Differences in Precipitation and Related Wind Dynamics and Moisture and Heat Features in Separate Areas of the South China Sea before and after Summer Monsoon Onset

Using surface and balloon-sounding measurements, satellite retrievals, and ERA5 reanalysis during 2011–20, this study compares the precipitation and related wind dynamics, moisture and heat features in different areas of the South China Sea(SCS) before and after SCS summer monsoon onset(SCSSMO). The rainy sea around Dongsha(hereafter simply referred to as Dongsha) near the north coast, and the rainless sea around Xisha(hereafter simply referred to as Xisha) in the western SCS, are selected as two typical research subregions. It is found that Dongsha, rather than Xisha, has an earlier and greater increase in precipitation after SCSSMO under the combined effect of strong low-level southwesterly winds, coastal terrain blocking and lifting, and northern cold air. When the 950-h Pa southwesterly winds enhance and advance northward, accompanied by strengthened moisture flux, there is a strong convergence of wind and moisture in Dongsha due to a sudden deceleration and rear-end collision of wind by coastal terrain blocking. Moist and warm advection over Dongsha enhances early and deepens up to 200 h Pa in association with the strengthened upward motion after SCSSMO, thereby providing ample moisture and heat to form strong precipitation. However, when the 950-h Pa southwesterly winds weaken and retreat southward, Xisha is located in a wind-break area where strong convergence and upward motion centers move in. The vertical moistening and heating by advection in Xisha enhance later and appear far weaker compared to that in Dongsha, consistent with later and weaker precipitation.

Clinical characteristics of patients with early-and late-onset optic neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease

Objective:To analyze the different clinical features of patients with early-onset(EO-NMOSDs)and late-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum diseases(LO-NMOSDs).Methods:A total of 51patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease who were diagnosed in our hospital for the first time from January 2015 to December 2022 were included in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College and divided into 22 cases in the EO-NMOSDs group and 29 cases in the LO-NMOSDs group according to whether the age of onset was 50 years old.The basic data,Extended Disability Status Scale(EDSS)score,blood and cerebrospinal fluid test indicators of the two groups were statistically analyzed.Results:There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics,clinical features and serum AQP-4 antibody positivity rate between the two groups(all P>0.05),and there were significant differences in triglycerides(TG),low-density lipoprotein(LDL),apolipoprotein A(APOA),apolipoprotein B(APOB)and lipoprotein a(P=0.010,P=0.048,P=0.014,P=0.061,P=0.001,respectively),and cerebrospinal fluid LDH,There were significant differences between microprotein quantification and EDSS score(P=0.018,P=0.034,P=0.025,respectively),and the level of microprotein quantification in cerebrospinal fluid of LO-NMOSDs had a certain correlation with the degree of disability(r=0.52,P<0.03).Conclusion:LO-NMOSDs and EO-NMOSDs group patients have similar demographic characteristics,serum AQP-4 antibody positive rate and clinical features,but compared with EO-NMOSDs,patients in LO-NMOSDs group are prone to abnormal lipid metabolism,higher trace proteins in cerebrospinal fluid and more likely to be disabled,and among LO-NMOSDs,the higher the trace protein in the cerebrospinal fluid,the more severe the disability status of patients.

A Comparison between Late Preterm and Term Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Early-Onset Sepsis, and Neonatal Jaundice in Ecuadorian Newborns

Background: To examine the differences in prevalence of respiratory distress syndrome, early-onset sepsis and jaundice, between late preterm infants versus term infants in Ecuadorian newborns. Methods: Study design: Epidemiological, observational, and cross-sectional, with two cohorts of patients. Settings: IESS Quito Sur Hospital at Quito, Ecuador, from February to April of 2020. Participants: This study included 204 newborns, 102 preterm infants, 102 term infants. Results: There are significant differences between late preterm infants and term infants, with a p-value of 0.000 in the prevalence of early sepsis, 70.59% vs. 35.29%. In respiratory distress syndrome between late and term premature infants, significant differences were observed with a p-value of 0.000, the proportion being 55.58% vs. 24.51% respectively. The prevalence of jaundice is higher in term infants with a p value of 0.002, 72.55%, versus 51.96% in late preterm infants, and the mean value of bilirubins in mg/dL was higher in term infants 14.32 versus 12.33 in late preterm infants;this difference is statistically significant with a p value of 0.004. Admission to the NICU is more frequent in late preterm infants with a p-value of 0.000, being 42.16% for late preterm infants vs. 7.84% in term infants;the mean of the hospital days with p-value 0.005, was higher in late preterm infants 4.97 days vs. 3.55 days for term newborns. Conclusion: Due to the conditions of their immaturity, late preterm infants are 2.86 times more likely to present early sepsis than full-term newborns. It is shown that late preterm infants are 2.69 times more likely to have respiratory distress syndrome compared to term infants, therefore, late preterm infants have a longer hospital stay of 4.97 days versus 3.55 days in term infants. Jaundice and mean bilirubin levels are higher in term infants due to blood group incompatibility and insufficient breastfeeding.

Climate prediction of the seasonal sea-ice early melt onset in the Bering Sea

基于大尺度环流异常对海冰消融的影响过程,本文采用年际增量预测方法研制了白令海季节性海冰早期消融开始日期(EMO)的统计预测模型.预测模型选取了3个具有明确物理意义的预测因子:1月波弗特高压,前期11月东西伯利亚地区海平面气压,以及11月东欧平原积雪覆盖率。1月波弗特高压可以通过海气相互作用影响白令海地区海温异常,该海温异常能够从1月持续到3月,进而影响白令海EMO.11月东西伯利亚地区海平面气压与11月至次年2月北太平洋中纬度东部海温密切相关。伴随着北太平洋中纬度东部冷海温异常的出现,白令海地区会出现暖海温异常,进而导致白令海海冰范围减少,EMO较晚.1月北极偶极子异常是11月东欧平原积雪覆盖率影响次年白令海EMO的桥梁之一.1981-2022年的交叉检验结果表明:统计模型对白令海EMO具有较好的预测能力,预测与观测的EMO之间时间相关系数达到了0.45,超过了99%的置信水平.统计模型对白令海EMO正常年份和异常年份的预测准确率分别为60%和41%.

Elabela is a reliable biomarker for predicting early onset preeclampsia:A comparative study

BACKGROUND Preeclampsia(PE)is a multisystemic metabolic disease with an undetermined etiology.PE is a worldwide cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity,subdivided into early(EoPE)and late-onset(LoPE)according to 34 wk of gestation as a divider.Many researchers investigated biomarkers for predicting PE to halt its consequences on the feto-maternal outcome.Elabela(Ela)is a newly discovered peptide hormone that was implicated in PE pathogenesis.Earlier rodent studies discussed Ela’s role in controlling blood pressure.Moreover,Ela deficiency was associated with PE development.AIM To test whether plasma Ela could serve as a reliable marker for predicting PE based on the time of onset(EoPE vs LoPE)compared to age and body mass matched healthy controls since no definitive treatment exists for PE but to terminate a pregnancy.METHODS This case-control study recruited(n=90)pregnant who fulfilled inclusion criteria;they were allocated into three groups:EoPE(30/90)(<34 wk of gestation);LoPE(30/90)(≥34 wk of gestation);and healthy pregnant(30/90).Demographic criteria;biochemical,hematological,and maternal plasma Ela levels were recorded for comparison.RESULTS Serum Ela was significantly reduced in EoPE compared to LoPE and healthy controls(P=0.0023).The correlation confirmed a strong inverse relationship with mean atrial blood pressure(r=-0.7,P<0.001),while gestational age and platelets count showed a moderate correlation with(r=0.4 with P<0.0001).No correlation was confirmed between the body mass index(BMI)and urine albumin.The predictive ability of 25 centile serum Ela had an Odds ratio of 5.21,95%confidence interval(1.28,21.24),P=0.02 for predicting EoPE.The receiver operator characteristic curve defined the Ela cutoff value at>9.156 with 96.7%and 93.3%sensitivity and specificity,P<0.0001 in predicting EoPE.CONCLUSION A strong correlation of serum Ela with PE parameters with excellent sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing EoPE independent of the BMI,age,and blood pressure which makes Ela a recommendable marker in screening.Further research is warranted to explore prognostic and therapeutic applications for Ela in PE.

Detection of Alzheimer’s disease onset using MRI and PET neuroimaging:longitudinal data analysis and machine learning

The scientists are dedicated to studying the detection of Alzheimer’s disease onset to find a cure, or at the very least, medication that can slow the progression of the disease. This article explores the effectiveness of longitudinal data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning approaches based on magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography neuroimaging modalities for progression estimation and the detection of Alzheimer’s disease onset. The significance of feature extraction in highly complex neuroimaging data, identification of vulnerable brain regions, and the determination of the threshold values for plaques, tangles, and neurodegeneration of these regions will extensively be evaluated. Developing automated methods to improve the aforementioned research areas would enable specialists to determine the progression of the disease and find the link between the biomarkers and more accurate detection of Alzheimer’s disease onset.

Influences of MJO-induced Tropical Cyclones on the Circulation-Convection Inconsistency for the 2021 South China Sea Summer Monsoon Onset

The South China Sea Summer Monsoon(SCSSM)onset is characterized by an apparent seasonal conversion of circulation and convection.Accordingly,various indices have been introduced to identify the SCSSM onset date.However,the onset dates as determined by various indices can be very inconsistent.It not only limits the determination of onset dates but also misleads the assessment of prediction skills.In 2021,the onset time as identified by the circulation criteria was 20 May,which is 12 days earlier than that deduced by also considering the convection criteria.The present study mainly ascribes such circulation-convection inconsistency to the activities of tropical cyclones(TCs)modulated by the Madden-Julian Oscillation(MJO).The convection of TC“Yaas”(2021)acted as an upper-level diabatic heat source to the north of the SCS,facilitating the circulation transition.Afterward,TC“Choi-wan”(2021)over the western Pacific aided the westerlies to persist at lower levels while simultaneously suppressing moist convection over the SCS.Accurate predictions using the ECMWF S2S forecast system were obtained only after the MJO formation.The skillful prediction of the MJO during late spring may provide an opportunity to accurately predict the establishment of the SCSSM several weeks in advance.

The Inter-Annual Variability of Rainfall Onset and Its Implication on Crop Planting in Selected East Africa Countries

The inter-annual variability of rainfall onset and crop replanting in East Africa (EA) was assessed using daily estimated rainfall data from climate hazard group infrared precipitation (CHIRPS Ver2.0) and monthly Sea Surface Temperature (SST) indices [Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and El-Ni?o Southern Oscillation (ENSO) at NINO3.4 region] from the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The data covered a period of 40 years from1981 to 2020. The methods of cumulative of daily mean rainfall, percentage of onset date departure (PODD), Mann-Kendall (MK) trend test, student t-test, and correlation were applied in the analysis. The results showed that early onset with dry spell (WDS) consideration frequently occurs in Uganda between the first and second dekads of September, while late rainfall onset WDS occurs in the first and second dekads of December over central and Northern Kenya as well as in the Northeastern highlands, parts of the northern coast and unimodal regions in Tanzania. Rainfall onset with no dry spell (WnDS) portrayed an average of 10 days before the occurrence of true onset WDS, with maximum onset departure days (ODD) above 30 days across the Rift Valley area in Kenya and the Northeastern highlands in Tanzania. The high chance of minimum ODD is seen over entire Uganda and the area around Lake Victoria. However, few regions, such as Nakuru (Kenya) Gulu and Kibale (Uganda), and Gitega (Burundi), revealed a slight positive linear trend while others showed negative trend. Significant positive patterns for correlation between onset WDS and SST indices (IOD and NINO 3.4) were discovered in Northern and Northeastern Kenya, as well as areas along the Indian Ocean (over Tanzania’s Northern Coast). Inter-annual relationship between onset dates WDS and IOD (NINO3.4) indices exhibits a high correlation coefficient r = 0.23 (r = 0.48) in Uganda and r = 0.44 (r = 0.36) in Kenya. On the other hand, a negative correlation was revealed over Burundi and Tanzania (over a unimodal region). A high percentage of PODD was observed, ranging from 40% to 70% over the Rift Valley in Kenya and at the Northeastern highlands in Tanzania. However, a strong PODD above 70% was observed over Tanga and the Northern Pwani Region in Tanzania. These findings will help farmers to understand the appropriate time for crop planting, as well as help other socio-economic activities that strongly depend on rainfall.

Timing of Elective Repeat Cesarean Delivery at 38 Weeks versus 39 Weeks: Rate of Spontaneous Onset of Labor before Planned Cesarean Section and Impact on Maternal Outcome: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: The timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery at 38 weeks versus 39 weeks is still a debatable subject, both regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes. In the Saudi context, there is lack of local data to aid decision-making regarding the timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery. Objectives: To estimate the rate of spontaneous onset of labor before the planned gestational age for repeat cesarean section in women who were booked at gestational age of (39 0/7 - 39 6/7) weeks (W39) versus (38 0/7 - 38 6/7) weeks (W38) and to compare the rate of maternal composite outcome between these groups. Design: Retrospective cohort. Setting: This study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, KSA. Method: Delivery registry books were reviewed to identify all deliveries from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016 (3 years). All low-risk pregnant women who had 2 or more cesarean deliveries and who met the inclusion criteria were included. Results: A total of 440 women were included of whom 318 (72.3%) were planned for elective cesarean section at W38 gestational age and 122 women at W39 gestational age. Mothers planned at W39 had higher rate of emergency cesarean deliveries versus those planned at W38 (18.0% versus 10.4%, p = 0.030;RR = 13.06), most frequently due to early onset of contractions (16.4% versus 8.2%, p = 0.012;RR = 12.17) or cervical dilatation (11.6% versus 5.4%, p = 0.024, RR = 16.15). No difference in the incidence of individual or composite maternal complications was noted between the two groups. Mother’s age (OR 0.93, p = 0.018) and schedule date at W39 (OR = 1.94, p = 0.028) were independently associated with spontaneous onset of labor before the scheduled gestational age, while no association was found with parity, previous number of spontaneous vaginal deliveries, number of previous cesarean deliveries or interval from last cesarean delivery. Conclusion: Elective cesarean section scheduled at 39 weeks of gestation or beyond carries a higher risk of emergency cesarean section, with no significant increase in maternal complications. The identification of factors associated with spontaneous onset of labor before the planned gestational age should be carefully identified to determine the optimal timing.

Atypical Symptoms of Early Onset Bipolar Disorder

Juvenile bipolar disorder can be a challenging diagnosis, given its atypical presentation and tendency to have other comorbid psychiatric disorders. In this case study, we describe a case of a young patient with some atypical symptoms of early-onset bipolar disorder.

Clinical implication of platelet to lymphocyte ratio in early onset preeclampsia:A single-center experience

BACKGROUND Preeclampsia(PE)is a pregnancy syndrome of undetermined etiology;inflammation was one of the proposed theories for its development.AIM To examine the platelet to lymphocyte ratio(PLR),an inflammatory biomarker,as a marker to predict poor maternal-neonatal outcomes in early-onset PE(EoPE).METHODS A cross-sectional study enrolled 60 pregnant women with EoPE(at 32-30 wk of gestation)at a university hospital.Demographic criteria and hematological indices were collected,including platelet counts and indices(mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width),PLR,and the Doppler study,which calculated estimated fetal weight(EFW),amniotic fluid index(AFI),resistance index(RI),and pulsatility index(PI).Participants were followed until delivery,where maternal outcomes were recorded,including;delivery mode and reason for cesarean section,and neonatal outcomes,including fetal growth restriction(FGR),meconium-stained liquid,the 5-min Apgar score,and admission to the intensive care unit.RESULTS There was a trend of insignificant increases in cesarean sections.Sixty-one-point two percent(37/60)fetuses were admitted to the neonatal care unit;70.0%of admitted fetuses were meconium-stained liquor,and 56.7%of them had FGR.PLR was positively correlated with AFI and EFW as r=0.98,0.97,P<0.001;PLR showed negative correlations with PI and RI as r=-0.99,-0.98,P<0.001.The Apgar score and the number of days admitted to the intensive care unit had a positive and negative correlation(0.69,-0.98),P<0.0001,respectively.Receiver operating characteristic calculated a PLR cutoff value(7.49)that distinguished FGR at 100%sensitivity and 80%specificity.CONCLUSION Strong,meaningful relationships between PLR and FGR parameters and a poor neonatal outcome with a significant P value make it a recommendable biomarker for screening EoPE-related complications.Further studies are suggested to see the impact on maternal-neonatal health.

Rationale of a Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study on Associated Factors and Prognosis Maternal-Fetal Links to Early Onset Preeclampsia at the University Clinics of Kinshasa, DR Congo

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the forms of hypertensive diseases that occur during pregnancy. Early-onset preeclampsia (EOP), which occurred before 34 weeks, proved to be the deadliest. Indeed, it is characterized by a poor maternal and fetal prognosis. EOP has a disparate incidence in the world varying between 0.9% and 31%. Several risks factors are associated with the occurrence of EOP, which is responsible of several adverse obstetrical outcomes. Complications can affect up to 85% of pregnant women with EOP, especially when EOP appears very early, before 28 or even 25 weeks’ gestation. Objectives: To determine frequency of EOP at the University Clinics of Kinshasa, to describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of pregnant women with EOP and to identify its risks factors and its association adverse obstetrical outcomes. Methods: The study will be a cross-sectional analytical study in University Clinics of Kinshasa from January 2016 to December 2022. The minimal size will be 119. Our study population will consist of pregnant women who consult for antenatal best care and are neonates in our Clinic. Result will be presented as percentage proportion. Comparison and proportion means between groups will be made using Student’s test and Pearson’s chi-square test, respectively. Our test will be statistically significant for a p-value ≤ than less 0.05. Data will be collected and analysed anonymously and confidentiality. Conclusion: We believe that our study should enable us to identify profile of gestational carriers at risk of EOP in our environment, as well as prognosis associated with this entity, with a view to arousing particular interest in EOP.

Prevalence of Myocilin Gene Mutation in Adult-Onset Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Non-Glaucoma Subjects Who Are Indigenes of Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness incapacitating over 80 million people worldwide. Several pathogenetic mechanisms have been postulated to explain the optic nerve damage that occur in POAG among which genetic predisposition is prominent. Gene-Linkage-based studies have identified genes associated with POAG: Myocilin, Optineurin, WDR36, Tank-Binding Kinase (TBK1) and APbb-2. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of myocilin gene mutation in adult-onset POAG patients and non-glaucoma subjects who are indigenes of Rivers State. Methodology: In this comparative cross-sectional study, 393 POAG patients attending the Glaucoma Clinic of UPTH were compared with 393 age and sex-matched phenotypically normal participants. Clinical assessment combined with findings from clinical records was used. Venous blood was obtained for genomic analyses. Extracted DNA was sequenced with specific primers for myocilin and polymerase chain reaction. Zymo-Bead Genomic DNA kit protocol was used to detect allelic differences. Results: Total of 786 participants participated in the study. The mean age was 59.8 ± 11.8 years. The prevalence of myocilin gene mutation (MYOC) in the study population was 5.3%, in the POAG group was 8.4%, and 2.3% in the non-glaucoma group. This observed difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Location of the mutant myocilin gene was in GLC1A 171638779, 171638703, 171638610 and 171638608. Conclusion: Mutations in myocilin gene are associated with adult-onset POAG in Rivers State. Its relevance as a biomarker for diagnosis of adult-onset POAG needs further investigations.

Clinical and molecular features of young-onset colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related mortality worldwide. Although young-onset CRC raises the possibility of a hereditary component, hereditary CRC syndromes only explain a minority of young-onset CRC cases. There is evidence to suggest that young-onset CRC have a different molecular profile than late-onset CRC. While the pathogenesis of young-onset CRC is well characterized in individuals with an inherited CRC syndrome, knowledge regarding the molecular features of sporadic young-onset CRC is limited. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of young-onset CRC can help us tailor specific screening and management strategies. While the incidence of late-onset CRC has been decreasing, mainly attributed to an increase in CRC screening, the incidence of young-onset CRC is increasing. Differences in the molecular biology of these tumors and low suspicion of CRC in young symptomatic individuals, may be possible explanations. Currently there is no evidence that supports that screening of average risk individuals less than 50 years of age will translate into early detection or increased survival. However, increasing understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of young-onset CRC could help us tailor specific screening and management strategies. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current knowledge about young-onset CRC, its clinicopathologic features, and the newly recognized molecular alterations involved in tumor progression.

Prognostic value of C-reactive protein levels within 6 hours after the onset of acute anterior myocardial infarction with primary PCI

Background Increased levels of inflammatory markers have been documented in various settings of coronary artery disease. The vulnerability of coronary lesions in acute myocardial infarction(AMI) at the time of onset may be related to serum levels of C reactive protein(CRP) on admission, before CRP levels are affected by myocardial damage.Objective This study assessed the predictive value of CRP levels within six hours after the onset of acute anterior myocardial infarction with primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods The plasma CRP of 76 patients with first acute anterior myocardial infarction was measured within 6 hours after onset. They were divided into 2 groups: group 1( n =20) with elevated CRP( ≥0.3mg/dl ) on admission within 6 hours after onset and group 2( n =56) with normal CRP( <0.3mg/dl ) within 6 hours after onset. All patients were treated by primary PCI. The primary combined end points, including death due to cardiac causes, re MI related to the infarction artery(RIA) and repeat intervention of the RIA, and the restenosis rate were assessed in relation to CRP levels within 6 hours after onset. Left ventricular end diastolic volume index(EDVI),end systolic volume index(ESVI),and ejection fraction(EF) on admission and 6 month after the onset were assessed by left ventriculography. Changes in EDVI(ΔEDVI),ESVI(ΔESVI), and EF(ΔEF) were obtained by subtracting respective on admission values from corresponding 6 month follow up values. Results There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The primary combined end points were significantly more frequent in group 1(20%) than those in group 2( 1.79% , P <0.01 ).In addition, restenosis rates were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2(41.18% vs 16.07%, P<0.05). Group 1 showed greater increases in left ventricular volume and less improvement in EF compared with group 2(ΔEDVI 6.31 ±2.17 vs 3.29 ±9.46ml/m 2 , ΔESVI 5.92 ±2.31 vs 3.86 ±1.08ml/m 2 , ΔEF 1.92 ±0.47 vs 4.79 ±1.73% , P <0.05 , respectively).Conclusions CRP levels within 6 hours after the onset of AMI might predict adverse outcome after primary PCI and progressive ventricular remodeling within 6 month of AMI.

Onset功能对腔内心电图诊断成功率的影响分析

目的:探讨与分析Onset功能对腔内心电图诊断成功率的影响。方法:2016年6月至2018年6月本院收治的起搏器植入患者77例作为研究对象,在植入后第12个月(±14d),采集所有患者的腔内心电图并分为两份,一份隐去Onset的信息(A图),另一份保持原样(B图),由腔内心电图判别小组进行诊断效果判定。结果:77例患者中共记录了495个EGM,起搏器诊断室性心动过速281个,房性心动过速反应200个,非持续性VT 14个。A图中有370个(74.75%)判别为正确的心律失常事件;根据B图判定,起搏器腔内心电图诊断正确率达79.39%,假阳性率20.61%。结论:Onset功能能提高起搏器植入术患者腔内心电图对于心律失常的诊断成功率,能反映患者的心功能状况,有很好的临床应用价值。

Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction, a Comparative Review

Alzheimer’s disease is quickly becoming one of the most known diseases in the country due to its devastating effects and lack of treatment options. Within this lethal disease, there is a smaller group, those individuals that are diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It is understood that these individuals see faster effects of the disease and die considerably sooner, but it is not understood why. This review compares the early-onset (EOAD) and late-onset (LOAD) types to try and determine some of the most blaring differences between the two. The genetic basis linking EOAD and LOAD has been the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) to indicate metabolic alteration with the &#949;4 allele specifically. The topographical atrophy disparities between EOAD and LOAD supported the more noticeable cognitive differences between the two Alzheimer’s disease categories. The faster and wider spread atrophy of EOAD patients correlates with the difficulty they experience with attention, language, visuo-spatial, and executive functions. Finally, brain metabolism differs between both AD subtypes as well, where EOAD indicates the wide spread damage and metabolic breakdown across more diverse regions of the brain.

On the Onset of the South China Sea Summer Monsoon in 1998

Through analyzing the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data, the satellite observational data and the ATLAS-2 mooring buoy observational data, it is shown that May 21 is the onset date of the South China Sea summer monsoon in 1998. There were abrupt variations in the general circulation pattern at the lower troposphere and the upper troposphere, in upper jet stream location and in the convection and rainfall over the South China Sea region corresponding to the outbreak of the South China Sea summer monsoon. It is also indicated that there was rainfall in the southern China coastal region before onset of summer monsoon, but it resulted from the (cold) front activity and cannot be regarded as the sign of summer monsoon outbreak in the South China Sea. Key words Onset - South China Sea summer monsoon - General circulation pattern, Jet stream - Convection This work was supported by the State Key Project for Research—“ The South China Sea Monsoon Experiment”, CAS (KZ951-B1-408) and CNSF (49823002).

Characteristics of the Onset of the Asian Summer Monsoon and the Importance of Asian-Australian "Land Bridge"

Based on summarizing previous achievements and characteristics of Asian summer monsoon and the role using data as long and new as possible, the onset of Asian-Australian ＂land bridge＂ in the onset of summer monsoon are further discussed. In particular, the earliest onset area of Asian summer monsoon is comparatively analyzed, and the sudden and progressive characteristics of the onset of summer monsoon in different regions are discussed, Furthermore, the relationships among such critical events during the onset of Asian summer monsoon as the splitting of subtropical high belt over the Bay of Bengal （BOB）, the initiation of convection over Indo-China Peninsula, the westward advance, reestablishment of South Asian High, and the rapid northward progression of convection originated from Sumatra in early summer are studied. The important impact of the proper collocation of she latent heating over Indo-China Peninsula and the sensible heating over Indian Peninsula on the splitting of the subtropical high belt, the deepening of BOB trough, the activating of Sri Lanka vortex （twin vortexes in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres）, and the subsequent onset of South China Sea summer monsoon are emphasized.

The Role of Changes in the Annual Cycle in Earlier Onset of Climatic Spring in Northern China

Climatic changes in the onset of spring in northern China associated with changes in the annual cycle and with a recent warming trend were quantified using a recently developed adaptive data analysis tool, the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition. The study was based on a homogenized daily surface air temperature （SAT） dataset for the period 1955–2003. The annual cycle here is referred to as a refined modulated annual cycle （MAC）. The results show that spring at Beijing has arrived significantly earlier by about 2.98 d （10 yr）-1, of which about 1.85 d （10 yr）-1 is due to changes in the annual cycle and 1.13 d （10 yr）-1 due to the long-term warming trend. Variations in the MAC component explain about 92.5% of the total variance in the Beijing daily SAT series and could cause as much as a 20-day shift in the onset of spring from one year to another. The onset of spring has been advancing all over northern China, but more significant in the east than in the west part of the region. These differences are somehow unexplainable by the zonal pattern of the warming trend over the whole region, but can be explained by opposite changes in the spring phase of the MAC, i.e. advancing in the east while delaying in the west. In the east of northern China, the change in the spring phase of MAC explains 40%–60% of the spring onset trend and is attributable to a weakening Asian winter monsoon. The average sea level pressure in Siberia （55°–80°N, 50°–110°E）, an index of the strength of the winter monsoon, could serve as a potential short-term predictor for the onset of spring in the east of northern China.