bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic Kriging and prior information
Authors: Vazquez E. , Walter E. , Fleury G. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractKriging, one of the oldest prediction methods based on reproducing kernels, can be used to build black‐box models in engineering. In practice, however, it is often necessary to take into account prior information to obtain satisfactory results. First, the kernel (the covariance) can be used to specify properties of the prediction such as its regularity or the correlation distance. Moreover, intrinsic Kriging (viewed as a semi‐ parametric formulation of Kriging) can be used with an additional set of factors to take into account a specific type of prior information. We show that it is thus very easy to transform a black‐box model into a grey‐box one. The prediction error is orthogonal in some sense to the prior information that has been incorporated. An application in flow measurement illustrates the interest of the method. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of continuous quality improvement analysis on the delivery of primary percutaneous revascularization for acute myocardial infarction: A community hospital experience
Authors: Caputo Ronald P. , Kosinski Robert , Walford Gary , Giambartolomei Alex , Grant William , Reger Mark J. , Simons Alan , Esente Paolo 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAs time to reperfusion correlates with outcomes, a door‐to‐balloon time of 90 ± 30 min for primary percutaneous coronary revascularization (PCI) for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction has been recently established as a guideline by the ACC/AHA. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of a continuous quality assurance program designed to expedite primary angioplasty at a community hospital. A database of all primary PCI procedures was created in 1998. Two groups of consecutive patients treated with primary PCI were studied. Group 1 represented patients in the time period between 1 June 1998 to 1 November 1998 and group 2 represented patients in the period between 1 January 2000 and 16 June 2000. Continuous quality assurance analysis was performed. Modifications to the primary angioplasty program were initiated in the latter group. Time intervals to certain treatment landmarks were compared between the groups. Significant decreases in the time intervals from emergency room registration to initial electrocardiogram (8.4 ± 8.2 vs. 3.7 ± 19.5 min; P < 0.001), presentation to the catheterization laboratory to arterial access (13.5 ± 12.9 vs. 11.6 ± 5.8 min; P < 0.001), and emergency room registration to initial angioplasty balloon inflation (132.0 ± 69.2 vs. 112 ± 72.0 min; P < 0.001) were achieved. For the subgroup of patients presenting with diagnostic ST elevation myocardial infarction, a large decrease in the door‐to‐balloon time interval between group 1 and group 2 was demonstrated (114.15 ± 9.67 vs. 87.92 ± 10.93 min; P = NS), resulting in compliance with ACC/AHA guidelines. Continuous quality improvement analysis can expedite care for patients treated by primary PCI in the community hospital setting. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2005;64:428–433. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous closure of left ventricular‐to‐right atrial fistula after prosthetic mitral valve rereplacement using the Amplatzer duct occluder
Authors: Cabalka Allison K. , Hagler Donald J. , Mookadam Farouk , Chandrasekaran Krishnaswamy , Wright R. Scott 
Published: March 2005

AbstractA 70‐year‐old female with a history of rheumatic heart disease underwent rereplacement of mitral valve mechanical prosthesis in May 2003. Seven months later, she presented with progressive exertional dyspnea, exercise intolerance, and a new holosystolic/diastolic murmur. Echocardiography confirmed a large shunt through a fistula in the inferior limbus of the atrial septum with left ventricular‐to‐right atrial communication. We report the novel use of the Amplatzer duct occluder for closure of the fistulous tract. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2005;64:522–527. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficacy and safety of oral sirolimus to inhibit in‐stent intimal hyperplasia
Authors: Brito Fábio S. , Rosa Werther C.M. , Arruda J. Airton , Tedesco Hélio , Pestana Jose O.M. , Lima Valter C. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSirolimus systemic administration has shown marked inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) after balloon angioplasty in porcine models. In this pilot study, we tested the hypothesis that oral sirolimus is safe and effective to inhibit in‐stent NIH and therefore to prevent and treat in‐stent restenosis (ISR). Twelve patients (18 lesions) with high risk for ISR, including 8 ISR lesions, were admitted. One day before the procedure, patients were given a 15 mg loading dose of oral sirolimus, followed by 5 mg daily for 28 days, with weekly whole blood level measurements. The daily dose was adjusted to keep the concentration at 10–15 ng/ml. Sirolimus was well tolerated by all patients but one, who died at the end of the third week of treatment. The 4‐ and 8‐month follow‐up revealed an angiographic late loss of 0.40 ± 0.24 and 0.67 ± 0.45 mm (P < 0.01), respectively. At the same time points, the intravascular ultrasound in in‐stent relative volumetric obstruction was 14.4% ± 9.1% and 23.2% ± 10.1% (P < 0.01), respectively. At 24‐month clinical follow‐up, adverse events were one (8.3%) death, two (11.1%) target lesion, and four (22.2%) target vessel revascularizations. In conclusion, in this small group of high‐risk ISR patients, oral sirolimus inhibited NIH and therefore may be an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of ISR. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2005;64:413–418. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crosslinking Mechanism of Boric Acid with Diols Revisited
Authors: Rietjens Marcel , Steenbergen Peter A. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractComplex formation of boric acid with diol functional groups is well known and many papers have been published assuming borate is the reactive species. Based on the high reactivity of boric acid towards nucleophiles, this paper assumes boric acid is the reactant. We prove this hypothesis by presenting a study of the reaction of the polymer guaran with boric acid under various conditions. A thermodynamic analysis of the underlying reactions does not show any differences between either crosslinking species. Thermodynamics shows that the concentration of the 2:1 crosslinks, that give rise to the enhanced viscosity, is proportional to [B], the boric acid concentration, [X2], the concentration of available crosslink sites and inversely proportional to [H+]. These predictions were all confirmed by experiment. However, a difference between the mechanisms is demonstrated in a kinetic analysis: Longer gel times are predicted with the mechanism based on boric acid as the pH of the fluid increases, that is exactly what is observed in practice. Evidence is provided fromvisco‐elastic measurements. A new approach to describeinter‐ and intramolecular crosslink formation is introduced and evidence for the correctness of this description is provided. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Oxidation reduction potential as a measure of disinfection effectiveness for chlorination of wastewater
Authors: Bergendahl John A. , Stevens Laurie 
Published: March 2005

AbstractChlorine is commonly added as a disinfectant to potable water before distribution and to wastewater before discharge. The chlorine residual is usually monitored to verify proper disinfectant dose and to ensure adequate pathogen kill before wastewater discharge. Measuring chlorine residual usually requires time‐intensive techniques, whereas the measurement of oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) is a possible alternative method with real‐time results. Experiments were conducted in which inactivation of total coliform, E. coli, and enterococci was measured with chlorine dose, and ORP was evaluated as a predictor of kill of these organisms. Raising ORP through chlorination was effective at disinfection, yet disinfection effectiveness was found to be not well predicted with ORP measurements. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2005
Lipopolysaccharide increases microglial GLT‐1 expression and glutamate uptake capacity in vitro by a mechanism dependent on TNF‐α
Authors: Persson Mikael , Brantefjord Mona , Hansson Elisabeth , Rönnbäck Lars 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of microglial activation on microglial glutamate transporters in vitro. Stimuli known to activate microglia and/or to be associated with pathological conditions with an impaired astroglial glutamate uptake were compared. Morphological changes and marked increases in ED1 antigen expression were found after 8‐h incubation of rat microglia in 56 mM KCl, 1 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and 100 μM glutamate, as well as in acidic and basic conditions, showing that the cells were activated. Of the stimuli used, only LPS induced a significant release of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and was the only stimulus that increased microglial GLT‐1 expression and glutamate uptake capacity after 12‐h incubation. This effect was probably mediated by TNF‐α, since this cytokine mimicked the effect of LPS. Furthermore, the effect of LPS was blocked by thalidomide, an inhibitor of TNF‐α synthesis. Additionally, neutralizing antibodies against TNF‐α also blocked the increase, indicating TNF‐α as an inducer of GLT‐1 expression in microglia. It was also found that preincubation with glutamate dose‐dependently inhibited the microglial glutamate uptake. This could suggest different physiological functions for microglial and astroglial glutamate uptake and might indicate a reciprocal control of GLT‐1 expression between microglia and astrocytes. ©2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activity‐dependent change in morphology of the glial tubular lattice of the crayfish medial giant nerve fiber
Authors: Beshay Joseph E. , Hahn Paulette , Beshay Victor E. , Hargittai Pal T. , Lieberman Edward M. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAn evaluation of electron micrographs of stimulated nerve fibers used to investigate the effect of action potential generation on the structure–function relationship between axons and its associated glial cells revealed that what was at first thought to be stimulation‐induced damage to the glia was, in fact, limited to volume expansion and disaggregation of the glial tubular lattice. All other structures appeared well preserved and otherwise normal. Using a 4‐point subjective scale for evaluation by two investigators, 50‐Hz stimulation for 2 min was observed to cause a volume expansion and disaggregation of the tubular lattice. Quantitatively, the internal diameter of the stimulated tubular lattice increased 65% above the unstimulated control (50.96 ± 2.09 nm and 30.81 ± 0.87 nm, respectively, P ≤ 0.001). Stimulation had its greatest effect on tubular lattice volume and organization in the adaxonal glial layer and a decreasing effect as distance from the giant axon increased. These effects are reversible since the tubular lattice diameter and degree of disaggregation preserved 10 min after the cessation of stimulation were not found to be different from their unstimulated paired controls. Axons injected with TEA, a voltage‐gated potassium channel blocker, prevented stimulation‐induced volume expansion and disaggregation of tubular lattice structure. These results are consistent with an active uptake of K+ with obligated water or, alternatively, hyperosmotic K+ uptake and a fixation‐induced increase in water permeation. Either mechanism of K+ uptake would result in tubular lattice volume expansion and disaggregation and suggests that the tubular lattice serves a larger role than a simple trans‐glial diffusion pathway. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic expression profile of olfactory ensheathing cells is distinct from that of Schwann cells and astrocytes
Authors: Vincent Adele J. , Taylor Jennifer M. , Choi‐Lundberg Derek L. , West Adrian K. , Chuah Meng Inn 
Published: March 2005

AbstractOlfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) accompany the axons of olfactory receptor neurons, which regenerate throughout life, from the olfactory mucosa into the olfactory bulb. OECs have shown widely varying efficacy in repairing the injured nervous system. Analysis of the transcriptome of OECs will help in understanding their biology and will provide tools for investigating the mechanisms of their efficacy and interactions with host tissues in lesion models. In this study, we compared the transcriptional profile of cultured OECs with that of Schwann cells (SCs) and astrocytes (ACs), two glial cell types to which OECs have similarities. Two biological replicates of RNA from cultured OECs, SCs, and ACs were hybridized to long oligo rat 5K arrays against a common reference pool of RNA (50% cultured fibroblast RNA and 50% neonatal rat brain RNA). Transcriptional profiles were analyzed by hierarchical clustering, Principal Components Analysis, and the Venn diagram. The three glial cell types had similarly increased or decreased expression of numerous transcripts compared with the reference. However, OECs were distinguishable from both SCs and ACs by a modest number of transcripts, which were significantly enriched or depleted. Furthermore, OECs and SCs were more closely related to each other than to ACs. Expression of selected transcripts not previously characterized in OECs, such as Lyz, Timp2, Gro1 (Cxcl1), Ccl2 (MCP1), Ctgf, and Cebpb, was validated by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR); immunohistochemistry in cultured OECs, SCs, and ACs, and adult tissues was performed to demonstrate their expression at the protein level. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of Aquaporin 4 in rodent spinal cord: Relationship with astrocyte markers and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans
Authors: Vitellaro‐Zuccarello Laura , Mazzetti Samanta , Bosisio Paola , Monti Claudia , De Biasi Silvia 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWater balance between cells and extracellular compartments is essential for proper functioning of the central nervous system, as demonstrated by its perturbations in pathological conditions. Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is the predominant water channel in brain and spinal cord, where it is present mainly on astrocytic endfeet contacting vessels. A role in water homeostasis control has been proposed also for the extracellular matrix, that in brain consists mainly of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). Using cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques, we investigated their distribution in rodent spinal cord, to better understand the role of these two classes of molecules. The results show that in spinal gray matter AQP4 labeling is intense in all perivascular profiles and (1) displays a marked dorsoventral gradient in the neuropil; and (2) coexists extensively with glial glutamate transporter‐1 (GLT‐1) but scarcely with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In white matter the overlap between AQP4, GLT‐1, and GFAP is almost complete. Ultrastructural examination shows that AQP4‐labeled astrocytic processes surround blood vessels, neuronal perikarya and processes, and both asymmetric and symmetric synapses, indicating that the protein may be involved in the regulation of water fluxes around both inhibitory and excitatory synapses. CSPGs, visualized by labeling with Wisteria floribunda agglutinin, show a distribution complementary to that of AQP4, being absent or weekly expressed in AQP4‐enriched areas. These findings suggest that different mechanisms may contribute to the regulation of water homeostasis in different spinal cord regions. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of mesenchymal stem cells grown on a three‐dimensional HYAFF 11®‐based prototype ligament scaffold
Authors: Cristino S. , Grassi F. , Toneguzzi S. , Piacentini A. , Grigolo B. , Santi S. , Riccio M. , Tognana E. , Facchini A. , Lisignoli G. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractLigaments are complex structures that maintain the mechanical stability of the joint. Healing of injured ligaments involves the interactions of different cell types, local cellular environment, and the use of devices. To gain new information on the complex interactions between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and a specific hyaluronan‐based prototype scaffold (HYAFF®), useful for ligament tissue engineering, short time‐course experiments were performed to analyze the proliferation, vitality, and phenotype of MSCs grown on the scaffold. MSC proliferation was analyzed using the MTT test, during the early time points (2, 4, 6, days). Viability was assessed using calcein/acetyloxymethylester immunofluorescence dye and confocal microscopy analysis. Hyaluronic acid receptor (CD44), typical matrix ligament proteins (collagen type I, type III, laminin, fibronectin, actin), and chondrogenic/osteogenic markers (collagen type II and bone sialoprotein) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Our data demonstrated that MSC growth and viability were cell density‐dependent. MSCs completely wrapped the fibers of the scaffold, expressed CD44, collagen type I, type III, laminin, fibronectin, and actin, and were negative to collagen type II and bone sialoprotein. These data demonstrate that MSCs survive well in the hyaluronan‐based prototype ligament scaffold, as assessed after 2 days from seeding, and express CD44, a receptor important for scaffold interaction, and proteins responsible for the functional characteristics of the ligaments. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 73A: 275–283, 2005
Development and simulation studies of an unsteady state biofilter model for the treatment of cyclic air emissions of an α‐pinene gas stream
Authors: Dirk‐Faitakis Christina , Allen D Grant 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis paper describes the development and simulation of an unsteady state biofilter model used to predict dynamic behaviour of cyclically‐operated biofilters and compares it with experimental results obtained from three, parallel, bench‐scale biofilters treating both periodically fluctuating concentrations and constant concentrations of an α‐pinene‐laden gas stream. The dynamic model, using kinetic parameters estimated from the constant concentration biofilter, was able to predict the performance of cyclic biofilters operating at short cycle periods (ie, in the order of minutes and hours). Steady state kinetic data from a constant concentration biofilter can be used to predict unsteady state biofilter operation. At a 24 h cycle period, the dynamic model compared well with experimental results. For long cycle periods (ie, hours and days), removal efficiency decreased after periods of non‐loading: the longer the period of non‐loading, the poorer the biofilter's performance at the re‐commencement of pollutant loading. At longer time scales the model did not effectively predict transient behaviour, as adsorption and changes in kinetic parameters were not accounted for. Modelling results showed that similar biofiltration performance for the cyclic and constant concentration biofiltration of α‐pinene is expected for biofilters operating solely in the first order kinetics regime. Poorer performance for cyclic biofilters following Monod kinetics spanning the entire kinetics range is expected as the cycle amplitude increases. The most important parameters affecting the performance of a cyclically‐operated biofilter with short cycle periods are: amplitude of cyclic fluctuations, Cg, max/Cg, relative value of the half‐saturation constant in the Monod expression, Ks, and effective diffusivity of α‐pinene in the biofilm, De. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Double‐stranded secondary structures on mRNA induce type I interferon (IFN α/β) production and maturation of mRNA‐transfected monocyte‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Ceppi M. , Ruggli N. , Tache V. , Gerber H. , McCullough K. C. , Summerfield A. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackgroundThe development of dendritic cell (DC)‐based vaccines using antigen‐encoding mRNA requires identification of the critical parameters for efficient ex vivo loading of DCs. Exogenously delivered mRNA can induce DC activation, but the molecular mechanisms involved are unknown. The aim of the present study was to identify the means by which mRNA‐dependent activation of DCs occurs.MethodsIn vitro transcribed mRNA molecules were delivered into porcine monocyte‐derived DCs (MoDCs) using different non‐viral gene transfer procedures. Using the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as reporter gene, as well as rhodamine‐labeled RNA, intracellular delivery and transfection efficiency were assessed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. DC activation was monitored in terms of MHC class II and CD80/86 upregulation, as well as the production of type I interferon (IFN‐α/β).ResultsmRNA‐lipofected MoDCs produced type I IFN and upregulated MHC class II and CD80/86. Computational analysis of the mRNA molecules predicted highly ordered secondary structures forming double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA). This dsRNA was also detectable by immunofluorescence in mRNA‐lipofected cells, using antibody specific for dsRNA. Digestion of the mRNA prior to lipofection with a double‐strand‐specific RNase, but not a single‐strand‐specific RNase, abrogated DC activation. Impairment of protein kinase R (PKR) with 2‐aminopurine also interfered with the activation.ConclusionsDouble‐stranded secondary structures on mRNA delivered by lipofection can activate MoDCs. This could have important implications for mRNA‐based immunomodulation of DCs, DC‐based immunotherapy, and formulation of RNA‐based vaccines. In addition, this report describes the first in vitro steps towards development of a novel large animal model system to evaluate DC‐based vaccines against infectious diseases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On optimal contact shapes generated by wear
Authors: Páczelt I. , Mróz Z. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe optimal shape design of contacting surfaces has usually been aimed at controlling the contact pressure distribution. However, a much wider class of contact optimization problems can be formulated by maximizing contact force or displacement, torsional moment, or minimizing the friction dissipation. The special classes of optimization problems are considered, namely, minimization of generalized wear volume rate, minimization of generalized friction dissipation power and minimization of the generalized wear dissipation power depending on both normal pressure and slip velocity.The specific wear rule was assumed and the optimality conditions are derived. They generate optimal contact pressure distribution and the corresponding optimal wear rate. The optimization problems are reduced to non‐linear programming problems and for their solution a special iteration process is used. The wear process is analysed in two specific cases. First, when the relative sliding velocity between bodies is constant and the second case, when one of bodies rotates with respect to another body. For rotational motion the problem of minimization of friction dissipation power is considered by applying the technique of control of contact pressure distribution and minimization of the generalized friction dissipation power with a new control parameter q. It is demonstrated that the wear dissipation power at the contact surface is minimal in the steady state of wear process and in many cases corresponds to the uniform wear rate. The illustrative examples for rotating bodies demonstrate the evolution of wear process toward a steady state. The minimization of the generalized wear volume rate and of generalized friction dissipation power does not induce the steady state of wear process in the rotation motion.The identification procedure is proposed to specify the wear parameters. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.