bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental timing of mRNA translation—integration of distinct regulatory elements
Authors: MacNicol Melanie C. , MacNicol Angus M.
Published: April 2010

Targeted mRNA translation is emerging as a critical mechanism to control gene expression during developmental processes. Exciting new findings have revealed a critical role for regulatory elements within the mRNA untranslated regions to direct the timing of mRNA translation. Regulatory elements can be targeted by sequence‐specific binding proteins to direct either repression or activation of mRNA translation in response to developmental signals. As new regulatory elements continue to be identified it has become clear that targeted mRNAs can contain multiple regulatory elements, directing apparently contradictory translational patterns. How is this complex regulatory input integrated? In this review, we focus on a new challenge area—how sequence‐specific RNA binding proteins respond to developmental signals and functionally integrate to regulate the extent and timing of target mRNA translation. We discuss current understanding with a particular emphasis on the control of cell cycle progression that is mediated through a complex interplay of distinct mRNA regulatory elements during Xenopus oocyte maturation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 662–669, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sensory ataxic neuropathy with dysarthria and ophthalmoparesis (SANDO) in late life due to compound heterozygous POLG mutations
Authors: Weiss Michael D. , Saneto Russell P.
Published: April 2010

Missense mutations in the gene for polymerase γ 1 (POLG1) cause a number of phenotypically heterogeneous mitochondrial diseases, most commonly progressive external ophthalmoplegia, and are characterized by the accumulation of multiple, large‐scale deletions of mitochondrial DNA. The triad of sensory ataxic neuropathy, dysarthria, and ophthalmoparesis (SANDO) has been demonstrated in a small subset of patients with POLG1 mutations. We report a sporadic case of an 80‐year‐old compound heterozygote man who presented with SANDO and was found to have three known pathogenic mutations in the POLG1 gene (p.T251I/p.P587L/p.G848S). To our knowledge, none of these mutations have been demonstrated previously in SANDO. This patient's late presentation illustrates that a mitochondrial disorder should be considered regardless of age if the clinical symptoms warrant. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Direct immunofluoresence in vasculitic neuropathy: Specificity of vascular immune deposits
Authors: Collins Michael P. , Periquet‐Collins Isabel , Sahenk Zarife , Kissel John T.
Published: April 2010

In suspected vasculitic neuropathy, vasculitis is demonstrated in only 30% of superficial peroneal nerve (SPN)/peroneus brevis muscle (PBM) specimens. Pathologic predictors of vasculitis are thus needed for non‐diagnostic cases. Immune deposits in epineurial vessels have an established sensitivity but unknown specificity. In this study we assessed specificity using direct immunofluorescence (DIF) in SPN/PBM biopsies for suspected vasculitic neuropathy. Biopsies from 13 patients with vasculitis, 13 without vasculitis, and 6 with diabetic radiculoplexus neuropathy (DRPN) were stained for immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and complement 3 (C3), and analyzed in a blinded manner. Vascular immunoglobulin or C3 deposits occurred in 12 of 13 nerve or muscle biopsies (11 of 13 nerves, 5 of 13 muscles) in vasculitis vs. 1 of 13 (1 of 13 nerves, 0 of 13 muscles) in controls (P= 0.00003). Specificity was 92%. For DRPN, vascular immune deposits occurred in 5 of 6 nerves or muscles (4 of 6 nerves, 1 of 5 muscles), similar to vasculitis but significantly different from controls. Epineurial/perimysial vascular deposits of immunoglobulin/C3 by DIF are a specific marker of vasculitic neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 000:000–000, 2009
Effectiveness of tamsulosin hydrochloride and its mechanism in improving nocturia associated with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Yoshida Masaki , Inadome Akito , Masunaga Koichi , Nagata Takashi , Yoshiyasu Takashi
Published: April 2010

Aims

To evaluate the action mechanism of α1‐receptor blockers in improving nocturia, we have studied effectiveness of tamsulosin hydrochloride (TAM) in the patients with nocturia associated with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH).

Methods

LUTS/BPH patients with nocturia (nocturnal frequency ≥2 times per day) were administered TAM (0.2 mg/day) for 8 weeks. A frequency volume chart (FVC), the International Prostate Symptom Score (I‐PSS), quality of life (QOL) index, post‐void residual, and uroflowmetry were recorded before and after TAM administration for the patients. The parameters affected by TAM were examined.

Results

The FVC and I‐PSS of the 160 patients analyzed revealed significant clinical improvements in the nocturnal frequency. On the basis of the FVC, the patients were divided into two groups: the responder group comprising 97 patients with significantly improved nocturnal frequency and the non‐responder group comprising 63 patients with less improvement in the nocturnal frequency. Significant differences between groups were observed in the following parameters: the hours of undisturbed sleep (HUS), the interval between the time of sleeping and the first instance of nocturnal voiding, the volume of urine in the first nocturnal voiding episode, nocturnal urine volume, nocturnal polyuria index, daytime urine volume, maximum and average flow rates, and post‐void residual.

Conclusions

TAM improved the QOL of LUTS/BPH patients by significantly reducing the nocturnal frequency and increasing HUS; moreover, it improved nocturia by decreasing the nocturnal urine volume. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1276–1281, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rh2 or its aglycone aPPD in combination with docetaxel for treatment of prostate cancer
Authors: Musende Alain G. , Eberding Andy , Jia William , Ramsay Euan , Bally Marcel B. , Guns Emma Tomlinson
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND

Docetaxel is one of the few chemotherapeutic drugs that are considered highly effective when used to treat prostate cancer patients that have relapsed and/or metastatic disease, it is therefore reasonable to expect further improvements in treatment outcomes when it is combined with other therapeutic agents active in prostate cancer. This study assesses the combination of well tolerated and orally bioavailable formulations of ginsenoside Rh2 or its aglycone aPPD with docetaxel.

METHODS

The in vitro activity of Rh2, aPPD, and docetaxel was determined in four prostate cancer cell lines: PC‐3, LNCaP, DU145, and C4‐2. Combinations of Rh2 or aPPD with docetaxel were assessed using the constant ratio combination design. Combination Indices (CI) and Dose Reduction Indices (DRI) were subsequently estimated using Calcusyn™. In vivo efficacy studies and Immunohistochemical analyses (PC‐3 model) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

In PC‐3, DU145 and C4‐2 prostate cancer cells combinations of Rh2 or aPPD with docetaxel were predominantly additive or synergistic. Combinations of Rh2 + docetaxel and aPPD + docetaxel caused established PC‐3 tumors to regress from their initial size by 15% and 27%, respectively. Tumor cell proliferation rate (measured by Ki‐67 positive cells) was significantly lower for combinations of Rh2 + docetaxel and aPPD + docetaxel, compared to animals treated with docetaxel alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Rh2 and aPPD can be combined with docetaxel to yield additive or synergistic activity in vitro and in vivo. Pending further assessment of toxicity and pharmacodynamic behavior, this study supports testing of combinations of ginsenoside Rh2 or its aglycone aPPD with docetaxel in a clinical setting. Prostate 70: 1437–1447, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pentacoordinated phosphorus revisited by high‐level QM/MM calculations
Authors: Marcos Enrique , Field Martin J. , Crehuet Ramon
Published: April 2010

Enzymes catalyzing phosphoryl transfer reactions are extremely efficient and are involved in crucial biochemical processes. The mechanisms of these enzymes are complex due to the diversity of substrates that are involved. The reaction can proceed through a pentacoordinated phosphorus species that is either a stable intermediate or a transition state (TS). Because of this, the first X‐ray structure of a pentacoordinated phosphorus intermediate in the β‐phosphoglucomutase enzyme aroused great interest but also much controversy. To provide new insights into the nature of that structure, we have determined the reaction path of the phosphorylation step using high‐level QM/MM calculations, and have also calculated the geometry of a complex with a transition state analogue (TSA) that has been suggested to be the actual species in the crystal. The protein crystalline environment has been modeled so as to mimic the experimental conditions. We conclude that the pentacoordinated phosphorus formed in this enzyme is not a stable species but a TS, which gives an activation energy for phosphorylation in agreement with kinetic results. We also show that the TSA is a good mimic of the true TS. We have performed a new crystallographic refinement of the original diffraction map of the pentacoordinated phosphorus structure with the MgF TSA. The new fit improves significantly with respect to the original one, which strongly supports that Allen and coworkers wrongly assigned the X‐ray structure to a pentavalent phosphorane. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Considerations for the incorporation of measured surfaces in finite element models
Authors: Thompson Mary Kathryn , Thompson John M.
Published: April 2010

This work discusses some of the benefits, techniques, challenges, and considerations associated with the incorporation of measured surfaces in finite element (FE) models including how much surface data to measure and import into the model, the shape of the surface geometry to create, the presence and effect of surface layers and impurities, the required mesh density for rough surfaces, the nature of the element formulations and material properties at small length scales, the differences between measurement and FE coordinate systems, the limitations and idealizations of the FE method, issues associated with boundary conditions and their ability to impose or prevent conformal contact, and issues associated with the size of the pinball region and the contact stiffness relative to the nature of the surface. It also describes some current and future research directions that can be used to validate and expand existing techniques and to improve our understanding of surface phenomena. SCANNING 32: 183–198, 2010. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flame retardation and thermal degradation of intumescent flame‐retarded polypropylene composites containing spirophosphoryldicyandiamide and ammonium polyphosphate
Authors: Xiang Haiwang , Sun Caiying , Jiang Dawei , Zhang Qingbo , Dong Chunmei , Liu Lei
Published: April 2010

A novel halogen‐free intumescent flame retardant, spirophosphoryldicyandiamide (SPDC), was synthesized and combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to produce a compound intumescent flame retardant (IFR). This material was used in polypropylene (PP) to obtain IFR‐PP systems whose flammability and thermal behavior were studied by the limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, UL‐94, thermogravimetric analysis, and cone calorimetry. In addition, the mechanical properties of the systems were investigated. The results indicated that the compound intumescent flame retardant showed both excellent flame retardancy and antidripping ability for PP when the two main components of the IFR coexisted in appropriate proportions. The optimum flame retardant formulation was SPDC:APP = 3:1, which gave an LOI value of 38.5 and a UL‐94 V‐0 rating. Moreover, the heat release rate, production of CO, smoke production rate, and mass loss rate of the IFR‐PP with the optimum formulation decreased significantly relative to those of pure PP, according to the cone calorimeter analysis. The char residues from the cone calorimetry experiments were observed by scanning electron microscopy, which showed that a homogeneous and compact intumescent char layer was formed. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Acrylamide‐based anionic polyelectrolytes and their applications: A survey
Authors: Rabiee A.
Published: April 2010

Water‐soluble polymers are found in a very broad range of industrial applications. An important class of these is acrylamide‐based polymers which bear negative charges along the polymer chain and are called anionic polyelectrolytes. These negatively charged polymers are widely used as flocculants, rheology control agents, and adhesives. They are employed especially in oil field operations as viscosity control agents for enhanced oil recovery and to a lesser degree in engineering fluids used for lubrication, for effluent reclaiming, and for opening oil passage channels in oil‐bearing rock. Paper manufacture, mining, and water treatment processes also benefit from the use of acrylamide‐based polymers to flocculate solids in aqueous dispersions. The acrylamide‐based polymers are made by the free‐radical polymerization of acrylamide and its derivatives via bulk, solution, precipitation, suspension, emulsion, and copolymerization techniques. Among these, solution polymerization is a preferred technique because of difficulty with temperature and agitation control in bulk polymerization and the cost of surfactants and solvents for suspension, emulsion, and precipitation polymerization. The anionic polymers may interact with particles in aqueous dispersions in several ways that result in the stability or instability of the dispersions. The particles in solid‐liquid phases can be destabilized through three main mechanisms which promote flocculation and cause destabilization. These mechanisms are polymer bridging, charge neutralization, and polymer adsorption. The particles in solid‐liquid phases can be stabilized by the anionic polymers through both electrostatic and steric repulsive forces. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphological, mechanical, and rheological studies of PVC/ABS blends in the presence of maleic anhydride
Authors: Hosseinpour Pegah Mohammad , Morshedian Jalil , Barikani Mehdi , Azizi Hamed , Pakdaman Ali Sharif
Published: April 2010

A novel method of enhancing compatibility in PVC/ABS blends is the use of ABS‐grafted‐(maleic anhydride) (ABS‐g‐MAH) as a compatibilizer. In this study, maleic anhydride was grafted onto ABS (initiated by peroxide) in an internal mixer. Grafting degree was determined by a back‐titration method, and certain amounts of the resultant ABS‐g‐MAH were added to PVC/ABS blends during their melt blending in the mixer. The weight ratio of PVC to ABS was kept at 70:30. Evaluation of compatibilization was accomplished via tensile and notched Izod impact tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheological studies. According to the SEM micrographs, better dispersion of the rubber phase and its finer size in properly compatibilized blends were indications of better compatibility. Besides, in the presence of a proper amount [5 parts per hundred parts of PVC (php)] of ABS‐g‐MAH, PVC/ABS blends showed significantly higher impact strengths than uncompatibilized blends. This result, in turn, would be an indication of better compatibility. In the presence of 5 php of compatibilizer, the higher complex viscosity and storage modulus, as well as a lower loss modulus and loss factor in the range of frequency studied, indicated stronger interfacial adhesion as a result of interaction between maleic anhydride and the PVC‐SAN matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparative study of the effects of chlorinated polyethylene and acrylic impact modifier on the thermal degradation of poly(vinyl chloride) compounds and poly(vinyl chloride)/(oil palm empty fruit bunch) composites
Authors: Abu Bakar Aznizam , Hassan Azman , Mohd Yusof Ahmad Fuad
Published: April 2010

The effects of chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) and acrylic impact modifier (AIM) on the thermal degradation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) compounds and composites were investigated. The amounts of AIM and CPE used were fixed at 9 parts per hundred parts of resin (phr), while oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber content was increased from 0 to 40 phr. To produce composites, the PVC formulations were dry‐blended by using a laboratory blender before being milled into sheets on a two‐roll mill at 165°C. The milled sheets were then hot‐pressed at 180°C. The thermal degradation of the specimens was evaluated by using thermogravimetry in a nitrogen environment. Thermal stability of the PVC/CPE compounds and PVC/CPE/OPEFB composites was improved by the addition of CPE. The CPE retarded the dehydrochlorination of PVC. However, the stabilization effect was reduced by the incorporation of OPEFB at levels of 30 and 40 phr. The presence of AIM accelerated the dehydrochlorination of PVC/AIM compounds and PVC/AIM/OPEFB composites. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Spatio‐temporal processes
Authors: Harvill Jane L.
Published: April 2010

We present an overview of the literature on the analysis of spatio‐temporal processes with a nonseparable covariance structure. We focus on those methods that rely heavily on computing for the estimation or inference. Topics are classified into frequentist approaches, which rely on expectation–maximization algorithms, and hierarchical Bayesian approaches, which rely on Markov chain Monte Carlo. We also present discussions on other computational issues related to the analysis of spatio‐temporal data. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data
Identification of Glucosylceramides Containing Sphingatrienine in Maize and Rice Using Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sugawara Tatsuya , Duan Jingjing , Aida Kazuhiko , Tsuduki Tsuyoshi , Hirata Takashi
Published: April 2010

We characterized the glucosylceramide moieties from maize and rice using liquid chromatography‐ion trap mass spectrometry. Glucosylceramides containing 4,8‐sphingadienine (d18:2) acylated to hydroxy‐fatty acids were detected as the predominant molecules both in maize and in rice. In addition, 4‐hydroxy‐8‐sphingenine (t18:1) and sphingatrienine (d18:3) were found in maize and rice glucosylceramides, and in the case of rice, sphingenine (d18:1) was also detected. Glucosylceramides containing d18:3 were acylated to hydroxyl fatty acids (16–24 carbon atoms). Our results indicate the presence of the triene type of sphingoid base in higher plants.
Optimization of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Gardenia Fruit Oil and the Analysis of Functional Components
Authors: He Wenhao , Gao Yanxiang , Yuan Fang , Bao Yani , Liu Fengze , Dong Jianqing
Published: April 2010

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction of whole fruit oil from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis was performed. The effect of extraction pressure, temperature and CO2 flow rate on the oil yield was investigated by response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that experimental data had a good fit to the proposed model (R2 = 0.938). Extraction pressure, CO2 flow rate, the quadratics of pressure, and the interaction between pressure and flow rate showed significant effects on the oil yield (p < 0.05). The optimum parameters that maximized the yield of gardenia fruit oil (GFO) were: extraction pressure of 36.8 MPa, temperature of 65 °C, and CO2 flow rate of 15 kg/h. The main fatty acid of GFO was linoleic acid (about 44%), followed by palmitic acid (about 26.4%) and oleic acid (about 24.6%). α‐Tocopherol was dominant in the total tocopherols of GFO, and showed the main antioxidant activity. The fatty acid composition and tocopherols content of GFO were not remarkably affected by the extraction by SC‐CO2 and n‐hexane.
BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is associated with aggressive behavior in schizophrenia
Authors: Spalletta G. , Morris D.W. , Angelucci F. , Rubino I.A. , Spoletini I. , Bria P. , Martinotti G. , Siracusano A. , Bonaviri G. , Bernardini S. , Caltagirone C. , Bossù P. , Donohoe G. , Gill M. , Corvin A.P.
Published: April 2010

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene variants may potentially influence behaviour. In order to test this hypothesis, we investigated the relationship between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and aggressive behaviour in a population of schizophrenic patients. Our results showed that increased number of BDNF Met alleles was associated with increased aggressive behaviour.
Perineal Injury in Nulliparous Women Giving Birth at a Community Hospital: Reduced Risk in Births Attended by Certified Nurse‐Midwives
Authors: Browne Maureen , Jacobs Mark , Lahiff Maureen , Miller Suellen
Published: April 2010

Introduction: Our objective was to determine if there is a difference in rates of perineal injury sustained by nulliparous women attended by obstetricians compared with certified nurse‐midwives (CNMs) at a US community hospital.

Methods: We analyzed retrospective data for 2819 women who spontaneously gave birth to singleton, vertex, term, live infants between 2000 and 2005. The independent variable was attendant type (obstetrician or CNM). The main outcome variables were intact perineum, episiotomy, and spontaneous perineal lacerations. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for six potential confounders: macrosomia, maternal age, epidural anesthesia, oxytocin administration, medical insurance status, and ethnicity.

Results: The odds ratios (ORs) for obstetrician‐attended births versus CNM‐attended births were significant for a spontaneous minor perineal laceration versus intact perineum (OR = 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33–2.48), spontaneous major laceration versus intact perineum (OR = 2.29; 95% CI, 1.13–4.66), and episiotomy use versus no perineal injury, with or without extension (OR = 2.94; 95% CI, 2.01–4.29).

Discussion: We found that the prevalence and severity of perineal injury, both spontaneous and from episiotomy use, were significantly lower in CNM‐attended births.

J Midwifery Womens Health 2010;55:243–249 c̊ 2010 by the American College of Nurse‐Midwives.
Midwives and Normalcy in Childbirth: A Phenomenologic Concept Development Study
Authors: Davis Jo Anne P.
Published: April 2010

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore midwives' understanding of the concept of normalcy as experienced during the care of women during labor and birth.

Methods: A two‐tier, elite sampling strategy was used to identify and enroll participants who showed a strong commitment to normalcy in childbirth care. Thirteen participants completed all study procedures, including individual interviews. Iterative rounds of qualitative analyses were conducted to describe the concept, resulting in the defining aspects of the concept, contextual dynamics that influence its manifestation, and empiric referents.

Results: Midwives experience normalcy in childbirth care as 1) a wide, individualized continuum of variations; 2) interactive with the woman's unique nature, composed of her physiologic capacities and her specific life circumstances; and 3) sensitive and responsive to the contextual environment.

Discussion: Midwives' experience of normalcy in childbirth admits a broad continuum of healthy variations, differing from the narrow parameters held in the predominant maternity care culture. Midwives consider the woman's nature and the context of childbirth to be interactive and significant in explaining variations in the woman's childbirth experience. The contextual environment is considered to be the most influential dynamic affecting the normalcy of childbirth.

J Midwifery Womens Health 2010;55:206–215 c̊ 2010 by the American College of Nurse‐Midwives.
Creating a Collaborative Culture in Maternity Care
Authors: Downe Soo , Finlayson Kenny , Fleming Anita
Published: April 2010

Effective collaboration between professional groups is increasingly seen as an essential element in good quality and safe health care. This is especially important in the context of maternity care, where most women have straightforward labour and birth experiences, but some require rapid transfer between care providers and settings. This article presents current accounts of collaboration—or lack of it—in maternity care in the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. It then examines tools designed to measure collaboration and teamwork within general health care contexts. Finally, a set of characteristics are proposed for effective collaboration in maternity care, as a basis for further empirical work in this area.
Normalizing Birth in England: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kennedy Holly Powell , Grant Jane , Walton Cathy , Shaw‐Battista Jenna , Sandall Jane
Published: April 2010

Introduction: This study examined factors that foster or hinder the support of normal birth in two English National Health Service Trusts identified for public recognition of their work to normalize birth.

Methods: This interpretative qualitative study was guided by institutional ethnographic and narrative methods. Purposive sampling was conducted to achieve maximal variation across social, demographic, cultural and ethnic groups. In‐depth interviews explored clinician's and women's views and experiences of normal birth. Ethnographic observations of practice, clinical and administrative meetings, educational sessions, and informal discussions were conducted over 6 months at one of the maternity settings. Antenatal and intrapartum clinical guidelines were reviewed and analyzed.

Results: Three key strategies supported the normalization of birth: 1) an “ethos” of normality; 2) “working” the evidence; and 3) “trusting” women to make informed choices best for them. Inappropriate use of technology, disregarding risk status when assigning women to units, lack of physician preparation in normal birth, and poor staffing levels were cited as barriers.

Discussion: These strategies should be carefully examined for translation to the United States and future research.

J Midwifery Womens Health 2010;55:262–269 c̊ 2010 by the American College of Nurse‐Midwives.
The Olkhon metamorphic terrane in the Baikal region: An Early Paleozoic collage of Neoproterozoic active margin fragments
Authors: Gladkochub D.P. , Donskaya T.V. , Fedorovsky V.S. , Mazukabzov A.M. , Larionov A.N. , Sergeev S.A.
Published: April 2010

We report data from the Khadarta, Khoboi, and Orso metamorphic complexes of the Olkhon terrane in the western Baikal region. High-grade rocks in the three complexes may have been derived from active continental margin rocks (island arc–backarc basin system). The backarc basin history possibly began at 840–800 Ma, according to SHRIMP-II U-Pb zircon ages of the Orso gneiss. Many tectonic units in the Olkhon terrane belonged to the active margin of the Barguzin microcontinent which rifted off the Aldan province of the Siberian craton in the early Neoproterozoic. The accretion of the microcontinent to the craton was accompanied by high-grade metamorphism recorded in the Khadarta and Khoboi granulites. The 507 ± 8 Ma and 498 ± 7 Ma SHRIMP-II U-Pb zircon ages of the latter complexes, respectively, may refer to the earliest evolution stage of the Olkhon metamorphic terrane. New data for the Olkhon terrane agree well with the ages of other high-grade complexes along the southern Siberian craton (Slyudyanka, Kitoikin, Derba) and correspond to the initiation of the Central Asian orogen. With these data, the Olkhon metamorphic terrane has been interpreted as an Early Paleozoic collisional collage of fragments of the microcontinent’s Neoproterozoic active margin.
Continental crust in Gorny Altai: nature and composition of protoliths
Authors: Kruk N.N. , Vladimirov A.G. , Babin G.A. , Shokalsky S.P. , Sennikov N.V. , Rudnev S.N. , Volkova N.I. , Kovach V.P. , Serov P.A.
Published: April 2010

The history of the Vendian–Early Paleozoic formation of protoliths of continental crust in the Gorny Altai segment of the Central Asian fold belt is considered, and their composition, isotopic characteristics, and formation mechanisms are estimated. We have established two stages of crust-forming processes in Gorny Altai: Early and Late Caledonian, with the different structures of formed geoblocks and nature and compositions of crustal protoliths. At the Early Caledonian stage, fragments of oceanic lithosphere of basic composition (MORB, OIT, OIB) (TNd(DM-2st) = 0.65–1.1 Ga) formed, as well as island arcs with andesite-basaltic and andesitic protoliths with low contents of incompatible elements (TNd(DM-2st) = 0.7–0.9 Ga). At the Late Caledonian stage, the redistribution of the substance of these blocks and the external supply of material led to the formation of heterogeneous crust of turbidite basins with an oceanic basement and andesite-dacitic upper-crustal protoliths (TNd(DM-2st) varies from 0.8–0.9 Ga in the framing of the volcanic arc of Altaids to 1.4–1.6 Ga at the boundary of the Altai–Mongolian microcontinent).
The Ureg Nuur Pt-bearing volcanoplutonic picrite–basalt association in the Mongolian Altay as evidence for a Cambrian–Ordovician Large Igneous Province
Authors: Izokh A.E. , Vishnevskii A.V. , Polyakov G.V. , Kalugin V.M. , Oyunchimeg T. , Shelepaev R.A. , Egorova V.V.
Published: April 2010

The paper discusses geological, mineralogical, petrographic, and geochemical data on the Ureg Nuur volcanoplutonic association of high-Mg volcanic and subvolcanic rocks located among Vendian–Cambrian accretionary structures in the Mongolian Altay. These rocks have a high potassium alkalinity (K2O/Na2O up to 1.2), are enriched in LILE and Sr, and have negative Zr–Hf and Nb anomalies in multielement spectra; this confirms the suprasubduction type of the source of melts. The geological setting and established age (512.4 ± 6.1 Ma, 39Ar–40Ar dating of biotite phenocrysts) evidence picritic magmatism at the accretionary stage of the development of the Altay fragment of the Paleoasian ocean. This indicates a large igneous province related to a mantle plume.
Physico-chemical parameters of Neoproterozoic and Early Cambrian plume magmatism in the Paleo-Asian ocean (data on melt inclusions)
Authors: Simonov V.A. , Safonova I.Yu. , Kovyazin S.V. , Kotlyarov A.V.
Published: April 2010

The paper presents new data on physico-chemical parameters of the Neoproterozoic–Early Cambrian plume magmatism in the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The data on clinopyroxenes show the plume-related plateaubasalt magmatic systems of the Katun’ paleoseamounts, which interacted with mid-ocean ridge (MOR) magmas. The Kurai paleoseamount consists mainly of plateaubasalt systems, and the Agardag ophiolites represent products of OIB–type “hot-spot” within-plate magmatism. Our study of inclusions showed that the melts of the Katun’ and Kurai paleoseamounts crystallized at lower temperatures (1130–1190 °C) compared to the Agardag ophiolites (1210–1255 °C). The petrochemical analysis of the melt inclusions showed that the Katun’ and Kurai magmatic systems are different from the Mg- and Ti-richer melts of the Agardag ophiolites: the former are similar to the magmas of the Nauru Basin and Ontong Java Plateau (western Pacific), whereas the latter possess geochemical affinities to OIB-type magmatism. The rare-element compositions of the melts of the Katun’ and Kurai paleoseamounts correspond to those of the Ontong Java Plateau and Nauru Basin lavas. The numerically simulated parameters of the Katun’ paleoseamount primary magmas agree with the data on the magmatic systems of the Siberian Platform and Ontong Java Plateau. For the Kurai paleoseamount, the simulated results suggest interaction of deep-seated OIB-type magmatic systems with MOR ones. The Agardag ophiolites were formed in relation to mantle plume activity at the initial stages of paleo-oceanic complexes formation.
The Late Riphean–Paleozoic history of the Uda–Vitim island arc system in the Transbaikalian sector of the Paleoasian ocean
Authors: Gordienko I.V. , Bulgatov A.N. , Ruzhentsev S.V. , Minina O.R. , Klimuk V.S. , Vetluzhskikh L.I. , Nekrasov G.E. , Lastochkin N.I. , Sitnikova V.S. , Metelkin D.V. , Goneger T.A. , Lepekhina E.N.
Published: April 2010

New structural, petrological, chemical, isotope, and paleomagnetic data have provided clues to the Late Riphean–Paleozoic history of the Uda–Vitim island arc system (UVIAS) in the Transbaikalian sector of the Paleoasian ocean, as part of the Transbaikalian zone of Paleozoids. The island arc system consists of three units corresponding to main evolution stages: (i) Upper Riphean (Late Baikalian), (ii) Vendian–Lower Paleozoic (Caledonian), and (iii) Middle–Upper Paleozoic (Hercynian). The earliest stage produced the base of the system composed of Late Riphean ophiolite (971–892 Ma, U-Pb) and volcanic (837–789 Ma, U-Pb) and sedimentary rocks (hemipelagic siliceous sediments and dolerite sills) which represent the Barguzin–Vitim oceanic basin and the Kelyana island arc. The main event of the second stage was the formation of the large UVIAS structure (over 150,000 km2) which comprised the Transbaikalian oceanic basin, the forearc and backarc basins, and the volcanic arc itself, and consisted of many volcanic-tectonic units exceeding 100 km2 in area (Eravna, Oldynda, Abaga, etc.). Lithology, stratigraphy, major–element compositions, and isotope ages of Vendian–Cambrian volcanic rocks and associated sediments indicate strong differentiation of calc-alkaline series and the origin of the island arc system upon oceanic crust, in a setting similar to that of the today’s Kuriles–Kamchatka island arc system. The Middle–Upper Paleozoic stage completed the long UVIAS history and left its imprint in sedimentary and volcanic rocks in superposed trough basins. The rocks were studied in terms of their biostratigraphic and isotope age constraints, as well as major- and trace-element compositions, and were interpreted as products of weathering and tectonic-magmatic rework of the UVIAS units.
Comparison of Spinal, Low‐Dose Spinal and Epidural Anesthesia With Ropivacaine Plus Fentanyl for Transurethral Surgical Procedures
Authors: Ulker Baris , Erbay Riza Hakan , Serin Simay , Sungurtekin Hulya
Published: April 2010

The aim of This study was to compare spinal, low‐dose spinal, and epidural anesthesia using ropivacaine and fentanyl combinations for transurethral surgical procedures. Sixty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists scores of I–III were allocated into three groups. After pre‐ loading with 5 mL/kg normal saline, patients in the spinal anesthesia group (Group S) received 15 mg of hyperbaric ropivacaine plus 25 μg of fentanyl intrathecally; patients in the epidural anesthesia group (Group E) received 112.5 mg of ropivacaine plus 25 μg of fentanyl epidurally via an epidural catheter; and patients in the low‐dose spinal anesthesia group (Group L) received 10 mg of hyperbaric ropivacaine plus 25 μg of fentanyl intrathecally. Blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, time to onset of thoracic (T)‐10 dermatome, two‐segment sensorial block regression time, full recovery of sensorial block, maximum motor blockade levels, motor blockade regression time, additional analgesic administration, patient comfort, and complications were recorded. The time to the onset of T10 dermatome level was shortest in Group S and longest in Group E (p < 0.001). The sensorial blockade time and motor blockade regression time were shorted in Group L (p < 0.001). The two‐segment sensorial block regression time in Group E exceeded that in the other groups. Additional analgesic administration was not needed in any group. No complications or adverse effects were observed in any patient. We conclude that all three anesthetic techniques may be used safely and are appropriate for transurethral surgical procedures. However, low‐dose spinal anesthesia with ropivacaine plus fentanyl may be preferable in transurethral surgery because we reach an adequate sensorial level with less motor blockade.
Vitamin D status of newborns in New Zealand
Authors: Camargo Carlos A. , Ingham Tristram , Wickens Kristin , Thadhani Ravi I. , Silvers Karen M. , Epton Michael J. , Town G. Ian , Espinola Janice A. , Crane Julian ,   the New Zealand Asthma and Allergy Cohort Study Group
Published: April 2010

Recognition of the important non-skeletal health effects of vitamin D has focused attention on the vitamin D status of individuals across the lifespan. To examine the vitamin D status of newborns, we measured serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in the cord blood of 929 apparently healthy newborns in a population-based study in New Zealand, a country at 41°S latitude, with strong anti-skin cancer (sun avoidance) campaigns and without vitamin D food fortification. Randomly selected midwives in two regions recruited children. The median cord blood level of 25(OH)D was 44 nmol/l (interquartile range, 29–78 nmol/l). Overall, 19 % of newborns had 25(OH)D levels < 25 nmol/l and 57 % had levels < 50 nmol/l; only 27 % had levels of 75 nmol/l or higher, which are levels associated with optimal health in older children and adults. A multivariable ordinal logistic regression model showed that the strongest determinants of low vitamin D status were winter month of birth and non-European ethnicity. Other determinants of low cord blood 25(OH)D included longer gestational age, younger maternal age and a parental history of asthma. In summary, low levels of vitamin D are common among apparently healthy New Zealand newborns, and are independently associated with several easily identified factors. Although the optimal timing and dosage of vitamin D supplementation require further study, our findings may assist future efforts to correct low levels of 25(OH)D among New Zealand mothers and their newborn children.
Selective lateral laser thyroarytenoid myotomy for adductor spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: Hussain A , Shakeel M
Published: April 2010

Objective:

Selective lateral laser thyroarytenoid myotomy is a conceptually sound, simple, minimally invasive, repeatable and predictable new surgical procedure for treating adductor spasmodic dysphonia. This paper aims to introduce and describe the surgical technique, and to present a clinical case series and its outcomes.

Study design:

A prospective, clinical case series treated with selective lateral laser thyroarytenoid myotomy, with follow up of 2.5 years.

Method:

Pre- and post-operative data were collected prospectively for patients undergoing selective lateral laser thyroarytenoid myotomy. These data included patient demographics, previous interventions for adductor spasmodic dysphonia, technical aspects of surgery and clinical outcome. Outcome data included clinical assessment, voice handicap index, need for further intervention, and patient satisfaction assessed by subjective improvement (detailed subjectively by the patients themselves and objectively using the Glasgow benefit inventory).

Results:

Four patients (two men and two women; mean age 65 years; age range 41–80 years) were included. The mean duration of adductor spasmodic dysphonia was 11 years. All patients had previously been treated with botulinum toxin A. All patients reported improvement in voice quality, fluency, sustainability and elimination of voice breaks over 2.5 years' follow up. Clinical assessment revealed no alteration in mucosal wave, and complete relief of hyperadduction was observed on phonation. No patients required supplementary botulinum toxin treatment during follow up.

Conclusion:

Selective lateral laser thyroarytenoid myotomy seems to represent a curative procedure for adductor spasmodic dysphonia, a chronic, debilitating condition. This procedure is conceptually simple, minimally invasive and repeatable. It also seems to offer a safe and lasting alternative to botulinum toxin therapy.
Diagnostic challenges in tuberculous otitis media
Authors: Tang I P , Prepageran N , Ong C A , Puraviappan P
Published: April 2010

Objectives:

To demonstrate the different clinical presentations of tuberculous otitis media and the management of selected cases.

Case report:

We report four cases of tuberculous otitis media with different clinical presentations, encountered between 1998 and 2002. None of the cases showed improvement with local or systemic antibiotics. The diagnosis, complications and management of these cases are discussed.

Conclusions:

A high index of clinical suspicion of tuberculous otitis media is required in patients who do not respond to standard antibiotic therapy for (nontuberculous) chronic middle-ear infection. Early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous otitis media is important to avoid irreversible complications, surgical intervention and propagation of the disease.
Associations between vaccinations against protozoal and viral infections and Salmonella in broiler flocks
Authors: VOLKOVA V. V. , WILLS R. W. , HUBBARD S. A. , MAGEE D. , BYRD J. A. , BAILEY R. H.
Published: April 2010

Reducing the burden of Salmonella in broiler flocks presents a challenge for public health. Worldwide, grow-out broilers are routinely vaccinated to prevent or lessen clinical manifestation of other infections. In this exploratory analysis we tested if details of a routine vaccination programme delivered to conventional grow-out broilers were associated with the burden of Salmonella in the flock as it progressed through its production cycle. None of the flocks studied were vaccinated against Salmonella or received a competitive exclusion product. The flocks were reared on conventional grow-out farms in southeastern USA, and sampled in a prospective field observational study. We observed significant associations between the content and design of a grow-out vaccination programme targeting other infections and the probability of detecting Salmonella in the broiler flock at different time points throughout the production cycle. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first field report of such associations.
Avian influenza pandemic preparedness: developing prepandemic and pandemic vaccines against a moving target
Authors: Singh Neetu , Pandey Aseem , Mittal Suresh K.
Published: April 2010

The unprecedented global spread of highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza viruses within the past ten years and their extreme lethality to poultry and humans has underscored their potential to cause an influenza pandemic. Combating the threat of an impending H5N1 influenza pandemic will require a combination of pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical intervention strategies. The emergence of the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 emphasised the unpredictable nature of a pandemic influenza. Undoubtedly, vaccines offer the most viable means to combat a pandemic threat. Current egg-based influenza vaccine manufacturing strategies are unlikely to be able to cater to the huge, rapid global demand because of the anticipated scarcity of embryonated eggs in an avian influenza pandemic and other factors associated with the vaccine production process. Therefore, alternative, egg-independent vaccine manufacturing strategies should be evaluated to supplement the traditional egg-derived influenza vaccine manufacturing. Furthermore, evaluation of dose-sparing strategies that offer protection with a reduced antigen dose will be critical for pandemic influenza preparedness. Development of new antiviral therapeutics and other, nonpharmaceutical intervention strategies will further supplement pandemic preparedness. This review highlights the current status of egg-dependent and egg-independent strategies against an avian influenza pandemic.
Equine and canine influenza: a review of current events
Authors: Gibbs E. Paul J. , Anderson Tara C.
Published: April 2010

In the past decade, the pandemics of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 and the novel H1N1 influenza have both illustrated the potential of influenza viruses to rapidly emerge and spread widely in animals and people. Since both of these viruses are zoonotic, these pandemics have been the driving force behind a renewed commitment by the medical and veterinary professions to practice One World, One Health for the control of infectious diseases. The discovery in 2004 that an equine origin H3N8 influenza virus was the cause of an extensive epidemic of respiratory disease in dogs in the USA came as a surprise; at that time dogs were thought to be refractory to infection with influenza viruses. In 2007, a second emerging canine influenza was confirmed in Korea, but this time the causal virus was an H3N2 avian influenza virus. This review focuses on recent events associated with equine and canine influenza viruses. While these viruses do not appear to be zoonotic, the close association between humans and dogs, and to a lesser extent horses, demands that we develop better surveillance and control strategies for emerging diseases in companion animals within the context of One World, One Health.
Basin‐wide photosynthetic production rates in the subtropical and tropical Pacific Ocean determined from dissolved oxygen isotope ratio measurements
Authors: Juranek L. W. , Quay P. D.
Published: April 2010

We used the oxygen isotope anomaly (17Δ) to determine gross photosynthetic O2 production (GOP) on Pacific Ocean transits of a cargo ship between United States and Australia and New Zealand in August 2004 and February, August, and November 2005. The 17Δ approach yielded robust regional GOP averages of 98 ± 8, 200 ± 11, 115 ± 7, and 182 ± 32 mmol O2 m−2 d−1 for the northern subtropics, tropics, southern subtropics, and South Coral and Tasman Sea, respectively. When converted to 14C primary production (PP) rate equivalents, the 17Δ‐based rates compare favorably with prior field data and indicate that satellite algorithms (i.e., vertically generalized productivity model (VGPM) and carbon‐based model (CBM)) underestimate in situ rates by a factor of 1.3–3, with greatest underestimation in the tropics. We determined empirical relationships between chlorophyll, nitrate, and GOP that explain 81% of variance in observed GOP rates. Integrating over the Pacific basin from 30°N to 30°S (excluding coastal areas) yields a gross production of 37.3 Gt C yr−1 and a 14C PP equivalent of 20.3 Gt C yr−1, 1.3–1.8 × higher than the 11.4 and 15.9 Gt C yr−1 estimated by the VGPM and CBM, respectively.
Hybrid model of inhomogeneous solar wind plasma heating by Alfvén wave spectrum: Parametric studies
Authors: Ofman L.
Published: April 2010

Observations of the solar wind plasma at 0.3 AU and beyond show that a turbulent spectrum of magnetic fluctuations is present. Remote sensing observations of the corona indicate that heavy ions are hotter than protons and their temperature is anisotropic (T⊥/T∥ ≫ 1). We study the heating and the acceleration of multi‐ion plasma in the solar wind by a turbulent spectrum of Alfvénic fluctuations using a 2‐D hybrid numerical model. In the hybrid model the protons and heavy ions are treated kinetically as particles, while the electrons are included as neutralizing background fluid. This is the first two‐dimensional hybrid parametric study of the solar wind plasma that includes an input turbulent wave spectrum guided by observation with inhomogeneous background density. We also investigate the effects of He++ ion beams in the inhomogeneous background plasma density on the heating of the solar wind plasma. The 2‐D hybrid model treats parallel and oblique waves, together with cross‐field inhomogeneity, self‐consistently. We investigate the parametric dependence of the perpendicular heating, and the temperature anisotropy in the H+‐He++ solar wind plasma. It was found that the scaling of the magnetic fluctuations power spectrum steepens in the higher‐density regions, and the heating is channeled to these regions from the surrounding lower‐density plasma due to wave refraction. The model parameters are applicable to the expected solar wind conditions at about 10 solar radii.