bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VEGF inhibits T-cell development and may contribute to tumor-induced immune suppression
Authors: Ohm Joyce E. , Gabrilovich Dmitry I. , Sempowski Gregory D. , Kisseleva Ekaterina , Parman Kelly S. , Nadaf Sorena , Carbone David P. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractT-cell defects and premature thymic atrophy occur in cancer patients and tumor-bearing animals. We demonstrate that exposure of mice to recombinant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at concentrations similar to those observed in advanced stage cancer patients reproduces this profound thymic atrophy and is highlighted by a dramatic reduction in CD4+/CD8+ thymocytes. We find that VEGF does not induce thymocyte apoptosis, but instead rapidly decreases the number of the earliest observable progenitors in the thymus. VEGF does not inhibit thymocyte development in fetal thymic organ culture, further suggesting a prethymic effect. We also demonstrate that bone marrow progenitors from animals infused with recombinant VEGF and transferred to irradiated untreated animals recolonize the thymus more efficiently than progenitors from control animals. This suggests that VEGF exposure is associated with an increased population of thymus-committed progenitors in the bone marrow. We hypothesize that pathophysiologically relevant concentrations of VEGF may block the differentiation and/or emigration of these progenitors resulting in the observed thymic atrophy. Removal of VEGF via cessation of infusion or adoptive transfer of progenitors to a congenic host induces a preferential commitment of lymphoid progenitors to the T lineage and results in a restoration of the normal composition and cellularity of the thymus. These data demonstrate that at pathophysiologic concentrations, VEGF interferes with the development of T cells from early hematopoetic progenitor cells and this may contribute to tumor-associated immune deficiencies.
IL-15 is an essential mediator of peripheral NK-cell homeostasis
Authors: Ranson Thomas , Vosshenrich Christian A. J. , Corcuff Erwan , Richard Odile , Müller Werner , Di Santo James P. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractSeveral distinct classes of surface receptors can, on ligand binding, transmit signals that modulate the survival, proliferation, and apoptosis of peripheral B, T, and natural killer (NK) cells. At the population level, dynamic changes in lymphocyte cell numbers are strictly regulated to maintain a steady state, a process referred to as homeostasis. Although several studies have investigated the signals that regulate B- and T-cell homeostasis, little is known about the mechanisms that control the survival and proliferation of peripheral NK cells. Using an adoptive transfer system, we have investigated the role of γc-dependent cytokines, in particular interleukin 7 (IL-7) and IL-15, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules in peripheral NK-cell homeostasis. We observed that IL-15 plays a dominant role in the survival of peripheral NK cells, via maintenance of the antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2. IL-15 availability, however, also plays an important role because endogenous NK cells in the recipient mice influence the behavior of adoptively transferred NK cells. Finally, although NK cells bear functional inhibitory Ly49 receptors for MHC class I molecules, the presence or absence of specific ligands on host cells did not influence the survival or homeostatic expansion of donor NK cells.
Obstructive sleep apnoea and diabetes mellitus: the role of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Ficker J.H. , Dertinger S.H. , Siegfried W. , König H.J. , Pentz M. , Sailer D. , Katalinic A. , Hahn E.G. 
Published: February 2003

Knowledge of conditions associated with an increased prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may help to identify patients with OSA and might give some insight into the pathogenesis of OSA and its sequelae. A number of earlier, smaller studies hinted at an association between diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (AN) and OSA. The present study was, therefore, conducted with the aim of establishing the prevalence of OSA in diabetics with AN and of determining whether OSA is more prevalent in diabetics with AN, than in those without.We studied two groups of diabetic patients: 23 with and 25 without AN. All patients were evaluated for possible OSA (apnoea/hypopnoea index Š10) using initial ambulatory screening followed by polysomnography.Six patients with AN (26%) were found to have OSA, but none of the patients without AN met the diagnostic criteria (p<0.01). When the patients with OSA were compared to those without, no differences were found in terms of age, sex, body mass index or diabetes type or duration.In conclusion, about one in four diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy suffers from OSA. Thus, obstructive sleep apnoea is more prevalent in diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy, than in those without.
Cardiorespiratory consequences of sleep apnoea syndrome in patients with massive obesity
Authors: Laaban J-P. , Cassuto D. , Orvoën-Frija E. , Iliou M-C. , Mundler O. , Léger D. , Oppert J-M. 
Published: February 2003

Assessment of cardiorespiratory consequences of sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) is difficult owing to confounding factors, especially obesity, that are strongly associated with SAS. This study was designed to assess the cardiorespiratory consequences of SAS by comparing the results of a comprehensive cardiorespiratory evaluation in apnoeic and nonapnoeic patients with massive obesity.In a retrospective chart-review study, we studied 60 patients with massive obesity defined by a body mass index (BMI) >40 kg·m-2, presenting no chronic respiratory disease, who underwent an extensive assessment of cardiorespiratory consequences of obesity, including overnight polysomnography, lung function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, evaluation of vascular risk factors, myocardial scintigraphy with dipyridamole stress-test, isotopic ventriculography, Doppler echocardiography and Holter electrocardiogram recording.SAS defined by an apnoea + hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥10 was diagnosed in 42% of patients (25 out of 60). Mean±sdAHI of SAS-positive (SAS+) patients was 38±24. Age, BMI, ventilatory function parameters, prevalence of smoking history and diabetes mellitus did not differ significantly in SAS+versusSAS-negative (SAS-) groups. The following complications were observed more frequently in SAS+ than in SAS- patients: daytime hypoxaemia (35vs9%, p<0.02), pulmonary arterial hypertension (36vs7%, p<0.05) and increased interventricular septal thickness (50vs15%, p<0.03). No association was found between SAS on the one hand and systemic arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, left ventricular dysfunction and nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias on the other.Nocturnal apnoeas in massive obesity may thus be associated with moderate daytime hypoxaemia, mild pulmonary arterial hypertension and moderate left ventricular hypertrophy, but not with severe cardiorespiratory complications.
Nonlinear balanced models for stratified fluids conserving Ertel–Rossby PV
Authors: Ziemia'Nski Micha Z. , Thorpe Alan J. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractA derivation of consistent balanced models for stratified fluids conserving the Ertel–Rossby potential vorticity (PV) is presented. It is used to develop a set of balanced models incorporating new omega equations valid for flow regimes from synoptic scale to mesoscale. The models are developed for quasi‐Boussinesq and real atmospheres, and for adiabatic and frictionless as well as non‐conservative processes. The new omega equations allow the identification of additional forcing of the vertical velocity due to the ageostrophic and stability effects, and the modification of atmospheric response due to the non‐Boussinesq effects. It is shown that the new omega equation, valid beyond the limit of small Rossby number, allows for a subjective analysis of the vertical‐velocity forcing based on an approach involving the isentropic upgliding, Ertel–Rossby PV advection and boundary temperature advection. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Variational assimilation of radar reflectivities in a cirrus model. II: Optimal initialization and model bias estimation
Authors: Benedetti Angela , Stephens Graeme L. , Vukićević Tomislava 
Published: February 2003

AbstractIn this paper the microphysical model of cirrus clouds introduced in a related study is used to assimilate radar data. A variational approach is developed, based on a method of optimal estimation which makes use of the gradient information provided by the adjoint of the model to minimize a quadratic cost function. Multiple experiments to probe different solutions to the assimilation problem are conducted using both synthetic reflectivities and real observations. Various model and environment parameters are tested as control variables. Results indicate that specific humidity is a viable control variable at cloud levels. Even though this field is only indirectly related to the radar signal, information about the ambient humidity in which the cloud formed may be extracted from the radar reflectivities by using the cloud model in conjunction with the observations. The adjustment of the specific‐humidity profile brings the model solution closer to the observed values by increasing the crystal number concentration. Systematic errors in the prognostic variables are also estimated as part of the optimization process by including a model bias term in the cost function. This is equivalent to relaxing the assumption of ‘perfect’ model, and allows for better assimilation results when both model bias evaluation and optimal initialization are performed. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Polyflex stent: is it radiopaque enough?
Authors: Jog M. , Anderson D. E. , McGarry G. W. 
Published: February 2003

We report a case of tracheal stenosis in which a migrated Polyflex (Rusch AG, Germany) stent entered the right main bronchus but could not be identified on the chest radiograph. The stent was identified at bronchoscopy and removed under general anaesthesia.Polyflex stents are radiopaque but may not always show up on radiograph. We recommend reliance on clinical symptoms rather than imaging to diagnose migration. If stent migration is suspected then imaging should include thoracic inlet films that incorporate a lateral view.
External cause‐specific summaries of occupational fatal injuries. Part I: An analysis of rates
Authors: John Bailer A. , Bena James F. , Stayner Leslie T. , Halperin William E. , Park Robert M. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractBackgroundIndustries and occupations vary with respect to the incidence of fatal injuries and their causes.MethodsFatalities from the National Traumatic Occupational Fatality database (years 1983–1994) serve as the basis for examining external cause of death code specific rates. Industries and occupations are compared with respect to rate and frequency of fatal injuries. In addition, external causes of injury (E‐codes) are examined across all industries and occupations as well as within industries and occupations to evaluate which events would be identified by frequency ordered comparisons versus injury rate ordered comparisons.ResultsMachinery, electric current, homicide, falls, and transportation‐related events are identified by high frequency and rate of occurrence.ConclusionsThe external cause categories of homicide, machinery‐related, motor‐vehicle‐related, electric current, and falls, account for over one‐half of all occupational fatal injuries. Targeted interventions in homicide may be especially warranted in sales and service occupations and in the retail trade and services industries. In addition, younger workers might be targeted for special interventions designed to identify hazardous practices, procedures, and solutions to reduce fatalities associated with electrocution or falls from buildings. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:237–250, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Renal cell cancer risk and occupational exposure to trichloroethylene: Results of a consecutive case‐control study in Arnsberg, Germany
Authors: Brüning Thomas , Pesch Beate , Wiesenhütter Bernd , Rabstein Sylvia , Lammert Marga , Baumüller Axel , Bolt Hermann M. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractBackgroundGerman studies of high exposure prevalence have been debated on the renal carcinogenicity of trichloroethylene (TRI).MethodsA consecutive hospital‐based case‐control study with 134 renal cell cancer (RCC) cases and 401 controls was conducted to reevaluate the risk of TRI in this region which were estimated in a previous study. Exposure was self‐assessed to compare these studies. Additionally, the job history was analyzed, using expert‐based exposure information.ResultsThe logistic regression results, adjusted for age, gender, and smoking, confirmed a TRI‐related RCC risk in this region. Using the database CAREX for a comparison of industries with and without TRI exposure, a significant excess risk was estimated for the longest held job in TRI‐exposing industries (odds ratio (OR) 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–3.20). Any exposure in “metal degreasing” was a RCC risk factor (OR 5.57, 95% CI 2.33–13.32). Self‐reported narcotic symptoms, indicative of peak exposures, were associated with an excess risk (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.80–7.54).ConclusionsThe study supports the human nephrocarcinogenicity of trichloroethylene. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:274–285, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pancreatic cancer mortality and organochlorine pesticide exposure in California, 1989–1996
Authors: Clary Tim , Ritz Beate 
Published: February 2003

AbstractBackgroundOccupational studies have suggested a possible link between organochlorine pesticides and the occurrence of pancreatic cancers. California maintains a death file and a pesticide reporting system that allows examination of this relationship for residents of high use areas.MethodsWe employed a mortality odds ratio design to compare deaths from pancreatic cancer (1989–1996) with a random sample of non‐cancer deaths. Using pesticide data for three agricultural counties, we classified 102 ZIP codes in quartiles of pesticide usage for 1972–1989. Using logistic regression we estimated the effect of pesticide applications by ZIP code controlling for possible confounders.ResultsAmong long‐term residents, pancreatic cancer mortality was elevated for those living in ZIP codes with the highest use of four pesticides: 1,3‐dichloropropene (1,3‐d), captafol, pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB), and dieldrin. No dose‐response relationship was observed.ConclusionsOur study suggests increased pancreatic cancer mortality among long‐term residents in areas of high application rates of 1,3‐d (an EPA‐classified probable human carcinogen), captafol, pentacholoronitrobenzene (PCNB), and dieldrin. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:306–313, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
External cause‐specific summaries of occupational fatal injuries. Part II: An analysis of years of potential life lost
Authors: Bailer A. John , Bena James F. , Stayner Leslie T. , Halperin William E. , Park Robert M. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractBackgroundFatal injury surveillance data provide an opportunity to assess the impact of occupational injuries and may indicate which industries or occupations are appreciably more hazardous than others, and thus should be given priority in public health intervention.MethodsFatalities from the National Traumatic Occupational Fatality surveillance system served as the basis for examining external cause (E‐code) specific impact summaries. Years of potential life lost (YPLL) were calculated for fatal injuries in the years 1983–1994. Industries and occupations were compared with respect to frequency of fatal injuries. In addition, injuries in categories of external causes are examined across all industries and occupations.ResultsMachinery, electric current, homicide, falls, and transportation‐related are the external cause groups highlighted by high frequency/rate of occurrence. Electric current event groups are also characterized by high average YPLL. Poisoning, conflagration, and lightning were also identified in several occupations as having high associated average YPLL.ConclusionsThe external‐cause‐specific analysis of average YPLL identified industries and occupations where, on average, younger workers were dying in fatal injuries. Noteworthy in this assessment were homicides and falls. The YPLL measure coupled with more commonly employed indices (e.g., rates) may provide a fuller description of the impact of occupational fatal injuries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:251–261, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RE: An alternate characterization of hazard in occupational epidemiology: years of life lost per years worked. Am J Ind Med 42:1–10, 2002
Authors: Park Robert M. , Bailer A. John , Stayner Leslie T. , Halperin William , Gilbert Stephen J. , Smith Randal J. , Bena James F. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractTo the Editor:We thank Dr. Morfeld for his interest and appreciate the careful and detailed effort that he has undertaken in analyzing our recent study on work‐related years of potential life lost [Park et al., 2003]. Dr. Morfeld is concerned that our approach, while "attractive in its simplicity," may suffer from several sources of bias. However, upon examination, his specific example appears to us to be inappropriate.A key element in Dr. Morfeld's argument for two of the sources of bias is a hypothetical population in which deaths resulting from an exposure are arbitrarily postulated to have been moved forward in time by 5 years. This stipulation was not derived from empirical evidence or a failure‐time model, and ignores the reference population's survival characteristics as summarized in a relevant life‐table.
Synthesis of polystyrene/poly(butyl acrylate) core–shell latex and its surface morphology
Authors: Kim Sang Hern , Son Won Keun , Kim Yong Joo , Kang Eu‐Gene , Kim Dong‐Won , Park Chang Woo , Kim Whan‐Gi , Kim Hyung‐Joong 
Published: February 2003

AbstractA polystyrene (PS)/poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) composite emulsion was produced by seeded emulsion polymerization of butyl acrylate (BA) with PS seed particles which were prepared by emulsifier‐free polymerization of styrene with potassium persulfate (KPS) under a nitrogen atmosphere at 70°C for 24 h with stirring at 60 rpm and swelled with the BA monomer in an ethanol/water medium. The structure of the PS/PBA composite particles was confirmed by the presence of the characteristic absorption band attributed to PS and PBA from FTIR spectra. The particles for pure PS and PS/PBA with a low content of the BA monomer were almost spherical and regular. As the BA monomer content was increased, the particle size of the PS/PBA composite particles became larger, and more golf ball‐like particles were produced. The surface morphology of the PS/PBA composite particles was investigated by AFM and SEM. The Tg's attributed to PS and PBA in the PS/PBA composite particles were found at 110 and −49°C, respectively. The thermal degradation of the pure PS and PS/PBA composite particles occurred in one and two steps, respectively. With an increasing amount of PBA, the initial thermal decomposition temperature increased. On the contrary the residual weight at 450°C decreased with an increasing amount of PBA. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 595–601, 2003
Synthesis of poly(glycerol methacrylate) and its application to dimensional stabilization of wood
Authors: Soulounganga Patrice , Marion Catherine , Huber Francoise , Gerardin Philippe 
Published: February 2003

AbstractThe dimensional stabilization of wood is investigated using poly(glycerol methacrylate) (PGMA) prepared from polyglycerol and glycidyl methacrylate instead of the well‐known poly(ethylene glycol). PGMA allows waterborne treatment of wood, which after polymerization leads to the formation of a wood polymer composite with improved dimensional stability. Microscopic observations and a picture analysis permit the location of PGMA in the wood cell walls and explains the dimensional stabilization by its bulking effect. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 743–749, 2003
Synthesis and properties of copolyesters of p,p′‐bibenzoic acid, dimer acid, and alkylene glycol
Authors: Tsai Hong‐Bing , Lee Da‐Kong , Tsai Ruey‐Shi 
Published: February 2003

AbstractCopolyesters of p,p′‐bibenzoic acid, dimer acid, and an alkylene glycol are prepared by melt polycondensation of of dimethyl p,p′‐bibenzoate, dimer acid, and an alkylene glycol. The copolyesters are characterized by the inherent viscosity, FTIR, proton NMR, DSC, polarized microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The polymer composition and sequence distribution of the copolyesters can be seen from the NMR spectra. The copolyesters exhibit a degree of randomness of about 1, indicating that they are random copolymers. The glass‐transition temperature (Tg) and the melting point (Tm) of the copolyesters are found from the DSC heating curves. When the content of the flexible dimer acid unit increases, the Tg of the copolyesters decreases significantly. The copolymerization effect decreases the crystallinity and the Tm of the copolyesters. It can be seen from the DSC, polarized microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction data that some copolyesters derived from 1,6‐hexanediol and 1,5‐pentanediol exhibit a monotropic smectic phase. As the molar content of the dimer acid unit increases, the isotropic–mectic transition temperature and the smectic order decreases significantly. The liquid crystallinity is completely destroyed at certain molar contents of the dimer acid unit. The smectic order of the copolyesters derived from 1,6‐hexanediol is significantly higher than that of the copolyesters derived from 1,5‐pentanediol, and it is described as an odd–even effect. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 750–758, 2003
Blends of liquid crystalline polyester–polyurethane and epoxy: Preparation and properties
Authors: Tan Song Ting , Wei Chun , Wang Xia Yu , Zhang Ming Qiu , Zeng Han Mim 
Published: February 2003

AbstractA novel liquid crystalline polyester–polyurethane (LCPU) that contains polyester mesogenic units was synthesized in the present work. Through a careful investigation of the structure and morphology of the LCPU, it was found that the home‐synthesized LCPU is a highly birefringent thermotropic nematic liquid crystal. After being blended with bisphenol‐A epoxy, the liquid crystalline polymer can, simultaneously, improve the impact strength and the glass transition temperature as well as the tensile strength and the tensile modulus of the blends. It was proved to be an efficient toughening agent for epoxy without the expense of other properties. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 783–787, 2003