bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The evolution of subgrid‐scale humidity fluctuations in the presence of homogeneous cooling
Authors: Stiller Olaf , Gregory David
Published: July 2003

The evolution of the moisture field is studied for the situation where clouds are formed through homogeneous cooling. Large‐eddy simulations (LES) which include only the most intrinsic physical mechanisms show that the moisture distribution may change considerably even for this idealized case. The reason is a circulation driven by the latent heat which is released inhomogeneously due to the inhomogeneity (fluctuations) of the moisture field. This circulation in turn affects the moisture field through two mechanisms: (i) turbulent mixing and (ii) vertical advection. The parameters which govern the relative strengths of these mechanisms are expressed as characteristic length‐scales related to the humidity and moist‐static‐energy field. The LES results demonstrate the usefulness of this framework. They also exhibit an interesting (square root) relationship between the height of vertical displacements and the corresponding length‐scale obtained from adiabatic theory (i.e. neglecting mixing processes). A simplified mathematical model for the mixing is presented which links this behaviour to a possible self similarity of the mixing efficiency of moist static energy. Some implications for cloud parametrizations are discussed. © Crown copyright, 2003. Royal Meteorological Society
Fetus‐in‐fetu form of monozygotic twinning with retroperitoneal teratoma
Authors: Gilbert‐Barness Enid , Opitz John M. , Debich‐Spicer Diane , Mueller Thomas , Arnold Sonya R. , Quintero Reuben
Published: June 2003

One of the commonest defects of blastogenesis is monozygotic twinning resulting in separate or conjoint twins, the latter including a category of internal, “endoparasitic,” or fetus‐in‐fetu twins. We report the third known instance of endoparasitic twinning associated with a benign teratoma at age 1. The host, twin, and teratoma were monozygotic by DNA analysis. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Leonardi R, Caltabiano M, Lo Muzio L, Gorlin RJ, Bucci P, Pannone G, Canfora M, Sorge G. 2002. Bilateral hyperplasia of the mandibular coronoid processes in patients with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome: an undescribed sign. Am J Med Genet 110:400–403
Authors: Leonardi Rosalia , Caltabiano Mario , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Gorlin Robert J. , Bucci Paolo , Pannone Giuseppe , Canfora Massimo , Sorge Giuseppe
Published: June 2003

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Am J Med Genet 110:400–403.
RNA processing defects of the helicase gene RECQL4 in a compound heterozygous Rothmund–Thomson patient
Authors: Beghini Alessandro , Castorina Pierangela , Roversi Gaia , Modiano Philippe , Larizza Lidia
Published: June 2003

Rothmund–Thomson syndrome (RTS) (OMIM 268400) is an autosomal recessive genodermatosis associated with genomic instability and increased risk of mesenchymal cancers. Mutations in the RECQL4 gene, encoding a protein of the family of Werner (WRN) and Bloom (BLM) helicases, have been identified in a subset of RTS patients. Apart from congenital poikiloderma, the clinical presentation of RTS is widely variable, raising the question of the possible existence of a second locus. Results herein reported on a sporadic Caucasian patient emphasize the concept that mutation analyses at both DNA and RNA level complement the genetic defect suggested by clinical and cytogenetic signs. The patient presented with typical congenital poikiloderma and bone defects and exhibited significant genomic instability in the peripheral blood karyotype. By RECQL4 DNA mutation analysis, he was found to carry a 1473delT (mut 5) on one allele and an AG to AC change at the 3′‐splice site of exon 13 (a variant of mut 4) on the second allele. RT‐PCR analysis of RECQL4 cDNA encompassing the entire helicase domain showed diffuse splicing defects indicating that the loss of a single 3′‐splice signal motif disregulates the correct splice‐site selection and affects the overall RNA processing. The presence of an unstable minisatellite which ends at 3′‐splice site of IVS12 may enhance the mutation at this site. This genomic feature together with a number of short introns in the RECQL4 gene may account for the common missplicing of RECQL4 mRNA. While it is possible that defects of RECQL4 mRNA processing might account for part of the clinical variability observed for this syndrome, only a thorough analysis at both genomic and RNA level may allow a genotype–phenotype correlation in RTS patients, restricting the search of a second RTS locus to the specific patients. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphology of the 45,X embryo: An embryoscopic study
Authors: Philipp Tom , Kalousek Dagmar K.
Published: June 2003

The morphology of monosomy X in embryos was documented by means of transcervical embryoscopy prior to evacuation in 24 cases of missed abortion. The embryos ranged in size from 13 mm to 26 mm CRL and were all developed beyond the sixth week of development. The embryonic phenotype varied from nearly normal to obviously abnormal with a combination of localized external developmental defects consisting of microcephaly, facial dysplasia, and retarded limb development. A single case of encephalocele was observed. The factors responsible for the wide range of developmental defects observed in monosomy X embryos are currently unknown. Transcervical embryoscopy can serve as a central component for further genetic studies elucidating these mechanisms which are needed for reaching a further understanding of the developmental effects of specific aneuploidy in human morphogenesis. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alcoholic neuropathy is clinicopathologically distinct from thiamine‐deficiency neuropathy
Authors: Koike Haruki , Iijima Masahiro , Sugiura Makoto , Mori Keiko , Hattori Naoki , Ito Hiroki , Hirayama Masaaki , Sobue Gen
Published: June 2003

Characteristics of alcoholic neuropathy have been obscured by difficulty in isolating them from features of thiamine‐deficiency neuropathy. We assessed 64 patients with alcoholic neuropathy including subgroups without (ALN) and with (ALN‐TD) coexisting thiamine deficiency. Thirty‐two patients with nonalcoholic thiamine‐deficiency neuropathy (TDN) also were investigated for comparison. In ALN, clinical symptoms were sensory‐dominant and slowly progressive, predominantly impairing superficial sensation (especially nociception) with pain or painful burning sensation. In TDN, most cases manifested a motor‐dominant and acutely progressive pattern, with impairment of both superficial and deep sensation. Small‐fiber‐predominant axonal loss in sural nerve specimens was characteristic of ALN, especially with a short history of neuropathy; long history was associated with regenerating small fibers. Large‐fiber‐predominant axonal loss predominated in TDN. Subperineurial edema was more prominent in TDN, whereas segmental de/remyelination resulting from widening of consecutive nodes of Ranvier was more frequent in ALN. Myelin irregularity was greater in ALN. ALN‐TD showed a variable mixture of these features in ALN and TDN. We concluded that pure‐form of alcoholic neuropathy (ALN) was distinct from pure‐form of thiamine‐deficiency neuropathy (TDN), supporting the view that alcoholic neuropathy can be caused by direct toxic effect of ethanol or its metabolites. However, features of alcoholic neuropathy is influenced by concomitant thiamine‐deficiency state, having so far caused the obscure clinicopathological entity of alcoholic neuropathy. Ann Neurol 2003
Early ischemic lesion recurrence within a week after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Kang Dong‐Wha , Latour Lawrence L. , Chalela Julio A. , Dambrosia James , Warach Steven
Published: June 2003

Previous observations suggested that multiple ischemic lesions on diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) are common in acute stroke patients. We hypothesized that a source of these multiple lesions was the recurrence of ischemic lesions within a week after a clinically symptomatic stroke. We analyzed 99 acute ischemic stroke patients scanned within 6 hours of onset and at subsequent times within the first week. Ischemic lesion recurrence was defined as any new lesion separate from the index lesion. Recurrent lesions occurring outside initial perfusion deficit were termed ‘distant lesion recurrence’. We estimated the hazard ratio (HR) of recurrence associated with clinical and imaging characteristics using log‐rank test. Any lesion recurrence was found in 34%, with distant lesion recurrence in 15%, while clinical recurrence was evident in 2%. Initial multiple DWI lesions were associated with any lesion recurrence (HR, 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65–10.29; p = 0.002) and with distant lesion recurrence (HR, 5.99; 95% CI, 4.05–64.07; p < 0.0001). Large‐artery atherosclerosis was the most frequent stroke subtype associated with any lesion recurrence (p = 0.026). These results may indicate a prolonged state of increased ischemic risk over the first week and suggest DWI as a possible surrogate measure for recurrent stroke. Ann Neurol 2003
Impaired sequence learning in carriers of the DYT1 dystonia mutation
Authors: Ghilardi Maria‐Felice , Carbon Maren , Silvestri Giulia , Dhawan Vijay , Tagliati Michele , Bressman Susan , Ghez Claude , Eidelberg David
Published: June 2003

Previous positron emission tomography (PET) studies have shown that nonmanifesting carriers of the DYT1 dystonia mutation express an abnormal pattern of resting glucose metabolism. To determine whether motor behavior is impaired in these subjects, we compared movement and sequence learning in 12 clinically unaffected DYT1 carriers with 12 age‐matched controls. Regional differences in brain function during task performance were assessed with simultaneous H215O/PET. We found that motor performance was similar in the DYT1 and control groups, with no significant differences in movement time and spatial accuracy measured during each of the tasks. In contrast, sequence learning was reduced in gene carriers relative to controls (p < 0.01). PET imaging during motor execution showed increased activation in gene carriers (p < 0.001, uncorrected) in the left premotor cortex and right supplementary motor area, with concomitant reduction in the posterior medial cerebellum. During sequence learning, activation responses in DYT1 carriers were increased in the left ventral prefrontal cortex, and lateral cerebellum. These findings suggest that abnormalities in motor behavior and brain function exist in clinically nonmanifesting DYT1 carriers. Although localized increases in neural activity may enable normal movement execution in these subjects, this mechanism may not compensate for their defect in sequence learning. Ann Neurol 2003;54:102–109
Quantitative analysis of cortical pyramidal neurons after corpus callosotomy
Authors: Jacobs Bob , Creswell Johanna , Britt Jonathan P. , Ford Kevin L. , Bogen Joseph E. , Zaidel Eran
Published: June 2003

This study quantitatively explored the dendritic/spine extent of supragranular pyramidal neurons across several cortical areas in two adult male subjects who had undergone a callosotomy several decades before death. In all cortical areas, there were numerous atypical, supragranular pyramidal neurons with elongated “tap root” basilar dendrites. These atypical cells could be associated with an underlying epileptic condition and/or could represent a compensatory mechanism in response to deafferentation after callosotomy. Ann Neurol 2003
Solid‐state polymerization of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Duh Ben
Published: July 2003

The solid‐state polymerization (SSP) of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) has been studied and compared with that of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Because PTT and PET share the same SSP mechanism, the modified second‐order kinetic model, which has successfully been used to describe the SSP behaviors of PET, also fits the SSP data of PTT prepolymers with intrinsic viscosities (IVs) ranging from 0.445 to 0.660 dL/g. According to this model, the overall SSP rate is −dC/dt = 2ka(C − Cai)2, where C is the total end group concentration, t is the SSP time, ka is the apparent reaction rate constant, and Cai is the apparent inactive end group concentration. With this equation, the effects of all factors that influence the SSP rate are implicitly and conveniently incorporated into two parameters, ka and Cai. ka increases, whereas Cai decreases, with increasing SSP temperature, increasing prepolymer IV, and decreasing pellet size, just as for the SSP of PET. Therefore, the SSP rate increases with increasing prepolymer IV and increasing SSP temperature. The apparent activation energy is about 26 kcal/mol, and the average SSP rate about doubles with each 10°C increase in temperature within the temperature range of 200–225°C. The SSP rate increases by about 30% when the pellet size is decreased from 0.025 to 0.015 g/pellet. Compared with PET, PTT has a much lower sticking tendency and a much higher SSP rate (more than twice as high). Therefore, the SSP process for PTT can be made much simpler and more efficient than that for PET. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3188–3200, 2003
Crosslinking reaction of epoxy resin (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A) by anionically polymerized polycaprolactam: I. Mechanism and optimization
Authors: Gupta Alka , Singhal Reena , Nagpal A. K.
Published: July 2003

Different ratios of epoxy resin, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and ϵ‐caprolactam (starting from 10:90 DGEBA and vice versa), were used to synthesize reactive DGEBA and polycaprolactam blends by the anionic polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactam at 140°C. Anionic polymerization was conducted with a strong base such as sodium hydride as a catalyst along with a cocatalyst such as N‐acetyl caprolactam. The reaction mechanism, possible cure reactions, and reaction conditions of the reactive blends were studied with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The experiments were carried to study the optimization ratio and the effect of the composition on properties such as hardness and tensile strength of the reactive blends. The DGEBA was crosslinked by polycaprolactam through the reaction of the oxirane group with the amide nitrogen, and the reaction was very fast. A ratio of 80:20 (DGEBA:ϵ‐caprolactam) was optimum, and the resulting blend showed the highest tensile strength and hardness. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3237–3247, 2003
Temperature‐sensitive membranes prepared by the plasma‐induced graft polymerization of N‐Isopropylacrylamide into porous polyethylene membranes
Authors: Huang Jian , Wang Xiaolin , Chen Xiuzhen , Yu Xuehai
Published: July 2003

A temperature‐responsive polymer, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), was grafted onto porous polyethylene membranes by a plasma‐induced graft polymerization technique. A wide range of grafting was achieved through variations in the grafting conditions, including the postpolymerization temperature, time, monomer concentration, and graft‐reaction medium. The active species induced by plasma treatment was proven to be long‐living via a postpolymerization time of 95 h. Different solvent compositions, that is, water, methanol, benzene, and water/methanol, were used as reaction media, and water showed a much higher polymerization rate than the organic solvents. Based on the hydrophilicity of the active species, a mechanism explaining the solvent effect in plasma‐induced graft polymerization was examined. Characterizations by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and micro Fourier transform infrared showed that the grafted polymers were located on both the outer surface and inside pores of the membranes. The XPS analysis also confirmed that the polar amide groups tended to distribute more outward when grafted PNIPAAm was in its expanding state than when it was in its shrinking state. Water permeation experiments showed that the permeability of the grafted membranes varied dramatically with a slight temperature change in the vicinity of the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAAm. The effective pore radii of the grafted membranes above and below the LCST could be depicted by Hagen‐Poiseuille's law. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3180–3187, 2003
Thermal stability and crystallization kinetics of isotactic polypropylene/organomontmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: He Ji‐Dong , Cheung Man Ken , Yang Ming‐Shu , Qi Zongneng
Published: July 2003

The thermal stability and crystallization kinetics of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and iPP/organomontmorillonite (organo‐MMT) nanocomposites were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. The incorporation of organo‐MMT up to a concentration of 4 wt % did not affect the melting temperature of iPP but did increase the peak thermal degradation temperature by 60°C. The isothermal crystallization kinetics showed that the addition of organo‐MMT increased the crystallization rate of iPP but reduced the isothermal Avrami exponent. The crystallization temperature of the nanocomposites measured with nonisothermal crystallization was higher than that of plain iPP, and this indicated an enhanced crystallization rate. The nonisothermal Avrami exponent, like the isothermal exponent, decreased with the addition of organo‐MMT, and this suggested changes in the crystallite growth geometry. Subsequently, the tensile yield strength and the tensile modulus both increased, but the elongation at break and the notched Izod impact strength did not change significantly. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3404–3415, 2003
Raman spectroscopic studies on the structural changes of electrosynthesized polypyrrole films during heating and cooling processes
Authors: Chen Fengén , Zhang Jiaxin , Wang Fan , Shi Gaoquan
Published: July 2003

Polypyrrole films were electrochemically synthesized by direct oxidative polymerization of pyrrole in acetonitrile containing β‐naphthalene sulfonic acid or tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate as an supporting electrolyte. We characterized the as‐grown polypyrrole films by resonance Raman spectroscopy in the temperature region of −195 to 275°C. During the heating process, the Raman bands related to the oxidized species decreased gradually, due mainly to the affect of oxygen and moisture in the air, and, finally, the neutral polymer chains decomposed into disordered carbons. During the cooling process, polymer chains changed from disordered (coil‐like) to ordered (rodlike) structures and caused the elongation of the conjugated chain length. This results in a red shift of the absorption of the electron spectra of the polymer and the enhancements of the Raman bands related to the oxidized species. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3390–3395, 2003
Sorption, diffusion, and permeation of esters, aldehydes, ketones, and aromatic liquids into tetrafluoroethylene/propylene at 30, 40, and 50°c
Authors: Kulkarni Sangeeta B. , Kariduraganavar Mahadevappa Y. , Aminabhavi Tejraj M.
Published: July 2003

The coefficients of sorption, diffusion, and permeation for five organic esters, three aldehydes, one cyclic ketone, and three substituted aromatic liquids have been calculated for tetrafluoroethylene/propylene copolymer membranes at 30, 40, and 50°C with the sorption–gravimetric technique. With the sorption data, the concentration‐independent diffusion coefficients have been calculated from Fick's diffusion equation. Analytical solutions of Fick's equation under suitable boundary conditions have been obtained so that the liquid concentration profiles in the polymeric membranes at different times and different depths of liquid penetration could be computed. Because of the linearly increasing trend of the diffusion coefficients with temperature, efforts have been made to estimate Arrhenius parameters. Experimental values and the computed quantities have been used to determine the membrane–solvent interactions and to propose suitable applications for the membranes under investigation in various situations. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3201–3209, 2003
Postnatal myosin heavy chain isoforms in prenatal porcine skeletal muscles: Insights into temporal regulation
Authors: da Costa Nuno , McGillivray Christine , Chang Kin‐Chow
Published: July 2003

Our knowledge of the temporal expression of postnatal (adult) fast myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms (2a, 2x, and 2b) in prenatal muscles is limited. Using the pig as a target species and large‐animal model, we report on the qualitative and quantitative expression of the major post‐ and prenatal MyHC isoforms during gestation, as determined by TaqMan real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry. We found that postnatal fast MyHC mRNAs and proteins were expressed much earlier in the pig (gestation day 35) than was previously reported in small mammals. There was a high degree of coexpression and colocalisation of pre‐ and postnatal MyHC mRNAs and proteins in prenatal muscles. During a period of prenatal muscle growth (gestation days 35–77), relative expression of MyHC isoforms (embryonic > 2a > 2x > 2b) correlated with the gene order in the skeletal MyHC cluster, which suggests the possible presence of cis‐acting elements on the same side as the MyHC embryonic gene associated with temporal regulation. Anat Rec Part A 273A:731–740, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructural aspects of the follicular cells of the pars tuberalis in bats related to the seasonal cycle
Authors: Azzali Giacomo , Arcari Maria Luisa , Spaggiari Brunella , Romita Giuseppina
Published: July 2003

The topography and structure of the follicular cells and the follicular cavity of the hypophyseal pars tuberalis (PT) were studied in adult hibernating bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) of both sexes, during the annual seasonal cycle and the reproductive cycle. The follicular cells were found to be organized around a central cavity. They showed a polyhedral shape and apical microvilli protruding into central cavities. During hibernation, the follicular cells showed active cytoplasmic organelles, clusters of glycogen particles, and lipid droplets. In the supranuclear cytoplasm, 9+2 type cilia, some dense bodies, microvesicular vacuoles, and thin actin‐like filaments (rather scarce during autumn) were detected. The contents of the follicular cavity showed well‐defined ultrastructural seasonal characteristics, with a colloid‐like aspect during awakening and a strongly granular aspect during autumn oestrus and mating. Positive staining for PAS and paraldehyde fuchsin, and a marked reaction to lectins PHA‐L4, MAM, and RCA 60 suggested the presence of sialo‐glycoproteins in the follicular cavities. Both follicular and endocrine PT‐specific cells appeared to mark the boundary of follicular cavities. This finding suggests that the follicular cavity contents are comprised of both types of cells, rather than by cell fragmentation or degeneration products. Anat Rec Part A 273A:763–771, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The changing face of scientific discourse: Analysis of genomic and proteomic database usage and acceptance
Authors: Brown Cecelia
Published: June 2003

The explosion of the field of molecular biology is paralleled by the growth in usage and acceptance of Web‐based genomic and proteomic databases (GPD) such as GenBank and Protein Data Bank in the scholarly communication of scientists. Surveys, case studies, analysis of bibliographic records from Medline and CAPlus, and examination of “Instructions to Authors” sections of molecular biology journals all confirm the integral role of GPD in the scientific literature cycle. Over the past 20 years the place of GPD in the culture of molecular biologists was observed to move from tacit implication to explicit knowledge. Originally journals suggested deposition of data in GDP but by the late1980s, the majority of journals mandated deposition of data for a manuscript to be accepted for publication. A surge subsequently occurred in the number of articles retrievable from Medline and CAPlus using the keyword “GenBank”. GPD were not found to a new form of publication, but rather a fundamental storage and retrieval mechanism for vast amounts of molecular biology information that support the creation of scientific intellectual property. For science to continue to advance, scientists unequivocally agreed that GDP must remain free of peer‐review and available at no charge to the public. The results suggest that the existing models of scientific communication should be updated to incorporate GDP data deposition into the current continuum of scientific communication.
Teaching a simple meal preparation skill to adults with moderate and severe mental retardation using video modeling
Authors: Rehfeldt Ruth Anne , Dahman Dana , Young Amanda , Cherry Hollie , Davis Paula
Published: June 2003

We evaluated whether adults with mental retardation in the moderate or severe range would acquire simple meal preparation skills via video modeling. Training was conducted in the kitchen of the participants' day treatment setting. The intervention consisted of (i) watching a video of an adult with a developmental disability making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and (ii) receiving verbal praise for each step of the task that was performed correctly. All three participants mastered the task and demonstrated generalization across settings. All three participants also demonstrated maintenance of the skill one month following mastery. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systeme zur Abgasreinigung bei dezentralen Rückstandsverbrennungen in der chemischen Industrie
Authors: Lehner M. , Hoffmann A.
Published: June 2003

Gasförmige und/oder flüssige Abfälle aus chemischen Produktionsprozessen werden häufig in vergleichsweise kleinen dezentralen Rückstandsverbrennungen direkt vor Ort entsorgt. Aufgrund der dabei entstehenden, mit Schadstoffen hoch belasteten Abgase werden mehrstufige, nassarbeitende Abgasreinigungssysteme eingesetzt, die in den meisten Fällen aus einem Quench, einen oder mehreren Nasswäschern sowie einer optionalen Aerosolabscheidung bestehen. Die Auswahl des geeigneten Reinigungssystems hängt neben den spezifischen technischen Randbedingungen besonders auch von wirtschaftlichen Gesichtspunkten ab, also den Investitions‐ und Betriebskosten. Daneben ist die Wahl geeigneter Apparatewerkstoffe entscheidend, insbesondere für den Quenchapparat. Apparate und Verfahrensgrundkonzepte werden gegenüber gestellt und hinsichtlich wichtiger Eigenschaften quantitativ bzw. qualitativ verglichen.
Suppression of harmonics of a multilevel converter applied for a back‐to‐back HVdc link
Authors: Kimura Noriyuki , Fujita Hiroaki , Kouno Akira , Morizane Toshimitsu , Taniguchi Katsunori
Published: June 2003

This paper proposes a new pulse width control method to suppress the higher harmonics of the output of a multilevel converter applied for a back‐to‐back (BTB) HVdc link. A multilevel converter can reduce the snubber loss and the switching loss since it decreases the number of switching devices connected in series and the switching frequency. The staircase voltage waveform is expected to be able to suppress the higher harmonics. We investigated the condition necessary to suppress the higher harmonics and propose a method for controlling the fundamental voltage amplitude. We show the effectiveness of the proposed control method based on simulation results obtained using Alternative Transient Program (ATP). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 144(4): 34–42, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10110
Characteristics of an EIE‐core variable inductor
Authors: Maeda Mitsuru , Ohinata Takashi , Aoki Tomoyuki , Akatsuka Shigeaki , Kawakami Mineo , Sato Hiromichi , Ichinokura Osamu
Published: June 2003

The EIE core variable inductor is a device of variable inductance that is controlled by DC current. This device controls the cancellation of AC magnetic flux and thus always maintains the flux density on the magnetic path within the saturation flux density in control mode. It cancels high harmonic distortion and does not require gaps, which reduce distortion. Thus, it is simply structured and easy to scale up. This paper describes the basic structure and characteristics of the device, and presents examples of its application to electrical power equipment. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 144(4): 22–33, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10140
Maximum power point tracking with estimation of the capacitance of the capacitor connected to photovoltaic array
Authors: Kasa Nobuyuki , Iida Takahiko , Majumdar Gourab
Published: June 2003

This paper presents a new perturbation and observation method with a capacitance estimation technique for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in a photovoltaic system. Usually, the maximum power point is tracked by increasing or decreasing the duty ratio of power switching devices. However, it is well known that actual capacitance of an electrolytic capacitor in parallel with a photovoltaic array has 50% tolerance of its nominal value and also that its capacitance value degrades as time passes. If the variation of the duty ratio is determined and fixed using the capacitor nominal value, the MPPT performance may be degraded. Therefore, we must use the actual capacitance in order to improve the MPPT performance. In our system, we applied the model reference adaptive system (MRAS), then obtained the accurate capacitance value and accordingly corrected the duty ratio variation. As a result, it was possible to obtain high MPPT performance. Experimental results show that the proposed method can stably track the maximum power point at widely changing capacitance values by using a newly developed buck‐boost chopper‐type power inverter. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 144(4): 75–85, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10150
A study on the improvement of area economic efficiency by multiple menu service using a distributed energy storage system
Authors: Kubota Izumi , Oyama Tsutomu
Published: June 2003

FRIENDS (Flexible, Reliable and Intelligent ENergy Delivery System) is a new concept for a future energy delivery system. FRIENDS is characterized by the Quality Control Center (QCC) with dispersed generator and/or storage system intended to improve the system reliability.

In this paper, the social cost is assumed as the sum of the rate of electricity, interruption cost, and QCC cost. The effect of the QCC on the improvement of the area economic efficiency is evaluated by means of the Monte Carlo simulation. It is demonstrated that, depending on the desired reliability level, the area social cost may be improved by the QCC. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 144(4): 9–21, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10162
Understanding the Experience of Drop‐out from Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa. European Eating Disorders Review, 2003; 11: 101
Authors: Eivors Alison
Published: June 2003

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in European Eating Disorders Review 11(2) 2003, 101.
Differential activation of subtype purinergic receptors modulates Ca2+ mobilization and COX‐2 in human microglia
Authors: Choi Hyun B. , Hong Seok H. , Ryu Jae K. , Kim Seung U. , McLarnon James G.
Published: June 2003

We have studied modulation of purinergic receptors (P2Y and P2X subtypes) on changes in intracellular Ca2+ [Ca2+]i and expression and production of COX‐2 in human microglia. Measurements using Ca2+‐sensitive spectrofluorometry showed adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cause rapid transient increases in [Ca2+]i. Application of ATP plus the P2X antagonist, pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulfonic acid (PPADS), or treatment with adenosine diphosphate‐β‐S (ADP‐β‐S), a selective P2Y agonist, led to a considerable prolongation in [Ca2+]i responses compared with ATP. The prolonged time courses were consistent with sustained activation of store‐operated channels (SOC) since SKF96365, an inhibitor of SOC, blocked this component of the response. RT‐PCR data showed that microglia expressed no COX‐2 either constitutively or following treatment of cells with ATP (100 μM for 8 h). However, treatment using ATP plus PPADS or with ADP‐β‐S led to marked expression of COX‐2. The enhanced COX‐2 with ATP plus PPADS treatment was absent in the presence of SKF96365 or using Ca2+‐free solution. Immunocytochemistry, using a specific anti‐COX‐2 antibody, also revealed a pattern of purinergic modulation whereby lack of P2X activation enhanced the production of COX‐2 protein. These results suggest that modulation of subtypes of purinergic receptors regulates COX‐2 in human microglia with a link involving SOC‐mediated influx of Ca2+. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thiamine deficiency results in downregulation of the GLAST glutamate transporter in cultured astrocytes
Authors: Hazell Alan S. , Pannunzio Pierre , Rama Rao K.V. , Pow David V. , Rambaldi Andrea
Published: June 2003

Pyrithiamine‐induced thiamine deficiency (TD) is a well‐established model of Wernicke's encephalopathy in which a glutamate‐mediated excitotoxic mechanism may play an important role in determining selective vulnerability. In order to examine this possibility, cultured astrocytes were exposed to TD and effects on glutamate transport and metabolic function were studied. TD led to decreases in cellular levels of thiamine and thiamine diphosphate (TDP) after 24 h of treatment and decreased activities of the TDP‐dependent enzymes α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and transketolase after 4 and 7 days, respectively. TD treatment for 10 days led to a reversible decrease in the uptake of [3H]‐D‐aspartate, a nonmetabolizable analogue of glutamate. Kinetic analysis revealed that the uptake inhibition was caused by a 47% decrease in the Vmax for uptake of [3H]‐D‐aspartate, with no change in the Km value. Immunoblotting showed that this decrease in uptake was due to an 81% downregulation of the astrocyte‐specific GLAST glutamate transporter. Loss of uptake activity and GLAST protein were blocked by treatment with the protein kinase C inhibitor H7, while exposure to DCG IV, a group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist, resulted in improvement of [3H]‐D‐aspartate uptake and a partial reversal of transporter downregulation. These results are consistent with our recent in vivo findings of a loss of astrocytic glutamate transporters in TD and provide evidence that TD conditions may increase phosphorylation of GLAST, contributing to its downregulation. In addition, manipulation of group II mGluR activity may provide an important strategy in the treatment of this disorder. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epstein‐Barr virus nuclear antigen‐1 and Myc cooperate in lymphomagenesis
Authors: Drotar Mark E. , Silva Santiago , Barone Enrico , Campbell Donald , Tsimbouri Penelope , Jurvansu Jaana , Bhatia Pardeep , Klein George , Wilson Joanna B.
Published: July 2003

The lymphomagenic action of myc genes in conjunction with Epstein‐Barr virus nuclear antigen‐1 (EBNA‐1) have been examined using transgenic mice in several separate tests. Synergy between Myc and EBNA‐1 in lymphomagenesis was revealed in a cross breed study where co‐expression of transgenic myc and EBNA‐1 led to a tumor latency period reduced significantly in some crosses. In the resulting bitransgenic tumors, expression of the Eμ‐myc genes was not affected by EBNA‐1 expression. MoMLV was utilized as a transposon tag to activate cellular oncogenes by infection of EμEBNA‐1 mice. Rearrangement at the c‐myc locus in B cell tumors from these mice again suggests a cooperative action between myc and EBNA‐1. Tumors arising in EμEBNA‐1 mice typically showed a trisomy of chromosome 15, upon which the c‐myc locus resides. Bitransgenic tumors (EBNA‐1/c‐myc) did not show trisomy 15. This raises the possibility that amplification of c‐myc is factorial in the selection of trisomy 15 in these tumors. These data indicate that myc and EBNA‐1 act cooperatively and are not redundant in lymphomagenesis. Expression of EBNA‐1 by EBV may provide a selection pressure in addition to translocation of the c‐myc locus in the genesis of endemic Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The deregulation of arachidonic acid metabolism‐related genes in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhi Huiying , Zhang Jian , Hu Gengxi , Lu Jiayun , Wang Xiuqin , Zhou Chuannong , Wu Min , Liu Zhihua
Published: July 2003

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is 1 of the most common cancers worldwide. In our study, cDNA microarray comprising 14,803 genes was employed to identify gene‐specific expression profile in 6 paired samples of ESCC. Nine genes identified were commonly upregulated and 36 downregulated in tumors, as compared to normal esophageal squamous epithelia. Among these genes, we found that 9 of the altered expression genes were related to arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, such as annexin‐I, annexin‐II, S100A8, S100A10, S100P, glutathione peroxidase‐3, phosphatidylcholine transfer protein, aldo‐keto reductase family 1 and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). To gain insights into the regulation of the AA metabolism pathway involved in the carcinogenesis of ESCC, we investigated the expression of 8 genes related to the AA metabolism by semiquantitative reverse transcript (RT)‐PCR and/or Western blot and immunohistochemistry. These genes include annexin‐I, annexin‐II, COX‐2, cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX), 5‐lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) and 12‐lipoxygenase (12‐LOX) (not included in the array data). The expression level of annexin‐I, annexin‐II was downregulated in esophageal cancer, whereas cPLA2, FLAP, COX‐2, 5‐LOX and 12‐LOX were upregulated. These data suggested that AA metabolism pathway and its altered expression may contribute to esophageal squamous cell carcinogenesis. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stage at diagnosis is a key explanation of differences in breast cancer survival across Europe
Authors: Sant Milena , Allemani Claudia , Capocaccia Riccardo , Hakulinen Timo , Aareleid Tiiu , Coebergh Jan Willem , Coleman Michel P. , Grosclaude Pascale , Martinez Carmen , Bell Janine , Youngson Judith , Berrino Franco ,   the EUROCARE Working Group
Published: July 2003

We used multiple regression models to assess the influence of disease stage at diagnosis on the 5‐year relative survival of 4,478 patients diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990–1992. The cases were representative samples from 17 population‐based cancer registries in 6 European countries (Estonia, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and UK) that were combined into 9 regional groups based on similar survival. Five‐year relative survival was 79% overall, varying from 98% for early, node‐negative (T1N0M0) tumours; 87% for large, node‐negative (T2‐3N0M0) tumours; 76% for node‐positive (T1‐3N+M0) tumours and 55% for locally advanced (T4NxM0) tumours to 18% for metastatic (M1) tumours and 69% for tumours of unspecified stage. There was considerable variation across Europe in relative survival within each disease stage, but this was least marked for early node‐negative tumours. Overall 5‐year relative survival was highest in the French group of Bas‐Rhin, Côte d'Or, Hérault and Isère (86%), and lowest in Estonia (66%). These geographic groups were characterised by the highest and lowest percentages of women with early stage disease (T1N0M0: 39% and 9%, respectively). The French, Dutch and Italian groups had the highest percentage of operated cases. The number of axillary nodes examined, a factor influencing nodal status, was highest in Italy and Spain. After adjusting for TNM stage and the number of nodes examined, survival differences were greatly reduced, indicating that for these women, diagnosed with breast cancer in Europe during 1990–1992, the survival differences were mainly due to differences in stage at diagnosis. However, in 3 regional groups, the relative risks of death remained high even after these adjustments, suggesting less than optimal treatment. Screening for breast cancer did not seem to affect the survival patterns once stage had been taken into account. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered methylation of multiple genes in carcinogenesis of the prostate
Authors: Yamanaka Mikio , Watanabe Masatoshi , Yamada Yasushi , Takagi Akimitsu , Murata Tetsuya , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Ito Haruo , Tsukino Hiromasa , Katoh Takahiko , Sugimura Yoshiki , Shiraishi Taizo
Published: July 2003

The methylation status of 7 genes was examined in four cell lines, 36 samples of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 20 samples of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and 109 samples of prostate cancer (PCa), using methylation‐specific PCR (MSP): the pi‐class glutathione S‐transferase (GSTP1), retinoic acid receptor beta 2(RARβ2), androgen receptor (AR), death‐associated protein kinase (DAPK), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐3 (TIMP‐3), O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), and hypermethylated in cancer‐1 (HIC‐1). The frequencies of methylation in PCa were 88% for GSTP1, 78% for RARβ2, 36% for DAPK, 15% for AR, 6% for TIMP‐3, and 2% for MGMT, whereas the values were 11% for AR and DAPK, 6% for TIMP‐3, 3% for GSTP1, and 0 for RARβ2 and MGMT in BPH. Aberrant methylation of the GSTP1 and RARβ2 genes was detected in 30% and 20% of PIN, respectively. Most samples of BPH and PCa were positive for HIC‐1 methylation. Regarding accumulation of methylated cancer‐related genes, there were significant correlations between PCa and BPH as well as PIN and BPH. In the present study, a high frequency of aberrant promoter methylation of the GSTP1 and RARβ2 genes was noted in PCa. Our findings suggest that methylation of cancer‐related genes may be involved in carcinogenesis of the prostate. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
N‐Myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) inhibits glioblastoma cell proliferation
Authors: Deng Yanchun , Yao Libo , Chau Ling , Ng Samuel Sai‐ming , Peng Ying , Liu Xinping , Au Wo‐shing , Wang Jicun , Li Fuyang , Ji Shaoping , Han Hua , Nie Xiaoyan , Li Qing , Kung Hsiang‐fu , Leung Suet‐yi , Lin Marie Chia‐mi
Published: July 2003

The most severe form of brain glioma, glioblastoma (GBM), is highly malignant and usually resistant to chemotherapy. Therefore, discovery of new targets for gene therapy is important. Using subtraction cloning, we identified the human N‐Myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (hNDRG2), located at chromosome 14q11.2, as a gene that is significantly suppressed in GBM tissues. Semiquantitative RT‐PCR showed that the hNDRG2 gene transcript is expressed in normal brain tissue and low‐grade gliomas but is present at low levels in 15 of 27 (56%) human GBM tissues and all of the 6 human glioblastoma cell lines examined. Furthermore, transfection of human glioblastoma U373 and U138 cells with a cDNA encoding hNDRG2 markedly reduced the cell proliferation. Our findings provide the first evidence to suggest that hNDRG2 may play a role in glioblastoma carcinogenesis. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A single nucleotide polymorphism in the matrix metalloproteinase‐1 promoter is associated with conventional renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Hirata Hiroshi , Naito Katsusuke , Yoshihiro Satoru , Matsuyama Hideyasu , Suehiro Yutaka , Hinoda Yuji
Published: July 2003

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1 is associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and its promoter polymorphism has been shown to influence the transcriptional level. Our study explored the association between this polymorphism and renal cell carcinoma in a Japanese population. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and normal tissue of 119 patients with conventional renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and from 210 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. Genotyping was carried out using direct sequencing. In the MMP‐1 gene promoter polymorphism, it was demonstrated that the frequency of the 2G/2G genotype, which is associated with higher enzyme activity, was significantly higher in patients with RCC than in controls (p = 0.0015; OR = 2.082; 95% CI 1.317–3.293). When stratified for gender, only men showed a significant association of the polymorphism with RCC (p = 0.0028; OR = 2.307; 95% CI 1.333‐3.990). However, no significant association was observed between the 2G/2G genotype and clinicopathologic parameters including age, gender, tumor grade and pathologic stage. Our present data suggest that the MMP‐1 promoter polymorphism may be linked to susceptibility for conventional RCC. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Germline 657del5 mutation in the NBS1 gene in breast cancer patients
Authors: Górski Bohdan , Dębniak Tadeusz , Masojć Bartlomiej , Mierzejewski Marek , Mędrek Krzysztof , Cybulski Cezary , Jakubowska Anna , Kurzawski Grzegorz , Chosia Maria , Scott Rodney , Lubiński Jan
Published: July 2003

In this report the proportion of consecutive and familial breast cancer cases harboring the 657del5 of exon 6 of the NBS1 gene was determined to assess whether it is associated with the increased risk of breast cancer development. The study consisted of 3 groups of patients: a series of consecutive 150 patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer, diagnosed under the age of 50 in the city of Szczecin; a series of 80 breast cancer patients with a family history of breast cancer in their first‐degree relatives; and a series of 530 consecutive individuals without the diagnosis of breast cancer selected at random by family doctors from the city of Szczecin. Molecular examination included allele‐specific PCR assay for the common Slavic NBS1 mutation (657del5), LOH analysis using denucleotide CA repeat microsatellite markers, haplotype analysis and sequencing. The NBS1 founder mutation was detected in 2 of 150 (1.3%) consecutive breast cancer cases diagnosed under the age of 50 years; in 3 of 80 familial breast cancer cases (3.7%); and in 3 of 530 individuals (0.6%) from the general population. Examination of tumor DNA from patients with the NBS1 mutation (groups A and B) revealed loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in all cases. Additional haplotype analysis revealed that allelic loss affects specifically wild‐type alleles. The majority of probands with breast cancer and the NBS1 mutation had a positive family history of breast cancer in their first‐degree relatives. It appears that the 657del5 mutation in exon 6 of the NBS1 gene is responsible for the occurrence of a small but significant proportion of familial breast cancer patients. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.