bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nowcasting Challenges during the Beijing Olympics: Successes, Failures, and Implications for Future Nowcasting Systems
Authors: Wilson James W. , Feng Yerong , Chen Min , Roberts Rita D. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
The Beijing 2008 Forecast Demonstration Project (B08FDP) included a variety of nowcasting systems from China, Australia, Canada, and the United States. A goal of the B08FDP was to demonstrate state-of-the-art nowcasting systems within a mutual operational setting. The nowcasting systems were a mix of radar echo extrapolation methods, numerical models, techniques that blended numerical model and extrapolation methods, and systems incorporating forecaster input. This paper focuses on the skill of the nowcasting systems to forecast convective storms that threatened or affected the Summer Olympic Games held in Beijing, China. The topography surrounding Beijing provided unique challenges in that it often enhanced the degree and extent of storm initiation, growth, and dissipation, which took place over short time and space scales. The skill levels of the numerical techniques were inconsistent from hour to hour and day to day and it was speculated that without assimilation of real-time radar reflectivity and Doppler velocity fields to support model initialization, particularly for weakly forced convective events, it would be very difficult for models to provide accurate forecasts on the nowcasting time and space scales. Automated blending techniques tended to be no more skillful than extrapolation since they depended heavily on the models to provide storm initiation, growth, and dissipation. However, even with the cited limitations among individual nowcasting systems, the Chinese Olympic forecasters considered the B08FDP human consensus forecasts to be useful. Key to the success of the human forecasts was the development of nowcasting rules predicated on the character of Beijing convective weather realized over the previous two summers. Based on the B08FDP experience, the status of nowcasting convective storms and future directions are presented.
Most Common Sports-Related Injuries in a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Monroe Kathy W. , Thrash Chris , Sorrentino Annalise , King William D. 
Published: September 2010

Background: Participation in sports is a popular activity for children across the country. Prevention of sports-related injuries can be improved if details of injuries are documented and studied. Methods: A retrospective medical record review of injuries that occurred as a direct result of sports participation (both organized and non-organized play) from November 2006 to November 2007. Because the vast majority of injuries were a result of participation in football or basketball, these injuries were focused upon. The injuries specifically examined were closed head injury (CHI), lacerations and fractures. Results: There were 350 football and 196 basketball injuries (total 546). Comparing injuries between the two groups fractures were found to be more prevalent in football compared to basketball (z = 2.14; p = 0.03; 95%CI (0.01, 0.16)). Lacerations were found to be less prevalent among helmeted patients than those without helmets. (z = 2.39; p = 0.02; 95%CI (-0.17,-0.03)). CHI was more prevalent among organized play compared to non-organized (z = 3.9; p<0.001; 95%CI (0.06, 0.16)). Among basketball related visits, non-organized play had a higher prevalence of injury compared to organized play. (z = 2.87; p = 0.004; 95% CI (0.04, 0.21)). Among football related visits, organized play had a higher prevalence of injury compared to non-organized play (z = 2.87; p = 0.004; 95%CI (0.04,.0.21)). No differences in fracture or laceration prevalence were found between organized and non-organized play. Conclusions: Football and basketball related injuries are common complaints in a pediatric Emergency Department. Frequently seen injuries include CHI, fractures and lacerations. In our institution, fractures were more prevalent among football players and CHI was more prevalent among organized sports participants.
Overweight, obesity and strong attitudes: Predicting participation in physical activity in a predominantly Hispanic college population
Authors: Magoc Dejan , Tomaka Joe , Thompson Sharon 
Published: September 2010

Background: Obesity is the leading cause of preventable death and conveys risk for diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke. Overweight and obesity are common among college students, with surveys showing 35 per cent of college students to be overweight. Unhealthy diets and low physical activity are the major causes. Objective: To examine rates of obesity, participation in exercise and predictors of exercise among a predominantly Hispanic (72 per cent) college student sample. Methods: Three hundred and ninety two students completed questionnaires as part of a general health screening. Results: General participation in exercise is high (61 per cent), but the majority (69 per cent) do not meet the CDC recommendations for physical activity. Also, Exercise Importance and Gender were strong predictors of participation in physical activity and exercise in this sample. Conclusion: Strong attitudes are an important determinant of participation in physical activity in this sample. Future studies might explore these relationships among other ethnic/demographic groups, as well as test the effectiveness of attitude change interventions for increasing physical activity.
Demonstration-Based Training: A Review of Instructional Features
Authors: Rosen Michael A. , Salas Eduardo , Pavlas Davin , Jensen Randy , Fu Dan , Lampton Donald 
Published: September 2010

Objective: This article reviews instructional features used in demonstration-based training (DBT). Background: The need for fast and effective training and performance support that can be accessed from anywhere is a growing need for organizations. DBT programs are one method to address these needs, but a better understanding of how to maximize the effectiveness of DBT activities is needed. Specifically, beyond the content of the demonstration (i.e., the dynamic example of task performance), what instructional features (i.e., information and activities in addition to the demonstration) can be used to improve the effectiveness of DBT interventions? Method:The authors conducted a systematic review of the applied and basic science literatures relevant to DBT. Results: Instructional features in DBT can be categorized according to the degree to which they encourage active learner involvement (i.e., active vs. passive), when they occur relative to viewing the demonstration (i.e., pre-, during-, and postdemonstration conditions), and the observational learning process they are intended to augment. Five categories of instructional features are described: passive guidance or support, preparatory activities, concurrent activities, retrospective activities, and prospective activities. Conclusion: There is a wide variety of instructional features used in DBT, but more systematic research is needed to understand the conditions under which each is most effective as well as to outline a method for sequencing of demonstration with other delivery methods, such as practice opportunities. Application: The framework presented in this article can help guide the systematic development of training systems incorporating DBT as well as provide a direction for future research.
Interleukin-7 treatment counteracts IFN-α therapy-induced lymphopenia and stimulates SIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses in SIV-infected rhesus macaques
Authors: Parker Raphaëlle , Dutrieux Jacques , Beq Stéphanie , Lemercier Brigitte , Rozlan Sandra , Fabre-Mersseman Véronique , Rancez Magali , Gommet Céline , Assouline Brigitte , Rancé Iann , Lim Annick , Morre Michel , Cheynier Rémi 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Interferon-α (IFN-α)–based therapy is presently the standard treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV)–infected patients. Despite good effectiveness, this cytokine is associated with major side effects, including significant lymphopenia, that limits its use for HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) has recently shown therapeutic potential and safety in several clinical trials designed to demonstrate T-cell restoration in immunodeficient patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in simian immunodeficiency virus-infected rhesus macaques, the relevance of IL-7 therapy as a means to overcoming IFN-α–induced lymphopenia. We showed that low-dose IFN-α treatment induced strong lymphopenia in chronically infected monkeys. In contrast, high-dose IFN-α treatment stimulated IL-7 production, leading to increased circulating T-cell counts. Moreover, IL-7 therapy more than abrogated the lymphopenic effect of low-dose IFN-α. Indeed, the association of both cytokines resulted in increased circulating T-cell counts, in particular in the naive compartments, as a consequence of central and peripheral homeostatic functions of the IL-7. Finally, reduced PD-1 expression by memory CD8+ T cells and transient T-cell repertoire diversification were observed under IL-7 therapy. Our data strongly suggest that IL-7 immunotherapy will be of substantial benefit in the treatment of HIV/HCV coinfection and should enhance the likelihood of HCV eradication in poorly responding patients.
B cells in early and chronic HIV infection: evidence for preservation of immune function associated with early initiation of antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Moir Susan , Buckner Clarisa M. , Ho Jason , Wang Wei , Chen Jenny , Waldner Amy J. , Posada Jacqueline G. , Kardava Lela , O'Shea Marie A. , Kottilil Shyam , Chun Tae-Wook , Proschan Michael A. , Fauci Anthony S. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Characterization of lymphocytes including B cells during early versus chronic HIV infection is important for understanding the impact of chronic viremia on immune cell function. In this setting, we investigated B cells before and after reduction of HIV plasma viremia by antiretroviral therapy (ART). At baseline, peripheral blood B-cell counts were significantly lower in both early and chronic HIV-infected individuals compared with uninfected controls. Similar to CD4+ but not CD8+ T cells, B-cell numbers in both groups increased significantly after ART. At baseline, B cells of early HIV-infected individuals were composed of a higher percentage of plasmablasts and resting memory B cells compared with chronic HIV-infected individuals whose B cells were composed of a higher percentage of immature/transitional and exhausted B cells compared with their early infection counterparts. At 1 year after ART, the percentage of resting memory B cells remained higher in early compared with chronic HIV-infected individuals. This difference translated into a better functional profile in that memory B-cell responses to HIV and non-HIV antigens were superior in early- compared with chronic-treated HIV infected individuals. These findings provide new insights on B cells in HIV infection and how early initiation of ART may prevent irreversible immune system damage.
Autologous nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with severe anti-TNF refractory Crohn disease: long-term follow-up
Authors: Burt Richard K. , Craig Robert M. , Milanetti Francesca , Quigley Kathleen , Gozdziak Paula , Bucha Jurate , Testori Alessandro , Halverson Amy , Verda Larissa , de Villiers Willem J. S. , Jovanovic Borko , Oyama Yu 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
We evaluated the safety and clinical outcome of autologous nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with severe Crohn disease (CD) defined as a Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) greater than 250, and/or Crohn Severity Index greater than 16 despite anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy. Stem cells were mobilized from the peripheral blood using cyclophosphamide (2.0 g/m2) and G-CSF (10 μg/kg/day), enriched ex vivo by CD34+ selection, and reinfused after immune suppressive conditioning with cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) and either equine antithymocyte globulin (ATG, 90 mg/kg) or rabbit ATG (6 mg/kg). Eighteen of 24 patients are 5 or more years after transplantation. All patients went into remission with a CDAI less than 150. The percentage of clinical relapse-free survival defined as the percent free of restarting CD medical therapy after transplantation is 91% at 1 year, 63% at 2 years, 57% at 3 years, 39% at 4 years, and 19% at 5 years. The percentage of patients in remission (CDAI < 150), steroid-free, or medication-free at any posttransplantation evaluation interval more than 5 years after transplantation has remained at or greater than 70%, 80%, and 60%, respectively. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT0027853.
Multiple genetic switches spontaneously modulating bacterial mutability
Authors: Chen Fang , Liu Wei-Qiao , Eisenstark Abraham , Johnston Randal N , Liu Gui-Rong , Liu Shu-Lin 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
All life forms need both high genetic stability to survive as species and a degree of mutability to evolve for adaptation, but little is known about how the organisms balance the two seemingly conflicting aspects of life: genetic stability and mutability. The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system is essential for maintaining genetic stability and defects in MMR lead to high mutability. Evolution is driven by genetic novelty, such as point mutation and lateral gene transfer, both of which require genetic mutability. However, normally a functional MMR system would strongly inhibit such genomic changes. Our previous work indicated that MMR gene allele conversion between functional and non-functional states through copy number changes of small tandem repeats could occur spontaneously via slipped-strand mis-pairing during DNA replication and therefore may play a role of genetic switches to modulate the bacterial mutability at the population level. The open question was: when the conversion from functional to defective MMR is prohibited, will bacteria still be able to evolve by accepting laterally transferred DNA or accumulating mutations?

Results
To prohibit allele conversion, we "locked" the MMR genes through nucleotide replacements. We then scored changes in bacterial mutability and found that Salmonella strains with MMR locked at the functional state had significantly decreased mutability. To determine the generalizability of this kind of mutability 'switching' among a wider range of bacteria, we examined the distribution of tandem repeats within MMR genes in over 100 bacterial species and found that multiple genetic switches might exist in these bacteria and may spontaneously modulate bacterial mutability during evolution.

Conclusions
MMR allele conversion through repeats-mediated slipped-strand mis-pairing may function as a spontaneous mechanism to switch between high genetic stability and mutability during bacterial evolution.
Characterization of bacterial-type phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase expressed in male gametophyte of higher plants
Authors: Igawa Tomoko , Fujiwara Masayuki , Tanaka Ichiro , Fukao Yoichiro , Yanagawa Yuki 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is a critical enzyme catalyzing the β-carboxylation of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to oxaloacetate, a tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate. PEPC typically exists as a Class-1 PEPC homotetramer composed of plant-type PEPC (PTPC) polypeptides, and two of the subunits were reported to be monoubiquitinated in germinating castor oil seeds. By the large-scale purification of ubiquitin (Ub)-related proteins from lily anther, two types of PEPCs, bacterial-type PEPC (BTPC) and plant-type PEPC (PTPC), were identified in our study as candidate Ub-related proteins. Until now, there has been no information about the properties of the PEPCs expressed in male reproductive tissues of higher plants.

Results
Expression analyses showed that lily BTPC (LlBTPC) and Arabidopsis BTPC (AtBTPC) were significantly expressed in pollen. The fusion protein AtBTPC-Venus localized in the cytoplasm of the vegetative cell (VC). Both LlBTPC and AtBTPC expression initiated after the last mitosis before pollen germination. Lily PTPC (LlPTPC) and monoubiquitinated LlPTPC (Ub-LlPTPC) remained at constant levels during pollen development. In late bicellular pollen of lily, LlBTPC forms a hetero-octameric Class-2 PEPC complex with LlPTPC to express PEPC activity.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that an LlBTPC:Ub-LlPTPC:LlPTPC complex is formed in the VC cytoplasm during late pollen development. Both LlBTPC and AtBTPC expression patterns are similar to the patterns of the appearance of storage organelles during pollen development in lily and Arabidopsis, respectively. Therefore, BTPC is thought to accelerate the metabolic flow for the synthesis of storage substances during pollen maturation. Our study provides the first characterization of BTPC in pollen, the male gametophyte of higher plants.
Trends in HIV & syphilis prevalence and correlates of HIV infection: results from cross-sectional surveys among women attending ante-natal clinics in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Kumogola Yusufu , Slaymaker Emma , Zaba Basia , Mngara Julius , Isingo Raphael , Changalucha John , Mwidunda Patrick , Kimaro Daniel , Urassa Mark 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
Sentinel surveillance for HIV in ante-natal clinics (ANC) remains the primary method for collecting timely trend data on HIV prevalence in most of sub-Saharan Africa. We describe prevalence of HIV and syphilis infection and trends over time in HIV prevalence among women attending ante-natal clinics (ANC) in Magu district and Mwanza city, part of Mwanza region in Northern Tanzania. HIV prevalence from ANC surveys in 2000 and 2002 was 10.5% and 10.8% respectively. In previous rounds urban residence, residential mobility, the length of time sexually active before marriage, time since marriage and age of the partner were associated with HIV infection.

Methods
A third round of HIV sentinel surveillance was conducted at ante-natal clinics in Mwanza region, Tanzania during 2006. We interviewed women attending 27 ante-natal clinics. In 15 clinics we also anonymously tested women for syphilis and HIV infection and linked these results to the questionnaire data.

Results
HIV prevalence was 7.6% overall in 2006 and 7.4% at the 11 clinics used in previous rounds. Geographical variations in HIV prevalence, apparent in previous rounds, have largely disappeared but syphilis prevalence is still higher in rural clinics. HIV prevalence has declined in urban clinics and is stable in rural clinics. The correlates of HIV infection have changed over time. In this round older age, lower gravidity, remarriage, duration of marriage, sexual activity before marriage, long interval between last birth and pregnancy and child death were all associated with infection.

Conclusions
HIV prevalence trends concur with results from a community-based cohort in the region. Correlates of HIV infection have also changed and more proximate, individual level factors are now more important, in line with the changing epidemiology of infection in this population.
Intraabdominal and retroperitoneal soft-tissue sarcomas - outcome of surgical treatment in primary and recurrent tumors
Authors: Sogaard Ane S , Laurberg Jacob M , Sorensen Mette , Sogaard Ole S , Wara Pal , Rasmussen Peter , Laurberg Soren 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
Surgery is the only curative treatment for intraabdominal and retroperitoneal sarcoma (IaRS). Little is known about how to treat patients with recurrence. We here report the outcome in primary and recurrent sarcoma treated at the Sarcoma Center in Aarhus, Denmark.

Methods
All patients evaluated for IaRS from June 1998 to May 2008 were enrolled and data on symptoms, signs, means of diagnosis, extent of surgery, perioperative complications, mortality and long time survival were registered. Primary and first-recurrence sarcomas were analyzed separately.

Results
Sixty-five of 73 primary and 22 of 28 first-recurrence IaRS had surgery. Fifty-three (82%) and 11 (50%) patients achieved radical R0 resection. Age and radicality of surgery were independent predictors of death, while recurrence of sarcoma was not. Perioperative mortality was 2.3%. 5-year survival was 70.2% for primary and 51.8% for first-recurrent sarcomas. However, patients with radical surgery had 5-year survival of over 70% in both the primary and recurrent group.

Conclusions
The radicality of surgery is the most important prognostic factor. Patients with recurrence have an equally good prognosis as those with primary sarcoma if radicality is achieved and such surgery should not be considered only as a palliative effort.
Dual targeting of CCR2 and CX3CR1 in an arterial injury model of vascular inflammation
Authors: Jerath Maya R , Liu Peng , Struthers Mary , DeMartino Julie A , Peng Roche , Peterson Laurence B , Cumiskey Anne-Marie , Yang Lihu , Rojas Mauricio , Patel Dhavalkumar D , Fong Alan M 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Objectives
The chemokine receptors CCR2 and CX3CR1 are important in the development of coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of a novel CCR2 inhibitor in conjunction with CX3CR1 deletion on vascular inflammation.

Methods
The novel CCR2 antagonist MRL-677 was characterized using an in vivo model of monocyte migration. To determine the relative roles of CCR2 and CX3CR1 in vascular remodeling, normal or CX3CR1 deficient mice were treated with MRL-677. After 14 days, the level of intimal hyperplasia in the artery was visualized by paraffin sectioning and histology of the hind limbs.

Results
MRL-677 is a CCR2 antagonist that is effective in blocking macrophage trafficking in a peritoneal thioglycollate model. Intimal hyperplasia resulting from vascular injury was also assessed in mice. Based on the whole-blood potency of MRL-677, sufficient drug levels were maintained for the entire 14 day experimental period to afford good coverage of mCCR2 with MRL-677. Blocking CCR2 with MRL-677 resulted in a 56% decrease in the vascular injury response (n = 9, p < 0.05) in normal animals. Mice in which both CCR2 and CX3CR1 pathways were targeted (CX3CR1 KO mice given MRL-677) had an 88% decrease in the injury response (n = 6, p = 0.009).

Conclusion
In this study we have shown that blocking CCR2 with a low molecular weight antagonist ameliorates the inflammatory response to vascular injury. The protective effect of CCR2 blockade is increased in the presence of CX3CR1 deficiency suggesting that CX3CR1 and CCR2 have non-redundant functions in the progression of vascular inflammation.