bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Estimates of Heavy and Extreme Precipitation Using Daily Records from European Rain Gauges
Authors: Zolina Olga , Simmer Clemens , Belyaev Konstantin , Kapala Alice , Gulev Sergey 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The long-term variability in heavy precipitation characteristics over Europe for the period 1950–2000 is analyzed using high-quality daily records of rain gauge measurements from the European Climate Assessment (ECA) dataset. To improve the accuracy of heavy precipitation estimates, the authors suggest estimating the fractional contribution of very wet days to total precipitation from the probability distribution of daily precipitation than from the raw data, as it is adopted for the widely used R95tot precipitation index. This is feasible under the assumption that daily precipitation follows an analytical distribution like the gamma probability density function (PDF). The extended index R95tt based on the gamma PDF is compared to the classical R95tot index. The authors find that R95tt is more stable, especially when precipitation extremes are estimated from the limited number of wet days of seasonal and monthly time series. When annual daily time series are analyzed, linear trends in R95tt and R95tot are qualitatively consistent; both hint at a growing occurrence of extreme precipitation of up to 3% decade−1 in central western Europe and in south European Russia, with a somewhat more evident trend pattern for the R95tt index. Linear trends estimated for individual seasons, however, exhibit pronounced differences when derived from both indices. In particular, in winter, R95tt clearly reveals an increasing occurrence of extreme precipitation in western European Russia (up to 4% decade−1), while during summer, a downward tendency in the fractional contribution of very wet days is found in central western Europe. The new index also allows for a better association of European extreme precipitation with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index by showing a more consistent spatial correlation pattern and higher correlation levels compared to R95tot.
Turbulence, Acoustic Backscatter, and Pelagic Nekton in Monterey Bay
Authors: Gregg Michael C. , Horne John K. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractDuring August 2006 aggregations of nekton, most likely small fish, intersected microstructure survey lines in Monterey Bay, California, providing an opportunity to examine biologically generated mixing. Some aggregations filled the water column, 80 m deep, and extended 100–200 m along the survey track. Others were half that size, and some were much smaller. Acoustic energy backscattered from the aggregations was measured with a calibrated echosounder and yielded volume backscattering strength Sv values of −80 to −60 dB re 1 m−1.Turbulent dissipation rates ε were 10−6–10−5 W kg−1 in the more intense aggregations. Within these, ε was much more uniform than turbulence measured outside the aggregations and varied with Sυ. Three similar aggregations contributed half of the average ε in 142 profiles taken along a 5-km-long survey line during a 12.5-h tidal cycle.Turbulence within aggregations differed markedly from that outside in the following three ways: (i) Thorpe scales, that is, root-mean-square overturning lengths, were much smaller than Ozmidov scales, LOZ ≡ (ε/N 3)1/2, the upper limit for overturns limited by stratification. (ii) Spectra of small-scale shear matched the universal shape only in the viscous high-wavenumber rolloff. At lower wavenumbers, the shear spectra had slopes closer to k1 than to the k1/3 Kolmogorov slope with a corresponding velocity spectra peak near 8 cpm. (iii) Temperature gradient spectra matched portions of the universal Batchelor spectrum that could be resolved, but their magnitudes were smaller than those in turbulence produced by flow instabilities. Average mixing efficiency Γ was 0.0022 within aggregations, compared with 0.23 outside. This 100-fold decrease in efficiency compensates for a 100-fold increase in ε to produce no net change in diapycnal diffusivity Kρ. Because the composition and behavior of the aggregations were not confirmed—that is, whether the nekton had regular spacing and swimming patterns characterizing schools—it is not possible to know whether one or many turbulent states were sampled within aggregations. If these observations are representative, mixing in aggregations may be more interesting than it is important, but the data are too few for definitive conclusions.
The Overamplification of Gravity Waves in Numerical Solutions to Flow over Topography
Authors: Reinecke Patrick A. , Durran Dale 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The tendency of high-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) models to overpredict the strength of vertically propagating mountain waves is explored. Discrete analytic mountain-wave solutions are presented for the classical problem of cross-mountain flow in an atmosphere with constant wind speed and stability. Time-dependent linear numerical solutions are also obtained for more realistic atmospheric structures. On one hand, using second-order-accurate finite differences on an Arakawa C grid to model nonhydrostatic flow over what might be supposed to be an adequately resolved 8Δx-wide mountain can lead to an overamplification of the standing mountain wave by 30%–40%. On the other hand, the same finite-difference scheme underestimates the wave amplitude in hydrostatic flow over an 8Δx-wide mountain. Increasing the accuracy of the advection scheme to the fourth order significantly reduces the numerical errors associated with both the hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic discrete solutions. The Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) model is used to generate two 70-member ensemble simulations of a mountain-wave event during the Terrain-Induced Rotor Experiment. It is shown that switching from second-order advection to fourth-order advection leads to as much as a 20 m s−1 decrease in vertical velocity on the lee side of the Sierra Nevada, and that the weaker fourth-order solutions are more consistent with observations.
Epoxy Resin-modified, Urea-formaldehyde/Silicon Networks for High Impact Strength and Thermal Stability
Authors: Athawale Anjali A. , Alhousami Mohammed H.M. 
Published: November 2008

A variety of toughening agents are used to modify epoxy resins that improve the fracture toughness of the epoxy systems. The basic goal in toughening cross-linked epoxy resins that are normally brittle at room temperature is to improve crack resistance and toughness without significantly decreasing other important inherent properties, such as the flexural modulus and the thermomechanical properties of the original epoxy resins. In the present study, thermally stable epoxy resin modified urea-formaldehyde/silicon blends have been prepared by in situ polymerization technique. The materials were modified with triethylenetetramine (hardener) to obtain highly cross-linked thermosetting resins. The physical properties of the resulting blends were evaluated by measuring the impact strength, which is found to be increased by more than 25% of that of the cured and blank epoxy resin. The impact fracture surfaces are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to reveal the morphological changes. The hardness was found to be high in the case of modified epoxy resin as compared to blank epoxy. The influence on the thermal properties and the behavior of different curing agents on resins were investigated by thermogravimetrc analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results of the modified epoxy resins showed remarkably high thermal stability as well as a higher degree of solvent resistance as compared with blank epoxy resin.
Classic Text No. 76: 'Asthenia' by A. Dechambre (1865)
Authors: Berrios G.E. 
Published: November 2008

The word asthenia has been used to name descriptive and explanatory concepts, hypothetical functional states, symptoms, syndromes and diseases; and on occasions it has been considered a synonym of adynamia, aboulia, feeling of fatigue, weakness, and lack of energy; for a time it was even the official antonym of `sthenia'. Because at its core it refers to the (hypothetical) want of some driving element, asthenia has from the start been parasitical upon foundational concepts such as `force' and `energy'. For example, following the popularization of Newton's concept of force, asthenia was redefined as a failure in vital impetus (the biological version of the Newtonian idea).This alliance of asthenia with vitalism lasted up to the middle of the 19th century, by which time the new concept of energy had come to the fore and asthenia was dutifully redefined as a lack of `physiological' or `psychological' energy. The 1850s also witnessed the arrival in medicine and psychiatry of the belief that subjective experiences are epistemologically informative. Soon enough asthenia was to become a new name for general (reported) feelings of tiredness, fatigue or aboulia and ceased to be defined on the basis of interactions between hypothetical stimuli and individual diathesis as it had been in the work of Hippocrates, Boissier de Sauvages, John Brown and others. However, defining asthenia on the basis of subjective experiences caused a blurring of boundaries which invited the construction of new `clinical disorders' such as neurasthenia, psychasthenia and the `pathologies of energy'. This medicalization of tiredness culminated in the emergence of the notorious `chronic fatigue syndrome' (CFS) which contained many of the conceptual vices of the past. The epistemology and social role of CFS will not be understood until the history of the concept of asthenia from which it directly derives is adequately studied.
A New Marketing Strategy for E-Commerce
Authors: Alrawi Khalid W. , Ekbia Hamid R. , Jaber Khalifa H. 
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this exploratory study is to address e-commerce issues, such as marketing and logistical problems, and create viable recommendations for the Gulf environments based on the views of managers of industrial firms registered in the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce in the United Arab Emirates. The issues that e-commerce faces will be examined through the marketing mix. It is believed that the four concepts of the marketing mix (product, place, price, and promotion) play an equally critical part in the success of e-commerce. Therefore, concentrating on these concepts will prove to be of utmost importance to an e-commerce provider for the Gulf firms. To date, despite the fact that e-commerce is likely to have far-reaching implications for international marketing, only a handful of studies have explored marketing and e-commerce in the Gulf region in an international context. This study shows that there is a great potential for e-commerce in the Gulf region in particular.
Long-term outcome of patients with multiple myeloma after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation and nonmyeloablative allografting
Authors: Rotta Marcello , Storer Barry E. , Sahebi Firoozeh , Shizuru Judith A. , Bruno Benedetto , Lange Thoralf , Agura Edward D. , McSweeney Peter A. , Pulsipher Michael A. , Hari Parameswaran , Maziarz Richard T. , Chauncey Thomas R. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Sorror Mohamed L. , Bensinger William , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Storb Rainer F. , Maloney David G. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAutologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) followed by nonmyeloablative allogeneic HCT (auto/alloHCT) provides cytoreduction and graft-versus-myeloma effects. We report on long-term outcomes of 102 patients with multiple myeloma who received auto/alloHCT with a median follow-up of 6.3 years. Treatment consisted of high-dose melphalan and autograft followed by 2-Gy total body irradiation, with or without fludarabine, and alloHCT from human leukocyte antigen-identical siblings. Postgrafting immunosuppressive agent was cyclosporine or tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Forty-two percent of patients developed grade 2 to 4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and 74% extensive chronic GVHD. Five-year nonrelapse mortality after allografting was 18%, 95% related to GVHD or infections. Among 95 patients with detectable disease, 59 achieved complete remissions. Median time to progression was 5 years. Median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3 years. Five-year OS and PFS were 64% and 36%, respectively. Seventy-three patients receiving autoHCT within 10 months from treatment initiation had 5-year OS of 69% and PFS of 37%. In multivariate analysis, β-2-microglobulin of more than 3.5 μg/mL at diagnosis and auto/alloHCT more than 10 months after treatment initiation correlated with shorter OS (P = .03 and P = .02) and PFS (P = .04 and P = .03), whereas Karnofsky scores less than 90% at allotransplantation correlated with shorter PFS only (P = .005). Long-term disease control and GVHD remain key issues.
B-cell count and survival: differentiating chronic lymphocytic leukemia from monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis based on clinical outcome
Authors: Shanafelt Tait D. , Kay Neil E. , Jenkins Greg , Call Timothy G. , Zent Clive S. , Jelinek Diane F. , Morice William G. , Boysen Justin , Zakko Liam , Schwager Susan , Slager Susan L. , Hanson Curtis A. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in asymptomatic patients has historically been based on documenting a characteristic lymphocyte clone and the presence of lymphocytosis. There are minimal data regarding which lymphocyte parameter (absolute lymphocyte count [ALC] or B-cell count) and what threshold should be used for diagnosis. We analyzed the relationship of ALC and B-cell count with clinical outcome in 459 patients with a clonal population of CLL phenotype to determine (1) whether the CLL diagnosis should be based on ALC or B-cell count, (2) what lymphocyte threshold should be used for diagnosis, and (3) whether any lymphocyte count has independent prognostic value after accounting for biologic/molecular prognostic markers. B-cell count and ALC had similar value for predicting treatment-free survival (TFS) and overall survival as continuous variables, but as binary factors, a B-cell threshold of 11 × 109/L best predicted survival. B-cell count remained an independent predictor of TFS after controlling for ZAP-70, IGHV, CD38, or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results (all P < .001). These analyses support basing the diagnosis of CLL on B-cell count and retaining the size of the B-cell count in the diagnostic criteria. Using clinically relevant criteria to distinguish between monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and CLL could minimize patient distress caused by labeling asymptomatic people at low risk for adverse clinical consequences as having CLL.
Long-term outcomes to fludarabine and rituximab in Waldenström macroglobulinemia
Authors: Treon Steven P. , Branagan Andrew R. , Ioakimidis Leukothea , Soumerai Jacob D. , Patterson Christopher J. , Turnbull Barry , Wasi Parveen , Emmanouilides Christos , Frankel Stanley R. , Lister Andrew , Morel Pierre , Matous Jeffrey , Gregory Stephanie A. , Kimby Eva 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe report the long-term outcome of a multicenter, prospective study examining fludarabine and rituximab in Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). WM patients with less than 2 prior therapies were eligible. Intended therapy consisted of 6 cycles (25 mg/m2 per day for 5 days) of fludarabine and 8 infusions (375 mg/m2 per week) of rituximab. A total of 43 patients were enrolled. Responses were: complete response (n = 2), very good partial response (n = 14), partial response (n = 21), and minor response (n = 4), for overall and major response rates of 95.3% and 86.0%, respectively. Median time to progression for all patients was 51.2 months and was longer for untreated patients (P = .017) and those achieving at least a very good partial response (P = .049). Grade 3 or higher toxicities included neutropenia (n = 27), thrombocytopenia (n = 7), and pneumonia (n = 6), including 2 patients who died of non–Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. With a median follow-up of 40.3 months, we observed 3 cases of transformation to aggressive lymphoma and 3 cases of myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia. The results of this study demonstrate that fludarabine and rituximab are highly active in WM, although short- and long-term toxicities need to be carefully weighed against other available treatment options. This study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00020800.
Developmental regulation of MHC II expression and transport in human plasmacytoid-derived dendritic cells
Authors: Sadaka Charlotte , Marloie-Provost Marie-Annick , Soumelis Vassili , Benaroch Philippe 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPlasmacytoid predendritic cells (pDCs) play a key role in antiviral immunity through their capacity to produce large amounts of type I interferons in response to Toll-like receptor triggering, and to differentiate into dendritic cells (DCs). However, their antigen processing and presentation pathways remain poorly characterized. In this study, we analyzed major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) synthesis and transport in primary human pDCs. We show that stimulation of pDCs with influenza virus leads to a sustained neosynthesis of MHC II molecules, which rapidly accumulate in antigen loading compartments organized around the microtubule organization center. MHC II endocytosis as well as antigen internalization remain active during the entire process of pDC differentiation into DCs, suggesting a capacity to constantly renew surface peptide–MHC II complexes. Formation of the intracellular pool of MHC II in activated pDCs is nuclear factor-κB–dependent and associated with acquisition of a dendritic phenotype, but independent of the IRF7-type I interferon-dependent pathway, suggesting that innate and adaptive functions of pDCs are differentially regulated. Our data demonstrate that the regulation of MHC II expression and transport is drastically different in pDCs compared with conventional DCs, indicating distinct and potentially complementary immunoregulatory functions.
An intranasal selective antisense oligonucleotide impairs lung cyclooxygenase-2 production and improves inflammation, but worsens airway function, in house dust mite sensitive mice
Authors: Torres Rosa , Herrerias Aida , Serra-Pagès Mariona , Roca-Ferrer Jordi , Pujols Laura , Marco Alberto , Picado César , de Mora Fernando 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Despite its reported pro-inflammatory activity, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 has been proposed to play a protective role in asthma. Accordingly, COX-2 might be down-regulated in the airway cells of asthmatics. This, together with results of experiments to assess the impact of COX-2 blockade in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice in vivo, led us to propose a novel experimental approach using house dust mite (HDM)-sensitized mice in which we mimicked altered regulation of COX-2.

Methods
Allergic inflammation was induced in BALBc mice by intranasal exposure to HDM for 10 consecutive days. This model reproduces spontaneous exposure to aeroallergens by asthmatic patients. In order to impair, but not fully block, COX-2 production in the airways, some of the animals received an intranasal antisense oligonucleotide. Lung COX-2 expression and activity were measured along with bronchovascular inflammation, airway reactivity, and prostaglandin production.

Results
We observed impaired COX-2 mRNA and protein expression in the lung tissue of selective oligonucleotide-treated sensitized mice. This was accompanied by diminished production of mPGE synthase and PGE2 in the airways. In sensitized mice, the oligonucleotide induced increased airway hyperreactivity (AHR) to methacholine, but a substantially reduced bronchovascular inflammation. Finally, mRNA levels of hPGD synthase remained unchanged.

Conclusion
Intranasal antisense therapy against COX-2 in vivo mimicked the reported impairment of COX-2 regulation in the airway cells of asthmatic patients. This strategy revealed an unexpected novel dual effect: inflammation was improved but AHR worsened. This approach will provide insights into the differential regulation of inflammation and lung function in asthma, and will help identify pharmacological targets within the COX-2/PG system.
Traffic-related air pollution and respiratory symptoms among asthmatic children, resident in Mexico City: the EVA cohort study
Authors: Escamilla-Nuñez Maria-Consuelo , Barraza-Villarreal Albino , Hernandez-Cadena Leticia , Moreno-Macias Hortensia , Ramirez-Aguilar Matiana , Sienra-Monge Juan-Jose , Cortez-Lugo Marlene , Texcalac Jose-Luis , del Rio-Navarro Blanca , Romieu Isabelle 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackgroundTaffic-related air pollution has been related to adverse respiratory outcomes; however, there is still uncertainty concerning the type of vehicle emission causing most deleterious effects.MethodsA panel study was conducted among 147 asthmatic and 50 healthy children, who were followed up for an average of 22 weeks. Incidence density of coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulty was assessed by referring to daily records of symptoms and child's medication. The association between exposure to pollutants and occurrence of symptoms was evaluated using mixed-effect models with binary response and poisson regression.ResultsWheezing was found to relate significantly to air pollutants: an increase of 17.4 μg/m3(IQR) of PM2.5(24-h average) was associated with an 8.8% increase (95% CI: 2.4% to 15.5%); an increase of 34 ppb (IQR) of NO2(1-h maximum) was associated with an 9.1% increase (95% CI: 2.3% to16.4%) and an increase of 48 ppb (IQR) in O3levels (1 hr maximum) to an increase of 10% (95% CI: 3.2% to 17.3%). Diesel-fueled motor vehicles were significantly associated with wheezing and bronchodilator use (IRR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.62, and IRR = 1.32; 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.77, respectively, for an increase of 130 vehicles hourly, above the 24-hour average).ConclusionRespiratory symptoms in asthmatic children were significantly associated with exposure to traffic exhaust, especially from natural gas and diesel-fueled vehicles.
mtDNAmanager: a Web-based tool for the management and quality analysis of mitochondrial DNA control-region sequences
Authors: Lee Hwan Young , Song Injee , Ha Eunho , Cho Sung-Bae , Yang Woo Ick , Shin Kyoung-Jin 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
For the past few years, scientific controversy has surrounded the large number of errors in forensic and literature mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data. However, recent research has shown that using mtDNA phylogeny and referring to known mtDNA haplotypes can be useful for checking the quality of sequence data.

Results
We developed a Web-based bioinformatics resource "mtDNAmanager" that offers a convenient interface supporting the management and quality analysis of mtDNA sequence data. The mtDNAmanager performs computations on mtDNA control-region sequences to estimate the most-probable mtDNA haplogroups and retrieves similar sequences from a selected database. By the phased designation of the most-probable haplogroups (both expected and estimated haplogroups), mtDNAmanager enables users to systematically detect errors whilst allowing for confirmation of the presence of clear key diagnostic mutations and accompanying mutations. The query tools of mtDNAmanager also facilitate database screening with two options of "match" and "include the queried nucleotide polymorphism". In addition, mtDNAmanager provides Web interfaces for users to manage and analyse their own data in batch mode.

Conclusion
The mtDNAmanager will provide systematic routines for mtDNA sequence data management and analysis via easily accessible Web interfaces, and thus should be very useful for population, medical and forensic studies that employ mtDNA analysis. mtDNAmanager can be accessed at http://mtmanager.yonsei.ac.kr.