bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive status, language attainment, and prereading skills of 6‐year‐old very preterm children and their peers: the Bavarian Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wolke Dieter , Dipl‐Psych; Renate Meyer
Published: July 2010

The prevalence of intellectual‐, language‐, and prereading‐skill deficits was investigated in a geographically defined whole‐population sample of very preterm children at 6 years of age in southern Germany. The sample consisted of the following: 264 very preterm children (75.6% of German‐speaking survivors); 264 term controls (matched for sex, socioeconomic status [SES], marital status and age of mother); and a representative normative sample for Bavaria (N=311). Compared with term peers, very preterm children scored significantly lower (approximately –1 SD) on the measures of cognitive and language skills and had major cognitive deficits (<−2 SD) 10 to 35 times more often than the controls. Deficits in speech articulation and prereading skills (<10th centile) were three to five times more frequent in very preterm children. More than 18% of very preterm children had cognitive deficits in more than five areas of functioning, compared with no control children. The differences between very preterm children and controls remained highly significant when only very preterm children (N= 229) and controls (N= 261) without major neurosensory impairment were considered. Little evidence for specific cognitive deficits was found once mental processing measured in the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K‐ABC) was controlled for. The effect of preterm birth on cognitive abilities was found to be larger than the influence of SES. In conclusion, there was a high prevalence of long‐term multiple cognitive problems in very preterm children. These persistent cognitive problems appear to be of pre‐ or neonatal (treatment) rather than postnatal social origin.
Comorbidity of autistic spectrum disorders in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Kent Lindsey , Evans Joanne , Paul Moli , Sharp Margo
Published: July 2010

The aim of the study was to identify the comorbidity of autistic spectrum disorders in a population of children with Down syndrome (DS). All children with DS within a defined population of South Birmingham were identified. The Asperger Syndrome Screening Questionnaire and the Child Autism Rating Scale were completed and diagnosis made according to ICD‐10 criteria following interview and observation. Thirty‐three of 58 identified children completed the measures, four of whom received a diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder. This is equivalent to a minimum comorbid rate of 7%. The questionnaire items concerning social withdrawal, restricted or repetitive interests, clumsiness, and unusual eye contact were associated with an autistic disorder. Of the remaining 29 participating children, 11 also displayed marked obsessional and ritualistic behaviours. The comorbid occurrence of autism and DS is at least 7%. It is important that these children are identified and receive appropriate education and support. A full assessment of social, language, and communication skills and behaviour is crucial, particularly in children with DS who appear different from other children with DS. Potential mechanisms accounting for this comorbidity are discussed.
Developmental risks and protective factors for influencing cognitive outcome at 5½ years of age in very‐low‐birthweight children
Authors: Böhm Birgitta , Katz‐Salamon Miriam , Smedler Ann‐Charlotte , Lagercrantz Hugo , Forssberg Hans
Published: July 2010

In a population‐based follow‐up study (the Stockholm Neonatal Project), 182 children with a birth weight of 1500g or less (very‐low birth weight: VLBW) and a control group of 125 children born healthy at term were examined with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence‐Revised (WPPSI‐R) and a neuropsychological test battery (Nepsy) at 5½ years of age. The WPPSI‐R results of the VLBW children fell well within the normal range: WPPSI‐R full‐scale IQ 95.7, verbal subscale IQ 99.9, and performance subscale IQ 91.6. Nevertheless, the control group had significantly better results than the VLBW group which could be attributed to the greater variability of the VLBW group, with a larger proportion falling in the lower area of the IQ distribution, especially on the performance subscale. Likewise, the control group displayed better executive function (Nepsy). Paternal education was equal in the two groups and was the single most important predictor of IQ, possibly acting as a protective factor. The need for glasses or lenses was inversely associated with all IQ measures and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) had the most negative impact on full‐scale and performance IQ. These two IQ measures were also negatively associated with intrauterine growth retardation late in pregnancy. We conclude that VLBW children, in the absence of these identified risk factors, have normal cognitive development.
Prevalence and selected characteristics of childhood vision impairment
Authors: Mervis Cynthia A , Boyle Coleen A , Yeargin‐Allsopp Marshalyn
Published: July 2010

The objective of this study was to examine the descriptive epidemiology of vision impairment among 6‐ to 10‐year‐old children in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Children with vision impairment (n=310; 42% black, 56% white; 57% male, 43% female), defined as a best corrected visual acuity in the better eye of 20/70 or worse, were identified through the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program. The overall prevalence was 10.7 per 10 000 children. Fifty‐nine percent had low vision; nearly two‐thirds had coexisting disabilities. Educational program varied by vision impairment severity and presence of coexisting disabilities. The common presence of coexisting disabilities emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary services. The inclusion of case ascertainment sources other than vision impairment classes is critical to ensure an accurate prevalence rate and unbiased description of children with vision impairment.
Oculomotor dysfunction in cerebral visual impairment following perinatal hypoxia
Authors: Salati Roberto , Borgatti Renato , Giammari Giuseppina , Jacobson Lena
Published: July 2010

The aim of the study was to describe ocular motility in a sample of 56 patients affected by cerebral visual impairment (CVI) of hypoxic‐ischemic origin. The sample consisted of 56 participants (37 males and 19 females), ranging in age from 2 to 16 years. In all cases CVI was associated with MRI‐verified damage of the cerebral visual system. A complete ophthalmologic and neurological assessment was performed. Behaviour of gaze was studied in four conditions: during scanning of the surrounding environment, during fixation, execution of saccades, and pursuing. In addition, strabismus, nystagmus, and paroxysmal ocular deviations were evaluated. Ocular motility was studied by video recording the patients’eye motility during orthoptic examination. Each pattern of ocular motility studied revealed profound alterations in all the individuals examined. Typical features of ocular motility in CVI were: paroxysmal ocular deviations (present in 78%); the presence of variable angle strabismus (86%); and defective coordination of saccades (93%). Exploration of the environment and fixation were also impaired (88% and 84%, respectively). Disorders of initiation and performing saccades, absence of smooth pursuit, vergence abnormalities, nystagmus beats, instability of fixation, and difficulty in the systematic exploration of the environment were observed. These abnormalities characterize lack of gaze coordination found in children with brain damage. An early and detailed evaluation of ocular motility in individuals with CVI is important, especially when rehabilitation intervention is intended.
Double‐blind comparison study of two doses of botulinum toxin A injected into calf muscles in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: Polak Frances , Morton Richard , Ward Christopher , Wallace W Angus , Doderlein Leonard , Siebel Andrea
Published: July 2010

Despite several trials showing reductions in tone and improvements in gait, the relation between botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A) dose and response has rarely been investigated. A double‐blind randomized comparison of two doses of BTX‐A in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (n=48, mean age 7 years 6 months, range 3 to 15 years) was undertaken. The two doses selected were representative of the lower and the higher doses used in clinical practice (24 units/kg body weight and 8 units/kg body weight). Using gait analysis we evaluated hip, knee, and ankle joint kinetics and sagittal kinematics throughout the gait cycle. Gastrocnemius muscle length was calculated at each visit using the method described by Eames and used as our primary outcome measure. Our secondary outcome variable was maximum ankle angle measured during stance and swing phases. In summary, we found that there were indications that 24 units/kg body weight was more effective and lasted longer than 8 units/kg. Analysis in terms of absolute dose suggested that the dose‐response correlation was non‐linear, and that the optimal range lay between 200 and 500 units BTX‐A (Dysport).
Follow‐up of children with language delay and features of autism from preschool years to middle childhood
Authors: Michelotti Janine , Charman Tony , Slonims Vicky , Baird Gillian
Published: July 2010

Eighteen children (13 males, five females) who had severe developmental language delay/disorder and some features of autism (although insufficient in severity and combination to meet ICD‐10 diagnostic criteria for childhood autism) at preschool age (Time 1; mean age 4 years 4 months) were followed up 4 years later (Time 2; mean age 8 years 7 months). At the initial assessment the diagnostic dilemma was how much the social communication impairments and behavioural problems were secondary to the language problem and how much they constituted a genuine case of a pervasive developmental disorder. It was anticipated that at follow‐up some children would continue to show social impairments but that in others social impairments would have receded as language competence improved. Follow‐up assessments included the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, the Children's Communication Checklist, and the Social Communication Questionnaire. At follow‐up, five children had continuing language disorder and were considered to fulfil diagnostic criteria for childhood autism, four children had continuing language disorder and met criteria for atypical autism, and nine met criteria for atypical autism but had somewhat recovered language skills. Thus, even in the subgroup of children whose language ability had improved the features of autism had not dissipated. Severity of social communication impairments and repetitive behaviours at Time 1, rated retrospectively from case notes, were associated with severity of autism symptoms and pragmatic competence at Time 2. The findings are discussed in relation to the unclear boundary between autism spectrum disorders and language delay/disorder.
Congenital mirror movement: a study of functional MRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Maegaki Yoshihiro , Seki Ayumi , Suzaki Ichiro , Sugihara Shuji , Ogawa Toshihide , Amisaki Takashi , Fukuda Chisako , Koeda Tatsuya
Published: July 2010

Two male patients (a child and an adult) with congenital mirror movement were studied using functional MRI (fMRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Bilateral primary sensorimotor cortices were activated during unilateral hand gripping on fMRI when the child patient was 8 years old and the adult was 37 years old. Bilateral motor evoked potentials were induced from the hand and forearm muscles after TMS of each hemisphere. Bilateral motor responses were also induced from the arm muscles in the adult patient. Bilateral motor responses had short and similar latencies. Contralateral motor responses to TMS were smaller than ipsilateral ones in the hand muscles, while contralateral responses were larger than ipsilateral ones in the arm muscles. Contralateral hand motor responses reduced in amplitude or disappeared with increasing age while in the child patient, mirror movements decreased gradually. Our results suggest that bilateral activation of the primary sensorimotor cortices during intended unilateral hand movement and bilateral motor responses to TMS account, at least in part, for the pathophysiology of congenital mirror movement. Reduction of contralateral hand motor responses may be related to the decrease in mirror movements during development.
Cervical cord tethering due to split cord malformation at the cervico‐dorsal junction presenting with self‐mutilation of the fingers
Authors: Myles L M , Steers A J W , Minns R
Published: July 2010

An unusual case of cervical spinal cord tethering with diplomyelia is described. A 12‐month old female presented with self‐mutilation of the fingers due to sensory loss in the hands, absent reflexes, poor muscle tone, and reduced distal upper‐limb movements. There was a deep skin dimple overlying the T1 spinous process. Imaging showed angulation of the lower cervical cord and an operation revealed a low cervical meningocele and a split cord malformation with tethering of one half of the cord; the cord was untethered. In this report the literature is reviewed.
Relation between spasticity and strength in individuals with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: Ross Sandy A , Engsberg Jack R
Published: July 2010

The relation between spasticity and strength in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) has not been extensively researched. Knee and ankle spasticity and strength were quantified in a retrospective analysis of 60 individuals with spastic diplegic CP (mean age 12 years, range 3 to 38) and a group of 50 individuals without disabilities (WD group; mean age 12 years, range 4 to 36). Spasticity was measured using a KinCom dynamometer that stretched the passive knee flexors or ankle plantarflexors at different speeds and recorded the amount of resistive torques. For the strength tests, the participant performed a maximum contraction of the knee flexors/extensors and ankle plantarflexors/dorsiflexors throughout their range of motion at a speed of 10/s on the dynamometer. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine if a relation existed between spasticity and strength within the same muscle group and in opposing muscle groups at the knee and ankle joints. A t‐test was performed to determine if greater spasticity and less strength existed at the ankles compared with the knees in those with CP. Results show that there was no relation between spasticity and strength either within the same muscle group or at opposing muscle groups at the knee and ankle joints in persons with CP. Individuals with spastic diplegic CP were more involved (greater spasticity, less strength) distally at the ankles compared with the knees. The findings conflict with the literature, which contains several assumptions, one of which is that a spastic muscle is a strong muscle and that spasticity causes weakness in the opposing muscle group. We found no relation between spasticity and strength in individuals with CP. Our findings support the literature, which states that individuals with spastic diplegic CP are more involved distally compared with proximally in the lower extremities.
Modified constraint‐induced movement therapy for young children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a pilot study
Authors: Naylor CE , Bower E
Published: July 2010

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of modified constraint‐induced movement therapy in young children with hemiplegia. It was a single‐case experimental design using children as their own controls. Assessment was at entry to the study and subsequently at 4‐weekly intervals. A 4‐week baseline period with no hand treatment, controlling for maturation, was followed by a 4‐week treatment period and a second 4‐week period with no hand treatment to measure carry‐over. Treatment consisted of twice‐weekly 1‐hour sessions of structured activities with a therapist and a home programme for non‐treatment days. Only verbal instruction and gentle restraint of the unaffected arm were used to encourage use of the affected arm. Nine children (six males, three females; median age 31mo, age range 21 to 61mo) presenting with congenital spastic hemiplegia (five right side, four left side) were involved in the study. Changes in hand function were evaluated with the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test. Improvement was seen throughout the study with statistical significance, using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, of 0.01 immediately after treatment. Results of this pilot study suggest that this modification of constraint‐induced movement therapy may be an effective way of treating young children with hemiplegia. Future work is planned to consolidate and develop these results.
Acute bilateral striatal necrosis with rotavirus gastroenteritis and inborn metabolic predisposition
Authors: Mordekar Santosh , Jaspan Tim , Sharrard Mark , Morton Richard , Whitehouse William P
Published: July 2010

We present a 9‐month‐old male with acute rotavirus gastroenteritis who developed an acute encephalopathy with focal seizures and developmental regression. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral striatal necrosis and raised glutarylcarnitine levels on tandem mass spectrometry of a (crisis) blood spot, and chromatography of organic acids revealed increased urinary excretion of dicarboxylic acid. Skin biopsy demonstrated a partial decrease in glutaryl‐CoA dehydrogenase activity. The case was not typical for either rotavirus encephalitis/rotavirus‐associated encephalopathy or for glutaric aciduria type I. The patient has developmental delay and continues to receive physiotherapy, speech therapy, and local developmental follow‐up.
Callosal agenesis, chorioretinal lacunae, absence of infantile spasms, and normal development: Aicardi syndrome without epilepsy?
Authors: Viñas Jose Maria Prats , Gonzalez María Jesús Martinez , Ribes Ainhoa Garcia , Gonzalez Sonia Martinez , Fernandez Ricardo Martinez
Published: July 2010

Aicardi syndrome is defined by the clinical triad of infantile spasms, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and pathognomonic chorioretinal lacunae. Almost all patients are females with severe cognitive and physical disabilities. All of the cases reported in the literature have had early‐onset seizures. Most cases of Aicardi syndrome exhibit very slow development, even when seizures are eventually controlled, and the cases with a relatively favourable outcome are associated with low intelligence quotient levels. A relationship between chorioretinal changes or severity of the agenesis of the corpus callosum and prognosis of Aicardi syndrome has been claimed, but few data are available about the clinical features that can predict clinical outcome. We describe a case of Aicardi syndrome in a female aged 24 months. Magnetic resonance imaging showed complete agenesis of the corpus callosum and ophthalmoscopy revealed chorioretinal lacunae in the left eye. She had never had seizures and her psychomotor and language development were normal for age.
Relationships among healthy lifestyle beliefs and body mass index in urban China
Authors: Dagevos Hans , He Yuna , Zhang Xiaoyong , van der Lans Ivo , Zhai Fengying
Published: July 2010

Consumption is a major driving force in China's economy. The consumer society is particularly emerging in the more urbanized and affluent regions in China. Given the rise of consumerism on the one hand, and the rise of overweight and obesity on the other, this study explored whether the proliferating consumer culture is a threat to the traditional health culture in China. The lifestyle‐oriented approach used in this study does not confirm a straightforward relationship between an upward trend in Chinese with (economic) assets to join the consumer society and a downward trend in health interest among urban Chinese. The result that the rise of the consumer society is not directly accompanied by a devaluation of health issues does not imply that lifestyle research is of no use. On the contrary, this paper successfully identified four dimensions of health‐related lifestyle for urban China, namely Food‐health Belief, Perceived Knowledge, Health Careless and Group Conformity. This result is informative with respect to the complexity of sociocultural factors influencing the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity.
BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH: Soil moisture limits foraging: a possible mechanism for the range dynamics of the hadeda ibis in southern Africa
Authors: Duckworth Gregory D. , Altwegg Res , Guo Danni
Published: July 2010

Aim Climate limits the ranges of many animals, but the mechanism whereby it does so remains poorly understood. One explanation is that climate (e.g. temperature or rainfall) affects energy expenditure, eventually limiting where a species can occur. We propose that climate can also affect energy uptake through its effect on foraging efficiency. We examined this idea for the case of the hadeda ibis (Bostrychia hagedash) which has considerably expanded its range in southern Africa over the past 80 years. Hadedas forage mainly by extracting earthworms and other invertebrates from soft soil. Soil moisture, in the absence of irrigation largely determined by climate and soil composition, may therefore be a factor limiting feeding efficiency in hadedas.

Location We tested this hypothesis by observing foraging hadedas in Cape Town, South Africa.

Results We found that soil moisture limited the rate at which hadedas caught prey items, with an optimum on relatively moist ground. We further measured the energy content of the hadedas’ main prey, earthworms. Using published physiological relationships, we estimated that hadedas need to forage for about 6.3 h to meet their daily energy requirements under optimal soil moisture conditions. On dry soils, they need to forage for >12 h, thus showing that soil moisture has the potential to limit the range of this species.

Main conclusions Hadedas originally only occurred in the wettest parts of South Africa, but gradually colonized drier areas, and are now absent only from the driest parts of the country. Our results support the view that climate (determining soil moisture) originally limited the hadedas range and that irrigation has been an important factor facilitating their range expansion. The hadeda is an example for a species whose range expansion is driven by interactions between climate and land‐use change.
Retrospective Study: Cause and clinical characteristics of rib fractures in cats: 33 cases (2000–2009)
Authors: Adams Christine , Streeter Elizabeth M. , King Ryan , Rozanski Elizabeth
Published: July 2010

Objective –To characterize the clinical features and population differences among cats sustaining traumatic and nontraumatic rib fractures.

Design –Retrospective clinical study.

Setting –University small animal hospital.

Animals –Thirty‐three cats with radiographic evidence of rib fractures.

Interventions –None.

Measurements and Main Results –Cats with rib fractures were identified by performing a computer search of the radiology database. Thirty‐three cats that sustained rib fractures were identified between January 2000 and September 2009. Seventeen cats had fractures due to trauma and 16 were deemed to occur from nontraumatic causes. A Mann‐Whitney rank‐sum test revealed statistically significant differences in the median ages between the 2 groups. Older cats were more likely to sustain rib fractures as a result of a presumed nontraumatic causes. A Chi‐square analysis showed that nontraumatic fractures occurred significantly more often in the midbody region and involved the 9th–13th ribs. The majority of cats with presumed nontraumatic rib fracture had respiratory disease; the remaining cats had chronic renal disease or neoplasia. Cats with traumatic rib fractures had external signs of trauma.

Conclusion –Rib fractures in cats may be clearly associated with trauma, or may be an incidental finding in cats with comorbidities. Cats with diseases that cause prolonged respiratory effort or coughing, metabolic diseases, or certain neoplasms, are at increased risk of spontaneous nontraumatic rib fractures.
Controls of mineral reactions in high‐grade garnet‐wollastonite‐scapolite‐bearing calcsilicate rocks: an example from Anakapalle, Eastern Ghats, India
Authors: SENGUPTA P. , SANYAL S. , DASGUPTA S. , FUKUOKA M. , EHL J.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT A suite of garnet‐wollastonite‐scapolite‐bearing calcsilicate granulites from the Eastern Ghats has been investigated to document the controls of mineral reactions during the metamorphic evolution of the deep continental crust. The rocks studied show heterogeneity in modal mineralogy and phase compositions in millimetre‐sized domains. Textural relations, and the compositional plots of the phases, established that the clinopyroxene exerts a strong influence on the formation and composition of garnet in the complex natural system. P‐T estimates using the vapour‐independent equilibria involving garnet define a near isobaric cooling path from c. 850C at c. 5.5–5.2 kbar. The deduced trajectory tallies well with the terminal segment of the overall retrograde P‐T path construed from the associated rocks using well‐calibrated thermobarometers. The ubiquitous occurrence of wollastonite and scapolite in the main calcsilicate body suggests low aCO2 during peak metamorphic condition. Fluid compositions constrained from mineral‐fluid equilibria of the garnet‐bearing assemblages show domainal variations as a function of the compositions of the solid phases, e.g. garnet and clinopyroxene. A quantitative log/CO2‐log/O2 diagram has been constructed to depict the stability of the different calcsilicate assemblages as functions of the compositions and the behaviour of these fugitive species. The results of the mineral‐fluid equilibria and the quantitative fluid/rock ratio calculations, in conjunction with the topological constraints, imply vapour‐deficient meta‐morphism in the rocks studied. It is argued that fO2 during peak metamorphism was monitored by the ambient fO2. Subsequently, during retrogression, different domains evolved independently, whereas the fluid composition was controlled by the mineral‐fluid equilibria.
Reconstruction of the exhumation path of the Alpe Arami garnet‐peridotite body from depths exceeding 160 km
Authors: BRENKER F. E. , BREY G. P.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT Chemical disequilibrium exists between all phases of the Alpe Arami garnet‐peridotite body (Ticino, Switzerland) which hampers the evaluation of P‐T conditions of origin, yet disequilibrium offers the inherent possibility to derive a P‐T‐t path for this mantle slice. We tried to tackle this problem by carrying out new mineral analyses and taking diffusion rates and bulk‐rock compositional effects into consideration. Peak metamorphic conditions from mineral core compositions were estimated as 112050C/50.2 GPa. These values are significantly higher than previously published results and were determined from a combination of the O'Neill & Wood (1979) Fe/Mg garnet‐olivine exchange thermometer and the Al‐in‐orthopyroxene barometer (Brey & Köhler, 1990), and are supported by the Ca/Cr ratios in garnet, which are in accord with these conditions. Details of the exhumation path were derived from (1) rim compositions of minerals that yield a first retrograde stage of 720 50C/2 0.25 GPa (2) a spinel lherzolite assemblage in narrow shear zones (tectonic phase F0″, after Möckel, 1969) which documents a second retrograde stage at 500–600C/0.8‐l.5 GPa. The Ca content in olivine (Köhler & Brey, 1989) can be used to evaluate further P‐T conditions along the retrograde path. We measured very low values (30–40 ppm Ca) in the cores of olivine and a remarkable increase towards the rim (120 ppm). The low core values may reflect an equilibrium stage during the main Alpine metamorphism. The increasing values towards the olivine rims probably represent a late‐stage heating event. The initial cooling rates for the peridotite body are between 2700 and 5100C Ma‐1, depending on which diffusion data are used.
Metamorphic reactions related to decompression and synkinematic intrusion of leucogranite, High Himalayan Crystallines, Bhutan
Authors: DAVIDSON C. , CRUJIC D. E. , HOLLISTER L. S. , SCHMID S. M.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT The High Himalayan Crystallines (HHC) of Bhutan were penetratively deformed, intruded by leucogranite and metamorphosed during the collision of the Indian and Asian plates. Metamorphic reaction textures in the HHC show that it experienced decompression while maintaining a laterally heterogeneous, and locally inverted, internal temperature range of c.600–750C. This thermal structure was produced by thrusting hot, migmatitic rocks over lower‐grade rocks within the HHC and by the advection of heat from the intrusion of leucogranite dykes and sills during decompression. A variable velocity field within the HHC during exhumation and extrusion between India and Tibet caused the inversion of top to the south sense of shear present throughout most of the HHC to top down to the north shear near its top.
Granulite facies metamorphism in the Mallee Bore area, northern Harts Range: implications for the thermal evolution of the eastern Arunta Inlier, central Australia
Authors: MILLER J. A. , CARTWRIGHT I. , BUICK I. S.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT The Mallee Bore area in the northern Harts Range of central Australia underwent high‐temperature, medium‐to high‐pressure granulite facies metamorphism. Individual geothermometers and geobarometers and average P‐T calculations using the program Thermocalc suggest that peak metamorphic conditions were 705–810C and 8–12 kbar. Partial melting of both metasedimentary and meta‐igneous rocks, forming garnet‐bearing restites, occurred under peak metamorphic conditions. Comparison with partial melting experiments suggests that vapour‐absent melting in metabasic and metapelitic rocks with compositions close to those of rocks in the Mallee Bore area occurs at 800–875C and >9–10 kbar. The lower temperatures obtained from geothermometry imply that mineral compositions were reset during cooling. Following the metamorphic peak, the rocks underwent local mylonitization at 680–730C and 5.8–7.7 kbar. After mylonitization ceased, garnet retrogressed locally to biotite, which was probably caused by fluids exsolving from crystallizing melts. These three events are interpreted as different stages of a single, continuous, clockwise P‐T path. The metamorphism at Mallee Bore probably occurred during the 1745–1730 Ma Late Strangways Orogeny, and the area escaped significant crustal reworking during the Anmatjira and Alice Springs events that locally reached amphibolite facies conditions elsewhere in the Harts Ranges.
Petrological significance of prograde homogenization of growth zoning in garnet: an example from the Llano Uplift
Authors: CARLSON W. , SCHWARZE E.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTIn the Llano Uplift of central Texas (USA), prograde homogenization of garnet growth zoning took place during moderate‐to high‐pressure dynamothermal metamorphism over a narrow temperature range near the transition from the amphibolite to the granulite facies. This subtle record of early dynamothermal metamorphism survived subsequent static metamorphism at low pressures in the middle‐amphibolite facies, despite the destruction of most high‐pressure mineral assemblages that originated in the early metamorphic episode. Geographically systematic variations in the degree of homogenization indicate that the uplift as a whole underwent high‐pressure metamorphism, in accord with emerging tectonic models for the mid‐Proterozoic evolution of the southern margin of the North American continent.
Left Ventricle Afterload Impedance Control by an Axial Flow Ventricular Assist Device: A Potential Tool for Ventricular Recovery
Authors: Moscato Francesco , Arabia Maurizio , Colacino Francesco M. , Naiyanetr Phornphop , Danieli Guido A. , Schima Heinrich
Published: July 2010

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are increasingly used for supporting blood circulation in heart failure patients. To protect or even to restore the myocardial function, a defined loading of the ventricle for training would be important. Therefore, a VAD control strategy was developed that provides an explicitly definable loading condition for the failing ventricle. A mathematical model of the cardiovascular system with an axial flow VAD was used to test the control strategy in the presence of a failing left ventricle, slight physical activity, and a recovering scenario. Furthermore, the proposed control strategy was compared to a conventional constant speed mode during hemodynamic changes (reduced venous return and arterial vasoconstriction). The physiological benefit of the control strategy was manifested by a large increase in the ventricular Frank–Starling reserve and by restoration of normal hemodynamics (5.1 L/min cardiac output at a left atrial pressure of 10 mm Hg vs. 4.2 L/min at 21 mm Hg in the unassisted case). The control strategy automatically reduced the pump speed in response to reduced venous return and kept the pump flow independent of the vasoconstriction condition. Most importantly, the ventricular load was kept stable within 1%, compared to a change of 75% for the constant speed. As a key feature, the proposed control strategy provides a defined and adjustable load to the failing ventricle by an automatic regulation of the VAD speed and allows a controlled training of the myocardium. This, in turn, may represent a potential additional tool to increase the number of patients showing recovery.
Presidential Address: Asset Price Dynamics with Slow‐Moving Capital
Authors: DUFFIE DARRELL
Published: July 2010

I describe asset price dynamics caused by the slow movement of investment capital to trading opportunities. The pattern of price responses to supply or demand shocks typically involves a sharp reaction to the shock and a subsequent and more extended reversal. The amplitude of the immediate price impact and the pattern of the subsequent recovery can reflect institutional impediments to immediate trade, such as search costs for trading counterparties or time to raise capital by intermediaries. I discuss special impediments to capital formation during the recent financial crisis that caused asset price distortions, which subsided afterward. After presenting examples of price reactions to supply shocks in normal market settings, I offer a simple illustrative model of price dynamics associated with slow‐moving capital due to the presence of inattentive investors.
Generalized Disappointment Aversion and Asset Prices
Authors: ROUTLEDGE BRYAN R. , ZIN STANLEY E.
Published: July 2010

We characterize generalized disappointment aversion (GDA) risk preferences that can overweight lower‐tail outcomes relative to expected utility. We show in an endowment economy that recursive utility with GDA risk preferences generates effective risk aversion that is countercyclical. This feature comes from endogenous variation in the probability of disappointment in the representative agent's intertemporal consumption‐saving problem that underlies the asset pricing model. The variation in effective risk aversion produces a large equity premium and a risk‐free rate that is procyclical and has low volatility in an economy with a simple autoregressive endowment‐growth process.
Information Quality and Long‐Run Risk: Asset Pricing Implications
Authors: AI HENGJIE
Published: July 2010

I study the asset pricing implications of the quality of public information about persistent productivity shocks in a general equilibrium model with Kreps–Porteus preferences. Low information quality is associated with a high equity premium, a low volatility of consumption growth, and a low volatility of the risk‐free interest rate. The relationship between information quality and the equity premium differs from that in endowment economies. My calibration improves substantially upon the Bansal–Yaron model in terms of the moments of the wealth–consumption ratio and the return on aggregate wealth.
Predictive Regressions: A Present‐Value Approach
Authors: Van BINSBERGEN JULES H. , KOIJEN RALPH S. J.
Published: July 2010

We propose a latent variables approach within a present‐value model to estimate the expected returns and expected dividend growth rates of the aggregate stock market. This approach aggregates information contained in the history of price‐dividend ratios and dividend growth rates to predict future returns and dividend growth rates. We find that returns and dividend growth rates are predictable with  values ranging from 8.2% to 8.9% for returns and 13.9% to 31.6% for dividend growth rates. Both expected returns and expected dividend growth rates have a persistent component, but expected returns are more persistent than expected dividend growth rates.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Lead Endocarditis Causing Diffuse Right Atrial Abscess and Pulmonary Artery Embolism
Authors: KERVAN ÜMIT , ALTINTAS GARIP , OZEN ANIL , DURUKAN MINE , GURAY ÜMIT , ÖZATIK MEHMET ALI
Published: July 2010

Implantation of electrophysiological cardiac devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators has become a widely available and routine procedure in cardiovascular medicine. One of the most feared complications of device implementation is infection. Infection rates for these devices are reported to vary between 0.7% and 7.0%. Cardiac thromboembolic event is a recognized complication of permanent cardiac rhythm devices with an incidence of 0.6%–3.5%, unrelated to lead size or number. These complications are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. In this case report, right atrial mass, right atrial abscess, perforation of tricuspid septal leaflet, and pulmonary embolism secondary to ICD lead endocarditis is presented. (PACE 2011; 34:e115–e117)
Successful Ablation of Right Atriofascicular Pathway Guided by Pathway Potential Recording Despite Catheter‐Induced Mechanical Pathway Trauma
Authors: BELHASSEN BERNARD , VISKIN SAMI
Published: July 2010

Radiofrequency ablation of right atriofascicular pathways (RAFPs) is frequently complicated by the occurrence of mechanically induced trauma to the pathway by the ablation catheter. Since recording of accessory pathway (AP) potential is critical for achieving successful ablation of RAFP, one may fear that long‐lasting mechanically induced trauma to the AP will affect recording of AP potential and thereby adversely affect the procedure outcome. We report a patient with antidromic tachycardia involving an antegrade RAFP. Despite long‐lasting catheter trauma to the RAFP, mapping of the tricuspid annulus showed persistent recording of an AP potential that enabled us to continue the procedure and successfully abolish the AP. (PACE 2011; 34:e118–e121)
Versatile Crack‐Free Ceramic Micropatterns Made by a Modified Molding Technique
Authors: Holthaus Marzellus Grosse , Kropp Miron , Treccani Laura , Lang Walter , Rezwan Kurosch
Published: July 2010

Crack‐free ceramic micropatterns made of oxidic ceramic powders, e.g. alumina, titania, zirconia, and nonoxidic calciumphosphate ceramic powders were fabricated by a novel, simple, and low‐cost modified micromolding (m‐μM) technique via polydimethylsiloxane stamps. By means of this m‐μM technique it is possible to fabricate monolithic ceramic bodies with a micropatterned surface with very high accuracy on surface detail. Our produced micropatterns can feature various geometries, e.g. cylinders, holes, channels, and struts with diameters ranging from 8 to 140 μm in diameter or widths and from 8 to 30 μm in depth or height. The oxidic and nonoxidic ceramic micropatterns could be removed from the molds and dried without any cracks. Even after sintering, these micropatterned samples showed no cracks or fissures. The reported technique has a very high potential for fully automatized up‐scale fabrication of micropatterned ceramic surfaces.
The Effects of Temperature on the Local Structure of Metakaolin‐Based Geopolymer Binder: A Neutron Pair Distribution Function Investigation
Authors: White Claire E. , Provis John L. , Proffen Thomas , Van Deventer Jannie S. J.
Published: July 2010

Neutron pair distribution function (PDF) analysis is utilized to advance the understanding of the local atomic structural characteristics of geopolymer binders derived from metakaolin, specifically the nature and amount of the water associated with these materials. Samples were heated in air to temperatures up to 1200°C, then analyzed ex situ by high momentum transfer neutron total scattering and PDF analysis. Water contained in large pores, along with water associated with hydration of potassium cations in the geopolymer framework structure, comprise the majority of water in this material. The remaining water is situated in small pores and as terminal hydroxyl groups attached to the Si–Al framework. The Si–Al framework structure undergoes only subtle rearrangement upon heating, but maintains a tetrahedral aluminosilicate framework environment. After crystallization with heating beyond 1000°C, the geopolymer gel is predominantly converted to leucite, with small amounts of amorphous mullite and glassy silica, which have never before been observed in heated geopolymers. This demonstrates the value of neutron PDF analysis to probe the local structure of these important geopolymeric materials.
Role of TiO2 on the Physicochemical Properties of Cesium Borosilicate Glasses
Authors: Banerjee Dayamoy , Sudarsan Vasantha Kumaran , Joseph Annie , Mishra Ratikanta , Singh Inderjit , Wattal Piaray Kishen , Das Dasarathi
Published: July 2010

High cesium (Cs)‐bearing sodium borosilicate glasses incorporated with varying concentrations of TiO2 up to 10 mol% at the expense of B2O3 were prepared by the conventional melt quenching method. Physicochemical properties of the glasses studied include Cs volatilization losses, leaching, and glass transition temperatures. Structural aspects of the glasses were investigated using Fourier transform infrared, 11B MAS NMR, and UV‐visible optical absorption techniques. From the detailed investigations on these glasses, optimum concentration of TiO2 for minimum volatilization losses of Cs has been established. Structural studies revealed the role of TiO2 in the Cs volatilization as well as leaching characteristics of the glass. Based on our studies, it can be inferred that the glass sample with 5 mol% TiO2 content gives the optimum formulation with regard to the leaching and Cs volatilization losses. Results of the study are useful in the development of high Cs‐bearing glasses for their use as a gamma source for radiation technology application.
High‐Purity FeSe1−x Superconductors Prepared by Solid‐State Synthesis and Liquid Phase Processing
Authors: Qi Xiaoding , Wang Jiun‐Yi , Hung Chi‐Jung , Kuo Jui‐Chao , Yates Karen , Cohen Lesley
Published: July 2010

FeSe1−x samples have been prepared by a solid‐state reaction in the Ar+3% H2 gas flow. The samples sintered at 410°C were of the tetragonal PbO structure (β‐phase), showing little trace of δ‐phase (hexagonal). However, the samples sintered at higher temperatures contained a fair amount of δ‐phase, which was unable to be eliminated completely by subsequent annealing at ≤450°C for a prolonged period. Both M–T and R–T measurements showed that sintered samples of β‐phase were superconducting with an onset Tc above 8.1 K. Thick films of FeSe1−x were grown on LaAlO3 substrates by liquid phase processing with SeSn as the flux. In contrast to the sintering, the films grown around 910°C from the Sn‐containing liquid had a pure β‐phase. Although the phase diagram showed some solid solubility of Sn in FeSe, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy failed to find Sn trace in the crystallized films, which showed a steeper superconducting transition at lower Tc of 6.0 K. To clarify whether the possible Sn contamination caused the drop of Tc, FeSe1−x:5% Sn samples were sintered, which showed little change of Tc from the pure β‐FeSe1−x. The cause for the Tc reduction of thick films remains unclear.
Association between periodontal disease, bacterial vaginosis, and sexual risk behaviours
Authors: Zabor Emily Craig , Klebanoff Mark , Yu Kai , Zhang Jun , Nansel Tonja , Andrews William , Schwebke Jane , Jeffcoat Marjorie
Published: July 2010

Zabor EC, Klebanoff M, Yu K, Zhang J, Nansel T, Andrews W, Schwebke J, Jeffcoat M. Association between periodontal disease, bacterial vaginosis, and sexual risk behaviours. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 888–893. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01593.x.

Background: Both periodontal disease and bacterial vaginosis may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study evaluated the association between periodontal disease and bacterial vaginosis.

Materials and Methods: Data from 3569 women enrolled in the Longitudinal Study of Vaginal Flora were used. Periodontal disease, defined as greater than three sites with ≥4 mm attachment loss, was assessed by specially calibrated hygienists at baseline. Positive bacterial vaginosis status was based on a Nugent Gram stain score ≥7. Pairs of independent variables were compared with Pearson's χ2 and risk ratios were calculated through log‐binomial regression.

Results: Twenty‐eight per cent of women with bacterial vaginosis had periodontal disease compared with 22% without , corresponding to 1.29 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.47) times greater risk of periodontal disease among women with bacterial vaginosis. In adjusted analysis the risk ratio dropped to 1.23 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.40). Receptive oral sex with an uncircumcised partner was associated with 1.28 times (95% CI: 0.97, 1.69) the risk for periodontal disease compared with receptive oral sex with a circumcised partner, though the association is not statistically significant.

Conclusions: In this population, there is a small but significant association between periodontal disease and bacterial vaginosis and a possible trend between receptive oral sex with an uncircumcised partner and periodontal disease.
Intergenerational continuity in oral health: a review
Authors: Shearer Dara M. , Thomson W. Murray
Published: July 2010

Shearer DM, Thomson WM. Intergenerational continuity in oral health: a review. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 479–486. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Life course research considers not only the influences on health which act during the lifespan but it is also concerned with factors that act across generations. Rarely are genetics or environment solely responsible for producing individual variation; virtually all characteristics are the result of gene–environment interaction. An increasing interest in life course research and gene–environment interactions is reflected in greater awareness of the role of family history and intergenerational continuity in oral health as a practical, inexpensive approach to categorizing genetic risk for many common, preventable disorders of adulthood (including oral disease). Does the health status of one generation have an effect on that of the next? While researchers in recent years have begun to investigate the inter‐generational associations between exposures and disease, little research has been carried out (to date) on the long‐term biological, behavioural, psychological, social and environmental mechanisms that link oral health and oral disease risk to exposures acting across generations. This narrative review identifies studies which have contributed to highlighting some of the intergenerational factors influencing oral health. However, there is a need for a wider perspective on intergenerational continuity in oral health, along with a careful evaluation of the factors which contribute to the effect. A comprehensive investigation into the nature and extent of intergenerational transmission of oral health is required.