bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adhesive functions of both chains of VLA‐integrins are not fully conserved across the human–porcine species barrier: implications for xenotransplantation
Authors: Simon André R. , Dalla‐Riva Claudio , Kühn Christian , Tessmann Rene , Meder Ingrid , Martin Ulrich , Haverich Axel
Published: October 2005

Abstract:  Background:  A possible solution to the shortage of organs for transplantation would be the use of swine as source animals. As current immunosuppressive protocols cannot prevent rejection of these organs, super‐selective immunosuppression or the induction of donor‐specific central tolerance represent two promising approaches. Central tolerance induction involves bone marrow transplantation, and depends on intrathymic deletion of donor reactive host cells by donor antigen‐presenting cells. In super‐selective immunosuppression, the aim would be to block specific adhesive interactions on one species side only, leaving the other species side unaffected. As both processes depend on the interaction of adhesion molecules with their ligands, we investigated whether the β1‐integrins, which play roles in hematopoiesis as well as in rejection, can successfully interact across the swine‐to‐human species barrier.

Methods:  We employed static cell‐to‐extracellular protein and cell‐to‐cell adhesion assays, using different cell types and monoclonal antibody as well as peptide‐fragments to analyze conservation of cross‐species adhesive interactions.

Results:  We found that porcine and human cells interact differently with their cross‐species ligands than their own and that the adhesive function of the β1‐chain does not seem to be fully conserved across the species barrier.

Conclusions:  Integrin functions are not fully conserved across the pig‐to‐human species barrier. While the development of multi‐transgenic pigs, whose integrins interact with human ligands in a more ‘‘human‐like’’ manner may be necessary to facilitate tolerance induction, these facts give rise to new possibilities concerning super‐selective immunosuppression.
DNA sequence based typing of swine leukocyte antigens in Yucatan Miniature Pigs
Authors: Smith Douglas M. , Martens Gregory W. , Ho Chak S. , Asbury Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2005

Abstract:  Background:  We have established a breeding program to develop additional lines of swine leukocyte antigens (SLA) homozygous miniature pigs derived from the Yucatan Miniature Pig. Yucatan pigs have been used extensively in biomedical research since the 1970s and are known for their docile nature and small size. The breed has no consanguinity with the Hormel or Pittman‐Moore breeds used to produce the NIH Miniature Pigs, the only other SLA homozygous miniature pigs in the USA.

Methods:  SLA typing was initially done by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Then a cDNA library was constructed using spleen cells from these pigs, from which we cloned and sequenced nearly all alleles for the SLA‐1, 3, 2, 6, DRB1, DQA and DQB1 loci.

Results:  Four SLA homozygous lines were established with haplotypes that we have designated ‘w, x, y and z’. An SLA class I/II crossover haplotype, designated ‘q’, with the SLA class I alleles of ‘w’ and the SLA class II alleles of ‘z’ was discovered and used to establish a fifth line. The cDNA sequences were used to develop locus specific primers for each locus and an reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction sequence based typing (SBT) method. We have used this method to perform SBT on SLA homozygous Yucatan pigs with these haplotypes and on the NIH pig ‘a, c and d’ haplotypes.

Conclusions:  These pig lines represent a new resource for transplantation research and the methods we describe can be used to SLA type any herd of pigs.
The evaluation of propofol dosage for anesthesia induction in children with cerebral palsy with bispectral index (BIS) monitoring
Authors: SARICAOGLU F. , CELEBI N. , CELIK M. , AYPAR U.
Published: October 2005

Background:  We designed a randomized prospective study to investigate whether developmentally delayed children with cerebral palsy (CP) need a lower dosage of propofol for induction than normal children using bispectral index (BIS) monitoring criteria.

Methods:  After approval by the University Ethical Committee and written informed consent obtained from parents, 20 children with noncommunicative/nonverbal CP and 20 normal children requiring general anesthesia for elective orthopedic surgery were enrolled in the study. The patients were not premedicated. BIS leads were placed before the induction of anesthesia. Propofol was administered at a rate of 20 mg·30 s−1 (i.e. 40 mg·min−1).When BIS value had reached a steady number of 35–45, infusion was stopped.

Results:  There was no significant difference between Group N and Group CP in age and sex distribution (P > 0.05), however children in Group CP weighed less than Group N (P = 0.05). The propofol dosage for induction was significantly lower in Group CP than Group N (P = 0.03). There were no differences in propofol doses administered to children using anticonvulsants and those not on anticonvulsants in Group CP. BIS values were comparable between the two groups (i.e. Group N and Group CP) at baseline and after propofol administration.

Conclusions:  Our data suggest that noncommunicative/nonverbal children with CP require less propofol to obtain the same BIS values (i.e. 35–45) than do otherwise healthy children.
Parents’ willingness to pay for diminishing children's pain during blood sampling
Authors: WASSERFALLEN JEAN‐BLAISE , CURRAT‐ZWEIFEL CHRISTINE , CHESEAUX JEAN‐JACQUES , HOFER MICHAEL , FANCONI SERGIO
Published: October 2005

Background:  Blood sampling is a frequent medical procedure, very often considered as a stressful experience by children. Local anesthetics have been developed, but are expensive and not reimbursed by insurance companies in our country. We wanted to assess parents’ willingness to pay (WTP) for this kind of drug.

Patients and methods:  Over 6 months, all parents of children presenting for general (GV) or specialized visit (SV) with blood sampling. WTP was assessed through three scenarios [avoiding blood sampling (ABS), using the drug on prescription (PD), or over the counter (OTC)], with a payment card system randomized to ascending or descending order of prices (AO or DO).

Results:  Fifty‐six responses were collected (34 GV, 22 SV, 27 AO and 29 DO), response rate 40%. Response distribution was wide, with median WTP of €40 for ABS, €25 for PD, €10 for OTC, which is close to the drug's real price. Responses were similar for GV and SV. Median WTP amounted to 0.71, 0.67, 0.20% of respondents’ monthly income for the three scenarios, respectively, with a maximum at 10%.

Conclusions:  Assessing parents’ WTP in an outpatient setting is difficult, with wide result distribution, but median WTP is close to the real drug price. This finding could be used to promote insurance coverage for this drug.
Perioperative care of the child with arthrogryposis
Authors: MARTIN SAM , TOBIAS JOSEPH D.
Published: October 2005

Background:  Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a congenital symptom complex characterized by multiple joint contractures. AMC results from fetal akinesia due to extrinsic factors (oligohydramnios) or primary neurogenic or myopathic conditions of the fetus.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed our perioperative experience in 12 patients with AMC.

Results:  Intraoperative issues noted in our patients included difficulties with peripheral IV placement (n = 3), difficult tracheal intubation (n = 4), and intraoperative hyperthermia (n = 4). Difficulties with peripheral IV placement were more common in younger patients (2.3 ± 0.6 vs 9.2 ± 3.5 years). Although easy bag‐valve‐mask ventilation was present in all 12 patients, difficulty with tracheal intubation was noted in four patients. In these four patients, the airway was secured using an LMA (n = 3) or a facemask (n = 1). The patients in whom difficulties with tracheal intubation were encountered were older than patients in whom no difficulties were noted (11.0 ± 2.9 vs 5.8 ± 3.9 years). Four patients developed intraoperative temperatures ≥37°C; however, there was no evidence of hypercarbia or tachycardia suggestive of malignant hyperthermia. Postoperative issues included stridor (n = 2) and postoperative atelectasis (n = 3).

Conclusions:  The perioperative care of patients with AMC should consider not only the physical manifestations of the disease process, but also the implications of the underlying neuromuscular disease. The most common perioperative issues included difficulties with airway management, problematic intravenous access, and intraoperative hyperthermia.
Incidents and complications during pediatric cardiac catheterization
Authors: BENNETT DAVINIA , MARCUS RITCHIE , STOKES MONICA
Published: October 2005

Background:  Cardiac catheterization has revolutionized the management of pediatric cardiac disease. There has been little information on adverse events during these cases from an anesthesia viewpoint. The aim of this audit was to determine the incident rate during pediatric cardiac catheterization as contemporaneously reported by the anesthetist and to identify both the types of events and which procedures had the highest risk.

Methods:  Since 1993, data have been collected prospectively on an audit form for every anesthetic given in our institution, and in‐theatre events were recorded on this form. We have reviewed the data collected on pediatric cardiac catheterizations over a period of 9 years.

Results:  A total of 4454 cardiac catheterizations were recorded. The overall incidence of events was 9.3%. Cardiac catheterization with occlusion of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or a secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) had the lowest event rate at 4.2%. The figure for cardiac catheterization with other therapeutic interventions was 11.6 and 9.3% for solely diagnostic cardiac catheterization. The event rate in infants under the age of 1 year was 13.9% compared with 6.7% for those children over the age of 1 year. Of the 253 reports from cardiac catheterizations that could be analyzed further, there were 91 major complications including four deaths, 72 minor complications and 90 other incidents.

Conclusions:  Adverse events occur more commonly during cardiac catheterization than during pediatric anesthesia in general. Cases with highest risk are those in the under 1 year olds and those including a therapeutic intervention other than PDA or ASD occlusion.
A Shrinked Forecast in Stationary Processes Favouring Percentage Error
Authors: Park Heungsun , Shin Key‐Il
Published: October 2005

Abstract.  In stationary time‐series forecasting, the commonly used criterion for selecting a proper forecast is the mean square error (MSE), which is minimized by the conditional expectation of future observation given the entire past known as a minimum MSE forecast. In this paper, mean square percentage error (MSPE) instead of is used to forecast autoregressive moving average (ARMA)(p,q) series. The suggested forecast takes the form of or (CVt+1 is the coefficient of variation for one step ahead) times the minimum MSE forecast, which performs better not only in MSPE, but also in mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) than the ordinary MSE forecast in simulation studies. A real data example also supported this result. We conclude that, if percentage error is a prime concern, this shrinked version of MSE forecast performs better than the ordinary forecast in the stationary ARMA(p,q) model.
Bernstein polynomial estimation of a spectral density
Authors: Kakizawa Yoshihide
Published: October 2005

Abstract.  We consider an application of Bernstein polynomials for estimating a spectral density of a stationary process. The resulting estimator can be interpreted as a convex combination of the (Daniell) kernel spectral density estimators at m points, the coefficients of which are probabilities of the binomial distribution bin(m − 1, |λ|/π), λ ∈ Π ≡ [−π, π] being the frequency where the spectral density estimation is made. Several asymptotic properties are investigated under conditions of the degree m. We also discuss methods of data‐driven choice of the degree m. For a comparison with the ordinary kernel method, a Monte Carlo simulation illustrates our methodology and examines its performance in small sample.
Understanding Organizational Safety Using Value‐Focused Thinking
Authors: Merrick Jason R. W. , Grabowski Martha , Ayyalasomayajula Premnath , Harrald John R.
Published: October 2005

Decision analysis is recognized as the right way to make risk management decisions, using probabilistic techniques to assess the accident risk. It is also accepted that the decisions that individuals in the organization make affect the likelihood of an accident and thus managerial and organizational factors should be included in the risk modeling process. However, decision analytic techniques have not been used to understand the decisions that are made by these individuals. The initial domain for this research is marine transportation. We use the framework of value‐focused thinking in order to understand safety decisions made within our research partner organization, a major domestic oil tanker operator. We describe the results of interviews held with managers and employees from this organization. Through these interviews, we sought to understand the values these experts apply in their roles within the organization and the objectives they seek to achieve to contribute to its overall safety performance. The end result is a framework that not only portrays the fundamental objectives of safe operations for various roles in the organization, but also interconnects these different decision contexts. We believe that this approach is fundamentally different from those used in previous work and that this is an interesting application of value‐focused thinking.
Genetic Diversity of Invasive Species in the Great Lakes Versus Their Eurasian Source Populations: Insights for Risk Analysis
Authors: Stepien Carol A. , Brown Joshua E. , Neilson Matthew E. , Tumeo Mark A.
Published: October 2005

Combining DNA variation data and risk assessment procedures offers important diagnostic and monitoring tools for evaluating the relative success of exotic species invasions. Risk assessment may allow us to understand how the numbers of founding individuals, genetic variants, population sources, and introduction events affect successful establishment and spread. This is particularly important in habitats that are “hotbeds” for invasive species—such as the North American Great Lakes. This study compares genetic variability and its application to risk assessment within and among three Eurasian groups and five species that successfully invaded the Great Lakes during the mid 1980s through early 1990s; including zebra and quagga mussels, round and tubenose gobies, and the ruffe. DNA sequences are compared from exotic and native populations in order to evaluate the role of genetic diversity in invasions. Close relatives are also examined, since they often invade in concert and several are saline tolerant and are likely to spread to North American estuaries. Results show that very high genetic diversity characterizes the invasions of all five species, indicating that they were founded by very large numbers of propagules and underwent no founder effects. Genetic evidence points to multiple invasion sources for both dreissenid and goby species, which appears related to especially rapid spread and widespread colonization success in a variety of habitats. In contrast, results show that the ruffe population in the Great Lakes originated from a single founding population source from the Elbe River drainage. Both the Great Lakes and the Elbe River populations of ruffe have similar genetic diversity levels—showing no founder effect, as in the other invasive species. In conclusion, high genetic variability, large numbers of founders, and multiple founding sources likely significantly contribute to the risk of an exotic species introduction's success and persistence.
Using Choice Experiments to Assess People's Preferences for Railway Transports of Hazardous Materials
Authors: Winslott Hiselius Lena
Published: October 2005

This article investigates whether the choice experiment approach can be used to assess people's preferences and the determinants of these preferences in order to estimate the costs and benefits of different configurations of the transport of hazardous materials by rail. Changes in the exposure to hazardous materials that people are subjected to are used rather than changes in accident risk. To the best knowledge of the author, this has not been done before in a study of people's preferences toward hazardous materials. A mail survey, carried out in two cities in Sweden, is used to obtain tentative estimates of the willingness to pay for a reduction in exposure as well as the willingness to accept an increase in exposure. Special attention is given to viability, since the complexity of the activity studied, transport of hazardous materials, and the method used pose particular challenges. The response rate and tests of validity and consistency indicate that this method can be applied. Moreover, the results suggest that studies of this kind may provide guidance on changes in the transport of hazardous materials, especially because policymakers may influence the attributes presented here. Referring to the exposure of hazardous materials highlights the importance of providing the respondents with adequate information regarding hazardous transports. An important finding is that the amount of background information may have some effect on the stated preferences.
How Much Uncertainty is Too Much and How Do We Know? A Case Example of the Assessment of Ozone Monitor Network Options
Authors: Stahl Cynthia H. , Cimorelli Alan J.
Published: October 2005

Limited time and resources usually characterize environmental decision making at policy organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In these climates, addressing uncertainty, usually considered a flaw in scientific analyses, is often avoided. However, ignoring uncertainties can result in unpleasant policy surprises. Furthermore, it is important for decisionmakers to know how defensible a chosen policy option is over other options when the uncertainties of the data are considered. The purpose of this article is to suggest an approach that is unique from other approaches in that it considers uncertainty in two specific ways—the uncertainty of stakeholder values within a particular decision context and data uncertainty in the light of the decision‐contextual data–values relationship. It is the premise of this article that the interaction between data and stakeholder values is critical to how the decision options are viewed and determines the effect of data uncertainty on the relative acceptability of the decision options, making the understanding of this interaction important to decisionmakers and other stakeholders. This approach utilizes the recently developed decision analysis framework and process, multi‐criteria integrated resource assessment (MIRA). This article will specifically address how MIRA can be used to help decisionmakers better understand the importance of uncertainty on the specific (i.e., decision contextual) environmental policy options that they are deliberating.
Influence of Distributional Shape of Substance Parameters on Exposure Model Output
Authors: Lessmann Kai , Beyer Andreas , Klasmeier Jörg , Matthies Michael
Published: October 2005

Uncertainty of environmental concentrations is calculated with the regional multimedia exposure model of EUSES 1.0 by considering probability input distributions for aqueous solubility, vapor pressure, and octanol‐water partition coefficient, Kow. Only reliable experimentally determined data are selected from available literature for eight reference chemicals representing a wide substance property spectrum. Monte Carlo simulations are performed with uniform, triangular, and log‐normal input distributions to assess the influence of the choice of input distribution type on the predicted concentration distributions. The impact of input distribution shapes on output variance exceeds the effect on the output mean by one order of magnitude. Both are affected by influence and uncertainty (i.e., variance) of the input variable as well. Distributional shape has no influence when the sensitivity function of the respective parameter is perfectly linear. For nonlinear relationships, overlap of probability mass of input distribution with influential ranges of the parameter space is important. Differences in computed output distribution are greatest when input distributions differ in the most influential parameter range.
Functional Approximation and Optimal Specification of the Mechanical Risk Index
Authors: Kaiser Mark J. , Pulsipher Allan G.
Published: October 2005

The mechanical risk index (MRI) is a numerical measure that quantifies the complexity of drilling a well. The purpose of this article is to examine the role of the component factors of the MRI and its structural and parametric assumptions. A meta‐modeling methodology is applied to derive functional expressions of the MRI, and it is shown that the MRI can be approximated in terms of a linear functional. The variation between the MRI measure and its functional specification is determined empirically, and for a reasonable design space, the functional specification is shown to a good approximating representation. A drilling risk index is introduced to quantify the uncertainty in the time and cost associated with drilling a well. A general methodology is outlined to create an optimal MRI specification.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Patent Foramen Ovale: Successful Treatment of Symptoms by Percutaneous Foramen Ovale Closure
Authors: AGNOLETTI GABRIELLA , ISERIN LAURENCE , LAFONT ANTOINE , SIDI DANIEL , DESNOS MICHEL
Published: October 2005

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder often associated with cardiovascular problems. The role of right to left shunt through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in OSA is still debated. We report the case of a 42‐year‐old man with OSA, treated by nocturnal continuous airway pressure, who had a PFO and severe dispnoea and desaturation at exercise. Percutaneous closure of PFO leads to immediate and complete resolution of symptoms. Our report shows for the first time that patients with OSA, PFO, and desaturation at exercise should be considered candidates to PFO closure, even in the absence of cerebral events.
Gadodiamide‐Based Coronary Angiography in a Patient with Severe Renal Insufficiency
Authors: GUPTA RAJIV , URETSKY BARRY F.
Published: October 2005

The risk of contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is extremely high in patients with preexisting renal insufficiency. Gadolinium‐based coronary angiography has been proposed as an approach to prevent CIN in this high risk subgroup. We report the use of gadodiamide‐based coronary angiography in a patient with severe renal insufficiency and in vitro comparisons of combinations of iodinated contrast with gadodiamide and saline.
A Cost–Effectiveness Analysis of a Hypothetical Catheter‐Based Strategy for the Detection and Treatment of Vulnerable Coronary Plaques with Drug‐Eluting Stents
Authors: BOSCH JOHANNA L. , BEINFELD MOLLY T. , MULLER JAMES E. , BRADY THOMAS , GAZELLE G. SCOTT
Published: October 2005

Aim: Extensive efforts are underway to develop methods for the detection and treatment of vulnerable/high‐risk coronary artery plaques. We utilized decision analysis to evaluate the hypothetical clinical benefits and cost–effectiveness of a catheter‐based strategy.

Methods and Results: Currently, stenotic coronary plaques are treated without regard to vulnerability. In a new strategy, vulnerable coronary plaques are detected with a catheter‐based test and treated with a drug‐eluting stent, regardless of degree of stenosis. A Markov‐decision model was developed to compare the new strategy with current practice. Monte Carlo simulations were performed from a societal perspective, costs were converted to year 2003 U.S. dollars, and future costs and outcomes were discounted at 3%. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of assumptions on variables such as the prevalence of vulnerable plaques and treatment effect. In 60‐year‐old male patients with coronary stenoses the new strategy would be less expensive and more effective than current practice ($37,045 vs $38,257 and 10.23 vs 9.86 quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), respectively). The benefits of the new strategy were robust in sensitivity analyses (e.g., if the prevalence of vulnerable plaques in this patient group was 50% or more and the sensitivity and specificity of the new test were at least 0.80).

Conclusion: In selected patients with coronary artery stenosis, the detection of vulnerable plaques with a catheter‐based test followed by their treatment with a drug‐eluting stent could be a less expensive and more effective strategy than current practice. If applied to 1 million such patients in the United States undergoing catheterization, the new strategy would add 370,000 QALYs and save $1.2 billion dollars per year.
Synthesis of AlN Nanopowder from γ‐Al2O3by Reduction–Nitridation in a Mixture of NH3–C3H8
Authors: Yamakawa Tomohiro , Tatami Junichi , Wakihara Toru , Komeya Katsutoshi , Meguro Takeshi , MacKenzie Kenneth J. D. , Takagi Shinichi , Yokouchi Masahiro
Published: October 2005

Aluminum nitride (AlN) powders were synthesized by gas reduction–nitridation of γ‐Al2O3using NH3and C3H8as the reactant gases. AlN was identified in the products synthesized at 1100°–1400°C for 120 min in the NH3–C3H8gas flow confirming that AlN can be formed by the gas reduction–nitridation of γ‐Al2O3. The products synthesized at 1100°C for 120 min contained unreacted γ‐Al2O3. The27A1 MAS NMR spectra show that Al–N bonding in the product increases with increasing reaction temperature, the tetrahedral AlO4resonance decreasing prior to the disappearance of the octahedral AlO6resonance. This suggests that the tetrahedral AlO4sites of the γ‐Al2O3are preferentially nitrided than the AlO6sites. AlN nanoparticles were directly formed from γ‐Al2O3at low temperature because of this preferred nitridation of AlO4sites in the reactant. AlN nanoparticles are formed by gas reduction–nitridation of γ‐Al2O3not only because the reaction temperature is sufficiently low to restrict grain growth, but also because γ‐Al2O3contains both AlO4and AlO6sites, by contrast with α‐Al2O3which contains only AlO6.
Refractory Selection for High‐Temperature Black Liquor Gasification
Authors: Rezaie Alireza , Headrick William L. , Fahrenholtz William G.
Published: October 2005

A methodology has been established for the selection of materials for refractory linings in black liquor gasifiers that are to be employed by the pulp and paper industry. As a first step, a thermodynamic software package was used to determine that black liquor smelt was composed of a liquid solution of primarily Na2CO3 and Na2S under the operating conditions of the gasifier (950°C, 1 atm). Next, the software was used to predict the interaction of the black liquor smelt with various ceramics such as aluminosilicates, single component oxides, and binary oxides that are candidates for the application. Finally, experiments were performed to verify or disprove the predictions. Using sessile drop testing, contact angles were determined for molten Na2CO3 on candidate refractory compounds. All of the candidate ceramics were wet by molten Na2CO3. Among the candidates, MgAl2O4 was found to have the highest contact angle (∼13°). Post‐mortem analysis was performed on sessile drop specimens using X‐ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy to determine if molten Na2CO3 had penetrated into or reacted with the ceramics. From the candidates, MgO and CeO2 were found to have the best resistance to attack, while MgAl2O4 was also found to be a promising candidate.
Ameloblastic carcinoma containing melanocyte and melanin pigment in the mandible: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Üzüm N. , Akyol G. , Asal K. , Köybaşioğlu A.
Published: October 2005

A case of ameloblastic carcinoma containing melanocyte and melanin in a 66‐year‐old male with swelling and an ulcerating firm mass in the left submandibular region is presented. The diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy. The current histopathological diagnosis and management are discussed.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α promoter polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Chung‐Ji , Wong Yong‐Kie , Chang Kuo‐Wei , Chang Hsiao‐Ching , Liu Hsin‐Fu , Lee Yann‐Jinn
Published: October 2005

Background:  Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the leading cancers in most Asian countries. Alterations of immune function have been detected in OSCC patients. The pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is a central mediator of the immune response involved in a wide range of immuno‐inflammatory and infectious diseases. Polymorphism of the TNF‐α gene has been intensively studied as a potential determinant of susceptibility to numerous cancers.

Methods:  We genotyped 192 patients with OSCC and 146 healthy case controls by using polymerase chain reaction‐double restriction fragment length polymorphism with amplification‐created restriction sites to assess allelic determinants at the TNF‐α polymorphic sites −308 and −238 in the promoter region. Genotype frequencies were evaluated with Fisher's test.

Results:  The −308 TNFG (tumor necrosis factor G) allele genotype was higher in patients with OSCC (91.2% vs. 82.2%; P = 0.02) and TNFG/A was lower (8.3% vs. 11.8%; P = 0.02); the −238 TNFG/A allele genotype was lower in patient with OSCC (2.1% vs. 6.9%; P = 0.02).

Conclusion:  This is the first report that the TNF‐α polymorphism is associated with the risk for OSCC in Taiwan.
Ameloblastic fibroma and related lesions: a clinicopathologic study with reference to their nature and interrelationship
Authors: Chen Yan , Li Tie‐Jun , Gao Yan , Yu Shi‐Feng
Published: October 2005

Background:  Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) and related lesions constitute a group of lesions, which range in biologic behavior from true neoplasms to hamartomas. The aim of this study was to elucidate the nature and interrelationship of this group of lesions.

Methods:  Clinical and pathological studies were undertaken retrospectively on 13 cases of AF and seven cases of ameloblastic fibro‐odontoma (AFO). Thirty‐three complex odontomas and 33 compound odontomas were also included for comparative purpose. Relevant follow‐up data were recorded and the literature was reviewed.

Results:  The majority of patients with AF (nine cases, 69.2%) were over the age of 22 years with frequent involvement (76.9%) of the posterior mandible. Tumors recurred in four of 11 patients with follow‐up information and two recurrent tumors showed malignant transformation. There was no case in this series that could be designated as the so‐called ameloblastic fibrodentinoma, apart from one recurrent AF in which further maturation to form only tubular dentin materials was identified. AFO tended to occur at a younger age group with an average of 9.6 years. Recurrence was noted in two of five patients with follow‐up data and both recurrent lesions showed limited growth potential and further maturation into a complex odontoma. Significant differences were noted in the age and site distribution between the complex and the compound odontomas.

Conclusion:  Whilst the majority, if not all, of AFs are true neoplasms with a potential to recur and/or of malignant transformation, some, especially those occurred during childhood, could represent the primitive stage of a developing odontoma. Our data also suggests that some AFOs are hamartomatous in nature, representing a stage preceding the complex odontoma.
Can Atorvastatin Improve the Response to Sildenafil in Men with Erectile Dysfunction Not Initially Responsive to Sildenafil? Hypothesis and Pilot Trial Results
Authors: Herrmann Howard C. , Levine Laurence A. , Macaluso Joseph , Walsh Michelle , Bradbury Danielle , Schwartz Stanley , Mohler Emile R. , Kimmel Stephen E.
Published: October 2005

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be one manifestation of a generalized vascular disorder characterized by endothelial dysfunction. Statin drugs may improve endothelial function, even before altering the lipid profile.

Objective

We sought to determine whether the addition of a statin with sildenafil would improve ED in men who initially responded poorly to sildenafil.

Methods

Men with moderate-to-severe ED despite an adequate sildenafil trial were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. ED was defined using a validated self-administered questionnaire as a score of ≤16 on the International Index of Erectile Function (erectile function domain score range of 6–30). Improvement in ED score with sildenafil was reassessed at 6 and 12 weeks of treatment with atorvastatin (80 mg daily) or matching placebo.

Results

Twelve men (mean age 58 ± 13 years) with a mean domain score of 8.2 ± 6.9 and a mean duration of ED of 3.7 years were enrolled in the study. Treatment with atorvastatin decreased mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 43% and resulted in an improvement with sildenafil in domain score of 7.8 (P = 0.036); an effect was apparent by 6 weeks. The increase in domain score in placebo patients was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Treatment with atorvastatin improved sexual function and the response to oral sildenafil in men who did not initially respond to treatment with sildenafil. The results of this pilot study support the hypothesis that vascular endothelial dysfunction contributes to ED in sildenafil nonresponders and deserves further testing in a large clinical trial.
Functional Sequelae of Cavernous Nerve Injury in the Rat: Is There Model Dependency
Authors: Mullerad Michael , Donohue John F. , Li Philip S. , Scardino Peter T. , Mulhall John P.
Published: October 2005

Introduction

The rat model of cavernous nerve (CN) injury has been developed in an effort to define the functional and structural consequences of neural trauma in the corpus cavernosum. However, there is no universally accepted method of inducing nerve injury in this model, with neurotomy and crush models being used currently. To address this issue, we induced CN injury using various techniques in an effort to compare the hemodynamic sequelae of these injuries.

Methods

Twenty-five adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups: (1) control: laparotomy only; (2) exposure: laparotomy and exposure of cavernous nerves bilaterally without nerve manipulation; (3) neurotomy; bilateral neurotomy; (4) bulldog crush: bilateral nerve crush with bulldog vascular clamp; and (5) hemostat nerve crush: bilateral nerve crush with a hemostat. Ten days later, a second operation was performed during which systemic mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intracavernosal pressure (ICP) were measured in response to CN stimulation proximal to the site of injury. Hemodynamic endpoints assessed included ICP/MAP ratio, rate of tumescence, and rate of detumescence.

Results

The ICP/MAP ratio (mean ± 95% confidence interval) in the control group was 70 ± 4%. ICP/MAP ratios were significantly reduced in all CN injury groups compared with control group: exposure: 41 ± 10% (P < 0.001); neurotomy: 35 ± 15% (P < 0.001); bulldog crush: 39 ± 13% (P < 0.001); hemostat crush: 31 ± 9% (P < 0.0001). No significant difference existed in ICP/MAP ratios between the injury groups. Of note, the exposure group also demonstrated significant functional alterations. The rates of tumescence and detumescence were significantly reduced in all groups compared with the control group.

Conclusion

No significant difference in the magnitude and consistency of hemodynamic alterations has been demonstrated in all CN injury models assessed in this study.
Acoustic emission source identification
Authors: Green R R. E.
Published: October 2005

Acoustic emission, the phenomenon of stress wave release from microstructural alterations in solid materials, has not optimally fulfilled its promise as a nondestructive testing technique since the precise characteristics of the stress waves emitted from specific sources remain unknown. The present work describes an experimental system which overcomes the numerous problems associated with conventional piezoelectric transducers and video tape recorders and permits the precise characteristics of the acoustic emission signal to be determined. This system incorporates a laser beam interferometric surface displacement detector and a high speed digital capture and signal processor. The present work also describes how proper choice of workpiece geometry coupled with analytical calculations yields new insight into the influence of workpiece transfer function on the detected acoustic emission signal. Finally, comments will be made as to the possibility of acoustic emission source identification in practical field situations. [Work supported by Naval Sea Systems Command.]
Real-time speech synthesis by rule
Authors: Klatt Dennis H.
Published: October 2005

A real-time synthesis-by-rule program has been designed to run on a 16-bit microprocessor coupled to a formant-based synthesizer chip. This device is called the Klatt-Talk KT-1 speech synthesis system. English sentences are produced from an input format consisting of a linear string of phonemes, stress, and syntactic symbols. The symbol inventory includes 40 phonemes, one stress symbol (used to indicate the main stress of each content word), and 5 syntactic markers (used to indicate the locations of word boundaries, phrase boundaries, and clause boundaries). Synthesis algorithms are based on research described at previous ASA meetings, and include an algorithm for fundamental frequency contour specification described by S. Maeda, rules for predicting segmental durations described by D. Klatt, phonological recoding rules described by V. Zue, consonant-vowel synthesis rules described by D. Klatt, and a formant synthesizer described by D. Klatt. A demonstration tape will be played. Progress toward the realization of a full text-to-speech system based on the Klatt-Talk synthesizer will be discussed.
Planar-curve analysis of auditory brain stem responses: Preliminary observations
Authors: Gardi John N. , Martin William H. , Jewett Don L.
Published: October 2005

When auditory brain stem responses (ABRs and/or FFRs) are collected from three orthogonally placed electrode pairs and voltage is plotted in three-dimensional space, a three-dimensional Lissajous figure is derived. Segments of the Lissajous figure (roughly corresponding to the beginning and ending points of individual waves in the classically recorded ABR or to the beginning and ending points of the plateau region in the scalp-recorded FFR) form planar-curves. ABRs elicited by click stimuli and FFRs elicited by low frequency tone bursts were collected from a group of adult animal (cat) and human subjects to investigate (in a preliminary manner) some of the consequences of this recording and analysis technique. Among the results were the following: (1) The formation of planes appears to be a consequence of a systematic change in the focus of synchronous input, as a function of time, and of the fact that auditory nuclei are for the most part geometrically ordered. (2) Planar-curve position appears to be determined by spectral content of stimuli, and by the dimensions and orientations of the electrical output of ABR generators. (3) Planar-curve size increases (usually in only one preferred direction) as stimulus intensity is increased, reflecting presumably patterns of excitation within generators as stimulus intensity is increased. These results suggest that: (1) Placement of electrode pairs orthogonally around the head allows for efficient recording of dipole activity in any direction, irregardless of the orientation of the dipole. (2) Information in these different waveforms plotted three-dimensionally constitutes extraction of spatial information that could not be visualized in ABR or FFR waveforms recorded using only single electrode pair techniques. [Work supported by Hearing Research, Inc.]
The production of bite block vowels: Acoustic equivalence by selective compensation
Authors: Gay Thomas , Lindblom Bjorn , Lubker James
Published: October 2005

Acoustic and articulatory data are reported for steady state vowels produced both normally and with a bite block. The formant patterns of the bite block vowels were found to approximate those of the naturally spoken vowels. Measurements derived from lateral view still x-ray films showed that the bite blocks induce drastic articulatory reorganization. Using a mandibular frame of reference, we found that speakers compensated for a large bite block by using supershapes of the tongue and the lips (for /u/ and /o/). Comparing the two productions using a maxillary frame of reference, we noted that compensation was maximum at the points of maximum constriction and incomplete or partial at points of vocal tract expansion. A computer simulation of our speakers compensatory strategy revealed that they behaved optimally according to acoustic theory. These findings suggest that a vowel target is coded neurophysiologically in terms of acoustically significant area function information, specifically, by information related to cavity configuration at points of maximum constriction. [Work supported in part by NIH Research Grant, NS-10424.]
Acoustic basis for universal constraints on sound sequences
Authors: Kawasaki Haruko , Ohala John J.
Published: October 2005

A hypothesis is presented which predicts universal constraints on phoneme sequences (phonotactics) by reference to certain acoustic properties of these sequences. Two factors are hypothesized to influence these constraints. First, the magnitude of the trajectory of these sound sequences in a multidimensional acoustic space should be directly proportional to their perceptibility, and hence viability within a language. Second, the similarity of two or more such trajectories should determine the likelihood of their confusion and subsequent merger. (Unaccounted for in this analysis is unidirectional confusion and absence of sound sequences due to articulatory constraints.) The magnitude of, and distance between trajectories were computed for various sequences of initial consonant clusters and vowels. Results correctly predicted that such sequences as [bw-], [-wu], and [-yi] are not as favored as [dw-], [-wa], [-ya], and [-yu]. Further, sound sequences such as [by-] and [gw-] were predicted to be confusable with [d-] and lb-l, respectively, which is in accord with known sound change processes.
Shifts in loudness without shifts in threshold following exposure to an intense sound
Authors: McFadden Dennis , Plattsmier H. S.
Published: October 2005

Following exposure to intense tonal stimuli, temporary threshold shift (TTS) and temporary loudness shift (TLS) were measured alternately at two different frequencies—the exposure and half-octave frequencies. The exposures were sufficient to induce TTS and TLS of about 20 dB at the half-octave frequency. At the exposure frequency there was little if any TTS, but the TLS was about 10–15 dB. This dissociation of TTS and TLS at the exposure frequency can be explained by assuming that the maximum of basilar membrane displacement migrates basally as a function of stimulus intensity. Thus the region most “fatigued” by the exposure stimulus lies basal to the point maximally activated when the exposure stimulus is presented at threshold intensity. At low intensity the tones that reach their displacement maxima in the “fatigued” region are higher in frequency than the exposure tone—hence the so-called half-octave shift. The exposure frequency shows TLS in the absence of TTS because the membrane region maximally activated by the supra-threshold stimuli partially overlaps with the maximally “fatigued” region.
Approximating low-frequency masking bandwidths with one-third octave bands
Authors: Horonjeff Richard , Fidell Sanford , Teffeteller Sherri , Green David M.
Published: October 2005

Empirical evidence that effective masking bandwidths at low frequencies exceed one-third octave bandwidths was reconfirmed in a detection task in which observers listened under free-field conditions for sinusoids embedded in digitally synthesized noise backgrounds. The shape of the hypothetical auditory filter at low frequencies was estimated from asymmetric placement of the tones to be detected in notched noise backgrounds. Inferences drawn from these data were used to develop procedures for predicting the detectability of low-frequency signals on the basis of one-third octave band spectral information. [Research sponsored by US Army Tank-Automotive Research and Development Command.]
Suppressing the suppressor: Component interaction in the presence of low band-pass noise
Authors: Brady Sherry L. , Feth Lawrence L. , O'Malley Honor
Published: October 2005

Interactions among band-pass noise and tonal suppressors were explored in a forward masking paradigm. A previous study from this laboratory suggested that a low band-pass noise interacted with a tonal suppressor to render it less effective than in comparable no-noise conditions [O'Malley and Feth, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 66, 1075–1087 (1979)]. In the present study, the amount of suppression due to the noise was determined at each given suppressor frequency. An assumption was made that the low band-pass noise acts to attenuate the suppressor. Two-tone masking data were then obtained with the suppressor lowered to the level indicated by the noise suppression estimate. Discussion will center on the nature of the nonlinear interactions of the components and of the implications of these interactions for the frequency selectivity of the auditory system. [Work supported by a grant from N.I.H.]
The interaction of two suppressors
Authors: Shannon Robert V.
Published: October 2005

In order to understand suppression completely it is necessary not only to measure the suppression of one tone by another, but also to measure how the effects of two suppressors combine. The suppression patterns were measured for two suppressor tones individually, and then when both were present simultaneously. These measurements were made for several frequency separations of the two suppressors. Three cases were studied: when both suppressor tones were higher in frequency than the suppressed tone, when both suppressor tones were lower in frequency than the suppressed tone, and when one suppressor tone was higher and one lower in frequency than the suppressed tone. Special attention was given to the conditions where one suppressor suppressed the other. In some cases the suppression caused by a tone can be reduced by suppressing that tone, but in some cases the suppression region of a tone is ineffected by suppressing that tone.
A two-process model of suppression
Authors: Shannon Robert V.
Published: October 2005

Recent evidence indicates that the “second filter” in the cochlea may actually be a sharply tuned, active process. A model will be presented that separates excitation into two processes: a sharply tuned, saturating process corresponding to the active mechanism, and a broadly tuned, linear process, corresponding to the normal basilar membrane displacement. Suppression is also separated into two processes. Suppression of high frequencies by lower frequencies is treated as a different process than suppression of low by higher frequencies. Suppression from low-to-high frequencies is assumed to act only on the sharply tuned, active excitation process, possibly by interfering with the amplification of the outer hair cells. Suppression from high-to-low frequencies acts on the total excitation pattern. This model overcomes many of the shortcomings of previous suppression models. Suppression as the mechanism of rate saturation will also be discussed.