bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Novel Isoforms of theEML4-ALKTransforming Gene in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Choi Young Lim , Takeuchi Kengo , Soda Manabu , Inamura Kentaro , Togashi Yuki , Hatano Satoko , Enomoto Munehiro , Hamada Toru , Haruta Hidenori , Watanabe Hideki , Kurashina Kentaro , Hatanaka Hisashi , Ueno Toshihide , Takada Shuji , Yamashita Yoshihiro , Sugiyama Yukihiko , Ishikawa Yuichi , Mano Hiroyuki
Published: July 2008

The genome of a subset of non–small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) harbors a small inversion within chromosome 2 that gives rise to a transforming fusion gene, EML4-ALK, which encodes an activated protein tyrosine kinase. Although breakpoints within EML4 have been identified in introns 13 and 20, giving rise to variants 1 and 2, respectively, of EML4-ALK, it has remained unclear whether other isoforms of the fusion gene are present in NSCLC cells. We have now screened NSCLC specimens for other in-frame fusion cDNAs that contain both EML4 and ALK sequences. Two slightly different fusion cDNAs in which exon 6 of EML4 was joined to exon 20 of ALK were each identified in two individuals of the cohort. Whereas one cDNA contained only exons 1 to 6 of EML4 (variant 3a), the other also contained an additional 33-bp sequence derived from intron 6 of EML4 (variant 3b). The protein encoded by the latter cDNA thus contained an insertion of 11 amino acids between the EML4 and ALK sequences of that encoded by the former. Both variants 3a and 3b of EML4-ALK exhibited marked transforming activity in vitro as well as oncogenic activity in vivo. A lung cancer cell line expressing endogenous variant 3 of EML4-ALK underwent cell death on exposure to a specific inhibitor of ALK catalytic activity. These data increase the frequency of EML4-ALK–positive NSCLC tumors and bolster the clinical relevance of this oncogenic kinase. [Cancer Res 2008;68(13):4971–6]
Triptolide-Induced Transcriptional Arrest Is Associated with Changes in Nuclear Substructure
Authors: Leuenroth Stephanie J. , Crews Craig M.
Published: July 2008

Triptolide, an active component of the medicinal herb lei gong teng, is a potent anticancer and anti-inflammatory therapeutic. It potently inhibits nuclear factor-κB transcriptional activation after DNA binding, although a precise mechanism is as yet unknown. Here, we report that triptolide also induces distinct nuclear substructural changes in HeLa cells. These changes in the nucleolus and nuclear speckles are reversible and dependent on both time and concentration. Furthermore, nuclear changes occurred within hours of triptolide treatment and were calcium and caspase independent. Rounding of nuclear speckles, an indication of transcriptional arrest, was evident and was associated with a decrease in RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) COOH-terminal domain Ser2 phosphorylation. Additionally, the nucleolus disassembled and RNA Pol I activity declined after RNA Pol II inhibition. We therefore conclude that triptolide causes global transcriptional arrest as evidenced by inactivity of RNA Pol I and II and the subsequent alteration in nuclear substructure. [Cancer Res 2008;68(13):5257–66]
Pyrimethamine Induces Apoptosis of Melanoma Cells via a Caspase and Cathepsin Double-Edged Mechanism
Authors: Giammarioli Anna Maria , Maselli Angela , Casagrande Andrea , Gambardella Lucrezia , Gallina Angelo , Spada Massimo , Giovannetti Antonello , Proietti Enrico , Malorni Walter , Pierdominici Marina
Published: July 2008

The unresponsiveness of metastatic melanoma to conventional chemotherapeutic and biological agents is largely due to the development of resistance to apoptosis. Pyrimethamine belongs to the group of antifolate drugs, and in addition to antiprotozoan effects, it exerts a strong proapoptotic activity, which we recently characterized in human T lymphocytes. However, no data regarding pyrimethamine anticancer activity are available thus far. To this end, we examined the in vitro effects of pyrimethamine on apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and cell proliferation of human metastatic melanoma cell lines. The in vivo antitumor potential of pyrimethamine was evaluated in a severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse xenotransplantation model. Our data indicate that pyrimethamine, when used at a clinically relevant concentration, induced apoptosis in metastatic melanoma cells via the activation of the cathepsin B and the caspase cascade (i.e., caspase-8 and caspase-9) and subsequent mitochondrial depolarization. This occurred independently from CD95/Fas engagement. Moreover, pyrimethamine induced a marked inhibition of cell growth and an S-phase cell cycle arrest. Results obtained in SCID mice, injected s.c. with metastatic melanoma cells and treated with pyrimethamine, indicated a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth. In conclusion, our results suggest that pyrimethamine-induced apoptosis may be considered as a multifaceted process, in which different inducers or regulators of apoptosis are simultaneously implicated, thus permitting death defects of melanoma cells to be bypassed or overcome. On these bases, we hypothesize that pyrimethamine could represent an interesting candidate for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. [Cancer Res 2008;68(13):5291–300]
ATM Mediates Cytotoxicity of a Mutant Telomerase RNA in Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Stohr Bradley A. , Blackburn Elizabeth H.
Published: July 2008

Telomeres are elongated by the enzyme telomerase, which contains a template-bearing RNA (TER or TERC) and a protein reverse transcriptase. Overexpression of a particular mutant human TER with a mutated template sequence (MT-hTer-47A) in telomerase-positive cancer cells causes incorporation of mutant telomeric sequences, telomere uncapping, and initiation of a DNA damage response, ultimately resulting in cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. The DNA damage pathways underlying these cellular effects are not well understood. Here, we show that the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein is activated and forms telomeric foci in response to MT-hTer-47A expression. Depletion of ATM from two cancer cell lines, including the p53-mutant UM-UC-3 bladder cancer line, rendered the cells largely unresponsive to MT-hTer-47A. Relative to ATM-competent controls, ATM-depleted cells showed increased proliferation and clonogenic survival and reduced cell death following MT-hTer-47A treatment. In contrast, ATM depletion sensitized the cancer cells to treatment with camptothecin, a topoisomerase inhibitor that induces DNA double-strand breaks. We show that the effects of ATM depletion on the MT-hTer-47A response were not due to decreased expression of MT-hTer-47A or reduced activity of telomerase at the telomere. Instead, ATM depletion allowed robust cancer cell growth despite the continued presence of dysfunctional telomeres containing mutant sequence. Notably, the number of end-to-end telomere fusions induced by MT-hTer-47A treatment was markedly reduced in ATM-depleted cells. Our results identify ATM as a key mediator of the MT-hTer-47A dysfunctional telomere response, even in cells lacking wild-type p53, and provide evidence that telomere fusions contribute to MT-hTer-47A cytotoxicity. [Cancer Res 2008;68(13):5309–17]
Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancers Detected in Mammography Screening and Outside of Screening
Authors: Sihto Harri , Lundin Johan , Lehtimäki Tiina , Sarlomo-Rikala Maarit , Bützow Ralf , Holli Kaija , Sailas Liisa , Kataja Vesa , Lundin Mikael , Turpeenniemi-Hujanen Taina , Isola Jorma , Heikkilä Päivi , Joensuu Heikki
Published: July 2008

Purpose: The frequency and significance of gene expression profile-derived molecular subtypes of breast cancers found in mammography screening are unknown.

Experimental Design: We identified breast cancers diagnosed in women of any age living in defined geographic regions in Finland in 1991 to 1992 and collected clinical and pathologic data. Surrogates for the molecular subtypes were determined for 247 cancers found in organized mammography screening and 989 cancers detected outside of screening using immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization. Molecular subtypes were defined as luminal A [estrogen receptor (ER) positive and/or progesterone receptor (PR) positive, HER2-], luminal B (ER+ and/or PR+, HER2+), basal-like (ER-, PR-, HER2-, cytokeratin 5+, and/or HER1+), HER2+/ER- (ER-, PR-, and HER2+), and unclassified. The median follow-up time was 9.4 years.

Results: The luminal type A was common (73.7%) and the HER2+/ER- type is rare (5.7%) in screen-detected cancer, and only 16% were HER2 positive. Women with cancer diagnosed in screening at ages 50 to 69 years had similar molecular subtype distribution as women whose cancer was found outside of screening at age >69 years. In a multivariate model, cancer detection at screening independently predicted favorable distant disease-free survival when the molecular subtype was included as a covariate in addition to age, histologic grade, and cancer size. Women with small (pT1N0M0) HER2-positive cancer had similar outcome regardless of the method of detection.

Conclusions: Molecular subtype distribution of screen-detected breast cancer differs from that of cancers found outside of screening and accounts in part for the better outcome of screen-detected cancer.
Ultrasonographic and Computed Tomography Findings in Renal Suppurations: Performance Indicators and Risks for Diagnostic Failure
Authors: Stojadinović M. , Mićić S. , Milovanović D.
Published: July 2008

Objectives: The main purpose of the study was to identify and quantify clinical variables which predisposed incorrect diagnosis based on ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) findings in the patients with suppurative renal infections. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of radiological records of patients at 3 tertiary Serbian clinics of urology from 1999 to January 2006 was conducted. The series consisted of 49 women and 26 men, mean age = 56.7 years, ranging from 21 to 78. All patients underwent US examinations. Forty-one patients had undergone CT examinations, on 42 renal units (1 bilateral perirenal infection). The patients were categorized into 4 groups according to the type of suppurative infection: (a) unilocular renal or perirenal abscesses; (b) with pyonephrosis only; (c) with multiple renal or pyonephrosis infections along with extension on perirenal space, and (d) emphysematous infections. Results: Incorrect diagnosis based on US record only depended on the suppurative entity. In the presence of pyonephrosis only, the risk of incorrect diagnosis was reduced for 4 times [odds ratio (OR) = 0.25], and in presence of emphysematous infections the risk increased 19.5 times (OR = 19.49). Perinephric abscesses which were not seen on US were those associated with pyonephrosis, abscesses smaller than 6 cm and gas-forming abscesses. The diagnosis of abscesses considerably varied in the cases of unilocular purulent collections compared to complex purulent collections (χ2 = 8.177, p = 0.004). Overall, the risk for incorrect diagnosis is about 14 times higher using US only (OR = 14.5), while CT reduced the risk of it for about 37 times (OR = 0.027). Conclusions: CT was much more reliable than US to correctly identify the pathological entity of renal suppuration. Guiding treatment on US findings only seems hazardous as omission of some pathological processes is very likely.
Effect of Dialysate Temperature and Diabetes on Autonomic Cardiovascular Regulation during Hemodialysis
Authors: Zitt Emanuel , Neyer Ulrich , Meusburger Edgar , Tiefenthaler Martin , Kotanko Peter , Mayer Gert , Rosenkranz Alexander R.
Published: July 2008

Background/Aims: Lowering dialysate temperature to increase intradialytic hemodynamic stability may interfere with the ultrafiltration-dependent intradialytic autonomic cardiovascular regulation. The present study aimed to investigate hemodynamic and autonomic responses depending on dialysate temperature and the presence of diabetes. Methods: Seventeen (8 diabetic, 9 non-diabetic) hypotension-resistant patients were alternately treated at dialysate temperatures of 37 and 35°C. Hemodynamic parameters, heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRRS) were measured noninvasively. Power spectral analysis of HRV was used to evaluate cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. Results: In contrast to diabetic patients who showed an overall reduced autonomic activity and a blunted autonomic response, in non-diabetic patients cardiac sympathetic activity increased during dialysis (p < 0.05) resulting in a shift in sympathovagal balance towards sympathetic predominance. This response was not altered by dialysate temperature. Significant decreases in stroke volume and cardiac output were found in both patient groups. Total peripheral resistance increased in diabetic (p < 0.05) and in non-diabetic patients (p < 0.01) at both dialysate temperatures. No differences in BRRS were determined. Conclusion: The presence of diabetes has great impact on the cardiovascular autonomic regulation during hemodialysis. Varying the dialysate temperature does not influence cardiovascular autonomic regulation in hemodynamically stable diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
Quinapril Improves Endothelial Function in Postmenopausal Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Farkas Katalin , Fábián Emília , Nagy Lajos
Published: July 2008

Background/Aim: Hypertension is one of the main cardiovascular risk factors, and it may be responsible for the excess morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women. Endothelium-dependent dilation of conduit arteries is reduced in women after menopause, as shown by the reduced flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in FMD during and following a 6-month-long treatment with increasing doses (10, 20 and 40 mg) of quinapril in hypertensive postmenopausal patients. Methods: A multicenter, open-label, non-comparative, baseline control study in 61 postmenopausal outpatients. Results:The mean baseline FMD (% ± SD) of the 53 patients in the intent-to-treat population (patients with at least one FMD evaluation) was 2.83 ± 1.24%; FMD of the 51 subjects on 10 mg quinapril daily was 5.58 ± 2.179%; FMD of the 52 patients on 20 mg quinapril was 7.06 ± 2.31%, and FMD of the 53 subjects on 40 mg daily was 8.07 ± 2.57% (p < 0.001 for each dose, compared to baseline). Conclusion: Ourresults confirmed that quinapril improves endothelial function at all examined doses as measured by FMD. Modulation of the renin-angiotensin system may act as a target for reducing cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal hypertensive women.
Stimulating Erythropoiesis: Future Perspectives
Authors: Mikhail Ashraf , Covic Adrian , Goldsmith David
Published: July 2008

The introduction of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) nearly 20 years ago has revolutionised the management of patients with CKD, providing the opportunity for safe long-term anaemia correction without the attendant risks identified with blood products. Based on our expanding knowledge in this area, there are many exciting and innovative new approaches to anaemia correction that stand on, or are close to, the threshold of yielding products ready for clinical use. Recently, an Epo-related molecule called continuous Epo receptor activator has been licensed in Europe, and other molecules are in various processes of development, including Epo mimetic peptide. The search goes on for orally active antianaemic therapies, and several strategies are being investigated. Furthermore, it is now clear that in addition to the anaemia-correction properties of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, there is the potential for cytoprotection by prevention of cellular apoptosis. This effect could be used in the prevention of ischaemia-reperfusion injury as well as other conditions associated with acute kidney injury and other disease processes. The aim of this article is to discuss these possible future strategies, focusing in particular on those with a reasonable likelihood of a pharmaceutical product that is likely to be used clinically.
Prefabrication of Vascularized Porous Three-Dimensional Scaffold Induced from rhVEGF165: A Preliminary Study in Rats
Authors: Yang Pei , Wang Chunsheng , Shi Zhibin , Huang Xin , Dang Xiaoqian , Xu Shanglong , Wang Kunzheng
Published: July 2008

Background/Aims: Several shortcomings have limited the routine use of autogenous vascularized bone graft. The present study investigates the prefabrication of vascularized scaffold with the desired shape and microarchitecture combined with recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (rhVEGF165) to mimic autogenous vascularized bone graft. Methods: Eighty-five porous calcium phosphate cement scaffolds constructed by rapid prototyping technology were divided into four groups: group A [rhVEGF165-fibrin sealant (FS) scaffold], group B (hVEGF165 scaffold), group C (FS scaffold), and group D (scaffold alone). The release of rhVEGF165 from the scaffolds was examined in vitro. The vessel density, relative functionalized vessels, vessel diameter and relative vessel area were also measured. Results: The sustained release of hVEGF165 lasted 14 days in the absence of plasmin and 12 days in the presence of plasmin in group A and 10 days in group B. There was no statistical difference between groups A and B at 2 or 4 weeks in terms of vessel density, relative functionalized vessels, vessel diameter, and relative vessel area, as between groups C and D. However, the above parameters were greater in groups A and B than groups C and D. Conclusion: The scaffolds with the desired shape and microarchitecture combined with rhVEGF165 could shorten the time needed for the construction of prefabricated vascularized grafts and accelerate the maturation of the vessels.
Serotonin 5-HT
2B
Receptor Blockade Prevents Reactive Oxygen Species–Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Mice
Authors: Monassier Laurent , Laplante Marc-André , Jaffré Fabrice , Bousquet Pascal , Maroteaux Luc , de Champlain Jacques
Published: July 2008

We established previously that 5-HT
2B
receptors are involved in cardiac hypertrophy through the regulation of hypertrophic cytokines in cardiac fibroblasts. Moreover, the generation of reactive oxygen species and tumor necrosis factor-α through the activation of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] oxidase has been implicated in cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, we investigated whether 5-HT
2B
receptors could be involved in the development of cardiac hypertrophy associated with superoxide anion production. Therefore, we measured the effects of serotonergic 5-HT
2B
receptor blockade on left-ventricular superoxide anion generation in 2 established pharmacological models of cardiac hypertrophy, ie, angiotensin II and isoproterenol infusions in mice. Angiotensin II infusion for 14 days increased superoxide anion concentration (+32%), NAD(P)H oxidase maximal activity (+84%), and p47
phox
NAD(P)H oxidase subunit expression in the left ventricle together with hypertension (+37 mm Hg) and cardiac hypertrophy (+17% for heart weight:body weight). The 5-HT
2B
receptor blockade by a selective antagonist (SB215505) prevented the increase in cardiac superoxide generation and hypertrophy. Similarly, infusion for 5 days of isoproterenol increased left-ventricular NAD(P)H oxidase activity (+48%) and cardiac hypertrophy (+31%) that were prevented by the 5-HT
2B
receptor blockade. Finally, in the primary culture of left-ventricular cardiac fibroblasts, angiotensin II and isoproterenol stimulated NAD(P)H oxidase activity. This activation was prevented by SB215505. These findings suggest that the 5-HT
2B
receptor may represent a new target to reduce cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress. Its blockade affects both angiotensin II and β-adrenergic trophic responses without significant hemodynamic alteration.
Interdecadal Trend and ENSO-Related Interannual Variability in Southern Hemisphere Blocking
Authors: Dong Li , Vogelsang Timothy J. , Colucci Stephen J.
Published: July 2008

The interdecadal trend and ENSO-related interannual variability in the frequency and intensity of atmospheric blocking in the Southern Hemisphere are analyzed by a statistical model that takes account of serial correlation in the datasets. Results suggest that an autoregressive process AR(1) fits the error term of the Southern Hemisphere blocking occurrence series, and a white-noise process AR(0) fits the error term of the Southern Hemisphere blocking intensity series reasonably well. It is found that the Southern Hemisphere blocking days have decreased over the past 52 yr (1948–99) but with an enhanced intensity. In addition, the Southern Hemisphere atmospheric blocking is found to occur more frequently in the warm phase of ENSO cycles, whereas the intensity of the Southern Hemisphere atmospheric blocking does not appear to be affected by ENSO cycles.
Observed Structure, Evolution, and Potential Intensity of Category 5 Hurricane Isabel (2003) from 12 to 14 September
Authors: Bell Michael M. , Montgomery Michael T.
Published: July 2008

Unprecedented observations of Hurricane Isabel (2003) at category 5 intensity were collected from 12 to 14 September. This study presents a detailed analysis of the inner-core structure, atmospheric boundary layer, sea surface temperature, and outflow layer of a superintense tropical cyclone using high-resolution in situ flight-level, NCAR GPS dropwindsonde, Doppler radar, and satellite measurements. The analysis of the dropwindsonde and in situ data includes a comprehensive discussion of the uncertainties associated with this observational dataset and provides an estimate of the storm-relative axisymmetric inner-core structure using Barnes objective analysis. An assessment of gradient and thermal wind balance in the inner core is also presented. The axisymmetric data composites presented in this study suggest that Isabel built a reservoir of high moist entropy air by sea-to-air latent heat flux inside the low-level eye that was utilized as an additional energy source to nearly maintain its extreme intensity even after crossing the cool wake of Hurricane Fabian. It is argued here that the combined mean and asymmetric eddy flux of high moist entropy air from the low-level eye into the eyewall represents an additional power source or “turbo boost” to the hurricane heat engine. Recent estimates of the ratio of sea-to-air enthalpy and momentum exchange at high wind speeds are used to suggest that Isabel utilized this extra power to exceed the previously assumed intensity upper bound for the given environmental conditions on all three days. This discrepancy between a priori potential intensity theory and observations may be as high as 35 m s−1 on 13 September.
Extratropical Transition of Tropical Cyclones in the Western North Pacific: Their Frontal Evolution
Authors: Kitabatake Naoko
Published: July 2008

Extratropical transition (ET) in the western North Pacific during 2001–02 is examined in terms of frontal evolution and its environment using a gridded global analysis dataset produced by the Japan Meteorological Agency. According to the best-track data created by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) Tokyo-Typhoon Center, 23 out of 52 (44%) tropical cyclones (TCs) completed ET during these two years. These ET cases are classified into three categories in terms of the lower-tropospheric equivalent potential temperature distributions, characteristics of the TCs, and their environments. Eight TCs (35% of all ET cases) had temporary warm secluded frontal patterns and then occluded patterns at the completion of ET, which is defined as a seclusion–occlusion (SO) type. This occurs downstream of an intense upper-tropospheric trough interacting with a TC, which is then likely to move northward while keeping its tropical characteristics and have a large impact on relatively high latitudes including all the Japan islands. Three TCs (13%) were apparently absorbed into vigorous preexisting fronts in the southwest of midlatitude cyclones; this situation is defined as a cold advection (CA) type. A TC of the CA type is likely to lose its tropical characteristics rapidly in strong cold advection that is equatorward of a relatively straight upper-tropospheric jet stream. The other 12 TCs (52%) were organized into an open-wave frontal cyclone, which is defined as an open-wave (OW) type. This has characteristics of both SO and CA and is more related to the midlatitude baroclinic zone compared with the SO type.
Prediction of Landfalling Hurricanes with the Advanced Hurricane WRF Model
Authors: Davis Christopher , Wang Wei , Chen Shuyi S. , Chen Yongsheng , Corbosiero Kristen , DeMaria Mark , Dudhia Jimy , Holland Greg , Klemp Joe , Michalakes John , Reeves Heather , Rotunno Richard , Snyder Chris , Xiao Qingnong
Published: July 2008

Real-time forecasts of five landfalling Atlantic hurricanes during 2005 using the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) (ARW) Model at grid spacings of 12 and 4 km revealed performance generally competitive with, and occasionally superior to, other operational forecasts for storm position and intensity. Recurring errors include 1) excessive intensification prior to landfall, 2) insufficient momentum exchange with the surface, and 3) inability to capture rapid intensification when observed. To address these errors several augmentations of the basic community model have been designed and tested as part of what is termed the Advanced Hurricane WRF (AHW) model. Based on sensitivity simulations of Katrina, the inner-core structure, particularly the size of the eye, was found to be sensitive to model resolution and surface momentum exchange. The forecast of rapid intensification and the structure of convective bands in Katrina were not significantly improved until the grid spacing approached 1 km. Coupling the atmospheric model to a columnar, mixed layer ocean model eliminated much of the erroneous intensification of Katrina prior to landfall noted in the real-time forecast.
An Objective Study of 500-hPa Moving Troughs in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Piva Everson D. , Gan Manoel A. , Rao V. Brahmananda
Published: July 2008

The location and movement of 500-hPa troughs using an automated method are studied with data from a 24-yr period with the objective of determining the trough formation and dissipation regions in the Southern Hemisphere. To identify the 500-hPa mobile troughs, an objective method that uses the Eulerian centripetal acceleration (ECA) is developed. On average, 868 troughs per year were identified by the method, with an increase in trend during the period studied. The troughs have an average lifetime of 4.3 days, being longer (shorter) in subtropical (high) latitudes. The average calculated phase velocity was 13.6 m s−1, being higher (lower) in middle (high) latitudes. The troughs are normally found in the 60°–40°S latitudinal band, with maximum occurrence at 50°S. The longitudinal distribution of trough genesis has three maximum regions: over the Drake Strait and the South Atlantic Ocean, over the Indian Ocean around 50°S, and over the southwestern Pacific Ocean between 150°E and 150°W. The trough dissipation regions are less concentrated than the genesis regions and also show three maxima: over the west of the Andes, south of the African continent, and south of Australia. The seasonal variation in the trough dissipation shows that the 30°–40°S band is more active during winter than in summer. The difference between the genesis and dissipation location is that formation occurs more in middle and high latitudes, while dissipation is more common in the 40°–30°S latitude belt.
A Linear Analysis of the NCAR CCSM Finite-Volume Dynamical Core
Authors: Skamarock William C.
Published: July 2008

The NCAR Community Climate System Model (CCSM) finite-volume atmospheric core uses a C–D-grid discretization to solve the equations of motion. A linear analysis of this discretization shows that it behaves as a D grid to leading order; it possesses the poor response of the D grid for short-wavelength divergent modes, the poor response of the C and D grids for short-wavelength rotational modes, and is only first-order accurate in time and damping. The scheme combines a modified forward–backward time integration for gravity waves with forward-in-time upwind-biased advection schemes, and the solver uses a vector-invariant form of the momentum equations. Other approaches using these equations are considered that circumvent some of the problems inherent in the current approach.
Using Observed Spatial Correlation Structures to Increase the Skill of Subseasonal Forecasts
Authors: Koster Randal D. , Bell Thomas L. , Reichle Rolf H. , Suarez Max J. , Schubert Siegfried D.
Published: July 2008

Model deficiencies limit a subseasonal or seasonal forecast system’s ability to produce accurate predictions. In this paper, an approach for transforming the output of a forecast system into a revised forecast is presented; it is designed to correct for some of the deficiencies in the system (particularly those associated with the spatial correlation structures of the forecasted fields) and thereby increase forecast skill. The approach, based on the joint consideration of the correlation structures present in the observational record and the inherent potential predictability of the model, is tested on a preexisting subseasonal forecast experiment. It is shown to produce modest but significant increases in the accuracy of forecasted precipitation and near-surface air temperature at monthly time scales.
Tests of an Adjoint Mesoscale Model with Explicit Moist Physics on the Cloud Scale
Authors: Amerault Clark , Zou Xiaolei , Doyle James
Published: July 2008

An adjoint modeling system based upon the Naval Research Laboratory’s Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System’s atmospheric component has been developed. The system includes the adjoint model of the explicit moist physics parameterization, which allows for gradients with respect to the initial hydrometeor concentrations to be calculated. This work focuses on the ability of the system to calculate evolved perturbations and gradients for the hydrometeor variables. Tests of the tangent linear and adjoint models for an idealized convective case at high model resolution (4-km horizontal grid spacing) are presented in this study. The tangent linear approximation is shown to be acceptable for all model variables (including the hydrometeors) with sizable perturbations for forecasts of 1 h. The adjoint model was utilized with the same convective case to demonstrate its applicability in four-dimensional variational data assimilation experiments. Identical twin experiments were conducted where the adjoint model produced gradients for all model variables, leading to improved analyses and forecasts. The best agreement between model forecasts and simulated observations occurred when information on all model variables was assimilated. In the case where only conventional data were assimilated, the agreement was not as good in the early forecast period. However, the hydrometeor values spun up quickly, and at later times, the forecast performed almost as well as when all data were assimilated.
Preliminary Impact Studies Using Global Positioning System Radio Occultation Profiles at NCEP
Authors: Cucurull L. , Derber J. C. , Treadon R. , Purser R. J.
Published: July 2008

Following the successful launch of the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) satellites in April 2006, NCEP’s Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) is planning to use the COSMIC data in its next-generation Global Data Assimilation System. In preparation for the assimilation of GPS radio occultation (RO) data from COSMIC and other missions, NCEP/EMC has developed the infrastructure necessary to use profiles of refractivity and bending angle in an operational framework. In both forward operators, horizontal gradients of refractivity have been neglected and each operator has been tuned with its corresponding quality control checks and error characterization. In this paper, the benefits of the assimilation of profiles of GPS RO on top of the current observations being regularly used in operations are analyzed. In addition, differences between the assimilation of bending angle and refractivity are discussed. To avoid unrealistic increments within the higher model layers, experiments not using GPS RO observations above 30 km are also performed. This stratospheric data assimilation problem was present in earlier experiments with GPS RO data at NCEP/EMC and impacted the forecast in the lower-atmospheric levels as well as the stratosphere. Some characteristics of the assimilation of profiles of bending angle are also discussed. Data from the Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) satellite are available in non–real time at NOAA and have been used to perform the experiments examined herein.
Reliable Probabilistic Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts from a Short-Range Ensemble Forecasting System during the 2005/06 Cool Season
Authors: Yussouf Nusrat , Stensrud David J.
Published: July 2008

A simple binning technique developed to produce reliable probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecasts (PQPFs) from a multimodel short-range ensemble forecasting system is evaluated during the cool season of 2005/06. The technique uses forecasts and observations of 3-h accumulated precipitation amounts from the past 12 days to adjust the present day’s 3-h quantitative precipitation forecasts from each ensemble member for each 3-h forecast period. Results indicate that the PQPFs obtained from this simple binning technique are significantly more reliable than the raw (original) ensemble forecast probabilities. Brier skill scores and areas under the relative operating characteristic curve also reveal that this technique yields skillful probabilistic forecasts of rainfall amounts during the cool season. This holds true for accumulation periods of up to 48 h. The results obtained from this wintertime experiment parallel those obtained during the summer of 2004. In an attempt to reduce the effects of a small sample size on two-dimensional probability maps, the simple binning technique is modified by implementing 5- and 9-point smoothing schemes on the adjusted precipitation forecasts. Results indicate that the smoothed ensemble probabilities remain an improvement over the raw (original) ensemble forecast probabilities, although the smoothed probabilities are not as reliable as the unsmoothed adjusted probabilities. The skill of the PQPFs also is increased as the ensemble is expanded from 16 to 22 members during the period of study. These results reveal that simple postprocessing techniques have the potential to provide greatly improved probabilistic guidance of rainfall events for all seasons of the year.
The Influence of Near-Surface, High-Entropy Air in Hurricane Eyes on Maximum Hurricane Intensity
Authors: Bryan George H. , Rotunno Richard
Published: July 2008

Using a time-dependent axisymmetric numerical model, the authors evaluate whether high-entropy air near the surface in hurricane eyes can substantially increase hurricanes’ maximum intensity. This local high-entropy anomaly is ultimately created by surface entropy fluxes in the eye. Therefore, simulations are conducted in which these surface fluxes are set to zero; results show that the high-entropy anomaly is eliminated, yet the axisymmetric tangential wind speed is only slightly weakened (by ∼4%, on average). These results contradict the hypothesis that transport of high-entropy air from the eye into the eyewall can significantly increase the maximum axisymmetric intensity of hurricanes. In fact, all simulations (with or without high-entropy anomalies) have an intensity that is 25–30 m s−1 higher than Emanuel’s theoretical maximum intensity. Further analysis demonstrates that less then 3% of the total surface-entropy input to the hurricane comes from the eye, and therefore the total magnitude of entropy transport between the eye and eyewall is a negligible component of the entropy budget of the simulated hurricanes. This latter finding is consistent with a cursory comparison with observations.
Radiative Constraints on the Hydrological Cycle in an Idealized Radiative–Convective Equilibrium Model
Authors: Takahashi Ken
Published: July 2008

The radiative constraints on the partitioning of the surface energy budget and, hence, on the strength of the hydrological cycle are analyzed in an idealized one-dimensional radiative–convective equilibrium model formulated in terms of the energy budgets at the top of the atmosphere, the subcloud layer, and the free atmosphere, which enables it to predict both surface relative humidity and the air–sea temperature difference. Using semigray radiative transfer, a semianalytical solution was obtained that explicitly shows how the surface latent heat flux (LHF) is related to the radiative properties of the atmosphere. This solution was also used in conjunction with a full radiative transfer code and was found to provide reasonably realistic quantitative estimates.

In the model the LHF is fundamentally constrained by the net longwave flux divergence above the level of condensation by lifting (LCL) and by the atmospheric absorption of shortwave radiation, with only a weak indirect control by near-surface moisture. The latter implies that the Clausius–Clapeyron relation does not directly constrain the strength of the hydrological cycle. Under radiative perturbations, the changes in LHF are determined by the changes in the net longwave fluxes at the LCL, associated mainly with the changes in the longwave transmissivity, and by the changes in shortwave absorption by the atmosphere (e.g., by increased water vapor).

Using a full radiative transfer model with interactive water vapor feedback with the semianalytical solution indicates a rate of change in LHF with greenhouse forcing of around 2 W m−2 K−1 of surface warming, which corresponds to the Planck feedback (∼3.2 W m−2 K−1) multiplied by a coefficient of order one that, to first approximation, depends only on the relative magnitudes of the net longwave radiation fluxes at the LCL and the top of the atmosphere (i.e., on the shape of the vertical profile of the net longwave flux).
Arctic Sea Ice Retreat in 2007 Follows Thinning Trend
Authors: Lindsay R. W. , Zhang J. , Schweiger A. , Steele M. , Stern H.
Published: July 2008

The minimum of Arctic sea ice extent in the summer of 2007 was unprecedented in the historical record. A coupled ice–ocean model is used to determine the state of the ice and ocean over the past 29 yr to investigate the causes of this ice extent minimum within a historical perspective. It is found that even though the 2007 ice extent was strongly anomalous, the loss in total ice mass was not. Rather, the 2007 ice mass loss is largely consistent with a steady decrease in ice thickness that began in 1987. Since then, the simulated mean September ice thickness within the Arctic Ocean has declined from 3.7 to 2.6 m at a rate of −0.57 m decade−1. Both the area coverage of thin ice at the beginning of the melt season and the total volume of ice lost in the summer have been steadily increasing. The combined impact of these two trends caused a large reduction in the September mean ice concentration in the Arctic Ocean. This created conditions during the summer of 2007 that allowed persistent winds to push the remaining ice from the Pacific side to the Atlantic side of the basin and more than usual into the Greenland Sea. This exposed large areas of open water, resulting in the record ice extent anomaly.
Improving Satellite-Based Rainfall Accumulation Estimates Using Spaceborne Surface Soil Moisture Retrievals
Authors: Crow Wade T. , Huffman George J. , Bindlish Rajat , Jackson Thomas J.
Published: July 2008

Over land, remotely sensed surface soil moisture and rainfall accumulation retrievals contain complementary information that can be exploited for the mutual benefit of both product types. Here, a Kalman filtering–based tool is developed that utilizes a time series of spaceborne surface soil moisture retrievals to enhance short-term (2- to 10-day) satellite-based rainfall accumulation products. Using ground rain gauge data as a validation source, and a soil moisture product derived from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer aboard the NASA Aqua satellite, the approach is evaluated over the contiguous United States. Results demonstrate that, for areas of low to moderate vegetation cover density, the procedure is capable of improving short-term rainfall accumulation estimates extracted from a variety of satellite-based rainfall products. The approach is especially effective for correcting rainfall accumulation estimates derived without the aid of ground-based rain gauge observations. Special emphasis is placed on demonstrating that the approach can be applied in continental areas lacking ground-based observations and/or long-term satellite data records.
An Evaluation of Radiometric Products from Fixed-Depth and Continuous In-Water Profile Data from Moderately Complex Waters
Authors: Zibordi Giuseppe , Berthon Jean-François , D’Alimonte Davide
Published: July 2008

Radiometric products determined from fixed-depth and continuous in-water profile data collected at a coastal site characterized by moderately complex waters were compared to investigate differences and limitations between the two measurement methods. The analysis focused on measurements performed with the same radiometer system sequentially deployed at discrete depths (i.e., 1 and 3 m) and successively used to profile the water column. Within the 412–683-nm spectral interval, comparisons show uncertainties of 2%–4%, 3%–5%, and 2% for the subsurface values of upwelling radiance, Lun, upward irradiance, Eun, and downward irradiance, Edn, all normalized with respect to the above-water downward irradiance. The related spectral biases vary from −2% to 1% for Lun, are in the range of 2%–3% for Eun, and are lower than 0.5% for Edn. Derived products like the irradiance reflectance, R, Q factor at nadir, Q, and normalized water leaving radiance, LWN, exhibit spectral uncertainties of 4%–6%, 2%–3%, and 2%–4%. The related spectral biases vary from 1% to 3%, 2% to 3%, and −2% to 1%, respectively. An analysis of these results indicates a general diminishing of uncertainties and biases with a decrease of the diffuse attenuation coefficient, Kd, determined at 490 nm, for most of the quantities investigated. Exceptions are Edn and Kd because an increase of Kd reduces the perturbations due to wave effects on downward irradiance measurements. An evaluation of the perturbing effects due to the presence of optical stratifications, which lead to a nonlinear decrease with depth of log-transformed radiometric measurements, shows an expected increase in uncertainty and bias specifically evident for Ku, Eun, Kl, and Lun, and derived quantities like R, Q, and LWN. Overall results, supported by a t-test analysis, indicate the possibility of using moorings in moderately complex coastal waters to determine LWN with a slightly higher uncertainty with respect to that achievable with continuous profiling systems.
Narcissistic Temptations to Cross Boundaries and How to Manage Them
Authors: Coen Stanley J.
Published: July 2008

The narcissism of analysts is considered here from the perspective of the narcissistic temptations of boundary crossing. The literature on boundary crossing in psychoanalysis has focused minimally on the more ordinary, nonsexual temptations analysts face with their patients. Narcissistic temptations with particularly impressive patients are explored. What analysts find impressive in their patients depends both on what patients bring and on what analysts need. This paper aims to heighten analysts' awareness of their narcissistic needs in treating patients who tempt them too much. The goal is for analysts to be able to catch and then examine their narcissistic excitement with such patients in order to avoid compromising the treatment. Danger signs and ways of managing the problems they point toward are presented.
Self-Reported Distractions of Middle School Students in Listening to Music and Prose
Authors: Flowers Patricia J. , O'Neill Alice Ann M.
Published: July 2008

One hundred eighteen middle school students from three different settings listened individually to a music excerpt and a prose excerpt that were each 3.5 minutes long. As they listened, they clicked a computer touchpad whenever they were distracted either by thoughts or external events, then refocused on the holistic listening task. After listening to each selection, they rated it on enjoyment and familiarity. Students self-reported significantly more distractions during the music (1.60 per minute) than the prose excerpt (1.11 per minute), but they rated the music significantly higher on enjoyment. Fewer distractions were reported at the beginning and ending of the excerpts, and there was a significant relationship between number of distractions across the two different types of listening. It was thought that the computerized tracking of distractions functioned to maintain attentiveness in this sustained listening task.
Refining Learned Repertoire for Percussion Instruments in an Elementary Setting
Authors: Taylor Donald M.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine teaching effectiveness in an elementary music setting using student achievement as a dependent measure. Because Orff Schulwerk instruction is one of the most prevalent pedagogies in elementary music education, this study examined the rehearsal strategies of recognized Orff Schulwerk teachers as they worked to refine learned repertoire for percussion instruments. Eight instructors and their upper elementary students were videotaped in four regular rehearsals each. Systematic analyses of rehearsal frames in which teachers were working to improve student performance revealed fast teacher pacing and a predominance of instructional directives that were procedural (e.g., where to begin playing) rather than musical (e.g., how to perform more accurately or expressively). The majority of students' performance problems were related to precision, often caused by rushing the underlying pulse. Instructional targets were most often related to technique. Students successfully accomplished proximal goals in 63 % of the performance trials in which the targets were verbalized by the teacher prior to performance and in 74 % of the performance trials when the targets were verbalized by the teachers while students were playing. Students were most successful when teachers used clear, explicit directives and positive modeling.
Examination of Relationships between Participation in School Music Programs of Differing Quality and Standardized Test Results
Authors: Johnson Christopher M. , Memmott Jenny E.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between participation in contrasting school music programs and standardized test scores. Relationships between elementary (third- or fourth-grade) students' academic achievement at comparable schools, but with contrasting music programs as to instructional quality, were investigated. Relationships also were examined between middle school (eighth-or ninth-grade) students' academic achievement and their participation in school music programs that also differed in quality. Participants (N = 4,739) were students in elementary (n = 1,119) and middle schools (n = 3,620) from the South, East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast of the United States. All scores were standardized for comparison purposes. Analysis of elementary school data indicated that students in exemplary music education programs scored higher on both English and mathematics standardized tests than their counterparts who did not have this high-quality instruction; however, the effect sizes were slight. Analysis of middle school data indicated that for both English and math, students in both exceptional music programs and deficient instrumental programs scored better than those in no music classes or deficient choral programs; however, the effect sizes were not large.