bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiscale and unsteady aspects of a deep föhn event during MAP
Authors: Jaubert Genevieve , Stein Joel 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA strong föhn event occurring during the Mesoscale Alpine Programme Intensive Observing Period 2b (19–20 September) is simulated with the non‐hydrostatic model Meso‐NH. The grid‐nesting techniques and a suitable turbulence scheme allow a coherent downscaling from the analysed scales to the movements inside the Rhine Valley. The flow regime around the Alps changes from a flow‐around regime to a flow‐partly‐over regime, when the wind increases ahead of the cold front. Simplified simulations allow us to estimate a non‐dimensional height for the Alps which controls the flow regime. The föhn characteristics and its temporal evolution are discussed using both measurements and simulation. Backward trajectories show that the föhn air comes from an altitude around 2 km above the Po Valley. Nonlinear phenomena, such as wave breaking near 5 km above sea level just behind some secondary crests, and hydraulic jumps in the foothills, are found in the highest‐resolution simulation, using a mesh of 625 m. This mesh clearly improves the comparison of the numerical simulation with the observations collected in the Rhine Valley. Mass budgets detail the progressive building of the föhn jet in the Rhine Valley. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society.
Verification of high‐resolution real‐time forecasts over the Alpine region during the MAP SOP
Authors: Ferretti R. , Paolucci T. , Giuliani G. , Cherubini T. , Bernardini L. , Visconti G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAn analysis is presented of the MM5 high‐resolution operational weather forecasts performed during the Special Observing Period (SOP) of the Mesoscale Alpine Programme (MAP). The domain‐averaged model biases of both surface pressure and 2 m temperature suggest MM5 shortcomings related to the surface temperature cycle. The root mean square errors (r.m.s.e.s) for temperature, wind and relative humidity at two different levels and for several forecast times support this finding. The model results show difficulties in forecasting the 2 m temperature during periods of fair weather; furthermore, a few difficulties are found in forecasting the minimum of the temperature for regions under strong marine influence, such as Baleari station. The equitable threat score (ETS), for a few selected IOPs (Intensive Observing Periods) having precipitation over the Po Valley, is used together with the areal distribution of the r.m.s.e.s to evaluate the MM5 at high resolution over the Alpine region. The results show reasonable skill in this region when the model is used in the high‐resolution mode. The ETS using only the stations over the mountains or the plains, suggests a better model skill in the mountain areas than in the valley; whereas the r.m.s.e.s show an MM5 tendency to produce larger errors on the eastern side of the Po Valley than on the western side.Finally, the analysis of the precipitation time series for IOP 2b, at a few selected stations, confirms the model tendency to underestimate the rainfall at stations located along the Po Valley and to shorten the period of the precipitation. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society.
Observations and impacts of upstream blocking during a widespread orographic precipitation event
Authors: Bousquet Olivier , Smull Bradley F. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA unique combination of airborne and ground‐based Doppler radar observations, stretching continuously from the Alps south to the Mediterranean Sea, is assembled to document profoundly blocked airflow and associated modification of precipitation processes upstream of the Alps during Intensive Observing Period 8 of the Mesoscale Alpine Programme. This diversion of incident southerly low‐level winds in advance of a deep baroclinic trough served to reduce markedly the transport of warm, moist Mediterranean air toward the steep Alpine slopes. Heavy rains forecast in this flood‐prone region thus failed to materialize, with lighter (though protracted) stratiform precipitation extending over the comparatively flat reaches of the adjacent Po Valley. Release of convective instability did occur, but was displaced well south of the Alps over the coastal Apennine mountain chain and adjacent waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Influences on a variety of scales that evidently led to development of this blocked flow are examined, and multiple expressions of upstream blocking are identified. These range from pervasive down‐valley flows observed within multiple deep Alpine river drainages to a larger‐scale cool easterly low‐level flow channelled alongside the curving south face of the Alps, which was ultimately extruded southward over the Mediterranean. Observed thermodynamic profiles in these contrasting regimes are presented and related to the observed precipitation structure. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society.
High‐resolution numerical simulations of the convective system observed in the Lago Maggiore area on 17 September 1999 (MAP IOP 2a)
Authors: Richard Evelyne , Cosma Stephanie , Tabary Pierre , Pinty Jean‐pierre , Hagen Martin 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDuring Intensive Observing Period (IOP) 2a of the Mesoscale Alpine Programme (MAP) a significant convective system developed in the Lago Maggiore area. Its evolution is simulated using the Meso‐NH model run over three nested domains with a 2 km horizontal resolution for the finest grid. Model results are assessed by comparing computed precipitation and model radar reflectivities with observed parameters. A control simulation initialized with European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts analyses and run with the standard microphysical scheme of the model yields fairly realistic results. Neglecting the ice processes in the microphysical scheme degrades the numerical results, whereas, significant improvement is obtained when heavy rimed particles are considered to be hail instead of graupel. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society.
Intraoperative Cholangiography and Risk of Common Bile Duct Injury During Cholecystectomy
Authors: Flum David R. , Dellinger E. Patchen , Cheadle Allen , Chan Leighton , Koepsell Thomas 
Published: April 2003

ContextIntraoperative cholangiography (IOC) may decrease the risk of common bile duct (CBD) injury during cholecystectomy by helping to avoid misidentification of the CBD.ObjectiveTo characterize the relationship of IOC use and CBD injury while controlling for patient and surgeon characteristics.Design, Setting, and PatientsRetrospective nationwide cohort analysis of Medicare patients undergoing cholecystectomy from January 1, 1992, to December 31, 1999. Patients were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes from the Medicare Part B depository. Common bile duct injury was defined by a second surgical procedure to repair the CBD injury within 1 year of cholecystectomy. Surgeon demographic features were obtained from matching the Medicare Part B data to the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile database.Main Outcome MeasureFrequency of CBD injury in patients who did and did not have IOC performed during cholecystectomy, controlling for patient-level (age, sex, race, and case complexity) and surgeon-level (surgeon's age, sex, race, year of surgical procedure, case order, percentage of IOC use in prior surgical procedures, years in medical practice, board certification, and specialization) factors.ResultsThe database search identified 1 570 361 cholecystectomies and 7911 CBD injuries (0.5%). Common bile duct injury was found in 2380 (0.39%) of 613 706 patients undergoing cholecystectomy with IOC and in 5531 (0.58%) of 956 655 patients undergoing cholecystectomy without IOC (unadjusted relative risk, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.42-1.57). After controlling for patient-level factors and surgeon-level factors, the risk of injury was increased when IOC was not used (adjusted relative risk, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-2.28). While surgeons performing IOCs routinely had a lower rate of CBD injuries than those who did not, this difference disappeared when IOC was not used.ConclusionsIn this study of Medicare patients undergoing cholecystectomy in the 1990s, the risk of CBD injury was significantly higher when IOC was not used. Although IOCs may not prevent all CBD injuries, this study suggests that the routine use of IOC may decrease the rate of CBD injury.
Effect of Hydroxyurea on Mortality and Morbidity in Adult Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Steinberg Martin H. , Barton Franca , Castro Oswaldo , Pegelow Charles H. , Ballas Samir K. , Kutlar Abdullah , Orringer Eugene , Bellevue Rita , Olivieri Nancy , Eckman James , Varma Mala , Ramirez Gloria , Adler Brian , Smith Wally , Carlos Timothy , Ataga Kenneth , DeCastro Laura , Bigelow Carolyn , Saunthararajah Yogen , Telfer Margaret , Vichinsky Elliott , Claster Susan , Shurin Susan , Bridges Kenneth , Waclawiw Myron , Bonds Duane , Terrin Michael 
Published: April 2003

ContextHydroxyurea increases levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and decreases morbidity from vaso-occlusive complications in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). High HbF levels reduce morbidity and mortality.ObjectiveTo determine whether hydroxyurea attenuates mortality in patients with SCA.DesignLong-term observational follow-up study of mortality in patients with SCA who originally participated in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Multicenter Study of Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Anemia (MSH), conducted in 1992-1995, to determine if hydroxyurea reduces vaso-occlusive events. In the MSH Patients' Follow-up, conducted in 1996-2001, patients could continue, stop, or start hydroxyurea. Data were collected during the trial and in the follow-up period.SettingInpatients and outpatients in 21 sickle cell referral centers in the United States and Canada.PatientsTwo-hundred ninety-nine adult patients with frequent painful episodes enrolled in the follow-up. Follow-up data through May 2001 were complete for 233 patients.InterventionIn the MSH, patients were randomly assigned to receive hydroxyurea (n = 152) or placebo (n = 147).Main Outcome MeasureMortality, HbF levels, painful episodes, acute chest syndrome, and blood cell counts. The randomized trial was not designed to detect specified differences in mortality.ResultsSeventy-five of the original 299 patients died, 28% from pulmonary disease. Patients with reticulocyte counts less than 250 000/mm3 and hemoglobin levels lower than 9 g/dL had increased mortality (P = .002). Cumulative mortality at 9 years was 28% when HbF levels were lower than 0.5 g/dL after the trial was completed compared with 15% when HbF levels were 0.5 g/dL or higher (P = .03 ). Individuals who had acute chest syndrome during the trial had 32% mortality compared with 18% of individuals without acute chest syndrome (P = .02). Patients with 3 or more painful episodes per year during the trial had 27% mortality compared with 17% of patients with less frequent episodes (P = .06). Taking hydroxyurea was associated with a 40% reduction in mortality (P = .04) in this observational follow-up with self-selected treatment. There were 3 cases of cancer, 1 fatal.ConclusionsAdult patients taking hydroxyurea for frequent painful sickle cell episodes appear to have reduced mortality after 9 of years follow-up. Survival was related to HbF levels and frequency of vaso-occlusive events. Whether indications for hydroxyurea treatment should be expanded is unknown.
Drug-Drug Interactions Among Elderly Patients Hospitalized for Drug Toxicity
Authors: Juurlink David N. , Mamdani Muhammad , Kopp Alexander , Laupacis Andreas , Redelmeier Donald A. 
Published: April 2003

ContextDrug-drug interactions are a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, yet their consequences in the community are not well characterized.ObjectiveTo determine whether elderly patients admitted to hospital with specific drug toxicities were likely to have been prescribed an interacting drug in the week prior to admission.DesignThree population-based, nested case-control studies.SettingOntario, Canada, from January 1, 1994, to December 31, 2000.PatientsAll Ontario residents aged 66 years or older treated with glyburide, digoxin, or an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Case patients were those admitted to hospital for drug-related toxicity. Prescription records of cases were compared with those of controls (matched on age, sex, use of the same medication, and presence or absence of renal disease) for receipt of interacting medications (co-trimoxazole with glyburide, clarithromycin with digoxin, and potassium-sparing diuretics with ACE inhibitors).Main Outcome MeasureOdds ratio for association between hospital admission for drug toxicity (hypoglycemia, digoxin toxicity, or hyperkalemia, respectively) and use of an interacting medication in the preceding week, adjusted for diagnoses, receipt of other medications, the number of prescription drugs, and the number of hospital admissions in the year preceding the index date.ResultsDuring the 7-year study period, 909 elderly patients receiving glyburide were admitted with a diagnosis of hypoglycemia. In the primary analysis, those patients admitted for hypoglycemia were more than 6 times as likely to have been treated with co-trimoxazole in the previous week (adjusted odds ratio, 6.6; 95% confidence interval, 4.5-9.7). Patients admitted with digoxin toxicity (n = 1051) were about 12 times more likely to have been treated with clarithromycin (adjusted odds ratio, 11.7; 95% confidence interval, 7.5-18.2) in the previous week, and patients treated with ACE inhibitors admitted with a diagnosis of hyperkalemia (n = 523) were about 20 times more likely to have been treated with a potassium-sparing diuretic (adjusted odds ratio, 20.3; 95% confidence interval, 13.4-30.7) in the previous week. No increased risk of drug toxicity was found for drugs with similar indications but no known interactions (amoxicillin, cefuroxime, and indapamide, respectively).ConclusionsMany hospital admissions of elderly patients for drug toxicity occur after administration of a drug known to cause drug-drug interactions. Many of these interactions could have been avoided.
Cereal, Fruit, and Vegetable Fiber Intake and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Elderly Individuals
Authors: Mozaffarian Dariush , Kumanyika Shiriki K. , Lemaitre Rozenn N. , Olson Jean L. , Burke Gregory L. , Siscovick David S. 
Published: April 2003

ContextPeople older than 65 years are the fastest-growing segment of the population and account for the majority of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditures. Additionally, the influence of dietary habits on risk may be less pronounced in elderly persons, when atherosclerosis is more advanced. However, few data address the influence of diet on CVD risk in this population.ObjectiveTo determine whether fiber consumption from fruit, vegetable, and cereal sources (including whole grains and bran) is associated with incident CVD in elderly persons.DesignProspective cohort study conducted from 1989 to June 2000.Setting and ParticipantsPopulation-based, multicenter study among 3588 men and women aged 65 years or older and free of known CVD at baseline in 1989-1990. Usual dietary fiber consumption was assessed at baseline (mean participant age, 72 years) using a 99-item food frequency questionnaire.Main Outcome MeasureIncident CVD (combined stroke, ischemic heart disease death, and nonfatal myocardial infarction).ResultsDuring 8.6 years mean follow-up, there were 811 incident CVD events. After adjustment for age, sex, education, diabetes, ever smoking, pack-years of smoking, daily physical activity, exercise intensity, alcohol intake, and fruit and vegetable fiber consumption, cereal fiber consumption was inversely associated with incident CVD (P for trend = .02), with 21% lower risk (hazard ratio [HR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62-0.99) in the highest quintile of intake, compared with the lowest quintile. In similar analyses, neither fruit fiber intake (P for trend = .98) nor vegetable fiber intake (P for trend = .95) were associated with incident CVD. When CVD events were separately evaluated, higher cereal fiber intake was associated with lower risk of total stroke and ischemic stroke and a trend toward lower risk of ischemic heart disease death. In a post hoc analysis, dark breads such as wheat, rye, or pumpernickel were associated with a lower risk of incident CVD (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64-0.90) rather than cereal fiber from other sources.ConclusionsCereal fiber consumption late in life is associated with lower risk of incident CVD, supporting recommendations for elderly individuals to increase consumption of dietary cereal fiber.
Blood Mercury Levels in US Children and Women of Childbearing Age, 1999-2000
Authors: Schober Susan E. , Sinks Thomas H. , Jones Robert L. , Bolger P. Michael , McDowell Margaret , Osterloh John , Garrett E. Spencer , Canady Richard A. , Dillon Charles F. , Sun Yu , Joseph Catherine B. , Mahaffey Kathryn R. 
Published: April 2003

ContextHumans are exposed to methylmercury, a well-established neurotoxin, through fish consumption. The fetus is most sensitive to the adverse effects of exposure. The extent of exposure to methylmercury in US women of reproductive age is not known.ObjectiveTo describe the distribution of blood mercury levels in US children and women of childbearing age and the association with sociodemographic characteristics and fish consumption.Design and SettingThe 1999-2000 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross-sectional survey of the noninstitutionalized US population.ParticipantsIn 1999-2000, 1250 children aged 1 to 5 years and 2314 women aged 16 to 49 years were selected to participate in the survey. Household interviews, physical examinations, and blood mercury levels assessments were performed on 705 children (56% response rate) and 1709 women (74% response rate).Main Outcome MeasureBlood concentration of total mercury.ResultsBlood mercury levels were approximately 3-fold higher in women compared with children. The geometric mean concentration of total blood mercury was 0.34 µg/L (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30-0.39 µg/L) in children and 1.02 µg/L (95% CI, 0.85-1.20 µg/L) in women. Geometric mean mercury levels were almost 4-fold higher among women who ate 3 or more servings of fish in the past 30 days compared with women who ate no fish in that period (1.94 µg/L vs 0.51 µg/L; P&amp;lt;.001).ConclusionsMeasures of mercury exposure in women of childbearing age and young children generally fall below levels of concern. However, approximately 8% of women had concentrations higher than the US Environmental Protection Agency's recommended reference dose (5.8 µg/L), below which exposures are considered to be without adverse effects. Women who are pregnant or who intend to become pregnant should follow federal and state advisories on consumption of fish.
Association of Nitrotyrosine Levels With Cardiovascular Disease and Modulation by Statin Therapy
Authors: Shishehbor Mehdi H. , Aviles Ronnier J. , Brennan Marie-Luise , Fu Xiaoming , Goormastic Marlene , Pearce Gregory L. , Gokce Noyan , Keaney John F. , Penn Marc S. , Sprecher Dennis L. , Vita Joseph A. , Hazen Stanley L. 
Published: April 2003

ContextFormation of nitric oxide–derived oxidants may serve as a mechanism linking inflammation to development of atherosclerosis. Nitrotyrosine, a specific marker for protein modification by nitric oxide–derived oxidants, is enriched in human atherosclerotic lesions and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) recovered from human atheroma.ObjectivesTo determine whether systemic levels of nitrotyrosine are associated with the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and are modulated by hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy.Design, Setting, and PatientsA case-control and interventional study at 2 urban tertiary-care referral centers; recruitment for each was from June 1, 2001, until January 1, 2002. For the case-control study, 100 case-patients with established CAD and 108 patients with no clinically evident CAD were recruited consecutively. In the interventional study, participants aged 21 years or older with hypercholesterolemia (LDL cholesterol ≥130 mg/dL [≥3.5 mmol/L]) underwent nutrition and exercise counseling. Those whose levels did not decrease with 6 to 8 weeks were enrolled in the study (n = 35). For 12 weeks, they received 10 mg/d of oral atorvastatin therapy.Main Outcome MeasuresIn the case-control study, the association between systemic levels of protein-bound nitrotyrosine, CAD risk, and presence of CAD. In the interventional study, the change in nitrotyrosine, lipoprotein, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.ResultsNitrotyrosine levels were significantly higher among patients with CAD (median 9.1 µmol/mol [interquartile range, 4.8-13.8 µmol/mol] tyrosine vs 5.2 µmol/mol [interquartile range, 2.2-8.4 µmol/mol]; P&amp;lt;.001). Patients in the upper quartile of nitrotyrosine (29%; P&amp;lt;.001) had a higher odds of CAD compared with those in the lowest quartile (unadjusted odds ratio, 6.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-14.0; P&amp;lt;.001). In multivariate models adjusting for Framingham Global Risk Score and CRP, upper quartiles of nitrotyrosine remained associated with CAD (odds ratio, 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-10.6; P&amp;lt;.001). Statin therapy reduced nitrotyrosine levels significantly (25%; P&amp;lt;.02) with a magnitude similar to reductions in total cholesterol levels (25%; P&amp;lt;.001) and LDL particle number (29%; P&amp;lt;.001) yet were independent of alterations in lipoproteins and inflammatory markers like CRP.ConclusionsThe findings from this preliminary study indicate that nitrotyrosine levels are associated with the presence of CAD and appear to be modulated by statin therapy. These results suggest a potential role for nitric oxide–derived oxidants as inflammatory mediators in CAD and may have implications for atherosclerosis risk assessment and monitoring of anti-inflammatory actions of statins.
Hormones and competitive aggression in women
Authors: Cashdan Elizabeth 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis study used diaries of competitive interactions to explore the relationship between hormones and competitive aggression in women. Thirty women completed approximately 10 diary entries each. In each entry, the women described a recent competitive interaction they had engaged in and noted whether it was expressed aggressively or through other tactics. Each woman received a score for the fraction of her competitive interactions that were expressed using physical aggression, verbal aggression, nothing overt, and so on. Hormones (total testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, estradiol, and cortisol) were measured in serum early in the follicular phase. Results indicate that women with low levels of androstenedione and total testosterone were less likely to express their competitive feelings overtly, while women with high levels of androstenedione were more likely than other women to express their competitive feelings through verbal aggression. Estradiol was unrelated to competitive tactics, but women with high estradiol levels reported fewer competitive interactions over athletics than did other women. Aggr. Behav. 29:107–115, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.