bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical response of a jointed rock beam—numerical study of centrifuge models
Authors: Tsesarsky Michael , Talesnick Mark L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this paper we present a comparison between a set of benchmark centrifuge models of a jointed beam and the predictions of two numerical models: fast Lagrangian analysis of continua (FLAC) and discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA). The primary objective of this paper is a comparison between the measured deformation profiles and thrust evolution to predictions of the numerical methods employed. A secondary objective is an attempt to clarify the issue of compressive arch geometry which is still in controversy among researchers.It is found that both FLAC and DDA result in insufficiently accurate predictions to the measured displacements. The mode of deformation is only partially captured and is dependent on the aspect ratio of the individual blocks which made up the beam. It is shown that the accuracy of the predicted displacements is a function of the assigned interface stiffness. The thrust predicted by both methods is found to be considerably lower than that measured in the model; however, the linear evolution of thrust and equilibrium conditions are correctly captured.The geometry of the compressive arch as predicted by FLAC compares extremely well with the data measured in the physical model. Based on the FLAC analysis it is found that for a beam composed of equidimensional blocks the thickness of the compressive arch varies from 0.8t at the abutment interface to the entire beam thickness (1t) at a distance of a half block width from the abutment face, extending across the interface separating the block and its neighbour, and attains a value of 0.5t at the beam mid span. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urinary flow disturbance as an early sign of autonomic neuropathy in diabetic children and adolescents
Authors: Szabo Laszlo , Barkai Laszlo , Lombay Bela 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAimsUrinary bladder dysfunction is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus in adults. The aim of this study is to determine the early disturbances of the detrusor contractility in children, and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.Materials and MethodsThe bladder urine flow parameters were investigated in 37 children with type 1 diabetes, 10/37 with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (CAD) voided 482 ± 128 mils (Group A), 27/37 without CAD voided 258 ± 52 mils (Group B). From an earlier uroflow screening study 20 healthy children formed group control A, who had voided 488 ± 94 mils, and another 30 healthy children formed group control B, who had voided 260 ± 50 mils. The compared groups were matched for voided volume, age, weight, and height. There was no evidence of urinary tract abnormalities in any of the children.ResultsTime to maximum flow was longer in both diabetic groups as compared with controls (P < 0.01), and the acceleration (the ratio of maximum flow and the time to maximum flow) of diabetics was significantly lower (P < 0.01). Bladder emptying was complete in each subject. Bladder wall disturbances were not seen by ultrasound.ConclusionsThe decreased acceleration of detrusor muscle contraction may be interpreted as an early sign of autonomic neuropathy in children and adolescent with type 1 diabetes, even in patients without CAD. Clinicians may be able to determine autonomic neuropathy by using uroflowmetry that is easy to perform, sensitive, reproducible, and needs only a child's minimal cooperation. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:218–221, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Are there differences between women with urge predominant and stress predominant mixed urinary incontinence?
Authors: Lewis Jack B. , Ng Alexander V. , O'Connor R. Corey , Guralnick Michael L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveWe sought to determine if there are differences in clinical and urodynamic parameters between women with urge predominant and those with stress predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI).MethodsCharts of 99 female patients with complaints of MUI were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the subjective predominance of either stress incontinence (MSUI) or urge incontinence (MUUI). All patients completed a subjective evaluation including an AUA Symptom Index, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7). Objective non‐invasive measures included physical exam, 48‐hr voiding diary, and a 24‐hr pad test. Videourodynamics studies (VUDS), performed in all patients, were reviewed and the presence and characteristics of detrusor overactivity (DO) and stress incontinence were noted.ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups with respect to symptom scores. MUUI patients had significantly higher pad usage, and lower maximum and average voided volumes than MSUI patients. They were also more likely to have lower urodynamic bladder capacities and demonstrable DO (70% vs. 26%) on VUDS with contractions occurring at lower bladder volumes and with higher amplitude. MSUI patients were more likely to have demonstrable SUI on physical examination (63% vs. 16%) and on VUDS (100% vs. 61%).ConclusionsThere do appear to be differences in clinical and urodynamic parameters between patients with stress predominant and urge predominant MUI. These may help to determine which component of the mixed incontinence is more problematic. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:204–207, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative MRI for the assessment of bone structure and function
Authors: Wehrli Felix W. , Song Hee Kwon , Saha Punam K. , Wright Alexander C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractOsteoporosis is the most common degenerative disease in the elderly. It is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to morbidity and increased fracture risk in the hip, spine and wrist–all sites of predominantly trabecular bone. Bone densitometry, currently the standard methodology for diagnosis and treatment monitoring, has significant limitations in that it cannot provide information on the structural manifestations of the disease. Recent advances in imaging, in particular MRI, can now provide detailed insight into the architectural consequences of disease progression and regression in response to treatment. The focus of this review is on the emerging methodology of quantitative MRI for the assessment of structure and function of trabecular bone. During the past 10 years, various approaches have been explored for obtaining image‐based quantitative information on trabecular architecture. Indirect methods that do not require resolution on the scale of individual trabeculae and therefore can be practiced at any skeletal location, make use of the induced magnetic fields in the intertrabecular space. These fields, which have their origin in the greater diamagnetism of bone relative to surrounding marrow, can be measured in various ways, most typically in the form of R2′, the recoverable component of the total transverse relaxation rate. Alternatively, the trabecular network can be quantified by high‐resolution MRI (µ‐MRI), which requires resolution adequate to at least partially resolve individual trabeculae. Micro‐MRI‐based structure analysis is therefore technically demanding in terms of image acquisition and algorithms needed to extract the structural information under conditions of limited signal‐to‐noise ratio and resolution. Other requirements that must be met include motion correction and image registration, both critical for achieving the reproducibility needed in repeat studies. Key clinical applications targeted involve fracture risk prediction and evaluation of the effect of therapeutic intervention. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy of the intervertebral disc
Authors: Majumdar S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIntervertebral disc disease is an emerging health concern and has a considerable negative effect on the economy and on society. MRI has a critical role in assessing the disc, but it is still a challenge to objectively correlate disc health and pain with images. In this paper, a review of MR disc imaging techniques including grading, relaxation time measurements, diffusion, and contrast perfusion is presented. In addition, high‐resolution magic‐angle spinning methods to correlate in vitro disc degeneration (with pain, etc) are discussed. With the potential for gaining morphological and biochemical information, MRI shows promise for quantitative assessment of disc health. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breaking the ties with the printed page
Authors: Holoviak Judy C. 
Published: October 2006

Authors will soon be able to calculate for themselves, via a Web interface, the likely fees for publishing in any AGU journal. In this way authors will be able to minimize the potential fees before they submit a contribution for publication.This development is possible because author fees will no longer be calculated according to the final printed pages. Rather, fees will be based on the number of word equivalents in the accepted article and the number of figures or dynamic files. This change will break the last vestige of AGU publication that is tied to the real estate of a printed page.
National hurricane research initiative proposed
Authors: Zielinski Sarah 
Published: October 2006

The U.S. National Science Board (NSB) has proposed in a draft report the creation of a focused, sustained, and multi‐agency government initiative that would enhance the nation's ability to predict, mitigate, and respond to the effects of hurricanes, several board members announced at a 29 September briefing.Steven Beering, chairman of the NSB, said, “This is a critical area for national science policy that requires a focused research effort to address the destructive social, economic, and physical infrastructure impacts from hurricanes…We have experienced altogether too many in the last few years.”
Scientists examine seismic data from North Korean nuclear test
Authors: Zielinski Sarah 
Published: October 2006

North Korea's unconfirmed nuclear test on 9 October displayed several characteristics not typical of earthquakes that indicate it was indeed a nuclear test, according to Paul Richards, a seismologist with the Lamont‐Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, N.Y.Richards said these characteristics include a type of seismic surface wave indicating the event occurred at shallow depth (less than one or two kilometers) and thus likely of anthropogenic origin; impulsive quality of the waves at the beginning of the seismogram; and very weak shear waves.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the ovaries of healthy women: determination of normal values
Authors: Hauth E. A. M. , Jaeger H. J. , Libera H. , Lange S. , Forsting M. 
Published: October 2006

Purpose: To establish normal values for the volume and maximal diameter of ovaries and ovarian follicles and for the number of ovarian follicles in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on menstrual cycle phase and age. Material and Methods: We performed MRI of the pelvis on 100 healthy women. Volume of the ovaries and largest ovarian follicles and the number of ovarian follicles were determined by menstrual cycle phase and age. Results: The mean volume of the ovaries significantly increased with age and reached its peak between 31 and 40 years, and subsequently decreased. The mean volume of the largest ovarian follicles also significantly increased with age to reach its peak at 41–50 years. The highest mean numbers of ovarian follicles were found at 20–40 years. When the volumes of ovaries and of the largest ovarian follicles, and the number of ovarian follicles were compared between the first and second phase of the menstrual cycle, no significant differences were found. Conclusion: The volume and maximal diameter of ovaries and ovarian follicles and the number of ovarian follicles differ significantly with age, but not between the two phases of the menstrual cycle. Knowledge of MRI-related normal values can be expected to aid the early identification of ovarian pathologies.
Diagnostic performance of computed tomography colonography in symptomatic patients and in patients with increased risk for colorectal disease
Authors: Reuterskiöld M. H. , Lasson A. , Svensson E. , Kilander A. , Stotzer P.-O. , Hellström M. 
Published: October 2006

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic performance (colorectal lesions) of computed tomography (CT) colonography in 111 patients, a majority of whom were at high risk for colorectal neoplasia. Material and Methods: After bowel preparation, CT colonography was performed, immediately followed by conventional colonoscopy. The diagnostic performance of CT colonography was analyzed relative to lesion size, histological diagnosis, and diagnostic certainty. Results: The sensitivity of CT colonography increased with lesion size ( P<0.001), and was 91% (21/23) for lesions ⩾10 mm. All 10 carcinomas and 86% (19/22) of adenomas ⩾5 mm were detected. Unconfirmed or false-positive CT findings were generally small and/or reported with low diagnostic certainty. The specificity of CT colonography would be 45% (30/66; 95% CI 34% to 57%) if patients with findings of any size and any diagnostic certainty were selected for follow-up, and 92% (85/92; 95% CI 85% to 96%) if only patients with CT findings ⩾10 mm classified as certain were selected. Conclusion: CT colonography had a high sensitivity for lesions ⩾5 mm. The diagnostic performance increased with lesion size and degree of diagnostic certainty, and was higher for adenomas.
Can dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging replace single-photon emission computed tomography in the diagnosis of patients with alzheimer's disease? a pilot study
Authors: Cavallin L. , Danielsson R. , Öksengard A. R. , Wahlund L. O. , Julin P. , Frank A. , Engman E. L. , Svensson L. , Wiberg Kristoffersen M. 
Published: October 2006

Purpose: To compare single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a cohort of patients examined for suspected dementia, including patients with no objective cognitive impairment (control group), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Material and Methods: Twenty-four patients, eight with AD, 10 with MCI, and six controls were investigated with SPECT using 99mTc-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) and dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI) with gadobutrol. Three observers performed a visual interpretation of the SPECT and MR images using a four-point visual scale. Results: SPECT was superior to DSC-MRI in differentiating normal from pathological. All three observers showed statistically significant results in discriminating between the control group, AD, and MCI by SPECT, with a P value of 0.0006, 0.04, and 0.01 for each observer. The statistical results were not significant for MR ( P values 0.8, 0.1, and 0.2, respectively). Conclusion: DSC-MRI could not replace SPECT in the diagnosis of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Several patient- and method-related improvements should be made before this method can be recommended for clinical practice.
Solvent‐tuning the collapse and helix formation time scales of λ6‐85*
Authors: Dumont Charles , Matsumura Yoshitaka , Kim Seung Joong , Li Jinsong , Kondrashkina Elena , Kihara Hiroshi , Gruebele Martin 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe λ6‐85* pseudo‐wild type of lambda repressor fragment is a fast two‐state folder (kf ≈ 35 μsec−1 at 58°C). Previously, highly stable λ6‐85* mutants with kf > 30 μsec−1 have been engineered to fold nearly or fully downhill. Stabilization of the native state by solvent tuning might also tune λ6‐85* away from two‐state folding. We test this prediction by examining the folding thermodynamics and kinetics of λ6‐85* in a stabilizing solvent, 45% by weight aqueous ethylene glycol at −28°C. Detection of kinetics by circular dichroism at 222 nm (sensitive to helix content) and small angle X‐ray scattering (measuring the radius of gyration) shows that refolding from guanidine hydrochloride denatured conditions exhibits very different time scales for collapse and secondary structure formation: the two processes become decoupled. Collapse remains a low‐barrier activated process, while the fastest of several secondary structure formation time scales approaches the downhill folding limit. Two‐state folding of λ6‐85* is not a robust process.
Habitat use by radio‐tagged Namib Desert golden moles (Eremitalpa granti namibensis)
Authors: Rathbun Galen B. , Rathbun Carolyn D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe Namib Desert golden mole (Eremitalpa granti namibensis) is morphologically, physiologically and behaviourally specialized for living in the harsh loose‐sand desert. Ecological studies have relied on visually tracking animals on the surface of sand dunes. A radio tag would allow individuals to be more reliably located, even while under the sand. We developed a radio attachment and gathered preliminary data on winter habitat use by six individuals during 21 days. We compare data from previous studies and suggest that the greater diurnal activity, smaller home ranges, and more restricted movement patterns that we found are related to the unusual thermal and metabolic biology of Eremitalpa.
In vivoeffects of cyclic administration of 15-deoxyspergualin on leucocyte function in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis
Authors: Kälsch A-I , Schmitt W H , Breedijk A , Marinaki S , Weigerding S , Nebe T C , Nemoto K , Van Der Woude F J , Yard B A , Birck R 
Published: October 2006

Summary15-Deoxyspergualin (DSG) is an alternative treatment modality for Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) patients refractory to conventional treatment. Nevertheless, it is unclear how DSG modulates disease activity in these patients. This study was conducted to investigate which parameters of adaptive and acquired immunity were influenced during two subsequent cycles of DSG treatment. Emphasis was put upon T cell and monocyte activation, neutrophil function and surface expression of proteinase-3 (PR-3). Anti-CD3/anti-CD28 and interleukin (IL)-15/IL-7-mediated T cell proliferation were assessed by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis using carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CSFE) labelling. Interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-10 production were determined in the supernatants of these cultures by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Monocyte activation was assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated whole blood, using tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α as read-out. Neutrophil function was determined by measuring oxidative burst, chemotaxis and phagocytosis. T cell activation markers and PR3 expression were measured by FACS. All parameters were determined directly before and after each DSG cycle. Anti-CD3/anti-CD28-mediated T cell proliferation was reduced directly after DSG treatment. Directly before a subsequent cycle of DSG was started, T cell proliferation was increased. Similar findings were observed for IFN-γ and IL-10 production by T cells. DSG did not influence IL-15/IL-7-mediated T cell proliferation. LPS-mediated TNF-α production was also impaired directly after DSG treatment. No influence on T cell activation markers, neutrophil function and surface PR-3 expression was observed in peripheral blood of these patients. Our data demonstrate that DSG influences T cell and monocyte activation in a reversible fashion. Although DSG causes neutropenia in these patients, it does not influence neutrophil function.
Proinflammatory effects of tumour necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) on human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Hosokawa Y , Hosokawa I , Ozaki K , Nakae H , Matsuo T 
Published: October 2006

Summary
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), a member of the TNF family, is a multi-functional cytokine that regulates cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation and apoptosis. In this study, we investigated TWEAK expression in periodontally diseased tissues and the effect of TWEAK on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) analysis and immunohistochemistry revealed that TWEAK and the TWEAK receptor, fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), mRNA and protein were expressed in periodontally diseased tissues. HGF expressed Fn14 and produced interleukin (IL)-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production upon TWEAK stimulation in a dose-dependent manner. The IL-8 and VEGF production induced by TWEAK was augmented synergistically by simultaneous stimulation with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 or IL-1β. IL-1β and TGF-β1 enhanced Fn14 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, TWEAK induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression on HGF in a dose-dependent manner. The ICAM-1 expression induced by TWEAK was augmented by TGF-β1. On the other hand, the TWEAK-induced VCAM-1 expression was inhibited by TGF-β1. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) inhibitor inhibit both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression induced by TWEAK. However, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor enhanced only VCAM-1 expression on HGF. These results suggest that TWEAK may be involved in the pathophysiology of periodontal disease. Moreover, in combination with IL-1β or TGF-β1, TWEAK may be related to the exacerbation of periodontal disease to induce proinflammatory cytokines and adherent molecules by HGF.
Decadal vegetation changes in a northern peatland, greenhouse gas fluxes and net radiative forcing
Authors: JOHANSSON TORBJÖRN , MALMER NILS , CRILL PATRICK M. , FRIBORG THOMAS , ÅKERMAN JONAS H. , MASTEPANOV MIKHAIL , CHRISTENSEN TORBEN R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThawing permafrost in the sub‐Arctic has implications for the physical stability and biological dynamics of peatland ecosystems. This study provides an analysis of how permafrost thawing and subsequent vegetation changes in a sub‐Arctic Swedish mire have changed the net exchange of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) and CH4 over the past three decades. Images of the mire (ca. 17 ha) and surroundings taken with film sensitive in the visible and the near infrared portion of the spectrum, [i.e. colour infrared (CIR) aerial photographs from 1970 and 2000] were used. The results show that during this period the area covered by hummock vegetation decreased by more than 11% and became replaced by wet‐growing plant communities. The overall net uptake of C in the vegetation and the release of C by heterotrophic respiration might have increased resulting in increases in both the growing season atmospheric CO2 sink function with about 16% and the CH4 emissions with 22%. Calculating the flux as CO2 equivalents show that the mire in 2000 has a 47% greater radiative forcing on the atmosphere using a 100‐year time horizon. Northern peatlands in areas with thawing sporadic or discontinuous permafrost are likely to act as larger greenhouse gas sources over the growing season today than a few decades ago because of increased CH4 emissions.