bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ozone paradox: Ozone is a strong oxidant as well as a medical drug
Authors: Bocci Velio , Borrelli Emma , Travagli, Valter , Zanardi Iacopo
Published: March 2009

After five decades characterized by empiricism and several pitfalls, some of the basic mechanisms of action of ozone in pulmonary toxicology and in medicine have been clarified. The present knowledge allows to understand the prolonged inhalation of ozone can be very deleterious first for the lungs and successively for the whole organism. On the other hand, a small ozone dose well calibrated against the potent antioxidant capacity of blood can trigger several useful biochemical mechanisms and reactivate the antioxidant system. In detail, firstly ex vivo and second during the infusion of ozonated blood into the donor, the ozone therapy approach involves blood cells and the endothelium, which by transferring the ozone messengers to billions of cells will generate a therapeutic effect. Thus, in spite of a common prejudice, single ozone doses can be therapeutically used in selected human diseases without any toxicity or side effects. Moreover, the versatility and amplitude of beneficial effect of ozone applications have become evident in orthopedics, cutaneous, and mucosal infections as well as in dentistry. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev
Another ten stories in antiviral drug discovery (part C): “Old” and “new” antivirals, strategies, and perspectives
Authors: De Clercq Erik
Published: March 2009

The ten stories told here deal with (i) ribavirin as an inhibitor of IMP dehydrogenase and (ii) ribavirin, in combination with pegylated interferon, as the present “standard of care” for hepatitis C; (iii)S‐adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibitors as antiviral agents; (iv) new adamantadine derivatives for the treatment of influenza A virus infections; (v) 5‐substituted 2′‐deoxyuridines (i.e. IDU, TFT) for the treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections; (vi) acyclic guanosine analogues (e.g. acyclovir) for the treatment of HSV infections; (vii) OMP decarboxylase inhibitors (i.e. pyrazofurin) and CTP synthetase inhibitors (i.e. cyclopentenylcytosine) as possible antiviral agents; (viii) the future of cidofovir (and alkoxyalkyl esters thereof) and ST‐246 as potential antipoxvirus agents; (ix) the two decade journey from tivirapine to rilpivirine in the ultimate therapy of HIV infections; and (x) the extension of the therapeutic application of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread®) to the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection, in addition to HIV infection. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev
A novel method to prepare temperature/pH‐sensitive poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) hydrogels with rapid swelling/deswelling behaviors
Authors: Liu Hongliang , Liu Mingzhu , Huang Jing , Ma Liwei , Chen Jun
Published: March 2009

Fast responsive temperature‐ and pH‐sensitive hydrogels of poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (P(DEA‐co‐AA)) have been synthesized successfully by a two‐step procedure, in which the initial polymerization was conducted at constant temperature for 15 min, followed by further polymerization at −30°C for 12 hr. Swelling studies showed that hydrogels thus prepared had almost the same temperature and pH sensitivity compared with the conventional ones (polymerized at 24°C for 12 hr). However, hydrogels thus prepared had faster swelling/deswelling rates in distilled water than the conventional ones, and their deswelling rates in low pH buffer solutions were also faster than the conventional ones. These improved properties were attributed to the porous network structure, which was confirmed by the results of scanning electron microscopy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cerebral sinus thrombosis in a child with active ulcerative colitis and factor V Leiden
Authors: Robison Nathan J. , Dawlabani Nickolas , Lastra Carlos R. , Dhall Girish
Published: March 2009

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a rare cause of cerebral sinus thrombosis. We describe a 10‐year‐old patient with UC who developed cerebral sinus thrombosis during an acute exacerbation of his colitis and was found to be heterozygous for factor V Leiden. He was successfully treated with enoxaparin. Enoxaparin was then used for prophylaxis during acute exacerbations of his UC without any recurrence/progression of cerebral venous thrombosis. This report describes a cerebral thrombotic event in a child with UC and factor V Leiden. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:867–869. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of CpG island hypermethylation of caspase‐8 in neuroblastoma using an oligonucleotide array
Authors: Kamimatsuse Arata , Matsuura Kaoru , Moriya Shogo , Fukuba Ikuko , Yamaoka Hiroaki , Fukuda Emi , Kamei Naomi , Hiyama Keiko , Sueda Taijiro , Hiyama Eiso
Published: March 2009

Background

The caspase‐8 gene (CASP8) is frequently inactivated in unfavorable neuroblastomas through DNA methylation. The present study utilized oligoarrays to evaluate the methylation status of a CpG island located between exons 2 and 3 of caspase 8 in neuroblastomas.

Procedure

DNA derived from 70 neuroblastomas was amplified by PCR after bisulfate modification and subjected to analysis on a self‐made oligoarray that utilized a polycarbodiimide‐coated slide to detect methylation of six intragenic CpG islands of caspase 8. In 30 cases, the methylation status was also analyzed by sequencing. In six cases, the PCR product was cloned into a vector and analyzed.

Results

Among the 70 tumor‐derived DNAs, methylation was not detected in 18 cases, one methylated CpG was found in 12 cases, two in 18 cases, three in 3 cases, four in 8 cases, five in 1 case and six in 10 cases. All methylated CpG loci detected by sequencing were detected by oligoarray, but some methylated CpGs in three loci were detected by oligoarray alone. In these discrepant loci, methylation was detected in some clones after subcloning, indicating that the oligoarray might be more sensitive than sequencing. The CASP8 expression level was depressed in the tumors having two distinct CpG doublets. These results were significantly correlated with MYCN amplification and with clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

A significant difference in the methylation status within the CpG island of CASP8 was shown between favorable and unfavorable subtypes, and CASP8 methylation detected by oligoarray may be useful in the clinical evaluation of neuroblastomas. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:777–783. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of transient hyperglycemia during induction chemotherapy for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Lowas Stefanie R. , Marks Daniel , Malempati Suman
Published: March 2009

Background

Transient hyperglycemia (TH) is a recognized side effect of the corticosteroids and asparaginase given during induction chemotherapy for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Information is needed about how TH has been impacted by changes in ALL therapy. This study examined the prevalence of TH in a cohort of pediatric ALL patients and the impact on TH of type of steroid or asparaginase used and of risk factors such as age, gender, and overweight.

Methods

Retrospective record review of patients aged 2–18 years diagnosed with ALL in 1999–2006. TH was defined as ≥2 random glucose values ≥200 mg/dl. Overall prevalence of TH was calculated. Risk factors were evaluated using Chi‐square analysis and logistic regression.

Results

One hundred sixty‐two subjects (70 female) were reviewed, 33 (20.4%) of whom had TH. 42.2% of subjects over age 10 years had TH, compared to 12.0% of younger children (P < 0.001). No gender difference was found. Overweight (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) and at risk for overweight (BMI ≥ 85th percentile) were significant risk factors for TH (P = 0.007 and P = 0.003, respectively). Native L‐asparaginase was associated with increased TH compared to PEG‐asparaginase (P = 0.047). There was a non‐significant trend toward more TH in patients who received prednisone, but this disappeared in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

The prevalence of TH in this study was higher than previously reported. Overweight, age ≥10 years, and use of native L‐asparaginase were significant predictors of TH. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:814–818. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Applicability of published data for fatigue‐limited design
Authors: Leary Martin , Burvill Colin
Published: March 2009

The use of published fatigue data provides an expedient basis for fatigue‐limited engineering design by alleviating the necessity of explicit testing. However, published fatigue data often exhibits incomplete documentation of the associated test conditions. Incomplete documentation introduces uncertainties in fatigue life prediction that may limit the applicability of the published fatigue data for design applications. Characterization of the applicability of published fatigue data is critical for robust fatigue‐limited design. However, no quantitative methods have been identified which respond to this requirement. A novel method has been developed to provide a systematic characterization of the applicability of published fatigue data based on internationally recognized standards. This method provides a conceptual mechanism to:

identify the applicability of published fatigue test data for specific design scenarios—thereby informing engineers of potential limitations of published data and allowing prioritization of multiple data sources;

identify material domains of insufficient applicability—thereby providing a robust basis for identifying beneficial fatigue test programs;

compromise between design complexity and the uncertainties inherent in fatigue life prediction;

define a framework for the appropriate documentation of published fatigue data.

A sample of published fatigue data sources associated with a specific fatigue‐limited safety–critical design scenario was assessed by the method presented in this paper. For the majority of the sampled references, the associated documentation was insufficient to allow the fatigue test data to be confidently applied to the subsequent design activity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecological modernization as a paradigm of corporate sustainability
Authors: Pataki György
Published: March 2009

Ecological modernization as a social theory is gaining more and more attention in environmental social science in general and environmental management studies in particular. Ecological modernization carries a positive message of the current institutional order being able to accommodate the challenge of ecological sustainability. This paper, by applying a critical organization studies perspective, highlights some of the theoretical shortcomings of the theory of ecological modernization assessed at the micro level of business firms. A case study of a Hungarian chemical firm is presented in order to point to the practical limits of ecological modernization as an uncontested, conflict‐free way towards sustainability. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Making actors, paradigms and ideologies visible in governance for sustainability
Authors: Söderbaum Peter
Published: March 2009

Research and teaching activities in economics and business management are specific not only in scientific terms but also in ideological terms. This political aspect has to be discussed openly. As an example, our interpretations of sustainable development (SD) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are closely related to our ideological orientations.

In considering more radical changes towards SD, the three levels of theory of science, paradigms in economics and ideological orientation have to be involved. Positivism, neoclassical economics and neo‐liberalism support the present institutional framework and globalization trend. Alternative perspectives at all three levels may open the door for a different set of institutions.

While all these perspectives are essential, paradigms in economics appear to play a central role. Alternatives to economic man, profit‐maximizing firms and markets understood in terms of supply and demand are proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Form or substance: the role of business plans in venture capital decision making
Authors: Kirsch David , Goldfarb Brent , Gera Azi
Published: March 2009

We explore a well‐known instance of fast decision making under high uncertainty, venture capital (VC) opportunity screening. We analyze a sample of 722 funding requests submitted to an American VC firm and evaluate the influence of the form of the submission and content of business planning documents on VC funding decisions. We improve on prior literature by a) using a large sample of known representativeness, b) relating request characteristics to actual VC decisions, and c) developing an inferential logic that takes account of the multiple sources of information to which VCs have access. We find that the presence of planning documents and some information contained therein are weakly associated with VC funding decisions. Based on our inferential strategy, we find that this information is learned independently of its inclusion in the business planning documents. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing knowledge in foreign entry strategies: a resource‐based analysis
Authors: Meyer Klaus E. , Wright Mike , Pruthi Sarika
Published: March 2009

International strategies vary in their potential to exploit and augment a firm's resources, especially its knowledge base. Resource‐based analysis suggests clustering the diverse entry modes in terms of their exploitation and augmentation characteristics. We thus introduce a new categorization of entry modes based on their potential to augment the resources of an entrant. We then explore the antecedents of these modes, and advance testable propositions delimiting for which firms and in which circumstances each mode maximizes long‐term value creation. Finally, we outline how our resource‐based framework complements transaction‐cost‐based frameworks. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro Toxicity Testing of Nanoparticles in 3D Cell Culture
Authors: Lee Jungwoo , Lilly G. Daniel , Doty R. Christopher , Podsiadlo Paul , Kotov Nicholas A.
Published: March 2009

Common 2D cell cultures do not adequately represent the functions of 3D tissues that have extensive cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, as well as markedly different diffusion/transport conditions. Hence, testing cytotoxicity in 2D cultures may not accurately reflect the actual toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) and other nanostructures in the body. To obtain more adequate and detailed information about NP–tissue interactions, we here introduce a 3D‐spheroid‐culture‐based NP toxicology testing system. Hydrogel inverted colloidal crystal (ICC) scaffolds are used to create a physiologically relevant and standardized 3D liver tissue spheroid model for in vitro assay application. Toxicity of CdTe and Au NPs are tested in both 2D and 3D spheroid cultures. The results reveal that NP toxic effects are significantly reduced in the spheroid culture when compared to the 2D culture data. Tissue‐like morphology and phenotypic change are identified to be the major factors in diminishing toxicity. Acting as an intermediate stage bridging in vitro 2D and in vivo, our in vitro 3D cell‐culture model would extend current cellular level cytotoxicity to the tissue level, thereby improving the predictive power of in vitro NP toxicology.
Gemeinsame Grundlagen von Methode 1 (wirksame Breiten) und Methode 2 (Beulspannungsbegrenzung) beim Plattenbeulnachweis nach Eurocode 3 – Teil 1‐5
Authors: Naumes Johannes , Feldmann Markus , Sedlacek Gerhard
Published: March 2009

Es wird gezeigt, dass die beiden Methoden für den Plattenbeulnachweis im Eurocode 3 – Teil 1‐5, nämlich die Methode 1 mit wirksamen Breiten und die Methode 2 mit Spannungsbegrenzungen, eine gemeinsame Grundlagen haben.

Diese Grundlage besteht in dem Modell bilinearer Spannungs‐Stauchungslinien mit “plastischen” Plateaus in Höhe der Beulspannungsbegrenzungen für jedes Beulfeld, die ähnlich wie bei der plastischen Bemessung von Hybridträgern über den Gesamtquerschnitt integriert die Gesamtquerschnittstragfähigkeit ergeben.

Die Mobilisierung der höheren Tragfähigkeit von Beulfeldern über das Niveau des schwächsten Beulfeldes hinaus bedeutet auch, dass sich die Spannungsfelder Ed (σx, τ) in den schwächeren Beulfeldern, die ursprünglich elastisch gerechnet wurden, ändern müssen. Diese nderung wird berücksichtigt, indem der höhere Durchfluss von Schubspannungen durch eine Abnahme der Längsspannungen längs der Beulspannungsinteraktion ausgeglichen wird. Dieses Modell begründet auch die Querschnittsinteraktion beim Beulnachweis.

Die Ausnutzbarkeit unterschiedlicher Tragfähigkeitsniveaus bei der Methode 2 macht es möglich, diese Methode sowohl für Gebrauchstauglichkeitsnachweise (ohne Inanspruchnahme der Plateaueigenschaften) als auch für Tragfähigkeitsnachweise (mit Inanspruchnahme der Plateaueigenschaften) einzusetzen.

Die Methode 2 mit Inanspruchnahme von Plateaueigenschaften kann auch auf ausgesteifte Beulfelder erweitert werden. Obwohl dafür noch keine normative Regelung existiert, können Nachrechnungen von Beulfeldern verschiedener Brücken unter Berücksichtigung verschiedener Fließkurven zur Erfassung der zulässigen Größe der Fließzonen zeigen, dass die bisherige Konstruktionspraxis nach DASt‐Ri 012 durch die Methode 2 mit und ohne Berücksichtigung der Plateaueigenschaften gut wiedergegeben wird.
Numerische Analyse geschweißter Verbindungen von Duplexstahl und Quarzglas
Authors: Werner Frank , Göbel Michael , Hildebrand Jörg
Published: March 2009

Schweißverbindungen sind ein wesentliches Element im konstruktiven Ingenieurwesen. Ausgehend von der Verbindung aus gebräuchlichen Baustählen ermöglicht die Weiterentwicklung der Schweißtechnologie auch Verbindungen aus modernen hochfesten Stählen und Glaswerkstoffen. Eine Untersuchung der Schweißverbindungen hinsichtlich der Trageigenschaften kann sowohl experimentell als auch numerisch mit den heutzutage verfügbaren Methoden erfolgen. Insbesondere bei der numerischen Analyse ist die Erfassung der nichtlinearen thermischen und mechanischen Eigenschaften der Werkstoffe wichtig, um eine realitätsnahe Bestimmung von Temperatur, Gefüge und Eigenspannung bei unterschiedlichen Verbindungsarten zu ermöglichen.

Die Simulation einer mehrlagigen Schweißverbindung von Duplex‐Stahl zeigt, dass eine gezielte Wärmeführung beim MAG‐Schweißen durch Variation der Schweißparameter ein günstiges Verhältnis zwischen Ferrit und Austenit erreicht werden kann, um beispielsweise eine gute Korrosionsbeständigkeit auch in der Schweißnaht zu gewährleisten.

Der Werkstoff Quarzglas lässt sich mittels CO2‐Laser im Allgemeinen als Stumpfnaht schweißen. Bei den Simulationen der Schweißverbindungen einer Platte und eines Rohres werden deutlich, dass eine Optimierung der Schweißtechnologie von Vorwärm‐ und Schweißlaserstrahl notwendig ist, um die thermische Belastung während des Schweißprozesses und Eigenspannungen in der Verbindung zu reduzieren. An der Professur Stahlbau der Bauhaus‐Universität Weimar sind numerische Simulationen von Schweißverbindungen aus Stahl‐ und Glaswerkstoffen ein aktueller Forschungsschwerpunkt.
Gestalten von Eisenbahnbrücken
Authors: Marx Steffen , Schlaich Jörg
Published: March 2009

Eisenbahnbrücken sind bezüglich ihrer Anforderungen an die Tragfähigkeit, Dauerhaftigkeit und Gebrauchstauglichkeit wahrhaft Hochleistungstragwerke. Diese Bedingungen, gepaart mit zusätzlichen Besonderheiten hinsichtlich der Bautechnologie und der Erneuerbarkeit unter dem rollenden Verkehr haben in den letzten Jahrzehnten dazu geführt, dass die angemessene Gestaltung der Brücken sehr stark in den Hintergrund geraten ist. Dabei prägen gerade die Brückenbauwerke in ganz besonderem Maße die Baukultur in unserem Land, weil sie von so vielen Menschen täglich benutzt und selbstverständlich wahrgenommen werden.

Höchste Zeit also, den Fokus auf eine gute Gestaltung der Eisenbahnbrücken zu legen und deren Integration in ihre Umgebung signifikant zu verbessern. Dass dabei die Funktionalität, Dauerhaftigkeit und sogar die Kostenseite nicht negativ beeinflusst werden, ist ein wesentliches Ziel des vor zwei Jahren gegründeten Brückenbeirats der DB AG.
Bewertung einer alten genieteten Stahlbrücke – Die Bösebrücke in Berlin
Authors: Klähne Thomas
Published: March 2009

Es wird über die statische Nachrechnung der 1912 bis 1916 errichteten Bösebrücke in Berlin berichtet. Es handelt sich um eine dreifeldrige Fachwerkbogenbrücke mit der Besonderheit eines verwendeten Nickelstahls im Mittelfeld. Für Haupttragwerk, Fachwerkknoten und Fahrbahnplatte wurden verschiedene Modelle abgebildet, die Nachweisführung erfolgte mit dem semiprobabilistischen Konzept. Im Ergebnis konnte das Bauwerk in die Brückenklasse 30‐30 nach DIN 1072 eingeordnet werden. Abschließend wird die Ermittlung der Restlebensdauer auf der Grundlage des Wöhler linienkonzeptes dargestellt.
Leukocyte perturbation associated with Fabry disease
Authors: Rozenfeld P. , Agriello E. , De Francesco N. , Martinez P. , Fossati C.
Published: March 2009

Fabry disease is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder of glycosphingolipid catabolism due to the deficient activity of the enzyme alpha‐galactosidase A. The non‐degraded substrate, mainly globotriaosylceramide (Galα1‐4Galβ1‐4Glcβ1‐1Cer; Gb3) accumulates progressively in the lysosome of various cells. The aim of this work was to analyse changes in leukocyte subpopulations and surface markers and to determine whether Gb3 is increased in leukocytes of patients with untreated and treated Fabry disease. Blood samples obtained from 22 male Fabry patients (11 untreated and 11 on enzyme replacement therapy) and 22 normal controls were subjected to flow cytometric analysis of Gb3 intracellular content, leukocyte subpopulations and cell markers. Based on the fluorescence intensity of bound monoclonal antibody, and relative to normal control leukocytes, Gb3 appeared significantly increased in lymphocytes (but not in monocytes or granulocytes) from patients with Fabry disease. A significantly higher percentage of lymphocytes and CD19+ cells and a reduced proportion of monocytes, CD8+ cells and myeloid dendritic cells were detected in samples from Fabry patients compared with normal controls. CD1d expression was significantly lower and MHC class II surface expression was significantly higher in monocytes from Fabry patients than in normal controls. As previously observed for other adhesion molecules, the expression of CD31 (PECAM) was higher in leukocytes from Fabry patients. In conclusion, the differences recorded in this study reveal a leukocyte perturbation associated with the disease state in Fabry patients, whereas some abnormalities are less marked in treated patients.
Pancreatic Cancer Surveillance Among High‐Risk Populations: Knowledge and Intent
Authors: Lewis Zoe K. , Frost Caren J. , Venne Vickie L.
Published: March 2009

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cancer in both men and women in the United States. It has the lowest survival rate of all cancers, largely due to the presence of non‐specific symptoms, leading to diagnosis at advanced stages. While the majority of cases of pancreatic cancer are sporadic, up to 10% may be associated with an inherited predisposition. Currently, there is no standard screening protocol for pancreatic cancer, although this will change in the future as technology improves. Additionally, there is little information regarding the perceptions and intent to screen for pancreatic cancer among those with an increased risk due to a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome, which was the objective of this study. Focus groups and individual telephone interviews were conducted, with questions focused on knowledge about pancreatic cancer and screening, perceived motivators, and perceived barriers related to each of the screening techniques currently available. Participants were recruited from the High Risk Breast Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer Registries at Huntsman Cancer Institute. The findings of this study indicated that individuals from these high‐risk groups have low knowledge levels of pancreatic cancer screening, despite their desire for this information. Motivation to undergo a particular screening technique is related to whether the test is recommended by a physician, cost, degree of invasiveness, and comfort level. This information is useful to genetics professionals who counsel at‐risk individuals, physicians who formulate patient care plans, and translational researchers who are developing pancreatic screening methods.
Synthesis, Optical Properties, and Photocatalytic Activity of One-Dimensional CdS@ZnS Core-Shell Nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Le , Wei Hongwei , Fan Yingju , Liu Xinzheng , Zhan Jinhua
Published: March 2009

One-dimensional (1D) CdS@ZnS core-shell nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via a two-step solvothermal method. Preformed CdS nanowires with a diameter of ca. 45 nm and a length up to several tens of micrometers were coated with a layer of ZnS shell by the reaction of zinc acetate and thiourea at 180 °C for 10 h. It was found that uniform ZnS shell was composed of ZnS nanoparticles with a diameter of ca. 4 nm, which anchored on the nanowires without any surface pretreatment. The 1D CdS@ZnS core-shell nanocomposites were confirmed by XRD, SEM, TEM, HR-TEM, ED, and EDS techniques. The optical properties and photocatalytic activities of the 1D CdS@ZnS core-shell nanocomposites towards methylene blue (MB) and 4-chlorophenol (4CP) under visible light (λ > 420 nm) were separately investigated. The results show that the ZnS shell can effectively passivate the surface electronic states of the CdS cores, which accounts for the enhanced photocatalytic activities of the 1D CdS@ZnS core-shell nanocomposites compared to that of the uncoated CdS nanowires.
Visuospatial working memory in children and adolescents with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome; an fMRI study
Authors: Azuma Rayna , Daly Eileen M. , Campbell Linda E. , Stevens Angela F. , Deeley Quinton , Giampietro Vincent , Brammer Michael J. , Glaser Beate , Ambery Fiona Z. , Morris Robin G. , Williams Steven C. R. , Owen Michael J. , Murphy Declan G. M. , Murphy Kieran C.
Published: March 2009

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a genetic disorder associated with a microdeletion of chromosome 22q11. In addition to high rates of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, children with 22q11DS have a specific neuropsychological profile with particular deficits in visuospatial and working memory. However, the neurobiological substrate underlying these deficits is poorly understood. We investigated brain function during a visuospatial working memory (SWM) task in eight children with 22q11DS and 13 healthy controls, using fMRI. Both groups showed task-related activation in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and bilateral parietal association cortices. Controls activated parietal and occipital regions significantly more than those with 22q11DS but there was no significant between-group difference in DLPFC. In addition, while controls had a significant age-related increase in the activation of posterior brain regions and an age-related decrease in anterior regions, the 22q11DS children showed the opposite pattern. Genetically determined differences in the development of specific brain systems may underpin the cognitive deficits in 22q11DS, and may contribute to the later development of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Teasing apart the heterogeneity of autism: Same behavior, different brains in toddlers with fragile X syndrome and autism
Authors: Hazlett Heather Cody , Poe Michele D. , Lightbody Amy A. , Gerig Guido , MacFall James R. , Ross Allison K. , Provenzale James , Martin Arianna , Reiss Allan L. , Piven Joseph
Published: March 2009

To examine brain volumes in substructures associated with the behavioral features of children with FXS compared to children with idiopathic autism and controls. A cross-sectional study of brain substructures was conducted at the first time-point as part of an ongoing longitudinal MRI study of brain development in FXS. The study included 52 boys between 18–42 months of age with FXS and 118 comparison children (boys with autism-non FXS, developmental-delay, and typical development). Children with FXS and autistic disorder had substantially enlarged caudate volume and smaller amygdala volume; whereas those children with autistic disorder without FXS (i.e., idiopathic autism) had only modest enlargement in their caudate nucleus volumes but more robust enlargement of their amygdala volumes. Although we observed this double dissociation among selected brain volumes, no significant differences in severity of autistic behavior between these groups were observed. This study offers a unique examination of early brain development in two disorders, FXS and idiopathic autism, with overlapping behavioral features, but two distinct patterns of brain morphology. We observed that despite almost a third of our FXS sample meeting criteria for autism, the profile of brain volume differences for children with FXS and autism differed from those with idiopathic autism. These findings underscore the importance of addressing heterogeneity in studies of autistic behavior.
Stochastically determined directed movement explains the dominant small‐scale mitochondrial movements within non‐neuronal tissue culture cells
Authors: Saunter Christopher D. , Perng Ming Der , Love Gordon D. , Quinlan Roy A.
Published: March 2009

The apparently stationary phase of mitochondrial motion was investigated in epithelial cells by spinning disk confocal light microscopy combined with image correlation based single particle tracking using custom software producing sub‐pixel accuracy measurements (∼5 nm) at 10–12 Hz frame‐rates. The analysis of these data suggests that the previously described stationary, or anchored phase, in mitochondrial movement actually comprise Brownian diffusion, interspersed with frequent and brief motor‐driven events whose duration are stochastically determined. We have therefore discovered a new aspect of mitochondrial behavior, which we call stochastically determined, directed movement.
Second order Horner's syndrome in a cat
Authors: De Risio Luisa , Fraser McConnell James
Published: March 2009

This case report describes the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of a 3.5-year-old, male neutered, domestic shorthair cat with second order Horner's syndrome as the only clinical abnormality. The neuroanatomical pathway of the sympathetic innervation to the eye, differential diagnoses for Horner's syndrome in cats, and the interpretation of pharmacological testing are reviewed. The unusual MRI findings and the value of fat-suppressed MRI sequences are discussed.
Breast Abscess in Lactation
Authors: Martin Jennifer G.
Published: March 2009

A.B. is a 29‐year‐old gravida 1 para 1001 who experienced recurrent lactational breast abscess requiring surgical treatment. Her obstetric, medical, surgical, family, and social histories are unremarkable. She takes no medications and does not use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. She gave birth at 41 weeks'gestation to a female infant, weighing 8 pounds 5 ounces. Her intrapartum course and immediate postpartum course were within normal limits. Breastfeeding was initiated within 40 minutes of birth and was successful. Her infant nursed on demand approximately every 2 to 4 hours while in the hospital. A.B. was discharged home with her baby at 28 hours postpartum. On day 3 postpartum, A.B.'s left nipple became cracked and bleeding. This was self‐treated with lanolin ointment and correction of latch‐on technique. Ten days postpartum, A.B. was diagnosed with mastitis and treated with dicloxacillin for 10 days. After 8 days of antibiotic treatment, she reported continued breast pain with a firm area of exquisite pain and redness in the upper outer quadrant of her left breast. The midwife ordered a breast ultrasound which revealed a 4‐cm abscess in the left breast. A.B. was referred to a therapeutic radiologist who performed an ultrasound‐guided needle aspiration of the abscess and obtained 15 mL of fluid. The fluid culture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus. She was treated postprocedure with doxycycline, and the breast pain, firmness and redness resolved within 36 hours. The rationale for treatment with doxycycline is unknown and subject to inquiry because S aureus is not sensitive to doxycycline.1 Two weeks after the procedure, the abscess returned, and she was again treated with ultrasound‐guided needle aspiration and a regimen of amoxicillin with clavulanate. The abscess partially resolved, but worsened 6 days later. At that time, A.B. was referred to a breast surgeon who surgically incised and drained this 6‐cm abscess under general anesthesia. She was discharged home the same day with an indwelling Penrose drain. Two days later, the drain was removed and the wound was healing normally. A.B. continued breastfeeding exclusively throughout all of these events and was completely healed by 3 weeks after the incision and drainage. At 5 months postpartum, she had not experienced further breast infections and was continuing to breastfeed her baby.
Social Implications of Obstetric Fistula: An Integrative Review
Authors: Roush Karen M.
Published: March 2009

Obstetric fistula is a devastating complication of obstructed labor that affects more than two million women in developing countries, with at least 75,000 new cases every year. Prolonged pressure of the infant's skull against the tissues of the birth canal leads to ischemia and tissue death. The woman is left with a hole between her vagina and bladder (vesicovaginal) or vagina and rectum (rectovaginal) or both, and has uncontrollable leakage of urine or feces or both. It is widely reported in scientific publications and the media that women with obstetric fistula suffer devastating social consequences, but these claims are rarely supported with evidence. Therefore, the true prevalence and nature of the social implications of obstetric fistula are unknown. An integrative review was undertaken to determine the current state of the science on social implications of obstetric fistula in sub‐Saharan Africa.
A Descriptive Study of “Being with Woman” During Labor and Birth
Authors: Hunter Lauren P.
Published: March 2009

The objective of this study was to learn more about women's perceptions of the nurse‐midwifery practice of “being with woman” during childbirth. The descriptive, correlational design used a convenience sample of 238 low‐risk postpartum women in a hospital nurse‐midwifery practice, with two childbirth settings: a standard labor and delivery unit and an in‐hospital birth center. The main outcome measure was a 29‐item seven‐response Likert scale questionnaire, the Positive Presence Index (PPI), administered to women cared for during labor and birth by nurse‐midwives to measure the concept of being with woman. Statistical analysis demonstrated women who gave birth in the in‐hospital birth center or who began labor in the in‐hospital birth center prior to an indicated transfer to the standard labor and delivery unit gave higher PPI scores than women who were admitted to and gave birth on the standard labor and delivery unit. Parity, ethnicity, number of midwives attending, presence of personal support persons, length of labor, and pain relief medications were unrelated to PPI scores. Two coping/comfort techniques, music therapy and breathing, were found to be correlated with reported higher PPI scores than those of women who did not use the techniques. These results can be used to encourage continued use of midwifery care and for low client to midwife caseloads during childbirth, and to modify hospital settings to include more in‐hospital birth centers.
Transfers Among Women Intending A Birth Center Delivery in the San Diego Birth Center Study
Authors: Nguyen Uyen‐Sa D. T. , Rothman Kenneth J. , Demissie Serkalem , Jackson Debra J. , Lang Janet M. , Ecker Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2009

Using data from the San Diego Birth Center Study that enrolled underserved women between 1994 and 1996, we examined demographic, sociobehavioral, and medical predictors of hospital transfer in a group of women who intended to deliver at a freestanding birth center. Of the 1808 women, 34.6% transferred to the hospital antenatally and 19.6% transferred during labor, while 45.7% delivered at the birth center. Compared with multiparous women who had never had a cesarean and never had a previous hospital delivery, nulliparous women were 2.0 times more likely (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–2.7), multiparous women with a previous cesarean were 2.6 times more likely (95% CI, 1.7–3.8), and women without a previous cesarean but who had a previous hospital delivery were 2.1 times more likely (95% CI, 1.5–3.0) to transfer after adjusting for other predictors of transfer. Nulliparity, cesarean history and having a previous hospital delivery were among the strongest predictors of a hospital transfer even after adjusting for demographic, sociobehavioral, and other medical conditions. Understanding predictors of transfer may assist practitioners, patients, and policy makers in considering the appropriateness of individuals for birth center delivery or to target further education to reduce nonmedical transfers.
To tell it directly or not: Coding transparency and corruption in Malagasy political oratory
Authors: JACKSON JENNIFER L.
Published: March 2009

This article discusses stylistic and contextual variations in the political oratory (kabary politika) of urban Madagascar. New imported oratorical styles and older styles ofkabaryrepresent competing linguistic markets where political leaders field broader issues of political modernity, fighting government corruption through reforms toward transparency.Kabaryhas become the object of criticism in models for transparent government practice. This has affected the way leaders speak to and about the country, reifying a moral structure arguing what constitutes truth and how speakers understand language as conveying that truth. In this respect, this article describes linguistic and metalinguistic encodings of transparency versus corruption in the political communication styles of highland Malagasy political orators. It looks at how the rhetorical modes of an urban polity are reorganized in ways that reshape vernacular epistemologies of truth in language and shift the production of particular publics and their access to participation in political process. (Madagascar,kabary, oratory, democracy, linguistic variation, language ideology, truth and ethics, public opinion, public culture)*
Time trends in primary-care morbidity, hospitalization and mortality due to pneumonia
Authors: VAN GAGELDONK-LAFEBER A. B. , BOGAERTS M. A. H. , VERHEIJ R. A. , VAN DER SANDE M. A. B.
Published: March 2009

Most studies reporting pneumonia morbidity are restricted to hospitalized patients, although only a minority of pneumonia patients are admitted to hospital. To get a better understanding of the burden of disease in the general population, we conducted a population-based retrospective study to examine trends in pneumonia incidence in general practice, hospitalization, and mortality due to pneumonia in The Netherlands between 1997 and 2007. Between 2001/2002 and 2006/2007 there was an adjusted yearly increase of 12% in the clinical diagnosis of pneumonia in patients consulting general practitioners. Hospitalizations increased 5% per year between 1999/2000 and 2006/2007, while mortality annually decreased by 2% between 1997/1998 and 2006/2007. Our study suggests that the morbidity of pneumonia in the Dutch population increased considerably over this period, especially in primary-care settings, and that focusing only on hospitalization might underestimate the increasing public health burden of pneumonia.
Short Note: New marine core record of Late Pleistocene glaciation history, Rauer Group, East Antarctica
Authors: Berg Sonja , Wagner Bernd , White Duanne A. , Cremer Holger , Bennike Ole , Melles Martin
Published: March 2009

The evolution of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS) during the Late Quaternary is poorly known, partly because some regions, such as the Prydz Bay vicinity, indicate significant variability in the glaciation patterns (e.g. Domack et al. 1998, Zwartz et al. 1998, Hodgson et al. 2005).
Emotions and emotion regulation in developmental psychopathology
Authors: Cicchetti Dante , Ackerman Brian P. , Izard Carroll E.
Published: March 2009

The understanding of emotions possesses important implications for elucidating normal as well as abnormal development. The contributions that the emotions have made for enhancing our understanding of psychopathology have been evident throughout history. In this article, an overview of the historical links between the emotions and psychopathology is presented. Despite its rich history, much contemporary theory and research on emotions has been conducted primarily within a nonpathology perspective. In recent decades, investigators have become more interested in examining the role and development of the emotions in atypical populations. It has been argued that the modularity of the emotions system requires a developmental model of emotion regulation.
Emotionality, emotion regulation, and preschoolers' social adaptation
Authors: Rubin Kenneth H. , Coplan Robert J. , Fox Nathan A. , Calkins Susan D.
Published: March 2009

It was proposed that the interaction between the constructs of emotion regulation and social interaction would predict social adaptation in preschoolers. Ninety-six 4-year-olds were observed in quartets of unfamiliar same-sex peers. Based on parent temperament ratings and observed free play behaviors, 68 children from the original sample were classified as: low social interaction, good emotion regulators; low social interaction, poor emotion regulators; high social interaction, good emotion regulators; high social interaction, poor emotion regulators; or average. The results indicated that the low social interaction children who were poor regulators displayed more wary and anxious behaviors during free play and other episodes, and were rated as having more internalizing problems than both the low social interaction children who were good regulators and the average group. The high social interaction children who were poor regulators were rated as having more externalizing problems than either the high social interaction children who were good regulators or the average group. Thus, it seems as if emotion dysregulation is associated with psychological maladaptation, but that this association is tempered by the degree to which children engage in social interaction.
Joint attention and social-emotional approach behavior in children with autism
Authors: Mundy Peter
Published: March 2009

Autism is a development disorder that is characterized by a significant disturbance of social development. Research strongly suggests that this disorder results from neurological anomalies or deficits. However, both the specific neural systems involved in autism, and the most pertinent behavioral functions of those systems remains unclear. One current topic of debate concerns the degree to which the social disturbance of autism may result from developmental anomalies in neurological systems that subserve cognitive, or affective processes. In this paper a model of the neurological, cognitive, and affective processes involved in the pathogenesis of autism will be described in the context of an attempt to understand dissociations in the early social-skill development of these children. Young children with autism are better able to use social-communication gestures to request objects or events than they are able to use similar gesture simply to initiate joint or socially shared attention relative to an object or event. An integration of recent research suggests that joint attention skill development differs from requesting skill development with regard to affective and cognitive processes that may be associated with frontal and midbrain neurological systems. In particular, this integration of the literature suggests the following: (a) there is a specific neurological subsystem that regulates and promotes what are called social-emotional approach behaviors; (b) the tendency to initiate joint attention bids is prototypical of a social-emotional approach behavior; and (c) attenuation of social-approach behaviors in children with autism leads to a specific impoverishment of social information processing opportunities. This impoverishment has a lifelong negative effect on the social cognitive development of these children.
Affect regulation in depressed and nondepressed children and young adolescents
Authors: Garber Judy , Braafladt Nancy , Weiss Bahr
Published: March 2009

The present study examined children's reported frequency and efficacy of strategies for regulating their negative affect in response to a description of a particular affiliative (fight with a friend) or achievement (loss at a game) situation. The 275 children were in kindergarten through eighth grade; they completed the Children's Depression Inventory and either the “Fight” or “Game” version of the Child Affect Questionnaire (CAQ-F or CAQ-G). Children who endorsed higher levels of depressive symptoms generally reported using affect regulation strategies significantly less often than did nondepressed children, and they rated these responses as significantly less effective in altering their negative mood. Depressed girls rated mother-initiated affect regulation strategies as less effective than did nondepressed girls. Younger children rated both self- and mother-initiated strategies as more effective than did older children. Several directions for future research are suggested.
To what extent can children with autism understand desire?
Authors: Phillips Wendy , Baron-Cohen Simon , Rutter Michael
Published: March 2009

Previous studies of theory of mind abilities in young people with autism have found that their understanding of false belief is specifically impaired, but that simple aspects of desire are understood in line with mental age. We explored the possibility that more complex aspects of desire (in which comparison of goals with outcomes is not a sufficient strategy) are not understood by children with autism. In two experiments, we found that these children were specifically impaired in understandingdesire satisfactionanddesire change, when compared with children with mental handicap and normal 4-6-year-olds. Although there was some evidence that understanding of desires may be easier for individuals with autism than understanding false belief, it would appear that they have difficulties in understanding both epistemic and volitional mental states.
Vagal tone in infants of depressed mothers
Authors: Field Tiffany , Pickens Jeffrey , Fox Nathan A. , Nawrocki Thomas , Gonzalez Jeanette
Published: March 2009

Emotional reactivity and expressivity in infants have been previously correlated with vagal tone. This study investigated vagal tone of 3- and 6-month-old infants of depressed mothers. Vagal tone did not differ for infants of depressed versus nondepressed mothers at 3 months, but lower vagal tone was noted in infants of depressed versus nondepressed mothers at 6 months. The developmental increase in vagal tone that occurred between 3 and 6 months for infants of nondepressed mothers did not occur for infants of depressed mothers. Correlation analyses suggested that higher vagal tone at 6 months was related to more vocalizations and more optimal neurological scores.