bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air Pollution, Indoor Air Pollution and Control
Authors: Tucker W. Gene
Published: July 2004

Air quality in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings has become a public health issue. The indoor environment contains a wide variety of chemical and biological substances and occupant activities that can create air contaminants by evaporation, sublimation, combustion, resusupension, and chemical reactions in the air itself (particularly between ozone and unsaturated organic vapors). Because dispersion of these contaminants is much more restricted in the confinements of buildings than in the relatively unconfined outdoors, indoor concentrations tend to be higher than ambient (outdoor) concentrations. Furthermore, since most people spend ∼90% of their time indoors, their exposure (concentration breathed times duration) is generally at least 10 times greater indoors than outdoors. Building occupant complaints of odors, sensory irritation of eyes, nose and throat, neurological symptoms including nausea and headache, respiratory symptoms and infections, aggravation of asthma, and concerns about chronic diseases like cancer have increased markedly over the past two decades. Litigation of so‐called “sick building” cases has increased public awareness and concern. This article gives an overview of indoor air quality issues, the nature of contaminants in the air we breathe, health effects that are of potential concern, sources of air contaminants, and a discussion of source management, ventilation and air cleaning as approaches to providing good indoor air quality. The section on source management includes discussion on criteria for materials and products with desirable characteristics for preventing indoor air pollution. Numerous references are cited from the extensive and growing technical and public information literature.
Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Golemi‐Kotra Dasantila , Mobashery Shahriar
Published: July 2004

Resistance to antibiotics has created a state of crisis in clinics for treatment of infections. Historically, the majority of known classes of antibiotics have come from natural sources, examples of which are macrolides,β‐lactams, and aminoglycosides, among others. They target vital bacterial biochemical events, such as cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, and DNA replication. A description of these process is provided herein. Furthermore, resistance to known antibiotics has emerged by a multitude of mechanisms, a subject that has been elaborated in this article in detail.
Atomic Force Microscopy ‐ AFM
Authors: Peterson Charles Anthony , Sarid Dror
Published: July 2004

In the 15 years since its invention, the atomic force microscope and other scanning probe microscopies derived from it have become an irreplaceable tool for all manner of surface analysis. The first section of this review article explains how the core AFM techniques, contact‐, noncontact, and intermittent‐mode, work. This section also presents discussions on cantilevers, tip‐sample interactions, resolution limiters, and manufacturers. The second section explains several scanning‐probe techniques based of the AFM that are used for a variety of surface analyses. The variants discussed in this section are scanning capacitance microscopy, tunneling atomic force microscopy, scanning spreading resistance microscopy, lateral force microscopy, electric and magnetic force microscopy, Kelvin‐probe microscopy, force modulation microscopy, and scanning thermal microscopy. The final section demonstrates two applications of AFM‐like tools to the field of semiconductor device characterization. In the first example, a tapping‐mode AFM is used to study the formation of copper depositions on silicon. In the second example, a tunneling AFM is used to study the quality of gate oxides created with coppers contamination
Capillary Separations
Authors: Kuban Petr , Dasgupta Pumendu K.
Published: July 2004

In this article, four main capillary separation techniques are discussed in detail. Capillary gas chromatography (GC) is the oldest of all capillary‐based separation methods, and is the premier means of analysis of volatile compounds. In this method, a gaseous mobile phase is used to transport the volatile, semivolatile or volatilizable analytes through an open tubular column and typically separation occurs based on volatility differences (boiling points). Liquid chromatography (LC) is especially attractive for the separation and analysis of nonvolatile or thermally labile compounds. The separation of analytes is based on their partitioning between a flowing liquid mobile phase and a solid stationary phase. LC is widely applied in biological, clinical and environmental analysis. In supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), the mobile phase is a fluid brought above its critical point. In this supercritical state, the diffusion coefficient of the mobile phase is close to that of gases. However, its solvating power is closer to that of liquids. SFC is practiced almost exclusively in the capillary format. Lastly, capillary electrophoresis (CE) has evolved into a popular separation method, which uses a very small sample and background electrolyte volumes. It is also characterized by very high efficiency and resolving power. In the future, it is believed that electrophoresis and electroosmosis will play a major role in chip‐scale analysis systems.
Chemoinformatics
Authors: Villar Hugo O.
Published: July 2004

Chemoinformatics is the intersection between chemistry and information technologies. This discipline has gained importance most noticeably in the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, but its presence is felt through all chemistry‐based research and development organizations. This article presents summary of a field that is evolving rapidly and covers the storage, retrieval, and presentation of chemical information, with a brief view of its economic impact.

For chemical storage, we describe the two most widely used computer readable chemical notations; SMILES and MOL files. Retrieval of chemical information covers a wide range of multiple aspects that range from simple searches, to virtual screening, pharmacophore‐based searches, and molecular diversity issues. Some aspects of software that allow analysis and presentation of chemical data is also introduced, as well as databases and sources for chemical information.
Dispersions
Authors: Morrison Ian
Published: July 2004

A dispersion is a mixture of particles suspended in a liquid. Examples are blood, ceramics, concrete, grease, inks, paints, paper coatings, pesticides and photographic “emulsions”. The descriptor, dispersion, is sometimes used broadly to include mixtures of liquids in liquids (emulsions), gases in liquids (foams), powders in gases (dusts), and liquids in gases (aerosols). A dispersion generally has a large contact area between the two phases. This interfacial area is a region of high chemical and physical activity.

Special equipment is necessary to make dispersions. High speed stirrers are used to combine dry powders with liquids, to mix two liquids, or to make a foam. High shear mills such as colloid mills and homogenizers produce finer dispersions. The finest dispersions are produced with media mills.

Special chemicals, called surfactants, are needed to make dispersions. Examples, are dishwasher soap, engine oil additives, hydrogenated vegetable oil, laundry detergent, and shampoo. Surfactants prevent aggregation, flocculation, or coalescence. They have specialized chemical structures. One part of the surfactant is highly interactive with the particle and another part is highly interactive with the liquid.

Dispersed particles can be characterized by size, by electric charge, and by their interparticle forces. Size can be measured by observation, single‐particle detection, light scattering, and acoustic properties. Interparticle forces can be studied by rheological measurements.

Dispersed particles are small enough to collide by Brownian motion. If the particles stick when they collide, the dispersion is unstable. If the particles bounce apart after they collide, the dispersion is stable. Theories that account for the effect of particle–particle attraction, electrostatic repulsion, and polymer repulsion explain many observations.
Hybrid Nanocomposite Materials
Authors: Gómez‐Romero Pedro , Lira‐Cantú Monica
Published: July 2004

Hybrid organic–inorganic materials constitute a fast‐growing field that has already led to a very large variety of materials and applications. These nanocomposite materials abound both with organic or inorganic matrices and represent oportunities to design eclectic materials by taking advantage of the best properties of their components. But the hybrid concept can even go beyond this approach by creating materials with novel structures or supramolecular architectures, with synergic properties, or even with activities impossible for the isolated components.

This article is a general review of the field, discussing the different categories of materials according to their chemical nature and their applications as structural or functional materials. A variety of hybrids with organic matrics (most commonly polymers) are distinguished from these in which the dominating phase is inorganic (polymeric or extended in nature). To the category of silicon‐based hybrids that predominated in the early literature a larger variety of hybrids has followed which includes, among many others, inorganic molecular species intergrated in organic polymers, perovskites built with organic and inorganic building blocks or polymer‐inserted inorganic phases. All of them are categorized and discussed with emphasis on their many different applications and commercial developments.
Metallocene Catalysts
Authors: Janiak Christoph
Published: July 2004

Metallocene catalysts refer to the combination of bis(cyclopentadienyl)metal complexes of Group 4 (IVB) (especially zirconium), or cyclopentadienyl‐substituted derivatives thereof, and a cocatalyst, typically methylalumoxane (MAO) or a perfluorated arylborane. Metallocene catalysts are employed in olefin polymerization as a new generation of Ziegler–Natta catalysts. The single‐site character of the active species enables the syntheses of polymers with narrow molar mass, comonomer distribution and tacticity distribution as industrially important features. Through a rational substitution pattern at the cyclopentadienyl ligands, metallocene catalysts allow for a unprecedented control and variation of the tacticity in α‐olefin polymerization. Furthermore, metallocene catalysts made the polymerization of cyclic olefins without ring opening possible.
Organic Coatings for Corrosion Control
Authors: Wicks Zeno W.
Published: July 2004

The three approaches to corrosion control by coatings are discussed: suppression of anodic reactions (passivation), suppression of cathodic reactions, and barrier coatings. Corrosion control by baking coatings, electrodeposition coatings, in maintenance coatings, automobile coatings, and aircraft coatings are reviewed. Chromium(VI)‐free and Ni‐free metal pretreatments are reviewed. The problems of evaluation and testing are discussed.
Pervaporation
Authors: Wynn Nicholas Patrick
Published: July 2004

Pervaporation is a membrane‐based unit process for separating volatile chemicals. It is currently the preferred method for the dehydration of solvents, particularly alcohols, past the azeotropic point but is also used for dehydrating esters, ethers, ketones, and organic acids. Fast growing applications include separation of methanol from organic azeotropes, on‐line removal of water from condensation reactions and debottlenecking of distillation processes. Promising new applications include aliphatic–aromatic separations, gasoline desulfurization and dehydration of hydrocarbons.

The technology described includes an overview of membrane and module types as well as common equipment configurations for various applications of pervaporation and vapor permeation in the pharmaceutical, fine chemical and chemical industries.
Photothermographic and Thermographic Imaging Materials
Authors: Whitcomb David R.
Published: July 2004

Photothermographic and thermographic imaging technology based on silver carboxylates have evolved into high quality black and white imaging materials suitable for extremely demanding applications such as medical X‐ray and graphic arts films. the unique ability of generating a high quality image that requires only dry processing, without any of the hazards and environmental problems of conventional, wet‐processed films for these applications, has provided significant new commercial opportunities for this technology. Major advances in the state of the art have occurred in this field since photothermography of this type was first introduced as Dry Silver in 1964. This article describes the components and their function in these types of imaging systems, their development over the last 40 years, the advances in basic understanding of the current status of the science behind the technology, and prospects for the future.
Technology Transfer
Authors: Guschl Randolph J. , Champness Michael D.
Published: July 2004

Drawing from the research literature and from focus group discussions, interview data, and other artifacts, this scholarly article traces the emergence, evolution, and application of technology transfer in relation to research collaborations among business, university, and government partners. The report details how technology transfer can be used to invent, develop, and extract value from intellectual property; identifies common barriers to collaboration; and provides summary information about the legal conventions generally employed in contract negotiations. A compilation of best practices, explaining how universities and corporations can facilitate collaborative research, along with three exemplars, is included for technology transfer practitioners.
Conventional displays: Evidence for socially mediated costs of threat displays in a lizard
Authors: Hurd Peter L.
Published: July 2004

Threat displays are used to settle the vast majority of contests between green anoles (Anolis carolinensis). While these displays have been the subject of a number of studies, very little is understood about the information they convey. Theoretical models divide displays into several types of signals, based on the mechanism that stabilizes their use: 1) performance signals, 2) handicapping signals, or 3) conventional displays. The existence of performance displays has excellent empirical support, as do models of their use. Handicapped signalling models, especially those relating to mate‐choice, have been highly influential, though little evidence suggests that threat displays are, in fact, handicapping. Most threat displays appear to be conventional, but little empirical work documents conventional signalling systems. This study investigated the use of headbob, pushup, and lateral compression displays, and concluded that headbob cadence, a discrete signal with three alternative rhythms, is a conventional display indicating impending escalation. Pushups and lateral compression displays appear not to be handicaps, since neither indicates impending escalation, and they do not correlate with fighting ability or condition. Aggr. Behav. 30:326–341, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcome of aggression affects processing and can legitimise subsequent aggression: Influence of trait aggressiveness
Authors: Bond Alyson J. , Bauer Anja , Wingrove Janet
Published: July 2004

The present study investigated differences in processing times between positive and negative outcomes to an aggressive reaction to provocation. The effects of outcome, sex, trait aggressiveness and current mood on subsequent subject‐generated material were also examined. Fifty subjects read stories line by line on a computer screen. Reading time for the key sentence describing a positive or negative outcome to an aggressive reaction to provocation was recorded and subjects wrote a continuing sentence to half the stories. Subjects took less time to process the negative outcome. The positive outcome resulted in more subject‐generated aggression than the negative outcome. There were few sex differences but men wrote more aggressive endings than women for the stories containing physical aggression. Trait aggressiveness was correlated with producing more aggressive content in the continuing sentence for both outcomes. Feeling peaceful was correlated with producing prosocial material to neutral stories. Subjects therefore expect a negative outcome to aggressive behaviour. Reading stories which present a positive outcome to aggression increases the accessibility of aggressive cognitions. Subjects high in trait aggressiveness are not inhibited by a negative outcome. Aggr. Behav. 30:284–297, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Behavioral profile of L‐655,708, a selective ligand for the benzodiazepine site of GABA‐A receptors which contain the α5 subunit, in social encounters between male mice
Authors: Navarro José Francisco , Burón Estrella , Martín‐López Mercedes
Published: July 2004

GABA‐A receptor is a transmembrane hetero‐oligomeric protein which consists of five subunits, the combination of which confers unique pharmacological properties to the receptor. It is well‐known that the GABAergic system is involved in the modulation of aggression. However, the role of α5/GABA‐A receptors has not been explored. In this study, we examined the effect of L‐655,708 (0.625‐5 mg/kg), a selective ligand for the benzodiazepine site of GABA‐A receptors which contain the α5 subunit, on agonistic behavior elicited by isolation in male mice. Individually housed mice were exposed to an anosmic “standard opponent” 30 min after drug administration, and the encounters were videotaped and evaluated using an ethologically based analysis. L‐655,708 (5 mg/kg) exhibited an ethopharmacological profile characterized by a marked reduction of the time spent in offensive behavior (threat and attack) without affecting immobility, accompanied by a significant increase of avoidance/flee and nonsocial exploration behaviors, suggesting that the antiaggressive effect of the drug is unselective. Overall, this behavioral profile might indicate the existence of an anxiogenic‐like activity of L‐655,708 in mice. Aggr. Behav. 30:319–325, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attachment, emotional loneliness, and bullying behaviour: A study of adult and young offenders
Authors: Ireland Jane L. , Power Christina L.
Published: July 2004

This research addresses the question of whether or not offenders who bully others and/or are victimised themselves can be distinguished by their attachment styles and the level of emotional loneliness that they report. Adult and young male offenders (n = 220) were required to complete a self‐report behavioural checklist (DIPC: Direct and Indirect Prisoner behaviour Checklist: Ireland, 1999a) that addressed the level of bullying behaviour at their present institution. Offenders were also required to complete a measure of attachment, namely the Three Attachment Style Measure [Hazan and Shaver, 1987] exploring secure, avoidant and anxious/ambivalent styles, and a measure of emotional loneliness, namely the revised UCLA Loneliness scale [Russell, Peplaw and Cutrona, 1980]. Young offenders were more likely than adult offenders to report behaviours indicative of ‘bullying others’ and of ‘being bullied.’ With regards to attachment style and bullying behaviour, significant differences were restricted to avoidant attachment; bully/victims reported higher avoidant scores than the other bully‐categories, with pure bullies and those not‐involved reporting lower avoidant scores. Finally, when considering emotional loneliness and bullying behaviour, bully/victims reported higher scores on emotional loneliness than the other bully‐categories, with the not‐involved group reporting significantly lower scores. Aggr. Behav. 30:298–312, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of subcutaneous infusion needles for transfusion‐dependent thalassemia patients by the intrapersonal cross‐over assessment model
Authors: Chan G.C.F. , Ng D.M.W. , Fong D.Y.T. , Ha S.Y. , Lau Y.L.
Published: July 2004

Needle‐induced trauma is one of the major contributing factors for poor compliance in patients with thalassaemia major on iron chelation therapy. A new generation of needles is currently available on the market, but their theoretical advantages have not been tested clinically. We performed a study to compare the pros and cons of the representative prototypes from each of the new (Thalaset needle) and old (butterfly scalp vein needle) generations of needles. Patients with thalassemia major who had been receiving subcutaneous iron chelation therapy for at least 2 years were recruited. Patients using butterfly needles were instructed to switch to the newer form of needle (Thalaset) for 2.5 months and then to change back to butterfly needles for another 2.5 months. Comparison was done by the intrapersonal cross‐over model using three identical sets of questionnaires collected at the beginning of the study and after the use of Thalaset and butterfly needles, respectively. Fifty‐four (22 females; 32 males) patients were included in the statistical analysis. The median age was 24.1 years (range = 7.6–47.2 years). Local reactions such as pain, itchiness, tenderness, and swelling were significantly different among the three evaluation periods and were all in favor of the Thalaset needle (all with P < 0.001), even after adjusting for the intention‐to‐treat calculation. The Thalaset needle is significantly better than the butterfly needle in reducing needle‐related trauma. It induced fewer local skin reactions such as pain, itchiness, tenderness, and swelling. However, recommendations for its routine clinical use require further cost‐effectiveness analysis. Am. J. Hematol. 76:398–404, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A case of familial thrombocytosis: Possible role of altered thrombopoietin production
Authors: Fujiwara Tohru , Harigae Hideo , Kameoka Junichi , Yokoyama Hisayuki , Takahashi Shinichiro , Tomiya Yasuo , Yamada Minami , Ishizawa Kenichi , Imaizumi Masue , Sasaki Takeshi
Published: July 2004

Familial thrombocytosis (FT) is an inherited disorder with clinical presentations similar to essential thrombocytosis (ET). In several pedigrees, overproduction of thrombopoietin (TPO) has been shown to be responsible for the disease. We report herein three cases of thrombocytosis in three successive generations. All cases had increased serum TPO levels. Sequence analysis of TPO gene and transmembrane domain of c‐MPL, known as the TPO receptor, revealed no mutations. Platelet c‐MPL expression was similar or slightly increased as compared to normal volunteers. These data suggest that altered regulation of the TPO gene might be involved in the pathogenesis of FT. Am. J. Hematol. 76:395–397, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Donor cell myelodysplastic syndrome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation responding to donor lymphocyte infusion: Case report and literature review
Authors: Komrokji Rami , Ifthikharuddin Jainulabdeen J. , Felgar Raymond E. , Abboud Camille N. , Wedow Lucy A. , Connaughton Anna , Bennett John M.
Published: July 2004

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a potentially curative treatment for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Relapses after transplantation however, are not uncommon and are usually due to re‐emergence of a recipient derived, neoplastic, stem cell clone. We report a unique case of MDS recurring 5 months after non‐myeloablative, sibling, allogeneic SCT. Interestingly, chimerism analysis at relapse showed hematopoiesis to be entirely of donor origin confirming donor cell MDS. Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) produced a hematological response lasting several months. Our review of the literature shows donor‐derived MDS to be very rare, with only four such cases described previously. In this report, we describe the details of our case and discuss putative mechanisms underlying the genesis of donor cell MDS and the observed response to DLI. Am. J. Hematol. 76:389–394, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia presenting with thrombosis of multiple saphenous vein grafts and myocardial infarction
Authors: Ayala Ernesto , Rosado Manuel F. , Morgensztern Daniel , Kharfan‐Dabaja Mohamed A. , Byrnes John J.
Published: July 2004

We report herein a patient with coronary artery disease that developed heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia after coronary artery bypass graft with resulting thrombosis of multiple saphenous vein grafts and myocardial infarction after heparin exposure. The patient required lepirudin and a cardiac catheterization with placement of stents. Am. J. Hematol. 76:383–385, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ABL oncogene amplification with p16INK4a gene deletion in precursor T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma: Report of the first case
Authors: Kim Hee‐Jin , Woo Hee‐Yeon , Koo Hong‐Hoe , Tak Eun‐Young , Kim Sun‐Hee
Published: July 2004

Gene amplification is a relatively rare event in hematologic malignancies. The ABL gene on chromosome band 9q34 is a proto‐oncogene and is the well‐known translocation partner of the BCR gene on 22q11 giving rise to t(9;22)(q34;q11), which is the hallmark of chronic myeloid leukemia and is the most common chromosomal abnormality in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Amplification of ABL is an exceedingly rare event, with only less than 5 cases reported in the literature. The p16INK4a (or CDKN2A) gene on 9p21 is a tumor suppressor gene, and deletion thereof is recently recognized as one of the most common genetic abnormalities in ALL. The authors herein describe an 8‐year‐old male patient with precursor T‐cell ALL harboring both ABL gene amplification and p16INK4a gene deletion. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using BCR/ABL probes revealed five or more ABL signals, indicating amplification in 51.5% of interphase nuclei. FISH using p16INK4a gene probes showed heterozygous p16INK4a deletion in 71.0%. On conventional cytogenetic analysis, however, only 10 metaphases were available, which showed the normal karyotype, 46,XY[10], serving no evidence for the findings on FISH. This is the first report of an ALL case with ABL amplification, and the authors speculate that both ABL proto‐oncogene amplification and the p16INK4a tumor suppressor gene deletion have been implicated in leukemogenesis in the present case, although whether the ABL amplification truly contributes to the leukemogenesis or merely an epiphenomenon representing underlying genomic instability remains to be determined. Am. J. Hematol. 76:360–363, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increasing dose intensity of anthracycline antibiotics improves outcome in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Novitzky N. , Thomas V. , Abrahams L. , du Toit C. , McDonald A.
Published: July 2004

To understand the effect of dose concentration in the overall survival of AML, we conducted a study on the efficacy and toxicity of a drug combination where the dose of daunorubicin was intensified. For this analysis, the outcome of patients entered into two consecutive prospective trials was compared. Inclusion criteria in both arms were identical and consisted of primary AML in adults. Treatment protocol for Cape Town Regimen 4 (CTR‐IV) comprised of cytarabine infusion (100 mg/m2) and etoposide (100 mg/m2), injection daily for 7 days in combination with daunorubicin (45 mg/m2) on days 1, 2, and 3. Patients achieving remission were given two further courses of the same chemotherapy and received allogeneic or autologous transplantation. CTR‐V was a similar treatment program, except that daunorubicin was escalated on days 1, 2, and 3 to 75 mg/m2during induction and to 60 mg/m2during a single consolidation. Patients were also offered stem cell transplantation. Between 1990 and 1997, 78 patients (median age 33; range 13–67 years) fulfilled entry criteria and received CTR‐IV. From 1998 onwards, 35 patients (median age 36; range 15–66 years) were prospectively enlisted into the CTR‐V trial. The patient population in CTR‐V had fewer Caucasian individuals (P= 0.02) and had significantly lower presentation hemoglobin (P= 0.0002). Following initiation of induction chemotherapy, 40 patients failed to respond. Among these, 10 patients demised before day 28. Another 30 (25/69 CTR‐IV and 5/32 in CTR‐V groups;P= 0.01) had leukemia that was resistant to chemotherapy, and all died. Remission was achieved in 59% of patients treated with CTR‐IV and 77% of those receiving CTR‐V (P= 0.03). CR occurred with a single course in 64% versus 88% (P= 0.02), respectively. There were no differences in the toxicity profile between these two combinations. Disease recurred in 50% and 28% (P= 0.07) of patients. For the 113 individuals, median follow up is 254 (range 19–4,451) and 304 (12–1,702;P= 0.03) days. Survival is 23% and 40%, respectively, favoring patients treated with CTR‐V (log rank;P= 0.03). Cox regression analysis showed that treatment group (P< 0.001), FAB type, hemoglobin level, and platelet count were independent factors for response to chemotherapy. Older age and not undergoing myeloablative therapy were the only adverse factors for survival. We conclude that increase in the treatment dose of daunorubicin in patients with AML led to a higher remission rate, particularly with a single course of chemotherapy and had an equivalent toxicity profile. This therapeutic modification is also likely to result in substantial reduction in patient stay in hospital and in the overall expenditure. Am. J. Hematol. 76:319–329, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prolonged fever of unknown origin and hemophagocytosis evolving into acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Goldschmidt Neta , Gural Alexander , Kornberg Abraham , Spectre Galia , Shopen Andrei , Paltiel Ora
Published: July 2004

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is an unusual acute syndrome presenting with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and cytopenias. The hallmark of HPS is the accumulation of activated macrophages that engulf hematopoietic cells in the reticuloendothelial system. Most cases of HPS in adults are secondary to infection or malignancy, and thus investigation of the underlying disease is necessary. We describe a patient with prolonged fever, HPS, and chromosomal abnormalities in the bone marrow who underwent thorough evaluation for the cause of his symptoms. A final diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was established in a fourth, repeated bone marrow biopsy performed more than 2 months after the first presenting symptom appeared. This unusual case demonstrates the importance of cytogenetic abnormalities found in cases of HPS and the importance of repeated testing when an underlying disease is suspected. Am. J. Hematol. 76:364–367, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High prevalence of anti‐prothrombin antibody in patients with deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Ishikura Ken , Wada Hideo , Kamikura Yuko , Hattori Kyouko , Fukuzawa Toshiaki , Yamada Norikazu , Nakamura Masio , Nobori Tsutomu , Nakano Takeshi
Published: July 2004

The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of lupus anticoagulant (LA) antibody and several antibodies for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism (PE) (n = 48), cerebral thrombosis (CT, n = 30), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, n = 22), and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP, n = 30). The presence of antibodies was examined by using the respective ELISA kits. LA was positive in 38.6% of patients with DVT/PE, suggesting that LA is one of the most important risk factors in DVT/PE. The highest prevalence of anti‐β2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI) IgG was in CT and SLE, followed by DVT, and none in ITP and healthy volunteers (control, n = 40), suggesting that it is related to thrombosis, particularly arterial thrombosis. The highest prevalence of anti‐prothrombin (aPT) IgG antibody was in DVT, followed by CT and SLE, and none in ITP and the control, suggesting that it is related to thrombosis, especially venous thrombosis. The highest prevalence of antiphospholipid (aPL) IgG was in DVT, CT, and SLE, but 0% in ITP and control. On the other hand, aPL IgM, anti‐annexin V IgG, and anti‐annexin V IgM were positive in patients both with and without thrombosis, suggesting that they are not related to thrombosis. Our results indicated that among the anti‐phospholipid antibodies, LA is the most sensitive marker for APS while anti‐β2GPI IgG, aPT IgG, and aPL IgG are risk factors for thrombosis. In particular, aPT IgG is a significant marker for DVT/PE. Am. J. Hematol. 76:338–342, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cardiobacterium hominis endocarditis associated with very severe thrombocytopenia and platelet autoantibodies
Authors: Arnold Donald M. , Smaill Fiona , Warkentin Theodore E. , Christjanson Lisa , Walker Irwin
Published: July 2004

Severe thrombocytopenia is a life‐threatening condition. It is often associated with immune‐mediated platelet destruction or myeloablative chemotherapy. Infective endocarditis has been associated with thrombocytopenia, which, as in sepsis, tends to be mild and is often the result of several pathological mechanisms. We report a case of Cardiobacterium hominis endocarditis associated with very severe thrombocytopenia and bleeding in a patient who refused platelet transfusion. Platelet autoantibodies directed against glycoprotein (Gp) IIb/IIIa and Gp Ib/IX were detected during active infection using a glycoprotein‐specific assay. Successful treatment of C. hominis endocarditis was associated with loss of platelet autoantibodies and recovery of the platelet count. This report illustrates that the development of platelet autoantibodies can contribute to very severe thrombocytopenia in occasional patients with infective endocarditis. Am. J. Hematol. 76:373–377, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Severe hemolytic anemia associated with Hb Volga [β27(B9)Ala→Asp]: GCC→GAC at codon 27 in a Turkish family
Authors: Sözen M. , Karaaslan Ç. , Öner R. , Gümrük F. , Özdemir M.A. , Altay C. , Gürgey A. , Öner C.
Published: July 2004

A boy presented at age 4 years with severe congenital hemolytic anemia characterized by highly elevated reticulocyte count (30–50%) and prominent basophilic stippling. Hb had been 4 g/dL at age 7 months. The patient was on a monthly transfusion regimen up to the age of 7 years, when he underwent splenectomy. After removal of the spleen, his Hb stabilized at 11 g/dL. No abnormal pattern was detected in hemoglobin electrophoresis at pH 9 and 6. In‐vitro globin synthesis revealed the presence of an abnormal β‐chain in front of the γ‐chain. The βA/βX ratio was 0.77 at 30 min and 0.74 at 2 hr of incubation. Molecular analysis revealed that the patient had GCC→GAC alteration at codon 27 (β27(B9)Ala→Asp) causing the abnormal hemoglobin Volga. The β‐cDNA derived from the β‐Hb Volga allele could be differentiated from HbA β‐cDNA on silver‐stained gel. No imbalance in the mRNA of βA/βHb Volga ratio was observed. Am. J. Hematol. 76:378–382, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased levels of soluble ICAM‐1 in the plasma of sickle cell patients are reversed by hydroxyurea
Authors: Conran Nicola , Fattori André , Saad Sara T.O. , Costa Fernando F.
Published: July 2004

Increased adhesive events between the blood vessel endothelium and red and white cells play a central role in the initiation of vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell disease (SCD). Soluble VCAM‐1 levels are increased in the plasma of sickle cell patients and may be reduced during hydroxyurea (HU) therapy. Reports regarding any changes in soluble ICAM‐1 (sICAM‐1) levels in sickle cell patients, however, are conflicting, and as yet no beneficial effect of HU upon levels has been observed. Thus, we sought to thoroughly investigate changes in sICAM‐1 levels in SCD patients and the effect of HU therapy (20–30 mg/kg/day). Plasma sVCAM‐1 levels were significantly higher in steady‐state SCD patients than in normal controls (766 ± 86 ng/mL vs. 325 ± 38 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.0001). sVCAM‐1 levels were decreased in patients on HU therapy (543 ± 69 ng/mL) compared to those not taking HU; however, this difference was not significant. Plasma sICAM‐1 levels were significantly increased in steady‐state SCD patients compared to normal individuals (285 ± 20 ng/mL vs. 202 ± 16 ng/mL, respectively, P = 0.002), and HU therapy significantly reduced sICAM‐1 levels in patients (217 ± 12, P = 0.027) to levels approaching those of healthy individuals. sVCAM‐1 levels inversely correlated with fetal hemoglobin levels in SCD patients, while a nonsignificant inverse trend was observed between sICAM‐1 levels and fetal hemoglobin. In conclusion, plasma sICAM‐1 levels were significantly increased in SCD patients, and this increase was reversed by hydroxyurea therapy, possibly reflecting reduced endothelial activation in patients taking HU. Such an event may benefit patients by reducing adhesive interactions between white cells and the endothelium. Am. J. Hematol. 76:343–347, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bemessungsvorschlag für Holz/Beton‐Verbundbalken unter Beachtung abgestufter Verbindungsmittelabstände
Authors: Schmidt Jörg , Kaliske Michael , Schneider Werner , Thiele Rolf
Published: July 2004

Die Abstände der Verbindungsmittel von Holz/Beton‐Verbundbalken werden i. allg. vorrangig aus Kostengründen entsprechend dem Querkraftverlauf abgestuft. Das Tragvermögen gemäß Bemessungsgrundlagen nach DIN 1052 bzw. EC 5 mit linear ermittelten Schnittgrößen (Näherungsverfahren/γ‐Verfahren) wird gegenüber Balken ohne die o. g. Abstufung deutlich reduziert. Da das tatsächliche Last‐Verformungsverhalten jedoch deutliche Nichtlinearitäten aufweist und die Verbundsteifigkeit hinsichtlich des Tragvermögens nur einen geringen Einfluß besitzt, wird in diesem Beitrag der Einfluß der Abstufung der Verbindungsmittelabstände auf das Tragverhalten von Verbundbalken mittels nichtlinearer FE‐Analysen untersucht. Im Ergebnis ist festzustellen, daß der Sicherheitsabstand zwischen Gebrauchslast gemäß E DIN 1052 und Versagenslastniveau mit zunehmendem Abstufungsgrad zunimmt, weil das tatsächliche Tragvermögen weniger – als durch das derzeitige Bemessungsmodell unterstellt – reduziert wird. Somit weisen also die Systeme, deren Verbinderabstände mehrmals abgestuft sind, den größten Sicherheitsabstand auf, könnten also noch wirtschaftlicher bemessen werden. Deshalb wird im Ergebnis der Untersuchungen ein neuer Bemessungsvorschlag unterbreitet und verifiziert, der die Nichtlinearitäten berücksichtigt, einen gleichmäßigen Sicherheitsabstand zum Versagenslastniveau gewährleistet und eine deutlich wirtschaftlichere Bemessung erlaubt.
Die Geschichte der San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge
Authors: Springer Johannes , Springer Sebastian , Röhner Johnny
Published: July 2004

Die Bay Bridge zwischen San Francisco und Oakland ist ein herausragendes Beispiel des amerikanischen Großbrückenbaus. Sie besteht aus einer Zwillingshängebrücke und einer Fachwerkauslegerbrücke, die durch einen Tunnel auf der Insel Yerba Buena verbunden sind. Dieser Artikel beschreibt den Weg von den ersten Vorstudien bis zur heutigen Zeit. Auf die Besonderheiten bei Konstruktion und Bau, z. B. die Stahlbauarbeiten sowie die Gründung des Ankerblocks, welcher die beiden Hängebrücken miteinander verbindet, wird ausführlich eingegangen. Der Beitrag beschreibt außerdem aktuelle Verstärkungsmaßnahmen sowie das geplante Ersatzbauwerk für den östlichen Fachwerkbrückenteil, der aus Gründen der Erdbebensicherheit z. Z. durch eine einhüftige, selbstverankerte Hängebrücke ersetzt wird.
Zur maßgebenden Verkehrslaststellung bei Schrägseilbrücken
Authors: Unterweger Harald
Published: July 2004

Als Grundlage der Bemessung erfordert die Systemberechnung im Brükkenbau auch die Auffindung der ungünstigsten Verkehrslaststellung für jeden betrachteten Brückenquerschnitt. Insbesondere beim Fahrbahnbalken von Schrägseilbrücken ergibt sich die Gesamtbeanspruchung aus einem komplexen Zusammenwirken aus Normalkräften, Querkräften und Biegemomenten. In der Praxis erfolgt üblicherweise eine Selektion jener Verkehrslaststellungen, die eine der Teil beanspruchungen am Querschnitt (meist ausgedrückt durch Schnittkräfte) maximieren, wodurch jedoch für die nachfolgend betrachteten Stahl‐ bzw. Verbundbrücken nicht immer die höchsten Beanspruchungen entstehen.

Einleitend erfolgt die Darstellung eines einfachen und anschaulichen Verfahrens, um – unabhängig von der Komplexität der Grenzzustandsfunktion, die auch das Beulen des Hauptträgerstegs beinhalten kann – die ungünstigste Verkehrslaststellung am Querschnitt zu finden. Dies stellt eine Verallgemeinerung des in [1] vorgestellten Verfahrens dar.

Der Hauptteil beinhaltet ein Anwendungsbeispiel einer Schrägseilbrücke mit Verbundquerschnitt, wobei zwei repräsentative Fahrbahnquerschnitte näher untersucht werden. Einerseits werden die Gesamtbeanspruchungen der konventionellen und der genauen Vorgehensweise anhand von Einflußlinien erläutert, und andererseits lassen sich daraus Hinweise für die Praxis ableiten.

Die dargestellte ingenieurmäßige Vorgehensweise kann alle Arten der Einwirkungen beinhalten und ist grundsätzlich auch auf andere Bauwerke sowie Baustoffe (z. B. Stahlbeton) direkt anwendbar.
Erschütterungsüberwachung bei Baumaßnahmen
Authors: Schalk Manfred , Henkel Fritz‐Otto , Lerzer Martin
Published: July 2004

Der vorliegende Beitrag berichtet über den Stand der Technik für Erschütterungsüberwachungen bei Baumaßnahmen. Nach einer kurzen Begründung der Notwendigkeit und einer Übersicht über Einwirkungen und Schutzziele wird die Gesamtaufgabe anhand eines Flußdiagramms systematisch dargestellt, und es wird der heutige Stand der Gerätetechnik erläutert. Das heute immer wichtiger werdende Anwendungsgebiet “Funktionstüchtigkeit von Geräten” wird vertieft. Praxisbeispiele, in denen charakteristische Erschütterungssignale für einzelne Einwirkungen und Objekte gezeigt werden, machen das Thema anschaulich.
Zyklisch viskoelastisch‐viskoplastischer Stoffansatz nichtbindiger Böden und Schotter
Authors: Gotschol Alexander , Kempfert Hans‐Georg
Published: July 2004

Im modernen Verkehrswegebau, insbesondere im Eisenbahnbau, ist die Fragestellung der Kornstabilität und des Langzeitverhaltens nichtbindiger Böden und Schotter von großer Bedeutung. Dies gilt besonders auch im Hinblick auf die Grenzen konventioneller Schotteroberbausysteme bei zunehmenden Fahrgeschwindigkeitserhöhungen. Mit dem entwickelten zyklisch viskoelastisch‐viskoplastischen Stoffansatz ist es möglich, das plastische und elastische Langzeitverhalten in Abhängigkeit von den Belastungsrandbedingungen und Spannungszuständen sowie wesentlicher Materialeigenschaften zu beschreiben. Durch die numerische Umsetzung des Stoffansatzes kann zwischenzeitlich auch das plastische Langzeitverhalten komplexer dreidimensionaler Strukturen zufriedenstellend berechnet werden.
Einfluß der lokalen Geologie von Köln auf die Form von Freifeldantwortspektren
Authors: Savidis Stavros A. , Röhner Jens
Published: July 2004

Im Rahmen einer Mikrozonierung des Großraums Köln wurden auf der Grundlage der Mächtigkeit der anstehenden Sedimentschichten 8 Teil regionen abgegrenzt und jedem ein charakteristisches Bodenprofil zugewiesen. Mit den Herdparametern der Standardereignisse des Entwurfs der nationalen Erdbebennorm E‐DIN 4149 wurden synthetische Seismogramme erzeugt und zur Analyse des Einflusses der lokalen Sedimentschichten auf die Form von Transferfunktionen und Bodenbeschleunigungsantwortspektren verwendet. Die Ergebnisse von 3 in der Praxis üblichen Berechnungsverfahren (Zweischichtenmodell, Mehrschichtmodell in SHAKE 91,Haskellsche Schichtenmatrizen in SIMUL) werden zum einen untereinander und zum anderen mit den elastischen Bodenbeschleunigungsantwortspektren der E‐DIN 4149 verglichen und diskutiert.
ResCol‐Versuche zur Prüfung der dynamischen Langzeitstabilität von TA/TM‐Böden unter Eisenbahnverkehr
Authors: Hu Yifeng , Haupt Wolfgang , Müllner Bernd
Published: July 2004

Zur Bewertung der dynamischen Langzeitstabilität wurden ResCol‐Versuche an Tertiärtonen (TA/TM Böden), die aus den erdstatisch abzusichernden Zonen im Einschnittsbereich des Loses Süd der Neubaustrecke Nürnberg–Ingolstadt entnommen wurden, durchgeführt. Aus den Versuchsergebnissen wurden die Eingangsparameter für die dynamische Bemessung mit einem Verfahren, das aufgrund bekannter bodendynamischer Erkenntnisse speziell für die Erdbauwerke unter Eisenbahnverkehr entwickelt worden ist, ermittelt. Damit wurden für die untersuchten Böden die Prüfkriterien bei der Bauausführung hinsichtlich dynamischer Langzeitstabilität abgeleitet. In diesem Beitrag werden das Bemessungsverfahren, die Versuchsergebnisse und ihre Anwendung in der Praxis beschrieben.
Mechanisms of biosorption of different heavy metals by brown marine macroalgae
Authors: Raize Ofer , Argaman Yerachmiel , Yannai Shmuel
Published: July 2004

The biosorption mechanisms of different heavy metallic cations (Cd, Ni, Pb) to active chemical groups on the cell wall matrix of the nonliving brown marine macroalga, Sargassum vulgaris in its natural form, were examined by the following instrumental and chemical techniques: Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and extraction of alginic acid and sulfated polysaccharides, which act as metal‐binding moieties present in cell wall. From the different techniques used and the known chemical composition of the algal cell wall, it was observed that biosorption of the metallic cations to the algal cell wall component was a surface process. The binding capacities of the different metal cations were between 1 and 1.2 mmol metal/g on a dry weight basis. The main chemical groups involved in the metallic cation biosorption were apparently carboxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, and sulfonate. These groups were part of the algal cell wall structural polymers, namely, polysaccharides (alginic acid, sulfated polysaccharides), proteins, and peptidoglycans. The main cadmium cation sequestration mechanism by the algal biomass was apparently chelation, while the nickel cation sequestration mechanism was mainly ion exchange. Lead cations exhibit higher affinity to the algal biomass, and their binding mechanism included a combination of ion exchange, chelation, and reduction reactions, accompanied by metallic lead precipitation on the cell wall matrix. During the ion exchange process, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen cations, and probably other cations (sodium and potassium) in the algal cell wall matrix were replaced by the tested heavy metals. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.