bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delayed neurotrophic treatment preserves nerve survival and electrophysiological responsiveness in neomycin‐deafened guinea pigs
Authors: Yamagata Takahiko , Miller Josef M. , Ulfendahl Mats , Olivius N. Petri , Altschuler Richard A. , Pyykkö Ilmari , Bredberg Göran 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBenefits of cochlear prostheses for the deaf are dependent on survival and excitability of the auditory nerve. Degeneration of deafferented auditory nerve fibers is prevented and excitability maintained by immediate replacement therapy with exogenous neurotrophic factors, in vivo. It is important to know whether such interventions are effective after a delay following deafness, typical for the human situation. This study evaluated the efficacy of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor axokine‐1 analogue (CNTFAx1) application, 2 or 6 weeks postdeafening, in preventing further degeneration and a decrease in excitability. Guinea pigs were deafened and implanted with intracochlear stimulating electrodes, a scala tympani cannula‐osmotic pump system, and auditory brainstem response (ABR) recording electrodes. Subjects received BDNF + CNTFAx1 or artificial perilymph (AP) treatment for 27 days, beginning at 2 or 6 weeks following deafening. Electrical (E) ABR thresholds increased following deafening. After 1 week, in the 2‐weeks‐delayed neurotrophic factor treatment group, EABR thresholds decreased relative to AP controls, which were statistically significant at 2 weeks. In the 6‐week delay group, a tendency to enhanced EABR sensitivity began at 2 weeks of treatment and increased thereafter, with a significant difference between neurotrophic factor‐ and AP‐treated groups across the treatment period. A clear, statistically significant, enhanced survival of spiral ganglion cells was seen in both neurotrophic factor treatment groups relative to AP controls. These findings demonstrate that BDNF + CNTFAx1 can act to delay or possibly even reverse degenerative and, likely apoptotic, processes well after they have been activated. These survival factors can rescue cells from death and enhance electrical excitability, even during the period of degeneration and cell loss when the spiral ganglion cell population is reduced by >50% (6 weeks). It is noteworthy that this same degree of ganglion cell loss, secondary to receptor damage, is typically observed after a period equivalent to some years of deafness in humans. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ferulic acid: pharmaceutical functions, preparation and applications in foods
Authors: Ou Shiyi , Kwok Kin‐Chor 
Published: July 2004

AbstractFerulic acid (4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxycinnamic acid), an effective component of Chinese medicine herbs such as Angelica sinensis, Cimicifuga heracleifolia and Lignsticum chuangxiong, is a ubiquitous phenolic acid in the plant kingdom. It is mainly conjugated with mono‐ and oligosaccharides, polyamines, lipids and polysaccharides and seldom occurs in a free state in plants. Ferulic acid is a phenolic acid of low toxicity; it can be absorbed and easily metabolized in the human body. Ferulic acid has been reported to have many physiological functions, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐thrombosis, and anti‐cancer activities. It also protects against coronary disease, lowers cholesterol and increases sperm viability. Because of these properties and its low toxicity, ferulic acid is now widely used in the food and cosmetic industries. It is used as the raw material for the production of vanillin and preservatives, as a cross‐linking agent for the preparation of food gels and edible films, and as an ingredient in sports foods and skin protection agents. Ferulic acid can be prepared by chemical synthesis and through biological transformation. As polysaccharide ferulate is a natural and abundant source of ferulic acid, preparation of ferulic acid from plant cell wall materials will be a prospective pathway. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Needle-tract implantation from hepatocellular cancer: Is needle biopsy of the liver always necessary?
Authors: Takamori Ryan , Wong Linda L. , Dang Collin , Wong Livingston 
Published: July 2004

Percutaneous needle biopsies are frequently used to evaluate focal lesions of the liver. Needle-tract implantation of hepatocellular cancer has been described in case reports, but the true risk for this problem has not been clearly defined. We retrospectively reviewed 91 cases of hepatocellular cancer during a 4-year period from 1994 to 1997. Data on diagnostic studies, therapy, and outcome were noted. Of 91 patients with hepatocellular cancer, 59 patients underwent percutaneous needle biopsy as part of their diagnostic workup for a liver mass. Three patients (5.1%) were identified with needle-tract implantation of tumor. Two patients required en bloc chest wall resections for implantation of hepatocellular cancer in the soft tissues and rib area. The third patient, who also received percutaneous ethanol injection of his tumor, required a thoracotomy and lung resection for implanted hepatocellular cancer. Percutaneous needle biopsy of suspicious hepatic lesions should not be performed indiscriminately because there is a significant risk for needle-tract implantation. These biopsies should be reserved for those lesions in which no definitive surgical intervention is planned and pathological confirmation is necessary for a nonsurgical therapy.
(Liver Transpl 2000;6:67-72.)
Prediction of liver allograft fibrosis after transplantation for hepatitis C virus: Persistent elevation of serum transaminase levels versus necroinflammatory activity
Authors: Pelletier Shawn J. , Iezzoni Julia C. , Crabtree Traves D. , Hahn Young S. , Sawyer Robert G. , Pruett Timothy L. 
Published: July 2004

Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Factors that reliably predict allograft injury from HCV have not been identified. Demographics, clinical data, and histopathological characteristics of recipients with and without persistently elevated serum transaminase levels (PEST) were compared. Twenty-four patients with HCV-induced end-stage liver disease who underwent OLT between October 1995 and December 1998 were entered into a longitudinal, prospective evaluation for identification of parameters associated with graft injury. Liver biopsies were performed preoperatively and between posttransplantation days 1 to 28, 29 to 60, 61 to 180, 181 to 360, and then every 6 to 12 months thereafter. Biopsy specimens were reviewed in a blinded fashion and scored for rejection, necroinflammatory activity, extent of fibrosis, and infiltrating cell type, location, and magnitude. Transplant recipients with PEST (alanine transaminase level >1.5 times normal for 3 consecutive months) and cholestatic hepatitis showed an increased viral load compared with their own preoperative values (16-fold and 256-fold, respectively). Compared with control transplant recipients, PEST was associated with macrovesicular steatosis within 28 days after OLT (P < .05) and showed an increased rate of fibrosis (P < .003) despite similar degrees of rejection and necroinflammatory activity. There was no difference in demographics or immunosuppression. Macrovesicular steatosis may be the earliest predictor of graft fibrosis. Despite similar degrees of necroinflammatory activity, transplant recipients with PEST had an increased rate of fibrosis that could be predicted on average within 6 months posttransplantation.
(Liver Transpl 2000;6:44-53.)
Predicting bacteremia and bacteremic mortality in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Singh Nina , Paterson David L. , Gayowski Timothy , Wagener Marilyn M. , Marino Ignazio R. 
Published: July 2004

Predictors of bacteremia and mortality in bacteremic liver transplant recipients were prospectively assessed. One hundred eleven consecutive episodes of fever or infections were documented in 59 patients over a 4-year period. Forty-nine percent (29 of 59 patients) of the patients had bacteremia, 39% (23 of 59 patients) had nonbacteremic infections, and 12% (7 of 59 patients) had fever of noninfectious cause. Primary (catheter-related) bacteremia (31%; 9 of 29 patients), pneumonia (24%; 7 of 29 patients), abdominal and/or biliary infections (14%; 4 of 29 patients), and wound infections (10%; 3 of 29 patients) were the predominant sources of bacteremia. Diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 6.9; P = .03) and serum albumin level less than 3.0 mg/dL (odds ratio, 0.14; P = .02) were independently significant predictors of bacteremia compared with nonbacteremic infections. Mortality at 14 days was 28% (8 of 29 patients) in those with bacteremia compared with 4% (1 of 23 patients) in those with nonbacteremic infections and 0% (0 of 7) in patients with fever of noninfectious cause (P = .03). Intensive care unit stay at the time of bacteremia (100% v 47%; P = .005), absence of chills (0% v 53%; P = .005), lower temperature at the onset of bacteremia (99.2°F v 101.5°F; P = .009), lower maximum temperature during the course of bacteremia (99.3°F v 102°F, P = .008), greater serum bilirubin level (7.6 v 1.5 mg/dL;P = .024), presence of abnormal blood pressure (80% v16%; P = .0013), and greater prothrombin time (15.6v 13.3 seconds; P = .013) were significantly predictive of greater mortality in the bacteremic patients. These data have implications for discerning the likelihood of bacteremia and initiation of empiric antibiotics pending cultures. Lack of febrile response in bacteremic liver transplant recipients portended a poorer outcome.
(Liver Transpl 2000;6:54-61.)
Relating disease and predation: equilibria of an epidemic model
Authors: Delgado Manuel , Molina‐Becerra Mónica , Suárez Antonio 
Published: July 2004

AbstractIn this paper, we would like compare the spread of an infectious disease in a population without the influence of a predator and under its influence. We show that it is possible to control an epidemic in a population with the help of predators. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blood γδ T cells, Campylobacter jejuni, and GM1 titers in Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Scelsa Stephen N. , Ghali Violette , Herskovitz Steven , Bieri Phyllis , Shank Deborah L. , MacGowan Daniel D. J. , Liau Sally 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe γδ T cells participate in microbial defense, are prevalent in intestinal epithelia, and are activated in autoimmune diseases. We studied whether peripheral blood γδ cells and γδ subsets are increased in Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) and whether elevations are associated with Campylobacter jejuni infection or GM1 elevations. In 20 GBS patients, we performed serial flow cytometry studies of blood γδ, Vδ1, and Vδ2 cells (±CD8+), C jejuni, and ganglioside titers. There was no significant difference in median γδ T‐cell percentages between GBS patients and controls at onset and at convalescence. However, 5 patients had marked Vδ1/CD8+ elevations. Elevated Vδ1 or Vδ1/CD8+ cells occurred in 3 of 6 patients with C jejuni or GM1 titer elevations. A minority of GBS patients have elevations of Vδ1/CD8+ cells, possibly associated with elevated C jejuni or GM1 titers. The γδ T cells may have a cytotoxic (or suppressor) role in the disease. Muscle Nerve 30: 423–432, 2004
Developmental and tissue‐specific regulation of a novel dysferlin isoform
Authors: Salani Sabrina , Lucchiari Sabrina , Fortunato Francesco , Crimi Marco , Corti Stefania , Locatelli Federica , Bossolasco Patrizia , Bresolin Nereo , Comi Giacomo Pietro 
Published: July 2004

AbstractDysferlin plays an essential role in the muscle repair machinery, and its deficiency is associated with limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B and with two different distal myopathies (Miyoshi myopathy and distal anterior compartment myopathy). Our aims were to characterize the pattern of dysferlin expression during myogenic cell differentiation and to assess possible differentially spliced isoforms of the DYSF gene. Human primary myogenic cells express a splice variant of dysferlin mRNA lacking exon 17 (Δ17), together with full‐length dysferlin mRNA. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis of human myoblasts, myotubes, and normal skeletal muscle showed that Δ17 expression inversely correlates with muscle differentiation. Indeed, Δ17 is progressively replaced by the wild type as myoblast fusion proceeds, and it disappears in adult skeletal muscle. Conversely, Δ17 is the predominant dysferlin variant in mature peripheral nerve. Our findings suggest that the two proteins play different roles in myogenic cell differentiation and that dysferlin function in peripheral nerve might be accomplished by this novel isoform. Muscle Nerve 30: 366–374, 2004
A coupled model for solid deformation and gas leak flow
Authors: Sun Peide , Wan Huagen 
Published: July 2004

AbstractFrom the viewpoint of interaction mechanics of solid and gas, a coupled mathematical model is presented for solid coal/rock‐mass deformation and gas leak flow in parallel deformable coal seams. Numerical solutions using the strong implicit procedure (SIP) method to the coupled mathematical model for double parallel coal seams are also developed in detail. Numerical simulations for the prediction of safety range using protection layer mining are performed with experimental data from a mine with potential danger of coal/gas outbursts. Analyses show that the numerical simulation results are consistent with the measured data on the spot. The coupled model shows a positive future for applications in a wide range of gas‐leak‐flow‐related problems in mining engineering, gas drainage engineering and mining safety engineering. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upscaling of elastic properties for large scale geomechanical simulations
Authors: Chalon F. , Mainguy M. , Longuemare P. , Lemonnier P. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractLarge scale geomechanical simulations are being increasingly used to model the compaction of stress dependent reservoirs, predict the long term integrity of under‐ground radioactive waste disposals, and analyse the viability of hot‐dry rock geothermal sites. These large scale simulations require the definition of homogenous mechanical properties for each geomechanical cell whereas the rock properties are expected to vary at a smaller scale. Therefore, this paper proposes a new methodology that makes possible to define the equivalent mechanical properties of the geomechanical cells using the fine scale information given in the geological model. This methodology is implemented on a synthetic reservoir case and two upscaling procedures providing the effective elastic properties of the Hooke's law are tested. The first upscaling procedure is an analytical method for perfectly stratified rock mass, whereas the second procedure computes lower and upper bounds of the equivalent properties with no assumption on the small scale heterogeneity distribution. Both procedures are applied to one geomechanical cell extracted from the reservoir structure. The results show that the analytical and numerical upscaling procedures provide accurate estimations of the effective parameters. Furthermore, a large scale simulation using the homogenized properties of each geomechanical cell calculated with the analytical method demonstrates that the overall behaviour of the reservoir structure is well reproduced for two different loading cases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐analytical far field model for three‐dimensional finite‐element analysis
Authors: Doherty James P. , Deeks Andrew J. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractA challenging computational problem arises when a discrete structure (e.g. foundation) interacts with an unbounded medium (e.g. deep soil deposit), particularly if general loading conditions and non‐linear material behaviour is assumed. In this paper, a novel method for dealing with such a problem is formulated by combining conventional three‐dimensional finite‐elements with the recently developed scaled boundary finite‐element method. The scaled boundary finite‐element method is a semi‐analytical technique based on finite‐elements that obtains a symmetric stiffness matrix with respect to degrees of freedom on a discretized boundary. The method is particularly well suited to modelling unbounded domains as analytical solutions are found in a radial co‐ordinate direction, but, unlike the boundary‐element method, no complex fundamental solution is required. A technique for coupling the stiffness matrix of bounded three‐dimensional finite‐element domain with the stiffness matrix of the unbounded scaled boundary finite‐element domain, which uses a Fourier series to model the variation of displacement in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical co‐ordinate system, is described. The accuracy and computational efficiency of the new formulation is demonstrated through the linear elastic analysis of rigid circular and square footings. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new displacement back analysis to identify mechanical geo‐material parameters based on hybrid intelligent methodology
Authors: Feng Xia‐Ting , Zhao Hongbo , Li Shaojun 
Published: July 2004

AbstractDisplacement back analysis is a common method to identify mechanical geo‐material parameters using the monitored displacement. How to obtain a global optimum solution in large space search of highly non‐linear multimodal is a key point of optimum back analysis. The paper presents a new back analysis that is an integration of evolutionary support vector machines (SVMs), numerical analysis and genetic algorithm. The non‐linear relationship between the mechanical geo‐material parameters to be identified and the corresponding displacement values of key points is learned and represented by evolutionary SVMs in global optimum. Numerical analysis is used to create training and testing samples for recognition of SVMs. Then, performing a global optimum search on the obtained SVMs using genetic algorithm can identify the mechanical geo‐material parameters. The proposed algorithm is tested by back analysis of an elastic plate and an elastic–plastic plate and used to recognize mechanical parameters of subclay, strongly weathered tuff and weakly weathered tuff of Bachimen slope, Funing expressway, Fujian, China. The results indicate that applicability of the proposed algorithm with enough accuracy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agrin signaling in cortical neurons is mediated by a tyrosine kinase‐dependent increase in intracellular Ca2+ that engages both CaMKII and MAPK signal pathways
Authors: Hilgenberg Lutz G.W. , Smith Martin A. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractAgrin has been implicated in multiple aspects of central nervous system (CNS) neuron differentiation and function including neurite formation, synaptogenesis, and synaptic transmission. However, little is known about the signaling mechanisms whereby agrin exerts its effects. We have recently identified a neuronal receptor for agrin, whose activation induces expression of c‐fos, and provided evidence that agrin binding to this receptor is associated with a rise in intracellular Ca2+, a ubiquitous second messenger capable of mediating a wide range of effects. To gain further insight into agrin's role in brain, we used Ca2+ imaging to explore agrin signal transduction in cultured cortical neurons. Bath application of either z+ or z‐agrin isoforms resulted in marked changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration specifically in neurons. Propagation of the Ca2+ response was a two‐step process characterized by an initial increase in intracellular Ca2+ mediated by ryanodine receptor (RyR) release from intracellular stores, supplemented by influx through voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs). Agrin‐induced increases in intracellular Ca2+ were blocked by genistein and herbimycin, suggesting that the agrin receptor is a tyrosine kinase. Ca2+ release from intracellular stores activates both calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). Activation of CaMKII is required for propagation of the Ca2+ wave itself, whereas both MAPK and CaMKII play a role in mediating long latency responses such as induction of c‐fos. These results suggest that an agrin‐dependent tyrosine kinase could play a critical role in modulating levels of intracellular Ca2+ and activity of MAPK and CaMKII in CNS neurons. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2004
Chemically controlled formation of a DNA/calcium phosphate coprecipitate: Application for transfection of mature hippocampal neurons
Authors: Goetze Bernhard , Grunewald Barbara , Baldassa Simona , Kiebler Michael 
Published: July 2004

AbstractNumerous methods exist for transfecting postmitotic neurons, for example, DNA/calcium phosphate coprecipitation, cationic lipids, viruses, and physical methods such as microinjection, electroporation, and biolistics. Most methods, however, are either toxic to the cell, yield only poor transfection efficiencies, or cells have to be electroporated before plating. In this article, we present a standardized and fast transfection method using DNA/calcium phosphate coprecipitates that efficiently transfer DNA into mature, postmitotic hippocampal neurons. Shifting to CO2‐independent media with a well‐defined pH allows for the tight control of the coprecipitate formation and for adjusting the transfection parameters for the individual DNA plasmid used. The two critical parameters for reproducible and efficient transfections are: the precise pH during crystal formation, and the incubation time of the cells with the coprecipitate. This improved procedure now enables biochemical approaches. By transfecting a dominant‐positive Ras mutant, we activate the Erk/MAP kinase signal transduction pathway. Furthermore, using a siRNA plasmid directed against MAP2, the level of an endogenously expressed protein is down‐regulated upon transfection. These two approaches demonstrate that the presented transient transfection method can now be used to address questions on a biochemical level in hippocampal neurons. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 60: 517–525, 2004
Mid‐chain grafting in PVB‐graft‐PVB
Authors: Striegel André M 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe polymer commonly referred to as poly(vinyl butyral) is actually the statistical terpolymer poly(vinyl butyral‐co‐vinyl alcohol‐co‐vinyl acetate), the main component of the polymeric interlayer in automotive and architectural safety glass, amongst other uses. Here, the effects of ‘self‐grafting’ or ‘auto‐grafting’ in this polymer are examined using size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) with triple detection. These and supporting experiments (eg, batch‐mode multi‐angle light scattering) allow study of the effects of induced branching in the resultant PVB‐graft‐PVB molecule, and comparison with the ungrafted (though not linear) base polymer. This was done by application and extension of the classic Zimm–Stockmayer long‐chain branching (LCB) theory, by determination of the fractal dimension (df) of the polymers and of the change in df as a function of molar mass, as well as by the multiplicity of size parameters that are measured in a multi‐detector SEC experiment. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Flexibility improvement of epoxy resin by chemical modification
Authors: Ratna D , Samui AB , Chakraborty BC 
Published: July 2004

AbstractEpoxy resin was chemically modified with carboxyl‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) adipate (CTPEGA) and the modified epoxy networks were made by curing with an ambient‐temperature hardener. The modified epoxy networks containing various concentrations of CTPEGA were characterized for their tensile, flexural and impact properties. It was observed that the mechanical strength gradually decreases and the strain increases with increasing CTPEGA concentration. However, the toughness and impact strength gradually increase with increasing CTPEGA concentration, attain a maximum and then decrease. The optimum CTPEGA concentration was found to be 20 phr. Fracture surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy indicates massive plastic deformation in modified networks. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry