bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural Climate Oscillations may Counteract Red Sea Warming Over the Coming Decades
Authors: Krokos George , Papadopoulos Vassilis P. , Sofianos Sarantis S. , Ombao Hernando , Dybczak Patryk , Hoteit Ibrahim 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRecent reports of warming trends in the Red Sea raise concerns about the response of the basin's fragile ecosystem under an increasingly warming climate. Using a variety of available Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data sets, we investigate the evolution of Red Sea SST in relation to natural climate variability. Analysis of long‐term SST data sets reveals a sequence of alternating positive and negative trends, with similar amplitudes and a periodicity of nearly 70 years associated with the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. High warming rates reported recently appear to be a combined effect of global warming and a positive phase of natural SST oscillations. Over the next decades, the SST trend in the Red Sea purely related to global warming is expected to be counteracted by the cooling Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation phase. Regardless of the current positive trends, projections incorporating long‐term natural oscillations suggest a possible decreasing effect on SST in the near future.
Nonmonotonic Response of Primary Production and Export to Changes in Mixed‐Layer Depth in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Llort J. , Lévy M. , Sallée J. B. , Tagliabue A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractOngoing and future changes in wind and temperature are predicted to alter upper ocean vertical mixing across the Southern Ocean. How these changes will affect primary production (PP) remains unclear as mixing influences the two controlling factors: light and iron. We used a large ensemble of 1‐D‐biogeochemical model simulations to explore the impacts of changes in mixed‐layer depths on PP in the Southern Ocean. In summer, shoaling mixed‐layer depth always reduced depth‐integrated PP, despite increasing production rates. In winter, shoaling mixed layers had a two‐staged impact: for moderate shoaling PP increased as light conditions improved, but more pronounced shoaling decreased iron supply, which reduced PP. The fraction of PP exported below 100 m also presented a nonmonotonic behavior. This suggests a potential future shift from a situation where reduced winter mixing increases PP and export, to a situation where PP and export may collapse if the ML shoals above a threshold depth.
Dependence of Summertime Surface Ozone on NOx and VOC Emissions Over the United States: Peak Time and Value
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Wang Yuhang , Qu Hang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe apply the Regional chEmistry and trAnsport Model to analyze summertime O3 observations over the contiguous United States. We show that the evaluation of simulated timing of surface ozone maximum with observations provides another independent constraint on the model in addition to O3 concentrations. Over regions with massive biogenic isoprene emissions,O3 peak values are sensitive to the emissions of NOx but not VOCs; however, O3 peak time is sensitive to isoprene emissions and increasing isoprene emissions leads to earlier peak time. By such relationships and model evaluation with the observations, we find that the underestimation of soil NOx emissions leads to a low bias of simulated O3 peak value in the south, while the overestimation of biogenic isoprene emissions results in earlier than observed O3 peak time in the central, south, and southeast regions. The latter is corroborated by the evaluation using Ozone Monitoring Instrument observations of HCHO tropospheric columns.
Intensification and Expansion of Soil Moisture Drying in Warm Season Over Eurasia Under Global Warming
Authors: Gu Xihui , Zhang Qiang , Li Jianfeng , Singh Vijay P. , Liu Jianyu , Sun Peng , He Chunyang , Wu Jianjun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSoil moisture (SM) is a key hydrological component regulating the net ecosystem energy exchange at the land‐atmosphere boundary layer over the continents via heat fluxes and relevant feedback on precipitation. Due to its ecological and meteor‐hydrological implications, SM change is of great significance in Eurasia that has the highest population density and fragile ecological environment. Using monthly data from the Global Land Data Assimilation System, this study investigated SM changes over Eurasia during the warm season (May–September). It was found that recent 63 years witnessed widespread decreasing SM across Eurasia during the warm season. Regions with a drying SM tendency kept expanding till the 1990s. Specifically, the largest decreasing magnitude of SM with the aridity index ranging 0.5–0.6 and 1.0–1.1 was found along the semi‐arid and dry‐humid transition regions, respectively. In addition, more significant drying SM was observed in Sahel, northern Asia, northeastern Asia, and western Europe. Weakening West African monsoon (WAM)/East Asia summer monsoon did not benefit the propagation of water vapor flux to the Sahel regions/northeastern and northern Asia, and hence decreased SM in these regions. Besides, results by the maximum covariance analysis highlighted the roles of warming climate in SM variations over Eurasia during the warm season. Global climate models also indicate decreased SM due to global warming and projects continuously decreasing SM in the warm season over the 21st century under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP)2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5 scenarios. Decreasing SM across the Eurasia and related ecological and environmental implications should cause international concern.
Water Vapor, Clouds, and Saturation in the Tropical Tropopause Layer
Authors: Schoeberl M. R. , Jensen E. J. , Pfister L. , Ueyama R. , Wang T. , Selkirk H. , Avery M. , Thornberry T. , Dessler A. E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe goal of this investigation is to understand the mechanism behind the observed high relative humidity with respect to ice (RHi) in the tropical region between ~14 km (150 hPa) and the tropopause, often referred to as the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). As shown by satellite, aircraft, and balloon observations, high (>80%) RHi regions are widespread within the TTL. Regions with the highest RHi are colocated with extensive cirrus. During boreal winter, the TTL RHi is highest over the Tropical Western Pacific (TWP) with a weaker maximum over South America and Africa. In the winter, TTL temperatures are coldest and upward motion is the greatest in the TWP. It is this upward motion, driving humid air into the colder upper troposphere that produces the persistent high RHi and cirrus formation. Back trajectory calculations show that comparable adiabatic and diabatic processes contribute to this upward motion. We construct a bulk model of TWP TTL water vapor transport that includes cloud nucleation and ice microphysics that quantifies how upward motion drives the persistent high RHi in the TTL region. We find that atmospheric waves triggering cloud formation regulate the RHi and that convection dehydrates the TTL. Our forward domain‐filling trajectory model is used to more precisely simulate the TTL spatial and vertical distribution of RHi. The observed RHi distribution is reproduced by the model, and we show that convection increases RHi below the base of the TTL with little impact on the RHi in the TTL region.
Low Energy Precipitating Electrons in the Diffuse Aurorae
Authors: Wing Simon , Khazanov George V. , Sibeck Dave G. , Zesta Eftyhia 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAuroral electron precipitation is often classified into three categories: diffuse, monoenergetic, and broadband. However, some precipitating electrons do not fit any of the three categories, which are assumed to be “diffuse” electrons for convenience. Many of these nonconforming electrons exhibit high fluxes at low energies. Most studies assume that the precipitating electrons originate from the magnetosphere. However, this primary precipitation is only the first step in the formation of the electron precipitation. The primary precipitation creates secondary electrons and both electron populations bounce many times between the conjugate points. Thus, the full electron precipitation consists of not only the primary but the Multiply Reflected Primary and Secondary (MRPS) electrons. The MRPS electrons are modeled with Superthermal Electron Transport model. The model‐data comparisons suggest that the low energy electrons in the nonconforming precipitating electrons can be attributed to MRPS electrons.
Treatment and cost of pressure injury stage III or IV in four patients with spinal cord injury: the Basel Decubitus Concept
Authors: Meier Christine , Boes Stefan , Gemperli Armin , Gmünder Hans Peter , Koligi Kamran , Metzger Stefan , Schaefer Dirk J. , Schmitt Klaus , Schwegmann Wolfram , Wettstein Reto , Scheel-Sailer Anke 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Study design
Retrospective chart analyses as part of a quality improvement project.

Objectives
To demonstrate treatment of pressure injury (PI) in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and analyse costs using the “modified Basel Decubitus Concept”.

Setting
Inpatient setting of a specialised acute care and rehabilitation clinic for SCI.

Methods
Complex treatment courses of four patients with chronic SCI and PI stage III or IV were described and costs were recorded. The total healthcare services’ costs per patient and different profession’s involvement were analysed in relation to patient characteristics, treatment phases and milestones demonstrated.

Results
The treatment of PI stage III and IV in patients with SCI included input from plastic surgery, rehabilitation medicine, nursing and other involved professions. Recommended interventions were chosen according to the “modified Basel Decubitus Concept”. The cost course of PI treatment in patients with SCI depicted the multimodal treatment concept, including three clinically and financially relevant milestones (debridement, flap surgery and mobilisation to wheelchair) as well as the highest costs in the functionally highly dependent patient. Acute care and rehabilitation overlapped with different intensities during the whole treatment process.

Conclusion
Multimodal treatment concepts connecting acute and rehabilitation care were applied in these complex health conditions. Cost-explication models including treatment phases and milestones helped to understand resources more easily and integrate aspects of process-based management and quality of care. Scientific evidence is needed to create a recommended quality standard in line with adequate financing of this health condition.
Generation and characterization of a novel knockin minipig model of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome
Authors: Dorado Beatriz , Pløen Gro Grunnet , Barettino Ana , Macías Alvaro , Gonzalo Pilar , Andrés-Manzano María Jesús , González-Gómez Cristina , Galán-Arriola Carlos , Alfonso José Manuel , Lobo Manuel , López-Martín Gonzalo J. , Molina Antonio , Sánchez-Sánchez Raúl , Gadea Joaquín , Sánchez-González Javier , Liu Ying , Callesen Henrik , Filgueiras-Rama David , Ibáñez Borja , Sørensen Charlotte Brandt , Andrés Vicente 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder for which no cure exists. The disease is characterized by premature aging and inevitable death in adolescence due to cardiovascular complications. Most HGPS patients carry a heterozygous de novo LMNA c.1824C > T mutation, which provokes the expression of a dominant-negative mutant protein called progerin. Therapies proven effective in HGPS-like mouse models have yielded only modest benefit in HGPS clinical trials. To overcome the gap between HGPS mouse models and patients, we have generated by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing the first large animal model for HGPS, a knockin heterozygous LMNA c.1824C > T Yucatan minipig. Like HGPS patients, HGPS minipigs endogenously co-express progerin and normal lamin A/C, and exhibit severe growth retardation, lipodystrophy, skin and bone alterations, cardiovascular disease, and die around puberty. Remarkably, the HGPS minipigs recapitulate critical cardiovascular alterations seen in patients, such as left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, altered cardiac electrical activity, and loss of vascular smooth muscle cells. Our analysis also revealed reduced myocardial perfusion due to microvascular damage and myocardial interstitial fibrosis, previously undescribed readouts potentially useful for monitoring disease progression in patients. The HGPS minipigs provide an appropriate preclinical model in which to test human-size interventional devices and optimize candidate therapies before advancing to clinical trials, thus accelerating the development of effective applications for HGPS patients.
MiR-125a enhances self-renewal, lifespan, and migration of murine hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell clones
Authors: Wojtowicz Edyta Ewa , Broekhuis Mathilde Johanna Christina , Weersing Ellen , Dinitzen Alexander , Verovskaya Evgenia , Ausema Albertina , Ritsema Martha , Zwart Erik , de Haan Gerald , Bystrykh Leonid V. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractExpansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is a ‘holy grail’ of regenerative medicine, as successful stem cell transplantations depend on the number and quality of infused HSCs. Although many attempts have been pursued to either chemically or genetically increase HSC numbers, neither clonal analysis of these expanded cells nor their ability to support mature blood lineages has been demonstrated. Here we show that miR-125a, at the single cell level, can expand murine long-term repopulating HSCs. In addition, miR-125a increases clone longevity, clone size and clonal contribution to hematopoiesis. Unexpectedly, we found that miR-125a expanded HSCs clones were highly homogenously distributed across multiple anatomical sites. Interestingly, these miR-125a overexpressing cells had enhanced mobility and were more frequently detected in the spleen. Our study reveals a novel, cell-intrinsically controlled mechanism by which HSC migration is regulated.
The proton pumping bo oxidase from Vitreoscilla
Authors: Graf Simone , Brzezinski Peter , von Ballmoos Christoph 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe cytochrome bo3 quinol oxidase from Vitreoscilla (vbo3) catalyses oxidation of ubiquinol and reduction of O2 to H2O. Data from earlier studies suggested that the free energy released in this reaction is used to pump sodium ions instead of protons across a membrane. Here, we have studied the functional properties of heterologously expressed vbo3 with a variety of methods. (i) Following oxygen consumption with a Clark-type electrode, we did not observe a measurable effect of Na+ on the oxidase activity of purified vbo3 solubilized in detergent or reconstituted in liposomes. (ii) Using fluorescent dyes, we find that vbo3 does not pump Na+ ions, but H+ across the membrane, and that H+-pumping is not influenced by the presence of Na+. (iii) Using an oxygen pulse method, it was found that 2 H+/e− are ejected from proteoliposomes, in agreement with the values found for the H+-pumping bo3 oxidase of Escherichia coli (ecbo3). This coincides with the interpretation that 1 H+/e− is pumped across the membrane and 1 H+/e− is released during quinol oxidation. (iv) When the electron transfer kinetics of vbo3 upon reaction with oxygen were followed in single turnover experiments, a similar sequence of reaction steps was observed as reported for the E. coli enzyme and none of these reactions was notably affected by the presence of Na+. Overall the data show that vbo3 is a proton pumping terminal oxidase, behaving similarly to the Escherichia coli bo3 quinol oxidase.
miRNA profiling of urinary exosomes to assess the progression of acute kidney injury
Authors: Sonoda Hiroko , Lee Byung Rho , Park Ki-Hoon , Nihalani Deepak , Yoon Je-Hyun , Ikeda Masahiro , Kwon Sang-Ho 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBecause exosomes have gained attention as a source of biomarkers, we investigated if miRNAs in exosomes (exo-miRs) can report the disease progression of organ injury. Using rat renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) as a model of acute kidney injury (AKI), we determined temporally-released exo-miRs in urine during IRI and found that these exo-miRs could reliably mirror the progression of AKI. From the longitudinal measurements of miRNA expression in kidney and urine, we found that release of exo- miRs was a regulated sorting process. In the injury state, miR-16, miR-24, and miR-200c were increased in the urine. Interestingly, expression of target mRNAs of these exo-miRs was significantly altered in renal medulla. Next, in the early recovery state, exo-miRs (miR-9a, miR-141, miR-200a, miR-200c, miR-429), which share Zeb1/2 as a common target mRNA, were upregulated together, indicating that they reflect TGF-β-associated renal fibrosis. Finally, release of exo-miRs (miR-125a, miR-351) was regulated by TGF-β1 and was able to differentiate the sham and IRI even after the injured kidneys were recovered. Altogether, these data indicate that exo-miRs released in renal IRI are associated with TGF-β signaling. Temporal release of exo-miRs which share targets might be a regulatory mechanism to control the progression of AKI.
Social frame and tax compliance modulate electrophysiological and autonomic responses following tax-related decisions
Authors: Balconi Michela , Crivelli Davide , Castiglioni Cinzia , Lozza Edoardo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractGiven the intrinsic complexity of cognitive and affective processes affecting how people reason about taxes and their decisions to be compliant with such social duty, we aimed at exploring those latent processes by combining the analysis of their central and peripheral physiological correlates. We asked participants to make realistic economic decisions concerning tax-payment and manipulated the social vs. individual decisional frame. In addition, we took into account the potential role of tax-compliance trait. Thirty self-employed professionals took part in the study and completed a public good game while their autonomic (skin conductance – SC – and heart rate – HR) and neural brain (electroencephalography – EEG) activities were recorded. The analysis of physiological responses during the feedback phase – where participants could be presented or not with a fiscal audit – highlighted: (i) increased tonic SC levels and theta activity in the social condition than in the individual one; (ii) increased HR values when a fiscal audit did not take place, especially in participants who presented an enforced tax-compliance trait. Present findings support the idea that classic economic theories of tax behaviour developed under the assumption that taxpayers act as rational and individualist agents do not provide a comprehensive account for the decision-making process. They add to available evidence highlighting the contribution of psychological and social-affective variables to individuals’ decision-making processes to pay or evade taxes and to their appraisal of the consequences of such choice, as suggested by the ‘slippery slope’ framework.
Effect of graphene substrate type on formation of Bi2Se3 nanoplates
Authors: Andzane Jana , Britala Liga , Kauranens Edijs , Neciporenko Aleksandrs , Baitimirova Margarita , Lara-Avila Samuel , Kubatkin Sergey , Bechelany Mikhael , Erts Donats 
Published: March 2019

AbstractKnowledge of nucleation and further growth of Bi2Se3 nanoplates on different substrates is crucial for obtaining ultrathin nanostructures and films of this material by physical vapour deposition technique. In this work, Bi2Se3 nanoplates were deposited under the same experimental conditions on different types of graphene substrates (as-transferred and post-annealed chemical vapour deposition grown monolayer graphene, monolayer graphene grown on silicon carbide substrate). Dimensions of the nanoplates deposited on graphene substrates were compared with the dimensions of the nanoplates deposited on mechanically exfoliated mica and highly ordered pyrolytic graphite flakes used as reference substrates. The influence of different graphene substrates on nucleation and further lateral and vertical growth of the Bi2Se3 nanoplates is analysed. Possibility to obtain ultrathin Bi2Se3 thin films on these substrates is evaluated. Between the substrates considered in this work, graphene grown on silicon carbide is found to be the most promising substrate for obtaining of 1–5 nm thick Bi2Se3 films.
The WNT/β-catenin signaling inhibitor XAV939 enhances the elimination of LNCaP and PC-3 prostate cancer cells by prostate cancer patient lymphocytes in vitro
Authors: Stakheev Dmitry , Taborska Pavla , Strizova Zuzana , Podrazil Michal , Bartunkova Jirina , Smrz Daniel 
Published: March 2019

AbstractUpregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling is associated with increased cancer cell resistance and cancer cell-elicited immunosuppression. In non-neoplastic immune cells, upregulated Wnt/β-catenin is, however, associated with either immunosuppression or immunostimulation. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the therapeutic impact inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling will have when combined with cancer immunotherapy. Here, we evaluated the benefit(s) of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor XAV939 in the in vitro elimination of LNCaP prostate cancer cells when cocultured with lymphocytes from patients with localized biochemically recurrent prostate cancer (BRPCa). We found that 5 µM XAV939 inhibited β-catenin translocation to the nucleus in LNCaP cells and CD4+ BRPCa lymphocytes without affecting their proliferation and viability. Preconditioning BRPCa lymphocytes with 5 µM XAV939 accelerated the elimination of LNCaP cells during the coculturing. However, during subsequent re-coculturing with fresh LNCaP cells, BRPCa lymphocytes were no longer able to eliminate LNCaP cells unless coculturing and re-coculturing were performed in the presence of 5 µM XAV939. Comparable results were obtained for PC-3 prostate cancer cells. These findings provide a rationale for combining cell-based immunotherapy of PCa with inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Response of the daily transpiration of a larch plantation to variation in potential evaporation, leaf area index and soil moisture
Authors: Wang Yunni , Cao Gongxiang , Wang Yanhui , Webb Ashley A. , Yu Pengtao , Wang Xiaojiang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTree transpiration (T) is a major water budget component and varies widely due to the integrated effects of many environmental and vegetation factors. This study aimed to separate, quantify, and then integrate the effects of the main individual factors, to improve water use estimation and manage the hydrological impacts of forests. A field study was conducted at 3 plots of larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii) plantation in the semi-humid area of the Liupan Mountains, northwest China. The main influencing factors were the atmospheric evaporative demand expressed by potential evapotranspiration (PET), the soil water availability expressed by volumetric soil moisture (VSM) within the 0–100 cm layer, and the canopy transpiration capacity expressed by forest canopy leaf area index (LAI). The daily stand T was estimated through the up-scaling of sap-flow data from sampled trees. It displayed a high degree of scattering in response to PET, VSM and LAI, with an average of 0.76 mm·day−1 and range of 0.01–1.71 mm·day−1 in the growing season of 2014. Using upper boundary lines of measured data, the response tendency of T to each factor and corresponding function type were determined. The T increases firstly rapidly with rising PET, VSM and LAI, then gradually and tends to be stable when the threshold of PET (3.80 mm·day−1), VSM (0.28 m3·m−3) and LAI (3.7) is reached. The T response follows a quadratic equation for PET and saturated exponential function for VSM and LAI. These individual factor functions were coupled to form a general daily T model which was then fitted using measured data as: T = (0.793PET − 0.078PET2)·(1 − exp(−0.272LAI))·(1 − exp(−9.965VSM)). It can well explain the daily T variation of all 3 plots (R2 = 0.86–0.91), and thus can be used to predict the response of daily T of larch stands to changes in both environmental and canopy conditions.