bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder: stability and change in clinical diagnosis and symptom presentation
Authors: Guthrie Whitney , Swineford Lauren B. , Nottke Charly , Wetherby Amy M. 
Published: October 2012

Background:  Although a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) appears to be stable in children as young as age three, few studies have explored stability of a diagnosis in younger children. Predictive value of diagnostic tools for toddlers and patterns of symptom change are important considerations for clinicians making early diagnoses. Most findings come from high‐risk samples, but reports on children screened in community settings are also needed.Methods:  Stability of diagnosis and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Toddler Module (ADOS‐T) classifications and scores was examined across two time points in a sample of 82 children identified through the FIRST WORDS® Project. Children received two comprehensive diagnostic evaluations at average ages of 19.39 (SD = 2.12) and 36.89 (SD = 3.85) months.Results:  Stability was 100% when confirming and ruling out a diagnosis of ASD based on a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that included clinic and home observations, although diagnosis was initially deferred for 17% of the sample. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves revealed excellent sensitivity and acceptable specificity for the ADOS‐T compared to concurrent diagnosis. Logistic regressions indicated good predictive value of initial ADOS‐T scores for follow‐up diagnosis. Finally, both ASD and Non‐ASD children demonstrated a decrease in Social Affect scores (i.e., improvement), whereas children with ASD demonstrated an increase in Restricted and Repetitive Behavior scores (i.e., worsening), changes that were accounted for by nonverbal developmental level in mixed model analyses.Conclusions:  Short‐term stability was documented for children diagnosed at 19 months on average, although a minority of children initially showed unclear diagnostic presentations. Findings highlight utility of the ADOS‐T in making early diagnoses and predicting follow‐up diagnoses. Children with ASD demonstrated improvement in social communication behaviors and unfolding of repetitive behaviors, suggesting that certain early patterns of change in symptoms may be characteristic of ASD.
Bacteriological aspects of Darier’s disease
Authors: Dodiuk‐Gad R. , Cohen‐Barak E. , Ziv M. , Shani‐Adir A. , Shalev S. , Chazan B. , Raz R. , Colodner R. , Amichai B. , Zlotogorski A. , Keness Y. , Rozenman D. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  There are no established data on the prevalence of bacterial colonization of lesional skin, nares and perineum in Darier’s disease (DD), or its contribution to the clinical manifestations of the disease.Objective  To determine the prevalence of bacterial colonization of lesional skin and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in nares and perineum in 75 patients with DD, the association of these parameters with disease and patient characteristics, and the features of the bacterial skin infection in this group.Methods  Medical interviews and physical examinations were performed. Bacteria were isolated from swabs taken from lesional skin, nares and perineum.Results  S. aureus was isolated in 68%, 47% and 22% of lesional skin, nares and perineum cultures respectively. Subjects with positive S. aureus culture from lesional skin and/or nares had a statistically significant higher percentage of skin area affected and a more severe disease than patients with negative culture. Thirty of the 75 patients (40%) recalled bacterial skin infection, most often on the chest.Conclusions  Patients with DD have high prevalence of S. aureus colonization in lesional skin and nares, with a correlation between disease severity and extent of the colonization. Further studies examining the consequences of S. aureus eradication in those sites may establish the need for S. aureus lesional skin and nares colonization screening and eradication as part of the treatment of DD exacerbations.
Leaders’ Impact on Public Spending Priorities: The Case of the German Laender
Authors: Hayo Bernd , Neumeier Florian 
Published: October 2012

SummaryWe examine determinants of the composition of public expenditure in the German Laender (states) over the period 1992–2008, as the Laender exhibit a high degree of institutional and political homogeneity and are endowed with extensive fiscal competences. Our prime contribution is an investigation into how political leaders’ socioeconomic background influences public spending priorities. Applying sociological theory, we link preferences for the composition of public spending to social status. In contrast to approaches relying on political budget cycles or partisan theory, we find strong and theory‐consistent evidence that prime ministers tend to favour fiscal policies supporting the social class in which they are socialised. Governments led by prime ministers from a poor socioeconomic background spend significantly more on social security, education, health, infrastructure, and public safety.
A yeast model of optineurin proteinopathy reveals a unique aggregation pattern associated with cellular toxicity
Authors: Kryndushkin Dmitry , Ihrke Gudrun , Piermartiri Tetsade C. , Shewmaker Frank 
Published: October 2012

SummaryMany neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are linked to the accumulation of specific protein aggregates in affected regions of the nervous system. SOD1, TDP‐43, FUS and optineurin (OPTN) proteins were identified to form intraneuronal inclusions in ALS patients. In addition, mutations in OPTN are associated with both ALS and glaucoma. As the pathological role of OPTN in neuronal degeneration remains unresolved, we created a yeast model to study its potential for aggregation and toxicity. We observed that both wild type and disease‐associated mutants of OPTN form toxic non‐amyloid aggregates in yeast. Similar to reported cell culture and mouse models, the OPTN E50K mutant shows enhanced toxicity in yeast, implying a conserved gain‐of‐function mechanism. Furthermore, OPTN shows a unique aggregation pattern compared to other disease‐related proteins in yeast. OPTN aggregates colocalize only partially with the insoluble protein deposit (IPOD) site markers, but coincide perfectly with the prion seed‐reducing protein Btn2 and several other aggregation‐prone proteins, suggesting that protein aggregates are not limited to a single IPOD site. Importantly, changes in the Btn2p level modify OPTN toxicity and aggregation. This study generates a mechanistic framework for investigating how OPTN may trigger pathological changes in ALS and other OPTN‐linked neurodegenerative disorders.
Effect of 3B, 5A and 3A QTL for Fusarium head blight resistance on agronomic and quality performance of Canadian winter wheat
Authors: Tamburic‐Ilincic Ljiljana 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to investigate (i) the correlations between Fusarium head blight (FHB) index, deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation and percentage of Fusarium‐damaged kernels (FDK) with agronomic and quality traits and (ii) the effect associated with the presence of single QTLs for FHB resistance on agronomic and quality traits in winter wheat. The population was derived from the cross between ‘RCATL33' (FHB resistance derived from ‘Sumai 3’ and ‘Frontana’) and ‘RC Strategy’. Parental lines and recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were genotyped with SSR markers associated with the 3B, 5A and 3A QTLs. The population was planted in FHB‐inoculated nurseries and in agronomy trials. Lines in the 3B QTL class had the lowest FHB index, DON content and FDK level and did not have a significantly lower yield, thousand kernel weight or protein content compared with the lines grouped in other QTL classes (including no QTL class). Marker‐assisted selection of the 3B QTL for FHB resistance into high‐yielding FHB‐susceptible winter wheat is the recommended approach for the development of lines with increased FHB resistance without significant yield and quality penalties.
The Black Bag
Authors: Snow Helen 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn the early‐ to mid‐twentieth century, stories about nursing practice submitted by nurses frequently appeared in Public Health Nursing. The article reprinted here is an example of this genre of publications. Originally published in April 1936, this article tells the story of a day in the work of one public health nurse as she moves about the city making home visits. In this article, Snow (1936) used personification of the iconic black bag to tell her story. Using this technique she brings to life the nuances of her day, the personalities of her patients, and the importance of the black bag to the work of public health nurses. What did nurses learn from stories such as this one? Themes embedded in this story reflect the role of the Public Health Nurse (PHN), as well as the environment in which she worked. For instance, in this story we learn that not only was the PHN a welcomed visitor in the homes of families struggling with health problems, but that she brought order out of chaos, as illustrated in “The New Arrival”. “The Black Bag” also highlights the humor nurses experienced in their encounters with families, as well as the pathos in other situations. Stories served as a vehicle for nurses to share and learn about both the common elements of their work, as well as the unique features related to location and environment, such as rural and urban locales.
Exchange Rate Asymmetry and Flexible Exchange Rates under Inflation Targeting Regimes: Evidence from Four East and Southeast Asian Countries
Authors: Pontines Victor , Siregar Reza Y. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWhile many have underscored the role of a flexible exchange rate policy under an inflation targeting (IT) regime, very few studies have examined what actually happens to exchange rate policy once the emerging market announces that it will adopt inflation targeting. The central contention of this paper is that while the adoption of an inflation targeting (IT) policy may lead to more flexible exchange rate movements, for various reasons it is possible that the degree of flexibility will be significantly higher on one side of the market. In this study, we demonstrate that four Asian economies—namely, Indonesia, Korea, the Philippines and Thailand—whom were among the first group of emerging markets to embrace the inflation targeting framework of monetary policy, tend to adopt a form of asymmetrical exchange rate behavior, wherein appreciation pressures are restrained more substantially than depreciation pressures.
A Note on Forecasting Emerging Market Exchange Rates: Evidence of Anti‐herding
Authors: Pierdzioch Christian , Rülke Jan‐Christoph , Stadtmann Georg 
Published: October 2012

AbstractUsing survey forecasts of a large number of Asian, European, and South American emerging market exchange rates, we studied empirically whether evidence of herding or anti‐herding behavior of exchange‐rate forecasters can be detected in the cross‐section of forecasts. Emerging market exchange‐rate forecasts are consistent with herding (anti‐herding) if forecasts are biased towards (away from) the consensus forecast. Our empirical findings provide strong evidence of anti‐herding of emerging market exchange‐rate forecasters.
The Impact of Migrant Remittances on Economic Growth: Evidence from South Asia
Authors: Cooray Arusha 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIncorporating migrant remittances among other variables into a growth model, and employing panel data over the 1970–2008 period, this study investigates the impact of migrant remittances on economic growth in South Asia. Migrant remittances are found to have a significant positive effect on economic growth. A significant positive interactive effect of remittances on economic growth is detected through education and financial sector development.
Tough Choices: Dialysis, Palliative Care, or a Third Option for Elderly ESRD
Authors: Williams Mark E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDialysis should not be presumed to be the treatment of choice for all elderly chronic kidney disease stage 5 patients. Nondialysis active medical management, as an alternative to dialysis or palliative care, is a reasonable alternative in select cases. Early referral of CKD 5 elderly patients may lead to early initiation of dialysis, which may not be advantageous; it also provides an opportunity to institute active management as a treatment alternative. The informed decision to proceed with dialysis must involve both an assessment of evidence‐based outcomes applicable to the patient, and allowance of patient preference. Prognostic tools are increasingly sought to aid in decision‐making for elderly CKD 5 patients. Chronological age alone is not a sufficient predictor of benefit from dialysis treatments, according to observational studies and limited clinical trial data. The survival advantage of dialysis appears to be lost in patients with high levels of comorbidity. Establishing patient preference is an imperfect process, and many patients appear to regret their decision to undergo dialysis. With active medical management, efforts shift from prolonging life to emphasis on symptom control, dietary and medical treatment, and quality of life. Patient survival time can be remarkably long.
Disrupting the cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase 1 gene (BdCAD1) leads to altered lignification and improved saccharification in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Bouvier d'Yvoire Madeleine , Bouchabke‐Coussa Oumaya , Voorend Wannes , Antelme Sébastien , Cézard Laurent , Legée Frédéric , Lebris Philippe , Legay Sylvain , Whitehead Caragh , McQueen‐Mason Simon J. , Gomez Leonardo D. , Jouanin Lise , Lapierre Catherine , Sibout Richard 
Published: October 2012

SummaryBrachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium) has been proposed as a model for grasses, but there is limited knowledge regarding its lignins and no data on lignin‐related mutants. The cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) genes involved in lignification are promising targets to improve the cellulose‐to‐ethanol conversion process. Down‐regulation of CAD often induces a reddish coloration of lignified tissues. Based on this observation, we screened a chemically induced population of Brachypodium mutants (Bd21–3 background) for red culm coloration. We identified two mutants (Bd4179 and Bd7591), with mutations in the BdCAD1 gene. The mature stems of these mutants displayed reduced CAD activity and lower lignin content. Their lignins were enriched in 8–O–4‐ and 4–O–5‐coupled sinapaldehyde units, as well as resistant inter‐unit bonds and free phenolic groups. By contrast, there was no increase in coniferaldehyde end groups. Moreover, the amount of sinapic acid ester‐linked to cell walls was measured for the first time in a lignin‐related CAD grass mutant. Functional complementation of the Bd4179 mutant with the wild‐type BdCAD1 allele restored the wild‐type phenotype and lignification. Saccharification assays revealed that Bd4179 and Bd7591 lines were more susceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis than wild‐type plants. Here, we have demonstrated that BdCAD1 is involved in lignification of Brachypodium. We have shown that a single nucleotide change in BdCAD1 reduces the lignin level and increases the degree of branching of lignins through incorporation of sinapaldehyde. These changes make saccharification of cells walls pre‐treated with alkaline easier without compromising plant growth.
Experimental Study of a Sand–Air Heat Exchanger for Use With a
High-Temperature Solar Gas Turbine System
Authors: Al-Ansary Hany , El-Leathy Abdelrahman , Al-Suhaibani Zeyad , Jeter Sheldon , Sadowski Dennis , Alrished Abdulaziz , Golob Matthew 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
An experimental study of the heat transfer characteristics of the bulk flow of sand in a sand–air heat exchanger is conducted. The study is conducted in the context of the development of a high-temperature solar gas turbine (HTSGT) system. This system is being developed by King Saud University and the Georgia Institute of Technology with the aim of demonstrating the feasibility of using sand as the heat transfer and energy storage medium in central receiver systems. Experiments are conducted on silica sand and olivine sand, both of which are attractive options due to their wide availability. The apparatus includes a tube bank consisting of eight electrically heated tubes arranged in three rows in a staggered formation. Heat transfer coefficient results are reported for bare and finned tubes for sand feed velocities of 1–3 mm/s. They were found in the range of 80–160 W/m2 K.
Assessment of Antigen-Specific and Cross-Reactive Antibody Responses to an MF59-Adjuvanted A/H5N1 Prepandemic Influenza Vaccine in Adult and Elderly Subjects
Authors: Bihari Iván , Pánczél Gyula , Kovacs Jozsef , Beygo Jenny , Fragapane Elena 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTPreparedness against an A/H5N1 influenza pandemic requires well-tolerated, effective vaccines which provide both vaccine strain-specific and heterologous, cross-clade protection. This study was conducted to assess the immunogenicity and safety profile of an MF59-adjuvanted, prepandemic influenza vaccine containing A/turkey/Turkey/01/2005 (H5N1) strain viral antigen. A total of 343 participants, 194 adults (18 to 60 years) and 149 elderly individuals (≥61 years), received two doses of the investigational vaccine given 3 weeks apart. Homologous and heterologous antibody responses were analyzed by hemagglutination inhibition (HI), single radial hemolysis (SRH), and microneutralization (MN) assays 3 weeks after administration of the first vaccine dose and 3 weeks and 6 months after the second dose. Immunogenicity was assessed according to European licensure criteria for pandemic influenza vaccines. After two vaccine doses, all three European licensure criteria were met for adult and elderly subjects against the homologous vaccine strain, A/turkey/Turkey/1/2005, when analyzed by HI and SRH assays. Cross-reactive antibody responses were observed by HI and SRH analyses against the heterologous H5N1 strains, A/Indonesia/5/2005 and A/Vietnam/1194/2004, in adult and elderly subjects. Solicited local and systemic reactions were mostly mild to moderate in severity and occurred less frequently in the elderly than in adult vaccinees. In both adult and elderly subjects, MF59-adjuvanted vaccine containing 7.5 μg of A/Turkey strain influenza virus antigen was highly immunogenic, well tolerated, and able to elicit cross-clade, heterologous antibody responses against A/Indonesia and A/Vietnam strains 6 weeks after the first vaccination.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Variant Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Strain Isolated in China
Authors: Chen Feng , Pan Yongfei , Zhang Xiangbin , Tian Xiaoyan , Wang Dongdong , Zhou Qingfeng , Song Yanhua , Bi Yingzuo 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
Since October 2010, an outbreak of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) has been observed in some provinces of China. Here we report the complete genome sequence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) strain LC, which was recently isolated from sucking piglets that suffered from severe watery diarrhea in Guangdong. It will help in understanding the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of PEDV in China.
Complete Genomic Sequence of a New Muscovy Duck-Origin Reovirus from China
Authors: Wang Dan , Xu Feng , Ma Guoming , Zhang Cun , Huang Yu , Li Huanrong , Zhang Dabing 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

The complete genomic sequence of a new Muscovy duck-origin reovirus (N-MDRV), strain J18 from China, was determined. The virus has a tricistronic S1 genome segment that is distinct from the originally described MDRV, which possesses a bicistronic S4 genome segment. Pairwise comparisons and phylogenetic analyses suggest that N-MDRV J18 is a new isolate within the species
Avian orthoreovirus
.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Highly Virulent Rabies Virus Isolated from a Rabid Pig in South China
Authors: Luo Yongwen , Zhang Ying , Liu Xiangyin , Yang Youtian , Yang Xianfeng , Zhang Daiting , Deng Xianbo , Wu Xiaowei , Guo Xiaofeng 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
A virulent rabies virus (RABV) strain, GD-SH-01, was isolated from brain tissue of a rabid pig in China. This report describes the first complete genome sequence of a swine-origin RABV strain, and this information will provide important insights into the transmission cycle and genetic diversity of RABV from different hosts in China.
Complete Genome Sequence of Central Africa Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Subtype 1b
Authors: Zanella Louise , Otsuki Koko , Marin Michel Abanto , Bendet Izidro , Vicente Ana Carolina 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has a global spread, and it is estimated that around 20 million persons are infected. Seven major genetic subtypes are recognized. However, there are complete genomes only from the HTLV-1a (cosmopolitan) and HTLV-1c (Melanesian) subtypes. Here, the first full-length genome of an HTLV-1b strain, a subtype so far restricted to Central African countries, is revealed. The genome size of HTLV-1b SF26, a strain isolated in Brazil, was determined to be 8,267 bp. The genomic analysis showed that all characteristic regions and genes of a prototypic HTLV-1 virus are conserved. This genome can provide information for further studies on the evolutionary history and pathogenic potential of this human oncovirus.
Complete Genome Sequence of Porcine Circovirus 2d Strain GDYX
Authors: Chen Feng , Pan Yongfei , Liao Chengqiu , Zhou Qingfeng , Zhang Xiangbin , Song Yanhua , Bi Yingzuo 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the etiologic agent of porcine circovirus-associated disease, and it is mainly divided into five genotypes. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of PCV2 strain GDYX, which belongs to PCV2d and has a unique amino acid variation at position 169 (S to G).
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Porcine Circovirus Type 2b Variant Present in Cases of Vaccine Failures in the United States
Authors: Xiao Chao-Ting , Halbur Patrick G. , Opriessnig Tanja 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
Two genomes of a new porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) strain associated with cases of perceived failure of PCV2 vaccination were sequenced and analyzed. Based on the genome, this is the first report of this mutant of PCV2b in the United States. The genomic knowledge of this mutant PCV2b will improve understanding of the epidemiology of PCV and potentially inform the development of new and more effective vaccines for PCV2.
Pins and needles and unilateral foot drop: a presentation of sarcoidosis
Authors: Fahim Ahmed , Kastelik Jack A , Morjaria Jaymin B , Hart Simon Paul 
Published: October 2012

We describe a case of sarcoidosis in a 57-year-old man who presented with neurological symptoms of pins and needles in both of his hands, left leg weakness and left foot drop. Neurophysiological examination revealed asymmetric motor and sensory polyneuropathy. Common peroneal nerve involvement accounted for the left foot drop. Thoracic CT scan revealed bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. He had hypercalcaemia and raised serum ACE level. Histological examination of a mediastinal lymph node showed non-caseating epithelioid cell granulomas consistent with the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. There was no evidence of acid-fast bacilli or fungi on special stains. This case highlights the importance of considering sarcoidosis as a potential diagnosis in patients presenting with peripheral neuropathy. Although response to corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy may be seen, in our case the patient's neurological deficit remained persistent despite treatment.