bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional and Placental Expression Analysis of the Human NRF3 Transcription Factor
Authors: Chénais Benoı̂t , Derjuga Anna , Massrieh Wael , Red-Horse Kristy , Bellingard Valerie , Fisher Susan J. , Blank Volker
Published: September 2004

Members of the Maf protooncogene and cap’n’ collar families of basic-leucine zipper transcription factors play important roles in development, differentiation, oncogenesis, and stress signaling. In this study, we performed an in vivo protein-protein interaction screen to search for novel partners of the small Maf proteins. Using full-length human MAFG protein as bait, we identified the human basic-leucine zipper protein NRF3 [NF-E2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2)-related factor 3] as an interaction partner. Transfection studies confirmed that NRF3 is able to dimerize with MAFG. The resulting NRF3/MAFG heterodimer recognizes nuclear factor-erythroid 2/Maf recognition element-type DNA-binding motifs. Functional analysis revealed the presence of a strong transcriptional activation domain in the center region of the NRF3 protein. We found that NRF3 transcripts are present in placental chorionic villi from at least week 12 of gestation on through term. In particular, NRF3 is highly expressed in primary placental cytotrophoblasts, but not in placental fibroblasts. The human choriocarcinoma cell lines BeWo and JAR, derived from trophoblastic tumors of the placenta, also strongly express NRF3 transcripts. We generated a NRF3-specific antiserum and identified NRF3 protein in placental choriocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, we showed that NRF3 transcript and protein levels are induced by TNF-α in JAR cells. Our functional studies suggest that human NRF3 is a potent transcriptional activator. Finally, our expression and induction analyses hint at a possible role of Nrf3 in placental gene expression and development.
The Orphan Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Ror2 Modulates Canonical Wnt Signaling in Osteoblastic Cells
Authors: Billiard Julia , Way Deana S. , Seestaller-Wehr Laura M. , Moran Robert A. , Mangine Annamarie , Bodine Peter V. N.
Published: September 2004

Ror2 is an orphan receptor tyrosine kinase that plays crucial roles in developmental morphogenesis, particularly of the skeleton. We have identified human Ror2 as a novel regulator of canonical Wnt signaling in osteoblastic (bone-forming) cells with selective activities, enhancing Wnt1 but antagonizing Wnt3. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated physical interactions between human Ror2 and mammalian Wnt1 and Wnt3. Functionally, Ror2 antagonized Wnt1- and Wnt3-mediated stabilization of cytosolic β-catenin in osteoblastic cells. However, Ror2 had opposing effects on a more distal step of canonical Wnt signaling: it potentiated Wnt1 activity but inhibited Wnt3 function as assessed by changes in Wnt-responsive reporter gene activity. Despite binding to Ror2, neither Wnt1 nor Wnt3 altered receptor activity as assessed by levels of Ror2 autophosphorylation. The ability of Ror2 to regulate canonical Wnt signaling in osteoblastic cells should have physiological consequences in bone, because Wnt signaling is known to modulate osteoblast survival and differentiation. Expression of Ror2 mRNA was highly regulated in a biphasic manner during human osteoblast differentiation, being virtually undetectable in pluripotent stem cells, increasing 300-fold in committed preosteoblasts, and disappearing again in osteocytes. Furthermore, Ror2 expression in osteoblasts was suppressed by the Wnt antagonist, secreted frizzled-related protein 1. The regulated expression of Ror2 during osteoblast differentiation, its inverse expression pattern with secreted frizzled-related protein 1, and its ability to modulate Wnt signaling in osteoblastic cells suggest that Ror2 may regulate bone formation.
PIN domain of Nob1p is required for D-site cleavage in 20S pre-rRNA
Authors: FATICA ALESSANDRO , TOLLERVEY DAVID , DLAKIĆ MENSUR
Published: September 2004

Nob1p (Yor056c) is essential for processing of the 20S pre-rRNA to the mature 18S rRNA. It is part of a pre-40S ribosomal particle that is transported to the cytoplasm and subsequently cleaved at the 3′ end of mature 18S rRNA (D-site). Nob1p is also reported to participate in proteasome biogenesis, and it was therefore unclear whether its primary activity is in ribosome synthesis. In this work, we describe a homology model of the PIN domain of Nob1p, which structurally mimics Mg2+-dependent exonucleases despite negligible similarity in primary sequence. Insights gained from this model were used to design a point mutation that was predicted to abolish the postulated enzymatic activity. Cells expressing Nob1p with this mutation failed to cleave the 20S pre-rRNA. This supports both the significance of the structural model and the idea that Nob1p is the long-sought D-site endonuclease.
Nontemplated nucleotide addition prior to polyadenylation: A comparison of Arabidopsis cDNA and genomic sequences
Authors: JIN YONGFENG , BIAN TENGFEI
Published: September 2004

A comparison of Arabidopsis DNA sequences revealed that the final nucleotides at the 3′ end of approximately half of the Arabidopsis mRNAs, immediately upstream of the poly(A) tail, differ from the corresponding genomic sequences. This suggests that extra nucleotides were added to these mRNAs at their 3′ termini prior to polyadenylation. Among the mRNAs containing additional nucleotides, approximately 65% had a single additional nucleotide, with the nucleotide C added most often. This nontemplated addition before the addition of the poly(A) sequence could be a major contributing factor to the often observed heterogeneity in transcription products. These findings should be helpful in the elucidation of the mechanisms of mRNA 3′-end processing.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Ten Second-Generation (Human) Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody Assays in Celiac Disease
Authors: Van Meensel Britta , Hiele Martin , Hoffman Ilse , Vermeire Severine , Rutgeerts Paul , Geboes Karel , Bossuyt Xavier
Published: September 2004

Background: Anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) assays that use human tTG as antigen have recently become available. We evaluated commercially available assays with human tTG antigen to estimate their diagnostic accuracies and to determine whether they agree sufficiently to be used interchangeably.

Methods: Ten commercially available second-generation anti-tTG assays were evaluated. The following populations were studied: celiac disease (CD) patients at the time of diagnosis without (n = 70) or with (n = 5) IgA deficiency; diseased controls (n = 70); and CD patients without (n = 28) or with (n = 2) IgA deficiency during follow-up. All individuals included in the study underwent intestinal biopsy. Technical performance (linearity, interference, precision, correlation, and agreement) and diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) were compared. Anti-gliadin and anti-endomysium antibodies were also measured.

Results: IgA anti-tTG results correlated well overall, but numerical values differed. Diagnostic sensitivity ranged between 91% and 97% and specificity between 96% and 100%. These were higher than the sensitivity and specificity of the IgA endomysium assay and the IgA gliadin assay. Generally, IgG anti-tTG was less sensitive but more specific than IgG anti-gliadin for the diagnosis of CD in the small group of IgA-deficient patients.

Conclusions: Overall diagnostic performance of IgA tTG assays is acceptable and comparable among the different assays, but numerical values differ. Standardization is needed.
Characterization of Immunochemically Nonreactive Urinary Albumin
Authors: Osicka Tanya M , Comper Wayne D
Published: September 2004

Background: Conventional immunoassays underestimate the urinary albumin concentration because intact albumin in urine exists in two forms, immunoreactive and immunochemically nonreactive.

Methods: Urinary albumin concentration measured by HPLC (which measures total albumin, i.e., the sum of immunoreactive albumin + immunochemically nonreactive albumin) or RIA was compared with densitometric analysis of albumin bands in diabetic urine samples separated by either native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) or reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-PAGE. Immunochemically nonreactive albumin was also isolated from diabetic urine (relative amount detected, 70–80% of the expected) and was tested for contamination by common urinary proteins by native PAGE, ELISA, and capillary electrophoresis.

Results: Urinary albumin concentrations measured by native PAGE and HPLC were better correlated (r2 = 0.83) than concentrations measured by native PAGE and RIA (r2 = 0.62) because under native conditions both native PAGE and HPLC detect total albumin and not only the immunoreactive albumin alone that is measured by RIA. Urinary albumin concentrations measured by reducing SDS-PAGE and RIA were better correlated (r2 = 0.84) than concentrations measured by reducing SDS-PAGE and HPLC (r2 = 0.65) because under reducing conditions immunochemically nonreactive albumin is unstable and fragments into many smaller peptides. The partially purified preparation was found to contain <1% contamination by common urinary proteins and is stable to freezing and frequent freeze/thaw cycles.

Conclusions: The results are consistent with the interpretation that immunochemically nonreactive albumin has a limited number of polypeptide chain scissions and is held together by noncovalent intrachain bonding and disulfide bonds. Detection of this molecule is likely to be of clinical importance in diagnosing kidney disease as well as cardiovascular disease.
Reaction Characteristics on the Green Surface of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel) Treated with Chromated Phosphate
Authors: Chang Shang-Tzen , Yeh Ting-Feng , Wu Jyh-Horng , Hon David N.-S.
Published: September 2004

Standing moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel) culm is attractive to many people for its green color, but it fades readily if it is not chemically treated. Chromated phosphate (CP)has beensuccessfully used to protect the green color of bamboo. In order to understand the mechanisms of such protection withCP, this study was performed using various surface analytical methods (FTIR,ESCA, and ESR) to examine the characteristic structures on the CP treated bamboo surface. The results revealed that pigments remaining in the bamboo epidermis did not affect the color of bamboo during subsequent green-color-protection treatment. After CP treatment, chromium and phosphorous from CP were located in the epidermisand cortical parenchymaofbamboo epidermaltissue. CPoxidized the chemical components on the bamboo surface and consequently generated a largenumber of carbonyl groups and radicals. Meanwhile, the valence states of Cr were reduced from Cr(VI) to Cr(V) and then to Cr(III).
Quantitative Analyses of Morphological Variation of Cross-Sectional Tracheids of Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endl.) Near Knot by Image Processing
Authors: Liu J. , Diao X. M. , Furuno T.
Published: September 2004

Eight transverse sections of hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endl.) were analyzed along the grain near a
knot by circularity index (CI), aspect ratio and equivalent diameter. The specimens were divided into
two groups, one above and one below the knot, and their distances from the knot were 0 mm (the
nearest), 12 mm, 24 mm, and 36 mm, respectively. Another sample was also selected from knot-free
wood for reference along the same grain. A gradual decrease in the aspect ratio of tracheids demonstrated
that both boundaries and lumina tended to have small differences in length and width as they
approached the knot along the grain. CIs of lumina nearest to the knot indicated astonishingly high
values with a narrow range from hexagon to ellipse, compared with the others ranging from rectangle,
via hexagon, to ellipse. In other words, lumina showed a tendency to become round near the knot. In
addition, the equivalent diameters of lumina tended to decrease when approaching the knot, implying
that cell wall thickening of tracheids occur near the knot. It should be noted that the above variations in
tracheids accompanied changes in grain orientation and annual ring width, especially the sharp
transformation nearest to the knot.
Steam Explosion of Aspen Wood. Characterisation of Reaction Products
Authors: Josefsson T. , Lennholm H. , Gellerstedt G.
Published: September 2004

The steam explosion process was used to separate the components of aspen wood. The main goal was to
obtain a material with a molecular weight distribution similar to that of dissolving pulp. To achieve
variations in fibre structure and molecular weight, two series of steam explosions were made in which
the time and temperature were varied according to factorial designs. The resulting pulps were very dark
and were therefore bleached with hydrogen peroxide. The bleaching was sufficient to increase the
brightness of the exploded material significantly. The resulting lignocellulosic materials as well as the
washing water were characterised by carbohydrate analysis, lignin analysis and size-exclusion chromatography.
A large variation in the pulp composition as well as in cellulose and hemicellulose
molecular weight was obtained merely by varying the time and temperature of the explosions. The
results showed that pulps with properties ranging from a high xylan content (7%) and high molecular
weight cellulose (900 000) to a low xylose content (< 1%)and low molecular weight cellulose (<40 000)
were produced. The exploded material consisted mainly of cellulose, hemicellulose and degraded
polysaccharides. The degraded polysaccharides showed up as lignin in the Klason lignin analysis and in
measurements of kappa number.
UF/pMDI Wood Adhesives: Networks Blend versus Copolymerization
Authors: Simon C. , George B. , Pizzi A.
Published: September 2004

Kinetic evidence from thermomechanical analysis experiments and 13C NMR evidence were used to
show that the strength of a joint bonded with UF/pMDI glue-mixtures is improved by coreaction
between pMDI and UF resin methylol groups forming methylene cross-links. These are predominant, as
opposed to the formation of urethane bridges which still appear to form, but are in great minority. The
coreaction occurs in the presence of water and under the predominantly acidic hardening conditions
characteristic of aminoplastic resins (in presence of a hardener). Coreaction occurs to a much lesser
extent under alkaline conditions (without UF resins hardeners). The predominant reaction is therefore
different in UF/pMDI and PF/pMDI adhesive systems. The same reaction observed for the UF/pMDI
system at higher temperatures was also observed in PF/pMDI systems, but only at lower temperatures.
The water introduced into the UF/pMDI mixture by addition of the UF resin solution was shown not to
react with pMDI to increase the strength of the hardened adhesive to a significant degree.
The Effect of HS- Ions in 1-mol/l NaOH Solutions on the Ion Diffusion in Wood Calculated as the Steady State Diffusion and the Drift Speed
Authors: Törnqvist M. , Hurme T. , Rosenholm J. B.
Published: September 2004

Diffusion tests in pine, birch and spruce were done with different Na2S fractions of 1-mol/l NaOH solutions. The steady state diffusion was found to be dependent on the original moisture content present in the wood samples and the concentration of the electrolyte, but not the HS− ions. The drift speed was dependent on the mobility of the HS− ions, reducing the flux as compared to the OH− flux in pure NaOH solutions. The moisture content originally present inside the wood samples affected the migration, especially in the longitudinal direction due to structural effects.
Study on Gypsum-Bonded Particleboard Reinforced with Jute Fibres
Authors: Deng Y. , Furuno T.
Published: September 2004

This paper deals with the influence of length and content (based on a percentage of wood particles) of jute fibers on the physical and mechanical properties of gypsum-bonded particleboard (GPB). The length and amount of jute fibers had a significant effect on the internal bond strength (IB) and the modulus of rupture (MOR) of GPB. The addition of jute fibers did not obviously influence the modulus of elasticity (MOE), the thickness swelling (TS) or water absorption (WA). The values of IB were prominently high at the 3 mm length and 9–12% contents of jute fibers. The highest value of MOR was attained when the board was made with fibers 12 mm in length and a fiber content of 15%. The optimal amount of jute fibers reinforced the mechanical properties of GPB to achieve high performance. However, too much jute fiber reduced the IB, MOR (except for 12 mm length), and MOE of GPB. The values of TS and WA decreased gradually with an increase in the fiber content for all fiber lengths. In addition, the GPB gave very low weight loss on exposure to wood-decaying fungi of both Tyromyces palustris (TYP) and Coriolus versicolor (COV) as compared with untreated wood. It was concluded that the combination of 3 mm length and 9–12% content or 12 mm length and 15% content of jute fibers was the optimum for producing good performance of
Structure of Thermally Modified Wood Studied by Liquid State NMR Measurements
Authors: Hietala S. , Maunu S. L. , Sundholm F. , Jämsä S. , Viitaniemi P.
Published: September 2004

Thermal modification is a technique to produce wood with increased dimensional stability and
lower equilibrium moisture content. 2H NMR relaxation measurements and pulsed field gradient
(PFG-NMR) methods are non-invasive spectroscopic techniques that can be used to measure the
response of liquid confined in porous materials and yield information on the size and distribution
of the pores. These methods were used to study the structure and changes in structure of thermally
modified Scots pine wood. The 2H longitudinal relaxation measurements of wood samples at different
moisture contents showed different relaxation times and relaxation time distribution in the
thermally treated samples. The effect of the thermal treatments on the cell size in wood samples
was studied by PFG-NMR measurements with different dwell times. The PFG-NMR measurements
showed no clear change in the cell dimensions of the thermally modified samples compared
with control samples taken from the same log.
Seasonal Variation of Oleoresin Terpenoids from Pinus halepensis and Pinus pinea and Host Selection of the Scale Insect Marchalina hellenica (Homoptera, Coccoidea, Margarodidae, Coelostonidiinae)
Authors: Mita E. , Tsitsimpikou C. , Tsiveleka L. , Petrakis P. V. , Ortiz A. , Vagias C. , Roussis V.
Published: September 2004

Seasonal variation of the volatile terpenoids of Pinus pinea Ten and Pinus halepensis Mill, infested
and uninfested by the caterpillar Marchalina hellenica, was followed by GC and GC-MS analyses
of the pines cortical oleoresin. α-Pinene was found to be the dominant monoterpene in P. halepensis,
while in P. pinea limonene was the most abundant compound. A significant decrease in the
number of identified volatiles from winter to summer was observed and was more pronounced in
the minor metabolites. Variation of the terpenoids according to the depth of the draining (drilling)
holes in the trees was also determined. In addition, terpenoids were correlated with the results of
cross feeding experiments designed for the study of the host preference of M. hellenica. All results
revealed the dependence of M. hellenica on the secondary chemistry of the host. P. pinea, having a
high content of limonene, appears to be more resistant to the caterpillar. Canonical discriminant
analysis, in the discriminant space of the relative contribution of the ten major terpenes, separated
P. pinea from P. halepensis, and infested from uninfested P. halepensis trees.
Formation of 13C-Enriched Cell-Wall DHP Using Isolated Soft Xylem from Picea abies
Authors: Hafrén J. , Westermark U. , Lennholm H. , Terashima N.
Published: September 2004

Cell-wall dehydrogenation polymers (CW-DHP) were prepared by incubating a mixture of soft
xylem (differentiating xylem) from Picea abies, coniferin 13C-enriched at the side-chain β-carbon
and unenriched coniferin, both with and without the addition of β-glucosidase and glucose oxidase,
which causes an in situ polymerisation of the coniferyl alcohol in the cell wall. From difference
solid state 13C-NMR spectra between 13C-enriched CW-DHP and unenriched CW-DHP, the
bond frequencies involving specifically 13C-enriched carbon can be quantitatively determined. The
sub-structures in CW-DHP prepared without the addition of β-glucosidase and glucose oxidase
showed more similarity to protolignin than CW-DHP prepared with the addition of extraneous
enzymes. The CW-DHP obtained without the addition of enzymes contained 36% β-O-4-derived
sub-structures, 44% combined β-β, β-5 and β-1 sub-structures and 20% coniferyl alcohol/coniferaldehyd
end groups. After acetone/water extraction of the CW-DHP, the content of β-β, β-5 and β-1 structures decreased by 4%, and the β-O-4 dominating peak increased by 4%. The 13C-enriched
CW-DHP material can be used to study lignin reactions in a solid wood matrix, and is also a powerful
system for detailed studies on in vivo lignification mechanisms and the effects on lignification
conditions on lignin structure.
Methylation Analysis as a Tool for Structural Analysis of Wood Polysaccharides
Authors: Laine C. , Tamminen T. , Vikkula A. , Vuorinen T.
Published: September 2004

In modern structural analysis of complex mixtures of wood polysaccharides, methylation analysis
is still a valuable and powerful tool for linkage analysis. In this paper, methylation analysis is described
for the procedure methylation, methanolysis, silylation and GC/MS. The retention time indexes
for the partly methylated methyl glycosides of the relevant wood polysaccharides are listed
together with the ratios of the isomers of the different structural units. A calculation model for relative
molar response factors is suggested based on a published model for FID detection and on experimental
data. Tested for oligosaccharides of known structure including xylotetraose, mannotriose
and 63, 64-α-D-galactosyl-mannopentaose, the model gives reproducible and sufficiently
correct results. The fate of xylose units substituted with 4-O-methyl glucuronic acid at position 2 is
investigated with a model compound.
The Further Chemistry of Ellagic Acid III: The Effect of Wick Action upon Moisture Uptake and Movement in Ellagate Treated Pinus radiata Wood
Authors: Przewloka S. , Shearer B. J.
Published: September 2004

Pinus radiata sapwood stakes were treated with ellagic acid and tetraguanidinium, tetracholine
and tetrakis-benzyltrimethylammonium ellagates. The effect of these treatments upon moisture
movement and uptake was investigated by wick action. Given that chemical reactions within the
wood substrate between nutrients and treatment solutions may alter the properties of the wood
with regard to moisture movement, the presence of Cu2+ in the system was also examined. Water-soluble
ellagates reduced water loss by 25–35%, but had no effect upon water uptake. Ellagic acid
in N-methylpyrrolidone significantly reduced both water loss and moisture uptake. The effect of
Cu2+ upon moisture movement and uptake in the treated stakes was negligible.
Influence of Heat and Loading Time on the Mechanical Properties of Calamus merrillii Becc.
Authors: Abasolo W. P. , Yamamoto H. , Yoshida M. , Mitsui K. , Okuyama T.
Published: September 2004

The influence of heat and loading time on the mechanical properties ofCalamus merrilliiBecc. was evaluated by measurement of dynamic Young's modulus and creep compliance at different temperature settings. Young's modulus decreased steadily as temperature was elevated. Creep compliance, on the other hand, increased steadily with loading time, similar to wood. Compliance rates were more or less the same at all temperature settings except for one particular temperature which deviated extremely from the rest. This temperature indirectly represents the softening temperature. Reduction in strength caused by heat was highly influenced by the cellular composition of the stem as well as the sensitivity of its basic chemical constituents, e.g., hemicellulose content, to heat. Knowing this basic behavior of rattan stems will enable manufacturers to design rattan products more efficiently.
Magnetic Resonance Studies of Thermally Modified Wood
Authors: Sivonen H. , Maunu S. L. , Sundholm F. , Jämsä S. , Viitaniemi P.
Published: September 2004

Thermal modification of wood produces a wood material with many interesting properties, such as
enhanced dimensional stability, lower equilibrium moisture content and increased biological durability.
Changes in the chemical structure of pine (Pinus sylvestris) caused by thermal treatment
were investigated by studying various components of wood using 13C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy.
Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy on the same set of samples was used to study the formation
and stability of free radicals formed during the treatment. The most remarkable changes
revealed by solid state NMR were the increase in relative crystallinity of cellulose and destruction
and deacetylation of hemicelluloses. Changes in the lignin fraction were mostly registered as diminishment
in the methoxyl content, although the intensity of the aromatic region increased relative
to the carbohydrate fraction during the treatment. Increase in the intensities of the ESR signals
from thermally treated wood samples proves the formation of stable free radicals. In addition,
radical formation is believed to take part in condensation reactions leading to crosslinks within the
lignin and possibly between lignin and other wood components. Both of the methods used indicate
that the changes are most remarkable when the treatment temperature is over 200°C.
Dielectric Relaxation Based on Adsorbed Water in Wood Cell Wall under Non-Equilibrium State. Part 3. Desorption
Authors: Jinzhen C. , Guangjie Z.
Published: September 2004

The temperature and frequency spectra of dielectric constant ε′ and dielectric loss factor ε″ of
Sikkim spruce (Picea spinulosa Griff.) were measured to investigate the change in dielectric relaxation
of water in wood during desorption. In order to control the rate of moisture content change,
the measurements were carried out in three steps: from fiber saturation point to 80% RH, from
80% RH to 60% RH and from 60% RH to 20% RH, at 25°C. Two dielectric relaxation processes
were observed in different temperature and frequency regions which changed their position and
strength with the desorption process. Using the ε′ and ε″ spectra, two groups of Cole-Cole plots
were obtained, on which basis two groups of dielectric parameters including the static dielectric
constant εS, optic dielectric constant ε∞, relaxation strength (εS–ε∞), and the relaxation time distribution
coefficient α were calculated. Both groups of parameters showed similar trends, that is, ε∞
remained nearly constant during the whole desorption process. εS and (εS–ε∞)changed little during
the first step of desorption, decreased obviously during the second step and declined slightly
during the third step. The α value obtained from the lower frequency data changed significantly
during the second and third desorption steps, while there was little change in the other group of α
values. These differences can be explained by different mechanisms of the relaxation processes in
the lower and higher frequency regions.
Zum High-Gain-Beobachterentwurf für eingangs-/ausgangslinearisierbare SISO-Systeme (About High Gain Observer Design for Input-Output Linearizable SISO Systems)
Authors: Röbenack Klaus
Published: September 2004

Der Beitrag behandelt den Entwurf nichtlinearer Zustandsbeobachter für eingangs-/ausgangslinearisierbare SISO-Systeme. Wie beim Reglerentwurf mittels Eingangs-/Ausgangs-Linearisierung wird vorausgesetzt, dass das System einen wohl definierten relativen Grad als auch eine asymptotisch stabile interne Dynamik besitzt. Der Beobachterentwurf erfolgt auf der Basis geeigneter Koordinatentransformationen in Verbindung mit einem High-Gain-Ansatz.
Realisierung mikrocontrollerbasierter Prozessführungssysteme am Beispiel eines Prozesszustandsmonitors für die anaerobe Biogasfermentation (Realization of Microcontroller-based Process Control Systems Examplified on Process State Monitor for Anaerobic Biogas Fermentation)
Authors: Patzwahl Steffen , Kramer Klaus-Dietrich , Nacke Thomas
Published: September 2004

Dieser Beitrag stellt Möglichkeiten zur Realisierung mikrocontrollerbasierter Prozessführungssysteme unter Verwendung von Strategien der Computational Intelligence vor. Alle Entwurfsschritte werden in einem Designprozess mit direktem Prozessbezug zusammengefasst. Es wird ein Firmwareentwicklungssystem beschrieben, das speziell für die Schwerpunkte dieses Designprozesses konzipiert wurde. Als Anwendungsbeispiel dient der Prozess der anaeroben Fermentation in Biogasanlagen. Für diesen Prozess wurde unter Anwendung des Designprozesses und mithilfe der programmierten Software u. a. ein Prozesszustandsmonitor entwickelt, der in der Lage ist, den Prozesszustand der Biogasfermentation online zu klassifizieren.
The Java Portlet Specification (Die Java Portlet Spezifikation)
Authors: Hepper Stefan
Published: September 2004

Portlets are Java technology based web components, managed by a portlet container, that process requests and generate dynamic content. They are used by portals as pluggable user interface components that provide a presentation layer to Information Systems. After servlets portlets are the next step in web application programming, as they allow the integration of different applications into one consistent view for the end-user. They enable modular and user centric web applications and thus go beyond the servlet model where the web application is one monolithic block. In this article we present the JSR 168 Java Portlet Specification and explain its underlying concepts. We show a Portlet example and discuss how portlets interact with other Java technologies.
Internet-basierter Übungsbetrieb in Technischer Informatik (Web-Based Exercises in Computer Engineering)
Authors: Hönig Udo , Keller Jörg , Schiffmann Wolfram
Published: September 2004

Wir stellen ein Web-basiertes System zur Abwicklung des Übungsbetriebs im Grundstudium Technische Informatik an der FernUniversität vor. Das System umfasst drei Komponenten: ein Entwurfswerkzeug zur leichten Eingabe von Digitalschaltungen und der Möglichkeit der Selbstkontrolle ihrer Korrektheit, ein Web-gestütztes System zur Einreichung der Schaltungen und Rücksendung der korrigierten Einsendungen und ein Modul zum halbautomatischen Test der Korrektheit der eingesandten Schaltungen. Wir berichten weiterhin über die positiven Erfahrungen während des Pilotbetriebs und über die positiven Ergebnisse der Evaluation des ersten Einsatzes in einem Kurs mit mehreren Tausend Kursteilnehmern.
Dagstuhl Seminar "Computational Cartography and Spatial Modelling" (Rechnergestützte Kartographie und Raumbezogene Datenmodellierung)
Authors: Sester Monika , van Oosterom Peter
Published: September 2004

Similar to all other types of information, geographic information is nowadays more and more processed in a digital manner (data acquisition, storage, analysis, presentation, etc.). In contrast to traditional administrative information systems, the geometric nature of the information requires specific attention when handling this information. In this Dagstuhl seminar representatives from different disciplines, namely Computer Science, Cartography, Geography, Geodesy, Image Processing, and Cognitive Psychology are brought together in order to exchange ideas and solve open problems.
Laufzeitunterstützung für mobilen Code (Run-time Support for Mobile Codes)
Authors: Peine Holger
Published: September 2004

In der Dissertation wurde das Konzept der Kommunikation durch Übertragung von Code statt Nachrichten, insbesondere in Form von mobilen Prozessen (“Agenten”), gründlich analysiert und ein Laufzeitsystem für mobile Agenten vorgestellt. Das System besitzt zum Teil neue Eigenschaften und bewies in einer Anwendung zur verteilten Suche deutliche Geschwindigkeitsvorteile. Als Fazit der Dissertation wird mobiler Code, eher als die noch einmal zusätzlichen Aufwand erfordernden mobilen Agenten, als wichtiger Mechanismus in kommenden verteilten Anwendungsplattformen gesehen.
Taiwan's Self-Conscious Nation-Building Project
Authors: Lynch Daniel C.
Published: September 2004

Some Taiwanese nationalists express, with alarm, the view that their country is about to be absorbed into a rising China, yet they are paradoxically optimistic that broader international trends will make it possible to secure de jure independence as early as the end of the decade. Their first and most urgent task, in the process of thoroughly de-Sinifying the culture, is to imagine a new Taiwanese nation—â€”a radical project that, in the aftermath of President Chen Shui-bian's reelection, is certain to roil cross-strait relations in the coming months and years.
Contending Identities in Taiwan: Implications for Cross-Strait Relations
Authors: Wang T. Y. , Liu I-Chou
Published: September 2004

The majority of Taiwan residents now have Taiwan-centered national identities, viewing the island as separate and independent from the Chinese mainland. Thus, few people on the island support Beijing's “one country, two systems” proposal. China's new leaders need to present fresh plans if they are truly committed to peaceful unification.
The Referendum Phenomenon in Taiwan: Solidification of Taiwan Consciousness?
Authors: Kao Mily Ming-Tzu
Published: September 2004

This article seeks to assess the political impact of the Referendum Law in Taiwan. Contrary to the prediction that uproar over the recent referendum on defense would cool with the law's passage, the issue has continued to spark debate on sovereignty, national security, cross-strait relations, and national identity.
Taiwanese Nationalism and Its Implications: Testing the Worst-Case Scenario
Authors: Wu Yu-Shan
Published: September 2004

The change of national identity in Taiwan is the concern of the international community, for it may lead to Taiwan independence and armed conflict in the Taiwan Strait and entail a showdown between the U.S. and the People's Republic of China. The articles in this special issue concentrate on the origins, nature, and impact of the rise of Taiwanese nationalism. In these concluding remarks, a worst-case scenario based on these articles is presented and the scenario's three main components are examined. These components are: an inexorable rise of Taiwanese nationalism, the translation of exclusive Taiwanese identity into a pro-independence attitude, and political expressions of such attitude in electoral campaigns and government policies. Both structural and contingent explanations are offered for the rise of Taiwanese nationalism. The incongruence of the national identity pattern and future of nation preference is discussed and the mechanisms that translate the latter into political actions are discerned. Finally, the plausibility of the worst-case scenario is gauged.
Plausibility and belief in autobiographical memory
Authors: Scoboria Alan , Mazzoni Giuliana , Kirsch Irving , Relyea Mark
Published: September 2004

Investigations of the recovery and falsification of childhood memories have used one construct in lieu of another. Autobiographical memories have typically not been distinguished from autobiographical beliefs, and researchers have assumed that plausibility and schematic knowledge measure identical constructs. We tested the hypothesis that plausibility, autobiographical belief, and autobiographical memory are nested constructs, such that memory implies belief and belief implies plausibility. Six hundred and eighty five students answered questions about these constructs in relation to ten possible childhood events. Analysis of item means, response probabilities and the frequency with which items followed the predicted order demonstrated that the predicted pattern was upheld in over 95% of cases. Results did not support the hypothesis that plausibility and script knowledge are significantly related. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromosome 19p13 loci in Finnish migraine with aura families
Authors: Kaunisto Mari A. , Tikka Päivi J. , Kallela Mikko , Leal Suzanne M. , Papp Jeanette C. , Korhonen Arja , Hämäläinen Eija , Harno Hanna , Havanka Hannele , Nissilä Markku , Säkö Erkki , Ilmavirta Matti , Kaprio Jaakko , Färkkilä Markus , Ophoff Roel A. , Palotie Aarno , Wessman Maija
Published: September 2004

Chromosomal area 19p13 contains two migraine associated genes: a Cav2.1 (P/Q‐type) calcium channel α1 subunit gene, CACNA1A, and an insulin receptor gene, INSR. Missense mutations in CACNA1A cause a rare Mendelian form of migraine, familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM1). Contribution of CACNA1A locus has also been studied in the common forms of migraine, migraine with (MA) and without aura (MO), but the results have been contradictory. The role of INSR is less well established: A region on 19p13 separate from CACNA1A was recently reported to be a major locus for migraine and subsequently, the INSR gene was associated with MA and MO. Our aim was to clarify the role of these loci in MA families by analyzing 72 multigenerational Finnish MA families, the largest family sample so far. We hypothesized that the potential major contribution of the 19p13 loci should be detected in a family sample of this size, and this was confirmed by simulations. We genotyped eight polymorphic microsatellite markers surrounding the INSR and CACNA1A genes on 757 individuals. Using parametric and non‐parametric linkage analysis, none of the studied markers showed any evidence of linkage to MA either under locus homogeneity or heterogeneity. However, marginally positive lod scores were observed in three families, and thus for these families the results remain inconclusive. The overall conclusion is that our study did not provide evidence of a major MA susceptibility region on 19p13 and thus we were not able to replicate the INSR locus finding. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metabolic changes in vestibular and visual cortices in acute vestibular neuritis
Authors: Bense Sandra , Bartenstein Peter , Lochmann Matthias , Schlindwein Peter , Brandt Thomas , Dieterich Marianne
Published: September 2004

Five right‐handed patients with a right‐sided vestibular neuritis were examined twice with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography while lying supine with eyes closed: once during the acute stage (mean, 6.6 days) and then 3 months later when central vestibular compensation had occurred. Regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCGM) was significantly increased (p < 0.001 uncorrected) during the acute stage in multisensory vestibular cortical and subcortical areas (parietoinsular vestibular cortex in the posterior insula, posterolateral thalamus, anterior cingulate gyrus [Brodmann area 32/24], pontomesencephalic brainstem, hippocampus). Simultaneously, there was a significant rCGM decrease in the visual (Brodmann area 17 to 19) and somatosensory cortex areas in the postcentral gyrus as well as in parts of the auditory cortex (transverse temporal gyrus). Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography thus allows imaging of the cortical activation pattern that is induced by unilateral peripheral vestibular loss. It was possible to demonstrate that the central vestibular system including the vestibular cortex exhibits a visual‐vestibular activation–deactivation pattern during the acute stage of vestibular neuritis similar to that in healthy volunteers during unilateral labyrinthine stimulation. Contrary to experimental vestibular stimulation, the activation of the vestibular cortex was not bilateral but was unilateral and contralateral to the right‐sided labyrinthine failure. Ann Neurol 2004
Diagnostic value of periodic complexes in Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Authors: Steinhoff Bernhard J. , Zerr Inga , Glatting Maya , Schulz‐Schaeffer Walter , Poser Sigrid , Kretzschmar Hans A.
Published: September 2004

In 1996, our group published objective electroencephalogram (EEG) criteria to define periodic sharp‐wave complexes (PSWCs) suggestive for Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD). These criteria have since then been strictly applied in all cases reported to us as possible CJD in the course of the German CJD surveillance study. Furthermore, EEG analysis of the records was performed without any additional information on complementary clinical and laboratory data. In this study, we investigated sensitivity, specificity, and the predictive values of these EEG criteria exclusively in cases in which autopsy confirmed (n = 150) or excluded (n = 56) CJD. EEG criteria were positive in 64% (n = 96) of the CJD cases and falsely positive in 9% (n = 5) of other dementias. The resulting figures for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 64%, 91%, 95%, and 49%, respectively. In the falsely positive cases, Alzheimer's disease (n = 4) and vascular dementia (n = 1) were the underlying diseases. However, only in one of these five cases both clinical and EEG data would have led to the false‐positive result to diagnose probable CJD. These data prove the high diagnostic value of our objective EEG criteria in CJD. Ann Neurol 2004
Serial MRI after experimental febrile seizures: Altered T2 signal without neuronal death
Authors: Dubé Céline , Yu Hon , Nalcioglu Orhan , Baram Tallie Z.
Published: September 2004

Whereas most febrile seizures (FSs) carry a benign outcome, a subpopulation of individuals with prolonged FSs are at risk for later temporal lobe epilepsy. Signal changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide early markers for changes in neuronal integrity that may promote epileptogenesis in such individuals. Here, we used serial MRIs, obtained before and at several time points after experimental prolonged FSs, to determine the prevalence and distribution of signal changes on T2‐weighted images and to investigate the pathological substrates leading to these changes. Seventy‐five percent of immature rats with experimental prolonged FSs had abnormal T2 signal enhancement at 24 hours, and 87.5% at 8 days after the seizures. The altered T2 values involved the dorsal hippocampus (75%), the piriform cortex (87.5%), and the amygdala (25%). However, these changes were not accompanied by evidence of neuronal injury or death in these regions, as assessed using the Fluoro‐Jade method. Thus, experimental prolonged FSs lead to relatively frequent abnormal MRI signal in “temporal lobe” structures. Although these changes do not signify cell death, they may denote pathological cellular processes that promote epileptogenesis. Ann Neurol 2004
Applicability of distal protection for aortocoronary vein graft interventions in clinical practice
Authors: Mathew Verghese , Lennon Ryan J. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Bresnahan John F. , Holmes David R.
Published: September 2004

Percutaneous revascularization of diseased saphenous vein grafts is associated with increased risk of adverse events, although the use of distal protection mitigates this to a significant extent. However, anatomic characteristics may preclude the use of such devices in a proportion of vein grafts intended for percutaneous treatment. We reviewed our consecutive experience of saphenous vein graft interventions from 1 May 2001 through 30 April 2002 to determine suitability for distal protection. Relevant angiographic characteristics included lesion within 5 mm of the ostium; lesion < 20 mm from the distal anastomosis; planned distal landing site of the occlusion balloon < 3 mm or > 6 mm in diameter; total occlusion of the vein graft; or lesion in a sequential vein graft distal to the first anastomosis. One hundred twenty‐seven patients (140 procedures, 147 vein grafts) were treated. One or more of the angiographic exclusion criteria for a balloon occlusion protection system existed in 57% of grafts, while 42% had exclusions for a filter device. A large number of patients with vein graft disease intended for percutaneous treatment have anatomic exclusions to available distal protection technology. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2004;63:148–151. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late intravascular ultrasound findings of patients treated with brachytherapy for diffuse in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Hong Myeong‐Ki , Mintz Gary S. , Lee Cheol Whan , Kim Young‐Hak , Lee Seung‐Whan , Moon Dae‐Hyuk , Oh Seung‐Jun , Song Jong‐Min , Han Ki‐Hoon , Kang Duk‐Hyun , Song Jae‐Kwan , Kim Jae‐Joong , Park Seong‐Wook , Park Seung‐Jung
Published: September 2004

This study aimed at evaluating long‐term (24‐month) effects of β‐irradiation (188Re‐MAG3‐filled balloon) using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in patients with in‐stent restenosis (ISR). Long‐term effects of β‐irradiation on intimal hyperplasia (IH) within the stented segment and vessel and lumen dimensions of nonstented adjacent segments in patients with ISR have not been sufficiently evaluated. Two‐year follow‐up IVUS was performed in 30 patients with patent ISR segments at 6‐month follow‐up angiography. Serial IVUS images were acquired at five equidistant intrastent sites and at three different reference segment sites. IH burden (%) was defined as 100 × (IH/stent area). Mean intrastent IH area and IH burden significantly increased between 6 and 24 months, from 2.1 ± 1.1 to 2.6 ± 1.4 mm2 (P < 0.001) and from 26% ± 10% to 33% ± 14% (P < 0.001), respectively. There was a significant decrease of mean external elastic membrane (from 10.1 ± 3.9 to 9.7 ± 3.9 mm2; P = 0.015) and lumen area (from 5.6 ± 2.3 to 5.1 ± 2.3 mm2; P = 0.021) within distal reference segments between 6 and 24 months. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) was performed in six patients (20%) between 6 and 24 months after β‐irradiation therapy. There were no significant differences between TLR and non‐TLR groups except for a smaller minimum lumen area at 24 months in the TLR group. Because of a small amount of late loss between 6 and 24 months, most irradiated ISR vessel segments remained stable for up to 2 years. However, quantitative evidence of late catch‐up was evident in most patients and was significantly associated with 24‐month TLR in some patients. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:208–214. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Major noncardiac surgery following coronary stenting: When is it safe to operate?
Authors: Sharma Arvind K. , Ajani Andrew E. , Hamwi Shadi M. , Maniar Parimal , Lakhani Shilen V. , Waksman Ron , Lindsay Joseph
Published: September 2004

The optimal timing for elective noncardiac surgery (NCS) after coronary stenting is uncertain. We identified 47 patients who underwent elective NCS within 90 days of coronary stent placement between January 1995 and December 2000. Twenty‐seven patients had NCS within 3 weeks of coronary stenting. Six of the seven in whom thienopyridine antiplatelet therapy was discontinued died postoperatively in a manner suggestive of stent thrombosis. In contrast, only 1 of the 20 patients in whom the thienopyridine was continued through the NCS died. The frequency of perioperative hemorrhage was similar whether or not the antiplatelet agent was continued. Only 1 perioperative death occurred in the 20 patients with NCS more than 3 weeks following stenting. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:141–145. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct coronary stenting by transradial approach: Rationale and technical issues
Authors: Burzotta Francesco , Hamon Martial , Trani Carlo , Kiemeneij Ferdinand
Published: September 2004

Direct stent implantation using radial approach represents to date the less invasive, less traumatic strategy to perform a percutaneous coronary intervention, rendering its adoption an attraction for many interventional cardiologists. A growing series of reports suggests the feasibility of transradial direct stenting in a variety of clinical situations. Here we discuss the main advantages of the adoption of this technique. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the technical issues specifically related with each phase of transradial direct stenting procedures is reported. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:215–219. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.