bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global gene expression analysis comparing bovine blastocysts flushed on day 7 or produced in vitro
Authors: Mohan M. , Hurst A.G. , Malayer J.R. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIn vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos have darker cytoplasm, reduced buoyant density, fragile zonae pellucidae, chromosomal abnormalities, higher pregnancy failure rates, and altered gene expression compared to embryos produced in vivo. Characterization of early deviations in gene expression would enable us to better understand the biology of early embryo development and improve in vitro culture systems. Here we compared gene expression between Day 7 blastocysts generated in TCM199 with 5% FBS and Day 7 in vivo derived blastocysts and using suppression‐subtractive hybridization (SSH). Pools of 25 embryos for both driver and tester were used in the RNA extraction process. The subtracted products were cloned and subjected to differential hybridization screening analysis. cDNAs were isolated, single‐pass sequenced, and subjected to BLAST search. Of 32 in vivo ESTs (expressed sequence tags) that provided sequence information, 30 matched homologous sequences in GenBank. Of 32 in vitro ESTs, 22 provided specific matches while the remaining ten represented novel transcripts. Two in vivo ESTs, galectin‐1 and fibronectin, and one in vitro EST, filamin A, were further characterized using real‐time quantitative PCR. To further examine the reproducibility of the SSH data, three different pools of embryos with each pool containing ten embryos produced from each of the following production systems, namely, in vivo, IVP in TCM199 with 5% FBS and CR1aa with 5% FBS were used for real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) confirmation studies. Significant increases in the expression level of galectin‐1 and fibronectin were observed in the in vivo derived blastocysts compared to blastocysts produced in TCM199 with 5% FBS and CR1aa cultures. No significant difference in filamin A expression was found between blastocysts produced in vivo and those derived from either of the in vitro production systems. We conclude that these techniques are useful to characterize the transcriptome of the early preattachment embryo and observed deviations in mRNA expression may partially explain the differences in quality between in vivo and IVP embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 288–298, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiscale modelling and computational strategies for composites
Authors: Ladevèze P. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIn the field of the structural analysis of composites, from the design of materials and structures to manufacturing, there has been increasing interest in material models which are described on a smaller scale than that of the macroscopic structural level.The first challenge, which depends on the design objective, consists of building an efficient, yet simple, ‘material’ model for the small scale chosen. The main damage mechanisms and their evolution must be described correctly. We use two very different composite materials to illustrate the state‐of‐the‐art of this field, the advantages and disadvantages of multiscale models and the current status of the research.The use of such material models leads to problems with extremely large numbers of degrees of freedom. This poses a second challenge, which is to design alternative computational strategies capable of solving such engineering problems. The goal is to reduce the calculation cost drastically while, at the same time, trying to increase robustness. The second and main part of the paper deals with this challenge and its present answers which are mechanics‐based multiscale computational strategies with homogenization in space and in time.The paper should be seen as an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art and the challenges facing the field of modelling and computation for composites. Copyright 2004 © John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cohesive‐zone models, higher‐order continuum theories and reliability methods for computational failure analysis
Authors: Borst René de , Gutiérrez Miguel A. , Wells Garth N. , Remmers Joris J. C. , Askes Harm 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA concise overview is given of various numerical methods that can be used to analyse localization and failure in engineering materials. The importance of the cohesive‐zone approach is emphasized and various ways to incorporate the cohesive‐zone methodology in discretization methods are discussed. Numerical representations of cohesive‐zone models suffer from a certain mesh bias. For discrete representations this is caused by the initial mesh design, while for smeared representations it is rooted in the ill‐posedness of the rate boundary value problem that arises upon the introduction of decohesion. A proper representation of the discrete character of cohesive‐zone formulations which avoids any mesh bias can be obtained elegantly when exploiting the partition‐of‐unity property of finite element shape functions. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated for some examples at different scales. Moreover, examples are shown how this concept can be used to obtain a proper transition from a plastifying or damaging continuum to a shear band with gross sliding or to a fully open crack (true discontinuum). When adhering to a continuum description of failure, higher‐order continuum models must be used. Meshless methods are ideally suited to assess the importance of the higher‐order gradient terms, as will be shown. Finally, regularized strain‐softening models are used in finite element reliability analyses to quantify the probability of the emergence of various possible failure modes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intratumoral methotrexate kinetics in a patient with intracranial anaplastic ependymoma
Authors: Geis T. , Peters O. , Friedrich M. , Dränert E. , Wolff Johannes E.A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractLittle is known about intratumoral anticancer drug concentration in childhood brain tumors. We were able to measure methotrexate (MTX) tumor concentrations directly in a cystic anaplastic ependymoma. Cyst fluid was obtained by puncture of a subgaleal Rickham reservoir connected to a catheter in the tumor cyst. MTX concentrations were determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and compared to serum concentrations. Maximum MTX concentrations in tumor and CSF were found at the end of MTX infusion. Twenty‐four hour after MTX infusion the mean tumor concentration was significantly higher than in the serum indicating MTX retention and accumulation in the tumor cyst. An AUCtumor/AUCserum ratio of 1.95 was obtained. In response to the applied multiagent chemotherapy the clinical condition of our patient improved and the tumor showed partial response on MRI. Cystic ependymomas might benefit from high dose MTX especially because of drug retention in the tumor cyst. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hybrid acrylic–polyimide latexes from miniemulsion polymerisation
Authors: Grailla Christian , Bartholir Michel , Gauthier Catherine , Guyot Alain 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA rigid polyimide (PI) was dissolved in acrylic monomers (methyl methacrylate, n‐butyl acrylate) as a hydrophobe to form miniemulsions stabilized by a mixture of sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton®, with droplets size in the range 100–300 nm, and PI concentration up to about 30% by weight, which corresponds to its limit of solubility. Upon polymerization initiated with ammonium persulfate, the particle size tends to decrease to the range 80–250 nm. From these hybrid latexes, clear yellowish films were obtained with two glass transitions: one close to that of polybutylacrylate (Tg = −50 °C) and the second between 15 and 40 °C, depending on PI concentration. PI causes a reinforcement of the mechanical properties at room temperature. This reinforcement is enhanced through an appropriate thermal treatment. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Polymerization of butadiene and copolymerization of butadiene with styrene using neodymium amide catalysts
Authors: Monteil Vincent , Spitz Roger , Boisson Christophe 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe polymerization of butadiene was performed with catalysts based on the complex Nd{N(SiMe3)2}3 (1). This amide complex in combination with methyaluminoxane or with a boron compound ([HNMe2Ph][B(C6F5)4], [CPh3][B(C6F5)4] or B(C6F5)3) and Al(iBu)3 showed high activity and stereospecificity in polymerization of butadiene. The cationic complex [Nd{N(SiMe3)2}2(THF)2][B(C6F5)4] (2) was prepared by reaction of 1 and [HNMe2Ph][B(C6F5)4]. The catalyst 2/Al(iBu)3 (ratio Al/Nd: 10/1) was highly active for butadiene polymerization. Copolymerization of butadiene and styrene was performed with the catalytic system Nd{N(SiMe3)2}3/[HNMe2Ph][B(C6F5)4]/Al(iBu)3 (3). Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Improved performance of a protein array using conjugated polymers as capture phase for HIV serodiagnosis
Authors: Perrin Agnès , Duracher David , Allard Laure , Cleuziat Philippe , Theretz Alain , Mandrand Bernard 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA modified recombinant protein derived from the viral capsid of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was coupled to a copolymer of maleic anhydride and methyl vinyl ether (MAMVE). The conjugated copolymer was spotted versus free protein in 96‐well microplates. The conjugated copolymer largely improved detection sensitivity of anti‐P24 antibodies in infected human sera. Results obtained with immuno‐linked sorbent array (ILISA) were correlated with those generated with a standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum dilution dynamic range was varied from 1/5000 to 1/150, and inter‐well coefficient of variation was below 8%. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Physically controlled, free‐radical polymerization of vaporized fluoromonomer on solid surfaces
Authors: Yasutake Mikio , Andou Yoshito , Hiki Shigehiro , Nishida Haruo , Endo Takeshi 
Published: April 2004

AbstractGas/vapor‐deposition polymerization (GDP) of vinyl monomer is expected to exhibit a unique polymerization behavior different from its polymerization in the liquid phase. Free‐radical GDP of 2,2,3,3,3‐pentafluoropropyl methacrylate (FMA) was carried out with a conventional free‐radical initiator (azobisisobutyronitrile) on substrate surfaces. A linear relationship between the number‐average molecular weight and polymer yield was observed, and the consecutive copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and FMA led to the formation of block copolymer P(MMA‐block‐FMA). These results suggested that the GDP process on substrate surfaces has a living nature. During the process, the active species at growing chain ends may be immobilized on the deposit surface and restricted from the chain‐transfer reactions, resulting in a continuation of the propagation reaction. The GDP on substrate surfaces is therefore a physically controlled polymerization process. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2621–2630, 2004
Sex roles and schooling or “see Janet suffer, see John suffer too”
Authors: Delamont Sara 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis article documents the rapid growth in research on sex roles in schools, outlines some of its shortcomings and offers some guidelines for improving it. Central to the article is a conviction that too much gender stereotyping goes on in schools and that it harms both sexes. Topics covered include inequalities of teacher‐pupil contacts, sex education and the relations between sex roles and subject choice in secondary schools.
The correlation between general disease prevention and prevention of HIV‐contagion among adolescents
Authors: Segest Erling , Mygind Ole , Harris C.N. , Bay Hans 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA representative group of young persons (N=745), who used the youth clubs in Copenhagen were asked to fill in a structured questionnaire. A large group of the young had had their sexual debut (N=367). In respect of this group we found no correlation between prevention regarding geneeral health risk factorsvs.prevention against HIV contraction. It is discussed as to whether this difference can be accepted as an expression of the fact that adolescents do not consider the risk of AIDS as something that can affect them. Similarly, current problems in the chain of knowledge, attitude and behaviour in relation to intervention programmes are also discussed, including ethical aspects.
A stress inoculation training program for adolescents in a high school setting: a multiple baseline approach
Authors: Hains Anthony A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis study examined the effectiveness of stress inoculation training with adolescents in a high school setting using a multiple baseline approach. Through this intervention procedure, youths were trained in cognitive restructuring, anxiety management, and problem solving skills. Self‐reports of state and trait anxiety were gathered during baseline and each training session. Five of the six youths displayed improvement on state and trait anxiety scores with the initiation of treatment. In addition, significant improvements were noted on pre‐ to post‐assessments of state and trait anxiety and trait anger. Non‐significant decreases were evident on self‐reports of total, daily, and major negative stress events. No changes occurred on measures of depression, self‐esteem, and anger expression. Similar patterns were obtained at a 3 month follow‐up.
Achieving long‐term continuous blood naltrexone and 6‐ß‐naltrexol coverage following sequential naltrexone implants
Authors: Hulse GK , Arnold‐Reed DE , O'Neil G , Chan C‐T , Hansson RC 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess blood free naltrexone and 6‐β‐naltrexol levels with time following treatment with sequential sustained‐release naltrexone preparations. Data were collected from blood samples analysed independently for naltrexone and 6‐β‐naltrexol and from clinical record review at a community heroin treatment clinic in Perth, Western Australia. Five patients received sequential 3.4 g (3.49 ? 0.01 g and 3.36 ? 0.05 g, respectively) naltrexone implants. The second implant was received on average within 131.2 ? 15.67 days of the first implant. The mean length of follow‐up was 307.2 ? 18.28 days of the first implant. Blood naltrexone levels have the potential to remain above 2 and 1 ng/ml for a total of 390 and 524 days, respectively, and blood 6‐β‐naltrexol was maintained above 10 ng/ml for a total of 222 days following insertion of these implants. No patient relapsed to dependent heroin use during the implant coverage period while blood naltrexone concentrations were above 2 ng/ml. Results indicate that blood naltrexone and 6‐β‐naltrexol levels can be maintained above therapeutic levels for prolonged periods following use of sequential 3.4 g naltrexone implants. These extended periods of coverage will offer significant benefits for managing the heroin‐dependent patient.
Analysis of longitudinal metabolomics data
Authors: Jansen Jeroen J. , Hoefsloot Huub C. J. , Boelens Hans F. M. , van der Greef Jan , Smilde Age K. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Motivation: Metabolomics datasets are generally large and complex. Using principal component analysis (PCA), a simplified view of the variation in the data is obtained. The PCA model can be interpreted and the processes underlying the variation in the data can be analysed. In metabolomics, often a priori information is present about the data. Various forms of this information can be used in an unsupervised data analysis with weighted PCA (WPCA). A WPCA model will give a view on the data that is different from the view obtained using PCA, and it will add to the interpretation of the information in a metabolomics dataset.
Results: A method is presented to translate spectra of repeated measurements into weights describing the experimental error. These weights are used in the data analysis with WPCA. The WPCA model will give a view on the data where the non-uniform experimental error is accounted for. Therefore, the WPCA model will focus more on the natural variation in the data.
Availability: M-files for MATLAB for the algorithm used in this research are available at http://www-its.chem.uva.nl/research/pac/Software/pcaw.zip
The use of undiluted amiodarone in the management of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Skrifvars M. B. , Kuisma M. , Boyd J. , Määttä T. , Repo J. , Rosenberg P. H. , Castren M. 
Published: April 2004

Introduction:  The Resuscitation 2000 Guidelines recommends amiodarone as the antiarrhythmic drug of choice in treatment of resistant ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT). Amiodarone has been associated with side‐effects and difficulty of administration, due to recommended dilution, rendering it suboptimal for out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (CA) management. In the present study we report experiences and side‐effects of the use of undiluted amiodarone in CA management in Helsinki Emergency Medical Service (EMS) during a 2‐year period.Methods:  On October 1, the Resuscitation 2000 Guidelines were put into practice in Helsinki EMS. Thus, in the cardiac arrest treatment protocol, after three ineffective shocks and 1 mg of adrenaline (epinephrine), a bolus of 300 mg of undiluted amiodarone (Cordarone® 50 mg ml−1, Sanofi‐Synthelabo, Helsinki, Finland) was administered into a vein located as centrally as possible. The Helsinki EMS performs systematic data collection according to the Utstein Guidelines. The blood pressure levels, heart rates and the need for vasopressors, of the patients with sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), were collected from the ambulance charts.Results:  During October 1, 2000 and September 30, 2002, 712 patients were considered for resuscitation and 566 were resuscitated. The initial rhythms were as follows: 32% had VF/VT, 36% had asystole and 32% had pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Of the 180 patients with VF/VT, 75 (42%) received undiluted amiodarone in addition to other resuscitative measures. Of the patients with asystole or PEA, 12 (6%) and 18 (10%), respectively, received amiodarone. The blood pressure levels and the need vasopressors after ROSC and during transportation to the hospital were similar among the patients who received and those who did not receive amiodarone.Conclusions:  The present study suggests that amiodarone can be administered undiluted without unmanageable haemodynamical side‐effects in the treatment of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest. This is likely to save time and simplifies the treatment protocol in the prehospital setting.
Measurement of the abdominal circumference for the detection of intra‐abdominal hemorrhage has no diagnostic value
Authors: Castrén M. , Liukko K. , Nurmi J. , Honkanen E. , Lindgren L. 
Published: April 2004

Background:  Measuring the circumference of the abdomen is still commonly used when treating a patient with suspicion of intra‐abdominal bleeding. In the present study the usefulness of this method for a diagnostic purpose is questioned because of the assumed method‐related interindividual variation.Methods:  The study group consisted of 34 end‐stage renal failure (ERSF) patients treated with peritoneal dialysis. Each patient was measured by the same nurse at the level of the umbilicus and the level of the iliac crest both before and after an infusion of 2000 ml of peritoneal dialysis fluid into the peritoneal cavity. One healthy female served as a control. Her abdominal circumference was measured at the level of the umbilicus by 10 different emergency medical technicians (EMTs), each of whom performed the measurement three times. The measuring tape was blank and the place of the first measurement was marked as performed in clinical practice.Results:  The mean abdominal circumference at the level of the umbilicus before an infusion of peritoneal fluid was 93.2 ± 9.5 cm (SD), and after filling the peritoneal cavity 96.3 ± 9.5 cm (difference 3.1 ± 1.7 cm). These figures at the level of the iliac crest were 96 ± 8.3 and 97.2 ± 8.4 cm (difference 1.2 ± 1.4 cm) (P < 0.0001), respectively. The mean value between the smallest and largest values when measuring the circumference of a healthy control person was 1.85 ± 1.11 (P < 0.0005). The mean difference in circumference in the peritoneal dialysis patients was smaller than the largest difference among the three measurements taken by the same EMT.Conclusion:  Measuring the abdominal circumference should not be used as a diagnostic tool when intra‐abdominal bleeding is suspected.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the interferon‐γ and interleukin‐10 genes do not influence chronic hepatitis C severity or T‐cell reactivity to hepatitis C virus
Authors: Abbott William G.H. , Rigopoulou Eirini , Haigh Philip , Cooksley Helen , Mullerova Ivana , Novelli Marco , Winstanley Alison , Williams Roger , Naoumov Nikolai V. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract: Background: The mechanisms by which interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) contributes to inter‐individual heterogeneity in the severity of chronic hepatitis C (CH‐C) are unknown. In 116 consecutive patients with CH‐C, we tested the hypothesis that host genetic factors regulating IFN‐γ production and activity influence the severity of liver damage and hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐specific T‐cell reactivity.Methods: We determined the genotypes of functionally significant polymorphisms in the IFN‐γ gene and in the promoter of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), a cytokine that counteracts IFN‐γ. We also measured concanavalin A (Con A)‐stimulated IL‐10 and IFN‐γ production, and the frequency of virus‐specific T‐cells, producing IFN‐γ or IL‐10.Results: The grade of inflammation and the stage of fibrosis of CH‐C showed no associations with either the IFN‐γ or IL‐10 promoter polymorphisms or with Con A‐stimulated IL‐10 or IFN‐γ production. Similarly, there were no associations between HCV‐specific T‐cell frequencies and these host genetic factors. On multivariate analysis, the grade of inflammation and the duration of HCV infection accounted for only 37% of the variance in the stage of CH‐C (P<0.0001). This percentage did not increase by including any genetic variables in the analyses.Conclusion: Future studies investigating the entire cytokine gene sequences will provide better information regarding genetic variations responsible for inter‐individual differences in the severity of CH‐C.
Efficacy of Cold for Pain: Fact or Fallacy?
Authors: Sauls Jenny 
Published: April 2004

Abstract(1) A simple and inexpensive therapy, cold application has been accepted for decades as an effective nonpharmacologic intervention for pain management. The purpose of this research synthesis is to explore the literature regarding the physiologic effects of cold, the effectiveness of cold, different modalities used for cold application, and the potential complications associated with the use of cold application. Several studies have shown ice to be effective in pain management associated with orthopedic procedures while other studies have shown contrary evidence. Studies have shown ice to be ineffective in pain associated with abdominal procedures. Studies involving pain associated with injections revealed significant positive findings with adults but not with children. Of the studies reviewed by this author, scientific rigor is often lacking which leaves the validity of the findings in question indicating a need for further investigation into the use of cold for relief of pain. As responsible caregivers, nurses must take the initiative to validate such interventions with a variety of pain experiences with controlled scientific investigations.