bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonpeptide and Peptide Growth Hormone Secretagogues Act Both as Ghrelin Receptor Agonist and as Positive or Negative Allosteric Modulators of Ghrelin Signaling
Authors: Holst Birgitte , Brandt Erik , Bach Anders , Heding Anders , Schwartz Thue W. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Two nonpeptide (L692,429 and MK-677) and two peptide [GH-releasing peptide (GHRP)-6 and ghrelin] agonists were compared in binding and in signal transduction assays: calcium mobilization, inositol phosphate turnover, cAMP-responsive element (CRE), and serum-responsive element (SRE) controlled transcription, as well as arrestin mobilization. MK-677 acted as a simple agonist having an affinity of 6.5 nm and activated all signal transduction systems with similar high potency (0.2–1.4 nm). L-692,429 also displayed a very similar potency in all signaling assays (25–60 nm) but competed with a 1000-fold lower apparent affinity for ghrelin binding and surprisingly acted as a positive allosteric receptor modulator by increasing ghrelin’s potency 4- to 10-fold. In contrast, the potency of GHRP-6 varied 600-fold (0.1–61 nm) depending on the signal transduction assay, and it acted as a negative allosteric modulator of ghrelin signaling. Unexpectedly, the maximal signaling efficacy for ghrelin was increased above what was observed with the hormone itself during coadministration with the nonendogenous agonists. It is concluded that agonists for the ghrelin receptor vary both in respect of their intrinsic agonist properties and in their ability to modulate ghrelin signaling. A receptor model is presented wherein ghrelin normally only activates one receptor subunit in a dimer and where the smaller nonendogenous agonists bind in the other subunit to act both as coagonists and as either neutral (MK-677), positive (L-692,429), or negative (GHRP-6) modulators of ghrelin function. It is suggested that an optimal drug candidate could be an agonist that also is a positive modulator of ghrelin signaling.
Is there a role for more day-case septal surgery?
Authors: Philpott Carl M , Banerjee Anil R 
Published: May 2005

A significant number of patients requiring septal surgery are still undergoing in-patient procedures at a time when pressures on in-patient beds are increasing.A retrospective audit of 109 patient case notes was performed to assess the potential for day-case surgery amongst patients undergoing septal surgery in the ENT department at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The other aims of the audit were to assess the overall complication rates, because these have implications for day-case surgical patients, and to see which patients should be selected.Overall, the study group had a haemorrhage rate of six per cent and a potential for 92 per cent of cases to be performed as day-case procedures.Day-case septal surgery, if utilized appropriately, has great potential in reducing the pressure on inpatient beds.
Allergen-Specific IgE Measured by a Continuous Random-Access Immunoanalyzer: Interassay Comparison and Agreement with Skin Testing
Authors: Ollert Markus , Weissenbacher Stephanie , Rakoski Jürgen , Ring Johannes 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Background: Our aims were to evaluate the performance of a fully automated system for measuring circulating allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) against an established in vitro assay and to assess the system’s diagnostic accuracy against objective clinical criteria for identifying sensitization to specific allergens.
Methods: Using both the IMMULITE® 2000 Allergy system (IML) and an assay based on the widely used ImmunoCAP® technology (CAP), we measured sIgE in serum samples from 169 persons with suspected allergies to airborne or insect venom allergens. Skin testing outcome served as the clinical comparison method.
Results: Interassay classification agreement between the IML and CAP, relative to the usual allergen-specific IgE cutoff of 0.35 kIU/L, ranged from 76% (yellow jacket venom) to 95% (orchard grass); agreement was 88.3% for all 9 allergens combined (766 results). The 90 discordant results, when resolved by skin testing, showed better agreement with the IML (72%) than with the CAP (28%). Compared with skin testing, for each of the 9 allergens studied, the area under the ROC curve was at least as large for the IML as for the CAP, reflecting in part the more extensive working range of the IML (0.10–100 kIU/L vs 0.35–100 kIU/L for CAP).
Conclusion: Laboratory testing for sIgE can be performed on a fully automated, random-access system with an extended working range and with diagnostic accuracy for representative allergens equivalent to or better than that of the semiautomated CAP technology.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase −786T&gt;C, but Not 894G&gt;T and 4a4b, Polymorphism Influences Plasma Homocysteine Concentrations in Persons with Normal Vitamin Status
Authors: Fatini Cinzia , Sofi Francesco , Gori Anna Maria , Sticchi Elena , Marcucci Rossella , Lenti Meri , Casini Alessandro , Surrenti Calogero , Abbate Rosanna , Gensini Gian Franco 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Background: Nitric oxide (NO) plays a relevant role in various events during atherogenesis. In vitro data suggest that NO may modulate homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) −786T&gt;C, 894G&gt;T, and 4a4b polymorphisms in influencing Hcy concentrations.
Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 1287 unrelated persons. Plasma Hcy was measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay, folate and vitamin B12 by RIA, vitamin B6 by HPLC, and eNOS and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms by PCR with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.
Results: MTHFR 677C&gt;T polymorphism significantly influenced Hcy concentrations after adjustment for all confounding variables (P &lt;0.0001 for trend). Univariate analysis showed that the eNOS −786T&gt;C polymorphism, but not 894G&gt;T and 4a4b, was significantly associated with the risk of having Hcy in the third tertile [&gt;13.4 μmol/L; odds ratio (OR) = 1.2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–1.5; P = 0.03]. After adjustment for all variables known to influence Hcy, the −786T&gt;C polymorphism still influenced Hcy concentrations (OR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1–3.2; P = 0.01). By analyzing the influence of eNOS polymorphisms on plasma Hcy concentrations according to vitamin concentrations (folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12), age, and smoking habits, we found a significant association between the eNOS −786T&gt;C polymorphism and Hcy in nonsmokers, in persons with normal vitamin status, and in persons &lt;60 years.
Conclusion: The eNOS −786T&gt;C polymorphism, but not 894G&gt;T and 4a4b, influences plasma Hcy concentrations mildly but significantly and independently.
Clinical Vitamin B6 Analysis: An Interlaboratory Comparison of Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate Measurements in Serum
Authors: Rybak Michael E , Jain Ram B , Pfeiffer Christine M 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Background: Recent investigations into the role vitamin B6 plays in reducing risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease have heightened interest in vitamin B6 intake and its relationship to clinical status indicators. Because a true reference method and certified reference materials are lacking, little is known about the relative analytical performance of clinical vitamin B6 assays.
Methods: Ten laboratories experienced in clinical vitamin B6 analysis participated in a 3-day analysis of 69 serum and 3 aqueous specimens for pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP). Laboratories used either HPLC-based or enzymatic assays. Results were analyzed for imprecision, recovery, and bias relative to consensus means.
Results: Among laboratories, mean within-day CVs (3 specimens × 3 measurements/day) were 0.6%–37% and between-day CVs (20 specimens × 1 measurement/day × 3 days) were 1.4%–26%. Mean recoveries of added PLP were 53%–144%, and mean sample pool mixing recoveries were 75%–119%. Consensus means calculated for 20 serum specimens gave mean relative biases between measurement of −10.0% to 24.3% among participating laboratories over a range of 15.8–319 nmol/L PLP. Measurement imprecision and biases were evaluated against empirically derived performance criteria based on biological variation. Three of 10 laboratories met optimum imprecision requirements and had 90% or more of measurements satisfy optimum criteria for biases among methods. All 10 laboratories met minimum imprecision requirements, but 25%–53% of the results reported by 4 of the 7 suboptimal laboratories failed to satisfy the minimum criteria for bias.
Conclusion: Agreement among vitamin B6 methods is good, but large differences in laboratory proficiency exist, pointing to the need for vitamin B6 reference materials and external quality assurance programs.
On the Calculation of the Elastic Buckling Load of Structures from Experimental Data
Authors: Zhou L , Chen J 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
In this paper the characteristics of the P-δ testing curves of a buckling structure are analyzed. A method of deducing the buckling load of the structure by means of the concept of maximum curvature is presented and the corresponding equation is established. The method is proved to be both accurate and simple by comparing the theoretical values with the experimentally measured values of the elastic stability tests of struts and frames. The buckling loads can be calculated directly with the formula when failure experiments of the structures and models are not allowed.
Rapid Determination of Swelling Pressure of Clay Minerals
Authors: Thakur VKS , Singh DN 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
The present study deals with development of a rapid and easy way to apply methodology that can be employed to determine the swelling pressure of clay minerals, and hence, expansive soils. Conventional oedometer tests were performed to determine the swelling characteristics of montmorillonite and bentonite clay minerals corresponding to various molding water contents, maintaining the same dry density. With the help of a dew point potentiameter, which can be used for measuring very high suction (≅90 MPa), the suction of these minerals was measured. The results obtained were used to correlate suction with the swelling pressure and the correlation was validated using data reported in the literature. The study demonstrates the usefulness of the methodology for quickly determining the swelling pressure of various clay minerals and soils.
Predicting Collapse Times for Corrugated Boxes Under Constant Top Load Using Short-Term Creep Tests
Authors: Burgess G , Singh SP , Srinangyam M 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
The ability of a corrugated box to withstand the weight of other packages on top of it is determined by its compression strength. The compression strength of a box is measured by squeezing it in a compression test machine following the standard procedure, ASTM D 642. The loss of strength over time is substantial and can be estimated by applying empirical strength retention factors. But most published factors came from long-term stacking tests done decades ago, when corrugated board was made from paper that had virtually no recycled content. The use of recycled paper has increased significantly since then, making the accuracy of these data questionable. The accuracy of published strength retention factors was checked by placing weights on top of test boxes and measuring the time it took for the boxes to collapse. The results show that these published factors greatly overestimated failure times. A new method for predicting failure times using creep tests is presented here. Using the compression test machine, a constant load equal to a fraction of the ASTM D 642 compression strength was placed on a test box and the deflection was recorded over a 12 h time period. The failure time in long-term storage under the same load was estimated from a simple extrapolation of the creep data. The results show a marked improvement in predictability using this method.
Effect of Additional Mass on the Young's Modulus of a Wooden Beam
Authors: Kubojima Y , Tonosaki M , Yoshihara H 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
We investigated the influence of an additional mass bonded on a wooden beam on its Young's modulus based on Euler-Bernoulli's elementary theory of bending. Thin rectangular beams of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis Carr.) were used as the experimental materials. After bonding an iron piece on a beam, a free-free flexural vibration test was performed to obtain Young's modulus. The Young's modulus decreased with an increase in the resonance mode number without iron pieces, but there was no such tendency when the iron piece was bonded on the specimen. This was because the constants that are needed for the Euler-Bernoulli theory are changed by the additional mass. We developed an equation that contains the effects of the weight and position of the iron piece on the constants. The Young's moduli calculated by this equation were very similar to experimental values without an iron piece.
Air Permeability of Asphalt Concrete Made with Shredded-Tire Rubber-Modified Binders and its Relationship with Porosity
Authors: Çelik ON 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Permeability of bituminous mixtures has been recognized as an important parameter that affects directly the performance and durability of materials. The permeability of bituminous mixtures and their durability are assumed to be more or less proportional to the porosity. Some researchers suggested that the permeability of bituminous mixtures is a better indicator of durability than the porosity, because permeability measures the capacity of the porous medium to transmit fluids, while porosity says nothing about their exposure to the forces producing disintegration.
Ideally, a mix should contain disconnected voids. Dimensions of the individual voids and their lack of interconnection could produce a specimen whose void content is relatively high but of low permeability. A wearing course with low permeability will resist the ingress of air and water and hence will slow down the process of binder hardening due to oxidation and evaporation.
This paper presents the relationship between the measured permeability values using the Leeds Air Permeameter and measured porosity values of asphalt concrete made with different binders.
Novel Method of Evaluating Residual Stress in Vicinal Welds Based on the Magnetostrictive Technique
Authors: Wang X-S , Li S-S , Xie D-J , Tao S 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Welding is widely used in engineering structural components and residual stress almost always exists in vicinal welds. In most cases, residual stress impairs the reliability and service life of the welded structure. Therefore, the investigation of residual stress is key to determining the quality of the welding technique. In this paper, a novel method of evaluating residual stress based on the magnetostrictive technique is proposed. Investigations with cruciform specimens and by the hole-drilling method were carried out in order to clarify the reliability of this new method. These results show that the magnetostrictive technique provides accuracy matching that of the hole-drilling method without damage. At the same time, it is more economical compared with the ultrasonic, X-ray, and neutron diffraction methods. Therefore, it is suitable for practical engineering applications. Finally, the results of a practical application are given.
Performance Evaluation Test of Automatic Ultrasonic Testing Systems for Welded Joints of Steel Bridges
Authors: Miki C , Kazuhiro N , Hiromi S , Minoru T 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
The automatic ultrasonic test can be applied to welded joints of steel bridges instead of the radiographic test. However, there are not appropriate specifications for automatic ultrasonic testing. In order to establish specifications, a collaborative study was organized by the Ministry of Construction. A round robin test was conducted twice for this objective. This paper describes the details of the round robin tests.
Fracture and Adiabatic Heating of Thick-Section Weldment in Fe-24Cr-15Ni-4Mn-0.32N Stainless Steel with Ni-Base Filler Metals at 4 K
Authors: Horiguchi K , Shindo Y 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Type JN1, a nitrogen-strengthened austenitic stainless steel [Fe-24Cr-15Ni-4Mn-0.32N (wt%)], is emerging as the preferred structural material for superconducting fusion magnet casings to operate in liquid helium at 4 K. In order to evaluate the fracture toughness and the adiabatic heating of thick-section (200 mm) weldment in JN1 forged stainless-steel plate with Ni-base filler metals, elastic-plastic fracture toughness tests were performed with 25-mm-thick compact tension specimens at 4 K. Thermocouples were used to measure the temperature rise near the crack tip. The effect of specimen location and nitrogen content on the fracture toughness parameters, and the temperature rise during dynamic crack growth, are discussed.
Weibull Analysis Effective Volume and Effective Area for a Ceramic C-Ring Test Specimen
Authors: Duffy SF , Baker EH , Wereszczak AA , Swab JJ 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
C-ring specimen geometries are used to ascertain Weibull parameters for spatially distributed flaw populations in ceramic gun barrels. A review of previously published results used to compute effective areas and effective volumes for this test specimen geometry is presented along with deficiencies associated with these computations. In addition, the results of the numerical analyses presented utilizing finite-element analysis and component level reliability algorithms clearly indicate that geometric constraints called out in the current ASTM standard for C-ring testing must be revised.
Analysis of Variability in Pay Factor Systems and Sampling Methods
Authors: Kvasnak AN , Williams RC 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Many state departments of transportation (DOTs) have incorporated a pay factor system into their quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) programs. Currently, there is no standard sampling method for QA/QC programs nor for pay factor systems. This paper examines dissimilar types of sampling processes and their effects on pay factors along with different pay factor methods. The results can aid in establishing a pay factor system and selecting an appropriate sampling method based on the volumetric characteristics and a chosen type of pay factor system. A pay factor system based on sample means and a pay factor system based on risk analysis of hot mix asphalt (HMA) quality characteristics were examined. Hot mix asphalt mixtures standard in Michigan were used for the case study, along with five Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) sampling methods. The final analysis indicated that using a measured asphalt binder content probability-based pay factor system sampled via a Plate and Shovel method was the most precise system. Using a consistent sampling method ensures that pay factor systems are fair. A sampling method that is consistent in measuring results will be beneficial to contractors and owner/agencies by making payment based on HMA qualities that are representative.
Application of 3-D Laser Scanning Technique to Slope Movement Monitoring
Authors: Kwong AKL , Tham LG , King BA 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
A full-scale field test was carried out on a loosely-compacted fill slope that had been installed with soil nails. The slope was brought to limit equilibrium by subjecting it to a surcharge at the slope crest in combination with induced rise in phreatic surface and precipitation. Heavy instrumentation comprised of in-place inclinometer, vibrating wire piezometers, vibrating wire extensometer, earth pressure cell, tensiometer, and strain gages along the soil nails had been monitored throughout the test. Surface movement was monitored using a GPS system and a 3-D laser scanning technique.
This paper focuses on the use of a 3-D laser scanner in capturing the formation of cracks and surface movement during the failure. It is demonstrated that with the use of this technique, the surface movement of the slope can be accurately recorded without the need of physically accessing the slope surface.
Incorporation of Competitive Effects in Forest Tree or Animal Breeding Programs
Authors: Muir William M 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Competition among domesticated plants or animals can have a dramatic negative impact on yield of a stand or farm. The usual quantitative genetic model ignores these competitive interactions and could result in seriously incorrect breeding decisions and acerbate animal well-being. A general solution to this problem is given, for either forest tree breeding or penned animals, with mixed-model methodology (BLUP) utilized to separate effects on the phenotype due to the individuals' own genes (direct effects) and those from competing individuals (associative effects) and thereby to allow an optimum index selection on those effects. Biological verification was based on two lines of Japanese quail selected for 6-week weight; one line was selected only for direct effects (D-BLUP) while the other was selected on an optimal index for both direct and associative effects (C-BLUP). Results over 23 cycles of selection showed that C-BLUP produced a significant positive response to selection (b = 0.52 ± 0.25 g/hatch) whereas D-BLUP resulted in a nonsignificant negative response (b = −0.10 ± 0.25 g/hatch). The regression of percentage of mortality on hatch number was significantly different between methods, decreasing with C-BLUP (b = −0.06 ± 0.15 deaths/hatch) and increasing with D-BLUP (b = 0.32 ± 0.15 deaths/hatch). These results demonstrate that the traditional D-BLUP approach without associative effects not only is detrimental to response to selection but also compromises the well-being of animals. The differences in response show that competitive effects can be included in breeding programs, without measuring new traits, so that costs of the breeding program need not increase.
On the Evolutionary Stability of Mendelian Segregation
Authors: Úbeda Francisco , Haig David 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
We present a model of a primary locus subject to viability selection and an unlinked locus that causes sex-specific modification of the segregation ratio at the primary locus. If there is a balanced polymorphism at the primary locus, a population undergoing Mendelian segregation can be invaded by modifier alleles that cause sex-specific biases in the segregation ratio. Even though this effect is particularly strong if reciprocal heterozygotes at the primary locus have distinct viabilities, as might occur with genomic imprinting, it also applies if reciprocal heterozygotes have equal viabilities. The expected outcome of the evolution of sex-specific segregation distorters is all-and-none segregation schemes in which one allele at the primary locus undergoes complete drive in spermatogenesis and the other allele undergoes complete drive in oogenesis. All-and-none segregation results in a population in which all individuals are maximally fit heterozygotes. Unlinked modifiers that alter the segregation ratio are unable to invade such a population. These results raise questions about the reasons for the ubiquity of Mendelian segregation.
Extending Xu's Bayesian Model for Estimating Polygenic Effects Using Markers of the Entire Genome
Authors: ter Braak Cajo J F , Boer Martin P , Bink Marco C A M 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
In 2003, Xu obtained remarkably precise estimates of QTL positions despite the many markers simultaneously in his Bayesian model. We extend his model and Gibbs algorithm to ensure a valid posterior distribution and convergence to it, without changing the attractiveness of the method.