bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Observations of a Squall Line and Its Near Environment Using High-Frequency Rawinsonde Launches during VORTEX2
Authors: Bryan George H. , Parker Matthew D. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Rawinsonde data were collected before and during passage of a squall line in Oklahoma on 15 May 2009 during the Second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2). Nine soundings were released within 3 h, allowing for unprecedented analysis of the squall line’s internal structure and nearby environment. Four soundings were released in the prestorm environment and they document the following features: low-level cooling associated with the reduction of solar isolation by a cirrus anvil; abrupt warming (1.5 K in 30 min) above the boundary layer, which is probably attributable to a gravity wave; increases in both low-level and deep-layer vertical wind shear within 100 km of the squall line; and evidence of ascent extending at least 75 km ahead of the squall line. The next sounding was released ∼5 km ahead of the squall line’s gust front; it documented a moist absolutely unstable layer within a 2-km-deep layer of ascent, with vertical air velocity of approximately 6 m s−1. Another sounding was released after the gust front passed but before precipitation began; this sounding showed the cold pool to be ∼4 km deep, with a cold pool intensity C ≈ 35 m s−1, even though this sounding was located only 8 km behind the surface gust front. The final three soundings were released in the trailing stratiform region of the squall line, and they showed typical features such as: “onion”-shaped soundings, nearly uniform equivalent potential temperature over a deep layer, and an elevated rear inflow jet. The cold pool was 4.7 km deep in the trailing stratiform region, and extended ∼1 km above the melting level, suggesting that sublimation was a contributor to cold pool development. A mesoscale analysis of the sounding data shows an upshear tilt to the squall line, which is consistent with the cold pool intensity C being much larger than a measure of environmental vertical wind shear ΔU. This dataset should be useful for evaluating cloud-scale numerical model simulations and analytic theory, but the authors argue that additional observations of this type should be collected in future field projects.
Tropical Cyclone Intensity Change before U.S. Gulf Coast Landfall
Authors: Rappaport Edward N. , Franklin James L. , Schumacher Andrea B. , DeMaria Mark , Shay Lynn K. , Gibney Ethan J. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Tropical cyclone intensity change remains a forecasting challenge with important implications for such vulnerable areas as the U.S. coast along the Gulf of Mexico. Analysis of 1979–2008 Gulf tropical cyclones during their final two days before U.S. landfall identifies patterns of behavior that are of interest to operational forecasters and researchers. Tropical storms and depressions strengthened on average by about 7 kt for every 12 h over the Gulf, except for little change during their final 12 h before landfall. Hurricanes underwent a different systematic evolution. In the net, category 1–2 hurricanes strengthened, while category 3–5 hurricanes weakened such that tropical cyclones approach the threshold of major hurricane status by U.S. landfall. This behavior can be partially explained by consideration of the maximum potential intensity modified by the environmental vertical wind shear and hurricane-induced sea surface temperature reduction near the storm center associated with relatively low oceanic heat content levels. Linear least squares regression equations based on initial intensity and time to landfall explain at least half the variance of the hurricane intensity change. Applied retrospectively, these simple equations yield relatively small forecast errors and biases for hurricanes. Characteristics of most of the significant outliers are explained and found to be identifiable a priori for hurricanes, suggesting that forecasters can adjust their forecast procedures accordingly.
The Canadian Regional Data Assimilation and Forecasting System
Authors: Fillion Luc , Tanguay Monique , Lapalme Ervig , Denis Bertrand , Desgagne Michel , Lee Vivian , Ek Nils , Liu Zhuo , Lajoie Manon , Caron Jean-François , Pagé Christian 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
This paper describes the recent changes to the regional data assimilation and forecasting system at the Canadian Meteorological Center. A major aspect is the replacement of the currently operational global variable resolution forecasting approach by a limited-area nested approach. In addition, the variational analysis code has been upgraded to allow limited-area three- and four-dimensional variational data assimilation (3D- and 4DVAR) analysis approaches. As a first implementation step, the constraints were to impose similar background error correlation modeling assumptions, equal computer resources, and the use of the same assimilated data. Both bi-Fourier and spherical-harmonics spectral representations of background error correlations were extensively tested for the large horizontal domain considered for the Canadian regional system. Under such conditions, it is shown that the new regional data assimilation and forecasting system performs as well as the current operational system and it produces slightly better 24-h accumulated precipitation scores as judged from an ensemble of winter and summer cases. Because of the large horizontal extent of the regional domain considered, a spherical-harmonics spectral representation of background error correlations was shown to perform better than the bi-Fourier representation, considering all evaluation scores examined in this study. The latter is more suitable for smaller domains and will be kept for the upcoming use in the kilometric-scale local analysis domains in order to support the Canadian Meteorological Center’s (CMC’s) operations using multiple domains over Canada. The CMC’s new regional system [i.e., a regional limited-area 3DVAR data assimilation system coupled to a limited-area model (REG-LAM3D)] is now undergoing its final evaluations before operational transfer. Important model and data assimilation upgrades are currently under development to fully exploit this new system and are briefly presented.
Adapted Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Intervention Can Be Effectively Delivered Through Telehealth
Authors: Vadheim Liane M. , McPherson Carla , Kassner Darcy R. , Vanderwood Karl K. , Hall Taryn O. , Butcher Marcene K. , Helgerson Steven D. , Harwell Todd S. 
Published: June 2010

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of delivering an adapted group-based version of the Diabetes Prevention Program’s (DPP) lifestyle intervention through telehealth video conferencing. Methods In 2009, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services in collaboration with Holy Rosary Heathcare implemented the DPP lifestyle intervention, which was provided to an on-site group in 1 community and simultaneously through telehealth to a second group in a remote frontier community. Participants obtained medical clearance from their primary care physician and were eligible if they were overweight and had 1 or more of the following risk factors: prediabetes, impaired glucose tolerance/impaired fasting glucose (IGT/IFG), a history of gestational diabetes (GDM) or the delivery of an infant >9 pounds, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. Results A total of 13 and 16 eligible adults enrolled in the on-site and the telehealth program, and 13 (100%) and 14 (88%) participants completed the 16-week program, respectively. Both the on-site and telehealth groups achieved high levels of weekly physical activity and there were no significant differences between groups. Over 45% of on-site and telehealth participants achieved the 7% weight loss goal with the average weight loss per participant greater than 6.4 kg in both groups. Conclusions Our findings suggest that it is feasible to deliver an adapted group-based DPP lifestyle intervention through telehealth resulting in weight loss outcomes similar to the original DPP.
The effect of low-dose naltrexone on quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Sharafaddinzadeh Naser , Moghtaderi Ali , Kashipazha Davood , Majdinasab Nastaran , Shalbafan Bita 
Published: June 2010

Background: Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) may promote psychological well-being as well as generalized health especially in autoimmune disorders. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of LDN on the Quality of Life (QoL) of patients with relapsing—remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) using the scales and composite scores of the MSQoL-54 questionnaire. Methods: A 17-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, crossover-design clinical trial was conducted in two universities. A total of 96 adult patients aged between 15 and 65 years with relapsing—remitting (RR) or secondary progressive (SP) clinically definite MS with disease duration longer than 6 months enrolled into the study. The primary outcome of the study was comparison of the scores of physical and mental health by conducting independent t-test of the results obtained in the middle and at the end of study between the two groups. Results: Variables including presence of pain, energy, emotional well-being, social, cognitive, and sexual functions, role limitation due to physical and emotional problems, health distress, and overall QoL did not show any meaningful statistically difference between the two groups. Factor analysis revealed that health perception scores were statistically different between the groups before starting, in the middle, and at the end of the study. Conclusion: The study clearly illustrates that LDN is a relatively safe therapeutic option in RRMS and SPMS but its efficacy is under question and probably a long duration trial is needed in the future.
Megakaryocytes constitute a functional component of a plasma cell niche in the bone marrow
Authors: Winter Oliver , Moser Katrin , Mohr Elodie , Zotos Dimitra , Kaminski Henriette , Szyska Martin , Roth Katrin , Wong David M. , Dame Christof , Tarlinton David M. , Schulze Harald , MacLennan Ian C. M. , Manz Rudolf A. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Long-lived plasma cells in the bone marrow produce memory antibodies that provide immune protection persisting for decades after infection or vaccination but can also contribute to autoimmune and allergic diseases. However, the composition of the microenvironmental niches that are important for the generation and maintenance of these cells is only poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that, within the bone marrow, plasma cells interact with the platelet precursors (megakaryocytes), which produce the prominent plasma cell survival factors APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) and IL-6 (interleukin-6). Accordingly, reduced numbers of immature and mature plasma cells are found in the bone marrow of mice deficient for the thrombopoietin receptor (c-mpl) that show impaired megakaryopoiesis. After immunization, accumulation of antigen-specific plasma cells in the bone marrow is disturbed in these mice. Vice versa, injection of thrombopoietin allows the accumulation and persistence of a larger number of plasma cells generated in the course of a specific immune response in wild-type mice. These results demonstrate that megakaryocytes constitute an important component of the niche for long-lived plasma cells in the bone marrow.
The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme HR6B is required for maintenance of X chromosome silencing in mouse spermatocytes and spermatids
Authors: Mulugeta Achame Eskeatnaf , Wassenaar Evelyne , Hoogerbrugge Jos W , Sleddens-Linkels Esther , Ooms Marja , Sun Zu-Wen , van IJcken Wilfred FJ , Grootegoed J Anton , Baarends Willy M 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme HR6B is required for spermatogenesis in mouse. Loss of HR6B results in aberrant histone modification patterns on the trancriptionally silenced X and Y chromosomes (XY body) and on centromeric chromatin in meiotic prophase. We studied the relationship between these chromatin modifications and their effects on global gene expression patterns, in spermatocytes and spermatids.

Results
HR6B is enriched on the XY body and on centromeric regions in pachytene spermatocytes. Global gene expression analyses revealed that spermatid-specific single- and multicopy X-linked genes are prematurely expressed in Hr6b knockout spermatocytes. Very few other differences in gene expression were observed in these cells, except for upregulation of major satellite repeat transcription. In contrast, in Hr6b knockout spermatids, 7298 genes were differentially expressed; 65% of these genes was downregulated, but we observed a global upregulation of gene transcription from the X chromosome. In wild type spermatids, approximately 20% of the single-copy X-linked genes reach an average expression level that is similar to the average expression from autosomes.

Conclusions
Spermatids maintain an enrichment of repressive chromatin marks on the X chromosome, originating from meiotic prophase, but this does not interfere with transcription of the single-copy X-linked genes that are reactivated or specifically activated in spermatids. HR6B represses major satellite repeat transcription in spermatocytes, and functions in the maintenance of X chromosome silencing in spermatocytes and spermatids. It is discussed that these functions involve modification of chromatin structure, possibly including H2B ubiquitylation.
Lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation attenuates taste progenitor cell proliferation and shortens the life span of taste bud cells
Authors: Cohn Zachary J , Kim Agnes , Huang Liquan , Brand Joseph , Wang Hong 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
The mammalian taste bud, a complex collection of taste sensory cells, supporting cells, and immature basal cells, is the structural unit for detecting taste stimuli in the oral cavity. Even though the cells of the taste bud undergo constant turnover, the structural homeostasis of the bud is maintained by balancing cell proliferation and cell death. Compared with nongustatory lingual epithelial cells, taste cells express higher levels of several inflammatory receptors and signalling proteins. Whether inflammation, an underlying condition in some diseases associated with taste disorders, interferes with taste cell renewal and turnover is unknown. Here we report the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation on taste progenitor cell proliferation and taste bud cell turnover in mouse taste tissues.

Results
Intraperitoneal injection of LPS rapidly induced expression of several inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-6, in mouse circumvallate and foliate papillae. TNF-α and IFN-γ immunoreactivities were preferentially localized to subsets of cells in taste buds. LPS-induced inflammation significantly reduced the number of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled newborn taste bud cells 1-3 days after LPS injection, suggesting an inhibition of taste bud cell renewal. BrdU pulse-chase experiments showed that BrdU-labeled taste cells had a shorter average life span in LPS-treated mice than in controls. To investigate whether LPS inhibits taste cell renewal by suppressing taste progenitor cell proliferation, we studied the expression of Ki67, a cell proliferation marker. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR revealed that LPS markedly reduced Ki67 mRNA levels in circumvallate and foliate epithelia. Immunofluorescent staining using anti-Ki67 antibodies showed that LPS decreased the number of Ki67-positive cells in the basal regions surrounding circumvallate taste buds, the niche for taste progenitor cells. PCR array experiments showed that the expression of cyclin B2 and E2F1, two key cell cycle regulators, was markedly downregulated by LPS in the circumvallate and foliate epithelia.

Conclusions
Our results show that LPS-induced inflammation inhibits taste progenitor cell proliferation and interferes with taste cell renewal. LPS accelerates cell turnover and modestly shortens the average life span of taste cells. These effects of inflammation may contribute to the development of taste disorders associated with infections.
Does self-management for return to work increase the effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation for chronic compensated musculoskeletal disorders? - Protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ellis Niki , Johnston Venerina , Gargett Susan , MacKenzie Alison , Strong Jennifer , Battersby Malcolm , McLeod Rebecca , Adam Keith , Jull Gwendolen 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Musculoskeletal disorders are common and costly disorders to workers compensation and motor accident insurance systems and are a leading contributor to the burden of ill-health. In Australia, vocational rehabilitation is provided to workers to assist them to stay in, or return to work. Self-management training may be an innovative addition to improve health and employment outcomes from vocational rehabilitation.

Methods/Design
The research plan contains mixed methodology consisting of a single blind randomised controlled trial, an economic evaluation and qualitative research. Participants (n = 366) are volunteers with compensated musculoskeletal disorders of 3 months to 3 years in duration who were working at the time of the injury/onset of the chronic disorder. The trial tests the effectiveness of usual vocational rehabilitation plus the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) to which two additional and newly-developed modules have been added, against vocational rehabilitation alone (control) The modules added to the CDSMP focus on how to navigate through compensation systems and manage the return to work process, and aim to be relevant to those in a vocational rehabilitation setting.
The primary outcome of this study is readiness for return to work which will be evaluated using the Readiness for Return-to-Work scale. Secondary outcomes include return to work status, health efficacy (heiQ™ questionnaire) and general health status (SF-12v2® Health Survey). Measures will be taken at baseline, immediately post-intervention and at 6- and 12- months post-intervention by an independent assessor. An economic evaluation will compare the costs and outcomes between the intervention and control groups in terms of cost-effectiveness and a partial cost-benefit or cost analysis. The impact of the intervention will also be evaluated qualitatively, in terms of its acceptability to stakeholders.

Discussion
This article describes the protocol for a single blind randomised controlled trial with a one year follow-up. The results will provide evidence for the addition or not of self-management training within vocational rehabilitation for chronic compensated musculoskeletal disorders.

Trial Registration
Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000843257
Native New Zealand plants with inhibitory activity towards Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Earl Emma A , Altaf Mudassar , Murikoli Rekha V , Swift Simon , O'Toole Ronan 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Plants have long been investigated as a source of antibiotics and other bioactives for the treatment of human disease. New Zealand contains a diverse and unique flora, however, few of its endemic plants have been used to treat tuberculosis. One plant, Laurelia novae-zelandiae, was reportedly used by indigenous Maori for the treatment of tubercular lesions.

Methods

Laurelia novae-zelandiae and 44 other native plants were tested for direct anti-bacterial activity. Plants were extracted with different solvents and extracts screened for inhibition of the surrogate species, Mycobacterium smegmatis. Active plant samples were then tested for bacteriostatic activity towards M. tuberculosis and other clinically-important species.

Results
Extracts of six native plants were active against M. smegmatis. Many of these were also inhibitory towards M. tuberculosis including Laurelia novae-zelandiae (Pukatea). M. excelsa (Pohutukawa) was the only plant extract tested that was active against Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions
Our data provide support for the traditional use of Pukatea in treating tuberculosis. In addition, our analyses indicate that other native plant species possess antibiotic activity.
Composite functional module inference: detecting cooperation between transcriptional regulation and protein interaction by mantel test
Authors: Wu Chao , Zhang Fan , Li Xia , Zhang Shihua , Li Jiang , Su Fei , Li Kongning , Yan Yuqing 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Functional modules are basic units of cell function, and exploring them is important for understanding the organization, regulation and execution of cell processes. Functional modules in single biological networks (e.g., the protein-protein interaction network), have been the focus of recent studies. Functional modules in the integrated network are composite functional modules, which imply the complex relationships involving multiple biological interaction types, and detect them will help us understand the complexity of cell processes.

Results
We aimed to detect composite functional modules containing co-transcriptional regulation interaction, and protein-protein interaction, in our pre-constructed integrated network of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We computationally extracted 15 composite functional modules, and found structural consistency between co-transcriptional regulation interaction sub-network and protein-protein interaction sub-network that was well correlated with their functional hierarchy. This type of composite functional modules was compact in structure, and was found to participate in essential cell processes such as oxidative phosphorylation and RNA splicing.

Conclusions
The structure of composite functional modules containing co-transcriptional regulation interaction, and protein-protein interaction reflected the cooperation of transcriptional regulation and protein function implementation, and was indicative of their important roles in essential cell functions. In addition, their structural and functional characteristics were closely related, and suggesting the complexity of the cell regulatory system.