bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrence of Ewing sarcomas of the chest wall
Authors: Meys Karlijn M.E. , Heinen Richard C. , van den Berg Henk , Aronson Daniel C.
Published: August 2008

Background

Ewing sarcomas (ES) of the chest wall are rare. Local recurrences occur in approximately 20% of these patients; however literature on this topic is scarce. Our aim was to analyze the influence of the extent of surgical resection on outcome, and to find positive prognostic factors for survival.

Procedure

A retrospective analysis of all patients who were under 18 and treated between 1977 and 2006 for Ewing sarcoma of the chest wall was performed.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients with ES were diagnosed at our institution; 14 males and 13 females. Twenty‐three patients underwent local resection, which was complete in 13. Nine patients had a wide resection, including more ribs than just the affected one. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 14/27 patients. Recurrence was observed in 13 patients: local recurrence (LR) and distant metastasis (DM) both in 7. One of the patients had both LR and DM. All patients with LR and two patients with DM only died of disease. Overall survival after 10 and 20 years was 73% and 47%, respectively. Complete resection, wide resection, gender, or age were no significant factors affecting outcome.

Conclusions

Relapse carries a high mortality risk and none of the patients with LR eventually survived. Wide resection of at least a complete normal adjacent rib above and below the thoracic wall tumor as a fixed rule seems unnecessary. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:765–767. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transient myelodysplastic syndrome in X‐linked agammaglobulinemia with a novel Btk mutation
Authors: Narula Gaurav , Currimbhoy Zinet
Published: August 2008

X‐linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a rare disorder in which recurrent infections occur due to low serum globulins and circulating B lymphocytes caused by a mutation in the Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) gene. While myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) associated with low B lymphocyte counts has been described, clonal cytogenetic abnormalities in confirmed cases of XLA have never been reported. We describe a case of XLA with a novel Btk mutation who also had a persistent clonal population in the bone marrow with abnormal cytogenetics in multiple chromosomes that resolved 1½ years after treatment with IVIG, mimicking a picture of transient MDS. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:826–828. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relative red blood cell enzyme levels as a clue to the diagnosis of pyruvate kinase deficiency
Authors: Titapiwatanakun Ruetima , Hoyer James D. , Crain Karen , Arndt Carola A.S.
Published: August 2008

Evaluation of two patients with transfusion dependent anemia revealed RBC pyruvate kinase to be 33% and 41% of the mean normal value, with normal or high values of other RBC enzymes. Parental PK activities were just below normal in three of four of the parents. Subsequent DNA analysis revealed both patients to be compound heterozygotes for PKLR gene mutations, two of which are previously undescribed. Borderline low pyruvate kinase activities with increased in other RBC enzyme activities should prompt consideration of measurement of parental enzyme activities, and confirmation by DNA analysis if available. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:819–821. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk prediction of fever in neutropenia in children with cancer: A step towards individually tailored supportive therapy?
Authors: Wicki Silvia , Keisker André , Aebi Christoph , Leibundgut Kurt , Hirt Andreas , Ammann Roland A.
Published: August 2008

Background

Fever in severe chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia (FN) is the most frequent manifestation of a potentially lethal complication of current intensive chemotherapy regimens. This study aimed at establishing models predicting the risk of FN, and of FN with bacteremia, in pediatric cancer patients.

Methods

In a single‐centre cohort study, characteristics potentially associated with FN and episodes of FN were retrospectively extracted from charts. Poisson regression accounting for chemotherapy exposure time was used for analysis. Prediction models were constructed based on a derivation set of two thirds of observations, and validated based on the remaining third of observations.

Results

In 360 pediatric cancer patients diagnosed and treated for a cumulative chemotherapy exposure time of 424 years, 629 FN were recorded (1.48 FN per patient per year, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.37–1.61), 145 of them with bacteremia (23% of FN; 0.34; 0.29–0.40). More intensive chemotherapy, shorter time since diagnosis, bone marrow involvement, central venous access device (CVAD), and prior FN were significantly and independently associated with a higher risk to develop both FN and FN with bacteremia. The prediction models explained more than 30% of the respective risks.

Conclusions

The two models predicting FN and FN with bacteremia were based on five easily accessible clinical variables. Before clinical application, they need to be validated by prospective studies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:778–783. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Response to mercaptopurine for refractory autoimmune cytopenias in children
Authors: Sobota Amy , Neufeld Ellis J. , Lapsia Sameer , Bennett Carolyn M.
Published: August 2008

Background

Several treatment strategies are available for children with severe immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and other immune cytopenias refractory to initial therapies. 6‐Mercaptopurine (6MP) is one option, however it has not been well studied in children, especially as a single agent, and no pediatric case series have been reported since 1970.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed the experience at our institution over 8 years, using 6MP as a steroid sparing treatment for children with ITP, auto‐immune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) or Evans syndrome. A total of 29 pediatric patients were treated with 6MP from 2000 to 2007.

Results

Response was defined as a rise in hemoglobin by at least 1.5 g/dl and to a level of 10 g/dl or greater in patients treated for anemia, or a platelet count ≥50 × 109/L in patients treated for thrombocytopenia. We found an overall response rate of 83% among all patients. Fourteen percent of patients stopped drug because of side effects.

Conclusions

These results suggest that 6MP can be an effective single‐agent treatment for refractory immune cytopenias in children. Prospective studies are warranted to determine long‐term efficacy and toxicity and to more clearly define patient populations most likely to respond. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:80–84. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current drug treatments for hypo‐ and hyperthyroidism
Authors: Weetman Anthony
Published: August 2008

Both hypo‐ and hyperthyroidism are common disorders and drug therapies are the usual first choice of treatment. Our Drug review discusses the currently available drug treatments, followed by sources of further information in Resources. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Grazax: sublingual immunotherapy for grass pollen allergy
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Durham Stephen
Published: August 2008

Grazax is a novel sublingual formulation of grass pollen allergen for the treatment of hay fever in adults. In our Drugs in focus review Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects, and Professor Stephen Durham comments on its place in therapy. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Oral contraception: types, suitability and considerations
Authors: MacGregor Anne
Published: August 2008

Oral contraceptives offer women a safe, reliable and intercourse‐independent form of contraception, often with associated health benefits. Our Drug review considers both combined and progestogen‐only pills, their efficacy and associated benefits and risks, followed by a review of prescription data and resources. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Switching to generics: always a cost‐effective option?
Authors: Solanki Tarun
Published: August 2008

Dr Solanki provides three case studies where patients were switched to generic alendronic acid to demonstrate that switching programmes can be unsafe and prove a false economy Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Fabrication and electrical and photosensitive properties of silicon nanowire p–n homojunctions
Authors: Fang Guojia , Cheng Yanzhao , Ai Lei , Li Chun , He Jun , Wang Chong , Huang Huihui , Yuan Longyan , Zhao Xingzhong
Published: August 2008

Graded silicon nanowire (SiNW) p–n homojunctions were prepared by an electroless metal deposition method on as‐prepared planar Si p–n junctions made by the B+ diffusion method. The nanowire p–n junctions show good rectifying behavior and their turn‐on voltages (0.78 V at room temperature) are found to be independent of the nanowire length. Temperature‐dependent current–voltage properties in the range of 223–363 K were investigated and we demonstrated that the turn‐on voltage decreases from 0.87 V to 0.60 V and the ideality factor n reduces from 8.5 to 3.5 with increasing operating temperature. The results comply very well with the existing p–n junction electron transport mechanism. The potential barrier of a typical SiNW p–n junction obtained through capacitance–voltage measurement accords with its turn‐on voltage. Through I –V and C –V measurements, the nanowire homojunction shows good sensitivity toward visible light and a responsivity of 1.39 A/W under a 5 V reverse bias was obtained. These results present potential applications in future nano‐electronic and photonic devices based on SiNW p–n homojunction arrays. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chemical bath deposition of CdSe and CdS nanocrystalline films: tailoring of morphology, optical properties and carrier dynamics
Authors: Němec P. , Šimurda M. , Němec I. , Formánek P. , Němcová Y. , Sprinzl D. , Trojánek F. , Malý P.
Published: August 2008

We review the results of our research towards tailoring morphology and optical properties of films consisting of closely‐spaced nanocrystals of CdSe and CdS whose optical band‐gap can be tuned to cover the whole visible spectral range. On basis of the obtained results, in particular of photoexcited carrier dynamics, we have proposed a microscopic model that describes well the optical properties of the films. We have also showed that the spin relaxation of electrons in these nanocrystalline films is different than that in mutually isolated nanocrystals of the same size. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of the electrical properties of calcium‐substituted Li–Zn ferrite
Authors: Sattar A. A. , El‐Sayed H. M. , Agami W. R.
Published: August 2008

Temperature and composition dependence of the dc resistivity (ρdc) and thermoelectric power (α) of Li0.3–0.5x Zn0.4Cax Fe2.3–0.5x O4 ferrites (x = 0.0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.05), prepared by the standard ceramic method, have been studied. The behavior of both ρdc and α with temperature support the electron hopping conduction mechanism in the ferrimagnetic phase while the band mechanism dominates in the paramagnetic phase. Moreover, it was found that both ρdc and α decrease with increasing x up to x = 0.02 and then increase. The frequency and composition dependence of ε ′, ε ″ and ρac are found to support Koops's model. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Thermal and nonthermal factors affecting the quantum efficiency of deep‐ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Guo H. , Yang Y. , Cao X. A.
Published: August 2008

The optical characteristics of AlGaN‐based multiple‐quantum‐well (MQW) light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) with peak wavelengths ranging from 265–340 nm were characterized over a wide current range. It was found that thermal effects due to self‐heating can be largely eliminated by pulsing the LEDs with a duty cycle below 0.2%. The current‐induced energy shift up to 850 A/cm2 was negligible in the deep‐UV LEDs, indicating the lack of localization effects. The quantum efficiency of the LEDs increased monotonically at low currents and attained a low saturated value at high currents. This is in contrast to the efficiency rolloff behavior of typical InGaN‐based LEDs resulting from carrier delocalization at high injection levels. The efficiency saturation of the deep‐UV LEDs suggests that defects play an important role in both carrier injection and recombination processes. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Substrate influence on MPCVD boron‐doped homoepitaxial diamond
Authors: Habka Nada , Pinault Marie‐Amandine , Mer Christine , Jomard François , Barjon Julien , Nesladek Milos , Bergonzo Philippe
Published: August 2008

We report a study of boron‐doped diamond epilayers grown on (100) HPHT diamond substrates by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) in simultaneous or successive runs. The structural and crystalline quality of the samples have been investigated by several techniques. The profiles performed by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) show the homogeneity in depth of the boron concentration in all layers. Cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy indicates state‐of‐the‐art epilayers. The substrate misorientation angles have been investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Confocal micro‐Raman mapping of the full width at half‐maximum of the 1332 cm–1 diamond line was also preformed on all substrates. It evidences crystalline inhomogeneities that are known to be growth sectors. We show a relation between the epilayer surface morphology, observed by Nomarski optical microscopy, and the substrate crystallinity. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fullerene C60 and hybrid C60/Ti films as substrates for adhesion and growth of bone cells
Authors: Vandrovcova Marta , Vacik Jiri , Svorcik Vaclav , Slepicka Petr , Kasalkova Nikola , Vorlicek Vladimir , Lavrentiev Vasily , Vosecek Vaclav , Grausova Lubica , Lisa Vera , Bacakova Lucie
Published: August 2008

Thin films of fullerenes C60, Ti or binary C60/Ti composites (ratio C60 versus Ti 1:1) were deposited on microscopic glass coverslips in a continuous or micropatterned form. The latter was created using a metallic mask with rectangular openings, and contained prominences from 108 ± 2 nm to 362 ± 5 nm in height. Some micropatterned C60 and C60/Ti films were irradiated with Au+ ions (energy 1.8 MeV, fluence 2 × 1014 cm–2), which led to the conversion of some C60 molcules into amorphous carbon (a‐C). The films were then seeded with human osteoblast‐like MG 63 cells (∼17,000 cells/cm2). One and 3 days after seeding, the cells reached numbers which were usually similar or even higher in comparison with the values on control glass coverslips and standard cell culture polystyrene dishes. On micropatterned layers, the cells adhered and grew preferentially in grooves among the prominences (∼57% to 90% of cells). On day 3 after seeding, this preferential colonization of the grooves disappeared in the ion‐irradiated layers, which could be explained by a conversion of C60 into amorphous carbon and increased hydrophilia of the layer. Thus, all tested films gave good support to the adhesion and growth of bone‐derived MG 63 cells. In addition, microstructured C60 and C60/Ti films containing prominences and grooves on their surface could be applied for regionally‐selective cell adhesion and directed growth of cells. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transparent diamond‐on‐glass micro‐electrode arrays for ex‐vivo neuronal study
Authors: Bonnauron M. , Saada S. , Mer C. , Gesset C. , Williams O. A. , Rousseau L. , Scorsone E. , Mailley P. , Nesladek M. , Arnault J.‐C. , Bergonzo P.
Published: August 2008

We report on the fabrication of high aspect ratio diamond Micro Electrode Arrays (MEAs) grown on silicon as well as on glass substrates using an optimised nanoseeding technique and Bias Enhanced Nucleation (BEN). Such MEA systems combine high electrode reactivity and high electrical current injection limits with resiliency, biocompatibility and optical transparency of diamond surfaces. We present the technological steps for the fabrication of 2D as well as 3D diamond microelectrode arrays. The patterning issues involve the use of detonation nanodiamond particles (DND). (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tailoring WO3 thin layers using spray pyrolysis technique
Authors: Enesca A. , Duta A.
Published: August 2008

The deposition technique is responsible for the morphological and crystalline properties of the thin films obtained by spray pyrolysis. The influence of the deposition parameters on the WO3 films properties is presented. The main characterisation concerns the topography (AFM), crystalline parameters (XRD), surface tensions (contact angle) and opto‐electronic properties. Due to the changes on the deposition parameter, dense and porous WO3 films were obtained with radically different interface properties. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Imaging of uranium on rat brain sections using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: a new tool for the study of critical substructures affined to heavy metals in tissues
Authors: Becker J. Sabine , Dobrowolska Justina , Zoriy Miroslav , Matusch Andreas
Published: August 2008

The specific toxicity of trace metals and compounds largely depends on their bioavailability in different organs or compartments of the organism considered. Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) with a spatial resolution in the 100 µm range was developed and employed to study heavy metal distribution in brain tissues for toxicological screening. Rat brain post‐mortem tissues were stained in an aqueous solution of either uranium or neodymium (metal concentration 100 µg g−1) for 3 h. The incubation of heavy metal in thin slices of brain tissue is followed by an imaging mass spectrometric LA‐ICP‐MS technique. Stained rat brain tissue (thickness 30 µm) were scanned with a focused laser beam (wavelength 266 nm, diameter of laser crater 100 µm and laser power density 3 × 109 W cm−2). The ion intensities of 235U+, 238U+, 145Nd+ and 146Nd+ were measured by LA‐ICP‐MS within the ablated area. For quantification purposes, matrix‐matched laboratory standards were prepared by dosing each analyte to the pieces of homogenized brain tissue. Imaging LA‐ICP‐MS allows structures of interest to be identified and the relevant dose range to be estimated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of muscle‐ and scale‐derived δ13C and δ15N across three life‐history stages of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar
Authors: Sinnatamby R. Niloshini , Dempson J. Brian , Power Michael
Published: August 2008

Stable isotope signatures were obtained from paired scale and muscle tissue samples from smolt, post‐smolt and one‐sea‐winter adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Post‐smolt and adult scales were separated into central and outer (marine) portions with analyses carried out on the marine growth section of both life‐history stages and the central portion for the adult scales. Muscle and scale δ13C and δ15N signatures were assessed (1) to determine whether a linear relationship exists between tissue types, (2) to determine if a constant offset exists between tissue signatures across all life‐history stages, and (3) to evaluate whether underplating imparts a significant bias to life‐history scale segments that would preclude their use in retrospective analyses of any ontogenetic dietary changes between life‐history stages. Significant correlations were found to exist between muscle and scale stable isotope signatures obtained from smolts (δ13C and δ15N) and adults (δ15N). Both the muscle and the scale signatures captured the dietary shift associated with the transition from freshwater to the marine environment. Post‐smolt and adult scales were depleted relative to muscle tissue, which may be attributed to isotopic differences in amino acid composition between muscle and scale tissues. The results suggest that scales may better represent dietary carbon sources because they are not influenced by lipid dynamics. The scale, however, appears less responsive to short‐term shifts in diet relative to muscle and, therefore, must be used only to infer seasonally integrated dietary patterns for slow‐growing life‐history stages. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Availability of 15N from pioneer herbaceous plants to pine seedlings in reclaimed burnt soils
Authors: González‐Prieto S. J. , Villar M. C. , Carballas T.
Published: August 2008

A pot experiment was used to assess N uptake by pine seedlings during 2 years on a burnt soil to which was added 15N‐labelled ryegrass, obtained from a 15N‐enriched sample of this soil after a fire. The nitrogen concentration in needles, stems and roots of seedlings decreased significantly from the first to the second growing period (from 2.55, 1.30 and 2.19% to 1.19, 0.47 and 1.00%, respectively), with needles accounting for 53–58% of the pine‐N. At the end of the experiment, 98.87 ± 1.12% of the added ryegrass‐15N was recovered: two‐thirds in the soil organic N pool and one‐third in the pine seedlings. Therefore, the post‐fire pulse of inorganic‐N, which was successfully kept in the burnt soil‐plant system through its uptake by the pioneer species, is available for trees in the medium term. Pine seedlings assimilated 16.4% and 16.9% of the added ryegrass‐15N in the first and second year, respectively. This result contrasts with the usual yearly decrease of added N uptake by plants; a possible explanation is the transient increase of available N in burnt soils that would have modified the mineralization pattern of the 15N‐labelled phytomass. The pine‐N derived from the ryegrass‐N decreased from 4.05% in the first year to 2.53% in the second one, with 3.10% being the 2‐year weighed average. In addition to the direct contribution of ryegrass to pine‐N nutrition reflected by these figures, the rapid post‐fire establishment of a herbaceous cover on the burnt soil also provides important indirect benefits for tree nutrition by reducing organic‐ and inorganic‐N losses. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon isotope effects of DDTs in carrot during the digestion process using an in vitro test
Authors: Yu Yingxin , Lu Min , Jia Wanglu , Van de Wiele Tom , Han Shuyuan , Zhang Dongping , Wu Minghong , Sheng Guoying , Fu Jiamo
Published: August 2008

Compound‐specific carbon isotope ratio analysis is a promising tool to assess the origins and fates of organic contaminants in many fields. The present study aims to investigate the isotope effects of dichloro‐diphenyl‐trichloroethane (DDT) and its degradates in carrots during digestion processes simulating the human gastrointestinal tract. To accurately interpret isotopic data obtained for unreleased DDTs (p,p‐DDT, p,p‐DDD and p,p‐DDE) from carrots during digestion, spiked carrots with known δ13C values of DDTs were incubated in simulated gastric and intestinal solutions using a static in vitro model of the human gut. The δ13C values and concentrations of DDTs remaining in the carrot and in the digestive solutions were measured. The difference in the δ13C values of the added DDTs and the matrix‐bound DDTs after digestion was always <0.50‰, which is within the technical specification of the analytical system, although the released DDTs increased or decreased under the digestion conditions. The study demonstrated that there were no significant carbon isotopic fractionations during digestion. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the isotope effect of organic compounds during stomach and small intestine digestion, and the first reported isotope analyses of DDTs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust discrete‐time H∞ filtering with uncertain initial state
Authors: Foo Y. K.
Published: August 2008

We consider the problem of finite‐horizon discrete‐time H∞ filtering with uncertain initial state condition and establish the relationship between the conventional γ‐performance bound and a recently proposed performance measure. A sub‐optimal but more efficient approach to computing the filter for the new performance measure is also derived. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasonographic anatomy of perineal structures during pregnancy and immediately following obstetric injury
Authors: Örnö A.‐K. , Maršál K. , Herbst A.
Published: August 2008

Objectives

To assess perineal anatomy using ultrasound before and immediately after delivery.

Methods

Structures in the perineum were studied by real‐time two‐dimensional transvaginal and endoanal ultrasound imaging using a combined linear and semicircular (up to 200° sector) probe. We examined 45 nulliparous pregnant women and 44 primiparae immediately after delivery (40 with anal sphincter tears and four without sphincter injury). In each case a single longitudinal image was later assessed by two observers in order to evaluate interobserver agreement.

Results

In pregnancy, the perineal membrane, puboperineal muscles, conjoined longitudinal muscle and central point were identified on real‐time examination in 91%, 98%, 100% and 100% of cases, respectively. At offline evaluation of the longitudinal images obtained for each of the pregnant women, the percentage of cases in which each structure was identified by both observers ranged from 64% to 100%. In the women who were examined postpartum, all structures were identified by both observers in all four of the women without sphincter injury. In the women with sphincter tears, the perineal membrane, puboperineal muscles, conjoined longitudinal muscle and central point were found by ultrasound to be intact in 10%, 10%, 55% and 18%, respectively. The agreement between two observers regarding identification of intact structures in a single longitudinal image was good for perineal membrane (kappa index, 0.66), fair for puboperineal muscles (kappa index, 0.40), and poor for conjoined longitudinal muscle and central point (kappa index, 0.08 and 0.17, respectively).

Conclusions

Ultrasonography might be helpful in the evaluation of perineal anatomy and extent of perineal tears. However, the relatively poor agreement between the two observers evaluating single linear transvaginal images implies that both transverse and longitudinal projections are necessary to obtain relevant information. Further studies are needed regarding the importance of specific sonographically identified structures and their role in pelvic floor dysfunction after delivery. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening for trisomy 18 by maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency, free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A
Authors: Kagan K. O. , Wright D. , Maiz N. , Pandeva I. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: August 2008

Objectives

To derive a model and examine the performance of first‐trimester screening for trisomy 18 by maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness, and maternal serum free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A).

Methods

Prospective combined screening for trisomy 21 was performed at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks in 56 893 singleton pregnancies, including 56 376 cases of euploid fetuses, 395 with trisomy 21 and 122 with trisomy 18. The measured free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A were converted into a multiple of the median (MoM) and then into likelihood ratios (LR). Similarly, the measured NT was transformed into LRs using the mixture model of NT distributions. In each case the LRs for NT and the biochemical markers were multiplied by the age and gestation‐related risk to derive the risk for trisomy 21 and trisomy 18. Detection rates (DRs) and false‐positive rates (FPRs) were calculated by taking the proportions with risks above a given risk threshold.

Results

In screening with the algorithm for trisomy 21, at a FPR of 3%, the estimated DRs of trisomies 21 and 18 were 89% and 82%, respectively. The use of an algorithm for trisomy 18 identified 93% of affected fetuses at a FPR of 0.2%. When the algorithm for trisomy 21 was used and screen positivity was fixed at a FPR of 3%, and in addition the algorithm for trisomy 18 was used and screen positivity was fixed at a FPR of 0.2%, the overall FPR was 3.1% and the DRs of trisomies 21 and 18 were 90% and 97%, respectively.

Conclusions

A beneficial side effect of first‐trimester combined screening for trisomy 21 is the detection of a high proportion of fetuses with trisomy 18. If an algorithm for trisomy 18 in addition to the one for trisomy 21 is used, more than 95% of trisomy 18 fetuses can be detected with a minor increase of 0.1% in the overall FPR. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of partial lumbar asoma by two‐ and three‐dimensional ultrasound and computed tomography: embryological aspects and perinatal management
Authors: Huissoud C. , Bisch C. , Charrin K. , Rudigoz R.‐C. , Guibaud L.
Published: August 2008

Asoma is an unusual type of hemivertebra distinct from lateral hemivertebra in its underlying mechanisms, its rarity, its often isolated nature and the high risk of it causing medullary compression. We report a case of isolated partial agenesis of a vertebral body (asoma) diagnosed at 23 weeks' gestation by ultrasonography, in a fetus showing hyperkyphosis with vertebral canal disruption. The diagnosis was established using ultrasound and computed tomography, which allowed measurement of the angle of kyphosis and helped in the determination of the postnatal orthopedic prognosis. In our patient, prenatal diagnosis of asoma facilitated optimization of postnatal management and reduced the neonate's risk of developing paralysis. The main anatomical parameters in the determination of the orthopedic risk are the level of the anomaly, the angle of kyphosis and the degree of vertebral canal disruption. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the effect of machine settings on quantitative three‐dimensional power Doppler angiography: an in‐vitro flow phantom experiment
Authors: Raine‐Fenning N. J. , Nordin N. M. , Ramnarine K. V. , Campbell B. K. , Clewes J. S. , Perkins A. , Johnson I. R.
Published: August 2008

Objectives

Three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound is being used increasingly to acquire and subsequently quantify power Doppler data within the clinical setting. One proprietary software package calculates three 3D vascular indices: the vascularization index (VI), the flow index (FI), and the vascularization flow index (VFI). Our aim was to evaluate how different settings affect the Doppler signal in terms of its quantification by these three indices within a 3D dataset.

Methods

A computer‐driven ‘flow phantom’ was used to continuously pump a nylon particle‐based blood mimic (Orgasol™) around a closed system through a C‐flex™ tube embedded in an agar‐based tissue mimic. The test tanks were insonated with a modified 3D transvaginal 4–8‐MHz ultrasound transducer (V530D) and power Doppler data were acquired over a series of different settings. Each experiment involved the manipulation of just one Doppler setting in order to study it in isolation.

Results

As expected, all of the power Doppler settings, when altered, were found to effect significant changes (P < 0.05) in the VI, FI and VFI. The gain and signal power had the greatest effect, producing no Doppler signals at the lowest settings and the highest recordable indices at the maximum settings. The pulse repetition frequency (PRF) was the next most influential setting but a Doppler signal was seen and measurable at all of the different settings. The other Doppler settings had a much less profound effect on the vascular indices, with subtle but significantly different measures across the full range of settings. The speed of data acquisition was also found to affect the vascular indices, all of which were reduced when the fast mode was used although the only significant effect was on the VFI.

Conclusions

The VI, FI and VFI are all affected significantly by variations in power Doppler settings and by the speed of acquisition. The gain and signal power have the greatest effect on the power Doppler signal, followed closely by the PRF. The other settings and speed of acquisition also influence the signal, but to a much lesser degree. It is essential to maintain Doppler settings if any meaningful comparisons are to be made within and between subjects. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel toxin–antitoxin operon talA/B from the Gram‐positive bacterium Leifsonia xyli subsp. cynodontis
Authors: Cheng Lin , Lin Hui , Fan Xuelian , Qiu Shi , Sun Tao , Li Tai-Yuan , Zhang Yi
Published: August 2008

Here we report a toxin–antitoxin (TA) operon talAB identified from the Gram‐positive bacterium Leifsonia xyli subsp. cynodontis. It is shown that talB encodes a broad‐host cytotoxin functioning in different Gram‐positive bacteria, while talA encodes its antidote. TalA and TalB form different hetero‐oligomers in vitro; these hetero‐oligomers, but not the antitoxin TalA, strongly bind to the talAB promoter region containing two inverted repeats. This represents a new mechanism of binding the promoter of a TA operon by the toxin and antitoxin complexes.
Cigarette smoking products suppress anti‐viral effects of Type I interferon via phosphorylation‐dependent downregulation of its receptor
Authors: HuangFu Wei-Chun , Liu Jianghuai , Harty Ronald N. , Fuchs Serge Y.
Published: August 2008

While negative effect of smoking on the resistance to viral infections was known, the underlying mechanisms remained unclear. Here we report that products of cigarette smoking compromise the cellular anti‐viral defenses by inhibiting the signaling induced by Type I interferon (IFN). Cigarette smoking condensate (but not pure nicotine) stimulated specific serine phosphorylation‐dependent ubiquitination and degradation of the IFNAR1 subunit of the Type I IFN receptor leading to attenuation of IFN signaling and decreased resistance to viral infection. This resistance was restored in cells where phosphorylation‐dependent degradation of IFNAR1 is abolished. We conclude that smoking compromises cellular anti‐viral defenses via degradation of Type I IFN receptor and discuss the significance of this mechanism for efficacy of IFN‐based therapies.
Effect of cervical mucus aspiration before intrauterine insemination
Authors: Simsek Erhan , Haydardedeoglu Bulent , Hacivelioglu Servet Ozden , Cok Tayfun , Parlakgumus Ayse , Bagis Tayfun
Published: August 2008

Objective

To determine whether cervical mucus aspiration before intrauterine insemination (IUI) has any effect on clinical pregnancy rates.

Method

The outcomes of 186 IUI cycles in 95 consecutive patients in whom mucus was aspired prior to IUI were compared retrospectively with those of 1057 IUI cycles in 505 women.

Results

The pregnancy rate was 15.1% (28 pregnancies for 186 cycles) in the cervical mucus aspiration group and 9.9% (105 pregnancies for 1057 cycles) in the control group (P = 0.05). Mucus aspiration led to significantly increased pregnancy rates for women with unexplained infertility (24% in the aspiration group vs 9.5% in the control group; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Cervical mucus aspiration before IUI might improve clinical pregnancy rates by yet‐to‐be‐defined mechanisms.
Manometric evaluation of anal sphincter function after vaginal and cesarean delivery
Authors: Yilmaz Ercan , Nas Tuncay , Korucuoglu Umit , Guler Ismail
Published: August 2008

Objective

To compare anal sphincter function following spontaneous vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery, and assess the association of perineal length and sphincter injury with each delivery mode.

Method

Perineal length was measured and anal manometric measurements were performed in 120 primigravidas before and after delivery.

Results

Mean values for maximum anal resting and squeeze pressures were significantly lower after delivery irrespective of the mode of delivery, but there was a positive correlation between postpartum maximum anal resting pressure and perineal length (r = 0.24, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Anal sphincter function was disturbed after both vaginal and cesarean delivery, a finding weakened by the fact that almost half of the cesareans were performed for cephalopelvic disproportion identified during labor.
Foreign direct investment in countries of the former Soviet Union: Relationship to governance, economic freedom and corruption perception
Authors: Kenisarin Murat M. , Andrews-Speed Philip
Published: August 2008

The modernisation of the economies of the former Soviet Union (FSU) will require substantial levels of foreign direct investment (FDI). The aim of this study is to examine factors which may be instrumental in determining this level of the FDI. It achieves this by establishing quantitative relationships between levels of FDI per capita to the year 2004 and three sets of indicators relating, respectively, to governance, economic freedom, and corruption perception. The paper demonstrates that the level of FDI in FSU states has been determined to a significant extent by the degree of reform from a planned economy towards a market economy.
Editorial
Authors: Younger K. M.
Published: August 2008

With world attention now focusing on the Olympics, the question as to the extent to which nutrient intakes can affect athletic performance is highly topical; in this context, the article
Iceberg detection in open water by altimeter waveform analysis
Authors: Tournadre Jean , Whitmer Kirk , Girard‐Ardhuin Fanny
Published: August 2008

Small icebergs (edge lengths <1 km) are difficult to detect and track. In a recently published study, it was demonstrated that small targets (ships, islets,…) emerging from the sea can be detected by the analysis of high‐rate altimeter waveforms. The analysis of Jason altimeter data revealed that small icebergs also have a detectable signature in the thermal noise part of the altimeter waveforms for open water. These signatures are very similar to that of transponders and are almost deterministic. An automated method based on the detection of parabolic shapes in the thermal part of the waveforms by analysis of the convolution product with a filter has been developed and applied to 1 year of Jason high‐rate waveform data. In addition, the minimum height and backscatter of the iceberg can also be estimated by this method. More than 8000 icebergs were identified between December 2004 and November 2005 in the open water around Antarctica. The annual distribution of icebergs presents a well‐defined tripole structure, with maxima near the Antarctic Peninsula, the West Ice Shelf, and the Ross Sea. This distribution is in good agreement with the main trends in Antarctic iceberg motion presented in the scientific literature. The high concentration of icebergs propagating from the Antarctic Peninsula seems to confirm the importance of this region in the discharge of Antarctic ice into the ocean. The results clearly show that altimeter data are a powerful tool in the study of the distribution of small icebergs largely inaccessible by other satellite means. The principle of detection of icebergs by altimeter is quite simple and could be easily applied to the existing archive of all the past and present altimeters (ERS, Topex/Poseidon, Jason, and Envisat) to create a database covering more than 13 years that could improve our knowledge of climate change in Antarctica.
Variations of the residual circulation in the Northern Hemispheric winter
Authors: Tegtmeier S. , Krüger K. , Wohltmann I. , Schoellhammer K. , Rex M.
Published: August 2008

A multiyear time series of the vortex‐averaged diabatic descent for 47 Arctic winters from 1957/1958 until 2003/2004 is presented. The climatology of diabatic descent is based on trajectory calculations coupled with diabatic heating rate calculations carried out in the polar lower stratosphere of the Northern Hemisphere winters. We demonstrate the improved performance of the approach based on diabatic heating rates compared to the approach based on vertical winds from meteorological analysis. The time series of the vortex‐averaged diabatic descent gives a detailed picture of intensity and altitude dependence of the stratospheric vertical transport processes during the Arctic winter. In addition to the overall vortex‐averaged diabatic descent, the spatial structure of the descent is analyzed for two different Arctic winters. We demonstrate for this case study that not only the intensity but also the zonal structure of the diabatic descent depends on the meteorological conditions in the polar vortex. The climatology is characterized by very pronounced interannual variability which is linked to the variability of temperature anomalies and to the variability of Eliassen‐Palm (EP)‐flux anomalies, wherein strong planetary wave activity leads to strong diabatic descent and vice versa. The correlation between EP‐flux and descent shows that tropospheric dynamics have a strong influence on the strength of the polar branch of the residual circulation by means of the atmospheric wave activity.
Determination of index of refraction and size of supermicrometer particles from light scattering measurements at two angles
Authors: Eidhammer Trude , Montague Derek C. , Deshler Terry
Published: August 2008

A twin angle optical particle counter (TAOPC) that measures forward scattering at 40° and 74° was developed to determine the index of refraction of atmospheric particles. An error analysis indicates that measurement uncertainties for size at 40° are between 4 and 10% for particles >1.5 μm and between 5 and 15% at 74°. For the index of refraction determination, the measurement uncertainties lead to index of refraction uncertainties between 1 and 2.5%. The instrument was tested on nonabsorbing spherical particles of known composition and size in the laboratory. The majority of the estimated indices of refraction were within ±1% of the expected indices, and size determination was within acceptable error. The instrument was also tested on non‐spherical absorbing particles to determine the complex index of refraction of ambient mineral dust particles collected in Laramie, Wyoming, in February 2006. The index of refraction was determined with the particle number ratio approach and was estimated to be in the range 1.60–1.67 for the real part and 0.009–0.0104 for the imaginary part. Simultaneously with the TAOPC measurements, particles were collected on polycarbonate filters for computer‐controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) analysis. Index of refraction calculated from this analysis was in the range 1.61–1.66 for the real part and 0.008–0.012 for the imaginary part. Particles were also collected for longer periods on two different filter pack systems in February 2006. Estimates of index of refraction from these measurements compared well with the CCSEM analysis.
Flood frequency hydrology: 1. Temporal, spatial, and causal expansion of information
Authors: Merz Ralf , Blöschl Günter
Published: August 2008

The hydrological literature on flood frequency analysis in the past has placed undue emphasis on solving the estimation problem. In this paper we argue that much better use should be made of the wealth of hydrological knowledge gained in the past century and that it is essential to expand the information beyond the flood sample at the site of interest. We suggest that the expansion of information can be grouped into three types: temporal, spatial, and causal. We present a number of examples from Austria to illustrate the rich diversity of flood processes that are often site specific and difficult to capture by formal methods. On the basis of these examples, and the expansion of information, we illustrate that hydrological reasoning can provide diagnostic findings that give guidance on how to adjust quantitative estimates from formal methods to more fully capture the subtleties of the flood characteristics at the site of interest. We believe that this approach gives a more complete representation of flood processes at a given site than the existing formal methods alone and propose the term “flood frequency hydrology,” as opposed to flood frequency statistics, to reflect the focus on hydrological processes and hydrological reasoning.
Land subsidence in Iran caused by widespread water reservoir overexploitation
Authors: Motagh Mahdi , Walter Thomas R. , Sharifi Mohammad Ali , Fielding Eric , Schenk Andreas , Anderssohn Jan , Zschau Jochen
Published: August 2008

The increasing demands upon groundwater resources due to expanding metropolitan and agricultural areas are a serious challenge, particularly in semiarid and arid regions. In Iran, decades of unrestrained groundwater extraction for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use have resulted in a precipitous depletion of this valuable resource. Here we show that the decline in groundwater levels is associated with land‐surface deformation on local and regional scales. Combining water‐level data with satellite radar observations provides evidence for the prevalence of compacting aquifers in the country. Groundwater level decline is often associated with destruction of the aquifers, which appears to be a common problem in the groundwater basins of central and northeast Iran. Global warming and future climate change will affect arid and semiarid areas in the coming decades, further augmenting hazards associated with groundwater‐induced land subsidence.
Why do some El Niños have no impact on tropical North Atlantic SST?
Authors: Lee Sang‐Ki , Enfield David B. , Wang Chunzai
Published: August 2008

Warming of the Tropical North Atlantic (TNA) in boreal spring and early summer (April–June) following El Niño peaks in boreal winter is a well‐known phenomenon that involves formation of the so‐called atmospheric bridge (or teleconnection) from the Pacific. However, the existence of an El Niño in boreal winter does not guarantee a warm TNA in the following April–June (AMJ): for sixteen observed El Niño events that occurred during 1950–2005, the TNA (AMJ) remained neutral in six of them. A careful examination of the sixteen El Niño events leads to a hypothesis that if an El Niño ends before April, the TNA remains neutral. Here, we test this working hypothesis by performing multiple sets of ensemble model experiments using the NCAR atmospheric general circulation model coupled to a slab mixed layer ocean model. Analysis of the model experiments indicates that January–March (JFM) are the crucial months for the El Niño‐induced warming of TNA. Therefore, if an El Niño does not continue throughout JFM, the atmospheric bridge connecting the tropical Pacific to the TNA is not persistent enough to force the TNA, thus the TNA remains neutral. Finally, our model experiments indicate even if an El Niño continues beyond JFM, the El Niño‐induced warming of TNA in AMJ can be greatly reduced by Atlantic internal variability, and vice versa.