using bisulfite sequencing. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was applied to reveal the sub-nuclear positions of rDNA arrays.

Results
We found that homogenization of L-type units went to completion in most (4/6) but not all species. Two species contained major L-type and minor S-type units (termed Ls-type). The linked genes dominate 5 S rDNA expression while the separate tandems do not seem to be expressed. Members of tribe Anthemideae evolved functional variants of the polymerase III promoter in which a residing C-box element differs from the canonical angiosperm motif by as much as 30%. On this basis, a more relaxed consensus sequence of a plant C-box: (5’-RGSWTGGGTG-3’) is proposed. The 5 S paralogs display heavy DNA methylation similarly as to their unlinked counterparts. FISH revealed the close association of 35 S-5 S arrays with nucleolar periphery indicating that transcription of 5 S genes may occur in this territory.

Conclusions
We show that the unusual linked arrangement of 5 S genes, occurring in several plant species, is fully compatible with their expression and functionality. This extraordinary 5 S gene dynamics is manifested at different levels, such as variation in intrachromosomal positions, unit structure, epigenetic modification and considerable divergence of regulatory motifs.
Significance of fragmented QRS complexes for identifying culprit lesions in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a single-center, retrospective analysis of 183 cases
Authors: Guo Rong , Li Yuanmin , Xu Yawei , Tang Kai , Li Weimin 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Fragmented QRS (fQRS) complexes are novel electrocardiographic signals, which reflect myocardial conduction delays in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The importance of fQRS complexes in identifying culprit vessels was evaluated in this retrospective study.

Methods
A 12-lead surface electrocardiogram was obtained in 183 patients who had non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and subsequently underwent coronary angiography (CAG). On the basis of the frequency of fQRS complexes, indices such as sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratio were evaluated to determine the ability of fQRS complexes to identify the culprit vessels.

Results
Among the patients studied, elderly patients (age ≥ 65 years) and those with diabetes had a significantly higher frequency of fQRS complexes (p = 0.005, p = 0.003, respectively). The fQRS complexes recorded in the 4 precordial leads had the highest specificity (81.8%) for indentifying the culprit vessel (left anterior descending artery). However, the specificity of fQRS complexes to identify lesions in the left circumflex and right coronary arteries was lower for the inferior and lateral leads than for the limb leads (65.5% versus 71.7%); however, the limb leads had higher sensitivity (92.3% versus 89.4%). And the total sensitivity and specificity of fQRS (77.1% and 71.5%) were higher than those values for ischemic T-waves.

Conclusions
The frequency of fQRS complexes was higher in elderly and diabetic patients with NSTEMI. The frequency of fQRS complexes recorded in each of the ECG leads can be used to identify culprit vessels in patients with NSTEMI.
Japanese encephalitis accompanied by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: a case report
Authors: Jia Min , Xiong Nian , Huang Jinsha , Wang Youpei , Zhang Xiaowei , Zhang Zhentao , Cao Xuebing , Lin Zhicheng , Wang Tao 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundCerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a relatively rare cerebrovascular condition which accounts for 0.5% of all strokes. Risk of CVST has been documented in patients with numerous conditions including central nervous system infections, however, Japanese encephalitis (JE, epidemic encephalitis type B) with CVST has not been reported previously.Case PresentationHere, we present a case of JE with CVST in a 17-year-old man. On admission, the patient was initially diagnosed as intracranial infection, and soon after, brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (MRI) and MR Venography (MRV) confirmed the diagnosis of CVST. Moreover, the blood JE-specific IgM antibody which proved weakly positive at first, turned positive one week later. Consequently, our patient was diagnosed as CVST accompanied by JE. Anticoagulant and anti-infective therapy were initiated, which eventually lead to gradual recovery of the patient.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first case report of CVST associated with JE. MRI and MRV represent a prime method for the diagnosis of CVST, while the positivity of JE virus IgM antibody, especially increased antibody levels within a short period, is of great significance to diagnose JE. The early diagnosis and timely treatment of this potentially lethal condition would improve its prognosis significantly.
Microtubule S-glutathionylation as a potential approach for antimitotic agents
Authors: Chen Wei , Seefeldt Teresa , Young Alan , Zhang Xiaoying , Zhao Yong , Ruffolo John , Kaushik Radhey S , Guan Xiangming 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Microtubules have been one of the most effective targets for the development of anticancer agents. Cancer cells treated by these agents are characterized by cell arrest at G2/M phase. Microtubule-targeting drugs are, therefore, referred to as antimitotic agents. However, the clinical application of the current antimitotic drugs is hampered by emerging drug resistance which is the major cause of cancer treatment failure. The clinical success of antimitotic drugs and emerging drug resistance has prompted a search for new antimitotic agents, especially those with novel mechanisms of action. The aim of this study was to determine whether microtubules can be S-glutathionylated in cancer cells and whether the glutathionylation will lead to microtubule dysfunction and cell growth inhibition. The study will determine whether microtubule S-glutathionylation can be a novel approach for antimitotic agents.

Methods
2-Acetylamino-3-[4-(2-acetylamino-2-carboxyethylsulfanylcarbonylamino)phenyl carbamoylsulfanyl]propionic acid (2-AAPA) was used as a tool to induce microtubule S-glutathionylation. UACC-62 cells, a human melanoma cell line, were used as a cancer cell model. A pull-down assay with glutathione S-transferase (GST)-agarose beads followed by Western blot analysis was employed to confirm microtubule S-glutathionylation. Immunofluorescence microscopy using a mouse monoclonal anti-α-tubulin-FITC was used to study the effect of the S-glutathionylation on microtubule function; mainly polymerization and depolymerization. Flow cytometry was employed to examine the effect of the S-glutathionylation on cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. Cell morphological change was followed through the use of a Zeiss AXIO Observer A1 microscope. Cancer cell growth inhibition by 2-AAPA was investigated with ten human cancer cell lines.

Results
Our investigation demonstrated that cell morphology was changed and microtubules were S-glutathionylated in the presence of 2-AAPA in UACC-62 cells. Accordingly, microtubules were found depolymerized and cells were arrested at G2/M phase. The affected cells were found to undergo apoptosis. Cancer growth inhibition experiments demonstrated that the concentrations of 2-AAPA required to produce the effects on microtubules were compatible to the concentrations producing cancer cell growth inhibition.

Conclusions
The data from this investigation confirms that microtubule S-glutathionylation leads to microtubule dysfunction and cell growth inhibition and can be a novel approach for developing antimitotic agents.
Osteopontin’s colocalization with the adhesion molecule CEACAM5 in cytoplasm of carcinoma of tongue and its correlation with the invasion of that diease
Authors: Zhang Fan , Jin Liu Xu , Qu Xun , Sheng Hu Zhen , Yang Yong Mei , Ma Ling , Liu Pei , Shi Ping , Cai Wei Feng 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) and correlate it with OPN expression and function in squamous carcinoma of tongue.
Paraffin were sections of 80 samples with squamous carcinoma of tongue and 40 samples with normal tissue of tongue for benign lesion having undergone surgery. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to study the distribution of CEACAM5 and OPN, and double–labeling immunohistochemistry was used to observe the relationship between CEACAM5 and OPN expression.
CEACAM5 and OPN are found in normal tissue of tongue, but with different expression pattern. CEACAM5 expression mainly with membranous staining is restricted on the superficial epithelium. However, OPN expression with mainly cytoplasmic staining is restricted on the deep epithelium. No colocalization of CEACAM5 and OPN have been observed in normal tissue of tongue. In squamous carcinoma of tongue, CEACAM5 expression with cytoplasmic staining is different from normal tongue tissue with membranous staining, and the transformation of CEACAM5 distribution from membrane to cytoplasm is an important incident for the invasion and differentiation of tumor. CEACAM5 and OPN are colocalized in cytoplasm, and a significant correlation was observed between the positive colocalization and the negative colocalization in the depth of invasion and the differentiation of the tumor.
Highly conformal electrodeposition of copolymer electrolytes into titania nanotubes for 3D Li-ion batteries
Authors: Plylahan Nareerat , Kyeremateng Nana Amponsah , Eyraud Marielle , Dumur Frederic , Martinez Hervé , Santinacci Lionel , Knauth Philippe , Djenizian Thierry 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The highly conformal electrodeposition of a copolymer electrolyte (PMMA-PEO) into self-organized titania nanotubes (TiO2nt) is reported. The morphological analysis carried out by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy evidenced the formation of a 3D nanostructure consisting of a copolymer-embedded TiO2nt. The thickness of the copolymer layer can be accurately controlled by monitoring the electropolymerization parameters. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements confirmed that bis(trifluoromethanesulfone)imide salt was successfully incorporated into the copolymer electrolyte during the deposition process. These results are crucial to fabricate a 3D Li-ion power source at the micrometer scale using TiO2nt as the negative electrode.
Virological effectiveness and CD4+ T-cell increase over early and late courses in HIV infected patients on antiretroviral therapy: focus on HCV and anchor class received
Authors: Motta Davide , Brianese Nigritella , Focà Emanuele , Nasta Paola , Maggiolo Franco , Fabbiani Massimiliano , Cologni Giuliana , Di Giambenedetto Simona , Di Pietro Massimo , Ladisa Nicoletta , Sighinolfi Laura , Costarelli Silvia , Castelnuovo Filippo , Torti Carlo 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to explore the effects of HCV co-infection on virological effectiveness and on CD4+ T-cell recovery in patients with an early and sustained virological response after HAART.

Methods
We performed a longitudinal analysis of 3,262 patients from the MASTER cohort, who started HAART from 2000 to 2008. Patients were stratified into 6 groups by HCV status and type of anchor class. The early virological outcome was the achievement of HIV RNA <500 copies/ml 4–8 months after HAART initiation. Time to virological response was also evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The main outcome measure of early immunological response was the achievement of CD4+ T-cell increase by ≥100/mm3 from baseline to month 4–8 in virological responder patients. Late immunological outcome was absolute variation of CD4+ T-cell count with respect to baseline up to month 24. Multivariable analysis (ANCOVA) investigated predictors for this outcome.

Results
The early virological response was higher in HCV Ab-negative than HCV Ab-positive patients prescribed PI/r (92.2% versus 88%; p = 0.01) or NNRTI (88.5% versus 84.7%; p = 0.06). HCV Ab-positive serostatus was a significant predictor of a delayed virological suppression independently from other variables, including types of anchor class. Reactivity for HCV antibodies was associated with a lower probability of obtaining ≥100/mm3 CD4+ increase within 8 months from HAART initiation in patients treated with PI/r (62.2% among HCV Ab-positive patients versus 70.9% among HCV Ab-negative patients; p = 0.003) and NNRTI (63.7% versus 74.7%; p < 0.001). Regarding late CD4+ increase, positive HCV Ab appeared to impair immune reconstitution in terms of absolute CD4+ T-cell count increase both in patients treated with PI/r (p = 0.013) and in those treated with NNRTI (p = 0.002). This was confirmed at a multivariable analysis up to 12 months of follow-up.

Conclusions
In this large cohort, HCV Ab reactivity was associated with an inferior virological outcome and an independent association between HCV Ab-positivity and smaller CD4+ increase was evident up to 12 months of follow-up. Although the difference in CD4+ T-cell count was modest, a stricter follow-up and optimization of HAART strategy appear to be important in HIV patients co-infected by HCV. Moreover, our data support anti-HCV treatment leading to HCV eradication as a means to facilitate the achievement of the viro-immunological goals of HAART.