bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual-Polarization Radar Characteristics of an Apartment Fire
Authors: Jones Thomas A. , Christopher Sundar A. , Petersen Walt 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Dual-polarimetric microwave wavelength radar observations of an apartment fire in Huntsville, Alabama, on 3 March 2008 are examined to determine the radar-observable properties of ash and fire debris lofted into the atmosphere. Dual-polarimetric observations are collected at close range (&lt;20 km) by the 5-cm (C band) Advanced Radar for Meteorological and Operational Research (ARMOR) radar operated by the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Precipitation radars, such as ARMOR, are not sensitive to aerosol-sized (D &lt; 10 μm) smoke particles, but they are sensitive to the larger ash and burnt debris embedded within the smoke plume. The authors also assess if turbulent eddies caused by the heat of the fire cause Bragg scattering to occur at the 5-cm wavelength.
In this example, the mean reflectivity within the debris plume from the 1.3° elevation scan was 9.0 dBZ, with a few values exceeding 20 dBZ. The plume is present more than 20 km downstream of the fire, with debris lofted at least 1 km above ground level into the atmosphere. Velocities up to 20 m s−1 are present within the plume, indicating that the travel time for the debris from its source to the maximum range of detection is less than 20 min. Dual-polarization observations show that backscattered radiation is dominated by nonspherical, large, oblate targets as indicated by nonzero differential reflectivity values (mean = 1.7 dB) and low correlation coefficients (0.49). Boundary layer convective rolls are also observed that have very low reflectivity values (−6.0 dBZ); however, differential reflectivity is much larger (3.2 dB). This is likely the result of noise, because ARMOR differential reflectivity is not reliable for reflectivity values &lt;0 dBZ. Also, copolar correlation is even lower compared to the debris plume (0.42). The remainder of the data mainly consists of atmospheric and ground-clutter noise. The large differential phase values coupled with positive differential reflectivity strongly indicate that the source of much of the return from the debris plume is particle scattering. However, given the significant degree of noise present, a substantial contribution from Bragg scattering cannot be entirely ruled out.
An Empirical Model for Estimating the Geographic Location of Nonlinear Internal Solitary Waves
Authors: Jackson Christopher R. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
This paper describes the development and performance of a new approach for estimating the geographic location of high-frequency nonlinear internal waves. The approach makes use of the internal wave signatures recorded in satellite imagery to determine the parameters of a model function that relates the internal wave phase speed to depth. The phase speed map produced by the parameterized model function establishes a propagation time and propagation path between an origin and any location in the region of interest. Contours of propagation time represent the internal wave locations for a particular time since generation. The parameters of the model function are found by minimizing the difference between the calculated propagation times and the observed propagation times. This approach is applied to the internal solitary waves observed in the northern portion of the South China Sea west of the Luzon Strait. Propagation time estimates based on this new approach have errors of ±1.32 h (1σ) for depths greater than 1000 m and ±2.55 h (1σ) for all depths over which the waves are observed.
Dual ACE-inhibition and AT1 receptor antagonism improves ventricular lusitropy without affecting cardiac fibrosis in the congenic mRen2.Lewis rat
Authors: Jessup Jewell A. , Westwood Brian M. , Chappell Mark C. , Groban Leanne 
Published: June 2009

Background: Hypertension and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy often precede diastolic dysfunction and are risk factors for diastolic heart failure. Although pharmacologic inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) improves diastolic function and functional capacity in hypertensive patients with LV hypertrophy, the effects of combination therapy with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) and an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) are unclear. Method: We assessed the effects of the combined 10-week administration of lisinopril (10 mg/kg/ day, p.o.) and losartan (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) (LIS/LOS) on diastolic function and LV structure in seven young (5 weeks), prehypertensive congenic mRen2.Lewis male rat, a model of tissue renin overexpression and angiotensin II (Ang II)-dependent hypertension compared to vehicle (VEH) treated (n = 7), age-matched rats. Results: Systolic blood pressures were 64% lower with the combination therapy (p < 0.001), but there were no differences in heart rate or systolic function between groups. RAS inhibition increased myocardial relaxation, defined by tissue Doppler mitral annular descent (e') by 2.2 fold (p < 0.001). The preserved lusitropy in the LIS/LOS-treated rats was accompanied by a reduction in phospholamban-to-SERCA2 ratio (p < 0.001). Despite lower relative wall thicknesses (VEH: 1.56±0.17 versus LIS/LOS: 0.78±0.05) and filling pressures, defined by the transmitral Doppler-to-mitral annular descent ratio (E/e', VEH: 28.7±1.9 versus LIS/LOS: 17.96±1.5), no differences in cardiac collagen were observed. Conclusion: We conclude that the lusitropic benefit of early dual RAS blockade may be due to improved vascular hemodynamics and/or cardiac calcium handling rather than effects on extracellular matrix reduction.
The proteomic signature of NPM/ALK reveals deregulation of multiple cellular pathways
Authors: Lim Megan S. , Carlson Mary L. , Crockett David K. , Fillmore G. Chris , Abbott David R. , Elenitoba-Johnson Olaotan F. , Tripp Sheryl R. , Rassidakis George Z. , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Szankasi Philippe , Elenitoba-Johnson Kojo S. J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractConstitutive expression of the chimeric NPM/ALK fusion protein encoded by the t(2;5)(p32;q35) is a key oncogenic event in the pathogenesis of most anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs). The proteomic network alterations produced by this aberration remain largely uncharacterized. Using a mass spectrometry (MS)–driven approach to identify changes in protein expression caused by the NPM/ALK fusion, we identified diverse NPM/ALK-induced changes affecting cell proliferation, ribosome synthesis, survival, apoptosis evasion, angiogenesis, and cytoarchitectural organization. MS-based findings were confirmed using Western blotting and/or immunostaining of NPM/ALK-transfected cells and ALK-deregulated lymphomas. A subset of the proteins distinguished NPM/ALK-positive ALCLs from NPM/ALK-negative ALCLs and Hodgkin lymphoma. The multiple NPM/ALK-deregulated pathways identified by MS analysis also predicted novel biologic effects of NPM/ALK expression. In this regard, we showed loss of cell adhesion as a consequence of NPM/ALK expression in a kinase-dependent manner, and sensitivity of NPM/ALK-positive ALCLs to inhibition of the RAS, p42/44ERK, and FRAP/mTOR signaling pathways. These findings reveal that the NPM/ALK alteration affects diverse cellular pathways, and provide novel insights into NPM/ALK-positive ALCL pathobiology. Our studies carry important implications for the use of MS-driven approaches for the elucidation of neoplastic pathobiology, the identification of novel diagnostic biomarkers, and pathogenetically relevant therapeutic targets.
Remodelling sympathetic innervation in rat pancreatic islets ontogeny
Authors: Cabrera-Vásquez Siraam , Navarro-Tableros Víctor , Sánchez-Soto Carmen , Gutiérrez-Ospina Gabriel , Hiriart Marcia 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundPancreatic islets are not fully developed at birth and it is not clear how they are vascularised and innervated. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is required to guide sympathetic neurons that innervate peripheral organs and also in cardiovascular system and ovary angiogenesis. Pancreatic beta cells of a transgenic mouse that over-expressed NGF in attracts sympathetic hyper-innervation towards them. Moreover, we have previously demonstrated that adult beta cells synthesize and secrete NGF; however, we do not know how is NGF secreted during development, nor if it might be trophic for sympathetic innervation and survival in the pancreas.We analyzed sympathetic innervation and vasculature development in rat pancreatic islets at different developmental stages; foetal (F19), early postnatal (P1), weaning period (P20) and adults. We temporarily correlated these events to NGF secretion by islet cells.ResultsSympathetic fibres reached pancreatic islets in the early postnatal period, apparently following blood vessels. The maximal number of sympathetic fibres (TH immunopositive) in the periphery of the islets was observed at P20, and then fibres entered the islets and reached the core where beta cells are mainly located. The number of fibres decreased from that stage to adulthood. At all stages studied, islet cells secreted NGF and also expressed the high affinity receptor TrkA. Foetal and neonatal isolated islet cells secreted more NGF than adults. TrkA receptors were expressed at all stages in pancreatic sympathetic fibres and blood vessels. These last structures were NGF–immunoreactive only at early stages (foetal and P0).ConclusionThe results suggest that NGF signalling play an important role in the guidance of blood vessels and sympathetic fibres toward the islets during foetal and neonatal stages and could also preserve innervation at later stages of life.
Functional and comparative genomics analyses of pmp22 in medaka fish
Authors: Itou Junji , Suyama Mikita , Imamura Yukio , Deguchi Tomonori , Fujimori Kazuhiro , Yuba Shunsuke , Kawarabayasi Yutaka , Kawasaki Takashi 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background

Pmp22, a member of the junction protein family Claudin/EMP/PMP22, plays an important role in myelin formation. Increase of pmp22 transcription causes peripheral neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type1A (CMT1A). The pathophysiological phenotype of CMT1A is aberrant axonal myelination which induces a reduction in nerve conduction velocity (NCV). Several CMT1A model rodents have been established by overexpressing pmp22. Thus, it is thought that pmp22 expression must be tightly regulated for correct myelin formation in mammals. Interestingly, the myelin sheath is also present in other jawed vertebrates. The purpose of this study is to analyze the evolutionary conservation of the association between pmp22 transcription level and vertebrate myelin formation, and to find the conserved non-coding sequences for pmp22 regulation by comparative genomics analyses between jawed fishes and mammals.

Results
A transgenic pmp22 over-expression medaka fish line was established. The transgenic fish had approximately one fifth the peripheral NCV values of controls, and aberrant myelination of transgenic fish in the peripheral nerve system (PNS) was observed. We successfully confirmed that medaka fish pmp22 has the same exon-intron structure as mammals, and identified some known conserved regulatory motifs. Furthermore, we found novel conserved sequences in the first intron and 3'UTR.

Conclusion
Medaka fish undergo abnormalities in the PNS when pmp22 transcription increases. This result indicates that an adequate pmp22 transcription level is necessary for correct myelination of jawed vertebrates. Comparison of pmp22 orthologs between distantly related species identifies evolutionary conserved sequences that contribute to precise regulation of pmp22 expression.
Assess suitability of hydroaeroponic culture to establish tripartite symbiosis between different AMF species, beans, and rhizobia
Authors: Tajini Fatma , Suriyakup Porntip , Vailhe Hélène , Jansa Jan , Drevon Jean-Jacques 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundLike other species of thePhaseoleaetribe, common bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) has the potential to establish symbiosis with rhizobia and to fix the atmospheric dinitrogen (N2) for its N nutrition. Common bean has also the potential to establish symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) that improves the uptake of low mobile nutrients such as phosphorus, from the soil. Both rhizobial and mycorrhizal symbioses can act synergistically in benefits on plant.ResultsThe tripartite symbiosis of common bean with rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was assessed in hydroaeroponic culture with common bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.), by comparing the effects of three fungi spp. on growth, nodulation and mycorrhization of the roots under sufficientversusdeficient P supplies, after transfer from initial sand culture. AlthoughGlomus intraradicesSchenck & Smith colonized intensely the roots of common bean in both sand and hydroaeroponic cultures,Gigaspora roseaNicolson & Schenck only established well under sand culture conditions, and no root-colonization was found withAcaulospora melleaSpain & Schenck under either culture conditions. Interestingly, mycorrhization byGlomuswas also obtained by contact with mycorrhizedStylosanthes guianensis(Aubl.) sw in sand culture under deficient P before transfer into hydroaeroponic culture. The effect of bean genotype on both rhizobial and mycorrhizal symbioses withGlomuswas subsequently assessed with the common bean recombinant inbreed line 7, 28, 83, 115 and 147, and the cultivar Flamingo. Significant differences among colonization and nodulation of the roots and growth among genotypes were found.ConclusionThe hydroaeroponic culture is a valuable tool for further scrutinizing the physiological interactions and nutrient partitioning within the tripartite symbiosis.
KIDMAP, a web based system for gathering patients' feedback on their doctors
Authors: Chien Tsair-Wei , Wang Weng-Chung , Lin Sho-Be , Lin Ching-Yih , Guo How-Ran , Su Shih-Bin 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
The gathering of feedback on doctors from patients after consultations is an important part of patient involvement and participation. This study first assesses the 23-item Patient Feedback Questionnaire (PFQ) designed by the Picker Institute, Europe, to determine whether these items form a single latent trait. Then, an Internet module with visual representation is developed to gather patient views about their doctors; this program then distributes the individualized results by email.

Methods
A total of 450 patients were randomly recruited from a 1300-bed-size medical center in Taiwan. The Rasch rating scale model was used to examine the data-fit. Differential item functioning (DIF) analysis was conducted to verify construct equivalence across the groups. An Internet module with visual representation was developed to provide doctors with the patient's online feedback.

Results
Twenty-one of the 23 items met the model's expectation, namely that they constitute a single construct. The test reliability was 0.94. DIF was found between ages and different kinds of disease, but not between genders and education levels. The visual approach of the KIDMAP module on the WWW seemed to be an effective approach to the assessment of patient feedback in a clinical setting.

Conclusion
The revised 21-item PFQ measures a single construct. Our work supports the hypothesis that the revised PFQ online version is both valid and reliable, and that the KIDMAP module is good at its designated task. Further research is needed to confirm data congruence for patients with chronic diseases.
Maximum recovery after knee replacement – the MARKER study rationale and protocol
Authors: Lin Chung-Wei Christine , March Lyn , Crosbie Jack , Crawford Ross , Graves Stephen , Naylor Justine , Harmer Alison , Jan Stephen , Bennell Kim , Harris Ian , Parker David , Moffet Helene , Fransen Marlene 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundThere is little scientific evidence to support the usual practice of providing outpatient rehabilitation to patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery (TKR) immediately after discharge from the orthopaedic ward. It is hypothesised that the lack of clinical benefit is due to the low exercise intensity tolerated at this time, with patients still recovering from the effects of major orthopaedic surgery. The aim of the proposed clinical trial is to investigate the clinical and cost effectiveness of a novel rehabilitation strategy, consisting of an initial home exercise programme followed, approximately six weeks later, by higher intensity outpatient exercise classes.Methods/DesignIn this multicentre randomised controlled trial, 600 patients undergoing primary TKR will be recruited at the orthopaedic pre-admission clinic of 10 large public and private hospitals in Australia. There will be no change to the medical or rehabilitative care usually provided while the participant is admitted to the orthopaedic ward. After TKR, but prior to discharge from the orthopaedic ward, participants will be randomised to either the novel rehabilitation strategy or usual rehabilitative care as provided by the hospital or recommended by the orthopaedic surgeon. Outcomes assessments will be conducted at baseline (pre-admission clinic) and at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months following randomisation. The primary outcomes will be self-reported knee pain and physical function. Secondary outcomes include quality of life and objective measures of physical performance. Health economic data (health sector and community service utilisation, loss of productivity) will be recorded prospectively by participants in a patient diary. This patient cohort will also be followed-up annually for five years for knee pain, physical function and the need or actual incidence of further joint replacement surgery.DiscussionThe results of this pragmatic clinical trial can be directly implemented into clinical practice. If beneficial, the novel rehabilitation strategy of utilising outpatient exercise classes during a later rehabilitation phase would provide a feasible and potentially cost-effective intervention to optimise the physical well-being of the large number of people undergoing TKR.Trial RegistrationACTRN12609000054213
Intra-articular adhesions of the temporomandibular joint: Relation between arthroscopic findings and clinical symptoms
Authors: Zhang ShanYong , Li u XiuMing , Yang Chi , Cai XieYi , Chen MinJie , Haddad Majd S , Yun Bai , Chen ZhuoZhi 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Intra-articular adhesion (IA) is one of the important pathologic signs of intracapsular temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases, but this factor has been rarely described with respect to its arthroscopic characteristics and histology. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence and distribution of IA in patients with internal derangement (ID) and to investigate the correlation between adhesions and the clinical symptoms of patients with ID of TMJ with closed-lock.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted of 1822 TMJs with ID that were refractory to nonsurgical treatments and underwent arthroscopic surgery between May 2001 and June 2008 in our department. Clinical findings were assessed on the basis of mandibular range of motion, patients' age and locking duration at the initial visit. ID stages were judged according to the Wilkes and Bronstein classification based on clinical symptoms and pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging. 1506 patients (1822 joints) with ID were divided into an adhesion group (486 patients) and a non-adhesion group (1020 patients). The associations between the two groups with respect to interincisal opening, clicking duration, locking duration and patients' age were statistically analyzed using a t-test.

Results
Arthroscopy confirmed occurrences of adhesion in 28.76% of the joints (524 joints out of a total of 1822). Grade 1 adhesion was found in 68.89% of those cases; grade 2 in 20.61%; grade 3 in 4.58%; and grade 4 in 5.92%. The percentages of instances of adhesion in different stages were as follows: 13.89% of the joints in Stage II had adhesion, 25.47% in Stage III, 37.99% in Stage IV, and 40.37% in Stage V. There were statistically significant differences for patients' age (t = 10.41, P < 0.001), interincisal opening (t = 9.54, P < 0.001), paining duration (t = 3.66, P < 0.001) and locking duration (t = 3.89, P < 0.001) between the two groups, while no statistically significant difference was found for clicking duration (t = 1.08, P > 0.05).

Conclusion
The arthroscopic findings confirmed that the incidence ratio of adhesion was high and occurred predominantly with older patients with longer locking duration and less interincisal opening. As the stage of ID increased, the adhesion grade rose.
Genetic relatedness and molecular characterization of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated in central Ohio, USA
Authors: Srinivasan Vijaya B , Rajamohan Govindan , Pancholi Preeti , Stevenson Kurt , Tadesse Daniel , Patchanee Prapas , Marcon Mario , Gebreyes Wondwossen A 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Over the last decade, nosocomial infections due to Acinetobacter baumannii have been described with an increasing trend towards multidrug resistance, mostly in intensive care units. The aim of the present study was to determine the clonal relatedness of clinical isolates and to elucidate the genetic basis of imipenem resistance.

Methods

A. baumannii isolates (n = 83) originated from two hospital settings in central Ohio were used in this study. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis genotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing for clinically relevant antimicrobials were performed. Resistance determinants were characterized by using different phenotypic (accumulation assay for efflux) and genotypic (PCR, DNA sequencing, plasmid analysis and electroporation) approaches.

Results
The isolates were predominantly multidrug resistant (>79.5%) and comprised of thirteen unique pulsotypes, with genotype VII circulating in both hospitals. The presence of bla
OXA-23 in 13% (11/83) and IS
Aba1
linked bla
OXA-66 in 79.5% (66/83) of clinical isolates was associated with high level imipenem resistance. In this set of OXA producing isolates, multidrug resistance was bestowed by bla
ADC-25, class 1 integron-borne aminoglycoside modifying enzymes, presence of sense mutations in gyrA/parC and involvement of active efflux (with evidence for the presence of adeB efflux gene).

Conclusion
This study underscores the major role of carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamases, and in particular the acquired OXA-23, in the dissemination of imipenem-resistant A. baumannii. The co-occurrence of additional resistance determinant could also be a significant threat.