bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Walleye Total Length from Head and Mandible Measurements
Authors: Isermann Daniel A. , Vandergoot Christopher S.
Published: March 2005

To supplement harvest information on walleye Sander vitreus collected in Lake Erie creel surveys, we assessed whether walleye size structure and growth could be estimated by using total lengths (TL) predicted from measurements of head length (HL) and mandible length (ML). Regression models were developed by using measurements taken from 124 tournament-caught walleyes sampled in late May 2003. In most cases, HL and ML explained more than 90% of the variation in TL (r2 > 0.90); however, residuals (absolute values) were frequently 10 mm or more. Despite estimation errors, the length-frequency distributions predicted from HL and ML models were not significantly different from observed distributions. Tests of the models with an additional 72 walleyes collected in June 2003 produced similar results. Predicted mean lengths at age for June walleyes ages 2–4 did not differ significantly from mean lengths at age estimated from observed TL. Use of an HL model developed for Minnesota walleyes yielded results similar to those of the Lake Erie models, suggesting that development of population-specific models may not be necessary. Given the accuracy and ease of measurement, we suggest that HL be used to predict walleye TL rather than ML; however, prediction errors indicate that age–length keys constructed by using TL predicted from HL should be validated before use.
Discrimination of Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Steelhead Redds and Evaluation of the Use of Redd Data for Estimating Escapement in Several Unregulated Streams in Northern California
Authors: Gallagher Sean P. , Gallagher Colin M.
Published: March 2005

We developed and evaluated a stratified index redd area method to estimate Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, coho salmon O. kisutch, and steelhead O. mykiss escapement in several coastal streams in northern California based on the assumption that redd size is related to the number of redds a female builds. Sources of error in redd counts were identified, including the use of logistic regression to classify redd species (necessary due to temporal overlap in the spawning of these species in coastal northern California). Redd area escapement estimates were compared with estimates from more conventional methods and releases above a counting structure. Observer efficiency in redd detection ranged from 0.64 (SE = 0.10) to 0.75 (SE = 0.14) and was significantly associated with streamflow and water visibility (analysis of variance (ANOVA): F = 41.8; P < 0.001). Logistic regression reduced uncertainty in redd identification. Redd area and date observed were significant in predicting coho salmon and steelhead redd species (Wald's z = 11.9 and 18.09, respectively; P < 0.001). Pot substrate and redd area were significant in classifying Chinook and coho salmon redds (Wald's z = 5.88 and 4.03; P = 0.015 and 0.04, respectively). Stratified index redd area escapement estimates and estimates based on capture–recapture experiments, area-under-the-curve estimates, and known releases above the counting structure (coho salmon only) were not significantly different (ANOVA: F < 13.6; P > 0.06). Escapement estimates assuming one redd per female were only significantly different from other methods for steelhead (ANOVA: F = 13.11; P = 0.006). Redd counts were significantly correlated with escapement estimates (r > 0.82; P < 0.04). Reduction of counting errors and uncertainty in redd identification, biweekly surveys throughout the spawning period, and the use of redd areas in a stratified index sampling design produced precise, reliable, and cost-effective escapement estimates for Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead.
Perceptual Evaluation of Hypernasality Compared to HONC Measures: The Role of Experience
Authors: Laczi Elizabeth , Sussman Joan E. , Stathopoulos Elaine T. , Huber Jessica
Published: March 2005

Objectives

Nasality ratings from experienced and inexperienced listeners were compared to accelerometric measures using the Horii Oral Nasal Coupling (HONC) Index to determine if one group's ratings are more closely related to the HONC Index measures. The reliability of listener ratings was studied to determine if experienced listeners had better reliability than inexperienced listeners. The influence of phonetic content was analyzed to learn if ratings of sentences with stop consonants yielded higher correlations with HONC scores than sentences containing glides.

Design

Experienced and inexperienced listeners’ ratings of hypernasality were correlated to the HONC measures for two nonnasal sentence productions. Analysis of variance compared experienced versus inexperienced listener ratings.

Participants

Ten listeners who were speech-language pathologists with at least 10 years of experience in assessing hypernasality and 10 listeners who were graduate students in communicative disorders with less than 1 year of experience. Speech samples were acquired from 13 children with varying degrees of hypernasality and 5 children with normal nasality.

Results

Correlations between ratings of hypernasality and HONC scores were .60 for the experienced group and .52 for the inexperienced group. In general, the experienced listeners rated the hypernasality of the speakers as less severe. Both groups had similar intrajudge reliability. Hypernasality ratings were not influenced by sentence context.

Conclusions

Hypernasality can be rated in a reliable fashion regardless of listener experience. The correlations between the objective measure of nasalization (HONC) and the perceptual ratings were not as high as expected. Factors contributing to obtaining only moderate correlations will be discussed.
Bilateral Asymmetry in Chinese Families with Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate
Authors: Neiswanger Katherine , Cooper Margaret E. , Liu You-e , Hu Dan-ning , Melnick Michael , Weinberg Seth M. , Marazita Mary L.
Published: March 2005

Objective

To determine if Chinese individuals with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) display more bilateral asymmetry than do their unaffected relatives.

Design/Subjects

A case-control study of 313 individuals with CL/P from Shanghai, China, with 201 unaffected relatives as controls.

Methods

Size-adjusted asymmetry scores were defined by data on middle-finger length, palm length, palpebral fissure width, and ear length. Case-control comparisons used a multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance, paired t tests, and the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

The ear-length measure showed a significant increase in fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in individuals with CL/P compared with their unaffected relatives, which was most pronounced in the female cleft lip and palate subgroup (p = .04). No other measures showed any increase in FA.

Conclusion

Evidence was found for increased FA, as measured by overall ear length, in Chinese individuals with nonsyndromic CL/P, compared with their unaffected family members. The use of bilateral measurements other than dermatoglyphics may prove to be a valuable means of assessing overall developmental stability in individuals with developmental malformations and in their families.
Human Prenatal Nasal Bone Lengths: Normal Standards and Length Values in Fetuses with Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Authors: Hansen Lene , Skovgaard Lene Theil , Nolting Dorrit , Hansen Birgit Fischer , Kjær Inger
Published: March 2005

Objective

The aim of this study was to present prenatal autopsy standards for nasal bone length in normal fetuses, as well as to compare nasal bone lengths in human fetuses with cleft lip and palate with those standards.

Material and Methods

The material consisted of human fetuses investigated in connection with diagnosed and legally approved abortions and spontaneous abortions; 40 were normal and 26 had cleft lip and palate (7 isolated cleft lip, 12 isolated cleft palate, and 7 combined cleft lip and palate). Menstrual ages (MA) ranged from 12 to 25 weeks, crown-rump length (CRL) from 55 to 210 mm and foot length (FL) from 7 to 44 mm. All fetuses were radiographed in lateral projection, and, using these images, the nasal bone lengths were measured with a digital caliper. Regression analyses were performed.

Results

Standards for normal nasal bone length at different ages are expressed as menstrual age, crown-rump length, or foot length. Comparisons with normal standards showed that the isolated cleft lip group had a significantly smaller nasal bone length than the normal fetuses had. Fetuses with isolated cleft palate and fetuses with combined cleft lip and palate showed no significant deviation from normal standards.

Conclusion

Normal nasal bone standards can contribute to information on deviations in nasal bone length for aborted fetuses with known and unknown genotypes. The differences in nasal bone lengths in fetuses with different lip and palate clefting can contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of cleft lip and palate.
A New Protocol for Maxillary Protraction in Cleft Patients: Repetitive Weekly Protocol of Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions
Authors: Liou Eric Jein-Wein , Tsai Wen-Ching
Published: March 2005

Objective

It was hypothesized that, through a repetitive weekly protocol of Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions (Alt-RAMEC), the maxilla in cleft patients could be protracted more effectively than with a single course of rapid maxillary expansion (RME).

Methods

Twenty-six consecutive unilateral cleft lip and palate patients at the age of mixed dentition were included in this prospective clinical study. The rapid maxillary expansion group included the first 16 consecutive patients undergoing 1 week of rapid maxillary expansion (1 mm/day) followed by 5 months, 3 weeks of maxillary protraction. The Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions group included the next 10 consecutive patients undergoing 9 weeks of Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions followed by 3 months, 3 weeks of maxillary protraction. Daily activation of the weekly expansion or constriction was 1.0 mm. Two-hinged expanders and intraoral maxillary protraction springs were used in both groups. Treatment results were evaluated cephalometrically.

Results

The amount of maxillary anterior displacement by the 2-hinged expander in the Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions group was 3.0 ± 0.9 mm at A point, significantly greater than the 1.6 ± 1.0 mm in the rapid maxillary expansion group. The amount of maxillary advancement with intraoral protraction springs in the Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions group was 2.9 ± 1.9 mm at A point, significantly greater than the 0.9 ± 1.1 mm in the rapid maxillary expansion group. The overall amount of maxillary advancement in the Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions group was 5.8 ± 2.3 mm at A point. This result remained stable, without significant relapse after 2 years.

Conclusions

Maxillary protraction using the 2-hinged expander, a repetitive weekly protocol of Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions, and intraoral protraction springs is most effective, with stable results at 2-year follow-up.
Ventral Frontal Cortex Morphology in Adult Males with Isolated Orofacial Clefts: Relationship to Abnormalities in Social Function
Authors: Nopoulos Peg , Choe Ian , Berg Stephanie , Van Demark Duane , Canady John , Richman Lynn
Published: March 2005

Objective

In a previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, men with nonsyndromic clefts of the lip and/or palate (NSCLP) were found to have abnormalities in the structure of the frontal lobe of the brain. Moreover, many subjects with nonsyndromic clefts of the lip and/or palate have been described as being socially inhibited. A subregion of the frontal lobe, the ventral frontal cortex (VFC), has been shown to be related to social function. This study was designed to evaluate the morphology of the ventral frontal cortex in men with nonsyndromic clefts of the lip and/or palate, and the morphology's relationship to social function.

Methods

Subjects were 46 men with nonsyndromic clefts of the lip and/or palate and 46 sex matched controls. Social function was assessed using a standardized scale. The morphology of the ventral frontal cortex (composed of the orbitofrontal cortex [OFC] and the straight gyrus [SG]) was obtained from magnetic resonance imaging scans using the software BRAINS.

Results

After controlling for frontal lobe gray matter, the patient group had significant reductions in orbitofrontal cortex volume and area. The straight gyrus was not morphologically abnormal. Measures of orbitofrontal cortex morphology were significantly correlated to measures of social function—the greater the structural abnormality, the greater the social dysfunction.

Conclusion

Compared with healthy controls, subjects with nonsyndromic clefts of the lip and/or palate showed morphologic abnormalities in the cortical surface anatomy of a brain region known to govern social function, the orbitofrontal cortex. Moreover, the structural abnormality in this brain region was directly correlated with social function.
Family Environment of Individuals with Oral Clefts in Argentina
Authors: Wyszynski Diego F. , Perandones Claudia , Yannibelli Patricia , Bennun Ricardo D.
Published: March 2005

Objective

The purpose of this investigation was to study the social environment of families of children with different types of nonsyndromic oral clefts (OC) and to compare these groups with a control population of families of children without clefts.

Design

The study compared three nonsyndromic oral cleft groups and the control group using the Moos Family Environment Scale, which examines cohesion, expressiveness, conflict, independence, achievement-orientation, intellectual-cultural orientation, active-recreational orientation, moral-religious emphasis, organization, and control.

Setting

All parents of children with nonsyndromic oral clefts from a large craniofacial clinic in Buenos Aires, Argentina, were identified and were enrolled in this study between June 2000 and August 2001. Control families were ascertained from the pediatrics service of a hospital located in the vicinity of the craniofacial clinic.

Participants

One hundred and sixty-five parents were selected, based on having a child with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate (UCL/P), bilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate (BCL/P), or isolated cleft palate (ICP). One hundred and eighty control parents with no family history of congenital anomalies were selected, as well.

Results

There was no major difference in the social environment of families of children with different types of nonsyndromic oral clefts. When compared with families in the control group, families of children with nonsyndromic oral clefts scored better in all three subdimensions of family relationship, revealed a high level of independence, and showed better structure and organization than control families did; however, families of children with nonsyndromic oral clefts reported participating in fewer recreational activities.

Conclusions

Overall, families of children with nonsyndromic oral clefts displayed a good social environment. Efforts should be focused to involve them in recreational activities.
An Autogeneic Feeder Cell System That Efficiently Supports Growth of Undifferentiated Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Stojkovic Petra , Lako Majlinda , Stewart Rebecca , Przyborski Stefan , Armstrong Lyle , Evans Jerome , Murdoch Alison , Strachan Tom , Stojkovic Miodrag
Published: March 2005

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have great potential as a source of cells for therapeutic uses, but their culture requires the support of mouse or human cells, either directly as a feeder cell layer or indirectly as a source of conditioned medium in feeder-free culture systems. Unfortunately, the risks of cross-transfer of pathogens from xenogeneic or allogeneic feeders or cell by-products limit their medical applications. In addition, not all human feeders support the growth of hESCs equally well, and ethical concerns have been raised regarding the derivation of feeder cells from aborted human fetuses.

We report here the culture of hESCs on a novel feeder cell system, comprising fibroblast-like cells derived from the spontaneous differentiation of hESCs. Isogenicity of the hESCs and hESC-derived fibroblasts was confirmed by micro satellite analysis. The nature of the hESC-derived fibroblasts was identified by the expression of specific markers. This feeder system permits continuous growth of undifferentiated and pluripotent hESCs, as demonstrated by the expression of specific hESC markers, by the formation of teratomas after injection of hESCs into severely combined immunodeficient mice, and by in vitro differentiation of hESCs into differentiated cells of ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal origin. Feeder cells derived from hESCs offers a potentially more secure autogeneic and genotypically homogenous system for the growth of undifferentiated hESCs.
A New Strategy for Treatment of Malignant Tumor: Intra-Bone Marrow–Bone Marrow Transplantation Plus CD4− Donor Lymphocyte Infusion
Authors: Suzuki Yasuhiro , Adachi Yasushi , Minamino Keizo , Zhang Yuming , Iwasaki Masayoshi , Nakano Keiji , Koike Yasushi , Ikehara Susumu
Published: March 2005

Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) is clinically used for the treatment of malignant tumors. We have found recently that intra-bone marrow–bone marrow transplantation (IBM-BMT) can be used to treat various autoimmune diseases, even when radiation doses are reduced. In addition, recently we have found that IBM-BMT can prevent not only graft failure but also graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Based on these findings, we attempted to prevent and treat the progression of a tumor (Meth-A cell line: BALB/c-derived fibrosarcoma) by DLI plus IBM-BMT. When the tumors had grown to approximately 10 × 10 mm, the tumor-bearing BALB/c (H-2d) mice were irradiated with 5 Gy, and whole spleen cells from C57BL/6J (B6) (H-2b) mice (as DLI) were then intravenously injected into the BALB/c mice. Simultaneously, bone marrow cells (BMCs) from B6 mice were injected directly into the bone marrow cavity of the BALB/c mice (IBM-BMT). The tumors decreased in size, but the mice died of GvHD. However, when CD4+ T-cell–depleted spleen cells were used for DLI, the recipients showed only mild GvHD and survived longer, due to the slow growth of the tumor. In contrast, when CD8+ T-cell–depleted spleen cells were used for DLI, the recipients showed more severe GvHD than those injected with whole spleen cells. These results suggest that IBM-BMT plus DLI (the depletion or reduction of a certain cell population like CD4+ T cells) could be helpful to suppress both GvHD and tumor growth.
Lindane, a gap junction blocker, suppresses FSH and transforming growth factor β1-induced connexin43 gap junction formation and steroidogenesis in rat granulosa cells
Authors: Ke Ferng-Chun , Fang Su-Huan , Lee Ming-Ting , Sheu Shiow-Yhu , Lai Si-Yi , Chen Yun Ju , Huang Fore-Lien , Wang Paulus S , Stocco Douglas M , Hwang Jiuan-Jiuan
Published: March 2005

The present study was designed to explore the role of gap junctions in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)-stimulated steroidogenesis in ovarian granulosa cells of gonadotropin-primed immature rats. There were three specific aims. First, we investigated the effect of FSH and TGFβ1 as well as lindane (a general gap junction blocker) on the level of connexin43 (Cx43), the major gap junction constituent in granulosa cells, and on gap junction function. The second aim was to determine the effect of lindane on FSH and TGFβ1-stimulated progesterone production and the levels of two critical players, cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc) enzyme and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein. The third aim was to further investigate the specific involvement of Cx43 gap junctions in FSH and TGFβ1-stimulated steroidogenesis using a Cx43 mimetic peptide blocker. Immunoblotting analysis showed that FSH plus TGFβ1 dramatically increased the levels of phosphorylated Cx43 without significantly influencing the level of nonphosphorylated Cx43, and this stimulatory effect was completely suppressed by lindane. Also, immunofluorescence analysis showed that Cx43 immuno-reactivity increased in the FSH plus TGFβ1-treated group and predominantly appeared in a punctate pattern at cell–cell contact sites, and lindane reduced such cell periphery immunostaining. Furthermore, TGFβ1 enhanced the FSH-induced gap junction intercellular communication and lindane completely suppressed this effect. In addition, lindane suppressed the FSH and TGFβ1-stimulated increases in progesterone production and the levels of P450scc enzyme and StAR protein. This study demonstrates a clear temporal association between the Cx43 protein level/gap junction communication and progesterone production in rat ovarian granulosa cells in response to FSH and TGFβ1 as well as lindane. Furthermore, a specific Cx43 gap junction blocker suppressed FSH plus TGFβ1-stimulated progesterone production. In conclusion, this study suggests that Cx43 gap junctions may play a critical role in FSH plus TGFβ1-stimulated progesterone production in rat ovarian granulosa cells.
Spatial distribution of growth hormone receptor, insulin-like growth factor-I receptor and apoptotic chondrocytes during growth plate development
Authors: Cruickshank J , Grossman D I , Peng R K , Famula T R , Oberbauer A M
Published: March 2005

Linear bone growth depends upon proliferation, maturation, and apoptosis of growth plate chondrocytes, processes regulated by growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). To investigate the contribution of GH, IGF-I and apoptosis to growth plate function, the expression of GH receptor (GHR) and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) mRNA were evaluated by in situ hybridization in fractionated costochondral growth plates of growing rats (at 2, 4, and 7 weeks). Apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assay and morphology in histological sections. GHR mRNA was greatest in resting cells with hypertropic cells increasing GHR expression with increasing age. Hypertropic and resting cell IGF-IR mRNA declined over the ages studied. Receptor mRNA expression was altered by exposing cells to GH or IGF-I. GH and IGF significantly decreased GHR mRNA in proliferative cells. GH and IGF also decreased IGF-IR mRNA in resting cells and the 2- and 4-week-old proliferative and hypertropic cells. Treating cells in culture with GH increased the number of apoptotic cells across all ages and zones. Histologically, apoptotic cells were observed at the chondro-osseous junction and within actively proliferating chondrocytes but not in resting cells. Apoptosis was highest at 4 weeks of age with lateral regions displaying the greatest number of cells undergoing apoptosis. These data indicate that apoptosis plays a role in growth plate function, particularly spatial configuration as indicated by the preferential lateral cell apoptosis. The susceptibility of proliferative cells to GHR and IGF-IR down regulation during the period of greatest apoptosis supports a role for the GH–IGF axis in both proliferation and apoptosis during growth plate development.
Iodothyronine deiodinases and the control of plasma and tissue thyroid hormone levels in hyperthyroid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Van der Geyten S , Byamungu N , Reyns G E , Kühn E R , Darras V M
Published: March 2005

Thyroid status is one of the most potent regulators of peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism in vertebrates. Despite this, the few papers that have been published concerning the role of thyroid hormones in the regulation of thyroid function in fish often offer conflicting data. We therefore set out to investigate the effects of tetraiodothyronine (thyroxine) (T4) or tri-iodothyronine (T3) supplementation (48 p.p.m.) via the food on plasma and tissue thyroid hormone levels as well as iodothyronine deiodinase (D) activities in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). T4 supplementation did not induce a hyperthyroid state and subsequently had no effects on the thyroid hormone parameters measured, with the liver as the sole notable exception. In T4-fed tilapias, the hepatic T4 levels increased substantially, and this was accompanied by an increase in in vitro type I deiodinase (D1) activity. Although the lack of effect of T4 supplementation could be partially explained by an inefficient uptake of T4 from the gut, our current data suggest that also the increased conversion of T4 into reverse (r)T3 by the D1 present in the liver plays an important role in this respect. In addition, T3 supplementation increased plasma T3 and decreased plasma T4 concentrations. T3 levels were also increased in the liver, brain, kidney, gill and white muscle, but without affecting local T4 concentrations. However, this increase in T3 availability remained without effect on D1 activity in liver and kidney. This observation, together with the 6-n-propylthiouracyl (PTU) insensitivity of the D1 enzyme in fish, sets the D1 in teleost fish clearly apart from its mammalian and avian counterparts. The changes in hepatic deiodinases confirm the role of the liver as an important T3-regulating tissue. However, the very short plasma half-life of exogenously administered T3 implies the existence of an efficient T3 clearing/degradation mechanism other than deiodination.
Reaction‐limited aggregation in presence of short‐range structural forces
Authors: Runkana Venkataramana , Somasundaran P. , Kapur P. C.
Published: March 2005

A geometrically discretized sectional population balance model for reaction‐limited aggregation of colloidal suspensions is presented. The two important model parameters are collision frequency factor and collision efficiency factor. The collision frequency factor is derived from physically realistic arguments proposed for collision of fractal aggregates. The collision efficiency factor is computed as a function of total interaction energy between particles, including short‐range structural repulsion forces. The irregular and open structure of aggregates is taken into account by incorporating their mass fractal dimension. The characteristic time constant of reaction‐limited aggregation, derived from dynamic scaling of mean aggregate size‐aggregation time data, is found to correlate with electrolyte concentration. The population balance model is tested with published experimental data for aggregation of γ‐alumina suspensions in the presence of different electrolytes. It is shown that the slow kinetics of aggregation under certain conditions of pH and electrolyte concentration require inclusion of short‐range structural repulsion forces along with van der Waals attraction and electrical double layer repulsion forces in an extended DLVO theory. The model predictions are in good agreement with experimental data for time evolution of mean aggregate diameter in the reaction‐limited aggregation regime. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
New description of fluidization regimes
Authors: Andreux R. , Gauthier T. , Chaouki J. , Simonin O.
Published: March 2005

Two pressure probes and an intrusive bioptical probe provide experimental data in the bubbling and turbulent regimes to improve our understanding of the transition from the bubbling regime to the fast fluidization regime. Assessment of pressure, voidage, and bubbling properties allows for a new description of turbulent fluidization hydrodynamics. Appreciable changes in the hydrodynamics appear well below the transition criterion Uc, determined based on pressure fluctuations: bubbles are fast bubbles below Uc, in bubble–emulsion equilibrium state at Uc, and then become slow bubbles for higher fluidizing velocity; the maximum of the total fluidizing gas fraction in the bubble phase is reached below Uc and never exceeds 75–80%. The fluidizing velocity at which major modifications in hydrodynamics are observed is lower than Uc. This critical velocity is detected with pressure drop assessment or frequency analysis of voidage fluctuations. Moreover, it can be theoretically calculated from the two‐phase modeling correlations supplemented with a new criterion deduced from our experiments. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Three‐coordinate divalent Group 14 element derivatives and related compounds
Authors: Saur Isabelle , Garcia Alonso Sonia , Barrau Jacques
Published: March 2005

This review describes recent work on the synthesis, spectroscopic analysis, structures and investigation of chemical behaviours of new subvalent germanium and tin compounds supported by the β‐diketiminato ligand L2 (L2 = NPhC(Me)CHC(Me)NPh), namely the divalent species L2(X)M, the germane and stannane chalcogenones L2(X)MY, the heavier Group 14 element transition‐metal complexes L2(X)MM′(CO)n and the cationic germanium–transition‐metal complexes [L2Ge+M′(CO)n]. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finite‐element analysis of biting behavior and bone stress in the facial skeletons of bats
Authors: Dumont Elizabeth R. , Piccirillo Justin , Grosse Ian R.
Published: March 2005

The wide range of dietary niches filled by modern mammals is reflected in morphological diversity of the feeding apparatus. Despite volumes of data on the biomechanics of feeding, the extent to which the shape of mammal skulls reflects stresses generated by feeding is still unknown. In addition to the feeding apparatus, the skull accommodates the structural needs of the sensory systems and brain. We turned to bats as a model system for separating optimization for masticatory loads from optimization for other functions. Because the energetic cost of flight increases with body mass, it is reasonable to suggest that bats have experienced selective pressure over evolutionary time to minimize mass. Therefore, the skulls of bats are likely to be optimized to meet functional demands. We investigate the hypothesis that there is a biomechanical link between biting style and craniofacial morphology by combining biting behavior and bite force data gathered in the field with finite‐element (FE) analysis. Our FE experiments compared patterns of stress in the craniofacial skeletons within and between two species of bats (Artibeus jamaicensis and Cynopterus brachyotis) under routine and atypical loading conditions. For both species, routine loading produced low stresses in most of the skull. However, the skull of Artibeus was most resistant to loads applied via its typical biting style, suggesting a mechanical link between routine loading and skull form. The same was not true of Cynopterus, where factors other than feeding appear to have had a more significant impact on craniofacial morphology. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling masticatory muscle force in finite element analysis: Sensitivity analysis using principal coordinates analysis
Authors: Ross Callum F. , Patel Biren A. , Slice Dennis E. , Strait David S. , Dechow Paul C. , Richmond Brian G. , Spencer Mark A.
Published: March 2005

Our work on a finite element model of the skull of Macaca aims to investigate the functional significance of specific features of primate skulls and to determine to which of the input variables (elastic properties, muscle forces) the model behavior is most sensitive. Estimates of muscle forces acting on the model are derived from estimates of physiological cross‐sectional areas (PCSAs) of the jaw muscles scaled by relative electromyographic (EMG) amplitudes recorded in vivo. In this study, the behavior of the model was measured under different assumptions regarding the PCSAs of the jaw muscles and the latency between EMG activity in those muscles and the resulting force production. Thirty‐six different loading regimes were applied to the model using four different PCSA sets and nine different PCSA scaling parameters. The four PCSA sets were derived from three different macaque species and one genus average, and the scaling parameters were either EMGs from 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 msec prior to peak bite force, or simply 100%, 50%, or 25% of peak muscle force. Principal coordinates analysis was used to compare the deformations of the model produced by the 36 loading regimes. Strain data from selected sites on the model were also compared with in vivo bone strain data. The results revealed that when varying the external muscle forces within these boundaries, the majority of the variation in model behavior is attributable to variation in the overall magnitude rather than the relative amount of muscle force generated by each muscle. Once this magnitude‐related variation in model deformation was accounted for, significant variation was attributable to differences in relative muscle recruitment between working and balancing sides. Strain orientations at selected sites showed little variation across loading experiments compared with variation documented in vivo. These data suggest that in order to create an accurate and valid finite element model of the behavior of the primate skull at a particular instant during feeding, it is important to include estimates of the relative recruitment levels of the masticatory muscles. However, a lot can be learned about patterns of skull deformation, in fossil species for example, by applying external forces proportional to the estimated relative PCSAs of the jaw adductors. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling elastic properties in finite‐element analysis: How much precision is needed to produce an accurate model?
Authors: Strait David S. , Wang Qian , Dechow Paul C. , Ross Callum F. , Richmond Brian G. , Spencer Mark A. , Patel Biren A.
Published: March 2005

The influence of elastic properties on finite‐element analysis was investigated using a finite‐element model of a Macaca fascicularis skull. Four finite‐element analyses were performed in which the model was assigned different sets of elastic properties. In analysis 1, elastic properties were modeled isotropically using published data obtained from human limb bones. Analyses 2–4 used data obtained from skulls of a closely allied species, M. mulatta, but varied as to how those data were incorporated into the model. In analysis 2, the model was assigned a single set of isotropic elastic properties. In analysis 3, each region within the model was assigned its own set of isotropic elastic properties. Finally, in analysis 4, each region received its own set of orthotropic elastic properties. Although a qualitative assessment indicates that the locations of strain concentrations across the model are broadly similar in all analyses, a quantitative assessment of strain indicates some differences between the analyses. When strain data from the finite‐element analyses were compared to strain data derived from in vivo experiments, it was found that the model deformed most realistically using the orthotropic elastic properties employed in analysis 4. Results suggest that finite‐element analyses can be adversely affected when elastic properties are modeled imprecisely, and that modelers should attempt to obtain elastic properties data about the species and skeletal elements that are the subjects of their analyses. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chondroitins 4 and 6 sulfate in osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Michel Beat A. , Stucki Gerold , Frey Diana , De Vathaire Florent , Vignon Eric , Bruehlmann Pius , Uebelhart Daniel
Published: March 2005

Objective

To determine whether chondroitin sulfate (CS) is effective in inhibiting cartilage loss in knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 300 patients with knee OA were recruited from an outpatient clinic, from private practices, and through advertisements. Study patients were randomly assigned to receive either 800 mg CS or placebo once daily for 2 years. The primary outcome was joint space loss over 2 years as assessed by a posteroanterior radiograph of the knee in flexion; secondary outcomes included pain and function.

Results

Of 341 patients screened, 300 entered the study and were included in the intent‐to‐treat analysis. The 150 patients receiving placebo had progressive joint space narrowing, with a mean ± SD joint space loss of 0.14 ± 0.61 mm after 2 years (P = 0.001 compared with baseline). In contrast, there was no change in mean joint space width for the 150 patients receiving CS (0.00 ± 0.53 mm; P not significant compared with baseline). Similar results were found for minimum joint space narrowing. The differences in loss of joint space between the two groups were significant for mean joint space width (0.14 ± 0.57 mm; P = 0.04) and for minimum joint space width (0.12 ± 0.52 mm; P = 0.05). CS was well tolerated, with no significant differences in rates of adverse events between the two groups.

Conclusion

While there was no significant symptomatic effect in this study, long‐term treatment with CS may retard radiographic progression in patients with OA of the knee. However, the clinical relevance of the observed structural results has to be further evaluated, and further studies are needed to confirm the structural effects of CS.
Cardiovascular death in rheumatoid arthritis: A population‐based study
Authors: Maradit‐Kremers Hilal , Nicola Paulo J. , Crowson Cynthia S. , Ballman Karla V. , Gabriel Sherine E.
Published: March 2005

Objective

To determine whether systemic inflammation confers any additional risk for cardiovascular death among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities.

Methods

Using the population‐based data resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project, we assembled an incidence cohort of all Rochester, Minnesota residents ages ≥18 years who first fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria for RA between January 1, 1955 and January 1, 1995. All subjects were followed up longitudinally through their complete (inpatient, outpatient) medical records, beginning at age 18 years and continuing until death, migration, or January 1, 2001. Detailed information on the occurrence of various cardiovascular risk factors (personal history of coronary heart disease [CHD], congestive heart failure, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, body mass index [BMI], diabetes mellitus, menopausal status) as well as indicators of systemic inflammation and RA disease severity (rheumatoid factor [RF] seropositivity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], joint swelling, radiographic changes, RA nodules, RA complications, RA treatments, disease duration) and comorbidities were collected on all subjects. Causes of death were ascertained from death certificates and medical records. Cox regression models were used to estimate the independent predictors of cardiovascular death.

Results

This inception cohort comprised a total of 603 RA patients whose mean age was 58 years, of whom 73% were women. During a mean followup of 15 years, 354 patients died and cardiovascular disease was the primary cause of death in 176 patients. Personal history of CHD, smoking, hypertension, low BMI, and diabetes mellitus, as well as comorbidities, including peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, dementia, ulcers, malignancies, renal disease, liver disease, and history of alcoholism, were all significant risk factors for cardiovascular death (P < 0.01 for each). Multivariable Cox regression analyses, controlled for cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities, revealed that the risk of cardiovascular death was significantly higher among RA patients with at least 3 ESR values of ≥60 mm/hour (hazard ratio [HR] 2.03, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.45–2.83), RA vasculitis (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.00–5.81), and RA lung disease (HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.11–4.84).

Conclusion

These results indicate that markers of systemic inflammation confer a statistically significant additional risk for cardiovascular death among patients with RA, even after controlling for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities.
Evaluation of the pituitary–adrenal axis function following single intraarticular injection of methylprednisolone
Authors: Mader Reuven , Lavi Idit , Luboshitzky Rafael
Published: March 2005

Objective

To determine the effects of a single session of intraarticular methylprednisolone (IA‐MP) injections on the function of the pituitary–adrenal axis.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with rheumatic diseases were treated with a single IA‐MP injection. The dose varied between 20 and 160 mg. The basal cortisol level and the response to 1 μg adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation were determined before treatment, at 1 day, and at 1 week after IA‐MP injections. Further tests were carried out for up to 6 weeks in patients with blunted cortisol response. Results were compared with those obtained in a group of 22 healthy subjects.

Results

Before treatment, all patients had normal basal and peak cortisol responses to ACTH (>396 nmoles/liter at 30 minutes). Reduced fasting cortisol levels (<147 nmoles/liter) were detected in 12 of 25 patients (48%) after 1 day, in 1 of 25 patients (4%) after 1 week, and in 1 of 25 patients (4%) 2 weeks after IA‐MP injections. Blunted peak cortisol response (<396 nmoles/liter at 30 minutes) was observed in 1 of 25 patients (4%) after 1 day, in 3 of 25 patients (12%) after 1 week, and in 1 of 25 patients (4%) 2 weeks after IA‐MP injections. Decreased fasting levels and peak cortisol responses to ACTH stimulation were more common in patients with inflammatory diseases and in those injected with 80–160 mg MP.

Conclusion

Single‐session IA‐MP injection(s) are associated with systemic absorption of MP, causing impaired adrenocortical reserve. Recovery is expected in most patients after 1–2 weeks. Only a few patients exhibited suppression for up to 2 weeks. The magnitude of this suppression depends on the dose injected, and is more common in patients with inflammatory joint diseases. Caution is required if repeated large doses of IA‐MP are considered in these patients.
CYP7B expression and activity in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Regulation by proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Dulos John , van der Vleuten Monique A. J. , Kavelaars Annemieke , Heijnen Cobi J. , Boots Annemieke M.
Published: March 2005

Objective

The cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP7B catalyzes the conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) into 7α‐hydroxy‐DHEA (7α‐OH‐DHEA). This metabolite can stimulate the immune response. We previously reported that the severity of murine collagen‐induced arthritis is correlated with CYP7B messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and activity in the arthritic joint. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of 7α‐OH‐DHEA in synovial samples and the cytokine regulation of CYP7B activity in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The presence of 7α‐OH‐DHEA was examined in synovial biopsy tissues, synovial fluid, and serum by radioimmunoassay. The effect of cytokines on CYP7B mRNA expression and CYP7B activity in FLS was examined by determining the formation of the CYP7B enzyme product 7α‐OH‐DHEA with the use of high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The CYP7B enzyme product 7α‐OH‐DHEA was found in synovial biopsy tissues, synovial fluid, and serum from RA patients. The proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), IL‐1β, and IL‐17 up‐regulated CYP7B activity in an FLS cell line 2–10‐fold. Enhanced CYP7B activity was correlated with an increase in CYP7B mRNA. The cytokine transforming growth factor β inhibited CYP7B activity. Moreover, CYP7B activity was detected in 10 of 13 unstimulated synovial fibroblast cell lines. Stimulation with TNFα increased CYP7B activity in all cell lines tested.

Conclusion

Exposure to the proinflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, and IL‐17 increases CYP7B activity in synovial tissue. Increased CYP7B activity leads to higher levels of the DHEA metabolite 7α‐OH‐DHEA in synovial fluid, which may contribute to the maintenance of the chronic inflammation observed in RA patients.
Calculation of the Redox Potential of the Protein Azurin and Some Mutants
Authors: van den Bosch Marieke , Swart Marcel , Snijders† Jaap G. , Berendsen Herman J. C. , Mark Alan E. , Oostenbrink Chris , van Gunsteren Wilfred F. , Canters Gerard W.
Published: March 2005

Azurin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a small 128‐residue, copper‐containing protein. Its redox potential can be modified by mutating the protein. Free‐energy calculations based on classical molecular‐dynamics simulations of the protein and from mutants in aqueous solution at different pH values were used to compute relative redox potentials. The precision of the free‐energy calculations with the λ coupling‐parameter approach is evaluated as function of the number and sequence of λ values, the sampling time and initial conditions. It is found that the precision is critically dependent on the relaxation of hydrogen‐bonding networks when changing the atomic‐charge distribution due to a change of redox state or pH value. The errors in the free energies range from 1 to 10 kBT, depending on the type of process. Only qualitative estimates of the change in redox potential by protein mutation can be obtained.
Towards a semantic lexicon for biological language processing
Authors: Verspoor Karin
Published: March 2005

This paper explores the use of the resources in the National Library of Medicine's Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) for the construction of a lexicon useful for processing texts in the field of molecular biology. A lexicon is constructed from overlapping terms in the UMLS SPECIALIST lexicon and the UMLS Metathesaurus to obtain both morphosyntactic and semantic information for terms, and the coverage of a domain corpus is assessed. Over 77% of tokens in the domain corpus are found in the constructed lexicon, validating the lexicon's coverage of the most frequent terms in the domain and indicating that the constructed lexicon is potentially an important resource for biological text processing. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidence, cost, and mortality of neutropenia hospitalization associated with chemotherapy
Authors: Caggiano Vincent , Weiss Richard V. , Rickert Timothy S. , Linde‐Zwirble Walter T.
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND

Neutropenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy, often requiring hospitalization for treatment of severe cases. Neutropenia hospitalization (NH) rates have been reported in individual studies, but national estimates are needed.

METHODS

Chemotherapy‐induced NHs were identified in the 1999 hospital discharge data bases from 7 states. Cancer and chemotherapy prevalence data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program and the National Cancer Data Base were used to calculate national NH rates for 13 cancer types. NH cost was estimated by multiplying charges by institution‐specific, cost‐to‐charge ratios from the 1999 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Cost Report. NH incidence was projected to national levels using population data from the United States Census and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

RESULTS

There were 20,780 discharges with documentation of cancer, chemotherapy, and neutropenia identified. Projecting to national levels, NH incidence was estimated at 60,294 cases (7.83 cases per 1000 cancer patients). The mean NH cost was $13,372. The mortality rate among patients with NH was estimated at 6.8% or 1 death for every 14 hospitalized patients. Among 13 selected cancer types, the NH rate was 34.20 cases per 1000 patients receiving chemotherapy (1 in 29 patients). NH was particularly common in patients with hematologic tumors, with an incidence of 43.3 cases per 1000 patients with such tumors (1 in 23 patients). The average NH cost for hematologic malignancies was $20,400, more than double the cost of NH for solid tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the current study, NH affects > 60,000 patients with cancer each year in the United States, with an average cost of $13,372 per hospitalization and an associated inpatient mortality rate of 6.8%. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.