Comparison of thunderstorm simulations from WRF-NMM and WRF-ARW models over East Indian Region.

The thunderstorms are typical mesoscale systems dominated by intense convection. Mesoscale models are essential for the accurate prediction of such high-impact weather events. In the present study, an attempt has been made to compare the simulated results of three thunderstorm events using NMM and ARW model core of WRF system and validated the model results with observations. Both models performed well in capturing stability indices which are indicators of severe convective activity. Comparison of model-simulated radar reflectivity imageries with observations revealed that NMM model has simulated well the propagation of the squall line, while the squall line movement was slow in ARW. From the model-simulated spatial plots of cloud top temperature, we can see that NMM model has better captured the genesis, intensification, and propagation of thunder squall than ARW model. The statistical analysis of rainfall indicates the better performance of NMM than ARW. Comparison of model-simulated thunderstorm affected parameters with that of the observed showed that NMM has performed better than ARW in capturing the sharp rise in humidity and drop in temperature. This suggests that NMM model has the potential to provide unique and valuable information for severe thunderstorm forecasters over east Indian region.

Does psychomotor retardation define a clinically relevant phenotype of unipolar depression?

BACKGROUND: The recognition and assessment of psychomotor retardation may have implications for better definition of the clinical phenotypes of depression. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical correlates of psychomotor retardation endorsed at any time during the patients' lifetime (LPR). METHODS: The study sample included 291 patients with non-psychotic major depressive disorder (MDD) participating in the clinical trial, "Depression: The Search for Treatment-Relevant Phenotypes." Psychomotor retardation was measured using a factor derived from the Mood Spectrum Self-Report (MOODS-SR) assessment. Using a pre-defined cut-off score on the lifetime psychomotor retardation (LPR) factor of the MOODS-SR, participants were classified into high and low scorers. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between LPR and subthreshold bipolarity. RESULTS: Compared to low scorers, participants with high scores on the LPR factor had greater severity of depression and more bipolarity indicators. CONCLUSIONS: The MOODS-SR appears to be helpful to identify clinical phenotypes of unipolar depression and to highlight the usefulness of a lifetime approach to the assessment of psychopathology in the characterisation of patients with unipolar depression.

Geographical clustering of scleroderma in a rural area in the province of Rome.

A geographical cluster of scleroderma and scleroderma-related features was identified in a rural area in the province of Rome. Two patients with scleroderma, three with CREST syndrome and one with eosinophilic fasciitis were living in a village where the total population included 572 persons of voting age. No kindred relationships were demonstrable among these patients. Clinical features of scleroderma such as Raynaud's phenomenon, bilateral hand edema, and digital scars were detected in an additional 10 cases. A group of apparently healthy subjects with scleroderma-related serological abnormalities (circulating antinuclear and anticentriole autoantibodies) was also identified in the village. No disease-associated HLA antigen in the patients nor genetic differences between patients and healthy subjects living in the same village were detected by HLA typing. Some still unidentified environmental factors acting on genetically predisposed subjects may be responsible for the clustering of the disease seen in this study.