bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Solid Superacid Catalyst Prepared by Doping ZrO2 with Ce and Modifying with Sulfate Simultaneously
Authors: Sohn Jong Rack , Lim Jun Seob , Lee Si Hoon 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
A new solid superacid catalyst, Ce–ZrO2/SO42−, having high surface area and thermal stability even after calcination at temperatures of 650–700 °C, is prepared simply by doping ZrO2 with Ce and modifying with sulfate simultaneously. The role of Ce is to form a thermally stable solid solution with zirconia and consequently to give high surface area of the sample.
Organometallic Synthesis of InP Quantum Dots Using Tris(dimethylamino)phosphine as a Phosphorus Source
Authors: Matsumoto Taichi , Maenosono Shinya , Yamaguchi Yukio 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
InP colloidal quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized via an alternative synthetic route. Pyrolysis of indium trichloride and tris(dimethylamino)phosphine [P(NMe2)3] in a mixture of trioctylphosphine and trioctylphosphine oxide gives InP QDs with an average diameter of a few nanometers. The InP QDs were characterized by TEM, XRD, X-ray fluorescence analysis, UV–vis, and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The synthetic method using P(NMe2)3 as a phosphorus source is safer and more facile than other existing methods to synthesize InP QDs.
Stable Iminonitroxide Biradical in the Triplet Ground State
Authors: Hayakawa Kenichi , Shiomi Daisuke , Ise Tomoaki , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Magnetic properties and crystal structure of a pyridine-substituted iminonitroxide biradical, 2,6-bis(4,4,5,5,-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl-1-oxyl)pyridine (1), were examined. The molecular ground state of 1 was found to be triplet (S = 1) with a singlet–triplet energy gap of 7 K. The ground-state triplet biradical serves as a building block for molecule-based magnets of S &gt; 1/2 based on intermolecular noncovalent bonding architecture.
Numerical and Perturbation Analysis of Dynamic Post-buckling of Rectangular Laminated Plates
Authors: Akour Salih , Nayfeh Jamal , Asfar Khaled 
Published: October 2004

A new phenomenon for laminated composite plates undergoing dynamic post-buckling is presented. The buckled composite plate subjected to in-plane dynamic load not only gains more non-linearity by the quadratic term, which arises from static buckling, but also changes its dynamic behavior from pure parametric vibration to combined parametric and forcing traverse vibrations. The nonlinear behavior of a simply supported laminated composite plate undergoing dynamic post-buckling is investigated. The range of bifurcation parameter (forcing frequency) for chaotic motion is obtained, and the characteristics of the dynamic behavior of the laminated composite plate in post-buckling are unveiled. Hamilton's Principle, Galerkin's Method, and Lagrange's Equation are utilized to obtain the equations of motion with higher-order shear deformation. The differential equation has quadratic and cubic non-linearities as well as parametric and harmonic excitation terms. The method of multiple scales is used to determine the equations that describe the second order modulation of the amplitude and phase. Floquet theory is used to analyze the stability of periodic responses.
Suitability of Collection Tubes with Separator Gels for Collecting and Storing Blood Samples for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)
Authors: Karppi Jouni , Åkerman Kari K. , Parviainen Markku 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
In this study, we present significant changes occurring in serum drug concentrations while using blood collection tubes that contain a barrier gel. This report also contains results with antidepressant drugs, which have not been studied before with human samples. The drug concentrations were measured either with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). The results show that gel tubes are suitable for blood collection for antiepileptic, antibiotic, asthma and cardioactive drug measurements, since only slight adsorption was seen (0–5%). However, the studied tubes are not suitable for blood collection of antidepressants nor benzodiazepines, because the adsorption can be 5–30%. The adsorption was even higher (up to 40%) when samples were stored for 24 h after centrifugation in gel tubes. When the centrifugation step was performed after storage the effect of the barrier gel was lower (only 0–13%). Antidepressant drug measurements performed from patient specimens collected in the studied gel tubes and stored for 3 h showed <10% adsorption of the studied drugs. After 24 h storage time, concentrations of all analysed drugs decreased even more: adsorbed amount of drugs were about 5–20%. The studied gel tubes are proposed to be satisfactory for blood collection for antidepressant drug measurements if separation step is performed within 3 h after blood clotting. With the spiked samples the adsorption to barrier gel was higher, so it seems that adsorption is faster when drugs are not highly bound to serum proteins.
Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies in inflammatory bowel disease: new evidence
Authors: Tola Marco Di , Sabbatella Luigi , Anania Maria Cristina , Viscido Angelo , Caprilli Renzo , Pica Roberta , Paoluzi Paolo , Picarelli Antonio 
Published: October 2004

AbstractAnti-tissue transglutaminase, previously held to be identical to anti-endomysial antibodies in celiac sprue, has been reported in inflammatory bowel disease patients. To investigate these data further, we evaluated serum and intestinal anti-tissue transglutaminase in inflammatory bowel disease patients, with respect to the Crohn’s disease activity index and the integrated disease activity index. Study population comprised: 49 patients with Crohn’s disease and 29 patients with ulcerative colitis; 45 patients with celiac sprue and 85 autoimmune patients as disease controls; and 58 volunteers as healthy controls. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) anti-recombinant human tissue transglutaminase and anti-endomysial antibody detection in sera and fecal supernatants were performed. Adsorption of positive sera with recombinant human tissue transglutaminase were also performed. Marked increased anti-tissue transglutaminase concentrations were found in celiac sprue, while low-positive values were also found in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Anti-endomysial antibodies were detectable only in celiac sprue. Antigen adsorption resulted in a significant reduction of the anti-tissue transglutaminase either in celiac sprue or inflammatory bowel disease sera. A significant correlation between anti-tissue transglutaminase and Crohn’s disease activity index or integrated disease activity index scores was found. Anti-tissue transglutaminase was also detectable in fecal supernatants from inflammatory bowel disease patients. Data highlight that both circulating and intestinal anti-tissue transglutaminases are detectable in inflammatory bowel disease, and that they are related to disease activity. These features underline that, in addition to anti-tissue transglutaminase, an anti-endomysial antibody test is necessary in the diagnostic work-up of celiac sprue, especially in patients with known inflammatory bowel disease.
Characteristics of prolinase against various iminodipeptides in erythrocyte lysates from a normal human and a patient with prolidase deficiency
Authors: Wang Weifang , Liu Gang , Yamashita Koichi , Manabe Masanobu , Kodama Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe effect of various amino acids and MnClThe kinetics of prolinase activity in the erythrocytes from both the normal individual and the prolidase-deficient patient were also studied. Their K
Immune system-mediated endothelial damage is associated with NO and antioxidant system disorders
Authors: Djordjević Vidosava B. , Stanković Tatjana , Ćosić Vladan , Zvezdanović Lilika , Kamenov Borisav , Tasić-Dimov Desanka , Stojanović Ivana 
Published: October 2004

AbstractTwo distinct systems of different origin are involved in the pathogenesis of both infectious and immunological vasculitis syndrome: nitric oxide (NO) from endothelial cells and granulocyte NADPH oxidase. In this study, in 31 children with immune system dysfunction, NO, NO synthase (NOS) and antioxidant enzyme activities [catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], as well as immunological parameters, were investigated. On the basis of the clinical findings, all children were divided into three groups: group I, 8 children clinically showing macular skin manifestations; group II, 11 children with maculo-papulous changes; and group III, 12 children with clinical findings of papulous changes. Plasma NO values in groups II and III were significantly elevated (79.14 ± 30.13 and 65.32 ± 6.70 µmol/l), compared to the control group (41.24 ± 3.65 µmol/l), while group I showed statistically lower values (32.38 ± 3.37 µmol/l). In children with the highest level of NO (group II) NOS activity was two-fold higher (1.77 ± 0.59 nmol/ml/min; p < 0.01) than in controls (0.98 ± 0.23 nmol/ml/min). Catalase activity showed a significant increase and SOD activity a significant decrease in all experimental groups, while GPx was not significantly changed. The results show that immune system dysfunction manifested as vasculitis is associated with significant disturbances in the NO system and free radicals scavengers.
Bone marrow microvascular density and angiogenic growth factors in multiple myeloma
Authors: Alexandrakis Michael G. , Passam Freda J. , Ganotakis Emmanuel , Dafnis Evgenios , Dambaki Constantina , Konsolas John , Kyriakou Despina S. , Stathopoulos Efstathios 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThere is evidence that angiogenesis plays an important role in the progression of multiple myeloma (MM). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are cytokines that potently stimulate angiogenesis. We evaluated the microvascular density (MVD) of bone marrow biopsies (after immunostaining with anti-CD34 antibodies) and serum levels of HGF and TNF-α in 43 patients with newly diagnosed MM. Twenty-four of these patients reached a plateau phase after treatment and were reevaluated for MVD, HGF and TNF-α. MVD values and serum levels of HGF and TNF-α were elevated in newly diagnosed MM patients in comparison with healthy controls. Pre-treatment MVD, HGF and TNF-α increased with advancing stage of MM disease. In patients reaching the plateau phase, a significant reduction in MVD, HGF and TNF-α levels occurred. A positive correlation was noted between pre-treatment MVD and serum levels of TNF-α and lactic dehydrogenase but not with HGF. However, HGF strongly correlated with β
The insulin-like growth factor system in the circulation of patients with viral infections
Authors: Baričević Ivona , Nedić Olgica , Anna Nikolić Judith , Nedeljković Jasminka 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system was examined in the circulation of patients with viral infections (herpes simplex virus, HSV; cytomegalovirus, CMV; rotavirus, RV and adenovirus, AV). The serum concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-II and cortisol were measured by radioimmunoassay, while IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) were characterised by ligand-affinity blotting. Although both IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations were significantly lower in patients with viral infections (p < 0.05) than in healthy persons, the IGF-II/IGF-I ratio was increased (p < 0.05). No correlation between the concentration of IGF-I and IGF-II and the intensity of the antibody response to infection was observed. Ligand-affinity blotting demonstrated decreased amounts of IGFBP-3 (patients with HSV, CMV, AV and some patients with RV), increased IGFBP-2 (some patients with HSV and RV) and IGFBP-1 (patients with RV). Serum cortisol was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in patients infected with HSV, CMV and RV. The alterations observed can be interpreted as induction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and suppression of the growth hormone (GH)/IGF axis under the influence of viral infection.
Age- and sex-related reference values for serum insulin concentration and its biological determinants in a French healthy population. The STANISLAS cohort
Authors: Francois Aurélie , Maumus Sandy , Vincent-Viry Monique , Guéguen René , Siest Gérard , Visvikis Sophie 
Published: October 2004

AbstractInsulin is involved in coronary heart disease through diabetes and metabolic syndrome. A great deal is known about insulin and its correlates, as well as factors related to changes in insulin. However, few studies consider the broad variety of correlates simultaneously. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to characterize the main factors of biological variation affecting serum insulin concentration and to establish reference limits of insulinemia in a presumably healthy French population. Insulin was measured using a microparticular enzymatic immunoassay. A total of 646 subjects aged 11–58 years from the STANISLAS cohort and divided into four groups of 162 males, 157 females, 163 boys and 164 girls, were included in the statistical analyses. In the whole population, serum insulin concentration varied from 0.80 to 54.60 µU/ml. Significant factors affecting insulin were age, gender, body mass index and glucose, in addition to alanine aminotransferase and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in men, triglycerides and oral contraceptive use in women, and alkaline phosphatase in girls.In summary, we presented biological correlates of insulin in both healthy French male and female adults and children/adolescents and determined reference limits for insulin for each group. These results will contribute to a better interpretation of insulin data in further studies and laboratory investigations.
Screening of antinuclear antibodies: comparison between enzyme immunoassay based on nuclear homogenates, purified or recombinant antigens and immunofluorescence assay
Authors: Bernardini Sergio , Infantino Maria , Bellincampi Lorenza , Nuccetelli Marzia , Afeltra Antonella , Iori Roberta , Biroccio Antonino , Urbani Andrea , Federici Giorgio 
Published: October 2004

AbstractCurrent clinical practice considers antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing as a screening test; this has a major impact on laboratory work with a growing volume of analyses that need to be performed rapidly, to maintain good specificity and sensitivity. Ongoing discussions have been raised in order to identify the best technology to use in ANA screening, taking into account both clinical and economical implications. The aim of our study was to compare three different enzyme immunoassays (EIA) with immunofluorescence (IF) assay in order to identify which test is better for use as a screening test. The study was performed on 473 sera and the three different EIA tests were based on nuclear homogenates from HeLa cells, purified antigens from HEp-2 cells and recombinant antigens, respectively. The concordance between EIA-ANA and IF-ANA techniques, determined by the κ statistic, was acceptable, but not complete, and discrepancies between both EIA-positive/IF-negative samples and IF-positive/EIA-negative were found. Both methods show interesting diagnostic abilities, however, the IF-ANA assay seems to be the first choice test in a well-standardized immunofluorescence laboratory with experienced microscopists, whereas the EIA test might be useful especially in large-scale ANA screening.
Analytical and diagnostic accuracy of the EliA™ automated enzyme fluoroimmunoassay for antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody detection
Authors: Villalta Danilo , Tonutti Elio , Tampoia Marilina , Bizzaro Nicola , Papisch Wolfgang , Tozzoli Renato , Stella Sergio 
Published: October 2004

AbstractAnti-proteinase 3 antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (PR3-ANCA) and anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies (MPO-ANCA) are considered important serological markers for several forms of idiopathic systemic vasculitis. The aim of the study was to verify the analytical and clinical performance of a new automated enzyme fluoroimmunoassay, the EliA system, for PR3-ANCA and MPO-ANCA detection.For this purpose the sera of 52 consecutive well-defined patients with a clinical diagnosis of Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) (n = 29) or microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) (n = 23), and 70 controls suffering from connective tissue disease (25 systemic lupus erythematosus, 25 Sjögren’s syndrome and 20 rheumatoid arthritis) were tested for PR3-ANCA and MPO-ANCA with the EliA assay (Pharmacia Diagnostics, Freiburg, Germany). For comparison purposes, the same sera were also tested by indirect immunofluorescence, another direct immunometric assay (Varelisa, Pharmacia Diagnostics) and a capture PR3-ANCA (Wieslab AB, Lund, Sweden) method.Both the EliA PR3-ANCA and MPO-ANCA assays showed between- and within-assay precision of < 10%. The dilution test gave straight lines (rThere was a high positive correlation between the EliA and Varelisa methods for quantitative detection of MPO-ANCA levels (rIn conclusion, the EliA MPO-ANCA and PR3-ANCA methods provide good diagnostic accuracy and excellent analytical accuracy, which, in association with the practicality of the automated EliA system, make this method a useful tool for the diagnosis of ANCA-associated vasculitides.
Analytical performance and clinical results of a fully automated MEIA system for brain natriuretic peptide assay: comparison with a point of care testing method
Authors: Storti Simona , Prontera Concetta , Emdin Michele , Passino Claudio , Prati Paola , Fontani Giuliana , Giannelli Isabella , Zyw Luc , Vittorini Simona , Zucchelli Giancarlo , Clerico Aldo 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance of a recently available immunoassay for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), based on microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA, AxSYM System, Abbott Laboratories), whose analytical characteristics and clinical results were compared with those of a point of care testing (POCT) method (TRIAGE system, Biosite Diagnostics). The within-run and total imprecision of the MEIA system were 18.4% and 19.8% at 21 ng/l, 8.0% and 14.8% at 183 ng/l, and 5.7% and 14.0% at 319 ng/l, respectively. The detection limit of the MEIA system was tested by repeatedly measuring (n = 20) the 0 calibrator in four different runs; a mean +3 SD value of 5.6 ± 4.8 ng/l (range 1.8–12.6 ng/l) was obtained. A close linear relationship (MEIA = –22.5 + 1.71 POCT method, R = 0.950, n = 296) was found (BNP concentration: 5–5500 ng/l), with a significant bias (mean difference: 164.8 ng/l, p < 0.0001). Mean BNP concentration measured in 94 reference subjects (57 women and 37 men; mean age 43.5 ± 14.0 years) was higher with MEIA than POCT, (25.9 ± 32.7 ng/l vs. 11.7 ± 8.9 ng/l, p < 0.0001). The same trend was observed also in 202 cardiac patients (620.6 ± 1082.2 ng/l vs. 386.1 ± 594.5 ng/l, p < 0.0001). Our data suggest that MEIA and POCT have quite similar analytical performance but different clinical results. Then, different reference values, as well as cut-off values, should be taken into account for the clinical use of these two immunoassays.
Estimation of the Relative Proportions of Cellulose I alpha and I beta in Wood by Carbon-13 NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Newman Roger H. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
Relative proportions of cellulose in the Iα and Iβ molecular packing forms were estimated through a
relationship between molecular packing and the center of gravity of a 13C NMR signal assigned to C-4
of cellulose. An alternative method, based on generation of linear combinations of spectra of 2 samples
of wood, was too time-consuming for routine use but provided data for calibration purposes. NMR
spectra of algal, tunicate, bacterial and commercial fibrous-powder cellulose were also used for
calibration purposes. Mass fractions of the Iα form were estimated as 0.51 for Pinus radiata wood and
0.25 for Castanea sativa wood. The difference is too small to have an important effect on moduli of
elasticity.
The Relationship Between Pit Membrane Ultrastructure and Chemical Impregnability of Wood
Authors: Singh Adya , Dawson Bernard , Franich Robert , Cowan Faye , Warnes Jeremy 
Published: October 2004

Summary
The woods of Alder and Eucalypt were examined by light microscopy before and after a chemical
treatment by the Indurite process to increase the hardness of the wood. The pattern of wood cell
impregnation for Alder differed significantly from Eucalypt in some respects. In Alder wood all cell
types eg. vessels, fibres and rays, were impregnated in similar proportions. In comparison, in Eucalypt
wood the impregnation material was largely confined to ray cells and the lumina of vessels; other cell
types were either not impregnated or impregnated in very small numbers.
Transmission electron microscopy of Alder and Eucalypt woods suggests that ultrastructural differences
in the texture and porosity of pit membranes may be the main reason for the observed differences
between these wood species with regard to their impregnability by the impregnation material used.
The Influence of the Geometrical Distribution of Cell-Wall Tissues on the Transverse Anisotropic Dimensional Changes of Softwood
Authors: Kifetew Girma 
Published: October 2004

Summary
The influence of the geometrical distribution of cell-wall tissues on the transverse anisotropic
dimensional changes of softwood has been studied using two isotropic models. A finite element model
has been used to calculate the thermal expansion of two aluminium plates without and with holes in
the two perpendicular directions. Moisture expansion measurements in the two perpendicular
directions were conducted using a polyamide (PA6) plate containing several holes. No differences
were found in either the thermal expansion of the aluminium plates or the moisture expansion of the
PA6 plate between the two perpendicular directions. Thus, the investigation suggests that the
geometrical distribution of cell-wall tissues has no effect on the transverse anisotropic shrinkage of
softwood.
Weathering of Radial and Tangential Wood Surfaces of Pine and Spruce
Authors: Sandberg Dick 
Published: October 2004

Summary
The development of cracks and changes in appearance have been investigated on radial and tangential
surfaces of pine (Pinus silvestris L.) and spruce (Picea abies Karst.) which have been exposed outdoors
for 33 months. The degradation of the surfaces has also been studied at the micro-level.
Untreated samples, samples impregnated with a CCA-agent and samples surface treated with linseed
oil have been tested.
The annual ring orientation is the most important factor for crack development on weathering. The type
of wood, impregnation treatment and surface treatment with linseed oil have only a marginal effect on
the crack development. No relation has been found between the density of the samples and the crack
development.
After 33 months of outdoor exposure, tangential surfaces of pine have 13 times more total crack length
per unit area than the corresponding radial surfaces. In spruce, the total crack length on the tangential
surfaces is 6 times greater than on the radial surfaces. Tangential surfaces of both pine and spruce have
a greater number of cracks per unit area and wider cracks than the corresponding radial surfaces.
Tangential and radial surfaces show the same colour change in the surface as a result of weathering.
On the micro-level, tangential surfaces have more and deeper cracks than radial surfaces. The cracks
on the tangential surfaces occur frequently in both earlywood and latewood. On radial surfaces, cracks
occur primarily at the annual ring borders, but to a certain extent also in the earlywood.
The radial cell wall of the earlywood has a large number of pits which are degraded at an early stage.
Decomposition of the cell wall takes place on both radial and tangential surfaces. Cracks arise which
follow the S2 fibril orientation in the cell-wall. Delamination in the middle lamella is especially
noticeable in the latewood on tangential surfaces. No differences have been observed regarding linseed
oil treatment, impregnation or type of wood.