bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early changes in white matter pathways of the sensorimotor cortex in premanifest Huntington's disease
Authors: Dumas Eve M. , van den Bogaard Simon J.A. , Ruber Margot E. , Reilmann Ralf , Stout Julie C. , Craufurd David , Hicks Stephen L. , Kennard Chris , Tabrizi Sarah J. , van Buchem Mark A. , van der Grond Jeroen , Roos Raymund A.C.
Published: January 2011

Objectives: To investigate the function–structure relationship of white matter within different stages of Huntington's disease (HD) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Experimental design: From the TRACK‐HD study, an early stage HD group and a premanifest gene carrier group (PMGC) were age‐matched to two healthy control groups; all underwent 3‐T MRI scanning of the brain. Region of interest (ROI) segmentation of the corpus callosum, caudate nucleus, thalamus, prefrontal cortex, and sensorimotor cortex was applied, and the apparent fiber pathways of these regions were analyzed. Functional measures of motor, oculomotor, cognition, and behavior were correlated to DTI measures. Principle observations: In PMGC versus controls, higher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was seen in white matter pathways of the sensorimotor cortex (P < 0.01) and in the ROI of corpus callosum (P < 0.017). In early HD, fiber tract analysis showed higher ADC in pathways of the corpus callosum, thalamus, sensorimotor, and prefrontal region (P < 0.01). ROI analysis showed higher diffusivity in the corpus callosum and caudate nucleus (P < 0.017). Motor, oculomotor, cognition, and probability of onset within 2 and 5 years, correlated well with ADC measures of the corpus callosum (P < 0.01 – P < 0.005), sensorimotor (P < 0.01 – P < 0.005), and prefrontal region (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Disturbances in the white matter connections of the sensorimotor cortex can be demonstrated not only in manifest HD but also in premanifest gene carriers. Connectivity measures are well related to clinical functioning. DTI measures can be regarded as a potential biomarker for HD, due to their ability to objectify changes in brain structures and their role within brain networks. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure and dissociation characteristics of metal chloride anion clusters containing redox‐active metal ions studied by laser desorption and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and ab initio calculations
Authors: Ruttink Paul J. A. , Terlouw Johan K. , Luider Theo M. , Burgers Peter C.
Published: January 2011

Copper chloride anion clusters with both copper oxidation states can be made by laser desorption of CuCl2 crystals. We have used this method to study the dissociation characteristics of such cluster ions. The stability and the structure of the observed complexes were probed by ab initio calculations. These calculations show that many of these complexes are bridged structures. Thus, for the Cu2Cl4 dimer anion, formally [ClCu‐Cl‐CuCl2]−, with putative mixed copper oxidation states, the two copper ions become equivalent through bridging. Such bridging does not occur when redox inactive metal ions are present as in [ClCu‐Cl‐CaCl2]−. By observing the dissociation characteristics of a variety of metal chloride cluster anions produced from binary mixtures, the following Cl− affinity order is obtained: FeCl3 > CuCl > CaCl2 > FeCl2 > AgCl ≈ CuCl2≈ ZnCl2 > LiCl. Ab initio calculations on the Cl− affinity of selected chlorides confirm this order as do Cl− affinity estimates from the experimentally known vertical electron detachment energies of the superhalogens CaCl3− and LiCl2−. An equimolar mixture of CuCl2 and FeCl3 produces an intense cluster ion, which, from 65Cu labeling experiments, is best described as FeCl4−···Cu+···−Cl4Fe, a Cu+ bound superhalogen FeCl4− dimer. The Cu+ ion can be replaced by the redox inactive alkali cations and by Ag+ but these metal ion bound FeCl4− dimers show an entirely different fragmentation behavior which is attributed to the absence of bridging. Electrospray ionization (ESI) of CuCl2 produces an extended series of (CuCl2)nCl− anions (n = 1–11) and so in ESI very limited reduction of Cu2+ takes place. The (CuCl2)nCl− anions show an abundant dissociation via loss of neutral Cu2Cl4 which according to our ab initio calculations is 9 kcal/mol more stable than two CuCl2. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hematological effects of zidovudine prophylaxis in newborn infants with and without prenatal exposure to zidovudine
Authors: Baroncelli Silvia , Pinnetti Carmela , Genovese Orazio , Tamburrini Enrica , Floridia Marco
Published: January 2011

Postnatal prophylaxis with oral zidovudine (ZDV) is associated with hematological effects. However, it is still unknown whether selection of non‐ZDV‐based regimens in pregnancy may reduce hematological toxicity associated with postnatal ZDV prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to define the hematological effects of ZDV prophylaxis in newborns with and without prenatal exposure to ZDV. Sixty‐five newborns from mothers infected with HIV who, during pregnancy, received HAART regimens with (n:44) and without (n:21) ZDV were evaluated. Virological and hematological data were compared at birth and at 4 weeks and 6 months of life. Newborns with prenatal ZDV exposure had significantly worse hematological values at birth, with lower levels of hemoglobin (14.3 g/dl vs. 16.2 g/dl, P = 0.001), red blood cell count (3.45 × 106 cells/mm3 vs. 4.48 × 106 cells/mm3, P < 0.001), and hematocrit (41.0% vs. 46.8%, P < 0.001), and higher values of mean corpuscular volume (119 fl vs. 103 fl, P < 0.001). The start of ZDV prophylaxis determined significantly greater adverse hematological changes in newborns without prenatal ZDV exposure, and at 4 weeks and 6 months of life the two groups had substantially identical hematological values. The selection of non‐ZDV‐based regimens in pregnancy does not reduce the final hematological effects of postnatal ZDV at 4 weeks and at 6 months of life. However, two distinct pathways may be observed: newborns exposed prenatally to ZDV have worse hematological values at birth, while newborns without prenatal ZDV exposure have particularly marked postnatal effects. The distinct effects of these two pathways should be considered. J. Med. Virol. 83:551–556, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gender disparity in distribution of the major hydrophilic region variants of hepatitis B virus genotype C according to hepatitis B e antigen serostatus
Authors: Lee Seoung‐Ae , Cho Yoo‐Kyung , Lee Keun‐Hwa , Hwang Eung‐Soo , Kook Yoon‐Hoh , Kim Bum‐Joon
Published: January 2011

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion during chronic HBV infection is known to play an important role in disease progression and patient response to antiviral agents. The aim of the present study was to analyze gender disparity in distribution of major hydrophilic region (MHR) variants according to HBeAg serostatus. Prevalence of MHR variants from 68 Korean patients with chronic hepatitis (31 HBeAg‐positive and 37 HBeAg‐negative) was examined in terms of HBeAg serostatus and sex by direct sequencing analysis of the MHR. Gender disparity was observed in the distribution of MHR variants according to HBeAg serostatus. In male patients, the prevalence of MHR variants was significantly higher in HBeAg negative patients than in HBeAg positive patients [58.8% (10/17 patients) vs. 14.3% (3/21 patients), P = 0.004]. However, the same was not true in female patients [55.0% (11/20 patients) vs. 60.0% (6/10 patients), P = 1.000)]. In addition, 2 mutation types (L110I and G145A) related to HBeAg serostatus were found. In conclusion, HBeAg seroconversion in male chronic patients infected with genotype C could lead to mutations of MHR, major target to host immune response, which might in turn contribute to HBV persistence and immune evasion. J. Med. Virol. 83:405–411, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
No pol mutation is associated independently with the lack of immune recovery in patients infected with HIV and failing antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Gianotti Nicola , Galli Laura , Zazzi Maurizio , Ghisetti Valeria , Bonora Stefano , Micheli Valeria , Meraviglia Paola , Corsi Paola , Bruzzone Bianca , Menzo Stefano , Di Giambenedetto Simona , De Luca Andrea , Filice Gaetano , Penco Giovanni , Castagna Antonella ,   on behalf of the ARCA database initiative
Published: January 2011

An investigation was undertaken to determine whether specific pol mutations hinder long‐term immune recovery regardless of virological response. In total, 826 patients with >50 HIV RNA copies/ml, who underwent genotypic resistance testing between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2003 after >3 years of antiretroviral treatment, and were followed up for >3 years after genotypic resistance testing, were analyzed retrospectively. The outcome of the study was the lack of immune recovery after >3 years of follow‐up, defined as a slope by linear regression <0. The viremia detectability ratio was defined as the number of HIV RNA values of >50 copies/ml divided by the number of HIV RNA measurements during follow‐up. Logistic regression was used for univariable and multivariable analysis. Median (Q1, Q3) values at baseline were the following: age 40 (37, 45) years, years on antiretroviral therapy 4.45 (3.65, 5.47), HIV RNA 3.91 (3.39, 4.53) log10 copies/ml, CD4+ T‐cell 358 (211, 524)/µl. After 3.13 years of follow‐up, 375 patients (45.4%) showed a lack of immune recovery. The risk of lack of immune recovery increased independently with increasing baseline CD4+ counts (OR = 1.104 per 50‐cell increase, 95% CI = 1.069–1.142, P < 0.0001), increasing viremia detectability ratio during follow‐up (OR = 1.145 per 0.1‐unit increase, 95% CI = 1.093–1.202, P < 0.0001), and with earlier calendar years of resistance testing (overall effect: P = 0.0007). In conclusion, no pol mutation is associated independently with the lack of immune recovery. J. Med. Virol. 83:391–398, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of low molecular weight acids by monolithic immobilized pH gradient‐based capillary isoelectric focusing coupled with mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Tingting , Fekete Agnes , Gaspar Andras , Ma Junfeng , Liang Zhen , Yuan Huiming , Zhang Lihua , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Zhang Yukui
Published: January 2011

A novel method for the separation and detection of low molecular weight (LMW) acids was developed using monolithic immobilized pH gradient‐based capillary isoelectric focusing coupled with mass spectrometry. Two main parameters, focusing conditions and delivery buffer conditions, which might affect separation efficiency, were optimized with the focusing time of 7 min at 350 V/cm and the delivery buffer of 50% (v/v) acetonitrile in 10 mmol/L ammonium formate (pH 3.0). Under these conditions, the linear correlation between the volume of delivery solvent and the pKa of the model components was observed. In addition, the separation mechanism of LMW acids was proposed as well. We suppose that this method may provide a useful tool for the characterization of LMW components (e.g. natural organic matter of different origins).
Biomimetic Approaches to Control Soluble Concentration Gradients in Biomaterials
Authors: Nguyen Eric H. , Schwartz Michael P. , Murphy William L.
Published: January 2011

Soluble concentration gradients play a critical role in controlling tissue formation during embryonic development. The importance of soluble signaling in biology has motivated engineers to design systems that allow precise and quantitative manipulation of gradient formation in vitro. Engineering techniques have increasingly moved to the third dimension in order to provide more physiologically relevant models to study the biological role of gradient formation and to guide strategies for controlling new tissue formation for therapeutic applications. This review provides an overview of efforts to design biomimetic strategies for soluble gradient formation, with a focus on microfluidic techniques and biomaterials approaches for moving gradient generation to the third dimension.

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Synthesis and Photovoltaic Properties of Ester Group Functionalized Polythiophene Derivatives
Authors: Hu Xiaolian , Shi Minmin , Chen Jian , Zuo Lijian , Fu Lei , Liu Yujing , Chen Hongzheng
Published: January 2011

To increase the open circuit voltage (VOC) of polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on polythiophene, two new ester group functionalized polythiophene derivatives, PCTDT and PCTBDT, were designed and synthesized via alternating copolymerization of thiophene‐3‐carboxylate (CT) with the 2,2′‐bithiophene (DT) and benzodithiophene (BDT) units, respectively. The resulting copolymers exhibited broad and strong absorptions in the visible region, which was similar to that of the commonly used poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT). Through cyclic voltammetry measurements, it was found that both copolymers showed lower HOMO energy levels (−5.27 eV for PCTDT and −5.36 eV for PCTBDT) than that of P3HT (−5.03 eV), indicating that the HOMO energy level could be efficiently reduced by introducing the ester group into the polymer side chain. Photovoltaic properties of the copolymers blended with [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as electron acceptor were investigated. The obtained two devices possessed both relatively large short circuit current (ISC) and higher VOC than that of P3HT:PCBM blend. For PCTBDT:PCBM blend, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 2.32%, an ISC of 6.94 mA · cm−2, and a VOC of 0.80 V were observed while PCTDT:PCBM system demonstrated a PCE of 1.75% with a VOC of 0.68 V.

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Dual boundary‐element method: Simple error estimator and adaptivity
Authors: Portela A.
Published: January 2011

This paper is concerned with the effective numerical implementation of the adaptive dual boundary‐element method (DBEM), for two‐dimensional potential problems. Two boundary integral equations, which are the potential and the flux equations, are applied for collocation along regular and degenerate boundaries, leading always to a single‐region analysis. Taking advantage on the use of non‐conforming parametric boundary‐elements, the method introduces a simple error estimator, based on the discontinuity of the solution across the boundaries between adjacent elements and implements the p, h and mixed versions of the adaptive mesh refinement. Examples of several geometries, which include degenerate boundaries, are analyzed with this new formulation to solve regular and singular problems. The accuracy and efficiency of the implementation described herein make this a reliable formulation of the adaptive DBEM. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐FEM in isogeometric analysis for linear fracture mechanics
Authors: De Luycker E. , Benson D. J. , Belytschko T. , Bazilevs Y. , Hsu M. C.
Published: January 2011

The extended finite element method (X‐FEM) has proven to be an accurate, robust method for solving problems in fracture mechanics. X‐FEM has typically been used with elements using linear basis functions, although some work has been performed using quadratics. In the current work, the X‐FEM formulation is incorporated into isogeometric analysis to obtain solutions with higher order convergence rates for problems in linear fracture mechanics. In comparison with X‐FEM with conventional finite elements of equal degree, the NURBS‐based isogeometric analysis gives equal asymptotic convergence rates and equal accuracy with fewer degrees of freedom (DOF). Results for linear through quartic NURBS basis functions are presented for a multiplicity of one or a multiplicity equal the degree. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in the size and shape of fallow deer—evidence for the movement and management of a species
Authors: Sykes N. , Carden R. F. , Harris K.
Published: January 2011

The European fallow deer (Dama dama dama) is native to the eastern Mediterranean and whilst it is clear that its dispersion from this region was the result of human transportation, the timing and circumstances of its post‐glacial diffusion are still uncertain. Archaeological fallow deer remains offer perhaps the best opportunity to understand the deep history of the species, with measurements of ancient bones providing important information about an individual's sex and size. Unfortunately, the fragmentary nature of archaeological remains means that metrical samples are usually too small to draw any meaningful conclusions. Biometrical scaling techniques can increase the size of the sample available for comparison and in this paper log ratios are used in combination with traditional metrical analysis to provide new information about archaeological fallow deer populations, in particular highlighting the size variations across time and space and shifts in hunting and management practices. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is routine computed tomographic scanning justified in the first week of persistent febrile neutropenia in children with malignancies?
Authors: Agrawal Anurag K. , Saini Neeraj , Gildengorin Ginny , Feusner James H.
Published: January 2011

Background

Prolonged febrile neutropenia (FN) remains a common problem in pediatric oncology and often leads to empiric computed tomography (CT) of the sinuses, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Little evidence is available as to the diagnostic utility of CT in this setting.

Procedure

We performed a retrospective review of all oncology patients admitted to the hospital from January 2004 through December 2008 for FN who had daily fevers with neutropenia for 4 or more consecutive days prompting CT evaluation. Eligible patient charts were reviewed for symptomatology prior to imaging as well as antibiotic and antifungal regimens throughout therapy.

Results

Fifty‐two patients had 68 unique episodes of prolonged FN that resulted in CT imaging. Positive findings occurred in 18%, 12%, and 25% of initial chest, abdomen, and sinus CTs, respectively. There were no positive findings on initial pelvic CT. Only two of the initial positive CT scans led to a change in management (6.5% of positive scans, 0.8% of all initial scans). These were both scans of the chest. All patients with concern for occult fungal infection had findings on chest CT. Patients with clinically important infections had no statistical difference in days of fever or neutropenia or type of underlying malignancy compared with those without infection. Clinical symptomatology was most helpful for typhlitis.

Conclusions

Treatment alteration rarely results from empiric CT imaging in the early days of prolonged FN. We therefore recommend limiting initial empiric CT imaging to the chest only in patients without localizing signs or symptoms and prolonged FN. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 620–624. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Core‐shell structured ferrite‐silsesquioxane‐epoxy nanocomposites: Composite homogeneity and mechanical and magnetic properties
Authors: Olsson R.T. , Hedenqvist M.S. , Ström V. , Deng J. , Savage S.J. , Gedde U.W.
Published: January 2011

Epoxy‐based composites of ferrite nanoparticles (50 nm) with 3‐glycidoxypropyl‐ (GPTMS), aminopropyl‐ (APTMS), or methyl‐silsesquioxane (MTMS) coatings are reported. The GPTMS coatings (30‐nm thick) allowed uniform particle dispersion in the epoxy and prevented sedimentation of the nanoparticles, whereas the APTMS‐coated particles formed agglomerates, leading to particle sedimentation. The particles with the thinnest coating (MTMS – 3 nm) agglomerated in the composites without sedimentation. The composites based on GPTMS‐coated particles showed higher fracture toughness than the composites based on MTMS‐coated particles. The uniformity and thickness of the coatings were related to alcohol composition of the coating media. Coating removal by a novel ultrasonic etching allowed precise determination of the effective ferrite content in the coated nanoparticles. A markedly lower coercivity for nanoparticles without coatings as compared with the nanoparticles with thicker coatings was observed. The saturation magnetization and the coercivity of the composites were independent of coating and casting procedures. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermal and dielectric properties of the aluminum particle reinforced linear low‐density polyethylene composites
Authors: Zhou Wenying
Published: January 2011

The possibility of obtaining relatively high thermal conductivity and dielectric constant but low dielectric loss polymeric composites by incorporating the core‐shell‐structured aluminum (Al) particles in a linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) by melt mixing and hot pressing was demonstrated in this study. The morphology, thermal and dielectric properties of the composites were characterized using X‐ray diffractions, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscope, and dielectric analyzer. The Al particle decreases the degree of crystallinity and has no appreciable influence on the melting temperature of LLDPE. The thermal conductivity, dielectric constant and loss factor of the composites increase with an increase in Al content at all the frequencies (1 ∼ 106 Hz). The thermal conductivity and dielectric constant of the 70 wt% flaky Al particles filled LLDPE are 1.63 W/mK and 50, much higher than those of the spherical Al reinforced one. Moreover, the surface treatment of Al particles with γ‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane silane coupler improves the thermal conductivity. The dielectric loss factors of the composites still remain at relatively low levels in the measured frequency range. Further, the dielectric permittivity frequency independence in the measured frequency range was observed due to the nanoscale‐Al‐oxide insulating shell of Al. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
A solid homogeneous zirconocene catalyst from Cp2ZrCl2 supported on porous polymer particles
Authors: Lei Jinhua , Li Dongliang , Wang Honghua , Wang Zhuqian , Zhou Guangyuan
Published: January 2011

Monodisperse cyano‐functionalized porous polymeric beads were synthesized by seeded polymerization; these microparticles were further used as support for zirconocene catalyst, which performed as a solid homogeneous catalyst in ethylene polymerization. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
An Examination of Binder Systems and Their Influences on Burn Rates of High‐Nitrogen Containing Formulations
Authors: Sabatini Jesse J. , Freeman Cathleen T. , Poret Jay C. , Nagori Amita V. , Chen Gary
Published: January 2011

The examination of Laminac 4116/Lupersol and Epon 813/Versamid 140 binder systems, and their influences on burn rates of pyrotechnic formulations is described. Laminac 4116/Lupersol‐based formulations had shorter burn times and larger heat of explosion values compared to their Epon 813/Versamid 140 counterparts. An understanding of the chemical structures and approximate oxygen balances of these binder systems served to explain their burn time differences when used in pyrotechnic formulations. Bomb calorimetry of Laminac 4116/Lupersol‐ and Epon 813/Versamid 140‐based formulations provided heat of explosion values to further explain the burn time differences of the two binder systems used.
Robotic‐assisted surgical removal of pelvic schwannoma: a novel approach to a rare variant
Authors: Konstantinidis Konstantinos M. , Hiridis Savvas , Karakitsos Dimitrios
Published: January 2011

Background

Robotic‐assisted excision of a pelvic schwannoma is presented.

Methods

A 27 year‐old female presented with occasional numbness of the right thigh. Imaging studies revealed a large mass adjacent to the right ovary. Robotic surgery with adjunctive electrophysiological monitoring was performed. The mass was adhered to the L4, L5 roots and was displacing the iliac vessels and the ureter. The tumour bulk was decompressed and total excision was facilitated.

Results

Pathology revealed a neoplasm consisting of spindle cells. Immunochemistry revealed S‐100+ and a growth index Ki‐67 < 1%. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of ancient schwannoma. The intraoperative time was comparable to laparoscopy and the patient had an uneventful recovery.

Conclusion

Ancient schwannoma is often diagnosed only when it is large enough to produce symptoms. Robotic surgery with adjunctive electrophysiological monitoring is a safe technique for the removal of large pelvic neurinomas. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between fetal head station established using an open magnetic resonance imaging scanner and the angle of progression determined by transperineal ultrasound
Authors: Bamberg C. , Scheuermann S. , Slowinski T. , Dückelmann A. M. , Vogt M. , Nguyen‐Dobinsky T. N. , Streitparth F. , Teichgräber U. , Henrich W. , Dudenhausen J. W. , Kalache K. D.
Published: January 2011

Objective

We investigated the correlation between the angle of progression measured by transperineal ultrasound and fetal head station measured by open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the gold standard, in pregnant women at full term.

Methods

Thirty‐one pregnant women at full term with a fetus in the occipitoanterior position were enrolled. First, the distance between the leading part of the skull and the interspinal plane was obtained using an open MRI system with the patient in a supine position. Immediately after MRI, the angle of progression was obtained by transperineal ultrasound without changing the woman's posture.

Results

There was a significant correlation between the angle of progression determined by transperineal sonography and the distance between the presenting fetal part and the level of the maternal ischial spines (y = − 0.51x + 60.8, r2 = 0.38, P < 0.001). None of the fetal heads was engaged at the time of MRI and ultrasound examinations.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated a predictable relationship between the angle of progression obtained by transperineal ultrasound and the traditional scale used to quantify fetal head descent. Based on our results, station 0 would correspond to a 120° angle of progression. However, this correlation is based on statistical assumptions only and has to be proven in future studies. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of Alzheimer's disease on the functional connectivity between brain regions underlying pain perception
Authors: Colel Leonie J. , Gavrilescul Maria , Johnstonl Leigh A. , Gibsonl Stephen J. , Farrelll Michael J. , Eganl Gary F.
Published: January 2011

Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are administered fewer analgesics and report less clinical pain compared with their cognitively‐intact peers, prompting much speculation about the likely impact of neurodegeneration on pain perception and processing. This study used functional connectivity analysis to examine the impact of AD on the integrated functioning of brain regions mediating the sensory, emotional, and cognitive aspects of pain. Fourteen patients with AD and 15 controls attended two experimental sessions. In an initial psychophysical testing session, a random staircase procedure was used to assess sensitivity to noxious mechanical pressure applied to the thumbnail. In a subsequent brain imaging session, fMRI data were collected as participants received noxious or innocuous thumbnail pressure, delivered at intensities corresponding with previously identified subjective pain thresholds. Two approaches to functional connectivity analysis were utilised. A seed‐based correlation method was first used to identify regions showing significant functional connectivity with the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Functional connectivity between a network of 17 predefined pain processing regions was then assessed. Between‐group comparisons revealed enhanced functional connectivity between the DLPFC and the anterior mid cingulate cortex, periaqueductal grey, thalamus, hypothalamus, and several motor areas in patients with AD compared with control group. Likewise, inter‐regional functional connectivity across most regions of the predefined pain network was shown to be greater in the patient group, with the enhanced functional connectivity centred on three nodes: the DLPFC‐R, hypothalamus, and PAG. The results of this study support previous research suggesting an interplay between pain and cognitive processes in patients with AD.
Enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin in the management of recurrent abortion secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Fouda Usama M. , Sayed Ahmed M. , Abdou Abdel‐Megid A. , Ramadan Dalia I. , Fouda Iman M. , Zaki Mahmoud M.
Published: January 2011

Objective

To determine whether low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) plus low‐dose aspirin (LDA) is comparable in efficacy and safety to unfractionated heparin (UFH) plus LDA in the management of pregnant women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Methods

In a randomized prospective study, 60 women with a history of 3 or more consecutive spontaneous abortions and positive antiphospholipid antibodies were assigned in equal numbers to receive either UFH (5000 units, twice daily) plus LDA, or LMWH (enoxaparin 40 mg, once daily) plus LDA as soon as pregnancy was diagnosed.

Results

Twenty‐four women in the LMWH group (80%) and 20 women in the UFH group (66.67%) delivered a viable infant (P = 0.243). There were no significant differences in pregnancy complications or neonatal morbidity between the 2 groups. There were no incidences of excessive bleeding, thrombocytopenia, or osteoporotic fractures in either group.

Conclusion

LMWH plus LDA was successfully used as an alternative to UFH plus LDA in the management of recurrent abortion secondary to APS. The results highlight the need for a larger randomized controlled trial to determine whether LMWH plus LDA should be the treatment of choice for recurrent abortion secondary to APS.

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01051778.
Bridging the intention–behavior gap: Inducing implementation intentions through persuasive appeals
Authors: Fennis Bob M. , Adriaanse Marieke A. , Stroebe Wolfgang , Pol Bert
Published: January 2011

The potential of using implementation intentions—action plans that link a critical situational cue to a specific goal‐directed behavior—to bridge the intention–behavior gap in consumer behavior has been limited by the practice of using explicit instructions to induce the construct. In two studies, we therefore tested the effectiveness of an indirect, persuasive strategy that benefits from the positive consequences of implementation intentions by ‘mimicking’ their underlying psychological processes. Experiment 1 showed that a strategy presenting vivid information on critical cues and appropriate behavioral responses affected mental imagery. Experiment 2 demonstrated that this strategy affected actual purchase behavior.
Outcome Study of Non-operative Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis in Middle-aged Patients with Reference to the Body Mass Index—A Randomised Prospective Study
Authors: Meng Cheong Peng , Katherine Ng , Leona Yan , Jess Chung , Ping Li Zi , Leung Wai Yuk
Published: January 2011

From the year 2006 to 2008, 69 patients of symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knees were divided randomly and entered into three non-operative treatment protocols. It included 4 weeks of pharmacological treatment followed by 4 weeks of specific treatments (physiotherapy, acupuncture, and combined). The pretreatment and post-treatment physical and functional statuses were evaluated. Their body mass index (BMI) was measured. The patients with below-normal BMI did not benefit from all the three treatment protocols. However, all other groups of increased BMI did benefit from all three treatment protocols in terms of pain score, analgesic sparing, and knee scores.
Erfolgreiche Rehabilitation bei Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund
Authors: Schott T. , Brause M. , Razum O. , Reutin B. , Yilmaz-Aslan Y.
Published: January 2011

Einleitung

In Deutschland hat mittlerweile jeder Fünfte der ca. 82 Mio. hier lebenden Personen einen Migrationshintergrund. Bildungsangebote, Gesundheits- und Sozialleistungen und auch die Leistungen der medizinischen Rehabilitation müssen sich diesen Bedingungen anpassen und systematisch hinterfragt werden bezüglich ihrer Angemessenheit und Wirksamkeit bei Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund. In einer durch die Gesellschaft für Rehabilitationswissenschaften NRW geförderten Studie wurde solchen Fragen nachgegangen. Insgesamt zeigte sich für Rehabilitanden mit türkischem Migrationshintergrund ein unterdurchschnittlicher Rehabilitationserfolg, der in erster Linie auf Herkunft, mangelnde Sprachkenntnisse und kulturell bedingte Besonderheiten zurückzuführen ist. Den Einrichtungen der medizinischen Rehabilitation kann im Umgang mit türkischen Rehabilitanden eine Förderung der interkulturellen Kompetenz sowie eine stärkere Patientenorientierung und Individualisierung der Rehakonzepte empfohlen werden.
Feeding sunflower oil to partially defaunate the rumen increases nitrogen retention, urea-nitrogen recycling to the gastrointestinal tract and the anabolic use of recycled urea-nitrogen in growing lambs
Authors: Doranalli Kiran , Mutsvangwa Timothy
Published: January 2011

The objective of the present study was to delineate how interactions between feeding sunflower oil (SFO) to partially defaunate the rumen and altering dietary ruminally fermentable carbohydrate may alter urea-N kinetics and N metabolism in lambs. In a 4 × 4 Latin square with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, four Suffolk ram lambs (61·5 (se4·0) kg) were used. Treatments were 0 ( − SFO)v.6 % (+SFO) SFO and dry-rolled barley (DRB)v.pelleted barley (PB). N balance was measured over 4 d, with concurrent measurement of urea-N kinetics using continuous intra-jugular infusions of [15N15N]urea. Feeding SFO decreased (P = 0·001) ruminal protozoa and NH3-N concentrations. Urinary N excretion was lower (P = 0·003), and retained N was higher (P = 0·002) in +SFO lambs compared with − SFO lambs. Endogenous production of urea-N (urea-N entry rate; UER) was similar across treatments. Urea-N transfer to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) (GIT entry rate; GER), expressed as absolute amounts (16·4v.13·1 g/d) or as a proportion of the UER (0·693v.0·570), its anabolic use (9·0v.6·0 g/d) and microbial N supply (14·6v.10·9 g/d) were higher (P ≤ 0·001) in +SFO lambs compared with –SFO lambs. As a proportion of the UER, GER was higher, whereas urinary urea-N loss was lower, in lambs fed PB compared with those fed DRB (P = 0·01). In summary, feeding SFO increased urea-N recycling to the GIT and microbial non-NH3-N supply, thus providing new evidence that the improved efficiency of N utilization in partially defaunated ruminants could be partly mediated by an increase in urea-N recycling.
Ordinary Muslims: Power and Space in Everyday Life
Authors: Turam Berna
Published: January 2011

Like other area studies, Middle East studies has an interdisciplinary scope, which enriches scholarly debates on Islamist movements, groups, and actors. However, while Middle East studies brings scholars from a wide range of academic backgrounds together, it is still predominantly represented by two major disciplines: political science and history. Relatively less attention is paid to what other disciplines, particularly geography, sociology, and the humanities, contribute to the understanding and theorization of Islamist movements.
Differential susceptibility to rearing environment depending on dopamine-related genes: New evidence and a meta-analysis
Authors: Bakermans-Kranenburg Marian J. , van Ijzendoorn Marinus H.
Published: January 2011

In the current paper we present new empirical data and meta-analytic evidence for the role of dopamine-related genes as a susceptibility factor interacting with the rearing environment for better and for worse, that is, increasing children's susceptibility to both the adverse effects of unsupportive environments and the beneficial effects of supportive rearing. In Study 1 we examined the readiness of 91 7-year-old children to donate their money to a charity (UNICEF). We tested whether the association between attachment and donating behavior was moderated by the presence of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) 7-repeat allele. The attachment story completion task was used to assess attachment as an index of the quality of the rearing environment. Children with secure attachment representations donated more but only if they had theDRD47-repeat allele. In Study 2 we present the results of a meta-analysis of gene–environment studies on children up to 10 years of age involving dopamine-related genes (dopamine receptor D2,DRD4, dopamine transporter). The cumulative negative effects of these “risk genes” and adverse rearing environments have been stressed, but potentially cumulative positive effects of these same genes interacting with positive rearing environments remained largely unnoticed. We examined the associations between negativeandpositive rearing environments and developmental outcomes as moderated by dopamine-related gene polymorphisms. Children with the less efficient dopamine-related genes did worse in negative environments than the comparisons without the “genetic risk,” but they also profited most from positive environments. Findings are discussed in light of evolutionary theory, and illustrated with some practical implications of differential susceptibility.
Child and context characteristics in trajectories of physical and relational victimization among early elementary school children
Authors: Giesbrecht Gerald F. , Leadbeater Bonnie J. , Macdonald Stuart W. S.
Published: January 2011

Transactional models suggest that peer victimization results from both individual and context differences, and understanding these differences may point to important targets for prevention and interventions that reduce victimization. Multilevel modeling was used to examine within-person (aggression and emotional dysregulation), between-person (sex and age), and between-school (participation in a victimization prevention program) factors that influence changes in physical and relational victimization over the first three years of elementary school. Children (n= 423) reported their experiences of peer victimization at entry into Grade 1 and at the end of Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3. On average, trajectories of both physical and relational victimization declined. However, for individual children, teacher-rated aggression was associated with increases in physical and relational victimization, while emotional dysregulation was associated with attenuation of longitudinal declines in physical victimization and increases in relational victimization. Individual differences in sex and age at entry into Grade 1 did not significantly influence victimization trajectories over Grades 1 to 3. Children who participated in the WITS® victimization prevention program showed significant declines in physical and relational victimization. Levels of victimization among nonparticipants remained stable. Implications of child and context characteristics for preventing peer victimization in elementary school are discussed.
Children’s Depression Rating Scale – Revised (CDRS-R)
Authors: Keller Ferdinand , Grieb Jasmin , Ernst Miriam , Spröber Nina , Fegert Jörg M. , Kölch Michael
Published: January 2011

Fragestellung: Die Children’s Depression Rating Scale – Revised (CDRS-R) ist ein semistrukturiertes Interview zur Diagnostik von depressiven Störungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen. Sie wird international im Rahmen von klinischen Studien zur Depressionsbehandlung und in der klinischen Praxis eingesetzt. Bisher liegt keine deutsche Validierung vor. Methodik: Die CDRS-R wurde aus dem Amerikanischen übersetzt. 60 Kinder und Jugendliche (26 Mädchen, 34 Jungen) im Alter von 7.5 bis 17.9 Jahren (Mittelwert = 13.8, Standardabweichung = 2.9), die sich in kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischer Behandlung befanden, wurden mit der CDRS-R innerhalb der ersten Woche der Behandlung interviewt. Zur Validierung wurde das K-SADS-PL d auf der Selbstbeurteilungsebene das BDI–II bzw. die DIKJ eingesetzt. Ergebnisse: Psychometrische Analysen zeigen eine hohe interne Konsistenz der Skala (α = 0.90) und gute Trennschärfekoeffizienten für die einzelnen Items. Die Korrelationen zu BDI–II und DIKJ sind hoch. Der CDRS-R-Mittelwert für die acht Jugendlichen mit einer majoren depressiven Störung entspricht den international gefundenen. Schlussfolgerungen: Die deutsche Übersetzung der CDRS-R weist insgesamt gute psychometrische Eigenschaften auf und kann zur Diagnostik depressiver Störungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen verwendet werden.
Time Trends in Psychopathology
Authors: Eimecke Sylvia , Pauschardt Jan , Remschmidt Helmut , Walter Reinhard , Mattejat Fritz
Published: January 2011

Objective: Time-trend studies are required to learn about children’s mental health status in changing societies. Some international studies have already analyzed secular trends over periods of 10 to 25 years, but the results are inconsistent. Our study aims to detect German time trends of psychopathology in children aged 8–11, from the first large Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)-based study in Marburg/Germany 1987 until the present day (2008). Method: Parents filled in the CBCL to report psychopathological symptoms in their children. The school-based samples from the years 1987 and 2008 were matched for sex, age, and socioeconomic status. The matched samples each consists of 212 girls and boys (girls: 50.5 %, boys: 49.5 %). MANCOVAs and ANCOVAs were used to test differences in mean CBCL scale scores. Results: Somatic symptoms showed a significant increase from 1987 to 2008. Similar trends were found for other internalizing symptoms, but did not reach significance. Externalizing symptoms showed no significant increase. Boys showed more aggressive or delinquent behavior and attention problems than girls. The children with the lowest socioeconomic status showed the highest symptom levels in both assessment years. Conclusions: The increase in somatic problems might be an effect of changes in expected school performance and economic aspects. The overall high rate of psychopathology in children highlights the necessity of effective prevention and intervention programs, particularly regarding families with lower socioeconomic status.
Caregiving and Carereceiving Relationships of Older South Asians
Authors: Burholt Vanessa , Dobbs Christine
Published: January 2011

We explored the relationships in two societies between prevailing family values, the provision and receipt of help (functional solidarity), and emotional closeness (affective solidarity). The sample comprised Indian Gujaratis and Punjabis, and Bangladeshi Sylhetis living in the United Kingdom or in South Asia (n = 572, age = 55+). Most relationships were independent of caregiving or carereceipt. Help was more likely to be provided by sons than daughters, although more daughters provided help to older Punjabis in the UK than in South Asia. Emotional closeness was related to functional solidarity for Punjabis (both areas), and Sylhetis (UK). In conclusion, there were differences between South Asian groups in the extent to which they acculturate, remain separate, or enculturate in the host society.
Family Caregivers of Elderly Persons
Authors: Perrig-Chiello Pasqualina , Hutchison Sara
Published: January 2011

In light of the mixed findings concerning the determinants of family caregivers’ burden and using a stress-resource model, we present questionnaire data from 311 family caregivers (partners and children) and 311 home-care professionals of the same elderly carereceiver. The differentiation between gender and kinship demonstrates the complexity and at the same time the disparity of investment and perceived burden among family caregivers. Although caregiving children are confronted with less primary objective stressors and have better health resources than caregiving partners, they report more primary subjective stressors and seem generally more burdened, especially caring daughters. The comparison of caregivers’ self-reports and professionals’ appraisals provide important insights into a gender and cohort reporting bias.
Ego-Depletion and Risk Behavior
Authors: Unger Alexander , Stahlberg Dagmar
Published: January 2011

Ego-depletion theory postulates the existence of a mental resource that is necessary for self-regulation. If the resource is diminished by a task involving self-control, achievement in subsequent self-control tasks will be impaired. Three experiments examined whether ego-depletion limits people’s intentionality regarding risk behavior (i.e., choosing an option that has a certain probability of resulting in an adverse outcome). It is assumed that people operating under ego-depletion lack the self-control to deal with these possibly negative outcomes and will, therefore, be prone to avoid risky alternatives, if the decision requires certain levels of responsibility and information processing (i.e., people will choose safe options in an investment scenario with actual pay-offs according to expected values). Results support the assumption that people become risk averse under ego-depletion even when controlling for the alternate assumption that ego-depletion strengthens an existing individual disposition toward risk taking.
New Software to Analyze How Extremes Change Over Time
Authors: Gilleland Eric , Katz Richard W.
Published: January 2011

Average behavior is often studied, with well‐developed techniques from the field of statistics allowing for inferences to be readily made. However, in many atmospheric, hydrologic, and other geophysical problems, extremes are of the greatest interest. The usual statistical methods for averages do not correctly inform scientists about extremes, but a more specialized area of statistical research focused on extremes can be applied instead. Where the normal distribution has theoretical support for use with averages, other forms of distribution have similar theoretical support for the extremes: the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution for analyzing extreme statistics like annual maxima or minima, and the generalized Pareto (GP) distribution for excesses over a high threshold (or deficits below a low threshold) [e.g., Coles, 2001]. For more background on the statistics of geophysical extremes, especially those for weather and climate, seehttp://www.isse.ucar.edu/extremevalues/extreme.html.
Observation of Magnetic Fields Generated by Tsunamis
Authors: Manoj Chandrasekharan , Maus Stefan , Chulliat Arnaud
Published: January 2011

Tsunamis produce perturbations in the Earth's magnetic field by electromagnetic induction. Recent deployments of highly accurate magnetometers and the exceptionally deep solar minimum provided ideal conditions to observe these small signals from the tsunami resulting from the strong Chilean earthquake on 27 February 2010. Magnetic observatory measurements on Easter Island, 3500 kilometers west of the epicenter, show a periodic signal of 1 nanotesla, coincident in time with recordings from the local tide gauge. The detection of these magnetic signals represents a milestone in understanding tsunami‐induced electromagnetic effects.
An Illusion You Can Sink Your Teeth into: Haptic Cues Modulate the Perceived Freshness and Crispness of Pretzels
Authors: Barnett-Cowan Michael
Published: January 2011

Eating is a multisensory experience involving more than simply the oral sensation of the taste and smell of foods. It has been shown that the way foods look, sound, and feel like in the mouth all affect food perception. The influence of haptic information available when handling food is relatively unknown. In this study, blindfolded participants bit-into fresh or stale pretzels while rating their freshness – staleness and crispness – softness. Information provided to the hand was either congruent (whole pretzel fresh or stale) or incongruent (half pretzel fresh, half stale) with what was presented to the mouth. The results demonstrate that the perception of both freshness and crispness was systematically altered when incongruent information was provided: bit-into fresh pretzel tips were perceived as staler and softer when a stale pretzel tip was held in the hand and vice versa. Haptic information available when handling food thus plays a significant role in modulating food perception.