bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Forecasting of a Midlatitude Convective Storm by the Assimilation of Single–Doppler Radar Observations
Authors: Chung Kao-Shen , Zawadzki Isztar , Yau M. K. , Fillion Luc 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The McGill University radar data assimilation system is used to initialize a convective storm at high resolution (1 km) from single–Doppler radar observations. In this study, the background term in the assimilation system is improved. Specifically, by assuming the correlation of the errors of the control variables to be isotropic and homogeneous, the background error covariance matrix is modeled by a recursive filter. In addition, a 3-h-prior high-resolution model forecast is used as the background field. The analysis fields from the assimilation system successfully trigger the convective storms in the radar-observed regions from a single assimilation window. Without data assimilation, the modeled storms did not occur at the right time and place. To account for the rapid evolution of the convective storms and to correct the forecast errors with time, a cycling process is applied for a very short-term forecast. It is found that the first assimilation window can maintain the prediction of the storms for less than 1 h. The cycling process helps to maintain the intensity of the storm cells for a longer period of time. However, a comparison of radar observations with the 90-min simulation indicates an error in the position of the convective cells. The error of the radial component of the wind field between the observation and the simulation is larger at the upper levels. A wavelet analysis between the observation and simulated reflectivities indicates that the forecast is able to adequately predict the convective scale (∼10–20 km) during the first 20 min, whereas the simulation has more predictability at the longer scale (&gt;30 km) beyond 20 min.
Blockade of interleukin-6 signaling augments regulatory T-cell reconstitution and attenuates the severity of graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Chen Xiao , Das Rupali , Komorowski Richard , Beres Amy , Hessner Martin J. , Mihara Masahiko , Drobyski William R. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractGraft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the major complication after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and is characterized by the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we have identified interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a critical inflammatory cytokine that alters the balance between the effector and regulatory arms of the immune system and drives a proinflammatory phenotype that is a defining characteristic of GVHD. Our results demonstrate that inhibition of the IL-6 signaling pathway by way of antibody-mediated blockade of the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) markedly reduces pathologic damage attributable to GVHD. This is accompanied by a significant increase in the absolute number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) that is due to augmentation of thymic-dependent and thymic-independent Treg production. Correspondingly, there is a significant reduction in the number of T helper 1 and T helper 17 cells in GVHD target organs, demonstrating that blockade of IL-6 signaling decreases the ratio of proinflammatory T cells to Tregs. These studies demonstrate that antibody blockade of the IL-6R serves to recalibrate the effector and regulatory arms of the immune system and represents a novel, potentially clinically translatable, strategy for the attenuation of GVHD.
Paediatric respiratory training in Europe: political, educational and historical perspective*
Authors: Zach M.S. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryThe paediatric Harmonised Education in Respiratory Medicine for European Specialists (HERMES) initiative of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) has produced a new European syllabus for Paediatric Respiratory Medicine [1]. This review will first briefly describe the political landscape into which this syllabus is released, including the relevant European Union (EU) regulations and principles and the role of trans‐European umbrella organisations. Special attention is paid to the difficult relationship between European training concepts and national traditions and regulations.Secondly, the review takes an educational perspective, after briefly describing the competency‐based approach to training and the current concepts of the European Academy of Paediatrics/Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS)‐Section of Paediatrics on training in a tertiary care paediatric speciality. This review illustrates how the different segments of a training programme (syllabus, curriculum, learning aids and quality‐assurance measures) combine into a coherent whole. The parts of the programme that would be best provided on a European level are highlighted.Thirdly, this review briefly describes the historical background of the current situation, from the development of the ERS Paediatric Assembly to the first syllabus, with a brief look at the adult HERMES initiative, and finally the current activities of the paediatric HERMES project.Publication of the new paediatric respiratory syllabus can be considered as the first step on a long and demanding journey; the next components of the project and the political challenge of translating these emerging European concepts into national regulations are discussed in this review.
Bub2 regulation of cytokinesis and septation in budding yeast
Authors: Park Su Young , Cable Addie E , Blair Jessica , Stockstill Katherine E , Shannon Katie B 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
The mitotic exit network (MEN) is required for events at the end of mitosis such as degradation of mitotic cyclins and cytokinesis. Bub2 and its binding partner Bfa1 act as a GTPase activating protein (GAP) to negatively regulate the MEN GTPase Tem1. The Bub2/Bfa1 checkpoint pathway is required to delay the cell cycle in response to mispositioned spindles. In addition to its role in mitotic exit, Tem1 is required for actomyosin ring contraction.

Results
To test the hypothesis that the Bub2 pathway prevents premature actin ring assembly, we compared the timing of actin ring formation in wild type, bub2Δ, mad2Δ, and bub2Δmad2Δ cells both with and without microtubules. There was no difference in the timing of actin ring formation between wild type and mutant cells in a synchronized cell cycle. In the presence of nocodazole, both bub2Δ and mad2Δ cells formed rings after a delay of the same duration. Double mutant bub2Δmad2Δ and bfa1Δmad2Δ cells formed rings at the same time with and without nocodazole. To determine if Bub2 has an effect on actomyosin ring contraction through its regulation of Tem1, we used live cell imaging of Myo1-GFP in a bub2Δ strain. We found a significant decrease in the total time of contraction and an increase in rate of contraction compared to wild type cells. We also examined myosin contraction using Myo1-GFP in cells overexpressing an epitope tagged Bub2. Surprisingly, overexpression of Bub2 also led to a significant increase in the rate of contraction, as well as morphological defects. The chained cell phenotype caused by Bub2 overexpression could be rescued by co-overexpression of Tem1, and was not rescued by deletion of BFA1.

Conclusion
Our data indicate that the Bub2 checkpoint pathway does not have a specific role in delaying actin ring formation. The observed increase in the rate of myosin contraction in the bub2Δ strain provides evidence that the MEN regulates actomyosin ring contraction. Our data suggest that the overexpression of the Bub2 fusion protein acts as a dominant negative, leading to septation defects by a mechanism that is Tem1-dependent.
Afferent signalling from the acid-challenged rat stomach is inhibited and gastric acid elimination is enhanced by lafutidine
Authors: Edelsbrunner Martin E , Nakano Motoko , Holzer Peter 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Lafutidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, the gastroprotective effect of which is related to its antisecretory activity and its ability to activate a sensory neuron-dependent mechanism of defence. The present study investigated whether intragastric administration of lafutidine (10 and 30 mg/kg) modifies vagal afferent signalling, mucosal injury, intragastric acidity and gastric emptying after gastric acid challenge.

Methods
Adult rats were treated with vehicle, lafutidine (10 – 30 mg/kg) or cimetidine (10 mg/kg), and 30 min later their stomachs were exposed to exogenous HCl (0.25 M). During the period of 2 h post-HCl, intragastric pH, gastric volume, gastric acidity and extent of macroscopic gastric mucosal injury were determined and the activation of neurons in the brainstem was visualized by c-Fos immunocytochemistry.

Results
Gastric acid challenge enhanced the expression of c-Fos in the nucleus tractus solitarii but caused only minimal damage to the gastric mucosa. Lafutidine reduced the HCl-evoked expression of c-Fos in the NTS and elevated the intragastric pH following intragastric administration of excess HCl. Further analysis showed that the gastroprotective effect of lafutidine against excess acid was delayed and went in parallel with facilitation of gastric emptying, measured indirectly via gastric volume changes, and a reduction of gastric acidity. The H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine had similar but weaker effects.

Conclusion
These observations indicate that lafutidine inhibits the vagal afferent signalling of a gastric acid insult, which may reflect an inhibitory action on acid-induced gastric pain. The ability of lafutidine to decrease intragastric acidity following exposure to excess HCl cannot be explained by its antisecretory activity but appears to reflect dilution and/or emptying of the acid load into the duodenum. This profile of actions emphasizes the notion that H2 receptor antagonists can protect the gastric mucosa from acid injury independently of their ability to suppress gastric acid secretion.
A mental health first aid training program for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: description and initial evaluation
Authors: Kanowski Len G , Jorm Anthony F , Hart Laura M 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training was developed in Australia to teach members of the public how to give initial help to someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis situation. However, this type of training requires adaptation for specific cultural groups in the community. This paper describes the adaptation of the program to create an Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) course and presents an initial evaluation of its uptake and acceptability.

Methods
To evaluate the program, two types of data were collected: (1) quantitative data on uptake of the course (number of Instructors trained and courses subsequently run by these Instructors); (2) qualitative data on strengths, weaknesses and recommendations for the future derived from interviews with program staff and focus groups with Instructors and community participants.

Results
199 Aboriginal people were trained as Instructors in a five day Instructor Training Course. With sufficient time following training, the majority of these Instructors subsequently ran 14-hour AMHFA courses for Aboriginal people in their community. Instructors were more likely to run courses if they had prior teaching experience and if there was post-course contact with one of the Trainers of Instructors. Analysis of qualitative data indicated that the Instructor Training Course and the AMHFA course are culturally appropriate, empowering for Aboriginal people, and provided information that was seen as highly relevant and important in assisting Aboriginal people with a mental illness. There were a number of recommendations for improvements.

Conclusion
The AMHFA program is culturally appropriate and acceptable to Aboriginal people. Further work is needed to refine the course and to evaluate its impact on help provided to Aboriginal people with mental health problems.
Prevalence and Incidence of Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders in the United States: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Golden Sherita H. , Robinson Karen A. , Saldanha Ian , Anton Blair , Ladenson Paul W. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Context: There has not been a comprehensive compilation of data regarding the epidemiology of all endocrine and metabolic disorders in the United States.
Evidence Acquisition: We included 54 disorders with clinical and public health significance. We identified population-based studies that provided U.S. prevalence and/or incidence data by searching PubMed in December 2007 for English-language reports, hand-searching reference lists of six textbooks of endocrinology, obtaining additional resources from identified experts in each subspecialty, and searching epidemiological databases and web sites of relevant organizations. When available, we selected articles with data from 1998 or later. Otherwise, we selected the article with the most recent data, broadest geographical coverage, and most stratifications by sex, ethnicity, and/or age. Ultimately, we abstracted data from 70 articles and 40 cohorts.
Evidence Synthesis: Endocrine disorders with U.S. prevalence estimates of at least 5% in adults included diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, osteopenia, mild-moderate hypovitaminosis D, erectile dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and thyroiditis. Erectile dysfunction and osteopenia/osteoporosis had the highest incidence in males and females, respectively. The least prevalent conditions, affecting less than 1% of the U.S. population, were diabetes mellitus in children and pituitary adenoma. Conditions with the lowest incidence were adrenocortical carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, and pituitary adenomas. Certain disorders, such as hyperparathyroidism and thyroid disorders, were more common in females. As expected, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was highest among ethnic minorities. Sparse data were available on pituitary, adrenal, and gonadal disorders.
Conclusions: The current review shows high prevalence and incidence of common endocrine and metabolic disorders. Defining the epidemiology of these conditions will provide clues to risk factors and identify areas to allocate public health and research resources.
Skeletal Muscle Mass in Acromegaly Assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Dual-Photon X-Ray Absorptiometry
Authors: Freda Pamela U. , Shen Wei , Reyes-Vidal Carlos M. , Geer Eliza B. , Arias-Mendoza Fernando , Gallagher Dympna , Heymsfield Steven B. 
Published: June 2009

Context: GH and IGF-I are nitrogen retaining and anabolic, but the impact of long-term exposure to supraphysiological GH and IGF-I, either from endogenous overproduction in acromegaly or exogenous sources, on skeletal muscle (SM) mass is not clear.
Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess SM mass by whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in acromegaly and test the hypothesis that dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) lean tissue mass-derived estimates of SM accurately estimate true SM mass.
Design, Setting, and Patients: The design was a cross-sectional study in 27 acromegaly patients compared with predicted models developed in 315 nonacromegaly subjects and to matched controls.
Outcome Measures: Mass of SM from whole-body MRI and lean tissue from DXA were measured.
Results: SM mass did not differ from predicted or control values in active acromegaly: 31.75 ± 8.6 kg (acromegaly) vs. 33.06 ± 8.9 kg (predicted); SM was 95.6 ± 12.8% of predicted (range 66.7–122%) (P = 0.088). Lean tissue mass (DXA) was higher in acromegaly than controls: 65.91 ± 15.2 vs. 58.73 ± 13.5 kg (P &lt; 0.0001). The difference between lean tissue mass (DXA) and SM in acromegaly patients was higher than that in controls (P &lt; 0.0001) consistent with an enlarged non-SM lean compartment in acromegaly. SM mass predicted by DXA correlated highly with SM mass by MRI (r = 0.97, P &lt; 0.0001). SM (MRI) to SM (DXA predicted) ratio was 1.018 (range 0.896–1.159), indicating high agreement of these measures of SM.
Conclusions: SM mass in active acromegaly patients did not differ from predicted values. SM mass estimated from DXA agreed highly with SM by MRI, supporting the validity of the DXA model in assessing SM in acromegaly and other disorders of GH/IGF-I secretion.
Synthesis and Application of 2′-ara-Fluoroguanosine-substituted Cap Analog
Authors: Kore Anilkumar R , Charles Irudaya , Shanmugasundaram Muthian 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
An efficient synthesis of new cap analog bearing 2′-ara-fluoro-substitution i.e. m7,2′(ara)FG[5′]ppp[5′]G is reported. The structure of this cap analog has been confirmed by 1H, 31P, and 19F NMR and MS data. The effect of the 2′-ara-fluoroguanosine-substituted cap analog has been evaluated with respect to its capping efficiency, in vitro T7 RNA polymerase transcription, intracellular stability, and translation activity in cultured HeLa cells using standard cap m7G[5′]ppp[5′]G as a control.
α-Amidobenzylation of Aryl and Alkenyl Halides via Palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling with α-(Acylamino)benzylboronic Esters
Authors: Ohmura Toshimichi , Awano Tomotsugu , Suginome Michinori 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of α-(acetylamino)benzylboronic esters with aryl and alkenyl halides has been achieved using a Pd/P(t-Bu)3 catalyst with KF and H2O in 1,4-dioxane, giving α-substituted benzylamines in high yields.
Adverse Effects of Antiretrovirals in HIV-Infected Pregnant Women
Authors: Zuk Dalyce M , Hughes Christine A , Foisy Michelle Marie , Robinson Joan L , Singh Ameeta E , Houston Stan 
Published: June 2009

Background Current guidelines for the use of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy during pregnancy recommend that women be offered treatment with combination ARV therapy used in nonpregnant HIV-infected individuals. It is unclear whether the risk of ARV-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is increased during pregnancy. Objective To evaluate the frequency and severity of ADRs likely caused by ARV therapy in pregnant women who are HIV-positive. Methods A retrospective analysis of HIV-infected women who received ARV therapy during pregnancy and delivered between January 1997 and February 2006 was conducted. Incidence of maternal ADRs was determined through evaluation of laboratory findings, documented physical examinations, and patient self-reports. An AIDS Clinical Trials Group severity grading scale was applied to the ADRs. Cause-effect relationship was adjudicated based on the Naranjo probability scale and, if causality was found, that information was included. Results There were 103 women who accounted for 133 pregnancies that resulted in deliveries. Of the 111 pregnancies in which treatment was received, regimens included 26 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor monotherapy, 40 nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)–based, 44 protease inhibitor (PI)–based, and 1 PI/NNRTI combination therapy. Ninety-eight ADRs were documented in 49 pregnancies. The most common ADRs were gastrointestinal (n = 48), followed by central nervous system symptoms (n = 15), anemia (n = 15), elevated liver/pancreatic enzyme levels (n = 11), and cutaneous reactions (n = 8). Severe ADRs included elevations in liver/pancreatic enzymes (n = 3), nausea and vomiting (n = 3), and anemia (n = 2). Seven women required a change in therapy due to an ADR. Conclusions Approximately 7 ADRs were reported for every 10 pregnancies in this cohort. Most ADRs were mild to moderate. Short exposure times in most women (second and third trimester) may have accounted for the lack of long-term toxicities. Although ADRs did not pose a major barrier to use of ARVs in pregnancy, close monitoring of pregnant women receiving ARV therapy continues to be warranted.
Resistance of thermo-hygro-mechanically (THM) densified wood to degradation by white rot fungi
Authors: Skyba Oleksandr , Niemz Peter , Schwarze Francis W.M.R. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Colonisation and degradation by the white rot fungi, Trametes versicolor and T. pubescens, were studied in wood of Norway spruce and beech subjected to three different treatments: (1) hygro-thermal treatment (160°C and 180°C), (2) mechanical densification, and (3) thermo-hygro-mechanical (THM) treatment including densification and post-treatment at different temperatures (140°C, 160°C and 180°C). The weight losses induced by the fungi were lowest in THM-densified woods. However, volume related numerical indicators for decay susceptibility did not show any significant improvements of THM-densified woods against both fungi. Analysis of the chemical composition of treated wood species revealed slight alterations in the content of polysaccharides and lignin. White rot fungi circumvented conditions restricting hyphal growth within the occluded tracheid lumina by hyphal tunnelling in the secondary walls of fibre tracheids in beech or by forming bore holes that transversally penetrated cell walls of earlywood tracheids in THM-densified spruce. The studies indicate that THM-densified beech and Norway spruce wood may have some potential in utility class 3 but are inappropriate for use in utility class 4.
Reconstruction of 3D images of internal log characteristics by means of successive 2D log computed tomography images
Authors: Wei Qiang , Zhang Shu Yin , Chui Ying Hei , Leblon Brigitte 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Although three-dimensional (3D) internal log images are useful to wood scientists for assessing internal log features, little work has been carried out on this subject. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate how two-dimensional (2D) log images may be combined to create 3D images of internal log features. The selected log features include heartwood, sapwood, bark, and knots in a sugar maple log and a black spruce log. The 2D cross-sectional images of the logs were acquired through computed tomography (CT) scanning. For each log, 72 successive 2D cross-sectional CT images of the log were employed to create the corresponding 3D internal log images based on the marching cubes algorithm. The results suggest that the proposed method can produce clear 3D images for each selected internal log features in sugar maple and black spruce. The accuracy analysis of the 3D reconstruction is still a huge challenge and should be fully investigated in future work.
A randomized trial of cerclage vs. 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate for treatment of short cervix
Authors: Keeler Sean M. , Kiefer Daniel , Rochon Meredith , Quinones Joanne N. , Novetsky Akiva P. , Rust Orion 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Objective: To determine pregnancy outcome in patients with short cervix on transvaginal ultrasound between 16 and 24 weeks' gestation treated with McDonald cerclage compared to weekly intramuscular injections of 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHP-C).

Methods: From November 2003 through December 2006, asymptomatic, singleton pregnancies were screened with transvaginal ultrasound between 16–24 weeks' gestation. Patients with a cervical length (CL) ≤25 mm were offered enrollment. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with McDonald cerclage or weekly intramuscular injections of 17OHP-C. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) prior to 35 weeks' gestation.

Results: Seventy-nine patients met inclusion criteria; 42 were randomly assigned to the cerclage and 37 to 17OHP-C. Spontaneous PTB prior to 35 weeks' gestation occurred in 16/42 (38.1%) of the cerclage group and in 16/37 (43.2%) of the 17OHP-C group (relative risk, 1.14 95% CI, 0.67, 1.93). A post hoc analysis of patients with a prior PTB showed no difference in spontaneous PTB <35 weeks between groups. A similar analysis of patients with a CL≤15 mm showed a reduction in spontaneous PTB <35 weeks in the cerclage group (relative risk 0.48, 0.24–0.97).

Conclusion: Women with CL ≤25 mm in the second-trimester appear to have similar risks of delivering prior to 35 weeks' gestation when treated with 17OHP-C or McDonald cerclage. However, cerclage may be more effective in preventing spontaneous PTB in women with CL≤15 mm.