bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rheological characterization of PP/jute composite melts
Authors: Mohanty Smita , Verma Sushil K. , Nayak Sanjay K.
Published: November 2005

The present article summarizes an experimental study on the molten viscoelastic behavior of PP/jute composites under steady and dynamic mode. Variations in melt viscosity and die swell of the composites with an increase in shear rate, fiber loading, and coupling agent concentration have been investigated using capillary rheometer. It was observed that with the addition of fibers and MAPP, the melt viscosity of the composites increased due to improved fiber‐matrix interfacial adhesion. Further, the dynamic viscoelastic behavior, measured using parallel plate rheometer, revealed an increase in the storage modulus (G′), indicating higher stiffness in case of fiber‐filled composites as compared with the virgin matrix. Time–temperature superposition was applied to generate various viscoelastic master curves. The fiber‐matrix morphology of the extrudates was also examined using scanning electron microscopy, which corroborated the findings of rheological properties. The treated composites displayed uniform distribution of fibers within the PP matrix with lesser surface irregularities. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1476–1484, 2006
Oxidation of aminonitrotoluenes by 2,4‐DNT dioxygenase of Burkholderia sp. strain DNT
Authors: Leungsakul Thammajun , Keenan Brendan G. , Mori Masa‐aki , Morton Martha D. , Stuart James D. , Smets Barth F. , Wood Thomas K.
Published: November 2005

Aminonitrotoluenes form rapidly from the reduction of dinitrotoluenes (DNTs) which are priority pollutants and animal carcinogens. For example, 4‐amino‐2‐nitrotoluene (4A2NT) and 2A4NT accumulate from the reduction of 2,4‐DNT during its aerobic biodegradation. Here, we show that 2,4‐DNT dioxygenase (DDO) from Burkholderia sp. strain DNT oxidizes the aminonitrotoluenes 2A3NT, 2A6NT, 4A3NT, and 5A2NT to 2‐amino‐3‐nitrobenzylalcohol, 2‐amino‐4‐nitro‐m‐cresol and 3‐amino‐5‐nitro‐p‐cresol, 4‐amino‐3‐nitrobenzylalcohol and aminonitrocresol, and 2‐amino‐5‐nitro‐o‐cresol, respectively. 2A5NT and 3A4NT are oxidized to aminonitrocresols and/or aminonitrobenzylalcohols, and 4A2NT is oxidized to aminonitrocresol. Only 2A4NT, a reduced compound derived from 2,4‐DNT, was not oxidized by DDO or its three variants. The alpha subunit mutation I204Y resulted in two to fourfold faster oxidization of the aminonitrotoluenes. Though these enzymes are dioxygenases, they acted like monooxygenases by adding a single hydroxyl group, which did not result in the release of nitrite. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased natural killer cell activity in patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Forester N D , Cruickshank S M , Scott D J A , Carding S R
Published: November 2005

Background

Natural killer (NK) cells have an emerging role in the development of chronic disease and in the direction and maintenance of inflammatory responses. Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology. The aim was to investigate whether NK cells showed altered function in patients with an AAA.

Methods

The presence, phenotype and function of peripheral blood and tissue NK cells from patients with an AAA, peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and healthy age–sex-matched controls were assessed before and after surgery.

Results

Patients with an AAA had significantly higher (P < 0·010) percentages of peripheral blood NK cells (mean (95 per cent c.i.) 23·8 (2·6) per cent) than patients with PVD (17·4 (2·9) per cent) and control subjects (16·2 (2·8) per cent). The NK cells from patients with an AAA had increased cytotoxicity on a per cell basis towards both an NK-sensitive target cell line and human aortic smooth muscle cells. Increased NK cell proportions (22·7 (3·5) per cent) and cytotoxic activity, together with higher C-reactive protein values, persisted after successful AAA repair.

Conclusion

These data support the hypothesis that increased NK cytotoxicity could be a contributing factor in the generation or potentiation of inflammation in patients with an AAA.
Medical professionalism and the clinical anatomist
Authors: Swick Herbert M.
Published: November 2005

Medical professionalism has become an important issue for medical education and practice. The core attributes of professionalism derive from the roles and responsibilities of professions and from the nature of medicine as a healing profession. In medical education, most of the focus on professionalism has been directed to the clinical arena, yet it is critically important that the attributes of professionalism be manifested in basic science courses—especially anatomy—as well as in clinical experiences, because the transformation from medical student to physician begins at the outset of medical school. Throughout history, anatomists have exemplified many of the attributes and values of professionalism, and clinical anatomists today still have much to offer. Anatomy faculty have an important responsibility to nurture and exemplify professionalism. Clin. Anat. 19:393–402, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Re‐examination of the medullary rootlets of the accessory and vagus nerves
Authors: Wiles C.C.R. , Wrigley B. , Greene J.R.T.
Published: November 2005

The vagus (X) and cranial root of the accessory nerve (crXI) are traditionally described as arising from a series of rootlets from the medulla oblongata. Descriptions of the number of rootlets vary, and the existence of the crXI is contested. Here we report the results of dissections in six embalmed adult human specimens (11 sides). The rootlets forming the vagus were counted at three positions. At emergence from the brainstem there were between 12 and 21 rootlets, at the jugular foramen the range was 12–17, and midway between these two points it was 6–12. In addition, the origin of the most caudal X rootlet (cX) and the most rostral XI rootlet (rXI) was recorded in relation to the spino‐medullary junction, defined as the caudal border of the olivary eminence. The position of the cX varied between –1 and +8 mm (median = +2 mm on left, +3.75 mm on right). The rXI varied between –5 and +7 mm (median = −0.5 mm on left, +1.75 mm on right). In five sides, rXI was above the caudal border of the olivary eminence and as such can be defined as being of cranial origin. These observations show the arrangement of rootlets contributing to the vagus to be more complex than what was described previously and provide evidence for the variable existence of a cranial root of the accessory nerve. Clin. Anat. 20:19–22, 2007. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of indole acetic acid on antioxidant levels and enzyme activities of glucose metabolism in rat liver
Authors: Oliveira Diogo Luiz , Pugine Silvana M. Piccoli , Ferreira Mariana S. Larraz , Lins Patricia Goldshmidt , Costa Ernane J. Xavier , de Melo Mariza Pires
Published: November 2005

Indole acetic acid (IAA) is an auxin and can be synthesized in animals. This compound is metabolized in vitro by peroxidase, producing reactive oxygen species. The toxic effect of indole acetic acid in leukocytes is associated with peroxidase activities and these processes have been implicated in activation of glucose and glutamine metabolism. However, studies in vitro have shown that IAA, in absence of peroxidase, is an antioxidant almost as high in potency as those of other indolic compounds. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of a toxic effect of indole acetic acid in the liver, as evidenced by oxidative stress and enzyme activities of the glucose pathway. The animals received IAA by subcutaneous or gavage administration in a phosphate buffered saline (the control group received only the phosphate buffered saline). The other groups received IAA at concentrations of 1 mg, 18 mg and 40 mg per kg of body mass per day. Treatments with 18 mg and 40 mg IAA decreased the activity of catalase by both subcutaneous (30% and 26%) or gavage administration (19% and 28%), respectively. A similar effect was observed on the activity of glutathione peroxidase of animals exposed to 18 mg and 40 mg IAA: A decrease of 34% and 29%, respectively, for subcutaneous administration and a decrease of 29% and 25%, respectively, for gavage administration. However, in neither source of administration did the acid alter superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and myeloperoxidase activities. Another alteration was observed in respect of reduced glutathione content in this organ. The lipid peroxidation level showed a significant decrease with subcutaneous (30%, 29% and 24%) and gavage administration (25%, 26% and 24%) using 1 mg, 18 mg and 40 mg of IAA, respectively compared with the control. The reduced glutathione content and catalase activity in the plasma were not altered by either of the two methods of administration. In addition to these findings, after subcutaneous or gavage administration of IAA, the activities of hepatic enzymes of glucose metabolism were not affected (glucokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase). Evidence is presented herein that IAA did not have a pro‐oxidant effect in the liver as deduced from a reduction of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, a decrease of lipid peroxidation content and no alteration of the pool of reduced glutathione. The effects of IAA were independent of the way of administration. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oil Spill Cleanup from Sea Water by Sorbent Materials
Authors: Bayat A. , Aghamiri S. F. , Moheb A. , Vakili‐Nezhaad G. R.
Published: November 2005

Three sorbents were compared in order to determine their potential for oil spill cleanup. Polypropylene nonwoven web, rice hull, and bagasse with two different particle sizes were evaluated in terms of oil sorption capacities and oil recovery efficiencies. Polypropylene can sorb almost 7 to 9 times its weight from different oils. Bagasse, 18 to 45 mesh size, follows polypropylene as the second sorbent in oil spill cleanup. Bagasse, 14 to 18 mesh size, and rice hull have comparable oil sorption capacities, which are lower than those of the two former sorbents. It was found that oil viscosity plays an important role in oil sorption by sorbents. All adsorbents used in this work could remove the oil from the surface of the water preferentially.
Investigation on the Electromagnetic Anti‐Fouling Technology for Scale Prevention
Authors: Xiaokai X. , Chongfang M. , Yongchang C.
Published: November 2005

An electromagnetic anti‐fouling (EAF) device was built for treating scale containing water. In order to validate the effect and identify the mechanisms of EAF technology, a series of experiments were carried out, both with and without, an EAF device. The fouling thermal resistance was measured as a function of time. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the fouling layers were obtained and the particle size distribution in solution was analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) technology. The main results were as follows: (1) With EAF treatment, the crystal phase of calcium carbonate was changed to calcite from the aragonite type which exists without EAF treatment; (2) A rapid particle growth was observed under EAF treatment conditions. This rapid growth was due to that the EAF treatment results in an induced electric field inside the bulk flow, and can effectively increase collision frequency of the ions and crystals along with the effectiveness of collision. This implies that the particle growth was promoted mainly by a coagulation process, and not by nucleation growth; (3) The EAF treatment greatly reduced the fouling resistance within the time period tested.
An Adaptive Recipe Implementation in Case‐Based Formalism for Abnormal Condition Management
Authors: Rizal D. , Suzuki K.
Published: November 2005

This paper deals with accurate recipe implementation for abnormal condition management in a batch process using a case‐based reasoning (CBR) approach. A set of new problems can be solved by reusing proven process solutions. The proposed system integrates quantitative and qualitative parameters for adaptation of cases. A novel methodology to generate accurate recipes and to adapt to the processes is introduced during normal and abnormal conditions. In particular, the differences between current conditions and the references (recipes) should be managed to prevent any hazardous conditions arising. The processes are evaluated using their similarity to the past cases. This intelligent approach distinguishes plausible cases, generates accurate recipes, and adapts to new situations. The aim is to use the offline historical process data and safety related information in order to propose changes and adjustments in the processes.
Modeling of Rotary Desiccant Wheels
Authors: Harshe Y. M. , Utikar R. P. , Ranade V. V. , Pahwa D.
Published: November 2005

Rotary desiccant wheels are widely used in dehumidification and energy recovery applications. In this work, we have developed a 2D, steady state model of a rotary desiccant wheel. Mass and energy balance equations for the air streams and the desiccant wheels were developed. The hydraulic diameter and surface area for heat and mass transfer were calculated based on knowledge of the flute geometry. Appropriate correlations for the Sherwood number and Nusselt number were used to estimate heat and mass transfer coefficients. The model is capable of predicting steady state behavior of desiccant wheels having at the most three sections (process, purge, and regeneration). The mathematical model was validated using a real desiccant wheel, and the calculation results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. Based on this model, the temperature and humidity profiles in the wheel during both the dehumidification and the regeneration processes are analyzed. The simulated results were used to gain an insight into the operation of desiccant wheels. The model and the presented results will be useful for optimizing dehumidification and energy recovery applications.
Representation of Adsorption Data for the Isopropanol‐Water System using Neural Network Techniques
Authors: Mjalli F. , Al‐Asheh S. , Banat F. , Al‐Lagtah N.
Published: November 2005

Molecular sieves and palm stone, a newly developed bio‐based adsorbent, were used to break an azeotropic isopropanol‐water system via an adsorptive distillation process. Equilibrium data at different inlet water contents are presented. The data were obtained with a fixed bed adsorptive distillation process using Type 3A and Type 4A molecular sieves and palm stone. An artificial neural network (ANN) technique was used to represent the isotherm equilibrium data of this azeotropic system. The ANN prediction results were compared with the Guggenheim‐Anderson‐de Boer (GAB) isotherm model. It was possible to break the isopropanol‐water azeotrope using this separation process with the adsorbents used in this work. Water uptake increases as the water content in the feed decreases from 16 % to 10 %. Although the GAB isotherm model was found to be applicable to the water vapor sorption data on the adsorbents examined, the ANN model fitted the equilibrium data more efficiently.
Microreaction Technology in Education: Miniaturized Enzyme Membrane Reactor
Authors: Müller D. H. , Liauw M. A. , Greiner L.
Published: November 2005

Persuading students of microreaction technology requires the development of new and attractive experiments for practical courses. A means of establishing a microreaction experiment for practical courses in chemistry higher education is miniaturizing the enzyme membrane reactor (EMR). Biotechnology, in particular membrane separation and biocatalysis are incorporated. Moreover, this miniaturization is also of scientific interest as the micro enzyme membrane reactor (MEMR) can be used for catalyst screening and early‐stage continuous experiments.

The MEMR was realized modularly as a loop reactor by easy means. A reactor volume of less than 200 μL was achieved. The amount needed for continuous reactions is lowered by a factor of 50. Enantioselective reduction of ketones by an alcohol dehydrogenase was performed successfully.
A Mathematical Model of Heat Transfer in a Rotary Kiln Thermo‐Reactor
Authors: Li S.‐Q. , Ma L.‐B. , Wan W. , Yao Q.
Published: November 2005

Rotary kilns are used ubiquitously in the chemical and metallurgical industries. The mechanism of heat transfer in a rotary kiln is discussed in this paper, in which the effect of rotation is considered in determining heat transfer coefficients. In particular, an extended penetration theory is successfully developed to describe the heat transfer coefficient of the covered wall to the bulk solid in a rotary kiln, i.e., hcw–cb = (χdp/kg + 0.5/$ \sqrt {2k_b \rho_bc_{pb} n/\phis_0} $)–1 (0.096 < χ < 0.198). A one‐dimensional axial heat transfer model for an internally heated rotary kiln has been developed. Both predicted temperature profiles and heat transfer fluxes agree well with the experimental data of Barr et al. The simulated results are used to successfully explain for the first time the coupling phenomenon of the bulk bed and covered wall temperatures discussed in previous publications.
Kinetic and Technological Analysis of Dimethyl Toluene‐2,4‐Dicarbamate Synthesis
Authors: Wang G. R. , Wang Y. J. , Zhao X. Q.
Published: November 2005

The synthesis of dimethyl toluene‐2,4‐dicarbamate from 2,4‐toluene diamine and dimethyl carbonate is a complex reaction system. First, the reaction enthalpies, the Gibbs function changes, and the equilibrium constants of the reactions were calculated by several methods of group contribution. Secondly, the kinetics of the synthesis reaction over a zinc acetate catalyst was investigated in a batch autoclave. The kinetic model equations were established by parameter estimation based on experimental data, and the model met the requirements of the statistical test. The calculated results based on the model agreed well with the experimental data. According to the results of both thermodynamic calculation and kinetic analysis, the influence of some technological parameters, such as content of methanol in the feed and reaction temperature, on the synthesis reaction was discussed.
Poly(Styrene‐Divinylbenzene) Based Media for Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Huck Ch. W. , Bonn G. K.
Published: November 2005

The latest developments and in particular important synthetic aspects for the preparation of modern poly(styrene‐divinylbenzene) (PS‐DVB) based liquid chromatography (LC) supports are reviewed. In this context, the chemistry of particular porous and nonporous, functionalized, monolithic, coated silica and more specialized mixed organic PS‐DVB media is covered. Special consideration is given to modern approaches such as micro‐(μ)‐HPLC and coating techniques and their most important applications. Synthetic particularities relevant to the corresponding applications are outlined.
Graphic and movie illustrations of human prenatal development and their application to embryological education based on the human embryo specimens in the Kyoto collection
Authors: Yamada Shigehito , Uwabe Chigako , Nakatsu‐Komatsu Tomoko , Minekura Yutaka , Iwakura Masaji , Motoki Tamaki , Nishimiya Kazuhiko , Iiyama Masaaki , Kakusho Koh , Minoh Michihiko , Mizuta Shinobu , Matsuda Tetsuya , Matsuda Yoshimasa , Haishi Tomoyuki , Kose Katsumi , Fujii Shingo , Shiota Kohei
Published: November 2005

Morphogenesis in the developing embryo takes place in three dimensions, and in addition, the dimension of time is another important factor in development. Therefore, the presentation of sequential morphological changes occurring in the embryo (4D visualization) is essential for understanding the complex morphogenetic events and the underlying mechanisms. Until recently, 3D visualization of embryonic structures was possible only by reconstruction from serial histological sections, which was tedious and time‐consuming. During the past two decades, 3D imaging techniques have made significant advances thanks to the progress in imaging and computer technologies, computer graphics, and other related techniques. Such novel tools have enabled precise visualization of the 3D topology of embryonic structures and to demonstrate spatiotemporal 4D sequences of organogenesis. Here, we describe a project in which staged human embryos are imaged by the magnetic resonance (MR) microscope, and 3D images of embryos and their organs at each developmental stage were reconstructed based on the MR data, with the aid of computer graphics techniques. On the basis of the 3D models of staged human embryos, we constructed a data set of 3D images of human embryos and made movies to illustrate the sequential process of human morphogenesis. Furthermore, a computer‐based self‐learning program of human embryology is being developed for educational purposes, using the photographs, histological sections, MR images, and 3D models of staged human embryos. Developmental Dynamics 235:468–477, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
JNK signaling coordinates integrin and actin functions during Drosophila embryogenesis
Authors: Homsy Jason G. , Jasper Heinrich , Peralta Xomalin G. , Wu Hai , Kiehart Daniel P. , Bohmann Dirk
Published: November 2005

Epithelial movements are key morphogenetic events in animal development. They are driven by multiple mechanisms, including signal‐dependent changes in cytoskeletal organization and in cell adhesion. Such processes must be controlled precisely and coordinated to accurately sculpt the three‐dimensional form of the developing organism. By observing the Drosophila epidermis during embryonic development using confocal time‐lapse microscopy, we have investigated how signaling through the Jun‐N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathway governs the tissue sheet movements that result in dorsal closure (DC). We find that JNK controls the polymerization of actin into a cable at the epidermal leading edge as previously suggested, as well as the joining (zipping) of the contralateral epithelial cell sheets. Here, we show that zipping is mediated by regulation of the integrins myospheroid and scab. Our data demonstrate that JNK signaling regulates a set of target genes that cooperate to facilitate epithelial movement and closure. Developmental Dynamics 235:427–434, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new design method of passive tuned filters for harmonic mitigation and reactive power compensation
Authors: Maza Ortega J. Ma , Burgos Payán M. , Izquierdo Mitchell C.
Published: November 2005

This paper presents a new method for designing passive filters by using a minimization technique. The proposed procedure takes into account the non‐convex behavior of any objective function based on the system current, in case of considering harmonics below the tuned frequencies of the filters. In this sense, it is always assured that the optimal filter is obtained with respect to an optimization criterion. The method is completed with additional restrictions, which consider the position of the resonances introduced by the filters and the injected fundamental reactive power. Applying these restrictions, the designed filters are immunized against the parameter changes. Moreover, the facility including the passive filters does not inject fundamental reactive power to the power system. Finally, an example of application is presented. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anatomical changes in the emerging adult brain: A voxel‐based morphometry study
Authors: Bennett Craig M. , Baird Abigail A.
Published: November 2005

Research has consistently confirmed changes occur in brain morphometry between adolescence and adulthood. The purpose of the present study was to explore anatomical change during a specific environmental transition. High‐resolution T1‐weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were acquired from 19 participants (mean age at initial scan = 18.6 years) during their freshman year. Scans were completed during the fall term and 6 months later before the conclusion of the school year. Voxel‐based morphometry was used to assess within‐subject change. Significant intensity increases were observed along the right midcingulate, inferior anterior cingulate gyrus, right caudate head, right posterior insula, and bilateral claustrum. Regional changes were not observed in two control groups; one controlling for method and another controlling for age‐specific change over time. The results suggest that significant age‐related changes in brain structure continue after the age of 18 and may represent dynamic changes related to new environmental challenges. Findings from the regions of change are discussed in the context of specific environmental demands during a period of normative maturation. Hum Brain Mapp, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rainfall‐runoff models using artificial neural networks for ensemble streamflow prediction
Authors: Jeong Dae‐Il , Kim Young‐Oh
Published: November 2005

Previous ensemble streamflow prediction (ESP) studies in Korea reported that modelling error significantly affects the accuracy of the ESP probabilistic winter and spring (i.e. dry season) forecasts, and thus suggested that improving the existing rainfall‐runoff model, TANK, would be critical to obtaining more accurate probabilistic forecasts with ESP. This study used two types of artificial neural network (ANN), namely the single neural network (SNN) and the ensemble neural network (ENN), to provide better rainfall‐runoff simulation capability than TANK, which has been used with the ESP system for forecasting monthly inflows to the Daecheong multipurpose dam in Korea. Using the bagging method, the ENN combines the outputs of member networks so that it can control the generalization error better than an SNN. This study compares the two ANN models with TANK with respect to the relative bias and the root‐mean‐square error. The overall results showed that the ENN performed the best among the three rainfall‐runoff models. The ENN also considerably improved the probabilistic forecasting accuracy, measured in terms of average hit score, half‐Brier score and hit rate, of the present ESP system that used TANK. Therefore, this study concludes that the ENN would be more effective for ESP rainfall‐runoff modelling than TANK or an SNN. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A conceptual rainfall‐runoff model considering seasonal variation
Authors: Paik Kyungrock , Kim Joong H. , Kim Hung S. , Lee Dong R.
Published: November 2005

Among various deterministic rainfall‐runoff models, the tank model, which is a typical conceptual rainfall‐runoff model, is often preferred for its simple concepts. On the other hand, it requires much time and effort to obtain better results owing to the need to calibrate a large number of parameters in the model. Therefore, the demand for an automatic calibration method has been increasing. In this study, three optimization algorithms were tested for automatic calibration: one nonlinear programming algorithm (Powell's method) and two meta‐heuristic algorithms, i.e. a genetic algorithm and harmony search. The success of the powerful heuristic optimization algorithms enables researchers to focus on other aspects of the tank model rather than parameter calibration.

The seasonal tank model is devised from the concept that seasonally different watershed responses could be reflected by seasonally different parameter values. The powerful optimization tool used in this study enabled parameter calibration of a seasonal tank model with 40 parameters, which is a considerable increase compared with the 16 parameters of the non‐seasonal tank model. In comparison, the seasonal tank model showed smaller sum of square errors than those of the non‐seasonal tank model. The seasonal tank model could, therefore, be a successful alternative rainfall‐runoff simulation model with its increased accuracy and convenience. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rainfall frequency analysis using a mixed Gamma distribution: evaluation of the global warming effect on daily rainfall
Authors: Yoo Chulsang , Jung Kwang‐Sik , Kim Tae‐Woong
Published: November 2005

The effect of global warming (represented by general circulation model monthly rainfall predictions) on the daily rainfall distribution is investigated using a mixed Gamma distribution to estimate the change of rainfall quantiles. A mixed distribution is used to overcome the limitation of conventional frequency analysis, which uses a continuous distribution, as this is not applicable for the assessment of the effects of global warming. To summarize the results: (1) Even though the variation of daily rainfall distribution is high due to the variation of monthly rainfall amounts, the scale parameter and the wet probability of a mixed Gamma distribution are found to be closely related to the monthly rainfall amounts. On the other hand, the shape factor remains almost the same regardless of the monthly rainfall amount. (2) The rainfall quantiles estimated using the daily rainfall data from June to September were found to be the most similar to those using the annual maximum data. (3) Regardless of the increasing uncertainty as the return period becomes longer, flood risk is found to be increasing as a result of global warming. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of soil water content in a hyper‐arid environment using time‐domain reflectometry sensors
Authors: Ishizuka Masahide , Mikami Masao
Published: November 2005

Time‐domain reflectometry (TDR) sensors have been widely used in many fields for measurement of soil water content. However, few TDR sensors have been used in a hyper‐arid environment (e.g. less than 0·05 m3 m−3), and such sensor applicability is not yet confirmed. In this study we examine θ − t and θ − εbulk relations and temperature dependency for natural sand and glass beads in a laboratory using commercially available TDR sensors. As a result, this study clarifies that TDR sensors are applicable even in a hyper‐arid environment when calibration was properly made. We also focus on a specific range of soil water content, which leads to a highly precise calibration equation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface modification of metallic cardiovascular stents by strongly adhering aliphatic polyester coatings
Authors: Jérôme Christine , Aqil Abdelhafid , Voccia Samuël , Labaye David‐Emmanuel , Maquet Véronique , Gautier Sandrine , Bertrand Olivier F. , Jérôme Robert
Published: November 2005

This article reports on a novel two‐step strategy for the coating of cardiovascular stents by strongly adhering biocompatible and biodegradable aliphatic polyesters. First, a precoating of poly(ethylacrylate) (PEA) was electrografted onto the metallic substrate by cathodic reduction of the parent monomer in dimethylformamide (DMF). The electrodeposition of PEA, in a good solvent of it, was confirmed by both Infra‐red and Raman spectroscopies. The pendant ester groups of PEA were then chemically reduced into aluminum alkoxides, able to initiate the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of either D,L‐lactide (LA) or ϵ‐caprolactone (CL). Growth of biodegradable PLA or PCL coatings from the adhering precoating was confirmed by both Infra‐red and Raman spectroscopies, and directly observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This type of coating can act as an anchoring layer for the subsequent casting of drug‐loaded polyester films allowing the controlled release of antiproliferative agents for the treatment of in‐stent restenosis. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Bioresorbable poly(ester‐ether urethane)s from L‐lysine diisocyanate and triblock copolymers with different hydrophilic character
Authors: Abraham Gustavo A. , Marcos‐Fernández Angel , Román Julio San
Published: November 2005

Bioresorbable linear poly(ester‐ether urethane)s with different hydrophilic character were synthesized from block copolymers of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL‐PEO‐PCL) as macrodiols, and L‐lysine diisocyanate (LDI). A series of PCL‐PEO‐PCL triblock copolymers with different PEO and PCL chain length was obtained by reacting PEO with ϵ‐caprolactone. Polyurethanes were synthesized by reacting the triblock copolymers with LDI in solution using stannous 2‐ethylhexanoate as catalyst. The prepared triblock copolymers and polyurethanes were fully characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. Water uptake, hydrolytic stability, and tensile properties of polyurethanes with different composition were evaluated and discussed in terms of the chain length and molecular weight of the polymers and its block components. Water uptake seems to depend on the ethylene oxide unit content of the polyurethane regardless of the triblock structure. Mechanical properties of the synthesized polymers were strongly affected by the molecular weight achieved during polymerization. The use of triblock macrodiols with different hydrophilicity allowed the preparation of a series of polyurethanes having a broad range of properties. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Alterations in CDK1 expression and nuclear/nucleolar localization following induction in a spontaneous canine mammary cancer model
Authors: Migone Felicia , DeInnocentes Patricia , Smith Bruce F. , Bird R. Curtis
Published: November 2005

Transcription of CDK1 is induced as cells re‐enter the cell cycle from quiescence and these early cell cycle re‐entry events have been modeled by okadaic acid treatment due to its activity on specific enhancer sequences in the human CDK1 promoter. To investigate heterogeneity of control of this mechanism in the context of neoplastic transformation, a cellular model derived from spontaneous canine mammary cancer (CMT) was developed that includes six cell lines derived from different animals. Notable heterogeneity in response to okadaic acid was observed in expression of CDK1 mRNA and protein. In response to okadaic acid treatment, two CMT cell lines exhibited a CDK1 mRNA induction while one cell line exhibited CDK1 mRNA suppression, and three remained unchanged. Despite this variability, three CMT cell lines arrested in S or G2/M phase and five exhibited marked increases in apoptosis. Moderation of some of these differences were observed at the level of CDK1 protein as three of six CMT cell lines exhibited only moderate enhancement in CDK1 protein levels while three remained essentially unchanged. Some additional differences in distribution of CDK1 protein, favoring enhanced nuclear over cytoplasmic CDK1 localization, were observed in treated cells in the form of concentrated nuclear CDK1 labeled foci. Confocal microscopy revealed the presence of brightly labeled punctate foci containing CDK1 protein within nuclei as well as nucleoli in okadaic acid treated non‐mitotic cells suggesting a role for this kinase outside the normal G2/mitotic phase of the cell cycle and suggesting a possible new function within the nucleolus. J. Cell. Biochem. 98: 504–518, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Purification and characterization of a novel mammalian endoribonuclease
Authors: Bergstrom Kirk , Urquhart Joel C. , Tafech Alaeddin , Doyle Erin , Lee Chow H.
Published: November 2005

Endonuclease‐mediated mRNA decay appears to be a common mode of mRNA degradation in mammalian cells, but yet only a few mRNA endonucleases have been described. Here, we report the existence of a second mammalian endonuclease that is capable of cleaving c‐myc mRNA within the coding region in vitro. This study describes the partial purification and biochemical characterization of this enzyme. Five major proteins of ∼10–35 kDa size co‐purified with the endonuclease activity, a finding supported by gel filtration and glycerol gradient centrifugation analysis. The enzyme is an RNA‐specific endonuclease that degrades single‐stranded RNA, but not double‐stranded RNA, DNA or DNA–RNA duplexes. It preferentially cleaves RNA in between the pyrimidine and purine dinucleotides UA, UG, and CA, at the coding region determinant (CRD) of c‐myc RNA. The enzyme generates products with a 3′hydroxyl group, and it appears to be a protein‐only endonuclease. It does not possess RNase A‐like activity. The enzyme is capable of cleaving RNAs other than c‐myc CRD RNA in vitro. It is Mg2+‐independent and is resistant to EDTA. The endonuclease is inactivated at and above 70°C. These properties distinguished the enzyme from other previously described vertebrate endonucleases. J. Cell. Biochem. 98: 519–537, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rheological properties of instant fried noodle dough as affected by some ingredients
Authors: Yu Li Juan , Ngadi Michael O
Published: November 2005

An experiment was set up to investigate the influence of ingredients such as moisture, gum and starch on the rheological properties of instant fried noodle dough. The noodle dough was formulated using a mixture of wheat flour (100%), 0–0.3% guar gum, 0–7.5% starch and 30–42% moisture. The rheological properties of noodle dough were influenced by the ingredients and their interactions. Increasing moisture content decreased Young's modulus (E) of dough samples. Addition of gum to dough at a lower moisture content of 30% increased E, decreased the energy at break (EB) and increased the storage modulus (G′) values. Interactions of starch and gum influenced changes in the rheological parameters at higher moisture contents. Increasing starch content in noodle dough with a lower gum concentration increased EB to a point beyond which further increase in starch concentration decreased EB. Gum and starch improved the binding and mechanical network in the dough. Insufficient water in the dough apparently reduced cohesion in the dough whereas excess water reduced the functionality of gum and starch. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Pure neural leprosy: Diagnostic value of the polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Bezerra Da Cunha Francisco M. , Werneck Mauricio C. M. , Scola Rosana H. , Werneck Lineu C.
Published: November 2005

Pure neural leprosy (PNL) is often difficult to diagnose when acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) cannot be detected. We undertook the present study to evaluate use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in diagnosing PNL. Fifty‐eight patients (41 men and 17 women) suspected of pure neural leprosy (PNL) were examined. Patients were classified as borderline tuberculoid (BT, 40 cases) and polar tuberculoid (TT, 18 cases) types. Nerve biopsy was performed and was positive for AFB in 20 patients (all BT patients), i.e., 34.5% of total cases. DNA was extracted from the nerve biopsy samples and amplified using PCR for a specific repeated sequence of DNA from Mycobacterium leprae. PCR analysis was positive in the nerve samples from 29 patients (50%), 27 of the BT type, and 2 of the TT type patients. Further, PCR analysis was positive in 14 of 38 cases that were negative for AFB by nerve biopsy, of which 12 were of the BT type and 2 the TT type. PCR analysis proved to be a useful method to investigate pure neural leprosy, enabling confirmation of the diagnosis in more than a third of the cases that were negative for AFB by nerve biopsy. Muscle Nerve 2006
Assessment of cortical excitability using threshold tracking techniques
Authors: Vucic Steve , Howells James , Trevillion Louise , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: November 2005

Conventional paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) techniques of assessing cortical excitability are limited by fluctuations in the motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude. The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility of threshold tracking TMS for assessing cortical excitability in a clinical setting and to establish normative data. Studies were undertaken in 26 healthy controls, tracking the MEP response from abductor pollicis brevis. Short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) occurred up to an interstimulus interval (ISI) of 7–10 ms, with two distinct peaks evident, at ISIs of ≤1 and 3 ms, followed by intracortical facilitation to an ISI of 30 ms. Long‐interval intracortical inhibition (LICI) occurred at ISIs of 50–300 ms, peaking at 150 ms. The present study has confirmed the effectiveness of the threshold tracking TMS technique in reliably and reproducibly measuring cortical excitability. Simultaneous assessment of upper and lower motor neuronal function with threshold tracking techniques may help to determine the site of disease onset and patterns of progression in neurodegenerative diseases. Muscle Nerve, 2005
The impact of creativity on performance in non‐profits
Authors: Barrett Hilton , Balloun Joseph L. , Weinstein Art
Published: November 2005

This article examines how creative climate affects learning orientation and its relationship to organizational performance. The study also assesses creativity's link with market orientation, entrepreneurial orientation, and organizational flexibility. Past research on creativity climate has explored areas such as the arts, high‐tech, information technology, media, and the sciences. The focus of this study is to assess creativity's role in managerial decision‐making in the non‐profit sector. Sound use of creativity can improve planning, implementation, and control by non‐profit organization executives.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using creativity to achieve an entrepreneurial future for arts marketing
Authors: Fillis Ian , Rentschler Ruth
Published: November 2005

The marketing concept fails to explain marketing behaviour of small firms. Similar comments are now being made of large firms. This gap between theory and practice is even more significant in non‐profit and arts organisations where sector specific philosophies often determine how marketing is embraced, with its underlying notions of the customer and profitability. Many of these organisations must overcome severe resource constraints by thinking creatively. This paper investigates the relationship between art, marketing, entrepreneurship and creativity in order to reach a clearer understanding of how creativity can assist both the arts organisation and those involved in researching the sector. There have been increasing calls within the academic marketing community to instil a creative philosophy within the research process. This call has not resulted in much research on the phenomenon within marketing, and certainly not from a nonprofit perspective. This paper discusses creativity as a concept drawing on a diverse range of literatures outside the management discipline. The link between creativity, marketing, entrepreneurship and art is analysed. Justification of the incorporation of creativity in the research process is presented for practitioners and theorists in marketing and the arts, so that they can learn from each others' disciplines. Implications for future research are presented, where creativity is viewed as the centre of a non‐linear, free thinking understanding of artistic truth.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paying the piper: a study of musicians and the music business
Authors: Kubacki Krzysztof , Croft Robin
Published: November 2005

Many artists argue that treating music as a business represents a particularly insidious force in cultural life, stifling creativity and change. For them business and art are mutually incompatible and they regard the evident economic success of the music industry as an example of the shameless exploitation of our cultural heritage.

This paper is based on detailed research into the attitudes of musicians across two distinct cultures. It finds strong echoes of the key criticisms of the music business which have been prominent in academic literature and in the specialist music press for more than a generation. Singled out for particular censure are not‐for‐profit organisations for apparently following the global recording companies down the same, profit‐driven routes.

The research confirms that there is a large gap between the expectations of artists and the organisations which employ them and fund their work. It is important that these expectations are understood and, if possible, bridged. For the arts to regain their place at the heart of cultural life it is necessary once more to bring the artists themselves into the picture.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable microcapsules assembled stepwise from weak polyelectrolytes followed by thermal crosslinking
Authors: Tong Weijun , Gao Changyou
Published: November 2005

Stable weak polyelectrolyte (PE) microcapsules were fabricated by applying thermal treatment on poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) doped CaCO3 microparticles coated alternatively with poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and sodium poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) in a layer‐by‐layer (LBL) assembly manner, followed by core dissolution with disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observations revealed the hollow nature and good dispersion of the resultant capsules. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) found that sodium PSS, which was used to modify morphology of the CaCO3 particles during the preparation process, contributed approximately 37% of the total mass of the capsules. Confocal Raman spectra verified that part of the PSS originating from the cores had been adsorbed or intertwined in the PAH/PAA multilayers, and part had been released into the capsule interiors. Stability of the capsules after thermal treatment was largely improved as evidenced by incubation of the capsules in an alkaline solution with a pH value of 12, or 0.1 M HCl for 3 weeks. By contrast, the untreated PAH/PAA microcapsules completely disappeared after incubation in the same alkaline solution. Spontaneous deposition of rhodamine 6G into the crosslinked PAH/PAA capsules was also observed. It is demonstrated that this simple thermal treatment method can be successfully applied to covalently crosslink the weak PE layers and stabilize the microcapsules. The encapsulated PSS molecules can attract diverse positively charged substances. Thus the structure‐stabilized capsules can be good candidates as drug delivery vehicles and microcontainers over a wide pH range. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Encapsulation of silver nanoparticles within double‐cylinder‐type copolymer brushes as templates
Authors: Ishizu Koji , Kakinuma Hirokazu , Ochi Koichiro , Uchida Satoshi , Hayashi Masaki
Published: November 2005

An encapsulation of silver nanoparticles has been developed based on a template technique. Amphiphilic double‐cylinder‐type copolymer brushes were employed as a single molecule template, utilizing the coordination of Ag+ ions with carboxylate groups in the core of the brush. Subsequently, silver nanoparticles (ca. 7.5 nm in diameter) within the brush template have been prepared by the addition of a chemical reductant, e.g. NaBH4. The solution of the resultant nanocylinder composites was a yellow color due to the surface plasmon resonance. These composites were soluble in organic solvents, because the shell of the copolymer brush protected the fabricated silver nanoparticles from aggregation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.