bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk/Prevention Indicators for the Prevalence of Dental Caries in Schoolchildren: Results from the Italian OHSAR Survey
Authors: Perinetti G. , Caputi S. , Varvara G.
Published: December 2004

The Italian Oral Health of Schoolchildren of the Abruzzo Region (OHSAR) Survey was designed to assess indicators associated with the prevalence of caries in both the primary and permanent dentitions in the same schoolchildren, and it comprised a representative sample of 5,938 7-, 9- and 11-year-old schoolchildren from three provinces within the region of Abruzzo, Italy, a low fluoride concentration area. Gender, age, geographic location, socioeconomic level, dietary and oral hygiene habits, and the use of F supplements were all considered as indicators. The subsequent multivariate analyses showed that the socioeconomic level, snack consumption frequency, consumption of sweets and the use of F supplements were mostly associated with caries prevalence in both dentitions. Other indicators, such as gender, age, geographic location, between-meal snack consumption frequency, consumption of sweet drinks, toothbrushing frequency and onset of regular toothbrushing habits also showed some significant associations with dental caries across the age groups and/or dentitions. Of interest, the consumption of commercial bottled mineral water was also seen to be a preventive indicator for dental caries of the primary dentition, particularly in the 7-year-old group. The consumption of sweet snacks, use of interdental floss and kind of toothbrush mainly used (manual or electric) did not show any relevant association with the outcomes. The strong effect of the geographic location, socioeconomical level and the preventive effects of commercial bottled mineral water are worth further investigation.
Tooth-Brushing Practices of Parents and Toddlers: A Study of Home-Based Videotaped Sessions
Authors: Zeedyk M.S. , Longbottom C. , Pitts N.B.
Published: December 2004

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the tooth-brushing behaviour of parents and toddlers, by analysis of tooth-brushing sessions videotaped in families’ homes. Eighteen families (self-selected from an ongoing preventive-intervention study) videotaped all home tooth-brushing sessions involving their toddler (average age 2.5 years) over a 24-hour period. The vast majority of families (89%) engaged in at least two sessions per day, usually supervised by mothers. The average length of the sessions was 142 s, although the brush tended to be in the child’s mouth for less than half of that time. On average, only 10 s were spent brushing the front teeth, 13 s the back teeth, and 29 s spent on non-brushing activities (e.g., biting brush, sucking water). Three styles of brushing were identified, and families tended to be consistent in their use of these styles: exclusively parent-led (least common), exclusively child-led, and shared between parent and child (most common). In contrast with these poor behavioural outcomes, feedback from parents indicated that they were generally confident that the sessions had been effective in achieving clean teeth. These findings suggest that home-based tooth-brushing activity falls far short of professional expectations. Tooth-brushing, even with fluoride toothpaste, may be seriously compromised as a method of reducing caries in toddlers because teeth are being brushed too briefly.
Caries Prevalence Measured with QLF after Treatment with Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: Influencing Factors
Authors: Boersma J.G. , van der Veen M.H. , Lagerweij M.D. , Bokhout B. , Prahl-Andersen B.
Published: December 2004

Caries prevalence on the buccal surfaces of teeth in orthodontic patients was determined with QLF and visual examination immediately after removal of fixed appliances. The number of lesions found by QLF far outnumbered that found by visual examination, but the distribution pattern was similar. 97% of all subjects and on average 30% of the buccal surfaces in a person were affected. On average, in males 40% of surfaces and in females 22% showed white spots (p < 0.01). Caries prevalence was lower (p < 0.01) in incisors and cuspids than in molars and premolars. A positive correlation with caries prevalence was found for the bleeding scores 6 weeks after debonding and lactobacillus counts before debonding. Mutans streptococci counts, age, treatment duration, socioeconomic status and dietary habits showed no correlation with caries prevalence.
Relationship between Electrical Resistance Measurements and Microradiographic Variables during Remineralization of Softened Enamel Lesions
Authors: Wang Jing , Someya Yoshiko , Inaba Daisuke , Longbottom Chris , Miyazaki Hideo
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between electrical resistance (ECM) measurements and microradiographic variables during remineralization of softened enamel lesions. Sound bovine enamel blocks were demineralized and, subsequently, were remineralized for 3, 4, 5, 7 or 14 days. All the specimens were assessed by ECM and transversal microradiography. The mean ECM values in each group increased after remineralization. The ECM values after remineralization (ECM1), mineral loss (ΔZ) and maximum mineral content in the surface layer (Vmax) were significantly correlated with the remineralization time. The ECM1 values were also significantly correlated with ΔZ and Vmax. It is suggested that ECM could be used as a device to monitor mineral accumulation as a result of preventive treatment in vitro. However, it may take a much longer time to follow up the remineralization changes compared with demineralization.
The Microflora of the Erupting First Permanent Molar
Authors: Brailsford S.R. , Sheehy E.C. , Gilbert S.C. , Clark D.T. , Kidd E.A.M. , Zoitopoulos L. , Adams S.E. , Visser J.M. , Beighton D.
Published: December 2004

The relationship between microflora, eruption status and caries status in the first permanent molar of young children was investigated in 177 children aged 6–7 years. A significantly greater proportion of fully erupted teeth were classified as sound and plaque-free compared to partially erupted teeth. Fully erupted teeth yielded greater numbers and proportions of mutans streptococci compared with significantly greater numbers and proportions of Actinomyces israelii in partially erupted teeth. Logistical regression analysis showed significant associations between white spot lesions in partially erupted teeth and increased numbers of Streptococcus oralis, mutans streptococci and Streptococcus salivarius whereas the presence of Actinomyces naeslundii was associated with health. Significantly greater numbers and proportions of S. oralis and S. salivarius were isolated from partially erupted teeth with white spot lesions whereas Streptococcus mutans was isolated in significantly greater numbers and proportions from fully erupted molars with white spots. This study suggests that organisms other than mutans streptococci are associated with caries development in erupting permanent molar teeth.
Phenotypic Characterization of Human Chondrocyte Cell Line C-20/A4: A Comparison between Monolayer and Alginate Suspension Culture
Authors: Finger Florian , Schörle Cornelius , Soder Stephan , Zien Alexander , Goldring Mary B. , Aigner Thomas
Published: December 2004

DNA microarray analysis was used to investigate the molecular phenotype of one of the first human chondrocyte cell lines, C-20/A4, derived from juvenile costal chondrocytes by immortalization with origin-defective simian virus 40 large T antigen. Clontech Human Cancer Arrays 1.2 and quantitative PCR were used to examine gene expression profiles of C-20/A4 cells cultured in the presence of serum in monolayer and alginate beads. In monolayer cultures, genes involved in cell proliferation were strongly upregulated compared to those expressed by human adult articular chondrocytes in primary culture. Of the cell cycle-regulated genes, only two, the CDK regulatory subunit and histone H4, were downregulated after culture in alginate beads, consistent with the ability of these cells to proliferate in suspension culture. In contrast, the expression of several genes that are involved in pericellular matrix formation, including MMP-14, COL6A1, fibronectin, biglycan and decorin, was upregulated when the C-20/A4 cells were transferred to suspension culture in alginate. Also, nexin-1, vimentin, and IGFBP-3, which are known to be expressed by primary chondrocytes, were differentially expressed in our study. Consistent with the proliferative phenotype of this cell line, few genes involved in matrix synthesis and turnover were highly expressed in the presence of serum. These results indicate that immortalized chondrocyte cell lines, rather than substituting for primary chondrocytes, may serve as models for extending findings on chondrocyte function not achievable by the use of primary chondrocytes.
Differentiation Potential of FDCPmix Cells following Injection into Blastocysts
Authors: Petrovic Suzana , Cross Michael , Müller Albrecht M.
Published: December 2004

Factor-dependent cell Paterson mixed potential (FDCPmix) cells are murine, multipotent, interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent progenitor cells, established from long-term bone marrow cultures. They show multilineage myeloid/erythroid and osteoclast differentiation capacity in vitro. FDCPmix cells are neither immortalised, leukaemic nor transformed and have no detectable karyotypic abnormalities. To investigate the broader differentiation potential of FDCPmix cells in vivo, they were injected into murine blastocysts, and the engraftment of donor cells in developing chimaeric embryos was analysed. FDCPmix cell progeny was detected predominantly in haematopoietic tissues, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the majority of donor-derived cells expressed the pan-haematopoietic marker CD45. Albumin expression indicative of hepatocytes was not detectable in FDCPmix-derived cells in chimaeric foetal livers. However, analysis of foetal brains of developing embryos revealed a low frequency of neural cell adhesion molecule-positive donor cells. These results suggest that the majority of FDCPmix cells injected into blastocysts follow haematopoietic differentiation programs, but that a small number of cells can assume the expression of neural markers.
Expression of Cytoskeletal Proteins in the Follicular Wall of Induced Ovarian Cysts
Authors: Salvetti Natalia R. , Gimeno Eduardo J. , Lorente Juan A. , Ortega Hugo H.
Published: December 2004

Several experimental models have been developed for the study of the polycystic ovarian syndrome in the rat. In the present study, the syndrome was induced by exposure to constant light, and the expression of cytoskeletal proteins in the follicular wall was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We analyzed the immunohistochemically stained area (IHCSA) by image analysis to evaluate the expression of intermediate filaments (vimentin, desmin, cytokeratins, gliofibrillary acidic protein and neurofilaments) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in cystic ovaries in relation to normal ovaries. The granulosa cell layer of cystic follicles had a significantly greater IHCSA for vimentin than the normal antral follicles. This difference was also significant between atretic and antral follicles. Cytokeratins showed a very low expression in the granulosa cells of antral follicles of control ovaries while in granulosa cells of atretic and cystic follicles they showed a significantly higher IHCSA. Immunohistochemical localization of desmin and α-SMA was restricted to the theca externa. Immunoreactivity for gliofibrillary acidic protein and neurofilament was negative. The highest intensity in the staining with vimentin and cytokeratins observed in the granulosa cells of the cystic follicles is probably due to structural and functional changes that occur during the process of cystogenesis and they could be associated with intense changes in the expression of cytoskeletal proteins that may be essential to the proper cellular functioning.
Alteration of Redox State of Human Serum Albumin before and after Hemodialysis
Authors: Soejima Akinori , Matsuzawa Naoki , Hayashi Tomoya , Kimura Rio , Ootsuka Takako , Fukuoka Kazuhito , Yamada Akira , Nagasawa Toshihiko , Era Seiichi
Published: December 2004

Background:Persistent hypoalbuminemia is a predictor of death in long-term maintenance hemodialysis patients, although cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death. A decreased serum antioxidant activity in maintenance hemodialysis patients may contribute to increased oxidative damage, and may be associated with accelerated atherosclerotic changes. Methods:The aim of this study was to examine the redox state of human serum albumin in maintenance hemodialysis patients by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a fluorescence detector. Results: HPLC of human serum albumin on a Shodex-Asahipak ES-502N column at pH 4.85 showed a clear resolution of human mercaptalbumin (HMA) and nonmercaptalbumin (HNA), which are the reduced and oxidized forms of human serum albumin, respectively. The mean ± SD percentage of the HMA fraction of human serum albumin was significantly lower in maintenance hemodialysis patients than in age-matched normal subjects. The percentage of HMA increased 3–5 h after starting the hemodialysis and then decreased to subnormal levels. Conclusion: This suggests that serum albumin may be a major extracellular antioxidant in maintenance hemodialysis patients, and that hemodialysis may rescue serum albumin reduction by inducing intermolecular sulfhydryl-disulfide exchange reaction.
Uteroglobin-Related Protein 1(UGRP1) Gene Polymorphisms and Atopic Asthma in the Indian Population
Authors: Batra Jyotsna , Niphadkar Pramod V. , Sharma Surendra K. , Ghosh Balaram
Published: December 2004

Background: The secretory protein, uteroglobin-related protein 1 (UGRP1), is mainly expressed in the lung and trachea and has recently been implicated in asthma. The –112 G to A transition in the promoter was reported to be associated with asthma in the Japanese population. However, this has not been replicated in other studies. The aim of this study was to find the association of UGRP1 gene polymorphisms with atopic asthma in the Indian population using a case-control (NP = 165, NC = 160) and a family-based (60 trios) design. Methods: Polymorphisms in the promoter region and the first exon and first intron of the UGRP1 gene were determined by direct sequencing. Results: The previously identified G–112A and C222A polymorphisms were found to be in complete linkage disequilibrium (LD) (D′ = 1) in our population. However, no new polymorphism has been identified in this region. When G–112A polymorphism was analyzed in the cases and controls, no significant difference was observed either at the allele (p = 0.68) or at the genotype (p = 0.83) levels. Moreover, in our family-based study, we observed no significant deviation of allelic transmission from random proportions (p = 0.41). Similarly, when we analyzed our genotypic results for serum total IgE levels, no significant association was observed, in both case-control as well as family-based designs. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the G–112A and C222A polymorphisms do not play a significant role in the genetic predisposition of UGRP1 gene in atopic asthma in the Indian population.
Peanut Protein Allergens: The Effect of Roasting on Solubility and Allergenicity
Authors: Kopper Randall A. , Odum N. Joey , Sen Moon , Helm Ricki M. , Stanley J. Steve , Burks A. Wesley
Published: December 2004

Background: A contributing factor to food allergen stability is heat resistance. Peanut allergens in particular are resistant to heat, which results in their decreased solubility upon routine extraction and may have a profound influence on their continued presence in the digestive tract. Although there have been a number of studies characterizing soluble extracts of raw and roasted proteins, the relative solubility of the insoluble material following routine extraction for residual allergen characterization has not been investigated. The effects of various treatments on the re-solubilization and subsequent allergenicity of this insoluble peanut protein material are presented here. Methods: Various methods to resolubilize the insoluble protein material were used, including pH, proteases and glycosidases. Protease digestion of nonextractable peanut proteins with pepsin, chymotrypsin and trypsin was performed in appropriate buffers as previously optimized for peanut proteins. Glycosidase activity in the presence of protease inhibitors was performed at pH 2. Digested samples were then subjected to SDS-PAGE/Western blot analysis using serum IgE from peanut-sensitive individuals. Results: Progressive roasting of peanuts resulted in a significant decrease in protein solubility. The acidic proteins were resolubilized moderately at high pH, with solubility decreasing as pH approached the pI of the protein. However, at pH 2 the solubility increased dramatically. More extensive resolubilzation was observed with amylase treatment, presumably due to cleavage of glycoside of glycoproteins. The protein released into solution had a high IgE-binding capacity. While amylase was effective at resolubilizing this material, digestive tract proteases were not. Conclusion: The presence of these insolubilized peanut proteins provides a continuous source of major allergens to the gastrointestinal mucosal immune system.
IgE Reactivity Pattern to Timothy and Birch Pollen Allergens in Finnish and Russian Karelia
Authors: Movérare Robert , Petäys Tuula , Vartiainen Erkki , Haahtela Tari
Published: December 2004

Background: Little is known about differences in IgE reactivity patterns to individual allergens in random populations. We studied the IgE reactivity profile to individual recombinant (r) and native (n) allergens in sera from subjects sensitized to timothy and/or birch pollen living in Finnish and Russian Karelia. Methods: Sera from IgE-sensitized adults were obtained from an epidemiological study on a random sample of 1,177 subjects. The IgE reactivity to pollen extracts and eight timothy (rPhl p 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12 and nPhl p 4) and three birch pollen allergens (rBet v 1, 2 and 4) were analyzed with UniCAP®. Results: The levels of IgE antibodies to timothy and birch pollen were higher in Finnish (median 5.2, range 0.35 to >100 kUA/l,) than in Russian Karelia (median 1.8 kUA/l, range 0.43–25.2 kUA/l, p < 0.01). There was a significantly higher prevalence of IgE reactivity to three timothy pollen allergens in Finnish (n = 57) than in Russian Karelia (n = 12): rPhl p 2, 28 vs. 0%; rPhl p 5, 60 vs. 0%; rPhl p 6, 47 vs. 0%. The prevalence of IgE reactivity to the birch pollen allergens was similar in the two populations. IgE reactivity to rPhl p 2, 5, 6 and 11 was associated with hay fever symptoms. The timothy-pollen-specific serum IgE levels and the numbers of IgE reactivities to individual allergens correlated significantly (rs = 0.87, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The data indicate that timothy- and birch pollen-specific IgE levels are higher in Finnish compared to Russian Karelia. This is reflected in wider IgE reactivity to individual timothy pollen allergens in Finnish Karelia, including the major allergen Phl p 5, and increased pollen allergy.
A New Method to Bind Allergens for the Measurement of Specific IgE Antibodies
Authors: Sander Ingrid , Kespohl Sabine , Merget Rolf , Goldscheid Natascha , Degens Paul Otto , Brüning Thomas , Raulf-Heimsoth Monika
Published: December 2004

Background: Detection of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in patients’ sera plays a key role for the diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergy. If no validated test system is available, diagnostic tools must be developed, usually by coupling or binding the allergens to a solid phase. Streptavidin ImmunoCAP™ is a new solid phase for binding of allergens which can be used in the Pharmacia CAP® system. Objective: It was the aim of this study to assess the diagnostic validity of Streptavidin ImmunoCAP. Methods: Biotinylation and allergen concentration for binding to Streptavidin ImmunoCAP were optimized and IgE obtained with natural rubber latex, obeche wood, wheat and rye flour Streptavidin ImmunoCAP were compared with the results of ImmunoCAP™ and Enzyme Allergo-Sorbent Test (EAST) using sera from patients complaining of workplace-related respiratory symptoms. Results: While the relation of biotin-label and protein was critical (best results were obtained with a 5- fold molar excess), labelled protein for coupling to streptavidin ImmunoCAP was applicable in a wide concentration range. On average, IgE values with streptavidin ImmunoCAP were as high as with ImmunoCAP but considerably higher than values obtained by EAST. Conclusion: Streptavidin ImmunoCAP is a valuable tool for sensitive and specific measurement of IgE binding to new allergens superior to cellulose disk-based methods.
Characterization of Spontaneous Dermatitis in Beige Rats with IgE Hyperproduction
Authors: Ozaki Kiyokazu , Matsuura Tetsuro , Narama Isao
Published: December 2004

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease characterized by chronic recurrent eczematous lesions, but its exact etiology and mechanism are unclear. We found that beige rats (DAbg/bg), a mutant model of Chediak-Higashi syndrome, develop skin lesions characterized by pruritus, excoriation, erosion and alopecia. We describe the beige rat and examine its possible usefulness as an AD model. Methods: Beige rats of 4, 8, 13, 16, 26 and 52 weeks were used. Histological analysis of the skin was performed. Plasma IgE and cytokines were measured. Th1 and Th2 cytokines and RANTES mRNA expression of skin and lymph nodes were evaluated. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reactions were examined, and maximization tests were conducted. Results: Skin lesions begin to develop with increases in serum IgE levels and the expression of IL-4 mRNA in the lymph node and skin. Histologically, skin lesions are characterized by acanthosis, ulceration and inflammatory cell infiltration in the dermis. Inflammatory cells consist of CD3+, CD4+, ED1+, ED2+ and I-A+ mononuclear cells, eosinophils, degranulated mast cells and neutrophils accompanying interleukin (IL)-4, interferon (IFN)-γ and RANTES mRNA expressions of the skin. Inflammatory cells are reduced during chronification with decreased expressions of IL-4, IFN-γ and RANTES mRNA. In addition, the rats show a high sensitivity to PCA reactions and maximization tests. Conclusions: Our results show that some of the skin lesions of beige rats are morphologically similar to human AD, being characterized by inflammatory cell composition in the acute phase, and increased IgE and RANTES levels. However, the inflammatory process and cytokine expression pattern are different from those in human AD.
Different Effect of Losartan and Amlodipine on Penile Structures in Male Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Toblli Jorge Eduardo , Stella Inés , Mazza Osvaldo Néstor , Ferder León , Inserra Felipe
Published: December 2004

Background: Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent in hypertensive patients. Since both angiotensin II receptor type-1 blockers (ARBs) and calcium antagonists are current and effective antihypertensive drugs, the aim of this study was to determine possible differences between ARBs and calcium antagonists concerning the protection of penile structures from the deleterious effects of arterial hypertension. Methods and Results: During 6 months, 3 groups of male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and 1 of Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, as a control group, were studied: SHR without treatment; SHR with losartan (L) 30 mg/kg/day; SHR with amlodipine (A) 3 mg/kg/day, and WKY without treatment. Cavernous smooth muscle (CSM) and vascular smooth muscle (VSM) from cavernous arteries, cavernous tissue fibrosis and collagen type III (COL III) were evaluated. After 6 months, SHR+L and SHR+A showed a similar reduction in blood pressure compared with untreated SHR. However, only SHR+L and control WKY presented significantly lower values of: CSM (p < 0.01), VSM (p < 0.01), and COL III ( p < 0.01) when compared with either untreated SHR or SHR+A. There was also a positive correlation between left ventricular mass and proteinuria with VSM from cavernous arteries, CSM and COL III in untreated SHR and SHR+A. These relations were not present in SHR+L and WKY. Conclusion: Although losartan and amlodipine achieved similar blood pressure control, losartan but not amlodipine showed a significant protective role against structural changes in the vessels and cavernous spaces of the erectile tissue caused by arterial hypertension.
Defect in Regulation of Ca2+ Movement in Platelets from Patients with Systemic Lupus erythematosus
Authors: Cheng He-Hsiung , Ho Chin-Man , Huang Chun-Jen , Hsu Shu-Shong , Jiann Bang-Ping , Chen Jin-Shyr , Huang Jong-Khing , Chang Hong-Tai , Lo Yuk-Keung , Yeh Jeng-Hsien , Jan Chung-Ren
Published: December 2004

The differences in the intracellular Ca2+ responses to hormones in platelets from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients compared to normal humans have not been explored. This study examined the Ca2+ signaling and density of platelets in normal, inactive and active SLE patients. The platelet number per µl in inactive and normal groups did not differ, whereas the number in active SLE patients was smaller than the other two groups by 60%. The intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in response to stimulation of four endogenous Ca2+ mobilizing hormones, 100 µM arachidonic acid (AA), 10 µM ADP, 10 nM platelet activation factor (PAF) and 1 µM thrombin, were investigated using the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye, fura-2. The AA-induced [Ca2+]i rises in normal and inactive groups were similar. In contrast, the AA-induced [Ca2+]i rises in the active SLE group were significantly smaller than in the normal and inactive groups. The defect in the AA-induced [Ca2+]i rises in active SLE groups appears to be caused by defective Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ releasing pathways because the AA-induced responses were not altered by removal of extracellular Ca2+, whereas the AA-induced responses in normal and inactive SLE groups were reduced by removal of extracellular Ca2+, and the AA-induced Ca2+ release was smaller in the active SLE group. PAF, ADP and thrombin all induced [Ca2+]i rises in the three groups, but no significant differences were found among the three groups. Together, the results indicate that cell density and Ca2+ signaling in platelets from active SLE patients are altered in response to particular stimulators. In these regards, platelets from inactive SLE patients appear to be similar to those from normal humans.
Perinatal Outcomes in Severe Preeclampsia-Eclampsia with and without HELLP Syndrome
Authors: Gul Ahmet , Cebeci Altan , Aslan Halil , Polat Ibrahim , Ozdemir Aykut , Ceylan Yavuz
Published: December 2004

Objective: Our purpose was to find out and compare perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia-eclampsia with and without HELLP syndrome. Methods: Clinical and laboratory findings, and perinatal-neonatal outcomes of all pregnants with severe preeclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP have been prospectively recorded. Results were compared by means of Student’s t test, χ2 analysis and Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. Results: Among 367 consecutive severe preeclampsia, 106 (29%) had HELLP syndrome, 261 (71%) had severe preeclampsia and eclampsia. Mean gestational age and birth weight at delivery in severe preeclampsia without HELLP syndrome and in HELLP syndrome were 34.1 ± 6.1 vs. 33.0 ± 5.8 weeks (p = 0.119) and 1,886 ± 764 vs. 1,724 ± 776 g (p = 0.063), respectively. Comparing overall fetal mortality (4.6 vs. 10.3%, p = 0.009) and perinatal mortality (8.0% vs. 16.8%, p = 0.026) in severe preeclampsia-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome, respectively, there were statistically significant differences. But when analyses were performed according to gestational age before and after 32nd gestational week, the difference of perinatal mortality between the two groups was non-significant (p = 0.644 and p = 0.250), suggesting borderline difference. The most common contributing factor for fetal death after 32nd week was due to abruptio placenta without prenatal follow-up. Neonatal morbidity and neonatal mortality (4.8 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.905) in severe preeclampsia-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome respectively were similar and the difference was statistically nonsignificant. Conclusions: Perinatal mortality and neonatal morbidity-mortality according to gestational age before and after the 32nd week were similar in HELLP syndrome compared with severe preeclampsia-eclampsia without HELLP but overall fetal mortality was higher in HELLP syndrome with no regular prenatal care.
Predictive Accuracy of MCI Subtypes for Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia in Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 2-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Rasquin S.M.C. , Lodder J. , Visser P.J. , Lousberg R. , Verhey F.R.J.
Published: December 2004

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic accuracy of different subtypes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI): amnestic MCI, multiple domain MCI, and single non-memory domain MCI, for the development of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). Patients: Nondemented patients from a memory clinic cohort (n = 118), and a stroke cohort (n = 80, older than 55 years and with a cognitive impairment). Results: ‘Multiple domain MCI’ had the highest sensitivity for both AD (80.8%) and VaD (100%), and ‘amnestic MCI’ had the highest specificity (85.9% for AD, 100% for VaD). The positive predictive value was low for all subtypes (0.0–32.7%), whereas the negative predictive value was high (72.8–100%). Discussion: The subtype ‘multiple domain MCI’ has high sensitivity in identifying people at risk for developing AD or VaD. The predictive accuracy of the MCI subtypes was similar for both AD and VaD.
Prevention of Recurrent Idiopathic Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Goldhaber Samuel Z.
Published: December 2004

Idiopathic venous thromboembolism (VTE), unassociated with surgery or trauma, is a chronic illness that warrants the implementation of strategies to prevent recurrence over a lifetime. Clinical trials show that the benefit associated with extended anticoagulation therapy ≤1 year in patients with idiopathic VTE is not maintained over the long term once treatment is discontinued. Controlled trials have established the efficacy of indefinite-duration anticoagulation, even if the therapy used is a novel agent that is not a coumarin derivative. The PREVENT, ELATE, and THRIVE III trials demonstrate that a strategy of long-term anticoagulation in patients with idiopathic VTE, including those with isolated calf deep vein thrombosis, is safe and effective. This successful strategy appears beneficial across all subgroups, regardless of the presence of an identified thrombophilic state. These include both young and old patients of both sexes, those with factor V Leiden or the prothrombin gene mutation, and those with first-time or recurrent VTE. Thus, the default strategy for idiopathic VTE should be universal anticoagulation unless contraindicated. Implementing this proven approach on a population basis would enable prevention of VTE recurrence with minimal individualization of treatment. Because lifelong therapy can exact a psychological and medical cost on the patient as well as the health care provider, future research should be directed to risk stratification of those most susceptible to recurrence. Avenues of investigation currently being evaluated include measurement of
d
-
dimer levels, examination of residual venous thrombosis on ultrasound, and application of risk nomograms.
Earth 101
Authors: Gottlieb Roger
Published: December 2004

This paper is an account of a course called Philosophy and the Environment. The course responds to problems common in environmental education: that is, either leaving the audience unmoved, or, struck by the information and the analyses, but without emotional support or positive experiences, full of even more despair, cynicism and numbness than when they began. Many of us in higher education are seeking a different path, believing that it is possible to connect our bodies and our minds, our intellects and our emotions, our analytical intelligence and our spiritual hopes. Philosophy and the Environment attempts to do just this, providing a theoretical account of the crisis with an experience of its meaning.
Why Teach Environmental Ethics? Because We Already Do
Authors: Benton Christine , Benton Raymond
Published: December 2004

In this paper we argue for the importance of the formal teaching of environmental ethics. This is, we argue, both because environmental ethics is needed to respond to the environmental issues generated by the neoliberal movement in politics and economics, and because a form of environmental ethics is implicit, but unexamined, in that which is currently taught. We maintain that students need to become aware of the latent ethical dimension in what they are taught. To help them, we think that they need to understand how models and metaphors structure and impact their worldviews. We describe how a simple in-class exercise encourages students to experience the way metaphors organize feelings, courses of action, and cognitive understandings. This is then intellectualized by way of Clifford Geertz's concept of culture and his model for the analysis of sacred symbols. From there we present a brief interpretation of modern economics as the embodiment of the dominant modern ethos. This leads into a consideration of ecology as a science, and to the environmental ethic embodied in Aldo Leopold's "Land Ethic." We close with a personal experience that highlights how environmental teaching can make students aware of the presence of an implicit, but unexamined, environmental ethic.
Reducing Pessimism's Sway in The Environmental Ethics Classroom
Authors: Sheppard James
Published: December 2004

Increased awareness of the breadth and depth of existing environmental challenges is part of an environmental education. One effect of this increased awareness that can manifest itself in the environmental ethics classroom is pessimism. I outline two varieties of pessimism that have a tendency to hold sway in the environmental ethics classroom: 1) pessimism about the general state of the environment; and, 2) pessimism about being able to do anything about the general state of the environment. After outlining a few of the potential educational and vocational consequences of allowing pessimism to take root, I offer a pedagogical method for reducing the sway of pessimism in the classroom. I argue that William James' and John Dewey's writings on the subject of meliorism offer a framework that, when combined with some of the insights of incrementalism theory in environmental policy, can not only help students to reduce the sway of pessimism in the classroom, but also in their chosen career paths by, among other things, highlighting the "possibility of possibility".
Meeting the Insulation Requirements of the Building Envelope with Polyurethane and Polyisocyanurate Foam
Authors: Bogdan Mary , Hoerter Jason , Moore Frank O.
Published: December 2004

The use of insulating products in the building envelope is defined by many criteria. The specified R-value or k-factor for the structure is an essential component of most specifications. The industry has traditionally reported the R-value measured at a mean temperature of 75°F for use to calculate insulation requirements for the building envelope. With improvements in instrumentation, it is now possible to specify insulation based upon the actual use temperatures for a given building or region. This paper compares the performance of insulating products over a variety of mean temperature ranges including a discussion of measurement methods.
Effects of Hardening Parameter and Strain Hardening Exponent on Residual Stress and Plastic Zone Growth in Aluminum Metal–Matrix Composites under Out-of-Plane Loading
Authors: Yildiz H. , Sayman O. , Aktaş M.
Published: December 2004

Residual stress variations and plastic zone growth behavior of steel fiber-reinforced aluminum metal–matrix laminated composite plates which are clamped and subjected to outof-plane loading are investigated for different hardening parameter (K) and strain hardening exponent (n). Laminated plates are composed of four orthotropic layers oriented with different angles in symmetric or antisymmetric manner. The plates are meshed into 64 elements and 289 nodes with clamped boundary condition. Laminates are subjected to a transverse uniform distributed load. The loading is gradually increased after yield point of the plate to the higher levels with 400, 500, and 600 loading steps. Numerical solution is performed using the finite element method and the first-order shear deformation theory. For solution, Lagrange elements with nine nodes are used.
Analytical Damage Zone Size Predictions for Notched Laminated Composites
Authors: Yeh Hsien-Yang , Berryhill R. Kevin , Yeh Hsien-Liang
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of damage zone size as a parameter for evaluating the fracture strength of center-cracked laminated composites.

Using experimental data for a symmetrical, generally orthotropic graphite-epoxy laminate, the damage zone sizes predicted by the Average Stress Criterion and Point Stress Criterion, as well as the D-Criterion, were compared. Additionally, limited data for the Quadratic Surfaces and Sequential Fiber Failure Criteria were evaluated.

Experimental measurements of crack-tip damage zone size were used to establish a physical reference point by which all of the theories were compared.

The preliminary results of this study indicate that the characteristic lengths defined by the Quadratic Surfaces and Sequential Fiber Failure Criteria are not representative of the measured damage zone size and need further investigation.
Elasto-plastic Thermal Stress Analysis in Symmetric Thermoplastic Laminates
Authors: Çallioğlu Hasan , Sayman Onur , Ataberk Necati
Published: December 2004

In this study, a thermal elastic–plastic stress analysis is carried out in steel fiber-reinforced symmetric thermoplastic laminated plates. The material is assumed to be strain-hardening. The orientation angles are chosen as, (0°/90°)s, (30°/30°)s, (45°/45°)s, (60°/60°)s, (15°/0°)s, (30°/0°)s, (45°/0°)s, (60°/0°)s, (75°/0°)s. The Tsai–Hill theory is used as a yield criterion in the solution. Temperature distribution is chosen as þT0 and T0 at the upper and lower surfaces, respectively. It is found that plastic yielding occurs at the same temperature; all the orientation angles and the plastic region expands the same at the same temperature.
A Biorobotic Investigation of Norway Rat Pups (Rattus norvegicus) in an Arena
Authors: Schank Jeffrey C. , May Christopher J. , Tran Jonathan T. , Joshi Sanjay S.
Published: December 2004

Biorobotics research typically focuses on simulating specific aspects of animal biomechanics, sensory systems, and computational abilities. We have developed a novel methodology for integrating the study of biorobotics and animal behavior. We describe several metrics for characterizing and comparing rat pup and robot behavior without presupposing behavioral goal states. In the rat pup and robot experiments, we found that when 10-day-old Norway rats ( Rattus Norvegicus) are placed in an arena, they typically follow walls to a single corner and stay there. However, our thigmotaxic robots followed walls but typically circumnavigated the entire arena, contacting all corners, and exhibiting asymmetric corner behavior. After observing the latter behavior in robots, we found that rat pups also exhibited asymmetric corner behavior. Thus, our robotic experiments, while not quantitatively matching pup behavior, led to the discovery of a previously unrecognized pattern of behavior in rat pups. This illustrates the value of models in leading to discovery of new patterns of behavior in the system modeled. Our results also show that simple thigmotaxic architectures alone may not explain pup behavior in an arena.
A Model of Adaptation in Collaborative Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Lerman Kristina
Published: December 2004

Adaptation is an essential requirement for autonomous agent systems functioning in uncertain dynamic environments. Adaptation allows agents to change their behavior in order to improve the overall sys tem performance. We describe a general mechanism for adaptation in multi-agent systems in which agents modify their behavior in response to changes in the environment or actions of other agents. The agents estimate the global state of the system from local observations and adjust their actions accordingly. We derive a mathematical model that describes the collective behavior of such adaptive systems. The model, consisting of coupled rate equations, governs how the collective behavior changes in time. We apply the model to study collaboration in a group of mobile robots. The system we study is an adaptive version of the collaborative stick pulling in a group of robots examined in detail in earlier works (Ijspeert, Martinoli, Billard, & Gambardela, 2001; Lerman, Galstyan, Martinoli, & Ijspeert, 2001). In adaptive stick pulling, robots estimate the number of robots and sticks in the system and adjust their individual behavior so as to improve collective performance. We solve the mathematical model and show that adaptation improves collective performance for all parameter values.
Dynamic Polyethism and Competition for Tasks in Threshold Reinforcement Models of Social Insects
Authors: Merkle Daniel , Middendorf Martin
Published: December 2004

In this paper we study the dynamics of task division in threshold reinforcement models of social insect societies. Our work extends other models in order to include several factors that influence the behavior of real insect colonies. Main extensions of our model are variable demands for work, age-dependent thresholds and finite life span of the individuals. It is shown how these factors influence the degree of task specialization of the individuals in a colony. Moreover, we show that the introduction of a threshold-dependent competition process between the individuals during task selection leads to the occurrence of specialists and differentiation between individuals as an emergent phenomenon that depends on the colony size. This result can help to explain the proximate mechanisms that lead to specialization in large insect colonies. Our results have implications for the fields of multi-agent systems, robotics, and nature inspired scheduling where threshold response models are used for control and regulation tasks.
Analysis of Selected Water Absorption Coefficient Measurements
Authors: Bomberg Mark , Pazera Marcin , Plagge Rudolph
Published: December 2004

For isotropic materials with a significant fraction of micro-pores, the cumulative water intake per unit of inflow surface area typically yields a linear function of the square root of time elapse. The authors postulate that this dependence has a limited range of validity. The validity of this approximation starts from an initial period that is inversely proportional to the rate of water intake and ends much before the material reaches the capillary moisture content.

Experimental investigation presented here uses a differential presentation of the cumulative water inflow and clearly indicates that material such as calcium silicate or brick belong to a broad class of materials characterized by a constant water absorption coefficient (A-coefficient). Initial period varies from ½ to 4 minutes. On the other hand, materials with a multiple pore-system such as an Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC) may display a systematically varying A-coefficient. Authors propose a test procedure limited to 1-hour duration that can be used to derive a practical and reproducible value of A-coefficient.
Prediction of Density for Prevention of Settling of Hygroscopic and Nonhygroscopic Loose-fill Insulation in Walls
Authors: Rasmussen Torben Valdbjørn
Published: December 2004

This paper discusses the prediction of the density necessary for the prevention of the settling of hygroscopic and nonhygroscopic loose-fill insulation in walls, when the criteria for creep in granular materials are applied. The practical use of a theoretical framework presented earlier and the material characteristics used to develop an equation from which the necessary density can be predicted, are described.

The empirical framework allows a quantitative approach to the problem of achieving nonsettling of a loose-fill insulation material in a given wall.

The study involves the use of empirically derived equations to predict the density of a loose-fill insulation material required to ensure volume stability in a wall exposed to one type of cyclical humidity conditions.

An empirical model for predicting the creep of materials has been developed in earlier papers. The creep was determined from the corresponding tests.

The use of the method is demonstrated by showing the results from a full-scale wall test. The method is applied for different cavity sizes together with the associated characteristics of four hygroscopic and one nonhygroscopic loose-fill insulation materials exposed to the same climatic conditions. In addition, it is shown that for many repeated cyclical humidity conditions, the creep of the hygroscopic and nonhygroscopic loose-fill insulation materials asymptotically approached equilibrium.
Moisture Accumulation in Cellulose Insulation Caused by Air Leakage in Flat Wood Frame Roofs
Authors: Derome D.
Published: December 2004

The hygrothermal performance of assemblies can be assessed by testing and monitoring large-scale specimens exposed to realistic conditions under controlled laboratory settings. Moisture transfer cannot be measured directly, but moisture content can be monitored. A large-scale test of two flat roof assemblies filled with cellulose insulation is performed. The six-and-a-half-month test simulated a complete wetting and drying cycle from winter to summer. The wood structure and the cellulose insulation are the object of an extensive moisture content monitoring which included 102 resistance-type electronic moisture probes and 120 gravimetric specimens. The objective of this paper is to report on the changes in moisture content in the cellulose insulation as a function of the different air leakage paths.
Oakeshott’s Skepticism and the Skeptical Traditions
Authors: Laursen John Christian
Published: December 2004

English philosopher Michael Oakeshott (1901-90) called himself a skeptic at various times, and yet his writings reveal little or no engagement with either of the major Hellenistic skeptical traditions, Pyrrhonism and Academic skepticism. Although he argued that the best way to understand ourselves is to look at the mirror of our intellectual inheritance, he did not look at this one. Furthermore, commentators on Oakeshott’s skepticism have also ignored these traditions and his possible place in them. This article explores these lacunae, seeking possible reasons for such neglect in the history of the modern reception of Hellenistic skepticism. Oakeshott and his commentators may have ignored the traditions of skepticism out of ignorance, lack of respect for their intellectual acuity, or fear of their moral consequences. Finally, this article sketches some of the benefits that might have been gained if Oakeshott and his commentators had paid more attention to these traditions.