bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Extraction of Primary Mandibular Second Molar in 3 to 5 Year Old Children
Authors: Rithanya. M  , Jeevanandan Ganesh
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Tooth extraction is done based on a variety of reasons, the most common reason being the tooth becoming unrestorable as a result of dental caries, trauma to the tooth or periodontal disorder. The tooth indicated for extraction is usually associated with pain except in some cases where the tooth is removed for orthodontic treatment. Dental caries is a chronic disease of the tooth which is represented by demineralisation and destruction of the organic matter of the tooth. It is the most common cause of dental extraction. The aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence of extraction of primary mandibular second molars in children treated under general anesthesia from a private dental hospital.

Materials and method: This study is a single centered retrospective study in which the data was collected from a private dental college and hospital in Chennai, India. Patient details were collected from the hospital management system and a total of 47 samples were collected. The data was tabulated using Excel and then statistically analyzed using the latest version of SPSS software.

Results and discussion: Prevalence of extraction of primary mandibular second molar in 3 to 5 year old children wasstudied. The primary mandibular right second molar was found to be extracted the most. Also, primary mandibular second molar was extracted more in males and in the age group of 5.

Conclusion: In the study conducted, the primary mandibular right second molar was the most extracted tooth.
Improvement in Livelihood Security of Scheduled Caste Farmers through Integrated Farming System in Hassan District of Southern Karnataka, India
Authors: Madhuprasad V. L. , Harshitha D.  , Chavan Indhusri
Published: February 2024

The study was conducted in the purposively selected Hassan district, a total sample of 223 respondents were purposively selected for the study. Data was collected by using pretested structured interview schedule and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. The results revealed that, a majority of the respondents belonged to low category of education level, land holding, cropping pattern, livestock possession, innovativeness, mass media exposure and extension participation and then followed by medium category of cosmopoliteness, training undergone, willingness in agriculture and high category of social participation, level of aspiration and risk orientation. The Livelihood security of respondents in ‘highly satisfied category’ increased to 34.98 per cent from 23.77 per cent after implementation of the project. There was an improvement in livelihood security after the implementation of the project, out of seven dimensions, maximum increase was noticed in employment security (50.62%) followed by living amenities(49.86%),economic efficiency(40.89%),ecological security(39.82%), social equitability (35.56%),assets(35.37%)and coping strategies against stress (22.39%).Further, the characteristics such as land holding, cropping pattern, livestock possession, cosmopoliteness, innovativeness, mass media exposure, extension participation, level of aspiration, training undergone and willingness in agriculture had positive and significant relationship with  livelihood security. The findings conveyed that six independent variables such as land holding, cropping pattern, innovativeness, extension participation, level of aspiration, training undergone had contributed significantly to livelihood security of farmers. The R2 value indicated that all the 13 independent variables had contributed to the tune of 64.40 per cent of variation in livelihood security of the respondents. The results pertaining to economic analysis indicated that BC ratio has been increased to 3.26 from 1.84 in crop improvement and livestock components after the implementation. Hence, the concerned development departments require to organize the demonstrations, trainings, field days, exposure visits etc., to educate the farmers about IFS. The positive and significantly related characteristics needs to be considered while selecting the farmers for the extension educational programmes in order to enhance their livelihood security.
Determination of the Seebeck Coefficient and Other Thermoelectric Parametersusing Specific Resistivity and Concentration of Charge Carriers of N-Si0.96Ge0.04 Alloy Irradiated by 60Co γ-photons
Authors: Tkhinvaleli Rafiel , Loria Lasha , Adamia Zurab , Nakhutsrishvili Irakli
Published: February 2024

The thermoelectric alloy N-Si0.96Ge0.04-P irradiated by 60Co gamma-photons is been studied. The temperature dependences of the Seebeck coefficient, power and electronic quality factors, as well as the universal electrical conductivity and effective masses of electrons in the interval (250400)°C are calculated. All these dependences are different from the results previously obtained for SixGe1-x with other compositions (except for effective mass). This should be associated with a significant difference in specific resistivities and concentrations of charge carriers.
Geomagnetic Storm Variation of Vertical Total Electron Content (VTEC) Over Some Euro-African Stations
Authors: Ugonabo Obiageli J. , Ugwu Ernest Benjamin Ikechukwu , Okpala Kingsley C. , Amanekwe Godsfavour C.
Published: February 2024

Geomagnetic storms are events which have physical effects on some ionospheric parameters that, to some extent,affects  the state and dynamics of the ionosphere  with important implications on GNSS applications. Here, the total electron content (TEC) of Brussels (50.80oN, 04.37oE), Madrid (40.43oN, 04.25oW) and Irkutsk (52.22oN, 104.32oE), which are all mid-latitude European stations are compared with Libreville (00.35oN, 09.67oE) and Lusaka (15.43oS, 28.32oE) which are equatorial and low-latitude stations respectively. This study is done over two geomagnetic storms that took place in the solstice period of 2004. Deviations of storm time VTEC from solar quiet (Sq) averages are calculated, analysed and presented. Similarities and differences of storm effects are observed in the European stations with enhancements and depressions. Diurnal solar quiet day variations showed high VTEC during the post-noon hours for all the stations. The VTEC deviations during storm time at Libreville lie within, for Lusaka it is. For the mid-latitude European stations, the deviations are lower such that  is recorded at Brussels while  is recorded for both Irkutsk and Madrid. Enhancement of VTEC during the daytime storm period is attributable to the super-fountain effect caused by the prompt penetration electric fields (PPEFs) into the ionosphere and magnetosphere while low VTEC at night-time is attributed to the process of recombination.   Understanding the behaviour of the ionosphere during geomagnetic storms is important and necessary for a better understanding of the applications of GNSS.
Testing Fractional Persistence and Nonlinearity in Infant Mortality Rates of Asia Countries
Authors: Babatunde Oluleye H. , Yaya OlaOluwa S , Adekoya Oluwasegun B , Babatunde Oluwagbenga T
Published: February 2024

The infant mortality rates in 45 Asian countries (1960-2018), obtained from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis database, are investigated using I(d) framework, which allows for simultaneous estimation of the degree of persistence and nonlinearities in infant mortality rates as well as their growth rates. A high degree of persistence in the decreases of mortality rate is found with nonlinear evidence in most of the cases, confirming nonlinear dynamics of mortality rates. In the growth of mortality rates, we find ten countries (Armenia, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and UAE) with evidence of mean reversion. Health management in those listed countries needs to kick start interventions that improve the survival rates of infants.
Osnovi vremya-simmetrichnoy fiziki. 2. Kvantovaya teoriya polya
Authors:   Center for Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Zakir Zahid
Published: February 2024

Время симметричная теория (ВСТ), описанная в первой статье и основанная на принципе эквивалентности физики частиц, применяется к квантовым полям и формулируется время-симметричная квантовая теория поля. Этот принцип исходит из интерпретации Зисмана-Штюкельберга-Фейнмана, где античастицы описываются как частицы отрицательной энергии, движущиеся назад во времени, и обобщает её на системы покоя таких частиц, которые также движутся назад во времени. В ВСТ релятивистские поля описываются комплексными полевыми операторами, а наблюдаемые автоматически нормально упорядочены. Поэтому при время-симметричном квантовании (ВСК) полей энергия и заряд вакуума исчезают и нет проблемы космологической постоянной. В ВСТ вероятности состояний положительны, а потоки вероятности могут иметь два знака в зависимости от направления эволюции по оси времени. Оператор тока взаимодействия определяется как произведение потока вероятности и матрицы констант взаимодействия. Рассмотрены применения ВСТ к полям Стандартной Модели и к полю гравитонов. В ВСК причинные пропагаторы возникает естественно из время-симметричного хронологического упорядочения операторов полей. ВСК корректно описывает наблюдаемые эффекты, так как в терминах обычного времени ведёт к стандартной диаграммной технике, превратив математические рецепты последней в логические следствия физических принципов
Foundations of time-symmetric physics. 2. Quantum field theory
Authors:   Center for Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Zakir Zahid
Published: February 2024

Time symmetric theory (TST), described in the first article and based on the equivalence principle of particle physics, is applied to quantum fields and time-symmetric quantum field theory is formulated. This principle is based on the Zisman-Stückelberg-Feynman interpretation, where antiparticles are described as negative energy particles moving backward in time, and generalizes it to the rest frames of such particles also moving backward in time. In TST, relativistic fields are described by complex field operators, and observables are automatically normally ordered. For this reason, at time-symmetric quantization (TSQ) of fields, the vacuum energy and charge disappear and there is no cosmological constant problem. In TST, the probabilities of states are positive, and the probability currents can have two signs depending on the direction of evolution along the time axis. The operator of interaction current is defined as the product of the probability current and the matrix of interaction constants. Applications of TST to the Standard Model fields and graviton field are considered. In TSQ correctly describes the observable effects, since in terms of ordinary time it leads to a standard diagram technique, transforming mathematical recipes of the latter into logical consequences of physical principles.
Node Localization Using Modified Wild Horse Optimization and Energy Efficient Secured Routing Protocol for IoT Based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: M. Prakash , A. Prakash
Published: February 2024

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are being utilized extensively as a result of the development of information and communication technology. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs), which are formed of inexpensive smart devices for information collection, plays a vital function in the establishment of the IoT. These smart devices are not without limitations, though, whether it comes to processing, memory, computing, and energy usage. In addition to these limitations, the core difficulties facing WSN include node localization, reliability, and data security during transmission in a dangerous environment from hostile nodes. The important and difficult problem for researchers to solve in order to improve network longevity, reliability, scalability, connectivity, throughput is accurate localization and routing. To improve the network period and data trustworthiness, this study intends to design an Energy-Efficient and Secure Routing protocol (EESR) and node localization centered on modified wild horse optimization (LMWHO) for intrusion avoidance in IoT utilizing WSN. Initially the suggested protocol bases its creation of various energy-efficient clusters on the inherent characteristics of nodes. Secondly, the base station (BS) and cluster head are able to reliably and securely share sensory data according to the (k,n) threshold-based Shamir secret sharing method. And finally, node localization centered on modified wild horse optimization (EESR-LMWHO), where the fitness function was formed by the development of residual energy and distance estimate. The suggested EESR-LMWHO utilizes less energy and prolongs the life of wireless networks. Lastly, the simulations are run to evaluate the suggested method's efficiency. The suggested approach, according to the experiments, approximates the location of the unknown node, offers a minimal localization error, and is a lightweight way to deal with intrusions caused by hostile nodes.
Agricultural Surveys
Authors: Vogel (retired) Frederic A.
Published: October 2004

In this entry, an overview of the history of the development of various statistical procedures used to forecast and measure agricultural production is provided. Though the examples mostly apply to the United States (with the agricultural statistics as developed by the United States Department of Agriculture), some methods used in other countries are also mentioned at appropriate places.
Anscombe,FrancisJohn
Authors: Brillinger David R.
Published: October 2004

This entry provides a short biography of Francis John Anscombe, who made pioneering contributions to the analysis of outliers, Bayesian statistics, biometrics, quality control, residual analysis, sequential analysis, and statistical computing.
Crop Area Estimation,Landsat Data Analysis
Authors: Day Charles , Hanuschak George
Published: October 2004

Since the early 1970s, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has developed and applied statistical procedures that use Landsat satellite data to significantly improve the precision of estimates from ground‐gathered data from a stratified area frame sample. These procedures fall into two major categories:(1)Gaussian multivariate clustering and classification, and(2)direct expansion and regression estimation. This article describes these procedures in detail.
Bootstrap
Authors: Datta Somnath
Published: October 2004

Bootstrap methods, also known as resampling, have become a major component of modern statistical tools. Since the seminal paper by Efron [18], a large body of literature has evolved covering theoretical, methodological, and application aspects of this technology. This article provides a rather brief description of Efron's original proposal and its various generalizations and extensions to more complex data structures.
Editing Statistical Data
Authors: Naus Joseph
Published: October 2004

There are several statistical and data‐processing techniques that exist in the literature to monitor data and also to detect and correct errors in them. This area of statistics has developed its own extensive terminology. In this entry, the terminology and the important techniques used in data editing and imputation are described.
Outlier Detection,Hristea Algorithm
Authors: Hristea Florentina
Published: October 2004

An algorithm for the detection of outliers in a multivariate normal distribution is presented. The algorithm uses the Mahalanobis distance and the classical tests based on the Hotelling's T2distribution.
H
odges,
J
oseph
L
awson, Jr.
Authors: Lehmann Erich L.
Published: October 2004

This entry provides a short biography of Joseph Lawson Hodges, Jr., who made pioneering contributions to mathematical statistics, statistical inference, and nonparametric statistics.
Geometrical Process
Authors: Lam Yeh
Published: October 2004

This item introduces the fundamental theory of geometric process and its applications. We highlight the study on the probability properties and statistical inference of geometric process. We also discuss the applications of geometric process to reliability theory and analysis of data with trend.
Statistical Genetics
Authors: Datta Susmita
Published: October 2004

There has been an immense growth of research in the area of statistical genetics during the last decades, most of which is beyond the scope of this short article. A very brief account of the basic concepts is provided here. The reader may consult Reference 11 for further reading.
Statistical Analysis ofDNAMicroarray Data
Authors: Datta Susmita
Published: October 2004

Modern microarray technology has revolutionized the state of biomedical research. With the advent of this technology, biologists can now observe the simultaneous expression profiles of thousands of genes in a single experiment. The large volume of data generated from these experiments has created a need for the development of appropriate statistical tools. Typically, such data sets contain high dimensional multivariate observations with few independent replications. We attempt to give a brief account of the developments of statistical methods in this fast growing area.
Statistics in Vaccine Studies
Authors: Datta Susmita
Published: October 2004

Statistical methodologies have been used in estimating the efficacy of a vaccine from field trials and observational studies. Dynamics of disease transmission interferes with the efficacy of a vaccine. This is a very brief summary of some statistical work related to vaccine studies, especially, in the context of HIV/AIDS vaccine.
Regression,10kRule of Thumb for
Authors: Troutt Marvin D.
Published: October 2004

The 10krule of thumb and its modifications give benchmarks on adequacy of dataset size in terms of number of observations required in regression models. Specifically, this rule suggests having a minimum of 10 observations per predictor variable.
Actuarial Science
Authors: Klugman Stuart
Published: October 2004

Actuaries use results from probability, statistics, economics, and finance to price, value, and manage contingent events that have monetary consequences. Two techniques developed by actuaries, construction and graduation of mortality tables, and credibility are discussed here.
Categorical Data, Marginal Models for
Authors: Molenberghs Geert
Published: October 2004

We briefly review two building blocks (generalized linear models and linear mixed models) for models for repeated categorical data. Three families of models for repeated categorical data are introduced: marginal models, conditional models, and random‐effects models. A number of marginal models are presented for binary and for ordinal data in turn. Major differences between marginal models and conditional models (such as loglinear models) are discussed.
Bahadur,RaghuRaj
Authors: Stigler Stephen M.
Published: October 2004

This entry provides a short biography of Raghu Raj Bahadur, who made pioneering contributions to mathematical statistics, large deviation theory, and maximum likelihood theory.
Photographic Recording
Authors: Szajewski Richard P.
Published: October 2004

Photographic recording of images encompasses the capture and storage steps of the imaging chain. Currently, both traditional silver halide films and silicon devices allow high‐quality images to be obtained. Factors influencing the sensitivity and quality performance of the imaging materials for recording images are reviewed with examples of applications to specific imaging tasks. The physical mechanisms applicable to imaging materials and design issues for films and sensor arrays involve compromises between high sensitivity and the ability to record sufficient information density for a high‐quality image. Appropriate imaging materials for holographic recording, the infrared region, and X ray are mentioned.
Speckle and Speckle Metrology
Authors: Joenathan Charles , Tiziani Hans J.
Published: October 2004

Speckles are a three‐dimensional self interference pattern formed by a large number of random coherent waves. This results in a granular structure in free space or can be observed to be superposed on the image of the object and sets a fundamental limitation in high‐resolution hologram microscopy and coherent imagery. Essentially, speckles are a randomly coded pattern that carries information about the object surface, and also has the rare distinction of being a nuisance and simultaneously a useful tool for measurement. Emergence of better measurement capabilities, newer recording media, faster computers and interfaces, and software has revitalized speckle metrology and has resulted in many fascinating new developments. Scores of books and review articles cover the myriads of applications and developments, and this chapter is intended to provide a concise and precise account of speckles starting from its infancy to the latest developments such as temporal speckle pattern interferometry or digital holography. Attractiveness of speckle methods lies in their ability to measure: large deformations, displacements with variable sensitivity to in‐plane and out‐of‐plane, displacement derivatives, shape of a three‐dimensional object, surface roughness, and dynamic displacement. Speckle techniques can nowadays be used to measure a wide range of displacement, sensitivities ranging from 0.25 µm to 150 µm for in‐plane and 0.05 to 150 µm for out‐of‐plane displacements and with shearing techniques to over a 1000 µm.
Polyacrylonitrile Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite Fibers (Adv. Mater. 2004, 1, 58)
Authors: Sreekumar T. V. , Liu T. , Min B. G. , Guo H. , Kumar S. , Hauge R. H. , Smalley R. E.
Published: October 2004

To view the original paper use http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adma.200305456.
Principal‐component analysis of multiscale data for process monitoring and fault diagnosis
Authors: Yoon Seongkyu , MacGregor John F.
Published: October 2004

An approach is presented to multivariate statistical process control (MSPC) for process monitoring and fault diagnosis based on principal‐component analysis (PCA) models of multiscale data. Process measurements, representing the cumulative effects of many underlying process phenomena, are decomposed by applying multiresolution analysis (MRA) by wavelet transformations. The decomposed process measurements are rearranged according to their scales, and PCA is applied to these multiscale data to capture process variable correlations occurring at different scales. Choosing an orthonormal mother wavelet allows each principal component to be a function of the process variables at only one scale level. The proposed method is discussed in the context of other multiscale approaches, and illustrated in detail using simulated data from a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) system. A major contribution of the paper is to extend fault isolation methods based on contribution plots to multiscale approaches. In particular, once a fault is detected, the contributions of the variations at each scale to the fault are computed. These scale contributions can be very helpful in isolating faults that occur mainly at a single scale. For those scales having large contributions to the fault, one can further compute the variable contributions to those scales, thereby making fault diagnosis much easier. A comparison study is done through Monte Carlo simulation. The proposed method can enhance fault detection and isolation (FDI) performance when the frequency content of a fault effect is confined to a narrow‐frequency band. However, when the fault frequency content is not localized, the multiscale approaches perform very comparably to the standard single‐scale approaches, and offer no real advantage. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 2891–2903, 2004
Healthcare and the long haul: Long distance truck drivers—a medically underserved population
Authors: Solomon Andrew J. , Doucette John T. , Garland Elizabeth , McGinn Thomas
Published: October 2004

Background

Long distance trucking is associated with significant health risks. However, to our knowledge no published data exist regarding healthcare service access by the estimated two million long‐haul truckers in the United States.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was designed to assess access to healthcare among these workers. Five hundred‐twenty‐one anonymous self‐administered surveys were completed at 16 truck stops in 14 states from July through August 2002.

Results

Forty‐seven percent of those surveyed lack a regular healthcare provider, 20% frequent emergency rooms and urgent care centers, 32% were unable to receive needed healthcare within the last year, and 56% had difficulty utilizing healthcare services at home. Individuals lacking health insurance (31%) experienced more difficulty with healthcare access than the insured within the last year, were more often without a regular provider (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001), and utilized urgent care centers and emergency rooms more often than the insured (25 vs. 17%).

Conclusions

Long distance truck drivers are at risk for poor health outcomes and experience significant difficulty accessing healthcare services. Further studies concerning how to best provide healthcare to this vulnerable, underserved population are needed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:463–471, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test: Relevant issues in beryllium health surveillance
Authors: Stange Arthur W. , Joseph Furman F. , Hilmas Duane E.
Published: October 2004

Background

The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (Be‐LPT) measures beryllium‐specific cellular immune response, and is useful in medical surveillance of beryllium sensitivity and chronic beryllium disease (CBD).

Methods

Current and former employees (n = 12,194) of 18 United States Department of Energy (DOE) sites were tested for beryllium sensitization at four laboratories with Be‐LPT expertise. Beryllium sensitized individuals were offered evaluations for CBD. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of the Be‐LPT were determined, as was inter‐ and intra‐laboratory agreement.

Results

False positives were calculated to be 1.09%, with a laboratory range of 0.00–3.35% for the 10‐year investigation. Be‐LPTs performed on inter‐laboratory split blood specimens from sensitized individuals showed a false negative rate of 31.7%. The intra‐laboratory repeatability of abnormal Be‐LPT results ranged from 80.4–91.9%. The sensitivity of the Be‐LPT was determined to be 0.683, with a specificity of 0.969. The PPV of one abnormal Be‐LPT was 0.253.

Conclusions

The Be‐LPT is efficacious in medical surveillance of beryllium‐exposed individuals. The PPV of the Be‐LPT is comparable to other widely accepted medical tests. Confirmation of an abnormal result is recommended to assure appropriate referral for CBD medical evaluation. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:453–462, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational exposures and inpatient hospital care for lumbar intervertebral disc disorders among Finns
Authors: Leino‐Arjas Päivi , Kaila‐Kangas Leena , Kauppinen Timo , Notkola Veijo , Keskimäki Ilmo , Mutanen Pertti
Published: October 2004

Background

Low back disorders are among the most common health problems in industrialized societies. We examined the relationship between occupational exposures and severe lumbar intervertebral disc disorders (LIDD).

Methods

Information on inpatient care for LIDD (ICD‐10: M51.1–51.9) in Finnish hospitals during 1996 was linked with the 1995 Population Census, and based on occupational title with the Finnish Job Exposure Matrix and the Occupational Lifestyle Matrix. There were 3,863 individuals hospitalized due to LIDD among occupationally active Finns. Poisson regression analyses were made with the total occupationally active population as reference.

Results

In a multivariate analysis in women, accident risk, job control, and three‐shift work were associated with hospitalization, together with age, education, personal income, and average body mass index (BMI) by occupation. In men, accident risk and job control were associated with hospital admissions, allowing for age, education, and income.

Conclusions

Accident risk and job control increased the risk of hospitalization for LIDD in both sexes. Three‐shift work and BMI were also predictive of hospital admission among women. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:513–520, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surveillance of occupational noise exposures using OSHA's Integrated Management Information System
Authors: Middendorf Paul J.
Published: October 2004

Background

Exposure to noise has long been known to cause hearing loss, and is an ubiquitous problem in workplaces. Occupational noise exposures for industries stored in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) can be used to identify temporal and industrial trends of noise exposure to anticipate changes in rates of hearing loss.

Methods

The noise records in OSHA's IMIS database for 1979–1999 were extracted by major industry division and measurement criteria. The noise exposures were summarized by year, industry, and employment size.

Results

The majority of records are from Manufacturing and Services. Exposures in Manufacturing and Services have decreased during the period, except that PEL exposures measured by federal enforcement increased from 1995 to 1999.

Conclusions

Noise exposures in manufacturing have been reduced since the late 1970s, except those documented by federal enforcement. Noise exposure data outside manufacturing is not well represented in IMIS. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:492–504, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuroanatomy of the killer whale (Orcinus orca) from magnetic resonance images
Authors: Marino Lori , Sherwood Chet C. , Delman Bradley N. , Tang Cheuk Y. , Naidich Thomas P. , Hof Patrick R.
Published: October 2004

This article presents the first series of MRI‐based anatomically labeled sectioned images of the brain of the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Magnetic resonance images of the brain of an adult killer whale were acquired in the coronal and axial planes. The gross morphology of the killer whale brain is comparable in some respects to that of other odontocete brains, including the unusual spatial arrangement of midbrain structures. There are also intriguing differences. Cerebral hemispheres appear extremely convoluted and, in contrast to smaller cetacean species, the killer whale brain possesses an exceptional degree of cortical elaboration in the insular cortex, temporal operculum, and the cortical limbic lobe. The functional and evolutionary implications of these features are discussed. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three‐dimensional arrangement of the vasa vasorum in explanted segments of the aged human great saphenous vein: Scanning electron microscopy and three‐dimensional morphometry of vascular corrosion casts
Authors: Lametschwandtner Alois , Minnich Bernd , Kachlik David , Setina Marek , Stingl Josef
Published: October 2004

The vasa vasorum of skeletonized and nonskeletonized segments of five human great saphenous veins (GSVs), harvested during coronary bypass grafting, were cannulated, rinsed, and injected (casted) with the polymerizing resin Mercox‐Cl‐2B. After removal of the dry vascular tissue, the casts were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Stereopaired images (tilt angle, 6°) were taken, imported into a 3D morphometry system, and the 3D architecture of the vasa vasorum (arterial and venous vasa as well as capillaries) was studied qualitatively and quantitatively in terms of vasa diameters, intervascular and interbranching distances, and branching angles. Diameters of parent (d0) and large (d1) and small (d2) daughter vessels of arterial and venous bifurcations served to calculate asymmetry ratios (α) and area ratios (β). Additionally, deviations of bifurcations and branching angles from optimal branches were calculated for selected arterial vasa. The arrangement of the vasa vasorum closely followed the longitudinally oriented connective tissue fibers in the adventitia and the circularly arranged smooth muscle cell layers within the outer layers of the media. Venous vasa by far outnumbered arterial vasa. Vasa vasorum changed their course several times in acute angles and revealed numerous circular constrictions, kinks, and outpouchings. Due to their spatial arrangement, the vasa vasorum are prone to tolerate vessel wall distension generated by acute increases in blood pressure or stretching of the vessel without severe impact on vessel functions. Preliminary comparisons of data from the bifurcations of cast arterial vasa vasorum, with calculated optimal bifurcations, do not yet give clear insights into the optimality principle(s) governing the design of arterial vasa vasorum bifurcations of the human GSVs. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wiederaufbau des Neuen Museums Berlin – Bauklimatik als Bindeglied zwischen Bauphysik und TGA‐Planung
Authors: Pültz Gunter
Published: October 2004

Am Beispiel des Glasdach‐Zwischenraums des Neuen Museums in Berlin wird aufgezeigt, daß die herkömmlichen Planungswerkzeuge bei großen, zusammenhängenden Lufträumen mit Außenverglasungen häufig nicht ausreichen, um übergreifende Fragestellungen der Bauphysik (Tauwasseranfall bzw. Eisbildung) und der TGA‐Planung (Dimensionierung der Lüftung) ausreichend zu beantworten. Dies kann zu Überdimensionierungen und Planungsunsicherheiten führen. Eine dem herkömmlichen Planungsverlauf nach HOAI mit aufgeteilten Leistungsbildern deutlich überlegene Vorgehensweise ist in der integralen Planung über die Grenzen der einzelnen Fachbereiche hinaus zu sehen. Nur so kann die Schnittstellenproblematik zwischen den einzelnen Fachbereichen aufgelöst werden. Ein solches Vorgehen erfordert jedoch höherwertige Planungswerkzeuge und ist mit einem höheren Planungsaufwand verbunden. Das Beispiel des Wiederaufbaus des Neuen Museums in Berlin zeigt jedoch, daß ein erhöhter Planungsaufwand nicht nur zur Vermeidung von Planungsunsicherheiten, sondern darüber hinaus auch zur Minimierung der erforderlichen Gebäudetechnik führen kann. Der Mehraufwand bei der Planung wird somit durch Einsparungen mehr als ausgeglichen.
Cetirizine from topical phosphatidylcholine liposomes: Evaluation of peripheral antihistaminic activity and systemic absorption in a rabbit model
Authors: Elzainy Abeer A.W. , Gu Xiaochen , Simons F. Estelle R. , Simons Keith J.
Published: October 2004

This study was performed to assess the peripheral H1‐antihistaminic activity and extent of systemic absorption of cetirizine from liposomes applied to the skin. Cetirizine was incorporated into small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) and multilamellar vesicles (MLV) prepared using L‐α‐phosphatidylcholine, and into Glaxal Base (GB), used as the control. In a randomized, cross‐over study, each formulation, containing 10 mg of cetirizine, was applied to depilated areas on the backs of six rabbits (3.08±0.05 kg). Histamine‐induced wheal tests and blood sampling were performed before cetirizine application and at designated times for up to 24 h. Compared with the baseline, histamine‐induced wheal formation was suppressed by cetirizine in SUV and MLV from 0.5–24 h and by cetirizine in GB from 0.5–8 h, p⩽0.05. Maximum wheal suppression by cetirizine in SUV and MLV ranged from 90.6%±4.9% to 89.0%±3.8% and 98.0%±1.3% to 94.0%±2.3%, respectively, from 6 to 8 h. The plasma cetirizine AUC of 201±24.2 ng.h/ml from SUV was lower than from PC‐MLV, 334.6±65.1 ng.h/ml and from GB, 248.3±34.6 ng.h/ml. After 24 h, the percent of the cetirizine dose remaining on the backs of the rabbits from SUV was lower than from both MLV and GB, p⩽0.05. In this model, cetirizine from both SUV and MLV had excellent topical H1‐antihistaminic effects, while systemic exposure to cetirizine from SUV was reduced. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review of the Behavioral Evaluation Strategy and Taxonomy (BEST®) software application
Authors: Sidener Tina M. , Shabani Daniel B. , Carr James E.
Published: October 2004

Recent computer technology has led to the development of a number of software applications that have been specifically designed for collecting and analyzing observational data in real time. Behavioral Evaluation Strategy and Taxonomy (BEST®) is an innovative software program that provides users with an effective way to collect, store, and analyze real‐time observational data. The program is comprised of two distinct applications: BEST Collection® and BEST Analysis®. The purpose of the current article was to provide a critical review of BEST Version 4.1.6 for the Windows® (95/98/NT) operating system. The basis of this review was our use of BEST to collect and analyze data for several studies over a 2 year period. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using video modeling to teach a domestic skill with an embedded social skill to adults with severe mental retardation
Authors: Bidwell Melissa A. , Rehfeldt Ruth Anne
Published: October 2004

We assessed whether three adults with severe mental retardation would acquire a domestic skill (making coffee) with an embedded social skill (serving coffee to and sitting down beside a peer) via video modeling procedures. Training was conducted in a classroom in the participants' day treatment setting. The intervention consisted of (i) watching a video of an adult with a developmental disability making coffee and initiating a social interaction with a peer; and (ii) receiving verbal praise for each step of the task that was performed correctly. All three participants mastered the task and demonstrated generalization across settings, stimuli, and people. Two participants performed with 100% accuracy on maintenance probes conducted 1 month following mastery, and one participant did so following booster training. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of prior access and environmental enrichment on stereotypy
Authors: Rapp John T.
Published: October 2004

A young boy's stereotypy was first evaluated in two daily 30 min sessions (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) during a free operant (FO) condition. Results from the two daily sessions during FO showed that stereotypy was lower during the second session of the day, suggesting that prior access had affected later engagement in stereotypy. The effects of environmental enrichment (EE) with music, EE music plus a guitar, and EE music plus a guitar plus contingent music loss on stereotypy were also evaluated. Unexpectedly, the results showed that the presence of music increased stereotypy during both daily sessions; however, contingent music loss decreased stereotypy and simultaneously increased untargeted guitar play. Increases in stereotypy during both daily sessions suggest that music may have increased the reinforcing value of stereotypy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining descriptive and functional analysis logic to evaluate idiosyncratic variables maintaining aggression
Authors: Borrero Carrie S. W. , Vollmer Timothy R. , Borrero John C.
Published: October 2004

For one boy with developmental disabilities, we conducted naturalistic observations and saw that aggression occurred during instructional task presentations. Next, in an experimental analysis, we manipulated the manner in which instructions were presented. Results showed that differentially high rates of aggression were observed when the manner in which instructions were presented was manipulated. Based on the results of the assessment, a successful intervention was developed that incorporated the idiosyncratic finding observed during both the naturalistic observations and the experimental analysis. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cryopreservation of adherent human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Ji Lin , de Pablo Juan J. , Palecek Sean P.
Published: October 2004

Standard human embryonic stem (HES) cell cryopreservation methodologies, including slow freezing and vitrification of colonies in suspension, are plagued by poor viability and high differentiation rates upon recovery. To facilitate research studies and clinical applications of HES cells, we have developed a cryopreservation technique based on stabilizing HES colonies adherent to or embedded in a Matrigel matrix. This method increases cell viability by over an order of magnitude compared with cryopreservation in suspension and reduces differentiation. Loading adherent HES cells with the disaccharide trehalose prior to cryopreserving in a dimethylsulfoxide‐containing cryoprotectant solution further improves cell viability under certain conditions. Our proposed approach has the potential to reduce the time required to amplify frozen stocks of HES cells, minimize risk of clonal selection during freeze–thaw cycles, and facilitate storage of HES cell clone libraries. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cell cycle kinetics of expanding populations of neural stem and progenitor cells in vitro
Authors: Alam Sharmila , Sen Arindom , Behie Leo A. , Kallos Michael S.
Published: October 2004

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are undifferentiated, primitive cells with important potential applications including the replacement of neural tissue lost due to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, as well as brain and spinal cord injuries, including stroke. We have developed methods to rapidly expand populations of mammalian stem and progenitor cells in neurosphere cultures. In the present study, flow cytometry was used in order to understand cell cycle activation and proliferation of neural stem and progenitor cells in suspension bioreactors. First, a protocol was developed to analyze the cell cycle kinetics of NSCs. As expected, neurosphere cells were found to cycle slowly, with a very small proportion of the cell population undergoing mitosis at any time. Large fractions (65–70%) of the cells were detected in G1, even in rapidly proliferating cultures, and significant fractions (20%) of the cells were in G0. Second, it was observed that different culturing methods influence both the proportion of neurosphere cells in each phase of the cell cycle and the fraction of actively proliferating cells. The results show that suspension culture does not significantly alter the cell cycle progression of neurosphere cells, while long‐term culture (>60 days) results in significant changes in cell cycle kinetics. This suggests that when developing a process to produce neural stem cells for clinical applications, it is imperative to track the cell cycle kinetics, and that a short‐term suspension bioreactor process can be used to successfully expand neurosphere cells. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expansion of pluripotent human embryonic stem cells on human feeders
Authors: Choo Andre B.H. , Padmanabhan Jayanthi , Chin Angela C.P. , Oh Steve K.W.
Published: October 2004

Human embryonic stem cells (HES) hold great potential for regenerative medicine because of their ability to differentiate to any cell type. However, a limitation is that HES cells require a feeder layer to stay undifferentiated. Routinely, mouse embryonic fibroblast is used. However, for therapeutic applications, contamination with mouse cells may be considered unacceptable. In this study, we evaluated three commercially available human foreskin feeder (HF) lines for their ability to support HES cell growth in media supplemented with serum or serum replacer. HES cells on HF in serum replacer–supplemented media were cultured for >30 passages. They remained undifferentiated, maintained a normal karyotype, and continued to be positive for the pluripotent markers Oct‐4, SOX‐2, SSEA‐4, GCTM‐2, Tra‐1‐60, Tra‐1‐81, and alkaline phosphatase. In vivo, HES cells formed teratomas in SCID mouse models that represent the three embryonic germ layers. In contrast, HES cells cultured on HF in serum‐supplemented media differentiated after three passages. Morphologically, the cells became cystic with a loss of intracellular Oct‐4. We have successfully adapted and cultured undifferentiated HES cells on three human feeder lines for >30 passages. No difficulties were observed with the exception of serum in the media. This study reveals a safe and accessible source for feeders for HES cell research and potential therapeutic applications. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐dimensional porous alginate scaffolds provide a conducive environment for generation of well‐vascularized embryoid bodies from human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Gerecht‐Nir Sharon , Cohen Smadar , Ziskind Anna , Itskovitz‐Eldor Joseph
Published: October 2004

Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can be instigated through the formation of embryo‐like aggregates in suspension, termed human embryoid bodies (hEBs). Controlling cell aggregation and agglomeration during hEBs formation has a profound effect on the extent of cell proliferation and differentiation. In a previous work, we showed that control over hEBs formation and differentiation can be achieved via cultivation of hESC suspensions in a rotating bioreactor system. We now report that hEBs can be generated directly from hESC suspensions within three‐dimensional (3D) porous alginate scaffolds. The confining environments of the alginate scaffold pores enabled efficient formation of hEBs with a relatively high degree of cell proliferation and differentiation; encouraged round, small‐sized hEBs; and induced vasculogenesis in the forming hEBs to a greater extent than in static or rotating cultures. We therefore conclude that differentiation of hEBs can be induced and directed by physical constraints in addition to chemical cues. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential effects of equiaxial and uniaxial strain on mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Park Jennifer S. , Chu Julia S.F. , Cheng Catherine , Chen Fanqing , Chen David , Li Song
Published: October 2004

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and have tremendous potential as a cell source for cardiovascular regeneration. We postulate that specific vascular environmental factors will promote MSC differentiation into SMCs. However, the effects of the vascular mechanical environment on MSCs have not been characterized. Here we show that mechanical strain regulated the expression of SMC markers in MSCs. Cyclic equiaxial strain downregulated SM α‐actin and SM‐22α in MSCs on collagen‐ or elastin‐coated membranes after 1 day, and decreased α‐actin in stress fibers. In contrast, cyclic uniaxial strain transiently increased the expression of SM α‐actin and SM‐22α after 1 day, which subsequently returned to basal levels after the cells aligned in the direction perpendicular to the strain direction. In addition, uniaxial but not equiaxial strain induced a transient increase of collagen I expression. DNA microarray experiments showed that uniaxial strain increased SMC markers and regulated the expression of matrix molecules without significantly changing the expression of the differentiation markers (e.g., alkaline phosphatase and collagen II) of other cell types. Our results suggest that uniaxial strain, which better mimics the type of mechanical strain experienced by SMCs, may promote MSC differentiation into SMCs if cell orientation can be controlled. This study demonstrates the differential effects of equiaxial and uniaxial strain, advances our understanding of the mechanical regulation of stem cells, and provides a rational basis for engineering MSCs for vascular tissue engineering and regeneration. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.