bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Origin of Non-Gaussian Regimes and Predictability in an Atmospheric Model
Authors: Peters John M. , Kravtsov Sergey 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
This study details properties of non-Gaussian regimes and state-dependent ensemble spreads of trajectories in a reduced phase space of an idealized three-level quasigeostrophic (QG3) dynamical model. Methodologically, experiments using two empirical stochastic models of the QG3 time series disentangle the causes of state-dependent persistence properties and nonuniform self-forecast skill of the QG3 model. One reduced model is a standard linear inverse model (LIM) forced by state-independent, additive noise. This model has a linear deterministic operator resulting in a phase-space velocity field with uniform divergence. The other, more general nonlinear stochastic model (NSM) includes a nonlinear propagator and is driven by state-dependent, multiplicative noise. This NSM is found to capture well the full QG3 model trajectory behavior in the reduced phase space, including the non-Gaussian features of the QG3 probability density function and phase-space distribution of the trajectory spreading rates.
Two versions of the NSM—one with a LIM-based drift tensor and QG3-derived multiplicative noise and another with the QG3-derived drift tensor and additive noise—allow the authors to determine relative contributions of the mean drift and multiplicative noise to non-Gaussian regimes and predictability in the QG3 model. In particular, while the regimes arise predominantly because of the nonlinear component of the mean phase-space tendencies, relative predictability of the regimes depends on both the phase-space structure of multiplicative noise and the degree of local convergence of mean phase-space tendencies.
Seasonal Predictability of Wintertime Precipitation in Europe Using the Snow Advance Index
Authors: Brands S. , Manzanas R. , Gutiérrez J. M. , Cohen J. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
This study tests the applicability of Eurasian snow cover increase in October, as described by the recently published snow advance index (SAI), for forecasting December–February precipitation totals in Europe. On the basis of a classical correlation analysis, global significance was obtained and locally significant correlation coefficients of up to 0.89 and −0.78 were found for the Iberian Peninsula and southern Norway, respectively. For a more robust assessment of these results, a linear regression approach is followed to hindcast the precipitation sums in a 1-yr-out cross-validation framework, using the SAI as the only predictor variable. With this simple empirical approach, local-scale precipitation could be reproduced with a correlation of up to 0.84 and 0.71 for the Iberian Peninsula and southern Norway, respectively, while catchment aggregations on the Iberian Peninsula could be hindcast with a correlation of up to 0.73. These findings are confirmed when repeating the hindcast approach to a degraded but much longer version of the SAI. With the recommendation to monitor the robustness of these results as the sample size of the SAI increases, the authors encourage its use for the purpose of seasonal forecasting in southern Norway and the Iberian Peninsula, where general circulation models are known to perform poorly for the variable in question.
Toxic effects of boron on growth and antioxidant system parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) roots
Authors: Esim Nevzat , Tiryaki Deniz , Karadagoglu Omer , Atici Okkes 
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible oxidative stress and the antioxidant response, which were caused on maize by boron (B). For this, 11- and 15-day-old maize seedlings were subjected to 2 or 4 mM B in the form of boric acid (H3BO3) for 2 and/or 6 days. At the end of the treatment period, root length, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT) were measured. The results revealed that root length of plants, activity of antioxidative enzymes such as SOD, POX and CAT and also H2O2 contents and MDA levels were seriously affected by excess B. These results suggested that the oxidative stress occurred due to the toxic effect of B.
The apoptotic effect of a high dose of toluene on liver tissue during the acute phase: an experimental study
Authors: Ayan Murat , Tas Ufuk , Sogut Erkan , Kuloglu Tuncay , Cayli Sevil , Kocaman Nevin , Karaca Zafer Ismail , Sahin Mehmet 
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study is to investigate the acute toxic effects of high-dose toluene and its mechanisms on the liver tissue of toluene-treated rats. In this study, 16 adult male Wistar albino rats (200–220 g) were divided into two equal groups. Group I was used as a control group, while group II was exposed to high dose of toluene, 5200 mg/kg (6 ml/kg per gavage). After the 3-hour experimental period, blood samples and liver tissues were taken from the euthanized animals. Serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels were assayed. Liver tissues were fixed in 10% neutral formalin, then embedded in paraffin and sectioned (5 μm thickness). Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological examination. A terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was also done for the determination of apoptosis in liver tissues. For the determination of Bax and caspase-3 immunoreactivity, the sections were stained using avidin–biotin–peroxidase immunohistochemical method. The level of plasma transaminase was found to be increased in toluene administered rats. Additionally, slight degeneration of hepatocyte and mononuclear cell infiltration was observed in the liver tissue sections and a high (+++) immunoreactivity for Bax and caspase-3 protein was observed in the toluene group. This study showed that the high dose of toluene triggers apoptosis in the liver of rats via the mitochondrial pathway in acute period.
Health Promotion in Megachurches
Authors: Bopp Melissa , Webb Benjamin 
Published: April 2012

Introduction. In the United States, megachurches (churches with 2,000+ attendance) represent a community institution with extensive reach within the population. Despite this potential for reach, the current health promotion practices of megachurches are unknown. This study aimed to document current health promotion activities and resources for health promotion in megachurches. Method. Staff at megachurches were recruited to take an online survey of health promotion programs, health promotion–related beliefs, barriers, and existing resources. Results. Respondents (n = 110 churches) indicated that churches were primarily Baptist (23.6%) or nondenominational (21.1%), had 2,500 to 4,999 congregation members (44.5%), primarily White congregation members (83.5%), and 31 to 60 employees (45.4%). Churches reported 4.73 ± 2.54 activities/year, most commonly reporting clubs or teams related to physical activity (74.5%), hands-on classes (65.5%), and educational activities (59.1%). Most churches (39.1%) reported their primary faith leader was minimally involved in health-related activities. The most common barrier was competition for time/space with other church activities (46.2%). Churches reported several employee health–related policies. Respondents reported a budget of $0 to $499/year for health-related programs (44.4%). Conclusion. These findings provide insight regarding the current status of health promotion in megachurches. These large churches are a potential health promotion partner for researchers and practitioners for developing culturally tailored interventions.
CLIPS-1D: analysis of multiple sequence alignments to deduce for residue-positions a role in catalysis, ligand-binding, or protein structure
Authors: Janda Jan-Oliver , Busch Markus , Kück Fabian , Porfenenko Mikhail , Merkl Rainer 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
One aim of the in silico characterization of proteins is to identify all residue-positions, which are crucial for function or structure. Several sequence-based algorithms exist, which predict functionally important sites. However, with respect to sequence information, many functionally and structurally important sites are hard to distinguish and consequently a large number of incorrectly predicted functional sites have to be expected. This is why we were interested to design a new classifier that differentiates between functionally and structurally important sites and to assess its performance on representative datasets.

Results
We have implemented CLIPS-1D, which predicts a role in catalysis, ligand-binding, or protein structure for residue-positions in a mutually exclusive manner. By analyzing a multiple sequence alignment, the algorithm scores conservation as well as abundance of residues at individual sites and their local neighborhood and categorizes by means of a multiclass support vector machine. A cross-validation confirmed that residue-positions involved in catalysis were identified with state-of-the-art quality; the mean MCC-value was 0.34. For structurally important sites, prediction quality was considerably higher (mean MCC = 0.67). For ligand-binding sites, prediction quality was lower (mean MCC = 0.12), because binding sites and structurally important residue-positions share conservation and abundance values, which makes their separation difficult. We show that classification success varies for residues in a class-specific manner. This is why our algorithm computes residue-specific p-values, which allow for the statistical assessment of each individual prediction. CLIPS-1D is available as a Web service at http://www-bioinf.uni-regensburg.de/.

Conclusions
CLIPS-1D is a classifier, whose prediction quality has been determined separately for catalytic sites, ligand-binding sites, and structurally important sites. It generates hypotheses about residue-positions important for a set of homologous proteins and focuses on conservation and abundance signals. Thus, the algorithm can be applied in cases where function cannot be transferred from well-characterized proteins by means of sequence comparison.
Assessment of prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke by cotinine in cord blood for the evaluation of smoking control policies in Spain
Authors: Puig Carme , Vall Oriol , García-Algar Óscar , Papaseit Esther , Pichini Simona , Saltó Esteve , Villalbí Joan R 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Over the last few years a decreasing trend in smoking has occurred not only in the general population but also during pregnancy. Several countries have implemented laws requiring all enclosed workplace and public places to be free of second hand smoke (SHS). In Spain, legislation to reduce SHS was implemented in 2005. The present study examines the possible effect of this legislation on prenatal SHS exposure.

Methods
Mothers and newborns were recruited from 3 independent studies performed in Hospital del Mar (Barcelona) and approved by the local Ethics Committee: 415 participated in a study in 1996-1998, 283 in 2002-2004 and 207 in 2008. A standard questionnaire, including neonatal and sociodemographic variables,tobacco use and exposure during pregnancy, was completed at delivery for all the participants in the three study groups. Fetal exposure to tobacco was studied by measuring cotinine in cord blood by radioimmunoassay (RIA).

Results
32.8% of the pregnant women reported to smoke during pregnancy in 1996-1998, 25.9% in 2002-2004 and 34.1% in 2008. In the most recent group, the percentage of no prenatal SHS exposure (cord blood cotinine 0.2-1 ng/mL) showed an increase compared to the previous groups while the percentages of both: low (1.1-14 ng/mL) and very high (> 100 ng/mL) prenatal SHS exposure showed a decrease.

Discussion
The results of the three study periods (1996-2008) demonstrated a significant increase in the percentage of newborns free from SHS exposure and a decrease in the percentage of newborns exposed to SHS during pregnancy, especially at the very high levels of exposure. A significant maternal smoking habit was noted in this geographical area with particular emphasis on immigrant pregnant smoking women.

Conclusions
Our study indicates that there is a significant maternal smoking habit in this geographical area. Our recommendation is that campaigns against smoking should be directed more specifically towards pregnant women with particular emphasis on non-native pregnant smokers due to the highest prevalence of tobacco consumption in the immigrant women.
Comprehensive predictions of target proteins based on protein-chemical interaction using virtual screening and experimental verifications
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroki , Harada Hiroko , Nakamura Masaomi , Futamura Yushi , Ito Akihiro , Yoshida Minoru , Iemura Shun-ichiro , Shin-ya Kazuo , Doi Takayuki , Takahashi Takashi , Natsume Tohru , Imoto Masaya , Sakakibara Yasubumi 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Identification of the target proteins of bioactive compounds is critical for elucidating the mode of action; however, target identification has been difficult in general, mostly due to the low sensitivity of detection using affinity chromatography followed by CBB staining and MS/MS analysis.

Results
We applied our protocol of predicting target proteins combining in silico screening and experimental verification for incednine, which inhibits the anti-apoptotic function of Bcl-xL by an unknown mechanism. One hundred eighty-two target protein candidates were computationally predicted to bind to incednine by the statistical prediction method, and the predictions were verified by in vitro binding of incednine to seven proteins, whose expression can be confirmed in our cell system.
As a result, 40% accuracy of the computational predictions was achieved successfully, and we newly found 3 incednine-binding proteins.

Conclusions
This study revealed that our proposed protocol of predicting target protein combining in silico screening and experimental verification is useful, and provides new insight into a strategy for identifying target proteins of small molecules.
Retracted: A moment-based optimization method for energy efficiency in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Zhang Yong , Li Keqiu , Huang Dan , Jin Yingwei , Yang Dongwei 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Retraction
"The authors would like to retract this article as several portions of this manuscript were published previously by Gu, Wu, and Rao ("Optimizing Cluster Heads for Energy Efficiency in Large-Scale Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks, International Journal of Distributed Sensor Networks 2010, 961591). The authors would like to apologise to Editors and readers."
This article proposes a novel moment-based local cluster division optimization method in wireless sensor networks, and improves the energy efficiency of local cluster area with uneven nodes distribution. In the proposed method, first, each node estimates the higher moment of local sensors' coordinates. Second, the current cluster zone is divided into four quadrant zones with cluster head's (CH) coordinates as central point. Finally, among the divided quadrant zones, the slave CH is selected according to the higher moment to help the master CH optimize data transmission in the local area. To use the higher moment effectively in segmentation of zone, we present a hybrid higher moment method by computing the kurtosis coefficient of the sensors' coordinates. When the coordinates of sensors in a quadrant zone have higher kurtosis coefficient than a threshold, the quadrant zone is considered to be a zone needed to be a slave CH. The simulation results show that the proposed method can increase system throughput, decrease delay and packet loss rate, and enhance the energy efficiency.
A novel anti-EMMPRIN function-blocking antibody reduces T cell proliferation and neurotoxicity: relevance to multiple sclerosis
Authors: Agrawal Smriti M , Silva Claudia , Wang Janet , Tong Jade Pui-Wai , Yong V Wee 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundExtracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN; CD147, basigin) is an inducer of the expression of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We reported previously that blocking EMMPRIN activity reduced neuroinflammation and severity of disease in an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).MethodsTo improve upon EMMPRIN blockade, and to help unravel the biological functions of EMMPRIN in inflammatory disorders, we have developed several anti-EMMPRIN monoclonal antibodies.ResultsOf these monoclonal antibodies, a particular one, clone 10, was efficient in binding mouse and human cells using several methods of detection. The specificity of clone 10 was demonstrated by its lack of staining of EMMPRIN-null embryos compared to heterozygous and wild-type mouse samples. Functionally, human T cells activated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 elevated their expression of EMMPRIN and the treatment of these T cells with clone 10 resulted in decreased proliferation and matrix metalloproteinase- 9 (MMP-9) production. Activated human T cells were toxic to human neurons in culture and clone 10 pretreatment reduced T cell cytotoxicity correspondent with decrease of granzyme B levels within T cells.In vivo, EAE mice treated with clone 10 had a markedly reduced disease score compared to mice treated with IgM isotype control.ConclusionsWe have produced a novel anti-EMMPRIN monoclonal antibody that blocks several aspects of T cell activity, thus highlighting the multiple roles of EMMPRIN in T cell biology. Moreover, clone 10 reduces EAE scores in mice compared to controls, and has activity on human cells, potentially allowing for the testing of anti-EMMPRIN treatment not only in EAE, but conceivably also in MS.
Resolution of volatile fuel compound profiles from Ascocoryne sarcoides: a comparison by proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry and solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Mallette Natasha D , Knighton W Berk , Strobel Gary A , Carlson Ross P , Peyton Brent M 
Published: April 2012

AbstractVolatile hydrocarbon production byAscocoryne sacroideswas studied over its growth cycle. Gas-phase compounds were measured continuously with a proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) and at distinct time points with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using head space solid phase microextraction (SPME). The PTR-MS ion signal permitted temporal resolution of the volatile production while the SPME results revealed distinct compound identities. The quantitative PTR-MS results showed the volatile production was dominated by ethanol and acetaldehyde, while the concentration of the remainder of volatiles consistently reached 2,000 ppbv. The measurement of alcohols from the fungal culture by the two techniques correlated well. Notable compounds of fuel interest included nonanal, 1-octen-3-ol, 1-butanol, 3-methyl- and benzaldehyde. Abiotic comparison of the two techniques demonstrated SPME fiber bias toward higher molecular weight compounds, making quantitative efforts with SPME impractical. Together, PTR-MS and SPME GC-MS were shown as valuable tools for characterizing volatile fuel compound production from microbiological sources.
GABA receptor ameliorates ventilator-induced lung injury in rats by improving alveolar fluid clearance
Authors: Chintagari Narendranath Reddy , Liu Lin 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Mechanical ventilators are increasingly used in critical care units. However, they can cause lung injury, including pulmonary edema. Our previous studies indicated that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors are involved in alveolar-fluid homeostasis. The present study investigated the role of GABA receptors in ventilator-induced lung injury.

Methods
Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to high-tidal-volume ventilation of 40 ml/kg body weight for 1 hour, and lung injuries were assessed.

Results
High-tidal-volume ventilation resulted in lung injury, as indicated by an increase in total protein in bronchoalveolar fluid, wet-to-dry ratio (indication of pulmonary edema), and Evans Blue dye extravasation (indication of vascular damage). Intratracheal administration of GABA before ventilation significantly reduced the wet-to-dry ratio. Further, histopathologic analysis indicated that GABA reduced ventilator-induced lung injury and apoptosis. GABA-mediated reduction was effectively blocked by the GABAA-receptor antagonist, bicuculline. The GABA-mediated effect was not due to the vascular damage, because no differences in Evans Blue dye extravasation were noted. However, the decrease in alveolar fluid clearance by high-tidal-volume ventilation was partly prevented by GABA, which was blocked by bicuculline.

Conclusions
These results suggest that GABA reduces pulmonary edema induced by high-tidal-volume ventilation via its effects on alveolar fluid clearance and apoptosis.
Moderate glucose control results in less negative nitrogen balances in medical intensive care unit patients: a randomized, controlled study
Authors: Hsu Chien-Wei , Sun Shu-Fen , Lin Shoa-Lin , Huang Hsiu-Hua , Wong Kam-Fai 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Hyperglycemia and protein loss are common in critically ill patients. Insulin can be used to lower blood glucose and inhibit proteolysis. The impact of moderate insulin therapy on protein metabolism in critically ill patients has not been evaluated. We compared urinary nitrogen excretion, nitrogen balance, serum albumin concentrations, prealbumin concentrations, and clinical outcomes between patients receiving moderate insulin therapy (MIT) and conventional insulin therapy (CIT) in a medical ICU.

Methods
Patients were randomly divided into groups and treated with MIT (glucose target 120 to 140 mg/dl) or CIT (glucose target 180 to 200 mg/dl). Calories and protein intake were recorded each day. On days 3, 7 and 14, the 24-hour urinary nitrogen excretion, nitrogen balance, and serum albumin and prealbumin concentrations were measured. Clinical outcomes data were collected.

Results
A total of 112 medical ICU patients were included, with 55 patients randomized to the MIT group and 57 patients randomized to the CIT group. Patients treated with MIT showed a trend towards increased nitrogen balance (P = 0.070), significantly lower urinary nitrogen excretion (P = 0.027), and higher serum albumin (P = 0.047) and prealbumin (P = 0.001) concentrations than patients treated with CIT. The differences between the two groups were most significant on day 3, when all factors showed significant differences (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Moderate glucose control results in less negative nitrogen balances in medical ICU patients. Differences are more significant in the early stages compared with the late stages of critical illness.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrial.Gov NCT01227148
Acetyliminopyridineiron(III) Complexes Immobilized in Fluorotetrasilicic Mica Interlayer as Efficient Catalysts for Oligomerization of Ethylene
Authors: Kondo Takashi , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Sakuragi Tsutomu , Kurokawa Hideki , Miura Hiroshi 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
As new heterogeneous catalysts, the 2-acetyl-6-{1-[(2,3,6-trisubstituted phenyl)imino]ethyl}pyridineiron(III) complexes immobilized in the fluorotetrasilicic mica interlayers were prepared by the reaction of acetyliminopyridine and Fe3+-exchanged fluorotetrasilicic mica. The catalysts showed a high activity for the ethylene oligomerization with a high selectivity to linear α-olefins in the presence of R′3Al (R′ = Et and i-Bu) as an activator.