bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive Prenatal Determination of Twin Zygosity by Maternal Plasma DNA Analysis
Authors: Qu James ZZ , Leung Tak Y , Jiang Peiyong , Liao Gary JW , Cheng Yvonne KY , Sun Hao , Chiu Rossa WK , Chan KC Allen , Lo YM Dennis 
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND
The current methods for distinguishing the zygosities of twins include ultrasound scanning, which is nondefinitive, and amniocentesis, which is invasive. We explored the use of massively parallel sequencing of maternal plasma DNA for the noninvasive prenatal assessment of the zygosities of twin pregnancies.

METHODS
Plasma DNA was extracted from blood collected from 8 women pregnant with twins. Target enrichment and massively parallel sequencing were performed for each plasma DNA library. Apparent fractional fetal DNA concentrations were calculated for multiple genomic regions by determining the ratio of minor to major alleles among single-nucleotide polymorphism sites. Variations in the apparent fractional fetal DNA concentrations between genomic regions were used to infer whether individual fetuses in a twin pair were genotypically different and hence dizygotic.

RESULTS
The extent of the variation in the apparent fractional fetal DNA concentration across chromosomes was 0.82–1.35 SDs for monozygotic twin pregnancies and 2.42–4.80 SDs for dizygotic twin pregnancies. The proportions of apparent fractional fetal DNA concentration values that deviated beyond the range expected for stochastic variation were 0.00%–1.93% for monozygotic twin pregnancies and 36.2%–78.1% for dizygotic twin pregnancies. After identifying a pair of twins as likely dizygotic, the method also allowed determination of the fractional fetal DNA concentrations contributed by the individual fetuses of a dizygotic twin pair.

CONCLUSIONS
Noninvasive prenatal determination of twin zygosity by maternal plasma DNA sequencing is feasible. It is also possible to determine the relative fractional fetal DNA concentrations for each fetus for dizygotic twin pregnancies.
Mass Transfer, Adsorption and Kinetics of the Photo-catalytic Degradation Reaction of the Dye Reactive Orange 16 on TiO2 Aqueous Suspension
Authors: Elkanzi Elamin Mohamed , Al-Aseeri Mohamed , Kadhem Ali Abdulhussain , Shamlooh Mohamed Abdulnabi 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Laboratory research in the photo-catalytic degradation of dyes in aqueous slurry of TiO2 under UV light radiation has been shown to be potentially applicable in the treatment of wastewater effluents from textile plants. Therefore, reliable kinetic data that are free from mass transfer limitations are required for the design and scale-up of the photo reactor. In this study, batch experiments were designed to measure the mass transfer coefficient, adsorption equilibrium constant and chemical reaction rate constant for the dye reactive orange 16. The mass transfer coefficient was determined for mixing speeds of 240 - 660 rpm with corresponding values of 3.0x10-5 to 2.8 x10-4 1/s, respectively. The mass transfer coefficient became constant for mixing speeds at or greater than 600 rpm. The adsorption equilibrium constant was determined using the Langmuir Isotherm model, and a value of 1.09x10-4 l/mg was determined. The integrated form of the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model was used to describe the photo-oxidation kinetics. The rate constant was determined at different UV light intensities of 8.8 - 26.4 mW/cm2 and the corresponding values were 146.38 - 381.20 mg/l.min, respectively. The relation between the rate constant and UV light intensity can be described by the formula: 1/kr=a/I^0.5 +b .
The Cross-National Adaptability of EMS Protocols for Mass Casualty Incidents
Authors: Agiv-Berland Adi , Ashkenazi Isaac , Aharonson-Daniel Limor 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Background: On 11/3/2004, ten explosive devices detonated on board four different commuter trains in Madrid. Over 2000 casualties and 191 deaths were recorded. This study examines the adaptability of Israeli EMS protocols for Mass-Casualty-Incidents to the event.Methods: Detailed conduct of Madrid EMS during the terror attack was mapped based on interviews and published data. Three topics, in which shortfalls were described in the literature, were examined: Emergency preparedness, Leadership and Management, and Organization.Results: An event manager was not predefined, resulting in too many or no leaders on-site. Lack of familiarity with protocols led to inaccurate triage and uneven distribution of casualties among hospitals. Organizations had not exercised collaboration previously thus lacked familiarity with each others operations.Conclusions: Multi-organizational familiarity and training is of utmost importance. EMS protocols for MCIs are adaptable to the different systems worldwide. However, these must be drilled, examined and revised in order to ensure emergency preparedness.
Genome Reduction Promotes Increase in Protein Functional Complexity in Bacteria
Authors: Kelkar Yogeshwar D , Ochman Howard 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObligate pathogenic and endosymbiotic bacteria typically experience gene loss due to functional redundancy, asexuality, and genetic drift. We hypothesize that reduced genomes increase their functional complexity through protein multitasking, in which many genes adopt new roles to counteract gene loss. Comparisons of interaction networks among six bacteria that have varied genome sizes (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Treponema pallidum, Helicobacter pylori, Campylobacter jejuni, Synechocystis sp., and Mycobacterium tuberculosis) reveal that proteins in small genomes interact with proteins from a wider range of functions than do their orthologs in larger genomes. This suggests that surviving proteins form increasingly complex functional relationships to compensate for genes that are lost.
Heritable Loss of Replication Control of a Minichromosome Derived from the B Chromosome of Maize
Authors: Masonbrink Rick E , Fu Shulan , Han Fangpu , Birchler James A 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
During an accumulation regime of a small telomere-truncated B chromosome, a derivative with large variations in size and multiple punctate centromere loci exhibiting amplified copy numbers was discovered. Multiple centromere satellite loci or transgene signals were documented in amplified chromosomes, suggesting over-replication. Immunolocalization studies revealed multiple foci of biochemical markers characteristic of active centromeres such as CENP-C and phosphorylation of histones H3S10 and H2AThr133. The amplified chromosomes exhibit an absence of chromosome disjunction in meiosis I and an infrequent chromosome disjunction in meiosis II. Despite their unusual structure and behavior these chromosomes were observed in the lineage for seven generations during the course of this study. While severely truncated relative to a normal B chromosome, the progenitor minichromosome is estimated to be at least several megabases in size. Given that the centromere and transgene signals at opposite ends of the chromosome generally match in copy number, the replication control is apparently lost over several megabases.
The Relationship Between Sleep Problems and Daytime Behavior in Children of Different Ages With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Sikora Darryn M. , Johnson Kyle , Clemons Traci , Katz Terry 
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUNDThe purpose of the current study was to evaluate the relationships among sleep problems and daytime behaviors in a large, well-defined cohort of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).METHODSOut of a registry population of 3452 children with ASDs, a subset of 1193 children aged 4 to 10 years of age from 14 centers across the country was used to evaluate the relationship between varying levels of sleep problems and daytime behavior. Measures included Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Survey Interview Form, Second Edition, and Child Behavior Checklist. Multiple analysis of covariance was used to assess the association between sleep and behavior.RESULTSResults suggest that sleep problems, as identified by parent report by use of the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire, have a negative relationship with daytime behavior. More specifically, children with ASDs and sleep problems had more internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist, and poorer adaptive skill development, as measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, than children with ASDs and no sleep problems. Children with moderate to severe sleep problems had greater behavior difficulties, but not necessarily poorer adaptive functioning, than children with mild to moderate sleep problems. Both preschool- and school-aged children demonstrated a negative relationship between behavior and sleep, whereas the relationship between sleep and adaptive functioning was much more variable.CONCLUSIONSThese results suggest that, although sleep has a negative relationship with internalizing and externalizing behavior, it may have a different relationship with the acquisition of adaptive skills.
Management of Constipation in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Furuta Glenn T. , Williams Kent , Kooros Koorosh , Kaul Ajay , Panzer Rebecca , Coury Daniel L. , Fuchs George 
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVES
To develop a practical, readily applied algorithm for primary health care providers to identify, evaluate, and manage constipation in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

METHODS
The Gastroenterology Committee of the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (ATN), a multisite consortium of centers dedicated to improving standards of medical care for children with ASDs, guided the development of the constipation algorithm through expert opinion and literature review. The algorithm was finalized based on results of field testing by nongastrointestinal, ATN autism medical specialists at 4 ATN sites. A systematic review and grading of the literature pertaining to constipation and children with ASDs was also performed.

RESULTS
Consensus among the ATN Gastroenterology Committee identified that in children with ASDs, (1) subtle or atypical symptoms might indicate the presence of constipation; (2) screening, identification, and treatment through a deliberate approach for underlying causes of constipation is appropriate; (3) diagnostic-therapeutic intervention can be provided when constipation is documented; and (4) careful follow-up after any intervention be performed to evaluate effectiveness and tolerance of the therapy. Literature review revealed limited evidence for the clinical evaluation or treatment strategies of children with ASD and constipation.

CONCLUSIONS
Constipation and its underlying etiology have the potential to be effectively identified and managed using a systematic approach. Lack of evidence on this topic in the literature emphasizes the need for research.
Clinical Practice Pathways for Evaluation and Medication Choice for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Mahajan Rajneesh , Bernal Maria Pilar , Panzer Rebecca , Whitaker Agnes , Roberts Wendy , Handen Benjamin , Hardan Antonio , Anagnostou Evdokia , Veenstra-VanderWeele Jeremy 
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention (referred to as “ADHD [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder] symptoms”) occur in 41% to 78% of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). These symptoms often affect quality of life, interfering with learning or interventions that target primary ASD symptoms. This practice pathway describes the guidelines for evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with ASD and comorbid ADHD symptoms.

METHODS
Current research in this area is limited, and, therefore, these recommendations are based on a systematic literature review and expert consensus in the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network Psychopharmacology Committee.

RESULTS
The recommended practice pathway includes the Symptom Evaluation Pathway for systematic assessment of ADHD symptoms across settings; examination for comorbid sleep, medical, or psychiatric comorbidities that may contribute to symptoms; and evaluation of behavioral interventions that may ameliorate these symptoms. For children for whom medication is being considered to target the ADHD symptoms, the medication choice pathway provides guidance on the selection of the appropriate agent based on a review of available research, assessment of specific advantages and disadvantages of each agent, and dosing considerations.

CONCLUSIONS
These recommendations provide a framework for primary care providers treating children who have ASD and ADHD symptoms. Our systematic review of the current evidence indicates the need for more randomized controlled trials of the medications for ADHD symptoms in ASD. There will also be a need for studies of the effectiveness of these practice pathways in the future.
Nutrient Intake From Food in Children With Autism
Authors: Hyman Susan L. , Stewart Patricia A. , Schmidt Brianne , Cain Usa , Lemcke Nicole , Foley Jennifer T. , Peck Robin , Clemons Traci , Reynolds Ann , Johnson Cynthia , Handen Benjamin , James S. Jill , Courtney Patty Manning , Molloy Cynthia , Ng Philip K. 
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE
The impact of abnormal feeding behaviors reported for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) on their nutritional status is unknown. We compared nutrient intake from food consumed by children with and without ASD and examined nutrient deficiency and excess.

METHODS
Prospective 3-day food records and BMI for children (2–11 years) with ASD participating in the Autism Treatment Network (Arkansas, Cincinnati, Colorado, Pittsburgh, and Rochester) were compared with both the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data and a matched subset based on age, gender, family income, and race/ethnicity (N = 252 analyzed food records).

RESULTS
Children with ASD and matched controls consumed similar amounts of nutrients from food. Only children with ASD aged 4 to 8 years consumed significantly less energy, vitamins A and C, and the mineral Zn; and those 9 to 11 years consumed less phosphorous. A greater percentage of children with ASD met recommendations for vitamins K and E. Few children in either group met the recommended intakes for fiber, choline, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and potassium. Specific age groups consumed excessive amounts of sodium, folate, manganese, zinc, vitamin A (retinol), selenium, and copper. No differences were observed in nutritional sufficiency of children given restricted diets. Children aged 2 to 5 years with ASD had more overweight and obesity, and children 5 to 11 years had more underweight.

CONCLUSIONS
Children with ASD, like other children in America, consume less than the recommended amounts of certain nutrients from food. Primary care for all children should include nutritional surveillance and attention to BMI.
Iron Status in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Reynolds Ann , Krebs Nancy F. , Stewart Patricia A. , Austin Harriet , Johnson Susan L. , Withrow Nikki , Molloy Cynthia , James S. Jill , Johnson Cynthia , Clemons Traci , Schmidt Brianne , Hyman Susan L. 
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often have food selectivity and restricted diets, putting them at risk for nutritional deficiencies. Previous studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) in children with ASDs living in Wales, Canada, and Turkey. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of ID and the adequacy of iron intake in children with ASD in the United States.

METHODS
Participants (age 2–11 years recruited from the Autism Treatment Network Diet and Nutrition Study) completed a 3-day diet record (n = 368) and had laboratory measures of serum ferritin (SF), complete blood count, iron, total iron binding capacity, and transferrin saturation (TS) (n = 222).

RESULTS
Of the 222 participants with laboratory data, 18 (8%) had SF &lt;12 µg/L and 2 (1%) had ID defined by both low SF and TS (3 children with low SF had missing TS data). One subject had iron deficiency anemia. Fewer than 2% of subjects had iron intake below the estimated average requirement.

CONCLUSIONS
Although the determination of iron status is complex, these data do not support previous reports that children with ASD are at greater risk for ID than the general population; however, 8% percent of the sample did demonstrate low SF despite &lt;2% of the sample demonstrating iron intake below the estimated average requirement. The prevalence of low SF may be an underestimate, because SF is an acute phase reactant and the study included no measure of inflammation.
Is Inclusivity an Indicator of Quality of Care for Children With Autism in Special Education?
Authors: Foster E. Michael , Pearson Erin 
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the proportion of time spent in an inclusive educational setting, a process indicator of the quality of schooling for children with autism, improves key outcomes.

METHODS
Patients were 484 children and youth educated in special education with a primary diagnosis of autism in the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2. These individuals were ages 20 to 23 in 2007. We used propensity-score inverse probability of treatment weights to eliminate the effect of multiple confounders. A causal interpretation of the effect of inclusivity on key educational and functional outcomes still depends on a critical assumption, that inclusivity is not confounded by remaining, omitted confounders.

RESULTS
Compared with children with autism who were not educated in an inclusive setting (n = 215), children with autism who spent 75% to 100% of their time in a general education classroom (n = 82) were no more likely to attend college (P = .40), not drop out of high school (P = .24), or have an improved functional cognitive score (P = .99) after controlling for key confounders.

CONCLUSIONS
We find no systematic indication that the level of inclusivity improves key future outcomes. Research on educational and functional outcomes for children with autism can benefit from data on large samples of children educated in real-world settings, such as the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2, but more nuanced indicators should be developed to measure the quality of special education for children with autism.
Long-term Outcomes of Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorders Exposed to Short-term Intervention
Authors: Landa Rebecca J. , Kalb Luther G. 
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVES
To examine long-term outcomes of toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who received a 6-month early intervention at age 2.

METHODS
Forty-eight toddlers diagnosed with an ASD received a 6-month evidence-based intervention. Cognitive (IQ) and communication ability, as well as severity of autism symptoms, were assessed by using standardized measures at preintervention (Time 1 [T1]; mean [M] age = 27 months), postintervention (T2; M age = 35 months), short-term follow-up (T3; M age = 41 months), and long-term follow-up (T4; M age = 72 months).

RESULTS
From pre- to postintervention, significant gains in IQ and Vineland Communication domain standard scores as well as a reduction in ASD severity were achieved (all P &lt; .01). Between T2 and T3, the 6-month period immediately after completion of the intervention, IQ and Communication scores stabilized and ASD severity increased significantly (P &lt; .05). During the long-term follow-up period (T3–T4), IQ and Communication scores significantly increased again, but ASD severity increased significantly as well (all P &lt; .05). For overall trajectory (T1–T4), robust gains were observed for both IQ and communication; ASD severity did not change.

CONCLUSIONS
Findings highlight the potential for positive long-term outcomes in toddlers with ASD. Additional research is needed to understand the relation between early exposure to uninterrupted intervention and developmental gains, and whether initial reduction in ASD symptom severity can be sustained through targeted intervention.
Was Dodd-Frank Justified in Exempting Small Firms from Section 404b Compliance?
Authors: Holder Anthony D. , Karim Khondkar E. , Robin Ashok 
Published: November 2012

SYNOPSIS:
In recognition of the high cost of compliance with its Section 404b—Auditor Certification of Internal Controls—the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) provided temporary exemption to small firms (called non-accelerated filers, typically with market capitalization of less than $75 million). This temporary exemption was later made permanent by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010). Our study estimates the opportunity cost of this exemption, that is, the reporting quality gains that would have been achieved by non-accelerated filers if exemption were not granted. We do so by using a “difference in differences approach”: We compare the effect of SOX on the reporting quality of accelerated filers with the effect of SOX on non-accelerated filers (identifying the two groups using market capitalization thresholds). We measure reporting quality principally by using earnings management and accrual quality measures. We detect a significant deterioration in reporting quality for non-accelerated filers but not for accelerated filers. The result is invariant to whether we compare non-accelerated filers with all accelerated filers or only with small accelerated filers. Our findings suggest a significant opportunity cost for the exemption. Although the consideration of the cost of Section 404b compliance is outside the scope of our study, our result concerning the opportunity cost suggests that it may have been premature to grant permanent exemption to the non-accelerated filers. This result is especially important considering current discussions to grant Section 404b exemption to even larger firms (up to a market capitalization of $500 million).
Amelogenesis Imperfecta: A Conservative and Progressive Adhesive Treatment Concept
Authors: Ardu S , Duc O , Krejci I , Perroud R 
Published: November 2012

SUMMARY

Objective
The aim of this study was to present a case report of a patient affected by amelogenesis imperfecta showing a possible minimal and conservative adhesive treatment approach.

Clinical Procedure
A treatment philosophy of amelogenesis imperfecta is illustrated by means of a case report of a 14-year-old boy who consulted us for a full mouth rehabilitation.

Discussion
This clinical report describes step by step how to manage a case of amelogenesis imperfecta from childhood over time.

Significance
This kind of minimally invasive, progressive approach allows the conservation of maximum tooth substance together with an acceptable esthetic outcome.