bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of the UCP2 Gene Locus With Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis in Middle-Aged Women
Authors: Oberkofler H. , Iglseder B. , Klein K. , Unger J. , Haltmayer M. , Krempler F. , Paulweber B. , Patsch W. 
Published: December 2004

Objective—Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to atherogenesis. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) reduces mitochondrial ROS generation and protects against the disease in animal models. A common −866G/A promoter polymorphism that has been associated with obesity and β-cell function may also affect UCP2 gene expression in cells of the arterial wall.Methods and Results—Genotype distributions of the −866G/A and of a 45nt-del/ins polymorphism in the 3′-untranslated region of the UCP2 gene were determined in 1334 participants of the Salzburg Atherosclerosis Prevention Program in Subjects at High Individual Risk (SAPHIR). We observed a modest association of the −866G/A promoter polymorphism and 2-loci haplotypes with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis in female study participants. Functional studies revealed increased expression of the −866G wild-type allele in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and differentiated THP-1 cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay studies and antibody-interference assays performed with nuclear extracts of various cell lines showed binding of cell-type specific protein complexes to the region encompassing the −866 site and suggested involvement of hypoxia inducible factor 1α in the regulation of UCP2 gene expression in endothelial cells and macrophages.Conclusions—Our results suggest a role of UCP2 in atherogenesis as originally proposed from studies in animal and cell culture models.
IL-18 Accelerates Atherosclerosis Accompanied by Elevation of IFN-γ and CXCL16 Expression Independently of T Cells
Authors: Tenger Charlotta , Sundborger Anna , Jawien Jacek , Zhou Xinghua 
Published: December 2004

Objective—The proatherogenic effect of IL-18 is shown to be dependent on IFN-γ production. It is believed that activated T cells play a proatherogenic role through secretion of IFN-γ. However, recent studies in vitro have shown that macrophages, NK cells, and even vascular smooth muscle cells may also secrete IFN-γ after stimulation by cytokines like IL-18. We therefore investigated whether cells other than activated T cells can play a proatherogenic role via IFN-γ secretion under the stimulation of IL-18 in vivo.Methods and Results—SCID/apoE knockout mice were injected intraperitoneally with either IL-18 or phosphate-buffered saline 3 times per week for 7 weeks. Our results show that administration of IL-18 leads to 3-fold larger lesions and 2-fold higher circulating IFN-γ despite the absence of T cells. In addition, increased IFN-γ, accompanied by elevation of the scavenger receptor/chemokine CXCL16, was observed in both lesions and spleens. Furthermore, our findings revealed that macrophages, NK cells, and vascular cells were the source of IFN-γ under the stimulation of IL-18 in the absence of T cells in vivo.Conclusion—The current data suggest that the proatherogenic effect of IL-18 can occur in the absence of T cells and that IFN-γ secreted by macrophages, NK cells, and vascular cells is sufficient for the disease progression.
Cardiac Troponins and N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Acute Ischemic Stroke Do Not Relate to Clinical Prognosis
Authors: Etgen Thorleif , Baum Hannsjoerg , Sander Kerstin , Sander Dirk 
Published: December 2004

Background and Purpose—The prognostic value of cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptide in acute ischemic stroke is uncertain. We measured cardiac troponin T (cTnT), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) at admission in acute ischemic stroke patients without evident myocardial damage.Methods—In 174 consecutive patients with MRI-confirmed ischemic stroke, serial measurements of cTnT, cTnI, and NT-proBNP were performed at 3 different time points in the hyperacute phase (at admission, on days 1 and 2). Relation of laboratory values to risk factors, stroke subtype classification, and clinical outcome after 3 months was analyzed.Results—The highest proportion of raised parameters was found at day 2 for cTnI in 8 of 103 (7.8%), at day 3 for cTnT in 8 of 174 (4.6%), and NT-proBNP in 114 of 174 (65.5%) patients. Proportion of patients with good outcome was significantly reduced in the group with highest NT-proBNP quartile. However, using multivariate regression analysis, no significant relation to morbidity and mortality was found for cTnT, cTnI, or NT-proBNP. Significant impact on the outcome was detected for lesion size, insular involvement, sex, age, and stroke severity.Conclusions—NT-proBNP is raised in nearly two thirds of acute stroke patients, whereas elevated cardiac troponins are found only in a small number of acute ischemic stroke patients. Neither NT-proBNP nor cardiac troponins influence clinical outcome if other risk factors are considered.
Application of Snowfall and Wind Statistics to Snow Transport Modeling for Snowdrift Control in Minnesota
Authors: Shulski Martha D. , Seeley Mark W. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Models were utilized to determine the snow accumulation season (SAS) and to quantify windblown snow for the purpose of snowdrift control for locations in Minnesota. The models require mean monthly temperature, snowfall, density of snow, and wind frequency distribution statistics. Temperature and precipitation data were obtained from local cooperative observing sites, and wind data came from Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS)/Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) sites in the region. The temperature-based algorithm used to define the SAS reveals a geographic variability in the starting and ending dates of the season, which is determined by latitude and elevation. Mean seasonal snowfall shows a geographic distribution that is affected by topography and proximity to Lake Superior. Mean snowfall density also exhibits variability, with lower-density snow events displaced to higher-latitude positions. Seasonal wind frequencies show a strong bimodal distribution with peaks from the northwest and southeast vector direction, with an exception for locations in close proximity to the Lake Superior shoreline. In addition, for western and south-central Minnesota there is a considerably higher frequency of wind speeds above the mean snow transport threshold of 7 m s−1. As such, this area is more conducive to higher potential snow transport totals. Snow relocation coefficients in this area are in the range of 0.4–0.9, and, according to the empirical models used in this analysis, this range implies that actual snow transport is 40%–90% of the total potential in south-central and western areas of the state.
Freezing-Level Estimation with Polarimetric Radar
Authors: Brandes Edward A. , Ikeda Kyoko 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
A simple empirical procedure for determining freezing levels with polarimetric radar measurements is described. The algorithm takes advantage of the strong melting-layer signatures and the redundancy provided by the suite of polarimetric radar measurements—in particular, radar reflectivity, linear depolarization ratio, and cross-correlation coefficient. Freezing-level designations can be made with all volumetric scanning strategies. Application to uniform (stratiform) precipitation within 60 km of the radar and with brightband reflectivity maxima of greater than 25 dBZ suggests an accuracy of 100–200 m.
Classification and Characterization of Tropical Precipitation Based on High-Resolution Airborne Vertical Incidence Radar. Part I: Classification
Authors: Geerts Bart , Dawei Yu 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Airborne measurements of vertical incidence radar reflectivity and radial velocity are analyzed for some 21 231 km of high-altitude flight tracks over tropical precipitation systems, in order to describe their characteristic vertical structure. The strength of the radar dataset lies in its superb vertical resolution, sufficient to detect unambiguously a bright band and the coincident Doppler velocity change, which identify the melting layer in stratiform precipitation. In this first of a two-part study, a technique based on the detection of this stratiform precipitation signature is developed to classify hydrometer profiles as convective, stratiform, or shallow. Even though the profiles are classified individually, stratiform and convective regions emerge, whose characteristics are described. The hydrometeor vertical velocity variability is smaller in stratiform profiles, which is consistent with the physical concept of a stratiform region. The purpose of the classification is to describe, in Part II, the composite vertical structure of the various rain types in hurricanes, as well as in isolated to organized precipitating convection sampled in Florida and Brazil.
Classification and Characterization of Tropical Precipitation Based on High-Resolution Airborne Vertical Incidence Radar. Part II: Composite Vertical Structure of Hurricanes versus Storms over Florida and the Amazon
Authors: Geerts Bart , Dawei Yu 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
High-resolution airborne measurements of vertical incidence radar reflectivity and Doppler velocity, as well as coincident upwelling 85-GHz radiances, are analyzed for several Atlantic Ocean hurricanes and for numerous convection-generated systems in Florida and Amazonia. Characteristic reflectivity, hydrometeor motion, and vertical air motion profiles of convective and stratiform precipitation are compared and related to their ice-scattering signature, with an emphasis on the difference between hurricanes and convection-generated storms. Hurricanes are found to be largely and clearly stratiform, displaying a remarkably narrow echo and vertical velocity spectrum. Air currents are inferred to be rising steadily at all levels, even in stratiform regions. Land-based, convection-generated stratiform regions tend to experience low-level descent and mid- to upper-level ascent, although the vertical velocity variability is large. Florida storms produce little stratiform precipitation. Their spectrum of echo and updraft strengths is broad, including some of the highest reflectivities aloft, resulting in very low 85-GHz radiances. Amazonian storms are relatively weak and are more “maritime” in echo, vertical velocity, and ice-scattering characteristics, when compared with those in Florida, especially during a westerly low-level wind regime.
Evaluating Formulations of Stable Boundary Layer Height
Authors: Vickers D. , Mahrt L. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Stable boundary layer height h is determined from eddy correlation measurements of the vertical profiles of the buoyancy flux and turbulence energy from a tower over grassland in autumn, a tower over rangeland with variable snow cover during winter, and aircraft data in the stable marine boundary layer generated by warm air advection over a cool ocean surface in summer. A well-defined h within the tower layer at the grass site (lowest 50 m) and the snow site (lowest 30 m) was definable only about 20% of the time. In the remaining stable periods, the buoyancy flux and turbulence energy either (a) remained constant with height, indicating a deep boundary layer, (b) increased with height, or (c) varied erratically with height. Approximately one-half of the tower profiles did not fit the traditional concepts of a boundary layer. The well-defined cases of h are compared with various formulations for the equilibrium depth of the stably stratified boundary layer based on the Richardson number or surface fluxes. The diagnostic models for h have limited success in explaining both the variance and mean magnitude of h at all three sites. The surface bulk Richardson number and gradient Richardson number approaches perform best for the combined data. For the surface bulk Richardson number method, the required critical value varies systematically between sites. The surface bulk Richardson number approach is modified to include a critical value that depends on the surface Rossby number, which incorporates the influence of surface roughness and wind speed on boundary layer depth.
A Revised Force–Restore Model for Land Surface Modeling
Authors: Ren Diandong , Xue Ming 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
To clarify the definition of the equation for the temperature toward which the soil skin temperature is restored, the prediction equations in the commonly used force–restore model for soil temperature are rederived from the heat conduction equation. The derivation led to a deep-layer temperature, commonly denoted T2, that is defined as the soil temperature at depth πd plus a transient term, where d is the e-folding damping depth of soil temperature diurnal oscillations. The corresponding prediction equation for T2 has the same form as the commonly used one except for an additional term involving the lapse rate of the “seasonal mean” soil temperature and the damping depth d. A term involving the same also appears in the skin temperature prediction equation, which also includes a transient term. In the literature, T2 was initially defined as the short-term (over several days) mean of the skin temperature, but in practice it is often used as the deep-layer temperature. Such inconsistent use can lead to drift in T2 prediction over a several-day period, as is documented in this paper. When T2 is properly defined and initialized, large drift in T2 prediction is avoided and the surface temperature prediction is usually improved. This is confirmed by four sets of experiments, each for a period during each season of 2000, that are initialized using and verified against measurements of the Oklahoma Atmospheric Surface-Layer Instrumentation System (OASIS) project.
Modeling Water and Heat Balance of the Boreal Landscape—Comparison of Forest and Arable Land in Scandinavia
Authors: Gustafsson David , Lewan Elisabet , Jansson Per-Erik 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The water and heat balances of an arable field and a forest in the boreal zone in Scandinavia were explored using 3 yr of observations and simulations with two different soil–vegetation–atmosphere transfer (SVAT) models over a 30-yr period. Results from a detailed mechanistic model [coupled heat and mass transfer model (COUP)] were compared with those obtained with a large-scale type of SVAT model used in the weather prediction model at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts [ECMWF tiled land surface scheme (TESSEL)]. The COUP model simulations agreed well with the observations from a seasonal perspective. The TESSEL model differed significantly from the measurements when standard operational parameter values were used. The introduction of a seasonal variation in leaf-area index values, tuned canopy resistance for forest, and a reduced roughness length over snow-covered open land reduced the discrepancies. Net radiation was 40% higher in the forest when compared with the arable land, based on 30-yr simulations with both models. Furthermore, the forest was a net source of sensible heat flux, whereas the arable land was a net sink. Because of different treatment of winter interception evaporation, forest latent heat flux based on the COUP model considerably exceeded that from the TESSEL model, and suggested that the total annual evaporation was higher from the forest than from arable land. The representation of interception evaporation in winter, as well as seasonal dynamics in vegetation properties are, thus, of considerable importance for adequate simulation of forest and arable land energy fluxes within the boreal zone.
A Comparison of Gamma and Lognormal Distributions for Characterizing Satellite Rain Rates from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission
Authors: Cho Hye-Kyung , Bowman Kenneth P. , North Gerald R. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
This study investigates the spatial characteristics of nonzero rain rates to develop a probability density function (PDF) model of precipitation using rainfall data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite. The minimum χ2 method is used to find a good estimator for the rain-rate distribution between the gamma and lognormal distributions, which are popularly used in the simulation of the rain-rate PDF. Results are sensitive to the choice of dynamic range, but both the gamma and lognormal distributions match well with the PDF of rainfall data. Comparison with sample means shows that the parametric mean from the lognormal distribution overestimates the sample mean, whereas the gamma distribution underestimates it. These differences are caused by the inflated tail in the lognormal distribution and the small shape parameter in the gamma distribution. If shape constraint is given, the difference between the sample mean and the parametric mean from the fitted gamma distribution decreases significantly, although the resulting χ2 values slightly increase. Of interest is that a consistent regional preference between two test functions is found. The gamma fits outperform the lognormal fits in wet regions, whereas the lognormal fits are better than the gamma fits for dry regions. Results can be improved with a specific model assumption depending on mean rain rates, but the results presented in this study can be easily applied to develop the rainfall retrieval algorithm and to find the proper statistics in the rainfall data.
A Winter Weather Index for Estimating Winter Roadway Maintenance Costs in the Midwest
Authors: Carmichael Craig G. , Gallus William A. , Temeyer Bradley R. , Bryden Mark K. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Winter roadway maintenance budget data for the state of Iowa have been combined with available climate data for a 6-yr period to create a winter weather index that provides a useful assessment of winter severity. The weather index can be combined with measures of transportation department infrastructure within a region to estimate expenses for a given time period in the region. The index was developed using artificial neural network techniques that are nonlinear and perceive patterns in the input data. Winter weather severity as diagnosed by the index correlates well with Iowa Department of Transportation roadway treatment expenses. The neural network–based index is shown to perform better than the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) index and an index developed using linear regression techniques.
Reversal of long-term sepsis-induced immunosuppression by dendritic cells
Authors: Benjamim Claudia F. , Lundy Steven K. , Lukacs Nicholas W. , Hogaboam Cory M. , Kunkel Steven L. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSevere sepsis leads to long-term systemic and local immunosuppression, which is the cause of a number of complications, including pulmonary infection. A therapeutic strategy that reverses this immunosuppression is required, given the ongoing high mortality rate of patients who have survived a severe sepsis. The present study demonstrates that experimental severe sepsis renders the lung susceptible to a normally innocuous Aspergillus fumigatus fungus challenge, due to a dominant lung type 2 cytokine profile. Dendritic cells (DCs) obtained from the lungs of mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model were skewed toward type 2 cytokine profile, which occurred with exaggerated expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). The intrapulmonary transfer of bone marrow–derived DCs (BMDCs) in postseptic mice prevented fatal Aspergillus infection. This therapy reduced the overall inflammatory response and fungal growth in the lung, and promoted the balance of proinflammatory and suppressive cytokines in the lung. Thus, intrapulmonary DC supplementation appears to restore the pulmonary host response in the postseptic lung in our animal model. These data strongly suggest that lung DCs are profoundly affected as a consequence of the systemic impact of severe sepsis, and the identification of mechanisms that restore their function may serve as a key strategy to reverse sepsis-induced immunosuppression.
Tissue factor activity in whole blood
Authors: Butenas Saulius , Bouchard Beth A. , Brummel-Ziedins Kathleen E. , Parhami-Seren Behnaz , Mann Kenneth G. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTissue factor (TF) is an integral membrane protein essential for hemostasis. During the past several years, a number of studies have suggested that physiologically active TF circulates in blood at concentrations greater than 30 pM either as a component of blood cells and microparticles or as a soluble plasma protein. In our studies using contact pathway–inhibited blood or plasma containing activated platelets, typically no clot is observed for 20 minutes in the absence of exogenous TF. An inhibitory anti-TF antibody also has no effect on the clotting time in the absence of exogenous TF. The addition of TF to whole blood at a concentration as low as 16 to 20 fM results in pronounced acceleration of clot formation. The presence of potential platelet TF activity was evaluated using ionophore-treated platelets and employing functional and immunoassays. No detectable TF activity or antigen was observed on quiescent or ionophore-stimulated platelets. Similarly, no TF antigen was detected on mononuclear cells in nonstimulated whole blood, whereas in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–stimulated blood a significant fraction of monocytes express TF. Our data indicate that the concentration of physiologically active TF in non–cytokine-stimulated blood from healthy individuals cannot exceed and is probably lower than 20 fM.
Control of systemic B cell-mediated autoimmune disease by nonmyeloablative conditioning and major histocompatibility complex-mismatched allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Flierman Roelof , Witteveen Hendrik J. , van der Voort Ellen I. H. , Huizinga Tom W. J. , de Vries René R. P. , Fibbe Willem E. , Toes René E. M. , van Laar Jacob M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSystemic autoimmune disease (AID) can be controlled with conventional therapies in most patients. However, relapses are common, leading to progressive disability and premature death. Nonmyeloablative conditioning and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) could be an effective treatment for severe AID, because of mild toxicity of the conditioning and the potential benefits of donor chimerism. We examined the effects of this treatment in experimental autoimmune arthritis. Our results demonstrate the induction of complete donor chimerism and significant suppression of disease activity. No clinical graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was observed. The beneficial effects were most likely caused by the elimination of plasma cells producing pathogenic autoantibodies, because these antibodies disappeared rapidly after BMT. Although this type of treatment was effective in organ-specific T-cell-mediated AID, the present study provides convincing evidence that nonmyeloablative conditioning and allogeneic BMT can effectively treat severe B-cell-mediated AID with a systemic inflammatory component.