bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of cranial repair after craniectomy
Authors: Chang Victor , Hartzfeld Paul , Langlois Marianne , Mahmood Asim , Seyfried Donald
Published: July 2009

Object

Hemicraniectomy is a commonly practiced neurosurgical intervention with a wide range of indications and clinical data supporting its use. The extensive use of this procedure directly results in more cranioplasties to repair skull defects. The complication rate for cranial repair after craniectomy seems to be higher than that of the typical elective craniotomy. This finding prompted the authors to review their experience with patients undergoing cranial repair.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective review of 212 patients who underwent cranial repair over a 13-year period at their institution. A database tracking age, presenting diagnosis, side of surgery, length of time before cranial repair, bone graft material used, presence of a ventricular shunt, presence of a postoperative drain, and complications was created and analyzed.

Results

The overall complication rate was 16.4% (35 of 213 patients). Patients 0–39 years of age had the lowest complication rate of 8% (p = 0.028). For patients 40–59 years of age and older than 60, complication rates were 20 and 26%, respectively. Patients who originally presented with traumatic injuries had a lower rate of complications than those who did not (10 vs 20%; p = 0.049). Conversely, patients who presented with tumors had a higher complication rate than those without (38 vs 15%; p = 0.027). Patients who received autologous bone graft placement had a statistically significant lower risk of postoperative infection (4.6 vs 18.4%; p = 0.002). Patients who underwent cranioplasty with a 0–3 month interval between operations had a complication rate of 9%, 3–6 months 18.8%, and > 6 months 26%. Pairwise comparisons showed that the difference between the 0–3 month interval and the > 6-month interval was significant (p = 0.007). The difference between the 0–3 month interval and the 4–6 month interval showed a trend (p = 0.07). No difference was detected between the 4–6 month interval and > 6-month interval (p = 0.35).

Conclusions

The overall rate of complications related to cranioplasty after craniectomy is not negligible, and certain factors may be associated with increased risk. Therefore, when evaluating the need to perform a large decompressive craniectomy, the surgeon should also be aware that the patient is not only subject to the risks of the initial operation, but also the risks of subsequent cranioplasty.
Improving the Competitive Ratio of the Online OVSF Code Assignment Problem
Authors: Miyazaki Shuichi , Okamoto Kazuya
Published: July 2009

Online OVSF code assignment has an important application to wireless communications. Recently, this problem was formally modeled as an online problem, and performances of online algorithms have been analyzed by the competitive analysis. The previous best upper and lower bounds on the competitive ratio were 10 and 5/3, respectively. In this paper, we improve them to 7 and 2, respectively. We also show that our analysis for the upper bound is tight by giving an input sequence for which the competitive ratio of our algorithm is 7 ― ε for an arbitrary constant ε > 0.
The Use of Positron Emission Tomography in Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients under Therapy with Trabectedin
Authors: Kasper Bernd , Schmitt Thomas , Wuchter Patrick , Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss Antonia , Ho Anthony  D. , Egerer Gerlinde
Published: July 2009

Background: We used 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) to evaluate the FDG uptake in patients with advanced and/or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) undergoing therapy with Ecteinascidin-743 (ET-743, Trabectedin, YondelisTM). Patients and Methods: The pilot study included nine patients with metastatic STS receiving a minimum of one cycle of treatment with trabectedin. Patients were examined using PET prior to onset of therapy and after completion of one or three cycles of trabectedin. Restaging according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) was performed in parallel using computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and served for reference. Results: Clinical outcome of nine evaluable patients was as follows: one patient with partial remission (PR), three patients with stable disease (SD), and five patients with progressive disease (PD). A more than 40% decrease of the standardized uptake value (SUV) of sequential PET examination could be demonstrated for the responding patient (PR), whereas patients with SD or PD showed a stable SUV, but no increase in SUV. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first small series of patients being treated with trabectedin and monitored using sequential PET imaging demonstrating SUV stabilization in nearly all monitored patients.
Experimental and Computational Studies on Non-Covalent Imprinted Microspheres as Recognition System for Nicotinamide Molecules
Authors: Del Sole Roberta , Lazzoi Maria Rosaria , Arnone Mario , Sala Fabio Della , Cannoletta Donato , Vasapollo Giuseppe
Published: July 2009

Molecularly imprinted microspheres obtained by precipitation polymerization using nicotinamide (nia) as template have been prepared and characterised by SEM. How various experimental parameters can affect microsphere morphology, reaction yield and re-binding capacity have been evaluated. Pre-polymerization interactions between template and functional monomer in chloroform and MeCN have been studied by 1H-NMR. The results suggest that the interaction between nia and methacrylic acid (MAA) is mainly based on hydrogen-bonding between amide protons and MAA. Computational density functional theory (DFT) studies on MAA-nia complexes have been also performed to better understand hydrogen-bonding interactions. The imprinted activity of the microspheres, synthesized in chloroform or acetonitrile (MeCN), has been evaluated by spectrophotometric analysis of nia solutions when chloroform or MeCN are used as incubation solvents. The results suggest that MeCN interferes with hydrogen bonding between template and MAA during either the polymerization step or re-binding process as also observed from theoretical results. Finally, the selectivity towards selected nia analogues has been also confirmed.
Molecular Characterization of Viruses from Clinical Respiratory Samples Producing Unidentified Cytopathic Effects in Cell Culture
Authors: Abed Yacine , Boivin Guy
Published: July 2009

The sequence-independent single primer amplification (SISPA) method was performed to identify a virus in 17 clinical respiratory samples producing uncharacterized cytopathic effects in LLC-MK2 cells. Sequence analysis of 600-1600 bp amplicons allowed the identification of six viruses (one influenza C, two parechovirus-3 and three cardioviruses). Genomic sequences of the cardioviruses showed similarities with those of the recently-described Saffold virus strain although significant variation was present in the viral surface EF and CD loops. These results demonstrate the usefulness of SISPA for identifying emerging viruses and also known viruses not easily identified by standard virological methods.
La guerre constituante: Río de la Plata, 1810-1821
Authors: Verdo Geneviève
Published: July 2009

Inserto en la reciente historiografía revisionista del proceso independentista americano, este artículo explora sus repercusiones políticas en el Río de la Plata. La guerra contra los realistas genera en este espacio una identidad colectiva que permite explicar cómo Buenos Aires logra mantener el control político sobre el antiguo virreinato. Aunque después del año 1820 la lucha contra los realistas sigue siendo el principal impulsor de la unión entre las provincias independientes, aparecen otro tipo de conflictos que originan una expresión peculiar del vínculo político en construcción.
Batallas por la legitimidad: constitucionalismo y conflicto político en el Perú del siglo XIX (1812-1860)
Authors: Sobrevilla Perea Natalia
Published: July 2009

En este estudio mostramos cómo en el Perú las constituciones fueron utilizadas como armas de batalla desde fines del período colonial hasta la segunda mitad del siglo XIX. Veremos cómo la legitimidad de los diferentes gobiernos se basó en las constituciones y se cuestionó por ellas mismas. La representación local, las municipalidades, fue uno de los motivos de lucha en todo el período.
Poder con poder se paga: títulos nobiliarios beneficiados en Indias (1681-1821)
Authors: Maruri Villanueva Ramón
Published: July 2009

Al igual que ocurrió con los oficios públicos, las hidalguías, los hábitos de las Órdenes Militares, etcétera, la Monarquía hispana se sirvió también de la figura jurídica del «beneficio » en el caso de posibilitar a determinadas personas su ingreso en la nobleza titulada. Por lo que a América se refiere, en este artículo se dan cuenta de setenta y siete títulos nobiliarios obtenidos entre 1681 y 1821 por esa vía, cantidad que, estimamos, representa la práctica totalidad de los beneficiados en Indias. La Corona, expresión del poder político en su máxima instancia, pagaba así a quienes representaban también un poder económico, social, militar y político en el ámbito americano.
The relationship between pain tolerance and trait aggression: effects of sex and gender role
Authors: Reidy Dennis E. , Dimmick Katie , MacDonald Kate , Zeichner Amos
Published: July 2009

The literature on pain and aggression has indicated that pain elicits aggression. However, research has generally examined pain as a situational variable and focused less on the dispositional ability of an individual to tolerate pain. The dearth of research on pain tolerance and aggression appears to contradict the existing theory on the aggression‐eliciting effect of pain, in that studies have found a positive relationship between pain tolerance and aggression. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the relationship between pain tolerance and aggression is moderated by sex and whether the positive relationship could be explained by masculine gender role conformity. A sample of 195 collegiate men and women completed trait measures and a laboratory assessment of pain tolerance. Results indicated that correlations between pain tolerance and trait aggression were significant and positive for men but not women. However, when men's conformity to masculine gender role was controlled for, the relationship between pain tolerance and trait aggression was nil and nonsignificant. Results are discussed in reference to socialization and maintenance of masculine status. Aggr. Behav. 35:422–429, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Layer‐By‐Layer Dendritic Growth of Hyperbranched Thin Films for Surface Sol–Gel Syntheses of Conformal, Functional, Nanocrystalline Oxide Coatings on Complex 3D (Bio)silica Templates
Authors: Wang Guojie , Fang Yunnan , Kim Philseok , Hayek Ali , Weatherspoon Michael R. , Perry Joseph W. , Sandhage Kenneth H. , Marder Seth R. , Jones Simon C.
Published: July 2009

Here, a straightforward and general method for the rapid dendritic amplification of accessible surface functional groups on hydroxylated surfaces is described, with focus on its application to 3D biomineral surfaces. Reaction of hydroxyl‐bearing silica surfaces with an aminosilane, followed by alternating exposure to a dipentaerythritol‐derived polyacrylate solution and a polyamine solution, allows the rapid, layer‐by‐layer (LBL) build‐up of hyperbranched polyamine/polyacrylate thin films. Characterization of such LBL‐grown thin films by AFM, ellipsometry, XPS, and contact angle analyses reveals a stepwise and spatially homogeneous increase in film thickness with the number of applied layers. UV–Vis absorption analyses after fluorescein isothiocyanate labeling indicate that significant amine amplification is achieved after the deposition of only 2 layers with saturation achieved after 3–5 layers. Use of this thin‐film surface amplification technique for hydroxyl‐enrichment of biosilica templates facilitates the conformal surface sol–gel deposition of iron oxide that, upon controlled thermal treatment, is converted into a nanocrystalline (∼9.5 nm) magnetite (Fe3O4) coating. The specific adsorption of arsenic onto such magnetite‐coated frustules from flowing, arsenic‐bearing aqueous solutions is significantly higher than for commercial magnetite nanoparticles (≤50 nm in diameter).
The Quest for Nanoscale Magnets: The example of [Mn12] Single Molecule Magnets
Authors: Rogez Guillaume , Donnio Bertrand , Terazzi Emmanuel , Gallani Jean‐Louis , Kappler Jean‐Paul , Bucher Jean‐Pierre , Drillon Marc
Published: July 2009

Recent advances on the organization and characterization of [Mn12] single molecule magnets (SMMs) on a surface or in 3D are reviewed. By using nonconventional techniques such as X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), it is shown that [Mn12]‐based SMMs deposited on a surface lose their SMM behavior, even though the molecules seem to be structurally undamaged. A new approach is reported to get high‐density information‐storage devices, based on the 3D assembling of SMMs in a liquid crystalline phase. The 3D nanostructure exhibits the anisotropic character of the SMMs, thus opening the way to address micrometric volumes by two photon absorption using the pump‐probe technique. We present recent developments such as µ‐SQUID, magneto‐optical Kerr effect (MOKE), or magneto‐optical circular dichroism (MOCD), which enable the characterization of SMM nanostructures with exceptional sensitivity. Further, the spin‐polarized version of the STM under ultrahigh vacuum is shown to be the key tool for addressing not only single molecule magnets, but also magnetic nano‐objects.
Banning subtherapeutic antibiotics in U.S. swine production: a simulation of impacts on industry structure
Authors: Hogberg Michael G. , Raper Kellie Curry , Oehmke James F.
Published: July 2009

Recent discussions of a subtherapeutic antibiotic ban in U.S. livestock gives rise to much speculation regarding industry impacts. Swine producers are heterogeneous; thus, a ban on subtherapeutic antibiotics could affect producers of different sizes, cost structures, different production systems and management styles differently. The authors combine average cost data with physical production data to simulate the impact of a subtherapeutic antibiotics ban on high, middle, and low‐cost producers in different types of swine production operations. Their results suggest that although economies of scale would still be important, the ban would potentially limit or reduce economies of scale in the swine industry. [JEL Codes: L11, Q12, Q13]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Consumer preference for production‐derived quality: analyzing perceptions of premium chicken production methods
Authors: Innes Brian , Cranfield John
Published: July 2009

The authors assess consumer interest in a food product containing production‐derived attributes. They use the French Label Rouge system in the Ontario chicken market as an example of a producer‐controlled quality system. Conjoint analysis reveals a significant proportion of respondents value nonprice attributes; medication and housing had the highest importance scores, followed by price and brand ownership. Cluster analysis of the part‐worth utilities revealed three consumer segments: price conscious consumers; consumers focused on naturalness; and those focused on animal health. Segments do not appear to differ on the basis of socioeconomic and demographic profile of respondents. However, multiitem scales reflecting attitudes towards production systems vary significantly across segments. Price‐conscious respondents show agreement with use of medication and express concern over quality. Respondents in the naturalness segment express concern over quality, locality of production and impact of production methods on own health. Animal‐health‐conscious respondents show agreement with the use of medications, concern over quality, locality and impact of production methods on own health, but neutrality towards byproducts and traditional production methods. [EconLit citations: D120, Q130]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Monday effect in U.S. cotton prices
Authors: Keef Stephen P. , Zhu Hui
Published: July 2009

There is an extensive literature on the Monday effect with stock indices. It is regularly reported that the return on Monday is correlated with the return on the prior Friday. The bad Monday effect occurs when the return on the preceding Friday is negative. Cotton is an economically important commodity in the United States and around the world. This investigation into the daily price seasonality in the U.S. cotton market is based on spot prices from Memphis and futures prices from the New York Cotton Exchange. The regression methodologies employ adjustments to control for undesirable properties in the error terms. There are three main conclusions. First, the close‐to‐close changes in the futures price and in the spot price exhibit a negative Monday effect. Second, a negative bad Monday effect is observed on Mondays using close‐to‐close prices. The effect is present during the weekend nontrading period and continues into trading on Mondays. Third, the negative bad Monday effect does not appear to weaken in close‐to‐close prices and during the weekend over the period examined (1987–2003). However, there is weak evidence of a temporal decline during trading on Mondays. [EconLit Citations: G12, G14, Q14]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating the effectiveness of generic advertising versus nonadvertising marketing activities on New York State milk markets
Authors: Zheng Yuqing , Kaiser Harry M.
Published: July 2009

This study distinguishes nonadvertising marketing activities from generic advertising and investigates their separate impacts on the retail demand for fluid milk in New York State. Advertising, having an estimated elasticity (of demand) of 0.038 using panel data, is found to be about five times as effective as nonadvertising; therefore, it remains the more powerful marketing tool. Such results have policy implications in benefit‐cost analysis and optimal allocation of fluid‐milk check‐off funds. Our results suggest that NYS dairy producers have much to gain from investing more of their check‐off budgets in advertising. [EconLit citations: Q11, M37]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potato demand in an increasingly organic marketplace
Authors: Hsieh Ming‐Feng , Mitchell Paul D. , Stiegert Kyle W.
Published: July 2009

The authors investigate pricing and demand issues for four fresh potato categories (russet, red, white, and minor colored), organic fresh potatoes, and two processed potato categories (frozen/refrigerated and dehydrated) using a nonlinear generalized almost ideal demand system (GAIDS) that is closed under unit scaling (CUUS). The model used regionally aggregated at‐home consumption data from 2000 to 2005. Estimated uncompensated own price elasticities for fresh potatoes were highly significant and ranged between −0.5 and −1.6. The study was designed to capture the effects of the aggregate organic market on the prices, expenditures, and demand for each potato category. Organic food market penetration elasticities suggest that specialty potatoes (organic and minor‐colored) are particularly well positioned if demands for organic products continue to rise, red potatoes are not well positioned and evidence of the early warning signs of slippage in market share for white and russet potatoes may exist. Producers and promoters of conventional potato products should account for the increasingly important role of organic products in making decisions. As an auxiliary exercise, we also statistically sourced the variance of the organic potato price premium relative to the other four fresh potato prices. At the present time, the variability of the organic potato premium is not much affected by production costs or other supply‐related factors: the premium variability was driven largely by demand, and demographic/seasonal factors. Producers should be cautious about shifting to organic potato production until lower cost practices emerge. [JEL Codes: D120, Q130, Q180]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Consumer willingness to pay for locally grown products: the case of South Carolina
Authors: Carpio Carlos E. , Isengildina‐Massa Olga
Published: July 2009

A contingent valuation framework is used to evaluate South Carolina consumers' willingness to pay for the “locally grown” characteristic (defined here as South Carolina grown) in produce and animal products and to identify the sociodemographic characteristics affecting consumer preferences for this characteristic. Findings show that South Carolina consumers are willing to pay an average premium of 27% for local produce and 23% for local animal products. Premiums for local products are influenced by age, gender, and income as well as by perceived product quality, a desire to support the local economy, patronage of farmers markets, and consumer ties to agriculture. [JEL Categories: D12, Q13]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An analysis of transaction costs of Islamic banks in rural Iran
Authors: Hosseini S. Safdar , Khaledi Mohammed , Gray Richard
Published: July 2009

This study measures transaction costs of obtaining credit from Islamic banks. Data were collected from rural households in Iran. The factors affecting transaction costs and the probability of accessing Islamic financial markets are investigated. Similar to conventional financial institutions found in other developing countries, Iranian banks impose high transaction costs that limit poor rural household access to credit. The results reveal that the transaction costs of gaining credit are on average equivalent to an additional 13.8% annual interest cost. The contractual form, the size of credit, the borrower distance from a financial center, and the experience and education level of the borrower are important determinants of the transactions costs. [EconLit Citations: D230, R510, G210]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Charged soc metal‐organic framework for high‐efficacy H2 adsorption and syngas purification: Atomistic simulation study
Authors: Jiang Jianwen
Published: July 2009

H2 adsorption and syngas purification in charged soc metal‐organic framework are investigated using atomistic simulations. As experimentally observed, the extraframework NO3− ions are entrapped in carcerand‐like capsule with negligible mobility. At low pressure, H2 adsorption occurs concurrently at multiple sites near the exposed indium atoms and organic components. The capsule is accessible at high pressure through the surrounding channels by restricted windows. Adsorption sites identified are remarkably consistent with inelastic neutron scattering measurements. The isotherm and isosteric heat of H2 adsorption predicted match well with experimental data. As loading rises, the isosteric heat remains nearly constant, revealing the homogeneity of adsorption sites. CO2/H2 selectivity in syngas adsorption is up to 600 and substantially higher than other nanoporous materials. With a trace of H2O, the selectivity increases slightly at low pressure due to promoted adsorption of CO2 by H2O bound proximally to the exposed indium atoms, but decreases at high pressure as a consequence of competitive adsorption of H2O over CO2. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Estimation of an effective water diffusion coefficient during infrared‐convective drying of a polymer solution
Authors: Allanic N. , Salagnac P. , Glouannec P. , Guerrier B.
Published: July 2009

This article deals with the drying of an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol mixed with a plasticizer. A heating combining forced convection and short‐infrared radiation was investigated. A one‐dimensional model taking into account the shrinkage of the product was developed to get the temperature and moisture content evolutions during the drying. The water diffusion coefficient was estimated by an inverse method. A sensitivity analysis and numerical tests showed the relevance of using an objective function taking both mass and temperature measurements into account for the estimation procedure. This estimation was performed on several convective and infrared‐convective experimental drying kinetics. The model predictions fit well mass and temperature experimental data. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Nonfatal work‐related motor vehicle injuries treated in emergency departments in the United States, 1998–2002
Authors: Chen Guang X.
Published: July 2009

Background

Current data on nonfatal work‐related motor vehicle injuries are limited and fragmented, often excluding government workers, self‐employed workers, and workers on small farms. This study seeks to bridge the present data gap by providing a national profile of nonfatal work‐related motor vehicle injuries across all industries and occupations.

Methods

Study subjects were people who suffered nonfatal work‐related motor vehicle injuries and were treated in a hospital emergency department in the United States. Subjects were identified from a stratified probability sample of emergency departments. National estimates and rates were computed.

Results

From 1998 to 2002, the average annual rate of nonfatal work‐related motor vehicle injuries was 7 injuries per 10,000 full‐time equivalents. The rate was three times higher in men than in women. The rates were higher in workers 15–19 years of age and in workers 70 years or older. Justice, public order, and safety workers had the largest number of injuries, and taxicab service employees had the highest injury rate of all industries. Truck drivers had the largest number of injuries, and police and detectives, public service employees had the highest injury rate of all occupations.

Conclusion

Future efforts need to develop and enhance the use of surveillance information at the federal and state level for work‐related nonfatal motor vehicle injuries. Prevention efforts need to address occupational motor vehicle safety for both commercial truck/bus drivers and workers who are not commercial drivers but who drive light motor vehicles on the job. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:698–706, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The spectra of clinical phenotypes in aplasia cutis congenita and terminal transverse limb defects
Authors: Snape Katie M.G. , Ruddy Deborah , Zenker Martin , Wuyts Wim , Whiteford Margo , Johnson Diana , Lam Wayne , Trembath Richard C.
Published: July 2009

The combination of aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) and terminal transverse limb defects (TTLD) is often referred to as the eponymous Adams–Oliver syndrome (AOS). The molecular basis of this disorder remains unknown, although the common occurrence of cardiac and vascular anomalies suggests a primary defect of vasculogenesis. Through the description of three previously unreported affected individuals, ascertained through the Adams–Oliver Syndrome European Consortium, we illustrate the phenotypic variability characteristically observed within extended families with AOS. Taken in combination with a detailed review of the available literature, we provide evidence for distinct clinical entities within the ACC/TTLD spectrum, which may reflect genetic heterogeneity within this spectrum of disorders. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental anomalies with features of disorganization (Ds) and amniotic band sequence (ABS): A report of four cases
Authors: Purandare Smita M. , Ernst Linda , Medne Livija , Huff Dale , Zackai Elaine H.
Published: July 2009

Disorganization (Ds) is a mouse mutant in which heterozygotes manifest defects in various organ systems including cranioschisis, hamartomas, limb abnormalities, body wall defects, eye defects, and craniopharyngeal defects. We report four patients with developmental anomalies that are seen in amniotic band sequence (ABS) with additional anomalies that could not be explained by amniotic bands alone. The anomalies seen in our patients included facial malformation and clefting, brain anomalies (encephalocele, agenesis of the corpus callosum, holoprosencephaly), eye anomalies (anophthalmia, microphthalmia, and microcornea), and extremity and digit anomalies (talipes equinovarus, absent/hypoplastic phalanges, amputation of an extremity, syndactyly, polydactyly, and anomalous attachment of an extremity). Other systems involved include genitourinary anomalies (hydronephrosis and abnormal testes, epidydimis and seminal vesicles), and skin appendages similar to those seen in Ds mice. Presence of amniotic bands in addition to malformations not attributed to amniotic bands, were seen in three of four patients. The four patients in this report have involvement of at least four organ systems including the skin appendages that have been reported in the Ds mouse and have clinical findings that overlap the spectrum of Ds and ABS. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel de novo 27 bp duplication of the ARX gene, resulting from postzygotic mosaicism and leading to three severely affected males in two generations
Authors: Reish Orit , Fullston Tod , Regev Miriam , Heyman Eli , Gecz Jozef
Published: July 2009

The Aristaless Related Homeobox (ARX) gene is a Q50 paired homeobox gene. These genes are important regulators of essential events during vertebrate embryogenesis, including the development of the central and peripheral nervous system. Mutations in ARX have been identified in at least 82 different families and sporadic cases, and are responsible for at least 8 clinically distinct disorders. The recurrent 24 bp duplication (dup) mutation, c.429_452dup(24 bp), is the most frequent ARX mutation, which accounts for 45% of all cases reported to date. Here we report a novel de novo, familial dup mutation of 27 bp, c.430_456dup(27 bp), which involves the same region of the ARX gene in exon 2, as the dup24 bp mutation. The female progenitor of this dup27 bp allele exhibits mosaicism, likely resulting from a postmitotic de novo mutation event early in embryonic development. Three males with the dup27 bp mutation presented with infantile spasms, two of whom died early in life. Their phenotype appeared more severe, when compared to the spectrum of clinical presentations associated with the dup24 bp mutation. We propose that this might be at least partly due to the single, extra alanine residue (A) (21A in dup27 vs. 20A in dup24), which takes polyalanine tract 2 of ARX beyond the maximum, naturally occurring limit of 20A found in the human genome. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adams–Oliver syndrome: Additions to the clinical features and possible role of BMP pathway
Authors: Baskar Shankar , Kulkarni Muralidhar Laxmanrao , Kulkarni Akhil Muralidhar , Vittalrao Suhasini , Kulkarni Preethi Muralidhar
Published: July 2009

We report on a patient with Adams–Oliver syndrome, a condition characterized by scalp and limb defects. In addition we noted in our patient a significant delay in the bone age and an abnormal distal phalanx in one of her fingers manifesting clinically as a broad finger tip. Both these features hitherto unreported add to the phenotypic spectrum of the condition. The underlying etiopathogenesis of this condition has remained in the domain of hypothesis, with none being conclusive. Based on the characteristic features of AOS and our report of delayed bone age, we postulate a role played by the bone morphogenetic protein pathway in the causation of this enigmatic condition. In the background of this postulation and the report of an unusual hand anomaly, a literature review on the various pathogenetic mechanisms and anomalies of the hand reported in AOS is presented. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of donepezil for the treatment of young adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Kishnani Priya S. , Sommer Barbara R. , Handen Benjamin L. , Seltzer Benjamin , Capone George T. , Spiridigliozzi Gail A. , Heller James H. , Richardson Sharon , McRae Thomas
Published: July 2009

The objective of our study was to assess the efficacy and safety of donepezil in young adults with Down syndrome (DS) but no evidence of Alzheimer disease (AD). A 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study with a 12‐week, open‐label extension was conducted. The intervention consisted of donepezil (5–10 mg/day) in young adults (aged 18–35 years) with DS, but no AD. The primary measure was the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB) test and secondary measures were the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS), the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test for Children, and the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, Third Edition. At baseline, 123 subjects were randomly assigned treatment with donepezil or placebo. During the double‐blind phase, SIB scores improved significantly from baseline in both groups, with no significant between‐group differences. During the open‐label phase, SIB scores in the original donepezil group remained stable; the original placebo group showed an improvement similar to that seen in the double‐blind phase. VABS scores improved for donepezil, but not placebo, during the double‐blind phase (observed cases, P = 0.03; last observation carried forward, P = 0.07). Post hoc responder analyses were significant for donepezil using three of five response definitions (P ≤ 0.045). Adverse event rates were comparable to AD studies. In this first large‐scale, multicenter trial of a pharmacological agent for DS, donepezil appears safe. Efficacy interpretation was limited for the primary measure due to apparent learning/practice and ceiling effects. Outcomes in post hoc analyses suggested efficacy in some, but not all subjects, consistent with phenotypic variability of DS. Additional studies are required to confirm potential benefits of donepezil in this population. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A large X‐chromosomal deletion is associated with microphthalmia with linear skin defects (MLS) and amelogenesis imperfecta (XAI)
Authors: Hobson Grace M. , Gibson Carolyn W. , Aragon Melissa , Yuan Zhi‐an , Davis‐Williams Angelique , Banser Linda , Kirkham Jennifer , Brook Alan H.
Published: July 2009

A female patient is described with clinical symptoms of both microphthalmia with linear skin defects (MLS or MIDAS) and dental enamel defects, having an appearance compatible with X‐linked amelogenesis imperfecta (XAI). Genomic DNA was purified from the patient's blood and semiquantitative multiplex PCR revealed a deletion encompassing the amelogenin gene (AMELX). Because MLS is also localized to Xp22, genomic DNA was subjected to array comparative genomic hybridization, and a large heterozygous deletion was identified. Histopathology of one primary and one permanent molar tooth showed abnormalities in the dental enamel layer, and a third tooth had unusually high microhardness measurements, possibly due to its ultrastructural anomalies as seen by scanning electron microscopy. This is the first report of a patient with both of these rare conditions, and the first description of the phenotype resulting from a deletion encompassing the entire AMELX gene. More than 50 additional genes were monosomic in this patient. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Jumping translocation in a phenotypically normal male: A study of mosaicism in spermatozoa, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts
Authors: Iwarsson Erik , Sahlén Sigrid , Nordgren Ann
Published: July 2009

Both Robertsonian translocations, rob(13;13) and rob(13;15), (in the present case defined as dic(13;15)), are rare chromosomal rearrangements and there is scarce information regarding their behavior during meiosis. In this report we describe a man with mosaicism for two cell lines, each cell line containing a different de novo Robertsonian translocation with the common breakpoint in the centromeric region on chromosome 13. The karyotype was finally defined as: 45,XY,rob(13;13)(q10;q10)[29]/45,XY,dic(13;15)(p11.2;p12)[22], a phenomenon referred to as jumping translocation. The relative occurrence of the two clones in lymphocytes and fibroblasts as well as the meiotic segregation in spermatozoa and the mechanism of formation were studied using karyotype analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and quantitative fluorescence‐PCR. Karyotype analysis of cultured lymphocytes revealed 57% rob(13;13) cells and 43% dic(13;15) cells and for cultured skin fibroblasts the figures were almost identical (56% and 44%, respectively). FISH analysis showed 55% balanced nuclei for unselected spermatozoa and after swim‐up selection the number of balanced spermatozoa decreased to 41%. In addition, 16% of the unselected spermatozoa and 27% of the spermatozoa after swim‐up selection carried an additional chromosome 13, indicating a high risk for a trisomy 13 offspring. Swim‐up selection did not increase the number of balanced spermatozoa. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tidal interaction in High‐Mass X‐ray Binaries
Authors: Stoyanov K.A. , Zamanov R.K.
Published: July 2009

Our aim is to investigate tidal interaction in High‐Mass X‐ray Binary stars in order to determine in which objects the rotation of the mass donors is synchronized or pseudosynchronized with the orbital motion of the compact companion. We calculate the pseudosynchronization period (Pps) and compare it with the rotational period of the mass donors (Prot). We find that (1) the Be/X‐ray binaries are not synchronized, the mass donors rotate faster than the orbital period and the ratio Pps/Prot is 2–300; (2) the giant and supergiant systems are close to synchronization and for them the ratio Pps/Prot is 0.3–2 (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cosmic‐ray rejection for single spectroscopic CCD images by means of template matching
Authors: Wang C. , Zhu Z.Q. , Ye Z.F.
Published: July 2009

This article describes a novel algorithm for cosmic‐ray rejection in single spectroscopic CCD images. This algorithm is based on a variation of template matching. It focuses on identifying those pixels belong to spectra, while other conventional algorithms tried to locate the cosmic‐ray hits directly. The main principle is applying template matching to find suspicious blocks, which is followed by surface patching to locate the legitimate pixels accurately. Therefore, the rest pixels are the ones corrupted by cosmic‐ray hits. Meanwhile, almost all the parameters are automatically extracted from the images. Examples of its performance are given for both simulated and observed images. It shows an advantage of significantly low false alarm rate with relatively high detection rate (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multiverses of the past
Authors: Trimble V.
Published: July 2009

More than 2000 years ago, Epicurus taught that there are an infinite number of other worlds, both like and unlike ours, and Aristotle taught that there are none. Neither hypothesis can currently be falsified, and some versions of current multiverses perhaps never can be, which has contributed to occasional claims that “this isn't science!” (a common complaint about cosmology for centuries). Define “cosmos”, or “world”, or “universe” to mean the largest structure of which you and the majority of knowledgeable contemporaries will admit to being a part. This begins with the small, earth‐centered worlds of ancient Egyptian paintings, Greek mythology, and Genesis, which a god could circumnavigate in a day and humans in a generation. These tend to expand and become helio‐rather than geo‐centric (not quite monotonically in time) and are succeeded by various assemblages of sun‐like stars with planets of their own. Finite vs. infinite assemblages are debated and then the issue of whether the Milky Way is unique (so that “island universes” made sense, even if you were against the idea) for a couple of centuries. Today one thinks as a rule of the entire 4‐dimensional space‐time we might in principle communicate with and all its contents. Beyond are the modern multi‐verses, sequential (cyclic or oscillating), hierarchical, or non‐communicating entities in more than four dimensions. Each of these has older analogues, and, in every milieu where the ideas have been discussed, there have been firm supporters and firm opponents, some of whose ideas are explored here. Because astronomical observations have firmly settled some earlier disputes in favor of very many galaxies and very many stars with planets, “other worlds” can now refer only to other planets like Earth or to other universes. The focus is on the latter (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Complexity in small‐scale dwarf spheroidal galaxies – Ludwig Biermann Award Lecture 2008
Authors: Koch A.
Published: July 2009

Our knowledge about the dynamics, the chemical abundances and the evolutionary histories of the more luminous dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxies is constantly growing. However, very little is known about the enrichment of the ultra‐faint systems recently discovered in large numbers in large sky surveys. Current low‐resolution spectroscopy and photometric data indicate that these galaxies are highly dark matter dominated and predominantly metal poor. On the other hand, recent high‐resolution abundance analyses indicate that some dwarf galaxies experienced highly inhomogeneous chemical enrichment, where star formation proceeds locally on small scales. In this article, I will review the kinematic and chemical abundance information of the Milky Way satellite dSphs that is presently available from low‐ and high resolution spectroscopy. Moreover, some of the most peculiar element and inhomogeneous enrichment patterns will be discussed and related to the question of to what extent the faintest dSph candidates could have contributed to the Galactic halo, compared to more luminous systems (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
New classification and basic stellar parameters of SU Equulei
Authors: Behre O. , Hempelmann A.
Published: July 2009

The variable star SU Equulei was classified as a close binary with an eclipse light curve previously categorized as WUMa type. The aim of this paper is a review of this old classification on the basis of new observations and a new determination of variable star ephemeris as well as the determination of SU Equ spectral type and distance. New photometric observations in different colours allow a precise determination of the period of variability and yield more accurate light curves allowing a re‐classification of the type of variability. We find the best period of variability to be half the old value. The shape of the light curve is inconsistent with an eclipse curve but consistent with an RR Lyrae type c classification. From the B, V, and R colours we deduce a new spectral classification. SU Equulei is an RRc Lyrae type variable of spectral class A8 at a distance of ≈12.4 kpc instead of a late‐type eclipsing binary (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
No effects of mobile phone electromagnetic field on auditory brainstem response
Authors: Kwon Myoung‐Soo , Jääskeläinen Satu K. , Toivo Tim , Hämäläinen Heikki
Published: July 2009

The present study investigated the possible effects of the electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by an ordinary GSM mobile phone (902.4 MHz pulsed at 217 Hz) on brainstem auditory processing. Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were recorded in 17 healthy young adults, without a mobile phone at baseline, and then with a mobile phone on the ear under EMF‐off and EMF‐on conditions. The amplitudes, latencies, and interwave intervals of the main ABR components (waves I, III, V) were compared among the three conditions. ABR waveforms showed no significant differences due to exposure, suggesting that short‐term exposure to mobile phone EMF did not affect the transmission of sensory stimuli from the cochlea up to the midbrain along the auditory nerve and brainstem auditory pathways. Bioelectromagnetics 31:48–55, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lipase production and Penicillium simplicissimum morphology in solid‐state and submerged fermentations
Authors: Gutarra Melissa Limoeiro Estrada , de Godoy Mateus Gomes , Silva Jaqueline do Nascimento , Guedes Iamê Alves , Lins Ulysses , Castilho Leda dos Reis , Freire Denise Maria Guimarães
Published: July 2009

A comparative study of Penicillium simplicissimum morphology and lipase production was performed using solid‐state (SSF) and submerged (SmF) fermentation. SSF was carried out on babassu cake as culture medium and SmF on a semi‐synthetic medium and a medium based on suspended babassu cake grains. Yield of product on biomass, specific activity and conidia production were 3.3‐, 1.3‐ and 2‐fold higher in SSF. In SmF, the type of fungus growth differed according to the medium. Using the semi‐synthetic medium, the fungus formed densely interwoven mycelial masses without conidia production, whereas using the babassu‐based medium the fungus formed free mycelia and adhered to the surfaces of the grains, producing conidia. The results show that babassu cake induces conidiation in SmF. In SSF, the fungus not only grew on the surface of the grains, producing conidia abundantly, but also effectively colonized and penetrated the babassu particles. The high conidia production and lipase productivity in SSF may be related to the low availability of nutrients or to other stimuli associated with this type of fermentation. Thus, the high production of the thermostable P. simplicissimum lipase, using a non‐supplemented, low‐cost agro‐industrial residue as the culture medium, demonstrates the biotechnological potential of SSF for the production of industrial enzymes.
Microarray Studies in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Kocabaş Pınar , Çalık Pınar , Çalık Güzide , Özdamar Tunçer H.
Published: July 2009

This review focuses on the construction of a global, comprehensive understanding of Bacillus subtilis through microarray studies. The microarray studies in B. subtilis were analysed based on the theme of the work, by mentioning the growth media, bioreactor operation conditions, RNA isolation method, number of data points analysed in exponential or stationary phases, compared genotypes, induction and repression ratios, investigated gene(s) and their positive and/or negative influences. Based on the theme and scope of the studies, the articles were reviewed under seven thematic sections, i.e., effects of gene deletion(s) or overexpression, effects of overexression of heterologous genes, comparison of global gene expression between aerobic and anaerobic respiration, effects of temperature change, effects of transported molecules, effects of limitations and stress conditions, and other microarray studies in B. subtilis.
Biotechnology in Turkey: An overview
Authors: Özdamar Tunçer H.
Published: July 2009

The term biotechnology first appeared in the programs of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) in 1982. The State Planning Organization (SPO) in 1988 defined biotechnology and the scientific fields. Moreover, it put forward an institutional framework and suggested priority areas for research and development. Turkey has been researching and investing in biotechnology for almost four decades. This review covers the development of science and technology policy with its history, consensus and consequences, bio‐industries in Turkey, and research activities in biotechnology at Turkish Universities. Details are provided by the research groups in response to a common request for information on their activities and major publications in the field. The information provided has been grouped under thematic topics within the broad theme of biotechnology, and summarized within these topics. Although many aspects of biotechnological research are being pursued in Turkey, it appears that the most common research activities of the field are in fermentation processes, environmental biotechnology, and biomedical engineering.