bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High solid simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of wet oxidized corn stover to ethanol
Authors: Varga Enikõ , Klinke Helene B. , Réczey Kati , Thomsen Anne Belinda
Published: October 2004

In this study ethanol was produced from corn stover pretreated by alkaline and acidic wet oxidation (WO) (195°C, 15 min, 12 bar oxygen) followed by nonisothermal simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). In the first step of the SSF, small amounts of cellulases were added at 50°C, the optimal temperature of enzymes, in order to obtain better mixing condition due to some liquefaction. In the second step more cellulases were added in combination with dried baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at 30°C. The phenols (0.4–0.5 g/L) and carboxylic acids (4.6–5.9 g/L) were present in the hemicellulose rich hydrolyzate at subinhibitory levels, thus no detoxification was needed prior to SSF of the whole slurry. Based on the cellulose available in the WO corn stover 83% of the theoretical ethanol yield was obtained under optimized SSF conditions. This was achieved with a substrate concentration of 12% dry matter (DM) acidic WO corn stover at 30 FPU/g DM (43.5 FPU/g cellulose) enzyme loading. Even with 20 and 15 FPU/g DM (corresponding to 29 and 22 FPU/g cellulose) enzyme loading, ethanol yields of 76 and 73%, respectively, were obtained. After 120 h of SSF the highest ethanol concentration of 52 g/L (6 vol.%) was achieved, which exceeds the technical and economical limit of the industrial‐scale alcohol distillation. The SSF results showed that the cellulose in pretreated corn stover can be efficiently fermented to ethanol with up to 15% DM concentration. A further increase of substrate concentration reduced the ethanol yield significant as a result of insufficient mass transfer. It was also shown that the fermentation could be followed with an easy monitoring system based on the weight loss of the produced CO2. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robust control of initiation of prokaryotic chromosome replication: Essential considerations for a minimal cell
Authors: Browning Samuel T. , Castellanos Mariajosé , Shuler Michael L.
Published: October 2004

A genomically and chemically detailed mathematical model of a “minimal cell” would be useful to understand better the “design logic” of cellular regulation. A “minimal cell” will be a prokaryote with the minimum number of genes necessary for growth and replication in an ideal environment (i.e., preformed precursors, constant temperature, etc.). The Cornell single‐cell model of Escherichia coli serves as the basic framework upon which a minimal cell model can be constructed. A critical issue for any cell model is to describe a mechanism for control of initiation of chromosome replication. There is strong evidence that the essence of chromosome replication control is highly conserved in eubacteria and even extends to the archae. A generalized mechanism is possible based on binding of the protein DnaA‐ATP to the origin of replication (oriC) as a primary control. Other features, such as regulatory inactivation of DnaA (RIDA) by conversion of DnaA‐ATP to DnaA‐ADP and titration of DnaA by binding to other DnaA boxes on the chromosome, have emerged as critical elements in obtaining a functional system to control initiation of chromosome synthesis. We describe a biologically realistic model of chromosome replication initiation control embedded in a complete whole‐cell model that explicitly links the external environment to the mechanism of replication control. The base model is deterministic and then modified to include stochastic variation in the components for replication control. The stochastic model allows evaluation of the model's robustness, employing a low standard deviation of interinitiation time as a measure of robustness. Four factors were examined: DnaA synthesis rate; DnaA‐ATP binding sites at oriC; the binding rate of DnaA‐ATP to the nonfunctional DnaA boxes; and the effect of changing the number of nonfunctional binding sites. The observed DnaA synthesis rate (2000 molecules/cell) and the number of DnaA binding sites per origin (30) are close to the values predicted by the model to provide good control (low variance of interinitiation time), with a reasonable expenditure of cell resources. At relatively high binding rates for DnaA‐ATP to the DnaA boxes (1016 M−1 s−1), increasing the number of DnaA binding sites to about 300, improved control (but little further improvement was seen by extension to 1000 boxes); however, at a low binding rate (1010 M−1 s−1), an increase in DnaA boxes had an adverse effect on control. The combination of all four factors is probably necessary to obtain a robust control system. Although this mechanism of replication initiation control is highly conserved, it is not clear if simpler control in a minimal cell might exist based on experimental observations with Mycoplasma. This issue is discussed in this investigation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Volumetric measurements of bacterial cells and extracellular polymeric substance glycoconjugates in biofilms
Authors: Staudt C. , Horn H. , Hempel D. C , Neu T. R.
Published: October 2004

In this study an enrichment culture developed from activated sludge was used to investigate the architecture of fully hydrated multispecies biofilms. The assessment of biofilm structure and volume was carried out using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Bacterial cell distribution was determined with the nucleic acid‐specific stain SYTO 60, whereas glycoconjugates of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were stained with the Alexa‐488‐labeled lectin of Aleuria aurantia. Digital image analysis was employed for visualization and quantification of three‐dimensional CLSM data sets. The specific volumes of the polymeric and cellular biofilm constituents were quantified. In addition, gravimetric measurements were done to determine dry mass and thickness of the biofilms. The data recorded by the CLSM technique and the gravimetric data were then compared. It was shown that the biofilm thicknesses determined with both methods agree well for slow‐growing hetorotrophic and chemoautotrophic biofilms. In addition, for slow‐growing biofilms, the volumes and masses calculated from CLSM and the biomass calculated from gravimetric measurements were also comparable. For fast‐growing heterotrophic biofilms cultivated with high glucose concentrations the data sets fit to a lesser degree, but still showed the same common trend. Compared with traditional gravimetric measurements, CLSM allowed differential recording of multiple biofilm parameters with subsequent three‐dimensional visualization and quantification. The quantitative three‐dimensional results recorded by CLSM are an important basis for understanding, controlling, exploiting, and modeling of biofilms. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A method for the determination of flux in elementary modes, and its application to Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Authors: Poolman M.G. , Venkatesh K.V. , Pidcock M.K. , Fell D.A.
Published: October 2004

In this article we address the question of how, given information about the reaction fluxes of a system, flux values can be assigned to the elementary modes of that system. Having described a method by which this may be accomplished, we first illustrate its application to a hypothetical, in silico system, and then apply it to fermentation data from Lactobacillus rhamnosus. This reveals substantial changes in the flux values assigned to elementary modes, and thus to the internal metabolism, as the fermentation progresses. This is information that could not, to our knowledge, be obtained by existing methods. The relationship between our technique and the well‐known method of Metabolic Flux Analysis is also discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deaktivierung von SCR‐DeNOx‐Katalysatoren durch Phosphorverbindungen
Authors: Brandenstein J. , Beck J. , Unterberger S. , Hein K. R.G.
Published: October 2004

No abstracts.
Pioglitazone and rofecoxib combined with angiostatically scheduled trofosfamide in the treatment of far‐advanced melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Reichle Albrecht , Bross Klaus , Vogt Thomas , Bataille Frauke , Wild Peter , Berand Anna , Krause Stefan W. , Andreesen Reinhard
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND

Combined treatment approaches targeting tumor cells as well as stromal cells may control chemorefractory malignancies. In the current study, the authors sought to test one such combined approach in the treatment of chemorefractory melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma.

METHODS

A Phase II trial was initiated to analyze the activity of a continuously administered molecularly targeted treatment regimen (daily pioglitazone [45 mg administered orally] and rofecoxib [25 mg administered orally]) combined with sequentially added angiostatic chemotherapy for patients with previously treated metastatic melanoma (n = 19) or soft tissue sarcoma (n = 21). Angiostatic chemotherapy consisted of trofosfamide (50 mg) administered orally 3 times daily beginning on the 15th day after the start of molecularly targeted therapy.

RESULTS

Forty patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. Major side effects (World Health Organization Grade 3 or 4) were not observed. Objective responses and disease stabilization lasting longer than 6 months were noted in 11% and 11%, respectively, of all patients with melanoma and in 19% and 14%, respectively, of all patients with soft tissue sarcoma. Complete remission was noted in one patient with melanoma and in three patients with sarcoma. Both normal C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels and CRP levels that decreased by > 30% during the 14‐day biomodulator pretreatment period were found to be predictive of prolonged progression‐free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, the current study is the first to demonstrate that a novel, completely orally administered combined biomodulator/metronomic chemotherapy regimen may be active and well tolerated in patients with chemorefractory malignancies. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Mortality associated with daily bolus 5‐fluorouracil/leucovorin administered in combination with either irinotecan or oxaliplatin
Authors: Delaunoit Thierry , Goldberg Richard M. , Sargent Daniel J. , Morton Roscoe F. , Fuchs Charles S. , Findlay Brian P. , Thomas Sachdev P. , Salim Muhammad , Schaefer Paul L. , Stella Philip J. , Green Erin , Mailliard James A.
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND

Intergroup Trial N9741 evaluated 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)/leucovorin (LV) administered in conjunction with either irinotecan or oxaliplatin in the first‐line treatment of advanced colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The current report describes two treatment arms that were withdrawn from the protocol due to unexpected treatment‐related toxicities and a high mortality rate. The complications observed in these arms highlight the importance of aggressive and immediate supportive care in the management of digestive toxicity.

METHODS

In Trial N9741, patients were randomly assigned to receive one of the following six regimens: 1) irinotecan plus bolus 5‐FU/LV (Arm A); 2) sequential irinotecan plus bolus 5‐FU/LV (Arm B); 3) bolus 5‐FU/LV only (Mayo Clinic regimen; Arm D); 4) oxaliplatin plus bolus 5‐FU/LV (Arm E); 5) oxaliplatin plus infusional 5‐FU/LV (Arm F); or 6) oxaliplatin plus irinotecan (Arm G). In the current study, the authors investigated treatment‐related toxicity in patients who received either of the two combination regimens containing daily bolus 5‐FU (i.e., patients in Arm B or Arm E).

RESULTS

Sixty‐one and 47 patients were enrolled in Arm B and Arm E, respectively. Diarrhea and neutropenia were the most common toxicities in both groups. Five patients in Arm B (8.2%) and 4 patients in Arm E (8.5%) died within 60 days of study entry. All fatal toxicities occurred within 15 days of treatment administration, and all deaths were associated with the simultaneous occurrence of multiple symptoms, which were dominated by Grade ≥ 3 diarrhea.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination regimens containing daily bolus 5‐FU/LV and oxaliplatin or irinotecan can be associated with severe gastrointestinal toxicity and high mortality rates. Therefore, the authors recommend the use of more tolerable infusional 5‐FU–based regimens in the treatment of metastatic CRC. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Small cell astrocytoma: An aggressive variant that is clinicopathologically and genetically distinct from anaplastic oligodendroglioma
Authors: Perry Arie , Aldape Kenneth D. , George David H. , Burger Peter C.
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND

Small cell glioblastoma (GBM) is a variant with monomorphous, deceptively bland nuclei that often is misdiagnosed as anaplastic oligodendroglioma.

METHODS

To elucidate its clinicopathologic and genetic features, the authors studied 71 adult patients (median age, 57 years), including 22 patients who were identified from a set of 229 GBMs (10%) that had been characterized previously by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/EGFR‐vIII variant immunohistochemistry. Tumors also were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization for 1p, 19q, 10q, and EGFR copy numbers.

RESULTS

Radiologically, 37% of tumors that were not selected for grade showed minimal to no enhancement. Similarly, 33% of tumors had no endothelial hyperplasia or necrosis histologically, qualifying only as anaplastic astrocytoma (Grade III) using World Health Organization criteria. Nevertheless, such tumors progressed rapidly, with mortality rates that were indistinguishable from their Grade IV counterparts. The median survival for 37 patients who were followed until death was 11 months. Oligodendroglioma‐like histology included chicken‐wire vasculature (86%), haloes (73%), perineuronal satellitosis (58%), and microcalcifications (45%), although mucin‐filled microcystic spaces were lacking. No small cell astrocytomas had 1p/19q codeletions, whereas EGFR amplification and 10q deletions were present in 69% and 97% of small cell astrocytomas, respectively. The tumors expressed EGFR and EGFR‐vIII more commonly than nonsmall cell GBMs (83% vs. 35% [P < 0.001]; 50% vs. 21% [P < 0.001] respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Small cell astrocytoma is an aggressive histologic variant that behaved like primary GBM, even in the absence of endothelial hyperplasia and necrosis. Despite considerable morphologic overlap with anaplastic oligodendroglioma, clinicopathologic and genetic features were distinct. Fifty percent of small cell astrocytomas expressed the constitutively activated vIII mutant form of EGFR, and molecular testing for 10q deletion improved the diagnostic sensitivity over EGFR alone. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Does the fine‐needle aspiration diagnosis of “Hürthle‐cell neoplasm/follicular neoplasm with oncocytic features” denote increased risk of malignancy?
Authors: Giorgadze Tamar , Rossi Esther D. , Fadda Guido , Gupta Prabodh K. , LiVolsi Virginia A. , Baloch Zubair
Published: October 2004

The thyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis of Hürthle‐cell neoplasm (HCN)/follicular neoplasm with oncocytic features (FNOF) does not differentiate between Hürthle‐cell adenoma and carcinoma. A majority of cases diagnosed as HCN undergo surgical excision for definite characterization. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of malignancy in cases diagnosed as HCN and identify clinical features that may help in predicting malignancy in patients with FNA diagnosis of HCN.

We reviewed a cohort of 206 cases of thyroid FNA diagnosed as HCN; histological follow‐up was available in 169 (82%) cases. The cases were evaluated for patient's age, sex, and size of the nodule and histological diagnosis. One hundred and sixty‐six were female patients and 40 were male patients (age range, 12–83 yr). The histological diagnoses were benign in 93 (93/169, 55%) cases and malignant in 76 (76/169, 45%) cases. The malignant histological diagnoses were Hürthle‐cell carcinoma (HCC), 53 cases; papillary thyroid carcinoma, 19 cases; follicular carcinoma, 3 cases; and medullary carcinoma, 1 case. The risk of malignancy was greater in nodules measuring ≥2 cm (55% vs. 45%; P value < 0.0001) in patients who were ≥40 yr old (82% vs. 18%, P value < 0.0001) than in patients <40 yr. The risk of malignancy was found greater in male patients than in female patients (61% vs. 43%); however, the difference was not statistically significant.

The diagnosis HCN/FNOF carries a higher risk of malignancy as compared with a diagnosis of follicular lesion/neoplasm (20% malignancy rate from previously published studies). Clinical features including size of the nodule, age, and possibly sex of the patient can be a part of the decision analysis in selecting a patient for surgery. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;31:307–312. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnosis of nonprimary pancreatic neoplasms by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Mesa Hector , Stelow Edward B. , Stanley Michael W. , Mallery Shawn , Lai Rebecca , Bardales Ricardo H.
Published: October 2004

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is a proven modality for the diagnosis of primary pancreatic neoplasms. We describe our experience in diagnosing nonprimary pancreatic tumors by EUS‐FNA. Cytology files were searched for all EUS‐FNA of the pancreas for the period 2000–2002. All cases diagnosed as neoplasms were selected and those diagnosed as nonprimary pancreatic tumors were reviewed and analyzed. One hundred ninety‐one of 468 cases were diagnosed as neoplasms. Eleven of these cases were diagnosed as nonprimary pancreatic tumors (2.4% of all diagnoses and 5.7% of all neoplasms). The diagnoses were supported by clinical history (n = 7), cytological findings (n = 11), cell block histology (n = 11), cell block immunohistochemistry (n = 6), and flow cytometry (n = 1). EUS‐FNA is a safe and minimally invasive method for the diagnosis of nonprimary pancreatic neoplasms. Evaluation of clinical history, cytomorphology, and ancillary techniques, especially those applied to cell block material, are essential for accurate diagnoses. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;31:313–318. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simple method to determine the need for glacial acetic acid treatment of bloody ThinPrep Pap tests before slide processing
Authors: Rowe Leslie R. , Bentz Joel S.
Published: October 2004

ThinPrep (TP) Papanicolaou (Pap) samples containing excessive blood often result in unsatisfactory preparations, possibly leading to undetected gynecologic disease, and added inconvenience to patients and clinicians. Reprocessing of these samples with a glacial acetic acid wash is effective at eliminating blood, providing satisfactory preparation and detection of lesions. However, it increases laboratory costs and decreases work flow efficiency. We report the use of a color standard for gauging the necessity of performing a glacial acetic acid wash before TP processing. This “preprocessing” was found to reduce the costs associated with reprocessing by 48%, while maintaining high preparation quality by improved sample adequacy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;31:321–325. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reactions of the Aluminum(I) Monomer LAl [L = HC{(CMe)(NAr)}2; Ar = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3] with Imidazol‐2‐ylidene and Diphenyldiazomethane. A Hydrogen Transfer from the L Ligand to the Central Aluminum Atom and Formation of the Diiminylaluminum Compound LAl(N=CPh2)2
Authors: Zhu Hongping , Chai Jianfang , Stasch Andreas , Roesky Herbert W. , Blunck Torsten , Vidovic Denis , Magull Jörg , Schmidt Hans‐Georg , Noltemeyer Mathias
Published: October 2004

The solid‐state reaction of LAl and imidazol‐2‐ylidene at elevated temperature (120 °C) yielded the aluminum monohydride N‐heterocyclic carbene adduct [{HC[C(CH2)NAr] (CMeNAr)}AlH‐{CN(R)C2Me2N(R)}] [R = iPr (1), Me (2)]. Compounds 1 and 2 have been characterized by spectroscopic (IR, and 1H and 13C NMR), mass spectrometric, and elemental analyses, and 1 was further characterized by X‐ray structural analysis. These experimental data indicate that the Al−H bond is formed by hydrogen migration from one of the methyl groups of the β‐diketiminato ligand backbone. The reaction of LAl with two equivalents of diphenyldiazomethane afforded the diiminylaluminum compound LAl(N=CPh2)2 (3), while an excess of diphenyldiazomethane resulted in the formation of Ph2C=N−N=CPh2. This suggests that Ph2C=N−N=CPh2 is initially generated and then reacts further by oxidative addition to yield 3. The X‐ray structural analysis reveals that compound 3 contains the shortest Al−Niminyl bond among those with a four‐coordinate aluminum center. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Channel Structures in a Simple Inorganic Salt − An Open Framework Formed through Structural Integration of Distinct Sodium Acetate and Sodium Perchlorate Domains
Authors: Lavalette Arnaud , Lawrance Geoffrey A. , Alcock Nathaniel W. , Hannon Michael J.
Published: October 2004

The novel mixed salt of sodium acetate and perchlorate reported herein, Na4(OAc)3(ClO4), has a distinctive lattice structure formed from sodium acetate planes linked together by sodium perchlorate cylinders. In total contrast to the component salts, the structure contains channels parallel to the c axis. The integration of the two molecular‐level structural motifs of the two component salts thus leads to a supramolecular/macromolecular‐level structure which is very different from those of the components. A template mechanism is implicated in the formation. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Effect of leading edge cut on the aerodynamics of ram‐air parachutes
Authors: Balaji R. , Mittal S. , Rai A. K.
Published: October 2004

The effect of the configuration of leading edge cut on the aerodynamic performance of ram‐air parachutes is studied via two‐dimensional flow simulations. The incompressible Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes equations, in primitive variables, are solved using a stabilized finite‐element formulation. The Baldwin–Lomax model is employed for turbulence closure. Flow past an LS(1) 0417 airfoil is investigated for various configurations of the leading edge cut and results are compared with those from a Clark‐Y airfoil section. It is found that the configuration of the leading edge cut affects the lift‐to‐drag ratio (L/D) of the parachute very significantly. The L/D value has strong implications on the flight performance of the parachute. One particular configuration results in a L/D value that is in excess of 25 at 7.5° angle of attack. Results are presented for other angles of attack for this configuration. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance analysis of ventricular assist devices using finite element flow simulation
Authors: Behr M. , Arora D. , Nosé Y. , Motomura T.
Published: October 2004

Numerical simulation plays an increasingly important role in the design of medical devices in general, and ventricular assist devices in particular. Modelling of flow in blood pumps has the potential to shorten the design cycle and give the designers important insights into causes of blood damage and suboptimal performance. We present a set of flow simulations designed to reproduce previously obtained experimental data relating flow volume generated by the pump to the pressure head imposed between the outflow and inflow cannulas. These performance curves are obtained using a stabilized space–time finite element formulation of the Navier–Stokes equations, with a shear‐slip mesh update used to accommodate the movement of the impeller with respect to non‐axisymmetric housing. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formal characterization and extension of the linearized diffusion tensor model
Authors: Salvador Raymond , Peña Alonso , Menon David K. , Carpenter T. Adrian , Pickard John D. , Bullmore Ed T.
Published: October 2004

We analyzed the properties of the logarithm of the Rician distribution leading to a full characterization of the probability law of the errors in the linearized diffusion tensor model. An almost complete lack of bias, a simple relation between the variance and the signal‐to‐noise ratio in the original complex data, and a close approximation to normality facilitated estimation of the tensor components by an iterative weighted least squares algorithm. The theory of the linear model has also been used to derive the distribution of mean diffusivity, to develop an informative statistical test for relative lack of fit of the ellipsoidal (or spherical) model compared to an unrestricted linear model in which no specific shape is assumed for the diffusion process, and to estimate the signal‐to‐noise ratios in the original data. The false discovery rate (FDR) has been used to control thresholds for statistical significance in the context of multiple comparisons at voxel level. The methods are illustrated by application to three diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) datasets of clinical interest: a healthy volunteer, a patient with acute brain injury, and a patient with hydrocephalus. Interestingly, some salient features, such as a region normally comprising the basal ganglia and internal capsule, and areas of edema in patients with brain injury and hydrocephalus, had patterns of error largely independent from their mean diffusivities. These observations were made in brain regions with sufficiently large signal‐to‐noise ratios (>2) to justify the assumptions of the log Rician probability model. The combination of diffusivity and its error may provide added value in diagnostic DTI of acute pathologic expansion of the extracellular fluid compartment in brain parenchymal tissue. Hum. Brain Mapping 24:144–155, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cyclosilicate nanocomposite: A novel resorbable bioactive tissue engineering scaffold for BMP and bone‐marrow cell delivery
Authors: El‐Ghannam A. , Ning C. Q. , Mehta J.
Published: October 2004

Porous bioactive resorbable silica–calcium phosphate nanocomposite (SCPC) was prepared by a sintering technique. XRD analyses showed that the main crystalline phases of the SCPC are Na3CaPSiO7 (clinophosinaite), β‐NaCaPO4 (rhenanite), Na2CaSiO4, and β‐quartz (SiO2). The clinophosinaite is a novel cyclosilicate bioactive mineral that enhanced the mechanical and bioactivity properties of the SCPC. TEM analysis showed that the grain sizes of the multiphase SCPC are in the nanometer scale. Moreover, the SCPC was engineered with nano‐ and microscale porosity. The SCPC had significantly higher compressive strength than porous hydroxyapatite (HA). FTIR analyses revealed the formation of biological hydroxyapatite layer on the SCPC surface after 4 days of immersion in SBF. When SCPC was loaded with rhBMP‐2, it provided a superior release profile of biologically active rhBMP‐2 compared to porous HA. Bone‐marrow cells incubated with medium treated with the rhBMP‐2 released from the SCPC‐rhBMP‐2 hybrid expressed significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity than that expressed by cells incubated with media treated with rhBMP‐2 released from HA‐rhBMP‐2. In addition, cells attached to the SCPC‐rhBMP‐2 hybrid produced mineralized extracellular matrix (ECM) and bone‐like tissue that covered the material surface and filled pores in the entire thickness of the template after 3 weeks in culture. In contrary, cells attached to the HA‐rhBMP‐2 produced limited amount of unmineralized ECM after the same time period. Results of the study strongly suggest that the porous bioactive silica–calcium phosphate nanocomposite can serve as a delivery system for cells and biological molecules. The SCPC‐rhBMP‐2‐marrow cell hybrid may serve as an alternative to autologous bone grafting. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 71A: 377–390, 2004
A much needed macro level view: A commentary on Henriques' “Psychology Defined”
Authors: Gilbert Paul
Published: October 2004

To develop greater coherence, psychology must develop its macro and integrative approaches to the mind. In this illuminating paper, Henriques (this issue) outlines the kind of thinking that is needed. He skillfully illuminates the levels of emergence of mind from the material world and argues that the recursive self‐regulative abilities of self‐awareness set us apart from other animals. The interaction between an evolved mind, adapted to pursue strategic goals, while also being phenotypically shaped by both environment and our recently evolved cognitive competencies, is a core focus of psychology. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Taxonomy as a contextualist views it
Authors: Hayes Steven C.
Published: October 2004

The Henriques' article, “Psychology Defined” (this issue), reflects an underlying philosophy of science that emphasizes coherence as its truth criterion. The taxonomic efforts that result are of unknown value when viewed from other philosophical positions. From the point of view of functional contextualism, the primary metric of successful science is not coherence per se, but the precision, scope, and depth of the analysis as a means of predicting and influencing psychological phenomena. Henriques presents neither data nor specific research proposals that would allow even the beginning application of such a metric. Thus, the proposed taxonomy has no known value when viewed contextualistically. Since the practical goals of clinical psychology are very similar to those of functional contextualism, clinical psychologists interested in making a practical difference will have few current empirical reasons to be attracted to this taxonomy. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Unity within psychology, and unity between science and practice
Authors: Kihlstrom John F.
Published: October 2004

The unity of psychology as a science is to be found in its definition as the science of mental life, and its explanation of individual behavior in terms of mental states. This disciplinary focus will help negotiate psychology's relations with other disciplines, such as neuroscience and cognitive science. The unity within psychology between science and practice is to be found in a focus on scientific evidence as the source of the status, autonomy, and privileges of professional practitioners. Psychology should avoid the temptations of reductionism, and assert (and enjoy) its twin status as both a biological science and a social science. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Some discontents with theoretical unification: A response to Henriques' “Psychology Defined”
Authors: Yanchar Stephen C.
Published: October 2004

In response to Henriques' article “Psychology Defined” (this issue), I argue that theoretical unification should not be pursued for its own sake and that many psychologists are unlikely to endorse the specific unifying principles of the Tree of Knowledge System. It is suggested that other scholarly endeavors such as the open pursuit of truth, sustained dialogue among diverse discourse communities, and critical reflection on psychological theories and practice are more important than theoretical unification. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Cholinergic synaptic signaling mechanisms underlying behavioral teratogenicity: Effects of nicotine, chlorpyrifos, and heroin converge on protein kinase C translocation in the intermedial part of the hyperstriatum ventrale and on imprinting behavior in an avian model
Authors: Izrael Michal , Van der Zee Eddy A. , Slotkin Theodore A. , Yanai Joseph
Published: October 2004

A wide variety of otherwise unrelated neuroteratogens elicit a common set of behavioral defects centering around cholinergic contributions to cognitive function. We utilized the developing chick to overcome confounds related to maternal effects and compared the actions of nicotine, chlorpyrifos, and heroin on cholinergic signaling in the intermedial part of the hyperstriatum ventrale (IMHV), which controls imprinting behavior. Chicken eggs were injected with nicotine (10 mg/kg of egg), chlorpyrifos (10 mg/kg of egg), or heroin (20 mg/kg of egg; all doses below the threshold for dysmorphology) on incubation days (ID) 0 and 5, and then tests were conducted posthatching. All three compounds elicited significant deficits in imprinting behavior. We also found defects in cholinergic synaptic signaling specifically involving the muscarinic receptor‐mediated membrane translocation of protein kinase C (PKC)‐γ and in the basal levels of both PKCγ and PKCβII, the two isoforms known to be relevant to behavioral performance. In contrast, there were no alterations in the response of PKCα, an isoform that does not contribute to the behavior, nor were cytosolic levels of any of the isoforms affected. Taken together with similar results obtained in rodents, our findings suggest that disparate neuroteratogens all involve signaling defects centering on the ability of cholinergic receptors to elicit PKCγ translocation/activation and that this effect is direct, i.e., not mediated by maternal confounds. The chick thus provides a suitable model for the rapid screening of neuroteratogens and elucidation of the mechanisms underlying behavioral anomalies. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enantiomer separation of dimethyl dicarboxy α‐biphenyl (DDB) and its analogues on a covalently bonded cellulose tris‐(3,5‐dimethylphenyl‐carbamate) CSP
Authors: Qin Feng , Chen Xiaoming , Liu Yueqi , Kong Liang , Zou Hanfa
Published: October 2004

Dimethyl dicarboxy α‐biphenyl (DDB) and its analogues represent atropisomers which have been resolved on the covalently bonded cellulose tris‐(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) (CDMPC) CSP. Different kinds of alcohols, tetrahydrofuran (THF), and chloroform were employed as mobile phase modifiers (MPMs), and their influence on the retention and separation of the enantiomers was investigated. Ternary mobile phases (hexane/2‐propanol/THF, hexane/2‐propanol/chloroform) were employed to investigate the separation of the five enantiomers. The advantages of the broader choice of solvents offered by the covalently bonded CDMPC CSP were discussed. The effect of structural variation of the enantiomers on their retention and separation was investigated.
Packing capillary electrochromatography columns using vacuum – A preliminary study
Authors: Qu Qishu , Hu Xiaoya , Zhu Xiashi , Gao Shanmin , Xu Qiang , Wang Yubao , Wang Xirong
Published: October 2004

This paper introduces a novel method for packing Capillary Electrochromatography Columns (CEC). Using vacuum packing methodology, silica particles as small as 1 μm were successfully packed into the capillary columns with 75 μm inner diameter. The columns are very stable and show no noticeable loss in efficiency after 200 sample injections. The performance of these vacuum packed capillary columns was evaluated with a mixture of aromatic and non‐aromatic compounds. A 24 cm long capillary column can produce peak efficiencies of around 45 000 plates for benzene.
Cover Picture: Macromol. Rapid Commun. 19/2004
Authors: Miyakoshi Ryo , Yokoyama Akihiro , Yokozawa Tsutomu
Published: October 2004

Cover: When the polymerization of 2‐bromo‐3‐hexyl‐5‐iodothiophene with isopropylmagnesium chloride and Ni(dppp)Cl2 is quenched with hydrochloric acid instead of water, headto‐tail poly(3‐hexylthiophene) with a very low polydispersity is obtained, as can be seen from the GPC curves on the cover picture.

Further details can be found in the Communication by R. Miyakoshi, A. Yokoyama, and T. Yokozawa* on page 1663.
Functional Water Soluble Polymers with Ability to Bind Metal Ions
Authors: Rivas Bernabé L. , Pereira Eduardo
Published: October 2004

Water‐soluble polymers containing amine, carboxylic acid, and sulfonic acid groups were investigated as polychelatogens through the liquid phase polymer‐based retention, LPR technique, under different experimental conditions. The metal ions investigated are: Ag(I), Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Ca(II), Hg(II), and Cr(III). An important effect of the pH and the ligand type was observed on the metal ion retention. As the pH increases the metal ion retention increases. Two types of metal ion interactions are involved: coordination and electrostatic.
Preparation and Shelf‐Life Stability of Aqueous Polyurethane Dispersion
Authors: Chinwanitcharoen Charoen , Kanoh Shigeyoshi , Yamada Toshiro , Tada Kaoru , Hayashi Shunichi , Sugano Shunji
Published: October 2004

A series of aqueous polyurethane dispersion were prepared by the reaction of hydroxyl‐terminated poly(ethylene adipate), dimethylol propionic acid, 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate, and ethylene glycol. Formation of the dispersion was achieved by phase inversion of an acetone solution of the polyurethane with water, utilizing carboxylate anion groups as the internal emulsifying sites. The amount of acetone added has a large effect on the particle diameter (0.08 μm to 8.61 μm) and particle size distribution of the polyurethane emulsion. The storage stability was evaluated in terms of particle size and particle size distribution. The aqueous emulsion obtained with no use of acetone was sufficiently stable in storage at least over six months.
New driver for high‐efficiency switching RF power amplifiers
Authors: Ortega‐González Francisco Javier
Published: October 2004

This paper describes a new driver circuit for high‐efficiency RF switching power amplifiers (class E, class D) based on a small‐area driver transistor, intrinsic input capacitances of the output‐power transistor, and a shaping network. The driver operation is based on class‐E principles. Among the main benefits of this new driver are high efficiency, very low‐bias voltage, and circuit simplicity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 370–372, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20472
Improved performance of stepped impedance resonator low‐pass filter by using defect ground structure
Authors: Weng Min‐Hung , Pan Chi‐Hsiang , Shao Chih‐Wei , Wu Hung‐Wei
Published: October 2004

A stepped impedance resonator (SIR) low‐pass filter using defect ground structure (DGS), which has high isolation and compact size, is proposed. The proposed defect ground structure (DGS) provides excellent cutoff and stopband characteristics for improving the stopband rejection and the attenuation rate of the bandpass edge. In order to illustrate the improved performance, we compare the conventional low‐pass filter and the proposed novel low‐pass filter with DGS. The measurement results of the fabricated low‐pass filter show excellent agreement with the theoretical results. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 382–384, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20477
Modeling of electromagnetic band gap structure devices tuned by ferrite cylinders
Authors: Wang Quanxin , Zhang Yaojiang , Li Erping , Yan Sun , Ooi Ban Leong
Published: October 2004

This paper presents a novel approach to alternate the electromagnetic properties of the electromagnetic band gap (EBG), where a ferrite defect is introduced, and in addition, a DC magnetic field is applied to alternate the EBG's electromagnetic property. Numerous devices are examined, including a coupler and a Y‐branch filter. The numerical experiments demonstrate that the devices electromagnetic characteristics can be easily adjusted by varying the DC magnetic‐field intensity. In this paper, the examinations are performed using the scattering‐matrix method. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 395–400, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20481
Reconfigurable carrier‐recovery loop
Authors: de Sousa Fernando Rangel , Huyart Bernard
Published: October 2004

This paper proposes a carrier‐recovery loop using a reconfigurable phase shaper. It is based on the five‐port technique, which has the advantage of using mixed circuits to calculate complex power ratios. Different modulation standards can be canceled, since the phase detector's transfer function can be dynamically changed. Furthermore, the loop filter is also reconfigurable, thus allowing for fast‐frequency acquisition and low‐noise bandwidth. Measurement results are presented in the 2‐GHz band with a data rate of 1 Mb/s. The regenerated carrier's phase noise and power spectral density are provided, as well as the constellation diagram of the demodulated signal. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 406–408, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20484
Design and application of a novel trapezoidal‐groove waveguide sensor
Authors: Xu Fuyong , Ding Guangze , Li Yue‐e
Published: October 2004

Most of the numerous measurement techniques available for microwave dielectric properties are static, and their specimen preparations are complex and tedious. In this paper, a novel trapezoidal‐groove guide sensor for achieving continuous measurement is designed applied to measure the moisture of granular materials. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 445–447, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20497
A complete 1H and 13C NMR data assignment for four drimane sesquiterpenoids isolated from Drimys winterii
Authors: Rodríguez Benjamín , Zapata Nelson , Medina Pilar , Viñuela Elisa
Published: October 2004

From the bark of Drimys winterii Forst., the drimane derivatives drimendiol, polygodial, isotadeonal and isodrimeninol were isolated. Complete and unambiguous 1H and 13C NMR chemical shift assignments of these compounds were achieved by COSY experiments, 13C/1H shift correlation diagrams and NOE experiments. Isotadeonal and isodrimeninol were found for the first time in this plant species. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Familial insensitivity to pain (HSAN V) and a mutation in the NGFB gene. A neurophysiological and pathological study
Authors: Minde Jan , Toolanen Göran , Andersson Thomas , Nennesmo Inger , Remahl Ingela Nilsson , Svensson Olle , Solders Göran
Published: October 2004

We have studied a large Swedish family with a mutation in the nerve growth factor beta (NGFB) gene causing insensitivity to deep pain without anhidrosis (hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, type V; HSAN V). Painfree joint destruction and fractures were common. Peripheral nerve conduction was normal, but temperature thresholds were increased. Sural nerve biopsies showed a moderate loss of Aδ fibers and a severe reduction of C fibers. The three most severely affected cases were all born to consanguineous parents, and were homozygotes for the causal genetic mutation. Treatment of these patients is discussed. Muscle Nerve, 2004
Interfacial interactions in calcium carbonate–polypropylene composites. 2: Effect of compounding on the dispersion and the impact properties of surface‐modified composites
Authors: Wang Yeh , Lee Wei‐C.
Published: October 2004

This study was carried out to investigate the influences of compounding process and surface treatment on calcium carbonate (CaCO3) filled polypropylene. The compounding process is discussed with reference to a twin‐screw extruder and an internal mixer. The calcium carbonate filler was surface‐treated with a liquid titanate coupling agent (LICA 12) and stearic acid. Composites of different weight fractions were prepared by both compounding processes, and their impact properties were evaluated. The notched Izod impact strength increased with CaCO3 content up to a maximum at about 10 vol%, and then decreased. Surface treatment of CaCO3 filler generally yielded composites of higher impact strength than untreated system. Though LICA 12 was more effective than stearic acid in modifying the filler, the low‐cost stearic acid proved to be more effective when dealing with the impact properties of composites. Moreover, the composites from a Brabender Plasti‐corder exhibited better gross uniformity than that from the twin‐screw extruder. However, good filler dispersion and uniform microscopic morphology, as revealed by SEM microscopy, was observed in the samples from the twin‐screw extruder. Polym. Compos. 25:451–460, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
A systematic investigation on the influence of the chemical treatment of natural fibers on the properties of their polymer matrix composites
Authors: Biagiotti Jerico , Puglia Debora , Torre Luigi , Kenny José M. , Arbelaiz Aitor , Cantero Guillermo , Marieta Cristina , Llano‐Ponte Rodrigo , Mondragon Iñaki
Published: October 2004

This paper reports a systematic study of the effects on composite properties of different chemical treatments on natural fibers. Both short flax fibers and flax cellulose pulp in a polypropylene matrix have been investigated. The influence of treatments on fiber properties was investigated by means of spectroscopic, thermal and mechanical tests. Moreover, the effects of fiber treatment on the crystallinity of the matrix were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry and optical microscopy. The mechanical properties of the composites obtained were studied using tensile and bending tests. It is shown that most of the main properties of the composites can be improved by adequately treating the fibers. The results of this study provide a database mainly devoted to material selection for the automotive industry. This research has been performed as a part of the ECOFINA project in the framework of the 5th European Research Program of the European Community. Polym. Compos. 25:470–479, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
The impact response of aluminum foam sandwich structures based on a glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene fiber‐metal laminate
Authors: Kiratisaevee H. , Cantwell W. J.
Published: October 2004

The fracture properties and impact response of a series of aluminum foam sandwich structures with the glass fiber–reinforced polypropylene‐based fiber‐metal laminate (FML) skins have been studied. Initially, the manufacturing process for producing the FML skins was optimized to obtain a strong bond between the composite plies and the aluminum layers. The degree of adhesion between the composite plies and the aluminum was characterized by conducting single cantilever beam tests. Here, it was found that the composites could be successfully bonded to the aluminum using a simple short stamping procedure. A detailed examination of the fracture surfaces indicated that crack propagation occurred within the composite ply in the fiber‐metal laminates and along the composite‐aluminum foam interface in the sandwich structures. The low velocity impact response of the FMLs and the sandwich structures was investigated using an instrumented drop‐weight impact tower and a laser‐Doppler velocimeter. The energy absorption characteristics of the sandwich structures were investigated along with the failure processes. Finally, a series of tensile tests on the damaged FMLs and thermoplastic sandwich structures showed that both systems offer promising residual load‐bearing properties. Here, shear failure in the aluminum foam was observed in the sandwich structures, indicative of a strong bond between the FML skins and the aluminum core. Polym. Compos. 25:499–509, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.