bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the circadian mutation ‘tau’ on the Harderian glands of Syrian hamsters
Authors: Coto‐Montes Ana , Tomás‐Zapico Cristina , Rodríguez‐Colunga María Josefa , Tolivia‐Cadrecha Delio , Martínez‐Fraga Jorge , Hardeland Rüdiger , Tolivia Delio
Published: November 2004

The Syrian hamster Harderian gland (HG) is an organ continually exposed to oxidative stress caused by high concentrations of porphyric metabolites. According to previous studies, melatonin, which is rhythmically secreted by the pineal gland and tonically produced by the HG, antagonizes the oxidative damage. HGs exhibit a strong gender‐dependent correlation between porphyrins, melatonin, and histological appearance. In HGs of both sexes, we have investigated effects of a single gene defect in the circadian clock system (tau mutation) causing a shortened free‐running period and an advanced maximum of circulating melatonin. Comparisons were made with wild‐type animals, one group of which received daily pharmacological injections of melatonin in late photophase. Changes were observed in histological characteristics, porphyrin content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and damage of proteins and lipids. HGs of tau hamsters showed morphological changes which can be partially interpreted in terms of increased damage. Additionally, tau females exhibited a many‐fold augmentation in the percentage of so‐called type II cells, which are otherwise typical for the male glands. In tau hamsters of both sexes, major antioxidative enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and catalase) were markedly enhanced, a presumably compensatory response to increased oxidative stress. Higher oxidative damage in tau HGs was directly demonstrable by a many‐fold increase in protein carbonyl. Rises in antioxidative enzymes were also observed upon injections of melatonin; this was, however, not accompanied by changes in protein carbonyl, so that enzyme inductions by the hormone should be understood as protective actions. Our data are not only in accordance with findings on protective effects by melatonin, but also with our earlier observation made in Drosophila that perturbations in the circadian system lead to increased oxidative stress. J. Cell. Biochem. 83: 426–434, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The MPSim‐Dock hierarchical docking algorithm: Application to the eight trypsin inhibitor cocrystals
Authors: Cho Art E. , Wendel John A. , Vaidehi Nagarajan , Kekenes–Huskey Peter M. , Floriano Wely B. , Maiti Prabal K. , Goddard William A.
Published: November 2004

To help improve the accuracy of protein–ligand docking as a useful tool for drug discovery, we developed MPSim‐Dock, which ensures a comprehensive sampling of diverse families of ligand conformations in the binding region followed by an enrichment of the good energy scoring families so that the energy scores of the sampled conformations can be reliably used to select the best conformation of the ligand. This combines elements of DOCK4.0 with molecular dynamics (MD) methods available in the software, MPSim. We test here the efficacy of MPSim‐Dock to predict the 64 protein–ligand combinations formed by starting with eight trypsin cocrystals, and crossdocking the other seven ligands to each protein conformation. We consider this as a model for how well the method would work for one given target protein structure. Using as a criterion that the structures within 2 kcal/mol of the top scoring include a conformation within a coordinate root mean square (CRMS) of 1 Å of the crystal structure, we find that 100% of the 64 cases are predicted correctly. This indicates that MPSim‐Dock can be used reliably to identify strongly binding ligands, making it useful for virtual ligand screening. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 48–71, 2005
Fine adjustment of the coupling length of a Ti‐diffused LiNbO3 directional coupler with a groove structure
Authors: Liu Ju‐Feng , Lin Yih‐Bin , Wang Way‐Seen
Published: November 2004

Two kinds of groove structure for shortening and broadening the coupling lengths of Ti:diffused LiNbO3 directional couplers are presented. The coupling lengths as functions of the depth, width, and spacing of the grooves were numerically calculated. The results show that the maximum shortening of the coupling length is up to 43%, and the maximum broadening is even larger, depending on the groove depth. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 29: 301–303, 2001.
Mixing frequency achievement with a photoinduced load in silicon substrate
Authors: Ahouassa P. , Boussey J. , Bouthinon M. , Vilcot A.
Published: November 2004

A metallic microstrip line deposited on silicon, illuminated at its end while its entry is being connected to an ultra‐high‐frequency generator, presents a photoinduced load at its extremity. By performing a mixing frequency experiment, it has been proved that this load actually behaves as a nonlinear element. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 29: 309–312, 2001.
A new compact dual‐band dual‐polarized microstrip antenna
Authors: Paulson Manju , Kundukulam Sona O. , Aanandan C. K. , Mohanan P.
Published: November 2004

A new compact dual‐band, dual‐polarized microstrip antenna is presented. This antenna resonates at two frequencies with different polarizations: a linearly polarized one for terrestrial communication, and a circularly polarized one for satellite mobile communication. This antenna also provides an area reduction of 70% compared to a standard rectangular patch antenna. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 29: 315–317, 2001.
A method‐of‐moments‐based algorithm to synthesize a conformal onboard array antenna
Authors: Obelleiro F. , Landesa L. , Taboada J. M.
Published: November 2004

The design of low‐sidelobe radiation patterns for array antennas mounted over aircrafts, ships, or any other complex platform is performed here. Both the electromagnetic coupling with the platform and the mutual coupling between the array elements are considered, and their effects are introduced in a novel synthesis algorithm. This is done by using a method‐of‐moments‐based algorithm for three‐dimensional scatters combined with an optimization procedure. The proposed method leads to a set of excitation coefficients that optimize the conformal array antenna over the vehicular platform. Some results are presented to demonstrate that high‐performance radiation patterns can be synthesized. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 29: 324–328, 2001.
Propagation characteristics of Schottky‐contact slow‐wave microstrip line
Authors: Verma A. K. , Nasimuddin
Published: November 2004

The present paper computes the normalized phase constant, dielectric loss, and conductor loss of the voltage‐controlled Schottky‐contact microstrip line using the variational method based on the single‐layer reduction (SLR) formulation. Results computed by the SLR formulation show very good agreement with the experimental results, both in the normalized phase constant and total losses with 2.0% and 0.01 dB/mm, respectively. The present formulation can also handle a greater number of dielectric layers. The model is suitable for the CAD of Schottky‐contact microstrip structures. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 29: 341–344, 2001.
Community Leadership Is the Key to Meeting the Y2K Challenge
Authors: Davis Steven C.
Published: November 2004

Communities need to respond quickly to the unique aspects and broad scope of the year 2000 problem and its risks. The public is looking to government for information and assistance as it grapples with the personal issues Y2K presents. But it will take broad‐based and innovative approaches to deal with the host of Y2K issues.
Synthesis and characterization of new soluble poly(amide‐imide)s derived from 2,2‐bis[4‐(4‐trimellitimidophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane
Authors: Liaw Der‐Jang , Hsu Pei‐Nan , Chen Wen‐Hsiang , Liaw Been‐Yang
Published: November 2004

A series of new soluble poly(amide‐imide)s were prepared from the diimide‐dicarboxylic acid 2,2‐bis[4‐(4‐trimellitimidophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane with various diamines by direct polycondensation in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone containing CaCl2 with triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. All the polymers were obtained in quantitative yields with inherent viscosities of 0.52–0.86 dL · g−1. The poly(amide‐imide)s showed an amorphous nature and were readily soluble in various solvents, such as N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone, N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N,N‐dimethylformamide, pyridine, and cyclohexanone. Tough and flexible films were obtained through casting from DMAc solutions. These polymer films had tensile strengths of 71–107 MPa and a tensile modulus range of 1.6–2.7 GPa. The glass‐transition temperatures of the polymers were determined by a differential scanning calorimetry method, and they ranged from 242 to 279 °C. These polymers were fairly stable up to a temperature around or above 400 °C, and they lost 10% of their weight from 480 to 536 °C and 486 to 537 °C in nitrogen and air, respectively. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 39: 3498–3504, 2001
Quantum hysteresis loops in coupled two‐dimensional microscopic systems: Loop area and energy dissipation
Authors: Mondal Chandan Kumar , Bhattacharyya S. P.
Published: November 2004

A recipe is proposed for calculating the area enclosed by hysteresis‐like loops in a periodically forced bistable microscopic system at zero temperature by using the time‐dependent Hellmann–Feynman theorem and the Fourier grid Hamiltonian method for solving the time‐dependent Schrödinger equation. The method is applied to the dynamics of a particle moving in a two‐dimensional system involving coupled Morse and symmetric double‐well potentials and interacting with an external time periodic field. The dependence of the computed loop area on the coupling strength and characteristics of the external field are analyzed, throwing light on energy transfer to the mode not directly coupled to the external field. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 83: 11–21, 2001
Thomas–Fermi approximation for the quasi‐two‐dimensional electron gas
Authors: Moreno M. , Méndez‐Moreno R. M.
Published: November 2004

To take into account static correlation effects in the quasi‐two‐dimensional electron gas a screened Coulombic interaction between particles is studied. The Thomas–Fermi approximation is used and the potential screening appears as a function of the Wigner–Seitz density parameter rs and the effective width t of the system. With the self‐consistent field theory applied to the modified deformable jellium, the ground‐state energy per particle and the conditions for electron localization are obtained in terms of the interparticle distance and the screening parameter μ. A critical minimum characteristic width tc is obtained; below tc no long‐range order is obtained. For larger widths a stable localized state is predicted at finite densities. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 82: 269–276, 2001
Quantum mechanical study of the oxidation pathway of the oxygen‐evolving catalyst, [(bpy)2(H2O)RuIII–O–RuIII(H2O)(bpy)2]+4*
Authors: Bartolotti L. J. , Pedersen L. G. , Meyer T. J.
Published: November 2004

Quantum mechanical density functional calculations are performed for the various oxidized forms of the water‐oxidation catalyst [(bpy)2(H2O)RuIII– O–RuIII(H2O)(bpy)2]+4 (where bpy is 2,2′‐bipyridine). Two possible structural forms of [(bpy)2(H2O)Ru–O–Ru(H2O)(bpy)2]+4 are investigated. One has two of the interior to two waters bpy ligands and the other has the two water ligands exterior. Our calculations show the interior form to be around 4 kcal/mol lower in energy. The calculated electronic structures for the interior form [(bpy)2(H2O)Ru–O–Ru(H2O)(bpy)2]+4 and the exterior from [(bpy)2(H2O)Ru–O–Ru(OH)(bpy)2]+4 compare well with structures determined from X‐ray crystallography. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 83: 143–149, 2001
3D IMPRESS vision expert system for automated construction of three‐dimensional image processing procedures and its performance evaluation
Authors: Zhou Xiang‐rong , Shimizu Akinobu , Hasegawa Jun‐ichi , Toriwaki Jun‐ichiro
Published: November 2004

This paper considers feature extraction from a 3D gray level image and discusses the 3D IMPRESS system, which automatically constructs the 3D image processing procedure needed in the extraction, when the image feature to be extracted is directly specified in the form of a 3D figure (sample figure). The system is based on the fundamental idea of the IMPRESS 2D image processing expert system, which was developed by the authors, extending the components of the system to the 3D case. In this paper, the basic principle of the system is first described. Then a method is presented that automatically constructs the extraction procedure for the given sample figure. A method is discussed in which a more versatile procedure is derived from a large number of constructed procedures. Finally, the proposed system is used to extract various areas from a medical CT image, demonstrating that the procedure is satisfactory. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Syst Comp Jpn, 32(4): 25–37, 2001
Understanding the effects of changes on the cost‐effectiveness of regression testing techniques
Authors: Elbaum Sebastian , Kallakuri Praveen , Malishevsky Alexey , Rothermel Gregg , Kanduri Satya
Published: November 2004

Regression testing is an expensive testing process used to validate modified software. Regression test selection and test‐case prioritization can reduce the costs of regression testing by selecting a subset of test cases for execution, or scheduling test cases to meet testing objectives better. The cost‐effectiveness of these techniques can vary widely, however, and one cause of this variance is the type and magnitude of changes made in producing a new software version. Engineers unaware of the causes and effects of this variance can make poor choices in designing change integration processes, selecting inappropriate regression testing techniques, designing excessively expensive regression test suites and making unnecessarily costly changes. Engineers aware of causal factors can perform regression testing more cost‐effectively. This article reports the results of an embedded multiple case study investigating the modifications made in the evolution of four software systems and their impact on regression testing techniques. The results of this study expose tradeoffs and constraints that affect the success of techniques and provide guidelines for designing and managing regression testing processes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A lifecycle‐based method for the acquisition of commercial‐off‐the‐shelf (COTS) technology to support organizational processes
Authors: Salter Christine P. , Buede Dennis M.
Published: November 2004

Organizations are seeking commercial off‐the‐shelf (COTS) information technology (IT) solutions to enable the innovation of business processes. The ability to acquire IT should impact how an organization designs its processes. Likewise, the design of processes should influence which IT solutions are selected. Selecting IT solutions that support the business processes of an organization is critical for aligning IT with organizational goals. A formal decision process is needed to enable organizations to make an effective decision about which COTS IT solutions it acquires and shapes its organization around. The Stakeholder Life Cycle Method for COTS Solutions (SLIC) was developed to support the lifecycle‐based acquisition of COTS information technology (IT) solutions. A critical step in the lifecycle is the selection of COTS technology that will be used to enable the redesign of organizational processes. The SLIC method uses the IT requirements defined by a process model of the organization to create the criteria for the evaluation of potential IT solutions. The SLIC method was validated with a case study for a group of three newspaper publishing organizations located in southeastern Massachusetts. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 4: 287–304, 2001
System of Systems (SoS) enterprise systems engineering for information‐intensive organizations
Authors: Carlock Paul G. , Fenton Robert E.
Published: November 2004

This article describes the emerging roles of the systems engineering (SE) function in supporting enterprise management in information‐intensive organizations. “Enterprise Systems Engineering” (ESE) comprises three major roles or “levels” of systems engineering for successful and efficient development or procurement of large complex systems of systems (SoS). While the authors' experience focuses predominantly on government organizations acting as their own SoS integrators, the SoS ESE concept has generic applicability for any organization, public or private, seeking to attain competitive advantage through leveraging of information technology resources and systems. The processes and tools described here have been developed and successfully employed to facilitate government project management and investment decisions and control. [Carlock and Decker, 1998] This paper describes a formal three‐level SoS ESE process that, at the top level, organizes and maintains all of the details of the enterprise‐wide SoS architecture and strategic development plan in a flexible framework that accommodates the changes expected over a long SoS evolution. The information maintained in this framework allows the organization to know where it is going, how and when it is going to get there, the required capabilities and interfaces of each SoS component, and the impact of changes to system requirements, budgets, schedules, etc., on the overall SoS. The middle level processes allow the organization to perform trade studies among alternative solutions to implement required capabilities based on what is best for the enterprise‐wide SoS rather than just local considerations. The end result of the middle level processes is a selected and approved solution and its associated cost, schedule, benefits, and technical baselines. The third level processes implement the approved solutions in accordance with the approved baselines. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 4: 242–261, 2001
TQM as a system for quality management
Authors: Hassan Mohsen M.D.
Published: November 2004

This article presents an analogy between total quality management (TQM) and systems engineering (SE). The paper demonstrates that TQM has the characteristics of a system such as elements, components, function, hierarchy, and environment. Further, it shows that approaches of SE such as definition of requirements, team approach, top‐down approach, and life‐cycle orientation are inherent in TQM. The usefulness of the analogy between TQM and SE is demonstrated by contrasting attempts that succeed and fail in implementing TQM. The contrast suggests that adhering to concepts and approaches of SE could enhance implementation of TQM. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 4: 262–271, 2001
Artificial molecular‐level machines
Authors: Balzani Vincenzo , Credi Alberto
Published: November 2004

The concept of “machine” can be extended to the molecular level by designing supramolecular species capable of performing mechanical‐like movements as a consequence of an appropriate energy supply. Molecular‐level machines operate via electronic and nuclear rearrangements, for example, through some kind of chemical reaction. Like macroscopic machines, they are characterized by: (i) the kind of energy input supplied to make them work, (ii) the kind of movement performed by their components, (iii) the way in which their operation can be controlled and monitored, (iv) the possibility to repeat the operation at will and establish a cyclic process, (v) the time scale needed to complete a cycle of operation, and (vi) the function performed. A crucial issue is that concerning energy supply. Artificial machines powered by chemical energy (“fuels”) produce waste products whose accumulation compromises the operation of the machine unless they are removed from the system. Photochemical and electrochemical energy inputs, however, can be used to make a machine work without formation of waste products. Examples of chemically, electrochemically, and photochemically powered machines investigated in our laboratory are reviewed, and future directions for the construction of novel machines are illustrated. The two most interesting kinds of applications of molecular‐level machines are related to the mechanical aspect, which can be exploited, for example, for molecular‐level transportation purposes, and the logic aspect, which can be exploited for information processing at the molecular level and, in the long run, for the construction of molecular level (chemical) computers. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and The Japan Chemical Journal Forum Chem Rec 1:422–435, 2001
Microfabricated devices for fluid mixing and their application for chemical synthesis
Authors: Kakuta Masaya , Bessoth Fiona G. , Manz Andreas
Published: November 2004

Over the last few decades, the processes of miniaturization, integration, and automation have revolutionized the world of science and industry. Within a chemical reaction process the unit operations, mixing, heating, and cooling, can be regarded as key steps. In microreactors, enhanced heat and mass transport, due to small characteristic dimensions together with large surface to volume ratios, are expected to open up a whole range of new possibilities. Increase in reaction yield, reduction of reaction time as well as byproduct formation, inherent process safety, and even completely new process routes are some of the advantages associated with μTAS (micro Total Analysis Systems) or μSYNTAS (micro SYNthesis Total Analysis Systems). This article aims to describe the development of microfabricated devices for fluid mixing, so‐called micromixers, and their application for chemical synthesis. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and The Japan Chemical Journal Forum Chem Rec 1:395–405, 2001
High‐throughput single molecule screening of DNA and proteins
Authors: Yeung Edward S.
Published: November 2004

We report a novel imaging technology for real time comprehensive analysis of molecular alterations in cells and tissues appropriate for automation and adaptation to high‐throughput applications. With these techniques it should eventually be possible to perform simultaneous analysis of the entire contents of individual biological cells with a sensitivity and selectivity sufficient to determine the presence or absence of a single copy of a targeted analyte (e.g., DNA region, RNA region, protein), and to do so at a relatively low cost. The technology is suitable for DNA and RNA through sizing or through fluorescent hybridization probes, and for proteins and small molecules through fluorescence immunoassays. This combination of the lowest possible detection limit and the broadest applicability to biomolecules represents the final frontier in bioanalysis. The general scheme is based on novel concepts for single molecule detection (SMD) and characterization recently demonstrated in our laboratory. Since minimal manipulation is involved, it should be possible to screen large numbers of cells in a short time to facilitate practical applications. This opens up the possibility of finding single copies of DNA or proteins within single biological cells for disease markers without performing polymerase chain reaction or other biological amplification. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and The Japan Chemical Journal Forum Chem Rec 1:123–139, 2001
New approaches to developing lithium polymer batteries
Authors: Scrosati Bruno
Published: November 2004

The electrochemical and physical–chemical properties of two families of lithium ion conducting membranes, i.e., the blends between high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) with a lithium salt commonly named “polymer electrolytes” and the gels of liquid solutions in a polymer matrix commonly named “gel electrolytes,” are reported and discussed. Particular attention is devoted to the newly developed approach of dispersing ceramic powders at the nanoscale particle dimension into the two types of membranes. This leads “nanocomposite” membranes having unique features, such as improved transport and interfacial properties in the case of the polymer electrolytes and enhanced liquid retention capability in the case of the gel electrolytes. Finally, the use of the gel electrolytes for the development of new‐design, plastic‐like, lithium‐ion batteries is illustrated. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and The Japan Chemical Journal Forum Chem Rec 1:173–181; 2001
International franchising in China with Kodak
Authors: Alon Ilan
Published: November 2004

According to Kodak, China poses unparalleled opportunities for low‐cost production and marketing of
products to the world's largest nation. According to the company's estimate, China will become the
largest market in the world for photographic products and services within the next ten years. This article
reviews Kodak's operations in China and presents an interview with a local franchising manager in
Shanghai—the largest city in China. It provides a unique glimpse into the inner working of the
organization's franchising activities in China. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Sonographic cervical length in threatened preterm labor in a South African population
Authors: Tsoi E. , Geerts L. , Jeffery B. , Odendaal H. J. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: November 2004

Objective

In a previous study conducted in the UK we demonstrated that only 8% of women with threatened preterm labor deliver within 7 days. Furthermore, delivery within 7 days occurred in less than 1% of women presenting with a sonographically measured cervical length ≥ 15 mm, compared to 37% in those with cervical length < 15 mm. In this study we investigate the potential value of cervical length in the prediction of outcome of threatened preterm labor in a South African population.

Methods

We examined 63 women with singleton pregnancies presenting with regular and painful uterine contractions at 24–36 (mean, 31) weeks of gestation. Women in active labor, defined by the presence of cervical dilatation ≥ 3 cm, and those with ruptured membranes were excluded. On admission to the hospital a transvaginal scan was performed to measure the cervical length. The subsequent management was determined by the attending obstetrician. The primary outcome was delivery within 7 days of presentation.

Results

Delivery within 7 days of presentation occurred in 20/63 (32%) pregnancies, including 20 of the 30 (67%) cases with cervical length < 15 mm and none of the 33 cases with cervical length ≥ 15 mm. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the only significant contributor in the prediction of delivery within 7 days was cervical length (odds ratio 0.67; 95% CI 0.54–0.85; P = 0.001) with no significant independent contribution from maternal age, gestational age, body mass index, parity, use of antibiotics, previous history of preterm delivery, cigarette smoking, contraction frequency or use of tocolytics.

Conclusion

In this South African population, which had a high incidence of delivery within 7 days of presentation with threatened preterm labor, sonographic measurement of cervical length is equally effective as in a lower‐risk population in distinguishing between true and false labor. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elevated body temperature enhances the laryngeal chemoreflex in decerebrate piglets
Authors: Curran A. K. , Xia L. , Leiter J. C. , Bartlett D.
Published: November 2004

Hyperthermia and reflex apnea may both contribute to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Therefore, we investigated the effect of increased body temperature on the inhibition of breathing produced by water injected into the larynx, which elicits the laryngeal chemoreflex (LCR). We studied decerebrated, vagotomized, neonatal piglets aged 3–15 days. Blood pressure, end-tidal CO2, body temperature, and phrenic nerve activity were recorded. To elicit the LCR, we infused 0.1 ml of distilled water through a polyethylene tube passed through the nose and positioned just rostral to the larynx. Three to five LCR trials were performed with the piglet at normal body temperature. The animal's core body temperature was raised by ∼2.5°C, and three to five LCR trials were performed before the animal was cooled, and three to five LCR trials were repeated. The respiratory inhibition associated with the LCR was substantially prolonged when body temperature was elevated. Thus elevated body temperature may contribute to the pathogenesis of SIDS by increasing the inhibitory effects of the LCR.
Outcomes of transcatheter embolization in the treatment of coronary artery fistulas
Authors: Okubo Mataichi , Nykanen David , Benson Lee N.
Published: November 2004

Thirteen children (seven male) with coronary artery fistula underwent percutaneous transcatheter occlusion. The age range was 8 months to 14 years (mean, 6.3 years). The fistulas had their origins from the right coronary artery (six), from the left anterior descending coronary artery (three), and from the left circumflex coronary artery (four). Drainage was to the right ventricle (seven), the right atrium (three), and one each to the pulmonary artery, left atrium, and superior caval vein. The fistulas were closed with coils in 10 patients, a Rashkind double‐umbrella device in 1 patient, and an Amplatzer Duct Occluder in 2 patients. Complete occlusion was achieved in 9 of 13 patients. Complications consisted of migration of coils in four and transient arrhythmias or changes in the resting electrocardiogram in four patients. Follow‐up studies 1 to 31 months (mean, 14.6 months) after occlusion noted only four patients with trivial (clinically insignificant) residual shunts. Owing to various coronary fistula morphologies, transcatheter occlusion requires availability of different embolization techniques. Short‐term follow‐up supports persistent clinical efficacy and transcatheter closure techniques as the initial form of therapy. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;52:510–517. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Suture closure of the femoral arteriotomy following invasive cardiac procedures: A detailed analysis of efficacy, complications, and the impact of early ambulation in 1,200 consecutive, unselected cases
Authors: Fram Daniel B. , Giri Satyendra , Jamil Gohar , Mitchel Joseph F. , Boden William E. , Din Salah , Kiernan Francis J.
Published: November 2004

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of using a percutaneous suture device to close femoral arteriotomies following invasive cardiac procedures. All patients presenting for invasive cardiac procedures performed from the femoral artery were considered for suture closure. Patients were carefully assessed for access site complications, oozing, and the impact of suture closure on the safety of early ambulation. Clinical follow‐up at 3–6 months was performed to assess for late complications. Femoral artery suture closures were performed in 1,200 consecutive cases in 1,097 patients. In 12.8% of cases, the patients ambulated within 1 hr. The success rate was 91.2% and the complication rate was 3.4%. Complications included the development of a hematoma (2.1%), the need for vascular surgery (0.6%), retroperitoneal hemorrhage (0.3%), blood transfusion (0.7%), local infection (0.5%), and pseudoaneurysm formation (0.1%). Factors found to be independently predictive of procedural failure were an age > 70 years, an ACT > 300 sec, left femoral artery access, and the performance of primary angioplasty. Follow‐up at 3–6 months revealed no major hemorrhagic complications. We conclude that percutaneous suture closure effectively achieves femoral artery hemostasis in patients undergoing invasive cardiac procedures. The technique permits early ambulation and is associated with a relatively low incidence of complication. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:163–173. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Holland P. L.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Anthocyanins and Other Flavonoids
Authors: Williams Christine A. , Grayer Renee J.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Chemically Prepared Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Willard M. A. , Kurihara L. K. , Carpenter E. E. , Calvin S. , Harris V. G.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Production of precise microbiology standards using flow cytometry and freeze drying
Authors: Morgan C. A. , Bigeni P. , Herman N. , Gauci M. , White P. A. , Vesey G.
Published: November 2004

Background

Quality control standards provide a quantity of microorganisms for routine use in microbiology to demonstrate the efficacy of testing methods and culture media. Standards are normally prepared by diluting a culture of microorganisms to obtain a suspension that contains an estimated number of colony‐forming units per milliliter. The variability and inaccuracy of these standards increase the potential for false results. Flow cytometry has been used extensively to prepare precise standards of Cryptosporidium and Giardia that contain exact numbers of organisms in a volume of liquid (1). However, the same levels of accuracy have yet to be obtained for bacterial quality control standards.

Methods

A modification of a Becton Dickinson FACScalibur flow cytometer enabled 30 bacterial cells to be sorted into a single droplet, mixed with a cryoprotective solution within the droplet, and frozen in liquid nitrogen. The frozen droplets were then freeze dried for stable preservation of the viable bacterial cells.

Results

A freeze‐dried sphere 3 mm in diameter was produced, which contained 30 microorganisms. The within‐batch variation for these freeze‐dried spheres was no greater than two standard deviations, and the between‐batch variation was less than one standard deviation.

Conclusions

Bacterial reference controls can now be produced with consistent accuracy and unparalleled precision, thus enabling harmonization across the microbiological testing industry. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biocatalytic Enantio‐Convergent Preparation of sec‐Alcohols using Sulfatases
Authors: Wallner S.R. , Pogorevc M. , Trauthwein H. , Faber K.
Published: November 2004

The deracemization of sec‐alcohols via enantioconvergent processes is of high interest in order to overcome the 50 % yield limitations of kinetic resolution. As enantioconvergent processes are characterized by two reactions with one crossing the plane of symmetry, one of these reactions has to proceed with inversion of configuration. In lipase catalyzed resolutions the enzymatic step proceeds with retention of configuration, and the remaining enantiomer is converted by the Mitsunobu reaction or activated esters under inversion of configuration to achieve complete deracemization. In contrast, alkyl sulfatases, which catalyze the enantioselective hydrolysis of sulfate esters, are one of the rare hydrolytic enzymes which work under inversion of configuration. In this minireview we give an overview of the state of the art in enantioconvergent processes for the deracemization of sec‐alcohols, with the focus on recently developed alkyl‐sulfatases from Rhodococcus spp.
Differences in the approaches of auditors and evaluators to the examination of government policies and programs
Authors: Divorski Stan
Published: November 2004

Although audits and evaluations may have similar characteristics, the perspectives of auditors and evaluators can be quite different. These differing perspectives are reflected in their respective treatments of program impacts.
Blending two cultures: State legislative auditing and evaluation
Authors: Brooks Roger A.
Published: November 2004

The divisions between traditional auditors and program evaluators, while real, are declining. The approaches and methods used by the two are becoming blended in the context of state legislative auditing and evaluation, where the two work side by side and respond to the singular demands of a unique client.
Auditing and evaluation: Whither the relationship?
Authors: Chelimsky Eleanor
Published: November 2004

While there is wide consensus that evaluation and auditing are moving closer together, there is disagreement on the width of the remaining gap. Further integration has both advantages and disadvantages.
Using a template for a summarizing assessment of the Teachers Academy for Mathematics and Science
Authors: Brett Belle
Published: November 2004

This chapter describes an adaptation of the NCISE teacher development and systemic templates for a summarizing assessment of program quality. It presents the strengths and weaknesses of using templates for this purpose.
Where the rubber meets the road: Performance measurement for state and local public agencies
Authors: Hatry Harry P.
Published: November 2004

Recent events that have encouraged performance measurement in local governments and local private nonprofit organizations are described in this chapter. The author discusses some obstacles managers face in measuring outcomes at the local level, and he offers successful uses of outcomes reporting to address citizen concerns.
Performance results: The information technology factor
Authors: Caudle Sharon L.
Published: November 2004

Information technology is often a key factor in delivering public services well and at the lowest possible cost. This chapter presents five best practices in information technology performance management and measurement. These practices could be usefully applied in other support functions, such as financial management or human resources management.
Performance measurement training that works
Authors: Broom Cheryle A. , Jackson Marilyn
Published: November 2004

An approach is presented in this chapter for providing performance measurement training for those who mandate, implement, and use performance measures. In addition to government roles, the level of experience and knowledge of the participants should drive the kind of training that is developed. Making this assessment requires an understanding of performance measurement systems and training applications.
Learning about welfare reform: Lessons from state‐based evaluations
Authors: Gueron Judith M.
Published: November 2004

Twenty years of welfare studies provide a legacy of reliable findings. New reforms will require new research strategies and will risk unintended consequences.
Guiding Principles for Evaluators
Authors: Newman Dianna L. , Scheirer Mary Ann , Shadish William R. , Wye Christopher
Published: November 2004

Presented here is the version of the American Evaluation Association Guiding Principles for Evaluators that was approved and copyrighted by the AEA board of directors and subsequently adopted by vote of the AEA membership.
A twenty‐year veteran's reflections on the Guiding Principles for Evaluators
Authors: Covert Robert W.
Published: November 2004

Comparing the American Evaluation Association Guiding Principles with other sets of evaluation standards, this chapter addresses reactions to the principles and concludes with recommendations for their use.
Local to unity, long‐horizon forecasting thresholds for model selection in the AR(1)
Authors: Turner John L.
Published: November 2004

This article introduces a novel framework for analysing long‐horizon forecasting of the near non‐stationary AR(1) model. Using the local to unity specification of the autoregressive parameter, I derive the asymptotic distributions of long‐horizon forecast errors both for the unrestricted AR(1), estimated using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, and for the random walk (RW). I then identify functions, relating local to unity ‘drift’ to forecast horizon, such that OLS and RW forecasts share the same expected square error. OLS forecasts are preferred on one side of these ‘forecasting thresholds’, while RW forecasts are preferred on the other. In addition to explaining the relative performance of forecasts from these two models, these thresholds prove useful in developing model selection criteria that help a forecaster reduce error. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serine/threonine/tyrosine phosphorylation of the LHX3 LIM‐homeodomain transcription factor
Authors: Parker Gretchen E. , West Brooke E. , Witzmann Frank A. , Rhodes Simon J.
Published: November 2004

LHX3 is a LIM homeodomain transcription factor with essential roles in pituitary and motor neuron development in mammals. Patients with mutations in the LHX3 gene have combined pituitary hormone deficiency and other symptoms. In this study, we show that the LHX3 protein can be modified post‐translationally by phosphorylation. LHX3 can serve as a substrate for protein kinase C and casein kinase II. Overexpression of these kinases reduces the transcriptional capacity of LHX3 to activate target genes. Following exposure of LHX3 to cellular kinases, mass spectrometry was used to map the phosphorylation of five amino acid residues within the human LHX3a isoform. Two phosphorylated residues (threonine 63 and serine 71) lie within the first LIM domain of the protein. Three other modified amino acids (tyrosine 227, serine 234, and serine 238) are located in the carboxyl terminus. Targeted replacement of these amino acids with non‐modifiable residues significantly reduced the ability of LHX3 to activate both synthetic and pituitary hormone reporter genes. However, the amino acid replacements did not significantly affect the capability of LHX3 to interact with the NLI, PIT1, and MRG1 partner proteins, or its ability to bind to a high affinity DNA site. In conclusion, we have identified unique amino acids within LHX3 that are important for its transcriptional activity and are phosphorylated. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On strategies for enforcing interfacial constraints and evaluating jump conditions with the extended finite element method
Authors: Ji H. , Dolbow J. E.
Published: November 2004

We consider a problem stemming from recent models of phase transitions in stimulus‐responsive hydrogels, wherein a sharp interface separates swelled and collapsed phases. Extended finite element methods that approximate the local solution with an enriched basis such that the mesh need not explicitly ‘fit’ the interface geometry are emphasized. Attention is focused on the weak enforcement of the normal configurational force balance and various options for evaluating the jump in the normal component of the solute flux at the interface. We show that as the reciprocal interfacial mobility vanishes, it plays the role of a penalty parameter enforcing a pure Dirichlet constraint, eventually triggering oscillations in the interfacial velocity. We also examine alternative formulations employing a Lagrange multiplier to enforce this constraint. It is shown that the most convenient choice of basis for the Lagrange multiplier results in oscillations in the multiplier field and a decrease in accuracy and rate of convergence in local error norms, suggesting a lack of stability in the discrete formulation. Under such conditions, neither the direct evaluation of the gradient of the approximation at the phase interface nor the interpretation of the Lagrange multiplier field provide a robust means to obtain the jump in the normal component of solute flux. Fortunately, the adaptation and use of local, domain‐integral methodologies considerably improves the flux evaluations. Several example problems are presented to compare and contrast the various techniques and methods. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leadership in Lean, Empowering Manufacturing Organizations
Authors: Carroll Bob
Published: November 2004

Going from a traditional, command‐and‐control organizational structure to an empowered workforce is not an easy transformation. Here is how one manager did it in a sophisticated work environment, as he introduced short‐cycle manufacturing. It required new skills on the part of the manager as well as the employees. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Partition of protein solvation into group contributions from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Morreale Antonio , de la Cruz Xavier , Meyer Tim , Gelpí Josep Lluís , Luque F. Javier , Orozco Modesto
Published: November 2004

Linear response theory coupled to molecular dynamics simulations with an explicit solvent representation is used to derive fractional contributions of amino acid residues to the solvation of proteins. The new fractional methods developed here are compared with standard approaches based on empirical 1D and 3D statistical potentials, as well as with estimates obtained from the analysis of classical molecular interaction potentials. The new fractional methods, which have a clear physical basis and explicitly account for the effects due to protein structure and flexibility, provide an accurate picture of the contribution to solvation of different regions of the protein. Proteins 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Theoretical study of energies, structures, and vibrational spectra of the carbonic acid–hydroperoxy radical complexes
Authors: Qu Yuhui , Bian Xiufang , Tang Hongwei , Si Pengchao
Published: November 2004

In this work, we present the results for the first time of our study on hydrogen‐bonded H2CO3–HO2 complexes (structures 1, 2) by means of ab initio molecular orbital theory. These complexes are important intermediates in the reaction of the hydroperoxy radical and cabonic acid. We calculated that these structures are a six‐membered ring. We found that the binding energy of two complexes are 5.8 and 9.3 kcal/mol using the CCSD(T) method. We also calculated the vibrational and rotational frequencies for these complexes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Quantitative determination of the novel anticancer drug E7070 (indisulam) and its metabolite (1,4‐benzenedisulphonamide) in human plasma, urine and faeces by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Beumer Jan Hendrik , Rosing Hilde , Hillebrand Michel J. X. , Nan‐Offeringa Lianda G. A. H. , Foley Karen , Yule S. Murray , Heck Albert J. R. , Schellens Jan H. M. , Beijnen Jos H.
Published: November 2004

E7070 (indisulam) is a novel anticancer drug currently undergoing clinical investigation. We present a sensitive and specific method for the quantitative determination of E7070 and its metabolite M1 (1,4‐benzenedisulphonamide) in human plasma, urine and faeces. The analytes and their tetra‐deuterated analogues, which were used as internal standards, were isolated from the biological matrix by solid‐phase extraction with OASIS cartridges (0.5 mL plasma or 1 mL urine) and by liquid‐liquid extraction with ethyl acetate at pH 5 (1 mL faecal homogenate). The analytes were separated on a C8 reversed‐phase chromatographic column and analyzed using electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometric detection in the negative ion mode. The validated concentration ranges in plasma were 0.1–20 μg/mL for E7070 and 0.01–2 μg/mL for M1. In urine and faecal homogenate, a concentration range from 0.05–10 μg/mL or μg/g, respectively, was validated for both analytes. Validation of the plasma assay was performed according to the most recent FDA guidelines. The assay fulfilled all generally accepted requirements for linearity (r > 0.99, residuals between −8 and 10%), accuracy (−13.5 to 1.4%) and precision (all less than 11%) in the tested matrices. We investigated recovery, stability (working solutions at −20°C and at room temperature, biological matrices at −20°C, room temperature and after 3 freeze/thaw cycles; final extracts at room temperature) and robustness. All these parameters were found acceptable. This method is suited for mass balance studies or therapeutic drug monitoring, as demonstrated by a case example showing plasma concentrations and cumulative excretion of E7070 and M1 in urine and faeces. Furthermore, we show the presence of E7070 metabolites in patient urine. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.