bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid lightoff of syngas production from methane: A transient product analysis
Authors: Williams Kenneth A. , Leclerc Corey A. , Schmidt Lanny D.
Published: December 2004

Steady‐state production of syngas (CO and H2) can be attained within 10 s from room‐temperature mixtures of methane and air fed to a short‐contact‐time reactor by initially operating at combustion stoichiometry (CH4/O2 = 0.5) and then quickly switching to syngas stoichiometry (CH4/O2 = 2.0). The methane/air mixture is first ignited, forming a premixed flame upstream of the catalyst that heats the Rh‐impregnated α‐alumina foam monolith to catalytic lightoff (T > 500°C) in a few seconds. The methane/oxygen ratio is then increased to partial oxidation stoichiometry, which extinguishes the flame and effects immediate autothermal syngas production. Transient species profiles are measured with a rapid‐response mass spectrometer (response time constant ≅ 0.5 s), and catalyst temperature is measured with a thermocouple at the catalyst back face. Because the monolith thermal response time (∼ 1 s) is several orders of magnitude larger than the reaction timescales (∼ 10−12 to 10−3 s), chemistry and flow should be mathematically decoupled from local transient variations in catalyst temperature. Using this assumption, a transient temperature profile is combined with detailed surface chemistry for methane on Rh in a numerical plug‐flow model. This approach accurately reproduces the transient species profiles measured during experimental lightoff for short combustion time experiments and lends insight into how the monolith temperature develops with time. The combined experimental and numerical efforts supply useful information on the transient reactor behavior for various combustion times and identify a combustion time to avoid undershoot or overshoot in catalyst temperature and minimize start‐up time. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 247–260, 2005
Effect of millimeter waves on natural killer cell activation
Authors: Makar V.R. , Logani M.K. , Bhanushali A. , Kataoka M. , Ziskin M.C.
Published: December 2004

Millimeter wave therapy (MMWT) is being widely used for the treatment of many diseases in Russia and other East European countries. MMWT has been reported to reduce the toxic effects of chemotherapy on the immune system. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether millimeter waves (MMWs) can modulate the effect of cyclophosphamide (CPA), an anticancer drug, on natural killer (NK) cell activity. NK cells play an important role in the antitumor response. MMWs were produced with a Russian‐made YAV‐1 generator. The device produced modulated 42.2 ± 0.2 GHz radiation through a 10 × 20 mm rectangular output horn. Mice, restrained in plastic tubes, were irradiated on the nasal area. Peak SAR at the skin surface and peak incident power density were measured as 622 ± 100 W/kg and 31 ± 5 mW/cm2, respectively. The maximum temperature elevation, measured at the end of 30 min, was 1 °C. The animals, restrained in plastic tubes, were irradiated on the nasal area. CPA injection (100 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally on the second day of 3‐days exposure to MMWs. All the irradiation procedures were performed in a blinded manner. NK cell activation and cytotoxicity were measured after 2, 5, and 7 days following CPA injection. Flow cytometry of NK cells showed that CPA treatment caused a marked enhancement in NK cell activation. The level of CD69 expression, which represents a functional triggering molecule on activated NK cells, was increased in the CPA group at all the time points tested as compared to untreated mice. However, the most enhancement in CD69 expression was observed on day 7. A significant increase in TNF‐α level was also observed on day 7 following CPA administration. On the other hand, CPA caused a suppression of the cytolytic activity of NK cells. MMW irradiation of the CPA treated groups resulted in further enhancement of CD69 expression on NK cells, as well as in production of TNF‐α. Furthermore, MMW irradiation restored CPA induced suppression of the cytolytic activity of NK cells. Our results show that MMW irradiation at 42.2 GHz can up‐regulate NK cell functions. Bioelectromagnetics 26:10–19, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Four‐point electrode measurement of impedance in the vicinity of bovine aorta for quasi‐static frequencies
Authors: Stiles David K. , Oakley Barbara A.
Published: December 2004

Results are presented here of experimental measurements using a four‐point electrode technique to measure the complex impedance of bovine aorta submerged in Ringer's solution. Impedance measurements were taken at 250 μm intervals, ranging from 0 (the electrode directly on the surface of the tissue) to 10 mm. Frequencies ranged from 1 kHz to 10 MHz. Throughout this range, the measured impedance changed by an average of 400% when the electrode was 10 mm from the tissue as compared to when the electrode was in direct contact with the tissue. The change in impedance made it possible to determine when the electrode made contact with the arterial wall. Bioelectromagnetics 26:54–58, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Short term exposure to 1439 MHz pulsed TDMA field does not alter melatonin synthesis in rats
Authors: Hata Keisuke , Yamaguchi Hironori , Tsurita Giichirou , Watanabe Soichi , Wake Kanako , Taki Masao , Ueno Shoogo , Nagawa Hirokazu
Published: December 2004

The widespread use of the mobile phone has initiated many studies on the possible adverse effects of a high frequency electromagnetic field (EMF), which is used in mobile phones. A low frequency EMF is reported to suppress melatonin synthesis. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects on melatonin synthesis in rats after short term exposure to a 1439 MHz time division multiple access (TDMA) EMF. The average specific absorption ratio (SAR) of the brain was 7.5 W/kg, and the average SARs of the whole body were 1.9 and 2.0 W/kg for male and female rats, respectively. A total of 208 male and female rats were investigated. After acclimatization to a 12 h light–dark (LD) cycle, serum and pineal melatonin levels together with pineal serotonin level under a dark condition (less than 1 lux) were examined by radioimmunoassay. No significant differences in melatonin and serotonin levels were observed between the exposure, sham, and cage control groups. These results suggest that short term exposure to a 1439 MHz TDMA EMF, which is about four times stronger than that emitted by mobile phones, does not alter melatonin and serotonin synthesis in rats. Further investigations on the effects of long term exposure are warranted. Bioelectromagnetics 26:49–53, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Five important lessons about the cost of e‐learning
Authors: Scarafiotti Carol
Published: December 2004

This chapter describes strategies for containing and reducing the costs of e‐learning through cost identification, appropriate instructional roles, course development, program scale, and course redesign.
Sources and information for distance educators
Authors: Diaz Veronica
Published: December 2004

This chapter presents additional information and resources for distance educators at community colleges, focusing in particular on the Americans with Disabilities Act, the TEACH Act, and learning objects and models.
Comparison of Finite Volume SOFC Models for the Simulation of a Planar Cell Geometry
Authors: Campanari S. , Iora P.
Published: December 2004

This paper discusses the development of a finite volume model for a planar solid oxide fuel cell. Two different levels of detail for the definition of the basic cell elements are considered, the first with the assumption of isothermal behavior for a finite volume, defined by a portion of the cell PEN structure with pertinent air and fuel channels, and the second with a more refined element subdivision, capable of simulating temperature differences at a smaller scale. The model applies a detailed electrochemical and thermal analysis to a planar SOFC of a defined geometry (with co‐flow, counter‐flow or cross‐flow configuration), material properties and input flows. Electrochemical modeling includes an evaluation of ohmic, activation and diffusion losses as well as a kinetic model of the hydrocarbon reactions involved. The model calculates internal profiles of temperature, flow composition, current density, and cell energy balances. Internal heat exchange coefficients are evaluated with a specific fluid‐dynamic analysis. After a preliminary calibration of the model, a comparison of the simulation results generated by the two models is presented and a parametric analysis to investigate the effects of different assumptions on a selection of key parameters (heat losses, air stoichiometric ratio and inlet temperatures) is carried out. The results show that the refined model developed here could significantly help in the design of efficient fuel cell stack projects and in the careful consideration of the influence of heat losses, air ratio and the endothermic reforming reaction on cell temperature distribution and global performances.
The concept of stimulation of entrepreneurship— A benchmarking and co‐evolution approach
Authors: Sysko‐Romanczuk Sylwia , Platonoff Alberto Lozano
Published: December 2004

Sustainable economic growth is enabled by the production of wealth, i.e., development of entrepreneurship. Opportunities for its development, and so the sources of the country's economic wealth, may be found today not only in the proper level of macroeconomic indicators (labor cost, interest rates' level, currency exchange rate, etc.), but also in regional (effective and efficient use of locally diverse opportunities, development predisposition, and cooperation between organizations) and microeconomic conditions (differences in management styles). The sine qua non condition of the entrepreneurship development is the effectiveness of actions taken in all three interrelated levels enabling achievement of the synergy effect. Our aim here is to present an innovative concept of entrepreneurship, realized in Poland on the basis of the cooperation between science, business, authorities, institutions, and media. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 15: 71–82, 2005.
Changing patterns in corporate technology strategies
Authors: Nasierowski Wojciech
Published: December 2004

In this paper the challenges and solutions relevant to the management of technology in contemporary global companies are explored. The impact of technological change on the classical organizational paradigms of functional areas in operations is discussed. Successful corporate responses to environment change are also presented. Recommended solutions to constraints described herein are presented in the form of Best Management Practices. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 15: 83–92, 2005.
Entrepreneurship education in Poland: Findings from the field
Authors: Kierulff Herbert E.
Published: December 2004

Poland has a rich entrepreneurial potential—a potential it is realizing on a large scale. At the same time, educational opportunities are opening up for enterprising business leaders seeking to start their own firms. Polish academics and business people understand that some aspects of entrepreneurship can be taught, and have taken steps to provide programs and short courses emphasizing start‐ups. A series of interviews were undertaken in 1998 and 1999 with business people, academics, consultants, and government officials on the subject of entrepreneurship in Poland to determine what specific business tools and concepts were most important to aspiring and practicing Polish entrepreneurs, and how these subjects should be taught. The findings are summarized in this article. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 15: 93–98, 2005.
Divergent stress responses to IL‐1β, nitric oxide, and tunicamycin by chondrocytes
Authors: Oliver Bonnie L. , Cronin Chunxia G. , Zhang‐Benoit Yahui , Goldring Mary B. , Tanzer Marvin L.
Published: December 2004

As the only cell in cartilage responsible for matrix synthesis, the chondrocyte's viability is crucial to healthy tissue. It must tolerate stresses from both mechanical and cellular sources. This study examines the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response in chondrocytes after exposure to IL‐1β, nitric oxide, or tunicamycin in order to determine whether this form of stress causes cell death. Cultures of the immortalized human juvenile costal chondrocyte cell line, C‐28/I2, were treated with IL‐1β, S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), and tunicamycin. Increasing intracellular nitric oxide levels by SNAP treatment or inhibiting protein folding in the ER lumen by tunicamycin induced the ER stress response as evidenced by increased protein and gene expression of GADD153 as well as PERK and eIF2‐α phosphorylation, and resulted in apoptosis. IL‐1β treatment induced PERK and eIF2‐α phosphorylation, but not GADD153 expression or apoptosis. The ER stress signaling pathway of IL‐1β involved iNOS because blocking its expression, inhibited ER stress gene expression. Therefore, inducing the ER stress response in chondrocytes results in divergent responses depending on the agent used. Even though IL‐1β, a common proinflammatory cytokine, induces the ER stress response, it is not proapoptotic to chondrocytes. On the other hand, exposure to high levels of intracellular nitric oxide induce chondrocyte apoptosis as part of the ER stress response. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nestin‐expressing neural stem cells identified in the scar following myocardial infarction
Authors: Drapeau Jessica , El‐Helou Viviane , Clement Robert , Bel‐Hadj Samar , Gosselin Hugues , trudeau Louis‐Eric , Villeneuve Louis , Calderone Angelino
Published: December 2004

Nerve fiber innervation of the scar following myocardial damage may have occurred either via the growth of pre‐existing fibers and/or the mobilization of neural stem cells. The present study examined whether neural stem cells were recruited to the infarct region of the rat heart following coronary artery ligation. The neural stem cell marker nestin was detected in the infarct region of 1‐week post‐myocardial infarct (MI) male rats and cultured scar‐derived neural‐like cells. By contrast, nestin staining was undetected in either scar myofibroblasts or cardiac myocytes residing in the non‐infarcted left ventricle. Reactive astrocytes were isolated from the infarct region and characterized by the co‐expression of nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and vimentin. Specific staining of oligodendrocytes and neurons was also detected in the infarct region and cultured scar‐derived neural‐like cells. Furthermore, neurofilament‐M positive fibers were identified in the scar and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity was observed in peripherin‐positive neurons. Neurite formation was induced in PC12 cells treated with the conditioned‐media of primary passage scar‐derived cells, highlighting the synthesis and secretion of neurotrophic factors. Nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor were detected in myofibroblasts and neural cells, and both cell types expressed the NGF receptors trkA and p75. These data highlight the novel observation that neural stem cells were recruited to the infarct region of the damaged rat heart and may contribute in part to nerve fiber growth and subsequent innervation of the scar. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deranged Kv channel regulation in fibroblasts from mice lacking the serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase SGK1
Authors: Shumilina Ekaterina , Lampert Angelika , Lupescu Adrian , Myssina Svetlana , Strutz‐Seebohm Nathalie , Henke Guido , Grahammer Florian , Wulff Peer , Kuhl Dietmar , Lang Florian
Published: December 2004

Coexpression of the serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) up‐regulates Kv channel activity in Xenopus oocytes and human embryonic kidney cells. To investigate the physiological impact of SGK1 dependent Kv channel regulation, we recorded whole‐cell currents in lung fibroblasts from SGK1 knockout mice (sgk1−/−) and wild‐type littermates (sgk1+/+). Serum‐grown mouse lung fibroblasts (MLF) from both genotypes exhibited voltage‐gated outwardly rectifying K+‐currents with time‐dependent activation (τact∼3 msec), slow inactivation (τinact∼700 msec), use‐dependent inactivation, and (partial) inhibition by K+ channel blockers TEA, 4‐AP, and margatoxin. In serum grown MLF peak Kv current density at +100 mV was significantly lower in sgk1−/− (14 ± 2 pA/pF, n = 13) than in sgk1+/+ (31 ± 4 pA/pF, n = 16). PCR amplification of different Kv1 and Kv3 subunits from mouse fibroblasts demonstrated the expression of Kv1.1‐1.7, Kv3.1, and Kv3.3 mRNA in both sgk1+/+ and sgk1−/− cells. Upon serum deprivation Kv currents almost disappeared in sgk1+/+ (4 ± 1 pA/pF, n = 11) but not in sgk1−/− (10 ± 1 pA/pF, n = 6) MLF. Accordingly, following serum deprivation Kv current density was significantly lower in sgk1+/+ than in sgk1−/−. Stimulation of serum‐depleted cells with dexamethasone (dex) (1 μM, 1 day), IGF‐1 (6.7 μM, 4–6 h) or both, significantly activated Kv currents in sgk1+/+ but not in sgk1−/− MLF. In the presence of both, dex and IGF‐1, the Kv current density was significantly larger in sgk1+/+ (27 ± 3 pA/pF, n = 12) than in sgk1−/− (13 ± 3 pA/pF, n = 10) cells. Similar to MLF, Kv currents were significantly higher in sgk1+/+ mouse tail fibroblasts (MTF). In sgk1+/+ but not sgk1−/− MTF the Kv currents were inhibited upon serum deprivation and reincreased after stimulation of serum deprived MTF with dex (1 μM, 1 day) and afterwards with IGF‐1 (6.7 μM, 4–6 h). According to Fura‐2‐fluorescence capacitative Ca2+ entry was lower in sgk1−/− MTF compared to sgk1+/+ MTF. Upon serum deprivation capacitative Ca2+ entry decreased significantly in sgk1+/+ but not in sgk1−/− MTF. Stimulation of depleted cells with dex (1 μM, 1 day) and afterwards with IGF‐1 (6.7 μM, 4–6 h) reincreased capacitative Ca2+ entry in sgk1+/+ MTF, whereas in sgk1−/− cells it remained unchanged. In conclusion, lack of SGK1 does not abrogate Kv channel activity but abolishes regulation of those channels by serum, glucocorticoids and IGF‐1, an effect influencing capacitative Ca2+ entry. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Signature of B‐CLL with different prognosis by Shrunken centroids of surface antigen expression profiling
Authors: Zucchetto Antonella , Sonego Paolo , Degan Massimo , Bomben Riccardo , Bo Michele Dal , Russo Stefania , Attadia Vincenza , Rupolo Maurizio , Buccisano Francesco , Principe Maria Ilaria Del , Poeta Giovanni Del , Pucillo Carlo , Colombatti Alfonso , Campanini Renato , Gattei Valter
Published: December 2004

With the aim of identifying the immunophenotypic profile of B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B‐CLL) subsets with different prognosis, we investigated by flow cytometry the expression of 36 surface antigens in 123 cases, all with survivals. By analyzing results with unsupervised (hierarchical and K‐means clustering) algorithms, three distinct immunophenotypic groups (I, II, and III) were identified, group I (51/123) with longer survivals, as compared to the group II (36/123) and III (36/123). The immunophenotypic signatures of these groups, as determined by applying the nearest Shrunken centroids method as class predictor, were characterized by the coordinated and differential expression of 12 surface markers, that is, group I: above‐average expression of CD62L, CD54, CD49c, and CD25, below‐average expression of CD38; group II: above‐average expression of CD38, CD49d, CD29, and CD49e; and group III: below‐average expression of the above markers, overexpression of CD23, CD20, SmIg, and CD79b. As opposed to groups II–III, group I B‐CLLs lacked expression of ZAP‐70 and activation‐induced cytidine deaminase in the majority of cases, while more frequently had mutated IgVH genes and IgVH mutations consistent with antigen‐driven selection. Our findings contribute to improve the immunophenotypical identification of disease subsets with different prognosis and suggest a set of surface antigens to be employed as prognosticators in routine diagnostic/prognostic procedures. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The complexity of the visual cells and visual pathways of the sturgeon
Authors: Fang Marong , Li Jicheng , Kwong W.H. , Kindler P. , Lu Gang , Wai Sen Mun , Yew David T.
Published: December 2004

The visual cells in the retinae of the sturgeon were studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Our investigations revealed the presence of rods, two types of single cones, one type of double cone (two nonidentical cone components adhered together), and one type of twin cone (two identical cone components adhered together). In some of the cones, large glycogen bodies were present in the inner segments and all cones contained oil droplets. Such cone morphology was very similar to that described in the retinae of higher vertebrates, for example the chicken. DiI tracing of retinofugal pathways following uniocular injection demonstrated their bilateral localization and extensive termination in the diencephalon and mesencephalon of both sides. Fibers also crossed over from one side to another through commissures, including the posterior commissure. The complexity of the pathway surpassed that of the teleosts and further indicated the evolutionary importance of this fish. Microsc. Res. Tech. 65:122–129, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular investigation of interspousal transmission of hepatitis C virus in two Japanese patients who acquired acute hepatitis C after 40 or 42 years of marriage
Authors: Nakayama Haruo , Sugai Yoshiki , Ikeya Shinichi , Inoue Jun , Nishizawa Tsutomu , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: December 2004

A 65‐year‐old woman (C1I) and a 65‐year‐old man (C2I) contracted acute hepatitis C 40 or 42 years after marriage, respectively, in Japan. They had no discernible risk factors for acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, except that they had monogamous sexual relationships with their spouses (C1S [66‐year‐old] with hepatocellular carcinoma and C2S [64‐year‐old] with liver cirrhosis, respectively) who were infected with HCV of the same genotype (1b) and had a high‐titer HCV RNA in the serum (bDNA probe assay, 17 Meq/ml [C1S] and 15 Meq/ml [C2S]). The HCV isolates from Patients C1I and C1S and those from Patients C2I and C2S shared identity of 99.9% and 99.1%, respectively, in the 1,087‐nucleotide (nt) sequence of the NS5B region, although these four isolates were only 91.7%–96.2% identical to the 94 reported genotype 1b isolates including those from Japanese patients. To confirm the high degree of genetic relatedness among ten HCV clones from each spouse within each pair of spouses, the E1 and E2 junctional region sequence (268 or 271 nt) including hypervariable region 1 (HVR‐1) was analyzed. There was a close relationship between clones obtained from each spouse within each couple. Regarding the HVR‐1 amino acid sequence, nine of the ten C1I clones were 100% identical with six of the ten C1S clones, and one each of the C2I and C2S clones differed by only one amino acid residue. This study indicates that two Japanese patients with acute hepatitis C had acquired HCV infection most probably by interspousal sexual transmission during a long‐lasting marriage. J. Med. Virol. 75:258–266, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of viral factors with non‐familial breast cancer in Taiwan by comparison with non‐cancerous, fibroadenoma, and thyroid tumor tissues
Authors: Tsai Ju‐Hsin , Tsai Chung‐Hung , Cheng Min‐Hsiung , Lin Shyh‐Jye , Xu Fang‐Ling , Yang Chi‐Chiang
Published: December 2004

To study the etiologic factors of non‐familial breast cancer, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern hybridization were used to detect six viruses including human papillomavirus (HPV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV)‐1, HSV‐2, and human herpesvirus (HHV)‐8 DNA in 69 patients with breast cancer and 60 specimens from non‐cancerous or other individuals with thyroid tumors or fibroadenoma (non‐breast cancer controls). Two specimens from patients with a familial history of breast cancer and five breast cancer specimens with negative results for β‐globin, which was used as internal control, were excluded from this study. Eight (12.9%) HSV‐1, 28 (45.2%) EBV, 47 (75.8%) CMV, 8 (12.9%) HPV, and 28 (45.2%) HHV‐8 positive samples out of the 62 breast cancer specimens were detected; no HSV‐2 DNA was detected in any group. Among the viral gene‐positive breast cancer samples, 12 (23.1%) were positive for 1 virus, 16 (30.8%) were positive for 2 viruses, 21 (40.4%) were positive for 3 viruses, and 3 (5.8%) were positive for 4 viruses. Among the viral gene‐positive specimens of the control groups, only one virus, CMV, was found in the non‐cancerous and thyroid tumor specimens, while multiple viruses were found in the fibroadenoma specimens. The viruses associated with breast cancer were HHV‐8 > EBV (P < 0.01). The viruses associated with fibroadenoma were HSV‐1 and HHV‐8 > EBV (P < 0.01). The presence of more than one virus was found predominantly in breast cancer and exclusively found in fibroadenoma. CMV was the only virus associated with thyroid tumors. J. Med. Virol. 75:276–281, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monoclonal antibodies versus reverse transcription‐PCR for detection of respiratory viruses in a patient population with respiratory tract infections admitted to hospital
Authors: Rovida Francesca , Percivalle Elena , Zavattoni Maurizio , Torsellini Maria , Sarasini Antonella , Campanini Giulia , Paolucci Stefania , Baldanti Fausto , Revello M. Grazia , Gerna Giuseppe
Published: December 2004

In the winter season 2001–2002, 239 nasopharyngeal aspirate and 15 bronchoalveolar lavage samples from 208 patients (135 pediatric and 73 adults, including 19 lung transplant recipients) admitted to hospital because of an acute respiratory tract infection were examined for rapid diagnosis of respiratory viruses by two diagnostic approaches: immunological, using specific monoclonal antibodies (MAb); and molecular, using specific reverse transcription (RT)‐PCR assays. Both methods detected influenza viruses A (H1N1 and H3N2) and B, human parainfluenza virus types 1 to 3, human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) types A and B, and human adenoviruses. In addition, human coronavirus (hCoV) groups I (229E‐like) and II (OC43‐like), as well as the new human metapneumovirus (hMPV), types A and B, were searched for by RT‐PCR alone. When results obtained by both methods were added, the overall percentage of patients positive for at least one respiratory virus peaked at 44.2%, involving 92/208 patients (81 pediatric, and 11 adults), while 116 patients (55.8%) were negative for any respiratory virus tested. The most common circulating virus was hRSV, infecting 54 (25.9%) patients (24 type A, and 30 type B strains), followed by hMPV, infecting 12 (5.8%) patients (7 type A and 5 type B strains). Coinfections by two respiratory viruses interested 11 (5.3%) patients, and 9 (81.8%) of these were infected by hRSV in association with another respiratory virus. In the great majority of infected children, hRSV and hMPV were associated with lower respiratory tract infections. In lung transplant recipients, viruses present in bronchoalveolar lavage appeared to be associated frequently with lower respiratory tract infections. In conclusion: the combination of immunological and molecular assays is the most sensitive approach to the diagnosis of respiratory viral infections; and infections caused by the less investigated hCoVs and hMPVs represent a fair proportion of respiratory infections. J. Med. Virol. 75:336–347, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhancement of Schwann cell myelin formation by K252a in the Trembler‐J mouse dorsal root ganglion explant culture
Authors: Liu Ning , Varma Sushama , Shooter Eric M. , Tolwani Ravi J.
Published: December 2004

The Trembler‐J (TrJ) mouse, containing a point mutation in the peripheral myelin protein 22 gene, is characterized by severe hypomyelination and is a representative model of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth 1A disease/Dejerine‐Sottas Syndrome. Previous studies have shown that protein kinase inhibitor K252a enhances wild‐type Schwann cell myelination in culture. We used a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explant culture system from the heterozygous TrJ/+ mouse to investigate if myelination could be enhanced by K252a. The TrJ/+ DRG explant cultures replicated some important features of the TrJ/+ mouse, showing reduced myelin protein accumulation, thinner myelin sheaths, and shortened myelin internodes. K252a increased myelin protein accumulation and myelin sheath thickness but did not substantially increase myelin internode length. Furthermore, the TrJ/+ DRG explant culture and sciatic nerves continued to respond to K252a during the stage when myelination is complete in the wild type. A general tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, but not inhibitors of serine/threonine protein kinase inhibitors, had a similar effect to K252a. K252a is therefore able to partially overcome hypomyelination by enhancing mutant Schwann cell myelin formation in the TrJ/+ mouse. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved dual‐mode double‐ring resonator with radial stub for UWB‐filter design
Authors: Liu Ji‐Chyun , Wu Ching‐Yang , Chiang Ming‐Hsun , Soong David
Published: December 2004

An improved filter design of a dual‐mode double‐ring resonator with radial stub for ultra‐wideband (UWB) applications is presented in this paper. Based on the double‐ring resonator and adjusted voltage/current couplings, two radial stubs are added to the outer ring in order to construct the band‐pass filter. The dual‐mode double‐ring resonator exhibits wideband responses, and the radial stubs enhance the bandwidth of the operating‐frequency band. Thus, an alternative approach to improve the bandwidth of the conventional dual‐mode double‐ring resonator, is presented. The experimental and simulation results are given and discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 219–222, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20593
A compact higher‐order ADI‐FDTD method
Authors: Fu Weiming , Tan Eng Leong
Published: December 2004

A 2D higher‐order alternating‐direction‐implicit (ADI) finite‐difference time‐domain method based on a compact scheme is presented in this paper. This compact ADI method improves the efficiency of computation by reducing the bandwidth of the matrix to be inversed from seven to five for the 4th‐order scheme. The method is proved to be unconditionally stable and its dispersion analysis is also presented. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 273–275, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20609
A combination of FDTD and least‐squares support vector machines for analysis of microwave integrated circuits
Authors: Yang Y. , Hu S. M. , Chen R. S.
Published: December 2004

This paper presents a new combination of the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method and the least‐squares support vector machines (LS‐SVM) technique. The LS‐SVM is a statistical‐learning method which has a self‐contained basis of statistical‐learning theory and excellent learning performance. A short segment of an FDTD record is used to train the LS‐SVM predictor in order to obtain an accurate future realization. Numerical simulations for two typical microwave filters demonstrate that the LS‐SVM method can achieve good forecasting accuracy and the efficiency of the FDTD method can be improved by up to 70%. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 296–299, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20615
Significant responses to platinum‐based chemotherapy in renal medullary carcinoma
Authors: Strouse John J. , Spevak Melissa , Mack A. Kyle , Arceci Robert J. , Small Donald , Loeb David M.
Published: December 2004

Most patients with renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) have advanced disease at presentation and rarely respond to radiation or chemotherapy. We describe two adolescents with metastatic disease who had significant responses to cisplatin or carboplatin in combination with gemcitabine and paclitaxel. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of wave modelling on the prediction of fatigue for offshore wind turbines
Authors: Veldkamp H. F. , van der Tempel J.
Published: December 2004

Currently it is standard practice to use Airy linear wave theory combined with Morison's formula for the calculation of fatigue loads for offshore wind turbines. However, offshore wind turbines are typically placed in relatively shallow water depths of 5–25 m where linear wave theory has limited accuracy and where ideally waves generated with the Navier–Stokes approach should be used. This article examines the differences in fatigue for some representative offshore wind turbines that are found if first‐order, second‐order and fully non‐linear waves are used. The offshore wind turbines near Blyth are located in an area where non‐linear wave effects are common. Measurements of these waves from the OWTES project are used to compare the different wave models with the real world in spectral form. Some attention is paid to whether the shape of a higher‐order wave height spectrum (modified JONSWAP) corresponds to reality for other places in the North Sea, and which values for the drag and inertia coefficients should be used. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecasting offshore wind speeds above the North Sea
Authors: Tambke Jens , Lange Matthias , Focken Ulrich , Wolff Jörg‐Olaf , Bye John A. T.
Published: December 2004

We investigate the expected performance of short‐term wind power prediction systems for offshore sites in the German Bight and at Horns Rev. Despite the special meteorological situation over the North Sea, it is found that the accuracy of wind speed predictions provided by the numerical prediction model of the German weather service is comparable to that of onshore predictions. However, although relative forecast errors look promising, the absolute errors are fairly large, with a root mean square error up to 3 m s−1 for the 48 h forecast. Moreover, vertical wind profiles which are typically needed to calculate the wind speed at hub height are considered at Horns Rev. In all thermal conditions the measured profiles show significant deviations from the expected shapes. The reason for this has to be clarified. Assuming that the deviations are due to the physical processes in the marine boundary layer, we present an alternative approach to derive wind profiles over the ocean which involves the inertial coupling of the Ekman layers of atmosphere and sea via a wave boundary layer with constant shear stress. Profiles calculated by this method are compared with measured profiles, showing rather good agreement. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethnic identity, self‐esteem, and perceived efficacy as mediators of the relation of supportive parenting to psychosocial outcomes among urban adolescents☆
Authors: Swenson Rebecca R. , Prelow Hazel M.
Published: December 2004

The present study examined the direct and indirect relationships among supportive parenting, ethnic identity, self‐esteem, perceived efficacy, and psychological adjustment in an urban sample of 133 African American (M age=16.37) and 110 European American (M age=16.43) adolescents. Although the mediational model was partially supported for both African American and European American youth, the data better fit the model for the African American group. Specifically, perceived efficacy fully mediated the relation between ethnic identity and depressive symptoms, and partially mediated the relation between self‐esteem and depressive symptoms for African American youth. For European Americans, self‐esteem fully mediated the relation between supportive parenting and perceived efficacy. This study illustrates the importance of examining developmental models separately for adolescents from different ethnic/racial backgrounds.
Stabilization of macromolecular chromatin complexes in mitotic chromosomes by light irradiation in the presence of ethidium bromide
Authors: Sheval Eugene V. , Kireev Igor I. , Polyakov Vladimir Yu.
Published: December 2004

A method was developed for stabilizing mitotic chromosomes. Light irradiation of permeabilized cells in a low concentration of ethidium bromide made chromatin resistant to high salt concentrations and decondensing buffer. This resistance was abolished by proteinase treatment, but not by DNase or RNase treatment. In photostabilized and extracted chromosomes, chromatin appeared as thick fibers with discrete high electron density regions. These stabilized structures might correspond to the higher‐level structures (chromonemata) observed in native chromatin. Moreover, the electron density was higher in the centromeric regions than the chromosome arm material. Thus, the method allows chromatin substructures (chromonemata and centromeric heterochromatin) to be stabilized inside mitotic chromosomes.
Phosphorylation of actin‐binding protein (ABP‐280; filamin) by tyrosine kinase p56lck modulates actin filament cross‐linking
Authors: Sharma C. Pal , Goldmann Wolfgang H.
Published: December 2004

Actin‐binding protein (ABP‐280; filamin) is a phosphoprotein present in the periphery of the cytoplasm where it can cross‐link actin filaments, associate with lipid membranes, and bind to membrane surface receptors. Given its function and localization in the cell, we decided to investigate the possibility of whether it serves as substrate for p56lck, a lymphocyte‐specific member of the src family of protein tyrosine kinases associated with cell surface glycoproteins. The interaction of p56lck with membrane glycoproteins is important for cell development and functional activation. Here, we show that purified p56lck interacts and catalyzes in vitro kinase reactions. Tyrosine phosphorylation by p56lck is restricted to a single peptide of labeled ABP‐280 shown by protease digest. The addition of phorbol ester to cells results in the inhibition of phosphorylation of ABP‐280 by p56lck. These results show a decrease in phosphorylation suggesting conformationally induced regulation. Dynamic light scattering confirmed increased actin filament cross‐linking due to phosphorylation of ABP‐280 by p56lck.
Synapsin IIb interacts with the C‐terminal SH2 and SH3 domains of PLCγ1 and inhibits its enzymatic activity
Authors: Han Seung Jin , Hong Seung Hwan , Kim Chul Geun , Lee Jung Bin , Choi Dong Kug , Kim Kyong‐Rae , Kim Chan Gil
Published: December 2004

To elucidate the function of PLCγ1, we have investigated the proteins that bind to its SH (Src homology) domain. Immunoscreening was performed with purified antisera specific for SH223 (two SH2 and one SH3)‐binding proteins. Several immunoreactive clones were identified as putative binding proteins and one of them was identified as synapsin IIb. We demonstrate a stable association between PLCγ1 and synapsin IIb, which binds the carboxyl terminal SH2 and SH3 domains of the enzyme and inhibits it.
Relation of myocardial histomorphometric features and left ventricular contractile reserve assessed by high‐dose dobutamine stress echocardiography in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Otašević Petar , Popović Zoran B. , Vasiljević Jovan D. , Vidaković Radislav , Pratali Lorenza , Vlahović Alja , Nesšković Aleksandar N.
Published: December 2004

Background

This study was designed to determine the relationship between histomorphometric features and contractile reserve assessed by high‐dose dobutamine stress echocardiography in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods

Twenty‐four consecutive patients (21 men, aged 43.4±8.7 years) with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography. Wall motion score index, ejection fraction, cardiac power output and end‐systolic pressure/volume ratio were used as indices of left ventricular contractility. Left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy specimens (3–5 per patient) were routinely processed and stained with Masson trichrome, interstitial fibrosis and myocyte diameter were calculated quantitatively.

Results

Myocyte diameter and interstitial fibrosis showed strongest correlation with change in wall motion score index (r=−0.667, p<0.001, and r=−0.567, p=0.004, respectively), followed by change in ejection fraction (r=−0.603, p=0.002, and r=−0.467, p=0.021, respectively). Interstitial fibrosis showed no correlation with change of cardiac power output and end‐systolic pressure/volume ratio, whereas myocyte diameter was associated with change of both indices (r=−0.565, p=0.004, and r=−0.455, p=0.025).

Conclusions

Contractile reserve elicited by high‐dose dobutamine is strongly related to the degree of histological disruption in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Reduced myocardial velocities of left ventricular long‐axis contraction identify both systolic and diastolic heart failure—a comparison with brain natriuretic peptide
Authors: Vinereanu Dragos , Lim Pitt O. , Frenneaux Michael P. , Fraser Alan G.
Published: December 2004

Background

Echocardiographic diagnosis of radial fractional shortening or global ejection fraction fails to diagnose all patients with heart failure; about 40%, with apparently normal global systolic function, will have elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations and “pure” diastolic dysfunction. Screening methods do not include assessment of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal function, however, which is a more sensitive marker of subclinical disease.

Aims

We investigated the diagnostic potential of assessment of LV longitudinal function in suspected heart failure, in a comparison against BNP.

Methods

Fifty consecutive subjects (aged 65±12 years; 30 men) referred to a heart failure clinic with unexplained breathlessness were examined by echocardiography and had plasma BNP measured by fluorescence immunoassay.

Results

Global systolic function (ejection fraction) correlated moderately with log‐transformed BNP (r=−0.54), as did global diastolic function (r=0.55 for estimated LV filling pressure, and r=−0.51 for transmitral flow propagation velocity), and radial systolic function (r=−0.60) (all p<0.001). The echocardiographic parameter that correlated best with BNP, however, was LV longitudinal systolic function (r=−0.78, p<0.001). By stepwise multiple regression analysis, BNP was predicted by longitudinal systolic velocity, in association with LV mass index and radial systolic velocity (r=0.81, r2=0.66, p<0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity of a longitudinal systolic velocity of ≤5.5 cm/s (mean of 4 basal segments) to diagnose heart failure (defined as an elevated BNP) were 94% and 85%, respectively; the negative predictive value was 97%.

Conclusion

Non‐invasive diagnosis or exclusion of suspected heart failure, whether systolic or diastolic, can be performed accurately by echocardiographic measurement of LV longitudinal systolic function.
Rapid progression from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to heart failure in a patient with Becker's muscular dystrophy
Authors: Park Ok Young , Ahn Youngkeun , Park Woo Seok , Lim Ji Hyun , Park Hyung Wook , Kim Ju Han , Hong Young Joon , Kim Weon , Jeong Myung Ho , Cho Jeong Gwan , Park Jong Chun , Lee Min Cheol , Kang Jung Chaee
Published: December 2004

We describe the case of a 17‐year‐old boy with Becker*s muscular dystrophy (BMD) presenting with rapid progression from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to heart failure within 2 years. Initial echocardiogram showed severe hypertrophy of left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) with normal chamber size, and preserved LV systolic function. Microscopic study of cardiac muscle obtained by endomyocardial biopsy of the interventricular septum showed severe hypertrophy of the muscle fibers and interstitial fibrosis. Follow‐up echocardiogram 2 years after the first examination exhibited marked dilated LV and RV with severe LV global hypokinesia. Follow‐up endomyocardial biopsy demonstrated increased interstitial cellular matrix. Immunohistochemical staining for dystrophin revealed significant loss of dystrophin along the sarcoplasmic membrane of the right biceps brachii muscle, compatible with BMD.
Clinical trials update from the American Heart Association meeting: ACORN‐CSD, primary care trial of chronic disease management, PEACE, CREATE, SHIELD, A‐HeFT, GEMINI, vitamin E meta‐analysis, ESCAPE, CARP, and SCD‐HeFT cost‐effectiveness study
Authors: Shelton Rhidian J. , Velavan Periaswamy , Nikitin Nikolay P. , Coletta Alison P. , Clark Andrew L. , Rigby Alan S. , Freemantle Nick , Cleland John G.F.
Published: December 2004

This article provides information and a commentary on landmark trials presented at the American Heart Association meeting held in November 2004, relevant to the pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of heart failure. An open trial of the ACORN Cardiac Support Device (CSD) showed encouraging preliminary results in patients with severe heart failure. The PEACE (Prevention of Events with Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme inhibition) study supports data from previous studies showing that ACE inhibitors reduce vascular events in patients at increased risk. The CREATE (clinical trial of metabolic modulation in acute MI treatment evaluation) study of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) showed no mortality benefit of a glucose/insulin/potassium regimen, but treatment with reviparin reduced the incidence of death, MI, or stroke. Azimilide was not associated with a significant reduction in shocks, but reduced the shocks or episodes of markedly symptomatic ventricular tachycardia terminated by pacing in the SHIELD (Shock Inhibition Evaluation with Azimilide) study. The addition of isosorbide dinitrate plus hydralazine to standard therapy improved survival in black heart failure patients in the A‐HeFT (African—American Heart Failure Trial) study. In an investigation of hypertensive patients with diabetes, carvedilol had fewer adverse effects on diabetic control than metoprolol. A meta‐analysis of high‐dose vitamin E supplementation suggested an association with increased mortality. The ESCAPE (Evaluation Study of CHF and Pulmonary Artery Catheterisation Effectiveness) study showed no benefit of pulmonary artery catheterisation over clinical management in patients with severe heart failure. Routine prophylactic coronary revascularisation for stable coronary disease prior to major vascular surgery showed no benefit in the CARP (Coronary Artery Revascularization Prophylaxis) study. Analysis of data from SCD‐HeFT supports the cost‐effectiveness of ICDs in heart failure, although overall cost implications may be prohibitive.
Coordinate involvement of cysteine protease and nuclease in the executive phase of plant apoptosis
Authors: Kusaka Koh , Tada Yasuomi , Shigemi Teppei , Sakamoto Masaru , Nakayashiki Hitoshi , Tosa Yukio , Mayama Shigeyuki
Published: December 2004

We have developed an oat cell‐free apoptosis system to investigate the execution mechanisms of plant apoptosis. Cell extracts derived from oat tissues undergoing toxin (victorin)‐induced apoptosis caused nuclear collapse and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in isolated nuclei. Pharmacological studies revealed that cysteine protease, which is E‐64‐sensitive but insensitive to caspase‐specific inhibitors, is a crucial component in the morphological change of isolated nuclei, and that nuclease and the cysteine protease act cooperatively to induce the apoptotic DNA laddering. Interestingly, this finding is contrasted with those in well‐studied animal cell‐free systems in which an apoptotic endonuclease is solely responsible for the DNA fragmentation.