bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Stage Soliton Observations in the Sulu Sea*
Authors: Tessler Zachary D. , Gordon Arnold L. , Jackson Christopher R. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Observations of early stage, large-amplitude, nonlinear internal waves in the Sulu Sea are presented. Water column displacement and velocity profile time series show the passage of two solitary-like waves close to their generation site. Additional observations of the same waves are made as they propagate through the Sulu Sea basin. These waves of depression have an estimated maximum amplitude of 44 m. Observed wave amplitude and background stratification are used to estimate parameters for both a Korteweg–de Vries (K-dV) and a Joseph wave solution. These analytic model solutions are compared with a fully nonlinear model as well. Model wave half-widths bracket the observed wave, with the Joseph model narrower than the K-dV model. The modal structure of the waves change as they transit northward though the Sulu Sea, with higher mode features present in the southern Sulu Sea, which dissipate by the time the waves reach the north. Observed and modeled energies are roughly comparable, with observed potential energy estimated at 6.5 × 107 J m−1, whereas observed kinetic energy is between 4.6 × 107 J m−1 and 1.5 × 108 J m−1, depending on the integration limits. If this energy remains in the Sulu Sea, an average dissipation rate of 10−9 W kg−1 is required over its volume, helping to maintain elevated mixing rates.
Identification of the most significant comfort factors for textiles from processing mechanical, handfeel, fabric construction, and perceived tactile comfort data
Authors: Sztandera Les M , Cardello Armand V , Winterhalter Carole , Schutz Howard 
Published: May 2012

Engineered fabrics are desired for military protective clothing applications. Such fabrics, exhibiting high tactile comfort, can be computationally designed. Through the use of an extensive database that contains handfeel, mechanical, construction, and tactile comfort data for fabrics, desired comfort can be predicted by measuring a limited number of properties. Output systems can be optimized to exhibit the highest level of comfort by engineering a fabric with specific properties. Using an extensive fabric database, we identify the most significant handfeel, mechanical, and construction properties influencing tactile fabric comfort. This is done through the use of regression analysis of handfeel, mechanical, construction fabric properties, and perceived tactile comfort, using B un-standardized coefficients and Beta standardized coefficients.
Effects of a support group programme for patients with life-threatening illness during ongoing palliative care
Authors: Henriksson Anette , Årestedt Kristofer , Benzein Eva , Ternestedt Britt-Marie , Andershed Birgitta 
Published: May 2012

Background: Health care systems in many countries are moving towards outpatient care in which family members are central in providing care for patients with life-threatening illness. Several studies show that family members report a lack of preparation, knowledge and the ability to handle the caregiver role, and a need for information and psychosocial support. Aim: The aim was to investigate the effects of a support group programme for family members of patients with life-threatening illness during ongoing palliative care. Design: A prospective quasi-experimental design, including an intervention group and a comparison group, was used. Settings/participants: A support group programme was offered to family members during ongoing palliative care at three intervention settings: two specialist palliative care units and one haematology unit. A fourth setting, a specialist palliative care unit, was used for comparisons. Results: Family members taking part in the support group programme significantly increased their perceptions of preparedness for caregiving, competence for caregiving, and rewards of caregiving. Hope, anxiety, depression symptoms and health showed no significant changes. Conclusions: The intervention, including a support group programme delivered to family members of patients with life-threatening illness during ongoing palliative care, proved to be effective in certain domains of caregiving. No negative outcomes were detected. The results indicate that this intervention could be implemented and delivered to family members during ongoing palliative care.
Preparation and in vitro characterization of dexamethasone-loaded poly(d,l-lactic acid) microspheres embedded in poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ɛ-caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel for orthopedic tissue engineering
Authors: Fan Min , Guo QingFa , Luo JingCong , Luo Feng , Xie Ping , Tang XiaoHai , Qian ZhiYong 
Published: May 2012

The corium is decreased to about half of its thickness in skin defects and wrinkles due to gravity and environment. In this study, dexamethasone/poly(d,l-lactic acid) ( Mn = 160,000) microspheres were incorporated into poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ɛ-caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol) ( Mn = 3300) hydrogel to prepare an injectable hydrogel composite. The composite was designed to increase the thickness of the corium. Dexamethasone/poly(d,l-lactic acid) microspheres were prepared by oil-in-water emulsion/solvent evaporation technique. The properties of microspheres were investigated by size distribution measurement, scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction. Drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and drug delivery behavior of microspheres were also studied in detail. Cell adhesion of microspheres was investigated by NIH3T3 cell in vitro. The properties of hydrogel composite were investigated by scanning electron microscope, rheological measurements and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Drug release from composite was determined by HPLC-UV analysis. These results suggested that poly(d,l-lactic acid) microspheres encapsulating dexamethasone embedded in poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ɛ-caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel might have prospective application in orthopedic tissue engineering field.
Classification of individuals based on ex-vivo glatiramer acetate-induced interferon-γ and interleukin-4 response
Authors: Gilli Francesca , Navone Nicole D , Valentino Paola , Granieri Letizia , Perga Simona , Malucchi Simona , Bertolotto Antonio 
Published: May 2012

Background: Glatiramer acetate (GA) in multiple sclerosis acts through the induction of GA-specific T-helper 2 cells. Nevertheless, the phenomenon is not universal in patients, explaining individual differences in clinical response. Objective: The objective of this article was to categorize GA-treated patients. Method: An enhanced quantitative PCR assay was used for measuring ex-vivo GA-induced IFNγ and IL4 mRNA responses in mononuclear cells from 23 healthy donors, 27 untreated patients, 33 short-term (≤6 months) and 77 long-term (>6 months) GA-treated patients. Thresholds for IFNγ and IL4 transcriptional response were calculated by ROC analysis and long-term treated patients were compared in terms of prognostic stratification. Results: Thresholds for IFNγ and IL4 transcriptional response were calculated at 5.36 and 1.41 relative expression (RE). Finally, 67% of long-term treated patients scored above both response thresholds. These patients had a higher proportion of relapse-free subjects (74% vs 40% when compare to patients who scored below both thresholds) and a significantly better relapse-free survival rate ( p=0.006; CI 0.29–0.75). The negative predictive value to predict adverse clinical outcome was 79% (CI 0.63–0.90), meaning that by a positive response, there is a 79% chance that the patient will not experience a negative outcome at 3 years. Conclusions: Our enhanced quantitative PCR assay produced clinically significant results for GA-treated patients. As such, if patients have a positive response, it means they have less chance of a relapse, while patients with a negative response have a greater probability of a worse outcome.
The relationship between upper leg muscle strength and walking capacity in persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Broekmans Tom , Gijbels Domien , Eijnde Bert O. , Alders Geert , Lamers Ilse , Roelants Machteld , Feys Peter 
Published: May 2012

Background: In persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) resistance training improves muscle strength but effects on walking capacity are inconsistent. Objective: The objective was to determine the relation between different types of upper leg muscle strength measurements and walking capacity in PwMS. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study design was applied. Upper leg muscle strength of 52 PwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS range 1.5–6.5) was measured using isometric (knee extensors and flexors) and isokinetic (knee extensors) dynamometry. Walking capacity was assessed using the Timed 25-Foot Walk, Timed Up and Go and Two Minute Walk Test. Subgroups with mild (EDSS 1.5–4.0, n=31) and moderate (EDSS 4.5–6.5, n=21) ambulatory dysfunction were distinguished, and results were hypothesized to differ depending on multiple sclerosis (MS)-related disability status. Correlation and regression analyses were performed on the data of the most affected leg. Results: Greatest ( r: 0.2–0.7) and significant Pearson correlation coefficients were found in the moderate compared to mild MS subgroup. Within knee extensor measurements, it was found that isokinetic endurance strength related best to walking capacity. When comparing maximal isometric strength measurements, knee flexors ( r: 0.5–0.7) related better to walking capacity than knee extensors ( r: 0.1–0.4). Regression analyses confirmed endurance knee extensor strength (~25 %) and isometric knee flexor strength (~40%) as main predictors for walking capacity. Conclusion: Resistance training protocols may consider inclusion of exercises focusing on endurance knee extensor and isometric knee flexor strength when aiming to enhance walking capacity in persons with moderate ambulatory dysfunction.
Eplerenone inhibits aldosterone-induced renal expression of cyclooxygenase
Authors: Bayorh MA , Rollins-Hairston A , Adiyiah J , Lyn D , Eatman D 
Published: May 2012

Introduction: The upregulation of cyclooxygenase (COX) expression by aldosterone (ALDO) or high salt diet intake is very interesting and complex in the light of what is known about the role of COX in renal function. Thus, in this study, we hypothesize that apocynin (APC) and/or eplerenone (EPL) inhibit ALDO/salt-induced kidney damage by preventing the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Methods: Dahl salt-sensitive rats on either a low-salt or high-salt diet were treated with ALDO (0.2 mg pellet) in the presence of EPL (100 mg/kg/day) or APC (1.5 mM). Indirect blood pressure, prostaglandins and ALDO levels and histological changes were measured. Results: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels were upregulated in the renal tubules and peritubular vessels after high-salt intake, and APC attenuated renal tubular COX-2 protein expression induced by ALDO. Plasma PGE2 levels were significantly reduced by ALDO in the rats fed a low-salt diet when compared to rats fed a high-salt diet. PGE2 was blocked by EPL but increased in the presence of APC. Conclusions: The beneficial effects of EPL may be associated with an inhibition of PGE2. The mechanism underlying the protective effects of EPL is clearly distinct from that of APC and suggests that these agents can have differential roles in cardiovascular disease.
Prophylactic rituximab after allogeneic transplantation decreases B-cell alloimmunity with low chronic GVHD incidence
Authors: Arai Sally , Sahaf Bita , Narasimhan Balasubramanian , Chen George L. , Jones Carol D. , Lowsky Robert , Shizuru Judith A. , Johnston Laura J. , Laport Ginna G. , Weng Wen-Kai , Benjamin Jonathan E. , Schaenman Joanna , Brown Janice , Ramirez Jessica , Zehnder James L. , Negrin Robert S. , Miklos David B. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
B cells are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic GVHD (cGVHD). We hypothesized that prophylactic anti–B-cell therapy delivered 2 months after transplantation would decrease allogeneic donor B-cell immunity and possibly the incidence of cGVHD. Therefore, in the present study, patients with high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 22) and mantle-cell lymphoma (n = 13) received a total lymphoid irradiation of 80 cGy for 10 days and antithymocyte globulin 1.5 mg/kg/d for 5 days. Rituximab (375 mg/m2) was infused weekly on days 56, 63, 70, and 77 after transplantation. The incidence of acute GVHD was 6%. The cumulative incidence of cGVHD was 20%. Nonrelapse mortality was 3%. Rituximab treatment after allogeneic transplantation significantly reduced B-cell allogeneic immunity, with complete prevention of alloreactive H-Y Ab development in male patients with female donors (P = .01). Overall survival and freedom from progression at 4 years for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients were 73% and 47%, respectively; for mantle-cell lymphoma patients, they were 69% and 53%, respectively. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00186628.
Clinical and pharmacodynamic activity of bortezomib and decitabine in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Blum William , Schwind Sebastian , Tarighat Somayeh S. , Geyer Susan , Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin , Whitman Susan , Walker Alison , Klisovic Rebecca , Byrd John C. , Santhanam Ramasamy , Wang Hongyan , Curfman John P. , Devine Steven M. , Jacob Samson , Garr Celia , Kefauver Cheryl , Perrotti Danilo , Chan Kenneth K. , Bloomfield Clara D. , Caligiuri Michael A. , Grever Michael R. , Garzon Ramiro , Marcucci Guido 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
We recently reported promising clinical activity for a 10-day regimen of decitabine in older AML patients; high miR-29b expression associated with clinical response. Subsequent preclinical studies with bortezomib in AML cells have shown drug-induced miR-29b up-regulation, resulting in loss of transcriptional activation for several genes relevant to myeloid leukemogenesis, including DNA methyltransferases and receptor tyrosine kinases. Thus, a phase 1 trial of bortezomib and decitabine was developed. Nineteen poor-risk AML patients (median age 70 years; range, 32-84 years) enrolled. Induction with decitabine (20 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1-10) plus bortezomib (escalated up to the target 1.3 mg/m2 on days 5, 8, 12, and 15) was tolerable, but bortezomib-related neuropathy developed after repetitive cycles. Of previously untreated patients (age ≥ 65 years), 5 of 10 had CR (complete remission, n = 4) or incomplete CR (CRi, n = 1); 7 of 19 overall had CR/CRi. Pharmacodynamic analysis showed FLT3 down-regulation on day 26 of cycle 1 (P = .02). Additional mechanistic studies showed that FLT3 down-regulation was due to bortezomib-induced miR-29b up-regulation; this led to SP1 down-regulation and destruction of the SP1/NF-κB complex that transactivated FLT3. This study demonstrates the feasibility and preliminary clinical activity of decitabine plus bortezomib in AML and identifies FLT3 as a novel pharmacodynamic end point for future trials. This study is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00703300.
Construction of physical maps for the sex-specific regions of papaya sex chromosomes
Authors: Na Jong-Kuk , Wang Jianping , Murray Jan E , Gschwend Andrea R , Zhang Wenli , Yu Qingyi , Pérez Rafael Navajas‒ , Feltus F Alex , Chen Cuixia , Kubat Zdenek , Moore Paul H , Jiang Jiming , Paterson Andrew H , Ming Ray 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Papaya is a major fruit crop in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is trioecious with three sex forms: male, female, and hermaphrodite. Sex determination is controlled by a pair of nascent sex chromosomes with two slightly different Y chromosomes, Y for male and Yh for hermaphrodite. The sex chromosome genotypes are XY (male), XYh (hermaphrodite), and XX (female). The papaya hermaphrodite-specific Yh chromosome region (HSY) is pericentromeric and heterochromatic. Physical mapping of HSY and its X counterpart is essential for sequencing these regions and uncovering the early events of sex chromosome evolution and to identify the sex determination genes for crop improvement.

Results
A reiterate chromosome walking strategy was applied to construct the two physical maps with three bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries. The HSY physical map consists of 68 overlapped BACs on the minimum tiling path, and covers all four HSY-specific Knobs. One gap remained in the region of Knob 1, the only knob structure shared between HSY and X, due to the lack of HSY-specific sequences. This gap was filled on the physical map of the HSY corresponding region in the X chromosome. The X physical map consists of 44 BACs on the minimum tiling path with one gap remaining in the middle, due to the nature of highly repetitive sequences. This gap was filled on the HSY physical map. The borders of the non-recombining HSY were defined genetically by fine mapping using 1460 F2 individuals. The genetically defined HSY spanned approximately 8.5 Mb, whereas its X counterpart extended about 5.4 Mb including a 900 Kb region containing the Knob 1 shared by the HSY and X. The 8.5 Mb HSY corresponds to 4.5 Mb of its X counterpart, showing 4 Mb (89%) DNA sequence expansion.

Conclusion
The 89% increase of DNA sequence in HSY indicates rapid expansion of the Yh chromosome after genetic recombination was suppressed 2–3 million years ago. The genetically defined borders coincide with the common BACs on the minimum tiling paths of HSY and X. The minimum tiling paths of HSY and its X counterpart are being used for sequencing these X and Yh-specific regions.
Variation in the IL1B, TNF and IL6 genes and individual susceptibility to prosthetic joint infection
Authors: Stahelova Anna , Mrazek Frantisek , Smizansky Matej , Petrek Martin , Gallo Jiri 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is an important failure mechanism of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Here we examine whether the particular genetic variants can lead to increased susceptibility to PJI development.

Results
We conducted a genetic-association study to determine whether PJI could be associated with functional cytokine gene polymorphisms (CGP) influencing on innate immunity response. A case–control design was utilized and previously published criteria for PJI were included to distinguish between cases and control subjects with/without TJA. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the genes for interleukin-1beta (SNP: IL1B-511, +3962), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-308, -238) and interleukin-6 (IL6-174, nt565) were genotyped in 303 Caucasian (Czech) patients with TJA (89 with PJI / 214 without PJI), and 168 unrelated healthy Czech individuals without TJA. The results showed that carriers of the less common IL1B−511*T allele were overrepresented in the group of TJA patients with PJI (69%) in comparison with those that did not develop PJI (51%, p = 0.006, pcorr = 0.037) and with healthy controls (55%, p = 0.04, pcorr = N.S.). There was no significant difference in the distribution of the remaining five investigated CGPs and their haplotypes between groups.

Conclusion
A functional variant of the gene encoding for IL-1beta was preliminarily nominated as a genetic factor contributing to the susceptibility to PJI. Our results should be independently replicated; studies on the functional relevance of IL1B gene variants in PJI are also needed.
Dietary sea cucumber cerebroside alleviates orotic acid-induced excess hepatic adipopexis in rats
Authors: Zhang Bei , Xue Changhu , Hu Xiaoqian , Xu Jie , Li Zhaojie , Wang Jingfeng , Yanagita Teruyoshi , Xue Yong , Wang Yuming 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disease in industrialized countries. The present study was undertaken to explore the preventive effect of dietary sea cucumber cerebroside (SCC) extracted from Acaudina molpadioides in fatty liver rats.

Methods
Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups including normal control group, NAFLD model group, and two SCC-treated groups with SCC at 0.006% and 0.03% respectively. The fatty liver model was established by administration of 1% orotic acid (OA) to the rats. After 10d, serum and hepatic lipid levels were detected. And the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were also determined. Besides, to gain the potential mechanism, the changes of key enzymes and gene expressions related to the hepatic lipid metabolism were measured.

Results
Dietary SCC at the level of 0.006% and 0.03% ameliorated the hepatic lipid accumulation in fatty liver rats. SCC administration elevated the serum triglyceride (TG) level and the ALT, AST activities in OA-fed rats. The activities of hepatic lipogenic enzymes including fatty acid synthase (FAS), malic enzyme (ME) and glucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase (G6PDH) were inhibited by SCC treatment. And the gene expressions of FAS, ME, G6PDH and sterol-regulatory element binding protein (SREBP-1c) were also reduced in rats fed SCC. However, dietary SCC didn't affect the activity and mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) in liver. Besides, suppression of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) activity was observed in SCC-feeding rats.

Conclusions
These results suggested that dietary SCC could attenuate hepatic steatosis due to its inhibition of hepatic lipogenic gene expression and enzyme activity and the enhancement of TG secretion from liver.
A comparison of the wild food plant use knowledge of ethnic minorities in Naban River Watershed National Nature Reserve, Yunnan, SW China
Authors: Ghorbani Abdolbaset , Langenberger Gerhard , Sauerborn Joachim 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Background
Wild food plants (WFPs) contribute to the nutrition, economy and even cultural identity of people in many parts of the world. Different factors determine the preference and use of WFPs such as abundance, availability, cultural preference, economic conditions, shortage periods or unsecure food production systems. Understanding these factors and knowing the patterns of selection, use and cultural significance and value of wild food plants for local communities is helpful in setting priorities for conservation and/or domestication of these plants. Thus in this study knowledge of wild food plant use among four groups namely Dai, Lahu, Hani and Mountain Han in Naban River Watershed National Nature Reserve ((NRWNNR), Xishuangbanna were documented and analyzed to find the similarity and difference among their plant use.

Methods
Data on wild food plant use was collected through freelisting and semi-structured interviews and participatory field collection and direct observation. Botanical plant sample specimens were collected, prepared, dried and identified.

Results
A total of 173 species and subspecies from 64 families and one species of lichen (Ramalina sp.) are used as WFP. There were differences on the saliency of wild food plant species among four ethnic groups. Consensus analysis revealed that knowledge of wild food plant use for each ethnic group differs from others with some variation in each group. Among informant attributes only age was related with the knowledge of wild food plant use, whereas no significant relationship was found between gender and age*gender and informants knowledge of wild food plant use.

Conclusion
Wild food plants are still used extensively by local people in the NRWNNR, some of them on a daily base. This diversity of wild food plants provide important source of nutrients for the local communities which much of their caloric intake comes from one or few crops. The results also show the role of ethnicity on the preference and use of wild food plants. There is a big potential for harvesting, participatory domestication and marketing of WFPs especially in the tourism sector in the area.