bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Forcing in Cell Morphology and Evolution within Midlatitude Squall Lines
Authors: Jewett Brian F. , Wilhelmson Robert B. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
This study assesses the role of mesoscale forcing on cell morphology and early evolution of midlatitude squall lines. The forcing chosen was a cold front, simulated to frontal collapse to produce a specific set of thermodynamic profiles at the leading edge of the front. Use of a realistic, balanced, and persistent forced state allowed a unique evaluation of its importance in thunderstorm evolution compared with a traditional homogeneous environment without forcing. Three-dimensional squall lines were modeled with and without the front present, in low and high bulk Richardson number environments. The forced convection evolved in significantly different ways than their isolated, unforced counterparts. In low-shear conditions, the line of isolated convective cells split, with the adjacent split cells interfering destructively with neighboring cells in the line. With forcing present, differences in anticyclonic cell intensity and propagation prevented this interaction from occurring, leading to longer-lived cyclonic convection despite a near-normal orientation between cloud-bearing shear and the convective line. The split-cell interaction also failed to occur under higher-shear conditions due to anticyclonic cell decay given the greater cyclonic hodograph curvature. In both low- and higher-shear environments, a strong bias toward cyclonic storms was noted with forcing present, due to shallower anticyclonic cells with the front present and to preexisting vorticity in the environment; updraft–vorticity correlations were skewed accordingly. Forcing also reduced the sensitivity of the evolving convection to detailed aspects of the initialization.
Discrete Propagation in Numerically Simulated Nocturnal Squall Lines
Authors: Fovell Robert G. , Mullendore Gretchen L. , Kim Seung-Hee 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Simulations of a typical midlatitude squall line were used to investigate a mechanism for discrete propagation, defined as convective initiation ahead of an existing squall line leading to a faster propagation speed for the storm complex. Radar imagery often shows new cells appearing in advance of squall lines, suggesting a causal relationship and prompting the search for an “action-at-a-distance” mechanism to explain the phenomenon. In the simulations presented, the identified mechanism involves gravity waves of both low and high frequency generated in response to the latent heating, which subsequently propagate out ahead of the storm. The net result of the low-frequency response, combined with surface fluxes and radiative processes, was a cooler and more moist lower troposphere, establishing a shallow cloud deck extending ahead of the storm. High-frequency gravity waves, excited in response to fluctuations in convective activity in the main storm, were subsequently ducted by the storm’s own upper-tropospheric forward anvil outflow. These waves helped positively buoyant cumulus clouds to occasionally form in the deck. A fraction of these clouds persisted long enough to merge with the main line, invigorating the parent storm. Discrete propagation occurred when clouds developed into deep convection prior to merger, weakening the parent storm. The ducting conditions, as diagnosed with the Scorer parameter, are shown to be sensitive to vertical wind shear and radiation, but not to the microphysical parameterization or simulation geometry.
Supercell Tornadogenesis over Complex Terrain: The Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Tornado on 29 May 1995
Authors: Bosart Lance F. , Seimon Anton , LaPenta Kenneth D. , Dickinson Michael J. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
The process of tornadogenesis in complex terrain environments has received relatively little research attention to date. Here, an analysis is presented of a long-lived supercell that became tornadic over complex terrain in association with the Great Barrington, Massachusetts (GBR), F3 tornado of 29 May 1995. The GBR tornado left an almost continuous 50–1000-m-wide damage path that stretched for ∼50 km. The apparent rarity of significant tornadogenesis in rough terrain from a supercell well documented in operational Doppler radar motivated this case study. Doppler radar observations showed that the GBR supercell possessed a midlevel mesocyclone well prior to tornadogenesis and that the mesocyclone intensified as it crossed the eastern edge of New York’s Catskill Mountains and entered the Hudson Valley. Tornadogenesis occurred as the GBR mesocyclone crossed the Hudson Valley and ascended the highlands to the east. Subsequently, the mesocyclone weakened as it approached the Taconic Range in western Massachusetts before it intensified again as it moved downslope into the Housatonic Valley where it was associated with the GBR tornado. Because of a dearth of significant mesoscale surface and upper-air observations, the conclusions and inferences presented in this paper must be necessarily limited and speculative. What data were available suggested that on a day when the mesoscale environment was supportive of supercell thunderstorm development, according to conventional indicators of wind shear and atmospheric stability, topographic configurations and the associated channeling of ambient low-level flows conspired to create local orographic enhancements to tornadogenesis potential. Numerical experimentation is needed to address these inferences, speculative points, and related issues raised by the GBR case study.
A Preliminary Survey of Rear-Flank Descending Reflectivity Cores in Supercell Storms
Authors: Rasmussen Erik N. , Straka Jerry M. , Gilmore Matthew S. , Davies-Jones Robert 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThis paper develops a definition of a supercell reflectivity feature called the descending reflectivity core (DRC). This is a reflectivity maximum pendant from the rear side of an echo overhang above a supercell weak-echo region. Examples of supercells with and without DRCs are presented from two days during the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX), as well as one day with tornadic high-precipitation supercell storms in central Kansas. It was found that in all cases, tornado formation was preceded by the descent of a DRC. However, the sample reported herein is much too small to allow conclusions regarding the overall frequency of DRC occurrence in supercells, or the frequency with which DRCs precede tornado formation. Although further research needs to be done to establish climatological frequencies, the apparent relationship observed between DRCs and impending tornado formation in several supercells is important enough to warrant publication of preliminary findings.
Using Wind Anomalies to Forecast East Coast Winter Storms
Authors: Stuart Neil A. , Grumm Richard H. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Forecasting major winter storms is a critical function for all weather services. Conventional model-derived fields from numerical weather prediction models most frequently utilized by operational forecasters, such as pressure level geopotential height, temperature fields, quantitative precipitation forecasts, and model output statistics, are often insufficient to determine whether a winter storm represents a large departure from normal, or has the potential to produce significant snowfall. This paper presents a method, using normalized departures from climatology, to assist forecasters in identifying long-duration and potentially significant winter storms. The focus of this paper is on anomalous low- and upper-level wind anomalies associated with winter storms along the U.S. east coast.
Observed and forecast low-level (850 hPa) and upper-level (300 and 250 hPa) easterly wind anomalies are compared with a 30-yr (1961–90) reanalysis climatology. Anomalous easterly low-level winds are correlated with enhanced low-level forcing and frontogenesis. Strong low-level winds can also contribute to enhanced precipitation rates. Upper-level winds that are anomalously below normal, represented as easterly wind anomalies, are also correlated with systems that are cut off from the main belt of westerlies, which may result in slower movement of the system, leading to long-duration events. The proposed method of evaluating easterly wind anomalies is shown to assist in identifying potentially slow-moving storms with extended periods of enhanced precipitation.
To illustrate this method, winter storms on 25–26 December 2002 and 2–4 January 2003 will be compared with past historical winter storms. The results suggest that the low- and upper-level wind anomalies in the two recent snowstorms share common characteristics with several record snowstorms over the past 52 yr. Many of these storms were associated with easterly wind anomalies that departed significantly (2 or more standard deviations) from normal. The examination of climatic anomalies from model forecasts may assist forecasters in identifying significant winter storms in the short range (2–3 days) and potentially out to ranges as long as 7 days when ensemble forecast guidance is utilized.
Influence of ERK activation on decreased chemotaxis of mature human cord blood monocyte–derived dendritic cells to CCL19 and CXCL12
Authors: Li Geling , Basu Sunanda , Han Myung-Kwan , Kim Young-June , Broxmeyer Hal E. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) are important regulators in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). To gain insight into cord blood (CB) DC immunology, we compared chemotactic responses of mature monocyte-derived DCs and maturation agent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced signaling between CB and adult blood (AB). Mature CB DCs expressed reduced CCR7, but increased CXCR4. This was associated with reduced migratory efficiency toward both CCR7 ligand CCL19 and CXCR4 ligand CXCL12. LPS induced higher extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in CB than in AB DCs. Specific inhibition of ERK during CB DC maturation enhanced LPS-induced up-regulation of CCR7 and CXCR4 on CB DCs and their chemotaxis toward CCL19 and CXCL12, to a level similar to that of mature AB DCs. Overall, monocyte-derived CB DCs responded to LPS with stronger and sustained ERK activation, which negatively correlated with LPS-induced up-regulation of CCR7 and CXCR4 on CB DCs and their migratory responses. These findings may have potential relevance to better understanding DC function in CB transplantation.
Phase 1 and pharmacologic study of MS-275, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, in adults with refractory and relapsed acute leukemias
Authors: Gojo Ivana , Jiemjit Anchalee , Trepel Jane B. , Sparreboom Alex , Figg William D. , Rollins Sandra , Tidwell Michael L. , Greer Jacqueline , Chung Eun Joo , Lee Min-Jung , Gore Steven D. , Sausville Edward A. , Zwiebel James , Karp Judith E. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractMS-275 is a benzamide derivative with potent histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitory and antitumor activity in preclinical models. We conducted a phase 1 trial of orally administered MS-275 in 38 adults with advanced acute leukemias. Cohorts of patients were treated with MS-275 initially once weekly × 2, repeated every 4 weeks from 4 to 8 mg/m2, and after 13 patients were treated, once weekly × 4, repeated every 6 weeks from 8 to 10 mg/m2. The maximum-tolerated dose was 8 mg/m2 weekly for 4 weeks every 6 weeks. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) included infections and neurologic toxicity manifesting as unsteady gait and somnolence. Other frequent non-DLTs were fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, hypoalbuminemia, and hypocalcemia. Treatment with MS-275 induced increase in protein and histone H3/H4 acetylation, p21 expression, and caspase-3 activation in bone marrow mononuclear cells. No responses by classical criteria were seen. Our results show that MS-275 effectively inhibits HDAC in vivo in patients with advanced myeloid leukemias and should be further tested, preferably in patients with less-advanced disease.
Selective deletion of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells by MHC class I tetramers coupled to the type I ribosome-inactivating protein saporin
Authors: Hess Paul R. , Barnes Carie , Woolard Matthew D. , Johnson Michael D. L. , Cullen John M. , Collins Edward J. , Frelinger Jeffrey A. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractCD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are important effector cells responsible for tissue destruction in several autoimmune and allograft-related diseases. To discover if pathogenic T cells could be selectively deleted, we investigated the ability of a toxin coupled to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I tetramers to kill antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. H2-Db tetramers were assembled using streptavidin conjugated to the ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) saporin (SAP). These tetramers inhibited ribosome activity in vitro, retained the T-cell receptor (TCR)–binding specificity of their nontoxic counterparts, and were internalized by 100% of target cells, leading to cell death in 72 hours. Cytotoxicity was dependent on the tetramer dose and avidity for the T cell. A single injection of the SAP-coupled tetramer eliminated more than 75% of cognate, but not control, T cells. This work demonstrates the therapeutic potential of cytotoxic tetramers to selectively eradicate pathogenic clonotypes while leaving overall T-cell immunity intact.
Notch activity synergizes with B-cell–receptor and CD40 signaling to enhance B-cell activation
Authors: Thomas Matthew , Calamito Marco , Srivastava Bhaskar , Maillard Ivan , Pear Warren S. , Allman David 
Published: December 2006

AbstractHow diverse environmental cues are integrated to regulate B-cell activation and development remains poorly understood. Here we show that Notch activity synergizes with B-cell receptor (BCR) and/or CD40 signaling to enhance several aspects of B-cell activation and function. We find that costimulation of follicular B cells with the Notch ligand Delta-like-1 leads to significant increases in BCR- and CD40-mediated proliferation and enhances production of IgG1+ cells in vitro and in vivo. We further find that coengagement of Notch and the BCR results in increased activation of the MAPK pathway, and MAPK and Notch inhibitors prevent B-cell activation events mediated by coengagement of Notch and the BCR. These data suggest that the BCR and CD40 signaling pathways collaborate with the Notch pathway to optimize B-cell activation.
Protease gene families in Populus and Arabidopsis
Authors: García-Lorenzo Maribel , Sjödin Andreas , Jansson Stefan , Funk Christiane 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Proteases play key roles in plants, maintaining strict protein quality control and degrading specific sets of proteins in response to diverse environmental and developmental stimuli. Similarities and differences between the proteases expressed in different species may give valuable insights into their physiological roles and evolution.

Results
We have performed a comparative analysis of protease genes in the two sequenced dicot genomes, Arabidopsis thaliana and Populus trichocarpa by using genes coding for proteases in the MEROPS database [1] for Arabidopsis to identify homologous sequences in Populus. A multigene-based phylogenetic analysis was performed. Most protease families were found to be larger in Populus than in Arabidopsis, reflecting recent genome duplication. Detailed studies on e.g. the DegP, Clp, FtsH, Lon, rhomboid and papain-Like protease families showed the pattern of gene family expansion and gene loss was complex. We finally show that different Populus tissues express unique suites of protease genes and that the mRNA levels of different classes of proteases change along a developmental gradient.

Conclusion
Recent gene family expansion and contractions have made the Arabidopsis and Populus complements of proteases different and this, together with expression patterns, gives indications about the roles of the individual gene products or groups of proteases.
Human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is present in atherosclerotic plaques and induces death of vascular smooth muscle cells: a laboratory study
Authors: Ciornei Cristina D , Tapper Hans , Bjartell Anders , Sternby Nils H , Bodelsson Mikael 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Death of smooth muscle cells in the atherosclerotic plaques makes the plaques more prone to rupture, which can initiate an acute ischemic event. The development of atherosclerosis includes the migration of immune cells e.g. monocytes/macrophages and T lymphocytes into the lesions. Immune cells can release antimicrobial peptides. One of these, human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide hCAP-18, is cleaved by proteinase 3 generating a 4.5 kDa C-terminal fragment named LL-37, which has been shown to be cytotoxic. The aim of the study was to explore a potential role of LL-37 in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis.

Methods
We investigated the presence of LL-37 in human atherosclerotic lesions obtained at autopsy using immunohistochemistry. The direct effects of LL-37 on cultured vascular smooth muscle cells and isolated neutrophil granulocytes were investigated with morphological, biochemical and flow cytometry analysis.

Results
The neointima of atherosclerotic plaques was found to contain LL-37-like immunoreactivity, mainly in macrophages. In cultured smooth muscle cells, LL-37 at 30 μg/ml caused cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation and an increase in caspase-3 activity as studied by microscopy, ELISA and enzyme activity assay, respectively. Flow cytometry demonstrated that LL-37 in a subset of the cells caused a small but rapidly developing increase in membrane permeability to propidium iodide, followed by a gradual development of FITC-annexin V binding. Another cell population stained heavily with both propidium iodide and FITC-annexin V. Neutrophil granulocytes were resistant to these effects of LL-37.

Conclusion
This study shows that LL-37 is present in atherosclerotic lesions and that it induces death of vascular smooth muscle cells. In a subset of cells, the changes indicate the development of apoptosis triggered by an initial mild perturbation of plasma membrane integrity. The findings suggest a role for LL-37 as a mediator of immune cell-induced death of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis.
Radiosensitization by 2-benzoyl-3-phenyl-6,7-dichloroquinoxaline 1,4-dioxide under oxia and hypoxia in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Itani Wafica , Geara Fady , Haykal Joelle , Haddadin Makhluf , Gali-Muhtasib Hala 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe sensitizing effects of 2-benzoyl-3-phenyl-6,7-dichloroquinoxaline 1,4-dioxide (DCQ) and ionizing radiation (IR) were determined in four colon cancer cells and in FHs74Int normal intestinal cells.MethodsCell cycle modulation, TUNEL assay, clonogenic survival and DNA damage were examined under oxia or hypoxia. Effects on apoptotic molecules and on p-Akt and Cox-2 protein expression were investigated.ResultsThe four cell lines responded differently to DCQ+IR; HT-29 cells were most resistant. Combination treatment caused significant increases in preG1(apoptosis) in HCT-116, while G2/M arrest occurred in DLD-1. DCQ potentiated IR effects more so under hypoxia than oxia. Pre-exposure of DLD-1 to hypoxia induced 30% apoptosis, and G2/M arrest in oxia. The survival rate was 50% lower in DCQ+IR than DCQ alone and this rate further decreased under hypoxia. FHs74Int normal intestinal cells were more resistant to DCQ+IR than cancer cells.Greater ssDNA damage occurred in DLD-1 exposed to DCQ+IR under hypoxia than oxia. In oxia, p-Akt protein expression increased upon IR exposure and drug pre-treatment inhibited this increase. In contrast, in hypoxia, exposure to IR reduced p-Akt protein and DCQ restored its expression to the untreated control. Apoptosis induced in hypoxic DLD-1 cells was independent of p53-p21 modulation but was associated with an increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the inhibition of the Cox-2 protein.ConclusionDCQ is a hypoxic cell radiosensitizer in DLD-1 human colon cancer cells.
Phytochemicals from Phyllanthus niruri Linn. and their pharmacological properties: a review
Authors: Bagalkotkar G , Sagineedu S R , Saad M S , Stanslas J 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
This review discusses the medicinal plant Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (Euphorbiaceae), its wide variety of phytochemicals and their pharmacological properties. The active phytochemicals, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, lignans, polyphenols, tannins, coumarins and saponins, have been identified from various parts of P. niruri. Extracts of this herb have been proven to have therapeutic effects in many clinical studies. Some of the most intriguing therapeutic properties include anti-hepatotoxic, anti-lithic, anti-hypertensive, anti-HIV and anti-hepatitis B. Therefore, studies relating to chemical characteristics and structural properties of the bioactive phytochemicals found in P. niruri are very useful for further research on this plant as many of the phytochemicals have shown preclinical therapeutic efficacies for a wide range of human diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B.
Ageing to arrhythmias: conundrums of connections in the ageing heart
Authors: Jones Sandra A 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
The proportion of the population that is elderly continues to increase, leading to an increasing need to address problems chiefly associated with old age. Progressive ageing of the heart is associated with an increasing incidence of arrhythmias and disorders of the normal origin of the heartbeat, the sinoatrial node. This intrinsic pacemaker of the heart has an increasing tendency with age to lose its dominant role in pacing the heart, and regulation of heart rate becomes erratic. This ‘sick sinus syndrome’ is associated with fainting, palpitations, shortness of breath and sudden death. Current treatment of this condition is by implantation of an artificial pacemaker, an intervention increasingly required with age. The current evidence suggests that the normal heartbeat fails due to changes in the expression of critical proteins that ensure the correct production and conduction of the cardiac action potential. Depletion of a protein directly responsible for providing electrical connections between the cells of the heart, connexin 43, appears to leave the normal cardiac pacemaker disconnected and unable to drive the heart. This process may be associated with age-dependent changes in stress-related signalling. Simple interventions such as exercise could impact on the processes hypothesized to be involved and may offer a means to preserve the stability of the electrical activity of the heart into old age without pharmacological manipulation.