bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of the small cell lung cancer associated biomarker pro‐gastrin‐releasing peptide (ProGRP) using LC‐MS
Authors: Winther Bjørn , Reubsaet Jan Léon 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSmall cell lung cancer is a rapidly growing neoplasm with high mortality. A recently discovered biomarker, pro‐gastrin‐releasing peptide (ProGRP), is used as a specific diagnostic marker for the disease. The present methods of quantification are based on the immunoassay techniques RIA and ELISA. Our object was to develop an LC‐MS method for the detection and quantification of ProGRP using specific tryptic digestion products from the recombinant peptide ProGRP (31–98), a sequence common to three isoforms of ProGRP. The conditions for enzymatic cleavage were optimized and MS compatibility was obtained. Digestion of ProGRP (31–98) yielded an array of peptide products and these were evaluated for further method development. The peptide product NLLGLIEAK proved to be the preferable candidate to monitor ProGRP due to signal intensity, column retention, and peptide specificity. The identity of this product was verified by means of LC‐MS/MS and the linearity of the calibration curve evaluated. LOD was calculated to be 13.9 pg on column (O.C.). Plasma samples spiked with ProGRP (31–98) prior to digestion verified the suitability of this digest product for the determination of ProGRP. LC‐MS may prove to be a valuable tool for biomarker mediated diagnosis in the future.
CSF biomarker discovery using label‐free nano‐LC‐MS based proteomic profiling: Technical aspects
Authors: Huang Jeffrey T.‐J. , McKenna Therese , Hughes Chris , Leweke F. Markus , Schwarz Emanuel , Bahn Sabine 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBiomarker discovery in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can provide important information helping to diagnose and monitor disease progression in brain disorders. We present a label‐free LC‐MS strategy to investigate the proteomic profile of CSF. We provide a framework and protocol addressing quality control, sample replication steps and the adaptation of pattern recognition methods for the detection of experimental variation and (most importantly) putative biomarkers. This strategy was tested using a total of 20 CSF samples (ten samples from healthy volunteers and ten from schizophrenia patients). A clear difference was found between healthy volunteers and schizophrenia patients. With technical and biological variation controlled, we were able to detect 77 proteins with confidence in CSF, of which seven were newly identified, without prior depletion of abundant protein species. Our strategy provides a simple and controlled method for CSF biomarker discovery.
Strategic management of the Tokyo taxi cab industry: an exploratory study
Authors: Skok Walter , Kobayashi Satoko 
Published: January 2007

AbstractTaxicabs are an indispensable means of transportation in Tokyo, as they provide a 24/7 door‐to‐door service for a daily average of 1.3 million people. In 2002, legislation was introduced to abolish restrictions on the number of taxicabs on the road. This relaxation of regulation, together with the corresponding recession, raised new issues such as increasing cab numbers and reducing drivers' wages.The wide variety of stakeholders involved within the taxicab industry have conflicting positions, resulting in little agreement on the possible way forward. An exploratory study was therefore undertaken in order to investigate the management of Tokyo's taxicab operations in order to formulate strategies for improving the service. Two related papers report on the study.This paper starts by providing an understanding of the current situation, examining the roles of the major stakeholders and outlining day‐to‐day operations.Academic frameworks, for example PEST, Critical Success Factors and the Cultural Web, from the strategic management literature, are used to identify the structure of the industry and analyse the environment in which it operates.The results found that Tokyo's taxicab industry is highly efficient operationally, due to the high standard of customer service, effective driver's learning scheme and active use of IT. However, a paradoxical situation has been identified where the demand for cabs has decreased even though the available vehicles have increased. Finally, a uniform method to measure the level of taxicab service is recommended. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mathematical modeling of 980‐nm and 1320‐nm endovenous laser treatment
Authors: Mordon Serge R. , Wassmer Benjamin , Zemmouri Jaouad 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesEndovenous laser treatment (ELT) has been proposed as an alternative in the treatment of reflux of the great saphenous vein (GSV) and small saphenous vein (SSV). Numerous studies have since demonstrated that this technique is both safe and efficacious. ELT was presented initially using diode lasers of 810 nm, 940 nm, and 980 nm. Recently, a 1,320‐nm Nd:YAG laser was introduced for ELT. This study aims to provide mathematical modeling of ELT in order to compare 980 nm and 1,320 nm laser‐induced damage of saphenous veins.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThe model is based on calculations describing light distribution using the diffusion approximation of the transport theory, the temperature rise using the bioheat equation, and the laser‐induced injury using the Arrhenius damage model. The geometry to simulate ELT was based on a 2D model consisting of a cylindrically symmetric blood vessel including a vessel wall and surrounded by an infinite homogenous tissue. The mathematical model was implemented using the Macsyma‐Pdease2D software (Macsyma, Inc., Arlington, MA). Calculations were performed so as to determine the damage induced in the intima tunica, the externa tunica and inside the peri‐venous tissue for 3 mm and 5 mm vessels (considered after tumescent anesthesia) and different linear endovenous energy densities (LEED) usually reported in the literature.ResultsCalculations were performed for two different vein diameters: 3 mm and 5 mm and with LEED typically reported in the literature. For 980 nm, LEED: 50 to 160 J/cm (CW mode, 2 mm/second pullback speed, power: 10 W to 32 W) and for 1,320 nm, LEED: 50 to 80 J/cm (pulsed mode, pulse duration 1.2 milliseconds, peak power: 135 W, repetition rate 30 Hz to 50 Hz).Discussion and ConclusionNumerical simulations are in agreement with LEED reported in clinical studies. Mathematical modeling shows clearly that 1,320 nm, with a better absorption by the vessel wall, requires less energy to achieve wall damage. In the 810–1,320‐nm range, blood plays only a minor role. Consequently, the classification of these lasers into hemoglobin‐specific laser wavelengths (810, 940, 980 nm) and water‐specific laser wavelengths (1,320 nm) is inappropriate. In terms of closure rate, 980 nm and 1,320 nm can lead to similar results and, as reported by the literature, to similar side effects. This model should serve as a useful tool to simulate and better understand the mechanism of action of the ELT. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:256–265, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asymptotic behavior of solutions to the perturbed simple pendulum problems with two parameters
Authors: Shibata Tetsutaro 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe consider the perturbed simple pendulum equation
–u ″(t) + μ |u (t)|p –1u (t) = λ sin u (t), t ∈ I ≔ (–T, T),

u (t) > 0, t ∈ I,

u (±T) = 0,
where p > 1 is a constant,λ > 0 and μ ∈ R are parameters. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the structure of the solution set. To do this, we study precisely the asymptotic shape of the solutions when λ ≫ 1 as well as the asymptotic behavior of variational eigenvalue μ (λ) as λ → ∞. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A General Approach toward Opal–Inverse Opal Interlocked Materials
Authors: Liu Bing , Jin Zhaoguo , Qu Xiaozhong , Yang Zhenzhong 
Published: January 2007

AbstractOpal–inverse opal interlocked composites consisting of opals of hollow spheres with window channels interlocked, have displayed new properties. A facile and general method has been reported to synthesize the ordered composites. Polymer shells are first grown onto the surface of a silica sphere of an opal template by ATRP, which is followed by a sequential modification of the shells resulting in functional groups. Composite shells are favorably synthesized within the functional polymer shells. After the removal of silica opal templates, opal–inverse opal interlocked structures with varied compositions of polymers, inorganic materials, and carbon are achieved.magnified image
Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) Film Surface Functionalization with 2‐Bromoisobutyryl Bromide as Initiator for Surface‐Initiated Atom‐Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Liu Ying‐Ling , Luo Min‐Tzu , Lai Juin‐Yih 
Published: January 2007

AbstractA PTFE film surface was modified using a combined plasma/ozone‐activated process. The modified PTFE film was further reacted with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide to incorporate ATRP initiators in the film surface. Surface‐initiated ATRP on PTFE films was performed using sodium styrene sulfate as a monomer. The poly(sodium styrene sulfate) chain length grafted onto PTFE film surfaces increased with increasing reaction time. Analysis using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and a contact angle analyzer gave evidence of the success of the PTFE surface modifications.magnified image
Cell type‐specific neuronal loss in the putamen of patients with multiple system atrophy
Authors: Sato Kenta , Kaji Ryuji , Matsumoto Sadayuki , Goto Satoshi 
Published: February 2007

AbstractUsing antibodies to calcineurin (CaN) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), we performed topographical and cellular immunohistochemical analysis on the posterior putamen of autopsied patients with multiple system atrophy with predominant parkinsonism (MSA‐P). We document that in these patients, medium spiny neurons positive for CaN were severely depleted in the dorsolateral portion of the posterior putamen where ChAT‐positive neurons are normally distributed. Our findings indicate that in patients with MSA‐P, striatal neurons manifest a cell type‐specific vulnerability to neurodegeneration. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Candidate gene association study of type 2 diabetes in a nested case‐control study of the EPIC‐Potsdam cohort – Role of fat assimilation
Authors: Fisher Eva , Nitz Inke , Lindner Inka , Rubin Diana , Boeing Heiner , Möhlig Matthias , Hampe Jochen , Schreiber Stefan , Schrezenmeir Jürgen , Döring Frank 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTo search for common variants etiological for type 2 diabetes, we screened 15 genes involved in fat assimilation for sequence variants. Approximately 55 kb in promoter and coding regions, and intron/splice sites were sequenced by cycle sequencing. In the set of 15 genes, 71 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. 33 SNPs were presumed to be functionally significant and were genotyped in 192 incident type 2 diabetes subjects and 384 matched controls from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition‐Potsdam cohort. A total of 27 SNPs out of 15 genes showed no statistical association with type 2 diabetes in our study. Six SNPs demonstrated nominal association with type 2 diabetes, with the most significant marker (FABP6 Thr79Met) having an adjusted odds ratio of 0.45 (95% CI 0.22–0.92) in homozygous Met allele carriers. Evidence for an association with disease status was also found for a novel Arg109Cys (g.2129C > T) variant of colipase, 5′UTR (rs2084202) and Met71Val (rs8192506) variants of diazepam‐binding inhibitor, Arg298His (rs13283456) of PTGES2, and a novel promoter variant (g.‐1324G > A) of SLC27A5. The results presented here provide preliminary evidence for the association of common variants in genes involved in fat assimilation with the genetic susceptibility of type 2 diabetes. However, they definitely need further verification.
Long‐term results of the pelvic floor muscle training for female urinary incontinence: An 8‐year transition tree and predictive parameters
Authors: Kondo A. , Emoto A. , Katoh K. , Ozawa H. , Kamihira O. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAimsThe pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training is effective in alleviating the symptoms of urinary incontinence, but there are very few reports available on its long‐term effectiveness. Therefore, 8‐year follow‐up data have been prospectively analyzed.Materials and MethodsOriginally 123 women with stress or mixed urinary incontinence participated in an 8‐week intensive PFM training program. The training comprised repeated muscle contractions of the pelvic floor and the timely locking of the perineum. An average of 8 years (6–10) had elapsed between the time of present assessment and the completion of the original training. Seventy‐nine women were subjected to the present analysis. Self‐reported responses of “completely cured” and “more than 50% improved” were regarded as treatment success (TS). An 8‐year transition tree and predictive parameters were analyzed.ResultsThe success rate of the training was 39% at the 8‐year follow‐up. The transition tree demonstrated that the continence/incontinence status has been varying in 42% of the women, while it was stable in 58% throughout the follow‐up period. The 6‐year incidence and remission rates of incontinence were 34% and 18%, respectively. The higher pressure difference in the vaginal contraction strength between the baseline and strength at the end of the training is a predictive parameter of the long‐term TS.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the 8‐year TS rate was 39% and that the altered patterns of the continence status and incidence and remission rates of incontinence were similar to those observed in the general population. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:495–501, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regional velopharyngeal compliance in the rat: influence of tongue muscle contraction
Authors: Van Zutphen Cornelius , Janssen Patrick , Hassan Mahmood , Cabrera Rosaria , Bailey E. Fiona , Fregosi Ralph F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe velopharynx is the most collapsible segment of the upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. However, we do not know if velopharyngeal compliance is uniform throughout its length, or if compliance is modified by contraction of upper airway muscles. We tested the hypothesis that rostral and caudal velopharyngeal (VP) compliance differs, and that tongue muscle contraction reduces compliance. High‐resolution MR images of the VP were made at nasopharyngeal pressures ranging from −9 to 9 cmH2O in anesthetized rats. Images were obtained twice at each pressure, once with and once without bilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation. The volume of the caudal and rostral VP was computed at each pressure. The caudal VP was significantly (P = 0.0058) more compliant than the rostral VP, but electrical stimulation of the tongue muscles did not change compliance. VP critical pressure (Pcrit; pressure at zero airway volume) averaged −25.2 and −12.1 cmH2O in the rostral and caudal VP, respectively (P < 0.0001). Coactivation of tongue protrudor and retractor muscles or contraction of protrudor muscles alone dilated the VP and made Pcrit more negative (P < 0.0001), but only in the caudal VP. In the rat, the caudal VP is more collapsible than the rostral VP, and either coactivation of tongue protrudor and retractor muscles or contraction of protrudor muscles alone makes this region more difficult to close. Thus, tongue muscle contraction protects the caudal VP, which appears to be a particularly vulnerable segment of the nasopharyngeal airway. With suitable modification, the methods described here, including tongue muscle stimulation at different pharyngeal pressures, may be appropriate for experiments in human subjects. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) proton exchange composite membrane doped with phosphosilicate gels
Authors: Lu Wei , Lu Deping , Liu Jianhong , Li Cuihua , Guan Rong 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA new class of proton exchange composite membranes made by incorporating phosphosilicate gels into SPPO matrix was prepared and characterized. The thermal stability was evaluated by TGA and DSC, and the amorphous structure information was provided from XRD. The experimental results showed that the composite membranes have good stability to oxidation by Fenton's reagent test, and the membrane dimension is hardly changed, even at high temperature. The hydration number values of the persulfonic acid group of composite membranes were lower than that of Nafion 112 at room temperature, but the water uptake of composite membranes at 80°C was higher than that of Nafion 112. With increasing relative humidity and doping amount, the conductivity of the composite membranes increased. Moreover, the conductivities of water‐equilibrated composite membranes were higher than that of Nafion 112 (0.0871 S/cm) at room temperature, and the highest conductivity for the composite membrane was 0.216 S/cm. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of novel polyimides with 1‐octadecyl side chains for liquid crystal alignment layers
Authors: Lee Yoon Jung , Kim Yong Woon , Ha Jae Du , Oh Jae Min , Yi Mi Hye 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA series of poly(amic acid)s have been synthesized from cyclobutane‐1,2,3,4‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride (CBDA), a functional diamine, 1‐(3,5‐diaminophenyl)‐3‐(1‐octadecyl)‐succinicimide and 4,4‐diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) to give liquid crystal alignment layers with high pretilt angle after a rubbing process for vertically aligned liquid crystal display devices. Inherent viscosities of the poly(amic acid)s measured were in the range 0.2–1.56 dl/g, which decreased with an increase of content of 1‐(3,5‐diaminophenyl)‐3‐(1‐octadecyl)‐succinicimide. The cured polyimide films had good transparency, which was above 95% at 400 nm. Surface energies of all the polyimide films prepared from 1‐(3,5‐diaminophenyl)‐3‐(1‐octadecyl)‐succinicimide were below 40.7 dyn/cm before the rubbing process, which resulted in very high pretilt angles above 89°. By a rubbing process, the surface energy of the polyimide prepared from diamine mixture with 10 mol% of 1‐(3,5‐diaminophenyl)‐3‐(1‐octadecyl)‐succinicimide and 90% of DDM increased from 40.7 to 42.7 dyn/cm. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic polymorphisms and disease prevention
Authors: Mahoney Martin C. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBuilding upon the resources of traditional epidemiology, molecular epidemiology has extended our understanding that disease risk varies based not only upon acquired factors (e.g., exposures, behaviors, demographics), but also as a function of inherited factors (e.g., genetic polymorphisms). Individual susceptibility to cancer is influenced by polymorphisms in phase I enzymes (e.g., activation), phase 2 enzymes (e.g., detoxification), defects in the repair of DNA damage and other cancer susceptibility genes. Because tobacco use and nutrition represent behaviors/exposures which account for a significant number of cancer cases and deaths, these two factors are used to illustrate the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and disease prevention. Susceptibility to the health risks of smoking appears to be influenced by genetic factors that impact initiation, dependence, and nicotine metabolism. Nutrient metabolism also involves polymorphic enzyme pathways and gene–nutrient interactions may influence cancer risk. While the discipline of molecular epidemiology continues to face methodologic challenges related to the need to study large numbers of subjects, current knowledge can be applied to prevention activities. Genetic polymorphisms, and other molecular markers, can be used to develop clinical prevention studies targeted to unique subsets of persons at the highest risk of developing disease. Knowledge about the relationships between polymorphisms and disease outcomes can also be used for reinforcing healthy lifestyles, motivating positive behavior changes, helping to target medical therapy, and aiding in better focusing surveillance activities. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:742–747. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Donor lymphocyte infusions for post‐transplant relapse of refractory anemia with excess blasts and monosomy 7
Authors: Skinner R. , Velangi M. , Bown N. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old male relapsed with refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) and monosomy 7 and mixed chimerism (MC) 21 months after HLA‐matched unrelated donor bone marrow transplant (BMT). He received three donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) using an escalating dose schedule. He developed grade II acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) 9 days after the third DLI, but continued to deteriorate for 2 months with decreasing marrow cellularity but persisting blasts, MC, and monosomy 7, before exhibiting a delayed but complete response which has persisted for 5 years. This case suggests that DLI and graft‐versus‐myelodysplasia (GVMDS) may be beneficial in post‐transplant relapse of pediatric myelodysplasia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:670–672. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toxicity and outcome of children with treatment related acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Tabori Uri , Revach Giselle , Nathan Paul C. , Strahm Brigitte , Rachlis Alisa , Shago Mary , Grant Ronald , Doyle John , Malkin David 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical course and outcome of children with treatment related acute myeloid leukemia (tAML) and compare them to children with primary AML (pAML).ProcedureWe retrospectively reviewed the demographic, treatment, toxicity, and outcome data of children with tAML and treatment related myelodysplastic syndrome (tMDS), treated at our institution between 1975 and 2005. We compared these parameters with matched controlled children with pAML. Finally we compared overall survival (OS) for tAML with all pAML children treated at the study era in our institution.ResultsTwenty‐one patients with tAML (n = 19) and tMDS (n = 2) were identified. Three years event‐free survival (EFS) and OS were both 14 ± 8%. Compared to pAML patients, tAML had a higher rate of adverse cytogenetics (P < 0.008) and inferior OS (P = 0.027) but no significant difference in treatment toxicity or death. All survivors were treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).ConclusionsIn this population based report of pediatric tAML, outcome was poor and was related to a higher probability of poor cytogenetic features rather than excessive toxicities or inability to deliver therapy. HSCT should be considered for patients with tAML. These preliminary findings should set the stage for prospective cooperative studies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:17–23. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human natural killer cells in health and disease
Authors: Shereck Evan , Satwani Prakash , Morris Erin , Cairo Mitchell S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are an essential component of the innate immune system and play a critical role in tumor immune surveillance. NK cells express their own repertoire of receptors (NKRs) that bind to major histocompatibility class I or class I‐like molecules. The balance of signals from stimulation or inhibition of NKRs determines the ability of NK cells to lyse specific targets. In haploidentical stem cell transplantation with purified stem cells, NK cell alloreactivity (killer immunoglobulin‐like receptor [KIR] mismatch) has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of relapse in acute myeloid leukemia. There is a need for adequately powered prospective randomized studies to determine the usefulness of NK cells as adoptive immunotherapy, optimal NK cell doses and timing of administration. Further studies are required to determine optimal selection of donors and recipients, both on NKR matching/mismatching, undergoing haploidentical and unrelated hematopoetic stem cell transplantation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:615–623. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.