bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Condition Monitoring of Fatigue Cracks in Machinery Blades
Authors: Gelman L. 
Published: December 2005

A novel generic approach to fatigue crack diagnostics in machinery blades is proposed and employed. The approach consists of simultaneously using two new diagnostic features: the real and imaginary parts of the Fourier transform of vibroacoustical signal generated from a blade. This approach is more generic than traditional approach based on the power spectral density; the power spectral density is a particular case of the proposed approach. Numerical examples are given based on the processing of signals generated using a nonlinear model of a blade. The signals generated are the resonant vibroacoustical oscillations of cracked and uncracked blades under narrowband vibration excitation. The numerical examples show that the crack detection is more effective when using the new approach than when using the power spectral density approach. The presented experimental results are matched with the numerical results. The proposed approach offers an effectiveness improvement over the traditional approach based on power spectral density.
Tradable Certificates for Energy Savings: Opportunities, Challenges, and Prospects for Integration with other Market Instruments in the Energy Sector
Authors: Bertoldi Paolo , Rezessy Silvia , Ürge-Vorsatz Diana 
Published: December 2005

Policy portfolios that include tradable green certificates have been introduced in several European countries to foster market-driven penetration of renewable energy sources. Another widely analysed type of market-based instrument in the energy sector is the tradable emission allowance. Recently tradable certificates for energy savings as a tool to stimulate energy efficiency investments and deliver energy savings have attracted the attention of policy makers. While such schemes have been introduced in different forms in Italy and the Great Britain and considered in other European countries, there is an ongoing debate over their effectiveness and applicability. The paper describes the concept and main elements of schemes that involve tradable certificates for energy savings (TCES) and how these have been put into practice in Italy and the Great Britain. It then compares TCES schemes with energy taxation and mandatory demand-side management (DSM) programs using a set of four criteria. Integration with green certificates and CO2 emissions trading schemes is examined and some possibilities for practical implementation are outlined.
Analysing Convergence with a Multi-Country Computable General Equilibrium Model: PPP versus Mer
Authors: Dixon Peter B. , Rimmer Maureen T. 
Published: December 2005

In studies of the greenhouse gas implications of convergence by developing countries to the per-capita GNPs of developed countries, considerable discussion has centred on whether purchasing power parity (PPP) or market exchange rates (MER) should be used in measuring per-capita GNPs. We suggest that technology gaps between developing and developed countries should be the starting point for convergence analysis rather than per-capita GNP gaps. We estimate two sets of initial technology gaps, using PPP and MER price assumptions combined with input-output data. In simulating the effects of closing technology gaps (convergence) using a dynamic, multi-country CGE model, we find: the MER/PPP distinction matters. MER-based estimates of initial technology gaps lead to higher estimates of convergence-induced growth in greenhouse-gas-emitting industries in developing countries than do PPP-based estimates. the industry detail in CGE models is valuable. Our simulations show a wide range of convergence-induced changes in output across industries.
The Significance of the Incident Sound Field on the Sound Transmission Loss of a Finite Panel
Authors: Trevathan Jeremy W. , Pearse John R. 
Published: December 2005

Results are presented for the numerically predicted sound transmission loss of a finite panel excited by plane wave sources at various angles of incidence. It is shown that the limitation commonly imposed upon the integration of the ‘mass law’ is not arbitrary. Rather, it is the upper integration limit at which a function dependent on cos2 (the ‘mass law’), when integrated, becomes equal to a function dependent on cos (the method used in this study, the ISO 140 experimental method) which has been integrated from zero to 90 degrees. The current definition of sound transmission loss implicitly assumes that a plane wave sound source at normal incidence to the panel surface will produce the highest level of excitation in the panel, and as the angle of incidence is increased the panel will experience decreasing levels of excitation. However, it is shown here that the excitation experienced by a panel due to a plane wave source is almost independent of the angle of incidence.
The Cobalamin-Binding Proteins Transcobalamin and Haptocorrin in Maternal and Cord Blood Sera at Birth
Authors: Obeid Rima , Morkbak Anne L , Munz Winfried , Nexo Ebba , Herrmann Wolfgang 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Background: Two proteins carry vitamin B12 in plasma. Transcobalamin (TC) carries ∼25% of total plasma vitamin B12 and is 6% to 20% saturated with cobalamin. Haptocorrin (HC) binds ∼80% of total cobalamin and is largely saturated with cobalamin.
Methods: We investigated the distribution and the relationship between concentrations of cobalamin, total and holo forms of TC, and HC in blood samples from pregnant women just before delivery (n = 92) and in cord blood samples from their newborn babies. We also investigated the relationship between these proteins and concentrations of methylmalonic acid (MMA), the functional marker of vitamin B12 status.
Results: Concentrations of total serum cobalamin, total HC, holoHC, and percentage of HC saturation were higher in cord blood than in the maternal blood (mean cobalamin, 268 vs 188 pmol/L; total HC, 648 vs 538 pmol/L; holoHC, 441 vs 237 pmol/L; HC saturation, 70% vs 47%). Moreover, total TC was low in cord blood, whereas both holoTC and TC saturation were higher in cord blood than in the maternal blood (mean total TC, 654 vs 1002 pmol/L; holoTC, 118 vs 53 pmol/L; TC saturation, 19.8% vs 5.4%). Higher maternal serum cobalamin was associated with higher cord blood holoTC and TC saturation (P &lt;0.05). Gestational age was also a significant determinant of baby total TC, TC saturation, total HC, and holoHC.
Conclusion: The close correlation between the amounts of holoTC present in cord blood and in maternal serum supports the importance of maternal cobalamin status for ensuring a sufficient supply to the baby.
Potential Application of ELAVL4 Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription-PCR for Detection of Disseminated Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Swerts Katrien , De Moerloose Barbara , Dhooge Catharina , Vandesompele Jo , Hoyoux Claire , Beiske Klaus , Benoit Yves , Laureys Geneviève , Philippé Jan 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Background: Reliable detection of neuroblastoma cells in bone marrow (BM) is critical because BM involvement influences staging, risk assessment, and evaluation of therapeutic response in neuroblastoma patients. Standard cytomorphologic examination of BM aspirates is sensitive enough to detect single tumor cells. Consequently, more sensitive and specific detection methods are indispensable.
Methods: We used real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (QPCR) of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), GD2 synthetase (GALGT), and embryonic lethal, abnormal vision, Drosophila-like 4 (ELAVL4) genes to detect disseminated neuroblastoma cells. We assessed assay sensitivity by addition experiments and then analyzed 97 neuroblastic tumor, BM, peripheral blood (PB), or peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) samples from 30 patients. The QPCR results were compared with those of a standardized immunocytochemical assay.
Results: The molecular markers were highly expressed in all evaluated tumor samples. In addition, 32%, 11%, and 38% of all BM, PB, and PBSC samples scored positive for TH, GALGT, or ELAVL4, respectively. The TH and ELAVL4 assays could detect 1 neuroblastoma cell in 106 mononuclear cells. By contrast, the GALGT QPCR assay could detect 1 neuroblastoma cell in 104 mononuclear cells. We assessed the potential prognostic value of TH, GALGT, and ELAVL4 QPCR by analyzing subsequent samples from 3 patients with stage 4 disease. Preliminary results indicated that persistence of high ELAVL4 expression has prognostic value.
Conclusions: ELAVL4 QPCR can be used to detect residual neuroblastoma cells in clinical samples. However, combination of several molecular markers and screening techniques should be considered to ensure reliable detection of rare neuroblastoma cells.
Measurement of Erythrocyte Inosine Triphosphate Pyrophosphohydrolase (ITPA) Activity by HPLC and Correlation of ITPA Genotype-Phenotype in a Caucasian Population
Authors: Shipkova Maria , Lorenz Kristin , Oellerich Michael , Wieland Eberhard , von Ahsen Nicolas 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground: Inosine triphosphate (ITP) pyrophosphohydrolase (ITPA) catalyzes the pyrophosphohydrolysis of ITP/dITP and xanthosine triphosphate to prevent incorporation of unusual nucleotides into RNA and DNA. Important mutations leading to enzyme deficiency are 94C&gt;A and IVS2 + 21A&gt;C. An association between ITPA 94C&gt;A and adverse reactions during azathioprine treatment has been shown. To investigate the ITPA phenotype, an HPLC procedure was developed and phenotype-genotype correlations were assessed.Methods: The enzymatic conversion of ITP to inosine monophosphate (IMP) was terminated by perchloric acid and saturated dipotassium hydrogen phosphate. We quantified the IMP at 262 nm after separation on an Aqua perfect C18 column using 20 mmol/L phosphate buffer, pH 2.5. We also genotyped samples for ITPA 94C&gt;A and IVS2 + 21A&gt;C by real-time fluorescence PCR.Results: The assay was linear to 3 mmol/L IMP [∼500 μmol/(g Hb · h)] with a lower limit of quantification of 4 μmol/L [∼0.5 μmol/(g Hb · h)]. With IMP-enriched samples, within- and between-day imprecision was ≤3.6% and ≤4.9%, respectively, and the inaccuracy was ≤5.2%. With pooled erythrocytes, within- and between-day imprecision was 3.8% and 7.5%, respectively. ITPA activity in 130 healthy controls was between &lt;0.5 and 408 μmol IMP/(g Hb · h). Mutant allele frequencies were 0.062 (94C&gt;A) and 0.131 (IVS2 + 21A&gt;C). When we used a cutoff of 125 μmol IMP/(g Hb · h), phenotyping detected all 94C&gt;A mutant cases, all 94C&gt;A and IVS2 + 21A&gt;C compound heterozygotes, all IVS2 + 21A&gt;C homozygotes, and 6 of 24 IVS2 + 21A&gt;C heterozygote-only cases. A novel IVS2 + 68T&gt;C mutation was also found.Conclusions: The HPLC procedure provides an excellent ITPA phenotype-genotype correlation and led to the discovery of a novel IVS2 + 68T&gt;C mutation. The method could facilitate investigation of the role of ITPA activity for drug toxicity during thiopurine therapy.
STEC-EPEC Oligonucleotide Microarray: A New Tool for Typing Genetic Variants of the LEE Pathogenicity Island of Human and Animal Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) Strains
Authors: Garrido Patricia , Blanco Miguel , Moreno-Paz Mercedes , Briones Carlos , Dahbi Ghizlane , Blanco Jesús , Blanco Jorge , Parro Víctor 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground: Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) are important emerging pathogens that can cause a severe and sometimes fatal illness. Differentiation of eae, tir, espA, espD, and espB gene variants of the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island represents an important tool for typing in routine diagnostics as well as in pathogenesis, epidemiologic, clonal, and immunologic studies.Methods: Type-specific oligonucleotide microarrays and a PCR scheme were designed and constructed for the detection and typing of genetic variants of the LEE genes. Oligonucleotide probes were tested for their specificity against the corresponding type strain by microarray hybridization using fluorescent DNA, either PCR-amplified (single, multiplex, long-range), chromosomal, or amplified chromosomal DNA.Results: The PCR scheme and the oligonucleotide microarray allowed us to distinguish 16 variants (α1, α2, β1, β2, γ1, γ2/θ, δ/κ, ε, ζ, η, ι, λ, μ, ν, ξ, ο) of the eae gene, 4 variants (α1, β1, γ1, γ2/θ) of the tir gene, 4 variants (α1, β1, β2, γ1) of the espA gene, 3 variants (α1, β1, γ1) of the espB gene, and 3 variants (α1, β1, γ1) of the espD gene. We found a total of 12 different combinations of tir, espA, espB, and espD genes among the 25 typed strains.Conclusions: The PCR scheme and the oligonucleotide microarray described are effective tools to rapidly screen multiple virulence genes and their variants in E. coli strains isolated from human and animal infections. The results demonstrate the great genetic diversity among LEE genes of human and animal STEC and EPEC strains.
Fast and Efficient Determination of Arginine, Symmetric Dimethylarginine, and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Biological Fluids by Hydrophilic-Interaction Liquid Chromatography–Electrospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Martens-Lobenhoffer Jens , Bode-Böger Stefanie M 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground: Nitric oxide is synthesized from the amino acid Arg by the enzyme endothelial nitric oxide synthase, which is competitively inhibited by the arginine metabolite asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). In this way, increased concentrations of ADMA lead to reduced nitric oxide production associated with a range of cardiac diseases. Research in this field requires the measurement of Arg and of ADMA and its closely related substance, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA).Methods: We quantified Arg, ADMA, and SDMA in human plasma, human urine, and cell culture supernatant by HPLC–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Sample preparation required only protein precipitation. Separation was by liquid chromatography on a 150 × 3 mm silica column with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of water–acetonitrile–trifluoroacetic acid–propionic acid (10:90:0.025:1 by volume). The chromatographic run time was 7 min.Results: The chromatograms were interference-free in all matrices. In the low-concentration quality-control samples, the interassay CVs in plasma were 4.7% for Arg, 7.7% for ADMA, and 4.9% for SDMA. Similar values were obtained in urine and cell culture supernatants. The calibration functions were linear and covered the ranges of healthy and pathologic samples.Conclusion: The new method requires neither derivatization nor complete chromatographic separation between ADMA and SDMA for quantification of the 3 metabolites, has calibration functions that are independent of the sample matrix, and provides measured concentrations that agree with those reported in the literature.
Increased Plasma Markers of Oxidative Stress Are Associated with Coronary Heart Disease in Males with Diabetes Mellitus and with 10-Year Risk in a Prospective Sample of Males
Authors: Stephens Jeffrey W , Gable David R , Hurel Steven J , Miller George J , Cooper Jackie A , Humphries Steve E 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground: Increased oxidative stress is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD). We examined the association between plasma markers of oxidative stress and CHD in a cross-sectional sample of patients with diabetes and prospective CHD risk in a sample of men predominantly without diabetes.Methods: Plasma total antioxidant status (TAOS) and the ratio of oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) to LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) were determined in a cross-section of 761 Caucasian individuals with diabetes (UDACS study). Plasma TAOS was also determined in 310 baseline samples from a 10-year prospective cohort of 3012 healthy males (NPHSII).Results: Within UDACS, males with CHD had lower mean (SD) plasma TAOS [no CHD, 43.4 (13.2)%; CHD, 40.3 (13.8)%; P = 0.04]. The prevalence of CHD was higher in the lowest compared with the upper quartiles (32.7% vs 19.7%; P = 0.004). We observed a significant association between plasma Ox-LDL:LDL-C and CHD status [no CHD vs CHD, 16.9 (3.1) vs 19.3 (5.0) units/mmol; P = 0.04], with the prevalence of CHD being higher among men in the upper compared with lower quartiles (18.4% vs 35.1%; P = 0.003). No association was observed in females. In NPHSII, TAOS was lower in those who developed CHD [35.1 (8.0)% vs 37.1 (7.9)%; P = 0.04]. The odds ratio for CHD in the lowest compared with the upper quartile was 1.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.99–3.70; P = 0.04). This remained unchanged after adjustment for classic risk factors.Conclusions: A cross-sectional and prospective association exists between baseline plasma measures of oxidative stress and CHD risk. The association with prospective CHD risk remained after adjustment for “traditional” risk factors, implying an independent role for oxidative stress in CHD risk.
Detection of Alternatively Spliced Transcripts in Leukemia Cell Lines by Minisequencing on Microarrays
Authors: Milani Lili , Fredriksson Mona , Syvänen Ann-Christine 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Background: Recent genome-wide expression studies suggest that ∼80% of the 25 000 human genes undergo alternative splicing. Alternative splicing may be associated with human diseases, particularly with cancer, but the molecular disease mechanisms are poorly understood. Convenient, novel methods for multiplexed detection of alternatively spliced transcripts are needed.
Methods: We devised a new approach for detecting splice variants based on a tag-microarray minisequencing system, originally developed for genotyping single-nucleotide polymorphisms. We established the system for multiplexed detection of 61 alternatively spliced transcripts in a panel of 19 cancer-related genes and used it to dissect the splicing patterns in cancer and endothelial cells.
Results: Our microarray system detected 82% of the splice variants screened for, including both simple and complex splice variants, in at least 1 of the leukemia cell types analyzed. The intraassay CV values for our method ranged from 0.01 to 0.34 (mean, 0.13) for 5 replicate measurements. Our system allowed semiquantitative comparison of the splicing patterns between the cell lines. Similar, but not identical, patterns of alternative splicing were observed among the leukemia cell lines. Size analysis of the PCR products subjected to the tag-array minisequencing system and real-time PCR with exon-junction probes verified the results from the microarray system.
Conclusions: The microarray-based method is a robust and easily accessible tool for parallel detection of alternatively spliced transcripts of multiple genes. It can be used for studying alternative splicing in cancer progression and for following up drug treatment, and it may be a useful tool in clinical diagnostics for cancer and other disorders.
The Case for a Voluntary National Healthcare Identifier
Authors: Hieb BR 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
This paper describes a proposed system to create a voluntary national healthcare identification (VNHID) system for the United States. This system would be implemented in addition to the national linkage mechanisms currently being proposed as part of a national health information network. It will provide demonstrable improvements in the privacy, security, and efficiency of the system. It would also eliminate a significant set of errors inherent in the currently proposed health information linkage system. The proposed VNHID system is able to meet the vast majority of the objections that have previously been raised concerning a national healthcare identifier on the basis of privacy concerns. The system has the potential to be implemented rapidly and would not require the development of a national consensus prior to implementation.
Story of MEGADAC 200: Keeping 200-Channel Legacy Data Acquisition Hardware Running by Developing a New Software Interface
Authors: Kalny O , Peterman RJ , Huang C 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
This paper deals with a 16-bit 200-channel legacy data acquisition system from the 1980s—megadac 200. megadac is controlled by ASCII strings originating from the host computer connected via a serial (RS-232) port. The original software package for megadac was written in basic and runs only in the dos operating system on an Intel 386 processor, because of memory addressing issues. To interface megadac from a modern computer, a new software interface [Object Oriented Blue Box (oobluebox)] was created using the C++ programming language. This paper describes details of object oriented implementation, architecture of the graphical user interface, and other implementation details including communication with the port. oobluebox enables one to define and calibrate internally energized strain gage sensors and externally energized sensors with voltage output, set up experiment tables for multichannel data acquisition, and perform data acquisition. Several special features, such as channel calibration and run-time plotting were also introduced.
Expression and immunolocalization of the calpain–calpastatin system during parthenogenetic activation and fertilization in the rat egg
Authors: Haim K , Ben-Aharon I , Shalgi R 
Published: December 2005

Calpastatin is an intrinsic intracellular inhibitor of calpain, a Ca2+-dependent thiol protease. The calpain–calpastatin system constitutes one functional proteolytic unit whose presence and function has already been investigated in various cell types, but not in the egg. We have previously shown that calpain is expressed in rat eggs and is activated upon egg activation. The present study was designed to investigate the calpain–calpastatin interplay throughout the process.
Western blot analysis revealed two main calpastatin isoforms, the erythrocyte type (77 kDa) and the muscle tissue type (110 kDa). By immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we demonstrated that the 110 kDa calpastatin was localized at the membrane area and highly abundant at the meiotic spindle in eggs at the first and second meiotic divisions. The 77 kDa calpastatin isoform appeared to be localized as a cortical sphere of clusters. The 110kDa calpastatin and β-tubulin have both been localized to the spindle of metaphase II eggs, both being scattered all through the cytoplasm following spindle disruption by nocodazole treatment, implying a dynamic interaction between calpastatin and microtubule elements. Upon egg activation, membranous calpastatin translocated to the cortex whereas cortical millimolar (m)-calpain shifted towards the membrane. Spindle calpastatin and calpain remained static.
We suggest that calpastatin serves as a regulator of m-calpain. The counter translocation of m-calpain and calpastatin could serve as a means of calpain escape from calpastatin inhibition and may reflect a step in the process of calpain activation, throughout egg activation, that is required for calpain to exert its proteolytic activity.
The Effects of Genotype-Dependent Recombination, and Transmission Asymmetry, on Linkage Disequilibrium
Authors: Hellenthal Garrett , Pritchard Jonathan K , Stephens Matthew 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
A recent sperm-typing study by Jeffreys and Neumann suggested that recombination rates in different individuals at the DNA2 recombination hotspot appeared to be highly dependent on their genotype at a particular A/G SNP, FG11. Specifically, individuals who carried at least one copy of the A allele at this SNP exhibited rates of crossover considerably higher than those of individuals with no copies. Further, recombinant sperm from heterozygous individuals showed a preferential tendency to carry the G allele. We consider the effects of these phenomena on patterns of linkage disequilibrium and find them to be more subtle than might have been expected. In particular, our analysis suggests that, perhaps surprisingly, patterns of LD among chromosomes carrying the “hot” allele (in this case, A) will typically be similar to those among chromosomes carrying the “cold” allele (G).