bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory diagnosis of toxoplasmosis – possibilities and limitations Die Labordiagnose der Toxoplasmose – Möglichkeiten und Grenzen
Authors: Reiter-Owona Ingrid 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is distributed worldwide. Primary infection in immunocompetent individuals is usually subclinical, only few patients exhibit lymphadenopathy. Primary infection in pregnant women may cause severe damage to the fetus and reactivation of a chronic infection can cause life-threatening disease in immunocompromised patients. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis can be established by serological methods or by direct detection of the parasite or its DNA. This paper discusses the present possibilities and limitations of laboratory diagnosis and points out that specialized centers are needed for a sucessful handling of difficult cases.
Die Diagnostik von Infektionen mit freilebenden Amöben (FLA) Diagnostics of Infections with free-living amoebae (FLA)
Authors: Walochnik Julia , Aspöck Horst 
Published: December 2005

Zusammenfassung
Die Bezeichnung “Freilebende Amöben” (FLA) wurde ursprünglich etabliert, um diese Amöben von den parasitischen Entamöben abzutrennen. Es zeigte sich aber, dass auch einige Vertreter der FLA als Krankheitserreger beim Menschen auftreten können. Amöben der Gattung Acanthamoeba sind die Erreger der Acanthamoeba-Keratitis (AK), einer hauptsächlich bei Kontaktlinsenträgern auftretenden Entzündung der Hornhaut des Auges. Außerdem können sie, ebenso wie Balamuthia mandrillaris, vor allem bei Immunsupprimierten, Hautläsionen, Pneumonie und die Granulomatöse Amöbenenzephalitis (GAE) hervorrufen. Die zur Geißelbildung befähigte Naegleria fowleri schließlich ist der Erreger der Primären Amöbenmeningoenzephalitits (PAME).
Während für die Diagnostik der AK zumeist ein mikroskopischer Nachweis mit anschließender Kultur ausreichend ist, sollte bei Infektionen des ZNS – wie grundsätzlich bei systemischen Infektionen – ein molekularbiologischer Nachweis angestrebt werden; hierzu stehen verschiedene PCR-Protokolle und für Infektionen mit N. fowleri zusätzlich ein kommerziell erhältlicher Antigen-Nachweis zur Verfügung. Serologische Tests sind zum Nachweis einer Acanthamoeba-Infektion nahezu ohne diagnostischen Wert, da aufgrund der Ubiquität der FLA nahezu 100% der Normalbevölkerung Antikörper haben. Bei der foudroyant verlaufenden PAME sind serologische Tests vollkommen unbrauchbar, weil wegen der kurzen Inkubationszeit zum Zeitpunkt der akuten Erkrankung (noch) keine Antikörper nachweisbar sind.
Analyse natürlicher Autoantikörper-Repertoires im Humansystem – Ein systembiologisch orientierter Ansatz zum Verständnis Immunglobulin-vermittelter Immunregulation Analysis of natural autoantibody repertoires in humans – investigation of immunoglobulin-mediated immunoregulation at the level of complex biological systems
Authors: Stahl Dorothea 
Published: December 2005

Zusammenfassung
Die Bedeutung einer natürlichen Autoreaktivität für die Ausbildung und Aufrechterhaltung von Immuntoleranz ist in den letzten Jahren zunehmend belegt geworden. Die im Rahmen dieses Review zusammengefassten Arbeiten befassen sich mit den Mechanismen der Grenzziehung zwischen physiologischer Autoreaktivität und pathologischer Autoaggression, ausgehend von der humoralen Seite des Immunsystems, und nutzen die vom konzeptionellen Ansatz her systembiologisch orientierte Analyse natürlicher Autoantikörper-Repertoires im Humansystem unter verschiedenen pathologischen Bedingungen zum Verständnis der durch natürliche Autoantikörper vermittelten Immunregulation. Insbesondere die limitierte Anzahl der vom natürlichen IgM- und IgG-Autoantikörper-Repertoire erkannten Antigene und die nur geringe interindividuelle und altersabhängige Varianz der Erkennung dieser Antigene unter physiologischen Bedingungen sind Grundlage für die vergleichende Charakterisierung des Repertoires natürlicher Autoantikörper unter pathologischen Bedingungen. Die zentralen Ergebnisse dieser Arbeiten lassen sich wie folgt darstellen:

Organspezifische Autoimmunerkrankungen sind in der Regel durch organübergreifende Änderungen des natürlichen Autoantikörper-Repertoires charakterisiert.

Organübergreifende Änderungen des natürlichen Autoantikörper-Repertoires können der Manifestation organspezifischer klinisch relevanter Autoaggression vorausgehen.

Die Selektion des natürlichen IgG-Autoantikörper-Repertoires ist T-Zell-abhängig.

Funktionsmechanismen des natürlichen Autoantikörper-Repertoires sind Isotyp-abhängig.

Die Kontrolle IgG-vermittelter Autoreaktivität durch autologes IgM ist ein im Humansystem relevantes pathogenetisches Prinzip.

Aus hämo- und zelltherapeutischer Sicht ist die strukturelle und funktionelle Charakterisierung der das natürliche Autoantikörper-Repertoire determinierenden natürlichen Autoantigene im hämatopoietischen System ein besonders interessantes zukünftiges Forschungsgebiet, insbesondere auch in Anbetracht der zunehmend evident werdenden Plastizität humaner hämatopoietischer Stammzellen. Die in dieser Übersichtsarbeit zusammengefassten Daten zeigen darüber hinaus prinzipiell die Bedeutung des Monitorings des natürlichen Autoantikörper-Repertoires als diagnostischen Ansatz zur Früherkennung und gezielten Prävention pathologischer Autoaggression.
European Code of Practice for Creep Crack Initiation and Growth Testing of Industrially Relevant Specimens
Authors: Dogan B , Ceyhan U , Nikbin KM , Petrovski B , Dean DW 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe integrity and residual life assessment of high temperature components require information obtained from the material's mechanical, uniaxial creep, creep crack initiation (CCI), and growth (CCG) properties. The information derived from these material tests needs to be validated and harmonized following a Code of Practice (CoP) so that variability in data as well as in the analysis can be optimized between different institutions. The paper describes a CoP for creep crack growth testing of industrially relevant specimens, which was developed within the framework of the partially European Commission (EC) funded project called “CRETE.” Novel aspects of the CoP include advice for testing different specimen geometries, which differ from the standard Compact Tension (C(T)) specimen proposed in the only available CCG testing standard ASTM E 1457. Recommendations for required number of tests, techniques for testing, treatment of test records, reduction of test data, and data analysis are presented. Associated specimen selection guidelines for industrial creep crack initiation and growth testing are also described. Validation tests carried out within the project on Type 316H steel at 550°C and a C-Mn steel at 400°C using relevant specimen geometries are also briefly described. The CoP contains recommended K and C* solutions, Y functions, and η factors, which are used to determine values of the fracture parameters K and C* for the specimen geometries considered, and these are summarized in this paper. Information from these new tests, together with a review of previous creep crack growth tests on nonstandard geometries, have been used in recommending the best method of analysis for the creep crack initiation (CCI) and creep crack growth (CCG) data for a range of creep brittle to creep ductile materials.
Prediction of Scatter in Creep Crack Growth Data from Creep Failure Strain Properties
Authors: Wasmer K , Nikbin KM , Webster GA 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Procedures are available for determining the creep crack growth (CCG) properties of materials experimentally in terms of the creep fracture mechanics parameter C*. When these properties have not been measured, predictions can be made from models of the cracking process. These models show that creep crack growth rate at a given value of C* is most sensitive to the creep ductility ɛ*f appropriate to the state of stress at a crack tip. For plane stress conditions, it is found that ɛ*f can be taken to be equal to the uniaxial creep ductility ɛf of a material and for plane strain to be given by ɛf/30. Hence, in this paper, uniaxial creep properties on type 316 L(N) austenitic stainless steel and two 9 %Cr steels, designated P91 and P92, in the temperature range 500–750°C are reported and scatter in the data identified from statistical analysis. For each steel, the dependence of creep ductility on stress and temperature is determined. It has been found that none of the rupture time (tR), creep strain rate (˙ε), and net section stress (σnet), parameters has a better relationship with the creep failure strain. Hence, none of these parameters characterizes better than the other the creep ductility's behavior. Additionally, it has been observed that although the creep failure strain of 316 L(N) is independent of these parameters, it increases with temperature. In contrast, the creep failure strain of P91 is slightly sensitive to σnet but is overcompensated by the scatter and so can be assumed stress independent. The creep failure strain of P91 is seen to be also insensitive to temperature. For P92, ɛf goes from a lower to an upper shelf through a transition region. Thus the best solution to characterize the failure strain behavior is to use a polynomial solution. Creep crack growth properties obtained on cracked compact tension and C-shaped specimens are also presented. Probabilistic analysis, based on Monte Carlo simulation methods, is employed to predict scatter in the creep crack growth data from scatter in the uniaxial creep properties. In most instances, close agreement is found between the experimentally measured scatter in the cracking results and that predicted from the scatter obtained from creep ductility data.
Reactor Dosimetry with Niobium
Authors: Wagemans J , Borms L , Willekens M , Oeyen J , Moens A , Kochkin V 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
The main advantages of using niobium in reactor dosimetry are briefly summarized. Some experimental aspects and complications of niobium dosimetry are discussed. Special techniques can be applied to overcome most of these problems. Particular concern has to be given to the detector calibration for the X-ray measurements. The main problem however, embrittlement of pure niobium under intense neutron irradiation, is still not solved. For this purpose a new type of material (Al-10%Nb alloy) was prepared. Although testing of this material is still ongoing, preliminary results are promising. This material moreover does not necessarily require applying special techniques for the X-ray measurements. Finally it is explained that niobium is a suitable material for the determination of thermal and epithermal fluences in high flux environments.
Arthroscopic Treatment of the First Anterior Shoulder Dislocation in Young Skiers
Authors: Yiannakopoulos CK , Zacharopoulos AN , Antonogiannakis E 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to describe the results of arthroscopic shoulder stabilization in skiers following the first episode of anterior dislocation. Between 1999 and 2001, 18 patients aged 19–27 years were treated arthroscopically following an acute, primary anterior shoulder dislocation. All patients were active skiers and were injured during skiing. The detached anterior labrum was reattached on the glenoid articular surface using 2–5 bone anchors, mainly metallic. Postoperative evaluation was performed with the Rowe-Zarins scale with a mean follow up of 31 months. There have been no recurrences and all patients returned to their preinjury level. According to the Rowe-Zarins scale the outcome was excellent in 15/17 cases. Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization in selected, active patients provides good mid-term functional results. The quality of glenohumeral ligaments was better compared to patients with chronic instability and the secondary injuries were less common.
Instrumentation for Determining the Local Damping Capacity in Honeycomb Sandwich Composites
Authors: Lincoln JD , Rieger LE , Earthman JC 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
A mechanical percussion probe originally designed for determining the damping capacity of dental implants has been adapted to assess the damping capacity in a localized area of honeycomb sandwich composites without inflicting damage on the structure. The new instrumentation is light, portable, and inexpensive compared with other testing techniques. Furthermore, it allows quick access to areas not easily accessible by ultrasonic methods. The damping capacity of honeycomb sandwich composite structures is of interest to engineers as it reflects the ability of a material to absorb and isolate vibration. Honeycomb sandwich structures with various damping treatments were constructed and accurately evaluated with the instrumentation. Detection capabilities and limitations were also evaluated.
Vapor Permeances, Air Permeances, and Water absorption Coefficients of Building Membranes
Authors: Kumaran MK , Lackey JC , Normandin N , van Reenen D 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Building membranes are integral parts of North American buildings. Some are installed beneath commonly used exterior claddings, brick, and stucco to reduce the risk of water infiltration into the wall systems. Others are used for controlling vapor diffusion though the envelope or as the airtight element of the air barrier system of the envelope. To determine the suitability of a membrane for its intended application, it is necessary to have reliable information on its inherent physical properties. This paper reports the water vapor permeance, the air permeance, and the water absorption coefficient for 18 building membranes that are found in North American markets today. These membranes include paper-based as well as polymer-based materials. The properties reported here show that at the design stage most of the membranes can be considered as the airtight element of air barrier systems and as part of the second line of defense against rainwater penetration. The membranes provide a range of values for water vapor permeance and therefore open up opportunities for a designer to integrate innovative vapor diffusion control strategies for exterior walls and to prolong their service lives.
Direct Shear Behavior of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Laminates and Concrete
Authors: Hsu CTT , Punurai W , Jia Y , Bian H 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
This paper explores the direct shear behavior between carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates and concrete. To study the push-off strength and slip relationship of externally bonded strengthening system, a new test setup is proposed herein. In this research, a total of 27 specimens are tested. The test variables include the maximum compressive strength of concrete, from 4000 to 12000 psi. With this test setup, it has been found to be able to investigate the direct shear condition between the CFRP laminates and concrete. Based on the present test results, empirical formulas to account for the push-off strength and slip relationship of various concrete compressive strengths are developed. This relationship enables further understanding of the transfer mechanism between the CFRP laminates and concrete. Also, the effect of salt water on the ultimate direct shear strength of the CFRP strengthening system is discussed.
Developing a Geographical Information System Database and Spatial Analysis for a Forest Biomass Resource Assessment
Authors: Hughes EM , Mackes KH 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
This study was done to determine the volume, type, and distribution of forest biomass generated in Larimer County, Colorado. The data were compiled within ArcGISTm, a Geographical Information System (GIS) program to graphically display where they exist. Presenting the data using a GIS format created a clear visual representation of wood supply distribution for Larimer County. The GIS database was developed from many sources, including data provided by the U.S. Forest Service and Colorado State Forest Service, and data from IRS tax records (Agricultural tax credit records). The database summarizes forest biomass generation in terms of harvested acres, volumes, and product type removed. Products were typically in the form of fuelwood, chips, posts, and small saw logs. Data were converted into a format compatible with ArcGISTM, thus contained in one easily understood database.
Durability Effects on Flexural Behavior of Fly Ash Stabilized Limestone Aggregate
Authors: Khoury N , Zaman M 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
This paper examines the flexural behavior of beams, representing a cementitiously stabilized aggregate base, under cyclic loading. Specifically, the effects of different freeze-thaw (F-T) procedures and number of F-T cycles on flexural response are studied. Aggregate beams stabilized with 10 % class C fly ash, cured for different periods (1 h, 3 days, and 28 days) and subjected to F-T cycles are tested for resilient modulus in flexure (Mrf) and modulus of rupture (MOR). The Mrf values decreased with increasing F-T cycles. Changes in Mrf are sensitive to curing periods. Reduction in Mrf and MOR and degradation in specimens are attributed to the increase in moisture content during the thawing phase and formation of ice lenses during the freezing phase. Degradation occurs when the expansion of ice lenses exceeds the pore space available. A correlation between Mrf and stress ratio shows that Mrf decreases with increasing stress ratio, in an overall sense. A steep decrease in Mrf is observed for stress ratios in the range of 0.1 to 0.3, beyond which no significant reduction is evident.
Effects of Laundering on Environmentally-Improved and Classic Denim Fabrics
Authors: Fox A , Moore MA 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Denim manufactures are capitalizing on consumers' environmental awareness and are producing fabrics constructed from environmentally-improved fibers. This experimental study examined the effects of launderings on the breaking strength, and breaking elongation of environmentally improved and classic denim fabrics. There were significant differences in the percent changes in breaking strength and elongation of the environmentally-improved and classic denim fabrics as a result of repeated launderings. The 80 % cotton/20 % PET (poly (ethylene teraphthalate)) maintained its strength during laundering. The organic cotton performed similarly to the two classic fabrics; it proved robust to laundering with respect to breaking strength and breaking elongation. Overall, the environmentally-improved denim fabrics performed similarly to the classic denim fabrics with respect to breaking strength and breaking elongation.
Increased Prevalence of Fetal Thrombi in Monochorionic-Twin Placentas
Authors: Sato Yuichiro , Benirschke Kurt 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVE. Fetal vessel thrombosis has been related to pregnancy complications and adverse neonatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies, but the clinical and pathologic characteristics of fetal thrombosis in twin pregnancy are still ill defined.
METHODS. To clarify the characteristics of fetal thrombosis in twins, we reviewed the histology slides and medical records of live-born infants of twin pregnancies involving the live birth of at least 1 fetus (monochorionic: 389 cases; dichorionic: 780 cases) and singleton pregnancies (1162 cases).
RESULTS. The incidence of fetal thrombosis in monochorionic-twin pregnancies was significantly higher than that of dichorionic-twin and singleton pregnancies (5.1% vs 3.0% and 2.8%, respectively). The incidence of velamentous umbilical cord insertion in monochorionic- and dichorionic-twin placentas was also higher than in singleton placentas (12% and 7% vs 2%, respectively). Fetal thrombosis in twin placentas was associated with intrauterine growth restriction. In monochorionic twins, fetal thrombosis was associated with co-twin fetal death, but in dichorionic twins no correlation was identified. Microscopically, fetal vessel thrombosis in twin placentas was associated with vascular cushions (fibrous hyperplasia of fetal vessel), as is the case occasionally in singletons.
CONCLUSIONS. The incidence of fetal vessel thrombosis in monochorionic placentas was higher than that seen in dichorionic-twin placentas and singleton gestations. Fetal vessel thrombosis in twin pregnancies showed a correlation with intrauterine growth restriction, peripheral cord insertions, and major vascular cushions.
A Road Map Toward Defining the Role of Smad Signaling in Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Utsugisawa Taiju , Moody Jennifer L. , Aspling Marie , Nilsson Eva , Carlsson Leif , Karlsson Stefan 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily encompasses the ligands and receptors for TGF-β, bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs), and Activins. Cellular response to ligand is context-dependent and may be controlled by specificity and/or redundancy of expression of these superfamily members. Several pathways within this family have been implicated in the proliferation, differentiation, and renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs); however, their roles and redundancies at the molecular level are poorly understood in the rare HSC. Here we have characterized the expression of TGF-β superfamily ligands, receptors, and Smads in murine HSCs and in the Lhx2-hematopoietic progenitor cell (Lhx2-HPC) line. We demonstrate a remarkable likeness between these two cell types with regard to expression of the majority of receptors and Smads necessary for the transduction of signals from TGF-β, BMP, and Activin. We have also evaluated the response of these two cell types to various ligands in proliferation assays. In this regard, primary cells and the Lhx2-HPC line behave similarly, revealing a suppressive effect of Activin-A that is similar to that of TGF-β in bulk cultures and no effect of BMP-4 on proliferation. Signaling studies that verify the phosphorylation of Smad2 (Activin and TGF-β) and Smad1/5 (BMP) confirm cytosolic responses to these ligands. In addition to providing a thorough characterization of TGF-β superfamily expression in HSCs, our results define the Lhx2-HPC line as an appropriate model for molecular characterization of Smad signaling.
A Focused Microarray to Assess Dopaminergic and Glial Cell Differentiation from Fetal Tissue or Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Luo Yongquan , Schwartz Catherine , Shin Soojung , Zeng Xianmin , Chen Nong , Wang Yue , Yu Xiang , Rao Mahendra S. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
We designed oligonucleotide gene-specific probes to develop a focused array that can be used to discriminate between neural phenotypes, identify biomarkers, and provide an overview of the process of dopaminergic neuron and glial differentiation. We have arrayed approximately 100 genes expressed in dopaminergic neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes, an additional 200 known cytokines, chemokines, and their respective receptors, as well as markers for pluripotent and progenitor cells. The gene-specific 60-mer 3′ biased oligonucleotides for these 281 genes were arrayed in a 25 × 12 format based on function. Using human adult brain substantia nigra, human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and the differentiated progeny of pluripotent cells, we showed that this array was capable of distinguishing dopaminergic neurons, glial cells, and pluripotent cells by their gene expression profiles in a concentration-dependent manner. Using linear correlation coefficients of input RNA with output intensity, we identified a list of genes that can serve as reporting genes for detecting dopaminergic neurons, glial cells, and contaminating ESCs and progenitors. Finally, we monitored NTera2 differentiation toward dopaminergic neurons and have shown the ability of this array to distinguish stages of differentiation and provide important clues to factors regulating differentiation, the degree of contaminating populations, and stage of cell maturity. We suggest that this focused array will serve as a useful complement to other large-scale arrays in routine assessment of cell properties prior to their therapeutic use.