bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Research Model of Sustainable Family Businesses
Authors: Stafford Kathryn , Duncan Karen A. , Dane Sharon , Winter Mary
Published: April 2004

This paper proposes a research model that outlines the determinants of functional families and profitable businesses—requisites for family business sustainability. Two features distinguish the model from previous models: inclusion of the family in the same detail as the business and emphasis on the key features of family and business. Delineation of the interface between the family and the business permits the use of research methods that allow for variable degrees of overlap of family and business rather than assuming that family businesses constitute either a single system or two separate systems. The research model is also compatible with a variety of theoretical perspectives.
The Prevalence of Family Business from a Household Sample
Authors: Heck Ramona K. Z. , Trent Elizabeth Scannell
Published: April 2004

This paper presents U.S. prevalence figures and their relationship to various family business definitions offered in literature to date. The percentage of households that own at least one family business where its owner or manager resides in the residential familyqhousehold was 13.8%. Results yielded a 10.0% prevalence rate for households having a business that qualified for this 1997 National Family Business Survey. The level of prevalence was shown to be associated with gender, ownershipqmanagement, involvement of family members, and generation of owner. These findings are useful for refining family business definitions. This paper also offers implications for future research, teaching, and practice relative to family businesses.
Family Businesses in Germany: Significance and Structure
Authors: Klein Sabine B.
Published: April 2004

This paper shows the relevance of family businesses to the German economy and their structure with respect to ownership, governance, and management. The data show that ownership, rather than governance or management, is the key to differentiating family from nonfamily businesses. As governance and management are more complementary to each other, families in German family businesses seek influence either through family members on the supervisory board or on the management board. The empirical data from this study is based on a clear definition of family business and a random sample, and it provides the basis for further investigation into German family businesses.
UTILIZATION OF FRACTAL IMAGE MODELS IN MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING
Authors: KUKLINSKI WALTER S.
Published: April 2004

One of the more successful engineering applications of fractal geometry has been the utilization of fractal image models in medical image processing. These applications have included tissue characterization studies, textural image segmentation, and image restoration using fractal constraints. The class of fractal models used in medical image processing and the techniques used to estimate the fractal dimension associated with these models will be reviewed. An image segmentation algorithm that utilized a fractal textural feature and formulated the segmentation process as a configurational optimization problem is presented. The configurational optimization method allows information about both, the degree of correspondence between a candidate segment and an assumed textural model, and morphological information about the candidate segment to be used in the segmentation process. To apply this configurational optimization technique with a fractal textural model however, requires the estimation of the fractal dimension of an irregularly shaped candidate segment. The potential utility of a discrete Gerchberg-Papoulis bandlimited extrapolation algorithm to the estimation of the fractal dimension of an irregularly shaped candidate segment is also discussed.
ANP-induced decrease of iron regulatory protein activity is independent of HO-1 induction
Authors: Kiemer Alexandra K. , Förnges Anke C. , Pantopoulos Kostas , Bilzer Manfred , Andriopoulos Bill , Gerwig Tobias , Kenngott Silke , Gerbes Alexander L. , Vollmar Angelika M.
Published: April 2004

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-preconditioned livers are protected from ischemia-reperfusion injury. ANP-treated organs show increased expression of heme oxygenase (HO)-1. Because HO-1 liberates bound iron, the aim of our study was to determine whether ANP affects iron regulatory protein (IRP) activity and, thus, the levels of ferritin. Rat livers were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer [±ANP, 8-bromo-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP), and tin protoporphyrin, 20 min], stored in University of Wisconsin solution (4°C, 24 h), and reperfused (120 min). IRP activity was assessed by gel-shift assays, and ferritin, IRP phosphorylation, and PKC localization were assessed by Western blot. Control livers displayed decreased IRP activity at the end of ischemia but no change in ferritin content during ischemia and reperfusion. ANP-pretreated livers showed reduced IRP activity, an effect mimicked by 8-Br-cGMP. Ferritin levels were increased in ANP-pretreated organs. Simultaneous perfusion of livers with ANP and tin protoporphyrin did not reduce ANP-induced action, arguing against a role for HO-1 in changes in IRP activity. ANP and 8-Br-cGMP decreased membrane localization of PKC-α and PKC-ε, but this modulation of PKC seems unrelated to inhibition of IRP binding. This work shows the cGMP-mediated attenuation of IRP binding activity by ANP, which results in increased hepatic ferritin levels. This change in IRPs is independent of ANP-induced HO-1 and reduced PKC activation.
In Vivo Recordings of Bulbospinal Excitation in Adult Mouse Forelimb Motoneurons
Authors: Alstermark Bror , Ogawa Jun
Published: April 2004

Here we report on pyramidal and reticulospinal excitation in forelimb motoneurons in the adult mouse using intracellular recordings in vivo. The results have been obtained in BALB/C mice, which were anesthetized with midazolam fentanyl/fluanison. In contrast to the rat, only weak and infrequent pyramidal excitation could be evoked with a minimal trisynaptic linkage. Disynaptic reticulospinal excitation could always be evoked, as well as monosynaptic excitation from the medial longitudinal fasciculus. The results suggest that the reticulospinal pathway in the mouse is important in voluntary motor control of the forelimbs and that the role of the corticospinal tract might be different in mouse compared with rat. Our study provides an opening for studying the effect of genetic manipulation on specified descending systems in the mouse in vivo.
B7-1/B7-2 Costimulation Regulates Plaque Antigen–Specific T-Cell Responses and Atherogenesis in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor–Deficient Mice
Authors: Buono Chiara , Pang Hong , Uchida Yasushi , Libby Peter , Sharpe Arlene H. , Lichtman Andrew H.
Published: April 2004

Background—

Several lines of evidence indicate that T-cell responses influence the progression of atherosclerotic disease. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ)–producing T cells specific for lesional antigens, including oxidized LDLs and heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), may promote lesion development as well as plaque instability. B7-1 and B7-2 are closely related molecules expressed on antigen-presenting cells that provide costimulatory signals for T-cell activation. This study tested the hypothesis that the ability of T cells to influence atherosclerosis depends on B7-1/B7-2 costimulation.

Methods and Results—

B7-1/B7-2/LDL receptor (LDLR)–deficient mice and LDLR-deficient control mice were fed a 1.25% cholesterol or control diet for 8 and 20 weeks. Total serum cholesterol levels and extent and phenotype of atherosclerosis were analyzed. Splenic and lymph node CD4
+
T cells from the animals were cultured with mouse recombinant HSP60 or media and antigen-presenting cells and analyzed for IFN-γ and interleukin-4 production. The absence of B7-1 and B7-2 significantly reduced early cholesterol diet–induced atherosclerotic lesion development in LDLR-deficient mice compared with B7-1/B7-2–expressing control mice. Furthermore, CD4
+
T cells from the cholesterol-fed B7-deficient mice secreted a significantly lower amount of IFN-γ in response to mouse HSP60 in vitro than did T cells from B7-expressing control mice.

Conclusions—

The data show that B7-1 and B7-2 regulated the development of atherosclerotic lesions and the priming of lesional antigen–specific T cells. This study highlights the B7-CD28 pathway as a potentially important target for immunomodulation of atherosclerosis.
Characterization of a cGMP-Response Element in the Guanylyl Cyclase/Natriuretic Peptide Receptor A Gene Promoter
Authors: Hum David , Besnard Sandrine , Sanchez Rocio , Devost Dominic , Gossard Francis , Hamet Pavel , Tremblay Johanne
Published: April 2004

Previous studies have shown that atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) can inhibit transcription of its receptor, guanylyl cyclase A, by a mechanism dependent on cGMP and have suggested the presence of a putative cGMP-response element (cGMP-RE) in the
Npr1
gene promoter. To localize and characterize the putative
cis
-acting element, we have subcloned a 1520-bp fragment of the rat
Npr1
promoter in an expression vector containing the luciferase reporter gene. Several fragments, generated by exonuclease III-directed deletions, were transiently transfected into cells to measure their promoter activity. Deletion from −1520 to −1396 of a 1520-bp-long
Npr1
promoter led to a 5-fold increase in luciferase activity. Subsequent deletion to the position −1307 resulted in a decrease of luciferase activity by 90%. Preincubation of cells with 100 nM of ANP or 100 μM 8-bromo-cGMP inhibited luciferase activity of the 1520-bp and 1396-bp-long fragments, but not the activity of the 1307-bp fragment, suggesting that the cGMP-RE is localized between positions −1396 and −1307. The cGMP regulatory region was narrowed by gel shift assays and footprinting to position −1372 to −1354 from the transcription start site of
Npr1
and indicated its interaction with transcriptional factor(s). Cross-competition experiments with mutated oligonucleotides led to the definition of a consensus sequence (−1372
A
a
A
tRKaN
TTC
a
A
c
A
K
T
Y −1354) for the novel cGMP-RE, which is conserved in the human (75% identity) and mouse (95% identity)
Npr1
promoters.
Catheter-Based Treatment for Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Ineligible for Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Ramee Stephen R. , Subramanian Rajesh , Felberg Robert A. , McKinley Kevin L. , Jenkins J. Stephen , Collins Tyrone J. , Dawson Robert C. , White Christopher J.
Published: April 2004

Background and Purpose—

We present our single-center experience using catheter-based therapy for acute ischemic stroke patients who were not candidates for intravenous thrombolytic therapy.

Methods—

Neurologic outcomes were assessed in patients with acute ischemic stroke, ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis, treated with an emergent catheter-based therapy.

Results—

Nonparametric analysis of neurological outcomes demonstrated a benefit in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at long-term follow-up (
P
=0.036). Independence in daily activities and improvement in NIHSS of ≥4 points were achieved in 38% and 56% of patients, respectively. Four patients (25%) died, including 2 patients (12.5%) who died from intracranial hemorrhage.

Conclusions—

Catheter-based treatment offers a promising treatment strategy in patients with acute ischemic stroke ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis.
Tumor Necrosis Factor α Inhibits Insulin-Like Growth Factor I-Induced Hematopoietic Cell Survival and Proliferation
Authors: Shen Wen Hong , Zhou Jian-Hua , Broussard Suzanne R. , Johnson Rodney W. , Dantzer Robert , Kelley Keith W.
Published: April 2004

Proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNFα and IL-1β, are both cytostatic and cytotoxic. In contrast, IGF-I promotes proliferation and survival of hematopoietic progenitor cells. In this report, we establish that both the cytostatic and cytotoxic activity of TNFα on murine myeloid progenitor cells is only evident in the presence of IGF-I. We first confirmed that IGF-I (100 ng/ml) increases DNA synthesis and reduces apoptosis in murine myeloid progenitor cells induced to die by growth factor withdrawal. TNFα inhibits, in a dose-dependent fashion from 0.1 to 10 ng/ml, both activities of IGF-I. TNFα activity was not detected in the absence of IGF-I. Another proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, did not inhibit IGF-I-induced activity in murine factor-dependent cell progenitor-1/Mac-1 cells. However, the ability of TNFα to impair IGF-I-induced DNA synthesis in human promyeloid cells extends to IL-1β. Statistically significant inhibition of all these events occurs at very low concentrations of 1 ng/ml or less. These results support the general concept that proinflammatory cytokines impair the actions of hormones on hematopoietic cells, leading to IGF-I receptor resistance.
Supply Chain Decision Making: Will Shorter Cycle Times and Shared Point-of-Sale Information Necessarily Help?
Authors: Steckel Joel H. , Gupta Sunil , Banerji Anirvan
Published: April 2004

Using a simulated supply chain experiment based on the well-known “beer game,” we examine how changes in order and delivery cycles, availability of shared point-of-sale (POS) information, and the pattern of customer demand affect supply chain efficiency. We find that speeding up cycle time is beneficial, but the sharing of POS information is not necessarily so. Whether or not the sharing of POS information is beneficial depends on the nature of the demand pattern represented by the POS information. If the demand pattern conveys continual change in ultimate downstream customer demand (as does an S-shaped demand pattern), the POS information can distract the upstream decision maker from what is perhaps more immediately relevant information, orders placed by the proximate downstream agent and the supply line.
When Not All Conflict Is Bad: Manufacturing-Marketing Conflict and Strategic Incentive Design
Authors: Balasubramanian Sridhar , Bhardwaj Pradeep
Published: April 2004

Researchers and managers broadly agree that coordination and harmony between manufacturing and marketing improve firm performance by eliminating suboptimal practices within the firm. In this paper, we present a contrasting view of the manufacturing-marketing interface. We model a duopoly in which the firms compete on price and quality dimensions. The manufacturing and marketing managers within each firm are presented with conflicting incentives focused on cost minimization and revenue maximization, respectively. These managers bargain with each other before arriving at compromise decisions regarding price and quality. While frequently encountered in practice, this “conflicting-objectives puzzle” is surprising because one expects that centralized coordination by the owners of the firm towards profit maximization would lead to higher profits. In this paper, we resolve the conflicting-objectives puzzle and demonstrate that, surprisingly, the firm's resulting profits in this setting of conflict can be higher than those obtained when the decisions of the managers are perfectly coordinated. We also analyze the equilibrium in incentive plans when the owners can choose between compromise and perfect coordination. Our results offer a new interpretation of manufacturing-marketing conflict as a strategic tool that can enhance firm profits.
Compatibility of Budesonide Inhalation Suspension with Four Nebulizing Solutions
Authors: McKenzie Jane E , Cruz-Rivera Mario
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND:

Nebulizable medications often are mixed to simplify asthma medication regimens.

OBJECTIVE:

To establish the in vitro chemical compatibility and stability of budesonide inhalation suspension 0.25 mg/2 mL and 0.5 mg/2 mL mixed in Pari LC Plus jet nebulizer cups with 3 mL of levalbuterol hydrochloride 0.63 mg/3 mL and 1.25 mg/3 mL; 0.5 mL of albuterol sulfate 5 mg/mL; 2 mL of cromolyn sodium 20 mg/2 mL; or 2.5 mL of ipratropium bromide 0.2 mg/mL.

METHODS:

We developed and validated isocratic HPLC methods to permit separation of the admixture components from aliquots taken 0, 5, 15, and 30 minutes after mixing. Admixtures were prepared and analyzed at room temperature. Each assay was conducted 3 times using separate nebulizer cups. All components were quantified by external standards using HPLC-derived peak area. Appearance and pH of the admixtures were recorded.

RESULTS:

No additional peaks occurred in any HPLC chromatogram for any medication from any admixture. With the exception of ipratropium bromide at 93%, each admixture retained >97% of the initial concentration of each medication in the nebulizer cup. There was no significant change in pH or visual identification of a precipitate in any admixture of active drugs.

CONCLUSIONS:

These data support the chemical compatibility of budesonide inhalation suspension for up to 30 minutes with other commonly used nebulized medications for controlling pediatric asthma symptoms.
Enhanced Hypoprothrombinemia with Warfarin Due to Azithromycin
Authors: Rao Krishnamoorthy B , Pallaki Muralidhar , Tolbert Sandra R , Hornick Thomas R
Published: April 2004

OBJECTIVE:

To report a case of probable azithromycin—warfarin drug interaction with enhanced hypoprothrombinemic effect of warfarin.

CASE SUMMARY:

An 83-year-old African American man stabilized on warfarin therapy (10 mg on Wednesdays, 7.5 mg on other days) developed a prolonged prothrombin time one day after starting azithromycin 500 mg. The elevated prothrombin time normalized 3 days after azithromycin was discontinued. After the initial increase in the international normalized ratio, the absence of any significant confounding factors affecting the anticoagulant effect of warfarin in our patient and the numerous reports of such interactions indicate that an interaction between azithromycin and warfarin may have been responsible for the elevated prothrombin time seen in this patient. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse event was probably related to the combination of these drugs.

DISCUSSION:

Azithromycin, unlike erythromycin and clarithromycin, is not known to inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzyme system and is presumed to be the macrolide of choice in patients already on warfarin. However, previously reported cases of azithromycin—warfarin interactions support the possibility that azithromycin does interact with warfarin, although the exact mechanism is not understood.

CONCLUSIONS:

Azithromycin may interact with warfarin and enhance its hypoprothrombinemic effects. This effect may be delayed for 4–8 days after a course of azithromycin has been completed. Periodic monitoring of the prothrombin time is recommended when using azithromycin in patients taking warfarin.
Physical and Chemical Nanostructure Transfer in Polymer Spin‐Transfer Printing
Authors: Kim Y. S. , Baek S. J. , Hammond P. T.
Published: April 2004

An alternative lithographic technique that creates complex nanostructures using an elastomer stamp, a spin‐coating step, and a polyelectrolyte as the adhesion promotion layer is presented (see Figure). The method does not require high pressure or temperatures, and can take advantage of the elastomer stamp to reproducibly replicate chemical and physical patterns on the nanometer length scale.
46,XX sex reversal with partial duplication of chromosome arm 22q
Authors: Seeherunvong Tossaporn , Perera Erasmo M. , Bao Yong , Benke Paul J. , Benigno Adelaida , Donahue Roger P. , Berkovitz Gary D.
Published: April 2004

We present a case of 46,XX sex reversal in the absence of SRY but with partial duplication of chromosome 22q. The subject had multiple congenital anomalies but nearly complete masculinization of the external genitalia. Our case along with a previous case supports the existence of a gene on chromosome 22q that can trigger testis determination in the absence of SRY. We proposed that overexpression of the SOX10 gene at 22q13 might be the cause of sex reversal. We investigated 13 additional subjects with SRY‐negative 46,XX sex reversal for microduplication of chromosome arm 22q in the region of SOX10 gene, but could not find evidence for it. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A chromosome 21‐derived minute marker in a mosaic trisomy 21 background: Implications for risk assessments in marker chromosome cases
Authors: Stefanou Eunice‐Georgia G. , Crocker Mark
Published: April 2004

We report a prenatal case of a chromosome 21‐derived minute supernumerary marker, found as a mosaic along with a trisomy 21 cell line at amniocentesis. Follow‐up analysis of other fetal tissues confirmed the mosaicism and also disclosed a normal cell line. It is likely that the marker reflects a mutation event that resulted in trisomy rescue early in embryonic development. Had the trisomy 21 cell line not been found at amniocentesis, a low risk of an abnormal phenotype (approximately 5%) would have been assigned. We suggest that the risk associated with minute non‐euchromatic marker chromosomes should be revised to account for the possibility of mosaicism with potentially aneuploid populations and/or uniparental disomy (UPD). The finding of any marker chromosome should prompt a thorough investigation for aneuploid cell lines. In the case of small markers with no euchromatin, the given risk of adverse phenotypic effects is not likely to be associated with the marker per se but with the possible presence of a cryptic aneuploid cell line from which the marker may have arisen. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiotensin‐related genes in patients with panic disorder
Authors: Olsson Marie , Annerbrink Kristina , Westberg Lars , Melke Jonas , Baghaei Fariba , Rosmond Roland , Holm Göran , Andersch Sven , Allgulander Christer , Eriksson Elias
Published: April 2004

Enhanced respiratory variability and decreased heart rate variability have repeatedly been observed in patients with panic disorder. Prompted by the notion that angiotensin may be involved in the control of respiration, heart rate variability, and anxiety‐like behavior, we investigated the putative association between polymorphisms in three angiotensin‐related genes and panic disorder—angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor type 1 (ATr1) in 72 patients with panic disorder and 504 controls. Allele and genotype distribution of the ATr1 A1166C allele and the AGT M235T did not differ between patients and controls. With respect to the ACE I/D polymorphism, the I allele was found to be more frequent in male (χ2 = 8.042, df = 1, P = 0.005), but not female, panic disorder patients than in controls. The results of this investigation provide preliminary evidence for the suggestion that angiotensin‐related genes may be associated with panic disorder in men. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of impregnation and bleaching on the surface hardness of oak (Quercus petraea L.) wood
Authors: Keskin Hakan , Atar Musa , Güçlü Yavuzcan H.
Published: April 2004

The impact of impregnation and bleaching on the hardness of varnish layers on oak (Quercus petraea L.) wood was investigated. A number of solutions [sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); NaOH, calcium hydroxide, and H2O2; NaOH, magnesium sulfate, and H2O2; sodium bisulfate and H2C2O4 · 2H2; sodium silicate and H2O2; and potassium permanganate, sodium bisulfate, and H2O2] were applied at a concentration of 18% to bleach both impregnated [Tanalith‐CBC (T‐CBC) or Imersol‐WR 2000 (I‐WR 2000)] and unimpregnated (natural) wood panels. Subsequently, a water‐based varnish (WB) was coated over the samples, and the hardness of the varnished layers was determined in accordance with ASTM D 4366. Among the samples that were varnish‐coated without bleaching, T‐CBC/WB yielded the highest hardness (59.50), whereas I‐WR 2000/WB exhibited the lowest (49.17). However, among the samples varnish‐coated after bleaching, the highest (56.50) and lowest (40.83) varnish hardness values were obtained with T‐CBC/solution 2/WB and I‐WR 2000/solution 4/WB, respectively. All the chemicals used for the bleaching process reduced the surface hardness. However, after the varnish coating, except for solutions 4 and 6, all the solutions showed hardness values similar to those of varnish‐coated natural (control) samples. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 498–504, 2004
Molecular profiling of primary and metastatic neoplasms in the lung using cytologic material obtained by fine‐needle aspiration: Report of two cases
Authors: Schoedel Karen E. , Finkelstein Sydney D. , Swalsky Patricia A. , Ohori N. Paul
Published: April 2004

Two cases are presented in which molecular analyses of cytologic material obtained by fine‐needle aspiration were helpful in establishing relationships between morphologically similar neoplasms in the same patient. For appropriate clinical management, it is important to ascertain whether the tumors represent independent primaries or metastases. Alcohol‐fixed cytologic material prepared as cell blocks and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue were microdissected and analyzed for allelic loss of heterozygosity at multiple preselected genetic loci. The first case illustrates a 69‐yr‐old man with multiple intrapulmonary nodules involving the upper and lower lobes of the left lung. Genomic analysis showed that the neoplasms in the left upper and lower lung lobes were independent primaries, because the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) patterns were substantially different. By contrast, the second case is that of a 58‐yr‐old man with a right thyroid nodule and multiple pulmonary tumors. LOH analysis confirmed that a sampled pulmonary tumor represented a metastasis from the thyroid primary, as similar LOH patterns involving locus D9S252 were observed on comparison of the thyroid and pulmonary neoplasms. These cases illustrate the practical diagnostic utility of genomic analysis using cytologic material in the assessment of primary and metastatic malignancies. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:342–346. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Esophageal aspergillosis in cytologic brushings: Report of two cases associated with acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Bergman Simon , Geisinger Kim R.
Published: April 2004

Aspergillus, which commonly involves the sinonasal region and upper respiratory tract, is reported for the first time in esophageal brushings in two immunocompromised patients with a history of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Aspergillus species was identified in both cases in smears as scattered three‐dimensional groups of fungi with 45° angle branching. One case had a local esophageal noninvasive form, while the other, in addition to the esophagus, had disseminated to the spleen. Although Aspergillus is an uncommon cause of esophagitis in immunocompromised patients, its presence may be associated with an extremely poor prognosis as both expired shortly after detecting this fungus on esophageal brushings. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:347–349. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transient gain of effector function by CD8+ T cells undergoing peripheral tolerance to high‐dose self‐antigen
Authors: Huang Xiaopei , Yang Yiping
Published: April 2004

Induction of peripheral T cell tolerance is mediated by bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells that cross‐present self‐antigen to self‐reactive T cells. The current model for peripheral CD8+ T cell tolerance is that TCR engagement by self‐antigen in the absence of costimulation results in abortive activation without development of effector function. Here we demonstrate in vivo that high‐dose self‐antigen ("signal 1") can compensate for lack of costimulation ("signal 2"), leading to full activation of and development of effector function by self‐reactive T cells. In the setting of low‐dose self‐antigen, acquisition of effector function by self‐reactive T cells is dependent on costimulation via CD40 ligation in vivo. However, gain of effector function ineither setting does not prevent eventual tolerance of self‐reactive CD8+ T cells. These results suggest that the mechanisms for peripheral CD8+ T cell tolerance are more complex than the proposed "signal 1 in the absence of signal 2" hypothesis. Further exploration of these mechanisms will have direct impact on the design of effective immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases, chronic infections and cancers.
B‐Alkylcatecholborane‐Mediated Radical Reactions
Authors: Schaffner Arnaud‐Pierre , Renaud Philippe
Published: April 2004

B‐Alkylcatecholboranes, easily prepared by hydroboration of alkenes, represent a very efficient source of primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl radicals. The very high sensitivity towards oxygen‐and heteroatom‐centered radicals makes them particularly attractive for the development of radical chain processes. Very mild conditions for radical hydroxylation of organoboranes using either TEMPO (= 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐N‐oxyl) or oxygen have been developed. Conjugate addition of β‐alkylcatecholboranes to enones and enals proceeds very efficiently under oxygen intiation. Inter‐ and intramolecular addition to other radical traps such as α,β‐unsaturated esters, amides and sulfones requires the use of PTOC‐OMe {1‐[(methoxycarbonyl)oxy]pyridine‐2(1H)‐thione} as a chain transfer reagent. Finally, a very general method for the radical hydroallylation of olefins using allyl sulfones as radical traps is presented. This reaction takes advantage of the very efficient reaction of B‐alkylcatecholboranes with the benzenesulfonyl radical. The diversity of the chemistry presented in this microreview demontrates that catecholborane represents a very good alternative to tin derivatives for radical reactions involving alkyl radicals. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Performance of an industrial source complex model: Predicting long‐term concentrations in an urban area
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Bellam Naveen K. , Sud Anupma
Published: April 2004

The short‐term and long‐term versions of Industrial Source Complex Models (ISCST3 and ISCLT3) are evaluated for estimating long‐term concentrations using sulfur dioxide data from emission inventory of Lucas County, Ohio for the year 1990. The ISCST3 and ISCLT3 models are used to predict monthly and quarterly averages of sulfur dioxide concentrations. Uncertainties associated with the model's predictions are estimated using the bootstrap resampling method. Confidence intervals on the fractional mean bias, normalized mean square error, geometric mean bias and geometric variance are calculated for each model and differences between models. Intercomparison of the ISCST3 and ISCLT3 models indicated that these models yielded relatively good performance in their prediction of monthly and quarterly average concentrations, with relative fractional biases of 0.26 to 0.55 and normalized mean square error values that are about 0.12 to 0.44. Both the ISCST3 and ISCLT3 models predicted concentrations that are lower than the observed concentrations. The concentrations predicted by the ISCST3 model were closer to the observed concentrations when compared with the concentrations obtained using the ISCLT3 model. The study suggests that the ISCST3 model is better for estimating long‐term concentrations of sulfur dioxide as compared to the ISCLT3 model.
The measurement of flyash and bottom ash flow rates from a circulating fluidized bed boiler
Authors: Rozelle Peter L. , Pisupati Sarma V. , Scaroni Alan W.
Published: April 2004

The measurement of the flow rates of flyash and bottom ash from a Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) boiler has a number of uses. Among these are the requirements of boiler performance testing, the development of particle population models for assessing key chemical interactions taking place in the combustion chamber, and the partitioning of key species between flyash and bottom ash. Identification of partitioning of key species between flyash and bottom ash (combustibles, calcium, sulfur) can lead to improvements in key parameters of boiler operation.

Current methods for the computing of the flow rates of these ash streams include the measurement of the flow rates of feed solids, one ash stream flow rate, and inference of the other from a material balance. This is effort intensive and as such, not routinely feasible.

Offered here is a method for computing the flow rates of ash streams through measurement of the solids feed rates to the system, and solving material balances around inorganic solids (total ash), calcium, and/ or sulfur, using these material balances as a simple set of simultaneous equations. This method permits the calculation of the ash stream flow rates without the direct measurement of either, and can be practiced on a routine basis.
Treatment of a synthetic Nylon production wastewater under denitrifying conditions in an anoxic sequencing batch reactor
Authors: Cassidy Daniel P. , Earley James P. , Irvine Robert L.
Published: April 2004

A synthetic Nylon production wastewater high in nitrate (400–800 mg/L NO3‐N), total organic carbon (TOC=2000 mg/L), and chemical oxygen demand (COD=5450 mg/L) was treated in a laboratory‐scale, anoxic Sequencing Batch Reactor (AxSBR). The purpose was to determine the extent of organic carbon removal with different nitrate doses and the feasibility of achieving complete removal of oxidized forms of nitrogen (NOx) and organic carbon. The organic carbon consisted of 27 different alcohols, acids, aldehydes, and ketones. A concentration of 400 mg/L NO3‐N (NOx‐N/C=0.2) in the AxSBR resulted in removal of 33% TOC and 35% COD. Doubling the concentration to 800 mg/L NO3‐N (NOx‐N/C=0.4) increased removal of TOC and COD to 46% and 44%, respectively. An equivalent of 5000 mg/L NO3‐N (NOx‐N/C=2.5) was required to achieve 92% removal of TOC and COD. Under nitrate‐limiting conditions the readily degraded organics included: n‐butanol, methanol, ethanol, n‐propanol, l‐pentanol, cyclopentanol, picric acid, formic acid, acetone, n‐butyraldehyde, and propionaldehyde; and less readily degraded were s‐and t‐butanol, isopropanol, cyclohexanol, MEK, and cyclohexanone.
An evaluation of continuous electrodeionization as an in‐line process for plating rinsewater recovery
Authors: Semmens M. J. , Dillon C. D. , Riley Chris
Published: April 2004

The objective of this project was to investigate the ability of continuous electrodeionization (CEDI) to be used in a copper electroplating line to recover copper sulfate and purified water from rinsewaters for reuse within the same process. Typically, these acidic rinsewaters contain approximately 10 to 50 mg/L of copper as copper sulfate. This range of copper is much higher than any used in previous applications of CEDI technology. Three bench‐scale configurations of CEDI modules were evaluated under varying flow and voltage conditions to test the performance of the process in treating the rinsewater. The influence of different ion exchange packings on CEDI performance was examined to determine which module design worked best for this separation process. The bench‐scale test results suggest that CEDI is a potentially viable technology for copper sulfate recovery from waste rinsewaters generated by a copper electroplating line. A single stage CEDI process was able to produce a pure water product containing non‐detectable concentrations of copper, and an acidic copper sulfate concentrate with a copper concentration as high as 4,000 mg/L.
Seawater flue gas desulfurization: Its technical implications and performance results
Authors: Oikawa Katsuo , Yongsiri Chaturong , Takeda Kazuo , Harimoto Takayoshi
Published: April 2004

Increasingly, flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems are being installed to control sulfur dioxide emissions in power plants utilizing coal or oil. For power plants located on an ocean coast, utilization of seawater from the cooling system of the plant to scrub sulfur dioxide has become a promising and attractive alternative to using other alkaline chemicals, such as limestone and magnesium hydroxide. Sulfur dioxide is absorbed and subsequently oxidized to sulfate, which is a native constituent of seawater. Prior to discharge, the acidified seawater effluent undergoes neutralization using the natural alkalinity present in seawater (the carbonate‐related system). Compared to the conventional wet limestone system, the seawater FGD system offers many advantages in terms of process, design, operation and cost effectiveness.

This paper describes the technical and environmental aspects of a seawater FGD system. The performance test results of an existing seawater FGD system employed at a 600‐MWe power plant in China are also presented, focusing on the desulfurization efficiency and the seawater effluent quality. Different design configurations for a seawater FGD absorption system are compared.
Emission of trace compounds from catalytic reforming units
Authors: Bertrand Rene R. , Siegell Jeffrey H.
Published: April 2004

Catalytic reforming units (CRUs) are a potential emissions source of a number of compounds listed as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Some of these compounds are released in depressurization and purge of the unit at initiation and conclusion of the regeneration process. Some form in the catalyst regeneration process and are then emitted. In this work, we developed improved average and median emission factors for these HAPs, based on 54 new field test data points, covering 14 compounds. For some of these compounds (HCl and particulates), there are large differences between the average and the median emission factors due to significant scatter in the raw data. Comparisons are made to previously published emission factors from data collected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The new data points and the EPA collection have been combined and analyzed to provide guidance on HAP emissions based on the type of CRU. These new average emission factors should provide for more representative estimates for both permitting and emissions reporting when actual monitoring data are not available. It was also found that the emission per unit feed rate to the CRU does not differ significantly with the mode of regeneration utilized.
Partitioning of BTEX constituents and chloroorganics in high‐biomass systems
Authors: Barton John W. , Vodraska Chris D. , Flanary Sandie A. , Davison Brian H.
Published: April 2004

Henry's Law controls mass transfer rates for sparingly soluble organics and/or lower inlet VOC concentrations within a biofilter. We report measurements of apparent Henry's Law partitioning values for benzene, toluene, TCE, and chloromethane in systems that contain varying levels of biomass. The apparent air/liquid partition constant for benzene decreased from 2.9 × 10−3 atm m3 mol−1 to as low as 0.1 × 10−3 atm m3 mol−1 when biomass, in the form of yeast, was added to aqueous batch systems containing benzene. The constant for toluene decreased from 6.4 × 10−3 to 0.17 × 10−3 atm m3 mol−1. For TCE, the air/liquid partition constant decreased from 0.013 atm m3 mol−1 to less than 0.00013 atm m3 mol−1. Experimentally measured partition values were also used to calculate intrinsic “pure biomass” partitioning constants, which can be used to interpolate behavior. Apparent partitioning values for TCE were most heavily impacted by biomass levels, changing by two orders of magnitude. These data should allow other researchers to estimate and extrapolate the influence of biomass on their own biofiltration processes.
Removal of sulfur oxides from diesel exhaust gases
Authors: Ingersoll Christine M. , Roland Donald E. , Kacuba Amanda M. , Wilkinson Christina L. , Berty József M.
Published: April 2004

A recently completed EPA study [1] confirms the deleterious effects of inhaling diesel emissions. Technology to remove sulfur from diesel fuel is known, but expensive, and results in some loss of diesel fuel production. The focus of this work is a method to remove sulfur oxides from diesel exhaust by a manganese oxide catalyst embedded in caustic material. Close to complete removal of SO2 makes subsequent catalytic destruction of nitrous oxides and other pollutants now feasible. The cost to remove the last 20 ppm of SO2 from exhaust is less than one cent per gallon of fuel.
A methodology to evaluate process sustainability
Authors: Gonzalez Michael A. , Smith Raymond L.
Published: April 2004

Chemical and engineering research over the past several years has seen a dramatic increase in activity in the area of green chemisty. As these developments continue, it is reasonable that some of these chemistries or technologies have the potential to be implemented on the plant scale. With this in mind, a new green technology will most certainly have a potential impact on the sustainability of a process. It should also be noted that although a “green” technology may appear environmentally friendly, there currently is no all‐inclusive methodology for assessing the actual sustainability of the chemical reaction orprocess. In order to assess a process, a set of sustainability indicators, or metrics, are required.

Research within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has laid the foundationfor an indicator model, GREENSCOPE (Gauging Reaction Effectivenessfor the ENvironmental Sustainability of Chemistries with a multiObjective Process Evaluator), that evaluates a particular reaction or process for sustainability in the following areas: Environment,Energy, Efficiency, and Economics. These four Es provide a quantitative definition of process sustainability, and allow for a direct comparison between two similar processes with differing reaction chemistries or process technologies. These aspects of sustainable chemical research will also be of importance as bench processes are scaled up to sustainable industrial processes.
Migration of polyethylene particles around nonloosened cemented femoral components from a total hip arthroplasty—an autopsy study
Authors: Massin Philippe , Chappard Daniel , Flautre Brigitte , Hardouin Pierre
Published: April 2004

Three cemented femoral components from total hip arthroplasties retrieved at autopsy were examined in regard to the migration of birefringent polyethylene particles across the fixation interfaces. They were obtained from two patients who died from unrelated causes. They had been in place, respectively, for 8 and 9 years (first patient) and for 9 years (second patient). Osteolysis was present in the acetabular side only. The femoral components were not loosened. Histologic sections were performed at four levels of the femoral components, and polyethylene particles were counted with the use of a semiautomatic image analyzer. Sections below the tip of the stem were treated by deorganification and the lysate was centrifuged in the attempt to isolate wear debris. Particles were found at both interfaces (bone–cement and metal–cement) and in the cancellous bone between the trabeculae. They were also present in the Haversian canals of the cortical bone. Particles of various sizes were found in the medullary canal beneath the tip of the stem. In scanning electron microscopy, they appeared to have irregular shapes. Wear debris can migrate across the cement–bone interface of nonloosened implants. They appear to progress through the porosity of the cancellous bone. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 69B: 205–215, 2004
Biological activities of the essential oil and methanolic extract of Micromeria fruticosa (L) Druce ssp serpyllifolia (Bieb) PH Davis plants from the eastern Anatolia region of Turkey
Authors: Güllüce Medine , Sökmen Münevver , Şahin Fikrettin , Sökmen Atalay , Adigüzel Ahmet , Özer Hakan
Published: April 2004

The in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil and methanolic extract of Micromeria fruticosa ssp serpyllifolia as well as the composition of the essential oil were examined. The essential oil exhibited activity against 14 bacteria, three fungi and a yeast, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 31.25 to 125 µl ml−1, whilst the methanolic extract was inactive. Antioxidant activity was measured by two methods, namely scavenging of the free radical DPPH and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation. The methanolic extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in both assays, providing 50% inhibition at 70.9 ± 0.5 µg ml−1 concentration in the DPPH assay and inhibiting linoleic acid oxidation to 59% at 2 mg ml−1 concentration, whilst the essential oil showed activity only at higher concentrations. The gallic acid equivalent total phenolic content of the methanolic extract was found to be 55.2 ± 2.00 µg mg−1 dry weight extract (5.5% w/w). The chemical composition of the hydrodistilled essential oil was analysed by means of GC/MS. Twenty‐nine constituents were identified, the main ones being piperitenone (50.61%) and pulegone (29.19%). Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Persistent current and Hall effect due to spin chirality
Authors: Tatara G.
Published: April 2004

We show that a spontaneous electric current is induced in a nano‐scale conducting ring just by putting three ferromagnets (spin Josephson effect). The current is a direct consequence of the non‐commutativity of the spin algebra, and is proportional to the non‐coplanarity (chirality) of the magnetization vectors. This persistent current is shown to results in anomalus Hall effect in frustrated magnets. The application to a novel quantum logic gate is discussed. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vergleich der Kristallstrukturen der Tetraammoniakate von Lithiumhalogeniden, LiBr·4NH3 und LiI·4NH3, mit der Struktur von Tetramethylammoniumiodid, N(CH3)4I
Authors: Jacobs Herbert , Barlage Holger , Friedriszik Martin
Published: April 2004

Für röntgenographische Strukturbestimmungen geeignete Kristalle der Tetraammoniakate von LiBr und LiI wurden durch langsames Abdampfen von NH3 aus den bei Raumtemperatur klaren Lösungen der Halogenide in flüssigem Ammoniak erhalten. Die Verbindungen kristallisieren in der Raumgruppe Pnma (Nr. 62) mit vier Formeleinheiten in der Elementarzelle:

LiBr·4NH3: a = 11, 947(5)Å, b = 7, 047(4)Å, c = 9, 472(3)Å

LiI·4NH3: a = 12, 646(3)Å, b = 7, 302 (1)Å, c = 9, 790(2)Å

Für N(CH3)4I konnten die Protonenlagen der Methylgruppen bestimmt werden:

N(CH3)4I: P4/nmm (Nr. 129), Z = 2, a = 7, 948(1)Å, c = 5, 738(1)Å

Die Ammoniakate des LiBr und LiI kristallisieren isotyp in einer stark verzerrten Anordnung vom CsCl‐Motiv. Auch N(CH3)4I hat eine CsCl‐artige Anordnung. Die Strukturen unterscheiden sich hauptsächlich in der Orientierung der [Li(NH3)4]+ — bzw. [N(CH3)4]+ — Kationen im umgebenden „Anionenkubus”︁.
Dioxouranium Complexes with Acetylpyridine Benzoylhydrazones and Related Ligands
Authors: Gatto C. C. , Schulz Lang E. , Kupfer A. , Hagenbach A. , Wille D. , Abram Ulrich
Published: April 2004

Acetylpyridine benzoylhydrazone and related ligands react with common dioxouranium(VI) compounds such as uranyl nitrate or [NBu4]2[UO2Cl4] to form air‐stable complexes. Reactions with 2, 6‐diacetylpyridinebis(benzoylhydrazone) (H2L1a) or 2, 6‐diacetylpyridinebis(salicylhydrazone) (H2L1b) give yellow products of the composition [UO2(L1)]. The neutral compounds contain doubly deprotonated ligands and possess a distorted pentagonal‐bipyramidal structure. The hydroxo groups of the salicylhydrazonato ligand do not contribute to the complexation of the metal. The equatorial coordination spheres of the complexes can be extended by the addition of a monodentate ligand such as pyridine or DMSO. The uranium atoms in the resulting deep‐red complexes have hexagonal‐bipyramidal coordination environments with the oxo ligands in axial positions.

The sterical strains inside the hexagonal plane can be reduced when two tridentate benzoylhydrazonato ligands are used instead of the pentadentate 2, 6‐diacetylpyridine derivatives. Acetylpyridine benzoylhydrazone (HL2) and bis(2‐pyridyl)ketone benzoylhydrazone (HL3) deprotonate and form neutral, red [UO2(L)2] complexes. The equatorial coordination spheres of these complexes are puckered hexagons.

X‐ray diffraction studies on [UO2(L1a)(pyridine)], [UO2(L1b)(DMSO)], [UO2(L2)2] and [UO2(L3)2] show relatively short U—O bonds to the benzoylic oxygen atoms between 2.328(6) and 2.389(8) Å. This suggests a preference of these donor sites of the ligands over their imino and amine functionalities (U—N bond lengths: 2.588(7)—2.701(6) Å ).