Saving Globalization from its Cheerleaders

Globalizatio

Ocean circulation and Tropical Variability in the Coupled Model ECHAM5/MPI-OM

This paper describes the mean ocean circulation and the tropical variability simulated by the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M) coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation model (AOGCM). Results are presented from a version of the coupled model that served as a prototype for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) simulations. The model does not require flux adjustment to maintain a stable climate. A control simulation with present-day greenhouse gases is analyzed, and the simulation of key oceanic features, such as sea surface temperatures (SSTs), large-scale circulation, meridional heat and freshwater transports, and sea ice are compared with observations. A parameterization that accounts for the effect of ocean currents on surface wind stress is implemented in the model. The largest impact of this parameterization is in the tropical Pacific, where the mean state is significantly improved: the strength of the trade winds and the associated equatorial upwelling weaken, and there is a reduction of the model’s equatorial cold SST bias by more than 1 K. Equatorial SST variability also becomes more realistic. The strength of the variability is reduced by about 30% in the eastern equatorial Pacific and the extension of SST variability into the warm pool is significantly reduced. The dominant El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) period shifts from 3 to 4 yr. Without the parameterization an unrealistically strong westward propagation of SST anomalies is simulated. The reasons for the changes in variability are linked to changes in both the mean state and to a reduction in atmospheric sensitivity to SST changes and oceanic sensitivity to wind anomalies

Flexibility revealed by the 1.85 angstrom crystal structure of the beta sliding-clamp subunit of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase III

The beta subunit of the Escherichia coli replicative DNA polymerase III holoenzyme is the sliding clamp that interacts with the alpha (polymerase) subunit to maintain the high processivity of the enzyme. The beta protein is a ring-shaped dimer of 40.6 kDa subunits whose structure has previously been determined at a resolution of 2.5 Angstrom [Kong et al. (1992), Cell, 69, 425-437]. Here, the construction of a new plasmid that directs overproduction of beta to very high levels and a simple procedure for large-scale purification of the protein are described. Crystals grown under slightly modified conditions diffracted to beyond 1.9 Angstrom at 100 K at a synchrotron source. The structure of the beta dimer solved at 1.85 Angstrom resolution shows some differences from that reported previously. In particular, it was possible at this resolution to identify residues that differed in position between the two subunits in the unit cell; side chains of these and some other residues were found to occupy alternate conformations. This suggests that these residues are likely to be relatively mobile in solution. Some implications of this flexibility for the function of beta are discussed

Electrophysiological characteristics of permanent atrial fibrillation: insights from research models of cardiac remodeling

[EN] Atrial fibrillation (AF) results in a remodeling of the electrical and structural characteristics of the cardiac tissue which dramatically reduces the efficacy of pharmacological and catheter-based ablation therapies. Recent experimental and clinical results have demonstrated that the complexity of the fibrillatory process significantly differs in paroxysmal versus persistent AF; however, the lack of appropriate research models of remodeled atrial tissue precludes the elucidation of the underlying AF mechanisms and the identification of appropriated therapeutic targets. Here, we summarize the different research models used to date, highlighting the lessons learned from them and pointing to the new doors that should be open for the development of innovative treatments for AF.The authors were supported by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PLE2009-0152), the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain: PI13-01882 and PI13-00903) the Red de Investigacion Cardiovacular (RIC) from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain). F Atienza served on the advisory board of Medtronic and has received research funding from St. Jude Medical Spain. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.Climent, A.; Guillem Sánchez, MS.; Atienza Fernández, F.; Fernandez-Aviles, F. (2014). Electrophysiological characteristics of permanent atrial fibrillation: insights from research models of cardiac remodeling. Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy. 13(1):1-3. https://doi.org/10.1586/14779072.2015.986465S1313

Improved Production Process for Native Outer Membrane Vesicle Vaccine against Neisseria meningitidis

An improved detergent-free process has been developed to produce vaccine based on native outer membrane vesicles (NOMV) against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B. Performance was evaluated with the NonaMen vaccine concept, which provides broad coverage based on nine distinct PorA antigens. Scalable aseptic equipment was implemented, replacing undesirable steps like ultracentrifugation, inactivation with phenol, and the use of preservatives. The resulting process is more consistent and gives a higher yield than published reference processes, enabling NOMV production at commercial scale. Product quality met preliminary specifications for 9 consecutive batches, and an ongoing study confirmed real-time stability up to 12 months after production. As the NOMV had low endotoxic activity and induced high bactericidal titres in mice, they are expected to be safe and effective in humans. The production process is not limited to NonaMen and may be applicable for other N. meningitidis serogroups and other gram-negative pathogens. The current results therefore facilitate the late-stage development and clinical evaluation of NOMV vaccines

Can CT-based gap and step-off displacement predict outcome after nonoperative treatment of acetabular fractures?

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between fracture displacement and survivorship of the native hip joint without conversion to a total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to determine predictors for conversion to THA in patients treated nonoperatively for acetabular fractures. Methods:A multicentre cross-sectional study was performed in 170 patients who were treated nonoperatively for an acetabular fracture in three level 1 trauma centres. Using the post-injury diagnostic CT scan, the maximum gap and step-off values in the weightbearing dome were digitally measured by two trauma surgeons. Native hip survival was reported using Kaplan-Meier curves. Predictors for conversion to THA were determined using Cox regression analysis. Results: Of 170 patients, 22 (13%) subsequently received a THA. Native hip survival in patients with a step-off ≤ 2 mm, &gt; 2 to 4 mm, or &gt; 4 mm differed at five-year follow-up (respectively: 94% vs 70% vs 74%). Native hip survival in patients with a gap ≤ 2 mm, &gt; 2 to 4 mm, or &gt; 4 mm differed at five-year follow-up (respectively: 100% vs 84% vs 78%). Step-off displacement &gt; 2 mm (&gt; 2 to 4 mm hazard ratio (HR) 4.9, &gt; 4 mm HR 5.6) and age &gt; 60 years (HR 2.9) were independent predictors for conversion to THA at follow-up. Conclusion: Patients with minimally displaced acetabular fractures who opt for nonoperative fracture treatment may be informed that fracture displacement (e.g. gap and step-off) up to 2 mm, as measured on CT images, results in limited risk on conversion to THA. Step-off ≥ 2 mm and age &gt; 60 years are predictors for conversion to THA and can be helpful in the shared decision-making process.</p

Carotenoid fluorescence in Dunaliella salina

Dunaliella salina is a halotolerant green alga that is well known for its carotenoid producing capacity. The produced carotenoids are mainly stored in lipid globules. For various research purposes, such as production and extraction kinetics, we would like to determine and/or localise the carotenoid globules in vivo. In this study, we show that the carotenoid-rich globules emit clear green fluorescence, which can be used in, for example, fluorescence microscopy (e.g. CLSM) to obtain pictures of the cells and their carotenoid content