bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vortex–Vortex Interactions in the Winter Stratosphere
Authors: Scott R. K. , Dritschel D. G. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
This paper examines the interaction of oppositely signed vortices in the compressible (non-Boussinesq) quasigeostrophic system, with a view to understanding vortex interactions in the polar winter stratosphere. A series of simplifying approximations leads to a two-vortex system whose dynamical properties are determined principally by two parameters: the ratio of the circulation of the vortices and the vertical separation of their centroids. For each point in this two-dimensional parameter space a family of equilibrium solutions exists, further parameterized by the horizontal separation of the vortex centroids, which are stable for horizontal separations greater than a critical value. The stable equilibria are characterized by vortex deformations that generally involve stronger deformations of the larger and/or lower of the two vortices. For smaller horizontal separations, the equilibria are unstable and a strongly nonlinear, time-dependent interaction takes place, typically involving the shedding of material from the larger vortex while the smaller vortex remains coherent. Qualitatively, the interactions resemble previous observations of certain stratospheric sudden warmings that involved the interaction of a growing anticyclonic circulation with the cyclonic polar vortex.
Optimal Growth in Inertia–Gravity Wave Packets: Energetics, Long-Term Development, and Three-Dimensional Structure
Authors: Achatz Ulrich , Schmitz Gerhard 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Using a hierarchy of three models of increasing realism and complexity, and expanding on a previous study, optimal perturbations of inertia–gravity wave (IGW) packets are studied with respect to several aspects. It is shown that normal modes are comparatively less able to extract energy from the IGW over finite time due to their time-invariant structure, while singular vectors (SVs) can adjust their dynamical fields flexibly so as to optimize the statically enhanced roll and Orr mechanisms by which they grow. On longer time scales, where the time dependence of the IGW packet precludes a normal-mode analysis, optimal growth is found to further amplify suitable perturbations. The propagation characteristics of these exhibit critical layer interactions for horizontal propagation directions transverse with respect to the IGW, preventing significant vertical propagation, while parallel and obliquely propagating perturbations of sufficiently long horizontal scales are found to radiate gravity waves into altitudes not directly affected by the IGW. The SVs with shorter wavelengths, as found for short optimization times, stay confined via a linear wave duct near the altitude of least static stability where they are excited. At optimization times of the order of the IGW period the leading SVs, with an energy growth by about three orders of magnitude, propagate obliquely, possibly in correspondence to previous results by others from simulations of nonlinear IGW breakdown. The three-dimensional structure of SVs shows an amplitude modulation strictly confining the perturbations also to the horizontal location of least static stability, suggesting a picture of turbulence onset in IGW packets where local patches of growing perturbations initially dominate.
Interaction between Trapped Waves and Boundary Layers
Authors: Jiang Qingfang , Doyle James D. , Smith Ronald B. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
The absorption of trapped lee waves by the atmospheric boundary layer (BL) is investigated based on numerical simulations and theoretical formulations. It is demonstrated that the amplitude of trapped waves decays exponentially with downstream distance due to BL absorption. The decay coefficient, α, defined as the inverse of the e-folding decay distance, is found to be sensitive to both surface momentum and heat fluxes. Specifically, α is larger over a rougher surface, associated with a more turbulent BL. On the other hand, the value of α decreases with increasing surface heating and increases with increasing surface cooling, implying that a stable nocturnal BL is more efficient in absorbing trapped waves than a typically deeper and more turbulent convective BL. A stagnant layer could effectively absorb trapped waves and increase α. Over the range of parameters examined, the absorption coefficient shows little sensitivity to wave amplitude. A relationship is derived to relate the surface reflection factor and the wave decay coefficient. Corresponding to wave absorption, there are positive momentum and negative energy fluxes across the boundary layer top, indicating that an absorbing BL serves as a momentum source and energy sink to trapped waves. Wave reflection by a shallow viscous layer with a linear shear is examined using linear theory, and its implication on BL wave absorption is discussed.
Integrals of the Vorticity Equation. Part I: General Three- and Two-Dimensional Flows
Authors: Davies-Jones Robert 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe integral of the vector vorticity equation for the vorticity of a moving parcel in 3D baroclinic flow with friction is cast in a new form. This integral of the vorticity equation applies to synoptic-scale or mesoscale flows and to deep compressible or shallow Boussinesq motions of perfectly clear or universally saturated air. The present integral is equivalent to that of Epifanio and Durran in the Boussinesq limit, but its simpler form reduces easily to Dutton’s integral when the flow is assumed to be isentropic and frictionless.The integral for vorticity has the following physical interpretation. The vorticity of a parcel is composed of barotropic vorticity; baroclinic vorticity, which originates from solenoidal generation; and vorticity stemming from frictional generation. Its barotropic vorticity is the result of freezing into the fluid the w field (specific volume times vorticity) that is present at the initial time. Its baroclinic vorticity is the vector sum of contributions from small subintervals of time that partition the interval between initial and current times. In each subinterval, the baroclinic torque generates a small vector element of vorticity and hence w. The contribution to the current baroclinic vorticity is the result of freezing this element of w into the fluid immediately after its formation. The physical interpretation of vorticity owing to frictional generation is identical except the torque is frictional rather than solenoidal.The baroclinic vorticity is decomposed into a part that would occur if the current entropy of the flow were conserved materially backward in time to the initial time and an adjustment term that accounts for production of entropy gradients in material coordinates during this interval. A method for computing all the vorticity parts in an Eulerian framework within a 3D numerical model is outlined.The usefulness of the 3D vorticity integral is demonstrated further by deriving Eckart’s, Bjerknes’s, and Kelvin’s circulation theorems from it in relatively few steps, and by showing that the associated expression for potental vorticity is an integral of the potential vorticity equation and implies conservation of potential vorticity for isentropic frictionless motion of clear air (Ertel’s theorem). Last, a formula for the helicity density of a parcel is obtained from the vorticity integral and an expression for the parcel’s velocity, and is verified by proving that it is an integral of the equation for helicity density.
Integrals of the Vorticity Equation. Part II: Special Two-Dimensional Flows
Authors: Davies-Jones Robert 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
In Part I, a general integral of the 2D vorticity equation was obtained. This is a formal solution for the vorticity of a moving tube of air in a 2D unsteady stratified shear flow with friction. This formula is specialized here to various types of 2D flow. For steady inviscid flow, the integral reduces to an integral found by Moncrieff and Green if the flow is Boussinesq and to one obtained by Lilly if the flow is isentropic. For steady isentropic frictionless motion of clear air, several quantities that are invariant along streamlines are found. These invariants provide another way to obtain Lilly’s integral from the general integral.
Resonant Continuum Modes in the Eady Model with Rigid Lid
Authors: Jenkner Johannes , Ehrendorfer Martin 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
The Eady model with rigid upper lid is considered. The resonant, linearly amplifying solution that exists in the situation of neutral normal modes when an infinitely thin potential vorticity (PV) perturbation is located precisely at the steering level of a zero-PV neutral mode is explicitly derived. This resonant solution is discussed by partitioning the solution into nonzero-PV and zero-PV contributions. It possesses key observed properties of a growing baroclinic structure. The partitioning of the resonant solution clearly demonstrates the existence of modal growth in a short-wave Eady setting. In contrast to the semi-infinite model, a nonamplifying zero-PV contribution is necessary, in addition to the resonant part, to ensure vanishing vertical velocity at both the upper and the lower lid.
A Test of Ice Self-Collection Kernels Using Aircraft Data
Authors: Field P. R. , Heymsfield A. J. , Bansemer A. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Aircraft observations from the Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers (CRYSTAL)–Florida Area Cirrus Experiment (FACE) campaign obtained in the anvil of a large convective storm from 26 July 2002 are presented. During this flight a Lagrangian spiral descent was made, allowing the evolution of the ice particle size distribution to be followed. Relative humidities during ∼1 km (from −11° to −3°C) of the descent were within 4% of ice saturation. It was assumed that the ice particle size distribution was evolving through the process of aggregation alone. Three idealized ice–ice collection kernels were used in a model of ice aggregation and compared to the observed ice particle size distribution evolution: a geometric sweep-out kernel, a Golovin (sum of particle masses) kernel, and a modified-Golovin kernel (sum of particle masses raised to a power). The Golovin kernel performed worst. The sweep-out kernel produced good agreement with the observations when a constant aggregation efficiency of 0.09 was used. The modified-Golovin kernel performed the best and implied that the aggregation efficiency of sub-300-μm particles was greater than unity when compared with a geometric sweep-out kernel.
A Series Elastic- and Bowden-Cable-Based Actuation System for Use as Torque Actuator in Exoskeleton-Type Robots
Authors: Veneman J. F. , Ekkelenkamp R. , Kruidhof R. , van der Helm F. C.T. , van der Kooij H. 
Published: February 2006

Within the context of impedance controlled exoskeletons, common actuators have important drawbacks. Either the actuators are heavy, have a complex structure or are poor torque sources, due to gearing or heavy nonlinearity. Considering our application, an impedance controlled gait rehabilitation robot for treadmill-training, we designed an actuation system that might avoid these drawbacks. It combines a lightweight joint and a simple structure with adequate torque source quality. It consists of a servomotor, a flexible Bowden cable transmission, and a force feedback loop based on a series elastic element. A basic model was developed that is shown to describe the basic dynamics of the actuator well enough for design purpose.Further measurements show that performance is sufficient for use in a gait rehabilitation robot. The demanded force tracking bandwidths were met: 11 Hz bandwidth for the full force range (demanded 4 Hz) and 20 Hz bandwidth for smaller force range (demanded 12 Hz). The mechanical output impedance of the actuator could be reduced to hardly perceptible level. Maxima of about 0.7 Nm peaks for 4 Hz imposed motions appeared, corresponding to less than 2.5% of the maximal force output. These peaks were caused by the stick friction in the Bowden cables.Spring stiffness variation showed that both a too stiff and a too compliant spring can worsen performance. A stiff spring reduces the maximum allowable controller gain. The relatively low control gain then causes a larger effect of stick in the force output, resulting in a less smooth output in general. Low spring stiffness, on the other side, decreases the performance of the system, because saturation will occur sooner.
Genomic polymorphisms provide prognostic information in intermediate-risk acute myeloblastic leukemia
Authors: Monzo Mariano , Brunet Salut , Urbano-Ispizua Alvaro , Navarro Alfons , Perea Granada , Esteve Jordi , Artells Rosa , Granell Miquel , Berlanga Juan , Ribera Josep M. , Bueno Javier , Llorente Andreu , Guardia Ramon , Tormo Mar , Torres Pio , Nomdedéu Josep F. , Montserrat Emili , Sierra Jordi ,   for CETLAM
Published: February 2006

AbstractCurrent prognostic factors for acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) are not sufficient to accurately predict the group of patients in the intermediate-risk category who will successfully respond to treatment. Distinct patterns of inherited functional genomic polymorphisms might explain part of these heterogeneous prognoses. We used the allelic discrimination method to identify polymorphisms in GSTT1, SULT1C2, CDA, SXR (drug metabolic pathways), XPD, XPA, XPG, ERCC1, TOP2A (DNA repair), VEGF (angiogenesis), and MDR1 (multidrug resistance) genes in 110 adult patients with intermediate-risk AML, enrolled in the CETLAM-99 prospective trial. A multivariate prognostic model adjusted for age, white blood cell (WBC) count, French-American-British group, cytogenetics, MLL rearrangement, internal tandem duplication of FLT3 (FLT3-ITD), induction courses to achieve complete remission, and germline polymorphisms, was used to detect independent risk factors associated with clinical outcome. This analysis showed an increased risk of refractoriness to chemotherapy in the group of patients with XPA variant alleles (RR = 14; P = .02). In the same model, increased relapse risk was associated with SULT1C2 heterozygosity (RR = 4.1; P = .004), FLT3-ITD (RR 3.3; P = .003), and MDR1 variant alleles (RR = 2.4; P = .02). Adverse prognostic variables for overall survival were XPA (RR = 3.4; P = .02) and MDR1 (RR = 2.1; P = .02) variant alleles, and WBC count (RR = 2.1; P = .02). These findings might be useful in selecting risk-adapted treatment strategies in intermediate-risk AML.
Mouse plasmacytoid dendritic cells derive exclusively from estrogen-resistant myeloid progenitors
Authors: Harman Benjamin C. , Miller Juli P. , Nikbakht Neda , Gerstein Rachel , Allman David 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Current models predict that mouse plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) derive from lymphoid progenitors. However, we show PDCs arise exclusively from common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) characterized by low-level expression of several lymphoid-associated genes, including a RAG2/GFP reporter transgene. This conclusion is supported by both adoptive transfer experiments and an estrogen treatment strategy that led to marked depletion of very early lymphoid progenitors without affecting RAG2/GFP+ CMPs or the developmental kinetics, RAG-mediated recombinase activity, and cytokine production of PDCs. These data suggest that PDCs arise exclusively from early myeloid progenitors and that promiscuous low-level expression of lymphoid-associated genes is a general feature of PDC progenitors among CMPs.
Wood smoke exposure and risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Orozco-Levi M. , Garcia-Aymerich J. , Villar J. , Ramírez-Sarmiento A. , Antó J. M. , Gea J. 
Published: February 2006

It was hypothesised that wood smoke exposure could be a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Spain. The present study was designed as a case–control study of 120 females requiring hospitalisation during 2001–2003 at Hospital del Mar (Barcelona, Spain).Cases were recruited from hospital records as females who had been admitted for an exacerbation of COPD. Controls were obtained from pulmonary function test laboratory consultations prior to a surgical intervention. All patients answered a standardised questionnaire.Exposure to wood or charcoal smoke was strongly associated with COPD after adjusting for age and smoking. The association between length of exposure and COPD suggested a dose–response pattern. Intensity of exposure in both summer and winter was also related to COPD. Wood or charcoal alone independently increased risk of COPD (odds ratio (OR) 1.8 and 1.5, respectively), but only the combination of both was statistically significant (OR 4.5).In conclusion, the present study shows a strong association between wood or charcoal smoke exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, supporting its existence not only in developing countries, but also in European countries, such as Spain. Further studies assessing whether this association also exists in other European societies are warranted.
Percutaneous computed tomography-guided radiofrequency thermal ablation of small unresectable lung tumours
Authors: Rossi S. , Dore R. , Cascina A. , Vespro V. , Garbagnati F. , Rosa L. , Ravetta V. , Azzaretti A. , Di Tolla P. , Orlandoni G. , Pozzi E. 
Published: February 2006

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFTA) for the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and isolated pulmonary metastases (METs) from colorectal cancer (CRC).A total of 31 patients (15 with NSCLCs and 16 with CRC lung METs), with 36 lung tumour nodules (mean±sddiameter: 22±8 mm, range: 10–35 mm) underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided RFTA using expandable electrodes. Contrast-enhanced CT was performed before and after (immediately and 30±5 days) each RFTA session to assess immediate results and complications and repeated 3 and 6 months post-RFTA, as well as every 6 months thereafter, to evaluate long-term results. Complete radiological necrosis was defined as a nonenhancing area at the tumour site that was equal to or larger than the treated tumour; persistence of enhancement at the tumour site indicated incomplete treatment. Local recurrence was defined as an increase in tumour size and/or enhancing tissue at the tumour site.Complete radiological necrosis of the 36 tumours was achieved with 39 RFTA sessions and 42 electrode insertions. No major complications or deaths were observed. Six patients experienced mild-to-moderate pain during the procedure. There were five cases of pneumothorax, none requiring drainage and four cases of pneumonia, which were successfully treated with antibiotics. After a mean follow-up of 11.4±7.7 months (range of 3–36 months), the overall local recurrence rate was 13.9% (20 and 9.5% for NSCLC and CRC-METs patients, repectively). Nineteen of the 31 (61.3%) patients were alive (15 apparently disease free) and 12 (38.7%) had died (three from causes unrelated to their cancer).Radiofrequency thermal ablation seems to be a safe, effective method for producing complete ablation of small nonsmall cell lung cancers and pulmonary colorectal cancer metastases.
Aerosol granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
Authors: Wylam M. E. , Ten R. , Prakash U. B. S. , Nadrous H. F. , Clawson M. L. , Anderson P. M. 
Published: February 2006

Recently, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) auto-antibodies have been found in many patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). The present study reports a retrospective case series of patients who used aerosolised GM-CSF in the treatment of idiopathic PAP. Between 1999 and 2003, 12 patients elected to receive aerosolised GM-CSF (250 µgb.i.d.every other week) in lieu of whole-lung lavage or observation.Patient characteristics, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, laboratory values and chest radiographs were extracted from the patient's medical records. Of the six patients tested, all had GM-CSF neutralising antibodies. Additionally, abnormalities in GM-CSF gene expression (one patient), receptor expression (two patients) and ability to upregulate adhesion molecules (one patient) were found.All patients except one had a positive response (mean improvements in arterial oxygen tension, alveolar–arterial oxygen gradient, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of the lung and forced vital capacity were 17.1 mmHg, 18.4 mmHg, 16.6% pred and 13.5% pred, respectively). Two patients made a complete recovery and were disease free 1 and 2 yrs after discontinuing treatment. Four patients showed complete response to both the initial course or when treated again for recurrence after discontinuation of treatment. One patient required dose escalation (500 µgb.i.d.) with complete response. GM-CSF was well tolerated without late toxicity after median (range) follow-up of 30.5 (3–68) months.In conclusion, aerosolised granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor is safe and effective in treating pulmonary alveolar proteinosis providing an alternative to whole-lung lavage or subcutaneous granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.
Differences in the glucocorticoid to progesterone receptor selectivity of inhaled glucocorticoids
Authors: Issar M. , Sahasranaman S. , Buchwald P. , Hochhaus G. 
Published: February 2006

Due to the high affinity of new inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) towards the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and because of the similarities between the binding domains of the GR and the progesterone receptor (PR), the present study focused on assessing the relative binding affinities (RBA) of glucocorticoids (systemic and ICS) to PR (RBAPR). By comparison with the affinities towards the GR (RBAGR) the binding selectivities were also assessed.In general, the selectivity of the investigated glucocorticoids showed a decreasing trend with increasing lipophilicity. When orally administered, less lipophilic glucocorticoids showed the highest selectivity, with RBAGR/RBAPRratios of 1,375, 760 and 476 for betamethasone, beclomethasone and dexamethasone, respectively.For ICS, mometasone furoate, the most lipophilic steroid, was the least selective (1.1), followed by beclomethasone monopropionate (9), fluticasone propionate (12), triamcinolone acetonide (18), mometasone (25) and budesonide (44), which shows the highest selectivity among inhaled glucocorticoids.In conclusion, the present study revealed that there are differences in selectivity among commercially available glucocorticoids. Future clinical studies are needed to investigate whether the high affinity of some of the investigated glucocorticoids to the progesterone receptor is of clinical relevance.
An ATS/ERS report: 100 key questions and needs in occupational asthma
Authors: Tarlo S. M. , Malo J-L. 
Published: February 2006

The second Jack Pepys Workshop on Occupational Asthma was held in Toronto, Canada, in May 2004. The present report summarises key questions and research needs as identified by the international participants.The audiotapes from the workshop discussions were summarised by the organising chairs of the Symposium and the resulting document was circulated for input from all invited workshop participants. In total, 100 key questions and research needs were identified.Identified needs included: provision of different definitions depending on the use of data; explanations for differences in frequency studies; and better characterisation of genetic and environmental determinants of occupational asthma. The role of irritants and the pathogenesis of various forms of work-related asthma need further research, and there are also questions and research needs for diagnosis, prevention and understanding of persistence and airway remodelling.In conclusion, although advances have been made in the understanding of occupational asthma and other work-related asthma, further key issues remain that need addressing.