bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research review: A critical review of studies on the developmental trajectories of antisocial behavior in females
Authors: Fontaine Nathalie , Carbonneau René , Vitaro Frank , Barker Edward D. , Tremblay Richard E.
Published: February 2009

Background:  Knowledge on the onset and the development of antisocial behavior in females is limited, because most of the research in this domain is based on males.

Methods:  We critically reviewed 46 empirical studies that examined developmental trajectories of antisocial behavior in females, notably to help determine whether or not an early‐onset/life‐course‐persistent trajectory exists in females.

Results:  The review suggested that antisocial behavior in females can follow different developmental trajectories (e.g., early‐onset/life‐course‐persistent, childhood‐limited, adolescence‐limited, adolescence‐delayed‐onset, adulthood‐onset). However, many of the studies reviewed were limited by factors such as the use of global measures of antisocial behavior, the identification of the trajectories based on threshold criteria, and the small sample sizes.

Conclusions:  Future studies should take into account the shortcomings highlighted in this review. Such studies are needed to improve the understanding and prevention of the development of antisocial behavior in females.
Cerebral folate deficiency
Authors: GORDON NEIL
Published: February 2009

Cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) is associated with low levels of 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with normal folate levels in the plasma and red blood cells. The onset of symptoms caused by the deficiency of folates in the brain is at around 4 to 6 months of age. This is followed by delayed development, with deceleration of head growth, hypotonia, and ataxia, followed in one‐third of children by dyskinesias (choreo‐athetosis, hemiballismus), spasticity, speech difficulties, and epilepsy.

The low level of 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate in the CSF can result from decreased transport across the blood–brain barrier, which is most probably because of the blocking of folate transport into the CSF by the binding of folate receptor antibodies to the folate receptors in the choroid plexus.

Treatment of the condition with folinic acid for prolonged periods can result in significant improvement of clinical symptoms and a return of 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate levels in the CSF to normal. In view of this response to treatment in CFD and allied conditions, a case can be made for screening the CSF of patients with neurological disorders of unknown origin.
Phosphorylation of the amino‐terminal region of X11L regulates its interaction with APP
Authors: Sakuma Megumi , Tanaka Emi , Taru Hidenori , Tomita Susumu , Gandy Sam , Nairn Angus C. , Nakaya Tadashi , Yamamoto Tohru , Suzuki Toshiharu
Published: February 2009

X11‐like (X11L) is neuronal adaptor protein that interacts with the amyloid β‐protein precursor (APP) and regulates its metabolism. The phosphotyrosine interaction/binding (PI/PTB) domain of X11L interacts with the cytoplasmic region of APP695. We found that X11L–APP interaction is enhanced in osmotically stressed cells and X11L modification is required for the enhancement. Amino acids 221–250 (X11L221–250) are required for the enhanced association with APP in osmotically stressed cells; this motif is 118 amino acids closer to the amino‐terminal end of the protein than the PI/PTB domain (amino acids 368–555). We identified two phosphorylatable seryl residues, Ser236 and Ser238, in X11L221–250 and alanyl substitution of either seryl residue diminished the enhanced association with APP. In brain Ser238 was found to be phosphorylated and phosphorylation of X11L was required for the interaction of X11L and APP. Both seryl residues in X11L221–250 are conserved in neuronal X11, but not in X11L2, a non‐neuronal X11 family member that did not exhibit enhanced APP association in osmotically stressed cells. These findings indicate that the region of X11L that regulates association with APP is located outside of, and amino‐terminal to, the PI/PTB domain. Modification of this regulatory region may alter the conformation of the PI/PTB domain to modulate APP binding.
In vitro glutaminase regulation and mechanisms of glutamate generation in HIV‐1‐infected macrophage
Authors: Erdmann Nathan , Tian Changhai , Huang Yunlong , Zhao Jianxing , Herek Shelley , Curthoys Norman , Zheng Jialin
Published: February 2009

Mononuclear phagocyte (MP, macrophages and microglia) dysfunction plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of HIV‐1‐associated dementia (HAD) through the production and release of soluble neurotoxic factors including glutamate. Glutamate production is greatly increased following HIV‐1 infection of cultured MP, a process dependent upon the glutamate‐generating enzyme glutaminase. Glutaminase inhibition was previously found to significantly decrease macrophage‐mediated neurotoxicity. Potential mechanisms of glutaminase‐mediated excitotoxicity including enzyme up‐regulation, increased enzyme activity and glutaminase localization were investigated in this report. RNA and protein analysis of HIV‐infected human primary macrophage revealed up‐regulation of the glutaminase isoform GAC, yet identified no changes in the kidney‐type glutaminase isoform over the course of infection. Glutaminase is a mitochondrial protein, but was found to be released into the cytosol and extracellular space following infection. This released enzyme is capable of rapidly converting the abundant extracellular amino acid glutamine into excitotoxic levels of glutamate in an energetically favorable process. These findings support glutaminase as a potential component of the HAD pathogenic process and identify a possible therapeutic avenue for the treatment of neuroinflammatory states such as HAD.
Transgenic expression of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 in mouse neurons
Authors: Parkinson Fiona E. , Xiong Wei , Zamzow Christina R. , Chestley Taeyo , Mizuno Tooru , Duckworth Mary Lynn
Published: February 2009

Transgenic mice that express human equilibrative nucleoside transporter subtype 1 (hENT1) under the control of a neuron‐specific enolase promoter have been generated. Southern blot and PCR revealed the presence of the transgene in five founder mice. Mice from each founder line were examined by reverse transcriptase (RT)‐PCR and found to express hENT1 in RNA isolated from whole brain, cerebral cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum but not liver, kidney, heart, lung or skeletal muscle. Cortical synaptosomes prepared from transgenic mice had significantly increased [3H]adenosine uptake and [3H]nitrobenzylthioinosine binding, relative to samples from wild‐type mice. In behavioral tests, transgenic mice had altered responses to caffeine and ethanol, two drugs that inhibit and enhance, respectively, adenosine receptor activity. Caffeine‐induced locomotor stimulation was attenuated whereas the hypnotic effect of ethanol was enhanced in transgenic mice. Caffeine was more potent in inhibiting ethanol‐induced motor incoordination in wild‐type than in transgenic mice. No differences in expression of mouse genes for adenosine receptors, nucleoside transporters, or purine metabolizing enzymes were detected by RT‐PCR analyses. These data indicate that expression of hENT1 in neurons does not trigger adaptive changes in expression of adenosine‐related genes. Instead, hENT1 expression affects dynamic changes in endogenous adenosine levels, as revealed by altered behavioral responses to drugs that affect adenosine receptor signalling.
Drebrin E is involved in the regulation of axonal growth through actin–myosin interactions
Authors: Mizui Toshiyuki , Kojima Nobuhiko , Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Katayama Michihito , Hanamura Kenji , Shirao Tomoaki
Published: February 2009

Drebrin is a well‐known side‐binding protein of F‐actin in the brain. Immunohistochemical data suggest that the peripheral parts of growing axons are enriched in the drebrin E isoform and mature axons are not. It has also been observed that drebrin E is concentrated in the growth cones of PC12 cells. These data strongly suggest that drebrin E plays a role in axonal growth during development. In this study, we used primary hippocampal neuronal cultures to analyze the role of drebrin E. Immunocytochemistry showed that within axonal growth cones drebrin E specifically localized to the transitional zone, an area in which dense networks of F‐actins and microtubules overlapped. Over‐expression of drebrin E caused drebrin E and F‐actin to accumulate throughout the growth cone and facilitated axonal growth. In contrast, knockdown of drebrin E reduced drebrin E and F‐actin in the growth cone and prevented axonal growth. Furthermore, inhibition of myosin II ATPase masked the promoting effects of drebrin E over‐expression on axonal growth. These results suggest that drebrin E plays a role in axonal growth through actin–myosin interactions in the transitional zone of axonal growth cones.
Conservation Assessment of Southern South American Freshwater Ecoregions on the Basis of the Distribution and Genetic Diversity of Crabs from the GenusAegla
Authors: PÉREZ‐LOSADA M. , BOND‐BUCKUP G. , JARA C. G. , CRANDALL K. A.
Published: February 2009

Abstract: We assessed the conservation priority of 18 freshwater ecoregions in southern South America on the basis ofAegla(genus of freshwater crabs) genetic diversity and distribution. Geographical distributions for 66Aeglaspecies were taken from the literature and plotted against ecoregions and main river basins of southern South America. Species richness and number of threatened and endemic species were calculated for each area. To assess taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity, we generated a molecular phylogeny based on DNA sequences for one nuclear (28S) and 4 mitochondrial (12S, 16S, COI, and COII) genes. All species richness and phylogenetic methods agreed, to a large extent, in their rankings of the importance of conservation areas, as indicated by the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (p <0.01); nonetheless, some of the lowest correlations were observed between taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity indices. The 5 ecoregions of the Laguna dos Patos Basin (Eastern Brazil), Central Chile, South Brazilian Coast, Chilean Lakes, and Subtropical Potamic Axis (northern Argentina and southern Uruguay and Paraguay) had the highest biodiversity scores. Conservation of these regions will preserve the largest number of species and the greatest amount of genetic diversity within the South American freshwaterAeglafauna. Biodiversity across rivers and within areas was heterogeneously distributed in the ecoregions of Upper Paraná, Ribeira do Iguape, Upper Uruguay, and South Brazilian Coast (i.e., one river showed significantly more biodiversity than any other river from the same ecoregion), but homogeneously distributed in the other ecoregions. Hence, conservation plans in the former regions will potentially require less effort than plans in the latter regions.
Forecasting the Risk of Brown Tree Snake Dispersal from Guam: a Mixed Transport‐Establishment Model
Authors: PERRY GAD , VICE DAN
Published: February 2009

Abstract: The brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) is a devastating invader that has ecologically and economically affected Guam and is poised to disperse further. Interdiction efforts are being conducted on Guam and some of the potential receiving sites, but no tools exist for evaluating the potential for snake incursion; thus, the amount of effort that should be invested in protecting particular sites is unknown. We devised a model that predicts the relative risk of establishment of the brown tree snake (BTS) at a given site. To calculate overall risk, we incorporated in the model information on the likelihood of an organism entering the transportation system, avoiding detection, surviving to arrive at another location, and establishing at the receiving end. On the basis of documented rates of snake arrival at receiving sites, the model produced realistic predictions of invasion risk. Model outputs can thus be used to prioritize interdiction efforts to focus on especially vulnerable receiving locations. We provide examples of the utility of the model in evaluating the impacts of changes in transportation parameters. Finally, the model can be used to evaluate the impacts that BTS establishment at an additional site and that creation of a new source of snakes would have. The use of qualitative inputs allows the model to be adapted by substituting data on other invasive species or transportation systems.
The Association of Birth Complications and Externalizing Behavior in Early Adolescents: Direct and Mediating Effects
Authors: Liu Jianghong , Raine Adrian , Wuerker Anne , Venables Peter H. , Mednick Sarnoff
Published: February 2009

Prior studies have shown that birth complications interact with psychosocial risk factors in predisposing to increased externalizing behavior in childhood and criminal behavior in adulthood. However, little is known about the direct relationship between birth complications and externalizing behavior. Furthermore, the mechanism by which the birth complications predispose to externalizing behavior is not well explored. This study aims to assess whether birth complications predispose to early adolescent externalizing behavior and to test whether Intelligence Quotient (IQ) mediates relationships between predictor and outcome variables. We used data from a prospective, longitudinal birth cohort of 1,795 3‐year‐old boys and girls from Mauritius to test hypotheses. Birth complications were assessed from hospital record data, malnutrition from a pediatric exam at age 3 years, psychosocial adversity from parental interviews at age 3 years, and externalizing behavior problems from parental ratings at age 11 years. We found that babies with birth complications are more likely to develop externalizing behavior problems at age 11. Low IQ was associated with birth complications and was found to mediate the link between early predictors and later externalizing behavior. These prospective, longitudinal findings have potential clinical implications for the identification of early adolescent externalizing behavior and for public health attempts to prevent the occurrence of child externalizing behavior problems.
100 Years of Commercial Real Estate Prices in Manhattan
Authors: Wheaton William C. , Baranski Mark S. , Templeton Cesarina A.
Published: February 2009

This article is able to put together a database of 86 repeat‐sales transactions for office properties in lower and midtown Manhattan spanning the years from 1899 to 1999. Using this very limited database, decade‐interval changes in real property prices are estimated—with varying degrees of precision. Our conclusions are two fold. First, adjusting for inflation, commercial office property values were 30% lower in 1999 than they were in 1899. Second, within any decade values often rise and fall by 20–50% in real terms. With these results, the long‐term historic return to New York commercial property must mostly comprise yield with capital gains limited to general inflation. Other historical studies consistent with this conclusion are reviewed.
Institutional Capital Flows and Return Dynamics in Private Commercial Real Estate Markets
Authors: Fisher Jeffrey , Ling David C. , Naranjo Andy
Published: February 2009

This article examines the short‐ and long‐run dynamics among institutional capital flows and returns in private real estate markets. At the aggregate U.S. level, we find evidence that lagged institutional flows significantly influence subsequent returns. When disaggregating by property type at the national level, we find that capital flows predict subsequent returns in the apartment and office sectors, but not in the retail and industrial markets. At the metropolitan level, we find that the flows help explain subsequent returns in a limited number of core business statistical areas (CBSAs), although these CBSAs collectively represent about 30% of institutional capital. We find no evidence that institutional returns are predictive of future capital flows at the national or CBSA level, suggesting that institutional investors are not chasing returns.
The Application of Monoline Insurance Principles to the Reregulation of Investment Banks and the GSEs
Authors: Jaffee Dwight M.
Published: February 2009

Abstract

This article explores the benefits of reregulating the investment banks and government‐sponsored enterprises (GSEs, namely, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) by applying the monoline principle that has been long established in regulating insurers that offer coverage against mortgage and bond default risks. The monoline regulatory principle was created to ensure that losses on a risky insurance line would not endanger other safe lines. The principle is applicable to both investment banks and the GSEs because both sets of institutions have operated with two basic divisions: a hedge fund division that maintained a highly risky investment portfolio and an infrastructure division that carried out activities with high direct value for the overall financial or mortgage markets. The monoline principle involves placing the two divisions in a new regulatory structure whereby the infrastructure division is bankruptcy remote from any losses that might occur within the hedge fund division.
Interorganizational Exchanges in China: Organizational Forms and Governance Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Keh Hean Tat
Published: February 2009

This article discusses how organizations exchange with one another in China, focusing on the type of organizational ownership and the form of governance mechanism. The theoretical foundation builds on institutional theory, resource dependence theory, agency theory, and evolutionary theory. Given the three main forms of organizations in China – state-owned enterprises, privately owned enterprises, and foreign-invested enterprises - we show how these organizations choose between two types of governance mechanisms, contracts andguanxi, to manage interorganizational exchanges. We then analyze the possible modes of interaction between organizational forms. We argue that the relative importance ofguanxiis likely to decline or thatguanxiwill shift from being primary in some organizations to complementary in all organizations with the progress of market transition. This conceptual framework is expected to help provide the momentum for further theoretical exploration and empirical study in this area.
High‐affinity ligand binding by wild‐type/mutant heteromeric complexes of the mannose  6‐phosphate/insulin‐like growth factor II receptor
Authors: Hartman Michelle A. , Kreiling Jodi L. , Byrd James C. , MacDonald Richard G.
Published: February 2009

The mannose 6‐phosphate/insulin‐like growth factor II receptor has diverse ligand‐binding properties contributing to its roles in lysosome biogenesis and growth suppression. Optimal receptor binding and internalization of mannose 6‐phosphate (Man‐6‐P)‐bearing ligands requires a dimeric structure leading to bivalent high‐affinity binding, presumably mediated by cooperation between sites on both subunits. Insulin‐like growth factor II (IGF‐II) binds to a single site on each monomer. It is hypothesized that IGF‐II binding to cognate sites on each monomer occurs independently, but bivalent Man‐6‐P ligand binding requires cooperative contributions from sites on both monomers. To test this hypothesis, we co‐immunoprecipitated differentially epitope‐tagged soluble mini‐receptors and assessed ligand binding. Pairing of wild‐type and point‐mutated IGF‐II binding sites between two dimerized mini‐receptors had no effect on the function of the contralateral binding site, indicating IGF‐II binding to each side of the dimer is independent and manifests no intersubunit effects. As expected, heterodimeric receptors composed of a wild‐type monomer and a mutant bearing two Man‐6‐P‐binding knockout mutations form functional IGF‐II binding sites. By contrast to prediction, such heterodimeric receptors also bind Man‐6‐P‐based ligands with high affinity, and the amount of binding can be attributed entirely to the immunoprecipitated wild‐type receptors. Anchoring of both C‐terminal ends of the heterodimer produces optimal binding of both IGF‐II and Man‐6‐P ligands. Thus, IGF‐II binds independently to both subunits of the dimeric mannose 6‐phosphate/insulin‐like growth factor II receptor. Although wild‐type/mutant hetero‐oligomers form readily when mixed, it appears that multivalent Man‐6‐P ligands bind preferentially to wild‐type sites, possibly by cross‐bridging receptors within clusters of immobilized receptors.
The occurrence of hemocyanin in Hexapoda
Authors: Pick Christian , Schneuer Marco , Burmester Thorsten
Published: February 2009

Hemocyanins are copper‐containing, respiratory proteins that have been thoroughly studied in various arthropod subphyla. Specific O2‐transport proteins have long been considered unnecessary in Hexapoda (including Insecta), which acquire O2 via an elaborate tracheal system. However, we recently identified a functional hemocyanin in the stonefly Perla marginata (Plecoptera) and in the firebrat Thermobia domestica (Zygentoma). We used RT‐PCR and RACE experiments to study the presence of hemocyanin in a broad range of ametabolous and hemimetabolous hexapod taxa. We obtained a total of 12 full‐length and 5 partial cDNA sequences of hemocyanins from representatives of Collembola, Archeognatha, Dermaptera, Orthoptera, Phasmatodea, Mantodea, Isoptera and Blattaria. No hemocyanin could be identified in Protura, Diplura, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, or in the Eumetabola (Holometabola + Hemiptera). It is not currently known why hemocyanin has been lost in some taxa. Hexapod hemocyanins usually consist of two distinct subunit types. Whereas type 1 subunits may represent the central building block, type 2 subunits may be absent in some species. Phylogenetic analyses support the Pancrustacea hypothesis and show that type 1 and type 2 subunits diverged before the emergence of the Hexapoda. The copperless insect storage hexamerins evolved from hemocyanin type 1 subunits, with Machilis germanica (Archeognatha) hemocyanin being a possible ‘intermediate’. The evolution of hemocyanin subunits follows the widely accepted phylogeny of the Hexapoda and provides strong evidence for the monophyly of the Polyneoptera (Plecoptera, Dermaptera, Orthoptera, Phasmatodea, Mantodea, Isoptera, Blattaria) and the Dictyoptera (Mantodea, Isoptera, Blattaria). The Blattaria are paraphyletic with respect to the termites.
Formulated meal replacements: A comparison of the nutritional adequacy of available products
Authors: COLLINS Clare , JONES John , SHERWOOD Dorothy
Published: February 2009

Objective:  To assess the nutritional compliance of formulated meal replacements available in Australian pharmacies with the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand guidelines; and to assess the nutritional adequacy of formulated meal replacements recommended diets based on meal replacement or total diet replacement (very low energy diets).

Design:  Products available at major pharmacies as of November 2007 were identified and nutritional information and instructions for use were obtained from the product packaging and/or the manufacturing company.

Main Outcome Measures:  Individual serves, prepared as directed, were compared to Standards Australia and New Zealand standard 2.9.3 of the food standards code. Nutritional adequacy was assessed by comparing the nutritional composition to the Nutrient Reference Values for average obese adult males and females, using Foodworks 2007.

Results:  Results demonstrated that while most products were compliant with the Standards Australia and New Zealand standard for formulated meal replacements composition the majority of the products and/or programs were deficient in one or more nutrients. Of the 17 products from 11 brands, no very low energy diets programs (of seven) were found to be nutritionally complete. Only two meal replacement programs (of 16) were nutritionally complete in comparison to the recommended dietary intakes and AIs for both a representative obese man and woman.

Conclusion:  The results highlight the important role of clinicians in ensuring programs followed by patients are nutritionally adequate and implemented and supervised as intended, in order to minimise side‐effects and risks. There is a need for Standards Australia and New Zealand regulations governing very low energy diets, where formulated meal replacements are recommended for total diet replacement.
Trends in affordability of the Illawarra Healthy Food Basket 2000–2007
Authors: WILLIAMS Peter , HULL Alycia , KONTOS Marianne
Published: February 2009

Aims:  The Illawarra Healthy Food Basket was developed as one measure to monitor the affordability of healthy eating in Australia. It consists of 57 items selected to meet the nutritional requirements of a reference family of five. The basket was first costed in the Illawarra region of Australia in 2000 and again in 2001 and 2003. The present study aimed to repeat the costing of the basket in 2005 and 2007 and to assess the trends in affordability since 2000.

Methods:  Costing was carried out in the same five suburbs as previous surveys, using a large supermarket, greengrocer and butcher from each. Comparison data included: welfare entitlements obtained from Centrelink, average weekly earnings and the consumer price index for food.

Main outcome measures:  The average weekly cost of the Illawarra Healthy Food Basket in 2005 and 2007, and trends in the costs compared with changes in average weekly earning and welfare benefits for the reference family.

Results:  The total cost of the Illawarra Healthy Food Basket in 2007 was $242.49, an increase of 20.4% since 2000, with the greatest increases in the prices of vegetables (55.7%) and fruit (46.7%). Fruits, vegetables and meat were cheaper at independent grocers and butchers than in supermarkets. The percentage of average weekly earning or welfare payments required to purchase the Illawarra Healthy Food Basket remained stable at slightly below 30%.

Conclusion:  These results indicate that the affordability of healthy eating has remained relatively constant from 2000 to 2007, but the significant increases in fruit and vegetable prices might be making healthy food choices more difficult.
Innovative model for clinical education in dietetics
Authors: ROBERTS Noel J. , BROCKINGTON Sonia , DOYLE Elizabeth , PEARCE Leonie M. , BOWIE Alison J. , SIMMANCE Natalie , EVANS Sherryn , CROWE Timothy C.
Published: February 2009

Aim:  Professional practice placement programs in dietetics face a number of challenges in respect of quantity, quality and sustainability. The aim of the present study is to report on the development of an innovative placement model based on a variety of training and supervision approaches to address these aforementioned challenges.

Methods:  The model was developed following an investigation of existing practice and the literature with approaches that were identified as important to the requirements and constraints of dietetics clinical training incorporated into the model.

Results:  Although one‐on‐one supervision is the predominant approach in Australian dietetic education, the educational literature and the authors' experience showed that a variety of approaches are represented in some form. The model developed involves the pairing of two students with one supervisor with students changing peer partners and supervisors every three weeks during the nine‐week placement to diversify exposure to working and learning styles. The model integrates four customised approaches: incremental exposure to tasks; use of a clinical reasoning framework to help structure student understanding of the methods and judgements involved in patient care; structured enquiry in group discussions; and peer observation and feedback.

Conclusions:  The model has potential to achieve efficiencies in supervisors' involvement by coordinating the skill development activities of students as a group and promoting peer‐assisted learning.
Hoarse voice in adults: an evidence‐based approach to the 12 minute consultation
Authors: Syed I. , Daniels E. , Bleach N.R.
Published: February 2009

Background:  The hoarse voice is a common presentation in the adult ENT clinic. It is estimated that otolaryngology/voice clinics receive over 50 000 patients with dysphonia each year. Good vocal function is estimated to be required for around 1/3 of the labour force to fulfil their job requirements. The assessment and management of the patient with a hoarse voice is potentially a complex and protracted process as the aetiology is often multi‐factorial. This article provides a guide for the clinician in the general ENT clinic to make a concise, thorough assessment of the hoarse patient and engage in an evidence based approach to investigation and management.

Method:  Literature search performed on 4 October 2008 using EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane databases using subject headings hoarse voice or dysphonia in combination with diagnosis, management, investigation, treatment, intervention and surgery.

Results:  General vocal hygiene is beneficial for non organic dysphonia but the evidence base for individual components is poor. There is a good evidence base for the use of voice therapy as first line treatment of organic dysphonia such as vocal fold nodules and polyps. There is little evidence for surgical intervention as first line therapy for most common benign vocal fold lesions. Surgery is, however, the treatment of choice for hoarseness due to papillomatosis. Both CO2 laser and microdissection are equally acceptable modalities for surgical resection of common benign vocal fold lesions. Laryngopharyngeal reflux is commonly cited as a cause of hoarseness but the evidence base for treatment with gastric acid suppression is poor. Despite the widespread use of proton pump inhibitors for treating laryngopharyngeal reflux, there is high quality evidence to suggest that they are no more effective than placebo.

Conclusion:  A concise and thorough approach to assessment in the general ENT clinic will provide the diagnosis and facilitate the management of the hoarse voice in the majority of cases. Voice therapy is an important tool that should be utilised in the general ENT clinic and should not be restricted to the specialist voice clinic. If there is no improvement after initial measures, the larynx appears normal and/or the patient has failed initial speech & language therapy, referral to a specialist voice clinic may be helpful. More research is still required particularly with regard to laryngopharyngeal reflux which is often cited as an important cause of hoarseness but is still poorly understood.
A New Theropod Dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic of Lufeng, Yunnan, China
Authors: WU Xiao‐chun , CURRIE Philip J. , DONG Zhiming , PAN Shigang , WANG Tao
Published: February 2009

A new theropod dinosaur, Shidaisaurus jinae gen. et sp. nov., has been described on the basis of an incomplete skeleton. The specimen was found near the base of the Upper Lufeng Formation (early Middle Jurassic) in Yunnan, China. It is the first theropod dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic of Yunnan. Shidaisaurus jinae is distinguishable from other Jurassic theropods by certain features from the braincase, axis, and pelvic girdle. The absence of any pleurocoels in the axis or in any anterior dorsal vertebrae suggests that the new Lufeng theropod is relatively primitive and more plesiomorphic than most of the Middle to Late Jurassic theropods from China. Most Chinese taxa of Jurassic theropod dinosaurs have not been well described; a further detailed study will be necessary for us to determine their phylogenetic relationships with Shidaisaurus jinae.
Aerodynamic Characteristics of the Crest with Membrane Attachment on Cretaceous Pterodactyloid Nyctosaurus
Authors: XING Lida , WU Jianghao , LU Yi , LÜ Junchang , JI Qiang
Published: February 2009

The Nyctosaurus specimen KJ1 was reconstructed under the hypothesis that there is a membrane attached to the crest; the so‐called headsail crest. The aerodynamic forces and moment acting on the headsail crest were analyzed. It was shown that KJ1 might adjust the angle of the headsail crest relative to the air current as one way to generate thrust (one of the aerodynamic forces, used to overcome body drag in forward flight) and that the magnitude of the thrust and moment could vary with the gesture angle and the relative location between the aerodynamic center of the headsail crest and body's center of gravity. Three scenarios were tested for comparison: the crest with membrane attachment, the crest without membrane attachment and the absence of a cranial crest. It was shown that the aerodynamic characteristics (increasing, maintaining and decreasing thrusts and moment) would have almost disappear in flight for the crest without membrane attachment and was non‐existent without the cranial crest. It is suggested from aerodynamics evidence alone that Nyctosaurus specimen KJ1 had a membrane attached to the crest and used this reconstructed form for auxiliary flight control.
Revision of the Clam Shrimp Genus Magumbonia from the Upper Jurassic of the Luanping Basin, Hebei, Northern China
Authors: LI Gang , SHEN Yanbin , LIU Yongqing , BENGTSON Peter , WILLEMS Helmut , HIRANO Hiramichi
Published: February 2009

The diverse clam shrimp Nestoria‐Keratestheria fauna is widely distributed in the Dabeigou Formation in northern Hebei and eastern Inner Mongolia of China. Its important component genus Magumbonia from the Dabeigou Formation in the Luanping Basin, northern Hebei, China, is revised on the basis of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of the type species M. jingshangensis Wang, 1984, which revealed morphological features not recognized previously. These include coarse reticulation on the umbo and prominent growth lines ornamented with densely spaced, small tubercles and fine lirae.
Phase Equilibria of Hornblende‐Bearing Eclogite in the Western Dabie Mountain, Central China
Authors: ZHANG Jingsen , WEI Chunjing , LOU Yuxing , SU Xiangli
Published: February 2009

The high‐pressure (HP) eclogite in the western Dabie Mountain encloses numerous hornblendes, mostly barroisite. Opinions on the peak metamorphic P‐T condition, PT path and mineral paragenesis of it are still in dispute. Generally, HP eclogite involves garnet, omphacite, hornblendes and quartz, with or without glaucophane, zoisite and phengite. The garnet has compositional zoning with XMg increase, XCa and XMn decrease from core to rim, which indicates a progressive metamorphism. The phase equilibria of the HP eclogite modeled by the P‐T pseudosection method developed recently showed the following: (1) the growth zonation of garnet records a progressive metamorphic PT path from pre‐peak condition of 1.9–2.1 GPa at 508°C‐514°C to a peak one of 2.3–2.5 GPa at 528°C‐531°C for the HP eclogite; (2) the peak mineral assemblage is garnet+omphacite+glaucophane+quartz±phengite, likely paragenetic with lawsonite; (3) the extensive hornblendes derive mainly from glaucophane, partial omphacite and even a little garnet due to the decompression with some heating during the post‐peak stage, mostly representing the conditions of about 1.4–1.6 GPa and 580°C‐640°C, and their growth is favored by the dehydration of lawsonite into zoisite or epidote, but most of the garnet, omphacite or phengite in the HP eclogite still preserve their compositions at peak condition, and they are not obviously equilibrious with the hornblendes.
Structural Characteristics and Formation Mechanism in the Micangshan Foreland, South China
Authors: XU Huaming , LIU Shu , QU Guosheng , LI Yanfeng , SUN Gang , LIU Kang
Published: February 2009

Lying at the junction of the Dabashan, Longmenshan and Qinling mountains, the Micangshan Orogenic Belt coupled with a basin is a duplex structure and back‐thrust triangular belt with little horizontal displacement, small thrust faults and continuous sedimentary cover. On the basis of 3D seismic data, and through sedimentary and structural research, the Micangshan foreland can be divided into five subbelts, which from north to south are: basement thrust, frontal thrust, foreland depression‐back‐thrust triangle, foreland fold belt or anticline belt, and the Tongjiang Depression. Along the direction of strike from west to east, the arcuate structural belt of Micangshan can be divided into west, middle and east segments. During the collision between the Qinling and Yangtze plates, the Micangshan Orogenic Belt was subjected to the interaction of three rigid terranes: Bikou, Foping, and Fenghuangshan (a.k.a. Ziyang) terranes. The collision processes of rigid terranes controlled the structural development of the Micangshan foreland, which are: (a) the former collision between the Micangshan‐Hannan and Bikou terranes forming the earlier rudiments of the structure; and (b) the later collision forming the main body of the structural belt. The formation processes of the Micangshan Orogenic Belt can be divided into four stages: (1) in the early stage of the Indosinian movement, the Micangshan‐Hannan Rigid Terrane was jointed to the Qinling Plate by the clockwise subduction of the Yangtze Plate toward the Qinling Plate; (2) since the late Triassic, the earlier rudiments of the Tongnanba and Jiulongshan anticlines and corresponding syncline were formed by compression from different directions of the Bikou, Foping and Micangshan‐Hannan terranes; (3) in the early stage of the Himalayan movement, the Micangshan‐Hannan Terrane formed the Micangshan Nappe torwards the foreland basin and the compression stresses were mainly concentrated along both its flanks, whereas the Micangshan‐Hannan Terrane wedged into the Qinling Orogenic Belt with force; (4) in the late stage of the Himalayan movement, the main collision of the Qinling Plate made the old basement rocks of the terrane uplift quickly, to form the Micangshan Orogenic Belt. The Micangshan foreland arcuate structure was formed due to the non‐homogeneity of terrane movement.
Lithocarpuslongzhouicus comb. nov. (Fagaceae) from China: based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: Chen Li , Li Jian‐Qiang , Wang Heng‐Chang , Li Xin‐Wei , Peng Yan‐Song
Published: February 2009

The taxonomic position of Castanopsis longzhouica C. C. Huang & Y. T. Chang has been controversial. Various authors included it in Castanopsis (D. Don) Spach, or Lithocarpus Bl. based on morphology, palynology and wood anatomy. In order to investigate this issue, sequences of nuclear ITS and the chloroplast genes matK and trnL‐F of C. longzhouica were analyzed together with 72 representatives of 7 genera within Fagaceae. As for species of Lithocarpus, there were a 1‐bp insertion and two unique 3‐bp deletions from ITS2 of C. longzhouica distinguishing it from Castanopsis. The phylogenetic analyses on the separate ITS data and the joint data (ITS+matK+ trnL‐F) strongly supported a derived position of C. longzhouica within a clade consisting of members of Lithocarpus. The result is consistent with previous suggestions based on wood anatomy, suggesting that C. longzhouica should be transferred to Lithocarpus. In addition, the shallow cup‐shaped, loose incoherent‐scale and indehiscent cupule and the concave scar of C. longzhouica suggests a close relationship to species of Lithocarpus. Based on these data, the new combination Lithocarpus longzhouicus (C. C. Huang & Y. T. Chang) J. Q. Li & L. Chen is proposed.
CAD/CAM to fabricate ceramic implant abutments and crowns: a preliminary in vitro study
Authors: Alfarsi MA , Okutan H Mehmet , Bickel M
Published: February 2009

Background:  This study evaluated the feasibility of fabricating implant abutments and crowns from pre‐sintered feldspathic porcelain blocks using the chair‐side CAD/CAM, CEREC3D® system.

Methods:  Thirty‐two implant analogues were divided into two groups. In the control group, prefabricated machined anatomical titanium (Ti) abutments were screw‐retained to the analogues. In the test group, machined feldspathic porcelain abutments were cemented on prefabricated machined Ti links and screw‐retained to the implant analogues. These feldspathic porcelain abutments were fabricated out of pre‐sintered feldspathic porcelain blocks as duplicates of the abutments in the control group using the CAD/CAM, CEREC3D® system. Thirty‐two feldspathic porcelain crowns, also fabricated out of pre‐sintered ceramic blocks, were then cemented with resin cement on all the abutments in both groups. All samples were subsequently subjected to fracture strength testing under static load. An unpaired t‐test was used to compare fracture load values between the two groups.

Results:  The test group using feldspathic porcelain abutments and crowns showed statistically significant higher mean fracture strength than the control group with the Ti abutments and feldspathic porcelain crowns.

Conclusions:  This preliminary study showed that the chair‐side CAD/CAM technology can be utilized to fabricate customized ceramic abutments with their associated ceramic crowns using pre‐sintered feldspathic porcelain blocks.
Clinical detection of caries in the primary dentition with and without bitewing radiography
Authors: Newman B , Seow WK , Kazoullis S , Ford D , Holcombe T
Published: February 2009

Background:  Inadequate detection of caries in the primary dentition due to non‐use of bitewing radiography is commonly encountered in paediatric practice. The present study investigated the increased benefits of using bitewing radiography in addition to the visual‐tactile examination technique for detection of primary dentition caries in a non‐fluoridated community, and determined the prevalence of “hidden” occlusal caries in the primary dentition.

Methods:  Primary teeth were scored for caries at the restorative threshold using a visual‐tactile technique followed by bitewing radiographic examination in a sample of 611 schoolchildren aged 6.4 ± 0.5 yrs to 12.1 ± 0.8 yrs residing in a non‐fluoridated city.

Results:  Overall, at the restorative threshold, the visual‐tactile technique could detect 62 per cent of occlusal caries compared to 74 per cent for bitewing radiography (p < 0.001). The prevalence of “hidden” occlusal caries was 12 per cent. In contrast, for primary molar proximal surface caries, the visual‐tactile technique could detect only 43 per cent of caries compared with 91 per cent for bitewing radiography (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:  In the primary dentition, use of bitewing radiography increases the detection rate of proximal surface caries substantially. It is recommended that bitewing radiography be included as part of the routine examination of children with proximal surfaces that cannot be visualized.
Rotational drift of mandibular third molar teeth: a series of four cases
Authors: Hughes AJ , Vudiniabola ST , McMillan BD , Smith AC
Published: February 2009

Rotational drift of mandibular third molar teeth is a challenge for clinicians to predict and manage. Evidence on the incidence and degree of rotation is sparse. As the factors influencing rotation are not defined, prediction is impossible. A series of four cases with lower third molar rotation are presented and discussed. Significant rotation can alter the degree of difficulty for an extraction. A lack of well‐documented cases has hindered investigation of this phenomenon. Further research is required to identify the aetiology, incidence and increase in risk factors caused by such rotational drift.
The training stimulus experienced by the leg muscles during cycling in humans
Authors: McPhee Jamie S. , Williams Alun G. , Stewart Claire , Baar Keith , Schindler Joaquin Perez , Aldred Sarah , Maffulli Nicola , Sargeant Anthony J. , Jones David A.
Published: February 2009

Considerable variability exists between people in their health‐ and performance‐related adaptations to conventional endurance training. We hypothesized that some of this variability might be due to differences in the training stimulus received by the working muscles. In 71 young sedentary women we observed large variations in the ratio of one‐leg cycling muscle aerobic capacity
to two‐leg cycling whole‐body maximal oxygen uptake (
; Ratio1:2; range 0.58–0.96). The variability in Ratio1:2 was primarily due to differences between people in one‐leg
(r= 0.71, P < 0.0005) and was not related to two‐leg
(r= 0.15, P= 0.209). Magnetic resonance imaging (n= 30) and muscle biopsy sampling (n= 20) revealed that one‐leg
was mainly determined by muscle volume (r= 0.73, P < 0.0005) rather than muscle fibre type or oxidative capacity. A high one‐leg
was associated with favourable lipoprotein profiles (P= 0.033, n= 24) but this was not the case for two‐leg
. Calculations based on these data suggest that conventional two‐leg exercise at 70%
requires subjects with the lowest Ratio1:2 to work their legs at 60% of single‐leg
, whilst those with the highest Ratio1:2 work their legs at only 36% of maximum. It was concluded that endurance training carried out according to current guidelines will result in highly variable training stimuli for the leg muscles and variable magnitudes of adaptation. These conclusions have implications for the prescription of exercise to improve health and for investigations into the genetic basis of muscle adaptations.
Cardiovascular and autonomic phenotype of db/db diabetic mice
Authors: Senador Danielle , Kanakamedala Keerthy , Irigoyen Maria Claudia , Morris Mariana , Elased Khalid M.
Published: February 2009

The db/db mice serve as a good model for type 2 diabetes characterized by hyperinsulinaemia and progressive hyperglycaemia. There are limited and conflicting data on the cardiovascular changes in this model. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cardiovascular and autonomic phenotype of male db/db mice and evaluate the role of angiotensin II AT1 receptors. Radiotelemetry was used to monitor 24 h blood pressure (BP) in mice for 8 weeks. Parameters measured were mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and their variabilities. In 8‐week‐old db/db mice, the MAP and BP circadian rhythms were not different from age‐matched control mice, while HR and locomotor activity were decreased. With ageing, MAP gradually increased in db/db mice, and the 12 h light values did not dip significantly from the 12 h dark periods. In 14‐week‐old mice, MAP was increased during light (101 ± 1 versus 117 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.01; control versus db/db mice) and dark phases (110 ± 1.7 versus 121 ± 3.1 mmHg, P < 0.01; control versus db/db mice). This increase in MAP was associated with a significant increase in plasma angiotensin‐converting enzyme activity and angiotensin II levels. Chronic treatment with losartan (10 mg kg−1 day−1) blocked the increase in MAP in db/db mice, with no effect in control animals. Spectral analysis was used to monitor autonomic cardiovascular function. The circadian rhythm observed in systolic arterial pressure variance and its low‐frequency component in control mice was absent in db/db mice. There were no changes in HR variability and spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity between control and db/db mice. The results document an age‐related increase in MAP in db/db mice, which can be reduced by antagonism of angiotensin II AT1 receptors, and alterations in autonomic balance and components of the renin–angiotensin system.