bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blastoid and common variants of mantle cell lymphoma exhibit distinct immunophenotypic and interphase FISH features
Authors: Parrens M , Belaud‐Rotureau M‐A , Fitoussi O , Carerre N , Bouabdallah K , Marit G , Dubus P , de Mascarel A , Merlio J‐P
Published: December 2005

Aims : The recognition of blastoid variant (BV) of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is based on morphological criteria. Our aim was to analyse 18 MCL cases including four BV‐MCL for their clinicopathological features, proliferation index, cyclin D1 and CDK4 expression and interphase fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) pattern.

Methods and results : BV‐MCL versus common MCL was characterized by a shorter overall duration of response after first‐line therapy (11 months versus 28 months) and shorter overall survival (20 months versus 42 months). Interphase FISH showed a t(11;14) fusion pattern in all MCL tested cases. However, the four blastoid cases were characterized by extra copies of CCND1 signals. Using additional probes of chromosomes 11, 18, 21, these signals were shown to be the result of hypotetraploidy and not of a specific amplification of the normal or the translocated CCND1 allele. Moreover, the BV‐MCL cases were characterized by a combined high percentage of cells expressing cyclin D1 and/or CDK4 with a proliferation (MIB‐1–Ki67) index above 50%. Such features allowed the recognition of areas of large cell transformation in the case of secondary BV‐MCL.

Conclusions : Since distinction between BV and common MCL is of clinical relevance, our data underline the need to add phenotypic and cytogenetic criteria to cytomorphology for a better recognition of BV‐MCL.
Cognitive biases and decision support systems development: a design science approach
Authors: Arnott David
Published: December 2005

Abstract.  This paper presents design science research that aims to improve decision support systems (DSS) development in organizations. Evolutionary development has been central to DSS theory and practice for decades, but a significant problem for DSS analysts remains how to conceptualize the improvement of a decision task during evolutionary DSS development. The objective of a DSS project is to improve the decision process and outcome for a manager making an important decision. The DSS analyst needs to have a clear idea of the nature of the target decision task and a clear strategy of how to support the decision process. Existing psychological research was examined for help with the conceptualization problem, and the theory of cognitive bias is proposed as a candidate for this assistance. A taxonomy of 37 cognitive biases that codifies a complex area of psychological research is developed. The core of the project involves the construction of a design artefact – an evolutionary DSS development methodology that uses cognitive bias theory as a focusing construct, especially in its analysis cycles. The methodology is the major contribution of the project. The feasibility and effectiveness of the development methodology are evaluated in a participatory case study of a strategic DSS project where a managing director is supported in a decision about whether to close a division of a company.
Escalation and de‐escalation of commitment: a commitment transformation analysis of an e‐government project
Authors: Pan Gary , Pan Shan L. , Newman Michael , Flynn Donal
Published: December 2005

Abstract. This paper presents a commitment transformation framework for analysing the change in actors’ commitment during the transition from escalation to de‐escalation in information technology projects. De‐escalation is potentially a more important issue than escalation because de‐escalation provides remedies for the ills of escalation. Therefore, it is important to understand how stakeholders may bias facts in the direction of previously accepted beliefs and thus prevent an organization from de‐escalating. Here, we adopt Lewin's change theory to examine the commitment transformation during the transition from escalation to de‐escalation of an e‐government project in a local council in the United Kingdom. By conceiving actors’ commitment transformation as an ‘unfreezing–changing–refreezing’ process, researchers may develop a deeper understanding of how actors may give up previous failing course of action and accept an alternative course of action. Practitioners can also utilize the framework in post‐mortem analyses of projects which have faced escalation to devise useful de‐escalation strategies for future project development.1
Biosynthesis of cellulose‐enriched tension wood in Populus: global analysis of transcripts and metabolites identifies biochemical and developmental regulators in secondary wall biosynthesis
Authors: Andersson‐Gunnerås Sara , Mellerowicz Ewa J. , Love Jonathan , Segerman Bo , Ohmiya Yasunori , Coutinho Pedro M. , Nilsson Peter , Henrissat Bernard , Moritz Thomas , Sundberg Björn
Published: December 2005

Stems and branches of angiosperm trees form tension wood (TW) when exposed to a gravitational stimulus. One of the main characteristics of TW, which distinguishes it from normal wood, is the formation of fibers with a thick inner gelatinous cell wall layer mainly composed of crystalline cellulose. Hence TW is enriched in cellulose, and deficient in lignin and hemicelluloses. An expressed sequence tag library made from TW‐forming tissues in Populus tremula (L.) × tremuloides (Michx.) and data from transcript profiling using microarray and metabolite analysis were obtained during TW formation in Populus tremula (L.) in two growing seasons. The data were examined with the aim of identifying the genes responsible for the change in carbon (C) flow into various cell wall components, and the mechanisms important for the formation of the gelatinous cell wall layer (G‐layer). A specific effort was made to identify carbohydrate‐active enzymes with a putative function in cell wall biosynthesis. An increased C flux to cellulose was suggested by a higher abundance of sucrose synthase transcripts. However, genes related to the cellulose biosynthetic machinery were not generally affected, although the expression of secondary wall‐specific CesA genes was modified in both directions. Other pathways for which the data suggested increased activity included lipid and glucosamine biosynthesis and the pectin degradation machinery. In addition, transcripts encoding fasciclin‐like arabinogalactan proteins were particularly increased and found to lack true Arabidopsis orthologs. Major pathways for which the transcriptome and metabolome analysis suggested decreased activity were the pathway for C flux through guanosine 5′‐diphosphate (GDP) sugars to mannans, the pentose phosphate pathway, lignin biosynthesis, and biosynthesis of cell wall matrix carbohydrates. Several differentially expressed auxin‐ and ethylene‐related genes and transcription factors were also identified.
A dehydrin gene in Physcomitrella patens is required for salt and osmotic stress tolerance
Authors: Saavedra Laura , Svensson Jan , Carballo Valentina , Izmendi Darwin , Welin Björn , Vidal Sabina
Published: December 2005

We isolated a dehydrin‐like (DHN‐like) gene fragment, PpDHNA, from the moss Physcomitrella patens by PCR amplification using degenerate primers directed against conserved amino acid segments of DHNs of higher plants. The full‐length cDNA was found to encode a 59.2‐kDa glycine‐rich protein, DHNA, with typical characteristics of DHNs, including the presence of several Y repeats and one conserved K segment. DHNA had a high sequence similarity with a protein from Tortula ruralis, Tr288, which is thought to be involved in cellular dehydration tolerance/repair in this moss. Northern and Western analysis showed that PpDHNA is upregulated upon treatment of plants with abscisic acid, NaCl or mannitol, indicating a similar expression pattern to DHNs from higher plants. To analyze the contribution of DHNA to osmotic stress tolerance, we generated a knockout mutant (dhnA) by disruption of the gene using homologous recombination. Growth and stress response studies of the mutant showed that dhnA was severely impaired in its capacity to resume growth after salt and osmotic‐stress treatments. We provide direct genetic evidence in any plant species for a DHN exerting a protective role during cellular dehydration allowing recovery when returned to optimal growth conditions.
Field validity, reproducibility and feasibility of diagnostic tests for visceral leishmaniasis in rural Nepal
Authors: Chappuis François , Rijal Suman , Jha Uma Kant , Desjeux Philippe , Karki Bal Man Singh , Koirala Shekhar , Loutan Louis , Boelaert Marleen
Published: December 2005

Objectives  To assess the field accuracy, reproducibility and feasibility of the formol gel test (FGT), the urine latex agglutination test (KAtex) and a rK39 antigen‐based dipstick for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in rural Nepal.

Method  Patients with clinical suspicion of VL were recruited at Rangeli District Hospital (DH), a 15‐bed government hospital located in south‐eastern Nepal. FGT, KAtex and rK39 dipstick tests were performed on site and later repeated at a reference kala‐azar diagnostic laboratory to assess reproducibility. Diagnosis of VL was confirmed by either a positive bone marrow aspirate examination or a positive direct agglutination test (DAT titre ≥1:3200) in patients who later responded to anti‐leishmanial therapy.

Results  Of 155 patients initially recruited, 142 (85 with VL and 57 with another diagnosis) were included in the study. The sensitivity of the rK39 dipstick [89%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 81–94] was significantly higher than that of the KAtex (57%; 95% CI: 46–67) and the FGT (52%; 95% CI: 41–62). All three tests had a specificity of at least 90%. Agreement was higher for the rK39 dipstick (κ = 0.87) than for the FGT (0.68) and the KAtex (0.43). All tests required ≤20 min of actual work and ≤40 min to obtain the results.

Conclusion  The rK39 dipstick was easy to do, more accurate and reproducible than other rapid diagnostic tests for VL in a DH of rural Nepal. It should be integrated into the field diagnostic algorithm of VL in this region and mechanisms to secure its availability should be found.
Sedimentary and biotic evidence of a warm‐water enclave in the cooler oceans of the latest Ordovician glacial phase, Yangtze Platform, South China block
Authors: Li Yue , Matsumoto Ryo , Kershaw Steve
Published: December 2005

Abstract During the Hirnantian period, the Yangtze Platform was situated in the western part of the South China block (SCB) before its later rotation, in the middle–low paleolatitudes of the southern hemisphere in the northeast side of peri‐Gondwana. It is part of the Kosov faunal province as indicated by theHirnantiafauna. Sedimentary evidence shows the domination of cool ventilated marine water from its offshore ramp and shelf. Hirnantian shallow‐water carbonate facies (Kuanyinchiao Bed) overlie earlier Ashgill graptolitic black shales (Wufeng Formation) as a result of marine regression. In the Yangtze Platform, however, we have found local areas of intertidal to nearshore facies that lack the typical highly diverseHirnantiafauna. Some warm‐water features (radial oolites, peloids, diverse solitary rugose corals and other benthic shelly fauna) occur commonly in some limited shallow areas, forming grainstones and packstones. Although interglacial episodes within the Hirnantian glaciation could be responsible for these features, their limited occurrence within the interior of the platform leads us to interpret the deposits as indicating that cold‐water currents from the southeastern high latitudes were partly excluded from the nearshore area of the Yangtze Platform. The landmass of the eastern SCB in the Hirnantian epoch prevented access to some areas of the cold marine water masses that flowed from higher latitudes of Gondwana; the result was a persistence of warm‐water shallow marine facies in some areas.
Correlation of the Hakkoda–Kokumoto Tephra, a widespread Middle Pleistocene tephra erupted from the Hakkoda Caldera, northeast Japan
Authors: Suzuki Takehiko , Eden Dennis , Danhara Toru , Fujiwara Osamu
Published: December 2005

Abstract  A Middle Pleistocene widespread tephra referred to here as Hakkoda–Kokumoto Tephra (Hkd–Ku) has been newly recognized. Hkd–Ku, derived from the Hakkoda Caldera located in northernmost Honshu Is. of northeast Japan, covers much of Honshu Is. At the type locality in the proximal area, Hkd–Ku comprises Plinian pumice deposits and an immediately overlying ignimbrite. The fine vitric ash nature of the distal ash‐fall deposits of Hkd–Ku suggests that they are coignimbrite ash‐fall deposits. Hkd–Ku was identified using a combination of refractive indices and chemical compositions of major, trace and rare earth elements of glass shards, heavy mineral content, refractive indices of orthopyroxene and paleomagnetic polarity. On the basis of these properties, Hkd–Ku was identified in Oga and Boso Peninsulas and Osaka Plain, 830 km southwest of the source. Stratigraphic positions in Boso Peninsula and Osaka Plain within marine sediments that have a reliable chronology based on oxygen‐isotope, and litho‐, bio‐, magneto‐ and tephrostratigraphy indicate that the age of Hkd–Ku is ca 760 ka, positioned in the transition between marine oxygen‐isotope stages 19.1 and 18.4. The widespread occurrence of Hkd–Ku providing a tie line between many different Pleistocene sections over a distance of 800 km is a key marker horizon in the early part of the Middle Pleistocene. This tephra gives a time control point of ca 760 ka to marine sediments in the Oga Peninsula – where no datum plane exists between the Brunhes–Matuyama chron boundary and oxygen‐isotope stage 12 – and to the volcanostratigraphy of the Hakkoda Caldera. The distribution of Hkd–Ku showing emplacement of coignimbrite ash‐fall deposits in the area 830 km southwest of the source emphasizes the upwind transport direction, relative to the prevailing westerly winds, typical of other coignimbrite ash‐fall deposits in the Japanese islands.
Texture and petrology of modern river, beach and shelf sands in a volcanic back‐arc setting, northeastern Japan
Authors: Noda Atsushi
Published: December 2005

Abstract  The focus in the present study is on characterizing spatial patterns of textural and petrological variabilities, and on evaluating mechanisms influencing the textural and petrological components of modern river, beach and shelf sands in a volcanically active back‐arc tectonic setting. Abashiri Bay and the surrounding area in eastern Hokkaido, Japan, has volcanic source land within a back‐arc region associated with subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Okhotsk (North American) Plate. A total of 41 river, beach and shelf sands were obtained for grain‐size and modal composition analyses. Multivariate analytical techniques of hierarchical cluster and principal component analyses were performed on the textural and petrological data for investigating relations among quantitative variables. On the basis of grain‐size data, four sedimentary zones were identified: zone I, palimpsest zone; zone II, relict zone; zone III, modern (proteric) zone; zone IV, coastal sedimentary zone. All sands are feldspatholithic and quartz‐deficient. The framework (quartz, feldspar and rock fragment) modal compositions were also classified into four clusters, A–D. The characteristic components of each cluster are as follows: cluster A, felsic volcanic rock fragments; cluster B, andesitic–basaltic volcanic rock fragments; cluster C, mixed or plagioclase; cluster D, sedimentary rock fragments. Almost all sands in western and central Abashiri Bay belong to cluster A, where the original compositions are influenced by Kutcharo pyroclastic flow deposits. Andesitic–basaltic lava and Neogene volcaniclastic and sedimentary rocks have a major influence on the compositions of shelf sands in eastern Abashiri Bay. The modal compositions are basically controlled by the source lithology. Compositional maturity (percentage of quartz to feldspar and rock fragments; Q/FR%) slightly increased, in order, from river (1.2), zone IV (coastal, 1.7), zone II (relict, 2.2), zone I (palimpsest, 3.6), to zone III (modern proteric, 7.0). Greater maturity in the recycled sediments is indicative of weathering under the sea or abrasion by transportation induced by sea‐level fluctuations, waves, or sea currents. Several controlling factors – (i) source lithological; (ii) mineralogical; (iii) climatic; and (iv) geomorphological controls – might still cause low maturity through all sedimentary zones other than the continental margin sands previously reported.
Tethyan ophiolites and Pangea break‐up
Authors: Bortolotti Valerio , Principi Gianfranco
Published: December 2005

Abstract  The break‐up of Pangea began during the Triassic and was preceded by a generalized Permo‐Triassic formation of continental rifts along the future margins between Africa and Europe, between Africa and North America, and between North and South America. During the Middle–Late Triassic, an ocean basin cutting the eastern equatorial portion of the Pangea opened as a prograding branch of the Paleotethys or as a new ocean (the Eastern Tethys); westwards, continental rift basins developed. The Western Tethys and Central Atlantic began to open only during the Middle Jurassic. The timing of the break‐up can be hypothesized from data from the oceanic remnants of the peri‐Mediterranean and peri‐Caribbean regions (the Mesozoic ophiolites) and from the Atlantic ocean crust. In the Eastern Tethys, Middle–Late Triassic mid‐oceanic ridge basalt (MORB) ophiolites, Middle–Upper Jurassic MORB, island arc tholeiite (IAT) supra‐subduction ophiolites and Middle–Upper Jurassic metamorphic soles occur, suggesting that the ocean drifting was active from the Triassic to the Middle Jurassic. The compressive phases, as early as during the Middle Jurassic, were when the drifting was still active and caused the ocean closure at the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary and, successively, the formation of the orogenic belts. The present scattering of the ophiolites is a consequence of the orogenesis: once the tectonic disturbances are removed, the Eastern Tethys ophiolites constitute a single alignment. In the Western Tethys only Middle–Upper Jurassic MORB ophiolites are present – this was the drifting time. The closure began during the Late Cretaceous and was completed during the Eocene. Along the area linking the Western Tethys to the Central Atlantic, the break‐up was realized through left lateral wrench movements. In the Central Atlantic – the link between the Western Tethys and the Caribbean Tethys – the drifting began at the same time and is still continuing. The Caribbean Tethys opened probably during the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous. The general picture rising from the previous data suggest a Pangea break‐up rejuvenating from east to west, from the Middle–Late Triassic to the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous.
Mesozoic to Tertiary tectonic history of the Mirdita ophiolites, northern Albania
Authors: Bortolotti Valerio , Marroni Michele , Pandolfi Luca , Principi Gianfranco
Published: December 2005

Abstract  In this paper, a summary of the tectonic history of the Mirdita ophiolitic nappe, northern Albania, is proposed by geological and structural data. The Mirdita ophiolitic nappe includes a subophiolite mélange, the Rubik complex, overlain by two ophiolite units, referred to as the Western and Eastern units. Its history started in the Early Triassic with a rifting stage followed by a Middle to Late Triassic oceanic opening between the Adria and Eurasia continental margins. Subsequently, in Early Jurassic time, the oceanic basin was affected by convergence with the development of a subduction zone. The existence of this subduction zone is provided by the occurrence of the supra‐subduction‐zone‐related magmatic sequences found in both the Western and Eastern units of the Mirdita ophiolitic nappe. During the Middle Jurassic, continuous convergence resulted in the obduction of the oceanic lithosphere, in two different stages – the intraoceanic and marginal stages. The intraoceanic stage is characterized by the westward thrusting of a young and still hot section of oceanic lithosphere leading to the development of a metamorphic sole. In the Late Jurassic, the marginal stage developed by the emplacement of the ophiolitic nappe onto the continental margin. During this second stage, the emplacement of the ophiolites resulted in the development of the Rubik complex. In the Early Cretaceous, the final emplacement of the ophiolites was followed by the unconformable sedimentation of the Barremian–Senonian platform carbonate. From the Late Cretaceous to the Middle Miocene, the Mirdita ophiolitic nappe was translated westward during the progressive migration of the deformation front toward the Adria Plate. In the Middle to Late Miocene, a thinning of the whole nappe pile was achieved by extensional tectonics, while the compression was still active in the westernmost areas of the Adria Plate. On the whole, the Miocene deformations resulted in the uplift and exposition of the Mirdita ophiolites as observed today.
Chromite in the mantle section of the Oman ophiolite: A new genetic model
Authors: Rollinson Hugh
Published: December 2005

Abstract  This paper reviews the compositional data (major elements, platinum group element [PGE] concentrations, Os‐ and O‐isotopes) for chromites from the mantle section of the Oman ophiolite. Chromites in chromitite from the Oman ophiolite lie on a compositional spectrum between high‐Cr♯, boninite‐like and low‐Cr♯, mid‐oceanic ridge basalt‐like end‐members. The high‐Cr♯ end‐member is low in Ti, has a fractionated PGE pattern and is enriched in iridium group‐platinum group elements (IPGE). The low‐Cr♯ end‐member has higher Ti and an unfractionated PGE pattern. The compositional variation in the chromitites reflects their crystallization from a range of different melt compositions. It is proposed that this wide variation in melt compositions was produced by the process of a melt–rock reaction, whereby a basaltic melt has reacted with harzburgitic mantle to yield successively more Cr‐rich melts. In contrast to previous models, this approach does not require a change in the tectonic environment to explain the different chromite types.
Magma generation and crustal accretion as evidenced by supra‐subduction ophiolites of the Albanide–Hellenide Subpelagonian zone
Authors: Beccaluva Luigi , Coltorti Massimo , Saccani Emilio , Siena Franca
Published: December 2005

Abstract  Ophiolites of the Mirdita–Subpelagonian zone form a nearly continuous belt in the Albanide–Hellenide orogen, including mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) associations in the western Mirdita sector and supra‐subduction zone (SSZ) complexes, with prevalent island arc tholeiitic (IAT) and minor boninitic affinities in the eastern part of the belt (i.e. eastern Mirdita, Pindos, Vourinos). In addition, basalts with geochemical features intermediate between MORB and IAT (MORB/IAT) are found in the central Mirdita and in the Aspropotamos sequence (Pindos). These basalts alternate with pure MORB and are cut by boninitic dykes. The distinctive compositional characteristics of the mafic magmas parental to the different ophiolitic suites can be accounted for by partial melting of mantle sources progressively depleted by melt extractions. Partial melting processes (10–20%) of lherzolitic sources generated pure MORB, leaving clinopyroxene‐poor lherzolite as a residuum. Approximately 10% water‐assisted partial melting of this latter source, in an SSZ setting, may in turn generate basalts with MORB/IAT intermediate characteristics, whereas IAT basalts and boninites may have been derived from 10–20% and 30% partial melting, respectively, of the same source variably enriched by subduction‐derived fluids. In addition, boninites may also have been derived by comparatively lower degrees of hydrated partial melting of more refractory harzburgitic sources. A generalized petrologic model based on mass balance calculations between bulk rock and mineral compositions, indicate that most of the intrusives (from ultramafic cumulates to gabbronorites and plagiogranites), as well as sheeted dykes and volcanics (from basalts to rhyodacites) forming the bulk crustal section of the SSZ ophiolites, may be accounted for by shallow fractional crystallization from low‐Ti picritic parental magmas very similar in composition to IAT picrites from Pacific intraoceanic arcs. The most appropriate tectono‐magmatic model for the generation of the SSZ Tethyan ophiolites implies low velocity plate‐convergence of the intraoceanic subduction and generation of a nascent arc with IAT affinity and progressive slab roll‐back, mantle diapirism and extension from the arc axis to the forearc region, with generation of MORB/IAT intermediate basalts and boninitic magmas.
Transpressional tectonics of the Mineoka Ophiolite Belt in a trench–trench–trench‐type triple junction, Boso Peninsula, Japan
Authors: Mori Ryota , Ogawa Yujiro
Published: December 2005

Abstract  Structures developed in metamorphic and plutonic blocks that occur as knockers in the Mineoka Ophiolite Belt in the Boso Peninsula, central Japan, were analyzed. The aim was to understand the incorporation processes of blocks of metamorphic and plutonic rocks with an arc signature into the serpentinite mélange of the Mineoka Ophiolite Belt in relation to changes in metamorphic conditions during emplacement. Several stages of deformation during retrogressive metamorphism were identified: the first faulting stage had two substage shearing events (mylonitization) under ductile conditions inside the crystalline blocks in relatively deeper levels; and the second stage had brittle faulting and brecciation along the boundaries between the host serpentinite bodies in relatively shallower levels (zeolite facies). The first deformation occurred during uplift before emplacement. The blocks were intensively sheared by the first deformation event, and developed numerous shear planes with spacing of a few centimeters. The displacement and width of each shear plane were a few centimeters and a few millimeters, respectively, at most. In contrast, the fault zone of the second shearing stage reached a few meters in width and developed during emplacement of the Mineoka Ophiolite. Both stages occurred under a right‐lateral transpressional regime, in which thrust‐faulting was associated with strike‐slip faulting. Such displacement on an outcrop scale is consistent with the present tectonics of the Mineoka Belt. This implies that the same tectonic stress has been operating in the Boso trench–trench–trench‐type triple junction area in the northwest corner of the Pacific since the emplacement of the Mineoka Ophiolite. The Mineoka Ophiolite Belt must have worked as a forearc sliver fault during the formation of a Neogene accretionary prism further south.
Tectonic rotations during the Chile Ridge collision and obduction of the Taitao ophiolite (southern Chile)
Authors: Veloso Eugenio Andrés Espinosa , Anma Ryo , Yamazaki Toshitsugu
Published: December 2005

Abstract The < 6 Ma young Taitao ophiolite, exposed at the westernmost promontory of the Taitao Peninsula, is located approximately 40 km southeast of the Chile triple junction and consists of a complete sequence of oceanic lithosphere. Systematic sampling for paleomagnetic study was performed to understand the complex obduction processes of the ophiolite onto the forearc of the South American Plate. Two representative demagnetization paths of remanent magnetization vectors were observed. One is characterized by stable univectorial demagnetization paths and was observed in volcaniclastic rocks and dyke complexes. Orientations of their remanent magnetization vectors indicate various degrees of counterclockwise rotations. The other is characterized by multivectorial demagnetization paths and was observed in the plutonic units (gabbros and ultramafic rocks). From these, two distinct stable remanent magnetization vectors were isolated; one has high coercivity and the other has low coercivity along the demagnetization paths with little influence of viscous magnetizations. This suggests that the complex deformation history involved at least two rotational events. The clockwise rotation, inferred from high coercivity remanent magnetization vectors, was attributed to a ridge collision event and the counterclockwise rotation, inferred from the low coercivity remanent magnetization vectors, was attributed to an accommodation phase into the South American forearc during obduction and final emplacement of the ophiolite. Folds developed during this period. Paleomagnetic restorations of the internal structures of the plutonic units and dyke complexes suggest that they probably originated in a mid‐oceanic ridge environment near a transform fault. The counterclockwise rotation of the plutonic and dyke complex units during the obduction generated tectonic gaps between these and the basement. The volcaniclastic rocks must have been deposited at nearly their present location, filling the tectonic gaps, as less effect of tectonic rotation was identified on these rocks.
Hahajima Seamount: An enigmatic tectonic block at the junction between the Izu–Bonin and Mariana Trenches
Authors: Fujioka Kantaro , Tokunaga Wataru , Yokose Hisayoshi , Kasahara Junzo , Sato Toshinori , Miura Ryo , Ishii Teruaki
Published: December 2005

Abstract  The Hahajima Seamount, located at the junction between the Izu–Bonin and Mariana forearc slopes, is a notable rectangular shape and consists of various kinds of rocks. An elaborated bathymetric swath mapping with geophysical measurements and dredge hauls showed the Hahajima Seamount is cut by two predominating lineaments, northeast–southwest and northwest–southeast. These lineaments are of faults based on the topographic cross‐sections and a 3‐D view (whale's eye view). The former lineament is parallel to the transform faults of the Parece Vela Basin, whereas the latter is parallel to the nearby transform fault on the subducting Pacific Plate. The rocks constituting the seamount are ultramafic rocks (mostly harzburgite), boninite, basalt, andesite, gabbro, breccia and sedimentary rocks, which characterize an island arc and an ocean basin. Gravity measurement and seismic reflection survey offer neither a definite gravity anomaly at the seamount nor definite internal structures beneath the seamount. A northwest–southeast‐trending fault and small‐scale serpentine flows were observed during submersible dives at the Hahajima Seamount. The rectangular shape, size of the seamount, various kinds of rocks and geophysical measurements strongly suggest that the Hahajima Seamount is not a simple serpentine seamount controlled by various tectonic movements, as previously believed, but a tectonic block.
Late Pleistocene pollen assemblages from the Thimi Formation, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Paudayal Khum N.
Published: December 2005

Abstract  The Thimi Formation, constituting the upper part of the sedimentary sequence of the Kathmandu Valley, is characterized by alternation of fine‐ to medium‐grained sand, silt, silty clay and clay deposited by a distal fluvial system in the Late Pleistocene. Palynostratigraphy based on 40 samples revealed the dominance of gymnosperm taxa over angiosperms and herbaceous members. As the different species Pinus and Quercus grow at different altitudes in Nepal today, an attempt was made to identify these taxa up to species level for climate interpretations. Gymnosperms, such as Pinus wallichiana, Pinus roxburghii, Abies spectabilis, Tsuga dumosa and Picea smithiana, were dominant over the woody angiosperms, such as Quercus lanata, Quercus lamellosa, Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus semecarpifolia, Betula, Juglans, Myrica, Castanopsis and Symplocos. The pollen diagram of the Thimi Formation shows only minor fluctuations in assemblage. The pollen assemblages indicate the prevalence of a cool and temperate climate during the late Pleistocene. This is confirmed by the high percentages of Poaceae and other herbaceous plants, with very few woody angiosperms.
Holocene calcrete crust deposits on the moraine of Batura Glacier, northern Pakistan
Authors: Waragai Tetsuya
Published: December 2005

Abstract  Calcretes can be observed on the surface of old moraines around Batura Glacier in the upper Hunza Valley, Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan. They develop as a calcareous crust cementing small gravels under boulders. In order to understand the genesis of the calcrete crust, a variety of methods were employed: (i) study of mineralogy and geochemistry of a calcrete crust precipitated on the lateral moraine using X‐ray diffractometer and electron probe microanalysis; (ii) analysis of solute chemistry of surface water and ice bodies around the Batura Glacier; and (iii) accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dating of the crust itself. The results indicate that the calcrete crust has definite laminated layers composed of a fine‐grain and compact calcite layer, and a mineral fragment layer. The chemical composition of the calcite layer is approximately 60% CaO and 1% MgO. The mineral fragment layer consists of rounded grain materials up to 0.2 mm in diameter. It shows a graded bedding structure with fine grains of quartz, albite and muscovite. Meanwhile, as the Paleozoic Pasu limestone is distributed around the terminal of Batura Glacier, Ca cations dissolve in the melt water of the glacier. Accordingly, the calcrete crust is precipitated by decreases in CO2 partial pressure from glacier ice and evaporation of the melt water, including high concentration of Ca2+ at ephemeral streams and small ponds stagnating between the moraine and glacial ice. On the basis of the AMS 14C age, the calcrete is considered to have formed approximately 8200 calibrated years bp under the Batura glacial stage.
Sensitivity of the central Asian climate to uplift of the Tibetan Plateau in the coupled climate model (MRI‐CGCM1)
Authors: Abe Manabu , Yasunari Tetsuzo , Kitoh Akio
Published: December 2005

Abstract  The relationship between the altitude of the Tibetan Plateau and climate change in central Asia was investigated through a numeric experiment using the Meteorological Research Institute (MRI) coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation model I (MRI‐CGCM1). The results suggest that summer precipitation in central Asia decreased significantly as the Tibetan Plateau rose in height. Spring precipitation, however, increased during initial growth stages when the plateau height was up to 40% of its present‐day height, and then decreased with further plateau growth. During the Tibetan Plateau uplift, the difference between precipitation and evaporation was minimal during spring. When the plateau attained a height exceeding 60% of its present height, relatively low precipitation but high evaporation in spring led to a lower amount of ground moisture. In the case of the high plateau, sensible heat flux during summer and fall largely exceeded latent heat flux. Change was particularly significant for cases when the plateau reached 40–60% of its present‐day height. The duration of the predominant sensible heat flux became longer with the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. The period in which latent heat exceeded sensible heat seems to have been restricted to winter and early spring. The numeric experiments suggest that a significant drying of central Asia corresponded to the period in which the Tibetan Plateau exceeded approximately half its present‐day height.
Slow mass movement in the Kangchenjunga area, eastern Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Regmi Dhananjay , Watanabe Teiji
Published: December 2005

Abstract  The rates of the accumulated and continuous displacement of solifluction lobes in the Kangchenjunga area, eastern Nepal Himalaya, were determined using glass fiber tubes and a strain probe. Ground temperature, precipitation and soil moisture were monitored at two sites, whose altitude differed by approximately 100 m, to understand the solifluction process. The average movement rate of the glass fiber tubes on a 31° slope at altitudes of 5412–5414 m a.s.l. was approximately 11 mm/year, being almost threefold greater than that observed on a 22° slope at 5322–5325 ma.s.l. There was no significant difference in the depth of displacement at these sites. The continuous displacement measurement near the ground surface at 5414 m showed permanent downslope movement from early July. Such movement may be attributed to additional moisture supply during the monsoon season. The amplitude of the displacement cycle was highest at the ground surface, and decreased to virtually zero at and below 20 cm in depth. Probable factors leading to the relatively slow rates of downslope displacement at the surface and depth at the studied altitudes are the lack of concurrence of the freeze–thaw cycles and the high moisture condition in the soil, and the low moisture retention capacity of the soil because of steep slopes and superficial desiccation. The rate of displacement may be more pronounced at altitudes above 5600 m because of the freeze–thaw cycles during the summer season.
Integration of magnetism and heavy metal chemistry of soils to quantify the environmental pollution in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Gautam Pitambar , Blaha Ulrich , Appel Erwin
Published: December 2005

Abstract  Soil profiles of the Kathmandu urban area exhibit significant variations in magnetic susceptibility (χ) and saturation isothermal remanence (SIRM), which can be used to discriminate environmental pollution. Magnetic susceptibility can be used to delineate soil intervals by depth into normal (< 10−7 m3/kg), moderately enhanced (10−7–< 10−6 m3/kg) and highly enhanced (≥ 10−6 m3/kg). Soils far from roads and industrial sites commonly fall into the ‘normal’ category. Close to a road corridor, soils at depths of several centimeters have the highest χ, which remains high within the upper 20 cm interval, and decreases with depth through ‘moderately magnetic’ to ‘normal’ at approximately 30–40 cm. Soils in the upper parts of profiles in urban recreational parks have moderate χ. Soil SIRM has three components of distinct median acquisition fields (B1/2): soft (30–50 mT, magnetite‐like phase), intermediate (120–180 mT, probably maghemite or soft coercivity hematite) and hard (550–600 mT, hematite). Close to the daylight surface, SIRM is dominated by a soft component, implying that urban pollution results in enrichment by a magnetite‐like phase. Atomic absorption spectrometry of soils from several profiles for heavy metals reveals remarkable variability (ratio of maximum to minimum contents) of Cu (16.3), Zn (14.8) and Pb (9.3). At Rani Pokhari, several metals are well correlated with χ, as shown by a linear relationship between the logarithmic values. At Ratna Park, however, both χ and SIRM show significant positive correlation with Zn, Pb and Cu, but poor and even negative correlation with Fe (Mn), Cr, Ni and Co. Such differences result from a variety of geogenic, pedogenic, biogenic and man‐made factors, which vary in time and space. Nevertheless, for soil profiles affected by pollution (basically traffic‐related), χ exhibits a significant linear relationship with a pollution index based on the contents of some urban elements (Cu, Pb, Zn), and therefore it serves as an effective parameter for quantifying the urban pollution.
Atropine‐induced lens extrusion in an open eye surgery
Authors: CHHABRA ANJOLIE , MISHRA SAILESH , KUMAR ARUN , TITIYAL JEEWAN SINGH
Published: December 2005

A 2‐month‐old male baby undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) under general anesthesia developed bradycardia and a decrease in heart rate to 53 b·min−1 when stay sutures were taken through the superior and inferior rectii. A bolus of 0.1 mg intravenous atropine resulted in tachycardia of up to 180–220 b·min−1, which persisted for 35 min. After corneal trephination was performed the eyeball seemed to pulsate with the heartbeat. Spontaneous extrusion of the lens and vitreous occurred, which necessitated a lensectomy and vitrectomy in addition to PKP. The role of atropine in corneal transplant surgery is discussed here.
A pilot study of the rectus sheath block for pain control after umbilical hernia repair
Authors: ISAAC LISA A. , McEWEN JUDITH , HAYES JASON A. , CRAWFORD MARK W.
Published: December 2005

Background : Umbilical hernia repair, a common day surgery procedure in children, is associated with significant postoperative discomfort. The rectus sheath block may offer improved pain management following umbilical hernia repair. In this pilot study, we compared the efficacy of the rectus sheath block with that of our current standard practice – local anesthetic infiltration into the surgical wound – for pain control after umbilical hernia repair in children.

Methods : Fourteen children, aged 1–8 years, undergoing umbilical hernia repair were randomly assigned to receive either a rectus sheath block or local anesthetic infiltration into the surgical wound at completion of surgery. Anesthetic management was standardized. Each analgesic technique was performed using 0.8 ml·kg−1 of 0.25% bupivacaine with epinephrine 1 : 200 000. Postoperatively, an investigator who was blinded to the analgesic technique recorded the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) scores and sedation scores every 10 min, and administered intravenous morphine 50 μg·kg−1 for cases with CHEOPS scores ≥8. Total morphine dose was recorded. Parents were telephoned the day after surgery to determine the overall satisfaction with pain control.

Results : Total postoperative morphine consumption did not differ significantly between groups, averaging 0.10 ± 0.09 and 0.10 ± 0.07 mg·kg−1 for the local infiltration and rectus sheath groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in pain or sedation scores, and no complications related to either analgesic technique.

Discussion : Our results suggest that the rectus sheath block has no advantage over infiltration of local anesthetic into the surgical wound for postoperative pain management in children undergoing umbilical hernia repair.
Complete upper airway obstruction after induction of anesthesia in a child with undiagnosed lingual tonsil hypertrophy
Authors: ARRICA MAURO , CRAWFORD MARK W.
Published: December 2005

We present a case of a 9‐year‐old patient with previously undiagnosed lingual tonsil hypertrophy (LTH) that caused sudden and complete airway obstruction and inability to ventilate on induction of anesthesia. More frequently described in adults than in children, LTH can complicate mask ventilation, intubation or both, with the potential for catastrophic consequences.
Heating capabilities of the Hotline® and Autoline® at low flow rates
Authors: SCHNOOR JOERG , WEBER INGO , MACKO STEPHAN , HEUSSEN NICOLE , ROSSAINT ROLF
Published: December 2005

Background : At low flow rates, fluid warmers using coaxial warming tubes are superior in preventing heat loss. This laboratory investigation was performed in order to compare the heating capabilities of two coaxial fluid warmers.

Methods : The Hotline® and the Autoline® were investigated by using normal saline at various flow rates (10–99 ml · h−1). Final infusion temperatures were measured six times in a row at the end of the tubing by using a rapid‐response thermometer. Final temperatures were compared with those of infusions, which passed through disposable i. v. tubing covered and warmed using an ‘off label’ convective air warming system (WarmTouch®). Measurements were performed at two different room temperatures (20 and 24°C). Each group was analyzed with respect to differences between various flow rates as well as differences between the groups at comparable flow rates by using a three‐way anova with multiple comparisons according to Tukey's procedure. Significance was defined at P < 0.05.

Results : Both devices heat infusions at low flow rates efficiently above 34°C, with the Hotline® being more effective than the Autoline® (P < 0.0001). Except for the lowest flow rate (10 ml·h−1), the Hotline® delivered infusion temperatures between 38 and 39°C, while the Autoline® warmed the infusions upto 36°C. While heating capability of the Hotline® was improved with elevated room temperatures at low flow rates (10–60 and 80 ml·h−1), the Autoline® demonstrated lower infusion temperatures throughout elevated room temperature at flow rates between 20 and 90 ml·h−1. Both devices heated infusions more efficiently compared with ‘off label used’ convective air warmer (each with P < 0.0001).

Conclusions : Both the Hotline® and the Autoline® heated infusions sufficiently at low flow rates. However, the heating capability of the Hotline® was superior and can further be increased at low flow rates by increasing the room temperature.
NEUROETHICS
Authors: GLANNON WALTER
Published: December 2005

Neuroimaging, psychosurgery, deep‐brain stimulation, and psychopharmacology hold considerable promise for more accurate prediction and diagnosis and more effective treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Some forms of psychopharmacology may even be able to enhance normal cognitive and affective capacities. But the brain remains the most complex and least understood of all the organs in the human body. Mapping the neural correlates of the mind through brain scans, and altering these correlates through surgery, stimulation, or pharmacological interventions can affect us in both positive and negative ways. We need to carefully weigh the potential benefit against the potential harm of such techniques. This paper examines some of these techniques and explores the emerging ethical issues in clinical neuroscience.
Re‐Organizing Work Roles in Health Care: Evidence from the Implementation of Functional Flexibility
Authors: Desombre Terry , Kelliher Clare , Macfarlane Fraser , Ozbilgin Mustafa
Published: December 2005

Functional flexibility has been advocated as a mechanism for improving efficiency and service quality and is, it is argued, especially appropriate to service environments. In recent years the UK public health service has been subject to an ongoing programme of reform, designed to modernize the way in which health services are provided. A central feature of the reform involves breaking down traditional boundaries and the re‐organization of work roles. This article is concerned with examining the implementation of functional flexibility in three health‐care settings. Case‐study data are presented, focusing on the responses of employees and managers to initiatives to work more flexibly. For managers the implementation achieved efficiency gains and improvements to service quality, in spite of some resistance from employees. For employees the outcomes were more mixed. There was evidence of ‘humanization’ through greater job variety, challenge and access to training, but there were also costs in terms of intensification, role confusion and stress. The implications of these findings both for understanding the issues raised by the use of functional flexibility and for the implementation of policies in the NHS involving job redesign are discussed.
Electoral Registration: Time for Change
Authors: MARSHALL BEN , STEWART DOUGLAS
Published: December 2005

Electoral registration is the key building block for the administration of elections. It is the gateway to voting: people cannot vote at elections in the UK if their name is not on the register. In recent times there has been much debate in media and Westminster circles about current arrangements for electoral registration and the related issue of the future of postal voting.

This article presents new research published by the Electoral Commission in September 2005 investigating non‐registration and its causes. It reviews the case for reform, considers the current policy debate and outlines some of the challenges involved in maximising registration rates. It summarises the Commission's policy recommendations and the reasoning behind them, focusing in particular on the suggested move from the current household‐based system of registration to a system of individual registration