bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EDFA gain flattening using phase‐shifted long‐period grating
Authors: Zhu Yinian , Shum Ping , Lu Chao , Lacquet Beatrys M. , Swart Pieter L. , Spammer Stephanus J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA novel device using a phase‐shifted long‐period grating cascaded with one normal long‐period grating is designed to flatten the gain spectrum of EDFAs with all of three gain peaks. The experimental results show that the 3‐dB bandwidth of flattened EDFA is 46 nm, and gain peak‐to‐peak is approximately 0.9 dB. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 153–157, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10853
Real‐time changes of the local vasoactive peptide systems (angiotensin, endothelin) in the bovine corpus luteum after induced luteal regression
Authors: Schams Dieter , Berisha Bajram , Neuvians Tanja , Amselgruber Werner , Kraetzl Wolf‐Dieter 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThere is evidence that angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) may interact in an additive or synergistic way during luteal regression. The aim of the study was to investigate real time changes in luteal tissue of angiotensin and endothelin system members in mRNA expression, tissue concentrations, tissue localization, and ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) antagonist application after prostaglandin F2α (PG) induced (days 8–12) luteal regression in cow. Corpora lutea (CL) were collected by transvaginal ovaryectomy before and 2, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 64 hr (n = 5/time point) after PG injection. ACE mRNA expression (RT‐PCR) increased continuously and peaked at 12, 24 hr; ECE‐1 (endothelin converting enzyme) peaked at 12 hr, and both peptides in tissue (Ang II and ET‐1) increased significantly and peaked at 24 hr. The expression of receptors for Ang II (AT1R and AT2R) did not change in contrast to ET receptors (ETR‐A and ETR‐B), which were up‐regulated. Localization in tissue revealed very weak staining for Ang II and ET‐1 before PG application followed by a clear increase of staining predominantly in large luteal cells, but also in endothelial cells. In two experiments, the attempt was made to block ACE by the antagonist captopril with two different doses. In both experiments with captopril, progesterone levels were not significantly different from controls. Ang II alone seems to be not essential for functional luteolysis in bovine system. In conclusion, the results suggest that both Ang II and ET‐1 are in parallel up‐regulated during luteal regression and may act as vasoconstrictors during functional luteolysis, but also as apoptosis inducer during functional/structural luteolysis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 65: 57–66, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coactivator CBP in the regulation of conceptus IFNτ gene transcription
Authors: Xu Ningchun , Takahashi Yuji , Matsuda Fuko , Sakai Senkiti , Christenson Ronald K. , Imakawa Kazuhiko 
Published: March 2003

AbstractStudies of ovine interferon‐tau (oIFNτ) gene regulation, an anti‐luteolytic factor produced by conceptuses of the ruminant ungulates, have been carried out, but a definitive mechanism for its spatial‐temporal transcription has not been elucidated. Recently, specific binding regions for transcription factors AP‐1 and Ets‐2 on the oIFNτ gene were identified; however, a molecular mechanism by which these factors regulate oIFNτ gene transcription has not been characterized. In the present study, we investigated the potential relationship between AP‐1 and Ets‐2, and their association with a coactivator, cAMP‐response element binding protein‐binding protein (CBP), on oIFNτ gene transcription in a transient transfection system using human choriocarcinoma JEG3 cells. The oIFNτ gene promoter/enhancer (−654 to + 1 bases, wild type)‐luciferase reporter construct (pGL3‐654) or its mutant at the AP‐1 or Ets‐2 site was cotransfected with CBP (pRc/RSV‐CBP) construct along with c‐jun, c‐fos, and/or Ets‐2 expression plasmid. CBP enhanced transcription of the wild type oIFNτ‐reporter construct; however, this coactivator had no effect on the oIFNτ‐reporter construct with mutated AP‐1 or Ets‐2 site. Cotransfection of CBP with c‐jun and/or Ets‐2, but not with c‐fos, further increased oIFNτ gene transactivation although amounts of c‐jun and c‐fos expression, resulting from expression vectors, were similar. In addition, CBP inhibitor adenovirus 12S E1A (E1A), but not the mutant of E1A without CBP binding domain (Δ2‐36), suppressed oIFNτ gene transcription. These observations suggest that c‐jun and Ets‐2 are the most probable binding partners for CBP in the potentiation of oIFNτ gene transcription. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 65: 23–29, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inflammatory myopathies: Clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects
Authors: Mastaglia Frank L. , Garlepp Michael J. , Phillips Beverley A. , Zilko Paul J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe three major forms of immune‐mediated inflammatory myopathy are dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), and inclusion‐body myositis (IBM). They each have distinctive clinical and histopathologic features that allow the clinician to reach a specific diagnosis in most cases. Magnetic resonance imaging is sometimes helpful, particularly if the diagnosis of IBM is suspected but has not been formally evaluated. Myositis‐specific antibodies are not helpful diagnostically but may be of prognostic value; most antibodies have low sensitivity. Muscle biopsy is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis of an inflammatory myopathy and to allow unusual varieties such as eosinophilic, granulomatous, and parasitic myositis, and macrophagic myofasciitis, to be recognized. The treatment of the inflammatory myopathies remains largely empirical and relies upon the use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and intravenous immunoglobulin, all of which have nonselective effects on the immune system. Further controlled clinical trials are required to evaluate the relative efficacy of the available therapeutic modalities particularly in combinations, and of newer immunosuppressive agents (mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus) and cytokine‐based therapies for the treatment of resistant cases of DM, PM, and IBM. Improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms of muscle injury in the inflammatory myopathies should lead to the development of more specific forms of immunotherapy for these conditions. Muscle Nerve 27:407–425, 2003
Dysmyelinating sensory‐motor neuropathy in merosin‐deficient congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Di Muzio A. , De Angelis M.V. , Di Fulvio P. , Ratti A. , Pizzuti A. , Stuppia L. , Gambi D. , Uncini A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA 20‐year‐old man with mild myopathy, external ophthalmoparesis, epilepsy, and diffuse white matter hyperintensity in the brain on magnetic resonance imaging had partial merosin deficiency in muscle and absent merosin in the endoneurium. Motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities were slow. Nerve biopsy showed reduction of large myelinated fibers, short internodes, enlarged nodes, excessive variability of myelin thickness, tomacula, and uncompacted myelin, but no evidence of segmental demyelination, naked axons, or onion bulbs. Thus, in congenital muscular dystrophy, merosin expression may be dissociated in different tissues, and the neuropathy is sensory‐motor and due to abnormal myelinogenesis. Muscle Nerve 27:
500–506, 2003
Dysfunction at the motor end‐plate and axon membrane in Guillain–Barré syndrome: A single‐fiber EMG study
Authors: Spaans Frank , Vredeveld Jan‐Willem , Morré Humphrey H.E. , Jacobs Bart C. , De Baets Marc H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn nine patients with Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), stimulation single‐fiber electromyography (SFEMG) and serological studies were performed in the acute stage of the illness. Increased jitter and intermittent blocking of muscle fiber action potentials occurred to a varying degree in all patients. Five patients had elevated titers of antiganglioside antibodies. The most remarkable EMG phenomenon was the occurrence in all patients of impulse blocking at normal or slightly increased jitter. The assumption that this phenomenon was due to an axolemmal dysfunction was confirmed by the occurrence in two patients of concomitant blocking of two muscle fiber action potentials at strictly normal jitter values. In one patient this sign of axonal dysfunction was demonstrated with SFEMG at voluntary activation. In another patient, concomitant blocking was associated with greatly increased but completely independent jitter of both components. The results of this study show that both a disorder of neuromuscular transmission and an axolemmal dysfunction play a role in the pathophysiology of GBS. Muscle Nerve 27: 426–434, 2003
IgG from patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channels
Authors: Krampfl K. , Mohammadi B. , Buchwald B. , Jahn K. , Dengler R. , Toyka K.V. , Bufler J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies block neuromuscular transmission pre‐ and postsynaptically and thus are of potential pathogenic relevance. We investigated whether IgG from GBS patients has a direct interaction with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channels. Purified IgG fractions from six GBS patients that blocked neuromuscular transmission in a previous study were analyzed by the patch‐clamp technique in combination with an ultrafast system for solution exchange. Sera from three patients with other inflammatory neurological disorders were used as controls. Mouse myotubes expressing native embryonic‐type nAChR channels and human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells transiently transfected with recombinant adult‐type nAChR channels were used. Repeated 20‐ms pulses of acetylcholine (ACh) were applied to outside‐out patches in the presence of GBS‐IgG. IgG of the patients had a significant reversible blocking action on embryonic‐ and adult‐type nAChR channels with some variability in the magnitude of the block. Activation and desensitization kinetics were not affected when GBS‐IgG was applied. None of the control sera blocked the AChR channels. The observed postsynaptic block effect fulfills the criteria of a channel‐blocking IgG antibody similar to those seen in autoimmune myasthenia and may contribute to muscle weakness during the acute phase of GBS. Muscle Nerve 27:435–441, 2003
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy in diabetic patients
Authors: Haq Rizwan U. , Pendlebury William W. , Fries Timothy J. , Tandan Rup 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis retrospective analysis was undertaken to determine whether a subset of diabetic patients with demyelinating polyneuropathy were similar to patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Ten patients meeting the clinical criteria for idiopathic CIDP were compared to nine patients with diabetes and demyelinating polyneuropathy. The diabetic patients with demyelinating polyneuropathy displayed clinical, electrophysiologic, and histologic features that were similar to those in CIDP patients. All six patients with diabetes and demyelinating polyneuropathy who were treated with immunomodulatory therapy showed a favorable response. Our study highlights the importance of investigating diabetic patients with polyneuropathy in an attempt to identify patients with demyelinating polyneuropathy, because of the likelihood of benefit in these patients from immunomodulatory treatment. Muscle Nerve 27: 465–470, 2003
Modelling of a snowpack in interaction with a flexible structure using a coupled Lagrangian‐discrete approach
Authors: Nicot François , Gagliardini Olivier , Boutillier Benoît 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe search to improve protective techniques against natural phenomena such as snow avalanches continues to use classic methods to calculate flexible structures. This paper deals with a new method for designing avalanche protection nets; this method is based on a coupled analysis of both the net structure and the snow mantel using a coupled Lagrangian‐discrete approach. This has led to the development of computational software so that avalanche nets can be easily designed. This tool provides for the evolving forces acting on several parts of the net as a function of the snow situation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solving linear initial value problems by Faber polynomials
Authors: Novati P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn this paper we use the theory of Faber polynomials for solving N‐dimensional linear initial value problems. In particular, we use Faber polynomials to approximate the evolution operator creating the so‐called exponential integrators. We also provide a consistence and convergence analysis. Some tests where we compare our methods with some Krylov exponential integrators are finally shown. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An algorithm to simulate surface creation without element deletion or remeshing
Authors: Gerken J. M. , Bennett J. G. , Smith F. W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractOne of the major obstacles to modelling discrete fracture and fragmentation of materials within the finite element (FE) framework is the inability to easily model the resulting geometry changes. This paper presents an algorithm for three‐dimensional element cohesion and separation implemented in the explicit FE code DYNA3D. The algorithm handles mesh definition and solution difficulties necessary for general element separation with minimal additional effort required of the user.The algorithm modifies the standard mesh definition so that element separation does not require remeshing. The original continuity of the structure is maintained by averaging the nodal accelerations for each coincident node set then applying this average acceleration to each of the nodes in the set. When specified failure criteria for an interface are met, averaging is no longer performed, thereby allowing the coincident nodes to separate and create new surface. The new surface can be automatically incorporated in the contact definition so that the contact of these new surfaces is modelled using the same contact considerations of the original FE model.Following a discussion of historical and current FE fracture/fragmentation models, the general framework of the algorithm is presented. Also, results are presented which show that the algorithm simulates surface creation in a variety of simulations. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison between 2‐day and 10‐day MPTP treatment modalities in the mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kim Kisok , Kim Chang Ok , Huh Youngbuhm , Ahn Byeongwoo , Han Beom Seok , Choi Kwang Sik 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe employed a novel regimen of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) treatment to produce a Parkinson's disease (PD) animal model demonstrating typical Parkinsonian symptoms. In order to compare the effects of the different durations of MPTP treatment (daily intraperitoneal injections of 30 mg/kg MPTP for 2 or 10 days), the numbers and distribution patterns of tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive (TH‐ir) neurons and fibers were examined in the substantia nigral and stiatal brain regions of C57/B16 mice. The mean numbers of TH‐ir neurons in the substantia nigra were significantly lower (57.3% and 48.1%) than the numbers in the saline‐treated controls after 2 and 10 days of MPTP treatment, respectively. Furthermore, the optical density of the TH‐ir fibers in the striatum was reduced by 9.8% and 14.1% after 2‐ and 10‐day treatments, respectively. However, the reduction in numbers of TH‐ir neurons in the substantia nigra and striatum was not significantly different between the 2‐day and 10‐day treatment groups. Yet, it seems that only the 10‐day treatment regimen exceeded the threshold of motor deficits. Thus, chronic MPTP treatment appears to be required to mirror the pathophysiological characteristics of Parkinsonism.
Numerical density of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus of 4 and 20 week old male and female rats
Authors: Kaplan S. , Rağbetli M. Ç. , Canan S. , Sahin B. , Marangoz C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA study designed to investigate how the cellular laterality in rosto‐caudal direction changes due to age and sex was presented. It is a well‐known fact that asymmetry is an important issue in understanding brain functions. Frontal sections of 5 µm thickness with 200 µm intervals were taken from both dorsal hippocampi of 4‐ and 20‐week‐old male and female rats. Sections were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin and the levels of sections were determined according to a stereotaxic atlas. In each level, numerical density of pyramidal cells of the right and left area CA1, CA3 and CA4 of dorsal hippocampi were estimated by means of counting pyramidal cells under 10 × 40 magnification. Numerical cell density obtained from the right and left dorsal hippocampi of male and female rats were compared. Results are as follows: 1) Numerical cell density in the left and right dorsal hippocampi of 20‐week female rats was not high than 4‐week female dorsal hippocampi (p>0.05). 2) Difference between 4‐week old female and male dorsal hippocampi of right and left CA1, CA3 and CA4 areas were not raised a significant level (p>0.05). Differences between 20‐week‐old group of male and female rats with the exception of female CA4 area were not also significant. 3) Right and left dorsal hippocampi CA4 areas of the 20‐week‐old group showed a higher numerical density than the same area of the 4‐week‐old group (p<0.007). This difference may show a postnatal neurogenesis in area CA4. The results, which are summarized above, may be helpful in understanding the mechanisms of human brains.
Wirkstoffe und Wirkprinzipien: Angriffspunkt Ergosterolbiosynthese
Authors: Bracher Franz 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDie Ergosterolbiosynthese ist die „Achillesferse”︁ von Pilzen und Hefen. Drei wichtige Klassen von Antimykotika sind Inhibitoren unterschiedlicher Enzyme der Ergosterolbiosynthese: Die Azole als Inhibitoren der Lanosterol‐14α‐demethylase sind die größte und umsatzstärkste Klasse. Diese Breitspektrum‐Antimykotika haben jedoch auf Grund ihrer Interaktion mit Häm‐abhängigen Enzymen bei systemischer Gabe ein hohes Interaktionspotenzial. Die Allylamine hemmen selektiv die Squalenepoxidase von Pilzen, das Morpholin Amorolfin hemmt mit der Δ14‐Reduktase und der Δ8, Δ7‐Isomerase zwei verschiedene Enzyme der Ergosterolbiosynthese.Durch Analyse des Sterolmusters eines Modellkeims nach Inkubation mit Inhibitoren lassen sich die Zielenzyme eindeutig identifizieren.
Neue Antimykotika: Ein Silberstreif am Horizont
Authors: Schäfer‐Korting Monika , Holzgrabe Ulrike 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn der nahen bzw. mittleren Zukunft ist die Zulassung weiterer Azole der 2. Generation sowie von weiteren Glucansynthase‐Inhibitoren zu erwarten. Auch Inhibitoren der Chitinsynthese sind Gegenstand der aktuellen Antimykotikaentwicklung.
Congenital limb deficiencies in newborn infants: prevalence, characteristics and prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Makhoul I. R. , Goldstein I. , Smolkin T. , Avrahami R. , Sujov Polo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCongenital limb deficiency (CLD) occurs in 0.54 to 0.59/1000 live‐born infants and varies according to its anatomic location, type and cause. Our aim was to present a fetus with a prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of CLD (transverse reduction deficiency of the left upper limb), and to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of CLD at a tertiary medical centre in Israel. Among 78 500 live‐born infants, there were 24 cases of CLD (0.31/1000): 45.8% of the CLD cases with affected upper limbs, 45.8% with affected lower limbs, and 8.4% with both limbs affected; 88.4% of the limb deficiencies were longitudinal and 11.6% were transverse; and, 33.3% (8/24) of the affected newborn infants had additional congenital anomalies. We conclude that CLD is not an infrequent finding in live‐born infants. Comprehensive ultrasonography of the fetus allows early prenatal diagnosis of CLD and provides the parents with important information and helps them in their decision regarding the fate of the pregnancy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bose‐Einstein‐Kondensation mit Cäsium
Authors: Weber Tino , Herbig Jens , Mark Michael , Nägerl Hanns‐Christoph 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSeit der ersten Erzeugung eines Bose‐Einstein‐Kondensates (BEC) vor einigen Jahren konnten nur wenige weitere atomare Spezies in diesen Materiezustand versetzt werden. Physikern an der Universität Innsbruck ist dies nun erstmals mit Cäsium gelungen [1]. Cäsium zeigt ein exotisches Wechselwirkungsverhalten, das neuartige Experimente in Kondensaten ermöglicht.
Coole Eisenräder
Authors: Waldmann Oliver 
Published: March 2003

AbstractKühlen durch adiabatisches Entmagnetisieren ist eine klassische Methode, um Temperaturen von wenigen Millikelvin zu erreichen. In kleinen, ringförmigen magnetischen Molekülen, so genannten Eisenrädern, beobachteten Physiker an der Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg auch den umgekehrten Effekt: Abkühlung durch Erhöhen des Magnetfeldes. Dies ermöglicht neue Einblicke in die Physik molekularer Nanomagnete [1].
Antike Gläser und versteinertes Elfenbein: Röntgenanalyse in der Kunst
Authors: Reiche Ina , Radtke Martin , Brouder Christian 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPhysikalische Methoden der Archäometrie liefern den Kunsthistorikern und Archäologen wichtige Informationen. Materialspezifische Größen geben Aufschluss über Alter, Authentizität, Herkunft und Herstellungstechniken sowie Alterserscheinungen von Gegenständen. Insbesondere die Röntgenanalyse hat in jüngster Zeit wertvolle Beiträge hierzu geliefert. Dabei spannt sich ein weiter Bogen von den Mysterien ägyptischer Augenschminke über die Herstellungstechnik römischer Gläser bis zur Authentizitätsuntersuchung mittelalterlicher Silberstiftzeichnungen.
On the theory of radical depolymerization: A rigorous solution
Authors: Yashin V. V. , Isayev A. I. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA rigorous solution to a model of radical depolymerization is presented. The model includes random chain scission, depropagation, radical transfer, and first‐order radical termination. The evolution of the molecular weight distribution in the course of depolymerization has been determined under the condition that the initial polymer is characterized by Flory's distribution. The kinetic equations consider the presence of chains with two radicalized ends, which are usually neglected. The commonly used simplifying assumption of the steady‐state radical concentration is not employed, and this makes the obtained results valid at any ratios between the rate constants. The predictions of the steady‐state approximation are compared to those of the rigorous approach in the case of depolymerization accompanied by volatilization of monomeric species. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 965–982, 2003
Quantitative theory of living free‐radical polymerization. III. Calculation of copolymerization products' spinodal
Authors: Zharnikov Timur , Yakovlev Alexander , Kuchanov Semion 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe problem of finding conditions of the loss of thermodynamic stability by the reaction system was solved on the basis of the developed theory of living free‐radical copolymerization. The spinodal's calculations were carried out for a significant number of systems differing in the values of kinetic, stoichiometric, and thermodynamic parameters. Analysis of the results of such calculations revealed some regularities in the spinodal curves' behavior and permitted us to classify their possible topological types. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 892–902, 2003