bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of selective inhibition of HPV‐16 DNA amplification in cervicovaginal lavages
Authors: Lefevre Jonas , Hankins Catherine , Pourreaux Karina , Voyer Hélène ,   The Canadian Women's HIV Study Group, Coutlée François 
Published: November 2003

AbstractHPV‐16 viral load has been assessed with real‐time PCR assays by measuring HPV‐16 DNA and a human gene in genital samples. HPV‐16 viral load measurements are thus based on the inference that inhibitors contained in samples will equally impede amplification of DNA sequences from HPV‐16 and human DNA. We have previously shown that sample lysates can inhibit amplification of HPV‐16 but not β‐globin DNA. In the current study, cervicovaginal lavages lysates considered adequate for PCR analysis by a qualitative β‐globin PCR test, were screened for the presence of inhibitors using internal controls (IC) for HPV‐16 DNA and β‐globin in real‐time PCR assays. Of 150 lysates screened with both ICs, 12 (8%) contained inhibitors. Inhibition of amplification of both ICs was demonstrated in four of these specimens. In eight lysates, amplification of HPV‐16 IC only was impeded. Six (50%) of these 12 lysates tested positive for HPV‐16 DNA despite the presence of PCR inhibitors. The HPV‐16 viral load increased significantly after dilution of 11 of 12 lysates, demonstrating the presence of inhibitors in the undiluted lysate. Nine (90%) of 10 samples with inhibitors that were tested after dilution did not demonstrate inhibitory activity. The use of internal controls in real‐time PCR is clearly essential to determine HPV viral loads since the effect of inhibitors on primer‐driven genomic amplification is variable. J. Med. Virol. 72:132–137, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HLA phenotypes and outcomes of hepatitis B virus infection in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Ya‐Fang , Wang Li‐Yu , Lee Tsung‐Dao , Lin Hans Hsienhong , Hu Chi‐Tan , Cheng Mu‐Liang , Lo Shih‐Yen 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe relationship of HLA phenotype and outcome of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was studied in two ethnic groups of Taiwan: Han Chinese and Taiwanese Aborigines. In Han Chinese, the study groups consisted of 98 persons who tested both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti‐HBs negative (Uninfected Group), 324 persons who tested HBsAg negative and both anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc positive (Recovered Group), and 98 patients who tested HBsAg positive for at least 6 months (Chronically Infected Group). In Taiwanese Aborigines, the study groups consisted of 34 persons in Uninfected Group, 229 persons in the Recovered Group, and 138 patients in the Chronically Infected Group. All subjects were tested for HLA (A, B, DRB1) phenotypes by sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probe hybridization (SSOPH). HLA‐DR*0406 was significantly more frequent in the Recovered Group, compared with the Chronically Infected Group (P < 0.001) in Han Chinese. There was a significant excess of HLA‐B*4001 (P = 0.045) in the Recovered Group, compared with the Chronically Infected Group in Taiwanese Aborigines. The observation that different HLA phenotypes associated with recovery from HBV infection in different racial groups implies that various HLA molecules could present different HBV epitopes to induce effective immune responses. J. Med. Virol. 72:17–25, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mild carbon monoxide exposure impairs the developing auditory system of the rat
Authors: Webber Douglas S. , Korsak Rose A. , Sininger Lauren K. , Sampogna Sharon L. , Edmond John 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe object of this study was to determine if chronic exposure to mild concentrations of CO in air caused changes in the integrity of the inferior colliculus during the most active period of synaptogenesis/auditory development. We examined all subregions of the inferior colliculus (IC) of rats by immunocytochemical approaches after pups were exposed chronically to CO concentrations of, 0, 12.5, 25, and 50 ppm in air starting at Day 8 through 20–22 days of age. Mother‐reared pups were compared to the gastrostomy‐reared pups with or without CO exposure for basal neural activity, using c‐Fos immunoreactivity as a marker. Half the rats were examined at 27 days of age, 5 days after the end of CO exposure, and the other half were examined 50 days later at 75–77 days of age. In the central nucleus of the IC, the number of cells expressing a basal level of c‐Fos was decreased significantly in the CO‐exposed animals when compared to controls; however, there was little or no difference in the number of cells expressing c‐Fos in the other subregions of the IC. We conclude that the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus is affected selectively by mild CO exposure (0.0012% in air) and that this reduction in neuronal activity persists into adulthood. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Business portfolio restructuring, prior diversification posture and investor reactions
Authors: Byerly Robin T. , Lamont Bruce T. , Keasler Terrill 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThis study examined firm performance in market reaction to two types of business portfolio restructuring announcements: refocusing and repositioning. We predicted that market performance effects for these two types of strategic restructurers would be moderated by prior diversification posture. The theory behind these expectations was built on a general premise that restructuring strategy would be more favorably viewed by the market as performance enhancing when it offered greater potential for organizational transformation. Results showed strong support for our conclusion that prior diversification posture poses a significant contingency factor in restructuring firms' strategic choices. Further, the market tended to respond more favorably with this sample to repositioning restructuring choices. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of Internet Protocol network design and routing
Authors: Holmberg Kaj , Yuan Di 
Published: November 2003

AbstractWe consider network design and routing for Internet Protocol (IP) traffic. The design problem concerns capacity dimensioning of communication links, where the design cost consists of fixed charges and linear capacity expansion costs. The optimization problem also concerns determining the amount of traffic demand to be carried by the network and the metric used by a shortest path routing protocol. We present a novel linear mixed‐integer mathematical formulation and two heuristic solution procedures. The first heuristic uses mixed‐integer programming to generate a sequence of routing solutions. The second solution approach is a simulated annealing meta heuristic. Computational experiments for synthesized and real‐life networks show that high‐quality solutions can be obtained by both approaches. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prediction of deleterious functional effects of amino acid mutations using a library of structure‐based function descriptors
Authors: Herrgard Sanna , Cammer Stephen A. , Hoffman Brian T. , Knutson Stacy , Gallina Marijo , Speir Jeffrey A. , Fetrow Jacquelyn S. , Baxter Susan M. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAn automated, active site‐focused, computational method is described for use in predicting the effects of engineered amino acid mutations on enzyme catalytic activity. The method uses structure‐based function descriptors (Fuzzy Functional Forms™ or FFFs™) to automatically identify enzyme functional sites in proteins. Three‐dimensional sequence profiles are created from the surrounding active site structure. The computationally derived active site profile is used to analyze the effect of each amino acid change by defining three key features: proximity of the change to the active site, degree of amino acid conservation at the position in related proteins, and compatibility of the change with residues observed at that position in similar proteins. The features were analyzed using a data set of individual amino acid mutations occurring at 128 residue positions in 14 different enzymes. The results show that changes at key active site residues and at highly conserved positions are likely to have deleterious effects on the catalytic activity, and that non‐conservative mutations at highly conserved residues are even more likely to be deleterious. Interestingly, the study revealed that amino acid substitutions at residues in close contact with the key active site residues are not more likely to have deleterious effects than mutations more distant from the active site. Utilization of the FFF‐derived structural information yields a prediction method that is accurate in 79–83% of the test cases. The success of this method across all six EC classes suggests that it can be used generally to predict the effects of mutations and nsSNPs for enzymes. Future applications of the approach include automated, large‐scale identification of deleterious nsSNPs in clinical populations and in large sets of disease‐associated nsSNPs, and identification of deleterious nsSNPs in drug targets and drug metabolizing enzymes. Proteins 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bound states of multipoles
Authors: Pupyshev Vladimir I. , Ermilov Alexandr Y. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractFor the classical point‐charge systems, such as two‐point dipole, linear and planar square quadrupoles, and cubic octupole, the critical‐charge values, which ensure the existence of the bound states in the one‐electron problem, are determined numerically within both the linear combination of atomic orbital and the finite‐difference approximations. The methods of the critical parameters calculation for the problem of the discrete spectrum state embedding into the continuum are considered. The estimated critical‐charge values for the square quadrupole and the cubic octupole (with unit side and edge, respectively) are estimated to be 1.6516 and 1.7257 a.u., respectively. The qualitative analysis of the problem is also presented. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Hartree–Fock calculations of electronic structure of (110)‐surface of rutile TiO2: Comparison of single (2D) and periodic (3D) slab models
Authors: Evarestov R. A. , Bandura A. V. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractTwo different slab models are used in calculations of the surface phenomena: two‐dimensional (2D) single (isolated) slab model (with 2D periodicity) and three‐dimensional (3D)‐slab model (with slabs, periodically repeated along the normal to the surface). Here we present the investigation and comparison of these two models basing on calculations of the (110) rutile surface within the same computational scheme (Hartree–Fock linear combination of atomic orbitals approach). The convergence of calculated surface energy and Fermi level is studied with the change of slab thickness and interslab vacuum gap using both pseudopotential and all‐electron calculations. It is found that Durand–Barthelat pseudopotentials with diffuse d‐functions on Ti atoms lead to the incorrect results for surface energy and Fermi level of 3D‐slab model. Inclusion of the core electrons in 3D‐slab calculations and the use of the 2D‐supercell approach allow obtaining surface energy in quantitative agreement with that obtained in 2D‐slab all‐electron calculations. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Sympathoadrenal Modulation of Stress-Activated Signaling in Burn Trauma
Authors: Ballard-Croft Cherry , Horton Jureta W. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Burn injury stimulates stress-responsive components, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB. p38 MAPK plays a role in postburn cardiomyocyte tumor necrosis factor-α secretion and cardiac dysfunction. Since burn trauma increases circulating catecholamine levels, which in turn modulate inflammatory cytokine production, we hypothesized that increased sympathetic activity after major burn trauma may trigger postburn cardiac p38 MAPK activation via an adrenergic receptor-mediated phenomenon. We examined adrenergic receptor populations involved in burn-activated cardiac stress signaling. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups: 1) control, 2) control plus α1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (2 μg/kg, intravenous), 3) control plus β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (1 μg/kg, intravenous), 4) burn (fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer's 4 ml/kg/% burn), 5) burn plus α1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin (1 mg/kg, by mouth), and 6) burn plus β-adrenergic antagonist propranolol (3.3 mg/kg, by mouth). Phenylephrine, but not isoproterenol, increased cardiac p38 MAPK/JNK/NF-κB activation. Burn trauma activated p38 MAPK, JNK, and NF-κB, and this stress response was blocked by either prazosin or propranolol. Thus, stimulation of the adrenergic pathway may constitute one upstream activator of stress response in burn.
Cecal Perforation in Thermal Injury
Authors: Moore Laura J. , Patel Subash , Kowal-Vern Areta , Latenser Barbara A. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Gastrointestinal complications in burn patients include ileus, constipation, hemorrhage from ulcerations, ischemic bowel, and rarely, perforations. Patients with hypotensive episodes and sepsis are at risk for developing ischemic bowel disease. There have been three reports in the literature of cecal perforation in burn patients. We present an additional case and review of the literature.
The Media Glorifying Burns: A Hindrance to Burn Prevention
Authors: Greenhalgh David G. , Palmieri Tina L. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The media have a profound influence on the actions of children and adults. Burns and burn prevention tend to be ignored or even mocked. The purpose of this presentation is to reveal the callousness of the media in its dealings with burns and burn prevention. Printed materials with a relationship to burns, risk of burning, or disrespect for the consequences of burns were collected. The materials were tabulated into four categories: comics, advertisements (ads), articles that made light of burns, and television shows that portrayed behavior that would risk burn injury. Most burn-related materials were found in comics or advertisements. Several comics made light of high-risk behavior with flames, scald injury, contact injury, or burns. In addition, several advertisements showed people on fire or actions that could easily lead to burns. Several articles and televisions shows portrayed high-risk behavior that, in some instances, led to copycat injuries. Flames are frequently used to sell items that target adolescent boys or young men. The high incidence injuries that frequent this population parallel the high-risk behaviors portrayed by the media. The media portrays flames and high-risk behavior for burn injury as being cool, funny, and without consequence. The use of flames on clothing and recreational equipment (skateboards, hot rods) particularly targets the high-risk adolescent male. The burn community should make the media aware of the harm it causes with its callous depiction and glorification of burns.
Change of Complement System Predicts the Outcome of Patients With Severe Thermal Injury
Authors: Kang H. J. , Kim J. H. , Lee E. H. , Lee Y. K. , Hur M. , Lee K. M. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
To establish the clinical relevance of the changes in the complement system in patients with thermal injury, we studied 20 patients who had third-degree burns on more than 60% of total body surface area. Their levels of the C3, C4, soluble C5b-9, and functional hemolytic activities of total (CH50) and alternative (AH50) complement pathways were sequentially measured for 2 weeks after thermal injury. All patients showed low C3 levels initially but increased C3 levels in the following days. The increasing trend of C3 levels was prominent in survivors but transient and diminished in nonsurvivors. The change of levels of C3, CH50, and AH50 was closely associated with one another, and their chronological trends related to the survival of patients (P = .0060, .0064 and .0066, respectively). The recovery of C3, AH50, and CH50 to normal or supranormal level during the early treatment period relates to the survival of patients with thermal injury. The failure of recovery of the complement system indicates a poor prognosis for patients and the monitoring of complement system might be beneficial in the care of patients with thermal injury.
The Rehabilitation/School Matrix: A Model for Accommodating the Noncompliant Child With Severe Burns
Authors: Pidcock F. S. , Fauerbach J. A. , Ober M. , Carney J. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Some children with severe burns may have difficulty following therapeutic recommendations after discharge from a burn center. Noncompliance may result in complications that affect function, surgical management, community reintegration, and successful reentry into school. We present a case study in which a child with significant compliance issues was managed in a coordinated interdisciplinary model. This model extended from acute recovery through reintegration into the classroom. A behavior-modification program was implemented across different levels of care. Educational reentry was facilitated by including a transitional period in a special-needs classroom in a freestanding special-needs school. Requirements for using educational resources to which some children are legally entitled are reviewed. Rehabilitation services that interface with the educational system for children with burns may improve outcomes as these children reintegrate into the community.
Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy for the Patient with Burns: Principles and Management Guidelines
Authors: Simons M. , King S. , Edgar D. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Clinical practice guidelines are a tool to assist with clinical decision making. They provide information about the care for a condition and make recommendations based on research evidence, which can be adapted locally. A focus group within the Allied Health Interest Group of the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association has compiled the “Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy for the Patient with Burns—Principles and Management Guidelines.” These guidelines are designed as a practical guide to the relevant clinical knowledge and therapy intervention techniques required for effective patient management. Content areas include respiratory management, edema management, splinting and positioning, physical function (mobility, function, exercise), scar management, and psychosocial and mutual elements. The document has undergone extensive review by members of the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association to ensure clarity, internal consistency, and acceptability. The guidelines have been endorsed by the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association. An abridged version of the guidelines is included in this article, with the full document available from www.anzba.org.au.
High incidence of somatic mutations in the AML1/RUNX1 gene in myelodysplastic syndrome and low blast percentage myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia
Authors: Harada Hironori , Harada Yuka , Niimi Hiromasa , Kyo Taiichi , Kimura Akiro , Inaba Toshiya 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
A high incidence of somatically acquired point mutations in the AML1/RUNX1 gene has been reported in poorly differentiated acute myeloid leukemia (AML, M0) and in radiation-associated and therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or AML. The vast majority of AML1 mutations identified in these diseases were localized in the amino (N)–terminal region, especially in the DNA-binding Runt homology domain. In this report, we show that AML1 point mutations were found in 26 (23.6%) of 110 patients with refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB), RAEB in transformation (RAEBt), and AML following MDS (defined these 3 disease categories as MDS/AML). Among them, 9 (8.2%) mutations occurred in the carboxy (C)–terminal region, which were exclusively found in MDS/AML and were strongly correlated with sporadic MDS/AML. All patients with MDS/AML with an AML1 mutation expressed wild-type AML1 protein and had a significantly worse prognosis than those without AML1 mutations. Most AML1 mutants lost trans-activation potential, regardless of their DNA binding potential. These data suggested that AML1 point mutation is one of the major driving forces of MDS/AML, and these mutations may represent a distinct clinicopathologic-genetic entity.
Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are required for efficient neurotransmission in C. elegans
Authors: Lesa Giovanni M. , Palfreyman Mark , Hall David H. , Clandinin M. Thomas , Rudolph Claudia , Jorgensen Erik M. , Schiavo Giampietro 
Published: November 2003

The complex lipid constituents of the eukaryotic plasma membrane are precisely controlled in a cell-type-specific manner, suggesting an important, but as yet, unknown cellular function. Neuronal membranes are enriched in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) and alterations in LC-PUFA metabolism cause debilitating neuronal pathologies. However, the physiological role of LC-PUFAs in neurons is unknown. We have characterized the neuronal phenotype of C. elegans mutants depleted of LC-PUFAs.
The C. elegans genome encodes a single Δ6-desaturase gene (fat-3), an essential enzyme for LC-PUFA biosynthesis. Animals lacking fat-3 function do not synthesize LC-PUFAs and show movement and egg-laying abnormalities associated with neuronal impairment. Expression of functional fat-3 in neurons, or application of exogenous LC-PUFAs to adult animals rescues these defects. Pharmacological, ultrastructural and electrophysiological analyses demonstrate that fat-3 mutant animals are depleted of synaptic vesicles and release abnormally low levels of neurotransmitter at cholinergic and serotonergic neuromuscular junctions. These data indicate that LC-PUFAs are essential for efficient neurotransmission in C. elegans and may account for the clinical conditions associated with mis-regulation of LC-PUFAs in humans.
Reciprocal walking orthosis with composite material body brace: Initial development
Authors: Stallard J , McLeod N , Woollam P J , Miller K 
Published: November 2003

Reciprocal walking orthoses are routinely used by thoracic lesion patients for ambulation using crutches. A primary reason for their prescription is to provide therapeutic benefit and improved independence. To achieve this, maximum efficiency of walking and acceptance of the device is necessary to promote long-term compliance. Lateral rigidity in the orthosis influences walking efficiency, but the structural properties of conventional techniques for producing a sufficiently rigid body brace makes them unattractive. Currently patients and clinicians are forced to choose between greater efficiency or cosmesis of the orthosis. Composite materials have the potential to permit the required rigidity in a structure that is less obtrusive. However, their material properties could lead to unsafe forms of failure unless suitable manufacturing methods are devised. It is therefore inappropriate to supply prototypes to patients for field evaluation until laboratory investigation of innovative production methods has ensured that the orthosis is safe. A production technique has been devised that is ostensibly suitable. Prototype body braces have been tested and have been shown to have improved structural properties and safe failure modes. A test programme implemented on a complete concept orthosis has confirmed that improved lateral rigidity can be achieved with a less obtrusive body brace, and that it will behave safely for long enough to permit field evaluation.