JOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 4 2000
D.J. BEST
ABSTRACT The usual Durbin analysis for ranked data obtained from a balanced incomplete block design is extended to allow for (1) dispersion effects, (2) a predetermined ordering of products and (3) more general trends. An application to paired comparison data is given. Calculation of p-values via Monte Carlo simulation is suggested. [source]

CLINICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL FEATURES AND RESPONSE TO IVIg IN PATIENTS WITH CLINICALLY TYPICAL MULTIFOCAL MOTOR NEUROPATHY BUT NO OVERT CONDUCTION BLOCK

JOURNAL OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, Issue 1 2000
E. Nobile-Orazio
Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is characterized by progressive asymmetric limb weakness usually predominant in the upper limbs associated with conduction block (CB) in motor but not sensory nerves. There are, however, occasional patients with clinically typical MMN in whom no CB can be detected. Whether these patients differ from patients with MMN and CB remains unclear. Since 1991, we have observed 24 patients with the typical clinical features of MMN. In 20 of them (14 men and 6 women), electrophysiological studies disclosed the presence of CB in at least one motor nerve. In four (all women), no evidence of CB could be detected in examined nerves even if three had some features of demyelination, including asymmetric reduction of motor conduction velocities (1 patient) or prolonged or absent F wave latencies (3 patients). Three of them had markedly reduced or absent proximal and distal CMAP amplitudes in some nerves. The mean age of onset of MMN was similar in patients with (41.5 years, range 21,70) and without CB (41.5 years, range 24,57). The mean duration of the disease at the time of our first visit was longer in patients without CB (18.5 years, range 13,25) than in those with CB (6.3 years, 3 months,25 years); only 3 patients with CB had a duration of the disease longer than 10 years. All patients without CB had a predominant or exclusive impairment of upper limbs compared with 18 (90%) of those with CB. The mean Rankin score before therapy was slightly worse in patients without (2.5) than with (2.2) CB. Anti-ganglioside antibodies were found in 1 patient without CB (25%) and in 8 (40%) with CB. All but 2 patients with CB (90%) consistently improved with IVIg. All patients without CB also improved with IVIg, but only one did so consistently. In conclusion, patients with the typical clinical presentation of MMN but no overt CB are clinically and immunologically indistinguishable from those with MMN and CB. The longer duration of the disease and frequent axonal impairment in patients without CB may explain the lower efficacy of IVIg in these patients than in those with CB. [source]

Hypersensitivity Myocarditis Presenting as Atrioventricular Block and Wide Complex Tachycardia in a Toddler

CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE, Issue 5 2008
Neil Bhogal MD
ABSTRACT A 13-month-old boy presented with acute onset of complete atrioventricular block and wide complex tachycardia but normal hemodynamics. Endomyocardial biopsy disclosed active myocarditis with eosinophils, suggesting a hypersensitivity reaction. With no treatment, the rhythm disturbance resolved within days of onset. Our patient's presentation and self-limited illness is unique. To our knowledge, this is only the second reported case of eosinophilic myocarditis in a young child or infant. [source]

Digital Block With and Without Epinephrine During Chemical Matricectomy with Phenol

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 10 2010
H. CEVDET ALTINYAZAR MD
BACKGROUND Digital block with epinephrine is safe in selected patients. Chemical matricectomy with phenol is a successful, cheap, and easy method for the treatment of ingrown nails. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of digital block with epinephrine in chemical matricectomy with phenol. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-four patients with ingrown toenail were randomly divided into two groups. The plain lidocaine group (n=22) underwent digital anesthesia using 2% plain lidocaine, and the lidocaine with epinephrine group (n=22) underwent digital anesthesia with 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. In the postoperative period, the patients were evaluated for pain, drainage, and peripheral tissue destruction and were followed for up to 18 months for recurrence. RESULTS The mean anesthetic volume used in the epinephrine group (2.2±0.4 mL) was significantly lower than the plain lidocaine group (3.1±0.6 mL). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative pain and recurrence rates, but duration of drainage was significantly shorter in the epinephrine group (11.1±2.5 days) than in the plain lidocaine group (19.0±3.8 days). CONCLUSION Digital block with epinephrine is safe in selected patients, and epinephrine helps to shorten the postoperative drainage period. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. [source]

Improving Botulinum Toxin Therapy for Palmar Hyperhidrosis: Wrist Block and Technical Considerations

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2001
Ada Regina Trindade De Almeida MD
Botulinum A exotoxin has become an excellent therapeutic option to treat focal hyperhidrosis, but when the problem affects the palmar region the technique has some drawbacks. Pain with injection is difficult to tolerate and the large dose needed to treat both hands are two concerns, as well as muscle weakness secondary to botulinum toxin diffusion and the possibility of antibody production. All these problems limit the number of patients treated. The author's suggestion is to treat only the dominant hand, after performing a wrist block. The use of a device adapted from a cartridge rubber may help to control the injection depth and the risk of muscular weakness. [source]

Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiographic Coronary Flow Imaging in Identification of Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Stenosis in Patients with Left Bundle Branch Block

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 10 2008
Ozer Soylu M.D.
Background: Conventional noninvasive methods have well-known limitations for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). However, advancements in Doppler echocardiography permit transthoracic imaging of coronary flow velocities (CFV) and measurement of coronary flow reserve (CFR). Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic value of transthoracic CFR measurements for detection of significant left anterior descending (LAD) stenosis in patients with LBBB and compare it to that of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS). Methods: Simultaneous transthoracic CFR measurements and MPS were analyzed in 44 consecutive patients with suspected CAD and permanent LBBB. Typical diastolic predominant phasic CFV Doppler spectra of distal LAD were obtained at rest and during a two-step (0.56,0.84 mg/kg) dipyridamole infusion protocol. CFR was defined as the ratio of peak hyperemic velocities to the baseline values. A reversible perfusion defect at LAD territory was accepted as a positive scintigraphy finding for significant LAD stenosis. A coronary angiography was performed within 5 days of the CFR studies. Results: The hyperemic diastolic peak velocity (44 ± 9 cm/sec vs 62 ± 2 cm/sec; P=0.01) and diastolic CFR (1.38 ± 0.17 vs 1.93 ± 0.3; P=0.001) were significantly lower in patients with LAD stenosis compared to those without LAD stenosis. The diastolic CFR values of <1.6 yielded a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94% in the identification of significant LAD stenosis. In comparison, MPS detected LAD stenosis with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 29%. Conclusions: CFR measurement by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography is an accurate method that may improve noninvasive identification of LAD stenosis in patients with LBBB. [source]

Right Ventricular Dimensions and Function in Isolated Left Bundle Branch Block: Is There Evidence of Biventricular Involvement?

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2008
Jeroen Van Dijk M.D.
Background: Isolated left bundle branch block (LBBB) may be an expression of idiopathic cardiomyopathy affecting both ventricles. The present study was conducted to evaluate right ventricular (RV) dimensions and function in asymptomatic LBBB patients with mildly depressed left ventricular (LV) function. Methods: Fifteen patients with asymptomatic LBBB in whom coronary artery disease, hypertension, and valvular pathology was excluded were studied. Fifteen healthy volunteers and 15 idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy LBBB patients served as controls. RV long axis and tricuspid annulus diameter were obtained, as were tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and peak systolic velocity (Sm) of the RV free wall annulus. Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) jets (peak TR jets) were used for RV pressure assessment. Results: RV dimensions were comparable between the asymptomatic LBBB patients and controls. RV functions of healthy volunteers and asymptomatic LBBB patients were similar (TAPSE: 24 ± 3 and 24 ± 4 mm, Sm: 13 ± 2 and 13 ± 3 cm/s, respectively), whereas functional parameters in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy patients were significantly reduced (TAPSE: 19 ± 5 mm, Sm: 9 ± 2 cm/s, both P < 0.01 by analysis of variance [ANOVA]). For the three groups combined, a significant inverse correlation between RV pressure (peak TR jets) and RV function (Sm) was observed (r =,0.52, P = 0.017). Conclusions: In patients with an asymptomatic LBBB, RV dimensions and function are within normal range. The present study suggests that screening of RV functional parameters in asymptomatic LBBB patients is not useful for identification of an early-stage cardiomyopathy, and RV dysfunction is merely a consequence of increased RV loading conditions caused by left-sided heart failure and does not indicate a generalized cardiomyopathy affecting both ventricles. [source]

Ensuring sustainable water supplies: A study of groundwater conditions in Salboni Block, West Bengal

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2008
Alivia Chowdhury
First page of article [source]

Voltage-Dependent Block of N -Methyl- d -Aspartate Receptors by the Novel Anticonvulsant Dibenzylamine, a Bioactive Constituent of l -(+)-,-Hydroxybutyrate

EPILEPSIA, Issue 10 2003
Sean D. Donevan
Summary:,Purpose: Previously we demonstrated that l -(+)-,-hydroxybutyrate (L-BHB), acetoacetate (ACA), acetone, and dibenzylamine (DBA) were anticonvulsant in an audiogenic seizure,susceptible model, and that DBA was a bioactive contaminant identified in commercial lots of L-BHB. In the present study, we asked whether these effects could be mediated by ionotropic glutamate or ,-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptors. Methods: We studied the effects of both stereoisomers of BHB (as well as the racemate), ACA, and DBA on N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA), ,-amino-3-hydroxy-5methyl-4-isoxazole-proprionic acid (AMPA), and GABAA receptors in cultured rodent neocortical neurons by using whole-cell voltage-clamp recording techniques. Results: Only L-BHB and DBA exerted a concentration- and voltage-dependent block of NMDA-evoked currents, whereas none of the tested substrates affected AMPA- or GABA-activated currents. The kinetics of whole-cell block by L-BHB and DBA were similar, providing additional evidence that DBA is responsible for the anticonvulsant activity of L-BHB. Conclusions: BHB and ACA do not exert direct actions on GABAA or ionotropic glutamate receptors in cultured neocortical neurons. In addition, we provide additional evidence that DBA is responsible for the anticonvulsant activity of L-BHB, and that this action may be mediated in part by voltage-dependent blockade of NMDA receptors. [source]

A PCP-Pincer RuII,Terpyridine Building Block as a Potential "Antenna Unit" for Intramolecular Sensitization

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 18 2007
Marcella Gagliardo
Abstract The redox- and photoactive mononuclear complex [Ru(PCP)(tpy,DTTANa4)]Cl {PCP = [C6H3(CH2PPh2)2 -2,6],; tpy,DTTA4, = 4,-(2,2,:6,,2,-terpyridine)-diethylenetriamine- N,N,N,,N, -tetraacetate} possesses an externally directed, vacant N3O4 polyaminocarboxylate-type binding site that coordinates to lanthanide(III) ions to give the neutral heterodinuclear RuII,LnIII complexes [Ru(PCP)(tpy,DTTA)Ln(H2O)2] (Ln = Gd3+, Eu3+). The photophysical properties of solutions of the mononuclear complex [Ru(PCP)(tpy,DTTANa4)]Cl were investigated in MeOH/EtOH (1:4) and compared to those of the solutions of heterodinuclear complexes [Ru(PCP)(tpy,DTTA)Ln(H2O)2] (Ln = Gd3+, Eu3+). Rigid matrix excitation at 77 K of the ,,* level of the ruthenium chromophore in the [Ru(PCP)(tpy,DTTA)Eu(H2O)2] complex results in a weak europium(III) emission pointing to a transfer of energy from Ru,Eu as a result of the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state of the ruthenium component to the luminescent lanthanide ion. The excited state lifetime of the europium complex is 0.2 ms in methanol solution. In deuterated solvents, the lifetime increases to 0.4 ms, which indicates that the process is solvent-dependent as a result of the strongly coordinated molecules of water that are responsible for the quenching in nondeuterated solvents.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007) [source]

Supramolecular Chemistry Based on [W3S4(H2O)6Cl3]+ , A Versatile Building Block

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2004
Maxim N. Sokolov
Abstract The cluster [W3S4(H2O)6Cl3]+ (which is present in solutions of [W3S4(H2O)9]4+ in 1,4 M HCl) reacts with the macrocyclic cavitand cucurbituril (C36H36N24O12) to form supramolecular adducts of 2:1 cluster/cucurbituril stoichiometry, where two portals of cucurbituril (which contains a water molecule in its cavity) are closed by two cluster cations. These aggregates are bound together in the solid by complementary hydrogen bonds between coordinated Cl, and the cations H9O4+ to give chains. Thus, a supramolecular architecture is achieved from three different but complementary building blocks. The packing of the chains affords a honeycomb structure (hexagonal symmetry) with channels (about 5.2 Å in diameter). The overall stoichiometry is (H9O4){[W3S4(H2O)6Cl3]2(C36H36N24O12)}Cl3·16.15H2O (1). [W3S4(H2O)6Cl3]+ reacts with SbCl3 in 6 M HCl to give cuboidal [W3(SbCl3)S4(H2O)6Cl3]+, which forms with the macrocyclic cavitand cucurbituril a 2:1 cluster/cucurbituril adduct , a discrete supramolecule consisting of five independent molecular units. In the solid it crystallizes as a salt of very rare anion [SbCl6]3, with the stoichiometry {[W3(SbCl3)S4(H2O)6Cl3]2(C36H36N24O12)}(SbCl6)2/3·12H2O (2). (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004) [source]

Kv1 currents mediate a gradient of principal neuron excitability across the tonotopic axis in the rat lateral superior olive

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 2 2004
Margaret Barnes-Davies
Abstract Principal neurons of the lateral superior olive (LSO) detect interaural intensity differences by integration of excitatory projections from ipsilateral bushy cells and inhibitory inputs from the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body. The intrinsic membrane currents active around firing threshold will form an important component of this binaural computation. Whole cell patch recording in an in vitro brain slice preparation was employed to study conductances regulating action potential (AP) firing in principal neurons. Current-clamp recordings from different neurons showed two types of firing pattern on depolarization, one group fired only a single initial AP and had low input resistance while the second group fired multiple APs and had a high input resistance. Under voltage-clamp, single-spiking neurons showed significantly higher levels of a dendrotoxin-sensitive, low threshold potassium current (ILT). Block of ILT by dendrotoxin-I allowed single-spiking cells to fire multiple APs and indicated that this current was mediated by Kv1 channels. Both neuronal types were morphologically similar and possessed similar amounts of the hyperpolarization-activated nonspecific cation conductance (Ih). However, single-spiking cells predominated in the lateral limb of the LSO (receiving low frequency sound inputs) while multiple-firing cells dominated the medial limb. This functional gradient was mirrored by a medio-lateral distribution of Kv1.1 immunolabelling. We conclude that Kv1 channels underlie the gradient of LSO principal neuron firing properties. The properties of single-spiking neurons would render them particularly suited to preserving timing information. [source]

Alkoxy-5-nitrosopyrimidines: Useful Building Block for the Generation of Biologically Active Compounds

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 20 2010
Antonio Marchal
Abstract Several alkoxy-5-nitrosopyrimidines were synthesised and high regioselective and sequential nucleophilic aromatic substitution of methoxy groups in 2-amino-4,6-dimethoxy-5-nitrosopyrimidine was observed. The approach was applied to the synthesis of valuable polyfunctionalised aminopyrimidines capable of mimicking fused heterobicyclic derivatives of biological interest. In addition, new compounds were evaluated as antivirals and their usefulness as synthetic intermediates was demonstrated. [source]

Synthesis of an Enantiomerically Pure Building Block for the Synthesis of Hydroporphyrins,

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2007
Genevieve Etornam Adukpo
Abstract The enantiomerically pure pyrrolidine diester 4 is a useful building block for the synthesis of chiral hydroporphyrin compounds. Treatment of optically active aromatic amines with bislactone 5 gave pairs of N -alkylated lactam-lactone diastereomers 6 and 8. These diastereomers were separated by MPL chromatography and in the case of 8 they could be debenzylated to yield the enantiomerically pure lactam-lactone 7 and its enantiomer. The (,)-lactam-lactone enantiomer 7 was further transformed into building block 4.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007) [source]

The cross-cultural generalizability of personality types: a Philippine study

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 6 2005
Tatyana V. Avdeyeva
Abstract Research on personality types was extended to a non-Western culture, the Philippines. In two large samples of Filipino college students, cluster analyses of self-rated trait adjectives revealed interpretable three-cluster solutions (i.e. types) for each gender. The types differed on indigenous measures of ego resiliency and ego control and exhibited sensible configurations of Big Five traits, indigenous Filipino traits, and behavioural indicators. Most types were interpretable in terms of the concepts of ego resiliency and ego control of Block and Block (1980) and resembled types identified in other cultures. Two of three male and female types were fairly comparable and some types replicated across data sets. The results provided some support for the cross-cultural comparability of personality types and for typological research in general. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Engineering Nanoparticle Cluster Arrays for Bacterial Biosensing: The Role of the Building Block in Multiscale SERS Substrates

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 16 2010
Linglu Yang
Abstract Noble metal nanoparticle cluster arrays (NCAs) are a novel class of engineered substrates for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), in which the noble metal nanoparticles interact on multiple length scales to create a multiscale E-field cascade enhancement. In this work the role of the building block for the NCA performance is quantified. Periodic NCAs with constant cluster diameter (D = 200 nm) but variable nanoparticle diameter (d) and intercluster separation (,) were assembled on glass and their optical response and SERS enhancement were systematically characterized as a function of D, ,, and d. An increase of d from 40 to 80 nm and simultaneous decrease of , from 200 to 50 nm led to an improvement of the ensemble averaged SERS enhancement factor by a factor of up to ,8. The coefficient of variation (cv) of the enhancement factors (G) is significantly lower for the d = 80 nm NCAs than for the d = 40 nm and d = 60 nm NCAs. Optimized (D = 200 nm, , = 50 nm, d = 80 nm) NCAs show the overall highest signal reproducibility of all investigated NCAs and random nanoparticle substrates and achieve effective single cell detection sensitivity. [source]

Ophiolite-bearing mélanges in southern Italy

GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2009
Luigi Tortorici
Abstract In southern Italy two ophiolite-bearing belts, respectively involved in the Adria-verging southern Apennines and in the Europe-verging thrust belt of the northern Calabrian Arc, represent the southward extension of the northern Apennines and of ,Alpine Corsica' ophiolitic units, respectively. They form two distinct suture zones, which are characterized by different age of emplacement and opposite sense of tectonic transport. The ophiolite-bearing units of the southern Apennines are represented by broken formation and tectonic mélange associated with remnants of a well-developed accretionary wedge emplaced on top of the Adria continental margin, with an overall NE direction of tectonic transport. These units consist of a Cretaceous-Oligocene matrix, which includes blocks of continental-type rocks and ophiolites with remnants of their original Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous pelagic cover. The innermost portion of the accretionary wedge is represented by a polymetamorphosed and polydeformed tectonic units that underwent a Late Oligocene high pressure/low temperature (HP/LT) metamorphism. The northern Calabria ophiolitic-belt is indeed composed of west-verging tectonic slices of oceanic rocks which, embedded between platform carbonate units of a western continental margin at the bottom and the basement crystalline nappes of the Calabrian Arc at the top, are affected by a Late Eocene-Early Oligocene HP/LT metamorphism. The main tectonic features of these two suture zones suggest that they can be interpreted as the result of the closure of two branches of the western Neotethys separated by a continental block that includes the crystalline basement rocks of the Calabrian Arc. We thus suggest that the north-east verging southern Apennine suture constituted by a well-developed accretionary wedge is the result of the closure of a large Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous oceanic domain (the Ligurian Ocean) located between the African (the Adria Block) and European continental margins. The northern Calabria suture derives indeed from the deformation of a very narrow oceanic-floored basin developed during the Mesozoic rifting stages within the European margin separating a small continental ribbon (Calabrian Block) from the main continent. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Tectonic deformation of the Indochina Peninsula recorded in the Mesozoic palaeomagnetic results

GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2009
Kazuhiro Takemoto
SUMMARY In order to describe features of tectonic deformation in the Indochina Peninsula, Early Jurassic to Early Cretaceous red sandstones were sampled at three localities in the Shan-Thai and Indochina blocks. Stepwise thermal treatment of most samples revealed the presence of characteristic remanent magnetization, which is generally unblocked by 680 °C. This component from Phong Saly (21.6°N, 101.9°E) and Borikhanxay (18.5°N, 103.8°E) localities yield positive fold tests with Late Jurassic,Early Cretaceous directions of Dec/Inc = 28.8°/32.1° (ks= 15.4, ,95= 8.8°, N= 22) and Dec/Inc = 42.1°/46.9° (ks= 20.1, ,95= 7.9°, N= 18), respectively. Additionally, a syn-folding mid-Cretaceous characteristic magnetization is observed in the samples of Muang Phin locality (16.5°N, 106.1°E), which gave a mean direction of Dec/Inc = 30.8°/39.9°, k= 102.6, ,95= 3.0°, N= 23. This reliable Late Jurassic to Mid-Cretaceous palaeomagnetic directions from three different localities are incorporated into a palaeomagnetic database for Shan-Thai and Indochina blocks. Based on these compilations, tectonic deformation of the Shan-Thai and Indochina blocks is summarized as follows: (1) the Shan-Thai and Indochina blocks experienced a clockwise rotation of about 10° as a composite unit in the early stage of India,Asia collision and (2) following this, the Shan-Thai Block underwent an internal tectonic deformation, whereas the Indochina Block behaved as a rigid tectonic unit during the same period. Comparison of our palaeomagnetic results with seismic tomographic images suggests that the strength of continental lithosphere beneath these blocks played an important role in the process of deformation rather than any other tectonic regime. In contrast to the Shan-Thai Block, an existence of continental roots beneath the Indochina Block prevented its internal deformation. [source]

Tectonic deformation around the eastern Himalayan syntaxis: constraints from the Cretaceous palaeomagnetic data of the Shan-Thai Block

GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2008
Kenji Tanaka
SUMMARY Lower to Middle Cretaceous red sandstones were sampled at four localities in the Lanpin-Simao fold belt of the Shan-Thai Block to describe its regional deformational features. Most of the samples revealed a characteristic remanent magnetization with unblocking temperatures around 680 °C. Primary natures of magnetization are ascertained through positive fold test. A tilt-corrected formation-mean direction for the Jingdong (24.5°N, 100.8°E) locality, which is located at a distance of 25 km from the Ailaoshan,Red River Fault, revealed northerly declination with steep inclination (Dec./Inc. = 8.3°/48.8°, ,95= 7.7°, N= 13). However, mean directions obtained from the Zhengyuan (24.0°N, 101.1°E), West Zhengyuan (24.0°N, 101.1°E) and South Mengla (21.4°N, 101.6°E) localities indicate an easterly deflection in declination; such as Dec./Inc. = 61.8°/46.1°, ,95= 8.1° (N= 7), Dec./Inc. = 324.2°/,49.4°, ,95= 6.4° (N= 4) and Dec./Inc. = 51.2°/46.4°, ,95= 5.6° (N= 13), respectively. The palaeomagnetic directions obtained from these four localities are incorporated into a palaeomagnetic database for the Shan-Thai Block. When combined with geological, geochronological and GPS data, the processes of deformation in the Shan-Thai Block is described as follows: Subsequent to its rigid block clockwise rotation of about 20° in the early stage of India,Asia collision, the Shan-Thai Block experienced a coherent but southward displacement along the Red River Fault prior to 32 Ma. This block was then subjected to a north,south compressive stresses during the 32,27 Ma period, which played a key role in shaping the structure of Chongshan-Lancang-Chiang Mai Belt. Following this some local clockwise rotational motion has occurred during the Pliocene-Quaternary time in central part of the Shan-Thai Block as a result of internal block movements along the reactivated network of faults. [source]

IL23R haplotypes provide a large population attributable risk for Crohn's disease

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 9 2008
Kent D. Taylor PhD
Abstract Background: The IL-23 pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of chronic mucosal inflammation seen in the inflammatory bowel diseases. Multiple studies have now established the contribution of the interleukin 23 receptor gene (IL23R) to Crohn's disease (CD) risk in general and of the IL23R R381Q variant in particular. The aim of this work was to estimate the total contribution of this gene to CD risk test using a haplotype approach. Methods: In all, 763 CD subjects and 254 controls were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL23R gene using Illumina and ABI methods. Haplotypes were assigned using PHASEv2 and tested for association with CD by chi-square and permutation. Results: Haplotypes with both increased and decreased risk for CD were observed in 2 of the 4 observed blocks (Block 2 H1: 55.4% control, 64% CD, P = 0.019; H2: 64.5% control, 54.4% CD, P = 0.006; Block 3 H1: 55.8% control, 64.4% CD, P = 0.013; H2: 47.0% control, 36.6% CD, P = 0.001). The population attributable risk for these haplotypes was substantially larger than that estimated for the IL23R R381Q variant (Block 2 H1 and block 3 H1 ,20%, compared with ,4% for Block 3 H6, containing the variant). Conclusions: These observations suggest that IL23R makes a substantial contribution to CD susceptibility, larger than that estimated from the population frequency of the R381Q variant. These observations also support the expectation that finding "hits" from genomewide association studies will be but an important chapter in the story of unraveling the genetic contribution to CD, rather than the final chapter that brings clarity to all the plot twists of a complicated story. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008) [source]

The Israeli,Palestinian Road Block: Can Europeans Make a Difference?

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, Issue 2 2004
Rosemary Hollis
Europe needs a resolution of the Israeli,Palestinian conflict for the sake of its own social harmony, and could reconfigure the calculations of the parties by inviting Israel to integrate into Europe's social, economic and security space in return for withdrawal from the West Bank, Gaza and Arab East Jerusalem. The idea would be to capitalize on the drive for separation that prevails in Israel and abandon an unrealistic policy that requires the Arabs to integrate Israel in the region. It is also time for Europe to face up to its own role in the problem and the solution, and demonstrate that anti-Semitism does not influence its policy. [source]

Stochastic rationality and Möbius inverse

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC THEORY, Issue 3 2005
Antoine Billot
C71; D46; D63 Discrete choice theory is very much dominated by the paradigm of the maximization of a random utility, thus implying that the probability of choosing an alternative in a given set is equal to the sum of the probabilities of all the rankings for which this alternative comes first. This property is called stochastic rationality. In turn, the choice probability system is said to be stochastically rationalizable if and only if the Block,Marschak polynomials are all nonnegative. In the present paper, we show that each particular Block,Marschak polynomial can be defined as the probability that the decision-maker faces the loss in flexibility generated by the fact that a particular alternative has been deleted from the choice set. [source]

Block-based fine granularity scalable video coding with optimized rate allocation for content-aware streaming

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMAGING SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 6 2003
Yuwen He
Abstract This article proposes a novel block-based fine granularity scalable (FGS) video coding structure with optimized rate allocation for content-aware streaming, which is more flexible than MPEG-4 FGS specified in the streaming profile of MPEG-4 standard (IS-14496). In MPEG-4 FGS streaming, rate allocation can only be based on frame because MBs' compressed data are interlaced between bit-planes. However in the proposed coding structure, every MB's data are independent; therefore, streaming server can allocate bits according to content's importance, and the quality of those regions of interest is enhanced selectively with more bits allocated. In this way, the streaming server can have a differentiated delivery strategy to support a personalized streaming service considering user's preference. But the uniform rate allocation of proposed block-based FGS coding will result in a greater loss of coding efficiency than that of MPEG-4 FGS within a quite wide bit-rate range. An optimized and fast rate allocation method according to block's rate-distortion is proposed to solve this critical issue. And the coding efficiency is improved successfully, which can be comparable with MPEG-4 FGS coding and is even better up to 0.5 dB, with some sequences at medium bit-rates. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol 13, 322,330, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ima.10066 [source]

Late Cretaceous-Cenozoic exhumation of the Yanji area, northeast China: Constraints from fission-track thermochronology

ISLAND ARC, Issue 1 2010
Xiaoming Li
Abstract 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. [source]

Role of southeastern Sanandaj,Sirjan Zone in the tectonic evolution of Zagros Orogenic Belt, Iran

ISLAND ARC, Issue 4 2009
Ramin Arfania
Abstract Geological studies indicate that the southeastern Sanandaj,Sirjan Zone, located in the southeastern Zagros Orogenic Belt, is subdivided transversally into the Esfahan,Sirjan Block with typical Central Iranian stratigraphic features and the Shahrekord,Dehsard Terrane consisting of Paleozoic and Lower Mesozoic metamorphic rocks. The Main Deep Fault (Abadeh Fault) is a major lithospheric fault separating the two parts. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the role of the southeastern Sanandaj,Sirjan Zone in the tectonic evolution of the southeastern Zagros Orogenic Belt on the basis of geological evidence. The new model implies that Neo-Tethys 1 came into being when the Central Iran Microcontinent split from the northeastern margin of Gondwana during the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian. During the Late Triassic a new spreading ridge, Neo-Tethys 2, was created to separate the Shahrekord,Dehsard Terrane from Afro,Arabian Plate. The Zagros sedimentary basin was formed on a continental passive margin, southwest of Neo-Tethys 2. The two ophiolitic belts of Naien,Shahrebabak,Baft and Neyriz were developed to the northeast of Neo-Tethys 1 and southwest of Neo-Tethys 2 respectively, related to the sinking of the lithosphere of the Neo-Tethys 1 in the Late Cretaceous. It can be concluded that deposition of the Paleocene conglomerate on the Central Iran Microcontinent and Pliocene conglomerate in the Zagros Sedimentary Basin is directly linked to the uplift generated by collision. [source]

Absence of Archean basement in the South Kunlun Block: Nd-Sr-O isotopic evidence from granitoids

ISLAND ARC, Issue 1 2003
Chao Yuan
Abstract The West Kunlun mountain range along the northwestern margin of the Tibetan Plateau is crucial in understanding the early tectonic history of the region. It can be divided into the North and South Kunlun Blocks, of which the former is considered to be part of the Tarim Craton, whereas consensus was not reached on the nature and origin of the South Kunlun Block. Samples were collected from the 471 Ma Yirba Pluton, the 405 Ma North Kudi Pluton and the 214 Ma Arkarz Shan Intrusive Complex. These granitoids cover approximately 60% of the Kudi area in the South Kunlun Block. Sr, Nd, and O isotope compositions preclude significant involvement of mantle-derived magma in the genesis of these granitoids; therefore, they can be used to decipher the nature of lower,mid crust in the area. All samples give Mesoproterozoic Nd model ages (1.1,1.5 Ga) similar to those of the exposed metamorphic complex of this block but significantly different from those of the basement of the North Kunlun Block (2.8 Ga). This indicates that the South Kunlun Block does not have an Archean basement, and, thus, does not support the microcontinent model that suggests the South Kunlun Block was a microcontinent once separated from and later collided back with the North Kunlun Block. [source]

The synthesis of block copolyetherketones based on 4,4,-dichlorodiphenylketone, phenolphthaleine, and bisphenol A and investigation of their properties

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2008
S. Ozden
Abstract Block structured polyethers based on phenolphthaleine, 4,4,-dichlorodiphenylketone, and bisphenol A with different degrees condensation (n = 1, 5, 10, and 20) were synthesized by means of acceptor-catalytic polycondensation. Equaimolar quantities of chloranhydrides of iso- and terephthalic acids were used. Higher molecular masses were obtained from longer oligoketones with higher condensation degrees. Better molecular packing, increased thermal and mechanical properties were obtained with higher condensation degrees of oligoketones. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. JAppl Polym Sci, 2008 [source]

The Surface Electrocardiogram Predicts Risk of Heart Block During Right Heart Catheterization in Patients With Preexisting Left Bundle Branch Block: Implications for the Definition of Complete Left Bundle Branch Block

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 7 2010
BENZY J. PADANILAM M.D.
LBBB and Heart Block.,Background: Patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) undergoing right heart catheterization can develop complete heart block (CHB) or right bundle branch block (RBBB) in response to right bundle branch (RBB) trauma. We hypothesized that LBBB patients with an initial r wave (,1 mm) in lead V1 have intact left to right ventricular septal (VS) activation suggesting persistent conduction over the left bundle branch. Trauma to the RBB should result in RBBB pattern rather than CHB in such patients. Methods: Between January 2002 and February 2007, we prospectively evaluated 27 consecutive patients with LBBB developing either CHB or RBBB during right heart catheterization. The prevalence of an r wave ,1 mm in lead V1 was determined using 118 serial LBBB electrocardiographs (ECGs) from our hospital database. Results: Catheter trauma to the RBB resulted in CHB in 18 patients and RBBB in 9 patients. All 6 patients with ,1 mm r wave in V1 developed RBBB. Among these 6 patients q wave in lead I, V5, or V6 were present in 3. Four patients (3 in CHB group and 1 in RBBB group) developed spontaneous CHB during a median follow-up of 61 months. V1 q wave ,1 mm was present in 28% of hospitalized complete LBBB patients. Conclusions: An initial r wave of ,1 mm in lead V1 suggests intact left to right VS activation and identifies LBBB patients at low risk of CHB during right heart catheterization. These preliminary findings indicate that an initial r wave of ,1 mm in lead V1, present in approximately 28% of ECGs with classically defined LBBB, may constitute a new exclusion criterion when defining complete LBBB. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. pp. 781-785, July 2010) [source]

Paroxysmal High-Grade Atrioventricular Block and Syncope in a Previously Healthy Child: What is the Mechanism?

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5 2010
RONALD J. KANTER M.D.
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Cardiac Calsequestrin: The New Kid on the Block in Arrhythmias

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 10 2009
NAGESH CHOPRA M.D.
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a rare inherited disease characterized by physical or emotional stress-induced ventricular arrhythmias in the absence of any structural heart disease or QT prolongation. Thus far, mutations in genes encoding the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel (RYR2) and the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ binding protein cardiac calsequestrin (CASQ2) have been identified in CPVT patients. Here, we review the role of cardiac calsequestrin in health and disease, with a particular focus on how calsequestrin deficiency can cause arrhythmia susceptibility. Clinical implications and a promising new drug therapy for CPVT are discussed. [source]