bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of connexin 43 protein in testes, epididymides and prostates of stallions
Authors: HEJMEJ A. , KOTULA‐BALAK M. , SADOWSKA J. , BILIŃSKA B.
Published: March 2007

Reasons for performing study: Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a ubiquitously distributed gap junction protein in testes and other reproductive tissues. Adjacent cells share ions and small metabolites through intercellular channels, which are present in gap junctions. Previously, Cx43 has not been reported in testes, epididymides and prostates either in healthy stallions or cryptorchid horses.

Objectives: To demonstrate the expression pattern of Cx43 in the reproductive tissues of stallions and examine whether naturally occurring bilateral cryptorchidism has any influence on distribution and expression of Cx43.

Methods: The expression and the presence of Cx43 protein were detected by means of immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis using a polyclonal rabbit anti‐Cx43 antibody.

Results: In stallions, gap junctions appeared as structures localised to cell‐cell contacts between adjacent cells. In testes, Cx43 expression was detected in the interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules, between Leydig and Sertoli, as well as Sertoli and germ cells. In epididymides, Cx43 was localised between epithelial cells, whereas in prostates, between secretory cells of the glandular epithelium. In the cryptorchid, a clear reduction of Cx43 signal was observed in all reproductive tissues.

Conclusions: Coupling of Leydig cells via gap junctions may suggest that steroidogenic function of the testis is under the influence of these intercellular channels. Within seminiferous tubules, the expression was found to be stage‐specific, pointing to its role in coordinating spermatogenesis. Differential distribution of Cx43 protein in the reproductive tract of normal and cryptorchid stallions indicates that expression is clearly dependent on the physiological status of the horse.

Potential relevance: Detection of Cx43 expression in equine testicular, epididymal, and prostatic cells is important for a better understanding of the role of intercellular membrane channels in direct cell communication within the reproductive tract of stallions.
Suitability of biocompost as a bedding material for stabled horses: respiratory hygiene and management practicalities
Authors: SEEDORF J. , SCHRÖDER M. , KÖHLER L. , HARTUNG J.
Published: March 2007

Reasons for performing study: Bedding material in stables has an important influence on air hygiene and information on the suitability of biocompost and wood shavings is incomplete.

Objectives: To compare the suitability and benefit of biocompost and wood shavings as bedding in horse stables and to determine key air factors for the evaluation of the potential impact of these materials on respiratory health.

Methods: The study was conducted in a naturally ventilated stable with 4 horses. Air hygiene parameters were measured 24 h/day for 7 days with each bedding type: ammonia (NH3), inhalable and respirable dust, endotoxins, colony forming units (CFU) of total mesophilic bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and thermophilic actinomycetes. Both bedding materials were analysed for general chemical composition, particle size distribution and natural microbial content. The animals' behaviour was monitored by video cameras, and their health and cleanliness status determined by clinical and visual examination.

Results: Concentrations of NH3, dust, endoxins and fungi were significantly higher during the monitoring period with wood shavings than with biocompost. In contrast concentrations of mesophilic bacteria, mesophilic actinomycetes and thermophilic actinomycetes microbial pollutants were highest with biocompost. The water content of bulk biocompost was considerably higher than that of wood shavings. Particles ≤0.4 mm were not detectable in bulk wood shavings. The concentration of thermophilic actinomycetes by weight in raw biocompost was 639 times higher than in raw wood shavings. No significant differences were observed in the time spent by the horses lying down. The biocompost material tended to adhere more intensively to the animals' hair coat. Horses showed no clinical signs indicating any adverse effects of the biocompost material during the trials.

Conclusions: Biocompost cannot be recommended as bedding material for horses in stables, because the concentration of thermophilic actinomycetes and other agents that elicit and maintain recurrent airway obstructions was significantly higher with biocompost than with wood shavings. To ensure the well‐being of horses, any new bedding material must be tested very carefully before it is introduced to the market.
Adaptive transfer function‐based control of nonlinear process. Case study: Control of temperature in industrial methane tank
Authors: Brazauskas Kestutis , Levisauskas Donatas
Published: March 2007

The state model‐based transfer function models are applied for adaptation of linear controller and disturbance compensator in a feedback/feed‐forward control system of nonlinear process. An advantage of the presented adaptation method is the avoidance of artificial disturbances or iterative identification procedures for on‐line estimation of process dynamic parameters. The adaptation is based on linearization of the process model at each sampling time about the current state point, independent of the process being at steady‐state or transient conditions. The linear time‐varying dynamics model is updated on‐line using measured values of process variables and reduced to the first‐order plus time delay transfer function models in order to directly apply well‐developed controller tuning rules. Computational aspects of the adaptation method are discussed and computation algorithms are presented.

The adaptive feedback/feed‐forward control
system was applied for controlling temperature in industrial methane tank, dynamic parameters of which vary in a wide range due to variations of methane‐tank process load and external conditions. The heat balance‐based process state model is developed and validated using observation data of real plant. Computer simulation of the proposed control system performance under extreme operating conditions demonstrates fast adaptation of controller parameters, robust behaviour and significant improvement in the controllers' performance compared to that of fixed‐gain controllers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential work‐related exposures to bloodborne pathogens by industry and occupation in the United States Part II: A telephone interview study
Authors: Chen Guang X. , Jenkins E. Lynn
Published: March 2007

Background

The companion surveillance portion of this study [Chen and Jenkins, 2007] reported the frequency and rate of potential work‐related exposures to bloodborne pathogens (BBP) treated in emergency departments (EDs) by industry and occupation, but it lacks details on the circumstances of the exposure and other relevant issues such as BBP safety training, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) or safety needles, or reasons for seeking treatment in a hospital ED.

Methods

Telephone interviews were conducted with workers who had been treated in EDs for potential work‐related exposures to BBP in 2000–2002. Respondents were drawn from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.

Results

Of the 593 interviews, 382 were from hospitals, 51 were from emergency medical service/firefighting (EMS/FF), 86 were from non‐hospital healthcare settings (e.g., nursing homes, doctors' offices, home healthcare providers, etc.), 22 were from law enforcement (including police and correctional facilities), and 52 were from other non‐healthcare settings (i.e., schools, hotels, and restaurants). Needlestick/sharps injuries were the primary source of exposure in hospitals and non‐hospital healthcare settings. Skin and mucous membrane was the primary route of exposure in EMS/FF. Human bites accounted for a significant portion of the exposures in law enforcement and other non‐healthcare settings. In general, workers from non‐hospital settings were less likely to use PPE, to have BBP safety training, to be aware of the BBP standards and exposure treatment procedures, and to report or seek treatment for a work‐related exposure compared to hospital workers.

Conclusions

This study suggests that each industry group has unique needs that should be addressed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Controlled preparation of nanocolorants via a modified miniemulsion polymerization process
Authors: Hu Z. K. , Xue M. Z. , Zhang Q. , Sheng Q. R. , Liu Y. G.
Published: March 2007

Nanocolorants were successfully prepared via a modified miniemulsion polymerization process into which styrene, a polar monomer, crosslinkers, a highly hydrophobic solvent, dyes, and so forth were introduced. The obtained nanocolorants were nanocomposite entities in which a fraction of dye molecules attached to the crosslinked macromolecular chains and more dye molecules formed clustering because of the phase separation between the dye and polymer during the polymerization process and were further embedded in the interior of the crosslinked polymer because of the high hydrophobicity of the dyes. The effects of the polar monomers, the amounts of the dyes dissolved in styrene, and the polymer crosslinking, as well as the effects of the water‐soluble and oil‐soluble initiator, the amount of the surfactant, and the ultrasonic homogenization time, on the preserving fastness of the dyes in the polymeric matrix and the morphology and particle size distribution of the nanocolorants were studied. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Performance characterization of cellulose acetate and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) blend membranes
Authors: Abdoul Raguime J. , Arthanareeswaran G. , Thanikaivelan P. , Mohan D. , Raajenthiren M.
Published: March 2007

Hydrophilic ultrafiltration membranes have been prepared by blending cellulose acetate (CA) as a matrix polymer with increasing concentrations of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) using N,N′‐dimethylformamide as the solvent. It is observed that the presence of PVP beyond 50 wt % in the casting solution did not form membranes. Prepared membranes have been subjected to ultrafiltration characterizations such as compaction, pure water flux, water content, and membrane hydraulic resistance. The results indicate significant changes in the characteristics upon the addition of PVP, which may lead to improved performance. The porosity, pore size, and molecular weight cut‐off of the membranes also increase as the concentration of PVP increases. It is estimated that the pore radius of the CA/PVP membranes increases from 30 to 63 Å, when the concentration of PVP increased from 0 to 50 wt %. This is in agreement with the results obtained from scanning electron microscopic studies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Dynamics of capillary rise in yarns: Influence of fiber and liquid characteristics
Authors: Hamdaoui Mohamed , Fayala Faten , Nasrallah Sassi Ben
Published: March 2007

Liquid transport and movement in yarns were studied using an experimental system based on the analysis of charge couple device images taken during the capillary rise of a colored liquid in the yarn. The generalized dynamic model of the liquid penetration into vertical cylindrical capillary used was based on the Lucas–Washburn equation. It had the advantage of independently characterizing the equivalent pore radius and the contact angle by determining the coefficient of diffusion of the liquid noted D and the height attained at equilibrium noted he. We studied cotton and viscose yarns and found that the diffusion of liquid and the height attained at equilibrium depending on the fiber type. These results were discussed on the basis of the wettability of the fibers. We used water and a chemical agent added to water to investigate the effect of the characteristics of liquid on the capillary rise in yarns. The capillary parameters values (D and he) depended on the concentration of the chemistry agent added to water. These results were discussed by studying the evolution of the characteristic of the porous media and the liquid properties by calculating the equivalent pore radius and the contact angle andmeasuring the surface tension and the viscosity of the fluid. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Electrochemical copolymerization of indole and 3‐methylthiophene
Authors: Nie Guangming , Han Xuejun , Zhang Shusheng , Xu Jingkun , Cai Tao
Published: March 2007

The copolymerization of indole (In) and 3‐methylthiophene (3MeT) was successfully achieved electrochemically in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) by direct anodic oxidation of the monomer mixtures on stainless steel electrodes although their respective oxidation potentials were quite different. The electrochemical properties of the copolymers were studied by cyclic voltammetry. As‐formed free‐standing insoluble copolymers owned both the advantages of polyindole (PIn) and poly(3‐methylthiophene) (P3MeT), i.e., good thermal stability, good electrochemical activity, and high conductivity. The insert of 3MeT units in PIn was helpful to improve the conductivity of PIn and the insert of In units in P3MeT was also beneficial to improve the electrochemical and thermal stability of P3MeT. The influence of applied polymerization potential on the synthesis of copolymer was investigated. The higher potential favored the incorporation of 3MeT units into the copolymers. 1.3 V vs. SCE was tested to be the best potential for the electrochemical copolymerization of In and 3MeT. The structure and morphology of the copolymers were investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Polymerization mechanism studies showed that the polymerization of indole ring occurred at 2,3 position. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)‐based biocomposites reinforced with kenaf fibers
Authors: Avella Maurizio , Bogoeva‐Gaceva Gordana , Buzõarovska Aleksandra , Emanuela Errico Maria , Gentile Gennaro , Grozdanov Anita
Published: March 2007

Biodegradable thermoplastic‐based composites reinforced with kenaf fibers were prepared and characterized. Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), produced by bacterial fermentation, was selected as polymeric matrix. To improve PHBV/fibers adhesion, low amount of a proper compatibilizing agent, obtained by grafting maleic anhydride onto PHBV, was added during matrix/fibers melt mixing (reactive blending). When compared with uncompatibilized composites, the presence of the compatibilizer induces a stronger interfacial adhesion and a more pronounced improvement of the mechanical properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Synthesis and 5‐HT2A, 5‐HT1A and α1‐Binding Affinities of 2‐[2‐Hydroxy‐3‐(pyridin‐3‐yl‐methyl)amino]‐, 2‐[2‐Hydroxy‐3‐(2‐pyridin‐2‐yl‐ethyl)amino]‐ and 2‐[2‐Hydroxy‐3‐(4‐N‐methyl‐piperazin‐1‐yl)‐amino]propoxybenzaldehyde‐O‐(substituted) Benzyl Oximes
Authors: Orlandini Elisabetta , Rapposelli Simona , Nencetti Susanna , Giannaccini Gino , Betti Laura , Balsamo Aldo
Published: March 2007

Some oxime ether‐substituted aryloxypropanolamines 3‐5, structurally related to the active metabolite 2 of sarpogrelate 1, were synthesized and tested for their affinities at 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT1A serotoninergic receptors as well as at the α1‐adrenoceptor. The results show that the compounds possess, at least partially, the ability of the model compounds 1 and 2 to interact with the 5‐HT2A‐receptors; they have the same selectivity towards 5‐HT2A receptors vs α1‐adrenoceptors.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Niphathesine Analogues
Authors: Krauss Jürgen , Wetzel Christine , Thiel Julia , Neudert Christine , Bracher Franz
Published: March 2007

Niphathesine C and related pyridine alkaloids are well known natural products with interesting antimicrobial activities, characterized by a pyridine ring and a lipophilic side chain with a terminal nitrogen‐containing functional group. This paper describes the synthesis of analogues of these alkylpyridine alkaloids with variation of the heterocyclic ring and the terminal functional group. Key steps of the syntheses are a Sonogashira reaction of appropriate aryl iodides with undec‐10‐ynol or undec‐10‐ynoic acid derivatives. The resulting compounds were tested in an agar diffusion assay against several bacteria and fungi.
Bewertung des Erdbebenrisikos von historischen Bauwerken
Authors: Urban Marcel , Peil Udo
Published: March 2007

Historische Bauten, insbesondere Kirchen, reagieren i.allg. sehr empfindlich auf mögliche Baugrundbewegungen. Wenn diese Bauwerke aufgrund eines Erdbebens einstürzen oder erheblich geschädigt werden, können neben hohen Verlusten an Menschenleben auch erhebliche immaterielle Werte verloren gehen. Die Bewertung des Risikos enthält dabei die Bestimmung der Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Schadens und die Bestimmung möglicher Schadensfolgen. In diesem Aufsatz wird eine Methodik zur Beschreibung und vergleichenden Bewertung solcher Risiken vorgestellt. Dazu wird zunächst die Bodenbewegung infolge Erdbeben mit Hilfe von Monte‐Carlo‐Simulationen dargestellt, der Einfluß möglicher Materialparameter mit Sensitivitätsanalysen abgeschätzt, um mögliche Schadensklassen nach der Europäischen Makroseismischen Skala vorherzusagen. Verluste werden anhand einer speziell für diesen Fall zusammengetragenen Datengrundlage erfaßt, so daß ein Vergleich mit einer Vielzahl anderer Risiken möglich ist.
Domenico Fontana (1543–1607) und seine Sippe – Berühmte Tessiner Ingenieurarchitekten in Diensten von Papst und König
Authors: Caminada Paul
Published: March 2007

Vor 400 Jahren, anno 1607, starb “ingegniere maggiore del Regno” (Oberingenieur des Königreichs) Domenico Fontana in Neapel und wurde dort in der Kirche S. Anna dei Lombardi feierlich beigesetzt. Er wurde 1543 in Melide am Luganer See geboren als Sohn des Sebastiano Fontana und dessen Frau Domenica, geborene Paerino.

Die Fontana – Domenico mit den Brüdern Giovanni und Marsilio sowie der Neffe Carlo Maderno, geboren in Capologo am unteren Luganer See – hatten sich in jungen Jahren aufgemacht, um ihr Glück in Rom zu suchen. Die fremde Herkunft der Tessiner Comasken oder “comacini” (maestri), die aus dem damaligen Gebiet der Diözese Como stammten, war kennzeichnend für das Architekturambiente von imposanten Kirchen, Palästen und Residenzen in der zweiten Hälfte des 16. und Anfang des 17. Jahrhunderts, das von Nicht‐Römern dominiert wurde. In der Fremde hatten sie es – zusammen mit vielen anderen, darunter auch Francesco Borromini, ein Schüler und Mitarbeiter von Domenico s Neffen Carlo Maderno – zu Erfolg, Ruhm und großem Ansehen gebracht.

Die Berufsausbildung der Tessiner Immigranten war ursprünglich in der Hauptsache eine handwerkliche (Stukkateure, Steinmetze und Maurer), wobei die Fähigsten zu Meistern, Architekten und Ingenieuren aufstiegen. Durch ständige Weiterbildung wußten die Fontana mit Zirkel, Winkel und Meßlatte umzugehen. Sie waren in der Lage, Formen schöpferisch zu gestalten, und schufen Schönes und Zweckmäßiges in idealen und vollkommenen Proportionen: zuerst zeichnerisch auf dem Papier und dann in der Ausführung. Als perfekte Organisatoren waren sie auch fähig, Transporte, Hebemaschinen, Rollen und Flaschenzüge auf den riesigen Baustellen sinnvoll einzusetzen.
Local excision of rectal tumours by transanal endoscopic microsurgery
Authors: Bretagnol F , Merrie A , George B , Warren B F , Mortensen N J
Published: March 2007

Background

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows locally complete excision of rectal tumours and provides an alternative to conventional surgery for benign tumours. However, its role in the curative treatment of invasive carcinoma is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the morbidity and long-term results for rectal tumours excised by TEM.

Methods

Between February 1993 and January 2005, 200 patients underwent TEM for excision of adenomas (148) or carcinomas (52). The median tumour distance from the anal verge was 8 (range 1–16) cm.

Results

Mortality and morbidity rates were 0·5 and 14·0 per cent respectively. At a median follow-up of 33 (range 2–133) months, local recurrence had developed in 11 patients (7·6 per cent) with an adenoma. Histological examination of carcinomas revealed pathological tumour (pT) stage 1 in 31 patients, pT2 in 17 and pT3 in four. Immediate salvage surgery was performed in seven patients (13 per cent). At a median follow-up of 34 (range 1–102) months, eight patients (15 per cent) with carcinomas had developed local recurrence. The overall and disease-free 5-year survival rates for patients with carcinomas were 76 and 65 per cent respectively.

Conclusion

TEM is an appropriate surgical treatment option for benign rectal tumours. For carcinomas, it is oncologically safe provided that resection margins are clear, but strict patient selection is required.
Venous changes and lymphoedema 4 years after axillary surgery for breast cancer
Authors: Bennett Britton T M , Buczacki S J A , Turner C L , Vowler S L , Pain S J , Purushotham A D
Published: March 2007

Lymphoedema is progressive
Solvent Effects on Complexation of Molybdenum(VI) with Nitrilotriacetic Acid in Different Aqueous Solutions of Propanol
Authors: Mohammadi Behrouz , Mohammadi Jalal
Published: March 2007

By using spectrophotometric and potentiometric techniques the formation constants of the species formed in the systems H++Mo(VI)+nitrilotriacetic acid and H++nitrilotriacetic acid have been determined in aqueous solutions of propanol at 25 °C and constant ionic strength 0.1 mol·dm−3 sodium perchlorate. The composition of the complex was determined by the continuous variation method. It was shown that molybdenum(VI) forms a mononuclear 1:1 complex with nitrilotriacetic acid of the type MoO3L−3 at −lg[H+]=5.8. The formation constants in various media were analyzed in terms of Kamlet and Taft's parameters. Linear relationships were observed when lg KS was plotted versus p*. Finally, the results were discussed in terms of the effect of solvent on complexation.
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity of Diorganotin(IV) Complexes of N‐(3,5‐Dibromo‐salicylidene)‐ α‐amino Acid
Authors: Tian Lai‐Jin , Sun Yu‐Xi , Zheng Xiao‐Liang , Liu Xi‐Jie , Yu You , Liu Xue‐Li , Qian Bo‐Chu
Published: March 2007

The diorganotin(IV) complexes of N‐(3,5‐dibromosalicylidene)‐α‐amino acid, R′2Sn(2‐O‐3,5‐Br2C6H2CHNCHRCOO)(where R=H, Me, i‐Pr, Bz; R′ =n‐Bu, Cy), were synthesized by the reactions of diorganotin dichlorides with in situ formed potassium salt of N‐(3,5‐dibromosalicylidene)‐α‐amino acid and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR (1H, 13C and 119Sn) spectra. The crystal structures of n‐Bu2Sn(2‐O‐3,5‐Br2C6H2CHNCHRCOO)(R=i‐Pr, Bz) and Cy2Sn(2‐O‐3,5‐Br2C6H2CHNCHRCOO)(R=Me, Bz) were determined by X‐ray single crystal diffraction and showed that the tin atoms are in a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry to form five‐ and six‐membered chelate rings with the tridentate ligand. Bioassay results indicated that the compounds possess better in vitro antitumour activity against three human tumour cell lines, HeLa, CoLo205 and MCF‐7, than cis‐platin and moderate anti‐bacterial activity against two bacteria, E. coli and S. aureus.
Synthesis of Mixed Tail Triphenylene Discotic Liquid Crystals: Molecular Symmetry and Oxygen‐Atom Effect on the Stabilization of Columnar Mesophases
Authors: Zhao Ke‐Qing , Hu Ping , Wang Bi‐Qin , Yu Wen‐Hao , Chen Hong‐Mei , Wang Xin‐Ling , Shimizu Yo
Published: March 2007

Small change in chemical structure of discotic liquid crystals can cause big difference in their mesomorphism. Replacing of the alkoxy peripheral chains of triphenylene by oxygen‐atom containing ester chains would result in novel mesomorphism. A series of mixed tail triphenylenes containing propoxyacetyloxy and alkoxy, abbreviated as C18H6(OCnH2n+1)3(OCOCH2OC3H7)3, n=4–8, and hexa(propyloxyacetyloxy)triphenylene, C18H6(OCOCH2‐OC3H7)6 were synthesized. Thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA) of three discogens showed that they had good thermal stability till 350 °C. The mesomorphism was investigated through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). The preliminary X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results of one compound showed that it exhibited ordered hexagonal columnar (Colho) mesophase. These mixed tail triphenylene derivatives possessed much stable Colho mesophase and wider mesophase ranges than their hexaalkoxytriphenylene C18H6(OR)6 and hexaalkanoyloxytriphenylene C18H6(OCOR′)6 analogues. The asymmetrical compounds 2,6,11‐trialkoxy‐3,7,10‐tri(2‐propyloxyacetyloxy)triphenylenes with n=5–8 displayed higher clearing points and wider temperature ranges than their symmetrical isomers 2,6,10‐trialkoxy‐3,7,11‐tri(2‐propyloxyacetyloxy)‐
triphenylenes, while C18H6(OCOCH2OC3H7)6 had the highest clearing point due to the β‐oxygen‐atom effect.
Cyclopenta[d]pyrimidines and Dihydropyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidines as Potent and Selective Corticotropin‐Releasing Factor 1 Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Arban Roberto , Benedetti Roberto , Bonanomi Giorgio , Capelli Anna‐Maria , Castiglioni Emiliano , Contini Stefania , Degiorgis Fabio , Di Felice Pina , Donati Daniele , Fazzolari Elettra , Gentile Gabriella , Marchionni Chiara , Marchioro Carla , Messina Flavia , Micheli Fabrizio , Oliosi Beatrice , Pavone Francesca , Pasquarello Alessandra , Perini Benedetta , Rinaldi Marilisa , Sabbatini Fabio M. , Vitulli Giovanni , Zarantonello Paola , Di Fabio Romano , St‐Denis Yves
Published: March 2007

Two new classes of potent and selective CRF1 receptor antagonists are presented. Exploration of general templates 3 and 4 through modifications of the top amine and bottom phenyl substituents led to optimization of the in vitro affinity and pharmacokinetic profiles. The typical alkyl chains present in the top region of CRF1 antagonists were replaced by substituted heteroaryl moieties, leading to a dramatic improvement of the metabolic stability. This improvement was apparent when the compounds were dosed in vivo: several compounds exhibited low plasma clearance, good oral bioavailability, and high brain penetration. As a consequence of their outstanding pharmacokinetic profiles, these CRF1 antagonists, as exemplified by compound 4 fi (4‐(4‐bromo‐3‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐7‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐2‐methyl‐6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidine), produced a dose‐dependent “anxiolytic‐like” effect when administered orally, decreasing the vocalization of rat pups.
Density Matrices in NMR Spectroscopy: Part II
Authors: C. Farrar Thomas
Published: March 2007

Density matrix theory for a weakly coupled two‐spin system is outlined. It is shown that the sixteen basis matrices needed to describe events in the two‐spin system are all simple direct products of pairs of the single‐spin matrices.
Understanding Multiple‐Pulse Experiments ‐ An Introduction to the Product‐Operator Description I. Starting with the Vector Model
Authors: Ziessow Dieter
Published: March 2007

This is the first of three articles which deal with the concepts and rules of the product operator description (POD) and their applications in multidimensional NMR. Since the majority of POD rules are consistent with those of the vector model, the latter is presented here, but only to the required extent. This includes topics such as sense of rotation, chemical shift evolution, t2 and t1 quadrature detection with phase‐shifted pulses, handling of complex FID signals, and refocussing. The second spectral dimension is introduced on the basis of delayed acquisition and the pulsepair technique for a single spin and requires no theoretical background other than the vector model. Coupled‐spin systems are also treated, and it is shown by three distinct examples how the vector model works for 180° pulses.
The Bloch equations. How to have fun calculating what happens in NMR experiments with a personal computer
Authors: Roberts John D.
Published: March 2007

The so‐called “phenomenological” differential equations derived for nuclear magnetic induction by Felix Bloch in 1946 can easily be integrated by numerical methods and can give interesting, as well as very useful, results with the processing power of ordinary personal computers. This article deals with (1) the derivation of the Bloch equations, (2) slow‐passage continuous‐wave (CW) spectral calculations, (3) a procedure for numerical integration and several illustrations of how numerical integration can be used for generation of CW spectra, (4) free induction decays, and (5) the results of multipulse sequences, such as those used in determination of T1 and T2. A listing of the source code of a simple BASIC program for numerical integration of the Bloch equations with personal computers is included in an appendix.
Imatinib combined with mitoxantrone/etoposide and cytarabine is an effective induction therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in myeloid blast crisis
Authors: Fruehauf Stefan , Topaly Julian , Buss Eike C. , Fischer Thomas , Ottmann Oliver G. , Emmerich Bertold , Müller Martin C. , Schuld Peter , Balleisen Leopold , Hehlmann Rüdiger , Ho Anthony D. , Hochhaus Andreas
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in drug therapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT), the prognosis of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in blast crisis remains poor. Imatinib has demonstrated synergistic effects in vitro with mitoxantrone, etoposide, and cytarabine.

METHODS

A Phase I/II trial was performed in patients with CML myeloid blast crisis. Patients were treated with imatinib + mitoxantrone/etoposide in four cohorts: mitoxantrone 10 mg/m2/day and etoposide 100 mg/m2/day for 2 or 3 consecutive days and imatinib 600 mg/day from Day 15 (cohorts 1 and 2) or from Day 1 (cohorts 3 and 4). After hematologic reconstitution after the cytopenic phase, cytarabine was given at a dose of 10 mg/m2/day in addition to imatinib as maintenance treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 16 patients were available for analysis, median age 59 years (range, 37–74). All patients who received more intensive induction treatment (cohorts 3 and 4, n = 7) achieved a hematologic response (HR). In contrast, HR was achieved in only 6 of 9 patients treated in cohorts 1 and 2. The induction treatment was well tolerated. Six patients who achieved HR received an allo‐SCT with myeloablative conditioning. The median survival in the transplant group was 16.2 months vs 4.7 months in the group with conventional treatment only (P = .067).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of mitoxantrone/etoposide and imatinib is well tolerated, with mild nonhematologic toxicity even in older patients. Eligible patients benefit from allo‐SCT after response to the induction treatment. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Numerical study of lid‐driven flow in orthogonal and skewed porous cavity
Authors: Jaya Krishna D. , Basak Tanmay , Das Sarit K.
Published: March 2007

Effects of Reynolds number, Darcy number, porosity, aspect ratio and skewness are studied in detail for lid‐driven cavity flows filled with fluid‐saturated porous medium. A generalized non‐Darcy approach has been considered to account for linear and non‐linear drag forces. The governing equations are solved by using finite volume method. A quadrilateral cell in a semi‐staggered arrangement has been employed and is transformed into a standard square element using local body‐fitting co‐ordinates by co‐ordinate transformation. Details of the flow physics reveal that by the reduction of Darcy number, the primary vortex becomes weaker and tends to move towards the lid. As a measure of volume flow rate maximum stream function value is considered. It is found that, with the reduction in Darcy number and with the increase in Reynolds number and skewness the maximum stream function value reduces. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Cyclohexasilanes Si6H11X and Si6Me11X with X=F, Cl, Br and I: A Quantum Chemical and Raman Spectroscopic Investigation of a Multiple Conformer Problem
Authors: Hölbling Margit , Flock Michaela , Hassler Karl
Published: March 2007

The conformers of the monohalocyclohexasilanes, Si6H11X (X=F, Cl, Br or I) and the haloundecamethylcyclohexasilanes, Si6Me11X (X=F, Cl, Br or I) are investigated by DFT calculations employing the B3LYP density functional and 6‐31+G* basis sets for elements up to the third row, and SDD basis sets for heavier elements. Five minima are found for Si6H11X—the axial and equatorial chair conformers, with the substituent X either in an axial or equatorial position—and another three twisted structures. The equatorial chair conformer is the global minimum for the X=Cl, Br and I, the axial chair for X=F. The barrier for the ring inversion is ∼13  kJ mol−1 for all four compounds. Five minima closely related to those of Si6H11X are found for Si6Me11X. Again, the equatorial chair is the global minimum for X=Cl, Br and I, and the axial chair for X=F. Additionally, two symmetrical boat conformers are found as local minima on the potential energy surfaces for X=F, Cl and Br, but not for X=I. The barrier for the ring inversion is ∼14–16 kJ mol−1 for all compounds. The conformational equilibria for Si6Me11X in toluene solution are investigated using temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy. The wavenumber range of the stretching vibrations of the heavy atoms X and Si from 270–370 cm−1 is analyzed. Using the van′t Hoff relationship, the enthalpy differences between axial and equatorial chair conformers (Hax−Heq.) are 1.1 kJ mol−1 for X=F, and 1.8 to 2.8 kJ mol−1 for X=Cl, Br and I. Due to rapid interconversion, only a single Raman band originating from the “averaged” twist and boat conformers could be observed. Generally, reasonable agreement between the calculated relative energies and the experimentally determined values is found.
A review of seismic acoustic imaging by reverse‐time migration
Authors: McMechan George A.
Published: March 2007

Seismic migration is the process by which an acoustic seismic wavefield, containing scattered/diffracted waves recorded as a function of time, is converted into a focussed image of the corresponding spatial distribution of scatters/diffractors. One method of implementing this is by reverse‐time extrapolation of the recorded wavefield using the data as boundary values in a finite‐difference solution of the scalar wave equation, plus application of an excitation‐time imaging condition. Conceptually, and numerically, this approach is precisely the inverse of the corresponding forward problem of simulation of the response of a given model to an acoustic source.
Seismic inversion: Travel times or amplitudes?
Authors: Treitel Sven
Published: March 2007

Seismic inversion is now the focus of much effort in our industry. Its performance depends critically on the response of the abstract model chosen to mimic the real earth and on the optimization criterion employed to match this response to the actual seismogram. There are two broad categories: travel‐time invorsion and amplitude inversion. When we invert for travel‐times, we seek a subsurface model whose event arrival times best match picked arrivals on the real data. When we invert for amplitudes, we search for a subsurface model whose seismic signature best matches the entire recorded data, and not merely the arrival times. Of the two methods, travel‐time inversion is by far the simplest and is currently in widespread use. Amplitude inversion is more general because it makes full use of the recorded data, but implementation is still very costly and the approach has not yet seen extensive practical use. Neither technique can give us the unique subsurface model—that is, there will always be a multiplicity of subsurface configurations whose responses match the data within a desired tolerance. Physical insight is required to rule out those models devoid of geological significance.
An iterative solution of the two‐dimensional electromagnetic inverse scattering problem
Authors: Wang Y. M. , Chew W. C.
Published: March 2007

A new method, based on an iterative procedure, for solving the two‐dimensional inverse scattering problem is presented. This method employs an equivalent Neumann series solution in each iteration step. The purpose of the algorithm is to provide a general method to solve the two‐dimensional imaging problem when the Born and the Rytov approximations break down. Numerical simulations were calculated for several cases where the conditions for the first order Born approximation were not satisfied. The results show that in both high and low frequency cases, good reconstructed profiles and smoothed versions of the original profiles can be obtained for smoothly varying permittivity profiles (lossless) and discontinuous profiles (lossless), respectively. A limited number of measurements around the object at a single frequency with four to eight plane incident waves from different directions are used. The method proposed in this article could easily be applied to the three‐dimensional inverse scattering problem, if computational resources are available.
High‐Resolution deconvolution techniques and their applications in ultrasonic NDE
Authors: Chen C. H. , Sin S. K.
Published: March 2007

The technique of ultrasonic pulse echo measurement is a very cost‐effective method of non‐destructive evaluation (NDE). These measurements are, however, usually masked by the characteristics of the measuring equipment and the propagation paths taken by the ultrasonic pulse. With a proper modeling of the pulse echo, these effects can be reduced by deconvolution. In this paper, several deconvolution algorithms that have been popularly used in other areas such as seismic explorations are revised and adapted to ultrasonic NDE applications. Simulation results are presented to support the feasibility of using these algorithms to extract impulse responses from the ultrasonic pulse echoes for use in defect classifications. The performances and computational complexities of these algorithms are analyzed and compared. In addition, application of these deconvolution techniques to B‐scan enhancement is also discussed.
An introduction to chaotic and random time series analysis
Authors: Scargle Jeffrey D.
Published: March 2007

Chaos refers to the paradoxical evolution of a deterministic system in a way that is disordered—to the point that the time dependence of the physical variables appears stochastic. A need for data analysis procedures to detect, model, and separate chaotic and random processes has arisen from this recently understood paradigm. Many special techniques have been designed for chaotic data; the unification of these with conventional time series analysis is a developing field.

This tutorial uses examples to explain the origin of chaotic behavior and the relation of chaos to randomness. Two powerful mathematical results are described: (1) a representation theorem guarantees the existence of a specific time‐domain model for chaos and addresses the relation between chaotic, random, and strictly deterministic processes, and (2) a theorem assures that information on the behavior of a physical system in its complete state space can be extracted from time‐series data on a single observable.

These theorems form the basis of a practical data analysis scheme, as follows: given N observations of a variable Y, i.e., {Yn, n = 1,2,3, …, N}, define X = A * Y and maximize, with respect to the parameters of A, a function H(X) that measures degree of chaos. This maximization is carried out by minimizing the dimension covered by the data in the M‐dimensional space (Xn, Xn+1, Xn+2, …, Xn+M−1). The resulting dimension D either (1) increases continuously with M or (2) levels off and remains constant (= Dmax) beyond a certain point. In case (1) or if Dmax is quite large X is random; if case (2) holds and Dmax is small, we have chaos. The inverse of A found in this procedure is an estimate of the filter in the moving average model for Y.
Wavelet estimation: A first step toward increasing image resolution
Authors: Brown Raymon L.
Published: March 2007

In many fields of imaging, the shape of the function describing the incident source wave (“the wavelet”) is known. In seismic exploration, this luxury is not available since seismic sources are affected by their environment. The resultant wavelet that is transmitted into the earth is quite different from any measurement that may be conducted near the source. To many seismic explorationists the wavelet has almost taken a mythical position of stature. More Black Art, mysterious assumptions, advanced mathematics, and handwaving go into wavelet estimation than any other aspect of seismic exploration. The reason for all the effort stems from the need to explore targets that are fractions of wavelengths. This presentation describes some of the methods used in seismic exploration to preserve bandwidth, estimate the wavelet shape, and invert the data to obtain a sharp image.
NOSER: An algorithm for solving the inverse conductivity problem
Authors: Cheney M. , Isaacson D. , Newell J. C. , Simske S. , Goble J.
Published: March 2007

The inverse conductivity problem is the mathematical problem that must be solved in order for electrical impedance tomography systems to be able to make images. Here we show how this inverse conductivity problem is related to a number of other inverse problem. We then explain the workings of an algorithm that we have used to make images from electrical impedance data measured on the boundary of a circle in two dimensions. This algorithm is based on the method of least squares. It takes one step of a Newton's method, using a constant conductivity as an initial guess. Most of the calculations can therefore be done analytically. The resulting code is named NOSER, for Newton's One‐Step Error Reconstructor. It provides a reconstruction with 496 degrees of freedom. The code does not reproduce the conductivity accurately (unless it differs very little from a constant), but it yields useful images. This is illustrated by images reconstructed from numerical and experimental data, including data from a human chest.
Limited‐Angle inverse scattering problems and their applications for geophysical explorations
Authors: Wang Y. M. , Chew W. C.
Published: March 2007

The effect of the limited‐angle measurements on the nonlinear inverse scattering problem is investigated. Because of incomplete information obtained in the limited‐angle inverse problem, the linearized system matrix in the inversion procedure becomes more ill‐conditioned compared to that of the conventional inverse scattering problem where the receivers are placed in a circle that completely surrounds the object. Consequently, the quality of the reconstruction is considerably reduced, and sometimes it is almost impossible to reconstruct the profile because of the sparsity of the measurement data. To overcome the above difficulty, a boosting procedure, which will help us to obtain the maximum amount of information for an arbitrary predefined experimental setup, has been proposed based on a physical viewpoint. The results of the computer simulations for well‐to‐well tomography demonstrate that by applying the boosting procedure the quality of the reconstruction and the speed of the convergence are improved significantly. Furthermore, for subsurface detection where both the transmitters and receivers are confined to the ground, the reconstruction becomes possible after applying the boosting procedure.
Imaging techniques for cable network structures
Authors: Eisenloffel K. , Adeli H.
Published: March 2007

Imaging techniques are presented for developing interactive computer display of cable network structures on a microcomputer such as the IBM PS/2®. These structures create surfaces formed by an orthogonal mesh of cables and are primarily loaded normal to the surface. A three‐dimensional perspective representation of network structures is developed for fast drawing of cable structures on microcomputers.
Residual‐Based robust estimation and image‐motion analysis
Authors: Zhuang Xinhua , Zhao Yunxin , Huang Thomas S.
Published: March 2007

We explain that the task of multiple rigid motion segmentation and estimation from image feature point correspondence demands an estimator of high robustness. We show that a heuristics‐based partial modeling approach can be used to develop a highly robust estimator called the MF estimator for general regression, where “MF” represents an abbreviation of Model Fitting. Finally, we provide experimental results in estimating single rigid motion from a mixture of 2D‐2D (or image‐image), 3D‐2D (or range‐image) and 3D‐3D (or range‐range) corresponding point data by using the proposed MF estimator. As will be seen, only four well matched corresponding point pairs are needed to get a good estimate of motion parameters no matter how many mismatched corresponding point pairs (or outliers) occur. The article represents an initial effort towards robust image‐motion analysis.
Rotational band identification: A model‐based detection and estimation approach
Authors: Candy J. V. , Manatt D. R. , Barnes F. L. , Becker J. A. , Henry E. A. , Brinkman M. J.
Published: March 2007

Nuclear theory predicts that secondary minima develop in the nuclear potential energy surface of some nuclei as they are stretched or elongated. Some minima are deep enough to support quasistationary states. The states are metastable because the decay is inhibited by the required shape change. Detection of these metastable states and their associated rotational bands allows us to investigate nuclei at large deformations and test existing theoretical predictions. The identification of these difficult‐to‐locate structures will permit the detailed study of nuclei at extraordinarily high deformation, providing new insights into nuclear structure. We discuss the application of model‐based image processing techniques to detect and enhance the nuclear rotational bands in noisy experimental measurements. The aim of the experiment is to identify the shape isomer by detecting the presence of the associated rotational band pattern. Unfortunately, the band signal is only ≈︁1% or less of the amplitude of similar disturbance signals due to the nuclear states of normal deformation; thus the signal‐to‐noise ratio is quite poor. Thus it is necessary to investigate image processing techniques to detect and extract the predicted band pattern. Using a model‐based approach, that is, characterizing a particular band by a simple mathematical model and incorporating it into an image processing scheme, we show that we are able to solve the band pattern detection and enhancement problems from both synthesized and measured experimental data.
Planar‐surface matching approach for estimating target location using laser range imagery
Authors: Li Robert Y.
Published: March 2007

A laser radar sensor provides 3D information about a scene by using range measurements. A Hough transform approach is used to extract geometric information from these range values in order to identify planar building walls. Features of the extracted walls, such as their size, orientation, and distance relative to other walls, can be used to match against a reference list of walls with this spatial information. Target location can then be estimated by solving simultaneous equations using matched planar surfaces. Experimental results of computed target locations are shown to be satisfactory.
Nonlinear prediction based on a two‐level markovian image model and a comparison analysis
Authors: Bezruk Andrei
Published: March 2007

In this article a nonlinear method of image prediction is considered. This problem arises in image coding. The method is based on a two‐level statistical image model. The first level corresponds to statistical model of the contour image, and the second level corresponds to a model of brightness given the contour image. An adaptive method of image prediction is considered. Computer simulation is performed in order to compare the results of prediction in cases of linear and nonlinear predictors with both previous and surrounding pixels. Comparison is made in terms of prediction gain.