bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new porcine model of reperfusion injury after lung transplantation
Authors: Clark S. C. , Sudarshan C. D. , Khanna R. , Roughan J. V. , Flecknell P. A , Dark J. H.
Published: April 2007

Rodent models have been described to investigate lung preservation and reperfusion injury but have significant disadvantages. In large animals single lung transplant studies are probably optimal but problems remain over the ability to rigorously separate the lungs for assessment while promoting medium to long-term animal survival for meaningful investigation.

Our aim was to develop a novel and refined large animal model to assess reperfusion injury in the transplanted lung, overcoming the difficulties associated with existing models. Specifically, small animal models of lung transplantation usually have short perfusion times (often one hour) and include extracorporeal circuits while larger animal models often require the contralateral lung to be excluded after transplantation-an unphysiological situation under which to evaluate the graft.

A porcine model of left lung allotransplantation was developed in which native and donor lungs are individually ventilated. Sampling catheters placed within the graft lung allowed specimen withdrawal without mixing of blood from the contralateral lung after reimplantation. The model permits a variety of clinical scenarios to be simulated with the native lung supporting the animal irrespective of function in the graft. This model has been used in over 60 transplant procedures with a postoperative survival time of 12 h being readily achieved.

The mean operating time was 2.6 h. The mortality rate is 4% in our series. We have found the model to be reliable, reproducible and flexible. We propose this model as an adaptable investigation for evaluating lung reperfusion injury and preservation.
Nesting material and number of females per cage: effects on mouse productivity in BALB/c, C57BL/6J, DBA/2 and NIH/S mice
Authors: Eskola Satu , Kaliste-Korhonen Eila
Published: April 2007

Two different materials-aspen wood-wool and paper towel-were compared as nesting material for three inbred mouse strains (BALB/c, C57BL/6J and DBA/2) housed in barrier conditions. In addition, the effect of varying the number of females per cage (one to three per cage) of these three strains and with NIH/S outbred mouse stock was studied. The number of litters, litter size and neonatal mortality were determined, as well as age, sex and weight of weanlings. The type of nesting material did not affect the characteristics monitored. In all strains, the number of weanlings per female was greatest in singly-housed females. In terms of the number of weanlings per cage, two females per cage gave the best result. In DBA/2 mice, neonatal mortality increased when several females were caged together.
Short duration anaesthesia with medetomidine and ketamine in cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Young S. S. , Schilling A. M. , Skeans S. , Ritacco G.
Published: April 2007

Cynomolgus monkeys were anaesthetized with either intramuscular ketamine (10 mg/kg or intramuscular ketamine 2 mg/kg and medetomidine 50 μg/kg. Various physiological measurements were made once the animals were safe to handle and again 10 min later. Cardiovascular and respiratory function were well maintained with both regimens but the heart rate was lower and arterial-alveolar carbon dioxide gradient was higher in the animals that received medetomidine. In those animals that received medetomidine, atipamezole was given to reverse the medetomidine but there was no difference in recovery times between the two regimens. Anaesthesia was not entirely reliable with medetomidine/ketamine and we recommend caution when using this mixture.
The VX2 carcinoma in the rabbit auricle as an experimental model for intra-arterial embolization of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with dextran microspheres
Authors: van Es R. J. J. , Franssen O. , Dullens H. F. J. , Bernsen M. R. , Bosman F. , Hennink W. E. , Slootweg P. J.
Published: April 2007

A head and neck cancer model is developed using the VX2 carcinoma cell line injected s.c. in both ears of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. The study is focused on the effects of intra-arterial embolization of the carcinomas with a new type of dextran hydrogel microspheres.

During the phase of exponential growth the tumour-surface doubling-time was 7.1 ± 2.0 days. Standard deviation in growth of the tumours was significantly larger between separate animals than between tumours growing in the left and right auricle of each individual animal (2.0 versus 0.65 days). A fresh cell suspension containing at least 10.106 vital tumour cells was necessary to yield a tumour-take of 85%.

The caudal auricular artery perfuses the caudal half of the external ear and is very suitable for macroscopic cannulation. Histological evaluation shows, that the use of dextran hydrogel micro spheres of at least 25 μm in combination with ligation of non-tumour perfusing branches of the central auricular artery yields diffuse embolization of the VX2 carcinoma. This tumour model can be of use in further studies to optimize particle size and dosage for embolization as well as to evaluate the effect of different anti-neoplastic drugs, slowly released by controlled degradation of dextran microspheres.
Use of oral buprenorphine ('buprenorphine jello') for postoperative analgesia in rats-a clinical trial
Authors: Flecknell P. A. , Roughan J. V. , Stewart R.
Published: April 2007

Buprenorphine (0.l, 0.2, 0.3 or 0.4 mg/kg) in a flavoured gelatin base was administered preoperatively to rats undergoing a flank laparotomy. A control group of animals underwent surgery and received only flavoured gelatin. Body weight loss was significantly greater in the group which received no analgesia than in any of the analgesic-treated groups ( P < 0.01). Food consumption was reduced significantly in all groups except in those animals which received 0.3 mg/kg buprenorphine. Water consumption was significantly reduced in the control (no analgesia) group ( P < 0.001), but was not significantly depressed in the analgesic-treated groups ( P > 0.05). Between-group comparisons did not show any significant difference between the different dose rates of analgesia used on either the change in body weight or the reduction in food or water consumption. The results of this study support the use of buprenorphine jelly for post-surgical analgesia in rats. This route of delivery is easy to use, and causes a minimum of stress to the rats.
A procedure to secure a jugular vein catheter system onto the neck of the hamster
Authors: Terpstra A. H. M. , Brandt C. W. J. M. , Opitz R. , van Tol A. , von Duvillard S. P. , Vosmeer H. , Beynen A. C.
Published: April 2007

We describe a procedure to secure a jugular vein catheter system at the dorsal nape of the neck in the hamster. An 8-cm piece of silicone tubing is connected with a 2.6 cm L-shaped metal tubing which is embedded in prosthetic material. The prosthetic material is placed underneath the neck skin of the hamster and keeps the metal end of the catheter system in a sturdy, upright position.
Short-term immobilization of mice by methohexitone
Authors: Dörr W. , Weber-Frisch M.
Published: April 2007

The feasibility of short-term immobilization for <5 min of female mice by methohexitone sodium was studied. In C3H/Neu mice, methohexitone at a dose <40 mg/kg did not result in chemical restraint, doses >50 mg/kg caused considerable lethality. A dose of 44 mg/kg, applied intraperitoneally at a concentration of 6.46 mg/ml, is suitable for immobilization without complications. This concentration was chosen in order to achieve an injection volume of about 0.15 ml for a mouse with an average body weight of 22 g, corresponding to about 1 mg/mouse. Complete immobilization, defined as absence of the righting reflex, was observed within 3.3±0.8 min (mean±SD, n = 10) after the injection and lasted for 1.5±0.7 min. Recovery of the animals was complete after a total period of 10 to 15 min post-injection. No gross pathomorphological changes were induced when intraperitoneal injections of methohexitone were repeated 10 times within 10 days. In the present study, complete immobilization of the mice was safely achieved after 87 out of 90 injections.

In conclusion, immobilization by intraperitoneal injection of methohexitone is a feasible and reliable method in the experimental studies of female mice.
Pitfalls in the management of perineal trauma
Authors: Jaiyesimi Rotimi AK
Published: April 2007

Mismanagement of perineal trauma may have major adverse impact on a woman's health. Unrecognized trauma to the external anal sphincter or anatomically incorrect approximation of wounds can lead to dyspareunia, discontentment with the cosmetic appearance of the perineum, urinary and anal incontinence, and related psychological and social problems. This article explores the pitfalls in the management of obstetric-related perineal trauma and describes the principles of good management.
Making someone child-sized forever? Ethical considerations in inhibiting the growth of a developmentally disabled child
Authors: Schmidt Eric B
Published: April 2007

In a recent case, parents of a profoundly developmentally disabled child asked physicians to use highdose oestrogen to inhibit the growth of their child in the interests of allowing better care of her as she ages. The physicians asked whether such an intervention would be ethically acceptable. Such an intervention would seem to violate the rights of the child to bodily integrity and to normal growth, making the intervention ethically objectionable. But in this paper, I argue that in some rare instances, a developmentally disabled child may have only a minimal right against interference with her growth. In those instances, parents may be acting ethically if they use medical interventions to inhibit the growth of their child for the purposes of facilitating better care. But they may so intervene only when the child's disabilities are so profound that the child has no personal interest in developing an adult size and when the intervention is the least intrusive means available for facilitating the care of the child.
Invariant Utility Functions and Certain Equivalent Transformations
Authors: Abbas Ali E.
Published: April 2007

This paper defines invariant utility functions to continuous monotonic transformations. We also define transformation invariance as the condition in which the certain equivalent of a lottery follows a continuous monotonic transformation that is applied to its outcomes. We show that invariant utility functions uniquely satisfy transformation invariance, and we illustrate how knowledge of an invariance criterion determines the functional form of the utility function. This formulation extends the widely used notions of invariance to shift and scale transformations on the outcomes of a lottery to more general monotonic transformations. Moreover, we interpret any continuous and strictly monotonic utility function as an invariant utility function to a composite monotonic transformation. Furthermore, we show how this composite transformation uniquely characterizes the utility function up to a linear transformation. We derive the invariance formulations that lead to the assignment of hyperbolic absolute risk-averse (HARA) utility functions, linear plus exponential utility functions, and a two-parameter power-logarithmic utility function that generalizes the logarithmic utility function. We work through several examples to illustrate the approach.
The 2002 Ryder Cup: Was Strange’s Decision to Put Tiger Woods in the Anchor Match a Good One?
Authors: Hurley William J.
Published: April 2007

After the 2002 Ryder Cup matches, United States Team captain Curtis Strange was soundly criticized in the media for his decision to position Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson (arguably his two best golfers) in the last two singles’ matches. Contrary to these claims, the analysis of this paper suggests that Strange’s strategy was defensible, if not optimal.
Surface damage to an Oxinium femoral head prosthesis after dislocation
Authors: Evangelista G. T. , Fulkerson E. , Kummer F. , Di Cesare P. E.
Published: April 2007

During open reduction of an irreducible anterior dislocation of a total hip replacement with an Oxinium femoral head, it was observed that the head had been significantly damaged. Gross and scanning electron microscopic examination revealed cracking, gouging, and delamination of the surface. Because of the risk which this poses for damaging the polyethylene acetabular liner, it is strongly recommended that patients with this type of prosthetic head be carefully monitored after a dislocation.
Chromium and cobalt ion release following the Durom high carbon content, forged metal-on-metal surface replacement of the hip
Authors: Vendittoli P.-A. , Mottard S. , Roy A. G. , Dupont C. , Lavigne M.
Published: April 2007

We evaluated the concentrations of chromium and cobalt ions in blood after metal-on-metal surface replacement arthroplasty using a wrought-forged, high carbon content chromium-cobalt alloy implant in 64 patients. At one year, mean whole blood ion levels were 1.61 μg/L (0.4 to 5.5) for chromium and 0.67 μg/L (0.23 to 2.09) for cobalt. The pre-operative ion levels, component size, female gender and the inclination of the acetabular component were inversely proportional to the values of chromium and/or cobalt ions at one year postoperatively. Other factors, such as age and level of activity, did not correlate with the levels of metal ions. We found that the levels of the ions in the serum were 1.39 and 1.37 times higher for chromium and cobalt respectively than those in the whole blood.

The levels of metal ions obtained may be specific to the hip resurfacing implant and reflect its manufacturing process.
Early results of the Acclaim elbow replacement
Authors: Bassi R. S. , Simmons D. , Ali F. , Nuttall D. , Birch A. , Trail I. A. , Stanley J. K.
Published: April 2007

The Acclaim total elbow replacement is a modular system which allows implantation in both unlinked and linked modes. The results of the use of this implant in primary total elbow replacement in 36 patients, operated on between July 2000 and August 2002, are presented at a mean follow-up of 36 months (24 to 49). Only one patient did not have good relief of pain, but all had improved movement and function.

No implant showed clinical or radiological loosening, although one had a lucent area in three of seven humeral zones. The short-term results of the Acclaim total elbow replacement are encouraging. However, 11 patients (30.5%) suffered an intra-operative fracture of the humeral condyle. This did not affect the outcome, or the requirement for further surgery, except in one case where the fracture failed to unite. This problem has hopefully been addressed by redesigning the humeral resection guide. Other complications included three cases of ulnar neuropathy (8.3%) and one of deep infection (2.8%).
Two-level reconstruction of comminuted posterior-wall fractures of the acetabulum
Authors: Giannoudis P. V. , Tzioupis C. , Moed B. R.
Published: April 2007

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of a two-level reconstruction technique using subchondral miniscrews for the stabilisation of comminuted posterior-wall marginal acetabular fragments before applying lag screws and a buttress plate to the main overlying posterior fragment. Between 1995 and 2003, 29 consecutive patients with acute comminuted displaced posterior-wall fractures of the acetabulum were treated operatively using this technique.

The quality of reduction measured from three standard plain radiographs was graded as anatomical in all 29 hips. The clinical outcome at a mean follow-up of 35 months (24 to 90) was considered to be excellent in five patients (17%), very good in 16 (55%), good in six (21%) and poor in two (7%). The use of the two-level reconstruction technique appears to provide stable fixation and is associated with favourable results in terms of the incidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and the clinical outcome. However, poor results may occur in patients over the age of 55 years.
Mid-term results of cementless total hip replacement using a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing with and without computer navigation
Authors: Sugano N. , Nishii T. , Miki H. , Yoshikawa H. , Sato Y. , Tamura S.
Published: April 2007

We have developed a CT-based navigation system using infrared light-emitting diode markers and an optical camera. We used this system to perform cementless total hip replacement using a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing couple in 53 patients (60 hips) between 1998 and 2001. We reviewed 52 patients (59 hips) at a mean of six years (5 to 8) postoperatively. The mid-term results of total hip replacement using navigation were compared with those of 91 patients (111 hips) who underwent this procedure using the same implants, during the same period, without navigation. There were no significant differences in age, gender, diagnosis, height, weight, body mass index, or pre-operative clinical score between the two groups. The operation time was significantly longer where navigation was used, but there was no significant difference in blood loss or navigation-related complications. With navigation, the acetabular components were placed within the safe zone defined by Lewinnek, while without, 31 of the 111 components were placed outside this zone. There was no significant difference in the Merle d’Aubigne and Postel hip score at the final follow-up. However, hips treated without navigation had a higher rate of dislocation. Revision was performed in two cases undertaken without navigation, one for aseptic acetabular loosening and one for fracture of a ceramic liner, both of which showed evidence of neck impingement on the liner. A further five cases undertaken without navigation showed erosion of the posterior aspect of the neck of the femoral component on the lateral radiographs. These seven impingement-related mechanical problems correlated with malorientation of the acetabular component. There were no such mechanical problems in the navigated group.

We conclude that CT-based navigation increased the precision of orientation of the acetabular component and control of limb length in total hip replacement, without navigation-related complications. It also reduced the rate of dislocation and mechanical problems related to impingement.
Osteosarcoma metastasising to the duodenum and pancreas
Authors: Aarvold A. , Bann S. , Giblin V. , Wotherspoon A. , Mudan S. S.
Published: April 2007

The incidence of metastatic osteosarcoma is increasing because of improved results following multi-agent chemotherapy and resection of the primary tumour. Metastases occur most commonly in the lungs, whereas bowel metastases are rare. We describe a 25-year-old female who presented with melaena six years after successful resection of an osteosarcoma of her right femur, and one year after resection of a solitary pulmonary metastasis. Imaging revealed a lesion arising within both the duodenum and the pancreas for which a Whipple’s pancreatoduodenectomy was carried out, achieving complete resection. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic osteosarcoma. We believe this is only the second such case reported. At 11 months post-operatively she had no detectable disease. Although rare, osteosarcoma can metastasise to the intestine. The surgeon must be aware of this complication, and that bowel metastases are potentially resectable.
Mortality and mobility after hip fracture in Japan
Authors: Tsuboi M. , Hasegawa Y. , Suzuki S. , Wingstrand H. , Thorngren K.-G.
Published: April 2007

We studied prospectively the change over ten years in mortality, walking ability and place of residence after a hip fracture in 753 patients in Japan. We compared the deaths observed in these patients with those expected in the general population, matched for age, gender and calender year at the time of fracture. The survival rate decreased dramatically for two years after the event and the mortality risk remained higher for ten years. This risk was approximately double that of the general population, even at ten years after fracture. The risk was higher, and remained so for longer, in younger rather than in older patients.

The proportion of patients who were able to walk outdoors alone, with or without an assistive device, was 68% (514) before fracture. This decreased to 56% (340) by one year after and remained stable at approximately 63% (125) until ten years. The proportion of patients living in their own home was 84% (629) before fracture, 81% (491) one year later, and then remained stable at approximately 86% (171) until ten years after the event.
Natural History of Hyperplastic Callus Formation in Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type V
Authors: Cheung Moira S , Glorieux Francis H , Rauch Frank
Published: April 2007

Hyperplastic callus formation was assessed in 23 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta type V. Hyperplastic callus mostly affected long bones in the lower extremities and occurred predominantly during phases of rapid growth.

Introduction: Hyperplastic callus (HPC) formation is one of the most conspicuous features of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type V, but the natural history of HPC has not been well characterized.

Materials and Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, we assessed HPC in 23 OI type V patients (9 females and 14 males).

Results: Fifteen patients (65%) had HPC at 48 skeletal sites, 30 of which affected the lower limbs. The number of HPC sites per patient ranged from 0 to 7, with an average of 2.6 for men and 1.1 for women (p = 0.047 for this sex difference; t-test). New HPC formation was observed both after fractures and outside of the context of fractures. Only a minority of lower limb fractures (26%) precipitated HPC formation. After an initial enlargement phase, HPC lesions usually stabilized, but could also resolve completely (n = 2) or progress and lead to bone deformation. The most common complication of HPC was a fracture through the lesion (n = 7). Neither pamidronate nor indomethacin seemed to influence the course of HPC.

Conclusions: HPC is a potentially serious complication of OI type V. Given the rarity of the disorder, treatment studies will require multicenter collaborations.
Genetic Dissection of Mouse Distal Chromosome 1 Reveals Three Linked BMD QTLs With Sex-Dependent Regulation of Bone Phenotypes
Authors: Beamer Wesley G , Shultz Kathryn L , Ackert-Bicknell Cheryl L , Horton Lindsay G , Delahunty Krista M , Coombs Harold F , Donahue Leah R , Canalis Ernesto , Rosen Clifford J
Published: April 2007

Genetic analyses with mouse congenic strains for distal Chr1 have identified three closely linked QTLs regulating femoral vBMD, mid-diaphyseal cortical thickness, and trabecular microstructure in a sex-dependent fashion. The homologous relationship between distal mouse Chr 1 and human 1q21–24 offers the possibility of finding common regulatory genes for cortical and trabecular bone.

Introduction: The distal third of mouse chromosome 1 (Chr 1) has been shown to carry a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for BMD from several inbred mouse strain crosses. Genetic and functional analyses are essential to identify genes and cellular mechanisms for acquisition of peak bone mass.

Materials and Methods: Nested congenic sublines of mice were developed with a C57BL/6J (B6) background carrying <1- to 9-Mbp-sized segments donated from C3H/HeJ (C3H). Isolated femurs from 16-wk-old female and male mice were measured by pQCT and μCT40 for volumetric (v)BMD, mid-diaphyseal cortical thickness, and distal trabecular phenotypes. Static and dynamic histomorphologic data were obtained on selected females and males at 16 wk.

Results and Conclusions: We found that the original BMD QTL, Bmd5, mapped to distal Chr 1 consists of three QTLs with different effects on vBMD and trabecular bone in both sexes. Compared with B6 controls, femoral vBMD, BMD, and cortical thickness (p < 0.0001) were significantly increased in congenic subline females, but not in males, carrying C3H alleles at QTL-1. Both females and males carrying C3H alleles at QTL-1 showed marked increases in BV/TV by μCT compared with B6 mice (p < 0.0001). Females increased BV/TV by increasing trabecular thickness, whereas males increased trabecular number. In addition, the μCT40 data showed two unique QTLs for male trabecular bone, QTL-2 and QTL-3, which may interact to regulate trabecular thickness and number. These QTLs are closely linked with and proximal to QTL-1. The histomorphometric data revealed sex-specific differences in cellular and bone formation parameters. Mice and humans share genetic homology between distal mouse Chr 1 and human Chr 1q20–24 that is associated with adult human skeletal regulation. Sex- and compartment-specific regulatory QTLs in the mouse suggest the need to partition human data by sex to improve accuracy of mapping and genetic loci identification.
A Novel, High-Throughput Workflow for Discovery and Identification of Serum Carrier Protein-Bound Peptide Biomarker Candidates in Ovarian Cancer Samples
Authors: Lopez Mary F , Mikulskis Alvydas , Kuzdzal Scott , Golenko Eva , Petricoin Emanuel F , Liotta Lance A , Patton Wayne F , Whiteley Gordon R , Rosenblatt Kevin , Gurnani Prem , Nandi Animesh , Neill Samuel , Cullen Stuart , O’Gorman Martin , Sarracino David , Lynch Christopher , Johnson Andrew , Mckenzie William , Fishman David
Published: April 2007

Background: Most cases of ovarian cancer are detected at later stages when the 5-year survival is ∼15%, but 5-year survival approaches 90% when the cancer is detected early (stage I). To use mass spectrometry (MS) of serum proteins for early detection, a seamless workflow is needed that provides an opportunity for rapid profiling along with direct identification of the underpinning ions.

Methods: We used carrier protein–bound affinity enrichment of serum samples directly coupled with MALDI orthagonal TOF MS profiling to rapidly search for potential ion signatures that contained discriminatory power. These ions were subsequently directly subjected to tandem MS for sequence identification.

Results: We discovered several biomarker panels that enabled differentiation of stage I ovarian cancer from unaffected (age-matched) patients with no evidence of ovarian cancer, with positive results in >93% of samples from patients with disease-negative results and in 97% of disease-free controls. The carrier protein–based approach identified additional protein fragments, many from low-abundance proteins or proteins not previously seen in serum.

Conclusions: This workflow system using a highly reproducible, high-resolution MALDI-TOF platform enables rapid enrichment and profiling of large numbers of clinical samples for discovery of ion signatures and integration of direct sequencing and identification of the ions without need for additional offline, time-consuming purification strategies.
Longitudinal Genetic Analysis for Loneliness in Dutch Twins
Authors: Boomsma Dorret I. , Cacioppo John T. , Muthén Bengt , Asparouhov Tihomir , Clark Shaunna
Published: April 2007

In previous studies we obtained evidence that variation in loneliness has a genetic component. Based on adult twin data, the heritability estimate for loneliness, which was assessed as an ordinal trait, was 48%. These analyses were done on loneliness scores averaged over items (‘I feel lonely’ and ‘Nobody loves me’) and over time points. In this article we present a longitudinal analysis of loneliness data assessed in 5 surveys (1991 through 2002) in Dutch twins (N = 8389) for the two separate items of the loneliness scale. From the longitudinal growth modeling it was found sufficient to have non-zero variance for the intercept only, while the other effects (linear, quadratic and cubic slope) had zero variance. For the item ‘I feel lonely’ we observed an increasing age trend up to age 30, followed by a decline to age 50. Heritability for individual differences in the intercept was estimated at 77%. For the item ‘Nobody loves me’ no significant trend over age was seen; the heritability of the intercept was estimated at 70%.
Can Genetic Factors Explain the Spillover of Warmth and Negativity Across Family Relationships?
Authors: Ganiban Jody M. , Spotts Erica L. , Lichtenstein Paul , Khera Gagan S. , Reiss David , Neiderhiser Jenae M.
Published: April 2007

Previous studies indicate that the emotional quality of marital relationships is mirrored in parent–child relationships. We explored the degree to which these associations are explained by genetic and environmental factors. Participants were drawn from the Twin and Offspring Study in Sweden (TOSS), and included 544 female twin pairs (258 monozygotic [MZ], 286 dizygotic [DZ]), and 311 male twin pairs (128 MZ, 183 DZ). The spouses and one adolescent child of each twin also participated in this study. The twins completed self-report measures that assessed their marital quality and their warmth and negativity towards their children. Observational ratings of marital warmth and negativity, and of maternal warmth and negativity were obtained for a subset of female twin pairs (150 MZ, 176 DZ). Selfreported marital satisfaction was associated with self-reported parental warmth and negativity for mothers (rs = .25, -.36) and fathers (rs = .25, -.44). For the observational measures, marital warmth was associated with maternal warmth (r = .42), while marital negativity was associated with maternal negativity (r = .34). On average genetic factors explained nearly half of the covariance between selfreported marital satisfaction and parenting for mothers (48%) and fathers (47%). Genetic factors explained 21% of the covariance between observed marital and maternal warmth, but did not contribute to associations between marital and maternal negativity. These findings indicate that parents' genetically influenced characteristics help shape the emotional climate of the family.
Changing Environmental Influences on Substance Use Across Development
Authors: Dick Danielle M. , Pagan Jason L. , Viken Richard , Purcell Shaun , Kaprio Jaakko , Pulkkinen Lea , Rose Richard J.
Published: April 2007

In contrast to many phenotypes that have been studied using twin designs, substance use shows considerable evidence of environmental influence. Accordingly, specifying the relevant environments and understanding the nature of their effects is an important research priority. Twin studies also have demonstrated that the importance of genetic and environmental influences varies across development for a variety of behavioral outcomes, including substance use. Here, we report analyses exploring moderating effects associated with parenting and peer characteristics on adolescent smoking and drinking, measured at ages 14 and 17. We find significant evidence of moderating effects associated with two dimensions of parenting (parental monitoring and time spent in activities with parents) on adolescent smoking, measured at two time points across development, but no moderating effects on adolescent drinking. Genetic influences on smoking increased, and common environmental effects decreased, as adolescents reported less parental monitoring and spending more time with their parents. Conversely, we find evidence that adolescent drinking is more strongly influenced by peer characteristics. The importance of genetic predispositions was increased among adolescents who reported more friends who used alcohol. These analyses illustrate the importance of incorporating measured aspects of the environment into genetically informative twin models to begin to understand how specific environments are related to various outcomes. Furthermore, they illustrate the importance of using a developmental perspective to understand how specific influences may vary across different ages, and across different phenotypes.
Genetic Regulation of Growth in Height and Weight from 3 to 12 Years of Age: A Longitudinal Study of Dutch Twin Children
Authors: Silventoinen Karri , Bartels Meike , Posthuma Daniëlle , Estourgie-van Burk G. Frederiek , Willemsen Gonneke , van Beijsterveldt Toos C. E. M. , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: April 2007

Human growth is a complex and poorly understood process. We studied the effect of genetic and environmental factors on height and body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) based on maternal reports at 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 12 years of age in a large longitudinal cohort of Dutch twins (7755 complete twin pairs at age 3). Several multivariate variance component models for twins were fitted to the data using the Mx statistical package. The first-born twin was taller until age 10 and heavier until age 12 than the second-born co-twin. Heritability estimates were high for height (a2 = .58–.91) and BMI (a2 = .31–.82), but common and unshared environmental factors were also important. The phenotypic correlations across the ages for height and BMI were mainly explained by correlated additive genetic factors (ra = .77–.96 for height and .43–.92 for BMI), but common (rc = .40–.84 and .09–.78, respectively) and specific environmental correlations (re = .50–.81 and .42–.80, respectively) were also significant. Additive genetic factors decreased with increasing age difference for both height and BMI. However, the full Cholesky model, which does not make any assumptions regarding the underlying genetic structure, had the best fit. High genetic correlations across the ages, especially for height, may help further molecular genetic studies of human growth. Environmental factors affecting height and BMI during growth period are also important, and further studies are needed to identify these factors and test whether they interact with genetic factors.
Sex Differences and Heritability of Two Indices of Heart Rate Dynamics: A Twin Study
Authors: Snieder Harold , van Doornen Lorenz J. P. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Thayer Julian F.
Published: April 2007

We investigated whether women show larger heart rate variability (HRV) than men after controlling for a large number of health-related covariates, using two indices of HRV, namely respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and approximate entropy (ApEn). In a twin design, the heritability of both indices was examined. The covariation between RSA and ApEn, a measure of heart rate dynamics derived from nonlinear dynamical systems theory, was decomposed into genetic and environmental components. Subjects were 196 male and 210 female middle-aged twins. Females showed larger HRV than men before (ApEn: p < .001; RSA: p = .052) and after adjustment for covariates (ApEn: p < .001; RSA: p = .015). This sex difference was confirmed by significant intrapair differences in the opposite-sex twin pairs for both ApEn (p < .001) and RSA (p = .03). In addition to sex, only heart period and age (both p < .001) were found to be independent predictors of ApEn, whereas RSA was also influenced by respiration rate and smoking (both p < .001). Age explained 16% and 6% of the variance in RSA and ApEn, respectively. Oral contraceptive use and menopausal status had no effect on HRV. Genetic model fitting yielded moderate heritability estimates for RSA (30%) and ApEn (40%) for both males and females. The correlation between RSA and ApEn (r = .60) could be attributed to genetic factors (48%), environmental factors (36%) and age (16%). The present study found support for a gender difference in HRV with women having greater HRV than men even after controlling for a large number of potential confounders. Indices of heart rate dynamics derived from nonlinear dynamical systems theory are moderately heritable and may be more sensitive than traditional indices of HRV to reveal subtle sex differences with important implications for health and disease.
Regional Variations in Trends for Multiple Births: A Population-Based Evaluation in France, 1972–2003
Authors: Khoshnood Babak , Blondel Béatrice
Published: April 2007

The aim of the study was to assess, using population-based data, trends and regional variations in multiple births during the period of increasing use and changes in practice patterns for infertility treatments. National data for 24,554,977 births (live births and stillbirths) were used, including 569,423 twins during the period 1972 to 2003, and 14,599 triplets for 1984 to 2003. Statistical analyses included age-adjusted hierarchical logistic regression models for twin births and separate analyses for triple, same-sex, and different-sex twin births. Due to confidentiality considerations, the only variable available for adjustment was maternal age. Regionallevel variations were estimated using median odds ratios based on random-intercept hierarchical logistic regression models. Overall, twin births increased from 18.1 per 1000 births (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.9–18.2) in 1972 to 1975 to 29.9 per 1000 (95% CI 29.7–30.1) in 2000 to 2003. Twin births increased progressively across all regions, whereas triple births reached a peak in the early 1990s and decreased thereafter. Trends for both twin and triple births varied significantly across regions. Both trends and regional variations were greater for different-sex as compared with same-sex twin births. Regional variations in the proportion of multiple births increased in the case of twin births and decreased for triple births. Differences in multiple births at the regional level in France were comparable to country-level differences observed across several western and northern European countries. Regional differences in multiple births need to be monitored and used to inform policies aimed at regulating the use of infertility treatments.
Imaginary cartographies: race and new world borders
Authors: Mojica Martha Patricia Nio
Published: April 2007

Mobile technologies and networks facilitate the delocalization of traditional power structures within an economic frame. This shift usually incorporates the discourse of the body creation as well. Our bodies are constructs in which individuals as well as and social perceptions and projections,
reality and fiction fuse together. In a similar way, we doubt about the representation of reality and highly editable and generative images.

Nonetheless, some forms of bio-power can be identified in contemporary constructed mental images such as race or ethnicity usually linked to religious
or linguistic differences that are traditionally used as borderline zones. Many examples can be traced back to representations of both fauna and populations of the new world in colonial America. This phenomenon has also emerged in representations of cyberspace even though Internet is advertised
as a place in which traditional distinctions and imbalances in power between individuals have been effaced.

If Zizek's statement is true that in order to capture the spirit of an age you should not look to explicit social structures but rather to the ghosts that haunt us, and live in a
region of nonexistent entities, the topic of globalization should not put aside issues of immigration and multiple representations of race. This situation is inherent to the present and future construction of both cyberspace and public physical space. Media imaginaries create a myriad of information
that also includes artificial savages. This fact constitutes what some artists provocatively call a rather explosive universe of cultural misunderstanding under a new world border.
Brief notes on two inf inite scales
Authors: Furtado Gonalo
Published: April 2007

This text includes a series of considerations which were detailed during the event1 organized in 2006 by Emanuel Dimas Pimenta, on the subject of The Spirit of Discovery.

These considerations relate to the present situation of contemporary architecture, which has gradually been marked
first by the phenomenon of digital information and, more recently, by a biotechnological vision. Although the influence of the former has been firmly established, the latter serves as the inspiration for a mutant generative architecture, and leads us to consider the interface between body,
technology and space. Initially this text points out the cultural interference and spatial resonance of the well-established Information Society, reflecting the current life of an urban-architectural space marked by the omnipresence of networks and informational-digital phenomena. Subsequently,
the minute scale of the interface and the interaction between the body and technological space become critical questions. On a larger scale, complex, self-organizational dynamics will come to dominate our understanding of the meta-territory of the future. Therefore, the contemporary condition
suggests the need for a dialogue between the infinitely large and the infinitely small, within a spirit of discovery regulated by the incompleteness of knowledge within a Godelian consciousness.
Deformation behavior of wet lignocellulosic fibers
Authors: Lowe Robert M. , Page Derek H. , Waterhouse John F. , Hsieh Jeff , Cheluka Naveen , Ragauskas Arthur J.
Published: April 2007

The deformation behavior of wet lignocellulosic fibers was examined by applying a dilute suspension of dyed pulp fibers to a filter paper and then wet pressing the fibers onto glass slides. The geometry of single fiber crossing was determined using light interference and an image analysis computer program. The effects of pulp type, refining, wet pressing, drying and bleaching on the deformation behavior of pulp fibers were explored. The main effect of refining fibers was to reduce the step height for fiber-fiber crossings for both bleached and unbleached pulps by increasing the tendency of the cell wall to collapse and deform. All the pulps and treatments investigated maintained a relatively constant value for the step height/free span ratio.
Delamination assessment after drilling medium-density fibreboard (MDF) by digital image analysis
Authors: Davim João Paulo , Campos Rubio Juan , Abrão Alexandre M.
Published: April 2007

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a wood-based composite made from lignocellulosic fibres bound together by synthetic resin. It has become one of the most important materials for furniture manufacture and the building industry. This work investigates the defects observed at the entrance and exit sides of drilled MDF plates and establishes a relationship between the damage features and machining parameters. A novel delamination factor is used to characterise defects in the drilled hole using digital image analysis. The results show that higher cutting speeds should be used to obtain the greater material removal rates associated with minimal delamination.
Diet, Feeding Rate, Growth, Mortality, and Production of Juvenile Steelhead in a Lake Michigan Tributary
Authors: Godby Neal A. , Rutherford Edward S. , Mason Doran M.
Published: April 2007

Steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss support valuable sport fisheries in the Great Lakes but are largely sustained by stocking. In many Great Lakes tributaries, steelhead spawning and nursery habitats are limited by hydropower dams, and natural recruitment may be supplemented by habitats in adjacent coldwater creeks. In 1998–2001, we investigated the potential for natural production of steelhead in the Muskegon River, Michigan, a tributary to Lake Michigan, through analysis of parr diet categories, consumption, growth, survival, and production in the main-stem Muskegon River and in Bigelow Creek. We used electrofishing surveys to estimate parr growth and survival from changes in fish weight and density over time. We estimated diet from gut content analysis and consumption from bioenergetics model analysis. Average fall density of parr in Bigelow Creek was 20-fold higher than in the Muskegon River. Average summer daily mortality rate of parr in the Muskegon River was nearly threefold higher than in Bigelow Creek. Overwinter mortality rates of parr were low in both habitats. Few yearling and older parr were present in the Muskegon River relative to Bigelow Creek. Age-0 parr primarily consumed benthic invertebrates. Macroinvertebrate prey densities were sufficient to support high parr growth rates in both rivers. Parr grew at similar rates but consumed 84% more per day in the Muskegon River, which had higher water temperatures than Bigelow Creek. Age-0 production was fivefold higher in Bigelow Creek than in the Muskegon River. High mortalities of parr in the Muskegon River were correlated with summer water temperatures exceeding 21°C. Average summer temperatures in Bigelow Creek (17°C) were optimal for parr survival. Our results were consistent with data from other Great Lakes tributaries and suggest that small tributary creek habitats contribute disproportionately to steelhead recruitment from large impounded watersheds by providing optimal thermal refugia for parr during summer.
Controversy and Conflict in the Treatment of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Nesiritide as Evidence‐Based Treatment
Authors: Munger Mark A. , Ng Tien M. H. , Van Tassell Benjamin W.
Published: April 2007

Acute decompensated heart failure poses a complex clinical challenge for the health care community. Evolving concepts of the pathophysiology and lack of consensus on appropriate outcome measures for drug approval underlie some of the current controversies about nesiritide. We outline the major controversies from the viewpoint that nesiritide should continue to be used judiciously by following its package insert recommendations and the Heart Failure Society of America's 2006 Comprehensive Heart Failure Practice Guidelines.
Controversy and Conflict in the Treatment of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Limited Role for Nesiritide
Authors: Noviasky John A.
Published: April 2007

The use of nesiritide for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has been clouded with controversy since its approval in 2001. Extensive marketing and many review articles have established this drug as a safe and superior product to current standards. However, its safety has been called into question by the results of a meta‐analysis, and its superiority of important outcomes (length of stay, mortality, decreased readmission rate) has never been proved by a randomized trial against agents with similar vasodilator properties (e.g., nitroglycerin). A review of the available literature on nesiritide in the areas of mortality, renal effects, retrospective studies, use in off‐label indications, length of stay, and mortality is presented and illustrates why its use should be limited or even eliminated. After review of this article, the reader should be able to answer the question—if nesiritide had never been approved for use in patients with ADHF, would we have missed it?—with a negative reply.