bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production and localization of activins and activin type IIA and IIB receptors by the human endosalpinx
Authors: Refaat B A , Bahathiq A O , Sockanathan S , Stewart R L , Wells M , Ledger W L
Published: July 2004

Fallopian tubes from ten premenopausal women were collected and examined for the presence of inhibin, activin and its type IIA and IIB receptors (ActRIIA and ActRIIB) in the endosalpinx. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated clear staining for the βA, βB subunits and ActRIIA and ActRIIB that increased in intensity from the isthmus to the ampulla. No staining for the α subunit was observed. Whilst the staining of the βA subunit and ActRIIA was seen in almost every epithelial cell, staining for the βB subunit and ActRIIB was more variable. In situ hybridization and RT-PCR confirmed the presence of mRNA for the βA, βB subunits and ActRIIA and ActRIIB. These results indicated that the epithelium of the uterine tube is able to synthesize activin but not inhibin and has receptors for activin. Activins may thus act as paracrine regulators of tubal epithelial cell function, and embryonic activity may also bind to epithelial receptor and initiate intracellular processes that alter epithelial cell secretions.
Spermatogenesis following syngeneic testicular transplantation in Balb/c mice
Authors: Ma Pengpeng , Ge Yehua , Wang Shali , Ma Jing , Xue Shepu , Han Daishu
Published: July 2004

Transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells in cross-species has been widely used to study the function of Sertoli cells and the effect of phylogenetic distance between donor and recipient animals on the outcome of spermatogonial transplantation, whereas there have been only a few reports on the transplantation of testis tissue. The objective of the present study was to examine the development of grafted testes and the kinetics of spermatogenesis following syngeneic testicular transplantation in both male and female recipient Balb/c mice in an effort to establish an in vivo culture system and to compare the effects of host sex on spermatogenesis. The testes from 5-day-old Balb/c mice were transplanted under the dorsal skin of four-week-old mice. Twenty male and twenty female Balb/c mice were used as the hosts and each host received 4 grafts. The recipient mice were killed at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12 and 15 weeks after transplantation. The graft survival rate and graft size were measured. The status of spermatogenesis was assessed by histological analyses. The expression of the spermatid-specific Protamine-2 gene was examined by RT-PCR. Overall, 70.3% of the testicular grafts in male hosts and 67.2% in female hosts survived. All recovered grafts had increased in volume, some of them had increased by more than 30-fold. The architecture of the seminiferous tubules in female hosts appeared to be better than that in male hosts. The round spermatids were the most advanced germ cells until 15 weeks after transplantation, and no complete spermatozoon was observed in any of the grafts. The expression of protamine-2 was detected in grafts from 5 weeks posttransplantation in both male and female hosts, confirming that the spermatogenic cells differentiated into spermatids. In contrast to grafts, the testes of male hosts had a normal histological appearance. The results showed the schedule of spermatogenesis following syngeneic testicular transplantation in both male and female hosts. This model could be useful for further studies involving the endocrinology of the testis and the mechanisms of spermatogenesis.
Real-time dynamics of prostaglandin F2α release from uterus and corpus luteum during spontaneous luteolysis in the cow
Authors: Shirasuna Koumei , Asaoka Hitomi , Acosta Tomas J , Wijayagunawardane Missaka P B , Ohtani Masayuki , Hayashi Ken-Go , Matsui Motozumi , Miyamoto Akio
Published: July 2004

Prostaglandin (PG) F2α released from the uterus in a pulsatile fashion is essential to induce regression of the corpus luteum (CL) in the cow. In addition to the uterus, the CL has also been recognized as a site of PGF2α production. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the detailed dynamics of the releasing profile of CL-derived PGF2α together with uterus-derived PGF2α during spontaneous luteolysis in the cow. Non-lactating Holstein cows (n = 6) were surgically implanted with a microdialysis system (MDS) on day 15 (oestrus = day 0) of the oestrous cycle. Simultaneously, catheters were implanted to collect ovarian venous plasma ipsilateral to the CL as well as jugular venous plasma. The concentrations of PGF2α, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α (PGFM) and progesterone in the MDS and plasma samples were determined by enzyme immunoassays. The intra-luteal PGF2α secretion slightly increased after the onset of luteolysis (0 h) and drastically increased from 24 h, and was maintained at high levels towards the following oestrus. Furthermore, PGF2α was released from the CL into the ovarian vein in a pulsatile manner during spontaneous luteolysis. Also, the fact that intra-luteal secretion of PGF2α and PGFM showed a positive correlation indicates the existence of a local metabolic pathway for PGF2α in the CL. In conclusion, the present study clarified the real-time dynamics of uterus-derived PGF2α and CL-derived PGF2α during spontaneous luteolysis in the cow, and gives the first in vivo evidence that the CL releases PGF2α during spontaneous luteolysis in the cow. Although the physiological relevance of CL-derived PGF2α appears to be restricted to a local role as an autocrine/paracrine factor in the CL, overall results support the concept that the local release of PGF2α within the regressing CL amplifies the luteolytic action of PGF2α from the uterus.
Reproductive tissue selective actions of progesterone receptors
Authors: Mulac-Jericevic Biserka , Conneely Orla M
Published: July 2004

The steroid hormone, progesterone, plays a central coordinate role in diverse events associated with female reproduction. In humans and other vertebrates, the biological activity of progesterone is mediated by modulation of the transcriptional activity of two progesterone receptors, PR-A and PR-B. These receptors arise from the same gene and exhibit both overlapping and distinct transcriptional activitiesin vitro. To delineate the individual roles of PR-A and PR-Bin vivo, we have generated mouse models in which expression of a single PR isoform has been ablated. Analysis of the reproductive phenotypes of these mice has indicated that PR-A and PR-B mediate mostly distinct but partially overlapping reproductive responses to progesterone. While selective ablation of the PR-A protein (PR-A knockout mice, PRAKO mice) shows normal mammary gland response to progesterone but severe uterine hyperplasia and ovarian abnormalities, ablation of PR-B protein (PRBKO mice) does not affect biological responses of the ovary or uterus to progesterone but results in reduced pregnancy-associated mammary gland morphogenesis. The distinct tissue-specific reproductive responses to progesterone exhibited by these isoforms are due to regulation of distinct subsets of progesterone-dependent target genes by the individual PR isoforms. This review will summarize our current understanding of the selective contribution of PR isoforms to the cellular and molecular actions of progesterone in reproductive tissues.
The dynamics of cyclin B1 distribution during meiosis I in mouse oocytes
Authors: Marangos Petros , Carroll John
Published: July 2004

Cdk1-cyclin B1 kinase activity drives oocytes through meiotic maturation. It is regulated by the phosphorylation status of cdk1 and by its spatial organisation. Here we used a cyclin B1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein to examine the dynamics of cdk1-cyclin B1 distribution during meiosis I (MI) in living mouse oocytes. Microinjection of cyclin B1-GFP accelerated germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and, as previously described, overrides cAMP-mediated meiotic arrest. GVBD was pre-empted by a translocation of cyclin B1-GFP from the cytoplasm to the germinal vesicle (GV). After nuclear accumulation, cyclin B1-GFP localised to the chromatin. The localisation of cyclin B1-GFP is governed by nuclear import and export. In GV intact oocytes, cyclin export was demonstrated by showing that cyclin B1-GFP injected into the GV is exported to the cytoplasm while a similar size dextran is retained. Import was revealed by the finding that cyclin B1-GFP accumulated in the GV when export was inhibited using leptomycin B. These studies show that GVBD in mouse oocytes is sensitive to cyclin B1 abundance and that the changes in distribution of cyclin B1 contribute to progression through MI.
Placental transport of leucine in a porcine model of low birth weight
Authors: Finch Angela M , Yang Li G , Nwagwu Margaret O , Page Kenneth R , McArdle Harry J , Ashworth Cheryl J
Published: July 2004

Low birth weight is a major factor in neonatal morbidity and mortality in humans and domestic species and is a predictor of physiological disorders in adulthood. This study utilised the naturally occurring variation in pig fetal size within a uterus to test the hypothesis that placental amino acid transport capability is associated with fetal growth. Leucine uptake by trophoblast vesicles prepared from placentas supplying an average-sized fetus and the smallest fetus in the uterus was assessed. On days 45 and 65 of gestation, uptake of leucine by the porcine placenta was predominantly sodium independent and was inhibited by the non-metabolised leucine analogue 2-amino-2-norbornane-carboxylic acid, indicating that uptake occurs via system L. By day 100 the uptake of leucine by placentas supplying average-sized fetuses had changed from being predominantly sodium independent to involving both sodium-dependent (system B0) and -independent (system L) pathways. This change was not seen in placentas supplying the smallest fetus, which continued to display predominantly sodium-independent uptake. In conclusion, these data show gestational- and fetal size-dependent changes in the transport of leucine across the porcine placenta.
Phagocytosis as a potential mechanism for microbial defense of mouse placental trophoblast cells
Authors: Amarante-Paffaro A , Queiroz G S , Corrêa S T , Spira B , Bevilacqua E
Published: July 2004

Trophoblast giant cells are active phagocytes during implantation and post-implantation. Phagocytosis decreases during placental maturation as the phagocytic function of nutrition is gradually replaced by the direct uptake of nutrients by the labyrinth zone trophoblast. We hypothesize that, after placental maturation, trophoblast cells maintain phagocytic functions for purposes other than nutrition. This study employs histological techniques to examine the ability of trophoblast cells to phagocytose microorganisms (yeast or bacteria)–in vivoin females receiving thioglycolate to activate macrophages andin vitroin the presence of phagocytic promoters such as interferon-γ and complement component C3. Placental trophoblast cells from the second half of gestation show basal phagocytosis that can be dramatically up-regulated by these promoters when microorganisms are inoculated into pregnant animals or introduced into culture systems. Stimulated trophoblast cells phagocytosed organisms more rapidly and in greater numbers than non-stimulated trophoblast exposed to the same numbers of organisms. Taken together, our results indicate that trophoblast cells do not lose their ability to phagocytose during the placentation process, which may imply that trophoblast cells participate in embryonic and fetal innate immune defense through elimination of microorganisms present at the maternal–fetal interface.
Bromine, Inorganic Compounds
Authors: Ukeles S.D. , Freiberg M.
Published: July 2004

This article contains a survey of the physical and chemical properties, methods of preparation or manufacture, and updated uses and applications for a number of classes of inorganic bromine compounds. The main classes included are (a) bromamines, (b) hydrogen bromide and hydrobromic acid, (c) metal bromides, (d) non‐metal bromides, (e) bromine halides, (f) bromine oxides, (g) oxygen acids of bromine and their salts. This chapter also includes a brief discussion on applications of inorganic bromides in the area of drilling fluids, biocides, and concentrated aqueous solutions. Included are 122 references.
Coatings, Antifoulings
Authors: Anderson Colin
Published: July 2004

Antifouling coatings are used to combat the growth of marine fouling on the underwater areas of ships, boats, and offshore structures. The problems caused by marine fouling and the main types of marine fouling species encountered are described, followed by the history of the development of antifouling coatings. There are four main antifouling technology types in use at present, three of which use biocides to control fouling.

The first of these biocidal types uses rosin, or rosin derivatives, to control the release of biocides. There is a buildup of “spent” film, exhausted of biocide, in these systems, which means that the path length for diffusion of the biocides from within the bulk film to the surface, through the spent film (leached layer) increases with time. Biocide leaching thus reduces with time, and so does the efficacy of the coating.

The second is the self‐polishing copolymer (SPC) type, where there is continual removal of the paint surface by polymer hydrolysis or ion exchange ensuring that the spent film is completely removed. In this case, there is steady and controlled release of the biocides, which is much more efficient than in rosin‐based systems. The first SPC antifoulings were based on tributyltin (TBT) copolymers, and these dominated the antifouling market for the last two decades of the twentieth century. However, these are now being replaced by TBT‐free SPC systems. The environmental pressure on TBT, leading to a ban on the application of TBT antifoulings in an increasing number of countries from January 2003, has bought about this change.

The third type of biocidal antifouling is a relatively new “hybrid” SPC/rosin system, combining the two previously described technologies, to give products with price and performance midway between both.

The fourth antifouling type does not use biocides for fouling control. It is based on foul release technology, and coatings of this type rely solely on having a “nonstick” surface to minimize or prevent fouling adhesion. Silicones are the most common type of foul release coating in use at present, and since foul release coatings are environmentally benign they are likely to become increasingly important in future years.
Green Chemistry
Authors: Matthews Michael A.
Published: July 2004

Green Chemistry uses all chemical principles and techniques to prevent pollution at its source. Green Chemical Engineering includes the design and operation of processes as well as the design and manufacture of products that minimize pollution and risks to human health and the environment. The practice of green chemistry has been summarized by 12 operating principles: atom economy, less hazardous synthetic pathways, less hazardous products, safer solvents and auxiliaries, energy efficiency, renewable feedstocks, fewer derivatives and intermediate synthetic steps, use of catalysis, design of products for degradation, real‐time analysis and control of processes, and inherently safer processes.

Green chemistry and chemical engineering promote the goal of achieving the so‐called triple bottom line, namely, economic prosperity and continuity for corporations, social well being for communities and employees, and environmental protection and resource conservation. In order to assess green technologies, new economic, financial, and environmental accounting and risk management tools are being developed. These tools include Life Cycle Analysis, Total Cost Assessment, and Environmental and Toxicology Risk Assessment. The goal of achieving green and sustainable chemical manufacturing has been embraced by a number of government and non‐governmental organizations.
Hydrogels
Authors: Cai Wensheng , Gupta Ram B.
Published: July 2004

Hydrogels are hydrophilic polymer networks that are able to swell and retain large amounts of water and maintain three‐dimensional swollen structures. These hydrogels do not dissolve in water. Common monomers and polymerization methods are discussed, specially for poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(acrylic/methacrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(ethylene glycol), poly(acrylamide), poly(n‐vinyl 2‐pyrrolidone), and polyurethane hydrogels. In addition, the synthesis and the mechanism of biodegradable hydrogels are discussed. Responsive hydrogels can reversibly change volume in response to slight changes in the properties of the medium including pH, temperature, electric field, ionic strength, salt type, solvent, external stress, or light. Responsive hydrogels are finding new applications because of their interesting properties. Microgels are cross‐linked latex microparticles, that are swollen by a good solvent and have globular structure. Due to their compact structure, the intrinsic viscosities of these microgels are much lower than those of corresponding linear or branched polymers. Hydrogels are applied in molecular separation based on size exclusion, protein isolation by conjugating, in drug delivery, as artificial organs, in tissue engineering, in would dressings, for fire protection, and as a superabsorbent material in diapers, water‐sealing construction materials, and water retention in agricultural applications. Most hydrogel are highly biocompatible and have extremely low toxicity to the human body, eg, hydrogel products such as contact lenses and surgical dressings are being used successfully.
Ziegler‐Natta Catalysts
Authors: Cecchin Giuliano , Morini Giampiero , Piemontesi Fabrizio
Published: July 2004

Ziegler‐Natta catalysts, discovered in the years 1953–1954, account today for a production volume of ∼65 million tons of polyolefins, including mainly polyethylene and polypropylene products. Since their first discovery, the development of Ziegler‐Natta catalysts has been relentless, and their evolution is the result of the exploitation, starting from the mid‐1960s, of four major breakthroughs: the active form of MgCl2; the stereoregulating effect of electron donors (isotactic polypropylene); the chemical route to the active form of MgCl2; and, finally, the control of the morphology of the catalyst/polymer particles. Thus, the most advanced Ziegler‐Natta catalysts are today prepared starting from controlled morphology MgCl2, or its precursors, TiCl4, or other titanium derivatives and, especially for isotactic polypropylene, electron donors. With respect to the first‐generation of Ziegler‐Natta catalysts based on TiCl3, MgCl2‐based catalysts are not only much more efficient in terms of productivity ( both increased number of active centers and value of their propagation constant), but they also offer an unprecedented level of customization to meet any process (slurry, bulk, or gas‐phase) or product requirements (polyethylene, polypropylene, and their copolymers). Actually, MgCl2‐supported catalysts are complex but also versatile systems whose architecture (particle shape, size, size distribution, and porosity) and performances (activity, hydrogen response, stereocontrol, and capability to tune polymer MW and MWD) can be directed acting on both the morphology of the MgCl2precursors and the nature of the electron donors.

Many mechanistic aspects of the Ziegler‐Natta catalysis have been elucidated, eg, the mechanism of polymer particle growth, the role of prepolymerization, the activating effect of hydrogen in propylene polymerization, and the stereoblock nature of isotactic polypropylene. On the other hand, many other aspects are still open to debate or, at least, still need clarification; eg, the exact nature and number of active centers and their mechanism of deactivation, the intimate mechanism of action of electron donors, the difference between the species that are active in ethylene or propylene polymerization, and the comonomer effect in ethylene copolymerization.

Thus, there is still a lot of room for further investigation and improvements in Ziegler‐Natta catalysts. A big step forward in this field would be the generation of catalysts combining the economics and morphological features of MgCl2‐based systems with the peculiarities of single‐site systems.
Effect of the light intensity upon the agonistic behaviour of juvenile of white‐seabream (Diplodus sargus cadenati de la Paz, Bauchot and Daget, 1974)
Authors: Castro José J. , Caballero Catalina
Published: July 2004

Ambient light levels were manipulated to vary potential predation risk, and aggressive behaviour was examined. Juveniles of white‐seabream (Diplodus sargus cadenati) interacted aggressively more frequently at intermediate light intensity (500 lux), being agonistic interactions at higher (3000 lux) or lower (5 lux) illumination less frequent. Aggr. Behav. 30:313–318, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The influence of perceived prison crowding on male inmates' perception of aggressive events
Authors: Lawrence Claire , Andrews Kathryn
Published: July 2004

This study examines whether, in a male prison, the subjective experience of crowding increases the likelihood that events are perceived as aggressive in nature, and whether the protagonists involved are viewed as more hostile, malevolent, and aggressive. In addition, this paper also examines the possible mediating effects of stress, arousal, and psychological well‐being on two hypothesised relationships. First, these mediating factors are examined for the link between individuals' personal space preferences and their perceived level of crowding. Second, these factors are examined for the link between perceived crowding and interpretations of an aggressive event. Such associations may help to explain why crowding and aggression are linked within a social interactionist perspective. The results confirmed previous findings that crowding is linked to increases in arousal and stress, and a reduction in psychological well‐being. This study also found, however, that those inmates who experienced crowding were also more likely to interpret behaviour as aggressive and violent. This relationship was not mediated by arousal, stress, or psychological well‐being. However, these factors were found to partially operate in the relationship between personal space preferences and the experience of subjective crowding. The implications of this study for social interactionist explanations of the link between crowding and prison violence are offered. Aggr. Behav. 30:273–283, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Desferrioxamine related maculopathy: A case report
Authors: Arora Anita , Wren Siobhan , Gregory Evans Kevin
Published: July 2004

Desferrioxamine is used for the treatment of chronic iron overload, acute iron poisoning, and certain anaemias. Ocular toxicity secondary to prolonged treatment with desferrioxamine may result in night blindness, visual field constriction, cataract, pigmentary retinopathy and optic neuropathy. To avoid such complications an ophthalmic screening has been suggested for patients taking desferrioxamine. We report an 81‐year‐old patient who developed irreversible ocular toxicity despite undergoing ophthalmic screening. Am. J. Hematol. 76:386–388, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of functional thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) with conventional cardiovascular risk factors and its correlation with other hemostatic factors in a Spanish population
Authors: Santamaría Amparo , Borrell Montserrat , Oliver Arturo , Ortín Rosa , Forner Ruth , Coll Inmaculada , Mateo Jose , Souto Juan Carlos , Fontcuberta Jordi
Published: July 2004

Our aim was to determine the associations of functional thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) levels in plasma with conventional cardiovascular risk factors, sex and age, and possible correlations with other hemostatic factors in a Spanish population. We included 303 individuals from a Spanish population. Hemostatic factors such as von Willebrand Factor, VII ag, VIIIc, XIc, XIIc, APCR, protein S, protein C, antithrombin, fibrinogen, and t‐PA antigen were assayed. The functional TAFI assay was based on the activation of plasma TAFI with thrombin–thrombomodulin, and the measure of TAFIa activity on the hippuryl‐Arg substrate. There were no statistical differences in mean values of functional TAFI among the various female age groups or among the different male age groups, with or without cardiovascular risk factors. Only women younger than 30 years of age showed lower levels of functional TAFI compared to older women. No differences were found among men of different ages. Adjusted for sex and age, hemostatic factors did not show a correlation with functional TAFI levels in plasma. Women with hypercholesterolemia showed higher levels of TAFI; other conventional cardiovascular risk factors did not modify functional TAFI levels either in men or in women. We also found no correlation of functional TAFI levels related to any other hemostatic factors. Am. J. Hematol. 76:348–352, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura‐like syndrome in a cancer patient with low‐dose interferon: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tsoussis Sophocles , Ekonomidou Fotini , Vourliotaki Erene , Karalis Ioannis , Dermitzakis Alkiviades
Published: July 2004

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)‐like syndrome is a rare complication of carcinomas, and its treatment usually precedes cancer therapy in order to make further procedures safe. We describe the case of a 78‐year‐old man with a small‐cell lung cancer of extended stage, associated with ITP‐like syndrome, which proved resistant to treatment with corticosteroids and vincristine, short‐responsive to IV immunoglobulin, but quickly and steadily responsive to low‐dose interferon (ld IFN, 3 million IU, sc, twice weekly, for 8 weeks), until the patient's death, due to his primarily chemoresistant cancer. This case is, to our knowledge, the second reported ITP‐like syndrome in a cancer patient who had been successfully treated with ld IFN. The excellent and cost‐effective therapeutic index of ld IFN makes it an attractive alternative treatment in patients with this specific complication and calls for further investigation regarding its potential use as a first‐line treatment. Am. J. Hematol. 76:353–359, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hematologic differences in heterophile‐positive and heterophile‐negative infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Ventura K.C. , Hudnall S.D.
Published: July 2004

Infectious mononucleosis (IM) due to all causes is characterized by atypical lymphocytosis. We sought to compare hematologic parameters of infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection (heterophile antibody (HA) positive) with mononucleosis due to other causes. Mono‐Latex Slide Agglutination Test results and complete blood counts (CBC) of 147 patients with mononucleosis were retrospectively analyzed. Leukocyte count, absolute lymphocyte count, and presence of atypical lymphocytes in EBV‐positive and EBV‐negative groups were statistically compared. We analyzed 68 EBV‐positive and 79 EBV‐negative cases. EBV‐positive patients were significantly younger than EBV‐negative patients were. Mean total WBC count and mean absolute lymphocyte count were significantly higher in EBV‐positive patients. Absolute lymphocytosis, absolute leukocytosis, and atypical lymphocytosis were also significantly more frequent in EBV‐positive patients. Leukopenia was more frequently seen in EBV‐negative patients. Am. J. Hematol. 76:315–318, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful control of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐infected cells by allogeneic nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation in a patient with the lethal form of chronic active EBV infection
Authors: Uehara Taeko , Nakaseko Chiaki , Hara Satoru , Harima Akane , Ejiri Megumi , Yokota Akira , Saito Yasushi , Nishimura Miki
Published: July 2004

Chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection (CAEBV) is a heterogeneous EBV‐related disorder, ranging from mild/moderate forms to rapidly lethal disorders. The lethal form of CAEBV is characterized by multiple organ failure, hemophagocytic syndrome, and development of lymphomas. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is considered as the only potentially curative treatment for the lethal form of CAEBV, but it is not always desirable because of the high incidence of regimen‐related toxicities. A 17‐year‐old female with CAEBV, who was refractory to conventional therapies and considered to be unable to receive a myeloablative regimen because of multiple organ dysfunction, underwent allogeneic nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation (allo‐NST) before developing a hematological malignancy. She has been well without any signs of CAEBV for 27 months after allo‐NST, and we confirmed that specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against EBV was reconstituted. This outcome suggests that allo‐NST can control CAEBV by reconstituting the host immunity against EBV. Am. J. Hematol. 76:368–372, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary upper‐extremity deep vein thrombosis: High prevalence of thrombophilic defects
Authors: Hendler Mariela F. , Meschengieser Susana S. , Blanco Alicia N. , Alberto Maria F. , Salviú Maria J. , Gennari Laura , Lazzari Maria A.
Published: July 2004

Primary deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremity (UEDVT) is an unusual disorder. Limited data are available on the contribution of hypercoagulable status in the pathogenesis of this disease. This study aims to report the prevalence of inherited and acquired thrombophilic risk factors (TF) in patients with primary (effort‐related and spontaneous) UEDVT. From 1993 to 2002, 31 patients (17 females, median age 38.8 years, range 16–60 years; and 14 males, median age 31.4 years, range 20–56 years) with primary UEDVT (n = 15 effort‐related and n = 16 spontaneous) were referred for screening of hypercoagulable status. Nineteen (61.3%) patients had at least one coagulation abnormality. The most common acquired TF were antiphospholipid antibodies (31% lupus anticoagulant and 12.9% anticardiolipin antibodies). Factor V Leiden (12.9%) and prothrombin G20210A mutation (20%) were the most prevalent genetic risk factors. Five patients (16.1%) had high plasma homocysteine levels, and one patient (4.7%) had protein S deficiency. Effort‐related UEDVT was associated with male gender (P = 0.04) and younger age (P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of acquired or inherited TF between patients with effort‐related or spontaneous UEDVT. A local anatomic abnormality was detected in seven patients (22.5%), and the prevalence of TF was significantly lower within this group (P = 0.006). The incidence of TF in patients without an anatomic abnormality was 75% (RR 5.25). This study found a high prevalence of an underlying thrombophilic status in spontaneous and effort‐related UEDVT. Hypercoagulable status may play a significant role in both groups. Screening for local anatomical abnormalities and thrombophilia should be included in the evaluation of primary UEDVT. Am. J. Hematol. 76:330–337, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generalized brain and skin proteasome inhibition in Huntington's disease
Authors: Seo Hyemyung , Sonntag Kai‐Christian , Isacson Ole
Published: July 2004

Mutated intracellular huntingtin is widely expressed in tissues of Huntington's disease (HD) patients. Intraneuronal nuclear protein aggregates of mutant huntingtin are present in HD brains, suggesting a dysfunction of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). Because many cells and tissues can cope with the abnormal gene effects while others dysfunction and die, we determined gene‐induced effects and considered the hypothesis that the gene causes multiple intracellular problems, but severe pathology is seen only in selected brain regions. In this study, we found inhibition of UPS function in both early (0–1, with no or little neuronal loss) and late (3–4, with more severe neuronal loss) stage HD patients' cerebellum, cortex, substantia nigra and caudate‐putamen brain regions. Late HD stage increases in ubiquitin levels were unique to caudate‐putamen. HD patients' skin fibroblasts also had UPS inhibition similar to brain despite increases in proteasome β‐subunit expression. Gene delivery and expression of proteasome activator PA28 increased UPS function in normal but not HD fibroblasts. These generalized UPS problems are associated with severe neuronal pathology only when coupled with decreases in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels, mitochondrial complex II/III activity, and increases of ubiquitin levels particularly as seen in the caudate‐putamen of HD patients. Ann Neurol 2004
Beitrag zur vereinfachten Biegebemessung von FVK‐bewehrten Holzträgern
Authors: Schatz Tino
Published: July 2004

Aufbauend auf einer Arbeit von Blaß/Romani (2000) wird ein vereinfachtes Verfahren zur Bemessung eines Biegeträgers aus BS‐Holz mit einer Längsbewehrung aus einer faserverstärkten Kunstharzlamelle (FVK) auf der Zugseite entwickelt. Bei einer innenliegenden Bewehrung (TypN) kann die Bemessung auf der Grundlage der Verbundtheorie erfolgen, und bei einer außenliegenden (Rand‐)Bewehrung (TypR) sollte sowohl nach der Verbundtheorie als auch näherungsweise analog zu einem gerissenen Stahlbetonquerschnitt vorgegangen werden.

Das vorgeschlagene Rechenmodell wird dem von Blaß/Romani (2000) entwickelten Berechnungsverfahren gegenübergestellt. Es zeigt sich, daß durch einige wesentliche Vereinfachungen bei i. d. R. vernachlässigbarem Einfluß auf die Rechenergebnisse der Rechenaufwand geringer und die Übersichtlichkeit größer werden. Im Vergleich mit Versuchsergebnissen aus der Arbeit von Blaß/Romani liefert der erweiterte Ansatz beim TypR zudem eine deutlich bessere Übereinstimmung.
Verstärkung konstruktiver Details von Brettschichtholzträgern mit Glasfasergewebe
Authors: Trummer Andreas , Bergmeister Konrad , Kernbichler Karl
Published: July 2004

Die mechanischen Eigenschaften des Werkstoffs Holz sind durch eine hohe Tragfähigkeit in Faserrichtung und eine deutlich geringere Querzug‐ und Schubtragfähigkeit gekennzeichnet. Das Aufkleben von Furniersperrhölzern, das Einleimen von Verstärkungselementen, das Aufkleben von hochfesten Fasern und die Verwendung von selbstschneidenden Holzschrauben dienen der Verstärkung schräg zur Holzfaserrichtung. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird die Verstärkung von vertikalem Brettschichtholz mittels eingeklebter, flächiger Glasfaserelemente beschrieben.
Eigenspannungszustände an Verbundquerschnitten infolge von Dehnungsunterschieden – Anwendung eines neueren Rechenverfahrens auf einen bewährten Lösungsansatz
Authors: Scholz Andreas
Published: July 2004

An Verbundquerschnitten verursachen unterschiedliche Dehnungsänderungen der Teil querschnitte, wie sie infolge ungleichen Schwindens oder durch voneinander abweichende Temperaturdehnungen auftreten können, Eigenspannungszustände. Gerade im Falle des nachgiebigen Verbunds ist die rechnerische Erfassung dieser Zustände eine anspruchsvolle Ingenieuraufgabe. Im folgenden wird die Anwendung eines neueren Rechenverfahrens, der sog. Schubanalogie, auf ein bewährtes Gedankenmodell zur Lösung der Problematik am Beispiel eines zweiteiligen Verbundquerschnitts gezeigt. Ergänzend werden die numerisch ermittelten Ergebnisse mit der analytischen Lösung verglichen, sowie die Entsprechung der Ergebnisse belegt.
Großelement‐Dämmtechnik (GeDt) zur energetischen Fassadensanierung
Authors: Reyer Eckhard , Sieder Mike , Bamberger Claus , Schild Kai , Völkner Stefan
Published: July 2004

Eine nachhaltige Reduzierung des Heizenergiebedarfs läßt sich unter anderem durch die nachträgliche Dämmung der Außenwände von Altbauten erreichen. Gelegentlich trifft man bzgl. wärmedämmtechnischer Sanierung der Gebäudehülle nur auf zögerliches Interesse seitens der Haus‐ und Wohnungseigner, unter anderem bei konventionellen Sanierungstechniken begründet durch längere Ausführungszeiten und Störungen durch Einrüstung, Baulärm und Schmutz.

Innovative, zeitsparende und “störungsarme” Sanierungstechniken, wie die hier beschriebene neuentwickelte Großelement‐Dämmtechnik (GeDt), können neue Impulse für die Durchführung von Dämm‐ und Sanierungsmaßnahmen schaffen.

Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde an der Ruhr‐Universität Bochum (Institut für Konstruktiven Ingenieurbau) das Forschungs‐ und Entwicklungsvorhaben “Energiegerechte Außenwandsanierung mit industriellen Vorfertigungstechniken” mit Förderung vom Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie (BMWi) sowie vier Industriepartnern durchgeführt [1], [2].

In diesem Rahmen wurde die GeDt zur rationellen energetischen und nachhaltigen Sanierung bestehender Gebäude in den wichtigsten Grundsätzen entwickelt. Diese Technik sieht den Einsatz geschoßhoher, bis zu ca. 8 m langer Sanierungs‐Großelemente mit entsprechender statischer, bauphysikalischer und montagetechnischer Auslegung vor. Hierfür wurden Befestigungssysteme – Punktbefestiger und Schienenbefestiger – zur Applikation der Großelemente an einer vorhandenen Gebäudefassade konstruiert und erprobt. Die werkseitige Vorfertigung der großformatigen Sanierungselemente und deren paßgenaue Montage setzte zusätzlich die Entwicklung eines berührungslosen Meß‐, Aufnahme‐ und Abstecksystems voraus, welches separat an der Ruhr‐Universität Bochum (Geodäsie im Bauwesen) entwickelt wurde.

Aufgrund der großen Abmessungen sowie systemspezifischer Details der Sanierungselemente mußten außerdem geeignete Montage‐ und Transporthilfen entwickelt werden.
“Lebendige” Fußgängerbrücken – eine Herausforderung
Authors: Bachmann Hugo
Published: July 2004

Dieser Aufsatz gibt eine Übersicht zum “Stand der Kunst” der Beherrschung von Schwingungsproble‐men bei Fußgängerbrücken. Wenn moderne Fußgängerbrücken nur für statische Lasten bemessen werden, können sie sehr schwingungsanfällig sein, und zwar sowohl in vertikaler als auch in horizontaler Richtung. Deshalb ist eine dynamische Bemessung meist unabdingbar. Dabei sind das grundlegende Verständnis der möglichen dynamischen Phänomene und die mathematische Formulierung der dynamischen Einwirkungen entscheidend. Ausgehend von den Einwirkungen einer Einzelperson durch Gehen, Laufen oder Hüpfen sind die Einwirkungen von mehreren oder vielen Personen zu betrachten, einschließlich des “Lock‐in“‐Effekts, der zu einer Synchronisation eines wesentlichen Teil s aller Fußgänger führen kann. Es müssen Maßnahmen ergriffen werden wie Frequenzabstimmung der Brücke, Berechnung einer erzwungenen Schwingung und Begrenzung der Amplituden, Sondermassen usw. In manchen Fällen bildet die Installation von einem oder mehreren abgestimmten Schwingungstilgern eine wirksame und elegante Alternative.
Torsion und Querbiegung in Plattenbrücken, gegebenenfalls mit einbetonierten Stahlträgern (WIB‐Bauweise)
Authors: Meek Jethro W.
Published: July 2004

In üblichen Plattenbrücken aus Stahlbeton sind die Torsion und die Querbiegung für das Gleichgewicht nicht erforderlich. Diese sekundären Schnittkräfte hängen von der angenommenen Steifigkeit ab; sie werden in einer homogen‐elastischen Berechnung ohne Rißbildung unnötig überschätzt. Dies führt zu überhöhter Bewehrung in Querrichtung, insbesondere bei Eisenbahnbrücken mit einbetonierten Stahlträgern. Vermeintlich paradoxe Aspekte der Plattentorsion werden aufgeklärt; dadurch ergeben sich Einsichten in die Modellierung von Platten durch Trägerroste. Ansätze zur Ermittlung der zwangsbedingten Spannung in der Querbewehrung werden vorgestellt.
Continuous glucose monitoring and control in a rotating wall perfused bioreactor
Authors: Xu Yuanhang , Sun Jiliang (James) , Mathew Grace , Jeevarajan Antony S. , Anderson Melody M.
Published: July 2004

A glucose control system consisting of a single in‐line glucose sensor, concentrated glucose solution, and computer hardware and software were developed. The system was applied to continuously control glucose concentrations of a perfusion medium in a rotating wall perfused vessel (RWPV) bioreactor culturing BHK‐21 cells. The custom‐made glucose sensor was based on a hydrogen peroxide electrode. The sensor continuously and accurately measured the glucose concentration of GTSF‐2 medium in the RWPV bioreactor during cell culture. Three sets of two‐point calibrations were applied to the glucose sensor during the 55‐day cell culture. The system first controlled the glucose concentration in perfusing medium between 4.2 and 5.6 mM for 36 days and then at different glucose levels for 19 days. A stock solution with a high glucose concentration (266 mM) was used as the glucose injection solution. The standard error of prediction (SEP) for glucose measurement by the sensor, compared to measurement by the Beckman glucose analyzer, was ±0.4 mM for 55 days. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased production of Bacillus keratinase by chromosomal integration of multiple copies of the kerA gene
Authors: Wang Jeng‐Jie , Rojanatavorn Kawan , Shih Jason C.H.
Published: July 2004

To increase the production of keratinase, stable strains of Bacillus licheniformis carrying multiple keratinase gene copies in the chromosome were developed. Integrative vectors carrying kerA with or without P43‐promoter were constructed and subcloned into B. licheniformis T399D and Bacillus subtilis DB104. In T399D, multiple copies of kerA integration into the chromosome were identified and determined by Southern blot. The optimal integration of kerA was found in the range of 3–5 copies. Higher integration of gene copies (>5) caused reduced processing and secretion of the extracellular keratinase. In DB104, kerA was cloned in the plasmid, not integrated into the chromosome. The strong constitutive promoter P43 not only increased the keratinase production in plasmid‐based expression in DB104 but also improved the enzyme yield of the integrants of T399D. New strains were able to enhance cell growth and enzyme yield at higher concentrations of medium substrate. When they were grown in either soy or feather medium, the keratinase activity was stable and improved by about 4–6 times. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Empirical modeling of batch fermentation kinetics for poly(glutamic acid) production and other microbial biopolymers
Authors: Richard Andrew , Margaritis Argyrios
Published: July 2004

An empirical kinetic model is proposed for the batch production of poly(glutamic acid) from Bacillus subtilis IFO 3335. In addition, the proposed model was used to fit the kinetic data of poly(glutamic acid) production from other bacterial strains using different media, as well as kinetic data from different strains for the production of the exocellular biopolymers dextran, hyaluronic acid, xanthan, alginate, and the endocellular biopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate. The empirical model treats the biopolymer as a component of the biomass and fits the experimental biomass data using a sigmoidal relationship that includes the maximum specific growth rate, μmax, and the substrate saturation parameter, KS. An empirical parameter, the relative coefficient (r), quantifies, in relative terms, the degree of nongrowth‐associated biopolymer formation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potato flour viscosity improvement is associated with the expression of a wheat LMW‐glutenin gene
Authors: Benmoussa Mustapha , Vézina Louis‐P. , Pagé Michel , Gélinas Pierre , Yelle Serge , Laberge Serge
Published: July 2004

It has been previously shown that expression of a high‐molecular‐weight glutenin (HMW‐GS) in transgenic wheat seeds resulted in the improvement of flour functional properties. In this study, potato flour viscosity was improved through a specific expression of a low‐molecular‐weight glutenin (LMW‐GS‐MB1) gene in tuber. The resulting construct was introduced into potato leaf explants (Solanum tuberosum cv Kennebec) through Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated gene transfer. Southern and Northern analysis of transgenic potato confirmed that the integration of LMW‐GS‐MB1 in genomic DNA was stable and its mRNA was abundant in transgenic line 16 tubers. Western blot analysis of line 16 extract shows a LMW‐GS subunit accumulation in tuber. To demonstrate the capacity of transgenic lines to produce tubers with improved flour functional properties, transgenic lines 9 and 16 exhibiting, respectively, moderate and high expression of LMW‐GS‐MB1 mRNA and nontransgenic plants were transferred to field plots. The mean viscosity value of flour obtained from the field‐grown tubers of transgenic line 16 exhibited a 3‐fold increase in viscosity at 23°C when compared to flour from nontransgenic tubers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystal Structure of the Hexagonal Zn3MgY Phase.
Authors: Deng D. W. , Kuo K. H. , Luo Z. P. , Miller D. J. , Kramer M. J. , Dennis K. W.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Crystal Structures, Modeling, and Dielectric Property Relationships of 2:1 Ordered Ba3MM′2O9 (M: Mg, Ni, Zn; M′: Nb, Ta) Perovskites.
Authors: Lufaso Michael W.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Sodium Magnesium Bis(vanadate) Pyrovanadate: Na6Mg2(VO4)2 (V2O7).
Authors: Mitiaev Alexander , Mironov Andrei , Shpanchenko Roman , Antipov Evgeny
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Oxygen‐Deficient Strontium Cobaltate, SrCoO2.64.
Authors: Nakatsuka Akihiko , Yoshiasa Akira , Nakayama Noriaki , Mizota Tadato , Takei Humihiko
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Structural and Electrical Properties of the Perovskite Oxide Sr2FeNbO6.
Authors: Tao Shanwen , Canales‐Vazquez Jesus , Irvine John T. S.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
A New Thermoelectric Material: CsBi4Te6.
Authors: Chung Duck‐Young , Hogan Tim P. , Rocci‐Lane Melissa , Brazis Paul , Ireland John R. , Kannewurf Carl R. , Bastea Marina , Uher Ctirad , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
N—H Insertion Reactions of Rhodium Carbenoids. Part 5. A Convenient Route to 1,3‐Azoles.
Authors: Davies James R. , Kane Peter D. , Moody Christopher J.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Novel Routes to Chiral 2‐Alkoxy‐5‐/6‐methoxycarbonylmethylidenepyrrolidines/‐piperidines.
Authors: David Olivier , Calvet Sandrine , Chau Francois , Vanucci‐Bacque Corinne , Fargeau‐Bellassoued Marie‐Claude , Lhommet Gerard
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis, Resolution and Applications of 3,3′‐Bis(RO)‐MeO‐BIPHEP Derivatives.
Authors: Gorobets Evgueni , Sun Guang‐Ri , Wheatley Bronwen M. M. , Parvez Masood , Keay Brian A.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Polystyrene‐Bound Cinchona Alkaloids: Application to Enantioselective Electrophilic Fluorination of Silyl Enol Ethers.
Authors: Thierry Baptiste , Audouard Christophe , Plaquevent Jean‐Christophe , Cahard Dominique
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Iron(III) Chloride as a Water‐Compatible Lewis Acid for Diastereoselective Aldol Reactions in Water in the Presence of a Surfactant.
Authors: Aoyama Naohiro , Manabe Kei , Kobayashi Shu
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Diastereoselective Reduction of α‐Aminoketones: Synthesis of anti‐ and syn‐β‐Amino Alcohols.
Authors: Fraser David S. , Park Sheldon B. , Chong J. Michael
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis, Resolution, and Application of 2,2′‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)‐3,3′‐binaphtho[b]furan (BINAPFu).
Authors: Andersen Neil G. , Parvez Masood , McDonald Robert , Keay Brian A.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis and Structure of Some N‐[3‐(Het)aryl‐2‐propenylidene]‐trifluoromethylanilines.
Authors: Iovel I. , Golomba L. , Belyakov S. , Popelis J. , Lukevics E.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidine and Isoxazoline Derivatives.
Authors: Merja B. C. , Joshi A. M. , Parikh K. A. , Parikh A. R.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Substituent Effects on the Cyclization Mode of 7‐Sulfonyl‐3‐hepten‐1,5‐diynes and 11‐Sulfonylundeca‐3,7‐dien‐1,5,9‐triynes.
Authors: Wu Huey‐Juan , Lin Chi‐Fong , Lee Jeng‐Lin , Lu Wen‐Der , Lee Chia‐Ying , Chen Chin‐Chau , Wu Ming‐Jung
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.