bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-Order Time-Integration Schemes with Explicit Time-Splitting Methods
Authors: Park Sang-Hun , Lee Tae-Young 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
New high-order time-integration schemes for fully elastic models are presented. The new schemes, formulated using the Richardson extrapolation that employs leapfrog-type schemes, can give a good performance for linear model problems and ensure overall stability when they are combined with a forward–backward scheme for fast waves. The new and existing schemes show differences in the order of accuracy. Thus, they can be useful for investigating the impacts of time-integration scheme accuracy on the performance of numerical models. The high-order schemes are found to play an important role in the improvement of high-resolution simulations, according to idealized tests. The new schemes are less efficient than other well-known schemes at moderate spatial resolutions. However, the new schemes can be more efficient than the existing schemes when the resolution becomes very high.
CD4+ T-cell clones recognizing human lymphoma-associated antigens: generation by in vitro stimulation with autologous Epstein-Barr virus–transformed B cells
Authors: Long Heather M. , Zuo Jianmin , Leese Alison M. , Gudgeon Nancy H. , Jia Hui , Taylor Graham S. , Rickinson Alan B. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractEpstein-Barr virus (EBV)–specific T-cell preparations, generated by stimulating immune donor lymphocytes with the autologous virus-transformed B-lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) in vitro, can be used to target EBV-positive malignancies. Although these preparations are enriched for EBV antigen–specific CD8+ T cells, most also contain a CD4+ T-cell population whose specificity is unknown. Here, we show that, although CD4+ T-cell clones derived from such cultures recognize HLA class II–matched LCLs but not mitogen-activated B lymphoblasts, many (1) do not map to any known EBV antigen, (2) can be raised from EBV-naive as well as EBV-immune persons, and (3) can recognize a broad range of human B lymphoma–derived cell lines irrespective of EBV genome status, providing those lines to express the relevant HLA class II–restricting allele. Importantly, such CD4+ clones not only produce IFNγ but are also cytotoxic and can control the outgrowth of HLA-matched lymphoma cells in cocultivation assays. We infer that such CD4+ T cells recognize cellular antigens that are preferentially up-regulated in EBV-transformed but not mitogen-activated B lymphoblasts and that are also expressed in a range of B-cell malignancies. Such antigens are therefore of potential value as targets for CD4+ T cell–based immunotherapy.
Prevalence and clinical significance of auto-antibodies in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Lachenal F. , Nkana K. , Nove-Josserand R. , Fabien N. , Durieu I. 
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of different auto-antibodies in adult, French cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and to look for a correlation between autoimmunity, patient characteristics and survival.The sera of 144 patients were screened for a wide range of antibodies. Clinical, biological and bacteriological characteristics and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator genotype were recorded and progression of lung disease was examined.113 (78.5%) patients displayed one or several auto-antibodies, predominantly immunoglobulin (Ig)A anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiaeantibodies (ASCA; 43.7%) and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA; 40%), of which 59% showed bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) specificity. The presence of BPI-ANCA was associated with the number of antibiotic courses, low body mass index,Pseudomonas aeruginosacolonisation, the presence of resistantP. aeruginosa, low forced expiratory volume in 1 s, CF-related liver disease, hypergammaglobulinaemia, male sex and inflammatory syndrome. The presence of ASCA-IgA was correlated with male sex and hypergammaglobulinaemia. 41 patients presented with chronic respiratory failure and/or requested lung transplantation or died during follow-up. These events were more frequent in patients with BPI-ANCA or ASCA-IgA.These findings confirm the high frequency of auto-antibodies in CF, particularly BPI-ANCA and ASCA-IgA, and the link between BPI-ANCA, severity of lung disease and CF prognosis.
Are metallic stents really safe? A long-term analysis in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Gottlieb J. , Fuehner T. , Dierich M. , Wiesner O. , Simon A. R. , Welte T. 
Published: May 2009

Airway complications affect 20% of all lung transplant recipients. Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are one treatment option but their use in benign airway disorders is controversial. We studies the long-term safety of SEMS in lung transplant recipients.Between January 1998 and February 2008, all lung transplant recipients with SEMS were analysed retrospectively at a single centre. Complications were recorded until September 2008. In 65 (9.2%) out of 706 recipients, 111 (91% noncovered) bronchial SEMS were implanted a median (range) 133 (55–903) days after lung transplantation; follow-up was 777 (7–3.655) days. Clinical improvement was noted in 80% of recipients. The forced expiratory volume in 1 s increased by (mean±sd) 21±33%.Most frequent early complications were migration (3%) and mucus plugging (11%). No procedure-related deaths were noted. Re-stenosis occurred in 34 (52%) out of 65 recipients 85 (7–629) days after insertion. In multivariate analysis, stent insertion before post-operative day 90 was independently associated with an increased risk of re-stenosis (HR 3.29, 95% CI 1.50–7.18; p = 0.003). In 40% of recipients, new bacterial airway colonisation occurred after SEMS insertion. In SEMS patients, 5-yr survival was significantly lower than in the total cohort (60%versus76%; p = 0.02).Late complications in lung transplant recipients treated with SEMS are frequent. The major problems are re-stenosis and airway colonisation.
All-trans-retinoic acid inhibits tumour growth of malignant pleural mesothelioma in mice
Authors: Tabata C. , Tabata R. , Hirayama N. , Yasumitsu A. , Yamada S. , Murakami A. , Iida S. , Tamura K. , Terada T. , Kuribayashi K. , Fukuoka K. , Nakano T. 
Published: May 2009

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignant tumour of mesothelial origin associated with asbestos exposure. Because MPM has limited response to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the prognosis is very poor. Several researchers have reported that cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 play an important role in the growth of MPM. Previously, it was reported that all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) inhibited the production and function of IL-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in experiments using lung fibroblasts.We investigated whether ATRA had an inhibitory effect on the cell growth of MPM, the origin of which was mesenchymal cells similar to lung fibroblasts, using a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model. We estimated the tumour growth and performed quantitative measurements of IL-6, TGF-β1 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor (PDGFR)-β mRNA levels both of cultured MPM cells and cells grown in mice with or without the administration of ATRA.ATRA significantly inhibited MPM tumour growth.In vitrostudies disclosed that the administration of ATRA reduced 1) mRNA levels of TGF-β1, TGF-β1 receptors and PDGFR-β, and 2) TGF-β1-dependent proliferation and PDGF-BB-dependent migration of MPM cells.These data may provide a rationale to explore the clinical use of ATRA for the treatment of MPM.
Phenotypic and fine genetic characterization of the D locus controlling fruit acidity in peach
Authors: Boudehri Karima , Bendahmane Abdelhafid , Cardinet Gaëlle , Troadec Christelle , Moing Annick , Dirlewanger Elisabeth 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundAcidity is an essential component of the organoleptic quality of fleshy fruits. However, in these fruits, the physiological and molecular mechanisms that control fruit acidity remain unclear. In peach theDlocus controls fruit acidity; low-acidity is determined by the dominant allele. Using a peach progeny of 208 F2trees, theDlocus was mapped to the proximal end of linkage group 5 and co-localized with major QTLs involved in the control of fruit pH, titratable acidity and organic acid concentration and small QTLs for sugar concentration. To investigate the molecular basis of fruit acidity in peach we initiated the map-based cloning of theDlocus.ResultsIn order to generate a high-resolution linkage map in the vicinity of theDlocus, 1,024 AFLP primer combinations were screened using DNA of bulked acid and low-acid segregants. We also screened a segregating population of 1,718 individuals for chromosomal recombination events linked to theDlocus and identified 308 individuals with recombination events close toD. Using these recombinant individuals we delimited theDlocus to a genetic interval of 0.4 cM. We also constructed a peach BAC library of 52,000 clones with a mean insert size of 90 kb. The screening of the BAC library with markers tightly linked toDlocus indicated that 1 cM corresponds to 250 kb at the vicinity of theDlocus.ConclusionIn the present work we presented the first high-resolution genetic map ofDlocus in peach. We also constructed a peach BAC library of approximately 15× genome equivalent. This fine genetic and physical characterization of theDlocus is the first step towards the isolation of the gene(s) underlying fruit acidity in peach.
How does healthcare worker hand hygiene behaviour impact upon the transmission of MRSA between patients?: an analysis using a Monte Carlo model
Authors: Beggs Clive B , Shepherd Simon J , Kerr Kevin G 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Good hand hygiene has for many years been considered to be the most important measure that can be applied to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infection (HAI). Continuous emphasis on this intervention has lead to the widespread opinion that HAI rates can be greatly reduced by increased hand hygiene compliance alone. However, this assumes that the effectiveness of hand hygiene is not constrained by other factors and that improved compliance in excess of a given level, in itself, will result in a commensurate reduction in the incidence of HAI. However, there is evidence that the law of diminishing returns applies to hand hygiene, with the greatest benefits occurring in the first 20% or so of compliance. While this raises intriguing questions about the extent to which increasing compliance alone can further reduce rates of HAI, analysis of this subject has been hampered by a lack of quantifiable data relating to the risk of transmission between patients on wards.

Methods
In order to gain a greater understanding of the transmission of infection between patients via the hands of healthcare workers (HCWs), we constructed a stochastic Monte Carlo model to simulate the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) between patients. We used the model to calculate the risk of transmission occurring, firstly between two patients in adjacent beds, and then between patients in a four-bedded bay. The aim of the study was to quantify the probability of transmission under a variety of conditions and thus to gain an understanding of the contribution made by the various factors which influence transmission.

Results
The study revealed that on a four-bedded bay, the average probability of transmitting an infection by the handborne route is generally low (i.e. in the region 0.002 – 0.013 depending on the hand hygiene behaviour of HCWs and other factors). However, because transmission is strongly influenced by stochastic events, it is the frequency with which 'high-risk events' occur, rather than average probability, that governs whether or not transmission will take place. The study revealed that increased hand hygiene compliance has a dramatic impact on the frequency with which 'high-risk events' occur. As compliance increases, so the rate at which 'high-risk events' occur, rapidly decreases, until a point is reached, beyond which, further hand hygiene is unlikely to yield any greater benefit.

Conclusion
The findings of the study confirm those of other researchers and suggest that the greatest benefits derived from hand hygiene occur as a result of the first tranche of compliance, with higher levels (>50%) of hand hygiene events yielding only marginal benefits. This suggests that in most situations relatively little benefit is accrued from seeking to achieve very high levels of hand hygiene compliance.
Description of a new species, Pintomyia dissimilis nov. sp., a phlebotomine fossil from Dominican Republic amber (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae)
Authors: Filho José Dilermando Andrade , Serra e Meira Paula Cavalcante Lamy , Sanguinette Cristiani de Castilho , Brazil Reginaldo Peçanha 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Phlebotomine sandflies are the vectors of etiological agents of leishmaniases in several areas of the world. In the Neotropical Region, the biodiversity of these insects is more than other regions, probably due the long evolutionary period of this group. Miocene amber from Dominican Republic, currently, has a record of 14 extinct species of Phlebotomine sandflies.

Results
This paper describes a new fossil species of phlebotomine sandfly from amber found in Dominican Republic. This new species is based on morphological characters of a male such as 5° palpomere longer than 3° + 4°, three well-developed spines in the gonostyle, lateral lobe longer than gonocoxite and permit inclusion of the new species in the genus Pintomyia, series serrana. The paramere, with a curvature in the ventral margin, of the middle of the structure, separates the new species from the others fossils or extant species.

Conclusion
The new species described in the present study named Pintomyia dissimilis nov. sp. is well differenciated from all known species in this genus.
Activator Protein-2 Impairs the Invasion of a Human Extravillous Trophoblast Cell Line
Authors: Kotani Tomomi , Iwase Akira , Ino Kazuhiko , Sumigama Seiji , Yamamoto Eiko , Hayakawa Hiromi , Nagasaka Tetsuo , Itakura Atsuo , Nomura Seiji , Kikkawa Fumitaka 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe reduced migration/invasion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) is a key feature of the genesis of preeclampsia. We and others previously reported that transcriptional factors activator protein-2 (AP-2) α and AP-2γ act as suppressors of tumor invasion. The present study examined the expressions of AP-2α and AP-2γ in preeclamptic placenta vs. control placenta and investigated their effect on the function of EVTs. The expressions of AP-2α and AP-2γ were elevated in the preeclamptic placentas in comparison with the gestational age-matched control placentas. Their expressions also increased in EVTs of the preeclamptic placentas. Thereafter, we transfected AP-2α or AP-2γ into human EVT cell line, HTR-8/SVneo. The overexpression of AP-2α or AP-2γ decreased the migratory and invasive abilities in HTR-8/SVneo cells. This was followed by the reduction of protease activated receptor-1 and matrix metalloproteinases and a significant induction of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. AP-2α and AP-2γ were weakly expressed in the cultured EVTs and HTR-8/SVneo cells, whereas they were induced by TNF-α, which increases in preeclamptic placenta and impairs trophoblast invasion. In the presence of TNF-α, the invasion of the HTR-8/SVneo cells was partially restored by a blocking of AP-2 induction using small interfering RNA of AP-2. The present data suggest that AP-2 may suppress trophoblast migration and invasion, thus leading to a shallow placentation in preeclampsia.
Regulation of the V-ATPase in kidney epithelial cells: dual role in acid–base homeostasis and vesicle trafficking
Authors: Brown Dennis , Paunescu Teodor G. , Breton Sylvie , Marshansky Vladimir 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThe proton-pumping V-ATPase is a complex, multi-subunit enzyme that is highly expressed in the plasma membranes of some epithelial cells in the kidney, including collecting duct intercalated cells. It is also located on the limiting membranes of intracellular organelles in the degradative and secretory pathways of all cells. Different isoforms of some V-ATPase subunits are involved in the targeting of the proton pump to its various intracellular locations, where it functions in transporting protons out of the cell across the plasma membrane or acidifying intracellular compartments. The former process plays a critical role in proton secretion by the kidney and regulates systemic acid–base status whereas the latter process is central to intracellular vesicle trafficking, membrane recycling and the degradative pathway in cells. We will focus our discussion on two cell types in the kidney: (1) intercalated cells, in which proton secretion is controlled by shuttling V-ATPase complexes back and forth between the plasma membrane and highly-specialized intracellular vesicles, and (2) proximal tubule cells, in which the endocytotic pathway that retrieves proteins from the glomerular ultrafiltrate requires V-ATPase-dependent acidification of post-endocytotic vesicles. The regulation of both of these activities depends upon the ability of cells to monitor the pH and/or bicarbonate content of their extracellular environment and intracellular compartments. Recent information about these pH-sensing mechanisms, which include the role of the V-ATPase itself as a pH sensor and the soluble adenylyl cyclase as a bicarbonate sensor, will be addressed in this review.
Carbonic anhydrase and acid–base regulation in fish
Authors: Gilmour K. M. , Perry S. F. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYCarbonic anhydrase (CA) is the zinc metalloenzyme that catalyses the reversible reactions of CO2 with water. CA plays a crucial role in systemic acid–base regulation in fish by providing acid–base equivalents for exchange with the environment. Unlike air-breathing vertebrates, which frequently utilize alterations of breathing (respiratory compensation) to regulate acid–base status, acid–base balance in fish relies almost entirely upon the direct exchange of acid–base equivalents with the environment (metabolic compensation). The gill is the critical site of metabolic compensation, with the kidney playing a supporting role. At the gill, cytosolic CA catalyses the hydration of CO2 to H+ and HCO3– for export to the water. In the kidney, cytosolic and membrane-bound CA isoforms have been implicated in HCO3– reabsorption and urine acidification. In this review, the CA isoforms that have been identified to date in fish will be discussed together with their tissue localizations and roles in systemic acid–base regulation.
Rating the Rankings
Authors: Espeland Wendy , Sauder Michael 
Published: May 2009

In August it's the colleges, in April the graduate schools. The annual rankings of universities and their programs result in copies of U.S. News & World Report flying off the shelves, and great fanfare follows. Local news outlets report the lists and the Internet goes all abuzz with discussions about the year's gains and losses in standing. Reactions within schools are also significant, ranging from champagne and bonuses to emergency meetings and fears of pink slips
Efficacy and safety of laser lithotripsy in fragmentation of urocystoliths and urethroliths for removal in dogs
Authors: Lulich Jody P. , Osborne Carl A. , Albasan Hasan , Monga Manoj , Bevan John M. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Objective—To characterize the efficacy and safety of laser lithotripsy in the fragmentation of urocystoliths and urethroliths for removal in dogs.
Design—Prospective case series.
Animals—100 dogs with naturally occurring urocystoliths and urethroliths.
Procedures—Via cystoscopy, laser lithotripsy was performed to fragment uroliths. Basket retrieval and voiding urohydropropulsion were used to remove fragments. Postprocedural contrast cystography was performed to assess efficacy and safety. In 40 dogs, midstream urine samples were collected just prior to laser lithotripsy (day 0) and on days 1, 3, and 11 after laser lithotripsy to assess inflammation.
Results—Urolith removal was complete in 82% of dogs (52/66 with only urocystoliths, 17/17 with only urethroliths, and 13/17 with urocystoliths and urethroliths). Urolith removal was incomplete in 18 dogs; of these dogs, 9, 6, and 3 had urolith fragments ≥ 3 mm, 1 to < 3 mm, and < 1 mm in diameter, respectively. Sex (female) was the most significant predictor for success. Median procedure time was 72 minutes. Two dogs developed urinary tract obstruction following laser lithotripsy. Hematuria was detected in 53% of dogs on day 0 and in 84%, 13%, and 3% of dogs on days 1, 3, and 11, respectively. Leukocyturia was detected in 13% of dogs on day 0 and in 47%, 0%, and 3% of dogs on days 1, 3, and 11, respectively.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that use of laser lithotripsy was a safe and effective alternative to surgical removal of urocystoliths and urethroliths in dogs.
Evaluation of salivary gland function in allergic rhinitis patients by [99mTc] pertechnetate salivary gland scintigraphy
Authors: Yoruk Ozgur , Seven Bedri , Varoglu Erhan , Ucuncu Harun , Sahin Ali , Ayan Arif , Sutbeyaz Yavuz , Tozoglu Sinan 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the quantitative parameters of salivary gland functions in patients with allergic rhinitis and healthy volunteers using [99mTc] pertechnetate salivary gland scintigraphy. Thirty-six patients with allergic rhinitis (14 males and 22 females, mean age 30.6 ± 5.2 years) and thirty-nine healthy controls (18 males and 21 females, mean age 32.2 ± 5.6 years) were evaluated. Dynamic salivary gland scintigraphy was performed after intravenous administration of 185 MBq (5 mCi) of [99mTc] pertechnetate for 25 minutes. Lemon juice was used to stimulate the salivary glands. On the basis of the time-activity curves, the following glandular function parameters were calculated for the parotid and submandibular salivary glands: uptake ratio, maximum accumulation, and ejection fraction. Statistically, all the functional parameters of the parotid and submandibular glands obtained for the allergic rhinitis patients were significantly lower than those of the healthy controls group (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that there was a significant difference in salivary gland function between patients with allergic rhinitis and healthy controls, which can easily be evaluated by [99mTc] pertechnetate salivary gland scintigraphy.