bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Downscaling and Projection of Winter Extreme Daily Precipitation over North America
Authors: Wang Jiafeng , Zhang Xuebin 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Large-scale atmospheric variables have been statistically downscaled to derive winter (December–March) maximum daily precipitation at stations over North America using the generalized extreme value distribution (GEV). Here, the leading principal components of the sea level pressure field and local specific humidity are covariates of the distribution parameters. The GEV parameters are estimated using data from 1949 to 1999 and the r-largest method. This statistical downscaling procedure is found to yield skill over the southern and northern West Coast, central United States, and areas of western and eastern Canada when tested with independent data.
The projected changes in covariates or predictors are obtained from transient climate change simulations conducted with the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis (CCCma) Coupled General Circulation Model, version 3.1 (CGCM3.1) forced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) A2 forcing scenario. They are then used to derive the GEV distribution parameters for the period 2050–99. The projected frequency of the current 20-yr return maximum daily precipitation for that period suggests that extreme precipitation risk will increase heavily over the south and central United States but decrease over the Canadian prairies. The difference between the statistical downscaling results and those estimated using GCM simulation is also discussed.
Improved Physical Processes in a Regional Climate Model and Their Impact on the Simulated Summer Monsoon Circulations over East Asia
Authors: Yhang Yoo-Bin , Hong Song-You 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis paper documents the sensitivity of the modeled evolution of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) to physical parameterization using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Regional Spectral Model (RSM). To this end, perfect boundary condition experiments driven by analysis data are designed for August 2003 to investigate the individual role of the surface processes, boundary layer, and convection parameterization on the simulated monsoon. Also, 10-yr June–August (JJA) simulations from 1996 to 2005 are performed to evaluate the overall impacts of these revisions on the simulated EASM climatology.The one-month simulation for August 2003 reveals that the experiment with a realistic distribution of land use conditions and vegetation and smaller thermal roughness length simulates higher temperature and geopotential height. On the other hand, in the experiment with an improved boundary layer scheme, the rainfall amount is slightly decreased due to reduced vertical mixing. The simulation with revised subgrid-scale processes in the cumulus parameterization scheme reproduces a rainband over the subtropics, which is weakly simulated by the default package. The overall large-scale distribution from the experiment, which includes all three revised physics processes, shows the same direction as that of the revised convection run in the middle and upper troposphere, but is improved further when other newly enhanced processes are combined. These improvements are also achieved in a 10-yr summer simulation. It is distinct that the revised physics package improves the large-scale patterns by strengthening the intensity of the North Pacific high and reducing the intensity of the lower-level jet, which are critical components in the EASM. The general patterns of the interannual and intraseasonal variation of precipitation are also improved, in particular, over land.
Multidecadal Climate Variability in Observed and Modeled Surface Temperatures*
Authors: Kravtsov Sergey , Spannagle Christopher 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis study identifies interdecadal natural climate variability in global surface temperatures by subtracting, from the observed temperature evolution, multimodel ensemble mean based on the World Climate Research Programme's (WCRP) Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 3 (CMIP3) multimodel dataset. The resulting signal resembles the so-called Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and is presumably associated with intrinsic dynamics of the oceanic thermohaline circulation (THC). While certain phases of the oscillation are dominated by the anomalies in the North Atlantic region, other phases are characterized by global teleconnections to the North Pacific Ocean, tropical Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Southern Ocean. In particular, natural variability of sea surface temperature in the Atlantic hurricanes’ main development region has a peak-to-peak amplitude comparable in magnitude to this region’s surface temperature increase over the past century, for all seasons. Evidence suggests that the AMO influence on secular trends in the global-mean surface temperature can arise via direct, regional contribution to the surface temperature evolution, as well as via an indirect route linked to variability of the oceanic uptake of CO2 associated with AMO-related THC changes.
Mental Hygiene Reaches the People
Authors: Calver Grace 
Published: March 2008

In I94I the Central Council for Health Education offered a prize for the best programme or programmes of future work submitted by any of its Affiliated Societies. The conditions of the grant were that all schemes sub mitted should be related to present-day conditions, outside the ordinary work of the Society, though in the same sphere of activity, and a piece of pioneer work in Health Education. The competition was won by the National Association for Mental Health, the Child Guidance Council and the National Council for Mental Hygiene who submitted a joint programme for Rural Mental Health Education. These Societies drew up a syllabus of four talks upon "Understanding Our selves and Our Children" and with the co-operation of the Medical Officers of Health these lectures were offered to Women's Institutes, Maternity and Child Welfare Centres and other groups in different parts of the country. Dr. Grace Calver describes her experiences when lecturing under this scheme.
Heritability and Shared Genetic Effects of Asthma and Hay Fever: An Italian Study of Young Twins
Authors: Fagnani Corrado , Annesi-Maesano Isabella , Brescianini Sonia , D'Ippolito Cristina , Medda Emanuela , Nisticò Lorenza , Patriarca Valeria , Rotondi Daniela , Toccaceli Virgilia , Stazi Maria Antonietta 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA number of studies have provided evidence of a significant familial aggregation for both asthma and hay fever, and have reported a substantial comorbidity between the two conditions. However, far fewer, especially in Italy, have aimed at clarifying the origins of such comorbidity. The main aims of the present study were (a) to estimate heritability of asthma and hay fever, (b) to measure the association between asthma and hay fever at the individual level, and (c) to assess the extent to which genetic and environmental factors, shared by the two conditions, mediate this association. The twin method was used. The study sample was derived from the Italian Twin Registry, and included 392 twin pairs aged 8 to 17 years. Data collection was performed through parent self-administered questionnaire. Bivariate structural equation twin modeling was applied to asthma and hay fever. Genetic factors accounted for 92% and 78% of the variance in liability to asthma and hay fever, respectively, with the remaining contributions due to unique environmental influences. The within-individual association between asthma and hay fever was substantial. The genetic correlation between the two conditions was .58, whereas no evidence of overlapping unique environmental effects was found. In conclusion, this study showed a high heritability of asthma and hay fever in the Italian child and adolescent population. It also indicated that asthma and hay fever share, to a large extent, a common genetic background, and environmental factors are not relevant to explain the comorbidity.
Sex Ratios in Twin Families: Commentary on Fellman and Eriksson
Authors: James William H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractFellman and Eriksson (2008) wondered whether there is variation in the probability that a human birth will be male. Accordingly, they examined the sexes of sibs of index MM, MF, and FF twin pairs. For this purpose they used 19th century German data published by Geissler and Lommatsch. In these data, the sex ratio (proportion male at birth) of sibs of MM pairs was significantly high; while that of MF pairs was normal and that of FF pairs was significantly low (as contrasted with contemporaneous live birth sex ratios). Accordingly Fellman and Eriksson concluded that there is, indeed, variation across couples in the probability of producing a son. Here it will be noted that though there are external grounds supporting this conclusion, there is nevertheless some reason to suspect a form of systematic error in the data cited by these authors. (In Geissler's data, there is very substantial unexplained variation of sex ratio of the sibs preceding index twins by the sex and birth order of the twins). Both these points will be addressed here. In addition, evidence is adduced that (1) the sex ratio of MZ twins is low, and (2) the sex ratios of DZ twins and of their sibs are high. Lastly, appeals are made for (a) data that would test the reliability of the data of Geissler and Lommatsch on the point questioned above, and (b) data on the sex ratios of offspring of twins by the sex and zygosity of the twin parents.
Ghrelin levels are suppressed and show a blunted response to oral glucose in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Authors: Barber Thomas M , Casanueva Felipe F , Karpe Fredrik , Lage Mary , Franks Stephen , McCarthy Mark I , Wass John A H 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveAbnormal ghrelin regulation may influence the development of obesity-associated conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Our aim was to compare ghrelin regulation between PCOS cases and controls.DesignWe compared serum ghrelin (total) levels, fasting and 30-min post-oral (75 g) glucose load, between 50 PCOS cases and 28 female controls, including 22 body mass index (BMI)/fat mass-matched pairs. All subjects were of UK British/Irish origin.MethodsMeasurements included serum ghrelin (RIA technique (LINCO Research, St Charles MO, USA)), fat mass, serum testosterone, fasting serum insulin and plasma glucose levels. Insulin sensitivity was calculated as the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2 IR).ResultsFasting serum ghrelin levels were significantly lower in PCOS cases versus BMI/fat mass-matched controls (geometric mean (s.d. range), 1104 pg/ml (764–1595) vs 1756 pg/ml (1314–2347) respectively;P=2.3×10−4). Ghrelin suppression following oral glucose load was significantly blunted in PCOS cases versus BMI/fat mass-matched controls (geometric mean ghrelin suppression (s.d. range), 160 pg/ml (88–289) vs 424 pg/ml (220–818) respectively;P=2.0×10−4). Whole-group comparisons (50 PCOS cases versus 28 controls) adjusted for fat mass and age revealed similar results. In PCOS cases, there was a significant negative correlation between fasting serum ghrelin and HOMA2 IR (r2=−0.40,P=5.7×10−3). Following adjustment for HOMA2 IR, fat mass and age, comparisons between the whole groups of PCOS cases and controls revealed attenuated but significant differences in fasting serum ghrelin (P=1.3×10−3) and ghrelin suppression (P=1.8×10−3).ConclusionsIn women with PCOS, serum ghrelin levels are suppressed, showing a negative relationship with HOMA2 IR and a blunted response to oral glucose.
Retinol-binding protein 4 is associated with insulin resistance, but appears unsuited for metabolic screening in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Authors: Möhlig Matthias , Weickert Martin O , Ghadamgahi Elham , Arafat Ayman M , Spranger Joachim , Pfeiffer Andreas F H , Schöfl Christof 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveAdiposity, insulin resistance (IR), and hyperandrogenism are features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) secreted from adipose and liver tissues has been linked to IR. The impact of RBP4 on IR in PCOS and its usability to identify women with metabolic syndrome (MS) or impaired glucose tolerance ((IGT) or diabetes) were investigated.DesignPlasma RBP4 was determined in 115 consecutive PCOS women. Associations with IR, body composition, and hyperandrogenemia were investigated by correlation and multiple linear regression analyses in 110 non-diabetics. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate RBP4 as a parameter for identifying MS and IGT or diabetes.ResultsRBP4 increased over tertiles of IR (P=0.009). RBP4 correlated with HOMA %S (R=−0.286,P= 0.002), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (R=0.233,P=0.034), and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)-lean body mass (R=0.282,P=0.016) but not with body mass index (BMI), DEXA-total or -trunk fat mass, hsCRP, free testosterone, DHEAS, androstenedione, and 17β-estradiol. Adjusted for age, BMI, smoking, and IGT, the association between RBP4 and HOMA %S remained significant (P=0.032). RBP4 explained 4.6% of the variation in HOMA %S. RBP4 was higher in MS and IGT or diabetes, but its ability to identify these women was low (area under the curve, AUC=0.631,P=0.041 or AUC=0.660,P=0.016).ConclusionsIn PCOS, RBP4 has a small independent impact on IR. It is not correlated with hyperandrogenemia, 17β-estradiol, other adrenal steroids, or with markers of adiposity in general. Furthermore, RBP4 does not appear suitable for screening MS or impaired glucose metabolism (IGT or diabetes).
The risk of fetal loss following a prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 13 or trisomy 18
Authors: Morris Joan K. , Savva George M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe objective of this study is to determine the risk of fetal loss (spontaneous abortion or stillbirth) following a prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 13 (T13; Patau syndrome) or trisomy 18 (T18; Edwards syndrome). Five regional congenital anomaly registers in England and Wales provided details on the outcomes of 198 pregnancies prenatally diagnosed with T13 and 538 prenatally diagnosed with T18. For each pregnancy the time from prenatal diagnosis until birth, miscarriage or termination occurred was calculated and these times were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival functions. Our results showed that between 12 weeks gestation and term an estimated 49% (95% CI: 29–73%) of pregnancies diagnosed with T13 and 72% (61–81%) of pregnancies diagnosed with T18 ended in a miscarriage or stillbirth. Between 18 weeks and term the proportions were 42% (18–72%) for T13 and 65% (57–79%) for T18 and between 24 weeks and term the proportions were 35% (5–70%) for T13 and 59% (49–77%) for T18. Male fetuses with T18 appeared to be more likely to be lost than female fetuses. These are the most precise estimates currently available for the risk of loss in a general population. These estimates should be useful in counseling women who are carrying an affected fetus and knowing the risk of fetal loss is essential to compare the performance of prenatal screening programs occurring in the first and second trimester. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of X chromosome inactivation in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Gong Xiaohong , Bacchelli Elena , Blasi Francesca , Toma Claudio , Betancur Catalina , Chaste Pauline , Delorme Richard , Durand Christelle M. , Fauchereau Fabien , Botros Hany Goubran , Leboyer Marion , Mouren‐Simeoni Marie‐Christine , Nygren Gudrun , Anckarsäter Henrik , Rastam Maria , Gillberg I. Carina , Gillberg Christopher , Moreno‐De‐Luca Daniel , Carone Simona , Nummela Ilona , Rossi Mari , Battaglia Agatino ,   The International Molecular Genetic Study of Autism Consortium (IMGSAC), Jarvela Irma , Maestrini Elena , Bourgeron Thomas 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex genetic disorders more frequently observed in males. Skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is observed in heterozygous females carrying gene mutations involved in several X‐linked syndromes. In this study, we aimed to estimate the role of X‐linked genes in ASD susceptibility by ascertaining the XCI pattern in a sample of 543 informative mothers of children with ASD and in a sample of 163 affected girls. The XCI pattern was also determined in two control groups (144 adult females and 40 young females) with a similar age distribution to the mothers sample and affected girls sample, respectively. We observed no significant excess of skewed XCI in families with ASD. Interestingly, two mothers and one girl carrying known mutations in X‐linked genes (NLGN3, ATRX, MECP2) showed highly skewed XCI, suggesting that ascertainment of XCI could reveal families with X‐linked mutations. Linkage analysis was carried out in the subgroup of multiplex families with skewed XCI (≥80:20) and a modest increased allele sharing was obtained in the Xq27‐Xq28 region, with a peak Z‐score of 1.75 close to rs719489. In summary, our results suggest that there is no major X‐linked gene subject to XCI and expressed in blood cells conferring susceptibility to ASD. However, the possibility that rare mutations in X‐linked genes could contribute to ASD cannot be excluded. We propose that the XCI profile could be a useful criteria to prioritize families for mutation screening of X‐linked candidate genes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Calibration of credibility of agnostic genome‐wide associations
Authors: Ioannidis John P.A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractGenome‐wide testing platforms are increasingly used to promote “agnostic” approaches to the discovery of gene variants associated with the risk of many common diseases and quantitative traits. The early track record of genome‐wide association (GWA) studies suggests that some proposed associations are replicated quite consistently with large‐scale subsequent evidence from multiple studies, others have a more inconsistent replication record, some have failed to be replicated by independent investigators and many more early proposed associations await further replication. An important question is how to calibrate the credibility of these postulated associations. A simple Bayesian method is applied here to achieve such calibration. The variability of the estimated credibility is examined under different assumptions. Empirical examples are drawn from existing GWA studies. It is demonstrated that the credibility of different proposed associations can cover a very wide range. The credibility of specific associations usually remains relatively robust when different plausible assumptions are made (within a reasonable range) for the prior odds of an association being true, or the magnitude of the anticipated effect size for genetic associations. Heterogeneity and bias assumptions can have a more major impact on the credibility estimates and thus they need very careful consideration in each case. Credibility calibration may be used in conjunction with qualitative criteria for the appraisal of the cumulative evidence that take into consideration the amount, consistency, and protection from bias in the data. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A reanalysis of 409 European‐Ancestry and African American schizophrenia pedigrees reveals significant linkage to 8p23.3 with evidence of locus heterogeneity
Authors: Holliday E.G. , Mowry B.J. , Nyholt D.R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe detection and replication of schizophrenia risk loci can require substantial sample sizes, which has prompted various collaborative efforts for combining multiple samples. However, pooled samples may comprise sub‐samples with substantial population genetic differences, including allele frequency differences. We investigated the impact of population differences via linkage reanalysis of Molecular Genetics of Schizophrenia 1 (MGS1) affected sibling‐pair data, comprising two samples of distinct ancestral origin: European (EA: 263 pedigrees) and African‐American (AA: 146 pedigrees). To exploit the linkage information contained within these distinct continental samples, we performed separate analyses of the individual samples, allowing for within‐sample locus heterogeneity, and the pooled sample, allowing for both within‐sample and between‐sample heterogeneity. Significance levels, corrected for the multiple tests, were determined empirically. For all suggestive peaks, stronger linkage evidence was obtained in either the EA or AA sample than the combined sample, regardless of how heterogeneity was modeled for the latter. Notably, we report genomewide significant linkage of schizophrenia to 8p23.3 and evidence for a second, independent susceptibility locus, reaching suggestive linkage, 29 cM away on 8p21.3. We also detected suggestive linkage on chromosomes 5p13.3 and 7q36.2. Many regions showed pronounced differences in the extent of linkage between the EA and AA samples. This reanalysis highlights the potential impact of population differences upon linkage evidence in pooled data and demonstrates a useful approach for the analysis of samples drawn from distinct continental groups. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gene expression profiling in porcine maternal infanticide: A model for puerperal psychosis
Authors: Quilter Claire R. , Gilbert Colin L. , Oliver Gina L. , Jafer Osman , Furlong Robert A. , Blott Sarah C. , Wilson Anna E. , Sargent Carole A. , Mileham Alan , Affara Nabeel A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe etiology of mental disorders remains largely unclear. Complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors are key to the development of such disorders. Puerperal psychosis is the most extreme form of postnatal mood disorder in women. Similarly, parturition in the pig can trigger extreme behavioral disturbances, including maternal infanticide. In this study, we have used a targeted cDNA microarray approach using the pig as a model to understand the genes and genetic pathways that are involved in these processes. Two subtracted cDNA libraries from porcine hypothalamus were constructed, which were enriched for genes that were over‐expressed and under‐expressed in the aberrant behavioral phenotype, compared to the matched control. In addition to this, a normalized library was constructed from hypothalamus and pituitary samples taken from pigs in a variety of reproductive states. The libraries were partially sequenced and combined represented approximately 5,159 different genes. Microarray analysis determined differences in gene expression between hypothalamus samples from nine matched pairs of infanticidal versus control animals, using a common reference design. Microarray analysis of variance (MAANOVA) identified 52 clones as being differentially expressed (P ≤ 0.002) in the infanticide phenotype, a second analysis with friendly statistics package for microarray analysis (FSPMA) identified 9 genes in common to MAANOVA, and a further 16 genes. A rapid cross‐species screen onto a human oligonucleotide array confirmed 3 genes and highlighted 61 more potential candidates. Some of these genes and the pathways in which they are involved were also implicated in a parallel QTL study on maternal infanticide. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.