bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dutch case studies of the estimation of extreme quantiles and associated uncertainty by bootstrap simulations
Authors: Pandey M. D. , Van Gelder P. H. A. J. M. , Vrijling J. K. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe article presents several practical applications of the peaks‐over‐threshold (POT) method to the estimation of extreme quantiles of environmental variables, such as sea level, river discharge, precipitation, wave height and earthquake magnitude using actual data collected in the Netherlands. The quantile estimation by the POT method is conceptually simple, since it involves fitting a Pareto distribution to peaks of a time series exceeding a high threshold. However, practical applications of the POT method are confounded by the selection of a suitable threshold, since quantile estimates tend to exhibit large and erratic variation with threshold. The article illustrates this threshold sensitivity of quantile estimates in a variety of data sets. Specifically, the article compares the performance of L‐moment and de Haan methods for modelling peak data by the Pareto distribution. To evaluate the quantile bias and variance as functions of threshold, a semi‐parametric bootstrap algorithm is utilized. The article deliberately emphasizes the use of conceptually simple and practical methods to promote engineering applications of statistical theory of extremes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictability of FTY720 efficacy in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by in vivo macrophage tracking: Clinical implications for ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Rausch Martin , Hiestand Peter , Foster Carolyn A. , Baumann Diana R. , Cannet Catherine , Rudin Markus 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPurposeTo examine the efficacy of FTY720 as a new agent to reduce inflammatory activity in an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS) by in vivo macrophage tracking.Material and MethodsFTY720 was used for treatment of rats in a model of chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) at an oral dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on in vivo tracking of macrophages labeled with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles, immunohistological staining (IHC), and neurological readouts was used to study the burden of disease in treated and untreated animals.ResultsWhile untreated animals showed severe paralysis of the hind paws, intense accumulation of macrophages in brain tissue, and areas of blood‐brain barrier (BBB) disruption, FTY720‐treated animals displayed no signs of inflammatory activity or neurological impairment. These observations were made for both acute phase and first relapse.ConclusionTracking of macrophages by MRI provides direct evidence of the immunomodulatory efficacy of FTY720 in the EAE model and correlates well with neurological symptoms and histology. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;20:16–24. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preferential occult injury of corpus callosum in multiple sclerosis measured by diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Ge Yulin , Law Meng , Johnson Glyn , Herbert Joseph , Babb James S. , Mannon Lois J. , Grossman Robert I. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the feasibility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) assessment of microscopic fiber tract injury in the corpus callosum (CC) and other normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM) in patients with early multiple sclerosis (MS).Materials and MethodsDTI was performed in 12 healthy volunteers and 15 patients who have relatively short disease duration (mean = 2.7 years). Both fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were obtained in different regions of normal‐appearing CC (NACC) and NAWM in frontal and occipital regions.ResultsThe data showed significantly lower FA (P < 0.001) and higher MD (P < 0.04) for NACC regions, but not for frontal and occipital NAWM regions, in patients than in those in healthy volunteers after Bonferroni adjustment. The increase of MD in the entire NACC regions was correlated with the total cerebral lesion volume (r = 0.75, P = 0.001) in patients.ConclusionThe water diffusion changes indicate that in the early phase of disease there is a preferential occult injury of CC, which is likely due to the Wallerian degeneration from distant lesions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;20:1–7. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of regional lung function impairment in airway obstruction and pulmonary embolic dogs with combined noncontrast electrocardiogram‐gated perfusion and gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid aerosol magnetic resonance images
Authors: Ogasawara Nobuhiko , Suga Kazuyoshi , Kawakami Yasuhiko , Yamashita Tomio , Zaki Mohammed , Matsunaga Naofumi 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPurposeTo define regional function impairment in airway obstruction (AO) and pulmonary embolic (PE) dogs with a combination study of noncontrast electrocardiogram (ECG)‐gated perfusion and gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd‐DTPA) aerosol magnetic resonance (MR) images.MethodsAfter acquisition of multiphase fast‐spin‐echo (FSE) MR images during cardiac cycles in 14 AO dogs and 19 PE dogs, ECG‐gated perfusion‐weighted (PW) images were obtained by subtraction between two‐phase images of the minimum lung signal intensity (SI) during systole and maximum SI during diastole. Each dog subsequently inhaled Gd‐DTPA aerosol for 20 minutes, and subtracted Gd‐DTPA aerosol images were obtained from precontrast and maximally enhanced images. ECG‐gated PW images were compared with intravenous Gd‐DTPA‐enhanced pulmonary arterial perfusion phase (PAPP) images.ResultsECG‐gated PW images were consistent with Gd‐DTPA‐enhanced PAPP images in all dogs, with significant correlations in the affected‐to‐unaffected lung perfusion ratios (P < 0.005). Gd‐DTPA aerosol images showed sufficient and uniform enhancement in the unaffected lungs. In all the AO areas, these combined images showed the matched perfusion and aerosol deposition defects. These images showed perfusion defects without aerosol deposition defects in the relatively small embolized areas, but showed the matched defects in the widely embolized areas probably due to hypoxic bronchial constriction.ConclusionThe combination MR studies may be acceptable for noninvasively defining regionally impaired lung function in AO and PE. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;20:46–55. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cine magnetic resonance microscopy of the rat heart using cardiorespiratory‐synchronous projection reconstruction
Authors: Brau Anja C.S. , Hedlund Laurence W. , Johnson G. Allan 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPurposeTo tailor a cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) microscopy technique for the rat that combines improvements in pulse sequence design and physiologic control to acquire high‐resolution images of cardiac structure and function.Materials and MethodsProjection reconstruction (PR) was compared to conventional Cartesian techniques in point‐spread function simulations and experimental studies to evaluate its artifact sensitivity. Female Sprague‐Dawley rats were imaged at 2.0 T using PR with direct encoding of the free induction decay. Specialized physiologic support and monitoring equipment ensured consistency of biological motion and permitted synchronization of imaging with the cardiac and respiratory cycles.ResultsThe reduced artifact sensitivity of PR offered improved delineation of cardiac and pulmonary structures. Ventilatory synchronization further increased the signal‐to‐noise ratio by reducing inter‐view variability. High‐quality short‐axis and long‐axis cine images of the rat heart were acquired with 10‐msec temporal resolution and microscopic spatial resolution down to 175 μm × 175 μm × 1 mm.ConclusionIntegrating careful biological control with an optimized pulse sequence significantly limits both the source and impact of image artifacts. This work represents a novel integration of techniques designed to support measurement of cardiac morphology and function in rodent models of cardiovascular disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;20:31–38. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of decolourised hsian‐tsao leaf gum to low‐fat salad dressing model emulsions: a rheological study
Authors: Lai Lih‐Shiuh , Lin Pei‐Hsuan 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe effects of mixed gums, including decolourised hsian‐tsao leaf gum (dHG) mixed with propylene glycol alginate (PGA) or xanthan gum (XG), and egg yolk concentration on the rheological properties of low‐fat salad dressing model emulsions were studied. All model emulsions showed pseudoplastic flow behaviour. Model emulsions with PGA addition showed the lowest pseudoplasticity, followed by those with dHG and then XG addition. Increasing the PGA level in the dHG/PGA system reduced the pseudoplasticity. Increasing the XG level in the dHG/XG system did not change the pseudoplasticity significantly but imparted a significant increase in viscosity. Dynamic viscoelasticity measurements indicated that model emulsions with dHG or XG addition could be classified as elastic gels. However, model emulsions with PGA addition essentially belonged to the class of either dilute or concentrated solutions rheologically, depending on the egg yolk concentration. The rheological characteristics of individual gums were found to be confounded in generating the rheological characteristics of model emulsions containing them. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of the microbial community and its changes in liquid piglet feed formulations
Authors: Plumed‐Ferrer Carme , Llopis Marta , Hyvönen Paula , Wright Atte von 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe stability of the microbial populations in liquid piglet feed formulations was studied over a period of 3 months. Total aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, proteolytic bacteria, amylolytic bacteria, lipolytic bacteria, Bacillus cereus group and yeasts and moulds were monitored using selective media. The results demonstrated a tendency for slight increases in the numbers of total aerobic bacteria (p = 0.002), lactic acid bacteria (p = 0.014), proteolytic bacteria (p = 0.006) and lipolytic bacteria (p = 0.003). The numbers of amylolytic bacteria (p = 0.791) and yeasts and moulds (p = 0.620) were more variable, and Bacillus cereus‐like bacteria were nearly absent. Lactic acid bacteria, especially lactobacilli and leuconostocs, were the predominant population, indicating that a natural fermentation occurred, reducing the pH of the feeds to 4.7. The presence of proteolytic, lipolytic and amylolytic bacteria could theoretically lead to an improvement in the digestibility of the feeds. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Isoflavone content of soybean cultivars grown in eastern Canada
Authors: Seguin Philippe , Zheng Wenju , Smith Donald L , Deng Wenhua 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSoybean (Glycine max (L) Merr) seeds contain isoflavones that have positive impacts on human health. The objective of this study was to determine isoflavone concentrations of early maturing soybean cultivars grown in different environments and to determine their relation to other important seed characteristics. Twenty soybean cultivars were grown in replicated trials at two sites in Montreal, Canada in 2002/2003 and their total and individual isoflavone concentrations were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Seed yield, 100‐seed weight and oil, crude protein and crude fiber concentrations were concurrently determined. Total and individual isoflavone concentrations were significantly affected by cultivar, site and year. Total isoflavone concentration ranged from 360 to 2241 µg g−1 and averaged 851 µg g−1 across environments and cultivars. Variation across environments ranged from 20 to 100% for specific cultivars. Total isoflavone concentration was, on average, 40% greater in 2003 than 2002, which was characterized by above average temperatures and severe drought. Despite significant cultivar × year × site interactions, cultivars with consistently high and low isoflavone concentrations across environments were identified. Weak but significant positive correlations were observed between total isoflavone concentration and seed yield, 100‐seed weight and crude fiber, indicating that isoflavone concentration is positively associated with other desirable seed characteristics. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of autologous instead of allogeneic blood transfusion during esophagectomy prolongs disease‐free survival among patients with recurrent esophageal cancer
Authors: Motoyama Satoru , Okuyama Manabu , Kitamura Michihiko , Saito Reijiro , Kamata Shuichi , Murata Katsuyuki , Ogawa Jun‐ichi 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesA substantial body of evidence suggests that allogeneic blood transfusion increases the rate of recurrence of resected malignancies. The present study was conducted with the aim of understanding better the clinical characteristics of recurrent esophageal cancer and determining whether any survival advantage is conferred by transfusing autologous instead of allogeneic blood during the esophagectomy for the original malignancy.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 123 patients who received blood transfusion while undergoing esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer between January 1991 and February 1998. We focused on those patients in whom the malignancy recurred. Of them, 23 patients received allogeneic blood and 18 received autologous blood. Compared were the clinico‐pathological factors influencing prognosis as well as the disease‐free survival periods and the period of survival after recurrence of the cancer.ResultsThe clinico‐pathological factors that influenced prognosis were similar in the two groups. There was also no significant difference in the rate at which the esophageal cancer recurred, or in survival time once it had recurred. On the other hand, disease‐free survival prior to recurrence was significantly prolonged in the autologous blood transfusion group.ConclusionUse of autologous instead of allogeneic blood prolongs disease‐free survival of esophageal cancer patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;87:26–31. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of sentinel lymph nodes in gastric cancers based on immunohistochemical analysis of micrometastases
Authors: Karube Tomoaki , Ochiai Takenori , Shimada Hideaki , Nikaidou Takashi , Hayashi Hideki 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe sentinel lymph node (SN) theory has the potential to change the trend of surgery for gastric cancer that is based on wide resection of the stomach with dissection of regional lymph nodes. However, feasibility tests of SN mapping procedures in gastric cancers with analysis of micrometastasis are rare. This study aimed to estimate the clinical usefulness of SN mapping using a dual procedure with dye‐ and gamma probe‐guided techniques for gastric cancers, based on immunohistochemical staining (IHC) analysis.MethodsSN mapping procedures were performed on 41 patients with T1‐T2 gastric cancer, and gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy followed. All SNs and non‐SNs obtained from the patients were tested by IHC analysis using anti‐cytokeratin antibodies.ResultsUsing the dual mapping procedure, SNs were detected in all patients (100%). SN was positive in all patients with lymph node metastasis except in one with non‐solid type poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with marked lymphatic permeation, thus achieving an accuracy rate of 98%.ConclusionsThe method was accurate in predicting nodal status and could be an indicator for less invasive treatment in patients with gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;87:32–38. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The history and future of melanoma staging
Authors: Thompson John F. , Shaw Helen M. , Hersey Peter , Scolyer Richard A. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe evolution and progressive refinement of an internationally accepted melanoma staging system over the last 50 years has resulted in much greater accuracy and increased utility, but the staging process has become more complex and less intuitive. This raises the question of whether melanoma staging should continue to develop with ever‐increasing levels of complexity, or whether attempts should be made to produce an alternative system that is simpler and more intuitive. The current, TNM‐based American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for melanoma incorporates only some of the prognostic factors of proven significance. However, the information that is now available about these and other, well‐documented prognostic factors allows accurate prediction of an individual melanoma patient's prognosis using a computer‐generated estimate. Thus an alternative staging strategy that could be considered in the future would be to use such an estimate to obtain a numerical score for each patient, based on all available information agreed to be of prognostic relevance. A stage grouping could then be assigned on the basis of that score, according to previously determined score ranges for each stage and substage. The advantages of such a system would be that it would allow more reliable comparison of treatment results within and between institutions, and would provide more equivalent stratification groups for patients entering clinical trials of new therapies and those entering adjuvant therapy trials. A further advantage would be that because there would be a direct link between staging and prognostic estimate, such a system would be more readily able to be understood in an intuitive fashion. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;86:224–235. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adenocarcinoma arising in association with gastric heterotopic pancreas: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Emerson Lyska , Layfield Lester J. , Rohr L. Ralph , Dayton Merril T. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractWe report a case of adenocarcinoma arising in a focus of heterotopic pancreas, occurring in the stomach of a 52‐year‐old man. The patient presented with gastric outlet obstruction. Radiographic studies revealed thickening of the gastric wall, but endoscopy failed to reveal a mucosal abnormality. A 50% distal gastrectomy was performed, along with vagotomy. Microscopic examination revealed extensive involvement of the muscularis propria of the distal stomach by heterotopic pancreas. The ectopic pancreas had a microscopic appearance consistent with Heinrich's class III, in which the majority of the heterotopic pancreas was characterized by cystically dilated duct structures. Occasional islets were present. Intimately associated with the cystically dilated ducts was a prominent number of small infiltrating ducts lined by columnar or cuboidal cells with enlarged hyperchromatic nuclei containing prominent nucleoli. These were consistent with a well‐differentiated invasive adenocarcinoma. Despite multiple sectioning, no connection between the adenocarcinoma and the overlying gastric mucosa was seen. Adenocarcinoma arising within ectopic pancreas is a rare occurrence with fewer than 30 well‐documented cases reported in the world literature to our knowledge. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;87:53–57. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diffusion and Reaction of Methylaluminoxane (MAO) within a Silica Membrane
Authors: Hansen Eddy W. , Bernauer Bohumil , Blom Richard 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSummary: The self‐diffusion coefficient of MAO confined within a silica membrane is not experimentally accessible by traditional PFG NMR measurements, probably due to a susceptibility effect resulting in rather broad, unobservable resonance lines. A more indirect approach was therefore applied to probe the diffusivity of MAO within a silica membrane. MAO confined in a bulk toluene solution on one side of the membrane was free to diffuse through the membrane (saturated with toluene) and into a corresponding deuterated toluene solution on the other side of the membrane where its proton NMR signal intensity was monitored as a function of time. By introducing a relevant diffusion model, the diffusivities of both toluene and MAO were derived by model‐fitting. By refining the diffusion model, the formation of methane within the silica was explained, and its diffusivity estimated. The results suggest a significant reduction in diffusivities of both MAO and toluene within the silica as compared to the corresponding diffusivities in bulk solution.1H NMR spectra as a function of time within the shift region δ = 2.0–2.5 ppm (toluene) acquired during the first 40 h of the diffusion process.magnified image1H NMR spectra as a function of time within the shift region δ = 2.0–2.5 ppm (toluene) acquired during the first 40 h of the diffusion process.
Segmented Multifunctional Poly(ether ester) Polymers Containing H‐Bonding Units. Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Signori Francesca , Solaro Roberto , Lips Priscilla A. M. , Dijkstra Pieter J. , Feijen Jan , Chiellini Emo 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSummary: A series of poly(ether ester)s containing amide and carbamate groups as H‐bonding units and 13–50 mol‐% of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) segments were prepared by polycondensation in bulk using Ti(OBu)4 as a catalyst. The copolymers were obtained starting from PEG/1,4‐butanediol mixtures and a synthetic monomer carrying H‐bonding groups. These polymers were designed for biomedical applications, where material biodegradability is required. The influence of the nature of the H‐bonding units, the length of the polymethylene spacer between the H‐bonding groups and the PEG content on the thermal and solubility properties of the copolymers was investigated. Amide‐containing copolymers were more thermally stable than those containing carbamate groups. The PEG content also slightly affected the polymer thermal stability. The DSC traces of all samples presented multiple transitions, whose shape and peak temperature were strongly dependent on the PEG content. Polymer hydrophilicity, surface free energy and equilibrium swelling in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at 37 °C were mainly influenced by the PEG content, whereas the nature of the H‐bonding groups had little effect.
magnified image