bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Wind Turbines for Non-Standard Air Density
Authors: Soraperra Giusepe
Published: August 2005

New site typologies characterized by non-standard air density have been recently considered for wind energy exploitation. The work attempts to assess the effect of air density on turbine performance, whether with variable or fixed speed. Since the power density of the sites with non-standard density is intrinsically different, it is impossible to reach the standard rated power at the standard rated speed. Three scenarios are possible (i) to keep the standard rated speed of the turbine by changing the size of the electric generator; (ii) to change the rated speed of the turbine by adopting a different pitch angle setting; (iii) adoption of extenders to the blades can also help in restraining the standard rated power at the standard rated speed for ρ less than ρst. The power curves for the three turbine configurations, each in three different air density conformations, have been calculated running BEM simulations. A tentative correlation between the length of extenders and decrease of air density is finally proposed.
Gene expression profiling in human cardiovascular disease
Authors: Steenman Marja , Lamirault Guillaume , Le Meur Nolwenn , Léger Jean J.
Published: August 2005

Gene expression profiling studies in human diseases have allowed better understanding of pathophysiological processes. In addition, they may lead to the development of new clinical tools to improve diagnosis and prognosis of patients. Most of these studies have been successfully performed for human cancers. Inspired by these results, researchers in the cardiovascular field have also started using large-scale transcriptional analysis to better understand and classify human cardiovascular disease. Here we provide an overview of the literature revealing new cardiac disease markers and encouraging results for further development of the expression profiling strategy for future clinical applications in cardiology.
Insulin sensitivity and counter-regulatory hormones in hypothyroidism and during thyroid hormone replacement therapy
Authors: Stanická Soňa , Vondra Karel , Pelikánová Terezie , Vlček Petr , Hill Martin , Zamrazil Václav
Published: August 2005

We examined insulin sensitivity and secretion, together with the levels of selected glucoregulatory hormones, in 15 female patients with severe hypothyroidism (H) and during subsequent thyroid hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp technique. Insulin action, as evaluated by glucose disposal, the insulin sensitivity index, and fasting post-hepatic insulin delivery rate were established. The basal levels of insulin, C-peptide and counter-regulatory hormones were measured in basal condition. In H, glucose disposal (p<0.01), the insulin sensitivity index (p<0.01) and post-hepatic insulin delivery rate (p<0.05) were significantly lower than during HRT. No significant changes in the levels of fasting insulin and C-peptide were observed. The levels of counter-regulatory hormones in patients with H were significantly higher than during HRT (glucagon, p<0.05; epinephrine, p<0.01; cortisol, p<0.05; growth hormone, p<0.05). In H, an inverse correlation between insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion was observed (p<0.05). Cortisol was the most important factor affecting the variability of insulin sensitivity values, regardless of thyroid function (p=0.0012). In conclusion, H altered both insulin sensitivity and the levels of selected counter-regulatory hormones. The situation was restored by HRT, as manifested not only by normalisation of insulin sensitivity, secretion and levels of glucoregulatory hormones, but also by improvement of their relationships.
Quantification of voriconazole in plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Vogeser Michael , Schiel Xaver , Spöhrer Ute
Published: August 2005

A convenient liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of the triazole antifungal agent voriconazole in plasma samples is described. Fenbuconazole is used as an internal standard. After protein precipitation, automated solid-phase extraction is applied. Electrospray ionization in the positive mode is used and the following mass transitions are recorded: voriconazole, 350→127; and fenbuconazol, 337→125. The analytical run time is 4min. The response was linear from 78 to 5000μg/L. The total coefficient of variation (n=16) was 12.6% for a low-concentration pool (143μg/L), 4.7% for a medium-concentration pool (419μg/L), and 5.0% for a high-concentration pool (4304μg/L). The method is proposed for future investigations that should be performed to test the hypothesis that therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole is clinically useful.
High-workload endurance training may increase serum ischemia-modified albumin concentrations
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Brocco Giorgio , Salvagno Gian Luca , Montagnana Martina , Dima Francesco , Guidi Gian Cesare
Published: August 2005

The measurement of cardiac troponins has emerged as the biochemical “gold standard” for the diagnosis and management of patients with acute chest pain. However, earlier markers should support investigation strategies, as several patients with acute coronary syndrome might present with non-diagnostic concentrations. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), measured by the albumin cobalt binding (ACB) assay, was recently proposed for early detection of myocardial ischemia. To establish the potential influence of endurance training on the diagnostic approach to patients with suspected myocardial injury, cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), myoglobin and IMA were evaluated in healthy individuals subjected to different aerobic workloads. The concentrations of both IMA and CK-MB were significantly increased in athletes subjected to high-workload endurance training, whereas the concentration of cTnT and myoglobin was not influenced by physical exercise in the medium term. Taken together, our results demonstrate that demanding aerobic physical activity might influence the generation of IMA, which might be increased in the medium term following high-workload endurance training, while the concentration of other conventional markers of myocardial injury remains non-diagnostic.
Effectiveness of different methods for anti-Sm antibody identification. A multicentre study
Authors: Llorente María Jesús , Jiménez Juana , González Concepción , Alarcón Inmaculada , Alsina Monserrat , Casas Luisa María , Benedito José Enrique , Luis Araquistain José , Farre Victor , González-Buitrago José Manuel
Published: August 2005

Methods for the measurement of autoantibodies frequently provide controversial results. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of Spanish Clinical Laboratories in the measurement of anti-Sm antibodies. A total of 23 laboratories participated, analysing 30 serum samples from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases. The laboratories used four extractable nuclear antigen screens, eight enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) specific for anti-Sm, one line-blot, one dot-blot and one double immunodiffusion assay, from 15 different manufacturers. A total of 871 results were obtained. In general, very good sensitivity was obtained (95–100%), but specificity was moderate (52–86%) and must be improved. Most ELISAs and the line-blot were valid assays for anti-Sm detection and could serve as tests both for analysis and/or confirmation. The likelihood ratios indicated that both methods can be considered very useful or useful for the determination of anti-Sm antibodies. Nevertheless, the analytical quality of the methods for the measurement of anti-Sm antibodies could probably be improved by standardisation of the methods and the participation of laboratories in external quality control programs.
Quality control in neutrophil granulocyte (PMN) concentrates by flow cytometry
Authors: Schwanke Uwe , Schrader Laura , Moog Rainer
Published: August 2005

Background: In peripheral blood, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) can be assessed by flow cytometry, whereas function tests, i.e., quality control in PMN concentrates designed for neutropenia therapy, are lacking.

Methods: PMN concentrates (n=6) harvested from healthy donors who had been premedicated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and dexamethasone were stored undiluted (control, C; n=6) and diluted 1:4 (D; n=6) with autologous plasma for 72h. Commercial flow cytometry function tests were performed to quantify changes in chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst of PMNs over time.

Results: Median levels of phagocytosis and oxidative burst levelled at 86% (82–94) and 98% (83–100) in C on the day of apheresis, respectively, but deteriorated to 15% (0–24) and 0% within 72h; in D these parameters remained close to 90%. Median levels of chemotaxis were comparable in C (69%, 65–74) and D (74%, 70–84) at baseline. No migration was detected in C after 72h; however, D retained approximately 63% (13–76) migration capacity.

Conclusion: Quality control in PMN concentrates is practical using flow cytometry and commercial test kits. While phagocytosis and oxidative burst may be maintained for 72h in vitro, chemotaxis of apheresed PMNs is already reduced on the day of apheresis.
Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine in postmenopausal women in Burkina Faso
Authors: Chillemi Rosa , Simpore Jacques , Persichilli Silvia , Minucci Angelo , D'Agata Alfonsina , Musumeci Salvatore
Published: August 2005

Background: Low levels of plasma homocysteine have been found in children and adult populations living in Burkina Faso in association with a low prevalence of coronary heart disease. Methods: Based on this finding, the levels of plasma homocysteine and other thiols (cysteine, cysteinylglycine, glutathione) in postmenopausal women living in Burkina Faso were evaluated with the aim of investigating whether age and life conditions influence plasma homocysteine and other thiol levels. Results: It was found that in older postmenopausal women the mean level of homocysteine was higher (16.4±6.6 μmol/L) than in fertile women (6.8±1.2μmol/L) and that thisincrease was correlated with cysteine levels (166.6±44.6μmol/L). While the glutathione level in postmenopausal women was lower (3.6±2.3μmol/L) compared with fertile women (7.0±1.7μmol/L), cysteinylglycine levels were within the normal range (29.9±9.3μmol/L). No correlation was found between homocysteine levels and serum folate, vitamin B
Nomenclature of Mitochondrial DNA Haplotypes for Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Graziano Sara L. , Brown Kim H. , Nielsen Jennifer L.
Published: August 2005

Congruence of genetic data is critical for comparative and collaborative studies on natural fish populations. A comprehensive list of reported mitochrondrial DNA haplotypes for Oncorhynchus mykiss generated using the S‐Phe/P2 primer set is presented as a resource for future investigations of this species.
Novel micromixers driven by flow instabilities: Application to post‐reactors
Authors: Deshmukh S. R. , Vlachos D. G.
Published: August 2005

Flow‐driven instabilites in microdevices, consisting of small features (posts), are studied using 2‐D computational fluid dynamics simulations as a means of enhanching mixing at the microscale. It is found that oscillatory flow developed above a critical Reynolds number in the wake of a post is weakly affected by volumetric and surface (catalytic) reactions. The observed reactivity, on the other hand, is strongly affected by flow‐driven instabilities. Based on these results, a novel post micromixer that capitalizes on this oscillatory flow while exhibiting a low pressure drop is proposed. Finally, different feature configurations are investigated to gain insights into the mixing performance and to develop design guidelines. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Titelbild: A Microfabricated Gas–Liquid Segmented Flow Reactor for High‐Temperature Synthesis: The Case of CdSe Quantum Dots (Angew. Chem. 34/2005)
Authors: Yen Brian K. H. , Günther Axel , Schmidt Martin A. , Jensen Klavs F. , Bawendi Moungi G.
Published: August 2005

Der Zweiphasenfluss eines Gas‐flüssig‐segmentierten Flussreaktors mit mehreren Temperaturzonen ermöglicht sowohl das schnelle Mischen von Reagentien als auch enge Verweilzeitverteilungen. Das Reaktordesign erlaubt die Herstellung kolloidaler CdSe‐Quantenpunkte mit hervorragenden Größenverteilungen bei hoher Temperatur. Dies schildern K. F. Jensen, M. G. Bawendi et al. in ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 5583 ff. (Die Autoren danken Jane Rempel für die Hilfe bei der Erstellung des Titelbilds.)
Integrating multidimensional geophysical data
Authors: Kvamme Kenneth L.
Published: August 2005

Surveys that utilize multiple geophysical methods offer greater insights about the subsurface because each one generally yields different information. Common approaches to integrating or ‘fusing’ multidimensional geophysical data are investigated utilizing computer graphics, geographical information system (GIS), mathematical and statistical solutions. These approaches are synthesized into graphical, discrete and continuous domains. It is shown that graphical approaches allow complex visualizations of the subsurface, but only images are generated and their dimensionality tends to be low. Discrete methods incorporate any number of geophysical dimensions, allow application of powerful Boolean operations, and produce unambiguous maps of anomaly presence or absence, but many of these methods rely on arbitrary thresholds that define only robust anomalies. Continuous data integrations offer capabilities beyond other methods because robust and subtle anomalies are simultaneously expressed, new quantitative information is generated, and interpretive data are derived in the form of regression weights, factor loadings, and the like, that reveal interrelationships and underlying dimensionality. All approaches are applied to a common data set obtained at Army City, Kansas, a World War I era commercial complex that serviced troops in nearby Camp Funston (now Fort Riley). Utilizing data from six geophysical surveys (magnetic gradiometry, electrical resistivity, ground‐penetrating radar, magnetic susceptibility, soil conductivity, aerial thermography), various data integrations reveal the structure of this nearly forgotten town. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic total station for microtopographic mapping: an example from the Northern Great Plains
Authors: Kvamme Kenneth L. , Ernenwein Eileen G. , Markussen Christine J.
Published: August 2005

Past human activities in cultural landscapes are often expressed by subtle variations in surface topography that reflect buried archaeological features. When seen from the air under low sunlight angles, resultant ‘shadow marks’ form a cornerstone of site detection in aerial archaeology. Past attempts to quantify and map such variations across large archaeological landscapes have resorted to aerial photogrammetry, electronic total stations, air‐ and ground‐based lidar, and kinematic global positioning systems. The most commonly used surveying instrument is the total station, but its slow rate of data acquisition makes it poorly suited for collecting vast amounts of elevation data over large areas, although it is often used for that task. A robotic total station, examined here, is a relatively new technology that provides a rapid survey solution. It requires only a single person to operate the total station by radio linkage from a control pad affixed to a wheeled reflector rod. As the rod is rolled over the landscape it is automatically tracked, and measurements of surface topography may be acquired to subcentimetre accuracy continuously, at a rate of one measurement per second. A case study from the Double Ditch State Historic Site in the Great Plains of North Dakota, a fortified earthlodge village with culturally significant surface expressions, exemplifies this potential. The loci of prehistoric houses, borrow pits, fortification ditches, middens and defensive mounds are clearly revealed in the topographic mapping. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation of gastric mucosal damage with sialic acid profile in rats: effect of hydrochloric acid, pepsin and hypertonic saline
Authors: Yusuf Sadiq , Nok Andrew J. , Ameh Danladi A. , Adelaiye Alexander B. , Balogun Emmanuel O.
Published: August 2005

Sialic acids occupy terminal positions on gastric mucus glycoprotein where they contribute to the high viscosity of mucin. Desialylation of mucus may lead to degradation of the mucus and eventually to the breakdown of the gastric mucus barrier. The effect of a variety of damaging agents (0.1 M HCl, 2 mg ml−1 pepsin and 2 M NaCl) on sialic acid profile was determined in pylorus‐ligated rats. The relationship between sialic acid, galactose, pyruvate and the extent of gastric mucosal damage were studied. Instillation of pepsin significantly increased total sialic acid, galactose and macroscopic mucosal lesions in the stomach. Instillation of 0.1 M HCl reduced the total sialic acid but this decrease was not significant. Acidity led to a significant increase in the amount of free sialic acid in the gastric instillates and the macroscopic lesions induced by acid was not significantly different from the control animals (0.15 M NaCl). 2 M NaCl induced the macroscopic lesions in the stomach and also free sialic acid in the instillates. Pepsin potentiates the action of 2 M NaCl. In all the agents examined with the exception of acid, it was observed that an increase in free sialic acid and galactose was accompanied by gastric mucosal erosion and elevation of pyruvate concentration. It is concluded that gastric acidity alone is not inherently damaging and that resistance of gastric mucosa to destructive agents may be dependent on the integrity of the sialic acids. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of melatonin against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Zavodnik L. B. , Zavodnik I. B. , Lapshina E. A. , Belonovskaya E. B. , Martinchik D. I. , Kravchuk R. I. , Bryszewska M. , Reiter R. J.
Published: August 2005

Melatonin is an indolamine, mainly secreted by the pineal gland into the blood of mammalian species. The potential for protective effects of melatonin on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced acute liver injury in rats was investigated in this work. CCl4 exerts its toxic effects by generation of free radicals; it was intragastrically administered to male Wistar rats (4 g kg−1 body weight) at 20 h before the animals were decapitated. Melatonin (15 mg kg−1 body weight) was administered intraperitoneally three times: 30 min before and at 2 and 4 h after CCl4 injection. Rats injected with CCl4 alone showed significant lipid and hydropic dystrophy of the liver, massive necrosis of hepatocytes, marked increases in free and conjugated bilirubin levels, elevation of hepatic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) in plasma, as well as NO accumulation in liver and in blood. Melatonin administered at a pharmacological dose diminished the toxic effects of CCl4. Thus it decreased both the structural and functional injury of hepatocytes and clearly exerted hepatoprotective effects. Melatonin administration also reduced CCl4‐induced NO generation. These findings suggest that the effect of melatonin on CCl4‐induced acute liver injury depends on the antioxidant action of melatonin. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amplification of c‐erbB2 oncogene
Authors: Santin Alessandro D. , Bellone Stefania , Van Stedum Sue , Bushen Wendy , Palmieri Michela , Siegel Eric R. , De Las Casas Luis E. , Roman Juan J. , Burnett Alexander , Pecorelli Sergio
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND

Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor type II receptor HER‐2/neu has been associated with resistance to chemotherapy and poor survival in several human tumors. In the current study, the authors have determined the frequency and clinical significance of HER‐2/neu gene amplification in uterine serous papillary endometrial carcinoma (USPC), a highly aggressive variant of endometrial carcinoma.

METHODS

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay was used to analyze gene amplification in paraffin blocks from 30 women harboring Stage IA–IV USPC treated at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (Little Rock, AR) from 1997 to 2004. Chromosome 17 polysomy status by FISH was also assessed in all specimens. USPC patient survival in relation to HER‐2/neu gene amplification was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves in conjunction with the log‐rank test.

RESULTS

Amplification of the HER‐2/neu gene by FISH was observed in 14 of the 30 (47%) cases. Heterogeneity was noted in 4 of 14 cases in the amplification of the HER‐2/neu gene within the same tumor samples with pockets of amplified tumor cells amidst nonamplified tumor cells. Patients with USPC harboring tumors with HER‐2/neu gene amplification had a significantly shorter survival time from diagnosis to disease‐related death when compared with FISH‐negative patients (P = 0.0008). African‐American (AA) patients were found to have a poorer prognosis compared with Caucasian (C) women (P = 0.01) and to harbor USPC with significantly higher levels of HER‐2/neu gene amplification (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

HER‐2/neu gene amplification in USPC was found to be an important prognostic indicator for poor outcome that occurs more frequently in AA when compared with C patients. Determination of HER‐2/neu gene amplification may guide clinical management of patients with USPC and may have important implications for the implementation of novel treatment strategies. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Final report of the efficacy and safety of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg) in patients with CD33‐positive acute myeloid leukemia in first recurrence
Authors: Larson Richard A. , Sievers Eric L. , Stadtmauer Edward A. , Löwenberg Bob , Estey Elihu H. , Dombret Hervé , Theobald Matthias , Voliotis Dimitris , Bennett John M. , Richie Maria , Leopold Lance H. , Berger Mark S. , Sherman Matthew L. , Loken Michael R. , van Dongen Jacques J. M. , Bernstein Irwin D. , Appelbaum Frederick R. ,   Mylotarg Study Group
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND

In this study, the authors analyzed the efficacy and safety of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) (Mylotarg®), an antibody‐targeted chemotherapy for CD33‐positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODS

Patients with CD33‐positive AML in first recurrence were entered in 3 open‐label, single‐arm, Phase II studies. Patients received monotherapy with GO 9 mg/m2 as a 2‐hour intravenous infusion in 2 doses separated by 2 weeks. Patients were evaluated for remission, survival, and treatment‐emergent adverse events.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy‐seven patients (median age, 61 yrs) were treated with GO, and 71 patients (26%) achieved remission, which was defined as ≤ 5% blasts in the bone marrow without leukemic blasts in the peripheral blood, neutrophil recovery to ≥ 1500/μL, hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL, and independence from red blood cell and platelet transfusions. Complete remission (CR) with platelet recovery (≥ 100,000/μL) or without full platelet recovery (< 100,000/μL) (CRp) was observed in 35 patients (13%) and 36 patients (13%), respectively. The median recurrence‐free survival was 6.4 months for patients who achieved CR and 4.5 months for patients who achieved CRp. Although expected incidences of Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (98%) and thrombocytopenia (99%) were observed, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 sepsis (17%) and pneumonia (8%) was relatively low. Grade 3 or 4 hyperbilirubinemia and hepatic aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase elevations were reported in 29%, 18%, and 9% of patients, respectively; 0.9% of patients who did not undergo prior or subsequent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation developed hepatic venoocclusive disease after GO treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

When it was administered to patients with CD33‐positive AML in first recurrence, single‐agent GO induced a 26% remission rate with a generally acceptable safety profile. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Molecular classification of melanoma using real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Lewis Tracey B. , Robison John E. , Bastien Roy , Milash Brett , Boucher Ken , Samlowski Wolfram E. , Leachman Sancy A. , Dirk Noyes R. , Wittwer Carl T. , Perreard Laurent , Bernard Philip S.
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND

The early detection and characterization of metastatic melanoma are important for prognosis and management of the disease. Molecular methods are more sensitive in detecting occult lymph node metastases compared with standard histopathology and are reported to have utility in clinical diagnostics.

METHODS

Using real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction ([q]RT‐PCR), the authors examined 36 samples (30 melanomas, 4 benign nevi, and 2 reactive lymph nodes) for the expression of 20 melanoma‐related genes that function in cell growth and differentiation (epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR], WNT5A, BRAF, FOS, JUN, MATP, and TMP1), cell proliferation (KI‐67, TOP2A, BUB1, BIRC5, and STK6), melanoma progression (CD63, MAGEA3, and GALGT), and melanin synthesis (TYR, MLANA, SILV, PAX3, and MITF). In addition, samples were tested for mutations in BRAF (exons 11 and 15) and NRAS (exons 2 and 3).

RESULTS

Hierarchical clustering analysis of the expression data was able to distinguish between the melanoma and nonmelanoma samples and further stratified the melanoma samples into two groups differentiated by high expression of the genes involved in β‐catenin activation (EGFR and WNT5A) and the MAPK/ERK pathway (BRAF, FOS, and JUN). Eighteen of the 28 patients (64%) were found to have mutations in either exon 15 of BRAF (V599 substitution) or codon 61 of NRAS. The mutations were mutually exclusive and did not appear to be associated with the different expression subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study demonstrate that real‐time qRT‐PCR can be analyzed using hierarchical clustering to identify expression patterns that differentiate between melanomas and other tissue types. Using a supervised analysis of the data, the authors found that the best discriminators for molecularly distinguishing between melanoma, benign nevi, and lymph nodes were MLANA, CD63, and BUB1. These markers could have diagnostic utility for the detection of melanoma micrometastasis in sentinel lymph nodes. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Development of short‐wavelength far‐infrared lasers and measurement of optical constants
Authors: Nakayama Kazuya , Tazawa Hisaki , Okajima Shigeki , Kawahata Kazuo , Tanaka Kenji , Tokuzawa Tokihiko , Ito Yasuhiko
Published: August 2005

A powerful short‐wavelength far‐infrared (FIR) laser from 40µm to 100µm in wavelength is required for the optical source of diagnostics of high‐density and large‐volume plasmas, and a production of γ‐rays by inverse Compton scattering. In order to design the optical system, we have measured the optical constants (refractive index and absorption coefficient) of crystal quartz, CVD‐diamond, and silicon for the short‐wavelength FIR lasers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 153(3): 1–8, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20082
Method to estimate long‐term change of heat and electric power daily load curves in Japan
Authors: Oda Takuya , Akisawa Atsushi , Kashiwagi Takao
Published: August 2005

The rapid spread of CHP systems will put pressure on the regional power system to require an examination of the power and heat output of CHP systems. When considering the countrywide potential of the CHP system, one should examine such a system in coordination with the grid power system. It is essential to calculate the heat and power demand at end‐use level. In this paper, annual heat and power demands of end‐use sectors are forecast to the year 2025 based on 20‐year data. Regression analysis is used. Estimated annual demands are divided into the seasonal hourly demands considering demand characteristics. Daily load curves of heat and power demands are determined for the Japanese end‐use sectors, and the annual changes of such demands are shown by duration curves of heat‐to‐power ratios. Moreover, the grid power daily load curves are computed numerically from the estimated heat and power demands for the manufacturing, residential, and commercial sectors. Such load curves also consider self‐generated power for the manufacturing industry and self‐consumption of the grid power. Estimating heat and power demands allows for a joint analysis between the power system and the future phasing in of CHP systems. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 153(3): 18–30, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20162
A series‐connected hybrid triple converter system
Authors: Li Dongsheng , Fukuda Shoji , Kubo Yusuke
Published: August 2005

This paper proposes a hybrid multiconverter system aiming at a large‐capacity high‐voltage high‐efficiency converter system free from harmonics in its input/output. The system consists of n (n: integer) GTO converters and a single neutral‐point‐clamped IGBT converter connected in series by n + 1 output transformers. The GTO converters operate in a square‐wave switching mode while the IGBT converter operates in a PWM switching mode. The former produces a base part of the resultant output voltage. The latter not only produces an additional part of the resultant output voltage, but offsets the voltage harmonics generated by the GTO converters. A basic voltage control strategy for the hybrid converter system is proposed, and its validity is verified by experimental results. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 153(3): 64–70, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20210
Role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in thymocyte emigration in vivo
Authors: Temchura Vladimir V. , Frericks Markus , Nacken Wolfgang , Esser Charlotte
Published: August 2005

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand‐dependent member of the PAS‐bHLH‐family of nuclear receptors. Anthropogenic ligands include environmental contaminants such as 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD). Over‐activation of the AHR causes thymus atrophy and immunosuppression. Signaling via the AHR changes the thymocyte differentiation program at several checkpoints, in particular within the CD4–CD8– double‐negative (DN) thymocyte subset. Here, we show that AHR over‐activation led to the preferential emigration of DN thymocytes to the periphery and accumulation in the spleen. Some of these recent thymic emigrants (RTE) had a novel “activated immature” phenotype (CD3–TCRβ–CD25+/intCD44–CD45RB+/intCD62L+CD69– cells). Gene expression profiling of DN RTE revealed 15 genes that were up‐regulated more than threefold by TCDD, including the S100A9 gene. Exposure of S100A9 null mice to TCDD showed a role for this protein in AHR‐mediated thymic egress.
Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase is required for the transcriptional activation of cyclin D2 in BCR activated primary mouse B lymphocytes
Authors: Glassford Janet , Vigorito Elena , Soeiro Inês , Madureira Patricia A. , Zoumpoulidou Georgia , Brosens Jan J. , Turner Martin , Lam Eric W.‐F.
Published: August 2005

Induction of cyclin D2 is essential for mediating cell cycle entry in B cells activated by BCR cross‐linking. In the present study we show that, like B lymphocytes lacking cyclin D2, the p85α subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) or other components of the B cell signalosome, p110δ‐null B cells fail to induce cyclin D2 and enter early G1 but not S phase of the cell cycle. The inhibitors of PI3K activity, LY294002 and Wortmannin, also abrogate cyclin D2 induction by BCR cross‐linking, confirming that the class IA PI3K is necessary for cyclin D2 induction in response to BCR stimulation. Furthermore, using both p85α‐null and p110δ‐null B cells and inhibitors of PI3K, this study demonstrates for the first time, that BCR cross‐linking induces cyclin D2 mRNA expression via transcriptional activation of the cyclin D2 promoter and that this transcriptional activation of cyclin D2 requires PI3K activity. Moreover, we identify a region between nucleotides ‐1624 and ‐1303 of the cyclin D2 promoter containing elements responsive to anti‐IgM, which are PI3K dependent. Further characterisation of signalling intermediates downstream of the BCR revealed a perturbation of MAPK signalling pathways in p85α‐null and p110δ‐null B cells, and our data suggests that cross‐talk exists between the PI3K and JNK pathways.
Positive selection of cytotoxic T lymphocyte escape variants during acute hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Guglietta Silvia , Garbuglia Anna Rosa , Pacciani Valentina , Scottà Cristiano , Perrone Maria Paola , Laurenti Luca , Spada Enea , Mele Alfonso , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria , Taliani Gloria , Folgori Antonella , Vitelli Alessandra , Ruggeri Lionello , Nicosia Alfredo , Piccolella Enza , Del Porto Paola
Published: August 2005

Cellular immune responses are induced during hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and acute‐phase CD8+ T cells are supposed to play an important role in controlling viral replication. In chimpanzees, failure of CD8+ T cells to control HCV replication has been associated with acquisition of mutations in MHC class I‐restricted epitopes. In humans, although selection of escape mutations in an immunodominant CTL epitope has been recently described, the overall impact of immune escape during acute HCV infection is unclear. Here, by performing an in depth analysis of the relationship between early cellular immune responses and viral evolution in a chronically evolving HCV acutely infected individual, we demonstrate: (i) the presence of a potent and focused CD8+ T cell response against a novel epitope in the NS3 protein, (ii) the elimination of the quasi‐species harboring the original amino acid sequence within this epitope, and (iii) the selection for a virus population bearing amino acid changes at a single residue within the cytotoxic T cell epitope that strongly diminished T cell recognition. These results support the view that acute‐phase CD8+ T cell responses exert a biologically relevant pressure on HCV replication and that viruses escaping this host response could have a significant survival advantage.
Regulation of γδ T cell survival by soluble HLA‐I: Involvement of CD8 and activating killer Ig‐like receptors
Authors: Poggi Alessandro , Contini Paola , Catellani Silvia , Setti Maurizio , Murdaca Giuseppe , Zocchi Maria Raffaella
Published: August 2005

We show that human Vδ1 or Vδ2 T lymphocytes secrete FasL and undergo apoptosis upon incubation with soluble HLA (sHLA)‐I or after cross‐linking of CD8, with a kinetics different from that observed following ligation of TCR. sHLA‐I‐induced apoptosis was blocked by anti‐CD8 mAb; on the other hand, sHLA‐I was not effective in CD8– clones, while an HLA‐I mutated in the α3 domain, responsible for CD8 binding, was not functional on CD8+ clones. Purified sHLA‐Cw3 or ‐Cw4 alleles, isolated from the Cw3‐ or Cw4‐transfected 721.221 lymphoblastoid cell line, triggered γδ T cell apoptosis, interacting with the specific receptors CD158j/KIR2DS2 or CD158 h/KIR2DS1, respectively, also known as activating isoforms of killer Ig‐like receptors (KIR). Again, this effect was dependent on FasL secretion and it was blocked by specific mAb to KIR2DS2 or KIR2DS1. The engagement of CD8 or activating KIR also triggered the production of TNF‐α. Noteworthy, sHLA‐I molecules synergize with antigen‐mediated activation of Vδ2 T cells: Indeed, Vδ2 T lymphocytes produced TNF‐α when stimulated with isopentenyl pyrophosphate, and this effect was enhanced by sHLA‐I. These findings suggest that sHLA‐I can regulate γδ T cell survival and that activating KIR may amplify antigen‐specific Vδ2 T cell responses.
Metalation and Derivatization of All Six Dichlorobenzotrifluorides:Site Selectivities
Authors: Masson Eric , Marzi Elena , Cottet Fabrice , Bobbio Carla , Schlosser Manfred
Published: August 2005

The metalation of 2,3‐, 2,6‐, 2,4‐ and 3,5‐dichlorobenzotrifluorides can be readily effected with standard reagents such as lithium diisopropylamide, lithium 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidide, and butyllithium at the chlorine‐adjacent 4‐ and 3‐positions and the chlorine‐flanked 3‐ and 4‐positions, respectively. However, regioselectivity was secured with 2,6‐dichlorobenzotrifluoride only under equilibrating conditions as the initial deprotonation occurs simultaneously at the 3‐ and 4‐positions. 3,4‐Dichlorobenzotrifluoride requires methyllithium in the presence of potassium tert‐butoxide (“LIM‐KOR” mixture) to undergo regioselective metalation at the 2‐position. All the organometallic intermediates were converted into the corresponding benzoic acids by trapping with carbon dioxide, arguably the most popular electrophile for the characterization of organometallic intermediates. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Patterns of autobiographical memory loss in dementia
Authors: Hou Craig E. , Miller Bruce L. , Kramer Joel H.
Published: August 2005

Background

Several studies have found impaired recall of remote autobiographical memories relative to recent memories in semantic dementia (SD), a pattern opposite to that in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Objective

To document dissociation of memory for autobiographical incidents and personal semantic information in individuals with AD, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and SD.

Methods

The authors administered the Autobiographical Memory Interview to eight individuals with AD, 11 with FTD, eight with SD, and eight normal controls . Autobiographical incidents and personal semantic memory was assessed from three time periods: childhood, early adulthood, and recent life.

Results

Individuals with SD recalled more details of autobiographical incidents from the most recent 5 years than from childhood and early adulthood (childhood vs recent life: t(7) = −3.59, p = 0.009; early adulthood vs recent life: t(7) = −4.33, p = 0.003). No difference was found between childhood and early adulthood (t(7) = 1.11, p = 0.305). Recall of personal semantic information was related to the age of the memory with less remembered from earlier time periods (childhood vs recent life: t(7) = −6.52, p < 0.001; childhood vs early adulthood: t(7) = −2.61, p = 0.035; early adulthood vs recent life: t(7) = −9.15, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

SD is a compelling model in which to study the anatomy of episodic memory. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A SPECT study of wandering behavior in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Rolland Yves , Payoux Pierre , Lauwers‐Cances Valérie , Voisin Thierry , Esquerré Jean Paul , Vellas Bruno
Published: August 2005

Background

Among behavior disturbance during Alzheimer's disease (AD), wandering is one of the most common. Different psychological processes have been suggested to explain the wandering behavior. The aim of this study was to examine whether wandering during AD was associated with cerebral perfusion patterns measured by (99 m)Tc‐labeled bicisate (ECD) brain SPECT.

Methods

We compared SPECT scans of 13 AD subjects with wandering behavior (sex ratio M/F, 4/9; age, 73.1 years, SD 7.4; Mini Mental Status Examination score, median 20 interquartile range [16–23]), 13 AD subjects without wandering behavior (matched for age [ ± 2 years], sex and MMSE score [ ± 2 points]) and 13 healthy controls (matched for age [ ± 2 years] and sex) without cognitive impairment. Wandering was defined on the Neuro‐Psychiatric Inventory. Score of leukoaraiosis, assessed with the scale of Blennow and number of lacuna infarction were compared on CT scan. SPECT imaging was compared using statistical parametric mapping (SPM 2).

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups in term of educational level and CT scan analysis. SPECT imaging was consistent with the diagnosis of AD in both wanderers and AD subjects without wandering behavior. Despite similar clinical dementia severity, wanderers had more severely reduced regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the left parietal‐temporal lobe than AD subjects without wandering behavior.

Conclusion

Wandering behavior could be facilitated by a specific patterns of cerebral blood flow. Wandering, as a physical activity, could also enhance the recruitment of the cortical network. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The health status of family caregivers in Taiwan: an analysis of gender differences
Authors: Chiou Chii‐Jun , Chen I.‐Pin , Wang Hsiu‐Hung
Published: August 2005

Background

Many studies have assessed the impact of caregivers' work activities on the caregiver. There is growing concern about the ever‐increasing problems, both physical and physiological, faced by health care workers who provide care for the ill and incapacitated.

Aim

The aim of the study was to examine what, if any, differences exist between male and female caregivers. This study primarily focused on caregivers who were taking care of a family member.

Method

Three hundred and eighty‐eight caregivers (280 females and 108 males) were recruited from 16 randomly selected home‐care agencies in Southern Taiwan. The participants completed the Chinese Health Questionnaire‐12 and the Self‐Rated Health Scale. They also completed questionnaires drawn up specifically for the purpose of this study.

Results

Compared to the male caregivers, the female caregivers more often reported they suffered from symptoms of lack of well being, a decrease in psychosocial health and overall self‐rated health.

Conclusion

The results reiterate the importance of considering gender differentiation in the caregiving role. Major differences were found in the extent to which negative health consequences were experienced by the male and female caregivers. The results suggest that caregivers, especially female caregivers, urgently require adequate professional health care assistance in order to reduce the negative physical and physiological effects of caregiving on the health caregiver. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychotropic drug use in older people with mental illness with particular reference to antipsychotics: a systematic study of tolerability and use in different diagnostic groups
Authors: Curran Stephen , Turner Debbie , Musa Shabir , Wattis John
Published: August 2005

Objective

The objective of the study was to provide observational clinical data on psychotropic drugs used in older people with mental illness.

Methods

This was an observational, single‐centre, one‐week prevalence study of psychiatric symptoms, disorders and psychotropic drug use in older with mental illness cared for by the South West people Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust (Wakefield Locality), UK. The clinical assessment included completion of the Psychosis Evaluation Tool for Common use by Caregivers.

Results

A total of 593/660 older patients with mental illness (mean ± SD age, 76 ± 8.1 years were assessed. 44.5% had dementia (excluding vascular dementia) and 33.7% had a mood disorder. Of the total, 20.4% did not receive CNS active medication. Of those receiving CNS active medication approximately half (51.3%) took antipsychotics and 46.2% antidepressants. Of 304 patients taking antipsychotics, 87% took only one medication. However, patients with schizophrenia and related disorders were significantly more likely to be prescribed two or more antipsychotics (p < 0.001). Risperidone was the most frequently prescribed antipsychotic (n = 136, 44.7%). Risperidone doses were significantly lower for patients with dementia and mood disorders than with schizophrenia (p < 0.002). Side‐effects from antipsychotics were significantly greater in patients with schizophrenia, suggesting a dose‐related effect. Risperidone appeared to be well tolerated in all patients with no evidence of cerebrovascular side‐effects in patients taking it.

Conclusions

Psychotropic drugs were commonly used by older people in contact with mental health services. The doses of antipsychotics used in dementia and affective disorders were significantly lower than in schizophrenia. Risperidone was the most commonly used drug in all diagnostic groups including dementia. Despite a relatively large numbers of patients receiving risperidone in this naturalistic study, no serious side‐effects were reported or identified. In this paper we focus our findings on antipsychotics in the light of recent advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines (UK). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comorbid anxiety disorder in late life depression: association with memory decline over four years
Authors: DeLuca Alison K. , Lenze Eric J. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Butters Meryl A. , Karp Jordan F. , Dew Mary Amanda , Pollock Bruce G. , Shear M. Katherine , Houck Patricia R. , Reynolds Charles F.
Published: August 2005

Objective

In elderly persons with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), coexisting Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Panic Disorder (PD) is associated with more severe symptoms and poorer short‐term treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether comorbid GAD or PD was associated with poorer long‐term outcomes of late‐life MDD, in terms of symptoms, functional disability, and cognitive status.

Methods

Seventy‐nine older subjects with major depressive disorder who had responded to initial treatment in clinical trials were followed at yearly intervals for up to four years with assessment of their symptoms, cognitive status, and functional disability. For this analysis, subjects were divided into two groups, anxious and non‐anxious, based on presence (n = 37) or absence (n = 42) of a lifetime diagnosis of GAD and/or PD.

Results

The anxious group showed a greater decline in memory, but not in other cognitive measures or measures of functional status. Depression recurrence was similar in the anxious and non‐anxious groups. Among those in the anxious group, a later age of onset (> 55) of the anxiety disorder was associated with worse overall cognition at baseline, but a similar rate of decline in cognition over time, compared with early‐onset anxiety disorder.

Conclusion

We found evidence that comorbid GAD or PD is associated with a greater decline in memory in late‐life MDD. The data also suggest that anxiety disorders with an onset later in life may be associated with cognitive impairment, although further study is needed to confirm this finding. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.