Influence of Doubled CO2 on Ozone via Changes in the Brewer–Dobson Circulation

In this short note, the effect of enhanced circulation due to doubling CO2 on ozone is investigated. The difference of Brewer–Dobson circulation (BDC) between the doubled CO2 and control run from an idealized atmospheric general circulation model is added to the BDC climatology derived from National Centers for Environmental Prediction—Department of Energy Reanalysis 2 (NCEP2) from 1979 to 2002. Then it is used to drive the California Institute of Technology/Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Caltech/JPL) two-dimensional chemistry and transport model. The results reveal that the total ozone increases by 7 and 3.5 Dobson units (DU) in the high latitudes of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, respectively, and decreases by 4 DU in the Tropics as a result of the increase in BDC associated with doubled CO2. If the change of eddy mixing coefficients after doubling CO2 is also considered, the total ozone will increase by 6.5 and 3 DU in the high latitudes of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres after combining both effects from the change in BDC and eddy mixing coefficients

The association of remotely-sensed outdoor temperature with blood pressure levels in REGARDS: a cross-sectional study of a large, national cohort of African-American and white participants

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Evidence is mounting regarding the clinically significant effect of temperature on blood pressure.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this cross-sectional study the authors obtained minimum and maximum temperatures and their respective previous week variances at the geographic locations of the self-reported residences of 26,018 participants from a national cohort of blacks and whites, aged 45+. Linear regression of data from 20,623 participants was used in final multivariable models to determine if these temperature measures were associated with levels of systolic or diastolic blood pressure, and whether these relations were modified by stroke-risk region, race, education, income, sex hypertensive medication status, or age.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After adjustment for confounders, same-day maximum temperatures 20°F lower had significant associations with 1.4 mmHg (95% CI: 1.0, 1.9) higher systolic and 0.5 mmHg (95% CI: 0.3, 0.8) higher diastolic blood pressures. Same-day minimum temperatures 20°F lower had a significant association with 0.7 mmHg (95% CI: 0.3, 1.0) higher systolic blood pressures but no significant association with diastolic blood pressure differences. Maximum and minimum previous-week temperature variabilities showed significant but weak relationships with blood pressures. Parameter estimates showed effect modification of negligible magnitude.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study found significant associations between outdoor temperature and blood pressure levels, which remained after adjustment for various confounders including season. This relationship showed negligible effect modification.</p

High-Throughput Drug Screening Identifies a Potent Wnt Inhibitor that Promotes Airway Basal Stem Cell Homeostasis.

Mechanisms underpinning airway epithelial homeostatic maintenance and ways to prevent its dysregulation remain elusive. Herein, we identify that β-catenin phosphorylated at Y489 (p-β-cateninY489) emerges during human squamous lung cancer progression. This led us to develop a model of airway basal stem cell (ABSC) hyperproliferation by driving Wnt/β-catenin signaling, resulting in a morphology that resembles premalignant lesions and loss of ciliated cell differentiation. To identify small molecules that could reverse this process, we performed a high-throughput drug screen for inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our studies unveil Wnt inhibitor compound 1 (WIC1), which suppresses T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF) activity, reduces ABSC proliferation, induces ciliated cell differentiation, and decreases nuclear p-β-cateninY489. Collectively, our work elucidates a dysregulated Wnt/p-β-cateninY489 axis in lung premalignancy that can be modeled in&nbsp;vitro and identifies a Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor that promotes airway homeostasis. WIC1 may therefore serve as a tool compound in regenerative medicine studies with implications for restoring normal airway homeostasis after injury

Stratospheric aircraft exhaust plume and wake chemistry studies

This report documents progress to date in an ongoing study to analyze and model emissions leaving a proposed High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) from when the exhaust gases leave the engine until they are deposited at atmospheric scales in the stratosphere. Estimates are given for the emissions, summarizing relevant earlier work (CIAP) and reviewing current propulsion research efforts. The chemical evolution and the mixing and vortical motion of the exhaust are analyzed to track the exhaust and its speciation as the emissions are mixed to atmospheric scales. The species tracked include those that could be heterogeneously reactive on the surfaces of the condensed solid water (ice) particles and on exhaust soot particle surfaces. Dispersion and reaction of chemical constituents in the far wake are studied with a Lagrangian air parcel model, in conjunction with a radiation code to calculate the net heating/cooling. Laboratory measurements of heterogeneous chemistry of aqueous sulfuric acid and nitric acid hydrates are also described. Results include the solubility of HCl in sulfuric acid which is a key parameter for modeling stratospheric processing. We also report initial results for condensation of nitric acid trihydrate from gas phase H2O and HNO3

Dietary cholesterol directly induces acute inflammasome-dependent intestinal inflammation

Prolonged ingestion of a cholesterol- or saturated fatty acid-enriched diet induces chronic, often systemic, auto-inflammatory responses resulting in significant health problems worldwide. In vivo information regarding the local and direct inflammatory effect of these dietary components in the intestine and, in particular, on the intestinal epithelium is lacking. Here we report that both mice and zebrafish exposed to high-fat (HFDs) or high-cholesterol (HCDs) diets develop acute innate inflammatory responses within hours, reflected in the localized interleukin-1β-dependent accumulation of myeloid cells in the intestine. Acute HCD-induced intestinal inflammation is dependent on cholesterol uptake via Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 and inflammasome activation involving apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, which leads to Caspase-1 activity in intestinal epithelial cells. Extended exposure to HCD results in localized, inflammation-dependent, functional dysregulation as well as systemic pathologies. Our model suggests that dietary cholesterol initiates intestinal inflammation in epithelial cells

Silicon-processed plastic micropyramids for brightness enhancement applications

A combination of silicon anisotropic etch and mechanical hot embossing techniques is used to demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing plastic micropyramids. These micropyramids have the desirable optical characteristics to enhance the brightness of LCD (liquid crystal displays) in battery-powered laptop computers, personal TVs and camcorders. Silicon mold inserts, 4-inch in diameter, are first micromachined and used directly in the micro hot embossing process by applying plastic sheets made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Micropyramids which have base widths of 30 µm, heights of 21 µm and apex angles of 70° are hot embossed on the surface of plastic sheets. The fabricated plastic films are tested optically and the results show that up to 20% brightness enhancement within the front viewing angles of ±35° have been achieved. An optical model has been established to simulate the brightness enhancement effects and it is concluded that the optimal pyramid angle for the brightness enhancement application is 90°.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/49028/2/jm0314.pd

Rates, amounts, and determinants of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring claim reimbursements among Medicare beneficiaries

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) can be used to identify white coat hypertension and guide hypertensive treatment. We determined the percentage of ABPM claims submitted between 2007 and 2010 that were reimbursed. Among 1970 Medicare beneficiaries with submitted claims, ABPM was reimbursed for 93.8% of claims that had an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, diagnosis code of 796.2 (“elevated blood pressure reading without diagnosis of hypertension”) versus 28.5% of claims without this code. Among claims without an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, diagnosis code of 796.2 listed, those for the component (eg, recording, scanning analysis, physician review, reporting) versus full ABPM procedures and performed by institutional versus non–institutional providers were each more than two times as likely to be successfully reimbursed. Of the claims reimbursed, the median payment was $52.01 (25th–75th percentiles,$32.95–$64.98). In conclusion, educating providers on the ABPM claims reimbursement process and evaluation of Medicare reimbursement may increase the appropriate use of ABPM and improve patient care

New Insights into Martian Atmospheric Chemistry

HO_x radicals are produced in the Martian atmosphere by the photolysis of water vapor and subsequently participate in catalytic cycles that recycle carbon dioxide (CO_2) from its photolysis product carbon monoxide (CO), providing a qualitative explanation for the stability of its atmosphere. Balancing CO_2 production and loss based on our current understanding of Martian gas-phase chemistry has, however, proven to be difficult. The photolysis of O_3 produces O(^1D), while oxidation of CO produces HOCO radicals, a new member of the HO_x family. The O(^1D) quantum yield has recently been updated, which quantifies nonzero quantum yields in the Huggins bands. In Earth’s atmosphere HOCO is considered to be unimportant since it is quickly removed by abundant oxygen molecules. The smaller amount of O_2 in the Mars’ atmosphere causes HOCO’s lifetime to be longer in Mars’ atmosphere than Earth’s (3 × 10^(-5) seconds to 1.2 days from Mars’s surface to 240 km, respectively). Limited kinetic data on reactions involving HOCO prevented consideration of its reactions directly in atmospheric models. Therefore, the impact of HOCO reactions on Martian chemistry is currently unknown. Here, we incorporate new literature rate constants for HOCO chemistry and an updated representation of the O(^1D) quantum yield in the Caltech/JPL 1-D photochemical model for Mars’ atmosphere. Our simulations exemplify perturbations to NO_y, HO_x, and CO_x species, ranging from 5 to 50%. The modified O(^1D) quantum yield and new HOCO chemistry cause a 10% decrease and a 50% increase in OH and H_2O_2 total column abundances, respectively. At low altitudes, HOCO production contributes 5% towards CO_2 production. Given recent experimentally-obtained branching ratios for the oxidation of CO, HOCO may contribute up to 70% toward the production of NO_y, where HO_x and NO_y species are enhanced up to a factor 3, which has implications for rethinking the fundamental understanding of NO_y, HO_x, and CO/CO_2 cycling on Mars. Two new reaction mechanisms for converting CO to CO_2 using HOCO reactions are proposed, which reveal that H_2O_2 is more intimately coupled to CO_x chemistry. Our simulations are in good agreement with satellite/spacecraft measurements of CO and H_2O_2 on Mars

Heterogeneous health classes for older adults and their regional disparities in China: based on multidimensional health

Abstract(#br)Objectives(#br)China is currently facing an unprecedented complex health demand from a rapidly aging population. Based on multidimensional health, this study aimed to identify heterogeneous latent health classes for older Chinese people, and assess regional disparities and associated sociodemographic factors.(#br)Study design(#br)Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey in 2014 was adopted.(#br)Methods(#br)For 2886 participants aged 65 years and more without missing health indicators in physical, psychological, and social dimensions, latent class analysis was used to identify heterogeneous health. For 2128 participants with complete information, logistic regressions were used to examine how regional divisions and sociodemographic factors impact each identified class.(#br)Results(#br)Four classes were identified and labeled as ‘Lacking Socialization’ (17.4%), ‘High Comorbidity’ (13.7%), ‘Functional Impairment’ (7.1%), and ‘Relative Health’ (61.8%). When the Relative Health class was the reference, the likelihoods of the High Comorbidity and Functional Impairment classes were higher for older adults in eastern and central regions than in western regions. Those in eastern regions also tended to be in the Lacking Socialization class than in western regions. The effects of regional divisions on the different classes were significantly impacted by sociodemographic characteristics.(#br)Conclusions(#br)Four health classes identified by multidimensional health have enhanced our understanding of heterogeneity among older Chinese people. By examining regional disparities in China, our study provided evidence for health policies addressing the issue of aging with respect to regional disparities

Heterogeneous health classes for older adults and their regional disparities in China: based on multidimensional health.

OBJECTIVES(#br)China is currently facing an unprecedented complex health demand from a rapidly aging population. Based on multidimensional health, this study aimed to identify heterogeneous latent health classes for older Chinese people, and assess regional disparities and associated sociodemographic factors.(#br)STUDY DESIGN(#br)Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey in 2014 was adopted.(#br)METHODS(#br)For 2886 participants aged 65 years and more without missing health indicators in physical, psychological, and social dimensions, latent class analysis was used to identify heterogeneous health. For 2128 participants with complete information, logistic regressions were used to examine how regional divisions and sociodemographic factors impact each identified class.(#br)RESULTS(#br)Four classes were identified and labeled as ’Lacking Socialization’ (17.4%), ’High Comorbidity’ (13.7%), ’Functional Impairment’ (7.1%), and ’Relative Health’ (61.8%). When the Relative Health class was the reference, the likelihoods of the High Comorbidity and Functional Impairment classes were higher for older adults in eastern and central regions than in western regions. Those in eastern regions also tended to be in the Lacking Socialization class than in western regions. The effects of regional divisions on the different classes were significantly impacted by sociodemographic characteristics.(#br)CONCLUSIONS(#br)Four health classes identified by multidimensional health have enhanced our understanding of heterogeneity among older Chinese people. By examining regional disparities in China, our study provided evidence for health policies addressing the issue of aging with respect to regional disparities