bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Coincident Passive Microwave Rainfall Estimates Using TRMM PR and Ground Measurements as References
Authors: Lin Xin , Hou Arthur Y. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
This study compares instantaneous rainfall estimates provided by the current generation of retrieval algorithms for passive microwave sensors using retrievals from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation radar (PR) and merged surface radar and gauge measurements over the continental United States as references. The goal is to quantitatively assess surface rain retrievals from cross-track scanning microwave humidity sounders relative to those from conically scanning microwave imagers. The passive microwave sensors included in the study are three operational sounders—the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-B (AMSU-B) instruments on the NOAA-15, -16, and -17 satellites—and five imagers: the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI), the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) instrument on the Aqua satellite, and the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) instruments on the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F-13, -14, and -15 satellites. The comparisons with PR data are based on “coincident” observations, defined as instantaneous retrievals (spatially averaged to 0.25° latitude and 0.25° longitude) within a 10-min interval collected over a 20-month period from January 2005 to August 2006. Statistics of departures of these coincident retrievals from reference measurements as given by the TRMM PR or ground radar and gauges are computed as a function of rain intensity over land and oceans. Results show that over land AMSU-B sounder rain retrievals are comparable in quality to those from conically scanning radiometers for instantaneous rain rates between 1.0 and 10.0 mm h−1. This result holds true for comparisons using either TRMM PR estimates over tropical land areas or merged ground radar/gauge measurements over the continental United States as the reference. Over tropical oceans, the standard deviation errors are comparable between imager and sounder retrievals for rain intensities above 5 mm h−1, below which the imagers are noticeably better than the sounders; systematic biases are small for both imagers and sounders. The results of this study suggest that in planning future satellite missions for global precipitation measurement, cross-track scanning microwave humidity sounders on operational satellites may be used to augment conically scanning microwave radiometers to provide improved temporal sampling over land without degradation in the quality of precipitation estimates.
Statistical Location and Timing of the Convective Lines off the Mountainous Coast of Southeastern Taiwan from Long-Term Radar Observations
Authors: Yu Cheng-Ku , Lin Che-Yu 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
In this study, observations from the C-band Doppler radar on Green Island, which is located off the southeastern coast of Taiwan, during 1998–2004 were analyzed to investigate the statistical characteristics of the convective lines occurring off the mountainous coast of southeastern Taiwan, with emphasis on their formative location and timing. A total of 211 cases of the lines were identified during the study period. It is shown that the lines were clearly a year-round phenomenon and five cases occurred per month on average. Statistical analyses for all identified cases reveal that the formative area of the lines was extended substantially from nearshore regions to at least ∼100 km offshore, with the region of the most frequent formation primarily confined to an elongated zone located ∼30 km off the coast. Along-coast variations of line formation were also evident and were shown to be closely related to the nearshore terrain features. The lines tended to form more frequently during the nighttime hours than the daytime hours, with a formative peak between 2000 and 2200 LST. Minimum formation was found near noon between 1200 and 1400 LST; however, considerable cases still could be found during the late morning and late afternoon hours. More than 70% of the lines (∼150 cases) had a duration of less than 4 h, and the mean duration for all lines was calculated to be ∼3.5 h. In addition, this study also documented statistical differences in the formative and flow characteristics between the nearshore and offshore lines, which are distinguished by offshore distances of formative location that are less or greater than 40 km, respectively. Of particular note, the analyses presented strongly suggest that the physical mechanisms contributing to the initiation of the nearshore and offshore lines are fundamentally different.
Stigmatization and Self-Esteem of Persons in Recovery From Mental Illness: the Role of Peer Support
Authors: Verhaeghe Mieke , Bracke Piet , Bruynooghe Kevin 
Published: May 2008

Background: Persons with mental health problems often experience stigmatization, which can have detrimental consequences for their objective and subjective quality of life. Previous research seeking for elements buffering this negative association focused on coping strategies and revealed that none of the most often used strategies is successful. Aims: This article studies whether peer support among clients can moderate this negative link, and to what extent. Following the buffering hypothesis on stress and social support, it was expected that the association between stigmatization and self-esteem would be less among persons experiencing greater peer support. Methods: This research problem was studied by means of ordinary least squares regression analysis using quantitative data from structured questionnaires completed by 595 clients of rehabilitation centres. Results and Conclusions: The results confirm that stigmatization is negatively related to self-esteem, while peer support is positively linked with it. Furthermore, they show that peer support moderates the negative association between stigmatization and self-esteem, but not in the expected way. These findings suggest that peer support can only have positive outcomes among clients with few stigma experiences, and that stigmatization itself could impede the formation and beneficial consequences of constructive peer relationships among persons receiving professional mental healthcare.
Electromyographic Analysis of Specific Exercises for Scapular Control in Early Phases of Shoulder Rehabilitation
Authors: Kibler W. Ben , Sciascia Aaron D. , Uhl Timothy L. , Tambay Nishin , Cunningham Thomas 
Published: May 2008

Background Restoration of control of dynamic scapular motion by specific activation of the serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscles is an important part of functional rehabilitation. This study evaluated activation of those muscles in specific exercises. Hypothesis Specific exercises will activate key scapular-stabilizing muscles in clinically significant amplitudes and patterns. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Muscle activation amplitudes and patterns were evaluated in the serratus anterior, upper trapezius, lower trapezius, anterior deltoid, and posterior deltoid muscles with electromyography in symptomatic (n = 18) and asymptomatic (n = 21) subjects as they executed the low row, inferior glide, lawnmower, and robbery exercises. Results There were no significant differences in muscle activation amplitude between groups. Muscle activation was moderate across all of the exercises and varied slightly with the specific exercise. The serratus anterior and lower trapezius were activated between 15% and 30% in all exercises. Upper trapezius activation was high (21%-36%) in the dynamic exercises (lawnmower and robbery). Serratus anterior was activated first in the low row and last in the lawnmower and robbery. The upper trapezius and lower trapezius were activated first in the lawnmower and robbery. Conclusion These specific exercises activate key scapular-stabilizing muscles at amplitudes that are known to increase muscle strength. Clinical Relevance These exercises can be used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for restoration of shoulder function. They activate the serratus anterior and lower trapezius—key muscles in dynamic shoulder control—while variably activating the upper trapezius. Activation patterns depended on scapular position resulting in variability of amplitude and activation sequencing between exercises. Inferior glide and low row can be performed early in rehabilitation because of their limited range of motion, while lawnmower and robbery, which require larger movements, can be instituted later in the sequence.
Optimization of Graft Fixation at the Time of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Mae Tatsuo , Shino Konsei , Nakata Ken , Toritsuka Yukiyoshi , Otsubo Hidenori , Fujie Hiromichi 
Published: May 2008

Background There is no consensus about flexion angle of the knee at the time of graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Purpose To evaluate the effect of flexion angle at the final graft fixation on the positional relationship as well as the load between femur and tibia. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Six intact cadaveric knees were passively flexed and extended under 6 degrees of freedom with the robotic system developed in our laboratory, while their 3-dimensional paths were recorded. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed with a single-socket technique using autogenous quadrupled hamstring tendons, while the graft was fixed at 0° (group A) 20° (group B) or 90° (group C) with a constant initial tension of 44 N. The knees then repeated the same movement as before while the relative position between femur and tibia was recorded. The load in the femorotibial joint was also calculated based on the principle of superposition. Results Posterior displacement of the tibia compared with the normal knee was the smallest in group B at all flexion angles, while the load between tibia and femur in group B was also the smallest and the closest to the normal knee. Conclusion As the positional relationship as well as the load between femur and tibia in group B was the closest to that in the normal knee, 20° of flexion is the most desirable of the positions tested for graft tensioning and fixation at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Clinical Relevance The tibia-femur position is well retained when the graft was fixed at 20° of flexion in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Down-regulation of TCF8 is involved in the leukemogenesis of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Hidaka Tomonori , Nakahata Shingo , Hatakeyama Kinta , Hamasaki Makoto , Yamashita Kiyoshi , Kohno Takashi , Arai Yasuhito , Taki Tomohiko , Nishida Kazuhiro , Okayama Akihiko , Asada Yujiro , Yamaguchi Ryoji , Tsubouchi Hirohito , Yokota Jun , Taniwaki Masafumi , Higashi Yujiro , Morishita Kazuhiro 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAdult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is caused by latent human T-lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) infection. To clarify the molecular mechanism underlying leukemogenesis after viral infection, we precisely mapped 605 chromosomal breakpoints in 61 ATLL cases by spectral karyotyping and identified frequent chromosomal breakpoints in 10p11, 14q11, and 14q32. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array–comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), genetic, and expression analyses of the genes mapped within a common breakpoint cluster region in 10p11.2 revealed that in ATLL cells, transcription factor 8 (TCF8) was frequently disrupted by several mechanisms, including mainly epigenetic dysregulation. TCF8 mutant mice frequently developed invasive CD4+ T-cell lymphomas in the thymus or in ascitic fluid in vivo. Down-regulation of TCF8 expression in ATLL cells in vitro was associated with resistance to transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), a well-known characteristic of ATLL cells, suggesting that escape from TGF-β1–mediated growth inhibition is important in the pathogenesis of ATLL. These findings indicate that TCF8 has a tumor suppressor role in ATLL.
Comparison of generalized estimating equations and quadratic inference functions using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) database
Authors: Odueyungbo Adefowope , Browne Dillon , Akhtar-Danesh Noori , Thabane Lehana 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe generalized estimating equations (GEE) technique is often used in longitudinal data modeling, where investigators are interested in population-averaged effects of covariates on responses of interest. GEE involves specifying a model relating covariates to outcomes and a plausible correlation structure between responses at different time periods. While GEE parameter estimates are consistent irrespective of the true underlying correlation structure, the method has some limitations that include challenges with model selection due to lack of absolute goodness-of-fit tests to aid comparisons among several plausible models. The quadratic inference functions (QIF) method extends the capabilities of GEE, while also addressing some GEE limitations.MethodsWe conducted a comparative study between GEE and QIF via an illustrative example, using data from the "National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY)" database. The NLSCY dataset consists of long-term, population based survey data collected since 1994, and is designed to evaluate the determinants of developmental outcomes in Canadian children. We modeled the relationship between hyperactivity-inattention and gender, age, family functioning, maternal depression symptoms, household income adequacy, maternal immigration status and maternal educational level using GEE and QIF. Basis for comparison include: (1) ease of model selection; (2) sensitivity of results to different working correlation matrices; and (3) efficiency of parameter estimates.ResultsThe sample included 795, 858 respondents (50.3% male; 12% immigrant; 6% from dysfunctional families). QIF analysis reveals that gender (male) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10 to 2.71), family dysfunctional (OR = 2.84, 95% CI of 1.58 to 5.11), and maternal depression (OR = 2.49, 95% CI of 1.60 to 2.60) are significantly associated with higher odds of hyperactivity-inattention. The results remained robust under GEE modeling. Model selection was facilitated in QIF using a goodness-of-fit statistic. Overall, estimates from QIF were more efficient than those from GEE using AR (1) and Exchangeable working correlation matrices (Relative efficiency = 1.1117; 1.3082 respectively).ConclusionQIF is useful for model selection and provides more efficient parameter estimates than GEE. QIF can help investigators obtain more reliable results when used in conjunction with GEE.
The brown adipocyte differentiation pathway in birds: An evolutionary road not taken
Authors: Mezentseva Nadejda V , Kumaratilake Jaliya S , Newman Stuart A 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Background

Thermogenic brown adipose tissue has never been described in birds or other non-mammalian vertebrates. Brown adipocytes in mammals are distinguished from the more common white fat adipocytes by having numerous small lipid droplets rather than a single large one, elevated numbers of mitochondria, and mitochondrial expression of the nuclear gene UCP1, the uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation responsible for non-shivering thermogenesis.

Results

We have identified in vitro inductive conditions in which mesenchymal cells isolated from the embryonic chicken limb bud differentiate into avian brown adipocyte-like cells (ABALCs) with the morphological and many of the biochemical properties of terminally differentiated brown adipocytes. Avian, and as we show here, lizard species lack the gene for UCP1, although it is present in amphibian and fish species. While ABALCs are therefore not functional brown adipocytes, they are generated by a developmental pathway virtually identical to brown fat differentiation in mammals: both the common adipogenic transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), and a coactivator of that factor specific to brown fat differentiation in mammals, PGC1α, are elevated in expression, as are mitochondrial volume and DNA. Furthermore, ABALCs induction resulted in strong transcription from a transfected mouse UCP1 promoter.

Conclusion

These findings strongly suggest that the brown fat differentiation pathway evolved in a common ancestor of birds and mammals and its thermogenicity was lost in the avian lineage, with the degradation of UCP1, after it separated from the mammalian lineage. Since this event occurred no later than the saurian ancestor of birds and lizards, an implication of this is that dinosaurs had neither UCP1 nor canonically thermogenic brown fat.
Association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in RHOB and TXNDC3 with knee osteoarthritis susceptibility: two case-control studies in East Asian populations and a meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Dongquan , Nakamura Takahiro , Nakajima Masahiro , Dai Jin , Qin Jianghui , Ni Haijian , Xu Yong , Yao Chen , Wei Jia , Liu Baorui , Ikegawa Shiro , Jiang Qing 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Conflicting findings on the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in RHOB and TXNDC3 with susceptibility to knee osteoarthritis (OA) have been reported in European Caucasians. To examine the associations of these SNPs with OA in East Asian populations and to evaluate their global significance, we conducted two case-control studies in 955 Chinese and 750 Japanese patients.

Methods
We genotyped the previously implicated SNPs rs585017 (in RHOB) and rs4720262 (in TXNDC3) in patients with primary symptomatic knee OA with radiographic confirmation and in matched control individuals, and analyzed their associations. We further conducted a meta-analysis of the study findings together with those of previously reported European studies using the DerSimonian-Laird procedure.

Results
A significant association of RHOB with knee OA was observed in male Chinese patients (P = 0.02). No significant associations were found for RHOB in any other comparisons in the East Asian populations. The association of TXNDC3 was replicated in Chinese female (P = 0.04) and Japanese (P = 0.03) patients, although none of these associations persisted after Bonferroni correction. Significant association (P = 0.02 for the allelic frequency) with nonsignificant heterogeneity was found in the East Asian replication study. No significant association was found in any comparison in the meta-analysis for all studies.

Conclusion
Our study replicates the association, previously reported in European Caucasians, of TXNDC3 with knee OA susceptibility in an East Asian population.
Estrogen and progesterone induce persistent increases in p53-dependent apoptosis and suppress mammary tumors in BALB/c-Trp53
+/-mice
Authors: Dunphy Karen A , Blackburn Anneke C , Yan Haoheng , O'Connell Lauren R , Jerry D Joseph 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Treatment with estrogen and progesterone (E+P) mimics the protective effect of parity on mammary tumors in rodents and depends upon the activity of p53. The following experiments tested whether exogenous E+P primes p53 to be more responsive to DNA damage and whether these pathways confer resistance to mammary tumors in a mouse model of Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Methods
Mice that differ in p53 status (Trp53+/+, Trp53+/-, Trp53-/-) were treated with E+P for 14 days and then were tested for p53-dependent responses to ionizing radiation. Responses were also examined in parous and age-matched virgins. The effects of hormonal exposures on tumor incidence were examined in BALB/c-Trp53+/- mammary tissues.

Results
Nuclear accumulation of p53 and apoptotic responses were increased similarly in the mammary epithelium from E+P-treated and parous mice compared with placebo and age-matched virgins. This effect was sustained for at least 7 weeks after E+P treatment and did not depend on the continued presence of ovarian hormones. Hormone stimulation also enhanced apoptotic responses to ionizing radiation in BALB/c-Trp53+/- mice but these responses were intermediate compared with Trp53+/+ and Trp-/- tissues, indicating haploinsufficiency. The appearance of spontaneous mammary tumors was delayed by parity in BALB/c-Trp53+/- mice. The majority of tumors lacked estrogen receptor (ER), but ER+ tumors were observed in both nulliparous and parous mice. However, apoptotic responses to ionizing radiation and tumor incidence did not differ among outgrowths of epithelial transplants from E+P-treated donors and nulliparous donors.

Conclusion
Therefore, E+P and parity confer a sustained increase in p53-mediated apoptosis within the mammary epithelium and suppress mammary tumorigenesis, but this effect was not retained in epithelial outgrowths.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analog Structural Determinants of Selectivity for Inhibition of Cell Growth: Support for the Concept of Ligand-Induced Selective Signaling
Authors: López de Maturana Rakel , Pawson Adam J. , Lu Zhi-Liang , Davidson Lindsay , Maudsley Stuart , Morgan Kevin , Langdon Simon P. , Millar Robert P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractGnRH and its receptor are expressed in human reproductive tract cancers, and direct antiproliferative effects of GnRH analogs have been demonstrated in cancer cell lines. The intracellular signaling responsible for this effect differs from that mediating pituitary gonadotropin secretion. The GnRH structure-activity relationship is different for the two effects. Here we report a structure-activity relationship study of GnRH agonist antiproliferative action in model cell systems of rat and human GnRH receptors stably expressed in HEK293 cells. GnRH II was more potent than GnRH I in inhibiting cell growth in the cell lines. In contrast, GnRH I was more potent than GnRH II in stimulating inositol phosphate production, the signaling pathway in gonadotropes. The different residues in GnRH II (His5, Trp7, Tyr8) were introduced singly or in pairs into GnRH I. Tyr5 replacement by His5 produced the highest increase in the antiproliferative potency of GnRH I. Tyr8 substitution of Arg8 produced the most selective analog, with very poor inositol phosphate generation but high antiproliferative potency. In nude mice bearing tumors of the HEK293 cell line, GnRH II and an antagonist administration was ineffective in inhibiting tumor growth, but d-amino acid stabilized analogs (d-Lys6 and d-Arg6) ablated tumor growth. Docking of GnRH I and GnRH II to the human GnRH receptor molecular model revealed that Arg8 of GnRH I makes contact with Asp302, whereas Tyr8 of GnRH II appears to make different contacts, suggesting these residues stabilize different receptor conformations mediating differential intracellular signaling and effects on gonadotropin and cell growth. These findings provide the basis for the development of selective GnRH analog cancer therapeutics that directly target tumor cells or inhibit pituitary gonadotropins or do both.