bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating leptin levels and bone mineral density in children with biliary atresia
Authors: Honsawek Sittisak , Chaiwatanarat Tawatchai , Chongsrisawat Voranush , Thawornsuk Nutchanart , Vejchapipat Paisarn , Poovorawan Yong 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAim: To investigate circulating leptin levels in biliary atresia (BA) patients and the association of leptin with bone mineral density (BMD) and the severity of BA.Methods: We have examined 50 patients with BA and 15 matched healthy controls. Serum leptin, osteocalcin and C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) levels were measured by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). BMD of the lumbar spine was measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry.Results: Serum leptin levels of BA patients were lower than those of healthy controls (2.7 ± 0.3 vs. 7.1 ± 1.7 ng/mL, p = 0.0001). Among the BA patients, serum leptin levels were significantly lower in patients with jaundice than patients without jaundice (1.7 ± 0.2 vs. 3.4 ± 0.4 ng/mL, p = 0.001). BMD of BA patients was correlated (p < 0.001) with leptin levels, age and BMI (r = 0.55, r = 0.75 and r = 0.58, respectively). The serum CTX levels were significantly higher in jaundice patients compared with jaundice‐free patients and the healthy controls (0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 0.2 ± 0.1 ng/mL, p = 0.01), whereas the serum osteocalcin levels in BA patients were not different from those in the controls.Conclusion: Circulating leptin levels are correlated with BMD and the presence of jaundice in BA, suggesting that the leptin may play a physiological role in maintaining bone mass of BA patients with jaundice.
Neonatal sepsis presenting as a choledochal cyst
Authors: Shaoul Ron , Sukhotnik Igor , Toubi Aurora 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe report a case of a neonate who presented with Klebsiella sepsis and a fusiform dilation of the common bile duct on ultrasound suspected to be a choledochal cyst type Ia. In addition, a biliary sludge was noted in the gallbladder. All findings resolved with resolution of the sepsis. We discuss the case and review the literature regarding the association of sepsis with cholestasis and biliary sludge.Conclusions: we suggest that in any case of sepsis presenting as a choledochal cyst, it is essential to repeat the ultrasound after complete recovery before a surgery is planned.
Failure to eradicate streptococci and beta‐lactamase producing bacteria
Authors: Brook Itzhak , Gober Alan E 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackground: The presence of beta‐lactamase‐producing bacteria is associated with the failure of penicillins to eradicate Group A beta‐hemolytic streptococci in patients with pharyngo‐tonsillitis. This study correlated the rate of recovery of beta‐lactamase‐producing bacteria from healthy children with the rate of amoxicillin failure to eradicate Group A streptococci from children with acute Group A streptococcal pharyngo‐tonsillitis.Patients and Methods: A total of 228 children with Group A streptococcal pharyngo‐tonsillitis, treated with amoxicillin for 10 days, and 663 healthy children were evaluated in a single year. Pharyngo‐tonsillar cultures were obtained from all well children and from those with pharyngo‐tonsillitis before treatment and on the 12th day.Results: Amoxicillin failed to eradicate Group A streptococci from 48 of the 228 treated children (21%). Amoxicillin failure rate varied from month to month; it was high between October and May (22–32%), with the exception of April (11%); and low between June and September (8% to 12%). Beta‐lactamase‐producing bacteria were recovered from 226 of 663 (34%) well children. The rate of recovery of beta‐lactamase‐producing bacteria varied; it was also high between October and May (40–52%), with exception of April (23%), and the lowest between June and September (10–12%). Prior to their treatment, beta‐lactamase‐producing bacteria were recovered from 26 of the 48 (54%) children who eventually failed amoxicillin therapy, and from 28 of the 180 (16%) who did not fail (p < 0.001).Conclusions: A correlation was noted between the rate of recovery of beta‐lactamase‐producing bacteria in healthy children and the rate of amoxicillin failure to eradicate Group A streptococci. A high failure rate of penicillins in eradication of Group A streptococci in pharyngo‐tonsillitis can serve as sensitive indicator for a high prevalence rate of beta‐lactamase‐producing bacteria in the community.
Skin bilirubin nomogram for the first 96 h of life in a European normal healthy newborn population, obtained with multiwavelength transcutaneous bilirubinometry
Authors: De Luca Daniele , Romagnoli Costantino , Tiberi Eloisa , Zuppa Antonio Alberto , Zecca Enrico 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAim: Hour‐specific nomogram evaluation of serum or skin bilirubin is a suitable approach for managing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and it is recommended by American Academy of Paediatrics. We aimed to provide data about skin bilirubin levels during the natural course of hyperbilirubinemia in European healthy neonates.Methods: We enrolled 2198 healthy newborn infants (gestational age [GA]≥ 35 weeks), from 24 to 96 h of life and performed transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurement, in order to draw the nomogram for 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 95th percentiles of skin bilirubin, both for term and near term babies. All measurements were performed with a multiwavelength transcutaneous bilirubinometer (Respironics BiliCheck™), within 2 h of the designed time and data were analysed with linear and local smoother regression.Results: We described the peculiar pattern of skin bilirubin increasing rate over different time periods. Bilirubin linearly increases rapidly in the first 48 h and less rapidly from 48 to 72 h, while the increment is insignificant from 72 to 96 h.Conclusion: We provide the first data on skin bilirubin trend in a large predominantly breastfed and healthy European newborn population during the natural course of nonpathologic hyperbilirubinemia. Nomogram and increment rate of skin bilirubin are useful to identify neonates requiring closer evaluation and to plan an adequate follow‐up.
Evaluation of several strategies to increase the residence time of Episyrphus balteatus (Diptera, Syrphidae) releases in sweet pepper greenhouses
Authors: Pineda A. , Marcos‐García M.A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe have investigated several factors affecting the augmentation of the aphidophagous syrphid Episyrphus balteatus in Mediterranean sweet pepper greenhouses. First, the effectiveness of releases has been assessed by recording the larva and pupa number. The abundance of E. balteatus varied between greenhouses, which was not observed to be a release effect. Second, two experiments were performed to assess the effect of three biological control management strategies on the release residence time. In the first experiment, the greenhouse ventilation was shown to have a significant influence on the adult population residence time, which was higher when the side walls were closed rather than open. The introduction of additional floral resources (sweet alyssum and coriander) did not have a significant effect on the release residence time. In the second experiment, the age of the released adults was assessed, and 2‐day‐old adults stayed longer in the greenhouse than 7‐day‐old adults, but the 7‐day‐old adults had more time to lay eggs. Although syrphids are effective aphid natural enemies, the release methodology of introducing pupae appears not to be effective in Mediterranean greenhouses. In this paper, we propose changing the methodology of releasing E. balteatus.
Biodegradation in Contaminated Aquifers: Incorporating Microbial/Molecular Methods
Authors: Weiss Johanna V. , Cozzarelli Isabelle M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn order to evaluate natural attenuation in contaminated aquifers, there has been a recent recognition that a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating microbial and molecular methods, is required. Observed decreases in contaminant mass and identified footprints of biogeochemical reactions are often used as evidence of intrinsic bioremediation, but characterizing the structure and function of the microbial populations at contaminated sites is needed. In this paper, we review the experimental approaches and microbial methods that are available as tools to evaluate the controls on microbially mediated degradation processes in contaminated aquifers. We discuss the emerging technologies used in biogeochemical studies and present a synthesis of recent studies that serve as models of integrating microbiological approaches with more traditional geochemical and hydrogeologic approaches in order to address important biogeochemical questions about contaminant fate.
MODALL: A Practical Tool for Designing and Optimizing Capture Systems
Authors: Potter Scott T. , Moreno‐Barbero Elena , Divine Craig E. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe primary goals for most ground water capture systems (i.e., pump‐and‐treat systems) are that (1) all contaminants within zones of interest will eventually be captured and (2) the extraction and reinjection wells are best located and operated at optimal flow rates, creating hydraulically efficient flow systems. A new tool, MODular ALLocation (MODALL), is presented to aid in the design and assessment of capture systems. MODALL uses the MODFLOW‐calculated cell‐by‐cell flow terms to evaluate internodal flow balances to determine the percentage of flow in each cell which has either originated from a given source(s) or flows to a specified sink(s). Output from MODALL can be easily displayed in isopleths of “capture fraction” (CF) to indicate the certainty or strength of capture in various areas. MODALL results are compared to the results from an analytical solution, a pathline analysis using MODPATH, and solute transport simulation with MT3DMS. A brief case study is also presented where MODALL is used to optimize an existing pump‐and‐treat system to more effectively and more efficiently contain a 5000‐m long plume.
Multilevel Samplers as Microcosms to Assess Microbial Response to Biostimulation
Authors: Baldwin B.R. , Peacock A.D. , Park M. , Ogles D.M. , Istok J.D. , McKinley J.P. , Resch C.T. , White D.C. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPassive multilevel samplers (MLS) containing a solid matrix for microbial colonization were used as in situ microcosms in conjunction with a push‐pull biostimulation experiment designed to promote biological U(VI) and Tc(VII) reduction. MLS were deployed at 24 elevations in the injection well and two downgradient wells to investigate the spatial variability in microbial community composition and growth prior to and following biostimulation. The microbial community was characterized by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR) quantification of bacteria, NO3−‐reducing bacteria (nirS and nirK), δ‐proteobacteria, Geobacter sp., and methanogens (mcrA). Pretest cell densities were low overall but varied substantially with significantly greater bacterial populations detected at circumneutral pH (t‐test, α= 0.05), suggesting carbon substrate and low pH limitations of microbial activity. Although pretest cell densities were low, denitrifying bacteria were dominant members of the microbial community. Biostimulation with an ethanol‐amended ground water resulted in concurrent NO3− and Tc(VII) reduction, followed by U(VI) reduction. Q‐PCR analysis of MLS revealed significant (1 to 2 orders of magnitude, Mann–Whitney U‐test, α= 0.05) increases in cell densities of bacteria, denitrifiers, δ‐proteobacteria, Geobacter sp., and methanogens in response to biostimulation. Traditionally, characterization of sediment samples has been used to investigate the microbial community response to biostimulation; however, collection of sediment samples is expensive and not conducive to deep aquifers or temporal studies. The results presented demonstrate that push‐pull tests with passive MLS provide an inexpensive approach to determine the effect of biostimulation on contaminant concentrations, geochemical conditions, and the microbial community composition and function.
LATOR: ITS SCIENCE PRODUCT AND ORBITAL CONSIDERATIONS
Authors: NORDTVEDT KENNETH 
Published: January 2008

In a LATOR mission to measure the non-Euclidean relationship between three sides and one angle of a light triangle near the Sun, the primary science parameter, to be measured to part-in-109 precision, is shown to include not only the key parametrized post-Newtonian (PPN) γ, but also the Sun's additional mass parameter, MΓ, which appears in the spatial metric field potential. MΓ may deviate from the Sun's well-measured gravitational mass due to post-Newtonian features of gravitational theory not previously measured in relativistic gravity observations. Under plausible assumptions, MΓ is a linear combination of the Sun's gravitational and inertial masses. If LATOR's two spacecraft lines of sight are kept close to equal and opposite relative to the Sun during the mission's key measurements of the light triangle, it is found that the navigational requirements for the spacecraft positions are greatly relaxed, eliminating the need for on-board drag-free systems. Spacecraft orbits from the Earth to achieve the equal and opposite passages by the Sun's, line of sight are illustrated.
SPACE-BASED RESEARCH IN FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICS AND QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: TURYSHEV SLAVA G. , ISRAELSSON ULF E. , SHAO MICHAEL , YU NAN , KUSENKO ALEXANDER , WRIGHT EDWARD L. , EVERITT C. W. FRANCIS , KASEVICH MARK , LIPA JOHN A. , MESTER JOHN C. , REASENBERG ROBERT D. , WALSWORTH RONALD L. , ASHBY NEIL , GOULD HARVEY , PAIK HO JUNG 
Published: January 2008

Space offers unique experimental conditions and a wide range of opportunities to explore the foundations of modern physics with an accuracy far beyond that of ground-based experiments. Space-based experiments today can uniquely address important questions related to the fundamental laws of Nature. In particular, high-accuracy physics experiments in space can test relativistic gravity and probe the physics beyond the Standard Model; they can perform direct detection of gravitational waves and are naturally suited for investigations in precision cosmology and astroparticle physics. In addition, atomic physics has recently shown substantial progress in the development of optical clocks and atom interferometers. If placed in space, these instruments could turn into powerful high-resolution quantum sensors greatly benefiting fundamental physics. We discuss the current status of space-based research in fundamental physics, its discovery potential, and its importance for modern science. We offer a set of recommendations to be considered by the upcoming National Academy of Sciences' Decadal Survey in Astronomy and Astrophysics. In our opinion, the Decadal Survey should include space-based research in fundamental physics as one of its focus areas. We recommend establishing an Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee's interagency "Fundamental Physics Task Force" to assess the status of both ground- and space-based efforts in the field, to identify the most important objectives, and to suggest the best ways to organize the work of several federal agencies involved. We also recommend establishing a new NASA-led interagency program in fundamental physics that will consolidate new technologies, prepare key instruments for future space missions, and build a strong scientific and engineering community. Our goal is to expand NASA's science objectives in space by including "laboratory research in fundamental physics" as an element in the agency's ongoing space research efforts.
Enhanced Susceptibility to Chemical Induction of Ovarian Tumors in Mice with a Germ Line p53 Mutation
Authors: Wang Yian , Zhang Zhongqiu , Lu Yan , Yao Ruisheng , Jia Dongmei , Wen Weidong , LaRegina Marie , Crist Keith , Lubet Ronald , You Ming 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Mice with a germ line p53 mutation (p53Ala135Val/wt) display increased susceptibility to lung, skin, and colon carcinogenesis. Here, we show that p53Ala135Val/wt mice developed ovarian tumors significantly more rapidly than their wild-type littermates after 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) treatment. Approximately 50% of the ovarian tumors in p53wt/wt mice and 23% in p53Ala135Val/wt mice are adenocarcinomas and the remaining tumors were adenocarcinoma mixed with sarcoma or ovarian sarcomas. All of the p53Ala135Val/wt mice had died of ovarian tumors 25 weeks after the initial DMBA treatment, whereas &gt;50% of p53wt/wt mice were still alive. These mice not only have a shortened tumor latency but also closely resemble a subset of human ovarian tumors containing the p53 mutation. Microarray and GenMAPP analyses revealed that the mutant p53 (Ala135Val) affected several cellular processes, including the cell cycle, apoptosis, and Wnt pathways. These findings indicate that a germ line p53 mutation significantly enhanced DMBA-induced ovarian tumor development and progression. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(1):99–109)
Mesoscale Simulations of the Land Surface Effects of Historical Logging in a Moist Continental Climate Regime
Authors: Klingaman Nicholas P. , Butke Jason , Leathers Daniel J. , Brinson Kevin R. , Nickl Elsa 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
An enhanced knowledge of the feedbacks from land surface changes on regional climates is of great importance in the attribution of climate change. To explore the effects of deforestation on a midlatitude climate regime, two sets of two five-member ensembles of 28-day simulations were conducted using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) coupled to the “Noah” land surface model. The four ensembles represented conditions in summer (August) and winter (February) across the northern mid-Atlantic United States before and after extensive late-nineteenth-century logging of hardwood forests in central and northern Pennsylvania. Prelogging ensembles prescribed a vegetative cover of an evergreen needleleaf forest; postlogging ensembles prescribed sparse vegetation and bare soil to simulate clear-cut deforestation. The results of the MM5 experiments showed a decided seasonality in the response of the land surface–atmosphere system to deforestation, with much stronger effects arising in summer. In August, deforestation caused a repartitioning of the surface energy budget, beginning with a decrease in the latent heat flux of more than 60 W m−2 across the land cover–forcing area, representing almost one-half of the latent heat flux under prelogging land cover. Concomitant with this decrease in evapotranspiration, mean 2-m air temperatures warmed by at least 1.5°C. Increases in sensible heat flux led to a 150-m mean increase in the height of the atmospheric boundary layer over the deforested area. Low-level atmospheric mixing ratios and total precipitation decreased under clear-cut conditions. Mean soil moisture increased in all model levels to 150 cm because of a decrease in vegetative uptake of water, except at the 5-cm level at which such decreases were effectively balanced by greater soil evaporation and less precipitation. A strong diurnal variation in the response to deforestation of ground and lower-atmosphere temperatures and heat fluxes was also identified for the summer season. The February simulations showed the effects of deforestation during low-insolation months to be small and variable. The strong response of the summer land surface–atmosphere system to deforestation shown here suggests that land cover changes can appreciably affect regional climates. Thus, the role of human-induced and naturally occurring land cover variability should not be ignored in the attribution of climate change.
Subgrid-Scale Parameterization with Conditional Markov Chains
Authors: Crommelin Daan , Vanden-Eijnden Eric 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
A new approach is proposed for stochastic parameterization of subgrid-scale processes in models of atmospheric or oceanic circulation. The new approach relies on two key ingredients: first, the unresolved processes are represented by a Markov chain whose properties depend on the state of the resolved model variables; second, the properties of this conditional Markov chain are inferred from data. The parameterization approach is tested by implementing it in the framework of the Lorenz ’96 model. Performance of the parameterization scheme is assessed by inspecting probability distributions, correlation functions, and wave properties, and by carrying out ensemble forecasts. For the Lorenz ’96 model, the parameterization algorithm is shown to give good results with a Markov chain with a few states only and to outperform several other parameterization schemes.
Acceleration of the Brewer–Dobson Circulation due to Increases in Greenhouse Gases
Authors: Garcia Rolando R. , Randel William J. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
The acceleration of the Brewer–Dobson circulation under rising concentrations of greenhouse gases is investigated using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model. The circulation strengthens as a result of increased wave driving in the subtropical lower stratosphere, which in turn occurs because of enhanced propagation and dissipation of waves in this region. Enhanced wave propagation is due to changes in tropospheric and lower-stratospheric zonal-mean winds, which become more westerly. Ultimately, these trends follow from changes in the zonal-mean temperature distribution caused by the greenhouse effect. The circulation in the middle and upper stratosphere also accelerates as a result of filtering of parameterized gravity waves by stronger subtropical westerly winds.
Interdecadal Sea Surface Temperature Variability in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean. Part II: The Role of Equatorial/Off-Equatorial Wind Stresses in a Hybrid Coupled Model
Authors: McGregor Shayne , Holbrook Neil J. , Power Scott B. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Many modeling studies have been carried out to investigate the role of oceanic Rossby waves linking the off-equatorial and equatorial Pacific Ocean. Although the equatorial ocean response to off-equatorial wind stress forcing alone tends to be relatively small, it is clear that off-equatorial oceanic Rossby waves affect equatorial Pacific Ocean variability on interannual through to interdecadal time scales. In the present study, a hybrid coupled model (HCM) of the equatorial Pacific (between 12.5°S and 12.5°N) was developed and is used to estimate the magnitude of equatorial region variability arising from off-equatorial (poleward of 12.5° latitude) wind stress forcing. The HCM utilizes a reduced-gravity ocean shallow-water model and a statistical atmosphere derived from monthly output from a 100-yr Australian Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre (now the Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research) coupled general circulation model integration. The equatorial region wind stress forcing is found to dominate both the interannual and interdecadal SST variability. The equatorial response to off-equatorial wind stress forcing alone is insufficient to initiate an atmospheric feedback that significantly amplifies the original equatorial region variability. Consequently, the predictability of equatorial region SST anomalies (SSTAs) could be limited to ∼1 yr (the maximum time it takes an oceanic Rossby wave to cross the Pacific Ocean basin in the equatorial region). However, the results also suggest that the addition of off-equatorial wind stress forcing to the HCM leads to variations in equatorial Pacific background SSTA of up to almost one standard deviation. This off-equatorially forced portion of the equatorial SSTA could prove critical for thresholds of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) because they can constructively interfere with equatorially forced SSTA of the same sign to produce significant equatorial region ENSO anomalies.