bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound prediction of intertwin birth weight discordance in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies
Authors: Van Mieghem Tim , Deprest Jan , Klaritsch Philipp , Gucciardo Léonardo , Done' Elisa , Verhaeghe Johan , Lewi Liesbeth
Published: February 2009

Objectives

To estimate the accuracy of ultrasound to predict birth weight (BW) and BW discordance in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies.

Methods

A prospective series of MCDA twin pregnancies was subjected to ultrasound fetal weight estimations (EFW) at 16, 20, and 26 weeks of gestation and within 2 weeks of birth. Intertwin weight discordance (ΔEFW and ΔBW) was calculated. The correlation between ΔEFW, ΔBW, EFW, and BW was assessed (Pearson) and least square regression analysis was performed. Positive and negative predictive values of ultrasound to detect severe ΔBW were calculated. Receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed to predict ΔBW >25% at different time points of gestation.

Results

Sixty pregnancies were included. Median ΔBW was 9.98%. Ten(16,7%), 8(13,3%) and 5(8,3%) twin pairs had a ΔBW >20%, >25% and >30%, respectively. BW and EFW (r = 0.96; p < 0.001) as well as ΔBW and ΔEFW were well correlated with each other (r = 0.75; p < 0.001). Bland‐Altman analysis showed that ultrasound evaluation overestimated ΔBW if >20%. Negative predictive value of ultrasound for ΔBW >25% was 98%. The area under the curve (AUC) to predict a ΔBW >25% at 16, 20, and 26 weeks and <2 weeks before birth was 0.79, 0.87, 0.93, and 0.95, respectively.

Conclusions

Ultrasound estimations of BW and ΔBW are highly correlated with actual BW and ΔBW in MCDA twin pregnancies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Klassische Magnetkreisel. Spielwiese
Authors: Schlichting Hans‐Joachim , Ucke Christian
Published: February 2009

Kreisel mit einer magnetischen Achse können auf vielfältige Weise Wechselwirkungen mit ferromagnetischen Objekten eingehen. Je nachdem, ob es sich um große oder kleine Objekte handelt, führt entweder der Kreisel oder das Objekt eine interessante Bewegung aus. Diese Bewegungen lassen sich als Wechselspiel zwischen Schwerkraft und magnetischer Anziehungskraft sowie Roll‐ und Gleitreibung und die hierdurch entstehenden Drehmomente erklären.
Spektroskopie durch Verwackeln
Authors: Schlichting H. Joachim
Published: February 2009

Verwackelte Fotografien bringen oft eine ungeahnte Ästhetik hervor. Dass sie aber auch mehr Informationen bieten können, als eine “scharfe” Abbildung, ist weniger bekannt.
Der Körper als Wärmemaschine
Authors: Müller Andreas
Published: February 2009

Der Körper erzeugt durch chemische Reaktionen in seine Zellen Energie, die uns am Leben hält. Die Verbrennung von Kohlenwasserstoffen wird dabei durch eine komplizierte biochemische Reaktionskette gezähmt, so dass die Energieversorgung ohne hohe Brenntemperaturen möglich ist. Die Energiebilanz lässt sich mit einfachen Angaben abschätzen.
Gefühlte physikalische Eigenschaften
Authors: Vilgis Thomas
Published: February 2009

Sämige, dicke Saucen können mitunter wahre Geschmackswunder sein. Das tiefe und oft lang anhaltende sensorische Mundgefühl wird maßgeblich durch die Fließeigenschaften der Saucen mitbestimmt. Lassen sich Begriffe wie Mundgefühl und Geschmack sogar auf physikalische Begriffe wie Viskosität und Fließverhalten zurückführen? Vieles spricht dafür. Es geht gewissermaßen um gefühlte physikalische Eigenschaften.
Attosekundengenaue Tunnelzeitmessung
Authors: Pfeiffer Adrian N. , Eckle Petrissa , Keller Ursula , Dörner Reinhard
Published: February 2009

Unter dem Einfluss starker Laserfelder kann das Potential eines Atomkerns so stark verformt werden, dass die Elektronen sich durch Tunnelionisation vom Atom lösen. Die Frage nach der Dauer dieses Prozesses ist immer wieder Gegenstand von Diskussionen. Jüngst ist unserer Gruppe an der ETH Zürich eine zeitliche Messung mit Attosekundengenauigkeit gelungen. Das Ergebnis: Null.
Durchstimmbarer, zweidimensionaler Supraleiter
Authors: Hammerl German , Thiel Stefan , Mannhart Jochen
Published: February 2009

Seit der Entdeckung der Hochtemperatur‐Supraleitung im Jahr 1986 werden kristalline Schichten aus komplexen Oxiden intensiv erforscht. Diese Materialien zeigen neuartige und bisweilen unerwartete physikalische Eigenschaften, die zukünftige elektronische Schaltkreise revolutionieren könnten. Ein aktuelles Beispiel ist die Doppelschicht der Isolatoren Lanthanaluminat (LaAlO3) und Strontiumtitanat (SrTiO3) (Abbildung 1), an deren Grenzfläche sich erstaunlicherweise ein zweidimensionales Elektronengas bildet, das bei tiefen Temperaturen sogar supraleitend wird.
Effect of higher nonbenzenoids in optical properties of dihydropyrene–thiophene and dihydropyrene–phenylenevinylene copolymers
Authors: Lin Yuan , Lai Yee‐Hing
Published: February 2009

One dihydropyrene–thiophene and a series of three dihydropyrene–phenylenevinylene copolymers were synthesized in this work. The core dihydropyrene unit was shown to remain intact in the polymer backbone by 1H NMR studies. Thermal studies indicated higher stability of the dihydropyrene unit in the copolymers compared with the parent molecule, with one of the dihydropyrene–phenylenevinylene copolymers exhibited a single‐step onset degradation temperature at 400 °C. Extended conjugation effect in the copolymers was evident based on spectroscopic analysis despite a mismatch of macrocyclic dihydropyrene units and small conjugation partners (thiophene and phenylenevinylene). The copolymers exhibited relatively small bandgaps. All four copolymers exhibit blue light emission in photoluminescence studies. Their emission spectra are essentially identical, suggesting that their emission properties were dominated by the dihydropyrene chromophore but independent of the spacer group (thiophene or phenylenevinylene). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1795–1803, 2009
Redox initiated cationic polymerization
Authors: Crivello James V.
Published: February 2009

A novel catalytic method for carrying out the cationic polymerizations has been developed based on a redox initiator system in which the reducing component is delivered to the reaction mixture in the vapor state. The redox couple consists of a diaryliodonium salt that is dissolved in the monomer and a noble metal catalyst is added. The silane reducing agent is introduced to the reaction mixture in the vapor state using air as the carrier gas. Reduction of the diaryliodonium salt by the silane results in the liberation of a Brønsted superacid that initiates cationic polymerizations. A study of the effects of variations in the structures of the diaryliodonium salt, the silane, and the type of noble metal catalyst was carried out. In principle, the initiator system is applicable to all types of cationically polymerizable monomers and oligomers including: the ring‐opening polymerizations of such heterocyclic monomers as epoxides and oxetanes and, in addition, the polymerization of vinyl ether monomers such as vinyl ethers. The use of this initiator system for carrying out commercially attractive cross‐linking polymerizations for coatings, composites, and encapsulations is discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1825–1835, 2009
Synthesis and characterization of synthetic polymer colloids colloidally stabilized by cationized starch oligomers
Authors: Gaborieau Marianne , De bruyn Hank , Mange Siyabonga , Castignolles Patrice , Brockmeyer Andreas , Gilbert Robert G.
Published: February 2009

A method is developed for anchoring enzymatically degraded cationized starch as electrosteric stabilizers onto synthetic latices, using cerium(IV) to create free‐radical grafting sites on the starch. Direct anchoring of debranched starch onto a poly(methyl methacrylate) seed latex yields a latex stabilized by well‐defined oligosaccharides. Using α‐amylase to randomly cleave starch to form (1→4)‐α‐glucans, and a comonomer, N‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM), whose corresponding polymer exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), creates a means to synthesize block (or graft) oligomers of oligosaccharide and synthetic polymer, which are water soluble at room temperature. Above 30 °C, they become amphiphilic and form self‐emulsifying nanoparticles (sometimes termed “frozen micelles”) from which a synthetic latex is grown after addition of methyl methacrylate, the collapsed NIPAM‐containing entities functioning as a type of in situ seed. This synthesis of stable synthetic latex particles is shown to have a high grafting efficiency. The starch fragments were characterized by 1H solution‐state NMR before grafting, and 13C solid‐state cross‐polarization magic‐angle spinning (CP‐MAS) NMR was used to characterize the starch oligomers actually grafted on the final latex. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1836–1852, 2009
Engineering a G protein‐coupled receptor for structural studies: Stabilization of the BLT1 receptor ground state
Authors: Martin Aimée , Damian Marjorie , Laguerre Michel , Parello Joseph , Pucci Bernard , Serre Laurence , Mary Sophie , Marie Jacky , Banères Jean‐Louis
Published: February 2009

Structural characterization of membrane proteins is hampered by their instability in detergent solutions. We modified here a G protein‐coupled receptor, the BLT1 receptor of leukotriene B4, to stabilize it in vitro. For this, we introduced a metal‐binding site connecting the third and sixth transmembrane domains of the receptor. This modification was intended to restrain the activation‐associated relative movement of these helices that results in a less stable packing in the isolated receptor. The modified receptor binds its agonist with low‐affinity and can no longer trigger G protein activation, indicating that it is stabilized in its ground state conformation. Of importance, the modified BLT1 receptor displays an increased temperature‐, detergent‐, and time‐dependent stability compared with the wild‐type receptor. These data indicate that stabilizing the ground state of this GPCR by limiting the activation‐associated movements of the transmembrane helices is a way to increase its stability in detergent solutions; this could represent a forward step on the way of its crystallization.
Insights into the catalytic mechanism of the Bcp family: Functional and structural analysis of Bcp1 from Sulfolobus solfataricus
Authors: D'Ambrosio Katia , Limauro Danila , Pedone Emilia , Galdi Ilaria , Pedone Carlo , Bartolucci Simonetta , De Simone Giuseppina
Published: February 2009

Bcps constitute a group of antioxidant enzymes, belonging to the Prx family, that are widely distributed in bacteria, plants, and fungi. These proteins can contain two conserved cysteines within the CXXXXC motif. Recent studies demonstrated that though the role of the first cysteine is well defined, being the catalytic peroxidatic cysteine in all the members of this protein family, data on the function of the second cysteine are controversial and require further investigation. In this article, we report on the functional and structural characterization of Bcp1, an archaeal Bcp isolated from Sulfolobus solfataricus, which presents two conserved cysteine residues at positions 45 and 50. Functional studies revealed that this enzyme performs the catalytic reaction using an atypical 2‐Cys mechanism, where Cys45 is the peroxidatic and Cys50 is the resolving cysteine. The X‐ray structure of the double mutant C45S/C50S, representative of the fully reduced enzyme state, was determined at a resolution of 2.15 Å, showing a Trx fold similar to that of other Prxs. Superposition with a structural homologue in the oxidized state provided, for the first time, a detailed description of the structural rearrangement necessary for a member of the Bcp family to perform the catalytic reaction. From this structural analysis, it emerges that a significant conformational change from a fully folded, to a locally unfolded form is required to form the intramolecular disulfide bond upon oxidation, according to the proposed reaction mechanism. Two residues, namely Arg53 and Asp54, which could play a role in this rearrangement, were also identified. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A practical guide to study directing
Authors: Brown Alan P.
Published: February 2009

The Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations are designed to provide regulatory guidance and oversight of nonclinical studies that prospectively study the effects of test articles in test systems under laboratory conditions to determine their safety. These regulations are designed to assure quality, accountability, and reliability of safety data, and provide guidelines for improving the scientific validity of the studies. A key element of the GLP regulations is with respect to the role of the Study Director, who is the individual assigned as the single point of study control and has overall responsibility for the entire nonclinical study. Experience has shown that unless responsibility for the proper conduct of a study is assigned to a single individual, the potential exists for personnel to receive conflicting instructions, and for study events and issuance of the final report to occur in an uncoordinated fashion. While serving as the Study Director can be a challenging position with numerous demands and expectations, it is a role that allows an individual the opportunity to combine project management with technical and scientific skills in the pursuit of a single goal. Individuals who serve as Study Directors in the nonclinical laboratory typically represent a diverse range of educational and professional backgrounds, and oftentimes learn to become Study Directors on the job. The goal of this paper is to provide a concise description of the Study Director's responsibilities and give guidance for planning, initiating, and completing a nonclinical study. While this paper focuses on test articles that are evaluated in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry and regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) GLPs, much of the information presented should apply to other GLP and non‐GLP studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The vertical structure of the lower Arctic troposphere analysed from observations and the ERA‐40 reanalysis
Authors: Tjernström Michael , Graversen Rune Grand
Published: February 2009

In situ atmospheric observations in the central Arctic are few and mostly from near the surface. A majority are from coastal regions whereas soundings over the Arctic Ocean are rare. This limits our understanding of the Arctic atmosphere, in particular aloft. It has been established that the vertical thermal structure is often stably stratified; this has been termed the ‘Arctic inversion’. It has also been established that near‐surface warming in the Arctic has been larger than the global mean warming during the last several decades. To estimate climate trends in this data‐sparse region, reanalysis data have often been used.

In this paper we analyse the vertical thermal structure of the lower troposphere over the Arctic Ocean, using soundings from the SHEBA project. We find a strong annual cycle with strong surface inversions occurring only during autumn and winter, typically 500–800 metres deep and ∼10 °C strong. Summer is dominated by weaker elevated inversions at ∼100–400 m, a few hundred metres deep. Interestingly, this latter type of inversion also occurs frequently in winter, almost half the time. These soundings thus indicate that associating Arctic winter only with strong surface inversions is not entirely correct.

We also compare these soundings to the ERA‐40 reanalysis data. Systematic biases in ERA‐40 in the SHEBA region include a near‐surface warm bias, on average ∼0.5–1.0 °C, and a slight mid‐troposphere cool bias. There is a significant difference in ERA‐40 performance statistics for the SHEBA year comparing with years without soundings for the same region. The analysis increment—a measure of the impact of the observations in the assimilation process—confirms this. For example, the assimilation of the SHEBA soundings reduces the near‐surface warm bias by about 50%. However, the overall vertical structure and its annual variation are surprisingly insensitive to the assimilation of the soundings, and are in fact well represented by ERA‐40. We speculate that the main improvement in assimilating the SHEBA soundings lies in an improvement in the timing of weather systems whereas their climatological vertical structure is less affected. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Generic dealkylation: a tool for increasing the hit‐rate of metabolite rationalization, and automatic customization of mass defect filters
Authors: Mortishire‐Smith Russell J. , Castro‐Perez Jose M. , Yu Kate , Shockcor John P. , Goshawk Jeff , Hartshorn Mike J. , Hill Alastair
Published: February 2009

The use of exact mass liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) for drug metabolism studies has increased significantly in recent years. Firstly, exact mass measurements facilitate identification of standard biotransformations through the use of narrow window extracted ion chromatograms, which are typically highly selective relative to signals from matrix or dosing components. Secondly, novel metabolites can be characterized via elemental formula calculations and high‐resolution product ion spectra. Furthermore, biological background ions can be removed by the use of mass defect filters (MDFs) which filter out ions based on the decimal component of their m/z value. Here, we describe an approach which we term ‘generic dealkylation’ that in association with other data interpretation tools adds significant value to the assignment process. Generic dealkylation uses a simple strategy to identify those bonds which have the potential to be cleaved by metabolism. In combination with standard phase 1 and phase 2 biotransformations, this allows creation of a chemically intelligent MDF which balances the need to remove matrix background with the requirement of avoiding filtering true metabolites. Secondly, generic dealkylation increases the hit‐rate at which non‐trivial (i.e. not covered by simple phase 1 oxidations or direct phase 2 conjugations) metabolites can be directly rationalized. The value of the generic dealkylation approach is illustrated by its application to determination of in vitro metabolic routes for two commercial drugs, nefazodone and indinavir. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inter‐laboratory comparison of elemental analysis and gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry. II. δ15N measurements of selected compounds for the development of an isotopic Grob test
Authors: Calderone Giovanni , Serra Francesca , Lees Michele , Mosandl Armin , Reniero Fabiano , Guillou Claude , Moreno‐Rojas José Manuel
Published: February 2009

An inter‐laboratory exercise was carried out by a consortium of five European laboratories to establish a set of compounds, suitable for calibrating gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS) devices, to be used as isotopic reference materials for hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen stable isotope measurements. The set of compounds was chosen with the aim of developing a mixture of reference materials to be used in analytical protocols to check for food and beverage authentication. The exercise was organized in several steps to achieve the certification level: the first step consisted of the a priori selection of chemical compounds on the basis of the scientific literature and successive GC tests to set the analytical conditions for each single compound and the mixture. After elimination of the compounds that turned out to be unsuitable in a multi‐compound mixture, some additional oxygen‐ and nitrogen‐containing substances were added to complete the range of calibration isotopes. The results of δ13C determinations for the entire set of reference compounds have previously been published, while the δD and δ18O determinations were unsuccessful and after statistical analysis of the data the results did not reach the level required for certification. In the present paper we present the results of an inter‐laboratory exercise to identify and test the set of nitrogen‐containing compounds present in the mixture developed for use as reference materials for the validation of GC‐C‐IRMS analyses in individual laboratories. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new method for using 18O to trace ozone deposition
Authors: Subke Jens‐Arne , Toet Sylvia , D'Haese David , Crossman Zoe , Emberson Lisa D. , Barnes Jeremy D. , Ashmore Mike R. , Evershed Richard P. , Ineson Phil
Published: February 2009

Isotopically labelled ozone (18O3) is an ideal tool to study the deposition of O3 to plants and soil, but no studies have made use of it due to the technical difficulties in producing isotopically enriched ozone. For 18O3 to be used in fumigation experiments, it has to be purified and stored safely prior to fumigations, to ensure that the label is present predominantly in the form of O3, and to make efficient use of isotopically highly enriched oxygen. We present a simple apparatus that allows for the safe generation, purification, storage, and release of 18O3. Following the purification and release of O3, about half (by volume) of the 18O is present in the form of O3. This means that for a given release of 18O3 into the fumigation system, a roughly identical volume of 18O2 is released. However, the small volume of this concurrent 18O2 release (100 nmol mol−1 in our experiment) results in only a minor shift of the much larger atmospheric oxygen pool, with no detectable consequence for the isotopic enrichment of either soil or plant materials. We demonstrate here the feasibility of using 18O as an isotopic tracer in O3 fumigations by exposing dry soil to 100 nmol mol−1 18O3 for periods ranging from 1 to 11 h. The 18O tracer accumulation in soil samples is measured using gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/IRMS), and the results show a linear increase in 18O/16O isotope ratio over time, with significant differences detectable after 1 h of exposure. The apparatus is adapted for use with fumigation chambers sustaining flow rates of 1 m3 min−1 for up to 12 h, but simple modifications now allow larger quantities of O3 to be stored and continuously released (e.g. for use with open‐top chambers or FACE facilities). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Quick‐Start to enhance TCP‐friendly rate control performance in bidirectional satellite networks
Authors: Secchi Raffaello , Sathiaseelan Arjuna , Potortì Francesco , Gotta Alberto , Fairhurst Gorry
Published: February 2009

In the not so distant future, we envisage an Internet where the biggest share of capacity is used by streaming applications. To avoid congestion collapse from unresponsive flows calls for a robust and ubiquitous end‐to‐end multimedia congestion control mechanism, such as TCP‐friendly rate control (TFRC), which provides fair sharing with the other Internet traffic. This paper therefore analyses the implications of using rate‐adaptive congestion control over satellite links that utilize demand allocation multiple access (DAMA) to maximize satellite transponder utilization. The interaction between TFRC and DAMA is explored using simulations supported by fluidic flow models. The analysis shows that DAMA reduces the start‐up phase of TFRC, causing non‐negligible delays. To mitigate this problem, we propose a new cross‐layer method based on the Quick‐Start mechanism. This can accelerate the start‐up of multimedia flows by a judicious allocation of additional capacity derived from cross‐layer signalling. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visualization of cellular DNA crosslinks by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Zhang Kun , Qi Hao , Li Hao , Liu Ying , Chen Wenfang
Published: February 2009

Cellular DNA crosslinks are a type of DNA damage induced by toxic chemicals or high‐energy radiation. If damaged DNA is not rapidly repaired, cells will die or mutate. To evaluate the types of DNA damage and their influence on vital cell activities, it is necessary to be able to detect DNA crosslinks. To date, indirect methods such as alkaline elution, potassium chloride–sodium dodecyl sulfate assay and comet assay have been used to detect DNA damage. Direct morphological observation, on the other hand, may be a useful tool to differentiate the types of DNA damage. In this report, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been employed to visualize the breakage and crosslinking of cellular DNA strands in cells treated with formaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide. Our results showed that toxic chemical‐induced crosslinking of cellular DNA occurred in a dose‐dependent manner. DNA conglomerates were observed with high concentrations of formaldehyde, and the AFM observations were consistent with those of a comet assay. Our experiments demonstrate that AFM is an efficient method to differentiate the types of DNA damage. SCANNING 31: 75–82, 2009. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth behavior of Cu/Al intermetallic compounds in hot‐dip aluminized copper
Authors: Yu Zhen , Duan Yuping , Liu Lidong , Liu Shunhua , Liu Xujing , Li Xiaogang
Published: February 2009

Hot‐dipped aluminum copper with plating auxiliary KF is introduced in this work. In this study, the intermetallic layer thickness varies with dipping temperature and time in a linear relationship. The main phases are identified to be CuAl2 and K3AlF6 by means of X‐ray diffraction. The reaction equations are deduced according to the elements concentration gradient in cross section. The copper diffusion rate in liquid Al is calculated to be 1.13 × 10−12 m2/s by Fick's second law in semi‐infinite solid model, and the obtained conductivity is 1.758–1.767 × 10−2 Ω mm2/m. The results indicate that the interfacial bonding is in a good state and plating auxiliary KF aqueous solution. can significantly improve the substrate wettability. The appropriate hot‐dipping condition for the samples is 953–973 K for 4–8 s. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of a novel mutation, c.529C>T (p.Q177X), in the BCKDHA gene in a family with maple syrup urine disease
Authors: Tammachote R. , Tongkobpetch S. , Desudchit T. , Suphapeetiporn K. , Shotelersuk V.
Published: February 2009

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by defective activity of the branched‐chain α‐keto‐acid dehydrogenase (BCKD) complex. The disease‐causing mutations can affect the BCKDHA, BCKDHB or DBT genes encoding for the E1a, E1b, and E2 subunits, respectively, of the BCKD complex. Here we report a girl who first presented to our clinic at 4 years of age with profound mental retardation. A diagnosis of MSUD was subsequently made based on the results of plasma amino acid analysis. Mutation analysis confirmed that she was homozygous for a novel mutation, c.529C>T (p.Q177X) in BCKDHA, while both parents, who were first cousins, were heterozygous. This enabled us to give an option of prenatal diagnosis to the parents. The prenatal testing for MSUD was performed during the mother's subsequent pregnancy and revealed that the fetus was heterozygous for the mutation. The healthy male neonate was born and his genotype was tested by restriction enzyme analysis, which confirmed the result of the prenatal testing. In summary, a late diagnosis of MSUD in patients without an unusual odour could occur especially in countries without neonatal screening programs as seen in the index patient. Mutation detection was, however, still beneficial to the family since prenatal testing could be performed in subsequent pregnancies. In addition, a novel mutation was found, expanding the mutation spectrum of this disease.
Outcome following Acute Primary Distal Ulna Resection for Comminuted Distal Ulna Fractures at the Time of Operative Fixation of Unstable Fractures of the Distal Radius
Authors: Ruchelsman David E. , Raskin Keith B. , Rettig Michael E.
Published: February 2009

Optimal acute management of the highly comminuted distal ulna head/neck fracture sustained in conjunction with an unstable distal radius fracture requiring operative fixation is not well established. The purpose of the present study was to determine the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes following acute primary distal ulna resection for comminuted distal ulna fractures performed in conjunction with the operative fixation of unstable distal radius fractures. Between 2000 and 2007, 11 consecutive patients, mean age 62 years (range, 30–75) were treated for concomitant closed, comminuted, unstable fractures of the distal radius and ulna metaphysis. All 11 patients underwent distal ulna resection through a separate dorsal ulnar incision with ECU tenodesis following surgical fixation of the distal radius fracture. According to the Q modifier of the Comprehensive Classification of Fractures, there were six comminuted fractures of the ulnar neck (Q3) and five fractures of the head/neck (Q5). Operative fixation of the distal radius fracture included volar plate fixation in four patients and spanning external fixation with supplemental percutaneous Kirschner wires in seven patients. At a mean of 42 months (range, 18–61 months) postoperatively, clinical, radiographic, and wrist-specific functional outcome with the modified Gartland and Werley wrist score were evaluated. At latest follow-up, mean wrist range of motion measured 53° flexion (range, 35–60°), 52° extension (range, 30–60°), 81° pronation (range, 75–85°), and 77° supination (range, 70–85°). Mean grip strength measured 90% of the contralateral, uninjured extremity (range, 50–133%). No patient had distal ulna instability. Final radiographic assessment demonstrated restoration of distal radius articular alignment. According to the system of Gartland and Werley as modified by Sarmiento, there were seven excellent and four good results. No patient has required a secondary surgical procedure. Acute primary distal ulna resection yields satisfactory clinical, radiographic, and functional results in appropriately selected patients and represents a reliable alternative to open reduction and internal fixation when anatomic restoration of the distal ulna/sigmoid notch cannot be achieved. Primary distal ulna resection with distal radius fracture fixation may help avoid secondary procedures related to distal ulna fixation or symptomatic post-traumatic distal radioulnar joint arthrosis.
Evaluation of Pain Measurement Practices and Opinions of Peripheral Nerve Surgeons
Authors: Novak Christine B. , Anastakis Dimitri J. , Beaton Dorcas E. , Katz Joel
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the opinions and practices of peripheral nerve surgeons regarding assessment and treatment of pain in patients following nerve injury. Surgeons with expertise in upper extremity peripheral nerve injuries and members of an international peripheral nerve society were sent an introductory letter and electronic survey by email ( n=133). Seventy members responded to the survey (49%) and 59 surgeons completed the survey (44%). For patients referred for motor or sensory dysfunction, 31 surgeons (52%) indicated that they always formally assess pain. In patients referred for pain, 44 surgeons (75%) quantitatively assess pain using a verbal scale ( n=24) or verbal numeric scale ( n=36). The most frequent factors considered very important in the development of chronic neuropathic pain were psychosocial factors (64%), mechanism of injury (59%), workers' compensation or litigation (54%), and iatrogenic injury (48%). In patients more than 6 months following injury, surgeons frequently see: cold sensitivity (54%), decreased motor function (42%), paraesthesia or numbness (41%), fear of returning to work (22%), neuropathic pain (20%), and emotional or psychological distress (17%). Only 52% of surgeons who responded to the survey always evaluate pain in patients referred for motor or sensory dysfunction. Pain assessment most frequently includes verbal patient response, and assessment of psychosocial factors is rarely included. Predominately, patient-related factors were considered important in the development of chronic neuropathic pain.
Perceived parenting styles, personality traits and sleep patterns in adolescents
Authors: Brand Serge , Hatzinger Martin , Beck Johannes , Holsboer‐Trachsler Edith
Published: February 2009

The present study examined the role of parenting styles with respect to adolescents' sleep patterns and symptoms of depression and anxiety. A total of 246 adolescents (age: 17.58 ± 1.62) took part in the study. They completed several questionnaires with regard to parenting styles and to symptoms of anxiety and depression; additionally, they filled in a questionnaire assessing sleep‐related personality traits and completed a sleep log for 7 consecutive days. Results showed a high overlap between parenting styles of both parents, though with a different relation to adolescents' sleep. Adverse parenting styles were highly correlated with low sleep quality, negative mood, increased daytime sleepiness, and with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. Adolescents with low positive and high negative parenting styles displayed the most unfavorable sleep‐related personality traits. Results suggest that parenting styles are related to young people's sleep pattern even at the beginning of late adolescence.
Critical mass phenomenon for a chemotaxis kinetic model with spherically symmetric initial data
Authors: Calvez Vincent , Bournaveas Nikolaos
Published: February 2009

The goal of this paper is to exhibit a critical mass phenomenon occurring in a model for cell self-organization
via
chemotaxis. The very well-known dichotomy arising in the behavior of the macroscopic Keller–Segel system is derived at the kinetic level, being closer to microscopic features. Indeed, under the assumption of spherical symmetry, we prove that solutions with initial data of large mass blow-up in finite time, whereas solutions with initial data of small mass do not. Blow-up is the consequence of a momentum computation and the existence part is derived from a comparison argument. Spherical symmetry is crucial within the two approaches. We also briefly investigate the drift-diffusion limit of such a kinetic model. We recover partially at the limit the Keller–Segel criterion for blow-up, thus arguing in favour of a global link between the two models.
Quality discrimination for noxious stimuli in secondary somatosensory cortex: A MEG‐study
Authors: Maihöfner Christian , Kaltenhäuser Martin
Published: February 2009

A complex cortical network is believed to encode the multi‐dimensionality of the human pain experience. In the present study, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to examine whether the cortical processing of noxious stimuli with different psychophysical properties differs in primary (S1) and secondary (S2) somatosensory cortices. Noxious low (condition 1) and high (condition 2) current density stimulations of equal stimulus intensities were applied at the left forearm in 12 subjects in a randomised order. Concomitantly, subjects had to evaluate the corresponding sensory‐discriminative and affective‐motivational pain dimensions. MEG revealed an increased activation of bilateral secondary somatosensory cortices (S2) during condition 2 compared to condition 1. Higher activations of bilateral S2 were significantly correlated with higher scores for the sensory‐discriminative component during condition 2. In contrast, corresponding scores for the affective‐motivational pain dimension did not differ between both conditions. Therefore, concerning the sensory dimension of the human pain experience we conclude that the S2 cortex is involved in the encoding of quality discrimination.
Effects of the copper intrauterine device on the expression of cyclooxygenase‐1 and ‐2 in the endometrium
Authors: Xin Zhi Min , Cao Lu Min , Xie Qin Zhen , Sun Yingpu , Su Ying Chun , Guo Yi Hong
Published: February 2009

Objective

To examine the expression levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1 and COX‐2 in the endometrium before and after insertion of the copper intrauterine device (Cu‐IUD).

Methods

Ten patients were investigated. Two endometrial biopsies were taken from the uterus of each patient. The first biopsy was taken prior to insertion of the Cu‐IUD, and the second was taken 1 month after insertion on the same day of the menstrual cycle and from the same location. The levels of COX‐1 and COX‐2 mRNA and protein in the endometrium were determined using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting.

Results

Before insertion, expression of COX‐2 mRNA and proteins was 0.399 ± 0.014 and 14.75 ± 1.31, respectively. Post insertion, expression of COX‐2 mRNA and proteins was 0.563 ± 0.041 and 18.61 ± 1.93, respectively. A significant increase (P < 0.05) of COX between pre and post insertion of the Cu‐IUD was only seen with COX‐2. There was no significant change in the level of COX‐1 mRNA or proteins before and after insertion of the Cu‐IUD.

Conclusion

COX‐2 is the primary isoenzyme stimulating overproduction of prostaglandins in the endometrium after the insertion of Cu‐IUDs.
Feline Myocardial Disease
Authors: Ferasin Luca
Published: February 2009

Clinical challenges The diagnosis, prognosis and clinical management of feline myocardial disease (cardiomyopathy, CM) represent controversial areas in veterinaty cardiology. Diagnosis is challenging primarily because of the complex classification of feline CM, which is based on a variety of structural and functional phenotypes. Similarly, prognosis is strongly dependent on the underlying aetiology and stage of the disease, which are often unrecognised. These challenges underline the importance of a thonaugh clinical evaluation of the patient and understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in order to select the most appropriate treatment and provide the highest standards of care.

Patient group Although a genetic predisposition has been demonstrated in some feline pedigrees (ie, Maine Coons, Ragdolls), CM can potentially affect all breeds and different age groups.

Audience General practitioners, as well as specialists in small animal medicine, cardiology and pathology, deal with feline CM cases on a regular basis.

Diagnostics Diagnosis of feline CM is primarily based on echocardiographic examination. However, even the most sophisticated techniques present important limitations because they do not necessarily identify the primary cause of the disease or recognise the precise origin of an end-stage myocardial disease. Thoracic radiography remains one of the most useful tools for identifying changes consistent with congestive heart failure. Novel diagnostic techniques include cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and genetic tests.

Evidence base Although knowledge of feline CM remains fairly rudimentary, important discoveries have been made in the past few years. Evidence-based studies have significantly improved understanding of genetic predisposition, biomarkers and response to pharmacological treatments. Hopefully, many of the unsolved questions raised in this article will find a definitive answer in the near future.
A stochastic model to quantify the risk of introduction of classical swine fever virus through import of domestic and wild boars
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-LÓPEZ B. , PEREZ A. M. , SÁNCHEZ-VIZCAÍNO J. M.
Published: February 2009

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a disease of pigs that imposes major hardship on the industry of infected regions. The recent history of CSF epidemics suggests that animal movements remain the main source of CSF virus (CSFV) infection for susceptible populations in Europe. This study presents an assessment of the risk of introducing CSFV into Spain through the importation of live susceptible animals. Results suggest that, if prevailing conditions persist, introduction of CSFV into Spain is likely to occur on average every 9 years and that introduction is almost three times more likely to occur via domestic pigs than through wild boars. The highest risk was concentrated in March and in the Northeastern provinces of Spain. Results were consistent with the time and location of previous CSFV introductions into the country. The methodology and the results presented here will contribute to improve the CSF prevention programme in Spain.
Assessment of familiarity and recollection in the false fame paradigm using a modified process dissociation procedure
Authors: Mayes A. R. , van Eijk R. , Isaac C. L.
Published: February 2009

A modified way of administering the process dissociation procedure to the false fame paradigm is described. Multidimensional signal detection theory (SDT) is used to correct for recollection as well as familiarity false alarms, and two experiments are reported that compare this method of false alarm correction with the hybrid procedure preferred by Jacoby et al. (1993). In experiment 1, it is shown that recollection and familiarity are lost at the same rate in normal subjects over a delay of 1 d when an SDT analysis is used. Analysis with the hybrid procedure fails to find any forgetting over the 1-d delay. In experiment 2, amnesics are shown to have preserved familiarity in the face of impaired recollection for names when the results are analyzed by either method. An additional analysis showed that the amnesics' familiarity was normal even for relatively novel surnames. The SDT analysis also revealed that the amnesics, relative to controls, showed a conservative recollection and a liberal familiarity response bias. The results indicate that it is important to correct for recollection as well as familiarity false alarms. (JINS, 1995, I, 469–482.)
Semantic relations and Alzheimer's disease: An early and disproportionate deficit in functional knowledge
Authors: Johnson Marcia K. , Hermann Allison M.
Published: February 2009

This experiment explored knowledge of four types of semantic relations (superordinate category, part, property, and function) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) subjects and age- and education-matched controls. Moderate AD subjects showed the greatest disruption on functional relations, intermediate disruption on part and property relations, and the least disruption on category relations; mild AD subjects showed a similar pattern but significant deficits only on functions. We suggest that the disproportionate deficit on functions reflects a greater cognitive complexity of functions than other semantic relations that renders them more vulnerable either to disrupted processing or to structural degradation of the network of associations among semantic concepts. (JINS, 1995, 1, 568–574.)
Fundamental‐limit perspectives on ultrawideband antennas
Authors: Yang Taeyoung , Davis William A. , Stutzman Warren L.
Published: February 2009

The fundamental‐limit theory of antennas provides a theoretical limit to assist in the evaluation of antenna performance in terms of antenna size, fractional impedance bandwidth, and gain. The limit is very useful in practice, giving a basis for restricting the design search to a class of realizable antennas based on size and performance. Previous research on the limit theory focused on electrically small, resonant antennas. In this paper, we discuss how the classical fundamental‐limit theory can be interpreted for ultrawideband antennas. The frequency response of Chu's equivalent circuit model for spherical modes suggests the concept of an ideal antenna. The transfer function of the ideal antenna, showing ultrawideband antenna characteristics, simply has an entire function and two complex poles. In this paper, an antenna design strategy is developed based on observations of ideal antenna characteristics. A process is presented for evaluating how well an ultrawideband antenna can approach the theoretical size limit based on the 3‐dB cutoff frequencies of spherical modes.
Simulating drainage and imbibition experiments in a high‐porosity micromodel using an unstructured pore network model
Authors: Joekar Niasar V. , Hassanizadeh S. M. , Pyrak‐Nolte L. J. , Berentsen C.
Published: February 2009

Development of pore network models based on detailed topological data of the pore space is essential for predicting multiphase flow in porous media. In this work, an unstructured pore network model has been developed to simulate a set of drainage and imbibition laboratory experiments performed on a two‐dimensional micromodel. We used a pixel‐based distance transform to determine medial pixels of the void domain of micromodel. This process provides an assembly of medial pixels with assigned local widths that simulates the topology of the porous medium. Using this pore network model, the capillary pressure‐saturation and capillary pressure‐interfacial area curves measured in the laboratory under static conditions were simulated. On the basis of several imbibition cycles, a surface of capillary pressure, saturation and interfacial area was produced. The pore network model was able to reproduce the distribution of the fluids as observed in the micromodel experiments. We have shown the utility of this simple pore network approach for capturing the topology and geometry of the micromodel pore structure.
Closing the sea level rise budget with altimetry, Argo, and GRACE
Authors: Leuliette Eric W. , Miller Laury
Published: February 2009

An analysis of the steric and ocean mass components of sea level shows that the sea level rise budget for the period January 2004 to December 2007 can be closed. Using corrected and verified Jason‐1 and Envisat altimetry observations of total sea level, upper ocean steric sea level from the Argo array, and ocean mass variations inferred from GRACE gravity mission observations, we find that the sum of steric sea level and the ocean mass component has a trend of 1.5 ± 1.0 mm/a over the period, in agreement with the total sea level rise observed by either Jason‐1 (2.4 ± 1.1 mm/a) or Envisat (2.7 ± 1.5 mm/a) within a 95% confidence interval.
Vortex circulation on Venus: Dynamical similarities with terrestrial hurricanes
Authors: Limaye Sanjay S. , Kossin James P. , Rozoff Christopher , Piccioni Giuseppe , Titov Dmitry V. , Markiewicz Wojciech J.
Published: February 2009

Some dynamical and morphological similarities exist between the vortex organization of the atmosphere in the northern and southern hemispheres of Venus and the tropical cyclones/hurricanes on Earth. An S‐shape feature detected in the center of the vortices on Venus from Pioneer Venus Orbiter and Venus Express observations has also been seen in tropical cyclones. This feature can be simulated with an idealized nonlinear and non‐divergent barotropic model and, like in the vortices on Venus and in tropical cyclones, it is found to be transient. Given the challenges in measuring the deep, atmospheric circulation of Venus, the morphological similarities provide clues toward understanding the processes involved in the maintenance of Venus' atmospheric super rotation.