bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Estrogen Receptor and Ki-67 Index after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Expressing High Levels of Proliferation at Diagnosis
Authors: Miglietta L. , Vanella P. , Canobbio L. , Naso C. , Cerisola N. , Meszaros P. , Parodi M.A. , Morabito F.
Published: March 2011

Purpose: Breast cancers expressing high levels of Ki-67, a nuclear marker of cell proliferation, are associated with worse outcome. Recent data from neoadjuvant studies indicate that a single measurement of the nuclear proliferation marker Ki-67 in breast carcinoma during neoadjuvant therapy is strongly predictive of long-term outcome. Secondly, recent literature data indicate that prognostic evaluation with Ki-67 may be better after pre-surgical therapy. A retrospective study from a prospectively maintained clinical database to compare the predictive and prognostic significance of biological markers, assessed before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, in locally advanced breast cancer, was performed. Patients and Methods: The following parameters were considered before and after chemotherapy for their relationship with treatment response and disease-free survival in 64 patients with locally advanced breast cancer: clinical stage, clinical and pathological lymph node involvement, Ki-67, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (Pgr), Her2, tumor grade, clinical response, type of surgery performed, and number of chemotherapy cycles administered. The expression of Ki-67 was assessed using immunohistochemistry in pre-therapy tru-cut and post-therapy surgical excision specimens after neoadjuvant chemotherapy; only patients with breast tumors expressing high baseline Ki-67 (≧15%) were included in the analysis. In addition, the correlation between pre-chemotherapy biological markers and clinical and pathological response was reported. Results: Post-chemotherapy Ki-67 proliferation index decrease, pre-chemotherapy ER expression and post-chemotherapy ER expression were the only significant prognostic factors adversely influencing disease-free survival in univariate analysis. Her2 overexpression was the only factor to impact on the clinical response. Conclusions: Post-treatment Ki-67 and ER status were predictors of outcome for patients with locally advanced breast cancer and a high pre-chemotherapy proliferation index.
Bortezomib Retreatment in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma – Results from a Retrospective Multicentre Survey in Germany and Switzerland
Authors: Hrusovsky I. , Emmerich B. , von Rohr A. , Voegeli J. , Taverna C. , Olie R.A. , Pliskat H. , Frohn C. , Hess G.
Published: March 2011

Objectives: This multicenter, retrospective survey evaluated the efficacy and safety of bortezomib retreatment in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma who had responded to initial bortezomib treatment. Methods: Clinical records of 94 patients receiving bortezomib retreatment in Germany and Switzerland were reviewed. Results: Sixty patients were included according to prespecified criteria. Patients had received a mean 3.7 ± 2.3 therapies prior to initial bortezomib. Overall response rate to bortezomib retreatment was 63.3%; 8 (13.3%), 3 (5.0%) and 27 (45.0%) patients achieved complete response (CR), near-CR and partial response, respectively. Response to retreatment was associated with response to initial treatment (75.0% of patients with CR to initial treatment responded to retreatment) and treatment-free interval (TFI) after initial treatment (76.9 vs. 38.1% overall response rate for patients with TFI >6 vs. ≤6 months). After retreatment, median time to progression was 9.3 months. Median TFI was 5.7 months; 31.7, 25.0 and 15.0% of patients experienced a TFI longer than 6, 9 and 12 months, respectively. Reported adverse drug reactions were consistent with the known safety profile of bortezomib and most resolved completely. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that relapsed multiple myeloma patients who respond to initial bortezomib treatment have a sustained susceptibility to bortezomib and do not experience uncommon toxicity to retreatment.
IL-6 Mediates 11βHSD Type 2 to Effect Progression of the Mycobacterial Cord Factor Trehalose 6,6′-Dimycolate-Induced Granulomatous Response
Authors: Abbott April N. , Welsh Kerry J. , Hwang Shen-An , Płoszaj Paulina , Choudhury Tina , Boyd Sydney , Blackburn Michael R. , Hunter, Jr. Robert L. , Actor Jeffrey K.
Published: March 2011

Granulomatous structures are highly dynamic during active mycobacterial infection, with accompanying responsive inflammation contributing to modulation of pathology throughout the course of disease. The heightened inflammatory response coinciding with initiation and maintenance of newly developing granulomatous structures must be limited to avoid excessive damage to bystander tissue. Modulating the cellular bioavailability of glucocorticoids by local regulation of 11βHSD enzymes within responding tissue and parenchyma would allow controlled inflammatory response during infection. Mycobacterial glycolipid trehalose 6,6′-dimycolate was used to induce strong pulmonary granulomatous inflammation immunopathology. Pulmonary corticosterone was significantly increased at days 3 and 5 after administration. An inverse relationship of 11βHSD1 and 11βHSD2 message correlated with pathology development. Immunohistochemical analysis also demonstrated that 11βHSD2 is expressed in proximity to granulomatous lesions. A role for pro-inflammatory IL-6 cytokine in regulation of converting enzymes to control the granulomatous response was confirmed using gene-disrupted IL-6–/– mice. A model is proposed linking IL-6 to endocrine-derived factors which allows modification of active corticosterone into inert 11-dehydrocorticosterone at the site of granuloma formation to limit excessive parenchymal damage.
Testosterone Inhibits cAMP-Phosphodiesterases in Heart Extracts from Rats and Increases cAMP Levels in Isolated Left Atria
Authors: Bordallo Javier , Cantabrana Begoña , Suárez Lorena , Sánchez Manuel
Published: March 2011

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the acute cardiovascular effects elicited by androgens, such as vasodilation and positive inotropism. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are important modulators of cardiac contractility. However, an effect on PDEs by androgens in cardiac tissues has not previously been reported. In this study, extracts from rat ventricles and isolated left atria were assayed for cAMP-dependent PDE activity. To study the tissue selectivity, the enzymatic activity was also assayed in extracts from bovine tracheal smooth muscle and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Functional assays were also performed with isolated atria. Testosterone, but not 5α- and 5β-dihydrotestosterone, inhibited cAMP-PDE activity in extracts from left ventricles and atria. In atria, the inhibition of cAMP-PDE activity was associated with an increase in intracellular levels of cAMP and a cardiotonic response. This effect was not elicited in tracheal muscle strips or CHO cell extracts, suggesting the possibility of tissue and cAMP-PDE selectivity. The results of these studies suggest a new mechanism of action of testosterone in the rat heart, which might contribute to the reported cardiotonic effect.
Protective Effect of the Vasopressin Agonist Terlipressin in a Rat Model of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy
Authors: Ari Elif , Yilmaz Yusuf , Kedrah Alla Elden , Alahdab Yesim , Cakalagaoglu Fulya , Arikan Hakki , Kocak Hüseyin , Macunluoglu Beyza , Atakan Aydin , Kahveci Arzu , Asicioglu Ebru , Tuglular Serhan , Ozener Cetin
Published: March 2011

Background/Aims: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) remains a leading cause of iatrogenic acute renal failure. Terlipressin, a long-acting analog of vasopressin, may improve renal function. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of terlipressin against the development of experimental CIN in rats. Methods: Wistar albino rats (n = 32) were allocated randomly into four equal groups of 8 each, i.e. control, terlipressin, contrast media (CM), and terlipressin plus contrast media (TCM). CIN was induced by intravenous administration of indomethacin (10 mg/kg), N-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 mg/kg, twice at 15 and 30 min), and high-osmolar contrast media meglumine amidotrizoate 60%. Renal function parameters, kidney histology, and tubular expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined. Results: Mean serum creatinine levels were decreased (p < 0.05) and creatinine clearance (p < 0.05) increased in the TCM group compared with the CM group. Notably, rats in the TCM group displayed less tubular necrosis (p < 0.05), medullary congestion (p < 0.05), and a reduced tubular expression of VEGF (p < 0.05) compared with the CM group. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that terlipressin can inhibit the development of CIN.
Serum Uric Acid Level and Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Nondiabetic Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Yilmaz Mahmut Ilker , Sonmez Alper , Turgut Faruk , Saglam Mutlu , Cakir Erdinc , Yenicesu Mujdat , Covic Adrian , Jalal Diana , Johnson Richard J.
Published: March 2011

Background: An elevated serum uric acid level is strongly associated with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, both of which are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We hypothesized that endothelial dysfunction in subjects with CKD would correlate with uric acid levels. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the association between serum uric acid level and ultrasonographic flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in 263 of 486 patients with recently diagnosed CKD (stage 3–5) (48% male, age 52 ± 12 years). To minimize confounding, 233 patients were excluded because they were diabetic, had established cardiovascular complications or were taking drugs (renin-angiotensin system blockers, statins) interfering with vascular function. Results: Serum uric acid level was significantly increased in all stages of CKD and strongly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR-MDRD); FMD was inversely associated with serum uric acid (r = –0.49, p < 0.001). The association of serum uric acid with FMD remained after adjustment for age, gender, smoking, LDL cholesterol, eGFR, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, systolic blood pressure, proteinuria, and homeostatic model assessment index (β = –0.27, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Increased serum uric acid is an independent predictor of endothelial dysfunction in subjects with CKD.
Thyroglobulin Gene Mutations in Congenital Hypothyroidism
Authors: Targovnik Héctor M. , Citterio Cintia E. , Rivolta Carina M.
Published: March 2011

Human thyroglobulin (TG) gene is a single copy gene, 270 kb long, that maps on chromosome 8q24.2–8q24.3 and contains an 8.5-kb coding sequence divided into 48 exons. TG is exclusively synthesized in the thyroid gland and represents a highly specialized homodimeric glycoprotein for thyroid hormone biosynthesis. Mutations in the TG gene lead to permanent congenital hypothyroidism. The presence of low TG level and also normal perchlorate discharge test in a goitrous individual suggest a TG gene defect. Until now, 52 mutations have been identified and characterized in the human TG gene with functional impact such as structural changes in the protein that alter the normal protein folding, assembly and biosynthesis of thyroid hormones. 11 of the mutations affect splicing sites, 11 produce premature stop codons, 23 lead to amino acid changes, 6 deletions (5 single and 1 involving a large number of nucleotides) and 1 single nucleotide insertion. TG mutations are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and affected individuals are either homozygous or compound heterozygous. The p.R277X, p.C1058R, p.C1977S, p.R1511X, p.A2215D and p.R2223H mutations are the most frequently identified TG mutations. This mini-review focuses on genetic and clinical aspects of TG gene defects.
A Role for Astrocytes in the Central Control of Metabolism
Authors: Yi Chun-Xia , Habegger Kirk M. , Chowen Julie A. , Stern Javier , Tschöp Matthias H.
Published: March 2011

Over the last decades, the negative health consequences of obesity have triggered massive searches for the cause of – and potential solutions for – the excessive mismatch between calorie consumption and expenditure. The concepts of malfunctioning hypothalamic neurotransmission and impaired related neuromodulatory networks in other brain regions have attracted considerable attention as they may partially explain metabolic abnormalities. While numerous and important efforts are underway to scientifically dissect the neuronal signaling pathways involved in metabolic sensing and regulation, the roles of astroglial cells represent a relatively understudied area. This gap in knowledge is particularly evident in the neuroendocrine control of glucose and lipid metabolism. This review presents evidence that in regard to metabolism, astrocytes act not only as an energy supplier for neurons, but may also play key roles in metabolic sensing by expressing metabolic related receptors and regulators. Moreover, the astrocytosis observed during calorie-rich high-fat diet indicates that astrocytes could be involved in developing metabolic abnormalities. Finally, potential obstacles and pitfalls for studying the role of astrocytes in metabolic sensing and regulation are discussed.
Spectral-Domain versus Time Domain Optical Coherence Tomography before and after Ranibizumab for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Querques Giuseppe , Forte Raimondo , Berboucha Elya , Martinelli Domenico , Coscas Gabriel , Soubrane Gisele , Souied Eric H.
Published: March 2011

Purpose: To study the ability to appreciate qualitative features that indicate disease activity in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to analyze the differences in automated retinal thickness measurement, using 1 time domain optical coherence tomography (TD-OCT) and 2 different spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) machines. Methods: Thirty-three consecutive naïve patients with neovascular AMD underwent Stratus TD-OCT, Cirrus SD-OCT and Spectralis SD-OCT, at baseline, 1 h, 1 day, 1 week and 1 month after intravitreal ranibizumab injection. Results: As regards the ability to detect retinal cysts, subretinal fluid and pigment epithelium detachment, at each follow-up visit, there was a significant correlation among all 3 OCT devices (p < 0.05), even though Cirrus SD-OCT and Spectralis SD-OCT showed the highest level of intermachine agreement. At each follow-up visit, automated retinal thickness measurements showed a greater mean central macular thickness (CMT) for both Spectralis SD-OCT and Cirrus SD-OCT, compared with Stratus TD-OCT. However, the mean paired differences in CMT among the 3 OCT devices were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Overall, Cirrus SD-CT showed fewer segmentation errors, compared with both Spectralis SD-OCT and Stratus TD-OCT. Conclusion: SD-OCT showed a greater ability to evaluate qualitative features indicating disease activity and fewer errors in automated segmentation. However, differences in CMT changes were similar between TD-OCT and SD-OCT systems during follow-up.
Rare homozygous status of P43 β1-tubulin polymorphism causes alterations in platelet ultrastructure
Authors: Navarro-Núñez Leyre , Teruel Raúl , Antón Ana Isabel , Nurden Paquita , Martínez-Martínez Irene , Lozano María Luisa , Rivera José , Corral Javier , Mezzano Diego , Vicente Vicente , Martínez Constantino
Published: March 2011

β1-tubulin is the main constituent of the platelet marginal band and studies with deficient mice showed that it maintains discoid shape and it is required for normal platelet formation. TUBB1 Q43P polymorphism is associated with decreased β1-tubulin expression, diminished platelet reactivity, and partial loss of discoid shape in heterozygous carriers. However, to date no studies have been carried out on homozygous PP individuals. Our study included 19 subjects genotyped for TUBB1 Q43P polymorphism (4 QQ, 4 QP, and 2 PP). The two PP individuals were recruited after genotyping of 2073 individuals. Biochemical, microscopy, and molecular studies were performed. Real-time PCR showed ∼40% decrease in TUBB1 mRNA in the two PP individuals compared to four QQ subjects. Western blot analysis confirmed this reduction. Electron microscopy revealed a majority of normal discoid platelets in PP individuals, although platelets with loose, re-orientated or invaginated protofilaments, and an over-developed open canalicular system were observed. Such abnormalities were not observed in QQ subjects. Morphometric analyses showed no differences between PP and QQ individuals. Immunofluorescence confirmed the presence of a normal marginal band in a majority of platelets from PP subjects. Interestingly, both PP subjects had a 40% lower platelet count than QP and QQ. TUBB1 Q43P polymorphism in homozygosity mildly affects platelet ultrastructure and our data further suggest that high levels of β1-tubulin might not be critical to sustain platelet discoid shape.
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate-Induced Inflammation Involves Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Transactivation in Vascular Cells
Authors: Yogi Alvaro , Callera Glaucia E. , Aranha Anna B. , Antunes Tayze T. , Graham Delyth , McBride Martin , Dominiczak Anna , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: March 2011

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a multifunctional phospholipid, regulates vascular cell function. Whether S1P influences vascular inflammatory responses, particularly in hypertension, is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that S1P is a proinflammatory mediator signaling through receptor tyrosine kinase transactivation and that responses are amplified in vascular smooth muscle cells from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSPs), a model in which we demonstrated Edg1 (S1P1 receptor) to be a candidate gene for salt-sensitive hypertension. Vascular smooth muscle cell from Wistar-Kyoto rats and SHRSPs were studied. S1P receptor subtypes, S1P1 and S1P2, were similarly expressed in Wistar-Kyoto rats and SHRSPs. S1P induced phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor and platelet-derived growth factor and activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, with amplified effects in SHRSPs versus Wistar-Kyoto rats. Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor and platelet-derived growth factor (with AG1478 and AG1296, respectively) abolished S1P-induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in Wistar-Kyoto rats with variable effects in SHRSPs. Vascular smooth muscle cell inflammation was evaluated by expression of adhesion molecules and functional responses assessed by monocyte adhesion. S1P stimulated expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 and promoted monocyte adhesion, particularly in SHRSP cells. S1P-mediated inflammation was blunted by AG1478 and AG1296 in SHRSP cells. VPC23019, a S1P1 receptor antagonist, inhibited S1P-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 expression, and monocyte adhesion. Our data indicate that molecular processes underlying vascular inflammation and cell adhesion in SHRSPs involve S1P/S1P1 receptors and phosphorylation of receptor tyrosine kinases. We identify a novel pathway linking S1P/S1P1 receptors to specific proinflammatory signaling pathways through epidermal growth factor receptor and platelet-derived growth factor transactivation, a process that is upregulated in SHRSPs. Such molecular events may contribute to vascular inflammation in hypertension.
Adrenal Venous Sampling
Authors: Vonend Oliver , Ockenfels Nora , Gao Xing , Allolio Bruno , Lang Katharina , Mai Knut , Quack Ivo , Saleh Andreas , Degenhart Christoph , Seufert Jochen , Seiler Lysann , Beuschlein Felix , Quinkler Marcus , Podrabsky Petr , Bidlingmaier Martin , Lorenz Reinhard , Reincke Martin , Rump Lars Christian ,   for the participants of the German Conn's Registry
Published: March 2011

In patients with primary aldosteronism, adrenal venous sampling is helpful to distinguish between unilateral and bilateral adrenal diseases. However, the procedure is technically challenging, and selective bilateral catheterization often fails. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate success rate in a retrospective analysis and compare data with procedures done prospectively after introduction of measures designed to improve rates of successful cannulation. Patients were derived from a cross-sectional study involving 5 German centers (German Conn's registry). In the retrospective phase, 569 patients with primary aldosteronism were registered between 1990 and 2007, of whom 230 received adrenal venous sampling. In 200 patients there were sufficient data to evaluate the procedure. In 2008 and 2009, primary aldosteronism was diagnosed in 156 patients, and adrenal venous sampling was done in 106 and evaluated prospectively. Retrospective evaluation revealed that 31% were bilaterally selective when a selectivity index (cortisol adrenal vein/cortisol inferior vena cava) of ≥2.0 was applied. Centers completing <20 procedures had success rates between 8% and 10%. Overall success rate increased in the prospective phase from 31% to 61%. Retrospective data demonstrated the pitfalls of performing adrenal venous sampling. Even in specialized centers, success rates were poor. Marked improvements could be observed in the prospective phase. Selected centers that implemented specific measures to increase accuracy, such as rapid-cortisol-assay and introduction of standard operating procedures, reached success rates of >70%. These data demonstrate the importance of throughput, expertise, and various potentially beneficial measures to improve adrenal vein sampling.
Ovid as a Hesiodic Poet: Atalanta in the Catalogue of Women (fr. 72-6 M-W) and the Metamorphoses (10.560-707)1)
Authors: Ziogas Ioannis
Published: March 2011

This article discusses the Hesiodic character of the Metamorphoses vis-à-vis the Homeric character of the Aeneid, taking as a case study the tale of Atalanta. On the one hand I focus on the intertextual dialogue between Homeric and Hesiodic epic, on the other I argue that the interplay between the Iliad and the Catalogue of Women (also known as theEhoiai) is reflected in Ovid’s Atalanta as a juxtaposition between the Aeneid and the Metamorphoses. Ovid’s references to the Catalogue, which have not been noticed by critics, evoke an intergeneric discourse between martial epic and ehoie-poetry.
Notes on the Origin of the Biblical Tradition Regarding Achish King of Gath
Authors: Edenburg Cynthia
Published: March 2011

In early biblical tradition the king of Gath was probably anonymous. Later, Achish, the non-Semitic name of the well-known seventh century king of Ekron was borrowed to emphasize the “otherness” of the Philistine ruler of David’s time.
The Pentecostalization of Religion and Society in Latin America
Authors: Gooren Henri
Published: March 2011

Pentecostalization is the combination of Pentecostal growth, Pentecostal influence on other religions, and Pentecostal impact on the rest of society. Increased competition with other religions (the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and mainstream Protestantism) forces these to adopt Pentecostal elements. Pentecostal elements (like conversion discourses, speaking in tongues, and faith healing) gradually spread in the mass media, affect non-religious groups in civil society and even the religiously unaffiliated, show up in political campaigns, affect economic behavior and entrepreneurship, and impact gender relations. Main research questions: To what extent is there a Pentecostalization of religion and society happening in Latin American countries, what forms is this taking, how are Pentecostal churches affected by the Pentecostalization process, and how could this lead to a new theoretical framework? The new theoretical framework of Pentecostalization links various previous approaches, theories, and unconnected country studies. Using ethnographic research, semi-structured interviews, and surveys, Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal churches and organizations will be analyzed in Chile and Paraguay. Chile has the oldest and strongest Pentecostal churches of Latin America, whereas Pentecostal growth only recently started in Paraguay, providing a clear contrast in the level of Pentecostalization.
The Global Christian Forum: Reconfiguration of the Ecumenical Scene
Authors: Witte-Rang Greetje , Vogelaar Huub
Published: March 2011

Early 2008, the Committee of the Global Christian Forum approached the Centre for Intercultural Theology, Interreligious Dialogue, Missiology and Ecumenics (Centrum iimo) of the Utrecht University with a proposal to evaluate the activities of the Global Christian Forum (gcf). The idea to organize an evaluation was prompted by the Global Forum meeting in Limuru (6-9 November 2007). The Centrum iimo asked the authors of this article, Huub Vogelaar ma and Dr. Greetje Witte-Rang, both Reformed theologians, to conduct this evaluation. In this article they give an overview of the history, purpose and aim of the gcf, and share the results of their evaluation. The article concludes with some remarks concerning the future of the gcf.
The genus Eriosoma Leach in Sweden, with descriptions of two new species: Studies on Eriosomatidae I (Homoptera, Aphidoidea)
Authors: Danielsson Roy
Published: March 2011

The species of the genus Eriosoma Leach found in Sweden are described and figured, including two new species. Eriosoma (Schizoneura) anncharlotteae n.sp. causes curling of the leaves of Ulmus carpinifolia and U. procera and the secondary host is Ribes alpinum. E.(S.) sorbiradicis n.sp. has only been found on the roots of the secondary host, Sorbus aucuparia. Keys are given to emigrants, apterous exules and sexuparae.
Taxonomic status of Dryocoetes autographus Ratz. and D. hectographus Reitt. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)
Authors: Nilssen Arne
Published: March 2011

The species status of D. autographus and D. hectographus is investigated by means of morphological and biosystematic methods. A hybridization experiment resulted in progeny, but the F1 generation appeared to be infertile. The size of the punctures on the elytral declivity and two dimensions of the endophallic portion of the penis were measured on specimens from the two forms and the hybrids. The declivital punctures show great variation with overlap. The shape of the penis in the two forms is distinctive and is therefore an excellent diagnostic character. The hybrids occupy intermediate positions to a great extent. D. hectographus is significantly longer than D. autographus. Olfactometer experiments showed that male Dryocoetes produce aggregation pheromones, and there was some cross-attraction between the two forms. Measurements of the supercooling points showed that significantly more D. hectographus were cold adapted. Electrophoretic analysis of both forms taken from the same breeding stock revealed a conspicuous and constant difference in the protein pattern, indicating that they are genetically distinct. It is concluded that the two species should still be considered as distinct.
Descriptions of seven new Dorylomorpha Aczél species from Europe (Diptera: Pipunculidae)
Authors: Albrecht Anders
Published: March 2011

The following new European species are described: Dorylomorpha anderssoni n.sp. (England, Sweden), D. clavata n.sp. (Finland), D. hackmani n.sp. (Finland, Sweden), D. karelica n.sp. (Karelian USSR), D. platystylis n.sp. (Finland, Sweden), D. praetermissa n.sp. (Finland, Germany, Hungary, Sweden) and D. spinosa n.sp. (Finland). The lectotype of D. infirmata (Collin) is designated. Drawings of the genitalia of all species are presented.
Oxypoda scanica n.sp. and O. lapponica n.sp. from Sweden (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: Lundberg Stig
Published: March 2011

Oxypoda scanica n.sp. from S. Sweden and O. lapponica n.sp. from N. Sweden are described and figured. Both new species are associated with the ants Formica nigricans Emery and F. lemani Bondroit respectively.
Europeanization and the extreme right in Bulgaria and Turkey: unveiling similarities between Ataka Party and Red Apple Coalition
Authors: Taşkın Yüksel
Published: March 2011

This article aims at comparing the main characteristics of the extreme right groups in Turkey and Bulgaria. The ATAKA party in Bulgaria and the Red Apple Coalition in Turkey are chosen for comparison. There has been an increasing convergence of the discourse and strategy of these groups in reaction to globalization in general, and the Europeanization process in particular. This article will test the validity of this hypothesis, without neglecting the differences caused by the individual histories of the two countries. The chosen groups' attitudes towards significant political issues, as well as their discourse and strategy, will be analyzed with comparative insight.
NATO in the Western Balkans: A Force for Stability?
Authors: Nation R. Craig
Published: March 2011

NATO has made important contributions to regional security in post-Cold War Southeastern Europe. Engagement with the alliance's security assistance programs provides opportunities for security sector reform and professional development, helps to reorient national defense and security policies toward contemporary challenges, and places the responsibility of territorial defense in a collective security framework that allows for a more efficient utilization of limited resources and reduces the likelihood of interstate conflict. All the countries of the Western Balkans are committed to cooperation with the alliance, and to varying degrees are moving toward (or have already achieved) closer or full association, a process that this article seeks to document. NATO membership is also often perceived, rightly or wrongly, as a necessary step along the road toward membership in the European Union, the most important strategic goal for the majority of Western Balkan states. Association with the alliance is not, however, a sufficient foundation for regional stability and cooperative security. This will require a more complex process of development, including economic, political, social and cultural dimensions. Inclusive policies, including more effective cooperation between NATO and the Russian Federation in pursuit of mutual interests, would be of particular value.
Review of Science Issues, Deployment Strategy, and Status for the ARM North Slope of Alaska–Adjacent Arctic Ocean Climate Research Site
Authors: Stamnes K. , Ellingson R. G. , Curry J. A. , Walsh J. E. , Zak B. D.
Published: March 2011

Recent climate modeling results point to the Arctic as a region that is particularly sensitive to global climate change. The Arctic warming predicted by the models to result from the expected doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide is two to three times the predicted mean global warming, and considerably greater than the warming predicted for the Antarctic. The North Slope of Alaska–Adjacent Arctic Ocean (NSA–AAO) Cloud and Radiation Testbed (CART) site of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program is designed to collect data on temperature-ice-albedo and water vapor–cloud–radiation feedbacks, which are believed to be important to the predicted enhanced warming in the Arctic. The most important scientific issues of Arctic, as well as global, significance to be addressed at the NSA–AAO CART site are discussed, and a brief overview of the current approach toward, and status of, site development is provided. ARM radiometric and remote sensing instrumentation is already deployed and taking data in the perennial Arctic ice pack as part of the SHEBA (Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean) experiment. In parallel with ARM’s participation in SHEBA, the NSA–AAO facility near Barrow was formally dedicated on 1 July 1997 and began routine data collection early in 1998. This schedule permits the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARM Program, NASA’s Arctic Cloud program, and the SHEBA program (funded primarily by the National Science Foundation and the Office of Naval Research) to be mutually supportive. In addition, location of the NSA–AAO Barrow facility on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration land immediately adjacent to its Climate Monitoring and Diagnostic Laboratory Barrow Observatory includes NOAA in this major interagency Arctic collaboration.
Methodology for Deriving Deep-Layer Mean Temperatures from Combined Satellite Infrared and Microwave Observations
Authors: Goldberg Mitchell D. , McMillin Larry M.
Published: March 2011

Deep-layer mean temperatures from Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU) observations have been used by scientists to study trends and interannual variations of tropospheric and lower-stratospheric temperature. The spatial resolution of MSU deep-layer mean temperatures is rather poor for studying trends in localized regions. A method is developed in which infrared observations from the High-resolution InfraRed Sounder (HIRS) is used in combination with MSU to derive deep-layer mean temperatures with improved vertical and horizontal resolution. Even though the relationship between infrared radiance and temperature is not linear, the layer associated with the mean temperature is shown to be well defined with a small airmass dependency that is similar to MSU’s airmass dependency. Preliminary validation of HIRS–MSU-derived layer mean temperatures with radiosonde layer mean temperatures show similar precision when compared to MSU-only derived temperatures.
A Dynamic Ocean–Atmosphere Model of the Tropical Atlantic Decadal Variability
Authors: Xie Shang-Ping
Published: March 2011

A linear model that couples an ocean mixed layer with a simple dynamic atmosphere is used to study the mechanism for decadal variability over the tropical Atlantic. An unstable mode with a dipole sea surface temperature (SST) pattern similar to observed decadal variability in the tropical Atlantic emerges in the time integration of the model. A wind–evaporation–SST feedback is responsible for the growth and oscillation of the unstable mode whereas the mean state of the Atlantic climate is essential for maintaining the spatially quasi-standing dipole structure. The oscillation period ranges from several to a few tens of years and is sensitive to coupling strength.

The oscillation is not self-sustainable as the realistic damping rate exceeds the growth rate. In response to white noise forcing, the model produces a red SST spectrum without a peak at finite frequencies. Therefore it is suggested that the tropical dipole’s preferred timescales, if any, arise from the forcing by or interaction with the extratropics. In a model run where the forcing is confined to the extratropics, a dipole SST pattern still dominates the forcing-free Tropics, in support of the proposed linkage between the Tropics and extratropics.
El Niño–Southern Oscillation Impacts on Winter Vegetable Production in Florida*
Authors: Hansen James W. , Jones James W. , Kiker Clyde F. , Hodges Alan W.
Published: March 2011

Florida’s mild winters allow the state to play a vital role in supplying fresh vegetables for U.S. consumers. Producers also benefit from premium prices when low temperatures prevent production in most of the country. This study characterizes the influence of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the Florida vegetable industry using statistical analysis of the response of historical crop (yield, prices, production, and value) and weather variables (freeze hazard, temperatures, rainfall, and solar radiation) to ENSO phase and its interaction with location and time of year. Annual mean yields showed little evidence of response to ENSO phase and its interaction with location. ENSO phase and season interacted to influence quarterly yields, prices, production, and value. Yields (tomato, bell pepper, sweet corn, and snap bean) were lower and prices (bell pepper and snap bean) were higher in El Niño than in neutral or La Niña winters. Production and value of tomatoes were higher in La Niña winters. The yield response can be explained by increased rainfall, reduced daily maximum temperatures, and reduced solar radiation in El Niño winters. Yield and production of winter vegetables appeared to be less responsive to ENSO phase after 1980; for tomato and bell pepper, this may be due to improvements in production technology that mitigate problems associated with excess rainfall. Winter yield and price responses to El Niño events have important implications for both producers and consumers of winter vegetables, and suggest opportunities for further research.
Interactions among Cloud, Water Vapor, Radiation, and Large-Scale Circulation in the Tropical Climate. Part II: Sensitivity to Spatial Gradients of Sea Surface Temperature
Authors: Larson Kristin , Hartmann Dennis L.
Published: March 2011

The responses of the large-scale circulation, clouds, and water vapor to an imposed sea surface temperature (SST) gradient are investigated. Simulations compare reasonably to averaged observations over the Pacific, considering the simplifications applied to the model. The model responses to sinusoidal SST patterns have distinct circulations in the upper and lower troposphere. The upper circulation is sensitive to the heating from deep convection over the warmest SST. Stronger SST gradients are associated with stronger longwave cooling above stratus clouds in the subsidence region, stronger lower-tropospheric large-scale circulation, a reduction of the rain area, and larger area coverage of low clouds. A similar SST gradient with a warmer mean temperature produces slightly weaker lower-tropospheric circulation, and slightly reduced low cloud coverage.

The outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) is not sensitive to the mean SST or the range of the imposed sinusoidal SST gradient. The positive feedbacks of water vapor and decreasing high cloud OLR compensate for the increase in longwave emission with increasing mean temperature in these simulations. As the SST gradient is increased keeping the mean SST constant, the positive high cloud feedback is still active, but the air temperature increases in proportion to the maximum SST in the domain, increasing the clear-sky OLR value and keeping the average OLR constant.

The net absorbed shortwave radiation (SWI) is found to be extremely sensitive to the SST gradient. The stronger lower-tropospheric large-scale circulation produces a higher water content in the high and low clouds, increasing the absolute magnitude of the shortwave cloud forcing. A 25% increase in the maximum zonal mass flux of the lower circulation of the 300-K mean, 4-K SST range simulation leads to a 7.4 W m−2 decrease in SWI. Increasing the mean SST creates a positive feedback in these simulations because of the decrease in the lower-tropospheric large-scale circulation and the resultant decrease in cloud optical depth.
Extended Reconstruction of Global Sea Surface Temperatures Based on COADS Data (1854–1997)
Authors: Smith Thomas M. , Reynolds Richard W.
Published: March 2011

A monthly extended reconstruction of global SST (ERSST) is produced based on Comprehensive Ocean–Atmosphere Data Set (COADS) release 2 observations from the 1854–1997 period. Improvements come from the use of updated COADS observations with new quality control procedures and from improved reconstruction methods. In addition error estimates are computed, which include uncertainty from both sampling and analysis errors. Using this method, little global variance can be reconstructed before the 1880s because data are too sparse to resolve enough modes for that period. Error estimates indicate that except in the North Atlantic ERSST is of limited value before 1880, when the uncertainty of the near-global average is almost as large as the signal. In most regions, the uncertainty decreases through most of the period and is smallest after 1950.

The large-scale variations of ERSST are broadly consistent with those associated with the Hadley Centre Global Sea Ice and Sea Surface Temperature (HadISST) reconstruction produced by the Met Office. There are differences due to both the use of different historical bias corrections as well as different data and analysis procedures, but these differences do not change the overall character of the SST variations. Procedures used here produce a smoother analysis compared to HadISST. The smoother ERSST has the advantage of filtering out more noise at the possible cost of filtering out some real variations when sampling is sparse. A rotated EOF analysis of the ERSST anomalies shows that the dominant modes of variation include ENSO and modes associated with trends. Projection of the HadISST data onto the rotated eigenvectors produces time series similar to those for ERSST, indicating that the dominant modes of variation are consistent in both.
A 431-Yr Reconstruction of Western Colorado Snowpack from Tree Rings
Authors: Woodhouse Connie A.
Published: March 2011

A tree-ring-based reconstruction for 1 April snow water equivalent (SWE) is generated for the Gunnison River basin region in western Colorado. The reconstruction explains 63% of the variance in the instrumental record and extends from 1569 to 1999. When the twentieth-century part of the record is compared to the full record, the variability and extremes in the twentieth century appear representative of the long-term record. However, years of extreme SWE (low and high) and persistent low SWE events are not evenly distributed throughout the record. The twentieth century is notable for several periods that lack extreme years, and along with the nineteenth century and the second half of the eighteenth century, contains many fewer persistent low SWE events than the first half of the reconstruction. Low SWE in the western United States is associated with several circulation patterns, including the Pacific–North American (PNA) pattern and those related to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), but the Gunnison River basin is on the edge of the area with a strong relationship to the PNA and is generally in a transitional zone with respect to regional ENSO influences. Tree-ring chronologies from Oregon and New Mexico, regions impacted by ENSO, were used as rough proxies of northwestern and southwestern U.S. winter precipitation to explore possible associations between Gunnison SWE and winter climate in these two regions over the past four centuries.
Global and Regional Diurnal Variations of Organized Convection
Authors: Tsakraklides Giorgos , Evans Jenni L.
Published: March 2011

An automated objective classification procedure, the Convection Classification and Automated Tracking System (CCATS), is used to analyze the mean life cycles of organized convection in the global Tropics and midlatitudes (40°N–40°S). Five years (1989–93) of infrared satellite imagery are examined for the Pacific and Atlantic basins and one year (April 1988–March 1989) is studied for the Indian basin.

Two main classes of organized convection (lifetime of 6 h or more) are tracked: MCT and CCC. MCT represent a combined dataset of tropical cyclones and mesoscale convective complexes (MCC). Convective cloud clusters (CCC) meet the same cold cloud-top temperature, time, and size criteria used to distinguish MCC, but fail to sustain the same high degree of symmetry for at least 6 h. That is, CCC represent more elongated systems, such as squall lines. The frequency of CCC exceeds that of MCT by a factor of 30 over both land and sea.

MCT and CCC are each stratified to into 12 continental and oceanic regions and the diurnal variation of system characteristics in each geographic region are studied, leading to composite life cycle descriptions for each region. Oceanic CCC formed overnight and the shorter-lived, land-based CCC formed in the afternoon; apart from this time offset, oceanic and land-based CCC were found to have very similar life cycle evolution patterns.

Continental MCT exhibit a rapid size expansion early; this is not part of the oceanic system life cycle. Apart from this growth spurt, the evolution of land and ocean MCT follows the same pattern of CCC with early symmetry, then size expansion until just before termination. Land-based MCT are longer lived and more symmetric than oceanic MCT.
Relationship of the Arctic and Antarctic Oscillations to the Outgoing Longwave Radiation
Authors: Miller A. J. , Zhou S. , Yang S-K.
Published: March 2011

While several mechanisms have been suggested to account for the association of the Arctic and Antarctic Oscillations (AO/AAO) with atmospheric parameters, this paper focuses on the relationship with the atmospheric outgoing longwave radiation (OLR). The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate through AO/AAO composite analysis that the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis OLR agrees with the independent observations of the NASA Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) broadband satellite instruments both in zonal averages and in geographically mapped space, and to verify AO/AAO characterized general circulations derived from models and analyses.

The results indicate several pronounced areas of storminess that are AO/AAO dependent. One is the well-known variation over the North Atlantic Ocean toward Europe. Also, several major areas are indicated in the tropical region—one in the Indian Ocean and the others in the west and central Pacific Ocean. In addition to demonstrating that the signals are statistically significant, also tested is the relationship of the features to other well-known tropical forcing mechanisms: the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and the El Niño–La Niña sea surface temperature variations. It is shown that the tropical features do, in fact, have a strong relationship to the MJO, which indicates an additional tropical–extratropical interaction. With regard to the sea surface temperature, no correlation associated with the AO/AAO variability is seen.

These associations with the cloudiness and atmospheric radiation budget suggest that if there is to be improvement of numerical model forecasts to an extended time period that numerical model radiation physics will have to be taken into consideration and improved.
A Simple Model of Stratospheric Dynamics Including Solar Variability
Authors: Ruzmaikin Alexander , Lawrence John , Cadavid Cristina
Published: March 2011

A simple dynamic model, truncated from the stratospheric wave–zonal flow interaction Holton and Mass model, is introduced and studied. This model consists of three ordinary differential equations controlled by two parameters: the initial amplitude of planetary waves and the vertical gradient of the zonal wind. The changes associated with seasonal variations and with the solar variability are introduced as periodic modulations of the zonal wind gradient. The major climatic response to these changes is seen through modulation of the number of cold and warm winters.
The Deep-Ocean Heat Uptake in Transient Climate Change
Authors: Huang Boyin , Stone Peter H. , Sokolov Andrei P. , Kamenkovich Igor V.
Published: March 2011

The deep-ocean heat uptake (DOHU) in transient climate changes is studied using an ocean general circulation model (OGCM) and its adjoint. The model configuration consists of idealized Pacific and Atlantic basins. The model is forced with the anomalies of surface heat and freshwater fluxes from a global warming scenario with a coupled model using the same ocean configuration. In the global warming scenario, CO2 concentration increases 1% yr−1. The heat uptake calculated from the coupled model and from the adjoint are virtually identical, showing that the heat uptake by the OGCM is a linear process.

After 70 yr the ocean heat uptake is almost evenly distributed within the layers above 200 m, between 200 and 700 m, and below 700 m (about 20 × 1022 J in each). The effect of anomalous surface freshwater flux on the DOHU is negligible. Analysis of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP-2) data for the same global warming scenario shows that qualitatively similar results apply to coupled atmosphere–ocean GCMs.

The penetration of surface heat flux to the deep ocean in the OGCM occurs mainly in the North Atlantic and the Southern Ocean, since both the sensitivity of DOHU to the surface heat flux and the magnitude of anomalous surface heat flux are large in these two regions. The DOHU relies on the reduction of convection and Gent–McWilliams–Redi mixing in the North Atlantic, and the reduction of Gent–McWilliams–Redi mixing in the Southern Ocean.