bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influenza neuraminidase inhibitors: antiviral action and mechanisms of resistance
Authors: McKimm‐Breschkin Jennifer L.
Published: December 2012

Please cite this paper as: McKimm‐Breschkin (2012) Influenza neuraminidase inhibitors: Antiviral action and mechanisms of resistance. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(Suppl. 1), 25–36.

There are two major classes of antivirals available for the treatment and prevention of influenza, the M2 inhibitors and the neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs). The M2 inhibitors are cheap, but they are only effective against influenza A viruses, and resistance arises rapidly. The current influenza A H3N2 and pandemic A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses are already resistant to the M2 inhibitors as are many H5N1 viruses. There are four NAIs licensed in some parts of the world, zanamivir, oseltamivir, peramivir, and a long‐acting NAI, laninamivir. This review focuses on resistance to the NAIs. Because of differences in their chemistry and subtle differences in NA structures, resistance can be both NAI‐ and subtype specific. This results in different drug resistance profiles, for example, the H274Y mutation confers resistance to oseltamivir and peramivir, but not to zanamivir, and only in N1 NAs. Mutations at E119, D198, I222, R292, and N294 can also reduce NAI sensitivity. In the winter of 2007–2008, an oseltamivir‐resistant seasonal influenza A(H1N1) strain with an H274Y mutation emerged in the northern hemisphere and spread rapidly around the world. In contrast to earlier evidence of such resistant viruses being unfit, this mutant virus remained fully transmissible and pathogenic and became the major seasonal A(H1N1) virus globally within a year. This resistant A(H1N1) virus was displaced by the sensitive A(H1N1)pdm09 virus. Approximately 0·5–1·0% of community A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates are currently resistant to oseltamivir. It is now apparent that variation in non‐active site amino acids can affect the fitness of the enzyme and compensate for mutations that confer high‐level oseltamivir resistance resulting in minimal impact on enzyme function.
Assays for monitoring susceptibility of influenza viruses to neuraminidase inhibitors
Authors: Okomo‐Adhiambo Margaret , Sheu Tiffany G. , Gubareva Larisa V.
Published: December 2012

Please cite this paper as: Okomo‐Adhiambo et al. (2012) Assays for monitoring susceptibility of influenza viruses to neuraminidase inhibitors. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(Suppl. 1), 44–49.

Close monitoring of drug susceptibility among human influenza viruses was necessitated by widespread resistance to M2 inhibitors in influenza H1N1 (pre‐pandemic and 2009 pandemic) and H3N2 viruses, and of oseltamivir resistance in pre‐pandemic H1N1 viruses. The FDA‐approved neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors (NAIs), oseltamivir and zanamivir, as well as investigational NAIs, peramivir and laninamivir, are currently the principal treatment options for managing influenza infection. However, there are challenges associated with assessing virus susceptibility to this class of drugs. Traditional cell culture–based assays are not reliable for phenotypic testing of NAI susceptibility due to complexity in interpretation. Two types of laboratory assays are currently available for monitoring NAI susceptibility, phenotypic such as the neuraminidase inhibition (NI) assay and genotypic. The NI assay’s requirement for propagated virus lengthens testing turnaround; therefore, the need for timely detection of molecular markers associated with NAI resistance (e.g., H275Y in H1N1) has spurred the development of rapid, high‐throughput assays, such as real‐time RT‐PCR and pyrosequencing. The high sensitivity of genotypic assays allows testing of clinical specimens thus eliminating the need for virus propagation in cell culture. The NI assays are especially valuable when a novel virus emerges or a new NAI becomes available. Modifications continue to be introduced into NI assays, including optimization and data analysis criteria. The optimal assay of choice for monitoring influenza drug susceptibility varies widely depending on the needs of laboratories (e.g., surveillance purposes, clinical settings). Optimally, it is desirable to combine functional and genetic analyses of virus isolates and, when possible, the respective clinical specimens.
Genetic characterization of influenza virus circulating in Brazilian pigs during 2009 and 2010 reveals a high prevalence of the pandemic H1N1 subtype
Authors: Rajão Daniela S. , Costa Adrienny T. R. , Brasil Bruno S. A. F. , Del Puerto Helen L. , Oliveira Fernanda G. , Alves Fabiana , Braz Gissandra F. , Reis Jenner K. P. , Guedes Roberto M. C. , Lobato Zélia I. P. , Leite Rômulo C.
Published: December 2012

Background

Influenza A viruses circulating in pigs in Brazil are still not characterized, and only limited data are available about swine influenza epidemiology in the country. Therefore, we characterized the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of influenza viruses isolated from Brazilian pigs. We also evaluated one case of probable swine‐to‐human transmission.

Methods

Twenty influenza viruses isolated from pigs during 2009–2010 in five Brazilian states (Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, Parana, Rio Grande do Sul, and Mato Grosso) were used. One human isolate, from a technician who became ill after visiting a swineherd going through a respiratory disease outbreak, was also used in the study. Phylogenetic analysis for the HA and NA genes and hemagglutinin amino acid sequence alignment were performed.

Results

All isolates clustered with pandemic H1N1 2009 (pH1N1) viruses and appeared to have a common ancestor. Genetic diversity was higher in the HA than in the NA gene, and the amino acid substitution S203T in one of HA's antigenic sites was found in most of the samples. The human isolate was more related to swine isolates from the same herd visited by the technician than to other human isolates, suggesting swine‐to‐human transmission.

Conclusion

Our results show that pH1N1 was disseminated and the predominant subtype in Brazilian pigs in 2009–2010.
Biological traits and growth patterns of pejerreyOdontesthes argentinensis
Authors: Llompart F. M. , Colautti D. C. , Maiztegui T. , Cruz‐Jiménez A. M. , Baigún C. R. M.
Published: December 2012

This study assesses for the first time the relationship between annual cycles of different biological indices with growth patterns of a marine pejerreyOdontesthes argentinensispopulation near its southern‐distribution boundary in North Patagonia. The reproductive period is between September and November evidenced by an increase in the gonado‐somatic index with a peak in October corresponding to spawning. The reproductive cycle was also coupled with metabolic processes related to energy allocation as shown by changes in the hepato‐somatic index and body condition. Total length (LT) at maturity was 270 for females and 282 mm for males, whereas fecundity was estimated at mean ±s.d. = 9380 ± 1797 mature oocytes. Based on the marginal increment analysis, most of the scales showed a maximum value during summer, with a sharp decline thereafter during autumn and winter, indicating that scale rings are formed during the latter period and only once a year. Growth fitted by the von Bertalanffy model for both males and females did not show significant differences and showed a rapid growth during the first 2 years. The shorter reproductive period compared with that of the northernO.argentinensispopulations inhabiting tropical and subtropical areas was interpreted as an adjustment to temperate environmental conditions. The larger maximumLTandLTat first maturity are in agreement with the counter‐gradient hypothesis and could be related to the selective effects of low temperature and a shorter growing season. This latitude dependency argues strongly against the application of the same fishing regulations for differentO.argentinensispopulations as a whole and reinforces the need to assess basic biological features at a population scale to promote local sustainable fisheries management.
Tactic changes in dusky frillgoby Bathygobius fuscus sneaker males: effects of body size and nest availability
Authors: Takegaki T. , Kaneko T. , Matsumoto Y.
Published: December 2012

Field and laboratory studies were conducted to examine the effects of nest availability and body size on changes in male mating tactics from sneaking to nest‐holding in the dusky frillgoby Bathygobius fuscus. In the field, the body size of nest‐holding males decreased from early to mid‐breeding season, suggesting the possibility of a change in the tactics of sneaker males to nest‐holding. Many sneaker males did not use vacant spawning nests even when size‐matched nests were available, but they continued to reproduce as sneakers. Similarly, in aquarium experiments with available vacant nests, some sneaker males became nest‐holders irrespective of their body size, but some did not. These results showed that nest availability is not a limiting factor for changes in tactics by sneaker males in this species. Because tactic‐unchanged sneaker males were co‐housed with larger nest‐holding males in the tanks, the body size of nearby nest‐holding males may have affected the decision to change tactics for sneaker males. Moreover, smaller individuals among tactic‐changed males tended to spend more time until spawning, probably because they had relatively larger costs and smaller benefits of reproduction as nest‐holding males compared to larger males.
Perinatal brain injury, visual motor function and poor school outcome of regional low birth weight survivors at age nine
Authors: Zhang Jun , Mahoney Ashley Darcy , Pinto‐Martin Jennifer A
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives

To explore the relationship between perinatal brain injury, visual motor function (VMF) and poor school outcome.

Background

Little is known about the status and underlying mechanism of poor school outcome as experienced by low birth weight survivors.

Design

This is a secondary data analysis.

Methods

The parental study recruited 1104 low birth weight (LBW) infants weighing ≤ 2000 g from three medical centres of Central New Jersey between 1984 and 1987. Seven hundred and seventy‐seven infants survived the neonatal period, and their developmental outcomes had been following up regularly until now. The development data of the survivors were used to achieve the research aims. Initial school outcome assessment was carried out in 9‐year‐old, using the Woodcock‐Johnson Academic Achievement Scale. The severity and range of perinatal brain injury was determined by repeated neonatal cranial ultrasound results obtained at 4 hours, 24 hours and 7 days of life.

Results

Seventeen and a half per cent of the sample experienced poor school performance at age 9 as defined by lower than one standard deviation (SD) of average performance score. Children with the most severe injury, PL/VE, had the lowest mathematics (F = 14·54, p = 0·000) and reading (anova results: F = 11·56, p = 0·000) performances. Visual motor function had a significant effect on children's overall school performance (Hotelling's trace value was 0·028, F = 3·414, p = 0·018), as well as subtest scores for reading (p = 0·006) and mathematics (p = 0·036). However, visual motor function was not a mediator in the association of perinatal brain injury and school outcome.

Conclusions

Perinatal brain injury had a significant long‐term effect on school outcome.

Relevance to clinical practice

Low birth weight infants with history of perinatal brain injury need be closely monitored to substantially reduce the rates of poor school outcome and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Descriptive Representation, Political Efficacy, and African Americans in the 2008 Presidential Election
Authors: Merolla Jennifer L. , Sellers Abbylin H. , Fowler Derek J.
Published: December 2012

Political efficacy is an important psychological orientation that has been used extensively by scholars to help explain voting and other forms of participation. However, very few scholars have sought to treat political efficacy as a dependent variable. In this research note, we look at the linkage between descriptive representation and political efficacy. Drawing from existing literature, we argue that an increase in descriptive representation positively affects levels of political efficacy. We examine support for this argument by looking at whether levels of efficacy increased among African Americans after the election of Barack Obama using data from the 2008–2009 American National Election Studies (ANES) panel study. We find that the effects of descriptive representation on efficacy varied depending on one's partisanship. Black Republicans, Independents, and weak Democrats experienced an increase in efficacy. However, Black Democrats and White Democrats who strongly identify with the party experienced a similar boost in efficacy, which suggests that partisanship can override the effects of having a descriptive representative.
The Heterogeneous Thresholds Ordered Response Model: Identification and Inference
Authors: Peracchi Franco , Rossetti Claudio
Published: December 2012

Although surveys routinely ask respondents to evaluate various aspects of their life on an ordered scale, there is concern about interpersonal comparability of these self- assessments. Statistically, the problem is one of identification in ordered response models with heterogeneous thresholds. As a solution to the identification problem, King and his colleagues proposed the use of anchoring vignettes, namely brief descriptions of hypothetical people or situations that survey respondents are asked to evaluate on the same scale as they use to rate their own situation. Although vignettes have been introduced in several social surveys and are increasingly employed in a variety of fields, the reliability of this approach hinges crucially on the validity of the assumptions of response consistency and vignette equivalence. The paper proposes a joint test of these key assumptions based on the fact that the underlying statistical model is overidentified if the two assumptions hold. Monte Carlo results show that the test proposed has good size and power properties in finite samples. We apply our test to self- assessment of pain by using data from the first wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. We find that, when using only one of the three available vignettes, or when the test is carried out separately by subgroups of respondents, the overidentifying restrictions are less likely to be rejected.
From Frontier to Bridgehead: Cross‐border Regions and the Experience ofYunnan,China
Authors: Su Xiaobo
Published: December 2012

Drawing on recent theoretical tenets regarding cross‐border regions, this article analyzesChina's state spatial policies that aim to transformYunnan from a peripheral frontier into an economic bridgehead. The purposes of the present study are threefold: to contextualize the formation of Yunnan asChina's frontier; to examine why Yunnan has been strategically selected as a bridgehead to promoteChina's transnational economies; and to explore the central–provincial alliance as an innovative institutional arrangement and look at how this alliance can convertYunnan into a space of exception or new state space of development. This study finds that in order to convert regional assets into real competitiveness, theChinese state (national, provincial and local) emphasizes transnational cooperation, endeavors to maximize Yunnan's place‐specific locational advantages and promotes the differentiation of regional developmental trajectories acrossChina's national territory. The article contributes to studies of institutional arrangements for cross‐border cooperation in a non‐Western context and sheds light onChina's regional development policies in its hinterland.
Be Berlin! Governing the City through Freedom
Authors: Lanz Stephan
Published: December 2012

In this article, I examine how contemporary Berlin is governed, with a particular focus on the production of urban space. My points of reference are the term ‘government’ (as employed by Foucault) and the field of governmentality studies (where it is applied empirically). Based on a critical discourse and dispositive analysis of the city's current urban development policy, I propose that urban governance in Berlin may be analysed through the lens of three central dispositives: the dispositive of governing through citizenship; the dispositive of the creative city; and the dispositive of the social city. I discuss the characteristics of these dispositives of urban governance, drawing on a number of examples taken from the discipline of urban space production in order to look specifically at the aims and objectives of governance, its subjects and the ways it manifests itself. In conclusion, I suggest that the new forms of governance based on empowerment and cooperation have by no means replaced disciplinary technologies of governance, but are rather embedded within them.
Neighbourhood Effects as Indirect Effects: Evidence from a Dutch Case Study on the Significance of Neighbourhood for Employment Trajectories
Authors: Pinkster Fenne M.
Published: December 2012

One of the key challenges in the study of neighbourhood effects on work is to understand the pathways through which disadvantaged neighbourhoods impact the employment opportunities of residents. Endogenous explanations for neighbourhood effects focus on social life in these neighbourhoods, identifying mechanisms of social isolation, deviant work ethics and neighbourhood disorder. This article studies these mechanisms in a low‐income neighbourhood in the Netherlands. The case study shows that unfavourable socioeconomic outcomes can be indirect and unintended consequences of actions and choices in everyday life that are not directly concerned with work. Nevertheless, these individual actions and choices reflect local social practices that are influenced by the marginalized context in which residents lead their lives.
Sortilin‐related VPS10 domain containing receptor 1 and Alzheimer's disease‐associated allelic variations preferentially exist in female or type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in southern Han Chinese
Authors: HE Yanqin , FANG Zhuyuan , YU Guran
Published: December 2012

Background:  Both in vitro and in vivo, overexpression of the sortilin‐related VPS10 domain containing receptor 1 (SORCS1) protein lowers amyloid‐β generation. Recent studies have shown that SORCS1 variations in intron 1 are associated with sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD), but the results remain inconsistent.

Methods:  In order to clarify the role of the SORCS1 gene in southern Han Chinese, we genotyped eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of SORCS1 in 128 SAD patients and 92 healthy controls.

Results:  By dividing patients and controls according to apolipoprotein status, sex and whether they had type 2 diabetes mellitus, we found that rs7907690 C allele frequencies were significantly higher in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus than in the controls (P= 0.041). Also, the rs600879 GG genotype and G allele worked as protective factors of SAD in women (GG genotype, P= 0.007; G allele, P= 0.009). In multilocus analysis, the frequency of an eight‐single nucleotide polymorphism rs601883/rs7907690/rs600879/rs17277986/rs2900717/rs10884399/rs11193170/rs4918280 CCGGACGG haplotype was significantly higher in AD patients (6.3%), especially in female AD patients (9.5%), than in the controls (0.5%) (P= 0.003; P= 0.0002). However, the CTGGACGG haplotype was significantly lower in AD patients (9.3%) than in controls (20.3%) (P= 0.001). The association remained significant even after Bonferroni correction for the number of haplotypes.

Conclusion:  This study provides evidence that variations in the SORCS1 gene influence susceptibility to SAD in southern Han Chinese. The genetic link between AD and SORCS1 gene variations are influenced by ethnic background, sex and whether an individual has type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Donepezil‐induced sleep spindle in a patient with dementia with Lewy bodies: a case report
Authors: OZAKI Asami , NISHIDA Masaki , KOYAMA Keiko , ISHIKAWA Kinya , NISHIKAWA Toru
Published: December 2012

Here, we report a case of rapid eye movement sleep behavioural disorder in an elderly patient with dementia with Lewy bodies. Pretreatment polysomnography revealed atonia during rapid eye movement sleep, absence of sleep spindles and loss of slow‐wave sleep. Administration of donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, markedly improved delusional symptoms and cognitive function. Pretreatment polysomnography performed after donepezil administration revealed a considerable number of sleep spindles. The effects of cholinergic modulation induced by donepezil seemed to cause remarkable improvement in mental status, incorporating associated with sleep spindles generated by the thalamocortical circuit involved in this patient.
Improvement in delusions and hallucinations in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies upon administration of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine
Authors: IWASAKI Koh , KOSAKA Kenji , MORI Hideo , OKITSU Reina , FURUKAWA Katsutoshi , MANABE Yuta , YOSHITA Mitsuhiro , KANAMORI Aya , ITO Nobuo , WADA Kenji , KITAYAMA Michio , HORIGUCHI Jun , YAMAGUCHI Shuhei , TAKAYAMA Shin , FUKUHARA Ryuji , OUMA Shinji , NAKANO Seigo , HASHIMOTO Mamoru , KINOSHITA Toru
Published: December 2012

Background:  This multicentre open‐label trial examined the efficacy and safety of the traditional Japanese medicine, or Kampo medicine, yokukansan (YKS), for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies.

Methods:  Sixty‐three dementia with Lewy bodies patients with probable BPSD (M : W, 30 : 33; mean age, 78.2 ± 5.8 years) were enrolled and treated with YKS for 4 weeks.

Results:  Significant improvements in Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores (mean decrease, 12.5 points; P < 0.001) and Zarit Burden Interview‐Japanese edition tests (mean decrease, 3.6 points; P= 0.024) were observed. In patients who consented to an assessment after 2 weeks of treatment, a time‐dependent significant improvement was observed in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory score (n= 23; mean decrease, 14.4; P < 0.001), each subscale, including delusions and hallucinations, the Zarit Burden Interview‐Japanese edition (n= 22; mean decrease, 8.2; P < 0.01) and the behavioural pathology in Alzheimer's disease insomnia subscale. The Mini‐Mental State Examination and the Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD) showed no significant change. Adverse events were observed in 11 (18%) patients. Three patients (5%) discontinued YKS due to adverse reactions, namely, spasticity and exacerbation of BPSD, edema, and nausea. Hypokalaemia (<3.5 mEq/L) was present in four patients (6%) at the study endpoint. Worsening of extrapyramidal symptoms was not observed.

Conclusion:  YKS improved BPSD in dementia with Lewy bodies patients and caregiver burden scores without deterioration in cognitive function. YKS is useful for the treatment of delusions and hallucinations in BPSD.
Unusual Imaging Findings in Brain and Spinal Cord in Two Siblings With Maple Syrup Urine Disease
Authors: Bhat Maya , Prasad Chandrajit , Bindu Parayil Sankaran , Aziz Zarina , Christopher Rita , Saini Jitender
Published: December 2012

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare metabolic disease affecting the neural tissue. While the brain abnormalities present on MRI are well known, spinal imaging features have not been studied. We herewith report an unusual finding of enlarged Virchow Robin spaces in brain and novel spinal cord changes in two biochemically diagnosed cases of MSUD. To the best of our knowledge, spinal MRI findings in cases of MSUD have not been previously reported. Knowledge of spinal MRI findings may be useful in diagnosis of this rare disorder.
Neuroblastoma with a Solitary Intraventricular Brain Metastasis Visualized on I‐123 MIBG Scan
Authors: Codreanu Ion , Dasanu Constantin A. , Zhuang Hongming
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND

Although metastatic skull lesions of neuroblastoma are not uncommon, brain involvement is infrequent and prompt diagnosis is of utmost importance in such cases. Previous studies have shown that Meta‐Iodo‐Benzyl‐Guanidine (MIBG) scans were not always reliable in detecting central nervous system metastases, however most published reports referred to the Iodine‐131 (131I)‐MIBG scans. Herein, we report an intraventricular metastasis of neuroblastoma diagnosed using an Iodine‐123 (123I)‐MIBG scan, which is increasingly being used in clinical practice and reported as a more accurate method for detecting metastatic lesions.

CASE DESCRIPTION

An unusual case of metastatic neuroblastoma to the left lateral ventricle of the brain is presented. Planar 123I‐MIBG scintigraphy showed faint tracer activity close to the midline without asymmetric extensions or abnormal activity in the skull bones. A subsequent brain MR scan revealed an enhancing mass within the left frontal horn consistent with a metastatic lesion. The patient underwent tumor resection with pathology showing neuroblastoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our case shows that 123I‐MIBG scintigraphy can be useful in detecting intraventricular brain metastases of neuroblastoma. Although the 123I‐MIBG scintigraphy has been reported to have a significantly superior sensitivity in monitoring asymptomatic patients with neuroblastoma compared with 131I‐MIBG scans, bone marrow histology, bone scan, CT, and urinary catecholamine levels, further studies may be necessary to evaluate its sensitivity in detecting brain lesions.
Optic Nerve and its Arterial‐Venous Vascularization: An Ultrasonologic Study in Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Carraro Nicola , Servillo Giovanna , Maria Sarra Vittoria , Bignamini Angelo , Pizzolato Gilberto , Zorzon Marino
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that alterations in the cerebrospinal venous system may play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS) and that chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency correlates with clinical features of MS patients.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the vascularization of optic nerve (ONr) and measure ONe thickness by color Doppler ultrasonography in MS patients with and without previous optic neuritis (ONe).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We assessed flow variables in the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, and central retinal vein and measured the diameter of ONe in 46 relapsing‐remitting MS patients and 37 healthy controls (HC). Twenty‐two MS patients had previous ONe and 24 MS patients had not. Patients with acute ONe were not included. We examined and compared 63 unaffected and 29 affected eyes of MS patients with 74 control eyes.

RESULTS

Regarding flow variables, we did not find any significant difference between HC, MS affected, and unaffected eyes. Comparing ONr diameters, we found a progressive significant thinning of the ONr from HC to MS patients without and with past ONe.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no significant alteration in the arterial‐venous vascularization of both affected and unaffected ONr compared with HC. We demonstrated the possibility to detect ONr atrophy in MS patients.
Structural and Metabolic Features of Two Different Variants of Multiple Sclerosis: A PET/MRI Study
Authors: Bolcaen Julie , Acou Marjan , Mertens Koen , Hallaert Giorgio , Van den Broecke Caroline , Achten Eric , Goethals Ingeborg
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND

Multimodality imaging such as proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and positron emission tomography (PET) have provided information specific to the underlying mechanisms of many brain diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS).

PURPOSE

To determine the structural and metabolic characterization of two particular variants of MS, namely tumefactive MS and Balo's concentric sclerosis (BCS).

METHODS

Conventional MR imaging, diffusion and perfusion MR, MR spectroscopy and PET imaging with F‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and F‐18 fluoromethylcholine (FCho) were performed.

RESULTS

In a case with pathologically proven tumefactive MS, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a pseudotumoral lesion with incomplete ring enhancement, peripheral diffusion restriction, and high choline and lactate peaks on MRS. On follow‐up, the lesion showed significant growth. In a case of BCS, MRI showed an onion‐like lesion without contrast enhancement or diffusion restriction, and only a moderate increase in choline on MRS. The lesion remained stable on follow‐up. On PET, there was no uptake of F‐18 FDG in either type of MS lesion. Conversely, uptake of F‐18 FCho was moderate in tumefactive MS, whereas no F‐18 FCho uptake was noted in the lesion with, on MRI, typical features of BCS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings illustrate that metabolic features may differ between variants of MS possibly signifying different disease activity.
Flat Detector Computed Tomography Angiography with Intravenous Contrast Application: Feasibility for Visualization of Cerebral Arterial Vasculature
Authors: Saake Marc , Breuer Lorenz , Goelitz Philipp , Ott Sabine , Struffert Tobias , Doerfler Arnd
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of our study was to evaluate flat detector computed tomography angiography with peripheral intravenous contrast material application (FD‐CTA) for visualization of cerebral arteries in comparison with intravenous multidetector computed tomography angiography (CTA) and intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

METHODS

The study was approved by the local institutional review board and informed consent was obtained by all participants. Ten patients underwent FD‐CTA, CTA, and DSA of the cerebral arterial vasculature for suspected cerebrovascular disease. The image data were evaluated by two readers in consensus for the visualization of cerebral arterial segments on a 5‐point scale (0 = vessel cannot be distinguished; 4 = excellent image quality). The Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used for statistical analysis. Note that P < .05 was considered to indicate a significant difference.

RESULTS

The depiction of cerebral arterial segments with FD‐CTA was significantly superior compared to CTA in most vessel segments (P < .05 in 20 of 23 anatomic regions) and was without significant difference compared with DSA in large and medium intracranial vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the cerebral arteries can be visualized by FD‐CTA in high resolution, in many vessel segments comparable to DSA.
“Snake Fang” Sign without Carotid Stenosis on Duplex Ultrasonography Indicates High Risk of Artery‐to‐Artery Embolic Stroke
Authors: Tateishi Yohei , Tsujino Akira , Hamabe Jumpei , Tasaki Osamu , Morikawa Minoru , Hayashi Tomayoshi , Horie Nobutaka , Hayashi Kentaro , Suyama Kazuhiko , Nagata Izumi
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Artery‐to‐artery embolism generally occurs in patients with not only moderate to severe arterial stenosis but also plaque vulnerability. Two unique cases with free‐floating thrombi at the distal side of the small plaque in the internal carotid artery without stenosis are presented and its clinical implications are discussed.

RESULTS

Two middle‐aged men suffered embolic stroke. Initial duplex ultrasonography revealed small plaques and vortex flow without significant stenosis or plaque vulnerability in their internal carotid arteries. Continuous examination by duplex ultrasonography showed that free‐floating thrombi developed and regressed at the distal side of the small plaques. Histological examination disclosed plaque erosion at the distal side of the plaques without lipid core rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

In these two cases, duplex ultrasonography revealed free‐floating thrombi developed at the distal region of small plaques. Aggressive treatment should be considered in a patient with thromboembolic stroke who has the small plaque presenting “snake fang” sign even if there is no stenosis or plaque vulnerability.
Retropharyngeal Ganglioneuroma: A Case Report
Authors: Yang Andrew I. , Ozsvath Jessica , Shukla Pratibha , Fatterpekar Girish M.
Published: December 2012

Ganglioneuromas are uncommon, benign, and highly differentiated tumors arising from sympathetic ganglia. Common sites for these tumors include the paraspinal region of the retroperitoneum and posterior mediastinum. We report a case of a retropharyngeal ganglioneuroma, a rare occurrence, emphasizing its key imaging characteristics.
Goode's World Revolution and Family Patterns: A Reconsideration at Fifty Years
Authors: Cherlin Andrew J.
Published: December 2012

Fifty years ago, William J. Goode published World Revolution and Family Patterns, a highly influential study of international family change. Goode's main thesis, that, owing to industrialization, family patterns around the world would come to resemble the mid‐twentieth‐century Western conjugal family, was incorrect. For one thing, that model collapsed in the West soon afterward. But Goode's secondary hypotheses have proven to be correct in at least some regions of the world: that parents' control over their children's family lives would decline; and that the spread of the ideology of the conjugal family would occur even in countries where extensive industrialization had not taken place. Moreover, it is worth understanding why Goode was sometimes incorrect and what forces (such as globalization) he did not foresee. It is also worth examining more recent writings on world family change by leading scholars. This article provides a reconsideration of the book's impact a half‐century after it appeared.
Relative Cohort Size, Relative Income, and Married Women's Labor Force Participation: United States, 1968–2010
Authors: Macunovich Diane J.
Published: December 2012

Relative cohort size—the ratio of young adults to prime‐age adults—and relative income—the income of young adults relative to their material aspirations—have experienced substantial changes over the past 40 years. Results here show that changes in relative cohort size explain about 60 percent of the declines in women's starting wage—both relative and absolute—in 1968–82, and 97 percent of its increase in 1982–2001. Relative income is hypothesized to affect a number of behavioral choices by young adults, including marriage, childbearing, and female labor force participation, as young people strive to achieve their desired standard of living. Older family income—the denominator in a relative income variable—increased by 59 percent between 1968 and 2000, and then declined by 9 percent. Its changes explain 47 percent of the increase in the labor force participation of white married women in their first 15 years out of school between 1970 and 1990, and 38 percent of the increase in hours worked in the same period. The study makes use of individual‐level measures of labor force participation and employs the lagged income of older families in a woman's year‐state‐race‐education group to instrument parental income and hence material aspirations.
The Family Context of Cohabitation and Single Motherhood in Latin America
Authors: Esteve Albert , García‐Román Joan , Lesthaeghe Ron
Published: December 2012

The dramatic shift from marriage to cohabitation during the last four decades in most Latin American countries, even among the upper social strata, begs the question as to the living arrangements of cohabiting couples and single mothers. The new “Family Interrelationships Variables” in the IPUMS samples of Latin American censuses facilitated the construction of an enlarged LIPRO typology. LIPRO classifies individuals with respect to the types of households in which they are living. The results indicate that cohabiting women and single mothers aged 25 to 29 are frequently found in their parental households or in other extended or composite households. However, there are large variations depending on country and education. For instance, cohabitation is mainly in nuclear households, as in Europe, in Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Argentina. It occurs mainly in the context of extended households in Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, and Cuba. Mexico and Chile occupy intermediate positions. In all instances co‐residence of cohabiting couples with other kin drops significantly upon the transition to parenthood, at which point there are no longer any differences between cohabiting and married couples. Single mothers, however, continue to co‐reside in extended or composite households to a larger extent, and this holds particularly for the better‐educated among them. This analysis illustrates that cohabitation of the traditional type and of the “Second Demographic Transition” type are found alongside each other, with one being more important than the other depending on country and on educational level or social class within each country.
Knowledge of medical imaging radiation dose and risk among doctors
Authors: Brown Nicholas , Jones Lee
Published: December 2012

Introduction

The growth of computed tomography (CT) and nuclear medicine (NM) scans has revolutionised healthcare but also greatly increased population radiation doses. Overuse of diagnostic radiation is becoming a feature of medical practice, leading to possible unnecessary radiation exposures and lifetime‐risks of developing cancer. Doctors across all medical specialties and experience levels were surveyed to determine their knowledge of radiation doses and potential risks associated with some diagnostic imaging.

Methods

A survey relating to knowledge and understanding of medical imaging radiation was distributed to doctors at 14 major Queensland public hospitals, as well as fellows and trainees in radiology, emergency medicine and general practice.

Results

From 608 valid responses, only 17.3% correctly estimated the radiation dose from CT scans and almost 1 in 10 incorrectly believed that CT radiation is not associated with any increased lifetime risk of developing cancer. There is a strong inverse relationship between a clinician's experience and their knowledge of CT radiation dose and risks, even among radiologists. More than a third (35.7%) of doctors incorrectly believed that typical NM imaging either does not use ionising radiation or emits doses equal to or less than a standard chest radiograph.

Conclusion

Knowledge of CT and NM radiation doses is poor across all specialties, and there is a significant inverse relationship between experience and awareness of CT dose and risk. Despite having a poor understanding of these concepts, most doctors claim to consider them prior to requesting scans and when discussing potential risks with patients.
A Sucrose‐Mediated Sol–Gel Technique for the Synthesis of MgO–Y2O3 Nanocomposites
Authors: Iyer Aparna , Garofano Jacquelynn K.M. , Reutenaur Justin , Suib Steven L. , Aindow Mark , Gell Maurice , Jordan Eric H.
Published: December 2012

A sucrose‐mediated aqueous sol–gel procedure was developed to synthesize MgO–Y2O3 nanocomposite ceramics for potential optical applications. The synthesis involves the generation of a precursor foam containing Mg2+ and Y3+ cations via the chemical and thermal degradation of sucrose molecules in aqueous solution. Subsequent calcination and crushing of the foam gave MgO–Y2O3 nanocomposites in the form of thin mesoporous flake‐like powder particles with uniform composition and surface areas of 27–85 m2 g−1, depending on calcination conditions. The flakes exhibited a homogeneous microstructure comprising intimately mixed nanoscale grains of the cubic MgO and Y2O3 phases. This microstructure was resistant to grain coarsening with average grain sizes of less than 100 nm for calcination temperatures of up to 1200°C. The results indicate that the sucrose‐mediated sol–gel process is a simple effective method for making nanoscale mixed oxides.
NdFeAsO1−xFx Superconductor – Impact of Fluorine Variation on Microstructure and Transport Properties
Authors: Aswathy Pillai Mohan , Anooja Jayakumari Babu , Syamaprasad Upendran
Published: December 2012

Polycrystalline samples of NdFeAsO1−xFx (Nd1111) with x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 were synthesized using a solid‐state method at ambient pressures. A maximum transition temperature (TC) of 52.0 K and a JC of 1050 A/cm2 at 12 K were observed for x = 0.3 and 0.4, respectively. The transport and magnetic properties observed for each stoichiometry have remarkable correlation with their corresponding structural and microstructural aspects. Moreover, the superconducting properties exhibited in this material, processed at a relatively low temperature of 1000°C, are competitive as compared to the existing reports wherein high pressures/temperatures are inevitable.
Reaction Sintering of HfC/W Cermets with High Strength and Toughness
Authors: Sun Shi‐Kuan , Zhang Guo‐Jun , Liu Ji‐Xuan , Zou Ji , Ni De‐Wei
Published: December 2012

Hafnium carbide/tungsten (HfC/W) cermets were prepared by an in situ reaction sintering process, using hafnium oxide (HfO2) and tungsten carbide (WC) as the raw materials. The reaction path, densification behavior, microstructure development, and mechanical properties of the cermets were comprehensively investigated. It was found that WC decomposed to tungsten semicarbide (W2C) and tungsten (W) in sequence, and meanwhile HfC was formed by carbothermal reduction between HfO2 and as‐released carbon from the dissociation of WC. The solid solution formation between HfC and W during sintering was also studied. The obtained cermets (>98% TD) have a Vickers' hardness of 8.16 GPa, a fracture toughness of 14.45 MPa m1/2, and a high flexural strength of 1211 MPa.
Preparation, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of Nb4AlC3–Nb5(Si,Al)3 Composites
Authors: Zheng L.Y. , Wang J. Y. , Chen J. X. , Liu M. Y. , Sun Y. J. , Zhou Y. C.
Published: December 2012

Niobium aluminum carbide (Nb4AlC3), as a member of the MAX phases, can retain its stiffness and strength up to over 1400°C, however, the strength at room temperature is relatively low. In this work, Nb5(Si, Al)3 was used to strengthen Nb4AlC3. Nb4AlC3–Nb5(Si, Al)3 composites with different amount of Nb5(Si, Al)3 were synthesized from the elemental powders by in situ hot‐pressing/solid–liquid reaction synthesis process. The RT flexural strength was significantly improved from 370 MPa of monolithic Nb4AlC3 to 432 MPa of Nb4AlC3‐15 vol% Nb5(Si, Al)3 composite without the degradation of its high‐temperature mechanical properties. While a slightly decrease in fracture toughness occurs with the increment of Nb5(Si, Al)3 content. Meanwhile, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations reveal that the interfaces between Nb4AlC3/Nb4AlC3, Nb4AlC3/Nb5(Si, Al)3, and Nb5(Si, Al)3/Nb5(Si, Al)3 are free of amorphous layers, which is also beneficial to its high‐temperature mechanical properties.
Nanostructured Solids from Freeze‐Dried Precursors: Multigram Scale Synthesis of TiO2‐Based Powders
Authors: Villanueva Regina , Gómez Andrés , Vie David , Martínez Eduardo , Beltrán Aurelio , Sapiña Fernando , Vila Jaume
Published: December 2012

Nanocrystalline TiO2 and Ti1−xVxO2 (x = 0.01) powders have been prepared by thermal decomposition, in air, of amorphous precursors resulting from the freeze‐drying of appropriate solutions. In addition, TiO2−xNy (anatase and rutile) and TiOxNy (rock‐salt) have been prepared by thermal treatment in ammonia of a crystalline precursor (TiO2 obtained at 673 K). TEM and SEM images, as well as the analysis of the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, show the nanoparticulated character of those solids obtained at low temperatures, with typical particle sizes in the 10–20 nm range when prepared at 673 K. The UV–Vis results indicate both the insertion of V in the anatase lattice and the feasibility of nitridation at low temperatures. The photocatalytic properties of these materials (as prepared and after their incorporation to mortar samples) in the degradation of nitrogen oxides have been preliminary evaluated. Although N‐doping enhances the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 matrix, V‐doping worsens it.
Tunable Ferromagnetic Behaviors Observed in Highly Orientated Co‐Doped ZnO Thin Films by the Bandgap Engineering
Authors: Zhang Yujun , Guo Ting , Luo Yi‐Dong , Lin Yuan‐Hua , Nan Ce‐Wen
Published: December 2012

Highly orientated Co‐doped Zn(Mg, Cd)O thin films have been prepared on Si (001) substrate using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Our results indicate that Mg and Cd‐doping can tune the bandgap of ZnO thin film. Apparent room‐temperature ferromagnetism is observed in these films, which can be modified by the bandgap of ZnO. A narrow bandgap enhances the ferromagnetism of the films through the Cd‐doping, and wide bandgap does the opposite through the Mg‐doping, which may be ascribed to the ferromagnetic (FM) exchange interaction between the 3d states of magnetic Co ions and the impurity band. These experimental results provide some new evidence that the ferromagnetism in Co:ZnO is closely related to crystal defects and improve our knowledge about ferromagnetism in dilute magnetic oxides.
Subsolidus Phase Relations of the BaO–Y2O3–MnO2 System in Air
Authors: Wang Changlei , Li Jing‐Bo , Gao Qingqing , Li Guannan , Liu Guangyao , Rao Guanghui , Luo Jun , Du Zhenmin , Liang Jingkui
Published: December 2012

The subsolidus phase relations of the BaO–Y2O3–MnO2 system have been investigated in air. There are eight binary compounds, a new ternary compound and 11 three‐phase regions in this system. The ternary compound with the BaO:YO1.5:MnO2 molar ratio of 8:2:5 was indexed by a rhombohedral lattice with a = 5.7929 (6) and c = 28.586 (4) Å. The synthesized compounds were determined to be stoichiometric except for the Ba1−xYxMnO3 phase (x ≤ 0.01).
Preparation and Electric Properties of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–Bi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3 Lead‐Free Piezoceramics
Authors: Wang Qi , Chen Jun , Fan Longlong , Liu Laijun , Fang Liang , Xing Xianran
Published: December 2012

Lead‐free BNT‐based piezoceramics, (1−x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–xBi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3 [(1−x)BNT–xBMT] (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) binary system, were synthesized using a conventional ceramic fabrication method. Effect of Bi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3 (BMT) substitution on room temperature (RT) crystal structure, and temperature dependence of electric properties were investigated. The XRD indicates that a pure perovskite phase is formed. The introduction of BMT decreases EC of BNT from 7.3 to 4.0 kV/mm, and increases d33 from 58 pC/N to 110 pC/N for the x = 0.05. The system shows a typical ferroelectric (FE) polarization loop P(E) and butterfly bipolar strain‐electric S(E) curve at RT. For the composition of 0.95BNT–0.05BMT antiferroelectric (AFE) phase appears near 80°C, characterized by a constricted P(E) loop and altered bipolar S(E) butterfly, and gradually prevails with increasing temperature. Temperature dependence of dielectric constant shows that TC increases from 310°C for pure BNT to 352°C for the x = 0.05. The results indicate that the piezoelectric properties of BNT have been improved by means of Bi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3 substitution.