bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flammenpyrolytische Silikatbeschichtung bei Normaldruck als Alternative zu Vakuumverfahren. Combustion CVD of silica as an alternative method to vakuum treatment
Authors: Richter Thomas , Tiller Hans‐Jürgen 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIn Weiterentwicklung des Pyrosil®‐Verfahrens wurde eine neue Art der Precursoreinspeisung in CCVD‐Systeme entwickelt, realisiert und anhand von technischen Substraten (Metall, Glas, Kunststoffe) auf ihre Funktionstüchtigkeit überprüft. Hierzu wurde eine Versuchsanlage aufgebaut, an welcher die Möglichkeiten des Verfahrens demonstriert werden können und welche Interessenten für Versuche zur Verfügung steht. Im Vergleich mit dem Pyrosil®‐Verfahren konnten gleiche und bessere Ergebnisse erzielt werden.
Quantitative or semi‐quantitative?–laboratory‐based WD‐XRF versus portable ED‐XRF spectrometer: results obtained from measurements on nickel‐base alloys
Authors: Zwicky Christoph N. , Lienemann Peter 
Published: April 2004

Abstract‘Semi‐quantitative’ analytical procedures are becoming more and more popular. Using such procedures, the question of the accuracy of results arises. The accuracy of an analytical procedure depends to a great extent on spectral resolution, counting statistics and matrix correction. Two ‘semi‐quantitative’ procedures are compared with a quantitative analytical program. Using a laboratory‐based wavelength‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (WD‐XRF) spectrometer and a portable energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF) spectrometer, 28 different nickel‐base alloy Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) were analyzed. Line interferences and inaccurate matrix correction are reasons for deviations from the reference value. As the comparison shows, ‘semi‐quantitative’ analyses on the WD‐XRF spectrometer can be accepted as quantitative determinations. The investigations show that the results obtained with the portable ED‐XRF spectrometer do not meet the quality requirements of laboratory analysis, but they are good enough for field investigations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sponge‐induced angiogenesis and inflammation in PAF receptor‐deficient mice (PAFR‐KO)
Authors: Ferreira Mônica A N D , Barcelos Lucíola S , Campos Paula P , Vasconcelos Anilton C , Teixeira Mauro M , Andrade Silvia P 
Published: April 2004

To determine biological functions of platelet‐activating factor (PAF) in chronic inflammation, we have investigated the kinetics of angiogenesis, inflammatory cells recruitment and cytokine production in sponge‐induced granuloma in wild type and PAF receptor‐deficient mice (PAFR‐KO).
Angiogenesis as determined by morphometric analysis and hemoglobin content was significantly higher in the implants of PAFR‐KO mice at all time points. Treatment with PAF receptor antagonist UK74505 (30 mg kg−1) also increased angiogenesis in sponge implants.
Neutrophils and macrophages accumulation, as determined by myeloperoxidase and N‐acetylglucosaminidase activities in the supernatant of implanted sponges were markedly decreased in PAFR‐KO mice. Surprisingly, the levels of the proinflammatory chemokines, keratinocyte‐derived chemokine and chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 were higher in the implants of the transgenic animals.
We have shown that angiogenesis was stimulated in PAFR‐KO mice whereas inflammation was decreased, indicating that PAF is an endogenous regulator of new blood vessels formation in the inflammatory microenvironment induced by the sponge implant.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 1185–1192. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705731
Membrane‐association and the sensitivity of guanylyl cyclase‐coupled receptors to nitric oxide
Authors: Wykes Victoria , Garthwaite John 
Published: April 2004

Nitric oxide (NO) signal transduction occurs through guanylyl cyclase‐coupled receptors, which exist in both cytosolic and membranous locations. It has recently been reported from experiments using heart tissue that the membrane‐associated receptor has enhanced sensitivity to NO. Owing to its potential importance, we tested this finding using a method of applying NO in known, constant concentrations. The results showed that the concentration–response curves for receptor activation in cytosolic and membrane preparations of two different tissues (cerebellum and platelets) were indistinguishable. In all cases, half‐maximal activation required about 1 nM NO and the curves had Hill coefficients of close to 1. The differential sensitivity reported for the heart is attributed to NO being scavenged by myoglobin in the cytosol, but not in the membrane fraction.British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 1087–1090. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705745
Inhibin α and β expression in ovarian stromal tumors and their histological equivalences
Authors: Çiriş Metin , Erhan Yildiz , Zekioglu Osman , Bayramoglu Hatice 
Published: April 2004

Inhibin is a heterodimeric protein hormone that appears to be a sensitive immunohistochemical marker of sex cord‐stromal tumors. Although sex cord‐stromal tumors can usually be distinguished from ovarian epithelial tumors or their metastases by morphology or by using antibodies against intermediate filaments, the diagnosis remains difficult in rare situations in such cases as sarcomatoid granulosa‐theca cell tumors, ovarian small cell carcinomas, or soft‐tissue sarcomas. The purposes of this study were to examine inhibin α and β immunoreactivity in a wide range of gonadal stromal neoplasms and to assess its value in the differential diagnosis of problematic tumors.A total of 108 paraffin‐embedded ovarian and extraovarian tumors were examined immunohistochemically by using anti‐α inhibin and anti‐β inhibin. Inhibin α immunostaining was identified in 46 (81%) of 57 gonadal stromal tumors, one (14%) of seven endometrial stromal tumors, and one (50%) of two primary ovarian carcinoid tumors. Inhibin β immunostaining was detected in 55 (96%) of 57 gonadal stromal tumors, two (29%) of seven endometrial stromal tumors, one (50%) of two dysgerminomas, and in all of two (100%) primary ovarian carcinoid tumors. Inhibin α expression was not detected in any ovarian surface epithelial tumor cells. Some surface epithelial tumors showed stromal inhibin α (15% of cases) and inhibin β (48% of cases) positivity. Weak immunoreactivity for inhibin β was found in most (83% of cases) ovarian surface epithelial tumors. Two ovarian Burkitt lymphomas were negative for inhibin α and β.Inhibin α is a sensitive immunohistochemical marker of gonadal stromal tumors and is of value in the differential diagnosis of ovarian neoplasia. Inhibin β is a nonspecific marker for ovarian neoplasms, showing expression on tumor and stromal cells of different epithelial or stromal tumors.
Clinical, biochemical and ultrasonographic characteristics of Scandinavian women with PCOS
Authors: Vanky Eszter , Kjøtrød Sigrun , Salvesen Kjell Åsmund , Romundstad Pål , Moen Mette Haase , Carlsen Sven Magnus 
Published: April 2004

Background.  The aim was to investigate the clinical, biochemical and ultrasonographic characteristics of Scandinavian women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and to see whether there were any differences between eumenorrhoic and oligoamenorrhoic women.Methods.  Eighty women aged between 18 and 40 years with PCOS were investigated in a prospective study. The inclusion criteria were polycystic ovaries (PCO), body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2 and at least one of the following: testosterone >2.5 nmol/L, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) <30 nmol/L, fasting C‐peptide >1.0 nmol/L, oligoamenorrhea or hirsutism.Results.  Eumenorrhoic and oligoamenorrhoic women with PCOS did not differ in age, age at menarche, blood pressure, BMI, free testosterone index (FTI), insulin C‐peptide or fasting glucose. A thicker endometrium and a smaller ovarian volume were found in eumenorrhoic compared to oligoamenorrhoic patients. There was linear association between BMI and the number of diagnostic criteria met.Conclusion.  BMI was associated with the severity of the PCOS. There were no differences in basic clinical and biochemical parameters between eumenorrhoic and oligoamenorrhoic patients with PCOS.
Vagal innervation of the air sacs in a songbird, Taenopygia guttata
Authors: Kubke M. Fabiana , Ross Jacqueline M. , Wild J. Martin 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe air sacs of birds are thin‐walled chambers connected to the lung that act as bellows in the ventilatory mechanism. Physiological evidence exists to suggest that they may contain receptors that are innervated by the vagus nerve, but no morphological study has examined the vagal innervation of these putative structures. To do this, we injected the cervical vagus nerve with choleragenoid and examined the innervation of the air sacs using light and confocal microscopy. We identified vagally innervated structures in the air sac wall that resemble the neuroepithelial bodies (NEBs) described in the airways of many vertebrates. Although NEBs have been proposed to have a dual chemoreceptive and mechanoreceptive role, their specific function in the air sacs of birds remains unclear.
Expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐I receptor in primary cutaneous carcinomas
Authors: Keehn Connie A. , Saeed Sadia , Bickle Kelly , Khalil Farah K. , Morgan Michael B. 
Published: April 2004

Background:  Insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) is the principal mediator of growth hormone, exerting its effects through binding of the insulin‐like growth factor‐I receptor (IGF‐IR). Post‐receptor activation leads to the production of transcription factors involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, transformation, and survival. Data indicate that IGF‐IR is involved in tumorigenesis. To our knowledge, this receptor has not been previously studied in primary cutaneous carcinomas.Methods:  Twenty‐five cases of primary cutaneous carcinomas consisting of three keratoacanthoma‐type squamous cell carcinomas (KAs), two squamous cell carcinomas in situ (SCCs in situ), eight squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), three conventional basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), two morpheaform basal cell carcinomas (M‐BCCs), and seven Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) were analyzed for IGF‐IR immunohistochemical expression using IGF‐IR mouse monoclonal antibody (dilution 1 : 50) using the avidin–biotin–peroxidase complex method.Results:  Normal epidermis was negative for IGF‐IR expression. Normal eccrine glands and outer root sheath strongly expressed IGF‐IR. All KAs, SCCs in situ, SCCs, and BCCs were negative for IGF‐IR expression. Six of seven (86%) of the MCCs stained with IGF‐IR strongly, showing cell membrane accentuation and a perinuclear dot‐like pattern.Conclusion:  The data suggest that IGF‐IR immunopositivity in MCCs might constitute a diagnostic tool in discriminating between SCCs and BCCs. Although the possible pathogenic significance of the perinuclear dot‐like staining pattern observed in these neoplasms is unknown, its pattern is similar to what has been previously described with cytokeratin‐20 immunostaining.
Modified Limberg flap reconstruction compares favourably with primary repair for pilonidal sinus surgery
Authors: Cihan Alper , Mentes B. B. , Tatlicioglu E. , Ozmen S. , Leventoglu S. , Ucan B. H. 
Published: April 2004

Background:  The present study analyses the results of wide excision with primary closure (PC), wide excision with classical Limberg flap reconstruction (LF) and wide excision with modified Limberg flap reconstruction (MLF) in the surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease.Methods:  One hundred and sixty‐two well‐documented patients who were operated on for pilonidal disease and followed for more than 1 year were analysed retrospectively. Group 1 was composed of patients with excision plus PC (n = 78) while group 2 included those with excision plus a LF reconstruction (n = 40), and group 3 included those with excision plus a MLF reconstruction (n = 44).Results:  There were no significant differences among the three groups with respect to age, sex distribution, frequency of recurrent disease, or follow‐up periods (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). Significant disadvantages regarding postoperative infection rate, mobilization time, discharge from hospital, and time off work were noted for primary closure, compared with both LF and MLF reconstructions. Following a median follow‐up period of 4.2 years, 14 recurrences (17.9%) developed in the PC group, three (7.5%) in the LF group, and none (0%) in the MLF group. The zero recurrence rate in the MLF group was significantly lower than that in the PC group (P = 0.003). On the other hand, the recurrence rate in the LF was not found to differ significantly from that in the PC group (P = 0.126). Comparing the LF and MLF groups, none of the surgical end points reached a statistically significant difference (P > 0.05 for all comparisons).Conclusions:  For the surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease, excision plus a classical or modified Limberg flap reconstruction proved to be superior to excision plus primary closure in terms of infection, mobilization time, discharge from hospital and time off work. Additionally, MLF reconstruction resulted in a statistically lower recurrence rate when compared with PC.
Surgical risk management: the value of a weekly surgical radio‐pathological meeting
Authors: Wong Kenneth , Birks David 
Published: April 2004

Background:  Clinical risk management in surgery involves organizational practices focused on the prevention of adverse outcomes. The present study evaluates the value of a weekly clinical meeting involving surgeons, radiologists and pathologists as a model of clinical risk management within a general surgical department.Methods:  Data for all meetings conducted over a 6‐month period were prospectively collected. Changes to previously reported pathology and radiology results, revisions to patient diagnosis, management and recommendations for subsequent patient care arising from the meetings were recorded.Results:  Data were collected for 18 meetings. One hundred and eleven patients were reviewed. Seventy‐six patients had previously reported radiological investigations. Sixty‐five patients had previously reported pathology specimens. Four per cent of radiology reports and 8% of pathology reports were amended at the meeting. Seven per cent of patients received a revised diagnosis. Twenty‐seven per cent of patients had suggestions for changes in management. Changes to patient care arose from pathologist input in seven patients, from radiologist input in nine patients and from clinician input in 14 patients. Four patients were recommended for an alternative surgical procedure. Five patients were recommended for cancellation of a planned procedure. Adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy was considered for four patients. Referral to specialist surgeons was suggested for two patients.Conclusions:  Weekly multidisciplinary clinical meetings allow early revision and refinement of patient diagnosis and management. As such, they are an effective pre‐emptive incident monitoring system, facilitating regular audit and quality control as part of an overall strategy for surgical clinical risk management.
Surgical management of obesity using a soft adjustable gastric band
Authors: Greenslade Justin , Kow Lilian , Toouli James 
Published: April 2004

Background:  Laparoscopically inserted adjustable gastric bands are an effective means of weight reduction for obese patients.Methods:  The Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band was evaluated prospectively in a consecutive series of 273 patients from August 1996 to March 2003.Results:  The first 58 patients had their band sited by the ‘peri‐gastric’ technique, with the subsequent 215 using the ‘pars flaccida’ technique, which provides better posterior fixation of the band. Results from these two groups were considered separately. Prolapse of the stomach through the band was the major complication occurring in 13 of the 58 peri‐gastric patients (22.4%). Median preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 42.1, falling below 30 by 2 years. In the pars flaccida group there were no instances of prolapse, but the major complication was three cases of band erosion (1.4%). Median preoperative BMI was 42.9 for this group, falling to 32 by 3 years. There was one death in the series due to myocardial infarction.Conclusions:  Results compare favourably with other published adjustable gastric band series. Weight loss with the SAGB appears durable overall with an acceptable complication rate once an appropriate technique is employed. Consistent life‐long follow up is necessary to achieve the best result.
High‐cycle fatigue properties in Ti–5% Al–2.5% Sn ELI alloy with large grain size at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: ONO Y. , YURI T. , SUMIYOSHI H. , MATSUOKA S. , OGATA T. 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACTHigh‐cycle fatigue properties were investigated for Ti–5% Al–2.5% Sn ELI alloy with a mean α grain size of 80 μm, which had been used for liquid hydrogen turbo‐pumps of Japanese‐built launch vehicles. At cryogenic temperatures, the fatigue strength in high‐cycle region did not increase in proportion to increments of the ultimate tensile strength and the fatigue strengths at around 106 cycles were about 300 MPa independent of test temperatures. Fatigue cracks initiated in the specimen interior independent of the test temperatures of 4 K, 77 K and 293 K. At 4 K and 77 K, several crystallographic facet‐like structures were formed at crack initiation sites. On the other hand, there were no facet‐like structures that could be clearly identified at the crack initiation sites at 293 K. Low fatigue strengths in longer‐life region at cryogenic temperatures could be attributable to the formation of large sub‐surface crack initiation sites, where large facet‐like structure are formed.
Co‐determination and working time accounts in the German finance industry
Authors: Croucher Richard , Singe Ingo 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACTThis article examines the workings of co‐determination in the German finance industry through two case studies examining the introduction of working time accounts. It is shown that the accounts posed important new challenges for employees and works councillors that represented variants of long‐existing negotiations around working time issues. The problems were clear and similar in both cases, giving rise to complaints to councillors, though not to managers. Councillors’ responses differed in the two companies. In one, they successfully re‐negotiated the agreement under which the accounts had been introduced. In the other, they did not succeed in doing so. The differences between the two representative bodies are analysed to reflect on a theory of employee representative influence.
Co‐existence of Philadelphia chromosome positive acute megakaryoblastic and B‐lymphoblastic mixed blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Colla Simona , Sammarelli Gabriella , Crugnola Monica , Ascani Stefano , Sabbatini Elena , Bonomini Sabrina , Hojden Magda , Craviotto Luisa , Celis Isabel De , Morandi Francesca , Caramatti Cecilia , Rizzoli Vittorio , Giuliani Nicola 
Published: April 2004

Abstract:In this study, we describe an extremely rare case of co‐existence of a Philadelphia chromosome positive acute megakaryoblastic and B‐lymphoblastic mixed blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A morphological, immunophenotypical and cytogenetic study has been performed to characterize the case and in order to identify the origin of two disorders. After the failure of the conventional therapy, the patient was treated with Imatinib with a complete hematological and cytogenetic response and a marked reduction of bone marrow fibrosis.
Type 3 hemochromatosis and β‐thalassemia trait
Authors: Riva Alessia , Mariani Raffaella , Bovo Giorgio , Pelucchi Sara , Arosio Cristina , Salvioni Alessandra , Vergani Anna , Piperno Alberto 
Published: April 2004

Abstract:Type 3 hemochromatosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to mutations of the TFR2 gene. We describe clinical, biochemical and histopathologic findings of a patient with type 3 hemochromatosis at presentation and during a follow‐up of more than 20 yr and we evaluate the effect of an associated β‐thalassemia trait on phenotypic expression. At the age of 33 yr the patient showed a marked iron overload and severe iron‐related complications. After removal of 26 g of iron by subcutaneous deferoxamine infusion a marked clinical improvement was observed. Liver biopsies, performed at the age of 34 and 49 yr, indicate that in type 3 hemochromatosis there is a progressive hepatocellular iron accumulation from Rappaport's zone 1–3 and that iron loading in sinusoidal and portal macrophages occurs only in the more advanced stage. As observed in HFE hemochromatosis, the β‐thalassemia trait seems to aggravate the clinical picture of patients lacking TFR2, favoring higher rates of iron accumulation probably by activation of the erythroid iron regulator.
Serum leptin levels in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Zhan Mei , Zhao Hui , Yang Renchi , Han Zhong Chao 
Published: April 2004

Abstract:Objectives:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum leptin levels in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), in order to determine the influence of leptin on the pathogenesis of ITP.Subjects and methods:  Forty‐six untreated patients with chronic ITP were compared with 40 healthy people of similar age, sex and body mass index (BMI). Serum leptin levels (ng/mL) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:  We found that the mean serum leptin levels in patients with ITP (22.11 ± 15.84 ng/mL) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than that in healthy control volunteers (5.44 ± 4.84 ng/mL). Furthermore, serum leptin levels in patients with ITP were inversely related (r = −0.86, P < 0.001) to the platelet counts and positively related to the platelet‐associated IgG (PAIgG) levels (r = 0.7, P < 0.001). The levels of PAIgG and platelet counts were significantly different between leptin‐positive (level greater than mean ± 2 SD control value) and leptin‐negative patients.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that leptin might play an important role in the pathogenesis of ITP.
Intracellular IL‐4/IFN‐gamma producing peripheral T lymphocyte subsets in B cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma patients
Authors: Gergely Lajos , Aleksza Magdolna , Váróczy László , Ponyi Andrea , Sipka Sándor , Illés Árpád , Szegedi Gyula 
Published: April 2004

Abstract:Aim:  The availability of several biological therapy options is rapidly growing in the field of malignant lymphomas. This emphasizes the need to understand the precise interaction of the host immune system with the malignant disease. We measured the intracellular cytokine responses in lymphoma patients’ lymphocytes, to characterize the polarization changes in their immune system.Methods:  Patients with B cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma were involved in the study. Peripheral lymphocytes were labeled with anti‐CD4 or anti‐CD8 antibodies and intracellular accumulation of IL‐4 or IFN‐γ was detected after in vitro incubation the cells with activating cocktail. The frequency of different T‐cell subsets were measured within the lymphocyte population.Results:  Significantly increased CD4+, IFN‐γ producing (Th1) cell percentage were found in untreated lymphoma cases (28.8% vs. 21.8%). CD8+ IL‐4 and IFN‐γ producing (Tc0) T cell frequency is significantly higher in untreated lymphoma patients compared with normal controls (1.3% vs. 0.47%). The frequency of CD4+ IL‐4 producing (Th2) cells is significantly lower in untreated patients (0.96% vs. 1.19%). Patients in long‐term remission have lower frequency of CD4+, IL4 producing (Th2) cell ratio (0.31% vs. 1.19%) and increased CD4+ IFN‐γ producing (Th1) cell frequency (30.1% vs. 21.8%), compared with healthy normal controls.Conclusion:  Our results demonstrate that there is a sustained increase in the CD4+ IFN‐γ producing cell frequency in lymphoma patients. The frequency of CD4+ IL‐4 producing cells is decreasing by treatment. These may contribute to strong polarization toward Th1 type response, needed for lymphoma clearance and remission.