bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An internal validation approach and quality control on hematopoietic chimerism testing after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Waterhouse Miguel , Kunzmann Regina , Torres Marta , Bertz Hartmut , Finke Juergen 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background: Hematopoietic chimerism analysis is important in the follow-up of patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation. PCR of short tandem repeats is mainly used for monitoring chimerism after transplantation. Validation studies and precision of assay’s performance with respect to different mixed chimerism stages is not fully addressed. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of several microsatellite analytical parameters in the quantification of hematopoietic chimerism after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and to analyze the overall analytical process through the application of internal quality control procedures.

Methods: Artificial DNA mixtures prepared in known proportions and patients samples were analyzed using three microsatellites, together with amplification of amelogenin gene and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for X and Y chromosomes. Limit of detection, analytical and clinical sensitivity, stochastic threshold and precision profiling was established. Levey-Jennings charts and Westgard rules were applied for quality control evaluation.

Results: Analytical and clinical sensitivity of the microsatellite markers was between 0.5% and 1.6%. Amelogenin detection and FISH for X and Y chromosomes showed a similar sensitivity. Severe allelic imbalance resulted in up to 50% difference between the calculated and corrected mixed chimerism. Systematic errors were identified using Levey-Jennings charts and Westgard rules.

Conclusions: Analysis of hematopoietic chimerism performance is a critical step to better understand potential intrinsic errors that may impact the final hematopoietic chimerism results. Implementing quality control tools, such as Levey-Jennings charts together with Westgard rules can identify systematic and random errors so corrective actions can be performed.
Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs): a gene family of novel cancer biomarkers
Authors: Kontos Christos K. , Scorilas Andreas 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Early diagnosis of cancer and early detection of relapse following surgery are critical for the effective treatment of the disease and for a positive clinical outcome. Identification of novel diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers will contribute utmost to clinical decision-making. The human tissue kallikrein and kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs), encoded by the largest contiguous cluster of protease genes in the human genome, are secreted serine proteases with diverse expression patterns and physiological roles. The aberrant expression of KLKs in various malignancies as well as their involvement in many cancer-related processes, such as cell growth regulation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis, has prompted scientists to investigate their potential as cancer biomarkers. Expression of distinct KLKs is associated with clinicopathological parameters of cancer patients. Moreover, several KLKs possess significant favorable or unfavorable prognostic value in various malignancies, with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) being the most widely used biomarker in clinical practice, today. KLKs are also considered as very promising biomarkers for cancer personalized medicine, especially for prediction and monitoring of patients’ response to chemotherapy, therefore opening up new horizons towards effective patient monitoring post-treatment. This review describes the current status of KLKs as tumor biomarkers.
Position paper on laboratory testing for patients taking new oral anticoagulants. Consensus document of FCSA, SIMeL, SIBioC and CISMEL1)
Authors: Tripodi Armando , Di Iorio Giancarlo , Lippi Giuseppe , Testa Sophie , Manotti Cesare 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAt variance with vitamin K antagonists, the new oral anticoagulants (NOAs) can be prescribed at fixed dosage without adjustment by laboratory testing. However, this does not necessarily mean that the laboratory does not play a role for their management. This position paper represents the consensus document of three Italian scientific societies dealing with laboratory issues in thrombosis and hemostasis. It is aimed at reviewing: 1) which test(s) should be used to evaluate the anticoagulant effect of each of the NOAs presently available (i.e., dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban); 2) the patients to be investigated; and 3) the timing of investigation.
Alternation-based generalizations are stored in the mental grammar: Evidence from a sorting task experiment
Authors: Perek, Florent 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAccording to constructional approaches, grammar consists of an inventory of symbolic pairings of a syntactic form with an abstract meaning. Many of such so-called constructions can be perceived as having highly similar meanings: such pairs have been discussed under the name of alternations, especially in the domain of argument structure, for example the widely documented dative alternation (e.g. John gave Mary a book vs. John gave a book to Mary). This paper explores what status such pairs of constructions can be given in construction grammar, on the basis of a sorting task experiment.Construction grammar traditionally recognizes generalizations of a common syntactic form over semantically similar sentences, but the status of higher-level generalizations of a common meaning over syntactically different forms is rarely discussed. In our study, we devised a sorting task that subjects could resolve by relying on generalizations of either of these two kinds. We find that subjects rely on alternation-based generalizations more often than purely constructional ones in their sorting behavior. We suggest these results show that generalizations of a common meaning between formally different constructions are plausible categories stored by speakers and should be given more attention in construction grammar research.
A Hybrid Deterministic-Stochastic Propagation Model for Short-Range MIMO-UWB Communication Systems
Authors: Janson Malgorzata , Pontes Juan , Fügen Thomas , Zwick Thomas 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis paper presents a computationally effective approach for including dense multipath components in ray tracing simulations of ultra wideband (UWB) channels. Through a combination of a standard ray tracing model with a simple geometric-stochastic model realistic scenario-specific simulations are possible. The frequency and direction selectivity of the channel are reproduced accurately by the model. The structure and parameters of the stochastic part of the model are derived from measurements in the FCC-UWB frequency range. Compared to conventional ray tracing simulations the proposed model reduces considerably the differences between simulated and measured channel characteristics.
The effect of gabapentin on oxidative stress in a model of toxic demyelination in rat brain
Authors: Abdel-Salam Omar M.E. , Khadrawy Yasser Ashry , Mohammed Nadia A. , Youness Eman R. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background: Gabapentin, a structural analog of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), is used in the treatment of neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis.

Methods: This study investigated the effect of gabapentin on oxidative stress in a model of brain demyelination evoked by intracerebral injection (i.c.i) of ethidium bromide (10 μL of 0.1%). Rats received saline (control) or gabapentin at 100 or 300 mg/kg orally daily for 10 days prior to injection of ethidium bromide. Rats were euthanized 1 day later, and then the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA), nitrite, acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and paraoxonase activities were assessed in the brain cortex in different treatment groups.

Results: Ethidium bromide resulted in increased oxidative stress in the cortex 1 day after its injection. Malondialdehyde increased by 30.2%, whereas GSH decreased by 17.6%. GPx activity was inhibited by 78.6%. Brain nitrite increased by 55.4%, AChE activity decreased by 33.4% and paraoxonase activity decreased by 27.5%. In ethidium bromide treated rats, gabapentin administered at 300 mg/kg increased cortical MDA by 66%. GSH was unaltered by gabapentin, but GPx activity decreased by 54.3% by the higher dose of gabapentin. Nitrite decreased by 21.4% and 29.2% after 100 and 300 mg/kg of gabapentin, respectively. AChE activity increased by 28.6% and 69.3% by 100 and 300 mg/kg of gabapentin, respectively. Paraoxonase activity showed 83.3% and 73% decreases by 100 and 300 mg/kg of gabapentin, respectively.

Conclusions: These results suggest that gabapentin increases brain lipid peroxidation and decreases brain antioxidant enzymes in this model of chemical demyelination.
Hepatoprotective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium hirtifolium (Persian shallot) in diabetic rats
Authors: Javad Hosseini , Seyed-Mostafa Hosseini-zijoud , Farhad Oubari , Mehdi Mahmoodi , Ebrahim Abbasi Oshaghi , Nader Rajabi Gilan , Ramin Ghasemi Seyed , Behrooz Hashemi 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is dramatically increasing worldwide. Prospective studies have reported that high levels of hepatic enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are associated with later development of diabetes. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium hirtifolium (Persian shallot) on the level of liver enzymes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups of eight. The diabetic groups received 100 and 300 mg/kg Persian shallot extract, the diabetic control and non-diabetic control groups received 0.9% saline for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, fasting blood samples were collected, and enzymes levels were measured.

Results: Our findings showed that hydroalcoholic extract of Persian shallot can significantly decrease serum levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH) in treated groups in a dose-dependent fashion (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Antioxidant micronutrients in the extract of Persian shallot may rehabilitate liver damages caused by free radicals in diabetic rats.
Data regularization using Gaussian beams decomposition and sparse norms
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Liu Peng , Li Zhenhua , Sun Tao , Yang Changchun , Zheng Qingsheng 
Published: August 2012

Abstract.
We consider seismic data regularization problems in this paper. Gaussian beam decomposition model is proposed for seismic data representation. To solve the representation problem, an l0
quasi-norm minimization model with different smooth approximations is proposed. To solve the l0
quasi-norm minimization problem, a projected gradient method with nonmonotone choice of iterative steps is developed. Numerical simulations on one-dimensional and two-dimensional seismic imaging problems
are performed to verify the feasibility of our methods.
Therapeutic management of fetal anemia: review of standard practice and alternative treatment options
Authors: Papantoniou Nikos , Sifakis Stavros , Antsaklis Aris 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Fetal anemia, mainly due to red cell alloimmunization, is still a significant cause of fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The focus of current clinical research has shifted from an invasive approach to non-invasive management and treatment of affected pregnancies, and the progress in this field is associated with a major improvement in perinatal outcome. During the last 50 years, intrauterine red cells transfusion (IUT), first via the intraperitoneal route and later directly to fetal circulation, is the standard practice in most centers, with survival rates that exceed 90%, particularly if anemia is diagnosed early and treated in a timely manner. In addition, plasmapheresis and intravenous administration of high-dose immunoglobulin have been implicated in the treatment of pregnancies complicated with early-onset severe red cell alloimmunization, alone or in combination with IUTs before the 20th week of pregnancy, but there are still issues to be clarified further. This review article aims to provide an overview of the current standard therapeutic management and alternative treatment modalities in pregnancies complicated by fetal anemia.
Polystyrene–organoclay nanocomposites produced by in situ activators regenerated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Khezri Khezrollah , Haddadi-Asl Vahid , Roghani-Mamaqani Hossein , Salami-Kalajahi Mehdi 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A newly developed initiation system, activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET), was employed to synthesize polystyrene-organoclay nanocomposites via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). ARGET ATRP was applied since it is carried out at significantly low concentrations of the catalyst and environmentally acceptable reducing agents. Conversion and molecular weight evaluations were performed using gravimetry and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), respectively. According to the findings, addition of clay content resulted in a decrease in conversion and molecular weight of nanocomposites. However, an increase of polydispersity index is observed by increasing nanoclay loading. The living nature of the polymerization is revealed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and extracted data from the SEC traces. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that organoclay layers are disordered and delaminated in the polymer matrix and exfoliated morphology is obtained. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that thermal stability of the nanocomposites is higher than the neat polystyrene. A decrease in glass transition temperature of the samples by increasing organoclay content is observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that clay layers are partially exfoliated in the polymer matrix containing 2 wt% of organomodified montmorillonite (PSON 2) and a dispersion of partially exfoliated clay stacks is formed.
A study on some properties of thin biocomposites made from unbeaten wood and non-wood pulps
Authors: Karademir Arif , Varlibas Hulya , Karahan Selim 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA number of thin biomaterials were prepared via a wet formation method from seven different unbeaten plant fibers without using any chemical additives. It is noted that sheets made with short fibers (Flax-B: 0.32 mm and Straw-UB: 0.36 mm) and high fine content (Flax-B: 9.77% and Straw-UB: 10.64%) showed higher tensile index values (Flax-B: 27 Nm/g and Straw-UB: 25 Nm/g) than those made from long fibers. Despite having the longest fibers (1.11 mm) in studied samples, the tensile index values of sheet sample made from Pine-S-UB was just 12 Nm/g, which is just half of short-fibered (0.36 mm) straw sheets. Air permeability of sheets made from Pine-S-UB and Straw-UB were 5322 and 917 ml/min, respectively. Densities of the same sheets in the same order were 493 and 539 kg/m3. It is concluded that long cellulose fibers actually produce bulky materials with limited interfiber contacting areas, while short ones give biocomposites with higher density values indicating a firmly compacted internal structure in the case of utilizing plant fibers without beating and refining. Results would be usable when producing biocomposites from plant fibers via wet formation followed by various resins and polymer moldings.
Effect of functional nitrile groups on curing behaviors and thermal properties of epoxy resins as advanced matrix materials
Authors: Guo Heng , Zhang Jiandong , Chen Zhiran , Wei Junji , Zhao Rui , Liu Xiaobo 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis paper reports the preparation of the amine/epoxy blends with various amines such as 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS), one nitrile side chain-containing diamine (BDB), and phthalonitrile-containing amine (APN). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheological analysis, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to evaluate the curing behaviors and thermal properties of amine/epoxy blends with the effect of functional nitrile groups of amines. Interestingly, an amine/epoxy blend exhibited double curing reactions. The cured epoxy copolymers exhibited high glass transition temperatures (>220°C) and excellent thermal stabilities having 5% weight loss temperature in the range of 375°C to 383°C.
Frequency optimization of laminated composite spherical shells
Authors: Topal Umut 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis paper deals with frequency optimization of symmetrically laminated angle-ply spherical shells. The design objective is the maximization of the fundamental frequency, and the design variable is the fiber orientation in the layers. The first-order shear deformation theory and nine-node isoparametric finite element model are used for the finite element solution of the laminates. The modified feasible direction (MFD) method is used for the optimization routine. For this purpose, a program based on FORTRAN is used. Finally, the numerical analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of geometrical parameters and boundary conditions on the optimal designs, and the results are compared.
Annual grassland resource pools and fluxes: sensitivity to precipitation and dry periods on two contrasting soils
Authors: Sudderth Erika A. , St. Clair Samuel B. , Placella Sarah A. , Swarbreck Stéphanie M. , Castanha Cristina , Herman Donald J. , Fischer Marc L. , Kleber Markus , Sudderth Erik B. , Torn Margaret S. , Firestone Mary K. , Andersen Gary L. , Ackerly David D. 
Published: August 2012

In ecosystems throughout the world climate models project increased variability in precipitation patterns that may strongly affect the above‐ and below‐ground processes that control carbon, water, and nutrient cycles. Uncertainty about how plant and soil processes respond to wet and dry periods at different times in the growing season is a barrier to understanding how changing rainfall patterns will affect ecosystem function in annual grasslands. We used mesocosm systems to test the sensitivity to mid‐ and late‐season dry periods of twenty response variables related to nitrogen, carbon, and water cycling in Avena barbata monocultures. We compared the responses of individual variables and of grassland systems under low and high cumulative rain treatments and between two contrasting soil types.Analysis of individual response variables demonstrated strong seasonal patterns: most soil and plant resource pools and fluxes changed between mid‐ and late‐season, and many had larger responses to the late‐season dry period. Under increasingly variable precipitation regimes, specific resource pools and fluxes such as soil nitrate and ecosystem CO2 flux may be more strongly affected when dry periods occur later in the growing season. Individual responses variables were also used as state variables in a principal components analysis of changes in grassland functional states between treatments and over time. There were dramatic functional state shifts between the mid‐ and late‐season for both soil types, driven by changes in canopy height, leaf soluble protein, soil nitrate, gross N mineralization, and leaf N. However, we did not find evidence that the functional state of grassland systems was affected by rainfall patterns, indicating that interactions among below‐ and above‐ground processes resulted in system‐level resistance to changes in soil moisture. A strong association between plant canopy size and ecosystem functional state suggests that responses of plant phenology and growth to climate change may predict changes in ecosystem function.
Use of pleural access ports for treatment of recurrent pneumothorax in two dogs
Authors: Cahalane Alane Kosanovich , Flanders James A. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Case Description—An 8-year-old castrated male mixed-breed dog (dog 1) and a 13-year-old spayed female mixed-breed dog (dog 2) were evaluated because of spontaneous pneumothorax.
Clinical Findings—Both dogs had decreased bronchovesicular sounds with coughing, tachypnea, cyanosis, lethargy, or a combination of these clinical signs. Radiographic examination revealed pneumothorax in both dogs and consolidation of a lung lobe in dog 2. Pneumothorax was alleviated following thoracocentesis in both dogs but recurred.
Treatment and Outcome—Dog 1 was initially treated by placement of a thoracostomy tube but underwent thoracotomy when pneumothorax recurred after tube removal; left caudal lung lobectomy was performed because a ruptured bulla was suspected, and a pulmonary bulla was histologically confirmed. Dog 2 underwent thoracotomy with left caudal lung lobectomy and partial removal of the left cranial lung lobe; diffuse pulmonary emphysema was diagnosed. This dog underwent a second surgery for right caudal lung lobectomy because of torsion. When pneumothorax recurred and additional surgery was not considered feasible, pleural access ports were placed in both dogs for repeated removal of air from the thoracic cavity. Ports were used clinically for 17 days in dog 1 and 14 days in dog 2. Dog 1 successfully underwent another surgery when pneumothorax recurred 18 days after port placement but was euthanized 17 months later when dyspnea and tachypnea recurred. Pneumothorax had not recurred further in dog 2 twenty-three months after port placement.
Clinical Relevance—Findings suggested that pleural access ports may have a role in the management of spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs.
Norman Dott, Gerard Guiot, and Jules Hardy: key players in the resurrection and preservation of transsphenoidal surgery
Authors: Patel Smruti K. , Husain Qasim , Eloy Jean Anderson , Couldwell William T. , Liu James K. 
Published: August 2012

Developed over a century ago, the transsphenoidal approach to access lesions of the pituitary gland and sella turcica has transformed the field of neurosurgery, largely due to the work of Oskar Hirsch and Harvey Cushing. Furthermore, its use and modification in the early 1900s was perhaps one of Cushing's greatest legacies to skull base surgery. However, Cushing, who had worked relentlessly to improve the transsphenoidal route to the pituitary region, abandoned the approach by 1929 in his pursuit to master transcranial approaches to the suprasellar region. Hirsch and a few other surgeons continued to perform transsphenoidal operations, but they were unable to maintain the popularity of the approach among their peers.
During a time when transsphenoidal surgery was on the brink of extinction, a critical lineage of 3 key surgeons—Norman Dott, Gerard Guiot, and Jules Hardy—would resurrect the art, each working to further improve the procedure. Dott, Cushing's apprentice from 1923 to 1924, brought his experiences with transsphenoidal surgery to Edinburgh, Scotland, and along the way, developed the lighted nasal speculum to provide better illumination in the narrow working area. Guiot, inspired by Dott, adopted his technique and used intraoperative radiofluoroscopic technique for image guidance. Hardy, a fellow of Guiot, from Montreal, Canada, revolutionized transsphenoidal microsurgery with the introduction of the binocular microscope and selective adenomectomy.
The teachings of these pioneers have endured over time and are now widely used by neurosurgeons worldwide. In this paper, we review the lineage and contributions of Dott, Guiot, and Hardy who served as crucial players in the preservation of transsphenoidal surgery.