bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-Resolution Observations of Insects in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Contreras Robert F. , Frasier Stephen J. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
High spatial and temporal resolution S-band radar observations of insects in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) are described. The observations were acquired with a frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar during the 2002 International H20 Project (IHOP_2002) held in Oklahoma in the months of May and June 2002. During the observational period the boundary layer was convective with a few periods of rain. Rayleigh scattering from particulate scatterers (i.e., insects) dominates the return; however, Bragg scattering from refractive index turbulence is also significant, especially at the top of the afternoon boundary layer. There is a strong diurnal signal in the insect backscatter: minima in the morning and at dusk and maxima at night and midafternoon. Insect number densities and radar cross sections (RCSs) are calculated. The RCS values range from less than 10−12 m2 to greater than 10−7 m2 and likewise have a strong diurnal signal. These are converted to equivalent reflectivity measurements that would be reported by typical meteorological radars. The majority of reflectivity measurements from particulate scatterers ranges from −30 to −5 dBZ; however, intense point scatterers (&gt;10 dBZ) are occasionally present. The results show that although insects provide useful targets for characterization of the clear-air ABL, the requirements for continuous monitoring of the boundary layer are specific to time of day and range from −20 dBZ in the morning to −10 to −5 dBZ in the afternoon and nocturnal boundary layer (NBL).
Evaluation of DBS Wind Measurement Technique in Different Beam Configurations for a VHF Wind Profiler
Authors: Rao I. Srinivasa , Anandan V. K. , Reddy P. Narasimha 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Atmospheric winds in the troposphere have been observed routinely for many years with wind profiling (VHF and UHF) radars using the Doppler beam swinging (DBS) technique. Accuracy of wind estimates using wind profiling radars with different beam configurations has its limitations due to both the system of observation and atmospheric conditions. This paper presents a quantitative analysis and evaluation of horizontal wind estimation in different beam configurations up to an altitude of 18 km using the mesosphere–stratosphere–troposphere (MST) radar located in Gadanki, India. Horizontal wind velocities are derived in three different ways using two-, three-, and four-beam configurations. To know the performance of each configuration, radar-derived winds have been compared with the winds obtained by simultaneous GPS sonde balloon measurements, which are considered to be a standard reference by default. Results show that horizontal winds measured using three different beam configurations are comparable in general but discrepancy varies from one beam configuration to the other. It is observed that horizontal winds measured using four-beam configuration (east, west, north, and south) have better estimates than the other two-beam configurations. The standard deviation was found to be varying from 1.4 to 2.5 m s−1 and percentage error is about 9.68%–12.73% in four-beam configuration, whereas in other beam configurations the standard deviation is about 1.65–3.9 m s−1 and the percentage error is about 11.29%–15.16% with reference to GPS sonde balloon–measured winds.
A Hybrid ETKF–3DVAR Data Assimilation Scheme for the WRF Model. Part II: Real Observation Experiments
Authors: Wang Xuguang , Barker Dale M. , Snyder Chris , Hamill Thomas M. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The hybrid ensemble transform Kalman filter–three-dimensional variational data assimilation (ETKF–3DVAR) system developed for the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model was further tested with real observations, as a follow-up for the observation system simulation experiment (OSSE) conducted in Part I. A domain encompassing North America was considered. Because of limited computational resources and the large number of experiments conducted, the forecasts and analyses employed relatively coarse grid spacing (200 km) to emphasize synoptic scales. As a first effort to explore the new system with real observations, relatively sparse observation datasets consisting of radiosonde wind and temperature during 4 weeks of January 2003 were assimilated. The 12-h forecasts produced by the hybrid analysis produced less root-mean-square error than the 3DVAR. The hybrid improved the forecast more in the western part of the domain than the eastern part. It also produced larger improvements in the upper troposphere. The overall magnitude of the ETKF ensemble spread agreed with the overall magnitude of the background forecast error. For individual variables and layers, the consistency between the spread and the error was less than the OSSE in Part I. Given the coarse resolution and relatively sparse observation network adopted in this study, caution is warranted when extrapolating these results to operational applications. A case study was also performed to further understand a large forecast improvement of the hybrid during the 4-week period. The flow-dependent adjustments produced by the hybrid extended a large distance into the eastern Pacific data-void region. The much improved analysis and forecast by the hybrid in the data void subsequently improved forecasts downstream in the region of verification. Although no moisture observations were assimilated, the hybrid updated the moisture fields flow dependently through cross-variable covariances defined by the ensemble, which improved the forecasts of cyclone development.
The Initiation and Evolution of Multiple Modes of Convection within a Meso-Alpha-Scale Region
Authors: French Adam J. , Parker Matthew D. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
On 30 March 2006, a convective episode occurred featuring isolated supercells, a mesoscale convective system (MCS) with parallel stratiform (PS) precipitation, and an MCS with leading stratiform (LS) precipitation. These three distinct convective modes occurred simultaneously across the same region in eastern Kansas. To better understand the mechanisms that govern such events, this study examined the 30 March 2006 episode through a combination of an observation-based case study and numerical simulations. The convective mode was found to be very sensitive to both the environmental thermodynamic and wind shear profiles, with variations in either leading to different convective modes within the numerical simulations. Strong vertical shear and moderate instability led to the development of supercells in western Oklahoma. Strong shear oriented parallel to a surface dryline, coupled with dry air in the middle and upper levels, led to the development of the PS linear MCS in central Kansas. Meanwhile, moderate wind shear coupled with high instability and strong linear forcing led to the development of the LS MCS in eastern Kansas. Absent linear forcing, the moderate shear environment in eastern Kansas was supportive of isolated supercells in the numerical experiments. This suggests that the linear initiation mechanism was key to the development of the LS linear MCS. From the results of this study it is concuded that, for this event, localized environmental variations were largely responsible for the eventual convective mode, with the method of storm initiation having an impact only within the weaker shear environment of eastern Kansas.
Operational Forecaster Uncertainty Needs and Future Roles
Authors: Novak David R. , Bright David R. , Brennan Michael J. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Key results of a comprehensive survey of U.S. National Weather Service operational forecast managers concerning the assessment and communication of forecast uncertainty are presented and discussed. The survey results revealed that forecasters are using uncertainty guidance to assess uncertainty, but that limited data access and ensemble underdispersion and biases are barriers to more effective use. Some respondents expressed skepticism as to the added value of formal ensemble guidance relative to simpler approaches of estimating uncertainty, and related the desire for feature-specific ensemble verification to address this skepticism. Respondents reported receiving requests for uncertainty information primarily from sophisticated users such as emergency managers, and most often during high-impact events. The largest request for additional training material called for simulator-based case studies that demonstrate how uncertainty information should be interpreted and communicated.
Respondents were in consensus that forecasters should be significantly involved in the communication of uncertainty forecasts; however, there was disagreement regarding if and how forecasters should adjust objective ensemble guidance. It is contended that whether forecasters directly modify objective ensemble guidance will ultimately depend on how the weather enterprise views ensemble output (as the final forecast or as a guidance supporting conceptual understanding), the enterprise’s commitment to provide the necessary supporting forecast infrastructure, and how rapidly ensemble weaknesses such as underdispersion, biases, and resolution are addressed.
The survey results illustrate that forecasters’ operational uncertainty needs are intimately tied to the end products and services they produce. Thus, it is critical that the process to develop uncertainty information in existing or new products or services be a sustained collaborative effort between ensemble developers, forecasters, academic partners, and users. As the weather enterprise strives to provide uncertainty information to users, it is asserted that addressing the forecaster needs identified in this survey will be a prerequisite to achieve this goal.
Mutation spectrum of 122 hemophilia A families from Taiwanese population by LD-PCR, DHPLC, multiplex PCR and evaluating the clinical application of HRM
Authors: Lin Shin-Yu , Su Yi-Ning , Hung Chia-Cheng , Tsay Woei , Chiou Shyh-Shin , Chang Chieh-Ting , Ho Hong-Nerng , Lee Chien-Nan 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Hemophilia A represents the most common and severe inherited hemorrhagic disorder. It is caused by mutations in the F8 gene, which leads to a deficiency or dysfunctional factor VIII protein, an essential cofactor in the factor X activation complex.

Methods
We used long-distance polymerase chain reaction and denaturing high performance liquid chromatography for mutation scanning of the F8 gene. We designed the competitive multiplex PCR to identify the carrier with exonal deletions. In order to facilitate throughput and minimize the cost of mutation scanning, we also evaluated a new mutation scanning technique, high resolution melting analysis (HRM), as an alternative screening method.

Results
We presented the results of detailed screening of 122 Taiwanese families with hemophilia A and reported twenty-nine novel mutations. There was one family identified with whole exons deletion, and the carriers were successfully recognized by multiplex PCR. By HRM, the different melting curve patterns were easily identified in 25 out of 28 cases (89%) and 15 out of 15 (100%) carriers. The sensitivity was 93 % (40/43). The overall mutation detection rate of hemophilia A was 100% in this study.

Conclusion
We proposed a diagnostic strategy for hemophilia A genetic diagnosis. We consider HRM as a powerful screening tool that would provide us with a more cost-effective protocol for hemophilia A mutation identification.
A randomised controlled trial evaluating family mediated exercise (FAME) therapy following stroke
Authors: Galvin Rose , Cusack Tara , Stokes Emma 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundStroke is a leading cause of disability among adults worldwide. Evidence suggests that increased duration of exercise therapy following stroke has a positive impact on functional outcome following stroke. The main objective of this randomised controlled trial is to evaluate the impact of additional family assisted exercise therapy in people with acute stroke.Methods/DesignA prospective multi-centre single blind randomised controlled trial will be conducted. Forty patients with acute stroke will be randomised into either an experimental or control group. The experimental group will receive routine therapy and additional lower limb exercise therapy in the form of family assisted exercises. The control group will receive routine therapy with no additional formal input from their family members. Participants will be assessed at baseline, post intervention and followed up at three months using a series of standardised outcome measures. A secondary aim of the project is to evaluate the impact of the family mediated exercise programme on the person with stroke and the individual(s) assisting in the delivery of exercises using a qualitative methodology. The study has gained ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committees of each of the clinical sites involved in the study.DiscussionThis study will evaluate a structured programme of exercises that can be delivered to people with stroke by their 'family members/friends'. Given that the progressive increase in the population of older people is likely to lead to an increased prevalence of stroke in the future, it is important to reduce the burden of this illness on the individual, the family and society. Family mediated exercises can maximise the carry over outside formal physiotherapy sessions, giving patients the opportunity for informal practice.Trial RegistrationThe protocol for this study is registered with the US NIH Clinical trials registry (NCT00666744)
Treatment of pregnant rats with oleoyl-estrone slows down pup fat deposition after weaning
Authors: García-Peláez Beatriz , Vilà Ruth , Remesar Xavier 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
In rats, oral oleoyl-estrone (OE) decreases food intake and body lipid content. The aim of this study was to determine whether OE treatment affects the energy metabolism of pregnant rats and eventually, of their pups; i.e. changes in normal growth patterns and the onset of obesity after weaning.

Methods
Pregnant Wistar rats were treated with daily intragastric gavages of OE in 0.2 ml sunflower oil from days 11 to 21 of pregnancy (i.e. 10 nmol oleoyl-estrone/g/day). Control animals received only the vehicle. Plasma and hormone metabolites were determined together with variations in cellularity of adipose tissue.

Results
Treatment decreased food intake and lowered weight gain during late pregnancy, mainly because of reduced adipose tissue accumulation in different sites. OE-treated pregnant rats' metabolic pattern after delivery was similar to that of controls. Neonates from OE-treated rats weighed the same as those from controls. They also maintained the same growth rate up to weaning, but pups from OE-treated rats slowed their growth rate afterwards, despite only limited differences in metabolite concentrations.

Conclusion
The OE influences on pup growth can be partially buffered by maternal lipid mobilization during the second half of pregnancy. This maternal metabolic "imprinting" may condition the eventual accumulation of adipose tissue after weaning, and its effects can affect the regulation of body weight up to adulthood.
A computational analysis of protein-protein interaction networks in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Goñi Joaquín , Esteban Francisco J , de Mendizábal Nieves Vélez , Sepulcre Jorge , Ardanza-Trevijano Sergio , Agirrezabal Ion , Villoslada Pablo 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Recent developments have meant that network theory is making an important contribution to the topological study of biological networks, such as protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. The identification of differentially expressed genes in DNA array experiments is a source of information regarding the molecular pathways involved in disease. Thus, considering PPI analysis and gene expression studies together may provide a better understanding of multifactorial neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer disease (AD). The aim of this study was to assess whether the parameters of degree and betweenness, two fundamental measures in network theory, are properties that differentiate between implicated (seed-proteins) and non-implicated nodes (neighbors) in MS and AD. We used experimentally validated PPI information to obtain the neighbors for each seed group and we studied these parameters in four networks: MS-blood network; MS-brain network; AD-blood network; and AD-brain network.

Results
Specific features of seed-proteins were revealed, whereby they displayed a lower average degree in both diseases and tissues, and a higher betweenness in AD-brain and MS-blood networks. Additionally, the heterogeneity of the processes involved indicate that these findings are not pathway specific but rather that they are spread over different pathways.

Conclusion
Our findings show differential centrality properties of proteins whose gene expression is impaired in neurodegenerative diseases.
Surgical options in the management of cystic duct avulsion during laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Karimian Faramarz , Aminian Ali , Mirsharifi Rasoul , Mehrkhani Farhad 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Avulsion of cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is not a common intraoperative complication, but may be encountered by any laparoscopic surgeon. Surgeons are rarely familiar with management of this condition.

Methods
Patients with gall stone related problems who were scheduled for LC at the minimal invasive surgery unit of a tertiary referral hospital during a 5 years period (April 2002–April 2007) were prospectively enrolled.

Results
12 cases were identified (incidence: 1.15%). All 12 patients had gallbladder inflammation. Five patients had acute and seven patients had chronic cholecystitis. The avulsed cystic duct (ACD) was managed by clipping in 4, intracorporeal suturing in 3, converting to open surgery with suture ligation in 2, and lonely external drainage in 3 patients. Bile leakage had ceased within 3 days in 2, 14 days in one, and 20 days in the other patient. Bile volume increased gradually in one of the patients, which stopped only after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) at 25th postoperative day. No major late complication or mortality occurred.

Conclusion
ACD during LC is a rare complication. Almost all standard methods of treatment yield to successful outcomes with low morbidity. According to the situation, ACD may be successfully managed laparoscopically. Available cystic stump remnant was clipped. Intracorporeal suture ligation was performed when short length of stump precluded clipping. Deeply retracted cystic duct with active bile leak led to conversion to open surgery. With minimal or no bile leak at ACD stump, closed tube drainage of sub-hepatic area was attempted. Persistent bile leak was assumed to be controlled by ES, successfully accomplished in one patient.
UMF-078: A modified flubendazole with potent macrofilaricidal activity against Onchocerca ochengi in African cattle
Authors: deC Bronsvoort Barend M , Makepeace Benjamin L , Renz Alfons , Tanya Vincent N , Fleckenstein Lawrence , Ekale David , Trees Alexander J 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundHuman onchocerciasis or river blindness, caused by the filarial nematodeOnchocerca volvulus, is currently controlled using the microfilaricidal drug, ivermectin. However, ivermectin does not kill adultO. volvulus, and in areas with less than 65% ivermectin coverage of the population, there is no effect on transmission. Therefore, there is still a need for a macrofilaricidal drug. Using the bovine filarial nematodeO. ochengi(found naturally in African cattle), the macrofilaricidal efficacy of the modified flubendazole, UMF-078, was investigated.MethodsGroups of 3 cows were treated with one of the following regimens: (a) a single dose of UMF-078 at 150 mg/kg intramuscularly (im), (b) 50 mg/kg im, (c) 150 mg/kg intraabomasally (ia), (d) 50 mg/kg ia, or (e) not treated (controls).ResultsAfter treatment at 150 mg/kg im, nodule diameter, worm motility and worm viability (as measured by metabolic reduction of tetrazolium to formazan) declined significantly compared with pre-treatment values and concurrent controls. There was abrogation of embryogenesis and death of all adult worms by 24 weeks post-treatment (pt). Animals treated at 50 mg/kg im showed a decline in nodule diameter together with abrogated reproduction, reduced motility, and lower metabolic activity in isolated worms, culminating in approximately 50% worm mortality by 52 weeks pt. Worms removed from animals treated ia were not killed, but exhibited a temporary embryotoxic effect which had waned by 12 weeks pt in the 50 mg/kg ia group and by 24 weeks pt in the 150 mg/kg ia group. These differences could be explained by the different absorption rates and elimination half-lives for each dose and route of administration.ConclusionAlthough we did not observe any signs of mammalian toxicity in this trial with a single dose, other studies have raised concerns regarding neuro- and genotoxicity. Consequently, further evaluation of this compound has been suspended. Nonetheless, these results validate the molecular target of the benzimidazoles as a promising lead for rational design of macrofilaricidal drugs.
Assessment of stroke volume variation for prediction of fluid responsiveness using the modified FloTrac™ and PiCCOplus™ system
Authors: Hofer Christoph K , Senn Alban , Weibel Luc , Zollinger Andreas 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Stroke volume variation (SVV) has repeatedly been shown to be a reliable predictor of fluid responsiveness. Various devices allow automated clinical assessment of SVV. The aim of the present study was to compare prediction of fluid responsiveness using SVV, as determined by the FloTrac™/Vigileo™ system and the PiCCOplus™ system.

Methods
In patients who had undergone elective cardiac surgery, SVVFloTrac was determined via radial FloTrac sensor, and SVVPiCCO and pulse pressure variation were assessed via a femoral PiCCO catheter. Stroke volume was assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution. All variables were recorded before and after a volume shift induced by a change in body positioning (from 30° head-up position to 30° head-down position). Pearson correlation, t-test, and Bland-Altman analysis were performed. Area under the curve was determined by plotting receiver operating characteristic curves for changes in stroke volume in excess of 25%. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
Body positioning resulted in a significant increase in stroke volume; SVVFloTrac and SVVPiCCO decreased significantly. Correlations of SVVFloTrac and SVVPiCCO with change in stroke volume were similar. There was no significant difference between the areas under the curve for SVVFloTrac and SVVPiCCO; the optimal threshold values given by the receiver operating characteristic curves were 9.6% for SVVFloTrac (sensitivity 91% and specificity 83%) and 12.1% for SVVPiCCO (sensitivity 87% and specificity 76%). There was a clinically acceptable agreement and strong correlation between SVVFloTrac and SVVPiCCO.

Conclusion
SVVs assessed using the FloTrac™/Vigileo™ and the PiCCOplus™ systems exhibited similar performances in terms of predicting fluid responsiveness. In comparison with SVVPiCCO, SVVFloTrac has a lower threshold value.