bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schärfer sehen mit adaptiver Optik
Authors: Lang Marion , Christensen Lars , Kaenders Wilhelm
Published: February 2011

Aktiv‐kontrollierte Optiken in Reflexion oder Durchlicht: Was als militärische Vision in Zeiten des Kalten Krieges begann, findet heute Anwendungen an vielen Stellen, an denen Brechung die Lichtwege verzerrt, die Atmosphäre die Abbildung verschmiert, aber auch dort, wo eine aktive Fokuskontrolle gewünscht wird. Adaptive Optik wird daher nicht nur in der Astronomie zur Kompensation der Deformation stellarer Wellenfronten durch die turbulenten Luftschichten der Atmosphäre eingesetzt. Sie spielt auch eine zunehmend größere Rolle beim Laserschneiden, zur Diagnose von Augenerkrankungen oder in der Mikroskopie.
Treatment of advanced neuroblastoma in children over 1 year of age: The critical role of 131I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine combined with chemotherapy in a rapid induction regimen
Authors: Mastrangelo Stefano , Rufini Vittoria , Ruggiero Antonio , Di Giannatale Angela , Riccardi Riccardo
Published: February 2011

Background

The prognosis of patients with advanced neuroblastoma (NB) remains poor. Major and early responses have an important bearing on treatment outcome. Iodine‐131‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I‐MIBG) has the potential to deliver large doses of radiation specifically to NB cells. We evaluated the toxicity of, and response to, a novel induction regimen that included 131I‐MIBG combined with cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vincristine, and doxorubicin.

Procedure

Thirteen children over 1 year of age with advanced NB at diagnosis were investigated extensively. 131I‐MIBG was administered on day 10; this was preceded by chemotherapy in the five patients in group 1 (described in our previous study), and both preceded and followed by chemotherapy in the eight patients in group 2. The final induction regimen (used for group 2) lasted 1 month. Evaluation was performed 40 days after the start of treatment.

Results

In both groups 1 and 2, the extent of hematologic toxicity, which was the only side effect, was similar to that seen with chemotherapy alone. Doses of 131I‐MIBG as high as 16.6 mCi/kg showed no evidence of toxicity, even in patients with extensive bone marrow infiltration. Overall, we recorded two patients with a complete response (CR), six very good partial responses (VGPR), four partial responses (PR), and one mixed response (MR). In group 2, CR/VGPR were observed in patients treated with higher doses of 131I‐MIBG.

Conclusions

The results of this pilot study show that 131I‐MIBG, in combination with chemotherapy, appears to play an important role in a new and effective induction regimen for advanced NB. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:1032–1040. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endemic Burkitt lymphoma of maxillofacial region: results of induction treatment with cyclophosphamide plus methotrexate in West Africa
Authors: Béogo Rasmané , Nacro Boubacar , Ouédraogo Dieudonné , Ouoba Kampadilemba
Published: February 2011

Background

Burkitt lymphoma is frequent a cancer in the developing countries where its treatment is based on non‐intensive chemotherapy protocols. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and the toxicity of a non–intensive chemotherapy protocol combining cyclophosphamide and methotrexate in children with Burkitt lymphoma of the maxillofacial region.

Procedure

A retrospective descriptive study was carried out in patients with Burkitt lymphoma of maxillofacial region who received at least one weekly treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide and methotrexate between 1999 and 2006 in a university teaching hospital in Burkina Faso. The demographic characteristics of the patients, the effectiveness and the toxicity of the treatment were recorded.

Results

A total of 58 patients were included. The mean age was 7.2 years. According to Murphy's staging, 28 patients (48%) were at stage I, 18 (31%) at stage II, 11 (19%) at stage III and 1 (2%) at stage IV. Among 28 patients who received all the cycles of the protocol, 21 (75%) achieved complete remission, 6 (21%) had partial remission and 1 (4%) had progressive disease. The major complications during the treatment were febrile leucopenia and anemia. The mortality rate was 19% (11/58).

Conclusion

Non‐intensive chemotherapy protocol with cyclophosphamide and methotrexate could be an alternative to intensive chemotherapy protocols for the management of the stage I–III endemic Burkitt lymphoma in developing countries. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:1068–1070. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Translating scientific advances to improved outcomes for children with sickle cell disease: a timely opportunity
Authors: Raphael Jean L. , Kavanagh Patricia L. , Wang C. Jason , Mueller Brigitta U. , Zuckerman Barry
Published: February 2011

Despite the recent advances made in the care of children with sickle cell disease (SCD), premature mortality, especially among older children and young adults, remains a hallmark of this disease. The lack of survival gains highlights the translational gap of implementing innovations found efficacious in the controlled trial setting into routine clinical practice. Health services research (HSR) examines the most effective ways to finance, organize, and deliver high quality care in an equitable manner. To date, HSR has been underutilized as a means to improve the outcomes for children with SCD. Emerging national priorities in health care delivery, new sources of funding, and evolving electronic data collection systems for patients with SCD have provided a unique opportunity to overcome the translational gap in pediatric SCD. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive HSR agenda to create patient‐specific evidence of clinical effectiveness for interventions used in the routine care setting, understand the barriers faced by clinicians to providing high quality care, assess and improve the interactions of patients with the health care system, and measure the quality of care delivered to increase survival for all children and young adults with SCD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:1005–1008. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fluid–structure interaction analysis on the film wrinkling problem of a film insert molded part
Authors: Oh Hwa Jin , Song Young Seok , Kim Sung Ho , Kim Seong Yun , Youn Jae Ryoun
Published: February 2011

Back‐injection of polymeric liquid to preformed films, also known as film insert molding (FIM), provides the surface quality of polymeric parts. The back‐injection material is responsible for mechanical and thermal properties of the part, especially such as stiffness and thermal expansion. In the back‐injection molding it is important to ensure that the inserted films are not wrinkled by the injection of molten polymers. In this study, FIM was carried out with utilizing polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) alloy and polymethyl methacrylate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PMMA/ABS) film. The wrinkling of films was observed by the atomic force microscope (AFM). Numerical simulations were performed to understand the mechanism of the film wrinkling and optimize the processing conditions of FIM for high precision parts by using commercial packages including Hypermesh™, Moldflow™, and COMSOL™. A critical shear rate for the film wrinkling of a center garnish part was determined based on the deformation energy of plate. It was found that the critical shear rate calculated numerically was in good agreement with that of the film insert molded parts. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Analysis of contributing factors to production of highly transparent isotactic polypropylene extrusion sheets. Part 2
Authors: Funaki Akira , Kondo Kaname , Kanai Toshitaka
Published: February 2011

To obtain highly transparent isotactic polypropylene (PP) sheet by an industrial process, the influences of the isotacticity and metallocene linear low‐density polyethylene (L‐LDPE) as crystallization control material were analyzed. The sheet samples were extruded by using a direct single‐belt process. Even if the sheeting was carried out under the same conditions, the lower tacticity PP generated the less and the smaller size of spherulites. Low‐tacticity PP showed improvement on transparency by heat treatment as well as the high‐tacticity PP. Moreover, the behavior of transparency was investigated by 10 wt% addition of various L‐LDPE with wide range density. Thanks to the fine distribution particles of L‐LDPE in PP matrix, the number of generated spherulites and the growth rate of them were restrained. In the case of addition of L‐LDPE with the specific density to PP, the transparency was markedly improved by the heat treatment. According to the density of added L‐LDPE, the suitable heat‐treatment temperature condition, which showed the best transparency, was changed. This phenomenon could be explained by the refractive index difference of PP matrix and the fine distribution particles of L‐LDPE. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
A mathematical model to study the effect of the air jet in the film blowing process
Authors: Housiadas Kostas D.
Published: February 2011

The aerodynamic effect of the air jet that supports the polymeric films produced in the film blowing process is studied theoretically. The nonlinear coupling between the air and the polymer is examined by assuming steady, axisymmetric, and isothermal flow for both phases. The governing equations for the polymer are simplified by following the thin‐film approximation and the corresponding ones for the air are derived by applying a boundary‐layer type analysis. The latter are solved analytically by first applying the Mangler transformation that reduces the boundary layer equations for the axisymmetric case to those for a plane boundary layer. Then a similarity solution is obtained, allowing the shear stress and the pressure on the outer polymer/air interface to be evaluated in terms of the film shape only. The final set of ordinary differential equations for the film is solved numerically using finite differences. The results show that the force caused by the airflow has a significant effect on the film shape and the characteristics of the final product. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Tracking and back‐tracking
Authors: Lorenzo E. , Narvarte L. , Muñoz J.
Published: February 2011

This paper presents a review of back‐tracking geometry not only for single axis but also for two‐axis tracking and analyses the corresponding energy gains. It compares the different back‐tracking strategies with the ideal tracking in terms of energy yield concluding, on the one hand, that back‐tracking is more useful for single horizontal axis than for the single vertical one, and on the other hand, that back‐tracking is more efficient when applied in the primary axis of a two‐axis tracker. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structures and conformations of heteroatom‐bridged calixarenes
Authors: Zuo Chun‐Shan , Wiest Olaf , Wu Yun‐Dong
Published: February 2011

The structures and conformational energies of twelve MeN‐, O‐, S‐, MeP‐, CO‐bridged homocalix[4]arenes and two kinds of O‐bridged alternate hybrid‐calix[4]arenes have been calculated at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level of theory. The 1,3‐alternate or twisted‐1,3‐alternate conformations are found to be the lowest energy structures in all cases except for MeP‐bridged calix[4]pyridine and calix[4]benzene, for which the twist‐pinched cone and partial cone are the most stable conformations, respectively. The conformational energy differences calculated between the lowest energy and the next conformation are on the order of 2.0–3.0 kcal/mol, but smaller for the S‐ and MeP‐bridged compounds. Analysis of the structures and relative energies shows that the phenyl hydrogens have electrostatic attractions with the lone pairs of the heteroatoms and steric repulsions with the methyl groups on bridgehead groups. Conversely, the lone electron pair in the pyridyl compounds engage in a repulsive electrostatic interaction. The interactions of 1,3‐aromatic rings play a minor but important role in the relative stability sequence. This detailed understanding of the factors governing the conformational space of hetero calixarences can be used to design conformationally biased analogs of these interesting compounds. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Near infrared absorbing benzobis(thiadiazole) derivatives: computational studies point to biradical nature of the ground states
Authors: Thomas Anup , Bhanuprakash K. , Prasad K.M.M. Krishna
Published: February 2011

Main factors responsible for the red to near infrared (NIR) absorption of the benzobis(1,2,5‐thiadiazole) (BBT) derivatives have been investigated using high level computational studies. These molecules with NIR emission are of importance due to the recent reports of possible role in NIR organic light emitting diodes (OLED) development. The electronic structure has been determined using closed‐shell/open‐shell DFT methods (B3LYP and BHandHLYP). The wavefunction stabilities of these BBT derivatives have been tested. We notice that using the BHandHLYP functional, the wave function becomes instable though large HOMO–LUMO gaps (HLG) are obtained. On the other hand a stable wavefunction is obtained using the B3LYP functional but the HLG is small. The B3LYP HLG is in good agreement with the available experimental data. Nevertheless results from both functionals indicate a possible LUMO occupation/biradicaloid character (BRC). We calculated the BRC for all the molecules using different methods and observed that these molecules have a large BRC which correlates well with excitation energies. Larger the BRC smaller the excitation energy. Charge transfer based on Mulliken charges of both ground and excited state are obtained from high level SAC/SAC‐CI studies. We carried out the VB studies of the unsubstituted BBT to predict the relative weights of the individual Lewis structures to the resonance picture. It is concluded that a more general description which include the zwitterionic and biradical structures are necessary for these molecules and not just simple donor–acceptor–donor (D–A–D) structures as suggested in the literature. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relative stability of de novo four–helix bundle proteins: Insights from coarse grained molecular simulations
Authors: Bellesia Giovanni , Jewett Andrew I. , Shea Joan–Emma
Published: February 2011

We use a recently developed coarse‐grained computational model to investigate the relative stability of two different sets of de novo designed four–helix bundle proteins. Our simulations suggest a possible explanation for the experimentally observed increase in stability of the four–helix bundles with increasing sequence length. In details, we show that both short subsequences composed only by polar residues and additional nonpolar residues inserted, via different point mutations in ad hoc positions, seem to play a significant role in stabilizing the four–helix bundle conformation in the longer sequences. Finally, we propose an additional mutation that rescues a short amino acid sequence that would otherwise adopt a compact misfolded state. Our work suggests that simple computational models can be used as a complementary tool in the design process of de novo proteins.
Imaging internal features of whole, unfixed bacteria
Authors: Thomson Nicholas M. , Channon Kevin , Mokhtar Noor Azlin , Staniewicz Lech , Rai Ranjana , Roy Ipsita , Sato Shun , Tsuge Takeharu , Donald Athene M. , Summers David , Sivaniah Easan
Published: February 2011

Wet scanning‐transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is a technique that allows high‐resolution transmission imaging of biological samples in a hydrated state, with minimal sample preparation. However, it has barely been used for the study of bacterial cells. In this study, we present an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of wet STEM compared with standard transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To investigate the potential applications of wet STEM, we studied the growth of polyhydroxyalkanoate and triacylglycerol carbon storage inclusions. These were easily visible inside cells, even in the early stages of accumulation. Although TEM produces higher resolution images, wet STEM is useful when preservation of the sample is important or when studying the relative sizes of different features, since samples do not need to be sectioned. Furthermore, under carefully selected conditions, it may be possible to maintain cell viability, enabling new types of experiments to be carried out. To our knowledge, internal features of bacterial cells have not been imaged previously by this technique. SCANNING 33: 59–68, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The language of knowledge management: A linguistic approach to metaphor analysis
Authors: Steen Gerard
Published: February 2011

This paper discusses two problems in metaphor identification in knowledge management. It does so against the background of a sketch of the most important issues in linguistic metaphor research in relation to language, cognition and communication. This produces a background for the body of the paper, in which two issues are addressed: (1) What counts as a metaphor in language, including language about knowledge? (2) What counts as a metaphor in thought, including thought about knowledge? The answers to these questions capture some of the latest discussions in linguistic metaphor research, which can help increase the quality of further research on metaphor in knowledge management. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In utero and lactational exposure to PCB 118 and PCB 153 alter ovarian follicular dynamics and GnRH‐induced luteinizing hormone secretion in female lambs
Authors: Kraugerud Marianne , Aleksandersen Mona , Nyengaard Jens Randel , Østby Gunn C. , Gutleb Arno C. , Dahl Ellen , Berg Vidar , Farstad Wenche , Schweder Tore , Skaare Janneche U. , Ropstad Erik
Published: February 2011

The effects of in utero and lactational exposure to two structurally different polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners on follicular dynamics and the pituitary‐gonadal axis in female lambs were investigated. Pregnant ewes received corn oil, PCB 118, or PCB 153, and offspring was maintained until 60 days postpartum. Ovarian follicles were quantified using stereology. Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured using radioimmunoassay before and after administration of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analog. PCB 118 exposure increased numbers of transitional, secondary, and the sum of secondary, early antral, and antral (Σsecondary‐antral) follicles, PCB 153 exposure only increased the number of primary follicles. GnRH‐induced LH levels were significantly elevated in the PCB 153 exposure group. We conclude that PCB 153 and PCB 118 alter follicular dynamics in lambs and modulate the responsiveness of the pituitary gland to GnRH. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2011.
Parallel coordinate and parallel coordinate density plots
Authors: Moustafa Rida E.
Published: February 2011

The parallel coordinate plot (PCP)—which represents a p‐dimensional data point in Cartesian coordinates by a polyline (or curve) intercepting p‐parallel axes—is a viable tool for hyperdimensional data visualization. It enables the human visual system to spot informative patterns in complex data and gain better understanding of the underlying geometry of hyperdimensional objects. Correlated records, conceptual clusters, and outliers are easy to discern with the PCP. The parallel coordinate density plot integrates the PCP with density estimation techniques to visualize concentrated information instead of the profiles themselves. Thus mitigating the visual cluttering burden inherent in the plot for a few thousand records. In this article, we give an overview of the PCP, their generalizations, the use of orthogonal bases to smooth out the system, and density estimation techniques to overcome the visual cluttering limitations inherent in the plot. We discuss the duality theorem and its usability in identifying patterns visually or by automatic means. We discuss the effect of scaling the data and the profiles. We provide some visualization examples on different datasets. WIREs Comp Stat 2011 3 134–148 DOI: 10.1002/wics.145

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Statistical Graphics and Visualization
On the spectrum and stiffness of an elastic body with surface stresses
Authors: Altenbach H. , Eremeyev V.A. , Lebedev L.P.
Published: February 2011

A mathematical investigation of the eigenvalue problems for elastic bodies including surface stresses is presented. Weak setup of the problems is based on the Rayleigh variational principle. Certain spectral properties are established for the problems under consideration. In particular, bounds for the eigenfrequencies of an elastic body with surface stresses are presented. These bounds demonstrate increases in both the rigidity of the body and of the eigenfrequencies over those of the body with surface stresses neglected.
Penetrating chest wounds: 24 years experience
Authors: Mandal Ashis K. , Sanusi Michael
Published: February 2011

Thoracic and thoracoabdominal penetrating wounds are frequently encountered in urban medical centers in the United States. This study was undertaken to determine the clinical characteristics and inhospital outcome of these injuries. This was a longitudinal, nonblinded study using the established standard of care of patients with penetrating chest trauma. It consists of an analysis of a consecutive series of 3049 patients treated at one trauma center between April 1972 and March 1996. There were 1347 stab wounds and 1702 gunshot wounds. Antibiotic prophylaxis was administered to patients who underwent laparotomy or thoracotomy or who had lung contusion with hemoptysis (41.6%, 1296/ 3049). Of 3049 patients, 196 had cardiac injuries. All of them underwent thoracotomy, and the mortality was 21.9%. In contrast, among 2853 patients without cardiac injuries, only 257 (9%) required thoracotomy; the mortality in this group was 1.5%. Patients with thoracoabdominal injuries (899/3049) had a mortality of 4.3% compared to 2.1% among those who had isolated chest injuries. The overall mortality was 2.8%. Of 1702 patients with gunshot wounds, 85 (5%) sustained transaxial injuries, with an overall mortality of 36.5%. The complication rate among the survivors was 6% with only 2.5% being infectious. We conclude that the mortality for noncardiac penetrating injuries of the chest is low. The presence of associated abdominal injuries increases the mortality twofold. More than one‐third of the patients with transaxial wounds die. Gunshot wounds of the heart result in higher mortality than stab wounds to the heart. The infection rate is low.
Hürthle cell tumor of the thyroid: Analysis of 188 cases
Authors: Sugino Kiminori , Ito Koichi , Mimura Takashi , Kameyama Kaori , Iwasaki Hiroyuki , Ito Kunihiko
Published: February 2011

We reviewed 188 cases of Hürthle cell tumor of the thyroid (HCT) between 1982 and 1996. There were 160 women and 28 men with a mean age of 51.8 years. Thirty‐one of the patients had cancer, and the others had adenoma. Age, size of the primary tumor, and preoperative thyroglobulin level were not significantly different in the cancer and adenoma patients. The gender ratio, however, was significantly different (p<0.05). Recurrent HCT was observed in three patients with adenoma. Two patients had subcutaneous recurrence (suspected implantation), and the other patient had recurrence in the residual thyroid gland. All patients with recurrence of adenoma underwent partial lobectomy at the initial operation. Three cancer patients had recurrent disease. Locoregional recurrence was observed in one patient and distant metastases in two patients (lung in one, lung and bone in one). One of the patients with distant metastasis died from the disease, and the other is alive with the disease. Tumor implantation was observed in patients with adenoma, so intraoperative handling of the tumor requires care. It also means that this tumor, even though benign, is aggressive in terms of proliferative activity. All patients with Hürthle cell tumor should be treated by total lobectomy at least. The outcome of the cancer patients was not as poor as in previous reports.
Prospective, randomized, comparative study of Misgav Ladach versus traditional cesarean section at Nazareth Hospital, Kenya
Authors: Ansaloni Luca , Brundisini Roberto , Morino Gianfranco , Kiura Andrew
Published: February 2011

Cesarean section (CS) is the commonest major operation carried out in many low income countries. A new technique for CS, called the Misgav Ladach procedure, was evaluated in a randomized trial in Nazareth Hospital (Kiambu District, Kenya). A total of 160 patients were assigned to the Misgav Ladach procedure (n=80) or to the traditional CS as performed in most rural hospitals in low income countries (n=80). The two groups were analyzed by operating time, presence of infection and febrile morbidity, grade of postoperative pain, starting of fluid and solid alimentation, and development of incisional hernia and hypertrophic scar. The operating time of the Misgav Ladach procedure was significantly shorter. 20.4 (SD 6.1) minutes versus 30.4 (SD 6.1) minutes (p< 0.001). A total of 5 wound infections (6.2%) were seen with the Misgav Ladach procedure versus 16 (20.0%) in the control group (p=0.01). The number of analgesic doses required during the postoperative period were significantly less in the Misgav Ladach group: 1.3 (SD 0.6) versus 1.9 (SD 0.7) ampuls of pethidine (p<0.001) and 15.1 (SD 2.0) versus 16.4 (SD 1.8) tablets of ibuprofen (p<0.001). Incisional pain was significantly less in the Misgav Ladach group: Visual Analogue Scale score 3.0 (SD 1.5) versus 4.9 (SD 2.0),p<0.01. The patients in the Misgav Ladach group began drinking fluids voluntarily [19.1 (SD 4.5) hours versus 20.6 (SD 4.0) hours;p=0.01] and eating solid food [41.2 (SD 9.3) hours versus 46.1 (SD 9.0) hours;p<0.01] significantly before than those in the control group. At the 6‐week follow‐up, the presence of hypertrophic scar was significantly associated with the traditional procedure (2.1% vs. 48.8%;p<0.001). We conclude that the Misgav Ladach operation should become the standard method for performing CS in low income countries, particularly in rural hospitals.
Mild hyperphenylalaninemia: to treat or not to treat
Authors: van Spronsen Francjan J.
Published: February 2011

One of the issues to be resolved in phenylketonuria is whether patients with mild hyperphenylalaninemia need treatment, or in other words, in what patients treatment needs to be started. Do patients need treatment when phenylalanine concentrations in blood are >360 μmol/L or >600 μmol/L? This paper reviews the literature on the outcome of untreated patients with mild hyperphenylalaninemia to try to determine whether outcome is normal. The paper concludes that there is, in fact, only one paper that can be used to answer this question. Therefore, the question is whether we may rely on one paper to draw conclusions or whether more research is necessary to determine whether all patients with phenylalanine concentrations >360 μmol/L or all patients with phenylalanine concentrations >600 μmol/L require treatment.
Short‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: the clinical relevance of an early diagnosis and report of four new cases
Authors: Martins Esmeralda , Cardoso M. Luis , Rodrigues Esmeralda , Barbot Clara , Ramos Altina , Bennett Michael J. , Teles Elisa Leão , Vilarinho Laura
Published: February 2011

Short‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (HADH, SCHAD) deficiency (OMIM #231530) represents a recently described disorder of mitochondrial fatty acid beta‐oxidation, with less than ten cases described worldwide. The main clinical presentation of this metabolic disease is different from other inherited defects of fatty acid β−oxidation as the hypoglycemia is associated with hyperinsulinism. We present the clinical, biochemical and molecular findings of four new Caucasian patients with HADH deficiency. These new cases contribute to a more comprehensive description of the phenotype, diagnostic biomarkers and treatment options for this poorly defined disease.
Mouse models for congenital disorders of glycosylation
Authors: Thiel Christian , Körner Christian
Published: February 2011

Glycoprotein biosynthesis describes the process of co‐ and posttranslational attachment of sugar chains to proteins, a process that has been found in nearly all known organisms. Human deficiencies evoked by mutations in the glycosylation pathway of glycoproteins lead to congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), a rapidly expanding group of autosomal recessive inherited metabolic diseases with multisystemic phenotypes that are mostly combined with severe neurological impairment. Although investigations on new types of CDG have proceeded rapidly in recent years, the correlation between inaccurate protein glycosylation and pathological loss of functionality of distinct organ systems remains widely unknown, and therapeutics for the patients are mostly not available. Therefore, mouse models provide an outstanding helpful tool for investigations on different aspects of glycosylation deficiencies that cannot be performed in patients or cell culture. This review focuses on existing mouse models generated for the types of CDG that affect the N‐glycosylation pathway.
Assessment of HPV infection among female university students in Honduras via Roche linear array
Authors: Ferrera Annabelle , Tábora Nelba , Flores Yensi , Zelaya Arnoldo , Massuger Leon , Melchers Willem J.G.
Published: February 2011

Objective

To determine the prevalence of specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV), and the association with possible risk factors, among female university students at university in Honduras.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, cervical samples from 400 women aged 18–35 years were tested using a Roche HPV linear array to differentiate 37 genotypes of HPV. Associations with risk factors were assessed.

Results

Of the 400 participants, 393 completed the study. HPV DNA was detected in 45% of these women, of whom 73% were infected with high‐risk types of HPV and 46% had multiple infections. Overall, 36 HPV genotypes were identified, of which HPV types 16, 51, 84, 66, and 39 were the most common. There was a marked decrease in the prevalence of multiple and high‐risk infections with age. The factors that were independently associated with risk of being infected were related to sexual behavior and smoking habits.

Conclusion

The study showed that genital HPV infection is common among sexually active women at university in Honduras. In addition, the Roche linear array was shown to be a valuable tool for HPV genotyping, which will be useful for monitoring the future effectiveness of an HPV vaccine in the population.
Prevalence of fecal-borne parasites detected by centrifugal flotation in feline samples from two shelters in upstate New York
Authors: Lucio-Forster Araceli , Bowman Dwight D.
Published: February 2011

Over a 3.5-year period, fecal samples from 1322 cats from two shelters and affiliated foster homes in upstate New York were processed for parasite detection by both 1.18 spg zinc sulfate and 1.3 spg sugar double centrifugal flotation. In 50.9% of the samples at least one parasite was detected. Overall, 18 different parasites ranging in prevalence from 0.2% to 21% were recovered. The most prevalent parasites of foster and shelter cats in this study were Cystoisospora species and Toxocara cati (21% prevalence, each). In order of percentage of positive samples, other findings were: Giardia species (8.9%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (6.2%), taeniid eggs (3.9%), Cryptosporidium species (3.8%), Aonchotheca species (3.7%), Eucoleus species (2.3%), Ancylostoma species (2.2%), Cheyletiella species (2.0%), Dipylidium caninum (1.1%), Otodectes species, Toxoplasma-like oocysts and Sarcocystis species (0.8% each), Demodex and Spirometra species (0.4% each), and Alaria species and Felicola subrostratus (0.2% each).
Prevalence of Giardia species in stool samples by ELISA in household cats from Romania and risk factors
Authors: Mircean Viorica , Györke Adriana , Jarca Adriana , Cozma Vasile
Published: February 2011

Stool samples ( n=183) collected in Romania from cats of different ages, gender, breed, living conditions and origin were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a commercial kit (Giardia Microwell ELISA, SafePath Laboratories, Carlsbad, USA). Fifty-one cats (27.9%) presented Giardia duodenalis antigens. The prevalence was significantly higher in cats with diarrhoea (32%, 16/50; P=0.04) and in cats from the north-west region (36.7%, 29/79; P=0.05). Young age (up to 6 months) was identified as the risk factor for infection (OR=0.29, 95% CI 0.09–0.92; P=0.03). There weren't any significant differences associated with gender, breed, medium, lifestyle, associated parasite infections, anthelmintic treatments, type of food or season.
Evaluation of intrarenal mesenchymal stem cell injection for treatment of chronic kidney disease in cats: A pilot study
Authors: Quimby Jessica M. , Webb Tracy L. , Gibbons Debra S. , Dow Steven W.
Published: February 2011

The feasibility of autologous intrarenal mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) was investigated. Six cats (two healthy, four with CKD) received a single unilateral intrarenal injection of autologous bone marrow-derived or adipose tissue-derived MSC (bmMSC or aMSC) via ultrasound guidance. Minimum database and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) via nuclear scintigraphy were determined pre-injection, at 7 days and at 30 days post-injection. Intrarenal injection did not induce immediate or long-term adverse effects. Two cats with CKD that received aMSC experienced modest improvement in GFR and a mild decrease in serum creatinine concentration. Despite the possible benefits of intrarenal MSC injections for CKD cats, the number of sedations and interventions required to implement this approach would likely preclude widespread clinical application. We concluded that MSC could be transferred safely by ultrasound-guided intrarenal injection in cats, but that alternative sources and routes of MSC therapy should be investigated.
Hydrological response of a dryland ephemeral river to southern African climatic variability during the last millennium
Authors: Benito G. , Thorndycraft V.R. , Rico M.T. , Sánchez-Moya Y. , Sopeña A. , Botero B.A. , Machado M.J. , Davis M. , Pérez-González A.
Published: February 2011

A long-term flood record from the Buffels River, the largest ephemeral river of NW South Africa (9250 km2), was reconstructed based on interpretation of palaeoflood, documentary and instrumental rainfall data. Palaeoflood data were obtained at three study reaches, with preserved sedimentary evidence indicating at least 25 large floods during the last 700 yr. Geochronological control for the palaeoflood record was provided by radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. Annual resolution was obtained since the 19th century using the overlapping documentary and instrumental records. Large floods coincided in the past within three main hydroclimatic settings: (1) periods of regular large flood occurrence (1 large flood/~30 yr) under wetter and cooler prevailing climatic conditions (AD 1600–1800), (2) decreasing occurrence of large floods (1 large flood/~100 yr) during warmer conditions (e.g., AD 1425–1600 and after 1925), and (3) periods of high frequency of large floods (~ 4–5 large floods in 20–30 yr) coinciding with wetter conditions of decadal duration, namely at AD 1390–1425, 1800–1825 and 1915–1925. These decadal-scale periods of the highest flood frequency seem to correspond in time with changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, as inferred when comparing their onset and distribution with temperature proxies in southern Africa.
Effects of α-ketoglutarate on energy status in the intestinal mucosa of weaned piglets chronically challenged with lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Hou Yongqing , Yao Kang , Wang Lei , Ding Binying , Fu Dabo , Liu Yulan , Zhu Huiling , Liu Jian , Li Yongtang , Kang Ping , Yin Yulong , Wu Guoyao
Published: February 2011

The present study determined whether α-ketoglutarate (AKG) might affect the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and energy status in the intestinal mucosa of piglets challenged withEscherichia colilipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of eighteen piglets (weaned at 21 d of age) were allocated to one of three treatments: (1) non-challenged (control); (2) LPS-challenged (LPS); (3) LPS+1 % AKG (LPS+AKG). Piglets in the control and LPS groups were fed a maize- and soyabean meal-based diet, and the LPS+AKG group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 1 % AKG. On days 10, 12, 14 and 16 of the trial, piglets in the LPS and LPS+AKG groups were challenged with LPS (80 μg/kg body weight), whereas piglets in the control group received the same volume of sterile saline. Pigs were euthanised 24 h after the last administration of LPS or saline to obtain intestinal mucosae for biochemical analysis. Compared with the control group, LPS administration decreased (P < 0·05) the oxidation of AKG, oleic acid, glutamine and glucose in enterocytes, decreased concentrations of ATP in the duodenal and jejunal mucosae and decreased adenylate energy charge (AMP:ATP ratio) in the jejunal and ileal mucosae. Additionally, LPS treatment reduced (P < 0·05) mucosal concentrations of phosphorylated AMPK in the jejunum and ileum as well as acetyl-CoA carboxylase in all segments of the small intestine. The adverse effects of LPS were reversed by AKG. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary supplementation with 1 % AKG beneficially modulates the AMPK signalling pathway to improve energy status in the small intestine of LPS-challenged piglets.
Widespread pyrethroid resistance in Australian diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella(L.), is related to multiple mutations in theparasodium channel gene
Authors: Endersby N.M. , Viduka K. , Baxter S.W. , Saw J. , Heckel D.G. , McKechnie S.W.
Published: February 2011

Populations ofPlutella xylostella, extending over 3800 km in southern Australia, show no genetic structure as assessed by microsatellite markers; yet outbreaks of pyrethroid resistance occur sporadically in cropping areas. Since mutations in theparavoltage-gated sodium channel gene have been implicated in pyrethroid resistance, we looked for DNA sequence variation at this target among Australian moths. We found two resistance mutations previously reported for this species (L1014F and T929I), as well as a novel substitution (F1020S). Of the eight possible haplotypes formed by combinations of these three biallelic polymorphisms, only four were found in Australian populations: thewild-typeallele (w), thekdrmutation allele (kdr) with only L1014F, thesuper-kdr-likecombination of L1014F and T929I (skdrl), and thecrashdownallele with only F1020S (cdr). Comparison of genotype frequencies among survivors of permethrin assays with those from untreated controls identified three resistant genotypes:skdrlhomozygotes,cdrhomozygotes and the corresponding heterozygote,cdr/skrdl– the heterozygote being at least as resistant as either homozygote. Spatial heterogeneity of allele frequencies was conspicuous, both across the continent and among local collections, consistent with reported spatial heterogeneity of pyrethroid resistance. Further, high resistance samples were sometimes associated with high frequency ofcdr, sometimes high frequency ofskdrl,or sometimes with a high combinedcdr+skdrlfrequency. Theskdrlandcdralleles explain a high proportion of the Australia-wide resistance variation. These data add to evidence that nerve insensitivity by mutations in thepara-sodium channelgene is a common pyrethroid resistance mechanism inP. xylostella.
Molecular analysis of predation by carabid beetles (Carabidae) on the invasive Iberian slugArion lusitanicus
Authors: Hatteland B.A. , Symondson W.O.C. , King R.A. , Skage M. , Schander C. , Solhøy T.
Published: February 2011

The invasive Iberian slug,Arion lusitanicus, is spreading through Europe and poses a major threat to horticulture and agriculture. Natural enemies, capable of killingA. lusitanicus, may be important to our understanding of its population dynamics in recently invaded regions. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to study predation onA. lusitanicusby carabid beetles in the field. A first multiplex PCR was developed, incorporating species-specific primers, and optimised in order to amplify parts of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene of largeArionslugs, includingA. lusitanicusfrom the gut contents of the predators. A second multiplex PCR, targeting12S rRNAmtDNA, detected predation on smallerArionspecies and the field slugDeroceras reticulatum.Feeding trials were conducted to measure the effects of digestion time on amplicon detectability. The median detection times (the time at which 50% of samples tested positive) forA. lusitanicusandD. reticulatumDNA in the foreguts ofCarabus nemoraliswere 22 h and 20 h, respectively. Beetle activity-densities were monitored using pitfall traps, and slug densities were estimated using quadrats. Predation rates on slugs in the field byC. nemoralisin spring ranged from 16–39% (beetles positive for slug DNA) and were density dependent, with numbers of beetles testing positive being positively correlated with densities of the respective slug species.Carabus nemoraliswas shown to be a potentially important predator of the alienA. lusitanicusin spring and may contribute to conservation biological control.
Polemics on the Modesty and Segregation of Women in Contemporary Egypt
Authors: Hoffman-Ladd Valerie J.
Published: February 2011

The issue of woman's proper role in society is a lively one in any country today, East or West. Perhaps in no other area has the rapidity of social and economic change touched the lives and values of the average person so deeply. In the Middle East this topic is particularly sensitive because one of the most frequent criticisms leveled at Islam by Western observers is that it degrades women. Male guardianship of women, forced marriages, polygamy, the seclusion of women, and the man's unilateral right of divorce are all, in Western eyes, indications of the inferior status of women in Muslim society and of the inferiority of Islam as a religious and cultural system. Furthermore, Westerners often see it as their duty, whether as mission or strategem, to assist the Muslim woman to liberate herself from these traditional bonds, and especially to remove her veil and educate her.
Changing Frames of Reference and Regulatory Structures: French Airport Policy in Transition
Authors: Villard Philippe
Published: February 2011

Changes in the regulatory state, the privatization of network industries in Europe and in air transport have led to a redefinition of how airports are regulated. The French model of state ownership and regulation of airports became progressively out of step with a broader European market-oriented frame of reference. A new French sectoral frame of reference was developed and became public policy in 2005. A cognitive analysis identifies the key factors and actors responsible for this shift. This article explores the nature of the changes made to adapt the French model to a European framework and examines the influence of foreign models of regulation on the design of the French model. Finally, it suggests that features of the European frame of reference for regulatory structures have been adapted within France.
The influence of retinal illuminance on L- and M-cone driven electroretinograms
Authors: KREMERS JAN , PARRY NEIL R.A. , PANORGIAS ATHANASIOS , MURRAY IAN J.
Published: February 2011

The electroretinographic response to L- and M-cone isolating stimuli was measured at different luminance levels to study the effect of retinal illuminance on amplitude and phase, and how this may influence estimates of L:M ratios in the retina. It was found that the amplitude of L- and M-cone driven responses increases differently with increasing retinal illuminance: L-cone responses increase more quickly than those of M-cones. The L:M ratio does not change strongly with retinal illuminance. The phase of both L- and M-cone driven responses advances with increasing retinal illuminance. There is considerable interindividual variability in the phase difference between the two, but generally M-cone driven responses are phase advanced.
Comme distraction les devoirs c'est barbantLes constructions disloquées en(X) c'est Adj comme N
Authors: MOLINE ESTELLE
Published: February 2011

Cet article est consacré à la description des constructions de formeC'est Adj,comme N, considérées par Lambrecht comme étant caractéristiques du français oral spontané. L'examen de données attestées montre cependant l'existence de ces tournures à l'écrit. Ces constructions sont analysées ici comme étant constituées de trois termes (X, c'est Adj comme N). A l'écrit, le segment encomme Nest régulièrement utilisé pour restreindre le domaine de validité de l'évaluation (X c'est Adj). A l'oral, il peut être utilisé pour identifier le référent dénoté parce. Le pronom démonstratif présente le référent comme étant non classifié, etcomme Ncontribue à sa classification.
The World Bank and the politics of productivity: the debate on economic growth, poverty, and living standards in the 1950s
Authors: Alacevich Michele
Published: February 2011

According to most reconstructions of development debates, poverty and social issues were not part of the development agenda until the late 1960s. In contrast, this article shows that development practitioners and institutions were already addressing poverty and social issues in the late 1940s and early 1950s. However, economic multilateral organizations soon marginalized those inclusive views and focused exclusively on economic growth. This article discusses those early policy options and why they were marginalized. It argues that this happened for ideological reasons, specifically because of the ideological anti-New Deal post-war backlash and the adhesion of Western countries and multilateral organizations to what Charles Maier defined as the politics of productivity. This ideological backlash explains the rise and early demise of Keynesian ideas in international organizations, and, conversely, their stronger influence in developing countries, where the direct influence of the US and Bretton Woods organizations was somewhat mitigated.
Neo-Malthusianism and development: shifting interpretations of a contested paradigm
Authors: Frey Marc
Published: February 2011

This article focuses on the connection between the ideology of neo-Malthusianism and development theory and practice from the mid 1940s to the present. First identified by a few demographic experts, population policies and family planning gradually turned into a global movement for the control of world population. From the beginning, population discourses and policies were intertwined with strategies of socioeconomic development. They were also a reflection of strategic concerns and deliberations about the role of the West in the Cold War and vis-à-vis the emerging Global South. Focusing on the collective impact of individual choices, population controllers assumed that top-down approaches could swiftly change reproductive behaviour. They gave priority to preventing births over health, education, and female empowerment. Family planning began to shift its emphasis from the collective to the individual only in response to outright coercive actions and with the emergence of new actors, most notably feminists, from the late 1970s on.
Developmental basis of disease: environmental impacts
Authors: Collman G. W.
Published: February 2011

Exposure to environmental chemicals and other environmental stressors have health impacts on the fetus that may not be apparent until later in life. The concept of developmental origins of disease should be expanded to include these early life exposures in addition to the effects of nutrition and maternal factors. This paper will describe the toxicological, biological and epidemiological issues that are pertinent to conducting research on environmental exposures early in life and their health consequences over the life span.