bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water resources assessment in a poorly gauged mountainous catchment using a geographical information system and remote sensing
Authors: Shrestha Roshan , Takara Kaoru , Tachikawa Yasuto , Jha Raghu N.
Published: November 2004

Water resources assessment, which is an essential task in making development plans managing water resources, is considerably difficult to do in a data‐poor region. In this study, we attempted to conduct a quantitative water resources assessment in a poorly gauged mountainous catchment, i.e. the River Indrawati catchment (1233 km2) in Nepal. This catchment is facing problems such as dry‐season water scarcity and water use conflicts. However, the region lacks the basic data that this study needs. The data needed are supplemented from field surveys and global data (e.g. GTOPO30 DEM data, LandsatTM data and MODIS NDVI data). The global data have significantly helped us to draw out the information needed for a number of water‐use scenarios. These data helped us determine that the available water quantity is enough at present to address the dry‐season problems. The situation is not much worse for the immediate future; however, the threat of drought is noticed in a future scenario in which resources are consumed extensively. The study uses a geographical information system and remotely sensed data analysis tools extensively. Utilization of modern tools and global data is found effective for investigating practical problems and for detecting important features of water resources, even though the catchment is poorly gauged. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying wavelet transforms to analyse aircraft‐measured turbulence and turbulent fluxes in the atmospheric boundary layer over eastern Siberia
Authors: Strunin M. A. , Hiyama T.
Published: November 2004

The wavelet spectral method was applied to aircraft‐based measurements of atmospheric turbulence obtained during joint Russian–Japanese research on the atmospheric boundary layer near Yakutsk (eastern Siberia) in April–June 2000. Practical ways to apply Fourier and wavelet methods for aircraft‐based turbulence data are described. Comparisons between Fourier and wavelet transform results are shown and they demonstrate, in conjunction with theoretical and experimental restrictions, that the Fourier transform method is not useful for studying non‐homogeneous turbulence. The wavelet method is free from many disadvantages of Fourier analysis and can yield more informative results. Comparison of Fourier and Morlet wavelet spectra showed good agreement at high frequencies (small scales). The quality of the wavelet transform and corresponding software was estimated by comparing the original data with restored data constructed with an inverse wavelet transform. A Haar wavelet basis was inappropriate for the turbulence data; the ‘mother’ wavelet function recommended in this study is the Morlet wavelet. Good agreement was also shown between variances and covariances estimated with different mathematical techniques, i.e. through non‐orthogonal wavelet spectra and through eddy correlation methods. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response properties of atmospheric turbulence measurement instruments using Russian research aircraft
Authors: Strunin M. A. , Hiyama T.
Published: November 2004

Instruments that measure atmospheric turbulence for the estimation of turbulent fluxes of heat, water vapor, and carbon dioxide were tested in the laboratory and during in‐flight conditions aboard a Russian research Ilyushin‐18 aircraft. The response characteristics of the aircraft turbulence sensors were first tested to decrease measurement errors for turbulent heat transfer and fluxes, including water vapour flux, before being installed on the Ilyushin‐18 aircraft that was used in joint Russian–Japanese atmospheric boundary‐layer research. The results show that the atmospheric turbulence measured in a frequency range of 0·01 to 10 Hz yielded proper estimates of fluxes. Errors in measurements of the turbulence made from the aircraft were also analysed. Aerodynamic distortions linked to the aircraft's body and propellers were determined from flight test experiments. Time lags between vertical wind speed fluctuations and air temperature fluctuations measured by the aircraft thermometer, and those between vertical wind speed fluctuations and air humidity fluctuations measured by an ultraviolet hygrometer (open‐path system) and an infrared hygrometer (closed‐path system) were estimated. The vertical wind speed and air temperature sensor measurements showed no time lag, but a time lag of 0·6 s occurred between vertical wind speed and ultraviolet hygrometer measurements. The time lag between vertical wind speed and the infrared hygrometer measurements depended on flight conditions due to air pumping load, and had to be defined for each sampling leg. Accounting for the time lag was critical for water vapour flux measurements and helped to eliminate large systematic errors. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular pathways involved in neural in vitro differentiation of marrow stromal stem cells
Authors: Jori Francesco P. , Napolitano Marco A. , Melone Mariarosa A.B. , Cipollaro Marilena , Cascino Antonino , Altucci Lucia , Peluso Gianfranco , Giordano Antonio , Galderisi Umberto
Published: November 2004

In recent years several reports have claimed to demonstrate trans‐differentiation, namely that stem cells have been derived from a given tissue and have differentiated into phenotypes characteristic of different tissues following transplantation or in vitro treatment. For example, the mesenchymal stem cells, also referred to as marrow stromal stem cells (MSCs), present in bone marrow, have been induced to differentiate into neurons. We decided to investigate this phenomenon more in depth by a molecular and morphological follow‐up. We analyzed the biochemical pathways that are currently induced to trigger neuron‐like commitment and maturation of MSCs. Our studies suggest that: (i) the increase in cAMP, induced to differentiate MSCs, activates the classical PKA pathway and not through the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the small GTPase Rap1 and Rap2; (ii) MEK–ERK signaling could contribute to neural commitment and differentiation; (iii) CaM KII activity seems dispensable for neuron differentiation. On the contrary, its inhibition could contribute to rescuing differentiating cells from death. Our research also indicates that the currently used in vitro differentiation protocols, while they allow the early steps of neural differentiation to take place, are not able to further sustain this process. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MEK partner 1 (MP1): Regulation of oligomerization in MAP kinase signaling
Authors: Sharma Charu , Vomastek Tomáš , Tarcsafalvi Adel , Catling Andrew D. , Schaeffer Hans‐Joerg , Eblen Scott T. , Weber Michael J.
Published: November 2004

Specificity in signal transduction can be achieved through scaffolds, anchors, and adapters that assemble generic signal transduction components in specific combinations and locations. MEK Partner‐1 (MP1) was identified as a potential “scaffold” protein for the mammalian extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. To gain insight into the interactions of MP1 with the ERK pathway, we analyzed the ability of MP1 to bind to MEK1, ERK1, and to itself, and the regulation of these interactions. Gel filtration of cell lysates revealed two major MP1 peaks: a broad high molecular weight peak and a 28 kDa complex. An MP1 mutant that lost MEK1 binding no longer enhanced RasV12‐stimulated ERK1 activity, and functioned as a dominant negative, consistent with the concept that MP1 function depends on facilitating these oligomerizations. Activation of the ERK pathway by serum or by RasV12 did not detectably affect MP1–MP1 dimerization or MP1–MEK1 interactions, but caused the dissociation of the MP1‐ERK1 complex. Surprisingly, pharmacological inhibition of ERK activation did not restore the complex, suggesting that regulation of complex formation occurs independently of ERK phosphorylation. These results support the concept that MP1 functions as a regulator of MAP kinase signaling by binding to MEK1 and regulating its association with a larger signaling complex that may sequentially service multiple molecules of ERK. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enumeration of resolvable 2‐(10, 5, 16) and 3‐(10, 5, 6) designs
Authors: Morales Luis B. , Velarde Carlos
Published: November 2004

A backtracking over parallel classes with a partial isomorph rejection (PIR) is carried out to enumerate the resolvable 2‐(10,5,16) designs. Computational results show that the inclusion of PIR reduce substantially the CPU time for the enumeration of all designs. We prove first some results, which enable us to restrict the search space. Since every resolvable 2‐(10,5,16) design is also a resolvable 3‐(10,5,6) design and vice versa, the latter designs are also enumerated. There are 27, 121, 734 such designs with automorphism groups whose order range from 1 to 1,440. From these, designs 2,006,690 are simple. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quasi‐embeddings of Steiner triple systems, or Steiner triple systems of different orders with maximum intersection
Authors: Dukes Peter , Mendelsohn Eric
Published: November 2004

In this paper, we present a conjecture that is a common generalization of the Doyen–Wilson Theorem and Lindner and Rosa's intersection theorem for Steiner triple systems. Givenu,v≡ 1,3 (mod 6),u<v< 2u +  1, we ask for the minimumrsuch that there exists a Steiner triple system$(U,\,{\cal B}),\,|U|=u$such that some partial system$(U,{\cal B}\,\backslash{\partial})$can be completed to an STS$(v),\,(V,\,{\cal B}{^\prime})$, where |∂| =r. In other words, in order to “quasi‐embed” an STS(u) into an STS(v), we must removerblocks from the small system, and thisris the least such with this property. One can also view the quantity (u(u− 1)/6) −ras the maximum intersection of an STS(u) and an STS(v) withu<v. We conjecture that the necessary minimumr =  (v−u) (2u +  1 −v)/6 can be achieved, except whenu =  6t +  1 andv= 6t +  3, in which case it isr =  3tfort≠ 2, orr =  7 whent =  2. Using small examples and recursion, we solve the casesv−u =  2 and 4, asymptotically solve the casesv−u =  6, 8, and 10, and further show for givenv−u> 2 that an asymptotic solution exists if solutions exist for a run of consecutive values ofu(whose required length is no more thanv−u). Some results are obtained forvclose to 2u +  1 as well. The cases where ≈ 3u/2 seem to be the hardest. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of cultivar, root weight, storage and boiling on carbohydrate content in carrots (Daucus carota L)
Authors: Nyman E Margareta G‐L , Svanberg SJ Maria , Andersson Roger , Nilsson Torsten
Published: November 2004

The effects of cultivar (n = 4), root weight (n = 4), storage (5 months) and boiling (7 min) and their interactions on the content of dry matter and carbohydrates were studied and ranked in carrots. Boiling had the greatest effect and had an influence on all variables except the ratio between sucrose and the monosaccharides glucose and fructose. The choice of cultivar was also of great importance as regards glucose, fructose and sucrose content, while dietary fibre and dry matter were much less affected, or even unaffected, by this factor. Root weight and storage were consistently of less significance than boiling and cultivar. Thus dietary fibre solubility, fructose content and the ratio between sucrose and the monosaccharides glucose and fructose were independent of the root weight, while storage had no impact on the dry matter content. After storage the cultivar Lonto had lost more dry matter than the other cultivars (10% versus mean 1% for the others, P = 0.009) and the sugar ratio between sucrose and the monosaccharides glucose and fructose had increased in the cultivar Amarant, while it decreased in the other cultivars (P < 0.001). Furthermore, Amarant had a lower loss of sugars (35%) following boiling than the other cultivars (mean 39%, P = 0.002). Storage and boiling interacted concerning soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, fibre solubility and glucose content. It is concluded that the various factors (especially boiling and cultivar) gave rise to such differences in carbohydrate content and composition that they might be of nutritional importance. The results may thus provide a basis for selecting raw material when studying possible health effects of carrots. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Production of lactic acid from vine‐trimming wastes and viticulture lees using a simultaneous saccharification fermentation method
Authors: Bustos Guadalupe , Moldes Ana Belén , Cruz José Manuel , Domínguez José Manuel
Published: November 2004

An effective process for the chemical–biotechnological utilization of trimming wastes of vineshoots, an agricultural waste with little use, is reported. Initial treatment with sulfuric acid (prehydrolysis) allowed the solubilization of hemicelluloses to give xylose and glucose‐containing liquors (suitable to make fermentation media for lactic acid production with Lactobacillus pentosus) and a solid phase containing cellulose and lignin. The solid residues from prehydrolysis were treated with NaOH in order to increase their cellulase digestibility. In the alkaline treatments, the effects of temperature (in the range, 50–130 °C), reaction time (30–120 min) and NaOH concentration (4–12 wt% of solution) on the composition and susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis of solid residues were assessed by means of an experimental plan with factorial structure. The lignin content decreased, whereas the susceptibility towards the enzymatic hydrolysis increased with temperature, reaction time and NaOH concentration within the tested range. Using the cellulosic residues achieved under the harsher conditions, favorable fermentation kinetics during simultaneous saccharification and fermentation carried out by L rhamnosus for lactic acid production were observed. The nutrients employed were the complete MRS broth and a cheaper medium developed using viticulture lees coming from the white wine making technology. In all cases the final lactic acid concentration achieved was similar, although the volumetric productivity was lower when using lees due to inhibitory effects over the enzymatic hydrolysis. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Beneficial effect of the unsaponifiable matter from rice bran on oxidative stress in vitro compared with α‐tocopherol
Authors: Lee Jin‐Won , Lee Seog‐Won , Kim Min‐Kyung , Rhee Chul , Kim In‐Hwan , Lee Kwang‐Won
Published: November 2004

Unsaponifiable matter (UM) was prepared from rice bran using n‐hexane extraction followed by removal of its fatty acid methyl ester with supercritical CO2 under heat‐stable conditions. The UM was made up of 1% of vitamin E isomers, 28% of γ‐oryzanol and 71% of uncharacterized compounds. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant activities of the UM, using α‐tocopherol (α‐T) as a positive control, by measuring the Fe3+‐reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) free‐radical‐scavenging property and lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes. In addition, the effects of the UM on the tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BOOH)‐induced cytotoxicity in cultured rat hepatocytes were also investigated. In FRAP assay and DPPH• free‐radical‐scavenging assay, the results were expressed g−1α‐T or g−1 UM. The amount of UM used in lipid peroxidation assay and cytotoxicity assay was the amount required to have equal amounts of total vitamin E isomers in the sample and the control α‐T. The UM, as well as α‐T, exhibited significant antioxidant activities in FRAP, radical‐scavenging and membrane‐lipid oxidation. The FRAP value for total vitamin E isomers in the UM (TVEIUM) was 9.1 times higher than that for α‐T. In terms of their capacities to perform radical‐scavenging and lipid peroxidation, both TVEIUM and α‐T showed similar antioxidant activities. In experiments using cultured rat hepatocytes, the t‐BOOH‐induced lactate dehydrogenase release was significantly inhibited by the addition of 63.5 and 160 µg ml−1 of TVEIUM treatments (84 and 89%, respectively), and that of 63.5 and 160 µg ml−1 of α‐T treatment (88 and 93%, respectively). The antioxidant function against oxidative stress of the UM prepared from rice bran may extend its use to being a potential dietary supplement. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Masticatory and non‐masticatory dental modifications in the epipalaeolithic necropolis of Taforalt (Morocco)
Authors: Bonfiglioli B. , Mariotti V. , Facchini F. , Belcastro M. G. , Condemi S.
Published: November 2004

In this study, we used standardized methods to investigate masticatory and non‐masticatory dental alterations (chipping, notches, interproximal grooves) in teeth from the epipalaeolithic necropolis of Taforalt (Morocco, about 12,000–11,000 BP). The particular distribution of some of the alterations could be related to avulsion of the upper central incisors, a systematic ritual characterizing all adult individuals of the necropolis. Because of this practice, the functions of the anterior teeth (cutting and tearing portions of food while eating, holding objects, etc.) likely shifted to the posterior teeth. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced pediatric nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma: The national cancer institute experience
Authors: Nathan Paul C. , Tsokos Maria , Long Lauren , Bernstein Donna , Wexler Leonard H. , Mackall Crystal L. , Helman Lee J.
Published: November 2004

Background

The survival of children and adolescents with advanced (unresectable or metastatic) nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS) is poor. In order to clarify the role of combining chemotherapy with aggressive local control using surgery and/or radiation, we reviewed our institutional experience with the treatment of advanced pediatric NRSTS.

Procedure

We reviewed the charts of all patients less than 21 years treated for an advanced NRSTS at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) between 1983 and 2003. Tumor pathology was confirmed and demographic, disease, and treatment data were abstracted. Survival was calculated using standard methods.

Results

Of the 25 patients who were treated over the study period, 15 had metastatic disease and 10 had unresectable or incompletely resected disease at presentation. Twenty‐one patients received chemotherapy consisting of the combination of vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and etoposide, and the remaining 4 received regimens that included doxorubicin. Twenty patients (80%) had a complete (5/25) or partial (15/25) response after chemotherapy alone. After the combination of chemotherapy and local control, 14 patients (56%) had a complete response (CR). The estimated 5‐year overall and event‐free survival (EFS) for all patients was 0.50 (standard error = 0.11) and 0.34 (standard error = 0.10), respectively.

Conclusions

The combination of chemotherapy with aggressive local control in this cohort of pediatric patients with advanced NRSTS yielded results comparable to those observed in patients with advanced sarcomas that are chemotherapy responsive. Prospective randomized trials are needed to quantify the contribution of chemotherapy and to determine the ideal regimen. Published 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fatigue resistance of continuous glass fiber/polypropylene composites: Temperature dependence
Authors: Bureau M. N. , Denault J.
Published: November 2004

The effect of testing temperature on the fatigue resistance of continuous glass fiber/polypropylene (CGF/PP) composites was studied. Fatigue resistance curves (or S‐N curves) were obtained at −40°C, 23°C and 50°C. Both on an absolute stress basis and on a normalized stress basis (with respect to the yield stress at the temperature considered), the S‐N curves showed that CGF/PP composites had excellent fatigue performance at 23°C and that their performance was actually improved at −40°C (below Tg of the PP matrix). The S‐N curves at 50°C showed that, although the composite flexural strength was reduced because of PP matrix softening, their fatigue performance remained relatively high, as it is controlled by the CGF reinforcement. Comparison with a CGF/thermoset isophthalic polyester composite of identical fiber architecture and similar flexural strength at 23°C indicated that the properties of the thermoplastic PP matrix provided improved fatigue resistance, both on an absolute and a normalized basis, especially below the glass transition temperature. It was concluded that the fact that the fatigue performance of the CGF/polyester composite is only weakly temperature‐dependent, while that of the CGF/PP composite is strongly temperature‐dependent, does not necessarily mean that it shows superior performance. Polym. Compos. 25:622–629, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Influence of ethyl methacrylate content on the volume‐phase transition of temperature‐sensitive poly[(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐(ethyl methacrylate)] microgels
Authors: Ma Xiaomei , Huang Xiaobin , Zhu Lu , Zhao Xi'an , Tang Xiaozhen
Published: November 2004

A novel series of temperature‐sensitive poly[(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐(ethyl methacrylate)] (p(NIPAM‐co‐EMA)) microgels was prepared by the surfactant‐free radical polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) with ethyl methacrylate (EMA). The shape, size dispersity and volume‐phase transition behavior of the microgels were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The transmission electron micrographs and DLS results showed that microgels with narrow distributions were prepared. It was shown from UV–Vis, DLS and DSC measurements that the volume‐phase transition temperature (VPTT) of the p(NIPAM‐co‐EMA) microgels decreased with increasing incorporation of EMA, but the temperature‐sensitivity was impaired when more EMA was incorporated, causing the volume‐phase transition of the microgels to become more continuous. It is noteworthy that incorporation of moderate amounts of EMA could not only lower the VPTT but also enhance the temperature‐sensitivity of the microgels. The reason for this phenomenon could be attributed to changes in the complicated interactions between the various molecules. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Biodegradable hollow microfibres to produce bioactive scaffolds
Authors: Lazzeri Luigi , Cascone Maria Grazia , Quiriconi Simone , Morabito Letterio , Giusti Paolo
Published: November 2004

Biodegradable hollow microfibres containing particles loaded with specific active agents can be potentially employed to produce a special kind of substrate for tissue engineering, able to function as a scaffold and at the same time to act as a drug‐releasing system. Biodegradable hollow microfibres based on poly(lactic acid) were produced by a dry–wet spinning procedure. Drug‐loaded microparticles were prepared by a simple oil‐in‐water emulsion and entrapped inside the fibres. The morphology of both fibres and particles was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical and thermal properties of the fibres were investigated by tensile tests and differential scanning calorimetry. In vitro tests were performed to evaluate the release of the drug from the fibres loaded with the particles Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of an interpenetrating polymer network composed of poly(methacrylic acid) and poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Kim Seon Jeong , Yoon Seoung Gil , Kim Sun I
Published: November 2004

Temperature and pH‐responsive interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels, constructed with poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), by a sequential IPN method, were studied. The characterization of IPN hydrogels was investigated by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and swelling under various conditions. The IPN hydrogels exhibited relatively high swelling ratios, in the range 230–380 %, at 25 °C. The swelling ratios of the PMAA/PVA IPN hydrogels were pH and temperature dependent. DSC was used for the quantitative determination of the amounts of freezing and non‐freezing water. The amount of free water increased with increasing PMAA content in the IPN hydrogels. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Photoinitiator‐free UV grafting of styrene, a weak donor, with various electron‐poor vinyl monomers to polypropylene film
Authors: Ng Loo‐Teck , Nguyen Duc , Adeloju Samuel B
Published: November 2004

This study investigated the possibility of using styrene, a weak donor forming donor(D)/acceptor(A) pairs with electron‐poor (EP) vinyl monomers, for initiating spontaneous photopolymerization and photografting of the copolymers onto polypropylene. Maleic anhydride (MA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), methyl acrylate (MAC), dimethyl maleate (DMMA), acrylonitrile (AN) and acrylic acid (AA) were the EP monomers used. Grafting yields together with FTIR analyses were used to confirm the presence of grafting. Styrene/MMA and styrene/AN systems achieved significant grafting, but such levels of grafting were not observed in the styrene/MAC and styrene/DMMA systems. No grafting was observed for styrene/AA or styrene/MA systems, but the latter system underwent photopolymerization. The effect of solvents on grafting was evaluated on styrene/MMA and styrene/AN systems and dimethylformamide (DMF) was found to retard grafting of both D/A systems. In contrast, chloroform and methanol enhanced grafting of the styrene/AN system although these two solvents had no significant effect on the grafting of the styrene/MMA system. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Graft copolymerization of itaconic acid onto chitin and its properties
Authors: Mostafa TB , Naguib HF , Sabaa MW , Mokhtar SM
Published: November 2004

Modification of chitin by grafting with itaconic acid (IA) was carried out using potassium persulfate as redox initiator. In complimentary experiments, grafting was performed using γ‐radiation. Grafting was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The effect of monomer concentration, initiator concentration and copolymerization temperature on the percentage of grafting were studied. The effect of radiation dose was also investigated. Values for percentages of grafting of up to 300 % were reached. It was observed that the percentage of grafting increased with increasing monomer concentration and showed a tendency to level off at IA concentration of 0.1 mol l−1. The percentage of grafting increased with temperature up to 60 °C and then decreased. The solubility of the grafted chitin was studied in organic and inorganic solvents. The complexation of the grafted chitin with some cations, namely copper, nickel, cobalt, zinc and lead, was also investigated. The metal uptake was measured by UV spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis of the grafted chitin was also studied. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and characterization of soy protein plastics plasticized with waterborne polyurethane
Authors: Wang Niangui , Zhang Lina
Published: November 2004

Utilizing anionic waterborne polyurethane (WPU) as a plasticizer, for the first time, we prepared new soy protein isolate (SPI) plastics. The WPU was prepared by using the emulsion‐extending‐chain method, and mixed with soy protein in aqueous dispersion. The mixture was cast, cured, pickled and hot‐pressed to form SPI plastics plasticized with WPU. The plastics sheets were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet spectrophotometry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and their properties were measured by using dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and tensile testing. The results revealed that SPI plastics plasticized with WPU possess good mechanical properties, such as a tensile strength (σb) of 7–19 MPa, water resistance (σb(wet)/σb(dry) = 0.4–0.5), optical transmittance and thermal stability, because of the good miscibility and strong interaction between WPU and SPI. With an increase of WPU content from 20 to 50 wt%, the elongation at break (εb) value of the sheets increased from 50 up to 150 %, and is much higher than that of the pure SPI sheet. WPU as a plasticizer can play an important role in improving the properties of SPI plastics. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
The relationship between mechanical properties and morphology of vibration‐injection‐molded polyethylene
Authors: Youbing Li , Xueqin Gao , Shaoyan Yuan , Yi Yuan , Jie Zhang , Wenti Ke , Kaizhi Shen
Published: November 2004

This paper introduces a novel melt vibration‐injection molding. The effect of mid‐frequency melt vibration on mechanical properties was introduced, and SEM, WAXD and DSC investigations had been employed to provide evidence for explaining the relationship between mechanical properties and morphology of vibration‐injection‐molded specimens. The results show that the effect of vibration frequency is very different from that of vibration pressure amplitude. At a given vibration pressure amplitude, the increase of vibration frequency is beneficial for obtaining preferential orientation, more perfect lamellae and enhanced mechanical properties. For a given vibration frequency, increase of vibration pressure amplitude is a pre‐requisite for the achievement of a large‐scale lamella, more pronounced orientation, increase of cyrstallinity and high strength of high‐density polyethylene, but part of the toughness is lost. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
The IFNAR1 subunit of the type I IFN receptor complex contains a functional nuclear localization sequence
Authors: Subramaniam Prem S. , Johnson Howard M.
Published: November 2004

A nuclear localization sequence (NLS) in the type II interferon (IFN) IFNγ, which is responsible for the nuclear translocation of both the ligand and the α‐subunit (IFNGR1) of the receptor complex, has previously been characterized and its role in signaling examined in detail. We have now identified an NLS in the type I IFN receptor (IFNAR) common subunit IFNAR1 from humans and show that the human IFNAR1 subunit can translocate to the nucleus following human IFNβ stimulation. An NLS in human IFNAR1 is located in the extracellular domain of IFNAR1 within the sequence 382RKIIEKKT (numbered for the precursor form). Nuclear import by the NLS functions in a conventional fashion requiring cytosolic import factors, is energy‐dependent and inhibited by the prototypical NLS of the SV40 large T‐antigen. These studies provide a mechanism for nuclear import of IFNAR1, as well as for type I IFN ligands, and a starting point for studying an alternate role for IFNAR1 in nuclear signaling within the type I IFN system.
Observations on Reproductive Health Programs in the Baltic States
Authors: Lazarus J.V. , Nadisauskiene R.J. , Liljestrand J.
Published: November 2004

Public attention in Sweden has been drawn to three neighboring states that recently joined the European Union: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. At this historic moment, it seems instructive to look at how the rapidly reformed health sectors of these ex‐Soviet republics are responding to the vision of reproductive health articulated in Cairo 10 years ago. Reproductive health and rights have improved in these states in spite of recent reforms often acting to oppose improvement. Reforms such as the introduction of family medicine need continued adjustment, especially regarding antenatal care. One special challenge is the retention of essential mid‐level providers, such as midwives, as the mode of HIV transmission becomes increasingly sexual.
Conducting International Collaborative Research in Developing Nations
Authors: Geller S.E. , Patel A. , Niak V.A. , Goudar S.S. , Edlavitch S.A. , Kodkany B.S. , Derman R.J.
Published: November 2004

International research partnerships bring together some of the best and the brightest in an effort to tackle global health problems. Such collaborations also pose complex challenges, such as maintaining ethical principles in the conduct of research in developing nations. In implementing a randomized clinical trial to reduce postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) during childbirth in rural India, U.S. and Indian collaborators addressed three such issues: the appropriateness of an ethical randomized controlled trial in the developing world, the inclusion of a placebo arm, and the relevance of informed consent in a semiliterate rural population.
INFINITE UTILITARIANISM: MORE IS ALWAYS BETTER
Authors: LAUWERS LUC , VALLENTYNE PETER
Published: November 2004

We address the question of how finitely additive moral value theories (such as utilitarianism) should rank worlds when there are an infinite number of locations of value (people, times, etc.). In the finite case, finitely additive theories satisfy both Weak Pareto and a strong anonymity condition. In the infinite case, however, these two conditions are incompatible, and thus a question arises as to which of these two conditions should be rejected. In a recent contribution, Hamkins and Montero (2000) have argued in favor of an anonymity-like isomorphism principle and against Weak Pareto. After casting doubt on their criticism of Weak Pareto, we show how it, in combination with certain other plausible principles, generates a plausible and fairly strong principle for the infinite case. We further show that where locations are the same in all worlds, but have no natural order, this principle turns out to be equivalent to a strengthening of a principle defended by Vallentyne and Kagan (1997), and also to a weakened version of the catching-up criterion developed by Atsumi (1965) and by von Weizsäcker (1965).
Epidemiological features and clinical manifestations in 469 adult patients with brucellosis in Babol, Northern Iran
Authors: HASANJANI ROUSHAN M. R. , MOHREZ M. , SMAILNEJAD GANGI S. M. , SOLEIMANI AMIRI M. J. , HAJIAHMADI M.
Published: November 2004

The epidemiological features and clinical manifestations of adult cases of brucellosis admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases, Babol Medical University, Iran from 1997 to 2002 were investigated. Of 469 cases, 267 (56·9%) were males. The mean age of cases was 36·9±15 years. Most (60·8%) were from rural areas. Two thirds of cases (306, 66·3%) presented during spring or summer. Fresh cheese (22·4%), animal husbandry (11·3%), laboratory worker (8·1%) and veterinary profession (1·5%) were the main risk factors. Forty-five families (9·6%) had two cases. Sweating, fever, and arthralgia were the most frequent clinical symptoms. Complications were documented in 105 males (39·5%) and 41 females (20·3%, P=0·0001). Peripheral arthritis was seen in 24 (9%) males and 19 (9·4%) females, with knees and hips being the most common sites of infection. Sacroiliitis and spondylitis were seen in 28 (6%) and 32 (6·8%) cases respectively with spondylitis more common in males (P=0·023). Epididymo-orchitis was seen in 29 (10·9%) males. There were three cases each of endocarditis (0·6%) and neurological complications (0·6%). Most patients with brucellosis did not have any of the known risk factors for brucellosis. Thus consumption of unsafe dairy products could be the main route of infection. The disease manifested with a diversity of clinical manifestations and complications. Complications were more frequent in males than females.
Low socioeconomic status and risk for infection with Human Herpesvirus 8 among HIV-1 negative, South African black cancer patients
Authors: WOJCICKI J. M. , NEWTON R. , URBAN MI. , STEIN L. , HALE M. , PATEL M. , RUFF P. , SUR R. , BOURBOULIA D. , SITAS F.
Published: November 2004

Between January 1994 and October 1997, we interviewed 2576 black in-patients with newly diagnosed cancer in Johannesburg and Soweto, South Africa. Blood was tested for HIV-1 and HHV-8 antibodies and the study was restricted to 2191 HIV-1 antibody-negative patients. We examined the relationship between infection with HHV-8 and sociodemographic and behavioural factors using unconditional logistic regression models. Of the 2191 HIV-1 negative patients who did not have Kaposi's sarcoma, 854 (39·1%) were positive for antibodies against the latent nuclear antigen of HHV-8 encoded by orf73 in a immunofluorescence assay. Infection with HHV-8 was independently associated with increasing age (P trend=0·02). For females, independent risk factors also included working in a paid domestic capacity (OR 1·63, 95% CI 1·09–2·44, P=0·02), defining occupational status as economically non-active unemployed (OR 1·70, 95% CI 1·06–2·72, P=0·03), having a state pension or being on a disability grant (OR 1·49, 95% CI 1·05–2·11, P=0·02), using oral contraceptives (OR 1·43, 95% CI 1·03–1·99, P=0·03) and having a delayed age at menarche (P trend=0·04). The relationship between these variables and HHV-8 antibody status requires further, prospective study.
Past it? HIV and older people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Authors: DOUGAN SARAH , PAYNE LARA J. C. , BROWN ALISON E. , EVANS BARRY G. , GILL O. NOEL
Published: November 2004

The majority of those infected and affected by HIV are younger adults. The ability of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) to extend survival means that those infected when younger may reach older age, and future increases in numbers of older individuals living with HIV in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (E,W&NI) are expected. Evidence that older individuals engage in risky sexual behaviours suggests potential for HIV transmission. Data from national HIV/AIDS surveillance systems were reviewed (1997–2001). An older individual is defined as aged 45 years or over. Between 1997 and 2001, 2290 older individuals were diagnosed with HIV; 361 in 1997, rising to 648 in 2001. Heterosexual acquisition accounted for 1073 (47%) infections; 662 were male. Where reported, 666 (65%) older heterosexuals were probably infected in Africa, 144 (14%) in the United Kingdom and 113 (11%) in Asia. There were 1020 (45%) new diagnoses acquired homosexually; white (92%), infected in the United Kingdom (78%). Numbers of older individuals accessing HIV-related services more than doubled between 1997 (2488) and 2001 (5175). In 2001, 2270 (53%) were London residents. Between 1997 and 2001, among HIV-infected older individuals attending genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, the proportions previously undiagnosed were 60% and 82% in heterosexual males and females respectively, and for men who have sex with men (MSM), 42%. Numbers of older individuals newly diagnosed with HIV have increased in recent years. The increase in numbers of older individuals accessing HIV-related services were in excess of younger adults. A significant proportion of older HIV-infected female heterosexuals and MSM were undiagnosed. Awareness must be raised among clinicians, and an ‘aged response’ to HIV is required.
Prevalence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in street-vended food of open markets (tianguis) and general hygienic and trading practices in Mexico City
Authors: ESTRADA-GARCIA T. , LOPEZ-SAUCEDO C. , ZAMARRIPA-AYALA B. , THOMPSON M. R. , GUTIERREZ-COGCO L. , MANCERA-MARTINEZ A. , ESCOBAR-GUTIERREZ A.
Published: November 2004

Street-vendors in Mexico City provide ready-to-eat food to a high proportion of the inhabitants. Nevertheless, their microbiological status, general hygienic and trading practices are not well known. During spring and summer 2000, five tianguis (open markets) were visited and 48 vendors in 48 stalls interviewed. A total of 103 taco dressings were sampled for E. coli and Salmonella spp.: 44 (43%) contained E. coli and 5 (5%) Salmonella (2 S. Enteritidis phage type 8, 1 S. Agona, 2 S. B group). Both E. coli and salmonellas were isolated from three samples. Of Salmonella-positive stalls 80% (4/5) had three or more food-vendors and 80% of vendors were males, compared with 37·3% (16/43) and 46·4% (20/43) in the Salmonella-negative stalls respectively. Food-vendors kept water in buckets (reusing it all day), lacked toilet facilities, and prepared taco dressings the day before which remained at the tianguis without protection for 7·8 h on average. Consumption of street-vended food by local and tourist populations poses a health risk.
Visual Learning: An Overview
Authors: Bischof Walter F.
Published: November 2004

A review is presented of modern approaches to the learning and recognition of complex patterns, including discriminant functions, neural networks, decision trees, and hidden Markov models. Next, several relational learning systems are introduced and discussed, in detail one specific technique, conditional rule generation. This technique is shown to be very flexible and useful for the learning of static patterns, such as objects, as well as dynamic patterns, such as movement patterns. The technique is illustrated with a number of very difficult visual learning problems.
Human Visual Perception under Altered Gravity Environment
Authors: Koga Kazuo
Published: November 2004

Eye movements have been studied in a Japanese Spacelab payload specialist carrying out a visual task on earth (1g gravity) before and after a space flight. The experiment was repeated in space (microgravity) using the same subject. In addition to eye movements, EMG activity of the trapezius muscle was recorded while performing the visual task in space. Results show that eye movements are not affected by variations in gravity. The EMG activity of the trapezius muscle recorded during the visual task in space was found to depart from the EMG activity such as present under everyday conditions on earth.
Effect of Spatial Configuration of Motion Signals on Motion Integration across Space
Authors: Takahashi Nobuko
Published: November 2004

The present study examined the effect of the spatial configuration of local signals on motion integration across space. The perceived coherency was measured in different configurations of apertures and combinations of motion directions. The results showed the following. (1) Motion integration across separate apertures is affected by the spatial configuration of the apertures. The perceived coherency was highest when the apertures were arranged symmetrically with respect to the coherent direction. (2) Though the spatial configuration of apertures are the same, the assignment of each local motion to each apertures has an effect, and converging local motions are integrated more than diverging local motions. (3) There is a limit to the direction difference of local motions. These results suggest that the spatial structure of global motion behind apertures has a considerable effect on the integration of local motions in apertures.
M7: An efficient size‐resolved aerosol microphysics module for large‐scale aerosol transport models
Authors: Vignati Elisabetta , Wilson Julian , Stier Philip
Published: November 2004

An aerosol model (M7) designed to be coupled to general circulation models (GCM) and chemistry transport models (CTM) is described. In M7 the aerosol population is divided into two types of particles: mixed, or water‐soluble particles, and insoluble particles. The particles are represented by seven classes, using a “pseudomodal” approach. Four classes are for the mixed particles representing nucleation, Aitken, accumulation, and coarse mode, and three are for the insoluble (Aitken, accumulation, and coarse mode). The components considered are mineral dust, black carbon (BC) and primary organic carbon (OC), sulfate, and sea salt. The aerosol dynamic processes in M7 include nucleation, coagulation, and condensation of sulfuric acid. Mixed particles are formed from insoluble particles by coagulation and condensation. The integration scheme is computationally very efficient. The model has been tested against the analytical solution and a sectional model for the formation of SO4/BC mixed particles, evaluating the mixing by condensation and coagulation. Furthermore, M7 has been run in free tropospheric conditions and compared to aircraft observations. M7 has proven to be accurate and fast enough to be included in a GCM or CTM.
A 350‐year atmospheric history for carbonyl sulfide inferred from Antarctic firn air and air trapped in ice
Authors: Montzka S. A. , Aydin M. , Battle M. , Butler J. H. , Saltzman E. S. , Hall B. D. , Clarke A. D. , Mondeel D. , Elkins J. W.
Published: November 2004

Carbonyl sulfide (COS) and other trace gases were measured in firn air collected near South Pole (89.98°S) and from air trapped in ice at Siple Dome, Antarctica (81.65°S). The results, when considered with ambient air data and previous ice core measurements, provide further evidence that atmospheric mixing ratios of COS over Antarctica between 1650 and 1850 A.D. were substantially lower than those observed today. Specifically, the results suggest annual mean COS mixing ratios between 300 and 400 pmol mol−1 (ppt) during 1650–1850 A.D. and increases throughout most of the twentieth century. Measurements of COS in modern air and in the upper layers of the firn at South Pole indicate ambient, annual mean mixing ratios between 480 and 490 ppt with substantial seasonal variations. Peak mixing ratios are observed during austral summer in ambient air at South Pole and Cape Grim, Tasmania (40.41°S). Provided COS is not produced or destroyed in firn, these results also suggest that atmospheric COS mixing ratios have decreased 60–90 ppt (10–16%) since the 1980s in high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. The history derived for atmospheric mixing ratios of COS in the Southern Hemisphere since 1850 is closely related to historical anthropogenic sulfur emissions. The fraction of anthropogenic sulfur emissions released as COS (directly or indirectly) needed to explain the secular changes in atmospheric COS over this period is 0.3–0.6%.
Cardiac Na+–Ca2+ exchanger current induced by tyrphostin tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Missan Sergey , McDonald Terence F
Published: November 2004

Tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitors genistein and tyrphostin A23 (A23) inhibited Ca2+ currents in guinea‐pig ventricular myocytes investigated under standard whole‐cell conditions (K+‐free Tyrode's superfusate; EGTA‐buffered (pCa–10.5) Cs+ dialysate). However, the inhibitors (100 μM) also induced membrane currents that reversed between −40 and 0 mV, and the objective of the present study was to characterize these currents.

Genistein‐induced current behaved like Cl− current, and was unaffected by either the addition of divalent cations (0.5 mM Cd2+; 3 mM Ni2+) that block the Na+–Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), or the removal of external Na+ and Ca2+.

A23‐induced current was independent of Cl− driving force, and strongly suppressed by addition of Cd2+ and Ni2+, and by removal of either external Na+ or Ca2+. These and other results suggested that A23 activated an NCX current driven by submembrane Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations higher than those in the bulk cytoplasm.

Improved control of intracellular Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations was obtained by suppressing cation influx (10 μM verapamil) and raising dialysate Na+ to 7 mM and dialysate pCa to 7. Under these conditions, stimulation by A23 was described by the Hill equation with EC50 68±4 μM and coefficient 1.1, tyrphostin A25 was as effective as A23, and TK‐inactive tyrphostin A1 was ineffective. Phosphotyrosyl phosphatase inhibitor orthovanadate (1 mM) antagonized the action of 100 μM A23.

The results suggest that activation of cardiac NCX by A23 is due to inhibition of genistein‐insensitive TK.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 943–951. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706011