bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of Nine Hormone Assays on the Immulite 2000®Immunoassay System
Authors: Tello Francisca Llinares , Hernández Dolores Mirete 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
We evaluated the analytical performance of the Immulite
2000® immunoassay analyzer (Diagnostic Products
Corporation, Los Angeles, USA) based on a new
detection technology, electrochemical luminescence.
The evaluated analytes were thyrotropin, triiodothyronine,
free thyroxine, follitropin, lutropin, prolactin, cortisol,
estradiol and progesterone. We tested the assay
precision, linearity, recovery, and correlation with
comparison methods for these analytes. For most assays,
within-run and between-day imprecisions were
less than 8% and 10%, respectively. The linearity and
recovery were acceptable for all assays. The correlation
between the Immulite 2000® assays and comparison
methods showed satisfactory results.
Usefulness of EC4 Essential Criteria for Quality Systems of Medical Laboratories as Guideline to the ISO 15189 and ISO 17025 Documents
Authors: T.P.Jansen Rob , Kenny Desmond , Blaton Vic , Burnett David , Huisman Wim , Plebani Mario , Queraltó Josep M. , Zérah Simone , Lieshout Joep van 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Many medical laboratories have made a start with the
introduction of quality management systems. However,
it is still not clear against which standards such
systems should be measured. The existing ISO and
CEN standards do not cover essential aspects of medical
laboratories. The publication of the EC4 Essential
Criteria has stimulated the development of the
ISO/Draft International Standard 15189. This standard
seems adequate for our type of laboratories. However,
it is not easy to read. The EC4 Essential Criteria could
well serve as a guide, covering additional aspects, e.g.
on total quality management and budget management
as required in the EFQM model, that are not (yet)
included in the ISO standard. In the present article the
EC4 Essential Criteria are cross-referenced with two
new international ISO standards, ISO/FDIS 15189 and
ISO/FDIS 17025, the latter being the successor of ISO
guide 25 and EN 45000. Both new ISO documents are
in compliance with the new ISO 9000:2000 standard.
Recommendations for Measurement of and Conventions for Reporting Sodium and Potassium by Ion-Selective Electrodes in Undiluted Serum, Plasma or Whole Blood
Authors: Burnett Robert W. , Covington Arthur K. , Fogh-Andersen Niels , Külpmann Wolf R. , Lewenstam Andrzej , Maas Anton H.J. , Müller-Plathe Oswald , Sachs Charles , Siggaard-Andersen Ole , VanKessel Antonius L. , Zijlstra Willem G. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) respond to ion-activity
and therefore do not sense substance concentration directly. However, it is recognized that sodium and
potassium in plasma will continue to be expressed for
clinical purposes in terms of substance concentration
(mmol/l). A convention is proposed whereby for routine
clinical purposes results of ISE measurements
of sodium and potassium in undiluted plasma should
be reported in terms of substance concentration
(mmol/l). In specimens with normal concentrations of
plasma water, total CO2, lipids, protein and pH, the values
will concur with the total substance concentration
as determined for example by flame atomic emission
spectrometry (FAES) or ISE measurements on diluted
samples. In specimens with abnormal concentrations
of plasma water, the results will differ. However, under
these circumstances, measurements of sodium and
potassium by ISE in the undiluted sample will more
appropriately reflect the activity of sodium and potassium
and are therefore clinically more relevant than
the determination in diluted samples. Detailed recommendations
are made about practical procedures to
achieve this. The recommended name for this quantity
is the substance concentration of ionized sodium or
ionized potassium in plasma, as opposed to total
sodium or total potassium determined by, e.g. FAES,
or ISE measurements on diluted samples.
Kidney Retrieval Conditions Influence Damage to Renal Medulla:
Evaluation by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
Authors: Hauet Thierry , Gibelin Hélène , Godart Catherine , Eugene Michel , Carretier Michel 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
In the present investigation, the influence of retrieval
condition on medullary damage in kidneys was assessed.
The isolated perfused pig kidney was used to
assess initial renal function from multiorgan donors or
single organ donors after cold flush and 24 h cold storage
preservation with two preservation solutions:
Euro-Collins and University of Wisconsin solutions.
Kidneys flushed with cold heparinized saline and immediately
perfused were used as a control group. Kidneys
were perfused for 90 min at 37.5°C and renal perfusion
flow rate, glomerular filtration rate, tubular
reabsorption of Na+ and lactate dehydrogenase and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase excretion were determined.
Ischaemia reperfusion impairment was also
determined by 1H NMR (proton nuclear magnetic resonance)
spectroscopy. Renal function was significantly
decreased in experimental groups when compared to
the control group, but there was no significant difference
between experimental groups after 24 h cold
storage. The release of lactate dehydrogenase in the
effluent and the urinary excretion of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase
were not significantly different after 24
h cold storage. The most relevant resonances determined
by 1H NMR spectroscopy were citrate, trimethylamine-N-oxide, lactate, acetate and amino acids. Excretion
of these markers was significantly different
when compared to biochemical markers. A resonance
P (Peak) detected particularly in Euro-Collins solution
multiorgan donors after 24 h cold storage was identified
and well correlated to renal dysfunction. N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase spectroscopy, which is a non-invasive
and non-destructive technique, is more efficient
to assess renal damage than conventional histology
and biochemical analysis.
Citrate, Acetate and Renal Medullary Osmolyte Excretion in Urine as
Predictor of Renal Changes after Cold Ischaemia and Transplantation
Authors: Hauet Thierry , Baumert Hervé , Gibelin Hélène , Godart Catherine , Carretier Michel , Eugene Michel 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
In organ transplantation, the determination of reliable
parameters to assess ischaemic damage is essential to
predict renal injury after preservation. The aim of this
study was to assess renal medullary injury by 1H NMR
(proton nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy after
preservation and reperfusion. Three experimental
groups of pigs were examined during a 2-week period:
control group (n = 4), Euro-Collins group (EC) (cold
flushed and 48 h cold storage of kidney in EC and autotransplantation,
n = 7), and University of Wisconsin
(UW) group (cold flushed and 48 h cold storage of kidney
in UW and autotransplantation, n = 7). Creatinine
and urea were improved in the two cold stored groups.
The most relevant resonances determined by 1H NMR
spectroscopy after transplantation were those arising
from citrate and acetate in urine and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) in urine and plasma. We demonstrate
that graft dysfunction is associated with damage to the
renal medulla as determined by TMAO release in urine
and plasma. Conversely, citrate excretion can discriminate
kidneys with favourable outcome. This study outlines
the specific and beneficial impact of UW solution
on renal preservation and suggests that 1H NMR spectroscopy
is efficient both to detect ischaemic damage
of preserved kidneys and to discriminate the preservation
quality between different preservation solutions.
Assessment of Non-Heart-Beating Donor (NHBD) Kidneys for Viability on Machine Perfusion
Authors: Balupuri Shlokarth , Buckley Pamela , Mohamed Mostafa , Cornell Chris , Mantle David , Kirby John , Manas Derek M. , Talbot David 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe shortage of organs has resulted in renewed interest in organs from non-heart-beating donors (NHBD). Viability assessment of such organs may reduce the incidence of delayed graft function and primary nonfunction. In Phase III of the NHBD programme, introduction of machine perfusion enabled the assessment of these marginal donors. Since then the graft survival has been 88.4% compared with the previous phase where machine perfusion or viability assessment was not done (45.5%). The parameters used were total glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the perfusate, the intrarenal vascular resistance (IRVR) and flow characteristics over time.Methods: All NHBD kidneys were machine perfused through a locally developed perfusion system. The viability was assessed by serial measurements of the above-mentioned parameters.Results: Forty-two local NHBD kidneys were retrieved and one kidney was imported, of which 19 donors (i.e.38 kidneys) were of the uncontrolled (category II) donors. After viability assessment on machine perfusion; two kidneys were discarded due to positive tests for syphilis, four kidneys had high total GST levels, five kidneys due to high IRVR and poor flow characteristics and one did not flush on retrieval. Three kidneys were exported after viability tests. In 28 NHBD kidney recipients, immediate graft function was seen in two kidneys, 22 (84.6%) developed delayed graft function. One kidney had primary non-function, and two recipients lost their grafts, due to chronic rejection and renal vein thrombosis. There were two deaths, unrelated to transplantation. Graft survival was achieved in 88.4% (23/26 graft survival in phase III) of cases.Conclusion: Machine perfusion and assessment of NHBD kidneys has been successfully introduced to the Newcastle NHBD programme. This approach, using renal transplants from largely category II donors produced a success rate of 88.4% which was significantly better than the phase II period (45.5%) of the program p=0.023, Fisher 2 tail test).
Fungal Treatment of Aspen for Wood Resin Reduction: Effect on Aged Aspen Wood Chips at Room Temperature and at 5°C
Authors: Rocheleau M.-J. , Sitholé B. B. , Allen L. H. , Noël Y. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
A laboratory evaluation was conducted to study the effectiveness of a biotreatment for deresinating
wood chips from aged aspen. This treatment involves inoculating chips with a fungal inoculum, Cartapip
97® that feeds on wood resin components. This study demonstrated that, at room temperature and at
5°C, Cartapip can colonize chips from aged aspen despite the lower extractives content of the wood.
Fungal treatment resulted in an additional 8% removal of wood resin in treated chips than in untreated
chips after 3 weeks of seasoning. Analysis of the extractives by gas chromatography showed a
significant reduction of steryl esters (25%), which are troublesome non-saponifiable wood resin
components often found in aspen pitch deposits. The fungal treated chips were brighter than the
untreated chips because the fungus prevented colonization of the chips by staining fungi. These results
imply that fungal treatment of aspen chip piles in the winter will reduce the amount of wood resin in
the chips and maintain their brightness. Such treatment will help alleviate pitch deposition problems
attributable to aspen wax and reduce bleaching costs.
Characterization of Lignin-Carbohydrate Fractions Isolated from the Wood Parasite Cistance deserticola Y.C. Ma
Authors: Kosiková B. , Ebringerová A. , Naran R. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
Chemical analysis of Cistanche deserticola showed the presence of 7.5% of Klason lignin. Different
lignin-carbohydrate fractions have been isolated from the methanol pre-extracted and depectinated
Cistanche drug by sequential extractions using dioxane-water, cold and hot water, and 4% NaOH
solution. 13CNMR spectroscopy in combination with sugar analysis were used to characterize the
isolated fractions. The proportions of the guaiacyl-, syringyl- and p-hydroxyphenyl units in the
lignin-rich fractions differ significantly from those of both hardwood and softwood lignins and
resemble more those of gramineous lignins. The carbohydrate portion consists of xylan, starch, pectic
polysaccharides, and cellulose in proportions which are not typical of wood tissues.
Acid Reactions of Lignin Models of β-5 Type
Authors: Li S. , Lundquist K. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
Refluxing of trans–2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]furan
with dioxane-water (9 : 1) in the presence of various acid catalysts led to the formation of 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-
7-methoxy-3-methylbenzo[b]furan, the trans and cis forms of 2-hydroxy-3,3′4′-trimethoxystilbene
and cis–2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]furan.
The proportions of the products were strongly dependent on the particular acid used as catalyst. HCl and
to a greater extent HBr favored the formation of the 2-arylbenzofuran (phenylcoumarone) while the
trans-stilbene derivative predominated in reaction products from the experiments with trifluoromethane
sulfonic acid as the catalyst. Isomerization of the starting material occurred, regardless of the nature of
the catalyst (small amounts of the cis-isomer formed). The number of phenylpropane units in spruce
lignin attached to an adjacent unit by a β−5 linkage was estimated to be 6–9% on the basis of 1H NMR
spectrometric measurements of the formation of phenylcoumarone structures on refluxing of milled wood
lignin from spruce with 0.1M HBr in dioxane-water (9 : 1).
Atmospheric Acetic Acid Pulping of Rice Straw II: Behavior of Ash and Silica in Rice Straw during Atmospheric Acetic Acid Pulping and Bleaching
Authors: Pan X.-J. , Sano Y. , Ito T. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
A detailed examination was made of the behavior and distribution of ash and silica during
atmospheric acetic acid pulping and subsequent bleaching of rice straw. Ash-rich pulps (in unbleached
pulp, about 18%; and in bleached pulp, 16%) with matchable strength properties for conventional
alkaline pulps were obtained from rice straw by acetic acid pulping. More than 50% of the ash and
about 75% of the silica in rice straw were retained in the pulp after pulping. Because only those
acid-soluble mineral components were dissolved during acetic acid pulping, the ash remained in the
pulp consisted mainly of silica (92.9% of the ash in unbleached pulp and 97.3% of the ash in
bleached pulp). Although part of the ash dissolved during bleaching, the ash content of bleached pulp
was still 15.5%, a value much higher than that in other conventional pulps. This type of ash might
be good as a filler for paper. Fractionation analysis and the profile and mapping of silica by scanning
electron microscope combined with an energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDXA) indicated that
the silica in the bleached pulp was located mainly in epidermal cells and not in other elements, such
as fibers and parenchyma, and that the silica-rich epidermal cells were scattered throughout the pulp
as single cells or in bundles.
Non-Darcian Air Flow in Wood. Part 3. Molecular Slip Flow
Authors: Lu J. , Avramidis S. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
In this study, the detection and evaluation of non-Darcian air flow due to slip flow through four species
were carried out. The results indicated that non-Darcian air flow due to slip flow existed in all the
specimen groups studied. The true permeability of red oak heartwood, red alder heartwood, ponderosa
pine sapwood and Douglas-fir sapwood was 20.91, 7.05, 0.51 and 0.068μ3/μm, respectively. The
average ratios of the superficial specific permeability at 50kPa mean pressure to the true permeability
were found to be: 1.047 for red oak heartwood; 1.204 for red alder heartwood; 1.292 for ponderosa
pine sapwood; and, 1.53 for Douglas-fir sapwood. The slip flow constant b was highest (26.5kPa) for
Douglas-fir sapwood, followed by that for ponderosa pine sapwood (14.6 kPa) and red alder heartwood
(10.2 kPa), and lowest (2.3kPa) for red oak heartwood. The radius (r) and the number of average
effective openings (n) were found to be: 17.432μm and 0.066×106 per cm2 for red oak heartwood;
3.955 μm and 7.5 ×106 percm2 for red alder heartwood; 2.972μm and 3.3 ×106 percm2 for ponderosa
pine sapwood; and, 1.552μm and 3.6 ×106 per cm2 for Douglas-fir sapwood respectively.
Laser Ablation of Machined Wood Surfaces. 1. Effect on End-Grain Gluing of Pine (Pinus silvestris L.) and Spruce (Picea abies Karst.)
Authors: Stehr M. , Seltman J. , Johansson I. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
This report describes two attempts to test the effect of removing the layer of damaged cells—the
mechanical weak boundary layer. In both trials, the wood has been laser ablated using different types
of lasers with different wavelengths.
The goal has been to determine whether the glue joint strength is influenced by the mechanical weak
boundary layer and to show how the laser wavelength affects the glue joint strength. The statistical
evaluation of the results shows however no great differences between glue joints made of ablated
and glue joints made of unablated surfaces. Nor are there any real differences between the different
lasers and different wavelengths. This may be because there are indeed no differences between
ablated and unablated surfaces, in terms of a mechanical weak boundary layer, but it may also be
due to cracks which occurred in the wood specimens, and it is also possible that the glue itself was
too weak. An ESEM (Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope)—analysis showed that fracture
occurred primarily in the glueline and not in the boundary layer. In addition to the ESEM analysis
and the statistical evaluation, a theoretical FEM (Finite Element Method)—analysis has been used to
explain the crack initiation in the second trial.
A Study of Ordinary Portland Cement Hydration With Wood by Isothermal Calorimetry
Authors: Sauvat N. , Sell R. , Mougel E. , Zoulalian A. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
As an essential preliminary to understand the hydration of wood-cement composites, the effects of some
additives on the delayed setting due to wood of an Ordinary Portland Cement have been investigated
by isothermal calorimetry. With the addition of calcium chloride and activated charcoal, an increase of
50% of the total enthalpy is observed in wood-cement composites hydration, because calcium chloride
mostly influences aluminate phases and activated charcoal silicate phases.
Extraction Conditions Affect Protein Recovery and Enzyme Activity in Wood Wafers Exposed to Stain Fungi and Bioprotectants
Authors: Li C. , Morrell J. J. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
We investigated the ability of selected buffers to extract proteins and other materials from the
surfaces and subsurfaces of ponderosa pine wafers colonized by selected wood stain fungi and
potential bioprotectant bacteria. The effects of extraction conditions on enzyme activity were also
analyzed. The addition of Tween 80 to the extraction media markedly enhanced total protein recovery
as well as enzyme activity. Increasing the extraction time from 6 to 12 hours failed to increase total
protein recovery, indicating that either most of the protein was removed earlier or proteases in the
wood had attacked proteins liberated during extraction. Relatively short extractions using sodium
acetate buffer amended with Tween 80, therefore, produced the best protein recovery and enzyme
activity. These conditions can be used for extracting wood colonized by various combinations of stain
fungi and bacterial bioprotectants to study the effects of the interaction on physiologic activities of
the target fungi.
Development of Model Systems for Investigations of the Dry Rot Fungus Serpula lacrymans (Schumach. ex Fr.) Gray: Use for Analysis of the Environmental Sensitivity of the Organism
Authors: Low G.A. , Palfreyman J. W. , White N. A. , Sinclair D. C. R. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
Novel microcosms were used to test separately the effects of aeration and humidity on the decay
capacity, linear spread and survival of the dry rot fungus Serpula lacrymans. The application of a
pumped air supply resulted in cessation of fungal activity in the microcosms at all but the lowest air
flow rate. At this lowest rate marked growth tropisms were sometimes seen and linear growth of the
fungus away from the air supply was accentuated. In both air flow and humidity experiments the loss
of growth and decay capabilities was not always accompanied by a loss of viability. Larger scale growth
chambers incorporating simulated flooring and plaster walling were developed in sealed aquarium tanks
using both new and old building materials. Differences in growth rates and morphology of S. lacrymans
were noted, with old materials generally being more favorable to the growth of the organism. Opening
the growth chambers and applying a controlled air flow rapidly halted the spread of S. lacrymans
resulting in the fungal mycelium shrivelling, discolouring and becoming susceptible to attack by moulds.
Loss of viability of S. lacrymans in re-sealed chambers depended crucially on the instigation of a
water-deprivation schedule. The results may have serious implications for the use of purely environmental
strategies for the remedial treatment of outbreaks of the dry rot fungus in buildings.
Water Repellent Efficiency of Organic Solvent Extractives from Aleppo Pine Leaves and Bark Applied to Wood
Authors: Passialis Costas N. , Voulgaridis Elias V. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
Natural wax-like materials were extracted from leaves and bark of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.)
by using toluene as organic solvent. Experimental water repellent formulations (WRFs) were prepared
using 10% gum rosin as the resin constituent and 0%, 1% and 2% paraffin wax, pine needle/bark
extracts or mixtures of paraffin wax and needle/bark extracts in proportion 1 : 1 as hydrophobic
substance. All experimental WRFs applied to small, cross-sectional wood specimens of Scots pine
(Pinus sylvestris L.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). Wood specimens were impregnated by a simple
immersion technique and the water repellent effectiveness (WRE) was assessed by using tangential
swelling data. Toluene soluble extracts from needles and bark applied to wood provided hydrophobic
properties to pine and beech wood specimens but to a lesser degree when compared to paraffin wax.
Bark extracts appeared to be stronger hydrophobic materials than needle extracts. Both needle and bark
extracts can be successful substitutes for paraffin wax in WRFs up to 50 %. The degree of protection
provided by WRFs and the differences between treatments were smaller in pine heartwood and beech
sapwood than in pine sapwood.
Structural Characterization of Cork Lignin by Thioacidolysis and Permanganate Oxidation
Authors: Marques A.V. , Pereira H. , Meier D. , Faix O. 
Published: October 2004

Summary

Quercus suber L. milled cork lignins obtained from extractive-free cork (MCL) and from saponified
cork (MCLsap) were characterized by thioacidolysis and KMnO4 oxidation. These techniques and the
previously used analytical pyrolysis revealed that cork contains a guaiacyl lignin (G lignin) with
94–96% guaiacyl-, ca. 3% syringyl-, and 2–3% of 4-hydroxyphenyl-propane units. The total yields
of degradation products in thioacidolysis and KMnO4 oxidation experiments were lower in comparison
to those of a spruce milled wood lignin (MWLspruce) suggesting a higher cross-linking in the G-lignin
of cork. The higher frequency of “condensed” structures (having C-C or C-O-C linkages to aromatic
rings) in cork lignin was also manifested in the relative abundance of various aromatic acids obtained
by KMnO4 oxidation. The cork lignin (MCLsap) contains only low amounts (ca. 2%) of covalently
bonded suberinic acids. Numerous free aliphatic suberinic acids were detected and identified in the ether
soluble part of MCLsap. Ferulic acid was not liberated by thioacidolysis, pointing at an in situ acylation.
We suggest that the major part of the aromatic domain in cork is a G-lignin but that it includes also
another structural moiety with higher H-unit content and linked by thioacidolysis resistant bonds.