bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood and Tissue Findings in the Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischaemia: An Experimental study
Authors: Aydın Metin , Güler Osman , Uǧras Serdar , Bakır Bahtiyar , Şekeroǧlu Ramazan 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
In this experimental study, after inducing mesenteric ischaemia in dogs, we investigated routine blood biochemistry, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, histopathological changes and tissue MDA levels in the liver and intestines. The study group included 10 dogs. Six dogs which underwent sham operation served as controls. In the study group, the MDA level in liver tissue increased after superior mesenteric artery (SMA) ligation. Various degrees of necrosis were seen in the ileal biopsies 10 hours after the ligation. Hyperaemia and focal necrosis in the liver accompanied the intestinal necrosis if it was limited within the mucosa. However, massive or centrilobular necrosis was observed in the liver of those dogs which had intestinal necrosis that extended into muscular layers. MDA levels in intestinal tissue measured after SMA ligation were significantly higher than the preligation levels. On the other hand, the difference between serum and tissue MDA levels was not significant. The alterations in MDA were not significant in the sham group. Thus it is concluded that the serum MDA levels are valuable markers of diagnosis in intestinal ischaemia.
Erroneous Monocyte and Neutrophil Counts with the Sysmex NE-1500 in Patients Recovering from Bone Marrow Aplasia
Authors: Van Acker Jos , Wilmes Pascale , Philippé Jan 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The Sysmex NE-1500 is a haematological analyser which offers five-part differential counts. The instrument was submitted to an extensive evaluation procedure before acceptance to the laboratory and was found to perform satisfactorily. However, problems arose in clinical practice with the analysis of samples from patients recovering from bone marrow aplasia. Falsely low monocyte counts and, controversely, falsely high neutrophil counts were found in these patients. Only a minority (13%) of these samples were flagged as abnormal by the instrument. The most alarming consequence of these results is the overestimation of neutrophils and the exclusion of these patients from reimbursement for treatment with growth factors. We conclude that in patients recovering from aplasia, differential counts performed with the Sysmex NE series should always be checked manually.
N-Benzoyl, L-Glutamic Acid as a Suitable Internal Standard for the Analysis of trans,trans-Muconic Acid in Human Urine by Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Renom Gilles , Bruneau Nathalie , Mizon Jacques 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Urinary trans,trans-muconic acid is a sensitive biomarker for low level benzene exposure. The method described by Ducos et al. (Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1990; 62:529–34) is commonly used for its determination. In this study, we demonstrate that N-benzoyl, L-glutamic acid added to urine samples is a suitable internal standard to control trans,trans-muconic acid recovery after solid phase extraction of urine and to compensate for variations which might occur during high-performance liquid chromatography analysis.
Characterisation and Evaluation of External Quality Assessment Scheme Serum
Authors: Middle Jonathan G. , Libeer Jean-Claude , Malakhov Vladimir , Penttilä Ilkka 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
This work reviews the procurement, specification and manufacture of serum for external quality assessment (EQA) and provides a checklist for scheme organisers. Guidance on the assessment of commutability and notes on the use of EQA materials to assess assay problems are provided. The importance of the appropriateness of materials in respect of scheme design and objectives, and the essential nature of a detailed specification prior to manufacture are emphasised.
Comparison of Two Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Methods for Detection of AML1/ETO Rearrangement in the M2 Subtype of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Barragán Eva , Bonanad Santiago , López José-Antonio , Bolufer Pascual , Sanz Miguel-Angel 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Two reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction methods to detect the AML1/ETO rearrangement in the M2 subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia those of Downing et al. (Blood 1993; 81:2860–5) and Satake et al.(Br J Haematol 1995; 91:892–8) were evaluated.
Bone marrow samples, one at diagnosis and two in complete remission from a patient with M2 subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia, with t(8;21), were analysed using both methods. The Kasumi-1 cell line was used as a positive control and a patient with M3 subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia as a negative control. To confirm the feasibility of Satake's method a group of 35 patients with subtypes of acute myeloid leukaemia at diagnosis were studied.
The method of Downing requires Southern blotting and hybridization with a specific probe because it often generates non-specific amplification products. By contrast, the method of Satake yields only a single amplification product, using one single round of PCR in samples at diagnosis, or two rounds in complete remission samples. The sensitivity of this method allows the detection of a single Kasumi-1 cell in 106 normal cells. The AML1/ETO rearrangement was observed in 5 of the 35 cases of acute myeloid leukaemia at diagnosis (14.3%) and in 3 of the 14 cases of M2 subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia (21.4%). The two remaining positive cases corresponded to the acute myeloid leukaemia subtypes M4 and M6. The results indicate that the method of Satake better meets the requirements of the clinical laboratory due to its greater simplicity, specificity, sensitivity and feasibility, thus making it more appropriate for use in diagnosing and monitoring minimal residual disease.
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defenses in Renal Patients Receiving Regular Haemodialysis
Authors: Fiorillo Claudia , Oliviero Ciro , Rizzuti Giovanni , Nediani Chiara , Pacini Alessandra , Nassi Paolo 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Patients with chronic renal failure, and particularly those receiving regular haemodialysis, have a high incidence of premature cardiovascular disease. Oxidative stress, which causes lipid peroxidation, may contribute to increase the risk of atherosclerosis. The results of the present study indicate that lipid peroxidation products (malonaldehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals) are significantly increased in plasma of renal patients before dialysis and, although reduced, remained above the normal range after this treatment. Moreover, production of free radicals and reactive oxygen metabolites was increased in chronic renal failure patients, especially after dialysis. On the other hand, the antioxidant defenses of those patients were higher than those of normal subjects, as judged from the plasma levels of specific antioxidant molecules and from the plasma antioxidant capacity.
We also found that triglycerides were significantly higher in renal patients, both before and after dialysis, than in the control group.
These results suggest that patients on chronic haemodialysis are particularly prone to oxidative stress and that dialysis itself may worsen this condition. Rather than to a weakening of antioxidant defenses, the susceptibility of chronic renal failure patients to oxidative stress might be ascribed to an increased free radical and reactive oxygen metabolite production and to increased levels of oxidizable substrates, notably triglycerides with their unsaturated fatty acids.
Assessment of Serum Total and Bone Alkaline Phosphatase Measurement in Clinical Practice
Authors: Romagnoli Elisabetta , Minisola Giovanni , Carnevale Vincenzo , Scillitani Alfredo , Frusciante Vincenzo , Aliberti Giuseppe , Minisola Salvatore 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The aim of the study was to measure serum levels of the bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase in normal subjects and patients with metabolic bone disease by using an immunoadsorption assay. We studied 140 healthy adults, 122 patients affected by metabolic bone disease and 15 patients with cholestatic liver disease.
Mean values of the bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase in healthy men were significantly higher than those found in premenopausal women (17.8 ± 4.2 U/l vs 15.6 ± 4.6 U/l, p<0.02); postmenopausal women had significantly higher levels of bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (22.6 ± 6.4 U/l) than premenopausal women (p<0.0001). After the menopause total alkaline phosphatase increased by 46 %, while the increase in bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase was 39 %. No significant correlations were found between bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase and either age or years since menopause, in postmenopausal subjects. In patients with bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase above the upper limit of normal, the assay had a sensitivity of 100 % only in patients with Paget's disease of bone. In patients with cholestatic liver disease we found no correlation between bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase and either total alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, while a positive correlation was found between total alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase.
Our results confirm the role of bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase assay in clinical research; however, its usefulness in clinical practice is unclear once liver involvement has been excluded.
Seeing and Photographing Your Visual Observations
Authors: Petermann MA 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Light can play tricks on your eyes. Deficiencies that are observable at 1:00 PM are not necessarily observable at 3:00 PM. Depending on the nature of the light, sunlight vs. daylight, an inspector may or may not observe a bowing stone panel. Depending on the building facade material, configuration, or texture, light may or may not illuminate a facade deficiency. Ornate facades cast shadows in sunlight. A crack or spall can be lurking in those shadows. The inspector's choice of binoculars, experience, and possibly his psychological disposition may influence whether or not he observes an existing facade deficiency. Recognizing the deficiency may truly be a challenge, but photographing the deficiency may be a greater challenge. The crack or spall that lurks in the shadow on a sunny day may be nearly impossible to photograph. Excessive sunlight that reflects off the facade may wash out a photograph. Automatic cameras typically grab all surrounding light for a photograph, but this may be too much or too little depending upon the item to be photographed within the frame. The ability to set your camera manually may be necessary. This paper discusses the nature of light and suggestions for observing building facades and for recording deficiencies.
Microstructural Aspects of Irradiation Damage in A508 Gr 4N Forging Steel: Composition and Flux Effects
Authors: Burke MG , Stofanak RJ , Hyde JM , English CA , Server WL 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Neutron irradiation can promote significant changes in the microstructure and associated mechanical properties of low alloy steels. In particular, irradiation can induce the formation of non-equilibrium phases and segregation, which may lead to a degradation in toughness. In this study, the microstructural changes caused by neutron irradiation have been characterized in A508 Grade (Gr) 4N-type steels (∼3.5% Ni) using a variety of state-of-the-art analytical techniques including 3D-Atom Probe Field-Ion Microscopy and Small Angle Neutron Scattering, along with post-irradiation annealing studies combining Positron Annihilation Lineshape Analysis and hardness measurements. Important differences between conventional and “superclean” A508 Gr 4N steel have been identified in this investigation. The data indicate that Ni is not the controlling factor in the irradiation damage behavior of these materials; rather, the Mn content of the steel is a dominant factor in the irradiation-induced microstructural development of solute-related hardening features.
Beneficial Reuse of Foundry Sands in Controlled Low Strength Material
Authors: Dingrando JS , Edil TB , Benson CH 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
A study was conducted to determine how the unconfined compressive strength and flow of flowable fills prepared with foundry sand depends on the bentonite content of the sand. The study showed that there are several advantages of using foundry sands with bentonite content &gt; 6% as the fine aggregate in flowable fill. These advantages include: (i) lower long-term strength gain (making the design of excavatable mixtures simpler and less risky), (ii) less flow loss, (iii) fewer components and fewer interactions between components that are difficult to characterize, and (iv) a larger fraction of inexpensive foundry sand being used in the mixture. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of flowable fills prepared with foundry sands is sensitive to the water-cement ratio (W/C), at least when the W/C spans a broad range (4–11). Mixtures with W/C &lt; 6.5 generally will have excessive UCS, whereas a suitable UCS is generally associated with W/C &gt; 6.5. Bentonite content does not affect the UCS systematically, but it does have an indirect effect in that foundry sands with more bentonite require more water to flow, which affects strength. The amount of water required to achieve adequate flow primarily is a function of the bentonite content of the foundry sand. In general, as the bentonite content of the foundry sand increases, the water content of the mixture should increase correspondingly. The amount of fly ash has only a modest effect on the amount of water required. The most important factor affecting flow loss is the presence of cementitious fly ash in the mixture. Flow loss can be reduced appreciably by using a foundry sand with at least 6% bentonite so that fly ash fines need not be added to the mixture.
Properties of Controlled Low-Strength Materials Made with Wood Fly Ash
Authors: Naik TR , Kraus RN , Siddique R , Chun Y-M 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Controlled low-strength materials (CLSM) were made in the field using one source of wood fly ash as a major component. CLSM Mixtures S-1 and S-3 contained cement, wood fly ash (81 and 89%, respectively, by mass of cementitious materials [Cm]), and sand; whereas, Mixture S-2 contained cement, wood fly ash (11% of Cm), Class C coal fly ash (67% of Cm), and sand. Mixtures S-1, S-2, and S-3 showed respective compressive strength values of 0.8, 0.3, and 0.6 MPa at 28 d, and 1.4, 14.4, and 1.0 MPa at one year. Combination of wood and coal fly ashes might have caused the drastic increase in the strength of Mixture S-2 at late ages. The respective water permeability values of Mixtures S-2 and S-3 decreased from 68 and 33 μm/s at 63 d to 6 and 12 μm/s at 227 d due to the improvement of microstructure of these CLSM mixtures.
Long Term Study of 23 Excavatable Tennessee Flowable Fill Mixtures
Authors: Crouch LK , Dotson VJ , Badoe DA , Maxwell RA , Dunn TR , Sparkman A 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Twenty-three different EFF mixtures were placed in trenches simulating utility cuts during March through May of 2001. All EFF mixtures were tested for flow, unit weight, gravimetric air content, suitability for load application, and compressive strength development over time. The trenches were excavated in March 2003. Excavation difficulty was correlated with laboratory compressive strength for non-air-entrained mixtures. Bearing capacity estimates with the dynamic cone penetration apparatus were determined for all trenches. Nine EFF mixtures were used to assess the impact of Portland cement content and ASTM C 618 Class F fly ash content. Portland cement contents of 17.8, 26.7, and 35.6 kg/m3 and ASTM C 618 Class F fly ash contents of 178, 219.5, and 261 kg/m3 were used to evaluate the impact of component proportions. Proportions for the EFF mixtures were chosen using Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Tennessee Ready Mixed Concrete Association (TRMCA) recommendations as well as a previous Tennessee Technological University research mixture. Six EFF mixtures were used to assess the impact of Portland cement content and high-unburned carbon fly ash content. Portland cement contents of 26.7 and 35.6 kg/m3 and high-unburned carbon fly ash contents of 219.5, 261, and 302.5 kg/m3 were used to evaluate the impact of component proportions. The influence of aggregate type on EFF mixtures was evaluated by using five different aggregate types in the EFF mixture recommended by TRMCA (26.7 kg/m3 Portland cement and 219.5 kg/m3 ASTM C 618 Class F fly ash). In addition, four comparison EFF mixtures were also used in the study (1 Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and 3 air-entrained EFF mixtures).
Field Demonstration Test on Construction and Strength of Flexible Pipe Drainage System Using Flowable Fill
Authors: Masada T , Sargand SM 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
A team at Ohio University recently completed a research project related to flowable fill. The main objective of the project was to evaluate the feasibility of constructing an economical drainage pipe system using a flexible thermoplastic pipe and flowable fill. The project tasks were divided into three phases (laboratory characterization tests, field demonstration tests, and engineering analysis). This technical paper summarizes mainly data obtained during one of the Phase 2 field demonstration tests conducted at the load frame site, utilizing a corrugated HDPE pipe, flowable fill, and a variety of sensors. The test results confirmed many previously cited advantages of using flowable fill as pipe backfill material and also showed that some potential problems could be overcome easily. Finite element analysis simulated the field performance of the flexible pipe-flowable fill system reasonably well. In summary, it was concluded that it was quite feasible to construct a sound subsurface drainage system using flexible pipe and flowable fill.
Skiboard Injuries—A Three-Year Comparison with Alpine Skiing
Authors: Langran M 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Skiboarding is a relatively new snow sport that has increased in popularity in Scotland. All skiboard and alpine ski injuries over a three-year period at ski areas in Scotland were recorded and comparative data collected from uninjured skiboarders. 136 skiboard and 1362 alpine ski injuries were recorded, as well as data from 174 uninjured skiboarders. The profile of a typical skiboarder was a young male with little experience of the sport. Compared to alpine skiing, skiboarding was associated with a higher overall risk of injury and the highest fracture rate of any snow sport reported to date. Compared to alpine skiers, skiboarders sustained more injuries to the lower limb and higher rates of lower leg fractures. The nonrelease nature of a skiboard binding appears to be a major factor in the pattern of injuries seen on skiboards. Attention should be directed towards the development of an appropriate release binding mechanism for skiboards.
Histamine H3Receptors Inhibit Serotonin Release in Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata
Authors: Threlfell Sarah , Cragg Stephanie J. , Kalló Imre , Turi Gergely F. , Coen Clive W. , Greenfield Susan A. 
Published: October 2004

The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) plays a key role in basal ganglia function. Projections from multiple basal ganglia nuclei converge at the SNr to regulate nigrothalamic output. The SNr is also characterized by abundant aminergic input, including dopaminergic dendrites and axons containing 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) or histamine (HA). The functions of HA in the SNr include motor control via HA H3receptors (H3Rs), although the mechanism remains far from elucidated. In Parkinson's disease, there is an increase in H3Rs and the density of HA-immunoreactive axons in the SN.We explored the role of H3Rs in the regulation of 5-HT release in SNr using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon-fiber microelectrodes in rat midbrain slices. Immunohistochemistry identified a similar distribution for histaminergic and serotonergic processes in the SNr: immunoreactive varicosities were observed in the vicinity of dopaminergic dendrites. Electrically evoked 5-HT release was dependent on extracellular Ca2+and prevented by NaV+-channel blockade. Extracellular 5-HT concentration was enhanced by inhibition of uptake transporters for 5-HT but not dopamine. Selective H3R agonists (R)-(-)-α-methyl-histamine or immepip inhibited evoked 5-HT release by up to 60%. This inhibition was prevented by the H3R antagonist thioperamide but not by the 5-HT1Breceptor antagonist isamoltane. H3R inhibition of 5-HT release prevailed in the presence of GABA or glutamate receptor antagonists (ionotropic and metabotropic), suggesting minimal involvement of GABA or glutamate synapses. The potent regulation of 5-HT by H3Rs reported here not only elucidates HA function in the SNr but also raises the possibility of novel targets for basal ganglia therapies.
Dynamic mechanical properties and morphology of polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer blends
Authors: Khonakdar H. A. , Wagenknecht U. , Jafari S. H. , Hässler R. , Eslami H. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractDynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was used to study the miscibility and various transitions (α, β, and γ) in binary blends of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) with low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). Addition of a rubbery phase, such as EVA, reduced all the transition temperatures. A peak broadening of tan δ was observed with increasing EVA content in the blends. This can be explained by the observed reduction of the crystallinity of the systems. The presence of a single transition peak in the region of glass transition temperature (Tg) has indicated that the blends were miscible. However, morphological investigation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the features of a two phase system in which the EVA domains would be dispersed in the polyethylene (PE) phase. The results have demonstrated that DMA is not sensitive enough to study the miscibility of polymeric blends with a similar backbone structures (such as PE and EVA) in view of the small difference in their Tg. For such blends, therefore, the use of direct observations, such as microscopic examinations is necessary. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 307–315, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20019
On‐line measurement of the PVT properties of polymer melts using a gear pump
Authors: Park Chul B. , Park Simon S. , Ladin Dmitry , Naguib Hani E. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThis paper presents a newly developed experimental apparatus, based on an extrusion system, which can economically and accurately measure the pressure–volume–temperature (PVT) properties of polymeric fluids. The density or specific volume of a polymer melt is determined by measuring the mass and volume flow rates of the melt. A positive displacement gear pump mounted on an extruder is used to measure the volume flow rate of the melt. In order to reduce the leakage across the gear pump, the difference between the upstream and downstream pressures is minimized by using a variable resistance die attached to the downstream outlet of the gear pump. The positive displacement volume of a gear pump was determined in calibration experiments with water and oil with the aid of a syringe pump. Two critical sets of experiments were carried out to measure the specific volumes of polystyrene and polypropylene as case examples. The measured results were compatible with the known PVT data, confirming the validity of the system. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 316–327, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20020