bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency‐independent impedances of soil‐structure systems in horizontal and rocking modes
Authors: Ghaffar‐Zadeh Mansour , Chapel François 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe frequency‐independent foundation impedances, commonly used in soil‐structure dynamic interaction problems, are developed for a circular footing resting on a homogeneous halfspace. As they ignore the structure attached to the foundation, the error introduced in the structural response may be 50 per cent or more in the neighbourhood of the fundamental frequency of the soil‐structure system.The present study proposes a new method developed for most dynamic soil‐structure interaction problems. The key idea is to retain for the frequency‐independent impedances values computed for the fundamental frequency of the soil‐structure system; thus these values include the dynamic characteristics of the whole soil‐structure system and lead to a satisfactory approximation of the exact solution over a wide frequency range. The method is developed here for the horizontal and rocking modes of a structure with a circular base resting on a homogeneous halfspace.Numerical applications are given for a simple linear oscillator in order to make possible a thorough parametric study. The response of some idealized building‐foundation systems to harmonic excitation or to a seismic input is next examined in order to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed model.
Use of a Lanczos algorithm in dynamic analysis of structures
Authors: Smith I. M. , Heshmati E. E. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn this paper the Choleski factorization of the mass or the stiffness matrix and its use in reduction of the general free vibration equation to a standard eigenproblem prior to the application of the Lanczos method is described, and their effects on the necessary computing time in determination of the frequencies are discussed.
Effect of soil‐structure interaction on damping of structures
Authors: Novak M. , Hifnawy L. El 
Published: March 2007

AbstractDamping of structures resting on flexible foundations is affected by soil‐structure interaction in two ways: (1) the structure gains damping through energy dissipation in soil, and (2) the damping the structure would have on a rigid foundation is reduced. These effects are evaluated using two approaches: an energy consideration which is a simple but approximate approach, and the complex eigenvalue analysis which is mathematically accurate but uses damped, non‐classical vibration modes. These two methods are compared and the accuracy of the more convenient energy approach is assessed. Examples of modal damping are given for rigid structures, buildings and towers.
Phenytoin immunoassay measurements in serum samples from patients with renal insufficiency: comparison with high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Tutor‐Crespo Maria J. , Hermida Jesús , Tutor J. Carlos 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe debate continues regarding the possible interference of phenytoin metabolites in phenytoin immunoassays, and its clinical importance for patients with renal failure. The aim of this study was to compare the results obtained using the Abbott fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), Dade enzyme‐multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT), and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to establish the significance of the differences in conditions of renal failure. Thirty‐six adult patients who had been treated with phenytoin and whose renal function ranged from normal to severely impaired were chosen for this study. In accordance with previously established validation criteria for analytical methods for the determination of drugs, a 15% bias from the HPLC phenytoin values was considered an acceptable limit. The mean (±SEM) glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the patients was 37.5±4.6 mL/min (range = 10–102 mL/min).The mean values found using FPIA (10.8±1.2 µg/mL) and EMIT (10.8±1.3 µg/mL) presented acceptable deviations with respect to HPLC (10.5±1.2 µg/mL), and a high correlation was found among the results (N = 36) of the different methods (r≥0.987, P<0.001). An FPIA deviation above the 15% bias limit with respect to HPLC was found only in two cases with very low serum phenytoin concentrations and low GFR values (<20 mL/min), although it does not appear to be important in terms of adjusting drug dosage. According to our data, FPIA and EMIT gave accurate results for total phenytoin in serum samples from patients with renal failure. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:119–123, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved quantitative method for G6PD deficiency detection
Authors: Fan Yun‐Hua , Lazenbery LuAnn , Foster Elizabeth , Duelm Felix , Grant Earl 
Published: March 2007

AbstractGlucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common hereditary enzyme defect that affects over 400 million people worldwide. Deficiency in G6PD can cause hemolytic anemia, which can be fatal if it is not treated properly. Mass qualitative G6PD‐deficiency screening methods have been available for some time; however, in this study we developed the first high‐throughput quantitative method for measuring G6PD activity. A patient's blood can be analyzed directly from the original collection tubes on a Hitachi P modular serum work area (SWA), which dramatically reduces the analysis time and the cost of the assay. The results presented here may enable the development of other improved, automated assays of whole‐blood samples. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:107–113, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Insulin and C‐peptide levels, pancreatic beta cell function, and insulin resistance across glucose tolerance status in Thais
Authors: Chailurkit La‐or , Jongjaroenprasert Wallaya , Chanprasertyothin Suwannee , Ongphiphadhanakul Boonsong 
Published: March 2007

AbstractImpaired pancreatic beta cell function and insulin sensitivity are fundamental factors in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes; however, the predominant defect appears differ among ethnic groups. We conducted a cross‐sectional study to evaluate the contribution of impaired beta cell function and insulin sensitivity at different stages of the deterioration of glucose tolerance in Thais. The study involved 420 urban Thais of both sexes, 43–84 years old. A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test was performed on all of the subjects. Indices of insulin resistance and beta cell function were calculated with the use of a homeostasis model assessment. The subjects were classified as having normal glucose tolerance (NGT), isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), combined IFG and IGT, or type 2 diabetes mellitus according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. There were no differences between groups with regard to gender and age. The percentage of obesity was significantly greatest in the diabetic group. Fasting serum insulin and C‐peptide levels progressively increased from the NGT to the diabetic subjects. Serum C‐peptide was more strongly associated with newly diagnosed diabetes than insulin, and was an independent factor associated with newly diagnosed diabetic subjects. The insulin resistance index progressively increased when the glucose tolerance stage changed from NGT through diabetic subjects. Beta cell function did not change significantly in any other group compared to the NGT group. An increase in fasting serum C‐peptide may be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Obesity and insulin resistance are the predominant features in the deterioration of glucose tolerance in Thais. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:85–90, 2007. 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypercomplementemia in adult patients with IgA nephropathy
Authors: Onda Kisara , Ohi Hiroyuki , Tamano Mariko , Ohsawa Isao , Wakabayashi Michiro , Horikoshi Satoshi , Fujita Teizo , Tomino Yasuhiko 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of chronic glomerulonephritis. Although glomerular deposition of complement components is well known, the evidence of serological complement activation in IgAN is inconclusive. We hypothesized that serum levels of complement components and regulatory proteins in patients with IgAN are correlated with its pathogenesis. In the present study we measured complement components in 50 patients with IgAN and 50 healthy volunteers. C5, C1 inhibitor, factor B, C4 binding protein, factor H, and factor I were measured with the use of single radial immunodiffusion. Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) and properdin (P) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlations among complements in the sera of patients with clinical gradings for IgAN (i.e., the good prognosis group, relatively good prognosis group, relatively poor prognosis group, and poor prognosis group) were evaluated. CH50, C4, factor B, P, factor I, and factor H were significantly higher in IgAN patients than in healthy controls. There were significant correlations between C5 and C4 binding protein, between C3 and C5, or between C4 and factor B in patients with IgAN. In the poor prognosis group, C4 binding protein was significantly higher than in the other groups of IgAN patients. hypercomplementemia occurs in IgAN and is associated with an increase in complement regulatory protein (CRP). C4 binding protein analyses can be used to predict disease prognosis. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:77–84, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age‐related changes in bone turnover markers and ovarian hormones in premenopausal and postmenopausal Indian women
Authors: Desai Meena P. , Bhanuprakash K.V. , Ikram Khatkhatay M. , Donde Uday M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis study characterizes age‐related changes in bone turnover markers in relation to ovarian hormones. The data (N = 236) were divided into 5‐year age bands and three groups: premenopausal (Group I, N = 139), perimenopausal (Group II, N = 30), and postmenopausal (Group III, N = 67). Age‐related increases in mean parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OC), and collagen telopeptide (CTx) levels were observed. Women in Group II (N = 37) with osteopenia had lower levels of E1G (P<0.001) with normal FSH levels as compared to 50 women in the same group with normal bone mineral density (BMD). Their mean OC levels were reduced (P<0.05) and CTx levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The mean E1G levels were significantly lower (P<0.001) and mean CTx levels were significantly higher (P<0.001) in 30 perimenopausal women (Group II) compared to premenopausal women. In 28 postmenopausal women (group III) the mean BMD levels and E1G were significantly lower (P<0.001) with elevated FSH levels (P<0.001). Increased CTx levels (P<0.0001) reflected a higher rate of bone resorption. These observations suggest that perimenopausal women with low E1G, elevated FSH should be screened for osteoporosis, and it may be valid to combine simultaneous measurements of bone turnover markers with ovarian hormones when screening women at risk for osteoporosis. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:55–60, 2007. © 2007 Wileyhyphen;Liss, Inc.
Therapies for bleomycin induced lung fibrosis through regulation of TGF‐β1 induced collagen gene expression
Authors: Cutroneo Kenneth R. , White Sheryl L. , Phan Sem H. , Ehrlich H. Paul 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis review describes normal and abnormal wound healing, the latter characterized by excessive fibrosis and scarring, which for lung can result in morbidity and sometimes mortality. The cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and the growth factors regulating the synthesis, degradation, and deposition of the ECM proteins will be discussed. Therapeutics with particular emphasis given to gene therapies and their effects on specific signaling pathways are described. Bleomycin (BM), a potent antineoplastic antibiotic increases TGF‐β1 transcription, TGF‐β1 gene expression, and TGF‐β protein. Like TGF‐β1, BM acts through the same distal promoter cis‐element of the COL1A1 gene causing increased COL1 synthesis and lung fibrosis. Lung fibroblasts exist as subpopulations with one subset predominately responding to fibrogenic stimuli which could be a specific cell therapeutic target for the onset and development of pulmonary fibrosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 585–589, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence that IL‐6‐type cytokine signaling in cardiomyocytes is inhibited by oxidative stress: Parthenolide targets JAK1 activation by generating ROS
Authors: Kurdi Mazen , Booz George W. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractParthenolide, an anti‐inflammatory compound, was reported to inhibit signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation by the interleukin (IL)‐6‐type cytokines by an undefined process, which was the focus of our study. Here we report that parthenolide reduced both basal and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)‐induced STAT3 tyrosine 705 (Y705) phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes in a dose‐dependent manner, but stimulated the MAP kinase signaling pathways. Activation of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) tyrosine kinase was markedly reduced by parthenolide. Pretreatment with parthenolide inhibited JAK1‐mediated phosphorylation of the LIF receptor subunits LIF receptor (LIFR) α and glycoprotein 130 (gp130), and reduced the LIF‐induced increase in JAK1 association with both components. In addition, we documented that parthenolide, over the same concentration range, does not have a direct inhibitory effect on JAK1 autophosphorylation. However, we observed that parthenolide increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pretreatment with the antioxidant, N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine, completely suppressed the effect of parthenolide on JAK1 and STAT3. From these results, we conclude ROS generation in cardiomyocytes blocks STAT3 signaling of the IL‐6‐type cytokines by targeting JAK1. The finding that signaling by the IL‐6‐type cytokine may be redox‐sensitive defines a novel mechanism of regulation that has implications for exploiting their therapeutic potential. J. Cell. Physiol. 212: 424–431, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sperm stock and mating of males in a parasitoid wasp
Authors: Bressac Christophe , Damiens David , Chevrier Claude 
Published: March 2007

AbstractHymenoptera are haplodiploid insects, consequently sex ratio depends on female's sperm management which itself arises from the reproductive capacity of neighbouring males. To study the influence of ageing on male reproductive potential, laboratory experiments were conducted on Dinarmus basalis (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae) males, a tropical wasp in which sperm counts are known to constrain sex ratio. Two groups of virgin males were compared: 1‐day and 30‐days old. Parameters recorded were sperm quantity and viability in seminal vesicles, shape of testis, mating ability in both individual and competitive situations and sperm stored by females after male multiple mating. Older males had twice as much sperm as young males, but their reproductive capacities did not differ. They were able to copulate with 20 successive virgin females in a short period. Sperm stored in spermathecae decreased with female mating order. In competition, old and young males had the same access to females. The difference between old and young males was visible at the level of reproductive tract: young males have functional testis and old males have empty non‐functional testis. Spermatozoa are kept viable in male seminal vesicles for long periods. In this species, the reproductive potential of males is not altered by ageing. At the population level this may represent an adaptation for maintaining continuous reserves of sperm at the disposal of females. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:160–166, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Involvement of dendritic cell frequency and function in virological relapse in pegylated interferon‐α and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Itose Ichiyo , Kanto Tatsuya , Inoue Michiyo , Miyazaki Masanori , Miyatake Hideki , Sakakibara Mitsuru , Yakushijin Takayuki , Oze Tsugiko , Hiramatsu Naoki , Takehara Tetsuo , Kasahara Akinori , Katayama Kazuhiro , Kato Michio , Hayashi Norio 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA combination of pegylated interferon α (PEG‐IFNα) and ribavirin has been used widely. Enhancement of immune response against hepatitis C virus (HCV) is known to be involved in the efficacy of the combination therapy. The aim of the study was to elucidate whether the frequency or function of immunocompetent blood cells is related to the outcome of the therapy. Twenty‐five chronic hepatitis C patients with high viral load of HCV genotype 1 who underwent 48 weeks of PEG‐IFNα2b and ribavirin therapy were examined. During the treatment, frequencies of dendritic cell subsets, helper T cell subsets, and NK cells were phenotypically determined. In some patients, the ability of dendritic cells to stimulate allogeneic CD4+T cells was examined at the end and after the therapy. Among the 25 patients, 11 showed a sustained virological response, 11 a transient response, and 3 no response. In comparison with sustained virological responders, non‐sustained virological responders showed impaired dendritic cell function at the end and after the treatment. The transient responders showed a decline of plasmacytoid dendritic cell frequency from Weeks 1–12 and impaired dendritic cell function as well. Even in patients who attained negative serum HCV RNA at Week 12, the transient responders showed a significant decrease of plasmacytoid dendritic cell frequency and impaired dendritic cell function. In conclusion, in PEG‐IFNα and ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C patients, the early‐phase plasmacytoid dendritic cell frequency and/or end‐of‐treatment dendritic cell function are related to the virological outcome of the therapy. J. Med. Virol. 79:511–521, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of human astrovirus genotypes associated with acute gastroenteritis among children in Belém, Brazil
Authors: Gabbay Yvone B. , Linhares Alexandre C. , Cavalcante‐Pepino Elielma L. , Nakamura Liliany S. , Oliveira Darleise S. , da Silva Luciana Damascena , Mascarenhas Joana D'Arc P. , Oliveira Consuelo S. , Monteiro Talita Antônia F. , Leite José Paulo G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWorldwide human astroviruses (HAstV) have increasingly been recognized as causative agents of viral gastroenteritis, mainly in infants and young children. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology and genotype diversity of HAstVs detected in children who participated in a trial in Belém, Brazil with the rhesus human reassortant rotavirus vaccine tetravalent (RRV‐TV). From April/1990 to August/1992, 624 diarrheic stool samples were tested by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for HAstV, with a positive rate of 4.0%. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was done in 129 samples (25 positive and 104 with twice the optical density (OD) value of negative control by EIA) being 33 positive. The overall positivity yielded by both methods was 5.4% (34/624). Genotyping of the 33 positive samples was done by type‐specific RT‐PCR and confirmed by sequence analysis. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using a 348‐bp fragment of the ORF2 region of the capsid gene. HAstV‐1 was the most prevalent, accounting for 45.5% of the isolates, followed by HAstV‐2 (27.3%), HAstV‐3 (12.1%), HAstV‐4 (12.1%), and HAstV‐6 (3.0%). The monthly distribution showed that HAstV‐1 was predominant in the first year of study (May/1990 to May/1991) with highest prevalence in January/1991. HAstV‐2 was predominant from July to November/1991 and HAstV‐4 from September to October/1990. At 24 months of age, 30.6% of children had been infected by HAstV. The clinical symptoms registered during HAstV associated‐diarrhea were usually mild. These data highlight the circulation of the different HAstV genotypes in Belém during the study period. J. Med. Virol. 79:530–538, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human bocavirus in Iranian children with acute respiratory infections
Authors: Naghipour Mohammadreza , Cuevas Luis E. , Bakhshinejad Tahereh , Dove Winifred , Hart C. Anthony 
Published: March 2007

AbstractHuman bocavirus (HBoV), a virus discovered in Sweden in 2005, has been associated with acute respiratory infections in young children and subsequent reports suggest that HBoV may have a worldwide distribution. This report describes the frequency and clinical presentation of HBoV in 261 Iranian children<5 years old with acute respiratory infections attending two regional hospitals in Rasht, Iran in the winter of 2003–2004. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) were used for the detection of HBoV and other respiratory pathogens from nasopharyngeal specimens. HBoV was detected in 21 (8%) children. Fifteen (12%) of these children were identified among 122 children admitted to hospital and 6 (4%) from 139 outpatients (P < 0.05). Most children with HBoV were less than 2 years (17/21, 81%) and 7 (33%) were less than 1 year old. Although HBoV was identified in all ages it affected slightly older children than the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The frequency of the virus varied from 1 (3%) in 40 patients in November to 7 (12%) of 61 in February, suggesting a seasonal pattern during the autumn and early winter. Seven children had co‐infections with RSV, adenovirus or influenza A. The relatively high frequency of HBoV suggests that the virus may contribute substantially to acute respiratory infections in children. J. Med. Virol. 79:539–543, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different transmission patterns of hepatitis A virus for two main risk groups as evidenced by molecular cluster analysis
Authors: Tjon Grace , Xiridou Maria , Coutinho Roel , Bruisten Sylvia 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMen who have sex with men and traveling children are the most important risk groups for transmission of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Between these two risk groups, different HAV genotypes are found. In this study the patterns of introduction and transmission of HAV were investigated in the two groups. HAV sequences from Amsterdam patients were divided according to risk: (I) travelers and their contacts, (II) homosexual men and their contacts. The sequences in each risk group were then grouped into clusters based on the genetic distances between the sequences. Among travelers many sporadic cases were found, the clusters were small, and introduced frequently into the population, mostly in the second half of each calendar year, indicating a seasonal pattern of introduction and transmission after the summer holidays. Among men who have sex with men the clusters were bigger and remained present for a longer time; sporadic cases were few, and introduction of new strains occurred only occasionally but throughout the year. Our findings indicate that new HAV strains are frequently imported into Amsterdam by travelers, but they are limited in the extent and season of their spread. In contrast, HAV is only occasionally imported into the male homosexual and bisexual population, but remains endemic and spreads to a large number of individuals without a seasonal pattern. J. Med. Virol. 79:488–494, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.