bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Coupled Decadal Prediction of the Dynamic State of the Kuroshio Extension System
Authors: Qiu Bo , Chen Shuiming , Schneider Niklas , Taguchi Bunmei 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Being the extension of a wind-driven western boundary current, the Kuroshio Extension (KE) has long been recognized as a turbulent current system rich in large-amplitude meanders and energetic pinched-off eddies. An important feature emerging from recent satellite altimeter measurements and eddy-resolving ocean model simulations is that the KE system exhibits well-defined decadal modulations between a stable and an unstable dynamic state. Here the authors show that the decadally modulating KE dynamic state can be effectively defined by the sea surface height (SSH) anomalies in the 31°–36°N, 140°–165°E region. By utilizing the SSH-based KE index from 1977 to 2012, they demonstrate that the time-varying KE dynamic state can be predicted at lead times of up to ~6 yr. This long-term predictability rests on two dynamic processes: 1) the oceanic adjustment is via baroclinic Rossby waves that carry interior wind-forced anomalies westward into the KE region and 2) the low-frequency KE variability influences the extratropical storm tracks and surface wind stress curl field across the North Pacific basin. By shifting poleward (equatorward) the storm tracks and the large-scale wind stress curl pattern during its stable (unstable) dynamic state, the KE variability induces a delayed negative feedback that can enhance the predictable SSH variance on the decadal time scales.
Reducing Wave-Induced Microwave Water-Level Measurement Error with a Least Squares–Designed Digital Filter*
Authors: Boon John D. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
A microwave water-level sensor, the Design Analysis model H-3611i, will soon enter service at tide stations operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) as part of the National Water Level Observation Network. CO-OPS tests include a multisensor deployment at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility at Duck, North Carolina, to evaluate microwave water-level measurement error over a wide range of Atlantic Ocean sea states. In situ precision and accuracy of processed (6-min average) water level is found to depend on sea state in addition to data processing methods and sensor operating mode. Estimates over selected 6-h measurement periods show that a degree-two polynomial successfully models the increase in sensor standard error with increasing zero-moment (Hm0) wave height but with differences in rate of error increase dependent on the application of a prefilter and choice of sensor operating mode. Prefiltering of 1-Hz “fast mode” sensor output to remove variance at selected wind-wave frequencies can reduce standard error during extreme conditions (Hm0 ≈ 3 m) from approximately ±3 cm without prefiltering to about ±1 cm using a least squares–designed (LSD) digital filter with a 60-s cutoff period. When wave heights are elevated, skewed non-Gaussian distributions develop within the 1-Hz (360 s) sample domain wherein a 3σ outlier elimination process applied without prefiltering can introduce a negative bias of up to 5 cm in individual 6-min water-level averages.
Diurnal Variations of NLDN-Reported Cloud-to-Ground Lightning in the United States
Authors: Holle Ronald L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNational maps of cloud-to-ground lightning flash density (in flashes per square kilometer per year) for one or more years have been produced since the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) was first deployed across the contiguous United States in 1989. However, no single publication includes maps of cloud-to-ground flash density across the domain and adjacent areas during the entire diurnal cycle. Cloud-to-ground lightning has strong and variable diurnal changes across the United States that should be taken into account for outdoor lightning-vulnerable activities, particularly those involving human safety. For this study, NLDN cloud-to-ground flash data were compiled in 20 km by 20 km grid squares from 2005 to 2012 for the lower 48 states. A unique feature of this study is that maps were prepared to coincide with local time, not time zones. NLDN flashes were assigned to 2-h time periods in 5° longitude bands. Composite maps of the 2-h periods with the most lightning in each grid square were also prepared. The afternoon from 1200 to 1800 local mean time provides two-thirds of the day’s lightning. However, lightning activity starts before noon over western mountains and onshore along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. These areas are where recurring lightning-vulnerable recreation and workplace activities should expect the threat at these times, rather than view them as an anomaly. An additional result of the study is the midday beginning of lightning over the higher terrain of the western states, then the maximum activity moves steadily eastward. These storms pose a threat to late-afternoon and evening recreation. In some Midwest and plains locations, lightning is most frequent after midnight.
Prediction of Convective Morphology in Near-Cloud-Permitting WRF Model Simulations
Authors: Snively Darren V. , Gallus William A. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model’s ability to forecast convective morphological evolution is examined for 37 convective systems. The simulations used Thompson microphysics with 3-km horizontal grid spacing. Ten convective mode classifications were used. An objective score was developed to determine the accuracy of the simulated morphologies considering a normalized duration of each mode simulated and its agreement with observations. Rapid Update Cycle analyses were used to compare larger-scale preinitiation conditions to simulated morphology accuracy, as well as to examine how the WRF model’s skill at predicting these larger-scale conditions influenced its prediction of morphology. Two case studies selected as representative of the most common simulated morphology deficiencies were examined in detail. The model simulated cellular systems relatively well but struggled more with linear systems, particularly bow echoes and squall lines having trailing stratiform rain regions. Morphological evolution was generally better simulated in environments with enhanced deep-layer shear and cooler potential temperatures at the level of maximum θe. Weaker deep-layer shear, cooler potential temperatures at the surface, and quickly warming potential temperatures with height increased the likelihood of timing errors. The first case study showed that a warmer cold pool, much larger line-normal shear, and excessive midlevel drying were present in the model run that failed to develop a trailing stratiform region. The second case study showed that weak shear and the absence of a well-developed cold pool may have played a role in the lack of bowing.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the immature skeleton
Authors: Boavida Peter , Muller Lil-Sofie , Rosendahl Karen 
Published: November 2013

Magnetic resonance (MR) is unique in its ability to allow assessment of bone marrow, epiphyseal, physeal, and articular cartilage as well as tendons and ligaments. An understanding of skeletal maturation and the accompanying changes on MR is of utmost importance in pediatric radiology. In particular, it is important to recognize the normal spectrum related to ossification and marrow transformation. This review will include a brief description of main indications and common pitfalls in musculoskeletal MR in children. Also, we will focus on the MR appearance of the growing pediatric skeleton on the most commonly used sequences.
Why don’t people diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) get enough exercise?
Authors: Bassilios Bridget , Judd Fiona , Pattison Philippa 
Published: November 2013

Objective: Our aim was to assess physical activity, attitudes and future intentions among a sample of individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). Methods: A cross-sectional interview was conducted with a convenience sample of 49 adults with SSDs and in receipt of community mental health services. Interview questions elicited information about exercise behaviour across time, including reasons for expressed preferences. Results: Participants reported variable current physical activities. They were much more likely to report past exercise than current exercise or intentions for future exercise. Participants were more likely to report physical than psychological benefits as incentives for exercise. Social influence and the opportunity for social interaction emerged as reasons for exercising. Barriers to exercise included physical health problems, disinterest and one’s psychiatric illness. Conclusions: Community mental health services should routinely integrate targeted interventions that promote exercise. Social support for exercise, strategies to increase self-efficacy and education about the multifaceted benefits of exercise are necessary considerations in the development of such interventions.
Emerging correlations between measures of population well-being, suicide and homicide: a look at global and Australian data
Authors: Lee Adrian YS , Pridmore Saxby 
Published: November 2013

Objective: Our aim was (1) to examine global and Australian data with a view to determining the presence of an inverse relationship between suicide and homicide rates, and (2) to examine global Human Development Index (HDI) values and suicide and homicide rates, with a view to determining any statistical relationship. Method: Suicide and homicide rates and HDI values were available for 102 countries, and suicide and homicide rates were available for the states and territories of Australia. The three data sets had non-normal distributions, and the non-parametric Spearman’s ρ was used for correlation statistics with α = 0.05. Results: We found a weak, statistically significant inverse relationship between the suicide and homicide rates of 102 countries ( ρ = −0.244, p = 0.014). No relationship was established for the Australian values, however. As anticipated, we found a significant negative correlation between homicide and HDI values. We unexpectedly demonstrated a positive correlation between suicide rates and HDI values. Conclusion: The notion that suicide and homicide have an inverse relationship now has some scientific support; but additional research is warranted to characterise and explain this relationship. The unexpected finding of a positive correlation between suicide rates and HDI values requires further examination.
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibition restores neutrophil accuracy in the elderly: toward targeted treatments for immunosenescence
Authors: Sapey Elizabeth , Greenwood Hannah , Walton Georgia , Mann Elizabeth , Love Alexander , Aaronson Natasha , Insall Robert H. , Stockley Robert A. , Lord Janet M. 
Published: November 2013

Key PointsConstitutive PI3K activity is associated with less accurate neutrophil migration in healthy aged adults. This is associated with increased primary granule release and neutrophil elastase activity and may contribute to inflammation and infection.
Identification and characterization of microRNAs involved in growth of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) by Solexa sequencing
Authors: Yi Shaokui , Gao Ze-Xia , Zhao Honghao , Zeng Cong , Luo Wei , Chen Boxiang , Wang Wei-Min 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) is an economically important fish species in the Chinese freshwater polyculture system for its delicacy and high economic value. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulation of almost all biological processes in eukaryotes. Although previous studies have identified thousands of miRNAs from many species, little information is known for miRNAs of M. amblycephala. To investigate functions of miRNAs associated with growth of M. amblycephala, we adopted the Solexa sequencing technology to sequence two small RNA libraries prepared from four growth related tissues (brain, pituitary, liver and muscle) of M. amblycephala using individuals with relatively high and low growth rates.

Results
In this study, we have identified 347 conserved miRNAs (belonging to 123 families) and 22 novel miRNAs in M. amblycephala. Moreover, we observed sequence variants and seed edits of the miRNAs. Of the 5,166 single nucleotide substitutions observed in two libraries, the most abundant were G-to-U (15.9%), followed by U-to-C (12.1%), G-to-A (11.2%), and A to G (11.2%). Subsequently, we compared the expression patterns of miRNAs in the two libraries (big-size group with high growth rate versus small-size group with low growth rate). Results indicated that 27 miRNAs displayed significant differential expressions between the two libraries (p < 0.05). Of these, 16 were significantly up-regulated and 11 were significantly down-regulated in the big-size group compared to the small-size group. Furthermore, stem-loop RT-PCR was applied to validate and profile the expression of the differentially expressed miRNAs in ten tissues, and the result revealed that the conserved miRNAs expressed at higher levels than the novel miRNAs, especially in brain, liver and muscle. Also, targets prediction of differentially expressed miRNAs and KEGG pathway analysis suggested that differentially expressed miRNAs are involved in growth and metabolism, signal transduction, cell cycle, neural development and functions.

Conclusions
The present study provides the first large-scale characterization of miRNAs in M. amblycephala and miRNA profile related to different growth performances. The discovery of miRNA resource from this study is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the miRNAs roles playing in regulating the growth biological processes and the study of miRNA function and phenotype-associated miRNA identification in fish.
Characterisation of CD154+ T cells following ex vivo allergen stimulation illustrates distinct T cell responses to seasonal and perennial allergens in allergic and non-allergic individuals
Authors: Smith Karen A , Gray Nicola J , Saleh Femi , Cheek Elizabeth , Frew Anthony J , Kern Florian , Tarzi Michael D 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Allergic sensitisation has been ascribed to a dysregulated relationship between allergen-specific Th1, Th2 and regulatory T cells. We sought to utilise our short-term CD154 detection method to further analyse the relationship between these T cell subsets and investigate differences between seasonal and perennial allergens. Using peripheral blood samples from grass-allergic, cat-allergic and healthy non-atopic subjects, we compared the frequencies and phenotype of CD154-positive T helper cells following stimulation with seasonal (grass) and perennial (cat dander) allergens.

Results
We identified a higher frequency of CD154+ T cells in grass-allergic individuals compared to healthy controls; this difference was not evident following stimulation with cat allergen. Activated Th1, Th2 and Tr1-like cells, that co-express IFNγ, IL4 and IL10, respectively, were identified in varying proportions in grass-allergic, cat-allergic and non-allergic individuals. We confirmed a close correlation between Th1, Th2 and Tr1-like cell frequency in non-allergic volunteers, such that the three parameters increased together to maintain a low Th2: Th1 ratio. This relationship was dysregulated in grass-allergic individuals with no correlation between the T cell subsets and a higher Th2: Th1 ratio. We confirmed previous reports of a late-differentiated T cell phenotype in response to seasonal allergens compared to early-differentiated T cell responses to perennial allergens.

Conclusions
The findings confirm our existing work illustrating an important balance between Th1, Th2 and Tr1-like responses to allergens in health, where Th2 responses are frequently observed, but balanced by Th1 and regulatory responses. We confirm previous tetramer-based reports of phenotypic differences in T cells responding to seasonal and perennial allergens.
Recovery from heat, salt and osmotic stress in Physcomitrella patens requires a functional small heat shock protein PpHsp16.4
Authors: Ruibal Cecilia , Castro Alexandra , Carballo Valentina , Szabados László , Vidal Sabina 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundPlant small heat shock proteins (sHsps) accumulate in response to various environmental stresses, including heat, drought, salt and oxidative stress. Numerous studies suggest a role for these proteins in stress tolerance by preventing stress-induced protein aggregation as well as by facilitating protein refolding by other chaperones. However,in vivoevidence for the involvement of sHsps in tolerance to different stress factors is still missing, mainly due to the lack of appropriate mutants in specificsHspgenes.ResultsIn this study we characterized the function of a sHsp in abiotic stress tolerance in the mossPhyscomitrella patens, a model for primitive land plants.Using suppression subtractive hybridization, we isolated an abscisic acid-upregulated gene fromP. patensencoding a 16.4 kDa cytosolic class II sHsp.PpHsp16.4was also induced by salicylic acid, dithiothreitol (DTT) and by exposure to various stimuli, including osmotic and salt stress, but not by oxidative stress-inducing compounds. Expression of the gene was maintained upon stress relief, suggesting a role for this protein in the recovery stage. PpHsp16.4 is encoded by two identical genes arranged in tandem in the genome. Targeted disruption of both genes resulted in the inability of plants to recover from heat, salt and osmotic stress.In vivolocalization studies revealed that PpHsp16.4 localized in cytosolic granules in the vicinity of chloroplasts under non stress conditions, suggesting possible distinct roles for this protein under stress and optimal growth.ConclusionsWe identified a member of the class II sHsp family that showed hormonal and abiotic stress gene regulation. Induction of the gene by DTT treatment suggests that damaged proteins may act as signals for the stress-induction ofPpHsp16.4. The product of this gene was shown to localize in cytosolic granules near the chloroplasts, suggesting a role for the protein in association with these organelles. Our study provides the first direct genetic evidence for a role of a sHsp in osmotic and salt stress tolerance, and supports a function for this protein particularly during the stress recovery stage ofP. patens.
Screening of Y chromosome microdeletions in 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis and in patients with a 45,X/46,XY karyotype or its variants
Authors: dos Santos Ana Paula , Ribeiro Andrade Juliana Gabriel , Piveta Cristiane Santos Cruz , de Paulo Juliana , Guerra-Junior Gil , de Mello Maricilda Palandi , Maciel-Guerra Andréa Trevas 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Partial and mixed gonadal dysgenesis (PGD and MGD) are characterized by genital ambiguity and the finding of either a streak gonad and a dysgenetic testis or two dysgenetic testes. The karyotype in PGD is 46,XY, whereas a 45,X/46,XY mosaicism or its variants (more than two lineages and/or structural abnormalities of the Y chromosome) is generally found in MGD. Such mosaics are also compatible with female phenotype and Turner syndrome, ovotesticular disorder of sex development, and infertility in men with normal external genitalia. During the last few years, evidences of a linkage between Y microdeletions and 45,X mosaicism have been reported. There are also indications that the instability caused by such deletions might be more significant in germ cells. The aim of this work was to investigate the presence of Y chromosome microdeletions in individuals with PGD and in those with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism or its variants and variable phenotypes.

Methods
Our sample comprised 13 individuals with PGD and 15 with mosaicism, most of them with a MGD phenotype (n = 11). Thirty-six sequence tagged sites (STS) spanning the male specific region (MSY) on the Y chromosome (Yp, centromere and Yq) were analyzed by multiplex PCR and some individual reactions.

Results
All STS showed positive amplifications in the PGD group. Conversely, in the group with mosaicism, six individuals with MGD had been identified with Yq microdeletions, two of them without structural abnormalities of the Y chromosome by routine cytogenetic analysis. The deleted STSs were located within AZFb and AZFc (Azoospermia Factor) regions, which harbor several genes responsible for spermatogenesis.

Conclusions
Absence of deletions in individuals with PGD does not confirm the hypothesis that instability of the Y chromosome in the gonads could be one of the causes of such condition. However, deletions identified in the second group indicate that mosaicism may be associated with Y chromosome abnormalities detectable only at the molecular level. If patients with mosaicism and Y microdeletions reared as males decide to undergo in vitro fertilization, Y chromosomes which tend to be unstable during cell division may be transmitted to offspring.
Plaque morphology detected with Duplex ultrasound before carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) is not a predictor of carotid artery in-stent restenosis, a case control study
Authors: Wasser Katrin , Karch André , Gröschel Sonja , Witzenhausen Janin , Gröschel Klaus , Bähr Mathias , Liman Jan 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
In-stent restenosis (ISR) is an important factor endangering the long-term safety and efficacy of carotid artery angioplasty and stenting (CAS). It is plausible that soft vulnerable plaques are more likely to be injured during CAS procedure and are therefore more likely to initiate the cascade finally leading to ISR. The aim of this study was to investigate if plaque morphology detected by a simple applicable Duplex ultrasound score before CAS can be used as a predictor for ISR.

Methods
Within a prospectively collected single-centre CAS database of 281 patients (comprising 300 arteries) with high-grade carotid artery stenosis, who underwent CAS between May 2003 and January 2013, we conducted a nested case–control study. Plaque morphology before CAS was analysed by a blinded investigator and each parameter of the Total Plaque Risk Score (TPRS) as well as the whole score was evaluated with regard to its diagnostic validity for ISR.

Results
We analysed the data of 10 patients with ISR and 50 patients without ISR. There were no significant differences with respect to baseline characteristics, vascular risk factors, and degree of stenosis between patients with and without ISR. The duration of follow-up was longer in patients with ISR (p = 0.024) and these patients were more likely to show increased PSV (p = 0.012) immediately after CAS than patients without ISR. Neither individual parameters of the TPRS score nor the score as a whole were suitable as a diagnostic test for ISR development.

Conclusions
In the present study we could demonstrate that the non-contrast enhanced DUS of the pre-interventional plaque formation cannot be used as a predictor for the development of ISR. Evaluating a more sophisticated, but not routinely available approach e.g. by ultrasound based plaque perfusion imaging or CT based plaque analysis could be helpful in the future in order to assess the role of plaque morphology in the context of ISR development.