bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conformational and biochemical analysis of the cyclic peptides which modulate serine protease activity
Authors: Pakkala Miikka , Jylhäsalmi Anu , Wu Ping , Leinonen Jari , Stenman Ulf‐Håkan , Santa Harri , Vepsäläinen Jouko , Peräkylä Mikael , Närvänen Ale 
Published: June 2004

AbstractProstate‐specific antigen (PSA), a member of the kallikrein sub‐group of the trypsin serine protease family, is a widely used marker for prostate cancer. Several sequences with specific binding to PSA have been identified by using phage display peptide libraries. The GST‐fusion proteins of the characterized sequences have been shown to increase the enzyme activity of PSA to a synthetic substrate. The corresponding three cyclic synthetic analogues CVFTSNYAFC (A‐1), CVFAHNYNYLVC (B‐2) and CVAYCIEHHCWTC (C‐4) have similar PSA promoting activity. Despite differences in the amino acid sequences, all three peptides bind to the same region of PSA. The conformation of the peptides was investigated by proton NMR spectroscopy. In addition, alanine replacement was used to characterize the prerequisites for binding. It is proposed that interactions with PSA are based on the aromatic and hydrophobic features of the amino acid side chains. Furthermore, it is suggested that peptides form β–turn structures forced by cysteine bridges directing important aromatic side chains to the same side of the turn‐structure. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tat cell‐penetrating peptide has the characteristics of a poly(proline) II helix in aqueous solution and in SDS micelles
Authors: Ruzza Paolo , Calderan Andrea , Guiotto Andrea , Osler Alessio , Borin Gianfranco 
Published: June 2004

AbstractTat cell‐penetrating peptide (GRKKRRQRRRPPQG) is able to translocate and carry molecules across cell membranes. Using CD spectroscopy the conformation of this synthetic peptide was studied in aqueous and membrane‐mimicking, micellar SDS solutions at different temperatures. The CD spectrum of the Tat cell‐penetrating peptide in SDS micellar solution was virtually unchanged from that in aqueous solution, and at low temperature it was close to that of a poly(proline) II helix. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural damage detection and localization by response change diagnosis
Authors: Faravelli Lucia , Casciati Sara 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe need for quantitative, global damage detection methods applicable to complex structures is pushing structural engineering research toward processes able to outline changes in the system response. Indicators of the onset and progress of structural damage should also be coupled with approaches enable one to identify and diagnose the nature of the damage. This paper, after a short overview on the recent developments within structural health assessment, focuses on the potential of response surface schemes when formulated as statistical methods of discriminant analysis: from the comparison of two approximations, not only the damage, but also its location is inferred.
Laminated timber frames with composite fibre‐reinforced connections
Authors: Kasal Bo , Heiduschke Andreas , Kadla John , Haller Peer 
Published: June 2004

AbstractLaminated timber frames behave well under dynamic earthquake loads, but the beam‐to‐column connections may be susceptible to a brittle‐type failure, due to tensile stresses across wood fibres. Fibre‐based materials such as non‐woven glass‐fibre fabric are effective in mitigating the tensile failures and increasing the ductility of the connections. While global performance of such connections and frames shows satisfactory results, some fundamental questions associated with the performance of the composite–wood system and interface in aggressive environments, under elevated temperatures and long‐term loading, must be answered before the composite systems can be safely used in engineering practice.
Performance of timber buildings under seismic load. Part 2: modelling
Authors: Lam F. , Filiatrault A. , Kawai N. , Nakajima S. , Yamaguchi N. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSeveral comprehensive research programmes have been initiated recently in North America and Japan to improve our understanding of the seismic performance of timber buildings. A large database of experimental results and innovative modelling approaches has been developed in these programmes. This paper is the second part of a two‐part series. It reports highlights from the state‐of‐art North American and Japanese modelling and analytical research activities.
Structural safety–issues and progress
Authors: Elms D G 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA major aspect of ensuring safe structures is the management of uncertainty. The nature of safety, risk and uncertainty is discussed. Three types of uncertainty are considered: aleatoric, epistemic and ontological. The first is readily described in terms of probability distributions, so within this type of uncertainty, safety involves achieving less than a particular failure probability. The second cannot so easily be described by probability distributions, though the uncertainty can be estimated. The third type of uncertainty is essentially unknown. The different kinds of uncertainty call for different strategies. Probabilistic structural analysis deals with aleatoric uncertainty and to some extent epistemic uncertainty. Ontological uncertainty requires different strategies such as quality assurance or indicator methods. In addition, the traditional narrow focus on structural analysis is now broadening to include economic analysis and the social and environmental context of safety. This requires a different way of looking at safety. There is a shift from a narrow technical focus to the broader systemic viewpoint required for modern problems. The paper ends with a summary of problems needing to be addressed.
Computational optical band gap bowing of III–V semiconductors alloys
Authors: Ferhat M. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA phenomenological model is described for the calculations of the optical band bowing of III–V semiconductor alloys. The optical band gap bowing is shown to account successfully for theoretical calculations and the experimental data. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Size extensivity of a general‐model‐space state‐universal coupled‐cluster method
Authors: Li Xiangzhu , Paldus Josef 
Published: June 2004

AbstractWe show that the recently formulated general‐model‐space (GMS), state‐universal (SU), coupled‐cluster (CC) method, exploiting the so‐called C‐conditions, is size extensive (in the sense that the energy of a composite system consisting of noninteracting subsystems equals the sum of the subsystem energies, while employing the appropriate method in each case). This assumes that the reference or model space employed for the composite system is size consistent, i.e., is given by a tensor product of subsystem model spaces. For pedagogical reasons, the demonstration is carried out for the single reference case before the multireference SU CC case is addressed. The importance of the C‐conditions and a relationship with earlier approaches is discussed, as well as the limiting case of a complete‐model‐space SU CC method. Finally, the size extensivity of a GMS‐based SU CCSD method is illustrated by actual numerical examples. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
System thermodynamics: A model illustrating complexity emerging from simplicity
Authors: Aslaksen Erik W. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA high‐level model of a self‐sustaining system exhibiting the life cycle phases of growth, survival, and decay is introduced. The model, which is anchored in thermodynamics, does not make any assumptions about the functionality or physical nature of the system, and only very general assumptions about the structure of the system and the processes involved in growth and decay. The central features of the model are that the interaction between the system and its environment depends on the match between the structures of the system and the environment and that the decay of the system is caused by fluctuations in this match. The relationship between fluctuations and lifespan is investigated through numerical simulation, and it is shown that the space spanned by fluctuation amplitude and mismatch tolerance is divided into a stable and an unstable region. An example of how the model might be applied is provided, and some extensions of the model are suggested. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 7: 271–284, 2004
Sonographic diagnosis of Fallopian tube carcinoma
Authors: Haratz‐Rubinstein N. , Russell B. , Gal D. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPrimary Fallopian tube carcinoma (FTC) is one of the rarest gynecological malignancies, accounting for 0.18% to 1.6% of all malignant neoplasms of the female reproductive tract. Preoperative diagnosis of FTC has been previously reported; however, most patients with FTC undergo laparotomy with a presumed diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma. The final diagnosis of FTC is usually established at the time of surgery or on pathological examination. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the English scientific literature in which the preoperative diagnosis of FTC was established by the presence of an adnexal mass with an incomplete septation on transvaginal sonography. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ‘spin’ technique: a new method for examination of the fetal outflow tracts using three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: DeVore G. R. , Polanco B. , Sklansky M. S. , Platt L. D. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe prenatal detection of congenital heart defects remains one of the most difficult challenges for the sonologist/sonographer when performing the second‐ or third‐trimester screening examination. The four‐chamber view has been used for a number of years as the primary screening image for detection of heart defects, but the inclusion of the right and left outflow tracts increases the detection of cardiac malformations. One of the difficulties, however, is obtaining and interpreting two‐dimensional images of the outflow tracts. This paper reviews a new technique using three‐dimensional (3D) multiplanar imaging that allows the examiner to identify the outflow tracts within a few minutes of acquiring the 3D volume dataset by rotating the volume dataset around the x‐ and y‐axes.Methods3D multiplanar imaging of the fetal heart using static 3D or spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC) imaging allows the examiner to obtain a volume of data that can be manipulated along the x‐ and y‐axes using reference points from the four‐chamber view, five‐chamber view, three‐vessel view at the level of the bifurcation of the pulmonary arteries, and three‐vessel view at the level of the transverse aortic arch and trachea.ResultsThe full length of the main pulmonary artery, ductus arteriosus, aortic arch and superior vena cava could be identified easily in the normal fetus by rotating the volume dataset along the x‐ and y‐axes. The vessels were identified using the four‐chamber view, the five‐chamber view, and the two three‐vessel views. The technique was useful in identification of d‐transposition of the great vessels and evaluation of the outflow tracts in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.Conclusion3D multiplanar evaluation of the fetal heart allows the examiner to identify the outflow tracts using a simple technique that requires only rotation around x‐ and y‐axes from reference images obtained in a transverse sweep through the fetal chest. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antenatal renal sonographic anomalies and postnatal follow‐up of renal involvement in Bardet–Biedl syndrome
Authors: Cassart M. , Eurin D. , Didier F. , Guibaud L. , Avni E. F. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo describe an antenatal sonographic renal pattern encountered in Bardet–Biedl syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder whose definitive diagnosis is often delayed, and to describe the evolution of the sonographic appearance of the kidneys after birth.MethodsAmong a large group of fetuses with hyperechoic kidneys, we retrospectively analyzed the prenatal sonographic findings and clinical and postnatal renal sonographic evolution of 11 patients who were found to be affected by Bardet–Biedl syndrome.ResultsAll 11 fetuses presented enlarged homogeneously hyperechoic kidneys without corticomedullary differentiation. The diagnosis was established before birth in three fetuses thanks to their familial history. It was confirmed during childhood in the remaining eight based on the development of the classic features of the syndrome. In the postnatal period, the prenatal pattern persisted for a few months in all 11 cases. The sonographic aspects of the kidneys normalized in most cases between 1 and 2 years after birth.ConclusionsIn affected families, the prenatal appearance of enlarged hyperechoic kidneys without corticomedullary differentiation should prompt a diagnosis of recurrence in the family of Bardet–Biedl syndrome, especially when polydactyly is present. In non‐affected families, Bardet–Biedl syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis whenever such an appearance is discovered in utero. The postnatal evolution of the renal sonographic findings is variable and normalization generally occurs by the age of 2 years. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abnormal maternal cardiac function precedes the clinical manifestation of fetal growth restriction
Authors: Vasapollo B. , Valensise H. , Novelli G. P. , Altomare F. , Galante A. , Arduini D. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo compare maternal hemodynamics in women whose fetuses are small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) with those in women with fetal growth restriction (FGR) before manifestation of the clinical disease.MethodsThirty‐five normotensive pregnant women with fetal abdominal circumference < 10th centile, normal fetal anatomy and normal umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI) underwent maternal echocardiographic examinations between 27 and 30 weeks of gestation. Pregnancies were followed until delivery and fetuses were retrospectively classified as either SGA or FGR and the maternal hemodynamic data were compared.ResultsNineteen SGA and 16 FGR patients were retrospectively identified after delivery. Heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, left atrial function and left ventricular mass index were higher, while mean blood pressure and total vascular resistance were lower in the SGA group compared with the FGR group. A significant inverse linear correlation was found between total vascular resistance and weight centile (r = 0.83; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsMothers of SGA fetuses show hemodynamic features similar to those with physiological pregnancies suggesting that their fetuses are likely to be constitutionally small and not pathologically growth‐restricted. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post‐transcriptional regulation in cancer
Authors: Audic Yann , Hartley Rebecca S. 
Published: June 2004

Summry— Deregulation of gene expression is a hallmark of the cancer cell. Acquiring a new profile of expressed proteins may enable the cell to re‐enter the cell cycle, or give them a growth or motility advantage over “normal cells”. An efficient and rapid way to alter gene expression is via regulation of mRNAs already transcribed. Modifications of mRNA stability and/or translational efficiency are increasingly reported in cancer. mRNA stability and translation are controlled through a complex network of RNA/protein interactions involving recognition of specific target mRNAs by RNA‐BPs. We review how alterations in regulatory sequences, RNA‐BPs, or in upstream signalling pathways affect the stability and/or translational efficiency of mRNAs encoding proto‐oncogenes, cytokines, cell cycle regulators and other regulatory proteins to promote tumorigenesis and cancer progression.A more thorough understanding of post‐transcriptional mechanisms such as these will enable the design and development of specific therapies based on modulating the translation or stability of specific mRNAs.
Recruitment indices of European hake, Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus 1758), in the Northwest Mediterranean based on landings from bottom-trawl multispecies fisheries
Authors: Goñi Raquel , Adlerstein Sara , Alvarez Federico , García Mariano , Sánchez Pilar , Sbrana Mario , Maynou Francesc , Viva Claudio 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
Temporal and spatial variation in Merluccius merluccius recruitment in the Northwest Mediterranean is examined, and recruitment indices are derived from monthly M. merluccius catch rates of four bottom-trawl fleets operating in Spanish and Italian waters during the period 1991–1999. Where M. merluccius catches were not recorded by size category, multivariate techniques were applied to species proportions in order to identify catch records most representative of recruit abundance. Selected catch rates were analysed by generalized linear models (GLMs) to estimate recruitment indices. The GLMs explain large proportions of the variation in recruit abundance (50–84%) and indicate significant annual and seasonal variation in recruitment strength. Vessel was by far the most important factor affecting catch rates of recruits, stressing the need to account for vessel characteristics when analysing commercial catch data for stock assessment. Seasonal patterns of recruitment reveal similarities among the study areas and interannual variations within areas. One major recruitment peak was identified in each area during either spring/summer or late summer/winter. In most areas, recruitment between 1991 and 1999 seemed to decline, but this could not be confirmed owing to high interannual variability. The coherence of annual fluctuations in recruitment indices with those of MEDITS surveys supports the present results.
Analysis of non-linear relationships between catch per unit effort and abundance in a tuna purse-seine fishery simulated with artificial neural networks
Authors: Gaertner Daniel , Dreyfus-Leon Michel 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA simulation study, combining grid- and individual-based approaches, was conducted to analyse the shape of the relationship between catch per unit effort (cpue) and abundance in a tuna purse-seine fishery. To understand the effect of fleet dynamics on the interpretation of cpue, the decision-making process used by fishers while searching for the resource is modelled with artificial neural networks. The cpue of fishers operating independently (i.e. individuals) vs. fishers sharing information (i.e. a code-group) is compared, accounting for different environmental scenarios. The results show that a power curve non-proportional relationship between cpue and abundance performs better than a linear relationship. As the shape parameter of the power curve for the code-group fishers was lower in every scenario than that of individual fishers, we conclude that hyperstability, a phenomenon commonly observed in schooling fisheries, is mainly attributable to information exchange among vessels. Setting the individual-level state variables of the virtual system at a specific spatial and temporal scale may affect the results of the simulations.
Testing and classifying vehicle dispatching rules in three real‐world settings
Authors: de Koster René (M.)B.M , Le‐Anh Tuan , van der Meer J.Robert 
Published: June 2004

AbstractGuided vehicles (GVs) are commonly used for the internal transportation of loads in warehouses, production plants and terminals. These guided vehicles can be routed with a variety of vehicle dispatching rules in an attempt to meet performance criteria such as minimizing the average load waiting times. In this research, we use simulation models of three companies to evaluate the performance of several real‐time vehicle dispatching rules, in part described in the literature. It appears that there is a clear difference in average load waiting time between the different dispatching rules in the different environments. Simple rules, based on load and vehicle proximity (distance‐based) perform best for all cases. The penalty for this is a relatively high maximum load waiting time. A distance‐based rule with time truncation, giving more priority to loads that have to wait longer than a time threshold, appears to yield the best possible overall performance. A rule that particularly considers load‐waiting time performs poor overall. We also show that using little pre‐arrival information of loads leads to a significant improvement in the performance of the dispatching rules without changing their performance ranking.
Mental Health Disorders among Individuals with Mental Retardation: Challenges to Accurate Prevalence Estimates
Authors: Kerker Bonnie D. , Owens Pamela L. , Zigler Edward , Horwitz Sarah M. 
Published: June 2004

Objectives. The objectives of this literature review were to assess current challenges to estimating the prevalence of mental health disorders among individuals with mental retardation (MR) and to develop recommendations to improve such estimates for this population. Methods. The authors identified 200 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, government documents, or reports from national and international organizations on the mental health status of people with MR. Based on the study's inclusion criteria, 52 articles were included in the review. Results. Available data reveal inconsistent estimates of the prevalence of mental health disorders among those with MR, but suggest that some mental health conditions are more common among these individuals than in the general population. Two main challenges to identifying accurate prevalence estimates were found: ( 1) health care providers have difficulty diagnosing mental health conditions among individuals with MR; and ( 2) methodological limitations of previous research inhibit confidence in study results. Conclusions. Accurate prevalence estimates are necessary to ensure the availability of appropriate treatment services. To this end, health care providers should receive more training regarding the mental health treatment of individuals with MR. Further, government officials should discuss mechanisms of collecting nationally representative data, and the research community should utilize consistent methods with representative samples when studying mental health conditions in this population.