bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computationally efficient simulation‐driven design of a printed 2.45 GHz Yagi antenna
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Ogurtsov Stanislav 
Published: May 2010

AbstractSimulation‐driven design of a quasi‐Yagi antenna for the 2.4–2.5 GHz band is presented that exploits a coarse‐discretization and surrogate‐based optimization. Computational cost is low because most of the operations are performed on the coarse‐discretization model, whereas the high‐fidelity simulation is used for setting up the surrogate and for design verification. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1807–1810, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25355
Compact dual‐plane resonant cell low‐pass filter with wide stopband characteristics
Authors: Fu Shu‐Hong , Tong Chuang‐Ming , Li Xi‐Min , Shen Kai 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA compact microstrip dual‐plane resonant cell structure is presented. Good lowpass performance and wide stopband characteristics can be obtained with a simple single resonant cell; multiple resonant modes are introduced in the stopband, thus rejection width is significantly improved. Measured results of the fabricated prototype show that the stopband bandwidth better than −20 dB is more than 13 GHz, but its occupied area is only 20 × 30 mm2. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1776–1778, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25357
Pre‐ and postsynaptic neuromuscular junction abnormalities in musk myasthenia
Authors: Niks Erik H. , Kuks Jan B.M. , Wokke John H.J. , Veldman Henk , Bakker Egbert , Verschuuren Jan J.G.M. , Plomp Jaap J. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAutoantibodies to muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK) can cause myasthenia gravis (MG). The pathophysiological mechanism remains unknown. We report in vitro electrophysiological and histological studies of the neuromuscular junction in a MuSK MG patient. Low levels of presynaptic acetylcholine release and small miniature endplate potentials were found. This combination of pre‐ and postsynaptic abnormalities was supported by histology, revealing partially denervated postsynaptic areas, and some degeneration of postsynaptic folds. Results suggest that anti‐MuSK antibodies reduce the stability of muscle–nerve contact. Muscle Nerve, 2010
A standardized clinical evaluation of patients affected by facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: The FSHD clinical score
Authors: Lamperti Costanza , Fabbri Greta , Vercelli Liliana , D'Amico Roberto , Frusciante Roberto , Bonifazi Emanuela , Fiorillo Chiara , Borsato Carlo , Cao Michelangelo , Servida Maura , Greco Francesca , Di Leo Rita , Volpi Leda , Manzoli Claudia , Cudia Paola , Pastorello Ebe , Ricciardi Leopoldo , Siciliano Gabriele , Galluzzi Giuliana , Rodolico Carmelo , Santoro Lucio , Tomelleri Giuliano , Angelini Corrado , Ricci Enzo , Palmucci Laura , Moggio Maurizio , Tupler Rossella 
Published: May 2010

AbstractTo define numerically the clinical severity of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), we developed a protocol that quantifies muscle weakness by combining the functional evaluation of six muscle groups affected in this disease. To validate reproducibility of the protocol, 69 patients were recruited. Each patient was evaluated by at least five neurologists, and an FSHD severity score was given by each examiner. The degree of agreement among clinicians' evaluations was measured by kappa‐statistics. Nineteen subjects received a score between 0 and 1, 9 had a score between 2 and 4, 20 received a score between 5 and 10, and 8 had a score between 11 and 15. Of the 13 subjects with D4Z4 alleles within the normal range (ranging from 10 to 150 repeats), 12 obtained a score of 0 and only 1 had a score of 1. Kappa‐statistics showed a very high concordance for all muscle groups. We developed a simple, reliable, easily used tool to define the clinical expression of FSHD. Longitudinal studies will assess its sensitivity and utility in measuring changes for widespread use. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Restless legs syndrome in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A. , Shah Rahul S. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is unknown in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). We prospectively studied 28 patients with CIDP. Prevalence of RLS in CIDP was ascertained by face‐to‐face interview using validated criteria and compared with that in 28 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Eleven (39.3%) CIDP patients were diagnosed with RLS, compared with 2 (7.1%) controls (P < 0.01). A significant correlation was ascertained between presence of RLS and lower limb weakness, functional disability, and summated compound muscle action potential (CMAP). The prevalence of RLS in CIDP was significantly higher than in controls in our study population, approaching 40%. Screening for RLS in CIDP patients may be appropriate, particularly in those with weakness, disability, and motor axonal loss in the lower limbs. Our findings may otherwise suggest the existence of peripheral components to the pathophysiology of RLS in patients with CIDP. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Randomized trial of botulinum toxin to prevent pes cavus progression in pediatric charcot–marie–tooth disease type 1A
Authors: Burns Joshua , Scheinberg Adam , Ryan Monique M. , Rose Kristy J. , Ouvrier Robert A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPes cavus in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is thought to be due to muscle imbalance of the lower leg. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) can modify foot deformity in other conditions of muscle imbalance. We tested the safety and effectiveness of BoNT‐A on pes cavus progression in pediatric CMT1A. A 24‐month, randomized, single‐blind trial of BoNT‐A was undertaken in 10 affected children (20 legs), aged 3–14 years. The treated leg received intramuscular BoNT‐A injections at 6‐month intervals in the tibialis posterior and peroneus longus. The control leg received no injections. Primary outcome was radiographic alignment at 24 months. Secondary outcomes were foot posture, ankle flexibility, and strength, assessed every 6 months. Radiographically, BoNT‐A produced a small non‐significant reduction in cavus progression. There was no effect of BoNT‐A on secondary outcomes. There were no serious adverse events. At 24 months, the intramuscular BoNT‐A injections proved safe and well‐tolerated but did not affect the progression of pes cavus in CMT1A. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Cast immobilization increases long‐interval intracortical inhibition
Authors: Clark Brian C. , Taylor Janet L. , Hoffman Richard L. , Dearth Douglas J. , Thomas James S. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractImmobilization reduces muscle performance, and despite these performance losses being associated with neural impairments little is known regarding adaptations in cortical properties. We utilized transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess changes in flexor carpi radialis (FCR) intracortical facilitation (ICF), and short‐ and long‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI and LICI) in healthy humans undergoing 3 weeks of immobilization. Measurements were obtained at rest and during contraction (15% intensity). Central activation and the Hoffman reflex (H‐reflex) were also assessed. Strength decreased 43.2% ± 6.1% following immobilization, and central activation also decreased (97.5% ± 2.4% to 73.2% ± 8.3%). No changes in ICF, SICI, or LICI were observed at rest; however, LICI was increased during contraction (67.5% ± 6.9% to 53.1% ± 6.7% of unconditioned response). The increase in LICI correlated with the loss of strength (r = −0.63). The H‐reflex increased following immobilization. These findings suggest that immobilization increases intracortical inhibition during contraction, and this increase is primarily mediated by GABAB receptors. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Phenol side‐groups‐containing fluorene polymer synthesized by catalytic oxidative polymerization
Authors: Bilici Ali , Kaya İsmet , Şenol Dilek 
Published: May 2010

AbstractCatalytic oxidative polymerization (OP) of 4,4'‐(fluorene‐9,9‐di‐yl)diphenol (FDP), possessing both phenol and fluorene rings in its structure, was carried out in different organic solvents. Schiff base polymer‐copper (II) complex and hydrogen peroxide were used as a catalyst and an oxidizing agent, respectively. The structure of poly (4,4'‐(fluorene‐9,9‐di‐yl)diphenol) (PFDP) was confirmed by UV–vis, FT‐IR, NMR spectroscopies. Further characterization was conducted by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), DSC, XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and conductivity measurements. PFDP showed the optical band gap of 3.09 eV, the emission maximum at 335 nm, and the HOMO level of −5.75 eV. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methyl‐DOPO—a new flame retardant for flexible polyurethane foam
Authors: König A. , Kroke E. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractFlexible polyurethane foams are widely used in many industrial applications, such as upholstered furniture and mattresses, automotive applications, etc. The chemical nature of the polyurethane, the low density, the high air permeability, and the open cell structure cause this material to be highly flammable. In this study, the influencing variables on the burning behavior of flexible polyurethane foams are investigated. Additionally the synthesis, formulation, characterization, and testing of a new phosphorus flame retardant (FR) methyl‐DOPO 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐methylphosphaphenthrene‐10‐oxide in flexible polyurethane foam with low density is performed. The new FR shows an excellent flame retarding behavior by acting mainly in the gas phase. Here the vaporization of methyl‐DOPO occurs in the same temperature region as the depolymerization of the urethane and the bisubstituted urea groups during pyrolysis of the foam. Furthermore TG‐MS measurements revealed the release of high concentrations of low molecular weight species like HPO, CH3PO, or PO2 in the mentioned temperature region. These species are able to scavenge the H‐ and OH‐radicals in the radical chain reactions of the flame leading to a significant increase of the CO/CO2 ratio during cone calorimeter experiments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycogen storage disease type III in the Irish population
Authors: Crushell Ellen , Treacy Eileen P. , Dawe J. , Durkie M. , Beauchamp Nicholas J. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractGlycogen storage disease type III (GSD III) results from mutations of the AGL gene encoding the glycogen debrancher enzyme. The disease has clinical and biochemical heterogeneity reflecting the severity of the AGL mutations. We sought to characterise the molecular defects in our cohort of Irish patients with GSD III. Fifteen patients from eight unrelated Irish families were identified: six males and nine females. The age ranged from 2–39 years old, and all presented in the first 3 years of life. Four patients (of three families) had mild disease with hepatomegaly, mild hypoglycaemia and normal creatine kinase (CK) levels. Five families had more severe disease, with liver and skeletal muscle involvement and elevated CK. Eleven different mutations were identified amongst the eight families. Of the 11, six were novel: p.T512fs, p.S736fs, p.A1400fs, p.K1407fs, p.Y519X and p.D627Y. The family homozygous for p.A1400fs had the most severe phenotype (early‐onset hypoglycaemia, massive hepatomegaly, myopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy before age 2 years), which was not halted by aggressive carbohydrate and protein supplementation. Conversely, the only missense mutation identified in the cohort, p.D627Y, was associated with a mild phenotype. The phenotypic diversity in our GSD III cohort is mirrored by the allelic heterogeneity. We describe two novel null mutations in exon 32 in two families with severe GSD III resistant to current treatment modalities. Knowledge of the specific mutations segregating in this cohort may allow for the development of new therapeutic interventions.
Guidelines for implementation of population‐based newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Comeau Anne Marie , Hale Jaime E. , Pai Sung‐Yun , Bonilla Francisco A. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Pasternack Mark S. , Meissner H. Cody , Cooper Ellen Rae , DeMaria Alfred , Sahai Inderneel , Eaton Roger B. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractSevere combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a Primary Immune Deficiency that is under consideration for population‐based newborn screening (NBS) by many NBS programs, and has recently been recommended for inclusion in the US uniform panel of newborn screening conditions. A marker of SCID, the T cell receptor excision circle (TREC), is detectable in the newborn dried blood spot using a unique molecular assay as a primary screen. The New England Newborn Screening Program developed and validated a multiplex TREC assay in which both the TREC analyte and an internal control are acquired from a single punch and run in the same reaction. Massachusetts then implemented a statewide pilot SCID NBS program. The authors describe the rationale for a pilot SCID NBS program, a comprehensive strategy for successful implementation, the screening test algorithm, the screening follow‐up algorithm and preliminary experience based on statewide screening in the first year. The Massachusetts experience demonstrates that SCID NBS is a program that can be implemented on a population basis with reasonable rates of false positives.
The enzymology of mitochondrial fatty acid beta‐oxidation and its application to follow‐up analysis of positive neonatal screening results
Authors: Wanders Ronald J. A. , Ruiter Jos P. N. , IJlst Lodewijk , Waterham Hans R. , Houten Sander M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractOxidation of fatty acids in mitochondria is a key physiological process in higher eukaryotes including humans. The importance of the mitochondrial beta‐oxidation system in humans is exemplified by the existence of a group of genetic diseases in man caused by an impairment in the mitochondrial oxidation of fatty acids. Identification of patients with a defect in mitochondrial beta‐oxidation has long remained notoriously difficult, but the introduction of tandem‐mass spectrometry in laboratories for genetic metabolic diseases has revolutionalized the field by allowing the rapid and sensitive analysis of acylcarnitines. Equally important is that much progress has been made with respect to the development of specific enzyme assays to identify the enzyme defect in patients subsequently followed by genetic analysis. In this review, we will describe the current state of knowledge in the field of fatty acid oxidation enzymology and its application to the follow‐up analysis of positive neonatal screening results.
The casein peptide Asn-Pro-Trp-Asp-Gln enforces the intestinal tight junction partly by increasing occludin expression in Caco-2 cells
Authors: Yasumatsu Hatsumi , Tanabe Soichi 
Published: May 2010

We have demonstrated previously that Asn-Pro-Trp-Asp-Gln (NPWDQ, amino acids 107–111 of αs2-casein) inhibited allergen permeation, such as that demonstrated by ovalbumin, using Caco-2 cells as an in vitro human intestinal epithelial model and in mouse jejunal and ileal loops ex vivo. In the present study, the mechanism underlying this inhibitory activity was examined in Caco-2 cells. Transepithelial resistance value increased in response to the addition of increasing NPWDQ concentrations (10− 6–10− 4 m), which suggests that this peptide enhanced epithelial barrier function. Next, changes in mRNA expression by the addition of NPWDQ (10− 6 m) were analysed in Caco-2 cells using the microarray method. NPWDQ up-regulated the expression of the occludin gene in cells, but the level of the genes of the claudin family and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) was unchanged. Increased protein expression of occludin, but not of claudin-1 or of ZO-1, was also observed. Therefore, it is suggested that NPWDQ up-regulated the expression of occludin in particular and enforced the tight junction barrier. These data imply that a food-derived peptide can fine-tune the epithelial barrier.
Comparison of a dietary intervention promoting high intakes of fruits and vegetables with a low-fat approach: long-term effects on dietary intakes, eating behaviours and body weight in postmenopausal women
Authors: Lapointe Annie , Weisnagel S. John , Provencher Véronique , Bégin Catherine , Dufour-Bouchard Andrée-Ann , Trudeau Caroline , Lemieux Simone 
Published: May 2010

The aim of the present study was to compare the long-term effects of two dietary approaches on changes in dietary intakes, eating behaviours and body weight: (1) approach using restrictive messages to limit high-fat foods (low-fat intake; LOFAT); (2) approach emphasising non-restrictive messages directed towards the inclusion of fruits and vegetables (high intake of fruits and vegetables; HIFV). A total of sixty-eight overweight or obese postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to one of the two dietary approaches. The 6-month dietary intervention included three group sessions and ten individual sessions with a dietitian. Dietary intakes, eating behaviours and anthropometrics were measured at baseline, at the end of the dietary intervention (T = 6) and 6 months and 12 months after the end of the intervention (T = 12 and T = 18). In the LOFAT group, energy and fat intakes were lower at T = 6 when compared with baseline and remained lower at T = 12 and T = 18. In the HIFV group, fruit and vegetable intakes increased significantly at T = 6 but were no longer significantly different from baseline at T = 12 and T = 18. Dietary restraint increased at T = 6 and remained higher than baseline at T = 18 in the LOFAT group while no significant change was observed in the HIFV group. At T = 6, body weight was significantly lower than baseline in both groups (LOFAT: − 3·7 (sd 2·8) kg; HIFV: − 1·8 (sd 3·0) kg) and no significant difference in body-weight change from baseline was found between groups at T = 18. We concluded that weight loss was similar at 1-year follow-up in both dietary approaches. Despite relatively good improvements in the short term, the adherence to a 6-month dietary intervention promoting high intakes of fruits and vegetables was difficult to maintain.
Neonicotinoid insecticides disrupt predation on the eggs of turf-infesting scarab beetles
Authors: Peck D.C. , Olmstead D. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractTurfgrass applications of imidacloprid were previously shown to suppress the abundance of certain soil arthropods. To ascertain whether those impacts harbor functional consequences, the effect of neonicotinoids on Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman) predation was examined in three experiments that measured removal of eggs implanted into non-irrigated field plots. A first experiment confirmed that a single imidacloprid application reduced the abundance of nontarget fauna and the rate of egg removal. A second experiment compared the impacts of imidacloprid with those of three other neonicotinoids, while a third measured the impact of imidacloprid when applied in July, August or September. Egg removal declined 28.3–76.1% in imidacloprid-treated plots across all studies. Effects were detected as early as one week after treatment (WAT) and persisted as long as four WAT. The extent of suppression did not vary across month of application. Clothianidin, dinotefuran and thiamethoxam also suppressed egg removal, and the effects were similar among them and with imidacloprid. There was no discernible association between variation in rainfall and treatment effects, but this was not explicitly tested. Results support the hypotheses that a single neonicotinoid application can suppress predation on pest populations and that the effect does not vary with respect to active ingredient or season of application. Neonicotinoid application at the time of beetle oviposition puts intended effects (mortality of neonates) in conflict with unintended effects (disruption of egg predation). The conservation of predation on early life stages might buffer the reduced efficacy of late season applications that target more advanced instars. As application timing and post-application irrigation affect insecticide performance, they might also be manipulated to reduce nontarget effects.
Abuse of powers of impeachment in Nigeria
Authors: Lawan Mamman 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTThe powers of impeachment provided under the Nigerian constitution provide a means of checking the excesses of certain executive officers who enjoy the privilege of constitutional immunity against civil or criminal proceedings while they remain in office. Instead of being invoked in appropriate circumstances, however, this article shows that these powers have been abused. It examines cases of impeachment at the state level during the Obasanjo administration and shows how constitutional provisions were flagrantly breached. It provides evidence that the federal government was complicit in such cases, even though under the federal structure by which Nigeria operates, impeachment at the state level is exclusively a state business. It argues that the abuses are a symptom of imbalance of power between the executive and the legislature as well as evidence of the limits of constitutionalism in the face of politics.
Polarization-force-induced dust grain acceleration and intrinsic magnetization of dusty plasmas
Authors: SHUKLA N. , SHUKLA P. K. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIt is shown that the polarization force, arising from interactions between thermal ions and highly charged dust grains, can accelerate charged dust grains and can also create spontaneous magnetic fields in a quasi-neutral dusty plasma. The present results are relevant for understanding the origin of dust grain acceleration and the generation of spontaneous magnetic fields in cosmic dusty plasmas.
IQ in children with autism spectrum disorders: data from the Special Needs and Autism Project (SNAP)
Authors: Charman T. , Pickles A. , Simonoff E. , Chandler S. , Loucas T. , Baird G. 
Published: May 2010

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) was once considered to be highly associated with intellectual disability and to show a characteristic IQ profile, with strengths in performance over verbal abilities and a distinctive pattern of ‘peaks’ and ‘troughs’ at the subtest level. However, there are few data from epidemiological studies.MethodComprehensive clinical assessments were conducted with 156 children aged 10–14 years [mean (s.d.)=11.7 (0.9)], seen as part of an epidemiological study (81 childhood autism, 75 other ASD). A sample weighting procedure enabled us to estimate characteristics of the total ASD population.ResultsOf the 75 children with ASD, 55% had an intellectual disability (IQ<70) but only 16% had moderate to severe intellectual disability (IQ<50); 28% had average intelligence (115>IQ>85) but only 3% were of above average intelligence (IQ>115). There was some evidence for a clinically significant Performance/Verbal IQ (PIQ/VIQ) discrepancy but discrepant verbalversusperformance skills were not associated with a particular pattern of symptoms, as has been reported previously. There was mixed evidence of a characteristic subtest profile: whereas some previously reported patterns were supported (e.g. poor Comprehension), others were not (e.g. no ‘peak’ in Block Design). Adaptive skills were significantly lower than IQ and were associated with severity of early social impairment and also IQ.ConclusionsIn this epidemiological sample, ASD was less strongly associated with intellectual disability than traditionally held and there was only limited evidence of a distinctive IQ profile. Adaptive outcome was significantly impaired even for those children of average intelligence.