bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different methods for estimating the mean radiant temperature in an outdoor urban setting
Authors: Thorsson Sofia , Lindberg Fredrik , Eliasson Ingegärd , Holmer Björn 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe mean radiant temperature (Tmrt) is one of the most important meteorological parameters governing human energy balance. In this paper, three different methods of obtaining the Tmrt in an outdoor urban setting are compared. Method A is based on integral radiation measurements and angular factors, method B is based on measurements with a 38‐mm flat grey globe thermometer and in method C makes use of the Rayman 1.2 software is used. Measurements were performed in a large open square in a high latitude city—Göteborg, Sweden—during clear to overcast weather conditions in October 2005 and in July and August 2006.Results show that the difference between Method A and Method B was generally relatively small. Most of the discrepancy, caused by rapid changes in radiation, temperature and wind speed was smoothed out using 5 min mean values. By systematically and empirically changing the mean convection coefficient, the accuracy of Method B was improved and a new equation expressing the Tmrt was obtained. With this new equation the 38 mm flat grey globe thermometer could successfully be used to estimate the Tmrt in an outdoor urban setting provided that the wind speed and the air and globe temperatures are measured accurately. The study also shows that the flat grey colour of the globe thermometer slightly underestimates the level of short‐wave radiation (i.e. sunshine). Method C works very well during the middle of the day in July, i.e. at high sun elevations. However, the model considerably underestimates the Tmrt in the morning and evening in July and during the whole day in October, i.e. at low sun elevations.In outdoor urban settings where thermal comfort researchers or urban planners and designers require an easy and reliable method of estimating mean radiant temperature, the 38 mm flat grey globe thermometer provides a good and cheap solution. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Chelation of Vanadium(IV) by a Natural and Edible Biopolymer Poly(γ‐glutamic acid) in Aqueous Solution: Structure and Binding Constant of Complex
Authors: Karmaker Subarna , Saha Tapan K. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe naturally occurring edible biopolymer poly(γ‐glutamic acid) (γ‐PGA) is shown to be an efficient chelating agent of vanadium(IV). The structure of poly(γ‐glutamic acid)oxovanadium(IV) (VO‐γ‐PGA) complex in solution has been analyzed by electron spin resonance and UV‐visible absorption spectra. The equatorial coordination sphere of vanadium(IV) is proposed to be [2 × carboxylate (2O)–VO–(OH2)2]. The binding isotherm is determined for suspensions of γ‐PGA in vanadium(IV) oxide sulfate (VS) solutions of different concentrations, and the data have been adjusted to fit the modified Langmuir equation. The maximum amount of vanadium bound per gram of γ‐PGA is estimated to be 141 mmol · g−1 with a binding constant of 22 L · g−1 at pH 3.magnified image
Concurrent Differentiation of Marrow Stromal Cells to Osteogenic and Vasculogenic Lineages
Authors: Henderson James A. , He Xuezhong , Jabbari Esmaiel 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWhen rat bone marrow stromal (BMS) cells were seeded on aligned type I collagen scaffolds and cultured in osteogenic media, they underwent simultaneous maturation and differentiation into osteogenic and vascular cell lineages. In addition, these cells produced mineralized matricellular deposits. BMS cells were seeded in Petri dish or the collagen scaffold, cultured in osteogenic media for 3, 6, and 9 d and subsequently processed for immunohistochemical and cytochemical analysis. Immunolocalization of lineage‐specific proteins were visualized using confocal microscopy and mRNA transcript analysis was performed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). The alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium content significantly increased over the observed period of time in an osteogenic medium. Sheets of abundant Pecam (CD31), Flk‐1 (VEGFR‐2), tomato lectin (TL/LEL), and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) positive cells were observed in the collagen scaffolds. Nascent capillary‐like vessels were also seen amidst the osteoblasts in osteogenic culture, augmenting the maturation and differentiation of BMS cells into osteoblasts. In our in vitro study, concurrent differentiation of BMS cells, a heterogeneous cell population with multilineage differentiation potential, to osteogenic and vascular lineages demonstrated that the substrates (three‐dimensional (3‐D), collagen type I, aligned fibrils) had a profound effect on guiding the differentiation pathway of BMS cells.magnified image
Quantifying Interactions between Cell Receptors and Adhesion Ligand‐Modified Polymers in Solution
Authors: Lee Kuen Yong , Kong Hyun Joon , Mooney David J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractSpecific interactions between cells and cell‐interactive polymers in solution were investigated by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique and rheological measurements. The green fluorescence emission was dramatically reduced when rhodamine‐stained cells were mixed with a fluorescein‐labeled RGD‐alginate solution, compared with those mixed with no RGD‐containing alginate solution, which indicated an occurrence of FRET and existence of specific interactions between the cells and the polymers in solution. Rheological measurements also confirmed the formation of ordered structures of cell/polymer mixtures, caused by specific cell‐polymer interactions. The FRET method was able to provide a useful means of investigating cell‐polymer interactions, both in a qualitative and quantitative manner, and this approach to monitoring and controlling specific interactions between cells and polymers could be useful in the design and tailoring of polymeric carriers for cells, as well as for biological drugs, especially for tissue engineering applications.magnified image
Low Water Swelling and High Proton Conducting Sulfonated Poly(arylene ether) with Pendant Sulfoalkyl Groups for Proton Exchange Membranes
Authors: Pang Jinhui , Zhang Haibo , Li Xuefeng , Ren Dianfu , Jiang Zhenhua 
Published: October 2007

AbstractNovel side‐chain‐type sulfonated poly(arylene ether) with pendant sulfoalkyl group copolymers (PSA‐SPAE‐6F) have been synthesized by direct copolymerization from a new sulfonated monomer, sodium 3‐(4‐(2,6‐difluorobenzoyl)phenyl)propane‐1‐sulfonate. The sulfonate content could be easily controlled by adjusting the sulfonated and the unsulfonated monomer feed ratio. The obtained copolymers all show good thermal and mechanical properties. It should be noted that the most highly sulfonated copolymer, PSA‐SPAE‐6F90 with an ion exchange capacity of 1.30 mequiv · g−1, shows a proton conductivity of 0.11 S · cm−1 and a water swelling ratio of only 12.9% at 100 °C, which indicates its high proton conductivity and excellent dimensional stability in hot water.magnified image
Reversible Wettability Switching of Polyaniline‐Coated Fabric, Triggered by Ammonia Gas
Authors: Zhu Ying , Li Jiuming , He Haiyong , Wan Meixiang , Jiang Lei 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA superhydrophobic polyaniline (PANI)‐coated fabric was prepared by in‐situ doping polymerization in the presence of perfluorosebacic acid (PFSEA) as the dopant. It is found that the PANI‐coated fabric undergoes a change in wettability from superhydrophobic (doped state) to superhydrophilic (de‐doped state) when it is exposed to ammonia gas. In particular, a reversible wettability of the PANI‐fabric is observed when it is doped with PFSEA and de‐doped with ammonium gas. It is proposed that the coordination effect of the pore structure of the polyester fabric, low surface energy of the PFSEA dopant, and reversible doping/dedoping characteristics of PANI results in the reversible wettability of the PANI‐coated fabric from superhydrophobicity to superhydrophilicity. Moreover, the tactic used here may provide a new method to monitor the toxic gas.magnified image
Morphology and Electrical Conductivity of Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole)/Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite Synthesized by Solid State Polymerization
Authors: Maity Arjun , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Pillai Sreejarani K. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis communication describes the morphology and DC conductivity of poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PNVC)/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposite. The nanocomposite has been synthesized by solid state in situ polymerization of N‐vinylcarbazole (NVC) monomer in the presence of MWCNTs at an elevated temperature. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy studies reveal the ability of MWCNTs to promote the in situ polymerization of the NVC monomer. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) observations show the homogeneous wrapping of MWCNTs' outer surface by PNVC polymer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and Raman spectroscopy results support the SEM observations. Thermogravimetric analyses reveal a significant improvement of thermal stability of the nanocomposite sample in the higher temperature region. The resulting nanocomposite material exhibits a dramatic improvement of the DC conductivity inherent to the PNVC. For example, the DC conductivity increases from ≈5.9 × 10−13 S · cm−1 for PNVC to ≈12 S · cm−1 for the nanocomposite, an increase of about 1013 in the electrical conductivity.magnified image
Bias‐free rainfall forecast and temperature trend‐based temperature forecast using T‐170 model output during the monsoon season
Authors: Bhardwaj Rashmi , Kumar Ashok , Maini Parvinder , Kar S.C. , Rathore L.S. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAn objective forecasting system for medium‐range location‐specific forecasting of surface weather elements has been evolved at the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, India (NCMRWF). The basic information used for this is the output from the T‐170 general circulation model (GCM). The direct model output (DMO) forecast is briefly explained along with the T‐170 model. The two important weather parameters considered in detail are rainfall and temperature. Both the parameters have biases. Techniques used for obtaining bias‐free rainfall forecasts and temperature trend‐based forecasts are explained in detail. These forecasts are obtained for all of the 602 districts of India. Finally, an evaluation of the accuracy of rainfall and temperature forecasts for selected districts for which the observed data could be obtained during the 2006 monsoon is presented. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Climatic features of atmospheric stability in the Mediterranean region (1948–2006): spatial modes, inter‐monthly and inter‐annual variability
Authors: Lolis Christos J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe predominant spatial modes of atmospheric stability over the Mediterranean region are revealed by applying factor analysis and cluster analysis on the daily 2.5° × 2.5° grid point values of K‐index for the period 1948–2006. At first, S‐mode factor analysis is applied on the K‐index time series in order to reduce the dimensionality of the data set. The k‐means cluster analysis is then applied to the factor scores time series, and the days are classified into 12 clusters with distinct and characteristic spatial distributions of the K‐index. The 12 spatial modes revealed are associated with the prevailing atmospheric circulation types and/or the thermal and humidity characteristics of the lower and the middle troposphere. The inter‐monthly variations of their frequency reveal the seasonal factors that contribute to their predominance. The seasonality of the 12 clusters shows that three of them prevail mainly in winter, three of them prevail mainly in summer, and the other six clusters present a relatively even seasonal distribution. The inter‐annual variations of their frequency exhibit considerable long‐term changes, providing also some possible indications of the oncoming climatic change. The continuous decrease of the typical high instability pattern of late spring and early summer and the recent increase of one of the typical high instability winter patterns provide some useful information about climate variability in the Mediterranean. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
A dose‐effect relationship of Ginkgo biloba extract to nerve regeneration in a rat model
Authors: Lin Haodong , Wang Huan , Chen Desong , Gu Yudong 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb50) on nerve regeneration and its dose–effect relationship was investigated in a rat model. Sciatic nerve transection and repair was done in 120 Sprague‐Dawley rats. The animals were divided into four groups and given normal saline, low‐dose EGb50 (50 mg kg−1 d−1), moderate‐dose EGb50 (100 mg kg−1 d−1), and high‐dose EGb50 (200 mg kg−1 d−1), respectively. Electrophysiological, histological examinations, and functional evaluation were conducted at various postoperative intervals. Sensory regeneration distance, sciatic functional index (SFI), motor nerve conduction velocity, compound muscle action potential, axon regeneration index, and muscle mass were significantly higher in EGb50 groups than in saline groups. All but SFI of those parameters were better in high‐dose group when compared with those in moderate‐ and low‐dose groups. EGb50 has the effect of promoting regeneration of injured peripheral nerve.The higher the dose, the better the result. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Ziegler‐Natta/Metallocene Hybrid Catalyst for Ethylene Polymerization
Authors: Ahmadi Mostafa , Jamjah Roghieh , Nekoomanesh Mehdi , Zohuri Gholam Hossein , Arabi Hassan 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA Ziegler‐Natta/metallocene hybrid catalyst was produced and utilized in the polymerization of ethylene with the aim of producing bimodal polyethylene. The MgCl2 adduct was prepared by a melt quenching method and Cp2ZrCl2 and TiCl4 catalysts were loaded, respectively, after treating the surface with TiBAl. The polymerization kinetics involved an induction period, followed by fragmentation and expansion of particles. SEM micrographs revealed that the spherical morphology was retained through the initial mild reaction conditions of induction period. The polymers produced showed bimodal molecular weight distribution patterns, suggesting that both components of the hybrid catalyst were active over the support.magnified image
DEM analysis of the crack propagation in brittle clays under uniaxial compression tests
Authors: Vesga Luis F. , Vallejo Luis E. , Lobo‐Guerrero Sebastian 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe discrete element method (DEM) has been used to study how cracks propagate in a continuum material (clay) subjected to a uniaxial compressive stress. The DEM results were compared with those obtained in laboratory samples. The laboratory tests used stiff clay samples with one crack inclined at varying angles with respect to the compressive stress. The DEM and the laboratory results compared very well. Also, the DEM proved to be a very successful approach for the visualization of secondary crack formations and its propagation in the simulated samples. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transgenic mice with OIP‐1/hSca overexpression targeted to the osteoclast lineage develop an osteopetrosis bone phenotype
Authors: Shanmugarajan S , Irie K , Musselwhite C , Key Jr LL , Ries WL , Reddy SV 
Published: October 2007

AbstractRegulatory mechanisms operative in bone‐resorbing osteoclasts are complex. We previously defined the Ly‐6 gene family member OIP‐1/hSca as an inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis in vitro; however, a role in skeletal development is unknown. In this study, we developed transgenic mice with OIP‐1/hSca expression targeted to the osteoclast lineage that develop an osteopetrotic bone phenotype. Humeri from OIP‐1 mice showed a significant increase in bone mineral density and bone mineral content. µCT analysis showed increased trabecular thickness and bone volume. OIP‐1 mice have dense sclerotic cortical bone with absence of spongiosa and inadequate formation of marrow spaces compared to wild‐type mice. Moreover, complete inhibition of osteoclasts and marrow cavities in calvaria suggests defective bone resorption in these mice. OIP‐1 mouse bone marrow cultures demonstrated a significant decrease (41%) in osteoclast progenitors and inhibition (39%) of osteoclast differentiation/bone resorption. Western blot analysis further demonstrated suppression of TRAF‐2, c‐Fos, p‐c‐Jun, and NFATc1 levels in RANKL‐stimulated osteoclast precursors derived from OIP‐1 mice. Therefore, OIP‐1 is an important physiological inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis and may have therapeutic value against bone loss in vivo. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of KIT and PDGFR is associated with a good prognosis in neuroblastoma
Authors: Shimada Akira , Hirato Junko , Kuroiwa Minoru , Kikuchi Akira , Hanada Ryoji , Wakai Kimiko , Hayashi Yasuhide 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical outcome of neuroblastoma (NB) depends on age, stage, and MYCN amplification. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) promote cell growth, migration, and metastasis in cancer cells, including NB. However, the correlation of the expression profile of RTKs with prognosis in NB remains controversial.ProcedureExpression and mutation analysis of KIT, PDGFR, FLT3, RET, and TRKA mRNAs were performed in 24 NB cell lines and 40 tumor samples using RT‐PCR followed by direct sequencing. Immunohistochemical analysis of KIT and PDGFR protein expression was also examined in 38 paraffin sections of NB tumor samples.ResultsThe expression of KIT, PDGFRβ, and FLT3 mRNA was associated with NB in patients under 1 year (P < 0.02) and TRKA expression (P < 0.001). The loss of expression of these kinases was associated with MYCN amplification (P < 0.02) and advanced stages of disease in patients over 1 year of age (P < 0.005). PDGFRα mRNA expression was detected in all cell lines and tumor samples, and RET mRNA expression was not associated with any clinical parameters. Immunohistochemistry results showed the similar findings. We did not find any activating mutations in KIT, PDGFR, FLT3, or RET. Notably, the GNNK− isoform of KIT was predominant in all cell lines and clinical samples.ConclusionExpression of KIT, PDGFRβ, and FLT3 was associated with a good prognosis in NB. The loss of expression of these RTKs might correlate to the disease progression of NB. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:213–217. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A UK survey of treatment of dementia in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Leroi Iracema , Daniel Emily , Fletcher Peter , Hindle John , MacMahon Doug 
Published: October 2007

AbstractClinical experience with antidementia drugs in dementia in Parkinson's disease (PDD) is still limited and a lack of diagnostic criteria and specific screening tests further complicates clinical decision making. Here, the authors discuss the results of a postal survey sent to PD clinicians in the UK to assess their methods of diagnosis and use of antidementia drugs in PDD patients. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Identification and validation of novel CSF biomarkers for early stages of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hu Yan , Hosseini Ava , Kauwe John S. K. , Gross Julia , Cairns Nigel J. , Goate Alison M. , Fagan Anne M. , Townsend R. Reid , Holtzman David M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) begins years prior to clinical diagnosis. The development of antecedent biomarkers that indicate the presence of AD pathology and predict risk for decline in both cognitively normal and mildly impaired individuals will be useful as effective therapies are developed. While cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers such as amyloid‐β (Aβ) 42 and tau are useful, additional biomarkers are needed. To identify new markers, we utilized 2‐D difference gel electrophoresis (2‐D DIGE) of individual CSF samples from subjects with very mild AD versus controls after depletion of high‐abundant proteins. Protein spots displaying differential abundance between the two groups were identified with MS. A number of candidate biomarkers were identified in 18 gel features. Selected candidates were quantified in a larger clinical set using ELISA. The mean levels of α1‐antichymotrypsin (ACT), antithrombin III (ATIII), and zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein (ZAG) were significantly higher in the mild AD group, and the mean level of carnosinase 1 (CNDP1) was decreased. When these biomarkers are optimally combined, there is a strong trend toward greater specificity and sensitivity based on clinical diagnosis than when used individually. Our findings provide novel biomarker candidates for very mild and mild AD that can be further assessed as antecedent markers and predictors of clinical progression.
The proteomic approach in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fasano Mauro , Bergamasco Bruno , Lopiano Leonardo 
Published: October 2007

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease affecting about 2% of the population over 65 years. Etiopathogenetic mechanisms of PD are not fully understood, although a number of factors contributing to the selective degeneration of substantia nigra neurons have been identified, including mitochondrial dysfunction, proteasomal impairment, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and inflammation. Although a global view of the disease at the molecular level can be obtained only from the biochemical analysis of the affected human tissue, difficulties in obtaining human specimens of the affected area have limited substantially the number of reports published to date. Therefore, cellular and animal models of the disease have been developed to investigate single factors contributing to disease pathogenesis, e.g., protein aggregation or altered dopamine homeostasis. In this review, we report how proteomic methodologies have been used so far to investigate cellular and animal models of PD, as well as to compare postmortem specimens of substantia nigra of affected patients to that of control subjects. Proteomic studies concur to highlight the role of a compromised antioxidant defense in PD pathogenesis. The proteomic approach in the investigation of etiopathogenetic mechanisms of PD is still at its beginning, however, the findings reviewed here should serve as a useful foundation to further work.
Proteomic strategies in multiple sclerosis and its animal models
Authors: Elkabes Stella , Li Hong 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe early and precise diagnosis, the prognosis, and the clinical management of multiple sclerosis, remain a considerable challenge. In recent years, the development of novel and powerful proteomic techniques prompted the use of these approaches for the search of unique biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid of multiple sclerosis patients. A few studies have also utilized proteomics to delineate the profile of differentially expressed proteins in animal models of the human disease in order to gain global insights into affected pathways. The identification of differentially expressed proteins may be an initial step in the discovery of novel targets and mechanisms that play critical roles in the pathology of multiple sclerosis. Based on these findings, future investigations may elucidate the events leading to demyelination, axonal damage, and neurodegeneration, providing better insights into mechanisms governing the onset and progression of the disease. Although these proteomic studies provide valuable information, they are also faced with a number of challenges. The present review discusses some of the strengths and limitations of proteomic investigations as applied to multiple sclerosis.