bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in the mouse urinary bladder induces the expression of immune‐ and cell proliferation‐related genes
Authors: Wang Xingya , Colby Jennifer K.L. , Rengel Robert C. , Fischer Susan M. , Clinton Steven K. , Klein Russell D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe mechanisms whereby cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) overexpression may contribute to bladder carcinogenesis remain unknown. We recently developed a transgenic mouse model overexpressing COX‐2 under the control of a bovine keratin 5 (BK5) promoter causing a high incidence of transitional cell hyperplasia (TCH) in the bladder with a proportion of lesions progressing to invasive carcinoma. Microarray gene analysis was employed to determine the effects of COX‐2 overexpression on gene expression profiles in the urinary bladder. Statistical analysis revealed that 70 genes were upregulated and 60 were downregulated by twofold or more in bladders from transgenic compared to wild‐type mice. Expression Analysis Systematic Explorer (EASE) analysis revealed that genes associated with Immune/Stress Response and Cell Cycle/Proliferation biological processes were overexpressed in the transgenic mice. Relevant downregulated genes included three transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β related genes, Tgfb2, Tgfb3, and Tgfbi. The growth factor epiregulin was the most highly induced gene among those validated by qRT‐PCR in TCH of BK5.COX‐2 mouse bladders in parallel with increased staining for Ki67. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) directly induced the expression of epiregulin mRNA in bladders from wild‐type FVB mice ex vivo. We further determined that recombinant epiregulin increased both cell proliferation and Erk phosphorylation in UMUC‐3 bladder cancer cells. These results indicate that the response of the mouse urinary bladder to elevated COX‐2 expression includes enhanced inflammatory response and induction of cell proliferation. The growth factor epiregulin may play a role in bladder carcinogenesis and may serve as a novel target for the prevention and treatment of bladder cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The course of dyskinesia induction by different treatment schedules of levodopa in Parkinsonian rats: Is continuous dopaminergic stimulation necessary?
Authors: Tsironis Christos , Marselos Marios , Evangelou Angelos , Konitsiotis Spiridon 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate the course of levodopa induced dyskinesia (LID) development in parkinsonian rats treated with several different levodopa dosing regiments. Administration of 6.25 mg/kg levodopa once daily did not induce any dyskinesia for the first 12.5 ± 2.5 days. Then, LID gradually increased in intensity reaching an AIMs score on day 40 of 6.3 ± 0.9. Treatment with 6.25 mg/kg of levodopa qid resulted in the rapid appearance of LID with a mean latency of 2 days and an AIMs score of 19.9 ± 2.9 on day 10. Levodopa (25 mg/kg) once daily induced severe LID from the second day of treatment reaching an AIMs score of 35 ± 3.2. In summary, the worst way for delivering levodopa was through intermittent administration of high doses. The daily cumulative dose of levodopa was found more important for LID induction than the total amount of levodopa received. In contrast, the best way to administer levodopa in respect to prevention/delay of LID was “low dopaminergic stimulation” with one low daily dose, instead of trying to achieve “continuous dopaminergic stimulation” using several levodopa doses throughout the day. The benefits of this strategy offered protection against severe dyskinesia even if subsequently subjects were switched to high dose levodopa. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Red flags for multiple system atrophy
Authors: Köllensperger Martin , Geser Felix , Seppi Klaus , Stampfer‐Kountchev Michaela , Sawires Martin , Scherfler Christoph , Boesch Sylvia , Mueller Joerg , Koukouni Vasiliki , Quinn Niall , Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Barone Paolo , Schimke Nicole , Dodel Richard , Oertel Wolfgang , Dupont Erik , Østergaard Karen , Daniels Christine , Deuschl Günther , Gurevich Tanya , Giladi Nir , Coelho Miguel , Sampaio Cristina , Nilsson Christer , Widner Håkan , Sorbo Francesca Del , Albanese Alberto , Cardozo Adriana , Tolosa Eduardo , Abele Michael , Klockgether Thomas , Kamm Christoph , Gasser Thomas , Djaldetti Ruth , Colosimo Carlo , Meco Giuseppe , Schrag Anette , Poewe Werner , Wenning Gregor K. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe clinical diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) is fraught with difficulty and there are no pathognomonic features to discriminate the parkinsonian variant (MSA‐P) from Parkinson's disease (PD). Besides the poor response to levodopa, and the additional presence of pyramidal or cerebellar signs (ataxia) or autonomic failure as major diagnostic criteria, certain other clinical features known as “red flags” or warning signs may raise the clinical suspicion of MSA. To study the diagnostic role of these features in MSA‐P versus PD patients, a standardized red flag check list (RFCL) developed by the European MSA Study Group (EMSA‐SG) was administered to 57 patients with probable MSA‐P and 116 patients with probable PD diagnosed according to established criteria. Those red flags with a specifity over 95% were selected for further analysis. Factor analysis was applied to reduce the number of red flags. The resulting set was then applied to 17 patients with possible MSA‐P who on follow‐up fulfilled criteria of probable MSA‐P. Red flags were grouped into related categories. With two or more of six red flag categories present specificity was 98.3% and sensitivity was 84.2% in our cohort. When applying these criteria to patients with possible MSA‐P, 76.5% of them would have been correctly diagnosed as probable MSA‐P 15.9 (±7.0) months earlier than with the Consensus criteria alone. We propose a combination of two out of six red flag categories as additional diagnostic criteria for probable MSA‐P. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society.
Circadian rest‐activity rhythm is altered in Parkinson's disease patients with hallucinations
Authors: Whitehead Daisy L. , Davies Ann D.M. , Playfer Jeremy R. , Turnbull Christopher J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe sleep‐wake cycle in Parkinson's Disease (PD) is profoundly disrupted, but less is known about circadian rhythm in PD and its relationship to other important clinical features. This study compared rest‐activity rhythms in healthy older adults and PD patients with and without hallucinations. Twenty‐nine older adults and 50 PD patients (27 with hallucinations, 23 without) were assessed using wrist‐worn actigraphy for 5 days. Disease‐related and cognitive data were also collected. PD patients demonstrated reduced amplitude of activity (F = 12.719, P < 0.01) and increased intradaily variability (F = 22.005, P < 0.001), compared to healthy older adults, independently of age, and cognitive status. Hallucinators showed lower interdaily stability (F = 7.493, P < 0.01) significantly greater activity during “night‐time” (F = 6.080, P < 0.05) and significantly reduced relative amplitude of activity (F = 5.804, P < 0.05) compared to nonhallucinators, independently of clinical factors including motor fluctuations. PD patients with hallucinations display altered rest‐activity rhythm characterized by an unpredictable circadian pattern across days, likely arising from damage to brainstem and hypothalamic sleep centers. Treatment of sleep and rest‐activity rhythm disturbance is an important target in Parkinson's Disease. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society.
Long‐term follow‐up of thalamic stimulation versus thalamotomy for tremor suppression
Authors: Schuurman P. Richard , Bosch D. Andries , Merkus Maruschka P. , Speelman Johannes D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThalamic stimulation and thalamotomy for treatment of tremor due to Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and multiple sclerosis were compared in a randomized trial. The symptomatic and functional outcome was studied after 5 years of follow‐up. Sixty‐eight patients were treated (45 Parkinson's disease, 13 essential tremor, 10 multiple sclerosis) by thalamotomy (n = 34) or thalamic stimulation (n = 34). After 5 years, 48 patients were available for follow‐up. The primary outcome measure was change in functional status measured by the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI), scores ranging from 0 to 60. Secondary outcome measures were tremor severity, frequency of complications, and patients' assessment of the outcome. The mean difference in FAI scores between thalamic stimulation and thalamotomy was 4.4 (95% CI: 1.1–7.7) after 6 months, 3.3 (95% CI: −0.03–6.6) after 2 years and 4.0 (95% CI: 0.3–7.7) after 5 years in favor of stimulation. Tremor suppression was equally effective after both procedures, and stable in Parkinson patients. In ET and multiple sclerosis, a diminished effect of stimulation was observed in half of the patients. There were six stimulation equipment‐related complications, but neurological side effects of surgery were higher after thalamotomy. Subjective outcome‐assessment by the patients was more favorable in the stimulation group. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society.
Familial aggregation of Parkinson's disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Thacker Evan L. , Ascherio Alberto 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe sought to determine the relative risk (RR) of Parkinson's disease (PD) for having a first‐degree relative with PD versus having no first‐degree relative with PD. Studies of familial aggregation of PD were identified by searching Medline and other sources. From each study, RRs were extracted or calculated based on the published data. Studies were categorized according to methodological characteristics, as well as by first‐degree relationship type and age at PD onset restrictions. Meta‐analyses and meta‐regressions were based on random effect models. Twenty‐nine studies of familial aggregation of PD were identified with results for first‐degree relatives. The best estimate of the RR of PD for having a first‐degree relative with PD was 2.9 (95% CI: 2.2, 3.8; P = 2.2 E‐14), based on the studies with the most rigorous methods. The RR for sibling pairs was 4.4 (95% CI: 3.1, 6.1; P < 1.0 E‐30), while for child‐parent pairs it was 2.7 (95% CI: 2.0, 3.7; P = 3.6 E‐10). The RR for early onset PD was 4.7 (95% CI: 3.2, 6.8; P = 6.7 E‐16), while for late onset PD it was 2.7 (95% CI: 1.9, 3.9; P = 1.8 E‐8). Inclusion of methodologically less rigorous investigations tended to increase the RR estimates. Summary RRs were clearly elevated above one for all study methods, all first‐degree relationship types, and all age at onset categories. Familial aggregation of PD is strong and unlikely to be due to chance or to deficiencies in study methodology. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society.
Multiregional brain iron deficiency in restless legs syndrome
Authors: Godau Jana , Klose Uwe , Di Santo Adriana , Schweitzer Katherine , Berg Daniela 
Published: April 2008

AbstractEvidence for tissue iron deficiency in restless legs syndrome (RLS) is limited to the substantia nigra (SN). Using MRI, we assessed T2 values of various brain regions in 6 RLS patients and 19 controls and correlated them with sonographically assessed SN echogenicity. Both neuroimaging features are supposed to correlate with tissue iron content. Mean T2 values of all regions were higher in patients (2.9–7.8%), though significantly increased only in four regions; the mean T2 over all voxels was higher in patients (5.1%, P < 0.001) and correlated inversely with SN echogenicity (r = −0.61, P < 0.001). This indicates multiregional (global) brain iron deficiency in RLS and proposes SN echogenicity as a potential morphological marker for brain iron status. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Asymptotic behavior of vortices in axisymmetric flow without swirl
Authors: Ren Kun , Tang Tai‐Man 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe investigate the confinement properties of bounded, nonnegative, compactly supported vortices of axisymmetric incompressible Euler flows without swirl. We show that along one direction of the symmetry axis, its support can grow no faster than O[(t log t)1/2]. The rate at which it approaches the symmetry axis is also estimated. Together with the result of Maffei–Marchioro on the radial growth rate of the support, it is contained in a slowly expanding tubular region. The techniques of the above‐mentioned authors, Iftimie–Lopes–Nussenzveig and Iftimie–Sideris–Gamblin, are used. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A geometrically and materially non‐linear piezoelectric three‐dimensional‐beam finite element formulation including warping effects
Authors: Butz A. , Klinkel S. , Wagner W. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis paper is concerned with a three‐dimensional piezoelectric beam formulation and its finite element implementation. The developed model considers geometrically and materially non‐linear effects. An eccentric beam formulation is derived based on the Timoshenko kinematics. The kinematic assumptions are extended by three additional warping functions of the cross section. These functions follow from torsion and piezoelectrically induced shear deformations. The presented beam formulation incorporates large displacements and finite rotations and allows the investigation of stability problems. The finite element model has two nodes with nine mechanical and five electrical degrees of freedom. It provides an accurate approximation of the electric potential, which is assumed to be linear in the direction of the beam axis and quadratic within the cross section. The mechanical degrees of freedom are three displacements, three rotations and three scaling factors for the warping functions. The latter are computed in a preprocess by solving a two‐dimensional in‐plane equilibrium condition with the finite element method. The gained warping patterns are considered within the integration through the cross section of the beam formulation. With respect to material non‐linearities, which arise in ferroelectric materials, the scalar Preisach model is embedded in the formulation. This model is a mathematical model for the general description of hysteresis phenomena. Its application to piezoelectric materials leads to a phenomenological model for ferroelectric hysteresis effects. Here, the polarization direction is assumed to be constant, which leads to unidirectional constitutive equations. Some examples demonstrate the capability of the proposed model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practical finite‐analytic method for solving differential equations by compact numerical schemes
Authors: Civan Faruk 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMethodology for development of compact numerical schemes by the practical finite‐analytic method (PFAM) is presented for spatial and/or temporal solution of differential equations. The advantage and accuracy of this approach over the conventional numerical methods are demonstrated. In contrast to the tedious discretization schemes resulting from the original finite‐analytic solution methods, such as based on the separation of variables and Laplace transformation, the practical finite‐analytical method is proven to yield simple and convenient discretization schemes. This is accomplished by a special universal determinant construction procedure using the general multi‐variate power series solutions obtained directly from differential equations. This method allows for direct incorporation of the boundary conditions into the numerical discretization scheme in a consistent manner without requiring the use of artificial fixing methods and fictitious points, and yields effective numerical schemes which are operationally similar to the finite‐difference schemes. Consequently, the methods developed for numerical solution of the algebraic equations resulting from the finite‐difference schemes can be readily facilitated. Several applications are presented demonstrating the effect of the computational molecule, grid spacing, and boundary condition treatment on the numerical accuracy. The quality of the numerical solutions generated by the PFAM is shown to approach to the exact analytical solution at optimum grid spacing. It is concluded that the PFAM offers great potential for development of robust numerical schemes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
Synthesis of carboxymethyl potato starch and comparison of optimal reaction conditions from different sources
Authors: Bi Yinghui , Liu Mingzhu , Wu Lan , Cui Dapeng 
Published: April 2008

AbstractCarboxymethyl potato starch (CMPS) was synthesized under heterogeneous reaction conditions. The influences of etherification temperature, alkalization and etherification time, sodium hydroxide to monochloroacetic acid (MCA) molar ratio (nNaOH/nMCA), theoretical degree of substitution (DSt), the ratio of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) volume to starch mass (vIPA/mst) on degree of substitution (DS) and reaction efficiency (RE) of CMPS were investigated. Compared with the previous literature data, the results had significant difference for the optimal carboxymethylation conditions of potato starch from different sources. CMPS prepared under optimal conditions showed the highest DS and RE, which were 1.36 and 0.88, respectively. Furthermore, the RE value in this work is considerably higher than that reported in the literature. The time of alkalization and etherification were also discussed independently. In addition, CMPS was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, static, and dynamic light scattering studies of soluble aromatic polyamide
Authors: Zulfiqar Sonia , Ishaq Muhammad , Ahmad Zahoor , Sarwar Muhammad Ilyas 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAromatic polyamide was synthesized via condensation polymerization of 4‐aminophenyl sulfone (APS) with isophthaloyl chloride (IPC) using N,N‐dimethyl acetamide (DMAc) as a solvent under anhydrous conditions. The purified aramid was studied by laser light scattering (LLS) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a thermodynamically good solvent at 20°C. Static and dynamic light scattering studies permitted to determine the weight average molecular weight $\langle {M_{\rm w}}\rangle $, radius of gyration $\langle {R_{\rm g}}\rangle $, second virial coefficient A2, the hydrodynamic radius RH, and the diffusion coefficient D. Light scattering experiments were conducted at five concentrations ranging from 0.27 to 2.5 g/L. LLS measurement is also a very useful technique to study the aggregation or association in a polymer system as long as the large “clusters” are reasonably stable in time. The intensity autocorrelation function obtained on the quasi‐elastically scattered light showed a simple diffusive relaxation mode. The ratio of radius of gyration to the hydrodynamic radius, i.e. $\langle {R_{\rm g} }\rangle /\langle {R_{\rm H}}\rangle $ ∼ 1.3 indicates that the polyamide chain has coil conformation in DMSO at 20°C. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐halogen fire resistant plastics for aircraft interiors
Authors: Lyon Richard E. , Emrick Todd 
Published: April 2008

AbstractStrategies for developing fireproof aircraft cabin materials are reviewed in light of environmental legislation restricting the use of halogens in plastics. The important physical and chemical processes of flaming combustion in terms of their effect on the heat release rate (HRR) of a burning material are flame inhibition, fuel replacement, heat resistance, and intumescence. These fire resistance (FR) mechanisms acting simultaneously or synergistically are particularly effective at reducing HRR of a new generation of transparent plastics suitable for aircraft cabin interiors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progress in the development of interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels
Authors: Myung David , Waters Dale , Wiseman Meredith , Duhamel Pierre‐Emile , Noolandi Jaan , Ta Christopher N. , Frank Curtis W. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractInterpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) have been the subject of extensive study since their advent in the 1960s. Hydrogel IPN systems have garnered significant attention in the last two decades due to their usefulness in biomedical applications. Of particular interest are the mechanical enhancements observed in “double network” IPN systems which exhibit nonlinear increases in fracture properties despite being composed of otherwise weak polymers. We have built upon pioneering work in this field as well as in responsive IPN systems to develop an IPN system based on end‐linked poly‐(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and loosely crosslinked poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) with hydrogen bond‐ reinforced strain‐hardening behavior in water and high initial Young's moduli under physiologic buffer conditions through osmotically induced pre‐stress. Uniaxial tensile tests and equilibrium swelling measurements were used to study PEG/PAA IPN hydrogels having second networks prepared with varying crosslinking and photoinitiator content, pH, solids content, and comonomers. Studies involving the addition of non‐ionic comonomers and neutralization of the second network showed that template polymerization appears to be important in the formation of mechanically enhanced IPNs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of core group substituents on the monomer mesophase, photocuring, and film viscoelastic properties of mesogenic diacrylates
Authors: Suresh Kattimuttathu I. , Tamboli Jaki R. , Rao Butti S. , Verma Suraj , Unnikrishnan G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn this paper, the influence of molecular structure variations on the mesophase behavior, photocurability, and film properties of polymerizable mesogenic diacrylates is reported. The effect of methoxy or chloro substituent on the mesophase behavior of the monomers, present at the 2‐position of the phenylene core, in comparison to the unsubstituted core, has been studied using thermal and photo‐DSC techniques. These monomers were used in combination with a chiral dopant to form cholesteric mesophases, which was subsequently crosslinked through photopolymerization. Optical microscopy and polarized optical microscopy (POM) were used to study the morphology of monomers as well as the photopolymerized films. Optical images show the influence of chiral dopant on the texture present in the films, both before and after the crosslinking. POM images show the mesophase present in the monomers and the free films. Evaluation of viscoelastic properties of the photocured films demonstrates the influence of mesogenic core substituents on the network transition temperature, modulus, and damping characteristics. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of viscous dissipation on the temperature of the polymer during injection molding filling
Authors: Hassan Hamdy , Regnier Nicolas , Pujos Cyril , Defaye Guy 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDuring injection molding, viscous dissipation changes the temperature distribution by playing the role of an energy source, which affects heat transfer rates. Understanding the effect of the viscous dissipation assists the designing of the cooling system in injection molding process. In this article, the effect of the viscous dissipation on the temperature distribution throughout a rectangular channel for different polymers at different inlet velocities and temperatures is studied. A cross type rheological model depending on the temperature and pressure is assumed for polymer materials polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP). The evolution of the flow velocity inside the channel is presented. The quantity of heat added due to viscous dissipation to the polymer is also calculated up to different positions through the channel. A numerical finite volume code for the simulation of polymer melt flow in a channel is used and a validation of this numerical code is presented. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.