bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drug Delivery with Carbon Nanotubes forIn vivoCancer Treatment
Authors: Liu Zhuang , Chen Kai , Davis Corrine , Sherlock Sarah , Cao Qizhen , Chen Xiaoyuan , Dai Hongjie 
Published: August 2008

AbstractChemically functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) have shown promise in tumor-targeted accumulation in mice and exhibit biocompatibility, excretion, and little toxicity. Here, we show in vivo SWNT drug delivery for tumor suppression in mice. We conjugate paclitaxel (PTX), a widely used cancer chemotherapy drug, to branched polyethylene glycol chains on SWNTs via a cleavable ester bond to obtain a water-soluble SWNT-PTX conjugate. SWNT-PTX affords higher efficacy in suppressing tumor growth than clinical Taxol in a murine 4T1 breast cancer model, owing to prolonged blood circulation and 10-fold higher tumor PTX uptake by SWNT delivery likely through enhanced permeability and retention. Drug molecules carried into the reticuloendothelial system are released from SWNTs and excreted via biliary pathway without causing obvious toxic effects to normal organs. Thus, nanotube drug delivery is promising for high treatment efficacy and minimum side effects for future cancer therapy with low drug doses. [Cancer Res 2008;68(16):6652–60]
Erythropoietin inhibits apoptosis induced by photodynamic therapy in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Solár Peter , Koval Ján , Mikeš Jaromír , Kleban Ján , Solárová Zuzana , Lazúr Ján , Hodorová Ingrid , Fedoročko Peter , Sytkowski Arthur J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRecombinant human erythropoietin is widely used to treat anemia associated with cancer and with the myelosuppressive effects of chemotherapy, particularly platinum-based regimens. Erythropoietin is the principal regulator of erythroid cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Recently, the antiapoptotic and proliferative effects of erythropoietin on nonhematopoietic cells were also established. We now show the effect of erythropoietin treatment on the response of A2780 and SKOV3 ovarian carcinoma cell lines to photodynamic therapy (PDT) using hypericin. SKOV3 exhibited an increased resistance to hypericin when cells were treated with erythropoietin. This resistance was reversed by treatment of SKOV3 cells with the specific Janus kinase 2 kinase inhibitor AG490 or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. These results support a role for the specific erythropoietin-induced Janus kinase 2/STAT signal transduction pathway in PDT resistance. Evidence of erythropoietin signaling was obtained by the demonstration of Akt phosphorylation in both A2780 and SKOV3 cells. Erythropoietin-treated SKOV3 cells exhibited decreased apoptosis induced by hypericin, an effect that was blocked by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt inhibitor wortmannin. These results may have important implications for ovarian cancer patients undergoing PDT and receiving erythropoietin. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(8):2263–71]
Upper Ocean Turbulence from High-Resolution 3D Simulations
Authors: Klein Patrice , Hua Bach Lien , Lapeyre Guillaume , Capet Xavier , Le Gentil Sylvie , Sasaki Hideharu 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The authors examine the turbulent properties of a baroclinically unstable oceanic flow using primitive equation (PE) simulations with high resolution (in both horizontal and vertical directions). Resulting dynamics in the surface layers involve large Rossby numbers and significant vortical asymmetries. Furthermore, the ageostrophic divergent motions associated with small-scale surface frontogenesis are shown to significantly alter the nonlinear transfers of kinetic energy and consequently the time evolution of the surface dynamics. Such impact of the ageostrophic motions explains the emergence of the significant cyclone–anticyclone asymmetry and of a strong restratification in the upper layers, which are not allowed by the quasigeostrophic (QG) or surface quasigeostrophic (SQG) theory. However, despite this strong ageostrophic character, some of the main surface properties are surprisingly still close to the surface quasigeostrophic equilibrium. They include a noticeable shallow (≈k−2) velocity spectrum as well as a conspicuous local spectral relationship between surface kinetic energy, sea surface height, and density variance over a large range of scales (from 400 to 4 km). Furthermore, surface velocities can be remarkably diagnosed from only the surface density using SQG relations. This suggests that the validity of some specific SQG relations extends to dynamical regimes with large Rossby numbers. The interior dynamics, on the other hand, strongly differ from the surface dynamics, involving a small Rossby number, a steep (≈k−4) velocity spectrum, and a somewhat steeper density spectrum. The compensation of the surface restratification by a destratification at depth confirms a connection between the surface and the interior induced by the small-scale divergent motions.
Decadal Sea Level Variability in the South Pacific in a Global Eddy-Resolving Ocean Model Hindcast
Authors: Sasaki Yoshi N. , Minobe Shoshiro , Schneider Niklas , Kagimoto Takashi , Nonaka Masami , Sasaki Hideharu 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Sea level variability and related oceanic changes in the South Pacific from 1970 to 2003 are investigated using a hindcast simulation of an eddy-resolving ocean general circulation model (OGCM) for the Earth Simulator (OFES), along with sea level data from tide gauges since 1970 and a satellite altimeter since 1992. The first empirical orthogonal function mode of sea level anomalies (SLAs) of OFES exhibits broad positive SLAs over the central and western South Pacific. The corresponding principal component indicates roughly stable high, low, and high SLAs, separated by a rapid sea level fall in the late 1970s and sea level rise in the late 1990s, consistent with tide gauge and satellite observations. These decadal changes are accompanied by circulation changes of the subtropical gyre at 1000-m depth, and changes of upper-ocean zonal current and eddy activity around the Tasman Front. In general agreement with previous related studies, it is found that sea level variations in the Tasman Sea can be explained by propagation of long baroclinic Rossby waves forced by wind stress curl anomalies, if the impact of New Zealand is taken into account. The corresponding atmospheric variations are associated with decadal variability of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Thus, decadal sea level variability in the western and central South Pacific in the past three and half decades and decadal ENSO variability are likely to be connected. The sea level rise in the 1990s, which attracted much attention in relation to the global warming, is likely associated with the decadal cooling in the tropical Pacific.
Influence of Large-Scale Flow Regimes on Cool-Season Precipitation in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Archambault Heather M. , Bosart Lance F. , Keyser Daniel , Aiyyer Anantha R. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The influence of large-scale flow regimes on cool-season (November–April) northeastern U.S. (Northeast) precipitation is investigated for the period 1948–2003 from statistical and synoptic perspectives. These perspectives are addressed through (i) a statistical analysis of cool-season Northeast precipitation associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Pacific–North American (PNA) regimes (one standard deviation or greater NAO or PNA daily index anomalies persisting several days), and (ii) a composite analysis of the synoptic signatures of major (two standard deviation) 24-h cool-season Northeast precipitation events occurring during NAO and PNA regimes. The statistical analysis reveals that negative PNA regimes are associated with above-average cool-season Northeast precipitation and an above-average frequency of light and moderate precipitation events, whereas the opposite associations are true for positive PNA regimes. In comparison with PNA regimes, NAO regimes are found to have relatively little influence on the amount and frequency of cool-season Northeast precipitation. The composite analysis indicates that a surface cyclone flanked by an upstream trough over the Ohio Valley and downstream ridge over eastern Canada and upper- and lower-level jets in the vicinity of the Northeast are characteristic signatures of major cool-season Northeast precipitation events occurring during NAO and PNA regimes. Negative NAO and positive PNA precipitation events, however, are associated with a more amplified trough–ridge pattern and greater implied Atlantic moisture transport by a low-level jet into the Northeast than positive NAO and negative PNA precipitation events. Furthermore, a signature of lateral upper-level jet coupling is noted only during positive and negative PNA precipitation events.
Seasonal Influence of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation on Stratospheric Jets and Rossby Wave Breaking
Authors: Hitchman Matthew H. , Huesmann Amihan S. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The influence of the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) on the polar night jets (PNJs), subtropical easterly jets (SEJs), and associated Rossby wave breaking (RWB) is investigated using global meteorological analyses spanning 10 recent QBO cycles. The seasonal dependence of the descent of the QBO is shown by using five layered shear indices. It is found that the influence of the QBO is distinctive for each combination of QBO phase, season, and hemisphere (NH or SH). The following QBO westerly (W) minus easterly (E) differences in the PNJs were found to be significant at the 97% level: When a QBO W (E) maximum is in the lower stratosphere (∼500 K or ∼50 hPa), the NH winter PNJ is stronger (weaker), in agreement with previous results (mode A). Mode A does not appear to operate in other seasons in the NH besides DJF or in the SH in any season. When a QBO W (E) maximum is in the middle stratosphere (∼700–800 K or ∼10–20 hPa), the PNJ in the SH spring is stronger (weaker), also in agreement with previous results (mode B). It is found that mode B also operates in the NH spring. A third distinctive mode is found during autumn in both hemispheres: a QBO W (E) maximum in the middle stratosphere coincides with a weaker (stronger) PNJ (mode C). The signs of wind anomalies are the same at low and high latitudes for modes A and B, but are opposite for mode C. This sensitive dependence on QBO phase and season is consistent with the nonlinear nature of the interaction between planetary waves and the shape of the seasonal wind structures.
During the solstices the meridional circulation associated with QBO connects primarily with the winter hemisphere, whereas during the equinoxes it is more symmetric about the equator. QBO W enhance the equatorial potential vorticity (PV) gradient maximum, but the time-mean maximum may be related to chronic instabilities in the subtropics. The equatorial PV gradient maximum and flanking RWB tend to be more pronounced in the Eastern Hemisphere in stratospheric analyses.
When QBO W are in the middle stratosphere, the flanking PV gradient minima (SEJs) are enhanced and RWB is more frequent and symmetric about the equator. When QBO W are in the upper stratosphere, a strong seasonal asymmetry is seen, with enhanced RWB in the summer SEJ, primarily during boreal winter. This is consistent with an upward increase of summer to winter flow and modulation by a strong “first” and weak “second” semiannual oscillation.
Investigation of Non-Gaussian Doppler Spectra Observed by Weather Radar in a Tornadic Supercell
Authors: Yu Tian-You , Rondinel Ricardo Reinoso , Palmer Robert D. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Radar Doppler spectra that deviate from a Gaussian shape were observed from a tornadic supercell on 10 May 2003, exhibiting features such as a dual peak, flat top, and wide skirt in the nontornadic region. Motivated by these observations, a spectral model of a mixture of two Gaussian components, each defined by its three spectral moments, is introduced to characterize different degrees of deviation from Gaussian shape. In the standard autocovariance method, a Gaussian spectrum is assumed and biases in velocity and spectrum width estimates may result if this assumption is violated. The impact of non-Gaussian weather spectra on these biases is formulated and quantified in theory and, consequently, verified using four experiments of numerical simulations.
Those non-Gaussian spectra from the south region of the supercell are further examined and a nonlinear fitting algorithm is proposed to estimate the six spectral moments and compare to those obtained from the autocovariance method. It is shown that the dual-Gaussian model can better represent observed spectra for those cases. The authors’ analysis suggests that vertical shear may be responsible for the flat-top or the dual-peak spectra in the lower elevation of 0.5° and their transition to the single-peak and wide-skirt spectra in the next elevation scan of 1.5°.
Observations of Kinematics and Thermodynamic Structure Surrounding a Convective Storm Cluster over a Low Mountain Range
Authors: Groenemeijer Pieter , Barthlott Christian , Corsmeier Ulrich , Handwerker Jan , Kohler Martin , Kottmeier Christoph , Mahlke Holger , Wieser Andreas , Behrendt Andreas , Pal Sandip , Radlach Marcus , Wulfmeyer Volker , Trentmann Jörg 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Measurements of a convective storm cluster in the northern Black Forest in southwest Germany have revealed the development of a warm and dry downdraft under its anvil cloud that had an inhibiting effect on the subsequent development of convection. These measurements were made on 12 July 2006 as part of the field campaign Prediction, Identification and Tracking of Convective Cells (PRINCE) during which a number of new measurement strategies were deployed. These included the collocation of a rotational Raman lidar and a Doppler lidar on the summit of the highest mountain in the region (1164 m MSL) as well as the deployment of teams carrying radiosondes to be released in the vicinity of convective storms. In addition, an aircraft equipped with sensors for meteorological variables and dropsondes was in operation and determined that the downdraft air was approximately 1.5 K warmer, 4 g kg−1 drier, and therefore 3 g m−3 less dense than the air at the same altitude in the storm’s surroundings. The Raman lidar detected undulating aerosol-rich layers in the preconvective environment and a gradual warming trend of the lower troposphere as the nearby storm system evolved. The Doppler lidar both detected a pattern of convergent radial winds under a developing convective updraft and an outflow emerging under the storm’s anvil cloud. The dryness of the downdraft air indicates that it had subsided from higher altitudes. Its low density reveals that its development was not caused by negative thermal buoyancy, but was rather due to the vertical mass flux balance accompanying the storm’s updrafts.
Venous thromboembolism in women
Authors: Rathbun Suman 
Published: August 2008

Abstract The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) varies throughout a woman’s life and is associated primarily with underlying hormonal exposure. Alteration in hemostatic mechanisms, including resistance to activated protein C, may explain this altered risk. Initially, development of VTE with the use of contraception in young adulthood may reveal inherited thrombophilia. Pregnancy, and particularly the post-partum period, likely confer the greatest risk of VTE, but the absolute risk is small. Guidelines for prevention of VTE during pregnancy are based on personal or family history of VTE, and known inherited thrombophilia. Use of hormone replacement therapy later in life is associated with increased risk of VTE, and may be safest if given as an estrogen-only preparation to young postmenopausal women for less than 5 years. Universal screening for thrombophilia prior to pregnancy or initiating hormonal therapy is not recommended; however, selected testing in high-risk groups may be warranted. The lack of firm recommendations for the prevention of VTE in women highlights the need for future investigation aimed at identifying high-risk groups and evaluating the efficacy of prophylactic measures.
A biomarker panel for peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Fung Eric T , Wilson Andrew M , Zhang Fujun , Harris Nathan , Edwards Kim A , Olin Jeffrey W , Cooke John P 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is common, but often not diagnosed. A biomarker index would be useful to raise suspicion of PAD, so as to trigger appropriate vascular testing and management. The study comprised 540 individuals: 197 individuals with both coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease (CAD + PAD); 81 with CAD only; and 262 with no hemodynamically significant disease (NHSD) of the coronary or peripheral arteries. Multiple linear regression was performed to generate a biomarker panel score that could predict ankle–brachial index (ABI). Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between disease status and the panel score as well as other risk factors (e.g. age, diabetes status, smoking status). ROC analysis was performed to test the prediction power of the biomarker panel score. Among the plasma markers tested, beta 2 microglobulin (β2M) and cystatin C had the highest correlation with ABI, and higher than any of the conventional risk factors of age, smoking status, and diabetes status. A biomarker panel score derived from β2M, cystatin C, hsCRP, and glucose had an increased association with PAD status (OR = 12.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.6–23.5 for highest vs lowest quartile), which was still significant after adjusting for known risk factors (OR = 7.3, 95% CI 3.6–14.9 for highest vs lowest quartile). In conclusion, after taking into account the traditional risk factors for PAD, a biomarker panel comprising β2M, cystatin C, hsCRP, and glucose adds useful information to assess the risk of disease.
National health care costs of peripheral arterial disease in the Medicare population
Authors: Hirsch Alan T , Hartman Lacey , Town Robert J , Virnig Beth A 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is prevalent in the Medicare population and is associated with high rates of myocardial infarction, stroke, amputation, and death. Nevertheless, national health expenditures for PAD are not known. We hypothesized that PAD-related costs are high, increase with age, and that treatment rates would be less than known PAD prevalence. The objective was to determine national health care expenditures for PAD in the United States. PAD-related treatment costs were calculated in the elderly, non-disabled Medicare population. The cost analysis relied on the 5% control population for the linked SEER-Medicare data and Medicare claims for the calendar year 2001, identifying PAD cases based on diagnosis and procedure codes. Costs were aggregated separately for inpatient and outpatient treatment and estimates adjusted to reflect the Medicare population. A total of $4.37 billion was spent on PAD-related treatment and 88% of expenditures were for inpatient care. Medicare program outlays totaled $3.87 billion, while enrollees (or their supplemental insurance) spent the remaining $500 million. In total, 6.8% of the elderly Medicare population received treatment for PAD. Treatment increased with age at rates of 4.5%, 7.5%, and 11.8% for individuals aged 65–74, 75–84, and >85 years, respectively. PAD-related costs accounted for approximately 13% of all Medicare Part A and B expenditures for the PAD-treated cohort, and 2.3% of total Medicare Part A and B expenditures. In conclusion, US national PAD-related costs are high, associated with inpatient care, and increase with age. PAD is treated at rates lower than the known PAD prevalence as only approximately one-third of the population with known PAD had detectable PAD-related health care costs in our analysis. The potential impact of earlier PAD detection and use of outpatient preventive strategies on total national PAD health care costs is unknown.
Irbesartan attenuates Ang II-induced BMP-2 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhou Sheng-hua , Zhao Shui-Ping , Liu Qi-ming , Li Xu-ping , Shen Xiang-Qian 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), a transforming growth factor-β superfamily member cytokine, plays a key role both in vascular development and in pathophysiological processes. However, the effects and mechanisms of angiotensin II (Ang II) on BMP-2 expression remain unknown in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Here we show that Ang II treatment significantly increased BMP-2 expression, associated with NF-κB activation, which was suppressed by treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) or irbesartan. Furthermore, the increased levels of MDA (malondialdehyde) in conditioned media and the decrease in activities of total superoxide dismutases (SOD) caused by Ang II were reversed by irbesartan or PDTC treatment. Our findings indicate that Ang II-induced BMP-2 expression might contribute to NF-κB activation. BMP-2 expression induced by Ang II might involve excessive oxidative stress.
AAA Repair: Sociodemographic Disparities in Management and Outcomes
Authors: Vogel Todd R. , Cantor Joel C. , Dombrovskiy Viktor Y. , Haser Paul B. , Graham Alan M. 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To evaluate sociodemographic influences on utilization and outcomes of endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR) for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: Secondary data analysis of the State Inpatient Databases for New Jersey. Results: Between 2001 and 2006, a total of 6227 adult subjects (mean [SD] age, 73.3 [8.3] years; 77.6% male) underwent AAA repair (3167 EVAR and 3060 open surgery [OS]). Patients receiving EVAR were older than those undergoing OS (mean [SD] age, 74.2 [8.0] vs 72.4 [8.6] years) ( P < .001). Men were 1.60 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-1.77) times more likely to receive EVAR than women. White subjects had the same odds of undergoing EVAR as black subjects, and white subjects had 1.60 (95% CI, 1.29-2.06) times higher odds of receiving EVAR than Hispanics. Subjects with Medicare coverage were 3.90 (96% CI, 2.28-6.59) times more likely to receive EVAR than uninsured subjects. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that older age, male sex, and Medicare coverage were significantly associated with increased utilization of EVAR and that uninsured subjects and Hispanics are less likely to receive EVAR. Octogenarians and black subjects (odds ratios: 3.69 CI: 2.31-5.91, and 2.59 CI: 1.47-4.54 respectively) had significantly greater likelihood of death after elective AAA repair. Conclusions: For AAA repair, significant sociodemographic disparities exist in the use of endovascular technology and in mortality. The risk of death after elective AAA repair was significantly greater for black subjects. Further analysis is warranted to delineate inequalities of vascular care for AAA and to assist in formulating policy to address these disparities.