bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meristem aging is not responsible for age‐related changes in growth and abscisic acid levels in the Mediterranean shrub, Cistus clusii
Authors: Oñate M. , Munné‐Bosch S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTo obtain new insights into the mechanisms underlying aging in perennials, we measured abscisic acid levels, growth and other stress indicators in leaves of Cistus clusii Dunal plants of different ages grown under Mediterranean field conditions. Recently emerged leaves from 9‐year‐old plants were compared to those of 1‐year‐old plants (obtained from cuttings from 9‐year‐old plants) to evaluate the effects of meristem aging on plant aging. Rooting and successful establishment of the cuttings allowed us to compare the physiology of plants with old meristems, but of different size. Plants obtained from cuttings were rejuvenated, with new leaves displaying a higher leaf area and chlorophyll content, but smaller leaf mass per unit area ratios and endogenous abscisic acid levels than those of 9‐year‐old plants. A comparative study in 1‐, 4‐ and 9‐year‐old plants revealed that abscisic acid levels increase during the early stages of plant life (with increases of 90% between 1‐ and 4‐year‐old plants), but then remain constant at advanced developmental stages (between 4‐ and 9‐year‐old plants). Although leaf biomass was 53% smaller in 9‐year‐old compared to 4‐year‐old plants, the dry matter produced per shoot apical meristem was equivalent in both plant groups due to an increased number of leaves per shoot in the former. It is concluded that (i) C. clusii plants maintain the capacity to rejuvenate for several years; (ii) newly emerged leaves accumulate higher amounts of abscisic acid during early stages of plant life, but the levels of this phytohormone later remain constant; and (iii) although plant aging leads to the production of smaller leaves, the amount of biomass produced per shoot apical meristem remains constant at advanced developmental stages.
The UKPDS and its global impact
Authors: Genuth S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim  To review the world‐wide impact of the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) on diabetes health care since publication of the main study results in 1998.Methods  The major papers published by the UKPDS were reviewed, e‐mails and faxes were sent to diabetes associations in various regions of the world seeking information on trends in HbA1c over the past decade and similar information was obtained from a major USA laboratory.Results  The UKPDS extended to type 2 diabetes and brought to completion the case for linking the microvascular vascular complications of diabetes to control of blood glucose initially demonstrated by the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). This helped set the standard of care for diabetes to seek an HbA1c goal of at least < 7.0% with intensive glycemic treatment and formed a fundamental part of continuing medical education. This also helped stimulate new hypoglycemic drug development and the preferential use of metformin as first line therapy was supported by UKPDS results. In many areas of the world, including the United Kingdom and the USA, a national trend to lower HbA1c levels has been seen. Economic analyses have shown UKPDS intensive treatment to be cost‐effective at 6028 Ibs. per quality life year gained, imposing a reasonable burden on the British National health care budget.Conclusions  The UKPDS was a landmark study in the treatment of type 2 diabetes from the time of diagnosis that has influenced standards of care and treatment guidelines throughout the world.
Microvascular disease: what does the UKPDS tell us about diabetic retinopathy?
Authors: Kohner E. M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  The UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) was a randomised controlled clinical study which looked at the effect of improved blood glucose and blood pressure control on macro‐ and microvascular complications in Type 2 diabetes. Retinopathy was the commonest microvascular outcome and this paper looks at this complication.Methods  Newly diagnosed diabetic patients were randomised to intensive or conventional glycaemic control and a subset of hypertensive patients to tight or less tight blood pressure control. Patients were seen every 3 months in study clinics and retinopathy was assessed by adjudicated grading of triennial colour retinal photographs. Photocoagulation treatment, vitreous haemorrhage and cataract extraction were predefined UKPDS endpoints. Observational analyses of the data were used to examine the relationship of updated mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and mean blood pressure levels to retinopathy outcomes.Results  The UKPDS showed that both improved glucose control and improved blood pressure control reduced the risk of retinopathy, with a linear relationship between the log hazard ratio for retinopathy and both updated mean HbA1c and updated mean blood pressure. A 1% decrement in HbA1c equated to a 31% reduction in retinopathy and a 10 mmHg decrement in systolic blood pressure equated to an 11% reduction in photocoagulation or vitreous haemorrhage. Evidence of retinopathy at diagnosis, including the presence of microaneurysms only, increased significantly the risk of progression to photocoagulation.Conclusions  The UKPDS stands out as a landmark study in Type 2 diabetes, emphasising the crucial importance of controlling both blood glucose and blood pressure in order to minimise the risk of developing sight‐threatening retinopathy.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: CD52 Is Synthesized in Cumulus Cells and Secreted into the Cumulus Matrix During Ovulation
Authors: Hasegawa Akiko , Takenobu Takashi , Kasumi Hiroyuki , Komori Shinji , Koyama Koji 
Published: July 2008

Problem  Early studies have shown that an antibody to male reproductive tissue CD52 is a pathogenic factor of infertility. The molecule contains a unique carbohydrate antigen that induces antibodies interfering with sperm function. However, the characteristic properties of CD52 in female reproductive tissues are not known. We examined the expression and localization of CD52 in mature expanded cumulus masses.Method of study  Mouse cumulus oocyte complexes were collected from [C57B1/6; DBA/2] F1 female mice having a superovulation treatment. Human cumulus cells were obtained from infertile patients taking in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer treatment under informed consent. CD52 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were detected using RT‐PCR, quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemical methods.Results  CD52 mRNA was found both in the human and mouse cumulus cells. Mouse CD52 mRNA was detected in cumulus cells but not oocytes and significantly increased after ovulation. The expression of the molecule was also confirmed at the protein level. Immunostaining with anti CD52 peptide antibody revealed that CD52 is present in cumulus cells and the extracellular matrix.Conclusion  We first showed the expression of CD52 in human cumulus cells. CD52 has some functional roles around fertilization in females as well as in males.
Gallstone ileus: Surgical strategies and clinical outcome
Authors: MUTHUKUMARASAMY Girivasan , VENKATA Siva P , SHAIKH Irshad A , SOMANI Bhaskar K , RAVINDRAN Rajan 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE:  Gallstone ileus is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction affecting mainly the elderly. This study aimed to analyze the surgical treatments and outcome of the disease.METHODS:  We present a retrospective study of 13 patients diagnosed with gallstone ileus from January 2000 to December 2005 in our hospital and a review of the published literature.RESULTS:  Three men and 10 women participated in the study, with a mean age of 74.3 (range: 63–85). The mean duration of symptoms was 6 days (range 2–14). A pre operative diagnosis was made in 10 patients. The mean delay in diagnosis was 3.5 days (range 1–10). Ten patients had an enterolithotomy (E) and three patients had a one‐stage procedure comprising enterolithotomy, cholecystectomy and fistula repair (EC). There was no postoperative mortality in either group. The mean postoperative hospital stay for group E was 14 (range 6–31) days and for group EC was 19 (range: 5–28) days. Twelve patients were alive at the time of review. One patient from group E died of unrelated causes after three years. One patient in group E developed cholangitis but no surgical intervention was required on case note review over a mean postoperative period of 3.4 years.CONCLUSION:  E alone is best suited in all elderly gallstone ileus patients with significant comorbidities. A one‐stage procedure (EC) should be reserved for young, fit and low risk patients.
Isolation and characterization of nine microsatellite loci from the pike‐perch, Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: KOHLMANN KLAUS , KERSTEN PETRA 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn order to facilitate studies on the genetic structure of wild populations as well as to monitor genetic changes in cultured stocks, nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from pike‐perch (Sander lucioperca). Single loci allele numbers varied between two (loci MSL‐3 and MSL‐7) and six (loci MSL‐1 and MSL‐2), and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.36 (locus MSL‐2) to 1.00 (locus MSL‐9) in a test panel of 25 individuals. Only one pair of loci (MSL‐5 and MSL‐8) displayed significant linkage disequilibrium after sequential Bonferroni corrections. Hardy–Weinberg tests revealed significant excesses of heterozygotes at three loci (MSL‐1, MSL‐7, and MSL‐9).
An Approximation to the Effective Beam Weighting Function for Scanning Meteorological Radars with an Axisymmetric Antenna Pattern
Authors: Blahak Ulrich 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
To obtain statistically stable reflectivity measurements by meteorological radars, it is common practice to average over several consecutive pulses during which the antenna rotates at a certain angular velocity. Taking into account the antenna’s continuous motion, the measured reflectivity is determined by an effective beam weighting function, which is different from a single-pulse weighting function—a fact that is widely ignored in applications involving beam weighting. In this paper, the effective beam weighting function is investigated in detail.
The theoretical derivation shows that the effective weighting function is essentially a simple moving sum of single-beam weighting functions. Assuming a Gaussian shape of a single pulse, a simple and easy-to-use parameterization of the effective beam weighting function is arrived at, which depends only on the single beamwidth and the ratio of the single beamwidth to the rotational angular averaging interval. The derived relation is formulated in the “radar system” (i.e., the spherical coordinate system consisting of azimuth and elevation angles) that is often applied in practice. Formulas for the “beam system” (two orthogonal angles relative to the beam axis) are also presented.
The final parameterization should be applicable to almost all meteorological radars and might be used (i) in specialized radar data analyses (with ground-based or satellite radars) and (ii) for radar forward operators to calculate simulated radar parameters from the results of NWP models.
Tornado Detection Using a Neuro–Fuzzy System to Integrate Shear and Spectral Signatures
Authors: Wang Yadong , Yu Tian-You , Yeary Mark , Shapiro Alan , Nemati Shamim , Foster Michael , Andra David L. , Jain Michael 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Tornado vortices observed from Doppler radars are often associated with strong azimuthal shear and Doppler spectra that are wide and flattened. The current operational tornado detection algorithm (TDA) primarily searches for shear signatures that are larger than the predefined thresholds. In this work, a tornado detection procedure based on a fuzzy logic system is developed to integrate tornadic signatures in both the velocity and spectral domains. A novel feature of the system is that it is further enhanced by a neural network to refine the membership functions through a feedback training process. The hybrid approach herein, termed the neuro–fuzzy tornado detection algorithm (NFTDA), is initially verified using simulations and is subsequently tested on real data. The results demonstrate that NFTDA can detect tornadoes even when the shear signatures are degraded significantly so that they would create difficulties for typical vortex detection schemes. The performance of the NFTDA is assessed with level I time series data collected by the KOUN radar, a research Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) operated by the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), during two tornado outbreaks in central Oklahoma on 8 and 10 May 2003. In these cases, NFTDA and TDA provide good detections up to a range of 43 km. Moreover, NFTDA extends the detection range out to approximately 55 km, as the results indicate here, to detect a tornado of F0 magnitude on 10 May 2003.
The Van de Casteele Test Revisited: An Efficient Approach to Tide Gauge Error Characterization
Authors: Miguez Belen Martin , Testut Laurent , Wöppelmann Guy 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The classical question of metrology related to the quality of the tide gauge measurements has become more important this last decade or so as new technologies have emerged and tide gauge networks are modernized. The Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS) target of 1-cm accuracy in the individual sea level measurement is motivated by more demanding applications than the traditional hydrographic works and tide predictions, for instance, the monitoring of the long-term trends in sea level or the calibration of satellite radar altimeters. To examine and further assess the performance of modern tide gauge measurements, the Van de Casteele test is revisited. This test is based on a diagram plotting readings taken with a reference probe against the tide gauge readings over at least one tidal cycle. The application of the test to different sets of data at different locations in the world under different environmental conditions shows the test as a simple procedure that immediately gives a qualitative and quantitative illustration of the errors involved in the sea level measurement, capable of sensing the presence of a fault with whatever tide gauge technology is involved. It is recommended that such quality control tests are brought back into fashion and are conducted on a regular basis, in particular following the upgrading of the tide gauge stations.
Stratification Effects in a Bottom Ekman Layer
Authors: Taylor John R. , Sarkar Sutanu 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
A stratified bottom Ekman layer over a nonsloping, rough surface is studied using a three-dimensional unsteady large eddy simulation to examine the effects of an outer layer stratification on the boundary layer structure. When the flow field is initialized with a linear temperature profile, a three-layer structure develops with a mixed layer near the wall separated from a uniformly stratified outer layer by a pycnocline. With the free-stream velocity fixed, the wall stress increases slightly with the imposed stratification, but the primary role of stratification is to limit the boundary layer height. Ekman transport is generally confined to the mixed layer, which leads to larger cross-stream velocities and a larger surface veering angle when the flow is stratified. The rate of turning in the mixed layer is nearly independent of stratification, so that when stratification is large and the boundary layer thickness is reduced, the rate of veering in the pycnocline becomes very large. In the pycnocline, the mean shear is larger than observed in an unstratified boundary layer, which is explained using a buoyancy length scale, u*/N(z). This length scale leads to an explicit buoyancy-related modification to the log law for the mean velocity profile. A new method for deducing the wall stress based on observed mean velocity and density profiles is proposed and shows significant improvement compared to the standard profile method. A streamwise jet is observed near the center of the pycnocline, and the shear at the top of the jet leads to local shear instabilities and enhanced mixing in that region, despite the fact that the Richardson number formed using the mean density and shear profiles is larger than unity.
Viral hepatitis and HIV-associated tuberculosis: Risk factors and TB treatment outcomes in Thailand
Authors: Sirinak Chawin , Kittikraisak Wanitchaya , Pinjeesekikul Duangporn , Charusuntonsri Pricha , Luanloed Phinai , Srisuwanvilai La-ong , Nateniyom Sriprapa , Akksilp Somsak , Likanonsakul Sirirat , Sattayawuthipong Wanchai , Burapat Channawong , Varma Jay K 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background
The occurrence of tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and viral hepatitis infections in the same patient poses unique clinical and public health challenges, because medications to treat TB and HIV are hepatotoxic. We conducted an observational study to evaluate risk factors for HBsAg and/or anti-HCV reactivity and to assess differences in adverse events and TB treatment outcomes among HIV-infected TB patients.

Methods
Patients were evaluated at the beginning, during, and at the end of TB treatment. Blood samples were tested for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (BR), complete blood count, and CD4+ T lymphocyte cell count. TB treatment outcomes were assessed at the end of TB treatment according to international guidelines.

Results
Of 769 enrolled patients, 752 (98%) had serologic testing performed for viral hepatitis: 70 (9%) were reactive for HBsAg, 237 (31%) for anti-HCV, and 472 (63%) non-reactive for both markers. At the beginning of TB treatment, 18 (26%) patients with HBsAg reactivity had elevated liver function tests compared with 69 (15%) patients non-reactive to any viral marker (p = 0.02). At the end of TB treatment, 493 (64%) were successfully treated. Factors independently associated with HBsAg reactivity included being a man who had sex with men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–4.3) and having low TB knowledge (AOR, 1.8; CI, 1.0–3.0). Factors most strongly associated with anti-HCV reactivity were having injection drug use history (AOR, 12.8; CI, 7.0–23.2) and living in Bangkok (AOR, 15.8; CI, 9.4–26.5). The rate of clinical hepatitis and death during TB treatment was similar in patients HBsAg reactive, anti-HCV reactive, both HBsAg and anti-HCV reactive, and non-reactive to any viral marker.

Conclusion
Among HIV-infected TB patients living in Thailand, markers of viral hepatitis infection, particularly hepatitis C virus infection, were common and strongly associated with known behavioral risk factors. Viral hepatitis infection markers were not strongly associated with death or the development of clinical hepatitis during TB treatment.
Awareness of health effects of cooking smoke among women in the Gondar Region of Ethiopia: a pilot survey
Authors: Edelstein M , Pitchforth E , Asres G , Silverman M , Kulkarni N 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background
The burning of biomass fuels results in exposure to high levels of indoor air pollution, with consequent health effects. Possible interventions to reduce the exposure include changing cooking practices and introduction of smoke-free stoves supported by health education. Social, cultural and financial constraints are major challenges to implementation and success of interventions. The objective of this study is to determine awareness of women in Gondar, Ethiopia to the harmful health effects of cooking smoke and to assess their willingness to change cooking practices.

Methods
We used a single, administered questionnaire which included questions on household circumstances, general health, awareness of health impact of cooking smoke and willingness to change. We interviewed 15 women from each of rural, urban-traditional and middle class backgrounds.

Results
Eighty percent of rural women cooked indoors using biomass fuel with no ventilation. Rural women reported two to three times more respiratory disease in their children and in themselves compared to the other two groups. Although aware of the negative effect of smoke on their own health, only 20% of participants realised it caused problems in children, and 13% thought it was a cause for concern. Once aware of adverse effects, women were willing to change cooking practices but were unable to afford cleaner fuels or improved stoves.

Conclusion
Increasing the awareness of the health-effects of indoor biomass cooking smoke may be the first step in implementing a programme to reduce exposure.
Evidence against PALB2 involvement in Icelandic breast cancer susceptibility
Authors: Gunnarsson Haukur , Arason Adalgeir , Gillanders Elizabeth M , Agnarsson Bjarni A , Johannesdottir Gudrun , Johannsson Oskar Th , Barkardottir Rosa B 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Several mutations in the PALB2 gene (partner and localizer of BRCA2) have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, including a founder mutation, 1592delT, reported in Finnish breast cancer families. Although most often the risk is moderate, it doesn't exclude families with high-risk mutations to exist and such observations have been reported. To see if high-risk PALB2-mutations may be present in the geographically confined population of Iceland, linkage analysis was done on 111 individuals, thereof 61 breast cancer cases, from 9 high-risk non-BRCA1/BRCA2 breast cancer families, targeting the PALB2 region. Also, screening for the 1592delT founder mutation in the 9 high-risk families and in 638 unselected breast cancer cases was performed. The results indicate no linkage in any of the high-risk families and screening for the 1592delT mutation was negative in all samples. PALB2 appears not to be a significant factor in high-risk breast cancer families in Iceland and the 1592delT mutation is not seen to be associated with breast cancer in Iceland.
Unexpected limited chronic dissection of the ascending aorta
Authors: Venturini Andrea , Zoffoli Giampaolo , Mangino Domenico , Ascione Raimondo , Terrini Alberto , Asta Angiolino , Angelini Gianni , Polesel Elvio 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
We report a rare case of a limited chronic dissection of the ascending aorta that was accidentally discovered at operation performed for severe aortic stenosis and moderate to severe dilatation of the ascending aorta. Preoperative investigations such as transoesophageal echocardiography and cardiac catheterization missed the diagnosis of dissection. Intraoperative findings included a 3.5 cm eccentric bulge of the ascending aorta and a 5 mm circular shaped intimal tear comunicating with a limited hematoma or small dissection of the media layer. (The rarety of the report is that the chronic dissection is limited to a small area (approximatively 3.5 × 2.5 cm) of the ascending aorta).