bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leukocyte transfusions revisited: Stem cell graft stimulation in graft failure
Authors: Taskinen Mervi , Talvensaari Kimmo , Hovi Liisa , Vettenranta Kim , Saarinen‐Pihkala Ulla M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe aim was to evaluate the role of leukocyte transfusions (LTX) in relation to graft function during prolonged neutropenia after stem cell transplantation (SCT).ProcedureIn 1989–2005, 22 SCT patients have received LTX in our unit. In all patients severe infection with profound neutropenia (<0.2 × 109/L) preceded LTX. 13/22 had multi‐organ failure or thrombotic microangiopathy. Irradiated leukocytes from pooled random donor products at 1.0 × 1010 leukocytes/m2/day for a minimum of 3 days were used. Myeloid recovery and clinical benefit were analyzed.ResultsEngraftment defined as an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of >0.5 × 109/L on three consecutive days was observed in 15/22 (68%) patients at median of 6 (range 2–25) days after LTX, and sustained engraftment (ANC of >0.5 × 109/L for 4 weeks) in 11/22 (50%) patients. Clinical benefit was observed in 6/22 (27%) patients with a prolonged antecedent neutropenia, who still demonstrated rapid sustained engraftment after LTX. Ongoing thrombotic microangiopathy was associated with persistent graft failure.ConclusionsLTX from random donors was associated with a rapid recovery of myeloid function in severely ill SCT patients. We speculate that allostimulation by LTX may have a role. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1247–1252. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Initial testing (stage 1) of sunitinib by the pediatric preclinical testing program
Authors: Maris John M. , Courtright Joshua , Houghton Peter J. , Morton Christopher L. , Kolb E. Anders , Lock Richard , Tajbakhsh Mayamin , Reynolds C. Patrick , Keir Stephen T. , Wu Jianrong , Smith Malcolm A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackgroundSunitinib is an orally bioavailable, multi‐targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with selectivity for PDGF receptors, VEGF receptors, FLT3, and KIT.ProceduresSunitinib was tested at concentrations ranging from 0.1 nM to 1.0 µM against 23 cell lines from the PPTP in vitro panel. We also compared sunitinib (53.5 mg/kg) or vehicle administered for 28 days by oral gavage in 46 murine xenograft models representing 9 distinct pediatric cancer histologies.ResultsThe leukemia cell line, Kasumi‐1 (gain‐of‐function KITAsn822Lys mutation) was the only line with an in vitro response to sunitinib (IC50 75.7 nM). Sunitinib significantly prolonged EFS in 19 of 35 (54%) of the solid tumor, and in 3 of 8 (38%) of the ALL xenografts analyzed. Using the PPTP time to event measure of efficacy, sunitinib had intermediate (13) and high (1) levels of activity against 14 of 34 evaluable solid tumor xenografts, including 4 of 6 rhabdomyosarcoma, 4 of 5 Ewing tumor, and 2 of 3 rhabdoid tumor xenografts. Following cessation of treatment for the 14 solid tumor xenografts without tumor events by day 28, tumor growth rate increased in most. The only regression noted to sunitinib in the solid tumor panels was a complete response in a rhabdoid tumor xenograft.ConclusionsSunitinib demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition against most of the PPTP's solid tumor panels, but little activity against the neuroblastoma and ALL panel. Antitumor activity was manifested primarily as tumor growth delay, consistent with an anti‐angiogenic effect for sunitinib against many of the pediatric preclinical models evaluated. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:42–48. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oxygen permeability of biaxially oriented polypropylene films
Authors: Lin Y.J. , Dias P. , Chen H.Y. , Chum S. , Hiltner A. , Baer E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe effect of thermal history on the oxygen permeability of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films was investigated. Compression‐molded sheets prepared with different cooling rates were biaxially oriented at several temperatures in the range between the onset of melting and the peak melting temperature and at a strain rate similar to that encountered in a commercial film process. The stress response during stretching was found to depend on the residual crystallinity in the same way regardless of the thermal history of the compression‐molded sheet. Biaxial orientation reduced the oxygen permeability measured at 23°C; however, the reduction did not correlate with the amount of orientation as measured by birefringence or with the fraction of amorphous phase as determined by density. Rather, the decrease in permeability was attributed to reduced mobility of amorphous tie molecules. A single one‐to‐one correlation between the oxygen permeability and the intensity of the dynamic mechanical β‐relaxation was demonstrated for all the films used in the study. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rheological characterization of room temperature vulcanized silicone sealant: Effect of filler particle size
Authors: Xu Xiaoming , Gao Chuanhua , Zheng Qiang 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe rheological properties of silicone sealant filled with different calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles varying in size were investigated. It is found that as particle size decreases, the dynamic storage modulus (G′) and shear viscosity (η) increase; whereas, the width of linear viscoelastic region decreases. At low shear rate, a modulus plateau appears and the shear thinning behavior becomes apparent. The reasons for these can be ascribed to the enhanced particle–particle interaction and formation of filler network structure. Moreover, results dealing with the buildup of network structure monitored by kinetic recovery experiments reveal that both the rate of recovery and magnitude of rheological parameters increase with decreasing particle size. This phenomenon is consistent with the data collected from creep and recovery measurements, indicating an enhanced elasticity and network structure. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation and mechanical properties tests for cured sealant samples were also carried out to provide an evidence for the discussion further. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Improved through‐plane electrical conductivity in a carbon‐filled thermoplastic via foaming
Authors: Motlagh G.H. , Hrymak A.N. , Thompson M.R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractFlow‐induced orientation of the conductive fillers in injection molding creates parts with anisotropic electrical conductivity where through‐plane conductivity is several orders of magnitude lower than in‐plane conductivity. This article provides insight into a novel processing method using a chemical blowing agent to manipulate carbon fiber (CF) orientation within a polymer matrix during injection molding. The study used a fractional factorial experimental design to identify the important processing factors for improving the through‐plane electrical conductivity of plates molded from a carbon‐filled cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) containing 10 vol% CF and 2 vol% carbon black. The molded COC plates were analyzed for fiber orientation, morphology, and electrical conductivity. With increasing porosity in the molded foam part, it was found that greater out‐of‐plane fiber orientation and higher electrical conductivity could be achieved. Maximum conductivity and fiber reorientation in the through‐plane direction occurred at lower injection flow rate and higher melt temperature. These process conditions correspond with foam flow during filling of the mold cavity, indicating the importance of shear stress on the effectiveness of a fiber being rotated out‐of‐plane during injection molding. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fibril formation of 1,3:2,4‐Di(3,4‐dimethylbenzylidene) sorbitol in polymer melts
Authors: Lipp Jonathan , Shuster Michael , Terry Ann E. , Cohen Yachin 
Published: February 2008

Abstract1,3:2,4‐Di 3,4‐dimethylbenzylidene) sorbitol (DMDBS) is a known nucleator and clarifier for polypropylene (PP). It is also known that in the useful concentration range of roughly 0.2–2%, it forms nanofibrillar structures within the PP melt. The kinetics of the DMDBS solidification process within the PP melt and formation of the ensuing nanofibrillar structure are studied by in‐situ small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) analysis. The dynamic lag of the fibrillar structure formation kinetics and its temperature dependence indicate a nucleation and growth mechanism, controlled by the rate of nucleation. Examination of the polystyrene (PS)/DMDBS system indicate structure formation only in compounds containing 2.5% DMDBS, as evident in the rheological behavior. Light microscopy reveals that the fibrillar cross‐section in this case is larger by an order‐of‐magnitude in comparison to the structure in PP. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Non‐covalently crosslinked hydrogels displaying a unique combination of water‐absorbing, elastic and adhesive properties
Authors: Bayramov Danir F , Singh Parminder , Cleary Gary W , Siegel Ronald A , Chalykh Anatoly E , Feldstein Mikhail M 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Stringent requirements must be satisfied by biomedical adhesives, including biocompatibility, adhesion, cohesiveness and processability. The ability to change mechanical properties in response to environmental changes may also be desirable. In the present work the water‐absorbing, adhesive and mechanical properties of blends based on hydrogen bonding complexes between poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly[(methacrylic acid)‐co‐(ethyl acrylate)] were investigated. These blends, consisting of pharmaceutical‐grade components, exhibit pH‐sensitive swelling and dissolution, along with rubber‐like elasticity and bioadhesion.RESULTS: Polymer blend films remained intact at pH = 5.6 but underwent dissolution at pH = 7.4, the difference being attributed to deprotonation of acidic side‐chains, with loss of hydrogen bonding and development of charge repulsion. Sol release was primarily due to PEG. Films swelled at low pH instead of dissolving, in a manner that was pH‐dependent but PEG‐independent. Films displayed elastic properties comparable to cured elastomers when mildly swollen, with modulus and ultimate strength decreasing with increasing PEG content. Dry films were nearly tack‐free, but became more adhesive with increasing water content, up to a point where the film dissolved.CONCLUSION: Due to their biocompatibility and dissolution/mechanical properties, the bioadhesive polymer blends investigated may be suitable for numerous biomedical applications. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessing the outdoor operating temperature of photovoltaic modules
Authors: Faiman David 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBy a careful study of data collected from seven varieties of photovoltaic (PV) module it is demonstrated that a simple modified form of the Hottel–Whillier–Bliss (HWB) equation, familiar from the analysis of flat‐plate solar–thermal collectors, can be employed to predict module temperatures within an accuracy comparable to the cell‐to‐cell temperature differences typically encountered within a module. Furthermore, for modules within the range of construction parameters employed in this study, the actual values of the two modified HWB constants do not appear to depend upon module type. The implication of these results for the accuracy of outdoor module characterization is discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In‐situ X‐ray scattering studies of OFET interfaces
Authors: Gerlach Alexander , Sellner Stefan , Kowarik Stefan , Schreiber Frank 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe review recent work in the field of organic thin films and organic‐inorganic interfaces which is relevant for device applications and particularly organic field effect transistors (OFETs). Focussing on the structural properties of these systems we discuss results obtained mostly through X‐ray scattering techniques. We address the growth behaviour and interface formation of organic thin films including roughness evolution and crystal structure. In particular, we review real‐time studies of pentacene, diindenoperylene, and PTCDA deposition on different subtrates which illustrate their specific growth kinetics. Covering different thickness regimes we show how the molecular orientation depends on the substrate and the growth conditions. Finally, we address the structural properties of organic heterostructures, i.e. metal and insulator films on organics, demonstrating how to assess and control interdiffusion and thermal stability of the capping layers. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An empirical validation of object‐oriented class complexity metrics and their ability to predict error‐prone classes in highly iterative, or agile, software: a case study
Authors: Olague Hector M. , Etzkorn Letha H. , Messimer Sherri L. , Delugach Harry S. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractEmpirical studies have shown complexity metrics to be good predictors of testing effort and maintainability in traditional, imperative programming languages. Empirical validation studies have also shown that complexity is a good predictor of initial quality and reliability in object‐oriented (OO) software. To date, one of the most empirically validated OO complexity metrics is the Chidamber and Kemerer Weighted Methods in a Class (WMC). However, there are many more OO complexity metrics whose predictive power has not been as extensively explored. In this study, we explore the predictive ability of several complexity‐related metrics for OO software that have not been heavily validated. We do this by exploring their ability to measure quality in an evolutionary software process, by correlating these metrics to defect data for six versions of Rhino, an open‐source implementation of JavaScript written in Java. Using statistical techniques such as Spearman's correlation, principal component analysis, binary logistic regression models and their respective validations, we show that some lesser known complexity metrics including Michuraet al.'s standard deviation method complexity and Etzkornet al.'s average method complexity are more consistent predictors of OO quality than any variant of the Chidamber and Kemerer WMC metric. We also show that these metrics are useful in identifying fault‐prone classes in software developed using highly iterative or agile software development processes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced ACh release at neuromuscular synapses of heterozygous leaner Cav2.1‐mutant mice
Authors: Kaja Simon , Van De Ven Rob C. G. , Frants Rune R. , Ferrari Michel D. , Van Den Maagdenberg Arn M. J. M. , Plomp Jaap J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractEpisodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) is an autosomal dominantly inherited neurological disorder. Patients have CACNA1A gene mutations resulting in truncation or single amino acid changes in the pore‐forming subunit of Cav2.1 (P/Q‐type) Ca2+ channels. These neuronal channels mediate synaptic neurotransmitter release. EA2 symptoms are thought to result from disturbed neurotransmission at cerebellar and neuromuscular synapses, caused by loss‐of‐function of Cav2.1 channels. Heterozygous leaner (Ln/wt) mice, carrying a Cacna1a truncation mutation, as well as heterozygous Cav2.1 null‐mutant (KO/wt) mice may model synaptic aspects of EA2. We studied Cav2.1‐mediated acetylcholine (ACh) release at their neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) ex vivo. KO/wt mice did not show any ACh release abnormalities, not even at older age. However, Ln/wt mice had ∼25% reduced spontaneous uniquantal ACh release and ∼10% reduced nerve‐stimulation evoked release, compared with wild‐type. EA2 is treated with acetazolamide (AZA), but the pharmacotherapeutic mechanism is unknown. We tested the possibility of a direct influence on (mutant) presynaptic Cav2.1 channel function by studying the acute effect of 50 μM AZA on ACh release at ex vivo NMJs of wild‐type, KO/wt, and Ln/wt mice. No changes were found in any of the release parameters. Our results indicate that Ln‐mutated Cav2.1 channels at Ln/wt NMJs are either normally inserted in the presynaptic membrane but have reduced function, or that they inhibit wild‐type channels by hampering their expression, trafficking, membrane insertion and/or function. In this respect Ln/wt NMJs may model EA2 synapses. Furthermore, AZA does not exert an acute, direct influence on the function of presynaptic (mutant) Cav2.1 channels. Synapse 62:337–344, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dopamine D2High receptors moderately elevated by sertindole
Authors: Seeman Philip 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBecause long‐term administration of antipsychotics can cause behavioral dopamine supersensitivity, this study examined whether the antipsychotic sertindole could elicit biochemical changes indicative of dopamine supersensitivity. In rats, behavioral dopamine supersensitivity is consistently associated with an increased proportion of dopamine receptors that have high affinity for dopamine, namely D2High, in homogenized striata. Nine days of subcutaneously injected sertindole (1.25 mg/kg/day) increased the proportion of D2High receptors between 186% and 215%, although the total population of D2 receptors did not change. Although the findings suggest that rats or patients treated with sertindole might exhibit behavioral dopamine supersensitivity, the drug‐induced increase in D2High receptors was less than that previously found with haloperidol. Synapse 62:389–393, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distinct patterns of ΔFosB induction in brain by drugs of abuse
Authors: Perrotti L.I. , Weaver R.R. , Robison B. , Renthal W. , Maze I. , Yazdani S. , Elmore R.G. , Knapp D.J. , Selley D.E. , Martin B.R. , Sim‐Selley L. , Bachtell R.K. , Self D.W. , Nestler E.J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe transcription factor ΔFosB accumulates and persists in brain in response to chronic stimulation. This accumulation after chronic exposure to drugs of abuse has been demonstrated previously by Western blot most dramatically in striatal regions, including dorsal striatum (caudate/putamen) and nucleus accumbens. In the present study, we used immunohistochemistry to define with greater anatomical precision the induction of ΔFosB throughout the rodent brain after chronic drug treatment. We also extended previous research involving cocaine, morphine, and nicotine to two additional drugs of abuse, ethanol and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC, the active ingredient in marijuana). We show here that chronic, but not acute, administration of each of four drugs of abuse, cocaine, morphine, ethanol, and Δ9‐THC, robustly induces ΔFosB in nucleus accumbens, although different patterns in the core vs. shell subregions of this nucleus were apparent for the different drugs. The drugs also differed in their degree of ΔFosB induction in dorsal striatum. In addition, all four drugs induced ΔFosB in prefrontal cortex, with the greatest effects observed with cocaine and ethanol, and all of the drugs induced ΔFosB to a small extent in amygdala. Furthermore, all drugs induced ΔFosB in the hippocampus, and, with the exception of ethanol, most of this induction was seen in the dentate. Lower levels of ΔFosB induction were seen in other brain areas in response to a particular drug treatment. These findings provide further evidence that induction of ΔFosB in nucleus accumbens is a common action of virtually all drugs of abuse and that, beyond nucleus accumbens, each drug induces ΔFosB in a region‐specific manner in brain. Synapse 358–369, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Domoic acid induces direct DNA damage and apoptosis in Caco‐2 cells: Recent advances
Authors: Carvalho Pinto‐Silva C. R. , Moukha S. , Matias W. G. , Creppy E. E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractDomoic acid (DA) is a neurotoxin produced by sea‐water phytoplankton. Shellfish feeding on the phytoplankton can bioconcentrate DA, leading to a potentially serious health hazard for people consuming the contaminated shellfish. DA is the principal toxin responsible for amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). The toxic mechanism of DA is believed to be mediated at the level of the mitochondria, where uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation decreases membrane permeability, causing cell swelling and ultimately lysis. Literature is poor concerning data on the possible genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of DA. In the present study, we have evaluated the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of DA on a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco‐2). Our results clearly demonstrate that DA decreased cell viability (IC50 about 70 ng/mL), induced direct DNA damage from 15 ng/mL, and apoptosis in Caco‐2 cells at 100 ng/mL. This apoptosis is likely bax‐dependent and occurred only at high concentrations of DA, while lower concentrations upregulated both bax and bcl‐2 at an apparent constant ratio until a sudden decrease of bcl‐2 at 100 ng/mL and increase of bax. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Biased competition through variations in amplitude of γ-oscillations
Authors: Zeitler Magteld , Fries Pascal , Gielen Stan 
Published: February 2008

AbstractExperiments in visual cortex have shown that the firing rate of a neuron in response to the simultaneous presentation of a preferred and non-preferred stimulus within the receptive field is intermediate between that for the two stimuli alone (stimulus competition). Attention directed to one of the stimuli drives the response towards the response induced by the attended stimulus alone (selective attention). This study shows that a simple feedforward model with fixed synaptic conductance values can reproduce these two phenomena using synchronization in the gamma-frequency range to increase the effective synaptic gain for the responses to the attended stimulus. The performance of the model is robust to changes in the parameter values. The model predicts that the phase locking between presynaptic input and output spikes increases with attention.
Mathematical modelling in animal nutrition: a centenary review
Authors: DUMAS A. , DIJKSTRA J. , FRANCE J. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYA centenary review presents an opportunity to ponder over the processes of concept development and give thought to future directions. The current review aims to ascertain the ontogeny of current concepts, underline the connection between ideas and people and pay tribute to those pioneers who have contributed significantly to modelling in animal nutrition. Firstly, the paper draws a brief portrait of the use of mathematics in agriculture and animal nutrition prior to 1925. Thereafter, attention turns towards the historical development of growth modelling, feed evaluation systems and animal response models. Introduction of the factorial and compartmental approaches into animal nutrition is noted along with the particular branches of mathematics encountered in various models. Furthermore, certain concepts, especially bioenergetics orthe heat doctrine, are challenged and alternatives are reviewed. The current state of knowledge of animal nutrition modelling results mostly from the discernment and unceasing efforts of our predecessors rather than serendipitous discoveries. The current review may stimulate those who wish for greater understanding and appreciation.
A novel approach to the management of acute tracheal tear
Authors: Creagh-Brown B , Sheth A , Crerar-Gilbert A , Madden B P 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjective:We describe the emergency use of a covered, expandable, removable tracheal stent in a patient who developed a large posterior tracheal tear complicating endobronchial therapy for large airway obstruction.Method:Case report and review of the literature concerning management of acute tracheal tear.Results and conclusion:Our patient demonstrates that endotracheal stenting is an option for managing acute large airway tear. Moreover, the use of a removable stent allows not only for rapid closure of the defect but also removal once the defect has healed, thus avoiding long-term complications of stent deployment.