bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENDOSONOGRAPHY‐GUIDED BILIARY DRAINAGE IN CASES WITH DIFFICULT TRANSPAPILLARY ENDOSCOPIC BILIARY DRAINAGE
Authors: Horaguchi Jun , Fujita Naotaka , Noda Yutaka , Kobayashi Go , Ito Kei , Obana Takashi , Takasawa Osamu , Koshita Shinsuke , Kanno Yoshihide
Published: September 2009

Background:  Recently, reports on a new endoscopic biliary drainage technique utilizing endosonographic guidance (endosonography‐guided biliary drainage [ESBD]) have been increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ESBD in cases with difficult transpapillary endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD).

Patients and Methods:  Sixteen patients with obstructive jaundice who underwent ESBD because of difficult EBD between January 2007 and September 2008 were included. The technical success, complications, and clinical efficacy of ESBD were prospectively evaluated.

Results:  ESBD was performed via the duodenum, stomach, and esophagus in eight, six and two patients, respectively. Stent placement was successful in all cases and excellent biliary decompression was achieved in all but one patient. One patient developed localized peritonitis following guidewire migration and re‐puncture of the bile duct. In another patient, stent migration was observed one week after ESBD and re‐ESBD was carried out. Three patients underwent surgery for their primary diseases, and stent exchange was carried out in 10 patients during the course.

Conclusions:  ESBD is an effective treatment for obstructive jaundice that will replace percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in cases of difficult EBD and is a possible alternative to EBD in selected cases.
OPTIMAL TIMING OF ENDOSCOPIC EVALUATION OF THE PRIMARY SITE OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AFTER CHEMORADIOTHERAPY OR RADIOTHERAPY: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Zenda Sadamoto , Hironaka Shuichi , Taku Keisei , Sato Hiroshi , Hashimoto Takayuki , Hasuike Noriaki , Boku Narikazu , Tsubosa Yasuhiro , Ono Hiroyuki , Nishimura Tetsuo
Published: September 2009

Background:  Although use of gastrointestinal endoscopy for response evaluation in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy (CRT/RT) treatment is widely accepted, optimal timing for evaluation has not been sufficiently investigated. Here, we investigated optimal timing of primary site response evaluation in esophageal cancer patients treated with CRT/RT.

Patients and Methods:  This study examined esophageal cancer patients who underwent CRT/RT between September 2002 and December 2004. Time to complete response (CR) at the primary site was assessed in patients designated as CR at the primary site, while progression‐free survival at the primary site (PFSp) was assessed in patients designated as incomplete response at the primary site.

Results:  Eighty‐three patients were enrolled in this study. Median total RT dose was 60 Gy (range, 50–60 Gy), and median RT duration was 53 days (range, 35–74 days). Mean time to CR at the primary site was 97 days (range, 52–201 days). In four patients, although initial examination of biopsy specimens found evidence of viable cancer cells within 75 days of treatment initiation, subsequent examination found no such evidence, and the patients were thus designated as CR. Median PFSp was 149 days (range, 67–399 days), and PFSp rate at 90 days was 97%. Median interval between the previous examination and initial primary progressive disease was 37 days.

Conclusion:  Recommended time of first response evaluation for esophageal cancer following initiation of CRT/RT was found to be between 75 and 90 days. Subsequent evaluation should be carried out approximately one month following non‐CR/non‐progressive disease declassification.
ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOGRAPHY FOR INTRABILIARY RUPTURE OF HYDATID CYST
Authors: Khoshbaten Manouchehr , Farhang Sara , Hajavi Naser
Published: September 2009

The most common complication of hydatid cysts of the liver is cholestasis due to rupture of hepatic cysts into the biliary tree. Such a complicated cyst is usually managed by surgical cyst resection. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram with sphincterotomy is a well‐established method for preoperative and postoperative extraction of cyst material from the biliary tree. Successful nonsurgical treatments of complicated hydatid cyst are reported with a combination of pharmaceutical therapy and endoscopic techniques consisting of endoscopic sphincterotomy and instillation of hypertonic saline solutions. We report feasibility and outcome of the endoscopic method for treatment of ruptured hepatic hydatid cyst into the biliary tract that also benefited from drainage of the whole cyst and membranes into the major biliary duct.
Evidence for a widespread involvement of NO in control of photogenesis in bioluminescent fish
Authors: Krönström Jenny , Mallefet Jerome
Published: September 2009

Krönström, J. and Mallefet, J. 2009. Evidence for a widespread involvement of NO in control of photogenesis in bioluminescent fish. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 474–483.

The presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and nerve fibres in the photophores of seven bioluminescent fish species (Hygophum benoiti, Myctophum punctatum, Electrona risso, Cyclothone braueri, Vinciguerria attenuata, Maurolicus muelleri and Porichthys notatus) with endogenous photocytes, were investigated. Antibodies directed against neuronal and inducible NOS (n and iNOS respectively) and NADPH‐diaphorase activity were used to reveal the locations of NOS, while antibodies directed against acetylated tubulin were used to visualize nerve fibres. The nNOS antibody labelled structures in all investigated photophores except in the organs from P. notatus. The photocytes of P. notatus showed NADPH‐diaphorase activity. In the myctophid species, NOS‐like immunoreactivity was found in small intracellular structures of the photocytes and in nerve fibres reaching the photocytes. nNOS‐positive fibres were also found among lens/filter cells in V. attenuata, and in M. muelleri the cytoplasm of lens/filter cells contained NOS‐like material. In C. braueri, a cell type located at a collecting chamber for luminous products in the photophore contained NOS‐like material. All photophores received an innervation reaching the photocytes, as well as other components including lens/filter areas. The results of this study comply with an involvement of nitric oxide in the control of bioluminescence in several fish species.
Florence Nightingale Endures: Legitimizing a New Professional Role Identity
Authors: Goodrick Elizabeth , Reay Trish
Published: September 2009

abstract

We examined the discursive processes through which a new professional role identity for registered nurses was legitimized by analysing introductory textbooks over time. We theorize five ways of rhetorically legitimizing a new professional role identity: naturalizing the past, normalizing new meanings, altering identity referents, connecting with the institutional environment, and referencing authority. In contrast to previous research focused on legitimizing new practices, we contribute to the institutional literature by showing that legitimizing a professional role identity requires the incremental development of new arguments where the past is not delegitimized. Our findings also indicate that instead of a progression from moral and pragmatic legitimacy to cognitive legitimacy, legitimizing a new role identity may focus only on moral legitimacy. Finally, our study highlights the importance of interactions between the professional task environment and the wider institutional environment as part of the process of legitimizing a professional role identity.
CHRISTIAN HUMILITY, COURTLY CIVILITY, AND THE CODE OF THE STREETS
Authors: HERDT JENNIFER A.
Published: September 2009

Within both contemporary inner‐city street life and early modern courtly civility, persons acquire value through being acknowledged by others. Though dependent on others for a sense of self‐worth constructed by external tokens of respect, they are unable to experience dependency as gift. Humility thus appears as an admission of lack of worth, rather than as a confession of the dependent character of one's worth. What might contemporary Christians retrieve from the Augustinian critique of an ethic of glory in attempting to diagnose and respond to contemporary social dislocations, and how might churches contribute productively to disrupting the zero‐sum competition for respect?
Androstenediol reverses steroid‐inhibited wound healing
Authors: Feeser V. Ramana , Menke Nathan B. , Ward Kevin R. , Loria Roger M. , Diegelmann Robert F.
Published: September 2009

It is well recognized that stress of any nature will cause a delay in the wound healing response. This delayed healing response appears closely associated with immune regulators. In this study, CD‐1 mice were injected with a long acting form of methyl prednisolone to cause a steroid‐induced immune suppression. After 24 hours, two 6‐mm full thickness wounds were placed on the animals' backs and one group of animals received the immune‐regulating hormone, androstenediol. Wound contraction was quantified by planimetry for the subsequent 14 days. Animals that were stressed with methyl prednisolone but receiving androstenediol contracted their open wounds at faster rates compared with methyl prednisolone‐stressed animals treated with the vehicle alone. These findings suggest that restoration of immune regulation by androstenediol can reverse the delayed open wound contraction secondary to steroid stress.
Wound healing in oral mucosa results in reduced scar formation as compared with skin: Evidence from the red Duroc pig model and humans
Authors: Wong Joyce W. , Gallant‐Behm Corrie , Wiebe Colin , Mak Karen , Hart David A. , Larjava Hannu , Häkkinen Lari
Published: September 2009

Scar formation is a common, unwanted result of wound healing in skin, but the mechanisms that regulate it are still largely unknown. Interestingly, wound healing in the oral mucosa proceeds faster than in skin and clinical observations have suggested that mucosal wounds rarely scar. To test this concept, we created identical experimental wounds in the oral mucosa and skin in red Duroc pigs and compared wound healing and scar development over time. We also compared the pig oral mucosal wound healing to similar experimental wounds created in human subjects. The findings showed significantly reduced scar formation at both clinical and histological level in the pig oral mucosa as compared with skin 49 days after wounding. Additionally, the skin scars contained a significantly increased number of type I procollagen immunopositive cells and an increased fibronectin content, while the oral mucosal wounds demonstrated a prolonged accumulation of tenascin‐C. Furthermore, the pig oral mucosal wounds showed similar molecular composition and clinical and histological scar scores to human oral mucosal wounds. Thus, the reduced scar formation in the pig oral mucosa provides a model to study the biological processes that regulate scarless wound healing to find novel approaches to prevent scar formation in skin.
Multivariable Model‐building: A Pragmatic Approach to Regression Analysis Based on Fractional Polynomials for Modelling Continuous Variables by ROYSTON, P. and SAUERBREI, W.
Authors: Hosmer David W.
Published: September 2009

Multivariable Model‐building: A Pragmatic Approach to Regression Analysis Based on Fractional Polynomials for Modelling Continuous Variables

(P. Royston and W. Sauerbrei)

David W. Hosmer

Modern Multivariate Statistical Techniques: Regression, Classification, and Manifold Learning

(A. J. Izenman)

Debashis Ghosh

A Primer on Linear Models

(J. F. Monahan)

Muni S. Srivastava

Mixed Effects Models and Extensions in Ecology with R

(A. F. Zuur, E. N. Ieno, N. J. Walker, A. A. Saveliev, and G. M. Smith)

Carl James Schwarz

Random Effect and Latent Variable Model Selection

(D. B. Dunson, Editor)

Kenneth Rice

Missing Data in Clinical Studies

(G. Molenberghs and M. G. Kenward)

Suzanne R. Dubnicka

Functional and Operatorial Statistics

(S. Dabo‐Niang and F. Ferraty, Editors)

Jason D. Nielsen

Statistical Analysis and Modelling of Spatial Point Patterns

(J. Illian, A. Penttinen, H. Stoyan, and D. Stoyan)

Jesper Møller

Solved Problem in Geostatistics

(O. Leuangthong, K. D. Khan, and C. V. Deutsch)

Ole F. Christensen

Statistical Methods for Environmental Epidemiology with R: A Case Study in Air Pollution and Health

(R. D. Peng and F. Dominici)

David Buckeridge

Correspondence Analysis in Practice, Second Edition

(M. Greenacre)

Willem Heiser

Introduction to Statistical Mediation Analysis

(D. P. MacKinnon)

Tyler J. VanderWeele

Brief Reports by the Editor

The EM Algorithm and Extensions, 2nd edition

(G. J. McLachlan and T. Krishnan)

Probability Models for DNA Sequence Evolution, 2nd edition

(R. Durrett)

Bayesian Methods for Data Analysis, 3rd edition

(B. P. Carlin and T. A. Louis)

Nonlinear Regression with R

(C. Ritz and J. C. Streibig)

Cancer Mortality and Morbidity Patterns in the U.S. Population: An Interdisciplinary Approach

(K. G. Manton, I. Akushevich, and J. Kravchenko)
Role of AKT‐glycogen synthase kinase axis in monocyte activation in human beings with and without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nandy Debashis , Asmann Yan W. , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata , Basu Ananda
Published: September 2009

Monocyte activation by chemokines is a vital trigger for initiation of atherosclerotic process. Circulating levels of platelet activating factor (PAF), a recognized chemokine, is known to be increased in type 2 diabetes that is linked to accelerated atherosclerosis. To explore the molecular basis we examined the signalling pathways involved in PAF induced monocyte activation. PAF increased migration in monocytes obtained from THP‐1 cells, nondiabetic and diabetic subjects. This effect was blocked by AKT inhibition. It did so by phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3βS9, which was completely blocked by AKT inhibition. Additionally, PAF induced GSK‐3β phosphorylation was linked to Rac‐1 activation and Rho‐A inactivation leading to migration. Paradoxically, inhibition of GSK‐3β phosphorylation also augmented monocyte migration in THP‐1, ND and diabetic monocytes through phosphorylation of AKT and activation of Rho‐A that was independent of GSK. This was validated when (i) overexpression of dominant negative mutants of Rho‐A reversed GSK inhibitor induced monocyte migration and (ii) AKT inhibition blocked GSK inhibitor induced Rho‐A activity. Constitutively active ARAP3 (Rho‐GAP) appears to have a regulatory role in monocyte activity during GSK inhibition. Finally, inhibition of monocyte GSK‐3β activity (by inhibitors and genetic manipulation) led to enhanced migration in diabetes compared to persons without diabetes. We conclude that diabetic monocytes show increased migratory capacity in response to GSK‐3β inhibition. GSK inhibitors developed to treat the metabolic complications of diabetes should therefore be used with caution.
Pivotal Role of Translokin/CEP57 in the Unconventional Secretion Versus Nuclear Translocation of FGF2
Authors: Meunier Sylvain , Navarro Marina García‐Jove , Bossard Carine , Laurell Henrik , Touriol Christian , Lacazette Eric , Prats Hervé
Published: September 2009

Intracellular trafficking of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) exhibits two unusual features: (i) it is secreted despite the lack of signal peptide and (ii) it can translocate to the nucleus after interaction with high‐ and low‐affinity receptors on the cell surface, although it does not possess any classical nuclear localization signal. This nuclear translocation constitutes an important part of the response to the growth factor. Previously, we identified Translokin/CEP57, an FGF2 binding partner, as an intracellular mediator of FGF2 trafficking, which is essential for the nuclear translocation of the growth factor. Here, we report the identification of four Translokin partners: sorting nexin 6, Ran‐binding protein M and the kinesins KIF3A and KIF3B. These proteins, through their interaction with Translokin, are involved in two exclusive complexes allowing the bidirectional trafficking of FGF2. Thus, Translokin plays a pivotal role in this original mechanism. In addition, we show that FGF2 secretion is regulated by a negative loop, retro‐controlled by FGF receptor and involving FGF2 itself.
Different Requirements for Early and Late Phases of Azurophilic Granule–Phagosome Fusion
Authors: Nordenfelt Pontus , Winberg Martin E. , Lönnbro Per , Rasmusson Birgitta , Tapper Hans
Published: September 2009

Phagocytosis and killing of microorganisms are complex processes that involve tightly regulated membrane traffic events. Because many signaling molecules associate with membrane rafts and because these structures can be found on azurophilic granules, we decided to investigate raft recruitment and the signaling requirements for azurophilic granule secretion during phagosome maturation. At the site of phagocytosis of immunoglobulin G‐opsonized prey in human neutrophils, we found that early secretion of azurophilic granules was both raft‐ and calcium‐dependent. Subsequently, rafts at the phagocytic site were internalized with the prey. At the fully formed phagosome, the fusion of azurophilic granules was no longer dependent on rafts or calcium. These findings were found to be true also when using Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria as prey, and depletion of calcium affected the kinetics of bacterial intracellular survival. These findings suggest that the mechanisms for delivery of azurophilic content to nascent and sealed phagosomes, respectively, differ in their dependence on calcium and membrane rafts.
Clinical Parameters That Predict Successful Outcome in Men with Premature Ejaculation and Inflammatory Prostatitis
Authors: Zohdy Wael
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common sexual problem, and chronic prostatitis is an important cause of PE.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine which clinical parameters predict successful outcomes following treatment of men with PE and chronic prostatitis (category II and IIIa).

Main Outcome Measure

Change in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and its relation to different clinical parameters.

Methods

This study included 210 heterosexual men with PE and inflammatory prostatitis. PE was found to be acquired in 155 men (A-PE) and lifelong in 55 (LL-PE). All participants were asked to complete the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). Sequential microbiologic specimens were obtained. Antibiotics were given to 184 men for 4 weeks, guided by sensitivity tests. Twenty-six men refused or did not comply with the antimicrobial therapy and were used as the untreated group. Clinical reevaluation was conducted after 28 days.

Results

Two of the 26 men (7.7%) from the untreated group experienced an increase in their ejaculatory latency compared with 109 of the184 men (59.0%) who received antimicrobial therapy (P = 0.0001). After treatment, 90 of 155 men (58.0%) with A-PE reported ILET > 2 minutes compared with 21 of 55 men (38.2%) with LL-PE (P = 0.012). Based on a receiver operating characteristic curve, antimicrobial therapy is most effective if there are ≥19 pus cells per high-power field (HPF) in the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) analysis, with a sensitivity of 85.6% and a specificity of 70.7% (area under the curve 0.783, 95% CI 0.716–0.850). Other clinical parameters were not useful in predicting outcomes.

Conclusions

Antimicrobial therapy is useful in the treatment of PE associated with inflammatory prostatitis. The treatment is most effective in men with A-PE and when there are ≥19 pus cells per HPF in an EPS analysis.
4C 02.27: a quasar with episodic activity?
Authors: Jamrozy M. , Saikia D. J. , Konar C.
Published: September 2009

Striking examples of episodic activity in active galactic nuclei are the double–double radio galaxies (DDRGs) with two pairs of oppositely directed radio lobes from two different cycles of activity. Although there are over about a dozen good examples of DDRGs, so far no case of one associated with a quasar has been reported. We present Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope observations of a candidate double–double radio quasar, J0935+0204 (4C 02.27), and suggest that radio jets in this source may also have been intrinsically asymmetric, contributing to the large observed asymmetries in the flux density and location of both pairs of radio lobes.
Harnessing CD1d‐Restricted T Cells toward Antitumor Immunity in Humans
Authors: Neparidze Natalia , Dhodapkar Madhav V.
Published: September 2009

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a distinct subset of T cells that recognize lipid antigens in the context of CD1d molecules. There is a considerable body of evidence implicating a role for NKT cells in regulating antitumor immunity in mice. α‐Galactosylceramide (α‐GalCer) is a potent agonist ligand for type I NKT cells. We and others have shown that injection of α‐GalCer‐loaded dendritic cells leads to clear expansion of NKT cells in vivo in cancer patients. Preclinical studies suggest the capacity of thalidomide analogues to enhance ligand‐dependent NKT activation and provide the rationale for combination approaches that are now being designed. Recently, we demonstrated the presence of CD1d‐restricted T cells specific for an inflammation‐associated lipid, lysophosphatidylcholine, in patients with advanced myeloma. These studies suggest that type II NKT cells may play a role in sensing and regulating inflammation. Harnessing CD1d‐restricted T cells in cancer may depend on regulating the balance between type I and II NKT cells and holds promise as a broad strategy for immune therapy of several cancers.
Molecular Determinants of Pichinde Virus Infection of Guinea Pigs—a Small Animal Model System for Arenaviral Hemorrhagic Fevers
Authors: Liang Yuying , Lan Shuiyun , Ly Hinh
Published: September 2009

Arenaviruses are enveloped single‐strand RNA viruses that mostly have natural hosts in rodents. Upon infection of humans, several arenaviruses can cause severe hemorrhagic fever diseases, including Lassa fever that is endemic in West Africa. The virulence mechanism of these deadly arenaviruses can be studied in a safe and economical small animal model—guinea pigs infected by a nonpathogenic arenavirus Pichinde virus (PICV), a virulent strain of which can cause similar disease syndromes in guinea pigs as arenaviral hemorrhagic fevers in humans. We have recently developed molecular clones for both the virulent and avirulent strains of PICV. Using the available reverse genetics tools, we are characterizing the molecular determinants of virulent arenavirus infections in vivo.
Dynamic Restoration Processes in High-Mn TWIP Steels
Authors: Sabet M. , Zarei-Hanzaki A. , Khoddam Sh.
Published: September 2009

The twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) phenomenon is established as the most effective mechanism to enhance the formability of the advanced high-Mn (15–30 wt %) austenitic steels (known as TWIP steels). As the formability is very sensitive to the steel microstructure, the study of their hot deformation characteristics is highly desired. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effects of strain rate on the high temperature flow behavior, dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and the microstructural evolution of a grade of TWIP steels (with 29 wt % Mn) through single hit compression testing. The hot compression tests were carried out at two different temperatures (850°C and 1150°C) applying a range of strain rates (0.001–0.1 s−1). The results indicated a greater deformation resistance at higher strain rates. The detected broad stress peaks at higher strain rates were related to the occurrence of DRX. The microstructural studies revealed that, in addition to DRX, a geometrical dynamic recrystallization occurred at 850°C. This results in a microstructure with finer equiaxed grains.
Underplating in the Himalaya-Tibet Collision Zone Revealed by the Hi-CLIMB Experiment
Authors: Nábělek John , Hetényi György , Vergne Jérôme , Sapkota Soma , Kafle Basant , Jiang Mei , Su Heping , Chen John , Huang Bor-Shouh , Team the Hi-CLIMB
Published: September 2009

Himalayan-Tibetan Underplate

The Himalayas formed from the collision of India with Eurasia beginning about 50 million years ago, but the fate and position of the subducted Indian crust was not well defined until the Hi-CLIMB seismic experiment was initiated. The centerpiece of the project is an 800-kilometer-long, closely spaced, linear array of broadband seismographs, extending from the Ganges lowland, across the Himalayas, and onto the central Tibetan plateau.

Nábělek
et al.

(p.
1371
) present images of the crust and upper mantle of the Southern Tibetan plateau underthrust northward by the Indian plate, in which they trace the base of the Indian plate to 31°N. The character of the crust-mantle interface in this region suggests that the Indian crust is at least partly decoupled from the mantle beneath.
Cosmology at a Crossroads
Authors: Bennett Charles L.
Published: September 2009

With the standard model of cosmology in place, explanations are needed for its ingredients: dark matter, the apparent vacuum energy, and inflation.
Cosmic-Ray Acceleration in Supernova Remnants
Authors: Raymond John C.
Published: September 2009

Combined x-ray and optical observations of a supernova remnant reveal details of the origin and mechanism of cosmic-ray acceleration.
Firefighters 'Worked Like Demons' to Save Observatory
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: September 2009

Harold McAlister, the director of the Mount Wilson Observatory, shared the panic and the relief over the heroic firefighting campaign that saved the facility from the Los Angeles wildfires in a phone conversation with
Science
on 4 September.
Tests Show Moon Not Quite as Strange as Some Physicists Had Hoped
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: September 2009

The moon isn't made of green cheese and almost certainly doesn't harbor hypothetical particles called "strangelets," an analysis of lunar soil has shown.
How Beach Life Favors Blond Mice
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: September 2009

Hopi Hoekstra, a young evolutionary biologist at Harvard University, has been tackling the genetic complexity of a classic case of adaptation in mice.
Late Quaternary glacial and sedimentary history of Bonavista Bay, northeast Newfoundland
Authors: Cumming E. H. , Aksu A. E. , Mudie P. J.
Published: September 2009

High-resolution seismic profiles and core data from Bonavista Bay, northeast Newfoundland, show that the sedimentary package above acoustic basement was deposited during the deglaciation of the Late Wisconsinan ice sheet. During the Late Wisconsinan maximum (~ 20 000 BP), Bonavista Bay was occupied by a grounded ice sheet that extended farther offshore. Deglaciation of the bay was rapid and occurred prior to ~ 13 500 BP during a time of rising sea level. A basal till was deposited beneath the grounded ice, and after lift-off an ice shelf developed over the outer basins where diamicton was deposited. The inner bay gradually deglaciated as the ice margin retreated to the present-day shoreline by ~ 13 000 BP, and fine-grained outwash sediments transported by interflows were rapidly deposited. The inner bay remained under the influence of one or more remnant ice centres until ~ 10 000 BP, with ice positioned on the Bonavista and Gander peninsulas. Normal marine conditions were established in the outer bay by ~ 13 500 BP and in the inner bay and fjords by ~ 10 000 BP.
Deep-crustal deformation textures along megathrusts from Newfoundland and Ontario: implications for microstructural preservation, strain rates, and strength of the lithosphere
Authors: White Joseph Clancy , Mawer Christopher K.
Published: September 2009

Lithospheric-scale thrusts from the west Newfoundland ophiolite belt (White Hills Peridotite shear zone) and the south-western Grenville Province (Parry Sound shear zone) involve rocks of lower crustal and (or) upper mantle origin that exhibit intense crystal-plastic deformation of plagioclase, K-feldspar, orthopyroxene, and clinopyroxene, minerals that are commonly viewed as representative of low-ductility phases. The occurrence of this extreme deformation in shear zones that exhibit similar lower crustal syntectonic P–T conditions suggests a phenomenological link between the megathrust environment and both the generation and subsequent preservation of the observed deformation microstructures. An empirical homologous parameter is constructed in an attempt to characterize conditions for similar behaviour among different minerals and to explore the feasibility of refining a threshold recovery–preservation condition within the megathrusts studied. This parameter predicts, at the estimated syntectonic temperature of 800 °C, the similarity of microstructures in highly strained albite and orthopyroxene crystals observed in both megathrusts. This temperature is interpreted as a lower limit for the upper threshold of microstructure preservation in albite and orthopyroxene for the particular megathrust history. Comparison of tectonic constraints with strain rates calculated at the inferred threshold temperature for several minerals with tectonic constraints indicates that strain rates of at least 10−12 s−1 are both rheologically possible and geometrically plausible in shear zones of kilometre-scale widths. The associated lithosphere strength during megathrust displacement is on the order of 1–50 MPa. These data support formation of synkinematic records within shear zones that preserve evidence of lithospheric behaviour over crustal-thickness length scales.
Pétrologie du granite peralcalin du lac Brisson, Labrador central, Nouveau-Québec. 1. Mode de mise en place et évolution chimique
Authors: Pillet D. , Chenevoy M. , Bélanger M.
Published: September 2009

The Lake Brisson peralkaline granite in Labrador, which by way of its age of 1189 Ma is the most recent phase of the Gardar magmatic stage, was intruded in the Middle Proterozoic at the margin of a granulitic complex, retrograded to an amphibolite facies during Aphebian, and of an Elsonian adamellite pluton. It shows a petrographie zonation ("feldspathic" facies at the center, "quartzose" facies including early quartz at the edge) suggestive of a permissive multiphase intrusion, and is characterized by deuteritic alteration via metalliferous fluids (Zr, Y, Nb, Be; rare earths). All facies are Na-peralkaline, well evolved, and represent end-members of a differentiated magmatic suite of the designated A type. The relative behavior of the major elements indicates that the facies differentiation was controlled by fractional crystallization and was also greatly influenced by alkaline feldspath and by increase of f(O2) in the final stage of evolution. The trace elements contents, significantly higher than those reported for other peralkaline complexes, are a confirmation of the influence of fractional crystallization. The unsual trace element enrichment in an altered quartzose facies is the result of the effects of a final oxidizing fluid phase, rich in F; the relative depletion of Na and the enrichment in Sr and Ca of the fluid are explained by its having been contaminated by the wall rocks. [Journal Translation]
Petrology and provenance of the Cretaceous Kodiak Formation, Alaska
Authors: McCann Tommy , Pickerill Ron K.
Published: September 2009

Petrographic analysis of 30 sandstone samples from the Cretaceous Kodiak Formation indicates that they consist mainly of intermediate to basic volcanic and plutonic detritus derived from a source area east of Kodiak Island. This source area had extensive volcanic cover with rare exposure and weathering of cogenetic plutons. The petrology of the Kodiak Formation is similar to that of related rocks in the Alaskan Peninsula and is indicative of the longevity of the volcano-plutonic source area.
ANALYTICAL AND NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF FORCE AND STIFFNESS IN A DIAMAGNETIC BEARING
Authors: CANSIZ AHMET , HASAR UGUR CEM
Published: September 2009

In this letter, a bearing consisting of a disk-shaped NdFeB permanent magnet levitated by a ferrite magnet with a diamagnetic stabilizer made of two bismuth blocks has been statically analyzed. The analysis, including levitation force and stiffness characteristics of this diamagnetic bearing, has been incorporated with the diamagnetic mirror image method based on the finite element and dipole approximation methods. Force equations of the levitated magnet are derived from the potential of the system in terms of magnetic, diamagnetic and gravitational interactions. The dipole approximation and finite element method were compared with each other. It is observed that while the dipole approximation (an analytical method) is successful in predicting the force and stiffness of the bearing, the finite element method, on the other hand, only estimates the levitation force. It is shown that the dipole approach has advantages over the finite element method for various perspectives such as calculation time and precision.
COMPARISON OF TWO-VALLEY HYDRODYNAMIC MODEL IN BULKSiCANDZnOMATERIALS
Authors: ARABSHAHI H. , ROKN-ABADI REZAEE , GOLAFROZ S.
Published: September 2009

This report reviews the feasibility of two-dimensional hydrodynamic models in bulk SiC and ZnO semiconductor materials. Although the single-gas hydrodynamic model is superior to the drift-diffusion or energy balance model, it is desirable to direct the efforts of future research in the direction of multi-valley hydrodynamic models. The hydrodynamic model is able to describe inertia effects which play an increasing role in different fields of micro and optoelectronics where simplified charge transport models like the drift-diffusion model and the energy balance model are no longer applicable. Results of extensive numerical simulations are shown for SiC and ZnO materials, which are in fair agreement with other theoretical or experimental methods.
CLUSTER RADIOACTIVITY IN TRANS-TIN REGION USING SEMIEMPIRICAL FORMULA
Authors: MANIMARAN K. , BALASUBRAMANIAM M.
Published: September 2009

A semiempirical formula with only three parameters for calculating the logarithm of half-lives of heavy particle emission from a radioactive nucleus is recently proposed. The constants in the formula were obtained by fitting the available data in the trans-actinide region. The suitability of the formula in trans-tin region is studied here. The present study reveals that the semiempirical formula with only three parameters is not agreeing well with other theoretical models in the trans-tin region. Hence, one of the constants proposed earlier which acts a scaling constant is suitably replaced by a quadratic equation. The results are compared with analytical superasymmetric fission model and Shanmugham and Kamalakaran model. The semiempirical formula with new set of constants are found to have a better agreement with the available theoretical results.
MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SURFACE OF NANOPOROUS ALUMINUM OXIDE BY AFM AND LAWS OF SCALE
Authors: DE LIMA L. C. , DE MACEDO M. M. G. , DE ALBUQUERQUE M. P. , DE ALBUQUERQUE MARCELO P. , SIMÃO R. A.
Published: September 2009

This article presents a morphological, chemical, and fractal dimension study of the time evolution of aluminum AC anodization in 1 M H 3 PO 4 solution. The morphological analysis was accomplished by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). According to SEM, ordered porous pattern was already observed after 90 s of anodization, yet AFM revealed a different surface morphology evolution. Stripes were observed on the surface at the initial stages of anodization, developing to the formation of a complete phosphate layer at an intermediate stage and finally, to a porous structure at the steady stage. The phosphate layer was observed by AFM as well as by Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). Nevertheless, it could not be noticed by SEM. AFM data were quantified by fractal dimension and no significant changes in terms of fractal dimension were found in the function of the anodization time.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOSIZED Mg(OH)2 AND ITS NANOCOMPOSITE WITH POLY (VINYL ALCOHOL)
Authors: PARVEEN M. FATHIMA , UMAPATHY S. , DHANALAKSHMI V. , ANBARASAN R.
Published: September 2009

Nano- Mg(OH) 2 was synthesized by co-precipitation method. Peaks between 500 and 1250 cm-1 in FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of metal hydroxide stretching. TGA inferred that above 600°C, 50% of residue weight remained. HRTEM of nanocomposite gave an idea about the nonspherical morphology of particles of size 25 nm to 30 nm. SEM inferred that flower-like morphology for pristine Mg(OH) 2 and higher % weight of aniline-intercalated Mg(OH) 2 had agglomerated structure. UV visible spectrum inferred the presence of Mg 2+ ion at 275 nm and the presence of amino-group-intercalated Mg(OH) 2, which had a sharp peak at 193 nm and the intensity of which increases with the increase in % weight of aniline. PL inferred that aniline-intercalated Mg(OH) 2 showed a lower intensity of which increased with higher wavelength value than the pristine and nanocomposite with PVA.
Antibiotic-Resistant Gram Negative Bacilli in Meals Delivered at a General Hospital, Italy
Authors: Plano Maria Rosa Anna , Di Noto Anna Maria , Firenze Alberto , Sciortino Sonia , Mammina Caterina
Published: September 2009

This study aimed at detecting the presence of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negatives in samples of meals delivered at the University General Hospital of Palermo, Italy. Antibiotic resistant Gram negatives were isolated in July—September 2007 ffrom cold dishes and food contact surfaces and utensils. Bacterial strains were submitted to susceptibility test and subtyped by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Forty-six of 55 (83.6%) food samples and 14 of 17 (82.3%) environmental swabs were culture positive for Gram negative bacilli resistant to at least one group of antibacterial drugs. A total of 134 antibiotic resistant strains, 51 fermenters and 83 non-fermenters, were recovered. Fermenters and non-fermenters showed frequencies as high as 97.8% of resistance to two or more groups of antibiotics and non fermenters were 28.9% resistant to more than three groups. Molecular typing detected 34 different profiles among the fermenters and 68 among the non-fermenters. Antibiotic resistance was very common among both fermenters and non-fermenters. However, the wide heterogeneity of RAPD patterns seems to support a prominent role of cross-contamination rather than a clonal expansion of a few resistant isolates. A contribution of commensal Gram negatives colonizing foods to a common bacterial resistance pool should not been overlooked.
Novel Implantable Device to Detect Cardiac Allograft Rejection
Authors: Horai Tetsuya , Fumoto Hideyuki , Saeed Diyar , Zahr Roula , Anzai Tomohiro , Arakawa Yoko , Shalli Shanaz , Ootaki Chiyo , Catanese Jacquelyn , Akiyama Masatoshi , Tan Carmela D. , Rodriguez E. Rene , Young James B. , Fukamachi Kiyotaka
Published: September 2009

Background—

Allograft rejection remains the nemesis of solid organ transplantation. Soul Mate is a novel implantable wireless data transmission system that analyzes 9 intramyocardial electrogram parameters recorded from 4 or 6 configurations of 2 or 3 epicardial leads to detect allograft rejection. This study determined the ability of the Soul Mate to detect early rejection of transplanted hearts.

Methods and Results—

Five dogs underwent heterotopic cervical heart transplantation and simultaneous implantation of the Soul Mate’s Cardiac Rejection Monitoring Device. Dogs were initially immunosuppressed, but subsequent drug discontinuation allowed allograft rejection to appear. Allograft biopsies were performed at regular intervals to determine rejection grade, which was compared to a calculated rejection score determined as percent change from baseline of values for each intramyocardial electrogram. There was significant correlation between the biopsy results and the evolution of 5 parameters. The strongest correlation (
r
=0.939;
P
<0.001) was obtained using the “general median” parameter from 4 configurations, assessed 1 day before the biopsy, with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 100% compared to the myocardial biopsy results.

Conclusions—

The Soul Mate allograft rejection monitoring system accurately detected transplanted heart rejection in a canine model noninvasively with continuous sampling. This proof-of-concept study suggests that the Soul Mate could be used to more intensely and more frequently monitor cardiac allografts for rejection.
Outcomes After Anatomic Repair for D-Transposition of the Great Arteries With Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction
Authors: Emani Sitaram M. , Beroukhim Rebecca , Zurakowski David , Pigula Frank A. , Mayer John E. , del Nido Pedro J. , Geva Tal , Bacha Emile A.
Published: September 2009

Background—

D-transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) may be treated with arterial switch operation (ASO) with or without LVOT intervention, as well as non-ASO anatomic repairs, such as aortic translocation or Rastelli procedure. We evaluated midterm results of repair for TGA/LVOTO at our institution.

Methods and Results—

Eighty-eight patients with TGA/LVOTO who underwent anatomic repair were retrospectively reviewed. LVOTO was defined as pulmonary valve (PV) z-score ≤−2.0 or LVOT gradient ≥20 mm Hg in the presence of anatomic subvalvar stenosis. Risk factors for LVOT reintervention were determined by logistic regression. There was no hospital mortality and 1 late mortality. Patients undergoing Rastelli procedure were more likely to require surgical reintervention for LVOTO compared to the other groups (
P
=0.015). Patients undergoing ASO alone had a higher rate of late LVOT reintervention compared to those who had concomitant ASO/LVOT intervention (
P
=NS). In those undergoing Rastelli, a larger PV z-score was a predictor of LVOT reintervention (
P
=0.012). PV z-scores significantly decreased before repair in patients undergoing delayed repair (
P
=0.005); however, they increased significantly after neonatal ASO (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Patients with TGA/LVOTO who undergo Rastelli repair have a high rate of LVOT reintervention. Higher preoperative PV z-score is a risk factor for reintervention in this group. Patients with mild/moderate LVOTO undergoing ASO alone without LVOT intervention may have an increased risk of LVOT reintervention. In neonates who are candidates for ASO, delay of repair is associated with diminution in size of PV, which may subsequently reduce their suitability for ASO.
Donor Pretreatment With Hypertonic Saline Attenuates Primary Allograft Dysfunction
Authors: Badiwala Mitesh V. , Ramzy Danny , Tumiati Laura C. , Tepperman Elissa D. , Sheshgiri Rohit , Prodger Jessica L. , Feindel Christopher M. , Rao Vivek
Published: September 2009

Background—

Hypertonic saline (HTS) has been previously demonstrated to have immune modulatory and vascular protective effects. We assessed the effect of donor pretreatment with HTS on allograft preservation in a porcine model of orthotopic heart transplantation.

Methods and Results—

Orthotopic transplants were performed after 6 hours of cold static allograft storage. Donor pigs were randomly assigned to pretreatment with (n=7) or without (n=6) HTS (4.5 mL/kg of 7.5% NaCl) administered 1 hour before donor heart arrest. Administration of HTS increased serum sodium level from 138±2 mmol/L to 154±4 mmol/L, which normalized to 144±3 mmol/L 1 hour after infusion. Successful weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass was significantly greater in HTS-treated hearts (6/7 vs 1/6;
P
=0.029). Preload recruitable stroke work after transplantation was improved compared to control (88±21% vs 35±8% of baseline;
P
=0.0001). Similarly, end-systolic elastance was improved compared to control (85±17% vs 42±12% of baseline;
P
=0.0002). Posttransplantation systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the donor HTS group (60±9 mm Hg vs 35±6 mm Hg;
P
=0.04). Donor HTS treatment improved coronary artery endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation compared with control (Emax: HTS, 59±4%; control, 47±3%;
P
=0.04). HTS also resulted in improved endothelial-independent vasorelaxation compared with control (Emax: HTS, 71±3%; control, 59±4%;
P
=0.03; ED-50: HTS, 0.56×10 to 6±0.23 mol/L; control, 2.5×10 to 6±1.0 mol/L;
P
=0.04). Sensitivity to endothelin-1-induced vasospasm was reduced with HTS pretreatment (% maximum contraction [Cmax]: HTS, 338±15%; control, 419±40%;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

Donor HTS pretreatment attenuates posttransplantation cardiac allograft myocardial dysfunction, improves posttransplantation systemic hemodynamic function, and preserves posttransplantation cardiac allograft vascular function. HTS may be a novel organ donor intervention to prevent primary graft dysfunction.
Significant Changes in Mitral Valve Leaflet Matrix Composition and Turnover With Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Stephens Elizabeth H. , Timek Tomasz A. , Daughters George T. , Kuo Joyce J. , Patton Aaron M. , Baggett L. Scott , Ingels Neil B. , Miller D. Craig , Grande-Allen K. Jane
Published: September 2009

Background—

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) involves significant remodeling of the left ventricular–mitral valve (MV) complex, but little is known regarding the remodeling of the mitral leaflets. The aim of this study was to assess changes in matrix composition and turnover in MV leaflets with DCM.

Methods and Results—

Radiopaque markers were implanted in 24 sheep to delineate the MV; 10 sheep underwent tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC), whereas 14 sheep remained as controls. Biplane videofluoroscopy was performed before and after TIC. Immunohistochemistry was performed on leaflet cross-sections taken from the septal, lateral, anterior, and posterior commissures attachment segments. Staining intensity was quantified within each attachment segment and leaflet region (basal, mid-leaflet, and free edge). Mitral regurgitation increased from 0.2±0.4 before TIC to 2.2±0.9 after TIC (
P
<0.0002). TIC leaflets demonstrated significant remodeling compared to controls, including greater cell density and loss of leaflet layered structure (all
P
<0.05). Collagen and elastic fiber turnover was greater in TIC, as was the myofibroblast phenotype (all
P
<0.05). Compositional differences between TIC and control leaflets were heterogeneous by annular segment and leaflet region, and related to regional changes in leaflet segment length with TIC.

Conclusions—

This study shows that the MV leaflets are significantly remodeled in DCM with changes in leaflet composition, structure, and valve cell phenotype. Understanding how alterations in leaflet mechanics, such as those induced by DCM, drive cell-mediated remodeling of the extracellular matrix will be important in developing future treatment strategies.