bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrophoresis
Authors: Righetti Pier Giorgio , Gelfi Cecilia
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.Introduction2.Basic Principles3.Electrophoretic Matrices3.1.Cellulose Acetate3.2.Agarose Gels3.3.Polyacrylamide Gels4.Discontinuous Electrophoresis5.Isoelectric Focusing6.Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Electrophoresis7.Porosity Gradient Gels8.Two‐Dimensional Maps (Proteome Analysis)9.Isotachophoresis10.Immunoelectrophoresis10.1.Rocket Immunoelectrophoresis10.2.Crossed Immunoelectrophoresis10.3.Tandem Crossed Immunoelectrophoresis10.4.Intermediate Gel Crossed Immunoelectrophoresis10.5.Fused‐Rocket Crossed Immunoelectrophoresis11.Staining Techniques and Blotting12.Immobilized pH Gradients13.Capillary Zone Electrophoresis14.Preparative Electrophoresis14.1.Preparative Isoelectric Focusing in Granulated Gel Layers14.2.Continuous‐Flow, Recycling Isoelectric Focusing14.3.The Rotofor14.4.Recycling Free‐Flow Focusing (RF3)14.5.Multicompartment Electrolyzers with Isoelectric Membranes
Environmental Management in the Chemical Industry
Authors: Jourdan Louis , Jonckheere Filip , Geffarth Ulrich , Busson Jaques
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

1.1.

Historical Development

1.2.

Factors Influencing Companies to Improve Their Environmental Performance

1.3.

Scope of This Contribution

2.

Environmental Management in Chemical Companies

2.1.

Preamble

2.2.

Environmental Management Systems

2.3.

Environmental Policy

2.4.

Organization and Structure

2.4.1.

Typical Organization

2.4.2.

Staffing of HSE Functions

2.4.3.

Employee Motivation and Training

2.4.4.

Research and Development

2.5.

Standards, Regulations, Monitoring, and Environmental Programs

2.5.1.

Register of Standards

2.5.2.

Measuring Environmental Performance

2.5.3.

Environmental Programs

2.6.

Environmental Audits

2.6.1.

Definition

2.6.2.

The Audit Plan

2.6.3.

Environmental Auditors

2.6.4.

Audit Methodology and Process

2.6.5.

Audit Report and Action Program

2.7.

Environmental Management Reviews

3.

Environmental Communication

3.1.

Environmental Communication: A New Aspect of Management

3.2.

Audiences and Vehicles

3.3.

The Environmental Report

3.3.1.

Audiences

3.3.2.

Corporate or Site Reports

3.3.3.

Contents of the Report

3.3.4.

Links to Environmental Management Systems

3.3.5.

Trends

3.4.

Stakeholder's Reactions

3.5.

Who Communicates?

4.

The Impact of Legislation on Environmental Management

4.1.

Operating Permits

4.2.

Process Safety Legislation

4.3.

The EC Eco‐Management and Audit Regulation

4.4.

Mandatory Environmental Communication

5.

Voluntary Action by Industry

5.1.

Internal Statements

5.2.

Voluntary Agreements

5.3.

Public Commitments

5.4.

Responsible Care

5.4.1.

Responsible Care; What Is It?

5.4.2.

The Guiding Principles

5.4.3.

National Programs

5.4.4.

The Scope of Responsible Care; Product Stewardship

5.4.5.

The Challenges of Responsible Care

6.

Standardization and Certification of Environmental Management Systems

6.1.

Standards for Environmental Management Systems

6.1.1.

Generic or Specific Standards

6.1.2.

EMS Standards

6.1.3.

The ISO 9000 and 14 000 Standards

6.2.

Certification of Environmental Management Standards

6.2.1.

Certification of an EMS

6.2.2.

Certification Against the EC Regulation

7.

International Aspects of Environmental Management

7.1.

Environmental Requirements in Different Countries

7.2.

Technological Cooperation
Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Kear Bernard H. , Skandan Ganesh
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.Introduction2.Characteristics of Nanostructured Materials3.Production of Nanostructured Powders3.1.Spray Conversion Processing3.2.Sol ‐ Gel Processing3.3.Aqueous Solution Processing3.4.Physical Vapor Synthesis3.5.Chemical Vapor Condensation3.6.Chemical Vapor Reaction3.7.Liquid Flame Spray4.Processing of Nanostructured Bulk Structures and Coatings4.1.Equal Channel Angular Pressing4.2.Liquid Phase Sintering ofn‐WC/Co4.3.Thermal Spraying ofn‐WC/Co4.4.High‐Pressure Consolidation5.Processing of Novel Nanostructured Materials5.1.Composite Nanoparticles5.2.Films with Nanoscale Porosity5.3.High Green Density Compaction Method6.Applications of Nanostructured Materials7.Future Perspective
Chemical Conservation of Stone Structures
Authors: Snethlage Rolf , Wendler Eberhard
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

2.

Traditional Stone‐Conservation Products

2.1.

Limewater and Lime Wash

2.2.

Linseed Oil

2.3.

Waxes

2.4.

Fluorosilicates

2.5.

Water Glass

3.

Organosilicon Compounds

3.1.

Strengtheners

3.1.1.

Tetraethyl Orthosilicate

3.1.2.

Flexible Gels

3.1.3.

Coupling Agents

3.1.4.

Effect on Stone Properties

3.2.

Hydrophobic Products

3.2.1.

Formulations

3.2.2.

Combined Products

3.2.3.

Microemulsions

3.2.4.

Effect of Hydrophobation on Stone Properties

3.2.5.

Durability

4.

Acrylates

4.1.

Reactive Acrylate Systems

4.2.

Polymer Acrylate Systems

4.3.

Total Impregnation with PMMA

5.

Epoxy Resins

6.

Polyurethanes

7.

Polyester and Alkyd Resins

8.

Polymer Dispersions

9.

Conclusions
Mössbauer Spectroscopy
Authors: Gütlich Philipp , Ensling Jürgen
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.Introduction2.Principle and Experimental Conditions of Recoil‐free Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence2.1.Nuclear Resonance2.2.Recoil Effect2.3.Mössbauer Effect3.Mössbauer Experiment3.1.Doppler Effect3.2.Mössbauer Spectrometer4.Preparation of Mössbauer Source and Absorber5.Hyperfine Interactions5.1.Isomer Shift5.2.Magnetic Hyperfine Interaction5.3.Quadrupole Splitting5.4.Combined Quadrupole and Magnetic Hyperfine Interactions5.5.Relative Intensities of Resonance Lines6.Evaluation of Mössbauer Spectra7.Selected Applications7.1.Magnetic Materials7.2.Corrosion Products7.3.Catalysis7.4.Atmospheric Aerosol Samples7.5.U.S. One‐Dollar Bill
Techniques for DNA Analysis
Authors: Wall Wilson J.
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

1.1.

DNA Structure

1.2.

Structure of DNA in Vivo

2.

Primary Molecular Tools for DNA Analysis

3.

Methods of DNA Detection

3.1.

Bioluminescence

3.2.

Colorimetry

3.3.

Electrochemiluminescence

3.4.

Fluorescence

3.5.

Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE)

3.6.

Single‐Strand Conformation Polymorhism

3.7.

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA

3.8.

Short Tandem Repeat Analysis

3.9.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Detection

3.10.

Mitochondrial DNA Analysis

3.11.

DNA Analysis and Bioinformatics

4.

Applications of DNA Analysis

4.1.

General Principles of ARMS Analysis of DNA

4.2.

Analysis of Dynamic Mutations

4.3.

Using DNA Analysis to Determine Sex

4.4.

Methods of Personal Identification

4.5.

Bacterial Contamination of Water Supplies

4.6.

Adulteration of Food Stuffs
Ion Beam Techniques
Authors: Wolf Gerhard K. , Ensinger Wolfgang
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

2.

Interaction of Ions with Matter

3.

Equipment for Ion Beam Generation and Application

3.1.

Gaseous Ion Sources

3.2.

Solid Sources

3.3.

IBAD Facilities

4.

Applications

4.1.

Semiconductor Processing

4.2.

Metal Modification

4.3.

Ion Beam Modification of Insulators

4.3.1.

Ion Implantation and Ion Bombardment

4.3.2.

Metallization and Ion Beam Assisted Coatings

5.

Outlook
Inulin
Authors: Franck Anne , Levecke Bart
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Chemical Structure3.Physical and Chemical Properties4.Physiological Properties5.Resources and Raw Materials5.1.Dahlia5.2.Jerusalem Artichoke5.3.Chicory6.Production6.1.First Step6.2.Second Step6.3.Environmental Aspects7.Uses7.1.Food Applications7.2.Inulin Derivatives for Non‐Food Applications7.2.1.Oxidation7.2.2.Carboxymethylation7.2.3.Hydrophobization8.Analysis8.1.HPLC8.2.Gas Chromatography8.3.HPAEC Analysis (Dionex)8.4.Permethylation8.5.Quantitative Determination9.Legal Aspects10.Economic Aspects and Trade Names
Alkali Metal Cyanides
Authors: Rubo Andreas , Kellens Raf , Reddy Jay , Steier Norbert , Hasenpusch Wolfgang
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.Properties2.Production, Packaging, and Transport2.1.Classical Cyanide Production Processes2.2.Cyanide Production Processes2.3.Energy Consumption2.4.Packaging and Transport2.5.Responsible Care, Product Stewardship, Sustainable Development, Certification3.Emissions and Consumptions4.Quality Specifications, Impurities5.Uses5.1.Gold Mining5.2.Chemical Synthesis5.3.Electroplating of Metals5.4.Hardening of Metals6.Economic Aspects7.Best Available Techniques (BAT)7.1.Processes7.2.Procedures7.3.Toxicology and Occupational Health
Fraser and Ablepharon macrostomia phenotypes: Concurrence in one family and association with mutatedFRAS1
Authors: Cavalcanti Denise Pontes , Matejas Verena , Luquetti Daniela , Mello Marcos Fernando , Zenker Martin
Published: December 2006

To date, Fraser syndrome (FS) and Ablepharon macrostomia syndrome (AMS) have been considered distinct disorders, but they share strikingly similar patterns of congenital abnormalities, specifically craniofacial anomalies. While recent research has led to the identification of the genesFRAS1andFREM2as the cause of FS, the genetic basis of AMS continues to be enigmatic. We report on the concurrence of AMS‐like and Fraser phenotypes in a Brazilian family. Both affected sibs were homozygous for a novel splice site mutation in theFRAS1gene. Extensive studies on mRNA expression indicated that this mutation most likely leads to loss of function as most previously reportedFRAS1mutations associated with FS. We conclude that a phenotype resembling AMS is a rare clinical expression of FS with no obvious genotype–phenotype correlation. However, the molecular basis of “true” AMS which has been reported as a sporadic disorder in all cases but one, and so far with no relation to FS, is probably different and still needs to be further investigated. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hematological abnormalities during the first week of life among neonates with Down syndrome: Data from a multihospital healthcare system
Authors: Henry E. , Walker D. , Wiedmeier S.E. , Christensen R.D.
Published: December 2006

Various hematological abnormalities have been reported among neonates with Down syndrome. Thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, polycythemia, neutrophilia, transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD), and congenital leukemia have all been reported. The two largest case series previously reported involved 63 and 31 cases. To acquire hematological data from a larger case series, we obtained all CBCs done during the first week after birth on all neonates with Down syndrome cared for in an Intermountain Healthcare (IHC) hospital with a date of birth between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2005. During this period, 145,522 live births were recorded at 18 hospitals. Down syndrome was recognized in 226 (1 in 644). One hundred fifty‐eight (70%) of these had one or more CBCs obtained before the seventh day (144 hr). Neonates who did versus did not have a CBC in the first week had a similar gestational age, birth weight, percentage who were LGA and SGA, and length of stay. Neutrophilia was the most common hematological abnormality detected, with 80% of absolute neutrophil counts above the upper limit of normal for age. Six percent (9/158) had blasts identified on the blood film and three, where this was persistent, were referred to the pediatric hematology service for further evaluation. The next most commonly detected abnormality was thrombocytopenia, with 66% of platelet counts <150,000/µl, and with 6% of counts <50,000/µl. The mean platelet volume did not correlate with the platelet count, but tended to run slightly large (9.2 ± 1.3 fl), with 24% of values above 10 fl. Only one had a platelet transfusion. Polycythemia was the next most common hematological abnormality detected, with 33% of hematocrit values above 65% or hemoglobin concentrations above 22 g/dl. Six had a reduction transfusion. One patient had significant anemia (hematocrit <15%) and received an erythrocyte transfusion. One had neutropenia associated with an infection after bowel surgery. Neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, and polycythemia were the most common hematological abnormalities observed among neonates with Down syndrome. Anemia, thrombocytosis, and neutropenia were not more common than among neonates who do not have Down syndrome. Hematological abnormalities were so common in this group that it seems reasonable to recommend that one or more CBCs be obtained on all neonates with Down syndrome. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A male infant with a 9.6 Mb terminal Xp deletion including the OA1 locus: Limit of viability of Xp deletions in males
Authors: Melichar Volker O. , Guth Sabine , Hellebrand Heide , Meindl Alfons , Hardt Katharina von der , Kraus Cornelia , Trautmann Udo , Rascher Wolfgang , Rauch Anita , Zenker Martin
Published: December 2006

Males with deletions of or within Xp22.3‐pter display variable contiguous gene syndromes including manifestations of Léri‐Weill syndrome, chondrodysplasia punctata, mental retardation, ichthyosis, Kallmann syndrome, and ocular albinism. Herein, we report on a male infant with a large, cytogenetically visible, terminal Xp deletion defined by extensive FISH and STS marker analysis to encompass 9.6 Mb, and findings of all of the disorders mentioned above. His deletion approximates the largest Xp terminal deletion ever reported in a male individual. Since the extent of terminal Xp deletions viable in males is limited by the position of male lethal genes in Xp22.2 at about 10–11 Mb from the telomere, this patient falls into the category of the most severe male terminal Xp deletion phenotype. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a 5.3 Mb deletion in 15q14 by comparative genomic hybridization using a whole genome “tiling path” BAC array in a girl with heart defect, cleft palate, and developmental delay
Authors: Erdogan Fikret , Ullmann Reinhard , Chen Wei , Schubert Marei , Adolph Sabine , Hultschig Claus , Kalscheuer Vera , Ropers Hans‐Hilger , Spaich Christiane , Tzschach Andreas
Published: December 2006

High‐resolution array CGH utilizing sets of overlapping BAC and PAC clones (“tiling path”) covering the whole genome is a powerful novel tool for fast detection of submicroscopic chromosome deletions or duplications. We describe the successful application of a submegabase resolution whole genome “tiling path” BAC array to confirm and characterize a de novo interstitial deletion of chromosome 15. The deletion has a size of 5.3 Mb and is located within chromosome band 15q14, distal to the Prader–Willi/Angelman region. The affected girl had a heart defect, cleft palate, recurrent infections, and developmental delay. In contrast to GTG banding, array CGH determined the exact number of deleted genes and thus allowed the identification of candidate genes for cleft palate (GREM1, CX36, MEIS2), congenital heart defect (ACTC, GREM1, CX36, MEIS2), and mental retardation (ARHGAP11A, CHRNA7, CHRM5). © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Obesity, hypothyroidism, craniosynostosis, cardiac hypertrophy, colitis, and developmental delay: A novel syndrome
Authors: Tan Tiong Yang , Amor David J.
Published: December 2006

We describe in two brothers an apparently novel syndrome comprising obesity, congenital hypothyroidism, neonatal colitis, cardiac biventricular hypertrophy, craniosynostosis, and developmental delay. The first brother presented with neonatal colitis and congenital hypothyroidism and died at age 5 weeks of fulminant colitis. The second brother presented neonatally with the same condition, but survived and subsequently developed severe obesity, sagittal and coronal synostosis, and developmental delay. Both pregnancies had been complicated by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP syndrome). Exhaustive genetic and metabolic investigations have failed to provide a unifying pathogenesis. This unique combination of manifestations appears to represent a new syndrome with probable autosomal recessive or X‐linked recessive inheritance. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A girl with neurofibromatosis type 1, atypical autism and mosaic ring chromosome 17
Authors: Havlovicova Marketa , Novotna Drahuse , Kocarek Eduard , Novotna Kamila , Bendova Sarka , Petrak Borivoj , Hrdlicka Michal , Sedlacek Zdenek
Published: December 2006

We describe a girl with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), mild dysmorphic features, growth and mental retardation, autism, and mosaicism of ring chromosome 17 and chromosome 17 monosomy. The extent of genetic material deleted from the ring chromosome was determined using a combination of classical cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) to be 0.6–2.5 Mb on 17p, and up to about 10 Mb on 17q. Based on our observations and on a review of the literature we argue that in addition to a universal “ring syndrome” which is based on ring instability and is less specific for the chromosome involved, various ring chromosomes underlie their own characteristic phenotypes. We propose that the symptoms leading to the diagnosis of NF1 in our patient could be attributed to mosaic hemizygosity for the NF1 gene in some of her somatic cells. A similar mechanism or a direct involvement of respective disease genes in the aberration could possibly influence also the development of autism and other symptoms. We raise a question if the loss of one copy of chromosome 17 from a substantial fraction of somatic cells can have specific consequences also for future risks of the patient, for example, due to the mosaic hemizygosity for the BRCA1 and TP53 genes. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Duplication/deletion mosaicism of the 7q(21.1 → 31.3) region
Authors: Morales Carme , Madrigal Irene , Esqué Teresa , de la Fuente José Eugenio , Rodríguez José Manuel , Margarit Ester , Soler Anna , Sánchez Aurora
Published: December 2006

Mosaicism for structural aberrations is a rare event and the coexistence of a cell line with a duplication and another with a deletion of the same chromosome segment is even more infrequent. We report a boy with a 46,XY,del(7q)/46,XY,dup(7q) mosaicism. High‐resolution cytogenetic analysis and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) performed at birth showed a trisomy for region 7q21.1 to 7q31.3 in 90% of metaphases analyzed and monosomy for the same region in 10% of metaphases. At the age of 12 months, karyotype on peripheral blood and exfoliated urinary epithelial cells was 46,XY,dup(7)(q21.1q31.3) in all cells analyzed. The patient presented malformations and psychomotor retardation. His phenotype is compared with other previously case reports describing patients with an interstitial duplication of 7(q21 or q22 → q31.3). Due to the absence of a normal cell line, we propose a post‐zygotic origin of the abnormality during the first mitotic division and a progressive loss of the deleted cells during pre‐ and post‐natal development by selective pressure. The patient described here emphasizes the possible existence of an undetectable cell line in patients previously diagnosed of pure partial 7q trisomy or monosomy to explain the great clinical variability between reported patients. We also describe the culture of urinary epithelial cells in order to perform cytogenetic analysis as a useful non‐invasive method. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sibling cases of Vici syndrome: Sleep abnormalities and complications of renal tubular acidosis
Authors: Miyata Rie , Hayashi Masaharu , Sato Hiroyuki , Sugawara Yuji , Yui Takako , Araki Satoshi , Hasegawa Takeshi , Doi Shozaburo , Kohyama Jun
Published: December 2006

Vici syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by albinism, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and developmental delays. Cardiac complications usually cause poor prognosis. We report sibling cases of Vici syndrome, and address complications of renal tubular acidosis. We also demonstrate the significance of serial examinations of brain natriuretic peptides, and discuss the possible early use of a β‐blocker to control cardiomyopathy. A sleep study including polysomnography indicated functional brainstem involvement, in which muscle atonia during non‐rapid sleeping eye movements, and bursts of rapid eye movements increased. These findings provide new clues for medical care of patients with Vici syndrome. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scandium–Bipyridine‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Aminolysis of meso‐Epoxides
Authors: Mai Enzo , Schneider Christoph
Published: December 2006

The scandium–bipyridine‐catalyzed enantioselective addition of anilines and O‐alkyl hydroxylamines to meso‐epoxides has been optimized and extended to a broad range of epoxides and amines. Whereas aromatic meso‐epoxides generally furnished the corresponding 1,2‐amino alcohols in excellent enantioselectivities, aliphatic meso‐epoxides only gave rise to moderate enantioselectivities in the aminolysis. The catalyst loading may be lowered to just 5 mol % with only marginal effects on yield and enantioselectivity. A strong positive nonlinear effect has been observed, pointing to aggregation phenomena of the catalyst.
Impact of aspirin therapy in cancer patients with thrombocytopenia and acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Sarkiss Mona G. , Yusuf S. Wamique , Warneke Carla L. , Botz Gregory , Lakkis Nasser , Hirch‐Ginsburg Cheryl , Champion J. Chris , Swafford Joseph , Shaw Andrew D. S. , Lenihan Daniel J. , Durand Jean‐Bernard
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND.

Patients with cancer who have thrombocytopenia may experience acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and the use of aspirin (ASA) poses an increased risk of bleeding. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the benefit of ASA therapy in the treatment of ACS would extend to cancer patients with thrombocytopenia and outweigh the risks of severe bleeding.

METHODS.

The records of all cancer patients diagnosed with an ACS in 2001 and referred for cardiology consultation were reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of platelet count, >100 cells k/μL and ≤100 cells k/μL. Data were collected on the use of ASA therapy, bleeding complications, and survival rates. The authors assessed group differences by using the Wilcoxon rank sum test or 2‐tailed Fisher exact test, as appropriate. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess factors potentially associated with 7‐day survival.

RESULTS.

In cancer patients with ACS and thrombocytopenia, those who did not receive ASA had a 7‐day survival rate of 6% compared with 90% in those who did receive ASA (P < .0001). There were no severe bleeding complications. Patients with a platelet count (>100 cells k/μL) who received ASA had a 7‐day survival rate of 88% compared with 45% in those who did not receive ASA (P = .0096).

CONCLUSIONS.

Therapy with ASA was associated with a significantly improved 7‐day survival after ACS in cancer patients, with or without thrombocytopenia, and not associated with more severe bleeding. Cancer 2007;109:621–627. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Theoretical evaluation of spectral efficiency and outage probability of TDMA multihop cellular systems
Authors: Yamamoto Koji , Kusuda Atsushi , Nakano Tsuyoshi , Yoshida Susumu
Published: December 2006

For TDMA cellular systems that introduced multihop transmission, the spectral efficiency and outage probability in a single‐cell environment are formulated and evaluated numerically. By using approximations, the numerical evaluation is also conducted in an interference‐limited multicell environment and compared to simulation results. In formulating these performances, the focus is on the common points of multihop transmission and symbol rate control, and a method similar to the performance evaluation method of rate‐adaptive TDMA cellular systems is applied. In particular, the opposite effects of multihop transmission on the spectral efficiency are explicitly considered. In a single cell environment, instead of lowering the spectral efficiency somewhat by the introduction of multihop transmission, the cell coverage satisfying the allowable outage probability could be clearly expanded. A multicell environment could be implemented with cell reuses with a smaller allowable outage probability resulting from the introduction of multihop transmission. Consequently, an improved spectral efficiency is expected. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 90(4): 1–10, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20366
ε‐separating nonlinear filter bank and its application to face image beautification
Authors: Arakawa Kaoru , Okada Takuya
Published: December 2006

For the purposes of separating the specific components of nonsteady signals, the ε‐separating nonlinear filter bank is proposed. Previously, the authors proposed a nonlinear digital filter called the ε‐filter. This filter effectively eliminates the small signal amplitude random noise superimposed on a signal with a large signal changing component. The ε‐filter bank proposed in this paper consists of these ε‐filters and separates the components by taking account of both the signal amplitude and frequency. Further, a filter system for beautifying facial images using this filter bank is proposed. The human facial image consists not only of large‐signal components such as the frame, eyes, nose, and mouth, but also of small‐signal high‐frequency components such as fine wrinkles as well as small‐signal medium‐frequency components such as large wrinkles and blemishes. Additionally, ultrasmall‐amplitude high‐frequency components expressing the natural roughness of the skin also exist. The present filter bank can eliminate wrinkles and blemishes while maintaining the natural roughness of the skin, allowing beautification of the skin of facial images to be performed effectively. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 90(4): 52– 62, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.20241
Phase response of transfer functions and coherent field in a reverberation room
Authors: Takahashi Yoshinori , Tohyama Mikio , Yamasaki Yoshio
Published: December 2006

This paper analyzes the properties of sound field transfer functions that change with the sound source distance (SSD), by measuring reverberant room impulse responses from a point of view of the phase characteristics. We analyzed the propagation phase (PP) according to the SSD in a reverberant field that R. Lyon investigated, by using a narrow‐band linear regression analysis of the impulse responses and considered the relation to the zero distribution of the transfer function. As a result, we clarified that the SSD information is included in the phase frequency characteristics of the minimum‐phase component and the variances from the PP. The distance from the source where the PP could be observed corresponds to the coherent field based on the wave theory or the critical distance defined by the energy ratio of direct to reverberation sound. Therefore, the field where the PP could be observed in the minimum‐phase component of the transfer function can be treated as the direct sound field. In addition, we also present that the reverberation phase (RP) separated and extracted along with PP from the phase frequency characteristics is according to the estimated value from the number of non‐minimum‐phase zeros. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 90(4): 1–8, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.20293
Recent advances in the control of morphology and surface chemistry of porous polymer‐based monolithic stationary phases and their application in CEC
Authors: Eeltink Sebastiaan , Svec Frantisek
Published: December 2006

This review focuses on developments in the field of polymer‐based monolithic columns for CEC published in the literature since the beginning of the year 2005. The possibility of in‐situ preparation as well as easy control over their porous properties and surface chemistries clearly make monolithic separation media an attractive alternative to capillary columns packed with particles. Different variables such as polymerization conditions, morphology, and surface chemistry are shown to directly affect performance of monolithic capillary columns in terms of efficiency, analysis time, and retention.
Neurogenic neuroepithelial and radial glial cells generated from six human embryonic stem cell lines in serum‐free suspension and adherent cultures
Authors: Nat Roxana , Nilbratt Mats , Narkilahti Susanna , Winblad Bengt , Hovatta Outi , Nordberg Agneta
Published: December 2006

The great potential of human embryonic stem (hES) cells offers the opportunity both for studying basic developmental processes in vitro as well as for drug screening, modeling diseases, or future cell therapy. Defining protocols for the generation of human neural progenies represents a most important prerequisite. Here, we have used six hES cell lines to evaluate defined conditions for neural differentiation in suspension and adherent culture systems. Our protocol does not require fetal serum, feeder cells, or retinoic acid at any step, to induce neural fate decisions in hES cells. We monitored neurogenesis in differentiating cultures using morphological (including on‐line follow up), immunocytochemical, and RT‐PCR assays. For each hES cell line, in suspension or adherent culture, the same longitudinal progression of neural differentiation occurs. We showed the dynamic transitions from hES cells to neuroepithelial (NE) cells, to radial glial (RG) cells, and to neurons. Thus, 7 days after neural induction the majority of cells were NE, expressing nestin, Sox1, and Pax6. During neural proliferation and differentiation, NE cells transformed in RG cells, which acquired vimentin, BLBP, GLAST, and GFAP, proliferated and formed radial scaffolds. γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐positive and glutamate positive neurons, few oligodendrocyte progenitors and astrocytes were formed in our conditions and timing. Our system successfully generates human RG cells and could be an effective source for neuronal replacement, since RG cells predominantly generate neurons and provide them with support and guidance. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of rock fragments on hydrologic and hydraulic responses along a slope
Authors: Hung Kou‐Chan , Kosugi Ken'ichirou , Lee Tim Hau , Misuyama Takahisa
Published: December 2006

A model describing the three‐dimensional matrix flow along a slope with rock fragments or impermeable blocks was developed. The model was combined with modified Picard's iteration to ensure mass conservation in the unsaturated flow. We found that rock fragments obstruct water flow along the slope. The groundwater table must be raised to provide a sufficient pore water pressure gradient to facilitate water flow, but higher pore water pressure may induce slope failure. We also conducted a bench‐scale laboratory flume experiment to examine the effects of impermeable blocks on downstream seepage flow. In addition, a numerical experiment was conducted to examine how different arrangements of impermeable blocks affect downstream seepage flow and pore water pressure. This research demonstrated that the hydraulic phenomena were affected when impermeable blocks were present, and pore water pressure increased as the position of impermeable blocks was lowered. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling of degradation and drug release from a biodegradable stent coating
Authors: Prabhu Santosh , Hossainy Syed
Published: December 2006

Biodegradable polymeric coatings on cardiovascular stents can be used for local delivery of therapeutic agents to diseased coronary arteries after stenting procedures. This can minimize the occurrence of clinically adverse events such as restenosis after stent implantation. A validated mathematical model can be a very important tool in the design and development of such coatings for drug delivery. The model should incorporate the important physicochemical processes responsible for the polymer degradation and drug release. Such a model can be used to study the effect of different coating parameters and configurations on the degradation and the release of the drug from the coating. In this paper, a simultaneous transport‐reaction model predicting the degradation and release of the drug Everolimus from a polylactic acid (PLA) based stent coating is presented. The model has been validated using in vitro testing data and was further used to evaluate the influence of various parameters such as partitioning coefficient of water, autocatalytic effect of the lactic acid and structural change of the matrix, on the PLA degradation and drug release. The model can be used as a tool for predicting drug delivery from other coating configurations designed using the same polymer‐drug combination. In addition, this modeling methodology has broader applications and can be used to develop mathematical models for predicting the degradation and drug release kinetics for other polymeric drug delivery systems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Key developmental regulators change during hyperoxia‐induced injury and recovery in adult mouse lung
Authors: Pogach Melanie S. , Cao Yuxia , Millien Guetchyn , Ramirez Maria I. , Williams Mary C.
Published: December 2006

Developmentally important genes have recently been linked to tissue regeneration and epithelial cell repair in neonatal and adult animals in several organs, including liver, skin, prostate, and musculature. We hypothesized that developmentally important genes play roles in lung injury repair in adult mice. Although there is considerable information known about these processes, the specific molecular pathways that mediate injury and regulate tissue repair are not fully elucidated. Using a hyperoxic injury model to study these mechanisms of lung injury and tissue repair, we selected the following genes based upon their known or putative roles in lung development and organogenesis: TTF‐1, FGF9, FGF10, BMP4, PDGF‐A, VEGF, Ptc, Shh, Sca‐1, BCRP, CD45, and Cyclin‐D2. Our findings demonstrate that several developmentally important genes (Sca‐1, Shh, PDGF‐A, VEGF, BCRP, CD45, BMP4, and Cyclin‐D2) change during hyperoxic injury and normoxic recovery in mice, suggesting that adult lung may reactivate key developmental regulatory pathways for tissue repair. The mRNA for one gene (TTF‐1), unchanged during hyperoxia, was upregulated late in recovery phase. These novel findings provide the basis for testing the efficacy of post‐injury lung repair in animals genetically modified to inactivate or express individual molecules. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 1415–1429, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of Src‐family kinases in formation and trafficking of macropinosomes
Authors: Kasahara Kousuke , Nakayama Yuji , Sato Izumi , Ikeda Kikuko , Hoshino Masaki , Endo Takeshi , Yamaguchi Naoto
Published: December 2006

Src‐family kinases that localize to the cytoplasmic side of cellular membranes through lipid modification play a role in signaling events including membrane trafficking. Macropinocytosis is an endocytic process for solute uptake by large vesicles called macropinosomes. Although macropinosomes can be visualized following uptake of fluorescent macromolecules, little is known about the dynamics of macropinosomes in living cells. Here, we show that constitutive c‐Src expression generates macropinosomes in a kinase‐dependent manner. Live‐cell imaging of GFP‐tagged c‐Src (Src‐GFP) reveals that c‐Src associates with macropinosomes via its N‐terminus continuously from their generation at membrane ruffles, through their centripetal trafficking, to fusion with late endosomes and lysosomes. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of Src‐GFP shows that Src‐GFP is rapidly recruited to macropinosomal membranes from the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles through vesicle transport even in the presence of a protein synthesis inhibitor. Furthermore, using a HeLa cell line overexpressing inducible c‐Src, we show that following stimulation with epidermal growth factor (EGF), high levels of c‐Src kinase activity promote formation of macropinosomes associated with the lysosomal compartment. Unlike c‐Src, Lyn and Fyn, which are palmitoylated Src kinases, only minimally induce macropinosomes, although a Lyn mutant in which the palmitoylation site is mutated efficiently induces macropinocytosis. We conclude that kinase activity of nonpalmitoylated Src kinases including c‐Src may play an important role in the biogenesis and trafficking of macropinosomes. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 220–232, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Delay of acute intracellular pH recovery after acidosis decreases endothelial cell activation
Authors: Huck Volker , Niemeyer André , Goerge Tobias , Schnaeker Eva‐Maria , Ossig Rainer , Rogge Phillip , Schneider Matthias F. , Oberleithner Hans , Schneider Stefan W.
Published: December 2006

Reperfusion after ischemic conditions induces massive endothelial cell (EC) activation, an initial step of reperfusion injury. Reperfusion is characterized by reoxygenation, realkalinization and a localized increase of inflammatory stimuli. In this study, we focused on the influence of extracellular realkalinization on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) activation. We examined intracellular pH (pHin) and intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]in), a second messenger known to mediate von Willebrand factor (VWF) exocytosis in endothelium, upon realkalinization. Furthermore, we measured the agonist‐stimulated exocytosis of VWF, Interleukin‐8 and soluble P‐selectin (sP‐Selectin) as markers of EC activation. To verify a morphological correlate of EC activation, we finally observed platelet‐endothelial adherence during realkalinization using shear flow. Realkalinization of HUVEC was simulated by switching from bicarbonate buffered Ringer solution of an acidotic pHex of 6.4 to a physiologic pHex of 7.4. Extracellular realkalinization was accompanied by pHin recovery from 6.5 to 7.2 within 10 min. Application of cariporide, an inhibitor of the Na+/H+ exchanger subtype 1 (NHE), during extracellular realkalinization significantly delayed the early kinetics of intracellular realkalinization. Histamine stimulated [Ca2+]in was significantly increased upon realkalinization compared to control cells. Also agonist‐stimulated release of VWF, Interleukin‐8 and sP‐Selectin was massively enhanced during pHin recovery in comparison to control. Furthermore, we observed an increased platelet binding to endothelium. Interestingly, each of these realkalinization‐induced effects were significantly reduced by early application of cariporide. Therefore, delay of acute NHE‐dependent pHin recovery may represent a promising mechanism for inhibition of EC activation upon reperfusion. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 399–409, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of the S phase DNA damage checkpoint by mitomycin C
Authors: Mladenov Emil , Tsaneva Irina , Anachkova Boyka
Published: December 2006

We have studied the rate of DNA synthesis, cell cycle distribution, formation of γ‐H2AX, and Rad51 nuclear foci and association of Rad51 with the nuclear matrix after treatment of HeLa cells with the interstrand crosslinking agent mitomycin C (MMC) in the presence of the kinase inhibitors caffeine and wortmannin. The results showed that MMC treatment arrested the cells in S‐phase and induced the appearance of γ‐H2AX and Rad51 nuclear foci, accompanied with a sequestering of Rad51 to the nuclear matrix. These effects were abrogated by caffeine, which inhibits the Ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ATM‐ and Rad3‐related (ATR) kinases. However, wortmannin at a concentration that inhibits ATM, but not ATR did not affect cell cycle progression, damage‐induced phosphorylation of H2AX and Rad51 foci formation, and association with the nuclear matrix, suggesting that the S‐phase arrest induced by MMC is ATR‐dependent. These findings were confirmed by experiments with ATR‐deficient and AT cells. They indicate that the DNA damage ATR‐dependent S‐phase checkpoint pathway may regulate the spatiotemporal organization of the process of repair of interstrand crosslinks. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 468–476, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of radiolabeled peptides to target p185HER2/neu receptors of cancer
Authors: Su Zifen
Published: December 2006

The p185HER2/nue receptors which regulate the growth of cancer cells and are overexpressed in 20–30% of the cancers can be the markers for cancer diagnosis. This work describes the DTPA conjugation, Indium(III) complexes characterization, Tc‐99m labeling, and Biacore test of the peptides such as [Cys6‐Cys12]H‐GAGGYCDGFYACYMDV‐CONH2 (anti‐HER2/neu‐peptidomics, (Ala2)AHNP), [Cys6‐Cys12]H‐G(Abu)GGYCDGFYACYMDV‐CONH2 ((Abu2)AHNP), and H‐dYCALTYYDYECdFAY‐CONH2 (EP6, EGFR selective peptide) binding affinity to the p185HER2/neu proteins. The results show the evidence of EP6 binding to the immobilized p185HER2/neu proteins. The labeled EP6, [99mTc]DTPA‐EP6, had displayed greater association percentage to the lysate of T6‐17 cells expressing p185HER2/neu proteins compared to the labeled AHNPs. The uptake (in terms of ID%/g) of [99mTc]DTPA‐EP6 in animal xenografted tumor was seven folds greater than that of the [99mTc](Ala2)AHNP. The nature of the dual‐receptors (EGFR and HER2/neu) binding of EP6 is a merit for the peptide to target cancer. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlations between sea‐surface temperatures and warm season streamflow in northwest Mexico
Authors: Gochis David J. , Brito‐Castillo Luis , James Shuttleworth W.
Published: December 2006

Previous hydroclimatological analysis of the North American Monsoon (NAM) region of northwest México revealed significant sub‐regions of coherence in seasonal precipitation and streamflow. In this work, interannual variations in regionalized streamflow and rainfall‐runoff relationships are explored. Modulation of the monsoon hydroclimatology by large‐scale forcing mechanisms such as tropical, North Pacific, and Caribbean Sea‐surface temperature perturbations results in nonlinear responses in seasonal runoff that varies by region. Analyses reveal that the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exerts a modest but statistically significant influence on NAM streamflow. Different sea‐surface temperature and sea‐level pressure indices exhibit markedly different lag‐correlation structures in different NAM streamflow regions and these relationships vary significantly according to the decadal scale sea‐surface temperature (SST) variability in the North Pacific. The structure of correlation patterns between eastern Pacific SST and regionalized NAM streamflow anomalies complicates the application of common ENSO indices as streamflow predictors. The occurrence of ENSO also has a significant impact on regional runoff fractions and on the partitioning of streamflow between the summer and winter seasons. The summer ENSO influence is explained, in part, by changes in the lower tropospheric pressure and wind fields, which result in modest increases in atmospheric moisture over the streamflow regions during La Niña episodes versus El Niño episodes. The results suggest that improved monitoring and prediction of ENSO variability, through careful development of eastern Pacific SST indices in the pre‐monsoon period should provide useful guidance for seasonal forecasts of regional monsoon streamflow. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
The importance of local‐scale openness within regions dominated by closed woodland
Authors: Fyfe Ralph
Published: December 2006

New and existing pollen data from Wales, UK, are used to assess the level of landscape openness at the regional and local scale. At the regional scale, the existing pollen data support the high‐forest model of vegetation structure by 6000 cal. yr. BC prior to any palynological signal for anthropogenic impact in the region. New data from two sites in southwest Wales follow the general regional pattern of early to middle Holocene vegetation succession, but are striking owing to maintenance of high non‐arboreal pollen percentages (NAPs) throughout the mid‐Holocene. It is argued that these NAPs indicate that a significant degree of openness can be found at the local level (and beyond the confines of the peat‐forming site) within regions characterised by closed woodland. It is possible that woodland development in these areas may have been suppressed by reduced drainage, although the role of grazing animals in maintenance of clearings cannot be assessed. Implications for this local degree of openness are discussed, in particular the significance of vegetation heterogeneity at the local scale for the construction of place or locale for prehistoric communities. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparative isolation of cyclolanostane‐type saponins from Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao by TLC‐MS/MS guided high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Han Quan Bin , Song Jing Zheng , Qiao Chun Feng , Wong Lina , Xu Hong Xi
Published: December 2006

Two cyclolanostane‐type saponins, astragalosides I and II, were first identified by TLC‐MS/MS in the ethyl acetate extract of the roots of Astragalus membranaceus Bge var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao without chemical reference substances. They were then isolated by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography with a two‐step two‐phase solvent system of ethyl acetate‐2‐propanol–water (5:1:5, 50:1:50, v/v/v). The quantities of astragalosides I and II isolated from 1 g of the crude extract were 30.2 mg and 16.5 mg, respectively. Their purities were found to be over 95% by HPLC–ELSD analysis. Their chemical structures were confirmed by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance analysis.
Corrosion knowledge management: An example of an interface for more efficient managerial communication
Authors: Javaherdashti R.
Published: December 2006

Corrosion is a highly technical issue of which middle and top managers are not much aware. An important issue in establishing communication between highly technical corrosion engineers and less technical managers is a system by which expectations of both sides can be processed in a language understandable for the other party. “Corrosion knowledge management” is the first step in designing such communication means. This paper will discuss the required tools for such systematic approach.
Modelling reinforcement corrosion – usability of a factorial approach for modelling resistivity of concrete
Authors: Osterminski K. , Schießl P. , Volkwein A. , Mayer T. F.
Published: December 2006

As part of the macro cell corrosion process of reinforcement steel, the resistivity of concrete plays a crucial role. In order to investigate the influence parameters on the resistivity of concrete, the results of a discrete quantification were presented and implemented into a factorial approach for modelling corrosion propagation. First results delivered significant deviations from values obtained by measuring. Using Gauss' method of least mean squares provided a decrease in deviations. The hereby obtained deviations were lower than the scatter of the measuring results. A usability of the proposed factorial approach could therefore be approved.