bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study between Classic and Newer Methods for the Evaluation of Hemodialysis Adequacy
Authors: Kiriklidou P. , Memmos D. , Papadopoulou D. , Mitsopoulos E. , Sakellariou G. 
Published: December 2004

Aim:  The comparative study of hemodialysis (HD) adequacy of Kt/V measurement between classic method (Daugirdas formula) and urea sensor monitor (online).Patients and methods:  30 patients with end‐stage renal failure undergoing dialysis were studied. A comparative evaluation of HD adequacy during the same session was done with two different methods: (1) blood samples were drawn in the beginning and in the end of HD session for the measurement of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and after measurement of HD adequacy by 3rd generation Daugirdas formula and (2) urea sensor monitor use for continuous HD adequacy measurement during HD session.Results:  There was statistically significant correlation of Kt/V Daugirdas with Kt/V online (r = 0.8, p < 0.001). Also there was statistically significant correlation between solute removal index (SRI), Kt/V Daugirdas (r = 0.81, p < 0.001) and Kt/V online (r = 0.92, p < 0.001). From nutrition indices that were measured, the protein catabolic rate (PCR) had marginal negative correlation with the two compared adequacy indices, Kt/V Daugirdas (r = −0.24, p < 0.03), and Kt/V online (r = −0.17, p < 0.03) although the nPCR (normalized PCR) had marginal positive correlation (r = 0.35, p < 0.05) (r = 0.42, p < 0.05).Conclusions:  The use of online urea sensor monitors contributes to the easy measurement of adequacy and nutrition indices and hence complicated mathematical formulas are not necessary. The results of these measurements are reliable and comparable with classic methods of HD adequacy evaluation.
Short Daily Hemodialysis vs. Short Daily Hemofiltration (Search for Optimal Prescription)
Authors: Galland R. , Traeger J. , Béné B. , Delawari E. 
Published: December 2004

It has been shown that daily hemodialysis as well as convective transfer by hemofilitration improve the quality of extra renal treatment. Two following phases of treatment of three weeks each were tested in 2 patients: daily hemodialysis 2.5 h 6 times/week (HD*6) and daily hemofiltration 2.75 h 6 times/week (HF*6) performed according to the following modalities. Phase I, blood flow rates (QB): 300 mL/min, hemofilter 1.4 m2AN 69 dialysate flow 500 mL/min. Phase II, QB: 150 mL/min, hemofilter 1m2AN 69, exchange volume of 10 L/session; 5 L predilution and 5 L postdilution (conditions were limited by the device). We measured, during the third week of treatment of each phase, the weekly mass transfers and the predialysis plasma levels of urea (U), creatinine (C), phosphate (P), and B2 microglobulin (B2M). In the 2 phases, HD*6 and HF*6, respectively, the weekly urea Kt was: 120 vs. 60 L; std Kt/V: 3.30 vs. 2.0; npcr: 1.26 vs. 1.42 g kg–1 day–1.

Mass transfer/week
Predialytic levels/L

HD*6
HF*6
HD*6
HF*6

U (mmol)
2366
2204
23.2
38.5

C (µmol)
67240
51096
769.5
934.8

P (mmol)
127
111.5
1.91
2.34

B2M (mg)
311
763.5
34.2
30.16

In HF*6, predialysis solute concentration increased and weekly small molecule mass transfer was insufficient. B2M mass transfer was significantly increased and predialytic plasma concentration decreased, showing a higher clearance of middle molecules with convective transfer. The clinical tolerance was excellent during the two phases of treatment. This study allows to determine the optimal conditions for adequate daily HF: higher QB and exchange volume. Further studies with QB of at least 300 mL/min and with exchange volume of 15 L/session seem to be necessary.
Bayesian analysis of climate change impacts in phenology
Authors: Dose Volker , Menzel Annette 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe identification of changes in observational data relating to the climate change hypothesis remains a topic of paramount importance. In particular, scientifically sound and rigorous methods for detecting changes are urgently needed. In this paper, we develop a Bayesian approach to nonparametric function estimation. The method is applied to blossom time series ofPrunus aviumL.,Galanthus nivalisL. andTilia platyphyllosSCOP. The functional behavior of these series is represented by three different models: the constant model, the linear model and the one change point model. The one change point model turns out to be the preferred one in all three data sets with considerable discrimination of the other alternatives. In addition to the functional behavior, rates of change in terms of days per year were also calculated. We obtain also uncertainty margins for both function estimates and rates of change. Our results provide a quantitative representation of what was previously inferred from the same data by less involved methods.
Developing a Multilayered Integrated Numerical Model of Surface Physics – Growing Plants Interaction (MINoSGI)
Authors: Watanabe Tsutomu , Yokozawa Masayuki , Emori Seita , Takata Kumiko , Sumida Akihiro , Hara Toshihiko 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis paper describes a Multilayered Integrated Numerical Model of Surface Physics – Growing Plants Interaction (MINoSGI), which represents interactions between the dynamics of forest ecosystems and microclimate. Aiming at a large‐scale study in the future, we describe forest dynamics by using area‐averaged prognostic equations for thedistributions of plant density and plant weight with respect to plant height classes, instead of individual‐based treatments for small‐scale forest patches. Growth and mortality of plants are modelled based on the carbon balance of each plant height class. The area‐averaged microclimate (e.g., light, wind speed, temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration) within the forest canopy is simulated by a one‐dimensional multilayer canopy model, which includes most of the physical and physiological processes that control the forest microclimate. Owing to its multilayered framework, a direct specification is possible for the difference in the growing environment among plants of different size and species. Given hourly meteorological conditions, the model outputs energy, water, CO2 and momentum fluxes to and from a forest, of which the structure changes through competition among plants. The model's performance was tested by comparing its outputs with observed data on the development of plant size distribution taken over a 5‐year period in an evergreen coniferous (Cryptomeria japonica) forest. The model produced realistic estimates of the total biomass increments during the period. The ratio of net primary production to gross primary production (=0.45) was consistent with previous estimates for temperate forests. The bimodal seasonal pattern in net ecosystem production was similar to the seasonal trend in the CO2 flux measured over a forest of the same species. Although some limitations due to the one‐dimensional representation of microclimate were noticeable, the model adequately simulated distributions of annual growth rate, plant weight and diameter across plant height classes. Since the basic equations can be extended to include the effect of spatial variability with marginal increase of computational costs, the present model framework is feasible for large‐scale studies.
Climate controls on vegetation phenological patterns in northern mid‐ and high latitudes inferred from MODIS data
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyang , Friedl Mark A. , Schaaf Crystal B. , Strahler Alan H. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractRecent studies using both field measurements and satellite‐derived‐vegetation indices have demonstrated that global warming is influencing vegetation growth and phenology. To accurately predict the future response of vegetation to climate variation, a thorough understanding of vegetation phenological cycles and their relationship to temperature and precipitation is required. In this paper, vegetation phenological transition dates identified using data from the moderate‐resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) in 2001 are linked with MODIS land surface temperature (LST) data from the northern hemisphere between 35°N and 70°N. The results show well‐defined patterns dependent on latitude, in which vegetation greenup gradually migrates northward starting in March, and dormancy spreads southward from late September. Among natural vegetation land‐cover types, the growing‐season length for forests is strongly correlated with variation in mean annual LST. For urban areas, the onset of greenup is 4–9 days earlier on average, and the onset of dormancy is about 2–16 days later, relative to adjacent natural vegetation. This difference (especially for urban vs. forests) is apparently related to urban heat island effects that result in both the average spring temperature and the mean annual temperature in urban areas being about 1–3°C higher relative to rural areas. The results also indicate that urban heat island effects on vegetation phenology are stronger in North America than in Europe and Asia. Finally, the onset of forest greenup at continental scales can be effectively described using a thermal time‐chilling model, which can be used to infer the delay or advance of greenup onset in relation to climatic warming at global scale.
Gingival crevicular fluid monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and RANTES levels in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Emingil Gülnur , Atilla Gül , Hüseyinov Afig 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: Local and systemic inflammatory and immune mechanisms may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the aggressive forms of periodontal disease. Chemokines, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and regulated on activation, normal T cells expressed and secreted RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cells expressed and secreted), are involved in the activation and recruitment of inflammatory and immune cells to the infected sites and thereby mediating a variety of pathophysiological conditions. The aim of the present study was to examine the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of MCP‐1 and RANTES in patients with generalized agressive periodontitis (G‐AgP).Methods: MCP‐1 and RANTES levels were investigated in GCF samples of 10 patients with G‐AgP and 10 periodontally healthy subjects. Periodontal status was evaluated by measuring probing depth, clinical attachment loss, presence of bleeding on probing and plaque. In the G‐AgP group, GCF samples were collected from the two approximal sites; from one single‐rooted tooth and from one first molar tooth with 6 mm probing depth. In the healthy group, GCF samples were collected from one of the single‐rooted teeth. GCF MCP‐1 and RANTES levels were quantified by enzyme immunoassay.Results: The G‐AgP patients had significantly higher GCF MCP‐1 and RANTES levels compared to the healthy group (p<0.05). GCF MCP‐1 and RANTES levels were positively correlated with both probing depth and clinical attachment loss (p<0.05). There was no correlation between GCF MCP‐1 and RANTES levels and the percentage of sites with bleeding (p>0.05).Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that MCP‐1 and RANTES could play key roles in both activation and recruitment of inflammatory and immune cells in periodontal environment of G‐AgP patients. In conclusion, these CC chemokines may be considered in the biological mechanism underlying the pathogenesis and progression of G‐AgP.
The green tea polyphenol (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate and green tea can protect human cellular DNA from ultraviolet and visible radiation‐induced damage
Authors: Morley Nick , Clifford Tim , Salter Leo , Campbell Sandra , Gould David , Curnow Alison 
Published: December 2004

Background: Antioxidant compounds in green tea may be able to protect against skin carcinogenesis and it is of interest to investigate the mechanisms involved. A study was therefore conducted to determine whether the isolated green tea polyphenol (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) could prevent ultraviolet radiation (UVR)‐induced DNA damage in cultured human cells. This work was then extended to investigate whether drinking green tea could afford any UVR protection to human peripheral blood cells collected after tea ingestion.Methods: The alkaline comet assay was used to compare the DNA damage induced by UVR in cultured human cells with and without the presence of EGCG. The same assay technique was then employed to assess UVR‐induced DNA damage in peripheral leucocytes isolated from 10 adult human volunteers before and after drinking 540 ml of green tea.Results: Initial trials found that EGCG afforded concentration‐dependent photoprotection to cultured human cells with a maximal activity at a culture concentration of 250 μM. The cells types tested (lung fibroblasts, skin fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes) demonstrated varying susceptibility to the UVR insult provided. The in vivo trials of green tea also demonstrated a photoprotective effect, with samples of peripheral blood cells taken after green tea consumption showing lower levels of DNA damage than those taken prior to ingestion when exposed to 12 min ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation.Conclusion: The studies showed that green tea and/or some constituents can offer some protection against UV‐induced DNA damage in human cell cultures and also in human peripheral blood samples taken post‐tea ingestion.
Ultraviolet‐A1 (340–400 nm)‐mediated receptor and cytokine changes of transformed lymphocytes
Authors: Godar Dianne E. , Lucas Anne D. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Ultraviolet‐A1 (340–400 nm) (UVA1) radiation causes singlet‐oxygen damage that depolarizes mitochondrial membranes triggering immediate apoptosis (T≤4 h), while it also causes oxidative damage to DNA inducing delayed apoptosis (T≥24 h). In this study, we examined some potential therapeutic endpoints associated with UVA1‐mediated immediate and delayed apoptosis, such as receptor and cytokine changes.Methods: We quantified the number of membrane‐bound CD3 receptors on transformed T lymphocytes (Jurkat) and the number of membrane‐bound CD19 receptors on transformed B lymphocytes (Daudi) using flow cytometry. We also quantified the release of the cytokines interferon γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.Results: Out of the entire population of cells, only the apoptotic Daudi cells immediately decreased CD19 expression via capping, while only the apoptotic Jurkat cells increased CD3 receptor expression 24 h post‐exposure. Both receptor changes occurred in a UVA1 dose‐dependent manner. We also examined other T‐cell receptors, such as CD4, CD25, and CD69, but they did not change for up to 24 h following exposure. During UVA1‐triggered immediate apoptosis of Jurkat T cells, IFN‐γ levels increased in a dose‐dependent manner at 4 h, but returned to baseline levels at 24 h post‐exposure, whereas, there was no significant change in IL‐2 at 4 or 24 h.Conclusion: Thus, UVA1‐triggered immediate apoptosis causes a rapid decrease in the number of CD19 receptors on Daudi B cells and release of IFN‐γ from Jurkat T cells at 4 h, and UVA1‐mediated delayed apoptosis causes an increase in the number of CD3 receptors on Jurkat T cells.
KIT exon 8 mutations associated with core-binding factor (CBF)–acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cause hyperactivation of the receptor in response to stem cell factor
Authors: Kohl Tobias M. , Schnittger Susanne , Ellwart Joachim W. , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Spiekermann Karsten 
Published: December 2004

AbstractKIT exon 8 mutations are located in the extracellular portion of the receptor and are strongly associated with core-binding factor (CBF)-acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To characterize the functional role of these mutants, we analyzed the proproliferative and antiapoptotic potential of 3 KIT exon 8 mutations in interleukin 3 (IL-3)-dependent Ba/F3 cells. All KIT exon 8 mutants induced receptor hyperactivation in response to stem cell factor (SCF) stimulation in terms of proliferation and resistance toward apoptotic cell death. A representative KIT exon 8 mutant showed spontaneous receptor dimerization, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and conferred IL-3-independent growth to Ba/F3 cells. MAPK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) activation was essential for the phenotype of this mutant. Additionally, imatinib inhibited proliferation of KIT exon 8 mutant-expressing Ba/F3 cells. Our data show that KIT exon 8 mutations represent gain-of-function mutations and might represent a new molecular target for treatment of CBF leukemias. (Blood. 2005;105:3319-3321)
IL-4 supports the generation of a dendritic cell subset from murine bone marrow with altered endocytosis capacity
Authors: Menges Mauritius , Baumeister Thomas , Rössner Susanne , Stoitzner Patrizia , Romani Nikolaus , Gessner André , Lutz Manfred B 
Published: December 2004

AbstractDendritic cells (DC) of myeloid origin can be generated from mouse bone marrow (BM) using granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Immature major histocompatibility complex (MHC) IIlow DC are known to bear a high endocytosis capacity, in contrast to DC precursors and mature DC. Now we found that a subset of MHC IIlow DC in BM-DC cultures is unable to exert mannose receptor-mediated endocytosis of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran (DX) and resembles immature Langerhans cells (LC). The FITC-DX endocytosis activity of LC-like cells occurs at an earlier stage of development, where the surface MHC II expression is absent or very weak. This LC-like subset expresses higher levels of E-cadherin but lower amounts of the markers Gr-1, scavenger receptor 2F8, and CD11b, when compared with the highly endocytic DC subset. The latter myeloid DC resemble monocyte-derived DC (MoDC). The sorted LC-like population develops completely and exclusively into mature MHC IIhigh DC, and the MoDC-like cells remain immature MHC IIlow DC or develop into adherent MHC IIneg macrophages or mature into MHC IIhigh DC. The development of LC-like cells is promoted by interleukin-4. Thus, we show here that the simultaneous development of LC-like and MoDC-like DC subsets occurs in standard bulk cultures with GM-CSF, suggesting the existence of two different precursors for LC and MoDC in BM.
Biological activities of reverse signal transduction through CD137 ligand
Authors: Schwarz Herbert 
Published: December 2004

AbstractCD137 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family and a potent regulator of T cell activities. Agonists of CD137 have been used widely and successfully to treat cancer in animal models, and recently, it has become evident that CD137 agonists can also be used to treat autoimmune disease. An aspect of the CD137 receptor/ligand system, which has been comparatively little-explored, is its ability of reverse signaling. Just as is CD137, the CD137 ligand is also expressed as a cell membrane protein, and it too can transduce signals into the cells on which it is expressed. This bidirectional signaling capacity allows the CD137 receptor/ligand system to mediate extensive cross-talk between immune cells and between immune and nonimmune cells. This review summarizes the known activities of the CD137 ligand on the different leukocyte subsets and on cancer cells and discusses their influence on the course of immune responses.
Strategies and Methods for Research on Sex Differences in Brain and Behavior
Authors: Becker Jill B. , Arnold Arthur P. , Berkley Karen J. , Blaustein Jeffrey D. , Eckel Lisa A. , Hampson Elizabeth , Herman James P. , Marts Sherry , Sadee Wolfgang , Steiner Meir , Taylor Jane , Young Elizabeth 
Published: December 2004

AbstractFemale and male brains differ. Differences begin early during development due to a combination of genetic and hormonal events and continue throughout the lifespan of an individual. Although researchers from a myriad of disciplines are beginning to appreciate the importance of considering sex differences in the design and interpretation of their studies, this is an area that is full of potential pitfalls. A female’s reproductive status and ovarian cycle have to be taken into account when studying sex differences in health and disease susceptibility, in the pharmacological effects of drugs, and in the study of brain and behavior. To investigate sex differences in brain and behavior there is a logical series of questions that should be answered in a comprehensive investigation of any trait. First, it is important to determine that there is a sex difference in the trait in intact males and females, taking into consideration the reproductive cycle of the female. Then, one must consider whether the sex difference is attributable to the actions of gonadal steroids at the time of testing and/or is sexually differentiated permanently by the action of gonadal steroids during development. To answer these questions requires knowledge of how to assess and/or manipulate the hormonal condition of the subjects in the experiment appropriately. This article describes methods and procedures to assist scientists new to the field in designing and conducting experiments to investigate sex differences in research involving both laboratory animals and humans.
Cross-Talk between the Interleukin-6 and Prostaglandin E2 Signaling Systems Results in Enhancement of Osteoclastogenesis through Effects on the Osteoprotegerin/Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB (RANK) Ligand/RANK System
Authors: Liu Xin-Hua , Kirschenbaum Alexander , Yao Shen , Levine Alice C. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) system is the dominant and final mediator of osteoclastogenesis. Abnormalities of this system have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many skeletal diseases. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin (PG)E2, a major eicosanoid product of the COX-2-catalyzed pathway, play key roles in normal bone tissue remodeling. PGE2 exerts its actions by binding and activating the E series of prostaglandin (EP) receptor. Activation of EP2 and EP4 receptors is associated with PGE2-induced osteoclast differentiation. IL-6, a major proinflammatory cytokine, has also been reported to induce osteoclast differentiation. Although interactions between the COX-2/PGE2 and IL-6 systems have been described in bone cells, the mechanisms underlying these cooperative signaling pathways and the possible involvement of the OPG/RANKL/RANK system have not been fully elucidated. We demonstrate that COX-2, PGE2, and IL-6 stimulate osteoblast growth and osteoclast differentiation. Effects on osteoclast differentiation, particularly with IL-6, were most marked when osteoclast precursor cells were grown in coculture with osteoblasts, indicating a possible role of the RANK/RANKL/OPG system. COX-2 and PGE2 stimulated osteoclastogenesis through inhibition of OPG secretion, stimulation of RANKL production by osteoblasts, and up-regulation of RANK expression in osteoclasts. PGE2 stimulated IL-6 secretion by bone cells, whereas COX-2 inhibitors decreased this same parameter. IL-6, in turn, increased PGE2 secretion, COX-2, and EP receptor subtype expression in bone cells. Finally, IL-6 was the mediator of PGE2-induced suppression of OPG production by osteoblasts. These findings provide evidence for cross-talk between the PGE2 and IL-6 signaling enhance osteoclast differentiation via effects on the OPG/RANKL/RANK system in bone cells.