bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Penalized Maximal F Test for Detecting Undocumented Mean Shift without Trend Change
Authors: Wang Xiaolan L. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
In this study, a penalized maximal F test (PMFT) is proposed for detecting undocumented mean shifts that are not accompanied by any sudden change in the linear trend of time series. PMFT aims to even out the uneven distribution of false alarm rate and detection power of the corresponding unpenalized maximal F test that is based on a common-trend two-phase regression model (TPR3). The performance of PMFT is compared with that of TPR3 using Monte Carlo simulations and real climate data series.
It is shown that, due to the effect of unequal sample sizes, the false alarm rate of TPR3 has a W-shaped distribution, with much higher than specified values for points near the ends of the series and lower values for points between either of the ends and the middle of the series. Consequently, for a mean shift of certain magnitude, TPR3 would detect it with a lower-than-specified level of confidence and hence more easily when it occurs near the ends of the series than somewhere between either of the ends and the middle of the series; it would mistakenly declare many more changepoints near the ends of a homogeneous series. These undesirable features of TPR3 are diminished in PMFT by using an empirical penalty function to take into account the relative position of each point being tested. As a result, PMFT has a notably higher power of detection; its false alarm rate and effective level of confidence are very close to the nominal level, basically evenly distributed across all possible candidate changepoints. The improvement in hit rate can be more than 10% for detecting small shifts (Δ ≤ σ, where σ is the noise standard deviation).
An Upper Threshold of Enhanced Global Shortwave Irradiance in the Troposphere Derived from Field Measurements in Tropical Mountains
Authors: Emck P. , Richter M. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Extraordinarily high values of global irradiance (up to 1832 W m−2) incident upon a horizontal surface were observed during a 4-yr meteorological field campaign in the southern Ecuadorian Andes Mountains (4°S). The unexpected magnitude gave rise to a thorough revision of the instrumentation and an assessment of the radiation database. Infrastructure at the sites and software were critically examined, and the sensor and datalogger manufacturers were contacted. The observed enhanced irradiance was quantified with a simple clear-sky model for global radiation. The efforts showed that atmospheric conditions and not artifacts had produced the high values. Cloud radiative effects could be singled out as the exclusive source of the “superirradiance.” Mean (bihourly) maximum enhancement was 119.6% of the potential (clear sky) irradiance; absolute maximum enhancement occasionally reached to over 170%. Thereby, under ideal conditions, the upper threshold of global irradiance is apparently ∼200% of the potential (clear sky) direct radiation [i.e., at the point of observation, downwelling diffuse cloud radiation can (almost) equal the magnitude of its apparent “source”]. The observations were made between altitudes of 1500 and 3400 m MSL in different climates ranging from perhumid to semiarid (i.e., in very cloudy climates and in less cloudy climates). The conditions that were found to explain the magnitude of the extremely enhanced irradiance are not confined to tropical or mountainous environments only, but rather they can occur at any spot in the troposphere where clouds exist. Therefore, the findings appear to be of general validity.
Geographical Distribution of Variance of Intraseasonal Variations in Western Indochina as Revealed from Radar Reflectivity Data
Authors: Yokoi Satoru , Satomura Takehiko 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
This study reveals remarkable differences in the geographical distribution of variance between two types of intraseasonal variations in daily-mean radar reflectivity data in the western part of the Indochina Peninsula. In this region, the Downa Range lies parallel to the coast and separates the inland region from the coastal region. The 30–60-day variation of reflectivity factor dominates most of the coastal region, while its variance in the inland region is less than that of background red noise with the same frequency band. Horizontal gradients in the variance are largest over the range, implying that the mountain range plays a significant role in the geographical contrast. Correlation analysis with reanalysis data shows that the variation only in the coastal region is associated with a synoptic-scale zonal wind anomaly with the same time scale, suggesting the importance of an orographic rainfall process that brings a large amount of precipitation only to the windward side of the Downa Range. In contrast, while the 10–20-day variation of reflectivity factor has larger variance in the inland region than in the coastal region, the variation in both of the regions is correlated with synoptic-scale cyclonic circulation anomaly. A possible reason for the differences between the two types is also discussed in terms of the relationship between synoptic-scale wind anomaly field and the orientation of the Downa Range.
Ocean–Atmosphere Coupling in the Monsoon Intraseasonal Oscillation: A Simple Model Study
Authors: Bellon Gilles , Sobel Adam H. , Vialard Jerome 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
A simple coupled model is used in a zonally symmetric aquaplanet configuration to investigate the effect of ocean–atmosphere coupling on the Asian monsoon intraseasonal oscillation. The model consists of a linear atmospheric model of intermediate complexity based on quasi-equilibrium theory coupled to a simple, linear model of the upper ocean. This model has one unstable eigenmode with a period in the 30–60-day range and a structure similar to the observed northward-propagating intraseasonal oscillation in the Bay of Bengal/west Pacific sector.
The ocean–atmosphere coupling is shown to have little impact on either the growth rate or latitudinal structure of the atmospheric oscillation, but it reduces the oscillation’s period by a quarter. At latitudes corresponding to the north of the Indian Ocean, the sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies lead the precipitation anomalies by a quarter of a period, similarly to what has been observed in the Bay of Bengal. The mixed layer depth is in phase opposition to the SST: a monsoon break corresponds to both a warming and a shoaling of the mixed layer. This behavior results from the similarity between the patterns of the predominant processes: wind-induced surface heat flux and wind stirring.
The instability of the seasonal monsoon flow is sensitive to the seasonal mixed layer depth: the oscillation is damped when the oceanic mixed layer is thin (about 10 m deep or thinner), as in previous experiments with several models aimed at addressing the boreal winter Madden–Julian oscillation. This suggests that the weak thermal inertia of land might explain the minima of intraseasonal variance observed over the Asian continent.
Time Series Analysis of Soil Freeze and Thaw Processes in Indiana
Authors: Sinha Tushar , Cherkauer Keith A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Seasonal cycles of freezing and thawing influence surface energy and water cycle fluxes. Specifically, soil frost can lead to the reduction in infiltration and an increase in runoff response, resulting in a greater potential for soil erosion. An increase in the number of soil freeze–thaw cycles may reduce soil compaction, which could affect various hydrologic processes. In this study, the authors test for the presence of significant trends in soil freeze–thaw cycles and soil temperatures at several depths and compare these with other climatic variables including air temperature, snowfall, snow cover, and precipitation. Data for the study were obtained for three research stations located in northern, central, and southern Indiana that have collected soil temperature observations since 1966. After screening for significant autocorrelations, testing for trends is conducted at a significance level of 5% using Mann–Kendall’s test. Observations from 1967 to 2006 indicate that air temperatures during the cold season are increasing at all three locations, but there is no significant change in seasonal and annual average precipitation. At the central and southern Indiana sites, soil temperatures are generally warming under a bare soil surface, with significant reductions in the number of days with soil frost and freeze–thaw cycles for some depths. Meanwhile, 5-cm soils at the northernmost site are experiencing significant decreases in cold season temperatures, as an observed decrease in annual snowfall at the site is counteracting the increase in air temperature. Seasonal mean maximum soil temperatures under grass cover are increasing at the southernmost site; however, at the central site, it appears that seasonal minimum soil temperatures are decreasing and the number of freeze–thaw cycles is increasing.
An Analysis of Low-Level Jets in the Greater Ross Ice Shelf Region Based on Numerical Simulations
Authors: Seefeldt Mark W. , Cassano John J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
An analysis of the presence and location of low-level jets (LLJs) across the Ross Ice Shelf region in Antarctica is presented based on the analysis of archived output from the real-time Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS). The method of self-organizing maps (SOMs) is used to objectively identify different patterns in column-averaged wind speed (over the approximately lowest 1200 m of the atmosphere) as an identifier to the location of LLJs. The results indicate three primary LLJs in the region. The largest and most dominant LLJ is along the Transantarctic Mountains by the Siple Coast and the southern end of the Ross Ice Shelf. The second LLJ extends from the base of Byrd Glacier and curves to the north passing by the eastern extremes of Ross Island. The third LLJ extends from the base of Reeves Glacier and curves to the north across the western Ross Sea. A strong seasonality is observed in the frequency and intensity of the LLJs with the highest values for wind speed and the size of the LLJ at a maximum during the winter and spring months.
Short-Term Ice Accretion Forecasts for Electric Utilities Using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model and a Modified Precipitation-Type Algorithm
Authors: DeGaetano Arthur T. , Belcher Brian N. , Spier Pamela L. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) is used to provide 6–12-h forecasts of the necessary input parameters to a separate algorithm that determines the most likely precipitation type at each model grid point. In instances where freezing rain is indicated, an ice accretion model allows forecasts of radial ice thickness to be developed. The resulting forecasts are evaluated for 38 icing events of varying magnitude that occurred in the eastern United States using National Weather Service storm impact reports and observed data from Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS). Ice accretion hindcasts, using the WRF, allow the development of climatologies based on archived model initialization data.
Ice accretion forecasts, based on the Ramer precipitation-type algorithm, consistently underestimated the maximum observed ice accretion amounts by between 10 and 20 mm. Ice accretion at ASOS sites was also underestimated. Applying a modification to the Ramer precipitation-type algorithm, and focusing on the thermal profile below the lowest 0°C isotherm, improved the ice accretion forecasts, but still underestimated the maximum ice thickness. Little bias was evident in ice accretion forecasts for the ASOS sites. Using previous observations from outside the forecast window to account for WRF and precipitation-type algorithm biases in precipitation amount, wind speed, temperature, and precipitation type provided some forecast improvement. The forecast procedure using the modified Ramer precipitation algorithm captures both the magnitude and extent of icing in both widespread severe icing events and localized storms. Minimal icing is indicated in events and at locations where precipitation fell as rain or snow.
The reactivity of Bw4+ HLA-B and HLA-A alleles with KIR3DL1: implications for patient and donor suitability for haploidentical stem cell transplantations
Authors: Foley Bree A. , Santis Dianne De , Van Beelen Els , Lathbury Louise J. , Christiansen Frank T. , Witt Campbell S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractNatural killer (NK)–cell alloreactivity can be exploited in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). NK cells from donors whose HLA type includes Bw4, a public epitope present on a subset of HLA-B alleles, can be alloreactive toward recipients whose cells lack Bw4. Serologically detectable epitopes related to Bw4 also exist on a subset of HLA-A alleles, but the interaction of these alleles with KIR3DL1 is controversial. We therefore undertook a systematic analysis of the ability of most common HLA-B alleles and HLA-A alleles with Bw4 serologic reactivity to protect target cells from lysis by KIR3DL1-dependent NK cells. All Bw4− HLA-B alleles failed to protect target cells from lysis. All Bw4+ HLA-B alleles with the exception of HLA-B*1301 and -B*1302 protected targets from lysis. HLA-A*2402 and HLA-A*3201 unequivocally protected target cells from lysis, whereas HLA-A*2501 and HLA-A*2301 provided only weak protection from lysis. KIR3DL1-dependent alloreactive NK clones were identified in donors with HLA-A*2402 but not in donors with HLA-B*1301 or -B*1302. These findings clarify the HLA types that donors and recipients need in haploidentical HSCT and other NK allotherapies in order to benefit from NK alloreactivity.
Systemic inflammation, genetic susceptibility and lung function
Authors: Sunyer J. , Pistelli R. , Plana E. , Andreani M. , Baldari F. , Kolz M. , Koenig W. , Pekkanen J. , Peters A. , Forastiere F. 
Published: April 2008

Local inflammation in airway diseases is well recognised, but less is known about the association between low-grade systemic inflammatory processes and lung function. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between inflammatory markers and lung function, taking into account polymorphisms in genes coding for inflammatory markers.In 134 post-myocardial infarction patients, six repeated measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6 and fibrinogen in peripheral blood were assayed using high-sensitivity tests. Spirometry was conducted at baseline. Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms was performed in genes coding for the inflammatory markers.CRP and IL-6 levels were negatively associated with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and mean forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of FVC (FEF25–75%). In theCRPgene, both the polymorphism rs1205 and the haplotype 2 showed a protective association with FEV1and FEF25–75%, and, to a lesser extent, with FVC. rs1205 and haplotype 2 were both negatively associated with CRP levels in peripheral blood. Analysis with instrumental variables also showed a protective effect between theseCRPgene polymorphisms and lung function.Results are very suggestive that heritability of lung function is at least partly controlled by theCRPgene. Applying a Mendelian randomisation approach, the study supports a causal association between low-grade general inflammation and airway diseases.
Slow breathing reduces sympathoexcitation in COPD
Authors: Raupach T. , Bahr F. , Herrmann P. , Luethje L. , Heusser K. , Hasenfuß G. , Bernardi L. , Andreas S. 
Published: April 2008

Neurohumoral activation has been shown to be present in hypoxic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aims of the present study were to investigate whether there is sympathetic activation in COPD patients in the absence of hypoxia and whether slow breathing has an impact on sympathoexcitation and baroreflex sensitivity.Efferent muscle sympathetic nerve activity, blood pressure, cardiac frequency and respiratory movements were continuously measured in 15 COPD patients and 15 healthy control subjects. Baroreflex sensitivity was analysed by autoregressive spectral analysis and the alpha-angle method.At baseline, sympathetic nerve activity was significantly elevated in COPD patients and baroreflex sensitivity was decreased (5.0±0.6versus8.9±0.8 ms·mmHg−1). Breathing at a rate of 6 breaths·min−1caused sympathetic activity to drop significantly in COPD patients (from 61.3±4.6 to 53.0±4.3 bursts per 100 heartbeats) but not in control subjects (39.2±3.2versus37.5±3.3 bursts per 100 heartbeats). In both groups, slow breathing significantly enhanced baroreflex sensitivity.In conclusion, sympathovagal imbalance is present in normoxic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. The possibility of modifying these changes by slow breathing may help to better understand and influence this systemic disease.
Functional single nucleotide polymorphisms of theCCL5gene and nonemphysematous phenotype in COPD patients
Authors: Hizawa N. , Makita H. , Nasuhara Y. , Hasegawa M. , Nagai K. , Ito Y. , Betsuyaku T. , Konno S. , Nishimura M. ,   the Hokkaido COPD Cohort Study Group
Published: April 2008

It was previously reported that the gain-of-function -28 guanine allele of the promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; cytosine to guanine substitution of nucleotide -28 (-28C>G)) in the CC chemokine ligand 5 gene (CCL5) was associated with susceptibility to late-onset asthma in patients who developed asthma at age ≥40 yrs. The clinical diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes emphysema and small airway disease, and upregulation of CCL5 has been described in the airways of patients with COPD. It was hypothesised thatCCL5has a genetic impact upon the variable expression of emphysema in patients with COPD.Patients with COPD were studied (n = 267). All of the patients underwent pulmonary high-resolution computed tomography (CT), and visual scoring (CT score) was performed to determine emphysema severity. Three SNPs ofCCL5were genotyped, including -403G>A, -28C>G and 375T>C.A significant difference was found in CT score according toCCL5genotype; the -28G allele was inversely associated with CT score. When the analysis was confined to 180 patients with bronchial reversibility of <15%, even stronger evidence for this association was noted.Functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CC chemokine ligand 5 gene were associated with milder emphysema. Together with previous findings, the present study may identify the CC chemokine ligand 5 gene as part of a common pathway in the pathogenesis of late-onset asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with milder emphysema.
Emphysema in young adult survivors of moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Wong P. M. , Lees A. N. , Louw J. , Lee F. Y. , French N. , Gain K. , Murray C. P. , Wilson A. , Chambers D. C. 
Published: April 2008

Improved survival following extreme preterm birth complicated by bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is resulting in an increasing number of affected infants surviving to adulthood. The aim of the present pilot study was to describe the functional and structural pulmonary sequelae of moderate and severe BPD in a population of adult survivors.All babies were cared for at one institution (King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, Australia). Subjects born between 1980 and 1987 with birthweight <1,500 g and requiring supplementary oxygen at 36 weeks post-menstrual age were identified from a complete neonatal database and recruited prospectively. Local physicians were concurrently asked to refer suitable patients. Demographics, respiratory symptoms and examination results, pulmonary function tests and computed tomography images were acquired.In total, 21 subjects were studied. Of these, 12 were female, the median (range) age was 19 (17–33) yrs and 15 (71%) had persistent respiratory symptoms. The median (range) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) z-score was -0.77 (-8.20–1.37), the forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of forced vital capacity was -1.81 (-6.00–0.75) and the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide was -5.04 (-13.17– -1.24). Computed tomography was carried out on 19 subjects and all had abnormal findings, with emphysema being the most common, present in 84% of subjects. The extent of radiological emphysema was inversely related to the FEV1z-score.Young adult survivors of moderate and severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia may be left with residual functional and characteristic structural pulmonary abnormalities, most notably emphysema.
TNFA-308G>A in two international population-based cohorts and risk of asthma
Authors: Castro-Giner F. , Kogevinas M. , Mächler M. , de Cid R. , Van Steen K. , Imboden M. , Schindler C. , Berger W. , Gonzalez J. R. , Franklin K. A. , Janson C. , Jarvis D. , Omenaas E. , Burney P. , Rochat T. , Estivill X. , Antó J. M. , Wjst M. , Probst-Hensch N. M. 
Published: April 2008

Genetic association studies have related the tumour necrosis factor-α gene (TNFA) guanine to adenine substitution of nucleotide -308 (-308G>A) polymorphism to increased risk of asthma, but results are inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to test whether two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, ofTNFAand of the lymphotoxin-α gene (LTA), are associated with asthma, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and atopy in adults, by combining the results of two large population-based multicentric studies and conducting a meta-analysis of previously published studies.The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) and Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Diseases in Adults (SAPALDIA) used comparable protocols, including questionnaires for respiratory symptoms and measures of lung function and atopy. DNA samples from 11,136 participants were genotyped atTNFA-308 andLTA252. Logistic regression employing fixed and random effects models and nonparametric techniques were used.The prevalence of asthma was 6%. TheTNFA-308G>A polymorphism was associated with increased asthma prevalence and with bronchial hyperresponsiveness. No consistent association was found for atopy. TheLTA252A>G polymorphism was not associated with any of the outcomes. A meta-analysis of 17 studies showed an increased asthma risk for theTNFA-308 adenine allele.The tumour necrosis factor-α gene nucleotide -308 polymorphism is associated with a moderately increased risk of asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, but not with atopy. These results are supported by a meta-analysis of previously published studies.