bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constitutive and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha-Stimulated Activation of Nuclear Factor-KappaB in Immortalized Endometriotic Cells and Their Suppression by Trichostatin A
Authors: Wu Yan , Starzinski-Powitz Anna , Guo Sun-Wei
Published: February 2010

Objective(s): To determine whether nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-ĸB) is constitutively and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-dependently activated in endometriotic cells, whether trichostatin A (TSA) can suppress NF-ĸB activation and suppress TRAF2/6 and TAK1, and whether TSA and caffeic acid phenyl ester can suppress constitutive and H2O2-stimulated proliferation of endometriotic cells. Methods: Two endometriotic cell lines and an endometrial stromal cell line were used as an in vitro model. Electrophoretic mobility shift analysis was used to determine NF-ĸB activation and possible suppression by TSA. Western blot analysis was used to determine whether TSA suppresses phosphorylation of IĸBα, phosphorylation of p65 in the cytoplasm and nuclear translocation, and the expression of TRAF2/6 and TAK1. Results: NF-ĸB was constitutively activated in endometriotic cells, but only minimally in endometrial cells. TNFα stimulation activated NF-ĸB through induction of IĸB phosphorylation, but the activation can be suppressed by TSA. TSA also attenuated constitutive and TNF-dependent p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in endometriotic cells. TRAF2, TRAF6 and TAK1 were constitutively activated and were unaffected by TSA treatment. Conclusions: NF-ĸB activation may play a critical role in the pathogenesis in endometriosis. Targeting NF-ĸB with histone deacetylase inhibitors or other compounds might hold promise as novel therapeutics for endometriosis.
Has Dental Caries Prevalence Some Connection with Caries Index Values in Adults?
Authors: Larmas M.
Published: February 2010

DMF index values have been used for 70 years and were originally meant to describe both dental status and treatment need in elementary school children. Since then its application to caries experience and severity determination has expanded. Today, WHO has standardized its use in oral health surveys in describing past and present caries experience in adults and the elderly as well. This expansion to all age cohorts creates some problems if the index is limited to dental caries, which can be easily avoided when individual values are not combined. This has been performed in some of the 7,187 DMF index publications included in PubMed. The high number of scientific articles using this index underlines its leading role in the present epidemiological caries research. On the other hand, WHO uses different determinations for clinical dental caries and missing teeth in ICD-10, the 10th revision of International Classification of Diseases, which does not include dental restorations. Combining the individual parameters of Oral Health Surveys and diseases of ICD-10, and analyzing the mean value of each parameter separately, will give a precise picture of dental health at different ages.
The Incidence of Myasthenia Gravis: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: McGrogan Anita , Sneddon Samantha , de Vries Corinne S.
Published: February 2010

Background: A systematic review of literature published between 1980 and 2007, on the incidence of myasthenia gravis, was undertaken. Methods: All relevant papers found through searches of Medline, Embase and Science Direct were critically appraised and an assessment was made of the reliability of the reported incidence data. Results: Thirty-one studies were included in the review, the majority of which investigated populations in Europe. The incidence rates reported were between 3.0 and 30.0/1,000,000/year. However, it is thought that the rates at the upper end of this range, reported by the prospective studies, provided the most accurate estimates. Overall, incidence rates have increased over time owing to a greater awareness of the disease and improved methods of diagnosis. Conclusions: The most accurate estimate of incidence of myasthenia gravis was around 30/ 1,000,000/year. The incidence in children and adolescents aged 0–19 years was found to be between 1.0 and 5.0/ 1,000,000/year. The rates presented in this review are likely to be an underestimate of the true incidence rates, as mild cases will have been missed and cases in the elderly will have been misdiagnosed.
VEGF-Targeted Short Hairpin RNA Inhibits Intraperitoneal Ovarian Cancer Growth in Nude Mice
Authors: Bai Yu , Deng Hongxin , Yang Yang , Zhao Xia , Wei Yuquan , Xie Gang , Li Zhengyu , Chen Xiancheng , Chen Lijuan , Wang Yongsheng , Su Dan , Qian Zhiyong , Zhong Qian , Luo Hong , Yi Tao
Published: February 2010

Objective: In this study, we inhibited the expression of VEGF by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo to explore the antitumor efficacy of shRNA in ovarian cancer cells. Methods: ShRNA targeting VEGF was cloned into pGenesil-2 plasmid vector and then transfected into SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells using liposome. Silencing of VEGF expression was measured by RT-PCR and ELISA assays. Furthermore, the growth inhibition capacity of shRNA on SKOV3 intraperitoneal ovarian carcinomatosis was tested in nude mice. Tumor weight was measured. Microvessel density, number of apoptotic cells and proliferation index in tumor tissues were assessed by CD31, TUNEL and PCNA immunostaining. Results: shRNA targeting VEGF significantly silenced VEGF expression in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells, confirmed by RT-PCR and ELISA assays (p < 0.05). In vivo, the shRNA reduced tumor weight by ∼60.3% compared with control groups (p < 0.05), accompanied with angiogenesis inhibition (p < 0.01) and apoptosis induction (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our data indicated that shRNA-mediated silencing of VEGF might be a promising therapeutic strategy against ovarian cancer by reducing angiogenesis and inducing apoptosis.
Chemotherapy Resistance as a Predictor of Progression-Free Survival in Ovarian Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Surgical Cytoreduction Followed by Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: A Southwest Oncology Group Study
Authors: Tiersten Amy D. , Moon James , Smith Harriet O. , Wilczynski Sharon P. , Robinson, 3rd William R. , Markman Maurie , Alberts David S.
Published: February 2010

Purpose: In vitro testing of the activity of chemotherapeutic agents has been suggested as 1 method to optimally select drugs for patients with ovarian cancer. There are limited prospectively obtained data examining the clinical utility of this approach. We sought to obtain a preliminary assessment of this strategy in a trial that examined the administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical cytoreduction and intraperitoneal chemotherapy in women with advanced ovarian cancer. Methods: Women with stage III/IV epithelial ovarian carcinoma that presented with large-volume disease were treated with neoadjuvant intravenous paclitaxel and carboplatin for three 21-day cycles followed by cytoreductive surgery. If optimally debulked, patients received intravenous paclitaxel, intraperitoneal carboplatin and intraperitoneal paclitaxel for six 28-day cycles. Tumor cloning assay results (Oncotech) were correlated with progression-free survival. Results: Sixty-two patients (58 eligible) were registered from March 2001 to February 2006. Thirty-six eligible patients had interval debulking and 26 received postcytoreduction chemotherapy. Twenty-two patients had tumor cloning assay results available. The clinical features of this population were similar to those of the larger group of women who entered this study. There was no difference in progression-free survival between patients whose cancers were defined as ‘resistant’ or ‘nonresistant’ to either platinum or paclitaxel. Conclusions: While the small patient numbers in this trial do not permit definitive conclusions, these data fail to provide support for the argument that prospectively obtained in vitro data regarding platinum or paclitaxel resistance will be highly predictive of clinical outcome in advanced ovarian cancer.
EGFR Signaling and Drug Discovery
Authors: Lurje Georg , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: February 2010

Dysregulation of human epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB/HER) pathways by over-expression or constitutive activation can promote tumor processes including angiogenesis and metastasis and is associated with poor prognosis in many human malignancies. In addition to cancer, ErbB signaling has also been implicated in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, inhibition of ErbB pathways with targeted agents, such as monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), blocks cell cycle progression, inhibits the production of pro-angiogenic factors and induces apoptosis in numerous in vitro and xenograft models. Accordingly, the ErbB receptor family with their most prominent members EGFR and HER-2 represents validated targets for anti-cancer therapy, and anti-ErbB MoAbs (cetuximab, panitumumab, and trastuzumab) and TKIs (gefitinib, erlotinib, and lapatinib) have now been approved for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, as well as pancreatic and breast cancer. Although results have been encouraging, more work remains to be done.
Novel Markers of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Uremia
Authors: Nakamura Hironori , Tokumoto Masanori , Mizobuchi Masahide , Ritter Cynthia S. , Finch Jane L. , Mukai Masanori , Slatopolsky Eduardo
Published: February 2010

Aims: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is the most frequent cardiac complication in chronic renal disease. Previous studies implicate elevated serum phosphorus as a risk factor for LVH. Methods: We treated 5/6 nephrectomized rats with enalapril or enalapril + sevelamer carbonate for 4 months to determine if sevelamer carbonate had an additional beneficial effect on the development of LVH and uremia-induced left ventricle (LV) remodeling. Results: Uremia increased LV weight and cardiomyocyte size. Enalapril and enalapril + sevelamer blunted the increase in left ventricular weight. Only enalapril + sevelamer diminished the increase in cardiomyocyte size. Uremia increased cyclin D2 and PCNA and decreased p27 protein expression in the heart. Enalapril + sevelamer diminished the decrease in p27 expression caused by uremia. Uremia increased Ki67-positive and phosphohistone H3-positive interstitial cells. This was not seen in cardiomyocytes. Multivariable regression analysis showed that increased phosphorus was an independent risk factor for both increased LV weight and cardiomyocyte size. Conclusions: These data suggest left ventricular remodeling consists of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial cell proliferation, but not cardiomyocyte proliferation. p27 and cyclin D2 may play important roles in the development of LVH. In addition, phosphorus can be an independent risk factor for the development of LVH.
Intravesical Mitomycin-C-Induced Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Wada Hiroshi , Nakano Yasutaka , Yamada Hideto , Saiga Tatsuyoshi , Yamanaka Akira , Sakai Naoki
Published: February 2010

An 84-year-old man with no evidence of pre-existing interstitial pneumonia developed fatal interstitial pneumonia and respiratory failure that could only be explained as an adverse effect of intravesical mitomycin C chemotherapy. He had undergone transurethral resection of bladder cancer 3 times, followed by intravesical mitomycin C chemotherapy 1 month later. He had received intravesical mitomycin C chemotherapy every week for 2 months, and he had complained of dyspnea on exertion 5 days before the last intravesical mitomycin C chemotherapy session. Interstitial infiltration was detected in both the upper and lower lobes of the left lung on the day of the last instillation of mitomycin C. Despite discontinuation of mitomycin C and administration of methylprednisolone, his condition deteriorated and he died. Diagnostic evaluation of other causes of pneumonia, including infection and collagen-vascular diseases, was negative. The autopsy demonstrated diffuse alveolar damage in the lung; there were no remarkable findings in other organs. To our knowledge, this is the first pathologically confirmed case of fatal interstitial pneumonia due to intravesical mitomycin C chemotherapy.
Intracoronary Eptifibatide Bolus Administration During Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization for Acute Coronary Syndromes With Evaluation of Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Occupancy and Platelet Function
Authors: Deibele Albert J. , Jennings Lisa K. , Tcheng James E. , Neva Cathy , Earhart Angela D. , Gibson C. Michael
Published: February 2010

Background—

Eptifibatide reduces major adverse cardiac events in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Intracoronary bolus administration of eptifibatide may result in higher levels of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor occupancy in the local coronary bed, disaggregate thrombus in the epicardial artery and microvasculature, and thereby improve coronary flow.

Methods and Results—

Patients undergoing PCI for an acute coronary syndrome were randomized to either intracoronary or intravenous bolus administration of eptifibatide. The primary end point was the local glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor occupancy measured in the coronary sinus. There were no angiographic, electrophysiological, or other adverse findings attributable to intracoronary eptifibatide. Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor occupancy was significantly greater with intracoronary versus intravenous administration: first bolus, 94±9% versus 51±15% (
P
<0.001); and second bolus, 99±2% versus 91±4% (
P
=0.001), respectively. Microvascular perfusion was significantly improved as measured by the corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (cTFC) with intracoronary versus intravenous administration: pre-PCI, 36 (median) (25th and 75th percentiles, 16 and 64) versus 31 (25th and 75th percentiles, 23 and 45;
P
=0.8); and post-PCI, 18 (25th and 75th percentiles, 10 and 22) versus 25 (25th and 75th percentiles, 22 and 35;
P
=0.007), respectively. The only multivariate predictor associated with a post-PCI cTFC rank score was the first bolus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor occupancy (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Intracoronary bolus administration of eptifibatide during PCI in patients with acute coronary syndromes results in higher local platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor occupancy, which is associated with improved microvascular perfusion demonstrated by an improved cTFC.
Regular Exercise Training Prevents Aortic Valve Disease in Low-Density Lipoprotein–Receptor–Deficient Mice
Authors: Matsumoto Yasuharu , Adams Volker , Jacob Saskia , Mangner Norman , Schuler Gerhard , Linke Axel
Published: February 2010

Background—

Regular exercise training (ET) slows the progression of atherosclerotic lesions, reduces oxidative stress, and increases nitric oxide bioavailability, all of which may be expected to improve degenerative aortic valve disease.

Methods and Results—

Four-week-old low-density lipoprotein–receptor–deficient mice (n=94) were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group 1 (control group), normal diet plus sedentary activity; group 2 (cholesterol group), cholesterol diet plus sedentary activity; group 3 (regular ET group), cholesterol diet plus regular ET (60 min/day, 5 days/week) for 16 weeks; and group 4 (occasional exercise group), cholesterol diet plus occasional ET (1 day/week) for 16 weeks. At 20 weeks of age, histological analysis was performed. A significant increase in aortic valve thickness was evident in the cholesterol group compared with the control group. Importantly, regular but not occasional ET significantly reduced aortic valve thickness compared with the cholesterol group (control 31.3±3.0 μm, cholesterol 50.1±3.4 μm, regular exercise 30.4±1.2 μm, and occasional exercise 48.9±3.2 μm). Immunohistochemistry revealed that a cholesterol diet disrupted and regular ET preserved endothelial integrity on the aortic valve surface. Furthermore, serum myeloperoxidase, accumulation of macrophages and oxidized low-density lipoprotein, in situ superoxide, activated myofibroblasts/osteoblast phenotypes, and mineralization were increased in the cholesterol group but were decreased by regular ET. Polymerase chain reaction revealed increased messenger RNA expression for α-smooth muscle actin, bone morphogenetic protein-2, runt-related transcription factor-2, and alkaline phosphatase in the cholesterol group, whereas these were diminished by regular ET. Moreover, regular ET significantly increased circulating levels of fetuin-A compared with the cholesterol group.

Conclusions—

In the low-density lipoprotein–receptor–deficient mouse, regular ET prevents aortic valve sclerosis by numerous mechanisms, including preservation of endothelial integrity, reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress, and inhibition of the osteogenic pathway.
Reduction of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase α2 Increases Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Atherosclerosis In Vivo
Authors: Dong Yunzhou , Zhang Miao , Liang Bin , Xie Zhonglin , Zhao Zhengxing , Asfa Sima , Choi Hyoung Chul , Zou Ming-Hui
Published: February 2010

Background—

Aberrant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is associated with several cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. The mechanism by which aberrant ER stress develops is poorly understood. This study investigated whether dysfunction of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) causes aberrant ER stress and atherosclerosis in vivo.

Methods and Results—

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells and mouse aortic endothelial cells from AMPK-deficient mice were used to assess the level of ER stress with Western blotting. Reduction of AMPKα2 expression significantly increased the level of ER stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In addition, mouse aortic endothelial cells from AMPKα2 knockout (AMPKα2
−/−
) mice had higher expression of markers of ER stress and increased levels of intracellular Ca
2+
. These phenotypes were abolished by adenovirally overexpressing constitutively active AMPK mutants (Ad-AMPK-CA) or by transfecting sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA). Inhibition of SERCA induced ER stress in endothelial cells. Furthermore, reduction of AMPKα expression suppressed SERCA activity. In addition, SERCA activity was significantly reduced concomitantly with increased oxidation of SERCA in mouse aortic endothelial cells from AMPKα2
−/−
mice. Both of these phenotypes were abolished by adenovirally overexpressing Ad-AMPK-CA. Furthermore, Tempol, which restored SERCA activity and decreased oxidized SERCA levels, markedly reduced the level of ER stress in mouse aortic endothelial cells from AMPKα2
−/−
mice. Finally, oral administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid, a chemical chaperone that inhibits ER stress, significantly reduced both ER stress and aortic lesion development in low-density lipoprotein receptor– and AMPKα2-deficient mice.

Conclusion—

These results suggest that AMPK functions as a physiological suppressor of ER stress by maintaining SERCA activity and intracellular Ca
2+
homeostasis.
Factors Affecting the Predictability of Hurricane Humberto (2007)
Authors: Sippel Jason A. , Zhang Fuqing
Published: February 2010

This study uses ensemble Kalman filter analyses and short-range ensemble forecasts to study factors affecting the predictability of Hurricane Humberto, which made landfall along the Texas coast in 2007. Humberto is known for both its rapid intensification and extreme forecast uncertainty, which makes it an ideal case in which to examine the origins of tropical cyclone strength forecast error. Statistical correlation is used to determine why some ensemble members strengthen the incipient low into a hurricane and others do not. During the analysis period, it is found that variations in midlevel moisture, low-level convective instability, and strength of a front to the north of the cyclone likely lead to differences in net precipitation, which ultimately leads to storm strength spread. Stronger storms are favored when the atmosphere is more moist and unstable and when the front is weaker, possibly because some storms in the ensemble begin entraining cooler and drier postfrontal air during this period. Later during the free forecast, variable entrainment of postfrontal air becomes a leading cause of strength spread. Surface moisture differences are the primary contributor to intensity forecast differences, and convective instability differences play a secondary role. Eventually mature tropical cyclone dynamics and differences in landfall time result in very rapid growth of ensemble spread. These results are very similar to a previous study that investigated a 2004 Gulf of Mexico low with a different model and analysis technique, which gives confidence that they are relevant to tropical cyclone formation and intensification in general. Finally, the rapid increase in forecast uncertainty despite relatively modest differences in initial conditions highlights the need for ensembles and advanced data assimilation techniques.
Subtropics-Related Interannual Sea Surface Temperature Variability in the Central Equatorial Pacific
Authors: Yu Jin-Yi , Kao Hsun-Ying , Lee Tong
Published: February 2010

Interannual sea surface temperature (SST) variability in the central equatorial Pacific consists of a component related to eastern Pacific SST variations (called Type-1 SST variability) and a component not related to them (called Type-2 SST variability). Lead–lagged regression and ocean surface-layer temperature balance analyses were performed to contrast their control mechanisms. Type-1 variability is part of the canonical, which is characterized by SST anomalies extending from the South American coast to the central Pacific, is coupled with the Southern Oscillation, and is associated with basinwide subsurface ocean variations. This type of variability is dominated by a major 4–5-yr periodicity and a minor biennial (2–2.5 yr) periodicity. In contrast, Type-2 variability is dominated by a biennial periodicity, is associated with local air–sea interactions, and lacks a basinwide anomaly structure. In addition, Type-2 SST variability exhibits a strong connection to the subtropics of both hemispheres, particularly the Northern Hemisphere. Type-2 SST anomalies appear first in the northeastern subtropical Pacific and later spread toward the central equatorial Pacific, being generated in both regions by anomalous surface heat flux forcing associated with wind anomalies. The SST anomalies undergo rapid intensification in the central equatorial Pacific through ocean advection processes, and eventually decay as a result of surface heat flux damping and zonal advection. The southward spreading of trade wind anomalies within the northeastern subtropics-to-central tropics pathway of Type-2 variability is associated with intensity variations of the subtropical high. Type-2 variability is found to become stronger after 1990, associated with a concurrent increase in the subtropical variability. It is concluded that Type-2 interannual variability represents a subtropical-excited phenomenon that is different from the conventional ENSO Type-1 variability.
Links between Rossby Wave Breaking and the North Atlantic Oscillation–Arctic Oscillation in Present-Day and Last Glacial Maximum Climate Simulations
Authors: Rivière Gwendal , Laîné Alexandre , Lapeyre Guillaume , Salas-Mélia David , Kageyama Masa
Published: February 2010

Upper-tropospheric Rossby wave–breaking processes are examined in coupled ocean–atmosphere simulations of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and of the modern era. LGM statistics of the Northern Hemisphere in winter, computed from the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project Phase II (PMIP2) dataset, are compared with those from preindustrial simulations and from the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40). Particular attention is given to the role of wave-breaking events in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) for each simulation. Anticyclonic (AWB) and cyclonic (CWB) wave-breaking events during LGM are shown to be less and more frequent, respectively, than in the preindustrial climate, especially in the Pacific. This is consistent with the slight equatorward shift of the eddy-driven jets in the LGM runs. The most remarkable feature of the simulated LGM climate is that it presents much weaker latitudinal fluctuations of the eddy-driven jets. This is accompanied by less dispersion in the wave-breaking events. A physical interpretation is provided in terms of the fluctuations of the low-level baroclinicity at the entrance of the storm tracks. The NAO in the preindustrial simulations and in ERA-40 is characterized by strong latitudinal fluctuations of the Atlantic eddy-driven jet as well as by significant changes in the nature of the wave breaking. During the positive phase, the eddy-driven jet moves to the north with more AWB events than usual and is well separated from the subtropical African jet. The negative phase exhibits a more equatorward Atlantic jet and more CWB events. In contrast, the LGM NAO is less well marked by the latitudinal vacillation of the Atlantic jet and for some models this property disappears entirely. The LGM NAO corresponds more to acceleration–deceleration or extension–retraction of the Atlantic jet. The hemispheric point of view of the Arctic Oscillation exhibits similar changes.
Compensation between Model Feedbacks and Curtailment of Climate Sensitivity
Authors: Huybers Peter
Published: February 2010

The spread in climate sensitivity obtained from 12 general circulation model runs used in the Fourth Assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates a 95% confidence interval of 2.1°–5.5°C, but this reflects compensation between model feedbacks. In particular, cloud feedback strength negatively covaries with the albedo feedback as well as with the combined water vapor plus lapse rate feedback. If the compensation between feedbacks is removed, the 95% confidence interval for climate sensitivity expands to 1.9°–8.0°C. Neither of the quoted 95% intervals adequately reflects the understanding of climate sensitivity, but their differences illustrate that model interdependencies must be understood before model spread can be correctly interpreted.

The degree of negative covariance between feedbacks is unlikely to result from chance alone. It may, however, result from the method by which the feedbacks were estimated, physical relationships represented in the models, or from conditioning the models upon some combination of observations and expectations. This compensation between model feedbacks—when taken together with indications that variations in radiative forcing and the rate of ocean heat uptake play a similar compensatory role in models—suggests that conditioning of the models acts to curtail the intermodel spread in climate sensitivity. Observations used to condition the models ought to be explicitly stated, or there is the risk of doubly calling on data for purposes of both calibration and evaluation. Conditioning the models upon individual expectation (e.g., anchoring to the Charney range of 3° ± 1.5°C), to the extent that it exists, greatly complicates statistical interpretation of the intermodel spread.
Changes in Characteristics of Late-Summer Precipitation over Eastern China in the Past 40 Years Revealed by Hourly Precipitation Data
Authors: Yu Rucong , Li Jian , Yuan Weihua , Chen Haoming
Published: February 2010

Using hourly station rain gauge data during 1966–2005, the authors studied changes in the characteristics of the late-summer (July–August) rainfall, which has exhibited a so-called southern flooding and northern drought (SFND) pattern over eastern China in recent decades. Although the rainfall amount and frequency have significantly increased (decreased) in the mid–lower reaches of the Yangtze River valley (North China) during this period, the rainfall intensity has decreased (increased). This finding differs from previous results based on daily data, which showed that the rainfall intensity has increased in the mid–lower reaches of the Yangtze River valley. In this region, the mean rainfall hours on rainy days have increased because of the prolonged rainfall duration, which has led to an increased daily rainfall amount and to a decreased hourly rainfall intensity. Results also show that the SFND pattern is mostly attributed to changes in precipitation with moderate and low intensity (≤10 mm h−1), which contributes 65% (96%) of rainfall amount to the “flooding” (“drought”) in the mid–lower reaches of the Yangtze River valley. Neither frequency nor amount of strong intensity (>20 mm h−1) rainfall exhibits the SFND pattern.
Multisensor Precipitation Reanalysis
Authors: Nelson Brian R. , Seo D-J. , Kim Dongsoo
Published: February 2010

Temporally consistent high-quality, high-resolution multisensor precipitation reanalysis (MPR) products are needed for a wide range of quantitative climatological and hydroclimatological applications. Therefore, the authors have reengineered the multisensor precipitation estimator (MPE) algorithms of the NWS into the MPR package. Owing to the retrospective nature of the analysis, MPR allows for the utilization of additional rain gauge data, more rigorous automatic quality control, and post factum correction of radar quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) and optimization of key parameters in multisensor estimation. To evaluate and demonstrate the value of MPR, the authors designed and carried out a set of cross-validation experiments in the pilot domain of North Carolina and South Carolina. The rain gauge data are from the reprocessed Hydrometeorological Automated Data System (HADS) and the daily Cooperative Observer Program (COOP). The radar QPE data are the operationally produced Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler digital precipitation array (DPA) products. To screen out bad rain gauge data, quality control steps were taken that use rain gauge and radar data. The resulting MPR products are compared with the stage IV product on a daily scale at the withheld COOP gauge locations. This paper describes the data, the MPR procedure, and the validation experiments, and it summarizes the findings.
Performance Metrics for Soil Moisture Retrievals and Application Requirements
Authors: Entekhabi Dara , Reichle Rolf H. , Koster Randal D. , Crow Wade T.
Published: February 2010

Quadratic performance metrics such as root-mean-square error (RMSE) and time series correlation are often used to assess the accuracy of geophysical retrievals (satellite measurements) with respect to true fields. These metrics are related; nevertheless, each has advantages and disadvantages. In this study the authors explore the relation between the RMSE and correlation metrics in the presence of biases in the mean as well as in the amplitude of fluctuations (standard deviation) between estimated and true fields. Such biases are common, for example, in satellite retrievals of soil moisture and impose constraints on achievable and meaningful RMSE targets. Last, an approach is introduced for converting a requirement in an application’s product into a corresponding requirement for soil moisture accuracy. The approach can help with the formulation of soil moisture measurement requirements. It can also help determine the utility of a given retrieval product for applications.
The Three-Dimensional Steady Circulation in a Homogenous Ocean Induced by a Stationary Hurricane
Authors: Lu Zhu Min , Huang Rui Xin
Published: February 2010

Based on the classical Ekman layer theory, a simple analytical solution of the steady flow induced by a stationary hurricane in a homogenous ocean is discussed. The model consists of flow converging in an inward spiral in the deeper layer and diverging in the upper layer. The simple analytical model indicates that both the upwelling flux and the horizontal transport increase linearly with increasing radius of maximum winds. Furthermore, they both have a parabolic relationship with the maximum wind speed. The Coriolis parameter also affects the upwelling flux: the response to a hurricane is stronger at low latitudes than that at middle latitudes. Numerical solutions based on a regional version of an ocean general circulation model are similar to the primary results obtained through the analytical solution. Thus, the simplifications made in formulating the analytical solution are reasonable. Although the analytical solution in this paper is sought for a rather idealized ocean, it can help to make results from the more complicated numerical model understandable. These conceptual models provide a theoretical limit structure of the oceanic response to a moving hurricane over a stratified ocean.
Flux Attenuation due to Sensor Displacement over Sea
Authors: Nilsson Erik O. , Rutgersson Anna , Sullivan Peter P.
Published: February 2010

When using the eddy correlation method to measure turbulent scalar fluxes, there is often a spatial separation between the instruments measuring the scalar and the vertical velocity. The attenuation of the flux due to this separation is studied here for marine conditions. Measurements of a two-point covariance between vertical velocity and temperature are compared to covariance measurements from collocated sensors for both horizontal and vertical displacements, with the purpose of finding the approximate functions to describe the flux loss for typical separation distances. On the basis of this study’s measurements, there is only a slight directional dependence (i.e., streamwise or crosswind separation) of the flux loss for sensor separation distances less than 1 m but an increasing dependence with increasing displacement distance. For a vertical displacement, observations from this study confirm that flux loss is less with the scalar sensor positioned below the velocity sensor than at an equal distance above. Furthermore, the data show a clear dependence on atmospheric stability with increasing flux loss for increasing stable stratification, but it is not as large as that found in previous studies of flux attenuation over land. For example, the authors compare estimated flux loss for neutral and moderately stable (z/L = 0.3) stratification at a measuring height of z = 10 m and a sensor displacement r = 0.3 m, where L is the Obukhov length. For neutral (stable, z/L = 0.3) stratification the estimated loss of flux is 3% (5%) of the total flux for horizontal displacement. Whereas for an equal vertical separation the estimates are 2% (4%) when the scalar sensor is placed above the anemometer but less than 1% (2%) if it is placed below. Thus, the authors conclude that placing the scalar sensor below the anemometer minimizes the flux loss due to sensor separation, and that a simple correction function can be used to quantify the mean flux loss due to sensor separation over sea.
A Model-Based Observation-Thinning Scheme for the Assimilation of High-Resolution SST in the Shelf and Coastal Seas around China
Authors: Li Xichen , Zhu Jiang , Xiao Yiguo , Wang Ruiwen
Published: February 2010

The use of high-density remote sensing buoys and ship-based observations play an increasingly crucial role in the operational assimilation and forecast of oceans. With the recent release of several high-resolution observation datasets, such as the Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GODAE) high-resolution SST (GHRSST) datasets, the development of observation-thinning schemes becomes important in the process of data assimilation because the huge quantity and dense spatial–temporal distributions of these datasets might make it expensive to assimilate the full dataset into ocean models or even decay the assimilation result. In this paper, an objective model simulation ensemble-based observation-thinning scheme is proposed and applied to a Chinese shelf–coastal seas eddy-resolving model. A successful thinning scheme should select a subset of observations yielding a small analysis error variance (AEV) while keeping the number of observations to as few as possible. In this study, the background error covariance (BEC) is estimated using the historical ensemble and then the subset of observations to minimize the AEV is selected, which is estimated from the Kalman theory. The authors used this method in the GHRSST product to cover the shelf and coastal seas around China and then verified the result with an estimation function and assimilation–forecast systems.
Major Extratropical Cyclones of the Northwest United States: Historical Review, Climatology, and Synoptic Environment
Authors: Mass Clifford , Dotson Brigid
Published: February 2010

The northwest United States is visited frequently by strong midlatitude cyclones that can produce hurricane-force winds and extensive damage. This article reviews these storms, beginning with a survey of the major events of the past century. A climatology of strong windstorms is presented for the area from southern Oregon to northern Washington State and is used to create synoptic composites that show the large-scale evolution associated with such storms. A recent event, the Hanukkah Eve Storm of December 2006, is described in detail, with particular attention given to the impact of the bent-back front/trough and temporal changes in vertical stability and structure. The discussion section examines the general role of the bent-back trough, the interactions of such storms with terrain, and the applicability of the “sting jet” conceptual model. A conceptual model of the evolution of Northwest windstorm events is presented.
Role of Diurnal Warm Layers in the Diurnal Cycle of Convection over the Tropical Indian Ocean during MISMO
Authors: Bellenger H. , Takayabu Y. N. , Ushiyama T. , Yoneyama K.
Published: February 2010

The role of air–sea interaction in the diurnal variations of convective activity during the suppressed and developing stages of an intraseasonal convective event is analyzed using in situ observations from the Mirai Indian Ocean cruise for the Study of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO)-convection Onset (MISMO) experiment. For the whole period, convection shows a clear average diurnal cycle with a primary maximum in the early morning and a secondary one in the afternoon. Episodes of large diurnal sea surface temperature (SST) variations are observed because of diurnal warm layer (DWL) formation. When no DWL is observed, convection exhibits a diurnal cycle characterized by a maximum in the early morning, whereas when DWL forms, convection increases around noon and peaks in the afternoon. Boundary layer processes are found to control the diurnal evolution of convection. In particular, when DWL forms, the change in surface heat fluxes can explain the decrease of convective inhibition and the intensification of the convection during the early afternoon.
OECD Will Regain Pre-Crisis Levels of Output in 2011
Authors: Holland Dawn , Barrell Ray , Fic Tatiana , Hurst Ian , Liadze Iana , Orazgani Ali , Whitworth Rachel
Published: February 2010

The second quarter of 2009 marked the end of the global recession, and we estimate that global GDP increased by 1 per cent. However, the revival reflected growth in only a handful of economies, and was driven by a rise in domestic demand in an even smaller collection of countries. Government spending in mainland China, as well as Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea, was the driving force behind the rebound in global GDP. The recovery broadened to the majority of economies in the third quarter of last year, with particularly strong growth in Mexico, Brazil, Lithuania, Romania and Slovakia, as well as the Asian economies. Output continued to fall in the UK, Spain, Greece and several of the EU's new member states in the third quarter of 2009. Supported by highly expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, a sharp turn in the inventory cycle and external demand from Asia, the recovery has not yet spread to investment and consumer spending in many countries.
Macroeconomics for the 21st Century: Full Employment as a Policy Goal
Authors: Farmer Roger E.A.
Published: February 2010

This paper describes research that integrates Keynesian and Walrasian economics in a new way. The author develops a model in which high unemployment can persist and any unemployment rate can occur as an equilibrium. Equilibrium is selected by the self-fulfilling beliefs of asset market participants. Using this new framework, the author argues that fiscal policy is not the best solution to the problem of restoring full employment. A policy of asset market management, similar to quantitative easing, is put forward as a more effective approach.
Parkinson’s Disease and Politeness
Authors: Holtgraves Thomas , McNamara Patrick
Published: February 2010

Prior research suggests that people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) display certain deficiencies in their use of language. In this research, the authors used a role-playing technique to examine their ability to say things politely and to vary their level of politeness as a function of the social context. PD participants, relative to control participants, produced less polite strategies and failed to vary their politeness as a function of the size of the request. In addition, PD participants who were on high-dosage levels, relative to control and low-dosage PD participants, did not vary their politeness as a function of the recipient’s power. Overall, this research demonstrates a deficit in politeness for people with PD, a deficit that most likely plays a role in some of the social deficits that have been demonstrated to occur for people with PD. Potential neurobiological mechanisms of this deficit are discussed.
Review: The use of proteomics as a research methodology for studying cancer-related fatigue: a review
Authors: Minton Ollie , Stone Patrick C
Published: February 2010

There is an increasing emphasis on using translational research to examine mechanisms and increase our understanding of disease. Translational research involves the use of basic science techniques to generate new treatments for use in a clinical setting — the so called ‘bench to bedside’ approach. This methodology could be used to enhance our understanding of complex symptoms such as cancer-related fatigue. This review will examine specifically the potential role of the science of protein structure and function (proteomics) as a technique to improve our knowledge in this area. This will include an explanation of the specific methods used in this research in order to increase our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer-related fatigue and discuss potential directions for future research with the development of more targeted therapies.
Caring for someone with high-grade glioma: a time of rapid change for caregivers
Authors: McConigley Ruth , Halkett Georgia , Lobb Elizabeth , Nowak Anna
Published: February 2010

Patients diagnosed with high-grade gliomas have a poor prognosis and limited life expectancy, and often experience rapid decline in function. Caring for a patient with high-grade glioma is particularly stressful because caregivers are faced not only with cancer-related caregiving issues, but also issues relating to caring for someone with cognitive impairment. This study aimed to articulate the experiences of family caregivers of people diagnosed with high-grade glioma and to describe their information and support needs. A grounded theory method was adopted. Twenty-one family caregivers of people with high-grade glioma were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. A constant comparison method of data analysis was employed. A central theme, A Time of Rapid Change and two sub-themes, Renegotiating Relationships and Learning to be a Caregiver, emerged to describe the experiences of participants. Caregiving was characterised by numerous role and life changes from the moment of diagnosis. Caregivers in this study reported experiences similar to those described by caregivers of people with other cancers. What differed for this group was the rapidity of change and the need for immediate information and support to assist with caring for a person with high-grade glioma.
Review: The auspicious role of the 5-HT3 receptor in depression: a probable neuronal target?
Authors: Rajkumar Ramamoorthy , Mahesh Radhakrishnan
Published: February 2010

The serotonergic mechanisms have been successfully utilized by the majority of antidepressant drug discovery programmes, while the search for newer targets remains persistent. The present review focused on the serotonin type-3 receptor, the only ion channel subtype in the serotonin family. Behavioural, neurochemical, electrophysiological and molecular analyses, including the results from our laboratory, provided substantial evidence that rationalizes the correlation between serotonin type-3 receptor modulation and rodent depressive-like behaviour. Nevertheless, the reports on polymorphism of serotonin type-3 receptor genes and data from clinical studies (on serotonin type-3 receptor antagonists) were insufficient to corroborate the involvement of this receptor in the neurobiology of depression. The preclinical and clinical studies that have contradicted the antidepressant-like effects of serotonin type-3 receptor antagonists and the reasons underlying such disagreement were discussed. Finally, this critical review commended the serotonin type-3 receptor as a candidate neuronal antidepressant drug target.
The mood stabilizer lamotrigine produces antidepressant behavioral effects in rats: role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Nanxin Li  , Xiaolu He  , Xiaoli Qi  , Yu Zhang  , Shuchang He
Published: February 2010

The anticonvulsant drug lamotrigine has been shown to produce strong antidepressant effects in the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. However, to date there are few preclinical reports on its behavioral actions in animal models of depression or its underlying molecular mechanisms. The current study investigated the effects of lamotrigine in the forced swimming test and the learned helplessness test. The results demonstrate that both 15 and 30 mg/kg acute treatment of lamotrigine significantly reduced immobility in the forced swimming test without affecting locomotor activity. Sub-chronic twice daily injections of 30 mg/kg lamotrigine robustly decreased escape failures in animals that had developed learned helplessness symptoms. In parallel, the sub-chronic lamotrigine treatment also up-regulated frontal and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in both naive and stressed animals and restored the stress-induced down-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression. This study provides further evidence for the use of lamotrigine as a novel antidepressant in the treatment of bipolar disorders.