bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GEOtop: A Distributed Hydrological Model with Coupled Water and Energy Budgets
Authors: Rigon Riccardo , Bertoldi Giacomo , Over Thomas M. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
This paper describes a new distributed hydrological model, called GEOtop. The model accommodates very complex topography and, besides the water balance, unlike most other hydrological models, integrates all the terms in the surface energy balance equation. GEOtop uses a discretization of the landscape based on digital elevation data. These digital elevation data are preprocessed to allow modeling of the effect of topography on the radiation incident on the surface, both shortwave (including shadowing) and longwave (accounting for the sky view factor). For saturated and unsaturated subsurface flow, GEOtop makes use of a numerical solution of the 3D Richards’ equation in order to properly model, besides the lateral flow, the vertical structure of water content and the suction dynamics. These characteristics are deemed necessary for consistently modeling hillslope processes, initiation of landslides, snowmelt processes, and ecohydrological phenomena as well as discharges during floods and interstorm periods. An accurate treatment of radiation inputs is implemented in order to be able to return surface temperature. The motivation behind the model is to combine the strengths and overcome the weaknesses of flood forecasting and land surface models. The former often include detailed spatial description and lateral fluxes but usually lack appropriate knowledge of the vertical ones. The latter are focused on vertical structure and usually lack spatial structure and prediction of lateral fluxes. Outlines of the processes simulated and the methods used to simulate them are given. A series of applications of the model to the Little Washita basin of Oklahoma using data from the Southern Great Plains 1997 Hydrology Experiment (SGP97) is presented. These show the model’s ability to reproduce the pointwise energy and water balance, showing that just an elementary calibration of a few parameters is needed for an acceptable reproduction of discharge at the outlet, for the prediction of the spatial distribution of soil moisture content, and for the simulation of a full year’s streamflow without additional calibration.
Impact of Incorrect Model Error Assumptions on the Sequential Assimilation of Remotely Sensed Surface Soil Moisture
Authors: Crow Wade T. , Van Loon Emiel 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Data assimilation approaches require some type of state forecast error covariance information in order to optimally merge model predictions with observations. The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) dynamically derives such information through a Monte Carlo approach and the introduction of random noise in model states, fluxes, and/or forcing data. However, in land data assimilation, relatively little guidance exists concerning strategies for selecting the appropriate magnitude and/or type of introduced model noise. In addition, little is known about the sensitivity of filter prediction accuracy to (potentially) inappropriate assumptions concerning the source and magnitude of modeling error. Using a series of synthetic identical twin experiments, this analysis explores the consequences of making incorrect assumptions concerning the source and magnitude of model error on the efficiency of assimilating surface soil moisture observations to constrain deeper root-zone soil moisture predictions made by a land surface model. Results suggest that inappropriate model error assumptions can lead to circumstances in which the assimilation of surface soil moisture observations actually degrades the performance of a land surface model (relative to open-loop assimilations that lack a data assimilation component). Prospects for diagnosing such circumstances and adaptively correcting the culpable model error assumptions using filter innovations are discussed. The dual assimilation of both runoff (from streamflow) and surface soil moisture observations appears to offer a more robust assimilation framework where incorrect model error assumptions are more readily diagnosed via filter innovations.
Feasibility Test of Multifrequency Radiometric Data Assimilation to Estimate Snow Water Equivalent
Authors: Durand Michael , Margulis Steven A. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
A season-long, point-scale radiometric data assimilation experiment is performed in order to test the feasibility of snow water equivalent (SWE) estimation. Synthetic passive microwave observations at Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) frequencies and synthetic broadband albedo observations are assimilated simultaneously in order to update snowpack states in a land surface model using the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF). The effects of vegetation and atmosphere are included in the radiative transfer model (RTM). The land surface model (LSM) was given biased precipitation to represent typical errors introduced in modeling, yet was still able to recover the true value of SWE with a seasonally integrated rmse of only 2.95 cm, despite a snow depth of around 3 m and the presence of liquid water in the snowpack. This ensemble approach is ideal for investigating the complex theoretical relationships between the snowpack properties and the observations, and exploring the implications of these relationships for the inversion of remote sensing measurements for estimating snowpack properties. The contributions of each channel to recovering the true SWE are computed, and it was found that the low-frequency 10.67-GHz AMSR-E channels contain information even for very deep snow. The effect of vegetation thickness on assimilation results is explored. Results from the assimilation are compared to those from a pure modeling approach and from a remote sensing inversion approach, and the effects of measurement error and ensemble size are investigated.
Contribution of Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing Data in Multiobjective Calibration of a Dual-Source SVAT Model
Authors: Coudert Benoit , Ottlé Catherine , Boudevillain Brice , Demarty Jérôme , Guillevic Pierre 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
This study fits within the overall research on the usage of space remote sensing data to constrain land surface models (LSMs) (also called SVAT models for soil–vegetation–atmosphere transfer). The goal of this paper is to analyze the potential of using thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing data for LSM calibration. LSMs are characterized by a large number of parameters and initial conditions that have to be specified. This model calibration is generally performed at a local scale by minimization between measurements and time series difference. Recent studies have shed light on the use of multiobjective approaches for performing calibration and for analyzing the model’s sensitivity to input parameters. Such an approach has been implemented in the SEtHyS LSM (for “Suivi de l’Etat Hydrique des Sols,” the French acronym for soil moisture monitoring) with the objective of assessing the information contributed by having knowledge of the remote sensing surface brightness temperature. For this purpose, the model calibration was performed in three different cases at field scale corresponding to different calibration design. The analysis of these numerical experiments permits the authors to show the contribution and the limits of TIR remote sensing data for LSM calibration, in various environmental conditions. The perspectives underline the potential of using a dynamic calibration methodology, taking advantage of the time-varying model parameters’ influence.
Real-Time Data Assimilation for Operational Ensemble Streamflow Forecasting
Authors: Vrugt Jasper A. , Gupta Hoshin V. , Nualláin BreanndánÓ , Bouten Willem 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Operational flood forecasting requires that accurate estimates of the uncertainty associated with model-generated streamflow forecasts be provided along with the probable flow levels. This paper demonstrates a stochastic ensemble implementation of the Sacramento model used routinely by the National Weather Service for deterministic streamflow forecasting. The approach, the simultaneous optimization and data assimilation method (SODA), uses an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) for recursive state estimation allowing for treatment of streamflow data error, model structural error, and parameter uncertainty, while enabling implementation of the Sacramento model without major modification to its current structural form. Model parameters are estimated in batch using the shuffled complex evolution metropolis stochastic-ensemble optimization approach (SCEM-UA). The SODA approach was implemented using parallel computing to handle the increased computational requirements. Studies using data from the Leaf River, Mississippi, indicate that forecast performance improvements on the order of 30% to 50% can be realized even with a suboptimal implementation of the filter. Further, the SODA parameter estimates appear to be less biased, which may increase the prospects for finding useful regionalization relationships.
Snow Data Assimilation via an Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Slater Andrew G. , Clark Martyn P. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
A snow data assimilation study was undertaken in which real data were used to update a conceptual model, SNOW-17. The aim of this study is to improve the model’s estimate of snow water equivalent (SWE) by merging the uncertainties associated with meteorological forcing data and SWE observations within the model. This is done with a view to aiding the estimation of snowpack initial conditions for the ultimate objective of streamflow forecasting via a distributed hydrologic model. To provide a test of this methodology, the authors performed experiments at 53 stations in Colorado. In each case the situation of an unobserved location is mimicked, using the data at any given station only for validation; essentially, these are withholding experiments. Both ensembles of model forcing data and assimilated data were derived via interpolation and stochastic modeling of data from surrounding sources. Through a process of cross validation the error for the ensemble of model forcing data and assimilated observations is explicitly estimated. An ensemble square root Kalman filter is applied to perform assimilation on a 5-day cycle. Improvements in the resulting SWE are most evident during the early accumulation season and late melt period. However, the large temporal correlation inherent in a snowpack results in a less than optimal assimilation and the increased skill is marginal. Once this temporal persistence is removed from both model and assimilated observations during the update cycle, a result is produced that is, within the limits of available information, consistently superior to either the model or interpolated observations.
Two novel activating mutations in the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein result in congenital neutropenia
Authors: Ancliff Phil J. , Blundell Michael P. , Cory Giles O. , Calle Yolanda , Worth Austen , Kempski Helena , Burns Siobhan , Jones Gareth E. , Sinclair Jo , Kinnon Christine , Hann Ian M. , Gale Rosemary E. , Linch David C. , Thrasher Adrian J. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is characterized by neutropenia, recurrent bacterial infections, and maturation arrest in the bone marrow. Although many cases have mutations in the ELA2 gene encoding neutrophil elastase, a significant proportion remain undefined at a molecular level. A mutation (Leu270Pro) in the gene encoding the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) resulting in an X-linked SCN kindred has been reported. We therefore screened the WAS gene in 14 young SCN males with wild-type ELA2 and identified 2 with novel mutations, one who presented with myelodysplasia (Ile294Thr) and the other with classic SCN (Ser270Pro). Both patients had defects of immunologic function including a generalized reduction of lymphoid and natural killer cell numbers, reduced lymphocyte proliferation, and abrogated phagocyte activity. In vitro culture of bone marrow progenitors demonstrated a profound reduction in neutrophil production and increased levels of apoptosis, consistent with an intrinsic disturbance of normal myeloid differentiation as the cause of the neutropenia. Both mutations resulted in increased WASp activity and produced marked abnormalities of cytoskeletal structure and dynamics. Furthermore, these results also suggest a novel cause of myelodysplasia and that male children with myelodysplasia and disturbance of immunologic function should be screened for such mutations.
Thrombotic complications in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a meta-analysis of 17 prospective studies comprising 1752 pediatric patients
Authors: Caruso Vanesa , Iacoviello Licia , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Storti Sergio , Mariani Guglielmo , de Gaetano Giovanni , Donati Maria Benedetta 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe risk of thrombosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) reportedly ranges between 1% and 37%. Epidemiologic studies have usually been hampered by small numbers, making accurate estimates of thrombosis risk in ALL patients very difficult. The aim of this study was to better estimate the frequency of this complication and to define how the disease, its treatment, and the host contribute to its occurrence. We made an attempt to combine and analyze all published data on the association between pediatric ALL and thrombosis, by using a meta-analytic method. The rate of thrombosis in 1752 children from 17 prospective studies was 5.2% (95% CI: 4.2-6.4). The risk varies depending on several factors. Most of the events occurred during the induction phase of therapy. Lower doses of asparaginase (ASP) for long periods were associated with the highest incidence of thrombosis, as were anthracyclines and prednisone (instead of dexamethasone). The presence of central lines and of thrombophilic genetic abnormalities also appeared to be frequently associated with thrombosis. In conclusion, the overall thrombotic risk in ALL children was significant, and the subgroup analysis was able to identify high-risk individuals, a finding that will hopefully guide future prospective studies aimed at decreasing this risk.
Timing of neutrophil tissue repopulation predicts restoration of innate immune protection in a murine bone marrow transplantation model
Authors: Cheretakis Chrisovalantou , Leung Roland , Sun Chun Xiang , Dror Yigal , Glogauer Michael 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
It has been suggested that neutrophil tissue repopulation following bone marrow transplantation (BMT) serves as an earlier and more relevant marker of susceptibility to infection than circulating neutrophil counts. In a previous study using an oral rinse protocol, we found that oral neutrophil recovery always preceded blood neutrophil engraftment and that the day of oral neutrophil detection served as a predictor of patient susceptibility to infection after BMT. Consequently, we have developed and validated a mouse BMT model which uses bone marrow transplants containing enhanced green fluorescent protein-expressing neutrophils to follow neutrophil tissue repopulation after BMT. Using this in vivo cell migration model, we assessed the significance of neutrophil tissue recruitment kinetics with neutrophil functionality and in vivo bacterial killing after BMT. Using the animal model, we have demonstrated that protection against bacterial infection is conferred at the time of neutrophil tissue delivery, which always occurs before neutrophils are detected in the blood. We therefore conclude that neutrophil tissue recovery is an early measure of the restoration of cellular innate immune function after BMT. This model will help us better understand the factors regulating neutrophil recruitment to the tissues.
Molecular events contributing to cell death in malignant human hematopoietic cells elicited by an IgG3-avidin fusion protein targeting the transferrin receptor
Authors: Ng Patrick P. , Helguera Gustavo , Daniels Tracy R. , Lomas Simon Z. , Rodriguez Jose A. , Schiller Gary , Bonavida Benjamin , Morrison Sherie L. , Penichet Manuel L. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractWe have previously reported that an anti-human transferrin receptor IgG3-avidin fusion protein (anti-hTfR IgG3-Av) inhibits the proliferation of an erythroleukemia-cell line. We have now found that anti-hTfR IgG3-Av also inhibits the proliferation of additional human malignant B and plasma cells. Anti-hTfR IgG3-Av induces internalization and rapid degradation of the TfR. These events can be reproduced in cells treated with anti-hTfR IgG3 cross-linked with a secondary Ab, suggesting that they result from increased TfR cross-linking. Confocal microscopy of cells treated with anti-hTfR IgG3-Av shows that the TfR is directed to an intracellular compartment expressing the lysosomal marker LAMP-1. The degradation of TfR is partially blocked by cysteine protease inhibitors. Furthermore, cells treated with anti-hTfR IgG3-Av exhibit mitochondrial depolarization and activation of caspases 9, 8, and 3. The mitochondrial damage and cell death can be prevented by iron supplementation, but cannot be fully blocked by a pan-caspase inhibitor. These results suggest that anti-hTfR IgG3-Av induces lethal iron deprivation, but the resulting cell death does not solely depend on caspase activation. This report provides insights into the mechanism of cell death induced by anti-TfR Abs such as anti-hTfR IgG3-Av, a molecule that may be useful in the treatment of B-cell malignancies such as multiple myeloma.
Regulatory T Cells in Human Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Authors: Marazuela Mónica , García-López María A. , Figueroa-Vega Nicté , de la Fuente Hortensia , Alvarado-Sánchez Brenda , Monsiváis-Urenda Adriana , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco , González-Amaro Roberto 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Context: T regulatory cells have a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases in different animal models. However, less information is available regarding these cells in human autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD).
Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze different regulatory T cell subsets in patients with AITD.
Design: We studied by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry different T regulatory cell subsets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and thyroid cell infiltrates from 20 patients with AITD. In addition, the function of TREG lymphocytes was assessed by cell proliferation assays. Finally, TGF-β mRNA in thyroid tissue and its in vitro synthesis by thyroid mononuclear cells (TMCs) was determined by RNase protection assay and quantitative PCR.
Results: PBMCs from AITD patients showed an increased percent of CD4+ lymphocytes expressing glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor (GITR), Foxp3, IL-10, TGF-β, and CD69 as well as CD69+CD25bright, CD69+TGF-β, and CD69+IL-10+ cells, compared with controls. TMCs from these patients showed an increased proportion of CD4+GITR+, CD4+CD69+, and CD69+ cells expressing CD25bright, GITR, and Foxp3, compared with autologous PBMCs. Furthermore, a prominent infiltration of thyroid tissue by CD69+, CD25+, and GITR+ cells, with moderate levels of Foxp3+ lymphocytes, was observed. The suppressive function of peripheral blood TREG cells was defective in AITD patients. Finally, increased levels of TGF-β mRNA were found in thyroid tissue, and thyroid cell infiltrates synthesized in vitro significant levels of TGF-β upon stimulation through CD69.
Conclusions: Although T regulatory cells are abundant in inflamed thyroid tissue, they are apparently unable, in most cases, to downmodulate the autoimmune response and the tissue damage seen in AITD.
Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone and Atamestane Supplementation on Frailty in Elderly Men
Authors: Muller Majon , van den Beld Annewieke W. , van der Schouw Yvonne T. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Lamberts Steven W. J. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Background: It has been suggested that the age-related decline of androgens in men plays a distinct role in the development of several aspects of frailty. Therefore, hormone replacement might improve the course of frailty by increasing lean body mass and muscle strength, decreasing fat mass, and improving the subjective quality of life.
Objective: The objective of the study was to assess whether hormone replacement with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and/or atamestane might improve the course of frailty.
Design: This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.
Setting: The study was conducted in the general community.
Participants: Participants included 100 nonhospitalized, nondiseased, independently living men, aged 70 yr and over with low scores on strength tests. Seventeen participants did not complete the trial.
Intervention: Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four intervention arms: atamestane (100 mg/d) and placebo, DHEA (50 mg/d) and placebo, a combination of atamestane (100 mg/d) and DHEA (50 mg/d), or two placebo tablets for 36 wk.
Main Outcome Measures: Physical frailty was measured by means of a specific test battery, including isometric grip strength, leg extensor power, and physical performance.
Results: The randomization was successful, and 83 (83%) men completed the intervention. There were no differences between the treatment arms and placebo group in any of the outcome measurements after intervention.
Conclusions: The results of this double-blind, randomized trial do not support the hypothesis that hormone replacement with DHEA and/or atamestane might improve the course of frailty.
Low-Dose Rosiglitazone Exerts an Antiinflammatory Effect with an Increase in Adiponectin Independently of Free Fatty Acid Fall and Insulin Sensitization in Obese Type 2 Diabetics
Authors: Ghanim Husam , Dhindsa Sandeep , Aljada Ahmad , Chaudhuri Ajay , Viswanathan Prabhakar , Dandona Paresh 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Background: We have previously demonstrated an early and potent antiinflammatory effect of troglitazone and rosiglitazone.
Hypothesis: Because inflammatory mediators interfere with insulin signal transduction, we have now hypothesized that rosiglitazone exerts an initial antiinflammatory effect independently of its metabolic actions including the suppression of the plasma concentration of free fatty acids (FFAs), insulin, and glucose after which insulin sensitization occurs.
Patient and Methods: Fourteen patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. Eight patients were given 2 mg daily of rosiglitazone for 6 wk, whereas the other six patients were given a placebo for the same period.
Results: After a 2-mg dose of rosiglitazone, plasma FFAs, insulin, and glucose concentrations and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance did not change. Plasma C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and matrix metalloproteinase concentrations fell significantly at wk 1 and continued to be significantly lower than the baseline levels by 25, 29, and 24%, respectively, at wk 6. Leukocyte count was significantly lower at wk 6 after rosiglitazone, whereas there was no change in the control group. Plasma adiponectin concentrations increased significantly at wk 2 and continued to increase during the treatment period with rosiglitazone. Resistin concentrations fell significantly by 10% at wk 6 only. There were no changes in any of these indices in the placebo group.
Conclusions: A low dose of rosiglitazone exerts an early and potent antiinflammatory effect with an increase in adiponectin and a fall in resistin concentrations without causing any metabolic changes (fall in plasma glucose, FFAs, and insulin concentrations) over a 6-wk period. The increase in adiponectin and the decrease in resistin after rosiglitazone are thus related primarily to its antiinflammatory effects rather than its metabolic actions. These observations have implications in relation to the mode of action of this drug as an insulin-sensitizing agent and also its use as a potential antiinflammatory and antiatherogenic drug in the future.