bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors associated with symptomatic pulmonary embolism in a large cohort of deep vein thrombosis patients
Authors: Kucher Nils , Tapson Victor , Goldhaber Samuel ,   for the DVT FREE Steering Committee
Published: February 2005

SummaryIn patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the factors which predispose to concomitant symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) have remained uncertain. From a prospective cohort of 5,451 consecutive patients with ultrasound-confirmed DVT, we analyzed 4,211 patients with a known status for presence (n =639) or absence (n = 3572) of symptomatic PE. Age and gender were similar in DVT plus PE (63.7±15.6 years; 49% men) and DVT patients (63.4±17.3 years; 46% men). Body mass index (BMI) was higher in patients with DVT plus PE (median 29.0, range 15.4–67.0 kg/m2) than in patients with DVT (median 26.8, range 9.7–64.4 kg/m2; p < 0.001). Chronic lung disease (17% vs. 12%; p < 0.001), a personal history of PE (11% vs. 6%; p < 0.001), and a family history of DVT or PE (8% vs. 4%; p < 0.001) were more frequent in DVT plus PE patients. Twenty-seven percent of DVT plus PE patients received prophylaxis prior to the thromboembolic event compared with 32% of DVT patients (p=0.002). Proximal DVT (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.39–2.43), prior PE (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.20–2.35), obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.33–2.04), chronic lung disease (OR 1.51, 95%CI 1.13–2.01), as well as omission of prophylaxis (OR 1.30, 95%CI 1.04–1.64) emerged as independent predictors of concomitant symptomatic PE.
The alkylating carcinogen N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine activates the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene through sequential phosphorylation of p53 by ATM and ATR kinases
Authors: Jardí Mercè , Saito Shin'ichi , Appella Ettore , Vidal Berta , Parra Maribel , Muñoz-Cánoves Pura 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe alkylating agent MNNG is an environmental carcinogen that causes DNA lesions leading to cell death. We previously demonstrated that MNNG induced the transcriptional activity of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene in a p53-dependent manner. However, the mechanism(s) linking external MNNG stimulation and PAI-1 gene induction remained to be elucidated. Here, we show that ATM and ATR kinases, but not DNA-PK, which participate in DNA damage-activated checkpoints, regulate the phosphorylation of p53 at serine 15 in response to MNNG cell treatment. Using ATM-deficient cells, ATM was shown to be required for early phosphorylation of serine 15 in response to MNNG, whereas catalytically inactive ATR selectively interfered with late phase serine 15 phosphorylation. In contrast, DNA-PK-deficient cells showed no change in the MNNG-induced serine 15 phosphorylation pattern. In agreement with this, sequential activation of ATM and ATR kinases was also required for adequate induction of the endogenous PAI-1 gene by MNNG. Finally, we showed that cells derived from PAI-1-deficient mice were more resistant to MNNG-induced cell death than normal cells, suggesting that p53-dependent PAI-1 expression partially mediated this effect. Since PAI-1 is involved in the control of tumor invasiveness, our finding that MNNG induces PAI-1 gene expression via ATM/ATR-mediated phosphorylation of p53 sheds new insight on the role of these DNA damage-induced cell cycle checkpoint kinases.
Clinical phenotypes and factor VII genotype in congenital factor VII deficiency
Authors: Mariani Guglielmo , Herrmann Falko , Dolce Alberto , Batorova Angelika , Etro Daniela , Peyvandi Flora , Wulff Karin , Schved Jean , Auerswald Günter , Ingerslev Jorgen , Bernardi Francesco ,   for the International Factor VII Deficiency Study Group (see appendix)
Published: February 2005

SummaryTo investigate the relationship between clinical phenotype, clotting activity (FVIIc) and FVII genotype, a multi-center study of factor VII (FVII) congenital deficiency with centralized genotyping and specific functional assays was carried out. FVII mutations characterized in patients (n=313) were extremely heterogeneous (103 different, 22 novel). Clinical phenotypes ranged from asymptomatic condition, including 15 homozygotes and 14 double heterozygotes, to patients with a severe disease char-acterized by life-threatening and disabling symptoms (CNS, GI bleeding and hemarthrosis) strongly associated with an early age of presentation. Based on type and number of symptoms we classified 90 'severe' (median FVIIc 1.4%, IQR [Interquartile Range] 0.9–3.8), 83 'moderate' (FVIIc 3%, IQR 1–21.7), and 140 'mild' bleeders (FVIIc 14%, IQR 3–31). The significantly different FVIIc levels, and the decreasing prevalence of homozygotes or double heterozygotes among severe (98%), moderate (84%) and mild (56%) bleeders, further support our classification. The excess of females among moderate bleeders (female/male ratio =2.6) is attributable to menorrhagia. There was no evidence for modulation of clinical features by frequent functional polymorphisms. Homozygotes for the same mutation (Ala294Val; 11125del C) with similar FVIIc and FXa generation levels, showed striking differences in clinical phenotypes. Our study depicts the ample clinical picture of this rare disorder, proposes a severity classification and provides arguments for the early management of the disease in the severe cases. Genotype-phenotype relationships indicate the presence of major environmental and/or extragenic components modulating expressivity of FVII deficiency.
Variability in clinical laboratory practice in testing for disorders of platelet function
Authors: Moffat Karen , Ledford-Kraemer Marlies , Nichols William , Hayward Catherine 
Published: February 2005

SummaryDisorders of platelet function are important causes of abnormal bleeding that require laboratory tests for diagnosis. Currently there are limited guidelines on how to perform clinical testing for these disorders. The goal of our study was to obtain information on how disorders of platelet function are currently evaluated in clinical laboratories. Two patterns-of-practice surveys were distributed to laboratories of the North American Specialized Coagulation Laboratory Association (NASCOLA). The information collected was analyzed to determine practices and common problems. Forty-seven NASCOLA laboratories participated and 54% completed both surveys. The majority of the laboratories that responded performed more than 50 aggregation tests per year, mainly using platelet rich plasma based methodologies. A minority performed testing for platelet secretion and dense granule abnormalities. While platelet aggregation results were reviewed in various ways, laboratories most commonly issued a combined report containing quantitative values (% aggregation and/or slope) and a qualitative interpretation. Although laboratories used similar agonists for aggregation testing, the final agonist concentrations varied widely. Several approaches were also used to obtain reference intervals. Comments offered by the participants indicated that performing, and interpreting platelet function tests were challenging for many clinical laboratories. Although common practices have evolved, there is considerable variability in the diagnostic test procedures used by clinical laboratories to evaluate disorders of platelet function. These patterns-of-practice surveys illustrate a need for guidelines and recommendations for clinical laboratories performing tests of platelet function.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids interfere with formation of the immunological synapse
Authors: Geyeregger René , Zeyda Maximilian , Zlabinger Gerhard J , Waldhäusl Werner , Stulnig Thomas M 
Published: February 2005

AbstractPolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUAs) exert inhibitory effects on T cell-mediated immune responses. Activation of T cells in vivo depends on formation of an immunological synapse (IS) at the T cell/antigen-presenting cell (APC) interface. Here, we analyzed effects of PUFA treatment on the formation of the IS and APC-induced human T cell activation. In T cells treated with the PUFA eicosapentaenoic (EPA; 20:5,n-3) and arachidonic acid (20:4,n-6), stimulated by superantigen-presenting cells or APCs, relocalization to the IS of distinct molecules [F-actin, talin, leukocyte functional antigen-1α, clusters of differentiation (CD)3ɛ] was inhibited markedly compared with cells treated with saturated fatty acid, whereas relocalization of protein kinase Cθ to the IS remained unaffected. CD3-induced, sustained phosphorylation of nucleotide exchange factor Vav, which controls cytoskeletal rearrangements underlying IS formation, was significantly reduced in EPA-treated Jurkat and peripheral blood T cells. In addition, T cell raft disruption by methyl-β-cyclodextrin treatment and experiments with a chimeric linker for activation of T cell proteins, which is resistant to PUFA effects on lipid rafts, revealed modifications of lipid rafts as a crucial factor for PUFA-mediated inhibition of APC-stimulated cytoskeletal rearrangements. Furthermore, the efficiency of T cell/APC conjugate formation was significantly reduced with EPA-treated T cells, as was stimulation of CD69 expression, which is not altered following antibody-mediated T cell activation. In conclusion, PUFA treatment of T cells qualitatively and quantitatively alters IS formation, thereby extending T cell signaling defects to pathways that are not intrinsically altered in PUFA-treated T cells when stimulated by antibodies.
Valuing empathy and emotional intelligence in health leadership: a study of empathy, leadership behaviour and outcome effectiveness
Authors: Skinner C , Spurgeon P 
Published: February 2005

This article examines the relationship between health managers' self-assessed empathy, their leadership behaviours as rated by their staff, and staff's personal ratings on a range of work satisfaction and related outcome measures. Empathy was conceived of as four distinct but related individual dispositions, namely empathic concern (EC), perspective taking (PT), personal distress (PD) and empathic matching (EM). Results showed three empathy scales (EC, PT and EM) were, as postulated, positively related to transformational behaviour (inspiring followers to achieve more than expected). The same three measures, also as expected, showed no relationship to transactional behaviour (motivating followers to achieve expected results) and were negatively associated with laissez-faire leadership (an absence of leadership style). Relationships between empathy scales and outcome measures were selective and moderate in size. Strongest empathy association was evident between the PT scale and most outcome measures. Conversely, the extra effort outcome appeared most sensitive to the range of empathy scales. Where significant relationships did exist between empathy and outcome, leadership behaviour was in all cases a perfect mediator. Whilst not denying the smaller dispositional effects on leadership outcomes, leadership behaviour itself, rather than individual traits such as empathy, appear to be major influencing factors in leadership effectiveness.
The effects of Medicare Health Management Organizations on hospital operating profit in Florida
Authors: Large John T , Sear Alan M 
Published: February 2005

Between 1992 and 1997, the number of members enrolled in Medicare Health Management Organizations (HMOs) nationwide in the USA more than doubled. During this period, managed care organizations wielded considerable influence over the health care of a large segment of the Medicare population in Florida. This study examined the impact on operational profit of 148 short-term, acute-care Florida hospitals in this period from Medicare HMO patients, as part of a hospital's payer mix. Three measures of hospital profitability were used: operating profit per actual bed, total operating profit with no adjustment for bed size, and operating margins. The multivariate statistical model employed in this study was a linear mixed model with an autoregressive order one (AR[1]) parametric structure on the covariance matrix. The results of the study indicate that Florida hospitals experienced greater profit pressures from Medicare HMO inpatients than from traditional Medicare inpatients. Further, these hospitals could have experienced positive profit effects with greater traditional Medicare participation and negative financial effects with greater Medicare HMO participation. Additionally, Medicare HMO patients appear to have been admitted to hospitals in worse health condition than those in traditional Medicare. Medicare HMO patients were more likely to have used emergency rooms as the source of admission than traditional Medicare patients. Also, Medicare HMO patients were more likely to have been admitted as emergent cases than traditional Medicare patients. Other research has shown that Medicare HMO patients, at the time of enrolment, are probably healthier than traditional Medicare enrollees, but here they appear to have been admitted to hospitals with higher levels of severity of illness. Explanations are offered for these findings.
Analysis of Factors Influencing the Shear Deformation of Granular Materials
Authors: Assaad A , Masad E 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
This study utilizes recent advances in image analysis techniques to conduct detailed multiscale shape analysis of four granular materials. In addition, X-ray analysis was used to measure the chemical composition of these granular materials. The shape and chemical composition results were used to investigate the factors influencing the shear deformation of granular materials tested using the direct shear device. The analysis involved determining the different energy components influencing the shear deformation of granular materials.
The results show that the granular material angularity and texture are two different distinct properties that can be quantified accurately using the methods proposed in this paper. Texture influences the material “true” friction,” while angularity mostly affects the dilative behavior of the materials. The results also show that the energy dissipated in particle rearrangement is an important factor that should be considered in the analysis of shear deformation of granular materials. This dissipated energy increases with an increase in material angularity and a decrease in confinement. A relationship between the various components of the angle of internal friction and stress confinement is proposed in this study.
A Cylinder Shear Apparatus
Authors: Corfdir A , Lerat P , Vardoulakis I 
Published: February 2005

AbstractStudies of the interface between soil and an element of structure are actively carried out, considering the importance of the behavior of such interfaces in civil engineering applications such as deep foundations, retaining structures, and soil reinforcement. In the past a wide variety of different testing devices have been used, such as the modified direct or simple shear apparatus, pull-out devices, and annular shear apparatuses. Here a new shear device, the cylinder shear apparatus, is presented that has been designed to enhance our shear testing possibilities. This new shear device allows, as ring shear devices, significant shear displacements with an improved homogeneity of the interface. It allows also the control of the normal confining stress, stress control in a direction parallel to the interface, and visualization of the interface kinematics. The cylinder shear apparatus gives also the possibility of performing tests with natural granular material and/or with Schneebeli's rollers, with dry, saturated, drained and undrained samples and continuous pore fluid pressure monitoring.
Evaluation of the Base Condition of Drilled Shafts by the Impact-Echo Method
Authors: Soo KD , Woo KH 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Numerical and experimental model studies were carried out to evaluate the base condition of drilled shafts. Base conditions such as free, fixed, rock-socketed, and soft-bottom were considered. To simulate the base conditions, mock-up shaft models made of cement mortar were used. The impact-echo method was applied to evaluate each base condition. Finally, field tests were performed for the rock-socketed shafts. It is found that the rock-socketed condition and socketed length can be evaluated. The soft bottom condition can be identified, only when the side contact between shaft and surrounding rock is poor, whereas it cannot be identified when the side contact is good.
Effect of Presence of Rigid Base within the Soil on the Dynamic Response of Rigid Surface Foundation
Authors: Mandal A , Baidya DK 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
The present experimental investigations study the effect of presence of rigid base at any depth within the soil mass on the dynamic response of foundation under vertical mode of vibration. Model block vibration tests on rigid surface footing are conducted on a different soil layer of finite thicknesses underlain by a rigid base. A concrete block of size 400 × 400 × 100 mm is used as the model block, and a Lazan type mechanical oscillator is used for inducing vibration in vertical direction. The finite soil layers of different thicknesses are prepared in a pit at the bottom of which a massive concrete layer of 300 mm thick was cast to represent it as a rigid base. In the investigation two different soils, namely, local in situ soil and sand are used. In total 72 tests are conducted in different loading combinations and soil types, and several important observations are reported. Two different methods are proposed to analyze the dynamic response of a foundation resting on a finite layer underlain by a rigid layer. Finally, the experimental results are compared with the results that were obtained by the proposed method. A Mass-Spring-Dashpot (MSD) model with proper consideration of damping factor is found to provide reasonably accurate results. Elastic Half Space Theory (EHST) with equivalent soil properties is found to underestimate the displacement amplitude.
Use of EPS Grains to Simulate the Behavior of MSW in Simple Shear
Authors: Simonini P , De Ronch M 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
The difficulty in laboratory testing of highly heterogeneous municipal solid waste (MSW) may suggest an investigation of the influence of different stress/strain/drainage conditions, and use of an analogical equivalent medium such as assemblies of expanded polystyrene (EPS) grains, which are characterized by a mechanical response very similar to MSW but relatively simpler for testing preparation. Both materials, in fact, evidently show a behavioral analogy, such as a different response when subjected to triaxial compression or pure shear, resulting from the effects of significant porosity and a relevant inherent compressibility of the individual elements.
This research is concerned with an experimental investigation into the behavior of saturated assemblies of EPS grains, tested in the laboratory using a modified simple shear device. In addition to the description of the experimental testing technique, this paper attempts to discuss the main outcome of test results, showing particularly the influence of inherent compressibility of EPS grains on material volumetric response.
Triaxial Testing System for Measuring Loading-Rate Effects During Cyclic Tests of Sand
Authors: Hoque E , Tatsuoka F 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
A triaxial testing system is described for obtaining reliable data for measuring stiffness and damping of a sand by applying cyclic load in the frequency range between 0.005 and 2.0 Hz. The system is equipped with LDTs to measure axial deformations locally, gap sensors (GSs) to measure axial and radial deformations, and a load-cell. The data acquisition units of these components were critically examined for the possible existence and the influences of time lag in the stress-strain responses of cyclic load. For the measurement of a pair of corresponding stress and strain, data acquisition systems consisting of various electronic transducers must be identical to each other. Damping ratio evaluated with axial strain by the inductive-type sensor GS was found unreliable when used with a strain-gage type load cell to measure deviator stress. The problem was totally absent in the pair of load cell and LDTs as they are strain-gage type devices having similar data acquisition units. Using the latter combination, the stiffness was observed independent of frequency, while damping showed noticeable dependency on the frequency of loading.
Comparative Statistical Analysis of Original and Aged Bituminous Material Viscosity
Authors: Divinsky M 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Statistical behavior and peculiarities of the viscosity data for original and aged bituminous materials have been investigated. Approximation of the empirical distribution of the aging index values as the ratio of corresponding values for aged and original bituminous material viscosity has been carried out employing normal, lognormal, and Charlier theoretical distribution models. Corresponding models for the suitable approximation of values under consideration have been verified. Probability distribution models under discussion reflect the main features of the aging index data. Accordance of the applied distribution models has been confirmed by transformed-values analysis employing logarithmic and square root transformations for presented aging index values. Suggested probabilistic models including the normal distribution and, in the first instance, the lognormal and Charlier distribution models, can be recommended for practical application for corresponding data analysis. Relationships among the viscosity data of original and aged bituminous materials employing different linear and nonlinear equations and multiple regression models, also including use of penetration and kinematic viscosity data, have been studied and analyzed. Specifications of the residual behavior for the regression equations have been examined, keeping in mind data peculiarities and their degree of heterogeneity. Presented results widen the possibilities for original and aged bituminous materials penetration and aging index data interpretation, increasing the reliability of estimations for corresponding quantitative characteristics.
Mechanical Behavior of Polymers PBXW-128 and PBXN-110 Under Uniaxial and Multiaxial Compression at Different Strain Rates and Temperatures
Authors: Çolak ÖÜ 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe influence of strain rate, temperature, and confining pressure on the mechanical behavior of PBXN-110 binder “inert” (hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB)) and PBXW-128 simulant “inert,” which is mixed with small particles of sugar, approximately 50 % by weight, is presented in this paper. The polymer PBXN-110 is used as the matrix for the particle-reinforced polymer composite (PBXW-128); the latter is the mock or inert equivalent of actual explosive material. Stress-strain response of both polymeric materials under uniaxial compression is found to be dependent on the strain rate. On one hand, it is observed that PBXW-128 exhibits temperature-dependent behavior, while the mechanical response of PBXN-110 is not significantly affected at temperatures above the glass transition temperature. Compression experiments in the presence of confining pressure reveal that the stress-strain response of each material is rate insensitive.