bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic and Biochemical Evidence for an Oligomeric Structure of the Functional L Polymerase of the Prototypic Arenavirus Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus
Authors: Sánchez Ana B. , de la Torre Juan C. 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACT
The arenavirus L protein has the characteristic sequence motifs conserved among the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase L proteins of negative-strand (NS) RNA viruses. Studies based on the use of reverse-genetics approaches have provided direct experimental evidence of the key role played by the arenavirus L protein in viral-RNA synthesis. Sequence alignment shows six conserved domains among L proteins of NS RNA viruses. The proposed polymerase module of L is located within its domain III, which contains highly conserved amino acids within motifs designated A and C. We have examined the role of these conserved residues in the polymerase activity of the L protein of the prototypic arenavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), in vivo using a minigenome rescue assay. We show here that the presence of sequence SDD, a characteristic of motif C of segmented NS RNA viruses, as well as the presence of the highly conserved D residue within motif A of L proteins, is strictly required for the polymerase activity of the LCMV L protein. The strong dominant negative phenotype associated with many of the mutants examined and results from coimmunoprecipitation studies provided genetic and biochemical evidence, respectively, for the requirement of the L-L interaction for the polymerase activity of the LCMV L protein.
Diurnal Variations in Lake-Effect Precipitation near the Western Great Lakes
Authors: Kristovich David A. R. , Spinar Michael L. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Lake-effect snowstorms are important parts of the climate of the U.S. Upper Midwest, with significant economic and societal impacts on communities close to the Great Lakes. Some impacts, particularly those on air and ground transportation, depend critically on the time of day that lake-effect precipitation occurs. This study utilizes hourly precipitation data collected near Lakes Superior and Michigan to determine the diurnal behavior of lake-effect precipitation frequency. Precipitation data from approximately 200 lake-effect days during 1988–93, identified by a previous study based on visible satellite data, are examined. A distinct morning maximum and afternoon/evening minimum in lake-effect precipitation frequency was observed, with the largest variations at sites within the snowbelt regions. The relative importance of several factors known to influence lake-effect precipitation development was examined to gain insight into the physical mechanisms controlling the diurnal evolution of lake-effect precipitation.
Global Hydroclimatological Teleconnections Resulting from Tropical Deforestation
Authors: Avissar Roni , Werth David 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Past studies have indicated that deforestation of the Amazon basin would result in an important rainfall decrease in that region but that this process had no significant impact on the global temperature or precipitation and had only local implications. Here it is shown that deforestation of tropical regions significantly affects precipitation at mid- and high latitudes through hydrometeorological teleconnections. In particular, it is found that the deforestation of Amazonia and Central Africa severely reduces rainfall in the lower U.S. Midwest during the spring and summer seasons and in the upper U.S. Midwest during the winter and spring, respectively, when water is crucial for agricultural productivity in these regions. Deforestation of Southeast Asia affects China and the Balkan Peninsula most significantly. On the other hand, the elimination of any of these tropical forests considerably enhances summer rainfall in the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. The combined effect of deforestation of these three tropical regions causes a significant decrease in winter precipitation in California and seems to generate a cumulative enhancement of precipitation during the summer in the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.
Constraining Land Surface and Atmospheric Parameters of a Locally Coupled Model Using Observational Data
Authors: Liu Yuqiong , Gupta Hoshin V. , Sorooshian Soroosh , Bastidas Luis A. , Shuttleworth William J. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
In coupled land surface–atmosphere modeling, the possibility and benefits of constraining model parameters using observational data bear investigation. Using the locally coupled NCAR Single-column Community Climate Model (NCAR SCCM), this study demonstrates some feasible, effective approaches to constrain parameter estimates for coupled land–atmosphere models and explores the effects of including both land surface and atmospheric parameters and fluxes/variables in the parameter estimation process, as well as the value of conducting the process in a stepwise manner. The results indicate that the use of both land surface and atmospheric flux variables to construct error criteria can lead to better-constrained parameter sets. The model with “optimal” parameters generally performs better than when a priori parameters are used, especially when some atmospheric parameters are included in the parameter estimation process. The overall conclusion is that, to achieve balanced, reasonable model performance on all variables, it is desirable to optimize both land surface and atmospheric parameters and use both land surface and atmospheric fluxes/variables for error criteria in the optimization process. The results also show that, for a coupled land–atmosphere model, there are potential advantages to using a stepwise procedure in which the land surface parameters are first identified in offline mode, after which the atmospheric parameters are determined in coupled mode. This stepwise scheme appears to provide comparable solutions to a fully coupled approach, but with considerably reduced computational time. The trade-off in the ability of a model to satisfactorily simulate different processes simultaneously, as observed in most multicriteria studies, is most evident for sensible heat and precipitation in this study for the NCAR SCCM.
A Method for Evaluating the Accuracy of Quantitative Precipitation Estimates from a Hydrologic Modeling Perspective
Authors: Gourley Jonathan J. , Vieux Baxter E. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
A major goal in quantitative precipitation estimation and forecasting is the ability to provide accurate initial conditions for the purposes of hydrologic modeling. The accuracy of a streamflow prediction system is dependent upon how well the initial hydrometeorological states are characterized. A methodology is developed to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the skill of several different precipitation algorithms at the scale of application—a watershed. Thousands of hydrologic simulations are performed in an ensemble fashion, enabling an exploration of the model parameter space. Probabilistic statistics are then utilized to compare the relative skill of hydrologic simulations produced from the different precipitation inputs to the observed streamflow. The primary focus of this study is to demonstrate a methodology to evaluate precipitation algorithms that can be used to supplement traditional radar–rain gauge analyses. This approach is appropriate for the evaluation of precipitation estimates or forecasts that are intended to serve as inputs to hydrologic models.
A Recent Increase in Western U.S. Streamflow Variability and Persistence
Authors: Pagano Thomas , Garen David 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
April–September streamflow volume data from 141 unregulated basins in the western United States were analyzed for trends in year-to-year variability and persistence. Decadal time-scale changes in streamflow variability and lag-1-yr autocorrelation (persistence) were observed. The significance of the variability trends was tested using a jackknife procedure involving the random resampling of seasonal flows from the historical record. The 1930s–50s was a period of low variability and high persistence, the 1950s–70s was a period of low variability and antipersistence, and the period after 1980 was highly variable and highly persistent. In particular, regions from California and Nevada to southern Idaho, Utah, and Colorado have recently experienced an unprecedented sequence of consecutive wet years along with multiyear extreme droughts.
Evaluation of 10 Methods for Initializing a Land Surface Model
Authors: Rodell M. , Houser P. R. , Berg A. A. , Famiglietti J. S. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Improper initialization of numerical models can cause spurious trends in the output, inviting erroneous interpretations of the earth system processes that one wishes to study. In particular, soil moisture memory is considerable, so that accurate initialization of this variable in land surface models (LSMs) is critical. The most commonly employed method for initializing an LSM is to spin up by looping through a single year repeatedly until a predefined equilibrium is achieved. The downside to this technique, when applied to continental- to global-scale simulations, is that regional annual anomalies in the meteorological forcing accumulate as artificial anomalies in the land surface states, including soil moisture. Nine alternative approaches were tested and compared using the Mosaic LSM and 15 yr of global meteorological forcing. Results indicate that the most efficient way to initialize an LSM, if possible and given that multiple years of preceding forcing are not available, is to use climatological average states from the same model for the precise time of year of initialization. Three other approaches were also determined to be preferable to the single-year spinup method. In addition, low-resolution spinup scenarios were devised and tested, and based on the results, an effective yet computationally economical technique is proposed.
Operative Stabilization of Posterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Bottoni Craig R. , Franks Brett R. , Moore Josef H. , DeBerardino Thomas M. , Taylor Dean C. , Arciero Robert A. 
Published: May 2005

Background Symptomatic, traumatic posterior shoulder instability is often the result of a posteriorly directed blow to an adducted, internally rotated, and forward-flexed upper extremity. Operative repair has been shown to provide favorable results. Current arthroscopic techniques with suture anchors and the ability to plicate the capsule using a nonabsorbable suture may provide favorable outcomes with reduced morbidity. Purpose To evaluate the results of operative shoulder stabilization in patients with traumatic posterior shoulder instability. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods A consecutive series of patients who underwent arthroscopic or open posterior stabilization for traumatic posterior shoulder instability were evaluated using subjective assessments, physical examinations, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Rowe score, Simple Shoulder Test, and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index. Results Between May 1996 and February 2002, 31 shoulders (30 patients) underwent posterior stabilization (19 arthroscopically, 12 open). There were 29 men and 1 woman (mean age, 23 years). Preoperatively, all patients had a distinct traumatic cause for the instability. On physical examination, all patients had posterior apprehension and increased (2+, 3+) posterior load-shift testing. Preoperative radiographs and/or magnetic resonance imaging revealed posterior rim calcification or reverse Bankart lesions in 29 cases (94%). At arthroscopy, posterior labral injuries, reverse Bankart lesions, or humeral head defects were identified. Follow-up averaged 40 months, and the mean duration between injury and surgery was 21 months. The mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Rowe score, Simple Shoulder Test, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores, respectively, for the entire group were 89, 87, 11, and 346; for the open group, they were 81, 80, 10.5, and 594; for the arthroscopic group, they were 92, 92, 11.4, and 190. The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (P <. 03) and Rowe score (P <. 04) outcomes scores for the arthroscopic group were statistically better than those of the open group. Twenty-nine of 31 shoulders were rated as excellent or good. Conclusion In the case of traumatic posterior shoulder subluxation, posterior lesions of the labrum (“reverse Bankart”), articular edge, and capsule are observed. Surgical treatment addressing these lesions led to satisfactory results for both the open and arthroscopic treated groups. In this study, an arthroscopic technique utilizing suture anchor repair with capsular placation provided the most favorable outcomes.
Failure Mode of Suture Anchors as a Function of Insertion Depth
Authors: Bynum C. Kelly , Lee Steven , Mahar Andrew , Tasto James , Pedowitz Robert 
Published: May 2005

Background Surgeons can control not only the angle but also the depth of suture anchor placement during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, although the tendency may be to place suture anchors on the deep side to avoid damage from prominent anchor eyelets. However, little information is available regarding possible effects of suture anchor depth on construct failure mechanisms. Hypothesis Anchor depth affects the mode of suture failure with physiologically relevant cyclic loads. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Metallic screw-in suture anchors loaded with No. 2 braided polyester sutures were inserted into the bovine infra-spinatus footprint with the eyelet proud, standard, or deep. Sutures were hand tied to create a closed loop. Constructs were cyclically loaded from 10 to 90 N and, if still intact at 500 cycles, taken to ultimate failure (maximum load). Results When clinical failure was defined as greater than 3-mm construct elongation, anchors placed with the eyelet deep experienced statistically earlier clinical failure via cutting of the suture through the bone (P <. 02). However, anchors placed at this level did not experience catastrophic failure during cyclic loading. The standard and proud anchors experienced 3 mm of elongation at a greater number of cycles, but the suture material degraded at the anchor eyelet, and a majority of these constructs broke during cyclic physiologic loading. At failure testing, the deep anchors had a significantly increased failure load (164 N) compared to standard (133 N) (P <. 04) and proud (113 N) anchors (P <. 005). Conclusion Varying the depth of suture anchor insertion changes the mechanical properties and mode of failure of suture anchor constructs. Clinical Relevance Surgeons should be aware of the effects of suture anchor depth and abrasive eyelet wear on construct failure during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
Characteristics of Water Skiing-Related and Wakeboarding-Related Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments in the United States, 2001-2003
Authors: Hostetler Sarah Grim , Hostetler Todd L. , Smith Gary A. , Xiang Huiyun 
Published: May 2005

Background Water skiing and wakeboarding are popular sports with high potential for injury due to rapid boat acceleration, lack of protective gear, and waterway obstacles. However, trends in water skiing- and wakeboarding-related injuries in the United States have not been described using national data. Hypothesis The number of injuries, injury diagnoses, and body regions injured vary by sport. Study Design Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods Data regarding water skiing- and wakeboarding-related injuries presenting to 98 hospital emergency departments in the United States between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2003, were extracted from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. Data included demographics, injury diagnosis, and body region injured. Results Data were collected for 517 individuals with water skiing-related injuries and 95 individuals with wakeboarding-related injuries. These injuries represent an estimated 23 460 water skiing- and 4810 wakeboarding-related injuries treated in US emergency departments in 2001 to 2003. Head injuries represented the largest percentage of injuries for wakeboarders (28.8% of all injuries) and the smallest percentage for water skiers (4.3%) (P <. 01; relative risk [95% confidence interval], 6.73 [3.89-11.66]). Analysis of injury diagnosis was consistent as wakeboarders had significantly more traumatic brain injuries (12.5% of all injuries) than did water skiers (2.4%) (P <. 05; relative risk [95% confidence interval], 5.27 [2.21-12.60]). Strains or sprains were the leading injury diagnoses for water skiing (36.3% of all injuries), and the majority (55.7%) were to the lower extremity. Lacerations were the most common diagnoses for wakeboarders (31.1% of all injuries), and the majority (59.6%) were to the face. Conclusion The analyses of water skiing- and wakeboarding-related injuries treated in US emergency departments in 2001 to 2003 highlight the differences in injury patterns for these 2 sports. The substantial number of head and facial injuries among wakeboarders underscores the need for research on the potential role of helmets or other protective gear to reduce these common injuries.
Chronic Anterior Midtibial Stress Fractures in Athletes Treated with Reamed Intramedullary Nailing
Authors: Varner Kevin E. , Younas Shiraz A. , Lintner David M. , Marymont John V. 
Published: May 2005

Background A chronic anterior midtibial stress fracture is a serious, difficult-to-treat injury that can adversely affect an athlete's career. Hypothesis The use of a reamed intramedullary nail for a chronic anterior tibial stress fracture is a safe and effective treatment for an athlete. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Seven collegiate-level athletes with 11 chronic anterior midtibial stress fractures were treated with reamed intramedullary nailing between 1997 and 2000. These patients were followed for a mean duration of 17 months. Results The mean age of the patients at the time of stress fracture diagnosis was 17 years. Seven of the fractures occurred in male athletes, whereas 4 occurred in female athletes. All patients had failed nonoperative treatment, including rest, activity modification, use of an orthosis, and low-intensity ultrasound stimulation, for a minimum of 4 months. Patients had experienced symptoms for a mean duration of 12 months. Clinical and radiological union occurred at a mean of 2.7 and 3 months, respectively. The mean duration for return to sports after surgery was 4 months. At last follow-up, all patients had full range of motion at the knee and ankle joints and were satisfied with the results. One patient developed bursitis at the tibial nail insertion site that was resolved with a steroid injection. Another patient sustained a traumatic fracture of the distal tibia 1 year after intramedullary nailing of the tibial stress fracture. This fracture healed with nonoperative treatment. No other complications were observed. Conclusion Intramedullary nailing of the tibia for chronic stress fracture has a high union rate, allows for a low complication rate, and allows for an early return to competitive sports. This procedure is an excellent alternative treatment for those fractures that have failed nonsurgical treatment.
Revision Surgery for Exertional Anterior Compartment Syndrome of the Lower Leg
Authors: Schepsis Anthony A. , Fitzgerald Mark , Nicoletta Robert 
Published: May 2005

Background Recurrent symptoms or failure after fasciotomy for exertional anterior compartment syndrome is not uncommon. Hypothesis Symptoms from high compartment pressures can be secondary to involvement of the entire compartment or to localized constrictions from postsurgical fibrosis, as well as to entrapment of the superficial peroneal nerve. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Eighteen patients who underwent revision surgery for exertional anterior compartment syndrome were available for follow-up. All were athletes who had either a failure or a recurrence of symptoms at a mean of 23.5 months (range, 8-54 months) after the index fasciotomy. Pressure measurements using a slit catheter at rest, at 1 minute postexercise, and at 5 minutes postexercise were performed in 2 places within the compartment: in the area of the previous incision and in the proximal muscle belly of the tibialis anterior. Surgical technique consisted of a 2-incision approach with partial fasciectomy, exploration and decompression of the superficial peroneal nerve, and excision of all fibrotic tissue. An objective examination and a comprehensive subjective questionnaire previously described were performed at a mean follow-up of 42 months (range, 22-67 months). Results Sixty percent of patients had abnormal pressures only in a localized area, whereas 40% had high pressures throughout the compartment. Eight of 18 (44%) patients had symptoms, signs, and surgical findings of entrapment of the superficial peroneal nerve. At follow-up, 72% of patients had a satisfactory outcome (5 excellent, 8 good), and 28% had an unsatisfactory outcome for intense running sports (4 fair, 1 poor), although 3 patients with the fair results reported improvement with low-level activity. All 8 patients with documented peroneal nerve entrapment had a satisfactory outcome. Conclusion Symptoms from high pressures can be secondary to involvement of the entire compartment or localized to a certain area from postsurgical fibrosis. Pressure measurements should be performed in at least 2 separate areas.
Effectiveness of a Neuromuscular and Proprioceptive Training Program in Preventing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female Athletes
Authors: Mandelbaum Bert R. , Silvers Holly J. , Watanabe Diane S. , Knarr John F. , Thomas Stephen D. , Griffin Letha Y. , Kirkendall Donald T. , Garrett William 
Published: May 2005

Background Among female athletes it has not been established whether a neuromuscular and proprioceptive sports-specific training program will consistently reduce the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Purpose To determine whether a neuromuscular and proprioceptive performance program was effective in decreasing the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury within a select population of competitive female youth soccer players. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods In 2000, 1041 female subjects from 52 teams received a sports-specific training intervention in a prospective non-randomized trial. The control group consisted of the remaining 1905 female soccer players from 95 teams participating in the same league who were age and skill matched. In the 2001 season, 844 female athletes from 45 teams were enrolled in the study, with 1913 female athletes (from 112 teams) serving as the age- and skill-matched controls. All subjects were female soccer players between the ages of 14 and 18 and participated in either their traditional warm-up or a sports-specific training intervention before athletic activity over a 2-year period. The intervention consisted of education, stretching, strengthening, plyometrics, and sports-specific agility drills designed to replace the traditional warm-up. Results During the 2000 season, there was an 88% decrease in anterior cruciate ligament injury in the enrolled subjects compared to the control group. In year 2, during the 2001 season, there was a 74% reduction in anterior cruciate ligament tears in the intervention group compared to the age- and skill-matched controls. Conclusion Using a neuromuscular training program may have a direct benefit in decreasing the number of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female soccer players.