bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Two-Dimensional Physical Basis for the Complementary Relation between Terrestrial and Pan Evaporation
Authors: Pettijohn J. Cory , Salvucci Guido D. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Archived global measurements of water loss from evaporation pans constitute an important indirect measure of evaporative flux. Historical data from evaporation pans shows a decreasing trend over the last half century, but the relationship between pan evaporation and moisture-limited terrestrial evaporation is complex, leading to ambiguities in the interpretation of these data. Under energy-limited conditions, pan evaporation Epan and moisture-limited terrestrial evaporation E increase or decrease together, whereas in moisture-limited conditions these fluxes form a complementary relation (CR) in which increases in one rate accompany decreases in the other rate. This has led to debate about the meaning of the observed trends in the context of changing climate. Here a two-dimensional numerical model of a wet pan in a drying landscape is used to demonstrate that, over a wide range of realistic atmospheric and surface conditions, the influence that changes in E have on Epan 1) are complementary and linear, 2) do not depend upon surface wind speed, and 3) are strikingly asymmetrical, in that a unit decrease in E causes approximately a fivefold increase in Epan, as found in a recent analysis by Kahler and Brutsaert of daily evaporation from U.S. grasslands. Previous attempts to explain the CR have been based on one-dimensional diffusion and energy balance arguments, leading to analytic solutions based on Penman-type bulk difference equations. However, without acknowledging the spatially complex humidity and temperature fields around the pan and, specifically, how these fields change as the contrast between the wet pan and the drying land surface increases, such integrated bulk difference equations are a priori incomplete (they ignore important divergence terms), and thus these explanations must be considered physically incomplete. Results of this study improve the theoretical foundation of the CR, thus increasing the reliability with which it can be applied to estimate water balance and to understand the pan evaporation record of climate change.
Comparisons of Reflectivities from the TRMM Precipitation Radar and Ground-Based Radars
Authors: Wang Jianxin , Wolff David B. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Given the decade-long and highly successful Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), it is now possible to provide quantitative comparisons between ground-based radars (GRs) and the spaceborne TRMM precipitation radar (PR) with greater certainty over longer time scales in various tropical climatological regions. This study develops an automated methodology to match and compare simultaneous TRMM PR and GR reflectivities at four primary TRMM Ground Validation (GV) sites: Houston, Texas (HSTN); Melbourne, Florida (MELB); Kwajalein, Republic of the Marshall Islands (KWAJ); and Darwin, Australia (DARW). Data from each instrument are resampled into a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The horizontal displacement during the PR data resampling is corrected. Comparisons suggest that the PR suffers significant attenuation at lower levels, especially in convective rain. The attenuation correction performs quite well for convective rain but appears to slightly overcorrect in stratiform rain. The PR and GR observations at HSTN, MELB, and KWAJ agree to about ±1 dB on average with a few exceptions, whereas the GR at DARW requires +1 to −5 dB calibration corrections. One of the important findings of this study is that the GR calibration offset is dependent on the reflectivity magnitude. Hence, it is proposed that the calibration should be carried out by using a regression correction rather than by simply adding an offset value to all GR reflectivities.
This methodology is developed to assist TRMM GV efforts to improve the accuracy of tropical rain estimates, but can also be applied to the proposed Global Precipitation Measurement and other related activities over the globe.
Confronting sex trafficking
Authors: Cree Viviene E. 
Published: October 2008

English Sex trafficking, the trafficking of women and children for the purposes of sexual exploitation, is recognized today as a worldwide problem, affecting hundreds of thousands each year. It is not, however, a new phenomenon. This paper will discuss the lessons raised by the National Vigilance Association's response to this problem. French Le marché du sexe, le trafic des femmes et des enfants aux fins d'exploitation sexuelle, est aujourd'hui reconnu comme un problème mondial, affectant des centaines de milliers d'individus chaque année. Ce n'est cependant pas un phénomène nouveau. Ce papier discute des questions soulevées par la réponse de l'Association Nationale de Vigilance à ce problème. Spanish El tráfico sexual, el tráfico de mujeres y niños con el propósito de explotarlos sexualmente, es reconocido hoy como un problema mundial que afecta a miles cada año. Sin embargo, este no es un fenómeno nuevo. Este ensayo discutirá las lecciones extraídas de la respuesta de la Asociación Nacional de Vigilancia a este problema.
Meeting the expectations of the Global Standards
Authors: Barretta-Herman Angeline 
Published: October 2008

English Although the Global Standards are described as aspirational, it was assumed that many members of IASSW met the standards as stipulated. With 36 percent of the membership reporting, the 147 respondents from 28 countries in this membership survey confirmed meeting at least one expectation out of seven of the nine standard statements. French Bien que les Standards Mondiaux soient décrits comme 'ambitieux', on pensait généralement que beaucoup de membres de l'AIETS appliquaient les standards stipulés. Représentant 36 pour cent du rapport d'adhésion, les 147 répondants de 28 pays dans cette étude d'adhesion confirment être en conformité avec au moins une exigence dans sept sur neuf des déclarations de standards. Spanish A pesar de que los Estándares Globales son descritos como aspiracionales, se asumió que muchos de los miembros de la IASSW cumplieron los estándares según fueron estipulados. Con reportes del 36 percent de los miembros, los 147 respondientes de 28 países de esta Encuesta de Miembros confirmaron que cumplieron al menos una expectativa dentro de siete de las nueve declaraciones de estándares.
Anti-GM1 antibodies are not associated with cerebral atrophy in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Valentino P , Labate A , Nisticò R , Pirritano D , Cerasa A , Liguori M , Bastone L , Crescibene L , Quattrone A 
Published: October 2008

Objectives The aim of this study was to correlate the brain atrophy with serum levels of anti-GM1 antibodies in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Methods Plasma sample from 52 patients with RRMS and 65 healthy controls were examined for anti-GM1 antibodies. Patients with RRMS underwent to MRI study with automated method called SIENAX that calculated an estimate of gray matter (GMV) and white matter (WMV) volumes. Results The percentage of RRMS patients with increased anti-GM1 was 37.8%. Elevated levels of anti-GM1 antibodies did not correlate with brain atrophy. Conclusions Anti-GM1 antibodies do not represent a marker of axonal damage in patients with RRMS.
Paraoxonase 1 activity in different types of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Jamroz-Wisniewska A , Beltowski J , Stelmasiak Z , Bartosik-Psujek H 
Published: October 2008

Background Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an antioxidant enzyme bound to plasma high-density lipoproteins and is also present in the brain. Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the activity of PON1 in patients with different types of MS. Methods The PON1 activity toward paraoxon and phenyl acetate and lipid profile was examined in 40 relapsing-remitting (RR) patients in relapse, in 42 RR patients in remission, in 55 progressive MS patients and in 40 healthy individuals. Results PON1 activity did not differ in MS patients compared to control group. PON1 activity in relapse was significantly lower in comparison to the other MS groups. Hypercholesterolemia was observed in MS patients. Conclusion PON1 activity does not change in the course of stable and progressive type of MS and is decreased by the relapse of MS.
Pronounced thrombocytosis in transgenic mice expressing reduced levels of Mpl in platelets and terminally differentiated megakaryocytes
Authors: Tiedt Ralph , Coers Jörn , Ziegler Sandra , Wiestner Adrian , Hao-Shen Hui , Bornmann Caroline , Schenkel Johannes , Karakhanova Svetlana , de Sauvage Frederic J. , Jackson Carl W. , Skoda Radek C. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
We generated mice expressing a full-length Mpl transgene under the control of a 2-kb Mpl promoter in an Mpl−/− background, effectively obtaining mice that express full-length Mpl in the absence of other Mpl isoforms. These mice developed thrombocytosis with platelet levels approximately 5-fold higher than wild-type controls and markedly increased megakaryocyte numbers. The reintroduction of one wild-type Mpl allele restored normal platelet counts. We excluded the deletion of Mpl-tr, a dominant-negative isoform, as the underlying molecular cause for thrombocytosis. Instead, we found that transgene expression driven by the 2-kb Mpl promoter fragment was decreased during late megakaryocyte maturation, resulting in strongly diminished Mpl protein expression in platelets. Because platelets exert a negative feedback on thrombopoiesis by binding and consuming Tpo in the circulation through Mpl, we propose that the severe reduction of Mpl protein in platelets in Mpl-transgenic Mpl−/− mice shifts the equilibrium of this feedback loop, resulting in markedly elevated levels of megakaryocytes and platelets at steady state. Although the mechanism causing decreased expression of Mpl protein in platelets from patients with myeloproliferative disorders differs from this transgenic model, our results suggest that lowering Mpl protein in platelets could contribute to raising the platelet count.
A high-mobility, low-cost phenotype defines human effector-memory CD8+ T cells
Authors: Zenhaeusern Gabriela , Gubser Patrick , Eisele Petra , Gasser Olivier , Steinhuber Andrea , Trampuz Andrej , Handschin Christoph , Luster Andrew D. , Hess Christoph 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
T cells move randomly (“random-walk”), a characteristic thought to be integral to their function. Using migration assays and time-lapse microscopy, we found that CD8+ T cells lacking the lymph node homing receptors CCR7 and CD62L migrate more efficiently in transwell assays, and that these same cells are characterized by a high frequency of cells exhibiting random crawling activity under culture conditions mimicking the interstitial/extravascular milieu, but not when examined on endothelial cells. To assess the energy efficiency of cells crawling at a high frequency, we measured mRNA expression of genes key to mitochondrial energy metabolism (peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1β [PGC-1β], estrogen-related receptor α [ERRα], cytochrome C, ATP synthase, and the uncoupling proteins [UCPs] UCP-2 and -3), quantified ATP contents, and performed calorimetric analyses. Together these assays indicated a high energy efficiency of the high crawling frequency CD8+ T-cell population, and identified differentially regulated heat production among nonlymphoid versus lymphoid homing CD8+ T cells.
Varicose: a MAGUK required for the maturation and function of Drosophila septate junctions
Authors: Moyer Katherine E , Jacobs J Roger 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Background
Scaffolding proteins belonging to the membrane associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) superfamily function as adapters linking cytoplasmic and cell surface proteins to the cytoskeleton to regulate cell-cell adhesion, cell-cell communication and signal transduction. We characterize here a Drosophila MAGUK member, Varicose (Vari), the homologue of vertebrate scaffolding protein PALS2.

Results
Varicose localizes to pleated septate junctions (pSJs) of all embryonic, ectodermally-derived epithelia and peripheral glia. In vari mutants, essential SJ proteins NeurexinIV and FasciclinIII are mislocalized basally and epithelia develop a leaky paracellular seal. In addition, vari mutants display irregular tracheal tube diameters and have reduced lumenal protein accumulation, suggesting involvement in tracheal morphogenesis. We found that Vari is distributed in the cytoplasm of the optic lobe neuroepithelium, as well as in a subset of neuroblasts and differentiated neurons of the nervous system. We reduced vari function during the development of adult epithelia with a partial rescue, RNA interference and generation of genetically mosaic tissue. All three approaches demonstrate that vari is required for the patterning and morphogenesis of adult epithelial hairs and bristles.

Conclusion
Varicose is involved in scaffold assembly at the SJ and has a role in patterning and morphogenesis of adult epithelia.
The Caenorhabditis globin gene family reveals extensive nematode-specific radiation and diversification
Authors: Hoogewijs David , De Henau Sasha , Dewilde Sylvia , Moens Luc , Couvreur Marjolein , Borgonie Gaetan , Vinogradov Serge N , Roy Scott W , Vanfleteren Jacques R 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Globin isoforms with variant properties and functions have been found in the pseudocoel, body wall and cuticle of various nematode species and even in the eyespots of the insect-parasite Mermis nigrescens. In fact, much higher levels of complexity exist, as shown by recent whole genome analysis studies. In silico analysis of the genome of Caenorhabditis elegans revealed an unexpectedly high number of globin genes featuring a remarkable diversity in gene structure, amino acid sequence and expression profiles.

Results
In the present study we have analyzed whole genomic data from C. briggsae, C. remanei, Pristionchus pacificus and Brugia malayi and EST data from several other nematode species to study the evolutionary history of the nematode globin gene family. We find a high level of conservation of the C. elegans globin complement, with even distantly related nematodes harboring orthologs to many Caenorhabditis globins. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis resolves all nematode globins into two distinct globin classes. Analysis of the globin intron-exon structures suggests extensive loss of ancestral introns and gain of new positions in deep nematode ancestors, and mainly loss in the Caenorhabditis lineage. We also show that the Caenorhabditis globin genes are expressed in distinct, mostly non-overlapping, sets of cells and that they are all under strong purifying selection.

Conclusion
Our results enable reconstruction of the evolutionary history of the globin gene family in the nematode phylum. A duplication of an ancestral globin gene occurred before the divergence of the Platyhelminthes and the Nematoda and one of the duplicated genes radiated further in the nematode phylum before the split of the Spirurina and Rhabditina and was followed by further radiation in the lineage leading to Caenorhabditis. The resulting globin genes were subject to processes of subfunctionalization and diversification leading to cell-specific expression patterns. Strong purifying selection subsequently dampened further evolution and facilitated fixation of the duplicated genes in the genome.
The SWI/SNF protein ATRX co-regulates pseudoautosomal genes that have translocated to autosomes in the mouse genome
Authors: Levy Michael A , Fernandes Andrew D , Tremblay Deanna C , Seah Claudia , Bérubé Nathalie G 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Pseudoautosomal regions (PAR1 and PAR2) in eutherians retain homologous regions between the X and Y chromosomes that play a critical role in the obligatory X-Y crossover during male meiosis. Genes that reside in the PAR1 are exceptional in that they are rich in repetitive sequences and undergo a very high rate of recombination. Remarkably, murine PAR1 homologs have translocated to various autosomes, reflecting the complex recombination history during the evolution of the mammalian X chromosome.

Results
We now report that the SNF2-type chromatin remodeling protein ATRX controls the expression of eutherian ancestral PAR1 genes that have translocated to autosomes in the mouse. In addition, we have identified two potentially novel mouse PAR1 orthologs.

Conclusion
We propose that the ancestral PAR1 genes share a common epigenetic environment that allows ATRX to control their expression.
PCR and real-time PCR primers developed for detection and identification of Bifidobacterium thermophilumin faeces
Authors: Mathys Sophie , Lacroix Christophe , Mini Raffaella , Meile Leo 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Culture-independent methods based on the 16S ribosomal RNA molecule are nowadays widely used for assessment of the composition of the intestinal microbiota, in relation to host health or probiotic efficacy. Because Bifidobacterium thermophilum was only recently isolated from human faeces until now, no specific real-time PCR (qPCR) assay has been developed for detection of this species as component of the bifidobacterial community of the human intestinal flora.

Results
Design of specific primers and probe was achieved based on comparison of 108 published bifidobacterial 16S rDNA sequences with the recently published sequence of the human faecal isolate B. thermophilum RBL67. Specificity of the primer was tested in silico by similarity search against the sequence database and confirmed experimentally by PCR amplification on 17 Bifidobacterium strains, representing 12 different species, and two Lactobacillus strains. The qPCR assay developed was linear for B. thermophilum RBL67 DNA quantities ranging from 0.02 ng/μl to 200 ng/μl and showed a detection limit of 105 cells per gram faeces. The application of this new qPCR assay allowed to detect the presence of B. thermophilum in one sample from a 6-month old breast-fed baby among 17 human faecal samples tested. Additionally, the specific qPCR primers in combination with selective plating experiments led to the isolation of F9K9, a faecal isolate from a 4-month old breast-fed baby. The 16S rDNA sequence of this isolate is 99.93% similar to that of B. thermophilum RBL67 and confirmed the applicability of the new qPCR assay in faecal samples.

Conclusion
A new B. thermophilum-specific qPCR assay was developed based on species-specific target nucleotides in the 16S rDNA. It can be used to further characterize the composition of the bifidobacterial community in the human gastrointestinal tract. Until recently, B. thermophilum was considered as a species of animal origin, but here we confirm with the application of this new PCR assay the presence of B. thermophilum strains in the human gut.
Triphala inhibits both in vitro and in vivo xenograft growth of pancreatic tumor cells by inducing apoptosis
Authors: Shi Yan , Sahu Ravi P , Srivastava Sanjay K 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Triphala is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat variety of diseases; however its mechanism of action remains unexplored. This study elucidates the molecular mechanism of Triphala against human pancreatic cancer in the cellular and in vivo model.

Methods
Growth-inhibitory effects of Triphala were evaluated in Capan-2, BxPC-3 and HPDE-6 cells by Sulphoradamine-B assay. Apoptosis was determined by cell death assay and western blotting. Triphala was administered orally to nude mice implanted with Capan-2 xenograft. Tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and western blotting.

Results
Exposure of Capan-2 cells to the aqueous extract of Triphala for 24 h resulted in the significant decrease in the survival of cells in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of about 50 μg/ml. Triphala-mediated reduced cell survival correlated with induction of apoptosis, which was associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Triphala-induced apoptosis was linked with phosphorylation of p53 at Ser-15 and ERK at Thr-202/Tyr-204 in Capan-2 cells. Above mentioned effects were significantly blocked when the cells were pretreated with an antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), suggesting the involvement of ROS generation. Pretreatment of cells with pifithrin-α or U0126, specific inhibitors of p53 or MEK-1/2, significantly attenuated Triphala-induced apoptosis. Moreover, NAC or U0126 pretreatment significantly attenuated Triphala-induced p53 transcriptional activity. Similarly, Triphala induced apoptosis in another pancreatic cancer cell line BxPC-3 by activating ERK. On the other hand, Triphala failed to induce apoptosis or activate ERK or p53 in normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial (HPDE-6) cells. Further, oral administration of 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg Triphala in PBS, 5 days/week significantly suppressed the growth of Capan-2 pancreatic tumor-xenograft. Reduced tumor-growth in Triphala fed mice was due to increased apoptosis in the tumors cells, which was associated with increased activation of p53 and ERK.

Conclusion
Our preclinical studies demonstrate that Triphala is effective in inhibiting the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells in both cellular and in vivo model. Our data also suggests that the growth inhibitory effects of Triphala is mediated by the activation of ERK and p53 and shows potential for the treatment and/or prevention of human pancreatic cancer.
Intimate partner violence among pregnant women in Rwanda
Authors: Ntaganira Joseph , Muula Adamson S , Masaisa Florence , Dusabeyezu Fidens , Siziya Seter , Rudatsikira Emmanuel 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Intimate partner violence (IPV), defined as actual or threatened physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse by current or former partners is a global public health concern. The prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence (IPV) against pregnant women has not been described in Rwanda. A study was conducted to identify variables associated with IPV among Rwandan pregnant women.

Methods
A convenient sample of 600 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics were administered a questionnaire which included items on demographics, HIV status, IPV, and alcohol use by the male partner. Mean age and proportions of IPV in different groups were assessed. Odds of IPV were estimated using logistic regression analysis.

Results
Of the 600 respondents, 35.1% reported IPV in the last 12 months. HIV+ pregnant women had higher rates of all forms of IVP violence than HIV- pregnant women: pulling hair (44.3% vs. 20.3%), slapping (32.0% vs. 15.3%), kicking with fists (36.3% vs. 19.7%), throwing to the ground and kicking with feet (23.3% vs. 12.7%), and burning with hot liquid (4.1% vs. 3.5%). HIV positive participants were more than twice likely to report physical IPV than those who were HIV negative (OR = 2.38; 95% CI [1.59, 3.57]). Other factors positively associated with physical IPV included sexual abuse before the age of 14 years (OR = 2.69; 95% CI [1.69, 4.29]), having an alcohol drinking male partner (OR = 4.10; 95% CI [2.48, 6.77] for occasional drinkers and OR = 3.37; 95% CI [2.05, 5.54] for heavy drinkers), and having a male partner with other sexual partners (OR = 1.53; 95% CI [1.15, 2.20]. Education was negatively associated with lifetime IPV.

Conclusion
We have reported on prevalence of IPV violence among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Rwanda, Central Africa. We advocate that screening for IPV be an integral part of HIV and AIDS care, as well as routine antenatal care. Services for battered women should also be made available.