bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemistry of late Cenozoic lavas on Kunashir Island, Kurile Arc
Authors: Martynov Alexey Y. , Kimura Jun‐Ichi , Martynov Yuri A. , Rybin Alexsander V.
Published: August 2009

Middle Miocene to Quaternary lavas on Kunashir Island in the southern zone of the Kurile Arc were examined for major, trace, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope compositions. The lavas range from basalt through to rhyolite and the mafic lavas show typical oceanic island arc signatures without significant crustal or sub‐continental lithosphere contamination. The lavas exhibit across‐arc variation, with increasingly greater fluid‐immobile incompatible element contents from the volcanic front to the rear‐arc; this pattern, however, does not apply to some other incompatible elements such as B, Sb, and halogens. All Sr–Nd–Pb isotope compositions reflect a depleted source with Indian Ocean mantle domain characteristics. The Nd and Pb isotope ratios are radiogenic in the volcanic front, whereas Sr isotope ratios are less radiogenic. These Nd isotope ratios covary with incompatible element ratios such as Th/Nd and Nb/Zr, indicating involvement of a slab‐derived sediment component by addition of melt or supercritical fluid capable of mobilizing these high field‐strength elements and rare earth elements from the slab. Fluid mobile elements, such as Ba, are also elevated in all basalt suites, suggesting involvement of slab fluid derived from altered oceanic crust. The Kurile Arc lavas are thus affected both by slab sediment and altered basaltic crust components. This magma plumbing system has been continuously active from the Middle Miocene to the present.
Late Cretaceous‐Cenozoic exhumation of the Yanji area, northeast China: Constraints from fission‐track thermochronology
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Gong Guilun , Yang Xiaoyong , Zeng Qiaosong
Published: August 2009

The Yanji area, located at the border of China, Russia, and Korea, where the Phanerozoic granitoids have been widely exposed, was considered part of the orogenic collage between the North China Block in the south and the Jiamusi–Khanka Massifs in the northeast. In this study, the cooling and inferred uplift and denudation history since the late Mesozoic are intensively studied by carrying out apatite and zircon fission‐track analyses, together with electron microprobe analyses (EMPA) of chemical compositions of apatite from the granitoid samples in the Yanji area. The results show that: (i) zircon and apatite fission‐track ages range 91.7–99.6 Ma and 76.5–85.4 Ma, respectively; (ii) all apatite fission‐track length distributions are unimodal and yield mean lengths of 12–13.2 µm, and the apatites are attributed to chlorine‐bearing fluorapatite as revealed by EMPA results; and (iii) the thermal history modeling results based on apatite fission‐track grain ages and length distributions indicate that the time–temperature paths display similar patterns and the cooling has been accelerated for each sample since ca 15 Ma. Thus, we conclude that sequential cooling, involving two rapid (95–80 Ma and ca 15–0 Ma) and one slow (80–15 Ma) cooling, has taken place through the exhumation of the Yanji area since the late Cretaceous. The maximum exhumation is more than 5 km under a steady‐state geothermal gradient of 35°C/km. Combined with the tectonic setting, this exhumation is possibly related to the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate since the late Cretaceous.
Internal reflection pattern of Korea Strait shelf mud (Nakdong River subaqueous delta) off southeast Korea and implications for Holocene relative base‐level change
Authors: Lee Gwang H. , Kim Dae C. , Park Mi K. , Park Soo C. , Kim Han J. , Jou Hyeong T. , Khim Boo K.
Published: August 2009

The Korea Strait shelf mud (KSSM) (Nakdong River subaqueous delta) is the most conspicuous Holocene sedimentary feature in the inner shelf off southeast Korea. Analysis of multi‐channel sparker profiles and 14C ages of sediment cores reveals that the KSSM consists of three seismic units at the depocenter (>60 m thick): (i) the thin transgressive bottom (>ca 8000 cal bp); (ii) thick (>40 m) obliquely progradational middle (ca 8000–ca 2600 cal bp); and (iii) thin transgressive top (ca 2600 cal bp–present) units. The relative base level, predicted from the internal reflection pattern of the KSSM, remained significantly deeper (up to >70 m) than global sealevel during much of the Holocene. The apparent gradual drop (∼20 m) of the relative base level during the deposition of the middle unit, followed by a rise, further suggests that base level does not conform to sealevel and is more sensitive than the relative sealevel is to the local oceanographic regime and processes.
Neoproterozoic podiform chromitites in serpentinites of the Abu Meriewa–Hagar Dungash district, Eastern Desert, Egypt: Geotectonic implications and metamorphism
Authors: Abu El Ela Fawzy F. , Farahat Esam S.
Published: August 2009

Podiform chromitites hosted in serpentinites (after harzburgite and dunite) and talc‐carbonate rocks from the Abu Meriewa–Hagar Dungash district (MHD), Eastern Desert of Egypt, together with metagabbros, pillow metavolcanics, and metasediments, form an ophiolitic mélange formed during the Neoproterozoic Pan‐African Orogeny. The chromitites show massive, disseminated, and nodular textures. Chromite cores in chromitites have high and restricted ranges of Cr# (0.65–0.75) and Mg# (0.64–0.83), implying primary compositions not affected by metamorphism. Therefore, they are used as reliable indicators of parent magma composition and tectonic affinities of these highly metamorphosed rocks. On the contrary, the altered rims are high‐Cr, low‐Fe3+spinel (rather than ferritchromit) enriched in Cr, Fe, and Mn, and depleted in Al and Mg (Cr# = 0.75–0.97, Mg# = 0.29–0.79), due to equilibration with interstitial silicates during regional metamorphism up to transitional greenschist–amphibolite facies at about 500–550°C. The primary chromite compositions suggest derivation from a high‐Mg tholeiitic, to possibly boninitic, parental magma in a supra‐subduction zone (arc–marginal basin) environment, similar to the spatially associated metavolcanic rocks. The MHD chromitites are most probably formed by melt–rock interaction mechanisms. The high Cr# of the investigated chromites suggests high degrees of partial melting of a depleted harzburgite source by interaction with primitive basaltic melt of deeper origin followed by mixing. Such Cr‐rich chromites are common in chromitites from the Eastern Desert of Egypt, implying broad thermal anomalies, possibly linked to an important geodynamic feature of the Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) evolution. This could revive interest in models that involve asthenospheric uprise, related to plume interaction or most probably due to oblique convergence of arc terranes during early evolution of the ANS.
Factors influencing breastfeeding in children less than 2 years of age in Lao PDR
Authors: Putthakeo Pornpai , Ali Moazzam , Ito Chiaki , Vilayhong Panome , Kuroiwa Chushi
Published: August 2009

Aim:  This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and factors influencing, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 6 months and continued breastfeeding (CBF) at 2 years.

Methods:  Between January and February 2007, a cross‐sectional study was conducted using a semi‐structured questionnaire in 40 villages in the Vientiane capital and the Vientiane province of Lao PDR. A total of 400 mothers with children less than 2 years old were recruited by multistage random sampling. Based on the 1991 World Health Organization Breastfeeding Indicators, children were classified into three groups, 6–23‐month‐old children for assessing EBF at 6 months, 12–15‐month‐old children for CBF at 1 year and 20–23‐month‐old children for CBF at 2 years.

Results:  The prevalence of EBF at 6 months and CBF at 2 years were 19.4% (n= 283) and 18.6% (n= 43), respectively. Some of the factors influencing EBF at 6 months in a univariate logistic regression model included: location of residence, (OR: 19.19, 95% CI 6.96–57.01), ethnicity (OR: 3.15, 95% CI 1.63–6.08), encouragement of the child's father (OR: 9.03, 95%CI 1.21–67.57) and inter‐spousal communication (OR: 5.20, 95% CI 2.34–11.56). A majority of the mothers (75.0%) had watched television advertisements for infant formula from Thailand, and 48.4% reported that they wanted to buy formula milk after having watched them.

Conclusion:  This study showed a low prevalence of EBF at 6 months in the studied area in Lao PDR. Some of the factors that had a strong impact on EBF at 6 months included: location of residence, ethnicity, father's involvement, early breastfeeding plan, Mother's Card in antenatal care and television advertisement. There may be opportunities for government to review a range of policies relating to paternal involvement, antenatal care and formula advertising that could help to improve EBF rate.
The epidemiology of health conditions of newly arrived refugee children: A review of patients attending a specialist health clinic in Sydney
Authors: Sheikh Mohamud , Pal Abhijit , Wang Shu , MacIntyre C Raina , Wood Nicholas J , Isaacs David , Gunasekera Hasantha , Raman Shanti , Hale Katherine , Howell Alison
Published: August 2009

Aim:  To determine the prevalence of common diseases in newly arrived refugee children, resettled in Sydney, by region of birth. To identify health needs of refugee children in Australia.

Methods:  We prospectively screened for common diseases in refugee children attending a specialist paediatric refugee clinic, the Children's Hospital, Westmead, between May 2005 and December 2006. Screening tests included full blood count, Mantoux, vitamin D level, hepatitis B serology, syphilis serology, Schistosomiasis serology and malarial antigens.

Results:  There were 239 patients, the majority (75%) from Africa, with 127 girls and 112 boys. Thirty‐six percent were 0–7 years old, 45% were 8–12 years old and 19% were 13–17 years old. Of those tested, 16% had Schistosomiasis, 5% had malaria and 4% were hepatitis B carriers. Of 216 children who had Mantoux tests, 33% were ≥10 mm and 24% were ≥15 mm, including four children with active disease (2 lymphadenitis, 1 pulmonary and 1 gastric). Vitamin D deficiency was the most common diagnosis: 61% had serum 25(OH)D3 <50 nmol/L. Anaemia was present in 15%. Disease prevalence was higher in children from Africa than Asia or the Middle East, and most of the children were asymptomatic. Given that we have only seen about 10% of the refugee children resettled in New South Wales, our results may not be generalisable to all refugees.

Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that screening refugee children for common treatable conditions, even if they are asymptomatic, is paramount. In addition to infectious diseases screening, nutritional deficiencies should routinely be screened for.
Financial costs for parents with a baby in a neonatal nursery
Authors: Argus Brenda M , Dawson Jennifer A , Wong Connie , Morley Colin J , Davis Peter G
Published: August 2009

Aim:  To determine the additional financial cost to families of babies admitted to the nurseries of The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

Methods:  Prospective case series of consecutive babies admitted to the Special and Intensive Care Nurseries at The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Data were collected from diaries completed by parents who recorded expenses related to having their baby in hospital. Fifty nine families of babies born <34 weeks' gestation who were hospitalised for at least 2 weeks.

Results:  The median expenditure per family per week was Australian (A) $243 and the median length of stay in the nurseries was 7 weeks. The major costs were related to food and transport. Expenses related to the expression/storage of breast milk and accommodation were also considerable consuming 11% and 14%, respectively of the weekly amount spent. Of the 23 families who reported lost or reduced income, the median amount lost per week per family was A$324.

Conclusion:  The financial burden on families with babies admitted to a tertiary neonatal unit is substantial. The median cost per week was approximately one quarter of the average gross weekly income and included lost income as well as additional expenses. It is important that institutions and health‐care systems recognise the magnitude of this additional burden on vulnerable families.
Infections following lawnmower and farm machinery‐related injuries in children
Authors: Harkness Ben , Andresen David , Kesson Alison , Isaacs David
Published: August 2009

Aims:  Because of the paucity of previous data, we report the organisms causing infection in children with injuries from lawnmowers and farm machinery.

Methods:  Retrospective study of children admitted to the Children's Hospital at Westmead for lawnmower and farm machinery‐related injuries from 1998 to 2007.

Results:  Twenty‐four patients were admitted for lawnmower‐related injuries. They had a bimodal age distribution, with peaks at 2–4 years and 14 years. Twenty‐one (87.5%) were boys. Positive wound cultures were obtained in 16.7% and included Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative organisms. Eight patients were admitted for farm machinery‐related injuries. Two patients (25%) returned positive wound cultures with multiple organisms including bacteria, fungi and mycobacteria and were diagnosed with osteomyelitis caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Scedosporium prolificans, respectively.

Conclusion:  The rate of infection in our small series of children with lawnmower and farm machinery‐related injuries was comparable to previous reports. We found a wide range of causative organisms, often inherently antibiotic resistant, and we add a case of invasive fungal infection to previous case reports. Because of the wide range of organisms, empirical antibiotic therapy is difficult and our data emphasise the need for cultures to direct ongoing therapy.
Relating intimate partner violence to heath‐care utilisation and injuries among Pacific children in Auckland: The Pacific Islands Families Study
Authors: Schluter Philip J. , Paterson Janis
Published: August 2009

Aim:  Despite well‐known emotional and behavioural sequela, few studies investigate health‐care utilisation and injury impacts of children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). This study examines the association between mothers' IPV experience and general practitioner (GP) and hospital presentations by their children within the first 6 years of life.

Methods:  In 2000, a cohort of Pacific infants born in Auckland was established. At 6 weeks, 2 years and 6 years post‐partum, maternal home interviews were conducted and IPV experience elicited using the Conflict Tactic Scale, together with reports of children's GP and hospital visitations.

Results:  At 6 weeks, 2 years and 6 years, 1098, 921 and 799 participating mothers were in intimate relationships. Severe physical IPV was reported by 22.1, 23.0 and 7.1% of mothers, respectively, and minor IPV was reported by another 18.7, 16.9 and 6.1%, respectively. Compared with children without maternal physical IPV exposure, children of mothers disclosing severe physical IPV were 1.19 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.31) times as likely to visit GPs, and children of mothers disclosing minor physical IPV were 1.13 (95% CI: 1.02–1.25) times as likely to visit GPs, after adjusting for socio‐demographic, maternal mental health and other confounding factors. No significant association was found between maternal IPV and children's hospital visits, or GP or hospital visits for injury.

Conclusions:  IPV is common for many mothers of Pacific children, and is associated with significantly more GP visits for exposed children. Identification of maternal IPV during mothers' and children's GP and hospital visits may help guide services to prevent future presentations to children.
Furniture injuries in children
Authors: Cho Jin H , Adams Susan , Holland Andrew J A
Published: August 2009

Aims:  To determine the incidence, type and severity of furniture‐related injuries in children in the Sydney region.

Methods:  Retrospective analysis of presentations to the emergency departments of two paediatric tertiary hospitals in Sydney over a 4‐year period from January 2000 to December 2003 with furniture‐related injuries. Deaths of children because of furniture‐related injuries reported to the Coroner, from 2000–2002, were also reviewed. The main outcome measures were circumstances of injury, type and number of injuries, morbidity, and mortality.

Results:  52 children presented with furniture‐related injuries. The median age was 2.5 years (range 9 months–15 years), with a male‐to‐female ratio of 3:2. Falling televisions accounted for 22 (42%) of the injuries. Median Injury Severity Score was 1 (range 1–25). One child died. The most common regions injured were the limbs and the head. Thirty‐one children (60%) required medical imaging, 28 (54%) required admission to hospital and 6 were allowed home in under 12 h. Of the 22 patients admitted for longer than 12 h, 14% required intensive care. Median length of stay was 1 day (range 0–15 days). Eighteen patients (35%) suffered scarring or long‐term limitations as a result of their injuries. From 2000 to 2002 there were four additional deaths in NSW because of furniture‐related injuries, two because of a falling television.

Conclusion:  Furniture‐related injuries represent a cause of serious trauma and death in Australian children. There remains a need for the stability and security of televisions and large furniture items to be improved.
Relationship between serum uric acid levels with chronic kidney disease in a Southeast Asian population
Authors: SATIRAPOJ BANCHA , SUPASYNDH OUPPATHAM , CHAIPRASERT AMNART , RUANGKANCHANASETR PRAJEJ , KANJANAKUL INSEEY , PHULSUKSOMBUTI DUANGPORN , UTAINAM DARUNEE , CHOOVICHIAN PANBUPPA
Published: August 2009

Aim:  Elevated serum uric level has been suggested as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The relationship between serum uric acid level, and CKD in a Southeast Asian population was examined.

Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study, authors surveyed 5618 subjects, but 5546 participants were included. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values were calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. CKD was defined as a GFR of less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between serum uric acid level and CKD.

Results:  The prevalence of CKD in serum uric acid quartiles: first quartile, 5.3 mg/dL or less; second quartile, 5.4–6.4 mg/dL; third quartile, 6.5–7.6 mg/dL; and fourth quartile, 7.7 mg/dL or more were 1.8%, 3.6%, 5.5% and 11.9%, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean values of estimated GFR in participants with CKD and without CKD were 53.44 ± 7.72 and 81.26 ± 12.48 mL/min per 1.73 m2 respectively. In the entire participants, there were 6.76% with hypertension and 2.64% with diabetes as a comorbid disease. Compared with serum uric acid first quartile, the multivariate‐adjusted odds for CKD of the fourth, third and second quartile were 10.94 (95% confidence interval (CI), 6.62–16.08), 4.17 (95% CI, 2.51–6.92) and 2.38 (95% CI, 1.43–3.95), respectively.

Conclusion:  High serum uric acid level was independently associated with increased prevalence of CKD in the Southeast Asian population. Detection and treatment of hyperuricaemia should be attended as a strategy to prevent CKD.
Visfatin and endothelial function in dialyzed patients
Authors: MALYSZKO JOLANTA , MALYSZKO JACEK S , MYSLIWIEC MICHAL
Published: August 2009

Aim:  Visfatin is an adipocytokine that has recently generated much interest. The aim of the study was to assess visfatin in correlation with markers of endothelial damage and inflammation in haemodialyzed and peritoneally dialyzed patients.

Methods:  Visfatin, leptin, apelin and adiponectin, markers of coagulation (thrombin–antithrombin complexes (TAT), prothrombin fragments 1+2 (F1+2)), fibrinolysis (tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1)), endothelial function/injury (Von Willebrand factor (vWF), thrombomodulin, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), CD146) and inflammation (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin (IL)‐6) were assessed.

Results:  Triglycerides, hsCRP, creatinine, IL‐6, TNF‐α, vWF, F1+2, TAT, thrombomodulin, ICAM, VCAM, CD146, PAI‐1, leptin, adiponectin and visfatin were elevated in dialyzed patients over controls. Visfatin correlated significantly, in univariate analysis, in haemodialyzed patients with markers of endothelial damage/inflammation (CD146, ICAM, IL‐6), other adipocytokines, Kt/V and dialysis vintage, and tended to correlate with hsCRP. In peritoneally dialyzed patients, visfatin correlated significantly with haemoglobin, and markers of endothelial damage. In the healthy volunteers visfatin correlated significantly with ICAM, creatinine and IL‐6. In multiple regression analysis in HD patients visfatin was only independently related to Kt/V, dialysis vintage and IL‐6.

Conclusion:  Elevated visfatin related to markers of inflammation might represent a novel link between inflammation and adipocytokines in dialyzed patients. Time on dialyses and dialysis adequacy may influence visfatin in dialyzed patients due to the decreased clearance of visfatin.
Effect of combined angiotensin‐converting enzyme and aldosterone inhibition on plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 levels in chronic hypertensive patients
Authors: TIRYAKI OZLEM , USALAN CELALETTIN , BUYUKHATIPOGLU HAKAN
Published: August 2009

Aim:  A possible link between the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and fibrinolysis has recently been suggested. Systemic infusion of angiotensin II results in an increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1) levels and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) have been shown to decrease PAI‐1 levels. Moreover, recent data indicated that plasma aldosterone levels were positively correlated with plasma PAI‐1 levels. This study was designed to compare the effects of an ACEI with an ACEI in combination with an aldosterone antagonist on PAI‐1 levels in chronic hypertensive patients.

Methods:  Patients were randomized into two groups and were treated with either low salt diet plus fosinopril (group 1, n = 43) or low salt diet plus fosinopril plus spironolactone (group 2, n = 42). Plasma PAI‐1, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasma renin activity (PRA) levels were measured before and after 24 week treatment in both groups.

Results:  The mean basal PRA levels were similar in both groups. After antihypertensive therapy, the mean PRA increased significantly in both groups (P < 0.005). The mean plasma PAI‐1 levels were reduced in both treatment groups (P < 0.005). However, the reduction in group 2 was more pronounced (P < 0.05). Although after the treatment mean plasma levels of PAI‐1 significantly reduced in both groups, the reduction of PAI‐1 levels was more pronounced in group 2.

Conclusion:  Although the plasma levels of PAI‐1 significantly reduced after treatment in both groups, the reduction of PAI‐1 levels was more pronounced in group 2. These data indicated that administration of aldosterone antagonists in combination with ACEI had additional benefit on fibrinolysis in chronic hypertensive patients.
Relationship between β1‐adrenergic receptor polymorphisms and cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: POON PETER YAM‐KAU , SZETO CHEUK‐CHUN , KWAN BONNIE CHING‐HA , CHOW KAI‐MING , LI PHILIP KAM‐TAO
Published: August 2009

Aim:  Activation of β1‐adrenergic receptor (β1AR) enhances contractility and heart rate. The polymorphism Arg389Gly in the β1AR gene was found to be functionally important in determining receptor activity. The relationship between this polymorphism and the risk of cardiovascular disease was investigated in Chinese subjects with overt diabetic nephropathy.

Methods:  A total of 219 type 2 diabetic subjects with nephropathy were recruited. Genotyping of the β1AR Arg389Gly polymorphism was determined. Patients were followed up to 96 months for the development of cardiovascular events.

Results:  There were 122, 86 and 11 patients with Arg/Arg, Arg/Gly and Gly/Gly genotype, respectively. At 96 months, the event‐free survival of primary composite cardiovascular end‐point was 33.0% and 44.3% for Gly+ and Gly‐ groups, respectively (log–rank test, P = 0.105), while the event‐free survival for first ischaemic heart disease was 62.4% and 75.9%, respectively (log–rank test, P = 0.038). However, with multivariate analysis by the Cox proportional hazard model to adjust for confounders, only low‐density lipoprotein and baseline glomerular filtration rate were independent predictors of first ischaemic heart event.

Conclusion:  The β1AR Arg389Gly polymorphism is not an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in subjects with overt diabetic nephropathy.
Guillain–Barre syndrome in southern Chinese children: 32 year experience in Hong Kong
Authors: Ma Yee‐man , Liu Tim K.T. , Wong Virginia
Published: August 2009

Background:  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical pattern of Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) in southern Chinese children in Hong Kong and to compare the clinical outcome of early versus delayed intervention with i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIg).

Methods:  A retrospective review of medical records of GBS patients admitted to two hospitals on Hong Kong Island during a 32 year period (1976–2008) was performed. Clinical outcome was compared for early versus late IVIg treatment, using a 7 day cut‐off. This analysis was then repeated using a 10 day cut‐off.

Results:  Of 34 children, 22 (65%) had preceding illness but no infective etiology could be identified. Nerve conduction was measured in 17 (50%): nine had demyelinating neuropathy, three had axonal neuropathy with demyelinating features, two had pure axonal neuropathy, and one was normal. In two patients with Miller‐Fisher syndrome (MFS) the studies showed additional abnormal sensory conduction. Twenty‐one received conservative treatment only. Ten (29%) received IVIg, two (6%) received plasmapheresis and three (9%) received corticosteroid. Thirty‐one (91%) had complete recovery, two (6%) had long‐term morbidity and one died of respiratory failure. Comparison of the early and late IVIg treatment groups for each cut‐off showed no statistically significant difference in clinical outcome. A longer period of hospital stay and longer time to improve one disability grade, however, were noted for the late treatment group for both cut‐offs.

Conclusions:  The clinical profile of GBS in southern Chinese children in Hong Kong is provided. There was no statistically significant difference between early versus delayed treatment with IVIg.
Performance of several variable‐selection methods applied to real ecological data
Authors: Murtaugh Paul A.
Published: August 2009

I evaluated the predictive ability of statistical models obtained by applying seven methods of variable selection to 12 ecological and environmental data sets. Cross‐validation, involving repeated splits of each data set into training and validation subsets, was used to obtain honest estimates of predictive ability that could be fairly compared among methods. There was surprisingly little difference in predictive ability among five methods based on multiple linear regression. Stepwise methods performed similarly to exhaustive algorithms for subset selection, and the choice of criterion for comparing models (Akaike’s information criterion, Schwarz’s Bayesian information criterion or F statistics) had little effect on predictive ability. For most of the data sets, two methods based on regression trees yielded models with substantially lower predictive ability. I argue that there is no ‘best’ method of variable selection and that any of the regression‐based approaches discussed here is capable of yielding useful predictive models.
Diverse and dynamic populations of cyanobacterial podoviruses in the Chesapeake Bay unveiled through DNA polymerase gene sequences
Authors: Chen Feng , Wang Kui , Huang Sijun , Cai Haiyuan , Zhao Meiru , Jiao Nianzhi , Wommack K. Eric
Published: August 2009

Many podoviruses have been isolated which infect marine picocyanobacteria, and they may play a potentially important role in regulating the biomass and population composition of picocyanobacteria. However, little is known about the diversity and population dynamics of autochthonous cyanopodoviruses in marine environments. Using a set of newly designed PCR primers which specifically amplify the DNA pol from cyanopodoviruses, a total of 221 DNA pol sequences were retrieved from eight Chesapeake Bay virioplankton communities collected at different times and locations. All DNA pol sequences clustered with the eight known podoviruses that infect different marine picocyanobacteria, and could be divided into at least 10 different subclusters (I‐X). The presence of these cyanopodovirus genotypes based on PCR‐amplification of DNA pol gene sequences was supported by the existence of similar DNA pol genotypes with metagenome libraries of Chesapeake Bay virioplankton assemblages. The composition of cyanopodoviruses in the Bay also exhibited distinct winter and summer patterns which were likely related to corresponding seasonal changes in the composition of cyanobacterial populations. Our study suggests that diverse and dynamic populations of cyanopodoviruses are present in the estuarine environment. The PCR method developed in this study provides a specific and sensitive tool to explore the abundance, distribution and phylogenetic diversity of cyanopodoviruses in aquatic environments. Linking the dynamics of host and viral populations in the natural environment is critical to broader characterization of the ecological role of virioplankton within microbial communities.
Microbial diversity and community structure of a highly active anaerobic methane‐oxidizing sulfate‐reducing enrichment
Authors: Jagersma G. Christian , Meulepas Roel J. W. , Heikamp‐de Jong Ineke , Gieteling Jarno , Klimiuk Adam , Schouten Stefan , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Lens Piet N. L. , Stams Alfons J. M.
Published: August 2009

Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is an important methane sink in the ocean but the microbes responsible for AOM are as yet resilient to cultivation. Here we describe the microbial analysis of an enrichment obtained in a novel submerged‐membrane bioreactor system and capable of high‐rate AOM (286 μmol  gdry weight−1 day−1) coupled to sulfate reduction. By constructing a clone library with subsequent sequencing and fluorescent in situ hybridization, we showed that the responsible methanotrophs belong to the ANME‐2a subgroup of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea, and that sulfate reduction is most likely performed by sulfate‐reducing bacteria commonly found in association with other ANME‐related archaea in marine sediments. Another relevant portion of the bacterial sequences can be clustered within the order of Flavobacteriales but their role remains to be elucidated. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analyses showed that the ANME‐2a cells occur as single cells without close contact to the bacterial syntrophic partner. Incubation with 13C‐labelled methane showed substantial incorporation of 13C label in the bacterial C16 fatty acids (bacterial; 20%, 44% and 49%) and in archaeal lipids, archaeol and hydroxyl‐archaeol (21% and 20% respectively). The obtained data confirm that both archaea and bacteria are responsible for the anaerobic methane oxidation in a bioreactor enrichment inoculated with Eckernförde bay sediment.
Strongly female‐biased sex allocation in a trivoltine population of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) opacum Brèthes (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae)
Authors: Buschini Maria Luisa Tunes , Bergamaschi Antonio Carlos Bragato
Published: August 2009

Buschini, M.L.T. and Bergamaschi, A.C.B. 2009. Strongly female‐biased sex allocation in a trivoltine population of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) opacum Brèthes (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 433–439.

This study was carried in southern Brazil from December 2001 to December 2004. The aim of this paper is to provide additional information on the life‐history and sex allocation of this little known species. This wasp’s species has two alternative life histories: either they pupated immediately and emerged as adults later in the same season (direct development) or they entered diapause, overwintering and pupating the following spring (delayed development). The numerical sex ratio of overwintering and of direct developing wasps were strongly female biased in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Abnormal liver function tests in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus: prevalence, clinical correlations and underlying pathologies
Authors: Leeds J. S. , Forman E. M. , Morley S. , Scott A. R. , Tesfaye S. , Sanders D. S.
Published: August 2009

Aims  To determine the prevalence of elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) in a large cohort of patients with Type 1 diabetes and to examine the clinical correlations and causes.

Methods  Patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus were prospectively recruited and ALT, glycated haemoglobin and lipid profile were measured. Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited as a comparison group. Patients with abnormal ALT were investigated for underlying causes. Prevalence of abnormal ALT was analysed at three separate cut‐offs and multivariable analysis used to identify independent risk factors.

Results  Nine hundred and eleven with Type 1 diabetes and 963 with Type 2 diabetes were included. The prevalence of elevated ALT was dependent on the cut‐off value: > 30 IU/l in males and > 19 IU/l in females, > 50 and > 63 IU/l was 34.5, 4.3 and 1.9%, respectively, in Type 1 diabetes and 51.4, 8.2 and 3.7%, respectively, in Type 2 diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes an elevated ALT was associated with worse glycaemic control, age > 55 years and elevated triglycerides. Investigation of these patients revealed a cause in 43.6% of patients, predominantly non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Conclusions  Elevated ALT is not uncommon in Type 1 diabetes and is associated with NAFLD‐related risk factors. Patients with Type 1 diabetes and elevated ALT should be investigated as significant abnormalities may be found which are amenable to interventions.
Transcriptional and metabolic profiles of Lolium perenne L. genotypes in response to a PEG‐induced water stress
Authors: Foito Alexandre , Byrne Stephen L. , Shepherd Tom , Stewart Derek , Barth Susanne
Published: August 2009

Metabolic profiling was carried out in the forage grass Lolium perenne L. (perennial ryegrass) to uncover mechanisms involved in the plants response to water stress. When leaf and root materials from two genotypes, with a contrasting water stress response, were analysed by GC–MS, a clear difference in the metabolic profiles of the leaf tissue under water stress was observed. Differences were principally due to a reduction in fatty acid levels in the more susceptible Cashel genotype and an increase in sugars and compatible solutes in the more tolerant PI 462336 genotype. Sugars with a significant increase included: raffinose, trehalose, glucose, fructose and maltose. Increasing the ability of perennial ryegrass to accumulate these sugars in response to a water deficit may lead to more tolerant varieties. The metabolomics approach was combined with a transcriptomics approach in the water stress tolerant genotype PI 462336, which has identified perennial ryegrass genes regulated under water stress.
Influence of Semi‐Rigid Connections and Local Joint Damage on Progressive Collapse of Steel Frameworks
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Xu Lei , Grierson Donald E.
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  Semi‐rigidly connected steel frames are more vulnerable than rigidly connected frames to resist progressive collapse due to abnormal loading events. This article extends the threat‐independent method for progressive‐failure analysis of rigid frames to analysis accounting for semi‐rigid connections. The influence of joint damage caused by disengagement of member(s) is also considered in the analysis, and the degree of damage is modeled by a health index. A compound element model is employed to include the contributions of nonlinear behavior of beam‐to‐column connections, connection and member‐end damage, member inelasticity, member shear deformation, and geometrical nonlinearity to structural response. Four beam collapse modes are illustrated for the progressive collapse analysis associated with debris loading generated when disengaged structural components fall onto lower parts of the structure. The impact effect is taken into account for the quasi‐static nonlinear analysis by utilizing an impact amplification factor according to GSA and DoD guidelines. Any progressive collapse occurring thereafter involves a series of collapse events associated with topological changes of the frame. The analysis procedure is illustrated for the progressive collapse behavior of two planar steel frames. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is potentially an effective tool for the progressive collapse analysis of semi‐rigid steel frames under abnormal loading events.
Model selection in toxicity studies
Authors: Liu Wei , Tao Jian , Shi Ning‐Zhong , Tang Man‐Lai
Published: August 2009

In toxicity studies, model mis‐specification could lead to serious bias or faulty conclusions. As a prelude to subsequent statistical inference, model selection plays a key role in toxicological studies. It is well known that the Bayes factor and the cross‐validation method are useful tools for model selection. However, exact computation of the Bayes factor is usually difficult and sometimes impossible and this may hinder its application. In this paper, we recommend to utilize the simple Schwarz criterion to approximate the Bayes factor for the sake of computational simplicity. To illustrate the importance of model selection in toxicity studies, we consider two real data sets. The first data set comes from a study of dietary fortification with carbonyl iron in which the Bayes factor and the cross‐validation are used to determine the number of sub‐populations in a mixture normal model. The second example involves a developmental toxicity study in which the selection of dose–response functions in a beta‐binomial model is explored.
Using NHDPlus as the Land Base for the Noah‐distributed Model
Authors: David Cédric H , Gochis David J , Maidment David R , Yu Wei , Yates David N , Yang Zong‐Liang
Published: August 2009

The National Elevation, Hydrography and Land Cover datasets of the United States have been synthesized into a geospatial dataset called NHDPlus which is referenced to a spheroidal Earth, provides geospatial data layers for topography on 30 m rasters, and has vector coverages for catchments and river reaches. In this article, we examine the integration of NHDPlus with the Noah‐distributed model. In order to retain compatibility with atmospheric models, Noah‐distributed utilizes surface domain fields referenced to a spherical rather than spheroidal Earth in its computation of vertical land surface/atmosphere water and energy budgets (at coarse resolution) as well as horizontal cell‐to‐cell water routing across the land surface and through the shallow subsurface (at fine resolution). Two data‐centric issues affecting the linkage between Noah‐distributed and NHDPlus are examined: (1) the shape of the Earth; and (2) the linking of gridded landscape with a vector representation of the stream and river network. At mid‐latitudes the errors due to projections between spherical and spheroidal representations of the Earth are significant. A catchment‐based “pour point” technique is developed to link the raster and vector data to provide lateral inflow from the landscape to a one‐dimensional river model. We conclude that, when Noah‐distributed is run uncoupled to an atmospheric model, it is advantageous to implement Noah‐distributed at the native spatial scale of the digital elevation data and the spheroidal Earth of the NHDPlus dataset rather than transforming the NHDPlus dataset to fit the coarser resolution and spherical Earth shape of the Noah‐distributed model.
Geoweb Services for Sharing Modelling Results in Biodiversity Networks
Authors: Fook Karla Donato , Vieira Monteiro Antônio Miguel , Câmara Gilberto , Casanova Marco Antônio , Amaral Silvana
Published: August 2009

Biodiversity researchers in different institutions deal with predictive models for species distribution. These models are useful for biodiversity conservation policies. Species distribution modelling tools need large datasets from different sources and use many algorithms. To improve biodiversity science, scientists need to share models, data and results, and should be able to reproduce experiments from others. This article presents a geoweb service architecture that supports sharing of modelling results and enables researchers to perform new modelling experiments. We show the feasibility of the proposed architecture by developing a set of prototype services, called Web Biodiversity Collaborative Modelling Services – WBCMS. They provide a set of geospatial web services that support the sharing of species distribution models. The article includes an example of a model instance that explains the WBCMS prototype. We believe that WBCMS shows how to set up a cooperative research network on biodiversity research.
THE EMERGENCE OF TRANSCENDENTAL NORMS IN HUMAN SYSTEMS
Authors: Graves Mark
Published: August 2009

Terrence Deacon has described three orders of emergence; Arthur Peacocke and others have suggested four levels of human systems and sciences; and Philip Clayton has postulated an additional, transcendent, level. Orders and levels describe distinct aspects of emergence, with orders characterizing topological complexity and levels characterizing theoretical knowledge and causal power. By using Deacon's orders to analyze and relate each of the four “lower” levels one can project that analysis on the transcendent level to gain insight into the teleodynamic emergence of transcendent‐level systems. I argue that cross‐cultural interactions among human cultural‐level systems results in the emergence of the “universal” transcendental norms historically characterized as the Greek Good, Beauty, and Truth. These norms require a dynamic existence that I characterize as the emergence of Spirit, using Josiah Royce's community of interpretation, and that I suggest provides a pragmatic clarification of Clayton's transcendent level. An understanding of those emergent norms clarifies ethical systems, highlights the importance of aesthetics in understanding scientific systems, and suggests the necessity of community in fruitful science‐and‐religion dialogue on human systems.
DIVINE AGENCY AND THE PRINCIPLE OF THE CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
Authors: Larmer Robert
Published: August 2009

Many contemporary thinkers seeking to integrate theistic belief and scientific thought reject what they regard as two extremes. They disavow deism in which God is understood simply to uphold the existence of the physical universe, and they exclude any view of divine influence that suggests the performance of physical work through an immaterial cause. Deism is viewed as theologically inadequate, and acceptance of direct immaterial causation of physical events is viewed as scientifically illegitimate. This desire to avoid both deism and any positing of God as directly intervening in the physical order has led to models of divine agency that seek to defend the reality of divine causal power yet affirm the causal closure of the physical. I argue, negatively, that such models are unsuccessful in their attempts to affirm both the reality of divine causal power acting in the created world and the causal closure of the physical and, positively, that the assumption that underlies these models, namely that any genuine integration of theistic and scientific belief must posit the causal closure of the physical on pain of violating well‐established conservation principles, is mistaken.
LOVE IN THE “UNIDIVERSE”: A SALESIAN PERSPECTIVE ON CHANCE
Authors: Wisniewski Daniel P.
Published: August 2009

The notion of the universe evolving through an interplay of law and chance raises numerous theological questions. In particular, scientific evidence of chance confronts images of God and divine action within this emerging worldview. To interpret Christian faith within a scientific world, figures from church tradition are drawn into the conversation, and a particular spirituality is appropriated to highlight the relationship between science and religion. The personal, practical, accessible spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales is retrieved for the discussion. This Christian humanist recognized the love of God as paramount to a human‐divine relationship. The themes of divine providence and the will of God illustrate a spirituality of the heart that provides relevant insights into the theological implications of chance. An overview of how the reality of chance has posed numerous questions is considered before drawing on the spirituality of de Sales. Various theological views on chance are presented. As Salesian thought enhances an understanding of divine action in a world of chance, contemporary theologies of chance provide a framework for understanding the teachings of the saint in a new way.
EMBODIED TRANSCENDENCE: BONOBOS AND HUMANS IN COMMUNITY
Authors: Howell Nancy R.
Published: August 2009

Multiple dimensions and textures of transcendence are evoked not just by reflection on humans in their relationship with God and community but also by encounter with bonobos—primates that are very close genetic kin with humans. The promise for theological reflection is rooted in bonobo social adaptation as a highly cooperative species. Bonobo sexual behavior accompanies and expresses a high level of social intelligence. The point of my project is not a scientific one intended to argue persuasively for individual self‐awareness or self‐transcendence in bonobos. Instead, it emphasizes connectedness, interdependence, and sociality as windows on transcendence. Such a view does not require consciousness or intellectual recognition of self‐in‐relation, but it certainly presumes embodiment of self‐in‐relation. Various textures of transcendence reflect multidirectional relationships among Pan paniscus (bonobos), Homo sapiens, and the Sacred.
MORAL APES, HUMAN UNIQUENESS, AND THE IMAGE OF GOD
Authors: Putz Oliver
Published: August 2009

Recent advances in evolutionary biology and ethology suggest that humans are not the only species capable of empathy and possibly morality. These findings are of no little consequence for theology, given that a nonhuman animal as a free moral agent would beg the question if human beings are indeed uniquely created in God's image. I argue that apes and some other mammals have moral agency and that a traditional interpretation of theimago Deiis incorrectly equating specialness with exclusivity. By framing the problem in terms of metaphor, following the work of Paul Ricoeur and Sallie McFague, I propose that the concept of theimago Deicould be extended to accommodate moral species other than our own.
PERSONS AND THE EXTENDED‐MIND THESIS
Authors: Baker Lynne Rudder
Published: August 2009

The extended‐mind thesis (EM) is the claim that mentality need not be situated just in the brain, or even within the boundaries of the skin. Some versions take “extended selves” be to relatively transitory couplings of biological organisms and external resources. First, I show how EM can be seen as an extension of traditional views of mind. Then, after voicing a couple of qualms about EM, I reject EM in favor of a more modest hypothesis that recognizes enduring subjects of experience and agents with integrated bodies. Nonetheless, my modest hypothesis allows subpersonal states to have nonbiological parts that play essential roles in cognitive processing. I present empirical warrant for this modest hypothesis and show how it leaves room for science and religion to coexist.