bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differing Estimates of Observed Bangladesh Summer Rainfall
Authors: Cash Benjamin A. , Rodó Xavier , Kinter James L. , Fennessy Michael J. , Doty Brian 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The differences in boreal summer (June–August) monthly-mean rainfall estimates over the Indian Ocean region in five research-quality products are examined for the period 1979–2003. Two products derived from the merged satellite and surface observations are considered: the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) and the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP). In addition, three products derived solely from rain gauge observations are considered: the Chen et al. product; the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) product; and a new, objectively analyzed product based on the Climate Anomaly Monitoring System (CAMS) dataset.
Significant discrepancies have been found between the different products across the entire Indian Ocean region, with the greatest disagreement over Burma and neighboring Bangladesh. These differences appear to be primarily due to the absence of reported rain gauge data for Burma and differences in the algorithms used to merge the satellite microwave emission and scattering data in coastal regions. Representations of rainfall across much of the eastern Indian Ocean region would likely be improved by the identification and inclusion of reporting stations from Burma and a refinement of the techniques used for merging microwave data. The differences among the five products are sufficient to affect both quantitative and qualitative conclusions drawn about rainfall, particularly over Bangladesh and Burma. Consequently, the results of precipitation studies in this region will depend, in some cases, on the choice of the data product, including such basic questions as to whether a given summer was wet or dry. Of particular note is that the apparent relationship between rainfall and ENSO can depend on the choice of the data product.
Endogenous galectin-1 enforces class I–restricted TCR functional fate decisions in thymocytes
Authors: Liu Scot D. , Whiting Chan C. , Tomassian Tamar , Pang Mabel , Bissel Stephanie J. , Baum Linda G. , Mossine Valeri V. , Poirier Françoise , Huflejt Margaret E. , Miceli M. Carrie 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDuring thymocyte development, the T-cell receptor (TCR) can discriminate major histocompatibility complex (MHC)/peptide ligands over a narrow range of affinities and translate subtle differences into functional fate decisions. How small differences in TCR input are translated into absolute differences in functional output is unclear. We examined the effects of galectin-1 ablation in the context of class-I–restricted thymocyte development. Galectin-1 expression opposed TCR partial agonist-driven positive selection, but promoted TCR agonist-driven negative selection of conventional CD8+ T cells. Galectin-1 expression also promoted TCR agonist-driven CD8αα intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) development. Recombinant galectin-1 enhanced TCR binding to agonist/MHC complexes and promoted a negative-selection-signaling signature, reflected in intensified rapid and transient extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. In contrast, galectin-1 expression antagonized ERK activity in thymocytes undergoing positive selection. We propose that galectin-1 aids in discriminating TCR-directed fate decisions by promoting TCR binding to agonist/MHC complexes and enforcing agonist-driven signals, while opposing partial-agonist signals. In this way, galectin-1 widens the distinction between TCR-directed functional fate cues.
Correlates of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections among prison inmates and officers in Ghana: A national multicenter study
Authors: Adjei Andrew A , Armah Henry B , Gbagbo Foster , Ampofo William K , Boamah Isaac , Adu-Gyamfi Clement , Asare Isaac , Hesse Ian FA , Mensah George 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundPrisons are known to be high-risk environments for the spread of bloodborne and sexually transmitted infections. Prison officers are considered to have an intermittent exposure potential to bloodborne infectious diseases on the job, however there has been no studies on the prevalence of these infections in prison officers in Ghana.MethodsA national multicenter cross-sectional study was undertaken on correlates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis infections in sample of prison inmates and officers from eight of ten regional central prisons in Ghana. A total of 1366 inmates and 445 officers were enrolled between May 2004 and December 2005. Subjects completed personal risk-factor questionnaire and provided blood specimens for unlinked anonymous testing for presence of antibodies to HIV, HCV andTreponema pallidum; and surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg). These data were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate techniques.ResultsAlmost 18% (1336) of 7652 eligible inmates and 21% (445) of 2139 eligible officers in eight study prisons took part. Median ages of inmates and officers were 36.5 years (range 16–84) and 38.1 years (range 25–59), respectively. Among inmates, HIV seroprevalence was 5.9%, syphilis seroprevalence was 16.5%, and 25.5% had HBsAg. Among officers tested, HIV seroprevalence was 4.9%, HCV seroprevalence was 18.7%, syphilis seroprevalence was 7.9%, and 11.7% had HBsAg. Independent determinants for HIV, HBV and syphilis infections among inmates were age between 17–46, being unmarried, being illiterate, female gender, being incarcerated for longer than median time served of 36 months, history of homosexuality, history of intravenous drug use, history of sharing syringes and drug paraphernalia, history of participation in paid sexual activity, and history of sexually transmitted diseases. Independent determinants for HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections among officers were age between 25–46, fale gender, being unmarried, being employed in prison service for longer than median duration of employment of 10 years, and history of sexually transmitted diseases.ConclusionThe comparably higher prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in prison inmates and officers in Ghana suggests probable occupational related transmission. The implementation of infection control practices and risk reduction programs targeted at prison inmates and officers in Ghana is urgently required to address this substantial exposure risk.
A variant form of acute reversible cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Karavidas Apostolos , Arapi Sofia , Fotiadis John , Zacharoulis Achilleas , Matsakas Evagellos 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Stress cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or left ventricular apical ballooning, has been linked to emotional or physical stress resulting in transient left ventricular dysfunction. It typically affects the mid and apical left ventricular segments. At onset, it resembles acute myocardial infarction, due to the acute onset of chest pain and ST-T segment elevation. However, there is minimal biomarker elevation and a normal coronary artery angiogram.

Case presentation
We report a case of a woman with transient myocardial injury after a stressful event, presenting with a variation of the affected segments. In this case, only the basal and mid portions of the left ventricle were affected, while the apex was completely spared. Coronary angiography revealed no significant occlusion and left ventricular function had recovered completely by the third day of hospitalization.

Conclusion
We present a variant form of stress cardiomyopathy, affecting the basal and mid segments of the left ventricle.
Liver Receptor Homolog-1 Regulates Bile Acid Homeostasis but Is Not Essential for Feedback Regulation of Bile Acid Synthesis
Authors: Lee Youn-Kyoung , Schmidt Daniel R. , Cummins Carolyn L. , Choi Mihwa , Peng Li , Zhang Yuan , Goodwin Bryan , Hammer Robert E. , Mangelsdorf David J. , Kliewer Steven A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractLiver receptor homolog 1 (LRH-1), an orphan nuclear receptor, is highly expressed in liver and intestine, where it is implicated in the regulation of cholesterol, bile acid, and steroid hormone homeostasis. Among the proposed LRH-1 target genes in liver are those encoding cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8B1), which catalyze key steps in bile acid synthesis. In vitro studies suggest that LRH-1 may be involved both in stimulating basal CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 transcription and in repressing their expression as part of the nuclear bile acid receptor [farnesoid X receptor (FXR)]-small heterodimer partner signaling cascade, which culminates in small heterodimer partner binding to LRH-1 to repress gene transcription. However, in vivo analysis of LRH-1 actions has been hampered by the embryonic lethality of Lrh-1 knockout mice. To overcome this obstacle, mice were generated in which Lrh-1 was selectively disrupted in either hepatocytes or intestinal epithelium. LRH-1 deficiency in either tissue changed mRNA levels of genes involved in cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis. Surprisingly, LRH-1 deficiency in hepatocytes had no significant effect on basal Cyp7a1 expression or its repression by FXR. Whereas Cyp8b1 repression by FXR was also intact in mice deficient for LRH-1 in hepatocytes, basal CYP8B1 mRNA levels were significantly decreased, and there were corresponding changes in the composition of the bile acid pool. Taken together, these data reveal a broad role for LRH-1 in regulating bile acid homeostasis but demonstrate that LRH-1 is either not involved in the feedback regulation of bile acid synthesis or is compensated for by other factors.
Fungal endophytes associated with Kandelia candel (Rhizophoraceae) in Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong
Authors: Pang Ka-Lai , Vrijmoed Lilian L.P. , Khiang Goh Teik , Plaingam Narumol , Jones E.B. Gareth 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
We examined the endophytic fungi associated with the dominant mangrove plant, Kandelia candel, in Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong. Bark, woody tissue and leaves from four mature healthy trees were sampled for fungal endophytes in April and June, 2001. A total of 880 isolates was obtained, 595 from the June sampling. The highest number of fungal endophytes was cultured from bark (674 isolates) with only 63 from leaves. Three taxa of ascomycetes, 18 of anamorphic fungi and 29 mycelial morphotypes were identified. These results indicate a degree of tissue recurrence with similar endophytic fungal assemblages in bark and wood, and a different assemblage in the leaf samples. Dominant sporulating fungi of K. candel were Phomopsis sp., Pestalotiopsis sp., Guignardia sp. and Xylaria sp., which are cosmopolitan and common endophytic species.
Sponge-associated fungi and their bioactive compounds: the Suberites case
Authors: Proksch Peter , Ebel Rainer , Edrada RuAngelie , Riebe Frank , Liu Hongbing , Diesel Arnulf , Bayer Mirko , Li Xiang , Han Lin Wen , Grebenyuk Vladislav , Müller Werner E.G. , Draeger Siegfried , Zuccaro Alga , Schulz Barbara 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Specimens of Suberites domuncula that had been cultured in aquaria for 4 weeks were analyzed for their associated fungi. A total of 81 fungal strains belonging to 20 different genera was isolated and identified by morphological and molecular methods. The most frequently isolated taxa were Cladosporium spp., Penicillium spp., Petriella sp., Phialophora spp. and Engyodontium
album. Based on chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis of fungal extracts, as well as on bioassay results, Aspergillus ustus, Penicillium sp., Petriella sp. and Scopulariopsis sp. were selected for in-depth analysis of their natural products. A total of 19 different fungal metabolites, including three new natural products, was isolated and structurally identified. A. ustus yielded two sesquiterpenes, a drimane derivative and deoxyuvidin, as well as a sesterterpene ophiobolin H. The drimane derivative had an ED50 value against L5178Y cells of 1.9 μg ml-1
in vitro. The crude extract of Petriella sp. was also strongly cytotoxic against the L5178Y cell line. The cyclic tetrapeptide WF-3161 was primarily responsible for the activity; the ED50 value was <0.1 μg ml-1. It was identical to the known compound WF-3161 and had been previously isolated from Petriella guttulata. In addition to WF-3161, three further natural products were obtained and unequivocally identified as new derivatives of infectopyrone by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and by mass spectroscopy. Of the new compounds, only dihydroinfectopyrone was active against L5178Y cells; the ED50 value was 0.2 μg ml-1. Penicillium sp. yielded the largest number of metabolites. Viridicatin, viridicatol, cyclopenin and cyclopenol suppressed larval growth of the polyphagous pest insect Spodoptera littoralis when incorporated into an artificial diet at an arbitrarily chosen concentration of 237 ppm. Viridicatol was the most active compound and had an ED50 value of ca. 50 ppm. Scopulariopsis sp. yielded three metabolites, including the known acetylcholinesterase inhibitors quinolactacin A1 and A2.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Inhibition Preserves Hematopoietic Stem Cell Activity and Inhibits Leukemic Cell Growth
Authors: Holmes Tiffany , O'Brien Tracey A. , Knight Robert , Lindeman Robert , Shen Sylvie , Song Emma , Symonds Geoff , Dolnikov Alla 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Ex vivo expansion of cord blood cells generally results in reduced stem cell activity in vivo. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) regulates the degradation of β-catenin, a critical regulator of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here we show that GSK-3β inhibition activates β-catenin in cord blood CD34+ cells and upregulates β-catenin transcriptional targets c-myc and HoxB4, both known to regulate HSC self-renewal. GSK-3β inhibition resulted in delayed ex vivo expansion of CD34+ cells, yet enhanced the preservation of stem cell activity as tested in long-term culture with bone marrow stroma. Delayed cell cycling, reduced apoptosis, and increased adherence of hematopoietic progenitor cells to bone marrow stroma were observed in these long-term cultures treated with GSK-3β inhibitor. This improved adherence to stroma was mediated via upregulation of CXCR4. In addition, GSK-3β inhibition preserved severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) repopulating cells as tested in the nonobese diabetic/SCID mouse model. Our data suggest the involvement of GSK-3β inhibition in the preservation of HSC and their interaction with the bone marrow environment. Methods for the inhibition of GSK-3β may be developed for clinical ex vivo expansion of HSC for transplantation. In addition, GSK-3β inhibition suppressed leukemic cell growth via the induction of apoptosis mediated by the downregulation of survivin. Modulators of GSK-3β may increase the range of novel drugs that specifically kill leukemic cells while sparing normal stem cells.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
BAF250B-Associated SWI/SNF Chromatin-Remodeling Complex Is Required to Maintain Undifferentiated Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Yan Zhijiang , Wang Zhong , Sharova Lioudmila , Sharov Alexei A. , Ling Chen , Piao Yulan , Aiba Kazuhiro , Matoba Ryo , Wang Weidong , Ko Minoru S. H. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Whether SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes play roles in embryonic stem (ES) cells remains unknown. Here we show that SWI/SNF complexes are present in mouse ES cells, and their composition is dynamically regulated upon induction of ES cell differentiation. For example, the SWI/SNF purified from undifferentiated ES cells contains a high level of BAF155 and a low level of BAF170 (both of which are homologs of yeast SWI3 protein), whereas that from differentiated cells contains nearly equal amounts of both. Moreover, the levels of BAF250A and BAF250B decrease during the differentiation of ES cells, whereas that of BRM increases. The altered expression of SWI/SNF components hinted that these complexes could play roles in ES cell maintenance or differentiation. We therefore generated ES cells with biallelic inactivation of BAF250B and found that these cells display a reduced proliferation rate and an abnormal cell cycle. Importantly, these cells are deficient in the self-renewal capacity of undifferentiated ES cells and exhibit certain phenotypes of differentiated cells, including reduced expression of several pluripotency-related genes and increased expression of some differentiation-related genes. These data suggest that the BAF250B-associated SWI/SNF is essential for mouse ES cells to maintain their normal proliferation and pluripotency. The work presented here underscores the importance of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes in pluripotent stem cells.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
The effects of nocturnal dipping on cardiovascular outcomes and proteinuria in essential hypertensive patients
Authors: Selcoki Yusuf , Uz Burak , Baybek Nuket , Akcay Ali , Eryonucu Beyhan 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Individuals who do not have a 10% to 20% reduction in blood pressure (BP) during the night are known as ‘nondippers’. Non-dipping patterns in hypertensive patients have been shown to be associated with an excess of target organ damage and other adverse outcomes. The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between nocturnal BP pattern, defined on the basis of the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) recording, and cardiac and renal target organ damage in a population of at least one year treated essential hypertensive subjects. The present analysis involved 123 patients with treated essential hypertension attending the outpatient clinic of our centre. Each patient was subjected to the following procedures: blood sampling for routine blood chemistry, spot urine for proteinuria, 24-hour periods of ABPM, and echocardiography. In the ABPM period, a dipping pattern was observed in 65 of the 123 patients, and a non-dipping pattern in 58 patients. Body mass index was higher in the non-dippers (26 ± 4 versus 28 ± 4, p<0.05). The proteinuria in spot urine was significantly higher in the non-dippers (10 ± 6 versus 24 ± 48, p<0.03). Left ventricular mass, interventricular septum thickness, posterior wall thickness and left ventricular systolic diameter were significantly higher in the non-dippers compared to the dippers. Left ventricular diastolic function was similar in non-dipper cases, except E-wave deceleration time. In treated essential hypertensives the blunted or absent nocturnal fall in blood pressure can be a strong predictor of cardiac and renal events. Hypertensive patients should be evaluated by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. To prevent patients at risk for morbidity and mortality casualities as a result of hypertension, patients should be evaluated by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. This method can be utilized for exacting future follow-ups with the patient.
Cross-resistance and associated resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from nosocomial urinary tract infections between 2004–2006 in a Turkish Hospital
Authors: Ozyurt Mustafa , Oncul Oral , Ceylan Suleyman , Haznedaroglu Tuncer , Sahiner Fatih , Ardic Nurittin 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
In this study, antimicrobial resistance profiles were determined for 748 isolates of Escherichia coli from patients with acute nosocomial urinary tract infections (UTIs) at a Turkish Training Hospital. Thirteen antibiotics were included. Resistance to ampicillin alone (45.1%) and ciprofloxacin alone (20.6%) were the most commonly identified ‘single resistances’. Multiple resistance was found in 49.7% of the strains. The most common multiple antibiotic resistance profiles included ampicillin-sulbactam/amoxycilline-clavulonate (4.0%) and ampicillin-sulbactam/trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole/amoxycilline-clavulonate (2.8%). From 2004 to 2006, ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin resistant strains increased to 76% from 57%, 53% from 43% and 55% from 41%, respectively. The percentage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing strains was 7.8% and imipenem resistance was seen in 5.2% of ESBL positive strains. We conclude that clinically important E.coli strains have now emerged with broader multidrug resistance. Periodical evaluation of laboratory results and clinical surveillance are crucially important for optimal antibiotic management of UTIs and infection control policies.
The Effects of Elaboration and Rehearsal on Long-Term Retention of Shape Names by Kindergarteners
Authors: Gallimore Ronald , Lam David J. , Speidel Gisela E. , Tharp Roland G. 
Published: March 2008

Two promising instructional paradigms are elaboration and overt rehearsal. In a study with both theoretical and curriculum-development implications, these two instructional paradigms were compared for facilitation of kindergarteners’ retention of shape names. Elaboration refers to the association of two unconnected stimuli (a shape name and a common object) in a meaningful context (a familiar story). Induced overt rehearsal involves repetition of the shape names. A third condition, which held other elements of instruction constant, served as control. The results indicated that superior long-term retention was produced in the elaboration condition if the effects of initial acquisition (short-term retention) were statistically removed. A similar result was obtained for intermediate-term retention. Analysis of short-term data suggested acquisition was complexly affected by experimental condition, IQ, and task. In general, elaboration promoted better long-term retention even though some IQ groups learned more initially in the rehearsal condition.
Influencing Engagement Through Accommodation: An Ethnographic Study of At-Risk Students
Authors: Miller Sandra E. , Leinhardt Gaea , Zigmond Naomi 
Published: March 2008

This study used ethnographic methodology to explore the academic world of regular and learning disabled high school students to determine what aspects of that world might relate to potential dropout behavior. It was conducted in a high school that was discovered to have a lower dropout rate than anticipated in view of national or local trends. We describe the accommodating nature of this high school that may enhance the ability of students to become and remain academically engaged and hence accounts for the comparatively low dropout rate. This accommodation is described in terms of institutional, classroom, and interpersonal processes that reflect the school’s responsiveness to the needs of students as those needs are perceived by various institutional actors. The effect of these accommodation processes results in a modification of demands made of students and the provision of support for students to enhance their ability to meet those demands.
Generation of Summaries and Analogies and Analytic and Holistic Abilities
Authors: Wittrock M. C. , Alesandrini Kathryn 
Published: March 2008

This study investigates predictions from Wittrock’s model of generative teaching regarding the effects of reader generation of summaries and analogies upon the learning of a block of 50 paragraphs of text. In this study, 59 students were individually assigned at random to three treatments that were predicted and found to rank in the following high to low order on the reading test: (a) Generate Summaries (M = 29.8), (b) Generate Analogies (M = 27.2), and (c) Read Text ( M = 22.4). We also hypothesized and found that the generation of analogies or summaries during reading differentially stimulates learners’ analytic and holistic (i.e., imagery) abilities. In the Read Text treatment, only holistic ability correlated with learning the high imagery text. In the Generate Analogies treatment, only analytic ability correlated with learning the text. In the Generate Summaries treatment, both holistic and analytic ability correlated with learning.