bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical and Physical Properties of Atmospheric Aerosols over the Bay of Bengal during ICARB
Authors: Nair Vijayakumar S. , Moorthy K. Krishna , Babu S. Suresh , Satheesh S. K. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Simultaneous and collocated measurements of total and hemispherical backscattering coefficients (σ and β, respectively) at three wavelengths, mass size distributions, and columnar spectral aerosol optical depth (AOD) were made onboard an extensive cruise experiment covering, for the first time, the entire Bay of Bengal (BoB) and northern Indian Ocean. The results are synthesized to understand the optical properties of aerosols in the marine atmospheric boundary layer and their dependence on the size distribution. The observations revealed distinct spatial and spectral variations of all the aerosol parameters over the BoB and the presence of strong latitudinal gradients. The size distributions varied spatially, with the majority of accumulation modes decreasing from north to south. The scattering coefficient decreased from very high values (resembling those reported for continental/urban locations) in the northern BoB to very low values seen over near-pristine environments in the southeastern BoB. The average mass scattering efficiency of BoB aerosols was found to be 2.66 ± 0.1 m2 g−1 at 550 nm. The spectral dependence of columnar AOD deviated significantly from that of the scattering coefficients in the northern BoB, implying vertical heterogeneity in the aerosol type in that region. However, a more homogeneous scenario was observed in the southern BoB. Simultaneous lidar and in situ measurements onboard an aircraft over the ocean revealed the presence of elevated aerosol layers of enhanced extinction at altitudes of 1 to 3 km with an offshore extent of a few hundred kilometers. Back-trajectory analyses showed these layers to be associated with advection from west Asia and western India. The large spatial variations and vertical heterogeneity in aerosol properties, revealed by the present study, need to be included in the regional radiative forcing over the Bay of Bengal.
The South American Land Data Assimilation System (SALDAS) 5-Yr Retrospective Atmospheric Forcing Datasets
Authors: de Goncalves Luis Gustavo G. , Shuttleworth William J. , Vila Daniel , Larroza Eliane , Bottino Marcus J. , Herdies Dirceu L. , Aravequia Jose A. , De Mattos Joao G. Z. , Toll David L. , Rodell Matthew , Houser Paul 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The definition and derivation of a 5-yr, 0.125°, 3-hourly atmospheric forcing dataset that is appropriate for use in a Land Data Assimilation System operating across South America is described. Because surface observations are limited in this region, many of the variables were taken from the South American Regional Reanalysis; however, remotely sensed data were merged with surface observations to calculate the precipitation and downward shortwave radiation fields. The quality of this dataset was evaluated against the surface observations available. There are regional differences in the biases for all variables in the dataset, with volumetric biases in precipitation of the order 0–1 mm day−1 and RMSE of 5–15 mm day−1, biases in surface solar radiation of the order 10 W m−2 and RMSE of 20 W m−2, positive biases in temperature typically between 0 and 4 K depending on the region, and positive biases in specific humidity around 2–3 g kg−1 in tropical regions and negative biases around 1–2 g kg−1 farther south.
Particle Filtering in Geophysical Systems
Authors: van Leeuwen Peter Jan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe application of particle filters in geophysical systems is reviewed. Some background on Bayesian filtering is provided, and the existing methods are discussed. The emphasis is on the methodology, and not so much on the applications themselves. It is shown that direct application of the basic particle filter (i.e., importance sampling using the prior as the importance density) does not work in high-dimensional systems, but several variants are shown to have potential. Approximations to the full problem that try to keep some aspects of the particle filter beyond the Gaussian approximation are also presented and discussed.
Use of Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma to Treat Muscle Strain Injuries
Authors: Hammond Jason W. , Hinton Richard Y. , Curl Leigh Ann , Muriel Joaquin M. , Lovering Richard M. 
Published: March 2009

Background Standard nonoperative therapy for acute muscle strains usually involves short-term rest, ice, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, but there is no clear consensus on how to accelerate recovery. Hypothesis Local delivery of platelet-rich plasma to injured muscles hastens recovery of function. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods In vivo, the tibialis anterior muscles of anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were injured by a single (large strain) lengthening contraction or multiple (small strain) lengthening contractions, both of which resulted in a significant injury. The tibialis anterior either was injected with platelet-rich plasma, was injected with platelet-poor plasma as a sham treatment, or received no treatment. Results Both injury protocols yielded a similar loss of force. The platelet-rich plasma only had a beneficial effect at 1 time point after the single contraction injury protocol. However, platelet-rich plasma had a beneficial effect at 2 time points after the multiple contraction injury protocol and resulted in a faster recovery time to full contractile function. The sham injections had no effect compared with no treatment. Conclusion Local delivery of platelet-rich plasma can shorten recovery time after a muscle strain injury in a small-animal model. Recovery of muscle from the high-repetition protocol has already been shown to require myogenesis, whereas recovery from a single strain does not. This difference in mechanism of recovery may explain why platelet-rich plasma was more effective in the high-repetition protocol, because platelet-rich plasma is rich in growth factors that can stimulate myogenesis. Clinical Relevance Because autologous blood products are safe, platelet-rich plasma may be a useful product in clinical treatment of muscle injuries.
Confucian Politics and Its Redress: From Radicalism to Gradualism
Authors: Jiande Lu 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper addresses the current revival of Confucianism in China. It analyzes its political issues and outcomes, underlines the possible defects in Confucianism as a theory of politics, i.e., as a science and art of government and a public ethics. It looks back to the dialectical relationship between Confucius and Mencius and shows how the presence of Confucianist elements in 20th-century politics contributed to shape the public and political sphere in contemporary China. The strains between revolutionary and reformist orientations through the last century are still at work in current social movements and reflected in political debates.
Modification of vincristine dosing during concomitant azole therapy in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients
Authors: Harnicar Stephen , Adel Nelly , Jurcic Joseph 
Published: March 2009

Objective. Vincristine is an important component in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is now the backbone of therapy in the induction and consolidation phases of this disease. Proper dosing of vincristine is required to maximize disease control while avoiding toxicity. The gastrointestinal toxicity of vincristine such as decreased peristalsis can potentially be increased if the CYP 3A4 enzyme is inhibited. This interaction may become more prevalent with increasing use of CYP 3A4 inhibitors such as the azole antifungals. Since azoles are increasingly being used for prophylaxis and treatment of fungal infections in this patient population, an assessment of vincristine dosing and toxicity is the first step to constructing guidelines for the coadministration of these agents. Methods. ALL patients !18 years of age receiving vincristine-based therapy from August 2003 through December 2007 with or without azole therapy were included. Data was collected using electronic patient medical records and the pharmacy system (RxTFC). Information was entered into a database for this retrospective study. Patients were separated into two arms; vincristine with azoles and vincristine only. Patient demographic information, chemotherapy regimen, vincristine-induced symptoms, and concurrent strong CYP 3A4 inhibitors and inducers were collected. Results. A total of 50 patients received vincristine of which 29 (58%) had concurrent azole therapy. No patients received concurrent major CYP 3A4 inhibitors and the baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Vincristine dosing modifications were more common in the azole group (58.6 vs. 23.8%; p = 0.02). The mean dose reduction of vincristine when combined with an azole was 46.5%. Symptoms of decreased peristalsis were more common in patients receiving azoles (65.5 vs. 28.6%; p = 0.019) and on average occurred after the second vincristine dose. Symptoms occurred in 50, 75, and 66.6% of patients receiving fluconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole, respectively. Patients were more likely to have an incomplete course of vincristine when receiving azole therapy (48.3 vs. 9.5%; p = 0.004). Conclusion. Caution should be used with the coadministration of vincristine and azoles. It is recommended that institutional guidelines be developed to standardize care for patients receiving vincristine with azole therapy. Potential measures to avoid this interaction include revisiting azole prophylaxis in this patient group and being judicious in azole selection.
Abnormalities in brain synchronization are correlated with cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Arrondo G , Alegre M , Sepulcre J , Iriarte J , Artieda J , Villoslada P 
Published: March 2009

Background Cognitive functions are supported by brain networks and they are highly dependent on the integrity of long white matter tracts that mediate the information flow between such distant cortical areas. Brain damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) may produce cognitive impairment by preferentially damaging these tracts, thereby impairing brain synchrony. Auditory amplitude modulation following responses (AMFR), are oscillatory steady-state responses to rhythmic auditory stimuli that indirectly measure brain synchrony. Objective To study the effect of MS lesions in brain synchrony and its relationship with cognitive function. Methods We assessed the correlation between cognitive performance, as assessed with the brief repeatable battery–neuropsychology (BRB-N), and the AMFR in a group of 27 MS patients and 22 healthy controls. Results The maximal AMFR frequency – but not the amplitude – in the 30–60 Hz range was lower in patients with cognitive impairment than in patients with no cognitive impairment or the healthy controls (39.79 Hz, 43.85 Hz, and 43.84 Hz, respectively, P < 0.05). Indeed, the frequency of the AMFR was negatively correlated with the scores obtained in verbal memory, attention, and executive function. The multiple regression analysis indicates that the AMFR was the best predictor of the BRB-N scores after controlling for potential confounding factors such as age, education, disability, and years of disease evolution. Conclusions These results suggest that the loss of synchronization in different central nervous system (CNS) pathways caused by demyelinating lesions might involve both the slowing of brain oscillatory activity and less efficient cognitive processing.
Local renin-angiotensin system regulates left ventricular hypertrophy induced by swimming training independent of circulating renin: a pharmacological study
Authors: Oliveira Edilamar M. , Sasaki Maurício S. , Cerêncio Marcela , Baraúna Valério G. , Krieger José E. 
Published: March 2009

Introduction.This study addressed the role of the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) induced by swimming training using pharmacological blockade.Materials and methods. Female Wistar rats treated with enalapril maleate (60 mg.kg-1.d-1, n=38), losartan (20 mg.kg-1.d-1, n=36) or high salt diet (1% NaCl, n=38) were trained by two protocols (T1: 60-min swimming session, 5 days per week for 10 weeks and T2: the same T1 protocol until the 8thweek, then 9thweek they trained twice a day and 10thweek they trained three times a day). Salt loading prevented activation of the systemic RAS. Haemodynamic parameters, soleus citrate synthase (SCS) activity and LVH (left ventricular/body weight ratio, mg/g) were evaluated.Results. Resting heart rate decreased in all trained groups. SCS activity increased 41% and 106% in T1 andT2 groups, respectively. LVH was 20% and 30% in T1 andT2 groups, respectively. Enalapril prevented 39% of the LVH in T2 group (p<0.05). Losartan prevented 41% in T1 and 50% inT2 (p<0.05) of the LVH in trained groups. Plasma renin activity (PRA) was inhibited in all salt groups and it was increased in T2 group.Conclusions.These data provide evidence that the physiological LVH induced by swimming training is regulated by local RAS independent from the systemic, because the hypertrophic response was maintained even when PRA was inhibited by chronic salt loading. However, other systems can contribute to this process.
Association between the angiotensin-converting enzyme (insertion/deletion) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (A1166C) polymorphisms and breast cancer among Brazilian women
Authors: Alves Corrêa Silvana Aparecida , Ribeiro de Noronha Samuel Marcos , Nogueira-de-Souza Naiara Correa , Valleta de Carvalho Cristina , Massad Costa Ana Maria , Juvenal Linhares José , Vieira Gomes Mariano Tamura , Guerreiro da Silva Ismael Dale Cotrim 
Published: March 2009

Introduction.We evaluated the association between components of the renin-angiotensin system and the development of breast cancer in a case-control study by means of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) and angiotensin II type 1 (AT1)-receptor A1166C polymorphisms.Methods. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) or PCR (polymerase chain reaction) using genomic DNA extracted from buccal cells of subjects with (101 cases) or without (307 controls) breast cancer.Results.The frequencies of genotypes for ACE were: DD, ID and II (in %: cases: 60; 20; 20; controls: 46; 37; 17; p=0.019, χ2); and for AT1receptor were:AA,AC and CC (in %: cases: 65; 30; 5; controls: 51; 44; 5; p=0.114, χ2).The results suggested that the A1166C polymorphism was not associated with breast cancer risk. On the other hand, for the ACE (I/D), there seemed to be different risks for cancer between cases and controls.Conclusions.The ID genotype was less frequently associated with the disease than were the DD or II; that is, women with the ID genotype were 3.1 times less likely to develop breast cancer than those with the other genotypes.The ID genotype might be protective against breast cancer and the ACE (I/D) polymorphism a possible target for developing genetic markers for breast cancer.
Role of oxidative stress in the natriuresis induced by central administration of angiotensin II
Authors: Israel Anita , Arzola Jorge , De Jesús Sara , Varela Maider 
Published: March 2009

Introduction. Central administration of angiotensin II (Ang II) is known to reduce urinary volume and to increase sodium and potassium excretion. Recently, a novel signalling mechanism for Ang II in the periphery has been shown to involve reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS).Although ROS are now known to be involved in numerous Ang II-regulated processes in peripheral tissues, and are increasingly implicated in CNS neurodegenerative diseases, the role of ROS in central regulation of Ang II-induced hydromineral metabolism remains unexplored.The hypothesis that ROS are involved in central Ang II signalling and in Ang II-dependent antidiuresis, natriuresis and kaliuresis was tested by the use of selective antagonists of the NAD(P)H oxidase cascade. Materials and methods. In intracerebroventricular (ICV)-cannulated rats,Ang II was injected ICV and urinary sodium and potassium excretion was assessed at 1-, 3-, and 6-hour periods of urine collection. Urine sample was analysed for sodium and potassium concentration using a flame photometer. The role of NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent signalling cascade was evaluated using the selective NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor, apocynin; the superoxide dismutase mimetic, 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (tempol); and the protein kinase C inhibitor, chelerythrine. Results. ICV administration of Ang II to conscious hydrated rats resulted in a significant decrease in urinary volume in the first hour, and an increased sodium and potassium excretion during the 6-hour period of urine collection, which was most effective during the 3 and 6 h. Interference with the NAD(P)H oxidase signalling by central administration of apocynin, tempol or chelerythrine, blunted the natriuretic and kaliuretic effect induced by central administration of Ang II, without affecting its antidiuretic action.Conclusion.This study demonstrates that increases of urinary sodium and potassium excretion elicited by central administration of Ang II are mediated by NAD(P)H oxidase- dependent production of superoxide and protein kinase C activation in conscious hydrated rats.
Failure to achieve a complete hematologic response at the time of a major cytogenetic response with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors is associated with a poor prognosis among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in accelerated or blast phase
Authors: Fava Carmen , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Jabbour Elias , O'Brien Susan , Jain Nitin , Rios Mary Beth , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Ravandi Farhad , Verstovsek Srdan , Borthakur Gautam , Shan Jianqin , Cortes Jorge 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors are effective in Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Occasionally, patients with Ph+ ALL, or accelerated phase (AP) or blast phase (BP) CML achieve a major cytogenetic response (MCyR) but not a complete hematologic response (CHR). We analyzed 126 patients with CML in AP or BP, or with Ph+ ALL treated with dasatinib or nilotinib after imatinib failure. Twenty patients received sequential treatment with both dasatinib and nilotinib for a total of 146 instances. CHR and MCyR rates were 54% and 37%, respectively in AP, 17% and 39% in BP, and 33% and 50% in Ph+ ALL. Failure to achieve a CHR at the time of achievement of a MCyR was associated with an inferior outcome, similar to that of patients without a MCyR (2-year survival rate, 37% and 35%, respectively). In contrast, patients with MCyR and concomitant CHR had a 77% 2-year survival rate. Twelve of 29 patients with MCyR without concomitant CHR later achieved a CHR; the 2-year survival rate for these patients was 55% compared with 22% for those who never achieved a CHR. These results suggest that achievement of a MCyR without concomitant CHR is associated with poor outcome.
A retrospective TBNET assessment of linezolid safety, tolerability and efficacy in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Migliori G. B. , Eker B. , Richardson M. D. , Sotgiu G. , Zellweger J-P. , Skrahina A. , Ortmann J. , Girardi E. , Hoffmann H. , Besozzi G. , Bevilacqua N. , Kirsten D. , Centis R. , Lange C. 
Published: March 2009

Linezolid is used to treat patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR)/extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-tuberculosis (TB) cases, although clinical data on its safety, tolerability and efficacy are lacking.We performed a retrospective, nonrandomised, unblinded observational study evaluating the safety and tolerability of linezolid at 600 mgq.d.orb.i.d.in MDR/XDR-TB treatment in four European countries. Efficacy evaluation compared end-points of 45 linezolid-treated against 110 linezolid-nontreated cases.Out of 195 MDR/XDR-TB patients, 85 were treated with linezolid for a mean of 221 days. Of these, 35 (41.2%) out of 85 experienced major side-effects attributed to linezolid (anaemia, thrombocytopenia and/or polyneuropathy), requiring discontinuation in 27 (77%) cases. Most side-effects occurred after 60 days of treatment. Twice-daily administration produced more major side-effects than once-daily dosing (p = 0.0004), with no difference in efficacy found. Outcomes were similar in patients treated with/without linezolid (p = 0.8), although linezolid-treated cases had more first-line (p = 0.002) and second-line (p = 0.02) drug resistance and a higher number of previous treatment regimens (4.5versus2.3; p = 0.07).Linezolid 600 mgq.d.added to an individualised multidrug regimen may improve the chance of bacteriological conversion, providing a better chance of treatment success in only the most complicated MDR/XDR-TB cases. Its safety profile does not warrant use in cases for which there are other, safer, alternatives.
Physiological responses to linear treadmill and cycle ergometer exercise in COPD
Authors: Hsia D. , Casaburi R. , Pradhan A. , Torres E. , Porszasz J. 
Published: March 2009

Incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing work rate ideally increases linearly to the subject’s tolerance within approximately 10 min. Widely used treadmill protocols often yield shorter exercise times in debilitated patients. We compared a recently described treadmill protocol featuring linear work rate increase, weight adjustments anda prioriexercise tolerance estimates with standard cycle and treadmill protocols. We also compared treadmill and cycle responses to examine mechanisms of oxyhaemoglobin desaturation differences.In total, 16 subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; mean±sdforced expiratory volume in 1 s of 36.5±10.9% predicted) performed incremental exercise using cycle, linear treadmill and modified Bruce protocols.Initial linear treadmill speed and grade yielded oxygen uptake (V′O2) similar to cycle unloaded pedalling; Bruce protocol first stage elicited much higherV′O2. Exercise duration was much shorter in Bruce than in cycle or linear treadmill protocols. At peak exercise, greater desaturation was noted in linear treadmill and Bruce protocols compared with cycle (-8.9±4.9versus-8.5±4.7versus-3.7±3.3%; p<0.001); at iso-V′O2values this difference widened as exercise proceeded. Iso-V′O2desaturation differences were largely related to higher ventilatory response to cycle than to treadmill exercise.The linear incremental treadmill protocol generates responses similar to cycle ergometry in severe COPD. However, cycle ergometry elicits less desaturation than does ambulation, making the linear treadmill protocol advantageous when evaluating COPD patients.