bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serotonin 1B (5HT‐1B) receptor polymorphism (G861C) in suicide victims: Association studies in German and Slavic population
Authors: Stefulj Jasminka , Büttner Andreas , Skavic Josip , Zill Peter , Balija Melita , Eisenmenger Wolfgang , Bondy Brigitta , Jernej Branimir
Published: April 2004

Serotonergic dysfunction is believed to be involved in the susceptibility to suicide due to functional alternations in the serotonin‐related genes. Serotonin 1B (5HT‐1B) receptor mediates aggressive behavior in mice models and was proposed to be involved in the control of aggression and impulsivity in humans. In this study we have investigated the association of G861C polymorphism of the 5HT‐1B receptor gene with suicide commitment. Study was based on two independent samples, one of German (245 suicide victims vs. 248 controls) and the other of Slavic/Croatian (118 suicide victims vs. 192 controls) ethnicity. No significant differences in allele or genotype frequencies between victims and controls were demonstrated either in German or Croatian sample. There were no differences in allele frequencies between German and Croatian population, and the combined sample, having high statistical power, also did not demonstrate significant differences between victims and controls. Results provide evidence that the investigated 5HT‐1B receptor gene variants are not implicated in the susceptibility to suicide. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of the HOPA12bp allele with a large X‐chromosome haplotype and positive symptom schizophrenia
Authors: Spinks Ruth , Sandhu Harinder K. , Andreasen Nancy C. , Philibert Robert A.
Published: April 2004

HOPA is a X‐chromosome gene that encodes an essential nuclear receptor co‐activator. Previously, we have demonstrated that an exonic polymorphism, termed HOPA12bp, in the Opa (Opposite Paired) domain of this gene that is critical for neuronal growth and differentiation is associated with a low risk for schizophrenia. But curiously, we have also noted that all HOPA12bp probands have the same haplotype immediately surrounding the HOPA12bp, and other investigators have found evidence of population stratification with the HOPA12bp allele. Since deleterious alleles are weeded from the population, and the HOPA12bp allele is not rare, these prior findings suggest the possibility that positive selection may be occurring with respect to the HOPA12bp allele and that unique phenotypic features may be associated with this allele. To test these hypotheses, we analyzed symptom data collected from schizophrenic probands and conducted haplotyping studies around the HOPA12bp polymorphism. Consistent with our hypotheses, genotyping studies of 43 unrelated HOPA12bp males and 137 HOPAwild males demonstrated that the HOPA12bp allele is associated with a large conserved DNA haplotype that extends over several genes known to be critical for human survival. Furthermore, ANOVA analysis of symptom data demonstrated that HOPA12bp schizophrenic probands (n = 14) have significantly lower severity of negative symptoms (P < 0.002) and better attention (P < 0.002) than matched controls (n = 30). Taken together, these findings further refine the behavioral endophenotype associated with the HOPA12bp allele and suggest that the sequence surrounding HOPA may need to be considered to fully understand the molecular basis of the phenotype associated with the HOPA12bp allele. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genome‐wide scan in Portuguese Island families implicates multiple loci in bipolar disorder: Fine mapping adds support on chromosomes 6 and 11
Authors: Pato Carlos N. , Pato M.T. , Kirby A. , Petryshen T.L. , Medeiros H. , Carvalho C. , Macedo A. , Dourado A. , Coelho I. , Valente J. , Soares M.J. , Ferreira C.P. , Lei M. , Verner A. , Hudson T.J. , Morley C.P. , Kennedy J.L. , Azevedo M.H. , Daly M.J. , Sklar P.
Published: April 2004

As part of an extensive study in the Portuguese Island population of families with multiple patients suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, we performed an initial genome‐wide scan of 16 extended families with bipolar disorder that identified three regions on chromosomes 2, 11, and 19 with genome‐wide suggestive linkage and several other regions, including chromosome 6q, also approached suggestive levels of significance. Dick et al. [2003: Am J Hum Genet 73:107–114] recently reported in a study of 250 families with bipolar disorder a maxLOD score of 3.61 near marker D6S1021 on chromosome 6q. This study replicates this finding having detected a peak NPL = 2.02 (P = 0.025) with the same marker D6S1021(104.7 Mb). Higher‐density mapping provided additional support for loci on chromosome 6 including marker D6S1021 with an NPL = 2.59 (P = 0.0068) and peaking at marker D6S1639 (125 Mb) with an NPL = 3.06 (P = 0.0019). A similar pattern was detected with higher‐density mapping of chromosome 11 with an NPL = 3.15 (P = 0.0014) at marker D11S1883 (63.1 Mb). Simulations at the density of our fine mapping data indicate that less than 1 scan out of 10 would find two such scores genome‐wide in the same scan by chance. Our findings provide additional support for a susceptibility locus for bipolar disorder on 6q, as well as, suggesting the importance of denser scans. Published 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuromusculoskeletal computer modeling and simulation of upright, straight‐legged, bipedal locomotion of Australopithecus afarensis (A.L. 288‐1)
Authors: Nagano Akinori , Umberger Brian R. , Marzke Mary W. , Gerritsen Karin G.M.
Published: April 2004

The skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis (A.L. 288‐1, better known as “Lucy”) is by far the most complete record of locomotor morphology of early hominids currently available. Even though researchers agree that the postcranial skeleton of Lucy shows morphological features indicative of bipedality, only a few studies have investigated Lucy's bipedal locomotion itself. Lucy's energy expenditure during locomotion has been the topic of much speculation, but has not been investigated, except for several estimates derived from experimental data collected on other animals. To gain further insights into how Lucy may have walked, we generated a full three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction and forward‐dynamic simulation of upright bipedal locomotion of this ancient human ancestor. Laser‐scanned 3D bone geometries were combined with state‐of‐the‐art neuromusculoskeletal modeling and simulation techniques from computational biomechanics. A detailed full 3D neuromusculoskeletal model was developed that encompassed all major bones, joints (10), and muscles (52) of the lower extremity. A model of muscle force and heat production was used to actuate the musculoskeletal system, and to estimate total energy expenditure during locomotion. Neural activation profiles for each of the 52 muscles that produced a single step of locomotion, while at the same time minimizing the energy consumed per meter traveled, were searched through numerical optimization. The numerical optimization resulted in smooth locomotor kinematics, and the predicted energy expenditure was appropriate for upright bipedal walking in an individual of Lucy's body size. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Skin ligaments:
Authors: Nash Lance G. , Phillips Mark N. , Nicholson Helen , Barnett Russell , Zhang Ming
Published: April 2004

Skin ligaments (SL) (L. retinacula cutis) are present extensively in the face, hands, feet, and in breast tissue, but have seldom been reported elsewhere in the body. The traditional histological view of the subcutaneous region is that it comprises a matrix of loose connective tissue devoid of fibrous specializations. The purpose of this study was to determine the structure and distribution of skin ligaments. Eight embalmed cadavers (3 males, 5 females, 69–90 years of age) were used in this study. Tissue was prepared using the E12 plastination technique. Macroscopic and microscopic examination demonstrated the widespread presence in the limbs and most of the rest of the body of fibrous strands linking the base of the dermis and the superficial fibers of the underlying deep fascia. The morphology and distribution of these skin ligaments were similar in the individuals examined. Variations in the structure of the skin ligaments depended on the presence of underlying muscle, neurovascular bundles, intermuscular septa and adipose tissue. We conclude that skin ligaments are complex fibrous structures that are present over most of the body. They form an extensive peripheral network in the subcutaneous fat. These ‘ligaments’ seem to provide an anchorage of skin to deep fascia that is flexible and yet resistant to mechanical loading from multi‐directional forces. The use of the E12 plastination technique coupled with fluorescent confocal microscopy has been of benefit in visualizing and delineating SLs from other soft tissue structures in three planes. Clin. Anat. 17:287–293, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomy of renal arterial supply
Authors: Khamanarong K. , Prachaney P. , Utraravichien A. , Tong‐Un T. , Sripaoraya K.
Published: April 2004

A thorough knowledge of the variations of the renal artery has grown in importance with the increasing numbers of renal transplants, vascular reconstructions, and various surgical and radiologic techniques. The literature indicates that multiple renal arteries are found in 9– 76% of cadavers. The purpose of this study is to establish the incidence and characteristics of variations of renal arteries in Thais. A total of 267 Thai cadavers were dissected in the anatomy laboratory. The anatomical findings included: a single hilar artery in 82% of cases; double renal arteries in 17% of cases (one hilar artery with an upper polar artery occurred in 7%; two hilar arteries in 7%, and one hilar artery combined with one lower polar artery in 3%); and triple renal arteries occurred in 1% (two hilar arteries with one upper polar artery in 0.4% and two hilar arteries with one lower polar artery in 0.6%). In preparation for interventions, such as living renal donation, vascular reconstruction, renovascular hypertension, or radical nephrectomy, the results indicate that preoperative renal imaging is necessary and that operative techniques with attention to multiple renal arteries should be considered. Clin. Anat. 17:334–336, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
β‐Catenin and p53 analyses of a breast carcinoma tissue microarray
Authors: Chung Gina G. , Zerkowski Maciej P. , Ocal Idris Tolgay , Dolled‐Filhart Marisa , Kang Jung Y. , Psyrri Amanda , Camp Robert L. , Rimm David L.
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

Aberrant activation of the β‐catenin signaling pathway has been implicated in several malignancies, including breast carcinoma. Recently, it was shown that p53 down‐regulated β‐catenin in a complex fashion. The authors examined the expression of β‐catenin, key members of its signaling pathway, and p53 in a large cohort of breast tumors.

METHODS

The authors conducted an immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of β‐catenin, upstream modulators (HER‐2/neu, Met, and epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR]), downstream target genes (cyclin D1 and matrix metalloproteinase‐7 [MMP7]), and p53 on a tissue microarray of 346 lymph node‐negative breast carcinomas. The results were correlated with one another and with standard clinicopathologic parameters.

RESULTS

β‐Catenin expression was observed in the membrane and/or cytoplasm without any significant nuclear expression. HER‐2/neu and EGFR were observed on the membrane in 21% and 6% of tumors, respectively, and Met stained in a membrane/cytoplasm distribution in 28% of cases. Cyclin D1 was expressed in the nucleus and MMP7 was expressed in the cytoplasm in 26% and 75% of tumors, respectively. Nuclear expression of p53 was noted in 31% of tumors. When each marker was analyzed separately, only p53 and Met demonstrated a significant correlation with survival. However, patients who had tumors that coexpressed high levels of β‐catenin and p53 had markedly worse overall survival (P = 0.0026). In multivariate analysis, only tumor size, Met, and the coexpression of β‐catenin and p53 retained statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings support a potential synergistic effect of abnormal β‐catenin regulation and p53 status in the pathogenesis and natural history of lymph node‐negative breast carcinoma. Furthermore, the results show that a combined analysis of multiple markers, notably β‐catenin and p53, may enhance the prognostic capabilities compared with individual markers. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
A prospective evaluation of radiocolloid and immunohistochemical staining in colon carcinoma lymphatic mapping
Authors: Patten Lane C. , Berger David H. , Rodriguez‐Bigas Miguel , Mansfield Paul , Delpassand Ebrahim , Cleary Karen R. , Fagan Shawn P. , Curley Steven A. , Hunt Kelly K. , Feig Barry W.
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

Although the utility of lymphatic mapping (LM) and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in patients with melanoma and breast carcinoma has been well documented, this same is not true for patients with colon carcinoma. The authors previously reported a high false‐negative rate for SLN biopsy in patients with colon carcinoma using isosulfan blue dye alone. The objective of the current study was to determine whether radiocolloid would increase the sensitivity of LM/SLN biopsy in patients with colon carcinoma.

METHODS

The authors performed LM on 57 patients with colon carcinoma using both isosulfan blue dye and radiocolloid. The SLN(s) were identified by either their blue color or by increased radioactivity. The SLNs then underwent both routine histologic sectioning and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for cytokeratins.

RESULTS

An SLN was identified in 56 patients (98%). Radiocolloid was able to identify only 1 additional positive SLN (9%). Overall, it was found that the disease had metastasized to the lymph nodes in 22 patients, even though there was no evidence of disease in the SLN(s) in 11 of those 22 patients on routine histologic sectioning (false‐negative rate, 50%; sensitivity, 50%). In five patients, IHC of the SLN was the only indicator of metastatic disease. The inclusion of IHC‐positive SLNs in these calculations would decrease the false‐negative rate to 17% and would increase the sensitivity of SLN biopsy to 83%.

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, the addition of radiocolloid did not increase the sensitivity of detection of positive SLN(s) compared with the use of isosulfan blue dye alone. IHC of the SLN potentially may increase the sensitivity of LM and reduce the false‐negative rate. However, the long‐term prognostic significance of IHC in patients with colon carcinoma remains controversial. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Time dependence of prognostic factors for patients with soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Engellau Jacob , Anderson Harald , Rydholm Anders , Bauer Henrik C. F. , Hall Kirsten Sundby , Gustafson Pelle , Åkerman Måns , Meis‐Kindblom Jeanne , Alvegård Thor A. , Nilbert Mef
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

Prognostic factors for metastasis in soft tissue sarcoma govern decisions regarding adjuvant treatment. However, the significance of initial tumor‐related prognostic factors over time is largely unknown.

METHODS

The current study included 338 patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the extremities or the trunk wall whose tumors were reviewed by the Scandinavian Sarcoma Pathology Review Group. Of these 338 patients, 329 (97%) had high‐grade tumors. The median follow‐up period was 7 years. Metastases occurred in 110 of 338 of patients after a median follow‐up period of 14 months, with roughly one‐third (32 of 110) occurring after 2 years. The authors investigated the prognostic significance of tumor size, tumor depth, histologic grade, microscopic tumor necrosis, vascular invasion, mitotic rate, and local tumor recurrence at various time intervals using metastases as an endpoint.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, all investigated factors were found to be correlated with metastases for the entire follow‐up period and also for the first 2 years of follow‐up; beyond this time point, only size, tumor depth, and local recurrence were significant. On multivariate analysis, necrosis and local tumor recurrence were significant for the entire follow‐up duration and also for the first 2 years of follow‐up, whereas only tumor depth and local recurrence were significant beyond 2 years of follow‐up. For all initial factors, the annual metastasis risks in the high‐risk and low‐risk groups converged to < 0.1 after 2 years and to near 0 after 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Prognostic factors for metastasis in MFH were time dependent. The predictive value of the initial prognostic factors was limited to the first 2 years of follow‐up. The lack of observed prognostic value beyond 2 years of follow‐up probably was attributable to heterogeneity within risk categories as a result of measurement errors and unknown biologic variations. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
High‐dose methotrexate‐induced nephrotoxicity in patients with osteosarcoma
Authors: Widemann Brigitte C. , Balis Frank M. , Kempf‐Bielack Beate , Bielack Stefan , Pratt Charles B. , Ferrari Stefano , Bacci Gaetano , Craft Alan W. , Adamson Peter C.
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

High‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX)‐induced renal dysfunction can be life threatening, because it delays methotrexate (MTX) excretion, thereby exacerbating the other toxicities of MTX. HDMTX‐induced nephrotoxicity has been managed with high‐dose leucovorin, dialysis‐based methods of MTX removal, thymidine, and with the recombinant enzyme, carboxypeptidase‐G2 (CPDG2), which cleaves MTX to inactive metabolites. The objectives of the current study were to estimate the current incidence of HDMTX‐induced renal dysfunction in patients with osteosarcoma and to compare the efficacy and recovery of renal function for dialysis‐based methods of MTX removal with treatment using CPDG2.

METHODS

The literature was reviewed for osteosarcoma trials, use of dialysis‐based methods for MTX removal, and reports of MTX‐induced nephrotoxicity, including information regarding recovery of renal function. Clinical trial databases of select osteosarcoma studies were reviewed. The efficacy of CPDG2 and renal recovery after CPDG2 rescue was obtained from the database of a compassionate‐release trial.

RESULTS

Approximately 1.8% of patients with osteosarcoma (68 of 3887 patients) who received HDMTX developed nephrotoxicity Grade ≥ 2. The mortality rate among those patients was 4.4% (3 of 68 patients). Dialysis‐based methods of MTX removal were used frequently but had limited effectiveness in removing MTX compared with the rapid reductions > 98% in plasma MTX concentrations achieved with CPDG2. CPDG2 did not appear to increase the time to recovery of renal function compared with supportive treatment that included dialysis‐based methods.

CONCLUSIONS

HDMTX‐induced renal dysfunction continues to occur in approximately 1.8% of patients with osteosarcoma who are treated on clinical protocols with optimal supportive care. For patients with delayed MTX excretion and high plasma MTX concentrations, CPDG2 should be considered over hemodialysis to lower plasma MTX concentrations rapidly and efficiently. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Fine‐needle aspiration in liposarcoma: Cytohistologic correlative study including well‐differentiated, myxoid, and pleomorphic variants
Authors: Klijanienko Jerzy , Caillaud Jean‐Michel , Lagacé Réal
Published: April 2004

We have reviewed cytopathology and the corresponding histopathology material of 86 liposarcomas (55 patients) seen at Institut Curie. The liposarcomas (LS) were well differentiated in 14 cases (9 pure, 2 dedifferentiated, 3 sclerosing), 64 myxoid, and 8 pleomorphic. Twenty‐four tumors were primary, 34 recurrent, and 28 secondary. Smears in LS were composed in different proportions of round, spindle cells, lipoblasts, and myxoid and vascular arborizing structures. Pure well‐differentiated LS were frequently composed of lipoblasts, and round or spindle cells were occasionally seen. Dedifferentiated and sclerosing liposarcomas were composed of spindle or round cells, but lipoblasts were also occasionally present. Myxoid or vascular arborizing structures were absent. Myxoid LS (including round and spindle cell LS) frequently showed a myxoid background and less frequently vascular arborizing structures. Tumor cells were round or spindle. Lipoblasts were also seen. Pleomorphic LS were composed of an admixture of all cellular and stromal elements. Well‐differentiated LS should be distinguished from hibernoma and spindle cell lipoma, and myxoid LS from myxoma, myxoid chondrosarcoma, chordoma, myxoid leiomyosarcoma, and myxoid malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The demonstration of the specific translocation t(12;16)(q13;p11) of myxoid LS is very helpful to establish the diagnosis. Pleomorphic LS should be differentiated from other high‐grade sarcomas, whenever possible. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:307–312. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Water‐Soluble Calix[4]arene‐Based Podand Incorporating 4,4′‐Dicarboxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine Chelating Units − Synthesis and Complexation Properties towards Copper Ions
Authors: Psychogios Nicolas , Regnouf‐de‐Vains Jean‐Bernard , Stoeckli‐Evans Helen M.
Published: April 2004

A water‐soluble calix[4]arene‐based podand has been prepared by incorporation, at the lower rim, of two 4,4′‐dicarboxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine units in opposite positions. The association between its coordination and hydrophilic properties were beneficial to the complexation and solubilization of copper(I) in water, even in the presence of bovine serum albumin. The ligand and its corresponding CuI complex have been fully characterized, but attempts to crystallize them have been unsuccessful so far. For this reason, the dinuclear ZnCl2 complex of the organic solvent soluble tetraester intermediate has been crystallized, and subjected to X‐ray diffraction analysis, confirming the expected podand‐like structure of the ligand. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Synthesis and Structure of 1‐D Heterometallic Thiocyanato‐Bridged CuIIGdIII Polymers with Ferromagnetic Properties
Authors: Novitchi Ghenadie , Costes Jean‐Pierre , Donnadieu Bruno
Published: April 2004

Reaction of the tetracoordinate CuLA and CuLB complexes with Gd(NCS)3 leads to two unique one‐dimensional {Cu−Gd}n thiocyanato‐bridged (I) and hydrogen‐bonded (II) polymers, depending on the periphery of the LA and LB ligands, with ferromagnetic properties. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
The First Pure Mesoporous Aluminium Phosphonates and Diphosphonates − New Hybrid Porous Materials
Authors: El Haskouri Jamal , Guillem Carmen , Latorre Julio , Beltrán Aurelio , Beltrán Daniel , Amorós Pedro
Published: April 2004

Organophosphorus moieties have been incorporated into mesoporous ALPOs through a one‐pot surfactant‐assisted procedure leading, for the first time, to periodic mesoporous aluminium phosphonates and diphosphonates. The number of organic groups on the surface or in the network can be modulated continuously up to the maximum incorporation level of the respective organophosphorus entities (100 %). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
The Allenic Pauson−Khand Reaction in Synthesis
Authors: Alcaide Benito , Almendros Pedro
Published: April 2004

The Pauson−Khand (PK) reaction is a formal [2+2+1] cycloaddition involving an alkene, an alkyne and carbon monoxide. The allene moiety represents a versatile and useful building block in organic synthesis. In place of the usual alkene, allene reagents are fascinating substrates in the Pauson−Khand‐type reaction because of their unique reactivity and the synthetic utility of the final products. However, there are significant problems of selectivity. Several studies, most of them recent, have greatly enhanced the synthetic utility of this reaction by the use of allenes instead of alkenes. This paper presents recent advances in the less exploited allenic and dienic variants of the Pauson−Khand‐type cycloaddition. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Aeration recirculation in air and high purity oxygen systems for control of VOC emissions from wastewater aeration basins
Authors: Zhu Hongwei , Keener Tim C. , Bishop Paul L. , Orton Tim L. , Wang Min , Siddiqui Kaniz F.
Published: April 2004

A steady state circulating aeration system (CAS) model has been used to study the effects of volatility and degradability on the fate of VOCs in both air and high purity oxygen (HPO) systems. With an increase of the circulation ratio in an air CAS, air emissions by stripping can be significantly reduced for compounds of low degradability and high volatility. Enhancement of biodegradation is more significant for compounds of high degradability and volatility. A large portion of VOCs will remain in the wastewater when the circulation ratio is high, especially for VOCs that are difficult to degrade. In HPO systems, emissions by stripping are much less than in air systems. However, VOCs will remain in the wastewater if they have poor degradability. Volatility of VOCs is not important in HPO systems. Due to their wide range and large uncertainties, degradation rate constants are a major factor determining the effectiveness of a CAS for VOC emission control.
A cost benefit approach to reactor sizing and nutrient supply for biotrickling filters for air pollution control
Authors: Deshusses Marc A. , Cox Huub H. J.
Published: April 2004

In the present paper, a general model was developed that allows the selection of the most cost‐effective operation of biotrickling filters for air pollution control. The model was demonstrated for a typical case of industrial pollution: 10,000 m3 h−1 airstream contaminated with 1.5 g m−3 toluene. The effects of nitrogen (as nitrate) loading on the pollutant elimination capacity and on the rate of biomass growth were considered. Using model simulations, the influence of the nitrate loading on the overall treatment cost was quantified and an optimum nitrate loading was determined. The results suggest that biotrickling filtration is very competitive compared to conventional treatment technologies. For the case studied, a treatment cost optimum was obtained at a nutrient loading of 8 g N‐nitrate per cubic meter bed volume per day. This represents a relatively severe nutrient limitation. The range of nutrient loading for cost effective treatment was about 4 to 30 g N‐nitrate m−3 d−1. Overall, the approach presented herein is widely applicable for the determination of the best reactor design and the optimum reactor operating conditions.
Evaluation of full‐scale biofilter media performance
Authors: Cárdenas‐González Beatriz , Ergas Sarina J. , Switzenbaum Michael S. , Phillibert Norman
Published: April 2004

The objective of this study was to characterize the key physical, chemical and biological properties of compost media from a full‐scale biofiltration system used to control VOC emissions. Results of media characterization we re used to assess the need for operational changes and media replacement. Biofilter media properties evaluated included: moisture content, pH, total organic carbon (TOC) and nitrogen content in water extracts and solid matrix, oxygen uptake rates, and microbial plate counts including total heterotrophs, oligotrophs, actinomycetes and fungi. Samples we re taken from various locations and depths in the biofilter after three and five years of system operation. Media moisture content was highly variable, with samples from deeper in the bed dryer than surface samples. Low moisture contents we re associated with low pH values and low oxygen uptake rates. Total organic carbon contents in water extracts we re higher than typical biosolids compost in samples near the inlet to the biofilter, possibly due to extracellular polysaccharides. After five years of use, total nitrogen and organic carbon contents in the solid matrix did not significantly differ from initial levels or those in typical biosolids compost.
Environmental comparison metrics for life cycle impact assessment and process design
Authors: Pennington David W. , Norris Gregory , Hoagland Theresa , Bare Jane C.
Published: April 2004

Metrics (potentials, potency factors, equivalency factors or characterization factors) are available to support the environmental comparison of alternatives in application domains like process design and product life‐cycle assessment (LCA). These metrics typically provide relative insights into the implicit concern associated with chemicals, emissions and resource consumption in the context of human health, ecological health and resource depletion. The approaches used to derive the metrics range in their site‐specificity, complexity, comprehensiveness, sophistication and uncertainty. It is therefore often necessary to consider the use of more than one approach within the context of a given impact category to help support a decision. In this paper we outline some of the strengths and weaknesses of available approaches in the commonly considered categories of global warming, tratospheric ozone depletion, tropospheric ozone (smog) creation, eutrophication/nutrification, acidification, toxicological impacts and resource depletion.
The national LCA project in Japan
Authors: Yano Mashashi , Kamiya Kazuhiro
Published: April 2004

In 1995, nineteen industry associations, thirty‐one enterprises and ninety‐six individuals convened to inaugurate the LCA Japan Forum. This organization was established for the primary intention of exchanging information on common underlying problems and new measures regarding LCA among the industries, academia, and government research institutes of Japan. The LCA Japan Forum has proclaimed the urgent need to establish an LCA methodology encompassing a public inventory database and a Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) corresponding with the environmental situation in Japan in order to popularize LCA throughout the nation.
Feasibility of extracting lead from lead battery recycling site soil using high‐concentration chloride solutions
Authors: Nedwed Tim , Clifford Dennis A.
Published: April 2004

This paper describes research on a technique for removing lead from soil using 4 ‐6 M chloride solutions at pH 4. Two soils we re studied in this work: (1) a high‐silt, highclay, lead battery recycling site (LBRS) soil and (2) a highsand LBRS soil. Testing determined that a batch‐extraction process using chloride solutions reduced the lead in the high‐silt, high‐clay soil from 67,400 to 1,500–2,000 mg/kg and in the high‐sand soil from 14,400 to 600 mg/kg. Both treated soils passed the EPA's Toxicity Characteristic Leachate Procedure test. In addition, concentrated chloride solutions we re as effective as both EDTA and HCl at removing lead from the high‐silt, high‐clay soil. The ability of chloride solutions to remove lead as efficiently as EDTA while providing easy recovery of the chloride‐complexed lead illustrates the viability of the process.
The membrane contactor: Environmental applications and possibilities
Authors: Klaassen R. , Jansen A. E.
Published: April 2004

In a membrane contactor, separation is fully integrated with another separation technology, such as extraction or absorption, in order to fully exploit the benefits of both technologies. Membrane contactor applications can be found in both water and gas treatment. Several recently developed industrial applications—aromatics recovery from a process water, selective removal of heavy metals from a galvanic process bath, and ammonia recovery from an off gas stream—will be discussed from both technical and economic perspectives to show the wide scope of the technology.
Pollution prevention advances in pulp and paper processing
Authors: Das Tapas K. , Jain Ashok K.
Published: April 2004

Data collected from a large number of pulp and paper mills across the U.S. show that although there has been a significant increase in pulp production during the last 20–25 years, discharges to the environment have gone down. Over this period total reduced sulfur (TRS) emissions have been reduced by 85%, SO2 emissions have gone down by over 40%, effluent flow has decreased by over 30%, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) have decreased by 75% and 45%, respectively. Paper recovery has increased from 20% to 50%. The recently promulgated Cluster Rule, which links air and water standards, will further reduce environmental releases of hazardous pollutants and chlorinated organics. New and emerging technologies, such as enzyme bleaching, black liquor gasification, cogeneration, production of ethanol from wastewater treatment plant sludges, and beneficial use—including land application—of solids residuals are expected to further reduce emissions.
Supported liquid membranes for removal and recovery of metals from waste waters and process streams
Authors: Ho W. S. Winston , Wang Bing , Neumuller Travis E. , Roller Justin
Published: April 2004

Supported liquid membranes (SLMs) are very effective for the removal and recovery of metals from waste waters and process streams since they combine extraction and stripping, into one step. The one‐step membrane process provides the maximum driving force for the separation of a targeted metal, leading to the best possible clean‐up and recovery rates. The stability of the SLM has been ensured with strip dispersion, where the aqueous strip solution is dispersed in the organic membrane solution in a mixer. The strip dispersion formed is circulated from the mixer to the membrane module to provide a constant supply of the organic solution to the membrane pores. We have identified effective SLM systems, operating at a feed pH < 3 for the removal and recovery of copper, zinc, and nickel. Goals of zero discharge and no sludge are achievable.
Microwave process for removal and destruction of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Cha Chang Yul , Carlisle Charlie T.
Published: April 2004

The CHA microwave‐based gas cleanup process is designed to capture and destroy a wide variety of both chlorinated and non‐chlorinated VOCs, many of which are commonly found at industrial and military sites. In addition, the CHA process also removes the pollutants SO2 and NOx from flue gases. Recently, we constructed a microwave air purification system to remove solvents from spray painting operations and supply recovered solvent vapor to a biofilter field demonstration unit at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama, Florida. The potential applications and laboratory test results of the microwave air purification process are presented.
Effect of slide track shape on the wear of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene in a pin‐on‐disk wear simulation of total hip prosthesis
Authors: Saikko Vesa , Calonius Olof , Keränen Jaakko
Published: April 2004

Prosthetic joints appear to show a strong relationship between the type of relative motion and wear, requiring careful consideration in the design of wear simulators. This relationship was studied with a 12‐station pin‐on‐disk device, specifically adapted for the wear simulation of prosthetic hip joints. Each station had a unique motion, characterized by the so‐called slide track, the track of the pin on the disk. The slide track shapes included 10 ellipses, their aspect ratio (AR) varying from 1.1 to 11.0, and a circle and a straight line as extreme cases. Hence for the first time in hip wear simulation, the motion was systematically varied over a wide range. Conventional UHMWPE pins were tested against polished CoCr disks in diluted calf serum three times for 3 million cycles. Below the AR value of 5.5, the polyethylene wear factor and wear mechanisms agreed with clinical observations. Above this value, the wear factor decreased to unrealistically low values, and the wear surface topography differed from that of retrieved acetabular cups. The wear particles, however, were similar to those isolated from periprosthetic tissues, irrespective of the AR value. In conclusion, it is recommended that the AR value be kept well below the critical point of 5.5. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 69B: 141–148, 2004
Properties of super stainless steels for orthodontic applications
Authors: Oh Keun‐Taek , Kim Young‐Sik , Park Yong‐Soo , Kim Kyoung‐Nam
Published: April 2004

Orthodontic stainless‐steel appliances are considered to be corrosion resistant, but localized corrosion can occur in the oral cavity. This study was undertaken to evaluate the properties of super stainless steels in orthodontic applications. Accordingly, the metallurgical properties, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, amount of the released nickel, cytotoxicity, and characteristics of the passive film were investigated. Corrosion resistances of the specimens were high and in the following order: super austenitic stainless steel (SR‐50A) > super ferritic stainless steel (SFSS) = super duplex stainless steel (SR‐6DX) > 316L SS > super martensitic stainless steel (SR‐3Mo) in artificial saliva, 37 °C. At 500 mV (SCE), current densities of SR‐50A, SFSS, SR‐6DX, 316L SS, and SR‐3Mo were 5.96 μA/cm2, 20.3 μA/cm2, 31.9 μA/cm2, 805 μA/cm2, and 5.36 mA/cm2, respectively. Open circuit potentials of SR‐50A, 316L SS, SR‐6DX, SR‐3Mo, and SFSS were − 0.2, − 0.22, − 0.24, − 0.43, and − 0.46 V (SCE), respectively. SR‐50A, SFSS, and SR‐6DX released below 3 ng/ml nickel for 8 weeks, and increased a little with immersion time, and 316L SS released about 3.5 ng/ml nickel, but SR‐3Mo released a large amount of nickel, which increased with immersion time. The study demonstrated that SR‐50A, SR‐6DX, and SFSS have high corrosion resistance and mild or no cytotoxicity, due to the passive film enhanced by synergistic effect of Mo + N or by high addition effect of Cr + W. All super stainless steels showed very low cytotoxicity regardless of their nickel contents, although SR‐3Mo was found to be relatively cytotoxic. From these studies, these steels are considered suitable for orthodontic applications. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 69B: 183–194, 2004
Comparative corrosion performance of black oxide, sandblasted, and fine‐drawn nitinol wires in potentiodynamic and potentiostatic tests: Effects of chemical etching and electropolishing
Authors: Shabalovskaya Svetlana , Rondelli Gianni , Anderegg James , Xiong J. P. , Wu Ming
Published: April 2004

The corrosion performance of sandblasted (SB) and smooth fine‐drawn (FD) medical‐use nitinol wires was compared with the performance of wires with black oxide (BO) formed in air during their manufacture. Potentiodynamic and ASTM F746 potentiostatic tests in a 0.9 % NaCl solution were conducted on wires in their as‐received, chemically etched, aged in boiling water, and electropolished states. As‐received wires with various surface finishes revealed breakdown potentials in the range from −100 mV to +500 mV; similar passive current density, 10−6 A/cm2; and a wide hysteresis on the reverse scan, demonstrating strong susceptibility to localized corrosion. Chemically etched wires with original black oxide displayed consistent corrosion performance and surpassed, in corrosion resistance, electropolished wires that showed significantly lower breakdown (400–700 mV) and localized corrosion potentials (∼−50 to +113 mV). Sandblasted and fine‐drawn wires exhibited rather inconsistent corrosion behavior. In potentiodynamic tests these wires could perform with equal probability either on the level of pretreated BO wires or rather similar to as‐received wires. Both SB and FD wires revealed low breakdown potentials in the PS regime. SEM analysis performed before tests indicated that sandblasting was not efficient for the complete removal of the original scaling, and fine drawing aggravated the situation, resulting in a persistent scaling that contributed to the inferior corrosion performance. Inclusions (oxides, carbides, and oxidized carbides) inherited from the bulk and retained on electropolished surfaces are the cause of their inferior performance compared to chemically etched surfaces. In electropolished wires corrosion was initiated around inclusions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 69B: 223–231, 2004
Catheter‐mediated delivery of adenoviral vectors expressing β‐adrenergic receptor kinase C‐terminus inhibits intimal hyperplasia and luminal stenosis in rabbit iliac arteries
Authors: Luo Zhengyu , Palasis Maria , Yamakawa Midori , Liu Louis X. , Vincent Karen A. , Trudell Leonard , Akita Geoffrey A. , Koch Walter J. , Cheng Seng H. , Gregory Richard J. , Jiang Canwen
Published: April 2004

Background

Previous studies have shown that incubation of balloon‐injured rat carotid arteries with adenoviral vectors encoding the carboxyl terminus of the β‐adrenergic receptor kinase (Ad2/βARKct) for 30 min reduces neointima formation. However, it is unclear whether this beneficial effect of βARKct could be achieved using a catheter‐based vector delivery system and whether the observed inhibition of neointima formation translated into a reduction of vessel stenosis.

Methods

In this study, Ad2/βARKct was infused into the balloon‐injured site of rabbit iliac arteries using a porous infusion catheter over 2 min. Twenty‐eight days after gene transfer, angiographic and histological assessments were performed.

Results

Angiographic and histological assessments indicate significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of iliac artery neointima formation and lumen stenosis by Ad2/βARKct. Our studies demonstrate that an inhibitory effect of Ad2/βARKct on neointima formation is achievable using a catheter‐based vector delivery system and that the inhibition of neointima formation translates into a gain in the vessel minimal luminal diameter. The extent of inhibition (35%) was comparable to that observed with adenoviral‐mediated expression of thymidine kinase plus ganciclovir treatment, a cytotoxic gene therapy approach for restenosis.

Conclusions

These results suggest that adenoviral‐mediated gene transfer of βARKct is a clinically viable cytostatic gene therapy strategy for the treatment of restenosis. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microglia and Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis
Authors: Streit Wolfgang J.
Published: April 2004

The most visible and, until very recently, the only hypothesis regarding the involvement of microglial cells in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis is centered around the notion that activated microglia are neurotoxin‐producing immune effector cells actively involved in causing the neurodegeneration that is the cause for AD dementia. The concept of detrimental neuroinflammation has gained a strong foothold in the AD arena and is being expanded to other
neurodegenerative diseases. This review takes a comprehensive and critical look at the overall evidence supporting the neuroinflammation hypothesis and points out some weaknesses. The current work also reviews evidence for an alternative theory, the microglial dysfunction hypothesis, which, although eliminating some of the shortcomings, does not necessarily negate the amyloid/neuroinflammation theory. The microglial dysfunction theory offers a different perspective on the identity of
activated microglia and their role in AD pathogenesis taking into account the most recent insights gained from studying basic microglial biology. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of neuronal differentiation by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors expressed in neural progenitor cells isolated from adult mouse hippocampus
Authors: Kitayama Tomoya , Yoneyama Masanori , Tamaki Keisuke , Yoneda Yukio
Published: April 2004

In vitro culture of neural progenitor cells isolated from adult murine hippocampus according to the Percoll density gradient method resulted in formation of round spheres not immunoreactive to microtubule‐associated protein‐2 (MAP‐2) or glial fibrillary acidic protein in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor within 12 days in vitro (DIV). Reverse‐transcription PCR analysis revealed constitutive expression in these neurospheres of different subunits required for assembly of functional heteromeric N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor channels. Immunocytochemical analysis confirmed expression of NR1, NR2A, and NR2B subunits in neurospheres cultured for 4–12 DIV. Brief (5 min) exposure to NMDA induced marked expression of c‐Fos, Fos‐B, Fra‐2, and c‐Jun proteins in neurospheres cultured for 12 DIV 2 hr later. The NMDA receptor antagonist dizocilpine markedly inhibited expression of both c‐Jun and c‐Fos proteins in NMDA‐exposed neurospheres. Sustained exposure to NMDA not only markedly inhibited neurosphere formation by 12 DIV when exposed from 4–12 DIV, but also resulted in facilitation of subsequent differentiation of neurospheres exposed to all‐trans retinoic acid to cells immunoreactive to both neuron‐specific enolase and neuronal nuclei, in addition to MAP‐2, as revealed by Western blot and immunocytochemistry analyses. These results suggest that functional heteromeric NMDA receptors may be expressed constitutively in neural progenitor cells before differentiation to play a crucial role in commitment and differentiation to neurons in adult murine hippocampus. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Readout of protein microarrays using intrinsic time resolved UV fluorescence for label‐free detection
Authors: Striebel Hans‐Martin , Schellenberg Peter , Grigaravicius Paulius , Greulich Karl Otto
Published: April 2004

Detecting protein‐protein interactions other than those of antibody‐antigen pairs still represents a demanding and tedious task. In the present work, a novel method as an alternative to current molecular biology‐based detection procedures is established. It solely relies on the change of fluorescence decay times of the protein's intrinsic fluorophores tryptophan and tyrosine due to protein‐protein interaction. Unlike previously utilized related methods, no labelling of the binding partners is required. This opens the possibility to detect proteins and their natural interactions without perturbation due to chemical alteration. The technique uses immobilization of one of the protein partners onto solid supports, which allows performance of protein binding studies in the microarray format. Fluorescence lifetime experiments of proteins in their different binding states have been applied to protease/protease‐substrate pairs, as well as to the tubulin/kinesin system. Different binding behavior of proteins in solution towards protein partners immobilized on protein microarrays was detected with regard to binding specificity and protein amount. This label‐free method for analyzing protein microarrays offers broad applicability ranging from principal investigations of protein interactions to applications in molecular biology and medicine.
Performance evaluation of energy‐shaping approach controllers for synchronous generators using a finite‐element model
Authors: Escarela‐Perez Rafael , Espinosa‐Perez Gerardo , Alvarez‐Ramirez Jose
Published: April 2004

Usually, power system stabilizer (PSS) design is usually made using low‐order two‐axis models. Remarkable robust characteristics and systematic construction can be obtained with the recent developments on energy‐shaping approaches to the design of excitation control. However, the properties and performance of the resulting control designs are also evaluated using low‐order equivalent‐circuit models because large (i.e. industrial scale) synchronous machines are not readily available to designers and researches. This may lead to doubts about the controller behaviour under true operating conditions. The aim of this paper is to develop a finite‐element model, derived from fundamental Maxwell equations, to simulate the dynamics of synchronous generators. Subsequently, the finite‐element model is used to show that energy‐shaping control designs, obtained with low‐order models, keep their performance characteristics when applied to the actual machine. In this way, in order to circumvent the lack of the real machine, a very detailed finite‐element model is developed to represent turbine generators connected to large power systems. The numerical model incorporates simulation of rotor motion, iron magnetic nonlinearity and eddy currents in the solid rotors of turbine generators. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.