bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-Range Transport of Anthropogenically and Naturally Produced Particulate Matter in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic: Current State of Knowledge
Authors: Kallos George , Astitha Marina , Katsafados Petros , Spyrou Chris 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
During the past 20 years, organized experimental campaigns as well as continuous development and implementation of air-pollution modeling have led to significant gains in the understanding of the paths and scales of pollutant transport and transformation in the greater Mediterranean region (GMR). The work presented in this paper has two major objectives: 1) to summarize the existing knowledge on the transport paths of particulate matter (PM) in the GMR and 2) to illustrate some new findings related to the transport and transformation properties of PM in the GMR. Findings from previous studies indicate that anthropogenically produced air pollutants from European sources can be transported over long distances, reaching Africa, the Atlantic Ocean, and North America. The PM of natural origin, like Saharan dust, can be transported toward the Atlantic Ocean and North America mostly during the warm period of the year. Recent model simulations and studies in the area indicate that specific long-range transport patterns of aerosols, such as the transport from Asia and the Indian Ocean, central Africa, or America, have negligible or at best limited contribution to air-quality degradation in the GMR when compared with the other sources. Also, new findings from this work suggest that the imposed European Union limits on PM cannot be applicable for southern Europe unless the origin (natural or anthropogenic) of the PM is taken into account. The impacts of high PM levels in the GMR are not limited only to air quality, but also include serious implications for the water budget and the regional climate. These are issues that require extensive investigation because the processes involved are complex, and further model development is needed to include the relevant physicochemical processes properly.
Examining Photolysis Rates with a Prototype Online Photolysis Module in CMAQ
Authors: Binkowski Francis S. , Arunachalam Saravanan , Adelman Zachariah , Pinto Joseph P. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
A prototype online photolysis module has been developed for the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system. The module calculates actinic fluxes and photolysis rates (j values) at every vertical level in each of seven wavelength intervals from 291 to 850 nm, as well as the total surface irradiance and aerosol optical depth within each interval. The module incorporates updated opacity at each time step, based on changes in local ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and particle concentrations. The module is computationally efficient and requires less than 5% more central processing unit time than using the existing CMAQ “lookup” table method for calculating j values. The main focus of the work presented here is to describe the new online module as well as to highlight the differences between the effective cross sections from the lookup-table method currently being used and the updated effective cross sections from the new online approach. Comparisons of the vertical profiles for the photolysis rates for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) from the new online module with those using the effective cross sections from a standard CMAQ simulation show increases in the rates of both NO2 and O3 photolysis.
Multiview Cloud-Top Height and Wind Retrieval with Photogrammetric Methods: Application to Meteosat-8 HRV Observations
Authors: Seiz Gabriela , Tjemkes Stephen , Watts Philip 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
The European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) currently operates three geostationary satellites: Meteosat-5, Meteosat-7, and Meteosat-8. Observations by Meteosat-5 can be combined with observations from either Meteosat-7 or Meteosat-8 to allow geostationary stereo height retrievals within the overlap area over the Indian Ocean and east Africa. This paper aims to demonstrate the capabilities of the geostationary stereophotogrammetric cloud-top height retrieval—in particular, with the new high-resolution visible channel (HRV) of Meteosat-8. Conceived as a proof-of-concept study, the retrieval was limited to four distinct cloud areas in northeast Africa. The effects of the geolocation, spatial resolution, satellite position, and acquisition time on the cloud-top height accuracy were studied. It is demonstrated that the matching accuracy is sensitive to the acquisition-time difference and spatial resolution. As a result, there is only a marginal benefit from the good spatial resolution offered by the Meteosat-8 HRV channel because of the low spatial resolution of Meteosat-5 and the poor time synchronization between the observations of the two satellites. On the contrary, the good time synchronization between Meteosat-5 and Meteosat-7 observations offsets the errors in the height assignment resulting from the relatively coarse spatial resolution, if the geolocation accuracy is locally enhanced with additional landmarks from higher-resolution images. With the geolocation correction and the newly implemented time information in the Meteosat-5 and -7 header information, the stereo cloud-top height assignment for the Meteosat-5/-7 and Meteosat-5/-8 HRV combination resulted in about the same accuracy of approximately ±1 km. For the Meteosat-5/-8 HRV combination, the time differences of up to 7.5 min preclude higher accuracy. To validate the cloud-top heights, observations by the Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) were used.
The next stages in researching water fluoridation: Evaluation and surveillance
Authors: Downer Martin C , Blinkhorn Anthony S 
Published: August 2007

Objective (1) to provide a commentary on a conference held at the University of Manchester entitled Researching Water Fluoridation: Evaluation and Surveillance; (2) to synthesize from the proceedings of the meeting suggestions for future research and public health surveillance. Method The main points and problematic issues raised by the speakers were documented and, together with information from other sources, used to construct an operational framework for the next stages in developing fluoridation research/ surveillance. Results Critical areas were identified from the speakers' presentations and plenary discussions for which suggested ways forward were proposed. Important areas needing to be covered in future research/surveillance were then abstracted and tabulated. These included: participants, interventions, outcomes, sampling (sample frame and strategy), stratification, sample size, minimization of bias (blinding, examiner consistency), statistical methods, confounding variables, data requirements for ancillary analyses, and principal measurable adverse events. Conclusions Covering the full range of criteria for comprehensive evaluation and surveillance would involve a number of complex, logistically demanding and costly procedures, including dietary intake monitoring and medical/dental clinical investigations. These would call for positive consent and compliance of target populations. It is suggested that a piecemeal research strategy, involving pilot studies and a series of separate, though probably linked, projects would be the optimum approach. The extent to which all the identified research/surveillance requirements could be met would depend on the availability of the necessary financial resources.
Does certificate of need really contain hospital costs in the United States?
Authors: Rivers Patrick A , Fottler Myron D , Younis Mustafa Zeedan 
Published: August 2007

Objective This study examines the impact of certificate of need (CON) regulation on hospital costs. Design A modified structure—conduct—performance paradigm was applied to a national sample of US hospitals in order to investigate the impact of CON regulation on hospital costs. Methods Secondary data for 1957 US acute care hospitals in 301 standard metropolitan statistical areas (SMSAs) from the American Hospital Association's Annual Survey of Hospitals in 1991 were used. The dependent variable was hospital costs per adjusted admission in 1991. Predictor variables were the existence of a CON law in each hospital's state and the dollar limit (if any) required for CON approval. Control variables were environmental, market, and institutional characteristics. Associations between predictor and dependent variables were investigated using multiple regression analyses. Results The results indicate that CON laws had a positive, statistically significant relationship to hospital costs per adjusted admission. Conclusion These findings suggest not only that CON do not really contain hospital costs, but may actually increase them by reducing competition. Implications for public policy are discussed.
Icebreaker: The evaluation
Authors: Peerbhoy Denise , Bourke Cathriona 
Published: August 2007

Objective To document young people's and teachers' responses to Icebreaker, a Theatre in Education (TIE) performance exploring themes of sexual health and relationships, in relation to Healthy Arts' objectives. Design Data reported here were part of a wider evaluation of a government funded scheme. Setting Data was collected from nine schools across Liverpool (UK) for young people in year groups 8, 9 and 10. Method Observation of 14 performances measuring success against specific criteria. Distribution of Health Development Agency questionnaires and bespoke questionnaires to obtain feedback on the performance. Results The tour succeeded in engaging pupils, but did not always push reflection and learning around sexual and emotional health. This was due to time restrictions and other constraints of partnership working. Conclusion The TIE performance presented a viable way for young people to explore sensitive issues, yet partnership working requires strengthening in order to maximize project impact. Evaluation was seen as significant in informing future practice.
An evaluation of a community health intervention programme aimed at improving health and wellbeing
Authors: Strachan G. , Wright G.D. , Hancock E. 
Published: August 2007

Objective The objective of this evaluation was to examine the extent to which participants in the Tailor Made Leisure Package programme experienced any improvement in their health and wellbeing. Design A quantitative survey. Setting The Healthy Living Centre initiative is an example of a community-based intervention which was formalized as part of the British government's health policy. The purpose of this initiative is to reduce inequalities in health and promote good health and wellbeing. The programme was offered by a Healthy Living Centre located in Scotland. Method The benefits of the initiative were investigated through the use of a postal questionnaire which was used to examine the perceived benefits of the Tailor Made Leisure Package programme. This was distributed to a total of 177 people who had applied to take part in the programme during the period February 2004 to February 2005. Results Of the 177 people surveyed 90 returned completed questionnaires giving a response rate of 51 per cent. Of these, 70 people started the programme. Those who started the programme took part in a variety of activities including the gym, GP Referral programme and complementary therapies. The reported benefits were that individuals felt fitter and healthier, they were taking part in additional leisure activities and that they were socializing more frequently. Those participants who had complementary therapy reported a relief of symptoms associated with their particular health condition. All of these benefits are important in the process of improving health and wellbeing. The 20 individuals who did not start their programme reported that personal circumstances, health reasons, transport problems, financial difficulties and the activities/programme being inappropriate were the main reasons for not starting the programme. Conclusion The results of the evaluation suggest that an initiative such as this is worthwhile in promoting positive health and wellbeing.
Review: Bone status in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lilleby V. 
Published: August 2007

Osteoporosis is a well-recognized major health problem in adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Children and adolescents with SLE, however are at even higher risk of developing osteoporosis later in life, since they develop the disease before achieving peak bone mass, which serves as a `bone bank' for the rest of life. There is still a paucity of studies on bone mass in pediatric SLE, but those studies available provide evidence of reduced bone mass in this age group. A frequency of osteopenia of 40% measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at one or more skeletal sites has been reported, and the lumbar spine is most seriously affected. Peak bone mass seems to be lower in childhood-onset SLE patients compared to healthy controls, and there are no signs of catch-up of bone mass in young adult patients with a history of pediatric SLE. Glucocorticoid therapy has been found to have a major negative effect on bone mass in these patients, thus the importance of keeping corticosteroid doses down to the lowest possible dose whenever possible. Interestingly, studies of oral alendronate therapy in children with rheumatic childhood diseases have shown promising results with increases of 15—33% during one year of treatment with no major side effects reported. Finally, there is a hope that new biologic therapies, which are more specific and steroid-sparing, will also have a beneficial effect on bone health in SLE in the future. Lupus (2007) 16, 580—586.
Review: The Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization (PRINTO)
Authors: Ruperto N. , Bazso A. , Ravelli A. , Malattia C. , Filocamo G. , Pistorio A. , Rodriguez Lozano A.L. , Viola S. , Martini A. 
Published: August 2007

In this review we describe an international project, conducted by the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization (PRINTO) that was aimed to identify, validate and promulgate core sets of measures and a definition of improvement for the evaluation of response to therapy in clinical trials and in daily clinical practice in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE). The following clinical measures were included in the PRINTO core set of outcome measure for the evaluation of response to therapy: 1) physician's global assessment of disease activity; 2) global disease activity measure; 3) 24-hour proteinuria; 4) parent's global assessment of the overall patient's well-being; 5) health-related quality of life assessment. The measures included in the core set were found to be feasible and not redundant, to have good construct validity, discriminative ability, internal consistency, with fair responsiveness to clinically important change in disease activity, and to be associated strongly with treatment outcome. In order to be classified as responder to a given treatment, a patient should demonstrate at least 50% improvement from baseline in any two of the five core set measures with no more than one of the remaining worsening by more than 30%. This definition is now known as the `PRINTO/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) provisional criteria for JSLE'. The proposed core set and definition of improvement incorporate clinically meaningful change in a composite endpoint for the evaluation of global response to therapy in JSLE. The definition is now proposed for use in JSLE clinical trials, and may help physicians to decide if a child with SLE has responded adequately to therapy. Lupus (2007) 16, 670—676.
Review Series: Lung function made easy: Assessing lung size
Authors: Clayton N. 
Published: August 2007

Spirometry is available in most GP surgeries and provides an invaluable tool for assessing respiratory function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Spirometry alone may not provide the clinician with an accurate assessment of lung disease as it misses two important measurements of lung volume. By measuring Residual Volume (RV) and Total Lung Capacity (TLC) it is possible to determine true restrictive or hyperinflated disease processes. Helium dilution, body plethysmography and nitrogen washout are three different methods which may be used to measure lung volume. These tests are normally only provided in the acute setting. Comparing values of RV and TLC to predicted values makes it possible to grade the severity of disease far more accurately than spirometry. Four case studies of asthma, obesity, COPD and pulmonary fibrosis clearly demonstrate anomalies that may arise when interpreting lung disease from spirometry compared to the interpretation made with additional lung volume data. Chronic Respiratory Disease 2007; 4: 151—157
Evidence for MPL W515L/K mutations in hematopoietic stem cells in primitive myelofibrosis
Authors: Chaligné Ronan , James Chloé , Tonetti Carole , Besancenot Rodolphe , Le Couédic Jean Pierre , Fava Fanny , Mazurier Fréderic , Godin Isabelle , Maloum Karim , Larbret Frédéric , Lécluse Yann , Vainchenker William , Giraudier Stéphane 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe MPL (W515L and W515K) mutations have been detected in granulocytes of patients suffering from certain types of primitive myelofibrosis (PMF). It is still unknown whether this molecular event is also present in lymphoid cells and therefore potentially at the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) level. Toward this goal, we conducted MPL genotyping of mature myeloid and lymphoid cells and of lymphoid/myeloid progenitors isolated from PMF patients carrying the W515 mutations. We detected both MPL mutations in granulocytes, monocytes, and platelets as well as natural killer (NK) cells but not in T cells. B/NK/myeloid and/or NK/myeloid CD34+CD38−-derived clones were found to carry the mutations. Long-term reconstitution of MPL W515 CD34+ cells in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice was successful for as long as 12 weeks after transplantation, indicating that MPL W515 mutations were present in HSCs. Moreover, the 2 MPL mutations induced a spontaneous megakaryocytic growth in culture with an overall normal response to thrombopoietin (TPO). In contrast, erythroid progenitors remained EPO dependent. These results demonstrate that in PMF, the MPL W515L or K mutation induces a spontaneous megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation and occurs in a multipotent HSCs.
The PRKAR1A gene is fused to RARA in a new variant acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Catalano Alberto , Dawson Mark A. , Somana Karthiga , Opat Stephen , Schwarer Anthony , Campbell Lynda J. , Iland Harry 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
We report the molecular and cytogenetic characterization of a novel variant of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The bone marrow showed 88% hypergranular promyelocytes, and the karyotype was 47,XY,+22 [5]/46,XY[30]. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) indicated disruption and deletion of the 5′-end of the RARA gene. Treatment with all-trans retinoic acid, idarubicin, and arsenic trioxide induced cytogenetic complete remission without morphologic evidence of residual leukemia. The diagnostic marrow was negative for PML-RARA transcripts by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), but an atypical product was observed. Sequencing showed partial homology to the PRKAR1A gene, encoding the regulatory subunit type I-α of cyclic adenosine monophosphate–dependent protein kinase. RT-PCR using specific primers for PRKAR1A and RARA amplified 2 transcript splice variants of a PRKAR1A-RARA fusion gene, and PRKAR1A and RARA FISH probes confirmed the fusion. This novel PRKAR1A-RARA gene rearrangement is the fifth variant APL in which the RARA partner gene has been identified and the second known rearrangement of PRKAR1A in a malignant disease. This trial was registered at www.actr.org.au with the Australian Clinical Trials Registry as number 12605000070639.
JAK2 V617F mutational status predicts progression to large splenomegaly and leukemic transformation in primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Barosi Giovanni , Bergamaschi Gaetano , Marchetti Monia , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Guglielmelli Paola , Antonioli Elisabetta , Massa Margherita , Rosti Vittorio , Campanelli Rita , Villani Laura , Viarengo Gianluca , Gattoni Elisabetta , Gerli Giancarla , Specchia Giorgina , Tinelli Carmine , Rambaldi Alessandro , Barbui Tiziano 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
Few investigators have evaluated the usefulness of the JAK2 V617F mutation for explaining the phenotypic variations and for predicting the risk of major clinical events in primary myelofibrosis (PMF). In a transversal survey we assayed by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the JAK2 V617F mutational status in 304 patients with PMF. Multiple DNA samples were collected prospectively from 64 patients, and a highly sensitive quantitative PCR was used as a confirmatory test. In a longitudinal prospective study we determined the progression rate to clinically relevant outcomes in 174 patients who had JAK2 mutation determined at diagnosis. JAK2 V617F was identified in 63.4% of patients. None of the V617F-negative patients who were sequentially genotyped progressed to become V617F positive, whereas progression rate from heterozygous to homozygous mutation was 10 per 100 patient-years. JAK2 V617F mutation contributed to hemoglobin, aquagenic pruritus, and platelet count variability, whereas homozygous mutation was independently associated with higher white blood cell count, larger spleen size, and greater need for cytoreductive therapies. Adjusting for conventional risk factors, V617F mutation independently predicted the evolution toward large splenomegaly, need of splenectomy, and leukemic transformation. We conclude that JAK2 V617F genotype should be considered in any future risk stratification of patients with PMF.
A highly conserved regulatory element controls hematopoietic expression of GATA-2in zebrafish
Authors: Yang Zhongan , Jiang Hong , Zhao Fang , Shankar Deepa B , Sakamoto Kathleen M , Zhang Michael Q , Lin Shuo 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
GATA-2 is a transcription factor required for hematopoietic stem cell survival as well as for neuronal development in vertebrates. It has been shown that specific expression of GATA-2 in blood progenitor cells requires distal cis-acting regulatory elements. Identification and characterization of these elements should help elucidating transcription regulatory mechanisms of GATA-2 expression in hematopoietic lineage.

Results
By pair-wise alignments of the zebrafish genomic sequences flanking GATA-2 to orthologous regions of fugu, mouse, rat and human genomes, we identified three highly conserved non-coding sequences in the genomic region flanking GATA-2, two upstream of GATA-2 and another downstream. Using both transposon and bacterial artificial chromosome mediated germline transgenic zebrafish analyses, one of the sequences was established as necessary and sufficient to direct hematopoietic GFP expression in a manner that recapitulates that of GATA-2. In addition, we demonstrated that this element has enhancer activity in mammalian myeloid leukemia cell lines, thus validating its functional conservation among vertebrate species. Further analysis of potential transcription factor binding sites suggested that integrity of the putative HOXA3 and LMO2 sites is required for regulating GATA-2/GFP hematopoietic expression.

Conclusion
Regulation of GATA-2 expression in hematopoietic cells is likely conserved among vertebrate animals. The integrated approach described here, drawing on embryological, transgenesis and computational methods, should be generally applicable to analyze tissue-specific gene regulation involving distal DNA cis-acting elements.