bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen balance and δ15N: why you're not what you eat during pregnancy
Authors: Fuller Benjamin T. , Fuller James L. , Sage Nancy E. , Harris David A. , O'Connell Tamsin C. , Hedges Robert E. M. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractCarbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N) stable isotope ratios were longitudinally measured in human hair that reflected the period from pre‐conception to delivery in 10 pregnant women. There was no significant change in the δ13C results, but all subjects showed a decrease in δ15N values (−0.3 to −1.1‰) during gestation. The mechanisms causing this decrease in hair δ15N have not been fully elucidated. However, since the δ15N values of dietary nitrogen and urea nitrogen are significantly lower compared to maternal tissues, it is hypothesized that the increased utilization of dietary and urea nitrogen for tissue synthesis during pregnancy resulted in a reduction of the steady state diet to a body trophic level effect by approximately 0.5–1‰. An inverse correlation (R2 = 0.67) between hair δ15N and weight gain was also found, suggesting that positive nitrogen balance results in a reduction of δ15N values independent of diet. These results indicate that δ15N measurements have the ability to monitor not only dietary inputs, but also the nitrogen balance of an organism. A potential application of this technique is the detection of fertility patterns in modern and ancient species that have tissues that linearly record stable isotope ratios through time. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using design of experiments, sensitivity analysis, and hybrid simulation to evaluate changes to a software development process: a case study
Authors: Wakeland Wayne W. , Martin Robert H. , Raffo David 
Published: November 2004

AbstractHybrid simulation models combine the high‐level project issues of System Dynamics models with the process detail of discrete event simulation models. Hybrid models not only capture the best of both of these simulation paradigms, but they also are able to address new issues that are important in managing complex real‐world development projects that neither the System Dynamics nor Discrete Event simulation paradigms are able to address alone.In order to reap the full benefits from a simulation model, a structured approach for analyzing model results is necessary. This article applies Design of Experiments (DOE) and broad range sensitivity analysis (BRSA) to a hybrid system dynamics and discrete event simulation model of a software development process. DOE is used to analyse the interaction effects, such as the degree to which the impact of the process change depends on worker motivation, schedule pressure and other project environmental variables. The sensitivity of the model to parameter changes over a broad range of plausible values is used to analyse the non‐linear aspects of the model.The end result is a deeper insight into the conditions under which the process change will succeed, and improved recommendations for process change design and implementation. In this particular study, significant interactions and non‐linearities were revealed, supporting the hypothesis that consideration of these complex effects is essential for insightful interpretation of model results and effective decision‐making. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allergenic (sensitization, skin and eye irritation) effects of freshwater cyanobacteria—experimental evidence
Authors: Torokne Andrea , Palovics Agnes , Bankine Maria 
Published: November 2004

AbstractMany studies have been published on the human health effects of cyanobacterial toxicity. As a public health concern, we have to mention that the development of contact dermatitis, asthmalike symptoms, and symptoms resembling hay fever during bathing in cyanobacterial blooms have been also described. Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena flos‐aquae, Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae, and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii are the most common species found in Hungarian freshwaters. A sensitization test on albino guinea pigs, and intradermal reactivity, and occular irritation test on albino rabbits were carried out with freeze‐dried algal suspension in physiological salt solution. The sensitivity of guinea pigs is similar to that of humans. Microcystis, Anabaena, Cylindrospermopsis, and Aphanizomenon bloom and strain samples were examined in sensitization and irritation tests and no correlation was found between the toxin content and the allergenic character. The most toxic one (Microcystis aeruginosa) was not the most allergenic sample, but the nontoxic Aphanizomenon was the most allergenic one. The axenic strains were not allergenic at all. The pure microcystin LR was only slightly allergenic even in high concentration (1.5 mg/ml). Water and lipid soluble fractions were obtained by water and chloroform extraction of lyophilized algal suspensions. The chloroform fraction was bound on C18 cartridges and eluted by methanol in nine fractions. Only one of the lipid soluble fractions was skin irritative whereas the strongest irritative effect was shown by the water soluble fraction. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 512–516, 2001
Concentrations of pesticide residues in tissues of fish from Kolleru Lake in India
Authors: Amaraneni S. R. , Pillala R. R. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractKolleru Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake of Andhra Pradesh in India. It is situated between latitudes 16°32′ and 16°47′N and longitudes 81°05′ and 81°27′E. The use of pesticides for agricultural purposes is widespread in the Kolleru Lake region. The biological indicators like fish help in the studies of aquatic pollution by pesticides. Fish species Channa striata and Catla catla and water samples were collected from Kolleru Lake in each of three seasons over a period of three years. Fish samples were analyzed according to a modified method which is proposed for the gas chromatographic determination for the pesticides viz., α‐BHC, γ‐BHC, malathion, chloirpyrifos, isodrin, endosulfan, dieldrin, and p,p‐DDT. Water samples were analyzed for selected physico‐chemical parameters. The extraction efficiency for the selected pesticides is between 82.8% and 91.2%. The maximum concentrations of pesticide residues in Kolleru Lake fish on wet weight basis are 123.8 μg/g for α‐BHC, 98.7 μg/g for γ‐BHC, 2.5 μg/g for malathion, 88.6 μg/g for chlorpyrifos, 0.91 μg/g for isodrin, 76.5 μg/g for endosulfan, 1.98 μg/g for dieldrin, and 157.4 μg/g for p,p′‐DDT. These analyses were used to evaluate the baseline data and the pesticide pollution in the lake's ecosystem. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 550–556, 2001
The acute and chronic toxicity of cadmium and zinc to two hydra species
Authors: Holdway Douglas A. , Lok Katrina , Semaan Michael 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe potential of two hydra species, Hydra vulgaris (pink) and Hydra viridissima (green), for use as invertebrate models for toxicity testing of waterborne metals was investigated. The acute and subchronic toxicities of cadmium (a nonessential metal) and zinc (an essential metal) were determined. Results showed that both the hydra species were more sensitive to cadmium than to zinc, and that green hydra were more sensitive than pink hydra. The mean (SE) 96 h LC50 values of cadmium and zinc for pink hydra were 83 (8.5) and 2300 (150) μg/L, respectively. For green hydra, the respective 96 h LC50 values for cadmium and zinc were 3.0 (0.0) and 935 (46.5) μg/L. The respective 7‐day no‐observed‐effect‐concentrations (NOEC) and lowest‐observed‐effect‐concentrations (LOEC) for pink hydra were <13 and 13 μg/L for cadmium, and <250 and 250 μg/L for zinc. The respective 7‐day NOEC and LOEC values for green hydra were 0.4 and 0.8, μg/L for cadmium, and 38 and 75 μg/L for zinc. Neither 1, 2, or 3 × 90‐min pulse‐exposures to 0.4, 0.8, or 1.5 μg/L of cadmium had any significant deleterious effect on total green hydra numbers after seven days in clean water. Green hydra appeared to be excellent freshwater invertebrate models for testing dissolved metals based on their sensitivity and the ability to rapidly assess population reproduction in the laboratory. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 557–565, 2001
Comparative sensitivity of three populations of the cladoceran Moinodaphnia macleayi to acute and chronic uranium exposure
Authors: Semaan M. , Holdway D. A. , van Dam R. A. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAssessment of differences in the response of three different populations of the tropical cladoceran Moinodaphnia macleayi to uranium exposure was evaluated. The populations tested included a laboratory stock (maintained for 10 years), a wild population collected from Bowerbird Billabong (an uncontaminated environment), and a population collected from Djalkmara Billabong (a relatively contaminated environment with elevated levels of uranium), located on the Ranger uranium mine site, Jabiru East, NT, Australia. Chronic and acute toxicity of uranium was determined for all three populations. The no‐observed‐effect‐concentration (NOEC; reproduction) and lowest observed‐effect‐concentration (LOEC; reproduction) for uranium ranged between 8–31 μg L−1 and 20–49 μg L−1, respectively, for all three populations. The 48 h EC50 (immobilization–lethality) for uranium ranged between 160–390 μg L−1 for all three populations. There was little difference in the response of the three populations of M. macleayi to acute and chronic uranium exposure, although the response of the laboratory population to chronic uranium exposure appeared more variable than the “wild” populations. There was no apparent tolerance in the population of M. macleayi obtained from Djalkmara Billabong when exposed to elevated levels of uranium. M. macleayi was significantly more sensitive to uranium exposure than other species previously tested. It was concluded that the sensitivity of the laboratory population (to uranium) is still representative of natural M. macleayi populations. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 365–376, 2001
Increased cardiac atrial‐to‐ventricular length ratio in the fetal four‐chamber view: a new marker for atrioventricular septal defects
Authors: Machlitt A. , Heling K.‐S. , Chaoui R. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjectivesAtrioventricular septal defects (AVSDs) are the most common cardiac abnormality in fetuses with numerical chromosomal aberrations, in particular trisomy 21. The majority of AVSDs are not detected by routine ultrasound examination in pregnancy. We report two simple cardiac measurements that may substantially improve antenatal detection of AVSDs.MethodsCross‐sectional ultrasound images through the fetal thorax demonstrating the four‐chamber plane of the heart were obtained in 123 normal fetuses between 10 and 38 weeks of gestation. Heart length was measured at the level of interventricular septum by placing the calipers on the epicardium at the apex of the heart and on the endocardium at the top of the atrium. Ventricular length was measured by shifting the atrial caliper to the crossing point of the ventricular septum and mitral valve. Atrial length was calculated as the difference between the heart length and ventricular length. Based on these measurements, the atrial‐to‐ventricular length (AVL) ratio was calculated. Data were compared to measurements from 29 consecutive fetuses with AVSD between 13 and 39 weeks of gestation.ResultsIn normal fetuses, the AVL ratio did not change with gestation and the mean AVL ratio was 0.47 (95% prediction interval 0.35 to 0.63). In the AVSD group, the mean AVL ratio was 0.77 (range, 0.59–0.99). If a cut‐off value for the AVL ratio of 0.6 was chosen, the detection rate of AVSD was 86.2% at a 5.7% false‐positive rate. For a 100% detection rate, the false‐positive rate was 7.3%.ConclusionsThe AVL ratio can accurately discriminate between hearts with AVSDs and normal cardiac anatomy. Incorporation of the AVL ratio measurement into routine antenatal ultrasonography may substantially improve the ability to diagnose AVSDs antenatally. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional power Doppler imaging of early‐stage cervical cancer
Authors: Hsu K.‐F. , Su J.‐M. , Huang S.‐C. , Cheng Y.‐M. , Kang C.‐Y. , Shen M.‐R. , Chang F.‐M. , Chou C.‐Y. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo characterize intratumoral vascularization in early‐stage cervical cancer by three‐dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound.MethodsOne hundred and forty‐one patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix and 30 normal controls were studied by transvaginal 3D power Doppler ultrasound. The tumor volume of the cervical cancer was determined. The blood flow within the tumor or normal cervix was measured and expressed as the vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI).ResultsOf the 141 patients with cervical cancer, 44 patients had undergone prior cervical conization. Eighty‐seven patients had measurable cervical tumors, of whom five had had prior conization. Abundant intratumoral power Doppler signals could be detected, and the VI, FI and VFI were significantly elevated in cervical cancer patients compared with women with a normal cervix and patients in whom no cervical tumor could be detected (P < 0.05, one‐way ANOVA). We observed four types of intratumoral vascularity patterns, which did not significantly differ in VI, FI and VFI: localized, peripheral, scattered and single‐vessel types. Cervical tumor volume was positively correlated with FI (linear regression, r = 0.373, P = 0.001), but not with VI or VFI.Conclusions3D power Doppler ultrasound provides a useful tool to investigate intratumoral vascularization and volume of cervical cancer. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of color and power Doppler ultrasound in the prenatal diagnosis of sirenomelia
Authors: Patel S. , Suchet I. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSirenomelia is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by a variety of anomalies involving the lower limbs, severe oligohydramnios, bilateral renal agenesis, anorectal atresia and aberrant fetal vasculature. The prenatal diagnosis and differentiation from isolated bilateral renal agenesis is severely limited by the accompanying oligohydramnios that hinders visualization of fetal anatomy. We present three prospectively assessed cases of sirenomelia, two of which had bilateral renal agenesis, and all of which had a single umbilical artery derived from the aberrant vasculature that accompanies the syndrome. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphometric analysis of Mexican and South American populations of the Anastrepha fraterculus complex (Diptera: Tephritidae) and recognition of a distinct Mexican morphotype
Authors: Hernández-Ortiz V. , Gómez-Anaya J.A. , Sánchez A. , McPheron B.A. , Aluja M. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractDiscriminant function and cluster analyses were performed on 19 morphometric variables of the aculeus, wing and mesonotum to determine whether populations of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) from different parts of Mexico could be distinguished from populations from South America., Samples were collected from seven localities across Mexico, two from Brazil, and one each from Colombia and Argentina. Results showed there were statistically significant differences between Mexican and South American populations with respect to the aculeus (tip length, length of serrated section, mean number of teeth) and wing (width of S-band and connection between S- and V-bands). The degree of morphological variation observed among Mexican populations was extremely low, and as a consequence, the Mexican populations were identified as a single morphotype by discriminant analysis. The ‘Andean morphotype’ consisting of the Colombian population, and the ‘Brazilian morphotype’ consisting of the two Brazilian populations plus the single Argentinian population were also distinguished. It was concluded that the macro-geographical morphotypes from Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil plus Argentina correspond to three distinct taxonomic entities. Comparisons of results with those obtained from behavioural, karyotypic, isozyme and DNA studies suggest that sufficient evidence now exists to name a new Mexican species from within the A. fraterculus complex. This will be done in a separate publication. A provisional key to the morphotypes of A. fraterculus studied is provided.
Immunoproliferative small intestinal disease (IPSID): a model for mature B-cell neoplasms
Authors: Al-Saleem Tahseen , Al-Mondhiry Hamid 
Published: November 2004

AbstractImmunoproliferative small intestinal disease (IPSID) was recently added to the growing list of infectious pathogen-associated human lymphomas. Molecular and immunohistochemical studies demonstrated an association with Campylobacter jejuni. IPSID is a variant of the B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), which involves mainly the proximal small intestine resulting in malabsorption, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Geographically, IPSID is most prevalent in the Middle East and Africa. IPSID lymphomas reveal excessive plasma cell differentiation and produce truncated α heavy chain proteins lacking the light chains as well as the first constant domain. The corresponding mRNA lacks the variable heavy chain (VH) and the constant heavy chain 1 (CH1) sequences and contains deletions as well as insertions of unknown origin. The encoding gene sequence reveals a deletion of V region and parts of CH1 domain. Cytogenetic studies demonstrated clonal rearrangements involving predominantly the heavy and light chain genes, including t(9;14) translocation involving the PAX5 gene. Early-stage IPSID responds to antibiotics (30%-70% complete remission). Most untreated IPSID patients progress to lymphoplasmacytic and immunoblastic lymphoma invading the intestinal wall and mesenteric lymph nodes, and may metastasize to a distant organ. IPSID lymphoma shares clinical, morphologic, and molecular features with MALT lymphoma, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, and plasma cell neoplasms.
Stimulation of allergen-loaded macrophages by TLR9-ligand potentiates IL-10-mediated suppression of allergic airway inflammation in mice
Authors: Vissers Joost LM , van Esch Betty CAM , Jeurink Prescilla V , Hofman Gerard A , van Oosterhout Antoon JM 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
Previously, we demonstrated that OVA-loaded macrophages (OVA-Mφ) partially suppress OVA-induced airway manifestations of asthma in BALB/c mice. In vitro studies showed that OVA-Mφ start to produce IL-10 upon interaction with allergen-specific T cells, which might mediate their immunosuppressive effects. Herein, we examined whether IL-10 is essential for the immunosuppressive effects of OVA-Mφ in vivo, and whether ex vivo stimulation of the IL-10 production by OVA-Mφ could enhance these effects.

Methods
Peritoneal Mφ were loaded with OVA and stimulated with LPS or immunostimulatory sequence oligodeoxynucleotide (ISS-ODN) in vitro. The increase of IL-10 production was examined and, subsequently, ex vivo stimulated OVA-Mφ were used to treat (i.v.) OVA-sensitized mice. To further explore whether Mφ-derived IL-10 mediates the immunosuppressive effects, Mφ isolated from IL-10-/- mice were used for treatment.

Results
We found that stimulation with LPS or ISS-ODN highly increased the IL-10 production by OVA-Mφ (2.5-fold and 4.5-fold increase, respectively). ISS-ODN stimulation of OVA-Mφ significantly potentiated the suppressive effects on allergic airway inflammation. Compared to sham-treatment, ISS-ODN-stimulated OVA-Mφ suppressed the airway eosinophilia by 85% (vs. 30% by unstimulated OVA-Mφ), IL-5 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by 80% (vs. 50%) and serum OVA-specific IgE levels by 60% (vs. 30%). Importantly, IL-10-/-Mφ that were loaded with OVA and stimulated with ISS-ODN ex vivo, failed to suppress OVA-induced airway inflammation.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that Mφ-derived IL-10 mediates anti-inflammatory responses in a mouse model of allergic asthma, which both can be potentiated by stimulation with ISS-ODN.
Random allocation software for parallel group randomized trials
Authors: Saghaei Mahmood 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
Typically, randomization software should allow users to exert control over the different aspects of randomization including block design, provision of unique identifiers and control over the format and type of program output. While some of these characteristics have been addressed by available software, none of them have all of these capabilities integrated into one package. The main objective of the Random Allocation Software project was to enhance the user's control over different aspects of randomization in parallel group trials, including output type and format, structure and ordering of generated unique identifiers and enabling users to specify group names for more than two groups.

Results
The program has different settings for: simple and blocked randomizations; length, format and ordering of generated unique identifiers; type and format of program output; and saving sessions for future use. A formatted random list generated by this program can be used directly (without further formatting) by the coordinator of the research team to prepare and encode different drugs or instruments necessary for the parallel group trial.

Conclusions
Random Allocation Software enables users to control different attributes of the random allocation sequence and produce qualified lists for parallel group trials.
Properties and expression of human tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5a by monocyte-derived cells
Authors: Janckila Anthony J , Parthasarathy Ranga N , Parthasarathy Latha K , Seelan Ratnam S , Hsueh Yi-Cheung , Rissanen Jukka , Alatalo Sari L , Halleen Jussi M , Yam Lung T 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Human serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase exists as two enzyme isoforms (TRACP 5a and 5b), derived by differential, post-translational processing of a common gene product. Serum TRACP 5b is from bone-resorbing osteoclasts (OC) and becomes elevated in diseases of increased bone resorption. TRACP 5a is secreted by macrophages (MΦ) and dendritic cells (DC) and is increased in many patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Our purpose was to fully characterize the properties of human TRACP isoforms and to produce an antibody specific to TRACP 5a for use as a biomarker in chronic inflammatory diseases. Partially purified, natural serum TRACP isoforms and recombinant TRACP 5a (rTRACP 5a) were compared with respect to specific activity and subunit structure and presence of sialic acid. Mice were immunized with rTRACP 5a, and resulting hybridomas were screened for monoclonal antibody to serum TRACP 5a. One antibody, 220, was tested for its epitope specificity and use in various immunological techniques. rTRACP 5a had properties identical to serum TRACP 5a. Antibody 220 was specific for the trypsin-sensitive epitope in the loop peptide, present only in TRACP 5a. Antibody 220 was effective for specific immunoprecipitation, immunoassay, and immunoblot of TRACP 5a. Intact TRACP was present in MΦ, DC, and OC. TRACP 5a was the predominant isoform secreted by MΦ and DC, whereas TRACP 5b was the predominant isoform secreted by OC. TRACP isoforms 5a and 5b may have different functions inside and outside of monocyte-derived cells. Antibody 220 is an important resource for studies of the biosynthetic relationship among TRACP isoforms and of the significance of serum TRACP 5a as a marker in diseases of bone metabolism and inflammation.