bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difference in the Primary Structures of Ribonuclease F1 Isoforms
Authors: Hanazawa Hideyuki , Hirabayashi Jun , Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: April 2006

The carboxy terminal asparagine residue of ribonuclease F1 has been shown to be replaced by an aspartic acid residue in the isoform, ribonuclease F2. A new name ribonuclease F1′ has been proposed for this isoform. The previously reported primary structure of ribonuclease F1 has been corrected at two positions.
A Novel Photo-Induced Substitution of Alkyl 2-Cyano-3-quinolinecarboxylates
Authors: Ono Isao , Fujiki Yoshiyuki , Fujinami Naoki , Hoshi Toshihiko
Published: April 2006

Irradiation of 2-quinolinecarbonitriles having an alkoxycarbonyl group at the 3-position afforded five-membered and/or six-membered lactones in normal alcohols depending on their alkyl-chain-length, whereas the irradiation in 2-propanol and t-butyl alcohol did not cause any cyclization, but instead decynated and methylated products were obtained, respectively.
Synthesis and Conduction Properties of New Na+-conducting Glass-ceramics of Sodium Yttrium Silicophosphate
Authors: Yamashita Kimihiro , Nojiri Takeshi , Umegaki Takao , Kanazawa Takafumi
Published: April 2006

Na+ superion conducting glass-ceramics were obtained in the system Na2O–Y2O3–P2O5–SiO2. The compounds with the crystal structure of Na5YSi4O12 was found to be the most conductive and exhibit the ionic conductivity as 8.0 × 10−2 S/cm at 300 °C with the activation energy of 22.8 kJ/mol.
Solvent Effect on the Product Distributions in the Photocycloaddition of Electron-rich Olefins to 1,2-Naphthoquinone
Authors: Takuwa Akio , Sumikawa Miho
Published: April 2006

Irradiation of 1,2-naphthoquinone in the presence of electron rich olefins such as 2-methoxypropene, ethyl vinyl ether, or 2,3-dihydrofuran, afforded two isomers of cycloadducts, i.e., dihydrodioxins and dihydrofuran derivatives. The distributions of these two products strongly depended on the solvent polarities. In the reaction in benzene, dihydrodioxins were almost exclusively obtained, whereas in acetonitrile or methanol dihydrofuran derivatives were exclusively produced in high yields.
The Oxidation of Methacrylic Acid Esters with H2O2 in the Presence of Chromium Catalysts. A Novel Route to Pyruvic Acid Esters
Authors: Inoue Masami , Uragaki Toshitaka , Kashiwagi Hiroshi , Enomoto Saburo
Published: April 2006

The oxidation of methacrylic acid esters to pyruvic acid esters was carried out with aqueous H2O2 in CH3CN in the presence of a catalytic amount of chromium compounds such as Cr(III)(acac)3, chromium salts, and chromic acid. The oxidation of methyl methacrylate in the presence of chromic acid and triethylamine (1:1) gave an 82% conversion with a 72% selectivity to methyl pyruvate at 40 °C for 20 h.
Selectivity in the Solid-State Photoreaction of 6-Cyanouracils with Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Meng Ji-ben , Zhu Zuo-lin , Wang Ru-ji , Yao Xin-kan , Ito Yoshikatsu , Ihara Hiroyasu , Matsuura Teruo
Published: April 2006

The photoreactions of 6-cyanouracils with aromatic hydrocarbons in the solid state proceed with a selectivity different from that in solution.
Intramolecular Interactions between Two Non-conjugated Metal Complex Moieties in Alkylene-bridged Ferrocene and (η-Cyclopentadienyl)(1,2-dicyano-1,2-ethylenedithiolato)cobalt(III)
Authors: Akiyama Takeo , Nakamura Kosei , Tamada Masami , Ushijima Hirobumi , Kajitani Masatsugu , Shimizu Kunio , Sugimori Akira
Published: April 2006

Bimetallic complexes, A–CH2–B(1) and A–(CH2)2–B(2), were synthesized in which (η-cyclopentadienyl)(1,2-dicyano-1,2-ethylenedithiolato)cobalt(III) (A) and ferrocene (B) moieties are bound at the cyclopentadienyl(cp) rings by–CH2–. Their cyclic voltammogramms show the presence of the intramolecular interaction between the two metal complex moieties, A and B. Moiety B (oxidized form) promotes decomposition of the oxidized form of A. The MS fragment patterns of 1 and 2 suggest the presence of a species in which two sulfur atoms of the dithiolene ligand bridge the two metal atoms.
CIDEP Studies on Radicals Produced from Photochemical Reactions of Some Aromatic Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Ikoma Tadaaki , Akiyama Kimio , Tero-Kubota Shozo , Ikegami Yusaku
Published: April 2006

CIDEP spectra of radicals generated from photoinduced hydrogen abstraction and α-cleavage reactions of several alkyl phenyl ketones were studied. The participation of radical pair mechanism on the spectra was discussed from the magnitude of hyperfine interaction.
Observation of Tip-Induced Ordered Molecular Arrangement on Graphite Surfaces by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Liu Zhong-Fan , Loo Boon H , Baba Ryo , Fujishima Akira
Published: April 2006

Ordered molecular structure has been observed by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in the disordered films of an azobenzene derivative on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surfaces. The disordered films were formed by a direct deposition method. The present result gives the first report on the observation of tip-induced ordered molecular structure from disordered films by STM, and it demonstrates the possibility of orderly arranging molecules on surfaces through the action of an STM tip.
Electroactive Poly(2-chloroaniline) Film Prepared by Electrochemical Polymerization in Organic Solvents without Protic Acid
Authors: Kobayashi Norihisa , Yamada Katsumi , Hirohashi Ryo
Published: April 2006

It is revealed that the electroactive polymer film is obtained by the electrochemical polymerization of 2-chloroaniline in organic solvents such as 1,2-dichloroethane etc. without protic acid. The film exhibits the reversible electrochromic behavior with the color change from pale yellow to green to blue in the potential range of 0 V – +1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl.
p-Methoxybenzyl as a New N3-Imide Protecting Group of 5-Fluorouridine and Its Application to the Synthesis of 5′-O-Acryloyl-5-fluorouridine
Authors: Akiyama Takahiko , Kumegawa Masahiro , Takesue Yasuhiro , Nishimoto Hiroyuki , Ozaki Shoichiro
Published: April 2006

5′-O-Acryloyl-5-fluorouridine was prepared by use of p-methoxybenzyl(PMB) group as a new N3-imide protecting group of 5-fluorouridine. A chemoselective method for protection has been developed by use of ethyldiisopropylamine as a base and deprotection was effected by AlCl3-anisole system.
A Carbon Dioxide Gas Sensor Probe Based on a Lithium Ionic Conductor
Authors: Imanaka Nobuhito , Kawasato Takeshi , Adachi Gin-ya
Published: April 2006

A carbon dioxide gas sensor probe was fabricated by applying a high lithium ionic conductor as a solid electrolyte and a calcium carbonate + calcium oxide mixture as a solid reference electrode, and its ability for CO2 detection was examined. The electromotive force(EMF) obtained was in excellent agreement with the EMF value calculated from the Nernst’s equation for CO2 gas concentrations from 80 ppm(v/v) to 1 %(v/v).
Acid Catalyzed Rearrangement of 16β,17β-Epoxydigitoxigenin 3-Acetate, The Formation of Spiro Compound and Tetraenolide
Authors: Ishii Keitaro , Hashimoto Toshihiro , Dan Gong , Sakamoto Masanori , Taira Zenei , Asakawa Yoshinori
Published: April 2006

On treatment with boron trifluoride etherate, 16β,17β-epoxydigitoxigenin 3-acetate undergoes unusual rearrangement leading to novel spiro compound and tetraenolide, whose 3-hydroxy derivative is one of the aglycon of neriumosides.
Catalytic Ability of 9-Cyanophenanthrene in Oxidative Photodimerization of 2,5-Dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene
Authors: Ohashi Maki , Maeda Hajime , Mizuno Kazuhiko
Published: April 2006

The oxidative photodimerization reaction of 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene (1) in the presence of nucleophiles was efficiently catalyzed by 9-cyanophenanthrene (9-CP) to give nucleophile-substituted 3,7-decadienes.
Drug Delivery as Control Task: Improving Performance in a Common Anesthetic Task
Authors: Drews Frank A. , Syroid Noah , Agutter James , Strayer David L. , Westenskow Dwayne R.
Published: April 2006

Objective: To conceptualize delivery of anesthesia as a control task, similar to control tasks in nonmedical domains, and to evaluate how presentation of new information and feedback affects task performance. Background: In anesthesia, integrated monitors that show intravenous drug and effect-site concentrations in a patient currently do not exist. However, using real-time displays of intravenous anesthetic concentrations and effects could significantly enhance intraoperative clinical performance. Pharmacological models are available to estimate past, present, and future drug concentrations in the brain and to predict the drug's physiological effects. A display that integrates pharmacological models and visualizes drug concentrations was developed and tested to see if this drug display significantly improved clinical performance. Method: Thirty three anesthesiologists with different levels of expertise administered anesthesia to simulated patients in a high-fidelity patient simulator. The experimental group used a drug display that visualized drug concentrations in real time, whereas the control group administered drugs without this information. Results: Anesthesiologists using the drug display achieved better hemodynamic control of the simulated patient than did the control group. Similarly, the drug display enabled anesthesiologists to wake up and reanimate the patient faster. Conclusion: Visual feedback of drug concentrations leads to superior performance in the delivery of anesthesia. Drug delivery can be conceptualized within a control theoretical framework. Finally, the drug display has significant clinical potential to increase patient safety. Application: Clinical performance in delivering anesthesia depends on feedback. By providing this feedback, the drug display supports clinicians' ability to more precisely and safely administer anesthesia.
Analyzing the Crushing of Granular Materials by Sound Analysis Technique
Authors: Arslan H , Baykal G
Published: April 2006

Signal processing techniques have been introduced in the past two decades into engineering applications to analyze particle-scale microstructure. In this paper, a different approach of signal processing techniques for the geotechnical engineering application is introduced. The crushing of granular particles was analyzed by using the sound analysis technique during the shear process of granular materials. Sound analysis setup was implemented to direct shear box to analyze the crushing of granular materials under shear loading. The microphone signal by using an Electret Microphone is processed and the signal coming from the microphone was analyzed by using the Fourier Transform method. Although the analysis is very complex, it is believed the information obtained will help in understanding when the crushing process begins and the extent of crushing which will lead to better understanding of granular materials subjected to shear.
The Formation Mechanism of the Factory-Roof Pattern in a Torsional Fatigue Specimen with Circumferential Notch
Authors: Makabe C , Anggit M , Sueyoshi T , Yafuso T
Published: April 2006

The formation mechanism of the factory-roof pattern in a circumferential notched specimen was examined. To achieve observation of the material's cracks internally, plastic material, that was acrylic, was used for the test. Cyclic torsional tests were performed with and without application of static tension. A factory-roof pattern was formed in the fracture surface when cyclic torsion tests were conducted with static tension. Formation of the factory-roof pattern was found to be dependent on testing conditions. When such a pattern was formed, many small cracks were initiated by shear mode, followed by their coalescence. The new cracks' initiation at the front of the shear mode cracks could be one of the reasons for the coalescence. After the coalescence and branching of cracks, the cracks grew under the control of the maximum principal stress criterion. This behavior was examined by direct observation of the cracks. The final fracture pattern showed the initiation of many shear-mode cracks and their succeeding coalescence. From those observations, we considered the formation of a factory-roof pattern model.
Inversionsbasierter Vorsteuerungsentwurf mit Ein- und Ausgangsbeschränkungen (Inversion-Based Feedforward Control Design under Input and Output Constraints)
Authors: Graichen Knut , Zeitz Michael
Published: April 2006

Für die Realisierung von Arbeitspunktwechseln in einem endlichen Zeitintervall wird ein neuer Ansatz zum Vorsteuerungsentwurf für nichtlineare Systeme mit Ein- und Ausgangsbeschränkungen vorgestellt. Das Entwurfsverfahren definiert das betrachtete Transitionsproblem als eine Zwei-Punkt-Randwertaufgabe (RWA) in den Koordinaten der Ein-/Ausgangs-Normalform. Die Lösbarkeit der RWA verlangt eine hinreichende Anzahl von freien Parametern in der Differentialgleichung der Ein-/Ausgangsdynamik. Die RWA mit freien Parametern kann z.B. mit der Matlab-Funktion bvp4c numerisch gelöst werden. Das Entwurfsverfahren bietet darüber hinaus die Möglichkeit, Beschränkungen des Eingangs, des Ausgangs sowie von dessen Zeitableitungen in der Formulierung der RWA zu berücksichtigen. Als Beispielaufgabe wird das seitliche Versetzen eines stehenden Pendels betrachet.
Portale und Prozesse – Schnittstelle zwischen Unternehmen und Nutzer (Portals and Processes — Interface between Company and User)
Authors: Grimm Sebastian
Published: April 2006

Viele der derzeit implementierten Portale beschränken sich darauf, vorhandenen Applikationen ein neues Look & Feel zu geben und visuelle Präferenzen zu erfüllen. Zusätzlicher Mehrwert entsteht jedoch erst, wenn Kunden, Partnern und Mitarbeitern der Zugriff auf applikations- und unternehmensübergreifende Prozesse ermöglicht wird — das Portal also nutzerorientiert ausgerichtet wird. Dazu ist eine Abgrenzung zwischen den unterschiedlichen Prozesstypen notwendig. Prozessportale als ein Instrument bilden dabei die Schnittstelle zwischen menschlichen Interaktionen und Geschäftsprozessen.
Crystal chemistry study of the solid solutions in the system La2BaZnO5—Eu2BaZnO5
Authors: Hernández-Pérez Apuleyo , Bucio Lauro , Ibarra-Palos Alejandro , Villafuerte-Castrejón María Elena
Published: April 2006

In this work, a complete crystallochemical characterization of two solid solutions, which were founded in the binary end members system La2BaZnO5—Eu2BaZnO5, is reported. Both compounds belong to the family of mixed oxides with formula Ln2BaMO5 which presents interesting magnetic, electric and optical properties. Several works have been reported about this family of compounds with the same stoichiometry but with different structures depending on the M2+ coordination and rare earth content. Two solid solutions were obtained and characterized. Cell parameters, density measurements and solubility limits were determined for both solid solutions.

Structure refinements of Eu2BaZnO5, La2BaZnO5 and the two solid solution series were carried out by the Rietveld method. Both structures and their relationship were discussed.
Polymeric topologies in cadmium(II) dithiophosphate adducts of the isomeric n-pyridinealdazines, n = 2, 3 and 4
Authors: Lai Chian Sing , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: April 2006

A series of crystal structures of adducts formed between cadmium dithiophosphate, Cd(S2P(OiPr)2)2, and the isomeric n-pyridinealdazine ligands, n = 2, 3, and 4, are described. A centrosymmetric dimer is found in the 2 : 1 adduct with the 2-isomer, i.e. [Cd(S2P(OiPr)2)2(2-NC5H4C(H) = C(H)C5H4N-2)0.5]2, in which the cadmium atom exists within a cis-N2S4 donor set and the di-pyridyl-type ligand is tetradentate. By contrast, trans-N2S4 donor sets for cadmium and regular bridging modes of coordination lead to polymers with a step-ladder topology are found in the 1:1 adducts with the 3- and 4-isomeric ligands, i.e. [Cd(S2P(OiPr)2)2(n-NC5H4C(H) = C(H)C5H4N-n)]∞, for n = 3 and 4. Differences in aggregation behaviour are related to the binding requirements of the n-pyridinealdazine ligands.
Iron Cytochrome C Nanohybrids – Supramolecular Electron Transfer to an Electron Accepting Fullerene
Authors: Guldi Dirk M. , Zilbermann Israel , Hatzimarinaki Maria , Hirsch Andreas
Published: April 2006

For the first time, intracomplex electron transfer reactions were tested in cytochrome c based nanohybrids (i.e., Fe(II)CytC and Fe(III)CytC), to which polyanionic C60 derivatives were electrostatically associated. Successful radical ion pair formation, namely, oxidized FeCytC and reduced C60, was detected when divalent Fe(II)CytC is used. The so formed Fe(III)CytC · C60
•− lives for 2.4 ± 0.5 μs.
Histone H1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Inhibits Transcriptional Silencing
Authors: Veron Marie , Zou Yanfei , Yu Qun , Bi Xin , Selmi Abdelkader , Gilson Eric , Defossez Pierre-Antoine
Published: April 2006

Eukaryotic genomes contain euchromatic regions, which are transcriptionally active, and heterochromatic regions, which are repressed. These domains are separated by “barrier elements”: DNA sequences that protect euchromatic regions from encroachment by neighboring heterochromatin. To identify proteins that play a role in the function of barrier elements we have carried out a screen in S. cerevisiae. We recovered the gene HHO1, which encodes the yeast ortholog of histone H1, as a high-copy modifier of barrier activity. Histone H1 is a linker histone that binds the outside of nucleosomes and modifies chromatin dynamics. Here we show that Hho1p reinforces the action of several types of barrier elements, and also inhibits silencing on its own.
Retroelement Genome Painting: Cytological Visualization of Retroelement Expansions in the Genera Zea and Tripsacum
Authors: Lamb Jonathan C , Birchler James A
Published: April 2006

Divergence of abundant genomic elements among the Zea and Tripsacum genera was examined cytologically and a tool kit established for subsequent studies. The LTR regions from the CRM, Huck, Grande, Prem1, Prem2/Ji, Opie, Cinful-1, and Tekay retroelement families were used as FISH probes on mitotic chromosome spreads from a “trispecies” hybrid containing chromosomes from each of three species: Zea mays (2n = 20), Z. diploperennis (2n = 20), and Tripsacum dactyloides (2n = 36). Except for Tekay, which painted both Zea and Tripsacum chromosomes with nearly equal intensity, the retroelement probes hybridized strongly to the Zea chromosomes, allowing them to be distinguished from those of Tripsacum. Huck and Grande hybridized more intensely to maize than to Z. diploperennis chromosomes. Tripsacum genomic clones containing retroelement sequences were isolated that specifically paint Tripsacum chromosomes. The retroelement paints proved effective for distinguishing different genomes in interspecific hybrids and visualizing alien chromatin from T. dactyloides introgressed into maize lines. Other FISH probes (180-bp knob, TR-1, 5S, NOR, Cent4, CentC, rp1, rp3, and α-ZeinA) could be simultaneously visualized with the retroelement probes, emphasizing the value of the retroelement probes for cytogenetic studies of Zea and Tripsacum.
Contrasting Patterns of Introgression at X-Linked Loci Across the Hybrid Zone Between Subspecies of the European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Geraldes Armando , Ferrand Nuno , Nachman Michael W
Published: April 2006

Hybrid zones provide an excellent opportunity for studying the consequences of genetic changes between closely related taxa. Here we investigate patterns of genetic variability and gene flow at four X-linked loci within and between the two subspecies of European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus and O. c. algirus). Two of these genes are located near the centromere and two are located near the telomeres. We observed a deep split in the genealogy of each gene with the root located along the deepest branch in each case, consistent with the evolution of these subspecies in allopatry. The two centromeric loci showed low levels of variability, high levels of linkage disequilibrium, and little introgression between subspecies. In contrast, the two telomeric loci showed high levels of variability, low levels of linkage disequilibrium, and considerable introgression between subspecies. These data are consistent with suppression of recombination near the centromere of the rabbit X chromosome. These observations support a view of speciation where genomic incompatibilities at different loci in the genome create localized differences in levels of gene flow between nascent species.
Consequences of Defective Tubulin Folding on Heterodimer Levels, Mitosis and Spindle Morphology in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lacefield Soni , Magendantz Margaret , Solomon Frank
Published: April 2006

In budding yeast, the essential roles of microtubules include segregating chromosomes and positioning the nucleus during mitosis. Defects in these functions can lead to aneuploidy and cell death. To ensure proper mitotic spindle and cytoplasmic microtubule formation, the cell must maintain appropriate stoichiometries of α- and β-tubulin, the basic subunits of microtubules. The experiments described here investigate the minimal levels of tubulin heterodimers needed for mitotic function. We have found a triple-mutant strain, pac10Δ plp1Δ yap4Δ, which has only 20% of wild-type tubulin heterodimer levels due to synthesis and folding defects. The anaphase spindles in these cells are ∼64% the length of wild-type spindles. The mutant cells are viable and accurately segregate chromosomes in mitosis, but they do have specific defects in mitosis such as abnormal nuclear positioning. The results establish that cells with 20% of wild-type levels of tubulin heterodimers can perform essential cellular functions with a short spindle, but require higher tubulin heterodimer concentrations to attain normal spindle length and prevent mitotic defects.
Sex-Dependent Resistance to the Pathogenic Fungus Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: van den Berg Maaike C W , Woerlee Jessica Z , Ma Hansong , May Robin C
Published: April 2006

Sex differences occur in most species and affect a variety of biological traits including morphology, behavior, and life history. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans exists as a population of self-fertile hermaphrodites with occasional males, which differ anatomically and behaviorally from hermaphrodites. Here we show that male C. elegans also differ from hermaphrodites in their susceptibility to a fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans. Wild-type males show greater resistance than hermaphrodite animals to killing by this pathogen and this resistance can be induced in hermaphrodite animals by inappropriate activation of the male sex-determination pathway. Resistance is molecularly determined, rather than resulting from behavioral changes or reproductive differences, and requires the activity of the stress-response transcription factor DAF-16. Finally, we demonstrate that resistance to C. neoformans correlates broadly with longevity within the Caenorhabditis genus. Our results hint at an overlap between the pathways controlling immunity and longevity and raise the possibility that differential regulation of these pathways may contribute to sex-dependent and species-dependent variation.
Lachesis muta (Viperidae) cDNAs Reveal Diverging Pit Viper Molecules and Scaffolds Typical of Cobra (Elapidae) Venoms: Implications for Snake Toxin Repertoire Evolution
Authors: Junqueira-de-Azevedo Inácio L M , Ching Ana T C , Carvalho Eneas , Faria Fernanda , Nishiyama Milton Y , Ho Paulo L , Diniz Marcelo R V
Published: April 2006

Efforts to describe toxins from the two major families of venomous snakes (Viperidae and Elapidae) usually reveal proteins belonging to few structural types, particular of each family. Here we carried on an effort to determine uncommon cDNAs that represent possible new toxins from Lachesis muta (Viperidae). In addition to nine classes of typical toxins, atypical molecules never observed in the hundreds of Viperidae snakes studied so far are highly expressed: a diverging C-type lectin that is related to Viperidae toxins but appears to be independently originated; an ohanin-like toxin, which would be the third member of the most recently described class of Elapidae toxins, related to human butyrophilin and B30.2 proteins; and a 3FTx-like toxin, a new member of the widely studied three-finger family of proteins, which includes major Elapidae neurotoxins and CD59 antigen. The presence of these common and uncommon molecules suggests that the repertoire of toxins could be more conserved between families than has been considered, and their features indicate a dynamic process of venom evolution through molecular mechanisms, such as multiple recruitments of important scaffolds and domain exchange between paralogs, always keeping a minimalist nature in most toxin structures in opposition to their nontoxin counterparts.
Bilirubin Measurement for Neonates: Comparison of 9 Frequently Used Methods
Authors: Grohmann Karina , Roser Markus , Rolinski Boris , Kadow Ingrid , Müller Cornelia , Goerlach-Graw Ada , Nauck Matthias , Küster Helmut
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE. High blood concentrations of bilirubin are toxic to the brain and may cause kernicterus. Therefore, determination of bilirubin levels is performed for many newborns, and several different methods are available. We compared 9 frequently used methods for bilirubin determination among newborns under routine conditions, to define their sequence of use.

METHODS. In a prospective study, bilirubin concentrations were determined with 9 different methods, ie, 3 skin test devices, 3 nonchemical photometric devices (including 2 blood gas analyzers), and 3 laboratory analyzers.

RESULTS. A total of 124 samples were obtained. All 3 laboratory methods showed very strong correlations with each other, and their means were used as comparison values. To these comparison values, the skin test devices had correlation coefficients between 0.961 and 0.966, and the nonchemical photometric devices between 0.980 and 0.994. Bland-Altman plots demonstrated good agreement with the comparison values for all nonchemical photometric devices. All skin test devices and 1 nonchemical photometric device underestimated bilirubin levels, particularly at high concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS. In the routine care of newborns, the first method for bilirubin testing should be a skin test. If the skin test result exceeds 200 μmol/L and other analytes are to be determined with a nonchemical photometric device, then bilirubin can be included in this analysis and the result trusted up to 250 μmol/L. If the skin test result exceeds 200 μmol/L and only bilirubin concentrations are needed, then a standard laboratory method is the first choice, to avoid repeated blood sampling. Bilirubin concentrations from nonchemical photometric devices that exceed 250 μmol/L should be confirmed with standard laboratory methods.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents With Extreme Obesity Presenting for Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Zeller Meg H. , Roehrig Helmut R. , Modi Avani C. , Daniels Stephen R. , Inge Thomas H.
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE. We sought to document health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impairment and depressive symptomatology in adolescents with extreme obesity considering surgical weight loss.

STUDY DESIGN. A retrospective review of clinical data was conducted for 33 consecutive extremely obese adolescents presenting for evaluation at a bariatric surgery program for adolescents. Adolescents completed the PedsQL and the Beck Depression Inventory. Mothers completed the parent-proxy PedsQL and the Child Behavior Checklist.

RESULTS. HRQoL scores from both informants were markedly impaired relative to published norms on healthy youth. Moderate agreement was found for self-reported and parent-proxy HRQoL. Approximately 30% of youth met criteria for clinically significant depressive symptoms when based on self-report and 45% of youth when based on mother report. Only 21% of youth were currently engaged in some form of psychological treatment (eg, medication or therapy).

CONCLUSIONS. The day-to-day life of adolescents with extreme obesity seeking bariatric surgery is globally and severely impaired. However, only some of these adolescents demonstrate clinically significant levels of depressive symptomatology. These data will be critical to the development of more informed patient selection criteria and more efficacious treatment paradigms for this vulnerable pediatric subgroup.
Screening for Biliary Atresia by Infant Stool Color Card in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Shan-Ming , Chang Mei-Hwei , Du Jung-Chieh , Lin Chieh-Chung , Chen An-Chyi , Lee Hung-Chang , Lau Beng-Huat , Yang Yao-Jong , Wu Tzee-Chung , Chu Chia-Hsiang , Lai Ming-Wei , Chen Huey-Ling ,   the Taiwan Infant Stool Color Card Study Group
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE. We aimed to detect biliary atresia (BA) in early infancy to prevent additional liver damage because of the delay of referral and surgical treatment and to investigate the incidence rate of BA in Taiwan.

METHODS. A pilot study to screen the stool color in infants for the early diagnosis of BA was undertaken from March 2002 to December 2003. We had designed an “infant stool color card” with 7 numbers of different color pictures and attached it to the child health booklet. Parents were then asked to observe their infant's stool color by using this card. The medical staff would check the number that the parents chose according to their infant's stool color at 1 month of age during the health checkup and then send the card back to the stool color card registry center.

RESULTS. The average return rate was ∼65.2% (78184 infants). A total of 29 infants were diagnosed as having BA, and 26 were screened out by stool color card before 60 days of age. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value were 89.7%, 99.9%, and 28.6%, respectively. Seventeen (58.6%) infants with BA received a Kasai operation within 60-day age period. The estimated incidence of BA in screened newborns was 3.7 of 10000.

CONCLUSIONS. The stool color card was a simple, efficient, and applicable mass screening method for early diagnosis and management of BA. The program can also help in estimating the incidence and creating a registry of these patients.
The Economic Costs of Congenital Bilateral Permanent Childhood Hearing Impairment
Authors: Schroeder Liz , Petrou Stavros , Kennedy Colin , McCann Donna , Law Catherine , Watkin Peter M. , Worsfold Sarah , Yuen Ho Ming
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to estimate the economic costs of bilateral permanent childhood hearing impairment (PCHI) in the preceding year of life for children aged 7 to 9 years.

METHODS. A cost analysis was conducted by using a birth cohort of children born between 1992 and 1997 in 8 districts of Southern England, of which half had been born into populations exposed to universal newborn screening (UNS). Unit costs were applied to estimates of health, social, and broader resource use made by 120 hearing-impaired children and 63 children in a normally hearing comparison group. Associations between societal costs per child and severity of hearing impairment, language ability score, exposure to UNS, and age of confirmation were analyzed, including adjustment for potential confounders in a linear regression model.

RESULTS. The mean societal cost in the preceding year of life at 7 to 9 years of age was £14092.5 for children with PCHI, compared with £4206.8 for the normally hearing children, a cost difference of £9885.7. After adjusting for severity and other potential confounders in a linear regression model, mean societal costs among children with PCHI were reduced by £2553 for each unit increase in the z score for receptive language. Using similar regression models, exposure to a program of UNS was associated with a smaller cost reduction of £2213.2, whereas costs were similar between children whose PCHI was confirmed at <9 or >9 months.

CONCLUSIONS. The study provides rigorous evidence of the annual health, social, and broader societal cost of bilateral PCHI in the preceding year of life at 7 to 9 years of age and shows that it is related to its severity and has an inverse relationship with language abilities after adjustment for severity.
Growth in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Influences Neurodevelopmental and Growth Outcomes of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Ehrenkranz Richard A. , Dusick Anna M. , Vohr Betty R. , Wright Linda L. , Wrage Lisa A. , Poole W. Kenneth ,   for the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES. The objectives of this study were to assess whether (1) in-hospital growth velocity is predictive of neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes at 18 to 22 months’ corrected age among extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants and (2) in-hospital growth velocity contributes to these outcomes after controlling for confounding demographic and clinical variables.

METHODS. Infants 501 to 1000 g birth weight from a multicenter cohort study were divided into quartiles of in-hospital growth velocity rates. Variables considered for the logistic-regression models included gender, race, gestational age, small for gestational age, mother’s education, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, age at regaining birth weight, necrotizing enterocolitis, late-onset infection, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, postnatal steroid therapy for pulmonary disease, and center.

RESULTS. Of the 600 discharged infants, 495 (83%) were evaluated at 18 to 22 months’ corrected age. As the rate of weight gain increased between quartile 1 and quartile 4, from 12.0 to 21.2 g/kg per day, the incidence of cerebral palsy, Bayley II Mental Developmental Index (MDI) <70 and Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) <70, abnormal neurologic examination, neurodevelopmental impairment, and need for rehospitalization fell significantly. Similar findings were observed as the rate of head circumference growth increased. The in-hospital rate of growth was associated with the likelihood of anthropometric measurements at 18 months’ corrected age below the 10th percentile values of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2000 growth curve. Logistic-regression analyses, controlling for potential demographic or clinical cofounders, and adjusted for center, identified a significant relationship between growth velocity and the likelihood of cerebral palsy, MDI and PDI scores of <70, and neurodevelopmental impairment.

CONCLUSIONS. These analyses suggest that growth velocity during an ELBW infant’s NICU hospitalization exerts a significant, and possibly independent, effect on neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes at 18 to 22 months’ corrected age.
Tipping the Scales: Obese Children and Child Safety Seats
Authors: Trifiletti Lara B. , Shields Wendy , Bishai David , McDonald Eileen , Reynaud Florence , Gielen Andrea
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE. To shed light on the extent to which childhood obesity affects the types of appropriate child safety seats for young children, by providing an estimate of the number of US children whose weight renders them unable to use safely the majority of child safety seat types currently available.

METHODS. The types of appropriate child safety seats were assessed by using National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2005 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings. Estimates of the numbers of children weighing above the maximal weight for those child safety seats were calculated by using the tabulations of growth curves based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2000 data that were assembled by the National Center for Health Statistics and the US Census for the year 2000.

RESULTS. A total of 283305 children 1 to 6 years of age would have a difficult (if not impossible) time finding a safe child safety seat because of their age and weight. The vast majority of these children are 3 years of age and weigh >40 lb (182661 children). For these children, there are currently only 4 child safety seat types available, each of which costs between $240 and $270.

CONCLUSIONS. This study determined that there is limited availability of child safety seat types for the ever-increasing number of obese young children. There are substantial numbers of children who weigh more than the upper weight limit for most currently available child safety seats. While we await reductions in the childhood obesity epidemic, options for maximizing the protection of obese children in automobiles must be identified.
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Postnatal Hearing Loss
Authors: Weichbold Viktor , Nekahm-Heis Doris , Welzl-Mueller Kunigunde
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE. The goal of this study was to determine the percentage of children who have a postnatal permanent childhood hearing impairment (PCHI) and the percentage thereof who have risk indicators for a postnatal hearing loss.

METHODS. Data were drawn retrospectively from the clinical charts of children who had bilateral PCHI (>40 dB hearing level, better ear, unaided) and had undergone universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) between 1995 and 2000 in various Austrian hospitals. A hearing loss was recognized as postnatal when a child passed UNHS but was later found to have a hearing impairment. The presence of risk indicators, as suggested by the Year 2000 Statement of the American Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH), was assessed by reviewing the children's clinical charts.

RESULTS. Of a total of 105 children with bilateral PCHI, 23 (22%) showed postnatal impairment. After correction of this number for underascertainment, postnatal impairment was estimated to account for 25% of all bilateral PCHI at age 9 years. Risk indicators were found in 17 children but did not fully correspond to those proposed by the JCIH. The risk factors found were a family history of hearing loss (3 children), meningitis (2), craniofacial malformation (2), persistent pulmonary hypertension (1), congenital cytomegaly infection (1), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (1), recurrent otitis media with effusion (1), and, in addition to the JCIH list, ototoxic therapy (5), and birth before 33rd gestational week (2) (1 child had a combination of the last 2). Six children showed no risk indicators for the postnatal hearing loss.

CONCLUSIONS. Our findings suggest that ∼25% of bilateral childhood hearing loss is postnatal, which supports the leading role of UNHS in detecting PCHI. Provisions for also identifying postnatal cases nevertheless are justified. Because in some of these children no risk indicators are detectable and in others the hearing deterioration starts after age 3 years, audiologic monitoring of at-risk children up to this age may not be sufficient. Additional methods, such as hearing screening at nursery schools or schools, are recommended.
Symptoms Affecting Children With Malignancies During the Last Month of Life: A Nationwide Follow-up
Authors: Jalmsell Li , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Onelöv Erik , Steineck Gunnar , Henter Jan-Inge
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE. In a population-based nationwide survey, we aimed to study symptoms in children with malignancies during the last month of their lives. Understanding which symptoms affect children in the terminal phase of disease is crucial to improve palliative care.

METHODS. We attempted to contact all parents in Sweden who had lost a child to cancer during a 6-year period. The parents were asked, through an anonymous postal questionnaire, about symptoms that affected the child's sense of well-being during the last month of life.

RESULTS. Information was supplied by 449 (80%) of 561 eligible parents. The symptoms most frequently reported with high or moderate impact on the child's well-being were: physical fatigue (86%), reduced mobility (76%), pain (73%), and decreased appetite (71%). Irrespective of the specific malignancy, physical fatigue was the most frequently reported symptom, and pain was among the 3 most frequently reported. Children who died at 9 to 15 years of age were reported to be moderately or severely affected, by a number of symptoms, significantly more often than other children. The gender of the reporting parent had no significant bearing on any of the symptoms reported.

CONCLUSIONS. The most frequently reported symptoms in children with malignancies to be aware of and possibly address during the terminal phase are physical fatigue, reduced mobility, pain, and decreased appetite. Children aged 9 to 15 years are reported to be moderately or severely affected by more symptoms than children in other age groups. Mothers and fathers report a similar prevalence of symptoms.
The Contribution of Diagnostic Substitution to the Growing Administrative Prevalence of Autism in US Special Education
Authors: Shattuck Paul T.
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE. Growing administrative prevalence of autism has stirred public controversy and concern. The extent to which increases in the administrative prevalence of autism have been associated with corresponding decreases in the use of other diagnostic categories is unknown. The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the rising administrative prevalence of autism in US special education and changes in the use of other classification categories.

METHODS. The main outcome measure was the administrative prevalence of autism among children ages 6 to 11 in US special education. Analysis involved estimating multilevel regression models of time-series data on the prevalence of disabilities among children in US special education from 1984 to 2003.

RESULTS. The average administrative prevalence of autism among children increased from 0.6 to 3.1 per 1000 from 1994 to 2003. By 2003, only 17 states had a special education prevalence of autism that was within the range of recent epidemiological estimates. During the same period, the prevalence of mental retardation and learning disabilities declined by 2.8 and 8.3 per 1000, respectively. Higher autism prevalence was significantly associated with corresponding declines in the prevalence of mental retardation and learning disabilities. The declining prevalence of mental retardation and learning disabilities from 1994 to 2003 represented a significant downward deflection in their preexisting trajectories of prevalence from 1984 to 1993. California was one of a handful of states that did not clearly follow this pattern.

CONCLUSIONS. Prevalence findings from special education data do not support the claim of an autism epidemic because the administrative prevalence figures for most states are well below epidemiological estimates. The growing administrative prevalence of autism from 1994 to 2003 was associated with corresponding declines in the usage of other diagnostic categories.
Prevalence of Spontaneous Closure of the Ductus Arteriosus in Neonates at a Birth Weight of 1000 Grams or Less
Authors: Koch Josh , Hensley Gaynelle , Roy Lonnie , Brown Shannon , Ramaciotti Claudio , Rosenfeld Charles R.
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE. Ductus arteriosus (DA) closure occurs within 96 hours in >95% of neonates >1500 g in birth weight (BW). The prevalence and postnatal age of spontaneous ductal closure in neonates ≤1000 g in BW (extremely low birth weight [ELBW] neonates) remain unclear, as does the incidence of failure to close with indomethacin. Therefore, we prospectively examined the prevalence, postnatal age, and clinical variables associated with spontaneous DA closure, occurrence of persistent patent DA, and indomethacin failure in ELBW neonates.

METHODS. Neonates delivered at Parkland Memorial Hospital from February 2001 through December 2003 were studied. Those with congenital heart defects or death <10 days postnatally were excluded. Echocardiograms were performed 48 to 72 hours postnatal and every 48 hours until 10 days postnatally.

RESULTS. We studied 122 neonates with BW of 794 ± 118 (SD) g and estimated gestational age (EGA) of 26 ± 2 weeks. Spontaneous permanent DA closure occurred in 42 (34%) neonates at 4.3 ± 2 days postnatally, with 100% closure by 8 days. These neonates were more mature, less likely to have received antenatal steroids or have hyaline membrane disease (HMD; 52% vs 79%), and more likely to be growth restricted (31% vs 5%) and delivered of hypertensive women. Using regression analysis, EGA and absence of antenatal steroids and HMD predicted ductal closure. Ten (8%) neonates with early DA closure reopened and required medical/surgical closure. Eighty neonates had persistent patent DA; 7 were surgically ligated, and 5 remained asymptomatic, with 4 of 5 closing after 10 days postnatally. Sixty-eight (85%) received indomethacin at 6.2 ± 4 days postnatally; 41% failed therapy and had no distinguishing characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS. Spontaneous permanent DA closure occurs in >34% of ELBW neonates and is predicted by variables related to maturation, for example, EGA and an absence of HMD, whereas indomethacin failure could not be predicated.
Cumulative Social Disadvantage and Child Health
Authors: Bauman Laurie J. , Silver Ellen J. , Stein Ruth E.K.
Published: April 2006

CONTEXT. Disparities in child health are a major public health concern. However, it is unclear whether these are predominantly the result of low income, race, or other social risk factors that may contribute to their health disadvantage. Although others have examined the effects of the accumulation of risk factors, this methodology has not been applied to child health.

OBJECTIVE. We tested 4 social risk factors (poverty, minority race/ethnicity, low parental education, and not living with both biological parents) to assess whether they have cumulative effects on child health and examined whether access to health care reduced health disparities.

DESIGN. We analyzed data on 57553 children <18 years from the 1994 and 1995 National Health Interview Survey Disability Supplement. Of the 4 risk factors, 3 (poverty, low parental education, and single-parent household) were consistently associated with child health. These were summed, generating the Social Disadvantage Index (range: 0–3).

RESULTS. A total of 43.6% of children had no social disadvantages, 30.8% had 1, 15.6% had 2, and 10.0% had all 3. Compared with those with no social disadvantages, the odds ratios (ORs) of being in “good, fair, or poor health” (versus “excellent or very good”) were 1.95 for 1 risk, 3.22 for 2 risks, and 4.06 for 3 risks. ORs of having a chronic condition increased from 1.25 (1 risk) to 1.60 (2 risks) to 2.11 (3 risks). ORs for activity limitation were 1.51 (1 risk) to 2.14 (2 risks) and 2.88 (3 risks). Controlling for health insurance did not affect these findings.

CONCLUSIONS. The accumulation of social disadvantage among children was strongly associated with poorer child health and having insurance did not reduce the observed health disparities.