bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Tropical Easterly Waves and Precipitation during the North American Monsoon
Authors: Ladwig William C. , Stensrud David J. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Relationships between tropical easterly waves (TEWs) and precipitation over Mexico and the United States are examined during the North American monsoon (NAM). The National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis data are used to identify 137 TEWs that cross Mexico north of 20°N after monsoon onset over a 31-yr period from 1975 to 2005. Mean precipitation anomalies over two-day periods both before and after TEW passage are determined using Climate Prediction Center daily precipitation analyses. Results indicate that positive precipitation anomalies occur along the west coast of Mexico and extending into the west-central United States in association with TEW passage. Negative precipitation anomalies are found in the south-central United States. These precipitation anomaly patterns share many similarities to precipitation anomaly patterns previously defined in association with gulf surge events. On longer time scales, correlations between the total number of these northern TEWs crossing Mexico and 90-day monsoon period precipitation anomalies are also examined. An out-of-phase relationship is found between monsoon period precipitation anomalies in the southwestern and south-central United States, suggesting that increasing the number of northern TEWs crossing Mexico leads to enhanced monsoon period rainfall in Arizona and New Mexico and reduced monsoon period rainfall in Texas and Oklahoma. Thus, these northern TEWs likely play an important role in producing the distribution of precipitation throughout the NAM region and the south-central United States during the monsoon season, and extended-range predictions of northern TEW frequency may lead to improved seasonal rainfall anomaly forecasts in these regions.
An Observed Connection between the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Lin Hai , Brunet Gilbert , Derome Jacques 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Based on the bivariate Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) index defined by Wheeler and Hendon and 25 yr (1979–2004) of pentad data, the association between the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the MJO on the intraseasonal time scale during the Northern Hemisphere winter season is analyzed. Time-lagged composites and probability analysis of the NAO index for different phases of the MJO reveal a statistically significant two-way connection between the NAO and the tropical convection of the MJO. A significant increase of the NAO amplitude happens about 5–15 days after the MJO-related convection anomaly reaches the tropical Indian Ocean and western Pacific region. The development of the NAO is associated with a Rossby wave train in the upstream Pacific and North American region. In the Atlantic and African sector, there is an extratropical influence on the tropical intraseasonal variability. Certain phases of the MJO are preceded by the occurrence of strong NAOs. A significant change of upper zonal wind in the tropical Atlantic is caused by a modulated transient westerly momentum flux convergence associated with the NAO.
Stochastic Forcing of Ocean Variability by the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Chhak Kettyah C. , Moore Andrew M. , Milliff Ralph F. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
At middle and high latitudes, the magnitude of stochastic wind stress forcing of the ocean by atmospheric variability on synoptic time scales (i.e., “weather” related variability) is comparable to that of the seasonal cycle. Stochastic forcing may therefore have a significant influence on the ocean circulation, climate, and ocean predictability. Here, the influence of stochastic forcing associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation on the subtropical gyre circulation of the North Atlantic is explored in an eddy-permitting quasigeostrophic framework. For the North Atlantic winds used in this study, the root-mean-square of the annual average Ekman pumping velocity of the seasonal cycle between 35° and 52°N is 1.3 × 10−7 m s−1, while the wintertime standard deviation of the stochastic component of the North Atlantic Oscillation over the same latitude band is 2.2 × 10−7 m s−1. Significant stochastically induced variability in the ocean circulation occurs near the western boundary region and along the western margins of the abyssal plains associated with vortex stretching, energy release from the mean flow, and the generation of topographic Rossby waves. Variability arises from a combination of two effects, depending on the measure of variance used: growth of unstable modes of the underlying circulation and modal interference resulting from their nonnormal nature, which dominates during the first 10 days or so of perturbation growth. Near the surface, most of the variability is associated with large-scale changes in the barotropic circulation, although more than 20% of the energy and enstrophy variability is associated with small-scale baroclinic waves. In the deep ocean, much of the stochastically induced variability is apparently due to topographic Rossby wave activity along the continental rise and ocean ridges. Previous studies have demonstrated that rectification of topographic Rossby wave–induced circulations in the western North Atlantic may contribute to the western boundary current recirculation zones. The authors suggest that a source of topographic Rossby wave energy, significant enough to rectify the mean ocean circulation, may arise from stochastic forcing by large-scale atmospheric forcing, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation and other atmospheric teleconnection patterns.
Unification of the Anelastic and Quasi-Hydrostatic Systems of Equations
Authors: Arakawa Akio , Konor Celal S. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
A system of equations is presented that unifies the nonhydrostatic anelastic system and the quasi-hydrostatic compressible system for use in global cloud-resolving models. By using a properly defined quasi-hydrostatic density in the continuity equation, the system is fully compressible for quasi-hydrostatic motion and anelastic for purely nonhydrostatic motion. In this way, the system can cover a wide range of horizontal scales from turbulence to planetary waves while filtering vertically propagating sound waves of all scales. The continuity equation is primarily diagnostic because the time derivative of density is calculated from the thermodynamic (and surface pressure tendency) equations as a correction to the anelastic continuity equation. No reference state is used and no approximations are made in the momentum and thermodynamic equations. An equation that governs the time change of total energy is also derived. Normal-mode analysis on an f plane without the quasigeostrophic approximation and on a midlatitude β plane with the quasigeostrophic approximation is performed to compare the unified system with other systems. It is shown that the unified system reduces the westward retrogression speed of the ultra-long barotropic Rossby waves through the inclusion of horizontal divergence due to compressibility.
A health profile of adults with multiple sclerosis living in the community
Authors: Vazirinejad R , Lilley J , Ward C 
Published: July 2008

Objective To describe the frequency of impairments, disabilities, and related services used in a community sample of adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) to estimate the service needs of this population. Methods A community-based postal survey conducted using a self-completion questionnaire consisting of MSQOL-54 questionnaire, Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) and some demographic items as well as items to ask about MS-related symptoms and/or problems and using available services. Adults with a diagnosis of MS confirmed by a neurologist were recruited via primary care services in Southern Derbyshire, UK. Results Questionnaires were sent to 310 adults with MS and 201 completed questionnaires were returned – a response rate of 65%. The most commonly reported symptoms and/or problems were fatigue, sexual problems, urinary problems, and painful muscle spasms. Most respondents reported at least one contact with their general practitioner (GP) during the previous 12 months. However, contacts with other services potentially able to alleviate specific symptoms and/or problems were low. Conclusions The findings suggest under-use of existing health care services by those who experience potentially treatable symptoms and/or problems associated with MS. More needs to be done to raise awareness among people with MS and their carers about the services available to them. Given the very high proportion of people with MS known to make contact with primary care services, GPs have a vital role in providing this information.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism is associated with reduced disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mamutse G , Woolmore J , Pye E , Partridge J , Boggild M , Young C , Fryer A , Hoban PR , Rukin N , Alldersea J , Strange RC , Hawkins CP 
Published: July 2008

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) may contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) outcome by a mechanism involving vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor (VDR). In 512 patients with MS duration of 10 or more years, we studied the association of VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (A/G1229, C/G3444, G/A3944, CC20965, CC30056, F/f30875, C/T48200, T/t65013) with outcome or disability. ff30875 frequency was lower in cases with EDSS ≥ 6.0 than with scores < 6.0 (odds ratio = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.20–0.70). The association of ff30875 with outcome was not mediated by cumulative exposure to UVR as assessed by questionnaire; low exposure (odds ratio = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.14–1.34) and high exposure (odds ratio = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.16–0.73).
Utilization of health care by patients with multiple sclerosis is based on professional and patient-defined health needs
Authors: Beckerman H , van Zee IE , de Groot V , van den Bos GAM , Lankhorst GJ , Dekker J 
Published: July 2008

Objective This cross-sectional study investigates healthcare utilization, and determines which predisposing, enabling, and health factors are associated with healthcare utilization among 121 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods Data on patient-related predisposing, enabling, and health factors were collected by means of written questionnaires and a home visit from a well-trained physiotherapist. Results Of the 121 patients with MS (mean age 43 years, mean score on the Expanded Disability Status Scale 3.5, disease duration 6 years), 16% were hospitalized in the previous year; 62% consulted their general practitioner, and 69% consulted their neurologist in the previous 6 months. Other medical specialists were consulted in the 6-month period by 50% of the study population. In a 4-week period preceding the home visit, 41% of the patients were treated by an allied healthcare professional. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that consulting the general practitioner, the neurologist, other medical specialists, and allied healthcare professionals, and the use of equipment/aids by MS patients is primarily related to their health, either as perceived by the patients themselves or defined by the professional. Conclusions MS patients in the Netherlands make appropriate use of healthcare facilities, because their utilization can predominantly be explained by health-related factors, and not by predisposing or enabling factors.
Molecular and biologic characterization and drug sensitivity of pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor–resistant acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Fiskus Warren , Rao Rekha , Fernandez Pravina , Herger Bryan , Yang Yonghua , Chen Jianguang , Kolhe Ravindra , Mandawat Aditya , Wang Yongchao , Joshi Rajeshree , Eaton Kelly , Lee Pearl , Atadja Peter , Peiper Stephen , Bhalla Kapil 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Hydroxamic acid analog pan-histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HA-HDIs) have shown preclinical and clinical activity against human acute leukemia. Here we describe HA-HDI–resistant human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) HL-60 (HL-60/LR) cells that are resistant to LAQ824, vorinostat, LBH589, and sodium butyrate. HL-60/LR cells show increased expression of HDACs 1, 2, and 4 but lack HDAC6 expression, with concomitant hyperacetylation of heat shock protein 90 (hsp90). Treatment with HA-HDI failed to further augment hsp90 acetylation, or increase the levels of p21 or reactive oxygen species (ROSs), in HL-60/LR versus HL-60 cells. Although cross-resistant to antileukemia agents (eg, cytarabine, etoposide, and TRAIL), HL-60/LR cells are collaterally sensitive to the hsp90 inhibitor 17-AAG. Treatment with 17-AAG did not induce hsp70 or deplete the hsp90 client proteins AKT and c-Raf. HL-60/LR versus HL-60 cells display a higher growth fraction and shorter doubling time, along with a shorter interval to generation of leukemia and survival in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice. Thus, resistance of AML cells to HA-HDIs is associated with loss of HDAC6, hyperacetylation of hsp90, aggressive leukemia phenotype, and collateral sensitivity to 17-AAG. These findings suggest that an hsp90 inhibitor-based antileukemia therapy may override de novo or acquired resistance of AML cells to HA-HDIs.
PI3Kgamma (PI3Kγ) is essential for efficient induction of CXCR3 on activated T cells
Authors: Barbi Joseph , Cummings Hannah E. , Lu Bao , Oghumu Steve , Rückle Thomas , Rommel Christian , Lafuse William , Whitacre Caroline C. , Satoskar Abhay R. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The gamma isoform of PI3Kinase (PI3Kγ) controls leukocyte chemotaxis by participating in GPCR signaling, and by regulating cellular polarization. Here we show that PI3Kγ is required for efficient induction of CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) on T cells upon activation. T cells from PI3Kγ−/− mice up-regulated CXCR3 less efficiently than wild-type controls both upon activation in vitro as well as during Leishmania mexicana infection. Inhibition of PI3Kinases using wortmannin and LY294002 or blockade of PI3Kγ activity using a selective inhibitor or PI3Kγ siRNA suppressed induction of CXCR3 on T cells following activation. Levels of CXCR3 and T-bet mRNA were significantly lower in PI3Kγ inhibitor–treated T cells, indicating that PI3Kγ may control CXCR3 expression in part through induction of T-bet. These results reveal a novel role for PI3Kγ in the induction of CXCR3 on T cells and suggest that PI3Kγ may regulate leukocyte chemotaxis by controlling the expression of chemokine receptors.
Soluble CD40 ligand induces endothelial dysfunction in human and porcine coronary artery endothelial cells
Authors: Chen Changyi , Chai Hong , Wang Xinwen , Jiang Jun , Jamaluddin Md Saha , Liao Dan , Zhang Yuqing , Wang Hao , Bharadwaj Uddalak , Zhang Sheng , Li Min , Lin Peter , Yao Qizhi 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects and mechanisms of sCD40L on endothelial dysfunction in both human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) and porcine coronary artery rings. HCAECs treated with sCD40L showed significant reductions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA and protein levels, eNOS mRNA stability, eNOS enzyme activity, and cellular NO levels, whereas superoxide anion (O2−) production was significantly increased. sCD40L enhanced eNOS mRNA 3′UTR binding to cytoplasmic molecules and induced a unique expression pattern of 95 microRNAs. sCD40L significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and catalase and SOD activities, whereas it increased NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity. sCD40L increased phosphorylation of MAPKs p38 and ERK1/2 as well as IκBα and enhanced NF-κB nuclear translocation. In porcine coronary arteries, sCD40L significantly decreased endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and eNOS mRNA levels, whereas it increased O2− levels. Antioxidant seleno-l-methionine; chemical inhibitors of p38, ERK1/2, and mitochondrial complex II; as well as dominant negative mutant forms of IκBα and NOX4 effectively blocked sCD40L-induced eNOS down-regulation in HCAECs. Thus, sCD40L reduces eNOS levels, whereas it increases oxidative stress through the unique molecular mechanisms involving eNOS mRNA stability, 3′UTR-binding molecules, microRNAs, mitochondrial function, ROS-related enzymes, p38, ERK1/2, and NF-κB signal pathways in endothelial cells.
Differential pattern of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell immunity to MAGE-A1/A2/A3 in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma
Authors: Goodyear Oliver C. , Pratt Guy , McLarnon Andrew , Cook Mark , Piper Karen , Moss Paul 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe factors that determine progression from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to multiple myeloma are unclear but may include the breakdown of immune surveillance. Cancer testis antigens (CTAgs) are expressed by the majority of myelomas and MGUS tumors and are a potential immune target. We have characterized CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell immune responses to MAGE-A1/A2/A3 in these patients. CD4+ T-cell immunity to MAGE proteins is stronger and more frequent in MGUS compared with myeloma with a predominantly CD45RA−CCR7− effector memory profile and cytotoxicity against MAGE-positive cell lines. In contrast CD8+ T-cell immune responses were present almost exclusively in patients with multiple myeloma, correlating with disease, with a CD45RA+CCR7− memory phenotype, localizing poorly to the bone marrow but were able to lyse myeloma cell lines in vitro. This suggests that the CD4+ CTAg-specific immune response may play a role in controlling tumor growth, whereas the efficacy of the CD8+ T-cell response appears to be limited in vivo. Despite this, patients with evidence of a CTAg-specific immune response had a 53% reduction in mortality over a median follow-up of 4 years. These findings have important implications for clinical approaches to CTAg-specific immunotherapy in patients with cancer.
Exogenous insulin-like growth factor 1 enhances thymopoiesis predominantly through thymic epithelial cell expansion
Authors: Chu Yu-Waye , Schmitz Sabrina , Choudhury Baishakhi , Telford William , Kapoor Veena , Garfield Susan , Howe David , Gress Ronald E. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractInsulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) enhances thymopoiesis but given the broad distribution of IGF-1 receptors (IGF-1Rs), its mechanism of action has remained unclear. To identify points of thymic regulation by IGF-1, we examined its effects on T-cell precursors, thymocytes, and thymic epithelial cells (TECs) in normal and genetically altered mice. In thymus-intact but not thymectomized mice, IGF-1 administration increased peripheral naive and recent thymic emigrant (RTE) populations, demonstrating its effect on T-cell production, not peripheral expansion. IGF-1 administration increased bone marrow LSK (lineage−, Sca-1+, c-kit+) precursor proliferation and peripheral LSK populations, increased thymocyte populations in a sequential wave of expansion, and proportionately expanded TEC subpopulations and enhanced their chemokine expression. To separate IGF-1's effects on thymocytes and TECs, we generated mice lacking IGF-1R on thymocytes and T cells. Thymocyte and RTE numbers were decreased in these mice, but IGF-1 treatment produced comparable thymocyte numbers to similarly treated wild-type mice. We additionally separated thymic- from LSK-specific effects by demonstrating that IGF-1 increased thymocyte numbers despite impaired early thymic progenitor (ETP) importation in PSGL-1KO mice. These results indicate the critical point thymic function regulation by IGF-1 involves TEC expansion regulating thymocyte precursor entry and facilitating thymocyte development.
CPAP and measures of cardiovascular risk in males with OSAS
Authors: Kohler M. , Pepperell J. C. T. , Casadei B. , Craig S. , Crosthwaite N. , Stradling J. R. , Davies R. J. O. 
Published: July 2008

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) has been associated with hypertension, stroke and myocardial ischaemia in epidemiological and observational studies. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for OSAS, but the impact of this intervention on established risk factors for cardiovascular disease remains incompletely understood.A total of 102 males with moderate-to-severe OSAS were randomised to therapeutic (n = 51) or subtherapeutic (n = 51) CPAP treatment for 4 weeks to investigate the effects of active treatment on 24-h urinary catecholamine excretion, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), arterial stiffness (augmentation index) and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP).After 4 weeks of therapeutic CPAP, significant reductions were seen in urine normetanephrine excretion (from mean±sd179.7±80.1 to 132.7±46.5 µmol·mol−1creatinine) and augmentation index (from 14.5±11.3 to 9.1±13.8%) compared with the subtherapeutic control group. Furthermore, therapeutic CPAP significantly improved BRS (from 7.1±3.3 to 8.8±4.2 ms·mmHg−1) and reduced mean arterial ABP by 2.6±5.4 mmHg.In conclusion, treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea with continuous positive airway pressure may lower cardiovascular risk by reducing sympathetic nerve activity, ambulatory blood pressure and arterial stiffness and by increasing sensitivity of the arterial baroreflex.
Increased airway closure is a determinant of airway hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Chapman D. G. , Berend N. , King G. G. , Salome C. M. 
Published: July 2008

In order to investigate whether increased airway closure is a component of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway closure was compared during induced bronchoconstriction in 62 asthmatic, 41 nonasthmatic nonobese (control) and 20 nonasthmatic obese (obese) subjects.Airway closure and airway narrowing were measured by spirometry as percentage change in forced vital capacity (%ΔFVC) and change in forced expiratory ratio (ΔFER), respectively. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess the determinants of AHR, assessed by the dose response slope (DRS).The DRS was significantly increased in asthmatics compared with controls but did not differ between obese and controls. The spirometric predictors of logDRS were baseline FER, ΔFER, body mass index (BMI) and %ΔFVC. There was a negative relationship between BMI and logDRS in the regression, suggesting a protective effect.The present findings suggest that the extent of airway closure during induced bronchoconstriction is a determinant of airway hyperresponsiveness, independent of the level of airway narrowing. However, after adjusting for airway closure, obesity appears to protect against airway hyperresponsiveness.