bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Observational Analysis of the 27 May 1997 Central Texas Tornadic Event. Part I: Prestorm Environment and Storm Maintenance/Propagation
Authors: Houston Adam L. , Wilhelmson Robert B. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA detailed analysis of the 27 May 1997 central Texas tornadic storm complex is undertaken in an attempt to document the prestorm environment and identify the roles played by preexisting boundaries on storm maintenance/propagation and rotation. Analysis is carried out using a broad suite of synoptic and subsynoptic data but focuses on the level-II and -III Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) data from three Texas radars. The 27 May 1997 event was characterized by a back-building (propagation against the mean flow) storm complex that produced at least 12 tornadoes including the F5 Jarrell, Texas, tornado. Furthermore, five of the eight longest-lived cells during the analysis period are shown to contain midlevel mesocyclones. However, one-dimensional metrics calculated using representative vertical profiles of state variables reveal that, despite the extreme values of CAPE in place (&gt;6500 J kg−1), the (1D) environment associated with this event is best classified as only marginally favorable for supercells and unfavorable for significant, supercellular tornadoes. Furthermore, the observed wind shear values are shown to be more in line with the vertical shear values typically associated with nonsevere back-building storms. Examples of propagation controlled by quasi-continuous maintenance of a single cell as well as successive discrete cell redevelopment are found. In all situations, two preexisting boundaries in place during this event (a cold front and a dryline) are found to have been necessary for the maintenance/propagation of the storm complex. Specifically, it is argued that the “zippering” of the cold front and dryline (the collision of the dryline and cold front that allowed the cold front to overtake the dryline and penetrate into the most unstable air to the east) was essential for the back-building of the storm complex in this event since it resulted in new cell development at points farther south. While midlevel mesocyclones were present in five of the eight longest-lived and well-sampled cells, analysis of the relationship between observed cell motion, expected cell motion, expected supercellular deviation, and boundary motion for the longest-lived and well-sampled cells reveals little evidence that deviate motions generated through supercellular dynamics governed cell motions. Instead, it is shown that boundary motions largely controlled the propagation of individual cells.
Observational Analysis of the 27 May 1997 Central Texas Tornadic Event. Part II: Tornadoes
Authors: Houston Adam L. , Wilhelmson Robert B. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe 27 May 1997 central Texas tornadic event has been investigated in a two-part observational study. As demonstrated in Part I, the 1D environment associated with this event was unfavorable for significant (≥F2) tornadoes. Yet, the storm complex produced at least six significant tornadoes, including one rated F5 (the Jarrell, Texas, tornado). The purpose of this article is to examine the spatiotemporal interrelationships between tornadoes, preexisting boundaries, antecedent low-level mesocyclones, convective cells, and midlevel mesocyclones. It is shown that each of the six observed tornadoes that produced greater than F0 damage formed along the storm-generated gust front, not along preexisting boundaries. Half of these tornadoes formed on the distorted gust front, the portion of the storm-generated gust front whose orientation was deformed largely by the horizontal shear across the cold front. The remaining three tornadoes developed at the gust front cusp (the persistent gust front inflection located at the northeast end of the gust front distortion). Unlike the tornadoes south of the gust front cusp, these tornadoes are found to be associated with antecedent mesocyclones located in the low levels above the boundary layer. Furthermore, these mesocyclonic tornadoes are found to be larger and more destructive than the three nonmesocyclonic tornadoes. The formation of the Jarrell tornado is found to occur as a nearly stationary convective cell became collocated with a south-southwestward-moving low-level mesocyclone near the gust front cusp—a behavior that resembles the formation of nonsupercell tornadoes. It is argued that the back-building propagation/maintenance of the storm complex enabled this juxtaposition of convective cells with vorticity along the distorted gust front and may have therefore enabled tornado formation. Each of the convective cells without midlevel mesocyclones was found to remain farther from the boundaries than the mesocyclonic cells. Since the cells nearest to the boundaries were longer lived than the remaining cells, it is argued that cells near the boundaries were mesocyclonic because the boundaries yielded cells that were more likely to support temporally coherent midlevel rotation.
Simulations of the Extratropical Transition of Tropical Cyclones: Phasing between the Upper-Level Trough and Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Ritchie Elizabeth A. , Elsberry Russell L. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Whether the tropical cyclone remnants will become a significant extratropical cyclone during the reintensification stage of extratropical transition is a complex problem because of the uncertainty in the tropical cyclone, the midlatitude circulation, the subtropical anticyclone, and the nonlinear interactions among these systems. In a previous study, the authors simulated the impact of the strength of the midlatitude circulation trough without changing its phasing with the tropical cyclone. In this study, the impact of phasing is simulated by fixing the initial position and amplitude of the midlatitude trough and varying the initial position of the tropical cyclone. The peak intensity of the extratropical cyclone following the extratropical transition is strongly dependent on the phasing, which leads to different degrees of interaction with the midlatitude baroclinic zone. Many aspects of the simulated circulation, temperature, and precipitation fields appear quite realistic for the reintensifying and dissipating cases. Threshold values of various parameters in quadrants near and far from the tropical cyclone are extracted that discriminate well between reintensifiers and dissipators. The selection and distribution of threshold parameters are consistent with the Petterssen type-B conceptual model for extratropical cyclone development. Thus, these simulations suggest that phasing between the tropical cyclone and the midlatitude trough is a critical factor in predicting the reintensification stage of extratropical transition.
Large-Scale Flow Patterns and Their Influence on the Intensification Rates of Western North Pacific Tropical Storms*
Authors: Ventham Justin D. , Wang Bin 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data are used to identify large-scale environmental flow patterns around western North Pacific tropical storms with the goal of finding a signal for those most favorable for rapid intensification, based on the hypothesis that aspects of the horizontal flow influence tropical cyclone intensification at an early stage of development. Based on the finding that intensification rate is a strong function of initial intensity (Joint Typhoon Warning Center best track), very rapid, rapid, and slow 24-h intensification periods from a weak tropical storm stage (35 kt) are defined. By using composite analysis and scalar EOF analysis of the zonal wind around these subsets, a form of the lower-level (850 mb) combined monsoon confluence–shearline pattern is found to occur dominantly for the very rapid cases. Based on the strength of the signal, it may provide a new rapid intensification predictor for operational use. At 200 mb the importance of the location of the tropical storm under a region of flow splitting into the midlatitude westerlies to the north and the subequatorial trough to the south is identified as a common criterion for the onset of rapid intensification. Cases in which interactions with upper-level troughs occurred, prior to and during slow and rapid intensification, are studied and strong similarities to prior Atlantic studies are found.
Assimilating Surface Weather Observations from Complex Terrain into a High-Resolution Numerical Weather Prediction Model
Authors: Deng Xingxiu , Stull Roland 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
An anisotropic surface analysis method based on the mother–daughter (MD) approach has been developed to spread valley station observations to grid points in circuitous steep valleys. In this paper, the MD approach is further refined to allow spreading the mountain-top observations to grid points near neighboring high ridges across valleys. Starting with a 3D first guess from a high-resolution mesoscale model forecast, surface weather observations are assimilated into the boundary layer, and pseudo-upper-air data (interpolated from the coarser-resolution analyses from major operational centers) are assimilated into the free atmosphere. Incremental analysis updating is then used to incorporate the final analysis increments (the difference between the final analysis and the first guess) into a high-resolution numerical weather prediction model. The MD approaches (including one with shoreline refinement) are compared with other objective analysis methods using case examples and daily mesoscale real-time forecast runs during November and December 2004. This study further confirms that the MD approaches outperform the other methods, and that the shoreline refinement achieves better analysis quality than the basic MD approach. The improvement of mountain-top refinement over the basic MD approach increases with the percentage of mountain-top stations, which is usually low. Higher skill in predicting near-surface potential temperature is found when surface information is spread upward throughout the boundary layer instead of at only the bottom model level. The results show improved near-surface forecasts of temperature and humidity that are directly assimilated into the model, but poorer forecasts of near-surface winds and precipitation, which are not assimilated into the model.
Improved Vertical Covariance Estimates for Ensemble-Filter Assimilation of Near-Surface Observations
Authors: Hacker Joshua P. , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Pagowski Mariusz 
Published: March 2007

AbstractStrategies to improve covariance estimates for ensemble-based assimilation of near-surface observations in atmospheric models are explored. It is known that localization of covariance estimates can improve conditioning of covariance matrices in the assimilation process by removing spurious elements and increasing the rank of the matrix. Vertical covariance localization is the focus of this work, and two basic approaches are compared: 1) a recently proposed hierarchical filter approach based on sampling theory and 2) a more commonly used fifth-order piecewise rational function. The hierarchical filter allows for dynamic estimates of localization functions and does not place any restrictions on their form. The rational function is optimized for every analysis time of day and for every possible observation and state variable combination. The methods are tested with a column model containing PBL and land surface parameterization schemes that are available in current mesoscale modeling systems. The results are expected to provide context for assimilation of near-surface observations in mesoscale models, which will benefit short-range mesoscale NWP applications. Results show that both the hierarchical and rational function approaches effectively improve covariance estimates from small ensembles. The hierarchical approach provides localization functions that are irregular and more closely related to PBL structure. Analysis of eigenvalue spectra show that both approaches improve the rank of the covariance matrices, but the amount of improvement is not always directly related to the assimilation performance. Results also show that specifying different localization functions for different observation and state variable combinations is more important than including time dependence.
Absence of donor T-cell–derived soluble TNF decreases graft-versus-host disease without impairing graft-versus-tumor activity
Authors: Borsotti Chiara , Franklin Anna R. K. , Lu Sydney X. , Kim Theo D. , Smith Odette M. , Suh David , King Chris G. , Chow Andrew , Liu Chen , Alpdogan Onder , van den Brink Marcel R. M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractTumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays an important role in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft-versus-tumor (GVT) activity after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT). TNF can be expressed in a membrane-bound form (memTNF) and as a soluble (solTNF) molecule after being cleaved by the TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE). To study the contribution of donor T-cell–derived memTNF versus solTNF in GVHD and GVT, we used mice containing a noncleavable allele in place of endogenous TNF (memTNFΔ/Δ) as donors in murine BMT models. Recipients of memTNF T cells developed significantly less GVHD than recipients of wild-type (wt) T cells. In contrast, GVT activity mediated by memTNF T cells remained intact, and alloreactive memTNF T cells showed no defects in proliferation, activation, and cytotoxicity. These data suggest that suppressing the secretion of solTNF by donor T cells significantly decreases GVHD without impairing GVT activity.
Bovine apolipoprotein B-100 is a dominant immunogen in therapeutic cell populations cultured in fetal calf serum in mice and humans
Authors: Sakamoto Norihisa , Tsuji Kazuhide , Muul Linda M. , Lawler Ann M. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Candotti Fabio , Metcalf Julia A. , Tavel Jorge A. , Lane H. Clifford , Urba Walter J. , Fox Bernard A. , Varki Ajit , Lunney Joan K. , Rosenberg Amy S. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractRecent studies have demonstrated that cell populations intended for therapeutic purposes that are cultured in heterologous animal products can acquire xenoantigens, potentially limiting their utility. In investigations of the immune response to murine embryonic stem cells, we found that a strong antibody response was generated after the second infusion. Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibody responses, derived from immunized mice, were found to be specific for bovine apolipoprotein B-100, which binds to abundant low-density lipoprotein receptors on the cell surface and is internalized. Here we show that in the majority of patients administered 3 different types of cell-based therapies using cells grown in fetal calf serum-containing media, an antibody response to bovine apolipoprotein B-100 develops after the second infusion and is the dominant specificity. The known and potential clinical effects of such antibodies are discussed.
Ang-2 and PDGF-BB cooperatively stimulate human peripheral blood monocyte fibrinolysis
Authors: Bezuidenhout Louise , Bracher Mona , Davison Glenda , Zilla Peter , Davies Neil 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAngiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is a growth factor, which was identified originally as playing a critical role in vessel remodeling during angiogenesis. More recent evidence has indicated additional involvement in vascular homeostatic responses such as coagulation and inflammation, which are central to wound healing. We therefore determined whether a relationship existed between Ang-2 and monocytes, one of the initial cell types to be recruited to a wound, in the context of fibrin clot invasion. Ang-2 significantly increased monocyte invasion of fibrin in the presence of serum. In the absence of serum, it required a combination of Ang-2 and platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) to increase invasion by threefold. Furthermore, it was shown that the heightened invasion was dependent on serine proteases and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and that the combination of Ang-2 and PDGF-BB increased urokinase plasminogen-activator receptor expression, as well as MMP-9 and membrane type 1 MMP expression. These data give further credence to the concept of Ang-2 as a key regulator of several essential phases of wound healing.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response in borderline personality disorder without post-traumatic features
Authors: Carrasco Jose L. , Díaz-Marsá Marina , Pastrana Jose I. , Molina Rosa , Brotons Loreto , López-Ibor María I. , López-Ibor Juan J. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryHypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis sensitivity was investigated in 32 non-medicated patients with borderline personality disorder without comorbid post-traumatic syndromes and in 18 normal individuals using a modified dexamethasone suppression test (0.25 mg). Enhanced cortisol suppression was found in the patients v. controls (P < 0.05) and the percentage of participant's with non-suppression was smaller in the patient (34%) than in the control group (89%) (P < 0.01). Baseline cortisol levels in the patients were also lower than in the controls (P < 0.05). The 0.25 mg dexamethasone suppression test reveals increased feedback inhibition of the HPA in borderline personality disorder.
Can deficits in social problem-solving in people with personality disorder be reversed?
Authors: Crawford M. J. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryResearch evidence is beginning to emerge that social problem-solving can improve the social functioning of people with personality disorder. This approach is particularly important because it may be relatively easy to train healthcare workers to deliver this intervention. However, the costs and cost-effectiveness of social problem-solving need to be established if it is to be made more widely available.
Management of insomnia in older adults
Authors: Sivertsen Børge , Nordhus Inger Hilde 
Published: March 2007

SummaryComplaints of insomnia are very common, especially in older adults. Although pharmacotherapy is the most common form of treatment, recent evidence shows cognitive–behavioural therapy to be superior in the short- and long-term management of insomnia. Low-threshold intervention programmes may reduce both the individual and societal burden of insomnia, coexisting with or without other mental or physical disorders.
The Research on Community Consultation: An Annotated Bibliography
Authors: Baren Jill M. , Biros Michelle H. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractCommunity consultation is a required element of research studies that use a waiver of or exception from informed consent. Its intent is to provide an additional patient safeguard in emergency research circumstances when prospective informed consent is not possible. Investigators have reported that community consultation may be the most difficult aspect in implementing research trials using a wavier of or exception from informed consent. This article presents a brief overview of the sparse literature available on the process of community consultation since the inception of the current emergency research regulations. To determine if the process is meeting its goals, more research will be required.
Chemoradiation Followed by Surgery Compared With Chemoradiation Alone in Squamous Cancer of the Esophagus: FFCD 9102
Authors: Bedenne Laurent , Michel Pierre , Bouché Olivier , Milan Chantal , Mariette Christophe , Conroy Thierry , Pezet Denis , Roullet Bernard , Seitz Jean-François , Herr Jean-Philippe , Paillot Bernard , Arveux Patrick , Bonnetain Franck , Binquet Christine 
Published: March 2007

Purpose Uncontrolled studies suggest that chemoradiation has similar efficacy as surgery for esophageal cancer. Therefore, a randomized trial was carried out to compare, in responders only, chemoradiation alone with chemoradiation followed by surgery in patients with locally advanced tumors. Patients and Methods Eligible patients had operable T3N0-1M0 thoracic esophageal cancer. Patients received two cycles of fluorouracil (FU) and cisplatin (days 1 to 5 and 22 to 26) and either conventional (46 Gy in 4.5 weeks) or split-course (15 Gy, days 1 to 5 and 22 to 26) concomitant radiotherapy. Patients with response and no contraindication to either treatment were randomly assigned to surgery (arm A) or continuation of chemoradiation (arm B; three cycles of FU/cisplatin and either conventional [20 Gy] or split-course [15 Gy] radiotherapy). Chemoradiation was considered equivalent to surgery if the difference in 2-year survival rate was less than 10%. Results Of 444 eligible patients, 259 were randomly assigned; 230 patients (88.8%) had epidermoid cancer, and 29 (11.2%) had glandular carcinoma. Two-year survival rate was 34% in arm A versus 40% in arm B (hazard ratio for arm B v arm A = 0.90; adjusted P = .44). Median survival time was 17.7 months in arm A compared with 19.3 months in arm B. Two-year local control rate was 66.4% in arm A compared with 57.0% in arm B, and stents were less required in the surgery arm (5% in arm A v 32% in arm B; P < .001). The 3-month mortality rate was 9.3% in arm A compared with 0.8% in arm B (P = .002). Cumulative hospital stay was 68 days in arm A compared with 52 days in arm B (P = .02). Conclusion Our data suggest that, in patients with locally advanced thoracic esophageal cancers, especially epidermoid, who respond to chemoradiation, there is no benefit for the addition of surgery after chemoradiation compared with the continuation of additional chemoradiation.
Impact of Delirium on Cognition, Distress, and Health-Related Quality of Life After Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation
Authors: Fann Jesse R. , Alfano Catherine M. , Roth-Roemer Sari , Katon Wayne J. , Syrjala Karen L. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeTo determine the impact of delirium during the acute phase of myeloablative hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), distress, and neurocognitive functioning 30 and 80 days after transplantation.Patients and MethodsNinety patients completed a battery assessing HRQOL, distress, and neuropsychological functioning before receiving their first HSCT. Delirium was assessed three times per week using the Delirium Rating Scale and the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale from 7 days before transplantation through 30 days after transplantation. At 30 days after transplantation, distress and neurocognitive functioning were assessed. At 80 days after transplantation, HRQOL, distress, and neuropsychological functioning were re-evaluated.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding factors, patients who experienced a delirium episode, versus patients who did not, reported significantly worse depression, anxiety, and fatigue symptoms at 30 days (linear regression βs = 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5, respectively; P < .04). At 80 days, patients with a delirium episode had significantly worse executive functioning (β = −1.1; P < .02), attention and processing speed (βs = −4.7 and −5.4, respectively; P < .03), mental health on the Medical Outcomes Study Health Survey, 12-item short form (β = −6.5; P < .02), and anxiety, fatigue, and cancer and treatment distress symptoms (βs = 0.4, 0.6, and 0.3, respectively; P < .03).ConclusionPatients with a malignancy who experience delirium during myeloablative HSCT showed impaired neurocognitive abilities and persistent distress 80 days after transplantation. Effective prevention or treatment of delirium during HSCT may improve both cognitive and psychological outcomes.