bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Physical Antialias Filter for Time‐Series Temperature Measurements
Authors: Fairley Jerry P. , Zakrajsek John R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCollecting high‐quality time‐series data requires sampling at a frequency at least twice that of the highest frequency in the monitored signal (the Nyquist frequency). Many signals of interest to hydrologists vary slowly over long periods of time but display infrequent and/or unpredictable episodes of rapid, high‐frequency change that can result in a corrupted (aliased) data stream. Although the standard remedy for this difficulty is to use an analog filter to remove frequencies above the Nyquist frequency prior to sampling, electronic components to construct analog filters for frequencies of interest to hydrologists do not exist. To mitigate this problem when monitoring temperatures in natural systems, we suggest enclosing the temperature monitoring device (thermocouple or thermistor) in a housing designed to change the characteristic response time of the device and thus create a band‐limited signal suitable for sampling. We call this strategy “physical antialias filtering” because it depends on manipulating physical heat transfer characteristics rather than analog electronics to filter out frequencies above the Nyquist. We provide a simple analytical expression to calculate the frequency response of a filter with a known characteristic response time and illustrate its application with the results of laboratory tests. In addition to its usefulness in designing antialias filters, the analytical expression provided can be applied to the correction of data from a temperature probe that is housed to protect it from contact with corrosive fluids or other damaging environmental influences.
Moderate Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Male Mice Lacking the Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Gene
Authors: Said Sami I. , Hamidi Sayyed A. , Dickman Kathleen G. , Szema Anthony M. , Lyubsky Sergey , Lin Richard Z. , Jiang Ya-Ping , Chen John J. , Waschek James A. , Kort Smadar 
Published: February 2007

Background—Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a pulmonary vasodilator and inhibitor of vascular smooth muscle proliferation, has been reported absent in pulmonary arteries from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We have tested the hypothesis that targeted deletion of the VIP gene may lead to PAH with pulmonary vascular remodeling.Methods and Results—We examined VIP knockout (VIP−/−) mice for evidence of PAH, right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Relative to wild-type control mice, VIP−/−mice showed moderate RV hypertension, RV hypertrophy confirmed by increased ratio of RV to left ventricle plus septum weight, and enlarged, thickened pulmonary artery and smaller branches with increased muscularization and narrowed lumen. Lung sections also showed perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates. No systemic hypertension and no arterial hypoxemia existed to explain the PAH. The condition was associated with increased mortality. Both the vascular remodeling and RV remodeling were attenuated after a 4-week treatment with VIP.Conclusions—Deletion of the VIP gene leads to spontaneous expression of moderately severe PAH in mice during air breathing. Although not an exact model of idiopathic PAH, the VIP−/−mouse should be useful for studying molecular mechanisms of PAH and evaluating potential therapeutic agents. VIP replacement therapy holds promise for the treatment of PAH, and mutations of the VIP gene may be a factor in the pathogenesis of idiopathic PAH.
The Balance Sheet Effects and Macroeconomic Development in the Pacific Region
Authors: Kohsaka Akira , Enya Masahiro 
Published: February 2007

This paper focuses on balance sheet adjustments across the recent boom–bust cycles in the Pacific region along with structural changes in sectoral balance sheets and policy environments. Comparing empirical regularities across industrial as well as East Asian countries over the past decades, our analysis shows that asset price busts and concurrent macroeconomic developments in East Asia share some common patterns, identified using event analysis, with industrial economies. Regarding the macroeconomic impact of asset market price busts, we generally observed qualitatively similar features between industrial countries and East Asian emerging markets. Major differences between the two groups appear in the magnitude of swings and the speed of recoveries of the key macroeconomic variables. Negative impacts on investment were stronger in East Asia, but quicker recoveries were their features, whereas private consumption was commonly rather robust to asset market turmoil.
Perception of Active and Passive Turning in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Earhart Gammon M. , Stevens Elizabeth S. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Hong Minna 
Published: February 2007

Background. Many individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) experience difficulty with turning, yet little is known about the reasons for this difficulty. Objective. The authors sought to determine whether individuals with PD can use visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive cues to estimate how far they have turned. Methods. Fifteen PD subjects and 11 controls performed active and passive turns to the left and right, with and without vision, with amplitudes of 90, 180, 270, and 360 degrees. For active conditions, subjects were told the direction and amplitude of the desired turn and then attempted to turn in place the specified amount via actively stepping. For passive conditions, subjects were told that the disc they stood on would turn and they were to press a button when they had traveled the specified amplitude. Results. There were no differences between PD and control groups in any of the conditions, suggesting that those with PD effectively used sensory cues available in the different conditions to accurately judge distance turned. The authors found no apparent deficits in the visual, vestibular, or proprioceptive systems or in integration of these senses for performance of the turning task tested. Conclusions. Turning difficulties associated with PD may more likely relate to motor or sensorimotor integration deficits than to pure sensory or sensory integration deficits. Generalizability of the study may be limited by the fact that subjects were tested at a single velocity for passive rotations, were on medication, and had relatively mild PD (primarily H&Y 2).
Assessment and Training in a 3-Dimensional Virtual Environment With Haptics: A Report on 5 Cases of Motor Rehabilitation in the Chronic Stage After Stroke
Authors: Broeren Jurgen , Rydmark Martin , Björkdahl Ann , Sunnerhagen Katharina Stibrant 
Published: February 2007

Objective. This exploratory study assessed the possible effectiveness of hemiparetic upper extremity training in subjects with chronic stroke with computer instrumentation (haptic force feedback) and 3-dimensional visualization applied to computer games, as well as to evaluate concurrent computer-assisted assessment of the kinematics of movements and test whether any improvement detected in the computer environment was reflected in activities of daily living (ADLs). Methods. A single-subject repeated-measures experimental design (AB) was used. After baseline testing, 5 patients were assigned to the therapy 3 times a week for 45 min for 5 weeks. Velocity, time needed to reach, and hand path ratio (reflecting superfluous movements) were the outcome measures, along with the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills and the Box and Block test. The follow-up phase (C) occurred 12 weeks later. Results. Improvements were noted in velocity, time, and hand path ratio. One patient showed improvement in occupational performance in ADLs. Conclusions.The application of this strategy of using virtual reality (VR) technologies may be useful in assessing and training stroke patients. The results of this study must be reproduced in further studies. The VR systems can be placed in homes or other nonclinical settings.
Surface Electromyography of Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles During Seated Passive Tilting of Patients With Lateropulsion Following Stroke
Authors: Babyar Suzanne R. , McCloskey Karilyn Hildebrand , Reding Michael 
Published: February 2007

Background. Patients with lateropulsion (pushing) following stroke push toward the contralesional side. Their response to a passive tilt while seated has not been studied with surface electromyography (sEMG) of lumbar paraspinal muscles. Objective. To compare onset, response duration, and trends in lumbar paraspinal muscle activity among patients with stroke, patients with stroke and lateropulsion, and healthy controls during seated passive tilting. Method. Seated subjects were passively tilted in the frontal plane at slow and fast speeds. Bilateral sEMG electrodes at the level of lumbar vertebrae 3 recorded paraspinal muscle activity. Surface EMG onset, response duration, and type of muscle activity were compared for 15 patients with stroke and lateropulsion, 12 patients with uncomplicated stroke, and 16 healthy, aged controls. Correlations were assessed between the Burke Lateropulsion Scale (BLS) and both sEMG onset and sEMG response duration. Results. Onset of muscle activity was similar in all groups. Patients with lateropulsion showed decreased sEMG response duration in weak-sided paraspinal muscle activity during slow, passive tilting to the strong side. They had more variable muscle activity during fast, passive tilting to the weak side than controls. BLS scores did not correlate with dependent variables. Conclusions. Patients with lateropulsion activated paraspinal muscles with similar onset time as controls during seated passive tilting. Lateropulsion influences weak-sided paraspinal response duration during passive tilting. Graviceptive neglect may explain some of this difficulty with sustaining contractions, but weakness may also be a contributing factor.
Effects of Stroke Severity and Training Duration on Locomotor Recovery After Stroke: A Pilot Study
Authors: Plummer Prudence , Behrman Andrea L. , Duncan Pamela W. , Spigel Pam , Saracino Dawn , Martin Jennifer , Fox Emily , Thigpen Mary , Kautz Steve A. 
Published: February 2007

Background. Locomotor training using partial body weight-supported treadmill (BWST) walking has been widely investigated for people after stroke, yet there remains a lack of evidence concerning the optimal training duration and the effect of locomotor impairment severity. Previous protocols have not emphasized the transfer of locomotor skills from the BWST environment to overground. Objectives. To assess the feasibility of a program combining locomotor training using BWST with task-specific overground training and to obtain pilot data on the effects of severity and training duration on recovery of locomotion. Methods. Seven adults with chronic poststroke hemiparesis and gait speed less than 0.8 m/s were recruited to participate in a 12-week (36 session) locomotor training program. Each session comprised 20 to 30 minutes of training using BWST with manual assistance, followed by 10 to 15 minutes of overground training to transfer the skills trained in the BWST environment. Gait speed was the primary outcome measure. Results. Six out of the 7 enrolled individuals completed the intervention program; 1 was withdrawn due to transportation difficulties affecting compliance with the training schedule. Four of the 6 participants had a functionally significant improvement in walking speed after 36 sessions, defined as having achieved a 0.4 m/s gait speed or greater for those with initial severe gait speed impairment (<0.4 m/s) or as having achieved a 0.8 m/s gait speed or greater for persons with initial moderate gait speed impairment (≥0.4 m/s and <0.8 m/s). All participants improved in balance and distance walked over 6 minutes, and 5 of the 6 participants showed increases in their daily home and community step activity. Conclusions. A locomotor training program combining walking using BWST and manual assistance with overground practice is feasible for people with chronic poststroke hemiparesis and moderate or severe gait speed impairment. This intervention shows promise for achieving functionally significant improvements in walking speed.
Understanding and using the meaning of statements in a bio-ontology: recasting the Gene Ontology in OWL
Authors: Aranguren Mikel Egaña , Bechhofer Sean , Lord Phillip , Sattler Ulrike , Stevens Robert 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
The bio-ontology community falls into two camps: first we have biology domain experts, who actually hold the knowledge we wish to capture in ontologies; second, we have ontology specialists, who hold knowledge about techniques and best practice on ontology development. In the bio-ontology domain, these two camps have often come into conflict, especially where pragmatism comes into conflict with perceived best practice. One of these areas is the insistence of computer scientists on a well-defined semantic basis for the Knowledge Representation language being used. In this article, we will first describe why this community is so insistent. Second, we will illustrate this by examining the semantics of the Web Ontology Language and the semantics placed on the Directed Acyclic Graph as used by the Gene Ontology. Finally we will reconcile the two representations, including the broader Open Biomedical Ontologies format. The ability to exchange between the two representations means that we can capitalise on the features of both languages. Such utility can only arise by the understanding of the semantics of the languages being used. By this illustration of the usefulness of a clear, well-defined language semantics, we wish to promote a wider understanding of the computer science perspective amongst potential users within the biological community.
TGF-β dependent regulation of oxygen radicals during transdifferentiation of activated hepatic stellate cells to myofibroblastoid cells
Authors: Proell Verena , Carmona-Cuenca Irene , Murillo Miguel M , Huber Heidemarie , Fabregat Isabel , Mikulits Wolfgang 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background
The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a pivotal role during liver injury because the resulting myofibroblasts (MFBs) are mainly responsible for connective tissue re-assembly. MFBs represent therefore cellular targets for anti-fibrotic therapy. In this study, we employed activated HSCs, termed M1-4HSCs, whose transdifferentiation to myofibroblastoid cells (named M-HTs) depends on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. We analyzed the oxidative stress induced by TGF-β and examined cellular defense mechanisms upon transdifferentiation of HSCs to M-HTs.

Results
We found reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly upregulated in M1-4HSCs within 72 hours of TGF-β administration. In contrast, M-HTs harbored lower intracellular ROS content than M1-4HSCs, despite of elevated NADPH oxidase activity. These observations indicated an upregulation of cellular defense mechanisms in order to protect cells from harmful consequences caused by oxidative stress. In line with this hypothesis, superoxide dismutase activation provided the resistance to augmented radical production in M-HTs, and glutathione rather than catalase was responsible for intracellular hydrogen peroxide removal. Finally, the TGF-β/NADPH oxidase mediated ROS production correlated with the upregulation of AP-1 as well as platelet-derived growth factor receptor subunits, which points to important contributions in establishing antioxidant defense.

Conclusion
The data provide evidence that TGF-β induces NADPH oxidase activity which causes radical production upon the transdifferentiation of activated HSCs to M-HTs. Myofibroblastoid cells are equipped with high levels of superoxide dismutase activity as well as glutathione to counterbalance NADPH oxidase dependent oxidative stress and to avoid cellular damage.
Basal-like phenotype is not associated with patient survival in estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancers
Authors: Jumppanen Mervi , Gruvberger-Saal Sofia , Kauraniemi Päivikki , Tanner Minna , Bendahl Pär-Ola , Lundin Mikael , Krogh Morten , Kataja Pasi , Borg Åke , Fernö Mårten , Isola Jorma 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Introduction
Basal-phenotype or basal-like breast cancers are characterized by basal epithelium cytokeratin (CK5/14/17) expression, negative estrogen receptor (ER) status and distinct gene expression signature. We studied the clinical and biological features of the basal-phenotype tumors determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and cDNA microarrays especially within the ER-negative subgroup.

Methods
IHC was used to evaluate the CK5/14 status of 445 stage II breast cancers. The gene expression signature of the CK5/14 immunopositive tumors was investigated within a subset (100) of the breast tumors (including 50 ER-negative tumors) with a cDNA microarray. Survival for basal-phenotype tumors as determined by CK5/14 IHC and gene expression signature was assessed.

Results
From the 375 analyzable tumor specimens, 48 (13%) were immunohistochemically positive for CK5/14. We found adverse distant disease-free survival for the CK5/14-positive tumors during the first years (3 years hazard ratio (HR) 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17 to 4.24, p = 0.01; 5 years HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.15, p = 0.04) but the significance was lost at the end of the follow-up period (10 years HR 1.43, 95% CI 0.84 to 2.43, p = 0.19). Gene expression profiles of immunohistochemically determined CK5/14-positive tumors within the ER-negative tumor group implicated 1,713 differently expressed genes (p < 0.05). Hierarchical clustering analysis with the top 500 of these genes formed one basal-like and a non-basal-like cluster also within the ER-negative tumor entity. A highly concordant classification could be constructed with a published gene set (Sorlie's intrinsic gene set, concordance 90%). Both gene sets identified a basal-like cluster that included most of the CK5/14-positive tumors, but also immunohistochemically CK5/14-negative tumors. Within the ER-negative tumor entity there was no survival difference between the non-basal and basal-like tumors as identified by immunohistochemical or gene-expression-based classification.

Conclusion
Basal cytokeratin-positive tumors have a biologically distinct gene expression signature from other ER-negative tumors. Even if basal cytokeratin expression predicts early relapse among non-selected tumors, the clinical outcome of basal tumors is similar to non-basal ER-negative tumors. Immunohistochemically basal cytokeratin-positive tumors almost always belong to the basal-like gene expression profile, but this cluster also includes few basal cytokeratin-negative tumors.
The Oxford External Fixator: Fixator Stiffness and the Effects of Bone Pin Loosening
Authors: Churches A E , Tanner K E , Harris J D 
Published: February 2007

Simple theoretical deflection analysis and experimental data have been used to assess the stiffness of the Oxford External Fixator for a range of fixator configurations. The loading modes comprised axial compression, bending (in two planes), and torsion. Data are also provided on the effects of clinically loose Schanz bone screws (or pins) on the fixator stiffness. In general: loosening of one bone pin significantly decreases fixator stiffness; loosening of two pins may decrease the stiffness by 50 per cent or more; loosening of one bone pin causes increased loading on the adjacent tight pin, which may lead to loosening of the second pin; the fixator stiffness is maximized by using the shortest practicable bone pin length and the widest practicable spacing between adjacent pins in the same bone segment; short pins and wide spacing result in the lowest bone/pin interface stresses and minimize the possibility of bone pins loosening.
An Engineering Evaluation of the Oxford External Fixator with Sliding Clamps: Fixator Stiffness and Fracture Healing Assessment
Authors: Churches A E , Tanner K E , Harris J D 
Published: February 2007

A theoretical and experimental evaluation of the Mark II Oxford External Fixator with sliding clamps has shown that: the effective axial stiffness may readily be varied over a wide range; significant load-bearing may be achieved on the fractured bone while maintaining adequate fracture alignment and stability; the axial sliding facility is likely to be of greatest benefit in the early stages of fracture healing. Sliding decreases rapidly as fracture stiffness increases and ceases altogether at a relatively early stage in the healing process; the effects of bone pin loosening are similar to those previously reported for the fixed-clamp Oxford External Fixator; bone healing assessment using a strain-gauge transducer clamped to the fixator column may become difficult and inaccurate when sliding of the clamps occurs. Temporary locking of the clamps is recommended during the assessment procedure to ensure that sequential tests are strictly comparable.
Random-Loading and Block-Loading Fatigue Tests on Sharply Notched Mild Steel Specimens
Authors: Marsh K. J. , Mackinnon J. A. 
Published: February 2007

Results are given of direct-stress random-loading and block-loading fatigue tests on sharply notched mild steel specimens subjected to a tensile mean stress. It is shown that the random-loading tests are more damaging than the multi-level block tests simulating the same conditions. Methods of endurance prediction in variable-amplitude conditions are discussed. In random-loading tests the hypothetical S-N curve method gives the better prediction provided that a suitable value of the slope parameter, d, is chosen; this value is not predictable from two-level block tests. The Palmgren-Miner method gave optimistic predictions. There was little difference between the two prediction methods when applied to the results of the multi-level block tests and the value of d suggested by two-level tests was satisfactory.
The Differential Compound Engine—A New Integrated Engine Transmission System Concept for Heavy Vehicles
Authors: Wallace F J , Tarabad M , Howard D 
Published: February 2007

The paper describes the evolution of the concept of the differential compound engine (DCE) from its original form based on a two stroke diesel engine and a very simple control scheme to its latest form based on a high output four stroke direct injection (DI) diesel engine with an electronically governed fuel pump combined with microprocessor control of variable turbine nozzles and the ultimate possibility of a controlled variable transmission between the turbine and the output shaft. A detailed description of the control system is followed by a discussion of the steady state performance characteristics showing the very significant advantages of the DCE over existing stepped or continuously variable transmissions coupled to turbocharged diesel engines.
The Design and Development of a New Range of Large A.C. Motors
Authors: Allsopp M R , Glew C N , Mann T J , Simms M G 
Published: February 2007

A small multi-disciplined project group was established to undertake the design and development of a range of medium a.c. motors, including the manufacture of a prototype machine, within a six months period. This paper describes the development of the range fundamental design principles, manufacturing concepts and the manufacture of four prototype machines. The group were involved, at later stages, in the preparation of the range detail designs, manufacturing data, and commercial information leading to the subsequent introduction of the Unipak range into the market. This also included technical and commercial personnel training sessions. The activities of the project group are highlighted with respect to the improvements in the specification and cost effectiveness of the product range, that were the direct results of detailed market surveys, fundamental design improvements and the emphasis on design for manufacture of the machine components. The success of the Unipak development project is expressed in terms of the increased competitiveness of the Unipak range, improved manufacturing processes, increased specification and how this has affected other areas and aspects of the company's business.