bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing flocculation–sedimentation for regeneration of dual‐alkali flue gas desulphurization scrubbing solution
Authors: Ni Weimin , Wu Zhongbiao , Guan Baohong , Liu Yue , Zhao Weirong , Zheng and Ping 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA new method was developed to optimize the flocculation–sedimentation process for regeneration of dual‐alkali flue gas desulphurization scrubbing solution. Experimental data of top loading settling of CaSO3 suspended solids (SS) in the slurry were utilized to define the settling velocity curve for solid/liquid separation without a visible mud‐line. The settling velocity curve was employed for identifying the best flocculation conditions to achieve effective regeneration of the scrubbing solution. For the case studied, the optimum flocculant/dose was 4.41 × 10−3 HPAM/SS (mass ratio). While a basic pH enhanced the separation, a high ionic strength had an adverse effect because of the change of ζ potential. The predicted SS removal efficiency for a horizontal sedimentation tank was verified by actual data. This method may be employed for optimizing solid/liquid separation of other high SS feed streams. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2007
The neurotrophin receptor p75NTR in Schwann cells is implicated in remyelination and motor recovery after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Tomita Koichi , Kubo Tateki , Matsuda Ken , Fujiwara Toshihiro , Yano Kenji , Winograd Jonathan M. , Tohyama Masaya , Hosokawa Ko 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe function of the p75NTR neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in nervous system regeneration is still controversial. Part of that controversy may be due to the fact that p75NTR is expressed by both neuronal and glial cell types and may have very distinct and even contradictory roles in each population. In this study, to elucidate the in vivo function of p75NTR in Schwann cells during remyelination after peripheral nerve injury, we established a new animal model for p75NTR‐deficient Schwann cell transplantation in nude mice. We performed quantitative assessments of the functional, histological, and electrophysiological recovery after sciatic nerve injury, and compared them with those of the p75NTR(+/+) Schwann cell transplanted animals. At 7–10 weeks after injury, the motor recovery in the p75NTR(−/−) Schwann cell transplanted animals was significantly impaired compared with that in the p75NTR(+/+) Schwann cell transplanted animals. The lower number of the retrogradely labeled motoneurons and the hypomyelination in the p75NTR(−/−) Schwann cell transplanted animals were evident at 6 and 10 weeks after injury. At 10 weeks after injury, the radial growth in the axon caliber was also impaired in the p75NTR(−/−) Schwann cell transplanted animals. Measurement of the amount of myelin proteins and the nerve conduction velocity at 10 weeks after injury reflected these results. In summary, the p75NTR expression in Schwann cells is important for remyelination process, and the motor recovery after injury is impaired due to impaired axonal growth, remyelination, and radial growth in the axon calibers. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sensitivity of hepatitis C virus to cyclosporine A depends on nonstructural proteins NS5A and NS5B
Authors: Fernandes Fiona , Poole Daniel S. , Hoover Spencer , Middleton Rannveig , Andrei Adin-Cristian , Gerstner Justin , Striker Rob 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

HCV reoccurs after liver transplantation and increases mortality. Cyclosporine, but not tacrolimus, has potent antiviral effects against HCV replication in cell culture. To determine the conditions, if any, under which HCV is susceptible to cyclosporine

in vivo

, we selected for cyclosporine-resistant mutant HCV

in vitro

. The resulting mutations were mapped to x-ray crystallographic structures and sequence databases. Mutations selected by cyclosporine were clustered in the nonstructural (NS) proteins NS5A and NS5B. Different sets of mutations in NS5A, paired with the same 2 NS5B mutations, conferred different levels of cyclosporine resistance when engineered back into the HCV replicon. Mutations in NS5B are structurally consistent with a proposed model of regulation of RNA binding by cyclophilin B (CyPB). These mutations also highlight a natural polymorphism between different HCV genotypes that correlates with the variation in response to cyclosporine A (CsA) noted in some clinical trials. Replicons engineered to have mutations in only NS5A (

P

≤ 0.0001) or only NS5B (

P

= 0.002) suggest that while both NS5A or NS5B variants alter cyclosporine susceptibility, NS5A has the largest effect.

Conclusion:

Preexisting sequence variation could alter the effect of cyclosporine on HCV

in vivo

. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
An assessment of the irrigation management transfer programme: case study in the Mustafakemalpaşa irrigation scheme in Turkey
Authors: Kuşçu Hayrettin , Demir Ali Osman , Korukçu Abdürrahim 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn this study, management transfer of the Bursa‐Mustafakemalpaşa irrigation scheme, located in western Turkey, was assessed. The study was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, the irrigation management transfer programme was assessed using two performance indicators for six years before and after the transfer during the period 1992–2004. According to the results, the relative water supply and irrigation ratio were calculated as 1.5–1.6, 58–62% average values for the years before and after transfer, respectively. It means that relative water supply has not shown any important change before and after the transfer and stays within reasonable levels. On the other hand, although it is not a significant change, the irrigation ratio has increased around 4% after the transfer, which is a reasonable improvement. In the second stage, effects of the transfer were tested and assessed by the Logit model taking farmers perceptions concerning pre‐ and post‐transfer. The probability of the changes in adequacy of irrigation water supplied to the farm, in fairness of water distribution within the system, in frequency of water distribution conflicts, in timeliness of water delivery to the farm, in irrigation fee policy, and in maintenance of drainage canals is significant at the 0.01 level. Also, maintenance of irrigation canals and water control and distribution structures has a positive effect on agreement or disagreement, but is not significant statistically. Adequacy, fairness and timeliness of water distribution regarding irrigation services given by the Mustafakemalpaşa Water Users' Association are not sufficient. Therefore, frequency of water distribution conflicts increased after the transfer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioconjugate recognition molecules to quantum dots as tumor probes
Authors: Liu Tian‐Cai , Wang Jian‐Hao , Wang Hai‐Qiao , Zhang Hai‐Li , Zhang Zhi‐Hong , Hua Xiao‐Feng , Cao Yuan‐Cheng , Zhao Yuan‐Di , Luo Qing‐Ming 
Published: June 2007

AbstractTransferrin and mouse anti‐human CD71 monoclonal antibody were respectively conjugated covalently to the core/shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots with 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride and N‐hydrocylsulfo‐succinimide (Sulfo‐NHS). The conjugation worked well and the bioactivities of these macromolecules still remained, which was verified by column filtration, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and circular dichroism spectrometry. Thus, these two kinds of quantum dot conjugates were used to recognize the tumor cells involved. In case of pseudo positivity, FITC‐labeling secondary antibody IgG was used, and the results showed that as‐prepared fluorescent quantum dot bioprobes were highly specific to tumor cells. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Using strategic analysis to determine why GM‐North America's earnings dropped
Authors: Sopariwala Parvez R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article illustrates strategic analysis of operating income, which can be used to gain a better understanding of financial statements—in particular, why corporate or segment profits change from one year to the next. Specifically, the article examines the 2001 pretax profit of General Motors Corporation's North American Operations (GMNA), which declined by $4.4 billion compared with that for 2000. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 reverses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inhibiting chemokine synthesis and monocyte trafficking
Authors: Pedersen Laura B. , Nashold Faye E. , Spach Karen M. , Hayes Colleen E. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurodegenerative disease whose pathogenesis involves genetic and environmental risk factors leading to an aberrant, neuroantigen‐specific, CD4+ T cell‐mediated autoimmune response. In support of the hypothesis that vitamin D3 may reduce MS risk and severity, we found that vitamin D3 and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25‐(OH)2D3) inhibited induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an MS model. To investigate how 1,25‐(OH)2D3 could carry out anti‐inflammatory functions, we administered 1,25‐(OH)2D3 or a placebo to mice with EAE, and subsequently analyzed clinical disease, chemokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and recruitment of dye‐labeled monocytes. The 1,25‐(OH)2D3 treatment significantly reduced clinical EAE severity within 3 days. Sharp declines in chemokines, inducible iNOS, and CD11b+ monocyte recruitment into the central nervous system (CNS) preceded this clinical disease abatement in the 1,25‐(OH)2D3‐treated animals. The 1,25‐(OH)2D3 did not directly and rapidly inhibit chemokine synthesis in vivo or in vitro. Rather, the 1,25‐(OH)2D3 rapidly stimulated activated CD4+ T cell apoptosis in the CNS and spleen. Collectively, these results support a model wherein inflammation stimulates a natural anti‐inflammatory feedback loop. The activated inflammatory cells produce 1,25‐(OH)2D3, and this hormone subsequently enhances the apoptotic death of inflammatory CD4+ T cells, removing the driving force for continued inflammation. In this way, the sunlight‐derived hormone could reduce the risk of chronic CNS inflammation and autoimmune‐mediated neurodegenerative disease. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of phosphoinositide‐3 kinase/Akt pathway by FeSO4 in rat cerebral cortex synaptic endings
Authors: Uranga Romina M. , Mateos Melina V. , Giusto Norma M. , Salvador Gabriela A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe aim of this work was to study the involvement of the phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway in synaptic endings incubated under oxidative stress conditions. Synaptosomes purified from rat cerebral cortex were exposed to FeSO4 (50 μM) for different periods of time. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction and lactate dehydrogenate (LDH) leakage were significantly affected after 5 min of incubation in the presence of FeSO4, with respect to control conditions. In whole synaptosomes incubated in the presence of [γ‐32P]ATP, phosphoinositide (PPI) labeling was increased after 5 min of Fe2+ exposure. This effect was prevented by the specific PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Anti‐p85 immunoprecipitates (IPs) obtained from synaptosomes preincubated with Fe2+ (5 min) showed a PI3K activity two‐fold higher than the activity recovered under control conditions. Additionally, Akt activation was temporally coincident with PI3K activation. LY294002 was not able to prevent the LDH leakage and diminution of MTT reduction induced by Fe2+. Our results demonstrate that free iron provokes the early activation of PI3K/Akt pathway, but this activation is not sufficient for protecting synaptic endings from oxidative damage. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Open‐configuration MRI study of femoro‐acetabular impingement
Authors: Yamamura Mitsuyoshi , Miki Hidenobu , Nakamura Nobuo , Murai Masakazu , Yoshikawa Hideki , Sugano Nobuhiko 
Published: June 2007

AbstractFemoro‐acetabular impingement has been proposed as a causative factor of primary hip osteoarthritis. However, primary osteoarthritis of the hip is infrequent in Japan and other Asian countries, even though the hips of Asians frequently sustain impingement, since the Asian lifestyle commonly requires a larger range of hip motion than the Western lifestyle. Therefore, using open‐configuration MRI, we investigated whether impingement actually occurs during some traditional Japanese hip positions. The hips of 5 healthy Japanese females were examined in 5 sitting postures: 1) sitting straight; 2) bowing while sitting straight; 3) sitting cross‐legged; 4) W‐sitting; and 5) squatting. The impingement point was detected by multiple plane reconstructed (MPR) views along with the acetabular rim depicted circumferentially. Impingement was considered to have occurred when, on MRI, the anterior femoral head‐neck junction approached the acetabular rim and the femoral head was seen to float from the bottom of the acetabulum with the acetabular rim acting as a fulcrum. Impingement was observed in all volunteers in the W‐sitting position, and in 2 of 5 volunteers during squatting. These findings show that impingement occurs frequently during daily Japanese activities. Thus, depending on race, femoro‐acetabular impingement might not always cause primary osteoarthritis of the hip. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:1582–1588, 2007
Upper limb muscle imbalance in tennis elbow: A functional and electromyographic assessment
Authors: Alizadehkhaiyat Omid , Fisher Anthony C. , Kemp Graham J. , Vishwanathan Karthik , Frostick Simon P. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate strength, fatigability, and activity of upper limb musculature to elucidate the role of muscular imbalance in the pathophysiology of tennis elbow. Sixteen patients clinically diagnosed with tennis elbow, recruited from a university hospital upper limb orthopedic clinic, were compared with 16 control subjects with no history of upper limb musculoskeletal problem, recruited from university students and staff. Muscle strength was measured for grip, metacarpophalangeal, wrist, and shoulder on both sides. Electromyographic activity (RMS amplitude) and fatigue characteristics (median frequency slope) of five forearm and two shoulder muscles were measured during isometric contraction at 50% maximum voluntary contraction. All strength measurements showed dominance difference in C, but none in TE. In tennis elbow compared to controls, hand/wrist and shoulder strength and extensor carpi radialis (ECR) activity were reduced (p < 0.05), while fatigue was normal. A global upper limb weakness exists in tennis elbow. This may be due to disuse and deconditioning syndrome caused by fear avoidance, and needs to be addressed in prevention and treatment. Activation imbalance among forearm muscles (reduced extensor carpi radialis activity) in tennis elbow, probably due to protective pain‐related inhibition, could lead to a widespread upper limb muscle imbalance. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:1651–1657, 2007
Ionic Complexes of Biosynthetic Poly(malic acid) and Poly(glutamic acid) as Prospective Drug‐Delivery Systems
Authors: Portilla‐Arias Jose A. , García‐Alvarez Montserrat , de Ilarduya Antxon Martínez , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe hydrolytic degradability and erythromycin release from stoichiometric ionic complexes of biotechnological poly(β,L‐malic acid)s and poly(γ,D‐glutamic acid)s with alkyltrimethylammonium surfactants were investigated. The influence of pH, temperature and antibiotic load on hydrolysis rate was examined. It was found that poly(malic acid) complexes degraded by a surface erosion mechanism at a higher rate than poly(glutamic acid) complexes, which eroded in bulk. Erythromycin was lodged in the paraffinic subphase of the complexes and upon aging it was delivered according to a sigmoidal profile that appeared to be independent on the antibiotic load.magnified image
Extrusion Foaming of Semi‐Crystalline PLA and PLA/Thermoplastic Starch Blends
Authors: Mihai Mihaela , Huneault Michel A. , Favis Basil D. , Li Hongbo 
Published: June 2007

AbstractLow density open‐cell foams were obtained from polylactic acid (PLA) and from blends of PLA with thermoplastic starch (TPS) using CO2as a blowing agent. Two unexpected features were found. First, a 2D cavitation process in the fractured cell walls was unveiled. Elliptical cavities with dimensions in the 100–300 nm range were aligned perpendicular to large cell cracks clearly exhibiting 2D crazing prior to macroscopic cell rupture. Secondly, a significant crystallization rate increase associated with the CO2foaming of PLA was discovered. While the PLA used in this study crystallized very slowly in isothermal crystallization, the PLA foams exhibited up to 15% crystallinity, providing evidence that CO2plasticization and the biaxial stretching upon foam expansion provided conditions that could increase the crystallization rate by several orders of magnitude.magnified image
Thermo‐Mechanical Degradation of LDPE‐Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Dintcheva Nadka Tzankova , La Mantia Francesco Paolo 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThermo‐mechanical degradation of LDPE‐based nanocomposites was studied by mainly investigating the rheological properties. For all of the investigated processing conditions, the viscosity of the nanocomposites was higher than that of the pure‐LDPE matrix, but on increasing the severity of the mixing conditions, the difference between the viscosity of the nano‐filled polymer and that of the pure LDPE decreased. The X‐ray traces of the nanocomposites suggest that intercalation has been achieved during the melt, when less‐severe processing conditions were used. At severe processing conditions (longer mixing time, high temperature and shear stress) the thermo‐mechanical degradation was accelerated, possibly due to the loss of mass from the organoclay galleries. The variations of the viscosity in the presence of two organo‐modified montmorillonite (MMt) clays were compared to the ones observed with a MMt clay at different processing conditions.magnified image
Morphology and High Modulus of Laminated Ultra‐Drawn Polyethylene Films with Biaxial Orientation Prepared by Microwave Heating
Authors: Azuma Mami , Chen Qingyun , Nakano Yumiko , Bin Yuezhen , Mukunoki Itsuo , Kitaura Sadakatsu , Nishikawa Yasuo , Matsuo Masaru 
Published: June 2007

AbstractTo improve the poor mechanical properties of uniaxially ultra‐drawn films along the transverse direction, lamination of two ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/ethylene dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer blend films was carried out in the rectangular elongation direction by a microwave heating method. The characteristics of the successful laminated films were analyzed theoretically and experimentally. The original orientation of the crystallites for the blend films was maintained perfectly after lamination, and the preferential directions intersected each other. The Young's modulus increased symmetrically with respect to the 45 ° direction. This is the first report concerning a drastic improvement of the Young's modulus in the transverse direction for films ultra‐drawn along one direction.magnified image
Public utilities. Introducing a new department
Authors: Bauer John 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this new department is to discuss and prmote the public aspects of the whole utility problem; to help establish a clearer economic and technical understanding of the industries involved and bring about more definite policies and of methods of conserving the public interest. The department will be devoted to all public aspects of utility organization, operation and control. As to regulation, it will discuss principles and policies, causes of controversy, court decisions, legislative remedies, methods and machinery of control. It will constantly seek to bring out the essential facts, clarify the issues and consolidate sound public views for effective regulation. It will have no bias toward public ownership.In most of these matters. there are honest differences in point of view. The department will endeavor to give sincere consideration to all disinierested and intelligent opinion. This is the only way by which progress can be made.
Water power in new york state
Authors: Blair Knapp A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractElectric power is rapidly becoming the dominant force in our industrial civilization. Its importance in the factory and home in the city and in the country daily becomes greater adn greater. An important though admittedly not the most important portionof future power development valuable water power in its St. Lawrence and Niagara Rivers adn its inland streamsDespite the extent of this untapped wealth New York did not evolve a power policy until 1921. Even now it cannot be said to have settled upon a method of development adn exloitationThis is due to the fact that the two dominant paities hav been at logger heads with reference to this problem. Present indications point to a determination on the part o both to substitute action for words, and in such a situation a brief resume of hte fundamental positions of each may have some value. Space does not allow the description of the efforts of commissions prior to 1921. We lead you directly to the Water Power Act of 1921 which represents the Republican position, and which has been teh policy adopted by the legislature o he state, but which has been nullified by the attitude of Democratic commissions charged with its administration
Gender and corruption: testing the new consensus
Authors: Alhassan‐Alolo Namawu 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe search for a sustainable anti‐corruption strategy has seen a number of reform ideas introduced into the public sector of many African countries, by the development community. These reforms have met with modest results, at best, as evidenced by the fact that current data suggest entrenched corruption in many African countries. Failure of previous anti‐corruption strategies leads to the promotion of women in the public sector as a potential anti‐corruption remedy. This nascent idea is premised on presumptions that women are more ethical than men. However, failure of previous anti‐corruption strategies begs legitimate questions: would women prove less corrupt when exposed to environments characterised by corrupt opportunities and networks? Would women maintain high ethical standards in the public realm when social obligations require certain acts of corruption? This article uses primary data from Ghana to address these questions. The article concludes that women may not prove less corrupt in the public sector if corrupt opportunities and networks are not restrained. Also, the very gender system, which is used to justify women's proclivity to less corrupt behaviour and subsequent integration into the public sector, could itself be the source of corruption as women attempt to fulfil their gender roles. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.