bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of ultra-low dose Aprotinin on thoracic surgical operations: a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Apostolakis Efstratios , Panagopoulos Nikolaos , Koletsis Efstratios N. , Crockett James , Stamou-Kouki Helen , Sourgiadaki Efrosini , Filos Kriton , Dougenis Dimitrios 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
The blood saving effect of aprotinin has been well documented in cardiac surgery. In thoracic surgery, very few recent studies, using rather high doses of aprotinin, have shown a similar result. In a randomized prospective trial, we have tested the influence of aprotinin using an ultra-low dose drug regime.

Methods
Fifty-nine patients, mean age 58 ± 13.25 years (mean ± SD) undergoing general thoracic procedures were randomized into placebo (Group A) and treatment group (Group B). The group B (n = 29) received 500.000 IU of aprotinin after induction to anesthesia and a repeat dose immediately after chest closure. A detailed protocol with several laboratory parameters was recorded. Patients were transfused when perioperative Ht was less than 26%.

Results
The two groups were similar in terms of age, gender, diagnosis, pathology, co-morbidity and operations performed. The mean drainage of the first and second postoperative day in group B was significantly reduced (412.6 ± 199.2 vs. 764.3 ± 213.9 ml, p < 0.000, and 248.3 ± 178.5 vs. 455.0 ± 274.6, p < 0.001). Similarly, the need for fresh frozen plasma transfusion was lower in group B, p < 0.035. Both the operation time and the hospital stay were also less for group B but without reaching statistical significance (84.6 ± 35.2 vs 101.2 ± 52.45 min. and 5.8 ± 1.6 vs 7.2 ± 3.6 days respectively, p < 0.064). The overall transfusion rate did not differ significantly. No side effects of aprotinin were noted.

Conclusion
The perioperative ultra-low dose aprotinin administration was associated with a reduction of total blood losses and blood product requirements. We therefore consider the use of aprotinin safe and effective in major thoracic surgery.
Stimulation of the primary anti-HIV antibody response by IFN-α in patients with acute HIV-1 infection
Authors: Adalid-Peralta Laura , Godot Véronique , Colin Céline , Krzysiek Roman , Tran Thi , Poignard Pascal , Venet Alain , Hosmalin Anne , Lebon Pierre , Rouzioux Christine , Chene Genevieve , Emilie Dominique 
Published: March 2008

AbstractType I IFNs are needed for the production of antiviral antibodies in mice; whether they also stimulate primary antibody responses in vivo during human viral infections is unknown. This was assessed in patients acutely infected with HIV-1 and treated with IFN-α2b. Patients with acute HIV-1 infection were randomized to receive antiretroviral therapy alone (Group A, n=60) or combined for 14 weeks with pegylated-IFN-α2b (Group B, n=30). Emergence of anti-HIV antibodies was monitored during 32 weeks by Western blot (WB) analyses of serum samples. IFN-α2b treatment stimulated the production of anti-HIV antibodies. On Week 32, 19 weeks after the last IFN-α2b administration, there were 8.5 (6.5–10.0) HIV WB bands (median, interquartile range) in Group B and 7.0 (5.0–10.0) bands in Group A (P=0.054), and band intensities were stronger in Group B (P&lt;0.05 for p18, p24, p34, p40, and p55 HIV antigens). IFN-α2b treatment also increased circulating concentrations of the B cell-activating factor of the TNF family (P&lt;0.001) and ex vivo production of IL-12 (P&lt;0.05), reflecting its effect on innate immune cells. Withdrawal of antiretroviral treatment on Week 36 resulted in a lower rebound of HIV replication in Group B than in Group A (P&lt;0.05). Therefore, type I IFNs stimulate the emerging anti-HIV immune response in patients with acute HIV-1 infection, resulting in an improved control of HIV replication. Type I IFNs are thus critical in the development of efficient antiviral immune responses in humans, including the production of antiviral antibodies.
Phase I Trial of the Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen–Directed Immunoconjugate MLN2704 in Patients With Progressive Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Galsky Matthew D. , Eisenberger Mario , Moore-Cooper Sandra , Kelly W. Kevin , Slovin Susan F. , DeLaCruz Anthony , Lee Yih , Webb Iain J. , Scher Howard I. 
Published: March 2008

Purpose MLN2704 is an immunoconjugate designed to deliver the maytansinoid antimicrotubule agent drug maytansinoid-1 directly to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)–expressing cells via the PSMA-targeted monoclonal antibody MLN591. This novel immunoconjugate has shown cytotoxic anti–prostate cancer activity. This study investigated the safety profile, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and preliminary antitumor activity of MLN2704. Patients and Methods Patients with progressive, metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer received MLN2704 intravenously over 2.5 hours. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and antitumor activity were assessed. Results Twenty-three patients received MLN2704 at doses of 18 to 343 mg/m2. Eighteen of these patients received ≥ three doses at 4-week intervals. Pharmacokinetics of conjugate levels were dose proportional. There was no correlation between clearance and body-surface area. MLN2704 was nonimmunogenic. Study drug–related grade 3 toxicities occurred in three (13%) of 23 patients, including uncomplicated febrile neutropenia (the only DLT) in one patient, reversible elevations in hepatic transaminases, leukopenia, and lymphopenia. No grade 4 toxicities were observed. The most frequent grade 1 or 2 toxicities included fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. Neuropathy occurred in eight (35%) of 23 patients, including five of six patients treated at 343 mg/m2. Two (22%) of the nine patients treated at 264 or 343 mg/m2 had sustained a more than 50% decrease in prostate-specific antigen versus baseline, accompanied by measurable tumor regression in the patient treated at 264 mg/m2. Conclusion Therapeutic doses of MLN2704 can be administered safely on a repetitive basis. An MTD was not defined. MLN2704 is being administered at more frequent intervals in ongoing trials to determine an optimal dosing schedule.
Tryptophan Neutral Radical Brings along Photochemical Crystallization
Authors: Furuta Kenji , Tanizawa Yoshinori , Horiuchi Hiroaki , Hiratsuka Hiroshi , Okutsu Tetsuo 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The mechanism of the photochemically induced nucleation of lysozyme was investigated. Radical cations and neutral radicals of tryptophan residue of lysozyme were observed by transient absorption measurements. The radical cation was found to be in equilibrium with the neutral radical, and the pKa of the radical cation in UV–vis wide range buffer solution was estimated to be ca. 3.2. The dimer formation was confirmed by SDS-PAGE for the solutions with pH value higher than this pKa value. The photochemically induced nucleation was also observed for these solutions. The number of crystals increased with increase of the dimer.
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer between Cationic Porphyrins Accelerated with DNA as a Template
Authors: D’Souza Francis , Rogers Lisa M , Islam D-M Shafiqul , Araki Yasuyuki , Ito Osamu , Wada Takehiko 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Resonance energy transfer between two cationic porphyrins, viz., (meso-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin and its zinc derivative, along a model DNA, poly(dA-dT) as a template is demonstrated. The rate of energy transfer (kEnT), quantum yield (ΦEnT), and critical transfer distance are evaluated to be 1.78×109 s−1, 0.74, and 23 Å, respectively, indicating efficient energy transfer process.
Higher Water Repellency Caused by a Reduced Employment of Low Surface Energy Structures
Authors: Fang Bing , Wei Haiyang , Wang Kang , Li Xinxin , Wu Pingping , Han Zhewen 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Fluorine-containing random copolymers based on methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluoroalkyl acrylate (FAEA) have been prepared by solution polymerization. Super-hydrophobic surface was attained by casting the polymer solution from a fluorine-containing solvent at a constant temperature. The contact angles of water drops on the prepared surface were measured. SEM was adopted to detect the fine structures of the prepared polymeric surface. The mechanism of forming these films was studied.
Syntheses and Properties of Thiophene-inserted [3]Dendralenes with Redox-active 1,3-Dithiol-2-ylidene Units
Authors: Hasegawa Masashi , Fujioka Atsushi , Kubo Takashi , Honda Tomohito , Miyamoto Hisakazu , Misaki Yohji 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Novel dendralene type cross-conjugate molecules based on 1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene units with thiophene have been prepared. The conjugation in the oxidized stage is mainly through the thiophene core, while the cross-conjugated nature is observed in the neutral state. The CT complex of 2a with TCNQF4 shows moderated electrical conductivity of 10−4 S cm−1.
Synthesis of optically active heterocyclic compounds using Pd-catalyzed asymmetric reactions as a key step
Authors: Sodeoka Mikiko , Hamashima Yoshitaka 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Highly enantioselective Pd(II)-catalyzed Michael addition, Mannich-type reaction, aldol reaction, fluorination, conjugate addition of amine, and conjugate reduction have been developed. Asymmetric synthesis of biologically interesting heterocyclic compounds, calycotomine, BMS-204352, torcetrapib, and warfarin, was achieved by using these Pd-catalyzed asymmetric reactions as a key step.
Experimental Determination of the Effect of Wet/Dry Ballast on Dynamic Railway Sleeper/Ballast Interaction
Authors: Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Remennikov Alex M. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
As one of the main components of ballasted railway tracks, the concrete sleeper is a cross-tie beam utilized to dissipate the dynamic axle load from the rails to the ballast and the sub-ballast. It interacts with the ballast support under dynamic conditions. This paper presents the dynamic effect on the in-situ concrete sleeper of ballast in wet and dry states. A panel of concrete sleeper laid on an in-situ railway track, constructed at the University of Wollongong, has been chosen to evaluate its dynamic properties using a modal analysis technique. Since the nature of the ballast itself is to have very high drainage properties, the experiments are focused on both dry and very soaked conditions. The moisture content at the sleeper soffit in the former case is approximately 0 %. In the latter case, the ballast is sprayed using ambient-temperature tap water at the rate of 10 mm/h for half an hour. The average moisture content of the ballast sampled after the modal testing at the soffit of the sleeper is 2.63 %. Modal testing was performed before and after spraying in the frequency range between 0 and 1600 Hz. The modal results representing the dynamic railway sleeper/ballast interactions are highlighted.
A Test Fixture for Fully Reversed Axial Fatigue Characterization of Composites
Authors: Strauch E. C. , Rachau C. L. , Koudela K. L. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Fatigue of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites has been studied exhaustedly over the years. However, most fully reversed fatigue testing has concentrated on flexural fatigue. The resulting stress state through the laminate thickness is non-uniform and as such may give rise to unconservative life estimates. Fully reversed (R=−1) axial testing has not been heavily reported due to the difficulties associated with precluding local or global buckling of the axial specimen. The few reported fully reversed axial tests utilize either cylindrical specimens or fixturing that is very large, expensive to fabricate, and difficult to handle. Herein we report on a simple side support fixture that allows the use of standard ASTM tensile test specimens (D3039 or D638, depending on test material), which are readily prepared. The fixture allows fully reversed axial fatigue testing as well as static baseline compression and residual compression strength characterization. Also presented herein are tension-tension (R=0.1) and fully reversed tension-compression (R=−1) S-N diagrams for an E-glass/epoxy composite.
Lipid-Laden Macrophage Index Is Not an Indicator of Gastroesophageal Reflux-Related Respiratory Disease in Children
Authors: Rosen Rachel , Fritz Julia , Nurko Ariela , Simon Dawn , Nurko Samuel 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND. The lipid-laden macrophage index has been used to evaluate for gastroesophageal reflux-related respiratory disease, but the relationship between reflux detected by pH probe and the lipid-laden macrophage index is uncertain despite widespread use of the lipid-laden macrophage index in clinical decision-making. It was the aim of this study to correlate reflux as detected by multichannel intraluminal impedance with the lipid-laden macrophage index.METHODS. Patients undergoing both pH multichannel intraluminal impedance testing and bronchoscopy between January 2002 and January 2006 were identified. Baseline characteristics were compared by using parametric and nonparametric testing. Reflux profiles were correlated with the lipid-laden macrophage index by using Spearman correlations.RESULTS. There was no significant correlation between the lipid-laden macrophage index and the number of acid or nonacid reflux events. There also was no significant correlation between the lipid-laden macrophage index and the amount of full-column reflux. There was no significant difference between the mean lipid-laden macrophage index in patients with and without esophagitis. Finally, in patients who underwent fundoplication (n = 13) for intractable respiratory disease, there was no significant difference in any of the reflux parameters between patients who did and did not experience clinical improvement after fundoplication. There was, however, a higher lipid-laden macrophage index in patients with no symptomatic improvement compared with patients with symptomatic improvement.CONCLUSIONS. Lipid-laden macrophage index lacks the specificity necessary to detect reflux-related respiratory disease.
Analysis of Skins and the Performance of Gravel-Packed Completions in Oil and Gas Wells
Authors: Okoye C. U. , Suriyakriangkai S. , Ghalambor A. , Alcocer C. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
This paper presents solutions and analysis of mathematical model of skins due to completions in gravel packed oil and gas wells. The models can be divided into three cases: (1) Open Hole gravel packed well (2) Cased-hole perforated gravel packed well (3) Collapsed perforation tunnel gravel packed well. The skins due to completion include damaged skin, restricted entry skin, liner skin, gravel packed sand skin, slanted well skin, perforation geometry skin, crushed zone skin, non-darcy skin and the skin in the perforation tunnel.
The results obtained from the calculation in open hole gravel packed show that the skin in damaged zone decreases as the damaged zone permeability increases. For the cased-hole perforated gravel packed oil and gas well, the results show that increasing the perforation radius, perforation length and crushed zone permeability result in the decrease of crushed zone skin for both darcy and non-darcy flow, the perforation geometry skin and skin in the perforation tunnel for both darcy, and non-darcy flow for a given shot density. For the collapsed perforation tunnel gravel packed oil and gas well, the results show that the increasing perforation radius results in the decrease of hemispherical flow geometry skin and skin in the perforation tunnel for both darcy and non-darcy flow for a given shot density.
The solutions of each gravel packed skin model is used to analyze field and experimental data in order to estimate the skins and the decrease or Increase in productivity ratio due to completions in gravel packed wells.
Flag algebras
Authors: Razborov Alexander A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAsymptotic extremal combinatorics deals with questions that in the language of model theory can be re-stated as follows. For finite models M, N of an universal theory without constants and function symbols (like graphs, digraphs or hypergraphs), let p(M, N) be the probability that a randomly chosen sub-model of N with ∣M∣ elements is isomorphic to M. Which asymptotic relations exist between the quantities p(M1,N),…, p(Mh,N), where M1,…, M1, are fixed “template” models and ∣N∣ grows to infinity?In this paper we develop a formal calculus that captures many standard arguments in the area, both previously known and apparently new. We give the first application of this formalism by presenting a new simple proof of a result by Fisher about the minimal possible density of triangles in a graph with given edge density.
Abnormal Muscle Spindle Innervation and Large-Fiber Neuropathy in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Muller Karra A. , Ryals Janelle M. , Feldman Eva L. , Wright Douglas E. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—Large-fiber diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) leads to balance and gait abnormalities, placing patients at risk for falls. Large sensory axons innervating muscle spindles provide feedback for balance and gait and, when damaged, can cause altered sensorimotor function. This study aimed to determine whether symptoms of large-fiber DPN in type 1 and type 2 diabetic mouse models are related to alterations in muscle spindle innervation. In addition, diabetic mice were treated with insulin to assess whether sensorimotor and spindle deficits were reversible.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Behavioral assessments were performed in untreated and treated streptozotocin (STZ)-injected C57BL/6 mice to quantitate diabetes-induced deficits in balance and gait. Quantification of Ia axon innervation of spindles was carried out using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy on STZ-injected C57BL/6 and db/db mice.
RESULTS—STZ-injected C57BL/6 mice displayed significant and progressive sensorimotor dysfunction. Analysis of Ia innervation patterns of diabetic C57BL/6 spindles revealed a range of abnormalities suggestive of Ia axon degeneration and/or regeneration. The multiple abnormal Ia fiber morphologies resulted in substantial variability in axonal width and inter-rotational distance (IRD). Likewise, db/db mice displayed significant variability in their IRDs compared with db+ mice, suggesting that damage to Ia axons occurs in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes models. Insulin treatment improved behavioral deficits and restored Ia fiber innervation in comparison with nondiabetic mice.
CONCLUSIONS—Similar to small fibers, Ia axons are vulnerable to diabetes, and their damage may contribute to balance and gait deficits. In addition, these studies provide a novel method to assay therapeutic interventions designed for diabetes-induced large-fiber dysfunction.
Evolutionary perspective on indirect victimization in adolescence: the role of attractiveness, dating and sexual behavior
Authors: Leenaars Lindsey S. , Dane Andrew V. , Marini Zopito A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe studied indirect victimization from an evolutionary perspective by examining links between this type of victimization and several indicators of attractiveness (past sexual behavior, dating frequency and physical appearance). Two thousand three hundred and nineteen (56% female) students (ages 13–18) from a region of southern Ontario, Canada, completed self‐report measures of indirect victimization, physical appearance, dating frequency, recent sexual behavior (number of partners in previous month) and past sexual behavior (number of lifetime partners minus number of partners in previous month) as well as indexes of depression, aggression and attachment security, which were used to control for psychosocial maladjustment. Consistent with an evolutionary framework, physical appearance interacted significantly with gender, wherein attractive females were at greater risk for indirect victimization, whereas for males physical attractiveness was a protective factor, reducing risk of victimization. Physical appearance also interacted with grade, being inversely related to indirect victimization for younger adolescents and having a nonsignificant association with victimization for older youth. Finally, recent sexual behavior was associated with increased risk of indirect victimization for older adolescents only, which we discussed with regard to peer perceptions of promiscuity and short‐term mating strategies. These findings have important implications for the development of interventions designed to reduce peer victimization, in that victims of indirect aggression may represent a rather broad, heterogeneous group, including attractive individuals with no obvious signs of maladjustment. Aggr. Behav. 34:404–415, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Holt–Oram syndrome associated with anomalies of the feet
Authors: Garavelli L. , De Brasi D. , Verri R. , Guareschi E. , Cariola F. , Melis D. , Calcagno G. , Salvatore F. , Unger S. , Sebastio G. , Albertini G. , Rivieri F. , Soli F. , Superti‐Furga A. , Gentile M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractHolt–Oram syndrome (HOS) (OMIM 142900) is characterized by upper‐extremity malformations involving the radial, thenar, or carpal bones and a personal and/or family history of congenital heart defects (CHDs). It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. The TBX5 gene located on chromosome 12 (12q24.1) is the only gene currently known to be associated with HOS and is associated with variable phenotypes. We report on the clinical and molecular characterization of a HOS family with three affected individuals and a novel mutation (Lys88ter). We discuss genotype–phenotype correlations, the presence of foot anomalies in one affected individual, and the role of atypical features in HOS differential diagnosis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DRD3, but not COMT or DRD2, genotype affects executive functions in healthy and first‐episode psychosis adolescents
Authors: Bombin Igor , Arango Celso , Mayoral María , Castro‐Fornieles Josefina , Gonzalez‐Pinto Ana , Gonzalez‐Gomez Cristina , Moreno Dolores , Parellada Mara , Baeza Inmaculada , Graell Montserrat , Otero Soraya , Saiz Pilar A. , Patiño‐Garcia Ana 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCatechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) and dopamine receptors 2 (DRD2) and 3 (DRD3) have been associated with a higher risk of developing psychosis and with dopaminergic system (DAS) regulation. Frontal cognitive functioning has been proven to be a useful endophenotype for psychosis and it is partially controlled by the DAS. Val158Met (rs4680, COMT), Taq IA (rs1800497, DRD2) and Ser9Gly (rs6280; DRD3) polymorphisms were analyzed in a sample of 84 adolescent Caucasian patients with first‐episode psychosis (ages 11–17) and 85 healthy Caucasian controls (ages 10–17). A comprehensive neuropsychological battery, assessing attention, working memory, memory, and executive functions, was administered to the entire sample. The relationship between neuropsychological scores and genotype was determined. Subjects with the DRD3 Gly/Gly genotype showed significantly poorer performance than Ser/Ser subjects in executive functioning tasks (P = 0.002; adjusted R2 = 0.031), with no significant differences in the other cognitive paradigms. Neither COMT nor DRD2 polymorphisms significantly contributed to variance in cognition in our adolescent sample. The DRD3 Ser9Gly polymorphism seems to be involved with prefrontal cognition. This effect seems to be heterogeneous in terms of cognitive paradigms. The lack of association between COMT and DRD2 genotypes and cognition in our sample may be partially explained by the young age of the sample and the clinical heterogeneity of the patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.