bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidation Behavior of a Fe/MnO Ultrathin Film Studied by XPS
Authors: Di Castro V. , Ciampi S. , Sestili L. 
Published: August 2003

The oxidation of a 9-Å-thick iron layer on MnO at room temperature has been investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. By exposure to O 2, iron is oxidized first to Fe(II) and then to Fe(III). During the oxide formation a fast oxygen adsorption and initial oxidation to Fe(II) is followed by a slower oxygen incorporation and Fe(III) formation. After exposure to 1500 L O 2 Fe 3 O 4 seems to be formed at the surface, while the iron layer is not completely oxidized.
MoS2 Microtubes: An Electron Microscopy Study
Authors: Remškar M. , Škraba Z. , Cléton F. , Sanjinés R. , Lévy F. 
Published: August 2003

Recently it was found that instability of thin weakly bonded MoS 2 sheets against folding can lead to a growth of hollowed microtubes with several mm lengths, 1–20 μm diameter and less than 0.1 μm wall thickness.1 Bent sheets can directly roll up into the tube or they can produce in their microfolds a turbulent gas flow of transported molecules which promotes a tubelike growth mode. These uncommon stable features of inorganic crystals reveal a great similarity to much smaller carbon fullerences and especially to inorganic ( MoS 2, WS 2) nested fullereness-nanotubes.2 Scanning electron microscopic studies of cylindrical microtubes and twisted microribbons are combined with high resolution electron microscopic observations of stacking faults.
Atomistic Visualization of Mechanical Interaction in Gold Crystalline Boundaries by Time-Resolved High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Kizuka Tokushi 
Published: August 2003

The atomic processes in mechanical interaction were visualized by time-resolved high resolution transmission electron microscopy at a spatial resolution of 0.2 nm and a time resolution of 1/60 s. Nanometer-sized tips of gold were approached, contacted, bonded, deformed and fractured inside a 200 kV electron microscope using a piezo-driving specimen holder. The crystallographic boundary formed after the contact. A few layers near the surfaces and bonding boundaries were responsible for the approach, contact and bonding processes. Atomic scale mechanical tests, such as the friction test, compressing, tensile and shear deformation tests, were proposed. A new type of mechanical processing at one-atomic-layer resolution was demonstrated. Atomic scale contact or noncontact type surface scanning similar to that in atomic force microscopy was also performed with the gold tips.
A Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction–Reflectance Anisotropy Spectroscopy Study of Silicon Growth Dynamics During Gas Source Molecular Beam Epitaxy from Silanes
Authors: Joyce B. A. , Zhang J. , Taylor A. G. , Lees A. K. 
Published: August 2003

Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) provides an ideal experimental vehicle for the in situ study of thin film growth dynamics. By using a combination of reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and reflectance anisotropy (difference) spectroscopy [RA(D)S], it is possible to separate morphological (long range order) and local electronic structure effects, which we demonstrate with the growth of silicon films from disilane ( Si 2 H 6) on Si(001) (2 × 1)+(1 × 2) reconstructed surfaces. The rate-limiting step in Si growth from both monosilane ( SiH 4) and disilane is the desorption of molecular hydrogen and we have found using RAS that, over a significant range of temperature and coverage, hydrogen desorption follows zeroth order kinetics as the result of a step-mediated process. Finally, we show how this influences the growth rate on substrates of differing degrees of vicinality.
Congenital Submandibular Salivary Gland Fistula
Authors: Durgun Vedat , Kapan Metin , Kapan Selin , Onur Ender 
Published: August 2003

In this study, we present a patient with a congenital cervical submandibular gland fistula who was admitted to the hospital for nodular thyroid hyperplasia. After bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy, the fistula tract and the submandibular salivary gland on the right side of the neck and the obliterated sinus on the left side of the neck were excised. The pathological examination led to the diagnosis of adenomatous hyperplasia of the thyroid gland with focal lymphocytic thyroiditis and mixed-type main salivary gland (submandibular gland) with cystic dilatation in one duct. Congenital salivary gland fistulae are rare and may be associated with abnormalities of the branchial apparatus or arise from aberrant or accessory salivary tissue. Excision of the fistula and the remaining submandibular gland is considered the treatment of choice in congenital fistulae, but traumatic fistulae generally resolve with conservative treatment within 3 weeks.
Prognostic Value of Very Early Seizures for In-Hospital Mortality in Atherothrombotic Infarction
Authors: Arboix Adrià , Comes Emili , García-Eroles Luis , Massons Juan B. , Oliveres Montserrat , Balcells Miquel 
Published: August 2003

We studied the influence of very early seizures (within 48 h of stroke onset) on in-hospital mortality in a cohort of 452 consecutive patients with atherothrombotic infarction. These patients were selected from 2,000 consecutive acute stroke patients registered in a prospective hospital-based stroke registry in Barcelona, Spain. A comparison of data between the nonseizure (n = 442) and seizure (n = 10) groups was made. Predictors of very early seizures were assessed by multivariate analysis. The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher in atherothrombotic stroke patients with very early seizures than in those without seizures (70 vs. 19.5%, p < 0.001). Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality included very early seizures, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, 85 years of age or older, altered consciousness, dizziness, parietal and pons involvement, and respiratory and cardiac complications. After multivariate analysis, atherothrombotic infarction of occipital topography and decreased consciousness appeared to be independent predictors of atherothrombotic stroke with very early seizures. Very early seizures constitute an important risk factor for in-hospital mortality after atherothrombotic stroke.
Temporal Changes in Movement Time during the Switch of the Stimulators in Parkinson’s Disease Patients Treated by Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation
Authors: Lopiano Leonardo , Torre Elena , Benedetti Fabrizio , Bergamasco Bruno , Perozzo Paola , Pollo Antonella , Rizzone Mario , Tavella Alessia , Lanotte Michele 
Published: August 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a very effective therapy for the advanced phase of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The functional inhibition of this nucleus is responsible for a significant improvement of cardinal motor symptoms of PD. The aim of the study was the assessment of the effectiveness of STN DBS on bradykinesia by the analysis of movement time (MT) in 2 conditions: with the stimulators turned on (‘stim-on’) or off (‘stim-off’). <i>Methods:</i> After pharmacological wash-out, 10 patients submitted to bilateral STN DBS were studied with an MT analyser in 3 phases: stim-on, stim-off and stim-on again, in order to establish the time course of MT lengthening, the posteffect duration and the latency of the effect of STN DBS. MT data were then compared with the UPDRS motor scores. <i>Results:</i> After turning off the stimulators, MT progressively increases, reaching a plateau after about 30 min, which then lasts for the subsequent observation time (2 h). A significant elongation is achieved after the first 5 min. Upon pulse generator activation, MT shows a dramatic shortening, already significant after 2 min. Moreover, we observed a significant correlation between MT and the severity of PD, higher with bradykinesia than with rigidity or tremor. <i>Conclusion:</i> Our findings show a relevant effect of STN DBS on MT, a parameter strongly related to bradykinesia. This study confirms the effectiveness of STN inhibition on the whole parkinsonian triad, suggesting that this target can be considered a proper choice for the surgical treatment of advanced PD.
International criminal procedure: "adversarial", "inquisitorial" or mixed?
Authors: Ambos Kai 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe article analyses whether international criminal procedure is "adversarial", "inquisitorial" or mixed. It examines the law of the ICTY and the ICC, including the relevant case law. This law has developed from an adversarial to a truly mixed procedure by way of various amendments of the ICTY's Rules of Procedure and Evidence (RPE) and the drafting of the Rome Statute merging civil and common law elements in one international procedure. It is no longer important whether a rule is either "adversarial" or "inquisitorial" but whether it assists the Tribunals in accomplishing their tasks and whether it complies with fundamental fair trial standards. As to an efficient trial management an UN Expert Group called for a more active role of the judges, in particular with regard to the direction of the trial and the collection of evidence. In this context, it is submitted that a civil law like judge-led procedure may better avoid delays produced by the free interplay of the parties. Ultimately, however, the smooth functioning of a judicial system depends on its actors, procedural rules provide only a general framework in this regard. A truly mixed procedure requires Prosecutors, Defence Counsel and Judges who have knowledge of both common and civil law and are able to look beyond their own legal systems.
Involvement of BAFF and APRIL in the resistance to apoptosis of B-CLL through an autocrine pathway
Authors: Kern Catherine , Cornuel Jean-François , Billard Christian , Tang Ruoping , Rouillard Danielle , Stenou Virginie , Defrance Thierry , Ajchenbaum-Cymbalista Florence , Simonin Pierre-Yves , Feldblum Sophie , Kolb Jean-Pierre 
Published: September 2003

AbstractTumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily members BAFF, or B-cell activation factor of the TNF family, and APRIL, a proliferation-inducing ligand, are involved in normal B-cell survival and differentiation. They interact with 3 receptors: BAFF-R, specific to BAFF; and TACI and BCMA, which are shared by BAFF and APRIL. We tested the potential role of these proteins in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) resistance to apoptosis. TACI and BAFF-R mRNAs were found in leukemic B cells. BAFF and APRIL mRNAs and proteins were detected in B-CLL leukemic cells and normal blood or tonsil-derived B lymphocytes. Yet, in contrast to normal B lymphocytes, BAFF and APRIL were expressed at the membranes of leukemic cells. Adding soluble BAFF or APRIL protected B-CLL cells against spontaneous and drug-induced apoptosis and stimulated NF-κB activation. Conversely, adding soluble BCMA-Fc or anti-BAFF and anti-APRIL antibodies enhanced B-CLL apoptosis. Moreover, a soluble form of BAFF was detected using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) in the sera of B-CLL patients but not of healthy donors. Taken together, our results indicate that B-CLL cells can be rescued from apoptosis through an autocrine process involving BAFF, APRIL, and their receptors. Inhibiting BAFF and APRIL pathways may be of therapeutic value for B-CLL treatment.
Imatinib mesylate affects the development and function of dendritic cells generated from CD34+ peripheral blood progenitor cells
Authors: Appel Silke , Boehmler Andreas M. , Grünebach Frank , Müller Martin R. , Rupf Anette , Weck Markus M. , Hartmann Ulrike , Reichardt Volker L. , Kanz Lothar , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Brossart Peter 
Published: September 2003

AbstractImatinib mesylate (STI571) is a competitive Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor and has yielded encouraging results in treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stroma tumors (GISTs). Apart from inhibition of the Abl protein tyrosine kinases, it also shows activity against platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGF-R), c-Kit, Abl-related gene (ARG), and their fusion proteins while sparing other kinases. In vitro studies have revealed that imatinib mesylate can inhibit growth of cell lines and primitive malignant progenitor cells in CML expressing Bcr-Abl. However, little is known about the effects of imatinib mesylate on nonmalignant hematopoietic cells. In the current study we demonstrate that in vitro exposure of mobilized human CD34+ progenitors to therapeutic concentrations of imatinib mesylate (1-5 μM) inhibits their differentiation into dendritic cells (DCs). DCs obtained after 10 to 16 days of culture in the presence of imatinib mesylate showed concentration-dependent reduced expression levels of CD1a and costimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD40. Furthermore, exposure to imatinib mesylate inhibited the induction of primary cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses. The inhibitory effects of imatinib mesylate were accompanied by down-regulation of nuclear localized RelB protein. Our results demonstrate that imatinib mesylate can act on normal hematopoietic cells and inhibits the differentiation and function of DCs, which is in part mediated via the nuclear factor κB signal transduction pathway.
Marked mitochondrial DNA sequence heterogeneity in single CD34+ cell clones from normal adult bone marrow
Authors: Shin Myung Geun , Kajigaya Sachiko , McCoy J. Philip , Levin Barbara C. , Young Neal S. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractSomatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations accumulate with age in postmitotic tissues but have been postulated to be diluted and lost in continually proliferating tissues such as bone marrow (BM). Having observed marked sequence variation among healthy adult individuals' total BM cell mtDNA, we undertook analysis of the mtDNA control region in a total of 611 individual CD34+ clones from 6 adult BM donors and comparison of these results with the sequences from 580 CD34+ clones from 5 umbilical cord blood (CB) samples. On average, 25% (range, 11% to 50%) of individual CD34+ clones from adult BM showed mtDNA heterogeneity, or sequence differences from the aggregate mtDNA sequence of total BM cells of the same individual. In contrast, only 1.6% of single CD34+ clones from CB showed mtDNA sequence variation from the aggregate pattern. Thus, age-dependent accumulation of mtDNA mutations appears relatively common in a mitotically active human tissue and may provide a method to approximate the mutation rate in mammalian cells, to assess the contribution of reactive oxygen species to genomic instability, and for natural “marking” of hematopoietic stem cells; our data also have important implications for the aging process, forensic identifications, and anthropologic conclusions dependent on the mtDNA sequence.
Inherited thrombocytopenia: when a low platelet count does not mean ITP
Authors: Drachman Jonathan G. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractCongenital thrombocytopenias, once considered rare and obscure conditions, are today recognized with increasing frequency, especially due to the measurement of platelet number as part of routine blood testing. The clinical spectrum of congenital thrombocytopenia ranges from severe bleeding diatheses, recognized within the first few weeks of life, to mild conditions that may remain undetected even in adulthood. For the latter group of diseases, distinguishing between inherited (primary) and acquired (secondary) thrombocytopenia, especially immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP), is essential to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments. In this review, the congenital thrombocytopenia syndromes are discussed with specific attention focused on diagnostic criteria, clinical presentations, genetic etiology, and current medical management. The mutated genes responsible for each syndrome are reviewed as well as the potential implications for using gene therapy or gene repair in the future.
VWRPY motif–dependent and –independent roles of AML1/Runx1 transcription factor in murine hematopoietic development
Authors: Nishimura Motohiro , Fukushima-Nakase Yoko , Fujita Yasuko , Nakao Mitsushige , Toda Shogo , Kitamura Nobuo , Abe Tatsuo , Okuda Tsukasa 
Published: September 2003

AbstractAML1/Runx1 is a frequent target of leukemia-associated gene aberration, and it encodes a transcription factor essential for definitive hematopoiesis. We previously reported that the AML1 molecules with trans-activation subdomains retained can rescue in vitro hematopoietic defects of AML1-deficient mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells when expressed by using a knock-in approach. Extending this notion to in vivo conditions, we found that the knock-in ES cell clones with AML1 mutants, which retain trans-activation subdomains but lack C-terminal repression subdomains including the conserved VWRPY motif, contribute to hematopoietic tissues in chimera mice. We also found that germline mice homozygous for the mutated AML1 allele, which lacks the VWRPY motif, exhibit a minimal effect on hematopoietic development, as was observed in control knock-in mice with full-length AML1. On the other hand, reduced cell numbers and deviant CD4 expression were observed during early T-lymphoid ontogeny in the VWRPY-deficient mice, whereas the contribution to the thymus by the corresponding ES cell clones was inadequate. These findings demonstrate that AML1 with its trans-activating subdomains is essential and sufficient for hematopoietic development in the context of the entire mouse. In addition, its trans-repression activity, depending on the C-terminal VWRPY motif, plays a role in early thymocyte development.
Inhibition of Fas/Fas ligand signaling improves septic survival: differential effects on macrophage apoptotic and functional capacity
Authors: Chung Chun-Shiang , Song Grace Y , Lomas Joanne , Simms H Hank , Chaudry Irshad H , Ayala Alfred 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
Signaling through the Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) pathway plays a central role in immune-cell response and function; however, under certain pathological conditions such as sepsis, it may contribute to the animal’s or patient’s morbidity and mortality. To determine the contribution of FasL to mortality, we conducted survival studies by blocking Fas/FasL with Fas receptor fusion protein (FasFP) in vivo. C3H/HeN mice received FasFP or the saline vehicle (veh) immediately (0 h) or delayed (12 h), after sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Subsequently, we examined the effect of FasFP treatment (12 h post-CLP) on macrophage apoptosis and functional capacities. Peritoneal and splenic macrophages and Kupffer cells from sham-veh-, CLP-veh-, sham-FasFP-, or CLP-FasFP-treated mice were harvested 24 h after CLP and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h. The results indicate that only delayed (12 h) but not 0 h administration of FasFP demonstrated a significant increase in survival. The ability of all macrophage populations to release interleukin (IL)-6 was significantly depressed, and IL-10 release was augmented after CLP. FasFP treatment attenuated the increased IL-10 release in Kupffer cells. However, althogh enhanced susceptibility to LPS-induced apoptosis could be suppressed in CLP mouse Kupffer cells by FasFP, FasFP did not change the peritoneal or splenic macrophage response. Furthermore, FasFP attenuated the elevated plasma levels of liver enzymes after sepsis. These data indicate that in vivo inhibition of Fas/FasL signaling has tissue-specific effects on the induction of macrophage apoptosis, functional changes, and liver damage, which may contribute to the host’s ability to ward off a septic challenge.
Many chemokines including CCL20/MIP-3α display antimicrobial activity
Authors: Yang De , Chen Qian , Hoover David M , Staley Patricia , Tucker Kenneth D , Lubkowski Jacek , Oppenheim Joost J 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that β-defensins exhibit chemotactic activity by sharing the chemokine receptor CCR6 with the CC chemokine ligand CCL20/macrophage-inflammatory protein-3α (MIP-3α). Structural analysis of CCL20/MIP-3α revealed that most of the positively charged residues are concentrated at one area of its topological surface, a characteristic considered to be important for the antimicrobial activity of defensins. Here, we report that similar to defensins, CCL20/MIP-3α has antimicrobial effects on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Additionally, by screening a total of 30 human chemokines, we have identified an additional 17 human chemokines, which exhibit antimicrobial activity in vitro. Collectively, about two-thirds of the chemokines investigated so far has the capacity to kill microorganisms in vitro, suggesting that antimicrobial activity may be another host-defense function for certain chemokines. Comparison of the structural characteristics between antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial chemokines suggests that topological formation of a large, positively charged electrostatic patch on the surface of the molecule is likely to be a common structural feature of antimicrobial chemokines.
Expression of IL-2 receptor β and γ chains by human gingival fibroblasts and up-regulation of adhesion to neutrophils in response to IL-2
Authors: Ozawa Akiko , Tada Hiroyuki , Tamai Riyoko , Uehara Akiko , Watanabe Kouichi , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Shimauchi Hidetoshi , Takada Haruhiko , Sugawara Shunji 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
To investigate the role of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), the major constituents of gingival tissue in periodontal inflammatory disease, the expression of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) α, β, and γ chains was examined. Immunohistochemistry showed a pronounced accumulation of CD8+ T cells in the inflamed lamina propria of gingival tissue from patients with adult periodontitis. HGF express IL-2Rβ and IL-2Rγ at mRNA and protein levels, but the expression of IL-2Rα could not be detected, as assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. IL-2Rβ, and -γ expressed on HGF were functionally active, as addition of neutralizing anti-IL-2Rβ and -γ antibodies caused inhibition of the IL-2-induced production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and addition of IL-2 induced phosphorylation of Janus tyrosine kinase 3, which is critical in signaling through IL-2Rγ in HGF. The IL-2-induced MCP-1 production was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with neutralizing antibody to IL-15. Addition of IL-2 also induced a marked up-regulation of the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on the surface of HGF, which in turn, significantly augmented the adhesion of human neutrophils, which were inhibited by an anti-ICAM-1 antibody. These results suggest that HGF express functional IL-2Rβγ, respond to IL-2 from infiltrated T cells, and actively participate in the inflammatory process in the periodontal region and that IL-15 produced by HGF sustains IL-2-mediated signaling in HGF.