bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein S abnormalities: A diagnostic nightmare
Authors: Marlar Richard A. , Gausman Jana N.
Published: February 2011

Heterozygous deficiency of Protein S (PS) increases the risk for developing thrombosis. Many acquired conditions alter plasma PS levels. These complex interactions of PS in plasma make it imperative that clinical PS assay limitations are understood so that the assays are reliable, reproducible and specific to diagnose true genetic abnormalities based on plasma phenotype alone. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of PS deficiency is difficult and complicated. Three basic assays can be utilized for assessing PS in plasma: PS activity assay, Free PS antigen assay, and Total PS antigen assay. This article will review these clinical assays and their associated problems. We also discuss the confounding and interfering factors that make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis of PS deficiency. Am. J. Hematol. 86:418–421, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypermethioninemias of genetic and non‐genetic origin: A review
Authors: Mudd S. Harvey
Published: February 2011

This review covers briefly the major conditions, genetic and non‐genetic, sometimes leading to abnormally elevated methionine, with emphasis on recent developments. A major aim is to assist in the differential diagnosis of hypermethioninemia. The genetic conditions are: (1) Homocystinuria due to cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS) deficiency. At least 150 different mutations in the CBS gene have been identified since this deficiency was established in 1964. Hypermethioninemia is due chiefly to remethylation of the accumulated homocysteine. (2) Deficient activity of methionine adenosyltransferases I and III (MAT I/III), the isoenzymes the catalytic subunit of which are encoded by MAT1A. Methionine accumulates because its conversion to S‐adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) is impaired. (3) Glycine N‐methyltrasferase (GNMT) deficiency. Disruption of a quantitatively major pathway for AdoMet disposal leads to AdoMet accumulation with secondary down‐regulation of methionine flux into AdoMet. (4) S‐adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase (AHCY) deficiency. Not being catabolized normally, AdoHcy accumulates and inhibits many AdoMet‐dependent methyltransferases, producing accumulation of AdoMet and, thereby, hypermethioninemia. (5) Citrin deficiency, found chiefly in Asian countries. Lack of this mitochondrial aspartate–glutamate transporter may produce (usually transient) hypermethioninemia, the immediate cause of which remains uncertain. (6) Fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) deficiency (tyrosinemia type I) may lead to hypermethioninemia secondary either to liver damage and/or to accumulation of fumarylacetoacetate, an inhibitor of the high Km MAT. Additional possible genetic causes of hypermethioninemia accompanied by elevations of plasma AdoMet include mitochondrial disorders (the specificity and frequency of which remain to be elucidated). Non‐genetic conditions include: (a) Liver disease, which may cause hypermethioninemia, mild, or severe. (b) Low‐birth‐weight and/or prematurity which may cause transient hypermethioninemia. (c) Ingestion of relatively large amounts of methionine which, even in full‐term, normal‐birth‐weight babies may cause hypermethioninemia. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An alternative management approach to paranasal sinus fibro‐osseous lesions
Authors: Ooi Eng H. , Glicksman Jordan T. , Vescan Allan D. , Witterick Ian J.
Published: February 2011

Background

Fibro‐osseous lesions of the paranasal sinuses are an uncommon heterogeneous group of lesions with variable clinical presentation. It is unclear whether these lesions directly cause symptoms or secondarily obstruct the sinuses with resultant rhinosinusitis. We have used an expectant management approach in selected patients that includes observation with serial scans or endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) to improve the outflow tract of the affected sinus without resection of the lesion. The purpose of this work is to review our experience with management of paranasal sinus fibro‐osseous lesions.

Methods

Retrospective chart review from 1997 to 2009.

Results

A total of 44 patients were identified in this study. There were 19 (43%) osteoma and 25 (57%) fibrous dysplasia cases. The presenting symptoms were mainly sinonasal with headaches (36%), pain/pressure (19%), and nasal obstruction (17%). Two patients (4.5%) presented with proptosis and diplopia. Five (11%) patients had associated nasal polyps. The diagnosis was an incidental finding in seventeen (38%) cases. Twenty‐two (50%) patients were managed conservatively with serial computed tomography (CT) scans to monitor for interval growth over a mean interval of 41.8 months (range, 13–130 months). There were 2 patients in the observation group with CT scan evidence of interval growth with an increase in size of 1 mm and 9 mm over 130 and 36 months, respectively. Twelve symptomatic patients (27%) underwent ESS without resection of the lesion, with symptomatic improvement in 11 patients (92%). Four patients (9%) underwent endoscopic biopsy to attain histological diagnosis. Six (13%) patients in this study had resection of their lesion with 5 of the patients having symptomatic improvement following resection.

Conclusion

In patients with fibro‐osseous lesions, we support an expectant management approach of asymptomatic patients with observation and serial imaging, treating selected symptomatic patients with ESS and resection of the lesion in patients with orbital complications, progressive growth of the lesion, or persistent symptoms. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Sphenoid “drill‐out” for chronic sphenoid rhinosinusitis
Authors: Leight W. Derek , Leopold Donald A.
Published: February 2011

Background

Chronic sphenoid rhinosinusitis (CSR) refractory to both medical management and 1 or more sphenoidotomies is a difficult entity to treat. In contrast to the surgical hierarchy that exists for the frontal sinus, there is no systematic approach for addressing persistent disease in the sphenoid. Sphenoid marsupialization has been advocated as a method of addressing recurrent sphenoid sinusitis.

Objective

We present a new technique called the sphenoid drill‐out, which we place between traditional sphenoidotomy and sphenoid marsupialization in the surgical hierarchy for management of CSR.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review on all patients undergoing sphenoidotomy between 2005 and 2009. We studied demographics, procedure type, diagnoses, comorbidities, efficacy, revision rate, and endoscopic outcomes using Lund‐Kennedy scores.

Results

A total of 10 patients underwent sphenoid drill‐out for CSR. Average follow up was 17 months. Patients had an average of 5 prior sinus surgeries with 2.6 prior sphenoidotomies. One patient required a revision drill‐out procedure. The mean preoperative and postoperative Lund‐Kennedy scores were 6.67 and 1.78, which was a statistically significant difference.

Conclusion

The sphenoid drill‐out procedure is safe and effective for the management of recalcitrant CSR. It should be considered as an intermediate procedure between sphenoidotomy and sphenoid marsupialization. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Real‐time tracking and virtual endoscopy in cone‐beam CT‐guided surgery of the sinuses and skull base in a cadaver model
Authors: Prisman Eitan , Daly Michael J. , Chan Harley , Siewerdsen Jeffrey H. , Vescan Allan , Irish Jonathan C.
Published: February 2011

Background

Custom software was developed to integrate intraoperative cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images with endoscopic video for surgical navigation and guidance. A cadaveric head was used to assess the accuracy and potential clinical utility of the following functionality: (1) real‐time tracking of the endoscope in intraoperative 3‐dimensional (3D) CBCT; (2) projecting an orthogonal reconstructed CBCT image, at or beyond the endoscope, which is parallel to the tip of the endoscope corresponding to the surgical plane; (3) virtual reality fusion of endoscopic video and 3D CBCT surface rendering; and (4) overlay of preoperatively defined contours of anatomical structures of interest.

Methods

Anatomical landmarks were contoured in CBCT of a cadaveric head. An experienced endoscopic surgeon was oriented to the software and asked to rate the utility of the navigation software in carrying out predefined surgical tasks. Utility was evaluated using a rating scale for: (1) safely completing the task; and (2) potential for surgical training. Surgical tasks included: (1) uncinectomy; (2) ethmoidectomy; (3) sphenoidectomy/pituitary resection; and (4) clival resection. CBCT images were updated following each ablative task.

Results

As a teaching tool, the software was evaluated as “very useful” for all surgical tasks. Regarding safety and task completion, the software was evaluated as “no advantage” for task (1), “minimal” for task (2), and “very useful” for tasks (3) and (4). Landmark identification for structures behind bone was “very useful” for both categories.

Conclusion

The software increased surgical confidence in safely completing challenging ablative tasks by presenting real‐time image guidance for highly complex ablative procedures. In addition, such technology offers a valuable teaching aid to surgeons in training. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Factors associated with computed tomography status in patients presenting with a history of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Abrass Leah J. , Chandra Rakesh K. , Conley David B. , Tan Bruce K. , Kern Robert C.
Published: February 2011

Background

The diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is based upon symptomatic criteria and objective measures. However, patients suspected to have CRS based on a positive history but negative endoscopies remain a diagnostic challenge. We investigated the utility of point of care computed tomography (POC‐CT) in resolving this issue.

Methods

The study group consisted of a simple random sample of 100 patients presenting with active CRS symptoms and negative endoscopies who underwent POC‐CT at initial presentation. Presenting symptoms and comorbidities were correlated with CT scan results (positive/negative) using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

POC‐CT was considered positive in 49% of patients. Univariate analysis revealed that patients complaining nasal obstruction were significantly more likely to have a positive scan (odds ratio [OR], 2.74; p = 0.047), while those with postnasal drip (OR, 0.44; p = 0.047) or cough (OR, 0.17; p = 0.03) were less likely to have positive scan results. In the multivariate model, these trends persisted without reaching statistical significance. Under univariate analysis, patients who were prescribed antibiotics, oral steroids, or nasal steroids at this initial visit were more likely to have had a positive CT. These trends also persisted in the multivariate model, with significance observed for the association between antibiotic prescription and a positive scan (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Less than 50% of patients with active CRS symptoms had radiographic manifestations of sinus disease. Other etiologies must be considered higher in the differential for those presenting primarily with complaints referable to the throat. POC‐CT averted unnecessary antibiotics in these patients. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Safety and efficacy of a novel bioabsorbable, steroid‐eluting sinus stent
Authors: Murr Andrew H. , Smith Timothy L. , Hwang Peter H. , Bhattacharyya Neil , Lanier Brent J. , Stambaugh James W. , Mugglin Andrew S.
Published: February 2011

Background

Inflammation/polyp recurrence, adhesions, and middle turbinate lateralization are causes of suboptimal outcomes following sinus surgery and lead to increased rates of revision. A bioabsorbable, drug‐eluting stent was evaluated for its ability to preserve sinus patency by providing controlled steroid delivery to the sinus mucosa. The study objective was to assess safety and efficacy of a steroid‐eluting sinus stent when used following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

Prospective, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind clinical trial, enrolling 43 patients in 2 groups. One group (n = 38) used an intrapatient control design comparing drug‐eluting to non‐drug‐eluting stents. The other group (n = 5) received bilateral drug‐eluting stents to assess systemic safety. Endoscopic follow‐up was performed for 60 days. Efficacy endpoints included assessment of inflammation, polyp formation, adhesions, and middle turbinate position.

Results

Stents were successfully deployed in all 86 sinuses. Compared to the control stent, the drug‐eluting stent provided statistically significant reduction in inflammation at days 21 to 45 (p < 0.003), frequency of polyp formation (p = 0.0391), and frequency of significant adhesion (p = 0.0313). Reduced frequency of middle turbinate lateralization was also apparent though not statistically significant. No device‐related adverse events occurred. Eluted steroid was unquantifiable systemically and there was no evidence of adrenal cortical suppression.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of a novel bioabsorbable, steroid‐eluting stent for use in CRS patients. The steroid‐eluting stent is effective in improving wound healing by preserving sinus patency, reducing inflammation, and minimizing adhesions via controlled local steroid delivery without measurable systemic exposure. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
The analyst as father: remembering and repeating – in the hope of working through
Authors: Hill Christine A. S.
Published: February 2011

This paper arose from a PhD thesis entitled “What do patients want? Psychoanalytic perspectives from the couch”. As outcome studies in psychoanalysis have usually only acknowledged the analyst's voice, this empirical research provided an opportunity for patients to be heard. The aim was to discover what they themselves perceived as helpful, or unhelpful, in the analytic process. One of the central themes that emerged was a powerful connection between the analytic and real life experiences of father, at many levels, which needed to be explored within the transference relationship with the analyst. From this material two broad areas surfaced: the “emotionally present” and “emotionally absent” analyst. Specific case material from patients' narratives is used to demonstrate the very powerful nature of the transference/counter‐transference relationship, the significance of early relating patterns which need to be understood and skillfully addressed, and the difficulties encountered when repetition occurs and the analytic task of working through does not take place. “Father hunger” is prominent. An exploration of central issues which have contributed to such a variation in these experiences draws attention to the significance of the analysts' personal characteristics as a major impact on analytic outcomes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emodin Prolongs Recipient Survival Time After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Rats by Polarizing the Th1/Th2 Paradigm to Th2
Authors: Tong Hongfei , Chen Kangjie , Chen Hui , Wu Huayong , Lin Haiduo , Ni Zhonglin , Lin Shengzhang
Published: February 2011

Advances in immunosuppressive drugs have improved the short‐term survival of liver transplantation. However, drug toxicities have been a serious problem in patients after long‐term administration. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a novel immunosuppressant with low‐toxicity. We investigated the immunosuppressive effects of Emodin on acute graft rejection following liver transplantation in rats. The recipient rats of orthotopic liver transplantation were divided into groups as follows: isograft+NS group, allograft+NS group, and allograft+emodin group. The survival time of the recipients in each group was recorded. Histopathological changes in the liver, as well as serum concentrations of IL‐2, TNF‐α, and IL‐10 and their expressions in liver tissue were determined. Our results showed that Emodin treatment prolonged liver allograft survival time and inhibited histopathologic changes of acute graft rejection. The rejection activity index in groups isograft+NS, allograft+NS, and allograft+emodin were 1.52 ± 0.37, 6.95 ± 0.75, and 4.23 ± 0.51, respectively (P < 0.01, isograft+NS group vs. allograft+emodin group and allograft+NS group vs. allograft+emodin group). The serum levels of IL‐2 and TNF‐α were down‐regulated but that of IL‐10 was up‐regulated by Emodin. Serum levels of IL‐2 and TNF‐α were higher in allograft+NS group than the allograft+emodin group, but that of IL‐10 showed opposite effects (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Changes in the expression of these cytokines in transplanted liver tissue were consistent with changes in serum concentrations. These results demonstrate that Emodin has therapeutic potentials for alleviating acute rejection following liver transplantation in rats and prolonging liver allograft survival. The mechanisms underlying this effect may be associated with polarizing the Th1/Th2 paradigm to Th2. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of trypsin‐like serine peptidases in pre‐imaginal stages of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Mesquita‐Rodrigues Camila , Saboia‐Vahia Leonardo , Cuervo Patrícia , Masini d'Avila Levy Claudia , Alves Honorio Nildimar , Domont Gilberto Barbosa , Batista de Jesus Jose
Published: February 2011

This study reports the biochemical characterization and comparative analyses of highly active serine proteases in the larval and pupal developmental stages of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) using substrate‐SDS‐PAGE. Zymographic analysis of larval stadia detected proteolytic activity in 6–8 bands with apparent molecular masses ranging from 20 to 250 kDa, with activity observed from pH 5.5 to 10.0. The pupal stage showed a complex proteolytic activity in at least 11 bands with apparent Mr ranging from 25 to 250 kDa, and pH optimum at 10.0. The proteolytic activities of both larval and pupal stages were strongly inhibited by phenyl‐methyl sulfonyl‐fluoride and N‐α‐Tosyl‐L‐lysine chloromethyl ketone hydrochloride, indicating that the main proteases expressed by these developmental stages are trypsin‐like serine proteases. The enzymes were active at temperatures ranging from 4 to 85°C, with optimal activity between 37 and 60°C, and low activity at 85°C. Comparative analysis between the proteolytic enzymes expressed by larvae and pupae showed that substantial changes in the expression of active trypsin‐like serine proteases occur during the developmental cycle of A. aegypti. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lipid accumulation and utilization by oocytes and eggs of Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Santos Rachel , Rosas‐Oliveira Rafael , Saraiva Felipe B. , Majerowicz David , Gondim Katia C.
Published: February 2011

Insect eggs must contain the necessary nutrients for embryonic growth. In this article, we investigated the accumulation of triacylglycerol (TAG) in growing oocytes and its utilization during embryonic development. TAG makes up about 60% of the neutral lipids in oocytes and accumulates as oocytes grow, from 2.2 ± 0.1 µg in follicles containing 1.0 mm length oocytes to 10.2 ± 0.8 µg in 2.0 mm length oocytes. Lipophorin (Lp), the hemolymphatic lipoprotein, radioactively labeled in free fatty acid (FFA) or diacylglycerol (DAG), was used to follow the transport of these lipids to the ovary. Radioactivity from both lipid classes accumulated in the oocytes, which was abolished at 4°C. The capacity of the ovary to receive FFA or DAG from Lp varied according to time after a blood meal and reached a maximum around the second day. 3H‐DAG supplied by Lp to the ovaries was used in the synthesis of TAG as, 48 hr after injection, most of the radioactivity was found in TAG (85.7% of labeling in neutral lipids). During embryogenesis, lipid stores were mobilized, and the TAG content decreased from 16.4 ± 2.1 µg/egg on the first day to 10.0 ± 1.3 µg on day 15, just before hatching. Of these, 7.4 ± 0.9 µg were found in the newly emerged nymphs. In unfertilized eggs, the TAG content did not change. Although the TAG content decreased during embryogenesis, the relative lipid composition of the egg did not change. The amount of TAG in the nymph slowly decreased during the days after hatching. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐level expression of the Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase gene in the frontal gland of soldiers in Reticulitermes speratus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Hojo Masaru , Toga Kouhei , Watanabe Dai , Yamamoto Tomoyo , Maekawa Kiyoto
Published: February 2011

Defensive strategies of termite soldiers are roughly classified as either mechanical, using mandibles and/or the whole head, or chemical, using frontal gland secretion. Soldiers of the genus Nasutitermes (Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae), which is one of the most derived termite genera, use only chemical defenses, and diterpene defensive secretions were suggested to be synthesized through geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP). On the other hand, soldiers of the genus Reticulitermes (Rhinotermitidae, Heterotermitinae) mainly use mechanical defenses, but also use supplementary chemical defenses involving frontal gland secretions, including diterpene alcohol. In this study, to confirm whether the GGPP is used for diterpene synthesis in a representative of an earlier‐branching termite lineage, the GGPP synthase gene (RsGGPPS) was identified in the rhinotermitid Reticulitermes speratus (Kolbe). The relative expression level of RsGGPPS in soldiers was three‐fold higher than in workers. Furthermore, RsGGPPS gene expression was detected in epithelial class 1 gland cells around the frontal‐gland reservoir. Although GGPP is used for various essential cellular roles in animals, RsGGPPS is suggested to be used not only for these essential roles but also for diterpene synthesis in order to produce defensive secretions. Chemical structures of the diterpene identified from Reticulitermes and Nasutitermes are extremely different from each other, and the two genera are phylogenetically distant from each other. Thus, these two lineages may have independently acquired the abilities of diterpene synthesis from GGPP. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Strategy for Neuraminidase Inhibitors Using Mechanism‐Based Labeling Information
Authors: Hinou Hiroshi , Miyoshi Risho , Takasu Yasuaki , Kai Hirokazu , Kurogochi Masaki , Arioka Shingo , Gao Xiao‐Dong , Miura Nobuaki , Fujitani Naoki , Omoto Shinya , Yoshinaga Tomokazu , Fujiwara Tamio , Noshi Takeshi , Togame Hiroko , Takemoto Hiroshi , Nishimura Shin‐Ichiro
Published: February 2011

A potent inhibitor for Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase (VCNA) was developed by using a novel two‐step strategy, a target amino acid validation using mechanism‐based labeling information, and a potent inhibitor search using a focused library. The labeling information suggested the hidden dynamics of a loop structure of VCNA, which can be a potential target of the novel inhibitor. A focused library composed of 187 compounds was prepared from a 9‐azide derivative of 2,3‐dehydro‐N‐acetylneuraminic acid (DANA) to interrupt the function of the loop of the labeled residues. Inhibitor 3c showed potent inhibition properties and was the strongest inhibitor with FANA, a N‐trifluoroacetyl derivative of DANA. Validation studies of the inhibitor with a detergent and a Lineweaver–Burk plot suggested that the 9‐substitution group would interact hydrophobically with the target loop moiety, adding a noncompetitive inhibition property to the DANA skeleton. This information enabled us to design compound 4 having the combined structure of 3c and FANA. Compound 4 showed the most potent inhibition (Ki=73 nM, mixed inhibition) of VCNA with high selectivity among the tested viral, bacterial, and mammal neuraminidases.
Analogy of fixed route shared taxi (taxi khattee) and bus services under various demand density and economical conditions
Authors: Gholami Ali , Mohaymany Afshin Shariat
Published: February 2011

Taxi khattee is a fixed route unregulated shared taxi. It is a very common mode of transportation in Iran. Fixed route, unscheduled operation, open, unlimited pick‐up and drop‐off locations, and share ride are common features of taxi khattees. Low passenger capacity and working in high demand corridors provides for the possibility of high service frequencies any time of the day. Taxi khattees are similar to jitneys, which are obsolete or illegal in many countries. The aim of this research is to design transit network of an area using taxi khattees in addition to buses. The methodology employed in this paper simultaneously considers the costs to the users and operators on the one hand, and those of the public non‐users on the other hand. Taxi khattees are used in the design of a multimodal network along with buses to characterize the appropriate economic domain for their use. Moreover, their operation indices are compared against those of buses. A sensitivity analysis is carried out on various performance measures. Results show taxi khattees should be used in areas where population density is low, work force is inexpensive, social costs are not considered in fare calculation, and users' value of time is high. The study contradicts the common belief that since taxi khattees provide a high frequency compared to buses, they are economically plausible to use in a transit fleet. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated fuzzy signal and ramp‐metering at a diamond interchange
Authors: Pham V.C. , Alam F. , Potgieter J. , Fang F.C. , Xu W.L.
Published: February 2011

We propose a fuzzy logic control for the integrated signal operation of a diamond interchange and its ramp meter, to improve traffic flows on surface streets and motorway. This fuzzy logic diamond interchange (FLDI) comprises of three modules: fuzzy phase timing (FPT) module that controls the green time extension of the current phase, phase logic selection (PLS) module that decides the next phase based on the pre‐defined phase sequence or phase logic and, fuzzy ramp‐metering (FRM) module that determines the cycle time of the ramp meter based on current traffic volumes and conditions of the surface streets and the motorways. The FLDI is implemented in Advanced Interactive Microscopic Simulator for Urban and Non‐Urban Network Version 6 (AIMSUN 6), and compared with the traffic actuated signal control. Simulation results show that the FLDI outperforms the traffic‐actuated models with lower system total travel time, average delay, and improvements in downstream average speed and average delay. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating long‐distance travel patterns in Israel by tracking cellular phone positions
Authors: Bekhor Shlomo , Cohen Yehoshua , Solomon Charles
Published: February 2011

Long‐distance trips are generally under‐reported in typical household surveys, because of relative low frequency of these trips. This paper proposes to utilize location data from cellular phone systems in order to study long‐distance travel patterns. The proposed approach allows passive data collection on many travelers over a long period of time at low costs. The paper presents the results of a study that applies cellular phone technology to assess trips at the national level. The method was specifically designed to capture long distance trips, as part of the development of a national demand model conducted for the Economics and Planning Department of the Israel Ministry of Transport. The method allows the construction of origin–destination tables directly from the cellular phone positions. The paper presents selected results to illustrate the potential of the method for transportation planning and analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phonology and vocal behavior in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Schoen Elizabeth , Paul Rhea , Chawarska Katarzyna
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study is to examine the phonological and other vocal productions of children, 18–36 months, with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to compare these productions to those of age‐matched and language‐matched controls. Speech samples were obtained from 30 toddlers with ASD, 11 age‐matched toddlers and 23 language‐matched toddlers during either parent–child or clinician–child play sessions. Samples were coded for a variety of speech‐like and nonspeech vocalization productions. Toddlers with ASD produced speech‐like vocalizations similar to those of language‐matched peers, but produced significantly more atypical nonspeech vocalizations when compared to both control groups. Toddlers with ASD show speech‐like sound production that is linked to their language level, in a manner similar to that seen in typical development. The main area of difference in vocal development in this population is in the production of atypical vocalizations. Findings suggest that toddlers with ASDs do not tune into the language model of their environment. Failure to attend to the ambient language environment negatively impacts the ability to acquire spoken language.Autism Res 2011,4:177–188. © 2011 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contactin 4 as an autism susceptibility locus
Authors: Cottrell Catherine E. , Bir Natalie , Varga Elizabeth , Alvarez Carlos E. , Bouyain Samuel , Zernzach Randall , Thrush Devon L. , Evans Johnna , Trimarchi Michael , Butter Eric M. , Cunningham David , Gastier‐Foster Julie M. , McBride Kim L. , Herman Gail E.
Published: February 2011

Structural and sequence variation have been described in several members of the contactin (CNTN) and contactin‐associated protein (CNTNAP) gene families in association with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. Using array comparative genome hybridization (CGH), we identified a maternally inherited ∼535 kb deletion at 3p26.3 encompassing the 5′ end of the contactin 4 gene (CNTN4) in a patient with autism. Based on this finding and previous reports implicating genomic rearrangements of CNTN4 in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and 3p− microdeletion syndrome, we undertook sequencing of the coding regions of the gene in a local ASD cohort in comparison with a set of controls. Unique missense variants were identified in 4 of 75 unrelated individuals with ASD, as well as in 1 of 107 controls. All of the amino acid substitutions were nonsynonomous, occurred at evolutionarily conserved positions, and were, thus, felt likely to be deleterious. However, these data did not reach statistical significance, nor did the variants segregate with disease within all of the ASD families. Finally, there was no detectable difference in binding of two of the variants to the interacting protein PTPRG in vitro. Thus, additional larger studies will be necessary to determine whether CNTN4 functions as an autism susceptibility locus in combination with other genetic and/or environmental factors.Autism Res 2011,4:189–199. © 2011 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive textile und folienbasierte Gebäudehüllen
Authors: Haase Walter , Klaus Thorsten , Schmid Fabian , Sobek Werner , Sedlbauer Klaus , Schmidt Timo , Synold Martin
Published: February 2011

Aufgrund der fortlaufenden Weiterentwicklung von innovativen Textilien, Folien und smarten Funktionsmaterialien ergeben sich für diese neue Anwendungsmöglichkeiten im Bereich von Gebäudehüllen. Die Flexibilität, Transluzenz und die einzigartigen ästhetischen Eigenschaften von hocheffizienten Textilien eröffnen ein großes Potential für die Anwendung in der Architektur. Dies resultiert aus ihrer Leichtigkeit, der klaren Formensprache und einer einfachen Fügetechnologie, welche in hohem Maße die Aspekte der Rezyklierbarkeit und der Nachhaltigkeit positiv beeinflusst. In diesem Beitrag werden die Anforderungen an derartige Gebäudehüllen beschrieben, das Konzept der mehrlagigen textilen und folienbasierten Hülle erläutert und die Besonderheiten bezüglich der bauphysikalischen Auslegung beschrieben. Auf die Charakterisierung von Werkstoffen und auch auf die besonderen Anforderungen an die Simulation textiler Fassaden wird eingegangen.

Adaptive textile and film‐based building envelopes. With the ongoing development of advanced textiles and smart materials, promising new possibilities are emerging in the field of building cladding systems. The flexibility, translucency, and unique aesthetic characteristics of high‐performance textiles present a wide range of architectural potential, while their light weight, simplicity, and typically discrete construction offer significant advantages with respect to recyclability and sustainable design. Designed with care, textile materials have the potential to revolutionize the building envelope, in the form of multilayer adaptive textile cladding systems. This article will explore the challenging requirements which must be met by these systems, explain the concept of multilayer textile‐ and film‐based envelopes, and describe their unique behavioural characteristics in the building science context. The need for accurate material property characterization and advanced simulation techniques will also be discussed.
Das Prinzip des Faltens in Architektur und Ingenieurbau
Authors: Trautz Martin , Ayoubi Mazen
Published: February 2011

Falten und Faltungen stellen ein effizientes Konstruktionsprinzip dar, das in Architektur und Ingenieurwesen bisher aber eher selten eingesetzt wurde. Faltungen vereinigen Raumbildung und Lastabtragung in sich und können konstruktiv entweder starr oder beweglich und damit wandelbar durchgebildet werden. Numerische Methoden und parametrische Konstruktion machen es möglich, beliebig geformte Flächentragwerke mit Faltungen zu versehen oder die Bewegungen wandelbarer Faltungen zu beschreiben. Mit diesen Mitteln wird ein Bau‐ und Konstruktionsprinzip für die Technik verfügbar, das bisher weitestgehend der Natur vorbehalten war.

The application of folded plate principles in architecture and civil engineering. Folding and corrugation represent an efficient construction principle. Until now its potential has been scarcely exploited in architecture and engineering. Folding systems combine both spatial development and load transfer together. Moreover they can be rigid and unmoving or kinematic. Numeric computer processes and parametric constructions allow the design of various folding layouts as well as the description of movements of kinematic folding. This design tool establishes the technical basics for the implementation of this building and construction principle, which was originally found in nature.
Wandelbare Faltungen aus biegesteifen Faltelementen
Authors: Künstler Arne , Trautz Martin
Published: February 2011

Wandelbare Faltungen vereinen die statischen Vorzüge zueinander aufgefalteter Flächen mit denen der Veränderbarkeit der ganzen Struktur. Voraussetzung für die statische Nutzbarkeit ist die Tragfähigkeit und damit die Biegesteifigkeit der Faltflächen, die wiederum Faltelemente aus entsprechend biegefestem Material von endlicher Dicke bedingen. Infolgedessen muss die Beweglichkeit der Faltflächen zueinander ausschließlich über die gelenkigen Zwischenverbindungen erzeugt werden, deren notwendigen Bewegungsfreiheitsgrade sich in Abhängigkeit von der Art und Konfiguration der Faltung und der Abmessung der Faltelemente bestimmen. In den folgenden Ausführungen werden die wichtigsten Aspekte dieser für wandelbare Faltungen typischen, wechselseitigen Abhängigkeit von Kinetik, Statik, Faltstruktur und Konstruktion beschrieben.

Deployable folding patterns using stiff plate elements. Deployable folding patterns unify the structural advances of folded plate systems with the deployability of the whole structure. The essential requirement for the structural usability is the load bearing capacity of the plate elements and therefore its bending stiffness resulting in bending resistant materials of finite thickness. Therefore only the flexible connection between the plate elements must induce the movability. The degree of freedom of the connections is determined by the matter and configuration of the folding pattern and the dimensions of the folding elements. In the following the most important aspects of typical interrelated dependencies within kinetics, structure, folding systems and construction regarding deployable folding patterns will be described.
Probabilistische Berücksichtigung von Kosten‐ und Mengenrisiken in der Angebotskalkulation
Authors: Flemming Christian , Netzker Markus , Schöttle Annett
Published: February 2011

Die Bauausführenden sehen sich mit einer Vielzahl von Risiken konfrontiert, die ihre unternehmerische Existenz langfristig gefährden oder sogar beenden können. Bauunternehmen sind gefordert, die Risiken eines Projektes zu identifizieren und zu bewerten und aus diesen Erkenntnissen Maßnahmen ergreifen zu können. Innerhalb des kybernetischen Regelkreises des Risikomanagements müssen die Maßnahmen auf ihre Wirksamkeit untersucht und die Risiken erneut bewertet werden. Ein effizient durchgeführtes Risikomanagement kann zudem ein Wettbewerbsvorteil gegenüber anderen Wettbewerbern bedeuten. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt eine Methode zur Quantifizierung von Kosten‐ und Mengenrisiken. Die Betrachtung erfolgt auf der Ebene der Leistungspositionen eines Leistungsverzeichnisses. Eine Risikobewertung auf dieser Detailierungsebene wurde bisher noch nicht durchgeführt. Mittels stochastischer Ansätze werden die Risiken aus den vom Bauherrn ausgeschriebenen Mengenansätzen und den vom Bauunternehmen gewählten Kostenkalkulationsansätzen bewertet. Durch die Anwendung der Monte‐Carlo‐Simulation werden mögliche Angebotssummen ermittelt. Die Entscheidungsfindung zur Auswahl geeigneter Maßnahmen beruht somit nicht mehr auf einem deterministischen, sondern auf einer Vielzahl möglicher Werte. Die Informationsbasis des Bauunternehmens wird verbessert.

Probabilistic consideration of cost and quantity risks in a detailed estimate. Construction companies have to deal with a vast number of risks, which can jeopardise a firm’s existence. Therefore, companies have to identify and evaluate project risk to take countermeasures. Within a cybernetic risk management model the effectiveness of measures have to be analysed and the risk has to be re‐assessed. Thus, efficient risk management can gain a competitive advantage for a company. This paper describes a method to quantify cost and quantity risks of service items, which form the detailed estimate. These risks are calculated by using stochastic approaches. Possible bid sums are estimated by applying Monte Carlo simulations. Applications of stochastic approaches on this level of detail are new in cost estimation of construction projects. The construction company has now additional information for decision making by access to detailed information on each quantity and cost risk of the project instead of one deterministic figure.
Experimentelle Untersuchungen zum Verhalten von zyklisch horizontal belasteten Monopiles
Authors: Taşan Ercan , Rackwitz Frank , Savidis Stavros
Published: February 2011

Bei Monopilegründungen von Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen (OWEA) stellt die Prognose der akkumulierten Verschiebungen infolge zyklisch horizontaler Belastungen eine besondere Herausforderung dar. Eine zuverlässige Prognose erfordert gesicherte Erkenntnisse über das Verhalten von Boden‐Monopile‐Systemen unter zyklischen Belastungen. Hierzu wurde in der Geotechnischen Versuchsgrube der TU Berlin eine Versuchsreihe zur Untersuchung des Tragverhaltens von kurzen, mittellangen und langen Monopiles durchgeführt. Dabei wurden die Monopiles nach der Instrumentierung in wassergesättigten Sand eingepresst und anschließend durch zyklische Horizontalkräfte mit variierenden Belastungsamplituden und gleichzeitig wirkender statischer Vertikallast beansprucht. Während des Pfahleinpressvorganges wurden die maximalen Kräfte, die zum Einpressen der Versuchspfähle bis zur Solltiefe erforderlich waren, gemessen, und es wurde die Pfropfenbildung im Pfahlinneren festgestellt. In den Versuchen wurden horizontale und vertikale Pfahlverschiebungen an den Lasteinwirkungsstellen, Pfahlbiegedehnungen, horizontale Bodenverschiebungen neben dem Pfahl, Porenwasserdrücke im Boden sowie die Ausbreitung der Setzungsmulde an der Bodenoberfläche gemessen. Im Beitrag werden Konzeption, Vorbereitung und Durchführung dieser Pfahlversuche beschrieben sowie ausgewählte Ergebnisse vorgestellt und die aus den Untersuchungen gewonnenen Erkenntnisse zusammengefasst.

Experimental investigations of cyclic laterally loaded monopiles. The prediction of accumulated deformations due to cyclic loading with monopile foundations of offshore wind power plants is a real challenge. Adequate predictions require profound knowledge about soil‐monopile interaction behaviour due to cyclic lateral loading. A number of monopile tests are performed in the geotechnical testing pit at TU Berlin in order to investigate that interaction behaviour in more detail. Short, intermediate and long open ended steel pipe piles have been jacked into water saturated sand after instrumentation and subsequently subjected to cyclic lateral loading with varying load amplitude and simultaneously acting static vertical load. Final vertical jacking pressure and sand plugging inside the pile were measured during pile installation. Pile head displacements, pile deformations, horizontal soil displacements close to the pile shaft, pore pressures as well as settlement of the soil surface were measured during the pile load tests. The paper presents concept, preparation and execution of the pile tests and illustrates main results as well as findings from these tests.
Ein einfaches Näherungsverfahren zur Prognose des axial‐zyklischen Tragverhaltens von Pfählen
Authors: Kirsch Fabian , Richter Thomas
Published: February 2011

Im Beitrag wird ein neues Berechnungsverfahren zur Ermittlung des Tragverhaltens von axial‐zyklisch belasteten Pfählen vorgestellt, mit dem die Nachweise im Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit (GZ 1B) und im Grenzzustand der Gebrauchstauglichkeit (GZ 2) geführt werden können. Das Verfahren berücksichtigt sowohl die Abnahme der Mantelreibung mit steigender Zyklenanzahl infolge der Verdichtung des den Pfahl umgebenden Bodens unter zyklischer Scherung als auch die resultierenden axialen Pfahlverformungen infolge zyklischer Verdichtung und infolge der Akkumulation von Schubverzerrungen.

A simple procedure to analyse piles under cyclic axial loading. The following paper introduces a newly developed design procedure to calculate the bearing capacity of cyclic axial loaded piles for both the ultimate limit state GZ 1B and the serviceability limit state GZ 2. The procedure incorporates the degradation of shaft friction due to compaction of the surrounding soil under cyclic shear as well as the resulting axial pile deformation due to cyclic compaction and accumulation of cyclic shear strain.
Racial differences in gene‐specific DNA methylation levels are present at birth
Authors: Adkins Ronald M. , Krushkal Julia , Tylavsky Frances A. , Thomas Fridtjof
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND

DNA methylation patterns differ among children and adults and play an unambiguous role in several disease processes, particularly cancers. The origin of these differences is inadequately understood, and this is a question of specific relevance to childhood and adult cancer.

METHODS

DNA methylation levels at 26,485 autosomal CpGs were assayed in 201 newborns (107 African American and 94 Caucasian). Nonparametric analyses were performed to examine the relation between these methylation levels and maternal parity, maternal age, newborn gestational age, newborn gender, and newborn race. To identify the possible influences of confounding, stratification was performed by a second and third variable. For genes containing CpGs with significant differences in DNA methylation levels between races, analyses were performed to identify highly represented gene ontological terms and functional pathways.

RESULTS

13.7% (3623) of the autosomal CpGs exhibited significantly different levels of DNA methylation between African Americans and Caucasians; 2% of autosomal CpGs had significantly different DNA methylation levels between male and female newborns. Cancer pathways, including four (pancreatic, prostate, bladder, and melanoma) with substantial differences in incidence between the races, were highly represented among the genes containing significant race‐divergent CpGs.

CONCLUSIONS

At birth, there are significantly different DNA methylation levels between African Americans and Caucasians at a subset of CpG dinucleotides. It is possible that some of the epigenetic precursors to cancer exist at birth and that these differences partially explain the different incidence rates of specific cancers between the races. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymorphisms in CHDH gene and the risk of tooth agenesis
Authors: Mostowska Adrianna , Biedziak Barbara , Dunin‐Wilczynska Izabella , Komorowska Anna , Jagodzinski Pawel P.
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND

Tooth agenesis is one of the most common anomalies of human dentition and is due to a complex and not fully elucidated etiology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility that polymorphic variants of genes encoding the main folate and choline metabolism enzymes might be associated with the risk of hypodontia in the Polish population.

METHODS and RESULTS

We analyzed 21 polymorphisms of 13 candidate genes and found that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CHDH gene are significantly correlated with the risk of dental agenesis. The strongest association was found for the SNP located in the intronic sequence of CHDH. Individuals carrying one copy of the rs6445606 C allele had an over two‐fold decreased risk of having hypodontia (odds ratio [OR]CTvsTT = 0.434; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2724–0.6915; p = 0.0004; pcorr = 0.0084). A reduced risk of tooth agenesis was also observed in individuals with one or two copies of the rs6445606 C allele compared to T allele carriers (ORCT+CCvsTT = 0.524; 95% CI, 0.3386–0.8097; p = 0.0035; pcorr = 0.0735). Moreover, the gene‐gene interaction analysis revealed a significant epistatic interaction between CHDH (rs6445606) and PLD2 (rs3764897) in the susceptibility to hypodontia (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Our study identified CHDH and PLD2 as novel candidate genes, the nucleotide variants of which could be associated with the risk of tooth agenesis. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of homomultimers and heteromultimers of lung cancer‐specific peptoids
Authors: Hooks Jared C. , Matharage Jaya P. , Udugamasooriya D. Gomika
Published: February 2011

Multimeric interactions that occur in biology provide impetus for chemists to explore new types of synthetic multivalent ligands that alter cellular functions by mechanisms inaccessible to natural substances. While many different molecules such as peptides, antibody fragments, carbohydrates and organic moieties have been used in developing multimeric ligands, it is worth exploring other important molecular types that have hardly been tested in developing multimeric compounds. Peptoids are one such class of compounds with highly facile synthesis as well as much better biologically amenable qualities. Recently, we identified two HCC4017 lung cancer cell targeting peptoids. Here we explore the possibility of synthesizing multimers of these compounds completely through a solid phase synthesis approach. We have synthesized mini‐libraries of homodimers, homotrimers and most importantly, heterodimers of our lung cancer specific compounds. The idea is to develop series of compounds that only differs by the linker portion, which is readily adjustable within the library. The purpose of this is to find the optimal distance between each monomeric unit of the multimer that allows them to perfectly interact with their individual biological targets displayed on the cell surface. Future screens of these minilibraries will identify the multimers with improved binding affinities. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 96: 567–577, 2011.