bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell-intrinsic requirement for pRb in erythropoiesis
Authors: Clark Allison J. , Doyle Kathryn M. , Humbert Patrick O. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractRetinoblastoma (Rb) and family members have been implicated as key regulators of cell proliferation and differentiation. In particular, accumulated data have suggested that the Rb gene product pRb is an important controller of erythroid differentiation. However, current published data are conflicting as to whether the role of pRb in erythroid cells is cell intrinsic or non–cell intrinsic. Here, we have made use of an in vitro erythroid differentiation culture system to determine the cell-intrinsic requirement for pRb in erythroid differentiation. We demonstrate that the loss of pRb function in primary differentiating erythroid cells results in impaired cell cycle exit and terminal differentiation. Furthermore, we have used coculture experiments to establish that this requirement is cell intrinsic. Together, these data unequivocally demonstrate that pRb is required in a cell-intrinsic manner for erythroid differentiation and provide clarification as to its role in erythropoiesis.
Morbidity and mortality with nonmyeloablative compared with myeloablative conditioning before hematopoietic cell transplantation from HLA-matched related donors
Authors: Diaconescu Razvan , Flowers Christopher R. , Storer Barry , Sorror Mohamed L. , Maris Michael B. , Maloney David G. , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Storb Rainer 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Nonmyeloablative regimens for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have been developed for patients ineligible for myeloablative conditioning. We compared regimen-related toxicities (RRTs) and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) in 73 nonmyeloablative and 73 myeloablative recipients of HLA-matched related donor HCT, using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Toxicity Criteria. Nonmyeloablative regimens were 2 Gy total body irradiation (TBI), either alone (n = 40) or combined with fludarabine, 30 mg/m2/d for 3 days (n = 33). Posttransplantation immunosuppression included mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine. Myeloablative regimens consisted mostly of cyclophosphamide + TBI or busulfan + cyclophosphamide, followed by posttransplantation methotrexate and cyclosporine. Nonmyeloablative patients were at higher risk than ablative patients because of greater age, longer time from diagnosis to HCT, more frequent preceding high-dose HCT, and higher pretransplantation Charlson comorbidity scores. Nevertheless, they experienced significantly less severe toxicities in 7 organs/systems: hematologic, gastrointestinal, hepatic, hemorrhage, infection, metabolic, and pulmonary. This translated into less NRM at day 100 (3% versus 23%, P = 10-4) and 1 year (16% versus 30%, P = .04). In multivariate analysis, the strongest factor predicting lessened RRT and NRM was nonmyeloablative conditioning, whereas high pretransplantation comorbidity scores predicted higher NRM. In conclusion, nonmyeloablative regimens had lower RRT and NRM and could be considered for comparative studies, including younger patients with more favorable Charlson comorbidity scores.
Bedside to bench and back again: how animal models are guiding the development of new immunotherapies for cancer
Authors: Finkelstein Steven E , Heimann David M , Klebanoff Christopher A , Antony Paul A , Gattinoni Luca , Hinrichs Christian S , Hwang Leroy N , Palmer Douglas C , Spiess Paul J , Surman Deborah R , Wrzesiniski Claudia , Yu Zhiya , Rosenberg Steven A , Restifo Nicholas P 
Published: May 2004

AbstractImmunotherapy using adoptive cell transfer is a promising approach that can result in the regression of bulky, invasive cancer in some patients. However, currently available therapies remain less successful than desired. To study the mechanisms of action and possible improvements in cell-transfer therapies, we use a murine model system with analogous components to the treatment of patients. T cell receptor transgenic CD8+ T cells (pmel-1) specifically recognizing the melanocyte differentiation antigen gp100 are adoptively transferred into lympho-depleted mice bearing large, established, 14-day subcutaneous B16 melanoma (0.5–1 cm in diameter) on the day of treatment. Adoptive cell transfer in combination with interleukin interleukin-2 or interleukin-15 cytokine administration and vaccination using an altered form of the target antigen, gp100, can result in the complete and durable regression of large tumor burdens. Complete responders frequently develop autoimmunity with vitiligo at the former tumor site that often spreads to involve the whole coat. These findings have important implications for the design of immunotherapy trials in humans.
SSRI Treatment—Associated Stroke: Causality Assessment in Two Cases
Authors: Ramasubbu Rajamannar 
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE: To assess the probability of cerebrovascular adverse drug reactions (CV-ADRs) due to treatment with selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) using 2 causality methods. CASE SUMMARIES: Two patients with the possibility of SSRI-related stroke were referred for causality assessment. Causality assessment was performed using an adverse drug reaction probability scale, as well as clinical and radiologic parameters. A 31–year-old white man, who had been receiving paroxetine 200 mg/day over a period of 3 years, developed ischemic stroke involving left middle cerebral artery. The second patient was a 46–year-old white woman with a history of recurrent depression who developed delirium and ischemic stroke while she was taking a combination of paroxetine 50 mg/day, trazodone 200 mg/day, and bupropion 150 mg/day. DISCUSSION: Carotid and cardiothromboembolism were found to be the major etiological factors for ischemic stroke. Accounting for the temporal relation, prior reports of SSRI treatment—associated CV-ADRs, and the pharmacologic action of serotonin on coagulation and the vascular system, the possible contribution of SSRIs to stroke in these patients was considered. An objective causality assessment using the Naranjo probability scale revealed that a CV-ADR was possible. However, the nature of the stroke, plus clinical and radiologic findings, were inconsistent with known pathophysiologic mechanisms linking SSRIs and stroke in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Causality assessment may improve unbiased recognition, management, and voluntary reporting of infrequent adverse effects such as SSRI treatment—related cerebrovascular accident.
Awareness in early‐stage Alzheimer's disease: A review of methods and evidence
Authors: Clare Linda 
Published: May 2004

Purpose: This review has three main aims:(1) To illustrate the strengths and limitations of current approaches to assessing awareness of difficulties and impairments in people with early‐stage Alzheimer's disease (AD).(2) To consider the evidence regarding factors associated with level of awareness.(3) To highlight the implications for assessment and intervention.Methods: A comprehensive range of literature on awareness in AD published in the past 20 years is critically reviewed.Results: Four main approaches to the assessment of awareness can be discerned, each with significant conceptual and methodological limitations. These limitations affect the quality of the available evidence regarding factors associated with level of awareness, which is contradictory, with few clear findings emerging. Awareness does, however, appear to be related to the outcome of rehabilitation, and this has important implications for the selection of appropriate and sensitive interventions.Conclusions: The review highlights the need for a broad conceptualization of awareness. Greater clarity about theoretical frameworks, and improved assessment methods, are required in order to enhance understanding of variations in awareness in early‐stage AD. Awareness is an important variable for clinicians to consider.
Apolipoprotein(a) Size and Lipoprotein(a) Concentration and Future Risk of Angina Pectoris with Evidence of Severe Coronary Atherosclerosis in Men: The Physicians’ Health Study
Authors: Rifai Nader , Ma Jing , Sacks Frank M , Ridker Paul M , Hernandez Wendy Jade L , Stampfer Meir J , Marcovina Santica M 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackground: The relationship of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] concentrations with risk of coronary heart disease needs clarification, especially for threshold values for increased risk and for possible interactions with LDL-cholesterol concentrations and apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)] size polymorphism. This study was designed to examine the ability of baseline Lp(a) concentration and apo(a) size to predict future severe angina pectoris in apparently healthy men.Methods: Baseline Lp(a) concentration and apo(a) size were determined in 195 men who subsequently developed angina and in 195 men who remained free of cardiovascular disease for 5 years.Results: Cases had higher median Lp(a) concentrations than did controls (30.6 vs 22.5 nmol/L; P = 0.02). Lp(a) concentration was predictive of angina [relative risk (RR) from lowest to highest quintiles: 1.0, 1.5, 1.0, 1.8, and 2.6; P for trend = 0.015]. The increased risk was ∼4-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.4- to 11-fold) among men who had Lp(a) above the 95th percentile (&gt;158 nmol/L). Men with Lp(a) concentrations in the highest quintile and LDL-cholesterol concentrations &gt;1600 mg/L had a 12-fold increased risk (95% confidence interval, 1.5- to 43-fold). Small apo(a) size isoforms also significantly predicted risk of angina (RR for lowest quintile = 4.1; P for trend = 0.004). When the independent effect of Lp(a) concentration and apo(a) size was assessed by including them in the same multivariate model, only the association between apo(a) size and risk remained significant.Conclusions: High Lp(a) predicts risk of angina, and the risk is substantially increased with high concomitant LDL-cholesterol. Small apo(a) size predicts angina with greater strength and independence than Lp(a) concentration.
Evaluation of Two Nonisotopic Immunoassays for Determination of Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase and Tyrosine Phosphatase Autoantibodies in Serum
Authors: Palomer Xavier , Mauricio Dídac , Rodríguez-Espinosa José , Zapico Edgar , Mayoral Carme , González-Sastre Francesc , de Leiva Alberto , Blanco-Vaca Francisco 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Background: Autoantibodies for the 65-kDa form of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) and protein tyrosine phosphatase-like protein (IA-2) are measured for risk prediction and diagnosis of autoimmune diabetes mellitus. There is a lack of adequate nonisotopic alternatives to the most widely used method for both autoantibodies, which is a radiobinding assay (RBA).
Methods: We compared two commercially available immunoassays, an ELISA and a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay (TR-IFMA), with RBA.
Results: We found excellent agreement between the RBA and ELISA for measurement of GAD65 autoantibodies (GADAs); they showed comparable analytical precision in the cutoff range and achieved similar diagnostic specificity. The ELISA identified more GADA-positive individuals among patients with new-onset type 1 diabetes than did the RBA [89% (95% confidence interval, 78–95%), vs 71% (58–82%); P &lt;0.03]. For IA-2 autoantibodies (IA-2As), only the TR-IFMA achieved analytical performance and diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of the RBA. These results with the GADA ELISA and IA-2A TR-IFMA were consistent with those obtained blindly in the Diabetes Antibody Standardization Program 2003. The performance of the GADA TR-IFMA and IA-2A ELISA was unsatisfactory, and these tests were not subjected to clinical evaluation.
Conclusions: The GADA ELISA and IA-2A TR-IFMA behave comparably with RBA and are thus suitable for use in the clinical laboratory.
Universal RNA Reference Materials for Gene Expression
Authors: Cronin Maureen , Ghosh Krishna , Sistare Frank , Quackenbush John , Vilker Vincent , O’Connell Catherine 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
A workshop entitled “Metrology and Standards Needs for Gene Expression Technologies: Universal RNA Standards” was held in March 2003 to define the requirements for standardizing RNA-based molecular assays, specifically microarray and quantitative reverse-transcriptase-PCR technologies. NIST sponsored the workshop, and participants represented government, industry, academia, and clinic. Workshop participants concluded that as a first step, two RNA reference materials could be defined that would help in standardization of gene-expression technologies: an Assay Process Reference Material, and a Universal Array Hybridization Reference Material. The specific characteristics of these two standardized materials were broadly outlined. The Assay Process Material was proposed to be a pool of 96 expressed human sequences of defined composition, cloned in a defined vector and pooled in prescribed ways. The Universal Array Hybridization Material was defined as a pool of 12 “alien” synthetic sequences not expressed in any known genome to be used to control for variability in array hybridization methods. Work is underway at NIST and among members of the gene expression array community to further define these materials and make them available.
Relationship Between Particle Shape and Void Content of Fine Aggregate
Authors: Dilek U , Leming ML 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Fine aggregate characteristics have an important influence on water demand and related properties of concrete. Several test methods for measurement of fine aggregate angularity are reported in the literature. These tests typically provide a single number that represents the bulk, or average angularity of the sand. An understanding of the relationship between bulk measures of angularity, individual particle geometry and shape characteristics, and concrete properties is important to aggregate producers, concrete suppliers, consulting engineers, other design professionals, particularly as existing deposits of sand are consumed and alternate sources must be developed. As part of a comprehensive research program on manufactured sand properties and their effects on fresh and hardened concrete properties, an image analysis technique was developed to determine the shape characteristics by photographing and analyzing sets of individual grains of sand. The outlines of the grains were analyzed using a variety of geometrically derived characteristics. The relationship between particle shape characteristics and a common measure of bulk angularity, void content (ASTM C 1252), was then examined. Results of the study indicated that void content was significantly influenced by the presence of deep indentations in the surface of the sand particle and deviations from a cubical particle shape.
Anthropological Data in Individualization of Skeletal Remains from a Forensic Context in Kosovo—A Case History
Authors: Djurić MP 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
There are many reports relating to victims and mass graves in the former Yugoslavia. They emphasize the importance of creating local skeletal identification standards. In this paper we deal with the first mass grave examined since the Kosovo crisis started and discuss problems regarding the identification process, especially the coincidence of antemortem with postmortem data. Twelve persons out of 39 bodies were identified using interviews with relatives and correspondence of biological data with personal effects and/or documents. Previous pathology was of crucial importance in the identification of three persons.
Linking Crime Guns: The Impact of Ballistics Imaging Technology on the Productivity of the Boston Police Department's Ballistics Unit
Authors: Braga AA , Pierce GL 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Ballistics imaging technology has received national attention as a potent tool for moving the law enforcement response to violent gun criminals forward by linking multiple crime scenes to one firearm. This study examines the impact of ballistics imaging technology on the productivity of the Boston Police Department's Ballistics Unit. Using negative binomial regression models to analyze times series data on ballistics matches, we find that ballistics imaging technology was associated with a more than sixfold increase in the monthly number of ballistics matches made by the Boston Police Department's Ballistics Unit. Cost-effectiveness estimates and qualitative evidence also suggest that ballistics imaging technology allows law enforcement agencies to make hits that would not have been possible using traditional ballistics methods.
Sexual Dimorphism of the Calcaneus of South African Blacks
Authors: Bidmos MA , Asala SA 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Forensic anthropology is a rapidly growing field in South Africa and skeletal biologists are often called upon by the police to assist in personal identification from skeletal remains, which are recovered in suspected cases of homicide and suicide and in mass disaster. Measurements of the calcaneus have been shown to be sexually dimorphic in South African whites. Since the validity of discriminant function equations in sex determination is population specific, the aim of the present study was to derive similar equations for the calcanei of the South African blacks. The bones that were used in this study were obtained from the Raymond A. Dart Collection of Human Skeletons, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. One hundred and sixteen (116) intact and non-pathological calcanei, consisting of 58 males and 58 females and belonging to individuals whose age at death ranged between 22 and 75 years, were selected by the simple random sampling technique. The measured variables included the maximum length, the load arm length, the dorsal articular facet length, the body height, the maximum height, the cuboidal facet height, the middle breadth, the dorsal articular facet breadth and the maximum breadth. Discriminant function analyses were done using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) program. All measured parameters of the calcaneus showed significant sexual differences. Length measurements were found to be the most sexually dimorphic. Combinations of variables provided better estimate of sex (79%–86%) than individual variables (64%–79%).
The Effect of Time After Body Discovery on the Accuracy of Retrospective Weather Station Ambient Temperature Corrections in Forensic Entomology
Authors: Archer MS 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Weather station data are used by forensic entomologists to estimate ambient temperatures at body discovery sites. Correlation data from sites may also be collected to correct for site and station differences. This experiment tested the accuracy over time of retrospective weather data correction using linear regression between stations and sites. Temperatures were logged at six hypothetical body discovery sites during a seven-day period for which a hypothetical body lay in situ, and a further four correlation periods. The accuracy of weather data for hypothetical body in situ periods improved after correction in 22 of 24 correlations; however, mean predicted body in situ temperatures for sites differed significantly between correlation periods. Predicted temperatures generally rose with time after body removal, which correlated with rising site temperatures accompanying seasonal change. Therefore, practitioners should be cautious in making correlations if weather patterns during correlation differ greatly from those while the body was in situ.
Fifteen-Year Retrospective Study of Infant Organ Weights and Revision of Standard Weight Tables
Authors: Thompson WS , Cohle SD 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
No recent studies of organ weights of normal infants exist. We completed a 15-year retrospective study of organ weights of normal infants who died between 1986 and 2000 in an effort to update the “normal” weight standards for infants up to one year of age. Additionally, we compared organ weights of infants whose deaths were ruled Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) with those of other natural or non-natural causes within the same age groups, length and total body weight at autopsy, total organ weight as a percentage of total body weight, and with weight standards based on previous studies. This study included 453 autopsied infants in Kent County, Michigan, and who were referred to our facility by surrounding counties. All subjects were autopsied at Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Evaluation of Three Rapid Detection Methods for the Forensic Identification of Seminal Fluid in Rape Cases
Authors: Khaldi N , Miras A , Botti K , Benali L , Gromb S 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
We sought to discover whether spermatozoa concentration and the delay between ejaculation and test influence the results of seminal fluid fast detection tests. Two hundred and twenty-seven anonymous sam ples divided into four groups (normospermia, oligospermia, azoospermia, and controls) after a semen analysis were subjected to three fast detection semen tests: Diff-Quick® fast coloration, Phosphatesmo Km Paper® for acid phosphatases (AP) detection, and PSA-Check 1® for prostate specific antigen (PSA) detection. The study was performed at three time points (0, 48, and 72 h). Unlike cytology, results obtained with AP and PSA were not influenced by spermatozoa concentration. PSA detection results remained constant up to 72 h and were more reliable after 48 h than those obtained by AP detection.
Age Calculation Using X-ray Microfocus Computed Tomographical Scanning of Teeth: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vandevoort FM , Bergmans L , Cleynenbreugel JV , Bielen DJ , Lambrechts P , Wevers M , Peirs A , Willems G 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
To correlate dental age with an individual's chronological age based on the calculated volume ratio of pulp versus tooth volume measured, an X-ray microfocus computed tomography unit (μCT) with 25μm spatial resolution was used to non-destructively scan 43 extracted single root teeth of 25 individuals with well-known chronological age. Custom-made analysis software was used by two examiners to obtain numerical values for pulpal and tooth volume. The ratio of both was calculated and statistically processed. No significant intra-orinter-examiner differences were found. In fact,a very strong concordance correlation coefficient was found. Linear regression analysis showed a coefficient of determination (r) of 0.31 which suggests that there is a rather weak correlation between the volume ratio of pulp versus tooth and biological age. Although rather time consuming, this technique shows promising results for dental age estimation in a non-destructive manner using X-ray microfocus computed tomography.
Laboratory Impulse Tests for Soil-Underground Structure Interactions
Authors: Helwany SMB , Chowdhury A 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The dynamic lateral earth pressures resulting from underground detonation can cause severe damage to underground structures. The shock exerted on an underground structure caused by an underground explosion will vary with the detonation depth, the intensity of detonation force, and distance of detonation source from the underground structure. This paper describes four large-scale impulse tests on a 1-m-high pro-totype subsection of an underground structure subjected to controlled impulsive lateral loadings propagating through a 0.75-m-thick backfill soil. The response of the subsection to the impulsive loading is carefully monitored utilizing an extensive instrumentation program. The test results provide insight into the phenomenon of shock wave propagation caused by an impulsive loading emanating from an underground source adjacent to the underground structure. The tests indicated that the damaging effect of impulse loading increased with surcharge pressure (depth) until a threshold surcharge pressure is reached above which the damaging effect of impulse loading decreased.