bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sea surface shape derivation above the seismic streamer
Authors: Laws Robert , Kragh Ed 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe rough sea surface causes perturbations in the seismic data that can be significant for time‐lapse studies. The perturbations arise because the reflection response of the non‐flat sea perturbs the seismic wavelet. In order to remove these perturbations from the received seismic data, special deconvolution methods can be used, but these methods require, as input, the time varying wave elevation above each hydrophone in the streamer. In addition, the vertical displacement of the streamer itself must also be known at the position of each hydrophone and at all times. This information is not available in conventional seismic acquisition. However, it can be obtained from the hydrophone measurements provided that the hydrophones are recorded individually (not grouped), that the recording bandwidth is extended down to 0.05 Hz and that data are recorded without gaps between the shot records.The sea surface elevation, and also the wave‐induced vertical displacement of the streamer, can be determined from the time‐varying pressure that the sea waves cause in the hydrophone measurements. When this was done experimentally, using a single sensor seismic streamer without a conventional low cut filter, the wave induced pressure variations were easily detected. The inversion of these experimental data gives results for the sea surface elevation that are consistent with the weather and sea state at the time of acquisition. A high tension approximation allows a simplified solution of the equations that does not demand a knowledge of the streamer tension. However, best results at the tail end of the streamer are obtained using the general equation.
Proteasomal chymotrypsin‐like peptidase activity is required for essential functions of human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Naujokat Cord , Berges Carsten , Höh Alexandra , Wieczorek Hubert , Fuchs Dominik , Ovens Jörg , Miltz Marion , Sadeghi Mahmoud , Opelz Gerhard , Daniel Volker 
Published: November 2006

SummaryThe ubiquitin–proteasome pathway is the principal system for extralysosomal protein degradation in eukaryotic cells, and is essential for the regulation and maintenance of basic cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, cell cycling, gene transcription and apoptosis. The 26S proteasome, a large multicatalytic protease complex, constitutes the system's proteolytic core machinery that exhibits different proteolytic activities residing in defined proteasomal subunits. We have identified proteasome inhibitors – bortezomib, epoxomicin and lactacystin – which selectively inhibit the proteasomal β5 subunit‐located chymotrypsin‐like peptidase activity in human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DCs). Inhibition of proteasomal chymotrypsin‐like peptidase activity in immature and mature DCs impairs the cell‐surface expression of CD40, CD86, CD80, human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR, CD206 and CD209, induces apoptosis, and impairs maturation of DCs, as demonstrated by decreased cell‐surface expression of CD83 and lack of nuclear translocation of RelA and RelB. Inhibition of chymotrypsin‐like peptidase activity abrogates macropinocytosis and receptor‐mediated endocytosis of macromolecular antigens in immature DCs, and inhibits the synthesis of interleukin (IL)‐12p70 and IL‐12p40 in mature DCs. As a functional consequence, DCs fail to stimulate allogeneic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and autologous CD4+ T cells sufficiently in response to inhibition of chymotrypsin‐like peptidase activity. Thus, proteasomal chymotrypsin‐like peptidase activity is required for essential functions of human DCs, and inhibition of proteasomal chymotrypsin‐like peptidase activity by selective inhibitors, or by targeting β5 subunit expression, may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for suppression of deregulated and unwanted immune responses.
Effects of RNA Interference on CD80 and CD86 Expression in Bone Marrow‐derived Murine Dendritic Cells
Authors: Gu X. , Xiang J. , Yao Y. , Chen Z. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTo investigate whether RNA interference (RNAi) induced by small interfering RNA (siRNA) could suppress CD80 and CD86 expression in bone marrow‐derived murine dendritic cells (DC). The bone marrow‐derived DC of mice were separated and cultured in vitro, chemically synthesized siRNA were then transferred into the cells by LipofectAMINE 2000, and the siRNA transfection efficacy was assessed by both fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry. The mRNA expression and protein synthesis were analysed by real‐time RT‐PCR and flow cytometry. The cell viability of transfected DC was determined by annexin V and propidium iodine staining. Transfection of bone marrow‐derived murine DC with a non‐silencing FITC‐labelled control siRNA demonstrated a high (71.86%) transfection efficiency without affecting cellular viability. CD80‐1 siRNA was the most effective siRNA to block CD80 expression in three candidates. Similarly, CD86‐3 siRNA was extraordinarily effective in repressing the expression of CD86. Cotransfection of siRNA specific to CD80 and CD86 can enhance gene silencing that is not affected by DC activation‐inducing signals. CD80 and CD86 siRNA suppressed the expression of CD80 and CD86 to 31.05 ± 2.41% and 25.43 ± 0.85%, respectively, of the level in untreated cells (P < 0.05). siRNA is capable of triggering RNAi in bone marrow‐derived DC; it can specifically and effectively knock down CD80 and CD86 gene expression. This approach is a useful tool by which costimulatory molecules of DC can be studied as well as a potential therapeutic option for allograft rejection.
Strain Differences and the Role for HSP47 and HSP70 in Adjuvant Arthritis in Rats
Authors: Miletić T. , Kovačević‐Jovanović V. , Stanojević S. , Vujić V. , Kosec D. , Mitić K. , Dimitrijević M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBecause of high sequence homology between microbial and endogenous heat shock proteins (HSP), immunological cross‐reactivity to microbial HSP has been suggested as a possible cause of the development of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The present study aimed to determine a potential role of HSP47, a molecular chaperone involved in the synthesis and assembly of collagen molecules, and microbial HSP71 (mHSP71) in adjuvant arthritis (AA) in two rat strains: Dark Agouti (DA), susceptible to AA induction and Albino Oxford (AO), which is resistant to AA induction. Immunization with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced an increased expression of HSP47 in joints of DA rats, which exhibited severe clinical signs of AA at the time of disease peak, while this protein was not detectable in joints of AO rats. In contrast, no strain differences in HSP72 (rat analogue of mHSP71) expressions in joints were observed. The increased levels of anti‐HSP47 antibodies were detected in sera of DA rats during the AA peak, while the immunization with CFA increased levels of anti‐mHSP71 antibodies in sera of AO rats. HSP47 and mHSP71 reduced proliferation of draining inguinal lymph node cells (LNC) in resistant AO rat strain, leading to a hypothesis that both HSP participated in AA control. Finally, mHSP71 potentiated the apoptotic response of LNC in susceptible DA rat strain. In conclusion, our findings indicate involvement of HSP47 in the development of AA in the rat, and point out to the regulatory role for both HSP47 and mHSP71.
Acute Suppression of Serum IgM and IgA in Tank Workers Exposed to Benzene
Authors: Kirkeleit J. , Ulvestad E. , Riise T. , Bråtveit M. , Moen B. E. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe investigated associations between benzene exposure and alterations of proteins and cells of the immune system among workers maintaining cargo tanks containing crude oil residues. Individual exposure to benzene, benzene in blood and urine, peripheral blood lymphocytes (total lymphocytes, lymphocytes in subpopulations CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD56 and CD4/CD8 ratio), complement factors C3 and C4 and serum concentration of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE) were analysed among 13 tank workers and nine unexposed referents (catering section). Benzene exposure was measured during three consecutive 12‐h work days. Blood and urine samples were collected pre‐shift on the first day (baseline), post‐shift on the third day, and pre–next shift on the following morning. The time spent in the cargo tank was logged. The individual geometric mean benzene exposure in the breathing zone of tank workers over 3 days was 0.15 p.p.m. (range 0.01–0.62 p.p.m.) (n = 26). The geometric mean benzene concentration in blood post‐shift was 12.3 nmol/l among tank workers versus 0.7 nmol/l among the referents. Tank workers showed a decline (versus referents) in IgM from baseline to post‐shift (t‐test, P = 0.04) and IgA from baseline to pre–next shift (t‐test, P = 0.01). They also showed a decline in CD4 T cells from baseline to post‐shift (t‐test, P = 0.04). Suppression correlated with benzene exposure, benzene concentrations in blood and urine and time spent in the tank. The groups did not differ significantly in the change in other immune parameters. The clinical significance is unknown and warrants further studies.
When is open ureterolithotomy indicated for the treatment of ureteral stones?
Authors: MUSLUMANOGLU AHMET YASER , KARADAG MERT ALI , TEFEKLI AHMET HAMDI , ALTUNRENDE FATIH , TOK ADEM , BERBEROGLU YALCIN 
Published: November 2006

Aim: Improvements in extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureteroscopy have almost eradicated the need for open surgery in ureteral stones. The aim of this study was to assess characteristics of patients who underwent open ureterolithotomy.Methods: During a 5‐year period, a total of 654 patients with ureteral stones were treated. Initial management consisted of ureteroscopy in 524 patients, ESWL in 62 patients and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in 12 patients. Open surgery was performed in 56 patients. Stone location, size and success rates were retrospectively analyzed.Results: Ureteroscopy resulted in successful stone removal in 94%, 98% and 98.5% of proximal, mid and distal ureteral stones, respectively. A total of 14 patients with ureteroscopy failure were referred for open surgery. ESWL treatment resulted in success in 55 patients (88%), and those with ESWL failure were referred for either ureteroscopy (n = 3) or open surgery (n = 4). Open surgery was performed in a total of 56 patients, 38 of whom had been referred from other centers. Stone location was proximal ureter in 25 (44.6%) patients (stone size: 2–12 cm2), mid ureter in five (8.9%) patients (stone size: 2–6 cm2) and distal ureter in 26 (46.4%) patients (stone size: 4–9 cm2). A history of previous unsuccessful endourological procedure was observed in 33 (58%) of 56 patients. Children under age 16 (range 1–15 years) comprised 17.8% of patients undergoing open surgery.Conclusion: Open surgery, which is nowadays being replaced with laparoscopic techniques, is generally indicated for failed endourological procedures (58%), particularly in centers that do not have flexible ureteroscopy or laser lithotriptor, and in patients with larger stones (>3 cm). Children (17.8%) are also candidates for open surgery, if specifically designed endourological equipment is not available.
Prevention of renal ischemia/reperfusion‐induced injury in rats by leflunomide
Authors: KARAMAN ABDURRAHMAN , TURKMEN EMINE , GURSUL CEBRAIL , TAS ERKAN , FADILLIOGLU ERSIN 
Published: November 2006

Objective:There is increasing evidence to suggest that toxic oxygen radicals play an essential role in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in the kidney. This study was designed to investigate the effects of leflunomide, an isoxazole derivative and a unique immunomodulatory agent, in I/R‐induced renal injury in rats.Methods:Forty female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided equally into four groups: (I) control (only leflunomide 10 mg/kg, intragastrically treated); (II) sham operated (only unilateral nephrectomy); (III) I/R; and (IV) leflunomide (10 mg/kg for two doses prior to experiment) plus I/R groups. In groups III and IV, after unilateral nephrectomy, the rats were subjected to 60 min of left renal pedicle occlusion, followed by 6 h of reperfusion. At the end of the reperfusion period, rats were killed and kidneys and blood were removed. Catalase, myeloperoxidase and xanthine oxidase activities, and malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and protein carbonyl levels were determined in renal tissue. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and aspartate aminotransferase were measured for the evaluation of renal function. In histopathological examination, renal damage was scored 0–3.Results:Group III animals demonstrated severe deterioration of renal function, renal morphology and a significant renal oxidative stress. Pretreatment of animals with leflunomide markedly attenuated renal dysfunction, morphological alterations, reduced elevated oxidative stress products levels and restored the depleted renal antioxidant enzyme.Conclusion:The findings imply that oxygen radicals play a causal role in I/R‐induced renal injury, and leflunomide exerts renoprotective effects probably by the radical scavenging and antioxidant activities with immunomodulatory effect.
Percutaneous ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation for kidney tumors in patients with surgical risk
Authors: SALAGIERSKI MAREK , SALAGIERSKI MACIEJ , SALAGIERSKA‐BARWIŃSKA ANNA , SOSNOWSKI MAREK 
Published: November 2006

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe our experience with percutaneous ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation of kidney tumors.Methods: From July 2002 to August 2005, 45 radiofrequency ablations (RFA) in 42 selected patients with kidney tumor were performed. The patients had either contraindications to surgery procedures or had a solitary kidney. The average tumor size was 37.5 mm (range, 18–59 mm) with the mean age of 68 years (range, 28–83 years). RFA were performed based on radiographic findings. Needle biopsy was made only twice. Monopolar Cool‐tip Tyco or bipolar Celon Olympus radiofrequency devices were used. The procedure was performed under conscious sedation with local anesthesia. Treatment efficacy was assessed by computed tomography and by Doppler ultrasound. The absence of contrast enhancement on computed tomography was considered to be a successful treatment.Results: The average follow up was 14 months (range, 3–36 months). In 42 tumors (93%), total absence of contrast enhancement was obtained after the initial RFA and in three tumors (7%) after the second ablation session. There were no complications following 41 procedures, including all ablations in small (<35 mm) renal masses. In four procedures, minor complications were observed. All patients are alive. There has been no need for chronic hemodialysis and, until now, we have not observed any local recurrences with the exception of one metastasis to an ipsilateral adrenal gland.Conclusions: RFA of kidney tumors is a promising alternative treatment which could be considered for patients who are not suitable for surgery.
Differential thermal adaptation of clonal strains of a protist morphospecies originating from different climatic zones
Authors: Boenigk Jens , Jost Steffen , Stoeck Thorsten , Garstecki Tobias 
Published: November 2006

SummaryEco‐physiological variation and local adaptation are key issues in microbial ecology. Here, we investigated the thermal adaptation of 19 strains of the same Spumella morphospecies (Chrysophyceae, Heterokonta). In order to test for local adaptation and the existence of specific ecotypes we analysed growth rates of these strains, which originated from different climate regions. We applied temperature‐adaptation as an eco‐physiological marker and analysed growth rates of the different Spumella strains at temperatures between 0°C and 35°C. The temperatures allowing for maximal growth of strains from temperate and warm climatic zones ranged between 19.9°C and 33.4°C. Phylogenetically, most of these ‘warm’‐adapted strains fall into two different previously defined 18S rDNA Spumella clusters, one of them consisting of mostly soil organisms and the other one being a freshwater cluster. As a rule, the ‘warm’‐adapted strains of the soil cluster grew slower than the ‘warm’‐adapted isolates within the freshwater cluster. This difference most probably reflect different strategies, i.e. the formation of cysts at the expense of lower growth rates in soil organisms. In contrast, as expected, all isolates from Antarctica were cold‐adapted and grew already around melting point of freshwater. Surprisingly, optimum temperature for these strains was between 11.8°C and 17.7°C and maximum temperature tolerated was between 14.6°C and 23.5°C. Our data indicate that despite the relatively high optimal temperature of most Antarctic strains, they may have a relative advantage below 5–10°C only. Based on the thermal adaptation of the flagellate strains the Antarctic strains were clearly separated from the other investigated strains. This may indicate a limited dispersal of flagellates to and from Antarctica. Even if the latter assumption needs support from more data, we argue that the high levels of eco‐physiological and molecular microdiversity indicate that the current species concepts do not sufficiently reflect protist eco‐physiological differentiation.
Alliance Research: Less is More*
Authors: Hennart Jean‐François 
Published: November 2006

abstract  Bell et al. (2006) express dissatisfaction with academic research on alliances and suggest ways in which it could be improved. While much of the literature has delved on alliance structure, they think it should analyse processes by which alliances evolve, what they call the dynamics of cooperation. Unfortunately, they find that this literature lacks coherence and is useless to managers. I agree with them that the present dynamics of cooperation literature leaves much to be desired, but I am pessimistic as to its chances of ever providing parsimonious and managerially useful theories. Re‐visiting four cases of alliance evolution that have been featured in the dynamics of cooperation literature, I show that focusing instead on alliance structure, in the broad sense of the term, is likely to yield strong testable propositions and useful managerial prescriptions.
Forecasting and Finite Sample Performance of Short Rate Models: International Evidence*
Authors: TREEPONGKARUNA SIRIMON 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper evaluates the forecasting and finite sample performance of short‐term interest rate models in a number of countries. Specifically, we run a series of in‐sample and out‐of‐sample tests for both the conditional mean and volatility of one‐factor short rate models, and compare the results to the random walk model. Overall, we find that the out‐of‐sample forecasting performance of one‐factor short rate models is poor, stemming from the inability of the models to accommodate jumps and discontinuities in the time series data. In addition, we perform a series of Monte Carlo analyses similar to Chapman and Pearson to document the finite sample performance of the short rate models when β3 is not restricted to be equal to one. Our results indicate the potential dangers of over‐parameterization and highlight the limitations of short‐term interest rate models.
BACE1 inhibition reduces endogenous Abeta and alters APP processing in wild‐type mice2
Authors: Nishitomi Kouhei , Sakaguchi Gaku , Horikoshi Yuko , Gray Audrey J. , Maeda Masahiro , Hirata‐Fukae Chiho , Becker Amanda G. , Hosono Motoko , Sakaguchi Isako , Minami S. Sakura , Nakajima Yoshihiro , Li Hui‐Fang , Takeyama Chie , Kihara Tsuyoshi , Ota Akinobu , Wong Philip C. , Aisen Paul S. , Kato Akira , Kinoshita Noriaki , Matsuoka Yasuji 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAccumulation of amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) in brain is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Inhibition of beta‐site amyloid precursor protein (APP)‐cleaving enzyme‐1 (BACE1), the enzyme that initiates Abeta production, and other Abeta‐lowering strategies are commonly tested in transgenic mice overexpressing mutant APP. However, sporadic AD cases, which represent the majority of AD patients, are free from the mutation and do not necessarily have overproduction of APP. In addition, the commonly used Swedish mutant APP alters APP cleavage. Therefore, testing Abeta‐lowering strategies in transgenic mice may not be optimal. In this study, we investigated the impact of BACE1 inhibition in non‐transgenic mice with physiologically relevant APP expression. Existing Abeta ELISAs are either relatively insensitive to mouse Abeta or not specific to full‐length Abeta. A newly developed ELISA detected a significant reduction of full‐length soluble Abeta 1–40 in mice with the BACE1 homozygous gene deletion or BACE1 inhibitor treatment, while the level of x‐40 Abeta was moderately reduced due to detection of non‐full‐length Abeta and compensatory activation of alpha‐secretase. These results confirmed the feasibility of Abeta reduction through BACE1 inhibition under physiological conditions. Studies using our new ELISA in non‐transgenic mice provide more accurate evaluation of Abeta‐reducing strategies than was previously feasible.
Improving learning in hospital labour suites: an ethnographic approach to educational audit
Authors: Fraser Diane M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA decision was taken that investigating the effectiveness of labour suites as learning environments for students is part of quality management rather than research. However, a traditional quality assurance model of audit was rejected in favour of an ethnographic approach because of the need to observe the culture of the setting as well as to understand teaching and learning from the perspectives of the teacher and the learner. Observation took place on six different labour suites over a 3‐year period. Data were coded and analysed using a constant comparative approach. Three key needs emerged: to improve the learning culture in the practice environment; to address the differing effectiveness of practice mentors teaching and learning strategies; and to develop students personally and professionally. Further research is recommended into the role of those coordinating areas of high stress such as a hospital labour suite, because the cultural differences they create can cause barriers to learning.
Tenascin expression in actinic keratosis
Authors: Lentini Maria , Schepis Carmelo , Cuppari Domenica Anna , Batolo Dario 
Published: November 2006

Background:  Tenascin is an extracellular matrix protein frequently expressed around neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesions of the skin. Actinic keratoses (AKs) are intraepidermal neoplastic lesions of the sun‐exposed skin. They are classified according to the extension of dysplasia in four stages; they also present different histological varieties.Methods:  We performed an immunohistochemical study using tenascin monoclonal antibody diluted 1 : 50 on 150 cases of AKs classified, respectively, in histotypes (38 hypertrophic, 18 atrophic, 21 bowenoid, 19 acantolytic, and 40 mixed) and in stages (27 stage I, 46 stage II, 42 stage III, and 35 stage IV; 14 in tumoral progression).Results:  Tenascin positivity was observed in all cases at the dermal level close to the epithelial lesion. The intensity of reaction increased from stage I to stage IV and, of course, also in tumoral progression. Its expression was not related to the histotypes. In very few cases, the atypical keratinocytes were positive.Conclusions:  Tenascin expression in AKs is related to the stages of dysplasia. In fact, the immunostaining intensity corresponds to the degree of the dysplasia rather than the thickness of the involved epidermis. Tenascin plays a role in neoplastic progression working as an anti‐adhesive factor.