bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Madden–Julian Oscillation and Intraseasonal Waves on Surface Wind and Convection of the Tropical Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Yu Wei , Han Weiqing , Gochis David 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Atmospheric intraseasonal variability in the tropical Atlantic is analyzed using satellite winds, outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), and reanalysis products during 2000–08. The analyses focus on assessing the effects of dominant intraseasonal atmospheric convective processes, the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), and Rossby waves on surface wind and convection of the tropical Atlantic Ocean and African monsoon area. The results show that contribution from each process varies in different regions. In general, the MJO events dominate the westward-propagating Rossby waves in affecting strong convection in the African monsoon region. The Rossby waves, however, have larger contributions to convection in the western Atlantic Ocean. Both the westward- and eastward-propagating signals contribute approximately equally in the central Atlantic basin. The effects of intraseasonal signals have evident seasonality. Both convection amplitude and the number of strong convective events associated with the MJO are larger during November–April than during May–October in all regions. Convection associated with Rossby wave events is stronger during November–April for all regions, and the numbers of Rossby wave events are higher during November–April than during May–October in the African monsoon region, and are comparable for the two seasons in the western and central Atlantic basins. Of particular interest is that the MJOs originating from the Indo-Pacific Ocean can be enhanced over the tropical Atlantic Ocean while they propagate eastward, amplifying their impacts on the African monsoon. On the other hand, Rossby waves can originate either in the eastern equatorial Atlantic or West African monsoon region, and some can strengthen while they propagate westward, affecting surface winds and convection in the western Atlantic and Central American regions.
Evaluation of Microphysics Parameterization for Convective Clouds in the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model CAM5
Authors: Song Xiaoliang , Zhang Guang J. , Li J.-L. F. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
A physically based two-moment microphysics parameterization scheme for convective clouds is implemented in the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CAM5) to improve the representation of convective clouds and their interaction with large-scale clouds and aerosols. The explicit treatment of mass mixing ratio and number concentration of cloud and precipitation particles enables the scheme to account for the impact of aerosols on convection. The scheme is linked to aerosols through cloud droplet activation and ice nucleation processes and to stratiform cloud parameterization through convective detrainment of cloud liquid/ice water content (LWC/IWC) and droplet/crystal number concentration (DNC/CNC). A 5-yr simulation with the new convective microphysics scheme shows that both cloud LWC/IWC and DNC/CNC are in good agreement with observations, indicating the scheme describes microphysical processes in convection well. Moreover, the microphysics scheme is able to represent the aerosol effects on convective clouds such as the suppression of warm rain formation and enhancement of freezing when aerosol loading is increased. With more realistic simulations of convective cloud microphysical properties and their detrainment, the mid- and low-level cloud fraction is increased significantly over the ITCZ–southern Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ) and subtropical oceans, making it much closer to the observations. Correspondingly, the serious negative bias in cloud liquid water path over subtropical oceans observed in the standard CAM5 is reduced markedly. The large-scale precipitation is increased and precipitation distribution is improved as well. The long-standing precipitation bias in the western Pacific is significantly alleviated because of microphysics–thermodynamics feedbacks.
The Interannual Variability of Summer Upper-Tropospheric Temperature over East Asia
Authors: Zhang Lixia , Zhou Tianjun 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
By using 55-yr NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data, two dominant interannual variability modes of summer upper-tropospheric (500–200 hPa) temperature over East Asia are identified. The first empirical orthogonal function (EOF1) mode in its positive sign features a monopole cooling anomaly, while the second mode (EOF2) features a meridional dipole mode, with the positive (negative) center located south (north) of 35°N. The EOF1 (EOF2) mode is associated with ENSO developing (decaying) summers. They are the result of dynamical teleconnections remotely induced by ENSO and local moist processes. During the El Niño developing summer, the Indian summer monsoon precipitation decreases and forces the Silk Road teleconnection pattern at 200 hPa, featuring an anomalous cyclone over the East Asian continent. Coupled with the anomalous northerly wind in eastern China at 850 hPa, rainfall over north (south) China is suppressed (enhanced). The anomalous cyclone in the upper troposphere, associated vertical motion, and precipitation contribute to the heat and vorticity balance and maintain the monopole cooling. In the El Niño decaying summer, driven by the combined effects of a local SST anomaly and remote warm SST anomaly forcing from the Indian Ocean, precipitation is reduced over the western Pacific Ocean. Less latent heat is released and forces the Pacific–Japan teleconnection pattern along the East Asian continent, inducing a tripolar rainfall anomaly over East Asia. The tripolar precipitation and vertical motion anomalies and the zonal extended cyclonic anomaly in the upper troposphere provide the heating and momentum flux balance and maintain the temperature anomaly pattern during the ENSO decaying summer.
Observations of Climate Feedbacks over 2000–10 and Comparisons to Climate Models*
Authors: Dessler A. E. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Feedbacks in response to climate variations during the period 2000–10 have been calculated using reanalysis meteorological fields and top-of-atmosphere flux measurements. Over this period, the climate was stabilized by a strongly negative temperature feedback (~−3 W m−2 K−1); climate variations were also amplified by a strong positive water vapor feedback (~+1.2 W m−2 K−1) and smaller positive albedo and cloud feedbacks (~+0.3 and +0.5 W m−2 K−1, respectively). These observations are compared to two climate model ensembles, one dominated by internal variability (the control ensemble) and the other dominated by long-term global warming (the A1B ensemble). The control ensemble produces global average feedbacks that agree within uncertainties with the observations, as well as producing similar spatial patterns. The most significant discrepancy was in the spatial pattern for the total (shortwave + longwave) cloud feedback. Feedbacks calculated from the A1B ensemble show a stronger negative temperature feedback (due to a stronger lapse-rate feedback), but that is cancelled by a stronger positive water vapor feedback. The feedbacks in the A1B ensemble tend to be more smoothly distributed in space, which is consistent with the differences between El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate variations and long-term global warming. The sum of all of the feedbacks, sometimes referred to as the thermal damping rate, is −1.15 ± 0.88 W m−2 K−1 in the observations and −0.60 ± 0.37 W m−2 K−1 in the control ensemble. Within the control ensemble, models that more accurately simulate ENSO tend to produce thermal damping rates closer to the observations. The A1B ensemble average thermal damping rate is −1.26 ± 0.45 W m−2 K−1.
Trends in Summer Rainfall over China Associated with the Tibetan Plateau Sensible Heat Source during 1980–2008
Authors: Duan Anmin , Wang Meirong , Lei Yonghui , Cui Yangfan 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
The impacts of the thermal forcing over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) in spring on changes in summer rainfall in China are investigated using historical records from the period between 1980 and 2008. The spring sensible heat (SH) flux and snow depth over the TP both decreased over this time period, although the trend in SH was more significant than that in snow depth. The similarity between patterns of precipitation trends over China and corresponding patterns of regression coefficients on the leading mode of spring SH change over the TP demonstrates the distinct contribution of changes in TP SH during spring. Enhanced precipitation in southern China was accompanied by increases in heavy rainfall, precipitation intensity, and the frequency of precipitation events, while reduced precipitation in northern China and northeastern China was primarily associated with decreases in the frequency of precipitation events. Further analysis using observational data and numerical simulations reveals that the reductions in SH over the TP have weakened the monsoon circulation and postponed the seasonal reversal of the land–sea thermal contrast in East Asia. In addition, the positive spring SH anomaly may generate a stronger summer atmospheric heat source over the TP due to the positive feedback between diabatic heating and local circulation.
The paracrine effect of exogenous growth hormone alleviates dysmorphogenesis caused by tbx5 deficiency in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Authors: Tsai Tzu-Chun , Lu Jen-Kann , Choo Sie-Lin , Yeh Shu-Yu , Tang Ren-Bing , Lee Hsin-Yu , Lu Jen-Her 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Dysmorphogenesis and multiple organ defects are well known in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos with T-box transcription factor 5 (tbx5) deficiencies, mimicking human Holt-Oram syndrome.

Methods
Using an oligonucleotide-based microarray analysis to study the expression of special genes in tbx5 morphants, we demonstrated that GH and some GH-related genes were markedly downregulated. Zebrafish embryos microinjected with tbx5-morpholino (MO) antisense RNA and mismatched antisense RNA in the 1-cell stage served as controls, while zebrafish embryos co-injected with exogenous growth hormone (GH) concomitant with tbx5-MO comprised the treatment group.

Results
The attenuating effects of GH in tbx5-MO knockdown embryos were quantified and observed at 24, 30, 48, 72, and 96 h post-fertilization. Though the understanding of mechanisms involving GH in the tbx5 functioning complex is limited, exogenous GH supplied to tbx5 knockdown zebrafish embryos is able to enhance the expression of downstream mediators in the GH and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 pathway, including igf1, ghra, and ghrb, and signal transductors (erk1, akt2), and eventually to correct dysmorphogenesis in various organs including the heart and pectoral fins. Supplementary GH also reduced apoptosis as determined by a TUNEL assay and decreased the expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins (bcl2 and bad) according to semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively, as well as improving cell cycle-related genes (p27 and cdk2) and cardiomyogenetic genes (amhc, vmhc, and cmlc2).

Conclusions
Based on our results, tbx5 knockdown causes a pseudo GH deficiency in zebrafish during early embryonic stages, and supplementation of exogenous GH can partially restore dysmorphogenesis, apoptosis, cell growth inhibition, and abnormal cardiomyogenesis in tbx5 knockdown zebrafish in a paracrine manner.
Role of gamma-delta T cells in host response against Staphylococcus aureus-induced pneumonia
Authors: Cheng Ping , Liu Tao , Zhou Wei-Ying , Zhuang Yuan , Peng Liu-sheng , Zhang Jin-yu , Yin Zhi-Nan , Mao Xu-hu , Guo Gang , Shi Yun , Zou Quan-ming 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundStaphylococcus aureusis the major cause of hospital-acquired and community-acquired pneumonia. Host defense toS.aureusinfection is largely mediated by the innate immune system. γδ T cells play an important role in innate immunity to many infectious diseases. However, less is known about the role of these cells duringS.aureus-induced pneumonia. In this study, we examined the response and the role of γδ T cells to pulmonaryS.aureusinfection.ResultsMice infected withS. aureusintranasally showed rapid γδ T cells accumulation in the lung. Deficiency of γδ T cells led to attenuated bacterial clearance and less tissue damage in lung compared with WT mice. Moreover, TCR-δ−/−mice exhibited impaired neutrophil recruitment and reduced cytokine production at the site of infection. The γδ T cells in response to pulmonaryS. aureusinfection mainly secreted IL-17 and γδ T cells deficiency reduced IL-17 production, which might regulate the production of neutrophil-inducing cytokine/chemokine in theS. aureus-infected lungs.ConclusionsAccumulation of γδ T cells in the lungs toS. aureusinfection is beneficial for bacteria clearance and also contributes to the tissue damage. These cells were the primary source of IL-17, which might influence the recruitment of neutrophils at the early stage of infection.
A multi-perspective cost-effectiveness analysis comparing rivaroxaban with enoxaparin sodium for thromboprophylaxis after total hip and knee replacement in the German healthcare setting
Authors: Zindel Sonja , Stock Stephanie , Müller Dirk , Stollenwerk Björn 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundPatients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery (MOS), such as total hip (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR), are at high risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). For thromboembolism prophylaxis, the oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban has recently been included in the German diagnosis related group (DRG) system. However, the cost-effectiveness of rivaroxaban is still unclear from both the German statutory health insurance (SHI) and the German hospital perspective.ObjectivesTo assess the cost-effectiveness of rivaroxaban from the German statutory health insurance (SHI) perspective and to analyse financial incentives from the German hospital perspective.MethodsBased on data from the RECORD trials and German cost data, a decision tree was built. The model was run for two settings (THR and TKR) and two perspectives (SHI and hospital) per setting.ResultsProphylaxis with rivaroxaban reduces VTE events (0.02 events per person treated after TKR; 0.007 after THR) compared with enoxaparin. From the SHI perspective, prophylaxis with rivaroxaban after TKR is cost saving (€27.3 saving per patient treated). However, the cost-effectiveness after THR (€17.8 cost per person) remains unclear because of stochastic uncertainty. From the hospital perspective, for given DRGs, the hospital profit will decrease through the use of rivaroxaban by €20.6 (TKR) and €31.8 (THR) per case respectively.ConclusionsBased on our findings, including rivaroxaban for reimbursement in the German DRG system seems reasonable. Yet, adequate incentives for German hospitals to use rivaroxaban are still lacking.
Inhibition of CD200R1 expression by C/EBP beta in reactive microglial cells
Authors: Dentesano Guido , Straccia Marco , Ejarque-Ortiz Aroa , Tusell Josep M , Serratosa Joan , Saura Josep , Solà Carme 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
In physiological conditions, it is postulated that neurons control microglial reactivity through a series of inhibitory mechanisms, involving either cell contact-dependent, soluble-factor-dependent or neurotransmitter-associated pathways. In the current study, we focus on CD200R1, a microglial receptor involved in one of these cell contact-dependent mechanisms. CD200R1 activation by its ligand, CD200 (mainly expressed by neurons in the central nervous system),is postulated to inhibit the pro-inflammatory phenotype of microglial cells, while alterations in CD200-CD200R1 signalling potentiate this phenotype. Little is known about the regulation of CD200R1 expression in microglia or possible alterations in the presence of pro-inflammatory stimuli.

Methods
Murine primary microglial cultures, mixed glial cultures from wild-type and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ)-deficient mice, and the BV2 murine cell line overexpressing C/EBPβ were used to study the involvement of C/EBPβ transcription factor in the regulation of CD200R1 expression in response to a proinflammatory stimulus (lipopolysaccharide (LPS)). Binding of C/EBPβ to the CD200R1 promoter was determined by quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation (qChIP). The involvement of histone deacetylase 1 in the control of CD200R1 expression by C/EBPβ was also determined by co-immunoprecipitation and qChIP.

Results
LPS treatment induced a decrease in CD200R1 mRNA and protein expression in microglial cells, an effect that was not observed in the absence of C/EBPβ. C/EBPβ overexpression in BV2 cells resulted in a decrease in basal CD200R1 mRNA and protein expression. In addition, C/EBPβ binding to the CD200R1 promoter was observed in LPS-treated but not in control glial cells, and also in control BV2 cells overexpressing C/EBPβ. Finally, we observed that histone deacetylase 1 co-immunoprecipitated with C/EBPβ and showed binding to a C/EBPβ consensus sequence of the CD200R1 promoter in LPS-treated glial cells. Moreover, histone deacetylase 1 inhibitors reversed the decrease in CD200R1 expression induced by LPS treatment.

Conclusions
CD200R1 expression decreases in microglial cells in the presence of a pro-inflammatory stimulus, an effect that is regulated, at least in part, by C/EBPβ. Histone deacetylase 1 may mediate C/EBPβ inhibition of CD200R1 expression, through a direct effect on C/EBPβ transcriptional activity and/or on chromatin structure.
Enhancement of Th1-biased protective immunity against avian influenza H9N2 virus via oral co-administration of attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing chicken interferon-α and interleukin-18 along with an inactivated vaccine
Authors: Rahman Md Masudur , Uyangaa Erdenebileg , Han Young Woo , Kim Seong Bum , Kim Jin Hyoung , Choi Jin Young , Eo Seong Kug 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Control of currently circulating re-assorted low-pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 is a major concern for both animal and human health. Thus, an improved LPAI H9N2 vaccination strategy is needed to induce complete immunity in chickens against LPAI H9N2 virus strains. Cytokines play a crucial role in mounting both the type and extent of an immune response generated following infection with a pathogen or after vaccination. To improve the efficacy of inactivated LPAI H9N2 vaccine, attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium was used for oral co-administration of chicken interferon-α (chIFN-α) and chicken interleukin-18 (chIL-18) as natural immunomodulators.

Results
Oral co-administration of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing chIFN-α and chIL-18, prior to vaccination with inactivated AI H9N2 vaccine, modulated the immune response of chickens against the vaccine antigen through enhanced humoral and Th1-biased cell-mediated immunity, compared to chickens that received single administration of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing either chIFN-α or chIL-18. To further test the protective efficacy of this improved vaccination regimen, immunized chickens were intra-tracheally challenged with a high dose of LPAI H9N2 virus. Combined administration of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing chIFN-α and chIL-18 showed markedly enhanced protection compared to single administration of the construct, as determined by mortality, clinical severity, and feed and water intake. This enhancement of protective immunity was further confirmed by reduced rectal shedding and replication of AIV H9N2 in different tissues of challenged chickens.

Conclusions
Our results indicate the value of combined administration of chIFN-α and chIL-18 using a Salmonella vaccine strain to generate an effective immunization strategy in chickens against LPAI H9N2.
A genetic bistable switch utilizing nonlinear protein degradation
Authors: Huang Daniel , Holtz William J , Maharbiz Michel M 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundBistability is a fundamental property in engineered and natural systems, conferring the ability to switch and retain states. Synthetic bistable switches in prokaryotes have mainly utilized transcriptional components in their construction. Using both transcriptional and enzymatic components, creating a hybrid system, allows for wider bistable parameter ranges in a circuit.ResultsIn this paper, we demonstrate a tunable family of hybrid bistable switches inE. coliusing both transcriptional components and an enzymatic component. The design contains two linked positive feedback loops. The first loop utilizes the lambda repressor, CI, and the second positive feedback loop incorporates the Lon protease found inMesoplasma florum(mf-Lon). We experimentally tested for bistable behavior in exponential growth phase, and found that our hybrid bistable switch was able to retain its state in the absence of an input signal throughout 40 cycles of cell division. We also tested the transient behavior of our switch and found that switching speeds can be tuned by changing the expression rate ofmf-Lon.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this work demonstrates the first use of dynamic expression of an orthogonal and heterologous protease to tune a nonlinear protein degradation circuit. The hybrid switch is potentially a more robust and tunable topology for use in prokaryotic systems.
An analysis of Euroqol EQ‐5D and Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire scores six months following podiatric surgery
Authors: Maher Anthony J , Kilmartin Timothy E 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundIn the United Kingdom patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMS) have been adopted as a key measure of foot surgery outcomes. The intention of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness of a regional outcome measure; the Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and a generic measure; the EuroQol EQ‐5D, in the context of day care Podiatric Surgery.MethodsA prospective audit of 375 consecutive day care surgical admissions was undertaken. All patients attending for surgery, who agreed to participate, were included. Pre operation patients completed the MOXFQ and the EQ‐5D. Both questionnaires were completed again at 6 months post operation. Additional data was collected on patient demographics, surgical procedures and complications.ResultsFew complications were encountered and most patients (84%) returned for a final review 6 months post operation. Mean MOXFQ scores improved for each domain: pain; 51.7 pre‐operation, reduced to 16.5 post‐operation, walking; 50.2 reduced to 14.1 and social interaction; 45.7 reduced to 10.6. The minimal clinically important differences (MCID) estimates for the pain domain were exceeded by 82.6% of patients, while 74.8% exceeded the MCID for walking and 68.5% exceeded the MCID for social interaction. A small number of patients (2.9%) deteriorated across all three MOXFQ domains.The EQ‐5D Index, summary of health related quality of life, improved from 0.66 pre‐operation to 0.86 post operation. The EQ‐5D index MCID was exceeded by 79.2% of patients. Index scores deteriorated for 1.8% of patients following surgery. Effect sizes measured following surgery were largest for the MOXFQ domains: Walking; 1.39, Pain; 1.52 and Social Interaction: 1.39. The EQ‐5D index effect size was 0.83. The EQ‐5D visual analogue scale (VAS) was not influenced by surgery.ConclusionBoth the MOXFQ and EQ‐5D index (but not the VAS) appear sensitive to changes in health status at 6 months following elective foot surgery. Both instruments were particularly responsive to changes in pain, mobility and activity or social interaction following treatment. The MOXFQ was developed specifically for foot surgery and as such appears to be the more sensitive instrument. However the generic EQ‐5D may allow comparison of general health states in the wider health community. Both instruments when used together appear well suited to the measurement of change in perceived health status following foot surgery.