bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unbound (Free) Bilirubin: Improving the Paradigm for Evaluating Neonatal Jaundice
Authors: Ahlfors Charles E , Wennberg Richard P , Ostrow J Donald , Tiribelli Claudio
Published: May 2009

Background: The serum or plasma total bilirubin concentration (BT) has long been the standard clinical laboratory test for evaluating neonatal jaundice, despite studies showing that BT correlates poorly with acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) and its sequelae including death, classical kernicterus, or bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction (BIND). The poor correlation between BT and ABE is commonly attributed to the confounding effects of comorbidities such as hemolytic diseases, prematurity, asphyxia, or infection. Mounting evidence suggests, however, that BT inherently performs poorly because it is the plasma non–protein-bound (unbound or free) bilirubin concentration (Bf), rather than BT, that is more closely associated with central nervous system bilirubin concentrations and therefore ABE and its sequelae.

Content: This article reviews (a) the complex relationship between serum or plasma bilirubin measurements and ABE, (b) the history underlying the limited use of Bf in the clinical setting, (c) the peroxidase method for measuring Bf and technical and other issues involved in adapting the measurement to routine clinical use, (d) clinical experience using Bf in the management of newborn jaundice, and (e) the value of Bf measurements in research investigating bilirubin pathochemistry.

Summary: Increasing evidence from clinical studies, clinical experience, and basic research investigating bilirubin neurotoxicity supports efforts to incorporate Bf expeditiously into the routine evaluation of newborn jaundice. .
Development of a Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification Assay for Diagnosis and Estimation of the Frequency of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 15
Authors: Ganesamoorthy Devika , Bruno Damien L , Schoumans Jacqueline , Storey Elsdon , Delatycki Martin B , Zhu Danqing , Wei Morgan K , Nicholson Garth A , McKinlay Gardner R J , Slater Howard R
Published: May 2009

Background: Spinocerebellar ataxia type 15 (SCA15) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cerebellar ataxia. Mutation of the ITPR1 gene (inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor, type 1) has been identified recently as the underlying cause, and in most cases the molecular defect is a multiexon deletion. To date, 5 different SCA15 families have been identified with ITPR1 gene deletion.

Methods: We have designed a synthetic, dual-color multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay that measures copy number with high precision in selected exons across the entire length of ITPR1 and the proximal region of the neighboring gene, SUMF1 (sulfatase modifying factor 1). We screened 189 idiopathic ataxic patients with this MLPA assay.

Results: We identified ITPR1 deletion of exons 1–10 in the previously reported AUS1 family (4 members) and deletion of exons 1–38 in a new family (2 members). In addition to the multiexon deletions, apparent single-exon deletions identified in 2 other patients were subsequently shown to be due to single-nucleotide changes at the ligation sites.

Conclusions: The frequency of ITPR1 deletions is 2.7% in known familial cases. This finding suggests that SCA15 is one of the “less common” SCAs. Although the deletions in the 5 families identified worldwide thus far have been of differing sizes, all share deletion of exons 1–10. This region may be important, both in terms of the underlying pathogenetic mechanism and as a pragmatic target for an accurate, robust, and cost-effective diagnostic analysis.
Designing a System to Apply an Assessment Method of Buildings for All Lifecycle Stages Based on the Concept of Eco-Efficiency
Authors: Endo Junko , Murakami Shuzo , Ikaga Toshiharu
Published: May 2009

CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Building Environmental Efficiency) is an environmental labeling method for buildings, based on assessment of the environmental performance of buildings. In CASBEE, BEE (Building Environmental Efficiency) was developed as a new indicator for assessment following the concept of eco-efficiency. With the increasing BEE value, the total environmental performance of buildings is labeled from the highest performance. The framework of basic and extended CASBEE tools as a structured assessment system is called the “CASBEE family.” CASBEE consists of a set of four basic assessment tools; namely, “CASBEE for Pre-design” (CASBEE-PD), “CASBEE for New Construction” (CASBEE-NC), “CASBEE for Existing Building” (CASBEE-EB), and “CASBEE for Renovation” (CASBEE-RN). These correspond to the individual stages of the building’s lifecycle. There are also needs for detailed assessment targeting specific environmental aspects. “CASBEE-HI,” as an extended tool, assesses efforts made in buildings to alleviate the heat island effect. A new tool called “CASBEE for Urban Development” (CASBEE-UD) is developed for assessment of a group of buildings. Some local authorities introduced CASBEE into their building administration as assessment methods for their sustainable building reporting systems. This requires building owners to submit a planning document assessing the environmental performance of their buildings to the authorities. In April 2004, the city of Nagoya introduced “CASBEE Nagoya.” Introduction of CASBEE followed in the city of Osaka, Yokohama, Kyoto, and other municipals. These local systems require some modification in CASBEE to reflect their local characteristics, such as climate and prioritized policies.
The Nondestructive Estimation of Mechanical Properties of a Carbon Steel by X-ray Diffraction Peak Broadening
Authors: Boumaiza A. , Ji V. , Rouag N.
Published: May 2009

Carbon steel is largely used in automotive sheet works by deep drawing. The nondestructive determination of the superficial mechanical properties is searched for qualification of the fabrication processes and for service duration estimation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique is nondestructive and can be used to determine microscopic internal stresses by broadening of the XRD peaks. The average magnitude of XRD peak broadening is related directly to the hardness, the elastic limit, or degree of cold work of the material. So it can be used as a means of quantifying the surface mechanical properties. With an empirical relationship between the XRD peak broadening and the conventional mechanical properties (hardness, elastic limit, and plastic deformation) for carbon steel, the superficial mechanical characteristics can be estimated from diffraction peak broadening for finished stages of the manufacture cycle or for maintenance pieces.
Comparison of Both Creep Resistance and Material Properties of High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel and Stainless Steel
Authors: Brnic Josip , Lanc Domagoj , Turkalj Goran , Canadija Marko
Published: May 2009

In this paper, a creep resistance comparison of high-strength low-alloy ASTM A618 steel with stainless steel AISI 316L has been considered. Stress versus strain diagrams, the curves related to temperature effects on mechanical properties, as well as creep behavior curves for both of mentioned steels are presented. Material elongation curves and the rheological simulation of creep response are also provided. Experimental investigations have been made using modern computer-directed material testing system.
The Macaron and Madame Blanchez
Authors: meyers cindy
Published: May 2009

At the end of a month-long journey around France to learn about the centuries-old almond cookies called macarons, the author interviews Madame Blanchez, a baker who continues to make them in a traditional manner in Saint-Emilion. Her methods and ingredients, along with the history of her recipe and the macaron in general, are discussed. The phenomenon of the macaron parisien, a newer version of the traditional macaron that has been causing quite a stir in Paris, is also examined.
Food in Films: A Star Is Born
Authors: zimmerman steve
Published: May 2009

Although food has been part of motion pictures since the silent era, for the most part it has been treated with about as much respect as movie extras: it's always been there on the screen but seldom noticed –– that is until the 1970s and 1980s when food's photogenic qualities were discovered by a handful of filmmakers who made food a star, thus giving birth to a new genre: food films.

To document how food has been treated in movies from the silent era to the present, the author reviewed over 800 American and foreign films. This article, excerpted from the enlarged and updated second edition of the author's book, Food in the Movies, to be released in November, 2009, highlights some of the significant technological, cinematic and cultural forces at work over the past century that helped give birth to as many as thirty food films released in the past thirty years. Some of the more popular ones include: Tampopo (1986), Babette's Feast, (1987), Like Water for Chocolate (1992), Eat Drink Man Woman (1994), Big Night (1996), Mostly Martha (2001), and most recently No Reservations (2007). The article also provides a behind-the-scene look at the extraordinary culinary efforts required to prepare the sumptuous dishes we see on the screen.
The Contraceptive Caféé
Authors: starin dawn
Published: May 2009

Cabbages and Condoms, a restaurant located in central Bangkok and founded by the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) to help empower the poor and fund sex and AIDS education, is a showcase for fine food, creatively humorous artwork and an all important safe-sex message. This is a restaurant with a mission and Thongleum Damviengkum is the resident artist with a message. Using out-of-date condoms and birth control pills, Thong creates humorous, imaginative and educational artwork. Posters on abortion, safe sex, and family planning hang everywhere. The lampshades are festooned with condoms; birth control pills are glued on flowerpots. Fake flowers made from condoms hang from real trees. Mannequins dressed in outfits made from condoms and birth-control pills greet the diners. This is clearly a place where laughter and learning go hand in hand with haute cuisine.
On the Trail of Tilleul
Authors: gibson kelly
Published: May 2009

““On the Trail of Tilleul”” is my personal story of a trip I made to France's Drôôme region to research the history and culture of one of its most renowned agricultural products, lindenflower tisane (herbal tea or infusion). A familiar element of the French landscape, linden trees produce fragrant blossoms which are hand-harvested, dried and consumed as a tea, both for its pleasing, delicate bouquet and for the mild digestive and sleep benefits it offers. Recently, both the production and consumption of lindenflower tisane in the Drôôme region have declined, threatened by cheap, poor quality imports from China and Eastern Europe, as well as changing tastes and dining habits. Interviews with lindenflower producers in the Drôôme region provide background on its cultivation, harvest and post-harvest handling.
Endothelial-mediated coronary flow reserve in patients with mild thyroid hormone deficiency
Authors: Biondi Bernadette , Galderisi Maurizio , Pagano Loredana , Sidiropulos Milena , Pulcrano Melania , D' Errico Arcangelo , Ippolito Serena , Rossi Annalisa , de Divitiis Oreste , Lombardi Gaetano
Published: May 2009

Context

Although coronary flow reserve (CFR) is reduced in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SHypo), the endothelial response of coronary vasomotion has never been explored in this clinical setting.

Objective

To investigate the endothelial response of coronary flow in young and middle-aged patients with SHypo, without associated cardiovascular risk factors compared with healthy control subjects.

Patients and methods

The study population consisted of 20 women (mean age 38.4+12.1 years) with newly diagnosed, untreated and persistent SHypo due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. A total of 15 volunteers served as controls. Age, gender, body surface area, glucose, insulin levels, heart rate, systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure were similar in patients and controls. Body mass index was significantly higher in SHypo patients. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, despite not significant, tended to be higher, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to be lower in SHypo. Coronary blood flow velocities were recorded in patients at rest and after the cold pressor test (CPT), a stimulus that can be considered totally endothelium-dependent. CFR was calculated as the ratio of hyperemic-to-resting diastolic peak velocities.

Results

Coronary diastolic peak velocities at rest did not differ between the two groups but were significantly lower after CPT in patients with SHypo, thereby resulting in a lower CFR. The difference remained significant after adjusting resting and CPT velocities for the respective mean blood pressures. TSH was inversely correlated with CFR in the pooled population.

Conclusion

Patients with SHypo without associated cardiovascular risk factors have a coronary endothelial dysfunction that appears in response to a physiological stimulus (the CPT).
In vivo imaging of in situ motility of fresh and liquid stored ram spermatozoa in the ewe genital tract
Authors: Druart Xavier , Cognié Juliette , Baril Gérard , Clément Frédérique , Dacheux Jean-Louis , Gatti Jean-Luc
Published: May 2009

The fertility of ram semen after cervical insemination is substantially reduced by 24 h of storage in liquid form. The effects of liquid storage on the transit of ram spermatozoa in the ewe genital tract was investigated using a new procedure allowing direct observation of the spermatozoa in the genital tract. Ejaculated ram spermatozoa were double labeled with R18 and MitoTracker Green FM, and used to inseminate ewes in estrus either cervically through the vagina or laparoscopically into the base of the uterine horns. Four hours after insemination, the spermatozoa were directly observedin situusing fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy in the base, middle and tip of the uterine horns, the utero-tubal junction (UTJ) and the oviduct. The high resolution video images obtained with this technique allowed determination of the distribution of spermatozoa and individual motility in the lumen of the ewe's genital tract. The results showed a gradient of increasing concentration of spermatozoa from the base of the uterus to the UTJ 4 h after intra-uterine insemination into the base of the horns. The UTJ was shown to be a storage region for spermatozoa before their transfer to the oviduct. Thein vitrostorage of spermatozoa in liquid form decreased their migration through the cervix and reduced the proportion of motile spermatozoa and their straight line velocity at the UTJ and their transit into the oviduct.
Felt Needs of Parents Who Have a 0- to 3-Month-Old Child with a Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Chuacharoen Rattiya , Ritthagol Wipapun , Hunsrisakhun Jaranya , Nilmanat Kittikorn
Published: May 2009

Objective:

To describe the felt needs of parents who have children from birth to 3 months of age with a cleft lip and palate.

Design:

Parents were interviewed using structured and semistructured questions at 1 week and 1, 2, and 3 months after birth.

Participants:

Fifteen parents, including 12 mothers and three fathers, of patients with cleft lip and palate aged 0 to 3 months were interviewed.

Results:

During the first week after birth, the majority of parents needed to know about feeding and surgery. At 1, 2, and 3 months after birth, more information was required, especially on different surgeries during those periods and speech problems. In addition, a number of parents requested funding for every period, and very few had expectations of moral support from health care professionals.

Conclusions:

The felt needs expressed in this study changed according to periods of time and mainly concerned feeding, speech problems, and surgery, as well as financial support. The needs of parents, particularly during the transitional period, should be considered as a provision of holistic care for patients with cleft lip and palate and their families.
Congenital Nasal Pyriform Aperture Stenosis: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Devambez Marion , Delattre Alexis , Fayoux Pierre
Published: May 2009

Objectives:

To review diagnosis and treatment modalities in congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis in a newborn population.

Study Design:

A 6-year retrospective case series review. Mean follow-up of 21.8 months.

Setting:

University hospital, tertiary care center.

Patients:

Twenty-one consecutive patients treated for congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis. Diagnosis was suspected on physical examination and confirmed by computed tomography scan. Associated abnormalities were present in 15 patients.

Surgical Treatment:

Nineteen patients underwent surgical treatment focused on external bony margins of pyriform aperture and the osseous anterior edge of the inferior turbinate, drilling by a sublabial approach and associated with a partial turbinectomy in seven cases. A stent was placed for 7 to 10 days. A conservative treatment based on topical nasal decongestants and gastroesophageal reflux treatment was proposed for two patients.

Results:

Postoperative follow-up revealed septal ulceration in five cases with septal perforation in one case and development of synechiae in two cases. Follow-up revealed normal nasal breathing and pyriform aperture growth after surgery.

Conclusion:

Our experience confirmed the link described between congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis and holoprosencephaly, but associated extracraniofacial malformations suggest that congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis should be integrated in a systemic malformative syndrome or genetic disorder and lead us to propose an exhaustive dysmorphology assessment. Some infants may be treated by conservative management, and severely affected patients may undergo surgery by a sublabial approach.
Dysphagia and Nutrition Problems in Infants with Apert Syndrome
Authors: Pereira Valerie , Sacher Paul , Ryan Martina , Hayward Richard
Published: May 2009

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the nature of dysphagia and nutrition difficulties in infants with Apert syndrome.

Design:

The study comprised a review of the medical, nutrition, and feeding records of 13 consecutive infants still feeding by the bottle who had been referred to the Craniofacial Unit and analyses of swallow function from videofluoroscopic swallow investigations.

Main Outcome Measures:

Outcome measures included qualitative analyses of bottle-feeding and nutritional status and quantitative functional severity ratings of dysphagia based on videofluoroscopic swallow investigations using the O'Neil et al. (1999) Dysphagia Outcome Severity Scale.

Results:

The main qualitative descriptors of oral feeding in this cohort included uncoordinated suck-swallow-breathe patterns, inability to maintain sucking bursts, and changes in respiratory patterns as the feed progressed. Videofluoroscopic evaluations (N  =  7) showed silent laryngeal penetration or aspiration in more than half of the cohort. Failure to thrive was a frequent occurrence seen in seven infants, and 9 of the 10 required dietetic intervention and enteral supplements. (Nutritional records were not located for three infants.)

Conclusions:

In view of the small sample size and retrospective nature of the study, the results need to be interpreted with caution. However, the study adds to current limited knowledge on feeding and nutrition in Apert syndrome. Further prospective multidisciplinary and objective research is clearly warranted.
Nasopharyngeal Intubation in Robin Sequence: Technique and Management
Authors: Mondini Cleide C. S. D. , Marques Ilza L. , Fontes Cassiana M. B. , Thomé Sandra
Published: May 2009

Objective:

To provide a detailed description of the nasopharyngeal intubation (NPI) technique and photographs, which should be helpful for those who may need to perform it for treating the airway obstruction in Robin sequence.

Design:

To describe and illustrate the NPI technique and the necessary considerations for its application.

Setting:

Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofacial of University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Result:

The NPI procedure involves the use of a whitish, Portex, number 3.0 or 3.5, silicone tube, introduced 8 cm deep into the infant's nostril and fixed with Micropore tape. The tube is to be removed at least twice a day for proper hygiene (with running water, detergent, and swabs) and should be changed every 7 days. This procedure is taught to the children's parents or caretakers by the nurse during hospitalization.

Conclusion:

The technique is so simple that it can be performed by the parents themselves, allowing continuation of the treatment at home.
Coping Strategies and Social Support in the Family Impact of Cleft Lip and Palate and Parents’ Adjustment and Psychological Distress
Authors: Baker Sarah R. , Owens Jan , Stern Melanie , Willmot Derrick
Published: May 2009

Objective:

To examine the role of parents’ coping strategies and social support in the family impact of cleft lip and palate (CLP) and levels of adjustment and psychological distress and to investigate whether a child's age, type of cleft, or other reported medical problems influenced such outcomes.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Participants:

One hundred three parents of children or young adults with CLP recruited from families attending a multidisciplinary cleft lip and palate clinic.

Outcome measures:

Family impact, psychological distress, and positive adjustment were assessed using validated psychological questionnaires.

Results:

Findings indicated that while there were many impacts of a child's CLP, negative outcomes (family impact, psychological distress) were not high. In contrast, parents reported high levels of positive adjustment or stress-related growth as a result of their child's condition. Participants also reported high levels of social support and relied more on the use of approach rather than avoidance-oriented coping strategies. Having more support from friends and family was associated with less negative family impact, lower psychological distress, and better adjustment. Greater use of approach coping was associated with more positive adjustment; whereas, avoidant coping was associated with a greater family impact and more psychological distress. Having a younger child and/or a child with medical problems in addition to CLP was associated with a greater impact on the family.

Conclusions:

How parents cope with their child's condition and the levels of support received may have implications for caregivers, the family unit, and the delivery of more family-oriented CLP services.
Qualitative Approaches in Craniofacial Research
Authors: Nelson Pauline A.
Published: May 2009

This article proposes the customary use of qualitative methods as complementary research tools to enhance the evidence base in the craniofacial field. The recognition given to qualitative approaches in other healthcare areas and their value in enhancing understanding of lay and professional beliefs and behaviors is contrasted with the paucity of qualitative studies to date in the craniofacial field. Research tools from the qualitative repertoire are briefly introduced and their underpinning principles are explained. The contribution made to research with children and families in wider healthcare areas and in the craniofacial field to date is outlined. Future potential applications of these methods to craniofacial research are discussed. It is suggested that qualitative methods be integrated into craniofacial research as part of the standard toolbox of inquiry, and that interdisciplinary collaborations with colleagues from the social sciences appropriately skilled in the methods should be developed.
Impact of Third-Generation Drugs on the Activity of First-Line Chemotherapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analytical Approach
Authors: Grossi Francesco , Aita Marianna , Defferrari Carlotta , Rosetti Francesco , Brianti Annalisa , Fasola Gianpiero , Vinante Orazio , Pronzato Paolo , Pappagallo Giovanni
Published: May 2009

Background.

The therapeutic equivalence of different third-generation agents in the first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has long been accepted, although recent studies seem to suggest some superiority of gemcitabine- or docetaxel-containing regimens over other third-generation doublets.

Objective.

To assess the relative impact of different third-generation drugs on the activity of first-line chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer by considering both response and progressive disease (PD) rates as outcome measures.

Methods.

Published and unpublished data were collected from randomized trials comparing a gemcitabine-, docetaxel-, vinorelbine- or paclitaxel-containing regimen with one or more gemcitabine-, docetaxel-, vinorelbine- or paclitaxel-free combinations. For each study, 2 × 2 tables were constructed for both response and immediate progression. Pooled odds ratios were calculated using a general variance-based method.

Results

Forty-five trials (11,867 patients) were eligible. The odds of obtaining an objective response to treatment were similar across different regimens. Gemcitabine-based chemotherapy was associated with a 14% lower risk for immediate progression, whereas patients receiving paclitaxel showed a 22% higher risk for having PD as the best response. Docetaxel treatment provided a nonsignificant 9% lower odds for progression.

Conclusions.

These data demonstrate that different third-generation regimens have comparable activity in chemotherapy-naïve patients with advanced NSCLC. Gemcitabine-based chemotherapy provides better disease control, whereas the risk for immediate progression is significantly higher when paclitaxel-containing regimens are used.
Sea stars from Middle Jurassic lagerstätte of La Voulte-sur-Rhône (Ardèche, France)
Authors: Villier Loic , Charbonnier Sylvain , Riou Bernard
Published: May 2009

The Callovian Lagerstätte of La Voulte-sur-Rhône represents deep (bathyal) environments at the bottom of a submarine rocky slope. Three sea star body fossils partially replaced with pyrite were collected from clay beds. A small, stellate specimen is assigned to Terminaster cancriformis, a species already known from Jurassic clay deposits of Germany, Switzerland and England. the morphology of Terminaster illustrates mostly plesiomorphic features for post-Paleozoic sea stars, and the genus may be considered either as a paedomorphic Zoroasteridae or a stem group Forcipulatacea. Two specimens of a large multiarmed sea star are assigned to Decacuminaster n. gen. solaris n. sp., characterized by a lack of abactinal plates and an axial skeleton typical of the Velatida. the two genera Xandarodaster and Plesiastropecten are close to Decacuminaster and must be transferred to the Velatida. in modern oceans, the association of a multiarmed Velatida and a zoroasterid-like species would be typical of bathyal/abyssal environments, which suggests that these groups explored deep sea environments early in their history.
Oldest scleractinian fauna from Jamaica (Hauterivian, Benbow Inlier)
Authors: Löser Hannes , Stemann Thomas A. , Mitchell Simon
Published: May 2009

From the oldest Cretaceous marine sediments of Jamaica, the Copper Limestone within the Devils Racecourse Formation (Benbow Inlier, Clarendon Block), the oldest known coral fauna of the Caribbean is described. the small but diverse fauna encompasses 18 species in 17 genera of the suborders Amphiastraeina, Archeocaeniina, Heterocoeniina, Faviina, Fungiina, Microsolenina, and Stylinina. the fauna contains the first representatives of the suborder Amphiastraeina in the Caribbean and the Americas. One genus of the family Amphiastreidae,Monoaulastrea, and three species—Monoaulastrea rawi, Latusastrea rubrolineata, Camptodocis corralesi—are described as new. the preoccupied coral genusFloriais replaced by the new nameFloriastrea.the new fauna shows relationships to faunas from the late Berriasian to late Albian. Most species are shared with the Hauterivian faunas from Georgia in the central Tethys and the Paris Basin in the Boreal, but also with younger faunas such as the Barremian of Central Mexico, the early Aptian of Greece and the early Albian of the Bisbee Basin (Northern Mexico).
The holotype skull of Llistrofus pricei Carroll and Gaskill, 1978 (Microsauria: Hapsidopareiontidae)
Authors: Bolt John R. , Rieppel Olivier
Published: May 2009

The Hapsidopareiontidae are microsaurian amphibians known only from the Lower Permian of the U.S. The hapsidopareiontid skull has a large temporal embayment that occupies most of the area of the cheek, in which the quadratojugal is either absent (Hapsidopareion) or present and greatly reduced (Llistrofus). the unique holotype skull of Llistrofus pricei is well preserved in soft clay. It was originally prepared and described in dorsal view only, but has now been prepared completely free of the matrix. This permitted the first description of the palate, occiput and mandible along with a redescription of the rest of the skull, resulting in substantial emendation of previously published descriptions. Comparison with the eight known complete and partial skulls of Hapsidopareion lepton demonstrates that the two genera are much more similar than had been recognized earlier. Their continued separation is advocated, however, based on size difference, a small number of osteological differences, and the difficulty of obtaining comparably detailed morphological information for Hapsidopareion, which is less well preserved than the Llistrofus specimen. the new morphological information, combined with results of recently published cladistic analyses, suggests that Hapsidopareion and Llistrofus are the only microsaurs that can at present be assigned to the Hapsidopareiontidae. the large temporal embayment of hapsidopareiontids might be thought to have significant functional implications, possibly including “escape” of jaw adductor musculature onto the skull roof. Detailed consideration of this possibility reveals morphological evidence to the contrary, however, and the functional implications of the embayment remain uncertain.
Solving the mystery of crinoid ancestry: new fossil evidence of arm origin and development
Authors: Guensburg Thomas E. , Sprinkle James
Published: May 2009

Apektocrinus ubaghsinew genus and species is a monospecific taxon assigned to the new family Apektocrinidae based on additional preparation of a single previously studied specimen.Apektocrinusis among the oldest known crinoids (Early Tremadoc, Early Ordovician). Although expressing crinoid apomorphies, it is interpreted as retaining plesiomorphies in its arms reflecting early edrioasteroid rather than blastozoan (eocrinoid) ancestry. Apomorphies represent basal crinoid and cladid (crownward) levels of phylogeny.

Restudy fortifies previous reports of the presence of a basal echinoderm plesiomorphy; floor plates above brachials in the arms ofApektocrinus, as well as in other approximately contemporary crinoids.Apektocrinusfurnishes the first record of podial basins in crinoid arms. Arms and calyx ofApektocrinusmerge gradually, facilitated by continuations of interbrachials (extraxial body plates) extending onto the arms and separating floor plates from brachials. These arm interbrachials, which diminish and pinch out distally as floor plates nestle into the brachial (adoral) groove, have not been recognized as such in crinoids.
A new genus and two new species of multiplacophorans (Mollusca, Polyplacophora, Neoloricata), Mississippian (Chesterian), Indiana
Authors: Puchalski Stephaney S. , Johnson Claudia C. , Kauffman Erle G. , Eernisse Douglas J.
Published: May 2009

Deltaplaxnew genus,Deltaplax burdickinew species, andDeltaplax dellangeloinew species (Mollusca, Polyplacophora, Neoloricata, Multiplacophora) from the Mississippian Lower Buffalo Wallow Group (Chesterian) of Indiana, USA are described. the new genus is established by one partially articulated and one associated specimen with marginal fringes of two types of large spines, bilaterally symmetrical head and tail valves, and fifteen medial valves arranged in three longitudinal columns similar to those described previously for other multiplacophorans. the two specimens represent separate species differentiated by morphologies of the auxiliary valves, one type of spine, and subtrapezoidal versus triangular tail valves. the tail valve of the articulated specimen also had sutural laminae that projected under the preceding intermediate valve. the presence of sutural laminae allows for placement of multiplacophorans in Subclass Neoloricata of Class Polyplacophora. the head, intermediate, and tail valves are mucronate with comarginal growth lines and ridged insertion plates that probably inserted into soft tissue comparable to the girdle of modern polyplacophorans. the new specimens also indicate one left-handed, one auxiliary, and one right-handed valve in multiplacophorans was equivalent to a single bilaterally-symmetrical intermediate valve of extant polyplacophorans. However, multiplacophoran head valves have plates that project from the lower layer at the lateral margins and articulate with the first intermediate valves that overlap the head and second intermediate valves. These features have not been observed in more typical neoloricates, fossil or modern. Pending systematic revision of the class, Multiplacophora thus is retained as a separate order distinguished by the unique shared characters.
Ontogenetic change and intra-specific variation of shell morphology in the Cretaceous nautiloid (Cephalopoda, Mollusca)Eutrephoceras clementinum(d'Orbigny, 1840) from the Ariyalur area, southern India
Authors: Wani Ryoji , Ayyasami Krishnan
Published: May 2009

Morphometric analyses of shell morphology in the Cretaceous nautiloidEutrephoceras clementinum(d'Orbigny, 1840) (Cephalopoda, Mollusca) from the Ariyalur area, southern India, reveal ontogenetic change from hatching to maturity as well as intra-specific variation in shell morphology. the shell breadth has a negative allometric relationship with shell diameter and with whorl height, and the umbilicus diameter has a positive allometric relationship with shell diameter. This shows that shell shape became relatively thinner with less variation, and the umbilicus diameter became relatively broader with growth. the siphuncle position moves from a dorso-central to ventro-central position with growth. A constriction was recognized on the early whorl at 20 mm in shell diameter, and the interval angles of succeeding septa were changed at the 8th septum, indicating that they hatched at this stage. the bending of umbilical walls of apertures toward the center of coiling suggests thatE. clementinumattained maturity at about 115 mm in shell diameter. the comparison of the shell morphology ofE. clementinumwith that ofE. bouchardianum(d'Orbigny, 1840) reported in the literature clarifies their difference in whorl shape and umbilical size, especially in the adult stage. This kind of morphometric study of nautiloids is essential for elucidating their adaptive designs for environment and mode of life, functional shell morphology, taxonomy, phylogeny, and evolution.
Odonatan endophytic oviposition from the Eocene of Patagonia: The ichnogenusPaleoovoidusand implications for behavioral stasis
Authors: Sarzetti Laura C. , Labandeira Conrad C. , Muzón Javier , Wilf Peter , Cúneo N. Rubén , Johnson Kirk R. , Genise Jorge F.
Published: May 2009

We document evidence of endophytic oviposition on fossil compression/impression leaves from the early Eocene Laguna del Hunco and middle Eocene Rio Pichileufu floras of Patagonia, Argentina. Based on distinctive morphologies and damage patterns of elongate, ovoid, lens-, or teardrop-shaped scars in the leaves, we assign this insect damage to the ichnogenus Paleoovoidus, consisting of an existing ichnospecies,P. rectus, and two new ichnospecies,P. arcuatumandP. bifurcatus. InP. rectus, the scars are characteristically arranged in linear rows along the midvein; inP. bifurcatus, scars are distributed in double rows along the midvein and parallel to secondary veins; and inP. arcuatum, scars are deployed in rectilinear and arcuate rows. In some cases, the narrow, angulate end of individual scars bear a darkened region encompassing a circular hole or similar feature indicating ovipositor tissue penetration. A comparison to the structure and surface pattern of modern ovipositional damage on dicotyledonous leaves suggests considerable similarity to certain zygopteran Odonata. Specifically, members of the Lestidae probably producedP. rectusandP. bifurcatus, whereas species of Coenagrionidae were responsible forP. arcuatum. Both Patagonian localities represent an elevated diversity of potential fern, gymnosperm, and especially angiosperm hosts, the targets of all observed oviposition. However, we did not detect targeting of particular plant families. Our results indicate behavioral stasis for the three ovipositional patterns for at least 50 million years. Nevertheless, synonymy of these oviposition patterns with mid-Mesozoic ichnospecies indicates older origins for these distinctive modes of oviposition.
The visual system and paleoecology of the Silurian ostracodPrimitiopsis planifrons
Authors: Tanaka Gengo , Siveter David J. , Parker Andrew R.
Published: May 2009

Here we report the first detailed reconstruction of the eye and visual system of a Paleozoic ostracod, namely the dimorphic primitiopsid (Palaeocopa)Primitiopsis planifronsJones, 1887. Evidence from the cuticular lens morphology and its position on the valve suggests thatP. planifronshad a naupliar eye, which is the most common optical system in crustaceans. the characters of the eye, such as the separated cuticular lens on each valve and the strongly calcified nature of the lens and its diameter, are concordant with that of some Recent podocopid ostracods in which a divided type of naupliar eye is present. Ray tracing of the reconstructed cuticular lens of the primitiopsid species demonstrates strong spherical aberration and a very long focal length (as in the eye of podocopids), which implies the presence of a spherical mirror (tapetum) below the lens. Study of the ontogenetic change of the valve thickness aids the suggestion thatP. planifronswas nektobenthic. the size of its cuticular lens in relation to that of living podocopid ostracods, and the water depth at which these Recent forms occur, indicates thatP. planifronsmay have lived in a relatively shallow, well lit environment such as the deep subtidal zone. These interpretations are consistent with supposed paleoenvironmental conditions derived from geological evidence. Thus, analysis of the nature and relative size of the eye gives an independent test to help identify paleoenvironmental parameters of long extinct ostracods.
A mactrid bivalve from Pleistocene deposits of Lake Russell, Mono Basin, California
Authors: Hershler Robert , Jayko Angela S.
Published: May 2009

Rangia des Moulins, 1832 is a small genus of mactrid bivalves that is currently distributed in estuarine waters of the eastern United States, Gulf of Mexico, and Gulf of California (Keen, 1971; Abbott, 1974). (One congener,R. cuneata[Sowerby, 1831], was recently introduced to the Antwerp (Belgium) harbor [Verween et al., 2006].) Although these clams are euryhaline and capable of living in freshwater as adults, they require an estuarine-like salinity regime for successful reproduction and recruitment (Cain, 1973; Hopkins et al., 1974), which has constrained their ability to penetrate the North American continental interior through coastal drainages (Cain, 1974; Swingle and Brand, 1974). the Neogene and Quaternary fossil record of the genus is also restricted to coastal or near-coastal marine-influenced depositional systems, with the exception of Holocene specimens ofR. cuneatafrom two archeological sites in the central United States which were obviously introduced by humans (Baker, 1941; Hill, 1983), and a Pleistocene(?) occurrence of this species from along the Pecos River in New Mexico (more than 800 km from the sea) which has been attributed to transport of Gulf Coast immigrants on waterfowl (Metcalf, 1980; Taylor, 1985). Here we provide fossil evidence that the biogeographic history of this predominantly brackish-coastal genus also includes avian-assisted colonization of a far inland lake in the western United States—Pleistocene Lake Russell, Mono Basin, California (Fig. 1).
Three-toed browsing horseAnchitherium(Equidae) from the Miocene of Panama
Authors: MacFadden Bruce J.
Published: May 2009

During the Cenozoic, the New World tropics supported a rich biodiversity of mammals. However, because of the dense vegetative ground cover, today relatively little is known about extinct mammals from this region (MacFadden, 2006a). in an exception to this generalization, fossil vertebrates have been collected since the second half of the twentieth century from Neogene exposures along the Panama Canal. Whitmore and Stewart (1965) briefly reported on the extinct land mammals collected from the Miocene Cucaracha Formation that crops out in the Gaillard Cut along the southern reaches of the Canal. MacFadden (2006b) formally described this assemblage, referred to as the Gaillard Cut Local Fauna (L.F., e.g., Tedford et al., 2004), which consists of at least 10 species of carnivores, artiodactyls (also see recent addition of peccary in Kirby et al., 2008), perissodactyls, and as described by Slaughter (1981), rodents. Prior to the current report, the horses (Family Equidae) from the Gaillard Cut L.F. consisted of only four fragmentary specimens including: two isolated teeth, i.e., one each ofArchaeohippussp. Gidley, 1906 andAnchitherium clarenceiSimpson, 1932; a heavily worn partial dentition with p2-p4 ofA. clarenci; and a partial calcaneum ofArchaeohippus.Although meager, these fossils appear to represent two distinct taxa of three-toed horses otherwise know from the middle Miocene of North America, i.e., the dwarf-horseArchaeohippussp. and the largerAnchitherium clarencei.
Paraparchites eskridgensis, new name for the ostracode Paraparchites punctatus Watabe and Kaesler, 2004
Authors: Kempf Eugen Karl
Published: May 2009

In 2004 Watabe and Kaesler published a paper on a new species of the ostracode genus Paraparchites from the Lower Permian of Kansas and named it Paraparchites punctatus. Thereby they failed to notice that already in 1936 a Paraparchites punctatus had been described by Harris and Worrell from the Lower Permian of Oklahoma.
Activation of a prometastatic gene expression program in hypoxic neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Poomthavorn Preamrudee , Wong Sheena H X , Higgins Sandra , Werther George A , Russo Vincenzo C
Published: May 2009

The hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) is a key regulator of oxygen homeostasis, modulating cell survival, and growth in cells exposed to hypoxia. In this study, neuroblastoma (NB) cells SH-SY5Y and SK-N-MC were employed to determine the mechanisms regulating adaptation to hypoxia. NB cells were cultured in a serum-free medium in the presence or absence of CoCl2 (100 μM, hypoxia mimic) for up to 48 h. SH-SY5Y and SK-N-MC cell numbers were not affected by CoCl2 treatment, while mitochondrial activity was reduced by ∼50% in SH-SY5Y cells and by ∼70% in SK-N-MC cells. Intracellular accumulation of HIF1α protein was detected as early as 30 min of post-hypoxia, followed by the increase of mRNA for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nuclear accumulation of the ID1–2 transcription factors by 4 h. In hypoxic SH-SY5Y NB cells, real-time PCR analysis showed that the genes involved in maintenance of cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions (i.e. adenomatosis polyposis coli, E-cadherin, catenin, EphB2, fibronectin-1, HTATIP2, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-4) were down-regulated by up to 90%, while genes involved in enhancement of metastatic behavior (integrin a7b1, hepatocyte growth factor receptor, transforming growth factor-β1, VEGF, kisspeptin, interleukin-1β) were dramatically up-regulated above 200%. These changes were all consistent with the induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. We have thus demonstrated that NB cell adaptation to hypoxia, in addition to the modulation of HIF1α and VEGF expression and nuclear translocation of ID1 and ID2 transcription factors, involve in the activation of a gene expression program consistent with the pro-metastatic events. These processes are probably responsible for the NB cell transition from an adherent phenotype to a highly migratory, invasive and aggressive NB cell type.
Comment on Edlin and Jaffee: Show Me the General Theory
Authors: Ehnts Dirk H
Published: May 2009

Aaron Edlin and Dwight Jaffee point to a problem straight out of Keynes, according to Dirk Ehnts, so why not look to Keynes for the answer?
Pyrolysis Process Of Waste Polyethyleneterephtalate
Authors: Andel Lukas , Kusy Jaroslav , Vales Josef , Safarova Marcela
Published: May 2009

Polyethyleneterephtalate (PET) is one of the most popular plastic materials used for various purposes, mainly for producing of bottles. Recycling of this material is known, but the ratio of recycled material is too low. With the lowering of primary resources, the PET could be used as a secondary source of carbon and hydrocarbons. One of the ways of processing the waste PET is pyrolysis under the specific conditions, which leads to decomposition of this material with two main products. First, it is a mixture of organic acids  terephtalic acid and benzoic acid with a ratio about 10:1. Those acids can be used in the chemical industry; terephtalic acid can be used for producing of brand-new PET. The second product is solid carbon, which can be used for various purposes, for example as the active carbon. Several experiments were accomplished with this carbon material under various conditions of its activation. Conditions of these experiments could affect the specific surface area of active carbon up to 1200 square meters per gram, and also the pore volume as well as the pore diameter.
Coexistence of a Choriocarcinoma and a Gonadoblastoma in the Gonad of a 46,XY Female: A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Array Analysis
Authors: Bergeron Melanie Beaulieu , Soglio Dorothée Bouron-Dal , Maietta Antonio , Fournet Jean-Christophe , Blumenkrantz Miriam , Brochu Pierre , Lemieux Nicole
Published: May 2009

Females with 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis are at significant risk of developing germ cell tumors, mostly gonadoblastomas. We present here the case of 2 half-sisters, sharing the same father, diagnosed with 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis. The 1st sister developed a gonadoblastoma and an invasive dysgerminoma, whereas the 2nd sister developed a gonadoblastoma and an invasive choriocarcinoma within the same gonad. No SRY mutation, chromosome abnormalities, or mosaicism were detected in blood. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiling of the choriocarcinoma revealed a complex hyperdiploid pattern with gains of 1 to 4 copies of material from several autosomes, as well as the loss of the Y chromosome and a homozygous SNP profile without copy number change for the X chromosome. Our results are in agreement with the recurrent chromosome gains and losses previously published in germ cell tumors, and the coexistence of both tumors within the same gonad suggests that choriocarcinomas may derive from gonadoblastomas.