bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient-initiated switching between private and public inpatient hospitalisation in Western Australia 1980 – 2001: An analysis using linked data
Authors: Moorin Rachael E , Holman C D'Arcy J 
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Background
The aim of the study was to identify any distinct behavioural patterns in switching between public and privately insured payment classifications between successive episodes of inpatient care within Western Australia between 1980 and 2001 using a novel 'couplet' method of analysing longitudinal data.

Methods
The WA Data Linkage System was used to extract all hospital morbidity records from 1980 to 2001. For each individual, episodes of hospitalisation were paired into couplets, which were classified according to the sequential combination of public and privately insured episodes. Behavioural patterns were analysed using the mean intra-couplet interval and proportion of discordant couplets in each year.

Results
Discordant couplets were consistently associated with the longest intra-couplet intervals (ratio to the average annual mean interval being 1.35), while the shortest intra-couplet intervals were associated with public concordant couplets (0.5). Overall, privately insured patients were more likely to switch payment classification at their next admission compared with public patients (the average rate of loss across all age groups being 0.55% and 2.16% respectively). The rate of loss from the privately insured payment classification was inversely associated with time between episodes (2.49% for intervals of 0 to 13 years and 0.83% for intervals of 14 to 21 years). In all age groups, the average rate of loss from the privately insured payment classification was greater between 1981 and 1990 compared with that between 1991 and 2001 (3.45% and 3.10% per year respectively).

Conclusion
A small but statistically significant reduction in rate of switching away from PHI over the latter period of observation indicated that health care policies encouraging uptake of PHI implemented in the 1990s by the federal government had some of their intended impact on behaviour.
Depression and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Authors: Schröder Carmen M , O'Hara Ruth 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
For over two decades clinical studies have been conducted which suggest the existence of a relationship between depression and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Recently, Ohayon underscored the evidence for a link between these two disorders in the general population, showing that 800 out of 100,000 individuals had both, a breathing-related sleep disorder and a major depressive disorder, with up to 20% of the subjects presenting with one of these disorders also having the other. In some populations, depending on age, gender and other demographic and health characteristics, the prevalence of both disorders may be even higher: OSA may affect more than 50% of individuals over the age of 65, and significant depressive symptoms may be present in as many as 26% of a community-dwelling population of older adults.
In clinical practice, the presence of depressive symptomatology is often considered in patients with OSA, and may be accounted for and followed-up when considering treatment approaches and response to treatment. On the other hand, sleep problems and specifically OSA are rarely assessed on a regular basis in patients with a depressive disorder. However, OSA might not only be associated with a depressive syndrome, but its presence may also be responsible for failure to respond to appropriate pharmacological treatment. Furthermore, an undiagnosed OSA might be exacerbated by adjunct treatments to antidepressant medications, such as benzodiazepines.
Increased awareness of the relationship between depression and OSA might significantly improve diagnostic accuracy as well as treatment outcome for both disorders. In this review, we will summarize important findings in the current literature regarding the association between depression and OSA, and the possible mechanisms by which both disorders interact. Implications for clinical practice will be discussed.
Executive and motivational processes in adolescents with Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Toplak Maggie E , Jain Umesh , Tannock Rosemary 
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Background
The objective of the current study was to examine performance and correlates of performance on a decision-making card task involving risky choices (Iowa Gambling Task) in adolescents with ADHD and comparison controls. Forty-four participants with ADHD and 34 controls were administered measures of estimated intellectual ability, working memory, and the card task. Also, behavioural ratings were obtained from parents and teachers.

Results
Adolescents with ADHD scored lower on the measures of intellectual ability, working memory, and made less advantageous selections on the card task compared to controls. Performance on measures of intellectual ability and working memory were unrelated to card task performance in both the ADHD and control samples. Parent ratings of hyperactivity/impulsivity were significantly associated with card task performance in the adolescents with ADHD, but not in controls.

Conclusion
These findings demonstrate impaired decision-making in adolescents with ADHD, and the separability of motivational and executive function processes, supporting current dual pathway models of ADHD.
Prevalence of opioid adverse events in chronic non-malignant pain: systematic review of randomised trials of oral opioids
Authors: Moore R Andrew , McQuay Henry J 
Published: June 2005

AbstractAdverse events of opioids may restrict their use in non-cancer pain. Analysis of the incidence of common adverse events in trials conducted in non-cancer pain has usually been limited to opioids used to treat severe pain according to the WHO three-step ladder. To examine the incidence of common adverse events of opioids in non-cancer pain, a systematic review and meta-analysis of information from randomised trials of all opioids in non-cancer pain was undertaken. Studies used were published randomised trials of oral opioid in non-cancer pain, with placebo or active comparator. Thirty-four trials with 5,546 patients were included with 4,212 patients contributing some information on opioid adverse events. Most opioids used (accounting for 90% of patients) were for treating moderate rather than severe pain. Including trials without a placebo increased the amount of information available by 1.4 times. Because of clinical heterogeneity in condition, opioid, opioid dose, duration, and use of titration, only broad results could be calculated. Use of any oral opioid produced higher rates of adverse events than did placebo. Dry mouth (affecting 25% of patients), nausea (21%), and constipation (15%) were the most common adverse events. A substantial proportion of patients on opioids (22%) withdrew because of adverse events. Because most trials were short, less than four weeks, and because few titrated the dose, these results have limited applicability to longer-term use of opioids in clinical practice. Suggestions for improved studies are made.
Guanine-nucleotide exchange on ribosome-bound elongation factor G initiates the translocation of tRNAs
Authors: Zavialov Andrey V , Hauryliuk Vasili V , Ehrenberg Måns 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Background
During the translation of mRNA into polypeptide, elongation factor G (EF-G) catalyzes the translocation of peptidyl-tRNA from the A site to the P site of the ribosome. According to the 'classical' model, EF-G in the GTP-bound form promotes translocation, while hydrolysis of the bound GTP promotes dissociation of the factor from the post-translocation ribosome. According to a more recent model, EF-G operates like a 'motor protein' and drives translocation of the peptidyl-tRNA after GTP hydrolysis. In both the classical and motor protein models, GDP-to-GTP exchange is assumed to occur spontaneously on 'free' EF-G even in the absence of a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF).

Results
We have made a number of findings that challenge both models. First, free EF-G in the cell is likely to be in the GDP-bound form. Second, the ribosome acts as the GEF for EF-G. Third, after guanine-nucleotide exchange, EF-G in the GTP-bound form moves the tRNA2-mRNA complex to an intermediate translocation state in which the mRNA is partially translocated. Fourth, subsequent accommodation of the tRNA2-mRNA complex in the post-translocation state requires GTP hydrolysis.

Conclusion
These results, in conjunction with previously published cryo-electron microscopy reconstructions of the ribosome in various functional states, suggest a novel mechanism for translocation of tRNAs on the ribosome by EF-G. Our observations suggest that the ribosome is a universal guanosine-nucleotide exchange factor for EF-G as previously shown for the class-II peptide-release factor 3.
Evaluation of Randomized Discontinuation Design
Authors: Freidlin Boris , Simon Richard 
Published: June 2005

Purpose Single-arm phase II trials may not be appropriate for testing cytostatic agents. We evaluate two kinds of randomized designs for the early development of target-based cytostatic agents. Methods We compared power of the randomized discontinuation and upfront randomization designs under two models for the treatment effect of targeted cytostatic agents. Results The randomized discontinuation design is not as efficient as upfront randomization if treatment has a fixed effect on tumor growth rate or if treatment benefit is restricted to slower-growing tumors. On the other hand, the randomized discontinuation design can be advantageous under a model where only a subset of patients, those expressing the molecular target, is sensitive to the agent. To achieve efficiency, the design parameters must be carefully structured to provide adequate enrichment of the randomly assigned patients. Conclusion With careful planning, the randomized discontinuation designs can be useful in some settings in the early development of targeted agents where a reliable assay to select patients expressing the target is not available.
Immunization With Mutantp53- andK-ras–Derived Peptides in Cancer Patients: Immune Response and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Carbone David P. , Ciernik I. Frank , Kelley Michael J. , Smith M. Charles , Nadaf Sorena , Kavanaugh Denise , Maher V. Ellen , Stipanov Michael , Contois David , Johnson Bruce E. , Pendleton C. David , Seifert Burkhardt , Carter Charley , Read Elizabeth J. , Greenblatt Jay , Top Lois E. , Kelsey Morris I. , Minna John D. , Berzofsky Jay A. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo determine the ability to induce tumor-specific immunity with individual mutant K-ras–or p53-derived peptides and to monitor clinical outcome.Patients and MethodsPatients in varying stages of disease underwent genetic analysis for mutations in K-ras and p53. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled. Seventeen-mer peptides were custom synthesized to the corresponding mutation. Baseline immunity was assessed for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release from mutant peptide-primed lymphocytes. Patients' peripheral-blood mononuclear cells were pulsed with the corresponding peptide, irradiated, and applied intravenously. Patients were observed for CTL, IFN-γ, interleukin (IL) -2, IL-5, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor responses, for treatment-related toxicity, and for tumor response.ResultsNo toxicity was observed. Ten (26%) of 38 patients had detectable CTL against mutant p53 or K-ras, and two patients were positive for CTL at baseline. Positive IFN-γ responses occurred in 16 patients (42%) after vaccination, whereas four patients had positive IFN-γ reaction before vaccination. Of 29 patients with evident disease, five experienced a period of stable disease. Favorable prognostic markers were detectable CTL activity and a positive IFN-γ reaction but not IL-5 release. Median survival times of 393 v 98 days for a positive versus negative CTL response (P = .04), respectively, and of 470 v 88 days for a positive versus negative IFN-γ response (P = .02), respectively, were detected.ConclusionCustom-made peptide vaccination is feasible without any toxicity. CTL and cytokine responses specific to a given mutation can be induced or enhanced with peptide vaccines. Cellular immunity to mutant p53 and K-ras oncopeptides is associated with longer survival.
Data-Driven Modeling of Signal Strength Distributions for Localization in Cellular Radio Networks (Datengetriebene Modellierung von Feldstärkeverteilungen für die Ortung in zellulären Funknetzen)
Authors: Grigoraş Marian , Feiermann Olga , Hanebeck Uwe D. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
In this article, we propose a novel approach to solving the localization problem in cellular networks, with a focus on indoor environments. The goal is to estimate a mobile user's position, based on measurements of signals received from different base stations. Our solution uses the Progressive Bayes estimation framework to model the distribution of signal measurements, as obtained in a series of calibration measurements. In the localization step, we compute the full probability density over the user position. We also show that user motion models can be easily integrated in our solution.
Ein Hand-Auge-System zur multisensoriellen Rekonstruktion von 3D-Modellen in der Robotik (An Eye-in-Hand System for Multisensor Surface Reconstruction of 3D-Models in Robotics)
Authors: Suppa Michael , Hirzinger Gerd 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
In diesem Artikel wird ein neuartiger Ansatz zur multisensoriellen Datenakquise und Datenfusion präsentiert. Der am DLR entwickelte multisensorielle 3D-Modellierer, der einen Laserscanner, einen Lichtschnittsensor, einen Textursensor und ein Stereo-Kamera-System enthält, sowie das Konzept, das Datenfusion mit diesem System ermöglicht, werden vorgestellt. Zur Bestimmung der Position und Orientierung des Modellierers im Raum wird alternativ ein optisches Trackingsystem oder ein passiver Messarm benutzt. Die mit dem handgeführten Modellierer gewonnene Erfahrung wird in einem zweiten Schritt auf ein robotergestütztes System zur vollautomatischen 3D-Modellierung (Inspektion) übertragen. Die robotergestützte multisensorielle Modellierung von Objekten unter Benutzung aller Roboterfreiheitsgrade wirft Probleme auf, die über die reine Modellierungsaufgabe hinaus gehen. Der Roboter soll einen möglichst großen Bewegungsspielraum besitzen, der auch nahe an a priori unbekannten oder nur teilweise bekannten Hindernissen garantiert werden muss. Dies beinhaltet eine effektive Planung von Roboterposen unter Berücksichtigung des Rauschverhaltens der verwendeten Sensoren.
Neuro-Fuzzy-basiertes multisensorielles Diagnosekonzept zur qualifizierten Schadensdiagnose an Abwasserkanälen (Neuro-Fuzzy based Multi Sensor Diagnosis Concept for Qualified Condition Assessment in Sewer Systems)
Authors: Frey Christian W. , Kuntze Helge-Björn 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Eine umfassende qualifizierte Schadensdiagnose in kommunalen Kanalsystemen ist nur dann möglich, wenn die vorhandene TV-Technik durch zusätzliche Sensoren ergänzt wird. In dem von der deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft DFG geförderten Forschungsverbundvorhaben SAM wurden alternative Inspektionssensoren entwickelt und hinsichtlich ihrer Leistungsfähigkeit untersucht. Zur Integration der komplementären Sensorinformation zu einem ganzheitlichen Schadensbild wurde ein Neuro-Fuzzy-basiertes multisensorielles Diagnosekonzept entwickelt und erprobt, über das in diesem Beitrag berichtet wird.
Pregnancy-induced decrease in the relaxant effect of terbutaline in the late-pregnant rat myometrium: role of G-protein activation and progesterone
Authors: Gáspár Róbert , Ducza Eszter , Mihályi Attila , Márki Árpád , Kolarovszki-Sipiczki Zoltán , Páldy Eszter , Benyhe Sándor , Borsodi Anna , Földesi Imre , Falkay George 
Published: June 2005

The effectiveness of β2-agonists in preterm delivery is reduced by several factors. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of late pregnancy in the uterus-relaxing effect of terbutaline in the ratin vitro.Rat uterine tissues from late pregnancy (days 15, 18, 20 and 22) were used.In vitroelectrical field-stimulation (EFS) was used to evoke contractions. The radioligand-binding technique, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and radioimmunoassay technique were used to determine the β-adrenergic receptor density and mRNA level and the plasma sex hormone level, respectively. The activated G-protein level of the β-adrenergic receptors was investigated by a radiolabelled GTP binding assay.EFS-induced contractions were inhibited by terbutaline. This effect decreased towards term with respect to both the EC50and maximal inhibition values. A drop in plasma progesterone level was also detected. Binding studies revealed an increase in β-adrenergic receptor number on the last day of pregnancy, which correlated with the change in receptor mRNA level. The G-protein-activating effect of terbutaline decreased continuously between days 15 and 20. Surprisingly, terbutaline decreased the G-protein activation to below the basal level on day 22. However, progesterone pretreatment set back the uterine action of terbutaline, increased the density of the β2-adrenergic receptors and their mRNA level and increased the G-protein-activating property of terbutaline.These data provide evidence of a pregnancy-induced decrease in activated G-protein level after β2-agonist stimulation. The decrease in plasma progesterone level has a crucial role in this process. The effects of β2-adrenergic receptor agonists in tocolytic therapy may possibly be potentiated with progesterone.
Relationship of Gonadal Development to Body Size and Plasma Sex Hormone Concentrations in Female Channel Catfish
Authors: Davis Kenneth B , Simco Bill A , Silverstein Jeffrey T 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Most channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus do not spawn until age 3, which makes the process of genetic selection for desired characteristics time consuming. A simple method for identifying earlier-maturing fish would speed up the selection process. Two- and three-year-old females (U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA]-103 strain) were used to correlate body weight and plasma sex hormone concentrations with gonadal development. We also examined the potential of reducing the time to maturation with exogenous estrogen. The USDA-103 females are known to spawn at age 2 in a higher percentage than other strains. The body weight of 2-year-old USDA-103 females ranged from 436 to 884 g, and the gonadosomatic index (GSI) ranged from 0.34% to 6.64%. A population of 2-year-old USDA-103 fish that had been hormonally sex-reversed to females (SR103) weighed from 400 to 1,400 g and had GSIs ranging from 1% to 10%. Three-year-old SR103 females weighed from 1,300 to 2,800 g and had GSIs ranging from 2% to 14%. Only about 10% of the 2-year-old SR103 females had GSI values similar to the expected level for fish ready to spawn. Plasma estrogen concentration was a more reliable predictor of GSI than was body weight. Body size was significantly correlated with GSI in 2-year-old USDA-103 and SR103 females but not in 3-year-old SR103 fish; plasma estrogen was highly correlated with GSI in fish of both ages. Plasma estrogen, testosterone, and GSI were markedly lower in 2-year-old fish than in 3-year-old fish in both populations of USDA females. Oral administration of estrogen to 2-year-old USDA-103 females increased plasma estrogen but did not increase ovarian development.
To House or Not to House: The Effects of Providing Housing to Homeless Substance Abusers in Treatment
Authors: Milby Jesse B. , Schumacher Joseph E. , Wallace Dennis , Freedman Michelle J. , Vuchinich Rudy E. 
Published: June 2005

Objectives. Housing typically is not provided to homeless persons during drug abuse treatment. We examined how treatment outcomes were affected under 3 different housing provision conditions. Methods. We studied 196 cocaine-dependent participants who received day treatment and no housing (NH), housing contingent on drug abstinence (ACH), or housing not contingent on abstinence (NACH). Drug use was monitored with urine testing. Results. The ACH group had a higher prevalence of drug abstinence than the NACH group (after control for treatment attendance), which in turn had a higher prevalence than the NH group. All 3 groups showed significant improvement in maintaining employment and housing. Conclusions. The results of this and previous trials indicate that providing abstinence-contingent housing to homeless substance abusers in treatment is an efficacious, effective, and practical intervention. Programs to provide such housing should be considered in policy initiatives.
Occupational Injury and Absence From Work Among African American, Hispanic, and Non-Hispanic White Workers in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth
Authors: Strong Larkin L. , Zimmerman Frederick J. 
Published: June 2005

Objectives. We examined how race and ethnicity influence injury and illness risk and number of days of work missed as a result of injury or illness. Methods. We fit logistic regression and negative binomial regression models using generalized estimating equations with data from 1988 to 2000 on currently employed African American, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White participants in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. Results. Occupational factors—having a blue-collar occupation, working full-time, having longer tenure, working 1 job versus 2, and working the late shift—were associated with increased odds of an occupational injury or illness. Although racial/ethnic minority workers were no more likely than Whites to report an occupational injury or illness, they reported missing more days of work. African American and Hispanic men missed significantly more days of work than non-Hispanic White men, and African American women missed significantly more days of work than non-Hispanic White women. Conclusions. Factors associated with occupational health are multifaceted and complex. Our findings suggest that race/ethnicity influences the duration of work absence owing to injury or illness both indirectly (by influencing workers’ occupational characteristics) and directly (by acting independently of occupational factors).
In Vitro Model for Modulation of Helper T Cell Differentiation and Activation
Authors: Heo Yong 
Published: June 2005

AbstractInfluence of immunotoxicants on helper T cell reactivities can be investigated by assessing acquisition of IL‐4‐ or IFN‐γ‐producing ability in vitro with antigen‐primed naive or precursor helper T cells from the spleens of DO11.10 ovalbumin‐specific transgenic mice. The in vitro differentiation model is believed to be close to the in vivo environmental conditions in which differentiation occurs. The effect of immunotoxicants on helper T cell activity can also be evaluated by antigen‐specific activation of cloned type‐1 or type‐2 helper T cells in vitro, since the two subsets of helper T cells can be distinguished by patterns of cytokine secretion. This in vitro model will help investigators to examine the ability of toxicants to modulate helper T cell–mediated cellular or humoral immunity.
Chemical Cleavage of Proteins in Solution
Authors: Crimmins Dan L. , Mische Sheenah M. , Denslow Nancy D. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractDescribed in this unit are five basic protocols that are widely used for specific and efficient chemical cleavage of proteins in solution. Cyanogen bromide (CNBr) cleaves at methionine (Met) residues; BNPS‐skatole cleaves at tryptophan (Trp) residues; formic acid cleaves at aspartic acid‐proline (Asp‐Pro) peptide bonds; hydroxylamine cleaves at asparagine‐glycine (Asn‐Gly) peptide bonds, and 2‐nitro‐5‐thiocyanobenzoic acid (NTCB) cleaves at cysteine (Cys) residues. Because the above loci are at relatively low abundance in most proteins, digestion with these agents will yield relatively long peptides.