bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary results from the development of a transmission x‐ray photoelectron spectrometer
Authors: Jenkins S. N. , Castle J. E.
Published: December 2004

There is an increasing demand to obtain XPS analyses from smaller sample areas. The development of a transmission x‐ray photoelectron spectrometer eventually will allow spectrum acquisition and imaging with a lateral resolution of 1 μm2. The principle is based on back‐foil excitation, originally described by Cazaux, where thin samples are placed on an aluminium anode. Electron irradiation of the anode produces a local source of x‐rays and thus a local source of photoelectrons from the opposite side of the sample.

In this work a VG MA500 spectrometer was modified to give the 180° geometry for transmission x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A hemispherical analyser with a high magnification lens replaced the cylindical mirror analyser of Cazaux's original work. The high magnification ensured a large solid angle of photoelectron collection and the hemispherical analyser gave the, previously unobtainable, energy resolution necessary to obtain chemical state information. Following Cazaux the aluminium anodes, either foils or evaporated directly onto the bulk side of the sample, were scanned by an electron beam. The maximum photoelectron lateral resolution obtainable is determined by the x‐ray excitation volume. This is reliant on the electron beam diameter, the accelerating voltage and the sample and anode thickness.

We believe the local production of x‐rays by a scanning electron beam to be the ideal way of examining the microtomed sections through interfaces and soft composite materials. Hard materials require the use of ion beam thinning. Samples must be of submicrometre thickness (300 nm to 1 μm ideally).
XPS study of laser‐annealed ion‐implanted GaAs
Authors: Krastev V. , Marinova Ts. , Karpuzov D. , Kalitzova M. , Vitali G. , Rossi M.
Published: December 2004

Data on the effects of 140 keV Zn+ implanation of (100)GaAs and the consequent low‐power pulsed laser annealing (LPPLA) on the composition of the surface layers are presented. The implantation does was 1014 cm −2 and the sample temperature was kept at 110 ± 10°C. THE LPPLA was carried out by 10–30 pulses of a Q‐switched ruby laser (λ = 694.3 nm, τ = 25 ns and P0 = 4–6 MW cm−2) equipped with a spatial homogenizer. The crystal surface was studied by XPS analysis combined with depth profiling with the use of 1 keV Ar+.

The results presented include the depth redistribution of oxygen and the As/Ga ratio as well as the oxide thickness for (a) virgin, (b) as‐implanted and (c) implanted and then annealed samples.
Chemical bonding studies on UV/ozone‐ and (NH4)2S‐treated InP(001) surfaces by x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x‐ray induced Auger electron spectroscopy
Authors: Streubel P. , Peisert H. , Hesse R. , Chassé T. , Szargan R.
Published: December 2004

X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and x‐ray‐induced Auger electron spectroscopy (XAES) have been applied to characterize the surface chemistry of InP(001) after ex situ treatment with ozone or with (NH4)2S solution. Both high‐resolution chemical shifts and the Auger parameter concept were used for the identification of chemical species.

After UV/ozone exposure, indium oxide and two phosphate types (orthophosphate and metaphosphate) were found on the InP surface. Upon annealing the phosphates desorb first, followed by the oxide. On (NH4)2S‐treated InP surfaces three sulphur species were observed and identified as two different sulphides and as a polysulphide (SS bond). The thermally most stable sulphur species was attributed to a sulphide with sulphur on a phosphorus site in the uppermost subsurface layer. Changes of surface Fermi energy position accompanying the surface sulphurization were established to correlate with the annealing behaviour of the polysulphidic species found at the InP surface.
Information on compositional depth profiles conveyed by angle‐resolved XPS
Authors: Seelmann‐Eggebert M. , Keller Robert C.
Published: December 2004

The technique of retrieving depth profiles from angle‐resolved x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) data is analysed with respect to its depth resolution and its potential to differentiate compositional zones. The usable range of polar angles is shown to have an non‐obvious limitation at grazing electron escape owing to the peculiar way the ARXPS signal depends on the probing depth. This limitation along with the experimental error in the measurement introduces ambiguities in two respects. First, these experimental limitations lead to a considerable depth (broadening) uncertainty which confines the number of resolvable depth zones to about 10. Second, the space of functions (over the accessable range of probing depths), which includes all possible ARXPS signals, is of very low dimension. Within an assumed experimental error of 1%, the class of all possible ARXPS signal functions is shown to be contained in a subspace spanned by just five basis functions. Therefore, the information obtainable for each single ARXPS signal is confined to a maximum of five parameters. Almost all ARXPS signals of a single component (except for a few very special cases) can be interpreted in terms of a depth profile consisting of just three zones with constant composition and with two optimized interface positions. However, the number of resolvable compositional zones increases with the number of XPS components. A lower limit for this number can be assessed by a factor analysis that also yields unambiguous information on the composition of the zones. Elastic scattering effects and local variations of the electron escape length are expected to have little influence on these results, because they simply lead to a rescaling of the depth and the concentration scale of the retrieved profile.
Electrochemical behavior and surface chemistry of non‐equilibrium aluminum–tantalum alloys: Solute‐rich interphase mechanisms
Authors: Davis G. D. , Shaw B. A. , Rees B. J. , Pecile C. A.
Published: December 2004

The electrochemical behavior and surface chemistry of sputter‐deposited non‐equilibrium stainless Al–Ta alloys have been investigated. These alloys exhibit enhanced passivity over a pH range of 2–12 even though the passive film chemistry varies considerably over this range. This enhanced passivity can be explained by the solute‐rich interphase mechanism (SRIM), which states that formation and passivation of occluded cells are controlled by localized concentrations of solute. The higher concentrations of solute at the metaloxide interface and around occluded cells stabilize the passive‐film from continued Cl− attack and dissolution.
Melt rheology of vinyl chloride‐vinyl acetate copolymers
Authors: Hollister Edward H.
Published: December 2004

Melt flow behavior of vinylchloride‐vinyl acetate copolymers is measured and expressed as melt viscosity, shear rate and shear stress—information useful to the plastics engineer in formulation, design, and processing. Copolymer of comparable I.V. to homopolymer PVC requires less energy to process. Good compounding techniques are required to realize the potential of ultra‐clear profile extrudates.
Rheology of flexible PVC compounds. Part II: Verification of the crystallinity concept
Authors: Hookanson S. H. , Smith D. L. , Irvine J. L.
Published: December 2004

It has been proposed that changes in elasticity associated with the processing of PVC are influenced by the crystallinity of the resin. In the early stages of processing, crystallites melt and elasticity decreases. As grains fuse together, new crystallites are formed in the previously unoccupied grain boundaries and the elasticity increases. A theoretical curve combining the percent of crystallinity with the developing boundary volume has been developed. This curve can be used to predict how elasticity changes with time. Experimental observations detailing the changes in elasticity with respect to processing verify these predictions.
Spectroscopic studies of ligand exchange reactions in alkyl‐ and estertin PVC stabilizers
Authors: Burley J. W. , Dworkin R. D.
Published: December 2004

It has long been appreciated that mercaptoester/Cl exchange equilibria in mono‐ and dialkyltin mercaptoester/chlorides are important in understanding the stabilization of PVC by alkyltin mercaptoesters (1–3). More recently, IR studies have demonstrated the existence of similar equilibria in mixed mono‐/dialkyltin systems; it has been suggested that these exchange reactions may be the source of synergism in the mixed mono‐/dialkytin mercaptoester stabilizers (4). The ability to study these systems by IR and NMR methods is based upon the phenmenon of carbonyl to Sn coordination in these compounds and its sensitivity to molecular environment, principally the electronegativity of the tin atom. Our previous studies have now been extended to include estertin (β‐carboalkoxyethyltin) mercaptoesters and mercaptoester/chlorides. In contrast to the simple alkyltin systems, the position of the respective mercaptoester/Cl exchange equilibria are dominated by carbonyl to Sn coordination from the ester group of the β‐carboalkoxyethyl moiety. Based on the same phenomenon of carbonyl to tin coordination, the nature of alkyl‐ and estertin mercaptoesters containing alkyltin sulfides has been looked at to a very limited extent.
An evaluation of the effects of antimony and tin stabilizer on the fusion characteristics of PVC dryblends
Authors: Clark Dane L. , Hollo Brenda J. , Tornstrom Paul K. , Turnbull Robert E. , Woodley Tom R.
Published: December 2004

Although the classification of lubricants can be misleading, the classification of their actions is not only possible but very useful. By considering the basic actions which affect PVC dryblend fusion, a better understading of the characteristics and advantages of additives can be realized. The antimony and tin stabilizers used in this study have been characterized by the affects on PVC dryblend fusion. Production extrusion results confirm the laboratory classifications.
The effect of grain shape on the properties of PVC resins and compounds
Authors: Schwaegerle Paul R.
Published: December 2004

The properties of PVC resin grains have been shown to influence the bulk density and flow properties of PVC resins and powder compounds. Bulk densities of PVC resins and powder compounds are highly dependent on grain shape. Lower bulk density has been related to more irregular grain shape. Flow properties of PVC resins and powder compounds improve with increased grain size. Twin screw extrusion rates are directly proportional to the compound bulk density in the feed throat.
The Role of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Clean Incised Hand Injuries: A Prospective Randomized Placebo Controlled Double Blind Trial
Authors: WHITTAKER J. P. , NANCARROW J. D. , STERNE G. D.
Published: December 2004

A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial was designed to investigate the effect of prophylactic flucloxacillin on the infection rate in clean incised hand injuries, which included trauma to skin, tendon and nerve in adults. Using strict exclusion criteria, a total of 170 patients were recruited into one of three trial groups; Group A – intravenous flucloxacillin on induction followed by an oral placebo; Group B – intravenous flucloxacillin on induction followed by an oral flucloxacillin course or Group C – oral placebo. Thirteen of the patients were subsequently withdrawn, leaving 92% available to complete the trial. Infection was diagnosed using clinical criteria. The infection rates in the three groups were Group A – 13%, Group B – 4% and Group C – 15%. Strictly, the results demonstrate no statistically significant difference in the infection rates between the groups.
Extensor Tendon Rehabilitation a Prospective Trial Comparing Three Rehabilitation Regimes
Authors: BULSTRODE N. W. , BURR N. , PRATT A. L. , GROBBELAAR A. O.
Published: December 2004

Forty-two patients with 46 complete extensor tendon injuries were prospectively allocated to one of three rehabilitation regimes: static splintage; interphalangeal joint mobilization with metacarpophalangeal joint immobilization or; the “Norwich” regime. All 42 patients were operated on by one surgeon and assessed by one hand therapist.

At 4 weeks the total active motion in the static splintage group was significantly reduced but by 12 weeks there was no difference between the regimes. There was no difference in total active motion between the repaired and uninjured hand at 12 weeks, with all patients achieving good or excellent results. However, grip strength at 12 weeks was significantly reduced compared to the uninjured hand after static splintage. There was no difference in hand therapy input between the regimes.
Transmission of viral hepatitis by kidney transplantation: donor evaluation and transplant policies (Part 1: hepatitis B virus)
Authors: Natov S.N. , Pereira B.J.G.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: This two‐part article discusses serologic testing of prospective donors for viral hepatitis B and C, as part of the comprehensive donor evaluation, and reviews the current policies and practices aimed at preventing donor‐to‐recipient transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HBC). This first part of the review discusses HBV. Organs procured from HBV‐infected donors can transmit the virus to their recipients. Because infections with HBV have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality among renal transplant recipients, it is important to prevent HBV transmission with renal transplantation. Routine serologic evaluation of prospective organ donors for markers of HBV infection includes testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti‐hepatitis B surface antigen antibody (HBsAb), and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc). The risk of HBV transmission with kidney transplantation is a function of the serologic status of both donor and recipient. Knowledge of this risk is essential for the rational use of kidney allografts. HBsAg‐positive donors are at high risk of transmitting HBV infection to their organ recipients, particularly if these donors are concurrently positive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). Kidneys from donors with isolated presence of HBsAb are unlikely to transmit HBV infection to their recipients. The risk of HBV transmission with the use of kidneys from IgG anti‐HBc‐positive, HBsAg‐negative donors is low. Kidneys from donors negative for both HBcAg and anti‐HBc are at low‐to‐negligible or no risk of transmitting HBV to their recipients. Under certain conditions, kidneys from HBV‐infected donors can be safely used and thus prevent unnecessary discarding of organs. Kidneys from HBsAg‐positive donors, who are negative for HBeAg, carry no risk or only minimal risk of transmitting HBV infection to their recipients if these recipients are immune to HBV or HBsAg‐positive. However, the safety of these policies deserves further evaluation.
Endothelial injury: cause and effect of alloimmune inflammation
Authors: Vos I.H.C , Briscoe D.M
Published: December 2004

Abstract: This review discusses the concept that endothelial cells may facilitate inflammation, but are also targets of the inflammatory response. Endothelial cells express several molecules that promote leukocyte recruitment, and other molecules, such as MHC class I that enable endothelial injury. Circulating alloantibodies produced following transplantation may also target the endothelium for injury. It has been shown that the expression of select protective genes within endothelial cells, including anti‐apoptotic genes, may provide resistance to immune‐mediated injury. Thus, an understanding of the mechanisms by which endothelial cells are injured and by which endothelial cells are protected is important for our understanding of allograft rejection.
Interaction of chloramphenicol and the calcineurin inhibitors in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Mathis A.S. , Shah N. , Knipp G.T. , Friedman G.S.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Several case reports have described a pharmacokinetic interaction between chloramphenicol and the calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). Based on these reports, we set out to characterize the effects of chloramphenicol on cyclosporine and tacrolimus trough concentrations in renal transplant recipients. We retrospectively evaluated daily trough CNI concentrations and compared them with baseline CNI concentrations prior to chloramphenicol. Six adult renal or pancreas/kidney transplant recipients received 11 courses of chloramphenicol. Of these, three received cyclosporine (6 episodes) and three received tacrolimus (5 episodes). The mean dose and duration of chloramphenicol was not significantly different between groups. Chloramphenicol coadministration increased mean cyclosporine troughs maximally by 41.3% on day 4, though overall differences were not significant using analysis of variance (anova). Tacrolimus trough levels increased to 99% above baseline on day 2, 151% on day 3, 161% on day 4, 191% on day 5, and to 207% on day 6 and reached statistical significance by anova (P = 0.001). These results confirm case reports and suggest that careful trough monitoring should be implemented if chloramphenicol is to be used with the CNIs.
The in vitro activity and specificity of  human endothelial cell‐specific promoters  in porcine cells
Authors: He Zhong , She Rosemary , Sumitran‐Holgersson Suchitra , Blomberg Pontus , Islam Khalid B. , Holgersson Jan
Published: December 2004

Abstract: The chronic shortage of human organs, tissues and cells for transplantation has inspired research on the possibility of using animal donor tissue instead. Transplantation over a species barrier is associated with rejections which are difficult to control. Therefore, it is generally agreed that successful pig to human xenotransplantation requires donor pigs to be genetically modified. Vascular endothelium is the most immediate barrier between the xenogeneic donor organ and host immune and nonimmune defense systems. Thus, these cells are the prime targets for such genetic modifications. Luciferase assays were used to evaluate the activity and specificity of human endothelial‐cell specific promoters in porcine aortic‐, microvascular‐ and nonendothelial cells. The promoters for human Flk‐1 (fetal liver kinase‐1), Flt‐1 (fms‐like tyrosine kinase), ICAM‐2 (intercellular adhesion molecule‐2), thrombomodulin and vWf (von Willebrand factor) supported similar levels of luciferase expression in human and porcine aortic endothelial cells, with the Flk‐1 promoter being the strongest followed by the thrombomodulin promoter. Relative to the activity of the CMV promoter, the human endothelial cell‐specific promoters all showed less activity in porcine kidney microvascular endothelial cells than in liver or brain microvascular endothelial cells. The thrombomodulin and Flk‐1 promoters exhibited similar activity in liver and kidney microvascular endothelial cells, whereas the Flk‐1 promoter was stronger in aortic and brain microvascular endothelial cells. Human endothelial cell‐specific promoters also showed some degree of specificity in pig, because they supported less luciferase activity in porcine nonendothelial cell lines. Based on the in vitro data and previously published in vivo data, the human Flk‐1 and thrombomodulin promoters are good candidate promoters for strong endothelial cell‐specific gene expression in transgenic pigs.
On‐line and off‐line models for the rolling process
Authors: Yuen W. Y. D.
Published: December 2004

Rolling is an essential process for the production of plate, strip and foil. Parallel with automation of the rolling mills, there is an increasing demand for improved performance and accuracy of the rolling models for on‐line mill setup and control. This paper discusses recent advances on the development of rolling theories, particularly in non‐traditional rolling regimes, such as rolling of thin hard tin‐plate, temper rolling and foil rolling. Development and implementation of models based on these theories for real‐time applications are also described.
The effects of proprioceptive or strength training on the neuromuscular function of the ACL reconstructed knee: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Liu‐Ambrose T. , Taunton J. E. , MacIntyre D. , McConkey P. , Khan K. M.
Published: December 2004

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a proprioceptive training program (PT) vs. a strength training (ST) program on neuromuscular function after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The second purpose was to establish the determinants of functional ability for the operated limb. Methods: Ten participants with unilateral ACL reconstructions were randomly assigned to one of the following 12‐week training protocols: (1) isotonic ST, and (2) PT. The outcome measures were: (1) peak torque time of the hamstring muscles (PeakTT), (2) average concentric and eccentric torques of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, (3) one‐legged single hop for distance (SLHD), (4) one‐legged time hop (TH), and (5) subjective scores. Results: There was a significant group by time interaction effect for PeakTT (P = 0.017). The PT group demonstrated greater percent change in isokinetic torques than the ST group at the end of the 12 weeks (P ≤≤ 0.05). Participants in both groups demonstrated similar significant gains in functional ability and subjective scores (P ≤≤ 0.014). Quadriceps strength is a determinant of functional ability for the operated limb (R2 = 0.72). Conclusions: Both training protocols influenced PeakTT. The beneficial effects of ST on PeakTT appear to be load‐dependent, while sufficient practice may be crucial in maintaining PeakTT improvements induced by PT. Proprioceptive training alone can induce isokinetic strength gains. Restoring and increasing quadriceps strength is essential to maximize functional ability of the operated knee joint.
Secular trends in body dimensions and physical fitness among adolescents in Sweden from 1974 to 1995
Authors: Westerstahl M. , Barnekow‐Bergkvist M. , Hedberg G. , Jansson E.
Published: December 2004

Aim: To investigate changes over time in body dimensions, and muscular and aerobic fitness in a representative sample of 16‐year‐old‐girls and boys in secondary schools in Sweden from 1974 to 1995 (n = 855).Method: Height and weight were measured and five tests were performed: run–walk, two‐hand‐lift, Sargent jump, sit‐ups, and bench‐press.Results: In 1995, girls and boys had higher body mass index (BMI) than in 1974. Girls and boys performed less well in bench‐press, sit‐ups, and run–walk‐tests in 1995. Boys, but not girls, performed better in Sargent jump in 1995 than in 1974. Girls and boys performed better in two‐hand‐lift in 1995 than in 1974. However, after adjustment for body dimensions, there were no differences in performance in two‐hand‐lift or run–walk‐tests between 1974 and 1995.Conclusion: There was a decreased aerobic fitness and an increased maximal static strength among adolescents in Sweden between 1974 and 1995. These changes were partly due to increased BMI. However, decreased daily physical activity level cannot be excluded as a contributing factor to the decreased aerobic fitness. The reduced performance in muscular endurance in 1995 was not related to increased BMI. Instead, it is suggested that it is to be related to a specific decrease in hip flexion and arm muscle endurance.
Simple Pilot Procedures for the Avoidance of Disconnected Experimental Designs
Authors: Godolphin J. D.
Published: December 2004

Two simple pilot procedures are proposed for avoiding the problem of dealing with a disconnected experimental design. Both procedures should be carried out on the selected design before any experimentation is considered. The first procedure is a check that the suggested design is connected with respect to treatments. This makes use of the information matrix for the model and provides feed-back on a disconnected design. The second procedure specifies which observations are influential in causing a connected design to become disconnected, with respect to any set of parameter effects, if these observations are lost during the experimental period. This specification is found by examining the projection matrix for the model. These pilot procedures are illustrated by several examples.
The 1970 US Draft Lottery Revisited: A Spatial Analysis
Authors: Mateu Jorge , Montes Francisco , Plaza Mario
Published: December 2004

We revise the result of the 1970 selective service draft lottery in the USA following an open question that was suggested by Fienberg in a paper published in Science in 1971. The result of the drawings can be viewed as a particular spatial pattern which can be analysed by using general spatial tools adapted to our context. Approaches for assessing the complete spatial randomness for this spatial process on a finite support are proposed. More specifically, these approaches involve the number of events in a square window and a k(r)-based function used to analyse stationary spatial point processes.
The M/M/1 queue with gated random order of service
Authors: Resing Jacques , Rietman Ronald
Published: December 2004

We analyse an M/M/1 queueing model with gated random order of service discipline. In this service discipline there is a waiting room, in which arriving customers are collected, and a service queue. Each time the service queue becomes empty, all customers in the waiting room are instantaneously put in random order in the service queue. We find the joint stationary distribution of the number of customers in the waiting room and the service queue. Furthermore, we obtain the bivariate Laplace–Stieltjes transform of the joint distribution of the sojourn times of a customer in the waiting room and the service queue.
The effect of prestorage WBC reduction on the rates of febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions to platelet concentrates and RBC
Authors: Yazer Mark H. , Podlosky Linda , Clarke Gwen , Nahirniak Susan M.
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND:  Febrile non‐hemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) are a common complication of platelet concentrate (PC) and RBC transfusions, usually ascribed to cytokines released by WBCs and perhaps the platelets themselves during storage. Prestorage WBC reduction should abrogate the accumulation of these cytokines reducing the number of FNHTRs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  A retrospective analysis of FNHTR to PCs and RBCs before universal WBC reduction (PrUR) (July 1997‐January 1998 for PCs, July 1997‐July 1999 for RBCs) and after its introduction (PoUR) (February 1998‐August 2001 for PC, August 1999‐August 2001 for RBCs) was undertaken. All transfusion reactions were stratified based on component and date of reaction. Other adverse transfusion reactions were grouped into three periods: July 1997‐January 1998, February 1998‐July 1999, and August 1999‐August 2001. A chi‐square test was performed to determine the significance of the differences between groups.

RESULTS:  In the PrUR group, there were 231 FNHTRs in 70,396 RBC units transfused (0.33%) and 29 FNHTRs in 6502 PC units transfused (0.45% percent). In the PoUR group, there were 136 FNHTRs in 72,949 RBC units transfused (0.19%, p < 0.001) and 56 FNHTRs in 50,555 PC units transfused (0.11%, p < 0.001). Of the other adverse events, only TRALI reactions were sig‐nificantly reduced.

CONCLUSION:  Prestorage WBC reduction significantly reduced the rate of FNHTRs to PCs and RBCs.
Transfusion‐associated GVHD after fludarabine therapy in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Leitman Susan F. , Tisdale John F. , Bolan Charles D. , Popovsky Mark A. , Klippel John H. , Balow James E. , Boumpas Dimitrios T. , Illei Gabor G.
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND: Fludarabine, a purine antimetabolite with potent immunosuppressive properties, has previously been associated with the development of transfusion‐associated GVHD (TA‐GVHD) in patients with hematologic malignancies. Its role as a risk factor for TA‐GVHD in patients without underlying leukemia or lymphoma is uncertain.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A 42‐year‐old female with refractory lupus nephritis received three monthly cycles of fludarabine (30 mg/m2/day on Days 1‐3) and cyclophosphamide (500 mg/m2 on Day 1). Three months after the last dose of fludarabine, she received 2 units of packed RBCs and 6 units of pooled random platelets, none of which were irradiated. Two weeks later, fever, rash, aminotransferase elevations, hyperbilirubinemia, and pancytopenia developed.

RESULTS: Marrow biopsy showed severe aplasia and skin biopsy was consistent with GVHD. Allele‐level HLA typing on circulating lymphocytes revealed extra HLA alleles not present in her pretreatment sample, but identical to the HLA haplotypes of an unrelated platelet donor. Treatment with antithymocyte globulin, cyclosporine, and prednisone was followed by preparatory conditioning for a PBPC transplant from an HLA‐identical sibling, but the patient died of disseminated candidiasis before transplant.

CONCLUSIONS: Fludarabine and other purine analogs are increasingly used in the treatment of disorders other than hematologic malignancy, such as autoimmune disease. The occurence of TA‐GVHD after fludarabine therapy in a patient with lupus strongly suggests that this drug is sufficiently immunoablative to be an independent risk factor for TA‐GVHD. Irradiation of blood components should be considered in all patients who receive fludarabine therapy.
Preliminary validation of a new standard of efficacy for stored platelets
Authors: AuBuchon James P. , Herschel Louise , Roger Jill , Murphy Scott
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND:  Platelet preparation and storage systems, unlike those for RBC, lack an objective, absolute performance criterion to determine acceptability. Recently, a criterion based on paired comparison with the radiolabeled recovery and survival of “fresh” platelets has been proposed, namely, recovery = two‐thirds and survival = half of “fresh” platelets.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Eleven normal subjects donated a unit of leukoreduced apheresis platelets using a standard, approved system. They received an aliquot radiolabeled with 111In or 51Cr (random selection) 4 to 20 hours after donation and, using the other radioisotope, on Day 5 of storage. The recovery was calculated based on the injectate radioactivity. The survival was determined using the multiple‐hit model. The area under the platelet survival curve was calculated using the COST program.

RESULTS:  Reinfusion of platelets less than 20 hours after collection resulted in a recovery of 74.7 ± 12.3 percent and a survival time of 7.5 ± 1.1 days. Reinfusion on Day 5 resulted in a recovery of 58.2 ± 12.0 percent and a survival time of 6.9 ± 1.4 days, values that were 77.9 ± 9.5 percent and 91.8 ± 16.1 percent of the observation using “fresh” platelets, respectively. The area under the curve using Day 5 platelets was 67.8 ± 11.5 percent of that using “fresh” platelets.

CONCLUSION:  The proposed criterion for objective evaluation of platelet preparation and storage systems appears applicable to a commonly accepted approach, leukoreduced apheresis platelets stored in plasma for 5 days, and merits evaluation using other collection, treatment, and storage systems.
Platelet activation during plasma‐reduced multicomponent PLT collection: a comparison between COBE Trima and Spectra LRS turbo cell separators
Authors: Perseghin Paolo , Mascaretti Luca , Speranza Tiziana , Belotti Daniela , Baldini Valentina , Dassi Maria , Riva Mariarosa , Pogliani Enrico Maria , Sciorelli Gianalfredo
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND:  The wide diffusion of multicomponent collection in donor apheresis has led to the yielding of different components, such as plasma‐reduced platelet‐pheresis at high PLT concentration. We investigated whether this collection modality could induce more PLT activation compared to standard plateletpheresis.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Forty‐one plateletpheresis collections (20 Trima and 21 Spectra LRS Turbo v.7.0, COBE) were evaluated. Donor, procedure, and product data were recorded. ADP, collagen, and U46619 (a thromboxane‐A2 analog)‐induced PLT aggregation was investigated in basal (donor) and final (plateletpheresis unit) samples. The expression of PLT activation marker P‐selectin (CD62P) was studied using flow cytometry in basal and final samples. In all cases, P‐selectin was investigated in final samples after stimulation with ADP to assess for a possible further release of the antigen. Four additional plateletpheresis procedures were performed in donors from Group A, using the traditional, nonplasma‐reduced program.

RESULTS:  Plateletpheresis obtained by means of the Trima device showed a lower response to in‐vitro induced PLT aggregation and a higher percentage of P‐selectin‐expressing PLT when compared to products obtained using the Spectra device. Moreover, P‐selectin release after ADP stimulation was reduced in plateletpheresis units obtained using the Trima device. These differences disappeared when a nonplasma‐reduced collection program was used. In‐vivo evaluation did not detect any difference between platelepheresis obtained by means of the two cell separators.

CONCLUSIONS:  Plateletpheresis units obtained by means of multicomponent collection show a higher degree of PLT activation compared to traditional plateletpheresis procedures when high‐concentration plasma‐reduced products are collected. Randomized clinical studies are needed to assess the real impact of these findings in terms of in‐vivo efficacy of plasma‐reduced plateletpheresis units.
Human adrenocortical cell xenotransplantation: Model of cotransplantation of human adrenocortical cells and 3T3 cells in scid mice to form vascularized functional tissue and prevent adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Thomas Michael , Wang Xiangdong , Hornsby Peter J.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: To establish an experimental model for replacement of endocrine organ function by xenotransplantation, human adrenocortical cells from postnatal donors were transplanted beneath the kidney capsule of adrenalectomized scid mice together with mitomycin C‐treated 3T3 cells that secrete FGF. Adrenocortical cells from seven donors, male and female, ranging from 6–50 years of age, were used. 12 of 13 animals survived > 16 days following surgery. After 50 days they were sacrified to allow assessment of the histology and ultrastructure of tissue formed from the transplanted cells. Only 1 of 23 adrenalectomized sham‐operated animals survived > 16 days. In all surviving animals, vascularized adrenocortical tissue formed at the site of transplantation. Cortisol, the normal human glucocorticoid, was present in the plasma of these animals, replacing corticosterone, the mouse glucocorticoid. Some animals, but not most, had measurable aldosterone. The tissue formed from the transplanted cells showed histological and ultrastructural features of normal adrenal cortex. Mitochondria had tubulo‐vesicular cristae and there were prominent microvilli between cells. Tissues had a well‐developed vasculature, sometimes with large sinusoidal vessels. Proliferation in the transplant tissues was very low. These results show that tissue formed from transplanted human adrenocortical cells is able to replace the essential functions of the adrenal gland in scid mice. This demonstrates that transplanted human endocrine cells can functionally replace a surgically removed endocrine organ in a host animal.
Sporothrix schenckii Lipid Inhibits Macrophage Phagocytosis: Involvement of Nitric Oxide and Tumour Necrosis Factor‐α
Authors: Carlos I. Z. , Sgarbi D. B. G. , Santos G. C. , Placeres M. C. P.
Published: December 2004

The role of cell‐wall compounds in the immune response to sporotrichosis is unknown. The effect of cell‐wall compounds and exoantigen obtained from Sporothrix schenckii in macrophage/fungus interaction was analysed with respect to nitric oxide (NO) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). The lipid compound of the cell wall plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this mycosis and was found to inhibit the phagocytic process and to induce high liberation of NO and TNF‐α in macrophage cultures in the present study. This is a very interesting result because it is the first report about one compound of the fungus S. schenckii that presents this activity.
No Impact of Cross‐Reactive Group Human Leucocyte Antigen Class I Matching on Long‐Term Kidney Graft Survival
Authors: Egfjord M. , Jakobsen B. K. , Ladefoged J.
Published: December 2004

The aim was to elucidate the effect of matching for the broad human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A and ‐B cross‐reactive groups (CREGs) of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I on long‐term kidney graft survival. Material and methods: 1304 patients transplanted at Rigshospitalet between 1968 and 1999 with a cadaver kidney and followed until 2000. The definition of CREGs based on amino acid residues was according to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) (1996). Graft‐survival analyses (Kaplan Meier) were performed for all cases and for cases censored for death with functioning grafts. Results: Univariate analysis showed no effect of any specific donor or recipient CREG on graft survival. Contrary to some reports in the literature, the absolute and relative number of CREG shares and of CREG mismatches had no effect on graft survival even when censored for graft loss because of death. However, graft survival was dependent on DR shares (P < 0.05), indicating that matching for MHC class II seems to be more important than that for the broad MHC class I phenotype represented by CREG.
DNA Injection in Combination with Electroporation: a Novel Method for Vaccination of Farmed Ruminants
Authors: Tollefsen S. , Vordermeier M. , Olsen I. , Storset A. K. , Reitan L. J. , Clifford D. , Lowrie D. B. , Wiker H. G. , Huygen K. , Hewinson G. , Mathiesen I. , Tjelle T. E.
Published: December 2004

Injection of plasmid DNA encoding antigens into rodents followed by electroporation improved the immune response when compared with injection without electroporation (Widera et al. J Immunol 2000;164:4635–40; Zucchelli et al. J Virol 2000;74:11598–607; Kadowaki et al. Vaccine 2000;18:2779–88). The present study describes the extension of this technology to farm animals, by injecting plasmid DNA encoding mycobacterial antigens (MPB70, Ag85B and Hsp65) into the muscles of goats and cattle using two different types of electrodes, both allowing DNA delivery at the site of electroporation. The animals were vaccinated under local anaesthesia without any observed immediate or long‐term distress or discomfort, or any behavioural signs of muscle damage or pathological changes after the electroporation. DNA‐injected and electroporated goats showed increased humoral response after the primary vaccination when compared with nonelectroporated animals. Improved T‐cell responses following electroporation were observed in hsp65 DNA‐vaccinated cattle. DNA injection with or without electroporation did not compromise the specificity of the tuberculin skin test. In conclusion, a protocol applying in vivo electroporation free of side effects to farmed ruminants was established. In addition, we show that DNA vaccination in combination with electroporation can improve the primary immune responses to the encoded antigens.
Biclonal Systemic AL‐Amyloidosis with One Glycosylated and One Nonglycosylated AL‐Protein*
Authors: Karimi M. , Sletten K. , Westermark P.
Published: December 2004

The amyloid fibril protein AL was isolated from the spleen of a patient with systemic amyloidosis. Size‐exclusion chromatography of the solubilized amyloid fibrils revealed a distinct, retarded asymmetric peak. The symmetrical part of the peak showed on SDS‐PAGE two positive periodic acid Schiff‐staining bands at 14 and 16 kDa. Staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue revealed in addition two proteins with masses of 13 and 20 kDa. The 14 and 16 kDa bands were the strongest ones. N‐Terminal analyses of the four blotted bands showed that the N‐termini were the same in all cases. Elucidation of the amino acid sequence established an AL‐chain of 157 residues as well as a fragment covering positions 188–207 of the constant region. Two tryptic peptides derived from the same region, positions 25–46, showed an identical sequence, except for position 34 where both alanine and threonine residues occurred. Monosaccharide compositional analysis of the threonine‐containing peptide revealed an oligosaccharide in the N‐glycosylation site, position 32–34. Mass analysis of the glycopeptide verified the oligosaccharide. The AL‐chains belong to the kappa 3a germline gene and verifies that the glycosylated chain is a mutated form. The AL‐chains differ from that of the germline in 14 positions. The J‐segment is of JκIII and is mutated in position 106.
Altered Proximal T‐Cell Receptor Signalling Events in Mouse CD4+ T Cells in the Presence of Anti‐CD4 Monoclonal Antibodies: Evidence for Reduced Phosphorylation of Zap‐70 and LAT
Authors: Pullar C. E. , Morris P. J. , Wood K. J.
Published: December 2004

Anti‐CD4 monoclonal antibodies are potential therapeutic agents for the prevention of autoimmune disease and treatment of rejection after organ transplantation and are capable of both restoring tolerance to self‐antigens and inducing tolerance to antigens introduced under the cover of the antibody therapy in vivo. Tolerance to donor alloantigens can be induced in vivo by administering donor alloantigen in combination with either depleting (YTA 3.1) or nondepleting (YTS 177) anti‐CD4, 28 days before heart transplantation in the mouse. The effect of anti‐CD4 on proximal T‐cell receptor (TCR) signalling pathways and proliferation was investigated in vitro and in vivo in the presence and absence of YTA 3.1 or YTS 177. Anti‐CD4 was found to perturb proximal signalling events upon TCR/CD3 ligation, resulting in reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of Zap‐70 and LAT (linker for activation of T cells) and reduced association of tyrosine‐phosphorylated LAT with lck. This ultimately resulted in severely reduced proliferation of the responding CD4+ T cells. The signalling profile of the anti‐CD4‐treated cells resembled that of anergic T cells. This could be a result of a common mechanism involving perturbation in the formation of the central supramolecular activation cluster of the immunological synapse by impaired recruitment of CD4 and CD28, thereby resulting in severely reduced lck activation.
Overexpression of Bcl‐2 in T Cells Affects Insulitis in the Nonobese Diabetic Mouse
Authors: Rietz C. , Screpanti V. , Brenden N. , Böhme J. , Fernández C.
Published: December 2004

The nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse is a useful model for human autoimmune diabetes. The gene for the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2 has previously been suggested as a probable susceptibility candidate for the NOD mouse disease. In this study, we investigated how overexpression of Bcl‐2 in lymphocytes might affect insulitis in NOD mice. A bcl‐2 transgene expressed constitutively under the SV40‐promoter and the 5′Igh enhancer, Eµ, was bred onto NOD background. Two bcl‐2 transgenic NOD strains were produced and analysed, one with overexpression of Bcl‐2 on only B cells and the other with overexpression of Bcl‐2 on both B and T cells. Subsequent to verification of expression pattern and functionality of the transgene, insulitis intensity was investigated in different backcross generations of the two transgenic strains. Overexpression of Bcl‐2 on both B and T cells leads to a statistically significant protection of the mice from insulitis compared with normal littermates. Overexpression of Bcl‐2 on only B cells, on the other hand, does not have any statistically significant effect on insulitis. Possible mechanisms for the effect of Bcl‐2 on insulitis in NOD mice are discussed.
The Immune Response to Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine in Zinc‐Depleted Mice*
Authors: Strand T. A. , Aaberge I. S. , Maage A. , Ulvestad E. , Sommerfelt H.
Published: December 2004

Zinc depletion affects several facets of the immune system and the resistance to infections. We assessed the effect of zinc deprivation on the immune response to the pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens in the commercially available Pneumovax® pneumococcal vaccine. Young female BALB/c mice were fed diets with 2.7, 5.8 or 25 µg of elemental zinc per mg diet. After six weeks of pair feeding, there were significant differences in the mean body weights between the feeding groups and we demonstrated a dose response of the zinc level in the diet on growth. The induced zinc deficiency had no discernible effect on the antipneumococcal polysaccharide immunoglobulin M (IgM) response following immunization with the pneumococcal vaccine. Although zinc depletion has a detrimental effect on the immune system, the murine T‐cell‐independent response to antigens such as those in the pneumococcal polysaccharide capsule does not seem to be affected.
The response of subaqueous dunes to floods in sand and gravel bed reaches of the Dutch Rhine
Authors: Wilbers A.W.E. , Ten Brinke W.B.M.
Published: December 2004

Abstract The branches of the River Rhine in the Netherlands, characterized by a sand–gravel bed in the upstream part and a sand bed in the downstream part of the river system, show migrating dunes, especially during floods. In the last 20 years, these dunes have been studied extensively. High‐resolution echo‐sounding measurements of these dunes, made with single and multibeam equipment, were analysed for three different sections of the Rhine river system during several floods. This analysis was done to quantify the growth, decay and migration rates of the dunes during floods. In addition, the migrating dunes were used to calculate bedload transport rates with dune tracking. The results of dune growth and decay and migration rate are shown to be very different for the various sections during the various floods, and these differences are related to differences in grain size of the bed and to differences in the distribution of discharge over the main channel and the floodplain. The relations are used to show that the growth and migration rate of dunes, and the calculated bedload transport rates during the rising stage of a flood wave can be predicted from the mobility of the bed material with simple power relations.