bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stem cells: Current challenges and future promise
Authors: Battey James F.
Published: June 2007

Stem cells have two remarkable properties. They can either renew themselves or they can differentiate into one or more adult cell types. Stem cells derived from a human embryo appear to have an unlimited capacity to self‐renew in cell culture, and they are also able to differentiate into hundreds of adult cell types. Human embryonic stem cell lines offer a platform technology that has the potential to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that determine adult cell fate, generate cellular models for discovery of new drugs, and create populations of differentiated cells for novel transplantation therapies. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has identified some of the rate‐limiting steps toward realizing this potential, and has forged funding initiatives to accelerate research progress. Given the remarkable potential, NIH support for research using stem cells is an important priority for the foreseeable future. Developmental Dynamics 236:3193–3198, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chy‐3 mice are Vegfc haploinsufficient and exhibit defective dermal superficial to deep lymphatic transition and dermal lymphatic hypoplasia
Authors: Dellinger Michael T. , Hunter Robert J. , Bernas Michael J. , Witte Marlys H. , Erickson Robert P.
Published: June 2007

Recent advances in molecular lymphology and lymphatic phenotyping techniques in small animals offer new opportunities to delineate mutant mouse models. Chy‐3 mutant mice were originally named for their chylous ascites, but the underlying lymphatic disorder was not defined. We now re‐examined these mice and applied advanced genotyping and lymphatic phenotyping techniques to pinpoint the specific lymphatic defect in this mouse model. We demonstrated that Chy‐3 mice carry a large chromosomal deletion that includes Vegfc and narrowed this region by monitoring the heterozygosity of genetic markers. We found that Chy‐3 mice not only exhibited chylous ascites but also lymphedema of the hind paws and, in approximately half of the males, lymphedema of the penis. Visual lymphangiography and immunofluorescence staining showed a hypoplastic dermal lymphatic network, whereas the blood vasculature appeared unaffected. This hypoplastic lymphatic network was functional, and all adult Chy‐3 mice exhibited a lateral lymphatic pathway directly connecting the inguinal to the axillary lymph node. The dermal superficial to deep lymphatic connections in upper limbs and in all cervical regions were intact and functionally drained the upper body. Lymphatic tracer was not transported from the dermal to the deep truncal lymphatic system in the lower limbs, even though the deep lymphatic vessels and nodes were present and patent. These findings further delineate the lymphatic phenotype of Chy‐3 mice, identify a collateral lymph drainage pathway previously undescribed in other genetic models of lymphedema, and demonstrate a predilection for lymphatic abnormalities of the lower limbs. Developmental Dynamics 236:2346–2355, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Xenopus Lefty requires proprotein cleavage but not N‐linked glycosylation to inhibit nodal signaling
Authors: Westmoreland Joby J. , Takahashi Shuji , Wright Christopher V. E.
Published: June 2007

The Nodal and Nodal‐related morphogens are utilized for the specification of distinct cellular identity throughout development by activating discrete target genes in a concentration‐dependant manner. Lefty is a principal extracellular antagonist involved in the spatiotemporal regulation of the Nodal morphogen gradient during mesendoderm induction. The Xenopus Lefty proprotein contains a single N‐linked glycosylation motif in the mature domain and two potential cleavage sites that would be expected to produce long (XleftyL) and short (XleftyS) isoforms. Here we demonstrate that both isoforms were secreted from Xenopus oocytes, but that XleftyL is the only isoform detected when embryonic tissue was analyzed. In mesoderm induction assays, XleftyL is the functional blocker of Xnr signaling. When secreted from oocytes, vertebrate Lefty molecules were N‐linked glycosylated. However, glycan addition was not required to inhibit Xnr signaling and did not influence its movement through the extracellular space. These findings demonstrate that Lefty molecules undergo post‐translational modifications and that some of these modifications are required for the Nodal inhibitory function. Developmental Dynamics 236:2050–2061, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MiRNA expression analysis during normal zebrafish development and following inhibition of the Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathways
Authors: Thatcher Elizabeth J. , Flynt Alex S. , Li Nan , Patton Jonathan R. , Patton James G.
Published: June 2007

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small (∼22 nucleotide) non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level, typically by inhibiting translation. The genes encoding these small RNAs are estimated to comprise approximately 2–3% of animal genomes yet potentially regulate a majority of protein‐coding genes including those involved in cell specification and development. A key remaining question is to identify target mRNAs regulated by microRNAs. As a means to identify potential targets, we designed a sensitive microarray to analyze global miRNA expression patterns at twelve developmental stages in zebrafish. Further, we conducted arrays on zebrafish embryos treated with small molecule inhibitors of the Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathways to enable identification of differentially expressed miRNAs that target genes controlling key developmental pathways during early embryogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 236:2172–2180, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of RACK1 function in Drosophila development
Authors: Kadrmas Julie L. , Smith Mark A. , Pronovost Stephen M. , Beckerle Mary C.
Published: June 2007

Receptor for Activated C
Kinase 1 (RACK1) is a cytoplasmic molecular scaffolding protein. Many diverse protein‐binding partners involved in key signaling pathways are reported to bind to RACK1, suggesting a role for RACK1 in signal integration. However, because loss‐of‐function phenotypes for RACK1 in an intact organism have not yet been reported, our current understanding of RACK1 is limited. Using Drosophila melanogaster, we show that RACK1 is expressed at all developmental stages and in many tissues, with specific enrichment in the ovary. By characterizing an allelic series of RACK1 mutants, we demonstrate that RACK1 is essential at multiple steps of Drosophila development, particularly in oogenesis, where somatic RACK1 is required for proper germ‐line function. Developmental Dynamics 236:2207–2215, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activities of respiratory chain complexes in isolated platelets in females with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Böhm Marek , Papezova Hana , Hansikova Hana , Wenchich Laszlo , Zeman Jiri
Published: June 2007

Objective:

A broad spectrum of endocrine and biochemical disturbances was observed in patients with anorexia nervosa. In addition, metabolic changes may concern the efficiency of mitochondrial energy generating system. In our study we analyzed the activities of respiratory chain complexes in females with anorexia nervosa.

Method:

The activities of respiratory chain complexes I, II, IV, I + III, and citrate synthase serving as the control enzyme were measured spectrophotometrically in isolated platelets in 36 females with anorexia nervosa (BMI 15 ± 1.7) at the age 18–35 years and in 37 age related female controls (BMI 21 ± 2.2).

Results:

In females with anorexia nervosa, the activities of respiratory chain complexes I and II in isolated platelets were significantly higher in comparison with controls. No differences were found in the activities of complexes IV and I + III and citrate synthase.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest higher efficiency of some respiratory chain complexes in platelets in females with anorexia nervosa. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interference suppression in FMICW radar with staggered pulse repetition interval
Authors: Inaba Takayuki
Published: June 2007

FMCW (frequency‐modulated continuous wave) radar is a radar system which can achieve high resolution by relatively low signal processing load. The authors have reported on clutter suppression by FMICW (FM interrupted CW) radar, where the transmission/reception of FMCW radar in pulse waveform is switched in order to assure transmission/reception isolation and to suppress undesired waves from short distances. This paper proposes the FM staggered PRI system, in which the pulse repetition interval (PRI) is randomized for each pulse in order to suppress the interference when FMICW radars are congested within the search distance. The target‐signal in the FM staggered PRI system is formulated. Conditions such as the average PRI and the possible range of staggering are derived from requirements such as the maximum search distance. The outputS/Iis statistically evaluated by computer simulation, with the average PRI, the pulse width, the number of interference waves, and the inputS/I(signal‐to‐interference ratio) as variables. The effectiveness of the FM staggered PRI system is demonstrated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 90(12): 86–100, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20326
Passive remote sensing of the Earth's plasmasphere using Whistler mode waves
Authors: Goto Yoshitaka , Sakai Yuichi , Kasahara Yoshiya , Sato Toru
Published: June 2007

As the uses of artificial satellites diversify, investigation of the propagation characteristics of electric waves surrounding the Earth has become an important task. These electric waves are strongly influenced by plasma, a propagation medium, but although on the one hand investigation of plasma in the ionosphere is proceeding with various different methods being used, current investigations into the density profile of plasma in the plasmasphere is not progressing since it is hampered by the fact that satellites produce only single point observations. In this paper we develop a method for estimating the density profile of the global electrical field of the plasmasphere from natural VLF band electromagnetic wave frequency spectra and propagation vector direction information observed by satellite by solving an ill‐posed inverse problem. We confirm the uniqueness of the solution by performing a brute force search using a dictionary and investigate the applicability of our method to actual data by using pseudo‐observation data. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 90(12): 51–61, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20377
DS‐SS modulated extremely weak power radio communications system synchronized by a GPS receiver PPS signal
Authors: Yoshida Masashi , Fan Chunming , Hojo Harumasa , Kubo Nobuaki , Yasuda Akio
Published: June 2007

With developments in the technology and greater adoption of satellite positioning systems such as GPS, there has been much research into location information systems and services and their practical applications. Extremely weak power radio communications systems are small‐scale and low‐power devices that do not require a license and are rarely used for communications purposes because they are able to communicate only over small distances compared to other communications media; however, if the distance over which they can be used for communication could be increased, then it would be easy to construct communications systems with them. To take advantage of this we propose an extremely weak power radio communications system based on the DS‐SS scheme that synchronizes chips using the pulse‐per‐second (PPS) signal that is output by a GPS receiver. This system is continuously able to have access to location information due to the use of the GPS receiver and we anticipate that by using this it should be possible to increase the communications distances and communications quality. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of accidents in small‐scale ships with low‐end communications systems have capsized while at sea or drifted. Small‐scale location information systems that can be used for marine distress situations such as capsizing or drifting have become increasingly sought after and communications systems that use such extremely weak power radio communications devices for marine location information systems have been proposed. In this paper we first give an overview of our proposed marine location information system and then describe the extremely weak power radio DS‐SS communications system used to implement the system. Following this we perform simple communications experiments. The results of our experiments show that a communications distance of 80 m can be improved to 800 m. From the above results we show that in addition to the marine location information system created using the proposed method, a wide range of different applications are possible. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 90(12): 39–50, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20379
An asynchronous messaging platform for context‐aware service development
Authors: Nakao Taro , Takano Kazutoshi , Yokoyama Shigetoshi
Published: June 2007

The authors designed an asynchronous messaging platform to facilitate the development of context‐aware services that are triggered by state judgment results (contexts) obtained by using multiple kinds of information from different generation sources in an environment where information providers, who actively disseminate information, and information holders, who provide information according to requests, persistently exist on a network. This platform also uses information that is obtained by using synchronous inquiries to calculate the activation triggers that are sought by the service providers in a distributed environment and provide these triggers to the application logic without destroying the asynchronous information generation order. In addition, the authors adapted this platform to a ubiquitous computing environment according to a design that takes into consideration large‐scale distribution. They measured the basic performance of this platform and obtained measurement results showing that the platform can support a large‐scale increase in the number of participating nodes and volume of circulating messages. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 90(12): 1– 12, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20403
ReCSiP: An FPGA‐based general‐purpose biochemical simulator
Authors: Osana Yasunori , Yoshimi Masato , Iwaoka Yow , Kojima Toshinori , Nishikawa Yuri , Funahashi Akira , Hiroi Noriko , Shibata Yuichiro , Iwanaga Naoki , Kitano Hiroaki , Amano Hideharu
Published: June 2007

Mathematical modeling and simulation of cellular systems are essential to modern biological researches. However, simulating with software‐based simulators on general‐purpose microprocessors cannot provide enough throughput. ReCSiP is an FPGA‐based solution for biochemical simulation and parameter scanning. This paper describes its design and hardware implementation. With Xilinx's XC2VP70‐5, this method achieved 50‐ to 80‐fold speed‐up compared to Intel's Pentium4 processor. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 90(7): 1–10, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20370
Formal verification of hardware/software co‐designs with translation into representation by state transitions
Authors: Nishihara Tasuku , Matsumoto Takeshi , Komatsu Satoshi , Fujita Masahiro
Published: June 2007

In this paper we present a methodology for formal verification of hardware/software co‐designs which are represented in RTL/program codes. Two methodologies are proposed. One is for property checking of the above‐mentioned co‐designs, and the other is for equivalence checking between design specifications written in program codes and above‐mentioned hardware/software co‐designs implementing the specifications. The descriptions are translated into FSMD (finite state machine with datapaths) models and described in RTL. Then, descriptions written in different levels are translated into same level descriptions. They can be verified with existing formal verification tools. We also report experimental results. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 90(7): 11–19, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20371
Circularly polarized slot antenna with a modified reflector for two‐frequency operation
Authors: Miura Yoshikatsu , Kumagai Shoichi , Kazama Yasuhiro , Shiokawa Takayasu
Published: June 2007

Recent advances in personal wireless technologies represented by cellular phones, ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems), and GPS (Global Positioning System) are remarkable. Important technologies to further advance these services include reduction of the size and profile of the antennas, multiband operation of one antenna to cover many frequency ranges simultaneously, and simplification of the antenna feed. Systematic antenna research on these requirements has only begun recently. In the present paper, as a single‐feed multiband antenna intended for applications to GPS corresponding to two frequencies (L1 and L2 bands), a circularly polarized slot antenna with a slit‐loaded reflector for two‐frequency operation is proposed and its realizability is discussed. The FDTD method is used for alignment of the frequency and antenna characteristics by adjustment of the antenna parameters. The validity of the analysis is demonstrated by an experiment with a test antenna. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 90(7): 20– 30, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20372
Electromagnetic analysis for immunity of electric unit caused by radiated electromagnetic noise
Authors: Shiraki Yasuhiro
Published: June 2007

The immunity of an electronic device to radiated electromagnetic noise, which is determined by the test methods in IEC61000‐4‐3, has become an important concern. In this paper, the author links an electromagnetic field analysis that takes the impedance characteristics of an ASIC into consideration and an immunity evaluation technique for a standalone ASIC to investigate the immunity of an electronic device to radiated electromagnetic noise. He verified the validity of the results that were obtained by this analytical technique by comparing them with the results of actual measurements performed in accordance with IEC61000‐4‐3. He also showed that although the immunity characteristics of an electronic device worsen at the resonance frequency, they can be improved by inserting capacitors. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 90(7): 31– 40, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20373
Preferential transmission of multicast packets using a preallocation scheme in combination with a wavelength monitoring scheme on a RingO network
Authors: Okazaki Kohei , Shimada Eiichi , Sasase Iwao
Published: June 2007

This paper proposes a multicast packet preferential transmission system combining preallocation and waveform monitoring schemes with the RingO network. In the proposed system, a multicast packet preferential time slot is allocated to each node by preallocation. Each node can use all wavelengths in the allocated time slot to transmit a multicast packet simultaneously to all destination nodes. Wavelength monitoring is applied to time slots other than the allocated time slot, and if there is an available wavelength channel, a unicast packet is transmitted. Thus, the data packets are transmitted with high efficiency. The performance is evaluated by computer simulation. It is shown that the proposed system can greatly improve the mean packet delay and the throughput characteristics, compared to the simultaneous transmission system, in a heavily loaded situation with an input load exceeding 0.9. The proposed method is also shown to be more effective than the partitioned transmission system, in that the transmission delay difference of multicast packets between destination nodes, and also the packet delay difference of multicast packets for each destination node, can be reduced. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 90(7): 56– 68, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20375
Toward systematic generation of 3COL instances based on minimal unsolvable structures
Authors: Mizuno Kazunori , Nishihara Seiichi
Published: June 2007

In this paper, the authors propose a method of systematically generating 3‐colorable (3COL) graph instances for which a great deal of time and effort are required to obtain a solution (or to determine solvability). This method, which differs from the conventional approach of selecting hard instances from among randomly generated instances, aims to reliably generate hard problems by repeatedly embedding 3COL minimal unsolvable structures in the initial graph. The generated instances conform to various conditions of problems for which the solution searches that had been identified conventionally are extremely difficult. Also, the authors use several solution search algorithms to experimentally verify that the required effort is an exponential order of the number of vertices. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 90(12): 27–35, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.20359
A monitor generation method for formal monitor‐based verification considering input constraints
Authors: Kakiuchi Yosuke , Kitajima Akira , Hamaguchi Kiyoharu , Kashiwabara Toshinobu
Published: June 2007

Various kinds of methods have been proposed for hardware module interface verification. We focus on monitor‐based formal verification. In our approach, to verify interface specifications more comprehensively, we describe specifications of a module interface in a specification language based on regular expressions, and then behavioral models are constructed. Next, a monitor circuit is generated. This method prevents monitor circuits from involving errors because of automated monitor generation. Usually, input constraints must also be given for a design, when each module is verified one by one, because undesirable input patterns may be provided. Instead of giving input constraints, we propose a method of monitor generation including input constraints. Input constraints are extracted from specification of interfaces. Therefore, verification of individual modules becomes less difficult. We show an experimental result on formal verification of circuits compliant to the AMBA AHB bus protocol. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 90(12): 19–26, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.20360
A control method to realize sinusoidal input and output current waveforms for matrix converters based on PWM
Authors: Sung Kyungmin , Nakakoji Hajime , Sato Yukihiko
Published: June 2007

A matrix converter (MC) is a three‐phase AC‐to‐AC direct converter without any energy storage requirement. It is expected to be a next‐generation converter by reason of possibilities of small size and high efficiency. At present, there are some problems preventing it from being used practically. One of the problems is the distortion in the input current. The control methods proposed so far have not realized sufficient reduction of the input current harmonics compared with conventional PWM rectifiers. As a solution to these problems, many approaches have been proposed.

In the present paper, an improved PWM method that can achieve both sinusoidal input and output currents simultaneously is considered. In this method, the MC is treated as a controlled voltage source viewed from the load side. On the other hand, it is treated as a controlled current source viewed from the line side. The proposed control method is based on the mathematical expression of the function of the PWM operation of MC. To improve the input current waveform, two line‐to‐line voltages of the three‐phase line are used to control the output current. The output duty ratio of the two line‐to‐line voltages is utilized to improve the input current waveform without affecting the controllability of the output current. In addition, the compensation of the variations in the line voltage and the output current are introduced. In this way, the proposed method can realize the sinusoidal input and output currents. The effectiveness of the proposed control method is confirmed by some experimental results employing a laboratory prototype. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 161(1): 66–76, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20242
Robust stabilization of multimodeling systems via guaranteed cost control theory
Authors: Mukaidani Hiroaki , Oya Hidetoshi , Xu Hua
Published: June 2007

This paper considers the robust stabilization of uncertain multimodeling systems. The guaranteed cost control technique is used to choose the design parameter which is included in the control gain. The ε‐independent quadratically stabilizing controller is newly proposed. It is shown that if the reduced‐order algebraic Riccati equations (AREs) have positive definite stabilizing solutions, then closed‐loop uncertain multimodeling systems with the proposed controller are quadratically stable and have a cost bound. To show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, a numerical example is included. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 160(4): 49– 59, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20271
Reconstructing clusters for preconditioned short‐term load forecasting
Authors: Itagaki Tadahiro , Mori Hiroyuki
Published: June 2007

This paper presents a new preconditioned method for short‐term load forecasting that focuses on more accurate predicted value. In recent years, the deregulated and competitive power market increases the degree of uncertainty. As a result, more sophisticated short‐term load forecasting techniques are required to deal with more complicated load behavior. To alleviate the complexity of load behavior, this paper presents a new preconditioned model. In this paper, clustering results are reconstructed to equalize the number of learning data after clustering with the Kohonen‐based neural network. That enhances a short‐term load forecasting model at each reconstructed cluster. The proposed method is successfully applied to real data of one‐step ahead daily maximum load forecasting. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 161(1): 26–33, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20300
Accurate contour control of mechatronic servo systems without parameter adjustment by use of modified input data method
Authors: Liu Peng , Nakamura Masatoshi , Goto Satoru , Kyura Nobuhiro
Published: June 2007

This paper describes a technique of accurate contour control by a modified input data method for industrial mechatronic servo systems with unadjusted servo parameters. Adjustment of the servo parameters in order to achieve high‐performance contour control in mechatronic servo systems is a tedious task. The modified input data method can realize satisfactory contour control performance accuracy within rather large tolerances for servo parameter errors. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been verified by simulation and experimental studies of contour control of an actual mechatronic servo system. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 160(4): 60–69, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20322
Numerical analysis of transit conduction current in an insulating liquid with added ionic electrolyte
Authors: Nakamura Iwami , Ishii Shinnosuke , Yamada Hiroshi
Published: June 2007

We simulated the phenomena of transit conduction in an insulating liquid with added ionic molecules such as surfactant, by using the charge‐injection model with dissociation‐recombination. When the parameters of Ci (density of injected charge) and C0 (density of created charge in the liquid) are Ci>C0 in this simulation, the waveform of current density showed an injection type with a peak, and when Ci<C0, it showed a dissociation‐recombination type. A decreasing characteristic appeared in the low electric field, maximum one in the middle field, and saturating one in the high field. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 161(1): 10– 16, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20327
Examination of the dual‐band microwave wireless access system using radio on fiber technique
Authors: Kanaoka Yasuhiro , Kashimura Satoru , Shimizu Satoru
Published: June 2007

The Radio on Fiber (ROF) technique has great potential in wireless communication systems. In this paper, we report on a fundamental examination of microwave wireless access systems based on Radio on Fiber. First, we designed and constructed examination systems by applying dual band (2.4 and 5 GHz) multiservice transmission systems and confirmed that there was sufficient performance through a transmission experiment. Then, application of FP‐LD (Fabry Perot Laser Diode) was considered in order to reduce the system cost, and for the most part degradation of the transmission characteristics was not observed when FP‐LD was used. Finally, a BIDI (bidirectional) module which integrated LD and PD within one package was made to further reduce costs. By measuring the transmission performance, applying the BIDI module to ROF systems was shown to be effective. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 160(4): 32–40, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20471
Real‐time spectral analysis
Authors: Nakatsuji Hideto , Omatu Sigeru
Published: June 2007

For signal analysis, the Fourier transform and the linear prediction methods are the main approaches. In recent years, the wavelet transform, which gives an expression in the time–frequency domain, has been attracting attention. In the wavelet transform, scale and shift operations are used to analyze regional waves in the signal. In this paper, we propose a new method for signal analysis. Instead of the wavelet, short sine waves and cosine waves which have slightly different frequencies and phases established beforehand are used. These frequencies and phases play the same role as wavelets in analyzing regional waves in the signal. However, our proposed method is different from the wavelet transform because it does not use multiresolution analysis. In conventional spectral analysis methods, all data are prepared beforehand and calculations are performed by using these data. In the proposed method, the spectrum is updated whenever new signal data come in. We show that the amount of calculation is markedly reduced and that real‐time spectral analysis can be achieved. Finally, we present an analysis of Japanese vocal sounds using the proposed method. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 161(1): 43–50, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20504
Effect of magnetic field on the behavior and sustaining characteristics of low‐current DC vacuum arc
Authors: Yanagi Kengo , Shibata Satoru , Yanagidaira Takeshi , Tsuruta Koichi
Published: June 2007

Effects of magnetic field on duration and dynamics of low‐current DC vacuum arcs, less than 20 A, were examined. Without a magnetic field, the cathode spot moves at random on the cathode surface and the arc voltage is constant for increasing gap length up to 30 mm. In the axial magnetic field, the arc plasma was constricted and the arc voltage rose with increasing gap length. When a magnet was arranged behind the cathode, the cathode spot rotated in the opposite direction of the Lorentz force (j×B) on the edge of the cathode. On the other hand, when a magnet was arranged behind the anode, the arc column was constricted on the electrode axis and the lifetime of the arcs was extremely extended. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 161(1): 1– 9, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20555
Iron(III) Exchange Process between Hexadentate Tripodal Ligands: Models for the Ternary Complexes
Authors: Serratrice Guy , Biaso Frédéric , Pierre Jean‐Louis , Blanc Sylvie , Albrecht‐Gary Anne‐Marie
Published: June 2007

Using tripodal ligands as tools, the kinetics of iron removal from ferric complexes of the tripodal tris(hydroxyquinoline) ligands O‐TRENSOX and of tris(catechol) TRENCAMS was investigated. Two hexadentate heterotripodal ligands were also examined (TRENSOX2CAMS with two hydroxyquinoline and one catechol subunits and TRENSOXCAMS2 with two catechol and one hydroxyquinoline subunits) as possible models of the ternary complexes involved in the iron exchange process. The main result of this kinetic study is the pertinence of the iron complexes of the mixed ligands as models for the transient and successive ternary complexes occurring in the iron exchange, which proceeds “arm‐by‐arm” between a homotopic ligand and the iron complex of another homotopic ligand. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
New Reactivity of 4‐Amino‐3,5‐bis(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4‐triazole: Synthesis and Structure of a Mononuclear Species, a Dinuclear Species, and a Novel Tetranuclear Nickel(II) Rectangle Box, and Magnetic Properties of the Dinuclear and Tetranuclear Complexes
Authors: Tong Ming‐Liang , Hong Chao‐Gang , Zheng Ling‐Ling , Peng Meng‐Xia , Gaita‐Arińo A. , Clemente Juan Juan Modesto
Published: June 2007

Reactions of Ni(O2CMe)2·4H2O or NiCl2·6H2O, 4‐amino‐3,5‐bis(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4‐triazole (abpt) and NaN3 or KSCN in different molar ratios heated under reflux or hydrothermal conditions generate a mononuclear species with dimorphous phases, a dinuclear species incorporating an in situ deaminated [bpt‐H]– ligand and a tetranuclear rectangle box incorporating an unprecedented μ:η1:η2:η1 coordination mode of the deprotonated [abpt‐H]– ligand. Structural analysis reveals that a pair of [Ni2(μ1,1‐N3)(μ‐OAc)] motifs in [Ni4(abpt)2(abpt‐H)(N3)5(O2CMe)2]·5H2O (1) are bridged by two abpt and one [abpt‐H]– units into a rectangle box. [Ni2(bpt‐H)2(SCN)2(H2O)2]·2H2O (2) is a neutral centrosymmetric dinuclear NiII complex doubly bridged by abpt ligands. The complex [Ni(abpt)2(N3)2] (3) is a neutral centrosymmetric mononuclear NiII complex and crystallizes in polymorphous phases, showing an interesting example of temperature‐induced polymorphism. Variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that the ferromagnetic interaction via the (μ1,1‐N3)2(μ‐OAc) and (μ1,1‐N3)(μ1,1‐NHabpt–H)(μ‐OAc) bridges slightly dominates over the antiferromagnetic interaction via the abpt bridges, therefore indicative of an overall ferromagnetic coupling between NiII centers in 1, and a moderate antiferromagnetic interaction occurs in 2. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
A Hexadecanuclear Copper(I)–Copper(II) Mixed‐Valence Compound: Structure, Magnetic Properties, Intervalence Charge Transfer, EPR, and NMR
Authors: De Senjuti , Chowdhury Shubhamoy , Naskar Jnan P. , Drew Michael G. B. , Clérac Rodolphe , Datta Dipankar
Published: June 2007

Hexadecanuclear copper mixed‐valence complex 2 containing 10 CuII centers and 6 CuI centers was isolated with N,O donor ligands. From the X‐ray crystal structure, 2 was found to contain a centrosymmetric dimeric cation – each monomeric unit composed of eight copper centers. It displays a very broad and weak intervalence charge‐transfer band around 1100 nm at room temperature in the solid state. Variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate an S = 1/2 ground state for half of 2, explicitly, each Cu8 moiety has a g value around 2.26. Complex 2 was examined by NMR spectroscopy at room temperature in solution and by EPR at low temperature; the data indicates that the valence is delocalized in 2 at room temperature but localized at low temperature. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Synthesis and Structural Characterisation of Copper(II) 15‐Metallacrown‐5 Complexes with PbII, HgII, AgI, NaI and YIII Central Metal Ions (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 19/2007)
Authors: Seda Sabry Hamed , Janczak Jan , Lisowski Jerzy
Published: June 2007

The cover picture shows the 5‐metallacrown‐5 complex, which is obtained by the self‐assembly of five copper(II) ions, five 2‐picolinehydroximate ligands (picha) and the central mercury(II) ion. The (15‐metallacrown‐5)HgII and ‐PbII complexes have been obtained in the crystalline form as pyridine adducts [HgCu5(picha)5(py)7](NO3)2 and [PbCu5(picha)5(py)6](NO3)2 (axial pyridine molecules are not shown). Unlike the analogous lanthanide(III) derivatives, which are essentially flat, the presented 15‐metallacrown‐5 system is dome‐shaped, although not as convex as the shell of the turtle Gubi (shown in the background). Gubi is the favorite pet of the daughter of one of the authors. Details are discussed in the article by J. Lisowski et al. on p. 3015 ff.
Rubromycins: Structurally Intriguing, Biologically Valuable, Synthetically Challenging Antitumour Antibiotics
Authors: Brasholz Malte , Sörgel Sebastian , Azap Cengiz , Reißig Hans‐Ulrich
Published: June 2007

Although known for more than 50 years the rubromycin family still constitutes a fascinating class of antitumour antibiotics. They are characterized by a challenging molecular architecture with the central spiroketal unit as the key feature and possess highly attractive biological properties. After a short treatment of the history of their isolation, structural elucidation and biosynthesis, their biological activities will briefly be summarized. This review strongly emphasizes the synthetic efforts aimed at these complex hexacyclic spiroketals. Reactions leading to simple spiroketal model compounds are described, followed by the synthetic approaches to the fully functionalized naphthalene and isocoumarin “wings”. The coupling of these units and their transformations into more advanced spiroketals demonstrate “the state of the art” in this research field. Only Danishefsky and co‐workers have so far completed the total synthesis of a fully functionalized rubromycin derivative; however, their product heliquinomycinone (103) is still only the aglycon of the natural product heliquinomycin (7), and it was prepared as the racemic compound. All these achievements and pitfalls reveal that increased engagement of synthetic organic chemists is required to develop new methods to make rubromycins and their analogues available by a modular approach and with reasonable efficacy. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Chemistry of Epoxyquinols A, B, and C and Epoxytwinol A
Authors: Shoji Mitsuru , Hayashi Yujiro
Published: June 2007

The asymmetric total synthesis of epoxyquinols A, B, and C and epoxytwinol A, and computational analysis of the key biomimetic oxidative dimerization procedure are described. In the first‐generation synthesis, a HfCl4‐mediated diastereoselective Diels–Alder reaction of furan with Corey's chiral auxiliary has been developed. In the second‐generation synthesis, a chromatography‐free preparation of an iodolactone using acryloyl chloride as the dienophile in the Diels–Alder reaction of furan and a lipase‐mediated kinetic resolution of a cyclohexenol derivative have been developed. This second‐generation synthesis is suitable for large‐scale synthesis. A biomimetic cascade reaction involving oxidation, 6π‐electrocyclization, and then Diels–Alder dimerization is the key reaction in the formation of the complex heptacyclic structure of epoxyquinols A, B, and C. Epoxytwinol A is synthesized by the cascade reaction involving oxidation, 6π‐electrocyclization, and formal [4+4] cycloaddition reactions. A 2H‐pyran, generated by oxidation/6π‐electrocyclization, acts as a good diene, reacting with several dienophiles to afford polycyclic compounds in one step. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Freshwater planarians as novel organisms for genotoxicity testing: Analysis of chromosome aberrations
Authors: Lau Adriana Helena , Knakievicz Tanise , Prá Daniel , Erdtmann Bernardo
Published: June 2007

Two freshwater species of planarians, Girardia schubarti Marcus and G. tigrina Girard, were used for measuring chromosome aberration (CA) induction under laboratory conditions. Three genotoxicants were tested: methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), a direct‐acting genotoxicant; cyclophosphamide, a metabolism‐dependent genotoxicant; and γ‐radiation, a clastogenic agent. All three agents produced positive responses in both species. The strongest dose‐responses were detected with MMS, and, in general, G. tigrina was somewhat more sensitive to the genotoxicity of the agents than G. schubarti. This difference in sensitivity may be due to: (a) the smaller body mass of G. tigrina; (b) differences in DNA repair, which may be reflected in the marginally higher background CA frequency of G. tigrina; and/or (c) the greater number of chromosomes in G. tigrina (2N = 16) as compared with G. schubarti (2N = 8). The responses induced by γ‐radiation in the planarians were similar to or higher than those induced in cultured human lymphocytes. The CA‐planarian assay has advantages for monitoring environmental genotoxicity in natural water resources or urban and industrial wastewater since planarians are characterized by (a) a relatively low number of easily analyzable chromosomes; (b) high regenerating capacity, allowing exposure of replicating cells from different parts of the same organism to different doses; (c) easy maintenance under laboratory conditions; and (d) worldwide distribution, making them available for genotoxicity tests using either in situ or controlled laboratory exposure conditions. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adjunct extended‐release valproate semisodium in late life schizophrenia
Authors: Sajatovic Martha , Coconcea Nicoleta , Ignacio Rosalinda V. , Blow Frederic C. , Hays Robert W. , Cassidy Kristin A. , Meyer William J.
Published: June 2007

Objective

Adjunctive anticonvulsant medications may benefit some individuals with schizophrenia, however data on adjunct anticonvulsants in older adults with schizophrenia is limited. This prospective, 12‐week open label study evaluated adjunct extended‐release valproate semisodium (divalproex) in 20 older adults with schizophrenia.

Methods

The study was conducted at an academic psychiatry clinic in the mid‐western United States. Participants were self‐referred from posted advertisements or referred by clinic practitioners. Extended‐release valproate semisodium was added onto antipsychotic treatment. Individuals with active substance use disorders or active significant medical comorbidity were excluded. Primary outcome measures included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Global Assessment Scale (GAS). Tolerability was evaluated via patient self‐reported side effects, change from baseline in body weight and change on abnormal movement scales.

Results

Patients (mean age 61 years, range 49.8–79.2 years) had significant reductions in psychosis scores as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) p < 0.01, as well as in global functioning as measured by the Global Assessment Scale (GAS) p < 0.01 and depression as measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) p < 0.05. Mean dose of extended‐release valproate semisodium was 587.50 mg/day SD ± 247.02. Extended‐release valproate semisodium was well tolerated in this older adult population. The primary adverse effect was sedation, which appeared to be relatively dose and titration‐speed dependent. Weight change was not significant.

Conclusion

While extended‐release valproate semisodium appears efficacious and well tolerated in older adults with schizophrenia, data from larger, controlled trials is needed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Omega‐3 supplementation in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: effects on neuropsychiatric symptoms
Authors: Freund‐Levi Yvonne , Basun Hans , Cederholm Tommy , Faxén‐Irving Gerd , Garlind Anita , Grut Mikaela , Vedin Inger , Palmblad Jan , Wahlund Lars‐Olof , Eriksdotter‐Jönhagen Maria
Published: June 2007

Background

Epidemiological and animal studies have suggested that dietary fish or fish oil rich in omega‐3 fatty acids (ω3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), may have effects in psychiatric and behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD). An association with APOEω4 carriers and neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD has also been suggested.

Objective

To determine effects of dietary ω3 supplementation to AD patients with mild to moderate disease on psychiatric and behavioral symptoms, daily functions and a possible relation to APOEgenotype.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial where 204 AD patients (74 ± 9 years) with acetylcholine esterase inhibitor treatment and a MMSE >15 points were randomized to daily intake of 1.7 g DHA and 0.6 g EPA (ω3 group) or placebo for 6 months. Then, all received the ω3 supplementation for 6 more months. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were measured with Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Montgomery Åsberg Depression Scale (MADRS). Caregivers burden and activities of daily living (Disability Assessment for Dementia, DAD) were also assessed.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐four patients fulfilled the trial. 72% were APOEω4 carriers. No significant overall treatment effects on neuropsychiatric symptoms, on activities of daily living or on caregiver's burden were found. However, significant positive treatment effects on the scores in the NPI agitation domain in APOEω4 carriers (p = 0.006) and in MADRS scores in non‐APOEω4 carriers (p = 0.005) were found.

Conclusions

Supplementation with ω3 in patients with mild to moderate AD did not result in marked effects on neuropsychiatric symptoms except for possible positive effects on depressive symptoms (assessed by MADRS) in non‐APOEω4 carriers and agitation symptoms (assessed by NPI) in APOEω4 carriers. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00211159 Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LES analysis of flow and turbulent mixing in an unsteady jet
Authors: Kawanabe Hiroshi , Kawasaki Kiyoshi , Seno Toshio , Kondo Chihiro , Shioji Masahiro
Published: June 2007

The flow and mixing process of unsteady jets are fundamentally analyzed by large eddy simulations. The effects of nozzle velocity and turbulence intensity on the turbulent eddy structure and mixing process between the nozzle fluid and ambient fluid were investigated. The results show that a toroidal‐shaped vortex, which emerges around the jet tip, primarily accelerates the entraining flow. Also, increasing the turbulence intensity in the nozzle encourages mixing in the jet without changing the jet‐contour. Furthermore, when the rise‐up time of the initial nozzle velocity is elongated, turbulent mixing is suppressed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 36(5): 303–313, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20158