bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microtopographical regulation of adult bone marrow progenitor cells chondrogenic and osteogenic gene and protein expressions
Authors: Yang Y. , Kusano K. , Frei H. , Rossi F. , Brunette D. M. , Putnins E. E.
Published: July 2010

Microtopographic features affect diverse cell behaviors. Adult bone marrow progenitor cells (AMPCs) constitute a multipotent heterogeneous population. We hypothesized that microtopographies could direct AMPCs lineage‐specific differentiation. AMPCs isolated from Sprague‐Dawley rats were CD45 depleted, expanded, and plated at 105 cells/cm2 on epoxy‐microfabricated: (1) 60‐μm‐deep grooves with 95‐μm pitch (D60P95), (2) 55‐μm‐wide and 10‐μm‐deep squares (W55D10), (3) 30‐μm‐deep grooves with 45‐μm pitch (D30P45), (4) 17‐μm‐wide and 10‐μm‐deep pillars (W17D10), and (5) smooth control. AMPCs were cultured using expansion, chondrogenesis, or osteogenesis supporting media. Cell cultures were examined by scanning electron microscopy, qRT‐PCR, and immunostaining at 2, 9, 16, and 23 days after plating. Expressions of osteogenesis‐related genes, such as Runx‐2, alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, osteocalcin, and parathyroid hormone–related protein receptor (PTHr), and chondrogenesis‐associated genes, such as Sox‐9, type II collagen, and aggrecan, were determined. In expansion medium, W55D10 induced a transient increase of Sox9 expression. Compared with smooth surfaces, type II collagen mRNA and protein expressions in chondrogenic medium were significantly upregulated on W55D10 by day 23. In contrast, osteocalcin and PTHr expressions were significantly increased on D30P45 in osteogenic medium. We have demonstrated that W55D10 and D30P45 enhanced AMPCs chondrogenic and osteogenic terminal differentiation with appropriate culture conditions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Fundamental role of microvilli in the main functions of differentiated cells: Outline of an universal regulating and signaling system at the cell periphery
Authors: Lange Klaus
Published: July 2010

Until now, the general importance of microvilli present on the surface of almost all differentiated cells has been strongly underestimated and essential functions of these abundant surface organelles remained unrecognized. Commonly, the role of microvilli has been reduced to their putative function of cell‐surface enlargement. In spite of a large body of detailed knowledge about the specific functions of microvilli in sensory receptor cells for sound, light, and odor perception, their functional importance for regulation of basic cell functions remained obscure. Here, a number of microvillar mechanisms involved in fundamental cell functions are discussed. Two structural features enable the extensive functional competence of microvilli: First, the exclusive location of almost all functional important membrane proteins on microvilli of differentiated cells and second, the function of the F‐actin‐based cytoskeletal core of microvilli as a structural diffusion barrier modulating the flow of low molecular substrates and ions into and out of the cell. The specific localization on microvilli of important functional membrane proteins such as glucose transporters, ion channels, ion pumps, and ion exchangers indicate the importance and diversity of microvillar functions. In this review, the microvillar mechanisms of audioreceptor, photoreceptor, and olfactory/taste receptor cells are discussed as highly specialized adaptations of a general type of microvillar mechanisms involved in regulation of important basic cell functions such as glucose transport/energy metabolism, ion channel regulation, generation and modulation of the membrane potential, volume regulation, and Ca signaling. Even the constitutive cellular defence against cytotoxic compounds, also called “multidrug resistance (MDR),” is discussed as a microvillar mechanism. A comprehensive examination of the specific properties of “cable‐like” ion conduction along the microvillar core structure of F‐actin allows the proposal that microvilli are specifically designed for using ionic currents as cellular signals. In view of the multifaceted gating and signaling properties of TRP channels, the possible role of microvilli as a universal gating device for TRP channel regulation is discussed. Combined with the role of the microvillar core bundle of actin filaments as high‐affinity Ca store, microvilli may turn out as highly specialized Ca signaling organelle involved in store‐operated Ca entry (SOCE) and initiation of nonlinear Ca signals such as waves and oscillations. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 896–927, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intramural pregnancy presenting in a patient with tuberous sclerosis
Authors: Glass Tracy , Smith Paula , Hodges Ronald , Holmes Heather J.
Published: July 2010

Intramural pregnancies are a rare form of ectopic pregnancy located within the myometrium separate from the endometrial cavity. In an effort to prevent potential complications, diagnosis should be made early when more conservative approaches can be performed to preserve reproductive potential. The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancies can be successfully accomplished through sonography; however, intramural pregnancies may be difficult to diagnose as they can appear similar to other etiologies. We present a unique case of a ruptured intramural pregnancy diagnosed with sonography and pelvic MRI in a patient with tuberous sclerosis. Surgical enucleation of the intramural pregnancy was successfully performed with postoperative resolution of beta hCG levels. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 38:393‐396, 2010
Prenatal diagnosis of vertebral deformities associated with pentalogy of Cantrell: The role of three‐dimensional sonography?
Authors: Gün İsmet , Kurdoğlu Mertihan , Müngen Ercüment , Muhcu Murat , Babacan Ali , Atay Vedat
Published: July 2010

Pentalogy of Cantrell was diagnosed in a fetus at 14 weeks of gestation, on routine two‐dimensional sonographic examination with Doppler imaging, which revealed a midline supraumbilical abdominal wall defect including herniated liver, an ectopia cordis without intracardiac anomalies, and a large omphalocele containing intestines. Although left unilateral club foot deformity was also detected as an associated anomaly in the same examination, severe lumbar lordoscoliosis was only detected by using three‐dimensional sonography because of the spatial configuration of the deformity. After termination of the pregnancy, postnatal inspection of the fetus confirmed the diagnosis of pentalogy of Cantrell associated with skeletal deformities and revealed low implant ears as an additional finding. Although two‐dimensional sonography with Doppler imaging is sufficient to diagnose pentalogy of Cantrell, it may fail to show the complex vertebral deformities and three‐dimensional sonography may assist in visualizing the defect accurately. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 38:446–449, 2010
Restoration of central nervous system α‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase activity and therapeutic benefits in mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB mice by a single intracisternal recombinant adeno‐associated viral type 2 vector delivery
Authors: Fu Haiyan , DiRosario Julianne , Kang Lu , Muenzer Joseph , McCarty Douglas M.
Published: July 2010

Background

Finding efficient central nervous system (CNS) delivery approaches has been the major challenge facing therapeutic development for treating diseases with global neurological manifestation, such as mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IIIB, a lysosomal storage disease, caused by autosomal recessive defect of α‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase (NaGlu). Previously, we developed an approach, intracisternal (i.c.) injection, to deliver recombinant adeno‐associated viral (rAAV) vector to the CNS of mice, leading to a widespread periventricular distribution of transduction.

Methods

In the present study, we delivered rAAV2 vector expressing human NaGlu into the CNS of MPS IIIB mice by an i.c. injection approach, to test its therapeutic efficacy and feasibility for treating the neurological manifestation of the disease.

Results

We demonstrated significant functional neurological benefits of a single i.c. vector infusion in adult MPS IIIB mice. The treatment slowed the disease progression by mediating widespread recombinant NaGlu expression in the CNS, resulting in the reduction of brain lysosomal storage pathology, significantly improved cognitive function and prolonged survival. However, persisting motor function deficits suggested that pathology in areas outside the CNS contributes to the MPS IIIB behavioral phenotype. The therapeutic benefit of i.c. rAAV2 delivery was dose‐dependent and could be attribute solely to the CNS transduction because the procedure did not lead to detectable transduction in somatic tissues.

Conclusions

A single IC rAAV2 gene delivery is functionally beneficial for treating the CNS disease of MPS IIIB in mice. It is immediately clinically translatable, with the potential of improving the quality of life for patients with MPS IIIB. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intra‐articular electrotransfer of mouse soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor in a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Denys Anne , Thiolat Allan , Descamps Delphyne , Lemeiter Delphine , Benihoud Karim , Bessis Nakacha , Boissier Marie‐Christophe
Published: July 2010

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and destruction of the joints. In the collagen‐induced arthritis mouse model of RA, we developed a nonviral gene therapy method designed to block in situ the main cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α

Methods

Electrotransfer was used to deliver a plasmid encoding extracellular domain of mouse soluble TNF‐α receptor type I fused to the Fc fragment of mouse immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 (pTNFR‐Is) corresponding to a dimeric TNF‐α soluble receptor fusion protein (mTNFR‐Is/Ig).

Results

Delivery of the plasmid into the knees at symptom onset improved the histological inflammation and destruction not only at the knees, but also at the ankles, indicating a local and a regional therapeutic effect. The plasmid was detected in synovial membrane and meniscus specimens from the injected joints. In the synovial membrane, 15 days post‐injection, interleukin (IL)‐17 and TNF‐α mRNAs expression were increased, whereas IL‐10 mRNA was unchanged. However, the empty plasmid exerted a pro‐inflammatory effect 30 days post‐injection.

Conclusions

These data indicate that local nonviral gene therapy against TNF‐α is effective, although further work is needed to decrease plasmid induced inflammation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
[carbonyl‐11C]Benzyl acetate: Automated radiosynthesis via Pd‐mediated [11C]carbon monoxide chemistry and PET measurement of brain uptake in monkey
Authors: Lu Shuiyu , Hong Jinsoo , Itoh Tetsuji , Fujita Masahiro , Inoue Osamu , Innis Robert B. , Pike Victor W.
Published: July 2010

[carbonyl‐11C]Benzyl acetate ([11C]1) has been proposed as a potential agent for imaging glial metabolism of acetate to glutamate and glutamine with positron emission tomography. [11C]1 was synthesized from [11C]carbon monoxide, iodomethane and benzyl alcohol via palladium‐mediated chemistry. The radiosynthesis was automated with a modified Synthia platform controlled with in‐house developed Labview software. Under production conditions, [11C]1 was obtained in 10% (n=6) decay‐corrected radiochemical yield from [11C]carbon monoxide in >96% radiochemical purity and with an average specific radioactivity of 2415 mCi/µmol. The total radiosynthesis time was about 45 min. Peak uptake of radioactivity in monkey brain (SUV=3.1) was relatively high and may be amenable to measuring uptake and metabolism of acetate in glial cells of the brain. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative ultrastructure of Langerhans‐like cells in spleens of ray‐finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Authors: Lovy Jan , Wright Glenda M. , Speare David J. , Tyml Tomas , Dykova Iva
Published: July 2010

We studied the morphology and occurrence of splenic Langerhans‐like (LL) cells in species representing 11 orders of ray‐finned fishes, Actinopterygii. LL cells were frequent in spleen tissue of species among Cypriniformes, Esociformes, Salmoniformes, and Pleuronectiformes. These cells contained granules which resembled Birbeck granules known to occur in mammalian Langerhans cells. The ultrastructure of LL cells in Northern pike, Esox lucius, and in Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus were similar to those reported in salmonids. LL cells found in cyprinids shared some characteristics with the LL cells in other Actinopterygii species, although unique structures distinguished them from the latter. They contained dense bodies within the Birbeck‐like (BL) granules, a characteristic that was never observed in species outside the Cypriniformes. Two types of BL granules were characterized in cyprinid LL cells. The ultrastructure of BL granules across the species is discussed. LL cells in all Actinopterygii species demonstrated close contacts with nearby cells, characterized by adherens‐like junctions. Additionally, multivesicular bodies were present within the cytoplasm and large aggregates of exosomes were observed closely associated with the plasma membrane suggesting their release from the cells. These structures are discussed in relation to mammalian dendritic cells. Macrophages found in European perch, Perca fluviatilis, blue gourami, Trichogaster trichopterus, and Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus contained lysosomes and residual bodies with structures resembling Birbeck granules. These granules and cells were clearly distinct from LL cells. J. Morphol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enamel microarchitecture of a tribosphenic molar
Authors: Špoutil František , Vlček Vojtěch , Horáček Ivan
Published: July 2010

The tribosphenic molar is a dental apomorphy of mammals and the molar type from which all derived types originated. Its enamel coat is expected to be ancestral: a thin, evenly distributed layer of radial prismatic enamel. In the bat Myotis myotis, we reinvestigated the 3D architecture of the dental enamel using serial sectioning combined with scanning electron microscopy analyses, biometrics of enamel prisms and crystallites, and X‐ray diffraction. We found distinct heterotopies in enamel thickness (thick enamel on the convex sides of the crests, thin on the concave ones), angularity of enamel prisms, and in distribution of particular enamel types (prismatic, interprismatic, aprismatic) and demonstrated structural relations of these heterotopies to the cusp and crest organization of the tribosphenic molar. X‐ray diffraction demonstrated that the crystallites composing the enamel are actually the aggregates of much smaller primary crystallites. The differences among particular enamel types in degree of crystallite aggregation and the variation in structural microstrain of the primary crystallites (depending upon the duration and the mechanical context of mineralization) represent factors not fully understood as yet that may contribute to the complexity of enamel microarchitecture in a significant way. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The pattern of sporulation in Anabaena circinalis and comments on the role of heterocysts in sporulation in blue‐green algae
Authors: Tyagi V. V. S.
Published: July 2010

Cells between two intercalary heterocysts differentiate at random into spores in A. circinalis. One or more cells, which fail to transform into spores, are present between the two adjacent spores, and these cells disorganize later. A critical C:N ratio regulates sporulation and heterocyst formation. During sporulation the reductive ability of the heterocyst gradually diminishes.

It is concluded on the basis of this and other evidence that sporulation is regulated by interactions between heterocysts and vegetative cells which are manifested in diverse patterns in different species of blue‐green algae.
Evidence for repair of ultraviolet‐induced damage in Cystobacter species (Myxobacterales)
Authors: Grimm K.
Published: July 2010

Cystobacter species strain CK 1 does not grow with more than 0.2 μg/ml acriflavine. Spontaneous two‐step mutants growing with 2 μg acriflavine per ml have been selected. One mutant (strain CK 3) was used to investigate the effect of repair inhibitors. Both strains exhibit pronounced shoulders in their UV dose curves of inactivation. Acriflavine (AF), coumarin (CU), and caffeine (CA) when incorporated in the post‐irradiation plating medium decreased survival of irradiated cells. Post‐treatment with 2 μg acriflavine/ml abolished the shoulder of the curve. Caffeine (1600 μg/ml) and coumarin (350 μg/ml) reduced it only to about 40%. It is concluded that probably two repair mechanisms are present.

Pre‐treatment of the cells with 2 μg acriflavine/ml for two hours before UV‐irradiation resulted in a constant dose enhancement factor of 1.9. The protective effect is increased with the time of treatment with acriflavine. This may indicate that pyrimidine dimers are responsible for UV‐inactivation.
Effect of rifampicin (3‐(4‐methylpiperazinyl‐iminomethyl)rifamycin) on heterocyst differentiation in the blue‐green algae Anabaena and Calothrix
Authors: Tyagi V. V. S.
Published: July 2010

Chains of multiple heterocysts form in Anabaena und Calothrix filaments on treatment with rifampicin. The multiple heterocysts form irrespective of whether the rifampicin treatment is given in combined nitrogen‐free or supplemented medium. This suggests the possibility of involvement of a species of RNA or of protein as intracellular heterocyst inhibitor and indicates that some latent pattern‐determining mechanism may operate in the combined nitrogen medium.
A critical analysis of kinetic data of 3‐hexulosephosphate synthases MICHAELIS‐MENTEN or complex characteristics
Authors: Müller R. , Babel W.
Published: July 2010

Investigations of the 3‐hexulosephosphate synthase (HPS) from different methylotrophic bacteria have revealed apparent discrepancies in kinetic behaviour. In all methanol‐utilizing species investigated by us the kinetic characteristics showed intermediary plateau regions. Therefore, this behaviour is assumed to be a general feature of the HPS from all non‐methane‐utilizing methylotrophic bacteria. However, this assumption is in contrast to the results of other authors. Both for Methylomonas M15 (SAHM et al. 1976) and Methylomonas aminofaciens 77 a (KATO et al. 1977, 1978) MICHAELIS‐MENTEN kinetics of the HPS were stated.

To check the validity of our assumption we have analyzed the kinetic data given by others. Indications of the existence of intermediary plateau regions could be found with the enzyme from Arthrobacter globiformis (BYKOVSKAYA and VORONKOV 1977) and Methylomonas aminofaciens 77 a (KATO et al. 1978). Furthermore, biphasic ARRHENIUS plots indicate a multiple character of the HPS from these species as could already be demonstrated with the enzyme from Bacterium MB 58 and Pseudomonas oleovorans. In addition, causes which may obscure the detection of intermediary plateau regions are demonstrated.
Wachstumskinetik der Kolonien und Hemmhöfe von Leistungsvarianten des Turimycinbildners Streptomyces hygroscopicus JA 6599
Authors: Müller G. , Fiedler G. , Noack D. , Schicht G.
Published: July 2010

An Kolonien des Wildtyps und an 4 Leistungsvarianten des Stammes Streptomyces hygroscopicus JA 6599 sind wachstums‐ und hemmhofkinetische Untersuchungen auf festem Medium bei zwei Inkubationstemperaturen durchgeführt und charakteristische Parameter der Variantenpopulationen zur antibiotischen Leistungsfähigkeit der Varianten in Beziehung gesetzt worden. Aus Messungen des Koloniedurchmessers in der linearen Wachstumsphase (ab 3. Tag) wurden für jede Variante und jede Kultivierungstemperatur 2 Parameter ermittelt (Regressionskoeffizient und Zeitpunkt, zu dem der Koloniedurchmesser im statistischen Mittel 1 mm ist). Diese Parameter lassen zwar Korrelationen zur antibiotischen Aktivität in Submerskultur erkennen, gestatten jedoch keine eindeutige Zuordnung zur Leistungsfähigkeit. Zusammen mit 2 entsprechenden Parameter der Hemmhofkinetik in der linearen Phase (3. – 7. Tag) ist jedoch eine solche Zuordnung zur Leistungsfähigkeit möglich. Das Steigungsmaß der Hemmhofkinetik in der linearen Phase nimmt bei 28 °C Inkubationstemperatur streng mit der Leistungsfähigkeit der Varianten zu. Außerdem ist aus dem Vergleich der Parameterwerte der 5 geprüften Varianten ein deutlicher Unterschied der beiden leistungsfähigsten Varianten zu den übrigen zu erkennen. Es wird angenommen, daß dieser Unterschied durch eine Mutation in einem Strukturgen bedingt ist.
Effects of ethanol on the temperature profile of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: van Uden N. , Da Cruz Duarte H.
Published: July 2010

Ethanol at concentrations above 3% (w/v) decreased the maximum temperature for growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in batch culture. At 9% (w/v), the highest concentration tested, the maximum temperature suffered a decrease of about 10 degrees centigrade. At effective concentrations ethanol shifted the ARRHENIUS plots of growth and death in the superoptimal temperature range to lower temperatures while an associative temperature profile was maintained. Thus at a concentration of 6% (w/v), ethanol depressed the optimum temperature for growth from 37 °C to 25 °C, the final maximum temperature for growth from 40 °C to 33 °C and the initial maximum temperature for growth from 44 °C to 36 °C. The results indicate that during alcoholic batch fermentation these three cardinal temperatures are variables, the values of which decrease with increasing ethanol concentration. When the ethanol concentration becomes high enough to depress them successively below the process temperature, the yeast population becomes increasingly subject to ethanol‐enhanced thermal death. Implications of the findings for the production of fermentation ethanol in batch and continuous processes are discussed.
Hybridization of yeasts by protoplast fusion: Early events after fusion in Pichia guilliermondii
Authors: Klinner U. , Böttcher F.
Published: July 2010

The efficiency of protoplast fusions in haploid strains of P. guilliermondii was dependent on the strain used. In the primary fusion colonies, a large proportion of non‐dividing cells was sometimes observed. While in two strains stable hybrids occurred immediately after fusion, one strain showed a longer‐lasting heterokaryotic state.
Substructural study of sporogenesis in Streptomyces griseus
Authors: Strunk C.
Published: July 2010

A Streptomyces griseus strain deficient in the formation of aerial mycelium and arthrospore development (Amy−) was studied by electron microscopy and compared with the sporulating parental strain (Amy+). The investigations were performed with colonies grown on solid medium. The substructural characteristics of the essential events of sporogenesis could clearly been demonstrated in the aerial mycelium of the Amy+ colonies. The mycelium of the surface region of the Amy− colonies showed altered features. The most pronounced alteration was the absence of the surface sheath, normally present on the aerial hyphae of the parental strain. The cross wall type II, characteristic of sporogeneous hyphae, was not discernible in the Amy− hyphae. Some substructural features resembling the essential events of normal sporogenesis were evident in the Amy− strain, albeit diminished and interfered with by abnormalities. The resulting propagative cells were of different size and feature.
Sea‐surface temperature and southern oscillation signal in the upper stratosphere‐lower mesosphere
Authors: Varotsos C. A. , Deligiorgi D. G.
Published: July 2010

Using rocketsonde‐derived data for 17 years (1969–1985) the relationship between the Southern Oscillation (SO), sea surface temperature (SST) and temperature at the northern upper stratosphere‐middle mesosphere is investigated.

In the upper stratosphere‐middle mesosphere region a strong correlation is found between the SO signal and temperature. In the same atmospheric region and in the northern subtropics a correlation is also found between SST and temperature. The latter correlation depends on latitude and season. Lag correlation coefficients as high as 0.8‐0.9 were found for all seasons.

In most cases the correlation between SO and temperature is opposite in sign to that existing between SST and temperature.
Analyses of local climatological factors controlling risk of road slipperiness during warm‐air advections
Authors: Gustavsson Torbjörn
Published: July 2010

Temperature recordings from the Swedish Road Weather Information System (VVIS) were analysed with respect to variations in the risk of road slipperiness during synoptic situations resulting in a rapid warming. Climatological data from 24 VVIS stations in the county of Södermanland, Sweden, were used in this study.

During warm‐air advections, variations in the warming of the air and the road surface can lead to the development of slipperiness through sublimation. Important factors contributing to a varying spatial pattern in the risk of slipperiness are found to be: type of weather preceding a warm‐front movement, local topography, and thermal properties of the road‐bed material. The weather situation preceding a warm‐front and the local topography influence the variation in warming rate between the stations. A rapid warming and an early risk of road slipperiness were found at open valley locations. At stations surrounded by dense vegetation, the warming of the air and road surface were more prolonged and the risk of slipperiness occurred several hours later than at open sites. The road construction materials were found to influence the warming rate of the road surface, which has an effect on the variation in the risk of slipperiness during situations preceded by cloudy, windy weather.
Precipitation in Britain: An analysis of area‐average data updated to 1989
Authors: Gregory J. M. , Jones P. D. , Wigley T. M. L.
Published: July 2010

The present work is a geographical extension and update of our previous analysis of spatial and temporal variations in precipitation over England and Wales. In this study the UK is divided into nine regions of coherent precipitation variability on the basis of our earlier principal components analysis. Daily and monthly time‐series are assembled for seven sites within each region, and area‐average series and statistics are computed. We investigate correlations among the sites within each region, among regions on daily to annual time‐scales. Monthly time‐series spanning the period 1931–1989 for England and Wales, for Scotland and for Northern Ireland are calculated by further combining the nine regions. No long‐term trends are apparent.
Droughts, floods, and sea‐surface temperature anomalies: A modelling approach
Authors: Gordon H. B. , Hunt B. G.
Published: July 2010

As the first phase of a research programme to develop a deterministic drought prediction scheme a general circulation model has been used to simulate rainfall perturbations forced by sea‐surface temperature anomalies in the Pacific Ocean. A wavenumber 21 model with four vertical levels run in a fixed January mode, but with diurnal variability, was used. Three different sea‐surface temperature anomaly patterns were explored, representative of both El Niño and anti‐El‐Niño events. Compared with a control run, global perturbations in rainfall and soil moisture were produced, but for simplicity, analysis was restricted primarily to the overall Pacific region where the model response was highest. For El Niño type temperature anomalies large‐scale droughts were produced in eastern Australia and Venezuela, while enhanced rainfall conditions prevailed in the central Pacific and Peru. An analysis is presented that clarifies some of the mechanisms involved in creating these rainfall perturbations. Diurnal variations of conditions at individual model grid points highlight the differences occurring for control and drought situations, and illustrate the ability of the model to provide a range of climatic outputs that assist in the assessment of the impact of a drought. Time‐series plots of condensational heating in the model troposphere show that there is not a simple relationship between imposed SST anomalies and the consequent release of latent heat in the atmosphere.
Distribution and long‐term features of the spatial variations of the moisture regions over India
Authors: Singh Nityanand , Pant G. B. , Mulye S. S.
Published: July 2010

Different moisture regions of India exhibit large spatial variations as part of their natural characteristics. In this paper the spatial variations of these regions are studied using annual rainfall data of 306 well‐distributed stations for the 114‐year period from 1871 to 1984. The distribution characteristics are studied by determining positions of different moisture regions for sufficiently large probabilities using an average probability diagram (APD), which presents variation of the annual rainfall expected with specified exceedance/non‐exceedance probabilities with the variation of the mean annual rainfall over India.

For determining long‐term features of the moisture regions, variations in the boundaries of the moisture regions are examined during all‐India deficient/excessive rainfall years as well as during wet/dry epochs identified in the all‐India annual rainfall series. It is noticed that boundaries of different moisture regions fluctuate in space along with the annual rainfall over India. During all‐India below‐normal rainfall years dry regions spread into wet regions, whereas the reverse is the case during above‐normal rainfall years. The extremely arid, arid, and semi‐arid zones of north‐west India have been found to exhibit maximum variations.
Regional airflow patterns in the British Isles
Authors: Mayes Julian C.
Published: July 2010

The study of regional airflow types in the British Isles is put forward as an appropriate technique to quantify the extent to which daily airflow patterns diverge in different parts of the country. The role of regional airflow patterns in relation to regional rainfall fluctuations is investigated. The historical development of existing airflow classifications for the British Isles is reviewed, highlighting the absence of recent studies of regional airflow.

A daily classification has been devised covering four regions of the country for the period 1950–1989. The aims and methodology are illustrated over various time‐scales by analysis of the airflow patterns of selected days, months, and years. Monthly airflow contrasts are identified by conversion of the types to index values and thence to quintiles, upon which regional airflow contrasts are defined. The resulting regional contrast groups are often found to correspond with rainfall anomaly patterns. Regional synoptic anomalies are investigated as possible causes of recent rainfall fluctuations in the British Isles. Particular emphasis is placed on the increase in westerliness in Scotland and increases in rainfall in western Scotland in recent decades and on the concentration of anticyclonic conditions in the south‐east region in the 1980s compared with Scotland.
Analysis of the monthly zonal index values and long‐term changes of circulation over the North Atlantic and Europe
Authors: Makrogiannis T. J. , Sahsamanoglou H. S. , Flocas A. A. , Bloutsos A. A.
Published: July 2010

Mean monthly zonal index (ZIm) values over the North Atlantic and Europe, during the period 1873–1988, are studied. The frequency distribution of the percentage occurrence of the mean monthly ZIm values and the length of the spells of low and high ZIm values show that the predominant flow over the North Atlantic is westerly, while over Europe it is meridional. Harmonic analysis is applied to the mean annual course of the ZIm values for each of the above areas, which shows that the two first components are enough to explain more than 90 per cent of the total variance. Power spectrum analysis of the mean monthly ZIm values shows significant periodicities common to both the examined areas of the order of 18 months and less. Coherence analysis also shows that both areas are better correlated in the low frequency ranges.
The problem of multiplicity in research on teleconnections
Authors: Katz Richard W. , Brown Barbara G.
Published: July 2010

The statistical problem of multiplicity in teleconnection studies was recognized early in this century by Sir Gilbert T. Walker. This problem arises when several sample correlation coefficients between climatic/oceanic time series are computed, but only the largest ones in magnitude are selected as significant. Testing a large number of hypotheses leads to a rapid increase in the probability of erroneously rejecting at least one hypothesis if the significance level of each test is kept fixed. Walker developed methods to counteract the effects of multiplicity, but this problem is still ignored in most modern studies. The effects of multiplicity are compounded for time series with autocorrelation, as is the case for most climatic variables. Monte Carlo simulations of sets of climatic time series indicate that multiplicity can be counteracted by using a modernized version of Walker's approach that includes a correction of the test statistics for the effects of autocorrelation. Overall significance levels obtained by applying other testing approaches that fail to account for either multiplicity or autocorrelation are generally much larger than the desired value.
Wave climate changes in the North Atlantic and North Sea
Authors: Bacon S. , Carter D. J. T.
Published: July 2010

This article presents a review of all available data describing long‐term trends in the wave climate of the North Atlantic and North Sea, using both visual estimates and instrumental measurements of wave height. Long series of measurements from Seven Stones Light Vessel (1962–1986), sited off the south‐west tip of England, and Ocean Weather Station Lima (1975–1988), at 57°N,20°W, are both examined for evidence of trends in mean wave height; the former data set is also examined for evidence of trends in annual maximum wave height and extreme (50‐year return value) wave height. All available data show an increase in mean wave height over the whole of the North Atlantic in recent years, possibly since 1950, of about 2 per cent per year. There are insufficient data to say with confidence whether maxima or extremes have also risen.
Short‐term precipitation maxima in different precipitation climate zones of croatia, Yugoslavia
Authors: Gajić‐Čapka Marjana
Published: July 2010

The climatic characteristics of maximum precipitation amounts for short‐term intervals of 10, 30, 60 and 120 minutes as well as for 24h were investigated along the Zagreb‐Rijeka transect of about 150 km in length. Three selected stations were located in three different climatic zones: continental lowland, transitional mountainous area between the Alps and the mountain ridge of Dinaridi, and the Adriatic coast.

The Jenkinson method was used to estimate the expected precipitation maxima for various return periods.

The frequency distribution of maximum precipitation amounts during the year was analysed in relation to the synoptic situations.
Prediction of seasonal rainfall in the north nordeste of Brazil using eigenvectors of sea‐surface temperature
Authors: Ward M. Neil , Folland Chris K.
Published: July 2010

Two statistical techniques, multiple linear regression and linear discriminant analysis, are compared for making hindcasts and real‐time forecasts of north Nordeste (north‐east Brazil) wet season rainfall using only information about sea‐surface temperature. The predictors are strengths of large‐scale patterns of sea‐surface temperature measured just prior to the season being predicted. The patterns are created from non‐rotated covariance eigenvectors of seasonal, basin scale, sea‐surface temperature anomalies for the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in the years 1901–1980.

Separate prediction models are constructed for 1912–1948 and 1949–1985; hindcasts using a given model are made and verified for the set of years not included in the model construction. However, this strategy does not provide hindcast periods that are completely independent of the model construction period (the ‘training period’), because the eigenvector patterns were based on 1901–1980 data. So for the multiple linear regression technique, a second version of the eigenvectors was used to provide predictor sea‐surface temperature patterns derived from data that were independent of one of the testing periods. The results show that skill was maintained when the predictor eigenvector patterns were also independent of the testing period. Hindcast skill is measured with the help of a new type of score, which calculates the linear error of the hindcast in a historical cumulative probability distribution of the seasonal rainfall (linear error in probability space, LEPS). Well‐known scores are also used to allow easy comparisons with the skill of tropical forecasting techniques published elsewhere. At least 50 per cent of north Nordeste wet season rainfall variance appears to be predictable using sea‐surface temperature data alone, with no significant overall bias.

Finally, the paper reviews the skill of four, real time, experimental seasonal forecasts issued for the wet season March to May for each year between 1987 and 1990.
The relationship of monsoon onset with subsequent rainfall over India
Authors: Bansod S. D. , Singh S. V. , Kripalani R. H.
Published: July 2010

Utilizing 40 (1941–1980) years of daily monsoon rainfall data averaged over 52, 2.5° × 2.5° latitude and longitude contiguous blocks covering the whole of India, we have investigated the relationship between monsoon onset at nine locations in India with the monsoon rainfall during the first 10, 15, 20, and 30 days of June and during the whole monsoon season. The onset is found to have a significant association only with rainfall observed during the subperiod of June, no significant correlations are found for the seasonal monsoon rainfall for any station. Interrelationships among onsets at these nine locations have also been studied. It is found that the arrival of the monsoon over the northern parts of the country has no relationship with the onset over Kerala. The relationship between the onset of the Baiu rains over 11 stations in Japan and the monsoon onset over India also has been studied by using 35 (1946–1980) years of data. Even though the onset of the Baiu over a few stations shows significant association with the monsoon onset over some stations of India, the relationship between the Baiu and monsoon onset is not very encouraging for linear prediction.
Velocity‐dependent changes in the relative motion of the subsynovial connective tissue in the human carpal tunnel
Authors: Yoshii Yuichi , Zhao Chunfeng , Henderson Jacqueline , Zhao Kristin D. , An Kai‐Nan , Amadio Peter C.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to measure the rate‐dependent changes in the relative motion of subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) and median nerve in the human carpal tunnel. Using fluoroscopy, we measured the relative motion of middle finger flexor digitorum superficialis tendon, SSCT, and median nerve in eight human cadavers during simulated active finger flexion motions at 2.0, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 mm/s. The shear index was defined as the difference in motion between tendon and SSCT or tendon and nerve, expressed as a percentage of tendon excursion. The motion patterns of the SSCT and median nerve relative to tendon excursion were measured at each 10% increment (decile) of maximum tendon excursion. The tendon–SSCT shear index was significantly higher at 10.0 mm/s than at 2.0 mm/s in the single‐digit motion. There were corresponding significant decreases in SSCT and median nerve motion for the 10.0 mm/s velocity compared to the 2.0 mm/s velocity. This study demonstrates that the relative motion of the tissues in the carpal tunnel appears to be dependent on tendon velocity, specifically with less nerve and SSCT motion at higher velocity tendon motion. This suggests that SSCT may be predisposed to shear injury from high‐velocity tendon motion. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:62–66, 2011
Role of autologous rabbit adipose‐derived stem cells in the early phases of the repairing process of critical bone defects
Authors: de Girolamo L. , Arrigoni E. , Stanco D. , Lopa S. , Di Giancamillo A. , Addis A. , Borgonovo S. , Dellavia C. , Domeneghini C. , Brini A.T.
Published: July 2010

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) may represent a novel and efficient tool to promote bone regeneration. In this study, rabbit ASCs were expanded in culture and used for the regeneration of full‐thickness bone defects in the proximal epiphysis of tibia of 12 New Zealand rabbits. Defects were implanted with graft material as follows: untreated (control), empty hydroxyapatite (HA) disk, ASCs alone, and HA disk seeded with ASCs. Each isolated ASCs population was tested in vitro: they all showed a high proliferation rate, a marked clonogenic ability, and osteogenic differentiation potential. Eight weeks after implantation, macroscopic analyses of all the samples showed satisfactory filling of the lesions without any significant differences in term of stiffness between groups treated with or without cells (p > 0.05). In both the scaffold‐treated groups, a good osteointegration was radiographically observed. Even if HA was not completely reabsorbed, ASCs‐loaded HA displayed a higher scaffold resorption than the unloaded ones. Histological analyses showed that the osteogenic abilities of the scaffold‐treated defects was greater than those of scaffold‐free samples, and in particular new formed bone was more mature and more similar to native bone in presence of ASCs. These results demonstrated that autologous ASCs–HA constructs is a potential treatment for the regeneration of bone defects. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:100–108, 2011
Low‐intensity ultrasound stimulation prevents osteoporotic bone loss in young adult ovariectomized mice
Authors: Lim Dohyung , Ko Chang‐Yong , Seo Dong Hyun , Woo Dae Gon , Kim Jin Man , Chun Keyoung Jin , Kim Han Sung
Published: July 2010

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass, increased bone fragility, and a greater risk for bone fracture. Currently, pharmacological intervention can generally aid in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, but these therapies are often accompanied by undesirable side effects. Therefore, alternative therapies that minimize side effects are necessary. Biophysical stimuli, especially low‐intensity ultrasound stimulation (LIUS), may be potential alternatives to drug‐based therapies for osteoporosis. Hence, we sought to address whether LIUS therapy can effectively prevent or treat osteoporotic bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency. LIUS (1.5 MHz frequency, 1.0 kHz pulse repetition on frequency, 30 mW/cm2 intensity, 200 µs pulse length) was applied to right tibiae of eight 14‐week‐old ovariectomized virgin ICR female mice for 20 min per day, 5 days per week, over a 6‐week period. Changes in 3D structural bone characteristics were detected using in vivo micro‐computed tomography. Left tibiae served as controls. Structural characteristics including bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular number, trabecular bone pattern factor, and mean polar moment inertia were significantly enhanced 6 weeks after LIUS compared to the control, nonstimulated group (p < 0.05). In particular, the bone volume/tissue volume in the region exposed directly to LIUS was significantly higher in the treated group (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that new bone formation may be activated or that bone structure may be maintained by LIUS, and that LIUS may be effective for preventing estrogen deficiency‐induced bone loss. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:116–125, 2011
Is elevated contact stress predictive of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis for imprecisely reduced tibial plafond fractures?
Authors: Anderson Donald D. , Van Hofwegen Christopher , Marsh J. Lawrence , Brown Thomas D.
Published: July 2010

Despite the widely held belief that residual incongruities from intra‐articular fractures subject the joint to contact stresses that predispose to post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), objective evidence has been lacking. This study tested the hypothesis that a metric of elevated contact stress exposure would predict the onset of PTOA. The ankles of 10 tibial plafond fracture patients were treated initially using a spanning fixator, with subsequent screw fixation of the articular surface. Following up on an earlier report of finite element computed post‐operative contact stress distributions in these patients' ankles, Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) scores were assessed from minimum 2‐year follow‐up radiographs to characterize the presence/severity of PTOA. At that time point, seven patients had developed PTOA (KL ≥ 2). Five different metrics of contact stress exposure were calculated, all of which exhibited excellent concordance with KL scores, ranging from 88% to 95%. When time of stress exposure was included, one metric was able to predict PTOA development (KL ≥ 2) with 100% reliability, and all metrics exhibited >94% prediction reliability. These findings, albeit in a small population, support the existence of a contact stress exposure threshold above which incongruously reduced tibial plafond fractures are highly likely to develop PTOA. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:33–39, 2011
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) on silver colloids for the identification of ancient textile dyes. Part II: pomegranate and sumac
Authors: Bruni Silvia , Guglielmi Vittoria , Pozzi Federica , Mercuri Anna Maria
Published: July 2010

The effectiveness of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) spectrocsopy on Ag colloids has been successfully demonstrated for the identification of a yellow dye in two ancient wool threads found in the Royal Tumulus of In Aghelachem, Libyan Sahara, belonging to the Garamantian period (2nd–3rd century A.D.). High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) highlighted the presence of ellagic acid in the extracts from the threads, excluding other chromophores. This result, together with the abundance of malic acid detected by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), suggested the possible use of pomegranate rind or sumac berries as source of the yellow dye, both plants being documented in the Fezzan area during the Garamantian period. HPLC analyses and SERS spectra acquired on the extracts of the ancient threads were therefore compared with those obtained from pomegranate and sumac extracts of the corresponding fruits and reference dyed wool samples, allowing us to identify the yellow dye as deriving from pomegranate (Punica granatumL.). SERS spectra of ellagic acid and dyes extracted from pomegranate rind and sumac berries are reported here for the first time. A methodological improvement is also presented, based on the use of NaClO4as aggregating agent, that leads to a significant increase of the signal‐to‐noise ratio in the SERS spectra. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.