The Hyden Fault Scarp, Western Australia: Paleoseismic Evidence for Repeated Quaternary Displacement in an Intracratonic Setting

We present new paleoseismicity data for the 30 km long and 2.5 m high Hyden fault scarp in Western Australia, which, when combined with the results of previous research, provides the most extensive record of surface-rupturing earthquakes yet assembled for an 'active' Australian intracratonic fault. The data indicate that four to five surface-rupturing earthquakes have occurred on the Hyden Fault during the Quaternary (E1, ca 20 ka; E2, ca 55 - 50 ka; E3, ca 100 - 90 ka; and two events E4 and E5, 4200 ka). Activity is episodic, with single seismic cycle slip rates varying from 0.03 mm/y to 50.01 mm/y. Paleoearthquake magnitudes are estimated to have been in the order of Mw 6.8. The identification of a similar fault scarp immediately north west of the Hyden scarp, and of two air photo lineaments to the west of the Hyden scarp, indicates that strain is distributed among a family of faults in this region. The presence of multiple nearby active faults suggests that the recurrence of severe ground shaking in the Hyden region is more frequent than indicated by the paleoseismic data presented here

Massage Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Dose-Finding Trial

In a previous trial of massage for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, we demonstrated feasibility, safety and possible efficacy, with benefits that persisted at least 8 weeks beyond treatment termination.We performed a RCT to identify the optimal dose of massage within an 8-week treatment regimen and to further examine durability of response. Participants were 125 adults with OA of the knee, randomized to one of four 8-week regimens of a standardized Swedish massage regimen (30 or 60 min weekly or biweekly) or to a Usual Care control. Outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog pain scale, range of motion, and time to walk 50 feet, assessed at baseline, 8-, 16-, and 24-weeks.WOMAC Global scores improved significantly (24.0 points, 95% CI ranged from 15.3-32.7) in the 60-minute massage groups compared to Usual Care (6.3 points, 95% CI 0.1-12.8) at the primary endpoint of 8-weeks. WOMAC subscales of pain and functionality, as well as the visual analog pain scale also demonstrated significant improvements in the 60-minute doses compared to usual care. No significant differences were seen in range of motion at 8-weeks, and no significant effects were seen in any outcome measure at 24-weeks compared to usual care. A dose-response curve based on WOMAC Global scores shows increasing effect with greater total time of massage, but with a plateau at the 60-minute/week dose.Given the superior convenience of a once-weekly protocol, cost savings, and consistency with a typical real-world massage protocol, the 60-minute once weekly dose was determined to be optimal, establishing a standard for future trials.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00970008

Thermoluminescence dating of dune podzols at Cape Arnhem, northern Australia

Quaternary lithostratigraphic units in coastal dunes have been dated at two locations in the dune fields near Cape Arnhem, northern Australia, using coarse fraction thermoluminescence (TL) dating. Fifteen TL dates were measured, Five main chronostratigraphic units were identified which include a late Pleistocene unit (ca. 19,000 yr), an early Holocene unit (ca. 9000-6500 yr), a mid Holocene unit (ca. 4000 yr) and two late Holocene units (ca. 2100 yr and ca. 1000 yr). These, respectively, have been associated with the deflation of exposed shelf sediments during the last glacial, the disturbance of this material by rising sea level, and climatic variations in the late Holocene

Effects of sugar-sweetened and sugar-free cocoa on endothelial function in overweight adults

Studies of cocoa suggest an array of cardiovascular benefits; however, the effects of daily intake of sugar-free and sugar-sweetened cocoa beverages on endothelial function (EF) have yet to be established

30- and 60-Minute Massage Protocols.

<p>*Accounting for time spent in transition including the welcome, transition to the massage room, taking off jewelry, and other preparatory activities.</p

Changes in outcomes at 24-weeks post-baseline.

<p>Values are mean with 95% confidence intervals; negative values indicate improvement.</p

Demographic Characteristics and Baseline Values.

<p>Values are mean ± SD except otherwise stated.</p