bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of attenuation‐velocity products in a layered homogeneous medium
Authors: Nodar Joseph , Ho Bong
Published: March 2007

Attenuation imaging has the promise to become a measurement technique for ultrasound imaging systems more sophisticated than those we currently possess; however, the difficulties in using the presently available methods tend to limit this potential for the non‐specialist. In our recent work, we have investigated the attenuation imaging problem, and have had some success with an alternative technique, namely, attenuation‐velocity product imaging. In certain cases this can be an acceptable substitute for purely attenuation imaging, particularly for the soft tissues encountered in some diagnostic medical situations where the acoustic velocities of the various layers are all of approximately the same value. This article discusses our technique in detail, beginning with fundamental considerations. We make no unreasonable assumptions about the object under study, and yet are able to show the uniqueness of the solution and also deal effectively with the problem of multiple reflections. The data encountered in this experimental configuration have several intriguing properties, which allow us to draw some conclusions about acoustic imaging in general.
High resolution imaging spectrometer (Hiris): Science and instrument
Authors: Goetz Alexander F. H. , Davis Curtiss O.
Published: March 2007

The High Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (HIRIS) is a facility instrument slated for flight on the second of the EOS‐A series of platforms. HIRIS is designed to acquire 24‐km wide, 30‐m pixel images in 192 spectral bands simultaneously in the 0.4–2.45‐μm wavelength region. With pointing mirrors it can sample any place on Earth, except the poles, every two days. HIRIS operates at the intermediate scale between the human and the global and therefore links studies of Earth surface processes to global monitoring carried out by lower‐resolution instruments. So far, over 50 science data products from HIRIS images have been identified in the fields of atmospheric gases, clouds, snow and ice, water, vegetation, and rocks and soils. The key attribute of imaging spectrometry that makes it possible to derive quantitative information from the data is the large number of contiguous spectral bands. Therefore spectrum matching techniques can be applied. Such techniques are not possible with present‐day, multispectral scanner data.
Surface modeling using deformable templates
Authors: Wang Y. F. , Wang Jih‐Fang
Published: March 2007

We present a simple technique to model the structures and behaviors of flexible, elastic objects. We use an imaginary elastic wire frame, which is made of membranous, thin‐plate–type material, to model the surface structures of flexible objects. We demonstrate that in computational vision, such a flexible wire frame can be used for visual surface reconstruction with the structured‐light sensing technique. In graphic animation, we allow animation sequences to be generated automatically between prespecified key frames, the surface structures of which are described by our flexible mode. Furthermore, we allow collisions of objects' trajectories so that interactions of multiple flexible objects can be simulated. We believe that our technique is widely applicable in many computational vision and graphic animation processes.
Experiments with symmetrized intensity‐based dynamic programming algorithms for reconstructing digital terrain model
Authors: Gimel'Farb G. L. , Krot V. M. , Grigorenko M. V.
Published: March 2007

We describe dynamic programming algorithms that are derived on the basis of symmatrized probabilistic models of the terrain and stereo pair and reconstruct the digital terrain model from the ideal horizontal stereo pair as a bunch of planar epipolar profiles. The algorithms show good performance under nonuniform intensity distortions over both images in the stereo pair and can be used both for the long‐range and close‐range computer binocular stereo vision. Experimental results for some real stereo images of the Earth's surface are presented.
Generalized quantization as an effective image coding method
Authors: Epanechnikov V. Yu. , Tsukkerman I. I.
Published: March 2007

Several methods of generalized image quantization, being an ϵ‐network reduction with the use of visual perception limits, are discussed. The corresponding digital image transformations provide an effective image coding with the following image transmission through communication channels and its storage in the database.
Recurrent retrieval of the coherent light field phase
Authors: Kotlyar V. V. , Soifer V. A. , Filippov S. V.
Published: March 2007

We propose and discuss discrete recurrent algorithms for the retrieval of coherent light fields phase from measurement data of the intensity distribution of their spatial spectra. It is shown that the amplitude‐only and the phase‐only light fields are retrieved uniquely from the modules of their Fourier spectrum while, introducing in that fields the phase and amplitude masks respectively, satisfying certain conditions. Arbitrary amplitude‐phase light fields are retrieved from two modules measurements of their Fourier spectrum, namely, before and after introducing the amplitude‐phase masks.
Curvature‐based nonrigid motion analysis from three‐dimensional correspondences
Authors: Mishra Sanjoy K. , Kambhamettu Chandra , Goldgof Dimitry B. , Huang Thomas S.
Published: March 2007

We describe a curvature‐based approach for estimating nonrigid motion of moving surfaces. We deal with conformal motion, which can be characterized by stretching of the surface. At each point, this stretching is equal in all directions but different for different points. The stretching function can be defined as additional (with global translation and rotation) motion parameter. We present a new algorithm for local stretching recovery from Gaussian curvature, based on polynomial (linear and quadratic) approximations of the stretching function. It requires point correspondences between time frames but not the complete knowledge of nonrigid transformation. Experiments on simulated and real data are performed to illustrate performance and accuracy of derived algorithms. Noise sensitivity of the algorithm is also evaluated using Gaussian noise on simulated data.©1993 John Wiley & Sons Inc
Data compression using the deconvolution algorithm CLEAN
Authors: Cohen Nathan , Sandri Guido
Published: March 2007

We describe an application of the nonlinear deconvolution algorithm CLEAN in which a priori knowledge of the point‐spread function allows transmission of nonredundant information. We refer to this as CLEAN compression. The point‐spread function is viewed as a redundancy function. The data set may be regarded as a convolution of the nonredundant information with the redundancy function. Since the nonredundant data is a small subset of the overall data set, images or telecommunication messages may be transmitted over narrowband channels using CLEAN. Effective analog data compression is maximized; the analog signal may be significantly compressed with CLEAN even before any additional compression or digital encoding algorithms are applied.©1994 John Wiley & Sons Inc
Data from orbiting navigation satellites for tomographic reconstruction
Authors: Leitinger R.
Published: March 2007

So far, orbiting navigation satellites are the only source for primary data in ionospheric tomography. Phase difference measurements give the input for tomographic reconstruction. Except for a constant, the initial phase difference value, the data can be considered to be the line integral of electron density along the straight line from the satellite to a ground based receiver (“slant electron content”). In ionospheric physics a projection onto the vertical is used: (vertical) electron content (TEC). Many investigations have been based on this quantity alone. This work discusses some of the propeties of the measured data (instrumental and “ionospheric” limitations in section II), and the role of TEC evaluation assumptions (“mean ionospheric height” and initial phase constant, in section III). Some of the problems inherent in ionospheric tomography using orbiting navigation satellites are discussed by means of model calculations (section IV). The models are mathematically defined two‐dimensional electron density distributions that are used to calculate the latitude dependence of both slant and vertical TEC. Among others, the model calculations are useful in showing that strongly different electron density distributions can lead to similar electron contents. Tomographic reconstruction would probably not be able to distinguish between the different distributions, which leads to the recommendation to incorporate additional data in the reconstruction process. It is well known, and reflected in the model electron contents, that without additional data tomographic reconstruction is not accurate in height determination. Layer height variations with latitude, however, can have a strong influence on slant and vertical electron content.©1994 John Wiley & Sons Inc
Grand alliance MPEG‐2‐based video decoder with parallel processing architecture
Authors: Challapali Kiran , Cavallerano Alan , Shen Richard , Akiwumi‐Assani Olu , Cugnini Aldo , Basile Carlo
Published: March 2007

A practical and unique hardware architecture for video bitstream source decoding and video postprocessing of a Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG‐2)‐based high‐definition television (HDTV) compressed bitstream has been implemented to impose minimal limitations on the video source coding algorithm. The Grand Alliance (GA) MPEG‐2‐based HDTV codec achieves a high degree of source and channel coding efficiency while preserving the delivery of high‐resoultion picture quality in a variety of video input and output formats in bandwidth‐limited channels. The video source decoder hardware architecture necessary to achieve the data decoding and ensuing video postprocessing poses numerous technologic challenges to the system designer, who must tradeoff minimizing codec constraints with the eventual commercialization of a video decoder for a consumer television receiver product. The powerful and flexible coding algorithm necessary to satisfy the HDTV picture quality and transmission channel bandwidth limitation requirements results in an encoder‐output bitstream that necessitates high throughout decoding. Although the transmitted bitstream is of constant rate due to rate buffering, bistreams internal to the codec are both peaky and bursty. An intelligent distributive parallel processing decoding architecture has been developed to dynamically partition the MPEG‐2 bitstream into a number of decodable subset bitstreams, while placing minimal constraints on the encoding algorithm. This architecture allows for high‐speed, efficient decoding of the bitstream, and can be a prelude to the development of a cost‐effective consumer product. Further architecture refinements can be explored, including implementation in VLSI.
Optimizing radiation therapy inverse treatment planning using the simulated annealing technique
Authors: Webb Steve
Published: March 2007

The role of simulated annealing in therapy planning is discussed from a historical, theoretical and practical viewpoint. The properties of the method are discussed in detail together with available options and specific implementations.
Nuclear cysteine‐protease involved in male chromatin remodeling after fertilization is ubiquitously distributed during sea urchin development
Authors: Gourdet Claudia , Iribarren Claudio , Morin Violeta , Bustos Paula , Puchi Marcia , Imschenetzky Maria
Published: March 2007

Previously we have identified a cysteine‐protease involved in male chromatin remodeling which segregates into the nuclei of the two blastomeres at the first cleavage division. Here we have investigated the fate of this protease during early embryogenesis by immunodetecting this protein with antibodies elicited against its N‐terminal sequence. As shown in this report, the major 60 kDa active form of this protease was found to be present in the extracts of chromosomal proteins obtained from all developmental stages analyzed. In morula and gastrula the 70 kDa inactive precursor, which corresponds to the major form of the zymogen found in unfertilized eggs, was detected. In plutei larvas, the major 60 kDa form of this enzyme was found together with a higher molecular weight precursor (90 kDa) which is consistent with the less abundant zymogen primarily detected in unfertilized eggs. As reported here, either the active protease or its zymogens were visualized in most of the embryonic territories indicating that this enzyme lacks a specific pattern of spatial‐temporal developmental segregation. Taken together our results indicate that this protease persists in the embryo and is ubiquitously distributed up to larval stages of development, either as an active enzyme and/or as an inactive precursor. These results suggest that this enzyme may display yet unknown functions during embryonic development that complement its role in male chromatin remodeling after fertilization. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 1–8, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro differentiation of mouse bone marrow stromal stem cells into hepatocytes induced by conditioned culture medium of hepatocytes
Authors: Chen Ye , Dong Xue‐Jun , Zhang Guo‐Rong , Shao Jian‐Zhong , Xiang Li‐Xin
Published: March 2007

The differentiation potential of adult stem cells has long been believed to be limited to the tissue or germ layer of their origin. However, recent studies have demonstrated that adult stem cells may encompass a greater potential than once thought. In the present study, we examined whether murine bone marrow derived stromal stem cells (BMSSCs) are able to differentiate into functional hepatocytes in vitro. BMSSCs were isolated from murine femora and tibiae, and the mesodermal multilineage differentiation potentials of these cells were functionally characterized. To effectively induce hepatic differentiation, we designed a novel protocol by using hepatocyte‐conditioned medium. Hepatic differentiation from mouse BMSSCs was examined by a variety of assays at morphological and molecular levels. Morphologically, mouse BMSSCs became round and epithelioid, binucleated after induction. Differentiated cells were harvested on Days 0, 10, and 20 and subjected to examination of hepatocyte characteristics by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunocytochemistry. We detected AFP, HNF‐3β, CK19, CK18, ALB, TAT, and G‐6‐Pase at the mRNA and/or protein levels, hepatocyte‐like cells by culture in conditioned medium further demonstrated in vitro functions characteristic of liver cells, including glycogen storage, and urea secretion. Moreover, transplantation of the differentiated cells into liver‐injured mice partially restored serum albumin level and significantly suppressed transaminase activity. Our findings indicated the transdifferentiation potential of mouse BMSSCs developing into the functional hepatocyte‐like cells by conditioned culture medium and, hence, may serve as a model system for the study of mechanisms involved in the transdifferentiation, and a cell source for cell therapy of hepatic diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 52–63, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The state of the art of clinical gene diagnosis
Authors: Gillespie David H.
Published: March 2007

Gene diagnosis is defined and evaluated in light of existing methods of clinical diagnosis. Gene diagnosis for diseases caused by somatic or inherited mutations is more powerful than existing clinical methods, but the state of this art is too cumbersome and expensive for routine diagnosis. Gene diagnosis for infectious disease is more specific than existing detection methods, but usually is not yet as sensitive as culture or as advanced. The format for both forms of gene diagnosis will evolve to liquid hybridization followed by a “dot” format for evaluating results.
A new technique for the detection of cytoplasmic immunoglobulins in hematopoietic cells by flow cytofluorometry
Authors: Ahearn Michael J. , Bator Jenny M. , Stass Sanford S. , Trujillo Jose M.
Published: March 2007

The identification and quantitation of intracytoplasmic immunoglobulins has become a useful tool in the clinical laboratory evaluation of neoplastic cells from patients with lymphocytic leukemia. Currently, the vast majority of these studies are made by fluorescent microscopy using cytocentrifuge preparations. In the present communication we report a new procedure for rapid flow cytofluorometric analysis of intra‐cytoplasmic immunoglobulin. This technique, utilizing a primary fixation step, permits maximal penetration of labeled antibody while preserving plasma membrane integrity and high retention of intracellular target proteins. These attributes contribute to a rapid yet accurate procedure for quantitating intracellular immunoglobulins which is potentially superior to any method currently utilized. Although the emphasis of this investigation has been on the labeling of intra‐cytoplasmic μ chain, continuing studies in our laboratory indicate that the technique provides a sensitive method for detecting a variety of intracellular antigens.
A comparison of three assays for prediction of clinical response to chemotherapy
Authors: Stratton Joan A. , Braly Patricia S. , Disaia Philip J.
Published: March 2007

Tumors from 30 patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies were evaluated for sensitivity or resistance to various chemotherapeutic agents by three laboratory assays: the subrenal capsule (SRC) assay, the stem cell clonogenic (SCC) assay, and a delayed [3H]TdR incorporation ([3H]TdR) assay. The tumors were tested against a standard battery of chemotherapeutic drugs; 39% of the tumors were sensitive to one or more of these agents in the SRC assay compared to only 24% in the [3H]TdR assay and 4% in the SCC assay. Eighteen of the patients had adequate follow‐up to correlate their clinical course to the assay predictions. In this study, the prospective predictive accuracy (sensitivity) of the SRC assay was 100% compared to 25% for the [3H]TdR assay and 0% for the SCC assay. The respective specificities were 63, 73, and 80%. The SRC assay appeared to predict clinical response for gynecologic malignancies more accurately than either the [3H]TdR or the SCC assay.
Validation of an enzyme immunoassay for human choriogonadotropin as a tumor marker test
Authors: Birdsong Bailey A. , Fritsche Herbert A. , Liu Frank J.
Published: March 2007

We have evaluated a commercially available enzyme immunoassay for the determination of human choriogonadotropin (HCG) in human serum. The polyclonal antiserum to the β subunit of HCG was found to have less than 1.0% cross‐reaction with lutropin (LH). The sensitivity of the assay was 1.0 mlU/ml, and the precision of the method, as measured by the coefficient of variation, was 3.8% at x̄ = 12.8 mlu/ml and 5.4% at x̄ = 66.3 mlu/ml. The upper limit of normal for the method, based on the 95th percentile, was as follows: men: <1.0 mlU/ml; premenopausal women: <1.7 mlU/ml; postmenopausal women: <3.9 mlU/ml. A method comparison study of 132 patient samples (radioimmunoassay vs enzyme immunoassay) gave a correlation coefficient of 0.959, with a slope of 0.963 and a y intercept of –0.683. A total of 422 enzyme immunoassays were performed on serial serum specimens collected from 42 patients with various clinical conditions associated with serum HCG abnormality. Excellent correlation was observed between the serial HCG pattern and the clinical course of the patients. The clinical correlations demonstrated the accuracy of the enzyme immunoassay for HCG and validate its use as a tumor marker test.
Oncogenes and their involvement in chronic myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Arlinghaus Ralph B. , Kloetzer William S.
Published: March 2007

This review highlights recent developments in the oncogene field relating to the molecular biology of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). At least 90% of patients diagnosed with CML carry an abnormal chromosome within their tumor cells. This chromosome is known as the Philadelphia chromosome. It results in most cases from an exchange of genetic material between chromosomes 9 and 22. As a result of this exchange the cellular abl gene from chromosomes 9, which is related to a viral oncogene, becomes fused to a region of chromsome 22 called the breakpoint cluster region (bcr). The hybrid bcr‐abl gene is believed to play an important role in the disease process. The product of the fused bcr and abl genes is a 210,000 mol. wt. protein termed P210bcr‐abl. It has an associated protein kinase activity that phosphorylates tyrosine residues. Tyrosine protein kinases are thought to play an important role in the formation of tumors by rapidly acting RNA tumor viruses such as Abelson mouse leukemia virus. This virus has acquired part of the cellular abl gene from the mouse genome; viral infected tumor cells express a hybrid protein called P120gag‐abl, a tyrosine kinase believed to be responsible for the tumor phenotype. Similarly, P210bcr‐abl may play a key role in maintaining the tumor properties of leukemic cells of the CML patient.
Methodology and significance of the detection of liver‐kidney‐microsomal (lkm) autoantibodies in autoimmune‐type chronic active hepatitis
Authors: Manns M. , Gerken G. , Kyriatsoulis A. , zum Büschenfelde K.‐H. Meyer , Dienes H. P.
Published: March 2007

Liver‐kidney‐microsomal (LKM) autoantibodies are diagnostic markers for a subgroup of HBsAg‐negative chronic active hepatitis, presumably owing to autoimmunity. They were originally detected by indirect immunofluorescence and can now be evaluated by radioimmunoassay, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and immunoblotting. In immunoblotting LKM‐positive sera react strongly with a 50‐kilodalton (KD) polypeptide band of microsomes. In immunoelectron microscopy, LKM‐positive sera show a binding with membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum. The LKM antigen was further identified on various isoenzymes of cytochrome P‐450. Immunofluorescence is still the method of choice for screening sera routinely. However, cytplasmic antigen‐antibody systems often can hardly be distinguished by this method. A specific radioimmunoassay and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay can differentiate the various autoantibodies against cytoplasmic antigens. Immunoblotting and immunoelectron microscopy are specific tools for the characterization of the target antigens on an ultrastructural or molecular level. So far they have no use in routine testing of sera. However, since LKM antigen was localized on isozymes of cytochrome P‐450, this subgroup of CAH might turn out to be a drug‐induced autoimmune liver disease. Clinically, these patients are characterized by chronic active hepatitis or cirrhosis in liver histology, a slight predominance of females, low IgA immunoglobulin levels, and an often rapidly progressing disease. Patients can be treated with immunosuppressive drugs. However, controlled therapeutical trials are missing. Furthermore, an immunogenetic background still has to be proven for this autoimmune liver disease.
Significant autoimmune markers of autoimmune liver disorders: Current status
Authors: Manns M. , Gerken G. , Kyriatsoulis A. , zum Büschenfelde K.‐H. Meyer
Published: March 2007

Chronic inflammatory liver diseases are classified as chronic active hepatitis (CAH) or primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) on the basis of clinical and pathological criteria. Autoantibodies allow the distinction between autoimmune forms of CAH and virally induced forms, in particular CAH non‐A, non‐B. Three different subgroups of autoimmune‐type CAH have been defined so far. Classical autoimmune “lupoid” CAH is characterized by antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and liver‐membrane autoantibodies (LMA). Antibodies against a liver‐kidney‐microsomal antigen (LKM) are found in a small group of generally young patients and are associated with a progressive form of autoimmune CAH. The target antigen as defined by immunoblotting is a protein at 50 kilodaltons (KD), and it has been detected on phenobarbital‐inducible isoenzymes of cytochrome P‐450. The third subgroup, clinically similar to “lupoid” CAH, is characterized by antibodies against a soluble cytoplasmic liver antigen (anti‐SLA). These antibodies cannot be diagnosed by routine methods, i.e., immunofluorescence, but are only found by radioimmunoassay or enzyme immunoassay. In primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) the immune reactions are directed against the intrahepatic bile ducts rather than hepatocytes. Antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA), traditionally diagnosed by immunofluorescence, are found in up to 100% of PBC patients. Complement‐fixation test, radioimmunoassay, and enzyme immunoassay allow the distinction of disease‐specific subtypes of AMA. Immunoblotting allows the characterization at the molecular level of two PBC‐specific AMA subtypes, anti‐p48 and anti‐p62. The latter corresponds to the anti‐M2 antibodies described previously. All these antibodies are important tools in the differential diagnosis of chronic inflammatory liver diseases. Patients with autoimmune‐type CAH benefit from immunosuppressive therapy, while those with virally induced CAH do not. The role of these autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of CAH or PBC is not known as yet, but they are sensitive and specific diagnostic markers.
Automated nephelometric immunoassays with novel shell/core particles
Authors: Kapmeyer Wolfgang H. , Pauly Hans‐Erwin , Tuengler Peter
Published: March 2007

Nephelometry has become a very reliable and convenient method for immunoassays. Recent innovations in polymer chemistry have led to the design of highly sensitive and reproducible immunoassays for the Behring Nephelometer Analyzer. The principle of particle‐enhanced immunoassays has led to the development of new polymer particles. Key advances include the preparation and use of particles with polystyrene cores covered by thin shells with chemically reactive groups. The cores are prepared by emulsion polymerization, giving particles with a well‐defined size. The particle size has been optimized to fulfill the requirements for nephelometric analysis. The shells consist of a polystyrene/polymethacrylate/polymethacrylamidoacet‐aldehyde dipentylacetal copolymer, which allows a covalent binding of the immunochemicals of interest. Using these particles, a method for the determination of C‐reactive protein has been worked out.
Direct measurement of α‐human atrial natriuretic polypeptide in plasma by sensitive enzyme immunoassay
Authors: Hashida Seiichi , Ishikawa Eiji , Mukoyama Masashi , Nakao Kazuwa , Imura Hiroo
Published: March 2007

α‐Human atrial natriuretic polypeptide (α‐hANP) in plasma was directly measured without extraction by sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Polystyrene balls were coated with monoclonal anti‐α‐hANP (ring) IgG, specific for the N‐terminal half of the ring structure including Met‐12 residue of α‐hANP or monoclonal anti‐α‐hANP (N‐terminus) IgG, specific for the N‐terminus of α‐hANP. Rabbit anti‐α‐hANP (C‐ter‐minus) Fab' specific for the C‐terminus of α‐hANP was conjugated to horseradish peroxidase. The polystyrene ball was incubated with α‐hANP standards or plasma and, after washing, with the conjugate, and bound peroxidase activity was assayed by fluorimetry (two‐step sandwich enzyme immunoassay). The detection limit of α‐hANP was 30–90 fg (10–30 attomo1es)/tube and 0.6–2.3 ng (0.2–0.75 pmol)/L using 0.04–0.05 ml of plasma. The lower detection limit was obtained using monoclonal anti‐α‐hANP (ring) IgG1. Plasma hANP levels of healthy men in a supine position after an overnight fast were 24.5 ± 13.2 (SD) ng/L and tended to decrease (15.3 ± 8.5 [SD] ng/L) after intravenous administration of furosemide and subsequent one hour walking. The present sandwich enzyme immunoassay could be modified further to improve the detection limit of plasma 01‐hANP (0.2 ng/L) or to perform a less time‐consuming one‐step sandwich enzyme immunoassay without much loss of the sensitivity.
Relationship between the target antigen of liver‐kidney microsomal (LKM) autoantibodies and rat isoenzymes of cytochrome P‐450
Authors: Manns Michael , Kyriatsoulis Apostolos , Gerken Guido , Lohse Ansgar , Zum Büschenfelde Karl‐Hermann Meyer , Amelizad Zahra , Oesch Franz , Reske Konrad
Published: March 2007

Chronic active hepatitis (CAH) is a clinical syndrome of different etiologies. Liver‐kidney microsomal (LKM) autoantibodies characterize a subgroup of HBsAg negative CAH, which is considered to be an autoimmune liver disease. By immunoblotting analysis (IB) LKM positive sera have been shown to react strongly with a poly‐peptide band at 50 kD. Therefore we investigated various rat microsomal enzymes with a molecular weight around 50 kD as potential candidate target antigens. These included epoxide hydrolase, cytochrome P‐450 reductase, and phenobarbital‐inducible isoenzymes of cytochrome P‐450 (PB1, PB2, PB3a, PB3b). By radioimmunoassay (RIA) and IB LKM positive sera were shown to react with the phenobarbital‐inducible isoenzymes of cytochrome P‐450 but not with epoxide hydrolase or with cytochrome P‐450 reductase. Cytochrome P‐450 PB3a and PB3b were both able to absorb exhaustively the reactivity of LKM sera with liver tissue in immunofluorescence (IF) and with purified rat liver microsomes in RIA. It is concluded that LKM antibodies are directed against an epitope present in preparations of various isoenzymes of cytochrome P‐450.
Flow cytometry analysis of platelet antibodies
Authors: Finley Paul R. , Williams R. Jane , Fletcher Carla
Published: March 2007

We have devised assays to detect both circulating alloantibodies to platelets (indirect assay) and platelet‐association IgG and IgM (direct assay) using a flow cytometric technique. A variety of patients with immune thrombocytopenia were studied. Employment of a confocal lens in the flow cytometer increased the discrimination power of the instrument. Patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia (idiopathic thrombocytic purpura [ITP], systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lymphoma, leukemia, and drug‐induced thrombocytopenia showed a significant increase in platelet‐associated antibody. Circulating antibodies to platelets (alloantibodies) were demonstrated in cases of platelet refractoriness and neonatal isoimmune purpura. Day‐today precision of the assays ranged from 3% to 6% (coefficient of variation). No interference was shown in the presence of hemoglobin (5 g/L), triglycerides (10 g/L), or polyclonal and monoclonal immunoglobulinemia (50 g/L: IgG, IgA, IgM). The sensitivity of the direct assay was 500 attograms of IgG or IgM platelet.
Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations in infants with congenital heart disease
Authors: Slade Herbert B. , Greenwood Jay H. , Beekman Robert H. , Hudson Jerry L. , Pahwa Savita , Schwartz Stanley A.
Published: March 2007

Premortem diagnosis of the DiGeorge syndrome and its partial variants relies on the demonstration of a primary defect in cell‐mediated immunity, generally in the setting of an infant with congenital heart disease, hypocalcemia, absence of a thymic shadow, and typical dysmorphic features. Although T‐cell enumeration is considered a vital part of the diagnostic evaluation, no studies to date have addressed the issue of appropriate reference data in infants with congenital heart disease. We therefore undertook a prospective descriptive study of lymphocyte phenotype analysis in 27 nontransfused infants undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Striking differences were seen between patients and adult controls in means percentages and numbers of most lymphocyte subsets analyzed. Few differences were found in comparing the patient data to values for age‐matched control infants without heart disease. The data are discussed with reference to published values for patients with partial DiGeorge syndrome. It is concluded that lymphocyte phenotype analysis in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected DiGeorge syndrome must utilize appropriate reference values.
Detection of anionic sites and immunoglobulin a deposits in the glomerular capillary walls from patients with Iga nephropathy
Authors: Tomino Yasuhiko , Yagame Mitsunori , Eguchi Kazuhiko , Miyazaki Masanobu , Nomoto Yasuo , Sakai Hideto , Shirato Isao , Ito Kiichi
Published: March 2007

A study of anionic sites in the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) from patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is described. The relationship between the deposition of IgA and the detection of glomerular extracellular components, i.e., noncollagenous (NC‐1) domain of Type IV collagen, in the glomerular capillary walls was examined by double immunofluorescence. Renal biopsy specimens from patients with IgA nephropathy were immersed in polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a cationic probe and then examined by electron microscopy. Renal specimens were also incubated with mouse monoclonal anti‐NC‐1 domain of Type IV collagen and then stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labelled goat antimouse lg antiserum. After these reactions, sections were stained with rhodamine‐labelled rabbit antihuman IgA antiserum. GBM subepithelial anionic sites marked by PEI were altered by the deposition of electron‐dense deposits (EDD) in patients with IgA nephropathy and there was a significant correlation between the levels of proteinuria and the incidence of EDD in the GBM in such patients. Marked proteinuria was observed in patients who showed loss of anionic sites in the GBM by electron microscopy. By double immunofluorescence, IgA was shown to be focally deposited outside the NC‐1 domain of Type IV collagen‐detected regions in the same patients. The authors concluded that high levels of proteinuria might be due to alterations of the size barrier and/or anionic sites of GBM in the moderate stage of IgA nephropathy.
Cholesterol assays in the seralyzers® instrument
Authors: Lott John A. , Miller Irene L. , Crowley Lawrence E.
Published: March 2007

We evaluated the Seralyzer® instrument for the assay of serum cholesterol and compared it to the Kodak Ektachem™ method. The Seralyzer showed good accuracy in the analysis of cholesterol in Abell‐Kendall‐verified serum pools, and the bias from the expected value was small in all cases but one. The Seralyzer exhibited CVs of <5% in all cases and good comparison with the Ektachem method. The Seralyzer is easy to use; however, some training in the proper pipetting technique is necessary. The Seralyzer meets medical needs criteria of total error >5% from the true cholesterol value.
Serum levels of cancer‐associated antigen ca‐195 in gastrointestinal cancers and its comparison with ca19‐9
Authors: Bhargava Arvind K. , Petrelli Nicholas J. , Karna A. , Parshall Philip L. , Fitzpatrick John E. , Douglass Harold O. , Herrera Lemuel , Bray Kurt , Gaur Pramod
Published: March 2007

The antibody against CA‐195 binds to an epitope that consists of both Lewis A and sialylated Lewis A blood group antigen, whereas CA19‐9 has shown specificity for sialylated Lewis A blood group antigen. CA19‐9 and CA‐195 levels were measured in the sera of 52 normal subjects; 65 benign disease patients; and 74 non‐gastrointestinal, 149 colorectal, and 119 upper gastrointestinal cancer patients to correlate their levels with disease status of the patients. Low incidence and levels were found among normal subjects for both markers; however, in the benign disease group a slightly higher incidence of elevation was seen for CA19‐9. Among colorectal cancer patients CA‐195 appeared to show higher sensitivity for primary as well as advanced disease. Levels of both markers showed similar incidences of elevation among upper gastrointestinal cancer patients. Based on these results the contribution of Lea specificity of CA‐195 cannot be ruled out, and it may be used alone or in combination with other markers for monitoring of patients with colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, gall bladder, bile duct, and liver cancers.
T lymphocytes possess receptors for brain myelin small protein
Authors: Riccio P. , Colangelo A. M. , Jirillo E. , Munno I. , Bobba A.
Published: March 2007

In immunomediated demyelinating diseases, T cells are found in chronic lesions. To discover whether immunocompetent cells may interact with some myelin proteins, we purified myelin proteins in the lipid‐bound native state and evaluated their binding to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBC) isolated from healthy donors. To this end, myelin proteins were conjugated to biotin and added to PBMCs or purified CD4+ and CD8+ cells; then binding was detected using fluoresceinated avidin. In this article, we describe experiments carried out with a myelin protein recently discovered in the central nervous system. Our results show that this small, phosphatidylserine‐binding protein can bind to human T cells.
Effects of radiolabelled monoclonal antibody infusion on blood leukocytes in cancer patients
Authors: Gridley Daila S. , Slater James M. , Stickney Dwight R.
Published: March 2007

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of a single infusion of radiolabelled murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) on peripheral blood leukocytes in cancer patients. Eleven patients with disseminated colon cancer, malignant melanoma, or lung adenocarcinoma were infused with 111In‐labelled anti‐ZCE 025, anti‐p97 type 96 9, or LA 20207 MAb, respectively. Blood samples were obtained before infusion, immediately after infusion (1 hr), and at 4 and 7 days postinfusion. Flow cytometry analysis of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, and CD19+ lymphocytes showed increasing CD4:CD8 ratios in seven patients after infusion. This phenomenon was not restricted to antibody subclass or to type of cancer. Two of the remaining patients exhibited a marked post‐infusion increase in CD8+ cells. In all three patients with malignant melanoma, decreasing levels of CD16' lymphocytes were noted after infusion and natural killer cell cytotoxicity showed fluctuations which paralleled the changes in the CD16+ subpopulation. Oxygen radical production by phagocytic cells was markedly affected in three subjects. These results suggest that a single infusion of radiolabelled murine MAb may alter the balance of critical lymphocyte subpopulations and modulate other leukocyte responses in cancer patients.
A simple and rapid procedure for the direct detection of cytomegalovirus in urine samples
Authors: Landini M. P. , Guan M. X. , Ripalti A. , Lazzarotto T. , La Placa M. , Trevisani B.
Published: March 2007

We compared cytomegalovirus (CMV) isolation in tissue culture and viral DNA detection by DNA:DNA hybridization in 60 clinical urine samples concentrated by different procedures. Our results showed that urine concentration by filtration is the easiest and quickest procedure allowing further detection of CMV. With optimized working conditions, the CMV detection in urine can be done in 5 hr without requiring cell cultures or costly instruments.
Potential clinical applications of c‐reactive protein
Authors: Okamura J. M. , Miyagi J. M. , Terada K. , Hokama Y.
Published: March 2007

This article reviews the clinical applications of C‐reactive protein (CRP). This acute‐phase protein is a distinct and sensitive marker for inflammation and tissue injury. It is a simple, fast, and relatively inexpensive latex agglutination test. The aspects of CRP reviewed include diagnostic support, serial measurements to evaluate disease course and therapeutic response, and screening studies.
Lytic units reconsidered: Pitfalls in calculation and usage
Authors: Pollock Raphael E. , Fuchshuber Pascal , Lotzová Eva , Zimmerman Stuart O.
Published: March 2007

51 Chromium release‐derived cytotoxicity data yield curvilinear plots when the x axis displays the effector: target ratio and the y axis displays the percentage of cytotoxicity. To facilitate data analysis, several biomathematical models (simple linear regression, exponential fit, and Von Krogh) have been used to express these cytotoxicity curves as a single numerical value, termed the lytic unit. Other than using raw cytotoxicity data, the lytic unit has been the most common method of data presentation in human and animal tumor immune studies involving natural killer cells, lymphokine‐activated killer cells, and cytotoxic T cells. Unfortunately, the models for determining lytic unit values incorporate assumptions and methods of calculation that can result in inaccurate model‐predicted cytotoxicity in comparison with the actual observed cytotoxicity data. Even when the model is accurate in predicting cytotoxicity values (i.e., the nonlinear regression‐calculated three‐parameter Von Kqh model), comparisons between donors of minimally different or highly different cytotoxicity are still fraught with potential error due to statistically verifiable violations of assumptions of parallelism. Although more cumbersome, donor cytotoxicity comparisons using a range of effector: target ratios are not subject to the above problems. Researchers may therefore want to reconsider the use of lytic units when evaluating and reporting cytotoxicity data.
Assay for the detection of anti‐idiotypic antibodies to monoclonal antibody b72.3
Authors: Ferroni Patrizia , Milenic Diane E. , Schlom Jeffrey , Colcher David
Published: March 2007

The administration of xenogenic monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) leads in many cases to a host immune response represented by the generation of antibodies that can be directed against allotypic, isotypic, and idiotypic determinants present on the xenogeneic MAb. Anti‐idiotypic antibodies (Ab2s) can be detected by measuring their specific reactivity in sandwich assays using their ability to cross‐link labeled Abl to Abl attached to a solid phase; however, when the MAb used for these studies reacts with a multideterminant tumor‐associated antigen found in the circulation (e.g., TAG‐72), the utility of these anti‐idiotype assays may be limited. To determine the levels of anti‐idiotypic antibodies that could be detected in patients undergoing MAb B72.3‐based immunodiagnostic and immunotherapeutic protocols, we investigated the ability of a solid‐phase sandwich radio‐immunoassay (RIA) to detect anti‐idiotypic antibodies raised against 872.3. Furthermore, to overcome the interference of circulating TAG‐72 and for antibodies to allotypic and isotypic determinants in the evaluation of an anti‐idiotypic response, we developed a methodology using CC49‐coated resin to adsorb the interfering molecules (CC49 is a second anti‐TAG‐72 MAb). Under the conditions established, all of the TAG‐72 antigen was removed by adsorption with MAb CC49. Furthermore, since the treatment used an isotype‐identical murine MAb, the binding due to the anti‐mouse antibodies, other than the anti‐idiotype, was completely abolished after a treatment with MAb CC49, leaving only the anti‐idiotype component. Analysis of serum samples from patients who had received 872.3 that were positive for human anti‐mouse antibodies in the 872.3 sandwich RIA, after the adsorption with CC49 resin, revealed the presence of a 872.3–binding component in 2 of 12 samples. The ability of the adsorbed sera to compete with an anti‐B72.3‐idiotype MAb for the binding sites present on the MAb 872.3 confirmed the anti‐idiotypic nature of the component being detected in the patient sera.
Bilirubin diglucuronide as the main source for in vitro formation of delta bilirubin
Authors: Adachi Yukihiko , Kambe Akira , Yamashita Masaki , Yamamoto Toshio
Published: March 2007

To clarify which of the bilirubin moieties is responsible for the formation of bilirubin bonded to albumin (delta bilirubin) in icteric serum, the in vitro formation of delta bilirubin from bile acid‐free bilirubin glucuronides and unconjugated bilirubin was examined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Bovine serum albumin (150 μmol/liter) was mixed with equimolar bilirubin diglucuronide (BDG), bilirubin monoglucuronide (BMG), or unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) and incubated in the dark at 37°C under argon gas saturation. Although no delta bilirubin was formed immediately, formation eventually occurred and increased with time. A similar amount of delta bilirubin was formed when human serum albumin was used instead of bovine serum albumin. Of the three types of bilirubin, BDG was found to be the greatest source of delta bilirubin, whereas UCB produced the least. On the other hand, photoirradiation of a mixture of bovine serum albumin and UCB at a molar ratio of 1:1 resulted 6 hr later in the formation of three times as much delta bilirubin as in nonirradiated specimens. This photoinduced delta bilirubin formation increased further when the UCB/albumin molar ratio was increased to 2:1.
Measurement of serum myoglobin by a turbidimetric latex agglutination method
Authors: Uji Yoshinori , Okabe Hiroaki , Sugiuchi Hiroyuki , Sekine Sakari
Published: March 2007

We evaluated an immunoturbidimetric quantitation for serum myoglobin by the latex agglutination method using an automated biochemical analyzer. This method is rapid, specific, accurate, precise, and has wide dynamic range. The total assay time is 10 min and is performed at 37°C with continuous monitoring at 570 nm.

The assay results were compared with radioisotopic immunoassay results and showed a good correlation coefficient, r= 0.99; Y = 0.98× + 9.3; N = 79. Sera from healthy adults has a myoglobin concentration in the range of 15‐80 ng/ml(N=362). Sex‐and age‐related differences were observed. The serum myoglobin levels in males and elderly people showed higher concentration than in females and younger people. The peak elevation of serum myoglobin compared with other cardiac markers was observed within 6 hours after onset of chest pain as well as the CK‐isoform ratio (MM3/MM1). All of the serum from 21 patients with definite acute myocardial infarction showed increased serum myoglobin levels (100‐1200 ng/ml) upon admission and within 6 hours.

The results suggest that assays for serum myoglobin levels are helpful in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial necrosis.
Determination of aluminum in biological fluids by furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry
Authors: Johnson Keith E. , Treble Ronald G.
Published: March 2007

Detailed procedures were developed forth furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) determination of aluminum (Al) in serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and proportionated dialysate. Of particular note were the use of Mg (NO3)2.6H2O as a matrix modifier and the employment of the standard additions routine in analysis. The accuracy of the method(s) used is supported by work with assayed controls and by recovery studies. The use of a “clean room” was shown to be unnecessary. Normal serum, urine, and CSF Al ranges observed were 4.8–8.9, 5.1–9.1 adn 1.0–5.8μgL −1 respectively. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
G test, a new direct method for diagnosis of Candida infection: Comparison with assays for beta‐glucan and mannan antigen in a rabbit model of systemic candidiasis
Authors: Miyazaki Takashige , Kohno Shigeru , Koga Hironobu , Kaku Mitsuo , Mitsutake Kotaro , Maesaki Shigefumi , Yasuoka Akira , Hara Kohei , Tanaka Shigenori , Tamura Hiroshi
Published: March 2007

An indirect method to measure betaglucan, a major structural component of yeast cell walls, is available, but has the disadvantage of requiring the combined use of two assays. Recent reports describe the fungal index, which measures the difference between the conventional limulus test, in which factors C and G react with endotoxin and beta‐glucan, and a new endotoxin‐specific test, in which only factor C reacts with endotoxin. The G test was developed as a direct method to measure beta‐glucan alone. In this study, the G test was examined in sera of rabbits with experimental systemic candidiasis, and compared with the fungal index and mannan assay.

The G test showed positive in all rabbits with systemic candidiasis faster and with higher titers than with the fungal index. Three rabbits with fulminant systemic candidiasis showed higher levels of reactivity with the G test and the fungal index than two rabbits with mild reactions. Mannan was positive by at least one serum in four of five rabbits by the latex agglutination test, and there was a good correlation between these assays. The G test is a good serodiagnositc method for the detection of candidiasis. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.