bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superficial mycoses and HIV infection in Yaounde
Authors: Lohoué Petmy J , Lando AJ , Kaptue L , Tchinda V , Folefack M
Published: April 2004

The incidence of superficial infections in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasing in Yaounde. To determine the prevalence of superficial mycoses in HIV‐positive subjects, a study was carried out in different hospital settings in Yaounde over a period of 18 months. Clinical observations were followed by the culture of samples on Sabouraud's glucose agar. Of the 148 HIVab‐positive patients examined, 79 (44 males and 35 females) had at least one superficial mycosis (53%). The clinical presentations and the causative organisms did not differ from those found in immunocompetent individuals. The main lesions were oral candidiasis (77%), tinea corporis (21%), tinea versicolor (15%), tinea pedis (13%) and tinea inguium (12%). Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans were the organisms most commonly isolated. These results indicate the benefit of studying superficial mycoses for optimal management of HIV patients.
Multiple granular cell tumour
Authors: Janoušková G , Campr V , Konkol’ová R , Zemanová R , Hoch J , Hercogová J
Published: April 2004

Myoblastic myoma was first described in 1926. Immunohistochemical methods have proven the neuroectodermal origin of this tumour. It most frequently affects individuals between 30 and 60 years of age, with a significant female predominance. In most cases it is a benign solitary tumour, with multiple lesions found in 25% of cases. The malignant variant of the tumour is diagnosed in less than 3% of cases. This case report of a 30‐year‐old woman describes the appearance of a solid resistance between her breasts following delivery of her child, with similar findings on the neck and wrists. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of a benign variant of myoblastic myoma.
Erbium:Yag laser therapy of lichenoid red tattoo reaction
Authors: De Argila D , Chaves A , Moreno JC
Published: April 2004

Delayed reactions caused by red tattoo pigments are often difficult to treat. We report a 31‐year‐old female patient with a lichenoid reaction to a red tattoo on the right ankle who was successfully treated with five sessions of a surgical Erbium:Yag laser, using several passes in each session. Our work leads us to consider that Er:Yag laser therapy may be an effective and safe treatment for these therapeutically challenging reactions.
Firms' Voluntary Recognition of Stock‐Based Compensation Expense
Authors: ABOODY DAVID , E. BARTH MARY , KASZNIK RON
Published: April 2004

We investigate factors associated with firms' decisions in 2002 and early 2003 to recognize stock‐based compensation expense under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123. We find that the likelihood of SFAS 123 expense recognition is significantly related to the extent of the firm's participation in capital markets, the private incentives of top management and members of the board of directors, the level of information asymmetry, and political costs. Although recognizing firms have significantly smaller SFAS 123 expense, we find no significant incremental relation between recognition likelihood and SFAS 123 expense magnitude after controlling for other factors that we expect explain the recognition decision. We also find positive and significant announcement returns for earlier announcing firms, particularly those stating that increased earnings transparency motivates their decision.
Competitive Costs of Disclosure by Biotech IPOs
Authors: GUO RE‐JIN , LEV BARUCH , ZHOU NAN
Published: April 2004

This study empirically examines the impact of various competitive cost proxies on the extent of product‐related information disclosed by biotech initial public offerings (IPOs) in their prospectuses. The choice of biotech companies, which operate in a fiercely competitive environment, crystalizes the importance of competitive disclosure costs. The focus on product‐related information is aimed at a disclosure set for which potential competitive harm is a priori substantial. Our empirical analyses establish three disclosure determinants: the stage of product development, availability of patent protection, and venture capital backing. Additionally, we find the relative size of ownership retained by pre‐IPO owners to be negatively related to the extent of disclosure, as predicted by signaling models. We also document the expected inverse relation between the extent of information conveyed by the biotech IPOs and widely used measures of information asymmetry: the bid‐ask spread and quoted depth, as well as stock return volatility.
Disclosure Practices of Foreign Companies Interacting with U.S. Markets
Authors: KHANNA TARUN , PALEPU KRISHNA G. , SRINIVASAN SURAJ
Published: April 2004

We analyze the disclosure practices of companies as a function of their interaction with U.S. markets for a group of 794 firms from 24 countries in the Asia‐Pacific and Europe. Our analysis uses the Transparency and Disclosure scores developed recently by Standard & Poor's. These scores rate the disclosure of companies from around the world using U.S. disclosure practices as an implicit benchmark. Results show a positive association between these disclosure scores and a variety of market interaction measures, including U.S. listing, U.S. investment flows, exports to, and operations in the United States. Trade with the United States at the country level, however, has an insignificant relationship with the disclosure scores. Our empirical analysis controls for the previously documented association between disclosure and firm size, performance, and country legal origin. Our results are broadly consistent with the hypothesis that cross‐border economic interactions are associated with similarities in disclosure and governance practices.
Current Status of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Korea
Authors: Song Eun Young , Kwon Seog Woon , Kim Dal Sik , Kim Dae Won , Kim Dong Wook , Kim Hyun Ok , Park Chong Won , Suh Jang Soo , Ryang Dong Wook , Lee Jeong Nyeo , Lee Jong Wook , Lim Young Ae , Lim Chae Seung , Jeon Dong Seok , Han Chi Wha , Han Tae Hee , Han Kyou Sup
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  A nationwide survey on the status of plasma exchange in Korea was performed during the 2 year period 2001–02. Data from 496 patients were collected from 15 major hospitals. The most common indication was myasthenia gravis (15.3%), followed by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (14.5%) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (9.7%). Clinical improvement was noted in 70.1% of the 415 cases. Plasma exchange by centrifugation alone accounted for 92.4%. Postcentrifugal filtration was carried out in 5.6% and double filtration in 2.0% of treatments. The most common instruments for the centrifugation were Cobe Spectra (71.3%) and Fenwal CS3000 (15.8%). Filtration was performed by either Kuraray KM8300 or Kuraray KM8800. The overall frequency of complications was 11.1% (293/2647 cases), of which symptomatic hypocalcemia was the most common (2.3%).
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Authors: McCarthy Leo J , Dlott Jeffrey S , Orazi Attilio , Waxman Daniel , Miraglia Charles C , FM Danielson Constance
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  Although much has been learned about the pathophysiologic process of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), both diagnostically and therapeutically, since its initial description by Moschcowitz in 1924, its etiology and treatments remain, in many instances, problematic. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura remains a rare entity whose etiology is usually unknown, but several drugs and infections have now been implicated in its development (i.e. Cyclosporine A, Mitomycin‐C, Ticlopidine, Simvastatin, Lipitor, Plavix, FK 506, Rapamune (sirolimus), HIV). Although its treatment by plasma exchange has gained worldwide acceptance since the late 1970s, the optimal exchange media is not known, nor the volume and duration of exchange therapy, nor appropriate salvage therapy(ies). Without the benefit of randomized controlled trials, its treatment, to a large extent, remains not evidence‐based but ‘eminence‐based’, making the same mistakes with increasing confidence over an impressive number of years.
Osteal Complications as First Manifestation in a Patient with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome and with Associated Distal Tubular Acidosis (Type 1) and Chronic Renal Insufficiency
Authors: Díaz Rodríguez C , González Rivero C , Trinidad San José JC , Del Río Romero D , Moreno Fernández A , Granja Romero E
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  Renal affection is among the complications associated with the Sjögren's Syndrome. Tubulo‐interstitial nephritis constitutes the most frequent renal lesion and distal tubular acidosis (Type 1) is the most important clinical manifestation of this tubular dysfunction, although the occurrence of chronic renal insufficiency is not an uncommon finding in the presence of distal renal tubular acidosis. Osteomalacia is a clinical consequence of tubular acidosis caused by buffering of H+ in the bone. We present the case of a woman with osteal complication a year before being diagnosed with primary Sjögren's Syndrome and with distal tubular acidosis and renal insufficiency associated at diagnosis.
Rapid Improvement of Acute Pulmonary Edema with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor under Hemodialysis in a Patient with Renovascular Disease
Authors: Fujigaki Yoshihide , Togawa Akashi , Miyaji Takehiko , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Ohashi Naro , Fukasawa Hirotaka , Yasuda Hideo , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Hishida Akira , Yonemura Katsuhiko
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  A 71‐year‐old man with bilateral renovascular disease was admitted to Hamamatsu University hospital because of appetite loss and acute shortness of breath due to acute pulmonary edema (APE) with accelerated hypertension and renal failure. Hypertension and APE were controlled by an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and four sessions of hemodialysis with reduction of 1.8 kg bodyweight. Renal function was later stabilized and the patient required no ACEI or hemodialysis. A trial of right renal angioplasty 1 month after admission failed and renal function deteriorated (serum creatinine 7.1 mg/dL) with accelerated hypertension, gain of bodyweight and APE. Even after four sessions of hemodialysis with adequate reduction of bodyweight, APE was not controlled, but it rapidly improved after administration of an ACEI, without major bodyweight change. As no apparent cardiac dysfunction was evident, APE might have been caused by a direct action of angiotensin II on hyperpermeability in pulmonary capillaries. Blocking of angiotensin II should be considered in such patients even after introduction of hemodialysis.
The Series‐parallel Circuit in the Treatment of Fulminant Hepatitis
Authors: Nakae Hajime , Yonekawa Chikara , Moon Sunkwi , Tajimi Kimitaka
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  We developed a series‐parallel treatment method for combined plasma exchange (PE) and continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) therapy in fulminant hepatitis. We then compared total serum bilirubin, citrate, and cytokine levels obtained by the new methods to those obtained with treatment by the single and reverse‐parallel PE methods. Ten adult patients with fulminant hepatitis consented to participate. Plasma exchange was conducted 25 times by the single method (PE only), 16 times by the reverse‐parallel method, and 37 times by the series‐parallel method. The percentage of total bilirubin removed was highest with the single method followed in order by that with the series‐parallel and reverse‐parallel methods; the differences were significant. The percentage increase in citrate level was highest with the single method, followed in order by that with the series‐parallel and the reverse‐parallel methods; these differences were also significant. There was no significant difference in serum interleukin (IL)‐6 levels after PE, by the single or the reverse‐parallel methods. However, the IL‐6 level decreased significantly following PE by the series‐parallel method. The serum IL‐18 level decreased significantly following PE by each of the three methods. Thus, removal of excess bilirubin, citrate, and cytokines by the series‐parallel method, a simple maneuver with excellent removal rates, was considered effective.
Nine Years of Cascade Filtration for Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Valbonesi M , Giannini G
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) continues to attract physicians’ attention because of its unpredictable course and underlying pathogenetic mechanisms. It is also attractive because of its optimal response to therapeutic plasma exchange (PE) even in the most severe cases. The usual approach to its treatment is conventional PE with plasma substitution and only recently fresh frozen plasma (FFP) has been substituted by cryodepleted or virally inactivated plasma with clinical results that are, if not better, at least comparable with the ones attained when FFP is employed. Nonetheless, no consensus exists regarding the optimal PE fluid and this is not of marginal interest as even after PE treatment mortality is still from 15 to 20%. On the contrary, some consensus exists on the pathogenetic relevance of the exceedingly large Von Willebrand (vWF) multimers whose presence parallels the clinical course and appears to be determined by the abnormalities in the production or function and survival of vWF‐cleaving proteases which is auto‐antibody mediated. In both cases plasmapheresis without plasma infusion is relatively ineffective, perhaps because it does not increase protease activity. Paradoxically, cascade filtration (CF) can produce the same favorable results without replacing any protease activity. As with CF, the replacement is the autologous plasma with approximately 20% levels of vWF, fibrinogen, fibronectin, IgM and circulating immune complexes and 75% of albumin, IgGs, AT III and proteins whose molecular weight exceeds 250–300000 Da. Our experience with CF for TTP began in 1994. Since then, 16 patients have undergone CF combined with decreasing amounts of FFP supplementation and since 1998 without any allogeneic FFP supplementation in 9 cases. Twenty‐four patients (96%) treated with no or minimal amounts of FFP survived but four (16%) experienced from one to four recurrences associated with cutaneous, paradental, cholecystic and vaginal infections. Only one patient died (5%) after the second CF procedure. There were no untoward effects related to the procedure itself and up to 18 procedures in one patient were carried out over 16 months, 10 with the patient in her sixth month of pregnancy and four in the post partum period in preparation for a splenectomy. Remission was achieved after an average number of treatments (10.7 ± 6.8); a result that compares favorably with those of our historical control group of 47 cases (14 ± 13). The patient's exposure to allogenic plasma which was 10.8 ± 4.6 plasma U/session was reduced to 0 in 10 patients, to 1.4 ± 1.2 and 4.4 ± 2.3 plasma U/session, respectively, for seven and nine patients receiving PE + CF and CF with same plasma supplementation as described in our previous article. Based on our experience, we believe CF is presently the optimal treatment for patients with classic, sporadic TTP.
Southern Ocean Iron Enrichment Experiment: Carbon Cycling in High- and Low-Si Waters
Authors: Coale Kenneth H. , Johnson Kenneth S. , Chavez Francisco P. , Buesseler Ken O. , Barber Richard T. , Brzezinski Mark A. , Cochlan William P. , Millero Frank J. , Falkowski Paul G. , Bauer James E. , Wanninkhof Rik H. , Kudela Raphael M. , Altabet Mark A. , Hales Burke E. , Takahashi Taro , Landry Michael R. , Bidigare Robert R. , Wang Xiujun , Chase Zanna , Strutton Pete G. , Friederich Gernot E. , Gorbunov Maxim Y. , Lance Veronica P. , Hilting Anna K. , Hiscock Michael R. , Demarest Mark , Hiscock William T. , Sullivan Kevin F. , Tanner Sara J. , Gordon R. Mike , Hunter Craig N. , Elrod Virginia A. , Fitzwater Steve E. , Jones Janice L. , Tozzi Sasha , Koblizek Michal , Roberts Alice E. , Herndon Julian , Brewster Jodi , Ladizinsky Nicolas , Smith Geoffrey , Cooper David , Timothy David , Brown Susan L. , Selph Karen E. , Sheridan Cecelia C. , Twining Benjamin S. , Johnson Zackary I.
Published: April 2004

The availability of iron is known to exert a controlling influence on biological productivity in surface waters over large areas of the ocean and may have been an important factor in the variation of the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide over glacial cycles. The effect of iron in the Southern Ocean is particularly important because of its large area and abundant nitrate, yet iron-enhanced growth of phytoplankton may be differentially expressed between waters with high silicic acid in the south and low silicic acid in the north, where diatom growth may be limited by both silicic acid and iron. Two mesoscale experiments, designed to investigate the effects of iron enrichment in regions with high and low concentrations of silicic acid, were performed in the Southern Ocean. These experiments demonstrate iron's pivotal role in controlling carbon uptake and regulating atmospheric partial pressure of carbon dioxide.
ABAD Directly Links Aß to Mitochondrial Toxicity in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Lustbader Joyce W. , Cirilli Maurizio , Lin Chang , Xu Hong Wei , Takuma Kazuhiro , Wang Ning , Caspersen Casper , Chen Xi , Pollak Susan , Chaney Michael , Trinchese Fabrizio , Liu Shumin , Gunn-Moore Frank , Lue Lih-Fen , Walker Douglas G. , Kuppusamy Periannan , Zewier Zay L. , Arancio Ottavio , Stern David , Yan Shirley ShiDu , Wu Hao
Published: April 2004

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of β-amyloid (Aβ)–induced neuronal toxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we demonstrate that Aβ-binding alcohol dehydrogenase (ABAD) is a direct molecular link from Aβ to mitochondrial toxicity. Aβ interacts with ABAD in the mitochondria of AD patients and transgenic mice. The crystal structure of Aβ-bound ABAD shows substantial deformation of the active site that prevents nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) binding. An ABAD peptide specifically inhibits ABAD-Aβ interaction and suppresses Aβ-induced apoptosis and free-radical generation in neurons. Transgenic mice overexpressing ABAD in an Aβ-rich environment manifest exaggerated neuronal oxidative stress and impaired memory. These data suggest that the ABAD-Aβ interaction may be a therapeutic target in AD.
Dissociable Roles of Ventral and Dorsal Striatum in Instrumental Conditioning
Authors: O'Doherty John , Dayan Peter , Schultz Johannes , Deichmann Ralf , Friston Karl , Dolan Raymond J.
Published: April 2004

Instrumental conditioning studies how animals and humans choose actions appropriate to the affective structure of an environment. According to recent reinforcement learning models, two distinct components are involved: a “critic,” which learns to predict future reward, and an “actor,” which maintains information about the rewarding outcomes of actions to enable better ones to be chosen more frequently. We scanned human participants with functional magnetic resonance imaging while they engaged in instrumental conditioning. Our results suggest partly dissociable contributions of the ventral and dorsal striatum, with the former corresponding to the critic and the latter corresponding to the actor.
Phase II and Pharmacokinetic Study of Ecteinascidin 743 in Patients With Progressive Sarcomas of Soft Tissues Refractory to Chemotherapy
Authors: Garcia-Carbonero R. , Supko J.G. , Manola J. , Seiden M.V. , Harmon D. , Ryan D.P. , Quigley M.T. , Merriam P. , Canniff J. , Goss G. , Matulonis U. , Maki R.G. , Lopez T. , Puchalski T.A. , Sancho M.A. , Gomez J. , Guzman C. , Jimeno J. , Demetri G.D.
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To assess the efficacy of the marine-derived alkaloid ecteinascidin 743 (ET-743) in patients with soft tissue sarcomas that progressed despite prior conventional chemotherapy and to characterize the pharmacokinetic profiles of ET-743 in this patient population.

Patients and Methods

Thirty-six previously treated soft tissue sarcoma patients from three institutions received ET-743 as a 24-hour continuous intravenous (IV) infusion at a dose of 1,500 μg/m2 every 3 weeks. Pharmacokinetic studies were also performed. Patients were restaged every two cycles for response by objective criteria.

Results

Objective responses were observed in three patients, with one complete response and two partial responses, for an overall response rate of 8% (95% CI, 2% to 23%). Responses were durable for up to 20 months. Two minor responses (43% and 47% tumor reduction) were observed, for an overall clinical benefit rate of 14%. The predominant toxicities were neutropenia and self-limited transaminitis of grade 3 to 4 severity in 34% and 26% of patients, respectively. The estimated 1-year time to progression and overall survival rates were 9% (95% CI, 3% to 27%) and 53% (95% CI, 39% to 73%), respectively. The maximum observed plasma concentration and total plasma clearance of ET-743 (mean ± standard deviation), 1.04 ± 0.48 ng/mL and 35.6 ± 16.2 L/h/m2, respectively, were consistent with previously reported values from phase I studies of the drug given as a 24-hour IV infusion.

Conclusion

ET-743 is a promising new option for the management of several histologic subtypes of sarcoma. Durable objective responses were obtained in a subset of sarcoma patients with disease progression despite prior chemotherapy. Additionally, the relatively high survival rate noted in this series of previously treated patients further justifies development of this agent.
Phase I Trial of Intratumoral Injection of an Adenovirus Encoding Interleukin-12 for Advanced Digestive Tumors
Authors: Sangro Bruno , Mazzolini Guillermo , Ruiz Juan , Herraiz Maite , Quiroga Jorge , Herrero Ignacio , Benito Alberto , Larrache Javier , Pueyo Jesus , Subtil Jose Carlos , Olagüe Cristina , Sola Josu , Sádaba Belén , Lacasa Carlos , Melero Ignacio , Qian Cheng , Prieto Jesus
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of intratumoral injection of an adenoviral vector encoding human interleukin-12 genes (Ad.IL-12) and secondarily, its biologic effect for the treatment of advanced digestive tumors.

Patients and Methods

Ad.IL-12 was administered in doses ranging from 2.5 × 1010 to 3 × 1012 viral particles, to seven cohorts of patients with advanced pancreatic, colorectal, or primary liver malignancies. Patients were thoroughly assessed for toxicity, and antitumor response was evaluated by imaging techniques, tumor biopsy, and hypersensitivity skin tests. Patients with stable disease and no serious adverse reactions were allowed to receive up to 3 monthly doses of Ad.IL-12.

Results

Twenty-one patients (nine with primary liver, five with colorectal, and seven with pancreatic cancers) received a total of 44 injections. Ad.IL-12 was well tolerated, and dose-limiting toxicity was not reached. Frequent but transient adverse reactions, including fever, malaise, sweating, and lymphopenia, seemed to be related to vector injection rather than to transgene expression. No cumulative toxicity was observed. In four of 10 assessable patients, a significant increase in tumor infiltration by effector immune cells was apparent. A partial objective remission of the injected tumor mass was observed in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. Stable disease was observed in 29% of patients, mainly those with primary liver cancer.

Conclusion

Intratumoral injection of up to 3 × 1012 viral particles of Ad.IL-12 to patients with advanced digestive malignancies is a feasible and well-tolerated procedure that exerts only mild antitumor effects.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Indolent Lymphoma Patients Treated With High-Dose Sequential Chemotherapy and Autografting: Evidence That Durable Molecular and Clinical Remission Frequently Can Be Attained Only in Follicular Subtypes
Authors: Corradini Paolo , Ladetto Marco , Zallio Francesco , Astolfi Monica , Rizzo Elena , Sametti Selina , Cuttica Alessandra , Rosato Rosalba , Farina Lucia , Boccadoro Mario , Benedetti Fabio , Pileri Alessandro , Tarella Corrado
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic relevance of molecular monitoring of minimal residual disease in indolent lymphomas receiving high-dose sequential chemotherapy and autografting.

Patients, Materials, and Methods

A polymerase chain reaction- (PCR-)based strategy was used to evaluate the presence of residual tumor cells in a panel of 70 indolent lymphoma patients: 40 with follicular (FCL), 14 with small lymphocytic (SLL), and 16 with mantle-cell (MCL) lymphomas. They were treated either with first-line (n = 61) or second-line (n = 9) therapy with an intensified high-dose chemotherapy program followed by peripheral-blood progenitor cells autografting. The Bcl-1, Bcl-2, and immunoglobulin gene rearrangements were used as lymphoma-specific markers. Overall, a molecular marker was obtained from the diagnostic tissue in 60 of 70 patients (86%).

Results

The collection of PCR-negative cells and the achievement of posttransplantation molecular remission (MR) were common in patients with FCL subtype (54% and 70%, respectively), whereas they were not frequent among SLL and MCL (25% and 12.5%, respectively) patients. With a median molecular follow-up of 75 months, an 88% incidence of relapse was observed among patients never attaining MR. In contrast, relapse incidence was only 8% among patients attaining a durable MR (P < .005). At present, 26 patients (20 with FCL and six with non-FCL) are long-term survivors in absence of clinical and molecular disease.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that among indolent lymphomas, FCL and non-FCL subtypes show a significantly different behavior in terms of MR achievement, and MR after intensive chemotherapy and autografting is predictive for a prolonged disease-free survival, whereas persistent PCR positivity is associated with a high risk of relapse.
Identification and control of the raw material blending process in cement industry
Authors: Kural Ayhan , Özsoy Can
Published: April 2004

This paper deals with the identification and advanced control of the raw material blending process in cement industry. The process is multivariable and coupled one, because the feeder tanks do not contain homogeneous raw materials chemically. The time delays in the system are also considerable. The disturbances coming from the variations in the chemical compositions of the raw materials from long‐term average compositions cause the changes of the system parameters. Therefore, for providing the target values of the oxide compositions of the raw meal determining the high quality of cement, the stochastic multivariable dynamic models are developed and model predictive controllers are designed to calculate the optimal feed ratios of the raw materials despite disturbances. This study consists of two parts; in the identification part, three different linear multivariable stochastic ARX models are proposed. The identification results show that these MISO and MIMO models are good models. In the control part, model predictive control strategy is applied. At the end of the simulation study, the output values reach the specified set points quickly. Also the significant decrease in the variance of controlled outputs is obtained. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical activity and levels of inactivity in adolescent females ages 11–16 years in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Henry C. Jeya K. , Lightowler Helen J. , Al‐Hourani Huda M.
Published: April 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate patterns of physical activity and levels of inactivity in adolescent females in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 58 adolescent females, age 11–16 years, were recruited from two female‐only governmental schools in Abu‐Dhabi. Subjects were divided into two groups: 11–13 years (n = 22) and 14–16 years (n = 36). Physical activity patterns were determined from a 3‐day activity diary. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was estimated using a factorial approach. The amount of physical activity was expressed as the physical activity level (PAL) and the activity‐related energy expenditure (AEE). The number of hours spent watching television was estimated from the activity diaries. There were no significant differences in the energy expenditure parameters between age groups or between schooldays and weekends. PAL was low in both age groups. Television was the predominant leisure time pursuit. The number of hours per day spent watching television (median and interquartile range) was 2.5 (2.3–3.1) in 11–13 years and 2.5 (2.3–2.8) in 14–16 years. Television‐watching was significantly higher during the weekend than schooldays: 11–13 years (P = 0.006) and 14–16 years (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the amount of physical activity undertaken by adolescent females in the UAE was very low. Cultural and weather restrictions and social change of the community in the UAE are not conducive to physical activity and play a major role in levels of physical inactivity. This may explain, in part, the rise in the incidence of obesity in this population. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 16:346–353, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bilateral variation in limb articular surface dimensions
Authors: Plochocki Jeffrey H.
Published: April 2004

Joint form is frequently used to interpret locomotor and manipulative adaptations and infer physical behavioral patterns in past humans, yet the precise genetic and environmental determinants of joint size are incompletely understood. The aim of this research is to assess the plasticity of limb articular dimension through the use of directional asymmetry as an indicator of mechanical stress during skeletal development. Directional asymmetry is largely attributable to differential mechanical loading during bone growth related to handedness. Because the large majority of individuals are right‐handed, it is hypothesized that joint dimensions will be significantly larger in the upper right limb and lower left limb in the crossed symmetry pattern that is typically exhibited in bone lengths. Patterns of bilateral variation were explored by sex and skeletal location. Significant levels of directional asymmetry (P < 0.05) suggest that limb articular surfaces are adapted to the mechanical environment. Biomechanical factors are important in the development and maintenance of articular morphology. Further research, however, is needed to establish the exact relationship between joint size and the mechanical environment. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 16:328–333, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Substantial native American female contribution to the population of Tacuarembó, Uruguay, reveals past episodes of sex‐biased gene flow
Authors: Bonilla Carolina , Bertoni Bernardo , González Susana , Cardoso Horacio , Brum‐Zorrilla Nadir , Sans Mónica
Published: April 2004

For many years it has been assumed that the population of Uruguay is almost exclusively European‐derived and that the biological contribution of the native population as well as of individuals of African descent is negligible. Several recent studies based on a variety of genetic markers, mostly morphological and serological markers, have produced quite a different picture of the constitution of the Uruguayan population. The Native American contribution varies from 1–20%, while the African contribution ranges from 7–15%, in different regions of the country. In the present study we examine the way the admixture process took place in Uruguay by analyzing the ancestry of maternal lineages in a sample from the northern city of Tacuarembó. To accomplish this goal we typed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers of Native American, African, and European origin and estimated the proportions of each parental group in the admixed population. We found that 62% of all mtDNA haplogroups were of Native American descent, a surprising figure considering the “European roots” of the country. Consequently, this result assimilates Uruguay to the rest of Latin American populations where sex‐biased gene flow between European men and Native American women has been the rule. We further analyzed the distribution of the four major founding mitochondrial lineages in Tacuarembó and compared it to other South American populations. We discuss our findings in the light of historical records and assess the need for additional genetic studies. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 16:289–297, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme polymorphisms as maternal risk for down syndrome among Turkish women
Authors: Boduroğlu Koray , Alanay Yasemin , Koldan Berrin , Tunçbilek Ergül
Published: April 2004

Advanced maternal age is the only fully accepted risk factor for trisomy 21, while most children with Down syndrome (DS) are born to younger mothers (<35 years). The relationship between chromosomal nondisjunction leading to aneuploidy and folate metabolism has drawn attention in the recent years. In this study, we examined the two polymorphisms in genes encoding the folate metabolizing enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), namely, 677C > T and 1298A > C. The prevalence of these variant genotypes in mothers of DS children (case mothers) (n = 152) was compared with controls (n = 91). Frequencies of MTHFR 677C > T genotypes (CC, CT, and TT) and also combination of heterozygous and homozygous variant genotypes (CT or TT) (P = 0.28) demonstrated no difference between the case and control groups. Genotype frequencies of MTHFR 1298A > C (AA, AC, and CC) were similar among the case and control mothers. Variant genotypes of MTHFR 1298A > C (AC or CC) were also insignificant when compared between the two groups. This is yet the largest case‐control study conducted for MTHFR 677C > T and also the first to investigate a possible relation with MTHFR 1298A > C. The data presented in this study fail to support the relationship between MTHFR 677C > T and 1298A > C polymorphisms and risk of having a child with DS. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myotonic dystrophy—no evidence for preferential transmission of the mutated allele: A prenatal analysis
Authors: Zunz Eran , Abeliovich Dvorah , Halpern Gabrielle J. , Magal Nurit , Shohat Mordechai
Published: April 2004

Myotonic dystrophy is the commonest autosomal dominant type of muscular dystrophy in adults. It is one of the trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders, and its severity correlates with the number of CTG repeats in the myotonic dystrophy gene. It has been suggested that myotonic dystrophy exhibits the phenomenon of preferential transmission of the larger mutated alleles that has been described in other trinucleotide repeat disorders. Several authors have reported that the frequency of transmission of the mutated alleles is higher than 50%—a finding that, if true, does not comply with the Mendelian laws of segregation. However, these studies were based on data from the analysis of pedigrees with ascertainment bias. In our study, we determined the frequency of transmission of mutated alleles using data from prenatal molecular studies, which are not subject to ascertainment bias. This is the first study to examine the segregation of the mutated alleles in myotonic dystrophy in pregnancy. Eighty‐three fetuses were examined, 30 of 62 mothers (48.38%) and 8 of 21 fathers (38.09%) transmitted the mutated allele, giving an overall transmission rate of 45.78%. We found no evidence of statistically significant deviation of the frequency of transmission of the mutated alleles from the 50% expected in autosomal dominant disorders. This study, unlike previous ones, excludes preferential transmission in myotonic dystrophy, a finding that may be attributable to the lack of correction for ascertainment bias in previous studies and to the use of prenatal data in this study. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Minimal clinical expression of the holoprosencephaly spectrum and of Currarino syndrome due to different cytogenetic rearrangements deleting the sonic hedgehog gene and the HLXB9 gene at 7q36.3
Authors: Horn Denise , Tönnies Holger , Neitzel Heidemarie , Wahl Dagmar , Hinkel Georg Klaus , Moers Arpad von , Bartsch Oliver
Published: April 2004

We report clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular cytogenetic studies on four patients with subtle or submicroscopic 7q36 deletions either of de novo origin or resulting from a cryptic parental translocation. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies indicated that in all four patients, the Sonic Hedgehog gene (SHH) and the homeobox gene HLXB9, among others, are comprised in the deletions. Besides mental retardation and short stature, all patients showed only minimal manifestations of the holoprosencephaly (HPE) spectrum and only one displayed symptoms of the Currarino syndrome. Patient 1 had a de novo 7q36.1‐qter deletion and showed microcephaly, ptosis, sacral agenesis, tethered cord, but no structural brain anomaly. Patient 2 had a submicroscopic de novo 7q36 deletion detected by FISH, and showed facial and cerebral microsigns of the HPE spectrum. Patient 3 had a 7q36 deletion found by subtelomere FISH testing that was the unbalanced product of a subtle maternal 7q;10q translocation. She presented facial and ocular microsigns, but no structural abnormality of the brain. Patient 4 showed no specific syndromal pattern and was found to have a cryptic unbalanced de novo translocation of the terminal parts of chromosomes 7q and 9p by subtelomere FISH. Patients 2, 3, and 4 represent the first report of a de novo submicroscopic 7q36 deletion, the second report of a familial subtle translocation of 7q36, and the first report of an unbalanced de novo submicroscopic translocation of 7q36, respectively. Our results stress the importance of 7q36 deletion studies by FISH in patients with microsigns of the HPE spectrum. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treacher Collins syndrome with craniosynostosis, choanal atresia, and esophageal regurgitation caused by a novel nonsense mutation in TCOF1
Authors: Horiuchi Katsumi , Ariga Tadashi , Fujioka Hirotaka , Kawashima Kunihiro , Yamamoto Yuhei , Igawa Hiroharu , Sakiyama Yukio , Sugihara Tsuneki
Published: April 2004

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is caused by mutations in TCOF1 of the nonsense, small deletion, and small insertion types, which most likely result in haploinsufficiency. We report a novel de novo nonsense mutation 2731C → T, resulting in Arg911Stop, which truncates the protein. Our patient had the classic findings of TCS, but with documented craniosynostosis, choanal atresia, and esophageal regurgitation. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A retrospective survey of perinatal risk factors of 104 living children with holoprosencephaly
Authors: Stashinko Elaine E. , Clegg Nancy J. , Kammann Heather A. , Sweet Vicki T. , Delgado Mauricio R. , Hahn Jin S. , Levey Eric B.
Published: April 2004

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a brain malformation resulting from a primary defect in development of the basal forebrain during early gestation. Prenatal genetic and environmental factors and birth outcomes were described in a population of 104 children with holoprosencephaly referred to three clinical centers from 1998 through 2002. The mean child age was 4 years. Of cases karyotyped, 9% presented with a chromosomal abnormality. This study of living children with holoprosencephaly, the majority of whom are cytogenetically normal, provides new information on the subsample of children with a less severe phenotype. Most children were born at term; about 51% were microcephalic at birth. Consistent with previous research, the association between HPE and maternal history of diabetes merits further investigation. Several findings have important implications for future research. Only 22% of the children in this study sample were diagnosed with holoprosencephaly prenatally. The vast majority of children (72%) were diagnosed with HPE between birth and 1 year of age. Also, 19% of the cases referred to the Carter Centers with HPE were not confirmed on scan review. When possible, future population‐based epidemiological studies should emphasize mechanisms that identify children with HPE outside of the newborn period and confirm the diagnosis by review of MRI or high quality CT brain scan. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serotonin transporter regulatory region polymorphism is associated with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Matsushita Sachio , Suzuki Kenji , Murayama Masanobu , Nishiguchi Naoki , Hishimoto Akitoyo , Takeda Aya , Shirakawa Osamu , Higuchi Susumu
Published: April 2004

Several lines of evidence support possible serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) involvement in modulating eating disorders (ED). The 5‐HTT gene is a good candidate for genetic studies on the course of ED, despite controversy concerning the association between polymorphism in the 5‐HTT gene promoter region (5‐HTTLPR) and ED. Comparison of 5‐HTTLPR distribution in 195 female Japanese ED patients and 290 age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects facilitated examining the association between the course of the disease and 5‐HTTLPR in 138 of 195 ED subjects. The 5‐HTTLPR S allele frequency was significantly higher in subjects with anorexia nervosa (AN) than in control subjects. Among subjects observed ≥3 years, the S allele frequency was significantly higher in those diagnosed as AN at ED onset than in those diagnosed as AN in this study. The 5‐HTTLPR S allele might play some role in the development of AN with persistent disease. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fracture toughness of mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei) food plants
Authors: Elgart‐Berry Alison
Published: April 2004

Mountain gorillas, the largest extant primates, subsist almost entirely on plant matter. Moreover, their diet includes a substantial amount of structural material, such as bark and stems, which other primates tend to avoid. Accordingly, the robust masticatory apparatus of gorillas may be adaptive to this presumably tough diet; however, quantitative information on this subject is lacking. In this study the fracture toughness of mountain gorilla foods was examined for the first time. Samples of 44 food plants from Bwindi‐Impenetrable National Park (BINP) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP) were tested. These parks are inhabited by two gorilla populations that regarded by some as being distinct at the subspecific taxonomic level. Although food toughness did not differ between the two populations, both diets contained tough items. Tree barks were the toughest food items (varying from 0.23 to 8.2 kJ/m2), followed by shrub barks, pith, and stems. The toughness of leaves and fruit was negligible compared to that of bark. The toughness of bamboo was low in comparison to the toughest food items. Accordingly, the prominent toughness of bark, pith, and stems may be key factors in the evolution of orofacial robusticity in mountain gorillas. Am. J. Primatol. 62:275–285, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide on cryopreservation of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) sperm
Authors: Si Wei , Zheng Ping , Li Yahui , Dinnyes Andras , Ji Weizhi
Published: April 2004

Glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are widely used as penetrating cryoprotectants in the freezing of sperm, and various concentrations are applied in different species and laboratories. The present study aimed to examine the effect of these two cryoprotectants at different concentrations (2%, 5%, 10%, and 15% glycerol or DMSO) on rhesus monkey sperm cryopreservation. The results showed that the highest recovery of post‐thaw sperm motility, and plasma membrane and acrosome integrity was achieved when the sperm was frozen with 5% glycerol. Spermatozoa cryopreserved with 15% DMSO showed the lowest post‐thaw sperm motility, and spermatozoa cryopreserved with 15% glycerol and 15% DMSO showed the lowest plasma membrane integrity among the eight groups. The results achieved with 5% glycerol were significantly better for all parameters than those obtained with 5% DMSO. The functional cryosurvival of sperm frozen with 5% glycerol was further assessed by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Overall, 85.7% of the oocytes were successfully fertilized, and 51.4% and 5.7% of the resulting zygotes developed into morulae and blastocysts, respectively. The results indicate that the type and concentration of the penetrating cryoprotectant used can greatly affect the survival of rhesus monkey sperm after it is frozen and thawed. The suitable glycerol level for rhesus monkey sperm freezing is 5%, and DMSO is not suitable for rhesus monkey sperm cryopreservation. Am. J. Primatol. 62:301;–306, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of rice hull ash
Authors: Chaudhary D. S. , Jollands M. C.
Published: April 2004

Rice hulls, a byproduct of the rice industry, contain 60–90% silica and are unique within nature. The annual worldwide output of rice‐hull‐derived silica is more than 3.2 million tons, which poses environmental concerns because of disposal issues. Burning rice hulls, as a preparative step for energy production, is a useful solution to the growing environmental concern, a desirable outcome would be the economic use of the resulting silica‐rich hull ash. The economical usefulness of this silica ash in the filler market has been undermined by its limited dispersion abilities and poor interaction capability with polymers. In this study, some of the reasons for the poor performance of silica ash as a reinforcing filler in various polymeric composites were linked to its inherent characteristics: factors such as its impurity, irregular topography, porosity, and chemical and thermodynamic nature arising from its surface polarity that negatively influence the filler–matrix interactions. The silica ash obtained from a novel combustion process had about 6% (w/w) impurity, of which around 3% was volatile. We also propose that the silanation efficiency of silica ash is lower compared to other commercial silicas because of its porosity, which could hide a fraction of the silane used. Also, processing changed the particle size distribution, and this could have affected the agglomerating tendencies and seriously marked the reinforcing capabilities of the silica ash. The estimation of the surface silanol groups of the rice hull ash by thermogravimetric studies indicated that the surface silanol density was about 16/nm2. On a comparative scale, this value is comparable to the silanol density on precipitated silica, but a thermodynamic study of silica ash surface revealed a high surface free energy that contributed to its high aggregation tendencies and poor distribution and dispersion abilities. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1–8, 2004
Structure development in melt spinning of poly(ethylene‐co‐octene) filaments with various comonomer contents
Authors: Shan Haifeng , White James L.
Published: April 2004

An experimental study of the spinnability and the variation in crystallinity and orientation of melt spinning of poly(ethylene‐co‐octene) with different contents of comonomers was carried out. The spinning behavior of these polymers was investigated under different draw‐down ratios and temperatures and correlated to spinline stress. The melt‐spun filaments were characterized by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction birefringence, and differential scanning calorimetry. S‐1 is a high‐density polyethylene and S‐2, S‐3, and S‐4 have 16, 22, and 38 wt % octene. An orthorhombic unit cell was found in all four polymers, but a dominant hexagonal structure (perhaps mesophase) was found for the highest octene level (S‐4). The orientation factors for the a‐, b‐, and c‐axis of the orthorhombic crystal structure and a‐axis of the hexagonal phase were then calculated. The crystalline orientation behavior of the lower octene copolymers (S‐1, S‐2, and S‐3) are similar and can be represented as a “row‐nucleated“ structure. However, the orientation behavior of S‐4 was different. The uniaxial mechanical properties were also measured. The Young's modulus and tensile strength generally increased with birefringence for all polymers. With increasing content of octene, the Young's modulus showed a decrease from semicrystalline thermoplastic toward an elastomer. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 9–22, 2004