bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinematic modeling of mobile robots by transfer method of augmented generalized coordinates
Authors: Kim Wheekuk , Yi Byung‐Ju , Lim Dong Jin 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA kinematic modeling method, which is directly applicable to any type of planar mobile robots, is proposed in this work. Since holonomic constraints have the same differential form as nonholonomic constraints, the instantaneous motion of the mobile robot at current configuration can be modeled as that of a parallel manipulator. A pseudo joint model denoting the interface between the wheel and the ground (i.e., the position of base of the mobile robot) enables the derivation of this equivalent kinematic model. The instantaneous kinematic structures of four different wheels are modeled as multiple pseudo joints. Then, the transfer method of augmented generalized coordinates, which has been popularly employed in modeling of parallel manipulators, is applied to obtain the instantaneous kinematic models of mobile robots. The kinematic models of six different types of planar mobile robots are derived to show the effectiveness of the proposed modeling method. Lastly, for the mobile robot equipped with four conventional wheels, an algorithm estimating a sensed forward solution for the given information of the rotational velocities of the four wheels is discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trauma in antiquity: 4000 year old post‐traumatic reactions?
Authors: Ben–Ezra Menachem 
Published: May 2004

Abstract‘The lamentation over the destruction of Ur’ and ‘The death of Urnamma’ are probably the earliest documented evidence of post‐traumatic reactions in recorded history. The author of this article suggests extending the time line for the known existence of post‐traumatic reactions back to 2000–2100 BC. The author would like to present a new perception relating to the existence of ancient knowledge regarding psychological trauma. This article is based on cuneiform tablets found in the ruins of the Sumerian city, Ur. The author found that reactions to traumatic events elicit post‐traumatic symptoms have not changed dramatically over the millennia. These data support the thesis that reaction to traumatic events leading to psychological trauma was a known concept in antiquity. Future implications to the study of traumatic reactions are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stressful training changes endogenous neurotransmitters in human plasma
Authors: Yamaguchi Keiji , Toda Kazuo , Hayashi Yoshihiko 
Published: May 2004

AbstractStress is defined as a state of disharmony or threatened homeostasis. The purpose of the present study was conducted to reveal the effect of intensive training as rangers of Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF), which would be a strong stressor, on the level of neurotransmitters related with endogenous control of pain. Subjects were seven uniformed members (aged 19–21 years old) who underwent ranger training in the 8th Division of the JGSDF. Before and after the 40 days hard training, the levels of serotonin, β‐endorphin and three fractions of catecholamine in plasma were routinely measured. The levels of serotonin, β‐endorphin, noradrenaline and dopamine were significantly increased after the ranger training. A close relationship between the changes in skin pain threshold previously reported and the present levels of serotonin, β‐endorphin, noradrenaline and dopamine was observed in four of the seven rangers. These findings suggest that the intensive training changes level of some endogenous transmitters which might be related with stress‐induced analgesia through descending control of pain. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The level of burnout in a group of dental research assistants
Authors: Taşkaya‐Yılmaz Nergiz , Ceylan Gözlem , Güler Ahmet Umut , Ergūn Göknil , Çankaya Barış , Bek Yūksel 
Published: May 2004

AbstractWorking as doctor or dentist may entail higher levels of burnout than experienced by the general population. Maslach Burnout Inventory, evaluates emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment.This article presents data conserning levels and sources of burnout in dental research assistants taking postgraduate education in two dental schools in Turkey. One, a new school and the other, an established school. In this study we aimed to investigate if there was an association between the level of burnout and sociodemographic factors and to measure the level of burnout in dental research assistants.Seventy‐eight dental research assistants working in two different dental schools participated in the study. Sociodemographic data were obtained. Sociodemographic characteristics were not significantly different between the two dental schools.In addition, there were statistically significant differences between the two schools in personal accomplishment, depersonalization and work related strain, but no significant difference in emotional exhaustion. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of evolutionary learning community in evolutionary development: the unfolding of a line of inquiry
Authors: Laszlo Kathia Castro , Laszlo Alexander 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis paper presents a retrospective synthesis and a prospective exploration of an intact line of inquiry that was inspired by the scholarly work of our mentor Bela H. Banathy. The inquiry centers on the creation of the conditions for the conscious evolution of humanity in partnership with earth. Initially, it focused on the notion of Evolutionary Learning Community (ELC) as the vehicle of choice for the creation of a ‘Design Culture’ that would promote learning, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability across different sectors of society. ELC serves to empower various forms of community to engage in self‐directed sustainable development. It does so by fostering attention to a systemic variety of dimensions that assure wholeness and interconnections at both individual and collective levels of development for present and future generations. Application of the ELC framework in diverse contexts—such as business corporations, non‐profit organizations, and civil society—naturally leads to consideration of the synergy and interrelations that arise in the evolutionary transformations that occur in different settings. Therefore, the inquiry has expanded to embrace issues of Evolutionary Development—that is, inquiry on ELC and other initiatives that support, facilitate, catalyze, and enhance self‐organization for the creation of global sustainable learning societies. This paper articulates the relation between learning and development from a systemic and evolutionary perspective. Conscious evolution is defined and explored in the context of the evolution of education, business, and society. The paper ends with a description of the implications of this line of inquiry for further research and action. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing within: Dr Bela H. Banathy's contributions to the self‐organization of public discourse
Authors: Walton Douglas C. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe currently institutionalized forms of public discourse are based on assumptions and concepts that are becoming obsolete. Moreover, many theorists, such as Bela H. Banathy, assert that these aging societal structures are now being strained to breaking point by contemporary human civilization, which has become vastly more technologically, politically, and socially complex than these institutions can accommodate. If these assertions are taken as correct, a radical new form of public discourse is required that can transform the existing institutional structure. To that end, Banathy's work on evolutionary inquiry and the New Agoras for the twenty‐first century offers an essential foundation for a new means of organizing public discourse. This article explores how his achievements can contribute to a sweeping reformation of dialogue in the public sphere. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discourse ethics in the design of educational systems: considerations for design praxis
Authors: Jenlink Patrick M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractDiscourse ethics, as related to design conversation, is a primary factor in the conceptions, decisions, and actions undertaken in the systems design processes. Considerations for what is ethical as well as who determines the system of ethics that guide the design of a human activity system are questions that must be addressed. In this paper, the author examines the importance of discourse ethics in the design of educational systems, situating ethicality within the conversational nature of social systems design. The author first discusses the ethical responsibility of educational systems design. Second, the author explores design conversation as an ethical human activity system. The author then examines discourse ethics and ethical discourse, concluding with an examination of design praxis as a stance taken by the user–designer who engages critically, reflectively, and intentionally in an inquiry that belongs intrinsically to a project of self‐understanding—realize the individual and social ‘self’ through authentic engagements. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of new technologies for female sterilization: conclusions and recommendations for research
Authors: Wilson E.W. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe conclusions and recommendations for research made during the consultation on the development of new technologies for female sterilization are presented. The participants in the consultation agreed that there was no single new method of female sterilization ready for introduction into service programs, but that there were several approaches with the potential to improve existing methods, or to provide new methods for tubal occlusion. A number of areas for future research were recommended including: additional operational research on existing abdominal approaches to tubal occlusion; further research into the physiology and pharmacology of the Fallopian tube; chemical occlusion using a transcervical approach with balloon pumps; techniques for endometrial ablation as sterilization methods; transcervical Fallopian tube cannulation; the use of quinacrine and other chemicals, such as elemental iodine, as tubal sclerosants, provided that these substances meet modern toxicological requirements.
Clinical benefit in Fabry patients given enzyme replacement therapy—A case series
Authors: Guffon N. , Fouilhoux A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSummary: Fabry disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder resulting from deficient activity of α‐galactosidase A and subsequent pathological accumulation of glycosphingolipids throughout the body. Traditionally, Fabry disease was managed symptomatically, but the introduction of enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs) (agalsidase beta (Fabrazyme); agalsidase alfa (Replagal)) has transformed treatment of this disorder. Clinical studies of both compounds have demonstrated clearance of glycosphingolipds from key tissues. To explore whether substrate clearance translates into clinical benefit, a retrospective survey of 17 patients (mean age 34.7 years) treated with agalsidase beta (1 mg/kg every 2 weeks) was undertaken, using an eight‐item retrospective questionnaire developed specifically to assess the effect of ERT on the symptoms of Fabry disease. Pain severity, heat tolerance, physical activity, fatigue and psychological status were scored using a 10‐point visual analogue scale (e.g. for pain severity: 1 = none, 10 = strong). Answers to all other questions were quantitative. Changes in mean scores were 4.69 to 2.25 (p = 0.012) for pain severity; 4.38 to 2.21 (p = 0.019) for number of pain crises per month; 8.69 to 2.98 (p = 0.097) for duration of pain crises in hours; 2.76 to 5.76 (p = 0.002) for heat tolerance; 3.28 to 2.51 (p = 0.058) for bowel movements per day; 2.47 to 4.47 (p = 0.007) for frequency of physical activity; 5.53 to 3.71 (p = 0.046) for fatigue, and 5.82 to 8.12 (p = 0.005) for psychological status. All patients improved in at least one aspect, although the degree of improvement across patients and aspects varied widely; reasons for this remain unclear. Despite the inherent bias involved in retrospective questionnaires, we believe that the findings are encouraging. A prospective version of the questionnaire is currently under validation.
How reliable is the allopurinol load in detecting carriers for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency?
Authors: Grünewald S. , Fairbanks L. , Genet S. , Cranston T. , Hüsing J. , Leonard J. V. , Champion M. P. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSummary: The allopurinol test aims to distinguish carriers and noncarriers for ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency. We have evaluated the reliability of the test in at‐risk females of known genotype. Results based on urine orotidine and/or orotic acid measurement were compared in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Retrospectively, we analysed the results of allopurinol tests in 42 women (22 confirmed heterozygotes and 20 noncarriers) from 23 pedigrees at risk of being carriers for OTC deficiency. Using a cut‐off of 2 standard deviations above the mean of controls, the highest sensitivity (91%) was given by orotidine alone or in combination with orotic acid, but specificity was only 70% and 65%, respectively. We conclude that the value of the allopurinol test for detecting OTC carriers in at‐risk females is limited. This needs to be recognized when counselling families. The test still has a role as a safe, quick, noninvasive screen of individuals at risk, but test results in possible carriers should be interpreted with caution. In the absence of other supportive evidence, confirmation by mutation analysis is required.
Pro‐oxidant and antioxidant factors in acute intermittent porphyria: Family studies
Authors: Rocchi E. , Ventura P. , Ronzoni A. , Rosa M. C. , Gozzi C. , Marri L. , Casalgrandi G. , Cappellini M. D. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSummary: Given the crucial role of iron and porphyrins in oxidative cellular damage in the chronic porphyrias, we undertook an extensive study in families with acute porphyrias to evaluate the possible role of similar oxidative damage in these diseases, whose natural history is often also complicated by neoplastic evolution. Four unrelated patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) were studied together with 37 members of four different families. Aminolevulinic acid and porphobilinogen were measured in urine, and porphyrins in urine, plasma and stools. The activity of the congenitally deficient enzyme, porphobilinogen deaminase, and the concentrations of plasma iron, transferrin, ferritin, and various antioxidants (ascorbic acid, retinol, tocopherol, α‐ and β‐carotene, by a personal HPLC method) and the urinary and plasma metabolites of nitrous oxide were also assayed. The results showed no relationship between the observed increase of porphyrin metabolites and the presence of markers of oxidative damage or the decrease of circulating antioxidants: however, when such a decrease was registered, it depended on spontaneous or iatrogenic iron accumulation. We conclude that family screening, recommended for the identification of AIP carriers, must also include evaluation of iron stores with a view to preventing the oxidative damage and in order to forestall the neoplastic evolution of the disease.
Mitochondrial respiratory chain disease presenting as progressive bulbar paralysis of childhood
Authors: Roeleveld‐Versteegh A. B. C. , Braun K. P. J. , Smeitink J. A. M. , Dorland L. , de Koning T. J. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSummary: We report two siblings with a mitochondrial respiratory chain defect who presented with progressive bulbar paralysis of childhood (Fazio‐Londe disease). Mitochondrial respiratory chain defects should be considered in the differential diagnosis of this rare clinical entity.
Fatal presentation of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency in a 62‐year‐old man and family studies
Authors: Rohininath T. , Costello D. J. , Lynch T. , Monavari A. , Tuchman M. , Treacy E. P. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSummary: Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) resulting from deficiency of the mitochondrial enzyme OTC shows extensive phenotypic heterogeneity influenced by allelic heterogeneity and modifying environmental influences such as protein intake. We report the fatal late‐onset presentation of OTCD in a 62‐year‐old man with the V337L mutation, a previous presentation in his grandson and negative clinical and biochemical screening of the proband's three daughters.
A novel mutation in the GLUT2 gene in a patient with Fanconi‐Bickel syndrome detected by neonatal screening for galactosaemia
Authors: Peduto A. , Spada M. , Alluto A. , Dolcetta M. La , Ponzone A. , Santer R. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSummary: A patient affected by Fanconi‐Bickel syndrome detected by neonatal screening for galactosaemia is reported. Molecular studies of the GLUT2 gene led to the identification of a novel mutation of the glucose transporter protein.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity among young people in Great Britain
Authors: Jebb Susan A , Rennie Kirsten L , Cole Tim J 
Published: May 2004

AbstractObjective:To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in British young people (4–18 years) in 1997.Design:Cross-sectional analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of young people.Setting:Great Britain.Subjects:Nationally representative sample of 1836 young people (age 4–18 years).Results:The prevalence of obesity based on body mass index (weight/height2) and the International Obesity Task Force cut–offs was 4.0%, with a further 15.4% identified as overweight. Asians were almost four times as likely to be obese as white subjects (13.6 vs. 3.5%, P < 0.001). Among white subjects there was no significant difference in the prevalence of obesity between girls and boys, or with age. The risk of obesity was significantly higher in subjects from social classes IV and V than from social classes I–III (6.5 vs. 2.7%, P = 0.003). Subjects living in Scotland and Wales were significantly more likely to be obese than those in England (7.6 and 6.5 vs. 2.9%, respectively, P < 0.01). Multiple logistic regression showed that, among white subjects, those in social classes IV and V living in Wales and Scotland were three times more likely to be obese than the other children in the survey (odds ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval 1.1–9.8).Conclusion:These data provide information on the national prevalence of overweight and obesity in Great Britain and baseline data from which to monitor future trends. This analysis provides important demographic information on those most at risk of obesity, which may be used to inform public health strategies to prevent obesity in young people.
How feasible are healthy eating and physical activity for young women?
Authors: Ball Kylie , Crawford David , Warren Narelle 
Published: May 2004

AbstractObjective:This study investigated young women's perceptions of the feasibility of physical activity and healthy eating behaviours, and how these vary by socio-economic status, domestic characteristics and weight status.Design:This population-based study used a mailed questionnaire to investigate perceptions of the feasibility of commonly recommended healthy eating and physical activity behaviours among a sample of young women. The feasibility of 29 physical activity behaviours (e.g. relating to frequency, intensity, duration, domain/setting) and 15 healthy eating behaviours (e.g. relating to location/setting, fruit and vegetable intake, fat/sugar intake) was assessed. Height, weight and sociodemographic details were also obtained.Setting:Nation-wide community-based survey.Subjects:A total of 445 women aged 18–32 years selected randomly from the Australian electoral roll.Results:Most women reported that they either were already engaged in many of the healthy eating behaviours or saw these as highly feasible. Many physical activity behaviours, on the other hand, were perceived as less feasible, particularly among women with children and women who were overweight.Conclusions:Health promotion messages and strategies aimed at increasing physical activity and healthy eating are unlikely to succeed unless they take into account perceptions that these behaviours are not feasible. For young women, this may involve promoting more time-effective, flexible ways of achieving recommended physical activity. Messages specifically targeted to women with children, and women who are overweight, are required.
Large heterogeneity of the obesity epidemic in Danish adults
Authors: Heitmann Berit L , Strøger Ulla , Mikkelsen Kim L , Holst Claus , Sørensen Thorkild IA 
Published: May 2004

AbstractObjective:To examine to what extent the obesity epidemic is a general phenomenon in adults by assessing the secular change, by birth cohort and age, in the prevalence of obesity and median body mass index (BMI) in Danish men and women measured between 1964 and 1994.Design:Multiple cross-sectional population surveys.Setting:The greater Copenhagen area of Denmark.Subjects:The study included 17 065 men (30 336 observations) and 13 417 women (24 065 observations), aged 20–84 years.Main outcome measures:Trends in median BMI and prevalence of obesity estimated from measured height and weight in 10-year age groups.Results:In general the prevalence of obesity was increasing, although in an irregular way: among men in two phases, during the 1970s and 1990s and among women only during the 1990s. Great heterogeneity was observed between birth cohorts and age groups. There was only little indication of an increasing trend in obesity prevalence for women, except for the 55–64-year-olds. In men, the prevalence of obesity was increasing in all age groups except in the youngest ones, and it was statistically significant only for men aged 35–74 years. There was no significant linear change in median BMI in any group, except for an increasing trend among men aged 50 years and above.Conclusion:Although the overall Danish trend for obesity prevalence, similar to trends world-wide, showed a marked increase, the trend was very heterogeneous and generally neither uniform nor significantly positive; the changes were irregular, different among men and women, and different in the different age and birth cohorts. The obesity problem in middle-aged and older men of certain birth cohorts poses a specific public health challenge. Future studies of determinants behind the heterogeneity in the development of the obesity epidemic may provide clues to its causes.