bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Subsurface Physics in the Assimilation of Surface Soil Moisture Observations
Authors: Kumar Sujay V. , Reichle Rolf H. , Koster Randal D. , Crow Wade T. , Peters-Lidard Christa D. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Root-zone soil moisture controls the land–atmosphere exchange of water and energy, and exhibits memory that may be useful for climate prediction at monthly scales. Assimilation of satellite-based surface soil moisture observations into a land surface model is an effective way to estimate large-scale root-zone soil moisture. The propagation of surface information into deeper soil layers depends on the model-specific representation of subsurface physics that is used in the assimilation system. In a suite of experiments, synthetic surface soil moisture observations are assimilated into four different models [Catchment, Mosaic, Noah, and Community Land Model (CLM)] using the ensemble Kalman filter. The authors demonstrate that identical twin experiments significantly overestimate the information that can be obtained from the assimilation of surface soil moisture observations. The second key result indicates that the potential of surface soil moisture assimilation to improve root-zone information is higher when the surface–root zone coupling is stronger. The experiments also suggest that (faced with unknown true subsurface physics) overestimating surface–root zone coupling in the assimilation system provides more robust skill improvements in the root zone compared with underestimating the coupling. When CLM is excluded from the analysis, the skill improvements from using models with different vertical coupling strengths are comparable for different subsurface truths. Last, the skill improvements through assimilation were found to be sensitive to the regional climate and soil types.
An Interhemispheric Four-Box Model of the Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Stone Peter H. , Krasovskiy Yuriy P. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The authors introduce a four-box interhemispheric model of the meridional overturning circulation. A single box represents high latitudes in each hemisphere, and in contrast to earlier interhemispheric box models, low latitudes are represented by two boxes—a surface box and a deep box—separated by a thermocline in which a balance is assumed between vertical advection and vertical diffusion. The behavior of the system is analyzed with two different closure assumptions for how the low-latitude upwelling depends on the density contrast between the surface and deep low-latitude boxes. The first is based on the conventional assumption that the diffusivity is a constant, and the second on the assumption that the energy input to the mixing is constant.
There are three different stable equilibrium states that are closely analogous to the three found by Bryan in a single-basin interhemispheric ocean general circulation model. One is quasi-symmetric with downwelling in high latitudes of both hemispheres, and two are asymmetric solutions, with downwelling confined to high latitudes in one or the other of the two hemispheres. The quasi-symmetric solution becomes linearly unstable for strong global hydrological forcing, while the two asymmetric solutions do not.
The qualitative nature of the solutions is generally similar for both the closure assumptions, in contrast to the solutions in hemispheric models. In particular, all the stable states can be destabilized by finite amplitude perturbations in the salinity or the hydrological forcing, and transitions are possible between any two states. For example, if the system is in an asymmetric state, and the moisture flux into the high-latitude region of downwelling is slowly increased, for both closure assumptions the high-latitude downwelling decreases until a critical forcing is reached where the system switches to the asymmetric state with downwelling in the opposite hemisphere. By contrast, in hemispheric models with the energy constraint, the downwelling increases and there is no loss of stability.
The Diffusion Kernel Filter Applied to Lagrangian Data Assimilation
Authors: Krause Paul , Restrepo Juan M. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The diffusion kernel filter is a sequential particle-method approach to data assimilation of time series data and evolutionary models. The method is applicable to nonlinear/non-Gaussian problems. Within branches of prediction it parameterizes small fluctuations of Brownian-driven paths about deterministic paths. Its implementation is relatively straightforward, provided a tangent linear model is available. A by-product of the parameterization is a bound on the infinity norm of the covariance matrix of such fluctuations (divided by the grid model dimension). As such it can be used to define a notion of “prediction” itself. It can also be used to assess the short time sensitivity of the deterministic history to Brownian noise or Gaussian initial perturbations. In pure oceanic Lagrangian data assimilation, the dynamics and the statistics are nonlinear and non-Gaussian, respectively. Both of these characteristics challenge conventional methods, such as the extended Kalman filter and the popular ensemble Kalman filter. The diffusion kernel filter is proposed as an alternative and is evaluated here on a problem that is often used as a test bed for Lagrangian data assimilation: it consists of tracking point vortices and passive drifters, using a dynamical model and data, both of which have known error statistics. It is found that the diffusion kernel filter captures the first few moments of the random dynamics, with a computational cost that is competitive with a particle filter estimation strategy. The authors also introduce a clustered version of the diffusion kernel filter (cDKF), which is shown to be significantly more efficient with regard to computational cost, at the expense of a slight degradation in the description of the statistics of the dynamical history. Upon parallelizing branches of prediction, cDKF can be computationally competitive with EKF.
The new variant famine hypothesis
Authors: Ansell Nicola , Robson Elsbeth , Hajdu Flora , van Blerk Lorraine , Chipeta Lucy 
Published: July 2009

A number of southern African countries have experienced food crises during recent years. The fact that the scale of these crises has been disproportionate to the apparent triggers of climatic adversity or production decline has led to the suggestion that they are more closely related to the AIDS pandemic, which is at its most extreme in many of the same countries. This hypothesis, developed by de Waal and Whiteside (2003), has been termed ‘New Variant Famine’(NVF).The New Variant Famine hypothesis is helpful in drawing attention to the effects of AIDS in diminishing both food production and capacity to purchase food, but it focuses more intensely on the household level than many other theories that seek to explain food insecurity, which tend to emphasise the integration of peasants into a capitalist market economy, and the functioning of markets and institutions. The household level focus also characterises much research on the impacts of AIDS. In this article we argue that the effects of AIDS on food security are not confined to the household level, and that an NVF analysis should also consider processes operating within and beyond the household including social relationships, relations of age and gender, colonial inheritance and contemporary national and international political economy. Recognition of these processes and how they interact with AIDS may offer greater scope for political mobilisation rather than technocratic responses.
Getting clinical trial results into practice: design, implementation, and process evaluation of the ALLHAT Dissemination Project
Authors: Bartholomew L. Kay , Cushman William C , Cutler Jeffrey A , Davis Barry R , Dawson Glenna , Einhorn Paula T , Graumlich James F , Piller Linda B , Pressel Sara , Roccella Edward J , Simpson Lara , Whelton Paul K , Williard Angela , ALLHAT Collaborative Research Group  
Published: July 2009

Background Conventional dissemination of clinical trial results has inconsistent impact on physician practices. A more comprehensive plan to influence determinants of prescribing practices is warranted. Purpose To report the response from the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s requirement for dissemination and evaluation of trials with potential immediate public health applicability. Methods ALLHAT’s dissemination plan had two-components: (1) a traditional approach of media coverage, scientific presentation, and publication; and (2) a theory-based approach targeting determinants of clinician behavior. Strategies included: (1) academic detailing, in which physicians approach colleagues regarding blood pressure management, (2) direct patient messages to stimulate communication with physicians regarding blood pressure control, (3) approaches to formulary systems to use educational and economic incentives for evidence-based prescription, and (4) direct professional organization appeals to clinicians. Results One hundred and forty-seven Investigator Educators reported 1698 presentations to 18,524 clinicians in 41 states and the District of Columbia. The pre- and post-test responses of 1709 clinicians in the face-to-face meetings indicated significant changes in expectations for positive patient outcomes and intention to prescribe diuretics. Information was mailed to 55 individuals representing 20 professional organizations and to eight formulary systems. Direct-to-patient messages were provided to 14 sites that host patient newsletters and Web sites such as health plans and insurance companies, 62 print mass media outlets, and 12 broadcast media sites. Limitations It was not within the scope of the project to conduct a randomized trial of the impact of the dissemination. However, impact evaluation using quasi-experimental designs is ongoing. Conclusion A large multi-method dissemination of clinical trial results is feasible. Planning for dissemination efforts, including evaluation research, should be considered as a part of the funding and design of the clinical trial and should begin early in trial planning. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 329—343. http://ctj.sagepub.com
NOD1 gene polymorphisms in relation to aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Loos B.G. , Fiebig A. , Nothnagel M. , Jepsen S. , Groessner-Schreiber B. , Franke A. , Jervøe-Storm P.M. , Schenck K. , van der Velden U. , Schreiber S. 
Published: July 2009

Background: NOD proteins are part of innate immunity mechanisms. They play a role in epithelial barrier functions and inflammatory responses to bacteria. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NOD1 gene have proven to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and asthma. Objective: To investigate SNPs in the NOD1 gene in relation to aggressive periodontitis (AgP), a multifactorial, inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth. Materials and Methods: Five SNPs in the NOD1 gene (4 intronic and 1 exonic) were tested for association in a total of 415 AgP patients and 874 controls both of Northern European ancestry. Results: The frequencies of the rare SNP alleles ranged between 21% and 26% among cases, and 20—27% among controls, and were not statistically different between cases and controls. Two SNPs were in strong linkage disequilibrium (r2 = 0.97 in cases and 0.94 in controls). The overall haplotype distributions did not differ between cases and controls. We observed 8 haplotypes with a frequency of !1% among cases and/or controls, but none of these haplotype frequencies differed significantly among cases and controls. Logistic regression analyses with adjustment for gender and smoking status did not reveal significant associations with AgP for any of the 5 SNPs. This study had a power of !95% to detect associations with variants carrying relative risks of !1.5 for heterozygote carriers and !2.25 for homozygote carriers. Conclusions: Although SNPs in the NOD1 gene have been strongly associated with cases of IBD, the current study failed to show an association of NOD1 SNPs with AgP.
M-CSF elevates c-Fos and phospho-C/EBPα(S21) via ERK whereas G-CSF stimulates SHP2 phosphorylation in marrow progenitors to contribute to myeloid lineage specification
Authors: Jack Graham D. , Zhang Li , Friedman Alan D. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe role of hematopoietic cytokines in lineage commitment remains uncertain. To gain insight into the contribution of cytokine signaling to myeloid lineage specification, we compared granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) signaling in Ba/F3 cells expressing both the G-CSF and M-CSF receptors and in lineage-negative murine marrow cells. G-CSF and M-CSF serve as prototypes for additional cytokines that also influence immature myeloid cells. G-CSF specifically activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and induced Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2) phosphorylation, whereas M-CSF preferentially activated phospholipase Cγ2, and thereby extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), to stabilize c-Fos and stimulate CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)α(S21) phosphorylation. In contrast, activation of Jun kinase or c-Jun was similar in response to either cytokine. Inhibition of ERK prevented induction of c-Fos by M-CSF and reduced C/EBPα phosphorylation and formation of colony-forming unit–monocytes. SHP2 inhibition reduced ERK activation in G-CSF, but not M-CSF, and reduced colony-forming unit–granulocytes, underscoring divergent pathways to ERK activation. Phorbol ester mimicked the effect of M-CSF, activating ERK independent of SHP2. In summary, M-CSF activates ERK more potently than G-CSF, and thereby induces higher levels of c-Fos and phospho-C/EBPα(S21), which may directly interact to favor monopoiesis, whereas G-CSF activates signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and SHP2, potentially shifting the balance to granulopoiesis via gene induction by C/EBPα homodimers and via effects of SHP2 on regulators besides ERK.
Characterization of Gaucher disease bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells reveals an altered inflammatory secretome
Authors: Campeau Philippe M. , Rafei Moutih , Boivin Marie-Noëlle , Sun Ying , Grabowski Gregory A. , Galipeau Jacques 
Published: July 2009

AbstractGaucher disease causes pathologic skeletal changes that are not fully explained. Considering the important role of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in bone structural development and maintenance, we analyzed the cellular biochemistry of MSCs from an adult patient with Gaucher disease type 1 (N370S/L444P mutations). Gaucher MSCs possessed a low glucocerebrosidase activity and consequently had a 3-fold increase in cellular glucosylceramide. Gaucher MSCs have a typical MSC marker phenotype, normal osteocytic and adipocytic differentiation, growth, exogenous lactosylceramide trafficking, cholesterol content, lysosomal morphology, and total lysosomal content, and a marked increase in COX-2, prostaglandin E2, interleukin-8, and CCL2 production compared with normal controls. Transcriptome analysis on normal MSCs treated with the glucocerebrosidase inhibitor conduritol B epoxide showed an up-regulation of an array of inflammatory mediators, including CCL2, and other differentially regulated pathways. These cells also showed a decrease in sphingosine-1-phosphate. In conclusion, Gaucher disease MSCs display an altered secretome that could contribute to skeletal disease and immune disease manifestations in a manner distinct and additive to Gaucher macrophages themselves.
Early effects of oral administration of lafutidine with mosapride compared with lafutidine alone on intragastric pH values
Authors: Iida Hiroshi , Inamori Masahiko , Nozaki Yuichi , Endo Hiroki , Hosono Kunihiro , Akiyama Tomoyuki , Sakamoto Yasunari , Takahashi Hirokazu , Koide Tomoko , Tokoro Chikako , Abe Yasunobu , Nakajima Atsushi 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe ideal medication for treatment of acid related diseases should have a rapid onset of action to promote hemostasis and resolution of symptoms. The aim of our study was to investigate the inhibitory effects on gastric acid secretion after a single oral administrations of lafutidine, is a newly synthesized H2-receptor antagonist, with mosapride 5 mg or lafutidine alone.MethodsTenHelicobacter pylorinegative male subjects participated in this randomized, two-way crossover study. Intragastric pH was monitored continuously for 4 hours after a single oral administration of lafutidine 10 mg or lafutidine 10 mg with mosapride 5 mg (the lafutidine being administrated one hour after the mosapride). Each administration was separated by a 7-day washout period.ResultsThe average pH during the 4-hour period after administration of lafutidine 10 mg with mosapride 5 mg was higher than after lafutidine 10 mg alone (median: 5.25 versus 4.58, respectively;p= 0.0318). During the 3–4 hour study period, lafutidine 10 mg with mosapride 5 mg provided a higher pH, compared to lafutidine 10 mg alone (median: 7.28 versus 6.42;p= 0.0208).ConclusionInH. pylorinegative healthy male subjects, an oral dose of lafutidine 10 mg with mosapride 5 mg more rapidly increased intragastric pH than lafutidine 10 mg alone.
Knowledge and utilization of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in primary health care centers in rural southwest, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Akinleye Stella O , Falade Catherine O , Ajayi Ikeoluwapo O 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Intermittent preventive treatment for prevention of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) is a key component of malaria control strategy in Nigeria and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is the drug of choice. Despite the evidence of the effectiveness of IPTp strategy using SP in reducing the adverse effects of malaria during pregnancy the uptake and coverage in Nigeria is low. This study set out to assess the use of IPTp among pregnant women attending primary health centres in the rural area and determine factors that influence the uptake.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out between July and August 2007 among 209 pregnant women selected by systematic random sampling from antenatal care attendees at primary health care in a rural Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. Information on knowledge of IPT, delivery, adherence and acceptability was obtained using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as means, range, proportions were used. Chi-square test was used to examine association between categorical variables. All analyses were performed at 5% level of significance.

Results
One hundred and nine of 209 (52.2%) respondents have heard about IPTp but only 26 (23.9%) were able to define it. Fifty seven (27.3%) reported to have received at least one dose of IPTp during the index pregnancy and all were among those who have heard of IPTp (52.3%). Twenty one of the 57 (36.8%) took the SP in the clinic. Only three of the twenty-one (14.3%) were supervised by a health worker. Twenty two of the 36 women (61.1%) who did not take their drugs in the clinic would have liked to do so if allowed to bring their own drinking cups. Almost half (43.9%) of those who had used IPTp during the index pregnancy expressed concern about possible adverse effect of SP on their pregnancies. Periodic shortages of SP in the clinics were also reported.

Conclusion
In this study, IPTp use among pregnant women was very low and there was poor adherence to the Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) scheme. Concerted effort should be made to increase awareness of IPTp among the public especially women of child bearing age. Health workers should also be trained and monitored to ensure adherence.
Stem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers are frequently overexpressed in circulating tumor cells of metastatic breast cancer patients
Authors: Aktas Bahriye , Tewes Mitra , Fehm Tanja , Hauch Siegfried , Kimmig Rainer , Kasimir-Bauer Sabine 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Introduction
The persistence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in breast cancer patients might be associated with stem cell like tumor cells which have been suggested to be the active source of metastatic spread in primary tumors. Furthermore, these cells also may undergo phenotypic changes, known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which allows them to travel to the site of metastasis formation without getting affected by conventional treatment. Here we evaluated 226 blood samples of 39 metastatic breast cancer patients during a follow-up of palliative chemo-, antibody – or hormonal therapy for the expression of the stem cell marker ALDH1 and markers for EMT and correlated these findings with the presence of CTC and response to therapy.

Methods
2 × 5 ml blood was analyzed for CTC with the AdnaTest BreastCancer (AdnaGen AG) for the detection of EpCAM, MUC-1 and HER2 transcripts. The recovered c-DNA was additionally multiplex tested for three EMT markers [Twist1, Akt2, PI3Kα] and separately for the tumor stem-cell markers ALDH1. The identification of EMT markers was considered positive if at least one marker was detected in the sample.

Results
97% of 30 healthy donor samples investigated were negative for EMT and 95% for ALDH1 transcripts. CTC were detected in 69/226 (31%) cancer samples. In the CTC (+) group, 62% were positive for at least one of the EMT markers and 69% for ALDH1, respectively. In the CTC (-) group the percentages were 7% and 14%, respectively. In non-responders, EMT and ALDH1 expression was found in 62% and 44% of patients, in responders the rates were 10% and 5%, respectively.

Conclusions
Our data indicate that a major proportion of CTC of metastatic breast cancer patients shows EMT and tumor stem cell characteristics. Further studies are needed to prove whether these markers might serve as an indicator for therapy resistant tumor cell populations and, therefore, an inferior prognosis.
The crystal structure of CaIrO3 post-perovskite revisited
Authors: Hirai Shigeto , Welch Mark D. , Aguado Fernando , Redfern Simon A. T. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The structure of CaIrO3 post-perovskite has been determined using CAD4 and Bruker SMART diffractometers for two different crystals. In both cases the structure was solved by Direct Methods which revealed all four atoms in the asymmetric unit. Anisotropic refinement of all atoms gave (CAD4/SMART): R
1 = 0.016/0.008, wR
2 = 0.032/0.009. There is excellent agreement between the structure models of the two studies. However, some notable differences were found between the structures determined here and that reported by Sugahara et al., (2008): most obviously, we observe no significant anisotropic displacements for any of the atoms. Anisotropic displacement parameters for Ca, Ir and O atoms are very similar to those of their counterparts in MgSiO3 perovskite. The close similarity of the structures of the two crystals determined here using two very different diffractometers suggests that the derived model structure reported here is better-constrained and more representative of the characteristic features of CaIrO3 post-perovskite than that obtained by Sugahara et al., (2008).