bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE FACT THAT ATOMIC LEVELS HAVE A CERTAIN WIDTH
Authors: BILLIONNET CLAUDE
Published: April 2010

This note presents two ideas. The first one is that quantum theory has a fundamentally perturbative basis but leads to nonperturbative states which it would seem natural to take into account in the foundation of a theory of quantum phenomena. The second one is that a nonperturbative approach then makes the validity of the present notion of time questionable. Both matters concern the matter–radiation mixing and are related to the fact that atomic levels have a certain width. This note is presented qualitatively so as to evidence its main points, independently of the models on which the first idea has been tested.
THE ATLAS ELECTROMAGNETIC CALORIMETERS: FEATURES AND PERFORMANCE
Authors: MANDELLI LUCIANO
Published: April 2010

In this paper it is shown how a sampling electromagnetic calorimeter based on the liquid argon technique satisfies the very demanding requirements of an experiment at the LHC. Section 2 discusses, using a simplified model, the performance that can be achieved in terms of response time, energy resolution and transverse granularity. Section 3 describes how the calorimeters are realized in ATLAS, their segmentation and how from the readout pulses the energy deposited in the calorimeter is computed. The motivations of a presampler detector in front of the calorimeter are also discussed. Section 4 describes how the energy, position and direction of an electron and a photon are computed. Finally, Sec. 5 briefly illustrates the rejection power of the calorimeter against the hadrons and mentions how a Higgs boson signal in the γγ channel can already be detected with a luminosity of 10 fb-1.
ATLAS ELECTRONICS: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: FARTHOUAT PHILIPPE
Published: April 2010

The readout electronics development of ATLAS has been driven by the large number of channels of the different subdetectors and by particular environment constraints. This paper gives an overview of the developments made for the front-end electronics, the front-end links, the back-end electronics and the power distribution. It also shows how common issues across the experiment have been handled.
AVAILABILITY OF UNUSED COMPUTATIONAL RESOURCES IN AN ORDINARY OFFICE ENVIRONMENT
Authors: DE BLANCHE ANDREAS , MANKEFORS-CHRISTIERNIN STEFAN
Published: April 2010

The study presented in this paper highlights an important issue that was subject for discussions and research about a decade ago and now have gained new interest with the current advances of grid computing and desktop grids. New techniques are being invented on how to utilize desktop computers for computational tasks but no other study, to our knowledge, has explored the availability of the said resources. The general assumption has been that there are resources and that they are available. The study is based on a survey on the availability of resources in an ordinary office environment. The aim of the study was to determine if there are truly usable under-utilized networked desktop computers available for non-desktop tasks during the off-hours. We found that in more than 96% of the cases the computers in the current investigation was available for the formation of part-time (night and weekend) computer clusters. Finally we compare the performance of a full time and a metamorphosic cluster, based on one hypothetical linear scalable application and a real world welding simulation.
DESIGN OF FILTERS WITH ONLY GROUNDED PASSIVE ELEMENTS USING DIFFERENTIAL VOLTAGE CURRENT FEEDBACK OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS
Authors: SAMIOTIS P. , PSYCHALINOS C.
Published: April 2010

Differential Voltage Current Feedback Operational Amplifiers (DVCFOAs) and conventional CFOAs are employed as active elements for designing leapfrog filters in this work. DVCFOAs are realized by enhancing the topology of the conventional CFOA in order to have available a second high-impedance input terminal and, simultaneously, establishing a voltage at low-impedance input terminal equal to the difference between the voltages at high-impedance input terminals. A third-order leapfrog filter is realized by employing CFOAs or DVCFOAs, and the most important performance factors of the corresponding configurations have been considered in order to investigate the benefits offered by each topology.
TERAHERTZ OPTICAL ASYMMETRIC DEMULTIPLEXER BASED ALL OPTICAL DATA COMPARATOR
Authors: GAYEN DILIP KUMAR , TARAPHDAR CHINMOY , ROY JITENDRA NATH , PAL RAJAT KUMAR
Published: April 2010

An all-optical data comparator with the help of Terahertz Optical Asymmetric Demultiplexer (TOAD) is proposed. The paper describes the all-optical data comparator by using a set of all-optical full-adder and optical switch. Comparison between two binary data is required in many data processing systems. It is sometimes necessary to know whether a binary number is greater than, equal to, or less than another number. The all-optical data comparator can be used to perform a fast central processor unit using optical hardware components. In this present communication, we have tried to exploit the advantages of TOAD-based switch to design an integrated all-optical circuit which can perform data comparison operations.
VARIOUS CURRENT-MODE AND VOLTAGE-MODE INSTRUMENTATION AMPLIFIER TOPOLOGIES SUITABLE FOR INTEGRATION
Authors: YUCE ERKAN
Published: April 2010

In this paper, four instrumentation amplifier (IA) topologies, one of which is current-mode (CM) while the others are voltage-mode (VM), are presented. Three of the IAs use one to two current feedback operational amplifiers (CFOAs) while the other one employs only a single NMOS transistor. One of the IA circuits, given as an example, is simple while others are novel. The CM IA is composed of only grounded resistors which have some advantages in integrated circuit (IC) process. Non-ideality effects such as non-ideal gain and parasitic impedances on the performance of introduced IAs are discussed. In order to show the performance of the circuits, we perform experimental tests and simulations by using SPICE program.
EXPLOITING CHAOTIC DYNAMICS FOR A-D CONVERTER TESTING
Authors: ADDABBO TOMMASO , FORT ADA , ROCCHI SANTINA , VIGNOLI VALERIO
Published: April 2010

In this paper we discuss the possible use of chaotic signals for testing Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs), with particular reference to the well-known Code Density Test (CDT, also called Histogram Test). In detail, we discuss the implementation of a chaos-based discrete-time noise generator circuit, providing the theoretical analysis of its statistical characterization. The implementation of the chaos-based device is discussed with reference to a generic hardware architecture, taking into account the nonidealities introduced by the presence of noise and the variability of the circuit parameters. Based on this device, we propose a method for generating noisy samples that are distributed, over a target subinterval of the circuit output range, according to a probability density function (pdf) that can be made arbitrarily close to the ideal uniform pdf, in exchange for an acceptable reduction of the uniform-distributed samples generation rate. Theoretical results, also supported by two experiments, confirm the reliability of the proposed solution, showing that chaotic systems can represent an alternative with respect to traditional methods for the generation of signals to be used in the Code Density Test of ADCs.
IDENTIFICATION OF DYNAMIC PATTERNS OF BODY SWAY DURING QUIET STANDING: IS IT A NONLINEAR PROCESS?
Authors: GHOMASHCHI HAMED , ESTEKI ALI , SPROTT JULIEN CLINTON , NASRABADI ALI MOTIE
Published: April 2010

During quiet standing, the human body continuously moves about an upright posture in an erratic fashion. Many researchers characterize postural fluctuations as a stochastic process while some others suggest chaotic dynamics for postural sway. In this study, first we examined these assumptions using principles of chaos theory in normal healthy and in patients with deteriorated postural control mechanisms. Next, we compared the ability of a nonlinear dynamics quantifier correlation dimension to that of a linear measure standard deviation to describe variability of healthy and deteriorated postural control mechanisms during quiet standing. Our findings did not provide convincing evidence for existence of low dimensional chaos within normal and abnormal sway dynamics but support the notion that postural fluctuations time series are distinguishable from these generated by a random process. The results indicated that although linear variability measures discriminated well between groups, they did not provide any information about the structure of postural fluctuations. Calculated correlation dimension as a complexity measure which describes spatio temporal organization of time series may be useful in this regard.
EXISTENCE OF SOLUTIONS TO A REGULARIZED MODEL OF DYNAMIC FRACTURE
Authors: LARSEN CHRISTOPHER J. , ORTNER CHRISTOPH , SÜLI ENDRE
Published: April 2010

Existence and convergence results are proved for a regularized model of dynamic brittle fracture based on the Ambrosio–Tortorelli approximation. We show that the sequence of solutions to the time-discrete elastodynamics, proposed by Bourdin, Larsen & Richardson as a semidiscrete numerical model for dynamic fracture, converges, as the time-step approaches zero, to a solution of the natural time-continuous elastodynamics model, and that this solution satisfies an energy balance. We emphasize that these models do not specify crack paths a priori, but predict them, including such complicated behavior as kinking, crack branching, and so forth, in any spatial dimension.
A BRIEF REVIEW ON NUCLEAR FRAGMENTATION
Authors: BHATTACHARYYA SWARNAPRATIM
Published: April 2010

In this article a brief review on nuclear fragmentation has been presented on both theoretical and experimental ground. On the theoretical aspects discussion on different models has been done. On experimental overview the multiplicity distribution, angular distribution, correlation and intermittent type of fluctuations have been discussed for black and grey particles is presented. An experimental review on projectile fragments is also given.
A NEW BARRIER PENETRATION FORMULA AND ITS APPLICATION TO α-DECAY HALF-LIVES
Authors: LI LU-LU , ZHOU SHAN-GUI , ZHAO EN-GUANG , SCHEID WERNER
Published: April 2010

Starting from the WKB approximation, a new barrier penetration formula is proposed for potential barriers containing a long-range Coulomb interaction. This formula is especially proper for the barrier penetration with penetration energy much lower than the Coulomb barrier. The penetrabilities calculated from the new formula agree well with the results from the WKB method. As a first attempt, this new formula is used to evaluate α-decay half-lives of atomic nuclei and a good agreement with the experiment is obtained.
CALCULATION OF ENERGY EIGENVALUES AND EIGENVECTORS FOR THREE-BODY MOLECULES IN JACOBI AND HYPERSPHERICAL COORDINATES
Authors: ESKANDARI M. R. , KHAJEHAZAD H.
Published: April 2010

The Jacobi coordinates is used to eliminate center of mass motion of three-body systems. We write the results in hyperspherical coordinates and expand eigenfunction in a series of orthonormal complete set of Ykαi(Ωi) in partition i of Jacobi coordinates. The matrix elements of two-body interaction potential in hyperspherical harmonic approach are determined exactly using computed analytical form of Raynal–Revai coefficients to change the base set of Ykαi(Ωi) to other set such as Ykαj(Ωj). The generalized Laguerre functions are used to change the second order coupled differential equations to a non-differential matrix equation. This is solved to find energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of three-body molecules. The obtained results are in agreement with computational methods.
PROTON BRANCH OF MODIFIED URCA PROCESS IN STRONG MAGNETIC FIELD AND SUPERFLUIDITY OF NEUTRON STAR CORES
Authors: ZHANG JIE , WANG SHAO-FENG , LIU MEN-QUAN
Published: April 2010

The modified URCA process produces efficient neutrino energy losses in neutron star cores, and has been shown to go via neutron and proton branches. Based on the improved electron chemical potential and critical temperature of superfluidity, the effects of strong magnetic field and superfluidity on the proton branch of modified URCA process are investigated simultaneously in this paper. The results show that strong magnetic field enhances the neutrino emissivities compared to the case in zero magnetic field, and superfluidity reduces the emissivities significantly. For the total neutrino emissivities, the magnetic field is dominant at the initial stage of neutron star cooling, but the superfluidity becomes crucial as the temperature drops below the critical temperature.
THEORETICAL PREDICTION OF EXTREMELY NEUTRON RICH Zr AND Pb
Authors: GRIDNEV K. A. , TARASOV V. N. , TARASOV D. V. , GRIDNEV D. K. , PILIPENKO V. V. , GREINER W.
Published: April 2010

The properties of even–even Zr and Pb isotopes in the ground state are studied up to the neutron drip-lines on the basis of the Hartree–Fock method with Skyrme forces allowing for deformation (DHF). The DHF calculations with Ska forces predict the existence of stability peninsula (or island) around 152 Zr . On the example of Zr isotopes it is shown that adding neutrons to an already unstable nucleus with neutron excess can restore the stability. It is demonstrated that extremely neutron-rich Pb isotopes for 222≤A≤230 have abnormally large deformation parameters of proton and neutron density distributions. The existence of 266–288 Pb stable against one-neutron emission is also predicted.
Tumor Angiogenesis: Insights and Innovations
Authors: Nussenbaum Fernando , Herman Ira M.
Published: April 2010

Angiogenesis is a vital process resulting in the formation of new blood vessels. It is normally a highly regulated process that occurs during human development, reproduction, and wound repair. However, angiogenesis can also become a fundamental pathogenic process found in cancer and several other diseases. To date, the inhibition of angiogenesis has been researched at both the bench and the bedside. While several studies have found moderate improvements when treating with angiogenesis inhibitors, greater success is being seen when the inhibition of angiogenesis is combined with other traditional forms of available therapy. This review summarizes several important angiogenic factors, examines new research and ongoing clinical trials for such factors, and attempts to explain how this new knowledge may be applied in the fight against cancer and other angiogenic-related diseases.
Aging Influence on Fatigue Characteristics of RAC Mixtures Containing Warm Asphalt Additives
Authors: Xiao Feipeng , Zhao Wenbin , Amirkhanian Serji N.
Published: April 2010

Aging is an important factor to affect the long-term performance of asphalt pavement. The fatigue life of a typical warm mix asphalt (WMA) is generally related to various factors of rheological and mechanical properties of the mixture. The study of the fatigue behavior of the specific rubberized WMA is helpful in recycling the scrap tires and saving energy in terms of the conventional laboratory aging process. This study explores the utilization of the conventional fatigue analysis approach in investigating the cumulative dissipated, stiffness, and fatigue life of rubberized asphalt concrete mixtures containing the WMA additive after a long-term aging process. The aged beams were made with one rubber type (−40 mesh ambient crumb rubber), two aggregate sources, two WMA additives (Asphamin and Sasobit), and tested at 5 and20ºC. A total of 55 aged fatigue beams were tested in this study. The test results indicated that the addition of crumb rubber extends the fatigue resistance of asphalt binder while WMA additive exhibits a negative effect. The study indicated that the WMA additive generally has an important influence on fatigue life. In addition, test temperature and aggregate source play an important role in determining the cumulative dissipated energy, stiffness, and fatigue life of an aged mixture.
Microtubules Growth Rate Alteration in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Alieva Irina B. , Zemskov Evgeny A. , Kireev Igor I. , Gorshkov Boris A. , Wiseman Dean A. , Black Stephen M. , Verin Alexander D.
Published: April 2010

To understand how microtubules contribute to the dynamic reorganization of the endothelial cell (EC) cytoskeleton, we established an EC model expressing EB3-GFP, a protein that marks microtubule plus-ends. Using this model, we were able to measure microtubule growth rate at the centrosome region and near the cell periphery of a single human EC and in the EC monolayer. We demonstrate that the majority of microtubules in EC are dynamic, the growth rate of their plus-ends is highest in the internal cytoplasm, in the region of the centrosome. Growth rate of microtubule plus-ends decreases from the cell center toward the periphery. Our data suggest the existing mechanism(s) of local regulation of microtubule plus-ends growth in EC. Microtubule growth rate in the internal cytoplasm of EC in the monolayer is lower than that of single EC suggesting the regulatory effect of cell-cell contacts. Centrosomal microtubule growth rate distribution in single EC indicated the presence of two subpopulations of microtubules with “normal” (similar to those in monolayer EC) and “fast” (three times as much) growth rates. Our results indicate functional interactions between cell-cell contacts and microtubules.
SART‐Type Image Reconstruction from a Limited Number of Projections with the Sparsity Constraint
Authors: Yu Hengyong , Wang Ge
Published: April 2010

Based on the recent mathematical findings on solving the linear inverse problems with sparsity constraints by Daubechiesx et al., here we adapt a simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART) for image reconstruction from a limited number of projections subject to a sparsity constraint in terms of an invertible compression transform. The algorithm is implemented with an exemplary Haar wavelet transform and tested with a modified Shepp‐Logan phantom. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the sparsity constraint helps effectively improve the quality of reconstructed images and reduce the number of necessary projections.
Amniopatch as a Treatment for Rupture of Membranes following Laser Surgery for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Pathak Bhuvan , Khan Amer , Assaf Samer A. , Miller David A. , Chmait Ramen H.
Published: April 2010

Objective: The risk of iatrogenic rupture of membranes (IROM) is 5–30% after operative fetoscopy. The aim of this study was to describe outcomes of patients with IROM following selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV) for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) who were subsequently treated with amniopatch therapy. Methods: A review of patients who underwent treatment for mid-trimester TTTS between March 2006 and February 2008 with IROM within 7 days of SLPCV was performed. IROM patients without evidence of preterm labor or chorioamnionitis were offered expectant management, pregnancy termination, or amniopatch therapy. Results: Ninety-three patients were treated with SLPCV, of which three (3.2%) had IROM within 7 days. All three opted for amniopatch therapy which was performed at 18 2/7, 23 1/7, and 22 6/7 weeks’ gestation in patients 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In patients 1 and 2, amniopatch therapy sealed membranes within 7 days. A second amniopatch was required for patient 3 before IROM resolved. Gestational ages at delivery were 38 2/7, 37 5/7 and 30 2/7 weeks, respectively. Conclusion: Amniopatch is a viable treatment option for iatrogenic ROM following SLPCV.
Effects of Postnatal Age and Aminophylline on the Maturation of Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography Activity in Preterm Infants
Authors: Lee Hyun Ju , Kim Han-Suk , Kim Se-Yeon , Sim Gue Hong , Kim Eun Sun , Choi Chang Won , Kim Ee-Kyung , Kim Beyong Il , Choi Jung-Hwan
Published: April 2010

Background: The use of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is increasing during the neonatal intensive care of preterm infants. Objective: This prospective study was designed to assess factors that affect the maturation of aEEG activity in preterm infants with a gestational age (GA) of <32 weeks. Methods: aEEGs with cerebral function monitoring were performed weekly in preterm infants, and the recordings were evaluated and scored to assess the degree of continuity, the degree of sleep-wake cycling, and the amplitude of the lower border. Subjects with any of the following conditions were excluded: intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia on cranial ultrasonography, sedation, hypotension, or respiratory instability (FiO2 >50%). Results: The authors analyzed 207 recordings in 35 infants (GA 24–31 weeks, birth weight 440–1,980 g, postmenstrual age 25–38 weeks). At postmenstrual age 34–36 weeks, the aEEG total score was higher in preterm infants with a GA from 24 to 28 weeks than in less premature infants with a GA from 29 to 31 weeks (aEEG total score 12 vs. 10, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the sleep-wake cycling was more prominent in infants with higher postnatal age (OR 3.32, 95% CI 2.40–4.59) or those receiving aminophylline (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.06–10.08). Conclusions: The maturation of aEEG activity was found to be significantly correlated with postnatal age and with aminophylline use in clinically stable preterm infants. Most notably, aminophylline was found to be significantly associated with the degree of sleep-wake cycling as indicated by aEEG activity.
Controllable and Uncontrollable Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection in Canine Models
Authors: Tang J. , Wang Y. , Hang W. , Fu W. , Jing Z.
Published: April 2010

Background/Aims: Stanford type A and type B aortic dissections are anatomically distinct. Few animal models appropriately mimic human aortic dissection in the clinical setting. We developed animal models that mimicked uncontrollable Stanford type B aortic dissection as well as controllable dissection. Methods: Twelve female beagle dogs were randomly assigned to the uncontrollable dissection model, and 8 to the controllable. After creation of the false lumen using a self-made separator, epinephrine was injected acutely in the uncontrollable model, and a rapid injection of saline expanded the false lumen in the controllable model using a balloon catheter. Results: All models mimicked Stanford type B dissection at autopsy. Dissections formed in 9 of the 12 animals of the uncontrollable model as confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) performed 1 week after surgery. For the controllable dissection model, 6 out of 8 animals survived, and dissection was confirmed by DSA. Occlusion of the dissection developed 4 weeks after surgery in all 6 cases. Conclusions: We have developed an easy, stable animal model of Stanford type B dissection which provides a great length of false lumen and appears very similar to aortic dissection in humans.
A Data-Adaptive Sum Test for Disease Association with Multiple Common or Rare Variants
Authors: Han Fang , Pan Wei
Published: April 2010

Since associations between complex diseases and common variants are typically weak, and approaches to genotyping rare variants (e.g. by next-generation resequencing) multiply, there is an urgent demand to develop powerful association tests that are able to detect disease associations with both common and rare variants. In this article we present such a test. It is based on data-adaptive modifications to a so-called Sum test originally proposed for common variants, which aims to strike a balance between utilizing information on multiple markers in linkage disequilibrium and reducing the cost of large degrees of freedom or of multiple testing adjustment. When applied to multiple common or rare variants in a candidate region, the proposed test is easy to use with 1 degree of freedom and without the need for multiple testing adjustment. We show that the proposed test has high power across a wide range of scenarios with either common or rare variants, or both. In particular, in some situations the proposed test performs better than several commonly used methods.
HDL Cholesterol Levels in Children with Mild Hypercholesterolemia: Effect of Consuming Skim Milk Enriched with Olive Oil and Modulation by the TAQ 1B Polymorphism in the CETP Gene
Authors: Estévez-González María Dolores , Saavedra-Santana Pedro , López-Ríos Laura , Chirino Ricardo , Cebrero-García Elena , Peña-Quintana Luis , Betancor-León Pedro
Published: April 2010

Background: This study aimed to examine the changes in serum lipids in children with mild hypercholesterolemia after the use of skim milk or olive-oil-enriched skim milk in their diet and the modulation of lipid levels by the Taq 1B polymorphism in the cholesteryl-ester transfer protein gene. Methods: Thirty-six prepubertal children with mild hypercholesterolemia were randomly assigned in a crossover design into 2 groups of 16 and 20 individuals. Both groups received, in sequential inverse order, the 2 types of milk for 2 periods of 6 weeks. Results: Carriers of at least 1 B2 allele had an adjusted basal HDL cholesterol level significantly higher than children with the B1B1 genotype (1.291 mmol/l, 95% CI: 1.184–1.397, vs. 1.082 mmol/l, 95% CI: 0.931–1.233; p = 0.027). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the adjusted basal levels of apolipoprotein A-I (B2 carriers: 1.292 g/l, 95% CI: 1.218–1.367; B1B1 genotype: 1.215 g/l, 95% CI: 1.109–1.320; p = 0.223). The intake of olive-oil-enriched skim milk caused significant increases in HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I, both in B2 (0.089 mmol/l, 95% CI: 0.032–0.146, p = 0.005; 0.55 g/l, 95% CI: 0.012–0.098; p = 0.018) and in B1B1 carriers (0.179 mmol/l, 95% CI: 0.096–0.262; p < 0.001; and 0.095 g/l, 95% CI: 0.032–0.157; p = 0.003). This increase in HDL cholesterol was significantly higher in the B1B1 group (p = 0.049). Conclusion: The consumption of skim milk enriched with olive oil increases the HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I levels in children with hypercholesterolemia, this effect being more intense in carriers of the B1B1 genotype.
Evaluation of Nonradioactive Cell-Free cAMP Assays for Measuring in vitro Phosphodiesterase Activity
Authors: Eapen Mathew S. , Sodhi Reena , Balakrishnan Gayathri , Dastidar Sunanda , Ray Abhijit , Vijayakrishnan Lalitha
Published: April 2010

Phosphodiesterases (PDE) are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of cAMP/cGMP to 5′-AMP/GMP. In vitro assays have routinely assayed cAMP/cGMP levels as a direct indicator of PDE activity. Earlier PDE assays depended on radiometric detection of radiolabeled cAMP. Of late, nonradiometric cAMP detection systems have been developed that are cheaper and more amenable to high-throughput screening. Two such assays, namely the enzyme fragment complementation technology and homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assays, are currently used for monitoring cAMP as a correlate for G-protein-coupled-receptor-induced cellular signaling events. Here, we have compared and validated both of these assays for the measurement of PDE4 enzyme activity in cell-free systems.
An Application of the Latent p Value Method to Assess Linkage in Asthma Pedigrees
Authors: Teerlink Craig C. , Thomas Alun
Published: April 2010

Objective: The latent p value is a recently proposed empirical method for assessing evidence against a null hypothesis in a stochastic system involving latent, unobservable variables. It is particularly applicable to genome-wide genetic linkage analysis for test statistics with poorly defined analytical distributions. Methods: We describe an implementation of the latent p value method and its application to a linkage analysis of asthma in 81 extended pedigrees containing 1,858 people genotyped at 533 microsatellite markers. We compare the performance of the latent p value method to a more conventional p value calculation. We also compare the performance of various linkage statistics within this pedigree resource. Results: Using a novel linkage score referred to as the C-link statistic, our analysis provides strong evidence for a recessive gene influencing asthma on chromosome 5q13 (median latent p value = 0.03). We also demonstrate remarkable improvement in computational requirements compared to a more conventional empirical p value calculation. Conclusions: The latent p value method is indeed feasible and provides a computationally efficient means to evaluate evidence for linkage regardless of the choice of linkage statistic.
Knowledge and Attitudes towards Prenatal Diagnostic Procedures among Pregnant Women in Greece
Authors: Kitsiou-Tzeli Sofia , Petridou Eleni T. , Karagkiouzis Thomas , Dessypris Nick , Makrithanasis Periklis , Sifakis Stavros , Kanavakis Emmanuel
Published: April 2010

Objective: To assess knowledge and attitudes towards prenatal diagnostic procedures among pregnant women living in Greece who underwent amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling in relation to underlying demographic, lifestyle and medical history predictors. Method: 354 women, upon receiving the results, were interviewed in person. A structured questionnaire was answered based upon sociodemographic, educational, lifestyle and medical history variables, as well as questions pertaining to the women’s knowledge, use and opinion of prenatal tests. Summary statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: No prior information on prenatal diagnostic procedures was reported in 29% or on prenatal screening tests in 50% of the study subjects. Women with no history of inherited diseases were about threefold more likely to have inadequate knowledge (OR = 2.72, p = 0.01) as were women of non-Greek nationality (OR = 3.27, p = 0.02) as well as those who reported being unaware of the health consequences of smoking during pregnancy (OR = 2.50, p = 0.005). By contrast, women of higher education were over twofold more likely to attain a higher level of knowledge of prenatal diagnostic procedures (OR = 0.51, p = 10–4) as were those reported reading the popular press (OR = 0.44, p = 10–4). Conclusion: In spite of the increased availability of prenatal diagnosis, much more is needed to be done in order to improve the efficiency of prenatal counseling, especially in immigrants and women with a low educational background.
Neonatal Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Authors: Yusuf Kamran , Jirapradittha Junya , Amin Harish J. , Yu Weiming , Hasan Shabih U.
Published: April 2010

We describe an unusually severe case of medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency in a term female neonate, who presented at 12 h of age with lethargy, poor feeding, hypoglycemia and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. While arrhythmias are common in other disorders of fatty acid beta-oxidation, ventricular tachyarrhythmias have rarely been reported with MCAD deficiency in childhood. Since the results of newborn metabolic screening are usually not available within the first 3 days of life, our case highlights the need for health care professionals to be made aware of this early and uncommon but potentially fatal presentation of MCAD deficiency.
Fetal Diagnosis of Penoscrotal Transposition Associated with Perineal Lipoma in One Twin
Authors: Nakamura Yasushi , Jennings Russell W. , Connolly Susan , Diamond David A.
Published: April 2010

Perineal lipoma is a rare condition which is commonly associated with scrotal anomalies and may be diagnosed as ambiguous genitalia. We report on a baby with penoscrotal transposition (PST) consisting of bifid scrotum and hypospadias with chordee associated with perineal lipoma. The affected baby was one twin of an IVF pregnancy referred to our center for ambiguous genitalia by fetal ultrasound. Examination of the uterus revealed a dichorionic, diamniotic twin pregnancy. Fetal ultrasound and MRI in our center revealed an exophytic perineal mass, which likely represented a lipoma, separate from the abnormally appearing phallus and scrotum (hypospadias with chordee and a bifid scrotum). This likely fell into the PST spectrum. There were no additional abnormalities in the other structures and no structural abnormality of co-twin was detected. Fetal growth of both twins was appropriate for gestational age. Babies were born at term and the findings of the affected twin correlated with the fetal diagnoses. While some reports show PSTs are associated with multiple anomalies, in this case no additional anomalies were identified. Perineal lipomas are commonly associated with scrotal abnormalities and anorectal malformations. It is hypothesized that these anomalies develop because of the perineal lipoma. MRI combined with ultrasound clearly defined the anomaly prenatally and allowed for accurate prenatal counseling and coordination of postnatal care.
Acute Coronary Artery Vasospasm Associated with Misoprostol for Termination of Pregnancy
Authors: Illa Miriam , Bennasar Mar , Eixarch Elisenda , Berge Raquel , Font Carme , Palacio Montse
Published: April 2010

Prostaglandin E1 analogues, gemeprost and misoprostol, are the most widely used drugs for medical termination of pregnancy within the first two trimesters of pregnancy. Gemeprost has been reported to be associated with acute cardiovascular accidents in a few cases, but no adverse cardiovascular events have been reported with misoprostol. For this reason, misoprostol has been considered a potentially safer drug and is widely recommended as a first-choice drug in combination with mifepristone. We report a case of a 32-year-old woman with active smoking and obesity, who developed an episode of transient acute coronary artery vasospasm following the administration of intravaginal misoprostol. This report illustrates that misoprostol can also be associated with acute coronary events, although it remains to be evaluated whether the risk is similar or lower to gemeprost.
Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated with Learning and Recall Impairment in Middle Age
Authors: Hassenstab Jason J. , Sweat Victoria , Bruehl Hannah , Convit Antonio
Published: April 2010

Aims: To determine whether middle-aged individuals with metabolic syndrome, both with and without type 2 diabetes, exhibit cognitive impairments, and to determine the role of each metabolic syndrome component in those associations. Methods: 143 participants were drawn from ongoing studies of normal aging. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 73 participants (age: 60.4 ± 8.4 years), who were contrasted with 70 age- and education-matched controls. Results: Metabolic syndrome was associated with reductions in recall (p = 0.006), lower overall intellectual functioning (p = 0.013), and nearly significant reductions in learning (p = 0.066) and executive functioning (p = 0.050). These effects were only marginally attenuated when controlling for type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Of the 5 components of the metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance was the only significant predictor of variance in learning and recall. In addition, the number of metabolic syndrome criteria met was inversely associated with cognitive performance. Conclusions: These results indicate that impairments in cognitive functioning associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes may begin as early as middle age and are primarily due to insulin resistance. These results demonstrate the importance of screening at-risk adults for insulin resistance in order to initiate lifestyle modifications to reverse or prevent these cognitive changes.
Prevalence, Characteristics and Perinatal Outcome of Fetal Ventriculomegaly in 29,000 Pregnancies Followed at a Single Institution
Authors: Weichert Jan , Hartge D. , Krapp M. , Germer U. , Gembruch U. , Axt-Fliedner Roland
Published: April 2010

Objective: Our purpose was to assess the impact of prenatally diagnosed ventriculomegaly (VM) on the course of advancing pregnancy and the postnatal outcome of affected fetuses. Methods: In this retrospective survey 109/28,935 (3.8 per 1,000) singleton pregnancies with abnormal width of the fetal lateral ventricle system diagnosed by antenatal ultrasound examination at the University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, were reviewed between 1993 and 2007. Clinical data and pregnancy outcome information were derived from a standardized parental questionnaire or from hospital records. Postnatal follow-up was obtained in >90%. Results: Forty-seven cases with isolated VM (IVM; 43%) and 62 fetuses (57%) with nonisolated VM were diagnosed. In the IVM group 19 cases had mild and 28 fetuses severe VM. Of 62 cases with non-IVM there were 32 with mildly dilated ventricles and 30 had severe enlargements. Chromosomal aberrations were present in 5 fetuses (4.6%) of the non-IVM group. Thirty-four pregnancies (31%) were terminated on parental request (10 IVM/24 non-IVM). The risk of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome was highest in the presence of associated anomalies (irrespective of the extent of dilatation) and in cases with severe IVM (91 and 68%, respectively). In contrast, 13/14 children with mild IVM showed an age-related normal psychomotor behavior. Fetuses with severe VM had a 2.2- (IVM) to 3.6-fold (non-IVM) elevated risk of progressive dilatations compared to mild VM. In our study the fetuses with asymmetrical bilateral IVM tended to have severe ventricular enlargements more often. Conclusions: As reported previously we found a positive association between neurodevelopmental delay and the degree of lateral ventricular dilatation. The presence of additional abnormalities is generally a poor prognostic sign and accompanied by a nonfavorable postnatal outcome.
Airway Inflammation and Remodeling in Two Mouse Models of Asthma: Comparison of Males and Females
Authors: Blacquière M.J. , Hylkema M.N. , Postma D.S. , Geerlings M. , Timens W. , Melgert B.N.
Published: April 2010

Background: Asthma and especially severe asthma affect women more frequently than men. Since asthma severity correlates with remodeling changes in the lung, a female propensity to remodeling could be expected. We studied whether our previous observation that female mice have more pronounced airway inflammation than males is associated with more pronounced remodeling in two models of chronic allergic asthma. Methods: Male and female BALB/c mice were (1) sensitized and subsequently challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) for 4 weeks, or (2) exposed to house dust mite (HDM) for 5 weeks. In both models, allergic inflammation, remodeling, antigen-specific IgE and methacholine (MCh) responsiveness were assessed. Results: Females had higher antigen-specific serum IgE levels, higher numbers of eosinophils and were more responsive to MCh. In the OVA model, females also had higher levels of Th2 cytokines in lung tissue than males. Both sexes developed similar airway remodeling (smooth muscle layer thickness, collagen III deposition and goblet cell hyperplasia) in the two models. Conclusions: Combining results of an OVA- and a HDM-induced mouse model of allergic airway inflammation, we have shown that more severe allergic inflammation in females is not accompanied with more pronounced airway remodeling.
Differences among Pollen-Allergic Patients with and without Plant Food Allergy
Authors: Cuesta-Herranz Javier , Barber Domingo , Blanco Carlos , Cistero-Bahíma Ana , Crespo Jesús F. , Fernández-Rivas Montserrat , Fernández-Sánchez Javier , Florido J. Fernando , Ibáñez M. Dolores , Rodríguez Rosalía , Salcedo Gabriel , Garcia Blanca E. , Lombardero Manuel , Quiralte Joaquin , Rodriguez Julia , Sánchez-Monge Rosa , Vereda Andrea , Villalba Mayte , Alonso Díaz de Durana M. Dolores , Basagaña Maria , Carrillo Teresa , Fernández-Nieto Mar , Tabar Ana I. ,   Vegetalia Network
Published: April 2010

Background: A considerable number of pollen-allergic patients develops allergy to plant foods, which has been attributed to cross-reactivity between food and pollen allergens. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences among pollen-allergic patients with and without plant food allergy. Methods: Eight hundred and six patients were recruited from 8 different hospitals. Each clinical research group included 100 patients (50 plant food-allergic patients and 50 pollen-allergic patients). Diagnosis of pollen allergy was based on typical case history of pollen allergy and positive skin prick tests. Diagnosis of plant-food allergy was based on clear history of plant-food allergy, skin prick tests and/or plant-food challenge tests. A panel of 28 purified allergens from pollens and/or plant foods was used to quantify specific IgE (ADVIA-Centaur® platform). Results: Six hundred and sixty eight patients (83%) of the 806 evaluated had pollen allergy: 396 patients with pollen allergy alone and 272 patients with associated food and pollen allergies. A comparison of both groups showed a statistically significant increase in the food and pollen allergy subgroup in frequency of: (1) asthma (47 vs. 59%; p < 0.001); (2) positive skin test results to several pollens: Plantago,Platanus,Artemisia,Betula,Parietaria and Salsola (p < 0.001); (3) sensitization to purified allergens: Pru p 3, profilin, Pla a 1 – Pla a 2, Sal k 1, PR-10 proteins and Len c 1. Conclusion: Results showed relevant and significant differences between both groups of pollen-allergic patients depending on whether or not they suffered from plant-derived food allergy.
Prevention of Allergy in Infants of Allergic Mothers by Probiotic Escherichia coli
Authors: Lodinová-Žádníková Raja , Prokešová Ludmila , Kocourková Ingrid , Hrdý Jiří , Žižka Jan
Published: April 2010

Background: The objective is to study the effect of after-birth oral colonization by a probiotic Escherichia coli strain in infants of allergic mothers to reduce occurrence of allergy later in life. Methods: In a controlled clinical trial, 158 infants were randomly divided into groups of (i) 56 colonized infants of allergic mothers, (ii) 57 control infants of allergic mothers, and (iii) 45 control infants of healthy mothers. Incidence rates of bacterial pathogens in stool and levels of anti-E. coli immunoglobulins and some cytokines in serum were determined, and secretory IgA was monitored in stool filtrates and maternal milk. Clinical check-ups of infants aged 4 days, 3 and 6 months, 2, 3 and 5 years were carried out and clinical symptoms of allergy were monitored. One milliliter of the probiotic E. coli strain was administered to infants of allergic mothers at first within 48 h after birth and subsequently 3 times a week over a period of 4 weeks. Control infants of allergic and healthy mothers were monitored in these intervals as well. Results: Presence of the E. coli strain was monitored in stool samples throughout the study. At the conclusion of the study, allergy symptoms were found in 14 infants of control allergic mothers, 7 infants of healthy mothers, and in 2 colonized infants of allergic mothers. Colonization affected levels of several cytokines and specific anti-E. coli antibodies. Conclusions: After birth, targeted colonization of the intestine by a probiotic E. coli strain can be an effective means of allergy prevention in infants of allergic mothers.
Antibodies against Gluco-Oxidatively Modified Human Serum Albumin Detected in Diabetes-Associated Complications
Authors: Khan Mohd. Wajid Ali , Qadrie Zulfkar Latief , Khan Wahid Ali
Published: April 2010

Background: Glycated proteins present new immunological epitopes on their surface against which autoantibodies are generated that have a possible role in immunopathogenesis in diabetic complications. Methods: In the present study, in vitro glycation- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-modified human serum albumin (HSA) has been studied by different spectroscopic techniques (UV and fluorescence) and thermal denaturation profiles. The binding characteristics of circulating autoantibodies in diabetic patients and diabetic patients with secondary complications against native HSA (N-HSA) and ROS-modified glycated HSA (RG-HSA) were assessed by direct and competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In another approach, antibodies against RG-HSA (RG-HSA-Abs) induced in experimental animals were used as an immunochemical probe for the detection of gluco-oxidative lesions in blood proteins of patients (n = 8) with diabetic retinopathy. Results: Modified RG-HSA showed marked structural changes. High recognition of RG-HSA was shown by diabetic serum autoantibodies. Diabetic patients with retinopathy, nephropathy and atherosclerosis showed significantly (p < 0.001) stronger binding to RG-HSA over N-HSA. Normal human sera exhibited negligible binding with either antigen. Competitive inhibition ELISA results show significantly high binding of RG-HSA-Abs to albumin, immunoglobulin G and red blood cell membrane isolated from diabetic retinopathic patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, these results suggest that hyperglycemia together with ROS may contribute to the immunopathogenesis of diabetes-associated complications.
Reliability of the ECASS Radiological Classification of Postthrombolysis Brain Haemorrhage: A Comparison of CT and Three MRI Sequences
Authors: Renou P. , Sibon I. , Tourdias T. , Rouanet F. , Rosso C. , Galanaud D. , Drier A. , Coudert M. , Deltour S. , Crozier S. , Dormont D. , Samson Y.
Published: April 2010

Background: Postthrombolysis brain haemorrhagic transformations (HT) are often categorized with the CT-based classification of the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS). However, little is known about the reliability of this classification and its extension to MRI. Our objective was to compare the inter- and intraobserver reliability of this classification on CT and 3 MRI sequences. Methods: Forty-three patients with postthrombolysis HT on CT or at least 1 of the 3 MRI sequences: fluid-attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and T2* gradient recalled echo (T2*GRE) were selected. Twelve control patients without any bleeding were added to avoid a bias based on a pure HT-positive cohort. Each series of images were independently classified with the ECASS method by 6 blinded observers. Inter- and intraobserver reproducibility was categorized from poor to excellent depending on ĸ values. Results: The inter- and intraobserver overall concordance of the classification was good for T2*GRE, DWI and CT (ĸ > 0.6) and moderate for FLAIR (ĸ < 0.6). The interobserver concordance for parenchymal haematomas was excellent for T2*GRE (ĸ > 0.8) and moderate for CT, FLAIR and DWI. Conclusion: The T2*GRE sequence is the most reproducible method to categorize postthrombolysis HT and has an excellent reliability for the severe parenchymal haematoma category, suggesting that this sequence should be used to assess HT in thrombolytic therapy trials.
What Does ‘Non-Inferior to’ Really Mean?
Authors: Ricci Stefano
Published: April 2010

As clinicians, we are frequently faced with papers stating that something is ‘non-inferior’ to something else. By definition, a non-inferiority trial aims to demonstrate that the test product is not worse than the comparator by more than a small pre-specified amount. This amount is known as the non-inferiority margin, or delta. Clinicians must know who has chosen the margin, and why. Only when the advantages of the trial treatment clearly overcome the amount of ‘worsening’ which is implicit in the concept of non-inferiority and delta can we recommend this new ‘non-inferior’ (or, rather, ‘just a little bit worse’) treatment to our patients.