bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Merkel cell polyomavirus on environmental surfaces
Authors: Foulongne Vincent , Courgnaud Valérie , Champeau William , Segondy Michel
Published: May 2011

The Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a human virus identified recently which is associated with the Merkel cell carcinoma. This virus is also detected frequently in the skin of healthy individuals. The presence of MCPyV has been investigated on environmental surfaces in contact with human skin. Various surfaces in four laboratories, public places, and individual homes were swabbed. Human DNA and MCPyV DNA were detected in swabs by real‐time PCR. MCPyV DNA levels were measured before and after DNase treatment in a set of 12 MCPyV DNA‐positive samples. A total of 60 environmental surface samples were collected. Fifty‐one (85.0%) were positive for human DNA detection and 45 (75.0%) were positive for MCPyV DNA detection. All samples positive for MCPyV DNA were positive for human DNA detection. After DNase treatment, a 1.3 log decrease in MCPyV DNA level was observed indicating that about 5% of viral DNA is protected from DNase degradation and might be associated with infectious virus. These results indicate that MCPyV DNA may be detected on environmental surfaces in contact with human skin. Detection of viral DNA might reflect the presence of infectious viral particles and transmission from environmental source to humans cannot be ruled out. J. Med. Virol. 83:1435–1439, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence and genotypes of human parechovirus in stool samples from hospitalized children in Shanghai, China, 2008 and 2009
Authors: Zhong Huaqing , Lin Yong , Sun Jiae , Su Liyun , Cao Lingfeng , Yang Yi , Xu Jin
Published: May 2011

Human parechoviruses (HPeVs) are widespread pathogens belonging to the Picornavirus family. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of HPeV in Shanghai, China, during a HPeV screening program in 2008 and 2009. Of 300 stool samples from children under the age of 5 years with acute diarrhea seen at Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, 165 (55%) were HPeV‐positive. The median age of infected children was 3 months. The prevalence of HPeV was high (57%) in infants up to 2 years old but dropped to 30.4% in children between 2 and 5 years old. The prevalence did not differ by sex. Infections were present throughout the year but peaked in July and August. The most predominant genotype was HPeV1. Of the 139 strains, 4 were found in 9 samples: HPeV4 (n = 4), HPeV5 (n = 1), HPeV6 (n = 1), and HPeV8 (n = 3). This study provided useful data on the epidemiology of HPeV infection by documenting the distribution of genotypes, age of infection, and seasonal patterns in Shanghai, China. J. Med. Virol. 83:1428–1434, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activity‐dependent γ‐aminobutyric acid release controls brain cortical tissue slice metabolism
Authors: Nasrallah Fatima A. , Balcar Vladimir J. , Rae Caroline D.
Published: May 2011

Vigabatrin (γ‐vinyl‐GABA) is an irreversible inhibitor of the enzyme γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase. It has been shown to increase levels of GABA in brain and result in increased release of GABA from nonsynaptic sources following activation. Here, we use a guinea pig cortical tissue slice model to identify the metabolic sequelae of vigabatrin when incubated with tissue slices alone or when the tissue slices were activated by ligands with targeted activating mechanisms. We show that incubation of slices with AMPA, the group II metabotropic glutamate antagonist EGLU [(2S)‐α‐ethylglutamic acid], or the GABABR antagonist CGP 52432 in the presence of vigabatrin produces very similar metabolic profiles, consistent with the large‐scale turning off of metabolic activity. This effect is blocked by the GABAArho antagonist TPMPA [(1,2,5,6‐tetrahydropyridin‐4‐yl)methylphosphinic acid]. Taken together, these results suggest that GABA, released following activation, acts on extrasynaptic receptors consistent with GABAArho and that these receptors act as a kind of “master switch” that is capable of turning off a range of differently induced activities. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of stress kinases in the brain of mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB mice
Authors: Cecere Francesca , Di Domenico Carmela , Di Napoli Daniele , Boscia Francesca , Di Natale Paola
Published: May 2011

The accumulation of heparan sulfate (HS) in lysosomes is the primary consequence of the enzyme defect (α‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase) in mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB. This accumulation triggers a cascade of pathological events that progressively leads to CNS pathology. Here we examined the activation of the three major stress kinases in the neuronal tissue of a murine model of the disease. ERK1/2 was significantly higher in the cortex of 1–2‐month‐old affected animals compared with wild‐type (Wt) littermates. Similarly, ERK1/2 was stimulated in neurons cultured from MPS IIIB mice. SAPK/JNK was also found to be activated in the cortex of 1–2‐month‐old affected animals compared with Wt subjects, and the same was found for cultured neurons. In contrast, the active form of p38MAPK was lower in the cortex of 1‐month‐old MPS IIIB mice compared with Wt animals, but no significant difference was found between the two p38MAPK analyzed in normal and affected neurons cultured in vitro. These data indicate the possible involvement of MAPK dysregulation in the early stage of MPS IIIB brain disease. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cardioembolic stroke prompting diagnosis of LMNA‐associated Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy
Authors: Redondo‐Vergé Luis , Yaou Rabah Ben , Fernández‐Recio María , Dinca Luminita , Richard Pascale , Bonne Gisèle
Published: May 2011

The diagnosis of Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is suggested by the combination of musculoskeletal weakness and wasting, joint contractures, and cardiac disease. Herein we report a patient in whom an ischemic stroke prompted the diagnosis of EDMD. A mutation in the LMNA gene (c.266G>T, p.Arg89Leu) was found. It had been reported previously exclusively with isolated cardiac disease, thus reinforcing the high phenotypic heterogeneity of laminopathies. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Reproducibility of sensory nerve conduction studies of the sural nerve using ultrasound‐guided needle positioning
Authors: Scheidegger Olivier , Küffer Alexander F. , Kamm Christian P. , Rösler Kai M.
Published: May 2011

Introduction:

In this study we sought to evaluate the reproducibility of sensory nerve conduction studies (NCS) using ultrasound‐guided needle positioning (USNP).

Methods:

Orthodromic NCS of the sural nerve using needle electrodes with USNP as well as surface electrodes were conducted twice in 20 healthy volunteers.

Results:

The mean sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude in the initial examination was 39.5 μV using needle electrodes with USNP, and 12.5 μV using surface electrodes (P < 0.0001). The mean SNAP amplitude in the follow‐up examination was 39.2 μV using needle electrodes with USNP, and 12.4 μV using surface electrodes (P < 0.0001). The mean intraindividual change in SNAP amplitude (test–retest) was 21.2% using needle electrodes with USNP, and 24.8% using surface electrodes (P = 0.6).

Conclusions:

Sensory NCS of the sural nerve using needle electrodes with USNP have reliable test–retest reproducibility and yield greater SNAP amplitudes than sensory NCS using surface electrodes. Muscle Nerve 2011
Novel star‐shaped and hyperbranched phosphorus‐containing flame retardants in epoxy resins
Authors: Zang Lin , Wagner Sebastian , Ciesielski Michael , Müller Patrick , Döring Manfred
Published: May 2011

This report presents the synthesis and use of novel derivatives of 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO, 1) and 5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphorinan‐2‐one (DDPO, 2) as flame retardant additives for epoxy resins. DOPO‐based and DDPO‐based compounds were synthesized via nucleophilic substitution with 1,3,5‐tris‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate (THIC, 3) and subsequent oxidation (Schemes 1 and 2). Another trivalent DOPO derivative recently reported by our group was obtained by transamination followed by a Michaelis–Arbuzov rearrangement (Scheme 1). These products were blended into two epoxy resin systems [DEN 438 and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), both cured with dicyandiamide (DICY) and Fenuron] to obtain flame retardant thermosets. The flame retardancy and thermal properties of these epoxy resin systems were examined by UL 94‐V, Thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimeter analysis. Furthermore, all reactions with phosphorus‐containing compounds were iterated employing the THIC oligomer, which was prepared via polycondensation of THIC (Scheme 3) using catalytic amounts of p‐toluenesulfonic acid. In addition, Atherton–Todd reaction with the THIC oligomer was studied as a novel synthetic method for phosphorus‐containing flame retardants (Scheme 4). The resulting products were utilized as flame retardants in epoxy resins and compared with the analogous monomeric compounds. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and specific influenza A virus‐adsorptive functionality of alkyl curdlan sulfate‐coated membrane filter
Authors: Muschin Tegshi , Han Shuqin , Kanamoto Taisei , Nakashima Hideki , Yoshida Takashi
Published: May 2011

To develop a biomaterial with an influenza virus‐adsorptive functionality, an alkyl curdlan sulfate was prepared by ionic interaction between a positively charged didodecyldimethyl ammonium bromide and a negatively charged sulfate group of curdlan sulfate, which has potent anti‐HIV activity, and then it was coated on a membrane filter with a 1‐μm pore size by hydrophobic interaction with the long alkyl groups in the curdlan sulfate. The alkyl curdlan sulfate with the degree of alkylation (DOA) of 0.03 (one didodecyldimethyl group/12 sugar residues with 36 hydroxyl or sulfate groups) showed potent anti‐HIV activity in a 50% effective concentration (EC50) as low as 0.87 μg/mL (standard curdlan sulfate EC50 = 0.3 μg/mL), and the activity decreased with increasing DOA. A DOA higher than 0.1 (one didodecyldimethyl group/three sugar residues with nine hydroxyl or sulfate groups) gave no anti‐HIV activity. Although both curdlan sulfate and alkyl curdlan sulfates did not inhibited infection of Madin‐Darby canine kidney cells by influenza viruses, the alkyl curdlan sulfate‐coated membrane filter was found to have a specific adsorptive functionality for influenza A virus in vitro. When 1.6 mg of the alkyl curdlan sulfate with the DOA of 0.03 was coated on a membrane filter (φ13 mm; pore size, 1 μm), three stacked alkyl curdlan sulfate‐coated membrane filters dramatically decreased hemagglutination to 1/4–1/32. However, the membrane filter did not effectively remove on influenza B viruses, and thus a membrane filter without alkyl curdlan sulfate was not effective against influenza viruses. These results can therefore be presumed to demonstrate that the alkyl curdlan sulfate‐coated membrane filter removed influenza A viruses by adsorption between the negatively charged sulfate groups and the positively charged envelope protein of the virus. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Polystyrene/decahydronaphthalene/propane phase equilibria and polymer conformation properties from intrinsic viscosities
Authors: Cain Nathaniel , Haywood Alexander , Roberts George , Kiserow Douglas , Carbonell Ruben
Published: May 2011

The influence of dissolved propane (up to 31.2 wt %) on the phase equilibria of 5 wt % polystyrene (PS) dissolved in 66/34 wt % trans/cis‐decahydronaphthalene (DHN) was measured over the temperature range of 323–423 K. A suitable temperature, pressure, and propane composition operating space was defined to measure intrinsic viscosities of a single fluid phase. Intrinsic viscosities of PS in cosolvent mixtures of propane and trans/cis‐DHN were measured between 323 and 423 K and between 70 and 208 bar. The addition of propane to the isomeric mixture of DHN resulted in a decreased solvent quality for PS, causing a contraction of the PS coil. The most dramatic decrease in solvent quality with the addition of propane occurred at 323 K and 70 bar with approximately a 36% reduction in the viscometric radius with the addition of 45 mol % propane to DHN. At 423 K, the solvent quality was less sensitive to the addition of propane and only a 13% reduction in the viscometric radius was observed at 70 bar and 45 mol % propane in DHN. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Successful prolonged use of recombinant human insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in a child with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Haupt Mark E. , Kim Ellen E. , Prestridge Adrienne L.
Published: May 2011

Growth failure is a common and complicated process in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Growth hormone, which is becoming a more commonly used agent in such patients, has demonstrated beneficial effects aside from increased growth velocity. Recently, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 has gained significant attention in the understanding of growth failure in children with CF. We report the successful prolonged use of recombinant human insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in an adolescent boy with CF, who demonstrated significant clinical benefits from the therapy. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:1137–1141. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surfactant administration prior to one lung ventilation: Physiological and inflammatory correlates in a piglet model
Authors: Bhatia Rahul , Shaffer Thomas H. , Hossain Jobayer , Fisher Alicia Olivant , Horner Liana M. , Rodriguez M. Elena , Penfil Scott , Theroux Mary C.
Published: May 2011

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that surfactant, when given prophylactically during one lung ventilation (OLV), improves physiological stability and reduces inflammation.

Methods

Prospective controlled animal study. After 30 min of mechanical ventilation, surfactant was administered to the left lung of the treatment group. Right lung mechanical ventilation continued for 3 hr, after which the left lung was unblocked. Bilateral mechanical ventilation was continued for 30 min thereafter. Physiological parameters and biomarkers of inflammation in plasma, lung tissue homogenates, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were measured.

Measurements and Main Results

Oxygenation improved in the surfactant group, reaching statistical significance at 3 hr of OLV and again after 30 min of bilateral mechanical ventilation following the OLV. Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)‐1 β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α showed a trend for reduction. The lung homogenates from the ventilated lungs had significantly lower levels of IL‐1 β (P < 0.01) and IL‐6 (P < 0.01). The BAL specimen showed an overall reduction in the cytokine levels; IL‐1 β was significantly lower in the ventilated lungs (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Surfactant administration improves oxygenation and decreases inflammation, as evidenced by a decrease in several inflammatory cytokines both in the plasma and lungs of a piglet model of OLV. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:1069–1078. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is aspiration during swallowing more common in Canadian children with indigenous heritage?
Authors: Rempel Gina , Borton Barb , Esselmont Elizabeth , Shelton Colin
Published: May 2011

While many factors that contribute to the occurrence of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in Canadian indigenous children have been described, the role of aspiration during swallowing has not been explored in these children. Because of an increase in referrals of indigenous children from our catchment area (Manitoba, North Western Ontario, and Nunavut) for assessment of aspiration during swallowing, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 325 consecutive children undergoing videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) to evaluate which factors, including indigenous heritage and LRTI, were associated with aspiration during swallowing.

Our sample had an overrepresentation of indigenous children (35% compared to 23% in the catchment area). These children were more likely to aspirate during swallowing (P = 0.001) and to have experienced an LRTI prior to the VFSS (P = 0.000). When separating the children who aspirated into two groups based on indigenous heritage, the indigenous children were more likely to have had an LRTI (P = 0.028) than the other children in the sample.

With logistic regression analysis, significant correlations between indigenous heritage, LRTI (P = 0.000), and aspiration (P = 0.009) were found. When aspiration during swallowing was the factor of interest, it correlated with both LRTI (P = 0.001) and the presence of congested upper airway noises after eating (P = 0.000). These upper airway noises were strongly associated with aspiration in indigenous children (P = 0.004). While prospective data are required to determine if the correlations seen in this retrospective review will remain robust, indigenous children were more likely to aspirate during swallowing and have LRTI in this sample. Whether aspiration during swallowing is related to environmental, ethnic, or biological factors in indigenous children remains to be determined, but the association between aspiration and congested upper airway noises after eating may assist in the early diagnosis of aspiration during swallowing, and thereby enable timely intervention to decrease aspiration risk in children already at risk of repeated LRTI due to a number of other confounding factors. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46: 1240–1246. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Over 1.0 kV GaN p–n junction diodes on free‐standing GaN substrates
Authors: Nomoto Kazuki , Hatakeyama Yoshitomo , Katayose Hideo , Kaneda Naoki , Mishima Tomoyoshi , Nakamura Tohru
Published: May 2011

This report describes the fabrication and characteristics of GaN p–n junction diodes on free‐standing GaN substrates with low dislocation density. We have demonstrated GaN p–n junction diodes with a unique field‐plate (FP) structure. The breakdown voltage VB is further improved due to the FP structure and the low dislocation density. The breakdown voltage of a diode of 60 µm in diameter with the FP structure is over −1000 V, and the leakage current is below 10−9 A until reaching the breakdown voltage. Even in larger diodes (100 and 200 µm in diameter) with FP, the breakdown voltage is over −800 V. However, the specific on‐resistance Ron is high due to damage by the plasma process of sputtering. The specific on‐resistance is further improved due to using a low damage passivation film. As a result, a specific on‐resistance of 1.2 mΩ · cm2 is obtained.
Structural and magnetic properties of GaAs:(Mn,Ga)As granular layers
Authors: Lawniczak‐Jablonska K. , Libera J. , Wolska A. , Klepka M. T. , Dluzewski P. , Bak‐Misiuk J. , Dynowska E. , Romanowski P. , Domagala J. Z. , Sadowski J. , Barcz A. , Wasik D. , Twardowski A. , Kwiatkowski A.
Published: May 2011

Granular GaAs:(Mn,Ga)As films were prepared by annealing the Ga0.92Mn0.08As/GaAs layer grown by the MBE method at low temperature. The annealing was performed at 500 or 600 °C. It is commonly accepted that this processing should result in formation of cubic zinc blende or hexagonal MnAs inclusions depending on the temperature. We demonstrate that such a priory assumption is not justified. The kind of formed inclusions depends not only on the annealing temperature but also on the number of defects and Mn atoms in the substitutional and interstitial positions in as grown sample.
A novel multiplexed fiber Bragg grating sensor with application in structural health monitoring
Authors: Etezad Maryam , Kahrizi Mojtaba , Khorasani Khashayar
Published: May 2011

The use of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) on a single fiber for analyzing the strain in two dimensions is presented. The effects of the simultaneous transversal and longitudinal force on an FBG sensor is analyzed and its perturbed reflected spectrum is modeled by introducing the change of the refractive indecies and grating period along the fiber to the transfer matrix formulation method (‘measured’ spectrum). Furthermore, the use of genetic algorithm for reconstruction of nonuniform applied transverse forces from the ‘measured’ spectrum is presented. The genetic algorithm requires only the measured spectra information and the refractive index distribution is encoded along the Bragg grating into the genes. The presented method is verified through the numerical examples and the results show that our methodology can effectively represent and model the applied transverse force profile (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Time‐resolved investigations of erbium ions in ZBLAN‐based glasses and glass ceramics
Authors: Skrzypczak U. , Miclea M. , Stalmashonak A. , Ahrens B. , Henke B. , Seifert G. , Johnson J. A. , Schweizer S.
Published: May 2011

The lifetimes of the excited levels of Er3+ in ZBLAN‐based glasses and glass ceramics were investigated by using time resolved spectroscopy. Upon direct excitation most of the radiative lifetimes of the excited levels do not show a dependency on the Er3+ doping level. However, for increasing Er3+ concentrations the lifetime of the thermally coupled (4S3/2+2H11/2) levels decreases significantly. For Er3+ doped glass ceramics containing BaCl2 nanocrystals the radiative lifetimes of the Er3+ levels change. For the (4S3/2+2H11/2) levels a fast component corresponding to the Er3+ doped glass and an additional slow component of a few hundred µs was found. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Method and process flow for CMOS compatible photonics integration
Authors: Goebel Andreas , Wojcik Greg , Moffatt Steve
Published: May 2011

We present a CMOS compatible integration scheme whereby some optical components are integrated before the manufacture of CMOS transistors. This approach decouples competing design real estate and thermal budget requirements of electronics and optics. The waveguides (WGs) are low confinement single crystal SiGe WGs embedded in a silicon wafer exhibiting losses less than 1 db/cm and allowing for turn radii of about 1 mm. The detectors are impurity‐based photodiodes that survive the thermal budget of subsequent CMOS integration. Here we subjected them to a bake of about 1 h at 1050 C. A novel wavelength‐insensitive coupling scheme to an IC chip, as well as a novel multi‐wavelength laser source are introduced (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Pseudo‐self‐organized topological phases in glassy selenides for IR photonics
Authors: Shpotyuk O. , Golovchak R.
Published: May 2011

Network‐forming cluster approach is applied to As‐Se and Ge‐Se glasses to justify their tendency to self‐organization. It is shown that reversibility windows determined by temperature‐modulated differential scanning calorimetry using short‐term aged or as‐prepared samples do not necessary coincide with self‐organized phase in these materials. The obtained results testify also pseudo‐self‐organization phenomenon in Ge‐Se glasses: over‐constrained outrigger raft structural units built of two edge‐ and four corner‐shared tetrahedra are interconnected via optimally‐constrained ≡Ge‐Se‐Se‐Ge≡ bridges within the range of compositions identified previously as self‐organized phase by temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry technique. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Use of models in detection and attribution of climate change
Authors: Hegerl Gabriele , Zwiers Francis
Published: May 2011

Most detection and attribution studies use climate models to determine both the expected ‘fingerprint’ of climate change and the uncertainty in the estimated magnitude of this fingerprint in observations, given the climate variability. This review discusses the role of models in detection and attribution, the associated uncertainties, and the robustness of results. Studies that use observations only make substantial assumptions to separate the components of observed changes due to radiative forcing from those due to internal climate variability. Results from observation‐only studies are broadly consistent with those from fingerprint studies. Fingerprint studies evaluate the extent to which patterns of response to external forcing (fingerprints) from climate model simulations explain observed climate change in observations. Fingerprints are based on climate models of various complexities, from energy balance models to full earth system models. Statistical approaches range from simple comparisons of observations with model simulations to multi‐regression methods that estimate the contribution of several forcings to observed change using a noise‐reducing metric. Multi‐model methods can address model uncertainties to some extent and we discuss how remaining uncertainties can be overcome. The increasing focus on detecting and attributing regional climate change and impacts presents both opportunities and challenges. Challenges arise because internal variability is larger on smaller scales, and regionally important forcings, such as from aerosols or land‐use change, are often uncertain. Nevertheless, if regional climate change can be linked to external forcing, the results can be used to provide constraints on regional climate projections. WIREs Clim Change 2011 2 570–591 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.121

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with Models
Prenatal screening of sialic acid storage disease and confirmation in cultured fibroblasts by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: den van Bosch Jeroen , Oemardien Linda F. , Srebniak Malgorzata I. , Piraud Monique , Huijmans Jan G. M. , Verheijen Frans W. , Ruijter George J. G.
Published: May 2011

Sialic acid storage disease (SASD) is an inborn error resulting from defects in the lysosomal membrane protein sialin. The SASD phenotypical spectrum ranges from a severe presentation, infantile sialic acid storage disease (ISSD) which may present as hydrops fetalis, to a relatively mild form, Salla disease. Screening for SASD is performed by determination of free sialic acid (FSA) in urine or amniotic fluid supernatant (AFS). Subsequent diagnosis of SASD is performed by quantification of FSA in cultured fibroblasts and by mutation analysis of the sialin gene,SLC17A5. We describe simple quantitative procedures to determine FSA as well as conjugated sialic acid in AFS, and FSA in cultured fibroblasts, using isotope dilution (13C3‐sialic acid) and multiple reaction monitoring LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. The whole procedure can be performed in 2–4 h. Reference values in AFS were 0–8.2 μmol/L for 15–25 weeks of gestation and 3.2‐12.0 μmol/L for 26–38 weeks of gestation. In AFS samples from five fetuses affected with ISSD FSA was 23.9‐58.9 μmol/L demonstrating that this method is able to discriminate ISSD pregnancies from normal ones. The method was also validated for determination of FSA in fibroblast homogenates. FSA in SASD fibroblasts (ISSD; 20–154 nmol/mg protein, intermediate SASD; 12.9‐15.1 nmol/mg, Salla disease; 5.9‐7.4 nmol/mg) was clearly elevated compared to normal controls (0.3‐2.2 nmol/mg). In conclusion, we report simple quantitative procedures to determine FSA in AFS and cultured fibroblasts improving both prenatal diagnostic efficacy for ISSD as well as confirmatory testing in cultured fibroblasts following initial screening in urine or AFS.
Practice Guidelines for Communicating a Prenatal or Postnatal Diagnosis of Down Syndrome: Recommendations of the National Society of Genetic Counselors
Authors: Sheets Kathryn B. , Crissman Blythe G. , Feist Cori D. , Sell Susan L. , Johnson Lisa R. , Donahue Kelly C. , Masser‐Frye Diane , Brookshire Gail S. , Carre Amanda M. , LaGrave Danielle , Brasington Campbell K.
Published: May 2011

Down syndrome is one of the most common conditions encountered in the genetics clinic. Due to improvements in healthcare, educational opportunities, and community inclusion over the past 30 years, the life expectancy and quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome have significantly improved. As prenatal screening and diagnostic techniques have become more enhanced and widely available, genetic counselors can expect to frequently provide information and support following a new diagnosis of Down syndrome. This guideline was written for genetic counselors and other healthcare providers regarding the communication of a diagnosis of Down syndrome to ensure that families are consistently given up‐to‐date and balanced information about the condition, delivered in a supportive and respectful manner.
Southern Sudan on the Road to Independence and Democracy
Authors: Nedelcheva Mariya
Published: May 2011

The aftermath of Southern Sudan's successful January referendum has been characterised by enthusiasm and a lack of violence. Yet the scale of the tasks ahead is still daunting. Political pluralism, the question of citizenship, oil revenues, sharing of debt, creating a Southern identity in an extremely ethnically diverse country are only some of the tremendous issues the South has to face on the home ground. Moreover, there is the outstanding issue of the contested Abyei region, as well as the fact that much of the border with the North has not been demarcated yet. On the foreign relations front, the issue of the revised Cotonou Agreement must be addressed along with integration into pan-African and other international organisations.
Nutritional problems in inflammatory bowel disease: The patient perspective
Authors: Prince Alexis , Whelan Kevin , Moosa Arifa , Lomer Miranda C.E. , Reidlinger Dianne P.
Published: May 2011

Background and aims: Crohn's Disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which may result in nutrition problems that impact on patient health, nutritional status and quality of life. Subjective reports of how IBD patients experience these problems as part of their disease process, including comparisons between patient groups, or the need for tailored nutrition advice as perceived by these patients, have not been widely studied. This survey aimed to identify and explore nutritional problems that are important to CD and UC patients and to investigate their views on the IBD health services provided to help them with these.

Methods: Eighty-seven IBD patients were invited to take part in a nutrition survey using face-to-face questionnaire interviews. The survey asked about food and nutrition problems that patients have experienced, identifying which were most significant and the extent to which they had been addressed by the clinical service.

Results: Seventy-two IBD patients completed the evaluation (47 CD, 25 UC). Of these, 45 (62.5%) felt that food and nutrition were either ‘important’ or ‘extremely important’ in their experience of IBD, and 59 (82%) reported problems with food and nutrition. Patients with CD and UC reported similar frequencies of most nutritional problems. However, 44 (94%) CD vs. 16 (64%) UC patients reported problems with weight (p = 0.002). Less than half of patients had seen a dietitian for tailored nutritional advice to address these problems.

Conclusions: Nutritional problems experienced and reported by IBD patients are numerous and varied. They are considered important by patients with CD and UC, both of whom would generally value specific dietary counselling, highlighting a need for further research in this area and adequate and equal provision of services for both groups.
Rheumatoide Arthritis und interstitielle Lungenveränderungen - Ein klarer Fall! Oder eben doch nicht?
Authors: Franzen  , Bürgi  , Gaspert  , Kohler
Published: May 2011

Bei einem Patienten mit bekannter rheumatoider Arthritis (RA) und asymptomatischen, retikulo-nodulären, oberlappenbetonten Lungenparenchymveränderungen wurde die Diagnose eines Caplan-Syndroms (CS) gestellt. Aufgrund der Grösse der pulmonalen Noduli werden zwei Typen des CS unterschieden: ein klassischer (Caplan) Typ sowie ein silikotischer Typ. Trotz des oft eindrücklichen radiologischen Befundes präsentieren sich Patienten mit CS mit verhältnismässig geringer Symptomatik. Bei pulmonalen Beschwerden müssen bei medikamentös behandelter RA vor allem die pneumotoxischen Arzneimittelnebenwirkungen oder Infektkomplikationen der Immunsuppressiva/Immunmodulatoren differentialdiagnostisch in Betracht gezogen werden.
Terror Management and Attitudes Toward Immigrants
Authors: Weise David R. , Arciszewski Thomas , Verlhiac Jean-François , Pyszczynski Tom , Greenberg Jeff
Published: May 2011

Previous terror management theory research has shown that mortality salience (MS; a death reminder) leads to the derogation of those who are perceived to be threats to or violators of one’s cultural worldview. Immigrants may be viewed as such a threat, but not necessarily to all majority group members of the culture. The studies presented here tested the hypothesis that, depending upon the nature of the participants’ worldview, MS would either increase or decrease liking of an immigrant. After being reminded of their mortality or a control topic, French and American college students evaluated an immigrant. To assess differences in worldview, participants completed a measure of right-wing authoritarianism (RWA). Consistent across two studies, MS led to more negative evaluations of an immigrant among those high in RWA, but more positive evaluations for those low in RWA. Discussion focuses on the implications of these findings for understanding the interplay of mortality concerns and RWA in determining attitudes toward immigrants.
A Cross-National Study of Identity Status in Dutch and Italian Adolescents
Authors: Crocetti Elisabetta , Schwartz Seth J. , Fermani Alessandra , Klimstra Theo , Meeus Wim
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in identity formation between large community samples of Italian (N = 1,975) and Dutch (N = 1,521) adolescents. Findings indicated that the distribution across five previously extracted identity statuses (i.e., achievement, early closure, moratorium, searching moratorium, and diffusion) differed strongly across nationality, with Italian participants more represented in the moratorium statuses, and with Dutch adolescents more likely to be in the early closure and diffusion statuses. Furthermore, the profile of the searching moratorium status, in terms of personality characteristics, internalizing symptoms, and parent-adolescent relationships, was found to be more adaptive in the Italian context. These findings are discussed in light of social, economic, and cultural differences between Italy and the Netherlands.
€1 ≠ €1: Coins Versus Banknotes and People’s Spending Behavior
Authors: Tessari Tommaso , Rubaltelli Enrico , Tomelleri Silvia , Zorzi Carlotta , Pietroni Davide , Levorato Chiara , Rumiati Rino
Published: May 2011

Previous research has shown that people attach a different value to exemplars of money having similar nominal values but dissimilar physical features. In particular, recent data have suggested that American people attach higher value to $1 banknotes than to $1 coins. These results have been explained in terms of familiarity since the $1 coin was introduced recently and is, therefore, less familiar than the $1 banknote. We suggest an alternative explanation based on the different mental accounts associated with the use of coins and banknotes. Experiments 1–3 show that people are willing to pay more when using coins than banknotes regardless of their familiarity with these exemplars of money. Experiment 3 also shows that people overestimate the amount of money at their disposal when they are provided with banknotes and underestimate it when using coins. Experiment 4 reveals that people using banknotes are more sensitive to discounts than people using coins. Finally, Experiment 5 indicates that people implicitly associate coins with low value products and banknotes with high value products.
The application of numerical simulations in Beacon scintillation analysis and modeling
Authors: Rino Charles L. , Carrano Charles S.
Published: May 2011

Modeling Beacon satellite scintillation data presents a number of challenges. The dominant ionospheric structure is anisotropic, and it evolves nonuniformly. Moreover, the length and the orientation of the propagation path that intercepts the structure vary continuously. Thus, even under ideal observing conditions, it is difficult to extract unambiguous driving‐point conditions from single‐receiver or multireceiver observations. Statistical models are invariably used to interpret scintillation measurements, but the statistical models themselves require a high degree of statistical uniformity that applies only to segments of the data. These challenges are well known, but evolving computer capabilities have provided new opportunities. Modern computer resources support high‐fidelity simulations that capture the three‐dimensional propagation phenomena in representative propagation environments. Because all aspects of such simulations are known or measurable, one can validate theoretical assumptions and the effectiveness of various analysis procedures. This paper reviews the theory and illustrates the numerical simulation it supports.
Evaporation from soils under thermal boundary conditions: Experimental and modeling investigation to compare equilibrium‐ and nonequilibrium‐based approaches
Authors: Smits Kathleen M. , Cihan Abdullah , Sakaki Toshihiro , Illangasekare Tissa H.
Published: May 2011

In the shallow subsurface immediately below the land‐atmosphere interface, it is widely recognized that the movement of water vapor is closely coupled to thermal processes. However, their mutual interactions are rarely considered in most soil water modeling efforts or in practical applications where it becomes necessary to understand the spatial and temporal distribution of soil moisture. The validation of numerical models that are designed to capture these processes is difficult due to the scarcity of field or laboratory data with accurately known hydraulic and thermal parameters of soils, limiting the testing and refinement of heat and water transfer theories. The goal of this paper is to perform controlled experiments under transient conditions of soil moisture and temperature and use this data to test existing theories and develop appropriate numerical models. Water vapor flow under varying temperature gradients was implemented on the basis of a concept that allows nonequilibrium liquid/gas phase change with gas phase vapor diffusion. To validate this new approach, we developed a long column apparatus equipped with a network of sensors and generated data under well‐controlled thermal boundary conditions at the soil surface. The nonequilibrium approach yielded good agreement with the experimental results, validating the hypothesis that transport in the gas phase is better suited to be modeled with nonequilibrium liquid/gas phase change for highly transient field conditions where the thermal conditions at the land‐atmosphere interface are constantly changing.
Long-term impacts of tropical storms and earthquakes on human population growth in Haiti and the Dominican Republic
Authors: Klose Christian D. , Webersik Christian
Published: May 2011

Since the 18th century, Haiti and the Dominican Republic have experienced similar natural forces, including earthquakes and tropical storms. These countries are two of the most prone of all Latin American and Caribbean countries to natural hazards events, while Haiti seems to be more vulnerable to natural forces. This article discusses to what extent geohazards have shaped both nation's demographic developments. The data show that neither atmospheric nor seismic forces that directly hit the territory of Haiti have significantly affected the country's population growth rates and spatial population densities. Conversely, since the 1950s more people were exposed to atmospheric hazards, in particular, in regions which historically experienced higher storm frequencies.
Increased PTH and 1.25(OH)2D Levels Associated With Increased Markers of Bone Turnover Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Sinha Naina , Shieh Albert , Stein Emily M. , Strain Gladys , Schulman Aaron , Pomp Alfons , Gagner Michel , Dakin Gregory , Christos Paul , Bockman Richard S.
Published: May 2011

The objective of this study was to characterize changes in metabolic bone parameters following bariatric surgery. Seventy‐three obese adult patients who underwent either gastric banding (GB), Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB), or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) were followed prospectively for 18 months postoperatively. Changes in the calcium‐vitamin D axis (25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH)), markers of bone formation (osteocalcin, bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption (urinary N‐telopeptide (NTx)), as well as bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed at 3‐month intervals during this time period. Bariatric surgery resulted in significant and progressive weight loss over 18 months. With supplementation, 25OHD levels increased 65.3% (P < 0.0001) by 3 months, but leveled off and decreased <30 ng/ml by 18 months. PTH initially decreased 21.4% (P = 0.01) at 3 months, but later approached presurgery levels. 1,25(OH)2D increased significantly starting at month 12 (50.3% increase from baseline, P = 0.008), and was positively associated with PTH (r = 0.82, P = 0.0001). When stratified by surgery type, median PTH and 1,25(OH)2D levels were higher following combined restrictive and malabsorptive operations (RYGB and BPD/DS) compared to GB. Bone formation/resorption markers were increased by 3 months (P < 0.05) and remained elevated through 18 months. Radial BMD decreased 3.5% by month 18, but this change was not significant (P = 0.23). Our findings show that after transient improvement, preoperative vitamin D insufficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism persisted following surgery despite supplementation. Postoperative secondary hyperparathyroidism was associated with increased 1,25(OH)2D levels and increased bone turnover markers.
Long‐Term BMI Changes Since Adolescence and Markers of Early and Advanced Subclinical Atherosclerosis
Authors: Terzis Ioannis D. , Papamichail Christos , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Georgiopoulos George A. , Lipsou Niki , Chatzidou Sofia , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios , Kollias Georgios , Iacovidou Nicoletta , Zakopoulos Nikolaos , Alevizaki Maria , Stamatelopoulos Kimon S.
Published: May 2011

Although long‐term weight gain has been associated with cardiovascular risk and intima‐media thickening (IMT), no sufficient data exist on possible associations of such weight changes with more advanced stages of subclinical atherosclerosis. Moreover, the value of self‐reported weight changes, a more practical approach to assess long‐term history in adiposity status, is still a matter of debate. In this longitudinal study, long‐term changes in BMI and overweight status were assessed in 106 healthy young adults (age 40.5 ± 1.1 years, 60 males). These were a subgroup of adolescent school students who had originally been examined in 1983 initially aiming to assess cardiovascular risk factor prevalence. Markers of early (carotid IMT) and advanced (presence of plaques in the carotid and femoral arteries and ankle‐brachial index, ABI) subclinical atherosclerosis were measured in all individuals. By multivariate analysis, among other risk factors, IMT and the presence of plaques were independently determined by BMI change, while a low ABI was also determined by changes in overweight status. An adverse long term adiposity profile change (≥ +4 kg/m2 and/or change into overweight/obese status from normal weight since adolescence) incrementally determined a low ABI over current risk factors. Self‐reported and actual BMI changes were correlated (r = 0.587) but their means significantly differed, while the former significantly correlated with IMT only (P = 0.032). In conclusion, an adverse long term adiposity status change was more prominently associated with advanced subclinical atherosclerosis and particularly low ABI. These results also suggest that the utility of self‐reported weight changes may be limited in primary prevention practice.
Steady and unsteady Hall magnetohydrodynamics near an X-type magnetic neutral line
Authors: Shivamoggi Bhimsen K.
Published: May 2011

Hall magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) properties near a two-dimensional (2D) X-type magnetic neutral line in the steady state are considered via heuristic and rigorous developments. The heuristic development turns out to be useful in providing insight into the lack of dependence of the reconnection rate on the mechanism breaking the frozen-in condition of the magnetic field lines in the electron fluid. The latter result can be understood in terms of the ability of the ions and electrons to transport equal amounts of magnetic flux per unit time out of the reconnection region. The Hall effects are shown via a rigorous development to be able to sustain the hyperbolicity of the magnetic field (and hence a more open X-point configuration) near the neutral line in the steady state. The time-dependent Hall MHD problem shows that the Hall effect, when sufficiently strong, can indeed quench the finite-time singularity exhibited in ideal MHD.
Multi-beam effects on backscatter and its saturation in experiments with conditions relevant to ignition
Authors: Kirkwood R. K. , Michel P. , London R. , Moody J. D. , Dewald E. , Yin L. , Kline J. , Hinkel D. , Callahan D. , Meezan N. , Williams E. , Divol L. , Albright B. L. , Bowers K. J. , Bond E. , Rose H. , Ping Y. , Wang T. L. , Joshi C. , Seka W. , Fisch N. J. , Turnbull D. , Suckewer S. , Wurtele J. S. , Glenzer S. , Suter L. , Haynam C. , Landen O. , Macgowan B. J.
Published: May 2011

To optimize the coupling to indirect drive targets in the National Ignition Campaign (NIC) at the National Ignition Facility [E. Moses et al., Phys. Plasmas 16, 041006 (2009)], a model of stimulated scattering produced by multiple laser beams is used. The model has shown that scatter of the 351 nm beams can be significantly enhanced over single beam predictions in ignition relevant targets by the interaction of the multiple crossing beams with a millimeter scale length, 2.5 keV, 0.02−0.05 × critical density, plasma. The model uses a suite of simulation capabilities and its key aspects are benchmarked with experiments at smaller laser facilities. The model has also influenced the design of the initial targets used for NIC by showing that both the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) can be reduced by the reduction of the plasma density in the beam intersection volume that is caused by an increase in the diameter of the laser entrance hole (LEH). In this model, a linear wave response leads to a small gain exponent produced by each crossing quad of beams (<∼1 per quad) which amplifies the scattering that originates in the target interior where the individual beams are separated and crosses many or all other beams near the LEH as it exits the target. As a result all 23 crossing quads of beams produce a total gain exponent of several or greater for seeds of light with wavelengths in the range that is expected for scattering from the interior (480 to 580 nm for SRS). This means that in the absence of wave saturation, the overall multi-beam scatter will be significantly larger than the expectations for single beams. The potential for non-linear saturation of the Langmuir waves amplifying SRS light is also analyzed with a two dimensional, vectorized, particle in cell code (2D VPIC) that is benchmarked by amplification experiments in a plasma with normalized parameters similar to ignition targets. The physics of cumulative scattering by multiple crossing beams that simultaneously amplify the same SBS light wave is further demonstrated in experiments that benchmark the linear models for the ion waves amplifying SBS. The expectation from this model and its experimental benchmarks is shown to be consistent with observations of stimulated Raman scatter in the first series of energetic experiments with ignition targets, confirming the importance of the multi-beam scattering model for optimizing coupling.