bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Modulation of ENSO Variability in CCSM3 by Extratropical Rossby Waves
Authors: McGregor Shayne , Sen Gupta Alex , Holbrook Neil J. , Power Scott B. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Evidence suggests that the magnitude and frequency of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) changes on interdecadal time scales. This is manifest in a distinct shift in ENSO behavior during the late 1970s. This study investigates mechanisms that may force this interdecadal variability and, in particular, on modulations driven by extratropical Rossby waves. Results from oceanic shallow-water models show that the Rossby wave theory can explain small near-zonal changes in equatorial thermocline depth that can alter the amplitude of simulated ENSO events. However, questions remain over whether the same mechanism operates in more complex coupled general circulation models (CGCMs) and what the magnitude of the resulting change would be. Experiments carried out in a state-of-the-art z-coordinate primitive equation model confirm that the Rossby wave mechanism does indeed operate. The effects of these interactions are further investigated using a partial coupling (PC) technique. This allows for the isolation of the role of wind stress–forced oceanic exchanges between the extratropics and the tropics and the subsequent modulation of ENSO variability. It is found that changes in the background state of the equatorial Pacific thermocline depth, induced by a fixed off-equatorial wind stress anomaly, can significantly affect the probability of ENSO events occurring. This confirms the results obtained from simpler models and further validates theories that rely on oceanic wave dynamics to generate Pacific Ocean interdecadal variability. This indicates that an improved predictive capability for seasonal-to-interannual ENSO variability could be achieved through a better understanding of extratropical-to-tropical Pacific Ocean transfers and western boundary processes. Furthermore, such an understanding would provide a physical basis to enhance multiyear probabilistic predictions of ENSO indices.
On the Loss of Wind-Induced Near-Inertial Energy to Turbulent Mixing in the Upper Ocean
Authors: Zhai Xiaoming , Greatbatch Richard J. , Eden Carsten , Hibiya Toshiyuki 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Wind-induced near-inertial energy has been believed to be an important source for generating the ocean mixing required to maintain the global meridional overturning circulation. In the present study, the near-inertial energy budget in a realistic model of the North Atlantic Ocean driven by synoptically varying wind forcing is examined. The authors find that nearly 70% of the wind-induced near-inertial energy at the sea surface is lost to turbulent mixing within the top 200 m and, hence, is not available to generate diapycnal mixing at greater depth. Assuming this result can be extended to the global ocean, it is estimated that the wind-induced near-inertial energy available for ocean mixing at depth is, at most, 0.1 TW. This confirms a recent suggestion that the role of wind-induced near-inertial energy in sustaining the global overturning circulation might have been overemphasized.
Axis Ratios of Water Drops Levitated in a Vertical Wind Tunnel
Authors: Jones B. K. , Saylor J. R. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe shapes of falling raindrops are often significantly altered by drop oscillations, complicating dual-polarization radar methods that rely on a predictable, monotonic variation of drop axis ratio α with equivolume drop diameter d. This oscillation behavior varies with d so that time-averaged shapes, which are determined by oscillation mode, sometimes deviate from the d-dependent quiescent shape. The literature identifies a predominance of particular oscillation modes at discrete d, as well as the onset of oscillations at d ≈ 1 mm; however, the specific mechanisms of this phenomenon are unknown. In the present work, measurements of drop axis ratio α were obtained from observations of drops levitated in a vertical wind tunnel. Discordance of the present data with the literature suggests a correlation between oscillation mode and fall trajectory, as well as a steady-state mechanism for the excitation of specific modes for d = 1.3–3-mm drops.
Radar Observations of Convective System Variability in Relationship to African Easterly Waves during the 2006 AMMA Special Observing Period
Authors: Nieto Ferreira Rosana , Rickenbach Thomas , Guy Nick , Williams Earle 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
A radar-based analysis of the structure, motion, and rainfall variability of westward-propagating squall-line mesoscale convective systems (SLMCSs) in Niamey, Niger, during the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Activities (AMMA) 2006 special observing period is combined with an analysis of 700-mb (hPa) winds and relative vorticity to study the relationship between SLMCSs and African easterly waves (AEWs). Radar results show that SLMCSs were the most important rainmakers in Niamey and accounted for about 90% of the rainfall despite being present less than 17% of the time. Analysis of the 700-mb synoptic-scale flow revealed that during the 2006 West African monsoon season the African easterly jet vacillated between about 10° and 15°N on time scales of 1–2 weeks. AEWs followed the jet as it vacillated north and south, thereby producing two preferred paths for AEWs propagating past Niamey’s longitude, a northern track along 8°–16°N and a southern track along 2°–6°N. It was found that Niamey SLMCSs occurred westward of the trough of AEWs propagating along either track. The properties of SLMCSs must then be placed in the context of their location relative to these two AEW tracks, rather than in the trough and ridge pattern of a single AEW track. Radar analysis further indicated that although the total amounts of rainfall produced by SLMCSs occurring in both African easterly jet latitude regimes were similar, significant structural differences occurred between the two groups of systems. SLMCSs that formed to the west of AEW troughs propagating along the northern track had a significantly larger mean stratiform rain fraction in an environment of lower convective available potential energy when compared with the SLMCSs that occurred to the west of the troughs of AEWs in the southern track. The authors conclude that AEWs that propagated farther north provided a more favorable environment for stratiform rain production in Niamey SLMCSs than those AEWs located farther south. These results may be helpful to studies of the two-way interaction between AEWs and convection in West Africa.
For How Long Should What Data Be Assimilated for the Mesoscale Forecasting of Convection and Why? Part II: On the Observation Signal from Different Sensors
Authors: Fabry Frédéric 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The ability of data assimilation to correct for initial conditions depends on the presence of a usable signal in the variables observed as well as on the capability of instruments to detect that signal. In Part I, the nature, properties, and limits in the usability of signals in model variables were investigated. Here, the focus is on studying the skill of measurements to pull out a useful signal for data assimilation systems to use. Using model runs of the evolution of convective storms in the Great Plains over an active 6-day period, simulated measurements from a variety of instruments are evaluated in terms of their ability to detect various initial condition errors and to provide a signal above and beyond measurement errors. The usability of the signal for data assimilation is also investigated. Imaging remote sensing systems targeting cloud and precipitation properties such as radars and thermal IR imagers provided both the strongest signals and the hardest ones to assimilate to recover fields other than clouds and precipitation because of the nonlinear behavior of the sensors combined with the limited predictability of the signal observed. The performance of other sensors was also evaluated, leading to several unexpected results. If used with caution, these findings can help determine assimilation priorities for improving mesoscale forecasting.
The potential role of T-cells and their interaction with antigen-presenting cells in mediating immunosuppression following trauma-hemorrhage
Authors: Walz Christian R. , Zedler Siegfried , Schneider Christian P. , Albertsmeier Markus , Loehe Florian , Bruns Christiane J. , Faist Eugen , Chaudry Irshad H. , Angele Martin K. 
Published: July 2009

Objective: Trauma-hemorrhage results in depressed immune responses of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and T-cells. Recent studies suggest a key role of depressed T-cell derived interferon (IFN)-g in this complex immune cell interaction. The aim of this study was to elucidate further the underlying mechanisms responsible for dysfunctional T-cells and their interaction with APCs following trauma-hemorrhage. Design: Adult C3H/HeN male mice were subjected to trauma-hemorrhage (3-cm midline laparotomy) followed by hemorrhage (blood pressure of 35 ± 5 mmHg for 90 min and resuscitation) or sham operation. At 24 h thereafter, spleens were harvested and T-cells (by Microbeads) and APCs (via adherence) were Isolated. Co-cultures of T-cells and APCs were established for 48 h and stimulated with concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide. T-Cell specific cytokines known to affect APC function (i.e. interleukin(IL)-2, IL-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)) were measured in culture supernatants by Multiplex assay. The expression of MHC class II as well as co-stimulatory surface molecules on T-cells and APCs was determined by flow cytometry. Results: The release of IL-4 and GM-CSF by T-cells was suppressed following trauma-hemorrhage, irrespective of whether sham or trauma-hemorrhage APCs were present. Antigen-presenting cells from animals subjected to trauma-hemorrhage did not affect T-cell derived cytokine release by sham T-cells. In contrast, T-cells from trauma-hemorrhage animals depressed MHC class II expression of CD11c(+) cells, irrespective of whether APCs underwent sham or trauma-hemorrhage procedure. Surprisingly, co-stimulatory molecules on APCs (CD80, CD86) were not affected by trauma-hemorrhage. Conclusions: These results suggest that beside IFN-g other T-cell derived cytokines contribute to immunosuppression following trauma-hemorrhage causing diminished MHC II expression on APCs. Thus, T-cells appear to play an important role in this interaction at the time-point examined. Therapeutic approaches should aim at maintenance of T-cell function and their interaction with APCs to prevent extended immunosuppression following trauma-hemorrhage.
Dendritic cells pulsed with RNA encoding allogeneic MHC and antigen induce T cells with superior antitumor activity and higher TCR functional avidity
Authors: Wilde Susanne , Sommermeyer Daniel , Frankenberger Bernhard , Schiemann Matthias , Milosevic Slavoljub , Spranger Stefani , Pohla Heike , Uckert Wolfgang , Busch Dirk H. , Schendel Dolores J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAdoptive transfer of T cells expressing transgenic T-cell receptors (TCRs) with antitumor function is a hopeful new therapy for patients with advanced tumors; however, there is a critical bottleneck in identifying high-affinity TCR specificities needed to treat different malignancies. We have developed a strategy using autologous dendritic cells cotransfected with RNA encoding an allogeneic major histocompatibility complex molecule and a tumor-associated antigen to obtain allo-restricted peptide-specific T cells having superior capacity to recognize tumor cells and higher functional avidity. This approach provides maximum flexibility because any major histocompatibility complex molecule and any tumor-associated antigen can be combined in the dendritic cells used for priming of autologous T cells. TCRs of allo-restricted T cells, when expressed as transgenes in activated peripheral blood lymphocytes, transferred superior function compared with self-restricted TCR. This approach allows high-avidity T cells and TCR specific for tumor-associated self-peptides to be easily obtained for direct adoptive T-cell therapy or for isolation of therapeutic transgenic TCR sequences.
Iterative refinement of structure-based sequence alignments by Seed Extension
Authors: Kim Changhoon , Tai Chin-Hsien , Lee Byungkook 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Accurate sequence alignment is required in many bioinformatics applications but, when sequence similarity is low, it is difficult to obtain accurate alignments based on sequence similarity alone. The accuracy improves when the structures are available, but current structure-based sequence alignment procedures still mis-align substantial numbers of residues. In order to correct such errors, we previously explored the possibility of replacing the residue-based dynamic programming algorithm in structure alignment procedures with the Seed Extension algorithm, which does not use a gap penalty. Here, we describe a new procedure called RSE (Refinement with Seed Extension) that iteratively refines a structure-based sequence alignment.

Results
RSE uses SE (Seed Extension) in its core, which is an algorithm that we reported recently for obtaining a sequence alignment from two superimposed structures. The RSE procedure was evaluated by comparing the correctly aligned fractions of residues before and after the refinement of the structure-based sequence alignments produced by popular programs. CE, DaliLite, FAST, LOCK2, MATRAS, MATT, TM-align, SHEBA and VAST were included in this analysis and the NCBI's CDD root node set was used as the reference alignments. RSE improved the average accuracy of sequence alignments for all programs tested when no shift error was allowed. The amount of improvement varied depending on the program. The average improvements were small for DaliLite and MATRAS but about 5% for CE and VAST. More substantial improvements have been seen in many individual cases. The additional computation times required for the refinements were negligible compared to the times taken by the structure alignment programs.

Conclusion
RSE is a computationally inexpensive way of improving the accuracy of a structure-based sequence alignment. It can be used as a standalone procedure following a regular structure-based sequence alignment or to replace the traditional iterative refinement procedures based on residue-level dynamic programming algorithm in many structure alignment programs.
Efficacy of consensus interferon in treatment of HbeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B: a multicentre, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zheng YongLi , Zhao LianSan , Wu TaiXiang , Guo ShuHua , Chen YaGang , Zhou TaoYou 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Consensus interferon (CIFN) is a newly developed type I interferon.

Aims
This multicentre, controlled trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of CIFN and to compare it with alpha-1b-interferon (IFN-α1b) in the treatment of patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B.

Methods
144 Patients were randomly assigned to receive 9 μg CIFN (CIFN group) or 50 μg INF-α1b (IFN-alpha group) subcutaneously 3 times weekly for 24 weeks, followed by 24 weeks of observation. Efficacy was assessed by normalization of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and the non-detectability of serum hepatitis B virus DNA or HBeAg at the end of treatment and 24 weeks after stopping treatment.

Results
There was no statistically significant difference in the serological, virological and biochemical parameters between CIFN and IFN-α1b groups at the end of the therapy and follow-up period (p > 0.05). Overall, at the end of treatment, 7.0% (5/71) and 35.2% (25/71) of patients in the CIFN group showed a complete or partial response compared with 7.4% (5/68) and 33.8% (23/68) of the IFN-alpha group (p = 0.10). At 24 weeks after stopping treatment, 6.9% (5/72) and 37.5% (27/72) of patients in the CIFN group showed complete response or partial response compared with 7.1% (5/70) and 34.3% (24/70) of the IFN-alpha group (p = 0.10).

Conclusion
These findings suggest that 9 μg CIFN is effective in the treatment of patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. It can gradually induce ALT normalization and HBV DNA clearance and HBeAg loss or HBeAg/HBeAb seroconversion.
HIV/AIDS, parasites and co-infections: publication patterns in China
Authors: Tian Li-Guang , Steinmann Peter , Chen Jia-Xu , Chen Shao-Hong , Zhou Xiao-Nong 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundSince its discovery, HIV/AIDS has arguably captured more attention among the Chinese biomedical research community than most other infectious diseases. Traditional parasitic diseases, on the other hand, are perceived as being increasingly neglected. However, it has long been recognized that interactions between HIV and other infective agents, including parasites, influence the health status of people living with HIV/AIDS. This study aimed at systematically reviewing the Chinese scientific literature on HIV/AIDS and parasites between 1986 and 2006 in order to substantiate or refute these claims, and to highlight neglected research areas.ResultsSearching the three largest Chinese scientific literature databases, in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) a total of 24,511 citations dealing with HIV/AIDS and 15,398 parasite-specific publications were identified. Wanfang Data and VIP Information (VIP) contained 15,925 and 13,873 entries dealing with HIV/AIDS respectively, while 12,043 and 7,068 hits were scored when searching for parasitological references. The number of publications dealing with HIV/AIDS in China increased exponentially from 6 in 1986 to 3,372 in 2006 whereas the publication activity in the field of parasitology was more erratic and lately started to decline. Epidemiology was the most-reported field of endeavor, accounting for 26.0% and 24.6% of the HIV/AIDS and parasitological literature, respectively, while publications dealing with health education only represented 2.9% and 0.7% of all publications, respectively. The total number of Chinese articles focusing on HIV/AIDS and parasite co-infection was 650, with large year-on-year differences in publication numbers. The single-most frequently studied system was HIV-Pneumocystis cariniico-infection.ConclusionThe present study revealed that in China, the fields of parasitic diseases, especially opportunistic parasitic infections linked with HIV/AIDS, is increasingly neglected. This suggests a need to enhance research in the field of opportunistic parasitic infections and parasitology in general.
Adiponectin, retinol-binding protein 4, and leptin in protracted critical illness of pulmonary origin
Authors: Langouche Lies , Vander Perre Sarah , Frystyk Jan , Flyvbjerg Allan , Hansen Troels Krarup , Van den Berghe Greet 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Critically ill patients requiring intensive care uniformly develop insulin resistance. This is most pronounced in patients with sepsis. Recently, several hormones secreted by adipose tissue have been identified to be involved in overall insulin sensitivity in metabolic syndrome-related conditions. However, little is known about these adipokines in critical illness.

Methods
We studied circulating levels of the adipokines adiponectin, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), and leptin during critical illness, and the impact of intensive insulin therapy, a therapy shown to affect insulin sensitivity, in serum samples from prolonged critically ill patients with a respiratory critical illness (n = 318). For comparison, we studied healthy subjects (n = 22) and acutely stressed patients (n = 22).

Results
During acute critical illness, circulating levels of adiponectin, RBP4, and leptin were low. Patients with sepsis had lower levels of leptin and RBP4 than did nonseptic patients. When critical illness was sustained, adipokine levels returned to normal reference values. Insulin therapy enhanced adiponectin, blunted the rise of RBP4, and did not alter leptin levels.

Conclusions
Acute critical illness is associated with immediate, but transiently low serum adipokine levels. Adiponectin and RBP4 are associated with altered insulin resistance in critical illness.
Vom Fundamentalismus zur Säkularität der Politik. Heinz Schillings neues Standardwerk zur europäischen Politik im Konfessionellen ZeitalterFrom Fundamentalism towards the "Secularity of Politics". Heinz Schilling´s new Standard Work about European Politics in the Denominational Age
Authors: Walther Gerrit 
Published: July 2009

Zusammenfassung
Besprechung von: Heinz Schilling, Konfessionalisierung und Staatsinteressen. Internationale Beziehungen 15591660
The crystal structures and the disorder behaviour of NO[SbCl6] and NO[TaCl6]
Authors: Burger Joachim , Henke Henning 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Despite the fact that both nitrosonium salts NO[SbCl6] and NO[TaCl6] crystallize in the same space group C2/c with Z = 4, their disorder behaviour is different. While in the antimony compound the reorientation jumps of the NO+ ions are restricted to two alignments of equal weight, the NO+ disorder of NO[TaCl6] is in principle six fold, but with two of the alignments underrepresented. NO[SbCl6] undergoes a phase transformation to C-1 at T
c = 104 K. NO[TaCl6] stays monoclinic down to 10 K. An extrapolation of the isotropic displacements against abso lute zero reveals permanent components due to genuine dis order. A computer simulation is used to investigate the unusual population of the NO+ sites.
Regulation and Function of FTO mRNA Expression in Human Skeletal Muscle and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue
Authors: Grunnet Louise G. , Nilsson Emma , Ling Charlotte , Hansen Torben , Pedersen Oluf , Groop Leif , Vaag Allan , Poulsen Pernille 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE
Common variants in FTO (the fat mass– and obesity-associated gene) associate with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The regulation and biological function of FTO mRNA expression in target tissue is unknown. We investigated the genetic and nongenetic regulation of FTO mRNA in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and their influence on in vivo glucose and fat metabolism.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The FTO rs9939609 polymorphism was genotyped in two twin cohorts: 1) 298 elderly twins aged 62–83 years with glucose tolerance ranging from normal to type 2 diabetes and 2) 196 young (25–32 years) and elderly (58–66 years) nondiabetic twins examined by a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp including indirect calorimetry. FTO mRNA expression was determined in subcutaneous adipose tissue (n = 226) and skeletal muscle biopsies (n = 158).

RESULTS
Heritability of FTO expression in both tissues was low, and FTO expression was not influenced by FTO rs9939609 genotype. FTO mRNA expression in skeletal muscle was regulated by age and sex, whereas age and BMI were predictors of adipose tissue FTO mRNA expression. FTO mRNA expression in adipose tissue was associated with an atherogenic lipid profile. In skeletal muscle, FTO mRNA expression was negatively associated to fat and positively to glucose oxidation rates as well as positively correlated with expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation including PGC1α.

CONCLUSIONS
The heritability of FTO expression in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle is low and not influenced by obesity-associated FTO genotype. The age-dependent decline in FTO expression is associated with peripheral defects of glucose and fat metabolism.