bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Convection-Permitting Simulations of the Environment Supporting Widespread Turbulence within the Upper-Level Outflow of a Mesoscale Convective System
Authors: Trier Stanley B. , Sharman Robert D. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWidespread moderate turbulence was recorded on three specially equipped commercial airline flights over northern Kansas near the northern edge of the extensive cirrus anvil of a nocturnal mesoscale convective system (MCS) on 17 June 2005. A noteworthy aspect of the turbulence was its location several hundred kilometers from the active deep convection (i.e., large reflectivity) regions of the MCS. Herein, the MCS life cycle and the turbulence environment in its upper-level outflow are studied using Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) analyses and cloud-permitting simulations with the Weather Research and Forecast Model (WRF). It is demonstrated that strong vertical shear beneath the MCS outflow jet is critical to providing an environment that could support dynamic (e.g., shearing type) instabilities conducive to turbulence. Comparison of a control simulation to one in which the temperature tendency due to latent heating was eliminated indicates that strong vertical shear and corresponding reductions in the local Richardson number (Ri) to ∼0.25 at the northern edge of the anvil were almost entirely a consequence of the MCS-induced westerly outflow jet. The large vertical shear is found to decrease Ri both directly, and by contributing to reductions in static stability near the northern anvil edge through differential advection of (equivalent) potential temperature gradients, which are in turn influenced by adiabatic cooling associated with the mesoscale updraft located upstream within the anvil. On the south side of the MCS, the vertical shear associated with easterly outflow was significantly offset by environmental westerly shear, which resulted in larger Ri and less widespread model turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) than at the northern anvil edge.
Improved Simulation of the East Asian Summer Monsoon Rainfall with Satellite-Derived Snow Water Equivalent Data*
Authors: Souma Kazuyoshi , Wang Yuqing 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
The effect of Eurasian spring snow amount on the summer monsoon rainfall over East Asia has been studied both observationally and numerically. The results indicate that the Eurasian spring snow amount could be important for seasonal prediction of East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) rainfall. Therefore, accurately initializing snow could be critical to improving seasonal prediction of EASM rainfall by numerical models. An attempt has been made in this study to initialize snow in a regional climate model using snow water equivalent (SWE) data derived from a microwave imager. Results from an ensemble seasonal prediction experiment for the 2005 EASM show that the satellite-derived SWE data can be effectively used to initialize a dynamical seasonal prediction model, which leads to improved seasonal prediction of EASM rainfall. Possible effects of snow anomalies over the Tibetan Plateau on EASM rainfall were also studied through a comparative ensemble simulation in which snow was initialized by spinning up the same model from the previous winter. It is found that the anomalous snow amount over the Tibetan Plateau could lead to cooling of the surface and lower troposphere not only over the Tibetan Plateau but also in the surrounding areas because of the reduced net surface shortwave radiation associated with the high snow albedo. This would result in positive anomalies in geopotential height and weaken the cyclonic monsoon circulation in the lower troposphere in East Asia, causing a rainfall increase in South China but a reduction in the Yangtze River Valley in early summer (May–June). The difference in rainfall in midsummer (July–August) was not significant when compared with that in early summer. The surface heat budget indicates that the reduced net surface shortwave radiation is largely balanced by the reduced surface sensible heat flux.
Weather Regimes and Forecast Errors in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: McMurdie Lynn A. , Casola Joseph H. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Despite overall improvements in numerical weather prediction and data assimilation, large short-term forecast errors of sea level pressure and 2-m temperature still occur. This is especially true for the west coast of North America where short-term numerical weather forecasts of surface low pressure systems can have large position and central pressure errors. In this study, forecast errors of sea level pressure and temperature in the Pacific Northwest are related to the shape of the large-scale flow aloft. Applying a hierarchical limited-contour clustering algorithm to historical 500-hPa geopotential height data produces four distinct weather regimes. The Rockies ridge regime, which exhibits a ridge near the axis of the Rocky Mountains and nearly zonal flow across the Pacific, experiences the highest magnitude and frequency of large sea level pressure errors. On the other hand, the coastal ridge regime, which exhibits a ridge aligned with the North American west coast, experiences the highest magnitude and frequency of large 2-m minimum temperature errors.
SHIP prevents lipopolysaccharide from triggering an antiviral response in mice
Authors: Sly Laura M. , Hamilton Melisa J. , Kuroda Etsushi , Ho Victor W. , Antignano Frann L. , Omeis Stephanie L. , van Netten-Thomas Christina J. , Wong Dana , Brugger Hayley K. , Williams Olusegun , Feldman Morris E. , Houseman Benjamin T. , Fiedler Dorothea , Shokat Kevan M. , Krystal Gerald 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Gram-negative bacterial infections, unlike viral infections, do not typically protect against subsequent viral infections. This is puzzling given that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and double-stranded (ds) RNA both activate the TIR domain–containing adaptor-inducing interferon β (TRIF) pathway and, thus, are both capable of eliciting an antiviral response by stimulating type I interferon (IFN) production. We demonstrate herein that SH2-containing inositol-5′-phosphatase (SHIP) protein levels are dramatically increased in murine macrophages via the MyD88-dependent pathway, by up-regulating autocrine-acting transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). The increased SHIP then mediates, via inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, cytosine-phosphate-guanosine (CPG)– and LPS-induced tolerance and cross-tolerance and restrains IFN-β production induced by a subsequent exposure to LPS or dsRNA. Intriguingly, we found, using isoform-specific PI3K inhibitors, that LPS- or cytosine-phosphate-guanosine-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) is positively regulated by p110α, -γ, and -δ but negatively regulated by p110β. This may explain some of the controversy concerning the role of PI3K in Toll-like receptor–induced cytokine production. Consistent with our in vitro findings, SHIP−/− mice overproduce IFN-β in response to LPS, and this leads to antiviral hypothermia. Thus, up-regulation of SHIP in response to Gram-negative bacterial infections probably explains the inability of such infections to protect against subsequent viral infections.
CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 disrupts the interaction of multiple myeloma cells with the bone marrow microenvironment and enhances their sensitivity to therapy
Authors: Azab Abdel Kareem , Runnels Judith M. , Pitsillides Costas , Moreau Anne-Sophie , Azab Feda , Leleu Xavier , Jia Xiaoying , Wright Renee , Ospina Beatriz , Carlson Alicia L. , Alt Clemens , Burwick Nicholas , Roccaro Aldo M. , Ngo Hai T. , Farag Mena , Melhem Molly R. , Sacco Antonio , Munshi Nikhil C. , Hideshima Teru , Rollins Barrett J. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Kung Andrew L. , Lin Charles P. , Ghobrial Irene M. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
The interaction of multiple myeloma (MM) cells with their microenvironment in the bone marrow (BM) provides a protective environment and resistance to therapeutic agents. We hypothesized that disruption of the interaction of MM cells with their BM milieu would lead to their sensitization to therapeutic agents such as bortezomib, melphalan, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone. We report that the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 induces disruption of the interaction of MM cells with the BM reflected by mobilization of MM cells into the circulation in vivo, with kinetics that differed from that of hematopoietic stem cells. AMD3100 enhanced sensitivity of MM cell to multiple therapeutic agents in vitro by disrupting adhesion of MM cells to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Moreover, AMD3100 increased mobilization of MM cells to the circulation in vivo, increased the ratio of apoptotic circulating MM cells, and enhanced the tumor reduction induced by bortezomib. Mechanistically, AMD3100 significantly inhibited Akt phosphorylation and enhanced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage as a result of bortezomib, in the presence of BMSCs in coculture. These experiments provide a proof of concept for the use of agents that disrupt interaction with the microenvironment for enhancement of efficacy of cytotoxic agents in cancer therapy.
Protective Effect of Total Carotenoid and Lycopene Intake on the Risk of Hip Fracture: A 17-Year Follow-Up From the Framingham Osteoporosis Study
Authors: Sahni Shivani , Hannan Marian T , Blumberg Jeffrey , Cupples L Adrienne , Kiel Douglas P , Tucker Katherine L 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that carotenoids may inhibit bone resorption, yet no previous study has examined individual carotenoid intake (other than β-carotene) and the risk of fracture. We evaluated associations of total and individual carotenoid intake (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein + zeaxanthin) with incident hip fracture and nonvertebral osteoporotic fracture. Three hundred seventy men and 576 women (mean age, 75 ± 5 yr) from the Framingham Osteoporosis Study completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in 1988–1989 and were followed for hip fracture until 2005 and nonvertebral fracture until 2003. Tertiles of carotenoid intake were created from estimates obtained using the Willett FFQ adjusting for total energy (residual method). HRs were estimated using Cox-proportional hazards regression, adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, height, total energy, calcium and vitamin D intake, physical activity, alcohol, smoking, multivitamin use, and current estrogen use. A total of 100 hip fractures occurred over 17 yr of follow-up. Subjects in the highest tertile of total carotenoid intake had lower risk of hip fracture (p = 0.02). Subjects with higher lycopene intake had lower risk of hip fracture (p = 0.01) and nonvertebral fracture (p = 0.02). A weak protective trend was observed for total β-carotene for hip fracture alone, but associations did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.10). No significant associations were observed with α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, or lutein + zeaxanthin. These results suggest a protective role of several carotenoids for bone health in older adults.
Osmolarity and Intracellular Calcium Regulate Aquaporin2 Expression Through TonEBP in Nucleus Pulposus Cells of the Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Gajghate Sachin , Hiyama Akihiko , Shah Monica , Sakai Daisuke , Anderson D Greg , Shapiro Irving M , Risbud Makarand V 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
The goal of this study was to examine the expression and regulation of aquaporin2 (AQP2), a tonicity-sensitive water channel in nucleus pulposus cells of the intervertebral disc. We found that AQP2 protein was expressed in vivo in both rat and human discs. We determined whether AQP2 promoter expression was regulated by osmolarity in a tonicity enhancer binding protein (TonEBP)-dependent manner. When TonEBP was suppressed under hypertonic conditions or overexpressed under isotonic conditions, AQP2 promoter activity was correspondingly inhibited or induced. The role of TonEBP in controlling AQP2 expression was confirmed using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from TonEBP-null mice. We studied whether calcium in addition to osmolarity played a role in regulation of AQP2 in nucleus pulposus cells. We also determined whether both TonEBP and calcineurin–nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling contributed to ionomycin, a calcium ionophore, mediated induction of AQP2. Co-transfection of AQP2 reporter with calcineurin (CnA/B) and/or NFAT1–4 vectors suggested that this pathway did not control AQP2 promoter activity in nucleus pulposus cells. These findings were also validated using MEFs from TonEBP, fibroblasts from CnAα- and CnAβ-null mice, and mutant TonE reporter constructs. Results of these studies suggest that, in nucleus pulposus cells, osmotic pressure and calcium modulate AQP2 expression through TonEBP and are independent of the calcineurin–NFAT pathway. Because calcium flux reflects a change in applied stress, the possibility exists that NFAT5/TonEBP modulate not just water balance in the disc but also accommodate applied biomechanical forces.
Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone: a tool to determine assay specific cutoff values for vitamin D1
Authors: Thierfelder Wulf , Roth Heinz J. , Laussmann Detlef , Pientka Ludger , Schumacher Jochen , Schulz Jörg , Scheidt-Nave Christa 
Published: January 2009

Abstract>
Vitamin D has been attributed a role in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases. Vitamin D status is best assessed by measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25[OH]D). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations far above the deficiency threshold for skeletal health may be suboptimal with respect to long-term health consequences. No final consensus has so far been reached regarding an appropriate cutoff value. Diagnostic work-up in the clinical setting as well as the interpretation of scientific evidence are hampered by a lack of standardization in 25(OH)D assays. The present study compares quantification of serum 25(OH)D by means of three different assays: an in-house high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC)-method, and two chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLI) from different manufacturers (DiaSorin, Nichols). In addition, serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was measured using two different methods (CLI, DiaSorin; electrochemiluminescence immunoassay [ECL], Roche). Based on the inverse relationship between vitamin D and PTH in the regulation of serum calcium, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to determine assay specific serum 25(OH)D cutoff values that distinguished at best between normal and elevated serum iPTH according to the manufacturers given reference ranges. Obtained cutoff values identified varied from 22.9 μg/L for the HPLC method to 19.5μg/L for the CLI (Nichols) and to 14.4 μg/L for the CLI (DiaSorin), respectively. While these values need to be considered as warning thresholds, they fall within published reference limits for the investigated 25(OH)D assays. Serum iPTH-based cutoff values for serum 25(OH)D are not apt to substitute for assay-specific reference limits for the various long-term adverse health outcomes that may be linked to vitamin D insufficiency.
Budd-Chiari syndrome and portal venous thrombosis – relevance of the JAK2 mutation as new risk marker1
Authors: Roskos Martin 
Published: January 2009

Abstract>
A myeloproliferative disorder is the main risk factor for portal venous thrombosis or Budd-Chiari syndrome. Other significant factors are hereditary or acquired prothrombotic states and different liver diseases. Approximately 25% of thromboses occur without an indication of possible etiology. However, some patients show signs of myeloproliferative disorders on bone marrow morphology. The identification of the Janus kinase V617F mutation, which was first described in 2005, allows new insights into both the pathobiochemistry and pathophysiology of this disease, and a substantial improvement of the diagnostics at least to some of the myeloproliferative disorders. A retrospective study of clinical trials of patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome or portal venous thrombosis showed that patients with thrombosis predefined as idiopathic carried the V617F mutation at a high percentage rate and, furthermore, that a part of this patients group developed a myeloproliferative disorder after the thrombotic event.
Interleukin 6, procalcitonin and CRP levels during first increase of fever in intensive care patients1
Authors: Fraunberger Peter , Holler Ernst , Parhofer Klaus G. , Walli Autar K. , Seidel Dietrich 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in 38 critically ill patients immediately after an increase in body temperature above 38.3°C. Ten healthy controls were also included for comparison. The onset of fever was accompanied by elevated circulating levels of all the 3 markers in comparison to healthy control subjects. However, only IL-6 levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in nonsurvivors compared with survivors. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values for survival were higher for IL-6 in comparison to levels of PCT and CRP. Areas under receiver characteristic operating curves revealed the highest area under the curve for IL-6 compared to PCT and CRP. These data suggest that IL-6 rather than PCT or CRP may be an early predictor of prognosis and mortality in patients with the onset of fever.
Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Ankle with Hyaluronic Acid Injections: A Prospective Study
Authors: Mei-Dan Omer , Maoz Guy , Swartzon Michael , Onel Erol , Kish Beni , Nyska Meir , Mann Gideon 
Published: January 2009

Background:No studies have evaluated the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) in reducing pain caused by osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the ankle. We report our initial results with this treatment.Materials and Methods:Fifteen subjects aged 18 to 60 treated for OCD of the talus were followed for 26 weeks, in a pre- and post-treatment repeated measurements design, after receiving three weekly injections of intra-articular HA. The efficacy of HA injections in reducing pain and improving function was assessed at each visit and adverse events were recorded. Efficacy was evaluated by comparing scores determined using a Visual Analog Scale for pain, stiffness and function over time with baseline values. In addition, frequency of symptoms and global function over time were assessed using questionnaires and the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Data analysis was made using ANCOVA models and paired t-tests. All statistical tests were based on an alpha level of 0.05.Results:The majority of subjects were male (60%) and had Grade 3 lesions (60%). Mean VAS scores, reported on a scale from 1 (e.g., no pain) to 10 (e.g., worst pain) decreased for pain (5.6 to 3.2), stiffness (5.1 to 2.9), and function (5.9 to 3.3) from baseline to week 26. Subjective global function scores, reported on a scale from 0 to 100 (with 100 representing healthy, pre-injury function), improved on average from 57.3 at baseline to 74.3 by week 26. All of these results were statistically significant, as was the decrease in frequency of pain reported by subjects at the end of the study.Conclusion:OCD of the ankle treated with intra-articular injections of HA caused a decrease in pain scores and increase in global functioning over a short period of time (within 12 weeks) which then lasted for more than 6 months with minimal adverse events.
Functional Outcome after Surgical Reconstruction of Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency in Patients under 50 Years
Authors: Tellisi Nazzar , Lobo M. , O'Malley Martin , Kennedy John G. , Elliott Andrew J. , Deland Jonathan T. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Procedures utilized to address the flatfoot in this study included medializing calcaneal osteotomy, posterior tibial tendon reconstruction with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, and in patients with more severe deformity, lateral column lengthening. We evaluated patients age 50 and less at the time of surgery, who underwent surgical reconstruction for Stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Pre- and postoperative activity levels were evaluated to assess the effect of surgical reconstruction in the younger patient. Materials and Method: Thirty-four feet in 30 patients (11 male, 19 female) with an average age of 41.2 (range, 17 to 50) years had surgery between 1997 and 2004. All feet were examined at an average followup of 44.5 (range, 24 to 65) months and were evaluated with the American-Orthopaedic-Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot-Score and SF-36 score. Results: The average preoperative AOFAS-Score was 53.1 ± 14.5 points and 83.2 ± 12.2 points at final postoperative followup. The mean improvement was 29.5. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative AOFAS score was significant ( p < 0.0001) using a two-tailed t-test. The difference in the AOFAS pain and alignment subscales was also significant ( p < 0.0001). The function subscale improvement was also significant ( p = 0.018). The mean physical function component of the postoperative SF-36 score was 79.2. A correlation was found between the SF-36 physical component score and the post operative AOFAS score ( r2 = 0.754). Conclusion: While some lateral discomfort or pain occurred in patients with or without a lateral column lengthening, the posterior tibial tendon reconstruction utilizing medial calcaneal displacement osteotomy with flexor digitorum longus transfer and a lateral column lengthening with more deformity was successful in the higher-functioning, younger patients.
Ankle Fractures in the Elderly: Initial and Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Anderson Sarah A. , Li Xinning , Franklin Patricia , Wixted John J. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Surgical management of ankle fractures will be an increasing part of the orthopaedic practice for aging adults. To date, there are few studies comparing outcomes after ankle fracture surgery between patients over and under 65 years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes after surgical treatment of isolated malleolar fractures in both the elderly and non-elderly population. Materials and Methods: Charts and radiographs were reviewed for 25 patients over age 65 and 46 patients under age 65 who underwent operative treatment of an ankle fracture during a 2-year period. Postoperative complications and need for placement in a skilled nursing facility following discharge were noted. The SF-36 and the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score were completed. Mean duration of followup in patients greater than 65 was 27 months and 24 months for patients less than or equal to 65 years. Results: Patients over 65 had a higher number of postoperative complications (40% vs. 11%, p < 0.007), and required nursing home placement more frequently than patients under 65 ( p < 0.0001). At long-term followup, the data showed no significant difference in patient reported physical outcomes. Conclusion: Early postoperative outcomes after operative fixation of ankle fractures suggest significantly worse outcomes for patients over age 65. However, long-term function in the elderly was comparable to patients under age 65 in this sample. The elderly population had a significantly better mental composite score than the non-elderly.