bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hormonal Contraceptives and the Length of Their Use Are Not Independent Risk Factors for High-Risk HPV Infections or High-Grade CIN
Authors: Longatto-Filho Adhemar , Hammes Luciano Serpa , Sarian Luis Otavio , Roteli-Martins Cecília , Derchain Sophie F.M. , Eržen Mojca , Branca Margherita , Tatti Sílvio , Naud Paulo , de Matos Jean Carlos , Gontijo Renata , Maeda Marina Y.S. , Lima Temístocles , Costa Silvano , Syrjänen Stina , Syrjänen Kari
Published: March 2011

Aims: To evaluate the role of hormonal contraceptives as a risk factor of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV), cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN) and cervical cancer in our multi-center population-based LAMS (Latin American Screening) study. Methods: A cohort study with >12,000 women from Brazil and Argentina using logistic regression to analyze the covariates of hormonal contraception (HOC – oral, injections, patches, implants, vaginal ring and progesterone intrauterine system) use followed by multivariate modeling for predictors of HR-HPV and CIN2+. Results: HR-HPV infection was a consistent risk factor of high-grade CIN in all three groups of women. The length of HOC use was not significantly related to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)+ Pap (p = 0.069), LSIL+ Pap (p = 0.781) or ASCUS+ (p = 0.231). The same was true with the length of HOC use and histology CIN3+ (p = 0.115) and CIN2+ (p = 0.515). Frequently, HOC users have previously shown more HPV-related lesions, as well as lower HPV prevalence if they were current smokers. But HOC use and time of usage were not independent risk factors of either HR-HPV infection or high-grade CIN using multiple logistic regressions. Conclusions: No evidence was found for an association between the use of HOC with an increased risk for HR-HPV infection or high-grade CIN in this cohort.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 mRNA: A Promising Peripheral Blood Marker for Diagnosis of Endometriosis
Authors: De Sanctis Paola , Elmakky Amira , Farina Antonio , Caramelli Elisabetta , Seracchioli Renato , Mabrouk Mohamed , Mignemi Giuseppe , Venturoli Stefano , Villa Gioia , Guerrini Manuela , Manuzzi Linda , Montanari Giulia , Valvassori Luisa , Zucchini Cinzia
Published: March 2011

Background/Aims: Endometriosis is an invasive disease. Its diagnosis depends on laparoscopy, which is traumatic and associated with potential complications. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid, reliable, and less invasive diagnostic test for endometriosis. We hypothesized that genes related to cell invasion would be transcriptionally upregulated in endometriosis, and tested whether blood levels of their transcripts might be used as biomarkers of endometriosis.Methods:We used quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to quantify the mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and MMP-9 in peripheral blood from 20 patients with mild/intermediate endometriosis, 20 patients with severe endometriosis and 20 endometriosis-free subjects. Results:Our results indicate that circulating mRNA for MMP-3 is significantly higher in patients with endometriosis than in control patients, regardless of the degree of severity. Conversely, the level of circulating mRNA for VEGFA and MMP-9 did not distinguish patients from controls. Conclusion: MMP-3 mRNA is a promising peripheral blood marker that discriminates between patients with endometriosis and healthy subjects. Our results support the possibility of finding genes suitable for diagnostic qRT-PCR for endometriosis in peripheral blood and should be explored further.
Distribution of Normal Nuchal Translucency Thickness: A Multicenter Study in Thailand
Authors: Kor-anantakul Ounjai , Suntharasaj Thitima , Suwanrath Chitkasaem , Chanprapaph Pharuhas , Sirichotiyakul Supatra , Ratanasiri Thawalwong , Vuthiwong Chutawadi , Geater Alan
Published: March 2011

Aims: To establish the normative data distribution of nuchal translucency (NT) thickness in Thai fetuses. Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted among 6,455 women with singleton pregnancies and gestational age between 10 and 14 weeks. For each case, the fetal crown-rump length (CRL) and NT were measured by transabdominal ultrasound. Transvaginal ultrasounds were used in poorly visualized cases. The distribution values of the NT thicknesses and their corresponding 10-mm CRL intervals between 45 and 84 mm were examined to obtain the median and 95th percentiles. Quantile regression modeling across the CRLs was performed to obtain the reference values. Results: Transabdominal ultrasound measurements were successfully done on 6,347 fetuses with 39 cases by the transvaginal route. Fetuses with CRL between 45 and 84 mm and normal outcomes made up a total of 4,352 cases. The mean (SD) gestational age, CRL and NT thickness were 12.5 (0.7) weeks, 60.2 (9.7) mm, and 1.15 (0.38) mm, respectively. The mean normal NT increased linearly with CRL. The quantile regression equation to predict the 95th percentile of the NT thickness (mm) was 0.727 + [0.017 × CRL (mm)]. Conclusions: The NT thickness in normal Thai fetuses was found to be thinner than in both Caucasian and other Asian populations.
Efficacy and Safety of S-1 in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: Retrospective Review in a Single Institution
Authors: Hara Fumikata , Kiyoto Sachiko , Takahashi Mina , Takabatake Daisuke , Takashima Seiki , Aogi Kenjiro , Ohsumi Shozo , Takashima Shigemitsu
Published: March 2011

Background: It is extremely difficult to bring about a complete cure of metastatic breast cancer: the purpose of treatment is to prolong the patient’s survival while maintaining their quality of life (QOL). The current retrospective study was conducted to find whether S-1, an orally administered 5-FU agent, can produce a therapeutic result in patients with recurrent metastatic breast cancer while maintaining their QOL. Methods: Among the patients who were diagnosed at our institution to have recurrent metastatic breast cancer between November 2001 and December 2008, those who were treated with S-1 were selected and their records retrospectively reviewed. Results: The analysis was conducted on 33 patients. The median number of regimens that these patients underwent was 2 (range 0–6). The overall response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), median time to treatment failure and overall survival were 30%, 42%, 152 days and 338 days, respectively. Among the 11 patients who were treated with S-1 in the first or the second line, ORR and CBR were 45.5 and 63.6%, respectively. Toxicity more than grade 3, leucopenia, neutropenia diarrhea, mucositis, and hand-foot syndrome were found in only 3%. Conclusion: S-1 is well-tolerated by patients, promising a therapy while maintaining their QOL. When applied in the early stage of a disease in particular, the agent promises a very effective anti-tumor effect.
Can ACE Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Be Detrimental in CKD Patients?
Authors: Onuigbo Macaulay A.C.
Published: March 2011

Current epidemiological data from the USA, Europe, Asia and the Indian subcontinent, Africa, the Far East, South America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe all point to the increasing incidence of renal failure encompassing acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). While the explanations for these worldwide epidemics remain speculative, it must be acknowledged that these increases in AKI, CKD and ESRD, happening worldwide, have occurred despite the universal application of strategies of renoprotection over the last 2 decades, more especially the widespread use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). We note that many of the published large renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade randomized controlled trials, upon which current evidence-based practice for the increasing use of ACEIs and ARBs for renoprotection derived from, have strong deficiencies that have been highlighted over the years. From reports in the literature, there is an increasing association of exacerbations of renal failure with ACEIs and ARBs, more so in the older hypertensive patient, >65 years old. The biological plausibility for ACEI and ARB to protect the kidneys against a background of potential multiple pathogenetic pathways to account for CKD progression appears to be not very defensible. We reviewed the literature along these lines and submit that ACEIs and ARBs often cause unrecognized significant worsening renal failure in CKD patients, sometimes irreversible, and that more caution is required regarding their use, especially in the older hypertensive patients, with likely ischemic hypertensive nephropathy. Given the increasing association of concomitant RAAS blockade with worsening renal failure following exposure to iodinated contrast, during acute illness, in the perioperative period and following lower bowel preparations prior to colonoscopy, we submit that, preferably, ACEIs and ARBs be withheld for 2–4 days prior to or during these clinical scenarios. This represents the concept of renoprevention.
Respiratory Changes during Reading in Mandarin-Speaking Adolescents with Prelingual Hearing Impairment
Authors: Che Wei-Chun , Wang Yu-Tsai , Lu Hsiu-Jung , Green Jordan R.
Published: March 2011

Objective: Most people with severe to profound hearing impairment (SHI) exhibit speech breathing changes, but little is known about the breath group (BG) structure for this population. The purposes of this study were to investigate, compared to speakers with normal hearing, if Mandarin-speaking adolescents with prelingual SHI take inspirations more often at syntactically inappropriate positions and exhibit a difference in the temporal BG characteristics. Patients and Methods: Forty participants, 20 speakers with prelingual SHI and 20 normal-hearing controls matched for age, sex and education level were recruited. While wearing a circumferentially vented mask connected to a pneumotachograph, the subjects read three passages. The airflow signal was used to locate inspiratory loci in the speech samples. Temporal parameters of BG structure were derived from the acoustic signal. Results: The SHI group, compared to the control group, had significantly (1) more inspiratory loci at inappropriate and minor syntactic boundaries; (2) fewer syllables per BG, slower speaking rate, longer inter-BG pauses, and longer noninspiratory pauses, but comparable inspiratory duration, expiration duration, and BG duration. Conclusion: The slower speaking rate within BGs and longer inter-BG pauses mainly account for the respiratory changes in Mandarin-speaking adolescents with prelingual SHI.
Validity of HAT Score for Predicting Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage in Acute Stroke Patients with Proximal Occlusions: Data from Randomized Trials of Sonothrombolysis
Authors: Tsivgoulis Georgios , Saqqur Maher , Barreto Andrew , Demchuk Andrew M. , Ribo Marc , Rubiera Marta , Sharma Vijay K. , Stamboulis Elefterios , Schellinger Peter D. , Molina Carlos A. , Alexandrov Andrei V.
Published: March 2011

Background: The Hemorrhage after Thrombolysis (HAT) score has recently been introduced as a practical scale for risk stratification of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). We aimed to externally validate and evaluate the predictive ability of the HAT score in patients with proximal arterial occlusions (PAO) enrolled into randomized clinical trials of sonothrombolysis. Methods: The HAT score (range 0, minimum risk, to 5, maximum risk) was retrospectively calculated for each patient using clinical trial data (baseline NIHSS, extent of hypodensity on CT, history of diabetes mellitus and serum glucose). Symptomatic ICH (sICH) was defined as imaging evidence of ICH with clinical worsening (NIHSS ≧4) within 72 h from stroke onset. The predictive ability of the HAT score for sICH and any ICH (both asymptomatic and symptomatic) was calculated using c statistics. Results: A total of 161 tPA-treated patients (mean age 68 ± 13 years, 58% men, median NIHSS 16, interquartile range 9) with PAO were randomized in TUCSON (n = 35) and CLOTBUST (n = 126). sICH occurred in 9 (5.6%) cases, and 6 had asymptomatic ICH. The rates of sICH for the corresponding HAT scores were: HAT 0–1: 3%; 2: 9%; 3: 14%; 4–5: 14%. The risk of sICH (c statistic 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58–0.86; p = 0.027) and any ICH (c statistic 0.70, 95% CI: 0.58–0.82; p = 0.011) increased with higher HAT scores. Higher HAT scores were also associated with higher likelihood of persisting occlusion (c statistic 0.63, 95% CI: 0.54–0.72; p = 0.004). Conclusions: The HAT score has reasonable external validity for predicting the risk of sICH following intravenous thrombolysis in patients with PAO. Moreover, higher HAT scores appear to be associated with higher likelihood of persisting occlusion in tPA-treated patients.
Study of Adrenergic, Imidazoline, and Endothelin Receptors in Clonidine-, Morphine-, and Oxycodone-Induced Changes in Rat Body Temperature
Authors: Bhalla Shaifali , Andurkar Shridhar V. , Gulati Anil
Published: March 2011

Objectives: The potentiation of morphine or oxycodone analgesia by endothelin-A (ETA) receptor antagonists and imidazoline/α2-adrenergic agonists is well documented. However, the effect of morphine or oxycodone in combination with an ETA receptor antagonist or an imidazoline/α2 adrenergic agonist on body temperature is not known. The present study was carried out to study the role of ETA and imidazoline/α2 adrenergic receptors in body temperature effects of morphine, oxycodone, and clonidine in rats. Methods: Body temperature was determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats treated with morphine, oxycodone, or clonidine. Yohimbine, idazoxan, and BMS182874 were used to determine the involvement of α2-adrenergic, imidazoline, and ETA receptors, respectively. Key Findings: Morphine and oxycodone produced hyperthermia which was not affected by α2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine, imidazoline/α2-adrenergic antagonist idazoxan, or ETA receptor antagonist BMS182874. Clonidine alone produced hypothermia that was comparable to the hypothermia observed with clonidine plus morphine or oxycodone. The hypothermic effect of clonidine was blocked by idazoxan and yohimbine. The blockade by idazoxan was more pronounced compared to yohimbine. Clonidine hypothermia was not affected by BMS182874. Conclusions: This is the first report demonstrating that ETA receptors do not influence morphine- and oxycodone- induced hyperthermia or clonidine-induced hypothermia. Imidazoline receptors and α2-adrenergic receptors are involved in clonidine-induced hypothermia, but not in morphine- and oxycodone-induced hyperthermia.
Nutritional State Alters the Association between Free Triiodothyronine Levels and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ozen Kezban Pinar , Asci Gulay , Gungor Ozkan , Carrero Juan Jesus , Kircelli Fatih , Tatar Erhan , Sevinc Ok Ebru , Ozkahya Mehmet , Toz Huseyin , Cirit Mustafa , Basci Ali , Ok Ercan
Published: March 2011

Background: Serum free triiodothyronine (fT3) level is suggested to be a risk factor for mortality in unselected dialysis patients. We investigated the prognostic value of serum fT3 levels and also low-T3 syndrome on overall survival in a large cohort of hemodialysis (HD) patients with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. Methods: A total of 669 prevalent HD patients were enrolled in the study. Serum fT3 level was measured by enzyme immune assay in frozen sera samples at the time of enrollment. Overall mortality was assessed during 48 months of follow-up. Results: Baseline fT3 was 1.47 ± 0.43 (0.01–2.98) pg/ml, and low-T3 syndrome was present in 71.7% of the cases. During a mean follow-up of 34 ± 16 months, 165 (24.7%) patients died. fT3 level was a strong predictor for mortality in crude and adjusted Cox models including albumin or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Further adjustment for both albumin and hs-CRP made the impact of fT3 on mortality disappear. The presence of low-T3 syndrome was associated with mortality in only the unadjusted model. Conclusions: Low-T3 syndrome is a frequent finding among HD patients, but it does not predict outcome. However, serum fT3 level is a strong and inverse mortality predictor, in part explained by its underlying association with nutritional state and inflammation.
Viewpoint: Paradoxical excess mortality in the PLATO trial should be independently verified
Authors: Serebruany Victor
Published: March 2011

The PLATO trial revealed excess all-cause (4.5%) and vascular (4.0%) mortality after experimental pyrimidine, ticagrelor, and even higher death rates (5.9% and 5.1%, respectively) after clopidogrel, which have never been seen in any previous acute coronary syndrome (ACS) trial. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted, and recently released the ticagrelor review outlining some paradoxical mortality patterns in PLATO, including the existence of alive patient, who initially was reported dead. The drug was recently approved in Europe, but repeatedly delayed in the USA. The objective of this viewpoint article was to evaluate extremely high death rates in PLATO by scrutinising FDA-released evidence, and comparing mortality patterns in recent ACS trials. These data were first presented as the analytical report submitted to the FDA on October 26, 2010. The available evidence suggest that mortality rates in PLATO, so as death benefit of ticagrelor over clopidogrel are extreme, despite incomplete follow-up, short duration of the trial, frequent preloading with clopidogrel, and gross mismatch between conventional average myocardial infarction rates but disproportionally frequent vascular fatalities, and heavily imbalanced sepsis-related deaths. In contrast to the overall PLATO results, the deaths rates in the USA were much lower (3.2% vs. 3.8%) not only favouring clopidogrel, but more importanly matching very well with identical rates in TRITON (3.2%), and one-year ACUITY (3.6%-3.9%) fatalities. Since the «play of chance» cannot explain these discrepancies due to excess death rates in both PLATO arms, and considering that study sponsor self-monitored sites in most countries, but not in the USA, the mortality data are questionable, and should be independently virified. It was concluded that excess mortality rates and delayed timing of the benefit onset in PLATO do not match with any recent ACS trial, and do not look natural. Reevaluation of the survival, especially driven from the several high-volume sponsor monitored sites in Eastern Europe may reveal discrepancies between those reported in PLATO and actual vital records. Future practice of self monitoring in pivotal indication-seeking clinical trials should be completely banned.
Left Ventricular Lead Position and Clinical Outcome in the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial–Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (MADIT-CRT) Trial
Authors: Singh Jagmeet P. , Klein Helmut U. , Huang David T. , Reek Sven , Kuniss Malte , Quesada Aurelio , Barsheshet Alon , Cannom David , Goldenberg Ilan , McNitt Scott , Daubert James P. , Zareba Wojciech , Moss Arthur J.
Published: March 2011

Background—

An important determinant of successful cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure is the position of the left ventricular (LV) pacing lead. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the LV lead position on outcome in patients randomized to cardiac resynchronization-defibrillation in the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial–Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (MADIT-CRT) study.

Methods and Results—

The location of the LV lead was assessed by means of coronary venograms and chest x-rays recorded at the time of device implantation. The LV lead location was classified along the short axis into an anterior, lateral, or posterior position and along the long axis into a basal, midventricular, or apical region. The primary end point of MADIT-CRT was heart failure (HF) hospitalization or death, whichever came first. The LV lead position was assessed in 799 patients, (55% patients ≥65 years of age, 26% female, 10% LV ejection fraction ≤25%, 55% ischemic cardiomyopathy, and 71% left bundle-branch block) with a follow-up of 29±11 months. The extent of cardiac resynchronization therapy benefit was similar for leads in the anterior, lateral, or posterior position (
P
=0.652). The apical lead location compared with leads located in the nonapical position (basal or midventricular region) was associated with a significantly increased risk for heart failure/death (hazard ratio=1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 2.71;
P
=0.019) after adjustment for the clinical covariates. The apical lead position was also associated with an increased risk for death (hazard ratio=2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.42 to 5.97;
P
=0.004).

Conclusion—

LV leads positioned in the apical region were associated with an unfavorable outcome, suggesting that this lead location should be avoided in cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00180271.
Chlorthalidone Reduces Cardiovascular Events Compared With Hydrochlorothiazide
Authors: Dorsch Michael P. , Gillespie Brenda W. , Erickson Steven R. , Bleske Barry E. , Weder Alan B.
Published: March 2011

There is significant controversy around whether chlorthalidone (CTD) is superior to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in hypertension management. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the effects of CTD compared with HCTZ on cardiovascular event (CVE) rates. We performed a retrospective observational cohort study from the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial data set from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial was a cardiovascular primary prevention trial where participants were men 35 to 57 years of age enrolled and followed beginning in 1973. CVEs were measured yearly, and time to event was assessed by Cox regression. Systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, potassium, glucose, and uric acid were measured yearly. The difference between groups was evaluated by repeated-measures mixed modeling, and each model was adjusted for predictors of each variable. CVEs were significantly lower in those on CTD (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.51 [95% CI: 0.43 to 0.61];
P
<0.0001) and on HCTZ (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.65 [95% CI: 0.55 to 0.75];
P
<0.0001) compared with those who took neither drug. When comparing the 2 drugs, CTD had significantly fewer CVEs compared with HCTZ (
P
=0.0016). CTD displayed significantly lower SBP (
P
<0.0001), lower total cholesterol (
P
<0.0001), lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (
P
=0.0009), lower potassium (
P
=0.0003), and higher uric acid (
P
<0.0001) over time compared with HCTZ. In conclusion, both HCTZ and CTD reduce CVEs compared with neither drug. When comparing both drugs, CTD reduces CVEs more than HCTZ, suggesting that CTD may be the preferred thiazide-type diuretic for hypertension in patients at high risk of CVEs.
Vows as Contract in Ottoman Public Life (17th-18th centuries)
Authors: Canbakal Hülya
Published: March 2011

Starting sometime in the seventeenth century, vows (nezir, Ar. nadhr) began to be used in the central lands of the Ottoman Empire as a means to seal contracts of a public nature. Although these vows were similar to the more common and older forms of customary compacts that also pertained to public matters, vows had a better defined status in sharia and could entail worldly liability in addition to moral/religious obligation. Using court records and fatwa collections, I argue that vows exemplified the expansion of legality and control of the state over custom and morality, as well as the recognition of a customary device of contract and its penetration into the legal sphere. On a secondary level, I also provide new material on contemporary political culture and the question of legal pluralism in the Ottoman context.
The Implications of Unbelief: Tracing the Emergence of Distinctively Shi˛i Notions Regarding the Food and Impurity of Non-Muslims
Authors: Freidenreich David
Published: March 2011

The distinctively Shi˛i conception of non-Muslims as bearers of a contagious form of impurity emerges gradually, reaching its classical form only in the 5th/11th century. Contrary to common scholarly presumptions, Q. 9.28 does not constitute the point of origin for this conception but rather serves as retroactive justification for its validity. This essay utilizes Hadīth collections and works of law from the 2nd/8th through 5th/11th centuries to trace the emergence of Shi˛i notions regarding the impurity of non-Muslims and the parallel emergence of distinctively Shi˛i norms regarding the meat of animals slaughtered by non-Muslims. It concludes by suggesting that the differences between Sunni and Shi˛i notions regarding the food and impurity of nonMuslims reflect the different ways in which Sunnis and Shi˛i conceive of the Islamic community itself.
An Athenian Tradition of Dactylic Paeans to Apollo and Asclepius: Choral Degeneration or a Flexible System of Non-Strophic Dactyls?
Authors: Faraone C.A.
Published: March 2011

The different epigraphic versions of the so-called Erythraean Paean date from the early fourth century BCE to the mid-second century CE and are generally thought to trace the degeneration of an original monostrophic lyric poem attested in the eponymous late-classical version. I argue that such an approach is inadequate and that the later versions of this poem are witnesses to a hitherto unappreciated genre of paean to Apollo and Asclepius composed almost entirely in dactyls and organized into segments of varying length, which generally begin with a dactylic tetrameter and end with a version of the traditional paeonic cry (the so-called epiphthegma): Παιν or Παιν. The space between the opening tetrameter and the closing cry can, however, accommodate between four to eight additional dactylic feet. The late Hellenistic paean composed in Athens by Macedonicus of Amphipolis is yet another witness to this tradition, which probably dates back at least as early as a famous—albeit almost entirely lost—paean of Sophocles and is reflected in the first two strophes of the parodos of his Oedipus Rex.
Conversation in the Succession Narrative of Solomon
Authors: Willis Joyce
Published: March 2011

Reading 1 Kings 1-2, the account of the succession of Solomon, one is left with a strange impression. On the one hand, in its current telling and context it clearly seeks to offer a favourable account of the process. On the other hand, one just has to scratch the surface of this story to see an underlying and less favourable account. The paper notes the importance role that private conversations play in the story to argue that an earlier telling of the story was largely fabricated by a party opposed to the Davidic monarchy and Solomon in particular. According to this telling, a cloud stood over Solomon’s legitimacy; David was hoodwinked by Nathan and Bathsheba into believing that he had made an earlier promise that Solomon would succeed; Solomon came to the throne by means of a palace coup; Abishag was not David’s concubine and Adonijah’s request for her was quite innocent; however, his approach and private conversation with Bathsheba was manipulated by Solomon and his supporters to remove significant personal opponents.
Taking Tea Parties Seriously: Corporate Globalization, Populism, and Resentment
Authors: Berlet Chip
Published: March 2011

The emergence of the Tea Party Movement after the election of President Barack Obama is the result of increasing anxieties, fears, and anger in a predominantly White middle class and working class constituency. Starting as a project of elite conservative strategists, the Tea Party movement quickly developed an actual mass base, and turned into the type of right-wing populist movement seen previously throughout US history. This article uses a social movement theory approach to explain the Tea Parties and considers how race, gender, and class dynamics are shifted toward the scapegoating of liberals, people of color, immigrants, and other targets.
Yes Virginia, There Is an Alternative
Authors: Schweickart David
Published: March 2011

This article assesses the current economic crisis, why it is happening, its implications for the US role in the world and international relations, and what can and must be done to address the situation.
Mission in a Post Modern World: Issues of Language and Dependency in Post-Colonial Africa
Authors: Harries Jim
Published: March 2011

The communication revolution has made texts and languages available to people who, it is here suggested, might not have the cultural components needed to use them in the same way as native speakers. Introduced languages have in much of Africa eclipsed indigenous knowledge from opportunity for home grown development. Africans flocking to Western languages supported by numerous Western subsidies, leaves African ways of life concealed from the West. Western languages can be used to undermine the West. The inadequacy of English in Africa is illustrated by the contrast between the holistic and dualistic worldviews; English being dualistic is a poor means for expressing African holism. This makes the use of English in and for Africa inherently confusing. It is proposed that indigenous development be encouraged through challenging and encouraging African theology on its own terms, by encouraging some Western missionaries to use African languages and resources in their task.
The Astana Summit: A Triumph of Common Sense
Authors: Kemp Walter
Published: March 2011

A great deal of financial and political capital was invested in the OSCE Astana Summit which took place on 1 and 2 December 2010. But was it worth it? What is the significance of this first OSCE Summit in 11 years, and where does the Organization go from here?
Bombus canariensis Pérez, 1895 n.stat and B. maderensis n.sp. from the Macaronesian Islands
Authors: Erlandsson Stellan
Published: March 2011

J. Pérez (1895) described Bombus terrestris var. canariensis. This variety now is found to represent a separate species; with reference to the Code article 45:3d (1961) the name Bombus canariensis Pérez, 1895 n.stat. is used. On the Island of Madeira Bombus maderensis n.sp. of the B. terrestris-group was collected in Funchal. It is described and figured here.
A catalogue of type-species in the family Silphidae (Coleoptera)
Authors: Madge Ronald
Published: March 2011

Complete type-species citations are presented for genus-group names in the beetle family Silphidae. Type designations are made for two names, Hyponecrodes Kraatz and Parasilpha Reitter, and new synonymy is proposed for the type-species of Oxelytrum Gistel.
Tracheal patterns in larval Chironomidae (Diptera, Nematocera)
Authors: Goetz Gregory
Published: March 2011

The tracheal systems of 142 chironomid larvae (42 species) were examined. These tracheal patterns showed considerable variation, both between subfamilies, and within a particular subfamily. The dorsal trunks, lateral trunks, dorsal anastomoses, and subcuticular tracheation were the major tracheal components examined in this study. Orthocladiinae, Diamesinae and Tanypodinae larvae exhibit the most extensive tracheal systems differing mainly in the placement of anastomoses. In some Podonominae species the tracheal system extends only to abdominal segment 8, where the trunks merge to form an open spiracle. Other podonomines, though not examined, are apneustic. The Chironominae tracheal system appears to extend the entire length of the larva, but only certain portions of it are filled with air. In Tanytarisini air is present in the thoracic tracheae and the terminal abdominal tracheae. In some Chironomini, air is present only in the thoracic tracheae, while other members of this tribe exhibit the 'Tanytarsini' pattern. The phylogeny of the Chironomidae, and the effects of environmental factors on the tracheal system are discussed.
Obstacles and opportunities: recent Kurdish struggles for political representation and participation in Turkey
Authors: Özdoğan Günay Göksu , Ersanlı Büşra
Published: March 2011

Having gone through different phases of political action and facing various forms of suppression by the state, the Kurdish movement from 1990's persisted in establishing legal parties despite recurrent bans by the Constitutional Court. In the 2007 national elections DTP (after its ban the BDP) running as independent candidates formed a group in the Parliament which was followed by an extensive regional representation in eastern and southeastern Turkey in local elections of 2009. At the three levels of political activity (parliament, local government, civil society) the extent of women's presence exceeds well over the general percentage in Turkey while various civil society organizations at both the national and regional levels lend support for extension of minority/human rights. Although the new legal and political reforms as of early 2000's in line with Turkey's bid for accession to the EU have opened up a new venue for legitimization of Kurdish identity and recognition of various cultural, civil and cultural rights, strictness of the electoral law impedes fair representation and certain discriminatory attitudes and practices still persist in the civil and military bureaucracy, mass media and political parties in contention. Whether Kurdish participation in Turkey's politics will fare in 'normal' terms in the future is largely dependent on Turkey's democratization process in which the Kurdish politicians' claims to function as a non-regional Turkey party constitute an important but only one of the impacting factors, e.g., rehabilitation of the PKK, decentralization and empowerment of local government, extension of human rights, and a non-exclusionary definition of Turkish identity.
Southern High-Latitude Ocean Climate Drift in a Coupled Model
Authors: Cai Wenju , Gordon Hal B.
Published: March 2011

Climate drift in coupled models affects the response of the coupled system to an external forcing. In most existing coupled models that employ flux adjustments, the southern high latitudes, in particular, are still affected by some climate drift. In the CSIRO coupled model, within 100 years following coupling, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) intensifies by about 30 Sv (Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1). This happens despite the use of flux adjustments. Many other model fields such as sea ice, surface albedo, and heat fluxes of the coupled system also experience drift from the precoupled spinup states. It is therefore important to study the processes that give rise to these drifts.

The primary cause of drift in the CSIRO model is due to changes in the pattern of convection in the Southern Ocean relative to the spinup steady state. Upon coupling, the pattern of convection alters systematically regardless of surface boundary conditions. Consequently, overturning at shallow to intermediate depths (from the surface to about 2000 m) weakens, while that below these depths intensifies. The decline of overturning at shallow to intermediate depths leads to reduced surface temperatures because a lesser amount of warm subsurface water is mixed up into the colder surface mixed layer. The cooler surface temperature leads to an initial increase in sea ice, which is exacerbated by a significant albedo–temperature–sea ice feedback. The resulting increase in sea ice formation at the higher southern latitudes leads to increased brine rejection and a general increase in salinity throughout much of the high-latitude water column. This increase in salinity intensifies deep convection and bottom water formation, driving a stronger ACC.

Several additional experiments are performed to trace various oceanic and ocean–atmosphere feedbacks that give the drift its character. It is demonstrated that the feedbacks significant to the drift in the present model are the positive albedo–temperature–sea ice feedback and a negative feedback between sea ice and overturning. The role of these two feedbacks in the interconnection between the drifts in various model fields is discussed.
Parameterization for Cloud Longwave Scattering for Use in Atmospheric Models
Authors: Chou Ming-Dah , Lee Kyu-Tae , Tsay Si-Chee , Fu Qiang
Published: March 2011

A parameterization for the scattering of thermal infrared (longwave) radiation by clouds has been developed based on discrete-ordinate multiple-scattering calculations. The effect of backscattering is folded into the emission of an atmospheric layer and the absorption between levels by scaling the cloud optical thickness. The scaling is a function of the single-scattering albedo and asymmetry factor. For wide ranges of cloud particle size, optical thickness, height, and atmospheric conditions, flux errors induced by the parameterization are small. They are <4 W m−2 (2%) in the upward flux at the top of the atmosphere and <2 W m−2 (1%) in the downward flux at the surface. Compared to the case that scattering by clouds is neglected, the flux errors are more than a factor of 2 smaller. The maximum error in cooling rate is ≈8%, which occurs at the top of clouds, as well as at the base of high clouds where the difference between the cloud and surface temperatures is large.

With the scaling approximation, radiative transfer equations for a cloudy atmosphere are identical with those for a clear atmosphere, and the difficulties in applying a multiple-scattering algorithm to a partly cloudy atmosphere (assuming homogeneous clouds) are avoided. The computational efficiency is practically the same as that for a clear atmosphere. The parameterization represents a significant reduction in one source of the errors involved in the calculation of longwave cooling in cloudy atmospheres.
Eight Years of High Cloud Statistics Using HIRS
Authors: Wylie Donald P. , Menzel W. Paul
Published: March 2011

Over the last 8 yr frequency and location of cloud observations have been compiled using multispectral High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration polar-orbiting satellites; this work is an extension of the 4-yr dataset reported by D. Wylie et al. The CO2 slicing algorithm applied to the HIRS data exhibits a higher sensitivity to semitransparent cirrus clouds than the cloud algorithm used by the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project; the threshold for cloud detection appears to require visible optical depths (τvis) greater than 0.1.

The geographical distributions of clouds in the 8-yr dataset are nearly the same as those reported from 4 yr of data. The detection of upper-tropospheric clouds occurs most often in the intertropical convergence zone and midlatitude storm belts with lower concentrations in subtropical deserts and oceanic subtropical highs. The areas of concentrated cloud cover exhibit latitudinal movement with the seasons as in other cloud datasets. HIRS finds clear sky in 25%, opaque cloud in 32%, and semitransparent cloud in 43% of all its observations. The effective emissivity of the all semitransparent clouds (τvis < 6) ranges from 0.2 to 0.6 with an average value of about 0.5.

Time trends are reexamined in detail. A possible cirrus increase in 1991 reported by Wylie and coauthors in 1994 is found to be diminished upon reinspection. The revised 8-yr record has indications of an increase in high clouds in the northern midlatitudes (0.5% yr−1) but little change elsewhere. The seasonal cycle of cloud cover in the Southern Hemisphere becomes very noticeable in 1993.
Application of Fuzzy Grade-of-Membership Clustering to Analysis of Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Talbot Lisa M. , Talbot Bryan G. , Peterson Robert E. , Tolley H. Dennis , Mecham Harvey D.
Published: March 2011

A fuzzy grade-of-membership (GoM) clustering algorithm is applied to analysis of remote sensing data, in particular, the type of data used in climatic classification. The methodology is applied to a cloud product data subset derived from NASA’s International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project, which includes remotely sensed global monthly average surface temperature and precipitation data for land and coastal regions for the year 1984. GoM partitions for this case are similar to those of vector quantization and fuzzy c-means clustering algorithms, which is significant given the striking differences between the algorithms. The GoM clustering approach is shown to provide an alternative means of interpreting large heterogeneous datasets for exploratory analysis, which broadens the application base by admitting categorical data.
The Influence of Midlatitude Ocean–Atmosphere Coupling on the Low-Frequency Variability of a GCM. Part II: Interannual Variability Induced by Tropical SST Forcing*
Authors: Bladé Ileana
Published: March 2011

This study extends the investigation of the impact of midlatitude ocean–atmosphere interactions on the atmospheric circulation to the interannual timescale by incorporating SST variability in the tropical Pacific representative of observed conditions. Two perpetual January GCM simulations are performed to examine the changes in the low-frequency atmospheric variability brought about by the inclusion of an interactive slab mixed layer in midlatitudes, in particular the changes in the extratropical response to ENSO-like tropical 90-day mean SST anomalies.

It is found that midlatitude coupling alters the spatial organization of the low-frequency variability in qualitatively the same manner (but not to the same extent) as tropical SST variability—namely, by selectively enhancing (in terms of amplitude, persistence, and/or frequency of occurrence) certain of the preexisting (natural) dominant modes without significantly modifying them or generating new ones. While tropical SST forcing results in a notable amplification of the Pacific–North American (PNA) mode of the model, midlatitude SST anomalies appear to favor the regional zonal index circulations in the eastern and western Pacific (through decreased thermal damping at the surface). As a result, the PNA response to ENSO-like tropical SST forcing is not reinforced but slightly weakened by the presence of interactions with the underlying mixed layer. On the other hand, coupling increases the persistence of the overall extratropical signal and causes it to acquire distinct Western Pacific–like features, thus improving its resemblance to the observed ENSO teleconnection pattern.

The leading mode of covariability between the hemispheric atmospheric circulation and North Pacific SST qualitatively reproduces its observational counterpart, with the atmosphere leading by about one month and surface atmospheric variations consistent with the notion that the atmosphere is driving the ocean. This agreement suggests that, even on interannual timescales, two-way air–sea interactions and ocean dynamics do not play an essential role in establishing the large-scale spatial structure of this observed dominant mode of ocean–atmosphere interaction. In addition, the simulated patterns of covariability in this sector possess the same kind of interannual–intraseasonal duality exhibited by the observations. In the North Atlantic the model essentially recovers the results from Part I of this study.
A Land Surface Water Deficit Model for an Arid and Semiarid Region: Impact of Desertification on the Water Deficit Status in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Wang Qinxue , Takahashi Hidenori
Published: March 2011

A land surface water deficit model was developed for a large-scale heterogeneous arid and semiarid area with various soil, vegetation, and land use types, and used to simulate seasonal and spatial variability in potential (E0) and actual (Ea) evapotranspiration and an index of water deficit (WDI). Comparisons with the results of other commonly used models and natural vegetation conditions suggest that this model can give an estimate of the success for large-scale regional studies. By using the model, the authors estimated E0, Ea, and WDI in a grid cell of 0.25° lat × 0.25° long over the Loess Plateau, China. Finally, the sensitivities of the model to both a vegetation parameter and an assumed desertification case were simulated, and several highly sensitive areas were found to be the risk regions to desertification.
Verification of GCM-Generated Regional Seasonal Precipitation for Current Climate and of Statistical Downscaling Estimates under Changing Climate Conditions
Authors: Busuioc Aristita , von Storch Hans , Schnur Reiner
Published: March 2011

Empirical downscaling procedures relate large-scale atmospheric features with local features such as station rainfall in order to facilitate local scenarios of climate change. The purpose of the present paper is twofold: first, a downscaling technique is used as a diagnostic tool to verify the performance of climate models on the regional scale; second, a technique is proposed for verifying the validity of empirical downscaling procedures in climate change applications.

The case considered is regional seasonal precipitation in Romania. The downscaling model is a regression based on canonical correlation analysis between observed station precipitation and European-scale sea level pressure (SLP). The climate models considered here are the T21 and T42 versions of the Hamburg ECHAM3 atmospheric GCM run in “time-slice” mode. The climate change scenario refers to the expected time of doubled carbon dioxide concentrations around the year 2050.

The downscaling model is skillful for all seasons except spring. The general features of the large-scale SLP variability are reproduced fairly well by both GCMs in all seasons. The climate models reproduce the empirically determined precipitation–SLP link in winter, whereas the observed link is only partially captured for the other seasons. Thus, these models may be considered skillful with respect to regional precipitation during winter, and partially during the other seasons. Generally, applications of statistical downscaling to climate change scenarios have been based on the assumption that the empirical link between the large-scale and regional parameters remains valid under a changed climate. In this study, a rationale is proposed for this assumption by showing the consistency of the 2 × CO2 GCM scenarios in winter, derived directly from the gridpoint data, with the regional scenarios obtained through empirical downscaling. Since the skill of the GCMs in regional terms is already established, it is concluded that the downscaling technique is adequate for describing climatically changing regional and local conditions, at least for precipitation in Romania during winter.
Considerations for Use of the Barnett and Preisendorfer (1987) Algorithm for Canonical Correlation Analysis of Climate Variations
Authors: Livezey Robert E. , Smith Thomas M.
Published: March 2011

No abstract available.
Tropical Ocean Decadal Variability and Resonance of Planetary Wave Basin Modes. Part I: Theory*
Authors: Liu Z.
Published: March 2011

Oceanic response to decadal wind forcing is studied in a tropical–extratropical basin using two classical theoretical shallow water wave models: the equatorial wave model and the planetary wave model. Extratropical winds are found to generate significant thermocline variability in the tropical ocean with a spectral peak at decadal timescale; the preferred decadal time of the response is due to the resonance of the gravest planetary wave basin modes. The resonant response, however, is unimportant in the interior extratropical ocean, where it is distorted by the forced response to local Ekman pumping. It is proposed that the resonance of planetary wave basin modes may provide a mechanism for the generation of decadal variability in the tropical ocean and, potentially, in the coupled ocean–atmosphere system.