bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dorsal Double-Layer Dartos Flap for Preventing Fistulae Formation in the Snodgrass Technique
Authors: Bakan Vedat , Yildiz Abdullah
Published: March 2007

Introduction: The Snodgrass technique and its modifications have become a preferred method for all varieties of hypospadias in the past decade. However, fistula is the most common complication of this technique. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of the single and double flap to prevent fistula formation in the Snodgrass procedure. Materials and Methods: Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty, using a single or the double flap, was undertaken in 74 consecutive boys (median age 6.6 years old, range 1–15) within the last 4 years. In the first 29 patients (group 1), a dorsolateral flap was rotated laterally for covering the neourethra and in the remaining 45 patients (group 2) the neourethra was covered with dorsal double dartos flaps. Result: In group 1, fistula in 4 patients and partial glanular dehiscence in 1 patient were detected. There was no fistula formation in group 2. Conclusion: For preventing fistula formation, urethral covering by a well-vascularized dorsal double-layer dartos flap should be the basic part of the Snodgrass procedure.
A Review of the Natural Progression of Medullary Sponge Kidney and a Novel Grading System Based on Intravenous Urography Findings
Authors: Forster J.A. , Taylor J. , Browning A.J. , Biyani C.S.
Published: March 2007

Purpose: Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) is a developmental abnormality of the medullary pyramids of the kidney, characterised by cystic dilatations of the collecting ducts. We investigated a cohort of patients with MSK to gain further information about its presentation, clinical course and treatment required. We devised a grading system based upon findings at diagnostic intravenous urography (IVU) and established a relationship between severity of IVU findings and severity of disease. Materials and Methods: The clinical notes and imaging of 29 patients with MSK were analysed. The severity of IVU findings was classified as follows: grade 1 (one calyx, unilateral), grade 2 (one calyx, bilateral), grade 3 (more than one calyx, unilateral) and grade 4 (more than one calyx, bilateral). Results: The age range at diagnosis was 12–69 (mean 39), mean follow-up period was 12.7 years. Increasing grade of IVU findings correlated with more frequent symptomatic stone episodes (grade 1: 0.09 episodes per patient per year; grade 4: 0.34). Higher grade was also related to the number of hospital admissions (grade 1: 0.182 per patient per year; grade 4: 0.282) and the number of procedures required (either surgery or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy; grade 1: 0.0 interventions per patient per year; grade 4: 0.24). Conclusions: MSK presents over a wide age range and can cause long periods of intermittent episodes. Patients can be graded using a novel system based on IVU findings, which correlates with severity of disease. Management strategies such as intensity of follow-up can be modified using this grading.
Juvenile Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Epididymis
Authors: Gravas Stavros , Georgiadis Thomas , Vassiliadis Fedon , Kehayas Platon
Published: March 2007

We report the first case of a juvenile granulosa cell tumor of the epididymis in a young man. Clinical and histological findings are presented and the clinical significance of the case is discussed.
De novo Renal Cell Carcinoma in a Kidney Allograft 13 Years after Transplantation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zavos George , Kakisis John , Bokos John , Pappas Paris , Boletis John , Kostakis Alkiviadis
Published: March 2007

De novo carcinoma of the renal transplant is a rare but disastrous clinical entity. We report such a tumor developing 13 years after transplantation and describe its clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and therapy. The importance of a surveillance program allowing early detection of tumor developing in the renal transplant is emphasized.
Metastatic Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor to the Kidney
Authors: Romero Frederico R. , Rais-Bahrami Soroush , Muntener Michael , Permpongkosol Sompol , Fine Samson W. , Paidas Charles N. , Jarrett Thomas W.
Published: March 2007

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the kidney are rare neoplasms that may mimic renal cell carcinoma, especially in the presence of locally advanced or metastatic disease. Although several cases have been identified as primary renal tumors, this is the first report of metastatic spread of a primitive neuroectodermal tumor to the kidney.
Gender Difference in Age-Related Number of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone-Expressing Neurons in the Human Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus and the Role of Sex Hormones
Authors: Bao Ai-Min , Swaab Dick F.
Published: March 2007

Previous studies have shown that the total number of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-stained neurons in the human hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) increases with age. To determine whether this age-related change depends on gender and whether circulating sex hormones play a role, we analyzed the total number of CRH-immunoreactive neurons by means of immunocytochemistry and image analysis in the postmortem hypothalamic PVN of 22 control subjects (11 males and 11 females) between the ages of 22 and 89 years, and of 10 subjects with abnormal sex hormone status. Our data show that men have a significantly larger number of CRH neurons than women (p = 0.004) and that the total number of CRH neurons increases significantly with age, but only in male controls (p = 0.032), not in female controls (p = 0.733). Female controls do not show a significant change in the total number of CRH neurons either before or after the age (50 years) of menopause (p = 0.792). Male subjects with low testosterone levels due to castration showed significantly fewer CRH neurons than well-matched intact males (p = 0.008), while castrated male-to-female (M-F) transsexuals with estrogen replacement showed normal numbers of CRH neurons. One male case, who had high estrogen levels due to an estrogen-producing tumor, showed a large number of CRH neurons. Thus, although circulating androgens and estrogens both seem to play a stimulatory role with respect to CRH neurons, the age-dependent increase in the number of CRH neurons in the PVN of men, which has been interpreted to reflect activation of the CRH neurons with age, seems to result from factors other than age-related changes of circulating sex hormone levels.
Fibromyalgia, Facial Expression and Emotional Experience
Authors: Kirsch Anke , Bernardy Kathrin
Published: March 2007

Background: The present study aims at analyzing the nonverbal affective behavior of female fibromyalgia (FM) inpatients in comparison to healthy women. Methods: Videotaped psychodynamic interviews of each of 15 female FM inpatients and healthy women were analyzed. Afterwards the analyses of facial expression were related to gazing behavior and emotional experience. Results: FM patients exhibited neither a reduction in total activity of facial expression nor in absolute frequency of primary affects in comparison to healthy women, who, however, (also in eye contact) also exhibited a significantly higher proportion of ‘genuine joy’ and a lower one of ‘contempt’. No congruence between the patient’s emotional experience and affective expression was found. Conclusions: The absence of reduced total activity of facial expression is in contrast to the elaborate descriptions of complaints provided by the patients. Nevertheless, our detailed analysis shows a lack of elements that stabilize the relationship and the presence of dissociating elements in the interactions.
The Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnostics System: Clinical Relevance, Reliability and Validity
Authors: Cierpka M. , Grande T. , Rudolf G. , von der Tann M. , Stasch M.
Published: March 2007

In this paper, we present a multiaxial system for psychodynamic diagnosis, which has attained wide usage in Germany in the last 10 years. First we will discuss the 4 operationalized psychodynamic diagnostics (OPD) axes: illness experience and treatment assumptions, relationships, mental conflicts, and structure, then clinical applications will be outlined. Focus psychodynamic formulations can be employed both with inpatients and with outpatients. Studies show good reliability in a research context and acceptable reliability for clinical purposes. Validity will be separately summarized as content, criterion, and construct validity. Validity studies indicate good validity for the individual axes. Numerous studies on the OPD indicate areas of possible improvement, for example for clinical purposes the OPD should be more practically formulated.
Gender Differences of Enzymatic Activity and Distribution of 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in Human Skin in vitro
Authors: Hikima T. , Maibach H.I.
Published: March 2007

The interconversion of estrone (E1) and 17β-estradiol (E2) is catalyzed by 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) in peripheral steroidogenic organs such as the skin. To investigate gender differences of activity and skin distribution of 17β-HSD in human skin, enzymatic activity was measured in skin homogenates and skin horizontally sliced by 10 µm thickness in vitro. Reductive 17β-HSD (E2 formation from E1) in female skin has a lower substrate affinity than in male skin; Km (Michaelis-Menten constant) of female and male skin is 11.8 ± 6.5 and 2.0 ± 2.0 µM, respectively. Female skin had a tendency to activate estrogen; Vmax (maximum rate) for E2 formation, 5.8 ± 4.0 pmol/min/mg protein, is 1.7 times larger than E1 formation, 3.5 ± 1.5 pmol/min/mg protein, and, on the other hand, male skin tends to deactivate estrogen; Vmax for E1 and E2 is 10.5 ± 6.1 and 4.2 ± 3.7 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. The concentration of metabolite had a peak value at 80–120 µm from the skin surface. Therefore, these in vitro results suggest that the enzymatic activities of 17β-HSDs have a gender difference in estrogen formation/metabolism and are distributed around the basement layer of the epidermis irrespective of sex. 17β-HSDs distributed around the basement epidermis may be effectively supplied with circulating estrogen from the papillary plexus to maintain the estrogen level in skin. This distribution pattern having a peak surrounding 100 µm from the skin surface indicates the importance for defense from noxae (e.g. detoxication) and maintenance of the internal environment (e.g. biosynthesis of hormones). Future studies should increase sample size and confirm these results by stricter statistical analysis.
High Pressure Promotes Monocyte Adhesion to the Vascular Wall
Authors: Riou Stéphanie , Mees Barend , Esposito Bruno , Merval Régine , Vilar Jose , Stengel Dominique , Ninio Ewa , van Haperen Rien , de Crom Rini , Tedgui Alain , Lehoux Stéphanie
Published: March 2007

Hypertension is a known risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. To assess how mechanical factors contribute to this process, mouse carotid arteries were maintained in organ culture at normal (80 mm Hg) or high (150 mm Hg) intraluminal pressure for 1, 6, 12, or 24 hours. Thereafter, fluorescent human monocytic cells (U937) were injected intraluminally and allowed to adhere for 30 minutes before washout. U937 adhesion was increased in vessels kept at 150 mm Hg 12 hours (23.5±5.7 versus 9.9±2.2 cells/mm at 80 mm Hg;
P
<0.05) or 24 hours (26.7±5.7 versus 8.8±1.5 cells/mm;
P
<0.05). At 24 hours, high pressure was associated with increased mRNA expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-6, keratinocyte-derived chemokine, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (6.9±2.1, 4.4±0.1, 9.8±2.8, and 2.4±0.1-fold respectively;
P
<0.05), as assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and corroborated by immunohistochemistry, which also revealed an increase in intracellular adhesion molecule-1 expression. Nuclear factor κB inhibition using SN50 peptide abolished the overexpression of chemokines and adhesion molecules and reduced U937 adhesion in vessels at 150 mm Hg. Moreover, treatment of vessels and cells with specific neutralizing antibodies established that monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-6, and keratinocyte-derived chemokine released from vessels at 150 mm Hg primed the monocytes, increasing their adhesion to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 but not intracellular adhesion molecule-1 via α
4
β
1
integrins. The additive effect of chemokines on the adhesion of U937 cells to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 was confirmed by in vitro assay. Finally, pressure-dependent U937 adhesion was blunted in arteries from mice overexpressing endothelial NO synthase. Hence, high intraluminal pressure induces cytokine and adhesion molecule expression via nuclear factor κB, leading to monocytic cell adhesion. These results indicate that hypertension may directly contribute to the development of atherosclerosis through nuclear factor κB induction.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells Stimulate Cerebrovascular Production of Prostacyclin By Paracrine Activation of Cyclooxygenase-2
Authors: Santhanam Anantha Vijay R. , Smith Leslie A. , He Tongrong , Nath Karl A. , Katusic Zvonimir S.
Published: March 2007

In the present study we hypothesized that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) enhance production of vasoprotective substances in cerebral arteries. Isolated mononuclear cells from rabbit peripheral blood were cultured in endothelial growth medium (EGM-2) for 7 days to yield EPCs. Rabbit basilar arteries were exposed to autologous EPCs (≈5×10
5
cells) in vitro or in vivo. Twenty-four hours after intracisternal delivery of autologous EPCs, basilar arteries were isolated and expression of vasoregulatory proteins, production of prostacyclin (PGI
2
), and cAMP were determined. Arteries transplanted with EPCs demonstrated increased protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and PGI
2
in adventitia, media, and endothelium. Furthermore, production of PGI
2
and arterial content of cAMP, second messenger for PGI
2
, were significantly augmented after transplantation of EPCs. In contrast, production of thromboxane A
2
was significantly reduced, whereas production of prostaglandin E
2
remained unchanged. The increased production of PGI
2
and arterial content of cAMP were inhibited only by a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, NS-398. In vitro or in vivo treatment of basilar artery with conditioned media from EPCs also caused increase in cyclooxygenase-2 and PGI
2
synthase protein expression associated with elevation of cAMP. Our results suggest that in cerebral arteries, paracrine effect of EPCs promotes vasoprotection by increasing PGI
2
production and intracellular concentration of cAMP. This effect appears to be mediated by activation of arachidonic acid metabolism via stimulation of cyclooxygenase-2/PGI
2
synthase pathway.
Topological Determinants and Consequences of Adventitial Responses to Arterial Wall Injury
Authors: Michel Jean-Baptiste , Thaunat Olivier , Houard Xavier , Meilhac Olivier , Caligiuri Giuseppina , Nicoletti Antonino
Published: March 2007

Arteries are composed of 3 concentric tissue layers which exhibit different structures and properties. Because arterial injury is generally initiated at the interface with circulating blood, most studies performed to unravel the mechanisms involved in injury-induced arterial responses have focused on the innermost layer (intima) rather than on the outermost adventitial layer. In the present review, we focus on the involvement of the adventitia in response to various types of arterial injury leading to vascular remodeling. Physiologically, soluble vascular mediators are centrifugally conveyed by mass transport toward the adventitia. Moreover, in pathological conditions, neomediators and antigens can be generated within the arterial wall, whose outward conveyance triggers different patterns of local adventitial response. Adventitial angiogenesis, immunoinflammation, and fibrosis sequentially interact and their net balance defines the participation of the adventitial response in arterial pathology. In the present review we discuss 4 pathological entities in which the adventitial response to arterial wall injury participates in arterial wall remodeling. Hence, the adventitial adaptive immune response predominates in chronic rejection. Inflammatory phagocytic cell recruitment and initiation of a shift from innate to adaptive immunity characterize the adventitial response to products of proteolysis in abdominal aortic aneurysm. Adventitial sprouting of neovessels, leading to intraplaque hemorrhages, predominates in atherothrombosis. Adventitial fibrosis characterizes the response to mechanical stress and is responsible for the constrictive remodeling of arterial segments and initiating interstitial fibrosis in perivascular tissues. These adventitial events, therefore, have an impact not only on the vessel wall biology but also on the surrounding tissue.
Cyclic Strain Regulates the Notch/CBF-1 Signaling Pathway in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Morrow David , Cullen John P. , Cahill Paul A. , Redmond Eileen M.
Published: March 2007

Objective—

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of cyclic strain on Notch signaling in endothelial cells.

Methods and Results—

Exposure of human endothelial cells (ECs) to cyclic strain (10%) resulted in temporal upregulation of Notch receptors (1 and 4) at the mRNA and protein level. Cyclic strain significantly increased EC network formation on Matrigel (an index of angiogenesis); network AU=775±127 versus 3928±400 for static and strained ECs, respectively. In addition, Angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), Tie1, and Tie2 expression were increased and knockdown of Ang1/Tie1,2 by siRNAs decreased cyclic strain-induced network formation. Knockdown of Notch 1 and 4 by siRNA, or inhibition of Notch mediated CBF-1/RBP-Jk regulated gene expression by RPMS-1, caused a significant decrease in cyclic strain-induced network formation and in Tie1 and Tie2 mRNA expression. Notch 1 or Notch 4 siRNA, but not RPMS-1, inhibited cyclic strain-induced Ang1. Constitutive overexpression of Notch IC resulted in increased network formation, and Ang1 and Tie2 mRNA expression, under both static and strain conditions.

Conclusions—

These data suggest that cyclic strain-stimulated EC angiogenesis is mediated in part through a Notch-dependent, Ang1/Tie2 signaling pathway. This pathway may represent a novel therapeutic target for disease states in which hemodynamic force-induced angiogenesis occurs.
Liposome-Encapsulated Hemoglobin Reduces the Size of Cerebral Infarction in the Rat
Authors: Kawaguchi Akira T. , Fukumoto Dai , Haida Munetaka , Ogata Yoshitaka , Yamano Mariko , Tsukada Hideo
Published: March 2007

Background and Purpose—

Liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH; TRM-645) is a novel oxygen (O
2
) carrier with a lower O
2
affinity (P
50
O
2
=40 mm Hg) than red blood cells. In contrast to cell-free hemoglobin, encapsulation prevents hemoglobin extravasation, whereas its subcellular size (230 nm) may improve O
2
delivery and limit the severity of cerebral infarction.

Methods—

The extent of cerebral infarction was determined 24 hours after photochemically induced thrombosis of the middle cerebral artery from the integrated area of infarction detected by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining in rats receiving no treatment, 10 mL/kg of LEH, homologous blood, empty liposomes, or saline. To develop a dose-response relationship, LEH dose was reduced from 10 mL/kg to 2 mL/kg, 0.4 mL/kg, and 0.08 mL/kg.

Results—

Infarction extent was significantly suppressed in rats receiving LEH as compared with animals receiving no infusion, saline, empty liposome, or transfusion in the cortex but not in the basal ganglia, where all had similar degrees of damage. The dose-response relationship revealed that as little as 2 mL/kg of LEH was protective, whereas the total blood O
2
content, hemoglobin level, and transfusion and/or infusion of empty liposomes or saline were not effective.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that LEH significantly reduces the area of infarction in the cortex but not in basal ganglia after photochemically induced thrombosis of the middle cerebral artery in the rat.
Long-Term Outcome After Angioplasty and Stenting for Symptomatic Vertebral Artery Stenosis Compared With Medical Treatment in the
C
arotid
A
nd
V
ertebral
A
rtery
T
ransluminal
A
ngioplasty
S
tudy (CAVATAS)
Authors: Coward Lucy J. , McCabe Dominick J.H. , Ederle Joerg , Featherstone Roland L. , Clifton Andrew , Brown Martin M.
Published: March 2007

Background and Purpose—

The long-term outcome of endovascular intervention compared with best medical management of patients with symptomatic vertebral artery stenosis is uncertain. We therefore compared these treatments in a randomized trial with long-term follow-up.

Methods—

In the international, multicenter
C
arotid
A
nd
V
ertebral
A
rtery
T
ransluminal
A
ngioplasty
S
tudy, 16 patients with symptomatic vertebral artery stenosis were randomized in equal proportions to receive endovascular therapy (balloon angioplasty or stenting) or best medical treatment alone. An independent neurologist followed up the patients for as long as 8 years.

Results—

Endovascular intervention was technically successful in all 8 patients, but 2 patients experienced transient ischemic attack at the time of endovascular treatment. There were no deaths or strokes in any arterial territory within the first 30 days. During a mean follow-up period of 4.7 years, no patient in either treatment group experienced a vertebrobasilar territory stroke, but 3 patients in each treatment arm died of myocardial infarction or carotid territory stroke, and 1 endovascular patient had a nonfatal carotid territory stroke.

Conclusions—

Patients with vertebral artery stenosis were more likely to have carotid territory stroke and myocardial infarction during follow-up than have recurrent vertebrobasilar stroke. The trial failed to show a benefit of endovascular treatment of vertebral artery stenosis, but the numbers of patients included was small. Larger randomized trials are required to determine whether vertebral artery stenting is justified in patients at higher risk of vertebrobasilar stroke. Treatment of patients with vertebral artery stenosis should focus on global reduction of vascular risk, including prevention of carotid territory stroke and myocardial infarction.
Association Between Physician Volume and Hospitalization Costs for Patients With Stroke in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Herng-Ching , Xirasagar Sudha , Chen Chi-Hung , Lin Chia-Chin , Lee Hsin-Chien
Published: March 2007

Background and Purpose—

Past studies consistently show an inverse relationship between physicians’ surgical procedures/diagnoses volume and cost. There is little information available on this aspect of stroke care. We used nationwide population-based data to explore the association between physician case volume and costs per discharge for patients with stroke.

Methods—

Data on all 83 748 hospitalizations for stroke in 2004, treated by 3757 physicians in Taiwan, from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, was analyzed using hierarchical linear regression modeling to explore associations between costs per discharge and physician case volume (one to 44 cases=low volume, 44 to 135=medium volume, ≥136 cases=high volume) adjusting for patient’s age, gender, comorbidities, and stroke type; hospital ownership, teaching status, and geographic region; and physician demographics.

Results—

Unadjusted mean cost per discharge was highest for patients treated by low-volume physicians, at NT $79 993 compared with NT $78 588 for medium-volume physicians and NT $43 942 for high-volume physicians (
P
<0.001). Adjusted for patient, hospital, and physician variables, low-volume physicians had a mean case cost of NT $27 729 higher than high-volume physicians (
P
=0.001) and NT $7761 higher than medium-volume physicians (
P
=0.027).

Conclusions—

Our data confirm an inverse volume–cost relationship for stroke care in Taiwan. After adjusting for patient, hospital, and physician characteristics, the potential cost savings if all patients were treated or supervised by high-volume physicians could be 41.0% of the mean treatment cost incurred by low-volume physicians.
Empirical Probability Models to Predict Precipitation Levels over Puerto Rico Stations
Authors: Ramirez-Beltran Nazario D. , Lau William K. M. , Winter Amos , Castro Joan M. , Escalante Nazario Ramirez
Published: March 2007

A new algorithm is proposed to predict the level of rainfall (above normal, normal, and below normal) in Puerto Rico that relies on probability and empirical models. The algorithm includes a theoretical probability model in which parameters are expressed as regression equations containing observed meteorological variables. Six rainfall stations were used in this study to implement and assess the reliability of the models. The stations, located throughout Puerto Rico, have monthly records that extend back 101 yr. The maximum likelihood method is used to estimate the parameters of the empirical probability models. A variable selection (VS) algorithm identifies the minimum number of variables that maximize the correlation between predictors and a predictand. The VS algorithm is used to identify the initial point and the maximum likelihood is optimized by using the sequential quadratic programming algorithm. Ten years of cross validation were applied to the results from six stations. The proposed method outperforms both climatology and damped persistence models. Results suggest that the methodology implemented here can be used as a potential tool to predict the level of rainfall at any station located on a tropical island, assuming that at least 50 yr of monthly rainfall observations are available. Model analyses show that meteorological indices can be used to predict rainfall stages.
Observational Analysis of the 27 May 1997 Central Texas Tornadic Event. Part I: Prestorm Environment and Storm Maintenance/Propagation
Authors: Houston Adam L. , Wilhelmson Robert B.
Published: March 2007

A detailed analysis of the 27 May 1997 central Texas tornadic storm complex is undertaken in an attempt to document the prestorm environment and identify the roles played by preexisting boundaries on storm maintenance/propagation and rotation. Analysis is carried out using a broad suite of synoptic and subsynoptic data but focuses on the level-II and -III Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) data from three Texas radars. The 27 May 1997 event was characterized by a back-building (propagation against the mean flow) storm complex that produced at least 12 tornadoes including the F5 Jarrell, Texas, tornado. Furthermore, five of the eight longest-lived cells during the analysis period are shown to contain midlevel mesocyclones. However, one-dimensional metrics calculated using representative vertical profiles of state variables reveal that, despite the extreme values of CAPE in place (>6500 J kg−1), the (1D) environment associated with this event is best classified as only marginally favorable for supercells and unfavorable for significant, supercellular tornadoes. Furthermore, the observed wind shear values are shown to be more in line with the vertical shear values typically associated with nonsevere back-building storms. Examples of propagation controlled by quasi-continuous maintenance of a single cell as well as successive discrete cell redevelopment are found. In all situations, two preexisting boundaries in place during this event (a cold front and a dryline) are found to have been necessary for the maintenance/propagation of the storm complex. Specifically, it is argued that the “zippering” of the cold front and dryline (the collision of the dryline and cold front that allowed the cold front to overtake the dryline and penetrate into the most unstable air to the east) was essential for the back-building of the storm complex in this event since it resulted in new cell development at points farther south. While midlevel mesocyclones were present in five of the eight longest-lived and well-sampled cells, analysis of the relationship between observed cell motion, expected cell motion, expected supercellular deviation, and boundary motion for the longest-lived and well-sampled cells reveals little evidence that deviate motions generated through supercellular dynamics governed cell motions. Instead, it is shown that boundary motions largely controlled the propagation of individual cells.
Observational Analysis of the 27 May 1997 Central Texas Tornadic Event. Part II: Tornadoes
Authors: Houston Adam L. , Wilhelmson Robert B.
Published: March 2007

The 27 May 1997 central Texas tornadic event has been investigated in a two-part observational study. As demonstrated in Part I, the 1D environment associated with this event was unfavorable for significant (≥F2) tornadoes. Yet, the storm complex produced at least six significant tornadoes, including one rated F5 (the Jarrell, Texas, tornado). The purpose of this article is to examine the spatiotemporal interrelationships between tornadoes, preexisting boundaries, antecedent low-level mesocyclones, convective cells, and midlevel mesocyclones. It is shown that each of the six observed tornadoes that produced greater than F0 damage formed along the storm-generated gust front, not along preexisting boundaries. Half of these tornadoes formed on the distorted gust front, the portion of the storm-generated gust front whose orientation was deformed largely by the horizontal shear across the cold front. The remaining three tornadoes developed at the gust front cusp (the persistent gust front inflection located at the northeast end of the gust front distortion). Unlike the tornadoes south of the gust front cusp, these tornadoes are found to be associated with antecedent mesocyclones located in the low levels above the boundary layer. Furthermore, these mesocyclonic tornadoes are found to be larger and more destructive than the three nonmesocyclonic tornadoes. The formation of the Jarrell tornado is found to occur as a nearly stationary convective cell became collocated with a south-southwestward-moving low-level mesocyclone near the gust front cusp—a behavior that resembles the formation of nonsupercell tornadoes. It is argued that the back-building propagation/maintenance of the storm complex enabled this juxtaposition of convective cells with vorticity along the distorted gust front and may have therefore enabled tornado formation. Each of the convective cells without midlevel mesocyclones was found to remain farther from the boundaries than the mesocyclonic cells. Since the cells nearest to the boundaries were longer lived than the remaining cells, it is argued that cells near the boundaries were mesocyclonic because the boundaries yielded cells that were more likely to support temporally coherent midlevel rotation.
Simulations of the Extratropical Transition of Tropical Cyclones: Phasing between the Upper-Level Trough and Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Ritchie Elizabeth A. , Elsberry Russell L.
Published: March 2007

Whether the tropical cyclone remnants will become a significant extratropical cyclone during the reintensification stage of extratropical transition is a complex problem because of the uncertainty in the tropical cyclone, the midlatitude circulation, the subtropical anticyclone, and the nonlinear interactions among these systems. In a previous study, the authors simulated the impact of the strength of the midlatitude circulation trough without changing its phasing with the tropical cyclone. In this study, the impact of phasing is simulated by fixing the initial position and amplitude of the midlatitude trough and varying the initial position of the tropical cyclone. The peak intensity of the extratropical cyclone following the extratropical transition is strongly dependent on the phasing, which leads to different degrees of interaction with the midlatitude baroclinic zone. Many aspects of the simulated circulation, temperature, and precipitation fields appear quite realistic for the reintensifying and dissipating cases. Threshold values of various parameters in quadrants near and far from the tropical cyclone are extracted that discriminate well between reintensifiers and dissipators. The selection and distribution of threshold parameters are consistent with the Petterssen type-B conceptual model for extratropical cyclone development. Thus, these simulations suggest that phasing between the tropical cyclone and the midlatitude trough is a critical factor in predicting the reintensification stage of extratropical transition.
Large-Scale Flow Patterns and Their Influence on the Intensification Rates of Western North Pacific Tropical Storms*
Authors: Ventham Justin D. , Wang Bin
Published: March 2007

NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data are used to identify large-scale environmental flow patterns around western North Pacific tropical storms with the goal of finding a signal for those most favorable for rapid intensification, based on the hypothesis that aspects of the horizontal flow influence tropical cyclone intensification at an early stage of development. Based on the finding that intensification rate is a strong function of initial intensity (Joint Typhoon Warning Center best track), very rapid, rapid, and slow 24-h intensification periods from a weak tropical storm stage (35 kt) are defined. By using composite analysis and scalar EOF analysis of the zonal wind around these subsets, a form of the lower-level (850 mb) combined monsoon confluence–shearline pattern is found to occur dominantly for the very rapid cases. Based on the strength of the signal, it may provide a new rapid intensification predictor for operational use. At 200 mb the importance of the location of the tropical storm under a region of flow splitting into the midlatitude westerlies to the north and the subequatorial trough to the south is identified as a common criterion for the onset of rapid intensification. Cases in which interactions with upper-level troughs occurred, prior to and during slow and rapid intensification, are studied and strong similarities to prior Atlantic studies are found.
Assimilating Surface Weather Observations from Complex Terrain into a High-Resolution Numerical Weather Prediction Model
Authors: Deng Xingxiu , Stull Roland
Published: March 2007

An anisotropic surface analysis method based on the mother–daughter (MD) approach has been developed to spread valley station observations to grid points in circuitous steep valleys. In this paper, the MD approach is further refined to allow spreading the mountain-top observations to grid points near neighboring high ridges across valleys. Starting with a 3D first guess from a high-resolution mesoscale model forecast, surface weather observations are assimilated into the boundary layer, and pseudo-upper-air data (interpolated from the coarser-resolution analyses from major operational centers) are assimilated into the free atmosphere. Incremental analysis updating is then used to incorporate the final analysis increments (the difference between the final analysis and the first guess) into a high-resolution numerical weather prediction model. The MD approaches (including one with shoreline refinement) are compared with other objective analysis methods using case examples and daily mesoscale real-time forecast runs during November and December 2004. This study further confirms that the MD approaches outperform the other methods, and that the shoreline refinement achieves better analysis quality than the basic MD approach. The improvement of mountain-top refinement over the basic MD approach increases with the percentage of mountain-top stations, which is usually low. Higher skill in predicting near-surface potential temperature is found when surface information is spread upward throughout the boundary layer instead of at only the bottom model level. The results show improved near-surface forecasts of temperature and humidity that are directly assimilated into the model, but poorer forecasts of near-surface winds and precipitation, which are not assimilated into the model.
Improved Vertical Covariance Estimates for Ensemble-Filter Assimilation of Near-Surface Observations
Authors: Hacker Joshua P. , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Pagowski Mariusz
Published: March 2007

Strategies to improve covariance estimates for ensemble-based assimilation of near-surface observations in atmospheric models are explored. It is known that localization of covariance estimates can improve conditioning of covariance matrices in the assimilation process by removing spurious elements and increasing the rank of the matrix. Vertical covariance localization is the focus of this work, and two basic approaches are compared: 1) a recently proposed hierarchical filter approach based on sampling theory and 2) a more commonly used fifth-order piecewise rational function. The hierarchical filter allows for dynamic estimates of localization functions and does not place any restrictions on their form. The rational function is optimized for every analysis time of day and for every possible observation and state variable combination. The methods are tested with a column model containing PBL and land surface parameterization schemes that are available in current mesoscale modeling systems. The results are expected to provide context for assimilation of near-surface observations in mesoscale models, which will benefit short-range mesoscale NWP applications. Results show that both the hierarchical and rational function approaches effectively improve covariance estimates from small ensembles. The hierarchical approach provides localization functions that are irregular and more closely related to PBL structure. Analysis of eigenvalue spectra show that both approaches improve the rank of the covariance matrices, but the amount of improvement is not always directly related to the assimilation performance. Results also show that specifying different localization functions for different observation and state variable combinations is more important than including time dependence.
Labor, Delivery, and Early Parenthood
Authors: Wilson Carol L. , Rholes W. Steven , Simpson Jeffry A. , Tran Sisi
Published: March 2007

Having a baby is a powerful experience that, according to attachment theory, should activate the attachment system and elicit attachment needs and motives. The current study investigated first-time parents' perceptions of and responses to events surrounding labor and delivery and early parenthood. Couples expecting their first child completed measures of attachment orientations and questionnaires assessing key aspects of the experience of labor, delivery, and early parenthood. Attachment anxiety and avoidance significantly predicted individuals' perceptions of themselves and their partners, reactions to their partners' behavior, and emotional responses to their infants. Jealousy of the infant, perceptions of support given to or received from partners, and feelings of closeness to the infant were all associated with attachment orientations in theoretically meaningful ways.
Why Individuals Protest the Perceived Transgressions of Their Country
Authors: Iyer Aarti , Schmader Toni , Lickel Brian
Published: March 2007

The present research examined emotions as predictors of opposition to policies and actions of one's country that are perceived to be illegitimate. Two studies investigated the political implications of American (Study 1) and British (Study 2) citizens' anger, guilt, and shame responses to perceived harm caused by their countries' occupation of Iraq. In both studies, a manipulation of pervasive threat to the country's image increased participants' shame but not guilt. The emotions predicted political action intentions to advocate distinct opposition strategies. Shame predicted action intentions to advocate withdrawal from Iraq. Anger predicted action intentions to advocate compensation to Iraq, confrontation of agents responsible, and withdrawal from Iraq. Anger directed at different targets (ingroup, ingroup representative, and outgroup representative) predicted action intentions to support distinct strategies (Study 2). Guilt did not independently predict any political action intentions. Implications for the study of political action and emotions in intergroup contexts are discussed.
A Correction to the Brinson's Evolution Kinetics for Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Khandelwal Ashish , Buravalla Vidyashankar R.
Published: March 2007

Phase diagram based approach is frequently used to investigate the shape memory alloy behavior. Typically, evolution laws for the martensitic phase fraction are defined for different local transformation regions in the stress—temperature phase diagram. In the Brinson's evolution kinetics, under certain conditions, the local evolution law for the formation of martensitic fraction leads to inadmissible phase fraction (>1). This pertains to a case where both stress- and temperature-induced martensite evolve simultaneously. A modified evolution law is presented here to overcome this anomaly.
Use of Lightweight Piezo-composite Actuators to Suppress the Free Vibration of an Aluminum Beam
Authors: Suhariyono Arief , Nam Seo Goo  , Hoon Cheol Park
Published: March 2007

A lightweight piezo-composite actuator (LIPCA) is used to suppress the vibration of an aluminum beam. Composed of a piezoelectric layer, a carbon-epoxy layer, and glass-epoxy layers, the LIPCA has better performance and durability than bare piezoelectric ceramics (PZT). This study estimates the actuation performances of a LIPCA in an active vibration control as well as a static actuation test. Experiments are performed on an aluminum beam in a cantilever configuration. The LIPCA, a bare PZT, and a 3GE+PZT actuator are attached to the aluminum beam with adhesive in order to investigate their performance. A comparison of the equivalent actuation moment and the tip deflection of the beam between the LIPCA, the bare PZT, and the 3GE + PZT actuator shows that the LIPCA has a better actuation performance than the bare PZT and the 3GE + PZT actuator. In addition, a digital PID control algorithm is applied to the active vibration control system to show how the LIPCA performs as an actuator in an active vibration suppression system. The results show that the LIPCA can effectively suppress free vibration of the aluminum beam, compared to the bare PZT and the 3GE + PZT actuator. The experiment confirms that the LIPCA can be used as an actuator to suppress vibration of dynamic structures.
Absence of donor T-cell–derived soluble TNF decreases graft-versus-host disease without impairing graft-versus-tumor activity
Authors: Borsotti Chiara , Franklin Anna R. K. , Lu Sydney X. , Kim Theo D. , Smith Odette M. , Suh David , King Chris G. , Chow Andrew , Liu Chen , Alpdogan Onder , van den Brink Marcel R. M.
Published: March 2007

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays an important role in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft-versus-tumor (GVT) activity after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT). TNF can be expressed in a membrane-bound form (memTNF) and as a soluble (solTNF) molecule after being cleaved by the TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE). To study the contribution of donor T-cell–derived memTNF versus solTNF in GVHD and GVT, we used mice containing a noncleavable allele in place of endogenous TNF (memTNFΔ/Δ) as donors in murine BMT models. Recipients of memTNF T cells developed significantly less GVHD than recipients of wild-type (wt) T cells. In contrast, GVT activity mediated by memTNF T cells remained intact, and alloreactive memTNF T cells showed no defects in proliferation, activation, and cytotoxicity. These data suggest that suppressing the secretion of solTNF by donor T cells significantly decreases GVHD without impairing GVT activity.
Bovine apolipoprotein B-100 is a dominant immunogen in therapeutic cell populations cultured in fetal calf serum in mice and humans
Authors: Sakamoto Norihisa , Tsuji Kazuhide , Muul Linda M. , Lawler Ann M. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Candotti Fabio , Metcalf Julia A. , Tavel Jorge A. , Lane H. Clifford , Urba Walter J. , Fox Bernard A. , Varki Ajit , Lunney Joan K. , Rosenberg Amy S.
Published: March 2007

Recent studies have demonstrated that cell populations intended for therapeutic purposes that are cultured in heterologous animal products can acquire xenoantigens, potentially limiting their utility. In investigations of the immune response to murine embryonic stem cells, we found that a strong antibody response was generated after the second infusion. Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibody responses, derived from immunized mice, were found to be specific for bovine apolipoprotein B-100, which binds to abundant low-density lipoprotein receptors on the cell surface and is internalized. Here we show that in the majority of patients administered 3 different types of cell-based therapies using cells grown in fetal calf serum-containing media, an antibody response to bovine apolipoprotein B-100 develops after the second infusion and is the dominant specificity. The known and potential clinical effects of such antibodies are discussed.
Travel to high altitude with pre-existing lung disease
Authors: Luks A. M. , Swenson E. R.
Published: March 2007

The pathophysiology of high-altitude illnesses has been well studied in normal individuals, but little is known about the risks of high-altitude travel in patients with pre-existing lung disease. Although it would seem self-evident that any patient with lung disease might not do well at high altitude, the type and severity of disease will determine the likelihood of difficulty in a high-altitude environment. The present review examines whether these individuals are at risk of developing one of the main forms of acute or chronic high-altitude illness and whether the underlying lung disease itself will get worse at high elevations. Several groups of pulmonary disorders are considered, including obstructive, restrictive, vascular, control of ventilation, pleural and neuromuscular diseases. Attempts will be made to classify the risks faced by each of these groups at high altitude and to provide recommendations regarding evaluation prior to high-altitude travel, advice for or against taking such excursions, and effective prophylactic measures.
Ang-2 and PDGF-BB cooperatively stimulate human peripheral blood monocyte fibrinolysis
Authors: Bezuidenhout Louise , Bracher Mona , Davison Glenda , Zilla Peter , Davies Neil
Published: March 2007

Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is a growth factor, which was identified originally as playing a critical role in vessel remodeling during angiogenesis. More recent evidence has indicated additional involvement in vascular homeostatic responses such as coagulation and inflammation, which are central to wound healing. We therefore determined whether a relationship existed between Ang-2 and monocytes, one of the initial cell types to be recruited to a wound, in the context of fibrin clot invasion. Ang-2 significantly increased monocyte invasion of fibrin in the presence of serum. In the absence of serum, it required a combination of Ang-2 and platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) to increase invasion by threefold. Furthermore, it was shown that the heightened invasion was dependent on serine proteases and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and that the combination of Ang-2 and PDGF-BB increased urokinase plasminogen-activator receptor expression, as well as MMP-9 and membrane type 1 MMP expression. These data give further credence to the concept of Ang-2 as a key regulator of several essential phases of wound healing.