bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AMSU-B Observations of Mixed-Phase Clouds over Land
Authors: Deeter M. N. , Vivekanandan J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractMeasurements from passive microwave satellite instruments such as the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit B (AMSU-B) are sensitive to both liquid and ice cloud particles. Radiative transfer modeling is exploited to simulate the response of the AMSU-B instrument to mixed-phase clouds over land. The plane-parallel radiative transfer model employed for the study accounts for scattering and absorption from cloud ice as well as absorption and emission from trace gases and cloud liquid. The radiative effects of mixed-phase clouds on AMSU-B window channels (i.e., 89 and 150 GHz) and water vapor line channels (i.e., 183 ± 1, 3, and 7 GHz) are studied. Sensitivities to noncloud parameters, including surface temperature, surface emissivity, and atmospheric temperature and water vapor profiles, are also quantified. Modeling results indicate that both cloud phases generally have significant radiative effects and that the 150- and 183 ± 7-GHz channels are typically the most sensitive channels to integrated cloud properties (i.e., liquid water path and ice water path). However, results also indicate that AMSU-B measurements alone are probably insufficient for retrieving all mixed-phase cloud properties of interest. These results are supported by comparisons of AMSU-B observations of a mixed-phase cloud over the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program’s Southern Great Plains (SGP) site with corresponding calculated clear-sky values.
Temporal Structure of the Solar Radiation Field in Cloudy Conditions: Are Retrievals of Hourly Averages from Space Possible?
Authors: Nunez Manuel , Fienberg Kurt , Kuchinke Christopher 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The authors examine the temporal variability of measured 415- and 611.7-nm spectral solar irradiance in cloudy stratocumulus conditions. This is accomplished by normalizing measured data by the equivalent irradiance for cloudless conditions and the same solar zenith angle. Spectral and other analyses of the time series exhibit fractal behavior in agreement with the multifractal model of Schertzer and Lovejoy. A three-dimensional cloud model with dimensions of 6 km × 38 km is constructed that has these fractal properties, and a Monte Carlo radiative code is applied to obtain irradiances in 50-m grid elements at the surface. Model output is used to test the ability of satellites to calculate hourly irradiance with one, two, three, four, five, and six observations per hour. Root-mean-square errors are substantial—between 17% and 43% for one single satellite observation per hour. The smallest errors of around 5% are obtained with six scans per hour. These results argue that a higher frequency of satellite observations is needed to estimate hourly surface solar irradiances with acceptable accuracy.
Evaluation of GPS Precipitable Water over Canada and the IGS Network
Authors: Deblonde Godelieve , Macpherson Stephen , Mireault Yves , Héroux Pierre 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Precipitable water (PW) derived from the GPS zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) is evaluated (as a first step toward variational data assimilation) through comparison with that of collocated radiosondes (RS_PW), operational analyses, and 6-h forecasts (from the Canadian Global Environmental Multiscale model) of the Canadian Meteorological Centre. Two sources of ZTD data are considered: 1) final ZTD (over Canada), computed by the Geodetic Survey Division (GSD) of Natural Resources Canada, and 2) final ZTD (distributed globally), obtained from the International GPS Service (IGS). The mean GSD GPS–derived PW (GPS_PW) is 14.9 mm (reflecting the relatively cold Canadian climate), whereas that of the IGS dataset is 20.8 mm. Intercomparison statistics [correlation, standard deviation (SD), and bias] between GPS_PW and RS_PW are, respectively, 0.97, 2.04 mm, and 1.35 mm for the GSD data and 0.98, 2.6 mm, and 0.67 mm for the IGS data. Comparisons of GPS_PW with 6-h forecast PW (TRIAL_PW) show slightly lower correlations and a higher SD. The increase in SD is greater for the IGS data, which is not surprising, because in regions such as the Tropics and subtropics, moisture forecasts are of a lower quality and the RS observation network is sparse. From a three-way intercomparison (IGS GPS_PW, RS_PW, and TRIAL_PW) of the SD statistics, it is found that GPS_PW has the lowest estimated PW error (≈1 mm) for PW in the 5–30-mm range. For PW greater than 30 mm, the RS_PW estimated error is ≈2 mm, and that of GPS_PW is ≈2.5 mm. The TRIAL_PW estimated error increases with PW, reaching 5.5 mm in the 40–55-mm PW range. These intercomparison results indicate that GPS_PW should be a useful source of humidity information for NWP applications.
Buoyancy of Convective Vertical Motions in the Inner Core of Intense Hurricanes. Part I: General Statistics
Authors: Eastin Matthew D. , Gray William M. , Black Peter G. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The buoyancy of hurricane convective vertical motions is studied using aircraft data from 175 radial legs collected in 14 intense hurricanes at four altitudes ranging from 1.5 to 5.5 km. The data of each leg are initially filtered to separate convective-scale features from background mesoscale structure. Convective vertical motion events, called cores, are identified using the criteria that the convective-scale vertical velocity must exceed 1.0 m s−1 for at least 0.5 km. A total of 620 updraft cores and 570 downdraft cores are included in the dataset. Total buoyancy is calculated from convective-scale virtual potential temperature, pressure, and liquid water content using the mesoscale structure as the reference state.
Core properties are summarized for the eyewall and rainband regions at each altitude. Characteristics of core average convective vertical velocity, maximum convective vertical velocity, and diameter are consistent with previous studies of hurricane convection. Most cores are superimposed upon relatively weak mesoscale ascent. The mean eyewall (rainband) updraft core exhibits small, but statistically significant, positive total buoyancy below 4 km (between 2 and 5 km) and a modest increase in vertical velocity with altitude. The mean downdraft core not superimposed upon stronger mesoscale ascent also exhibits positive total buoyancy and a slight decrease in downward vertical velocity with decreasing altitude. Buoyant updraft cores cover less than 5% of the total area in each region but accomplish ∼40% of the total upward transport.
A one-dimensional updraft model is used to elucidate the relative roles played by buoyancy, vertical perturbation pressure gradient forces, water loading, and entrainment in the vertical acceleration of ordinary updraft cores. Small positive total buoyancy values are found to be more than adequate to explain the vertical accelerations observed in updraft core strength, which implies that ordinary vertical perturbation pressure gradient forces are directed downward, opposing the positive buoyancy forces. Entrainment and water loading are also found to limit updraft magnitudes.
The observations support some aspects of both the hot tower hypothesis and symmetric moist neutral ascent, but neither concept appears dominant. Buoyant convective updrafts, however, are integral components of the hurricane’s transverse circulation.
Activation of Th1 and Tc1 cell adenosine A2A receptors directly inhibits IL-2 secretion in vitro and IL-2-driven expansion in vivo
Authors: Erdmann Andreas A. , Gao Zhan-Guo , Jung Unsu , Foley Jason , Borenstein Todd , Jacobson Kenneth A. , Fowler Daniel H. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractTo evaluate the direct effect of adenosine on cytokine-polarized effector T cells, murine type 1 helper T cells (Th1) and type 1 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (Tc1) and Th2/Tc2 cells were generated using an antigen-presenting cell (APC)-free method. Tc1 and Tc2 cells had similar adenosine signaling, as measured by intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) increase upon adenosine A2A receptor agonism by CGS21680 (CGS). CGS greatly reduced Tc1 and Tc2 cell interleukin 2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) secretion, with nominal effect on interferon γ (IFN-γ) secretion. Tc2 cell IL-4 and IL-5 secretion was not reduced by CGS, and IL-10 secretion was moderately reduced. Agonist-mediated inhibition of IL-2 and TNF-α secretion occurred via A2A receptors, with no involvement of A1, A2B, or A3 receptors. Adenosine agonist concentrations that abrogated cytokine secretion did not inhibit Tc1 or Tc2 cell cytolytic function. Adenosine modulated effector T cells in vivo, as CGS administration reduced CD4+Th1 and CD8+Tc1 cell expansion to alloantigen and, in a separate model, reduced antigen-specific CD4+ Th1 cell numbers. Remarkably, agonist-mediated T-cell inhibition was abrogated by in vivo IL-2 therapy. Adenosine receptor activation therefore preferentially inhibits type I cytokine secretion, most notably IL-2. Modulation of adenosine receptors may thus represent a suitable target primarily for inflammatory conditions mediated by Th1 and Tc1 cells. (Blood. 2005;105: 4707-4714)
Therapeutic potential of a tumor-specific, MHC-unrestricted T-cell receptor expressed on effector cells of the innate and the adaptive immune system through bone marrow transduction and immune reconstitution
Authors: Alajez Nehad M. , Schmielau Jan , Alter Mark D. , Cascio Michael , Finn Olivera J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractT-cell receptor (TCR) with unique major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-unrestricted antigen-binding properties was isolated from a human T-cell clone specific for the tumor antigen MUC1. This TCR binds its epitope on the MUC1 protein without the requirement of processing and presentation. A single-chain Vα/Vβ/Cβ (scTCR) was fused to a CD3 zeta (ζ) chain to allow expression on the surface of cells of the innate (granulocytes, macrophages, natural killer [NK] cells) as well as the adaptive (T and B cells) immune system. To test the ability of the cells of the innate immune system to reject a tumor when provided with a tumor antigen-specific TCR, we reconstituted severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice with bone marrow cells transduced with a retroviral vector encoding this receptor and challenged them with a MUC1-positive human tumor. These mice controlled the growth of the tumor significantly better than the control mice. We performed a similar experiment in immunocompetent mice transgenic for human MUC1. Expression of the TCR on large percentages of cells did not result in infiltration or destruction of tissues expressing MUC1. Reconstituted mice controlled the outgrowth of a MUC1-transfected but not the parental control tumor. scTCR expression appears lifelong, suggesting a successful transduction of the self-renewing stem cells. (Blood. 2005;105:4583-4589)
Analysis of leukocyte membrane protein interactions using protein microarrays
Authors: Letarte Michelle , Voulgaraki Despina , Hatherley Deborah , Foster-Cuevas Mildred , Saunders Nigel J , Barclay A Neil 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
Protein microarrays represent an emerging class of proteomic tools to investigate multiple protein-protein interactions in parallel. A sufficient proportion of immobilized proteins must maintain an active conformation and an orientation that allows for the sensitive and specific detection of antibody and ligand binding. In order to establish protein array technology for the characterization of the weak interactions between leukocyte membrane proteins, we selected the human leukocyte membrane protein CD200 (OX2) and its cell surface receptor (hCD200R) as a model system. As antibody-antigen reactions are generally of higher affinity than receptor-ligand binding, we first analyzed the reactivity of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to normal and mutant forms of immobilized CD200R.

Results
Fluorescently labelled mAb DX147, DX136 and OX108 were specifically reactive with immobilized recombinant hCD200R extracellular region, over a range of 0.1–40 μg ml-1 corresponding to a limit of sensitivity of 0.01–0.05 femtomol per spot. Orientating hCD200R using capture antibodies, showed that DX147 reacts with an epitope spatially distinct from the more closely related DX136 and OX108 epitopes. A panel of soluble recombinant proteins with mutations in hCD200R domain 1 produced by transiently transfected cells, was arrayed directly without purification and screened for binding to the three mAb. Several showed decreased binding to the blocking mAb DX136 and OX108, suggesting close proximity of these epitopes to the CD200 binding site. Binding of hCD200 to directly immobilized rat, mouse, and hCD200R was achieved with multimeric ligands, in the form of biotinylated-hCD200 coupled to FITC-labelled avidin coated beads.

Conclusion
We have achieved sensitive, specific and reproducible detection of immobilized CD200R with different antibodies and mapped antigenic epitopes for two mAb in the vicinity of the ligand binding site using protein microarrays. We also detected CD200 binding to its receptor, a low affinity interaction, using beads presenting multivalent ligands. Our results demonstrate the quantitative aspects of protein arrays and their potential use in detecting simultaneously multiple protein-protein interactions and in particular the weak interactions found between leukocyte membrane proteins.
A comparative sequence analysis reveals a common GBD/FH3-FH1-FH2-DAD architecture in formins from Dictyostelium, fungi and metazoa
Authors: Rivero Francisco , Muramoto Tetsuya , Meyer Ann-Kathrin , Urushihara Hideko , Uyeda Taro QP , Kitayama Chikako 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
Formins are multidomain proteins defined by a conserved FH2 (formin homology 2) domain with actin nucleation activity preceded by a proline-rich FH1 (formin homology 1) domain. Formins act as profilin-modulated processive actin nucleators conserved throughout a wide range of eukaryotes.

Results
We present a detailed sequence analysis of the 10 formins (ForA to J) identified in the genome of the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. With the exception of ForI and ForC all other formins conform to the domain structure GBD/FH3-FH1-FH2-DAD, where DAD is the Diaphanous autoinhibition domain and GBD/FH3 is the Rho GTPase-binding domain/formin homology 3 domain that we propose to represent a single domain. ForC lacks a FH1 domain, ForI lacks recognizable GBD/FH3 and DAD domains and ForA, E and J have additional unique domains. To establish the relationship between formins of Dictyostelium and other organisms we constructed a phylogenetic tree based on the alignment of FH2 domains. Real-time PCR was used to study the expression pattern of formin genes. Expression of forC, D, I and J increased during transition to multi-cellular stages, while the rest of genes displayed less marked developmental variations. During sexual development, expression of forH and forI displayed a significant increase in fusion competent cells.

Conclusion
Our analysis allows some preliminary insight into the functionality of Dictyostelium formins: all isoforms might display actin nucleation activity and, with the exception of ForI, might also be susceptible to autoinhibition and to regulation by Rho GTPases. The architecture GBD/FH3-FH1-FH2-DAD appears common to almost all Dictyostelium, fungal and metazoan formins, for which we propose the denomination of conventional formins, and implies a common regulatory mechanism.
Antioxidant effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in rats with advanced liver cirrhosis
Authors: García-Fernández María , Castilla-Cortázar Inma , Díaz-Sanchez Matías , Navarro Iñigo , Puche Juan Enrique , Castilla Alberto , Casares Amelia Díaz , Clavijo Encarna , González-Barón Salvador 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
The exogenous administration of Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) induces hepatoprotective and antifibrogenic actions in experimental liver cirrhosis. To better understand the possible pathways behind the beneficial effect of IGF-I, the aim of this work was to investigate severe parameters involved in oxidative damage in hepatic tissue from cirrhotic animals treated with IGF-I (2 μg. 100 g-1. day-1). Iron and copper play an important role in oxidative mechanisms, producing the deleterious hydroxyl radical (*OH) that peroxides lipid membranes and damages DNA. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) are known sources of free radicals and induce reduction of ferritin-Fe3+ into free Fe2+, contributing to oxidative damage.

Methods
Liver cirrhosis was induced by CCl4 inhalation in Wistar male rats for 30 weeks. Healthy controls were studied in parallel (n = 10). Fe and Cu were assessed by atomic absoption spectrometry and iron content was also evaluated by Perls' staining. MPO was measured by ELISA and transferrin and ferritin by immunoturbidimetry. iNOS expression was studied by immuno-histochemistry.

Results
Liver cirrhosis was histologically proven and ascites was observed in all cirrhotic rats. Compared to controls untreated cirrhotic rats showed increased hepatic levels of iron, ferritin, transferrin (p < 0.01), copper, MPO and iNOS expression (p < 0.01). However, IGF-treatment induced a significant reduction of all these parameters (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
the hepatoprotective and antifibrogenic effects of IGF-I in cirrhosis are associated with a diminution of the hepatic contents of several factors all of them involved in oxidative damage.
Socioeconomic factors and low birth weight in Mexico
Authors: Torres-Arreola Laura P , Constantino-Casas Patricia , Flores-Hernández Sergio , Villa-Barragán Juan Pablo , Rendón-Macías Enrique 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
Low birth weight (LBW) is a public health problem linked to lack of equity in populations. Despite efforts to decrease the proportion of newborns with LBW, success has been quite limited. In recent years, studies focused on explaining how social factors influence this problem have shown that populations with greater inequities have a greater proportion of newborns with LBW.

Methods
The objective was to describe socioeconomic factors related to LBW adjusted by demographic, reproductive and health services variables in Mexico City. A case-control study was carried out in three hospitals with gynaecological and obstetrics services in Mexico City during the first half of 1996. During the recruiting period all children with LBW (cases), defined as newborns weighing <2500 grams, were matched with children born on the same day to control for time of birth. Upon arrival at the hospital for delivery, women were interviewed to determine if they met our inclusion criteria. Women with a history of chronic conditions and those with twin or multiple pregnancies were excluded. Variables with clinical and statistical significance were included in a multivariate model (logistic regression).

Results
We found that low socioeconomic level was the most important risk factor for LBW and was independent of other factors, including those related to reproduction and nutrition, smoking, morbidity during pregnancy, accessibility to health services and prenatal care (OR 2.68; 95% CI 1.19, 6.03).

Conclusion
We found that socioeconomic factors are relevant to LBW. However further research should be done in different population groups as well as developing precise ways of measuring socioeconomic factors and their role in reproductive health.
Influence of antioxidant (L- ascorbic acid) on tolbutamide induced hypoglycaemia/antihyperglycaemia in normal and diabetic rats
Authors: Sreemantula Satyanarayana , Kilari Eswar K , Vardhan Vishnu A , Jaladi Rajasekhar 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia. Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant levels are the leading cause of diabetes and diabetic complications. So it is felt that supplementation of antioxidants may be useful in controlling the glucose levels and to postpone the occurrence of diabetic complications. The objective of our study is to find the influence of antioxidant supplementation (L-ascorbic acid) on tolbutamide activity in normal and diabetic rats.

Methods
L- ascorbic acid/tolbutamide/L-ascorbic acid + tolbutamide were administered orally to 3 different groups of albino rats of either sex in normal and diabetic condition. Blood samples were collected from retro-orbital puncture at different time intervals and were analyzed for blood glucose by GOD-POD method. Diabetes was induced by alloxan 100 mg/kg body weight administered by I.P route.

Results
L-ascorbic acid/ tolbutamide produced hypoglycaemic activity in a dose dependant manner in normal and diabetic condition. In the presence of L-ascorbic acid, tolbuatmide produced early onset of action and maintained for longer period compared to tolbutamide matching control.

Conclusion
Supplementation of antioxidants like L-ascorbic acid was found to improve tolbutamide response in normal and diabetic rats.
Use of biological based therapy in patients with cardiovascular diseases in a university-hospital in New York City
Authors: Chagan Larisa , Bernstein Diane , Cheng Judy WM , Kirschenbaum Harold L , Rozenfeld Vitalina , Caliendo Gina C , Meyer Joanne , Mehl Bernard 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
The use of complementary and alternative products including Biological Based Therapy (BBT) has increased among patients with various medical illnesses and conditions. The studies assessing the prevalence of BBT use among patients with cardiovascular diseases are limited. Therefore, an evaluation of BBT in this patient population would be beneficial. This was a survey designed to determine the effects of demographics on the use of Biological Based Therapy (BBT) in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the education level on the use of BBT in cardiovascular patients. This survey also assessed the perceptions of users regarding the safety/efficacy of BBT, types of BBT used and potential BBT-drug interactions.

Method
The survey instrument was designed to assess the findings. Patients were interviewed from February 2001 to December 2002. 198 inpatients with cardiovascular diseases (94 BBT users and 104 non-users) in a university hospital were included in the study.

Results
Users had a significantly higher level of education than non-users (college graduate: 28 [30%] versus 12 [12%], p = 0.003). Top 10 BBT products used were vitamin E [41(43.6%)], vitamin C [30(31.9%)], multivitamins [24(25.5%)], calcium [19(20.2%)], vitamin B complex [17(18.1%)], fish oil [12(12.8%)], coenzyme Q10 [11(11.7%)], glucosamine [10(10.6%)], magnesium [8(8.5%)] and vitamin D [6(6.4%)]. Sixty percent of users' physicians knew of the BBT use. Compared to non-users, users believed BBT to be safer (p < 0.001) and more effective (p < 0.001) than prescription drugs. Forty-two potential drug-BBT interactions were identified.

Conclusion
Incidence of use of BBT in cardiovascular patients is high (47.5%), as is the risk of potential drug interaction. Health care providers need to monitor BBT use in patients with cardiovascular diseases.