bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Expression Analysis of the P97 and P102 Paralog Families of
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
Authors: Adams Cary , Pitzer Joshua , Minion F. Chris 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACT

The P97 adhesin and P102 genes of
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
each have six paralogs in the genome. We tested whether these genes were expressed during infection. P102 is associated with the mycoplasma and with swine cilia. Further, most of the paralogs were transcribed in vivo in two gene transcriptional units.
Rugby World Cup 2003 injury surveillance project
Authors: Best J P , McIntosh A S , Savage T N 
Published: October 2005

Objectives:To study match injury patterns and incidence during the Rugby World Cup 2003 (RWC 2003); to compare these patterns and rates with comparative rugby injury data; and to assess differences between teams playing at different levels (eight finalistsv12 non-finalists).Methods:Data were collected prospectively during the tournament. All injuries were recorded by the 20 participating team physicians. These were submitted to the tournament medical officer. An injury was defined as an event which forced a player either to leave the field or to miss a subsequent game or both.Results:189 injuries were recorded over 48 matches. This corresponds to 97.9 injuries per 1000 player-hours. Pool matches yielded a higher injury rate than non-pool matches. The 12 non-finalist teams sustained significantly higher injury rates than the eight finalist teams. The player positions open side flanker, inside centre, and number 8 were the most frequently injured positions. There was a low concussion rate, which may reflect under-reporting. The non-finalist teams had a higher rate of recurrent injury.Conclusions:The injury rate was higher than comparative data. Mismatches in the areas of skill, fitness, and the availability of resources for medical care of players may explain these differences.
Anthropometric and physiological profiles of sepak takraw players
Authors: Jawis M N , Singh R , Singh H J , Yassin M N 
Published: October 2005

Objectives:Anthropometric and physiological profiles of national sepak takraw players were determined.Methods:Thirty nine players, specialising in the three playing positions (tekong/server, feeder, and killer/spiker) were divided into three age categories of under 15 (U15), under 18 (U18), and under 23 (U23) years of age. Height, weight, percent body fat (%bf), maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2max), range of motion (ROM), back and leg strength, and heart rate, for the estimation of oxygen consumption during matches, were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using one way ANOVA for independent measurements and data are presented as mean±standard deviation.Results:The U23 players were significantly taller and heavier with significantly better ROM of the neck, trunk, and ankle joints and back and leg strength than the U15 players. No significant difference was found in %bf between the three age categories. Mean maximum heart rate during exercise was significantly higher in the U15 group when compared to the U18 and U23 groups (p<0.05). Mean Vo2maxwas similar between the three groups. Estimated oxygen consumption during matches was 69.1%, 68.5%, and 56.4% of Vo2maxin the killer, tekong, and the feeder groups, respectively.Conclusions:The mean height, body weight, and cardiopulmonary capacities of the players were within the Malaysian population norms, but were somewhat lower than those of players of other court games from other countries. %bf was also lower in these players. This study provides the much needed anthropometric and physiological data of sepak takraw players for further development of this sport.
Release of α-actin into serum after skeletal muscle damage
Authors: Martínez-Amat A , Boulaiz H , Prados J , Marchal J A , Padial Puche P , Caba O , Rodríguez-Serrano F , Aránega A 
Published: October 2005

Objective:The skeletal muscle protein α-actin was investigated in the serum of subjects with severe skeletal muscle damage to assess its utility as a reliable and predictive marker of muscle damage.Methods:Serum samples were obtained from 33 healthy controls and 33 patients with severe skeletal muscle damage, defined by a total creatine kinase value of >500 IU/l (Rosalki method). Troponin I, troponin T, and myoglobin concentrations were determined by immunoassay and α-actin concentrations by Western blot and densitometry.Results:The mean serum concentration of α-actin in controls and patients with skeletal muscle damage was 600.9 and 1968.51 ng/ml, respectively, a statistically significant difference. Sera of patients with muscle damage showed higher levels of α-actin than of troponin or myoglobin. No significant difference in troponin I levels was observed between the groups.Conclusions:According to these results, α-actin was the most significant skeletal muscle damage marker analysed and may be an ideal candidate for the identification of all types of myofibre injury, including sports injuries. Our findings support the use of α-actin as a marker alongside other currently used biological proteins.
Is postural control affected by expertise in alpine skiing?
Authors: Noé F , Paillard T 
Published: October 2005

Objectives:This study examined the postural performance of two groups of male skiers competing at different levels and the consequences on postural control of the suppression of visual afferences by eye closure.Methods:Seven national level (NAT) skiers and 7 regional level (REG) skiers were asked to stand as still as possible on a force platform with eyes opened and closed and while wearing or not wearing their ski boots in a stable posture and in two unstable postures (in the sagittal or frontal plane). Postural performance was assessed with centre of foot pressure measurements.Results:REG and NAT skiers were similarly influenced by the absence of visual information and presented similar postural performance when tests were performed with ski boots. However, without ski boots, REG skiers displayed better postural performance than NAT skiers.Conclusions:The inferior postural performance of NAT skiers without ski boots could be a long term effect of repetitive wearing of ski boots, which impairs postural performance by restricting the range of motion of the ankle-foot complex. Since individuals with decreased postural performance are believed to be more susceptible to ankle injury than those with finer postural control, NAT skiers should benefit from specific training aimed at improving postural ability and preventing ankle injury.
Is bowling workload a risk factor for injury to Australian junior cricket fast bowlers?
Authors: Dennis R J , Finch C F , Farhart P J 
Published: October 2005

Objectives:To examine whether bowling workload is a risk factor for overuse injury to Australian junior cricket fast bowlers and to evaluate the appropriateness of current bowling workload guidelines.Methods:Forty four male fast bowlers (mean (standard deviation) age 14.7 (1.4) years) were monitored prospectively over the 2002–2003 season. Bowlers completed a daily diary to record bowling workloads and self reported injuries, which were validated by a physiotherapist. Bowling workload prior to the first injury (for those bowlers who were injured) was compared to workload across the whole season for uninjured bowlers.Results:Eleven (25%) bowlers reported an overuse-type injury, with seven of these sustaining a back injury. Injured bowlers had been bowling significantly more frequently than uninjured bowlers (median number of days since the previous bowling day: 3.2v3.9 days, Mann-Whitney U = 105.0, p = 0.038). Compared with bowlers with an average of ⩾3.5 rest days between bowling, bowlers with an average of <3.5 rest days were at a significantly increased risk of injury (risk ratio (RR) = 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 8.9). There were also trends towards an increased risk of injury for those who bowled an average of ⩾2.5 days per week (RR = 2.5, 95% CI 0.9 to 7.4) or ⩾50 deliveries per day (RR = 2.0, 95% CI 0.7 to 5.4).Conclusions:This study has identified high bowling workload as a risk factor for overuse injury to junior fast bowlers. Continued research is required to provide scientific evidence for bowling workload guidelines that are age-specific for junior fast bowlers.
Sit to stand transfer: performance in rising power, transfer time and sway by age and sex in senior athletes
Authors: Feland J B , Hager R , Merrill R M 
Published: October 2005

Objective:To observe the differences in performance variables of the sit to stand transfer (as measured on the NeuroCom Balance Master) in a population of senior athletes.Method:A convenience sample of 173 subjects aged 50 years and older. Data were obtained from voluntary participation in a health fair offered at the annual Huntsman World Senior Games in St George, Utah, USA. All sit to stand tests were performed on the NeuroCom Balance Master. The measured parameters were weight transfer time (WTT), rising power (force exerted to rise), and centre of gravity sway (COG sway) during the rising phase.Results:A significant difference was found between stratified age groups (50–64 and 65+ years) on rising power. There was also a sex difference in rising power. No significant differences were found in weight transfer time or COG sway.Conclusion:While rising power decreases with increasing age in senior athletes, WTT and COG sway remain similar regardless of age or sex. The maintenance of these other two variables (WTT and COG sway) may be attributable to physical activity and/or participation in sport.
Changes in performance, skinfold thicknesses, and fat patterning after three years of intense athletic conditioning in high level runners
Authors: Legaz A , Eston R 
Published: October 2005

Objectives:To determine if the changes in specific skinfold sites induced by intense athletic conditioning over a three year period were associated with changes in running performance in high level athletes.Methods:Thirty seven top class runners (eight male and five female sprint trained, 16 male and eight female endurance trained) volunteered to participate in the study. The athletes were divided into class A (n  =  18) and class B (n  =  17), with class A having the best performance. Biceps, triceps, subscapular, pectoral, iliac crest, abdominal, front thigh, and medial calf skinfold thickness and the best running performance were recorded at the beginning and after one, two, and three years of training. A one way analysis of variance and a linear regression analysis were conducted to determine changes and association between performance and skinfold thicknesses. Analyses were controlled for sex, sprint event or endurance event, and class.Results:Training resulted in a significant increase in performance and decreases in sum of six skinfolds, abdominal, front thigh, and medial calf skinfolds, and the ratio of extremity to trunk skinfolds (E/T, ∑triceps, front thigh, medial calf/∑subscapular, iliac crest, abdominal). There were no significant differences in body weight. Except for the abdominal skinfold, there was no significant difference in trunk skinfolds. Significant differences in these changes were observed by sex for E/T, which decreased and increased in male and female runners respectively, and by class. Class B runners significantly improved performance, with decreased skinfold thicknesses in the lower limb. There were no significant changes in performance or skinfold thicknesses in class A runners. Improvements in performance were consistently associated with a decrease in the lower limb skinfolds.Conclusions:On the basis of these findings, anthropometric assessment of top class athletes should include an evaluation of all skinfolds. The loss of body fat appears to be specific to the muscular groups used during training. The lower limb skinfolds may be particularly useful predictors of running performance.
Measurement of functional recovery in individuals with acute anterior cruciate ligament rupture
Authors: Button K , van Deursen R , Price P 
Published: October 2005

Objectives:To measure functional recovery following acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture using a simple and reliable clinical movement analysis system. Clinic based methods that simultaneously quantify different aspects of movement over a range of activities and model functional recovery will help guide rehabilitation.Methods:A longitudinal study was used to measure gait variables at initial physiotherapy attendance and then at monthly intervals using a digital camcorder and computer for quantitative analysis. Jogging and distance hopping were added during recovery. A sample of 63 ACL deficient subjects entered the study and 48 subjects were measured at least three times. To determine the pattern of recovery, repeated measurements were analysed using a least square fit of the data.Results:Gait variables took between 95 and 130 days post injury to reach the control mean and stabilise shortly after this. Hopping distance for the injured leg took 62 days to recover to within normal limits and 5 months post injury to reach the control mean. Jogging was already within the control limits at 30 days post injury and demonstrated little change with recovery.Conclusions:Functional recovery of multiple variables has been modelled. In the early phase of post injury, gait velocity seems to be the most useful variable to measure improvement. Recovery of more challenging activities appears to take an average of 5 months. Therefore, patients may need to be monitored in physiotherapy until this time and advised not to return to sport until sufficient recovery is demonstrated on activities such as distance hopping.
A FAST AND SIMPLE IMPLEMENTATION OF CHUA'S OSCILLATOR WITH CUBIC-LIKE NONLINEARITY
Authors: O'DONOGHUE KEITH , KENNEDY MICHAEL PETER , FORBES PEADAR , QU MIN , JONES STEPHANIE 
Published: October 2005

The nonlinearity in Chua's oscillator is commonly implemented as a three-segment piecewise-linear resistor. The piecewise-linear nature of the element means that the implementation requires a significant amount of circuitry and the speed of operation is limited. The qualitative behavior of Chua's oscillator has also been captured using a smooth cubic nonlinearity; the implementation of the latter also requires a significant amount of circuitry and suffers from limited speed of operation. This work describes a novel implementation of Chua's oscillator using just four transistors and a battery to produce a cubic-like nonlinearity. The circuit is simple, robust, and capable of operating at frequencies over one thousand times greater than the original Chua's oscillator.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH A PNEUMATIC VEST — UNLOADING THE SPINE IN THE UPRIGHT POSTURE
Authors: Loguidice Vito , Mahoney C. B. , Haldeman J. , Andersson Gunnar B. J. 
Published: October 2005

This is a prospective multi-center cohort study to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of a new device the OrthoTrac™ which aims at unloading the spine in an upright posture. Three hundred and thirteen patients (313) were enrolled and 201 completed an eight-week trial. Outcomes were determined using a Visual Analog Scale and SF-36. Both scales improved significantly over the eight-week period. We conclude that this novel treatment benefit patients with back pain. Subgroups need to be identified and randomized controlled trials performed on these groups.
THE DOVETAIL CONFIGURATION: A BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF A V-SHAPED OSTEOTOMY DOCKING SITE
Authors: Lai Derek W. T. , Yip Daniel K. H. , Li Song-Jian , Lu William , Wong J. W. K. 
Published: October 2005

Large allograft bones are commonly used in limb salvage procedures for the reconstruction of bone defects after resection of a bone tumor. A V-shaped osteotomy may perform better than the traditional transverse osteotomy as it increases the stability of the docking site and increases the contact area between an allograft and the host cortex. The aim of this study is to investigate the biomechanical properties of a V-shaped docking site of different angles. orcine femurs with 45°, 60° or 90° V-shaped osteotomy were first tested with 1000 N compression, followed by 2 and 5 Nm torque. The torsional stiffness of the 45° specimen group at 5 Nm torque was significantly higher (P<0.05) than the 90° group. Therefore, our results show that 45° V-shaped osteotomy is found to be the most stable docking angle.
PRICING PRECIPITATION BASED DERIVATIVES
Authors: CARMONA RENÉ , DIKO PAVEL 
Published: October 2005

We consider the problem of pricing a derivative contract written on precipitation at a specific location during a given period of time. We propose a jump Markov process model for the stochastic dynamics of the underlying precipitation. Our model is based on pulse Poisson process models widely used in hydrology. We develop maximum likelihood parameter estimation procedures to fit our model to rainfall data. In order to price derivatives, we assume the existence of a traded asset whose price dynamics are influenced by the precipitation at the location in question, and we rely on the utility indifference approach. Two utility functions are considered: exponential and power utility. We derive explicit solutions for the exponential and bounds for the power utility. Finally, we apply our model fitting and pricing techniques to a sample rainfall contract in Norway.
Nox1 Is Involved in Angiotensin II–Mediated Hypertension
Authors: Matsuno Kuniharu , Yamada Hiroyuki , Iwata Kazumi , Jin Denan , Katsuyama Masato , Matsuki Masato , Takai Shinji , Yamanishi Kiyofumi , Miyazaki Mizuo , Matsubara Hiroaki , Yabe-Nishimura Chihiro 
Published: October 2005

Background—Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROSs) by angiotensin II (Ang II) is involved in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases. NADPH oxidase is a major source of superoxide generated in vascular tissues. Although Nox1 has been identified in vascular smooth muscle cells as a new homolog of gp91phox (Nox2), a catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase, the pathophysiological function of Nox1-derived ROSs has not been fully elucidated. To clarify the role of Nox1 in Ang II–mediated hypertension, we generated Nox1-deficient (−/Y) mice.Methods and Results—No difference in the baseline blood pressure was observed between Nox1+/Yand Nox1−/Y. Infusion of Ang II induced a significant increase in mean blood pressure, accompanied by augmented expression of Nox1 mRNA and superoxide production in the aorta of Nox1+/Y, whereas the elevation in blood pressure and production of superoxide were significantly blunted in Nox1−/Y. Conversely, the infusion of pressor as well as subpressor doses of Ang II did elicit marked hypertrophy in the thoracic aorta of Nox1−/Ysimilar to Nox1+/Y. Administration of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) to Nox1+/Ydid not affect the Ang II–mediated increase in blood pressure, but it abolished the suppressed pressor response to Ang II in Nox1−/Y. Finally, endothelium-dependent relaxation and the level of cGMP in the isolated aorta were preserved in Nox1−/Yinfused with Ang II.Conclusions—A pivotal role for ROSs derived from Nox1/NADPH oxidase was suggested in the pressor response to Ang II by reducing the bioavailability of nitric oxide.
The novel DNA methylation inhibitor zebularine is effective against the development of murine T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Herranz Michel , Martín-Caballero Juan , Fraga Mario F. , Ruiz-Cabello Jesús , Flores Juana Maria , Desco Manuel , Marquez Victor , Esteller Manel 
Published: October 2005

AbstractGene silencing by CpG island promoter hypermethylation has awakened the interest for DNA demethylating agents as chemotherapy drugs. Zebularine (1-[β-D-ribofuranosil]-1,2-dihydropyrimidin-2-1) has been recently described as a new DNA methylation inhibitor. Here we have studied its effects in a mouse model of radiation-induced lymphomagenesis using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and positron emission tomography (PET). All control animals presented large thymic T lymphomas and died between 4 and 5.5 months. In contrast, 40% (12 of 30) of zebularine-treated animals were still alive after 1 year (Kaplan-Meier P < .001). NMR and PET imaging showed that surviving animals presented a thymus structure/volume similar to normal mice of the same age. Most important, zebularine demonstrated a complete lack of toxicity in nonirradiated control mice. DNA hypomethylation induced by zebularine occurred in association with depletion in extractable DNA methyltransferase 1 protein. Thus, our data support the role of zebularine as a DNA demethylating agent with antitumor activity and little toxicity.
Multiple P2Y receptors couple to calcium-dependent, chloride channels in smooth muscle cells of the rat pulmonary artery
Authors: Chootip Krongkarn , Gurney Alison M , Kennedy Charles 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackgroundUridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) and uridine 5'-diphosphate (UDP) act via P2Y receptors to evoke contraction of rat pulmonary arteries, whilst adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) acts via P2X and P2Y receptors. Pharmacological characterisation of these receptors in intact arteries is complicated by release and extracellular metabolism of nucleotides, so the aim of this study was to characterise the P2Y receptors under conditions that minimise these problems.MethodsThe perforated-patch clamp technique was used to record the Ca2+-dependent, Cl-current (ICl,Ca) activated by P2Y receptor agonists in acutely dissociated smooth muscle cells of rat small (SPA) and large (LPA) intrapulmonary arteries, held at -50 mV. Contractions to ATP were measured in isolated muscle rings. Data were compared by Student's t test or one way ANOVA.ResultsATP, UTP and UDP (10-4M) evoked oscillating, inward currents (peak = 13–727 pA) in 71–93% of cells. The first current was usually the largest and in the SPA the response to ATP was significantly greater than those to UTP or UDP (P < 0.05). Subsequent currents tended to decrease in amplitude, with a variable time-course, to a level that was significantly smaller for ATP (P < 0.05), UTP (P < 0.001) and UDP (P < 0.05) in the SPA. The frequency of oscillations was similar for each agonist (mean≈6–11.min-1) and changed little during agonist application. The non-selective P2 receptor antagonist suramin (10-4M) abolished currents evoked by ATP in SPA (n = 4) and LPA (n = 4), but pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS) (10-4M), also a non-selective P2 antagonist, had no effect (n = 4, 5 respectively). Currents elicited by UTP (n = 37) or UDP (n = 14) were unaffected by either antagonist. Contractions of SPA evoked by ATP were partially inhibited by PPADS (n = 4) and abolished by suramin (n = 5). Both antagonists abolished the contractions in LPA.ConclusionAt least two P2Y subtypes couple to ICl,Cain smooth muscle cells of rat SPA and LPA, with no apparent regional variation in their distribution. The suramin-sensitive, PPADS-resistant site activated by ATP most resembles the P2Y11receptor. However, the suramin- and PPADS-insensitive receptor activated by UTP and UDP does not correspond to any of the known P2Y subtypes. These receptors likely play a significant role in nucleotide-induced vasoconstriction.