Possibility of Solid Hydrometeor Growth Zone Identification Using Radar Spectrum Width

In this study,the correlation between simulated and measured radar velocity spectrum width(σ_(v))is investigated.The results show that the dendrites growth zones(DGZs)and needles growth zones(NGZs)mostly contain dendrites(DN)and needles(NE),respectively.Clearσ_(v) zones(1.1<σ_(v)(m s^(-1))<1.3 and 0.3<σ_(v)(m s^(-1))<0.7 for the DGZ and NGZ,respectively)could be identified in the case studies(27 and 28 February 2016)near altitudes corresponding to temperatures of–15°C and–5°C,according to the Japan Meteorological Agency and mesoscale model reanalysis data.Oblate particles with diverse particle shapes were observed in the DGZ withσ_(v)>1.2 m s^(-1),a differential reflectivity(ZDR)higher than 0 dB,and a cross-correlation coefficient(ρhv)less than 0.96.In contrast,prolate particles with relatively uniform shapes were observed in the NGZ withσ_(v)<0.6 m s^(-1),a ZDR less than 0 dB,andρhv higher than 0.97.The simulation results show that the DN exhibited a largerσ_(v) compared to the NE,and this observedσ_(v) was strongly dependent on the wind fluctuations(v’)due to turbulence or wind shear.In contrast,the NE exhibited a significantly smallσ_(v)~0.55 m s^(-1),which converges irrespective of v’.In addition,a strong correlation between the measuredσ_(v) values at five radar elevation angles(θ=6.2°,9.1°,13.1°,19°,and 80°)and those simulated in this study confirmed the significance of the analysis results.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae I-3856 in irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation

BACKGROUND Probiotics are a promising solution for managing irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).Saccharomyces cerevisiae(S.cerevisiae)I-3856 has already demonstrated beneficial effects in IBS subjects,particularly in IBS with predominant constipation(IBS-C).AIM To confirm the efficacy of S.cerevisiae I-3856 in the management of gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS-C.METHODS A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled clinical study was performed in a total of 456 subjects.After a run-in period,subjects were randomly assigned to the group receiving S.cerevisiae I-3856(8×109 CFU daily)or the placebo for 8 wk,and they performed daily self-evaluations of gastrointestinal symptoms.The primary objective was to assess the effect of the probiotic on abdominal pain.The secondary objectives were the evaluation of other gastrointestinal symptoms,bowel movement frequency and consistency,and quality of life(QOL).RESULTS A significantly higher proportion of abdominal pain responders was reported in the Probiotic group(45.1%vs 33.9%,P=0.017).A nonsignificant difference in the area under the curve for abdominal pain over the second month of supplementation was observed in subjects receiving probiotic vs placebo[P=0.073,95%CI:-0.59(-1.23;0.05)].No statistically significant differences were reported in the evolution of bowel movement frequency and stool consistency between the groups.After 8 wk of supplementation,the overall QOL score was significantly higher in the Probiotic group than in the Placebo group[P=0.047,95%CI:3.86(0.52;7.20)].Furthermore,exploratory analyses showed statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in QOL scores in abdominal pain responders vs nonresponders.CONCLUSION The results of this clinical study confirmed the abdominal pain alleviation properties of S.cerevisiae I-3856 in IBS-C.Abdominal pain relief was associated with improved QOL.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT03150212.