bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Analysis of a Cloud Seeding Dataset over Tasmania
Authors: Morrison Anthony E. , Siems Steven T. , Manton Michael J. , Nazarov Alex 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
An analysis of cloud seeding activity for the period 1960–2005 over a hydroelectric catchment (target) area located in central Tasmania, Australia, is presented. The analysis is performed using a double ratio on monthly area-averaged rainfall for the months of May–October. Results indicate that increases in monthly precipitation are observed within the target area relative to nearby controls during periods of cloud seeding activity. Ten independent tests were performed and all double ratios found are above unity with values that range from 5% to 14%. Nine out of 10 confidence intervals are entirely above unity and overlap in the range of 6%–11%. Nine tests obtain levels of significance &gt;0.05 level. If the Bonferroni adjustment is made to account for multiple comparisons, six tests are found to be significant at the adjusted alpha level. Further field measurements of the cloud microphysics over this region are needed to provide a physical basis for these statistical results.
Evolution of the Vertical Thermodynamic Profile during the Transition from Shallow to Deep Convection during CuPIDO 2006*
Authors: Zehnder Joseph A. , Hu Jiuxiang , Radzan Anshuman 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The evolution of the vertical thermodynamic profile associated with two cases of deep orographic convection were studied with data from an instrumented aircraft, mobile surface based radiosondes, and stereo photogrammetric analyses. The data were collected during a field experiment [i.e., the Cumulus Photogrammetric, In Situ, and Doppler Observations (CuPIDO) experiment in 2006] performed over the Santa Catalina Mountains in southern Arizona. In both cases the vertical thermodynamic profile was modified in a way that supported subsequent deep convection. In one case, a midtropospheric stable layer was eroded through low-level warming and cooling at the cloud-top level that was likely due to an adiabatic adjustment of the profile through the action of gravity waves. In the second case, dry air aloft was moistened through the action of the shallow convection thus preventing the erosion of the convective turrets through entrainment of dry air. These cases illustrate mechanisms for convective conditioning of the atmosphere that may organize deep convection in general.
FasT-Fix versus Inside-Out Suture Meniscal Repair in the Goat Model
Authors: Hospodar Steven J. , Schmitz Matthew R. , Golish S. Raymond , Ruder Craig R. , Miller Mark D. 
Published: November 2008

Background Recent all-inside meniscal repair devices are available, but in vivo studies with these devices are sparse. Hypothesis The FasT-Fix has inferior meniscal healing compared with the inside-out suture technique in the goat model. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods After Institutional Review Board approval, 73 male castrated goats (Capra hircus) underwent a 2-cm meniscal incision and subsequent repair with the FasT-Fix device on one knee and inside-out meniscal repair on the contralateral knee. Both repairs used a vertical mattress suture technique. Access to the menisci was via an open technique with an extra-articular osteotomy of the medial collateral ligament origin on the femur. The animals were then allowed to ambulate unrestricted in a pasture after a 7-day stay in cages. Necropsy was carried out 6 months postoperatively, and the menisci and articular cartilage were studied with gross and microscopic inspection. Results Nine of the 73 animals were excluded before necropsy. A total of 64 animals underwent necropsy, gross measurement of residual lesions, gross evaluation for chondral damage, histologic evaluation of meniscal repair, histologic evaluation of any adjacent inflammatory reaction to implants, and data analysis. Compared with the inside-out group, the FasT-Fix group had longer residual full-thickness defects (1.2 ± 2.9 mm vs 0.2 ± 1.1 mm; P =. 011) and longer residual partial-thickness defects (8.4 ± 6.3 mm vs 3.6 ± 5.5 mm; P <. 001). A total of 148 FasT-Fix devices were placed for 73 knees. Two devices were replaced for improper deployment. The device deployed and attached correctly 146 of 148 times for a success rate of 98.6%. There was no gross chondral damage and no histologic findings of inflammatory reaction to the implants with either technique. Conclusions The FasT-Fix meniscal repair had inferior meniscal healing results in this animal model. Previous studies using this animal model have paralleled clinical outcomes. Implantation of the FasT-Fix device does not damage adjacent femoral or tibial cartilage. The deployment of the FasT-Fix implant was simple and reproducible. There was no inflammatory reaction to the FasTFix implant. Clinical Relevance The FasT-Fix meniscal repair has inferior meniscal healing results compared with the inside-out meniscal repair technique in the goat model. The clinical significance of this finding is not known. Further clinical study of the FasT-Fix implant is warranted.
Acute myeloid leukemia induced by MLL-ENL is cured by oncogene ablation despite acquisition of complex genetic abnormalities
Authors: Horton Sarah J. , Walf-Vorderwülbecke Vanessa , Chatters Steve J. , Sebire Neil J. , de Boer Jasper , Williams Owen 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Chromosomal translocations involving 11q23 are frequent in infant acute leukemia and give rise to the formation of MLL fusion genes. The mechanism of leukemic transformation by these fusions has been the subject of numerous investigations. However, the dependence of acute leukemia on MLL fusion activity in vivo and the efficacy of targeting this activity to eliminate disease have not been established. We have developed a model for conditional expression of MLL-ENL in hematopoietic progenitor cells, in which expression of the fusion oncogene is turned off by doxycycline. Conditionally immortalized myeloblast cells derived from these progenitors were found to induce leukemia in vivo. Leukemic cells isolated from primary recipient mice were shown to have acquired additional genetic abnormalities and, when transplanted into secondary recipients, induced leukemia with shortened latencies. However, the leukemic cells remained dependent on MLL-ENL expression in vitro and in vivo, and its ablation resulted in regression of established leukemias. This study demonstrates that even genetically complex leukemias can be reversed on inactivation of the initiating MLL fusion and has important implications for the design of novel leukemia therapies.
Tumor burden influences exposure and response to rituximab: pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling using a syngeneic bioluminescent murine model expressing human CD20
Authors: Daydé David , Ternant David , Ohresser Marc , Lerondel Stéphanie , Pesnel Sabrina , Watier Hervé , Le Pape Alain , Bardos Pierre , Paintaud Gilles , Cartron Guillaume 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Clinical studies have shown a large interindividual variability in rituximab exposure and its significant influence on clinical response in patients receiving similar doses of antibody. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of tumor burden on dose-concentration-response relationships of rituximab. Murine lymphoma cells (EL4, 8 × 103), transduced with human CD20 cDNA and transfected with luciferase plasmid (EL4-huCD20-Luc), were intravenously injected into C57BL/6J mice. Tumor burden detection, dissemination, and progression were evaluated quantitatively by in vivo bioluminescence imaging. Different doses of rituximab (6, 12, 20, or 40 mg/kg) were infused 13 days after lymphoma cell inoculation, and rituximab serum concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Without rituximab, all mice developed disseminated lymphoma and died within 30 days, whereas a significant dose-response relationship was observed in mice receiving rituximab. The 20-mg/kg dose was adequate to study interindividual variability in response because 23% of mice were cured, 59% had partial response, and 18% had disease progression. Rituximab concentrations were inversely correlated with tumor burden; mice with low tumor burden had high rituximab concentrations. Furthermore, rituximab exposure influenced response and survival. Finally, using a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model, we demonstrated that tumor burden significantly influenced rituximab efficacy.
The immunoglobulin gene repertoire of low-count chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)–like monoclonal B lymphocytosis is different from CLL: diagnostic implications for clinical monitoring
Authors: Dagklis Antonis , Fazi Claudia , Sala Cinzia , Cantarelli Valeria , Scielzo Cristina , Massacane Roberto , Toniolo Daniela , Caligaris-Cappio Federico , Stamatopoulos Kostas , Ghia Paolo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn the revised National Cancer Institute Working Group (NCI-WG)/International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (IWCLL) guidelines for CLL, CLL-like monoclonal B lymphocytosis (MBL) is defined as the presence of less than 5 × 109/L B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. However, the concentration of MBL in the blood is extremely variable. MBL in subjects with lymphocytosis require treatment at a rate of 1.1% per year and present immunoglobulin (IG) gene features and similar to good prognosis CLL. Little is known about low-count MBL cases, accidentally found in the general population. We analyzed IGHV-D-J rearrangements in 51 CLL-like MBL cases from healthy individuals, characterized by few clonal B cells. Seventy percent of the IGHV genes were mutated. The most frequent IGHV gene was IGHV4-59/61, rarely used in CLL, whereas the IGHV1–69 gene was lacking and the IGHV4-34 gene was infrequent. Only 2 of 51 (3.9%) MBL cases expressed a CLL-specific stereotyped HCDR3. Therefore, the IG gene repertoire in low-count MBL differs from both mutated and unmutated CLL, suggesting that the detection of MBL in an otherwise healthy subject is not always equivalent to a preleukemic state. Detailed IG analysis of individual MBL may help to identify cases that necessitate continuous clinical monitoring to anticipate disease progression.
Evolutionary origin and genomic organisation of runt-domain containing genes in arthropods
Authors: Duncan Elizabeth J , Wilson Megan J , Smith James M , Dearden Peter K 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Gene clusters, such as the Hox gene cluster, are known to have critical roles in development. In eukaryotes gene clusters arise primarily by tandem gene duplication and divergence. Genes within a cluster are often co-regulated, providing selective pressure to maintain the genome organisation, and this co-regulation can result in temporal or spatial co-linearity of gene expression. It has been previously noted that in Drosophila melanogaster, three of the four runt-domain (RD) containing genes are found in a relatively tight cluster on chromosome 1, raising the possibility of a putative functional RD gene cluster in D. melanogaster.

Results
To investigate the possibility of such a gene cluster, orthologues of the Drosophila melanogaste r RD genes were identified in several endopterygotan insects, two exopterygotan insects and two non-insect arthropods. In all insect species four RD genes were identified and orthology was assigned to the Drosophila sequences by phylogenetic analyses. Although four RD genes were found in the crustacean D. pulex, orthology could not be assigned to the insect sequences, indicating independent gene duplications from a single ancestor following the split of the hexapod lineage from the crustacean lineage.
In insects, two chromosomal arrangements of these genes was observed; the first a semi-dispersed cluster, such as in Drosophila, where lozenge is separated from the core cluster of three RD genes often by megabases of DNA. The second arrangement was a tight cluster of the four RD genes, such as in Apis mellifera.
This genomic organisation, particularly of the three core RD genes, raises the possibility of shared regulatory elements. In situ hybridisation of embryonic expression of the four RD genes in Drosophila melanogaster and the honeybee A. mellifera shows no evidence for either spatial or temporal co-linearity of expression during embryogenesis.

Conclusion
All fully sequenced insect genomes contain four RD genes and orthology can be assigned to these genes based on similarity to the D. melanogaster protein sequences. Examination of the genomic organisation of these genes provides evidence for a functional RD gene cluster. RD genes from non-insect arthropods are also clustered, however the lack of orthology between these and insect RD genes suggests this cluster is likely to have resulted from a duplication event independent from that which created the insect RD gene cluster. Analysis of embryonic RD gene expression in two endopterygotan insects, A. mellifera and D. melanogaster, did not show evidence for coordinated gene expression, therefore while the functional significance of this gene cluster remains unknown its maintenance during insect evolution implies some functional significance to the cluster.
Interleukin-1beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha impede neutral lipid turnover in macrophage-derived foam cells
Authors: Persson Jenny , Nilsson Jan , Lindholm Marie W 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Pro-inflammatory cytokines can affect intracellular lipid metabolism. A variety of effects have been described for different cell types; hepatocyte lipid turnover pathways are inhibited during inflammation, whereas interleukin-1β (IL-1β) reduces intracellular cholesterol levels in fibroblasts. Levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are up-regulated at sites of formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Plaque formation is though to begin with infiltration of monocytes to the intimal layer of the vascular wall, followed by differentiation to macrophages and macrophage uptake of modified lipoproteins, resulting in accumulation of intracellular lipids. The lipid-filled cells are referred to as macrophage foam cells, a key feature of atherosclerotic plaques. We have investigated the effects of IL-1β and TNF-α on macrophage foam cells in order to assess whether presence of the pro-inflammatory cytokines improves or aggravates macrophage foam cell formation by affecting lipid accumulation and lipid turn-over in the cells.

Results
Differentiated primary human macrophages or THP-1 cells were lipid loaded by uptake of aggregated low density lipoproteins (AgLDL) or very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), and then incubated with IL-1β (0 – 5000 pg/ml) in lipoprotein-free media for 24 h. Cells incubated in absence of cytokine utilized accumulated neutral lipids, in particular triglycerides. Addition of exogenous IL-1β resulted in a dose-dependent retention of intracellular cholesterol and triglycerides. Exchanging IL-1β with TNF-α gave a similar response. Analysis of fatty acid efflux and intracellular fatty acid activation revealed a pattern of decreased lipid utilization in cytokine-stimulated cells.

Conclusion
IL-1β and TNF-α enhance macrophage foam cell formation, in part by inhibition of macrophage intracellular lipid catabolism. If present in vivo, these mechanisms will further augment the pro-atherogenic properties of the two cytokines.
PCR-based rapid genotyping of Stenotrophomonas maltophiliaisolates
Authors: Roscetto Emanuela , Rocco Francesco , Carlomagno M Stella , Casalino Mariassunta , Colonna Bianca , Zarrilli Raffaele , Di Nocera Pier Paolo 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
All bacterial genomes contain repetitive sequences which are members of specific DNA families. Such repeats may occur as single units, or found clustered in multiple copies in a head-to-tail configuration at specific loci. The number of clustered units per locus is a strain-defining parameter. Assessing the length variability of clusters of repeats is a versatile typing methodology known as multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA).

Results

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an environmental bacterium increasingly involved in nosocomial infections and resistant to most antibiotics. The availability of the whole DNA sequence of the S. maltophilia strain K279a allowed us to set up fast and accurate PCR-based diagnostic protocols based on the measurement of length variations of loci carrying a variable number of short palindromic repeats marking the S. maltophilia genome. On the basis of the amplimers size, it was possible to deduce the number of repeats present at 12 different loci in a collection of S. maltophilia isolates, and therefore label each of them with a digit. PCR-negative regions were labelled 0. Co-amplification of two pairs of loci provided a 4-digit code sufficient for immediate subtyping. By increasing the number of loci analyzed, it should be possible to assign a more specific digit profile to isolates. In general, MLVA data match genotyping data obtained by PFGE (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis). However, some isolates exhibiting the same PCR profiles at all loci display distinct PFGE patterns.

Conclusion
The utilization of the present protocol allows to type several S. maltophilia isolates in hours. The results are immediately interpretable without the need for sophisticated softwares. The data can be easily reproducible, and compared among different laboratories.
Synergistic effect of CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) peptide and cholecystokinin on food intake regulation in lean mice
Authors: Maletínská Lenka , Maixnerová Jana , Matyšková Resha , Haugvicová Renata , Pirník Zdeno , Kiss Alexander , Železná Blanka 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackgroundCART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) peptide and cholecystokinin (CCK) are neuromodulators involved in feeding behavior. This study is based on previously found synergistic effect of leptin and CCK on food intake and our hypothesis on a co-operation of the CART peptide and CCK in food intake regulation and Fos activation in their common targets, the nucleus tractus solitarii of the brainstem (NTS), the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and the dorsomedial nucleus (DMH) of the hypothalamus.ResultsIn fasted C57BL/6 mice, the anorexigenic effect of CART(61-102) in the doses of 0.1 or 0.5 μg/mouse was significantly enhanced by low doses of CCK-8 of 0.4 or 4 μg/kg, while 1 mg/kg dose of CCK-A receptor antagonist devazepide blocked the effect of CART(61-102) on food intake. After simultaneous administration of 0.1 μg/mouse CART(61-102) and of 4 μg/kg of CCK-8, the number of Fos-positive neurons in NTS, PVN, and DMH was significantly higher than after administration of each particular peptide. Besides, CART(61-102) and CCK-8 showed an additive effect on inhibition of the locomotor activity of mice in an open field test.ConclusionThe synergistic and long-lasting effect of the CART peptide and CCK on food intake and their additive effect on Fos immunoreactivity in their common targets suggest a co-operative action of CART peptide and CCK which could be related to synergistic effect of leptin on CCK satiety.
Comorbidity, age, race and stage at diagnosis in colorectal cancer: a retrospective, parallel analysis of two health systems
Authors: Zafar S Yousuf , Abernethy Amy P , Abbott David H , Grambow Steven C , Marcello Jennifer E , Herndon James E , Rowe Krista L , Kolimaga Jane T , Zullig Leah L , Patwardhan Meenal B , Provenzale Dawn T 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Stage at diagnosis plays a significant role in colorectal cancer (CRC) survival. Understanding which factors contribute to a more advanced stage at diagnosis is vital to improving overall survival. Comorbidity, race, and age are known to impact receipt of cancer therapy and survival, but the relationship of these factors to stage at diagnosis of CRC is less clear. The objective of this study is to investigate how comorbidity, race and age influence stage of CRC diagnosis.

Methods
Two distinct healthcare populations in the United States (US) were retrospectively studied. Using the Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance Consortium database, we identified CRC patients treated at 15 Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals from 2003–2007. We assessed metastatic CRC patients treated from 2003–2006 at 10 non-VA, fee-for-service (FFS) practices. Stage at diagnosis was dichotomized (non-metastatic, metastatic). Race was dichotomized (white, non-white). Charlson comorbidity index and age at diagnosis were calculated. Associations between stage, comorbidity, race, and age were determined by logistic regression.

Results
342 VA and 340 FFS patients were included. Populations differed by the proportion of patients with metastatic CRC at diagnosis (VA 27% and FFS 77%) reflecting differences in eligibility criteria for inclusion. VA patients were mean (standard deviation; SD) age 67 (11), Charlson index 2.0 (1.0), and were 63% white. FFS patients were mean age 61 (13), Charlson index 1.6 (1.0), and were 73% white. In the VA cohort, higher comorbidity was associated with earlier stage at diagnosis after adjusting for age and race (odds ratio (OR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–1.00; p = 0.045); no such significant relationship was identified in the FFS cohort (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.82–1.44; p = 0.57). In both cohorts, no association was found between stage at diagnosis and either age or race.

Conclusion
Higher comorbidity may lead to earlier stage of CRC diagnosis. Multiple factors, perhaps including increased interactions with the healthcare system due to comorbidity, might contribute to this finding. Such increased interactions are seen among patients within a healthcare system like the VA system in the US versus sporadic interactions which may be seen with FFS healthcare.
Neoangiogenesis in early cervical cancer: Correlation between color Doppler findings and risk factors. A prospective observational study
Authors: Jurado Matias , Galván Rosendo , Martinez-Monge Rafael , Mazaira Jesús , Alcazar Juan Luis 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
The aim of the present article was to evaluate whether angiogenic parameters as assessed by transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound (TVCD) may predict those prognostic factors related to recurrence.

Methods
A total of 27 patients (mean age: 51.3 years, range: 29 to 85) with histologically proven early stage invasive cervical cancer were evaluated by TVCD prior to surgery. Subjective assessment of the amount of vessels within the tumor (scanty-moderate or abundant) and pulsatility index (PI) were recorded. All patients underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. Postoperative treatment (RT or chemoradiotherapy) was given according to risk factors (positive lymph nodes, parametrial and vaginal margin involvement, depth stromal invasion, lymph-vascular space involvement)

Results
Tumors with "abundant" vascularization were significantly associated with pelvic lymph node metastases, depth stromal invasion > 10 mm, lymph-vascular space involvement, tumor diameter > 17.5 mm, and parametrial involvement. Postoperative treatment was significantly more frequent in patients with "abundant" vascularization (OR: 20.8, 95% CIs: 2 to 211). The presence of scanty-moderate vascularization with a PI < 0.82 or abundant vascularization with either PI > 0.82 or PI < 0.82 was associated with high-risk group in 94.4% of the cases (OR: 21.2, 95% CI: 1.9 to 236.0)

Conclusion
The results are consistent with a relationship between tumor angiogenesis and prognostic factors for recurrence in early cervical cancer. "Abundant" vascularization and PI < 0.82 may be related to postoperative treatment due to risk factors.