bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Sensitivity of Simulated Convective Storms to Variations in Prescribed Single-Moment Microphysics Parameters that Describe Particle Distributions, Sizes, and Numbers
Authors: Cohen Charles , McCaul Eugene W. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The sensitivity of cloud-scale simulations of deep convection to variations in prescribed microphysics parameters is studied, using the single-moment scheme in the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) model. Realistic changes were made to the shape parameters in the gamma distributions of the diameters of precipitating hydrometeors and of cloud droplets, in the number concentration of cloud droplets, and in the mean size of the hail and graupel. Simulations were performed with two initial soundings that are identical except for their temperature. The precipitation rate at the ground is not very sensitive to changes in the value of the shape parameter used for all precipitating hydrometeors (rain, hail, graupel, snow, and aggregates) or to the mean size of the hail and graupel, owing to counteracting effects. For example, with a larger shape parameter value, there is a greater production of precipitation by collection of cloud water, but also a larger rate of evaporation of the liquid precipitation. However, with a larger shape parameter value, the greater production of precipitation by collection and the increased evaporation result in more low-level cooling by the downdraft. Specifying larger hail and graupel results in less low-level cooling by the downdraft. The simulation with the cold initial sounding showed a change in storm propagation velocity when the specified sizes of hail and graupel were increased, but this did not occur when the warm initial sounding was used. With a larger shape parameter for cloud water or with a larger number concentration of cloud droplets, there is less autoconversion and less collection of cloud water and, consequently, much less precipitation at the ground and denser cirrus anvils. While the number concentration of cloud droplets can be forecast in some models with parameterized microphysics, at present the shape parameter for cloud water cannot and must, therefore, be carefully selected.
A Finite-Volume Grid Using Multimoments for Geostrophic Adjustment
Authors: Xiao F. , Peng X. D. , Shen X. S. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
This paper presents a novel finite-volume grid that uses not only the volume-integrated average (VIA) like the traditional finite-volume method, but also the surface-integrated average (SIA) as the model variables. The VIA and SIA are generically called “moments” in the context used here and are carried forward in time separately as the prognostic quantities. With the VIA defined in the control volume while the SIA is on the surface of the control volume, the discretization based on VIA and SIA leads to some new features in the numerical dispersions. A simple formulation using both VIA and SIA for shallow-water equations is presented. The numerical dispersion of the resulting grid, which is denoted as the “M grid,” is discussed with comparisons to the existing ones.
Horizontal Convective Rolls in Cold Air over Water: Buoyancy Characteristics of Coherent Plumes Detected by an Airborne Radar
Authors: Yang Qiong , Geerts Bart 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Aircraft and airborne cloud radar data are used to describe the vertical structure of the convective boundary layer (CBL) during cold-air outbreaks over Lake Michigan in January 2004. Two days with mesoscale cloud street structure and a day with cellular organization are contrasted. The radar reflectivity and vertical velocity structure of the CBL, as well as the radar-inferred topography of the CBL inversion, are collected along flight legs normal to the cloud streets. High-resolution horizontal and vertical transects of the dual-Doppler airflow field capture horizontal convective roll circulations on one day.
Coherent structures within the CBL are analyzed as echo plumes, updraft plumes, and CBL domes. Only updraft plumes have the characteristics of buoyant thermals. Updrafts are narrower, weaker, and less buoyant on the no-roll day, but the differences in characteristics between two cloud street days are larger than those between the no-roll day and the two cloud street days. The lack of a clear buoyancy signal in echo plumes and under CBL domes is attributed to a temporal phase shift between maximum buoyancy, maximum ice particle size, and maximum overshooting in thermals, and the transience of convective updrafts.
GOES Climatology and Analysis of Thunderstorms with Enhanced 3.9-μm Reflectivity
Authors: Lindsey Daniel T. , Hillger Donald W. , Grasso Louie , Knaff John A. , Dostalek John F. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
By combining observations from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) 3.9- and 10.7-μm channels, the reflected component of the 3.9-μm radiance can be isolated. In this paper, these 3.9-μm reflectivity measurements of thunderstorm tops are studied in terms of their climatological values and their utility in diagnosing cloud-top microphysical structure. These measurements provide information about internal thunderstorm processes, including updraft strength, and may be useful for severe weather nowcasting. Three years of summertime thunderstorm-top 3.9-μm reflectivity values are analyzed to produce maps of climatological means across the United States. Maxima occur in the high plains and Rocky Mountain regions, while lower values are observed over much of the eastern United States. A simple model is used to establish a relationship between 3.9-μm reflectivity and ice crystal size at cloud top. As the mean diameter of a cloud-top ice crystal distribution decreases, more solar radiation near 3.9 μm is reflected. Using the North American Regional Reanalysis dataset, the thermodynamic environment that favors thunderstorms with large 3.9-μm reflectivity values is identified. In the high plains and mountains, environments with relatively dry boundary layers, steep lapse rates, and large vertical shear values favor thunderstorms with enhanced 3.9-μm reflectivity. Thunderstorm processes that lead to small ice crystals at cloud top are discussed, and a possible relationship between updraft strength and 3.9-μm reflectivity is presented.
Thrombin stimulation of p38 MAP kinase in human platelets is mediated by ADP and thromboxane A2 and inhibited by cGMP/cGMP-dependent protein kinase
Authors: Begonja Antonija Jurak , Geiger Jörg , Rukoyatkina Natalia , Rauchfuss Steffen , Gambaryan Stepan , Walter Ulrich 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
p38 MAP kinase in human platelets is activated by platelet agonists including thrombin, thromboxane A2 (TxA2), ADP, and others. However, both upstream mechanisms of p38 MAP kinase activation, and their downstream sequelae, are presently controversial and essentially unclear. Certain studies report sequential activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) and p38/ERK pathways by platelet agonists, leading to integrin activation and secretion, whereas others establish an essential role of Src/ERK-mediated TxA2 generation for fibrinogen receptor activation in human platelets. Here, we show that ADP secreted from platelet-dense granules, and subsequent activation of P2Y12 receptors, as well as TxA2 release are important upstream mediators of p38 MAP kinase activation by thrombin. However, p38 MAP kinase activation did not significantly contribute to calcium mobilization, P-selectin expression, αIIbβ3 integrin activation, and aggregation of human platelets in response to thrombin. Finally, PKG activation did not stimulate, but rather inhibited, p38 MAP kinase in human platelets.
A key role for STIM1 in store operated calcium channel activation in airway smooth muscle
Authors: Peel Samantha E , Liu Bo , Hall Ian P 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background
Control of cytosolic calcium plays a key role in airway myocyte function. Changes in intracellular Ca2+ stores can modulate contractile responses, modulate proliferation and regulate synthetic activity. Influx of Ca2+ in non excitable smooth muscle is believed to be predominantly through store operated channels (SOC) or receptor operated channels (ROC). Whereas agonists can activate both SOC and ROC in a range of smooth muscle types, the specific trigger for SOC activation is depletion of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores. The mechanism underlying SOC activation following depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores in smooth muscle has not been identified.

Methods
To investigate the roles of the STIM homologues in SOC activation in airway myocytes, specific siRNA sequences were utilised to target and selectively suppress both STIM1 and STIM2. Quantitative real time PCR was employed to assess the efficiency and the specificity of the siRNA mediated knockdown of mRNA. Activation of SOC was investigated by both whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology and a fluorescence based calcium assay.

Results
Transfection of 20 nM siRNA specific for STIM1 or 2 resulted in robust decreases (>70%) of the relevant mRNA. siRNA targeted at STIM1 resulted in a reduction of SOC associated Ca2+ influx in response to store depletion by cyclopiazonic acid (60%) or histamine but not bradykinin. siRNA to STIM2 had no effect on these responses. In addition STIM1 suppression resulted in a more or less complete abrogation of SOC associated inward currents assessed by whole cell patch clamp.

Conclusion
Here we show that STIM1 acts as a key signal for SOC activation following intracellular Ca2+ store depletion or following agonist stimulation with histamine in human airway myocytes. These are the first data demonstrating a role for STIM1 in a physiologically relevant, non-transformed endogenous expression cell model.
EGenBio: A Data Management System for Evolutionary Genomics and Biodiversity
Authors: Nahum Laila A , Reynolds Matthew T , Wang Zhengyuan O , Faith Jeremiah J , Jonna Rahul , Jiang Zhi J , Meyer Thomas J , Pollock David D 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background
Evolutionary genomics requires management and filtering of large numbers of diverse genomic sequences for accurate analysis and inference on evolutionary processes of genomic and functional change. We developed E volutionary Gen omics and Bio diversity (EGenBio; http://egenbio.lsu.edu) to begin to address this.

Description

EGenBio is a system for manipulation and filtering of large numbers of sequences, integrating curated sequence alignments and phylogenetic trees, managing evolutionary analyses, and visualizing their output. EGenBio is organized into three conceptual divisions, Evolution, Genomics, and Biodiversity. The Genomics division includes tools for selecting pre-aligned sequences from different genes and species, and for modifying and filtering these alignments for further analysis. Species searches are handled through queries that can be modified based on a tree-based navigation system and saved. The Biodiversity division contains tools for analyzing individual sequences or sequence alignments, whereas the Evolution division contains tools involving phylogenetic trees. Alignments are annotated with analytical results and modification history using our PRAED format. A miscellaneous Tools section and Help framework are also available. EGenBio was developed around our comparative genomic research and a prototype database of mtDNA genomes. It utilizes MySQL-relational databases and dynamic page generation, and calls numerous custom programs.

Conclusion

EGenBio was designed to serve as a platform for tools and resources to ease combined analysis in evolution, genomics, and biodiversity.
Atherogenic dyslipidemia in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: therapeutic options beyond statins
Authors: Tenenbaum Alexander , Fisman Enrique Z , Motro Michael , Adler Yehuda 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) is clearly efficacious in the treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease. However, despite increasing use of statins, a significant number of coronary events still occur and many of such events take place in patients presenting with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. More and more attention is being paid now to combined atherogenic dyslipidemia which typically presents in patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This mixed dyslipidemia (or "lipid quartet"): hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, a preponderance of small, dense low-density lipoprotein particles and an accumulation of cholesterol-rich remnant particles (e.g. high levels of apolipoprotein B) – emerged as the greatest "competitor" of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol among lipid risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Most recent extensions of the fibrates trials (BIP – Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention study, HHS – Helsinki Heart Study, VAHIT – Veterans Affairs High-density lipoprotein cholesterol Intervention Trial and FIELD – Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes) give further support to the hypothesis that patients with insulin-resistant syndromes such as diabetes and/or metabolic syndrome might be the ones to derive the most benefit from therapy with fibrates. However, different fibrates may have a somewhat different spectrum of effects. Other lipid-modifying strategies included using of niacin, ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants and cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibition. In addition, bezafibrate as pan-peroxisome proliferator activated receptor activator has clearly demonstrated beneficial pleiotropic effects related to glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Because fibrates, niacin, ezetimibe and statins each regulate serum lipids by different mechanisms, combination therapy – selected on the basis of their safety and effectiveness – may offer particularly desirable benefits in patients with combined hyperlipidemia as compared with statins monotherapy.
Evidence for chronic, peripheral activation of neutrophils in polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jarvis James N , Petty Howard R , Tang Yuhong , Frank Mark Barton , Tessier Philippe A , Dozmorov Igor , Jiang Kaiyu , Kindzelski Andrei , Chen Yanmin , Cadwell Craig , Turner Mary , Szodoray Peter , McGhee Julie L , Centola Michael 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAlthough strong epidemiologic evidence suggests an important role for adaptive immunity in the pathogenesis of polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), there remain many aspects of the disease that suggest equally important contributions of the innate immune system. We used gene expression arrays and computer modeling to examine the function in neutrophils of 25 children with polyarticular JRA. Computer analysis identified 712 genes that were differentially expressed between patients and healthy controls. Computer-assisted analysis of the differentially expressed genes demonstrated functional connections linked to both interleukin (IL)-8- and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-regulated processes. Of special note is that the gene expression fingerprint of children with active JRA remained essentially unchanged even after they had responded to therapy. This result differed markedly from our previously reported work, in which gene expression profiles in buffy coats of children with polyarticular JRA reverted to normal after disease control was achieved pharmacologically. These findings suggest that JRA neutrophils remain in an activated state even during disease quiescence. Computer modeling of array data further demonstrated disruption of gene regulatory networks in clusters of genes modulated by IFN-γ and IL-8. These cytokines have previously been shown to independently regulate the frequency (IFN-γ) and amplitude (IL-8) of the oscillations of key metabolites in neutrophils, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H) and superoxide ion. Using real-time, high-speed, single-cell photoimaging, we observed that 6/6 JRA patients displayed a characteristic defect in 12% to 23% of the neutrophils tested. Reagents known to induce only frequency fluctuations of NAD(P)H and superoxide ion induced both frequency and amplitude fluctuations in JRA neutrophils. This is a novel finding that was observed in children with both active (n = 4) and inactive (n = 2) JRA. A subpopulation of polyarticular JRA neutrophils are in a chronic, activated state, a state that persists when the disease is well controlled pharmacologically. Furthermore, polyarticular JRA neutrophils exhibit an intrinsic defect in the regulation of metabolic oscillations and superoxide ion production. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that neutrophils play an essential role in the pathogenesis of polyarticular JRA.
A new method for the classification of invasive cervical cancer screening histories
Authors: Bagnall Helen , Pearmain Philippa , Clare Joanne , Lawrence Gill 
Published: September 2006

Objectives: To examine the ability of existing classification systems to provide screening histories for invasive cervical cancers which can be used in the evaluation of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP), and to provide the diagnostic route data item required for the National Cancer Data Set (NCDS). Methods: The ability of existing classification systems to derive unique, consistent screening histories for a cohort of invasive cervical cancers diagnosed in the West Midlands region in the period 2000–03 was tested using two separate timelines for women on normal routine recall (usually 3 or 5 years) and those on early recall having had an inadequate, low-grade abnormal or negative smear. Results: Neither of the existing classification systems was capable of adequately categorizing all invasive cervical cancers. An original classification system incorporating features from the existing systems was therefore developed. This system includes both a 'screening status' component that essentially describes the status of a woman's interaction with the NHSCSP at the time her cancer was diagnosed, and a 'screening history' component that describes the results of previous screening tests. Conclusions: National adoption of this new screening histories classification system would provide a detailed, consistent, nationally comparable screening history for all invasive cervical cancers which can be used in the national and regional evaluation of the NHSCSP and in local audit by clinical teams supplemented by histology and colposcopy data. The classification categories could be collapsed down to provide the diagnostic route data item required for the NCDS.
Diabetes retinopathy screening: audit of equity in participation and selected outcomes in South East London
Authors: Millett Christopher , Dodhia Hiten 
Published: September 2006

Objectives: To assess uptake of the diabetes retinopathy screening programme in South East London and examine variation in attendance and screening outcomes. Methods: Cross-sectional study of patients on a centralized disease register invited for retinal screening during 2003. The influence of age, gender, deprivation, region of birth and type of diabetes on screening attendance and outcomes was assessed. Results: An estimated 46% of residents with known diabetes (9750/21,104) were offered digital retinopathy screening during 2003. In all, 88.9% of patients who were invited for screening attended. Attendance rates were significantly lower in younger patients (≤40 years), in those with type 1 diabetes and in patients residing in areas with the highest levels of deprivation. A total of 28.9% of patients had background retinopathy or worse during 2003. Retinopathy was more common in older patients (>40 years) and in individuals with type 1 diabetes after adjusting for other factors. Patients born outside the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland were significantly more likely to present with retinopathy. Conclusions: This study identified considerable inequity in the delivery of a local diabetic retinopathy screening programme. Equity audits should form an integral component of ongoing quality assurance monitoring of retinopathy screening programmes.
Cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia: implications of a pilot study for national screening programmes
Authors: Marks D , Thorogood M , Neil S M , Humphries S E , Neil H A W 
Published: September 2006

Objectives: To determine what proportion of cases of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia would be identified by cascade screening conducted by a specialist hospital clinic, and by how much this would increase the prevalence of diagnosed cases. Setting: Hospital clinic serving a population of 605,900 in Oxfordshire, UK Methods: A specialist nurse obtained details of living first-degree relatives from 227 adult patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia currently or previously attending Oxford lipid clinic after excluding 79 adults without relatives living in Oxfordshire and 48 children. Index cases were asked to invite relatives resident in Oxfordshire for testing. Results: A total of 227 index cases had 1075 first-degree relatives, including 442 adults and 117 children aged < 18 years resident in Oxfordshire. We excluded 171 previously screened adults and 46 for other reasons. Among 225 eligible adult relatives, 28 responders (12%) planned to consult their general practitioner and 52 (23%) attended the clinic for testing. Parents of 113 children (97%) wanted them tested. The positive diagnostic rate was 29% (15/52) in adults and 32% (36/113) in children. Screening increased prevalence by 14.4%, from 0.58/1000 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.52–0.65) to 0.67/1000 (95% CI 0.60–0.73), representing 33.5% of predicted cases. Conclusions: Cascade screening conducted by a specialist hospital clinic within its population catchment area did not substantially increase the prevalence of diagnosed familial hypercholesterolaemia. To maximize response rates, clinic staff need to approach relatives directly. Validated age, sex and country-specific diagnostic criteria should be defined, possibly with access to DNA-based tests, to help resolve diagnostic uncertainty.
Screening for sickle cell disease on dried blood: a new approach evaluated on 27,000 Belgian newborns
Authors: Boemer François , Vanbellinghen Jean-François , Bours Vincent , Schoos Roland 
Published: September 2006

Setting: Early diagnosis of sickle cell disease decreases morbidity. However, cost-effective screening programmes are not yet available. Methods: We explored the feasibility of systematic screening performed on dried blood harvested from five-day-old newborns. Results: A total of 27,010 samples were collected in Belgian maternity units between June 2003 and February 2005, and the presence of haemoglobin (Hb) C or S in the eluted blood was examined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test performed with a monoclonal antibody detecting both mutated forms. As this antibody slightly cross-reacts with Hb A, better specificity is achieved if the test is performed not later than day 5. Among the 27,010 samples, 132 (0.49%) were positive. Molecular biology tests performed on dried blood from positive samples showed that 106 of these babies were heterozygotes for the Hb S mutation and three were heterozygotes for the Hb C mutation, while three newborns were SS homozygotes (0.011%). Seventeen samples (0.063%) were false-positives as we could not detect any mutation. Conclusions: We have developed a new immunological approach in the field of haemoglobinopathy neonatal screening. This ELISA test is cheap (€0.2/test or €1800/detected SS homozygote) and could be centralized. Its cost-effectiveness in the whole Belgian population is comparable with that of screening for phenylketonuria or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Further improvements should obviously be achieved in order to better discriminate heterozygotes and homozygotes, but the accessibility and the low cost of the test are relevant arguments for the screening extension in a wide range of countries, especially in Central Africa.