bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRPM5-Expressing Solitary Chemosensory Cells Respond to Odorous Irritants
Authors: Lin Weihong , Ogura Tatsuya , Margolskee Robert F. , Finger Thomas E. , Restrepo Diego
Published: December 2007

Inhaled airborne irritants elicit sensory responses in trigeminal nerves innervating the nasal epithelium, leading to protective reflexes. The sensory mechanisms involved in the detection of odorous irritants are poorly understood. We identified a large population of solitary chemosensory cells expressing the transient receptor potential channel M5 (TRPM5) using transgenic mice where the promoter of TRPM5 drives the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP). Most of these solitary chemosensory cells lie in the anterior nasal cavity. These GFP-labeled solitary chemosensory cells exhibited immunoreactivity for synaptobrevin-2, a vesicle-associated membrane protein important for synaptic transmission. Concomitantly, we found trigeminal nerve fibers apposed closely to the solitary chemosensory cells, indicating potential transmission of sensory information to trigeminal fibers. In addition, stimulation of the nasal cavity with high concentrations (0.5–5 mM) of a variety of odorants elicited event-related potentials (ERPs) in areas rich in TRPM5-expressing solitary chemosensory cells. Furthermore, odorous chemicals and trigeminal stimuli induced changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels in isolated TRPM5-expressing solitary chemosensory cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Together, our data show that the TRPM5-expressing cells respond to a variety of chemicals at high exposure levels typical of irritants and are positioned in the nasal cavity appropriately to monitor inhaled air quality.
Investigation of Microencapsulated BSH ActiveLactobacillusin the Simulated Human GI Tract
Authors: Martoni Christopher , Bhathena Jasmine , Jones Mitchell Lawrence , Urbanska Aleksandra Malgorzata , Chen Hongmei , Prakash Satya
Published: December 2007

This study investigated the use of microencapsulated bile salt hydrolase (BSH) overproducingLactobacillus plantarum80 cells for oral delivery applications using a dynamic computer-controlled model simulating the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Bile salt deconjugation rates for microencapsulated BSH overproducing cells were 4.87±0.28 μmol/g microcapsule/h towards glycoconjugates and 0.79±0.15 μmol/g microcapsule/h towards tauroconjugates in the simulated intestine, a significant (P<.05) increase over microencapsulated wild-type cells. Microcapsules protected the encased cells in the simulated stomach prior to intestinal release, maintaining cell viability above109 cfu/mL at pH 2.5 and 3.0 and above106 cfu/mL at pH 2.0 after 2-hour residence times. In the simulated intestine, encased cell viability was maintained above1010 cfu/mL after 3, 6, and 12-hour residence times in bile concentrations up to 1.0%. Results show that microencapsulation has potential in the oral delivery of live BSH active bacterial cells. However,in vivotesting is required.
Advances in High-Efficiency III-V Multijunction Solar Cells
Authors: King Richard R. , Law Daniel C. , Edmondson Kenneth M. , Fetzer Christopher M. , Kinsey Geoffrey S. , Yoon Hojun , Krut Dimitri D. , Ermer James H. , Sherif Raed A. , Karam Nasser H.
Published: December 2007

The high efficiency of multijunction concentrator cells has the potential to revolutionize the cost structure of photovoltaic electricity generation. Advances in the design of metamorphic subcells to reduce carrier recombination and increase voltage, wide-band-gap tunnel junctions capable of operating at high concentration, metamorphic buffers to transition from the substrate lattice constant to that of the epitaxial subcells, concentrator cell AR coating and grid design, and integration into 3-junction cells with current-matched subcells under the terrestrial spectrum have resulted in new heights in solar cell performance. A metamorphic
Ga0.44In0.56P/Ga0.92In0.08As/ Ge 3-junction solar cell from this research has reached a record 40.7% efficiency at 240 suns, under the standard reporting spectrum for terrestrial concentrator cells (AM1.5 direct, low-AOD, 24.0 W/cm2, 25∘C), and experimental lattice-matched 3-junction cells have now also achieved over 40% efficiency, with 40.1% measured at 135 suns. This metamorphic 3-junction device is the first solar cell to reach over 40% in efficiency, and has the highest solar conversion efficiency for any type of photovoltaic cell developed to date. Solar cells with more junctions offer the potential for still higher efficiencies to be reached. Four-junction cells limited by radiative recombination can reach over 58% in principle, and practical 4-junction cell efficiencies over 46% are possible with the right combination of band gaps, taking into account series resistance and gridline shadowing. Many of the optimum band gaps for maximum energy conversion can be accessed with metamorphic semiconductor materials. The lower current in cells with 4 or more junctions, resulting in lower I2R resistive power loss, is a particularly significant advantage in concentrator PV systems. Prototype 4-junction terrestrial concentrator cells have been grown by metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy, with preliminary measured efficiency of 35.7% under the AM1.5 direct terrestrial solar spectrum at 256 suns.
Photoluminescence of Silicon Nanocrystals in Silicon Oxide
Authors: Ferraioli L. , Wang M. , Pucker G. , Navarro-Urrios D. , Daldosso N. , Kompocholis C. , Pavesi L.
Published: December 2007

Recent results on the photoluminescence properties of silicon nanocrystals embedded in silicon oxide are reviewed and discussed. The attention is focused on Si nanocrystals produced by high-temperature annealing of silicon rich oxide layers deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The influence of deposition parameters and layer thickness is analyzed in detail. The nanocrystal size can be roughly controlled by means of Si content and annealing temperature and time. Unfortunately, a technique for independently fine tuning the emission efficiency and the size is still lacking; thus, only middle size nanocrystals have high emission efficiency. Interestingly, the layer thickness affects the nucleation and growth kinetics so changing the luminescence efficiency.
Operating with External Arguments of Douady and Hubbard
Authors: Pastor G. , Romera M. , Alvarez G. , Nunez J. , Arroyo D. , Montoya F.
Published: December 2007

The external arguments of the external rays theory of Douady and Hubbard is a valuable tool in order to analyze the Mandelbrot set, a typical case of discrete dynamical system used to study nonlinear phenomena. We suggest here a general method for the calculation of the external arguments of external rays landing at the hyperbolic components root points of the Mandelbrot set. Likewise, we present a general method for the calculation of the external arguments of external rays landing at Misiurewicz points.
Wear of MgO-CaO-SiO2-P2O5-F-Based Glass Ceramics Compared to Selected Dental Ceramics
Authors: Park Jongee , Pekkan Gürel , Ozturk Abdullah
Published: December 2007

Wear of a glass-ceramic produced through controlled crystallization of a glass in the MgO-CaO-SiO2-P2O5-F system has been evaluated and compared to various commercial dental ceramics including IPS Empress 2, Cergo Pressable Ceramic, Cerco Ceram, and Super porcelain EX-3. Wear tests were performed in accord with the ASTM G99 for wear testing with a pin-on-disk apparatus. The friction coefficient and specific wear rate of the materials investigated were determined at a load of 10 N and at ambient laboratory conditions. Microhardness of the materials was also measured to elucidate the appropriateness of these materials for dental applications.
Interaction of Imidazole Containing Hydroxamic Acids with Fe(III): Hydroxamate Versus Imidazole Coordination of the Ligands
Authors: Farkas Etelka , Bátka Dávid , Csóka Hajnalka , Nagy Nóra V.
Published: December 2007

Solution equilibrium studies on Fe(III) complexes formed with imidazole-4-carbohydroxamic acid (Im-4-Cha), N-Me-imidazole-4-carbohydroxamic acid (N-Me-Im-4-Cha), imidazole-4-acetohydroxamic acid (Im-4-Aha), and histidinehydroxamic acid (Hisha) have been performed by using pH-potentiometry, UV-visible spectrophotometry, EPR, ESI-MS, andH-NMR methods. All of the obtained results demonstrate that the imidazole moiety is able to play an important role very often in the interaction with Fe(III), even if this metal ion prefers the hydroxamate chelates very much. If the imidazole moiety is inα-position to the hydroxamic one (Im-4-Cha and N-Me-Im-4-Cha) its coordination to the metal ion is indicated unambiguously by our results. Interestingly, parallel formation of (Nimidazole,Ohydroxamate), and (Ohydroxamate,Ohydroxamate) type chelates seems probable with N-Me-Im-4-Cha. The imidazole is inβ-position to the hydroxamic moiety in Im-4-Aha and an intermolecular noncovalent (mainly H-bonding) interaction seems to organize the intermediate-protonated molecules in this system. Following the formation of mono- and bishydroxamato mononuclear complexes, only EPR silent species exists in the Fe(III)-Hisha system above pH 4, what suggests the rather significant “assembler activity” of the imidazole (perhaps together with the ammonium moiety).
Peritoneal Protein Losses and Cytokine Generation in Automated Peritoneal Dialysis with Combined Amino Acids and Glucose Solutions
Authors: Tjiong H. L. , Zijlstra F. J. , Rietveld T. , Wattimena J. L. , Huijmans J. G. M. , Swart G. R. , Fieren M. W. J. A.
Published: December 2007

Objectives. Protein-energy malnutrition as a consequence of deficient protein intake frequently occurs in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Previously, we showed that peritoneal dialysate containing a mixture of amino acids (AA) and glucose has anabolic effects. However AA-dialysate has been reported to increase intraperitoneal protein and AA losses and the release of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukine-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)). We investigated the effect of AA plus glucose (AAG) solutions on peritoneal protein losses and cytokine generation.Methods. In 6 patients on standard automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) 12 APD sessions of 6 cycles each were performed during the night using dialysate containing 1.1% AA plus glucose or glucose alone as control. Protein losses and TNFαand IL-6 concentrations were measured in dialysates separately collected from nightly cycling and daytime dwell.Results. The 24 hour-protein losses with AAG (median 6.7 g, range 4.7–9.4 g) were similar to control dialysate (median 6.0 g, range 4.2–9.2 g). Daytime dialysate IL-6 levels were higher after nightly AAG dialysis than after control dialysis (142 pg/ml and 82 pg/ml, respectively,P<.05). TNFαconcentrations were very low.Conclusion. Nightly APD with amino acids containing dialysate was associated with an increase in peritoneal IL-6 generation during the day. The addition of AA to standard glucose dialysis solutions did not induce a significant increase of peritoneal protein losses.
A Method for Designing Fault Diagnosis Filters for LPV Polytopic Systems
Authors: Grenaille Sylvain , Henry David , Zolghadri Ali
Published: December 2007

The work presented in this paper focuses on the design of robust Fault Detection and Isolation (FDI) filters for dynamic systems characterized by LPV (Linear Parameter Varying) polytopic models. A sufficient condition is established to guarantee sensitivity performance of the residual signal vector to faults. Robustness constraints against model perturbations and disturbances are also taken into account in the design method. A key feature of the proposed method is that the residual structuring matrices are optimized as an integral part of the design, together with the dynamic part (i.e. the filter). The design problem is formulated as a convex optimization problem and solved using LMI (Linear Matrix Inequalities) techniques. The proposed method is illustrated on the secondary circuit of a Nuclear Power Plant.
Visible‐Light‐Active Titania Photocatalysts: The Case of N‐Doped TiO2s—Properties and Some Fundamental Issues
Authors: Emeline Alexei V. , Kuznetsov Vyacheslav N. , Rybchuk Vladimir K. , Serpone Nick
Published: December 2007

This article briefly reviews some factors that have impacted heterogeneous photocatalysis with next generation TiO2 photocatalysts, along with some issues of current debate in the fundamental understanding of the science that underpins the field. Preparative methods and some characteristics features of N‐doped TiO2 are presented and described briefly. At variance are experimental results and interpretations of X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) with regard to assignments of N 1s binding energies in N‐doped TiO2 systems. Relative to pristine nominally clean TiO2 with absorption edges at 3.2 eV (anatase) and 3.0 eV (rutile), N‐doped TiO2s display red‐shifted absorption edges into the visible spectral region. Several workers have surmised that the
(intrinsic) band gap of TiO2 is narrowed by coupling dopant energy states with valence band (VB) states, an inference based on DFT computations. With similar DFT computations, others concluded that red‐shifted absorption edges originate from the presence of localized intragap dopant states above the upper level of the VB band. Recent analyses of absorption spectral features in the visible region for a large number of doped TiO2 specimens, however, have suggested a common origin owing to the strong similarities of the absorption features, and this regardless of the preparative methods and the nature of the dopants. The next generation of (doped) TiO2 photocatalysts should enhance overall process photoefficiencies (in some cases), since doped TiO2s absorb a greater quantity of solar radiation. The fundamental science that underpins heterogeneous photocatalysis with the next generation of photocatalysts is a rich playing field ripe for further exploration.
Using Growing Self‐Organising Maps to Improve the Binning Process in Environmental Whole‐Genome Shotgun Sequencing
Authors: Chan Chon-Kit Kenneth , Hsu Arthur L. , Tang Sen-Lin , Halgamuge Saman K.
Published: December 2007

Metagenomic projects using whole‐genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing produces many unassembled DNA sequences and small contigs. The step of clustering these sequences, based on biological and molecular features, is called binning. A reported strategy for binning that combines oligonucleotide frequency and self‐organising maps (SOM) shows high potential. We improve this strategy by identifying suitable training features, implementing a better clustering algorithm, and defining quantitative measures for assessing results. We investigated the suitability of each of di‐, tri‐, tetra‐, and pentanucleotide frequencies. The results show that dinucleotide frequency is not a sufficiently strong signature for binning 10 kb long DNA sequences, compared to the other three. Furthermore, we observed that increased order of oligonucleotide frequency may deteriorate the assignment result in some cases, which indicates the possible existence of optimal species‐specific oligonucleotide frequency. We replaced SOM with growing self‐organising map (GSOM) where comparable results are obtained while gaining 7%–15%speed improvement.
Stability of Discrete Systems Controlled in the Presence of Intermittent Sensor Faults
Authors: Dionísio Rui Vilela , Lemos João M.
Published: December 2007

This paper presents sufficient conditions for stability of unstable discrete time invariant models, stabilized by state feedback, when interrupted observations due to intermittent sensor faults occur. It is shown that the closed‐loop system with feedback through a reconstructed signal, when, at least, one of the sensors is unavailable, remains stable, provided that the intervals of unavailability satisfy a certain time bound, even in the presence of state vanishing perturbations. The result is first proved for linear systems and then extended to a class of Hammerstein systems.
PPAR Action in Human Placental Development and Pregnancy and Its Complications
Authors: Wieser Fritz , Waite Leslie , Depoix Christophe , Taylor Robert N.
Published: December 2007

During pregnancy crucial anatomic, physiologic, and metabolic changes challenge the mother and the fetus.
The placenta is a remarkable organ that allows the mother and the fetus to adapt to the new metabolic, immunologic,
and angiogenic environment imposed by gestation. One of the physiologic systems that appears to have evolved to
sustain this metabolic regulation is mediated by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs).
In clinical pregnancy‐specific disorders, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and intrauterine growth restriction,
aberrant regulation of components of the PPAR system parallels dysregulation of metabolism, inflammation and
angiogenesis. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of PPARs in regulating human trophoblast invasion,
early placental development, and also in the physiology of clinical pregnancy and its complications. As increasingly
indicated in the literature, pregnancy disorders, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, represent potential
targets for treatment with PPAR ligands. With the advent of more specific PPAR agonists that exhibit efficacy in ameliorating
metabolic, inflammatory, and angiogenic disturbances, further studies of their application in pregnancy‐related diseases
are warranted.
Optimal Robust Fault Detection for Linear Discrete Time Systems
Authors: Liu Nike , Zhou Kemin
Published: December 2007

This paper considers robust fault‐detection problems for linear discrete time systems. It is shown that the optimal robust detection filters for several well‐recognized robust fault‐detection problems, such asℋ−/ℋ∞,ℋ2/ℋ∞, andℋ∞/ℋ∞problems, are the same and can be obtained by solving a standard algebraic Riccati equatio n. Optimal filters are also derived for many other optimization criteria and it is shown that some well‐studied and seeming‐sensible optimization criteria for fault‐detection filter design could lead to (optimal) but useless fault‐detection filters.
Fractalkine Deficiency Markedly Reduces Macrophage Accumulation and Atherosclerotic Lesion Formation in CCR2
−/−
Mice
Authors: Saederup Noah , Chan Liana , Lira Sergio A. , Charo Israel F.
Published: December 2007

Background—

Monocyte-derived foam cells are the hallmark of early atherosclerosis, and recent evidence indicates that chemokines play important roles in directing monocyte migration from the blood to the vessel wall. Genetic deletions of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1, CCL2), fractalkine (CX3CL1), or their cognate receptors, CCR2 and CX3CR1, markedly reduce atherosclerotic lesion size in murine models of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether these 2 chemokines act independently or redundantly in promoting atherogenesis.

Methods and Results—

We crossed CX3CL1
−/−
ApoE
−/−
and CCR2
−/−
ApoE
−/−
mice to create CX3CL1
−/−
CCR2
−/−
ApoE
−/−
triple knockouts and performed a 4-arm atherosclerosis study. Here, we report that deletion of CX3CL1 in CCR2
−/−
mice dramatically reduced macrophage accumulation in the artery wall and the subsequent development of atherosclerosis. Deletion of CX3CL1 did not reduce the number of circulating monocytes in either “wild-type” ApoE
−/−
mice or CCR2
−/−
ApoE
−/−
mice, which suggests a role for CX3CL1 in the direct recruitment and/or capture of CCR2-deficient monocytes.

Conclusions—

These data provide the first in vivo evidence for independent roles for CCR2 and CX3CL1 in macrophage accumulation and atherosclerotic lesion formation and suggest that successful therapeutic strategies may need to target multiple chemokines or chemokine receptors.
Measurement Bias Across Gender on the Children's Depression Inventory
Authors: Carle Adam C. , Millsap Roger E. , Cole David A.
Published: December 2007

Confirmatory factor analysis for ordered-categorical measures (CFA-OCM) and rating scale item response theory (IRT) analyses explore measurement bias across gender on the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) in a community sample of 779 children in the third and sixth grades. Given the set of statistical criteria, IRT and CFA-OCM generally establish measurement equivalence. Results substantiate both Craighead et al.'s five-factor model and IRT models with the CDI, demonstrate their convergence regarding bias, support the use of the CDI in cross-gender comparisons, suggest a separate scoring method need not be developed for children in this age range, and provide evidence that previously noted developmental similarities in depression reflect true similarities. Given measurement invariance, observed score analyses demonstrate no statistically significant differences between boys and girls on the CDI total score and four scores created as a function of the factor model. However, girls endorse statistically significant elevated levels on a dysphoria score.
Assessing General and Specific Attitudes in Human Learning Behavior
Authors: Jun Sun  , Willson Victor L.
Published: December 2007

This article proposes a multilevel modeling approach to study the general and specific attitudes formed in human learning behavior. Based on the premises of activity theory, it conceptualizes the unit of analysis for attitude measurement as a scalable and evolving activity system rather than a single action. Measurement issues related to this conceptualization, including scale development and validation, are discussed with the help of facet analysis and multilevel structural equation modeling techniques. An empirical study was conducted, and the results indicate that this approach is theoretically and methodologically defensible.
A Psychometric Evaluation of Two Achievement Goal Inventories
Authors: Donnellan M. Brent
Published: December 2007

The properties of the achievement goal inventories developed by Grant and Dweck (2003) and Elliot and McGregor (2001) were evaluated in two studies with a total of 780 participants. A four-factor specification for the Grant and Dweck inventory did not closely replicate results published in their original report. In contrast, the structure of the Elliot and McGregor inventory was more or less replicable. In addition, the associations between the scales on both inventories were examined, and both inventories have scales that tap approach-related forms of performance and learning goals. However, a notable advantage of the shorter Elliot and McGregor inventory is that it also includes measures of the avoidance forms of these goals. In sum, the author concluded that the Elliot and McGregor inventory was a superior measure of achievement goal constructs on the basis of practical, psychometric, and theoretical considerations.
Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Problem Scores
Authors: Guttmannova Katarina , Szanyi Jason M. , Cali Philip W.
Published: December 2007

Accurate measurement of behavioral functioning is a cornerstone of research on disparities in child development. This study used the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) data to test measurement invariance of the Behavior Problem Index (BPI) during middle childhood across three ethnic groups. Using the internalizing and externalizing behavior problem division derived by Parcel and Menaghan (1988) and suggested for use with NLSY79 data, the configural invariance hypothesis was not supported. The BPI factor structure model was revised based on theoretical considerations using the division of items from the Child Behavior Checklist. This model demonstrated configural invariance across ethnic groups and over time. Moreover, measurement invariance of factor loadings and thresholds across ethnic groups at each time point and within each ethnic group over time was also supported. The implications of these findings for educational and cross-cultural research are outlined.
The Privileges of Rank
Authors: MacLean Alair
Published: December 2007

This article examines the effects of peacetime cold war military service on the life course according to four potentially overlapping theories that state that military service (1) was a disruption, (2) was a positive turning point, (3) allowed veterans to accumulate advantage, and (4) was an agent of social reproduction. The article argues that the extent to which the effect of military service on veterans' lives corresponds with one or another of the preceding theories depends on historical shifts in three dimensions: conscription, conflict, and benefits. Military service during the peacetime draft era of the late 1950s had a neutral effect on the socioeconomic attainment of enlisted veterans. However, it had a positive effect on veterans who served as officers, which partly stemmed from status reproduction and selection. Yet net of pre-service and educational differences by rank, officers in this peacetime draft era were still able to accumulate advantage.
What Do We See in a Tilted Square? A Validation of the Figure Independence Scale
Authors: Kim Heejung S. , Sherman David K.
Published: December 2007

The Figure Independence Scale (FIS) assesses people's preference for abstract figures that represent uniqueness. As psychological manifestations of cultural values cohere among each other within a cultural system, the authors argue that preference for uniqueness, as a psychological manifestation of the value for independence, can be used as an indirect measure of this value. Four studies examine the convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of the FIS. The results indicate that liking for abstract, unique figures coheres with other specific manifestations of the value for independence (i.e., responses to explicit independence scale, need for personal control, liking for independence themes in advertisements, and use of social coping) and thus can be used as a measure of individuals' more global endorsement of this individualistic value.
“I Don't Mean to Sound Arrogant, but . . .” The Effects of Using Disclaimers on Person Perception
Authors: El-Alayli Amani , Myers Christoffer J. , Petersen Tamara L. , Lystad Amy L.
Published: December 2007

Limited research has examined the effects of using disclaimers on person perception, and none has examined disclaimer effectiveness. Four studies test whether disclaimers effectively ward off negative judgments regarding the specific disclaimed traits. Study 1 finds that using an arrogance disclaimer (“I don't mean to sound arrogant, but . . .”) increased judgments of the speaker's arrogance but only when followed by an arrogant comment. Studies 2 and 3 yield similar findings using laziness and selfishness disclaimers. Studies 2, 3, and 4 examine five possible underlying mechanisms regarding why disclaimers can backfire. The most support was obtained for the notion that disclaimers increase an audience's expectations that the speaker will say something consistent with the unwanted trait, which then increases perceptions of that trait in the speaker. We discuss some possible moderating variables as well as some implications of these findings for general impression formation models.
Neurodevelopmental Screening in Toddlers and Early Preschoolers With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Schatz Jeffrey , McClellan Catherine B. , Puffer Eve S. , Johnson Kenia , Roberts Carla W.
Published: December 2007

Sickle cell disease is associated with an elevated risk for neurologic complications beginning in early childhood. Detecting higher-risk cases with developmental screening instruments may be a cost-effective method for identifying young children in need of more frequent or intensive assessment. We evaluated the validity of the Denver II test as a tool to detect lower levels of developmental attainment and their association with neurologic risk in 50 young children with sickle cell disease. Children with suspect Denver II outcomes showed lower scores for functional communication skills, had lower hematocrit percentage, higher mean velocities on transcranial Doppler ultrasound imaging, and were more likely to have had preterm birth. Validity of age equivalencies from specific Denver II areas was demonstrated for Language and Fine Motor scores, suggesting the instrument could be used to index children's developmental levels in these domains. The Denver II may be a useful behavioral screening tool for neurodevelopmental risk in sickle cell disease.
Periodic Lateralized Epileptiform Discharges in La Crosse Encephalitis, a Worrisome Subgroup: Clinical Presentation, Electroencephalogram (EEG) Patterns, and Long-Term Neurologic Outcome
Authors: de los Reyes Emily C. , McJunkin James E. , Glauser Tracy A. , Tomsho Mark , O'Neal James
Published: December 2007

La Crosse virus encephalitis is the most common mosquito-borne virus in children in the United States. La Crosse virus encephalitis has emerged as a significant health concern due to its potential for acute morbidity, including seizures, alterations in mental status, and, in rare cases, death, as well as the potential for chronic morbidity, including, epilepsy and cognitive and behavioral disorders. The aim of this study is to provide a clinical description of the largest series of children reported with periodic lateralizing epileptiform discharges (PLEDS) associated with La Cross virus encephalitis with reference to their clinical course, seizure type, electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns, and 2- and 10-year long-term neurologic outcome. In addition, to evaluate whether this subset of children may indeed have more severe disease than children with La Crosse virus encephalitis without PLEDS, comparisons are made between the 2 groups on specific variables. All patients presented with fever and disorientation; 6 of the 9 (66%) presented with seizures. PLEDS localized to the temporal lobe in 7 patients (77%). The children with PLEDS had longer intensive care unit stays (6.5 ± 2.4 vs 3.2 ± 1.9; P < .0001), a higher rate of intubation (88% vs 20%; P < .001), and a higher rate of cerebral herniation (1%; P < .05) than children with La Crosse virus encephalitis without PLEDS. Follow-up data on the subset with PLEDS also suggest a relatively high rate of epilepsy and behavioral difficulties with hyperactivity symptoms, memory deficits, and school difficulties. The implications for recognition, management, and follow-up of this worrisome subset of patients with La Crosse virus encephalitis are discussed.
Brain Tumors in Children: Initial Symptoms and Their Influence on the Time Span Between Symptom Onset and Diagnosis
Authors: Reulecke Bettina C. , Erker Christian G. , Fiedler Barbara J. , Niederstadt Thomas-Ulrich , Kurlemann Gerhard
Published: December 2007

Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor entity in childhood. Symptoms are often unspecific, depending not only on the localization of the tumor, but also on the age of the child. The aim of this study was to detect factors influencing the time span between the occurrence of symptoms and the diagnosis to alert health professionals to the early symptoms of pediatric brain tumors. The records of 245 consecutive patients treated for brain tumors between 1980 and 2004 at the neuropediatric department of the University of Muenster were analyzed regarding their primary symptoms, tumor location, entity, and, in 151 cases, the primary electroencephalogram findings. The median time span between symptom onset and diagnosis in our study was 24 days. Multivariate analysis showed a significant influence of 6 parameters on the interval between symptom onset and diagnosis. An additional symptom had a significant influence on the time span between symptom onset and diagnosis in the univariate analysis. The findings that several symptoms influence the interval between symptom onset and diagnosis emphasize the necessity to systematically inquire about the key symptoms of brain tumors. The challenge for every consultant is to decide in which cases cerebral imaging is appropriate. As the most frequent symptoms are unspecific and often underestimated, a detailed anamnesis is crucial to detect possible brain tumor patients. In doubtful cases, a systematic interrogation regarding the catalogue of symptoms can be helpful.
Parasagittal Lesions and Ulegyria in Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Neuroimaging Findings and Review of the Pathogenesis
Authors: Nikas Ioannis , Dermentzoglou Vasiliki , Theofanopoulou Maria , Theodoropoulos Vasilios
Published: December 2007

Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is a very important neurological problem of the perinatal period and a major cause of chronic disability later in childhood. The subsequent neurological deficits are a variety of motor defects—especially spasticity but also choreoathetosis, dystonia and ataxia, often grouped together as “cerebral palsy,” mental retardation, and seizures. The gestational age determines the neuropathology of the brain injury. One of the patterns of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, typically affecting full-term infants, consists of parasagittal lesions and ulegyria. The aim of this study is to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and discuss the “suggested” pathogenetic mechanisms of this pattern, which affects the cortex and the white matter in a mainly parasagittal distribution; in this type of brain injury, the damage usually involves the deeper sulcal portion while sparing the apex, thus resulting in the so-called mushroom gyri characteristic ulegyric pattern. We discuss the MRI findings of parasagittal lesions and ulegyria in the brain examinations of 14 patients with a clinical history of perinatal hypoxia/anoxia presenting with mental retardation, seizures, and cerebral palsy. Differential diagnosis from polymicrogyria is discussed.
Characterization of Autism in Young Children With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Jeste Shafali S. , Sahin Mustafa , Bolton Patrick , Ploubidis George B. , Humphrey Ayla
Published: December 2007

Both cognitive impairment and autism are common in the tuberous sclerosis complex, but the relationship between the 2 diagnoses has not been formally explored. The authors evaluated 20 clinic-referred children with tuberous sclerosis complex at ages 18, 24, 36, and 60 months and classified them as autism, autism spectrum disorder, or normal on the basis of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. Using the Mullen Scale of Early Learning, cognitive function in each subgroup was assessed. The authors then analyzed the subscores of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule in children with autism. Children with autism showed significantly more global cognitive impairment than those without autism. In addition, all children had some baseline cognitive impairment and the majority had deficits in play scores. The authors conclude that clinic-referred children with tuberous sclerosis complex and autism are at considerable risk for cognitive impairment. These characteristics may help to guide more tailored services for these high-risk children.
Violence in Young Adolescents' Relationships
Authors: Josephson Wendy L. , Proulx Jocelyn B.
Published: December 2007

A structural equation model based on social cognitive theory was used to predict relationship violence from young adolescents' knowledge, self-efficacy, attitudes, and alternative conflict strategies ( n = 143 male and 147 female grade 7-9 students). A direct causal effect was supported for violence-tolerant attitudes and psychologically aggressive (escalation/blame) strategies on physical violence against dating partners and friends. Knowledge and self-efficacy contributed to using reasoning-based strategies, but this reduced violence only in boys' friendships. Knowledge reduced violence-tolerant attitudes, thus reducing escalation/ blame and physical violence. Attitudes toward male and female dating violence (ATMDV and ATFDV) were indicators of general attitudes toward violence among non-dating students but ATFDV affected physical violence and ATMDV affected psychological aggression for both dating boys and girls.
Psychopathy and Affect Consciousness in Young Criminal Offenders
Authors: Holmqvist Rolf
Published: December 2007

A key characteristic of psychopathy is the individual's problematic relation to certain affects, particularly shame. Previous research has studied relations between expressed shame and psychopathy. In this study, the author analyzes potential associations between psychopathy and consciousness of feelings (i.e., participants' ability to recognize and tolerate the feeling and describe how they believe it is expressed in their posture and verbal expressions). Psychopathy is assessed with the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version, and affect consciousness is assessed with a semistructured interview. Additionally, risk for criminal behavior, moral reasoning, cognitive distortions, and attachment style in the participants was assessed. The participants are 47 adolescent boys who were treated at juvenile delinquency homes. The results indicate that boys with higher ratings of psychopathy had lower consciousness of shame feelings and lower empathy scores. The results in combination with qualitative analyses of the interview answers are interpreted as indicating that consciousness of shame is specifically problematic for psychopathic adolescents.
Symptoms of Trauma, Perceptions of Discrimination, and Anger
Authors: Day Andrew , Davey Linda , Wanganeen Rosemary , Casey Sharon , Howells Kevin , Nakata Martin
Published: December 2007

Although the need for the development and provision of culturally appropriate rehabilitation programs for offenders is widely acknowledged, there is a lack of empirical data that can be used as a basis for the development of new programs. This article reports the findings of a comparison of indigenous and nonindigenous male prisoners on a range of measures relevant to the experience of anger by indigenous prisoners in Australia. The results suggest that indigenous participants are more likely to experience symptoms of early trauma, have greater difficulties identifying and describing feelings, and perceive higher levels of discrimination than nonindigenous prisoners. The implications of this work for the development of culturally appropriate and effective anger management programs for indigenous male prisoners are discussed.
“But We're in a Court of Law. We're Not in a Legislature.”
Authors: Mayrowetz David , Lapham John
Published: December 2007

When courts engage in educational policy making through what is called “public law litigation,” they set foot in unsettled territory. Framing the authors' work in legal studies literature, this article relays how one court engaged in a sweeping reform of special education in Chicago and teacher certification in the entire state of Illinois. Based on an extensive document analysis from primary and secondary sources, three specific ways in which public law litigation differs from policy making in the legislative branch and from traditional court behavior are examined: (a) the fit between problem and solution, (b) the issue of participation and representation, and (c) the tension between finality and flexibility. The conclusion is that policy entrepreneurs, government officials, and courts need to be aware of the issues and tensions in the process of judicial policy making to enhance the effectiveness and legitimacy of public law litigation remedies.
Uncovering Information's Role in the State Higher Education Policy-Making Process
Authors: Shakespeare Christine
Published: December 2007

This study used testimony, documents, and interviews to examine the use of information in higher education policy making. The article discusses the coalition alignment regarding the state's tuition assistance program and the concomitant information sources on which each coalition drew in the budget process. The results show that there were differences in information sources between and within coalitions, and information was used for different purposes. The article demonstrates the potential utility of Paul A. Sabatier's Advocacy Coalition Framework and elicits information-related suggestions for its future applicability to higher education policy analysis.
Documentation in Palliative Care: Nursing Documentation in a Palliative Care Unit—A Pilot Study
Authors: Gunhardsson Inger , Svensson Anna , Berterö Carina
Published: December 2007

Palliative care seeks to enhance quality of life in the face of death by addressing the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of patients with advanced disease. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether palliative patients' needs, nursing actions, and evaluation can be identified in the nursing documentation. Data consisted of reviews of patients' case records in a palliative care unit. Data were analyzed using content analysis and counting frequency of keywords used from the Well-being Integrity Prevention and Safety (VIPS) model, followed by an inductive analysis of the case record documentation aiming to identify palliative care components. The result shows that the documentation revealed physical care, especially pain, more frequently than other needs. Nursing documentation focuses on identification more than on nursing actions and evaluation.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Specifically Binds Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa: A Flow Cytometric Method for Ligand-Receptor Interaction
Authors: Tetik Sermin , Uras Fikriye , Ekşioğlu-Demiralp Emel , Turay Yardimci K.
Published: December 2007

Primary platelet aggregation requires agonist-mediated activation of membrane receptor glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, binding of fibrinogen to GpIIb/IIIa, and cellular events after fibrinogen binding. This study investigated whether fibrinogen receptor GpIIb/IIIa is also the binding site for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in platelets by using GpIIb/IIIa-coated polystyrene microbeads incubated with various concentrations of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled ligands. Binding was assayed by flow cytometry. Binding of fibrinogen (Fg)-FITC and LDL-FITC to GpIIb/IIIa coated microbeads was concentration dependent, reaching saturation. Binding of LDL-FITC to GpIIb/IIIa coated microbeads was inhibited by fibrinogen. Binding of LDL-FITC or Fg-FITC to freshly isolated platelets gave similar results as those of GpIIb/IIIa coated microbeads. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, the fibrinogen receptor on platelets is also one of the binding sites of LDL on platelets. This rapid and reliable flow cytometric technique using coated microbeads may be used as a first step for the study of all ligand receptor interactions.
Optimal Management of an Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Patient With Known Factor XI Deficiency: A Case Report
Authors: Siao D. , Seetapah A. , Ryman A. , Guerin V. , Mesli A. , Maurette P.
Published: December 2007

The authors report a rare case of an acute cerebral aneurysm rupture in a patient with a known factor XI deficiency. Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) accounts for a high mortality and morbidity rate. When SAH is associated with an inherited coagulation disorder such as hemophilia C, an unexpected and possible increase in hemorrhagic stroke and increase in bleeding during surgery and in the postoperative period could lead to an extremely bad outcome. Clinical management consists of rapid correction of the coagulation disorder before undergoing any invasive intracranial procedure. Such an optimal therapeutic strategy must be under the care of a multidisciplinary medical and surgical team. Human factor XI concentrate (Hemoleven, Laboratoire Français du Fractionnement et des Biotechnologies [LFB], Les Ulis, France) was used successfully in this case report. New treatment using recombinant factor VIIa is discussed.
Plasma Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Levels and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver in Individuals With Features of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: de Larrañaga Gabriela , Wingeyer Silvia Perés , Graffigna Mabel , Belli Susana , Bendezú Karla , Alvarez Silvia , Levalle Oscar , Fainboim Hugo
Published: December 2007

Fatty liver represents the liver component of metabolic syndrome and may be involved in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) synthesis. We studied plasma PAI-1 levels and relationships with risk factors for metabolic syndrome, including fatty liver, in 170 patients. Liver ultrasound scan was performed on all patients, and a liver biopsy was performed on those patients with chronically elevated transaminase levels. Plasma PAI-1 levels correlated significantly ( P < .05) with body mass index, degree of steatosis, insulin resistance, insulin level, waist circumference, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) -cholesterol. However, only body mass index (β = .455) and HDL-cholesterol (β = .293) remained predictors of PAI-1 levels. Liver biopsy revealed a significant correlation ( P < .05) between insulin resistance ( r = 0.381) or insulin level ( r = 0.519) and liver fibrosis. In patients presenting features of metabolic syndrome, plasma PAI-1 levels were mainly conditioned by the whole-body fat content.
Severe Arterial Thrombophilia Associated With a Homozygous MTHFR Gene Mutation (A1298C) in a Young Man With Klinefelter Syndrome
Authors: Ozbek Mustafa , Öztürk M. Akif , Ureten Kemal , Ceneli Ozcan , Erdogan Mehmet , Haznedaroglu Ibrahim C.
Published: December 2007

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common sex chromosome disorder in men. It may be associated with an increased risk for venous thrombosis and thromboembolism, which is partially explained by hypofibrinolysis due to androgen deficiency. Additional genetic or acquired thrombophilic states have been shown in KS patients complicated with venous thrombosis as isolated case reports. Arterial thrombotic events had not been previously reported in KS. In this study, a young man with KS who developed acute arterial thrombosis during testosterone replacement therapy is presented. He was homozygous for the A1298C mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene.
Recombinant Factor VIIa for the Prophylaxis of Perioperative Hemorrhage in a Patient With Congenital Factor XI Deficiency Undergoing Brain Tumor Neurosurgery
Authors: Sucker Christoph , Sabel Michael , Stummer Walter , Zotz Rainer B. , Scharf Ruediger E. , Gerhardt Andrea
Published: December 2007

The authors report on the first successful use of recombinant activated factor VII for the prophylaxis of bleeding during brain tumor neurosurgery in a patient suffering from inherited factor XI deficiency. Using the agent, surgery was performed without any bleeding complications. In this setting, off-label use of recombinant activated factor VII appears to be a promising alternative for patients suffering from this rare hemostatic defect with hitherto limited therapeutic options.
Soluble Fibrin Inhibits Lymphocyte Adherence and Cytotoxicity Against Tumor Cells: Implications for Cancer Metastasis and Immunotherapy
Authors: Biggerstaff John P. , Weidow Brandy , Dexheimer Judith , Warnes Gary , Vidosh Jacqueline , Patel Shonak , Newman Michael , Patel Pretesh
Published: December 2007

Circulating soluble fibrin (sFn) is elevated in many cancer patients. It is a marker for ongoing disseminated intravascular coagulation and may have prognostic significance. We have demonstrated that sFn inhibited monocyte adherence and cytotoxicity by a mechanism involving blockade of monocyte αMβ2 and tumor cell CD54. It was, therefore, hypothesized that sFn also inhibits lymphocyte and interleukin-2—activated lymphocyte (LAK) adherence and cytotoxicity against tumor cells. This study sought to identify the lymphocyte subset responsible for adherence and killing of A375 melanoma cells and whether sFn inhibited these parameters. Lymphocyte and LAK cell adherence and cytotoxicity, which was adherence dependent, were inhibited by preincubation with purified or plasma-derived sFn. The lymphocyte and LAK cell activities were primarily a result of CD8+ MHC (major histocompatibility complex) unrestricted cytotoxic T cells. These results suggest that elevated levels of circulating sFn may be immunosuppressive and may reduce the efficacy of adoptive immunotherapies.