bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cave atmosphere controls on stalagmite growth rate and palaeoclimate records
Authors: Baldini James U. L. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Cave atmosphere
P

CO
2

partially controls calcite deposition on stalagmites by changing the thermodynamic drive of drip water to deposit calcite. The dissolved carbon dioxide contained in karstic percolation water is generally controlled by the soil
P

CO
2

, and this CO
2
will degas in any void spaces with a lower
P

CO
2

, including caves. If void space
P

CO
2

is higher than the
P

CO
2

of the water, dissolution may occur. Measured cave air
P

CO
2

ranges of several caves in different climate regimes suggest that soil temperature is a major control on cave air
P

CO
2

, but that the observed trend deviates from the modelled trend when soil carbon dioxide production is moisture-limited. Calcite deposition models illustrate how soil and cave air
P

CO
2

can influence stalagmite growth rates, and demonstrate how gradual temperature changes can skew the geochemical proxy signal in stalagmites in favour of certain seasons and eventually can result in total cessation of growth.
Petrology and geochemistry of annually laminated stalagmites from an Alpine cave (Obir, Austria): seasonal cave physiology
Authors: Fairchild Ian J. , Spötl Christoph , Frisia Silvia , Borsato Andrea , Susini Jean , Wynn Peter M. , Cauzid Jean ,   EIMF
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Seasonality is encoded in palaeoproxies of secondary cave mineral deposits (speleothems) and the code is becoming cracked. The petrology of calcite stalagmites from Obir, an Alpine (1100 m altitude), perennially wet cave, was characterized by optical and electron backscatter diffraction, and their chemistry by bulk ICP-MS analysis, ion microprobe and synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence. Vadose water penetrates 70 m through Triassic limestones (with some Pb–Zn mineralization) to the chamber Säulenhalle where the stalagmites were collected. Strong seasonal ventilation in the cave leads to low PCO
2
in winter associated with falls in speleothem sulphate S and increase in δ
13
C values. All samples display autumnal event lamination defined by a narrow, optically visible zone with increases in trace element concentrations, within which synchrotron studies have resolved μm-scale enrichments of Pb and Zn. Small-scale (10 µm) lateral trace element variations reflect alternate flat faces and rough crystal edges, influenced by high Zn content. The elemental covariations are consistent with the transport of Pb, Zn, P, F, Br and I adsorbed onto organic colloids in dripwater, but the final deposition may have been from aerosols and we propose this as a new mechanism requiring further investigation. This study represents the most complete demonstration of how chemical variations are powerful expressions of seasonal cave physiology in humid temperate caves, including the contrast between summer and winter conditions, and the preservation of sub-weekly events during the autumn season.
Seasonal microclimate control of calcite fabrics, stable isotopes and trace elements in modern speleothem from St Michaels Cave, Gibraltar
Authors: Mattey David P. , Fairchild Ian J. , Atkinson Tim C. , Latin Jean-Paul , Ainsworth Mark , Durell Richard 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Detailed monitoring of three drip sites in New St Michael's Cave, Gibraltar, reveals a strongly coherent seasonal pattern of dripwater chemistry despite each site having significantly different flow paths and discharge patterns. Calcite saturation is closely linked to regular seasonal variations in cave air pCO
2
caused by seasonally reversing ventilation driven by temperature difference between the cave interior and the air outside. A coupled model of CO
2
degassing and calcite precipitation links seasonal δ
13
C variations in coexisting dripwater, cave air CO
2
and speleothem calcite to large variations in pCO
2
that are driven by cave ventilation. The relationships between stable isotope ratios, Sr/Ca and speleothem fabrics across annually formed calcite laminae are consistent with a degassing–calcite precipitation process in which rapid degassing controls the δ
13
C of both drip water DIC and calcite whereas a much slower rate of calcite precipitation causes seasonal cycles of Sr in a more complex manner. By demonstrating the causes of laminated speleothem fabrics plus trace element and isotope cycles in modern speleothem from a closely monitored cave, this study provides clear links between the local microclimate and the proxy record provided by speleothem geochemistry. In Gibraltar, low cave air pCO
2
in summer is unusual compared to what has been revealed by cave monitoring carried out elsewhere and shows that caution is needed when linking paired speleothem fabrics to specific seasons without knowledge of local processes operating in the cave.
Microbes in caves: agents of calcite corrosion and precipitation
Authors: Jones Brian 
Published: June 2010

AbstractDiverse biogenic and abiogenic processes produce calcite speleothems. From a biogenic perspective, cave microbes mediate a wide range of destructive and constructive processes that collectively influence the growth of calcite speleothems and their internal fabrics. Destructive processes include substrate breakdown by dissolution, boring and residue micrite production, whereas constructive processes include microbe calcification, trapping and binding of detrital particles to substrates, and microbial induced calcite precipitation. Biogenesis can be established from: (1) the presence of mineralized microbes; (2) fabrics, such as stromatolite-like structures, that can be attributed to microbial activity; and/or (3) geochemical proxies (carbon and oxygen isotopes, lipid biomarkers) considered indicative of microbe activity. Such criteria have, for example, been used to demonstrate microbial involvement in the formation of pool fingers, stalactites/stalagmites, cave pisoliths and moonmilk. Nevertheless, absolute proof of microbial biogenesis in calcitic speleothems is commonly difficult because taphonomic processes and/or diagenetic processes commonly mask evidence of microbial activity. The assumption that calcitic speleothems are abiogenic, which has been tacitly assumed in many studies, is dangerous as there is clear evidence that microbes thrive in most caves and can directly and indirectly influence calcite precipitation in many different ways.
New Strategies in Colorectal Cancer: Biomarkers of Response to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Monoclonal Antibodies and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways
Authors: Dasari Arvind , Messersmith Wells A. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractInitial experience with the epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies (EGFR MoAb) in unselected patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) showed that most of the treated patients did not derive therapeutic benefit. This outcome has driven the search for biomarkers for this population. Recent advances have further shown the heterogeneous nature of this disease with multiple interlinked pathways being implicated. Two such pathways downstream to the EGFR, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) PI3K, have gained increasing attention and become targets for development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic agents. Here, we highlight recent progress. Clin Cancer Res; 16(15); 3811–8. ©2010 AACR.
Extraction of Old Pacemaker or Cardioverter-Defibrillator Leads by Laser Sheath Versus Femoral Approach
Authors: Bordachar Pierre , Defaye Pascal , Peyrouse Eric , Boveda Serge , Mokrani Bilel , Marquié Christelle , Barandon Laurent , Fossaert Emilie Marcant , Garrigue Stephane , Reuter Sylvain , Laborderie Julien , Marijon Eloi , Deharo Jean-Claude , Jacon Peggy , Kacet Salem , Ploux Sylvain , Deplagne Antoine , Haissaguerre Michel , Clementy Jacques , Ritter Philippe , Klug Didier 
Published: June 2010

Background—
Some operators routinely extract chronically implanted transvenous leads from a femoral, whereas others prefer a superior approach. This prospective study compared the safety and effectiveness of laser sheaths versus femoral snare extractions.

Methods and Results—

The single-center study comprised 101 patients referred for unequivocal indications to extract ≥1 transvenous lead(s). Patients were >4 years of age and were randomly assigned to extractions with a laser sheath (group 1: n=50) versus a snare via femoral approach (group 2: n=51). The multicenter study comprised 358 patients who underwent extraction of old transvenous leads using laser sheaths (n=218, group 3) in 3 centers and from a femoral approach (n=138, group 4) in 3 other centers. In the single-center study, the success and complications rates were similar in groups 1 and 2. No patient died of a periprocedural complication. The procedural duration (51±22 versus 86±51 minutes) and duration of total fluoroscopic exposure (7±7 versus 21±17 minutes) were significantly shorter (each
P
<0.01) in group I than in group 2. In the multicenter study, we observed 2 procedure-associated deaths in group 3 versus 1 in group 4. Major procedural complications were observed in 3% of patients in group 3, versus 3% in group 4 (
P
=NS). The rates of complete, partial, and unsuccessful extractions were similar in groups 3 and 4.

Conclusions—
Old transvenous leads were extracted with similar success and complication rates by the femoral and laser approaches. However, the femoral approach was associated with longer procedures and a longer duration of fluoroscopic exposure.
Inhibition of Small-Conductance Ca
2+
-Activated K
+
Channels Terminates and Protects Against Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Diness Jonas Goldin , Sørensen Ulrik S. , Nissen Jakob Dahl , Al-Shahib Baha , Jespersen Thomas , Grunnet Morten , Hansen Rie Schultz 
Published: June 2010

Background—

Recently, evidence has emerged that small-conductance Ca
2+
-activated K
+
(SK) channels are predominantly expressed in the atria in a number of species including human. In rat, guinea pig, and rabbit ex vivo and in vivo models of atrial fibrillation (AF), we used 3 different SK channel inhibitors, UCL1684,
N
-(pyridin-2-yl)-4-(pyridin-2-yl)thiazol-2-amine (ICA), and NS8593, to assess the hypothesis that pharmacological inhibition of SK channels is antiarrhythmic.

Methods and Results—

In isolated, perfused guinea pig hearts, AF could be induced in all control hearts (n=7) with a combination of 1 μmol/L acetylcholine combined with electric stimulation. Pretreatment with 3 μmol/L NS8593, which had no effect on QT interval, prolonged the atrial effective refractory period by 37.1±7.7% (
P
<0.001) and prevented acetylcholine-induced AF (
P
<0.001, n=7). After AF induction, perfusion with NS8593 (10 μmol/L), UCL1684 (1 μmol/L), or ICA (1 μmol/L) terminated AF in all hearts, comparable to 10 μmol/L amiodarone. In isolated, perfused rat hearts, AF was induced with electric stimulation; 10 μmol/L NS8593 terminated AF and prevented reinduction of AF in all hearts (n=6,
P
<0.001). In all hearts, AF could be reinduced after washing. In isolated, perfused rabbit hearts, AF was induced with 10 μmol/L acetylcholine and burst pacing; 10 μmol/L NS8593 terminated AF and prevented reinduction of AF in all hearts (n=6,
P
<0.001). After washing, AF could be reinduced in 75% of the hearts (n=4,
P
=0.06). In an in vivo rat model of acute AF induced by burst pacing, injection of 5 mg/kg of either NS8593 or amiodarone shortened AF duration significantly to (23.2±20.0%,
P
<0.001, n=5, and 26.2±17.9%,
P
<0.001, n=5, respectively) as compared with injection of vehicle (96.3±33.2%, n=5).

Conclusions—
Inhibition of SK channels prolongs atrial effective refractory period without affecting QT interval and prevents and terminates AF ex vivo and in vivo, thus offering a promising new therapeutic opportunity in the treatment of AF.
The Jaina Cult of Relic Stūpas
Authors: Flügel Peter 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis article gives an overview of recent findings on the thriving cult of bone relic stūpas in contemporary Jaina culture. Although Jaina doctrine rejects the worship of material objects, fieldwork in India on the hitherto unstudied current Jaina mortuary rituals furnished clear evidence for the ubiquity of bone relic stūpas and relic veneration across the Jaina sectarian spectrum. The article discusses a representative case and assesses the significance of the overall findings for the history of religions. It also offers a new theoretical explanation of the power of relics.
Effects of botulinum toxin A on calf muscles in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Yun Hyung Koog  , Min Byung-II 
Published: June 2010

Objective: To assess the efficacy of botulinum toxin A injection for the management of spastic calf muscles in children with cerebral palsy. Data sources: We reviewed all relevant literature indexed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro and the Cochrane Registered Trials, and also hand reviewed abstracts. Methods: Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that compared botulinum toxin A injection with any type of treatment or no treatment with identical conditions. We extracted data on calf muscle tone, passive ankle range of motion, gait speed, ankle kinematics and Gross Motor Function Measure, and assessed methodological qualities. Results: Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria. When botulinum injection was compared with a non-sham control, it was found to be effective at improving calf muscle tone (one month: —2.73 (confidence interval (CI) —3.42 to —2.04), three months: —1.72 (—2.68 to —0.76)), passive ankle range of motion (one month: 3.29 (CI 2.52 to 4.05), three months: 1.00 (CI 0.44 to 1.56)) and gait speed (one month: 0.91 (CI 0.29 to 1.53), three months: 0.61 (CI 0.01 to 1.21)) for four months, as well as Gross Motor Function Measure (2.02 (CI 1.30 to 2.75)) for two months. When compared with sham injection, botulinum injection was only effective on Gross Motor Function Measure (0.98 (CI 0.28 to 1.69)) after four months. Conclusions: Although we found evidence supporting the efficacy of botulinum toxin A in studies comparing botulinum injection with non-sham controls, we did not find clear evidence of support in studies comparing botulinum injection with sham injection.
A systematic review of wheelchair skills tests for manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury: towards a standardized outcome measure
Authors: Fliess-Douer Osnat , Vanlandewijck Yves C , Lubel Manor Galia , Van Der Woude Lucas HV 
Published: June 2010

Objective: To review, analyse, evaluate and critically appraise available wheelchair skill tests in the international literature and to determine the need for a standardized measurement tool of manual wheeled mobility in those with spinal cord injury. Data sources: A systematic review of literature (databases PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library (1970-December 2009). Subjects: Hand rim wheelchair users, mainly those with spinal cord injury. Review methods: Studies’ content and methodology were analysed qualitatively. Study quality was assessed using the scale of Gardner and Altman. Results: Thirteen studies fell within the inclusion criteria and were critically reviewed. The 13 studies covered 11 tests, which involved 14 different skills. These 14 skills were categorized into: wheelchair manoeuvring and basic daily living skills; obstacle-negotiating skills; wheelie tasks; and transfers. The Wheelchair Skills Test version 2.4 (WST-2.4) and Wheelchair Circuit tests scored best on the Gardner and Altman scale, the Obstacle Course Assessment of Wheelchair User Performances (OCAWUP) test was found to be the most relevant for daily needs in a wheelchair. The different tests used different measurement scales, varying from binary to ordinal and continuous. Comparison of outcomes between tests was not possible because of differences in skills assessed, measurement scales, environment and equipment selected for each test. A lack of information regarding protocols as well as differences in terminology was also detected. Conclusion: This systematic review revealed large inconsistencies among the current available wheelchair skill tests. This makes it difficult to compare study results and to create norms and standards for wheelchair skill performance.
Can the Northwick Park Dependency Scale be translated to a Barthel Index?
Authors: Turner-Stokes Lynne , Williams Heather , Howley Deirdre , Jackson Diana 
Published: June 2010

Objective: To develop and test an algorithm for conversion of the Northwick Park Dependency Scale (NPDS) to a Barthel Index. Design and setting: Conversion criteria were developed to derive a Barthel Index from NPDS data. The criteria were then applied in two community-based datasets of NPDS and Barthel scores, gathered from carers/patients via postal questionnaires. A retrospective exploratory analysis (dataset A) was followed by prospective confirmatory analysis (dataset B). Subjects: Patients with neurological disabilities, mainly following acquired brain injury: dataset A (n = 225) and dataset B (n = 96). Main measures: Comparison of NPDS-derived Barthel scores with parallel directly rated Barthel scores. Results: The exploratory analysis identified that one Barthel item (‘Stairs’) could not be derived from the NPDS items alone, and required minor adaptation of one of the five additional questions that are included to translate the NPDS into an assessment of community care needs (Northwick Park Care Needs Assessment, NPCNA). For the prospective confirmatory analysis, the NPCNA ‘Stairs’ question was adjusted to support full conversion. Very strong intraclass correlations were observed between the total ‘direct’ and ‘derived’ Barthel scores (0.97 (dataset A), 0.95 (dataset B), P<0.001); 95% limits of agreement ranged from -2.52 to 2.56 (dataset A) and -3.29-3.91 (dataset B). Item-by-item agreement (linear-weighted Cohen’s kappa coefficients) ranged from 0.68 to 0.85 (dataset A) and 0.59-0.83 (dataset B), which represents ‘substantial’ to ‘almost perfect’ agreement. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a Barthel Index can be reliably derived from NPDS and NPCNA data through a conversion algorithm which has now been built into the supporting software package.
The helix-loop-helix transcription factor TWIST is dysregulated in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Li Xiang , Marcondes A. Mario , Gooley Theodore A. , Deeg H. Joachim 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Patients with low-grade myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) show high levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and up-regulation of apoptosis in the marrow. In contrast, marrow cells in advanced MDS are typically resistant to TNFα-induced apoptosis but are rendered apoptosis-sensitive on coculture with stroma. The present studies show that CD34+ marrow cells in advanced MDS express high levels of TWIST, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that opposes p53 function. TWIST levels correlated with disease stage (advanced > low grade; P = .01). Coculture with HS5 stroma resulted in down-regulation of TWIST and increased apoptosis in response to TNFα in CD34+ cells from advanced MDS; the same effect was achieved by TWIST-specific RNA interference in CD34+ cells. In primary MDS marrow stroma TWIST expression was lower than in healthy controls; suppression of TWIST in stroma interfered with induction of apoptosis sensitivity in cocultured CD34+ cells. Stroma cells so modified expressed reduced levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1; CD54); blockade of ICAM1 in unmodified stroma was associated with reduced apoptosis in cocultured CD34+ MDS marrow cells. These data suggest role for dysregulation of TWIST in the pathophysiology of MDS. Conceivably, TWIST or components in the signaling pathway could serve as therapeutic targets for patients with MDS.
Bone loss caused by iron overload in a murine model: importance of oxidative stress
Authors: Tsay Jaime , Yang Zheiwei , Ross F. Patrick , Cunningham-Rundles Susanna , Lin Hong , Coleman Rhima , Mayer-Kuckuk Philipp , Doty Stephen B. , Grady Robert W. , Giardina Patricia J. , Boskey Adele L. , Vogiatzi Maria G. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractOsteoporosis is a frequent problem in disorders characterized by iron overload, such as the thalassemias and hereditary hemochromatosis. The exact role of iron in the development of osteoporosis in these disorders is not established. To define the effect of iron excess in bone, we generated an iron-overloaded mouse by injecting iron dextran at 2 doses into C57/BL6 mice for 2 months. Compared with the placebo group, iron-overloaded mice exhibited dose-dependent increased tissue iron content, changes in bone composition, and trabecular and cortical thinning of bone accompanied by increased bone resorption. Iron-overloaded mice had increased reactive oxygen species and elevated serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 concentrations that correlated with severity of iron overload. Treatment of iron-overloaded mice with the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine prevented the development of trabecular but not cortical bone abnormalities. This is the first study to demonstrate that iron overload in mice results in increased bone resorption and oxidative stress, leading to changes in bone microarchitecture and material properties and thus bone loss.
A mobile telephone-based interactive self-care system improves asthma control
Authors: Liu W-T. , Huang C-D. , Wang C-H. , Lee K-Y. , Lin S-M. , Kuo H-P. 
Published: June 2010

The self-management of asthma can improve clinical outcomes. Recently, mobile telephones have been widely used as an efficient, instant personal communication tool. This study investigated whether a self-care system will achieve better asthma control through a mobile telephone-based interactive programme.This was a prospective, controlled study in outpatient clinics. From 120 consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma, 89 were eventually recruited for the study, with 43 in the mobile telephone group (with a mobile telephone-based interactive asthma self-care system).In the mobile telephone group, mean±sempeak expiratory flow rate significantly increased at 4 (378.2±9.3 L·min−1; n = 43; p = 0.020), 5 (378.2±9.2 L·min−1; n = 43; p = 0.008) and 6 months (382.7±8.6 L·min−1; n = 43; p = 0.001) compared to the control group. Mean±semforced expiratory volume in 1 s significantly increased at 6 months (65.2±3.2% predicted; n = 43; p<0.05). Patients in the mobile telephone group had better quality of life after 3 months, as determined using the Short Form-12® physical component score, and fewer episodes of exacerbation and unscheduled visits than the control group. Patients in the mobile telephone group significantly increased their mean daily dose of either systemic or inhaled corticosteroids compared with the control group.The mobile telephone-based interactive self-care system provides a convenient and practical self-monitoring and -management of asthma, and improves asthma control.