bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential development of rabbit embryos following microinsemination with sperm and spermatids
Authors: Ogonuki Narumi , Inoue Kimiko , Miki Hiromi , Mochida Keiji , Hatori Masanori , Okada Hironori , Takeiri Shuji , Shimozawa Nobuhiro , Nagashima Hiroshi , Sankai Tadashi , Ogura Atsuo 
Published: August 2005

AbstractMicroinsemination is the technique of delivering male germ cells directly into oocytes. The efficiency of fertilization after microinsemination and subsequent embryo development may vary with the animal species and male germ cells used. The present study was undertaken to observe the in vitro and in vivo developmental ability of rabbit embryos following microinsemination with male germ cells at different stages. First, we assessed their oocyte‐activating capacity by injecting them into mouse and rabbit oocytes. The majority of mouse oocytes were activated irrespective of the type of rabbit male germ cell injected (61–77%), whereas rabbit oocytes were activated differently according to the type of male germ cells (89%, 75%, and 29% were activated by spermatozoa, elongated spermatids, and round spermatids, respectively; P < 0.05). After 120 hr in culture, 66%, 45%, and 13%, respectively, of these activated rabbit oocytes (pronuclear eggs) developed into blastocysts (P < 0.05). Additional electric pulse stimulation of round spermatid‐injected oocytes increased the blastocyst rate to 43%. After 24 hr in culture, some four to eight cell embryos were transferred into the oviducts of pseudopregnant females. Normal pups were born from spermatozoa and elongated spermatids, but not from round spermatids. Karyotypic analysis at the morula/blastocyst stage revealed that the majority of round spermatid‐derived embryos had abnormal ploidy (8 out of 12 embryos). Our study indicates that rabbit male germ cells acquire the ability to activate oocytes and to support subsequent embryo development as they undergo spermiogenesis. As these differential developmental patterns are similar to those reported for humans in vitro and in vivo, rabbits may provide an alternative small animal model for studying the biological nature and molecular basis of human microinsemination techniques, especially those using immature male germ cells. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FDG PET for the study of primary hepatic malignancies in children
Authors: Mody Rajen J. , Pohlen Judith A. , Malde Sachit , Strouse Peter J. , Shulkin Barry L. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractPurposeThis manuscript describes the use of FDG PET in a series of 7 children (11 scans) with primary hepatic malignancies (5 patients with hepatoblastoma, 2 patients with hepatic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma), together with other imaging (CT and MRI), serum tumor markers, and tumor pathology.Materials and MethodsSeven children with pathologically proven hepatic malignancies underwent 11 FDG PET scans for staging (1 patient) or restaging (6 patients). Tumor uptake of FDG was assessed qualitatively and compared with biochemical and radiological findings.ResultsAbnormal uptake was demonstrated in 6 of 7 patients (10 of 11 scans). Three patients subsequently underwent partial hepatic resection, and one underwent brain biopsy, confirming in each that the abnormal uptake of FDG indicated viable tumor. In one patient, intense uptake was due to necrotizing granulomas. In one patient, images were suboptimal due to noncompliance with fasting.ConclusionPrimary hepatic tumors of childhood usually demonstrate increased glycolytic activity, which allows them to be imaged using PET and the tracer 18F‐FDG. The technique is probably most useful for assessing response to therapy, in following AFP (alfa fetoprotein) negative cases and for detecting metastatic disease although a large series of patients will need to be studied to confirm our initial findings. Non neoplastic inflammation may also accumulate FDG and could be confused with malignancy. As these tumors are rare, prospective multicenter studies are necessary to determine the true clinical utility of FDG PET imaging in the management of children with primary hepatic malignancies. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia in a child with Noonan syndrome and clonal duplication of the germline PTPN11 mutation
Authors: Chantrain Christophe F. , Jijon Priscilla , De Raedt Thomas , Vermylen Christiane , Poirel Hélène A. , Legius Eric , Brichard Bénédicte 
Published: August 2005

AbstractA 4‐year‐old girl with Noonan syndrome (NS) and constitutive PTPN11 mutation presented with stage 4 neuroblastoma and was treated by intensive chemotherapy. During the treatment, cytogenetic analysis revealed the development of a hyperdiploid clone with duplication of the germline PTPN11 mutation in a morphologically normal bone marrow. A few months later, the patient developed acute myelomonoblastic leukemia with an additional clonal deletion of 7q. Although, we cannot conclude whether there is an association between NS and neuroblastoma, this case suggests that duplication of germline PTPN11 mutations, potentially induced by chemotherapy, contributes to leukemogenesis in patients with NS. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:101–104. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies of the properties of a thermosetting epoxy modified with block copolymers
Authors: He Shangjin , Wang Xiaobing , Guo Xianzhi , Shi Keyu , Du Zongjie , Zhang Baolong 
Published: August 2005

AbstractPoly[(n‐butyl acrylate)‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate)‐co‐(glycidyl methacrylate)] (BMG) diblock copolymers incorporating an epoxy‐reactive functionality in one block have been synthesized and used as modifiers for the model epoxy resin E‐51 cured with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM). The properties and morphologies of the modified epoxy thermosets were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), impact testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results reveal that addition of the block copolymers leaves the glass transition temperatures of the blends relatively unchanged, with small decreases in the storage moduli at room temperature. The toughening effect is dependent on the chemical structures of the block copolymers and an increase in the impact strength by a factor of two was obtained by the addition of ‘relatively symmetrical’ block copolymers. Moreover, the impact test results are consistent with the morphologies of the fracture surfaces as evidenced by SEM. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Melt amination of polypropylenes
Authors: Lu Q.‐W. , Macosko C. W. , Horrion J. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractAmine (primary and secondary) functional polypropylenes were prepared by the melt blending of maleated polypropylenes with small diamines, including hexamethylenediamine (primary–primary diamine), p‐xylylenediamine (primary–primary diamine), and N‐hexylethylenediamine (primary–secondary diamine), at various diamine/anhydride molar ratios in a batch mixer and a twin‐screw extruder. The experimental conversion data by Fourier transform infrared nearly agreed with the assumption of a complete reaction between the primary amine and anhydride. Chain extensions of the maleated polypropylenes by the diamines were monitored by the torques during mixing and further evaluated by rheological (dynamic shear rheometry) and mechanical measurements. We show that these amino polypropylenes are very effective adhesion promoters and compatibilizers of thermoplastic polyurethanes with polypropylene. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4217–4232, 2005
Study of the insulin dimerization: Binding free energy calculations and per‐residue free energy decomposition
Authors: Zoete Vincent , Meuwly Markus , Karplus Martin 
Published: August 2005

AbstractA calculation of the binding free energy for the dimerization of insulin has been performed using the molecular mechanics–generalized Born surface area approach. The calculated absolute binding free energy is −11.9 kcal/mol, in approximate agreement with the experimental value of −7.2 kcal/mol. The results show that the dimerization is mainly due to nonpolar interactions. The role of the hydrogen bonds between the 2 monomers appears to give the direction of the interactions. A per‐atom decomposition of the binding free energy has been performed to identify the residues contributing most to the self association free energy. Residues B24–B26 are found to make the largest favorable contributions to the dimerization. Other residues situated at the interface between the 2 monomers were found to make favorable but smaller contributions to the dimerization: Tyr B16, Val B12, and Pro B28, and to an even lesser extent, Gly B23. The energy decomposition on a per‐residue basis is in agreement with experimental alanine scanning data. The results obtained from a single trajectory (i.e., the dimer trajectory is also used for the monomer analysis) and 2 trajectories (i.e., separate trajectories are used for the monomer and dimer) are similar. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A graph spectral analysis of the structural similarity network of protein chains
Authors: Krishnadev O. , Brinda K.V. , Vishveshwara Saraswathi 
Published: August 2005

AbstractWe present a simple method for the analysis of large networks based on their graph spectral properties. One of the advantages of this method is that it uses a single numerical computation to identify subclusters in a connected graph, which can significantly simplify the complexity involved in analyzing large graphs. This is illustrated using a network of protein chains constructed on the basis of their structural similarities. The large‐scale network properties and the cluster and subcluster organization of the protein chain network are presented. We summarize the results of structural and functional analyses of the nodes present in these clusters and elucidate the implications of structural similarity in the protein chain universe. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystal structure and structural stability of acylphosphatase from hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3
Authors: Miyazono Ken‐ichi , Sawano Yoriko , Tanokura Masaru 
Published: August 2005

AbstractTo elucidate the structural basis for the high stability of acylphosphatase (AcP) from Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3, we determined its crystal structure at 1.72 Å resolution. P. horikoshii AcP possesses high stability despite its approximately 30% sequence identity with eukaryotic enzymes that have moderate thermostability. The overall fold of P. horikoshii AcP was very similar to the structures of eukaryotic counterparts. The crystal structure of P. horikoshii AcP shows the same fold βαββαβ topology and the conserved putative catalytic residues as observed in eukaryotic enzymes. Comparison with the crystal structure of bovine common‐type AcP and that of D. melanogaster AcP (AcPDro2) as representative of eukaryotic AcP revealed some significant characteristics in P. horikoshii AcP that likely play important roles in structural stability: (1) shortening of the flexible N‐terminal region and long loop; (2) an increased number of ion pairs on the protein surface; (3) stabilization of the loop structure by hydrogen bonds. In P. horikoshii AcP, two ion pair networks were observed one located in the loop structure positioned near the C‐terminus, and other on the β‐sheet. The importance of ion pairs for structural stability was confirmed by site‐directed mutation and denaturation induced by guanidium chloride. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simulation of oligopeptide dynamics and folding. The use of NMR chemical shifts to analyse the MD trajectories
Authors: Busetta Bernard , Picard Philippe , Précigoux Gilles 
Published: August 2005

AbstractIn this paper, a simulation of the folding process, based on a random perturbations of the ϕ, ψ, χ1 dihedral angles, is proposed to approach the formation at the atom level of both principal elements of protein secondary structure, the α‐helix and the β‐hairpin structures. Expecting to understand what may happen in solution during the formation of such structures, the behaviour of large sets of random conformations that are generated for small oligopeptides was analysed. Different factors that may influence the folding (as conformational propensity, hydrophobic interactions and side‐chain mobility) were investigated. The difference between the corresponding theoretical folding and the real conformational diversity that is observed in solution is appraised by a comparison between the calculated and observed NMR secondary chemical shifts. From this study it appears that hydrophobic interactions and mobility represent the principal factors that initiate folding and determine the observed hydrogen‐bond pattern, which subsequently allows packing between the peptide side chains. Copyright © 2005 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐linear dynamical effects in semiconductor microcavities
Authors: Staehli J. L. , Kundermann S. , Saba M. , Ciuti C. , Baas A. , Guillet T. , Deveaud B. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractAn investigation of the parametric amplification and its coherent control in a semiconductor microcavity is presented. The time and angle resolved pump and probe experiments show that several picoseconds after pumping the polaritons are still coherent and parametric scattering is still going on. The experimental data concerning the time integrated measurements are in qualitative agreement with the numerical data obtained from a relatively simple theoretical model based on three polarisation components, pump, probe, and idler. As for the dynamics of parametric amplification in real time, the measurements reveal that often stimulation is considerably delayed with respect to the arrival of pump and probe. Even though the observed dynamics is complex, our simple theoretical model permits to reproduce several of the experimental features. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Symbolic computation of conservation laws of nonlinear partial differential equations in multi‐dimensions
Authors: Hereman Willy 
Published: August 2005

AbstractA direct method for the computation of polynomial conservation laws of polynomial systems of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) in multi‐dimensions is presented. The method avoids advanced differential‐geometric tools. Instead, it is solely based on calculus, variational calculus, and linear algebra. Densities are constructed as linear combinations of scaling homogeneous terms with undetermined coefficients. The variational derivative (Euler operator) is used to compute the undetermined coefficients. The homotopy operator is used to compute the fluxes. The method is illustrated with nonlinear PDEs describing wave phenomena in fluid dynamics, plasma physics, and quantum physics. For PDEs with parameters, the method determines the conditions on the parameters so that a sequence of conserved densities might exist. The existence of a large number of conservation laws is a predictor of complete integrability. The method is algorithmic, applicable to a variety of PDEs, and can be implemented in computer algebra systems such as Mathematica, Maple, and REDUCE. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Transient stability of DFIG wind turbines at an external short‐circuit fault
Authors: Sun Tao , Chen Zhe , Blaabjerg Frede 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe fast development of wind power generation brings new requirements for wind turbine integration into the network. After clearance of an external short‐circuit fault, grid‐connected wind turbines should restore their normal operation without power loss caused by disconnections. This article concentrates on the transient stability of variable speed wind turbines with doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) at an external short‐circuit fault. A simulation model of a MW‐level variable speed wind turbine with a DFIG developed in PSCAD/EMTDC is presented and the control and protection schemes are described in detail. The transient process of grid‐connected wind turbines with DFIGs at an external short‐circuit fault is analysed, and in critical post‐fault situations a measure is proposed for the voltage recovery of DFIG wind turbines after fault clearance. Simulation results demonstrate that in uncritical post‐fault situations the control schemes are able to restore the wind turbine's normal operation without disconnections. It is also proved that the proposed measure is effective in re‐establishing the voltage at the wind turbine terminal in critical post‐fault situations. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of the Primary Tumor Location with the Site of Tumor Recurrence after Curative Resection of Thoracic Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Doki Yuichiro , Ishikawa Osamu , Takachi Ko , Miyashiro Isao , Sasaki Yo , Ohigashi Hiroaki , Murata Kohei , Yamada Terumasa , Noura Shingo , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Kabuto Toshiyuki , Imaoka Shingi 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe site of surgical failure in cases of thoracic esophageal cancer (TEC) may be affected by the vertical location of the cancer in this longitudinal organ, suggesting the need to select the mode of adjuvant therapy based on location. We classified 501 TECs (92% squamous cell carcinomas) that underwent curative surgery without preoperative treatment as 13% upper thoracic (Ut), 51% middle thoracic (Mt), and 36% lower thoracic (Lt) lesions. Recurrent disease was discovered in 180 (36%) of the patients during a postoperative survey, most frequently in the cervical nodes (19%), liver (18%), abdominal paraaortic nodes (17%), and upper mediastinal nodes (17%). Although postoperative survival rates were similar (5‐year survival: Ut 51%, Mt 55%, Lt 54%), the tumor recurrence site was significantly affected by the TEC vertical location, with recurrence in the cervical and upper mediastinal nodes being most frequent for Ut and Mt cases and in the liver and abdominal paraaortic nodes for Lt cases. Insufficient surgical lymph node clearance could be assessed by the recurrence index (RI), defined as the frequency of metastasis at recurrence divided by that at surgery. The RI was significantly lower for the upper abdominal nodes (4%, 8/184) than the lower mediastinal nodes (15%, 19/123) or the upper mediastinal nodes (19%, 30/154). These findings indicated that regional tumor recurrence, corresponding to the surgical field, was more frequent in the Ut and Mt cases (53% and 51%) than the Lt cases (18%); and distant recurrence was more frequent in the Lt cases (62%) than in Ut or Mt cases (25% and 36%). Thus the vertical location of the thoracic esophageal cancer can be said to affected strongly the site of tumor recurrence after curative surgery. Regional radiotherapy might be expected to have an adjuvant effect on Ut/Mt tumors and systemic chemotherapy on Lt tumors.
Appraisal of Surgical Treatment for Pulmonary Metastasis from Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Nakajima Jun , Tanaka Makoto , Matsumoto Jun , Takeuchi Eriho , Fukami Takeshi , Takamoto Shinichi 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe outcome of pulmonary metastasectomy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was appraised in this study. Twenty patients with pulmonary metastasis from HCCs undergoing pulmonary resection between 1990 and 2003 were included in this study. They had undergone curative treatment for the primary lesion and were candidates for a pulmonary metastasectomy for complete resection. Among the 20 patients, 13 died: 5 from hepatic failure, 5 from respiratory failure, and 2 from brain metastasis due to recurrence of the HCC. One patient died from cardiac failure without HCC recurrence. At the latest observation, three of the seven survivors were doing well without HCC recurrence, and others survived with recurrence. The overall survival rates after the initial lung surgery were 45.3% at 1 year and 23.8% at 3 years, respectively. The survival rates without recurrence were 32.4% at 1 year and 21.6% at 3 years, respectively. A Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that multiple lung surgeries and a negative histologic finding of the liver cut surface were favorable characteristics for survival without recurrence. In conclusion, the selected patients were Candidates for pulmonary metastasectomy after a curative hepatectomy for HCC and could benefit from the complete resection. Also, repeated pulmonary resections through thoracoscopy could result in the long‐term survival of patients with pulmonary recurrence of HCC.
Usefulness of anti‐oxidized LDL antibody determination for assessment of clinical control in patients with heart failure
Authors: George Jacob , Wexler Dov , Roth Arie , Barak Tomer , Sheps David , Keren Gad 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground:It has been suggested that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of heart failure, this may have potential implications for therapeutic strategies. However, measures of oxidative stress are subject to confounding inaccuracies. IgG antibodies to oxidized LDL reflect exposure to the lipoprotein over an extended period and may thus mirror oxidative stress over a prolonged time frame. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that anti‐oxLDL antibodies correlate with the control of heart failure (HF), as manifested by hospital admissions for cardiac dysfunction.Methods:One hundred and two consecutive patients attending the HF clinic with either systolic or diastolic HF were enrolled and the quality of clinical control was evaluated by assessing hospital admissions over the year prior to index determination of the oxidative stress marker. Antibodies to oxLDL were determined by ELISA and pro‐BNP levels were also measured.Results:Most patients (mean age 71.5 years) had systolic HF; mean NYHA functional class was 2.7 and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 39.7%. Anti‐oxLDL antibodies, but not pro‐BNP, correlated significantly with mean NYHA score (averaged from all clinic visits in the year prior to blood testing), and with hospital admissions over the year prior to blood testing. Mean IgG anti‐oxLDL antibody levels in patients with hospital admissions were 3.4 times higher than those in subjects not hospitalized over the previous year.Conclusion:IgG anti‐oxLDL antibody levels correlate with the severity of HF.
Computer simulations of successful defibrillation in decoupled and non-uniform cardiac tissue
Authors: Kuijpers N. H. L. , Keldermann R. H. , Arts T. , Hilbers P. A. J. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Aim
The aim of the present study is to investigate the origin and effect of virtual electrode polarization in uniform, decoupled and non-uniform cardiac tissue during field stimulation.

Methods
A discrete bidomain model with active membrane behaviour was used to simulate normal cardiac tissue as well as cardiac tissue that is decoupled due to fibrosis and gap junction remodelling. Various uniform and non-uniform electric fields were applied to the external domain of uniform, decoupled and non-uniform resting cardiac tissue as well as cardiac tissue in which spiral waves were induced.

Results
Field stimulation applied on non-uniform tissue results in more virtual electrodes compared with uniform tissue. The spiral waves were terminated in decoupled tissue, but not in uniform, homogeneous tissue. By gradually increasing local differences in intracellular conductivities, the amount and spread of virtual electrodes increased and the spiral waves were terminated.

Conclusion
Fast depolarization of the tissue after field stimulation may be explained by intracellular decoupling and spatial heterogeneity present in normal and pathological cardiac tissue. We demonstrated that termination of spiral waves by means of field stimulation can be achieved when the tissue is modelled as a non-uniform, anisotropic bidomain with active membrane behaviour.