bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The separate and combined impact of the intestinal hormones, GIP, GLP-1, and GLP-2, on glucagon secretion in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lund Asger , Vilsbøll Tina , Bagger Jonatan I. , Holst Jens J. , Knop Filip K.
Published: March 2011

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with reduced suppression of glucagon during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), whereas isoglycemic intravenous glucose infusion (IIGI) results in normal glucagon suppression in these patients. We examined the role of the intestinal hormones glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) in this discrepancy. Glucagon responses were measured during a 3-h 50-g OGTT ( day A) and an IIGI ( day B) in 10 patients with T2DM [age (mean ± SE), 51 ± 3 yr; body mass index, 33 ± 2 kg/m2; HbA1c, 6.5 ± 0.2%]. During four additional IIGIs, GIP ( day C), GLP-1 ( day D), GLP-2 ( day E) and a combination of the three ( day F) were infused intravenously. Isoglycemia during all six study days was obtained. As expected, no suppression of glucagon occurred during the initial phase of the OGTT, whereas significantly ( P < 0.05) lower plasma levels of glucagon during the first 30 min of the IIGI ( day B) were observed. The glucagon response during the IIGI + GIP + GLP-1 + GLP-2 infusion ( day F) equaled the inappropriate glucagon response to OGTT ( P = not significant). The separate GIP infusion ( day C) elicited significant hypersecretion of glucagon, whereas GLP-1 infusion ( day D) resulted in enhancement of glucagon suppression during IIGI. IIGI + GLP-2 infusion ( day E) resulted in a glucagon response in the midrange between the glucagon responses to OGTT and IIGI. Our results indicate that the intestinal hormones, GIP, GLP-1, and GLP-2, may play a role in the inappropriate glucagon response to orally ingested glucose in T2DM with, especially, GIP, acting to increase glucagon secretion.
Centenarians Today: New Insights on Selection from the 5-COOP Study
Authors: Robine Jean-Marie , Cheung Siu Lan Karen , Saito Yasuhiko , Jeune Bernard , Parker Marti G. , Herrmann François R.
Published: March 2011

The number of oldest old grew tremendously over the past few decades. However, recent studies have disclosed that the pace of increase strongly varies among countries. The present study aims to specify the level of mortality selection among the nonagenarians and centenarians living currently in five low mortality countries, Denmark, France, Japan, Switzerland, and Sweden, part of the 5-Country Oldest Old Project (5-COOP). All data come from the Human Mortality Database, except for the number of centenarians living in Japan. We disclosed three levels of mortality selection, a milder level in Japan, a stronger level in Denmark and Sweden and an intermediary level in France and Switzerland. These divergences offer an opportunity to study the existence of a trade-off between the level of mortality selection and the functional health status of the oldest old survivors which will be seized by the 5-COOP project.
Discovery of Novel Sources of Vitamin B12in Traditional Korean Foods from Nutritional Surveys of Centenarians
Authors: Kwak Chung Shil , Lee Mee Sook , Oh Se In , Park Sang Chul
Published: March 2011

Human longevity can be explained by a variety of factors, among them, nutritional factor would play an important role. In our study of Korean centenarians for their longevity, the apparent nutritional imbalance in the traditional semi-vegetarian diet raised a special attention, especially on vitamin B12status, supplied by animal foods. Interestingly, we found that the prevalence of vitamin B12deficient Korean centenarians was not higher compared with those from Western nations with animal-oriented traditional foods. We assumed that there might be some unveiled sources for vitamin B12in the Korean traditional foods. Screening of vitamin B12contents has revealed that some traditional soybean-fermented foods, such asDoenjangandChunggukjang, and seaweeds contain considerable amounts of vitamin B12. Taken together, it can be summarized that the traditional foods, especially of fermentation, might be evaluated for compensation of the nutritional imbalance in the vegetable-oriented dietary pattern by supplying vitamin B12, resulting in maintenance of health status.
Medicinal Plants Used as Antitumor Agents in Brazil: An Ethnobotanical Approach
Authors: de Melo Joabe Gomes , Santos Ariane Gaspar , de Amorim Elba Lúcia Cavalcanti , Nascimento Silene Carneiro do , de Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino
Published: March 2011

In this study, we describe the medicinal plants that have been reported to be antitumor agents and that have been used in ethnobotanic research in Brazil to answer the following questions: what is the abundance of plants reported to be antitumor in Brazil? Have the plant species used for tumor treatment in traditional Brazilian medicine been sufficiently examined scientifically? Our analysis included papers published between 1980 and 2008. A total of 84 medicinal plant species were reported to be used for cancer and tumor prevention or treatment; 69.05% of these were cited as being used for the treatment of tumors and cancer in general and 30.95% for specific tumors or cancers. The plants that were cited at a higher frequency were Aloe vera, Euphorbia tirucalli, and Tabebuia impetiginosa. At least, one pharmacological study was found for 35.71% of the species. Majority of the studies selected were conducted in rural communities and urban areas and in areas with traditional healers in Brazil. We found the following molecules to be the most studied in vitro and in vivo: silibinin, β‐lapachone, plumbagin and capsaicin. The species addressed here constitute interesting objects for future studies to various professionals in the field of natural products.
Differential Gene Expression Analysis of Placentas with Increased Vascular Resistance and Pre-Eclampsia Using Whole-Genome Microarrays
Authors: Centlow M. , Wingren C. , Borrebaeck C. , Brownstein M. J. , Hansson S. R.
Published: March 2011

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. There are several factors associated with an increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia, one of which is increased uterine artery resistance, referred to as “notching”. However, some women do not progress into pre-eclampsia whereas others may have a higher risk of doing so. The placenta, central in pre-eclampsia pathology, may express genes associated with either protection or progression into pre-eclampsia. In order to search for genes associated with protection or progression, whole-genome profiling was performed. Placental tissue from 15 controls, 10 pre-eclamptic, 5 pre-eclampsia with notching, and 5 with notching only were analyzed using microarray and antibody microarrays to study some of the same gene product and functionally related ones. The microarray showed 148 genes to be significantly altered between the four groups. In the preeclamptic group compared to notch only, there was increased expression of genes related to chemotaxis and the NF-kappa B pathway and decreased expression of genes related to antigen processing and presentation, such as human leukocyte antigen B. Our results indicate that progression of pre-eclampsia from notching may involve the development of inflammation. Increased expression of antigen-presenting genes, as seen in the notch-only placenta, may prevent this inflammatory response and, thereby, protect the patient from developing pre-eclampsia.
Asthma in Sickle Cell Disease: Implications for Treatment
Authors: Blake Kathryn , Lima John
Published: March 2011

Objective. To review issues related to asthma in sickle cell disease and management strategies.Data Source. A systematic review of pertinent original research publications, reviews, and editorials was undertaken using MEDLlNE, the Cochrane Library databases, and CINAHL from 1947 to November 2010. Search terms were [asthma] and [sickle cell disease]. Additional publications considered relevant to the sickle cell disease population of patients were identified; search terms included [sickle cell disease] combined with [acetaminophen], [pain medications], [vitamin D], [beta agonists], [exhaled nitric oxide], and [corticosteroids].Results. The reported prevalence of asthma in children with sickle cell disease varies from 2% to approximately 50%. Having asthma increases the risk for developing acute chest syndrome , death, or painful episodes compared to having sickle cell disease without asthma. Asthma and sickle cell may be linked by impaired nitric oxide regulation, excessive production of leukotrienes, insufficient levels of Vitamin D, and exposure to acetaminophen in early life. Treatment of sickle cell patients includes using commonly prescribed asthma medications; specific considerations are suggested to ensure safety in the sickle cell population.Conclusion. Prospective controlled trials of drug treatment for asthma in patients who have both sickle cell disease and asthma are urgently needed.
Use of the Predictive Sugars Biomarker to Evaluate Self-Reported Total Sugars Intake in the Observing Protein and Energy Nutrition (OPEN) Study
Authors: Tasevska Nataša , Midthune Douglas , Potischman Nancy , Subar Amy F. , Cross Amanda J. , Bingham Sheila A. , Schatzkin Arthur , Kipnis Victor
Published: March 2011

Background: A predictive biomarker for intake of total sugars was recently developed under controlled conditions. We used this biomarker to assess measurement error (ME) structure in self-reported intake of total sugars in free-living individuals.

Methods: The Observing Protein and Energy Nutrition (OPEN) study involved 484 participants aged 40 to 69 years. Diet was assessed using two administrations of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and two nonconsecutive 24-hour dietary recalls (24HDR). Two 24-hour urine samples checked for completeness were analyzed on sucrose and fructose. We applied the biomarker calibrated in a feeding study to OPEN data to assess the ME structure and the attenuation factors (AF) for intakes of absolute total sugars and sugars density for the FFQ and 24HDR.

Results: The AFs for absolute sugars were similar for a single FFQ and 24HDR, but attenuation decreased with repeated 24HDRs. For sugars density, the AFs for FFQ (men: 0.39; women: 0.33) were greater than for single 24HDR (men: 0.30; women: 0.24), and similar to two 24HDRs (men: 0.41; women: 0.35). The attenuation associated with both instruments was greater in women than in men.

Conclusions: Both the FFQ and 24HDR were found to be biased; hence, incorporation of the sugars biomarker in calibration studies within the cohorts may be necessary to more reliably estimate associations of sugars and disease.

Impact: In this article, we propose a new dietary reference instrument based on the recently defined class of predictive biomarkers. Using sugars biomarker, we quantify ME in the FFQ- and 24HDR-reported absolute total sugars and total sugars density. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(3); 490–500. ©2011 AACR.
Protein Microarray Analysis of Mammary Epithelial Cells from Obese and Nonobese Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer: Feasibility Data
Authors: Pilie Patrick G. , Ibarra-Drendall Catherine , Troch Michelle M. , Broadwater Gloria , Barry William T. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Wulfkuhle Julia D. , Liotta Lance A. , Lem Siya , Baker Joseph C. , Stouder April , Ford Anne C. , Wilke Lee G. , Zalles Carola M. , Mehta Priya , Williams Jamila , Shivraj Melanie , Su Zuowei , Geradts Joseph , Yu Dihua , Seewaldt Victoria L.
Published: March 2011

Background: Obesity is a well-established risk factor for cancer, accounting for up to 20% of cancer deaths in women. Studies of women with breast cancer have shown obesity to be associated with an increased risk of dying from breast cancer and increased risk of developing distant metastasis. While previous studies have focused on differences in circulating hormone levels as a cause for increased breast cancer incidence in postmenopausal women, few studies have focused on potential differences in the protein expression patterns of mammary epithelial cells obtained from obese versus nonobese women.

Methods: Protein expression was assessed by reverse-phase protein microarray in mammary epithelial cells from 31 random periareolar fine needle aspirations performed on 26 high-risk women.

Results: In this pilot and exploratory study, vimentin (unadjusted P = 0.028) expression was significantly different between obese and nonobese women.

Conclusions: Vimentin is integral both to adipocyte structure and function and to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition needed for cancer cell metastasis. Further research is needed to confirm this finding and determine the possible effects of the adipocyte microenvironment on the initiation and progression of breast cancer in high-risk women.

Impact: Differential protein expression patterns obtained from a future expanded study may serve to elaborate the underlying pathology of breast cancer initiation and progression in obese women and identify potential biomarkers of response to preventative interventions such as dietary changes and exercise. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(3); 476–82. ©2011 AACR.
Red Meat, Dietary Nitrosamines, and Heme Iron and Risk of Bladder Cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)
Authors: Jakszyn Paula , González Carlos A. , Luján-Barroso Leila , Ros Martine M. , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , Roswall Nina , Tjønneland Anne M. , Büchner Frederike L. , Egevad Lars , Overvad Kim , Raaschou-Nielsen Ole , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Touillaud Marina S. , Chang-Claude Jenny , Allen Naomi E. , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Key Timothy J. , Kaaks Rudolf , Boeing Heiner , Weikert Steffen , Trichopoulou Antonia , Oikonomou Eleni , Zylis Dimosthenis , Palli Domenico , Berrino Franco , Vineis Paolo , Tumino Rosario , Mattiello Amalia , Peeters Petra H.M. , Parr Christine L. , Gram Inger T. , Skeie Guri , Sánchez Maria-Jose , Larrañaga Nerea , Ardanaz Eva , Navarro Carmen , Rodríguez Laudina , Ulmert David , Ehrnström Roy , Hallmans Göran , Ljungberg Borje , Roddam Andrew Wilfred , Bingham Sheila A. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Slimani Nadia , Boffetta Paolo A. , Jenab Mazda , Mouw Traci , Michaud Dominique S. , Riboli Elio
Published: March 2011

Background: Previous epidemiologic studies found inconsistent results for the association between red meat intake, nitrosamines [NDMA: N-nitrosodimethylamine, and ENOC (endogenous nitroso compounds)], and the risk of bladder cancer. We investigated the association between red meat consumption, dietary nitrosamines, and heme iron and the risk of bladder cancer among participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).

Methods: Data on food consumption and complete follow-up for cancer occurrence were available for a total of 481,419 participants, recruited in 10 European countries. Estimates of HRs were obtained by proportional hazard models, stratified by age at recruitment, gender, and study center and adjusted for total energy intake, smoking status, lifetime intensity of smoking, duration of smoking, educational level, and BMI.

Results: After a mean follow-up of 8.7 years, 1,001 participants were diagnosed with bladder cancer. We found no overall association between intake of red meat (log2 HR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.99–1.13), nitrosamines (log2 HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.92–1.30 and HR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.92–1.05 for ENOC and NDMA, respectively) or heme iron

(log2 HR: 1.05; 95 CI: 0.99–1.12) and bladder cancer risk. The associations did not vary by sex, high- versus low-risk bladder cancers, smoking status, or occupation (high vs. low risk).

Conclusions: Our findings do not support an effect of red meat intake, nitrosamines (endogenous or exogenous), or heme iron intake on bladder cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(3); 555–9. ©2011 AACR.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Depression: Phenomenological and Psychotherapeutic Aspects: A Report of Five Cases
Authors: Schmoll Dirk
Published: March 2011

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a hard-to-treat disorder that often coincides with depression and suicidal tendency. We investigate the correlations between depression and BDD in an idiographic study of 5 patients receiving treatment in the psychiatric ward of a general hospital in 2008. Among these patients we found common triggering factors – mainly separation – that were associated with humiliation, childhood stresses, worries in regard to attractiveness and masculinity, and personality structures showing dependent-avoidant, self-insecure and sensitive traits, as described by Kretschmer. It transpired that their BDD had developed out of a self-aggravating cycle of shame, controlling actions, alienation and self-disempowerment. After a certain period their self-disempowerment then gradually transforms into a depressive cycle of despair, increased withdrawal, inward-directed anger and self-depreciation. These correlations indicate that the depressive symptomatology among these patients can be better classified as adjustment disorder in regard to their BDD than as independent major depression. Finally, we present dance/movement therapy as a promising additional psychotherapeutic approach that can complement the recognized therapy forms (serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and cognitive behavioral therapy).
Soluble Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 in Human Breast Milk
Authors: Ozgurtas Taner , Aydin Ibrahim , Turan Ozden , Koc Esin , Hirfanoglu Ibrahim M. , Acikel Cengiz H. , Akyol Mesut , Serdar Muhittin , Erbil Kemal M.
Published: March 2011

Background/Aims: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent proangiogenic protein that activates VEGF receptor (VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2) tyrosine kinases expressed by vascular endothelial cells. A soluble truncated form of VEGFR-1 (sVEGFR-1) binds to VEGF as strongly as full-length VEGFR-1 and inhibits VEGF activity. sVEGFR-1 can be detected in mouse and human plasma but in human milk sVEGFR-1 has not been described previously. Methods: We measured sVEGFR-1 and VEGF in human milk and examined how the concentration varied with gestational age and the duration of lactation after birth. Human milk samples were collected from 29 mothers of preterm (<37 weeks) and from 29 mothers of term (>38 weeks) infants at days 3, 7 and 28 postpartum. Results: The sVEGFR-1 and VEGF concentrations were greater in the human milk of mothers of preterm compared to term neonates (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the concentrations of sVEGFR-1 and VEGF were decreasing during postpartum days 3, 7 and 28. The concentration of sVEGFR-1 showed a positive correlation with the concentration of VEGF in human milk (r = 0.479 and p < 0.001). Conclusion: sVEGFR-1 is present in human milk and has a role in angiogenesis.
Comparative Prognostic Role of Nighttime Blood Pressure and Nondipping Profile on Renal Outcomes
Authors: Tsioufis Costas , Andrikou Ioannis , Thomopoulos Costas , Petras Dimitris , Manolis Athanasios , Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: March 2011

Different studies have addressed the predictive role of nighttime hemodynamics on cardiovascular and renal outcomes, although nocturnal blood pressure (BP) phenotypes (i.e. nondipping pattern and absolute nocturnal BP) have been found to be predictive of worse health outcomes. Furthermore, differences in both examined populations – ranging from healthy and younger subjects to those with overt cardiovascular disease – and study design (i.e. cross-sectional or longitudinal) make the interpretation of the suggested correlations difficult. Focusing on the kidney, we reviewed the literature addressing the impact of nocturnal BP phenotypes on renal outcomes in different populations by further dividing our search by study design. The evidence so far qualifies absolute nocturnal BP as a better predictor or determinant of kidney dysfunction as compared with the nondipping status. The magnitude of nocturnal hemodynamic load imposed at the glomerular level might be of higher prognostic value as compared with the integration of the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with impaired nocturnal BP variability. These findings underline the importance of nocturnal BP phenotypes, retrieved by ambulatory BP measurements, on age-dependent progressive kidney function decline and question whether, to what extent and in whom the reduced nocturnal BP or reverse nondipping BP profile to a normal pattern will be of benefit.
Expression of the vitamin K-dependent proteins GAS6 and protein S and the TAM receptor tyrosine kinases in human atherosclerotic carotid plaques
Authors: Hurtado Begoña , Muñoz Xavier , Recarte-Pelz Pedro , Garcia Nadia , Luque Anna , Krupinski Jerzy , Sala Núria , Frutos Pablo García de
Published: March 2011

The GAS6/ProS-TAM system is composed of two vitamin K-dependent ligands (GAS6 and protein S) and their three protein tyrosine kinase receptors TYRO3, AXL and MERTK, known as the TAM receptors. The system plays a prominent role in conditions of injury, inflammation and repair. In murine models of atherosclerotic plaque formation, mutations in its components affect atherosclerosis severity. Here we used Taqman low-density arrays and immunoblotting to study mRNA and protein expression of GAS6, ProS and the TAM receptors in human carotid arteries with different degrees of atherosclerosis. The results show a clear down-regulation of the expression of AXL in atheroma plaques with respect to normal carotids that is matched by decreased abundance of AXL in protein extracts detected by immunoblotting. A similar decrease was observed in PROS1 mRNA expression in atherosclerotic carotids compared to the normal ones, but in this case protein S (ProS) was clearly increased in protein extracts of carotid arteries with increasing grade of atherosclerosis, suggesting that ProS is carried into the plaque. MERTK was also increased in atherosclerotic carotid arteries with respect to the normal ones, suggesting that the ProS-MERTK axis is functional in advanced human atherosclerotic plaques. MERTK was expressed in macrophages, frequently in association with ProS, while ProS was abundant also in the necrotic core. Our data suggest that the ProS-MERTK ligand-receptor pair was active in advanced stages of atherosclerosis, while AXL signalling is probably down-regulated.
Even If It's Not True It's True: Using Unreliable Hadīths in Sunni Islam
Authors: Brown Jonathan
Published: March 2011

Sunni Islam is at heart a cult of authenticity, with the science of Hadīth criticism functioning as a centerpiece designed to distinguish authentic attributions to the Prophet from forgeries. It is thus surprising that even after Hadīth scholars had sifted sound Hadīths from weak, mainstream Sunni Islam allowed the use of unreliable Hadīths as evidence in subjects considered outside of the core areas of law. This majority stance, however, did not displace minority schools of thought that saw the use of unreliable Hadīths as both a danger to social morality and contrary to the stated values of Islamic thought. This more stringent position has burgeoned in the early modern and modern periods, when eliminating the use of weak Hadīths has become a common call of both Salafi revivalists and Islamic modernists. This article explores and traces the history of the various Sunni schools of thought on the use of weak and forged Hadīths from the third/ninth century to the present day.
The Group Identity of the Human Beneficiaries in the Sabbatical Year (Lev 25:6).
Authors: Kim Sun-Jong
Published: March 2011

According to the sabbatical year law in Leviticus, the land of Israel must lie fallow during one year after six years of cultivation (Lev 25:2-5). During this sabbatical year, people may eat without cultivating the land (Lev 25:6). When we consider the human beneficiaries of this law, it is noted that not only the Israelites but also non-Israelites are included. In this respect an important question arises: do the beneficiaries constitute a particular social institution, or are they social categories chosen ad hoc by the author? In this contribution, we will make a proposal as to the group identity of the human beneficiaries in the sabbatical year law in Lev 25:6.
Short Note Who lodged at Geba (Isaiah 10:29)?
Authors: Muraoka Takamitsu
Published: March 2011

In agreement with 1QIsaa it is proposed to emend MT at Isa 10.29 to ‘to them.’
Reading Psalm 117 against an Exilic Context
Authors: Snyman Fanie
Published: March 2011

Psalm 117 is a well-known and at the same time an unknown psalm. It is a well-known psalm because it is known as the shortest psalm in the Psalter. Psalm 117 is also an unknown psalm. There is little reflection on this mini-psalm. This contribution offers an exegesis of Psalm 117 paying attention to the extent, text critical matters, structural features, literary genre, setting in life and tradition material referred to. The article argues for an exilic reading of the psalm over and above the usual post-exilic dating of the psalm.
Security, Knowledge and Well-being
Authors: John Stephen
Published: March 2011

This paper investigates whether being “physically insecure” (being at risk of not continuing to meet one's physical needs in the future) should be thought of as a constituent of current wellbeing. In §1, it is argued that we cannot understand the value of security in terms of “freedom from fear”. In §2, it is argued that the reliablist approach to epistemology can help us to construct an account of why physical security is valuable, by relating security to the conditions of agency for practically and epistemically limited animals. In §3, this argument is compared with other attempts to understand the value of physical security. In §4, the relationship between security and threats of rights violation is clarified. In §5, the epistemic analogy of §2 is used to suggest a difference between the concepts of “security” and “capability”.
Free Trade, Poverty, and Inequality
Authors: Hassoun Nicole
Published: March 2011

Anyone familiar with The Economist knows the mantra: Free trade will ameliorate poverty by increasing growth and reducing inequality. This paper suggests that problems underlying measurement of poverty, inequality, and free trade provide reason to worry about this argument. Furthermore, the paper suggests that better evidence is necessary to establish that free trade is causing inequality and poverty to fall. Experimental studies usually provide the best evidence of causation. So, the paper concludes with a call for further research into the prospects for ethically acceptable experimental testing of free trade's impact on poverty and inequality. Although the paper is unabashedly methodological, its conclusions bear on many ethical debates. Ethicists sometimes argue, for instance, that there is reason to encourage free trade because they believe free trade is decreasing poverty and inequality. Clarifying the empirical facts may not settle ethical debates but it may inform them.
Pauropodidae (Myriapoda, Pauropoda) from the Canary Islands
Authors: Scheller Ulf
Published: March 2011

The first two collections of Pauropoda from the Canary Islands have been examined. Locality and habitat records are given for 176 specimens representing 4 genera and 14 species, all from the family Pauropodidae. Most species are widely distributed and common to Europe and North Africa. No endemic species has been discovered. A lectotype has been designated for Allopauropus (Decapauropus) rhopalophorus Remy and the division of Stylopauropus pedunculatus (Lubbock) into subspecies is discussed.
New and little-known Indian Asilidae (Diptera) IV Key to Indian Heligmoneura Bigot with descriptions of ten new species
Authors: Joseph  , Parui
Published: March 2011

Heligmoneura ricardoi n.sp., H. cheriani n.sp., H. kumaunensis n.sp., H. dravidica n.sp., H. frommeri n.sp., H. anamalaiensis n.sp., H. shimogensis n.sp., H. andamanensis n.sp., H. lavignei n.sp., and H. poonmudiensis n.sp. are described in this paper. A key to the Indian species of Heligmoneura Bigot is also given.
The Monsoon Rainband over China and Relationships with the Eurasian Circulation
Authors: Samel Arthur N. , Wang Wei-Chyung , Liang Xin-Zhong
Published: March 2011

Yearly variations in the observed initial and final dates of heavy, persistent monsoon rainband precipitation across China are quantified. The development of a semiobjective analysis that identifies these values also makes it possible to calculate annual rainband duration and total rainfall. Relationships between total rainband precipitation and the Eurasian circulation are then determined. This research is designed such that observed rainband characteristics can be used in future investigations to evaluate GCM simulations.

Normalized daily precipitation time series are analyzed between 1951 and 1990 for 85 observation stations to develop criteria that describe general rainband characteristics throughout China. Rainfall is defined to be “heavy” if the daily value at a given location is greater than 1.5% of the annual mean total. Heavy precipitation is then shown to be “persistent” and is thus identified with the rainband when the 1.5% threshold is exceeded at least 6 times in a 25-day period. Finally, rainband initial (final) dates are defined to immediately follow (precede) a minimum period of 5 consecutive days with no measurable precipitation. A semiobjective analysis based on the above definitions and rainband climatology is then applied to the time series to determine annual initial and final dates.

Analysis application produces results that closely correspond to the systematic pattern observed across China, where the rainband arrives in the south during May, advances to the Yangtze River valley in June, and then to the north in July. Rainband duration (i.e., final − initial + 1) is approximately 30–40 days while total rainfall decreases from south to north. A significant positive correlation is found between total rainfall and duration interannual variability, where increased rainband precipitation corresponds to initial (final) dates that are anomalously early (late). No clear trends are identified except over north China, where both duration and total rainfall decrease substantially after 1967.

The Eurasian sea level pressure and 500-hPa height fields are then correlated with total rainfall over south China, the Yangtze River valley, and north China to identify statistically significant relationships. Results indicate that precipitation amount is influenced by the interaction of several circulation features. Total rainfall increases over south China when the surface Siberian high ridges to the south and is overrun by warm moist air aloft. Yangtze River valley precipitation intensifies when westward expansion of the subtropical high along with strengthening of the Siberian high and monsoon low cause moisture advection, upward motion, and the thermal gradient along the Mei-Yu front to increase. North China total rainfall increases in response to intense heating over the landmass, westward ridging of the subtropical high, and greater moisture transport over the region.
Interactions among Cloud, Water Vapor, Radiation, and Large-Scale Circulation in the Tropical Climate. Part I: Sensitivity to Uniform Sea Surface Temperature Changes
Authors: Larson Kristin , Hartmann Dennis L.
Published: March 2011

The responses of tropical clouds and water vapor to SST variations are investigated with simple numerical experiments. The fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU–NCAR) Mesoscale Model is used with doubly periodic boundary conditions and a uniform constant sea surface temperature (SST). The SST is varied and the equilibrium statistics of cloud properties, water vapor, and circulation at different temperatures are compared.

The top of the atmosphere (TOA) radiative fluxes have the same sensitivities to SST as in observations averaged from 20°N to 20°S over the Pacific, suggesting that the model sensitivities are realistic. As the SST increases, the temperature profile approximately follows a moist-adiabatic lapse rate. The rain rate and cloud ice amounts increase with SST. The average relative humidity profile stays approximately constant, but the upper-tropospheric relative humidity increases slightly with SST.

The clear-sky mean temperature and water vapor feedbacks have similar magnitudes to each other and opposite signs. The net clear-sky feedback is thus about equal to the lapse rate feedback, which is about −2 W m−2 K−1. The clear-sky outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) thus increases with SST, but the high cloud-top temperature is almost constant with SST, and the high cloud amount increases with SST. The result of these three effects is an increase of cloud longwave forcing with SST and a mean OLR that is almost independent of SST. The high cloud albedo remains almost constant with increasing SST, but the increase in high cloud area causes a negative shortwave cloud radiative forcing feedback, which partly cancels the longwave cloud feedback. The net radiation decreases slightly with SST, giving a small net negative feedback, implying a stable, but very sensitive climate.
The Response of the Antarctic Oscillation to Increasing and Stabilized Atmospheric CO2
Authors: Cai Wenju , Whetton Peter H. , Karoly David J.
Published: March 2011

Recent results from greenhouse warming experiments, most of which follow the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) IS92a scenario, have shown that under increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration, the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) exhibits a positive trend. However, its response during the subsequent CO2 stabilization period has not been explored. In this study, it is shown that the upward trend of the AAO reverses during such a stabilization period. This evolution of an upward trend and a subsequent reversal is present in each ensemble of three greenhouse simulations using three versions of the CSIRO Mark 2 coupled climate model. The evolution is shown to be linked with that of surface temperature, which also displays a corresponding trend and reversal, incorporating the well-known feature of interhemispheric warming asymmetry with smaller warming in the Southern Hemisphere (smaller as latitude increases) than that in the Northern Hemisphere during the transient period, and vice versa during the stabilization period. These results indicate that once CO2 concentration stabilizes, reversal of the AAO trend established during the transient period is likely to be a robust feature, as it is underpinned by the likelihood that latitudinal warming differences will reduce or disappear. The implication is that climatic impacts associated with the AAO trend during the transient period may be reversible if CO2 stabilization is achieved.
Evaluation of Greenland Ice Sheet Surface Climate in the HIRHAM Regional Climate Model Using Automatic Weather Station Data
Authors: Box Jason E. , Rinke Annette
Published: March 2011

The 1998 annual cycle and 1991–98 summer simulations of Greenland ice sheet surface climate are made with the 0.5°-horizontal resolution HIRHAM regional climate model of the Arctic. The model output is compared with meteorological and energy balance observations from 15 Greenland Climate Network automatic weather stations. The model reproduces the monthly average surface climate parameters, to a large extent within model and observational uncertainty. However, certain systematic model biases were identified, caused in particular by inaccurate GTOPO30 elevation data over Greenland, 180 m lower on average, with errors as large as −840 m over 50-km grid cells. The resulting warm biases enhance a negative albedo bias, which in turn leads to positive net shortwave radiation biases. Surface sensible and latent heat fluxes are overestimated, apparently due to model warm bias and 100% greater than observed wind speeds. Interannual variability in temperature and albedo are smaller in the model than in the observations, while the opposite is evident for incoming shortwave radiation and wind speed. Annual maps and total mass fluxes of precipitation and evaporation are compared with results from other studies. Based on the results of a multiparameter comparison, solid recommendations for improved regional models of ice sheet climate are made.
The Nature and Causes for the Delayed Atmospheric Response to El Niño
Authors: Kumar Arun , Hoerling Martin P.
Published: March 2011

Remarkable among the atmospheric phenomena associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the lag in the zonal mean tropical thermal anomalies relative to equatorial east Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs). For the period 1950–99, the maximum correlation between observed zonal mean tropical 200-mb heights and a Niño-3.4 (5°N–5°S, 120°–170°W) SST index occurs when the atmosphere lags by 1–3 months, consistent with numerous previous studies. Results from atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) simulations forced by the monthly SST variations of the last half-century confirm and establish the robustness of this observed lag.

An additional feature of the delay in atmospheric response that involves an apparent memory or lingering of the tropical thermal anomalies several seasons beyond the Niño-3.4 SST index peak is documented in this study. It is characterized by a strong asymmetry in the strength of the zonal mean tropical 200-mb height response relative to that peak, being threefold stronger in the summer following the peak compared to the preceding summer. This occurs despite weaker Niño-3.4 SST forcing in the following summer compared to the preceding summer.

The 1–3-month lag in maximum correlation is reconciled by the fact that the rainfall evolution in the tropical Pacific associated with the ENSO SST anomalies itself lags one season, with the latter acting as the immediate forcing for the 200-mb heights. This aspect of the lagged behavior in the tropical atmospheric response occurs independent of any changes in SSTs outside of the tropical east Pacific core region of SST variability related to ENSO. The lingering of the tropical atmospheric thermal signal cannot, however, be reconciled with the ENSO-related SST variability in the tropical eastern Pacific. This part of the tropical atmospheric response is instead intimately tied to the tropical ocean's lagged response to the equatorial east Pacific SST variability, including a warming of the tropical Indian and Atlantic SSTs that peak several seasons after the Niño-3.4 warming peak.
Sea Level Pressure Minimum along the Kuroshio and Its Extension*
Authors: Tanimoto Youichi , Kanenari Tomohisa , Tokinaga Hiroki , Xie Shang-Ping
Published: March 2011

Atmospheric effects of sea surface temperature (SST) fronts along the Kuroshio and Kuroshio Extension (K-KE) are investigated by examining spatial characteristics of the climatological sea level pressure (SLP), surface winds and surface heat flux (Q) fields based on an in situ observation dataset. A hydrostatic effect of the SST front is observed during the northwesterly monsoon characterized by a westward-extending low-SLP wedge (trough) slightly south of the peak in Q along the K-KE. Ageostrophic surface westerlies crossing SLP isobars toward a trough center are found north of the low-SLP wedge apparently because of the eastward acceleration by the vertical mixing effect. This feature of the ageostrophic winds is less pronounced south of it, a north–south asymmetry arising as vertical mixing accelerates (decelerates) eastward ageostrophic winds north (south) of it. While the SLP trough near the SST front is found nearly year-round except for summer, its meridional location seasonally migrates probably due to the change in the mean surface flow.

Regional atmospheric model experiments are conducted to examine the effect of the SST front on the overlying atmosphere. The observed features in winter are adequately simulated when high-resolution SST is prescribed as the boundary condition. The strong Q along the K-KE and resultant SLP trough and ageostrophic surface winds are absent when the SST boundary condition is smoothed in space to weaken the SST front. These results illustrate that the cross-frontal change in Q is of great importance to leave the SST imprint on the overlying atmosphere via hydrostatic and vertical mixing adjustments.
Evidence-Based Diagnosis and Treatment for Specific Learning Disabilities Involving Impairments in Written and/or Oral Language
Authors: Berninger Virginia W. , O'Malley May Maggie
Published: March 2011

Programmatic, multidisciplinary research provided converging brain, genetic, and developmental support for evidence-based diagnoses of three specific learning disabilities based on hallmark phenotypes (behavioral expression of underlying genotypes) with treatment relevance: dysgraphia (impaired legible automatic letter writing, orthographic coding, and finger sequencing), dyslexia (impaired pseudoword reading, spelling, phonological and orthographic coding, rapid automatic naming, and executive functions; inhibition and rapid automatic switching), and oral and written language learning disability (same impairments as dyslexia plus morphological and syntactic coding and comprehension). Two case studies illustrate how these differential diagnoses can be made within a conceptual framework of a working memory architecture and generate treatment plans that transformed treatment nonresponders into treatment responders. Findings are discussed in reference to the importance of (a) considering individual differences (diagnosis of impaired hallmark phenotypes) in planning and evaluating response to instruction and modifying instruction when a student is not responding; (b) recognizing that teaching may change epigenetic gene expression at one stage of schooling, but not the underlying gene sequences that render individuals still vulnerable as curriculum requirements increase in nature, complexity, and volume in the upper grades; and (c) using evidence-based diagnoses of specific learning disabilities that are consistent across states for free and appropriate education K to 12 and for accommodations throughout higher education and professional credentialing.
The number of persons with alcohol problems in the Danish population
Authors: Gottlieb Hansen Anders B. , Hvidtfeldt Ulla Arthur , Grønbæk Morten , Becker Ulrik , Søgaard Nielsen Annette , Schurmann Tolstrup Janne
Published: March 2011

Aims: A) To qualify the existing estimates of the prevalence of heavy drinking, harmful alcohol use and alcohol dependency by applying adjustment for non-participation. B) To describe socio-demographic correlates of heavy drinkers. Methods: Data came from the Danish Health Interview Survey 2005, which included a personal interview of 14,566 individuals (response rate 66.7 %), and of 5,552 individuals who completed a self-administered questionnaire containing the Alcohol Use Disorder Test (AUDIT) (response rate 50.9%). Heavy drinkers were defined as consuming >14/21 drinks/week (women/men). Identification of harmful alcohol users and dependent drinkers was based on the score of specific AUDIT questions (harmful alcohol use a score of ≥4 in questions 7—10, dependent drinkers ≥4 in questions 4—6). Adjustment for non-participation was performed using data from the Danish National Patient Registry. Results: In the Danish population, 20% were heavy drinkers (862,876 persons 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 672,002—1,195,069), 14% had harmful alcohol use (620,301 persons 95% CI: 439,221—944,992), 3% were dependent drinkers (147,528 persons 95% CI: 118,196—188,384). Being male was associated with heavy drinking (odds ratio (OR): 1.70; 95% CI: 1.53—1.89), as was being a single male (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.01—1.61) and being a smoker (men: OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.67—2.30 / women: OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.72—2.52). Conclusions: The number of heavy drinkers in the Danish population and the number of people with harmful alcohol use is considerably higher than earlier prevalence estimates. The number of dependent drinkers is similar to earlier estimates.
Live long and prosper? Childhood living conditions, marital status, social class in adulthood and mortality during mid-life: A cohort study
Authors: Fors Stefan , Lennartsson Carin , Lundberg Olle
Published: March 2011

Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of childhood living conditions, marital status, and social class in adulthood on the risk of mortality during mid-life. Two questions were addressed: Is there an effect of childhood living conditions on mortality risk during mid-life and if so, is the effect mediated or modified by social class and/or marital status in adulthood? Methods: A nationally representative, Swedish, level of living survey from 1968 was used as baseline. The study included those aged 25—69 at baseline (n = 4082). Social conditions in childhood and adulthood were assessed using self-reports. These individuals were then followed for 39 years using registry data on mortality. Results: The results showed associations between childhood living conditions, marital status, social class in adulthood and mortality during mid life. Social class and familial conditions during childhood as well as marital status and social class in adulthood all contributed to the risk of mortality during mid-life. Individuals whose father’s were manual workers, who grew up in broken homes, who were unmarried, and/or were manual workers in adulthood had an increased risk of mortality during mid life. The effects of childhood conditions were, in part, both mediated and modified by social class in adulthood. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that there are structural, social conditions experienced at different stages of the life course that affect the risk of mortality during mid-life.
Health information for migrants: The role of educational level in prevention of overweight
Authors: Lecerof Susanne Sundell , Westerling Ragnar , Moghaddassi Mahnaz , Östergren Per-Olof
Published: March 2011

Aims: Modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease include overweight, which is prevented by healthy diet and physical activity. Recently settled migrants may have varying levels of exposure to health information. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to explore the associations between self-reported information on healthy diet and on physical activity and overweight and the possible modification of this association by educational level among recently settled Iraqi migrants in Sweden. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected through a postal questionnaire in Arabic and analysed by means of logistic regression. Dummy variables were created in order to assess the possible modification by educational level on the association between health information and overweight. Results: After adjustments for potential confounders, associations were found between overweight and not having received information on healthy diet (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.07—2.27) and physical exercise (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.07—2.32). Educational level modified these associations, so that the impact on overweight by information was much more evident among those with a high level of education. Conclusions: The findings showed that overweight was associated to perceived lack of health information among recently settled Iraqi migrants. It may be easier for migrants with high education to seek, receive, and understand health-related information. Migrants with low education may be more traditional in, for example, their diet and therefore less likely to be overweight. Culturally adapted information may therefore not be relevant for them. The broader context of the social determinants of health needs to be considered when planning interventions for migrants.