bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge discovery in databases of biomechanical variables: application to the sit to stand motor task
Authors: Vannozzi Giuseppe , Della Croce Ugo , Starita Antonina , Benvenuti Francesco , Cappozzo Aurelio 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
The interpretation of data obtained in a movement analysis laboratory is a crucial issue in clinical contexts. Collection of such data in large databases might encourage the use of modern techniques of data mining to discover additional knowledge with automated methods. In order to maximise the size of the database, simple and low-cost experimental set-ups are preferable. The aim of this study was to extract knowledge inherent in the sit-to-stand task as performed by healthy adults, by searching relationships among measured and estimated biomechanical quantities. An automated method was applied to a large amount of data stored in a database. The sit-to-stand motor task was already shown to be adequate for determining the level of individual motor ability.

Methods
The technique of search for association rules was chosen to discover patterns as part of a Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) process applied to a sit-to-stand motor task observed with a simple experimental set-up and analysed by means of a minimum measured input model. Selected parameters and variables of a database containing data from 110 healthy adults, of both genders and of a large range of age, performing the task were considered in the analysis.

Results
A set of rules and definitions were found characterising the patterns shared by the investigated subjects. Time events of the task turned out to be highly interdependent at least in their average values, showing a high level of repeatability of the timing of the performance of the task.

Conclusions
The distinctive patterns of the sit-to-stand task found in this study, associated to those that could be found in similar studies focusing on subjects with pathologies, could be used as a reference for the functional evaluation of specific subjects performing the sit-to-stand motor task.
Lysophosphatidic acid triggers calcium entry through a non-store-operated pathway in human neutrophils
Authors: Itagaki Kiyoshi , Kannan Kolenkode B , Hauser Carl J 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid, which is structurally similar to sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and which can mobilize Ca2+ in multiple cell types. We recently showed that S1P induces Ca2+ entry directly through store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) channels in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) [1]. We therefore examined the mechanisms by which LPA induces intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in PMN. External application of low micromolar LPA caused dose-dependent Ca2+ influx without releasing Ca2+ stores, whereas G-protein-coupled (GPC) LPA receptors respond to nanomolar LPA. Additive Ca2+ influx by LPA compared with 100 nM ionomycin-induced Ca2+ influx suggests that LPA-induced Ca2+ influx does not pass through SOCE channels. Ca2+ influx was resistant to inhibition of Gi/o by pertussis toxin, of phospholipase C by U73122, and of G12/13/Rho by Y27632, all demonstrating GPC receptor independence. This Ca2+ influx was inhibited by Gd3+, La3+, Zn2+, or MRS1845 but not by Ni2+ or the sphingosine kinase inhibitor dimethylsphingosine. In addition, we found that LPA has no effect on neutrophil chemotaxis; however, it has stimulatory effects on neutrophil respiratory burst in a dose-response manner. These findings suggest that LPA-induced Ca2+ influx in PMN occurs through a mechanism other than SOCE channels, independent of Ca2+ store-depletion and S1P synthesis, and that the characteristics of LPA-induced Ca2+ influx are similar to those of S1P-induced influx in terms of sensitivity to inorganic inhibitors. Unlike S1P, LPA has stimulatory effects on neutrophil respiratory burst.
The CD4+ T cell immunodominant Anaplasma marginale major surface protein 2 stimulates γδ T cell clones that express unique T cell receptors
Authors: Lahmers Kevin K , Norimine Junzo , Abrahamsen Mitchell S , Palmer Guy H , Brown Wendy C 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Major surface protein 2 (MSP2) of the bovine rickettsial pathogen Anaplasma marginale is an abundant, serologically immunodominant outer membrane protein. Immunodominance partially results from numerous CD4+ T cell epitopes in highly conserved amino and carboxy regions and the central hypervariable region of MSP2. However, in long-term cultures of lymphocytes stimulated with A. marginale, workshop cluster 1 (WC1)+ γδ T cells and CD4+ αβ T cells proliferated, leading to a predominance of γδ T cells. As γδ T cells proliferate in A. marginale-stimulated lymphocyte cultures, this study hypothesized that γδ T cells respond to the abundant, immunodominant MSP2. To test this hypothesis, γδ T cell clones were isolated from MSP2 vaccinates and assessed for antigen-specific proliferation and interferon-γ secretion. Seven WC1+ γδ T cell clones responded to A. marginale and MSP2, and three of these proliferated to overlapping peptides from the conserved carboxy region. The γδ T cell response was not major histocompatibility complex-restricted, although it required antigen-presenting cells and was blocked by addition of antibody specific for the T cell receptor (TCR). Sequence analysis of TCR-γ and -δ chains of peripheral blood lymphocytes identified two novel TCR-γ chain constant (Cγ) regions. It is important that all seven MSP2-specific γδ T cell clones used the same one of these novel Cγ regions. The TCR complementarity-determining region 3 was less conserved than those of MSP2-specific CD4+ αβ T cell clones. Together, these data indicate that WC1+ γδ T cells recognize A. marginale MSP2 through the TCR and contribute to the immunodominant response to this protein.
Numerical evaluation of residual stress relaxation by cyclic load
Authors: Dattoma V , De Giorgi M , Nobile R 
Published: November 2004

The aim of this work is to evaluate by numerical simulation the real stress state of a welded component subjected to a sinusoidal external load. In particular, the relaxation process of the residual stress, due to the application of a cyclic external load, has been studied. Longitudinal welded joints, laser welded and 3 mm thick, are analysed in this work following the residual stress evolution during a fatigue test. A numerical procedure, implemented by the ABAQUS code, carries out the residual stress field originated by a welding process and it is taken as a pre-stress condition in the present ABAQUS simulations. In order to evaluate the influence of the amplitude level on the residual stress relaxation, eight different sinusoidal loads at the load ratio R = 0.1 are applied to the model. The results show a significant reduction in the initial residual stress level, even after the first load cycle. They offer a very precise explanation of the fatigue behaviour of this kind of welded joints, confirming the behaviour experimentally observed.
Stress fields by the symmetric Galerkin boundary element method
Authors: Panzeca T , Cucco F , Milana V , Terravecchia S 
Published: November 2004

The paper examines the stress state of a body with the discretized boundary embedded in the infinite domain subjected to layered or double-layered actions, such as forces and displacement discontinuities on the boundary, and to internal actions, such as body forces and thermic variations, in the ambit of the symmetric Galerkin boundary element method (SGBEM). The stress distributions due to internal actions (body forces and thermic variations) were computed by transforming the volume integrals into boundary integrals. The aim of the paper is to show the tension state in Ω∞ as a response to all the actions acting in Ω when this analysis concerns the crossing of the discretized boundary, thus demonstrating the possible presence of singularities. Finally, the displacement method by SGBEM is mentioned and some examples are presented using the KARNAK program codified by some of the present authors.
Prop imperfection effects on the one-way buckling of plates
Authors: Hobbs R. E 
Published: November 2004

A plate carrying a significant transverse pressure or self-weight and subjected to biaxial in-plane compression while lying on a rigid supporting plane may buckle by lifting away from the rigid constraint, an example of ‘one-way’ buckling. The isolated circular buckles or ‘blisters’ that form are a two-dimensional analogue of the more familiar one-dimensional upheaval buckling of railway tracks and pipelines. These buckles can be initiated from simple imperfections in the form of point supports or props. The development of upheaval buckling from prop imperfections in plates is examined. As a means of increasing buckling loads, the control of prop sizes in fabrication processes is recommended. The work has applications including the behaviour of thermally loaded linings to pressure vessels, including (as a limiting case) lined pipelines where the liner radius is large compared with the liner thickness.
The measurement of the rocking behaviour of graphite bricks using ultrasound
Authors: Holmes C , Drinkwater B W 
Published: November 2004

Assemblies of graphite bricks are found in graphite cored nuclear reactors throughout the world. In such reactors the graphite bricks, which are used to moderate the nuclear fission reaction, are assembled in arrays of the order of 10 m in height and 10m in width. The bricks themselves come in a range of shapes and sizes. The static and dynamic response of such structures is dependent on both the properties of the bulk material and the nature of the interface between individual bricks. Typical real surfaces exhibit some form of macroscopic waviness in addition to the microscopic roughness and therefore only a small fraction of the surfaces are in contact. This interfacial behaviour has been found to be one of the most significant factors affecting the rocking behaviour of dry-jointed structures, such as graphite cored reactors, and has proved one of the most difficult to explore experimentally. This paper describes a novel application of the ultrasonic measurement technique for the investigation of the effect of microscopic and macroscopic surface features on the rocking behaviour of graphite bricks. An ultrasonic scanning system has been combined with a loading rig to enable factors such as the size of the contact area and its position relative to the edge of a brick to be measured in situ as the brick is loaded. The ultrasound is used to measure the contact pressure distribution between a brick and a rigid foundation. This information has been used in a model to predict the rocking stiffness of the brick-foundation system and good comparisons with rocking experiments achieved. This measurement system could also be used to study the rocking behaviour of other systems of dry contacting blocks such as those found in costal defences and ancient buildings.
Probable Ischemic Colitis Caused by Pseudoephedrine with Tramadol as a Possible Contributing Factor
Authors: Traino Amelia A , Buckley Nick A , Bassett Mark L 
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVE To report a case of acute self-limiting ischemic colitis in a patient who was self-medicating with a proprietary over-the counter oral decongestant containing pseudoephedrine. CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old white man developed clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features of acute ischemic colitis after taking a proprietary oral decongestant containing pseudoephedrine 240 mg/day for one week. The total daily dose was at the upper limit of recommended doses for pseudoephedrine (as a single drug or in combination products). The patient was also taking tramadol 150 mg/day for chronic back pain. He made a complete recovery. There were no other explanations for the episode of ischemic colitis. DISCUSSION An objective causality assessment based on the Naranjo probability scale revealed pseudoephedrine to be a probable cause of ischemic colitis in our patient. Pseudoephedrine occasionally causes vascular insufficiency due to intense vasoconstriction, even at standard doses. Although our patient was not taking an excessive dose of pseudoephedrine, it is possible that the concurrent use of pseudoephedrine and tramadol may have increased adrenergic vasoconstriction, predisposing to ischemic colitis. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged or intensive use of medications containing pseudoephedrine should be avoided, and the package information should contain advice that the medication should be ceased if abdominal pain or other ischemic symptoms occur.
Initiating Warfarin Therapy: 5 mg versus 10 mg
Authors: Eckhoff Courtney D , DiDomenico Robert J , Shapiro Nancy L 
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVE To review the literature investigating initial dosing of warfarin at 5 or 10 mg for treatment of acute venous thromboembolism. DATA SOURCES Articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE (1966–December 2003) using the key words warfarin, oral anticoagulation, warfarin dose, warfarin initiation, venous thromboembolism, and anticoagulation. Additional references were located through review of the bibliographies of the articles cited. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Studies of the initial dosing of warfarin at 5 or 10 mg were evaluated and relevant information was included, as were those that identified known factors that influence the maintenance dose of warfarin. DATA SYNTHESIS For the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism, warfarin dosing is often provider dependent. Until recently, studies suggested that 5 mg initiation was as effective as 10 mg, without increasing the risk of bleeding. However, the most recent study comparing a 5- versus 10-mg initial dosing nomogram supports an initial dose of 10 mg. These results should be interpreted with caution, however, since patients at high risk for bleeding were excluded from the study. Several patient-specific factors will affect the maintenance dose, guiding clinicians to start with lower (<5 mg) or higher (>5 mg) doses. CONCLUSIONS Although recent evidence supports a 10-mg initiation nomogram, clinicians should consider patient-specific factors prior to deciding an initial warfarin dose. If a 10-mg loading dose is utilized, strict compliance with the protocol is necessary.
Duloxetine: A Dual Reuptake Inhibitor
Authors: Dugan Sara E , Fuller Matthew A 
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVE To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of duloxetine for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). DATA SOURCES Searches using MEDLINE and PsycINFO were conducted (1966 to November 2003). STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All duloxetine MDD information gathered was considered. Articles containing comprehensive information regarding duloxetine use for MDD were evaluated. DATA SYNTHESIS Duloxetine is a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor being considered for treatment of MDD and stress urinary incontinence. While approved dosing ranges have not yet been determined, studies support the efficacy and safety of 40–60 mg twice daily for the treatment of acute MDD. Adverse effects have been of mild to moderate severity and are considered to be transient. Cardiovascular effects (increased heart rate or blood pressure), while present, do not appear to be clinically significant. Overall, duloxetine appears to be well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Duloxetine is a safe and effective antidepressant. Approval of this agent provides another treatment option for the management of MDD. THIS ARTICLE IS APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT ACPE UNIVERSAL PROGRAM NUMBER: 407-000-04-036-H01
Poisoning in Older Adults: A 5-Year Experience of US Poison Control Centers
Authors: Crouch Barbara Insley , Caravati E Martin , Mitchell Alice , Martin Andrew C 
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND Poisoning in older adults has received relatively little attention. OBJECTIVE To describe poison exposures in older adults reported to US poison centers and identify substances that pose a unique risk to this population. METHODS: A retrospective review of human exposures for patients aged 60 years reported to the American Association of Poison Control Center's Toxic Exposure Surveillance System from 1993 to 1997 was performed. Frequencies and cross-tabulations were used to describe the data. Hazard factor analysis was conducted to identify medications that pose risk in this population. Statistical analysis included χ2 and Fisher's exact test for hazard factors. RESULTS A total of 298 713 poison exposure cases were reported to US poison centers involving individuals aged 60 years between 1993 and 1997. The proportion of cases in this age group also steadily increased from 2.5% of all cases in 1993 to 3.4% of all cases in 1997. The mean age of the patients was 64.7 years, and 34.1% were males. Hazard factor analysis was conducted on unintentional exposures and adverse reactions to pharmaceutical agents to determine medications that posed increased risk to older adults. The substance categories that had the highest hazard factor were radiopharmaceuticals, asthma therapies, anticoagulants, anesthetics, and antidepressants. CONCLUSIONS Therapeutic errors and adverse reactions to medications are common reasons for major effects and fatal outcomes among older adults reported to poison centers. Understanding poisoning issues specific to this population may help direct future outreach education efforts.
How Old Is the Most Recent Ancestor of Two Copies of an Allele?
Authors: Patterson Nick J 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAn important clue to the evolutionary history of an allele is the structure of the neighboring region of the genome, which we term the genomic background of the allele. Consider two copies of the allele. How similar we expect their genomic background to be is strongly influenced by the age of their most recent common ancestor (MRCA). We apply diffusion theory, first used by Motoo Kimura as a tool for predicting the changes in allele frequencies over time and developed by him in many articles in this journal, to prove a variety of new results on the age of the MRCA under the simplest demographic assumptions. In particular, we show that the expected age of the MRCA of two copies of an allele with population frequency f is just 2Nf generations, where N is the effective population size. Our results are a first step in running exact coalescent simulations, where we also simulate the history of the population frequency of an allele.
Trans-splicing of the mod(mdg4) Complex Locus Is Conserved Between the Distantly Related Species Drosophila melanogaster and D. virilis
Authors: Gabler Manuela , Volkmar Michael , Weinlich Susan , Herbst Andreas , Dobberthien Philine , Sklarss Stefanie , Fanti Laura , Pimpinelli Sergio , Kress Horst , Reuter Gunter , Dorn Rainer 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The modifier of mdg4, mod(mdg4), locus in Drosophila melanogaster represents a new type of complex gene in which functional diversity is resolved by mRNA trans-splicing. A protein family of &gt;30 transcriptional regulators, which are supposed to be involved in higher-order chromatin structure, is encoded by both DNA strands of this locus. Mutations in mod(mdg4) have been identified independently in a number of genetic screens involving position-effect variegation, modulation of chromatin insulators, apoptosis, pathfinding of nerve cells, and chromosome pairing, indicating pleiotropic effects. The unusual gene structure and mRNA trans-splicing are evolutionary conserved in the distantly related species Drosophila virilis. Chimeric mod(mdg4) transcripts encoded from nonhomologous chromosomes containing the splice donor from D. virilis and the acceptor from D. melanogaster are produced in transgenic flies. We demonstrate that a significant amount of protein can be produced from these chimeric mRNAs. The evolutionary and functional conservation of mod(mdg4) and mRNA trans-splicing in both Drosophila species is furthermore demonstrated by the ability of D. virilis mod(mdg4) transgenes to rescue recessive lethality of mod(mdg4) mutant alleles in D. melanogaster.
The Structured Ancestral Selection Graph and the Many-Demes Limit
Authors: Slade Paul F , Wakeley John 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWe show that the unstructured ancestral selection graph applies to part of the history of a sample from a population structured by restricted migration among subpopulations, or demes. The result holds in the limit as the number of demes tends to infinity with proportionately weak selection, and we have also made the assumptions of island-type migration and that demes are equivalent in size. After an instantaneous sample-size adjustment, this structured ancestral selection graph converges to an unstructured ancestral selection graph with a mutation parameter that depends inversely on the migration rate. In contrast, the selection parameter for the population is independent of the migration rate and is identical to the selection parameter in an unstructured population. We show analytically that estimators of the migration rate, based on pairwise sequence differences, derived under the assumption of neutrality should perform equally well in the presence of weak selection. We also modify an algorithm for simulating genealogies conditional on the frequencies of two selected alleles in a sample. This permits efficient simulation of stronger selection than was previously possible. Using this new algorithm, we simulate gene genealogies under the many-demes ancestral selection graph and identify some situations in which migration has a strong effect on the time to the most recent common ancestor of the sample. We find that a similar effect also increases the sensitivity of the genealogy to selection.
Mouse Inbred Strain Sequence Information and Yin-Yang Crosses for Quantitative Trait Locus Fine Mapping
Authors: Shifman Sagiv , Darvasi Ariel 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The shared ancestry of mouse inbred strains, together with the availability of sequence and phenotype information, is a resource that can be used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL). The difficulty in using only sequence information lies in the fact that in most instances the allelic state of the QTL cannot be unambiguously determined in a given strain. To overcome this difficulty, the performance of multiple crosses between various inbred strains has been proposed. Here we suggest and evaluate a general approach, which consists of crossing the two strains used initially to map the QTL and any new strain. We have termed these crosses “yin-yang,” because they are complementary in nature as shown by the fact that the QTL will necessarily segregate in only one of the crosses. We used the publicly available SNP database of chromosome 16 to evaluate the mapping resolution achievable through this approach. Although on average the improvement of mapping resolution using only four inbred strains was relatively small (i.e., reduction of the QTL-containing interval by half at most), we found a great degree of variability among different regions of chromosome 16 with regard to mapping resolution. This suggests that with a large number of strains in hand, selecting a small number of strains may provide a significant contribution to the fine mapping of QTL.