bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A paired analysis of correlates of dental restorative care in siblings with and without Down syndrome
Authors: Fung Karen , Lawrence Herenia , Allison Paul
Published: May 2008

This study examined the hypothesis that age‐matched siblings with and without Down syndrome (DS) have the same risk of ever having had a tooth restored. A sibling‐matched, population‐based, cross‐sectional survey design was used with the help of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society whose members were the sample source. The relationship between DS status and restorative status was evaluated using conditional multiple logistic regression with matching by sibling status and adjustment to control for sociodemographic and clinical variable. Data from 793 sibling pairs were used for the analyses. DS status was strongly related to dental restoration in that subjects with DS had reduced odds for ever having had a tooth restored (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.18‐0.43). An analysis of the results suggested that, controlling for age and family‐related factors commonly associated with dental care, children with DS were less likely to have had a tooth restored than their sibling without DS.
A review and dental management of persons with craniosynostosis anomalies
Authors: Vilan Xavier Andréa Cristina , Pinto Silva Luis Cândido , Oliveira Patrícia , Villamarim Soares Rodrigo , De Almeida Cruz Roberval
Published: May 2008

Individuals with craniofacial deformities have a higher risk of developing oral diseases. This article discusses craniosynostosis and its oral problems. Dental treatment protocols based on general, facial, oral, and psychological aspects are offered.
Skeletal age of individuals with Down syndrome
Authors: De Moraes Mari Eli Leonelli , Tanaka Jefferson Luis Oshiro , De Moraes Luis Cesar , Filho Edmundo Medici , De Melo Castilho Julio Cezar
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to assess the skeletal age of Brazilian individuals with Down syndrome (DS) using the method of Greulich and Pyle. Forty subjects with DS between the ages of 6 and 16 years were studied and compared to a control sample of children without DS. The statistical analysis showed that at the age of 7 years the skeletal age (SA) of the individuals with DS was delayed in relation to their chronological age (CA) (SA < CA). On the other hand, at the age of 15 years, their SA was advanced in relation to their CA (SA > CA). An evaluation of the results suggests that the period of adolescent development for individuals with DS was shorter. These individuals reach the completion of bone maturation earlier compared to individuals without DS.
Oral characteristics of children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Bimstein Enrique , Wilson John , Guelmann Marcio , Primosch Robert
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare the oral and demographic characteristics of children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to those of a control group of children. A sample of 25 dental records of children medicated for ADHD was compared to 127 records of healthy children not receiving any medication.

The children with ADHD had a statistically higher prevalence of toothache, bruxism, bleeding gums, and oral trauma histories than the control group (chi square, p < 0.05). The differences in other recorded oral characteristics and habits, such as plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, calculus, oral hygiene compliance, dental caries experience, and unmet dental needs, were not statistically significant. The demographic characteristics such as age, gender, residence, ethnicity, income, and payment method were also not significantly different between the two groups.

There is a need to develop and implement specific strategies for the early prevention and treatment of oral diseases in children with ADHD.
Oral health status, treatment needs, and obstacles to dental care among noninstitutionalized children with severe mental disabilities in The Netherlands
Authors: De Jongh Ad , Van Houtem Caroline , Van Der Schoof Mariëlle , Resida Gail , Broers Dyonne
Published: May 2008

The objective of this study was to assess the oral health status, treatment needs, and barriers to dental care of noninstitutionalized children in The Netherlands who have severe disabilities. The oral health status of 61 children (38% female; 4‐12 years of age; M = 7.7, SD = 2.2), randomly selected from seven different daycare centers, was evaluated. Caretakers (n = 126) and dentists (n = 40) completed questionnaires concerning demographic information, oral hygiene, frequency of dental visits, and possible barriers to the daily oral care of the children. Of all the children, 57.4% had untreated caries (mean dmft/DMFT = 3.0; SD = 3.1). The proportion of caries‐free children was 29.5%. In comparison to Dutch children, a significantly higher proportion of children with disabilities belonging to an ethnic minority did not receive any routine dental care (53.1% and 23.8%, respectively). Caretakers considered the noncooperation of their patients as the most troublesome aspect of their daily oral care (68%). Dentists considered communication problems as the most important barrier to treatment (75%). In conclusion, Dutch noninstitu‐tionalized children with severe disabilities still receive a relatively low degree of quality dental care. This is particularly true for children from ethnic minority groups.
Enamel microabrasion in an individual with Cohen syndrome
Authors: De Macedo Adriana F. , Tomazela‐Herndl Susana , Corrêa Maria S. N. P. , Duarte Danilo A. , Santos Maria T. B. R.
Published: May 2008

This case report describes the esthetic dental treatment of a patient with Cohen syndrome where microabrasion was used to treat dental fluorosis. The patient's teeth had white and light yellow spots, which were diagnosed as moderate dental fluorosis. These spots were treated with microabrasion using pumice paste and 37% phosphoric acid. The paste was applied with a rubber cup on a low‐speed handpiece and manually using a wooden stick. It took four appointments to treat all of the patient's teeth. Topical neutral fluoride was applied after each appointment to decrease any dental sensitivity. The esthetic result was satisfactory. Esthetic dental treatment may result in positive emotional and behavioral changes in patients with special needs.
Behavioral and physiological changes in children with Down syndrome using mechanical and chemomechanical (Carisolv™) caries removal methods
Authors: De Oliveira Guaré Renata , Ciamponi Ana Lídia , Romano Marcelo Munhões
Published: May 2008

This study compared behavioral and physiological changes during caries removal in children with Down syndrome when using a chemomechanical caries removal technique (Carisolv™) and a conventional method of caries removal. Twenty children (ASA class 1) between 5 and 12 years of age participated in the study; 10 subjects had Down syndrome and 10 were healthy controls. The behavioral and physiological assessments were carried out during five stages of dental treatment: (1) 5 minutes before local anesthesia; (2) during local anesthesia; (3) during caries removal; (4) immediately after restoration; and (5) 5 minutes after the end of the treatment. The caries removal step resulted in the greatest behavioral and physiological changes. Except for oxygen saturation, statistically significant differences in heart rate (p < 0.05) were recorded between children with Down syndrome and the control children.
The Crab Nebula: An Astrophysical Chimera
Authors: Hester J. Jeff
Published: May 2008

The Crab Nebula, henceforth the Crab, the remnant of the historical supernova of 1054 AD, has long been of intense interest. The pulsar at the center of the Crab has a spin-down luminosity ∼105 times that of the Sun. The outer nebula holds several solar masses of material ejected by the explosion. Between the two lies the trapped pulsar wind, visible as synchrotron radiation at radio wavelengths through X-ray wavelengths. Recent observations with the Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and a host of other instruments have provided a wealth of information about the extraordinary structure and dynamics of the Crab. Understanding those data requires thinking of the Crab not in terms of its individual components, but instead as a single interconnected physical system formed as the axisymmetrical wind from the pulsar pushes its way outward through a larger freely expanding supernova remnant.
Supernova Remnants at High Energy
Authors: Reynolds Stephen P.
Published: May 2008

Many shell supernova remnants are now known to radiate synchrotron X-rays. Several objects have also been detected in TeV gamma rays. Nonthermal X-rays and gamma rays can be produced in shell remnants by extremely energetic ions and electrons due to decay of π0mesons produced in inelastic collisions between ions and thermal gas, or by electron synchrotron, bremsstrahlung, or inverse-Compton radiation. Thus observations at X-ray and gamma-ray wavelengths constrain the process of particle acceleration to high energies in the shock waves of supernova remnants. This review examines the relevant characteristics of Type Ia and core-collapse supernovae, the dynamics of their evolution through the Sedov blast-wave phase, the basic physics of diffusive shock acceleration, and the physics of the relevant radiative processes. It also reviews the current status of observations of shell remnants from X-rays to TeV gamma rays, and summarizes what we can learn about particle acceleration.
Pulsating White Dwarf Stars and Precision Asteroseismology
Authors: Winget D.E. , Kepler S.O.
Published: May 2008

Galactic history is written in the white dwarf stars. Their surface properties hint at interiors composed of matter under extreme conditions. In the forty years since their discovery, pulsating white dwarf stars have moved from side-show curiosities to center stage as important tools for unraveling the deep mysteries of the Universe. Innovative observational techniques and theoretical modeling tools have breathed life into precision asteroseismology. We are just learning to use this powerful tool, confronting theoretical models with observed frequencies and their time rate-of-change. With this tool, we calibrate white dwarf cosmochronology; we explore equations of state; we measure stellar masses, rotation rates, and nuclear reaction rates; we explore the physics of interior crystallization; we study the structure of the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae, and we test models of dark matter. The white dwarf pulsations are at once the heartbeat of galactic history and a window into unexplored and exotic physics.
A Bird's-Eye View of Sex Chromosome Dosage Compensation
Authors: Arnold Arthur P. , Itoh Yuichiro , Melamed Esther
Published: May 2008

Intensive study of a few genetically tractable species with XX/XY sex chromosomes has produced generalizations about the process of sex chromosome dosage compensation that do not fare well when applied to ZZ/ZW sex chromosome systems, such as those in birds. The inherent sexual imbalance in dose of sex chromosome genes has led to the evolution of sex-chromosome-wide mechanisms for balancing gene dosage between the sexes and relative to autosomal genes. Recent advances in our knowledge of avian genomes have led to a reexamination of sex-specific dosage compensation (SSDC) in birds, which is less effective than in known XX/XY systems. Insights about the mechanisms of SSDC in birds also suggest similarities to and differences from those in XX/XY species. Birds are thus offering new opportunities for studying dosage compensation in a ZZ/ZW system, which should shed light on the evolution of SSDC more broadly.
Systemic Iron Homeostasis and the Iron-Responsive Element/Iron-Regulatory Protein (IRE/IRP) Regulatory Network
Authors: Muckenthaler Martina U. , Galy Bruno , Hentze Matthias W.
Published: May 2008

The regulation and maintenance of systemic iron homeostasis is critical to human health. Iron overload and deficiency diseases belong to the most common nutrition-related pathologies across the globe. It is now well appreciated that the hormonal hepcidin/ferroportin system plays an important regulatory role for systemic iron metabolism. We review recent data that uncover the importance of the cellular iron-responsive element/iron-regulatory protein (IRE/IRP) regulatory network in systemic iron homeostasis. We also discuss how the IRE/IRP regulatory system communicates with the hepcidin/ferroportin system to connect the control networks for systemic and cellular iron balance.
Estimating Rates of True High-Grade Disease in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial
Authors: Pinsky Paul , Parnes Howard , Ford Leslie
Published: May 2008

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) showed a decreased prostate cancer rate but an increased rate of high Gleason grade disease on biopsy for finasteride versus placebo. The results from radical prostatectomy (RP) on 25% of the men undergoing RP have recently been reported and suggest that grading artifacts in biopsy Gleason scoring may have occurred. We used a statistical model to extrapolate the RP Gleason results to all men in the PCPT using a missing-at-random assumption. We estimated the rates of true high-grade (Gleason 7-10) and true low-grade disease, where true Gleason grade is what is (or would have been) found on RP. We also estimated misclassification rates on biopsy of true high-grade and low-grade disease. We show that the rate of upgrading of biopsy low-grade disease to high-grade on RP is a function of misclassification rates as well as the ratio of true low-grade to high-grade disease. The estimated relative risks for true low-grade and true high-grade disease for finasteride compared with placebo were 0.61 (95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.71) and 0.84 (95% confidence interval, 0.68-1.05), respectively. The misclassification rate of true high-grade disease (to low-grade disease on biopsy) was significantly lower for finasteride (34.6%) than for placebo (52.6%). Although misclassification rates differed, upgrading rates were similar in each arm due to the different ratios of true low-grade to high-grade disease in each arm. Results from RP show that misclassification rates on biopsy were higher in the placebo arm and that the rate of true high-grade disease may have been lower in the finasteride arm.
Pathologic Characteristics of Cancers Detected in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial: Implications for Prostate Cancer Detection and Chemoprevention
Authors: Lucia M. Scott , Darke Amy K. , Goodman Phyllis J. , La Rosa Francisco G. , Parnes Howard L. , Ford Leslie G. , Coltman Charles A. , Thompson Ian M.
Published: May 2008

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) showed a risk of prostate cancer at prostate-specific antigen (PSA) <4.0 ng/mL and that prostate cancer risk is reduced by finasteride. A major concern about early detection by PSA and prevention by finasteride is that they may involve biologically inconsequential tumors. We reviewed the pathologic characteristics of prostate biopsies from men in the placebo and finasteride groups of the PCPT. We examined tumor pathology characteristics stratified by level of PSA for men in the placebo group who underwent radical prostatectomy. Seventy-five percent of all cancers and 62% of Gleason score ≤6 cancers in the PCPT met the biopsy criteria for clinically significant tumors. Surrogate measures for tumor volume (number of cores positive, percent cores positive, linear extent, and bilaterality) and risk of perineural invasion were lower in men who received finasteride. The PSA-associated risks of insignificant cancer were 51.7% (PSA, 0-1.0 ng/mL), 33.7% (1.1-2.5 ng/mL), 17.8% (2.6-4.0 ng/mL), and 11.7% (4.1-10 ng/mL). Conversely, the risks of high-grade (Gleason score ≥7) tumors for the same PSA strata were 15.6%, 37.9%, 49.1%, and 52.4%, respectively. These data highlight the dilemma of PSA when used for screening: Lower cutoff levels increase detection of insignificant disease, but cure is more likely, whereas higher cutoff levels make detection of significant cancer more likely, but cure is less likely. Therefore, the effectiveness of finasteride in preventing prostate cancer, including Gleason score ≤6 cancer, with meaningful rates of significant disease in the PCPT suggests that cutoff values for PSA screening should be individualized and that men undergoing screening should be informed of the opportunity to reduce their risk of disease with finasteride.
Association of Serum Lipid Profile and Arteriovenous Fistula Thrombosis in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kirkpantur Alper , Arici Mustafa , Altun Bulent , Yilmaz Mahmut Ilker , Cil Barbaros , Aki Tuncay , Bakkaloglu Mehmet , Turgan Cetin
Published: May 2008

Background: Vascular access thrombosis represents a major cause of morbidity in the hemodialysis population. The role of serum lipid profile in access thrombosis is not sufficiently established. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum lipid profile and native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis. Methods: Clinical files of 99 maintenance hemodialysis patients were reviewed retrospectively for 3 years. Serum lipid profile, albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Catheter angiography was performed in patients with AVF dysfunction and AVF thrombosis. Results: Patients with AVF thrombosis and patent AVF had similar serum levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, patients with AVF thrombosis had significantly lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and albumin and higher serum CRP levels than patients with patent AVFs. Conclusions: Serum levels of lipid subfractions are associated with AVF thrombosis in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Larger and prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these observations.
Brainstem Timing Deficits in Children with Learning Impairment May Result from Corticofugal Origins
Authors: Song Judy H. , Banai Karen , Kraus Nina
Published: May 2008

A substantial proportion of children with language-based learning problems [learning disabilities (LD)] display abnormal encoding of speech at rostral levels of the auditory brainstem (i.e. midbrain) as measured by the auditory brainstem response (ABR). Of interest here is whether these timing deficits originate at the rostral brainstem or whether they reflect deficient sensory encoding at lower levels of the auditory pathway. We describe the early brainstem response to speech (waves I and III) in typically developing 8- to 12-year-old children and children with LD. We then focus on the early brainstem responses in children with LD found to show abnormal components of the rostral speech-evoked ABR (waves V and A). We found that wave I was not reliably evoked using our speech stimulus and recording parameters in either typically developing children or those with LD. Wave III was reliably evoked in the large majority of subjects in both groups and its timing did not differ between them. These data are consistent with the view that the auditory deficits in the majority of LD children with abnormal speech-evoked ABR originate from corticofugal modulation of subcortical activity.
Vascular Leiomyoma of the Larynx: A Rare Entity
Authors: Xu Yingying , Zhou Shuihong , Wang Shenqing
Published: May 2008

Background: We conducted a review of the literature to investigate the clinical presentations and histopathologic findings of laryngeal vascular leiomyomas. Method: We retrospectively analyzed 24 cases of vascular leiomyomas of the larynx. Results: Vascular leiomyoma of the larynx is a very uncommon tumor with only 24 cases reported in the literature. Of the 24 cases, the male/female ratio was 19/5. The patients were from 11 to 78 years old, and nearly half of the patients (11/24) were between the ages of 40 and 60. The tumor occurrence sites varied, with the supraglottic region being most common (14/24), followed by the glottic region (7/24) and the subglottic region (3/24). A common symptom of laryngeal leiomyoma is hoarseness of voice. The tumor is submucosal with dilated vessels on the surface. Histopathologically, the tumor cells are composed of numerous variform blood vessels lacking mitosis and well-differentiated smooth muscle bundles. Complete surgical excision is the most commonly recommended treatment. Conclusions: Vascular leiomyoma is a benign tumor. External incision effectively prevents hemorrhage during the operation and recurrence after the operation. A smaller, well-circumscribed laryngeal vascular leiomyoma may be easily amenable to transoral laser resection. Preoperative embolization can be potentially used to benefit the laryngeal transoral resection.
Consanguinity and Birth Defects in the Jerusalem Perinatal Study Cohort
Authors: Harlap S. , Kleinhaus K. , Perrin M.C. , Calderon-Margalit R. , Paltiel O. , Deutsch L. , Manor O , Tiram E. , Yanetz R. , Friedlander Y.
Published: May 2008

Background: While parental consanguinity is known to increase the risk of birth defects in offspring, it is hard to quantify this risk in populations where consanguinity is prevalent. Methods: To support ongoing studies of cancer and of psychiatric disease, we studied relationships of consanguinity to 1,053 major birth defects in 29,815 offspring, born in 1964–1976. To adjust for confounding variables (geographic origin, social class and hospital), we constructed logistic regression models, using GEE to take into account correlations between sibs. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence limits were estimated in comparison to a reference group of offspring with grandfathers born in different countries. Results: With 10.1% of offspring having consanguineous parents, the adjusted OR for major birth defect was 1.41 (1.12–1.74). Offspring of marriages between uncles-nieces, first cousins and more distant relatives showed adjusted ORs of 2.36 (0.98–5.68), 1.59 (1.22–2.07) and 1.20 (0.89–1.59) respectively. For descendents of grandfathers born in the same country, but not known to be related, the OR was 1.05 (0.91–1.21); these showed increased risk associated with ancestries in Western Asia (1.27, 1.04–1.55, p < 0.02) or Europe (1.13, 0.79–1.80). Conclusions: A strong association of consanguinity with poverty and low education points to the need to avoid exposure to environmental hazards in these families.
Red Cell Survival in Relation to Changes in the Hematocrit: More Important than You Think
Authors: Kalicki Robert M. , Uehlinger Dominik E.
Published: May 2008

The management of anemia in patients with chronic renal failure has greatly improved with the availability of recombinant human erythropoietin in the late 1980s, leading to a considerable reduction in mortality and morbidity and to an improvement in quality of life. The findings from recent controlled clinical outcome trials have resulted in a rather narrow, generally accepted therapeutic hematocrit target range. However, currently available dosing algorithms do not permit achievement and maintenance of target values within the therapeutic range in many patients. One possible explanation for this failure may be the ignorance of a finite erythrocyte lifespan not integrated into most algorithms. The purpose of this article is to underline the essential role played by the erythrocyte lifespan in the erythropoietic response to recombinant human erythropoietin and to encourage the integration of this concept in the future development of computer-assisted decision support systems.
Progeny from Dedifferentiated Bovine Adipocytes Display Protracted Adipogenesis
Authors: Fernyhough Melinda E. , Hausman Gary J. , Dodson Michael V.
Published: May 2008

Background: Progeny adipofibroblast cells, derived from mature bovine adipocytes, were used to determine their ability to redifferentiate into lipid-assimilating adipocytes. Methods: Traditional cell biology methods were used, including the expression of adipogenic markers such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Results: When exposed to medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum, but not horse serum, cells began to form structures reminiscent of foci. Horse serum-supplemented medium resulted in a slowed progression towards cell conversion to lipid-assimilating adipocytes. When analyzed, horse serum was found to contain more cortisol and insulin-like growth factor-1 as well as differing fatty acid ratios. Histological observations of the horse serum-treated cultures (alone), cultures treated with a traditional differentiation induction medium (dexamethasone, methylisobutylxanthine and insulin), treated with insulin with or without different lipid compounds, or treated with a PPARγ agonist (rosiglitazone) resulted in the presence of intracellular vesicles, of which some contained lipid and some did not. Vesicles that did not stain for lipid did not possess glycogen or other types of storage moieties even though the cells expressed cellular markers thereby deeming them to be differentiated adipocytes (PPARγ protein and mRNA were expressed by cells possessing vesicles as were hormone-sensitive lipase and lipoprotein lipase proteins). Non-lipid-filled intracellular vesicle walls possessed the structural protein perilipin. Conclusion: These results are supportive of the progeny adipofibroblasts representing a unique adipogenic model that displays protracted adipogenesis.
Airway Stenting for Severe Endobronchial Papillomatosis
Authors: Bondaryev Andriy , Makris Demosthenes , Breen David P. , Dutau Herve
Published: May 2008

Severe endobronchial papillomatosis is associated with recurrent respiratory infections and airway obstruction. Current management includes treatment with antiviral and cytotoxic agents to slow papilloma growth and endobronchial therapies to excise the lesions. We report 2 cases of severe tracheobronchial papillomatosis which were managed with endobronchial laser and airway stenting. A 32-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman with known history of tracheobronchial papillomatosis were admitted with hemoptysis and dyspnea, respectively. They presented increasing frequencies of respiratory infections in the preceding year despite therapy with interferon α-2A, acyclovir, methotrexate and endobronchial treatment. Moreover, the 2nd patient presented 6 months previously to another institution with central airway obstruction which was treated with a covered metallic stent. Both patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy which revealed airway obstruction by papillomatous lesions. In the 2nd case, the metallic stent was broken due to fatigue and was infiltrated by a giant papilloma. Both patients received laser treatment and airway silicone stenting. After stenting, respiratory infection rate was greatly reduced and no further complications related to the papillomas occurred. This paper highlights the serious complications which may arise if endobronchial management of the disease includes insertion of metallic stents. In contrast, airway stenting with a silicone prosthesis may be useful in refractory endobronchial papillomatosis and may offer permanent control of symptoms.
Comparison of Serum Adiponectin and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Levels between Patients with and without Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Kanbay Asiye , Kokturk Oguz , Ciftci Tansu Ulukavak , Tavil Yusuf , Bukan Neslihan
Published: May 2008

Background: The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is closely associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of OSAS on plasma adiponectin levels independent of obesity in our study group. We also investigated the association between plasma adiponectin, plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and OSAS. Methods: The patients were classified into controls or OSAS patients according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): patients with an AHI <5 constituted the control group (n = 32) and patients with an AHI ≧5 constituted the OSAS group (n = 106). Plasma TNF-α and adiponectin levels were measured in both groups. Results: Plasma adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with AHI, body mass index (BMI) and SpO2 <90% and positively correlated with minimum oxygen saturation. The plasma levels of TNF-α were positively correlated with SpO2 <90%, BMI and fasting plasma glucose levels. In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between plasma TNF-α and adiponectin levels in theOSAS group. Compared with thenon-obese OSAS group, subjects with obesity and OSAS had lower adiponectin levels and SpO2 <90%, and higher TNF-α levels. Obese OSAS patients had higher rates of CVD with lower plasma adiponectin levels when compared with obese control subjects. Conclusion: Serum adiponectin is significantly lower in patients with OSAS and it is independent of obesity. This might explain the high incidence of CVD and metabolic syndrome in patients with OSAS.
Assignment of the gene encoding human Krüppel-related zinc finger protein 4 (GLI4) to 8q24.3 by fluorescent in situ hybridization
Authors: Kas K. , Wlodarska I. , Meyen E. , Van den Berghe H. , Van de Ven W.J.M.
Published: May 2008

The gene for human Krüppel-related protein 4, (HKR4, gene symbol GLI4), a zinc finger protein of unknown function, has been localized by fluorescence in situ hybridization to chromosome 8q24.3, distal to c-MYC.
A third P-domain peptide gene (TFF3), human intestinal trefoil factor, maps to 21 q22.3
Authors: Schmitt H. , Wundrack I. , Beck S. , Gött P. , Welter C. , Shizuya H. , Simon M.I. , BIin N.
Published: May 2008

Small peptides displaying a cysteine-rich module (termed P-domain or trefoil motif) form a recently increasing group of peptides abundantly expressed at mucosal surfaces of specific tissues and are associated with the maintenance of surface integrity. The estrogen-inducible pS2 gene (BCEI) and the human homolog to the porcine spasmolytic peptide (hSP) gene (SML1) appear synchronously expressed in healthy stomach mucosa and several carcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract. Both genes were shown to be located at 21q22.3. A new trefoil peptide from human intestinal mucosa (hITF/hP1.B) and its gene (TFF3) were described recently. By PCR analysis of a somatic cell hybrid panel and FISH using two large genomic recombinants (110 kb, 210 kb) cloned in the Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) system, we show that this gene coding for the new member of human P-domain/trefoil peptides also maps to chromosome region 21 q22.3 suggesting a physical linkage of all three trefoil peptide genes.
Localization of the human gene for aquaporin 3 (AQP3) to chromosome 9, region p21→p12, using fluorescent in situ hybridization
Authors: Mulders S.M. , Olde Weghuis D. , van Boxtel J.A.F. , Geurts van Kessel A. , Echevarria M. , van Os C.H. , Deen P.M.T.
Published: May 2008

The chromosome location of the gene encoding aquaporin 3 (AQP3), which functions as a channel for water and small polar solutes in the basolateral membrane of the collecting duct of the kidney, was determined. In situ hybridization on metaphase chromosomes allowed the assignment of human AQP3 to chromosome 9p21→p12.
Assignment of the human prosaposin gene (PSAP) to 10q22.1 by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Bar-Am I. , Avivi L. , Horowitz M.
Published: May 2008

The human prosaposin gene (PSAP) was previously localized to 10q21→q22 by isotopic in situ hybridization using a human prosaposin cDNA as a probe. The present study, using fluorescence in situ hybridization with a mouse genomic prosaposin fragment as probe, confirms the localization of PSAP and precisely maps it to band 10q22.1.
FISH localization of the soluble thymidine kinase gene (TK1) to human 17q25, a region of chromosomal loss in sporadic breast tumors
Authors: Petty E.M. , Miller D.E. , Grant A.L , Collins E.E. , Glover T.W. , Law D.J.
Published: May 2008

Soluble thymidine kinase (TK1) is an important 17q marker in somatic cell genetics. Its activity is increased in many malignancies, including breast cancer. Through somatic cell hybrid and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies, we mapped TK1 to 17q25.2→q25.3, in a region demonstrating loss of heterozygosity in primary breast tumors. It lies near D17S836 and is proximal to the avian erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2-like gene (ERBA2L).
Human endothelin converting enzyme gene (ECE1) mapped to chromosomal region 1p36.1
Authors: Matsuoka R. , Sawamura T. , Yamada K. , Yoshida M. , Furutani Y. , Ikura T. , Shiraki T. , Hoshikawa H. , Shimada K. , Tanzawa K. , Masaki T.
Published: May 2008

The chromosomal localization of the human endothelin converting enzyme gene (ECE1) has been identified. Southern blot analysis of human genomic DNA from human × mouse somatic cell hybrids demonstrated that ECEl maps to chromosome 1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization of a digoxigenin-labeled human ECE1 probe to normal human metaphase chromosomes showed that the gene is located within chromosome band 1p36.1.
Chromosomal relationships and phylogenetic and clustering analyses on genus Callithrix, group argentata (Callitrichidae, Primates)
Authors: Nagamachi C.Y. , Pieczarka J.C. , Barros R.M.S. , Schwarz M. , Muniz J.A.P.C. , Mattevi M.S.
Published: May 2008

The karyotypes of three species of marmosets of the Callithrix argentata group (C. argentata, C. humeralifera and C. chrysoleuca) were studied. Comparisons were made among species and with the previously described karyotypes of C. emiliae, C. mauesi (argentata group) and C. jacchus (jacchus group). Two chromosome rearrangements differentiate the argentata (2n = 44) and jacchus (2n = 46) groups: a fusion or fission and a paracentric inversion. The argentata group is also characterized by the addition of large amounts of distal constitutive heterochromatin (CH) in some chromosomes, while the jacchus group shows mainly centromeric heterochromatin. The five species of the argentata group differ in the amount or location of the distal CH. Interspecific differences were converted to a Basic Data Matrix (BDM), that was submitted to phenetic and cladistic analyses. For cladistic analyses C jacchus was the outgroup. The results agree with morphological and geographical data.
LinMap: Visualizing Complexity Gradients in Evolutionary Landscapes
Authors: Geard Nicholas , Wiles Janet
Published: May 2008

This article describes an interactive visualization tool, LinMap, for exploring the structure of complexity gradients in evolutionary landscapes. LinMap is a computationally efficient and intuitive tool for visualizing and exploring multidimensional parameter spaces. An artificial cell lineage model is presented that allows complexity to be quantified according to several different developmental and phenotypic metrics. LinMap is applied to the evolutionary landscapes generated by this model to demonstrate that different definitions of complexity produce different gradients across the same landscape; that landscapes are characterized by a phase transition between proliferating and quiescent cell lineages where both complexity and diversity are maximized; and that landscapes defined by adaptive fitness and complexity can display different topographical features.
Hierarchical Coordinate Systems for Understanding Complexity and its Evolution, with Applications to Genetic Regulatory Networks
Authors: Egri-Nagy Attila , Nehaniv Chrystopher L.
Published: May 2008

Beyond complexity measures, sometimes it is worthwhile in addition to investigate how complexity changes structurally, especially in artificial systems where we have complete knowledge about the evolutionary process. Hierarchical decomposition is a useful way of assessing structural complexity changes of organisms modeled as automata, and we show how recently developed computational tools can be used for this purpose, by computing holonomy decompositions and holonomy complexity. To gain insight into the evolution of complexity, we investigate the smoothness of the landscape structure of complexity under minimal transitions. As a proof of concept, we illustrate how the hierarchical complexity analysis reveals symmetries and irreversible structure in biological networks by applying the methods to the lac operon mechanism in the genetic regulatory network of Escherichia coli.
Evolution and Complexity: The Double-Edged Sword
Authors: Miconi Thomas
Published: May 2008

We attempt to provide a comprehensive answer to the question of whether, and when, an arrow of complexity emerges in Darwinian evolution. We note that this expression can be interpreted in different ways, including a passive, incidental growth, or a pervasive bias towards complexification. We argue at length that an arrow of complexity does indeed occur in evolution, which can be most reasonably interpreted as the result of a passive trend rather than a driven one. What, then, is the role of evolution in the creation of this trend, and under which conditions will it emerge? In the later sections of this article we point out that when certain proper conditions (which we attempt to formulate in a concise form) are met, Darwinian evolution predictably creates a sustained trend of increase in maximum complexity (that is, an arrow of complexity) that would not be possible without it; but if they are not, evolution will not only fail to produce an arrow of complexity, but may actually prevent any increase in complexity altogether. We conclude that, with regard to the growth of complexity, evolution is very much a double-edged sword.
Natural Selection in Relation to Complexity
Authors: Salthe Stanley N.
Published: May 2008

Structural complexity characterizes our representations of dissipative structures. As a mechanistic concept, when referred to natural systems it generates perplexity in the face of logically sound models. Natural selection is a simple mechanistic concept, whose logic is well exemplified in genetic algorithms. While biological traits and functions do appear to have been subjected to selective culling, current neo-Darwinian theory is unable to account for the evolution of traits or functions when many of these are taken as the separate objects of independent fitness functions. Soft selection, acting in a phenotypically holistic manner, does model selection acting upon structurally complex systems with many traits and functions, but does not account for the evolution of specific traits or functions. It is further suggested that selection cannot be other than a weak force in the early, generative stages of complex life histories, and that this is a good thing, preserving their generativity. I conclude that natural selection theory by itself cannot account for increases in structural complexity.
Full Body: The Importance of the Phenotype in Evolution
Authors: Kampis George , Gulyás László
Published: May 2008

This is a position paper on phenotype-based evolution modeling. It argues that evolutionary complexity is essentially a functional kind of complexity, and for it to evolve, a full body, or, in other words, a dynamically defined, deeply structured, and plasticity-bound phenotype is required. In approaching this subject, we ask and answer some key questions, which we think are interrelated. The questions we discuss and the answers we propose are: (a) How should complexity growth be measured or operationalized in natural and artificial systems? Evolutionary complexity is akin to that of machines, and to operationalize it, we need to study how machinelike organismic functions work and develop. Inspired by studies on causality, we propose the notion of mechanism. A mechanism is a simplified causal system that carries out a function. A growth of functional complexity involves interconversions between a deep (or unused) process and that of a mechanism. (b) Are the principles of natural selection, as they are currently understood, sufficient to explain the evolution of complexity? Our answer is strongly negative. Natural selection helps adapting mechanisms to carry out a given task, but will not generate a task. Hence there is a tradeoff between available tasks and mechanisms fulfilling them. To escape, we argue that competition avoidance is required for new complexity to emerge. (c) What are the environmental constraints on complexity growth in living systems? We think these constraints arise from the structure of the coevolving ecological system, and the basic frames are given by the niche structure. We consider the recently popular idea of niche construction and relate it to the plasticity of the phenotype. We derive a form of phenotype plasticity from the hidden (unused) and explicit (functional) factors discussed in the causality part. (d) What are the main hypotheses about complexity growth that can actually be tested? We hypothesize that a rich natural phenotype that supports causality-function conversions is a necessary ingredient of complexity growth. We review our work on the FATINT system, which incorporates similar ideas in a computer simulation, and shows that full-body phenotypes are sufficient for achieving functional evolution. (e) What language is most appropriate for speaking about the evolution of complexity in living systems? FATINT is developed using advanced agent-based modeling techniques, and we discuss the general relevance of this methodology for understanding and simulating the phenomena discussed.
Fine-tuned: Phonology and Semantics Affect First- to Second-language Zooming In
Authors: Elston-Güttler Kerrie E. , Gunter Thomas C.
Published: May 2008

We investigate how L1 phonology and semantics affect processing of interlingual homographs by manipulating language context before, and auditory input during, a visual experiment in the L2. Three experiments contained German–English homograph primes (gift = German “poison”) in English sentences and was performed by German (L1) learners of English (L2). Both reaction times and event-related brain potentials were measured on targets reflecting the German meaning of the interlingual homograph. In Experiment 1, participants viewed a pre-experiment English film, then half of the participants (n = 16) heard noise and the other half (n = 16) heard German pseudowords during the experiment; in Experiment 2, participants (n = 16) viewed a pre-experiment German film then heard noise; and in Experiment 3, participants (n = 16) viewed the pre-experiment English film then heard real German words. Those who had viewed the English film then heard noise during Experiment 1 showed no L1 influence. Those who saw the English film but heard German pseudowords during Experiment 1, or viewed the German film before and heard noise during Experiment 2, showed L1 influence as indicated by N400 priming of L1-related targets in the first half of the experiment. This suggests that a pre-experiment film in the L1 or the presence of L1 phonology during the experiment slowed down adjustment to the L2 task. In Experiment 3 with real L1 words in the background, N400 priming of L1 meanings was observed throughout the entire experiment for lower-proficiency participants. We discuss our findings in terms of context types that affect L1-to-L2 adjustment.
Elevated Cloud and Aerosol Layer Retrievals from Micropulse Lidar Signal Profiles
Authors: Campbell James R. , Sassen Kenneth , Welton Ellsworth J.
Published: May 2008

A threshold-based detection algorithm for cloud and aerosol layer heights in elevated micropulse lidar data (0.523 μm) is described. Thresholds for differentiating cloud and aerosol signals from that of the molecular atmosphere are based on the signal uncertainties of the level 1.0 Micropulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) data product. To illustrate the algorithm, data from 1 to 10 June 2003 collected by an MPLNET instrument at the South Pole are discussed for polar stratospheric cloud-height retrievals. Additional tests are run for algorithm sensitivity relative to variable solar background scenes. The algorithm is run at multiple temporal resolutions. Results derived at a base resolution are used to screen attenuation-limited profiles from longer time averages to improve performance. A signal normalization step using a theoretical molecular scattering profile limits the application of the technique in the lower atmosphere for a ground-based instrument. This would not be the case for some nadir-viewing lidars, and the application of the algorithm to airborne and satellite datasets is speculated.
Microprocessor Field Impactometer Calibration: Do We Measure Drops’ Momentum or Their Kinetic Energy?
Authors: Licznar Paweł , Łomotowski Janusz , Błoński Sławomir , Ciach Grzegorz J.
Published: May 2008

This study presents the construction and calibration of a low-cost piezoelectric microprocessor impactometer designed for the field measurements of the rainfall kinetic energy (KE) flux. Its precise calibration was performed in laboratory conditions using waterdrops of different sizes and fall velocities. High-speed photography was applied to measure the velocity of each waterdrop. Although the impactometer constructed for this study is not able to measure the momentum of waterdrops, its accuracy for measuring their KE is excellent. It was found that the processing of the piezoelectric signal might determine which physical quantity is measured by different impactometers. It was also found that the distance between the waterdrop impact position and the impactometer center has a significant effect on the sensor output. A scheme to account for this effect is developed in this study, and the calibration curve for field applications of the impactometer is derived. In addition, an example comparison of the concurrent field measurements of KE flux using the impactometer and rainfall rates using a weighing rain gauge is given.
Evaluation of Ultrasonic Snow Depth Sensors for U.S. Snow Measurements
Authors: Ryan Wendy A. , Doesken Nolan J. , Fassnacht Steven R.
Published: May 2008

Ultrasonic snow depth sensors are examined as a low cost, automated method to perform traditional snow measurements. In collaboration with the National Weather Service, nine sites across the United States were equipped with two manufacturers of ultrasonic depth sensors: the Campbell Scientific SR-50 and the Judd Communications sensor. Following standard observing protocol, manual measurements of 6-h snowfall and total snow depth on ground were also gathered. Results show that the sensors report the depth of snow directly beneath on average within ±1 cm of manual observations. However, the sensors tended to underestimate the traditional total depth of snow-on-ground measurement by approximately 2 cm. This is mainly attributed to spatial variability of the snow cover caused by factors such as wind scour and wind drift.

After assessing how well the sensors represented the depth of snow on the ground, two algorithms were created to estimate the traditional measurement of 6-h snowfall from the continuous snow depth reported by the sensors. A 5-min snowfall algorithm (5MSA) and a 60-min snowfall algorithm (60MSA) were created. These simple algorithms essentially sum changes in snow depth using 5- and 60-min intervals of change and sum positive changes over the traditional 6-h observation periods after compaction routines are applied. The algorithm results were compared to manual observations of snowfall. The results indicated that the 5MSA worked best with the Campbell Scientific sensor. The Campbell sensor appears to estimate snowfall more accurately than the Judd sensor due to the difference in sensor resolution. The Judd sensor results did improve with the 60-min snowfall algorithm. This technology does appear to have potential for collecting useful and timely information on snow accumulation, but determination of snowfall to the current requirement of 0.1 in. (0.25 cm) is a difficult task.