bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of low‐dose aspirin on endothelial function in hypertensive patients
Authors: Monobe Hideaki , Yamanari Hiroshi , Nakamura Kazufumi , Ohe Tohru
Published: February 2009

Background: It has been reported that administration of low‐dose aspirin significantly reduces the frequency of major cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease. It is generally considered that the preventative effects of long‐term aspirin administration on major cardiovascular events are due to the inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Hypothesis: It is not known whether administration of low‐dose aspirin restores endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation, and this study was undertaken to prove or disprove this question in patients with hypertension.

Methods: Flow‐mediated endothelium‐dependent dilatation and glyceryl trinitrate‐induced endothelium‐independent dilatation were investigated in 18 hypertensive patients and 10 normotensive control subjects. In the hypertensive patients, flow‐mediated dilatation was investigated and cyclic guano‐sine monophosphate plasma (cGMP) was measured before and at 8 weeks after the administration of 162 mg of aspirin.

Results: Flow‐mediated dilatation before aspirin administration was more reduced in the hypertensive patients than in the control subjects (6.4 ± 2.0% vs. 11.3 ± 2.3%, p< 0.0001). Glyceryl trinitrate‐induced dilatation before aspirin administration was similar in hypertensive patients and control subjects. Flow‐mediated dilatation after aspirin administration was improved compared with that before aspirin administration (10.4 ± 3.5% vs. 6.4 ± 2.0%, p<0.0004). The cGMP product after aspirin administration was significantly higher than that before aspirin administration.

Conclusions: Administration of low‐dose aspirin may restore the endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation in hypertensive patients. Furthermore, increased nitric oxide production may play a partial role in the improvement in endothelial function induced by administration of low‐dose aspirin.
Soy protein diet significantly improves endothelial function and lipid parameters
Authors: Yildirir Aylin , Tokgozoglu S. Lale , Oduncu Tulay , Oto Aytekin , Haznedaroglu Ibrahim , Akinci Devrim , Koksal Gulden , Sade Elif , Kirazli Serafettin , Kes Sirri
Published: February 2009

Background: Replacement of animal protein with soy protein in the diet is associated with decreased cholesterol levels. However, the effects of soy protein diet on endothelial function are not well known.

Hypothesis: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of soy protein diet on plasma lipids and endothelial function parameters assessed by two different methods.

Methods: Twenty hypercholesterolemic, nonsmoker male patients (age 50.1 ± 11.8 years), with a normal body mass index, were included. After calculating their daily requirements, a diet with 25–30% of energy from fats, 10–12% from proteins, and the rest from carbohydrates was instituted. Sixty percent of the animal source proteins of the diet were substituted by soy. The anthropometric measures, lipid parameters, and endothelial functions of the subjects were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks after soy protein diet. Flow‐mediated endothelium‐dependent dilatation (EDD) and plasma thrombomodulin (TM) levels were evaluated as endothelial function parameters.

Results: After diet, plasma total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and triglyceride levels decreased significantly (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p=0.039, and p = 0.001, respectively). The mean plasma TM levels were also significantly reduced with diet (p = 0.004). Studies of the brachial artery indicated a borderline dilatation in baseline brachial artery diameter (p=0.05), however the diameter at reactive hyperemia was significantly larger after diet (p < 0.001), resulting in a significant improvement of EDD (p = 0.002).

Conclusion: Soy protein diet significantly improves plasma lipid profile in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Furthermore, the endothelial function, as judged by two different methods (EDD and plasma TM levels), also improves with soy protein diet.
Possible ethnic differences in plasma homocysteine levels associated with coronary artery disease between south asian and east asian immigrants
Authors: Senaratne Manohara P. J. , Macdonald Karen , De Silva Dilshana
Published: February 2009

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia has been identified as a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). South Asians appear to have a high incidence of CAD, while East Asians have a very low incidence.

Hypothesis: The present study was undertaken because the relative association of plasma homocysteine levels (PH) with CAD in South Asians (SA = Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan) and East Asians (EA = Chinese, Japanese) is not known.

Methods: Fasting PH were drawn on all patients with CAD of SA (age 62.4 ± 1.1 years, 72 men, 14 women) and EA (age 61.8 ± 3.0 years, 13 men, 4 women) descent. These were compared with PH available from Caucasian (CA) patients (age 61.1 ± 1.1 years, 89 men, 17 women) with CAD.

Results: The PH in SA, EA, and CA patients were 11.0 ± 0.5, 7.6 ± 0.5, and 10.8 ± 0.6 μmol/l, respectively (p < 0.001 between EA and SA/CA). Percentages of SA, EA, and CA with elevated PH (> 12.0 μmol/l) were 33.7, 5.9, and 28.2%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the lipid subtractions between the SA and EA group. History of smoking was significantly higher in the EA (52.9 vs. 26.2%), while hypertension and diabetes mellitus had similar prevalences.

Conclusion: Significant differences in PH of SA versus EA patients with CAD exist. The relative contribution of homocysteine in the development of CAD appears to be less in EA immigrants. In contrast, the association between CAD and PH in SA immigrants appears to be similar to that of Caucasians.
Carvedilol in the failing heart
Authors: Lombardi William L. , Gilbert Edward M.
Published: February 2009

Patients with chronic heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction of ischemic or nonischemic etiology have shown improvement in morbidity and mortality with carvedilol therapy. In patients with symptomatic (New York Heart Association class II–IV) heart failure, carvedilol improves left ventricular ejection fraction and clinical status, and slows disease progression, reducing the combined risk of mortality and hospitalization. Despite the overwhelming evidence for their benefit, there continues to be a large treatment gap between those who would derive benefit and those who actually receive the drug. In this article, the pharmacology, clinical trial evidence, and the potential differences between carvedilol and other beta blockers are discussed. Carvedilol provides powerful therapy in the treatment of chronic heart failure caused by a variety of etiologies and in a wide array of clinical settings.
Digoxin withdrawal in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy following normalization of ejection fraction with beta blockers
Authors: Shammas Nicolas W. , Harris Melodee L. , Mckinney Dawn , Hauber William J.
Published: February 2009

Background: The effect of withdrawal of digoxin on left ventricular function in patients with a history of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) following normalization of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with beta blockers remains unknown.

Hypothesis: This study was undertaken to determine the effect of digoxin withdrawal on left ventricular function in patients with IDCM.

Methods: In 8 consecutive patients with IDCM (5 men, 3 women) who had normalization of LVEF following beta‐blocker treatment, digoxin was withdrawn as part of an office protocol, and LVEF was followed. Baseline EF prior to beta blocker initiation (carvedilol = 6, atenolol = 1, metoprolol = 1) was measured with isotope ventriculography (IVG), echocardiography, or left ventriculography. Post beta blocker ejection fraction (post BB EF) was measured in all patients with IVG at a mean of 17.25 ± 5.38 months. Follow‐up EF was measured using IVG after digoxin withdrawal at a mean of 6.99±4.34 months.

Results: An experienced blinded reader interpreted the IVG scans. Baseline EF was 28.5 ± 8.26; post BB EF and follow‐up EF were 56.1 ± 4.65 and 51.0 ± 7.35, respectively (p = 0.05).

Conclusion: These data provide potential evidence that digoxin withdrawal can result in a small but significant reduction in LVEF in patients with IDCM who had normalization of LVEF after treatment with beta blockers. Mean LVEF, however, remained within normal (> 50%) on beta‐blocker therapy and without digitalis. Large, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Body mass index and risk of ovarian cancer
Authors: Leitzmann Michael F. , Koebnick Corinna , Danforth Kim N. , Brinton Louise A. , Moore Steven C. , Hollenbeck Albert R. , Schatzkin Arthur , Lacey James V.
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

Convincing epidemiologic evidence links excess body mass to increased risks of endometrial and postmenopausal breast cancers, but the relation between body mass index (BMI) and ovarian cancer risk remains inconclusive. Potential similarities regarding a hormonal mechanism in the etiology of female cancers highlight the importance of investigating associations according to menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use. However, to the authors' knowledge, data addressing whether the relation between BMI and ovarian cancer differs by MHT use are very sparse.

METHODS:

The authors prospectively investigated the association between BMI and ovarian cancer among 94,525 US women who were followed between 1996 through 1997 to December 31, 2003. During 7 years of follow‐up, 303 epithelial ovarian cancer cases were documented.

RESULTS:

Compared with normal weight women (BMI of 18.5‐24.9 kg/m2), the multivariate relative risk (MVRR) of ovarian cancer for obese women (BMI of ≥30 kg/m2) in the cohort as a whole was 1.26 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.94‐1.68). Among women who never used MHT, the MVRR for obese versus normal weight women was 1.83 (95% CI, 1.18‐2.84). In contrast, no relation between BMI and ovarian cancer was apparent among women who ever used MHT (MVRR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.65‐1.43; P interaction = 0.02). Exploratory analyses also suggested a positive association between BMI and ovarian cancer among women without a family history of ovarian cancer (MVRR comparing obese vs normal weight women = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.86), but no relation with BMI was apparent among women with a positive family history of ovarian cancer (MVRR = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.34‐1.62 [P interaction = .02]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on the results of the current study, the authors suspect that obesity is associated with enhanced ovarian cancer risk through a hormonal mechanism. Cancer 2009. Published 2009 by the American Cancer Society.
Deletion of the citron kinase gene selectively affects the number and distribution of interneurons in barrelfield cortex
Authors: Muzzi Patrizia , Camera Paola , di Cunto Ferdinando , Vercelli Alessandro
Published: February 2009

Citron kinase (CIT‐K), a ser/thr kinase, is required during neurogenesis for cytokinesis of neuronal precursors. Deletion of the cit‐k gene in mice (cit‐k−/− mice) leads to a severe malformative central nervous system syndrome characterized by microencephaly, ataxia, and epileptic seizures; affected mice die by the third week of postnatal life. We have used NADPH‐diaphorase histochemistry, immunostaining for calbindin, calretinin, parvalbumin, and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), and histological staining to undertake qualitative and quantitative analyses of the morphology and distribution of interneurons in the barrelfield cortex of cit‐k−/− mice. By postnatal day 13, lack of CIT‐K results in profoundly altered cortical cell morphology: the infragranular layers are populated by large, binucleate interneurons bearing many more dendrites than in control mice, an anatomical profile that has also been reported for the cortex of humans with cortical dysplasias and epilepsy. Tessellation analyses reveal that a clustered distribution of interneurons is maintained in cit‐k−/− mice, but that their nearest neighbor distance is significantly increased, and thus their density is reduced; the overall number of interneurons is more dramatically decreased in the absence of CIT‐K than would be predicted on the basis of the reduced brain size of affected mice. This reduction of inhibitory γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons likely underlies the occurrence of epileptic seizures in the cit‐k−/− mice. Furthermore, the altered distribution of NADPH‐diaphorase‐positive interneurons could be responsible for an impaired coupling of cortical activity to blood flow, also affecting cortical growth and functioning. J. Comp. Neurol. 513:249–264, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fabrication of Monodisperse Toroidal Particles by Polymer Solidification in Microfluidics
Authors: Wang Baoguo , Shum Ho Cheung , Weitz David A.
Published: February 2009

Microdoughnuts: Polymer toroidal particles such as the one shown in the left picture have been prepared by a capillary microfluidic technique. Droplets of polymer solution undergo non‐uniform solidification to form the anisotropic polymer particles. By incorporating functional materials inside the polymer network, functional toroidal particles (center and right images) can be tailor‐made for specific applications such as magnetic actuation.

magnified image
Differentiating between endocervical glandular neoplasia and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in endocervical crypts: Cytological features in ThinPrep and SurePath cervical cytology samples
Authors: Thiryayi Sakinah A. , Marshall Janet , Rana Durgesh N.
Published: February 2009

A recent audit at our institution revealed a higher number of cases diagnosed as endocervical glandular neoplasia on ThinPrep (TP) cervical cytology samples (9 cases) as opposed to SurePath (SP) (1 case), which on histology showed only high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) with endocervical crypt involvement (CI). We attempted to ascertain the reasons for this finding by reviewing the available slides of these cases, as well as slides of cases diagnosed as glandular neoplasia on cytology and histology; cases diagnosed as high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) on cytology which had CIN with CI on histology and cases with mixed glandular and squamous abnormalities diagnosed both cytologically and histologically. Single neoplastic glandular cells and short pseudostratified strips were more prevalent in SP than TP with the cell clusters in glandular neoplasia 3–4 cells thick, in contrast to the dense crowded centre of cell groups in HSIL with CI. The cells at the periphery of groups can be misleading. Cases with HSIL and glandular neoplasia have a combination of the features of each entity in isolation. The diagnosis of glandular neoplasia remains challenging and conversion from conventional to liquid based cervical cytology requires a period of learning and adaptation, which can be facilitated by local audit and review of the cytology slides in cases with a cytology–histology mismatch. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle cytology of metastatic endometrioid neoplasms: Experience with eight cases
Authors: Fulciniti Franco , Losito Nunzia Simona , Botti Gerardo , Pignata Sandro , Pisano Carmela , Kobayashi Tadao K. , Laurelli Giuseppe , Greggi Stefano
Published: February 2009

Despite the frequency of endometrioid malignancies, few articles in the literature are found concerning their cytopathologic presentation on fine‐needle cytology samples. This report describes the cytomorphological findings in eight cases of recurrent or metastatic endometrioid neoplasms on fine‐needle cytology samples obtained from various body sites. The cytological findings in metastatic or recurrent endometrioid carcinomas could be classified into five main patterns (i.e.: endometrioid, adeno‐squamous, villo‐glandular, clear cell, and papillary‐serous), in analogy to histology. It is the authors' feeling that an adequate knowledge of the cytopathological features of this group of neoplasms may be important in favoring an early detection of their relapses or metastases and may contribute to save diagnostic time and more invasive procedures to the patients. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differentiating reactive mesothelial cells from metastatic adenocarcinoma in serous effusions: The utility of immunocytochemical panel in the differential diagnosis
Authors: Saleh Husain A. , El‐Fakharany Mohammad , Makki Hassan , Kadhim Ahmad , Masood Shahla
Published: February 2009

Differentiating reactive mesothelial cells (RMs) from metastatic adenocarcinoma cells (MAC) in serous fluids based on cytomorphologic features alone can be very challenging. Various immunocytochemical (ICC) markers have been used to maximize the diagnostic accuracy, however, cytopathologists still encounter difficulties in effusion cytologic diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate previous and recent ICC stains to identify the most sensitive and specific markers and the best panel for differentiating RM from MAC.

Cell block sections from 41 MAC and 43 RM effusions cases were subjected to ICC staining for MOC‐31, BerEp4, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), calretinin, HBME‐1, CK5/6, and D2‐40. For the MAC cases, the sensitivity of BerEp4, MOC‐31, and CEA was 82.9, 92.6, and 17%, respectively, and the specificity was 95.3, 93, and 100%, respectively. For the RM cases, the sensitivity of calretinin, CK5/6, D2‐40, and HBME‐1 was 95.3, 27.9, 58.1, and 93%, respectively, and the specificity was 70.7, 73.1, 75.6, and 82.9%, respectively. The results show that BerEp4 and MOC‐31 are highly sensitive and specific for detecting MAC, whereas calretinin and HBME1 are highly sensitive but only modestly specific for detecting RM cases (P < 0.05). Forced entry logistic regression revealed that using MOC‐31, BerEp4, HBME‐1, and calretinin, is an excellent panel for making correct diagnosis with 97.6% sensitivity in detecting MAC and 90.7% specificity in detecting RM.

We conclude that adding a panel of MOC‐31, BerEp4, calretinin, and HBME‐1 immunostains to routine cytomorphologic features can greatly enhance the diagnostic accuracy of serous effusions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Informationen aus dem Zulassungsbereich Brandschutz
Authors: Bolze Maja
Published: February 2009

Aus gegebenem Anlass möchte das Deutsche Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) im Folgenden nähere Erläuterungen zu einigen speziellen Zulassungsbereichen geben:

1. Zulassungsbereich “Feuerschutzabschlüsse”

2. Zulassungsbereich “Absperrvorrichtungen gegen Feuer und Rauch in Lüftungsleitungen”

3. Zulassungsbereich “Feuerwiderstandsfähige Abschlüsse besonderer Bauart und Verwendung”
New meaning in the message: Noncoding RNAs and their role in retinal development
Authors: Rapicavoli Nicole A. , Blackshaw Seth
Published: February 2009

Recent studies have indicated that non‐protein‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) may play prominent and diverse roles in the development of the nervous system. These ncRNAs are now known to perform a broad range of cellular functions, and in particular appear to be prominent players in the regulation of transcription and translation. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the role of ncRNAs in vertebrate retinal development. Noncoding RNAs that are known or suspected to play a functional role in the specification and maturation of retinal cell subtypes include miRNAs, long noncoding opposite‐strand transcripts (OSTs), and other long ncRNAs such as Tug1 and RNCR2. Though the mechanism of action of most of these ncRNAs is still largely unclear, it is likely that these molecules represent a major, and thus far largely unappreciated, component of the molecular machinery involved in retinal cell fate specification. Developmental Dynamics 238:2103–2114, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deletion of a conserved noncoding sequence in Plzf intron leads to Plzf down‐regulation in limb bud and polydactyly in the rat
Authors: Liška František , Šnajdr Pavel , Šedová Lucie , Šeda Ondřej , Chylíková Blanka , Slámová Petra , Krejčí Eliška , Sedmera David , Grim Miloš , Křenová Drahomíra , Křen Vladimír
Published: February 2009

Lx mutation in SHR.Lx rat manifests in homozygotes as hindlimb preaxial polydactyly. It was previously mapped to a chromosome 8 segment containing the Plzf gene. Plzf (promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein) influences limb development as a direct repressor of posterior HoxD genes. However, the Plzf coding sequence is intact in the Lx mutants. Using linkage mapping in F2 hybrids, we downsized the segment containing Lx to 155 kb and sequenced conserved noncoding elements (CNEs) inside. A 2,964‐bp deletion in Plzf intron 2, never detected in control animals, is the only candidate for Lx. The deletion removes the most deeply conserved CNE in the 155‐kb segment, suggesting a regulatory influence on Plzf expression. Correspondingly, using in situ hybridization and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, we found a decrease of Plzf expression in Lx/Lx limb buds with concomitant anterior expansion of expression domains of its targets, Hoxd10–13 genes, in the absence of ectopic Sonic hedgehog expression. Upstream regulation of Plzf in limb buds is currently unknown. We present here the first candidate Plzf cis‐regulatory sequence. Developmental Dynamics 238:673–684, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adaptation of GAL4 activators for GAL4 enhancer trapping in zebrafish
Authors: Ogura Eri , Okuda Yuichi , Kondoh Hisato , Kamachi Yusuke
Published: February 2009

An enhancer trap‐based GAL4‐UAS system in zebrafish requires strong GAL4 activators with minimal adverse effects. However, the activity of yeast GAL4 is too low in zebrafish, while a fusion protein of the GAL4 DNA‐binding domain and the VP16 activation domain is toxic to embryonic development, even when expressed at low levels. To alleviate this toxicity, we developed variant GAL4 activators by fusing either multimeric forms of the VP16 minimal activation domain or the NF‐κB activation domain to the GAL4 DNA‐binding domain. These variant GAL4 activators are sufficiently innocuous and yet highly effective transactivators in developing zebrafish. Enhancer‐trap vectors containing these GAL4 activators downstream of an appropriate weak promoter were randomly inserted into the zebrafish genome using theSleeping Beautytransposon system. By the combination of these genetic elements, we have successfully developed enhancer trap lines that activate UAS‐dependent reporter genes in a tissue‐specific fashion that reflects trapped enhancer activities. Developmental Dynamics 238:641–655, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomical location of mature GnRH neurons corresponds with their birthdate in the developing mouse
Authors: Jasoni Christine L. , Porteous Robert W. , Herbison Allan E.
Published: February 2009

The gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons exhibit substantial functional, anatomical, and molecular heterogeneity, which has hampered their thorough examination. This study was undertaken in an effort to understand whether the anatomical distribution of GnRH neurons is related to their developmental history, because such an association may help explain differences within the population. Using bromodeoxyuridine pulse labeling of timed pregnant female mice we labeled dividing cells, including GnRH neuron progenitors in the olfactory placode, throughout the window of GnRH neuron differentiation. Our results indicate that cells that become postmitotic early tend to populate the rostral aspects of the adult GnRH neuron continuum, whereas later‐generated cells tend to settle more caudally; an inside‐out pattern reminiscent of neocortex. These observations suggest that the timing of differentiation influences the ability of postmitotic GnRH neurons to navigate to their adult location, and hence may be important in determining the ultimate wiring of the adult network. Developmental Dynamics 238:524–531, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Examining requirement for formation of functional Presenilin proteins and their processing events in vivo
Authors: Barakat Ala , Mercer Bettie , Cooper Emilie , Chung Hui‐Min
Published: February 2009

Presenilin (Psn) is a multipass transmembrane protein that functions as the catalytic subunit of γ‐secretase for mediating intramembrane cleavage of type 1 transmembrane proteins. Normally active Psn is in the form of a heterodimer composed by its N‐terminal and C‐terminal fragments that are generated from a Presenilinase‐mediated endoproteolytic cleavage within its large cytosolic loop during assembly of the protease complex. Using the Psn forms that either bypass or disable Presenilinase‐mediated endoproteolysis, and a Psn form that has most of the large cytosolic loop deleted, we have established an in vivo system to enable investigations of Psn functional domains in Drosophila. We show that the Presenilinase‐mediated endoproteolytic event is not essential for producing Psn activity during animal development, and is regulated by integrity of the large cytosolic loop of Psn in Drosophila. The Psn transgenic flies described here could be applied to a broad range of studies on Psn functioning and its related γ‐secretase activity at any developmental stage. genesis 47:161–168, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hybrid camera surveillance system using robust human detection
Authors: Iwata Kenji , Satoh Yutaka , Yoda Ikushi , Sakaue Katsuhiko
Published: February 2009

We propose a novel surveillance system that uses a hybrid camera network. The system contains a panoramic camera and PTZ cameras to take the wide range images and face images at high enough resolution for identification tasks. The robust human detection methods include robust background subtraction method (RRC), skin color segmentation, and face tracking method. First, the system detects persons from a panoramic image, and then the detailed face images are obtained with the PTZ cameras. The PTZ cameras can track the faces using the four directional features and the relaxation matching. In addition, the system has an automatic camera position calibration feature. Thus, the user can use the system without any troublesome settings. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(11): 11–18, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10006
State value compensation of controller for constrained systems
Authors: Hara Naoyuki , Kojima Akira
Published: February 2009

State value compensation of dynamic controllers for constrained linear systems is discussed. The relation between changes in a partial state and the resulting responses is characterized by introducing a singular value decomposition (SVD). By employing the SVD, a partial state compensation law which satisfies the system constraints is derived. The advantage of the proposed method is illustrated with numerical examples. The obtained result is also applied to an inverted pendulum system for experimental evaluation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(11): 1–10, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10036
Visual tracking of a moving object using a stereo vision robot
Authors: Kobayashi Nobuaki , Shibata Masaaki
Published: February 2009

In this paper, we propose a visual tracking method for a moving object without tracking delay. On visual servoing, an image‐based method with image Jacobian is often taken for target‐centering camera motion control because it does not require the target's 3D position estimation and is robust to modeling errors and noises. In an ordinary visual servoing approach, it is assumed that the target object would be fixed in the workspace. Therefore, for the purpose of tracking to a moving target, the image errors always exist between the target position and camera optical axis, that is, the visual tracking delay. In our proposed method, the target object's 3D position is estimated with the technique based on triangulation on stereo vision system. Then, the moving velocity is calculated in the camera coordinate frame. The image Jacobian concerns the camera velocity with the target velocity in the image plane. Additionally, the target velocity in the 3D worksplace is also converted into the velocity in the image plane. The converted velocity compensation the camera velocity to compensate the camera motion delay. The approach enables us to achieve nondelayed tracking for the moving target. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(11): 19–27, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10184
“Disturbance observers in D‐module” for sensorless drive of synchronous motors—new phase estimation with zero phase lag
Authors: Shinnaka Shinji
Published: February 2009

This paper proposes two new “disturbance observers in the D‐module” for sensorless drive of synchronous motors including permanent‐magnet synchronous motors and synchronous reluctance motors. The disturbance filter for the observers can estimate speed‐varying rotor phase (in other words, rotor position) with zero phase lag. It is constructed by means of “the filter in the D‐module,” which has the following desired characteristics for variable sensorless drive: (1) it makes distinction between positive and negative frequencies of two‐phase signals; (2) it can allow processing of the signals based on frequency polarities; (3) it can also change dynamically its center frequency of bandpass filtering according to rotor speed estimates; (4) its passband and transition can be designed independently; and (5) it can be easily realized. The new disturbance observers also have a generality such that they contain the recently proposed disturbance observer as a special case. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 167(3): 63–70, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20602
Economic evaluation of demand‐side energy storage systems by using a multi‐agent‐based electricity market
Authors: Furusawa Ken , Sugihara Hideharu , Tsuji Kiichiro
Published: February 2009

With the wholesale electric power market opened in April 2005, deregulation of the electric power industry in Japan has faced a new competitive environment. In the new environment, Independent Power Producer (IPP), Power Producer and Supplier (PPS), Load Service Entity (LSE), and electric utility can trade electric energy through both bilateral contracts and single‐price auction at the electricity market. In general, the market clearing price (MCP) is largely changed by the amount of total load demand in the market. The influence may cause a price spike, and consequently the volatility of MCP will make LSEs and their customers face a risk of higher revenue and cost. DSM is attractive as a means of load leveling, and has an effect on decreasing MCP at peak load period. Introducing Energy Storage systems (ES) is one DSM in order to change demand profile at the customer side. In the case that customers decrease their own demand due to increased MCP, a bidding strategy of generating companies may be changed. As a result, MCP is changed through such complex mechanism. In this paper the authors evaluate MCP by multi‐agent. It is considered that customer‐side ES has an effect on MCP fluctuation. Through numerical examples, this paper evaluates the influence on MCP by controlling customer‐side ES corresponding to variation of MCP. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 167(3): 36–45, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20658
Structure analysis of self‐assembled ErSi2 nanowires formed on Si (110) substrates
Authors: Katayama Yusuke , Watanabe Ryouki , Kobayashi Tomohiro , Meguro Takashi , Zhao Xinwei
Published: February 2009

The ErSi2 nanowires were formed on Si(110) substrates by a self‐assembled growth process without a high vacuum system. All of the nanowires were highly parallel and along the Si [1‐10] direction. It was shown by structural analysis that the nanowires consisted of two types, which displayed a similar surface morphology. The first type is ErSi2 nanowires buried into the Si substrate at a depth of 30 mm, and the other is ErSi2 thin layers covering a wire‐like Si surface. The latter is suggested to be the remaining structure after evaporation of the first type wires during high‐temperature annealing. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 167(3): 58–62, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20790
Cycloruthenated Compounds – Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Djukic Jean‐Pierre , Sortais Jean‐Baptiste , Barloy Laurent , Pfeffer Michel
Published: February 2009

The syntheses of cycloruthenated compounds by several methods, and especially by the C–H activation pathway, have been reviewed. Many ruthenium‐containing starting materials lead to these interesting organometallic compounds, which have found various applications in different fields of chemistry. Their reactivity highlights both thevariety of reactions that were found to occur at the Ru–C bonds as well as the inertness of the organometallic moiety when these species are exposed to strongly oxidizing molecules or to reactive halogenation reagents. Their use as catalyst precursors showed them to be particularly efficient for hydrogenation reactions, either by H2 or by hydride transfer. Physicochemical characteristics of cycloruthenated complexes include: (i) a cathodic shift of the electrochemical potentials corresponding to various redox couples, (ii) a bathochromic shift of UV/Vis absorption bands, (iii) valuable luminescence properties. Dinuclear cycloruthenated complexes display specific properties connected to interactions between the metals, such as strong electronic coupling, evidenced by intervalence bands of mixed‐valence species, or efficient energy transfer.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Bimetallic Complexes of Ytterbium and Europium Stabilized by Sterically Demanding Dipyridylamides
Authors: Dietel Anna M. , Döring Christian , Glatz Germund , Butovskii Mikhail V. , Tok Oleg , Schappacher Falko M. , Pöttgen Rainer , Kempe Rhett
Published: February 2009

Deprotonation of Ap*pyH {Ap*pyH = (6‐methylpyridin‐2‐yl)‐[6‐(2,4,6‐triisopropylphenyl)‐pyridin‐2‐yl]‐amine} using KH leads to Ap*pyK which undergoes a clean salt metathesis reaction with [YbI2(thf)4] and [EuI2(thf)4] in THF forming[Yb2(Ap*py)3I(thf)] and [Eu2(Ap*py)3I(thf)], respectively. The two YbII centers in [Yb2(Ap*py)3I(thf)] are in close proximity and chemically different. Thus, an f‐block‐element–f‐block‐element coupling pattern was observed. The low‐field 171Yb signal consists of a central singlet and two satellites with integral intensities of about 7 % each. This 14 % approximately corresponds to the natural abundance of the 171Yb isotope and was assigned as a doublet arising from 1J(171Yb, 171Yb) spin‐spin coupling with a magnitude of 76.1 Hz. The 151Eu Mössbauer spectrum of [Eu2(Ap*py)3I(thf)] recorded at 77 K shows an isomer shift (δ) of –11.9(1) mm/s with an experimental line width (Γ) of 6.9(1) mm/s. This line width is extremely large and results from an overlap of the signals from both crystallographically independent europium sites. The reaction of [Yb2(Ap*py)3I(thf)] with Ap*pyK leads to [Yb2(Ap*py)4(thf)2]. In the reactions of [Yb2(Ap*py)3I(thf)] with azidotrimethylsilane and sulfur the rearrangement products [Yb2(Ap*py)3I2] and [Yb2(Ap*py)3I3] were obtained, respectively. Treating [Yb2(Ap*py)3I(thf)] with NaN(SiMe3)2 afforded homoleptic “ate” complex Na2[Yb(Ap*py)4]. A mixed silylamide dipyridylamide complex was obtained in the reaction of NaYb[N(SiMe3)2]3 with Ap*pyH. All complexes – three of which are paramagnetic – were characterized by X‐ray crystal structure analysis. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Highly Chemoselective Synthesis of 6‐Alkoxy‐1‐alkyl(aryl)‐3‐trifluoroacetyl‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyridines and 1‐Alkyl(aryl)‐6‐amino‐3‐trifluoroacetyl‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyridines
Authors: Zanatta Nilo , da S. Fernandes Liana , Nachtigall Fabiane M. , Coelho Helena S. , Amaral Simone S. , Flores Alex F. C. , Bonacorso Helio G. , P. Martins Marcos A.
Published: February 2009

A simple and highly chemoselective method for the synthesis of a large series of novel 6‐alkoxy‐1‐alkyl(aryl)‐3‐trifluoroacetyl‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyridines and 1‐alkyl(aryl)‐6‐amino‐3‐trifluoroacetyl‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyridines, from the reaction of 6‐alkoxy‐3‐trifluoroacetyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐6H‐pyrans with primary alkyl and arylamines, in good yields, is reported. Preliminary in vitro antimicrobial activity of the 1‐alkyl(aryl)‐6‐amino‐3‐trifluoroacetyl‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyridine series was assessed against a variety of microorganisms including yeast‐like fungi, bacteria and algae, and some of these compounds exhibit significant antimicrobial activity.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Coupling of Site‐Directed Mutagenesis and Immobilization for the Rational Design of More Efficient Biocatalysts: The Case of Immobilized 3G3K PGA from E.coli
Authors: Serra Immacolata , Cecchini Davide A. , Ubiali Daniela , Manazza Elena M. , Albertini Alessandra M. , Terreni Marco
Published: February 2009

We have investigated the synthetic performance of the immobilized 3G3K mutant of the Penicillin G acylase (PGA) from E. coli obtained by site‐directed mutagenesis. The 3G3K mutant, characterized by a tag consisting of three lysines alternating with three glycines at the end of the β‐chain, has previously been reported to have a higher ratio for the rate of antibiotic synthesis and the rate of hydrolysis of the acylating agent (the vs/vh1 value) than the wild‐type enzyme. New immobilization studies have been carried out with the 3G3K mutant by using different glyoxyl supports (activated with aldehyde groups). The catalytic properties of the new immobilized preparations were tested in the synthesis of Cefamandole and Cefonicid by kinetically controlled N‐acylation (kcNa). Compared with the commercial wild‐type PGA, the 3G3K acylase immobilized on glyoxyl agarose showed higher synthetic performance (reaction rates and yields) in all the tested reactions.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Dicarbonylchloro(pentabenzylcyclopentadienyl)ruthenium as Racemization Catalyst in the Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Secondary Alcohols
Authors: Mavrynsky Denys , Päiviö Mari , Lundell Katri , Sillanpää Reijo , Kanerva Liisa T. , Leino Reko
Published: February 2009

Dicarbonylchloro(pentabenzylcyclopentadienyl)ruthenium has been prepared and its structure confirmed by X‐ray analysis. This complex shows excellent catalytic activity and modest stability against air in racemization reactions of secondary alcohols. In Candida antarctica lipase B (CAL‐B) catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of 1‐phenyl‐ and 1‐(furan‐2‐yl)ethanol compounds, the new complex shows improved performance as an alcohol racemization catalyst in comparison with its well‐known pentaphenylcyclopentadienyl analogue, hitherto considered as the leading catalyst candidate. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Increased genomic instability and altered chromosomal protein phosphorylation timing in HRAS‐transformed mouse fibroblasts
Authors: Dunn Katherine L. , He Shihua , Wark Landon , Delcuve Geneviève P. , Sun Jian‐Min , Yu Chen Hou , Mai Sabine , Davie James R.
Published: February 2009

The RAS‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway is often deregulated in cancer cells. In metastatic HRAS‐transformed mouse fibroblasts (Ciras‐3), the RAS‐MAPK pathway is constitutively activated. We show here that Ciras‐3 cells exhibit a higher incidence of chromosomal instability than 10T1/2 cells, including higher levels of clonal and nonclonal chromosomal aberrations. Stimulation of serum starved 10T1/2 and Ciras‐3 cells with phorbol esters (TPA) results in the phosphorylation of histone H3 at serine 10 and serine 28. Regardless of the increased genomic instability in Ciras‐3 cells, TPA‐induced H3 phosphorylated at serine 10 and H3 phosphorylated at serine 28 partitioned into distinct nuclear subdomains as they did in the parental cells. However, the timing of the response of the H3 phosphorylation event to TPA induction was delayed in Ciras‐3 cells. Further Ciras‐3 cells, which have a more open chromatin structure, had increased steady state levels of phosphorylated H3 and HMGN1 relative to parental 10T1/2 cells. TPA‐induced H3 phosphorylated at serine 10 and 28 were colocalized with the transcriptionally initiated form of RNA polymerase II in 10T1/2 and Ciras‐3 cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that TPA‐induced H3 phosphorylation at serine 28 was associated with the immediate early JUN promoter, providing direct evidence that this histone post‐translational modification is associated with transcriptionally active genes. Together our results demonstrate the increased genomic instability and alterations in the epigenetic program in HRAS‐transformed cells. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Replication of genetic associations as pseudoreplication due to shared genealogy
Authors: Rosenberg Noah A. , VanLiere Jenna M.
Published: February 2009

The genotypes of individuals in replicate genetic association studies have some level of correlation due to shared descent in the complete pedigree of all living humans. As a result of this genealogical sharing, replicate studies that search for genotype‐phenotype associations using linkage disequilibrium between marker loci and disease‐susceptibility loci can be considered as “pseudoreplicates” rather than true replicates. We examine the size of the pseudoreplication effect in association studies simulated from evolutionary models of the history of a population, evaluating the excess probability that both of a pair of studies detect a disease association compared to the probability expected under the assumption that the two studies are independent. Each of nine combinations of a demographic model and a penetrance model leads to a detectable pseudoreplication effect, suggesting that the degree of support that can be attributed to a replicated genetic association result is less than that which can be attributed to a replicated result in a context of true independence. Genet. Epidemiol. 33:479–487, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Theiler's virus infection induces TLR3‐dependent upregulation of TLR2 critical for proinflammatory cytokine production
Authors: So Eui Young , Kim Byung S.
Published: February 2009

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection directly induces many proinflammatory genes, including type I interferon (IFN) and a variety of cytokine genes. These virus‐induced cytokines are a critical factor in developing TMEV‐induced demyelinating disease. We have previously reported that the major activation signal for the cytokine genes is mediated via TLR3. In this study, we describe that TLR2 is upregulated via TLR3 signal and cooperatively participates in the expression of IL‐6, IL‐1β, CCL2, and CCL5 genes following TMEV infection. The expression of these genes was significantly impaired in both TLR2‐deficient and TLR3‐deficient primary astrocytes. However, the induction of type I IFNs was not affected by TLR2 deficiency in the primary cells. TMEV infection led to TLR2‐mediated NF‐κB activation, but not IRF3 or IRF7 activation, critical for type I IFN production. More importantly, TLR3 was required for TMEV‐induced early TLR2 upregulation in primary astrocytes leading to the production of TLR2‐dependent cytokines such as IL‐6. Interestingly, soluble factor(s) produced via TLR2/3‐dependent signals appears to be partially associated with the downstream cytokine production. These results indicate that TMEV utilizes TLR3‐induced TLR2 to induce inflammatory cytokines, which are critical to the development of immune‐mediated demyelinating disease. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The association between climate teleconnection indices and Upper Klamath seasonal streamflow: Trans‐Niño Index
Authors: Kennedy Adam M. , Garen David C. , Koch Roy W.
Published: February 2009

This research investigates large‐scale climate features affecting inter‐annual hydrologic variability of streams flowing into Upper Klamath Lake (UKL), Oregon, USA. UKL is an arid, mountainous basin located in the rain shadow east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains in the northwestern United States. Developing accurate statistical models for predicting spring and summer seasonal streamflow volumes for UKL is difficult because the basin has complex hydrology and a high degree of topographic and climatologic variability. In an effort to reduce streamflow forecast uncertainty, six large‐scale climate indices—the Pacific North American Pattern, Southern Oscillation Index, Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), Multivariate El Niño‐Southern Oscillation Index, Niño 3·4, and a revised Trans‐Niño Index (TNI)—were evaluated for their ability to explain inter‐annual variation of the major hydrologic inputs into UKL.

The TNI is the only index to show significant correlations during the current warm phase of the PDO. During the warm PDO phase (1978–present), the averaged October through December TNI is strongly correlated with the subsequent April through September streamflow (r = 0·7) and 1 April snow water equivalent (r = 0·6). Regional analysis shows that this climate signal is not limited to UKL but is found throughout the northwestern United States.

Incorporating the TNI variable into statistical streamflow prediction models results in standard errors of forecasts issued on the first of February and earlier that are 7–10% smaller than those for the models without the TNI. This, coupled with other enhancements to the statistical models, offers a significant increment of improvement in forecasts used by water managers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Haemochromatosis HFE gene polymorphisms as potential modifiers of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer risk and onset age
Authors: Shi Zumin , Johnstone Daniel , Talseth‐Palmer Bente A. , Evans Tiffany‐Jane , Spigelman Allan D. , Groombridge Claire , Milward Elizabeth A. , Olynyk John K. , Suchy Janina , Kurzawski Grzegorz , Lubinski Jan , Scott Rodney J.
Published: February 2009

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is characterized by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes; however, variation in disease expression suggests that there are potential modifying factors. Polymorphisms of the HFE gene, which cause the iron overload disorder hereditary haemochromatosis, have been proposed as potential risk factors for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). To understand the relationship between HNPCC disease phenotype and polymorphisms of the HFE gene, a total of 362 individuals from Australia and Poland with confirmed causative MMR gene mutations were genotyped for the HFE C282Y and H63D polymorphisms. A significantly increased risk of developing CRC was observed for H63D homozygotes when compared with combined wild‐type homozygotes and heterozygotes (hazard ratio = 2.93, p = 0.007). Evidence for earlier CRC onset was also observed in H63D homozygotes with a median age of onset 6 years earlier than wild type or heterozygous participants (44 vs. 50 years of age). This effect was significant by all tests used (log‐rank test p = 0.026, Wilcoxon p = 0.044, Tarone‐Ware p = 0.035). No association was identified for heterozygosity of either polymorphism and limitations on power‐prevented investigation of C282Y homozygosity or compound C282Y/H63D heterozygosity. In the Australian sample only, women had a significantly reduced risk of developing CRC when compared with men (hazard ratio = 0.58, p = 0.012) independent of HFE genotype for either single nucleotide polymorphisms. In conclusion, homozygosity for the HFE H63D polymorphism seems to be a genetic modifier of disease expression in HNPCC. Understanding the mechanisms by which HFE interrelates with colorectal malignancies could lead to reduction of disease risk in HNPCC. © 2009 UICC