bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fate of oestrogenic compounds and identification of oestrogenicity in a wastewater treatment process
Authors: Nakada N. , Yasojima M. , Okayasu Y. , Komori K. , Tanaka H. , Suzuki Y.
Published: July 2006

Understanding of the fate of oestrogen and oestrogenic compounds is important in improving the removal efficiency for oestrogens in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study an attempt was made to clarify the fate of oestrogen, oestrogen sulphates, and oestrogenic compounds (synthetic oestrogen, nonylphenol and its relatives) by an instrumental analysis, and the fate of oestrogenicity by an in vitro assay. The investigation was conducted in an activated sludge WWTP in winter and summer, focusing on identification of the primary substances that induce oestrogenicity. Wastewater samples were analysed by employing the silica-gel fractionation technique in conjunction with two-step column chromatography. The results revealed that, in winter, the WWTP efficiencies for the removal of nitrogen and oestrogens decreased and the oestrone level increased with the progress of the treatment. Oestrone and oestrogenic substances are likely to circulate between the aeration tank and the final sedimentation tank. In summer, however, these compounds were effectively removed in the WWTP. The results of the column chromatography coupled with the bioassay suggested that E1 and E2 are the predominant contributors to the oestrogenicity in the influent, return sludge and effluent of the WWTP. The measurement by the instrumental analysis supported these findings.
Substrate uptake by Gordonia amarae in activated sludge foams by FISH-MAR
Authors: Carr E.L. , Eales K.L. , Seviour R.J.
Published: July 2006

Gordonia amarae is a right-angled branching filament belonging to the mycolic acid-containing Actinobacteria which is commonly found in many foaming activated sludge wastewater treatment plants. Although studies on different substrates as sole carbon sources by pure cultures of G. amarae have been carried out, none have examined substrate uptake by this organism in situ. Uptake of several hydrophilic and hydrophobic substrates by G. amarae was evaluated in situ using a combination of fluorescence in situ hybridization and microautoradiography. G. amarae could assimilate a range of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substrates. From the data, G. amarae appears to be physiologically active under aerobic, anaerobic and anoxic condition (NO2 and NO3) for some substrates. This might explain why attempts to control foaming caused by G. amarae using anoxic and anaerobic selectors have been unsuccessful. This study emphasizes that bacteria can behave differently in situ to pure cultures and that it is important to evaluate the in situ physiology of these bacteria if we are to better understand their role in the wastewater treatment process.
Applicability of experience from laboratory reactors with biological phosphorus removal in full-scale plants
Authors: Tykesson E. , Blackall L.L. , Kong Y. , Nielsen P.H. , la Cour Jansen J.
Published: July 2006

Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) has been used at many wastewater treatment plants all over the world for many years. In this study a full-scale sludge with good EBPR was tested with P-release batch tests and combined FISH/MAR (fluorescence in situ hybridisation and microautoradiography). Proposed models of PAOs and GAOs (polyphosphate- and glycogen-accumulating organisms) and microbial methods suggested from studies of laboratory reactors were found to be applicable also on sludge from full-scale plants. Dependency of pH and the uptake of both acetate and propionate were studied and used for calculations for verifying the models and results from microbial methods. All rates found from the batch tests with acetate were higher than in the batch tests with propionate, which was explained by the finding that only those parts of the bacterial community that were able to take up acetate anaerobically were able to take up propionate anaerobically.
Chemical phosphorus removal to extremely low levels: experience of two plants in the Washington, DC area
Authors: Takács I. , Murthy S. , Smith S. , McGrath M.
Published: July 2006

Chemical phosphorus removal using metal (iron and aluminium) salts is frequently used to control effluent soluble phosphorus levels in wastewater treatment plants. In the Washington DC area effluent phosphorus requirements are extremely stringent to protect the Chesapeake Bay. Full-scale data from two plants in the area were analysed to establish phosphate behaviour in the presence of iron. Titration experiments and mathematical modelling were performed to determine the role of ferric phosphate and hydroxide precipitation and other mechanisms that may potentially be involved in phosphorus removal. Iron addition is described in the model using a chemical equilibrium approach extended with surface charges and adsorption. The model verifies key observations from full-scale data: (a) extremely low orthophosphate levels can be achieved over a wide range of pH values, (b) a mixture of ferric phosphate and ferric hydroxide precipitate is forming with the hydroxide acting as sorbent, (c) molar ratios of Fe/P (iron dosed to phosphate removed) vary widely (1.0–3.9) based on the technology used and residual phosphate levels. The model will be a useful tool for engineers to optimise preliminary, simultaneous and tertiary P removal, both for design and plant operation.
Anaerobic co-digestion of sludge with other organic wastes and phosphorus reclamation in wastewater treatment plants for biological nutrients removal
Authors: Bolzonella D. , Pavan P. , Battistoni P. , Cecchi F.
Published: July 2006

This paper deals with the performances obtained in full scale anaerobic digesters co-digesting waste activated sludge from biological nutrients removal wastewater treatment plants, together with different types of organic wastes (solid and liquid). Results showed that the biogas production can be increased from 4,000 to some 18,000 m3 per month when treating some 3–5 tons per day of organic municipal solid waste together with waste activated sludge. On the other hand, the specific biogas production was improved, passing from 0.3 to 0.5 m3 per kgVS fed the reactor, when treating liquid effluents from cheese factories. The addition of the co-substrates gave minimal increases in the organic loading rate while the hydraulic retention time remained constant. Further, the potentiality of the struvite crystallisation process for treating anaerobic supernatant rich in nitrogen and phosphorus was studied: 80% removal of phosphorus was observed in all the tested conditions. In conclusion, a possible layout is proposed for designing or up-grading wastewater treatment plants for biological nutrients removal process.
Nitrogen recovery by urea hydrolysis and struvite precipitation from anthropogenic urine
Authors: Kabdaşlı I. , Tünay O. , İşlek Ç. , Erdinç E. , Hüskalar S. , Tatlı M.B.
Published: July 2006

Human urine is a source of nutrients and has a significant potential for recycle of nitrogen. Recently, much research focused on separate collection and treatment of human urine. Recovery of nutrients from human urine requires hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and subsequent removal of ammonia and sometimes phosphorus. This study attempted to evaluate urea hydrolysis of human urine in both untreated fresh samples and urease added urine samples. Recovery of nutrients by struvite precipitation on pre-hydrolysed samples was also assessed on undiluted and 1:1 diluted samples. Results of urea hydrolysis on untreated urine samples indicated that the process was slow and pH exerted a significant effect on the process. No hydrolysis occurred above pH 10. From pH 2 to 7.5, 25% of urea could be hydrolysed in 30 d. Urease added hydrolysis with the enzyme doses 25–49 mg L−1 was a rapid process providing complete conversion into ammonia in 1.5 h. Struvite precipitation conducted on enzyme hydrolysed urine sample proved to be an efficient process and ammonia removals up to 95% were obtained. Struvite precipitation also provided 50% organic nitrogen removal.
Nonenteric Escherichia coli isolates from dogs: 674 cases (1990–1998)
Authors: Oluoch Antony O. , Kim Chang-Hyun , Weisiger Rita M. , Koo Hyun-Young , Siegel Arthur M. , Campbell Karen L. , Burke Thomas J. , McKiernan Brendan C. , Kakoma Ibulaimu
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine nonenteric sites associated withEscherichia coliisolates in dogs and the antimicrobial susceptibilities of the isolates.

Design—Retrospective study.

Sample Population—17,000 canine specimens.

Procedure—Medical records of 17,000 canine specimens submitted for bacteriologic culture were examined and the number of isolations ofE coliwas determined. For these cases, records were further examined with respect to body system involvement, sex, concurrent infection with other species of bacteria, and antimicrobial susceptibility.

Results—674E coliisolates (424 from urine, 62 from the skin, 52 from the respiratory tract, 45 from the ear, 43 from the female reproductive tract, 25 from the male reproductive tract, and 23 from other organ systems) were identified. There was a significantly higher proportion of isolates from urine specimens from spayed females than from sexually intact females or males.Escherichia coliwas isolated in pure culture from 65.9% of the specimens. MostE coliisolates were susceptible to norfloxacin (90%), enrofloxacin (87.5%), gentamicin (90.7%), and amikacin (85.9%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Most nonentericE coliinfections in dogs involve the urinary tract. Amikacin, gentamicin, norfloxacin, and enrofloxacin have the highest efficacy against canineE coliisolates. ForE coliisolates from dogs, in vitro susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobial agents has remained fairly stable during the past decade. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:381–384)
Prevalence of Salmonella spp in cull (market) dairy cows at slaughter
Authors: Troutt H. Fred , Galland John C. , Osburn Bennie I. , Brewer Robert L. , Braun R. Kenneth , Schmitz John A. , Sears Phil , Childers Asa B. , Richey Ed , Mather Edward , Gibson Michael , Murthy Kris , Hogue Alan
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine the prevalence ofSalmonellaspp in the cecal-colon contents of cull (market) dairy cows at slaughter because of potential public health ramifications.

Design—Survey study.

Sample Population—Cecal-colon contents collected from 5,087 cull (market) dairy cows at slaughter at 5 slaughter establishments across the United States.

Procedure—During 2 periods of the year, winter (January and February) and summer (July through September), 5 cull (market) cow slaughter establishments in the United States—west (WE), southeast (SEE), central (CE), north central (NCE), and south central (SCE)—establishments were visited, and cecalcolon contents of cull dairy cows were obtained at the time of slaughter. Samples were examined by microbiologic culture at a single laboratory forSalmonellaspp.

Results—Salmonellaspp were detected in 23.1% of cecal-colon content samples from cull dairy cows across the 5 slaughter establishments. The highest site prevalence (54.5%) was detected at the WE during the summer period, whereas the lowest was found at the CE during the summer (4.3%) and at the NCE during the winter (4.5%). Considerable variation in the daily prevalence ofSalmonellaspp was found, particularly at the WE and the SCE.Salmonellaspp were isolated from 93% of cecal-colon contents collected on a summer day at the WE.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results strongly suggest that there is a high prevalence ofSalmonellaspp in cull dairy cows at slaughter, which could burden Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point programs implemented in slaughter establishments. Procedures to reduceSalmonellaload at the dairy farm and during transport to slaughter could reduce the risk of spread during the slaughter process. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;219:1212–1215)
Diversity of Salmonella serotypes in cull (market) dairy cows at slaughter
Authors: Galland John C. , Troutt H. Fred , Brewer Robert L. , Osburn Bennie I. , Braun R. Kenneth , Sears Phil , Schmitz John A. , Childers Asa B. , Richey Ed , Murthy Kris , Mather Edward , Gibson Michael
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine the diversity of Salmonella
serotypes isolated from a large population of cull
(market) dairy cows at slaughter.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Sample Population—Salmonella organisms isolated
from the cecal-colon contents of 5,087 market dairy
cows.

Procedure—During winter and summer 1996, cecalcolon
contents of cull dairy cows at slaughter were
obtained from 5 US slaughter establishments.
Specimens were subjected to microbiologic culturing
for Salmonella spp at 1 laboratory. Identified isolates
were compared with Salmonella isolation lists published
by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and the National Veterinary Services
Laboratory (NVSL) for approximately the same period.
The Simpson diversity index was used to calculate
the likelihood that Salmonella isolates selected randomly
by establishment were different.

Results—Of 58 Salmonella serotypes identified,
Salmonella ser. Montevideo was the most prevalent. Two
of the top 10 CDC serotypes identified from humans in
1996, Salmonella ser. Typhimurium and S Montevideo,
appeared on our top 10 list; 8 of the top 10 were found
on NVSL listings. Thirty-one of 59 S Typhimurium isolates
were identified as DT104 and found at a west slaughter
establishment, 30 during the winter and 1 during the
summer. The greatest diversity of serotypes was at a
southeast establishment during the summer; the least
diversity was at a central establishment in the winter.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—58 Salmonella
serotypes were isolated from market dairy cows at
slaughter and could pose a threat for food-borne illness.
Salmonella Montevideo was the most frequently
isolated serotype and may contribute substantially
to salmonellosis in dairy cattle. (J Am Vet
Med Assoc 2001;219:1216–1220)
Subclinical exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in dogs
Authors: Wiberg Maria E. , Westermarck Elias
Published: July 2006

Objective—To study progression of autoimmunemediated atrophic lymphocytic pancreatitis from the subclinical to the clinical phase (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency [EPI]) and determine whether progression of the disease could be halted by treatment with immunosuppressive drugs.

Design—Randomized controlled trial.

Animals—20 dogs with subclinical EPI.

Procedure—Diagnosis of subclinical EPI was determined on the basis of repeatedly low serum trypsin like-immunoreactivity (TLI) in dogs with no signs of EPI. Laparotomy was performed on 12 dogs with partial acinar atrophy and atrophic lymphocytic pancreatitis. A treatment group (7 dogs) received an immunosuppressive drug (azathioprine) for 9 to 18 months, and a nontreatment group (13) received no medication.

Results—During the subclinical phase, serum TLI was repeatedly low (< 5.0 µg/L). Although a few dogs had nonspecific gastrointestinal tract signs, they did not need diet supplementation with enzymes. While receiving immunosuppressive medication, treated dogs had no clinical signs of EPI, but within 2 to 6 months after treatment was stopped, 2 dogs had signs of EPI, and diet supplementation with enzymes was started. Five of the 13 untreated dogs needed diet supplementation with enzymes within 6 to 46 months. During follow-up of 1 to 6 years, 3 of the 7 treated dogs and 8 of the 13 untreated dogs did not need continuous diet supplementation with enzymes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Progression of atrophic lymphocytic pancreatitis varied widely. The subclinical phase may last for years and sometimes for life. The value of early treatment with an immunosuppressive drug was questionable and, because of the slow natural progression of the disease, cannot be recommended. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2002;220:1183–1187)
Aortic ejection velocity in healthy Boxers with soft cardiac murmurs and Boxers without cardiac murmurs: 201 cases (1997–2001)
Authors: Koplitz Shianne L. , Meurs Kathryn M. , Spier Alan W. , Bonagura John D. , Fuentes Virginia Luis , Wright Nicola A.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine aortic ejection velocity in healthy adult Boxers with soft ejection murmurs without overt structural evidence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and in healthy Boxers without cardiac murmurs.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—201 Boxers.

Procedure—Dogs were examined independently by 2 individuals for evidence of a cardiac murmur, and a murmur grade was assigned. Maximal instantaneous (peak) aortic ejection velocity was measured by means of continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography from a subcostal location. Forty-eight dogs were reexamined approximately 1 year later.

Results—A soft (grade 1, 2, or 3) left-basilar ejection murmur was detected in 113 (56%) dogs. Overall median aortic ejection velocity was 1.91 m/s (range, 1.31 to 4.02 m/s). Dogs with murmurs had significantly higher aortic ejection velocities than did those without murmurs (median, 2.11 and 1.72 m/s, respectively). Auscultation of a murmur was 87% sensitive and 66% specific for the identification of aortic ejection velocity > 2.0 m/s. An ejection murmur and aortic ejection velocity > 2.0 m/s were identified in 73 (36%) dogs. For most dogs, observed changes in murmur grade and aortic ejection velocity during a follow-up examination 1 year later were not clinically important.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that ejection murmurs were common among healthy adult Boxers and that Boxers with murmurs were likely to have high (> 2.0 m/s) aortic ejection velocities. The cause of the murmurs in these dogs is unknown. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;222:770–774)
Assessment of the prevalence of heart murmurs in overtly healthy cats
Authors: Côté Etienne , Manning Ann Marie , Emerson Dawn , Laste Nancy J. , Malakoff Rebecca L. , Harpster Neil K.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To assess the frequency of heart murmurs in overtly healthy cats.

Design—Prospective study.

Sample Population—103 healthy domestic cats.

Procedure—Background information and physical characteristics were assessed in cats that were candidates for blood donation during an 8-month period. For cats with heart murmurs, additional information collected included murmur timing, grade, point of maximal intensity, and presence of additional heart sounds.

Results—Heart murmurs were detected in 22 of the 103 (21%) cats. Echocardiography was performed in 7 of those 22 cats. The echocardiogram was considered normal in 1 cat; in the other 6 cats, diagnoses included hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (interventricular septal hypertrophic form [IVSH]; n = 4), left ventricular concentric hypertrophy with valvular disease (1), and equivocal IVSH (1). Thirteen cats had more than 1 examination during the study; 3 of them developed heart murmurs. There were no significant differences in age, sex, breed, coat color, eye color, or heart rate between cats with and without murmurs. Among the 103 cats, there were 6 pairs of siblings from 6 multiple- cat households and 16 cats from 7 multiple-cat households in which the cats were not related; the proportion of cats with murmurs was higher in the related cats (5/12) than in the unrelated cats (3/16), but the difference was not significant.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that heart murmurs are detectable in a large proportion of overtly healthy cats and that many murmurs appear to be caused by structural heart disease that is in a clinically latent state. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:384–388)
Transition‐Metal Complexes of Boron—New Insights and Novel Coordination Modes
Authors: Braunschweig Holger , Kollann Carsten , Rais Daniela
Published: July 2006

Since the publication of the last review in 1998, the transition‐metal chemistry of boron has continued to raise unceasing interest. Boryl complexes, representing the most extensive subclass, have remained a focus of intense research, particularly for their implication in the metal‐mediated functionalization of organic substrates. Absolute novelties such as borane complexes and terminal borylene complexes have been structurally authenticated. Upon further elaboration of these compounds, the known coordination modes of boron‐based ligands have grown considerably. Combined structural and theoretical investigations have contributed to elucidate the fundamental electronic characteristics of the transition‐metal–boron bond and are leading to applications of these compounds. The most useful synthetic strategies for the generation of transition‐metal–boron bonds are highlighted here, and the most recent and intriguing compounds that have been reported are outlined and discussed.
Long‐term orbital period behaviors of the neglected Algol type binaries: CC Herculis and XZ Aquilae
Authors: Soydugan F. , Soydugan E. , İbanoğlu C. , Demircan O.
Published: July 2006

Orbital period variations of two neglected Algol type binaries, CC Her and XZ Aql, are studied based on all available times of minima. In the case of CC Her, it is found that the O –C curve displays a tilted sinusoidal variation with an eccentricity of 0.54 ± 0.03 and a period of 52.4 ± 0.4 yr, which can be explained by the light‐time effect due to the presence of an unseen component. The course of the orbital period change in XZ Aql appears less reliable but its O –C curve can be represented by a periodic variation with a period of 36.7 ± 0.6 yr superimposed on an upward parabola. The parabolic variation indicates a secular period increase with a rate of dP /dt = 7.1 s per century. The corresponding conservative mass transfer from less massive component to the more massive one is about 3.26 × 10–7 M⊙ yr–1. It is interesting to see that the O –C variation of CC Her displays no evidence (as upward parabola) on the mass transfer characteristic for Algols. The periodic change of the orbital period of XZ Aql, like CC Her, may be caused by the presence of the thirdbody. The lower limits of the masses of the hypothetical unseen components for CC Her and XZ Aql are found to be 2.69 M⊙ and 0.47 M⊙, respectively. The third body of CC Her should be detectable not only spectroscopically but also photoelectrically, if it exists. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Intracardiac echocardiography to guide closure of atrial septal defects in children less than 15 kilograms
Authors: Patel Angira , Cao Qi‐Ling , Koenig Peter R. , Hijazi Ziyad M.
Published: July 2006

Background: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is increasingly replacing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as the primary imaging technique to guide device closure of atrial septal defects (ASD). Owing to the length of the procedure, the use of TEE requires general anesthesia. Investigators have reported the usefulness of ICE in adults and children. However, little is known about the use of ICE in children whose weight is <15 kg. Therefore, this study examines the use of ICE guided secundum ASD closure in children <15 kg. Methods: Nineteen patients with a median age of 3.1 years (range 1.8–4.8), and median weight of 13.2 kg (range 8.0–14.4) underwent transcatheter occlusion (Amplatzer occluder) of a secundum ASD using ICE guidance. ICE was performed using an Acunav® catheter. The ICE catheter (10 F shaft) was introduced into an 11 F sheath in a contralateral femoral vein. Diagnostic as well as periprocedure imaging was obtained. Results: Sixteen patients had single, and three had multiple defects. Median defect size as measured by ICE was 16 mm (range 2.5–25). The median balloon stretched diameter (obtained in eight patients) was 18 mm (range 10–21); the median size of the defect for these eight patients was 15 mm (range of 8–20). Both techniques for measuring the defect correlated well with r = 0.94. The ASD occluder size ranged from 7 to 26 mm with a median of 18 mm. The procedure was successful in 16 patients who had a device implanted and no residual shunt. ASD occlusion was not attempted in two patients due to deficient rims and in one patient, the attempt failed due to left atrial disk prolapse through the ASD. Four patients experienced transient complications during the catheter procedure, including supra ventricular tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, and two with complete heart block (resolving with device removal); all had subsequent successful device placement. No complications were attributed to the use of ICE and specifically, no vascular injury was noted. Conclusions: Comparable to results with larger patients, ICE provides adequate imaging (preprocedure diagnosis and periprocedure guidance) during device occlusion of secundum ASDs with no significant complications. Thus, ICE can successfully be used in the closure of ASD in smaller patients (<15 kg) and eliminate the need for endotracheal intubation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cover Picture: Synthesis and Properties of the First Möbius Annulenes (Chem. Eur. J. 21/2006)
Authors: Ajami Dariush , Hess Kirsten , Köhler Felix , Näther Christian , Oeckler Oliver , Simon Arndt , Yamamoto Chiyo , Okamoto Yoshio , Herges Rainer
Published: July 2006

To stabilize the twist a bianthraquinodimethane unit was introduced to cyclic conjugated molecules, resulting in the first Möbius type structures (shown). In their Full Paper on page 5434 ff., R. Herges et al. describe the synthesis and characterization of several annulene isomers and investigations into the energy, geometric, and magnetic parameters.
Somatic loss of wild type NF1 allele in neurofibromas: Comparison of NF1 microdeletion and non‐microdeletion patients
Authors: De Raedt Thomas , Maertens Ophélia , Chmara Magdalena , Brems Hilde , Heyns Ine , Sciot Raf , Majounie Elisa , Upadhyaya Meena , De Schepper Sofie , Speleman Frank , Messiaen Ludwine , Vermeesch Joris Robert , Legius Eric
Published: July 2006

Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is an autosomal dominant familial tumor syndrome characterized by the presence of multiple benign neurofibromas. In 95% of NF1 individuals, a mutation is found in the NF1 gene, and in 5% of the patients, the germline mutation consists of a microdeletion that includes the NF1 gene and several flanking genes. We studied the frequency of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the NF1 region as a mechanism of somatic NF1 inactivation in neurofibromas from NF1 patients with and without a microdeletion. There was a statistically significant difference between these two patient groups in the proportion of neurofibromas with LOH. None of the 40 neurofibromas from six different NF1 microdeletion patients showed LOH, whereas LOH was observed in 6/28 neurofibromas from five patients with an intragenic NF1 mutation (P = 0.0034, Fisher's exact). LOH of the NF1 microdeletion region in NF1 microdeletion patients would de facto lead to a nullizygous state of the genes located in the deletion region and might be lethal. The mechanisms leading to LOH were further analyzed in six neurofibromas. In two out of six neurofibromas, a chromosomal microdeletion was found; in three, a mitotic recombination was responsible for the observed LOH; and in one, a chromosome loss with reduplication was present. These data show an important difference in the mechanisms of second hit formation in the 2 NF1 patient groups. We conclude that NF1 is a familial tumor syndrome in which the type of germline mutation influences the type of second hit in the tumors. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Venom apparatus of the endoparasitoid wasp Opius caricivorae Fischer (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): Morphology and ultrastructure
Authors: Wan Zhi‐Wei , Wang Hai‐Yan , Chen Xue‐Xin
Published: July 2006

The morphology and ultrastructure of the venom apparatus of the endoparasitoid wasp, Opius caricivorae Fischer (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), were observed using light and electron microscopes. The venom apparatus consists of one venom reservoir and several gland filaments. The gland filaments join together at the end of the reservoir and consist of an outer single layer of secretory cells, a layer of degenerated epidermal cells, and an inner intima that encloses the lumen. The secretory cells are organelle rich, with abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and vacuole, in which vesicular organelles secrete the components of venom. The reservoir consists of a muscular sheath, secretory cells, and squamous cells. The intima has an unevenly thickened chitinous coat. The vesicular organelles of the reservoir secretory cells differ from those of the gland filament: the microvilli being much longer and radiating in all directions. The venom reservoir not only serves to store but also secretes the venom. Virus‐like particles were discovered in the secretory cells of the gland filaments. The structural features of venom apparatus of this species are discussed in a biological context. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of bilateral pallidal stimulation on DYT1‐generalized dystonia in Japanese patients
Authors: Goto Satoshi , Yamada Kazumichi , Shimazu Hideki , Murase Nagako , Matsuzaki Kazuhito , Tamura Tetsuya , Nagahiro Shinji , Kuratsu Jun‐Ichi , Kaji Ryuji
Published: July 2006

Early‐onset generalized dystonia attributable to a DYT1 gene mutation is a hyperkinetic movement disorder that responds poorly to pharmacotherapy. In this video brief, we show that continuous bilateral stimulation of the globus pallidus internus produced sustained and marked improvements in the motor symptoms and functional disabilities of Japanese patients with DYT1‐generalized dystonia. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Effects of levodopa and subthalamic nucleus stimulation on cognitive and affective functioning in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Funkiewiez Aurélie , Ardouin Claire , Cools Roshan , Krack Paul , Fraix Valérie , Batir Alina , Chabardès Stephan , Benabid Alim‐Louis , Robbins Trevor W. , Pollak Pierre
Published: July 2006

In Parkinson's disease (PD), levodopa and subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation lead to major improvement in motor symptoms. Effects of both treatments on cognition and affective status are less well understood. Motor, cognitive, and affective symptoms may relate to the dysfunctioning of parallel cortico–striatal loops. The aim of this study was to assess cognition, behavior, and mood, with and without both treatments in the same group of PD patients. A group of 22 nondemented PD patients was included in this study. Patients were tested twice before surgery (off and on levodopa) and twice 3 months after surgery (OFF and ON STN stimulation, off levodopa). Cognitive and affective effects of STN stimulation and levodopa had some common, but also different, effects. STN stimulation improved performance on the planning test, associated with the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. However, the treatments had opposite effects on tests associated with the orbitofrontal cortex; specifically, levodopa impaired while STN stimulation improved performance on the extinction phase of a reversal/extinction task. Acutely, both treatments improved motivation and decreased fatigue and anxiety. On chronic treatment (3 months after surgery), depression improved, whereas apathy worsened 3 months after surgery. To conclude, there were significant but contrasting effects of levodopa and STN stimulation on cognition and affective functions. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Fulminant Lewy body disease
Authors: Momjian‐Mayor Isabelle , Pizzolato Gian Paolo , Burkhardt Karim , Landis Theodor , Coeytaux Alessandra , Burkhard Pierre R.
Published: July 2006

The clinical distinction between Parkinson's disease (PD) with dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is challenged by most neuropathological studies showing nearly identical changes in both conditions. We report an unusual case of PD evolving into a rapidly progressive dementia leading to death within 3 months that showed nearly all clinical features of DLB. At autopsy, numerous Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites were found in several areas of the brainstem, the limbic system, and the neocortex, consistent with pure DLB. This case demonstrates that Lewy body disease may exhibit a dramatic course without any coexisting pathology and exemplifies that PD, PDD, and DLB may sometimes represent sequential, yet overlapping, phenotypes of a same clinicopathological entity. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Perception of emotional speech in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Schröder Christine , Möbes Janine , Schütze Martin , Szymanowski Friedemann , Nager Wido , Bangert Marc , Münte Thomas Frank , Dengler Reinhard
Published: July 2006

Nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) involving cognition and emotionality have progressively received attention. The objective of the present study was to investigate recognition of emotional prosody in patients with PD (n = 14) in comparison to healthy control subjects (HC, n = 14). Event‐related brain potentials (ERP) were recorded in a modified oddball paradigm under passive listening and active target detection instructions. Results showed a poorer performance of PD patients in classifying emotional prosody. ERP generated by emotional deviants (happy/sad) during passive listening revealed diminished amplitudes of the mismatch‐related negativity for sad deviants, indicating an impairment of early preattentive processing of emotional prosody in PD. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Health‐related quality of life in adult survivors of childhood Wilms tumor or neuroblastoma: A report from the childhood cancer survivor study
Authors: Nathan Paul C. , Ness Kirsten K. , Greenberg Mark L. , Hudson Melissa , Wolden Suzanne , Davidoff Andrew , Laverdiere Caroline , Mertens Ann , Whitton John , Robison Leslie L. , Zeltzer Lonnie , Gurney James G.
Published: July 2006

Background

Long‐term survivors of Wilms tumor and neuroblastoma may experience significant late adverse effects from their disease and its therapy. Little is known, however, about the health‐related quality of life experienced by these survivors.

Procedure

Health‐related quality of life, measured by the 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36), was assessed from self‐report in adult survivors of Wilms tumor (N = 654) and neuroblastoma (N = 432) who participated in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.

Results

More than 90% of the study population was 18–34 years old at interview, and 58% were females. There was no significant difference on any SF‐36 subscale or summary scale between the two diagnostic groups. On average, survivors reported no decrement on the Physical Component Summary scale of the SF‐36 when compared to population norms. However, both groups scored significantly below the population mean score (50) on the Mental Component Summary Scale of the SF‐36 (Wilms tumor mean = 41.66, standard error = 2.19, P < 0.0001; neuroblastoma mean = 42.41, standard error = 2.23, P < 0.0001) reflecting decreased emotional health. Independent risk factors for lower scores on this scale included female gender, Native American race, unemployment, and household income below $20,000.

Conclusions

Adult survivors of childhood Wilms tumor and neuroblastoma do not differ from population norms on most health‐related quality of life (HRQL) measures. These data, however, indicate that the emotional well being of adult survivors may be compromised. Health care providers should be aware of the risk of adverse outcomes in emotional health even many years after treatment and cure. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:704–715. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of chemical composition and sequence length on the transport properties of proton exchange membranes
Authors: Roy Abhishek , Hickner Michael A. , Yu Xiang , Li Yanxiang , Glass Thomas E. , McGrath James E.
Published: July 2006

One of the integral parts of the fuel cell is the proton exchange membrane. Our research group has been engaged in the past few years in the synthesis of several sulfonated poly(arylene ether) random copolymers. The copolymers were varied in both the bisphenol structure as well as in the functional groups in the backbone such as sulfone and ketones. To compare the effect of sequence length, multiblock copolymers based on poly(arylene ether sulfone)s were synthesized. This paper aims to describe our investigation of the effect of chemical composition, morphology, and ion exchange capacity (IEC) on the transport properties of proton conducting membranes. The key properties examined were proton conductivity, methanol permeability, and water self diffusion coefficient in the membranes. It was observed that under fully hydrated conditions, proton conductivity for both random and block copolymers was a function of IEC and water uptake. However, under partially hydrated conditions, the block copolymers showed improved proton conductivity over the random copolymers. The proton conductivity for the block copolymer series was found to increase with increasing block lengths under partially hydrated conditions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2226–2239, 2006
Polymer electrolyte membranes for the direct methanol fuel cell: A review
Authors: DeLuca Nicholas W. , Elabd Yossef A.
Published: July 2006

The direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) has the potential to replace lithium‐ion rechargeable batteries in portable electronic devices, but currently experiences significant power density and efficiency losses due to high methanol crossover through polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs). Numerous publications document the synthesis and characterization of new PEMs for the DMFC. This article reviews this research, transport phenomena in PEMs, and experimental techniques used to evaluate new PEMs for the DMFC. Although many PEMs do not show significant improvements over Nafion®, the benchmark PEM in DMFCs, experimental results show that several new PEMs exhibit lower methanol crossover at similar proton conductivities and/or higher DMFC power densities. These results and recommendations for future research are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Parts B: Polym Phys 44: 2201–2225, 2006
IIPP: integrated IP paging protocol with a power save mechanism
Authors: Kafle Ved P. , Pack Sangheon , Choi Yanghee , Kamioka Eiji , Yamada Shigeki
Published: July 2006

The advent of advanced mobile/wireless systems has been facilitating the battery‐powered mobile computing devices (nodes) to remain always connected to the internet. However, until now, the power‐drain rate of mobile nodes is very high in comparison with the available power of portable batteries. To reduce the energy consumption of mobile nodes, we present an integrated IP paging protocol (IIPP) by integrating the IP‐layer paging protocol based on Mobile IPv4 regional registration (MIPRR) with a power save mechanism. IIPP reduces the frequency of signaling messages between mobile nodes and networks. When not sending or receiving data for a certain time, mobile nodes enter power save mode (PSM), and consume very low power. We formulate analytical models and carry out simulations to evaluate the proposed IIPP. The results show that, compared to MIPRR, IIPP significantly reduces the average power consumption of the mobile node and signaling overheads in the network. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tone diversity for OFDMA in broadband wireless communications
Authors: Xu Ying Lin , Weng Jianfeng , Le‐Ngoc Tho
Published: July 2006

This paper presents two group‐based tone diversity schemes, namely, group‐orthogonal tone‐combining‐diversity (GO‐TCD) and group‐optimal tone‐selection‐diversity (GO‐TSD), for orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system in broadband wireless communications. In both schemes, the entire frequency band ofNsub‐carriers is divided intoNG = N/Lfsub‐carrier groups with each havingLfsub‐carriers. When the channel knowledge is not available at the transmitter, GO‐TCD, which has a split‐and‐group structure to reduce the peak‐to‐average ratio (PAR) and employs the multi‐user detection for maximum‐likelihood (ML) estimation to increase the number of active users, is proposed and shown to provide a lower PAR and similar performance as compared with the group‐orthogonal multi‐carrier CDMA, and outperforms the random‐hopping (RH)‐OFDMA and matched‐filter based MC‐CDMA. When the channel knowledge is available at the transmitter, GO‐TSD can be used to select the best sub‐carrier in a given sub‐carrier group for any active user and shown to offer a throughput comparable to the optimal tone selection but with much less complexity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transporting data between wireless applications using a messaging system—MMS
Authors: Miraj‐E‐Mostafa
Published: July 2006

There is a demand for using messaging systems to transport data between wireless applications in mobile communications. As multimedia messaging service (MMS) is a promising messaging system to meet the demand, it is under enhancement in related standardization bodies to make it effective in transporting application data. The enhancement should be compatible with the existing MMS services for its smooth and safe deployment. This paper proposes a solution to make the enhancement backward compatible, so that a new MMS service of transporting application data has no impact on the existing MMS services. The solution also provides forward compatibility, so that an MMS service of transporting application data does not hinder the introduction of any application in the future, allowing instantaneous deployment of a wireless application. The standardization bodies did not define any format for data communication between a wireless application and MMS in a terminal. A common format in this regard would help mass availability of wireless applications for different purposes independent of manufacturing a mobile terminal. Based on an analysis described in this paper, eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is the suitable format for the purpose. This paper also presents examples of XML file to indicate what data should be communicated in this regard. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binary‐offset‐carrier modulation techniques with applications in satellite navigation systems
Authors: Lohan Elena Simona , Lakhzouri Abdelmonaem , Renfors Markku
Published: July 2006

An important aspect in designing the modulation scheme for various satellite systems, such as the modernized GPS and Galileo, is to obtain good spectral properties and suitable spectral shaping. For example, in the future satellite navigation systems, some of the main goals are: low interference with the existing GPS signals, good root‐mean‐square (RMS) bandwidth, good time resolution (in order to allow the separation between channel paths and to decrease the synchronization errors) etc. Starting from the recently proposed cosine‐ and sine‐BOC modulation families for GPS and Galileo systems, we introduce a new, generalized family, denoted here by double‐BOC (DBOC) modulation. We derive and analyze the properties of the power spectral densities (PSD) and autocorrelation functions (ACF) of the DBOC modulation with various orders, we show its relationship with BPSK, sine‐ and cosine‐BOC modulations, and we illustrate via several examples how to choose optimally the parameters of this new modulation family, according to different optimization criteria. The examples are targeting at applications such as the design of suitable modulations for Galileo open service (OS) and public regulated service (PRS) signals, but the authors believe that the DBOC concept might be useful to other satellite‐based applications, when the available bandwidth is large enough. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A collision detection method for multicast transmissions in CSMA/CA networks
Authors: Nilsson Thomas , Wikstrand Greger , Eriksson Jerry
Published: July 2006

Compared to unicast traffic, multicast is not protected by any ARQ mechanism in 802.11 networks: collisions with other multicast and unicast transmissions are not detected and senders will not adapt to the contention situation by backing off. This results in an unreliable service for multicast transmissions.

We propose early multicast collision detection (EMCD), an algorithm with the purpose of increasing the reliability of multicast transmissions in the MAC layer of an IEEE 802.11 network. A multicast sender using it will introduce an early pause in a transmission, perform a clear channel assessment (CCA), and if a collision is detected abort the transmission after a fixed time and schedule a retransmission. This allows for detecting collisions with both multicast and unicast transmissions but also adapting to the contention situation.

A probabilistic analysis is provided showing that EMCD is more efficient than ordinary multicast and can be made even more efficient by tuning parameters.

Simulations show that EMCD leads to increased reliability for multicast transmissions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of Claspin degradation by the ubiquitin‐proteosome pathway during the cell cycle and in response to ATR‐dependent checkpoint activation
Authors: Bennett Lara N. , Clarke Paul R.
Published: July 2006

Claspin is involved in ATR‐dependent activation of Chk1 during DNA replication and in response to DNA damage. We show that degradation of Claspin by the ubiquitin‐proteosome pathway is regulated during the cell cycle. Claspin is stabilized in S‐phase but is abruptly degraded in mitosis and is absent from early G1 cells in which the phosphorylation of Chk1 by ATR is abrogated. In response to hydroxyurea, UV or aphidicolin, Claspin is phosphorylated in the Chk1‐binding domain and its protein levels are increased in an ATR‐dependent manner. Thus, the Chk1 pathway is regulated through both phosphorylation of Claspin and its controlled degradation.
Allene oxide synthase from Arabidopsis thaliana (CYP74A1) exhibits dual specificity that is regulated by monomer‐micelle association
Authors: Hughes Richard K. , Belfield Eric J. , Ashton Ruth , Fairhurst Shirley A. , Göbel Cornelia , Stumpe Michael , Feussner Ivo , Casey Rod
Published: July 2006

We investigate the effects of detergent on the kinetics and oligomeric state of allene oxide synthase (AOS) from Arabidopsis thaliana (CYP74A1). We show that detergent‐free CYP74A1 is monomeric and highly water soluble with dual specificity, but has relatively low activity. Detergent micelles promote a 48‐fold increase in k
cat/K
m (to 5.9 × 107
M−1
s−1) with concomitant changes in the spin state equilibrium of the haem‐iron due to the binding of a single detergent micelle to the protein monomer, which is atypical of P450 enzymes. This mechanism is shown to be an important determinant of the substrate specificity of CYP74A1. CYP74A1 may be suited for structural resolution of the first plant cytochrome P450 and its 9‐AOS activity and behaviour in vitro has implications for its role in planta.
Mouse stefins A1 and A2 (Stfa1 and Stfa2) differentiate between papain‐like endo‐ and exopeptidases
Authors: Mihelič Marko , Teuscher Cory , Turk Vito , Turk Dušan
Published: July 2006

Stefin A (Stfa) acts as a competitive inhibitor of intracellular papain‐like cysteine proteases which play important roles in normal cellular functions such as general protein turnover, antigen processing and ovarian follicular growth and maturation. In the mouse there are at least three different variants of Stfa (Stfa1, Stfa2 and Stfa3). Recent genetic studies identified structural polymorphisms in Stfa1 and Stfa2 as candidates for Aod1b, a locus controlling susceptibility to day three thymectomy (D3Tx)‐induced autoimmune ovarian disease (AOD). To evaluate the functional significance of these polymorphisms, recombinant allelic proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and characterized. The polymorphisms do not markedly alter the folding characteristics of the two proteins. Stfa1 and Stfa2 both act as fast and tight binding inhibitors of endopeptidases papain and cathepsins L and S, however their interaction with exopeptidases cathepsins B, C and H was several orders of magnitude weaker compared to human, porcine and bovine Stfa. Notwithstanding, the K
i values for the interactions of Stfa1‐b from AOD resistant C57BL/6J mice was 10‐fold higher than that of the Stfa1‐a allele from susceptible A/J mice for papain, cathepsins B, C and H but not L and S. In contrast, the inhibitory activities of Stfa2‐a and Stfa2‐b were found to be roughly equivalent for all targets peptidases.