bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered Receptor Subunit Expression in Rat Neocortical Malformations
Authors: Hablitz John J. , DeFazio R. Anthony 
Published: August 2005

Summary: Purpose: Identification of changes in neurotransmitter function in animal models of epilepsy provides a basis for rational drug development and an understanding of the mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis. We investigated changes in the efficacy of the benzodiazepine type I agonist zolpidem and the polyamine site N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist ifenprodil in a rat model of microgyria. Methods: Neonatal freeze lesions were used to produce a microsulcus in the normally lissencephalic rat neocortex with anatomical similarities to human polymicrogyria. Whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recordings were made from visually identified layer 2/3 pyramidal cells in acutely prepared brain slices from nonlesioned and lesioned rats. Results: The effect of 20 nmol/L zolpidem on the decay time constant of inhibitory postsynaptic currents was significantly less in neurons from brain slices containing the freeze lesion. A higher concentration (100 nmol/L) of zolpidem was equally efficacious in lesioned and nonlesioned cortex. In lesioned cortex, the threshold for evoking epileptiform discharges was significantly increased in the presence of 10 μmol/L ifenprodil. This effect was significant in both intrinsic hyperexcitability and partial disinhibition with 2 μmol/L bicuculline in lesioned cortex. Ifenprodil had significantly less effect on the threshold of discharges evoked in control cortex in the partial disinhibition model. Conclusions: The decreased sensitivity of γ‐aminobutyric acid A receptors to 20 nmol/L zolpidem in the freeze‐lesion model is consistent with a delayed or arrested maturation in this animal model. These data support a delay in the developmental switch from α2 to α1 subunits in γ‐aminobutyric acid A receptors of neocortical pyramidal cells in lesioned cortex. The increased ifenprodil sensitivity of the threshold for evoking epileptiform discharges in both control and disinhibited slices containing the microsulcus is explained by a delay in the expression of the 2A (NR2A) N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor subunit. Delayed development may be a hallmark of this type of cortical dysplasia.
Managing Risks in Multiple Online Auctions: An Options Approach*
Authors: Gopal Ram , Thompson Steven , Tung Y. Alex , Whinston Andrew B. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTThe scenario of established business sellers utilizing online auction markets to reach consumers and sell new products is becoming increasingly common. We propose a class of risk management tools, loosely based on the concept of financial options that can be employed by such sellers. While conceptually similar to options in financial markets, we empirically demonstrate that option instruments within auction markets cannot be developed employing similar methodologies, because the fundamental tenets of extant option pricing models do not hold within online auction markets. We provide a framework to analyze the value proposition of options to potential sellers, option‐holder behavior implications on auction processes, and seller strategies to write and price options that maximize potential revenues. We then develop an approach that enables a seller to assess the demand for options under different option price and volume scenarios. We compare option prices derived from our approach with those derived from the Black‐Scholes model (Black & Scholes, 1973) and discuss the implications of the price differences. Experiments based on actual auction data suggest that options can provide significant benefits under a variety of option‐holder behavioral patterns.
Radiographic study of the prevalence of periodontal bone loss in Australian school‐aged children attending the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne
Authors: Darby Ivan B. , Lu Janet , Calache Hanny 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjectives: To investigate the prevalence of alveolar bone loss around the first permanent molars, and first and second deciduous molars in Australian school‐aged children attending the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.Method: Nine hundred and ninety‐five records were examined for useable bitewing radiographs. From these, radiographs of 542 Australian school children aged 5–12 years were used. The cervical–enamel junction (CEJ) to the alveolar bone crest (ABC) distance was measured using the transparent ruler on the magnifier. Each inter‐dental site that was readable was scored as one for the following categories: not available (NA); no bone loss (NBL)– the CEJ–ABC was 2 mm; questionable bone loss (QBL): the distance from the CEJ–ABC was >2 and <3 mm; and definite bone loss (DBL): the distance from the CEJ to ABC was 3 mm.Results: Seventy‐one children (13.0%) were found to have 83 DBL sites, as determined by bone levels >3.0 mm from the CEJ. Seventy children had QBL lesions only, 50 children had DBL only and 21 children had both. The overall prevalence of bone loss was 26%. Second deciduous molars were found to be the most affected teeth with almost 75% lesions being distal. These teeth comprised 50% of the DBL lesions. Children of Asian‐Far Eastern origin had a higher percentage of sites with bone loss compared with children of Caucasian origin, being 29.5% and 19.7%, respectively, but lower than that of children of Middle‐Eastern origin (35.2%). When the data were analysed with relation to age, there was no relationship between age and prevalence of bone loss.Conclusion: In the population studied, there was an overall prevalence of periodontal bone loss of 26% and DBL of 13% in an Australian school‐aged group. Calculus was detected infrequently and, where present, was associated with bone loss.
Experimental Study of
the Probability Distributions of Green Water on the Bow of Floating Production
Platforms
Authors: Soares C. Guedes , Pascoal R. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Results of an experimental program with a model of a moored floating production storage and offloading vessel are used to study the probability distributions associated with various phenomena related with green water loading. Separate analysis of wave height and crests are performed in order to assess the presence and significance of nonlinearities. Time series of pitch motion and relative motion are analyzed to check for linearity of the response process. Probability distributions of the occurrence of water on deck and of the conditional distribution water height above deck are also studied.
Dimensional Variation Analysis and Synthesis for Composite Components
and Assemblies
Authors: Dong Chensong , Zhang Chuck , Liang Zhiyong , Wang Ben 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
This paper presents a study on dimensional variations and tolerance analysis and synthesis for polymer matrix fiber-reinforced composite components and assemblies. A composite component dimensional variation model was developed with process simulation based on thermal stress analysis and finite element analysis (FEA). Using the FEA-based dimensional variation model, the deformations of typical composite structures were studied and the regression-based dimensional variation models were developed. The regression-based dimensional variation models can significantly reduce computation time and provide a quick design guide for composite products with reduced dimensional variations. By introducing a material modification coefficient, the comprehensive regression models can handle various fiber and resin types and stacking sequences, which eliminates the complicated, time-consuming finite element meshing and material parameter defining process. A structural tree method (STM) was developed for rapid computation of composite assembly dimensional variations resulting from deformations on individual components, as well as the deformation of composite components with complex shapes. With the STM and the regression-based dimensional variation models, rapid design optimization was conducted to reduce the dimensional variations of composite assemblies. Cost-tolerance functions were developed using a fuzzy multiattribute utility theory based cost-estimation method. Based on the developed dimensional variation and cost-tolerance models, composite assembly tolerance analysis and synthesis were performed in this study. The exploring research work presented in this paper provides a foundation for developing practical and proactive dimensional control techniques for composite products.
FpvIR Control of
fpvA
Ferric Pyoverdine Receptor Gene Expression in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
: Demonstration of an Interaction between FpvI and FpvR and Identification of Mutations in Each Compromising This Interaction
Authors: Rédly Gyula Alan , Poole Keith 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACT

FpvR is a presumed cytoplasmic membrane-associated anti-sigma factor that controls the activities of extracytoplasmic function sigma factors PvdS and FpvI responsible for transcription of pyoverdine biosynthetic genes and the ferric pyoverdine receptor gene,
fpvA
, respectively. Using deletion analysis and an in vivo bacterial two-hybrid system, FpvR interaction with these σ factors was confirmed and shown to involve the cytoplasmic N-terminal 67 amino acid resides of FpvR. FpvR bound specifically to a C-terminal region of FpvI corresponding to region 4 of the σ
70
family of sigma factors. FpvR and FpvI mutant proteins compromised for this interaction were generated by random and site-directed PCR mutagenesis and invariably contained secondary structure-altering proline substitution in predicted α-helices within the FpvR N terminus or FpvI region 4. PvdS was shown to bind to the same N-terminal region of FpvR, and FpvR mutations compromising FpvI binding also compromised PvdS binding, although some mutations had a markedly greater impact on PvdS binding. Apparently, these two σ factors bind to FpvR in a substantially similar but not identical fashion. Intriguingly, defects in FpvR binding correlated with a substantial drop in yields of the FpvI and to a lesser extent PvdS σ factors, suggesting that FpvR-bound FpvI and PvdS are stable while free and active sigma factor is prone to turnover.
Grace and the Humanity of Christ According to St Vincent of Lérins
Authors:   Casiday
Published: August 2005

AbstractThis paper examines Vincent of Lérin's teaching about grace as expressed in his Christology. Vincent, who has regularly been assumed to have opposed Augustine's doctrine on grace, advanced his own teaching most clearly in a little known work, the Excerpta. The excerpts in question were significantly taken from Augustine's writings, among them the Antipelagian treatises circulated in Gaul. Exc. shows Vincent to have been a discriminating student of Augustinian theology who embraced predestination as a way of describing grace at work in Jesus Christ. A comparison of Vincent's teaching with Augustine's and with John Cassian's (their contemporary, who like Vincent has often stood accused of 'Semipelagianism') demonstrates that the three of them asserted Christ as the exemplar of grace in confrontation with Pelagianism. On this basis, the paper suggests that further re-evaluation of how Augustine's works were received by his contemporaries in Gaul is seriously needed.
The influence of acetyl phosphate on DspA signalling in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Morrison S Shawn , Mullineaux Conrad W , Ashby Mark K 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
The dspA (hik33) gene, coding for a putative sensory histidine kinase, is conserved in plastids (ycf26) and cyanobacteria. It has been linked with a number of different stress responses in cyanobacteria.

Results
We constructed an insertional mutant of dspA (ycf26) in Synechocystis 6803. We found little phenotypic effect during nitrogen starvation. However, when the mutation was combined with deletion of the pta gene coding for phosphotransacetylase, a more significant phenotype was observed. Under nitrogen starvation, the pta/dspA double mutant degrades its phycobilisomes less than the wild type and still has about half of its chlorophyll-protein complexes.

Conclusion
Our data indicates that acetyl-phosphate-dependent phosphorylation of response regulator(s) overlaps with DspA-dependent signalling of the degradation of chlorophyll-protein complexes (and to a lesser extent phycobilisomes) in Synechocystis 6803.
Goal-setting in rehabilitation: report of a workshop to explore professionals' perceptions of goal-setting
Authors: Playford E D , Dawson L , Limbert V , Smith M , Ward C D , Wells R 
Published: August 2005

Objective: To explore the views of therapists, nurses and doctors working in a variety of rehabilitation settings on the goal-setting process. Methods: Sixteen rehabilitation staff from three different settings attended a goal-setting workshop in which the difficulties associated with goal-setting were described with their potential solutions. Results: Five difficulties with goal-setting were identified. (1) Formal goal-setting was felt to be an activity unusual for many of the patients although intrinsic to the activity of many professional groups. (2) Goal-setting is often insensitive to people's roles in the community. (3) Goal-setting in the hospital environment does not transfer easily to the community. (4) External factors (e.g. staff turnover) over which staff felt they had little control were important in the success of a goal-setting programme. (5) Goals tend to be formulated and owned by the team, rather than the patient. Conclusions: Goal-setting is a very satisfactory activity for the team but to be as successful for the patient their needs must be acknowledged. People with mild disability and a short inpatient stay have different needs to those with acute onset severe permanent disability and those with chronic or progressive disability admitted from the community. Comparison of both process and outcome effects of different types of goal-setting is an area for future study.
Rehabilitation at home after stroke: a descriptive study of an individualized intervention
Authors: von Koch Lena , Holmqvist Lotta Widén , Wottrich Annica Wohlin , Tham Kerstin , de Pedro-Cuesta Jesus 
Published: August 2005

Objective: To describe the content of a programme involving early hospital discharge and continued rehabilitation at home after stroke. Design: Quantitative and qualitative descriptive study of an intervention within the context of a randomized controlled trial. Setting: Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Subjects: Forty-one patients, moderately impaired after stroke, rehabilitated by a team of six occupational, physical, and speech and language therapists. Results: The average duration of the programme was 14 weeks, the mean number of home visits 12, and the median total time consumption 23 hours and 20 minutes, of which face-to-face contact with the patient constituted 54%. The rehabilitation process was pursued by the patient and the therapist in partnership. Supported by the team the therapists incorporated a wider domain of activities than usual and left a considerable amount of the training to self-directed activities. The most common foci of the visits were speech and communication, ADL activities and ambulation. When planning the intervention the therapists paid attention to discrepancies between the desires and abilities of the patient on the one hand and environmental demands on the other – discrepancies detected through observation of the patient in the home environment. Conclusions: The home environment offers therapists working in a team opportunities to adopt a behaviour that enables patients with moderate neurological impairments after stroke to resume responsibility and influence over their rehabilitation process, resulting in an individualized rehabilitation programme that varies in duration, content and frequency of home visits.
Development and validation of the Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire (NLQ)
Authors: Drummond A ER , Parker C J , Gladman J RF , Logan P A 
Published: August 2005

Objectives: To reduce the length of the Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire (NLQ) in order to make it more suitable for postal use, and to evaluate its test–retest reliability, sensitivity, stability and validity in relation to other measures of activities of daily living (ADL), mood and handicap. Method: The NLQ was shortened and the response categories collapsed. Results from a previous trial which had used the NLQ were reanalysed to establish if significant group differences were maintained. The new version of the NLQ was subsequently tested for test–retest reliability on a new group of patients from the Nottingham stroke register who were asked to complete it twice. The new NLQ and other measures were sent to patients in a multicentre rehabilitation trial (TOTAL) six and twelve months after recruitment for postal completion. Subjects: One hundred and thirty-seven consecutive patients from the Nottingham stroke register and 466 patients with a stroke in a multicentre rehabilitation trial. Results: The original NLQ was reduced from 37 to 30 items and from five to three response categories. Data from an earlier study were reanalysed and differences between treatment groups remained. The results of a test–retest analysis using kappa showed that six items had excellent agreement, 15 good and nine fair, suggesting acceptable test–retest reliability. Results from the rehabilitation trial showed that the subjects performed all items and few additional activities were suggested. Higher NLQ scores were associated with higher subscores on the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADL) and lower NLQ scores with living alone and worse emotional health. Conclusion: The NLQ has been successfully modified for postal self administration but there is potential for further development.
The need for a multidisciplinary outreach service for people with spinal cord injury living in the community
Authors: Cox Ruth J , Amsters Delena I , Pershouse Kiley J 
Published: August 2005

Objective: To identify the nature and extent of perceived unmet needs of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in the community and to determine their preferences regarding multidisciplinary outreach service delivery. Design: Structured telephone interviews. Setting: Spinal Injuries Unit, Queensland, Australia. Subjects: Sixty people with SCI living in the community were approached for interview and 54 agreed to participate. Results: The results reflected a high need for a specialist, multidisciplinary SCI outreach service following primary rehabilitation. There were a diversity of issues faced by people with SCI. A high or very high need was reported by 31% of participants in relation to physical changes, by 24% regarding transport, by 22% for work issues and by 19% with respect to ongoing education needs. The greatest perceived barrier to needs being met was limited local specialist knowledge about SCI (81% of participants). A service model which includes access to telephone advice was endorsed by 79% of participants, and 43% supported home visiting that is available to rural and remote areas. Spinal Injuries Unit outpatient clinic appointments were also a preference for service delivery (40% of participants). Conclusions: Trial and evaluation of the telephone as a primary medium for service delivery, and education of local service providers is recommended.
A survey of physiotherapy and occupational therapy provision in UK nursing homes
Authors: Barodawala Shabnam , Kesavan Sandeep , Young John 
Published: August 2005

Background: Nursing homes in the UK are increasingly regarded as potential rehabilitation facilities for disabled older people. Objective: To determine the current physiotherapy and occupational therapy provision to UK nursing homes. Sample: Four hundred private nursing homes in England, Scotland and Wales were selected by stratified proportional random sampling and surveyed by postal questionnaire. Results: The response rate for the effective sample was 346/355 (97%). Only 10% of residents were in current receipt of physiotherapy, mostly through private physiotherapists employed by the nursing homes. Occupational therapy was being provided to only 3.3% of residents. Conclusion: Older people in nursing homes in the UK currently receive little physiotherapy and occupational therapy input and are particularly isolated from National Health Service (NHS) services.
Is Definitive Abdominal Evaluation Required in Blunt Trauma Victims Undergoing Urgent Extra‐abdominal Surgery?
Authors: Holmes James F. , Schauer Bobbie Ann , Nguyen Hien , Wisner David H. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the utility of routine abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scanning for abdominal evaluation of blunt trauma patients before urgent extra‐abdominal surgery. Methods: In this observational cohort study, we prospectively enrolled all blunt trauma patients at least 8 years of age presenting to the emergency department of a Level 1 trauma center who were initially considered to require urgent extra‐abdominal surgery within 24 hours of presentation. Patients were excluded if they had any of the following: 1) isolated extremity trauma, 2) signs or symptoms of intra‐abdominal injury (including systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg; abdominal, flank, or costal margin tenderness; abdominal wall contusion or abrasion; pelvic fracture; and gross hematuria), or 3) unreliable findings on abdominal examination (Glasgow Coma Scale score <14, paralysis, or mental retardation). Clinical data were documented on a data sheet before abdominal CT scanning. Results: A total of 254 patients, with a mean (±SD) age of 32.3 (±16.1) years, were enrolled. A total of 201 patients ultimately underwent urgent extra‐abdominal surgery for the following procedures: orthopedic, 182 (91%); facial, 17 (8%); laceration, 7 (3%); vascular, 6 (2%); neurosurgical, 3 (1%); urology, 2 (1%); and ophthalmology, 1 (0.4%). Three patients (1.2%; 95% confidence interval = 0.2% to 3.4%) were found to have intra‐abdominal injuries. Two patients had splenic injuries that required only observation. One patient (0.4%; 95% confidence interval = 0% to 2.2%) underwent laparotomy. This patient sustained multiple injuries in a motorcycle crash, including splenic, kidney, and pancreatic injuries, and underwent a splenectomy. Conclusions: Abdominal CT scanning has a low yield in trauma patients whose sole indication for diagnostic abdominal evaluation is the need for general anesthesia for urgent extra‐abdominal surgery. A small percentage of these patients, however, will have important intra‐abdominal injuries such that further refinement of the recommendations for diagnostic study in this select population is needed.
Prediction of stress concentrations associated with interacting stress-raisers within aircraft design: Methodology development and application
Authors: Graham R H , Raines M , Swift K G , Gill L 
Published: August 2005

In the design and manufacture of aerostructures and associated mechanical systems, situations arise where two or more stress-raisers are placed in proximity such that their associated stress fields interact. Under such circumstances, it is essential to determine accurately the resulting stress concentration effect, in order to evaluate the susceptibility of the structure to fatigue. The paper reports on new methodologies for predicting the location and magnitude of the maximum stress concentration around a range of commonly occurring two- and three-dimensional problems of feature interaction. The background research into the impact of multiple stress-raisers in proximity is reported and new techniques for the accurate prediction of stress concentrations associated with interacting features are described. The application and implementation of the methodologies within BAE SYSTEMS are discussed and the approach developed is illustrated by means of a case study.