bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chapter 39 The Edwardsburg Formation and related rocks, Windermere Supergroup, central Idaho, USA
Authors: Lund Karen , Aleinikoff John N. , Evans Karl V.
Published: December 2011

In central Idaho, Neoproterozoic stratified rocks are engulfed by the Late Cretaceous Idaho batholith and by Eocene volcanic and plutonic rocks of the Challis event. Studied sections in the Gospel Peaks and Big Creek areas of west-central Idaho are in roof pendants of the Idaho batholith. A drill core section studied from near Challis, east-central Idaho, lies beneath the Challis Volcanic Group and is not exposed at the surface. Metamorphic and deformational overprinting, as well as widespread dismembering by the younger igneous rocks, conceals many primary details. Despite this, these rocks provide important links for regional correlations and have produced critical geochronological data for two Neoproterozoic glacial periods in the North American Cordillera.

At the base of the section, the more than 700-m-thick Edwardsburg Formation (Fm.) contains interlayered diamictite and volcanic rocks. There are two diamictite-bearing members in the Edwardsburg Fm. that are closely related in time. Each of the diamictites is associated with intermediate composition tuff or flow rocks and the diamictites are separated by mafic volcanic rocks. SHRIMP U–Pb dating indicates that the lower diamictite is about 685±7 Ma, whereas the upper diamictite is 684±4 Ma. The diamictite units are part of a cycle of rocks from coarse clastic, to fine clastic, to carbonate rocks that, by correlation to better preserved sections, are thought to record an older Cryogenian glacial to interglacial period in the northern US Cordillera.

The more than 75-m-thick diamictite of Daugherty Gulch is dated at 664±6 Ma. This unit is preserved only in drill core and the palaeoenvironmental interpretation and local stratigraphic relations are non-unique. Thus, the date for this diamictite may provide a date for a newly recognized glaciogenic horizon or may be a minimum age for the diamictite in the Edwardsburg Fm.

The
c
. 1000-m-thick Moores Lake Fm. is an amphibolite facies diamictite in which glacial features have not been observed. However, it is part of a sedimentary cycle from unsorted siliclastic deposits to mud and carbonate deposits. Using lithostratigraphy and available geochronology, the Moores Lake Fm. is correlated with a younger succession of Cryogenian glaciogenic rocks in southeastern Idaho.

Traditional correlations of Neoproterozoic rocks in the Cordillera recognize two levels of Cryogenian diamictites. The Edwardsburg and Moores Lake diamictites along the middle Cordillera fit well into the scenario of two glacial events. Because of the correlations, dates that provide ages for the diamictites in central Idaho (and corroborated in southeastern Idaho,
Link & Fanning 2008
) could constrain the age of correlated glaciogenic deposits elsewhere in the Cordillera. However, in the absence of dates for the glaciogenic diamictites in Canadian and southern US Cordilleran sections, the correlations are considered possible but uncertain.
Chapter 56 Neoproterozoic (Cryogenian–Ediacaran) deposits in East and North-East Greenland
Authors: Stouge Svend , Christiansen Jørgen Løye , Harper David A. T. , Houmark-Nielsen Michael , Kristiansen Kasper , MacNiocaill Conall , Buchardt-Westergård Bjørn
Published: December 2011

The Neoproterozoic succession of East and North-East Greenland (over 14 000 m thick) includes the Eleonore Bay Supergroup (?Tonian–Cryogenian) and the Tillite Group (Cryogenian–Ediacaran). The upper units of the Eleonore Bay Supergroup consist of shallow to deeper-water carbonates, succeeded by siliciclastic fine-grained sediments (Bedgroup 19) that characterize the top unit of the supergroup.

The Tillite Group includes two diamictite-bearing units (Ulvesø and Storeelv formations) of glaciogenic origin and two upper, upwards-shallowing strata (Canyon and Spiral Creek formations) that were deposited during semiarid conditions and concluded the Neoproterozoic depositional cycle. Diamictite is preserved on the craton and compares with the Storeelv Formation (Fm.) of the Tillite Group.

Detailed investigations of the diamictite-bearing units (i.e. Ulvesø and Storeelv formations) demonstrate that the lower of the two formations is mainly of marine origin, whereas the upper one has both marine and terrestrial origins. Chemostratigraphic data include analyses on total carbon (TC), total organic carbon (TOC), total sulphur (TS) and δ
13
C. The data set for δ
13
C shows a substantial and abrupt shift towards negative values of ≥10%, from below Bedgroup 19. Low-diversity acritarch assemblages (Cryogenian) are recorded from the Andrée Land and Tillite groups; a thin cherty dolostone unit present above the Storeelv Fm. suggests that the diamictite units are of late Cryogenian age and the upper part of the Tillite Group is Ediacaran.

Bedgroup 19 disconformably overlies older carbonates and the unit is a prelude to the succeeding (upper Cryogenian–lower Ediacaran) diamictite sediments of the Tillite Group. A disconformity separates the Tillite Group from the overlying Lower Palaeozoic sediments. Both disconformities are, according to palaeomagnetic data, related to rift–drift episodes that occurred during the late Neoproterozoic. Alternatively, the isotope data suggest that the diamictites were deposited during the late Cryogenian glaciation and the older disconformity may be interpreted as a significant gap developed by the lowering of sea level during an early Cryogenian glaciation.
Chapter 65 Neoproterozoic glacial deposits of the Kimberly Region and northwestern Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Corkeron Maree
Published: December 2011

Neoproterozoic glaciogenic formations are preserved in the Kimberley region and northwestern Northern Territory of northern Australia. They are distributed in the west Kimberley adjacent to the northern margins of the King Leopold Orogen, the Mt Ramsay area at the junction of the King Leopold and Halls Creek orogens, and east Kimberley, adjacent to the eastern margin of the Halls Creek Orogen. Small outlier glaciogenic deposits are preserved in the Litchfield Province, Northern Territory (Uniya Fm.) and Georgina Basin, western Queensland (Little Burke Fm.).

Glaciogenic strata comprise diamictite, conglomerate, sandstone and pebbly mudstone and characterize the Walsh, Landrigan and Fargoo/Moonlight Valley formations. Thin units of laminated dolomite sit conformably at the top of the Walsh, Landrigan and Moonlight Valley formations. Glaciogenic units are also interbedded with the carbonate platform deposits of the Egan Fm. and Boonall Dolomite. δ
13
C data are available for all carbonate units. There is no direct chronological constraint on these successions, and dispute over the regional correlation of the Neoproterozoic succession has been largely resolved through biostratigraphic, chemostratigraphic and lithostratigraphic analysis. However, palaeomagnetic results from the Walsh Fm. are inconsistent with sedimentologically based correlations. Two stratigraphically defined glaciations are preserved in northwestern Australia: the ‘Landrigan Glaciation’, characterized by SW-directed continental ice-sheet movement and correlated with late Cryogenian glaciation elsewhere in Australia and the world; and, the ‘Egan Glaciation’, a more localized glaciation of the Ediacaran Period. Future research focus should include chronology, palaeomagnetic constraint and tectonostratigraphic controls on deposition.
Chapter 70 The Elatina glaciation (late Cryogenian), South Australia
Authors: Williams George E. , Gostin Victor A. , McKirdy David M. , Preiss Wolfgang V. , Schmidt Phillip W.
Published: December 2011

Deposits of the late Cryogenian Elatina glaciation constitute the Yerelina Subgroup in the Adelaide Geosyncline region, South Australia. They have a maximum thickness of
c
. 1500 m, cover 200 000 km
2
, and include the following facies: basal boulder diamictite with penetrative glaciotectonites affecting preglacial beds; widespread massive and stratified diamictites containing faceted and striated clasts, some derived from nearby emergent diapiric islands and others of extrabasinal provenance; laminated siltstone and mudstone with dropstones; tidalites and widespread glaciofluvial, deltaic to marine-shelf sandstones; a regolith of frost-shattered quartzite breccia up to 20 m thick that contains primary sand wedges 3+ m deep and other large-scale periglacial forms; and an aeolian sand sheet covering 25 000 km
2
and containing primary sand wedges near its base. These deposits mark a spectrum of settings ranging from permafrost regolith and periglacial aeolian on the cratonic platform (Stuart Shelf) in the present west, through glaciofluvial, marginal-marine and inner marine-shelf in the central parts of the Adelaide Geosyncline, to outer marine-shelf in sub-basins in the present SE and north.

The Elatina glaciation has not been dated directly, and only maximum and minimum age limits of
c
. 640 and 580 Ma, respectively, are indicated. Palaeomagnetic data for red beds from the Elatina Formation (Fm.) and associated strata indicate deposition of the Yerelina Subgroup within 10° of the palaeoequator. The Yerelina Subgroup is unconformably to disconformably overlain by the dolomitic Nuccaleena Fm., which in most places is the lowest unit of the Wilpena Group and marks Early Ediacaran marine transgression.

Supplementary material:

Photographs are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18481
.
Chapter 9 A user's guide to Neoproterozoic geochronology
Authors: Condon Daniel J. , Bowring Samuel A.
Published: December 2011

Geochronology is essential for understanding Neoproterozoic Earth history. Here we review the types of rocks and minerals that are used to date geologic events and the analytical protocols for the different radio-isotopic decay systems employed. We discuss the limitations and potential of these methodologies for dating Neoproterozoic stratigraphy, highlighting the major sources and magnitudes of uncertainties and the assumptions that often underpin them.
V-ATPase promotes transforming growth factor-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of rat proximal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Cao Xueqin , Yang Qiongqiong , Qin Jing , Zhao Shili , Li Xiaoyan , Fan Jinjin , Chen Wenfang , Zhou Yi , Mao Haiping , Yu Xueqing
Published: December 2011

The ubiquitous vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), a multisubunit proton pump, is essential for intraorganellar acidification. Here, we hypothesized that V-ATPase is involved in the pathogenesis of kidney tubulointerstitial fibrosis. We first examined its expression in the rat unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model of kidney fibrosis and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in rat proximal tubular epithelial cells (NRK52E). Immunofluorescence experiments showed that UUO resulted in significant upregulation of V-ATPase subunits (B2, E, and c) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in areas of tubulointerstitial injury. We further observed that TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml) treatment resulted in EMT of NRK52E (upregulation of α-SMA and downregulation of E-cadherin) in a time-dependent manner and significant upregulation of V-ATPase B2 and c subunits after 48 h and the E subunit after 24 h, by real-time PCR and immunoblot analyses. The ATP hydrolysis activity tested by an ATP/NADH-coupled assay was increased after 48-h TGF-β1 treatment. Using intracellular pH measurements with the SNARF-4F indicator, Na+-independent pH recovery was significantly faster after an NH4Cl pulse in 48-h TGF-β1-treated cells than controls. Furthermore, the V-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1 partially protected the cells from EMT. TGF-β1 induced an increase in the cell surface expression of the B2 subunit, and small interfering RNA-mediated B2 subunit knockdown partially reduced the V-ATPase activity and attenuated EMT induced by TGF-β1. Together, these findings show that V-ATPase may promote EMT and chronic tubulointerstitial fibrosis due to increasing its activity by either overexpression or redistribution of its subunits.
Reorganization in processing of spectral and temporal input in the rat posterior auditory field induced by environmental enrichment
Authors: Jakkamsetti Vikram , Chang Kevin Q. , Kilgard Michael P.
Published: December 2011

Environmental enrichment induces powerful changes in the adult cerebral cortex. Studies in primary sensory cortex have observed that environmental enrichment modulates neuronal response strength, selectivity, speed of response, and synchronization to rapid sensory input. Other reports suggest that nonprimary sensory fields are more plastic than primary sensory cortex. The consequences of environmental enrichment on information processing in nonprimary sensory cortex have yet to be studied. Here we examine physiological effects of enrichment in the posterior auditory field (PAF), a field distinguished from primary auditory cortex (A1) by wider receptive fields, slower response times, and a greater preference for slowly modulated sounds. Environmental enrichment induced a significant increase in spectral and temporal selectivity in PAF. PAF neurons exhibited narrower receptive fields and responded significantly faster and for a briefer period to sounds after enrichment. Enrichment increased time-locking to rapidly successive sensory input in PAF neurons. Compared with previous enrichment studies in A1, we observe a greater magnitude of reorganization in PAF after environmental enrichment. Along with other reports observing greater reorganization in nonprimary sensory cortex, our results in PAF suggest that nonprimary fields might have a greater capacity for reorganization compared with primary fields.
Delay-Modulated RF Tag System Concept Using Ultrawideband Noise Radar Waveforms
Authors: Pan Qihe , Narayanan Ram M.
Published: December 2011

Radio frequency (RF) tags have been widely used in inventory tracking, environmental monitoring, battlefield situational awareness, and combat identification due to their low cost, small size, and wireless functionality. This paper explores the application of active RF tags in outdoor environments responding to random noise radar interrogations with predetermined messages. A conceptual system design for communication between radar and RF tags using ultrawideband (UWB) noise waveforms is proposed and analyzed theoretically and via simulations. The tag structure comprises a sensing receiver and active receiver/transmitter. The sensing receiver senses the radar header consisting of a prearranged secret realization of the noise waveform. The active receiver/transmitter modulates the RF tag's message onto the radar interrogation signal through weighted tapped delays and reradiates the tag message back to the radar. System performance is evaluated in terms of symbol error probability in an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. A technique to combat multipath interference is presented. It is shown that this system is capable of communicating a suite of messages from the tags to the radar.
Systemic Embolization and Myocardial Infarction due to Clinically Unrecognized Left Atrial Myxoma
Authors: Vogel Britta , Thomas Dierk , Mereles Derliz , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Katus Hugo A.
Published: December 2011

Myxomas are the most common primary tumors of the heart. We report an extraordinary severe case of left atrial myxoma, presenting with stroke, myocardial infarction, and multiple arterial embolism including aorta, splenic and renal arteries, and several peripheral arteries. The patient had previously been diagnosed with systemic vasculitis, a typical but less common finding caused by multiple emboli mimicking vasculitis. The myxoma was removed and atrial septum reconstruction was performed. In summary, early diagnostic differentiation of myxoma from vasculitis is critical, and immediate surgical removal of myxoma is required as the probability of thromboembolic complications increases over time.
Diabetic Nephropathy Amelioration by a Low-Dose Sitagliptin in an Animal Model of Type 2 Diabetes (Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rat)
Authors: Mega Cristina , Teixeira de Lemos Edite , Vala Helena , Fernandes Rosa , Oliveira Jorge , Mascarenhas-Melo Filipa , Teixeira Frederico , Reis Flávio
Published: December 2011

This study was performed to assess the effect of chronic low-dose sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor, on metabolic profile and on renal lesions aggravation in a rat model of type-2 diabetic nephropathy, the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat. Diabetic and obese ZDF (fa/fa) rats and their controls ZDF (+/+) were treated for 6 weeks with vehicle (control) or sitagliptin (10 mg/kg/bw). Blood/serum glucose, HbA1c, insulin, Total-c, TGs, urea, and creatinine were assessed, as well as kidney glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions (interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy), using a semiquantitative rating from 0 (absent/normal) to 3 (severe and extensive damage). Vascular lesions were scored from 0–2. Sitagliptin in the diabetic rats promoted an amelioration of glycemia, HbA1c, Total-c, and TGs, accompanied by a partial prevention of insulinopenia. Furthermore, together with urea increment prevention, renal lesions were ameliorated in the diabetic rats, including glomerular, tubulointerstitial, and vascular lesions, accompanied by reduced lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, chronic low-dose sitagliptin treatment was able to ameliorate diabetic nephropathy, which might represent a key step forward in the management of T2DM and this serious complication.
Evaluation of the Functional Properties of Promising Dioscorea trifida L. Waxy Starches for Food Innovation
Authors: Pérez Elevina , Gibert Olivier , Rolland-Sabaté Agnès , Segovia Xiomara , Sánchez Teresa , Reynes Max , Dufour Dominique
Published: December 2011

Few natural waxy starches are offered to the industry demand. Therefore, the morphological, physical, and chemical characteristics of “Mapuey” waxy starch were assessed. Amylose contents of starches isolated from Dioscorea trifida L. (“Mapuey”) landraces cultivated in the Amazons of Venezuela were lower (<8.1%) than commercial Mapuey starch (>8.7%). DSC onset gelatinization temperatures varied from 71.1 to 73.2°C. All starches exhibited B-type patterns, with degrees of crystallinity varying from 28% to 33%. The highest crystallinity was found for the starches exhibiting the highest amylose content. At 90°C, solubility and swelling power varied from 2.3 to 4.3% and 20.9 to 32.8%, respectively. Gel clarity was variable from 20.8 to 62.1%. A 5% starch suspension induced a high RVA peak viscosity between 1667 and 2037 cP. This natural waxy yam resource is a promising ingredient for food industry.
Culture Environment‐Induced Pluripotency of SACK‐Expanded Tissue Stem Cells
Authors: Paré Jean-François , Sherley James L.
Published: December 2011

Previous efforts to improve the efficiency of cellular reprogramming for the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have focused mainly on transcription factors and small molecule combinations. Here, we report the results of our focus instead on the phenotype of the cells targeted for reprogramming. We find that adult mouse pancreatic tissue stem cells derived by the method of suppression of asymmetric cell kinetics (SACK) acquire increased potency simply by culture under conditions for the production and maintenance of pluripotent stem cells. Moreover, supplementation with the SACK agent xanthine, which promotes symmetric self‐renewal, significantly increases the efficiency and degree of acquisition of pluripotency properties. In transplantation analyses, clonal reprogrammed pancreatic stem cells produce slow‐growing tumors with tissue derivative of all three embryonic germ layers. This acquisition of pluripotency, without transduction with exogenous transcription factors, supports the concept that tissue stem cells are predisposed to cellular reprogramming, particularly when symmetrically self‐renewing.
Dilation of Malignant Strictures in Endoscopic Ultrasound Staging of Esophageal Cancer and Metastatic Spread of Disease
Authors: Hancock Shawn M. , Gopal Deepak V. , Frick Terrence J. , Pfau Patrick R.
Published: December 2011

Background. Dilation of malignant strictures in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) staging of esophageal cancer is safe, but no data exists regarding the subsequent development of metastases. Aim. Compare the rates of metastases in esophageal cancer patients undergoing EUS staging who require esophageal dilation in order to pass the echoendoscope versus those who do not. Methods. We reviewed consecutive patients referred for EUS staging of esophageal cancer. We evaluated whether dilation was necessary in order to pass the echoendoscope, and for the subsequent development of metastases after EUS at various time intervals. Results. Among all patients with similar stage (locally advanced disease, defined as T3, N0, M0 or T1-3, N1, M0), there was no difference between the dilated and nondilated groups in the rates of metastases at 3 months (14% versus 10%), , 6 months (28% versus 20%), , 12 months (43% versus 40%), , or ever during a mean followup of 15 months (71% versus 55%), . Conclusions. Dilation of malignant strictures for EUS staging of esophageal cancer does not appear to lead to higher rates of distant metastases.
Differential Difference Current Conveyor Transconductance Amplifier: A New Analog Building Block for Signal Processing
Authors: Pandey Neeta , Paul Sajal K.
Published: December 2011

A new active building block for analog signal processing, namely, differential difference current conveyor transconductance amplifier (DDCCTA), is presented, and performance is checked through PSPICE simulations which show the usability of the proposed element is up to 201 MHz. The proposed block is implemented using 0.25 μm TSMC CMOS technology. Some of the applications are presented using the proposed DDCCTA, namely, a voltage mode multifunction filter, a current mode universal filter, an oscillator, current and voltage amplifiers, and grounded inductor simulator. The feasibility of DDCCTA and its applications is confirmed via PSPICE simulations.
The Simplest Way to Iodine-Doped Anatase for Photocatalysts Activated by Visible Light
Authors: Štengl Václav , Grygar Tomáš Matys
Published: December 2011

Iodine-doped TiO2was prepared by thermal hydrolysis of aqueous solutions of the titanium peroxo-complex, which includes no organic solvents or organometallic compounds. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), specific surface area (BET), and porosity determination (BJH). The morphology and particle size was determined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). All prepared samples have a red-shifted band-gap transition, well crystalline anatase structure, and porous particles with a 100–200 m2 g−1specific surface area. The photocatalytic activity of iodine-doped titania samples was determined by decomposition of Orange II dye during irradiation at 365 nm and 400 nm. Iodine doping promotes the titania photocatalytic activity very efficiently under visible light irradiation. The titania sample with 0.32 wt.% I has the highest catalytic activity during the photocatalyzed degradation of Orange II dye in an aqueous suspension in the UV and visible regions.
Evaluation of Methods for Estimating Fractal Dimension in Motor Imagery‐Based Brain Computer Interface
Authors: Loo Chu Kiong , Samraj Andrews , Lee Gin Chong
Published: December 2011

A brain computer interface BCI enables direct communication between a brain and a computer translating brain activity into computer commands using preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification operations. Feature extraction is crucial, as it has a substantial effect on the classification accuracy and speed. While fractal dimension has been successfully used in various domains to characterize data exhibiting fractal properties, its usage in motor imagery‐based BCI has been more recent. In this study, commonly used fractal dimension estimation methods to characterize time series Katz′s method, Higuchi′s method, rescaled range method, and Renyi′s entropy were evaluated for feature extraction in motor imagery‐based BCI by conducting offline analyses of a two class motor imagery dataset. Different classifiers fuzzy k‐nearest neighbours FKNN, support vector machine, and linear discriminant analysis were tested in combination with these methods to determine the methodology with the best performance. This methodology was then modified by implementing the time‐dependent fractal dimension TDFD, differential fractal dimension, and differential signals methods to determine if the results could be further improved. Katz′s method with FKNN resulted in the highest classification accuracy of 85%, and further improvements by 3% were achieved by implementing the TDFD method.
Bird Species Abundance and Their Correlationship with Microclimate and Habitat Variables at Natural Wetland Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Rajpar Muhammad Nawaz , Zakaria Mohamed
Published: December 2011

Birds are the most conspicuous and significant component of freshwater wetland ecosystem. Presence or absence of birds may indicate the ecological conditions of the wetland area. The objectives of this study were to determine bird species abundance and their relationship with microclimate and habitat variables. Distance sampling point count method was applied for determining species abundance and multiple regressions was used for finding relationship between bird species abundance, microclimate and habitat variables. Bird species were monitored during November, 2007 to January, 2009. A total of 8728 individual birds comprising 89 species and 38 families were detected. Marsh Swamp was swarmed by 84 species (69.8%) followed open water body by 55 species (17.7%) and lotus swamp by 57 species (12.6%). Purple swamphenPorphyrio porphyrio(9.1% of all detections) was the most abundant bird species of marsh swamp, lesser whistling duck—Dendrocygna javanica(2.3%) was dominant species of open water body and pink-necked green pigeon—Treron vernans(1.7%) was most common species of lotus swamp. Results revealed that the habitat characteristics such as vegetation composition (i.e. emergent and submerged vegetations, grasses, shrubs, and trees), vegetation structures (tree diameter and height) and microclimate variables (temperature, relative humidity and light intensity) were the key factors that influenced the distribution, diversity and density of the wetland bird species. This study also revealed that the wetland bird species have adapted a fairly unique set of microhabitat and microclimate conditions.
Glaucoma after Penetrating Keratoplasty: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Management
Authors: Yildirim Nilgun , Gursoy Huseyin , Sahin Afsun , Ozer Ahmet , Colak Ertugrul
Published: December 2011

Purpose. To report the incidence and risk factors for postkeratoplasty glaucoma (PKG), as well as its management.Subjects and Methods. 122 eyes, (43% with pseudophakic and aphakic bullous keratopathy (PABK)) which underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK), were analyzed.Results. The rate of PKG development was 34% within 39 months of follow-up. PABK, corneal perforations, keratitis, and previous high intraocular pressure (PHIOP) were high risk factors for PKG. Glaucoma was controlled medically in 62% of PKG cases. Surgery (Ex-PRESS shunt in 63%) and diode laser cyclophotocoagulation were applied in others (38%). The rate of postoperative complications and graft survival was similar in eyes with and without PKG.Conclusion. PHIOP, preoperative diagnoses other than keratoconus, and corneal dystrophies were highly associated with PKG. Ex-PRESS shunts were effective in refractory PKG. If glaucoma is controlled, it is possible to obtain similar rates of graft survival and postoperative complications in eyes with and without PKG.
The Use of the String of Pearls Locking Plate System in the Stabilisation of a Comminuted Calcaneal Fracture in a Giant Breed Dog
Authors: Scrimgeour A. B. , Worth A. J.
Published: December 2011

An eight-year-old male Pyrenean mountain dog was presented with a comminuted fracture of the right calcaneus following motor vehicle trauma. The fracture was stabilised with a plate-rod construct, using the String of Pearls locking plate system and an intramedullary pin. Healing was uncomplicated.
Reflections on Palliative Care from the Jewish and Islamic Tradition
Authors: Schultz Michael , Baddarni Kassim , Bar-Sela Gil
Published: December 2011

Spiritual care is a vital part of holistic patient care. Awareness of common patient beliefs will facilitate discussions about spirituality. Such conversations are inherently good for the patient, deepen the caring staff-patient-family relationship, and enhance understanding of how beliefs influence care decisions. All healthcare providers are likely to encounter Muslim patients, yet many lack basic knowledge of the Muslim faith and of the applications of Islamic teachings to palliative care. Similarly, some of the concepts underlying positive Jewish approaches to palliative care are not well known. We outline Jewish and Islamic attitudes toward suffering, treatment, and the end of life. We discuss our religions' approaches to treatments deemed unnecessary by medical staff, and consider some of the cultural reasons that patients and family members might object to palliative care, concluding with specific suggestions for the medical team.
Typhlitis in Acute Childhood Leukemia
Authors: Altınel Esma , Yarali Nese , Isık Pamir , Bay Ali , Kara Abdurrahman , Tunc Bahattin
Published: December 2011

Objective: To review our experience with typhlitis among children treated for acute leukemia. Material and Methods: The medical records of children with acute leukemia and typhlitis between 2006 and 2009 were reviewed for demographics and symptoms, and for microbiological and imaging findings. Results: In the 75 children with acute leukemia – 54 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 21 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) – there were 10 episodes of typhlitis (4.5%) that developed during 221 periods of severe neutropenia. The cumulative risk of typhlitis was 7.4% in patients with ALL and 28.5% in patients with AML. Frequent symptoms were: abdominal pain and tenderness (100% each); fever and nausea (90% each); emesis (80%); diarrhea (50%), and hypotension, peritonitis and abdominal distension (10% each). The median duration of symptoms was 6 days (range: 2–11 days), and that of neutropenia 14 days (range: 3–25 days). All patients were treated medically and none surgically. Two patients died because of typhlitis and sepsis. Conclusions: In our study, the rate of typhlitis among leukemic children was 4.5%; however, the mortality rate was 20%. Thus, rapid identification and timely, aggressive medical intervention are necessary to reduce the morbidity and mortality from typhlitis.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease of Two Ethnic Groups in Kuwait: Comparison of Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Babusik Pavel , Bilal Maha , Duris Ivan
Published: December 2011

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD) and the significance of some risk factors, such as obesity and glucose metabolism impairment, for two major ethnic groups of Kuwait: Arabs and South Asians. Subjects and Methods: 143 adults (Arab: n = 81; South Asian: n = 62) were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric measurements including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and waist-to-hip ratio were performed along with abdominal ultrasonography. The prevalence of liver steatosis was assessed; its relation to glucose metabolism impairment, obesity, age and gender was compared in the two ethnic groups. Results: Except for waist-to-hip ratio, the anthropometric parameters were higher in Arabs than South Asians. The respective parameters in Arabs and South Asians were: BMI: 30.9 ± 6.6 versus 27.0 ± 4.5, p < 0.001; WC: 101.5 ± 16.4 versus 94.0 ± 12.2, p = 0.002; HC: 106.6 ± 12.4 versus 99.2 ± 9.9, p < 0.001. Although Arabs were more obese, they did not exhibit a higher prevalence of steatosis (33.3 vs. 29.0%, p = 0.583). According to multivariate analysis, only gender (odds ratio 3.93, p = 0.005), glucose metabolism impairment (odds ratio 4.94, p = 0.003) and WC (odds ratio 4.75, p = 0.012) remained significantly associated with steatosis. Conclusion: No significant difference in NAFLD prevalence was found between Arabs and South Asians. Only gender, history of impaired glucose metabolism and abdominal obesity expressed by WC had an independent predictive value for developing liver steatosis.
Surgical Treatment of Adult Extra-Articular Distal Humeral Diaphyseal Fractures Using an Oblique Metaphyseal Locking Compression Plate via a Posterior Approach
Authors: Yang Qing , Wang Fang , Wang Qiugen , Gao Wei , Huang Jianhua , Wu Xiaofeng , Wu Jiaqi , Chen Hao
Published: December 2011

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcome of using an oblique AO (Association for the Study of Internal Fixation) metaphyseal locking compression plate (MLCP) in the treatment of adult extra-articular distal humeral diaphyseal fractures via a posterior approach. Subjects and Methods: A series of 19 cases of adult extra-articular distal humeral diaphyseal fractures were surgically treated using an MLCP and lag screws, if necessary, via a posterior approach. All patients were followed for a mean time of 16.6 months (range from 12 to 20 months). The patients were followed up to 1 year, and radiological assessment was performed to observe fracture reduction and healing. Functional outcome was measured including the range of motion of the shoulder and elbow, by the University of California at Los Angeles and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Results: The incidence of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy was 5%. There was no failure of internal fixation and no infection. After 1 year, the University of California at Los Angeles scoring system rated 12 (63.2%) patients as excellent results. The Mayo elbow performance scoring system rated 10 (84%) cases as excellent results. Completely normal alignment was presented in 16 cases. Conclusion: Following surgical treatment of adult extra-articular distal humeral diaphyseal fractures, an oblique MLCP applied via a posterior approach achieved an adequate internal fixation and obtained an excellent functional outcome.
Preoperative Inhalation of Milrinone Attenuates Inflammation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Gong Ming , Lin Xue-Zheng , Lu Guang-Tao , Zheng Li-Juan
Published: December 2011

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative inhalation of milrinone on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)-related inflammation. Subjects and Methods: A total of 30 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were recruited and randomized for preoperative inhalation of milrinone (Mil group) or normal saline (NS group), respectively. Each group had 15 patients. Their hemodynamic parameters were measured and blood samples were obtained longitudinally. The levels of serum interleukin (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 were determined by ELISA. Results: The levels of serum IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-9 significantly increased at the end of cardiac surgery and remained high for 24 h in both groups of patients. However, the levels of proinflammatory cytokines at the end of cardiac surgery in the Mil group of patients were significantly lower than those of the NS group of patients. Conclusions: Our data indicated that preoperative inhalation of milrinone significantly mitigated CPB-related inflammation.
Differential Expression of PDE5 in Failing and Nonfailing Human Myocardium
Authors: Shan Xiaoyin , Quaile Michael P. , Monk Jeffery K. , French Benjamin , Cappola Thomas P. , Margulies Kenneth B.
Published: December 2011

Background—

Recognizing that inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) are increasingly employed in patients with pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular (RV) failure, we examined PDE5 expression in the human RV and its impact on myocardial contractility.

Methods and Results—

Tissue extracts from the RV of 20 patients were assayed for PDE5 expression using immunoblot and immunohistochemical staining. Tissues were selected from groups of nonfailing organ donors and transplant recipients with endstage ischemic cardiomyopathy or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Among dilated cardiomyopathy patients, subgroups with mild or severe RV dysfunction and prior left ventricular assist devices were analyzed separately. Our results showed that PDE5 abundance increased more than 4-fold in the RVs of the ischemic cardiomyopathy compared with the nonfailing group. In dilated cardiomyopathy, PDE5 upregulation was more moderate and varied with the severity of RV dysfunction. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that cardiac myocytes contributed to the upregulation in the failing hearts. In functional studies, PDE5 inhibition produced little change in developed force in RV trabeculae from nonfailing hearts but produced a moderate increase in RV trabeculae from failing hearts.

Conclusions—

Our results showed the etiology- and severity-dependent upregulation of myocyte PDE5 expression in the RV and the impact of this upregulation on myocardial contractility. These findings suggest that RV PDE5 expression could contribute to the pathogenesis of RV failure, and direct myocardial responses to PDE5 inhibition may modulate the indirect responses mediated by RV afterload reduction.
On the Sensitivity of the Drake Passage Transport to Air–Sea Momentum Flux
Authors: Mazloff Matthew R.
Published: December 2011

An eddy-permitting state estimate and its adjoint are used to analyze the influence of wind stress perturbations on the transport of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) system through Drake Passage. The transport is found to be sensitive to wind stress perturbations both along the ACC path and also in remote regions. The time scale of influence of wind stress perturbations is on the order of 100 days. Regarding spatial scales, the sensitivity of transport to wind stress is relatively smooth in regions of flat topography. In boundary regions and regions with complex topography, however, the sensitivity is enhanced and characterized by shorter length scales of order 100 km. Positive perturbations to the zonal wind stress usually increase the ACC transport, though the wind stress curl is of primary influence where the currents are steered by topography. Highlighting locations where the ACC is especially responsive to air–sea momentum fluxes reveals where an accurate determination of atmospheric winds may best enhance ocean modeling efforts.
Significant Winter Weather Events and Associated Socioeconomic Impacts (Federal Aid Expenditures) across Oklahoma: 2000–10
Authors: Grout Trevor , Hong Yang , Basara Jeffrey , Balasundaram Balabhaskar , Kong Zhenyu , Bukkapatnam Satish T. S.
Published: December 2011

Exceptionally severe winter storms that overwhelm local government result in major disaster declarations. Each National Weather Service forecast office in the United States reports winter events for a specific group of counties, known as the county warning area. Such events are reported as blizzard, ice storm, winter storm, heavy snow, or winter weather. They are archived by the National Climatic Data Center and are published in Storm Data, a monthly periodical. Using Storm Data, all winter reports in Oklahoma from 1 November 1999 to 1 May 2010 were compiled into a database. The results of this study demonstrated that while counties in northern Oklahoma received the highest number of winter reports, when compared with climatology winter storm, heavy snow, ice storm, and blizzard storm types yielded an above-average occurrence across much of southwest and central Oklahoma over the study period.

Disaster information, obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, showed that from 1 November 1999 to 1 May 2010 Oklahoma led the nation with nine winter-related federal disasters, resulting in nearly $800 million (U.S. dollars) in federal aid. High-impact events, determined by disaster declarations, were most frequent across southwest, central, and northeast Oklahoma, and southwest Oklahoma experienced a disaster nearly every third winter event. Over much of Oklahoma, ice storms were more likely to result in a disaster than winter storm, blizzard, and heavy snow events combined. Spatial distributions of federal aid showed that rural counties were most impacted by the winter weather disasters and required greater federal assistance.
How Mothers and Fathers Share Childcare
Authors: Craig Lyn , Mullan Killian
Published: December 2011

In most families today, childcare remains divided unequally between fathers and mothers. Scholars argue that persistence of the gendered division of childcare is due to multiple causes, including values about gender and family, disparities in paid work, class, and social context. It is likely that all of these factors interact, but to date researchers have not explored such interactions. To address this gap, we analyze nationally representative time-use data from Australia, Denmark, France, and Italy. These countries have different employment patterns, social and family policies, and cultural attitudes toward parenting and gender equality. Using data from matched married couples, we conduct a cross-national study of mothers’ and fathers’ relative time in childcare, divided along dimensions of task (i.e., routine versus non-routine activities) and co-presence (i.e., caring for children together as a couple versus caring solo). Results show that mothers’ and fathers’ work arrangements and education relate modestly to shares of childcare, and this relationship differs across countries. We find cross-national variation in whether more equal shares result from the behavior of mothers, fathers, or both spouses. Results illustrate the relevance of social context in accentuating or minimizing the impact of individual- and household-level characteristics.
On Hunger and Child Mortality in India
Authors: Gaiha Raghav , Kulkarni Vani S , Pandey Manoj K , Imai Katsushi S
Published: December 2011

Despite accelerated growth there is pervasive hunger, child undernutrition and mortality in India. Our analysis focuses on their determinants. Raising living standards alone will not reduce hunger and undernutrition. Reduction of rural/urban disparities, income inequality, consumer price stabilization, and mothers’ literacy all have roles of varying importance in different nutrition indicators. Somewhat surprisingly, public distribution system (PDS) do not have a significant effect on any of them. Generally, child undernutrition and mortality rise with poverty. Our analysis confirms that media exposure triggers public action, and helps avert child undernutrition and mortality. Drastic reduction of economic inequality is in fact key to averting child mortality, conditional upon a drastic reordering of social and economic arrangements.
When overconfident agents slow down collective learning
Authors: Rouchier Juliette , Tanimura Emily
Published: December 2011

In this paper we present a model of influence where agents’ beliefs are based on an objective reality, such as the properties of an environment. The perception of the objective reality is not direct: all that the agents know is that the more correct a belief, the more successful the actions that are deduced from this belief. A pair of agents can influence each other when they perform a joint action. They are not only defined by individual beliefs, but also idiosyncratic confidence about their belief: this means that they are not all willing to engage in an action with agents with a different belief and to be influenced by them. After exploring the dynamics of our influence and learning system with agents that have the same confidence, we study heterogenous confidence among agents. We show here that the distribution of confidence in the group has a major impact on the speed and quality of collective learning and in particular that a small number of overconfident agents can prevent the whole group from learning properly.
Immunological Variation Between Inbred Laboratory Mouse Strains
Authors: Sellers R. S. , Clifford C. B. , Treuting P. M. , Brayton C.
Published: December 2011

Inbred laboratory mouse strains are highly divergent in their immune response patterns as a result of genetic mutations and polymorphisms. The generation of genetically engineered mice (GEM) has, in the past, used embryonic stem (ES) cells for gene targeting from various 129 substrains followed by backcrossing into more fecund mouse strains. Although common inbred mice are considered “immune competent,” many have variations in their immune system—some of which have been described—that may affect the phenotype. Recognition of these immune variations among commonly used inbred mouse strains is essential for the accurate interpretation of expected phenotypes or those that may arise unexpectedly. In GEM developed to study specific components of the immune system, accurate evaluation of immune responses must take into consideration not only the gene of interest but also how the background strain and microbial milieu contribute to the manifestation of findings in these mice. This article discusses points to consider regarding immunological differences between the common inbred laboratory mouse strains, particularly in their use as background strains in GEM.
Appointment Time: Disability and Neoliberal Workfare Temporalities
Authors: Soldatic Karen
Published: December 2011

My primary interest in this article is to reveal the complexity of neoliberal temporalities on the lives of disabled people forced to participate in workfare regimes to maintain access to social security measures and programming. Through drawing upon some of the contemporary debates arising within the social study of time, this article explicates what Jessop refers to as the sovereignty of time that has emerged with the global adoption of neoliberal workfare regimes. It is argued that the central role of temporality within the globalizing project of neoliberal workfare and the positioning of disability within these global macro-structural processes requires the sociological imagination to return to both time as a theme and time as a methodology.
Groseclose and Snyder in finite legislatures
Authors: Dippel Christian
Published: December 2011

The Groseclose and Snyder (1996) model is one of the best-known models of vote buying in legislatures. Although the logic of the model is compelling, it is not clear that its key propositions, derived in a continuous set-up, hold in finite legislatures. This is an important issue because many real-world legislatures are small and should be modeled as finite in order to make predictions on coalition formation in them. This paper makes two contributions. The main one is to show with full generality that the key propositions in the Groseclose and Snyder model do carry through into finite legislatures. Secondly, it clarifies the role that parameter restrictions played in previous work on this question by Banks (2000) which was not fully general.