bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study on lip extraction due to fuzzy reasoning by using color information
Authors: Shirasawa Yoichi , Nishida Makoto , Nishi Kenji 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis paper proposes a method for extracting the lip shape from the region around the lips. It is carried out without limited conditions such as lipstick or lighting. The proposed method uses color information for the lip shape extraction. They are psychometric quantities of a metric hue angle (hab), rectangular coordinates (a*), which are defined in the CIE 1976 L*a*b* color space. The method employs fuzzy reasoning in order to consider obscurity in image data such as a shadow on the face. The conditional membership function for characteristics in each class was defined by the triangular membership function and was used for the fuzzy reasoning. In order to reduce the effect of the data acquisition conditions, an extraction method is here presented for the lip shape from the region around the lip through fuzzy reasoning. We studied the setup of the conditional membership function. The proposed method uses the a* color histogram and hab color histogram for the region around the lips when setting up the conditional membership function. This paper clarifies that the lip was able to be extracted without any special conditions such as lipstick or lighting. The experimental results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method; about 98.7% of facial image data was extracted correctly. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 157(1): 20– 28, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (http://www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20401
Unexpected features of acute T lymphoblastic lymphomas in Notch1IC transgenic rats
Authors: van den Brandt Jens , Kwon Soon‐Hwan , McPherson Kirsty G. , Petrovic Suzana , Zettl Andreas , Müller‐Hermelink Hans Konrad , Reichardt Holger M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDysregulated Notch signaling accounts for the majority of acute T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T‐ALL) cases in humans. Here, we characterize lymphomas from Notch1IC transgenic rats, which develop T‐ALL shortly after weaning, and show that they display a number of previously undocumented features. Starting from monoclonal thymic tumors, the CD4+CD8αα+ lymphoma cells infiltrate the bone marrow and then spread to secondary lymphoid and non‐lymphoid organs. However, major hallmarks of T‐ALL cells in other murine models and human patients, such as constitutive NF‐κB activity and increased levels of anti‐apoptotic proteins, are remarkably absent in Notch1IC lymphomas. In contrast, CD30, a classic marker of Hodgkin lymphomas, is overexpressed in these tumors. Intriguingly, enforced Notch1 signaling up‐regulates expression of Notch3, which has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of T‐ALL. By blocking endogenous Notch signaling, we could demonstrate that Notch1IC is sufficient to induce sustained preTCR expression in transgenic thymocytes but not for their progression to the double‐positive stage. This suggests that other Notch activities may also contribute to the phenotype of the transgenic rats. In summary, we anticipate this new animal model will help to further elucidate the role of Notch1 in the pathogenesis of T‐ALL.
Ethyl Difluoro(trimethylsilyl)acetate and Difluoro(trimethylsilyl)acetamides – Precursors of 3,3‐Difluoroazetidinones
Authors: Bordeau Michel , Frébault Frédéric , Gobet Mallory , Picard Jean‐Paul 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDifluoro(trimethylsilyl)acetamides 7 have been prepared from chlorodifluoroacetamides 5 by electrochemical silylation. When condensed with carbonyl compounds, they were shown to be precursors of 2,2‐difluoro‐3‐hydroxyacetamides 8. N‐(p‐Methoxyphenyl)‐2,2‐difluoro‐3‐hydroxy‐4‐methylvaleramide (8a) has been converted into the corresponding 3,3‐difluoroazetidinone 9a. This new route to 3,3‐difluoroazetidinones is shown to be an alternative to the one utilizing the condensation of ethyl difluoro(trimethylsilyl)acetate with imines. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Gold‐Catalyzed Hydroamination of C–C Multiple Bonds
Authors: Widenhoefer Ross A. , Han Xiaoqing 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe development of general and efficient methods for the addition of an N–H bond across a C–C multiple bond (hydroamination) represents a significant challenge in both organic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. Although a diverse range of transition‐metal complexes have been employed as catalysts for hydroamination, examples of gold‐catalyzed hydroamination were exceedingly rare prior to 2001. However, over the past five years gold complexes have been applied as catalysts for a number of selective organic transformations including the hydroamination of unactivated alkenes, alkynes, allenes, and 1,3‐dienes. This Microreview provides a brief overview of the gold‐catalyzed hydroamination of C–C multiple bonds. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Determination of association constants of inclusion complexes of steroid hormones and cyclodextrins from their electrophoretic mobility
Authors: Shakalisava Yuliya , Regan Fiona 
Published: July 2006

AbstractCE estimation of the association constants of several steroid hormones with β‐CD and γ‐CD and their hydroxypropyl derivative is presented. Estriol, 17β‐estradiol, ethynylestradiol, estrone, progesterone, mestranol and norethindrone are among the target analytes. The calculation of the cyclodextrin:analyte association constants were performed from the electrophoretic mobility values of steroids at different concentration of CDs in the run buffer. The reliability of the final data was ensured by employing three different linearisation plots (double reciprocal fit, Y‐reciprocal fit and X‐reciprocal fit). The highest inclusion affinity of target analytes was observed towards γ‐CD and its hydroxypropyl derivative, which is demonstrated by high association constant values and corresponding good linearity of the plots. The affinity of steroids towards a particular CD type based on physical and structural characteristics is explored.
Cupric ion release controlled by copper/low‐density polyethylene nanocomposite in simulated uterine solution
Authors: Cai Shuizhou , Xia Xianping , Zhu Changhong , Xie Changsheng 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe Cu2+ release rate of novel copper/low‐density polyethylene composites as an intrauterine device material in the simulated uterine solution was investigated for 280 days. The corrosion products of these composites were identified by the X‐ray diffraction method. The distributions of the copper phase and the cuprous oxide phase at different corrosion depths in the composites were measured by the internal standard method. For comparison, copper particles of two sizes were embedded in a polyethylene matrix to form composites. The average copper particle diameter of the nanocomposite was 30 nm, while that of microcomposite was 52 μm. Mechanism of Cu2+ release controlled by the nanocomposite revealed that many clusters composed of copper nanoparticles, which were observed by the field emission scanning electron microscopy in the nanocomposite, led to the formation of large amounts of Cu2O and consequently facilitated the Cu2+ steady release. A scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis mapping technique (SEM/EDX) was employed to measure the corrosion depth and to calculate the life span of the nanocomposite. The result that the nanocomposite displayed a near zero‐order release after a month of incubation indicated that the Cu2+ release behavior controlled by nanocomposite was remarkably superior to that by microcomposite. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Polylactic acid–phosphate glass composite foams as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Georgiou G. , Mathieu L. , Pioletti D. P. , Bourban P.‐E. , Månson J.‐A. E. , Knowles J. C. , Nazhat S. N. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPhosphate glass (PG) of the composition 0.46(CaO)–0.04(Na2O)–0.5(P2O5) was used as filler in poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLA) foams developed as degradable scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. The effect of PG on PLA was assessed both in bulk and porous composite foams. Composites with various PG content (0, 5, 10, and 20 wt %) were melt‐extruded, and either compression‐molded or foamed through supercritical CO2. Dynamic mechanical analysis on the bulk composites showed that incorporating 20 wt % PG resulted in a significant increase in storage modulus. Aging studies in deionized water in terms of weight loss, pH change, and ion release inferred that the degradation was due to PG dissolution, and dependent on the amount of glass in the composites. Foaming was only possible for composites containing 5 and 10 wt % PG, as an increase in PG increased the foam densities; however, the level of porosity was maintained above 75%. PLA‐Tg in the foams was higher than those obtained for the bulk. Compressive moduli showed no significant reinforcement with glass incorporation in either expansion direction, indicating no anisotropy. Biocompatibility showed that proliferation of human fetal bone cells was more rapid for PLA compared to PLA‐PG foams. However, the proliferation rate of PLA‐PG foams were similar to those obtained for foams of PLA with either hydroxyapatite or β‐tricalcium phosphate. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
The elution of poly (vinyl alcohol) from a contact lens: The realization of a time release moisturizing agent/artificial tear
Authors: Winterton Lynn C. , Lally John M. , Sentell Karen B. , Chapoy L. Lawrence 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe use of a contact lens as a polymeric delivery vehicle is presented. Specifically, the elution of nonfunctionalized poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) from nelfilcon A hydrogel lenses is presented as a model of delivering polymeric active agents to the eye. High molecular weight nonfunctionalized PVA is added to the lens matrix for later release into the tears. This is made possible by photo crosslinking a macromer species in lieu of monomeric polymerization. Consistent near zero order release of 0.062% (wt/wt) was demonstrated in vitro over a 20‐h period. The result is a new contact lens device based on the slow release of PVA. In vivo results demonstrate that this product improves the wearing comfort of this type of contact lens and acts as a model basis for drug delivery. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Effect of crystallization heat treatment on the microstructure and biaxial strength of fluorrichterite glass‐ceramics
Authors: Denry I. L. , Holloway J. A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of crystallization heat treatment on the flexural strength of potassium fluorrichterite glass‐ceramics for biomedical applications. After melting and casting, discs were sectioned from the glass ingots, randomly divided into 10 groups, and heat treated at various temperatures ranging between 890°C and 925°C for various durations. One group was air‐abraded after heat treatment. XRD revealed the presence of fluorrichterite and fluormica for all heat‐treated groups. SEM confirmed the presence of both fluorrichterite and fluormica crystals. Crystal size increased with temperature and duration of the heat treatment. The mean flexural strength after air abrasion was not significantly different than that of the other groups except the group heat treated at 925°C. The mean flexural strength was maximum after heat treatment at 900°C for 1 h (497.6 ± 25.5 MPa) and decreased linearly with the longer durations of heat treatment at 900°C. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Induction of heme oxygenase‐1 expression by root canal sealers in human gingival fibroblasts is augmented by oxidative stress
Authors: Huang Fu‐Mei , Chang Yu‐Chao 
Published: July 2006

AbstractHeme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) is known as a stress‐inducible protein and functions as an antioxidant enzyme. It has been shown that HO‐1 is induced rapidly by a variety of chemical and physical stimuli. However, little is known about the induction of cellular signaling events after cell exposure to root canal sealers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of zinc oxide‐eugenol‐based root canal sealer N2 and epoxy resin‐based root canal sealer Topseal on the expression of HO‐1 protein in cultured human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). The results showed that both N2 and Topseal were cytotoxic to HGFs in a concentration‐dependent manner (p < 0.05). The exposure of quiescent HGFs to N2 and Topseal resulted in the induction of HO‐1 protein expression in a time‐dependent manner (p < 0.05). Furthermore, to determine whether oxidative stress could modulate HO‐1 expression in HGFs by root canal sealers, HGFs were pretreated with glutathione (GSH) synthesis precursor 2‐oxothiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (OTZ) and GSH synthesis inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) for 24 h. The pretreatment with OTZ decreased the N2‐induced HO‐1 protein level by ∼32% (p < 0.05). However, BSO enhanced the N2‐induced HO‐1 protein level by up to twofold (p < 0.05). Similar results were found by Topseal. The pretreatment with OTZ decreased the Topseal‐induced HO‐1 protein level by ∼12% (p < 0.05). However, BSO enhanced the Topseal‐induced HO‐1 protein level by up to 1.7‐fold (p < 0.05). Taken together, HO‐1 expression might be one signal transduction pathway linked to the induction of stress‐inducible protein by root canal sealers. In addition, the activation of HO‐1 is augmented by oxidative stress. Factors that induce GSH synthesis may appear useful in preventing oxidative damage mediated by root canal sealers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Enhanced in‐vitro blood compatibility of 316L stainless steel surfaces by reactive landing of hyaluronan ions
Authors: Volný Michael , Elam W. Timothy , Ratner Buddy D. , Turec̆ek František 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA novel dry process for immobilization of hyaluronan on stainless steel surfaces is presented. This process that we call reactive landing is based on an interaction of hyperthermal gas‐phase hyaluronan ions with plasma‐cleaned and activated stainless steel surfaces. Reactive landing is performed on a unique instrument that combines an in‐situ plasma reactor with an electrospray ion source and ion transfer optics. Gas‐phase hyaluronan anions are obtained by electrospray ionization of sodium hyaluronan solutions and immobilized by reactive landing on large‐area stainless steel surfaces. The immobilized hyaluronan withstands extensive washing with polar solvents and solutions, and the washed surfaces maintain the protective properties against blood platelet activation. The mechanism of hyaluronan discharge and immobilization is discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Evaluation of machining methods for trabecular metal implants in a rabbit intramedullary osseointegration model
Authors: Deglurkar Mukund , Davy Dwight T. , Stewart Matthew , Goldberg Victor M. , Welter Jean F. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractImplant success is dependent in part on the interaction of the implant with the surrounding tissues. Porous tantalum implants (Trabecular Metal™, TM) have been shown to have excellent osseointegration. Machining this material to complex shapes with close tolerances is difficult because of its open structure and the ductile nature of metallic tantalum. Conventional machining results in occlusion of most of the surface porosity by the smearing of soft metal. This study compared TM samples finished by three processing techniques: conventional machining, electrical discharge machining, and nonmachined, “as‐prepared.” The TM samples were studied in a rabbit distal femoral intramedullary osseointegration model and in cell culture. We assessed the effects of these machining methods at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implant placement. The finishing technique had a profound effect on the physical presentation of the implant interface: conventional machining reduced surface porosity to 30% compared to bulk porosities in the 70% range. Bone ongrowth was similar in all groups, while bone ingrowth was significantly greater in the nonmachined samples. The resulting mechanical properties of the bone implant‐interface were similar in all three groups, with only interface stiffness and interface shear modulus being significantly higher in the machined samples. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Molecular dynamics simulations of liquid methanol and methanol–water mixtures with polarizable models
Authors: Yu Haibo , Geerke Daan P. , Liu Haiyan , van Gunsteren Wilfred F. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA polarizable model for simulation of liquid methanol, compatible with the COS/G2 water model, has been developed using the Charge‐on‐Spring (COS) technique. The model consists of three point charges, with one polarizable center on the oxygen atom. The Lennard–Jones parameters on the oxygen atom together with the molecular polarizability were varied to reproduce the experimental heat of vaporization and density of liquid methanol at ambient conditions. We examined the energies of various methanol dimers in the gas phase and compared them with values obtained from ab initio calculations. The model was then used to study the thermodynamic, dynamic, structural, and dielectric properties of liquid methanol as well as of a methanol–water mixture. A microscopic picture of the structure of pure liquid methanol and of the methanol–water mixture is provided. Good agreement was found between the results from our model simulations and available experimental and ab initio calculation data. In particular, the experimental dielectric permittivity of 32 could be reproduced, which had been shown to be difficult when using nonpolarizable models. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 1494–1504, 2006
Optimisation by response surface methodology of fungal lipase production on olive mill wastewater
Authors: D'Annibale Alessandro , Brozzoli Viviana , Crognale Silvia , Gallo Anna Maria , Federici Federico , Petruccioli Maurizio 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe suitability of olive mill wastewater (OMW) as a growth medium for lipase production was assessed using Penicillium citrinum NRRL 1841, a versatile strain capable of producing lipase on several OMW typologies differing widely in their chemical oxygen demand, polyphenol and total sugar contents. Lipase production by P. citrinum in OMW‐based media was significantly stimulated by nitrogen addition, with ammonium chloride proving to be the most effective source. In contrast, the addition of vegetable oils did not significantly affect lipase production. On the basis of these results, lipase production was subsequently optimised in shaken flasks by a central composite design. To this aim, the impact of three crucial variables, namely initial pH and concentrations of ammonium chloride and yeast extract, was investigated. Maximum lipase activity (ca 1230 U dm−3) was reached after 188 h of fermentation. The process was subsequently assessed in stirred tank and bubble column reactors of identical working capacity (3 dm3), leading to lower lipase production (735 and 430 U dm−3 respectively) than in shaken flasks. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Response of methanogen populations to organic load increase during anaerobic digestion of olive mill wastewater
Authors: Rizzi Aurora , Zucchi Mauro , Borin Sara , Marzorati Massimo , Sorlini Claudia , Daffonchio Daniele 
Published: July 2006

AbstractProcess performances of an upflow anaerobic filter treating olive mill wastewater and the response of methanogenic Archaea to increasing volumetric organic load (VOL) were studied. At a VOL of 15 g chemical oxygen demand (COD) L−1 day−1, 90% of the influent COD was removed. Following a VOL increase from 6 to 15 g COD L−1 day−1, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) titre of hydrogenotrophic Methanobacterium, determined by magnetic capture of the target DNA and group‐specific PCR based on the 16S rRNA gene, decreased from 1011 to 108 cells g−1 sludge, while that of Methanomicrobiaceae and relatives increased from 104 to 106 cells g−1 sludge. Methanosaeta‐like acetoclastic methanogens were less affected by VOL variation and dominated at high VOL with a 16S rRNA gene PCR titre of 109 cells g−1 sludge. Single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis of the PCR‐amplified archaeal 16S rRNA gene showed a stable band pattern, indicating that VOL variation affected the methanogen PCR titre but not the archaeal community structure. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermostable carbohydrate‐binding modules in affinity chromatography
Authors: Johansson Reine , Gunnarsson Lavinia Cicortas , Ohlin Mats , Ohlson Sten 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAffinity chromatography is routinely used mostly on a preparative scale to isolate different biomolecules such as proteins and carbohydrates. To this end a variety of proteins is in common use as ligands. To extend the arsenal of binders intended for separation of carbohydrates, we have explored the use of carbohydrate‐binding modules (CBM) in affinity chromatography. The thermostable protein CBM4‐2 and two variants (X‐6 and A‐6) thereof, selected from a newly constructed combinatorial library, were chosen for this study. The CBM4‐2 predominantly binds to xylans but also crossreacts with glucose‐based oligomers. The two CBM‐variants X‐6 and A‐6 had been selected for binding to xylan and Avicel® (a mixture of amorphous and microcrystalline cellulose), respectively. To assess the ability of these proteins to separate carbohydrates, they were immobilized to macroporous microparticulate silica and analyses were conducted at temperatures ranging from 25 to 65°C.With the given set of CBM‐variants, we were able to separate cello‐ and xylo‐oligomers under isocratic conditions. The affinities of the CBMs for their targets were weak (in the mM–µM range) and by adjusting the column temperature we could optimize peak resolution and chromatographic retention times. The access to thermostable CBM‐variants with diverse affinities and selectivities holds promise to be an efficient tool in the field of affinity chromatography for the separation of carbohydrates. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Snow disappearance in Eastern Siberia and its relationship to atmospheric influences
Authors: Iijima Yoshihiro , Masuda Kooiti , Ohata Tetsuo 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn the present study, we examine the climatological features and interannual variations in snow disappearance within the Lena River Basin, Eastern Siberia, during a recent 15‐year period (1986–2000), and the relationship of snow disappearance to atmospheric conditions. According to the climatology of the day of the year on which snow disappears, the boundary of snow disappearance within the Lena River Basin migrates rapidly northward from mid‐April until early June, with minimum interannual variation occurring in the middle part of the basin. In addition, the preceding snow disappearance is apparent in the central Lena River Basin. Melting of snow within the Lena River Basin commonly occurs within 30 days of complete snow disappearance under certain atmospheric conditions: daily mean air temperature in excess of − 10 °C, greater than 2 hPa of water vapor pressure, and, hence, more than 170 W m−2 of downward longwave radiation under clear sky conditions. Composite analysis using a reanalysis dataset demonstrates that the increase in air temperature and water vapor that accompanies snow melting is due to wet (and warm) air advection in conjunction with enhanced water vapor convergence over the central Lena River Basin during the 30‐day period prior to snow disappearance. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.