bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arctic Cloud Changes from Surface and Satellite Observations
Authors: Eastman Ryan , Warren Stephen G. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Visual cloud reports from land and ocean regions of the Arctic are analyzed for total cloud cover. Trends and interannual variations in surface cloud data are compared to those obtained from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and Television and Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) satellite data. Over the Arctic as a whole, trends and interannual variations show little agreement with those from satellite data. The interannual variations from AVHRR are larger in the dark seasons than in the sunlit seasons (6% in winter, 2% in summer); however, in the surface observations, the interannual variations for all seasons are only 1%–2%. A large negative trend for winter found in the AVHRR data is not seen in the surface data. At smaller geographic scales, time series of surface- and satellite-observed cloud cover show some agreement except over sea ice during winter. During the winter months, time series of satellite-observed clouds in numerous grid boxes show variations that are strangely coherent throughout the entire Arctic.
Periodic Wind-Driven Circulation in an Elongated and Rotating Basin
Authors: Ponte Aurélien L. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAn idealized model is developed for the three-dimensional response of a coastal basin (e.g., lagoon, bay, or estuary) to time-periodic wind stress. This model handles basins that are deeper and/or shallower than an Ekman depth with wind forcing frequencies ranging from subinertial to superinertial. Here the model is used to describe how the response (current and sea level) of a basin deeper than one Ekman depth depends on the wind forcing frequency. At low subinertial frequencies, the response is similar to the steady wind case and is hence called “quasi steady.” There is a near-surface Ekman transport to the right of the wind balanced by a return flow at depth. Lateral bathymetric variations introduce an along-basin circulation that decays with increasing frequency and sets the extent of the quasi-steady response in the frequency domain. At the inertial frequency, the wind forces a damped resonant response with large vertical shear and weak depth-integrated flow. This result is potentially important for coastal basins located near ±30° latitude and forced by a diurnal breeze. At superinertial frequencies, the response becomes irrotational and is amplified near seiche frequencies. The response to a sudden onset of wind is computed in the time domain and confirms that the slow growth of the along-basin circulation controls the spinup process. The response of basins shallower than an Ekman depth, and the validity of the model inside semienclosed basins, are also discussed.
Sensitivity of Global Ensemble Forecasts to the Initial Ensemble Mean and Perturbations: Comparison of EnKF, Singular Vector, and 4D-Var Approaches
Authors: Buehner Mark , Mahidjiba Ahmed 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
This study examines the sensitivity of global ensemble forecasts to the use of different approaches for specifying both the initial ensemble mean and perturbations. The current operational ensemble prediction system of the Meteorological Service of Canada uses the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) to define both the ensemble mean and perturbations. To evaluate the impact of different approaches for obtaining the initial ensemble perturbations, the operational EnKF approach is compared with using either no initial perturbations or perturbations obtained using singular vectors (SVs). The SVs are computed using the (dry) total-energy norm with a 48-h optimization time interval. Random linear combinations of 60 SVs are computed for each of three regions. Next, the impact of replacing the initial ensemble mean, currently the EnKF ensemble mean analysis, with the higher-resolution operational four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-Var) analysis is evaluated. For this comparison, perturbations are provided by the EnKF. All experiments are performed over two-month periods during both the boreal summer and winter using a system very similar to the global ensemble prediction system that became operational on 10 July 2007. Relative to the operational configuration that relies on the EnKF, the use of SVs to compute initial perturbations produces small, but statistically significant differences in probabilistic forecast scores in favor of the EnKF both in the tropics and, for a limited set of forecast lead times, in the summer hemisphere extratropics, whereas the results are very similar in the winter hemisphere extratropics. Both approaches lead to significantly better ensemble forecasts than with no initial perturbations, though results are quite similar in the tropics when using SVs and no perturbations. The use of an initial-time norm that does not include information on analysis uncertainty and the lack of linearized moist processes in the calculation of the SVs are two factors that limit the quality of the resulting SV-based ensemble forecasts. Relative to the operational configuration, use of the 4D-Var analysis to specify the initial ensemble mean results in improved probabilistic forecast scores during the boreal summer period in the southern extratropics and tropics, but a near-neutral impact otherwise.
Assessing the Benefits of Convection-Permitting Models by Neighborhood Verification: Examples from MAP D-PHASE
Authors: Weusthoff Tanja , Ament Felix , Arpagaus Marco , Rotach Mathias W. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
High-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) models produce more detailed precipitation structures but the real benefit is probably the more realistic statistics gained with the higher resolution and not the information on the specific grid point. By evaluating three model pairs, each consisting of a high-resolution NWP system resolving convection explicitly and its low-resolution-driving model with parameterized convection, on different spatial scales and for different thresholds, this paper addresses the question of whether high-resolution models really perform better than their driving lower-resolution counterparts. The model pairs are evaluated by means of two fuzzy verification methods—upscaling (UP) and fractions skill score (FSS)—for the 6 months of the D-PHASE Operations Period and in a highly complex terrain. Observations are provided by the Swiss radar composite and the evaluation is restricted to the area covered by the Swiss radar stations. The high-resolution models outperform or equal the performance of their respective lower-resolution driving models. The differences between the models are significant and robust against small changes in the verification settings. An evaluation based on individual months shows that high-resolution models give better results, particularly with regard to convective, more localized precipitation events.
Rapid semi-automated quantitative multiplex tandem PCR (MT-PCR) assays for the differential diagnosis of influenza-like illness
Authors: Szewczuk Elektra , Thapa Kiran , Anninos Terry , McPhie Kenneth , Higgins Geoff , Dwyer Dominic E , Stanley Keith K , Iredell Jonathan R 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background
Influenza A, including avian influenza, is a major public health threat in developed and developing countries. Rapid and accurate detection is a key component of strategies to contain spread of infection, and the efficient diagnosis of influenza-like-illness is essential to protect health infrastructure in the event of a major influenza outbreak.

Methods
We developed a multiplexed PCR (MT-PCR) assay for the simultaneous diagnosis of respiratory viruses causing influenza-like illness, including the specific recognition of influenza A haemagglutinin subtypes H1, H3, and H5. We tested several hundred clinical specimens in two diagnostic reference laboratories and compared the results with standard techniques.

Results
The sensitivity and specificity of these assays was higher than individual assays based on direct antigen detection and standard PCR against a range of control templates and in several hundred clinical specimens. The MT-PCR assays provided differential diagnoses as well as potentially useful quantitation of virus in clinical samples.

Conclusions
MT-PCR is a potentially powerful tool for the differential diagnosis of influenza-like illness in the clinical diagnostic laboratory.
Ovulation-inducing factor: a protein component of llama seminal plasma
Authors: Ratto Marcelo H , Huanca Wilfredo , Adams Gregg P 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background
Previously, we documented the presence of ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) in the seminal plasma of llamas and alpacas. The purpose of the study was to define the biochemical characteristics of the molecule(s) in seminal plasma responsible for inducing ovulation.

Methods
In Experiment 1, llama seminal plasma was centrifuged using filtration devices with nominal molecular mass cut-offs of 30, 10 and 5 kDa. Female llamas (n = 9 per group) were treated i.m. with whole seminal plasma (positive control), phosphate-buffered saline (negative control), or the fraction of seminal plasma equal or higher than 30 kDa, 10 to 30 kDa, 5 to 10 kDa, or < 5 kDa. In Experiment 2, female llamas (n = 7 per group) were given an i.m. dose of seminal plasma treated previously by: 1) enzymatic digestion with proteinase-K, 2) incubation with charcoal-dextran, 3) heating to 65°C, or 4) untreated (control). In Experiment 3, female llamas (n = 10 per group) were given an i.m. dose of pronase-treated or non-treated (control) seminal plasma. In all experiments, llamas were examined by transrectal ultrasonography to detect ovulation and CL formation. Ovulation rate was compared among groups by Fisher's exact test and follicle and CL diameters were compared among groups by analyses of variance or student's t-tests.

Results
In Experiment 1, all llamas in the equal or higher than 30 kDa and positive control groups ovulated (9/9 in each), but none ovulated in the other groups (P < 0.001). In Experiment 2, ovulations were detected in all llamas in each treatment group; i.e., respective treatments of seminal plasma failed to inactivate the ovulation-inducing factor. In Experiment 3, ovulations were detected in 0/10 llamas given pronase-treated seminal plasma and in 9/10 controls (P < 0.01).

Conclusions
We conclude that ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) in llama seminal plasma is a protein molecule that is resistant to heat and enzymatic digestion with proteinase K, and has a molecular mass of approximately equal or higher than 30 kDa.
Recombinant λ-phage nanobioparticles for tumor therapy in mice models
Authors: Ghaemi Amir , Soleimanjahi Hoorieh , Gill Pooria , Hassan Zuhair , Jahromi Soodeh Razeghi M , Roohvand Farzin 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Lambda phages have considerable potential as gene delivery vehicles due to their genetic tractability, low cost, safety and physical characteristics in comparison to other nanocarriers and gene porters. Little is known concerning lambda phage-mediated gene transfer and expression in mammalian hosts. We therefore performed experiments to evaluate lambda-ZAP bacteriophage-mediated gene transfer and expression in vitro. For this purpose, we constructed recombinant λ-phage nanobioparticles containing a mammalian expression cassette encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and E7 gene of human papillomavirus type 16 (λ-HPV-16 E7) using Lambda ZAP- CMV XR vector. Four cell lines (COS-7, CHO, TC-1 and HEK-239) were transduced with the nanobioparticles. We also characterized the therapeutic anti-tumor effects of the recombinant λ-HPV-16 E7 phage in C57BL/6 tumor mice model as a cancer vaccine. Obtained results showed that delivery and expression of these genes in fibroblastic cells (COS-7 and CHO) are more efficient than epithelial cells (TC-1 and HEK-239) using these nanobioparticles. Despite the same phage M.O.I entry, the internalizing titers of COS-7 and CHO cells were more than TC-1 and HEK-293 cells, respectively. Mice vaccinated with λ-HPV-16 E7 are able to generate potent therapeutic antitumor effects against challenge with E7- expressing tumor cell line, TC-1 compared to group treated with the wild phage. The results demonstrated that the recombinant λ-phages, due to their capabilities in transducing mammalian cells, can also be considered in design and construction of novel and safe phage-based nanomedicines.
Asthma: Eosinophil Disease, Mast Cell Disease, or Both?
Authors: Bradding Peter 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAlthough there is much circumstantial evidence implicating eosinophils as major orchestrators in the pathophysiology of asthma, recent studies have cast doubt on their importance. Not only does anti-interleukin-5 treatment not alter the course of the disease, but some patients with asthma do not have eosinophils in their airways, whereas patients with eosinophilic bronchitis exhibit a florid tissue eosinophilia but do not have asthma. In contrast, mast cells are found in all airways and localize specifically to key tissue structures such as the submucosal glands and airway smooth muscle within asthmatic bronchi, irrespective of disease severity or phenotype. Here they are activated and interact exclusively with these structural cells via adhesive pathways and through the release of soluble mediators acting across the distance of only a few microns. The location of mast cells within the airway smooth muscle bundles seems particularly important for the development and propagation of asthma, perhaps occurring in response to, and then serving to aggravate, an underlying abnormality in asthmatic airway smooth muscle function. Targeting this mast cell-airway smooth muscle interaction in asthma offers exciting prospects for the treatment of this common disease.
Pulsed-laser Irradiation of Carbonaceous Materials in AgNO3 Solution and Its Application to Preparing Silver-activated Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Koda Seiichiro , Miura Yoshiko , Endo Akira , Uchida Hiroshi , Itatani Kiyoshi 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
We irradiated a glassy carbon electrode in AgNO3 solution using a 532 nm pulsed laser to prepare a silver-activated electrode. The UV–visible spectrum of the solution evidenced the production of Ag particles, and transmission electron microscopic images showed the formation of carbon–silver composite on the solid carbon surface. The reduction potential of O2 measured with the prepared electrode by differential pulse voltammetry shifted positively by 0.05 V in NaClO4 solution, which indicated that the present irradiation procedure effectively activated the glassy carbon electrode.
Metallocenium Ionic Liquids
Authors: Inagaki Takashi , Mochida Tomoyuki 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Ionic liquids have been prepared from simple metallocenium cations and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide anion (TFSA). Their properties were tunable by the choice of metals and substituents; the ferrocenium salts were deep-blue paramagnetic liquids, which are readily prepared by a one-step solventless reaction, and the cobaltocenium salts were orange diamagnetic liquids.
Pure Branch Effect on the Optical Properties of Novel Conjugated Derivatives
Authors: Yang Long , Gao Fang , Liu Jian , Zhong Xiaolin , Li Hongru , Zhang Shengtao 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Pure cooperative branch effects on one- and two-photon optical properties of conjugated derivatives are presented. AM1 calculations demonstrate that the electron density distribution of the frontier orbital and the dipole moment changes of the derivatives are related to the number of branches. The theoretical results show that not only the energy level of the frontier orbital could be mediated by the number of branches, but the HOMO–LUMO gap could be regulated.
Significant events in psychotherapy: An update of research findings
Authors: Timulak Ladislav 
Published: May 2010

Purpose.Significant events research represents a specific approach to studying client‐identified important moments in the therapy process. The current study provides an overview of the significant events research conducted, the methodology used together with findings and implications.Method.PsychInfo database was searched with keywords such as significant events, important events, significant moments, important moments, and counselling or psychotherapy. The references of the selected studies were also searched. This process led to the identification of 41 primary studies that used client‐identified significant event(s) as a main or secondary focus of the study. These were consequently reviewed with regard to their methodology and findings. The findings are presented according to type of study conducted.Results.The impacts of helpful events reported by clients are focused on contributions to therapeutic relationship and to in‐session outcomes. Hindering events focus on some client disappointment with the therapist or therapy. The group therapy modality highlighted additional helpful impacts (like learning from others). Perspectives on what is significant in therapy differ between clients and therapists. The intensive qualitative studies reviewed confirm that the processes involved in significant events are complex and ambiguous. Studies show that the helpful events may also contain many hindering elements and that specific events are deeply contextually embedded in the preceding events of therapy.Conclusions.Some studies suggest that helpful significant events are therapeutically productive although this may need to be established further. Specific intensive studies show that the clients' perceptions in therapy may differ dramatically from that of the therapist. Furthermore, the relational and emotional aspects of significant moments may be more important for the clients than the cognitive aspects of therapy which are frequently stressed by therapists.
Symphyocladia lithophila sp. nov. (Rhodomelaceae, Ceramiales), a new Korean red algal species based on morphology and rbcL sequences
Authors: Kim Myung Sook , Kim Su Yeon , Nelson Wendy 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Symphyocladia lithophila sp. nov. is newly described using both morphological and molecular analyses of samples collected from the southeastern coast of Korea. The new species is characterized by small size, ecorticate thallus, with 8–10 pericentral cells, lacking trichoblasts, and having 5–7 segments of congenital fusions. S. lithophila was observed to be a winter species, producing tetrasporangia from December to February. Plastid-encoded rbcL sequences were determined in four samples of S. lithophila from different locations and 21 samples of four putative relatives, including the most related genus Pterosiphonia. All four Symphyocladia lithophila replicates from three different locations had almost identical rbcL sequences, and interspecific sequence divergences were sufficient to warrant its separation as a natural entity. The phylogeny of the rbcL sequences also indicated monophyly of the genus Symphyocladia, which is separated from the genus Pterosiphonia. The specimens of Pterosiphonia, including the type species P. cloiophylla from its type locality in South Africa, form a monophyletic group.
Evaluation of the TEST 1 erythrocyte sedimentation rate system and intra- and inter-laboratory quality control using new latex control materials
Authors: Cha Choong-Hwan , Cha Young Joo , Park Chan-Jeoung , Kim Hyun Kyung , Cha Eun-Jong , Kim Duck Hee , Honghoon  , Jung Jae-Seol , Kim Mi-Jung , Jang Seongsoo , Chi Hyun-Sook , Lee Dong Soon 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test has been considered to be a simple procedure, not requiring quality control (QC). However, QC is essential for accuracy and precision. We evaluated the TEST 1 ESR system and performed QC procedures using newly developed latex control materials in three hospitals.

Methods: Using tripotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood samples (n=184), we compared TEST 1 ESR values with Westergren ESR data and evaluated intra-assay precision. Three levels of latex control materials were used to assess inter-assay precision. Reference range assessment was done using samples from 220 healthy individuals. Inter-laboratory QC with latex control materials in three hospitals was performed.

Results: Correlation between TEST 1 ESR and Westergren ESR results was good (p<0.001). Intra-assay precision [coefficients of variation (CV) 6.6%–21.7%] with patient samples and inter-assay precision (CV 0.0%–6.8%) with latex control materials were satisfactory. The reference ranges of 2–10 mm/h for males and 2–19 mm/h for females were established. Inter-laboratory QC data with latex control materials in three hospitals demonstrated good accuracy and satisfactory precision (CV 0.0%–14.4%).

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the TEST 1 QC is reliable and the latex control materials are valuable for inter-laboratory proficiency testing.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1043–8.
Pretreatment of Douglas Fir Wood Biomass for Improving Saccharification Efficiencies
Authors: Singhania Reeta Rani , Chiesa Simone , Sukumaran Rajeev Kumar , Villegas Juan David , Patel Anil K. , Gnansounou Edgard , Pandey Ashok 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The main aim of this study was to analyze dilute acid pretreatment for the Douglas fir wood in order to improve the efficiency of hydrolysis with an ultimate aim to produce bioethanol. Compositional analysis of the untreated Douglas fir biomass revealed the presence of 63.3 % carbohydrate of which 57.2 % was C6 sugars. The total lignin content was approximately 30 %. A partial fractional factorial design was opted for performing the pretreatment experiments employing sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Acid concentration, solids loading, residence time, reaction temperature, and particle size of feedstock were evaluated simultaneously for improving the enzymatic digestibility of Douglas fir biomass. Enzymatic saccharification of the pretreated biomass was done using a commercial cellulase preparation and the total reducing sugars liberated was monitored. Saccharification efficiency was correlated with the parameters and the best combination of parameters for obtaining feedstock suited for enzymatic saccharification was determined.
Unterdrückung von Bewegungsartefakten in PPG-Signalen mittels Adaptive-Noise-Canceling
Authors: Volmer Achim , Orglmeister Reinhold , Feese Sebastian 
Published: May 2010

Zusammenfassung
In diesem Beitrag wird die Problematik der bewegungsbedingten Artefaktbehaftung von PPG-Siganlen im Kontext des Langzeitmonitorings untersucht. Dabei wird besonders das Potential einer Signalrekonstruktion basierend auf adaptiver Filterung mittels Beschleunigungssignalen anhand verschiedener Bewegungsmuster evaluiert und quantifiziert. Ziel ist es, die Anwendbarkeit für kontinuierliches Monitoring abzuschätzen.