bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Features of Odorants Systematically Influence Slow Temporal Responses Across Clusters of Coordinated Antennal Lobe Units in the MothManduca sexta
Authors: Daly Kevin C. , Wright Geraldine A. , Smith Brian H.
Published: March 2004

Behavioral studies of olfactory discrimination and stimulus generalization in many species indicate that the molecular features of monomolecular odorants are important for odor discrimination. Here we evaluate how features, such as carbon chain length and functional group, are represented in the first level of synaptic processing. We recorded antennal lobe ensemble responses in the moth Manduca sexta to repeated 100-ms pulses of monomolecular alcohols and ketones. Most units exhibited a significant change in spike rate in response to most odorants that outlasted the duration of the stimulus. Peristimulus data were then sampled over 780 ms for each pulse of all odorants. Factor analysis was used to assess whether there were groups of units with common response patterns. We found that factors identified and represented activity for clusters of units with common temporal response characteristics. These temporally patterned responses typically spanned 780 ms and were often dependent on carbon chain length and functional group. Furthermore, cross-correlation analysis frequently indicated significant coincident spiking even during spontaneous activity. However, this synchrony occurred mainly between units recorded on the same tetrode. In a final analysis, the Euclidean distance between odor responses was calculated for each pair of odorants using factors as dimensions. The distance between responses for any two odorants was maximized by ∼240 ms. This time course corresponded to the brief sequence of coordinated bursts across the recorded population. The distance during this period was also a function of systematic differences in molecular features. Results of this Euclidian analysis thus directly correlate to previous behavioral studies of stimulus generalization in M. sexta.
Transcriptional profiling of genes responsive to abscisic acid and gibberellin in rice: phenotyping and comparative analysis between rice andArabidopsis
Authors: Yazaki Junshi , Shimatani Zenpei , Hashimoto Akiko , Nagata Yuko , Fujii Fumiko , Kojima Keiichi , Suzuki Kohji , Taya Toshiki , Tonouchi Mio , Nelson Charles , Nakagawa Allen , Otomo Yasuhiro , Murakami Kazuo , Matsubara Kenichi , Kawai Jun , Carninci Piero , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Kikuchi Shoshi
Published: March 2004

We collected and completely sequenced 32,127 full-length complementary DNA clones from Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica cv. “Nipponbare.” Mapping of these clones to genomic DNA revealed ∼20,500 transcriptional units (TUs) in the rice genome. For each TU, we selected 60-mers using an algorithm that took into account some DNA conditions such as base composition and sequence complexity. Using in situ synthesis technology, we constructed oligonucleotide arrays with these TUs on glass slides. We targeted RNAs prepared from normally grown rice callus and from callus treated with abscisic acid (ABA) or gibberellin (GA). We identified 200 ABA-responsive and 301 GA-responsive genes, many of which had never before been annotated as ABA or GA responsive in other expression analysis. Comparison of these genes revealed antagonistic regulation of almost all by both hormones; these had previously been annotated as being responsible for protein storage and defense against pathogens. Comparison of the cis-elements of genes responsive to one or antagonistic to both hormones revealed that the antagonistic genes had cis-elements related to ABA and GA responses. The genes responsive to only one hormone were rich in cis-elements that supported ABA and GA responses. In a search for the phenotypes of mutants in which a retrotransposon was inserted in these hormone-responsive genes, we identified phenotypes related to seed formation or plant height, including sterility, vivipary, and dwarfism. In comparison of cis-elements for hormone response genes between rice and Arabidopsis thaliana, we identified cis-elements for dehydration-stress response as Arabidopsis specific and for protein storage as rice specific.
Synchrotron applications in archaeometallurgy: Analysis of high zinc brass astrolabes
Authors: Newbury Brian , Stephenson Bruce , Almer Jon , Notis Michael , Cargill G. S. , Stephenson G. Brian , Haeffner Dean
Published: March 2004

Synchrotron X rays were used to perform nondestructive transmission diffraction and fluorescence experiments on a group of 24 European and Islamic astrolabes dated between 1350–1720 A.D. in order to determine their compositions. A group of six astrolabes produced in Lahore between 1601–1662 A.D. were found to contain a mixed α+β brass microstructure, proving that the brass was produced by a comelting technique rather than the traditional cementation process. The results also show evidence of dezincification, attributed to heavy annealing of the brass during astrolabe manufacture. This effect was so severe that an accurate analysis of the bulk Zn composition could not be determined from the fluorescence results alone; transmission X-ray diffraction gives a more accurate measurement of the bulk Zn composition.
Materials characterization using a novel simultaneous near-infrared/X-ray diffraction instrument
Authors: Blanton Tom , Barnes Craig , Putrelo Julie , Yeboah Agyare , Switalski Steve
Published: March 2004

X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) is utilized for the determination of polymorphism in crystalline organic materials. Though convenient to use in a laboratory setting, XRD is not easily adapted to in situ monitoring of synthetic chemical production applications or thin film depositions. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) can be adapted to in situ manufacturing schemes by use of a source/detector probe. Conversely, NIR is unable to conclusively define the existence of polymorphism in crystalline materials. By combining the two techniques, a novel simultaneous NIR/XRD instrument has been developed. During material’s analysis, results from XRD allowed for the determination of the existence of polymorphic phases, and NIR data were collected as a fingerprint for each of the observed polymorphs. These NIR fingerprints allowed for the development of a library, which can be referenced during the use of a NIR probe in manufacturing settings. The NIR/XRD instrument was also used to monitor materials during exposure to ambient air. XRD can detect crystalline phase changes and NIR can monitor solvent loss and/or water uptake.
Development and application of laboratory X-ray fluorescence holography equipment
Authors: Takahashi Y. , Hayashi K. , Matsubara E.
Published: March 2004

The X-ray fluorescence holography (XFH) method has drawn the attention of many researchers as a novel experimental technique for imaging a three-dimensional local atomic structure around a certain element in a single crystal. Synchrotron radiation (SR) has been mainly used for the measurements because of extremely weak signals that are about 0.3% of isotropic fluorescent radiation. The measurements limited to the use of a SR source clearly hinder from increasing the number of the users. Thus, we developed a laboratory XFH equipment with a conventional X-ray source by using a singly bent graphite monochromator with a large curvature and X-ray detector for a high counting rate. With this equipment, we have successfully demonstrated that high-quality hologram data of a gold single crystal almost equivalent to those with a SR source are obtained. Four different holograms are recorded in the normal and inverse XFH modes. An atomic image reconstructed from these holograms patterns shows a distinct atomic image of Au
Improvements in XRF specimen preparation using the dried residue method: Gallium in plutonium metal
Authors: Worley Christopher G. , Colletti Lisa P.
Published: March 2004

Preparing dry specimens from liquid samples for XRF analysis avoids introducing caustic or hazardous liquids into the instrument. Several modifications were made to a dried residue specimen preparation method for quantifying gallium in plutonium metal in order to improve the method accuracy and precision. Ion exchange chromatography was utilized to remove the plutonium prior to casting the dried residue specimens. This, coupled with several other changes, improved the method relative error from ∼5% to less than 1%. These results are sufficient for routine sample analysis and are almost comparable to results from the established process using liquid specimens. However, the analysis of radioactive liquid specimens is unnecessary for quantifying the plutonium gallium content using this dried residue approach
Ultratrace speciation of nitrogen compounds in aerosols collected on silicon wafer surfaces by means of TXRF-NEXAFS
Authors: Török S. , Osán J. , Beckhoff B. , Ulm G.
Published: March 2004

Total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis (TXRF) using monochromatized undulator radiation in the PTB radiometry laboratory at the synchrotron radiation facility BESSY II has been employed to investigate the chemical state of nitrogen compounds in aerosols. The aerosol samples of different size fractions were deposited on silicon wafer surfaces in a May impactor. Using a thin window Si(Li) detector, TXRF detection limits for nitrogen are in the upper fg and lower pg range. Taking advantage of the tunability of monochromatized undulator radiation, the near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) could be combined with TXRF analysis, allowing for the speciation of the aerosols at the nitrogen K absorption edge. Such low detection limits enable an analysis of aerosol samples taken in 10 min with acceptable accuracy. Applicability of the technique to real aerosol samples has been used to compare nitrogen oxidation state in suburban and rural aerosols
Quantitative analysis by X-ray induced total electron yield (TEY) compared to XRFA
Authors: Ebel Horst
Published: March 2004

The theoretical concepts of the two methods are similar. Consequently, comparable fundamental parameter algorithms can be developed and applied to a quantitative analysis of bulk specimens and to an investigation of thin layers by TEY and by XRFA. Whereas the sampling depth of XRFA is determined by photoelectric absorption, for TEY the escape probability of electrons reduces this quantity to values of less than 100 nm. Thus, TEY is practically a surface analytical method with sampling depths between X-ray photoelectron spectrometry and XRFA. The decrease of fluorescence yields with decreasing atomic number Z is responsible for a significant reduction of the elemental sensitivity of XRFA in the range of low-Z elements. On the other hand, the elemental sensitivity of TEY increases with decreasing Z as a consequence of the dominating contribution of KLL- and LMM-Auger electrons to measured TEY jumps. The possibility to quantify submonolayers and layers of nm thickness buried under nm layers, a nearly linear dependence of TEY signals versus the elemental concentration of multielement specimens and the EXAFS and XANES information that is contained in measured TEY responses, are valuable features of TEY. A disadvantage of TEY is the time consuming sequential data accumulation of TEY spectra when compared to energy dispersive XRFA. But due to progress in instrumentation TEY is no longer reserved to synchrotron radiation sources
Analysis of art objects and other delicate samples: Is XRF really nondestructive?
Authors: Mantler Michael , Klikovits Jan
Published: March 2004

XRF is generally considered a nondestructive analytical method in the sense that a specimen is not altered by the analytical procedure. This study is related to paintings and illuminated manuscripts, where the analytes are often inorganic pigments embedded into organic matrices such as fabrics (canvases), paper or parchment, binders, and varnish. We found that a typical measurement cycle with conventional tubes and energy dispersive systems (e.g., 100 s, 100 W tube-power) causes no visible harm. However, 3 kW radiative power for several minutes and more (as often required for wide angle scans as well as for the analysis of light elements or traces in a wavelength dispersive spectrometer) can leave visible traces of permanent yellowing, brittleness, and even mechanical decomposition. In such cases scanning electron microscopy-images indicate permanent alteration of the cellulose fibers and, in paper, of the binder. Employment of modern X-ray optical devices which focus the photons of a wide beam onto a small spot may also leave visible (and invisible) traces of destruction.
Evaluating experimental methods and techniques in X-ray diffraction using 280 000 data sets in the Powder Diffraction File
Authors: Fawcett T. G. , Kabbekodu S. N. , Faber J. , Needham F. , McClune F.
Published: March 2004

Release 2003 of the Powder Diffraction File (PDF) contains ∼280 000 unique entries organized in a series of tables in a relational database format. The PDF is available in two products, PDF-4/Full File and PDF-4/Organics, which allow users to access and query over 150 million filled entry fields. An editorial database is used to generate the commercial products that contain tables of experimental details and statistical evaluation criteria used by the editors to evaluate quality and determine quality marks for each entry in the PDF. This editorial database has nearly doubled the searchable entry fields. This database was mined to evaluate experimental methods in X-ray diffraction. Both experimental powder diffraction data and data calculated from predominantly single crystal X-ray structural analyses were assigned statistical quality criteria. For experimental powder data, the average delta two theta values for alld-spacings in the entry set were used. Calculated data were evaluated usingRfactor values as the primary quality criteria. A Quality Index, which measures the errors in refined unit cell parameters divided by the magnitude of the cell parameter, can be used to compare all types of data. Experimental variables were then analyzed versus these criteria. Variables include optic configuration, (i.e., Seeman–Bohlin, Guinier, Debye–Scherrer), use of internal and external standards, use of monochromators, wavelength divergence, wavelength selection, equipment radius, specimen transparency, and specimen absorption. This study significantly differs from prior round robin analyses in that the use of the database allows us to study very large population sets for every variable analyzed.
Restoration of Blood Pressure by Centrally Injected U-46619, a Thromboxane A2 Analog, in Hemorrhaged Hypotensive Rats: Investigation of Different Brain Areas
Authors: Yalcin Murat , Savci Vahide
Published: March 2004

In the present study, we investigated the cardiovascular effects of centrally injected U-46619, a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) analog, and the central and peripheral mechanisms of these effects in hemorrhagic shock conditions. Hemorrhage was performed by withdrawing a total volume of 2.1 ml of blood/100 g body weight over a period of 10 min. Injections were made into the lateral cerebral ventricle (LCV), nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN). U-46619 (0.1, 1 and 2 µg) increased blood pressure and reversed hypotension in hemorrhagic shock. The pressor effect was dose- and time-dependent in all investigated brain areas. Heart rate changes were not significantly different in all groups. Pretreatment of rats with an injection of SQ-29548 (4 or 8 µg), a TXA2 receptor antagonist, into the LCV, NTS, RVLM and PVN completely blocked the pressor effect of U-46619 (1 µg) injected into respective brain areas. Hemorrhage itself increased plasma adrenaline, noradrenaline, vasopressIN levels and renin activity. U-46619 (1 µg) injected into the LCV, PVN, RVLM and NTS produced additional increases in these hormone levels and in renin activity. Intravenous pretreatments of rats with prazosin (0.5 mg/kg), an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist, [β-mercapto-β,β-cyclopentamethylenepropionyl1, O-Me-Tyr2,Arg8]- vasopressin (10 µg/kg), a vasopressin V1-receptor antagonist, or saralasin (250 µg/kg), an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, in hemorrhaged rats partially blocked the pressor response to U-46619 (1 µg) injected into the LCV, PVN, RVLM and NTS. Results show that centrally administered U-46619, a TXA2 analog, increases blood pressure and reverses hypotension in hemorrhagic shock. Activation of central TXA2 receptors mediates the pressor effect of the drug. Furthermore, the increases in plasma adrenaline, noradrenaline, vasopressin levels and renin activity are involved in these effects.
Antinociceptive Effects of Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptors
Authors: DalBó Silvia , Nardi Geisson M. , Ferrara Pascual , Ribeiro-do-Valle Rosa M. , Farges Roseli C.
Published: March 2004

Pretreatment of mice with Ro5-4864 or PK11195 inhibited the first- and second-phase responses in the formalin test and this effect was significantly reversed by aminoglutethimide, an inhibitor of pregnenolone synthesis, suggesting that the antinociceptive effect of the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor ligands is dependent on steroid formation. Doses of Ro5-4864 that did not produce an antinociceptive effect when injected by the intraperitoneal route presented an analgesic effect, if infected by the intracerebroventricular, intrathecal or intraplantar routes. PK11195 pretreatments with intrathecal, intracerebroventricular or intraplantar doses had no effect in the formalin test. These results suggest that the antinociceptive effect of Ro5-4864 reflects the influence of this ligand on steroid production not only in many nonneuronal peripheral tissues but also in the nervous system, while the antinociceptive action of PK11195 may be due to the stimulation of steroid synthesis only in nonnervous tissues.
Tissue Kallikrein Increases Duration of Survival after Prolonged Coronary Artery Ligation in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Sharma Jagdish N. , Abbas S. Atif , Yusof A.P.M. , Shah Rajesh P. , Gan Ee-Kiang
Published: March 2004

There is evidence that the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) is an important mediator in the regulation of blood pressure, and cardiac and renal hemodynamics. The present study was designed to examine the effect of tissue kallikrein and Trasylol, an inhibitor of tissue kallikrein, on survival time after continuous (prolonged) coronary artery ligation in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Tissue kallikrein (8 and 16 µg/kg, i.v.) treatment caused significant (p < 0.05) increases in the survival time of SHR as compared with the saline-treated control SHR. Trasylol pretreatment abolished (p < 0.05) the beneficial effect of tissue kallikrein on survival time. The tissue kallikrein treatment resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) of SHR as compared to the saline-treated control SHR. Trasylol (6 µg/kg) treatment antagonized the effects of tissue kallikrein associated with survival time, SBP, DBP and HR. Ligation of the coronary artery caused a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the SBP, DBP and HR of SHR, when the mean values were compared between before coronary artery ligation and after coronary artery ligation. However, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in SBP, DBP and HR between saline and kallikrein-treated SHR after coronary artery ligation. These findings may suggest that tissue kallikrein is able to act as a cardioprotective agent as demonstrated by an increase in survival time of SHR with prolonged coronary artery ligation.
Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Medical Therapy for Multivessel Disease with and without Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Caines Amitra E.B. , Massad Malek G. , Kpodonu Jacques , Rebeiz Abdallah G. , Evans Alexander , Geha Alexander S.
Published: March 2004

Multiple randomized trials support the treatment of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) and relatively normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) by either percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, there has been a paucity of trials in the recent literature that have compared the outcomes of patients with multivessel CAD and low EF who undergo PCI or CABG. This review examines some of the clinical trials and series in this subgroup of patients and also compares the outcome of patients undergoing either procedure in the absence and presence of LV dysfunction. These trials and series support the notion that PCI can be successfully performed in patients with low EF with relatively low mortality, but that CABG is associated with greater freedom from repeat revascularization and from angina or congestive heart failure symptoms. In addition, most of the data published thus far indicate a long-term survival advantage among patients with ventricular dysfunction who have undergone CABG. Further studies, including randomized trials incorporating the evolving techniques of CABG and the recent advances in PCI, will be needed to assess the proper role and outcome of these two interventions.
Clinical Trials in the Surgical Management of Congestive Heart Failure: Surgical Ventricular Restoration and Autologous Skeletal Myoblast and Stem Cell Cardiomyoplasty
Authors: McConnell Patrick I. , Michler Robert E.
Published: March 2004

Despite continued advances in medical and surgical approaches for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure (CHF) remains a growing cause of morbidity and mortality. Historically, surgical options for end-stage CHF have been limited. However, there are several surgical therapies now under clinical investigation that appear promising in the effort to reverse or restore the remodeled left ventricle. This review will focus on early but current clinical studies examining surgical ventricular restoration and autologous skeletal myoblast and stem cell transplantation. Although these emerging therapeutic options remain in the early stages of study and development, they hold promise in providing options to those patients with end-stage CHF.
Cardiac Resynchronization Pacing Therapy
Authors: Casey Cash , Knight Bradley P.
Published: March 2004

Approximately one third of patients with congestive heart failure and systolic dysfunction have an intraventricular conduction delay that is manifested as a QRS duration >120 ms. An intraventricular conduction delay adversely affects ventricular performance by causing dyssynchrony in ventricular activation. When ventricular dyssynchrony is present, simultaneous left and right ventricular pacing or cardiac resynchronization therapy can improve ventricular synchrony. This can lead to an improvement in hemodynamics, ventricular remodeling, mitral regurgitation, exercise capacity and quality of life. Candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy include patients with advanced congestive heart failure that is refractory to medical therapy, a QRS duration >130 ms, left ventricular ejection fraction <0.35 and sinus rhythm. Because patients who are candidates for biventricular pacing are at high risk of sudden death, they should be considered for implantation of a biventricular pacing device that also provides defibrillation therapy. This paper reviews biventricular pacing for congestive heart failure, including results of acute hemodynamic studies and randomized clinical trials, patient and device selection, and procedural issues.
Current Trends in Heart Transplantation
Authors: Massad Malek G.
Published: March 2004

With the introduction of cyclosporin A in the early 1980s, heart transplantation was transformed from an experimental procedure into a successful therapeutic option for patients with end-stage heart disease. Since then, constant progress has extended the benefits of the procedure to an increasing number of patients. Despite all this progress, heart transplantation is not an option that can be offered to the vast majority of the world population, in particular to the over 5 billion inhabitants of underdeveloped or developing countries in the three most populated continents, namely, Asia, Africa and South America. While the North American continent and Europe account for only 17% of the world population, they donate and receive over 95% of the heart transplants performed worldwide. In addition, the number of transplant candidates continues to exceed the number of available donors, and the donor shortage is not expected to improve. Opportunistic infections, rejection, malignancy and graft coronary artery disease continue to plague heart transplantation and remain the Achilles heel of the procedure. With the beginning of the new millennium, new perspectives are arising in heart transplantation. Strategies addressing donor-specific tolerance and the development of selective immunosuppressive therapies are on the horizon and could improve the quality of life after transplantation and also prolong survival.
Destination Therapy with Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Raman Jai , Jeevanadam Valluvan
Published: March 2004

Despite extensive research and great strides over the past 40 years, the ideal permanent mechanical assist device remains elusive. The incidence of heart failure is increasing, and the number of heart transplants has remained constant. The HeartMate and Novacor are two pulsatile, long-term ventricular assist devices (VADs) commonly used as a bridge to transplantation. Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance in the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure is a randomized study of device therapy in heart failure with treatment either with device (HeartMate) therapy or maximal medical therapy which was recently completed and demonstrated a Kaplan-Meier survival rate at 1 year of 52% for the device group compared to 25% in the medical therapy group. The TCI HeartMate is the only device approved for destination therapy, while others such as the Novacor device are in the process of evaluation. Most of these devices are still plagued by mechanical problems, bleeding, thromboembolism and infection. Other promising new devices include smaller VADs using impeller pump technology, such as the Arrow LionHeart, Micromed Debakey pump and Jarvik 2000 pump. The CardioVAD is an interesting chronically implantable balloon pump inserted into the descending thoracic aorta. While experience with the newer implantable pumps is growing, most of them require some manipulation of the heart perioperatively, in addition to anticoagulation postoperatively and careful monitoring for complications and infection.
The Total Artificial Heart: Where We Stand
Authors: Frazier O.H. , Dowling Robert D. , Gray Jr. Laman A. , Shah Nyma A. , Pool Toni , Gregoric Igor
Published: March 2004

The AbioCor® total artificial heart (TAH) is undergoing clinical feasibility testing as destination therapy in patients with end-stage congestive heart failure. So far, the device has been implanted in 11 of a projected 15 patients. The TAH has performed reliably, providing adequate circulatory support while extending survival and improving quality of life in most recipients. Thromboembolism remains a problem but is being addressed by optimizing device and patient management and refining the anticoagulation protocol. Because the device is totally implantable and requires no penetration of the skin, infection has been minimized. All recipients so far have been men. The device is large and this limits its use in smaller patients (i.e. women, small men and children). A smaller version is being developed. Although it has yet to receive Food and Drug Administration approval, the early clinical results suggest that the AbioCor TAH may become an accepted alternative to heart transplantation for selected patients with end-stage congestive heart failure. Further investigation with regard to its primary clinical applicability, i.e. as a rescue device for sudden catastrophic heart failure, is warranted.
Cardiac Xenotransplantation: Future and Limitations
Authors: Ogata Kiyoshi , Platt Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2004

Despite improvements in pharmacological therapies, the outlook for patients with severe cardiac disease remains poor. At present, only transplantation can ‘cure’ end-stage cardiac failure. However, fewer than 5% of those who need a cardiac transplant receive one in the United States each year. To address this problem, some propose using animals as a source of organs for transplantation, that is, xenotransplantation. Here, we discuss the rationale for xenotransplantation beyond overcoming the shortage of human organs, and we weigh xenotransplantation against other new technologies that might be used for the treatment of cardiac failure.
CO2 Laser Treatment of Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis in Adduction
Authors: Motta S. , Moscillo L. , Imperiali M. , Carra P. , Motta G.
Published: March 2004

This study presents results obtained from 83 patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis in adduction treated between 1982 to 2001, with CO2 laser microlaryngoscopy. In relation to the different types of surgery followed, three distinct treatment groups were included: group 1 (1982–1984) included 5 patients treated with vaporization of the vocal process of the arytenoid and the homolateral posterior third of the true vocal cord. Group 2 (1983–1990) contained 19 patients who were treated with arytenoidectomy and removal of the homolateral posterior half of the true vocal cord and group 3 (1990–2001), including 59 patients who were treated with arytenoidectomy and removal of the homolateral posterior half or two thirds of both the true and false vocal cord. Functional results were assessed by means of spirometry, spectrography and aerophonic examinations performed at 5, 90, 180, and 240 days postoperatively. The results show that removal of the posterior third of the true vocal cord and false vocal cord, combined with arytenoidectomy, is the surgical treatment of choice to resolve respiratory insufficiency in these patients.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Report of Seven Cases
Authors: Karapantzos Ilias , Tsaroucha Alexandra , Polychronidis Alexandros , Simopoulos Constantinos , Simasko Nicolas
Published: March 2004

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an infrequent, highly malignant, primary skin tumor derived from neuroendocrine cells. Most MCCs occur in elderly individuals, on sun-exposed areas of the body, with the head and neck being the most common sites. We present 7 patients (2 male and 5 female, age 45–80 years) suffering from MCC and treated between 1993 and 2000. All tumors were located on the head and neck and varied from 0.9 to 2.3 cm in size. Five of the patients had stage II disease, 1 patient had stage Ia disease and 1 patient had stage III disease. Six of the patients had positive regional lymph nodes. All patients had local excision of the tumor. Six of them also had lymph node dissection and in 5 of them a superficial parotidectomy was performed. Five patients received adjuvant radiotherapy and 3 of them also received chemotherapy. Local and cervical lymph node recurrence was observed in only 1 patient. Metastases occurred in 5 patients. One patient died within 10 days for other reasons. The patient with the stage III tumor had a survival of 7 months. The other 5 patients had survivals varying from 15 to 54 months. MCC is a skin tumor with very poor prognosis and high recurrence and metastatic rates. Its treatment is still under discussion. Radical excision of the tumor is the main method of treatment. Selective lymph node dissection is suggested. Superficial parotidectomy seems necessary, especially if the tumor is on the auricle. Adjuvant radio- and chemotherapy may extend survival in case of small-size tumors.
Ocular Melanoma: Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation and Relationship with Dysplastic Nevi
Authors: Richtig E. , Langmann G. , Müllner K. , Smolle J.
Published: March 2004

Purpose: Ocular melanoma is a rare entity compared to cutaneous malignant melanoma. We examined the frequency of the tumor in a defined geographic region, its clinical presentation and its relationship with dysplastic nevi in 136 patients. Methods: 136 patients (64 men and 72 women; mean age 61.7 years, range 20–92 years) with ocular melanoma were treated at the University Hospital of Graz between June 1996 and December 2001. 129 had primary uveal melanoma in one eye (117 choroidal melanomas, 11 melanomas of the ciliary body and 1 of the iris), 2 patients had uveal melanoma in both eyes, 4 patients had conjunctival melanoma and 1 patient had a melanoma of the lacrimal sac. Epidemiology, history, potential risk factors, clinical presentation and relationship with dysplastic (= atypical) nevi were documented. Results: 48 patients (35.3%) showed more than five dysplastic nevi, compared to only 1.2% in the general population (χ2 test: p < 0.001). 5 (3.7%) had additional cutaneous melanoma and 7 (5.1%) had a family history of melanoma. The lifelong risk for the occurrence of an additional primary cutaneous melanoma was 2.9%, which is significantly higher than the usual estimate of 1% for the general population. Conclusions: Patients with primary ocular melanoma have an increased risk to develop cutaneous melanoma and should therefore be examined regularly by dermatologists.
Expression of Two Androgen-Induced Proteins (Pepsinogen C and Apolipoprotein D) in Epithelial Skin Cancers of the Eyelids
Authors: Álvarez María L. , Barbón Juan J. , González Luis O. , Lamelas María L. , Vázquez Julio , Vizoso Francisco J.
Published: March 2004

By immunohistochemistry, we investigated pepsinogen C (pepC) and apolipoprotein D (apoD) expressions in 23 basal cell (BCC) and 25 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the eyelids and analyzed the possible relationship to clinicopathological parameters. A total of 3 (13%) BCC and 7 (28%) SCC stained positively for pepC, whereas 11 (47.8%) BCC and 6 (24%) SCC stained positively for apoD. No significant correlation was found between pepC and apoD expressions and patients or tumor characteristics (p > 0.05). pepC and apoD, two androgen-inducible proteins, may be expressed by BCC and SCC of the eyelids. Further studies will be necessary to determine their clinical significance.
Thermomechanical Behavior of Collagen-Cross-Linked Porcine Cornea
Authors: Spoerl Eberhard , Wollensak Gregor , Dittert Dag-Daniel , Seiler Theo
Published: March 2004

Purpose: Collagen cross-linking using combined riboflavin/UVA treatment has been shown to increase the biomechanical rigidity of the cornea and has been used successfully for the treatment of progressive keratoconus. From morphological and biochemical investigations, a different degree of cross-linking for the anterior and posterior stroma by the treatment is suggested. The present study was undertaken to better evaluate this effect by testing the thermomechanical behavior. Methods: Ten 10 × 5 mm corneal strips from porcine cadaver eyes enucleated within 5 h post mortem were cross-linked using the photosensitizer riboflavin and UVA irradiation (370 nm, irradiance = 3 mW/cm2) for 30 min and compared to ten untreated corneal strips and ten corneal strips cross-linked with 0.1% glutaraldehyde. The temperature in a water bath was raised from 60 to 95°C with temperature increments of 1°C per minute. The hydrothermal shrinkage of the corneal strips was measured in 2.5°C steps using a micrometer. In addition, six 10-mm whole corneal buttons were cross-linked with riboflavin/UVA and immersed into water at 70 or 75°C. Results: The maximal hydrothermal shrinkage for the untreated control specimens and the posterior portion of the riboflavin/UVA-treated corneas was at 70°C, for the anterior portion of the cornea cross-linked by riboflavin/UVA at 75°C and for glutaraldehyde-cross-linked cornea at 90°C. In the cross-linked corneal buttons, a typical mushroom-like shape was observed at 70°C and a cylinder shape at 75°C. Conclusions: The different degree of collagen cross-linking in the corneal stroma after riboflavin/UVA treatment is reflected by the differences in the maximal shrinkage temperature of the anterior and posterior portion. Therefore, in the corneas cross-linked with riboflavin/UVA a higher shrinkage temperature was observed for the anterior portion of the cornea (75°C) compared to the posterior stroma (70°C) due to the higher degree of cross-linking of the anterior stroma. The anterior localization of the cross-linking effect is advantageous for the endothelium and for the preservation of the anterior corneal curvature.
Molecular cytogenetic characterization of a familial balanced reciprocal translocation t(11;18) (q13.3; q23) associated with pregnancy wastage
Authors: Liu J.Y. , Wang X.R. , Zeng X.L. , Zhang C.S. , Hao S. , Song Y.C.
Published: March 2004

A new male patient associated with a pregnancy wastage was detected in China. Cytogenetic analyses including G-banding, chromosome painting and observation of synaptonemal complexes (SCs) demonstrated that the pregnancy wastage was associated with a balanced reciprocal translocation t(11;18) (q13.3; q23). The proband was the carrier of the translocation and his karyotype was 46,XY,t(11;18)(11pter→11q13.3:: 18q23→18qter; 18pter→18q23::11q13.3→11qter). The pedigree was analyzed based on a G-banded karyotype of the nine familial members. The translocation chromosomes came from the proband’s mother. The result of the SC observation in the proband showed that each of the spermatocytes displayed one quadrivalent during their pachytene stages. In the quadrivalents, there existed homologous and nonhomologous synapses and the latter occurred widely during early, middle and late pachytene stages. The reasons and genetic basis of the pregnancy wastage are discussed.
De novo 9-break-event in one chromosome 21 combined with a microdeletion in 21q22.11 in a mentally retarded boy with short stature
Authors: Weise A. , Rittinger O. , Starke H. , Ziegler M. , Claussen U. , Liehr T.
Published: March 2004

We report on a moderately mentally retarded 12-year-old boy of short stature showing the most complex chromosomal rearrangement (CCR) within a single chromosome ever described. A de novo derivative chromosome 21 was recognized in GTG-banding shortly after birth. However, the nature of the rearrangement remained obscure up to the application of the chromosome 21-specific centromere-near multicolor-FISH (subcenM-FISH) probe set and of six selected locus-specific probes along chromosome 21. An unbalanced 9-break-event was uncovered with breakpoints in 21p13, 21p13→12, 21q11.2, 21q21.1, 21q22.11, 21q22.11, 21q22.12, 21q22.22 and 21q22.3. A deletion of 21q22.11 was detected by application of the BAC probe bk249H10. The karyotype can be described as 46,XY,der(21)(:p13→p1213::q22.3→q22.22:: q11.2→p1213::q11.2→q21.1::q22.11→q21.1::q22.12→ q22.22::p13→p13). The clinical signs can either be due to gene inactivation in connection with structural changes at the break and fusion regions, to the building of new fusion genes within the CCR and/or to the deletion of genes in 21q22.11.
Characterization of the first supernumerary tricentric ring chromosome 1 mosaicism by conventional and molecular cytogenetic techniques
Authors: Tönnies H. , Hennies H.-C. , Spohr H.-L. , Neitzel H.
Published: March 2004

We report on the conventional cytogenetic and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results obtained for a 3.5-year-old girl with developmental and language delay and a supernumerary ring chromosome mosaicism in 8% of T-lymphocytes analyzed. Using different conventional and molecular cytogenetic techniques as YAC hybridization and comparative genomic hybridization, we could show that the extra tricentric ring chromosome consists of three heterochromatic blocks with inserted euchromatic material. Additionally, chromosome microdissection followed by FISH analysis demonstrated that the small tricentric ring chromosome consisted of material from the pericentromeric region of chromosome 1q21. Thus, the patient has a mosaic of normal cells and cells with partial pentasomy of the pericentromeric region of chromosome 1. So far, 19 cases with single supernumerary marker chromosome 1 have been published, but no tricentric ring chromosome 1 is, to our knowledge, reviewed in the literature. In this study, we compare the clinical features of our patient with cytogenetically comparable cases described in the literature. We introduce a hypothesis for the formation of a tricentric ring chromosome: starting with a monocentric ring, sister chromatid exchange leading to the formation of a tetracentric ring, which underwent intrastrand recombination generating the tricentric ring.
In silico analysis indicates a similar gene expression pattern between human brain and testis
Authors: Guo J. , Zhu P. , Wu C. , Yu L. , Zhao S. , Gu X.
Published: March 2004

Objectives: Previous data has reported similarity between human brain and testis gene expression patterns. Brain is the most important tissue in human speciation. Hence, it means that human testis could also play a crucial role in human speciation if these two tissues exhibit similar gene expression patterns. However, previous reports were based on only limited and scattered data. Determining the large scale anatomy of gene expression patterns of various human tissues could draw a more convincing conclusion, and better our understanding of the correlation/inter-correlation among different tissues. Furthermore, it could also provide a clue for evolutionary study. Methods: To obtain gene expression information for large-scale data analysis, expression data of 760 Unigenes in seventeen human tissues (liver, lung, testis, brain, ovary, uterus, colon, stomach, heart, eye, kidney, spleen, gall bladder, breast, thymus, prostate and pancreas) were retrieved by DDD (differential digital display) analysis, and this expression data was subjected to clustering analysis. These Unigenes represent a wide range of genes classified according to their characterization and function. Results: Among the 17 tissues, the highest similarity in gene expression patterns was between human brain and testis, based on DDD and clustering analysis. Genes contributing to the similarity include ribosomal protein (RP) genes as well as genes involved in transcription, translation and cell division. Conclusions: Present results provide evidence to support the proposal that human testis and brain share the highest similarity of gene expression patterns. The implications of the similarity regarding that both brain and testis contributed to human speciation are discussed.
Characterization of two novel KRAB-domain-containing zinc finger genes, ZNF460 and ZNF461, on human chromosome 19q13.1→q13.4
Authors: Dai J. , Li Y. , Ji C. , Jin F. , Zheng Z. , Wang X. , Sun X. , Xu X. , Gu S. , Xie Y. , Mao Y.
Published: March 2004

This study reports the cloning and characterization of two novel human zinc finger protein cDNAs (ZNF460 and ZNF461) from a fetal brain cDNA library. The ZNF460 cDNA is 3,135 bp in length encoding a 562-amino-acid polypeptide and the ZNF461 cDNA is 2,548 bp encoding a 563-amino-acid protein. Both of the proteins contain a KRAB A+B box and eleven C2H2 type zinc finger motifs. ZNF461 shows high similarity with the rat GIOT-1 gene (Giot1). The ZNF460 gene mapped to 19q13.4 with 3 exons, and ZNF461 mapped to 19q13.1 with 6 exons. Both of the two genes are ubiquitously expressed in normal human tissues and the abundance of the ZNF460 mRNA is relatively low.
Cloning and characterization of a novel splicing variant of the ZADH1 gene
Authors: Zhang L. , Zhang F. , Huo K.
Published: March 2004

We report here the cloning and characterization of a novel splicing variant of the human zinc binding alcohol dehydrogenase, domain containing 1 (ZADH1) gene. ZADH1 is localized on chromosome 14q24.2. The cDNA of this splicing variant is 1613 base pairs in length, and encodes a 351-amino acid protein with a putative molecular weight of 38.5 kDa. We named the novel splicing variant ZADH1b. By MTC- panel PCR analysis, it was found that ZADH1b was widely expressed in human tissues. Computer analysis revealed ZADH1 had a potential ADH_zinc_N domain and it had considerable homology with some dehydrogenases. It was speculated that ZADH1 may have definite metabolic roles in vivo as a dehydrogenase.
Seven-fluorochrome mouse M-FISH for high-resolution analysis of interchromosomal rearrangements
Authors: Jentsch I. , Geigl J. , Klein C.A. , Speicher M.R.
Published: March 2004

The mouse has evolved to be the primary mammalian genetic model organism. Important applications include the modeling of human cancer and cloning experiments. In both settings, a detailed analysis of the mouse genome is essential. Multicolor karyotyping technologies have emerged to be invaluable tools for the identification of mouse chromosomes and for the deciphering of complex rearrangements. With the increasing use of these multicolor technologies resolution limits are critical. However, the traditionally used probe sets, which employ 5 different fluorochromes, have significant limitations. Here, we introduce an improved labeling strategy. Using 7 fluorochromes we increased the sensitivity for the detection of small interchromosomal rearrangements (700 kb or less) to virtually 100%. Our approach should be important to unravel small interchromosomal rearrangements in mouse models for DNA repair defects and chromosomal instability.
A high-resolution comparative RH map of the telomeric end of bovine chromosome 2 with human chromosomes 1 and 2
Authors: Liu Z. , Womack J.E. , Antoniou E.
Published: March 2004

High density livestock to human comparative maps are necessary for the implementation of comparative positional candidate gene cloning. We have constructed a high-density comparative radiation hybrid (RH) map of the telomeric end of bovine chromosome 2 (BTA2) using a 12,000-rad whole genome cattle-hamster radiation hybrid (WGRH) panel. Eighteen bovine EST markers with orthologues on human chromosomes 1 and 2 (HSA1 and HSA2), together with nine microsatellite markers, were typed against the 180 cell lines of the WGRH panel. Twenty-one markers were included in the multi-point framework map at LOD =3.0. The comparative analysis reveals a new segment of highly conserved synteny between HSA2 and BTA2.
Cross-species chromosome painting in the Perissodactyla: delimitation of homologous regions in Burchell’s zebra (Equus burchellii) and the white (Ceratotherium simum) and black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)
Authors: Trifonov V. , Yang F. , Ferguson-Smith M.A. , Robinson T.J.
Published: March 2004

Conserved chromosomal segments in the black rhinoceros, Diceros bicornis (DBI, 2n = 84), and its African sister-species the white rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum (CSI, 2n = 82), were detected using Burchell’s zebra (Equus burchellii, EBU, 2n = 44) chromosome-specific painting probes supplemented by a subset of those developed for the horse (Equus caballus, ECA, 2n = 64). In total 41 and 42 conserved autosomal segments were identified in C. simum and D. bicornis respectively. Only 21 rearrangements (20 fissions and 1 fusion) are necessary to convert the Burchell’s zebra karyotype into that of the white rhinoceros. One fission distinguishes the D. bicornis and C. simum karyotypes which, excluding heterochromatic differences, are identical in all respects at this level of resolution. Most Burchell’s zebra chromosomes correspond to two rhinoceros chromosomes although in four instances (EBU18, 19, 20 and 21) whole chromosome synteny has been retained among these species. In contrast, one rhinoceros chromosome (DBI1, CSI1) comprises two separate Burchell’s zebra chromosomes (EBU11 and EBU17). In spite of the high diploid numbers of the two rhinoceros species their karyotypes are surprisingly conserved offering a glimpse of the putative ancestral perissodactyl condition and a broader understanding of genome organization in mammals.