bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired fasting glucose with or without impaired glucose tolerance: progressive or parallel states of prediabetes?
Authors: Perreault Leigh , Bergman Bryan C. , Playdon Mary C. , Dalla Man Chiara , Cobelli Claudio , Eckel Robert H.
Published: June 2008

Our objective was to determine whether defects underlying impaired fasting glucose (IFG) are maintained and additive when combined with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (representing a progressive form of prediabetes) or are distinct in IFG/IGT (reflecting a parallel form of prediabetes). Volunteers with IFG ( n = 10), IFG/IGT ( n = 14), or normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n = 15) were matched for demographics and anthropometry. Insulin secretion was assessed using the glucose step-up protocol and insulin action through the use of a two-stage hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp with infusion of [6,6-2H2]glucose. Modeling of insulin secretory parameters revealed similar basal (Φb) but diminished dynamic (Φd) components in both IFG and IFG/IGT ( P = 0.05 vs. NGT for both). Basal glucose rate of appearance (Ra) was higher in IFG compared with NGT ( P < 0.01) and also, surprisingly, with IFG/IGT ( P < 0.04). Moreover, glucose Ra suppressed more during the low-dose insulin clamp in IFG ( P < 0.01 vs. NGT, P = 0.08 vs. IFG/IGT). Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake [glucose rate of disappearance (Rd)] was similar in IFG, IFG/IGT, and NGT throughout the clamp. We conclude that nuances of β-cell dysfunction observed in IFG were also noted in IFG/IGT. A trend for additional insulin secretory defects was observed in IFG/IGT, possibly suggesting progression in β-cell failure in this group. In contrast, basal glucose Ra and its suppressability with insulin were higher in IFG, but not IFG/IGT, compared with NGT. Together, these data indicate that IFG/IGT may be a distinct prediabetic syndrome rather than progression from IFG.
Material Parameter Measurements for Microwave Antireflection Coating Development
Authors: Nagy Lajos
Published: June 2008

The main steps for characterization and measurement of microwave absorbent materials in the 1–10 GHz range are introduced. The coaxial reflection-transmission type of material parameter measurement is analyzed in detail and the main measurement error is corrected. The microscopic material particle parameter measurement concept is also presented using different mixing rule laws to determine the material parameters of the single particles from the macroscopic parameters. Two-dimensional FDTD simulations have been used to model the behavior of mixed electric and magnetic type of material.
Rice Molecular Breeding Laboratories in the Genomics Era: Current Status and Future Considerations
Authors: Collard Bert C. Y. , Vera Cruz Casiana M. , McNally Kenneth L. , Virk Parminder S. , Mackill David J.
Published: June 2008

Using DNA markers in plant breeding with marker-assisted selection (MAS) could greatly improve the precision and efficiency of selection, leading to the accelerated development of new crop varieties. The numerous examples of MAS in rice have prompted many breeding institutes to establish molecular breeding labs. The last decade has produced an enormous amount of genomics research in rice, including the identification of thousands of QTLs for agronomically important traits, the generation of large amounts of gene expression data, and cloning and characterization of new genes, including the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms. The pinnacle of genomics research has been the completion and annotation of genome sequences forindicaandjaponicarice. This information—coupled with the development of new genotyping methodologies and platforms, and the development of bioinformatics databases and software tools—provides even more exciting opportunities for rice molecular breeding in the 21st century. However, the great challenge for molecular breeders is to apply genomics data in actual breeding programs. Here, we review the current status of MAS in rice, current genomics projects and promising new genotyping methodologies, and evaluate the probable impact of genomics research. We also identify critical research areas to “bridge the application gap” between QTL identification and applied breeding that need to be addressed to realize the full potential of MAS, and propose ideas and guidelines for establishing rice molecular breeding labs in the postgenome sequence era to integrate molecular breeding within the context of overall rice breeding and research programs.
Improving the Performance of Lithium‐Ion Batteries by Using Spinel Nanoparticles
Authors: Arrebola J. C. , Caballero A. , Hernán L. , Morales J.
Published: June 2008

In this work, we examined the use of nanospinels to construct batttery electrodes. We chose two spinels suitable as cathode materials (LiMn2O4 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, which are representative of 4 and 5 V versus Li metal, resp.) and one providing good results as anode (Li4Ti5O12). In order to ensure good cell performance, nanometric particles must meet another requirement; thus they should contain few surface or bulk defects (i.e., they should be highly crystalline). Because the synthesis of such spinels usually requires a thermal treatment, ensuring that they will meet both requirements entails accuratly controlling in the synthesis conditions. Thermal decomposition of nanooxalate in the spinel‐conaining elements obtained by mechanochenical activation in the presence of polymers provides a simple, effective route for this purpose. We prepared two types of hybrid lithium‐ion batteries using LiMn2O4 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 as cathode materials, and Li4Ti5O12 as anode material. The electrochemical properties of these cells were compared with those of a similar configuration made from micrometric particles. The nano‐nano configuration exhibited higher reversibility and better performance than the micro‐micro configuartion in both types of cells, possibly as a result of lithium ions in the former being able to migrate more easily into the electrode material.
Very Late Local Relapse of Ewing's Sarcoma of the Head and Neck treated with Aggressive Multimodal Therapy
Authors: Thariat J. , Italiano A. , Peyrade F. , Birtwisle-Peyrottes I. , Gastaud L. , Dassonville O. , Thyss A.
Published: June 2008

Ewing's sarcoma's relapse rarely occurs more than two years after the initial diagnosis. We report the case of a 26-year-old man with a history of Ewing's sarcoma of the left maxillary sinus at the age of 10 who presented with a very late local relapse, 16 years after the first occurrence of disease. Ultimate control was achieved after multimodal therapy including surgery, high-dose chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. This report indicates that local relapses of Ewing's sarcoma can be treated with curative intent in selected cases.
Mechanisms by Which Late Coronary Reperfusion Mitigates Postinfarction Cardiac Remodeling
Authors: Nakagawa Munehiro , Takemura Genzou , Kanamori Hiromitsu , Goto Kazuko , Maruyama Rumi , Tsujimoto Akiko , Ohno Takamasa , Okada Hideshi , Ogino Atsushi , Esaki Masayasu , Miyata Shusaku , Li Longhu , Ushikoshi Hiroaki , Aoyama Takuma , Kawasaki Masanori , Nagashima Kenshi , Fujiwara Takako , Minatoguchi Shinya , Fujiwara Hisayoshi
Published: June 2008

Although recanalization of the infarct-related artery late after myocardial infarction (MI) is known to reduce both cardiac remodeling and mortality, the mechanisms responsible are not yet fully understood. We compared infarcted rat hearts in which the infarct-related coronary artery was opened 24 hours after infarction (late reperfusion [LR] group) with those having a permanently occluded artery. Left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction were significantly mitigated in the LR group 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-MI. Attributable, in large part, to the greater number of cells present, the infarcted wall was significantly thicker in the LR group, which likely reduced wall stress and mitigated cardiac dysfunction. Granulation tissue cell proliferation was increased to a greater degree in the LR group 4 days post-MI, whereas the incidence of apoptosis was significantly lower throughout the subacute stage (4 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks post-MI), further suggesting preservation of granulation tissue cells contributes to the thick, cell-rich scar. Functionally, myocardial debris was more rapidly removed from the infarcted areas in the LR group during subacute stages, and stouter collagen was more rapidly synthesized in those areas. Direct acceleration of Fas-mediated apoptosis by hypoxia was confirmed in vitro using infarct tissue-derived myofibroblasts. In salvaged cardiomyocytes, degenerative changes, but not apoptosis, were mitigated in the LR group, accompanied by restoration of GATA-4 and sarcomeric protein expression. Along with various mechanisms proposed earlier, the present findings appear to provide an additional pathophysiological basis for the benefits of late reperfusion.
Lipids, Apolipoproteins, and Their Ratios in Relation to Cardiovascular Events With Statin Treatment
Authors: Kastelein John J.P. , van der Steeg Wim A. , Holme Ingar , Gaffney Michael , Cater Nilo B. , Barter Philip , Deedwania Prakash , Olsson Anders G. , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , Demicco David A. , Szarek Michael , LaRosa John C. , Pedersen Terje R. , Grundy Scott M.
Published: June 2008

Background—

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the principal target of lipid-lowering therapy, but recent evidence has suggested more appropriate targets. We compared the relationships of on-treatment levels of LDL cholesterol, non–high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B, as well as ratios of total/HDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B/A-I, with the occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients receiving statin therapy.

Methods and Results—

A post hoc analysis was performed that combined data from 2 prospective, randomized clinical trials in which 10 001 (“Treating to New Targets”) and 8888 (“Incremental Decrease in End Points through Aggressive Lipid Lowering”) patients with established coronary heart disease were assigned to usual-dose or high-dose statin treatment. In models with LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B were positively associated with cardiovascular outcome, whereas a positive relationship with LDL cholesterol was lost. In a model that contained non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, neither was significant owing to collinearity. Total/HDL cholesterol ratio and the apolipoprotein B/A-I ratio in particular were each more closely associated with outcome than any of the individual proatherogenic lipoprotein parameters.

Conclusions—

In patients receiving statin therapy, on-treatment levels of non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B were more closely associated with cardiovascular outcome than levels of LDL cholesterol. Inclusion of measurements of the antiatherogenic lipoprotein fraction further strengthened the relationships. These data support the use of non-HDL cholesterol or apolipoprotein B as novel treatment targets for statin therapy. Given the absence of interventions that have been proven to consistently reduce cardiovascular disease risk through raising plasma levels of HDL cholesterol or apolipoprotein A-I, it seems premature to consider the ratio variables as clinically useful.
Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients With Eisenmenger Syndrome and Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Diller Gerhard-Paul , van Eijl Sven , Okonko Darlington O. , Howard Luke S. , Ali Omar , Thum Thomas , Wort Stephen J. , Bédard Elisabeth , Gibbs J. Simon R. , Bauersachs Johann , Hobbs Adrian J. , Wilkins Martin R. , Gatzoulis Michael A. , Wharton John
Published: June 2008

Background—

Impaired endothelial homeostasis underlies the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We speculated that PAH patients are deficient in circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), potentially contributing to endothelial dysfunction and disease progression.

Methods and Results—

We recruited 41 patients with Eisenmenger syndrome (13 with Down syndrome), 55 with idiopathic PAH, and 47 healthy control subjects. Flow cytometry and in vitro assays were used to quantify EPCs and to assess cell function. The number of circulating CD34
+
, CD34
+
/AC133
+
, CD34
+
/KDR
+
, and CD34
+
/AC133
+
/KDR
+
progenitor cells was low in Eisenmenger patients compared with healthy control subjects, and those with Down syndrome displayed even fewer EPCs. Reductions in EPC numbers correlated with New York Heart Association functional class, 6-minute walk distance, and plasma brain-type natriuretic peptide levels. The capacity of cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells to form colonies and incorporate into tube-like structures was impaired in Eisenmenger patients. Idiopathic PAH patients had reduced numbers of EPCs, and the number of circulating EPCs correlated with invasive hemodynamic parameters in this cohort. Levels of immune inflammatory markers, cGMP, stable nitric oxide oxidation products, and asymmetric dimethylarginine were abnormal in patients with PAH and related to numbers of EPCs. Within the idiopathic PAH population, treatment with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor sildenafil was associated with a dose-dependent rise in EPC numbers, resulting in levels consistently above those found with other therapies.

Conclusions—

Circulating EPC numbers are reduced in 2 well-characterized forms of PAH, which also exhibit raised levels of inflammatory mediators. Sildenafil treatment may represent a pharmacological means of increasing circulating EPC numbers long-term.
Neo-liberalism and the Working People of Southeast Asia
Authors: Ofreneo Rene
Published: June 2008

The ASEAN Economic Community is marked by a range of specific programmes to make economic regionalism a successful reality. Yet, the economic liberalisation programme is a narrow one, without any clear economic development direction outside of its confines. Economic integration is also being driven by select corporate interests. States are not paying sufficient attention to ASEAN's working populations. For ordinary persons to benefit from economic liberalisation and integration, ASEAN states would need to put them at the centre of their development programmes.
What did the Canadian Public Learn From the 2004 Supreme Court Decision on Physical Punishment?
Authors: Durrant Joan , Sigvaldason Nadine , Bednar Lisa
Published: June 2008

In 2004, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld the legal justification for physical punishment of children, but limited its protection to minor force applied by non-frustrated parents, with the hand, to children between the ages of 2 and 12. This double message – that physical punishment is justifiable but only under limited conditions – is potentially confusing to the Canadian public. We attempted to answer the question of whether this decision was understood as restricting the use of physical punishment or whether it was understood as giving a "green light" to this practice. We analyzed the first 420 responses to the decision that were posted to the website of a national newspaper in the days immediately following the release of the Court's decision. The postings were coded according to writers' awareness of and agreement with various aspects of the decision, as well as their conceptualizations of physical punishment. The findings demonstrate that the majority of writers understood the ruling as giving parents permission to use corporal punishment. Only 11% referred to the limitations placed on its use. The findings are discussed in terms of the policy implications of the Supreme Court's decision and the public's limited understanding of it.
The Impact of the National Care Standards in Scotland: Putting Article 20 into Practice?
Authors: Stevens Irene
Published: June 2008

Article 20 of the UNCRC entitles young people in residential care to 'special protection.' This presents a challenge to states parties about how such protection can be guaranteed. It is suggested that one way to do this is through the establishment and monitoring of standards. The National Care Standards are the baseline for measuring the quality of care in residential establishments in Scotland. This study was funded by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care, the body charged with the responsibility of inspecting children's homes in Scotland. It set out to elicit the views of young people about their experience of care and to develop a framework for their participation in the inspection process. This paper presents some of the findings from the study. In particular, it will outline the views of young people about their care in light of Article 20. 24 young people aged between 15 and 19 years, took part in the study. The findings indicated that young people have a mixed experience of their care setting. They reported experiencing good support, improving living environments and a range of developmental opportunities. Staff attitudes, as demonstrated by listening, expressing care, and spending time with them, were central to positive experiences. However, on a negative note, young people often reported not feeling safe and raised questions in relation to staff training. Young people also questioned the effectiveness of complaints procedures. Analysis of the findings and implications for practice are explored.
A Reanalysis of the 1911–20 Atlantic Hurricane Database
Authors: Landsea Christopher W. , Glenn David A. , Bredemeyer William , Chenoweth Michael , Ellis Ryan , Gamache John , Hufstetler Lyle , Mock Cary , Perez Ramon , Prieto Ricardo , Sánchez-Sesma Jorge , Thomas Donna , Woolcock Lenworth
Published: June 2008

A reanalysis of the Atlantic basin tropical storm and hurricane database (“best track”) for the period of 1911–20 has been completed. This reassessment of the main archive for tropical cyclones of the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico was necessary to correct systematic biases and random errors in the data as well as to search for previously unrecognized systems. A methodology for the reanalysis process for revising the track and intensity of tropical cyclone data is provided in detail. The dataset now includes several new tropical cyclones, excludes one system previously considered a tropical storm, makes generally large alterations in the intensity estimates of most tropical cyclones (both toward stronger and weaker intensities), and typically adjusts existing tracks with minor corrections. Average errors in intensity and track values are estimated for both open ocean conditions as well as for landfalling systems. Finally, highlights are given for changes to the more significant hurricanes to impact the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean for this decade.
Predictive Skill of AGCM Seasonal Climate Forecasts Subject to Different SST Prediction Methodologies
Authors: Li Shuhua , Goddard Lisa , DeWitt David G.
Published: June 2008

This study examines skill of retrospective forecasts using the ECHAM4.5 atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) forced with predicted sea surface temperatures (SSTs) from methods of varying complexity. The SST fields are predicted in three ways: persisted observed SST anomalies, empirically predicted SSTs, and predicted SSTs from a dynamically coupled ocean–atmosphere model. Investigation of relative skill of the three sets of retrospective forecasts focuses on the ensemble mean, which constitutes the portion of the model response attributable to the prescribed boundary conditions. The anomaly correlation skill analyses for precipitation and 2-m air temperature indicate that dynamically predicted SSTs generally improve upon persisted and empirically predicted SSTs when they are used as boundary forcing in the AGCM predictions. This is particularly the case for precipitation forecasts. The skill differences in these experiments are ascribed to the skill of SST predictions in the tropical ocean basins. The multiscenario forecast by averaging the three retrospective experiments performs, overall, as well as or better than the best of the three individual experiments in specific seasons and regions. The advantage of multiscenario forecast manifests both in the deterministic and probabilistic skill. In particular, the multiscenario precipitation forecast for the December–February season demonstrates better skill than the best of the three scenarios over several regions, such as the western United States and southeastern South America. These results suggest the potential value in producing superensembles spanning different SST prediction scenarios.
Role of the Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation in the Tropical Pacific SST Changes
Authors: Su Jingzhi , Wang Huijun , Yang Haijun , Drange Helge , Gao Yongqi , Bentsen Mats
Published: June 2008

A coupled climate model is used to explore the response of the tropical sea surface temperature (SST) to positive SST anomalies in the global extratropics. The main model results here are consistent with previous numerical studies. In response to prescribed SST anomalies in the extratropics, the tropical SSTs rise rapidly and reach a quasi-equilibrium state within several years, and the tropical subsurface temperatures show a slow response. The annual-mean Hadley cell, as well as the surface trades, are weakened. The weakened trades reduce the poleward Ekman transports in the tropical ocean and, furthermore, lead to anomalous positive convergences of heat transport, which is the main mechanism for maintaining the tropical Pacific SST warming.

The process of an extratropical influence on the tropics is related to both the atmospheric and oceanic circulations. The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) moves southward and eastward in the Pacific, corresponding to a reduction of the Hadley circulation and Walker circulation. At the same time, convective precipitation anomalies are formed on the boundary of the climatological ITCZ, while the climatological mean convections centered in the Southeast Asia region are suppressed. The largely delayed response of the tropical subsurface temperature cannot be explained only by the strength change of the subtropical cells (STCs), but can be traced back to the slow changing of subsurface temperature in the extratropics. In the extratropical oceans, warming and freshening reduce the surface water density, and the outcropping lines of certain isopycnal layers are moved poleward. This poleward movement of outcropping lines can weaken the positive temperature anomalies, or even lead to negative anomalies, on given isopycnal layers. Displayed on time-dependent isopycnal layers, positive subsurface temperature anomalies are present only in the region after subduction, and are subsequently replaced by negative temperature anomalies in the deep tropics regions. The noticeable features of the density compensation of temperature and salinity indicate that diapycnal processes play an important role in the equatorward transport of the temperature and salinity anomalies from the midlatitude.
Interannual Variations of the Stratosphere and Troposphere during Northern Winter as Simulated by WACCM
Authors: Taguchi Masakazu
Published: June 2008

This study explores interannual variations (IAVs) of the stratosphere and troposphere during Northern Hemisphere (NH) winter using a 50-yr simulation of Sassi et al. with the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM). The simulation is forced with observed sea surface temperature (SST) and sea ice distributions from 1950 to 1999. The focus herein is on tropical tropospheric variations correlated with NH stratospheric variations and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

The discussed correlation analysis generally reproduces the following features as obtained in observational studies by Salby and Callaghan: an intensification of the Brewer–Dobson (BD) circulation driven by enhanced planetary wave (PW) drag in the NH stratosphere is accompanied by intensification of the Hadley circulation and anomalous warming of the tropical troposphere. It is further revealed that the tropical tropospheric warming is a reflection of the ENSO variability resulting from a positive correlation between the PW driving/BD circulation and ENSO, whereas the Hadley circulation does intensify with the BD circulation even when ENSO’s effects are removed.
Time Scales and Spatial Patterns of Passive Ocean–Atmosphere Decay Modes*
Authors: Lintner Benjamin R. , Neelin J. David
Published: June 2008

The decay characteristics of a mixed layer ocean passively coupled to an atmospheric model are important to the response of the climate system to stochastic or external forcing. Two salient features of such decay—the spatial-scale dependence of sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) decay time scales and the spatial inhomogeneities of SSTA decay modes—are addressed using intermediate-level complexity and simple analytic models of the tropical atmosphere. As expected, decay time scales increase with the spatial extent of the SSTA. Most modes decay rapidly—with characteristic decay times of 50–100 days for a 50-m mixed layer—with the decay determined by local surface flux adjustment. Only those modes with spatial scales approaching or larger than the tropical basin scale exhibit decay time scales distinctively longer than the local decay, with the decay time scale of the most slowly decaying mode of the order of 250–300 days in the tropics (500 days globally). Simple analytic prototypes of the spatial-scale dependence and the effect of basic-state inhomogeneities, especially the impact of nonconvecting regions, elucidate these results. Horizontal energy transport sets the transition between fast, essentially local, decay time scales and the slower decay at larger spatial scales; within the tropics, efficient wave dynamics accounts for the small number of slowly decaying modes. Inhomogeneities in the basic-state climate, such as the presence or absence of mean tropical deep convection, strongly impact large-scale SSTA decay characteristics. For nonconvecting regions, SSTA decay is slow because evaporation is limited by relatively slow moisture divergence. The separation of convecting- and nonconvecting-region decay times and the closeness of the slower nonconvecting-region decay time scale to the most slowly decaying modes cause a blending between local nonconvecting modes and the large-scale modes, resulting in pronounced spatial inhomogeneity in the slow decay modes.
The Annual Cycle of the Energy Budget. Part I: Global Mean and Land–Ocean Exchanges
Authors: Fasullo John T. , Trenberth Kevin E.
Published: June 2008

The mean and annual cycle of energy flowing into the climate system and its storage, release, and transport in the atmosphere, ocean, and land surface are estimated with recent observations. An emphasis is placed on establishing internally consistent quantitative estimates with discussion and assessment of uncertainty. At the top of the atmosphere (TOA), adjusted radiances from the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) and Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) are used, while in the atmosphere the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP–NCAR) reanalysis and 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-40) estimates are used. The net upward surface flux (FS) over ocean is derived as the residual of the TOA and atmospheric energy budgets, and is compared with direct calculations of ocean heat content (OE) and its tendency (δOE/δt) from several ocean temperature datasets. Over land, FS from a stand-alone simulation of the Community Land Model forced by observed fields is used. A depiction of the full energy budget based on ERBE fluxes from 1985 to 1989 and CERES fluxes from 2000 to 2004 is constructed that matches estimates of the global, global ocean, and global land imbalances. In addition, the annual cycle of the energy budget during both periods is examined and compared with ocean heat content changes.

The near balance between the net TOA radiation (RT) and FS over ocean and thus with OE, and between RT and atmospheric total energy divergence over land, are documented both in the mean and for the annual cycle. However, there is an annual mean transport of energy by the atmosphere from ocean to land regions of 2.2 ± 0.1 PW (1 PW = 1015 W) primarily in the northern winter when the transport exceeds 5 PW. The global albedo is dominated by a semiannual cycle over the oceans, but combines with the large annual cycle in solar insolation to produce a peak in absorbed solar and net radiation in February, somewhat after the perihelion, and with the net radiation 4.3 PW higher than the annual mean, as it is enhanced by the annual cycle of outgoing longwave radiation that is dominated by land regions. In situ estimates of the annual variation of OE are found to be unrealistically large. Challenges in diagnosing the interannual variability in the energy budget and its relationship to climate change are identified in the context of the episodic and inconsistent nature of the observations.
The Annual Cycle of the Energy Budget. Part II: Meridional Structures and Poleward Transports
Authors: Fasullo John T. , Trenberth Kevin E.
Published: June 2008

Meridional structure and transports of energy in the atmosphere, ocean, and land are evaluated holistically for the mean and annual cycle zonal averages over the ocean, land, and global domains, with discussion and assessment of uncertainty. At the top of the atmosphere (TOA), adjusted radiances from the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) and Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) are used along with estimates of energy storage and transport from two global reanalysis datasets for the atmosphere. Three ocean temperature datasets are used to assess changes in the ocean heat content (OE) and their relationship to the net upward surface energy flux over ocean (FoS), which is derived from the residual of the TOA and atmospheric energy budgets. The surface flux over land is from a stand-alone simulation of the Community Land Model forced by observed fields.

In the extratropics, absorbed solar radiation (ASR) achieves a maximum in summer with peak values near the solstices. Outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) maxima also occur in summer but lag ASR by 1–2 months, consistent with temperature maxima over land. In the tropics, however, OLR relates to high cloud variations and peaks late in the dry monsoon season, while the OLR minima in summer coincide with deep convection in the monsoon trough at the height of the rainy season. Most of the difference between the TOA radiation and atmospheric energy storage tendency is made up by a large heat flux into the ocean in summer and out of the ocean in winter. In the Northern Hemisphere, the transport of energy from ocean to land regions is substantial in winter, and modest in summer. In the Southern Hemisphere extratropics, land − ocean differences play only a small role and the main energy transport by the atmosphere and ocean is poleward. There is reasonably good agreement between FoS and observed changes in OE, except for south of 40°S, where differences among several ocean datasets point to that region as the main source of errors in achieving an overall energy balance. The winter hemisphere atmospheric circulation is the dominant contributor to poleward energy transports outside of the tropics [6–7 PW (1 petawatt = 1015 W)], with summer transports being relatively weak (∼3 PW)—slightly more in the Southern Hemisphere and slightly less in the Northern Hemisphere. Ocean transports outside of the tropics are found to be small (<2 PW) for all months. Strong cross-equatorial heat transports in the ocean of up to 5 PW exhibit a large annual cycle in phase with poleward atmospheric transports of the winter hemisphere.
Improvements to NOAA’s Historical Merged Land–Ocean Surface Temperature Analysis (1880–2006)
Authors: Smith Thomas M. , Reynolds Richard W. , Peterson Thomas C. , Lawrimore Jay
Published: June 2008

Observations of sea surface and land–near-surface merged temperature anomalies are used to monitor climate variations and to evaluate climate simulations; therefore, it is important to make analyses of these data as accurate as possible. Analysis uncertainty occurs because of data errors and incomplete sampling over the historical period. This manuscript documents recent improvements in NOAA’s merged global surface temperature anomaly analysis, monthly, in spatial 5° grid boxes. These improvements allow better analysis of temperatures throughout the record, with the greatest improvements in the late nineteenth century and since 1985. Improvements in the late nineteenth century are due to improved tuning of the analysis methods. Beginning in 1985, improvements are due to the inclusion of bias-adjusted satellite data. The old analysis (version 2) was documented in 2005, and this improved analysis is called version 3.
Terrestrial Vegetation Dynamics and Global Climate Controls in North America: 2001–05
Authors: Potter Christopher , Boriah Shyam , Steinbach Michael , Kumar Vipin , Klooster Steven
Published: June 2008

Monthly composite data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite sensor was used to reconstruct vegetation dynamics in response to climate patterns over the period 2001–05 for North America. Results imply that plant growth over extensive land areas were closely coupled to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) effects on regional climate. Areas strongly tied to recent (2002–03) ENSO climate effects were located mainly in northwestern Canada, interior Alaska, the northern Rocky Mountains of the United States, and throughout northern Mexico. Localized variations in precipitation were detected as the predominant controllers of monthly values for the MODIS fraction absorbed of photosynthetically active radiation (FPAR) over these regions.
Diurnal to Annual Precipitation Sensitivity to Convective and Land Surface Schemes
Authors: Ruane Alex C. , Roads John O.
Published: June 2008

Precipitation’s diurnal to annual variance distribution and atmospheric water cycle component interactions are examined globally for sensitivity to convective and land surface schemes. The main regional features of statistics identified in previous reanalyses are robust in unconstrained continuous simulations corresponding to the reanalyses’ convective and land surface schemes. A change from the simplified Arakawa–Schubert (SAS) to the relaxed Arakawa–Schubert (RAS) convection scheme reorganizes the variance of rainfall at low latitudes to a redder spectrum. Despite the potential increase in soil moisture memory, a change from the Oregon State University (OSU2) to the Noah land surface model does not noticeably affect the variance distribution of precipitation. The competition between dynamic and thermodynamic sources of precipitation’s variability is affected by the choice of both the land surface model and the convective scheme. Noah reduces evaporation’s role over land, with vapor convergence compensating, while RAS/SAS sensitivities result in complex regional redistributions of component covariance.
Estimating the Surface Area of Small Rivers in the Southwestern Amazon and Their Role in CO2 Outgassing
Authors: de Fátima F. L. Rasera Maria , Ballester Maria Victoria R. , Krusche Alex V. , Salimon Cleber , Montebelo Letícia A. , Alin Simone R. , Victoria Reynaldo L. , Richey Jeffrey E.
Published: June 2008

A recent estimate of CO2 outgassing from Amazonian wetlands suggests that an order of magnitude more CO2 leaves rivers through gas exchange with the atmosphere than is exported to the ocean as organic plus inorganic carbon. However, the contribution of smaller rivers is still poorly understood, mainly because of limitations in mapping their spatial extent. Considering that the largest extension of the Amazon River network is composed of small rivers, the authors’ objective was to elucidate their role in air–water CO2 exchange by developing a geographic information system (GIS)-based model to calculate the surface area covered by rivers with channels less than 100 m wide, combined with estimated CO2 outgassing rates at the Ji-Paraná River basin, in the western Amazon. Estimated CO2 outgassing was the main carbon export pathway for this river basin, totaling 289 Gg C yr−1, about 2.4 times the amount of carbon exported as dissolved inorganic carbon (121 Gg C yr−1) and 1.6 times the dissolved organic carbon export (185 Gg C yr−1). The relationships established here between drainage area and channel width provide a new model for determining small river surface area, allowing regional extrapolations of air–water gas exchange. Applying this model to the entire Amazon River network of channels less than 100 m wide (third to fifth order), the authors calculate that the surface area of small rivers is 0.3 ± 0.05 million km2, and it is potentially evading to the atmosphere 170 ± 42 Tg C yr−1 as CO2. Therefore, these ecosystems play an important role in the regional carbon balance.
Prevalence of Allergies in Children With Complex Medical Problems
Authors: Kelly Anne , Khan Khalid
Published: June 2008

The aim is to determine whether there is a pattern of allergic and immune abnormalities in children with complex medical problems. The authors retrospectively studied a convenience sample of 69 children in a case management program. Of 69 children, 42 underwent immunologic investigations during the selected time frame. Forty (95%) had 1 or more allergic disorder. Cow's milk sensitivity was present in 32 (76%). Abnormal immunoglobulin levels, IgG, IgA, and IgE were found at a greater frequency than in the general pediatric population ( P <.005). Lymphocyte subset percentages were decreased for B cells (CD19) and natural killer cells (CD57, CD16/56; P <.05). Presence of a gastrostomy tube, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric acid suppression, and chronic constipation were common and failure to thrive, developmental delay, sleep disturbance, and recurrent otitis media were present in the majority. The authors report a higher than expected prevalence of allergic and immune abnormalities in children with complex medical problems.
Alternating Antipyretics: Antipyretic Efficacy of Acetaminophen Versus Acetaminophen Alternated With Ibuprofen in Children
Authors: Kramer Lynne C. , Richards Peaches A. , Thompson Amy M. , Harper David P. , Fairchok Mary P.
Published: June 2008

Methods A prospective, randomized double-blind placebo control study comparing the efficacy of acetaminophen to acetaminophen alternated with ibuprofen in 38 healthy outpatient children 6 months to 6 years presenting to the outpatient clinic with fever >38°C was conducted. Temperatures were recorded at 0, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours. Side effect diaries and parental perception of efficacy were filled out hourly by parents.

Results There were no significant differences in temperature between the 2 groups at times 0, 3, and 6 hours. The alternating group had significantly lower mean temperatures at both 4 hours (38.0°C vs 37.4°C; P = .05) and 5 hours (37.1°C vs 37.9°C; P = .0032). Parents did not perceive any difference in fever control between the groups.

Conclusions An alternating regimen of acetaminophen with ibuprofen significantly decreased fever at 4 and 5 hours compared with acetaminophen alone. However, parents did not perceive a difference in efficacy.
Pharmacokinetic Interaction Between Efavirenz and Carbamazepine After Multiple‐Dose Administration in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Ji Ping , Damle Bharat , Xie Jingdong , Unger Steve E. , Grasela Dennis M. , Kaul Sanjeev
Published: June 2008

The effect of efavirenz on the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine and vice versa was investigated in adult healthy subjects in a randomized, open‐label, 2‐period crossover, multiple‐dose study. Subjects were randomized to receive either efavirenz 600 mg qd for 14 days or carbamazepine titrated to 400 mg qd for 21 days followed with both drugs for another 21 or 14 days. The pharmacokinetics was evaluated for efavirenz, carbamazepine, and the major metabolite of carbamazepine, carbamazepine‐10,11‐epoxide. Coadministration of carbamazepine with efavirenz significantly reduced the exposure of efavirenz (geometric mean ratios [90% confidence interval]: area of plasma concentration‐time curve during the dosing interval of 24 hours [AUCτ], 0.64 [0.60–0.68]; maximum plasma concentration [Cmax], 0.79 [0.74, 0.85]) and carbamazepine (AUCτ, 0.73 [0.67–0.80]; Cmax, 0.80 [0.76, 0.85]) but had minimal impact on the exposure of carbamazepine‐10,11‐epoxide (AUCτ, 0.99 [0.85–1.15]; Cmax, 1.05 [0.91, 1.22]). In summary, a 2‐way pharmacokinetic interaction between efavirenz and carbamazepine was demonstrated in this study.
Rett's Syndrome: Progression of Symptoms From Infancy to Childhood
Authors: Suzuki Hisaharu , Matsuzaka Tetsuo , Hirayama Yoshito , Sakuragawa Norio , Arima Masataka , Tateno Akihiko , Tōjō Megumu , Suzuki Yasuyuki
Published: June 2008

The results of studies of seven girls with Rett's syndrome and two additional cases suggestive of Rett's syndrome are presented. After normal neurological development up to the age of 7 to 20 months, there was a rapid regression of higher cortical function. Rett's syndrome was initially manifested by a delay of further motor development and the appearance of autistic traits. As the disease progressed, there was loss of ability to crawl, loss of purposeful hand movements, abnormal respirations, truncal ataxia, seizures, and spastic increase in muscle tone. Blood chemistries, including ammonia levels, were normal. Metabolic interference, a recently hypothesized form of inheritance, may occur in this syndrome. (J Child Neurol 1986;1:137-141)
Pseudohemiparesis and Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Burd Larry , Kerbeshian Jacob , Fisher Wayne , Barcome Donald F. , Lipp LeLand
Published: June 2008

Three patients with Tourette syndrome and transient recurrent hemiparetic posturing (pseudohemiparesis) are presented. The transient nature of this posturing is not consistent with a static central nervous system deficit. It is felt that the Tourette syndrome symptomatology and pseudohemiparesis share a common pathophysiology. The inclusion of pseudohemiparesis in the differential diagnosis for cerebral palsy is suggested. ( J Child Neurol 1986;1:369-371)
Syndromes of Epilepsy in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Ogunyemi A.O. , Dreifuss F.E.
Published: June 2008

This report concerns the more commonly recognized epileptic syndromes that have their onset or entire clinical course in childhood and/or adolescence. It hopes to demonstrate the close relationship between the classifications of epileptic syndromes. It will also discuss how knowledge of the epileptic syndromes will enhance the management plan for the patient with epilepsy. (J Child Neurol 1988;3:214-224).
The Hospital-Survival and Prognostic Factors of Patients With Solid Tumors Admitted to an ICU
Authors: Mendoza Vinia , Lee Andrew , Marik Paul E.
Published: June 2008

The decision to admit a patient with cancer to the intensive care unit (ICU) is complex. There are limited data as to the outcome and prognostic factors of patients with solid tumors admitted to the ICU. A retrospective chart review was undertaken to evaluate this issue. Over an 18-month period, 147 patients with solid tumors were admitted to our ICU. Lung, colorectal, and breast were the commonest sites of the primary tumors, with 52% of patients having metastatic disease. A total of 79 (54%) patients survived to hospital discharge, with 50 (34%) patients being discharged to home. Metastatic disease and the requirement for vasopressor agents were independent predictors of poor outcome. The relatively high survival rate of this cohort of patients should prompt a reevaluation of the ICU admission criteria for patients with solid tumors who become critically ill.
Attachment Style and Intimacy Deficits in Sexual Offenders: A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Ward Tony , Hudson Stephen M. , Marshall William L. , Siegert Richard
Published: June 2008

In the past few decades a number of theories have been developed to further our understanding of various aspects of sexual offending. Recent work has focused on the relationship between early interpersonal experiences and the presence of intimacy deficits in sexual offenders. The present paper develops a comprehensive attachment model of intimacy deficits in sexual offenders by drawing extensively upon the burgeoning interface between the attachment literature and social cognition research. In particular, the concept of an internal working model, as developed by Bowlby, is introduced as a bridge between early attachment experience and adult intimacy problems. It is suggested that a comprehensive model of intimacy deficits in relation to the sexual offender must pay attention to attachment style, the internal working model, and current behavioral strategies for gaining or avoiding intimacy. The clinical and research implications of this model are presented and discussed.
Children as Sexual Objects: Historical and Gender Trends in Magazines
Authors: O'Donohue William , Gold Steven R. , McKay J. Sean
Published: June 2008

Trained observers blind to experimental hypotheses rated how often children were depicted sexually in five magazines. Results indicated that children were portrayed sexually in approximately 1.5% of the advertisements containing children. The occurrence of the sexualized depictions of children was systematic in three ways: (1) girls were depicted sexually more often than boys; (2) there was some evidence that this phenomenon has not decreased over the past four decades but, instead, might be increasing slightly; and (3) these depictions occurred more frequently in magazines targeted toward women than toward men or toward both genders. Research on the possible effects on both men and women of the sexualized depictions of children is needed.
New Measures of Defensiveness, Empathy, and Cognitive Distortions for Sexual Offenders Against Children
Authors: McGrath Mary , Cann Steven , Konopasky Robert
Published: June 2008

Treatment of child molesters emphasizes three interrelated constructs: denial, empathy, and cognitive distortions. Thirty child molesters, 30 nonsexual offenders, and 30 controls answered three new tests of denial, empathy, and cognitive distortions anonymously; 30 other child molesters were instructed to "fake good, " and 44 child molesters who were seeking parole were also tested. The Sexual Social Desirability Scale (SSDS) measures attitudes about sex, sexual activities, and intimate sexual relationships. All offender groups attributed significantly more (p ≤ .05) positive characteristics to themselves than did controls. All sexual offender groups denied significantly more (p ≤ .05) negative characteristics than did the control and nonsexual offender groups. Even sexual offenders asked to fake good did not significantly differ in denial from those sexual offenders who answered anonymously or those in assessment for parole. For sexual offenders, denial was not significantly affected by demand characteristics. The Empathy (Empat) scale tested for lack of empathy specific to sexual abuse victims and general lack of empathy. Sexual offenders, even those faking good, showed less sexual abuse empathy than controls (p ≤ .05). In contrast, sexual offender scores of general empathy equaled controls'. The Child Molester Scale (CMS) was developed in an attempt to reduce the effects of socially desirable responding. Sexual offenders assessed for parole reported significantly more (p = .0026) cognitive distortions regarding adult-child sexual activity than did the control group but not less than nonsexual offenders. The SSDS, Empat, and CMS were significantly correlated.