bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The level of cadherin‐6 mRNA in peripheral blood is associated with the site of metastasis and with the subsequent occurrence of metastases in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Shimazui Toru , Yoshikawa Kazuhiro , Uemura Hirotsugu , Hirao Yoshihiko , Saga Shinsuke , Akaza Hideyuki 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDTo evaluate the significance of the presence of circulating renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells in the development of metastases, the authors extended a previous study to quantify cadherin‐6 mRNA levels in association with the pattern of metastasis.METHODSCadherin‐6 mRNA levels were measured in peripheral blood samples from 66 patients with RCC, including 55 patients who had newly diagnosed RCC (43 without metastases and 12 with metastases) and 11 patients who had recurrent RCC. For quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, a cutoff value was determined in blood samples from 25 healthy volunteers and was verified in samples from 5 healthy controls and from 10 patients who had other malignancies. The correlation between the site of metastases and the cadherin‐6 mRNA level was analyzed, and a follow‐up study (median, 39 months) to track subsequent metastases was performed after patients underwent nephrectomy.RESULTSCadherin‐6 was found in 69.9% of patients with metastases and in 34.9% of patients without apparent metastases (P = 0.0099). In the group of patients with recurrent RCC, patients who had only pulmonary metastases had a significantly lower positivity rate (25.0%) compared with patients who had distant metastases (85.7%; P = 0.044). Among 43 patients with newly diagnosed RCC, 5 of 15 patients who were positive for cadherin‐6 had metastases after nephrectomy, whereas only 2 of the 28 patients with negative cadherin‐6 status had recurrent disease (P = 0.0398). In addition, the recurrence‐free survival of patients who were positive for cadherin‐6 was poorer compared with the survival of patients who were negative for cadherin‐6 (P = 0.062).CONCLUSIONSThe quantification of cadherin‐6 mRNA in peripheral blood may be a significant predictive marker for current and future metastases. However, subsequent metastases did not always correlate with levels of cadherin‐6 mRNA. This may have been due either to the small numbers of circulating tumor cells or to the low levels cadherin‐6 mRNA in circulating tumor cells. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis
Authors: Rippentrop Jonathan M. , Joslyn Sue A. , Konety Badrinath R. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDPenile carcinoma is uncommon. Therefore, obtaining meaningful epidemiologic data requires analysis of large, multisource databases. The authors examined the association between different demographic variables and the prevalence, presentation, and survival of patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma in the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.METHODSThe SEER database represents 12% of the U.S. population. The database included 1605 patients with a diagnosis of penile squamous cell carcinoma between 1973 and 1998. The variables analyzed were age, race, marital status, stage at presentation, type of surgery, performance of lymphadenectomy, and disease‐specific survival.RESULTSOf 1605 patients, 37% presented with carcinoma in situ (CIS), 39% with localized disease, 13% with regional disease, 2.3% with distant disease, and 7.9% of the patients were unstaged. The percentage of patients presenting with CIS and localized disease increased and decreased yearly, respectively. African Americans represented 9.9% of the population and tended to present at a younger age and with a higher stage of disease, and their cancer‐specific survival was shorter in all stages. However, these associations were statistically significant only for men with regional disease. Marital status was documented for 1394 patients (87%). The majority (84%) had a history of marriage and presented at an earlier stage of disease and had higher disease‐specific survival in the localized (P = 0.0002) and regional stages (P = 0.0010) of disease.CONCLUSIONSThe diagnosis of penile carcinoma significantly reduced survival. African‐American men presented with a higher stage of disease and statistically significant decreased survival, whereas previously or currently married men presented at an earlier stage of disease and sought more aggressive treatment. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Metastatic breast carcinoma confined to bone
Authors: Briasoulis Evangelos , Karavasilis Vasilis , Kostadima Lida , Ignatiadis Michael , Fountzilas George , Pavlidis Nicholas 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe current study was performed to study metastatic breast carcinoma that remains confined to bone.METHODSThe medical notes of 2514 breast carcinoma patients who were treated in 2 academic units over a 20‐year period were screened and patients who fulfilled the following criteria were selected: 1) clinical manifestation and imaging confirmation of bone metastases, and 2) metastatic disease remaining confined to bone for a minimum of 24 months. Available clinical and pathologic data were recorded and analyzed. The objective of the current study was to describe this clinical entity and investigate possible correlations between clinicopathologic parameters and clinical outcome.RESULTSA total of 104 patients (4% of the total screened patient population) fulfilled the study criteria. The majority of patients were postmenopausal, with a median age of 58 years; 44 of the patients were found to have metastases at the time of presentation (M1) and 60 patients developed metastases at a median of 38 months (range, 8–160 months) after surgery for the primary tumor. Metastases remained confined to bone for a median of 50 months. Survival after the diagnosis of bony metastases was 72 months and was similar in the 2 groups (66 months vs. 78 months). Of the patients treated, 80% responded to hormonal therapy, and 76.5% responded to chemotherapy. There was no association noted between survival and tumor grade, anatomic distribution, or disease extension.CONCLUSIONSBone‐confined metastatic breast carcinoma has an indolent clinical course that alleviates the need for vigorous follow‐up and calls into question aggressive therapeutic approaches in these patients. Translational studies are warranted to map the molecular profile, leading to the development of targeted therapies in this group of patients. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Numerical characteristics of a simple finite element formulation for consolidation analysis
Authors: Zhu Guofu , Yin Jian‐Hua , Luk Shun‐tim 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe spatial oscillation of values in the consolidation analysis when using small time increments has been a common problem for most existing methods. In this paper, the numerical characteristics of a simple finite element formulation for 1‐D consolidation analysis recently proposed by the authors have been examined in detail. This paper proves that the commonly encountered phenomenon of spatial oscillation due to small time increments does not occur in the simple finite element formulation. The criterion of minimum time step used in most existing methods can be eliminated at least for linear situations by using the simple formulation proposed by the authors. Thus, the consolidation analysis can be carried easily for many situations, such as the one involving a relatively impermeable clay layer sandwiched between sandy layers. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐density oligonucleotide array analysis reveals extensive differences between freshly isolated blood and hepatic natural killer cells
Authors: Vermijlen David , Seynaeve Carine , Luo Dianzhong , Kruhøffer Mogens , Eizirik Decio L. , Ørntoft Torben F. , Wisse Eddie 
Published: July 2004

AbstractHepatic NK cells are more cytotoxic than blood NK cells against tumor cells. To understand the basis of this difference in cytotoxicity we analyzed RNA derived from freshly isolated rat blood and hepatic NK cells [high‐density (HD) and low‐density subpopulations] by high‐density oligonucleotide arrays (Affymetrix), containing about 9,000 genes and expressed sequence tags. IL‐2‐treated blood NK (A‐NK) cells and IL‐2‐treated hepatic HD cells were used as a reference of NK cell activation. About 150 genes and expressed sequence tags were differentially expressed between hepatic and blood NK cells. Surprisingly, more than half of the increased expressed genes in hepatic NK cells were not increased in A‐NK cells. Differentially expressed genes like the stem cell factor receptor c‐kit and the chemokine receptor CCR5 can contribute to the homing and differentiation of hepatic NK cells in the liver sinusoids. Several of the differentially expressed genes can possibly contribute to the enhanced cytotoxic activity of hepatic NK cells: cell membrane receptors like NKG2D, NKG2C, CD94, ecto‐ATPase; signaling molecules like phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase; granule‐associated effector molecules like granzymes and defensin NP3. Moreover, it appears that redirection of cytotoxic granules and increase in intracellular Ca2+ are convergence points of several of these genes.
Differences between CD8+ T cells in lupus‐prone (NZB × NZW) F1 mice and healthy (BALB/c × NZW) F1 mice may influence autoimmunity in the lupus model
Authors: Karpouzas George A. , La Cava Antonio , Ebling Fanny M. , Singh Ram Raj , Hahn Bevra H. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractImmunization with portions of a murine antibody to DNA induced Ig peptide‐reactive peripheral CD8+ inhibitory T (Ti) cells in non‐autoimmune (BALB/c × NZW) F1 (CWF1) mice. Those Ti suppressed in vitro production of IgG anti‐DNA by lymphocytes from MHC‐matched, lupus‐prone (NZB × NZW) F1 (BWF1) mice, primarily via secretion of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β). However, splenic CD8+ cells from immunized BWF1 mice failed to suppress anti‐DNA. Therefore, BWF1 mice were studied for defects in peripheral CD8+ T cells. The potential to suppress autoimmunity mediated by activated CD4+ helper T and B cells in BWF1 mice was assessed. As BWF1 mice aged, peripheral CD8+ T cells expanded little; fewer than 10% displayed surface markers of activation and memory. In contrast, quantities of splenic CD4+ T and B cells increased; high proportions displayed activation/memory markers. In old compared to young BWF1 mice, splenic cell secretion of two cytokines required for generation of CD8+ T effectors, IL‐2 and TGF‐β, was decreased. Immunizing BWF1 mice activated peptide‐reactive CD8+ T cells, but their number was decreased compared to young BWF1 or old normal mice. While peptide‐reactive splenic CD8+ T cells from immunized BWF1 mice did not survive in short‐term cultures, similar CD8+ T cell lines from immunized CWF1 mice expanded and on transfer into BWF1 mice delayed autoimmunity and prolonged survival. Therefore, CD8+ T cells in old BWF1 mice are impaired in expansion, acquisition of memory, secretion of cytokine, and suppression of autoimmunity. Understanding these defects might identify targets for therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Spectroscopic Studies of Europium(III) and Gadolinium(III) Tris‐β‐diketonate Complexes with Diazabutadiene Ligands
Authors: Fernandes José A. , Ferreira Rute A. Sá , Pillinger Martyn , Carlos Luís D. , Gonçalves Isabel S. , Ribeiro‐Claro Paulo J. A. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractAdducts of the type Ln(NTA)3·L [Ln = Eu, Gd; NTA = 1‐(2‐naphthoyl)‐3,3,3‐trifluoroacetonate; L = 1,4‐diaza‐1,3‐butadiene RN=CHCH=NR (R = p‐tolyl, o‐tolyl)] were prepared by treatment of Ln(NTA)3·2H2O with one equivalent of the chelating N−N ligand. The mixed ligand complexes were characterised by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, IR and Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Ab initio calculations were carried out in order to predict coordination geometries and also to interpret the vibrational spectra. For the europium(III) compounds, new Raman‐active bands at approximately 440 and 479 cm−1 are tentatively assigned to (νEu−N)sym and (νEu−N)as modes, respectively. A second band at 1185 cm−1 is associated with the symmetric stretching of the N−C(ring) and C−C (DAB) bonds, and is shifted about 20 cm−1 to a higher wavenumber relative to the corresponding band for the free ligand. The room‐temperature PL spectra of the two Eu complexes are composed of the typical Eu3+ red emission, assigned to transitions between the first excited state (5D0) and the ground multiplet (7F0−4). Based on the room‐temperature emission spectra and lifetime measurements, the quantum efficiencies of the 5D0 Eu3+ excited state were estimated and found to be quite low (e.g. 2−3%). The low efficiencies are attributed to the presence of thermally activated nonradiative channels involving ligand‐to‐metal charge‐transfer (LMCT) states. Indeed, a low‐lying LMCT band was detected for the Eu complex containing the ligand p‐tolyl‐DAB by comparison of the room‐temperature diffuse reflectance spectrum for this complex with that of the corresponding Gd analogue. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
1,2,4,5‐Benzenetetracarboxylic Acid and 4,4′‐Bipyridine as Ligands in Designing Low‐Dimensional Coordination Polymers
Authors: Ruiz‐Pérez Catalina , Lorenzo‐Luis Pablo , Hernández‐Molina María , Laz M. Milagros , Delgado Fernando S. , Gili Pedro , Julve Miguel 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe combined use of 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylic acid (H4bta) and 4,4′‐bipyridine (bpy) as ligands with MnII and CoII ions afforded two polymeric compounds with the formulae [Mn(Hbta)(Hbpy)(H2O)2] (1) and [H2bpy][Co(bta)(bpy)(H2O)2] (2). 1 and 2 were prepared under hydrothermal conditions (145 °C, 3 h) and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, TG‐DTA analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. 1 exhibits a novel double chain structure growing along the b axis where the manganese atoms are linked by tris‐monodentate Hbta3− ligands. The values of the manganese···manganese intrachain separations are 7.627(2) Å [Mn(1)···Mn(1c); c = −x + 1/2, y − 1/2, −z] and 9.274(4) Å [Mn(1)···Mn(1d); d = x, y + 1, −z]. Adjacent double chains in 1 are further linked through hydrogen bonds between the NH fragment of the Hbpy+ cation and one of the carboxylate groups of the Hbta3− anion along the a axis, resulting in a sheetlike structure. 2 exhibits a rectangular grid arrangement of cobalt atoms bridged by bis‐monodentate bta4− and bpy ligands in the bc plane, the cobalt···cobalt separations across them being 6.228(2) and 10.074 (2) Å, respectively. The metal atoms in 1 and 2 are six‐coordinate with two water molecules in trans positions (1 and 2), three (1)/two (2) carboxylate oxygen atoms and one (1)/two (2) pyridyl nitrogen atoms forming a distorted octahedral environment. The varying nature of the divalent metal ions [Mn 1 and Co 2] along with the differing degrees of protonation of the tetracaboxylate [Hbta3− 1 and bta4− 2] and bipyridyl [Hbpy+ 1 and bpy and H2bpy2+ 2] species account for the structural differences between 1 and 2. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Grid‐free surface vorticity method applied to flow induced vibration of flexible cylinders
Authors: Lam K. , Jiang G. D. , Liu Y. , So R. M. C. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractIn order to study cross flow induced vibration of heat exchanger tube bundles, a new fluid–structure interaction model based on surface vorticity method is proposed. With this model, the vibration of a flexible cylinder is simulated at Re=2.67 × 104, the computational results of the cylinder response, the fluid force, the vibration frequency, and the vorticity map are presented. The numerical results reproduce the amplitude‐limiting and non‐linear (lock‐in) characteristics of flow‐induced vibration. The maximum vibration amplitude as well as its corresponding lock‐in frequency is in good agreement with experimental results. The amplitude of vibration can be as high as 0.88D for the case investigated. As vibration amplitude increases, the amplitude of the lift force also increases. With enhancement of vibration amplitude, the vortex pattern in the near wake changes significantly. This fluid–structure interaction model is further applied to simulate flow‐induced vibration of two tandem cylinders and two side‐by‐side cylinders at similar Reynolds number. Promising and reasonable results and predictions are obtained. It is hopeful that with this relatively simple and computer time saving method, flow induced vibration of a large number of flexible tube bundles can be successfully simulated. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Deep Temperature Cycling on Nafion® 112 Membranes and Membrane Electrode Assemblies
Authors: McDonald R.C. , Mittelsteadt C.K. , Thompson E.L. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractA study was conducted to understand the physical and chemical changes in fuel cell membranes that result from Freeze/Thaw (F/T) cycling which might occur in electric vehicles. Nafion™ membranes and membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) were subjected to 385 temperature cycles between +80 °C and –40 °C over a period of three months to examine the effects on key properties. These studies were done on both compressed and uncompressed materials in the un‐humidified state. Although no catastrophic failures were seen, the analytical results shed some light on the relationship of temperature cycling to membrane structure, water management, ionic conductivity, gas permeability and mechanical strength. Changes in water swelling behavior and dry densities were noted and the effect on ionic conductivity and cell performance was examined. The impact on catalyst activity and structural integrity of MEAs was evaluated electrochemically.
Portable Size DMFC‐Stack
Authors: Oedegaard A. , Hufschmidt S. , Wilmshoefer R. , Hebling C. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractA small, low temperature, direct methanol fuel cell stack for portable applications has been developed. Several flow field designs were investigated with respect to stable operation and high performance. Due to carbon dioxide and water production on the anode and cathode, respectively, methanol and oxygen access to the electrodes is hindered. During single cell operation the effect of both carbon dioxide evolution and water production on the current output was observed. The difference between parallel and serial feeding of both fuel and oxidant to the DMFC stack was also investigated. It was found that it is very important to remove reaction products from the active cell surface in order to ensure stable stack operation at low temperatures. The maximal power realised with the 12‐cell direct methanol fuel cell stack was 30 W.
Assessment of Fuel‐Cell‐Based Passenger Cars
Authors: Grube T. , Höhlein B. , Menzer R. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractHighly efficient energy conversion systems with fuel cells for vehicles, as well as for stationary and portable applications, are currently being discussed all over the world. Fuel cell technology is expected to help reduce primary energy demand and emissions of limited and climate‐relevant pollutants. The high flexibility of fuel cell systems with respect to energy carriers opens up possibilities of modifying the energy sector in the long term. Introducing new fuels based on low‐carbon, or in the long term carbon‐free, energy carriers can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as locally and regionally active atmospheric pollutants. The use of hydrogen as feed gas for fuel cells on the basis of it being a non‐fossil, renewable energy, leads to special benefits with respect to conserving resources and climate protection, but at present still represents a medium‐ to long‐term prospect. A major milestone on the road to market success for all energy conversion systems with fuel cells is the reduction of costs. The definition of the „appropriate” fuel represents a serious obstacle to the market introduction of fuel‐cell‐powered vehicles.Presenting data from a well‐to‐wheel analysis of various vehicle fuel systems at FZJ this article aims to discuss the potential benefits of future vehicle concepts with fuel cells in terms of primary energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Results from a comparison of international studies on this subject will be used to identify relevant assumptions that lead to different answers in the evaluation process.
Structural and Physical Properties of GDL and GDL/BPP Combinations and their Influence on PEMFC Performance
Authors: Wilde P.M. , Mändle M. , Murata M. , Berg N. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe change in the structural and physical properties of the components assembled in a fuel cell stack, when being compressed, is important for performance evaluation. The physical properties of Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) materials, such as thickness, through plane resistivity and gas permeability and pore size data are presented as a function of compressive force. The data obtained are correlated with fuel cell performance data. Beyond the materials and components specific properties the behaviour of combinations of BPP and GDL materials, which are manufactured by SGL Technologies GmbH, are evaluated and presented. Through plane resistance of a GDL‐BPP‐GDL sandwich is evaluated for varied compression forces and materials permutations.
MEA Segmentation using LASER Ablation
Authors: Schmitz A. , Wagner S. , Hahn R. , Weil A. , Schneiderlöchner E. , Tranitz M. , Hebling C. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractIn a flat design, several serial connected single cells are arranged side by side in a plane. Sealing problems can be reduced by using one single MEA for all cells. This MEA must consist of segments of catalyst coated area. In order to avoid short circuits between serial interconnected cells their catalyst segments have to be electrically insulated. The distance between the segments has to be minimised in order to make the most efficient use of the MEA area. By the use of conventional coating technology the distances between electrode areas are in the range of some millimetres. With LASER ablation the distance between the segments can be reduced to less than 200 μm.Results of removing the catalyst by LASER ablation are analysed by SEM and light microscopy. The electrical resistance between segmented areas is determined with 4‐point probe impedance measurements. The influence of segmentation on cell performance is characterised in a planar serial connected test cell.
Manufacture of Robust Catalyst Layers for the DMFC
Authors: Schonert M. , Jakoby K. , Schlumbohm C. , Glüsen A. , Mergel J. , Stolten D. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractCatalyst layers for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) must possess a complex structure in order to provide protonic and electronic conductivity as well as access to reactants at all reactive sites. This involves a highly porous structure, which is often mechanically instable, especially when mass production processes are utilized. A feasible process should provide a catalyst layer in one coating step and must include relatively fast drying of the catalyst ink.In the present work, different types of additives are used to provide such an ink. Inorganic particles that are much larger than the catalyst particles provide dimensional stability in the catalyst layer. Depending on their structure and surface, they can also be used to influence the porosity or hydrophobicity of the layers, and thus to optimize performance.Gel forming polymers are used to adjust the viscosity of the inks and since they also act as a binder, they help to stabilize the catalyst layers. These effects can be obtained by using minimal quantities of polymers, thus avoiding problems such as pore clogging or the deactivation of catalyst surfaces.As a result, catalyst inks can be adjusted to suit coating techniques such as knife‐coating or screen‐printing. Also, catalyst layers are mechanically stable, thus avoiding long‐term degradation due to crack formation or delamination.