bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytokine/cytokine receptor gene expression in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Wu Shuling , Geßner Reinhard , von Stackelberg Arend , Kirchner Renate , Henze Guenter , Seeger Karl 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDRecent studies have shown that cytokines/cytokine receptors (C/CR) affect leukemic cell growth and survival. The goal of the current study was to investigate possible correlations between gene expression patterns of C/CR in leukemic cells, clinical features, and outcome in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at first disease recurrence.METHODSBetween January 1997 and December 2000, bone marrow (BM) samples were collected from 68 children with first ALL recurrence at diagnosis. These patients were enrolled in the ALL‐REZ 95–96 disease recurrence trials of the Berlin‐Frankurt‐Münster study group. C/CR gene expression (interleukin [IL]‐7, IL‐10, IL‐12p40, IL‐15, IL‐18, IL‐7Rα, IL‐10R1, IL‐15Rα, interferon‐gamma [IFN‐γ], vascular epithelial growth factor [VEGF], Flt1, and transforming growth factor‐beta) was quantified by real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and correlated with protein expression by immunofluorescence.RESULTSIn comparison with T‐lineage ALL specimens, expression of IL‐10, IFN‐γ, IL‐15Rα, and Flt1 was significantly higher in B‐cell precursor (BCP) ALL specimens (P < 0.01). Among BCP ALL samples, gene expression of IL‐7Rα and Flt1 was higher in pre‐B than in common or pro‐B leukemic cells. Moreover, expression levels of VEGF, IL‐7Rα, IL‐10R1, and IL‐15Rα were lower in lymphoblasts of patients with a combined BM recurrence than in those with an isolated recurrence (P < 0.05). Children with IL‐15Rα expression above the median level had a significantly better probability of event‐free survival (0.65 vs. 0.34, P = 0.04) and survival (0.71 vs. 0.37, P = 0.02) at 5 years.CONCLUSIONSExpression of distinct C/CR in ALL cells was associated with lineage commitment and differentiation of leukemic cells, as well as with prognosis. It remains to be evaluated whether these prognostic and biologic findings of distinct C/CR expression in leukemic cells also have therapeutical implications for future antileukemic strategies. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
A novel approach to prepare extended DNA fibers in plants
Authors: Li Lijia , Yang Jinling , Tong Qiong , Zhao Lijuan , Song Yunchun 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBackgroundThe extended DNA fiber preparation procedure is still imperfect in plants due to the existence of a hard cell wall; thus, high quality of extended DNA fibers for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis is often difficult to be obtained rapidly and efficiently. In this study we have developed a fast and widely effective method to prepare DNA fibers from various plant species and the fibers are suitable for fiber FISH mapping.MethodsFresh young leaves were chopped with a sharp sterile scalpel in a Petri dish that contained ice‐cold nucleus isolation buffer followed by filtration through 33‐μm nylon mesh. Nuclei were obtained by centrifuging the filtrates at high speed (16,000g) for 40 s. Nucleus lysis buffer (0.5% sodium dodecylsulfate, 5 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 100 mM Tris, pH7.0) was added to nuclei on slides, and DNA fibers were dragged and extended with a clean coverslip.ResultsThe key of this method is that liquid nitrogen grinding of leaves is replaced by chopping with a blade in ice‐cold nucleus isolation buffer. With the liquid nitrogen method, over‐ or under‐grinding of leaves occurs more frequently, and DNA fibers with the desired quality are not obtained easily. In contrast, it is easier to release nuclei from cells in nucleus isolation buffer by chopping, which results in fewer nuclei being destroyed. Highly extended, intact, and long DNA fibers can be generated to a great probability with this method. In addition, this method is very simple and rapid, requiring only 20 min for the entire process, and is also safe because poisonous mercaptoethanol is replaced by dithiothreitol. The results of fiber‐FISH with maize genomic DNA and 45S rDNA as probes showed that DNA fiber size as long as 1.96 Mb could be measured. The successful and reliable preparation of maize, wild rice, and barley DNA fibers suitable for FISH mapping proves that this technique is a widely effective approach for obtaining extended DNA fibers in plants.ConclusionsA simple, rapid, safe, and widely effective method for getting extended DNA fibers has been developed in plants. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Caltrans structural control for bridges in high‐seismic zones
Authors: Roberts James E. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe California Department of Transportation has nearly completed a $5.5 billion seismic retrofit program to retrofit strengthen over 2200 bridges on the state highway systems so they conform to the latest seismic hazard and performance criteria. Various unique solutions were developed and implemented to achieve the goals of the program. These techniques included the use of conventional steel and reinforced concrete jackets on bridge columns, advanced fiberglass and carbon fiber composite jackets, seismic isolation bearings and dampers, and seismic isolation silos. All of these techniques were designed to control the performance of a bridge by modifying or tuning its structural characteristics. This is much easier to achieve on a new bridge than on the retrofit of an existing bridge. Ideally a bridge should be designed with no deck joints and no bearings, with monolithic columns to superstructure framing, and with all columns the same length. While this ideal design is not achievable on many bridges, there are modifications that can reduce the vulnerability to damage during an earthquake.The structural control techniques illustrated are: hinge restrainer cables and extenders; fewer deck joints; column and foundation design to control the location of plastic hinge zones; conservative shear key design; pier rocking; steel jackets and carbon shells for external confinements; seismic isolation silos; shock transmission dampers; rubber–lead core isolation bearings; and inverted pendulum isolation bearings. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supplemental system retrofit considerations for braced steel bridge piers
Authors: Berman Jeffrey W. , Bruneau Michel 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBraced piers of steel truss bridges having braces with latticed built‐up cross‐sections may suffer significant damage during earthquakes due to the buckling, rapid strength degradation, and fracture of the braces. One retrofit alternative for such a bridge pier is to supplement the existing structural system with a system of energy dissipation devices (or structural fuses) that will yield and dissipate energy prior to existing brace buckling. These devices depend on the global shear displacements of the pier to yield and dissipate energy. However, relatively tall and slender bridge piers are also subject to large overturning displacements. This paper investigates and quantifies the effectiveness of using supplemental systems relying on devices used to control pier shear displacements to retrofit braced steel bridge piers, including the effect of overturning displacements on the effective ductility of such systems. A closed form equation for the total ductility of the retrofit pier, as a function of the shear displacement ductility, is derived and expressed graphically. A simple preliminary design procedure that incorporates these effects is proposed and an example design is presented. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural evolution of the Tuscan Nappe in the southeastern sector of the Apuan Alps metamorphic dome (Northern Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Carosi R. , Frassi C. , Montomoli C. , Pertusati P. C. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractStructural analysis carried out in the Tuscan Nappe (TN) in the southeastern sector of the Apuan Alps highlights a structural evolution much more complex than that proposed so far. The TN has been deformed by structures developed during four deformation phases. The three early phases resulted from a compressive tectonic regime linked to the construction of the Apenninic fold‐and‐thrust‐belt. The fourth phase, instead, is connected with the extensional tectonics, probably related to the collapse of the belt and/or to the opening of the Tyrrhenian Sea.Our structural and field data suggest the following. (1) The first phase is linked to the main crustal shortening and deformation of the Tuscan Nappe in the internal sectors of the belt. (2) The second deformation phase is responsible for the prominent NW–SE‐trending folds recognized in the study area (Mt. Pescaglino and Pescaglia antiforms and Mt. Piglione and Mt. Prana synforms). (3) The direction of shortening related to the third phase is parallel to the main structural trend of the belt. (4) The interference between the third folding phase and the earlier two tectonic phases could be related to the development of the metamorphic domes. The two directions of horizontal shortening induced buckling and vertical growth of the metamorphic domes, enhancing the process of exhumation of the metamorphic rocks. (5) The exhumation of the Tuscan Nappe occurred mostly in a compressive tectonic setting.A new model for the exhumation of the metamorphic dome of the Apuan Alps is proposed.Its tectonic evolution does not fit with the previously suggested core complex model, but is due to compressive tectonics. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibody response to collagen after functional implantation of different polyester vascular prostheses in pigs
Authors: Schlosser M. , Zippel R. , Hoene A. , Urban G. , Ueberrueck T. , Marusch F. , Koch A. , Meyer L. , Wilhelm L. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBesides inflammation, specific immune responses are seen also after implantation of biomaterials. The aim was to investigate the humoral response to bovine collagen type I following implantation of various polyester (Dacron) prostheses into pigs. In 24 randomized pigs, the infrarenal aorta was replaced with a segment of collagen‐impregnated, woven polyester prosthesis of low, medium, or high porosity. IgG antibodies were detected by immunoassay using native and denatured collagen type I as a target for blood samples taken on day 1 (implantation), 10, 17, 24, 62, and 116. As generally observed, antibodies to native and denatured collagen are of low titer and were significantly correlated with enhanced binding to the denatured form (p < 0.001). The highest overall antibody prevalence to native and denatured collagen was obtained on day 116 with 68% and on day 62 with 59%, respectively. Prostheses with high porosity induced an early immune response on day 10; those with low and medium porosity induced the highest antibody levels later after 2 months. Collagen antibodies neither correlated with serum IgG contents nor with antibodies to the prosthesis polyester matrix. Thus, humoral immune response against implant components may provide a further parameter in describing biocompatibility but also a potential marker that may facilitate monitoring of individual perigraft reaction. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 317–325, 2005
A scoring function for docking ligands to low‐resolution protein structures
Authors: Bindewald Eckart , Skolnick Jeffrey 
Published: January 2005

AbstractWe present a docking method that uses a scoring function for protein–ligand docking that is designed to maximize the docking success rate for low‐resolution protein structures. We find that the resulting scoring function parameters are very different depending on whether they were optimized for high‐ or low‐resolution protein structures. We show that this docking method can be successfully applied to predict the ligand‐binding site of low‐resolution structures. For a set of 25 protein–ligand complexes, in 76% of the cases, more than 50% of ligand‐contacting residues are correctly predicted (using receptor crystal structures where the binding site is unspecified). Using decoys of the receptor structures having a 4 Å RMSD from the native structure, for the same set of complexes, in 72% of the cases, we obtain at least one correctly predicted ligand‐contacting residue. Furthermore, using an 81‐protein–ligand set described by Jain, in 76 (93.8%) cases, the algorithm correctly predicts more than 50% of the ligand‐contacting residues when native protein structures are used. Using 3 Å RMSD from native decoys, in all but two cases (97.5%), the algorithm predicts at least one ligand‐binding residue correctly. Finally, compared to the previously published Dolores method, for 298 protein–ligand pairs, the number of cases in which at least half of the specific contacts are correctly predicted is more than four times greater. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 374–383, 2005
Quantum vs. classical models of the nitro group for proton chemical shift calculations and conformational analysis
Authors: Mobli Mehdi , Abraham Raymond J. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractA model based on classical concepts is derived to describe the effect of the nitro group on proton chemical shifts. The calculated chemical shifts are then compared to ab initio (GIAO) calculated chemical shifts. The accuracy of the two models is assessed using proton chemical shifts of a set of rigid organic nitro compounds that are fully assigned in CDCl3 at 700 MHz. The two methods are then used to evaluate the accuracy of different popular post‐SCF methods (B3LYP and MP2) and molecular mechanics methods (MMX and MMFF94) in calculating the molecular structure of a set of sterically crowded nitro aromatic compounds. Both models perform well on the rigid molecules used as a test set, although when using the GIAO method a general overestimation of the deshielding of protons near the nitro group is observed. The analysis of the sterically crowded molecules shows that the very popular B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) method produces very poor twist angles for these, and that using a larger basis set [6‐311++G(2d,p)] gives much more reasonable results. The MP2 calculations, on the other hand, overestimate the twist angles, which for these compounds compensates for the deshielding effect generally observed for protons near electronegative atoms when using the GIAO method at the B3LYP/6‐311++G(2d,p) level. The most accurate results are found when the structures are calculated using B3LYP/6‐311++G(2d,p) level of theory, and the chemical shifts are calculated using the CHARGE program based on classical models. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 389–398, 2005
All (k;g)‐cages are k‐edge‐connected
Authors: Lin Yuqing , Miller Mirka , Rodger Chris 
Published: January 2005

AbstractA (k;g)‐cage is a k‐regular graph with girth g and with the least possible number of vertices. In this paper, we prove that (k;g)‐cages are k‐edge‐connected if g is even. Earlier, Wang, Xu, and Wang proved that (k;g)‐cages are k‐edge‐connected if g is odd. Combining our results, we conclude that the (k;g)‐cages are k‐edge‐connected. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 48: 219–227, 2005
Modulation of biphasic rate of end‐plate potential recovery in rat diaphragm
Authors: van Lunteren Erik , Moyer Michelle 
Published: January 2005

AbstractPrevious diaphragm studies found that during intermittent stimulation, intratrain end‐plate potential (EPP) amplitude rundown is accelerated by increasing stimulation frequency, whereas intertrain EPP rundown is independent of frequency. We hypothesized that increasing stimulation frequency accelerates rundown recovery, and with a biphasic time course. Intracellular recordings were made in vitro from rat phrenic nerve–hemidiaphragm preparations. EPP amplitude recovery after a 100‐ms stimulation train and 100 ms of quiescence was significantly greater following stimulation at 200 HZ than at 20–100 HZ, despite larger antecedent EPP decline. EPP amplitudes recovered with a biphasic pattern: an early component with a fast time‐constant (0.03–0.06 s) and a late component with a slow time‐constant (0.5–5 s). Increased antecedent stimulation frequency accelerated the early component, but stimulation duration or pulse number modulated the late component. When interpreted in the context of vesicle recycling and replenishment models involving multiple pools and pathways, these data suggest that antecedent stimulation frequency regulates predominantly the fast pathways. This may have important implications for the development of respiratory failure in diseases of the neuromuscular junction, such as myasthenia gravis, when the firing duration and frequency are altered in association with changes in breathing pattern. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Central and peripheral motor conduction to cremasteric muscle
Authors: Ertekin C. , Bademkiran F. , Yildiz N. , Ozdedeli K. , Altay B. , Aydogdu I. , Uludag B. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe few electrophysiologic studies of the cremasteric muscle (CM) have mainly been restricted to the cremaster reflex with no reference to central and peripheral nerve conduction to the muscle, probably for technical reasons.Twenty‐six normal adult male volunteers were studied by transcranial magnetic cortical stimulation (TMS) and stimulation of thoracolumbar roots. The genitofemoral nerve (GFN) was stimulated electrically at the anterior superior iliac spine and a needle electrode was inserted into the CM for conduction studies. The motor latency to the CM from the cortical TMS ranged from 20 to 33 ms among the subjects (25.8 ± 2.9 ms, mean ± SD). Magnetic stimulation of the lumbar roots produced a motor response of the CM within 9.6 ± 1.9 ms (range, 6–15). The central motor conduction time to the CM was 16.5 ± 2.8 ms (range, 10–21). Stimulation of the GFN produced a compound muscle action potential with a mean value of 6.4 ± 1.8 (range, 4–10) ms in 23 of the 26 cases. Thus, central motor nerve fibers to the CM motor neurons exist, and there may be a representation area for the CM in the cerebral cortex. The GFN motor conduction time to the CM may have clinical utility, such as in the evaluation of the groin pain due to surgical procedures in the lower abdomen. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Diffusion of water and artificial seawater through coir fiber reinforced natural rubber composites
Authors: Geethamma V.G. , Thomas Sabu 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe diffusion of water and artificial seawater through cross‐linked coir fiber reinforced natural rubber composites was analyzed. The effect of fiber loading, chemical treatment, and bonding agent on liquid sorption was investigated. Based on the experiments, it is suggested that the probable mechanism of transport in gum compound is Fickian and that in composites is anomalous. The liquid uptake of all the composites is higher in water than that in artificial seawater. The composites showed increased swelling with fiber loading in water and artificial seawater. The influence of silica in the bonding system on swelling of the composites was also analyzed. In the case of gum compound, the desorption process is also Fickian, similar to the absorption of water and seawater. But the desorption of composites exhibited deviation from Fickian behavior. The effect of chemical treatment of coir fibers on the swelling was analyzed and found that the uptake of water and artificial seawater is reduced further in composites containing treated fibers. POLYM. COMPOS., 26:136–143, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of processing conditions on flash generation
Authors: Higuchi Hiroyuki , Goto Hirofumi , Koyama Kiyohito 
Published: January 2005

AbstractReduction of flash during injection molding is of great concern for manufacturers of electrical parts. In a previous report, we proposed a theoretical model for flash generation. The present study investigates the effect of processing conditions on flash generation and then attempts to analyze the flash data in terms of the flash model. Specifically, we carry out flow analyses to predict the temperature and pressure of materials when the flash generates. With the thus‐computed parameters, and material properties such as melt viscosity and crystallization temperature, a flash parameter defined in the model is calculated. In the end, it is shown that the flash parameter is correlated with the length of flash generated under various processing conditions. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 45:238–247, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reinforcement effect of carbon nanofillers in an epoxy resin system: Rheology, molecular dynamics, and mechanical studies
Authors: Kotsilkova R. , Fragiadakis D. , Pissis P. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe reinforcing effect of carbon nanoparticles in an epoxy resin has been estimated with different approaches based on rheology, molecular dynamics (evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, and thermally stimulated depolarization current), and dynamic mechanical analysis. Carbon particles aggregate as the volume increases and form a fractal structure in the matrix polymer. The dispersion microstructure has been characterized by its viscoelastic properties and relaxation time spectrum. The scaling of the storage modulus and yield stress with the volume fraction of carbon shows two distinct exponents and has thus been used to determine the critical carbon volume fraction of the network formation (Φ*) for the carbon/epoxy dispersions. At nanofiller concentrations greater than Φ*, the overall mobility of the polymer chains is restricted in both dispersions and solid nanocomposites. Therefore, (1) the relaxation spectrum of the dispersions is strongly shifted toward longer times, (2) the glass‐transition temperature is increased and (3) the relaxation strength of both the secondary (β) and primary (α) relaxations increases in the nanocomposites, with respect to the pure polymer matrix. The dispersion microstructure, consisting of fractal flocs and formed above Φ*, is proposed to play the main role in the reinforcement of nanocomposites. Moreover, the network structure and the interface polymer layer (bond layer), surrounding nanoparticles, increases the relaxation strength and slows the cooperative α relaxation, and this results in an improvement of the mechanical properties. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 522–533, 2005
Bi‐directional interactions of prostate cancer cells and bone marrow endothelial cells in three‐dimensional culture
Authors: Barrett Jeffrey M. , Mangold Kathy A. , Jilling Tamas , Kaul Karen L. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDProstate cancer preferentially metastasizes to bone, yet little is known about the cellular and molecular factors that support this growth. Endothelial cells are likely the initial contact for circulating prostate cells entering the bone microenvironment.METHODSUsing co‐culture and conditioned media experiments, we studied cellular and molecular interactions of prostate cancer cells of varying aggressiveness (PC‐3 and LNCaP) with bone marrow endothelial (HBME‐1) cells in collagen gels.RESULTSIn co‐culture, HBME‐1 cells stimulated proliferation (∼90% increase) and migration of the more aggressive PC‐3 cell line, while having little effect on LNCaP cell proliferation or migration. Concomitantly, HBME‐1 cell growth was inhibited by both PC‐3 and LNCaP cells and their conditioned media. Additionally, HBME‐1 cells underwent significant morphological changes in co‐culture, forming large, branching, cord‐like structures, which mimic angiogenesis. Prostate cancer cell conditioned media induced a similar effect on HBME‐1 cells. In comparison, conditioned media from PC‐3 cells also inhibited growth of non‐bone marrow‐derived endothelial cells, but did not affect their morphology.CONCLUSIONSSignificant bi‐directional interactions, including secreted factors and direct cellular interactions, exist between bone marrow endothelial cells and highly metastatic prostate cancer cells, and may underlie the propensity for prostate cancer to metastasize to the bone. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.