bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of two‐segment lensed fiber collimator
Authors: Lin Yu‐Cheng , Chang Chia‐Hao
Published: May 2010

A two‐segment lensed fiber collimator using gradient index fiber (GIF) of 140 μm diameter spliced to a coreless fiber (CLF) of 125 μm, and a single mode fiber (SMF) is demonstrated.The CLF and GIF are treated as a beam expander and lens, respectively. The complex beam parameter method and ABCD law are applied for theoretical analysis. Both numerical and experimental data are presented for optical characterization of the divergence angle and insertion loss in lateral and axial displacement of the device. The divergence angle of 1.5 degrees is obtained for the wavelength of 1.31 μm at the GIF length of 180 ± 5 μm and the CLF length of 350 μm. The variation of insertion loss due to lateral and axial displacement shows good agreement with theory. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1846–1848, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25353
High‐performance UWB filter with a controllable notched band
Authors: Chen Chun‐Ping , Iinuma Ryouhei , Ma Zhewang , Anada Tetsuo
Published: May 2010

This article presents a design of a high‐performance ultra‐wideband (UWB) bandpass filter with a controllable notched band. Firstly, a UWB filter consisting of a stepped‐impedance resonator (SIR) and two shunt short‐circuited stubs is synthesized. Then, a narrow controllable notched band is introduced by a coupled external SIR. To be highlighted as an attractive advantage, as the characteristics of the UWB filter are not deteriorated by the placement of the external resonator, no further adjustments is needed for the synthesized UWB filter in this design. As an example, an (Federal Communications Commission) FCC UWB filter with a WLAN notch band is designed, simulated, and fabricated. A good agreement between the measured results and predicted ones validates the newly proposed design scheme and the filter prototype. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1842–1846, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25354
Computationally efficient simulation‐driven design of a printed 2.45 GHz Yagi antenna
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Ogurtsov Stanislav
Published: May 2010

Simulation‐driven design of a quasi‐Yagi antenna for the 2.4–2.5 GHz band is presented that exploits a coarse‐discretization and surrogate‐based optimization. Computational cost is low because most of the operations are performed on the coarse‐discretization model, whereas the high‐fidelity simulation is used for setting up the surrogate and for design verification. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1807–1810, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25355
Compact dual‐plane resonant cell low‐pass filter with wide stopband characteristics
Authors: Fu Shu‐Hong , Tong Chuang‐Ming , Li Xi‐Min , Shen Kai
Published: May 2010

A compact microstrip dual‐plane resonant cell structure is presented. Good lowpass performance and wide stopband characteristics can be obtained with a simple single resonant cell; multiple resonant modes are introduced in the stopband, thus rejection width is significantly improved. Measured results of the fabricated prototype show that the stopband bandwidth better than −20 dB is more than 13 GHz, but its occupied area is only 20 × 30 mm2. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1776–1778, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25357
Pre‐ and postsynaptic neuromuscular junction abnormalities in musk myasthenia
Authors: Niks Erik H. , Kuks Jan B.M. , Wokke John H.J. , Veldman Henk , Bakker Egbert , Verschuuren Jan J.G.M. , Plomp Jaap J.
Published: May 2010

Autoantibodies to muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK) can cause myasthenia gravis (MG). The pathophysiological mechanism remains unknown. We report in vitro electrophysiological and histological studies of the neuromuscular junction in a MuSK MG patient. Low levels of presynaptic acetylcholine release and small miniature endplate potentials were found. This combination of pre‐ and postsynaptic abnormalities was supported by histology, revealing partially denervated postsynaptic areas, and some degeneration of postsynaptic folds. Results suggest that anti‐MuSK antibodies reduce the stability of muscle–nerve contact. Muscle Nerve, 2010
A standardized clinical evaluation of patients affected by facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: The FSHD clinical score
Authors: Lamperti Costanza , Fabbri Greta , Vercelli Liliana , D'Amico Roberto , Frusciante Roberto , Bonifazi Emanuela , Fiorillo Chiara , Borsato Carlo , Cao Michelangelo , Servida Maura , Greco Francesca , Di Leo Rita , Volpi Leda , Manzoli Claudia , Cudia Paola , Pastorello Ebe , Ricciardi Leopoldo , Siciliano Gabriele , Galluzzi Giuliana , Rodolico Carmelo , Santoro Lucio , Tomelleri Giuliano , Angelini Corrado , Ricci Enzo , Palmucci Laura , Moggio Maurizio , Tupler Rossella
Published: May 2010

To define numerically the clinical severity of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), we developed a protocol that quantifies muscle weakness by combining the functional evaluation of six muscle groups affected in this disease. To validate reproducibility of the protocol, 69 patients were recruited. Each patient was evaluated by at least five neurologists, and an FSHD severity score was given by each examiner. The degree of agreement among clinicians' evaluations was measured by kappa‐statistics. Nineteen subjects received a score between 0 and 1, 9 had a score between 2 and 4, 20 received a score between 5 and 10, and 8 had a score between 11 and 15. Of the 13 subjects with D4Z4 alleles within the normal range (ranging from 10 to 150 repeats), 12 obtained a score of 0 and only 1 had a score of 1. Kappa‐statistics showed a very high concordance for all muscle groups. We developed a simple, reliable, easily used tool to define the clinical expression of FSHD. Longitudinal studies will assess its sensitivity and utility in measuring changes for widespread use. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Restless legs syndrome in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A. , Shah Rahul S.
Published: May 2010

The prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is unknown in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). We prospectively studied 28 patients with CIDP. Prevalence of RLS in CIDP was ascertained by face‐to‐face interview using validated criteria and compared with that in 28 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Eleven (39.3%) CIDP patients were diagnosed with RLS, compared with 2 (7.1%) controls (P < 0.01). A significant correlation was ascertained between presence of RLS and lower limb weakness, functional disability, and summated compound muscle action potential (CMAP). The prevalence of RLS in CIDP was significantly higher than in controls in our study population, approaching 40%. Screening for RLS in CIDP patients may be appropriate, particularly in those with weakness, disability, and motor axonal loss in the lower limbs. Our findings may otherwise suggest the existence of peripheral components to the pathophysiology of RLS in patients with CIDP. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Randomized trial of botulinum toxin to prevent pes cavus progression in pediatric charcot–marie–tooth disease type 1A
Authors: Burns Joshua , Scheinberg Adam , Ryan Monique M. , Rose Kristy J. , Ouvrier Robert A.
Published: May 2010

Pes cavus in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is thought to be due to muscle imbalance of the lower leg. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) can modify foot deformity in other conditions of muscle imbalance. We tested the safety and effectiveness of BoNT‐A on pes cavus progression in pediatric CMT1A. A 24‐month, randomized, single‐blind trial of BoNT‐A was undertaken in 10 affected children (20 legs), aged 3–14 years. The treated leg received intramuscular BoNT‐A injections at 6‐month intervals in the tibialis posterior and peroneus longus. The control leg received no injections. Primary outcome was radiographic alignment at 24 months. Secondary outcomes were foot posture, ankle flexibility, and strength, assessed every 6 months. Radiographically, BoNT‐A produced a small non‐significant reduction in cavus progression. There was no effect of BoNT‐A on secondary outcomes. There were no serious adverse events. At 24 months, the intramuscular BoNT‐A injections proved safe and well‐tolerated but did not affect the progression of pes cavus in CMT1A. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Cast immobilization increases long‐interval intracortical inhibition
Authors: Clark Brian C. , Taylor Janet L. , Hoffman Richard L. , Dearth Douglas J. , Thomas James S.
Published: May 2010

Immobilization reduces muscle performance, and despite these performance losses being associated with neural impairments little is known regarding adaptations in cortical properties. We utilized transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess changes in flexor carpi radialis (FCR) intracortical facilitation (ICF), and short‐ and long‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI and LICI) in healthy humans undergoing 3 weeks of immobilization. Measurements were obtained at rest and during contraction (15% intensity). Central activation and the Hoffman reflex (H‐reflex) were also assessed. Strength decreased 43.2% ± 6.1% following immobilization, and central activation also decreased (97.5% ± 2.4% to 73.2% ± 8.3%). No changes in ICF, SICI, or LICI were observed at rest; however, LICI was increased during contraction (67.5% ± 6.9% to 53.1% ± 6.7% of unconditioned response). The increase in LICI correlated with the loss of strength (r = −0.63). The H‐reflex increased following immobilization. These findings suggest that immobilization increases intracortical inhibition during contraction, and this increase is primarily mediated by GABAB receptors. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Phenol side‐groups‐containing fluorene polymer synthesized by catalytic oxidative polymerization
Authors: Bilici Ali , Kaya İsmet , Şenol Dilek
Published: May 2010

Catalytic oxidative polymerization (OP) of 4,4'‐(fluorene‐9,9‐di‐yl)diphenol (FDP), possessing both phenol and fluorene rings in its structure, was carried out in different organic solvents. Schiff base polymer‐copper (II) complex and hydrogen peroxide were used as a catalyst and an oxidizing agent, respectively. The structure of poly (4,4'‐(fluorene‐9,9‐di‐yl)diphenol) (PFDP) was confirmed by UV–vis, FT‐IR, NMR spectroscopies. Further characterization was conducted by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), DSC, XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and conductivity measurements. PFDP showed the optical band gap of 3.09 eV, the emission maximum at 335 nm, and the HOMO level of −5.75 eV. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methyl‐DOPO—a new flame retardant for flexible polyurethane foam
Authors: König A. , Kroke E.
Published: May 2010

Flexible polyurethane foams are widely used in many industrial applications, such as upholstered furniture and mattresses, automotive applications, etc. The chemical nature of the polyurethane, the low density, the high air permeability, and the open cell structure cause this material to be highly flammable. In this study, the influencing variables on the burning behavior of flexible polyurethane foams are investigated. Additionally the synthesis, formulation, characterization, and testing of a new phosphorus flame retardant (FR) methyl‐DOPO 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐methylphosphaphenthrene‐10‐oxide in flexible polyurethane foam with low density is performed. The new FR shows an excellent flame retarding behavior by acting mainly in the gas phase. Here the vaporization of methyl‐DOPO occurs in the same temperature region as the depolymerization of the urethane and the bisubstituted urea groups during pyrolysis of the foam. Furthermore TG‐MS measurements revealed the release of high concentrations of low molecular weight species like HPO, CH3PO, or PO2 in the mentioned temperature region. These species are able to scavenge the H‐ and OH‐radicals in the radical chain reactions of the flame leading to a significant increase of the CO/CO2 ratio during cone calorimeter experiments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycogen storage disease type III in the Irish population
Authors: Crushell Ellen , Treacy Eileen P. , Dawe J. , Durkie M. , Beauchamp Nicholas J.
Published: May 2010

Glycogen storage disease type III (GSD III) results from mutations of the AGL gene encoding the glycogen debrancher enzyme. The disease has clinical and biochemical heterogeneity reflecting the severity of the AGL mutations. We sought to characterise the molecular defects in our cohort of Irish patients with GSD III. Fifteen patients from eight unrelated Irish families were identified: six males and nine females. The age ranged from 2–39 years old, and all presented in the first 3 years of life. Four patients (of three families) had mild disease with hepatomegaly, mild hypoglycaemia and normal creatine kinase (CK) levels. Five families had more severe disease, with liver and skeletal muscle involvement and elevated CK. Eleven different mutations were identified amongst the eight families. Of the 11, six were novel: p.T512fs, p.S736fs, p.A1400fs, p.K1407fs, p.Y519X and p.D627Y. The family homozygous for p.A1400fs had the most severe phenotype (early‐onset hypoglycaemia, massive hepatomegaly, myopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy before age 2 years), which was not halted by aggressive carbohydrate and protein supplementation. Conversely, the only missense mutation identified in the cohort, p.D627Y, was associated with a mild phenotype. The phenotypic diversity in our GSD III cohort is mirrored by the allelic heterogeneity. We describe two novel null mutations in exon 32 in two families with severe GSD III resistant to current treatment modalities. Knowledge of the specific mutations segregating in this cohort may allow for the development of new therapeutic interventions.
Guidelines for implementation of population‐based newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Comeau Anne Marie , Hale Jaime E. , Pai Sung‐Yun , Bonilla Francisco A. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Pasternack Mark S. , Meissner H. Cody , Cooper Ellen Rae , DeMaria Alfred , Sahai Inderneel , Eaton Roger B.
Published: May 2010

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a Primary Immune Deficiency that is under consideration for population‐based newborn screening (NBS) by many NBS programs, and has recently been recommended for inclusion in the US uniform panel of newborn screening conditions. A marker of SCID, the T cell receptor excision circle (TREC), is detectable in the newborn dried blood spot using a unique molecular assay as a primary screen. The New England Newborn Screening Program developed and validated a multiplex TREC assay in which both the TREC analyte and an internal control are acquired from a single punch and run in the same reaction. Massachusetts then implemented a statewide pilot SCID NBS program. The authors describe the rationale for a pilot SCID NBS program, a comprehensive strategy for successful implementation, the screening test algorithm, the screening follow‐up algorithm and preliminary experience based on statewide screening in the first year. The Massachusetts experience demonstrates that SCID NBS is a program that can be implemented on a population basis with reasonable rates of false positives.
The enzymology of mitochondrial fatty acid beta‐oxidation and its application to follow‐up analysis of positive neonatal screening results
Authors: Wanders Ronald J. A. , Ruiter Jos P. N. , IJlst Lodewijk , Waterham Hans R. , Houten Sander M.
Published: May 2010

Oxidation of fatty acids in mitochondria is a key physiological process in higher eukaryotes including humans. The importance of the mitochondrial beta‐oxidation system in humans is exemplified by the existence of a group of genetic diseases in man caused by an impairment in the mitochondrial oxidation of fatty acids. Identification of patients with a defect in mitochondrial beta‐oxidation has long remained notoriously difficult, but the introduction of tandem‐mass spectrometry in laboratories for genetic metabolic diseases has revolutionalized the field by allowing the rapid and sensitive analysis of acylcarnitines. Equally important is that much progress has been made with respect to the development of specific enzyme assays to identify the enzyme defect in patients subsequently followed by genetic analysis. In this review, we will describe the current state of knowledge in the field of fatty acid oxidation enzymology and its application to the follow‐up analysis of positive neonatal screening results.
The casein peptide Asn-Pro-Trp-Asp-Gln enforces the intestinal tight junction partly by increasing occludin expression in Caco-2 cells
Authors: Yasumatsu Hatsumi , Tanabe Soichi
Published: May 2010

We have demonstrated previously that Asn-Pro-Trp-Asp-Gln (NPWDQ, amino acids 107–111 of αs2-casein) inhibited allergen permeation, such as that demonstrated by ovalbumin, using Caco-2 cells as an in vitro human intestinal epithelial model and in mouse jejunal and ileal loops ex vivo. In the present study, the mechanism underlying this inhibitory activity was examined in Caco-2 cells. Transepithelial resistance value increased in response to the addition of increasing NPWDQ concentrations (10− 6–10− 4 m), which suggests that this peptide enhanced epithelial barrier function. Next, changes in mRNA expression by the addition of NPWDQ (10− 6 m) were analysed in Caco-2 cells using the microarray method. NPWDQ up-regulated the expression of the occludin gene in cells, but the level of the genes of the claudin family and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) was unchanged. Increased protein expression of occludin, but not of claudin-1 or of ZO-1, was also observed. Therefore, it is suggested that NPWDQ up-regulated the expression of occludin in particular and enforced the tight junction barrier. These data imply that a food-derived peptide can fine-tune the epithelial barrier.
Comparison of a dietary intervention promoting high intakes of fruits and vegetables with a low-fat approach: long-term effects on dietary intakes, eating behaviours and body weight in postmenopausal women
Authors: Lapointe Annie , Weisnagel S. John , Provencher Véronique , Bégin Catherine , Dufour-Bouchard Andrée-Ann , Trudeau Caroline , Lemieux Simone
Published: May 2010

The aim of the present study was to compare the long-term effects of two dietary approaches on changes in dietary intakes, eating behaviours and body weight: (1) approach using restrictive messages to limit high-fat foods (low-fat intake; LOFAT); (2) approach emphasising non-restrictive messages directed towards the inclusion of fruits and vegetables (high intake of fruits and vegetables; HIFV). A total of sixty-eight overweight or obese postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to one of the two dietary approaches. The 6-month dietary intervention included three group sessions and ten individual sessions with a dietitian. Dietary intakes, eating behaviours and anthropometrics were measured at baseline, at the end of the dietary intervention (T = 6) and 6 months and 12 months after the end of the intervention (T = 12 and T = 18). In the LOFAT group, energy and fat intakes were lower at T = 6 when compared with baseline and remained lower at T = 12 and T = 18. In the HIFV group, fruit and vegetable intakes increased significantly at T = 6 but were no longer significantly different from baseline at T = 12 and T = 18. Dietary restraint increased at T = 6 and remained higher than baseline at T = 18 in the LOFAT group while no significant change was observed in the HIFV group. At T = 6, body weight was significantly lower than baseline in both groups (LOFAT: − 3·7 (sd 2·8) kg; HIFV: − 1·8 (sd 3·0) kg) and no significant difference in body-weight change from baseline was found between groups at T = 18. We concluded that weight loss was similar at 1-year follow-up in both dietary approaches. Despite relatively good improvements in the short term, the adherence to a 6-month dietary intervention promoting high intakes of fruits and vegetables was difficult to maintain.
Neonicotinoid insecticides disrupt predation on the eggs of turf-infesting scarab beetles
Authors: Peck D.C. , Olmstead D.
Published: May 2010

Turfgrass applications of imidacloprid were previously shown to suppress the abundance of certain soil arthropods. To ascertain whether those impacts harbor functional consequences, the effect of neonicotinoids on Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman) predation was examined in three experiments that measured removal of eggs implanted into non-irrigated field plots. A first experiment confirmed that a single imidacloprid application reduced the abundance of nontarget fauna and the rate of egg removal. A second experiment compared the impacts of imidacloprid with those of three other neonicotinoids, while a third measured the impact of imidacloprid when applied in July, August or September. Egg removal declined 28.3–76.1% in imidacloprid-treated plots across all studies. Effects were detected as early as one week after treatment (WAT) and persisted as long as four WAT. The extent of suppression did not vary across month of application. Clothianidin, dinotefuran and thiamethoxam also suppressed egg removal, and the effects were similar among them and with imidacloprid. There was no discernible association between variation in rainfall and treatment effects, but this was not explicitly tested. Results support the hypotheses that a single neonicotinoid application can suppress predation on pest populations and that the effect does not vary with respect to active ingredient or season of application. Neonicotinoid application at the time of beetle oviposition puts intended effects (mortality of neonates) in conflict with unintended effects (disruption of egg predation). The conservation of predation on early life stages might buffer the reduced efficacy of late season applications that target more advanced instars. As application timing and post-application irrigation affect insecticide performance, they might also be manipulated to reduce nontarget effects.
Hygienic and health characteristics of donkey milk during a follow-up study
Authors: Pilla Rachel , Daprà Valentina , Zecconi Alfonso , Piccinini Renata
Published: May 2010

For its characteristics, donkey milk has been proposed as an alternative to goat or artificial milk to feed allergic infants. Therefore, it is important to increase our knowledge on health and immunological characteristics of donkey milk. Ten donkeys, bred as companion animals, were enrolled in this study and sampled once a month, for eight months. Milk (10 ml) was collected from each half udder for somatic cell count (SCC), bacteriological analysis and total bacteria count (TBC). The major pathogens were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, and Staphylococcus aureus isolates were further genotyped by nanoarray analysis. Whey lysozyme and NAGase (NAG) activities were also assessed. Overall, 101 half-udder milk samples were taken. They showed very low values of TBC (<250 cfu/ml) and SCC (<50 000 cells/ml) and a minor prevalence of pathogens: Staph. aureus was isolated only from 5 milk samples (3 animals), Streptococcus equi from 2 samples and Str. equisimilis from a single sample. All the isolates were sensitive to all antibiotic classes used in veterinary medicine. None of the Staph. aureus isolates were shown to harbour genes coding for any enterotoxin, toxic-shock syndrome toxin or antibiotic resistance. Lysozyme levels were always very high (4000–5000 U/ml), while NAG values were mostly low (<50 U/ml), out of the last part of lactation. The results of this study confirmed the low prevalence of intramammary infections in donkey and the absence of food-borne pathogens, suggesting that donkey milk could be a safe food, if the mammary gland is healthy and the animals are milked in proper hygienic conditions.
Large particle segregation, transport and accumulation in granular free-surface flows
Authors: GRAY J. M. N. T. , KOKELAAR B. P.
Published: May 2010

Particle size segregation can have a significant feedback on the motion of many hazardous geophysical mass flows such as debris flows, dense pyroclastic flows and snow avalanches. This paper develops a new depth-averaged theory for segregation that can easily be incorporated into the existing depth-averaged structure of typical models of geophysical mass flows. The theory is derived by depth-averaging the segregation-remixing equation for a bi-disperse mixture of large and small particles and assuming that (i) the avalanche is always inversely graded and (ii) there is a linear downslope velocity profile through the avalanche depth. Remarkably, the resulting ‘large particle transport equation’ is very closely related to the segregation equation from which it is derived. Large particles are preferentially transported towards the avalanche front and then accumulate there. This is important, because when this is combined with mobility feedback effects, the larger less mobile particles at the front can be continuously shouldered aside to spontaneously form lateral levees that channelize the flow and enhance run-out. The theory provides a general framework that will enable segregation-mobility feedback effects to be studied in detail for the first time. While the large particle transport equation has a very simple representation of the particle size distribution, it does a surprisingly good job of capturing solutions to the full theory once the grains have segregated into inversely graded layers. In particular, we show that provided the inversely graded interface does not break it has precisely the same solution as the full theory. When the interface does break, a concentration shock forms instead of a breaking size segregation wave, but the net transport of large particles towards the flow front is exactly the same. The theory can also model more complex effects in small-scale stratification experiments, where particles may either be brought to rest by basal deposition or by the upslope propagation of a granular bore. In the former case the resulting deposit is normally graded, while in the latter case it is inversely graded. These completely opposite gradings in the deposit arise from a parent flow that is inversely graded, which raises many questions about how to interpret geological deposits.
Abuse of powers of impeachment in Nigeria
Authors: Lawan Mamman
Published: May 2010

The powers of impeachment provided under the Nigerian constitution provide a means of checking the excesses of certain executive officers who enjoy the privilege of constitutional immunity against civil or criminal proceedings while they remain in office. Instead of being invoked in appropriate circumstances, however, this article shows that these powers have been abused. It examines cases of impeachment at the state level during the Obasanjo administration and shows how constitutional provisions were flagrantly breached. It provides evidence that the federal government was complicit in such cases, even though under the federal structure by which Nigeria operates, impeachment at the state level is exclusively a state business. It argues that the abuses are a symptom of imbalance of power between the executive and the legislature as well as evidence of the limits of constitutionalism in the face of politics.
Polarization-force-induced dust grain acceleration and intrinsic magnetization of dusty plasmas
Authors: SHUKLA N. , SHUKLA P. K.
Published: May 2010

It is shown that the polarization force, arising from interactions between thermal ions and highly charged dust grains, can accelerate charged dust grains and can also create spontaneous magnetic fields in a quasi-neutral dusty plasma. The present results are relevant for understanding the origin of dust grain acceleration and the generation of spontaneous magnetic fields in cosmic dusty plasmas.
IQ in children with autism spectrum disorders: data from the Special Needs and Autism Project (SNAP)
Authors: Charman T. , Pickles A. , Simonoff E. , Chandler S. , Loucas T. , Baird G.
Published: May 2010

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was once considered to be highly associated with intellectual disability and to show a characteristic IQ profile, with strengths in performance over verbal abilities and a distinctive pattern of ‘peaks’ and ‘troughs’ at the subtest level. However, there are few data from epidemiological studies.

Method

Comprehensive clinical assessments were conducted with 156 children aged 10–14 years [mean (s.d.)=11.7 (0.9)], seen as part of an epidemiological study (81 childhood autism, 75 other ASD). A sample weighting procedure enabled us to estimate characteristics of the total ASD population.

Results

Of the 75 children with ASD, 55% had an intellectual disability (IQ<70) but only 16% had moderate to severe intellectual disability (IQ<50); 28% had average intelligence (115>IQ>85) but only 3% were of above average intelligence (IQ>115). There was some evidence for a clinically significant Performance/Verbal IQ (PIQ/VIQ) discrepancy but discrepant verbalversusperformance skills were not associated with a particular pattern of symptoms, as has been reported previously. There was mixed evidence of a characteristic subtest profile: whereas some previously reported patterns were supported (e.g. poor Comprehension), others were not (e.g. no ‘peak’ in Block Design). Adaptive skills were significantly lower than IQ and were associated with severity of early social impairment and also IQ.

Conclusions

In this epidemiological sample, ASD was less strongly associated with intellectual disability than traditionally held and there was only limited evidence of a distinctive IQ profile. Adaptive outcome was significantly impaired even for those children of average intelligence.
Depression and anxiety in patients repeatedly referred to secondary care with medically unexplained symptoms: a case-control study
Authors: Burton C. , McGorm K. , Weller D. , Sharpe M.
Published: May 2010

Background

One third of referrals from primary to secondary care are for medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). We aimed to determine the association of depression and anxiety disorders with high use of specialist services by patients with MUS. We did this by comparing their prevalence in patients who had been repeatedly referred with symptoms for which they had received repeated specialist diagnoses of MUS with that in two control groups. We also determined the adequacy of treatment received.

Method

A case-control study in five general practices in Edinburgh, UK. Data collection was by case note review and questionnaire. Cases were 193 adults with three or more referrals over 5 years, at least two of which resulted in a diagnosis of MUS. Controls were: (a) patients referred only once over 5 years (n=152); (b) patients with three or more referrals for symptoms always diagnosed as medically explained (n=162).

Results

In total, 93 (48%) of the cases met our criteria for current depression, anxiety or panic disorders. This compared with 38 (25%) and 52 (35.2%) of the control groups; odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 2.6 (1.6–4.1) and 1.6 (1.01–2.4), respectively. Almost half (44%) of the cases with current depression or anxiety had not received recent minimum effective therapy.

Conclusions

Depression, anxiety and panic disorders are common in patients repeatedly referred to hospital with MUS. Improving the recognition and treatment of these disorders in these patients has the potential to provide better, more appropriate and more cost-effective medical care.
Executive functions are impaired in adolescents engaging in non-suicidal self-injury
Authors: Fikke L. T. , Melinder A. , Landrø N. I.
Published: May 2010

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate three main aspects of executive functions (EFs), i.e. shifting, updating and inhibition, in adolescents engaging in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) as compared with healthy controls.

Method

EFs were assessed using the Intra/Extradimensional Set Shift, the Spatial Working Memory (SWM) Test and the Stop Signal Test (SST) from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), in a high-severity NSSI group (n=33), a low-severity NSSI group (n=29) and a healthy control group (n=35). Diagnostic characteristics were examined using the Kiddie-Sads-Present and Lifetime Version.

Results

There were group differences on the SWM Test. A trend towards an interaction effect of sex revealed that males in the high-severity NSSI group made significantly more errors than males and females in the control group. Both males and females in the high-severity NSSI group made poor use of an efficient strategy in completing the test. The low-severity NSSI group performed poorly on the SST, making more errors than the control group and showing an impaired ability to inhibit initiated responses, as compared with the high-severity NSSI group. There were group differences in frequencies of current and previous major depressive disorder. However, no effects of these diagnoses were found on any of the EF tests.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that NSSI subgroups have distinct deficits in EFs. The high-severity NSSI group has working memory deficits, while the low-severity NSSI group has impaired inhibitory control. This supports the emotion regulation hypothesis.
CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE AND PREGNANCY
Authors: KATZ MAYA , LESKO JENNIFER , KIRCHOFF-TORRES KATHRYN F , ZACH VICTOR , LEVINE STEVEN R
Published: May 2010

Approximately 12%–27% of cerebrovascular disease in women of childbearing age is associated with pregnancy. The reported incidence of stroke in pregnancy ranges from 0.01%–0.05%. While these events are uncommon, they are often clinically devastating. The Center for Disease Control's (CDC) review of death certificates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia found that neurologic or neurovascular problems are one of the leading causes of mortality in pregnancy.
HYPOXIC ISCHAEMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY IN NEWBORN INFANTS
Authors: MERCHANT NAZAKAT , AZZOPARDI DENIS
Published: May 2010

Neonatal encephalopathy has been defined as “a clinically defined syndrome of disturbed neurological function in the earliest days of life in the term infant, manifested by difficulty with initiating and maintaining respiration, depression of tone and reflexes, sub normal level of consciousness and often seizures”. It occurs in about 2–3 per 1000 births in developed countries. In developing countries, neonatal encephalopathy accounts for the largest number of deaths in infancy and childhood – approximately 1 million per year worldwide. Neonatal encephalopathy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and is an important predictor of long term neurodevelopmental disability in near- and full-term newborn infants. Fifteen to 20 percent of infants with neonatal encephalopathy die in the neonatal period, and a further 25 percent have permanent neurologic deficits.
Immune responses against Marek's disease virus
Authors: Parvizi Payvand , Abdul-Careem Mohamed Faizal , Haq Kamran , Thanthrige-Don Niroshan , Schat Karel A. , Sharif Shayan
Published: May 2010

It is more than a century since Marek's disease (MD) was first reported in chickens and since then there have been concerted efforts to better understand this disease, its causative agent and various approaches for control of this disease. Recently, there have been several outbreaks of the disease in various regions, due to the evolving nature of MD virus (MDV), which necessitates the implementation of improved prophylactic approaches. It is therefore essential to better understand the interactions between chickens and the virus. The chicken immune system is directly involved in controlling the entry and the spread of the virus. It employs two distinct but interrelated mechanisms to tackle viral invasion. Innate defense mechanisms comprise secretion of soluble factors as well as cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells as the first line of defense. These innate responses provide the adaptive arm of the immune system including antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses to be tailored more specifically against MDV. In addition to the immune system, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the outcome of MDV infection in chickens. This review discusses our current understanding of immune responses elicited against MDV and genetic factors that contribute to the nature of the response.
Microscopy and Microanalysis of Magmatic and Metamorphic Minerals—Part 2: Feldspar
Authors: Sturm Robert
Published: May 2010

Feldspar is the name for a mineral group consisting of nearly 20 triclinic or monoclinic mineral species, of which only nine are well documented and widely distributed in the Earth's crust. Single members of the feldspar group belong to the so-called framework—or tectosilicates, where SiO4- and AlO4-tetrahedra share all their oxygen ions, resulting in an infinite three-dimensional network . Feldspar crystals include the major elements K, Na, Ca, Al, as well as Si and thus may be attributed to one of the following three endmembers: potassium-feldspar (K-feldspar) KAlSi3O8, albite NaAlSi3O8, or anorthite CaAl2Si2O8 (Table 1). Solid solutions occur between K-feldspar and albite, forming what is commonly known as alkali feldspar, and between albite and anorthite, forming plagioclase. The alkali feldspar group consists of orthoclase, microcline, sanidine, and anorthoclase, whereas the plagioclase group includes albite, oligoclase, andesine, labradorite, bytownite, and anorthite .
Contamination-Free TEM for High-Resolution Imaging of Soft Materials
Authors: Horiuchi Shin , Hanada Takeshi
Published: May 2010

Element-selective imaging and analysis at atomic resolution have become possible by the recent advancements in TEM and STEM. However, the spatial resolution in images of soft materials can be limited by electron beam damage and/or contamination. This contamination is a carbonaceous layer deposited on the specimen surface as a result of electron bombardment. Beam-induced specimen contamination is caused by polymerization of hydrocarbons that are present in a TEM specimen chamber. The electron beam reacts with stray hydrocarbons in the beam's path to create hydrocarbon ions, which then condense and form carbon-rich polymerized film on the area being irradiated. Figure 1a shows contamination spots created on a carbon thin foil by illuminating a beam with an intensity of 5.6 × 104 el/nm·s at an accelerating voltage of 200 kV. The thickness of the contamination spots can be estimated by electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). With increase in the irradiation period, the intensity of the zero-loss peak decreases, but the overall intensities in the energy-loss regions of the spectrum increase (Figure 1b). The thickness (D) can be estimated using the equation, D = Λ·ln(It/I0), where Λ is the total mean free path for inelastic scattering, and It and I0 are the integral intensities of the overall spectrum and the zero-loss peak, respectively. Using this equation, the thickness of the contamination was found to be about 600 nm with a 10-minute irradiation.
Number 1 Microscopy Journal
Authors: Lyman Charles
Published: May 2010

Microscopy and Microanalysis, the sister publication of this magazine, is currently the #1 microscopy journal in the world, according to the Thomson-Reuters-ISI organization that ranks scientific journals on the basis of Impact Factor. This ranking is based on our Impact Factor of 2.992 for the year 2008 (the most recent data available). This is the culmination of a long climb from the journal's beginning in 1995.
Using focus groups to assess almond growers' plant nutrition information needs
Authors: Lopus Sara E. , Trexler Cary J. , Grieshop James I. , Brown Patrick H.
Published: May 2010

University of California (UC) scientists have established critical values (CVs) for almond production, but the nutritional information the CVs provide may be outdated and insufficient. In December 2006, researchers at UC Davis conducted focus group interviews with a sample of stakeholders in California's almond industry. The focus groups were designed to collect information relating to factors affecting growers' nutrition decisions, priorities in education and research relating to plant nutrition, and expected consequences of environmental regulation for the industry. Stakeholders identified problems with the CVs and voiced concern about the future of the almond industry in light of impending environmental regulations. Many stakeholders identified university research as a way to protect the industry by providing strong, recent scientific data on which nutritional limits and environmental regulations can be based. The focus groups served as a useful research method for obtaining detailed information about stakeholders' motivations and priorities and also for informing a quantitative follow-up survey that was subsequently mailed to a larger population of Californian almond growers.
Strain memory of the Verwey transition
Authors: Carporzen Laurent , Gilder Stuart A.
Published: May 2010

We studied the effects of stress on the Verwey transition for pure, stoichiometric, synthetic multidomain magnetite and for natural multidomain magnetite having both relatively low and high degrees of oxidation. Low‐temperature measurements of the magnetic moments were carried out after pressure release. Our results unambiguously show an increase in the Verwey transition temperature with increasing pressure that ranges from 1 K/GPa for stoichiometric magnetite to 3 K/GPa for highly oxidized magnetite for pressures up to about 5 GPa. The transition width broadens with increasing stress for stoichiometric magnetite and then becomes less broad as oxidation increases until the width is invariant with respect to stress for highly oxidized magnetite. Heat treatment to 700°C does not appreciably reverse the effect, which could make the Verwey transition suitable for use as a geobarometer in cases where high pressures (>1 GPa) are involved, such as in meteorite impact craters. A model explaining the results is put forward.
A study of the impact of climate change on local precipitation using statistical downscaling
Authors: Chu Jung‐Lien , Yu Pao‐Shan
Published: May 2010

This study investigates the potential of projecting regional precipitation over Yunlin County using a singular‐value‐decomposition (SVD) based statistical downscaling scheme to cope with climate change; the change rate of local precipitation and its connection with the variability of large‐scale circulation are also discussed. It is found that rainfall over Yunlin County is closely tied to the large‐scale circulation over the East Asian monsoon region, and that general circulation models (GCMs) perform reasonably in simulating the mean states of sea level pressure (SLP) and meridional wind field at 850 hPa (V850) over this region. Consequently, the two large‐scale variables, SLP and V850, both of which are taken from seven GCMs involving the 20C3M, A1B, and B1 scenarios, are used as predictors for downscaling. The result shows that the downscaling schemes based on these predictors show a skillful and stable performance in reproducing historical seasonal rainfall anomalies over Yunlin County, especially when the strategies of using two predictors and multiple model ensemble (MME) are considered. It also shows that comparing the mean states of 20C3M‐downscaled and scenario‐projected seasonal local rainfall in the coming 36 years with respect to the period of 1975–2000 reveals a suppressive pattern in the wet season and an increasing pattern in the dry season; the finding may be associated with the strength of large‐scale circulation under different scenarios. Overall, this study demonstrates that useful information concerning the impact of climate change on regional precipitation can be obtained by downscaling schemes using outputs of GCMs as predictors.
Different Strokes for Different Folks: The Rich Diversity of Animal Models of Focal Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Howells David W , Porritt Michelle J , Rewell Sarah SJ , O'Collins Victoria , Sena Emily S , van der Worp H Bart , Traystman Richard J , Macleod Malcolm R
Published: May 2010

No single animal model is able to encompass all of the variables known to affect human ischemic stroke. This review highlights the major strengths and weaknesses of the most commonly used animal models of acute ischemic stroke in the context of matching model and experimental aim. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationships between outcome and underlying vascular variability, physiologic control, and use of models of comorbidity. The aim is to provide, for novice and expert alike, an overview of the key controllable determinants of experimental stroke outcome to help ensure the most effective application of animal models to translational research.
Neuronal Protective Role of PBEF in a Mouse Model of Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Zhang Weiping , Xie Yicheng , Wang Tiannan , Bi Jing , Li Hailong , Zhang Li Qin , Ye Shui Qing , Ding Shinghua
Published: May 2010

Pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF) (also known as nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the salvage pathway for mammalian biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). By synthesizing NAD+, PBEF functions to maintain an energy supply that has critical roles in cell survival. Cerebral ischemia is a major neural disorder with a high percentage of mortality and disability. Ischemia leads to energy depletion and eventually neuronal death and brain damage. This study investigated the role of PBEF in cerebral ischemia using a photothrombosis mouse model. Using immunostaining, we initially determined that PBEF is highly expressed in neurons, but not in glial cells in the mouse brain. To study the role of PBEF in ischemia in vivo, we used PBEF knockout heterozygous (Pbef+/−) mice. We showed that these mice have lower PBEF expression and NAD+ level than do wild-type (WT) mice. When subjected to photothrombosis, Pbef+/− mice have significantly larger infarct volume than do age-matched WT mice at 24 hours after ischemia. Higher density of degenerating neurons was detected in the penumbra of Pbef+/− mice than in WT mice using Fluoro-Jade B staining. Our study shows that PBEF has a neuronal protective role in cerebral ischemia presumably through enhanced energy metabolism.