bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spinal Stimulation: Statistical Superiority of Monophasic Stimulation of Narrowly Separated, Longitudinal Bipoles Having Rostral Cathodes
Authors: Law Jay D.
Published: March 2007

A prospective study of a large number of spinal stimulating electrodes permitted a statistical comparison of stimulus parameters, including phase, polarity and orientation of bipolar electrodes. For the treatment of pain, the technical grade of a stimulator is proportional to the range of stimulation, which was found to be significantly greater under the conditions listed in the title.
Three-Dimensional Stereotactic Anatomy of the Human Trigeminal Nerve Nuclear Complex
Authors: Afshar F. , Dykes E. , Watkins E.S.
Published: March 2007

The trigeminal nuclear complex and its spinal tract extend throughout the greater part of the brain-stem and at medullary levels form the target site for producing stereotactic lesions. This paper describes a method for three-dimensional drawings of this nuclear complex. A stereotactic atlas of the human brain-stem and cerebellar nuclei has formed the data base. The two-dimensional composite transverse sections, at 1-mm intervals have been digitized using an X-Y coordinate plotting microscope. Computer programs have been written to generate drawings of a single transverse hemisection as well as regeneration of the opposite hemibrain-stem section. Specific programs were used to reconstruct serial transverse section outlines and incorporate the trigeminal nuclear complex with and without hidden line removal techniques and colour graphic display facilities. Rotation about the x, y and z axes was possible and permits any view of the reconstructed specimen to be computer-generated. A further program for reconstructing structures as stereopairs is presented.
Stereotactic Neurosurgery and Computerized Tomographic Scanning
Authors: Gildenberg P.L.
Published: March 2007

The marriage of computerized tomographic (CT) scanning and stereotactic surgery opens up new technical possibilities, as it becomes feasible to introduce a probe into any lesion which is identified on a CT scan. The various CT stereotactic techniques are reviewed, and generally involve four variations. The head holder of a standard stereotactic appartus can be adapted to the CT scanner to interdigitate the coordinates of both devices in a known relationship. Second, some types of CT scanners allow the visualization of the vertical coordinate. Third, a stereotactic microdrive can be incorporated into the scanner. Finally, a simple aiming device can be attached to the patient''s head and repeated scans taken as the probe is advanced to the target. Various authors have reported the use of techniques for biopsy, aspiration of cysts or hematomas, insertion of radioisotopes, or as an adjunct to open surgery.
Pathologie Anatomy and CT Correlations in the Glioblastoma Multif orme
Authors: Burger Peter C.
Published: March 2007

6 cases of glioblastoma multiforme, 1 anaplastic astrocytoma, and 1 astrocytoma were studied pathologically post mortem. The specimens were compared to antemortem CT scans, when available. By use of whole brain sections, each glioblastoma was divided into a central area of necrosis, a surrounding rim of hypercellular neoplasm, and a peripheral zone of infiltration. The dimensions and areas of these three zones were quantified. The striking findings of the study were the often small diameter of the hypercellular region and the frequently narrow peripheral zone of detectable infiltrating cells. Comparison of the autopsy specimens with CT scans confirmed previous studies of the glioblastoma. The radiographic central area of low density is necrosis; the enhancing rim is a markedly hypercellular region, and the perilesional low density encompasses a population of infiltrating tumor cells.
Experience Using Two CT-Guided Stereotactic Biopsy Methods
Authors: Bullard D.E. , Nashold B.S. , Osborne D. , Burger P.C. , Byrd R. , Schold C. , Oakes W.J. , Friedman A. , Triolo P. , Dubois P.
Published: March 2007

15 patients had intracranial CT-guided stereotactic biopsies. Biopsies were performed either with a Riechert-Mundinger stereotactic frame modified for use in the CT or by using the CT scan to establish the relationship of the intracranial lesion to identifiable bony landmarks, and subsequently performing the biopsy in a Standard stereotactic frame. Both systems provided safe and accurate methods for obtaining intracranial tissue.
Chronic Intratumoral Chemotherapy of a Rat Tumor with Cisplatin and Fluorouracil
Authors: Penn R.D. , Kroin J.S. , Harris J.E. , Chiu K.M. , Braun D.P.
Published: March 2007

In order to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of intratumoral chemotherapy, brain tumors in rats were treated by direct infusion of cisplatin or fluorouracil. Each animal was initially implanted in the midline cerebellum with a chronic stainless-steel cannula, and 2 weeks later 1 x 105 9L cells were injected through the cannula. 8 days after tumor cell transplantation, a small implantable pump containing drug, or saline as a control, was connected up to the same cannula, and the solution was pumped into the tumor region for 7 days. The results showed that both drugs produced statistically significant increases in survival as compared to the controls.
Spinal Cord Stimulation in Peripheral Vascular Pain
Authors: Fiume Dario
Published: March 2007

Results in 12 patients suffering from pain due to peripheral vascular pathology and treated with spinal neurostimulation are reported. The best results were obtained in stage III of vascular disease; however, our results indicate that regression of the pain symptom and healing of trophic lesions do not always correspond to any variation in blood flow.
Transcoronary Transplantation of Functionally Competent BMCs Is Associated With a Decrease in Natriuretic Peptide Serum Levels and Improved Survival of Patients With Chronic Postinfarction Heart Failure
Authors: Assmus Birgit , Fischer-Rasokat Ulrich , Honold Jörg , Seeger Florian H. , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Tonn Torsten , Seifried Erhard , Schächinger Volker , Dimmeler Stefanie , Zeiher Andreas M.
Published: March 2007

Although intracoronary administration of bone marrow–derived mononuclear progenitor cells (BMCs) may be associated with improved cardiac function in patients with chronic postinfarction heart failure, the impact on prognosis and clinical outcome of these patients is unknown. To identify potential predictors for a favorable clinical outcome, we assessed natriuretic peptide serum levels as objective markers of heart failure and the occurrence of cardiac death in relation to functional capacity of the infused cells in a consecutive series of 121 patients with chronic ischemic heart disease treated with intracoronary infusion of BMCs. Our analyses show that both N-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and N-terminal pro–atrial natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP) serum levels were significantly reduced in patients with established postinfarction heart failure 3 months after transcoronary progenitor cell administration. NT-proBNP serum levels greater than or equal to median (735 pg/mL) at baseline and a high number of infused progenitor cells with colony-forming capacity were the only independent predictors of a favorable response 3 months after intracoronary administration of BMCs. During extended clinical follow-up (577±442 days), a total of 14 deaths occurred in the overall patient population. Kaplan–Meier curves for both all cause and cardiac mortality showed that patients receiving a higher number of colony-forming cells were significantly less likely to die than those patients receiving low numbers of colony-forming cells (
P
=0.01). Most importantly, infusion of a high number of cells with colony-forming capacity was associated with a complete abrogation of increased mortality in patients with elevated NT-proBNP serum levels (≥735 pg/mL; median) at baseline (
P
<0.001). Taken together, our results show that patients with objective evidence of postinfarction heart failure demonstrate a significant reduction of both NT-proBNP and NT-proANP serum levels within 3 months following intracoronary infusion of BMCs. Importantly, infusion of progenitor cells with a high functional capacity is associated with a significantly lower mortality during further follow-up.
Dicer Dependent MicroRNAs Regulate Gene Expression and Functions in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Suárez Yajaira , Fernández-Hernando Carlos , Pober Jordan S. , Sessa William C.
Published: March 2007

Dicer is a key enzyme involved in the maturation of microRNAS (miRNAs). miRNAs have been shown to be regulators of gene expression participating in the control of a wide range of physiological pathways. To assess the role of Dicer and consequently the importance of miRNAs in the biology and functions of human endothelial cells (EC) during angiogenesis, we globally reduced miRNAs in ECs by specific silencing Dicer using siRNA and examined the effects on EC phenotypes in vitro. The knockdown of Dicer in ECs altered the expression (mRNA and/or protein) of several key regulators of endothelial biology and angiogenesis, such as TEK/Tie-2, KDR/VEGFR2, Tie-1, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and IL-8. Although, Dicer knockdown increased activation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway it reduced proliferation and cord formation of EC in vitro. The miRNA expression profile of EC revealed 25 highly expressed miRNAs in human EC and using miRNA mimicry, miR-222/221 regulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase protein levels after Dicer silencing. Collectively, these results indicate that maintenance and regulation of endogenous miRNA levels via Dicer mediated processing is critical for EC gene expression and functions in vitro.
Protease Nexin-1 Interacts With Thrombomodulin and Modulates Its Anticoagulant Effect
Authors: Bouton Marie-Christine , Venisse Laurence , Richard Benjamin , Pouzet Cécile , Arocas Véronique , Jandrot-Perrus Martine
Published: March 2007

The endothelial cell membrane glycoprotein thrombomodulin (TM) plays a critical role in the regulation of coagulation. TM is an essential cofactor in protein C activation by thrombin, and a direct inhibitor of thrombin-induced platelet activation and fibrinogen clotting. Protease nexin-1 (PN-1) is a serpin synthesized and secreted by a variety of cells including endothelial cells. PN-1 bound to the cell surface through interactions with glycosaminoglycans, is an efficient inhibitor of thrombin and controls thrombin-induced cell responses. An investigation of the interaction of PN-1 with TM using purified proteins and cultured human aortic endothelial cells was performed. Purified PN-1 was observed to bind to purified TM in a concentration-dependent manner. Double immunofluorescence studies indicated that PN-1 and TM were colocalized at the endothelial cell surface from which they were coprecipitated. Pretreatment of the cells with chondroitinase ABC greatly decreased the amount of the PN-1 associated to TM at the cell surface demonstrating the involvement of the TM chondroitin-sulfate chain in the formation of complexes. The inhibitory activity of the PN-1/TM complexes on the catalytic activity of thrombin, and on thrombin-induced fibrinogen clotting, was markedly enhanced when compared with the inhibitory activity of each partner. PN-1–overexpressing human aortic endothelial cells and PN-1–underexpressing human aortic endothelial cells exhibited respectively a significantly reduced ability and enhanced capacity to activate protein C. Furthermore, PN-1 decreased the cofactor activity of TM on thrombin activable fibrinolysis inhibitor activation by thrombin. These data show for the first time that PN-1 forms complexes with TM and modulates its anticoagulant activity.
Oral, Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors in Development for the Prevention and Treatment of Thromboembolic Diseases
Authors: Turpie Alexander G.G.
Published: March 2007

Anticoagulants are recommended for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of thromboembolic events. Although existing anticoagulants are effective, their use is limited by parenteral administration or the requirement for frequent monitoring and subsequent dose adjustment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel, oral agents with a predictable anticoagulant action. Because of its key position in the coagulation cascade and its limited roles outside of coagulation, Factor Xa has emerged as an attractive target for novel anticoagulants. As a result, the past decade has witnessed an explosion of research into small-molecule, oral, direct Factor Xa inhibitors, and several are now in clinical development. Rivaroxaban, LY517717, YM150, apixaban, PRT054021, and DU-176b, among others, have shown considerable promise; rivaroxaban is currently furthest ahead in its developmental program, having entered phase III in 3 indications. It is hoped that, before long, these anticoagulants will allow us to enter an era of convenient, oral anticoagulation, without the need for regular monitoring or dose adjustment.
Developmental Basis of Vascular Smooth Muscle Diversity
Authors: Majesky Mark W.
Published: March 2007

The origins of vascular smooth muscle are far more diverse than previously thought. Lineage mapping studies show that the segmental organization of early vertebrate embryos leaves footprints on the adult vascular system in the form of a mosaic pattern of different smooth muscle types. Moreover, evolutionarily conserved tissue forming pathways produce vascular smooth muscle from a variety of unanticipated sources. A closer look at the diversity of smooth muscle origins in vascular development provides new perspectives about how blood vessels differ from one another and why they respond in disparate ways to common risk factors associated with vascular disease.
Molecular Imaging of Human Thrombus With Novel Abciximab Immunobubbles and Ultrasound
Authors: Alonso Angelika , Della Martina Alberto , Stroick Mark , Fatar Marc , Griebe Martin , Pochon Sibylle , Schneider Michel , Hennerici Michael , Allémann Eric , Meairs Stephen
Published: March 2007

Background and Purpose—

Molecular imaging of therapeutic interventions with targeted agents that simultaneously carry drugs or genes for local delivery is appealing. We investigated the ability of a novel microbubble carrier (immunobubble) for abciximab, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor, for ultrasonographic molecular imaging of human clots.

Methods—

Human thrombi were incubated with immunobubbles conjugated with abciximab. Control clots were incubated in either saline or with immunobubbles conjugated with nonspecific antibody. We evaluated immunobubble suspensions with variable concentrations of encapsulated gas and measured mean acoustic intensity of the incubated clots. In vivo molecular imaging of human thrombi with abciximab immunobubbles was evaluated in a rat model of carotid artery occlusion.

Results—

Mean acoustic intensity was significantly higher for abciximab immunobubbles as compared with control immunobubbles under all conditions tested with maximum difference in intensity at a gas volume of 0.2 μL (
P
=0.0013 for mechanical index 0.05,
P
=0.0001 for mechanical index 0.7). Binding of abciximab immunobubbles to clots in vitro led to enhanced echogenicity dependent on bubble concentration. In vivo ultrasonic detectability of carotid thrombi was significantly higher for clots targeted with abciximab immunobubbles (
P
<0.05). Quantification of in vivo contrast enhancement displayed a highly significant increment for abciximab immunobubble-targeted clots compared with nonspecific immunobubble-targeted clots (
P
<0.0001) and to native clots (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using a therapeutic agent for selective targeting in vascular imaging. Abciximab immunobubbles improve visualization of human clots both in vitro and in an in vivo model of acute arterial thrombotic occlusion.
Carotid Intraplaque Hemorrhage Predicts Recurrent Symptoms in Patients With High-Grade Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Altaf Nishath , MacSweeney Shane T. , Gladman John , Auer Dorothee P.
Published: March 2007

Background and Purpose—

Carotid intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), known to be associated with plaque instability, may convey a higher stroke risk. The aim of this study was to assess whether the identification of IPH by MRI predicts recurrent clinical cerebrovascular events.

Methods—

Sixty-six patients with high-grade symptomatic carotid stenosis underwent MRI of the carotid arteries and were followed until carotid endarterectomy or 30 days.

Results—

Of the 66 patients with a median follow up of 33.5 days, 44 (66.7%) were found on MRI to have ipsilateral carotid IPH. Fifteen recurrent events were associated with ipsilateral carotid IPH. Only 2 recurrent events occurred in the absence of IPH. IPH increased the risk of recurrent ischemia (hazard ratio=4.8; 95% CI=1.1 to 20.9,
P
<0.05).

Conclusion—

IPH as detected by MRI predicts recurrent cerebrovascular events in patients with symptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis.
COL4A1
Mutation in a Patient With Sporadic, Recurrent Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Vahedi Katayoun , Kubis Nathalie , Boukobza Monique , Arnoult Minh , Massin Pascale , Tournier-Lasserve Elisabeth , Bousser Marie-Germaine
Published: March 2007

Background and Purpose—

Recently
COL4A1
, a gene encoding the type IV collagen α1 chain, has been found to be involved in families with autosomal-dominant porencephaly and infantile hemiparesis. In addition to neonatal stroke, some family members had experienced, during adulthood, spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) and leukoencephalopathy, suggestive of underlying small-vessel disease of the brain. We now report a patient with sporadic, recurrent ICHs and a novel
COL4A1
mutation.

Methods—

We performed a clinical and genetic study of a 25-year-old-patient with an 8-year history of recurrent ICHs.

Results—

This young, normotensive patient with a history of infantile hemiparesis had experienced, since the age of 17, recurrent, spontaneous, deep ICHs occurring during sports activities. He became severely disabled. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed ventricular enlargement, diffuse white-matter abnormalities, and newly appearing, deep, silent microbleeds. Extensive investigations found no cause. There was no family history of stroke or infantile hemiparesis. A novel
COL4A1
mutation (G805R) was identified.

Conclusions—

The clinical spectrum of
COL4A1
mutations includes recurrent ICHs in association with diffuse leukoencephalopathy in young adults, even in the absence of a family history of infantile hemiparesis or ICH. In addition to birth trauma, anticoagulant use, and head trauma previously reported, sports activities may be a precipitating factor of ICHs in persons with
COL4A1
mutations.
The Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Rolipram Promotes Survival of Newborn Hippocampal Neurons After Ischemia
Authors: Sasaki Tsutomu , Kitagawa Kazuo , Omura-Matsuoka Emi , Todo Kenichi , Terasaki Yasukazu , Sugiura Shiro , Hatazawa Jun , Yagita Yoshiki , Hori Masatsugu
Published: March 2007

Background and Purpose—

Brain ischemia stimulates neurogenesis. However, newborn neurons show a progressive decrease in number over time. Under normal conditions, the cAMP–cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) pathway regulates the survival of newborn neurons. Constitutive activation of CREB after brain ischemia also stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis. Thus, activation of cAMP-CREB signaling may provide a promising strategy for enhancing the survival of newborn neurons. We examined whether treatment of mice with the phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor rolipram enhances hippocampal neurogenesis after ischemia.

Methods—

Both common carotid arteries in mice were occluded for 12 minutes. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was used to label proliferating cells. Mice were perfused transcardially with 4% paraformaldehyde, and immunohistochemistry was performed. To evaluate the role of CREB in the survival of newborn neurons after ischemia, intrahippocampal injection of a CRE-decoy oligonucleotide was delivered for 1 week. We examined whether the activation of cAMP-CREB signaling by rolipram enhanced the proliferation and survival of newborn neurons.

Results—

Phospho-CREB immunostaining was markedly upregulated in immature neurons, decreasing to low levels in mature neurons. The number of BrdU-positive cells 30 days after ischemia was significantly less in the CRE-decoy treatment group than in the vehicle group. Rolipram enhanced the proliferation of newborn cells under physiologic conditions but not under ischemic conditions. Rolipram significantly increased the survival of nascent BrdU-positive neurons, accompanied by an enhancement of phospho-CREB staining and decreased newborn cell death after ischemia.

Conclusions—

CREB phosphorylation regulates the survival of newborn neurons after ischemia. Chronic pharmacological activation of cAMP-CREB signaling may be therapeutically useful for the enhancement of neurogenesis after ischemia.
Molecular MRI of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Using a New Fibrin-Specific MR Contrast Agent
Authors: Stracke Christian P. , Katoh Markus , Wiethoff Andrea J. , Parsons Edward C. , Spangenberg Peter , Spüntrup Elmar
Published: March 2007

Background and Purpose—

Imaging of cerebral vein thrombosis is still challenging. Currently, diagnosis is based on CT venography and MRI including MRA and conventional digital subtraction angiography. However, especially in chronic cases, each method has shown its limitations. Newer strategies for MRI are found on molecular imaging using targeted contrast agents. The aim of this study was to prove the feasibility of a novel fibrin-targeted MR contrast agent (EP-2104R; EPIX Pharmaceuticals) for selective imaging of sinus venous thrombosis in an animal model.

Methods—

Thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus with human blood was induced in 6 pigs using a combined microsurgical and interventional approach. MRI was then performed before and up to 120 minutes after injection of 4 μmol/kg body weight EP-2104R. Molecular imaging was performed with a 3-dimensional high-resolution T1-weighted gradient echo sequence. Time courses of signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio were analyzed. Thrombi were then surgically removed and the Gadolinium concentration was assessed.

Results—

In all cases the thrombosis could be successfully induced; the complete MR protocol could be performed in 5 animals. In these cases the thrombi showed selective enhancement after injection of the molecular contrast agent. However, a continuous contrast-to-noise ratio increase was seen up to 120 minutes after contrast administration, achieving a contrast-to-noise ratio of 14.2±0.7 between clot and the blood pool.

Conclusion—

The novel fibrin-targeted molecular MR contrast EP-2104R allows selective and high-contrast imaging of cerebral sinus vein thrombosis in an animal model.
Contribution of Hand Motor Circuits to Counting
Authors: Andres Michael , Seron Xavier , Olivier Etienne
Published: March 2007

The finding that number processing activates a cortical network partly overlapping that recruited for hand movements has renewed interest in the relationship between number and finger representations. Further evidence about a possible link between fingers and numbers comes from developmental studies showing that finger movements play a crucial role in learning counting. However, increased activity in hand motor circuits during counting may unveil unspecific processes, such as shifting attention, reciting number names, or matching items with a number name. To address this issue, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation to measure changes in corticospinal (CS) excitability during a counting task performed silently and using either numbers or letters of the alphabet to enumerate items. We found an increased CS excitability of hand muscles during the counting task, irrespective of the use of numbers or letters, whereas it was unchanged in arm and foot muscles. Control tasks allowed us to rule out a possible influence of attention allocation or covert speech on CS excitability increase of hand muscles during counting. The present results support a specific involvement of hand motor circuits in counting because no CS changes were found in arm and foot muscles during the same task. However, the contribution of hand motor areas is not exclusively related to number processing because an increase in CS excitability was also found when letters were used to enumerate items. This finding suggests that hand motor circuits are involved whenever items have to be put in correspondence with the elements of any ordered series.
fMRI Data Predict Individual Differences of Behavioral Effects of Nicotine: A Partial Least Square Analysis
Authors: Giessing C. , Fink G. R. , Rösler F. , Thiel C. M.
Published: March 2007

Reorienting of visuospatial attention can be investigated by comparing reaction times to validly and invalidly cued targets (“validity effect”). The cholinergic agonist nicotine reduces the validity effect and neural activity in the posterior parietal cortex. Behavioral effects of nicotine in nonsmokers are weak and it has been suggested that differences in baseline behavior before nicotine exposure may influence the effect of nicotine. This study investigates whether individual differences in reorienting-related neural activity under placebo may be used to predict individual nicotine effects. Individual nicotine effects are defined as the behavioral effects under nicotine that cannot be predicted by the behavioral data under placebo. Fifteen nonsmoking subjects were given either placebo or nicotine gum (2 mg) prior to performing a cued target detection task inside a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The results of a partial least square analysis suggest that neural data under placebo can be used to predict individual behavioral effects of nicotine. Neural activity in the left posterior cingulate cortex, the right superior parietal cortex, the right dorsal medial prefrontal cortex, and the left ventral medial prefrontal cortex significantly contributes to that prediction. We conclude that nicotine effects on reorienting attention depend on individual differences in reorienting-related neural activity under placebo and suggest that functional magnetic resonance imaging data can contribute to the prediction of individual drug effects.
Ground-Based Solar Absorption FTIR Spectroscopy: Characterization of Retrievals and First Results from a Novel Optical Design Instrument at a New NDACC Complementary Station
Authors: Wiacek A. , Taylor J. R. , Strong K. , Saari R. , Kerzenmacher T. E. , Jones N. B. , Griffith D. W. T.
Published: March 2007

The authors describe the optical design of a high-resolution Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS), which serves as the primary instrument at the University of Toronto Atmospheric Observatory (TAO). The FTS is dedicated to ground-based infrared solar absorption atmospheric measurements from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Instrument performance is discussed in terms of instrumental line shape (ILS) and phase error and modulation efficiency as a function of optical path difference. Typical measurement parameters are presented together with retrieval parameters used to derive total and partial column concentrations of ozone. Retrievals at TAO employ the optimal estimation method (OEM), and some impacts of the necessary a priori constraints are examined. In March 2004, after participating in a retrieval algorithm user intercomparison exercise, the TAO FTS was granted the status of a Complementary Observation Station within the international community of high-resolution FTS users in the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition and Change (NDACC). During this exercise, average differences between total columns retrieved from the same spectra by different users were below 2.1% for O3, HCl, and N2O in the blind phase, and below 1% in the open phase, when all retrieval constraints were identical. Finally, a 2.5-yr time series of monthly mean stratospheric ozone columns agrees within 3% with those retrieved from Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imager System (OSIRIS) measurements on board the Odin satellite, which is within the errors of both measurement platforms.
Statewide Monitoring of the Mesoscale Environment: A Technical Update on the Oklahoma Mesonet
Authors: McPherson Renee A. , Fiebrich Christopher A. , Crawford Kenneth C. , Kilby James R. , Grimsley David L. , Martinez Janet E. , Basara Jeffrey B. , Illston Bradley G. , Morris Dale A. , Kloesel Kevin A. , Melvin Andrea D. , Shrivastava Himanshu , Wolfinbarger J. Michael , Bostic Jared P. , Demko David B. , Elliott Ronald L. , Stadler Stephen J. , Carlson J. D. , Sutherland Albert J.
Published: March 2007

Established as a multipurpose network, the Oklahoma Mesonet operates more than 110 surface observing stations that send data every 5 min to an operations center for data quality assurance, product generation, and dissemination. Quality-assured data are available within 5 min of the observation time. Since 1994, the Oklahoma Mesonet has collected 3.5 billion weather and soil observations and produced millions of decision-making products for its customers.
A CCD Spectroradiometer for Ultraviolet Actinic Radiation Measurements
Authors: Jäkel Evelyn , Wendisch Manfred , Blumthaler Mario , Schmitt Rainer , Webb Ann R.
Published: March 2007

A new spectroradiometer for spectral measurements of ultraviolet (UV) atmospheric radiation (290–400 nm) using a charge coupled device (CCD) as a detector is introduced. The instrument development is motivated by the need for measurements with (a) high accuracy in the UV-B spectral range (290–315 nm) for photochemistry applications and (b) high temporal resolution in quickly changing atmospheric conditions such as partial cloud cover. The new CCD instrument is mainly intended for airborne use. It allows fast data collection (<300 ms time resolution for each spectrum) with improved sensitivity in the UV spectral range. The instrumental setup and its characterization in terms of stray light, dark current, noise, and detection limits are described and compared to a spectroradiometer with a photodiode array (PDA) detector. The new CCD spectroradiometer has a one order of magnitude greater sensitivity than the PDA-based spectroradiometer. However, the stray light of the CCD instrument is wavelength dependent, which requires a more complicated data evaluation procedure than the PDA instrument. Comparison with other UV spectroradiometers (a PDA spectroradiometer and two ground-based double monochromators) shows the advantages of the CCD system for UV-B measurements of actinic flux densities and photolysis frequencies of ozone and nitrogen dioxide, and the improved performance compared to PDA spectroradiometers.
Reconstruction of the Sizes of Spherical Particles from Their Shadow Images. Part I: Theoretical Considerations
Authors: Korolev Alexei
Published: March 2007

Imaging optical array probes (OAPs) have become conventional instruments in studies of cloud microphysics. Previous works have shown that the error particle sizing in OAPs may reach 100%. Correcting the particle size measurements is not a trivial task, since the error depends on its size and distance from the object plane. A new technique for the size reconstruction of spherical particles from its measured image is introduced here. This technique also enables the retrieval of the particle position along the depth of field in the sample volume. The essence of the algorithm consists in the deduction of size and position from the relationships between the size of the Poisson spots and the geometrical dimensions of the image. The retrieval technique has been tested on the simulated discrete binary diffraction images of spherical particles, similar to those produced by OAPs. The images were modeled using the Fresnel diffraction approximation. It is demonstrated that the new algorithm can be applied to discrete binary images of spherical particles consisting of more than three pixels in size. An important feature of the retrieval technique is that it does not depend on the pixel resolution, and it can be applied for any type of OAPs that use a monochromatic coherent source of illumination.
Analysis of Radiosonde and Ground-Based Remotely Sensed PWV Data from the 2004 North Slope of Alaska Arctic Winter Radiometric Experiment
Authors: Mattioli V. , Westwater E. R. , Cimini D. , Liljegren J. C. , Lesht B. M. , Gutman S. I. , Schmidlin F. J.
Published: March 2007

During 9 March–9 April 2004, the North Slope of Alaska Arctic Winter Radiometric Experiment was conducted at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program’s (ARM) “Great White” field site near Barrow, Alaska. The major goals of the experiment were to compare microwave and millimeter wavelength radiometers and to develop forward models in radiative transfer, all with a focus on cold (temperature from 0° to −40°C) and dry [precipitable water vapor (PWV) < 0.5 cm] conditions. To supplement the remote sensors, several radiosonde packages were deployed: Vaisala RS90 launched at the ARM Duplex and at the Great White and Sippican VIZ-B2 operated by the NWS. In addition, eight dual-radiosonde launches were conducted at the Duplex with Vaisala RS90 and Sippican GPS Mark II, the latter one modified to include a chilled mirror humidity sensor. Temperature comparisons showed a nighttime bias between VIZ-B2 and RS90, which reached 3.5°C at 30 hPa. Relative humidity comparisons indicated better than 5% average agreement between the RS90 and the chilled mirror. A bias of about 20% for the upper troposphere was found in the VIZ-B2 and the Mark II measurements relative to both RS90 and the chilled mirror.

Comparisons in PWV were made between a microwave radiometer, a microwave profiler, a global positioning system receiver, and the radiosonde types. An RMS agreement of 0.033 cm was found between the radiometer and the profiler and better than 0.058 cm between the radiometers and GPS. RS90 showed a daytime dry bias on PWV of about 0.02 cm.
Variational Analysis of Oversampled Dual-Doppler Radial Velocity Data and Application to the Analysis of Tornado Circulations
Authors: Xue Ming , Liu Shun , Yu Tian-You
Published: March 2007

For the detection of severe weather phenomena such as tornados, mesocyclones, and strong wind shear, the azimuthal resolution of radial velocity measurements is more important. The typical azimuthal resolutions of 1° for the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) radars and of 2° for the planned Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of Atmosphere (CASA) radars are not sufficient for this purpose, especially at far ranges. Oversampling is one strategy that can potentially provide more details about the azimuthal structures of flows, and can be achieved by processing raw data at azimuthal increments smaller than the radar beamwidth. In the presence of dual-Doppler observations, the variational method can be used to effectively recover subbeamwidth structures from these oversampled data, which, combined with the typically higher range resolutions, can provide high-resolution wind analyses that are valuable for, for example, tornado detection. This idea is tested in this paper using simulated data as well as reprocessed level-I data from a research WSR-88D radar, for model-simulated and actually observed tornadoes, respectively. The results confirm that much more detailed, often subbeamwidth, flow structures can indeed be recovered through azimuthal oversampling and a properly configured variational analysis, and the detailed flow analysis is expected to significantly improve one’s ability in identifying small-scale features such as tornadoes from radial velocity observations.
Using Wavelet Analysis to Detect Tornadoes from Doppler Radar Radial-Velocity Observations
Authors: Liu Shun , Xue Ming , Xu Qin
Published: March 2007

A wavelet-based algorithm is developed to detect tornadoes from Doppler weather radar radial-velocity observations. Within this algorithm, a relative region-to-region velocity difference (RRVD) is defined based on the scale- and location-dependent wavelet coefficients and this difference represents the relative magnitude of the radial velocity shear between two adjacent regions of different scales. The RRVD fields of an idealized tornado and a realistic tornado from a high-resolution numerical simulation are analyzed first. It is found that the value of RRVD in the tornado region is significantly larger than those at other locations and large values of RRVD exist at more than one scale. This characteristic forms the basis of the new algorithm presented in this work for identifying tornadoes. Different from traditional tornadic vortex signature detection algorithms that typically rely on the velocity difference between adjacent velocity gate pairs at a single spatial scale, the new algorithm examines region-to-region radial wind shears at a number of different spatial scales. Multiscale regional wind shear examination not only can be used to discard a nontornadic vortex signature to reduce the false alert rate of tornado detection but also has the ability of capturing tornadic signatures at various scales for improving the detection and warning. The potential advantage of the current algorithm is demonstrated by applying it to the radar data collected by Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (KTLX), Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) on 8 May 2003 for a central Oklahoma tornado case.
The Effect of Filter Dimension on the Subgrid-Scale Stress, Heat Flux, and Tensor Alignments in the Atmospheric Surface Layer
Authors: Higgins Chad W. , Meneveau Charles , Parlange Marc B.
Published: March 2007

In field experiments designed to study subgrid-scale parameterizations for large eddy simulation, the flow field is often measured and then filtered in two-dimensional planes. This two-dimensional filtering serves as a surrogate for three-dimensional filtering. The question of whether this will yield accurate results in subgrid-scale (SGS) models is addressed by analyzing data from a field experiment in which 16 sonic anemometers were deployed in a four by four grid. The experiment was held in July 2002 at the Surface Layer Turbulence and Environmental Science Test (SLTEST) facility in the Utah West Desert. The full SGS stress tensor and its parameterizations using both two- and three-dimensional filterings are obtained. Comparisons are given between two- and three-dimensional filterings of the field measurements based on probability density functions (PDFs) and energy spectra of the SGS stress elements. The PDFs reveal that quantities calculated with two-dimensional filtering exhibit greater intermittency than those computed with three-dimensional filtering at the same scale. From the spectra it is observed that the different filtering methods result in similar behavior, but that spectra of SGS stress components computed with a three-dimensional filter roll off at a slightly lower wavenumber than those computed with a two-dimensional filter. The PDFs and spectra of the stresses calculated with two- and three-dimensional filters can be made to collapse by reducing the three-dimensional filter scale according to Δ3−D = 0.84Δ2−D. Geometric alignment analyses are performed for the SGS heat flux, SGS stress, and filtered strain rate for the cases of stable, near-neutral, and unstable atmospheric stabilities. Under unstable and near-neutral atmospheric stability, two-dimensional filtering yields acceptable results; however, under stable atmospheric stability, a new approach is recommended and delineated.
Taking Stock of Criminal Profiling
Authors: Snook Brent , Eastwood Joseph , Gendreau Paul , Goggin Claire , Cullen Richard M.
Published: March 2007

The use of criminal profiling (CP) in criminal investigations has continued to increase despite scant empirical evidence that it is effective. To take stock of the CP field, a narrative review and a 2-part meta-analysis of the published CP literature were conducted. Narrative review results suggest that the CP literature rests largely on commonsense justifications. Results from the 1st meta-analysis indicate that self-labeled profiler/experienced-investigator groups did not outperform comparison groups in predicting offenders' cognitive processes, physical attributes, offense behaviors, or social habits and history, although they were marginally better at predicting overall offender characteristics. Results of the 2nd meta-analysis indicate that self-labeled profilers were not significantly better at predicting offense behaviors, but outperformed comparison groups when predicting overall offender characteristics, cognitive processes, physical attributes, and social history and habits. Methodological shortcomings of the data and the implications of these findings for the practical utility of CP are discussed.
Structural Integrity and Clinical Function of the Subscapularis Musculotendinous Unit after Arthroscopic and Open Shoulder Stabilization
Authors: Scheibel Markus , Nikulka Constanze , Dick Anton , Schroeder Ralf Juergen , Popp Ariane Gerber , Haas Norbert P.
Published: March 2007

Background

Postoperative subscapularis dysfunction after open shoulder stabilization has recently received increasing attention. The potential advantage of arthroscopic stabilization procedures is that they do not violate the subscapularis musculotendinous unit, which might preserve its structural integrity and clinical function, which would lead to superior clinical results.

Hypothesis

Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization does not lead to clinical and radiological signs of subscapularis insufficiency.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Twenty-two patients who underwent arthroscopic (group I, n = 12; average age, 30.9 years; mean follow-up, 37 months) or open (group II, n = 10; average age, 28.8 years; mean follow-up, 35.9 months) shoulder stabilization procedure were followed up clinically (clinical subscapularis tests and signs, Constant Score, Rowe Score, Walch-Duplay Score, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index and Melbourne Instability Shoulder Score) and by magnetic resonance imaging (subscapularis tendon integrity, cross-sectional area, defined muscle diameters, and signal intensity analysis [ratio infraspinatus/upper subscapularis and infraspinatus/lower subscapularis]). A third group (group 0) of 12 healthy volunteers served as a control.

Results

Clinical signs for subscapularis insufficiency were present in 0% of cases in group I and in 70% of cases in group II. There were no statistically significant differences in either group regarding Constant Score, Rowe Score, Walch-Duplay Score, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, and Melbourne Instability Shoulder Score (P > .05). On magnetic resonance image, no subscapularis tendon ruptures were found. The cross-sectional area, the mean vertical diameter, and the mean transverse diameter of the upper and lower subscapularis muscle portion was significantly less in group II than in group 0 (P < .05). The signal intensity analysis revealed the infraspinatus/upper subscapularis ratio was significantly lower in group II than in group I or group 0. The infraspinatus/lower subscapularis ratio did not significantly differ in all 3 groups (P > .05).

Conclusion

This study confirms previous observations that open shoulder stabilization using a subscapularis tenotomy may lead to atrophy and fatty infiltration of the subscapularis muscle, resulting in postoperative subscapularis dysfunction. As expected, arthroscopic procedures do not significantly compromise clinical subscapularis function and structural integrity. However, no significant differences were observed in the overall outcome.
Avulsion Fracture of the Lateral Ankle Ligament Complex in Severe Inversion Injury
Authors: Haraguchi Naoki , Toga Hidekazu , Shiba Nobumasa , Kato Fumio
Published: March 2007

Background

Avulsion fracture of the lateral ankle ligaments is often undetected on early radiographs. The epidemiology and treatment of such avulsion fractures have received much less attention than the epidemiology and treatment of rupture of these ligaments.

Hypothesis

The clinical characteristics of avulsion fracture are different from those of ligament rupture. Unlike nonoperative treatment of lateral ligament rupture, nonoperative treatment of avulsion fracture does not yield satisfactory results.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

A total of 169 consecutive patients with severe inversion injury were classified into a ligament rupture group or avulsion fracture group on the basis of physical examination findings and anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament radiographic views. Age, sex, activity level, and the mechanism of injury were analyzed. Patients in both groups were treated by casting. Follow-up examination of 152 patients included clinical assessment and functional evaluation based on the Karlsson system.

Results

Avulsion fracture was diagnosed in 44 (26%) of the 169 patients and was most common among children and patients over 40 years of age. Sedentary level activity and low-energy injury were more common in the avulsion fracture group than in the ligament rupture group (77% vs 37%, respectively, P = .001; 68% vs 43%, respectively, P = .004). Nonoperative treatment of avulsion fracture (mean Karlsson score, 89.1 points) yielded satisfactory results that were comparable with those of nonoperative treatment of ligament rupture (mean Karlsson score, 88.4 points) (P = .123). Osseous union was achieved in 65% of the patients with avulsion fracture.

Conclusion

Avulsion fracture of the lateral ankle ligaments in cases of severe inversion injury is more common than previously believed. Because of the high incidence and difficulty of detection in children, a high level of suspicion is necessary in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis of avulsion fracture in cases of severe inversion injury and to achieve adequate stability.