bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of MM5 High-Resolution Real-Time Forecasts over the Urban Area of Athens, Greece
Authors: Kotroni V. , Lagouvardos K. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
In this paper the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) forecast skill over an area of complex terrain is evaluated. Namely, the model is verified over a period of 1 yr (2002) over the greater area of Athens, Greece, for its near-surface temperature and wind forecasts, at 8- and 2-km grid spacing, but also over a 15-day period for the summer thunderstorm activity forecasts. For the near-surface temperature a cold bias is evident. The model is, in general, unable to reproduce the summer heat waves observed in the area. The increase of the grid resolution, from 8 to 2 km, results in an improvement of the forecast skill. Postprocessing of the forecasts by applying a Kalman-filtering correction method was very effective for both the 8- and the 2-km forecasts. For the forecast skill of wind, the analysis showed that there is not any net increase of the errors with increasing forecast time for the 48-h forecast period, the mean absolute errors, in general, present the lowest values at noontime, and the increase in resolution, from 8 to 2 km, results in a slight decrease of these errors. The analysis of the model skill to accurately forecast summertime precipitation showed that the 2-km simulations, without activation of the convective parameterization scheme, were unable to reproduce the observed thunderstorm activity. Sensitivity tests for the same period with simulations in which the convective parameterization was not activated for both the 8- and the 2-km simulations were still inaccurate, while activation of the convective parameterization scheme at all grids (even at 2 km) considerably increased the precipitation forecast skill.
Detection of apoptosis by caspase-3 activation in tracheal aspirate neutrophils from premature infants: relationship with NF-κB activation
Authors: Cheah Fook-Choe , Hampton Mark B , Darlow Brian A , Winterbourn Christine C , Vissers Margret C M 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn premature infants, inflammatory conditions in the lungs may result in the development of chronic lung disease. As neutrophil apoptosis is important for the resolution of inflammation and prevention of tissue injury, we set out to determine the extent of neutrophil apoptosis in tracheal aspirate samples from premature infants. Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-κB, which causes a delay in neutrophil apoptosis, was also investigated. We obtained 68 tracheal aspirate samples from 27 infants with median gestation and birthweight of 26 weeks and 860 g, respectively. Apoptosis was assessed by immunofluorescent detection of the active form of caspase-3, this assay being validated with peripheral blood neutrophils. Activation of NF-κB was monitored by the nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit, detected by immunofluorescence. Cleaved caspase-3 was detected in 11 of the 68 samples, and a median of 40% of the neutrophils showed activated caspase-3 (range 3–92%). A majority of the samples did not show evidence of apoptosis. Caspase activation was seen in cells with multilobed nuclear morphology, suggesting that early apoptosis was detectable. There was no significant difference in respiratory outcomes between infants with or without neutrophil apoptosis. Seventeen of the 68 samples (25%) had evidence of activated NF-κB, and a median of 20% (range 6–41%) of neutrophils showed activation. In all but one tracheal aspirate sample, there was a mutually exclusive relationship between activated caspase-3 and NF-κB activation, which supports in vitro observations that NF-κB activation delays neutrophil apoptosis.
Relaxin Stimulates Protein Kinase C ζ Translocation: Requirement for Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Production
Authors: Nguyen Bao T. , Dessauer Carmen W. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractRelaxin is a polypeptide hormone that activates the leucine-rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptors, LGR7 and LGR8. In an earlier study, we reported that relaxin produces a biphasic time course and the second wave of cAMP is highly sensitive to phosphoinositide-3 kinase inhibitors (LY294002 and wortmannin). LY294002 inhibits relaxin-mediated increases in cAMP production by 40–50% across a large range of relaxin concentrations. Here we show that protein kinase C ζ (PKCζ) is a component of relaxin signaling in THP-1 cells. Sphingomyelinase increases cAMP production due to the release of ceramide, a direct activator of PKCζ. Chelerythrine chloride (a general PKC inhibitor) inhibits relaxin induced cAMP production to the same degree (∼40%) as LY294002. Relaxin stimulates PKCζ translocation to the plasma membrane in THP-1, MCF-7, pregnant human myometrial 1–31, and mouse mesangial cells, as shown by immunocytochemistry. PKCζ translocation is phosphoinositide-3 kinase dependent and independent of cAMP production. Antisense PKCζ oligodeoxynucleotides (PKCζ-ODNs) deplete both PKCζ transcript and protein levels in THP-1 cells. PKCζ-ODNs abolish relaxin-mediated PKCζ translocation and inhibit relaxin stimulation of cAMP by 40%, as compared with mock and random ODN controls. Treatment with LY294002 in the presence of PKCζ-ODNs results in little further inhibition. In summary, we present a novel role for PKCζ in relaxin-mediated stimulation of cAMP.
Multi‐level temporal abstraction for medical scenario construction
Authors: Silvent Anne‐Sophie , Dojat Michel , Garbay Catherine 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe automatic recognition of typical pattern sequences (scenarios), as they are developing, is of crucial importance for computer‐aided patient supervision. However, the construction of such scenarios directly from medical expertise is unrealistic in practice. In this paper, we present a methodology for data abstraction and for the extraction of specific events (data mining) to eventually construct such scenarios. Data abstraction and data mining are based on the management of three key concepts, data, information and knowledge, which are instantiated via an ontology specific of our medical domain application. After a detailed description of the proposed methodology, we apply it to the supervision of patients hospitalized in intensive care units. We report the results obtained for the extraction of typical abstracted pattern sequences during the process of weaning from mechanical ventilation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating fault detection and isolation with model predictive control
Authors: Lennox Barry 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis paper illustrates how the application of partial least squares (PLS) can be extended to provide an integrated solution to fault detection and isolation, inferential estimation and model predictive control. It is shown that if PLS is used to identify a dynamic model of a plant then the latent variables of the model can identify the suitability of using this model under current conditions. This functionality enables automated model switching in piecewise linear systems. A further advantage of the proposed technique is that the inner structure of the model can be used to provide fault detection and isolation capabilities. By extending the approach to control systems and integrating a dynamic model, identified using the PLS algorithm, within a model predictive controller, similar benefits, such as automatic model selection can be achieved for the control system. The proposed approach is illustrated through its application to the Tennessee Eastman challenge process. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolating the root cause of propagated oscillations in process plants
Authors: Zang Xiaoyun , Howell John 
Published: December 2004

AbstractOscillations are a common type of propagated disturbance, whose sources might be attributable to a number of different phenomena such as poor controller tuning or actuator nonlinearity. A number of data‐driven methods have already been proposed to isolate the source loop of nonlinearity induced plant‐wide oscillations. Amongst these the bi‐amplitude ratio index, correlation dimension, maximal Lyapunov exponent, nonlinearity index and spectral ICA show promise. The propagation of oscillations is first examined in order to gain an understanding of how this might affect the performances of the various techniques. The various methods are then described and their performance on a set of simulation generated data and two industrial case studies are compared. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fault detection and estimation for nonlinear systems with linear output structure
Authors: Wang Hong , Shen Ling 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn this paper, a new formulation of fault detection and estimation algorithm has been presented for a class of known nonlinear dynamic systems with a linear output structure. Under certain assumptions on the nonlinear dynamics of the system and its model uncertainty, an adaptive observer‐based approach is established so as to construct several effective residual signals that can be used to perform the required fault detection and estimation. A parameter dependent Lyapunov function is used to formulate a set of adaptive tuning rules for the time‐varying parameters involved in both the adaptive observer and the fault estimation error. It has been shown that the algorithms can be applied to estimate both constants and slow‐drifting faults with convergent residual signals. A simple simulation example is included to illustrate the use of the proposed methods and encouraging results have been obtained. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐scale purification of oligonucleotides by extraction and precipitation with butanole
Authors: Wolfrum Christian , Josten Andre , Bauer Georg , Götz Peter 
Published: December 2004

AbstractToday the synthesis of oligonucleotides is a well‐established process. Using automatic synthesizers even kilogram quantities can be produced in a few hours. However, the purification of the final product is still time‐consuming and needs a complex apparatus. In this article, a simple and fast purification method for the large‐scale syntheses of oligonucleotides is described. According to the method of Sawadago and van Dyke ([1991] Nucleic Acids Res 19:674–675) for small‐scale oligonucleotide purification, oligonucleotides in μmol to mmol amounts were purified by liquid–liquid extraction using butanole as the extraction liquid. Choosing appropriate ratios of extraction liquid to oligonucleotide solution, simultaneous purification and precipitation could be achieved. It was found that the yield of the purified oligonucleotide was mainly affected by the temperature. Yield decreased with increasing temperature. The use of this improved extraction procedure allows the purification of gram to kilogram quantities of oligonucleotides in less than a day with simple equipment and high yield. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antibacterial and antifungal efficacy of surface functionalized polymeric beads in repeated applications
Authors: Hu F. X. , Neoh K. G. , Cen L. , Kang E. T. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA simple method was developed to prepare polymeric microbeads with antibacterial and antifungal properties. The microbeads of approximately spherical shape and narrow size distribution were prepared from a mixture of poly (4‐vinyl pyridine) (P4VP) and poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) by a phase inversion technique and subsequently derivatized with alkyl bromides having 4–10 carbon atoms. The quaternization of the pyridine groups into pyridinium groups confers the surface with highly effective and long‐lasting antibacterial and antifungal properties, as shown by the effect on Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger. Upon contact with the N‐alkylated beads, the bacteria and fungal spores are lysed and intracellular constituents leach out into the medium. The efficacy of the alkyl chains in disrupting the cell membrane was investigated. The stability of the functional group and microbiocidal effectiveness of the microbeads in repeated applications was also assessed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhotic liver without underlying viral hepatitis
Authors: Lang H , Sotiropoulos G C , Dömland M , Frühauf N R , Paul A , Hüsing J , Malagó M , Broelsch C E 
Published: December 2004

Abstract

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arising in normal liver parenchyma is rare and the outcome after hepatectomy is not well documented.

Methods
Between June 1998 and September 2003, 33 patients without viral hepatitis underwent resection for HCC in a non-cirrhotic, non-fibrotic liver. Data were analysed with regard to operative details, pathological findings including completeness of resection, and outcome as measured by tumour recurrence and survival.

Results
Twenty-three major hepatectomies and ten segmentectomies or bisegmentectomies were performed. After potentially curative resection, 19 of 29 patients were alive at a median follow-up of 25 months, with calculated 1- and 3-year survival rates of 87 and 50 per cent respectively. Survival was significantly better after resection of tumours without vascular invasion (3-year survival rate 89 versus 18 per cent; P = 0·024). Disseminated recurrence developed in nine of 29 patients, leading to death within 28 months of operation in all but one of the nine.

Conclusion
These data justify hepatic resection for HCC arising in non-cirrhotic, non-fibrotic liver without underlying viral hepatitis. Liver transplantation is rarely indicated because the outcome is good after resection of tumours without vascular infiltration, whereas vascular invasion is invariably associated with diffuse extrahepatic recurrence.
Randomized clinical trial of the antiplatelet effects of aspirin–clopidogrel combination versus aspirin alone after lower limb angioplasty
Authors: Cassar K , Ford I , Greaves M , Bachoo P , Brittenden J 
Published: December 2004

Abstract

Background
There is a high risk of reocclusion after successful lower limb angioplasty. Platelets play a central role in this process. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiplatelet effect of a combination of aspirin and clopidogrel compared with aspirin alone in patients with claudication undergoing endovascular revascularization.

Methods
This was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Some 132 patients were randomized to clopidogrel and aspirin or placebo and aspirin, with a loading dose 12 h before endovascular intervention. Flow cytometric measurements of platelet fibrinogen binding and P-selectin expression were taken as measures of platelet function at baseline, 12 h after the loading dose, and 1 h, 24 h and 30 days after intervention.

Results
Within 12 h of the loading dose, platelet activation in the clopidogrel group had decreased (P-selectin by 27·3 per cent, P = 0·017; fibrinogen binding by 34·7 per cent, P = 0·024; stimulated fibrinogen binding by 49·2 per cent, P &lt; 0·001). No change was observed in the placebo group. Platelet function in the clopidogrel group was significantly suppressed compared with baseline at 1 h, 24 h and 30 days after endovascular intervention (stimulated fibrinogen binding by 53·9, 51·7 and 57·2 per cent respectively; all P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion
A combination of clopidogrel and aspirin inhibited platelet function more than aspirin alone in patients with claudication before and after angioplasty.
Impact of a surgical training programme on rectal cancer outcomes in Stockholm
Authors: Martling A , Holm T , Rutqvist L E , Johansson H , Moran B J , Heald R J , Cedermark B 
Published: December 2004

Abstract

Background
Total mesorectal excision (TME) and use of adjuvant radiotherapy are major advances in the treatment of rectal cancer that have emerged in the past 20 years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an initiative to teach the TME technique on outcomes at 5 years after surgery.

Methods
TME-based surgery was introduced in Stockholm in 1994. The study population comprised all 447 patients who underwent abdominal operations for rectal cancer in Stockholm County during 1995 and 1996. Outcomes were compared with those in the Stockholm I (790 patients) and Stockholm II (542 patients) radiotherapy trials.

Results
The permanent stoma rate was reduced from 60·3 and 55·3 per cent in the Stockholm I and II trials respectively to 26·5 per cent in the TME project (P &lt; 0·001). Five-year local recurrence rates decreased from 21·9 and 19·1 per cent to 8·2 per cent respectively (P &lt; 0·001). Five-year cancer-specific survival rates increased from 66·0 and 65·7 per cent in the Stockholm trials to 77·3 per cent in the TME project (hazard ratio 0·62 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·49 to 0·80); P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion
A surgical teaching programme had a major impact on rectal cancer outcome.
Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic versus open appendicectomy for confirmed appendicitis
Authors: Moberg A-C , Berndsen F , Palmquist I , Petersson U , Resch T , Montgomery A 
Published: December 2004

Abstract

Background
Laparoscopy is safe for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with suspected acute appendicitis. This study compared recovery after laparoscopic (LA) and open appendicectomy (OA) for confirmed appendicitis, carried out by experienced surgeons in an educational setting.

Methods
One hundred and sixty-three patients with laparoscopically confirmed appendicitis suitable for LA were randomized prospectively to either LA or OA in a blinded fashion. The primary endpoint was time to full recovery. Secondary endpoints were operating time, complications, hospital stay and functional status.

Results
There was no significant difference between LA and OA in time to full recovery (9 and 11 days respectively; P = 0·225). Operating time was 55 min in the LA group and 60 min in the OA group (P = 0·416). The complication rate was 8·6 and 11·0 per cent respectively (P = 0·696), and median hospital stay was 2 days in both groups (P = 0·192). Functional status was significantly better in the LA group 7–10 days after operation (P = 0·045).

Conclusion
There was no difference in time to full recovery after LA and OA in patients with laparoscopically confirmed appendicitis. A trend towards better physical activity was noted after the laparoscopic procedure.
Clinical significance of mucin phenotype, β-catenin and matrix metalloproteinase 7 in early undifferentiated gastric carcinoma
Authors: Aihara R , Mochiki E , Nakabayashi T , Akazawa K , Asao T , Kuwano H 
Published: December 2004

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to examine the clinical significance of mucin phenotypes of early undifferentiated gastric carcinoma, and to identify variables that might be used to select patients suitable for minimally invasive surgery.

Methods
A total of 129 patients with early undifferentiated gastric carcinoma were studied. The mucin phenotype was determined immunohistochemically using markers for M1, apomucin (MUC) 6 and MUC2. Tumours were classified into gastric (G), intestinal, gastrointestinal (GI) or unclassified type. Undifferentiated carcinomas were classified into signet-ring cell carcinoma (SIG) and non-SIG. The immunoreactivity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 7 and β-catenin was also investigated.

Results
GI-type tumours more commonly expressed non-SIG than SIG histology. The GI phenotype was associated with a higher incidence of submucosal invasion, lymphatic invasion, MMP-7 expression and nuclear accumulation of β-catenin than the G type. Non-SIG histology, and the combination of GI type and nuclear accumulation of β-catenin were independent predictors of submucosal invasion. The combination of GI type and MMP-7 expression independently predicted lymphatic invasion. MMP-7 expression correlated with lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion
GI-type early undifferentiated carcinomas and those with non-SIG histology had increased potential for invasion and metastasis. GI type, MMP-7 expression and nuclear accumulation of β-catenin might prove useful markers in the selection of patients for less invasive surgery.
Inadequate treatment of symptomatic breast cancer
Authors: Kingsmore D B , Hole D J , Gillis C R , George W D 
Published: December 2004

Abstract

Background
Early trials that compared breast and axillary treatments showed differing recurrence rates without significant differences in survival. Consequently, there was a wide range of opinion and practice in the management of breast cancer. The present study explored this variability in surgical management to determine the impact of breast and axillary treatment on recurrence and survival.

Methods
The records of 2776 women with histologically confirmed invasive breast cancer diagnosed between 1986 and 1991 were reviewed. The relationship between adequacy of breast and axillary treatment, recurrence and survival was examined in 2122 women who had surgery with curative intent. A Cox proportional hazards model that included tumour size, node status, grade, socioeconomic status and use of adjuvant therapy was used.

Results
Inadequate treatment was associated with a significantly higher risk of local recurrence after breast-conserving surgery (relative hazard ratio (RHR) 4·19 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 2·73 to 6·43); P &lt; 0·001). Inadequate axillary treatment was associated with a significantly higher risk of regional recurrence (RHR 2·29 (95 per cent c.i. 1·65 to 3·16); P &lt; 0·001). The risk of death from breast cancer was significantly higher if locoregional treatment was inadequate (RHR 1·29 (95 per cent c.i. 1·07 to 1·55); P = 0·008).

Conclusion
Adequate surgery is fundamental to the optimal treatment of breast cancer. Inadequate surgery resulted in higher recurrence rates despite adjuvant treatments.
Role of biological soil crust cover in bioweathering and protection of sandstones in a semi‐arid landscape (Torrollones de Gabarda, Huesca, Spain)
Authors: Souza‐Egipsy Virginia , Wierzchos Jacek , Sancho Carlos , Belmonte Anchel , Ascaso Carmen 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSandstone structural landscapes in the semi‐arid Torrollones de Gabarda area (Province of Huesca, NE Spain) are often covered by a well developed biological soil crust of lichens, mosses and cyanobacteria and black coatings on vertical surfaces. By using scanning electron microscopy with backscattered detector imaging, the biological soil crust studied evidenced high activity in the sandstone–crust interface. Processes such as physical disintegration, etching and dwelling as well as biomineralization by calcium oxalate and ﬁxation of mineral particles by extracellular polymeric substances were observed. On the horizontal sandstone surfaces these processes may cause the occurrence of gnammas and the development of a protective coating that favours intense ﬂaking when the crust is disturbed. On the sandstone cliffs, columnar and tafoni weathering development is clearly guided by the protective action of the biological soil crust. These qualitative observations are important to develop methodologies to address their quantitative importance in geomorphological processes in semi‐arid landscapes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.