bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple Precipitation Mechanisms over Mountains Observed by Airborne Doppler Radar during MAP IOP5
Authors: Yu Cheng-Ku , Jorgensen David P. , Roux Frank 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
This study uses airborne Doppler radar measurements from the Special Observing Period of the Mesoscale Alpine Programme (MAP) to document the detailed airflow and precipitation structure over the mountainous regions near the border of northeastern Italy and Slovenia as a cold frontal system moved eastward and encountered the eastern Alps on 4 October 1999, during MAP IOP5. In contrast to previously documented MAP cases, the environmental conditions associated with this case are characterized by a deep layer of strong convective instability in the lower troposphere and by a cold, northeasterly continental flow coming down from the mountains (the so-called bora wind) along the southeastern Alps. Over the study region, there are two primary mountain barriers: the Julian Alps, oriented roughly west–east with a peak mountain height of ∼2500 m and a significant variation in terrain height along its length, and the other, the Dinaric Alps, a relatively lower mountain range oriented northwest–southeast, immediately adjacent to the south of the Julian Alps. How these two mountain barriers and the northeasterly continental flow influence the precipitation, and the nature of orographic precipitation developing in a potentially unstable environment, are explicitly addressed. Comprehensive analyses of airborne Doppler radar measurements reveal significant variations of precipitation in terms of its location, intensity, and type over the mountainous region. Particularly, five distinct forcing types of precipitation are evident for this case: slope convergence triggering, upslope triggering, weak slope convergence triggering, gap exit convergence triggering, and slope convergence forced stratiform. These precipitation characteristics are found to be closely related to the environmental thermodynamics, orographic features, and the complicated interactions between the southerly/southwesterly flow, northerly continental flow, and the orography. Details of these important observational aspects are elaborated upon in this paper.
Multiresolution Ensemble Forecasts of an Observed Tornadic Thunderstorm System. Part II: Storm-Scale Experiments
Authors: Kong Fanyou , Droegemeier Kelvin K. , Hickmon Nicki L. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
In Part I, the authors used a full physics, nonhydrostatic numerical model with horizontal grid spacing of 24 km and nested grids of 6- and 3-km spacing to generate the ensemble forecasts of an observed tornadic thunderstorm complex. The principal goal was to quantify the value added by fine grid spacing, as well as the assimilation of Doppler radar data, in both probabilistic and deterministic frameworks. The present paper focuses exclusively on 3-km horizontal grid spacing ensembles and the associated impacts on the forecast quality of temporal forecast sequencing, the construction of initial perturbations, and data assimilation. As in Part I, the authors employ a modified form of the scaled lagged average forecasting technique and use Stage IV accumulated precipitation estimates for verification. The ensemble mean and spread of accumulated precipitation are found to be similar in structure, mimicking their behavior in global models. Both the assimilation of Doppler radar data and the use of shorter (1–2 versus 3–5 h) forecast lead times improve ensemble precipitation forecasts. However, even at longer lead times and in certain situations without assimilated radar data, the ensembles are able to capture storm-scale features when the associated control forecast in a deterministic framework fails to do so. This indicates the potential value added by ensembles although this single case is not sufficient for drawing general conclusions. The creation of initial perturbations using forecasts of the same grid spacing shows no significant improvement over simply extracting perturbations from forecasts made at coarser spacing and interpolating them to finer grids. However, forecast quality is somewhat dependent upon perturbation amplitude, with smaller scaling values leading to significant underdispersion. Traditional forecast skill scores show somewhat contradictory results for accumulated precipitation, with the equitable threat score most consistent with qualitative performance.
Radial Wind Super-Obs from the WSR-88D Radars in the NCEP Operational Assimilation System
Authors: Alpert Jordan C. , Kumar V. Krishna 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
The spatial and temporal densities of Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) raw radar radial wind represent a rich source of high-resolution observations for initializing numerical weather prediction models. A characteristic of these observations is the presence of a significant degree of redundant information imposing a burden on an operational assimilation system. Potential improvement in data assimilation efficiency can be achieved by constructing averages, called super-obs. In the past, transmission of the radar radial wind from each radar site to a central site was confined to data feeds that filter the resolution and degrade the precision. At the central site, super-obs were constructed from this data feed and called level-3 super-obs. However, the precision and information content of the radial wind can be improved if data at each radar site are directly utilized at the highest resolution and precision found at the WSR-88D radar and then transmitted to a central site for processing in assimilation systems. In addition, with data compression from using super-obs, the volume of data is reduced, allowing quality control information to be included in the data transmission. The super-ob product from each WSR-88D radar site is called level-2.5 super-obs. Parallel, operational runs and case studies of the impact of the level-2.5 radar radial wind super-ob on the NCEP operational 12-km Eta Data Assimilation System (EDAS) and forecast system are compared with Next-Generation Weather Radar level-3 radial wind super-obs, which are spatially filtered and delivered at reduced precision. From the cases studied, it is shown that the level-3 super-obs make little or no impact on the Eta data analysis and subsequent forecasts. The assimilation of the level-2.5 super-ob product in the EDAS and forecast system shows improved precipitation threat scores as well as reduction in RMS and bias height errors, particularly in the upper troposphere. In the few cases studied, the predicted mesoscale precipitation patterns benefit from the level-2.5 super-obs, and more so when greater weight is given to these high-resolution/precision observations. Direct transmission of raw (designated as level 2) radar data to a central site and its use are now imminent, but this study shows that the level-2.5 super-ob product can be used as an operational benchmark to compare with new quality control and assimilation schemes.
A Cautionary Note on the Use of the Kolmogorov–Smirnov Test for Normality
Authors: Steinskog Dag J. , Tjøstheim Dag B. , Kvamstø Nils G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe Kolmogorov–Smirnov goodness-of-fit test is used in many applications for testing normality in climate research. This note shows that the test usually leads to systematic and drastic errors. When the mean and the standard deviation are estimated, it is much too conservative in the sense that its p values are strongly biased upward. One may think that this is a small sample problem, but it is not. There is a correction of the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test by Lilliefors, which is in fact sometimes confused with the original Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Both the Jarque–Bera and the Shapiro–Wilk tests for normality are good alternatives to the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. A power comparison of eight different tests has been undertaken, favoring the Jarque–Bera and the Shapiro–Wilk tests. The Jarque–Bera and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests are also applied to a monthly mean dataset of geopotential height at 500 hPa. The two tests give very different results and illustrate the danger of using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test.
The Use of Intra-articular Hylan G-F 20 in the Treatment of Symptomatic Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder
Authors: Silverstein Eric , Leger Robin , Shea Kevin P. 
Published: March 2007

Background While hylan G-F 20 is an approved therapy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, there are few reports of its use in shoulder osteoarthritis. Hypothesis Hylan G-F 20 can reduce pain and improve function in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Thirty consecutive patients with idiopathic glenohumeral osteoarthritis who failed to respond to standard conservative measures were enrolled. Patients received 3 weekly intra-articular hylan G-F 20 injections in their affected shoulder and completed a visual analog scale for pain, the UCLA score, and the Simple Shoulder Test at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the third injection. Results Of the 30 patients, 3 withdrew during the washout period before treatment; the remaining patients (17 men and 10 women) had an average age of 62 years. The mean baseline visual analog scale score was 54, UCLA score was 15.7, and Simple Shoulder Test score was 5.7 (of 12 possible “yes” responses). At the 6-month follow-up, hylan G-F 20 significantly improved visual analog scale (mean 30, P < .001), UCLA (mean 24, P < .001), and Simple Shoulder Test (7.6 “yes” responses, P < .001) scores. More patients slept comfortably after treatment (56%) versus before treatment (15%). Nine patients had a visual analog scale improvement >40 points after 6 months. No device-related adverse events were observed. Conclusion Hylan G-F 20 may have a beneficial therapeutic effect on some symptomatic patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis.
Expression of Tyk2 in dendritic cells is required for IL-12, IL-23, and IFN-γ production and the induction of Th1 cell differentiation
Authors: Tokumasa Naoki , Suto Akira , Kagami Shin-ichiro , Furuta Shunsuke , Hirose Koichi , Watanabe Norihiko , Saito Yasushi , Shimoda Kazuya , Iwamoto Itsuo , Nakajima Hiroshi 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIt is well documented that dendritic cells (DCs), representative antigen-presenting cells, are important sources of Th1-promoting cytokines and are actively involved in the regulation of T-helper–cell differentiation. However, the intracellular event that regulates this process is still largely unknown. In this study, we examined the role of Tyk2, a JAK kinase that is involved in the signaling pathway under IL-12 and IL-23, in DC functions. While the differentiation and maturation of DCs was normal in Tyk2-deficient (Tyk2−/−) mice, IL-12–induced Stat4 phosphorylation was diminished in Tyk2−/− DCs. IL-12–induced IFN-γ production was also significantly diminished in Tyk2−/− DCs to levels similar to those in Stat4−/− DCs. Interestingly, Tyk2−/− DCs were defective in IL-12 and IL-23 production upon stimulation with CpG ODN. Furthermore, Tyk2−/− DCs were impaired in their ability to induce Th1-cell differentiation but not Th2-cell differentiation. Taken together, these results indicate that the expression of Tyk2 in DCs is crucial for the production of Th1-promoting cytokines such as IL-12 and IFN-γ from DCs and thereby for the induction of antigen-specific Th1-cell differentiation.
Lysosome-associated small Rab GTPase Rab7b negatively regulates TLR4 signaling in macrophages by promoting lysosomal degradation of TLR4
Authors: Wang Yuzhen , Chen Taoyong , Han Chaofeng , He Donghua , Liu Haibo , An Huazhang , Cai Zhen , Cao Xuetao 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) initiates both myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent and Toll/interleukin (IL)-1R domain–containing adapter, inducing interferon (IFN)-β–dependent signaling, leading to production of proinflammatory mediators and type I interferon (IFN) to eliminate pathogens. However, uncontrolled TLR4 activation may contribute to pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. TLR4 is transported from the plasma membrane to the endosome for ubiqutination and to the lysosome for degradation, and downregulation of TLR4 expression or promotion of TLR4 degradation are important ways for negative regulation of TLR4 signaling. We previously identified a lysosome-associated small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Rab7b that may be involved in lysosomal trafficking and degradation of proteins. Here we demonstrate that Rab7b can negatively regulate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, nitric oxide, and IFN-β, and potentiate LPS-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor κB, and IFN regulatory factor 3 signaling pathways in macrophages by promoting the degradation of TLR4. Rab7b is localized in LAMP-1–positive subcellular compartments and colocalized with TLR4 after LPS treatment and can decrease the protein level of TLR4. Our findings suggest that Rab7b is a negative regulator of TLR4 signaling, potentially by promoting the translocation of TLR4 into lysosomes for degradation.
Tumor-derived hyaluronan induces formation of immunosuppressive macrophages through transient early activation of monocytes
Authors: Kuang Dong-Ming , Wu Yan , Chen Nini , Cheng Jiasen , Zhuang Shi-Mei , Zheng Limin 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMacrophages (Mφ) in most solid tumors exhibit a distinct immunosuppressive phenotype, but the mechanisms that allow tumor microenvironments to “educate” Mφ are incompletely understood. Here, we report that culture supernatants (TSNs) from several types of tumor cell lines can drive monocytes to become immunosuppressive Mφ. Kinetic experiments revealed that soon after exposure to these TSNs, monocytes began to provoke transient proinflammatory responses and then became refractory to subsequent stimulation. Other TSNs that failed to cause such temporary preactivation did not alter Mφ polarization. Consistent with these results, we observed that the monocytes/Mφ in different areas of human tumor samples exhibited distinct activation patterns. Moreover, we found that hyaluronan fragments constitute a common factor produced by various tumors to induce the formation of immunosuppressive Mφ, and also that upregulation of hyaluronan synthase-2 in tumor cells is correlated with the ability of the cells to cause Mφ dysfunction. These results indicate that soluble factors derived from tumor cells, including hyaluronan fragments, co-opt the normal development of Mφ to dynamically educate the recruited blood monocytes in different niches of a tumor. The malignant cells can thereby avoid initiation of potentially dangerous Mφ functions and create favorable conditions for tumor progression.
Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula in a patient with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kopetz S. , Jimenez C. , Tu S-M. , Sharma P. 
Published: March 2007

Arteriovenous (AV) fistulas are common in renal cell carcinoma. These are usually small and asymptomatic. Case reports have previously described symptomatic fistulas in primary renal cell tumour or, less commonly, bone metastases.The current study describes a patient with lung metastases from renal cell carcinoma who developed a symptomatic pulmonary AV fistula. The patient presented with debilitating progressive shortness of breath, which resolved after coiling of the pulmonary AV fistula. Supporting radiographs include a unique ventilation–perfusion finding of perfusion tracer in the kidney that is diagnostic of a pulmonary shunt.This is the first report of a pulmonary fistula from renal cell carcinoma. This rare complication of renal cell carcinoma reflects its diverse clinical presentations and unique tumour biology.
Master switches of T-cell activation and differentiation
Authors: Beier K. C. , Kallinich T. , Hamelmann E. 
Published: March 2007

T-cells play a central role in allergic airway diseases such as bronchial asthma. The imbalance between allergen-specific pro-inflammatory and pro-allergic T-cell responses on one hand and regulatory or suppressive T-cell responses on the other may best explain the development of unwanted immune responses against environmental allergens, which lead to immunoglobulin E production and airway inflammation. A key role in the fine tuning of any T-cell response is provided by the engagement of so-called co-stimulatory molecules that are required for the full activation of T-cells and the recognition of antigensviathe antigen-specific T-cell receptor. Many of these co-stimulatory molecules have been identified only recently, leading to a fundamental change in the overall understanding of T-cell regulation.Due to their pivotal impact on T-cell differentiation and control, co-stimulatory molecules are promising targets for therapeutic intervention in T-cell-regulated or -mediated immune disorders, including allergic diseases and asthma. In the present article, an attempt is made to summarise the current knowledge on the basic concept of co-stimulation, the presently known co-stimulatory molecules and their various functions on T-cell activation or suppression. The mini-series will be completed by two more articles describing the recent experimental studies and preliminary clinical findings regarding the role of co-stimulatory molecules in allergic disorders and bronchial asthma, and a discussion regarding the feasibility of co-stimulatory molecules as potential targets for the treatment of allergic airway disease.Although it is too early for any clinical implication or utilisation at this moment, the authors are convinced that a better understanding of co-stimulation in the context of allergic asthma will finally provide novel and promising approaches for treatment and prevention.
Depression and socio-economic risk factors: 7-year longitudinal population study
Authors: Lorant Vincent , Croux Christophe , Weich Scott , Deliège Denise , Mackenbach Johan , Ansseau Marc 
Published: March 2007

BackgroundLow socio-economic status is associated with a higher prevalence of depression, but it is not yet known whether change in socio-economic status leads to a change in rates of depression.AimsTo assess whether longitudinal change in socio-economic factors affects change of depression level.MethodIn a prospective cohort study using the annual Belgian Household Panel Survey (1992–1999), depression was assessed using the Global Depression Scale. Socio-economic factors were assessed with regard to material standard of living, education, employment status and social relationships.ResultsA lowering in material standard of living between annual waves was associated with increases in depressive symptoms and caseness of major depression. Life circumstances also influenced depression. Ceasing to cohabit with a partner increased depressive symptoms and caseness, and improvement in circumstances reduced them; the negative effects were stronger than the positive ones.ConclusionsThe study showed a clear relationship between worsening socio-economic circumstances and depression.
Population level of unmet need for mental healthcare in Europe
Authors: Alonso Jordi , Codony Miquel , Kovess Viviane , Angermeyer Matthias C. , Katz Steven J. , Haro Josep M. , De Girolamo Giovanni , De Graaf Ron , Demyttenaere Koen , Vilagut Gemma , Almansa Josué , Lépine Jean Pierre , Brugha Traolach S. 
Published: March 2007

BackgroundThe high prevalence of mental disorders has fuelled controversy about the need for mental health services.AimsTo estimate unmet need for mental healthcare at the population level in Europe.MethodAs part of the European Study of Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD) project, a cross-sectional survey was conducted of representative samples of the adult general population of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Spain (n=8796). Mental disorders were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0. Individuals with a 12-month mental disorder that was disabling or that had led to use of services in the previous 12 months were considered in need of care.ResultsAbout six per cent of the sample was defined as being in need of mental healthcare. Nearly half (48%) of these participants reported no formal healthcare use. In contrast, only 8% of the people with diabetes had reported no use of services for their physical condition. In total, 3.1% of the adult population had an unmet need for mental healthcare. About 13% of visits to formal health services were made by individuals without any mental morbidity.ConclusionsThere is a high unmet need for mental care in Europe, which may not be eliminated simply by reallocating existing healthcare resources.
Fair assessment of the merits of psychiatric research
Authors: Lewison Grant , Thornicroft Graham , Szmukler George , Tansella Michele 
Published: March 2007

BackgroundUse of bibliometric assessments of research quality is growing worldwide. So far, a narrow range of metrics have been applied across the whole of biomedical research. Without specific sets of metrics, appropriate to each sub-field of research, biased assessments of research excellence are possible.AimsTo discuss the measures used to evaluate the merits of psychiatric biomedical research, and to propose a new approach using a multidimensional selection of metrics appropriate to each particular field of medical research.MethodThree steps: (a) a definition of scientific ‘domains', (b) translating these into ‘filters' to identify publications from bibliometric databases, leading to (c) the creation of standardised measures of merit.ResultsWe propose using: (a) established metrics such as impact factor: and citation indices, (b) new derived measures such as the ‘worldscale’ score, and (c) new indicators based on journal peer esteem, impact on clinical practice, medical education and health policy.ConclusionsNo single index or metric can be used as a fair rating to compare nations, universities, research groups, or individual investigators across biomedical science. Rather, we propose using a multidimensional profile composed of a carefully selected array of such metrics.
Burden on caregivers of people with schizophrenia: Comparison between Germany and Britain
Authors: Roick Christiane , Heider Dirk , Bebbington Paul E. , Angermeyer Matthias C. , Azorin Jean-Michel , Brugha Traolach S. , Kilian Reinhold , Johnson Sonia , Toumi Mondher , Kornfeld Åsa 
Published: March 2007

BackgroundBurden on the relatives of patients with schizophrenia may be influenced not only by patient and caregiver characteristics, but also by differences in mental health service provision.AimsTo analyse whether family burden is affected by national differences in the provision of mental health services.MethodPatients with schizophrenia and their key relatives were examined in Germany (n=333) and Britain (n = 170). Differences in family burden in both countries were analysed with regression models controlling for patient and caregiver characteristics.ResultsFamily burden was associated with patients' symptoms, male gender, unemployment and marital status, as well as caregivers' coping abilities, patient contact and being a patient's parent. However, even when these attributes were controlled for, British caregivers reported more burden than German caregivers.ConclusionsNational differences in family burden may be related to different healthcare systems in Germany and Britain. Support for patients with schizophrenia may be shifted from the professional to the informal healthcare sector more in Britain than in Germany.