bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences Among Species in Compact Bone Tissue Microstructure of Mammalian Skeleton: Use of a Discriminant Function Analysis for Species Identification
Authors: Martiniaková Monika , Grosskopf Birgit , Omelka Radoslav , Vondráková Mária , Bauerová Mária
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT:In order to develop an identification key for distinguishing between several mammalian species, bone structure of their compact bone tissue was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative characteristics. Ninety femora of adult male humans, pigs, cows, sheep, rabbits, and rats were studied. The average area, perimeter, minimum, and maximum diameter of 1863 Haversian canals and 1863 secondary osteons were measured using a digital image device. The observed data were first used to evaluate inter‐ and intraspecies diversity. After that, we applied a discriminant function analysis for differentiation of the species by these variables. Classification functions for investigated species give cross‐validated correct classification rates for 76.17% of cases. This percentage value can be increased by integrating conclusions from the qualitative analysis.
Testing and Evaluation of 43 “Noncore” Y Chromosome Markers for Forensic Casework Applications
Authors: Hanson Erin K. , Berdos Paulina N. , Ballantyne Jack
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT: A developmental validation study was performed on three Y‐STR multiplex systems, Multiplex III (MPIII), Multiplex IV (MPIV), and Multiplex V (MPV), to ascertain their potential applicability to forensic casework. MPIII contains eight Y‐STRs, including DYS426, DYS435, DYS436, DYS441, DYS442, DYS446, DYS462, and Y‐GATA‐A10, and one InDel, YAP (DYS287). MPIV contains 21 Y‐STR loci, including DYS443, DYS444, DYS445, DYS447, DYS448, DYS449, DYS452, DYS453, DYS454, DYS455, DYS456, DYS458, DYS463, DYS464, DYS468, DYS484, DYS522, DYS527, DYS531 DYS557, and DYS588. MPV contains 13 Y‐STR loci, including DYS459, DYS476, DYS488, DYS513, DYS549, DYS561, DYS570, DYS575, DYS576, DYS590, DYS594, DYS598, and DYS607. Full genetic profiles were consistently obtained for all three multiplexes with 25–50 pg of male DNA. No significant amplification was observed with 1 μg of female DNA. Each multiplex permitted the determination of the number of male donors in male:male DNA admixtures. Species specificity studies demonstrated some cross‐reactivity with some primate samples. Environmentally compromised blood samples produced full or partial profiles after exposure to various conditions for up to 1 year. Full profiles were recovered from simulated casework specimens including cigarette butts and postcoital cervicovaginal swabs. Population data were collected to determine individual loci gene diversity and multiplex discriminatory capacity.
Computation of Likelihood Ratios in Fingerprint Identification for Configurations of Three Minutiæ
Authors: Neumann Cedric , Champod Christophe , Puch‐Solis Roberto , Egli Nicole , Anthonioz Alexandre , Meuwly Didier , Bromage‐Griffiths Andie
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT:Recent challenges to fingerprint evidence have brought forward the need for peer‐reviewed scientific publications to support the evidential value assessment of fingerprint. This paper proposes some research directions to gather statistical knowledge of the within‐source and between‐sources variability of configurations of three minutiæ on fingermarks and fingerprints. This paper proposes the use of the likelihood ratio (LR) approach to assess the value of fingerprint evidence. The model explores the statistical contribution of configurations of three minutiae using Tippett plots and related measures to assess the quality of the system. Features vectors used for statistical analysis have been obtained following a preprocessing step based on Gabor filtering and image processing to extract minutia position, type, and direction. Spatial relationships have been coded using Delaunay triangulation. The metric, used to assess similarity between two feature vectors is based on an Euclidean distance measure. The within‐source variability has been estimated using a sample of 216 fingerprints from four fingers (two donors). Between‐sources variability takes advantage of a database of 818 ulnar loops from randomly selected males. The results show that the data‐driven approach adopted here is robust. The magnitude of LRs obtained under the prosecution and defense propositions stresses upon the major evidential contribution that small portions of fingermark, containing three minutiæ, can provide regardless of its position on the general pattern.
Early Loading of Unsplinted Implants Supporting Mandibular Overdentures Using a One‐Stage Operative Procedure with Two Different Implant Systems: A 2‐Year Report
Authors: Tawse‐Smith Andrew , Payne Alan G.T. , Kumara Rohana , Thomson W. Murray
Published: October 2006

Background: Step‐wise reduction in loading protocols is necessary to evaluate early loading of implants with mandibular overdentures.

Purpose: To compare the success rates of two different dental implant systems following conventional or early loading protocols in patients being rehabilitated with mandibular overdentures.

Materials and Methods: Forty‐eight edentulous participants were randomly allocated to two different implant systems: one with a machined titanium implant surface (Sterioss, Nobel Biocare, Yorba Linda, California, USA) and the other with a roughened titanium surface (Southern Implants, Irene, South Africa). For each system, the participants were further divided into control groups, in whom mandibular implant overdentures and their respective matrices were inserted following a standard 12‐week healing period, and test groups, in whom a 6‐week healing period was followed prior to identical loading. Two unsplinted implants to support implant overdentures were placed in the anterior mandible of all participants, using a standardized one‐stage surgical procedure. Mobility tests and marginal bone levels, as well as periimplant parameters, were evaluated at each baseline and 52 and 104 weeks after surgery.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the success rates of the two systems in either control or test groups. At the 2‐year evaluation, a success rate was found of 87.5% and 70.8.% for the control and test Sterioss groups, respectively, and 83.3% and 100% for the control and test Southern Implants groups were observed. For the Sterioss groups, eight implants were lost at an early stage: seven in the test group and one in the control group. For the Southern Implants control and test groups, no failures were seen at any time interval. There were no significant differences in marginal bone loss, Periotest values, and peri‐implant parameters between implant systems or between any of the control or test groups.

Conclusions: Early loading, with step‐wise reductions in loading protocols, of unsplinted machined Sterioss and roughened Southern Implants fixtures with mandibular overdentures is possible for up to 2 years.
Five‐Year Prospective Study of Immediate/Early Loading of Fixed Prostheses in Completely Edentulous Jaws with a Bone Quality‐Based Implant System
Authors: Misch Carl E. , Degidi Marco
Published: October 2006

Background: The concept of immediate loading of root‐form implants for fixed restorations has received increasing interest over the last 5 years. Several authors have commented on parameters that may influence results, including implant number, implant length, bone density, and patient habits. The trigger for bone remodeling around an implant may occur from the surgical trauma of insertion or the mechanical environment of strain at the interface. In the classic two‐stage approach, these were divided episodes, separated by 3 to 6 months. Immediate loading compresses this time frame; the two driving mechanisms for bone repair occur concurrently. A scientific approach to the interface development is to match the bone healing response of trauma (woven bone of repair) to the response of mechanical load (reactive woven bone), so the sum of these two entities does not result in fibrous tissue formation and clinical mobility of the implant.

Purpose: It is the purpose of this article to review the scientific rationale of these statements and coordinate them to bone physiology and bone biomechanics.

Materials and Methods: Findings from previous reports in the literature were reviewed and summarized to form the basis of a prospective study using a bone quality‐based implant system (Biohorizons, Maestro Dental Implants, Birmingham, AL, USA). A transitional prosthesis was delivered either on the day of surgery or within 2 weeks for 30 patients and 31 arches. A total of 244 implants were used to support these restorations, for an average of 7.8 implants per prosthesis. After 4 to 7 months, the final restorations were fabricated. One year after the final restoration was loaded, the implant survival was 100%; the 31 restorations also had a survival of 100% over this time frame. This report presents these implants and restorations over a 1‐ to 5‐year period, with an average follow‐up period of 2.6 years.

Results: The bone loss from implant insertion to final prosthesis delivery averaged 0.7 mm. The first‐year bone loss after final prosthesis delivery averaged 0.07 mm. A slight increase in bone height was observed after the first year, but generally no increase was observed over the remaining evaluation period.

Conclusions: In the current report, no implant failure occurred, and crestal bone loss values were similar to or less than values reported with the conditional two‐stage approach. This may be related to the number and position of implants, implant design, and/or the surface condition of the implant loading.
Donor Site Morbidity in Two Different Approaches to Anterior Iliac Crest Bone Harvesting
Authors: Cricchio Giovanni , Lundgren Stefan
Published: October 2006

Background: Bone grafting is a surgical technique for the reconstruction of the atrophic edentulous maxilla prior to treatment with endosseous implants. The anterior iliac crest is a commonly used donor site.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the donor site morbidity and complications when harvesting corticocan‐cellous bone from the medial table of the anterior iliac crest and compare this with results when bone was harvested from the lateral and superior table of the anterior iliac crest. In addition, the outcome of the oral rehabilitation was evaluated by means of a quality‐of‐life questionnaire.

Material and Methods: The study was composed of 70 consecutively treated patients with a mean age of 56 years. The patients were retrospectively evaluated with regard to postoperative donor site morbidity and complications at the donor site.

Results: For the donor site morbidity, 74% of the patients were free of pain within 3 weeks, whereas 26% of the patients had a prolonged period of pain lasting from a few weeks to several months. For 11% of the patients, there was still some pain or discomfort 2 years after the grafting surgery. For gait disturbance the figures were similar:79% had no problems after 3 weeks.

For the eight patients who still had some pain after 2 years, which was considered permanent, three also had gait disturbance. There was a total of three major complications (4%), one iliac wing fracture and two neurologic injuries.

Conclusion: When harvesting a large amount of unicortical corticocancellous bone blocks from the the superolateral site of the iliac crest with a “peel off’ technique, morbidity and complication rates do not differ significantly compared with those of the traditional anterior medial approach. Oral rehabilitation with maxillary reconstruction with bone grafts from the iliac crest and endosseous implants significantly improved oral function, facial appearance, and recreation/social activities and resulted in an overall improvement in quality of life in formerly edentulous patients.
Short‐Term Bone Response to Titanium Implants Coated with Thin Radiofrequent Magnetron‐Sputtered Hydroxyapatite in Rabbits
Authors: Mohammadi Shams , Esposito Marco , Hall Jan , Emanuelsson Lena , Krozer Anatol , Thomsen Peter
Published: October 2006

Background: It has been suggested that calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings initiate faster bone growth around implants. A major concern about the viable use of these coatings has been their biologic performance related to the coating characteristics.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the early bone response to micron‐ and submicron‐thick hydroxya‐patite (HA) coatings in cortical and trabecular bone.

Materials and Methods: CaP coatings were manufactured by magnetron sputtering. Heat treatment was subsequently used to increase the crystallinity of the coatings. Coatings were characterized by x‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), and stylus profilometry. Four types of CaP‐coated implants were used (0.1 urn and 2.0 μm amorphous; 0.1 um and 2.0 μn crystalline); uncoated machined commercially pure titanium implants served as controls.

Four hundred eighty implants were randomly placed in 60 rabbits. Ten animals were followed up for 1 week, 10 for 3 weeks, and 40 for 6 weeks. The bone response was histomorphometrically evaluated.

Results: Coatings with a CaP ratio very close to that of HA were produced. Crystalline coatings significantly improved the early bone‐implant contact whereas the amorphous‐coated implants behaved similarly to uncoated titanium.

Conclusions: Crystalline CaP coatings 100 nm thick on titanium implants elicited an improved early bone response compared with that of uncoated titanium implants. No further improvement in the bone response was observed with 2 μm coatings.
A Surgical Stent for the Brånemark Novum® Bone Reduction Procedure
Authors: Barteaux Laurent , Daelemans Philippe , Malevez Chantal
Published: October 2006

Background:

The Brånemark Novum® concept (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) was introduced to load implants immediately with a definitive fixed prosthesis in the edentulous mandible. This concept is based on the use of prefabricated templates to allow precise placement of three implants and a prefabricated bar structure for the prosthetic procedure. To obtain three‐dimensional stability in these prefabricated templates, surgical bone reduction may be necessary to obtain a stable adaptation between the templates and the recipient bone site.

Purpose:

The aim of this work was to design a surgical stent for predictable reduction of the residual alveolar crest prior to the implant placement procedures.

Materials and Methods:

A predetermined alveolar crest platform based essentially on a lateral cephalometric radiographic evaluation was simulated on a cast in order to design a transparent resin surgical guide. The predictability potential of the procedure was then evaluated in 10 patients. The prosthetic outcomes were compared with those of a similar group of 10 patients treated without the presented stent by evaluating two factors, namely, the anterior dimensions of the prostheses and the required posterior adjustments of the upper bar.

Results:

Correlation analysis of our series suggested a good predictability potential for this procedure (r= 0.9215). The mean anterior prosthetic dimension was 32% lower and was more predictable (narrow range of 8–12 mm vs broad range of 8–21 mm) when the stent was used. Furthermore, since half as many posterior adjustments of the upper bar were required, the laboratory procedure was facilitated.

Conclusion:

This individualized guide allows appropriate bone reduction for obtaining a predictable surgery and prosthetic stage.
Maxillary Sinus Elevation Surgery: An Overview
Authors: KAUFMAN ELIAZ
Published: October 2006

Maxillary sinus elevation surgery was developed to increase the height of bone available for implant placement in the posterior maxilla. The efficacy and predictability of this procedure have been determined in numerous studies. The basic approach to the sinus (Caldwell‐Luc operation) involves an osteotomy performed on the lateral maxillary wall, elevation of the sinus membrane, and placement of bone graft material. The graft materials can be categorized into four groups: autogenous bone, allografts (harvested from human cadavers), alloplasts (synthetic materials), and xenografts (grafts from a nonhuman species). These graft materials can be used alone or in combination with each other. Implant placement can occur at the same surgical procedure (immediate placement) or following a healing period of 6 to 9 months (delayed placement). A more conservative approach to the sinus, the osteotome technique, has been described as well.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This article provides an overview of the surgical technique, with emphasis on anatomic considerations, preoperative patient evaluation (clinical and radiographic), indications and contraindications to the procedure, and possible risks and complications.
Use of a Reflectance Spectrophotometer in Evaluating Shade Change Resulting from Tooth‐Whitening Products
Authors: STEPHEN J.
Published: October 2006

Historically, shade change assessment associated with vital bleaching treatment regimens has been visually evaluated through the use of shade guide tabs. Innovations in the industry of dentistry have brought forth new technologies capable of measuring such changes via the capture and analysis of reflected wavelengths of light.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This article introduces the use of a 45/0 reflectance spectrophotometer and identifies the advantages and limitations associated with such a technology in the assessment of shade change owing to vital bleaching.
Bond Strengths of Current Adhesive Systems on Intact and Ground Enamel
Authors: SENAWONGSE PISOL , SATTABANASUK VANTHANA , SHIMADA YASUSHI , OTSUKI MASAYUKI , TAGAMI JUNJI
Published: October 2006

Purpose:

The goal of this study was to compare the microshear bond strengths of current adhesive systems to intact and ground enamel surfaces.

Materials and Methods:

Three commercially adhesive materials were examined: a two‐step total‐etching self‐priming system (Single Bond®, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), a two‐step self‐etching system (Clearfil SE Bond®, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan), and an all‐in‐one system (One‐Up Bond® F, Tokuyama Dental, Tokyo, Japan). The labial surfaces of extracted human incisors were used. For intact enamel surfaces, the teeth were polished with pumice. However, for the ground enamel, 0.5 mm deep, flat enamel surfaces at the midlabial aspect were ground with a no. 600 grit silicon carbide paper. Ground and intact enamel surfaces were bonded with one of three bonding systems and a resin composite and were subjected to a microshear bond test.

Results:

The two self‐etching systems demonstrated lower bond strengths than did the total‐etching system on intact enamel (One‐Up Bond F, 18.59 MPa; Clearfil SE Bond, 35.71 MPa; Single Bond, 47.20 MPa). No significant difference was found between the total‐etching system and the two‐step self‐etching system on ground enamel (One‐Up Bond F, 28.96 MPa; Clearfil SE Bond, 48.51 MPa; Single Bond, 51.07 MPa). Shear bond strengths on ground enamel were significantly higher than those on intact enamel except for the group that was bonded with the total‐etching system.

Conclusions: The two‐step adhesives showed significantly higher bond strengths than did the one‐step adhesive. When applying the total‐etching system, no significant differences in bond strength were demonstrated between bonding to intact and to ground enamel.
An Alternative to Brain Death
Authors: McMahan Jeff
Published: October 2006

Most contributors to the debate about brain death, including Dr. James Bernat, share certain assumptions. They believe that the concept of death is univocal, that death is a biological phenomenon, that it is necessarily irreversible, that it is paradigmatically something that happens to organisms, that we are human organisms, and therefore that our deaths will be deaths of organisms. These claims are supposed to have moral significance. It is, for example, only when a person dies that it is permissible to extract her organs for transplantation.

It is also commonly held that our univocal notion of death is the permanent cessation of integrated functioning in an organism and that the criterion for determining when this has occurred in animals with brains is the death of the brain as a whole – that is, brain death. The reason most commonly given for this is that the brain is the irreplaceable master control of the organism's integration.
Reviews in Medical Ethics: “Open Access,” Legal Publishing, and Online Repositories
Authors: Bluh Pamela
Published: October 2006

The Open Access Movement maintains that all scientific and scholarly literature should be available to all for free via the Internet. This concept is not new. Some scholars trace its roots as far back as 1963 when “hypertext” was first introduced. Although the Open Access Movement may have originated more than fifty years ago, it has been fueled by more recent events, including the unremitting escalation of journal subscription prices over the last two decades, resulting in massive cancellations of journals by academic libraries; the ubiquitous nature of the Internet and the parallel explosion of electronic resources; and the desire of authors to find a new publishing model which continues to offer the benefits of peer review while providing for more rapid publication and wide-spread distribution than the current labor-intensive, time-consuming model.

The Open Access Movement has resulted in a number of online repositories devoted to legal analysis and policy. This column explores the genesis of the movement, its value to researchers and policymakers, and provides an overview of the two principal open access products in the legal arena.
The Seasonal Variability of the Arctic Ocean Ekman Transport and Its Role in the Mixed Layer Heat and Salt Fluxes
Authors: Yang Jiayan
Published: October 2006

The oceanic Ekman transport and pumping are among the most important parameters in studying the ocean general circulation and its variability. Upwelling due to the Ekman transport divergence has been identified as a leading mechanism for the seasonal to interannual variability of the upper-ocean heat content in many parts of the World Ocean, especially along coasts and the equator. Meanwhile, the Ekman pumping is the primary mechanism that drives basin-scale circulations in subtropical and subpolar oceans. In those ice-free oceans, the Ekman transport and pumping rate are calculated using the surface wind stress. In the ice-covered Arctic Ocean, the surface momentum flux comes from both air–water and ice–water stresses. The data required to compute these stresses are now available from satellite and buoy observations. But no basin-scale calculation of the Ekman transport in the Arctic Ocean has been done to date. In this study, a suite of satellite and buoy observations of ice motion, ice concentration, surface wind, etc., will be used to calculate the daily Ekman transport over the whole Arctic Ocean from 1978 to 2003 on a 25-km resolution. The seasonal variability and its relationship to the surface forcing fields will be examined. Meanwhile, the contribution of the Ekman transport to the seasonal fluxes of heat and salt to the Arctic Ocean mixed layer will be discussed. It was found that the greatest seasonal variations of Ekman transports of heat and salt occur in the southern Beaufort Sea in the fall and early winter when a strong anticyclonic wind and ice motion are present. The Ekman pumping velocity in the interior Beaufort Sea reaches as high as 10 cm day−1 in November while coastal upwelling is even stronger. The contributions of the Ekman transport to the heat and salt flux in the mixed layer are also considerable in the region.
American Nightmare
Authors: Brown Wendy
Published: October 2006

Neoliberalism and neoconservatism are two distinct political rationalities in the contemporary United States. They have few overlapping formal characteristics, and even appear contradictory in many respects. Yet they converge not only in the current presidential administration but also in their de-democratizing effects. Their respective devaluation of political liberty, equality, substantive citizenship, and the rule of law in favor of governance according to market criteria on the one side, and valorization of state power for putatively moral ends on the other, undermines both the culture and institutions of constitutional democracy. Above all, the two rationalities work symbiotically to produce a subject relatively indifferent to veracity and accountability in government and to political freedom and equality among the citizenry.
The subjective components of happiness and their attainment: a cross-cultural comparison between Italy and Cuba
Authors: Galati Dario , Manzano Mayra , Sotgiu Igor
Published: October 2006

This study aims to identify the subjective components of happiness and to analyze their degree of attainment in two countries, Italy and Cuba, characterized by very different cultural and socio-economic structures. Two hundred and sixty-five subjects participated in a questionnaire study: 133 from Italy and 132 from Cuba. Respondents were asked to think of happiness and to write down at least 5 components that made them feel happy. A measure of overall happiness was also obtained by asking subjects to rate to what extent they had attained each component in their life. The analysis of responses provided by the two samples yielded the identification of 21 cross-culturally shared happiness components, which referred to individual interests, relational interests and values. The most relevant components in each group were health, family, love and money. Italian and Cuban subjects differed in the frequency of citation of some happiness components (e.g. money, work, partner) and in the degree of attainment of them. Overall, Cubans perceived themselves as happier than Italians. Findings are discussed in relation to the socio-economic and cultural characteristics of the Italian and Cuban contexts.
Lupus and Cardiovascular Disease: The Facts
Authors: Szekanecz Z , Shoenfeld Y
Published: October 2006

Accelerated atherosclerosis leading to coronary artery disease (CAD) and other cardiac manifestations have increasing importance for the management and outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is increased cardiovascular mortality in SLE. Several traditional and disease-related risk factors, as well as corticosteroids are involved in lupus-associated atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations. Cardiovascular risk is even higher in lupus patients also having secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) due to the additive effects of SLE- and APS-related risk factors. The primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerosis and CAD in these diseases includes drug treatment, such as the use of statins and aspirin, as well as lifestyle modifications. Apart from CAD, other cardiac manifestations may also be present in SLE patients. Among these conditions, pericarditis is the most common, however, myocarditis, endocarditis and valvular disease, conduction abnormalities, impairment of systolic and diastolic function, pulmonary or peripheral arterial hypertension and microcirculatory problems may also occur. Early diagnosis of SLE, active immunosuppressive treatment and close follow-up of lupus patients and prevention may help to minimize cardiovascular risk in these individuals.
Mycophenolate and nephrology
Authors: Patel PS , Rifkin IR
Published: October 2006

Several large, randomized trials have established mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as an effective immunosuppressant for kidney transplantation. Inhibition of inosine 5′-monophospate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) by MMF appears to have pleiotropic effects on both immune and non-immune cells. In addition to B- and T-cell inhibition, in vitro and in vivo data suggest that MMF also has inhibitory effects on smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and myofibroblasts, findings that may be relevant in considering treatment of primary immune mediated kidney diseases. Clinical trials have established the efficacy of MMF for the treatment of lupus nephritis, as discussed in detail elsewhere in this supplement. Although animal studies have provided the rationale for human trials of MMF in primary glomerular diseases, most of the evidence thus far is conflicting or based largely on pilot studies. Data from larger, controlled trials will soon emerge and may clarify the role of MMF in the treatment of these disorders.
Inflammation and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: McMahon M , Grossman J , Chen W , Hahn BH
Published: October 2006

Atherosclerosis is a complicated inflammatory process characterized by the interactions of numerous different moieties including lipids, enzymes, endothelial cells, cytokines, chemokines, leukocytes, adhesion molecules, complement and antibodies. As in the pathogenesis of many lupus disease processes, the increased risk of atherosclerosis seen in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is likely due to the complex interplay of many of these inflammatory mediators. Expanding our understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in SLE is critical if we are to improve the quality of care and reduce mortality in this vulnerable population.
Antiphospholipid (Hughes) syndrome and atheroma
Authors: Davies RJ , Sangle SR , Khamashta MA , D'Cruz DP
Published: October 2006

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a prothrombotic disorder characterised by recurrent thrombotic events and pregnancy morbidity in the context of autoantibodies against phospholipid binding proteins. There is increasing evidence that these autoantibodies are associated with accelerated atherosclerosis. The presence of stenotic lesions radiologically and abnormalities of the ankle-brachial index, flow-mediated dilatation and carotid abnormalities supports this view and this clinical evidence is reviewed.
Mycophenolate mofetil and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Hughes Grv , Phillips H
Published: October 2006

Lupus is proving a fertile ground for research into mechanisms of accelerated atheroma. Often referred to as ‘the new diabetes’, lupus has a relative risk of myocardial infarction way in excess of, for example, other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The possible suspects are discussed in this issue of LUPUS, with the antiphospholipid antibody family becoming increasingly important.

The observation that mycophenolate mofetil might have therapeutic properties in some models of accelerated vascular disease has thus added impetus to studies of mofetil in lupus and related diseases.
The influence of other drugs on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bruce IN
Published: October 2006

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients currently are exposed to a number of agents to control various manifestations of their disease. In particular the degree of immunosuppression employed is strongly related to the underlying disease severity. This causes problems when evaluating the longterm associations between drugs and outcomes such as cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, most studies do suggest that increased and prolonged exposure to steroids is harmful to the vasculature and that antimalarial drugs may have several potential beneficial effects in reducing CHD risk in SLE. Further work is now needed to assess if there are doses or regimes of steroid therapy that can optimize their anti-inflammatory effects and minimise their adverse metabolic effects. With regard to other drugs used, it should not be assumed that all immunosuppressive drugs are equal with regard to the cardiovascular system. There is some emerging data that azathioprine may have an association with atherosclerosis development. Whether this is independent of the clinical phenotype remains an open question. Studies of MTX in RA are controversial and in SLE the specific cardiovascular effects of MTX requires direct study.

With several novel agents currently in development, their potential effects on the vasculature need specific study to unravel the relative effects of the inflammatory burden, specific organ involvement and therapy on vascular risk.
Local Deformation Characteristics of the Shape Memory Alloy Rods during Forward and Reverse Stress Induced Martensitic Transformations
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Ashiqur , Tani Junji
Published: October 2006

This study deals with the local strain–overall strain relationship of the superelsatic shape memory alloy (SMA) rods observed for consecutive tensile loading– unloading cycles. The local strains are measured by an extensometer and also by strain gages. On the other hand, the total strains of the specimens are measured from displacements of the loading machine's fixture. Test results show that during the stress induced martensite transformation (SIMT), the local strains of the mid portion are significantly different from those of the overall strains of the specimen. This phenomenon is so distinct that it appears the start and finish points of the forward SIMT and as well as the reverse SIMT can be identified by simply plotting midpoint local strain versus the over-all strain of the specimens. This unique local deformation pattern is explained elaborately in terms of the critical stress barrier. The critical stress necessary to initiate SIMT is found to be higher for the mid portion of the specimen than it is for any other portion of the specimen. It is shown from this study that local stress concentration is mainly responsible for the above mentioned unique phenomena that are independent of the specimen size and gage length. The local strain, however, should be measured by highly sensitive strain gages to observe the above mentioned phenomena.
A Piezoelectric Screw Dislocation in a Three-phase Composite Cylinder Model with Electrically Conductive Interfacial Rigid Lines
Authors: Fang Q. H. , Liu Y. W.
Published: October 2006

The problem of the electro-elastic coupling interaction between a piezoelectric screw dislocation and a three-phase circular inclusion with interfacial electrically conductive rigid lines (anti-cracks) is investigated. An efficient and concise method for complex multiply connected region is developed, in terms of which explicit series form solutions of the complex potentials in the matrix, the interphase layer and the inclusion regions are derived. Based on the complex potentials, the image force on the piezoelectric screw dislocation is then calculated by using the generalized Peach–Koehler formula. The equilibrium position of the dislocation is discussed in detail for various rigid line geometries, intrephase layer thicknesses, and piezoelectric material property combinations. The main results show that the interfacial rigid lines have significant perturbation effect on the motion of the piezoelectric screw dislocation near the circular inclusion surrounded by an interphase layer. The solutions of complex potentials in the article can be used as Green's functions to solve the problem on the interaction between interfacial rigid lines and arbitrary shape cracks in piezoelectric composites.
Estimation of Safety Index of Aging Structures through Neural Networks and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Pidaparti Ramana M. , Liy X. , Baiy G.
Published: October 2006

Aging aerospace structures undergo severe damage due to corrosion, fatigue, creep, and other factors. The objective of this study is to estimate a unique parameter, called a safety index that gives an indication of the safety or reliability of these structures. To obtain the safety index, evolutionary computations using neural network based particle swarm optimization technique were developed to evolve the required data for the network. A simulation program, based on the neural network and optimization techniques, was implemented in MS visual basic/VC++ environment to predict the safety index of a damaged structure. Analytical solutions were used to predict the effects of crack, fatigue, and creep damage mechanisms. The results obtained from the simulation program were compared to the analytical solutions as there is no experimental data available for multiple damage mechanisms of an aging structure. Based on the results obtained, it appears that the proposed approach of obtaining the safety of a structure is reasonable, and the developed simulation program might be useful as an initial estimate to assess the structural integrity. However, more experimental work will be needed to establish the utility of this approach for practical applications.
Seeking and Processing Information about Impersonal Risk
Authors: Kahlor LeeAnn , Dunwoody Sharon , Griffin Robert J. , Neuwirth Kurt
Published: October 2006

Attempts to model risk response tend to focus on risks that pose a direct personal threat. This study examined the applicability of one risk response model to impersonal risks—risks that threaten something other than the self, in this case, the environment. This study utilized a section of the Griffin et al. risk-information seeking and processing model, which depicts relationships between informational subjective norms and information seeking and processing as being mediated by perceptions of information insufficiency. The results indicate that while those relationships do hold for impersonal risk, informational subjective norms (perceived social pressure to be informed) may play an even more complex role than initially anticipated. These norms may be a powerful predictor of seeking and processing when individuals face impersonal risks.
Moving worlds
Authors: Markussen Turid
Published: October 2006

In exploring ways to speak about perception and feeling within the framework of a deconstructive cultural analysis, the article contributes to a narration of methodologies for research so as to better their capacity for engaging with the more faint or elusive manifestations of the real. The argument is grounded in a view of affective presence as involving a way of apprehending the world. Based on an exploration of affectivity and perception in a research project on prostitution in North Norway, it argues that the body and its affects form a crucial site of intervention in developing transformative methodologies. An intuition that informs my inquiry is that attending to such subtle realities holds great potential for confronting injustice and suffering in transformative ways.
Media Use, Anti-Americanism and International Support for the Iraq War
Authors: Willnat Lars , Aw Annette , Hamdy Naila Nabil , He Zhou , Menayang Victor , La Porte María Teresa , Sanders Karen , Tamam Ezhar
Published: October 2006

This study investigates the impact of pre-war news coverage on international support for President Bush's decision to invade Iraq in 2003. The study is based on a survey conducted one week prior to the start of the Iraq War among 1787 university students from six countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The findings indicate that exposure to pre-war news coverage was associated with more positive attitudes toward Iraq and higher levels of fear related to the possible consequences of a war. Stronger international support for a US invasion correlated with more positive attitudes toward Iraq, less fear about a possible war and lower levels of anti-Americanism.
Advanced techniques in medical thoracoscopy
Authors: Tassi G. F. , Davies R. J. O. , Noppen M.
Published: October 2006

For expert pulmonologists, advanced procedures in medical thoracoscopy are the nonroutine and more complex applications of the method. The main current indications are the treatment of infected pleural space, forceps lung biopsy and sympathectomy.

In parapneumonic effusions and empyema, medical thoracoscopy is as a drainage procedure, intermediate between tube thoracostomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which is efficient, significantly lower in cost and avoids surgical thoracoscopy under general anaesthesia. It is essential that it is performed early in the course of the disease and is particularly advisable for frail patients at high surgical risk.

The efficacy of forceps lung biopsy has been demonstrated in diffuse lung diseases, whereas results in localised lung diseases and chest-wall lesions have been less positive. However, VATS is currently the preferred approach for these indications. The technique still maintains its efficacy for visceral pleura and peripheral lung biopsy, in particular in the presence of pleural effusion and lung disorders.

At the present time, thoracoscopic sympathectomy is minimally invasive and is an accepted intervention for patients with a variety of autonomous nervous system disturbances. Essential hyperhidrosis patients, and well-selected patients with other disorders, can be helped with this procedure, which can also be performed by interventional pulmonologists.
Meta-Analysis and Meta-Review of Thyroid Cancer Gene Expression Profiling Studies Identifies Important Diagnostic Biomarkers
Authors: Griffith Obi L. , Melck Adrienne , Jones Steven J.M. , Wiseman Sam M.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

An estimated 4% to 7% of the population will develop a clinically significant thyroid nodule during their lifetime. In many cases, preoperative diagnoses by needle biopsy are inconclusive. Thus, there is a clear need for improved diagnostic tests to distinguish malignant from benign thyroid tumors. The recent development of high-throughput molecular analytic techniques should allow the rapid evaluation of new diagnostic markers. However, researchers are faced with an overwhelming number of potential markers from numerous thyroid cancer expression profiling studies.

Materials and Methods

To address this challenge, we have carried out a comprehensive meta-review of thyroid cancer biomarkers from 21 published studies. A gene ranking system that considers the number of comparisons in agreement, total number of samples, average fold-change and direction of change was devised.

Results

We have observed that genes are consistently reported by multiple studies at a highly significant rate (P < .05). Comparison with a meta-analysis of studies reprocessed from raw data showed strong concordance with our method.

Conclusion

Our approach represents a useful method for identifying consistent gene expression markers when raw data are unavailable. A review of the top 12 candidates revealed well known thyroid cancer markers such as MET, TFF3, SERPINA1, TIMP1, FN1, and TPO as well as relatively novel or uncharacterized genes such as TGFA, QPCT, CRABP1, FCGBP, EPS8 and PROS1. These candidates should help to develop a panel of markers with sufficient sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of thyroid tumors in a clinical setting.
Chinese and English Infants' Tone Perception: Evidence for Perceptual Reorganization
Authors: Mattock Karen , Burnham Denis
Published: October 2006

Over half the world's population speaks a tone language, yet infant speech perception research has typically focused on consonants and vowels. Very young infants can discriminate a wide range of native and nonnative consonants and vowels, and then in a process ofperceptual reorganizationover the 1st year, discrimination of most nonnative speech sounds deteriorates. We investigated perceptual reorganization for tones by testing 6‐ and 9‐month‐old infants from tone (Chinese) and nontone (English) language environments for speech (lexical tone) and nonspeech (violin sound) tone discrimination in both cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies. Overall, Chinese infants performed equally well at 6 and 9 months for both speech and nonspeech tone discrimination. Conversely, English infants' discrimination of lexical tone declined between 6 and 9 months of age, whereas their nonspeech tone discrimination remained constant. These results indicate that the reorganization of tone perception is a function of the native language environment, and that this reorganization is linguistically based.

Supplementary materials to this article are available on the World Wide Web athttp:www.infancyarchives.com
Neuron-glia communication in the control of oligodendrocyte function and myelin biogenesis
Authors: Simons Mikael , Trajkovic Katarina
Published: October 2006

During the development of the central nervous system the reciprocal communication between neurons and oligodendrocytes is essential for the generation of myelin, a multilamellar insulating membrane that ensheathes the axons. Neuron-derived signalling molecules regulate the proliferation, differentiation and survival of oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, neurons control the onset and timing of myelin membrane growth. In turn, signals from oligodendrocytes to neurons direct the assembly of specific subdomains in neurons at the node of Ranvier. Recent work has begun to shed light on the molecules and signaling systems used to coordinate the interaction of neurons and oligodendrocytes. For example, the neuronal signals seem to control the membrane trafficking machinery in oligodendrocytes that leads to myelination. These interconnections at multiple levels show how neurons and glia cooperate to build a complex network during development.
Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction of the laryngopharynx and cervical esophagus
Authors: Fabian Richard L.
Published: October 2006

Advanced carcinoma of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus is a formidable challenge to the skills of the head and neck surgeon. Radiation therapy is valuable as adjunctive therapy when combined with curative surgery, which is the primary treatment modality. The extent of anatomical disease associated with extensive neoplasia of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus is frequently not amenable to total laryngectomy with local tissue repair. Surgical ablation usually requires an extended laryngectomy, which does not permit primary local repair.

A previous report by this author, comparing all techniques historically and chronologically, indicated that the present impetus is toward procedures characterized by a one‐stage primary repair with shorter completion times. Presently, the three most promising procedures that meet these criteria are the gastric transposition, free microvascular bowel transfer, and regional myocutaneous flap repair.

Theogaraj, et al. reported the use of a partially tubulated pectoralis muscle flap over preserved posterior wall cervical esophageal mucosa in cases of short segment stenosis. Encouraged by these results, a technique using partial tubulation for long‐segment stenosis was reported. The use of this technique was expanded to include the repair of the defect left after total ablation of the laryngopharynx and cervical esophagus.

Over the past 40 months, 22 patients have undergone repair using partial tubulation of the pectoralis myocutaneous flap. This paper will discuss the technical aspects of the procedure and analyze the procedure as it relates to mortality, morbidity, and completion time. Low morbidity and a completion time of 18 days competes favorably with gastric transposition and free jejunal transfer. A rational approach to reconstruction using all procedures will be discussed.
Investigations into tracheal prosthetic reconstruction
Authors: Jacobs John R.
Published: October 2006

Reconstruction of circumferential tracheal defects may be necessary following trauma or oncologic surgery. For defects up to approximately 6 centimeters in an adult, an end‐to‐end anastomosis appears to be the method of choice. Larger defects may require utilization of a tracheal prosthesis. In dogs, a tracheal prosthesis constructed of Dacron® polyurethane mesh (Osteomesh®) was found to well tolerated following a two‐stage implantation procedure. Normal confluent respiratory epithelium was identified in the lumen of the prosthesis. Previously reported difficulties with recurrent granulation tissue at the areas of anastomosis appear to have been successfully avoided.