bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling poroelastic hollow cylinder experiments with realistic boundary conditions
Authors: Jourine S. , Valkó P. P. , Kronenberg A. K.
Published: August 2004

A general poroelastic solution for axisymmetrical plane strain problems with time dependent boundary conditions is developed in Laplace domain. Time‐domain results are obtained using numerical inversion of the Laplace transform. Previously published solutions can be considered as special cases of the proposed solution. In particular, we could reproduce numerical results for solid and hollow poroelastic cylinders with suddenly applied load/pressure (Rice and Cleary, Rev. Geophys. Space Phys. 1976; 14:227; Schmitt, Tait and Spann, Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 1993; 30:1057; Cui and Abousleiman, ASCE J. Eng. Mech. 2001; 127:391).

The new solution is used to model laboratory tests on thick‐walled hollow cylinders of Berea sandstone subjected to intensive pressure drawdown. In the experiments, pressure at the inner boundary of the hollow cylinder is observed to decline exponentially with a decay constant of 3–5 1/s.

It is found that solutions with idealized step‐function type inner boundary conditions overestimate the induced tensile radial stresses considerably. Although basic poroelastic phenomena can be modelled properly at long time following a stepwise change in pressure, realistic time varying boundary conditions predict actual rock behaviour better at early time. Experimentally observed axial stresses can be matched but appear to require different values for α and ν than are measured at long time.

The proposed solution can be used to calculate the stress and pore pressure distributions around boreholes under infinite/finite boundary conditions. Prospective applications include investigating the effect of gradually changing pore pressure, modelling open‐hole cavity completions, and describing the phenomenon of wellbore collapse (bridging) during oil or gas blowouts. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical analysis of friction sleeve length effects on soil classification
Authors: Saussus D. R. , Frost J. D. , DeJong J. T.
Published: August 2004

The cone penetration test (CPT) provides profiles of the tip resistance, sleeve friction, and pore water pressure encountered while penetrating the subsurface. These parameters are used either directly or indirectly to classify the soil types present and to obtain geotechnical design parameters. However, fundamental discrepancies exist in the manner by which these parameters are measured. This paper describes the results of a study that shows the sleeve friction measurement introduces unnecessary redundancy due to the length of the standard friction sleeve compared to the measurement increment. Further, the high sleeve length to measurement increment ratio results in filtering and smoothing of the friction data, thereby causing the variability of the friction between the soil and the cone sleeve to be underestimated. The importance of understanding the role of the sleeve length on measurements is demonstrated using synthetically generated friction profiles and estimating the profiles that would be measured using sleeves of different lengths. Differences in how the soils are classified as a function of the sleeve length used to obtain each profile are illustrated. Solutions are presented to validate the synthetic sleeve friction profiles, to demonstrate the filtering and smoothing effects of the friction sleeve on the data, and to explain the implications of the sleeve length on soil classification. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A search game on a cyclic graph
Authors: Kikuta Kensaku
Published: August 2004

There is a finite cyclic graph. The hider chooses one of all nodes except the specified one, and he hides an (immobile) object there. At the beginning the seeker is at the specified node. After the seeker chooses an ordering of the nodes except the specified one, he examines each nodes in that order until he finds the object, traveling along edges. It costs an amount when he moves from a node to an adjacent one and also when he checks a node. While the hider wishes to maximize the sum of the traveling costs and the examination costs which are required to find the object, the seeker wishes to minimize it. The problem is modeled as a two‐person zero‐sum game. We solve the game when unit costs (traveling cost + examination cost) have geometrical relations depending on nodes. Then we give properties of optimal strategies of both players. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2004.
Embedding of cycles and wheels into arbitrary trees
Authors: Rajasingh Indra , William Albert , Quadras Jasintha , Manuel Paul
Published: August 2004

We estimate and characterize the edge congestion‐sum measure for embeddings of various graphs such as cycles, wheels, and generalized wheels into arbitrary trees. All embedding algorithms apply an interesting general technique based on the consecutive label property. Our algorithms produce optimal values of sum of dilations and sum of edge‐congestions in linear time. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 44(3), 173–178 2004
Optimal grid representations
Authors: Fampa M. H. C. , Klein S. , Protti F. , Rêgo D. C. A.
Published: August 2004

A graph G is a grid intersection graph if G is the intersection graph of ℋ︁ ∪ ℐ, where ℋ︁ and ℐ are, respectively, finite families of horizontal and vertical linear segments in the plane such that no two parallel segments intersect. (This definition implies that every grid intersection graph is bipartite.) The family ℋ︁ ∪ ℐ is a representation of G. As a consequence of a characterization of grid intersection graphs by Kratochvíl, we observe that when a bipartite graph G = (U ∪ W, E) with minimum degree at least two is a grid intersection graph, then there exists a normalized representation of G on the (r × s)‐grid for r = |U| and s = |W|, that is, a representation in which all end points of segments have integer‐valued coordinates belonging to {(x, y) ∈ N × N | 1 ≤ y ≤ r, 1 ≤ x ≤ s} and the representative segment of each vertex lies on a distinct horizontal or vertical line. A natural problem, with potential applications to circuit layout, is the following: among all the possible normalized representations of G, find a representation ℛ such that the sum of the lengths of the segments in ℛ is minimum. In this work we introduce this problem and present a mixed integer programming formulation to solve it. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 44(3), 187–193 2004
Brief alteration in dopaminergic function during development causes deficits in adult reproductive behavior
Authors: Harding Cheryl F.
Published: August 2004

Our previous research revealed dramatic increases in dopaminergic function in vocal control and auditory nuclei in male zebra finches during the period of song learning. Such increases were not seen in the hypothalamic areas examined. In the current study, we manipulated dopamine receptor function during this period to determine how this might affect later singing behavior. Males were implanted with osmotic minipumps providing 0, 0.5, or 5 μg/g/day of the mixed D1/D2 dopamine receptor antagonist cis‐flupenthixol from day 45 until day 57. At approximately 86 days of age, males were given subcutaneous silastic implants containing a maintenance dose of androgen, in case antagonist treatment interfered with adult androgen secretion. One week later, they began a series of three weekly tests to determine if this early treatment affected courtship singing. Males treated with the low dose of cis‐flupenthixol showed profound decrements in courtship singing and copulatory behavior. Unlike saline‐treated controls, low‐dose males sang to females infrequently. High‐intensity courtship displays in which males dance towards females while singing were most affected. Despite their decreased courtship singing, low‐dose males were interested in females. They approached females as frequently as males in the other two groups, but antagonist‐treated males were less likely to follow females if they moved. Low‐dose males also attempted to mount females significantly less often than high‐dose males. High‐dose males groomed significantly less frequently than males in the other two groups. Thus, brief early treatment with cis‐flupenthixol had profound and long‐lasting effects on female‐directed singing and on copulatory behavior, despite androgen treatment. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2004
Calcium‐induced calcium release contributes to somatic secretion of serotonin in leech Retzius neurons
Authors: Trueta Citlali , Sánchez‐Armass Sergio , Morales Miguel A. , De‐Miguel Francisco F.
Published: August 2004

We analyzed the contribution of calcium (Ca2+)‐induced Ca2+ release to somatic secretion in serotonergic Retzius neurons of the leech. Somatic secretion was studied by the incorporation of fluorescent dye FM1‐43 upon electrical stimulation with trains of 10 impulses and by electron microscopy. Quantification of secretion with FM1‐43 was made in cultured neurons to improve optical resolution. Stimulation in the presence of FM1‐43 produced a frequency‐dependent number of fluorescent spots. While a 1‐Hz train produced 19.5 ± 5.0 spots/soma, a 10‐Hz train produced 146.7 ± 20.2 spots/soma. Incubation with caffeine (10 mM) to induce Ca2+ release from intracellular stores without electrical stimulation and external Ca2+, produced 168 ± 21.7 spots/soma. This staining was reduced by 49% if neurons were preincubated with the Ca2+‐ ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin (200 nM). Moreover, in neurons stimulated at 10 Hz in the presence of ryanodine (100 μM) to block Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release, FM1‐43 staining was reduced by 42%. In electron micrographs of neurons at rest or stimulated at 1 Hz in the ganglion, endoplasmic reticulum lay between clusters of dense core vesicles and the plasma membrane. In contrast, in neurons stimulated at 20 Hz, the vesicle clusters were apposed to the plasma membrane and flanked by the endoplasmic reticulum. These results suggest that Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release produces vesicle mobilization and fusion in the soma of Retzius neurons, and supports the idea that neuronal somatic secretion shares common mechanisms with secretion by excitable endocrine cells. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2004
Serine proteases in the spiny lobster olfactory organ: Their functional expression along a developmental axis, and the contribution of a CUB‐serine protease
Authors: Johns Malcolm E. , Tai Phang C. , Derby Charles D.
Published: August 2004

Several serine proteases and protease inhibitors have been identified in the crustacean olfactory organ, which is comprised of the lateral flagellum of the antennule and its aesthetascs sensilla that house olfactory receptor neurons and their supporting cells. The function of these proteases in the olfactory organ is unknown, but may include a role in perireception (e.g., odor activation or inactivation) or in the development or survival of olfactory receptor neurons. To examine directly the function of proteases in the olfactory organ of the Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus, we used different tissue fractions from the lateral flagellum in an enzyme activity assay with a variety of protease substrates and inhibitors. Trypsin‐like serine protease activity occurs throughout the lateral flagellum but is enriched in the cell membranes from aesthetascs. Cysteine‐ and metalloprotease activities also occur in olfactory tissue, but are more abundant in tissue fractions other than aesthetascs. To assess the contribution of one of the olfactory serine proteases—CUB‐serine protease (Csp)—Csp was immunoprecipitated using an antibody; results with the remaining fraction suggest that Csp accounts for at least 40% of the total serine protease activity in the olfactory organ. The amount of total serine protease activity follows a developmental axis in the lateral flagellum. Total protease activity is lowest in the proximal zone, which lacks aesthetascs, and the proliferation zone, where olfactory receptor neurons and associated cells are born, and highest in aesthetascs of the distally‐located senescence zone, which has the oldest olfactory tissue. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2004
Partial muting leads to age‐dependent modification of motor patterns underlying crystallized zebra finch song
Authors: Cooper Brenton G. , Goller Franz
Published: August 2004

The crystallized structure of adult zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) song is modifiable if sensory feedback is altered during sound production. Such song plasticity has been studied by examining acoustic modifications to the motif; however, the underlying changes to the vocal motor patterns of these acoustic modifications have not been addressed. Adult birds in two age categories (young = 90–120 days or middle aged 150–250 days) that sang crystallized song were used in the experiment. Vocal motor patterns were monitored by recording respiratory air sac pressure before, during, and after song plasticity was induced by partial or complete reduction of phonation (i.e., “partial muting”). Birds were recorded until changes in air sac pressure patterns underlying the song structure were observed (up to 160 days). Young adult birds were more likely to insert shorter duration (<125 ms) expiratory pulses (EPs) into the motif than middle‐aged adults. These shorter duration EPs were produced with a unique pressure pattern relative to the intact song, and therefore appeared to be generated by novel motor gestures. Stuttering (atypical repetition of an EP) was observed when these novel EPs were inserted into the motif, regardless of age. The EP of the distance call, which is also a learned vocalization in zebra finches, showed a similar reduction in duration if EPs were also shortened in the song. The emergence of shorter duration EPs was not related to sound production, or nonspecific effects of the surgical procedure, which suggests an age‐dependent neural process for song plasticity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2004
Two antagonistic gustatory receptor neurons responding to sweet‐salty and bitter taste in Drosophila
Authors: Hiroi Makoto , Meunier Nicolas , Marion‐Poll Frédéric , Tanimura Teiichi
Published: August 2004

In Drosophila, gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) occur within hair‐like structures called sensilla. Most taste sensilla house four GRNs, which have been named according to their preferred sensitivity to basic stimuli: water (W cell), sugars (S cell), salt at low concentration (L1 cell), and salt at high concentration (L2 cell). Labellar taste sensilla are classified into three types, l‐, s‐, and i‐type, according to their length and location. Of these, l‐ and s‐type labellar sensilla possess these four cells, but most i‐type sensilla house only two GRNs. In i‐type sensilla, we demonstrate here that the first GRN responds to sugar and to low concentrations of salt (10–50 mM NaCl). The second GRN detects a range of bitter compounds, among which strychnine is the most potent; and also to salt at high concentrations (over 400 mM NaCl). Neither type of GRN responds to water. The detection of feeding stimulants in i‐type sensilla appears to be performed by one GRN with the combined properties of S + L1 cells, while the other GRN detects feeding inhibitors in a similar manner to bitter‐sensitive L2 cells on the legs. These sensilla thus house two GRNs having an antagonistic effect on behavior, suggesting that the expression of taste receptors is segregated across them accordingly. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2004
On the design of energy–momentum integration schemes for arbitrary continuum formulations. Applications to classical and chaotic motion of shells
Authors: Sansour Carlo , Wriggers Peter , Sansour Jamal
Published: August 2004

The construction of energy–momentum methods depends heavily on three kinds of non‐linearities: (1) the geometric (non‐linearity of the strain–displacement relation), (2) the material (non‐linearity of the elastic constitutive law), and (3) the one exhibited in displacement‐dependent loading. In previous works, the authors have developed a general method which is valid for any kind of geometric non‐linearity. In this paper, we extend the method and combine it with a treatment of material non‐linearity as well as that exhibited in force terms.

In addition, the dynamical formulation is presented in a general finite element framework where enhanced strains are incorporated as well. The non‐linearity of the constitutive law necessitates a new treatment of the enhanced strains in order to retain the energy conservation property.

Use is made of the logarithmic strain tensor which allows for a highly non‐linear material law, while preserving the advantage of considering non‐linear vibrations of classical metallic structures. Various examples and applications to classical and non‐classical vibrations and non‐linear motion of shells are presented, including (1) chaotic motion of arches, cylinders and caps using a linear constitutive law and (2) large overall motion and non‐linear vibration of shells using non‐linear constitutive law. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of Notch receptor expression in bile duct development and disease
Authors: Flynn Diana M , Nijjar Sarbjit , Hubscher Stefan G , de Goyet Jean de Ville , Kelly Deirdre A , Strain Alastair J , Crosby Heather A
Published: August 2004

Mutations in the Jagged1 gene, a ligand for the Notch signalling pathway, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alagille syndrome (AGS), resulting in bile duct paucity. Recently, a mouse model for AGS suggested that abnormalities of the Notch2 receptor, as well as of Jagged1, may be present. Expression patterns of Notch receptors have not been described in the developing human liver or in paediatric liver. The expression of Notch receptors and ligands was examined in fetal, paediatric normal, and diseased human liver by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. RT‐PCR showed Notch1–4 mRNA expression to be present. In fetal liver, Notch3 protein was expressed on mesenchymal cells, closely adjacent to ductal plate cells that expressed Jagged1. In paediatric normal liver, Notch1 and Notch2 were present on mature bile duct cells. Notch expression was altered in disease, with distinct differences in AGS from extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA) and α1‐anti‐trypsin deficiency (α1AT). In AGS, where extensive ductular reaction was present, Jagged1 was expressed on ductular reactive cells (DRCs), along with marked Notch2 and Notch3 staining. Where there was ductular paucity, Notch2 and Notch3 were not expressed on remaining biliary epithelial cells. In EHBA and α1AT, Notch receptor expression was not seen on DRCs. Instead, Notch2 and Notch3 were expressed by stromal cells. In all diseases, Notch3 was expressed on neovessels in portal tracts and cirrhotic fibrous septa. In conclusion, Notch3 is expressed in close proximity to Jagged1 at the time of ductal plate formation, suggesting that Notch3 is important for bile duct development. The expression of both Notch2 and Notch3 in AGS on DRCs confirms that these receptors may be important in the pathogenesis of this disease. Further studies are required to investigate the presence of Notch2 and Notch3 at other periods in liver development and to clarify the role of Notch signalling in paediatric cholestases. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of keratinocyte growth factor/fibroblast growth factor‐7 and its receptor in human lung cancer: correlation with tumour proliferative activity and patient prognosis
Authors: Yamayoshi Takatomo , Nagayasu Takeshi , Matsumoto Keitarou , Abo Takafumi , Hishikawa Yoshitaka , Koji Takehiko
Published: August 2004

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF)/fibroblast growth factor‐7 (FGF‐7), a mesenchymal cell‐derived paracrine growth factor that specifically stimulates epithelial cell proliferation, has been implicated in the repair of lung tissue. The present study was designed to determine the expression and role of KGF and its receptor (KGFR) in human lung cancer tissues, particularly in relation to cancer cell kinetics and prognosis. Thirty‐one adenocarcinomas and 30 squamous cell carcinomas, and ten normal lung tissues as a control, were examined. The expression of KGF and KGFR proteins was examined using rabbit polyclonal anti‐human KGF and anti‐human KGFR antisera raised in the authors' laboratories against synthetic peptides corresponding to parts of human KGF KGFR, respectively. Their specificity was confirmed in lung tumour tissues by western blotting various controls. Proliferative activity was assessed by determining the labelling index (LI) for Ki‐67 antigen. Immunohistochemistry revealed that tissue co‐expression of KGF KGFR correlated significantly with higher differentiation grades in squamous cell carcinoma. Conversely, in adenocarcinoma, co‐expression correlated with lower differentiation grades high Ki‐67 LI, was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis shorter 5‐year survival. Therefore, the results indicate that co‐expression of KGF KGFR correlates significantly with poor prognosis in adenocarcinoma, but not in squamous cell carcinoma, of the lung. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave‐facilitated extraction of furanocoumarins onto paper substrates: an imaging technique to analyse spatial distribution and abundance in leaves
Authors: Nitao James K. , Zangerl Arthur R.
Published: August 2004

An impediment to studying the implications of ﬁne‐scale variation in the distribution of secondary compounds within plants has been an inability to map their distribution. Conventional approaches require ﬁne‐scale dissections, followed by extraction and analysis, a strategy which is often limited by the large number of extractions required and by the difﬁculty in quantifying compounds in very small samples. A method has been developed which allows the microwave‐facilitated transfer of furanocoumarins from fresh leaves to two‐dimensional substrates (phase separation paper). The ﬂuorescence of these compounds under UV light is enhanced by treatment with base, which probably opens the lactone ring of the compounds. The developed prints are then photographed under UV light and the images analysed with commonly available software programs. Images so obtained for furanocoumarins in wild parsnip foliage revealed that the total ﬂuorescence from extracted furanocoumarins is correlated with the amount of furanocoumarins remaining in the leaf. Thus, the images provide information not only on spatial distribution but also quantitative data. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The chromatographic co‐elution of dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol monopyranose with eleutheroside E in Eleutherococcus senticosus: implications for eleutheroside E assays
Authors: Gaffney B. T. , Hügel H. M. , Rich P. A.
Published: August 2004

During a quantiﬁcation assay of the constituents of Eleutherococcus senticosus by reverse‐phase HPLC using acetonitrile:water gradient elution, it was observed that a recently reported component, dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol monopyranose, co‐eluted with eleutheroside E. The implications of this ﬁnding for researchers and the herbal medicine industry are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of chamomile flowers: extraction efﬁciency, stability, and in‐line inclusion of chamomile–carbon dioxide extract in β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Kaiser C. S. , Römpp H. , Schmidt P. C.
Published: August 2004

The extraction of chamomile ﬂowers using supercritical carbon dioxide was investigated with respect to extraction efﬁciency and compared with solvent extraction. The stability of matricine, a sensitive constituent of the essential oil of chamomile, in these extracts was studied during storage at different temperatures over 6 months. Matricine was stable at −30°C. A slight decrease (80–90% recovery) occurred at +5°C, whereas complete decomposition of matricine took place within 3–4 months at room temperature and at +30°C, respectively. An in‐line inclusion of chamomile constituents in β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) during the extraction process was assessed and inclusion rates between 40 and 95% were obtained depending on the amount of β‐CD and the type of chamomile constituent. No further stabilization of matricine in the carbon dioxide extract/β‐CD complexes was achieved. High residual water contents in the complexes even after freeze‐drying were identiﬁed as accelerating the decomposition. In addition, the extractability of ﬂavonoids, such as apigenin and apigenin‐7‐glucoside, was determined. Apigenin‐7‐glucoside, the more hydrophilic substance, was not extractable with pure carbon dioxide and showed a recovery of 11% using methanol modiﬁed carbon dioxide (18%, w/w) at 60°C and 380 bar. Extraction conditions in the two‐phase region of the binary mixture carbon dioxide–methanol (70°C, 100 bar) led to a drastic change in ﬂuid polarity and hence extractability increased to 92–95%. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of extraction methods for secologanin and the quantitative analysis of secologanin from symphoricarpos albus using 1H‐NMR
Authors: Kim Hye Kyong , Choi Young Hae , Luijendijk Teus J. C. , Rocha Ronald Armando Vera , Verpoorte Robert
Published: August 2004

In order to develop an efﬁcient large‐scale extraction of secologanin from Symphoricarpos albus, different methods have been compared. Ultrasonication with organic solvents and water, microwave‐assisted extraction and hot water extraction methods were evaluated for their efﬁciencies. Among the methods tested, ultrasonication with methanol showed the highest yield of secologanin (3.35 ± 0.24 mg/g fresh weight). For reliable quantiﬁcation of secologanin a 1H‐NMR method was developed. The experiment was performed by the analysis of the integral of the signal of H‐9, which was well separated in the range δ 7.4–7.5 in the 1H‐NMR spectrum. The quantity of the compound was calculated from the relative ratio of intensity of the target peak to the known amount of internal standard, 200 µg of gallic acid. This method allows rapid and simple quantiﬁcation of secologanin in 5 min without any pre‐puriﬁcation steps. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validated methods for the quantiﬁcation of biologically active constituents of poplar‐type propolis
Authors: Popova Milena , Bankova Vassya , Butovska Daniela , Petkov Valentin , Nikolova‐Damyanova Boryana , Sabatini Anna Gloria , Marcazzan Gian Luigi , Bogdanov Stefan
Published: August 2004

The validation of rapid, low‐cost spectrophotometric procedures for the quantiﬁcation of the three main groups of bioactive substances (ﬂavones and ﬂavonols, ﬂavanones and dihydroﬂavonols, and total phenolics) in poplar‐type propolis has been performed. A spectrophotometric assay based on the formation of an aluminium chloride complex was applied for the quantiﬁcation of total ﬂavones and ﬂavonols using galangin as standard. Because of the high amount of ﬂavanones and dihydroﬂavonols in “poplar type” propolis, the introduction of a distinct procedure for their quantiﬁcation was considered of special signiﬁcance and the DAB9 colorimetric method was applied for the purpose. Total phenolic content was measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu procedure using a mixture of pinocembrin and galangin as a reference. The procedures were validated using a model mixture of compounds representing the poplar‐type propolis composition as found in previous studies. The accuracy (recovery) varied in the range 84–109%, and the relative standard deviation was 0.5–6.2%. The developed spectrophotometric procedures were applied to six poplar type propolis samples. The results were veriﬁed independently by a HPLC procedure. The two sets of results agreed satisfactory, as proven by Student's t‐test. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A HPTLC densitometric determination of flavonoids from Passiﬂora alata, P. edulis, P. incarnata and P. caerulea and comparison with HPLC method
Authors: Pereira Cíntia A. M. , Yariwake Janete H. , Lanças Fernando M. , Wauters Jean‐Noël , Tits Monique , Angenot Luc
Published: August 2004

A high‐performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method was developed in order to determine quantitatively the ﬂavonoids in leaves of Passiﬂora alata, P. edulis, P. caerulea and P. incarnata. The content of orientin and isoorientin was determined, and the results were compared with those obtained using a quantitative HPLC‐UV method. The latter employed rutin as standard and was developed to analyse ﬂavonoid content from Passiﬂora leaves for the purpose of ensuring the quality of Passiﬂora phytomedicines. The results obtained using the two methods indicate that there are qualitative and quantitative differences in the ﬂavonoids of the reference Passiﬂora species studied. The two methods were also employed to analyse commercial samples to illustrate their application in qualitative (‘ﬁngerprint’) and quantitative determination, demonstrating their feasibility in the quality control of ﬂavonoids from crude Passiﬂora drugs and phytomedicines. The HPLC conditions used are also suitable for the quantitative analysis of aqueous extracts (Passiﬂora infusions). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positive maternal serum triple test screening in severe early onset hypophosphatasia
Authors: Witters Ingrid , Moerman Philippe , Mornet Etienne , Fryns Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2004

Objectives

Hypophosphatasia is a rare heritable inborn error of metabolism characterized by a liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase defective bone mineralization due to mutations in the tissue‐non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (TNS‐ALP) gene. To date 128 mutations are described in the TNS‐ALP gene located on the short arm of chromosome 1. The clinical presentation of hypophosphatasia is variable ranging from early onset lethal short‐limb dwarfism to a late‐onset presentation with fractures in childhood or adulthood.

Methods

We report a pregnancy with a positive maternal serum triple test screening and a post‐mortem pathological and molecular diagnosis of perinatal lethal hypophosphatasia.

Results

Two heterogeneous missense mutations in the TNS‐ALP gene were found, of which one was not previously described.

Conclusion

This case report adds to the list of fetal malformations found after positive maternal serum triple test screening and reports a previously undescribed mutation in the TNS‐ALP gene responsible for hypophosphatasia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alphafoetoprotein and acetylcholinesterase in amniotic fluid as a factor suggesting fetal skin and nerve lesions in a case of congenital varicella syndrome
Authors: Mirlesse Véronique , Duguy Nathalie , Cynober Evelyne , François Magny Jean , Daffos Fernand
Published: August 2004

Background

Prenatal care of pregnant women exposed to varicella skin rash during the first half of pregnancy remains a frequent concern in countries that do not have access to systematic vaccination. The frequency of maternofetal transmission is low. Ultrasound is the usual tool for prenatal survey of exposed fetuses. But many anomalies due to VZV infection are not accessible to ultrasound alone.

Case Report

We review a case in which the diagnosis of fetal infection suspected due to transient fetal bowel hyperechogenicity was confirmed in amniotic fluid by molecular biology (PCR).

Results

An unusual elevation of alphafoetoprotein in maternal blood and in amniotic fluid was associated with inguinal skin, muscular and nerve destruction.

Conclusion

In fetuses diagnosed with in utero varicella infection, in addition to a precise diagnosis and follow‐up, we suggest that elevated AFP levels in maternal blood and amniotic fluid together with the presence of acetylcholinesterase in amniotic fluid may be related to lesion of fetal skin and nerves. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal rupture of a left ventricular diverticulum: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Bernasconi A. , Delezoide A. L. , Menez F. , Vuillard E. , Oury J. F. , Azancot A.
Published: August 2004

Congenital left ventricular diverticulum is a rare malformation. We report a case of a ruptured congenital left ventricular diverticulum in a 24‐week‐old fetus. The fetus was referred for a large and circumferential pericardial effusion confirmed by cross‐sectional echocardiography in our tertiary fetal cardiology unit. Pericardiocentesis removed 25 mL of old hematic fluid. The fetus died 5 days later. The pathological examination showed a ruptured submitral fibrous diverticulum of the posterior wall of the left ventricle. There is no previous report in the literature of prenatal rupture of a cardiac diverticulum. The submitral location and the fibrous wall of the diverticulum is uncommon. As regards this case, we reviewed the diagnostic criteria and the outcome of 11 cases of prenatal cardiac diverticulum reported in the literature. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unusual prenatal presentation of Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome
Authors: Mulik V. , Wellesley D. , Sawdy R. , Howe D. T.
Published: August 2004

When Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is detected prenatally, it is usually on the basis of macroglossia, exomphalos or enlarged kidneys. We describe a case that presented as gross hepatomegaly and a suspected enlarged pancreas at 20 weeks' gestation, with none of the usual features. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy and clinical outcome of preimplantation genetic diagnosis using FISH for couples of reciprocal and Robertsonian translocations: the Korean experience
Authors: Kyu Lim Chun , Hyun Jun Jin , Mi Min Dong , Lee Hyoung–Song , Young Kim Jin , Koong Mi Kyoung , Kang Inn Soo
Published: August 2004

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcome of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for couples with chromosomal translocations.

Methods

PGD using FISH was performed in 59 cycles of 43 couples with reciprocal translocations, and 11 cycles of 6 couples with Robertsonian translocations. The diagnostic and clinical data were reviewed in a series of 70 treatment cycles of 49 couples from January 2001 to June 2002 at Samsung Cheil Hospital, Korea.

Results

A total of 1408 oocytes were retrieved, and 938 (81.7%) out of 1148 matured oocytes were fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Single blastomere biopsy and FISH analysis were successfully carried out in 99.3% (890/896) and 94.4% (840/890), respectively. Among 193 normal or balanced embryos, 169 embryos were transferred in 64 cycles (91.4% per started cycle). Twenty clinical pregnancies including two ectopic pregnancies and three spontaneous miscarriages (28.6% per started cycle, 31.3% per transfer cycle, 40.8% per couple) were established. Of the three spontaneous miscarriages, one was karyotyped as normal, one had an unbalanced arrangement and one was tetraploid. One case of preterm twin delivery occurred and 16 healthy babies were delivered in 12 single and 2 twin pregnancies.

Conclusion

The clinical outcome was successful in 28.6% (14/49) of the treated couples with translocations after PGD. The spontaneous abortion rate was significantly reduced from 95.8% (69/72) to 16.7% (3/18) in these couples. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Duplex, triplex and quadruplex PCR for the preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of cystic fibrosis (CF), an exhaustive approach
Authors: Moutou Céline , Gardes Nathalie , Viville Stéphane
Published: August 2004

Most of cystic fibrosis (CF) pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) cases described to date are limited to the detection of ΔF508. Beside this predominant mutation, over 1000 mutations have been identified, rendering the development of a mutation‐based PGD protocol impracticable. This is the reason why we, as well as the others, have developed PGD strategies on the basis of the identification of the pathogenic haplotype instead of the mutation(s). In a previous article, we reported the conditions for the co‐amplification of two intragenic polymorphic markers and the F508 locus. Here we describe an improved protocol allowing the additional amplification of two new intragenic markers, intron 1 CA repeat (I1CA) and IVS17bTA. This new protocol should, theoretically, allow us to provide a diagnosis to all couples requiring PGD for CF. Using single lymphoblasts, we have tested four different PCR configurations, including one duplex, two triplexes and one quadruplex PCR. All of them gave results compatible with a clinical application. The number of single lymphoblasts tested in each series varied from 89 to 155. PCR efficiency ranged from 95.4 to 100%. A complete haplotype was achieved for 83.2 to 90.7% of the tested cells, with an allele drop out (ADO) rate comprised between 6.0 and 11.6%. We present here three cases that we performed either with the former test (one case using the triplex PCR combining F508, IVS8CA and IVS17bCA) or with the new one (one case using the triplex combining F508, I1CA and IVS17bTA and one case using a quadruplex test). We obtained two single pregnancies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of integrated imaging techniques for prenatal prediction of phenotype in two cases of facial anomalies
Authors: Rustico M. A. , Lalatta F. , Righini A. , Spaccini L. , Fabietti I. , Nicolini U.
Published: August 2004

Objectives

Fetal face malformations represent one of the most challenging prenatal diagnoses mainly because of the wide range of morphological features involved. We tested an approach based on a combination of conventional two‐dimensional ultrasound with the more recent three‐dimensional technique plus magnetic resonance imaging, in order to improve parents' understanding of fetal face anomalies, thereby facilitating parent counselling.

Methods

Two cases of fetal facial anomaly were studied using these combined techniques; one had severe micrognathia and malformation of the ears with preauricular tags, while the other had bilateral dacryocystocele and severe hypertelorism.

Results

The images generated by three‐dimensional ultrasound enabled the parents to visualize their child immediately and helped them to adjust to the diagnosis of facial defects and its clinical consequences.

Conclusions

An approach based on combined use of different imaging techniques was found useful in both cases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Campomelic acampomelic dysplasia presenting with increased nuchal translucency in the first trimester
Authors: Michel‐Calemard Laurence , Lesca Gaëtan , Morel Yves , Boggio Dominique , Plauchu Henri , Attia‐Sobol Jocelyne
Published: August 2004

This is the first report of a fetus affected with campomelic acampomelic dysplasia presenting with increased nuchal translucency. Ultrasonography at 13 weeks of amenorrhea showed a nuchal translucency 5.6 mm thick. The karyotype performed on amniotic fluid cells was normal (46,XY). Ultrasonography at 22 weeks revealed a normal femoral length and female genitalia. A second amniocentesis was performed to confirm the karyotype and for dosage of steroid hormones. Testosterone dosage was low, corresponding to a female fetus. Ultrasonography at 32 weeks showed growth retardation of the long bones (<3rd centile) that were not curved. A severe malformation syndrome was suspected and the pregnancy was terminated at 33 weeks. The fetus displayed macrocephaly, facial dysmorphism and female external genitalia. X ray showed straight and thickened long bones, hypoplastic scapulae and moderate platyspondyly. In view of the association of sex reversal, hypoplasia of the scapulae, and the presence of straight long bones, campomelic acampomelic dysplasia was suspected and confirmed by the finding of a SOX9 mutation. This case shows the importance of a careful echographic survey in a fetus with a nuchal translucency > 4 mm, especially if there is discordance between phenotypic and genotypic sex, since growth retardation may occur later during the pregnancy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Issues arising from the prenatal diagnosis of some rare trisomy mosaics—the importance of cryptic fetal mosaicism
Authors: Daniel Art , Wu Zhanhe , Darmanian Artur , Malafiej Paul , Tembe Varsha , Peters Greg , Kennedy Craig , Adès Lesley
Published: August 2004

Objectives

To add to the knowledge of fetal mosaicism, confined placental mosaicism (CPM), and uniparental disomy (UPD), in rare trisomies detected at prenatal diagnosis.

Methods

The origin of rare trisomy mosaics, mostly (8/11) seen in amniocytes, was examined in 11 cases by follow‐up karyotyping and the study of microsatellite inheritance.

Results

Of the rare trisomies presented, three were mosaic trisomy 16 (two of which were CPM), and the remainder comprised single cases of mosaic trisomies of 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 5 and 15—the last two being CPM. Cases varied in parental derivation and meiotic versus post‐zygotic origin but no case involved UPD. There was evidence for cryptic fetal mosaicism in three cases (5, 7, 11)—involving chromosomes 11, 14 and 16.

Conclusions

These cases contribute further data to phenotypes associated with rare trisomies and the relative influences on the phenotype of CPM, UPD and fetal mosaicism. From sparse published data, we estimate that ∼ 10% of apparent CPM cases for a rare trisomy (i.e. aneuploid CVS, normal amniocytes) may actually be cryptic fetal mosaics undetected in cultured amniocytes. In many cases, this cryptic mosaicism may be of limited clinical significance, but in others, the associated phenotypic effects may be obvious. There is no general approach to resolve this issue; the finding of even a few similar aneuploid cells in different amniocyte culture vessels may be clinically significant. It may be useful to study such an amniocyte culture with FISH with the relevant centromeric probe. Careful follow‐up is recommended, particularly for infants where apparent correction of autosomal trisomy has occurred. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal morbidity and mortality after acute human parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy: prospective evaluation of 1018 cases
Authors: Enders Martin , Weidner Andrea , Zoellner Iris , Searle Karen , Enders Gisela
Published: August 2004

Objective

To determine more precisely the incidence of fetal complications following maternal parvovirus B19 infection at various gestational ages.

Methods

An observational prospective study of 1018 pregnant women whose acute B19 infection was serologically confirmed in our laboratory.

Results

The observed rate of fetal death throughout pregnancy was 6.3% (64/1018) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.9, 8.0). The fetal death rate for those infected within the first 20 weeks of gestation (WG) was 64/579 (11.0%). Fetal death was only observed when maternal B19 infection occurred before the completed 20 WG. The observed stillbirth proportion was 0.6% (6/960). Three of six stillbirth cases presented with fetal hydrops. The overall risk of hydrops fetalis was 3.9% (40/1018) (95% CI: 2.8, 5.3). Three of 17 cases with non‐severe hydrops and 13 of 23 cases with severe hydrops received intrauterine transfusion(s). The proportion of fetuses with severe hydrops that survived following fetal transfusions was 11/13 (84.6%). All of the non‐transfused fetuses with severe hydrops died.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate a relevant B19‐associated risk of fetal death, which is largely confined to maternal B19 infection in the first 20 WG. Timely intrauterine transfusion of fetuses with severe hydrops fetalis reduces the risk of fetal death. Parvovirus B19‐associated stillbirth without hydropic presentation is not a common finding. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatally diagnosed portocaval shunt and postnatal outcome: a case report
Authors: Manning Nicky , Impey Lawrence , Lindsell David , Lakhoo Kokila
Published: August 2004

Congenital absence of the portal vein (CAPV) is a rare anomaly in the form of a portocaval shunt, whereby the intestinal and splenic venous drainage bypasses the liver and drains directly into the systemic circulation. We report a case of CAPV diagnosed prenatally after the recognition of a dilated umbilical vein draining directly into a large inferior vena cava (IVC). The IVC then drained into the right atrium of a dilated, hyperdynamic heart. The ductus venosus could not be identified. Repeated postnatal scans showed a gradual disappearance of venous lakes in the region of the porta hepatis and a clear drainage of the splenic vein to the left renal vein and the superior mesenteric vein to the IVC. From birth up to twelve months follow‐up there was no evidence of liver dysfunction, encephalopathy or liver lesions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐trimester screening for trisomy 21 combining biochemistry and ultrasound at individually optimal gestational ages. An interventional study
Authors: Borrell Antoni , Casals Elena , Fortuny Albert , Farre M. Teresa , Gonce Anna , Sanchez Aurora , Soler Anna , Cararach Vicençc , Vanrell Joan A.
Published: August 2004

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of the Combined Test in the prenatal detection of trisomy 21 in the general pregnant population using a new timing for the screening approach.

Methods

First‐trimester maternal serum biochemical markers (pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A and free‐β hCG) were determined in maternal serum at 7 to 12 weeks. Fetal nuchal translucency and gestational age were assessed at the 10‐ to 14‐week ultrasound scan. A combined risk was estimated and delivered to the women the same day. When the risk was 1:250 or above, chorionic villus sampling was offered.

Results

Mean gestational age at biochemistry was 9.4 weeks, being 12.3 at ultrasound. In the 2780 studied pregnancies with a complete follow‐up, observed detection rates were 88% (7/8) for trisomy 21 and 75% (3/4) for trisomy 18, with a 3.3% (92/2765) false‐positive rate.

Conclusion

The Combined Test, assessing biochemistry and ultrasound at individually optimal ages in the first trimester, showed an 88% detection rate for trisomy 21 with a remarkably reduced false‐positive rate (3.3%). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitudes towards termination of pregnancy among Hong Kong Chinese women attending prenatal diagnosis counselling clinic
Authors: Leung Tse Ngong , Ching Chau Macy Mo , Chang Joseph Jeremy , Leung Tak Yeung , Fung Tak Yuen , Lau Tze Kin
Published: August 2004

Objective

To investigate the attitudes towards termination of pregnancy (TOP) among Hong Kong Chinese women attending the prenatal diagnosis counselling (PDC) clinic under three circumstances: (1) normal fetus, (2) fetal chromosomal anomalies, and (3) fetal abnormalities diagnosed after 24 weeks of gestation, and to determine the association between the attitudes and demographic factors.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐two women were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.

Results

Over 50% of our women viewed it as their right to choose an abortion in early pregnancy and only 28.7% agreed that the doctor has the right to make the final decision. Approximately 90% would choose TOP for lethal chromosomal abnormalities and Down syndrome while about 50% would do so for Klinefelter or Turner syndromes. Over 80% were of the opinion that women should be given the right to choose TOP for lethal congenital malformation as well as for Down syndrome after 24 weeks of gestation. This figure dropped to 55.7% for non‐lethal structural malformation that requires postnatal treatment. Religious background was a significant factor for a negative attitude towards TOP.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that our women who attended the PDC clinic had an open attitude towards TOP for fetal abnormalities in general. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.