bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of respiratory insufficiency in Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Walgaard Christa , Lingsma Hester F. , Ruts Liselotte , Drenthen Judith , van Koningsveld Rinske , Garssen Marcel J. P. , van Doorn Pieter A. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Jacobs Bart C. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveRespiratory insufficiency is a frequent and serious complication of the Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS). We aimed to develop a simple but accurate model to predict the chance of respiratory insufficiency in the acute stage of the disease based on clinical characteristics available at hospital admission.MethodsMechanical ventilation (MV) in the first week of admission was used as an indicator of acute stage respiratory insufficiency. Prospectively collected data from a derivation cohort of 397 GBS patients were used to identify predictors of MV. A multivariate logistic regression model was validated in a separate cohort of 191 GBS patients. Model performance criteria comprised discrimination (area under receiver operating curve [AUC]) and calibration (graphically). A scoring system for clinical practice was constructed from the regression coefficients of the model in the combined cohorts.ResultsIn the derivation cohort, 22% needed MV in the first week of admission. Days between onset of weakness and admission, Medical Research Council sum score, and presence of facial and/or bulbar weakness were the main predictors of MV. The prognostic model had a good discriminative ability (AUC, 0.84). In the validation cohort, 14% needed MV in the first week of admission, and both calibration and discriminative ability of the model were good (AUC, 0.82). The scoring system ranged from 0 to 7, with corresponding chances of respiratory insufficiency from 1 to 91%.InterpretationThis model accurately predicts development of respiratory insufficiency within 1 week in patients with GBS, using clinical characteristics available at admission. After further validation, the model may assist in clinical decision making, for example, on patient transfer to an intensive care unit. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:781–787
Primary infection with the Epstein‐Barr virus and risk of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Levin Lynn I. , Munger Kassandra L. , O'Reilly Eilis J. , Falk Kerstin I. , Ascherio Alberto 
Published: January 2010

AbstractTo determine whether multiple sclerosis (MS) risk increases following primary infection with the Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), we conducted a nested case‐control study including 305 individuals who developed MS and 610 matched controls selected among the >8 million active‐duty military personnel whose serum has been stored in the Department of Defense Serum Repository. Time of EBV infection was determined by measuring antibody titers in serial serum samples collected before MS onset among cases, and on matched dates among controls. Ten (3.3%) cases and 32 (5.2%) controls were initially EBV negative. All of the 10 EBV‐negative cases became EBV positive before MS onset; in contrast, only 35.7% (n = 10) of the 28 controls with follow‐up samples seroconverted (exact p value = 0.0008). We conclude that MS risk is extremely low among individuals not infected with EBV, but it increases sharply in the same individuals following EBV infection. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:824–830
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in human muscle: Dysfunction causes abnormal metabolic recovery in exercise
Authors: Lamhonwah Anne‐Marie , Bear Christine E. , Huan Ling Jun , Chiaw Patrick Kim , Ackerley Cameron A. , Tein Ingrid 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveIndividuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) have exercise intolerance and skeletal muscle weakness not solely attributable to physical inactivity or pulmonary function abnormalities. CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) has been demonstrated in human bronchial smooth and cardiac muscle. Using 31P‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy of skeletal muscle, we showed CF patients to have lower resting muscle adenosine triphosphate and delayed phosphocreatine recovery times after high‐intensity exercise, suggesting abnormal muscle aerobic metabolism; and higher end‐exercise pH values, suggesting altered bicarbonate transport. Our objective was to study CFTR expression in human skeletal muscle.Methods and ResultsWe studied CFTR expression in human skeletal muscle by Western blot with anti‐CFTR antibody (Ab) L12B4 and demonstrated a single band with expected molecular weight of 168kDa. We isolated the cDNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and directly sequenced a 975bp segment (c. 3,600–4,575) that was identical to the human CFTR sequence. We showed punctate staining of CFTR in sarcoplasm and sarcolemma by immunofluorescence microscopy with L12B4 Ab and secondary Alexa 488‐labeled Ab. We confirmed CFTR expression in the sarcotubular network and sarcolemma by electron microscopy, using immunogold‐labeled anti‐CFTR Ab. We observed activation of CFTR Cl− channels with iodide efflux, on addition of forskolin, 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methyl‐xanthine, and 8‐chlorphenylthio–cyclic adenosine monophosphate, in wild‐type C57BL/6J isolated muscle fibers in contrast to no efflux from mutant F508del‐CFTR muscle.InterpretationWe speculate that a defect in sarcoplasmic reticulum CFTR Cl− channels could alter the electrochemical gradient, causing dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis, for example, ryanodine receptor or sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ adenosine triphosphatases essential to excitation‐contraction coupling leading to exercise intolerance and muscle weakness in CF. ANN NEUROL 2010
Semisynthetic DNA–Protein Conjugates for Biosensing and Nanofabrication
Authors: Niemeyer Christof M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractConjugation with artificial nucleic acids allows proteins to be modified with a synthetically accessible, robust tag. This attachment is addressable in a highly specific manner by means of molecular recognition events, such as Watson–Crick hybridization. Such DNA–protein conjugates, with their combined properties, have a broad range of applications, such as in high‐performance biomedical diagnostic assays, fundamental research on molecular recognition, and the synthesis of DNA nanostructures. This Review surveys current approaches to generate DNA–protein conjugates as well as recent advances in their applications. For example, DNA–protein conjugates have been assembled into model systems for the investigation of catalytic cascade reactions and light‐harvesting devices. Such hybrid conjugates are also used for the biofunctionalization of planar surfaces for micro‐ and nanoarrays, and for decorating inorganic nanoparticles to enable applications in sensing, materials science, and catalysis.
Degradation of aramid fibers under alkaline and neutral conditions: Relations between the chemical characteristics and mechanical properties
Authors: Derombise G. , Van Schoors L. Vouyovitch , Davies P. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAramid fibers are high‐performance materials that have been used in various applications such as heat and cut protection, composites, rubber reinforcement, ropes and cables, and fabrics; today their use is proposed in geotextiles for alkaline ground reinforcement, and they have been used in cables for marine applications for a few years. However, there is a lack of experience with the long‐term behavior of aramid fibers in wet and alkaline environments. Aging studies were therefore performed on Twaron 1000 fibers under different conditions (sea water, deionized water, pH 9, and pH 11). Hydrolytic degradation was evaluated with Fourier transform infrared and viscosimetry measurements, which were correlated with tensile test measurements. The tensile strength followed a logarithmic evolution with the aging time, whereas the modulus remained constant. A linear relation between the tensile strength and the reduced viscosity of the hydrolytically aged fibers is highlighted. Aging indicators are proposed that allow the hydrolytic degradation to be quantified. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Crystallization studies on linear aliphatic polyamides derived from naturally occurring carbohydrates
Authors: Fernández C. E. , Bermúdez M. , Alla A. , Mancera M. , García‐Martín M. G. , Benito E. , Roffé I. , Galbis J. A. , Muñoz‐Guerra S. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe thermal behavior of three series of sugar‐derived polyamides (PA‐nSu) made from the arabinaric, mannaric and galactaric acids, respectively, and α,ω‐alkanediamines containing from 6 to 12 methylene units was investigated by DSC supported by polarizing optical microscopy. Crystallization from the melt under both isothermal and nonisothermal conditions was studied in detail. Melting temperatures of PA‐nSu were found to decay steadily with the length of the polymethylene segment. Data registered from isothermally crystallized samples were analyzed by the kinetics Avrami approach, which revealed that crystallization initiated by combination of instantaneous and sporadically nucleation. Crystallization half‐times indicated that “crystallizability” of PA‐nSu increases with the number of methylenes in the diamine unit and decreases with the length of the carbohydrate‐derived unit. Higher crystallinities were attained for polyamides made of shorter aldaric acids. The relation between thermal data and the configuration of the sugar moiety present in PA‐nSu was discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synergism effect between modified carbon black and organic ultraviolet absorber in polymer matrix for ultraviolet protection
Authors: Shi Q. F. , Gao J. Y. , Zhao D. D. , Xu S. A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractModified carbon black (MCB) was obtained by oxidization and hydroxymethylation reactions with conductive carbon black (CB); in the MCB, some hydroxyl groups were introduced on the surface of the CB particles. CB, MCB, and a kind of organic ultraviolet absorber (UA) were used as UV antidotes, and binary composites and ternary composites were prepared by solvent casting with polystyrene, styrene–butadiene–styrene triblock copolymer, and poly(methyl methacrylate) as the matrix, respectively. In the binary composites, only one kind of UV antidote was used, whereas in the ternary composites, the organic and inorganic UAs were combined. The ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra of the composites were investigated extensively, and it was found that no synergism occurred when CB was combined with the organic absorber; on the other hand, an obvious synergism effect emerged when MCB was combined with the organic absorber in the same matrix, which was attributed to the formation of hydrogen bonds between MCB and UA. The interaction between MCB and UA was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and transmission electron microscopy. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of fiber surface morphology on the hydrophilicity modification of cold plasma‐treated polypropylene nonwoven fabrics
Authors: Ren Wanting , Cheng Chunzu , Wang Rongmin , Li Xin 
Published: January 2010

AbstractCold oxygen plasma was employed to give hydrophilicity modification to polypropylene (PP) nonwoven fabric (NWF). It was found that, after plasma treatment, PP NWF made from fibers with smooth surfaces can only keep its hydrophilicity for a short time and then shows a quick hydrophobic recovery at room temperature. However, this hydrophilic property can last for a long time in the case of the PP NWF made from fibers with rough surfaces. To prove the contribution of the rough surface to the long‐term hydrophilicity, this PP NWF was treated in an organic solvent to smooth the fiber surface. The hydrophilic feature of this PP NWF no longer lasts for a long time after the same plasma treatment. This observation strongly supports our opinion that the fiber surface morphology of PP NWF is a critical factor for long‐term hydrophilicity improvement after plasma treatment, which gives a positive solution to overcoming the aging effect of hydrophilicity modification often found in this technique. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Microscopic mechanical properties and injection molding‐induced morphology on polypropylene rubber blend
Authors: Kobayashi Yutaka , Ando Makoto , Kanai Toshitaka 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA microdeformation of a simple polymer blend of polypropylene (PP) and ethylene butene rubber (EBR) was investigated in this study. Injection molding‐induced morphology close to the surface was analyzed by transmission electron microscope, polarizing optical microscope, and Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. Breakup and coalescence of EBR particles scarcely occurred during the injection process. The EBR particles near the surface were observed as continuous fibers and were gradually changing to the ellipsoidal shape in the depth direction. The morphology in an injection molded specimen was related to depth profiles of mechanical factors, which were microhardness and shear stress measured by a Vickers and a Knoop microindenter and “Surface and Interface Cutting Analysis System,” respectively. Crystal structure of PP matrix affected to the microdeformation more strongly than that of EBR phase. The large oriented EBR domains disconnected continuity of the PP matrix and acted as a weak layer in the specimens. Finally, cohesive fracture occurred in the peel test of painted PP/EBR was discussed from a microdeformation point of view. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Increased COX2 in the Trigeminal Nucleus Caudalis Is Involved in Orofacial Pain Induced by Experimental Tooth Movement
Authors: Gao Yuan , Duan Yin‐Zhong 
Published: January 2010

AbstractPain is among the major problems during orthodontic treatment. Recent studies have shown that central Cyclooxygenase2 (COX2) pathway was involved in several pain models. The present study investigated whether inducible COX2 within the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (Vc) contributed to experimental tooth movement pain in freely moving rats. Elastic rubber bands were inserted between the first and second maxillary molars bilaterally to establish tooth movement model. The directed mouth wiping behavior was used to evaluate the pain during tooth movement. COX2 distribution in Vc was studied by immunohistochemistry and the changes of COX2 expression were detected by Western blot at different time point after rubber band insertion. Our results showed that tooth movement significantly increased COX2 expression in Vc and the time spent on mouth wiping, reaching a maximum at 1 day and then decreasing gradually. Furthermore, the rhythm change of COX2 expression in Vc and the mouth wiping behavior were much correlative with each other. All of the COX2‐immunoreactive structures in Vc exhibited NeuN‐immunopositive staining and most of these COX2‐immunoreactive neurons were Fos‐immunopositive. Importantly, the mouth wiping behavior could be attenuated by intracisternal injection of NS‐398 (a selective COX2 inhibitor) but not by periodontal administration of NS‐398. All these results suggested that increased COX2 in Vc was involved in tooth movement pain and thus may be a central target for orthodontic pain treatment. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Reg‐2 on Survival of Spinal Cord Neurons In Vitro
Authors: Fang Marong , Huang Jian‐Ying , Ling Shu‐Cai , Rudd John A. , Yew David T. , Han Shu 
Published: January 2010

AbstractRegeneration gene protein 2 (Reg‐2) is a small secreted protein expressed in motor and sensory neurons of spinal cord during developmental stages and following injury of peripheral nerves. Reg‐2 appears to act as a neurotrophic factor and protects injured neurons from death during regeneration. To illustrate these potential protective effects in vitro, we investigated the blocking effects of Reg‐2 antibodies on the survival of primary cultured spinal cord neurons and astrocytes, as well as on neurite outgrowth. In addition, the effects of Reg‐2 in neuron injury models induced by peroxide and mitochondrial poisoning were assessed. Our results showed that Reg‐2 antibody markedly reduced survival and neurite outgrowth from neurons, whereas astrocyte survival was unaffected. Addition of Reg‐2 into the culture medium had no effect on neuron survival or neurite outgrowth. However, the addition of the Reg‐2 into culture media after peroxide treatment or cellular hypoxia insult induced by mitochondrial poisoning can reduce lactate dehydrogenase release levels and cell death. Thus, the data suggests that Reg‐2 is essential for the survival and neurite outgrowth of developing spinal cord neurons but not the survival of glial cells, and that Reg‐2 plays protective effects on spinal cord neurons against injury in vitro. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phenotypic interactions of spinster with the genes encoding proteins for cell death control in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sakurai Akira , Nakano Yoshiro , Koganezawa Masayuki , Yamamoto Daisuke 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe spin gene was first identified by its mutant phenotype, which is characterized by extremely strong mate refusal by females in response to male courtship in Drosophila. Spin mutants are also known to be accompanied by a remarkable reduction in programmed cell death in the reproductive and nervous systems. To better understand the molecular functions of spin, we searched for its genetic modifiers. Forced expression of spin+ in somatic cells as driven by ptc‐Gal4 in the testis resulted in the invasion of mature sperm into the anterior testes tip, which is otherwise occupied only by immature germ cells. To obtain genes that modulate spin's effect, the gain‐of‐function spin phenotype was observed in the presence of a chromosome harboring an EP or GS P‐element insertion, which initiates transcription of the genomic sequence neighboring the insertion site. We isolated th and emc as suppressors of spin and atg8a as a gene that reproduces the spin phenotype on its own. th encodes Inhibitor of apoptosis‐1, and mammalian Id genes homologous to emc are known to inhibit apoptosis. atg8a encodes a protein essential for autophagy. These results suggest that spin promotes cell death mechanisms that are regulated negatively by th and emc and positively by atg8a. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An investigation of passenger interchange and train standing time at LRT stations: (i) Alighting, boarding and platform distribution of passengers
Authors: Szplett D. , Wirasinghe S. C. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe train standing‐time at a station is a determinant of the line capacity and the necessary fleet‐size. Its determination is usually based on the assumption that boarding and alighting is uniform at all doors of a train. Uniform boarding and alighting is conceivable if passengers distribute themselves uniformly on station platforms while waiting for trains. The validity of the uniformity assumptions is tested using data from two stations (one CBD, one suburban) of the Calgary, Alberta LRT system. It is shown that passenger distribution on the platform, alighting and boarding is not uniform and is closely related to the location of platform access points. Some strategies that will encourage uniformity are discussed. However, procedures that can estimate the standing time for non‐uniform boarding and alighting need to be developed.
Suburban service in North America today—Which way will we go?
Authors: Eisele Donald O. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe current situation of suburban rail services is reviewed. Differences between seemingly similar services—urban transit, commuter service, suburban rail service and regional rail ‐are discussed. The suburban rail commuter is described as the true intermodal traveler. Differences of the political backgrounds of the inner‐city compared to the suburbs complicate implementation of programs to improve service and suggest deep problems over the long term. Because the transition of suburban rail service from the private to public sector has been so recent, it is difficult for many to recognize that the profit of the service is in the lower total transportation costs for the community as compared to a cash dividend. Existing railroad lines in many cities have the potential of being a cost‐effective solution to traffic problems, although the specific solutions vary widely, ranging from the operation of new commuter trains over the lines of a heavy duty railroad (Toronto) to a completely new light rail system (San Diego).
A computer model for finding the time‐dependent minimum path in a transit system with fixed schedules
Authors: Tong C. O. , Richardson A. J. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis paper describes the development of a computer model and algorithms for finding the time‐dependent minimum path between two stations in a multi‐route, multi‐mode transit system running to fixed schedules. Selection of the minimum path can be based either on journey time or on weighted time. A worked example using a simple transit network is given to illustrate how the model works. The model has several applications in transport planning: it can be used for generating route schedule information to guide transit users, for assisting in route schedule coordination, and for analyzing transit system accessibility.
TRAMS: Transit route animation and modelling by simulation
Authors: Vandebona Upali , Richardson Anthony J. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractPublic transport managers and operators face increasingly difficult problems in providing adequate levels of service at reasonable social and financial costs. A greater demand exists for analytical techniques which allow them to evaluate changes in operational strategies before committing themselves to implementation in the field. This paper describes the development of a discrete event simulation model for the analysis of on‐street transit routes. The structure of the model is described and details are provided of the types of events which are explicitly modelled in the TRAMS package. The input requirements are described, and the modular nature of the simulation model is highlighted. The various options for output format are described, including the use of a computer graphics real‐time animation option. The range of output performance measures are then discussed, and some comments on areas of application conclude the paper.
The role of accident exposure in transport system safety evaluations II: Group exposure and induced exposure
Authors: Hodge G. A. , Richardson Anthony J. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractPart I of this paper has argued that any meaningful evaluation of transport system safety must include a consideration of the exposure to accidents, and has demonstrated the use and limitations of several measures of exposure at intersections and along links of the network. To complement this treatment of site exposure, this part of the paper will describe the use of group exposure measures in the assessment of risks incurred by people within particular population groupings. The use of induced exposure measures is also briefly reviewed.
A bridge to Fårö—A cost‐benefit analysis
Authors: Andersson Roland 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA cost‐benefit analysis of a bridge is presented. The bridge is planned to connect Gotland, a Swedish tourist resort in the middle of the Baltic Sea, with Fårö, a small island to the north of Gotland. Persistent unemployment problems on Fårö are a complicating factor considered in the calculations.The result is that construction of a bridge according to the designs which have been considered so far is not economically efficient. With another design, however, it might be worthwhile.