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Global temperature is increasing, especially over northern lands (>50° N), owing to positive feedbacks. As this increase is most pronounced in winter, temperature seasonality (ST)—conventionally defined as the difference between summer and winter temperatures—is diminishing over time, a phenomenon that is analogous to its equatorward decline at an annual scale. The initiation, termination and performance of vegetation photosynthetic activity are tied to threshold temperatures. Trends in the timing of these thresholds and cumulative temperatures above them may alter vegetation productivity, or modify vegetation seasonality (SV), over time. The relationship between STand SVis critically examined here with newly improved ground and satellite data sets. The observed diminishment of STand SVis equivalent to 4° and 7° (5° and 6°) latitudinal shift equatorward during the past 30 years in the Arctic (boreal) region. Analysis of simulations from 17 state-of-the-art climate models indicates an additional STdiminishment equivalent to a 20° equatorward shift could occur this century. How SVwill change in response to such large projected STdeclines and the impact this will have on ecosystem services are not well understood. Hence the need for continued monitoring of northern lands as their seasonal temperature profiles evolve to resemble thosefurther south.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious life-threatening illness that typically has its onset during the adolescent years. Evidence regarding the optimal treatment of AN in children and teenagers is growing; however, much remains unknown. Although current treatment approaches vary in Canada and elsewhere, the evidence to date indicates that family-based treatment (FBT) is the most effective treatment for children and teenagers with AN. A key component of the FBT model is that the parents are given the responsibility to return their child to physical health and ensure full weight restoration. An understanding of the basic principles and philosophy underlying FBT allows the physician to initiate elements of this evidence-based intervention to young patients with AN and their families.

The optimal medical assessment of an eating disorder patient depends on a knowledge of the associated signs and symptoms, many of which are rarely seen in general medicine. Some of these signs are diagnostic of eating disorders. This paper presents a systematic review of the history and physical examination, including the special signs and symptoms in tabular form. In addition, the significance of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders is reviewed.

Abstract: Normalized difference vegetation index data from the polar-orbiting National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorological satellites from 1982 to 1999 show significant variations in photosynthetic activity and growing season length at latitudes above 35°N. Two distinct periods of increasing plant growth are apparent: 1982–1991 and 1992–1999, separated by a reduction from 1991 to 1992 associated with global cooling resulting from the volcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in June 1991. The average May to September normalized difference vegetation index from 45°N to 75°N increased by 9% from 1982 to 1991, decreased by 5% from 1991 to 1992, and increased by 8% from 1992 to 1999. Variations in the normalized difference vegetation index were associated with variations in the start of the growing season of –5.6, +3.9, and –1.7 days respectively, for the three time periods. Our results support surface temperature increases within the same period at higher northern latitudes where temperature limits plant growth.

The article discusses some evidence of vegetation changes in northern latitudes. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) detected changes in vegetation density and land cover. An increase in NDVI conforms with earlier snow melt, warming soil and air temperatures, and the growth of shrubs and trees to the north. Below-average concentration of sea ice is consistent with the higher NDVI and land-surface temperatures.