bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluoride Content in Table Salt Distributed in Mexico City, Mexico
Authors: Hernández‐Guerrero Juan Carlos , De La Fuente‐Hernández Javier , Jiménez‐Farfán María Dolores , Ledesma‐Montes Constantino , Castañeda‐Castaneira Enrique , Molina‐Frechero Nelly , Jacinto‐Alemán Luís Fernando , Juárez‐Lopez Lilia Adriana , Moreno‐Altamirano Alejandra 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze table salt available in Mexico City's market to identify the fluoride concentrations and to compare these with the Mexican regulations. Methods: We analyzed 44 different brands of table salt. All samples were purchased at random in different stores, supermarkets, and groceries from Mexico City's metropolitan area and analyzed in triplicate in three different laboratories (nine determinations per sample) with an Orion 720 A potentiometer and an Orion 9609 BN ion‐specific electrode. Results: Fluoride concentration in the samples varied from 0 ppm to 485 ppm. It was found that fluoride concentration varied widely among the analyzed brands. Also, we found that fluoride concentration in 92 percent of the analyzed samples did not match with that printed on the label. Only 6.8 percent of the analyzed samples contained fluoride concentrations that meet Mexican and WHO regulations. Conclusions: The broad variation in the analyzed samples suggests that Mexican Public Health authorities must implement more stringent regulation guidelines and procedures for controlling the distribution of salt and its fluoride concentration for human consumption.
Cell-penetrating peptides and proteins: new inhibitors of allergic airways diseaseThis review is an invited paper from 2007 ICRH Leadership in Science: a Forum for Trainees and New Investigators.
Authors: Kinyanjui Margaret W. , Fixman Elizabeth D. 
Published: March 2008

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) or protein transduction domains (PTDs) are peptides that have the ability to efficiently traverse cellular membranes, either alone or in association with molecular cargo. Several naturally occurring PTDs, including those from HIV TAT and Drosophila antennapedia, have this unique activity. Synthetic CPPs, such as polyarginine, also have the ability to enter cells and transport a variety of cargo. While the precise mechanism(s) of cellular entry for individual CPPs may vary, it is likely that uptake is mediated, at least in part, through endocytosis. Moreover, biological activity of cell-penetrating peptides and proteins has been clearly demonstrated in a number of in vitro and in vivo studies. Recently, cell-penetrating proteins targeting the Ras GTPase and the phospholipid kinase PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) have been shown to inhibit eosinophil trafficking and survival in vitro. These proteins, as well as CPPs targeting the STAT-6 transcription factor or the T-cell costimulatory molecule CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4), have also been tested in animal models of asthma. Data from several groups, including ours, indicate that these molecules inhibit airway eosinophilic inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and mucus production in experimental allergic airways disease. Thus, CPPs targeting these and other signaling molecules may also effectively inhibit allergic airways disease in humans.
Oral glucose tolerance test reduces arterial baroreflex sensitivity in older adults
Authors: Madden Kenneth M. , Tedder Gale , Lockhart Chris , Meneilly Graydon S. 
Published: March 2008

Although postprandial decreases in blood pressure are a common cause of syncope in the older adult population, the postprandial effects of the oral glucose tolerance test on blood pressure and the arterial baroreflex remain poorly characterized in older adults. Therefore, arterial blood pressure and the arterial baroreflex were studied in 19 healthy older adults (mean age 71.7 ± 1.1 years) who were given a standardized oral glucose load (75 g) or an isovolumetric sham drink during 2 separate sessions. All measures were taken for 120 min after treatment. Baroreflex function was assessed by using the spontaneous baroreflex method (baroreflex sensitivity, BRS). Subjects demonstrated a decrease in BRS after oral glucose that was not seen in the placebo session (two-way analysis of variance, p = 0.04). There was no significant change in systolic, mean, or diastolic blood pressure; together with a drop in BRS, this resulted in a significant tachycardia post glucose (two-way analysis of variance, p < 0.001). We conclude that healthy older adults can successfully maintain blood pressure during an oral glucose tolerance test despite a decrease in arterial BRS. Decreased BRS resulted in a tachycardic response to glucose.
Half-logistic time constant: a more reliable lusitropic index than monoexponential time constant regardless of temperature in canine left ventricle
Authors: Mizuno Ju , Matsubara Hiromi , Mohri Satoshi , Shimizu Juichiro , Suzuki Shunsuke , Mikane Takeshi , Araki Junichi , Hanaoka Kazuo , Akins Robert , Morita Shigeho 
Published: March 2008

Temperature changes influence cardiac diastolic function. The monoexponential time constant (tauE), which is a conventional lusitropic index of the rate of left ventricular (LV) pressure fall, increases with cooling and decreases with warming. We have proposed that a half-logistic time constant (tauL) is a better lusitropic index than tauE at normothermia. In the present study, we investigated whether tauL can remain a superior measure as temperature varies. The isovolumic relaxation LV pressure curves from the minimum of the first time derivative of LV pressure (dP/dtmin) to the LV end-diastolic pressure were analyzed at 30, 33, 36, 38, and 40 °C in excised, cross-circulated canine hearts. tauL and tauE were evaluated by curve-fitting using the least squares method and applying the half-logistic equation, P(t) = PA/[1 + exp(t/tauL)] + PB, and the monoexponential equation, P(t) = P0exp(–t/tauE) + P∞. Both tauL and tauE increased significantly with decreasing temperature and decreased with increasing temperature. The half-logistic correlation coefficient (r) values were significantly higher than the monoexponential r values at the 5 above-mentioned temperatures. This implies that the superiority of the goodness of the half-logistic fit is not temperature dependent. The half-logistic model characterizes the amplitude and time course of LV pressure fall more reliably than the monoexponential model. Hence, we concluded that tauL is a more useful lusitropic index regardless of temperature.
Effects of amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil on the anticonvulsant action of topiramate against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in micePresented in part at the 11th Congress of the European Federation of Neurological Societies, Brussels, Belgium, 25–28 August 2007.
Authors: Luszczki Jarogniew J. , Trojnar Michal K. , Trojnar Marcin P. , Kimber-Trojnar Zaneta , Szostakiewicz Beata , Zadrozniak Anna , Borowicz Kinga K. , Czuczwar Stanislaw J. 
Published: March 2008

To assess the effect of 3 calcium channel antagonists (amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil) on the anticonvulsant action of topiramate (a new generation antiepileptic drug) in the mouse maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model. Amlodipine (20 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant activity of topiramate in the MES test in mice, reducing its ED50 value from 54.83 to 33.10 mg/kg (p < 0.05). Similarly, diltiazem (5 and 10 mg/kg) markedly potentiated the antiseizure action of topiramate against MES, lowering its ED50 value from 54.83 to 32.48 mg/kg (p < 0.05) and 28.68 mg/kg (p < 0.01), respectively. In contrast, lower doses of amlodipine (5 and 10 mg/kg) and diltiazem (2.5 mg/kg) and all doses of verapamil (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) had no significant impact on the antiseizure action of topiramate. Pharmacokinetic verification of the interaction of topiramate with amlodipine and diltiazem revealed that neither amlodipine nor diltiazem affected total brain topiramate concentration in experimental animals, and thus, the observed interactions were concluded to be pharmacodynamic in nature. The favorable combinations of topiramate with amlodipine or diltiazem deserve more attention from a clinical viewpoint because the enhanced antiseizure action of topiramate was not associated with any pharmacokinetic changes in total brain topiramate concentration.
Density-dependent body condition and recruitment in a tropical ungulate
Authors: Gaidet N. , Gaillard J.-M. 
Published: March 2008

In tropical areas, annual rainfall and predation have been reported to drive population dynamics of most species of large herbivores studied so far, with little direct empirical evidence for density-dependent responses of life-history traits. We here investigated in a game ranch in Zimbabwe density-dependent responses of body condition and recruitment in an impala ( Aepyceros melampus (Lichtenstein, 1812)) population that underwent an experimental drastic reduction of density within 2 years under similar rainfall and predation pressure. Body condition of all sex and age classes was lower during the high-density year than during the low-density year, suggesting increased competition for restricted resources at high density. In addition, we observed a significant increase in population recruitment (from 0.47 to 0.80 juveniles/female) as population density declined. Our study provides a rare example of a direct density-dependent response of body condition at the individual level in a tropical ungulate species, and indicates that food resource variation controls population dynamics of impala under constant and moderate predation pressure as is commonly reported in temperate populations of large herbivores.
The Vertical Profile of Liquid and Ice Water Content in Midlatitude Mixed-Phase Altocumulus Clouds
Authors: Carey Lawrence D. , Niu Jianguo , Yang Ping , Kankiewicz J. Adam , Larson Vincent E. , Haar Thomas H. Vonder 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The microphysical properties of mixed-phase altocumulus clouds are investigated using in situ airborne measurements acquired during the ninth Cloud Layer Experiment (CLEX-9) over a midlatitude location. Approximately ⅔ of the sampled profiles are supercooled liquid–topped altocumulus clouds characterized by mixed-phase conditions. The coexistence of measurable liquid water droplets and ice crystals begins at or within tens of meters of cloud top and extends down to cloud base. Ice virga is found below cloud base. Peak liquid water contents occur at or near cloud top while peak ice water contents occur in the lower half of the cloud or in virga. The estimation of ice water content from particle size data requires that an assumption be made regarding the particle mass–dimensional relation, resulting in potential error on the order of tens of percent. The highest proportion of liquid is typically found in the coldest (top) part of the cloud profile. This feature of the microphysical structure for the midlatitude mixed-phase altocumulus clouds is similar to that reported for mixed-phase clouds over the Arctic region. The results obtained for limited cases of midlatitude mixed-phase clouds observed during CLEX-9 may have an implication for the study of mixed-phase cloud microphysics, satellite remote sensing applications, and the parameterization of mixed-phase cloud radiative properties in climate models.
Precipitation Recycling Variability and Ecoclimatological Stability—A Study Using NARR Data. Part II: North American Monsoon Region
Authors: Dominguez Francina , Kumar Praveen , Vivoni Enrique R. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
This work studies precipitation recycling as part of the dynamic North American monsoon system (NAMS) to understand how moisture and energy fluxes modulate recycling variability at the daily-to-intraseasonal time scale. A set of land–atmosphere variables derived from North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) data are used to represent the hydroclimatology of the monsoon. The recycling ratio is estimated using the Dynamic Recycling Model, which provides recycling estimates at the daily time scales. Multichannel singular spectrum analysis (M-SSA) is used to extract trends in the data while at the same time selecting only the variability common to all of the variables.
The 1985–2006 climatological analysis of NAMS precipitation recycling reveals a positive feedback mechanism between monsoon precipitation and subsequent increase in precipitation of recycled origin. Recycling ratios during the monsoon are consistently above 15% and can be as high as 25%. While monsoon precipitation and evapotranspiration are predominantly located in the seasonally dry tropical forests in the southwestern part of the domain, recycling is enhanced northeast of this region, indicating a relocation of soil moisture farther inland to drier regions in the northeast. The three years with the longest monsoons in the 22-yr period present an asynchronous pattern between precipitation and recycling ratio. The longest monsoons have a characteristic double peak in precipitation, with enhanced recycling ratios during the intermediate dry period. This indicates that, even when large-scale moisture advection decreases, evapotranspiration provides moisture to the overlying atmosphere, contributing to precipitation. Through the negative feedback present during long monsoons and by relocation of soil moisture, precipitation recycling brings favorable conditions for vegetation sustenance in the NAMS region.
Reduced Stability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation due to Wind Stress Feedback during Glacial Times
Authors: Arzel Olivier , England Matthew H. , Sijp Willem P. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
A previous study by Mikolajewicz suggested that the wind stress feedback stabilizes the Atlantic thermohaline circulation. This result was obtained under modern climate conditions, for which the presence of the massive continental ice sheets characteristic of glacial times is missing. Here a coupled ocean–atmosphere–sea ice model of intermediate complexity, set up in an idealized spherical sector geometry of the Atlantic basin, is used to show that, under glacial climate conditions, wind stress feedback actually reduces the stability of the meridional overturning circulation (MOC). The analysis reveals that the influence of the wind stress feedback on the glacial MOC response to an external source of freshwater applied at high northern latitudes is controlled by the following two distinct processes: 1) the interactions between the wind field and the sea ice export in the Northern Hemisphere (NH), and 2) the northward Ekman transport in the tropics and upward Ekman pumping in the core of the NH subpolar gyre. The former dominates the response of the coupled system; it delays the recovery of the MOC, and in some cases even stabilizes collapsed MOC states achieved during the hosing period. The latter plays a minor role and mitigates the impact of the former process by reducing the upper-ocean freshening in deep-water formation regions. Hence, the wind stress feedback delays the recovery of the glacial MOC, which is the opposite of what occurs under modern climate conditions. Close to the critical transition threshold beyond which the circulation collapses, the glacial MOC appears to be very sensitive to changes in surface wind stress forcing and exhibits, in the aftermath of the freshwater pulse, a nonlinear dependence upon the wind stress feedback magnitude: a complete and irreversible MOC shutdown occurs only for intermediate wind stress feedback magnitudes. This behavior results from the competitive effects of processes 1 and 2 on the midlatitude upper-ocean salinity during the shutdown phase of the MOC. The mechanisms presented here may be relevant to the large meltwater pulses that punctuated the last glacial period.
Worldwide Measurements of Atmospheric CO2 and Other Trace Gas Species Using Commercial Airlines
Authors: Machida T. , Matsueda H. , Sawa Y. , Nakagawa Y. , Hirotani K. , Kondo N. , Goto K. , Nakazawa T. , Ishikawa K. , Ogawa T. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
New automated observation systems for use in passenger aircraft to measure atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and other trace species have been developed and are described in this paper. The Continuous CO2 Measuring Equipment (CME) is composed mainly of a nondispersive infrared analyzer, a datalogger, and two calibration cylinders for in situ CO2 measurements. The Automatic Air Sampling Equipment (ASE), on the other hand, is designed for flask sampling; the instrument, connected to a metal bellows pump, is made up of a specially designed control board and can accommodate 12 flasks. The CME platform can be used to conduct high-frequency measurements of CO2 for obtaining a detailed spatial observation over a wide area, while ASE, despite the limited flight frequency, can provide useful distributions not only of CO2 but also various trace gas species, as well as their isotopic ratios. ASE and CME are installed on the racks in the forward cargo compartment of the aircraft and the air bypass intake is mounted on the air-conditioning duct upstream of the recirculation fan. Both sets of sampling equipment are automatically controlled through input of relevant flight parameters from the aircraft data system. Their deployment in a Boeing 747-400 aircraft was approved by the aviation regulatory agencies in the United States and Japan through issuance of the supplemental type certificate (STC), while the approval for installation of CME in a Boeing 777-200ER was also obtained via STC. First measurement results of CO2 variations obtained by CME and ASE deployed on Japan Airlines (JAL) aircraft are reported herein.
Tropical Cloud Heating Profiles: Analysis from KWAJEX
Authors: Schumacher Courtney , Ciesielski Paul E. , Zhang Minghua H. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Diabatic heating (or Q1) profiles associated with specific cloud types are produced by matching synoptic cloud observations with a sounding budget analysis during the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Kwajalein Experiment (KWAJEX), which took place in the Marshall Islands from late July through mid-September 1999. Fair-weather cumulus clouds produce up to 1 K day−1 of heating below 850 hPa and are associated with cooling throughout much of the rest of the troposphere. Cumulus congestus clouds produce heating on the order of 1 K day−1 up to 575 hPa and cooling in the mid- to upper troposphere. Cumulonimbus clouds produce heating through the depth of the troposphere, with a maximum of 3.7 K day−1 near 550 hPa. Cloud types indicating widespread rain (stratus or cumulus fractus of bad weather at low levels and nimbostratus at midlevels) have the largest and most elevated heating, with values &gt;10 K day−1 above 600 hPa. Other mid- and high-level cloud types are shown to be consistent with area-averaged rain rates and Q1 profiles. Profiles of the divergence and apparent moisture sink (or Q2) for convective clouds are also analyzed and are shown to be consistent with the physics of the heating profiles just described.
Mumps Associated with Coma or Exanthems
Authors: Balfour Henry H. , Hable Kathleen A. , Carlson Gary S. , Isenberg J. Nevin , Siem Robert A. 
Published: March 2008

Mumps should be included in the differential diagnosis of a comatose patient, particularly when mumps is prevalent in the community. Mumps encephalitis sometimes occurs with normal CSF cell count and protein content. Some exanthems associated with mumps may represent dual infections. That mumps virus alone may produce a rash is suggested by a report cited and by one patient in this series.
Clinical Review : Acute Bacterial Meningitis in Childhood
Authors: Murray J.D. , Fleming P.C. , Anglin C.S. , Steele J.C. , Fujiwara M.W. 
Published: March 2008

When acute purulent meningitis is treated as a medical emergency, the diagnosis made early and the correct medications started im mediately in the proper dosages and by the proper routes, the chances for recovery are excellent. For antibiotic therapy to be most effective, attention must also be directed to anticipating the many complicating hazards, and preventing them. Ampicillin is the antibiotic of first choice. For the child who is allergic to penicillin, chloramphenicol is recommended until the causative organism is identified. The concomitant administration of sulphonamides, streptomycin or other antibiotics is unnecessary and may be harm ful except in the neonatal period when it is recommended to commence therapy with ampicillin and gentamicin. This report outlines in detail the authors' program for the specific and supportive treatment of bacterial meningitis and the preven tion and management of its major complications. The 100 cases most recently treated at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, had a case fatality rate of 2.2 per cent.
Clinical Experiences with the Use of Cromolyn Sodium in Asthmatic Children
Authors: Leeks Harold I. , Kravis Lillian P. , Wood David W. 
Published: March 2008

An eight-week, double-blind placebo-con trolled crossover trial was conducted with 105 patients in a multicenter study, to determine the efficacy of cromolyn sodium in the preven tion and adjunctive management of bronchial asthma in children. Statistical analysis disclosed significant differences in favor of cromolyn, with the patients indicating decreased wheezing and related respiratory complaints, decreased frequency and severity of acute exacerbations, lessening in the need for adjunctive medica tions, decreased time lost from school or work, and ability on the part of both patient and physician to distinguish the active from placebo therapy. A second phase of the study involved a 19-to 33-month open trial conducted with 17 placebo-discriminating children in whom the double-blind investigation had indicated cromo lyn to be an effective agent in controlling their symptoms. All were chronically ill, consistently unresponsive to conventional therapeutic medi caments, and frequently in need of cortico steroid therapy. Six had a continuous, unremit ting steroid-dependent form of the disease; in the remaining 11, the asthma was episodic and remitting, and frequent steroids were required. Physician assessment indicated that 13 of the 17 children had a satisfactory response to cromo lyn. Eight patients who had been on intermittent steroid therapy were able to discontinue this completely, while three of the four who had been on continuous steroids were successfully switched to alternate-day therapy. Eight of the children had at least a 50 per cent improvement in school attendance. Ability to participate in full activity was seen in two-thirds of the responding children. There was a reduc tion in the need for concomitant medication, particularly bronchodilators and steroids, a less ening in the number of isolated asthmatic at tacks and bouts of wheezing, and an increased bodily vigor and sense of well-being. However, the drug did not appear to be a barrier to infection. Some of the factors that may play major roles in determining this drug's effectiveness include the site of the airway obstruction, the lumen size at that site, the reactivity of the bronchial tree, the strength of the stimulus applied to the air ways, the aerodynamics of aerosol administration, and patient cooperation.
Hemophilus Influenzae Pericarditis Associated with Meningitis
Authors: Farooki Zia Q. , Henry James G. , Green Edward W. 
Published: March 2008

An infant with Hemophilus influenzae meningitis and pericarditis was treated successfully with antibiotics and pericardiostomy. Review of the literature revealed 19 cases of Hemophilus in fluenzae pericarditis. Six cases were associated with meningitis. The importance of early diagnosis combined with surgical drainage of purulent pericarditis is stressed.