bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Childhood‐onset restless legs syndrome
Authors: Kotagal Suresh , Silber Michael H. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe clinical characteristics of childhood‐onset restless legs syndrome are described. Thirty‐two of 538 subjects (5.9%) examined in our sleep disorders center received diagnoses of restless legs syndrome. They were classified based on published criteria into probable (n = 9/32 or 28%) and definite (n = 23/32 or 78%) categories. Apart from an earlier age of diagnosis of the probable group, no differences were found between the two categories. Sleep onset or sleep maintenance insomnia was the most common symptoms, being present in 28 of 32 subjects (87.5%). Inattentiveness was seen in 8 of 32 subjects (25%). Serum ferritin levels were measured in 24 of 32 subjects and were below 50μg/L in 20 of 24 subjects (83%). A family history of restless legs syndrome was present in 23 of 32 (72%) subjects, with mothers almost three times more likely to be affected than fathers (p = 0.02). We conclude that iron deficiency and a strong family history are characteristic of childhood‐onset restless legs syndrome. Ann Neurol 2004.
Vitamin E intake and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Ascherio Alberto , Weisskopf Marc G. , O'Reilly Eilis J. , Jacobs Eric J. , McCullough Marjorie L. , Calle Eugenia E. , Cudkowicz Merit , Thun Michael J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractOxidative stress may contribute to the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We therefore examined prospectively whether individuals who regularly use supplements of the antioxidant vitamins E and C have a lower risk of ALS than nonusers. The study population comprised 957,740 individuals 30 years of age or older participating in the American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study II. Information on vitamin use was collected at time of recruitment in 1982; participants then were followed up for ALS deaths from 1989 through 1998 via linkage with the National Death Index. During the follow‐up, we documented 525 deaths from ALS. Regular use of vitamin E supplements was associated with a lower risk of dying of ALS. The age‐ and smoking‐adjusted relative risk was 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69–1.41) among occasional users, 0.59 (95% CI, 0.36–0.96) in regular users for less than 10 years, and 0.38 (95% CI, 0.16–0.92) in regular users for 10 years or more as compared with nonusers of vitamin E (p for trend = 0.004). In contrast, no significant associations were found for use of vitamin C or multivitamins. These results suggest that vitamin E supplementation could have a role in ALS prevention. Ann Neurol 2004
Performance characteristics of subdenier monofilament polypropylene fiber reinforced mortars
Authors: Pei Meishan , Wang Dujin , Hu Xianbo , Zhao Ying , Xu Yizhuang , Wu Jingguang , Xu Duanfu 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAn experimental investigation on the properties of fresh and hardened mortars reinforced with subdenier monofilament polypropylene fiber (MMPPF) is reported. Fiber effects on properties of mortars were assessed. Properties studied were flow, unit weight, setting time, bleeding ratio, compressive strength, impact resistance, water infiltration, and flexural load‐deflection. The results revealed that the addition of MMPPF had a positive effect on workability of fresh mortars, impact resistance, water impermeability, and flexural toughness, but had no positive effect on compressive strength. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2251–2256, 2004
Morphological and grafting modification of natural cellulose fibers
Authors: Ouajai S. , Hodzic A. , Shanks R. A. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractCrystal structure and mechanical properties of cellulose fibers were studied to investigate the effect of chemical treatment on the fiber. Pretreatment by acetone extraction, mercerization with 3–20% wt/v sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and acrylonitrile (AN) grafting initiated by azo‐bis‐isobutylonitrile were performed. From Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction quantitative measurements, the pretreated fibers showed an induced slight decrease of crystallinity index. The structural transformation of the fibers from cellulose I to cellulose II was observed at high NaOH concentration of 10–20% wt/v. The amount of grafting, 1.56, 2.94, 6.04, 8.34, or 10.46%, was dependent upon the initiator concentration and the volume of monomer in the reactor. The AN grafted fibers had no transformation of crystalline structure as observed after mercerization. Only a variation of X‐ray crystallinity index with grafting amount was observed. Moisture regain of pretreated and modified fibers depended on the structure of the fiber and the amount of grafting. The mechanical properties performed by a single fiber test method were strongly influenced by the cellulose structure, lateral index of crystallinity, and fraction of grafting. Scanning electron microscopy was used for analysis of surface morphologies of treated fibers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2456–2465, 2004
Particle size distribution, mixing behavior, and mechanical properties of carbon black (high‐abrasion furnace)–filled powdered styrene butadiene rubber
Authors: Lin Yaling , Wang Lianshi , Zhang Anqiang , Hu Hongjun , Zhou Yiyu 
Published: November 2004

AbstractHigh‐abrasion furnace black (HAF, grade N330)–filled powdered styrene butadiene rubber [P(SBR/HAF)] was prepared and the particle size distribution, mixing behavior in a laboratory mixer, and mechanical properties of P(SBR/HAF) were studied. A carbon black–rubber latex coagulation method was developed for preparing carbon black–filled free‐flowing, noncontact staining SBR powders, with particle diameter less than 0.9 mm, under the following conditions: carbon black content > 40 phr, emulsifier/carbon black ratio > 0.02, and coating resin content > 2.5 phr. Over the experimental range, the mixing torque ταof P(SBR/HAF) was not as sensitive to carbon black content and mixing temperature as that of HAF‐filled bale SBR (SBR/HAF), whereas the temperature build‐up ΔTshowed little dependency on carbon black content. Compared with SBR/HAF, P(SBR/HAF) showed a 20–30% mixing energy reduction with high carbon black content (>30 phr), which confers to powdered SBR good prospects for internal mixing. Carbon black and the rubber matrix formed a macroscopic homogenization in P(SBR/HAF), and the incorporation step is not obvious in the internal mixing processing results in these special mixing behaviors of P(SBR/HAF). A novel mixing model of carbon black–filled powdered rubber, during the mixing process in an internal mixer, was proposed based on the special mixing behaviors. P(SBR/HAF) vulcanizate showed better mechanical properties than those of SBR/HAF, dependent primarily on the absence of free carbon black and a fine dispersion of filler on the rubber matrix attributed to the proper preparation conditions of noncontact staining carbon black–filled powdered SBR. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2494–2508, 2004
Histological structure of antlers in castrated male fallow deer (Dama dama)
Authors: Kierdorf Uwe , Kierdorf Horst , Schultz Michael , Rolf Hans J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAntlers are periodically replaced cranial appendages that, except for the reindeer, are grown only by male deer. The annual antler cycle is controlled by seasonal fluctuations of sex steroid concentrations in the blood, and accordingly castration of male deer causes deviations from normal antler growth. The present study investigated antler histology of castrated fallow bucks (Dama dama). Castration in early spring was followed by casting of the hard antlers carried by the bucks and the growth of a new set of antlers, which remained in velvet permanently. In the following year, numerous bony protuberances developed from the original antler surface. Further growth of these protuberances, which were formed by subperiosteal intramembranous ossification, led to a marked increase in antler diameter in the affected areas. Compared to antlers of intact bucks, the antlers of the castrates showed histological signs of immaturity, suggestive of a reduced bone remodeling and an impairment of the mineralization process. These changes point to the dependence of the above processes on a stimulation by higher levels of sex steroids. Two years after castration, the antlers also developed integumental thickening and showed an initial formation of skin outgrowths. Cystic structures were present in the skin, which were often filled with a presumably sebaceous and/or keratinous material. Formation of intradermal bone or cartilage was not observed in the antlers of the castrated fallow bucks. The histological structure of the skin outgrowths suggested that they were caused by a hypertrophy of the dermal component of the velvet. Due to the localized bone overgrowth, resulting from the periosteal bone apposition onto the original antler surface, skin‐lined infoldings originated, which reached deep into the newly formed bone. Our study revealed no indication of invasive/destructive bone growth in the antlers, i.e., of a penetration of the newly formed bone tissue into the pre‐existing bone. The hypertrophic bone growth in the antlers of the castrates is compared with other forms of periosteally derived hypertrophic bone formation, including osteomas, in the mammalian skeleton. It is discussed whether the skin and bone outgrowths of the antlers of castrated fallow bucks may be classified as benign tumors. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Skeletal muscle development in normal and double‐muscled cattle
Authors: Martyn Julie K. , Bass John J. , Oldham Jenny M. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis study examined the effect of genotype on prenatal muscle development in both normal‐muscled (NM) animals and in double‐muscled (DM) animals harboring a mutation in the gene for myostatin that results in the production of a functionally inactive protein. The following muscle development parameters were analyzed at four gestational ages: muscle weight, fiber type, by both enzyme histochemistry and myosin heavy‐chain (MHC) immunocytochemistry, and average fiber area. The weights of both M. vastus lateralis and M. vastus medialis were greater throughout prenatal development in the DM animals compared to NM. The percentage of type 1 muscle fibers initially declined with gestational age and subsequently increased in both NM and DM. The percentage of type 1 fibers was consistently lower in DM than in NM. A pattern of MHC isoform localization was shown in DM muscle that is indicative of a delay in muscle development relative to NM. Muscle fiber size was differentially regulated in NM and DM, depending on fiber type. Type 1 fibers were smaller in DM than NM in late gestation, while type 2 fibers were smaller throughout gestation. This study suggests that the inactivating myostatin mutation in DM animals may be associated with changes in both skeletal muscle fiber type and fiber size during bovine muscle development. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced interpretation of magnetic survey data using artificial neural networks: a case study from Butrint, southern Albania
Authors: Bescoby David J. , Cawley Gavin C. , Chroston P. Neil 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe classical city of Butrint in southern Albania embodies over three millennia of settlement history. A Roman colony was established sometime after 31 BC, which led to the expansion of the city southwards onto a low‐lying floodplain where settlement continued well into the late antique period.In this paper we describe the results of a detailed magnetometry survey undertaken to investigate Roman settlement upon the floodplain. The study included the use of multilayer perceptron neural networks to further process the magnetic data and derive estimates of feature burial depths, allowing a three‐dimensional reconstruction of buried subsurface remains to be made. The neural network approach potentially offers several advantages in terms of efficiency and flexibility over more conventional data inversion techniques. The paper demonstrates how this can lead to an enhanced interpretation of magnetic survey data, which when combined with other geoarchaeological data can provide a clearer picture of settlement evolution within the context of landscape change. The value of this processing technique is also evident within the context of cultural resource management strategies, which potentially restrict more intrusive methods of investigation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geophysics in support of industrial archaeology in a challenging environment: Shade iron furnace, Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Kulessa Bernd , Chiarulli Beverly , Haney Susanne 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe value of geophysical methods in investigating iron furnaces in North America (of which several hundred exist) has so far been poorly evaluated. We report on the magnetic gradiometer and electrical resistivity surveys conducted at the Shade iron furnace, Pennsylvania, USA, together with results from ground‐truthing excavations. We find that (i) numerous useful data sets could be recorded despite challenging field conditions; (ii) reconnaissance gradiometer and resistivity data yield complementary information allowing large‐scale site reconstruction; (iii) high‐resolution resistivity data reflect archaeologically valuable site lithologies with decimetre‐scale accuracy; and (iv) extreme absolute background values (several hundred nT) of, and spatial contrasts (several hundred to > 1000 nT) in, the gradiometer data are common owing to the presence of much burnt material and iron artefacts. We conclude that geophysical investigations of iron furnaces in North America may yield spatially extensive subsurface information of substantial archaeological value, which is impossible to obtain using traditional archaeological survey methods alone. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The presence of citrullinated proteins is not specific for rheumatoid synovial tissue
Authors: Vossenaar Erik R. , Smeets Tom J. M. , Kraan Maarten C. , Raats Jos M. , Van Venrooij Walther J. , Tak Paul P. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjectiveAntibodies directed toward citrullinated proteins (e.g., anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies) are highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and are produced locally at the site of inflammation. Although the presence of citrullinated proteins in rheumatoid synovium has been described in the literature, it is uncertain whether their presence is specific for RA. The present study was undertaken to investigate this.MethodsThe local production of the anti–citrullinated protein antibodies was investigated by comparing the concentration of the antibodies (corrected for the total amount of IgG present) in paired samples of serum and synovial fluid from RA patients. The presence of citrullinated proteins in the synovial tissue was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis of synovial tissue from RA patients and from patients with other arthropathies, using a variety of specific antibodies to citrullinated proteins.ResultsIn RA patients, anti–citrullinated protein antibodies constituted a 1.4‐fold higher proportion of IgG in synovial fluid compared with serum, which is indicative of a local production of the antibodies. Immunohistochemical staining of citrullinated proteins was observed in the lining layer, the sublining layer, and in extravascular fibrin deposits in inflamed synovial tissue from RA as well as non‐RA patients.ConclusionThe presence of citrullinated proteins in the inflamed synovium is not specific for RA, but rather, it may be an inflammation‐associated phenomenon. The high specificity of the anti–citrullinated protein antibodies is, therefore, most likely the result of an abnormal humoral response to these proteins.
Autoreactive CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes to major histocompatibility complex class I chain–related gene A in patients with Behçet's disease
Authors: Yasuoka Hidekata , Okazaki Yuka , Kawakami Yutaka , Hirakata Michito , Inoko Hidetoshi , Ikeda Yasuo , Kuwana Masataka 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo detect and characterize the autoreactive CD8+ T cells to major histocompatibility complex class I chain–related gene A (MICA), a stress‐inducible antigen preferentially expressed on the epithelium and endothelium, in patients with Behçet's disease (BD).MethodsA candidate for the antigenic MICA peptide was selected based on its predicted binding affinity for HLA–B51 and proteasomal cleavage sites. Peripheral blood T cells from 14 patients with BD and 15 healthy controls were repeatedly stimulated with the MICA peptide, and the specific T cell response was measured by peptide‐induced interferon‐γ. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity was examined by chromium‐51 release from an HLA–B51–transfected B cell line in the presence of the MICA peptide.ResultsA 9‐mer peptide AAAAAIFVI (termed MICA transmembrane [MICA‐TM]) was selected as a candidate for the antigenic peptide presented by HLA–B51. A specific T cell response to MICA‐TM was detected in 4 patients with BD (29%) but in none of the 15 healthy donors. All 4 responders had HLA–B51 and active disease, and the specific T cell response was lost after the BD‐related symptoms disappeared. The MICA‐induced T cell response was specifically inhibited by anti–HLA class I antibody or by CD8+ cell depletion. MICA‐reactive T cells recognized an HLA–B51–transfected B cell line pulsed with MICA‐TM or a B cell line transfected with both HLA–B51 and MICA in the absence of exogenous peptides. Finally, MICA‐stimulated T cell lines lysed the HLA–B51–expressing B cell line in the presence of MICA‐TM.ConclusionHLA–B51–restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes autoreactive to MICA may be involved in the pathogenesis of BD.
Anti–lipoprotein lipase antibodies: A new player in the complex atherosclerotic process in systemic lupus erythematosus?
Authors: de Carvalho Jozélio Freire , Borba Eduardo Ferreira , Viana Vilma Santos Trindade , Bueno Cleonice , Leon Elaine Pires , Bonfá Eloísa 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjectiveThe novel description of antibodies to lipoprotein lipase (anti‐LPL) associated with dyslipoproteinemia prompted us to analyze the association of anti‐LPL with clinical and serologic features in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its link to markers of inflammation that are known to be involved in atherogenesis.MethodsEnzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to test for the presence of anti‐LPL antibodies in 66 consecutive patients with SLE. Clinical and laboratory evaluation, including a fasting lipid profile, autoantibody screening, an assessment for markers of inflammation (C‐reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]), and the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) were performed at the time of inclusion in the study. Exclusion criteria were any conditions that affect the lipid profile. SLE patients were categorized into 2 groups according to detection of these anti‐LPL antibodies, as follows: anti‐LPL+ and anti‐LPL−.ResultsAnti‐LPL antibody IgG was detected in 25 SLE patients (37.8%). Triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the anti‐LPL+ group (112.4 ± 50.2 versus 89.9 ± 54.5 mg/dl in the anti‐LPL− group; P = 0.033), but no significant differences between the 2 groups were detected for total, high‐density lipoprotein, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. A higher frequency of elevated CRP levels and ESRs was observed in the anti‐LPL+ group compared with the anti‐LPL− group (44% and 17.1%, respectively [P = 0.023] and 52% and 19.5%, respectively [P = 0.013]). Moreover, SLE patients with anti‐LPL antibodies also had significantly higher levels of CRP (11.1 ± 16.4 versus 2.4 ± 2.6 μg/ml; P = 0.036) and higher ESRs (33.4 ± 29.8 versus 16.5 ± 11.8 mm/hour; P = 0.020). Anti‐LPL titers had a significant positive correlation with the CRP level (r = 0.56, P < 0.001), the ESR (r = 0.55, P < 0.001), the SLEDAI score (r = 0.45, P < 0.001), anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA; r = 0.52, P < 0.001), and anticardiolipin IgG antibodies (r = 0.25, P = 0.04), and a significant negative correlation was detected with total hemolytic complement activity (CH100) (r = −0.34, P = 0.005). Reinforcing these findings, multiple regression analysis also revealed a significant association of anti‐LPL with the CRP level (P = 0.025) and anti‐dsDNA (P < 0.001). Importantly, a comparison of positive and negative anti‐dsDNA sera revealed similar mean CRP levels (P = 0.56) and ESRs (P = 0.102), contrasting with the SLEDAI score (P = 0.004) and CH100 (P = 0.008).ConclusionThese data support the link between inflammation, immune response, and dyslipoproteinemia in SLE, introducing anti‐LPL as a possible new player that may ultimately help in understanding the complex events of atherogenesis in this disease.
Tübbinge aus Stahlfaserbeton: Optimierung der Bewehrung durch experimentelle Untersuchungen
Authors: Suter René , Bergmeister Konrad 
Published: November 2004

AbstractZiel dieser Untersuchungen an vorgefertigten Tübbingen aus Stahl‐ und Stahlfaserbeton war es, das Zusammenwirken von Stabbewehrung und Stahlfasern an Bauteilen im Maßstab 1:1 zu beurteilen. Die Belastungsversuche bezogen sich in einer ersten Phase auf die stark beanspruchten Randzonen und in einer zweiten Phase auf ganze Tübbingelemente. Die Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, daß die Stahlfaserbewehrung einen Teil der Stabbewehrung, insbesondere die aufwendige Bügelbewehrung in den Randzonen, ersetzen kann. Es ist jedoch nicht angezeigt, bei Tübbingen mit großen Radien auf eine Biegebewehrung mit Stabstählen gänzlich zu verzichten. Für kleine Tunnelradien kann eine reine Stahlfaserbewehrung unter Umständen ein befriedigendes Verhalten bezüglich Tragsicherheit und Gebrauchstauglichkeit gewährleisten. Die beschränkte Anzahl der Versuche erlaubt es jedoch nicht, allgemein gültige Folgerungen zu diesem komplexen Problem zu ziehen. Insbesondere ist es aufgrund dieser Versuche nicht möglich, einen Grenzradius oder einen Mindestgehalt an Stahlfasern zu nennen.
Vorspannung intern, extern, mit und ohne Verbund: Wo liegt das Optimum, was bringt die Zukunft?
Authors: Heiler Heinz , Scheibe Matthias 
Published: November 2004

AbstractDie 65 Jahre Spannbetonbrückenbau beginnend mit der Bahnhofsbrücke in Aue (Bild 1) bis zur heutigen Zeit führten in Deutschland zu einem augenblicklichen Bestand von annähernd 30500 Brücken, über die Tag für Tag ein an Häufigkeit und Last mehr als verdoppelter Verkehr rollt. Die Spannbetonbauweise hat damit sicherlich ihre Leistungsfähigkeit bewiesen. Durch die Kreativität der beteiligten Ingenieure und den starken Wettbewerbsdruck sind in den letzten Jahren erhebliche Fortschritte zur Qualitätsverbesserung gemacht worden. Die nachfolgenden Ausführungen stellen den Stand der augenblicklich verfügbaren Spannverfahren dar und sollen einen Weg für die Zukunft aufzeigen.
Eine ungewöhnliche Taktschiebebrücke: Überwurf im Autobahnkreuz Münster‐Süd
Authors: Kosza Peter , Krautwald Winfried , Schmitz Christoph 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn jüngster Zeit werden von den Straßenbauverwaltungen zunehmend Stahl‐ bzw. Stahlverbundlösungen für Brückenüberbauten gewählt. Es werden immer weniger Spannbetonbrücken ausgeschrieben und gebaut. Die Anwendung der externen Vorspannung für Kastenquerschnitte hat diesen Trend nicht aufhalten können. Das Brückenbauwerk “Überwurf im AK Münster‐Süd” zeigt, daß derartige Bauwerke auch unter extremen Randbedingungen wirtschaftlich günstiger erstellt werden können. Zum anderen zeigt dieses Beispiel, daß Architektur und Gestaltung den Stahlverbundlösungen in nichts nachstehen.