bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Modeled and Observed Accumulated Convective Precipitation in Mountainous and Flat Land Areas
Authors: Ćurić Mladjen , Janc Dejan 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Convective precipitation is the main cause of extreme rainfall events in small areas. Its primary characteristics are both large spatial and temporal variability. For this reason, the monitoring of accumulated precipitation fields (liquid and solid components) at the surface is difficult to carry out through the use of rain gauge networks or remote sensing observations. Alternatively, numerical models may be a useful tool to simulate convective precipitation for various analyses and predictions. This paper focuses on improving quantitative convective precipitation estimates that are obtained with a cloud-resolving model. This aim is attained by using the appropriate cloud drop size distribution and modified single sounding data. The authors perform comparisons between observations and three model samples of the areal-accumulated convective precipitation for a 15-yr period over mountainous and flat land areas with 45 and 29 convective events, respectively. They compare the results from a numerical cloud model that uses 2 different microphysical schemes—the unified Khrgian–Mazin size distribution of cloud drops—and an alternative scheme that is a combination of a monodispersed cloud droplet spectrum and the Marshall–Palmer size distribution for raindrops. The authors’ statistical analysis shows that the model version with the Khrgian–Mazin size distribution and the new initial conditions better simulates the observed areal-accumulated convective precipitation than the alternative microphysical approach for both study areas. The model simulations with the Khrgian–Mazin size distribution most closely match observations for the flat land area with a correlation coefficient of 0.94, while it is somewhat lower (0.89) for the mountainous area. Use of the alternative microphysical approach, on the other hand, underestimates the observed precipitation, and has the lowest correlation coefficient among the methods, 0.82 for the mountainous area and 0.85 for the flat land.
Effects of Surface Heat and Moisture Exchange on ARW-WRF Warm-Season Precipitation Forecasts over the Central United States
Authors: Trier S. B. , LeMone M. A. , Chen F. , Manning K. W. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe evolution of the daytime planetary boundary layer (PBL) and its association with warm-season precipitation is strongly impacted by land–atmosphere heat and moisture exchange (hereafter surface exchange). However, substantial uncertainty exists in the parameterization of the surface exchange in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. In the current study, the authors examine 0–24-h convection-permitting forecasts with different surface exchange strengths for a 6-day period during the International H2O Project (IHOP_2002). Results indicate sensitivity in the timing of simulated afternoon convection initiation and subsequent precipitation amounts to variations in surface exchange strength. Convection initiation in simulations with weak surface exchange was delayed by 2–3 h compared to simulations with strong surface exchange, and area-averaged total precipitation amounts were less by up to a factor of 2. Over the western high plains (105°–100°W longitude), where deep convection is locally generated, simulations using a formulation for surface exchange that varied with the vegetation category (height) produced area-averaged diurnal cycles of forecasted precipitation amounts in better agreement with observations than simulations that used the current Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting Model (ARW-WRF) formulation. Parcel theory is used to diagnose mechanisms by which differences in surface exchange influence convection initiation in individual case studies. The more rapid initiation in simulations with strong surface exchange results from a more rapid removal of negative buoyancy beneath the level of free convection, which arises primarily from greater PBL warming.
Frameshift mutation hotspot identified in Smith-Magenis syndrome: case report and review of literature
Authors: Truong Hoa T , Dudding Tracy , Blanchard Christopher L , Elsea Sarah H 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a complex syndrome involving intellectual disabilities, sleep disturbance, behavioural problems, and a variety of craniofacial, skeletal, and visceral anomalies. While the majority of SMS cases harbor an ~3.5 Mb common deletion on 17p11.2 that encompasses the retinoic acid induced-1 (RAI1) gene, some patients carry small intragenic deletions or point mutations in RAI1. We present data on two cases of Smith-Magenis syndrome with mutation of RAI1. Both cases are phenotypically consistent with SMS and RAI1 mutation but also have other anomalies not previously reported in SMS, including spontaneous pneumothoraces. These cases also illustrate variability in the SMS phenotype not previously shown for RAI1 mutation cases, including hearing loss, absence of self-abusive behaviours, and mild global delays. Sequencing of RAI1 revealed mutation of the same heptameric C-tract (CCCCCCC) in exon 3 in both cases (c.3103delC one case and and c.3103insC in the other), resulting in frameshift mutations. Of the seven reported frameshift mutations occurring in poly C-tracts in RAI1, four cases (~57%) occur at this heptameric C-tract. Collectively, these results indicate that this heptameric C-tract is a preferential hotspot for single nucleotide insertion/deletions (SNindels) and therefore, should be considered a primary target for analysis in patients suspected for mutations in RAI1. We expect that as more patients are sequenced for mutations in RAI1, the incidence of frameshift mutations in this hotspot will become more evident.
LATS2 is De-methylated and Overexpressed in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Predicts Poor Prognosis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Hu Chun-Fang , Chen Jing , Yan Li-Xu , Zeng Yi-Xin , Shao Jian-Yong 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBackgroundLATS2, which encodes a novel serine/threonine kinase, is known to be important in centrosome duplication and in the maintenance of genomic stability. Recently, a potential role for LATS2 in cancer has been reported. In breast cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), LATS2 mRNA is downregulated and has been suggested to be a tumor suppressor. However, the role of LATS2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma has not been investigated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern of LATS2 and its clinicopathological involvement in nasopharyngeal carcinoma to understand its effect on cell survival.MethodsUsing quantitative real time PCR and immunoblotting, the expression of LATS2 was detected in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines and in the immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line NP69. Using immunohistochemistry, we analyzed LATS2 protein expression in 220 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cases. The association of LATS2 protein expression with the clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were subsequently assessed. Using methylation specific PCR, we detected the methylation status of the LATS2 promoter. RNA interference was performed by transfecting siRNA to specifically knock down LATS2 expression in 5-8F and CNE2.ResultsLATS2 protein was detected in 178 of 220 (80.91%) cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. LATS2 overexpression was a significant, independent prognosis predictor (P= 0.037) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Methylation specific PCR revealed that 36.7% (11/30) of nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and all of the chronic nasopharyngeal inflammation samples were methylated. Functional studies showed that the suppression of LATS2 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (5-8F and CNE2) cell lines by using specific small interfering (siRNA) resulted in the inhibition of growth, induction of apoptosis and S-phase cell cycle increase. Overexpression of LATS2 in NP69 stimulated cell proliferation.ConclusionsOur results indicate that LATS2 might play a role in the tumorigenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by promoting the growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Transfection with specific siRNA might be feasible for the inhibition of growth, induction of apoptosis and S phase increase in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
The chondroitin/dermatan sulfate synthesizing and modifying enzymes in laryngeal cancer: Expressional and epigenetic studies
Authors: Kalathas Dimitrios , Triantaphyllidou Irene-Eva , Mastronikolis Nicholas S , Goumas Panos D , Papadas Thoedore A , Tsiropoulos Gabriel , Vynios Demitrios H 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
Significant biochemical changes are observed in glycosaminoglycans in squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma. The most characteristics are in chondroitin/dermatan sulfate fine structure and proportion, which might be due to differential expression of the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis. The aim of the present work was the investigation in expressional and epigenetic level of the enzymes involved in chondroitin/dermatan sulfate biosynthesis in laryngeal cancer.

Methods
Tissues subjected to total RNA and DNA isolation, and protein extraction. The techniques used in this study were RT-PCR analysis, western blotting and methylation specific PCR.

Results
We identified that many enzymes were expressed in the cancerous specimens intensively. Dermatan sulfate epimerase was expressed exclusively in the cancerous parts and in minor amounts in healthy tissues; in the macroscopically normal samples it was not detected. Furthermore, chondroitin synthase I and chondroitin polymerizing factor were strongly expressed in the cancerous parts compared to the corresponding normal tissues. Sulfotransferases, like chondroitin 6 sulfotransferase 3, were highly expressed mainly in healthy specimens.

Conclusions
The study of the various chondroitin/dermatan synthesizing enzymes revealed that they were differentially expressed in cancer, in human laryngeal cartilage, leading to specific chondroitin/dermatan structures which contributed to proteoglycan formation with specific features. The expression of the examined enzymes correlated with the glycosaminoglycan profile observed in previous studies.
Energy saving potential of high yield pulp (HYP) application by addition of small amounts of bleached wheat straw pulp
Authors: Zhang Hongjie , Yuan Zhirun , Ni Yonghao 
Published: October 2010

AbstractHigh-yield pulp (HYP) has found wide applications in many paper grades. Usually, the strength properties of HYP must be improved and its freeness fine-tuned before sending it for paper machining, by means of refining at a low consistency, which requires energy. In this study, the possibility of avoiding refining of HYP was investigated by adding low percentages of refined and bleached wheat straw pulp (BWSP) to a HYP-containing mixture. The results show that the strength properties of a HYP and a hardwood kraft (HWKP) mixture can be improved with approximately 10% refined BWSP. In this manner, refining energy of 20 kWh t-1is needed, and the pulp quality is improved to a similar level to that obtained from the same pulp mixture refined with an energy input of 70 kWh t-1. This approach also works for 100% HYP. The practical implication is that only a small percentage of refined BWSP is needed to improve the strength property of a HYP or HYP/HWKP mixtures, so that less refining energy is required in the low-consistency refining process.
Theoretical analysis of moisture transport in wood as an open porous hygroscopic material
Authors: Hozjan Tomaz , Svensson Staffan 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Moisture transport in an open porous hygroscopic material such as wood is a complex system of coupled processes. For seasoned wood in natural climate three fully coupled processes active in the moisture transport are readily identified: (1) diffusion of vapor in pores; (2) phase change from one state to another, also called moisture sorption; and (3) diffusion of bound water in wood tissue (in the cell wall). A mathematical model for predicting moisture transport in wood for a given condition must at least consider the dominating active processes simultaneously to be considered accurate. In this study, a theoretical investigation is conducted on the influence of the model parameters on the model response to a known step change of ambient vapor pressure. The objective is twofold. First, to investigate if model simplification can be conducted in a transparent and stringent manner, not compromising required model accuracy and precision. Second, to show model characteristics that could enable tailored experimental studies to verify or discard variations of this type of transport model. The model sensitivity analyses clearly showed that there are large differences on the degree of influence of the three processes on the outcome of the coupled model. Least significant is the bound water diffusion. Based on the results from the sensitivity analyses, a simplified model for moisture transport in wood is proposed.
Proteins Induced Formation of Hydrothermal Nitrogen Doped Carbons
Authors: Baccile Niki , Titirici Maria-Magdalena 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThis contribution illustrates the synthesis of nitrogen-containing hydrothermal carbon particles from a mixture of glucose, as carbon source, and different types of proteins, as nitrogen sources. Casein, ovalbumin, hemoglobin and gelatin were chosen here as model compounds. The particle size and the level of structural order could be tuned according to the protein type and the amount utilized.
Modeling of Subgrain Growth Kinetics: 3D Monte-Carlo Simulation
Authors: Suzudo Tomoaki , Kaburaki Hideo , Itakura Mitsuhiro 
Published: October 2010

AbstractWe used a three-dimensional Monte Carlo method to investigate subgrain growth with different initial values for average grain-boundary misorientation, and found that abnormal grain growth emerges for relatively large average misorientation, with remaining cases revealing an exponential kinetics of subgrain growth. We also found that the growth exponent was ˜4.4, and that it was virtually independent of the average misorientation. Self-similarity of the misorientation distribution was observed during growth.
Stretchable and Washable Electronics for Embedding in Textiles
Authors: Vervust Thomas , Bossuyt Frederick , Axisa Fabrice , Vanfleteren Jan 
Published: October 2010

AbstractElectronics in “wearable systems” or “smart textiles” are nowadays mainly realized on traditional interconnection substrates, like rigid Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) or mechanically flexible substrates. The electronic modules are detachable to allow cleaning and washing of the textile. In order to achieve a higher degree of integration and user comfort, IMEC-UGent/CMST developed a technology for flexible and stretchable electronic circuits. The electronic system is completely embedded in an elastomer material like PDMS (silicone), resulting in soft and stretchable electronic modules. The technology uses standard packaged components (IC's) and meander shaped copper tracks, so that stretchable systems with complex functionality can be achieved. Testing methods for washability were selected and developed. First tests are showing promising results, leveling the path to washable electronics in textiles. In order to show the possibilities of the technology in the field of textile applications a 7x8 single color stretchable LED-matrix was designed and integrated in textile. This LED-matrix can be applied for example in wearable signage applications.
Clinical and Histologic Evaluation of a Granular Bovine Bone Biomaterial Used as an Adjunct to GTR With a Bioresorbable Bovine Pericardium Collagen Membrane in the Treatment of Intrabony Defects
Authors: Stavropoulos Andreas , Chiantella Giovanni , Costa Dinu , Steigmann Marius , Windisch Péter , Sculean Anton 
Published: October 2010

Background: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the clinical and histologic healing of deep intrabony defects treated with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with a collagen membrane from bovine pericardium and implantation of granular bovine bone biomaterial.Methods: Thirty patients with one deep, combined 1‐ and 2‐wall intrabony defect exhibiting a probing depth ≥6 mm and an associated intrabony defect ≥3 mm were treated with GTR with a bioresorbable collagen membrane from bovine pericardium and adjunct implantation of a granular bovine bone biomaterial. The clinical results were evaluated 1 and 3 years after surgery. In addition, five teeth fulfilling the inclusion criteria but scheduled for extraction because of advanced periodontitis or restorative considerations were treated similarly and then extracted along with a portion of their surrounding periodontal tissues for histologic evaluation 6 months after surgery.Results: Healing was uneventful in all patients. Significant clinical improvements were observed at 1 and 3 years postoperatively (P <0.01; probing depth averaged 4.4 ± 1.6 and 4.7 ± 1.4 mm and clinical attachment level gain was 3.9 ± 1.4 and 3.5 ± 1.3 mm, respectively). The histologic evaluation revealed formation of new cellular cementum and new periodontal ligament in four of the five cases. In general, the xenograft particles seemed to be mostly embedded in connective tissue without any evidence of new bone formation.Conclusion: GTR treatment of intrabony defects with the collagen membrane from bovine pericardium and adjunct implantation of the new bovine bone biomaterial may result in significant clinical improvements that can be maintained over a period of 3 years, and regeneration of cementum and periodontal ligament, but without bone formation.
The Biomechanical Analysis of Relative Position Between Implant and Alveolar Bone: Finite Element Method
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Chun , Lan Ting‐Hsun , Lee Huey‐Er , Wang Chau‐Hsiang 
Published: October 2010

Background: The purpose of this study is to analyze biomechanical interactions in the alveolar bone surrounding implants with smaller‐diameter abutments by changing position of the fixture–abutment interface, loading direction, and thickness of cortical bone using the finite element method.Methods: Twenty different finite element models including four types of cortical bone thickness (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mm) and five implant positions relative to bone crest (subcrestal 1, implant shoulder 1 mm below bone crest; subcrestal 0.5, implant shoulder 0.5 mm below bone crest; at crestal implant shoulder even with bone crest; supracrestal 0.5, implant shoulder 0.5 mm above bone crest; and supracrestal 1, implant shoulder 1 mm above bone crest) were analyzed. All models were simulated under two different loading angles (0 and 45 degrees) relative to the long axis of the implant, respectively. The three factors of implant position, loading type, and thickness of cortical bone were computed for all models.Results: The results revealed that loading type and implant position were the main factors affecting the stress distribution in bone. The stress values of implants in the supracrestal 1 position were higher than all other implant positions. Additionally, compared with models under axial load, the stress values of models under off‐axis load increased significantly.Conclusions: Both loading type and implant position were crucial for stress distribution in bone. The supracrestal 1 implant position may not be ideal to avoid overloading the alveolar bone surrounding implants.
Copeptin, a Surrogate Marker of Vasopressin, Is Associated with Disease Severity in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Meijer Esther , Bakker Stephan J.L. , van der Jagt Eric J. , Navis Gerjan , de Jong Paul E. , Struck Joachim , Gansevoort Ron T. 
Published: October 2010

Summary

Background and objectives
Experimental studies suggest a detrimental role for vasopressin in the pathogenesis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, it is unknown whether endogenous vasopressin concentration is associated with disease severity in patients with ADPKD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Plasma copeptin concentration (a marker of endogenous vasopressin levels) was measured in 102 ADPKD patients (diagnosis based on Ravine criteria) by an immunoassay. Plasma and urinary osmolarity were also measured. To assess disease severity, GFR and effective renal blood flow were measured by continuous infusion of 125I-iothalamate and 131I-hippuran, total renal volume by magnetic resonance imaging, and 24-hour urinary albumin excretion by nephelometry.

Results
In these ADPKD patients, copeptin was associated with the various markers of disease severity in ADPKD (positively with total renal volume [R = 0.47] and albuminuria [R = 0.39] and negatively with GFR [R = −0.58] and effective renal blood flow [R = −0.52], all P < 0.001). These associations were independent of age, gender, and use of diuretics. Copeptin was furthermore associated with plasma osmolarity (P < 0.001) but not with 24-hour urinary volume, 24-hour urinary osmolarity or fractional urea excretion (P = 0.7, 0.9, and 0.3, respectively).

Conclusions
On cross-sectional analysis, copeptin is associated with disease severity in ADPKD patients, supporting the results of experimental studies that suggest that vasopressin antagonists have a renoprotective effect in ADPKD and offering a good prospect for clinical studies with these agents.
Autologous Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Perico Norberto , Casiraghi Federica , Introna Martino , Gotti Eliana , Todeschini Marta , Cavinato Regiane Aparecida , Capelli Chiara , Rambaldi Alessandro , Cassis Paola , Rizzo Paola , Cortinovis Monica , Marasà Maddalena , Golay Josee , Noris Marina , Remuzzi Giuseppe 
Published: October 2010

Summary

Background and objectives
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) abrogate alloimmune response in vitro, suggesting a novel cell-based approach in transplantation. Moving this concept toward clinical application in organ transplantation should be critically assessed.

Design, setting, participants & measurements
A safety and clinical feasibility study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00752479) of autologous MSC infusion was conducted in two recipients of kidneys from living-related donors. Patients were given T cell–depleting induction therapy and maintenance immunosuppression with cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil. On day 7 posttransplant, MSCs were administered intravenously. Clinical and immunomonitoring of MSC-treated patients was performed up to day 360 postsurgery.

Results
Serum creatinine levels increased 7 to 14 days after cell infusion in both MSC-treated patients. A graft biopsy in patient 2 excluded acute graft rejection, but showed a focal inflammatory infiltrate, mostly granulocytes. In patient 1 protocol biopsy at 1-year posttransplant showed a normal graft. Both MSC-treated patients are in good health with stable graft function. A progressive increase of the percentage of CD4+CD25highFoxP3+CD127− Treg and a marked inhibition of memory CD45RO+RA−CD8+ T cell expansion were observed posttransplant. Patient T cells showed a profound reduction of CD8+ T cell activity.

Conclusions
Findings from this study in the two patients show that MSC infusion in kidney transplant recipients is feasible, allows enlargement of Treg in the peripheral blood, and controls memory CD8+ T cell function. Future clinical trials with MSCs to look with the greatest care for unwanted side effects is advised.