bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Median parameters for Down's syndrome screening should be calculated using a moving time-window method
Authors: Reynolds T M , Aldis J 
Published: October 2008

Background In Down's syndrome screening, the change in analyte concentrations in maternal serum with advancing gestational age is compensated for by converting concentration to multiples of the median (MoM) by using a mathematical equation describing the expected relationship. However, owing to assay drifts and shift, the equation may be incorrect, leading to deviation of the observed MoM distribution from the ideal MoM distribution. The NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme has produced standards limiting acceptable deviation, and has provided the Down's Syndrome Screening Quality Assurance Service (DQASS) to monitor it. DQASS recommends monitoring by cumulative sum plot. Methods Down's screening data for 61,368 consecutive samples (12 October 2004 to 31 December 2007) was evaluated using different median assignment techniques. Results A change in the paradigm for median equation derivation is described, which significantly improves the probability that medians will be correct at any point in time. Conclusion Software developers need to change the way medians are derived in their programmes.
The effect of paraproteins on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate: a comparison between the StarrSed and TEST 1
Authors: Raijmakers Maarten T M , Kuijper Philip H M , Bakkeren Dirk L , Vader Huib L 
Published: October 2008

Background The principle of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as assessed by TEST 1 is different from that of Westergren-based methods. This could result in different influences on the tests by paraproteins. Methods We investigated the effect of paraproteins on ESR readings by TEST 1 ( y) and the StarrSed ( x), a Westergren-based method, in 142 patients with paraproteinaemia. Agreement (Passing-Bablok) and bias (Bland–Altman) between methods was investigated and compared with that of a control population. Results A poor agreement between the two methods was found in patients with a paraprotein ( y = 0.67 x + 3.3) in comparison with that of the control population ( y = 0.96 x + 0.2). Large differences between methods were present when ESR readings were >40 mm/hour, but clinical interpretation was similar in 90% of cases. Linear regression showed a concentration dependent influence of paraproteins on ESR readings by the StarrSed, especially for immunoglobulin class IgM. Conclusion ESR readings by TEST 1 result in similar clinical interpretation for most subjects, but readings are less influenced by the presence of a paraprotein than those of a Westergren-based method.
Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is a novel substrate for arginine methylation by PRMT5
Authors: Bruns Alexander-Francisco , Grothe Claudia , Claus Peter 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is expressed in isoforms of different molecular masses from one mRNA species by alternative start of translation. The higher molecular mass isoforms (FGF-221 and 23) contain an arginine-rich N-terminus organized in RG-motifs followed by the 18 kDa FGF-2 (FGF-218) core which is common to all isoforms. Both isoforms localize differentially to the nucleus. Here, we analyzed the nuclear localization of FGF-221. Surprisingly, the lack of one RG-motif in FGF-221 resulted in the nucleolar distribution characteristic of FGF-218. We have previously shown that 23 kDa FGF-2 (FGF-223) interacts specifically with the survival of motoneuron (SMN) protein, an assembly protein for small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles. For this assembly, Sm-proteins methylated by protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) are required. In our study, we aimed to analyze whether FGF-223 is also a substrate for symmetrical methylation by PRMT5. We could confirm that both proteins exist in a common complex. Moreover, PRMT5 methylates FGF-223
in vitro, whereas mutated inactive PRMT5 does not. FGF-223 is therefore a new substrate of PRMT5. With regard to function, inhibition of methyltransferase activity in HEK293T cells leads to cytoplasmic enrichment of FGF-2, indicating the importance of arginine methylation for shuttling of FGF-223 to the nucleus.
Glycosphingolipids from bovine milk and milk fat globule membranes: a comparative study. Adhesion to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains
Authors: Sánchez-Juanes Fernando , Alonso Josefa M. , Zancada Lorena , Hueso Pablo 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Several components of milk fat globule membranes (MFGMs) have been reported to display beneficial health properties and some of them have been implicated in the defense of newborns against pathogens. These observations prompted us to determine the glycosphingolipid content of MFGMs and their interaction with pathogens. A comparative study with whole milk components was also carried out. Milk fat globules and MFGMs were isolated from milk. Gangliosides and neutral glycosphingolipids were obtained from MFGMs and whole milk and their fatty acid contents were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). MFGMs and whole milk showed similar ganglioside and neutral glycosphingolipid contents, with whole milk having more GM3 and glucosylceramide and less GD3, O-acetyl GD3, O-acetyl GT3, and lactosylceramide. The fatty acid content of gangliosides from both sources showed a similar composition. However, the neutral glycosphingolipid fatty acid content seemed to be quite different. Whole milk had fewer very-long-chain fatty acids (18.1% vs. 46.4% in MFGMs) and more medium-chain and unsaturated C18:1 and C18:2 fatty acids. Milk fat globules, MFGMs, lactosylceramide, and gangliosides GM3 and GD3 were observed to bind enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains. Furthermore, bacterial hemagglutination was inhibited by MFGMs and glycosphingolipids.
Toward a Better Understanding of Dimensional Changes in Zircaloy-4: What is the Impact Induced by Hydrides and Oxide Layer?
Authors: Blat-Yrieix M. , Ambard A. , Foct F. , Miquet A. , Beguin S. , Cayet N. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
In pressurized water reactors, new operating conditions (higher burnup, new chemistry, etc.) can have an effect on the dimensional stability of the fuel assembly skeleton. Previous studies have shown that the fuel assembly growth is, among others parameters (free growth, creep), strongly driven by corrosion. Oxide layer and hydrides precipitation could both induce an increase of the dimensional parameters. The scope of the present study is, regardless of irradiation effect, to quantify and to understand the separate effects of hydrogen and oxide layers on the Zircaloy-4 dimensional changes. Experimental works have been performed in laboratory on stress relieved annealed (SRA) and recrystallized (RXA) Zircaloy-4 strips. First, the hydrogen impact on dimensional changes has been studied without the effect of the oxide layer. The measurements were performed at room temperature on strips previously pre-hydrided by the gaseous charging method. The hydrogen content of the samples was between 100 ppm and 2000 ppm. Results indicate a linear correlation between hydrogen content and length variation. RXA material is more affected by the hydrogen effect than the SRA material. Nevertheless, in comparison with data issued from out-of-reactor measurement, the impact of hydrides is not sufficient (with irradiation growth) to explain the post-irradiation examinations (PIE) results. To understand these differences, the oxide layer contribution must be quantified. Second, the impact of the oxide layer was therefore studied on RXA Zircaloy-4 strips. Corrosion tests have been performed in autoclave at 360°C in primary water (2 ppm Li-1000 ppm B–H2) on as-received and pre-hydrided materials. To obtain thicker oxide layer within a shorter duration, samples have been also oxidized in furnace at 415°C. Moreover, as no significant hydriding occurs during oxidation in air, we are able to characterize properly the specific effect of the oxide layer. As for hydrides’ effect, an increase of strain is observed as the oxide thickness becomes thicker. The contributions of hydrides and oxide layer are then discussed with regard to the metallurgical properties of the alloy. Finally, all these results are compared with PIE observations. Free growth, hydride precipitation, and oxide thickness seem to be the three main parameters to explain the dimensional changes in Zircaloy-4 observed in reactor.
The Place for Others in Islam
Authors: AliIbasic Ahmet 
Published: October 2008

The following article deals with the place of the other in Islamic sources and law. It first elaborates general Qur‘anic principles and precedents from the early history of Islam that might serve as a theoretical basis for co-existence in Islam.
Those include co-existence as God‘s will, supremacy of justice over religious formalism, separation of legitimacy of the other, and belief in the correctness of his/her views, and less-known examples of cooperation and mutual support between the Prophet Muhammad and pagans of Mecca. The second part surveys norms of Islamic law that provide for protection of non-Muslims‘ life, property, religious freedom, legal autonomy, and social justice and security. The overall aim of the study is to show that even classical Islamic law provides solid foundation for normal functioning of multi-religious societies.
Overwinter alterations in energy stores and growth in juvenile fishes inhabiting areas receiving metal mining and municipal wastewater effluents
Authors: Driedger Kimberlea , Weber Lynn P. , Rickwood Carrie J. , Dubé Monique G. , Janz David M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe winter stress syndrome hypothesis proposes that the combination of winter conditions and contaminant exposure reduces overwinter survival in juvenile fishes, mainly due to increased depletion of stored energy (lipids). To test this hypothesis in the field, juvenile fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) were collected from three exposure sites along Junction Creek, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, representing cumulative inputs from metal mining and municipal wastewater. Overwinter survival potential was determined through measurements of growth (length, weight, muscle RNA/DNA ratio, muscle proteins) and energy stores (whole body triglycerides) in fish collected just prior to and following the overwinter period. We hypothesized that fish collected from exposure sites would exhibit reduced growth and energy storage compared to reference fish in both fall and spring, and that fish from all sites would exhibit reduced energy storage in spring compared to the previous fall. Whole body Se concentrations were elevated (11–42 μg/g dry wt) in juvenile fathead minnows and white sucker collected at two exposure sites in comparison to fish collected from the reference site (3–6 μg/g dry wt). In contrast to our hypothesis, fathead minnows were larger with greater triglyceride stores at exposure sites compared to the reference site. White suckers were smaller at exposure sites but did not differ in triglycerides among sites. Overall, the results in these fish species exposed to metal mining and municipal wastewaters do not support the winter stress syndrome hypothesis. It is recommended that future studies focus on relating growth and energy storage with other environmental factors such as habitat and food availability in addition to anthropogenic contamination.
Determination of in situ polychlorinated biphenyl elimination rate coefficients in the freshwater mussel biomonitor Elliptio complanata deployed in the huron–erie corridor, southeast Michigan, USA, and southwest Ontario, Canada
Authors: Raeside Ashley A. , O'Rourke Sarah M. , Drouillard Ken G. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Quantitative mussel biomonitoring studies often use laboratory-measured whole-body elimination rate coefficients (ktot) in conjunction with concentration data from field-deployed mussels to estimate bioavailable steady-state contaminant concentrations (Cm(ss)) in aquatic systems. However, the validity of applying laboratory ktot values to field-deployed mussels has not been verified. The present study quantified in situ ktot values by the common mussel biomonitor species Elliptio complanata for a group of performance reference compound polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry 23, 61, 109, and 173) at 11 sites along the Lake Huron–Lake Erie corridor (southeast MI, USA, and southwest ON, Canada). Predictive site-specific ktot versus log KOW relationships were derived to estimate in situ ktot values for the bioaccumulated environmental PCB congeners, and the resultant steady-state concentration estimates were compared against values estimated using laboratory-derived ktot values. In situ ktot values were almost always faster (1.3–10-fold) than rate coefficients determined by laboratory studies, with a mean difference ± standard error of 3.89 ± 0.28-fold. Consequently, control adjusted steady-state concentrations of sum PCBs in the mussels were overestimated by factors ranging from 1.30 to 3.45 across sites when using laboratory-derived ktot values in place of in situ ktot values and a field deployment period of 90 d. This error was shown to increase with increasing congener hydrophobicity, as represented by their log KOW values, and when shorter field deployment times are performed. To more accurately predict the steady-state concentrations of environmentally accumulated PCBs in mussels, it is recommended that future quantitative biomonitoring studies employ the reference compound approach for measuring site-specific in situ ktot values.
In vitro thyroid hormone–disrupting activity in effluents and surface waters in Thailand
Authors: Ishihara Akinori , Rahman Farhana B. , Leelawatwattana Ladda , Prapunpoj Porntip , Yamauchi Kiyoshi 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
The thyroid hormone (TH)–disrupting activity of effluents and environmental water samples in Thailand was surveyed by three in vitro bioassays with different endpoints. These assays test the potency of competitive binding with the active form of TH, 3,3′,5-[125I]triiodo-l-thyronine (T3), to the plasma transport protein transthyretin (TTR) and TH receptor (TR; the TTR assay and TR assay, respectively) and the interference with the cellular T3-signaling pathway through TR-mediated luciferase gene activation (the luc assay). The TH-disrupting activity in water samples collected from paper manufacturing plants (PMPs), the canal Khlong U-Taphao, and a sewage-treatment plant (STP) was detected predominantly in the dichloromethane/methanol or methanol fractions of solid-phase extraction, suggesting a similar hydrophobic nature of the causative contaminants. The TR assay was relatively more sensitive than the TTR assay to the competitively potent contaminants. The luc assay indicated that the dichloromethane/methanol fractions of most water samples contained anti-T3-like activity. Our assays demonstrated that wastewater treatment effectively removed the TH-disrupting contaminants from wastewater in the PMP and the STP. The potencies for TH disruption at the three sampling points of the STP exhibited positive correlations among the three bioassays, whereas those from the canal and PMP water were not correlated among the three bioassays. Furthermore, the influent contaminants that were competitively potent in the TTR assay partially affected the luc assay. These bioassays are useful monitoring tools that give results relevant for evaluating the health of amphibian populations.
Sorption irreversibility of 1,4-dichlorobenzene in two natural organic matter–rich geosorbents
Authors: Sander Michael , Pignatello Joseph J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractHysteresis, a frequently observed phenomenon in sorption studies, is inconsistent with the key assumption of sorption reversibility in most fate and bioavailability models. Therefore, a study of the underlying causes of hysteresis is essential. Carbon-radiolabeled 1,4-dichlorobenzene (DCB) isotope tracer exchange was carried out at select points along the isotherms of DCB in a brown coal and a peat soil, holding total DCB concentration constant. Tracer exchange was performed both in the forward (sorption) and reverse (desorption) directions at the bulk sorption points and in the desorption direction at the corresponding bulk desorption points. Bulk DCB isotherms showed concentration-dependent hysteresis. However, tracer reequilibration in all cases was consistent with free exchange between sorbed and aqueous-phase molecules. These results rule out common experimental artifacts and demonstrate that sorption of bulk DCB is truly hysteretic (i.e., irreversible). The differences in rates between bulk and tracer sorption and desorption are consistent with the coupling of bulk DCB diffusion to other processes that retard equilibration, which we assign to matrix swelling or shrinking. Hysteresis is attributed to matrix deformation—specifically, to inelastic expansion and creation of voids accommodating sorbate molecules in the matrix, which leads to enhanced affinity in the desorption step. Comparing the results to previous results for naphthalene in the coal, we find that irreversible effects are similar for DCB and naphthalene in the coal but differ for DCB between the two sorbents. An explanation based on the different physical properties of these sorbents is provided. Solid-phase extraction of equilibrated DCB with Tenax® revealed a highly desorption-resistant fraction. While too small to account for the observed hysteresis, this fraction may represent molecules that become trapped as the matrix collapses and simultaneously stiffens during abrupt desorption.
Influence of soil pH on the sorption of ionizable chemicals: Modeling advances
Authors: Franco Antonio , Fu Wenjing , Trapp Stefan 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
The soil–water distribution coefficient of ionizable chemicals (Kd) depends on the soil acidity, mainly because the pH governs speciation. Using pH-specific Kd values normalized to organic carbon (KOC) from the literature, a method was developed to estimate the KOC of monovalent organic acids and bases. The regression considers pH-dependent speciation and species-specific partition coefficients, calculated from the dissociation constant (pKa) and the octanol–water partition coefficient of the neutral molecule (log Pn). Probably because of the lower pH near the organic colloid–water interface, the optimal pH to model dissociation was lower than the bulk soil pH. The knowledge of the soil pH allows calculation of the fractions of neutral and ionic molecules in the system, thus improving the existing regression for acids. The same approach was not successful with bases, for which the impact of pH on the total sorption is contrasting. In fact, the shortcomings of the model assumptions affect the predictive power for acids and for bases differently. We evaluated accuracy and limitations of the regressions for their use in the environmental fate assessment of ionizable chemicals.
Assessment of larval deformities and selenium accumulation in northern pike (Esox lucius) and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) exposed to metal mining effluent
Authors: Muscatello Jorgelina R. , Janz David M. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Uranium mining and milling operations in northern Saskatchewan (Canada) release effluents with elevated levels of certain trace metals and metalloids, including selenium. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the presence of selenium-induced deformities in northern pike (Esox lucius) and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) larvae originating from adults collected downstream of a uranium mine. Eggs were fertilized in the field and incubated in the laboratory following a two-way (crossover) analysis-of-variance experimental design to discriminate effects from maternal transfer versus those from exposure to site water in the developing embryos. Selenium concentrations in northern pike and white sucker eggs (8.02 and 4.89 μg/g dry wt, respectively; mean ± standard error throughout) from the exposure site were approximately two- to threefold higher than reference (2.35 ± 0.20 and 1.94 ± 0.25 μg/g dry wt, respectively). Among all evaluated deformities (skeletal curvatures, craniofacial deformities, fin deformities, and edema), only edema in white sucker fry from the exposure site was slightly elevated (∼3%) compared to reference. The occurrence of edema, however, can be associated with factors other than selenium (e.g., other metals and organic compounds). Both fish species displayed strong linear relationships between the selenium concentrations in eggs and other tissues (muscle, liver, kidney, and bone), suggesting that selenium concentrations in eggs could be predicted from selenium concentrations in adult tissues. The lack of a clear, toxic response in the present study is in agreement with selenium thresholds for early life-stage deformities reported in other studies, with egg selenium concentrations in northern pike and white sucker collected at the exposure site being less than the 10 μg/g (dry wt) threshold associated with the presence of deformities.
Single and interactive effects of malathion, overwintered green frog tadpoles, and cyanobacteria on gray treefrog tadpoles
Authors: Mackey Mark J. , Boone Michelle D. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAmphibian population declines around the world are associated with invasive species, pesticides, pathogens, habitat destruction, or a combination of factors. Because contamination is widespread, it represents a relevant environmental stress that can affect the ability of organisms to deal with other factors present in the environment. We examined the effects of the insecticide malathion, larger tadpole competitors (green frogs, Rana clamitans), and a toxic cyanobacteria (Anabaena spp.) on tadpoles of Cope's gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) reared from hatching through metamorphosis in outdoor mesocosms. The response of mass at metamorphosis and time to metamorphosis was significantly affected by exposure to malathion and presence of overwintered green frog tadpoles. Malathion generally led to increased mass at metamorphosis, earlier time to metamorphosis, and increased activity during larval development. These results likely stem from short-term increases in periphyton associated with malathion exposure (although these effects were nonsignificant). Exposure of gray treefrogs to overwintered green frog tadpoles led to an earlier time to metamorphosis without differences in mass at metamorphosis and was associated with increased activity in gray treefrogs. Survival of gray treefrogs was significantly affected by an interaction of green frog and malathion, indicating nonadditive effects of these treatments. Exposure to cyanobacteria had a significant negative effect on green frogs but no effect on treefrogs. Malathion had the strongest effect on the community, but our results indicated that some factors can interact in ways not predicted by single factors alone.