bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical Dispersion of Gravity Waves
Authors: Schroeder Guido , Schlünzen K. Heinke 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
When atmospheric gravity waves are simulated in numerical models, they are not only dispersive for physical but also for numerical reasons. Their wave properties (e.g., damping or propagation speed and direction) can depend on grid spacing as well as on the numerical schemes. In this work numerical dispersion relations for atmospheric gravity waves are theoretically derived as well as experimentally measured using the anelastic Mesoscale Transport and Stream model (METRAS). Both the theoretical solution and the numerical model show a retardation of gravity waves with decreasing grid resolution. Furthermore, the influence of a Shapiro seven-point filter is analyzed. The Shapiro seven-point filter causes damping of the shorter waves. Therefore, shorter waves can better be simulated without the seven-point filter. The influence of different advection schemes is analyzed by prescribing a background wind. A first-order upstream scheme and second- and third-order flux integrated essentially nonoscillatory (FIENO) schemes are used. As expected, the damping is the smaller the higher the order of the scheme. The numerical dispersion has severe consequences, when nonuniform grid spacing is used. Waves moving from the fine grid to the coarse are reflected because of numerical dispersion if they are only poorly resolved on the coarse grid. In tests with different refinement factors and wave lengths the reflection is found to be the larger the greater the refinement factor. The results show that refinement factors larger than 3 should not be used with nonuniform grid spacing or two-way nested grids.
Synoptic-Scale Controls of Persistent Low Temperature and Icy Weather over Southern China in January 2008
Authors: Zhou Wen , Chan Johnny C. L. , Chen Wen , Ling Jian , Pinto Joaquim G. , Shao Yaping 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
In January 2008, central and southern China experienced persistent low temperatures, freezing rain, and snow. The large-scale conditions associated with the occurrence and development of these snowstorms are examined in order to identify the key synoptic controls leading to this event. Three main factors are identified: 1) the persistent blocking high over Siberia, which remained quasi-stationary around 65°E for 3 weeks, led to advection of dry and cold Siberian air down to central and southern China; 2) a strong persistent southwesterly flow associated with the western Pacific subtropical high led to enhanced moisture advection from the Bay of Bengal into central and southern China; and 3) the deep inversion layer in the lower troposphere associated with the extended snow cover over most of central and southern China. The combination of these three factors is likely responsible for the unusual severity of the event, and hence a long return period.
Influence of the Madden–Julian Oscillation on Summertime Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Activity over the Continental United States
Authors: Abatzoglou John T. , Brown Timothy J. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Summertime cloud-to-ground lightning strikes are responsible for the majority of wildfire ignitions across vast sections of the seasonally dry western United States. In this study, a strong connection between active phases of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and regional summertime lightning activity was found across the interior western United States. This intraseasonal mode of lightning activity emanates northward from the desert Southwest across the Great Basin and into the northern Rocky Mountains. The MJO is shown to provide favorable conditions for the northward propagation of widespread lightning activity through the amplification of the upper-level ridge over the western United States and the development of midtropospheric instability. Given the relative predictability of the MJO with long lead times, results allude to the potential for intraseasonal predictability of lightning activity and proactive fire management planning.
Knowledge About Schizophrenia and Attitudes Towards People with Schizophrenia in Greece
Authors: Economou Marina , Richardson Clive , Gramandani Christina , Stalikas Anastassios , Stefanis Costas 
Published: June 2009

Background: This study was the first national survey ever conducted in Greece aiming to monitor the level of stigma Greeks hold against people with schizophrenia (PWS). Aim: To investigate sources, degree of knowledge and attitudes towards PWS in Greece. Method: A cross-sectional nationwide survey was conducted by face-to-face household interviews ( n = 1,199, aged 15 years and over). Results: Television was the main source of information (65.9%). Negative portrayals of PWS were recalled by 60.5%. Only 27.7% attributed schizophrenia to a combination of psychosocial, genetic and environmental factors. Respondents believed that PWS are dangerous (74.6%), have split personalities (81.3%) and cannot work (83.2%). Regarding attitudes, a negative relationship between closeness and social distance was observed. Most respondents (92.1%) would not marry someone with schizophrenia, half (50.5%) would be disturbed by working with PWS and one third (32.9%) would feel afraid to start a conversation. Urban residence and higher education were generally associated with better knowledge and more positive attitudes towards PWS. Conclusions: Knowledge about schizophrenia in Greece is poor. The Greek public has stigmatizing attitudes towards PWS. Educational interventions should especially target rural and semi-urban residents of a lower educational level. The role of television can be crucial.
Pair versus individual writing: Effects on fluency, complexity and accuracy
Authors: Wigglesworth Gillian , Storch Neomy 
Published: June 2009

The assessment of oral language is now quite commonly done in pairs or groups, and there is a growing body of research which investigates the related issues (e.g. May, 2007). Writing generally tends to be thought of as an individual activity, although a small number of studies have documented the advantages of collaboration in writing in the second language classroom (e.g. DiCamilla & Anton, 1997; Storch, 2005; Swain & Lapkin, 1998). Particularly in university contexts, group or pair assignments are widely used in many disciplines. In addition, collaborative writing could be used in second language classroom assessment contexts as formative assessment. However, research which compares texts produced by learners collaboratively to texts produced individually, and the implications of this for assessment practices, is rare. This study is a first step in the investigation of using collaborative writing in second language contexts and comparing the performance of two groups of second language learners: one group worked individually, and the other group worked in pairs. When writing in pairs, each pair produced a single text. All participants completed one writing task: an argumentative essay. The performances of the individuals (N = 48) and the pairs (N = 48) were compared on detailed discourse analytic measures of fluency, complexity and accuracy. This comparison revealed that collaboration impacted positively on accuracy, but did not affect fluency and complexity. A detailed analysis of the pair transcripts recorded during the writing activity provides insights into the ways in which pairs work together, and the foci of their endeavour. The implications of these findings for in-class assessment of second language writing are discussed.
Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture
Authors: Fenton Paul , Qureshi Ford , Ali Amjid , Potter David 
Published: June 2009

Background Distal biceps tendon ruptures are uncommon injuries. Operative treatment has been shown to improve functional outcomes. A variety of surgical repair techniques have been described for distal biceps ruptures. Purpose The authors present their experience with a new technique to anatomically repair distal biceps tendon ruptures through a single-incision approach that they believe is a safe and reliable method of achieving repair. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Materials and Methods Fourteen patients with 14 biceps tendon ruptures underwent a repair with a bioabsorbable Biotenodesis screw. All 14 patients underwent clinical assessment using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, measurement of range of motion, and flexion strength testing. Mean follow-up was 29.1 months. Results Three patients had a good result and 11 patients had an excellent result. The mean elbow flexion arc was 141.4° (range, 125°–155°; standard deviation, 7.19°) with no flexion contractures in the operated side compared with the unaffected elbow. All patients achieved an equal range of pronation/supination to the unaffected side. The mean flexion strength in the injured arm was 25.7 kg, compared with 26.9 kg in the uninjured side. No complications were noted about the elbow. Conclusion The authors believe this new technique gives a good functional outcome with reproducible results.
Surface RANKL of Toll-like receptor 4–stimulated human neutrophils activates osteoclastic bone resorption
Authors: Chakravarti Arpita , Raquil Marie-Astrid , Tessier Philippe , Poubelle Patrice E. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractInflammatory bone loss in septic and inflammatory conditions is due to increased activity of osteoclasts that requires receptor activator of NF-kappa B-ligand (RANKL). Neutrophils are the predominant infiltrating cells in these conditions. Although disease severity is linked to neutrophils, their role in evolution of bony lesions is not clear. We show that lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a toll-like receptor 4 ligand, up-regulated the expression of membrane RANKL in human blood neutrophils and murine air pouch–derived neutrophils. LPS-activated human and murine neutrophils, cocultured with human monocyte-derived osteoclasts and RAW 264.7 cells, respectively, stimulated bone resorption. Transfection of PLB-985 neutrophil-like cells with RANKL antisense RNA reduced osteoclastogenesis. Synovial fluid neutrophils of patients with exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis strongly expressed RANKL and activated osteoclastogenesis in coculture systems. Osteoprotegerin, the RANKL decoy receptor, suppressed osteoclast activation by neutrophils from these different sources. Moreover, direct cell-cell contact between neutrophils and osteoclasts was visualized by confocal laser microscopy. Activation of neutrophil membrane-bound RANKL was linked to tyrosine phosphorylation of Src-homology domain–containing cytosolic phosphatase 1 with concomitant down-regulation of cytokine production. The demonstration of these novel functions of neutrophils highlights their potential role in osteoimmunology and in therapeutics of inflammatory bone disease.
Direct crosstalk between mast cell–TNF and TNFR1-expressing endothelia mediates local tissue inflammation
Authors: Kneilling Manfred , Mailhammer Reinhard , Hültner Lothar , Schönberger Tanja , Fuchs Kerstin , Schaller Martin , Bukala Daniel , Massberg Steffen , Sander Christian A. , Braumüller Heidi , Eichner Martin , Maier Konrad L. , Hallmann Rupert , Pichler Bernd J. , Haubner Roland , Gawaz Meinrad , Pfeffer Klaus , Biedermann Tilo , Röcken Martin 
Published: June 2009

AbstractSignaling through tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) controls bacterial infections and the induction of inflammatory Th1 cell–mediated autoimmune diseases. By dissecting Th1 cell–mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity responses (DTHRs) into single steps, we localized a central defect to the missing TNFR1 expression by endothelial cells (ECs). Adoptive transfer and mast cell knockin experiments into KitW/KitW-v, TNF−/−, and TNFR1−/− mice showed that the signaling defect exclusively affects mast cell–EC interactions but not T cells or antigen-presenting cells. As a consequence, TNFR1−/− mice had strongly reduced mRNA and protein expression of P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 during DTHR elicitation. In consequence, intravital fluorescence microscopy revealed up to 80% reduction of leukocyte rolling and firm adhesion in TNFR1−/− mice. As substitution of TNF−/− mice with TNF-producing mast cells fully restored DTHR in these mice, signaling of mast cell-derived TNF through TNFR1-expressing ECs is essential for the recruitment of leukocytes into sites of inflammation.
Foreword to the international workshop on major genes and QTL in sheep and goats
Authors: Elsen Jean Michel 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
This is the third international meeting dealing with major genes in small ruminants. The first was held in Armidale (NSW, Australia) in 1980, just after the discovery of the Booroola gene by B. Bindon and L. Piper. The discovery of a gene having such a large effect on ovulation rate and prolificacy in sheep was totally unsuspected at this time and a number of research teams all over the world concentrated their efforts to study its effects and identify the causal mutation. About 20 years were finally needed to obtain this information, which opened a new approach to the physiological regulation of reproduction.
The second meeting was organised in 1990 in Toulouse along the same lines. Although its main concern was the Booroola gene, other major genes influencing ovulation in sheep were also considered. Indeed, an increasing amount of evidence demonstrated that, on the contrary to the current opinion in quantitative genetics laboratories before 1980, prolificacy is not always controlled by a very large number of genes each exhibiting a very small effect, but may also be influenced by genes with large effects, generalising the Booroola situation to other populations.
Since then, mixed inheritance was also found for other production traits such as body conformation, seasonality or milk composition. However, the major evolution has been the inexpensive large-scale access to molecular genetic information, using PCR, microsatellites and SNP technologies. QTL detection experiments are performed in all domestic species, including sheep and goats, and the identification of genes having an average effect on the performance trait variability is now possible. The utilisation of these polymorphisms should also be a great help for a better management of populations, either through the selection of breeders or through the preservation of genetic diversity.
This third meeting on major genes and QTL in sheep and goats was a unique occasion for the researchers involved in this area of Animal Science to present their latest results, exchange their experiences and progress in the organisation of scientific co-operation.
Altered effector function of peripheral cytotoxic cells in COPD
Authors: Urbanowicz Richard A , Lamb Jonathan R , Todd Ian , Corne Jonathan M , Fairclough Lucy C 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
There is mounting evidence that perforin and granzymes are important mediators in the lung destruction seen in COPD. We investigated the characteristics of the three main perforin and granzyme containing peripheral cells, namely CD8+ T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK; CD56+CD3-) cells and NKT-like (CD56+CD3+) cells.

Methods
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and cell numbers and intracellular granzyme B and perforin were analysed by flow cytometry. Immunomagnetically selected CD8+ T lymphocytes, NK (CD56+CD3-) and NKT-like (CD56+CD3+) cells were used in an LDH release assay to determine cytotoxicity and cytotoxic mechanisms were investigated by blocking perforin and granzyme B with relevant antibodies.

Results
The proportion of peripheral blood NKT-like (CD56+CD3+) cells in smokers with COPD (COPD subjects) was significantly lower (0.6%) than in healthy smokers (smokers) (2.8%, p < 0.001) and non-smoking healthy participants (HNS) (3.3%, p < 0.001). NK (CD56+CD3-) cells from COPD subjects were significantly less cytotoxic than in smokers (16.8% vs 51.9% specific lysis, p < 0.001) as were NKT-like (CD56+CD3+) cells (16.7% vs 52.4% specific lysis, p < 0.001). Both cell types had lower proportions expressing both perforin and granzyme B. Blocking the action of perforin and granzyme B reduced the cytotoxic activity of NK (CD56+CD3-) and NKT-like (CD56+CD3+) cells from smokers and HNS.

Conclusion
In this study, we show that the relative numbers of peripheral blood NK (CD56+CD3-) and NKT-like (CD56+CD3+) cells in COPD subjects are reduced and that their cytotoxic effector function is defective.
A strategy for enrichment of claudins based on their affinity to Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin
Authors: Lohrberg Dörte , Krause Eberhard , Schümann Michael , Piontek Jörg , Winkler Lars , Blasig Ingolf E , Haseloff Reiner F 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Claudins, a family of protein localized in tight junctions, are essential for the control of paracellular permeation in epithelia and endothelia. The interaction of several claudins with Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) has been exploited for an affinity-based enrichment of CPE-binding claudins from lysates of normal rat cholangiocytes.

Results
Immunoblotting and mass spectrometry (MS) experiments demonstrate strong enrichment of the CPE-binding claudins -3, -4 and -7, indicating specific association with glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-CPE116–319 fusion protein. In parallel, the co-elution of (non-CPE-binding) claudin-1 and claudin-5 was observed. The complete set of co-enriched proteins was identified by MS after electrophoretic separation. Relative mass spectrometric protein quantification with stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) made it possible to discriminate specific binding from non-specific association to GST and/or matrix material.

Conclusion
CPE116–319 provides an efficient tool for single step enrichment of different claudins from cell lysates. Numerous proteins were shown to be co-enriched with the CPE-binding claudins, but there are no indications (except for claudins -1 and -5) for an association with tight junctions.
Subcellular localization of the antidepressant-sensitive norepinephrine transporter
Authors: Matthies Heinrich JG , Han Qiao , Shields Angela , Wright Jane , Moore Jessica L , Winder Danny G , Galli Aurelio , Blakely Randy D 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundReuptake of synaptic norepinephrine (NE) via the antidepressant-sensitive NE transporter (NET) supports efficient noradrenergic signaling and presynaptic NE homeostasis. Limited, and somewhat contradictory, information currently describes the axonal transport and localization of NET in neurons.ResultsWe elucidate NET localization in brain and superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons, aided by a new NET monoclonal antibody, subcellular immunoisolation techniques and quantitative immunofluorescence approaches. We present evidence that axonal NET extensively colocalizes with syntaxin 1A, and to a limited degree with SCAMP2 and synaptophysin. Intracellular NET in SCG axons and boutons also quantitatively segregates from the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), findings corroborated by organelle isolation studies. At the surface of SCG boutons, NET resides in both lipid raft and non-lipid raft subdomains and colocalizes with syntaxin 1A.ConclusionOur findings support the hypothesis that SCG NET is segregated prior to transport from the cell body from proteins comprising large dense core vesicles. Once localized to presynaptic boutons, NET does not recycle via VMAT2-positive, small dense core vesicles. Finally, once NET reaches presynaptic plasma membranes, the transporter localizes to syntaxin 1A-rich plasma membrane domains, with a portion found in cholera toxin-demarcated lipid rafts. Our findings indicate that activity-dependent insertion of NET into the SCG plasma membrane derives from vesicles distinct from those that deliver NE. Moreover, NET is localized in presynaptic membranes in a manner that can take advantage of regulatory processes targeting lipid raft subdomains.
A covalent peptide inhibitor of RGS4 identified in a focused one-bead, one compound library screen
Authors: Roof Rebecca A , Roman David L , Clements Samuel T , Sobczyk-Kojiro Katarzyna , Blazer Levi L , Ota Shodai , Mosberg Henry I , Neubig Richard R 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Regulators of G protein signaling (RGSs) accelerate GTP hydrolysis by Gα subunits and profoundly inhibit signaling by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The distinct expression patterns and pathophysiologic regulation of RGS proteins suggest that inhibitors may have therapeutic potential. We recently described a focused one-bead, one-compound (OBOC) library screen to identify peptide inhibitors of RGS4. Here we extend our observations to include another peptide with a different mechanism of action.

Results
Peptide 5nd (Tyr-Trp-c [Cys-Lys-Gly-Leu-Cys]-Lys-NH2, S-S) blocks the RGS4-Gαo interaction with an IC50 of 28 μM. It forms a covalent, dithiothreitol (DTT) sensitive adduct with a mass consistent with the incorporation of one peptide per RGS. Peptide 5nd activity is abolished by either changing its disulfide bridge to a methylene dithioether bridge, which cannot form disulfide bridges to the RGS, or by removing all cysteines from the RGS protein. However, no single cysteine in RGS4 is completely necessary or sufficient for 5nd activity.

Conclusion
Though it has some RGS selectivity, 5nd appears to be a partially random cysteine modifier. These data suggest that it inhibits RGS4 by forming disulfide bridges with the protein.
The TrueBlue study: Is practice nurse-led collaborative care effective in the management of depression for patients with heart disease or diabetes?
Authors: Morgan Mark , Dunbar James , Reddy Prasuna , Coates Michael , Leahy Robert 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
In the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) or coronary heart disease (CHD), depression is under diagnosed and under treated despite being associated with worse clinical outcomes. Our earlier pilot study demonstrated that it was feasible, acceptable and affordable for practice nurses to extend their role to include screening for and monitoring of depression alongside biological and lifestyle risk factors. The current study will compare the clinical outcomes of our model of practice nurse-led collaborative care with usual care for patients with depression and T2DM or CHD.

Methods
This is a cluster-randomised intervention trial. Eighteen general practices from regional and metropolitan areas agreed to join this study, and were allocated randomly to an intervention or control group. We aim to recruit 50 patients with co-morbid depression and diabetes or heart disease from each of these practices. In the intervention group, practice nurses (PNs) will be trained for their enhanced roles in this nurse-led collaborative care study. Patients will be invited to attend a practice nurse consultation every 3 months prior to seeing their usual general practitioner. The PN will assess psychological, physiological and lifestyle parameters then work with the patient to set management goals. The outcome of this assessment will form the basis of a GP Management Plan document. In the control group, the patients will continue to receive their usual care for the first six months of the study before the PNs undergo the training and switch to the intervention protocol. The primary clinical outcome will be a reduction in the depression score. The study will also measure the impact on physiological measures, quality of life and on patient attitude to health care delivered by practice nurses.

Conclusion
The strength of this programme is that it provides a sustainable model of chronic disease management with monitoring and self-management assistance for physiological, lifestyle and psychological risk factors for high-risk patients with co-morbid depression, diabetes or heart disease. The study will demonstrate whether nurse-led collaborative care achieves better outcomes than usual care.