bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antigen discovery: A postgenomic approach to paratuberculosis diagnosis
Authors: Leroy Baptiste , Roupie Virginie , Noël‐Georis Isabelle , Rosseels Valérie , Walravens Karl , Govaerts Marc , Huygen Kris , Wattiez Ruddy 
Published: March 2007

AbstractParatuberculosis is a chronic enteritis caused in domestic and wild ruminant species by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) that is responsible for major economic losses to the agricultural industry. To date, no satisfactory therapeutic, vaccine, or diagnostic tools are available, globally impairing all control programs. In this study, we have undertaken a large‐scale postgenomic analysis of MAP proteins, to identify specific antigens that could potentially improve the diagnosis of paratuberculosis. Two complementary approaches were implemented, the first one consisting in the systematic proteomic identification of proteins present in MAP culture filtrates (CFs), followed by the selection of MAP‐specific proteins by BLAST query on available mycobacterial genomes. The resulting database represents the first established secretome of MAP and a useful source of potentially specific antigens. The second approach consisted in the immunoproteomic analysis of both MAP extracts and CFs, using sera from MAP‐infected and uninfected cattle. Combining results obtained with both approaches resulted in the identification of 25 candidate diagnostic antigens. Five of these were tested in an ELISA assay for their diagnostic potential, on a limited panel of field sera, and the combination of three of them competed in performance with available commercial assays, reaching a test sensitivity of 94.74% and specificity of 97.92%.
Controlled grafting of ethyl cellulose with azobenzene‐containing polymethacrylates via atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Tang Xinde , Gao Longcheng , Fan Xinghe , Zhou Qifeng 
Published: March 2007

AbstractGraft copolymers of ethyl cellulose with azobenzene‐containing polymethacrylates were synthesized through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The residual hydroxyl groups on ethyl cellulose were first esterified with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide to yield 2‐bromoisobutyryloxy groups, which was then used to initiate the polymerization of 6‐[4‐(4‐methoxyphenylazo)phenoxy]hexyl methacrylate (MMAzo) in the presence of CuBr/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethylenetriamine (PMDETA) as catalyst and anisole as solvent. The graft copolymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and 1H‐NMR. The molecular weights of the graft copolymers increased relatively to the macroinitiator, and the polydispersities were narrow. The thermal and liquid crystalline property of the graft copolymers were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and polarizing optical microscope (POM). Photoresponsive property was studied under the irradiation of UV–vis light in THF solution. The graft copolymers have potential applications, including sensors and optical materials. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1653–1660, 2007
Tailor‐made poly(ethyl acrylate) by atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Datta Haimanti , Bhowmick Anil K. , Singha Nikhil K. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAtom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of ethyl acrylate (EA) was carried out using different initiators, CuBr or CuCl as catalyst in combination with different ligands e.g., 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) and N,N,N′,N″N″‐pentamethyl diethylenetriamine (PMDETA). Use of PMDETA as ligand resulted in faster polymerization rate (95% conversion in 15 min) than those using bipyridine (∼58% conversion in 10.5 h). This is due to the lower reduction potential of copper‐amine than that of copper‐bpy complex, resulting in higher rates of activation of dormant halides. Use of ethylene carbonate as solvent lead to faster polymerization rate and better control in polymerization when compared with p‐xylene as solvent. The reaction temperature had a positive effect on polymerization rate and the optimum reaction temperature was found to be 90 °C. An apparent enthalpy of activation of ∼85 kJ/mol was determined for the ATRP of ethyl acrylate, corresponding to an enthalpy of equilibrium of ∼64 kJ/mol. By judicious choice of the reaction parameters it was possible to tailor the end group of the final polymer. MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis and the chain extension experiment of poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA) prepared using bpy as ligand showed the presence of Br as the end group. On the contrary, when PMDETA was used as the ligand, the mass spectra analysis showed hydrogen terminated polymer as the major species towards the end of polymerization. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1661–1669, 2007
A kinetic study of metallocene‐catalyzed ethylene polymerization using different aluminoxane cocatalysts
Authors: Sarzotti Deborah M. , Marshman Devin J. , Ripmeester William E. , Soares João B. P. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe kinetics of ethylene polymerization using homogeneous Cp2ZrCl2/aluminoxane catalysts in toluene has been investigated at 70 °C with an ethylene pressure of 30 psi. Four aluminoxanes were used: methylaluminoxane, modified methylaluminoxanes with a fraction of methyl groups substituted with isobutyl (MMAO‐4) or octyl (MMAO‐12) groups, and polymethylaluminoxane (PMAO‐IP). The cocatalyst‐to‐catalyst ratio, [Al]/[Zr], varied from 1000 to 10,000. The experimental results obtained using the four cocatalysts were compared and a model was proposed to fit the rate of polymerization as a function of polymerization time and [Al]/[Zr] ratio. Molecular weight distributions with polydispersities between three and four indicate the presence of more than one active site type. We proposed a model that explained these broad molecular weight distributions using an unstable active complex that is formed in the early stages of the reaction and is transformed over time to a more stable active complex via an intermediate. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1677–1690, 2007
Cyclic and branched functional polyesters derived from 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrahydroxy‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethyl spirobisindane and various dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. , Bornhorst Kerstin 
Published: March 2007

AbstractTriethylamine‐promoted polycondensations of 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrahydroxy‐3,3, 3′,3′‐tetramethyl spirobisindane (TTSBI) and α,ω‐alkane dicarboxylic acid dichlorides were performed with equimolar feed ratios. Three different procedures were compared. At a TTSBI concentration of 0.05 mol/L, gelation was avoided, and soluble cyclic polyesters having two OH groups per repeat unit were isolated. These polyesters were characterized with 1H NMR spectroscopy, MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, and SEC and DSC measurements. All polycondensations with sebacoyl chloride resulted in gelation, regardless of the procedure. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1699–1706, 2007
Synthesis and characterization of polyimide containing PEG/PDMS amphiphilic conetworks by hydrosilylation: Correlation between structure and properties
Authors: Srividhya M. , Reddy B. S. R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSoluble poly(imide‐siloxane)s were obtained by carefully designing the synthesis and introducing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) units, thereby making the system amphiphilic in nature. The solubility of the synthesized PEG containing poly(mide‐siloxane)s (PPIS) in various solvents was tested and their thermal properties were investigated. Polymeric siloxane networks were prepared by combining imide groups and hydrophilic PEG components with sufficient variability in their composition to analyze their physicochemical details. The amine groups of the imides were varied in their rigidity and bulkiness, and their effect on the mechanical and thermal properties was studied. Here we have also examined the surface property of the networks through contact angle measurements, morphology through SEM, existence of amorphous nature by WAXD, and their structure–property relationships were correlated. The thermal analysis revealed the phase separation of the three components poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS), PEG, and imide, showing a tricomponent amphiphilic conetworks. The mechanical properties were found to be improved by the phase separated PPIS containing more rigid imide groups. The overall properties of the amphiphilic conetwork has the features of differing hydrophilicity, mobility, and morphology distributed across a matrix, which has a microphase separated design suitable for gas separation and biomedical applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1707–1726, 2007
Pulmonary function and exercise testing in adult survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Peetsold Marieke G. , Vonk‐Noordegraaf Anton , Heij Hugo H. , Gemke Reinoud J.B.J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractCongenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is accompanied by pulmonary hypoplasia and structural abnormalities of the pulmonary vascular bed. It is unknown whether pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and gas exchange during exercise are impaired in adult CDH survivors. The objective of this study was to assess the long‐term pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and gas exchange during exercise and relate these findings with quality of life. Of the 23 patients eligible for this study, 12 adult CDH survivors (mean age, 24.3 ± 4.1 years) with high‐risk CDH agreed to participate. Pulmonary function tests, diffusion capacity, and a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) were performed. The FEV1 (mean z‐score ± SD; −1.30 ± 1.37), FEF25–75% (−1.49 ± 1.14), and the KCO (−1.03 ± 1.24) were found to be lower in CDH survivors. The RV/TLC ratio (28.2% ± 5.0%) was found to be higher. Despite these abnormalities, percent predicted work load (102% ± 17.2%) and percent predicted maximal oxygen uptake (90.8% ± 18.9%) were normal in most of the patients. The quality of life of CDH survivors, assessed with the SF‐36 questionnaire, is comparable to the general population. Comparison of participants to non‐participants did not reveal significant differences in clinical characteristics. In this first study assessing pulmonary function in adult survivors of CDH, mild airway obstruction was observed in most of the patients together with a slightly reduced diffusion capacity for CO. Exercise capacity and gas exchange parameters were normal in this group, indicating that patients do not have a physical impairment, as reflected by a normal quality of life of CDH patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:325–331. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Symptom perception and functional morbidity across a 1‐year follow‐up in pediatric asthma
Authors: Feldman Jonathan M. , McQuaid Elizabeth L. , Klein Robert B. , Kopel Sheryl J. , Nassau Jack H. , Mitchell Daphne Koinis , Wamboldt Marianne Z. , Fritz Gregory K. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the association between asthma symptom perception measured during a 5–6 week baseline and functional morbidity measured prospectively across a 1‐year follow‐up. Symptom perception was measured by comparing subjective ratings with peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). We hypothesized that accurate symptom perception (ASP) would be associated with less functional morbidity. Participants consisted of 198 children with asthma ages 7–17 recruited from three sites. The children used a programmable electronic spirometer in the home setting to guess their PEFR prior to exhalation. Each “subjective” guess was classified as being in an ASP, dangerous symptom perception (DSP; underestimation of symptoms), or symptom magnification (SM; overestimation) zone based upon the corresponding measurement of PEFR or FEV1. An index of functional morbidity was collected by parent report at baseline and across 1‐year follow‐up. A greater proportion of ASP blows and a lower proportion of DSP blows based on PEFR predicted less functional morbidity reported at baseline, independent of asthma severity and race/ethnicity. A greater proportion of ASP blows (using PEFR and FEV1) and a lower proportion of SM blows (using FEV1) predicted less functional morbidity across 1‐year follow‐up. Symptom perception was not associated with emergency department visits for asthma at baseline or across follow‐up. In comparison to PEFR, FEV1 more frequently detected a decline in pulmonary function that children did not report. Symptom perception measured in naturalistic settings was associated with functional morbidity at baseline and prospectively across 1‐year follow‐up. Support was found for including multiple measures of pulmonary function in the assessment of asthma symptom perception. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:339–347. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐inflammatory pharmacotherapy for wheezing in preschool children
Authors: Kaditis Athanasios G. , Winnie Glenna , Syrogiannopoulos George A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAccumulating evidence indicates that there are at least two phenotypes of wheezing in preschool years with distinct natural history. Frequent wheezing in the first 3 years of life with risk factors for asthma (e.g., eczema, maternal asthma) predicts symptoms in older age, while infrequent viral‐associated wheezing without risk factors for asthma has a benign prognosis. This systematic review summarizes evidence on the use of anti‐inflammatory medications in preschool children with wheezing. Literature search was performed using Medline and the Cochrane Library. Retrieved articles were critically appraised. Episodic use of high‐dose inhaled corticosteroids (>1,600 mcg/day of beclomethasone) may ameliorate severity of intermittent viral‐associated wheezing. Maintenance inhaled corticosteroids can control symptoms in children with frequent wheezing associated with risk factors for asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids do not alter the natural history of wheezing even when started early in life and could have a negative impact on linear growth rate. Short courses of oral corticosteroids have been proposed as an effective measure to control exacerbations of symptoms although there is little evidence supporting their use. Some studies support the administration of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory medications (leukotriene pathway modifiers, cromones, methylxanthines) for mild frequent wheezing. Maintenance inhaled corticosteroids is the most effective measure for controlling frequent wheezing in preschool children, especially when accompanied by risk factors for asthma. This treatment does not affect the natural history of wheezing, although deceleration of linear growth rate is the most commonly recognized systemic adverse effect. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:407–420. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduced toll‐like receptor 4 and substance P gene expression is associated with airway bacterial colonization in children
Authors: Grissell Terry V. , Chang Anne B. , Gibson Peter G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractNeuro‐immune interactions are increasingly relevant to human health and disease. The neuropeptide Substance P also has antibacterial activity and bears similarities to the innate immune antibacterial defensins. This suggests possible co‐regulation of neuropeptide and innate immune mediators. In this study, non‐bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on 69 children. BAL was examined for cellular profile, microbiology (bacteria, virus) and gene expression for TLRs 2, 3, 4; chemokine receptors (CCR3, CCR5, CXCR1); neurotrophins and neurokinin genes (TAC1, TAC3, CGRP, NGF). In children with bacterial colonization (n = 10) there was an airway inflammatory response with increased BAL neutrophils, IL‐8 protein, and CXCR1 expression. Substance P (TAC1) and TLR4 RNA expression were reduced in children with bacterial colonization. TLR3 mRNA was increased in 7.2% (n = 5) children with rhinovirus, and there was a non‐significant trend to increased TLR2. There is evidence for co‐regulation of neurokinin (TAC1) and TLR4 gene expression in airway cells from children with airway bacterial colonization and their reduced expression may be associated with an impaired bacterial clearance. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:380–385. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retracted and replaced: Sodium cromoglicate: an ineffective drug or meta‐analysis misused?
Authors: Stevens M. T. , Edwards A. M. , Howell J. B. L. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe following article from Pharmaceutical Statistics, Sodium cromoglicate: an ineffective drug or meta‐analysis misused? by M. T. Stevens, A. M. Edwards, J. B. L. Howell published online on 15 March 2007 in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com), has been retracted by agreement between the author, the journal Editor in Chief, Steven Julious, and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The retraction has been agreed because the article is not yet ready for publication and an early version without revisions was published in error. Replacement article pending. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization of an underactuated bottom‐heavy airshipviainterconnection and damping assignment
Authors: Cai Zili , Qu Weidong , Xi Yugeng , Wang Yongjun 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis paper focuses on feedback stabilization of a neutrally buoyant and bottom‐heavy airship actuated by only five independent controls (with the rolling motion underactuated). The airship is modelled as an eudipleural submerged rigid body whose dynamics is formulated as a Hamiltonian system with respect to a Lie–Poisson structure. By exploiting the geometrical structure and using the so‐called interconnection and damping assignment (IDA) passivity‐based methodology for port‐controlled Hamiltonian systems, state feedback control laws asymptotically stabilizing two typical motions are designedviaLa Salle invariance principle and Chetaev instability theorem. Simulation results verify the control laws. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research into long‐term improvements in small‐ to medium‐sized organisations using SPICE as a framework for standards
Authors: Sanders Marty , Richardson Ita 
Published: March 2007

AbstractFrom 1994 to 1999, M. Sanders worked on several European Commission (E.C.)‐sponsored programmes to transfer knowledge on how best to implement software process improvement (SPI). Each had its own formula, some using a specific standard or model. She had a hand in developing and/or delivering six programmes that reached dozens of companies in many European countries.Various reports were written about the short‐term benefits of these programmes. This research is to revisit companies that took part in these programmes to determine what long‐term (6–12 years) benefits, if any, they derived from SPI. And if they did derive benefits, how much of this can be attributed to the work done in these early SPI programmes?The overall research has a sub‐research component, that of developing a Software Process Improvement and Capability dEtermination (SPICE)‐assessment model which can be used to evaluate the current status of companies, no matter what improvement process or standard they followed. This article describes the activities involved in development of this model and how it is being used in the context of the overall research. Other pre‐research activities are described in this article, such as selection of an assessment tool; database developed for companies; development profile for each company selected; development of tools for communications with companies—letters, questionnaires and communications protocols. We are in the middle of the research phase now. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contact hypersensitivity to stainless steel cages (chromium metal) in hairless descendants of mexican hairless dogs
Authors: Kimura Tohru 
Published: March 2007

AbstractCanine allergic contact hypersensitivity is an uncommon skin disease as compared with human beings because hair coat is a good natural barrier to environmental contactants. In our colony of hairless dogs housed in stainless steel cages, we have encountered spontaneously occurring contact hypersensitivity. The author has attempted to study the toxicological effects of environmental sensitizing substances on the canine skin. The purpose of this study is to elucidate dermatological characteristics in canine species with contact hypersensitivity. This skin lesion was investigated by patch tests, macroscopic observations, and histopathological examinations. Patch tests exhibited positive reactions to potassium dichromate. Macroscopically, early lesions were macules and/or papules and they gradually progressed to severe inflammatory dermatitis over the dorsum. In the chronic phase, lichenification, kyperkeratosis, hyperpigmentation, dryness, scaliness, and fissuring were observed in the skin. Avoidance of contact with the stainless steel cages resulted in clinical improvement. Histopathologically, the epidermis apparently showed hyperkeratosis, thickening, hyperplasia, and rete ridge formation. Lichenified lesions had clumps of melanin granules in the stratum basale and spinosum. In the dermis, there was marked edema and dense mononuclear cell infiltration. Vasodilation, hemorrhage, and hyperplasia of sebaceous glands were also found. Both dermal mast cells and epidermal Langerhans cells significantly increased in the skin lesions, as compared with nonlesional sites. The present results revealed that constant contact with stainless steel cages (chromium metal) caused contact hypersensitivity in hairless dogs with very sparse hairs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 176–184, 2007.
Infrasound‐induced hemodynamics, ultrastructure, and molecular changes in the rat myocardium
Authors: Pei Zhaohui , Sang Hanfei , Li Ruiman , Xiao Pingxi , He Jiangui , Zhuang Zhiqiang , Zhu Miaozhang , Chen Jingzao , Ma Hong 
Published: March 2007

AbstractRecent interest in adverse effects of infrasound on organisms arises from health concerns. We assessed the association between infrasound exposure of 5 Hz at 130 dB and changes of cardiac ultrastructure and function in rats. Thirty‐two Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into control, 1, 7, and 14 days groups for 2 h of infrasound once daily according to planned schedules. Changes of cardiac ultrastructure, hemodynamics indices, intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i), and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase 2 (SERCA2) were detected. Heart rates in 1 day group were significantly increased compared with control group and no significant changes in other groups. Left ventricular systolic pressures were significantly increased with time. Left ventricular diastolic end pressure and maximum rising rates of left ventricular pressure (+dl/dt) were significantly increased in 7 and 14 days groups and not changed in 1 day group, compared with control group. Maximum dropping rates of left ventricular pressure (−dl/dt) were significantly decreased in 7 and 14 days groups and not changed in 1 day group, compared with control group. In heart cells, there were several swelled mitochondria in 1 day group, more swelled mitochondria in 7 days group, platelet aggregation in the intercellular substance in 14 days group. [Ca2+]i were significantly increased with time. There was a significant increase in SERCA2 in 1 day group, while a significant decrease in 7 and 14 days groups, compared with control group. Infrasound of 5 Hz at 130 dB can damage cardiac ultrastructure and function. Changes of [Ca2+]i and SERCA2 play an important role in the secondary cardiac damage. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 169–175, 2007.