bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wavelet Derivative: Application in Multicomponent Analysis of Electrochemical Signals
Authors: Zhang Xiuqi , Jin Jiye 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe wavelet derivative was developed for resolving overlapped signals in electrochemical analysis. It has been shown that the wavelet derivative could be used as an effective tool in resolution enhancement of the electrochemical signals. Since signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) does not degrade significantly at high order derivatives, the wavelet derivative is much better than the conventional numerical derivative in resolving practical signals with low SNR, particularly in the case when the overlapped degree of complex is high and high order derivatives are required for the further resolution enhancement. In this article, applications of the wavelet derivative in the voltammetric determination of small mounts of substances in the presence of large mounts of potentially interfering species are presented, and the advantages of this technique are discussed as well.
Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine and Ascorbic Acid at an In‐Site Functionalized Self‐Assembled Monolayer on Gold Electrode
Authors: Zhang Lei , Jia Jianbo , Zou Xiangqin , Dong Shaojun 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe in‐site functionalization of 4‐aminothiophenol (4‐ATP) self‐assembled monolayer on gold electrode at physiological pH yields a redox active monolayer of 4′‐mercapto‐N‐phenylquinone diimine (MNPD). The functionalized electrode exhibits excellent electrocatalytic responses towards dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA), reducing the overpotentials by about 0.22 V and 0.34 V, respectively, with greatly enhanced current responses. Due to its different catalytic activities toward DA and AA, the modified electrode resolves the overlapping voltammetric responses of DA and AA into two well‐defined voltammetric peaks by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), which can be used for the simultaneous determination of these species in a mixture. The catalytic peak current obtained from DPV was linearly related to DA and AA concentration in the ranges of 5.0×10−6−1.25×10−4 M and 8.0×10−6−1.3×10−4 M with correlation coefficient of 0.999 and 0.998, respectively. The detective limits (3σ) for DA and AA were found to be 1.2×10−6 M and 2.4×10−6 M, respectively. The modified electrode shows good sensitivity, selectivity and stability, and has been applied to the determination of DA and AA simultaneously in samples with satisfactory results.
Behavior of moment‐resisting frame structures subjected to near‐fault ground motions
Authors: Alavi Babak , Krawinkler Helmut 
Published: April 2004

AbstractNear‐fault ground motions impose large demands on structures compared to ‘ordinary’ ground motions. Recordings suggest that near‐fault ground motions with ‘forward’ directivity are characterized by a large pulse, which is mostly orientated perpendicular to the fault. This study is intended to provide quantitative knowledge on important response characteristics of elastic and inelastic frame structures subjected to near‐fault ground motions. Generic frame models are used to represent MDOF structures. Near‐fault ground motions are represented by equivalent pulses, which have a comparable effect on structural response, but whose characteristics are defined by a small number of parameters. The results demonstrate that structures with a period longer than the pulse period respond very differently from structures with a shorter period. For the former, early yielding occurs in higher stories but the high ductility demands migrate to the bottom stories as the ground motion becomes more severe. For the latter, the maximum demand always occurs in the bottom stories. Preliminary regression equations are proposed that relate the parameters of the equivalent pulse to magnitude and distance. The equivalent pulse concept is used to estimate the base shear strength required to limit story ductility demands to specific target values. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic structural control using an electric servomotor active mass driver system
Authors: Lee Chien‐Liang , Wang Yen‐Po 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis study investigates an electric‐type active mass driver (AMD) system for structural vibration control. Composed primarily of an electric servomotor and a ball screw, the electrical AMD system is free from noise problems, oil leakage, and labor‐intensive maintenance that commonly are associated with hydraulic AMD systems. The desired stroke amplification of the mass and the power demand of the servomotor can be adjusted via the ball screw pitch, which in turn affects the effectiveness and efficiency of the system. Meanwhile, an instantaneous optimal direct output feedback control algorithm is adopted. Numerical simulation is performed using a five‐story steel frame as the object structure under the conditions of the 1940 El Centro earthquake. The AMD system proves to be effective and efficient within a certain range of the ball screw pitch. The reductions of the peak responses can reach as high as 70% if properly designed. Requiring only the velocity measurement of the top floor for on‐line feedback control, the proposed control algorithm is recommended for practical implementation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Damage evaluation models of reinforced concrete buildings based on the damage statistics and simulated strong motions during the 1995 Hyogo‐ken Nanbu earthquake
Authors: Nagato Kenichiro , Kawase Hiroshi 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe have tried to estimate the yield shear strengths of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings based on the damage statistics in Kobe surveyed after the Hyogo‐ken Nanbu, Japan, earthquake of 1995 and the non‐linear response analyses for synthetic waveforms calculated from a complex seismic source and a three‐dimensional basin structure. First, a set of building models that represented the RC building stock in Kobe was constructed and plausible non‐linear multi‐degree‐of‐freedom models with four different numbers of stories were created based on the current seismic code and construction practice. For response analysis the damage criterion and the strength distribution should be assumed a priori. When the damage ratios for these standard models were calculated it was found that the damage ratios were so high that we had to increase the average yield strengths in order to match the calculated damage ratios to those observed. After searching the best models it was found that the estimated average yield strengths should be much higher than those based on the code, especially for low‐rise buildings. Using this set of building models we succeeded in reproducing the belt‐shaped area with high damage ratios in Kobe. One can apply the proposed methodology to different countries if there is enough damage data, strong motion records, and building statistics. If there is sparse damage data at several locations only, then our models can be adjusted to reproduce observed damage data and used for damage prediction as a first‐order approximation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blood T‐cell Vβ transcriptome in melanoma patients
Authors: Degauque Nicolas , Schadendorf Dirk , Brouard Sophie , Guillet Marina , Sébille Fabien , Höhn Hanni , Pallier Annaïck , Ruiz Catherine , Dupont Alexandre , Chapin Stéphane , Hofmann Udo , Maeurer Markus , Soulillou Jean‐Paul 
Published: April 2004

AbstractTumor‐cells have been shown to elicit MHC‐restricted and antigen‐specific T‐cell responses. In this article, we used a new approach to study T‐cell responses in tumor‐bearing patients based on a global representation of the Vβ‐transcriptome, making it possible to grade CDR3‐length distribution (CDR3‐LD) alterations. Six patients with advanced melanoma disease, from whom blood samples were taken before and serially after tyrosinase‐A peptide vaccination, were studied. The PBMC from patients displayed highly significant Vβ transcriptome alterations as compared to healthy individuals. Similar Vβ alterations could be detected both in PBMCs and at the tumor site. After vaccination, Vβ alterations could also be observed by gauging individually their transcript level but not their cell‐surface expression. Some Vβ families exhibited high Vβ/HPRT transcript ratios (e.g., Vβ1), which represented up to 44% of the whole transcriptome, a situation that was not reflected by an increase in the percentage of T cells that expressed the corresponding protein and was not observed in normal individuals. In several instances, CDR3‐LD altered T cells exhibited MHC‐restricted and tumor‐specific IFNγ or GM‐CSF production. Finally, we show that the presence of a tumor and probably vaccination can affect Vβ transcriptome patterns and induce specific clones reactive to autologous tumor or vaccinating peptides. In combination with other methods, such an approach should help in identifying the clones actually involved in the response against the tumor. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BRCA1 mutations in South African breast and/or ovarian cancer families: Evidence of a novel founder mutation in Afrikaner families
Authors: Reeves Michelle D. , Yawitch Tali M. , van der Merwe Nerina C. , van den Berg Hester J. , Dreyer Greta , van Rensburg Elizabeth J. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractGerm‐line mutations within BRCA1 are responsible for different proportions of inherited susceptibility to breast/ovarian cancer, and the spectrum of mutations within this gene is often unique to certain populations. At this time, there have been no reports regarding the role of BRCA1 in South African breast and/or ovarian cancer families. We therefore screened 90 South African breast/ovarian cancer families for BRCA1 mutations by means of PCR‐based mutation detection assays. Eighteen families (20%) were identified with BRCA1 disease‐causing mutations. Four Ashkenazi Jewish families were identified with the 185delAG mutation, whereas 2 Afrikaner and 1 Ashkenazi Jewish family were found to harbor the 5382insC mutation. Five of the families (5.56%), all of whom are Afrikaners, were found to carry the novel E881X mutation. Genotype analyses show that these patients share a common ancestor. Genealogic studies have identified 3 possible founding couples for this mutation, all of whom arrived in the Cape from France in the late 1600s. Of the remaining mutations detected, 3 have not been reported previously and include the S451X, 1493delC (detected twice) and 4957insC mutations. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal monetary rules and internationalized production
Authors: Cavallari Lilia 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis paper explores the implications of international location of production for the optimal design of monetary policy in a framework that allows for price discrimination across international markets. By introducing multinational production in a dynamic open economy, the paper shows that optimal monetary rules do not react to foreign cyclical conditions. The paper further shows that non‐cooperative monetary rules cannot restore the flexible price allocation while international monetary cooperation can do so. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Political support for anti‐inflationary monetary policy
Authors: Di Gioacchino Debora , Ginebri Sergio , Sabani Laura 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe model a two‐party representative democracy with citizen‐candidate in which the leader is elected while the central‐banker is appointed by the leader. Assuming that fiscal policy is ‘more important’ than monetary policy, we show that, if some individuals who dislike inflation get organized in a lobby and offer campaign contribution to the party that proposes a zero‐inflation policy, then even if the majority of the population, as well as the majority of party‐members, favour inflation, no inflation results in equilibrium. The paper provides a political economy explanation of the role played by financial interest groups in providing political support to anti‐inflationary monetary policy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endothelial cell functions in vitro cultured on poly(L‐lactic acid) membranes modified with different methods
Authors: Zhu Yabin , Gao Changyou , Liu Yunxiao , Shen Jiacong 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe recently developed several methods to enhance the cell‐polymer interactions. Optimal conditions for each method have been revealed separately by in vitro cell culture. As a practical consideration for construction of tissue‐engineered organs, it is necessary to consider which is the most suitable and convenient in clinical applications. To compare the efficiency of these methods with respect to cell functions, poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) was selected as matrix being modified by 1) aminolysis (PLLA‐NH2), 2) collagen immobilization with GA (PLLA‐GA‐Col), 3) chondroitin sulfate (CS)/collagen layer‐by‐layer (LBL) assembly (PLLA‐CS/Col), 4) photo‐induced grafting copolymerization of hydrophilic methacrylic acid (MAA) (PLLA‐g‐PMAA), and 5) further immobilization of collagen with 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylamino propyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC) (PLLA‐g‐PMAA‐Col). The surface wettability of the modified PLLA was determined by water contact angle measurements. The cell response to the modified PLLA was quantitatively assessed and compared by using human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) culture. Our results indicate that all the modifications can improve the cytocompatibility of PLLA (e.g., cells can attach with spreading morphology, proliferate and secret vWF and 6‐keto‐PGF1α). All the collagen‐modified PLLA showed more positive cell response than those purely aminolyzed or PMAA grafted. Among all the methods, collagen immobilization by LBL assembly or GA bridging after aminolysis is more acceptable for the convenience and applicability to scaffolds. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 69A: 436–443, 2004
Focused beam reflectance technique for in situ particle sizing in wastewater treatment settling tanks
Authors: De Clercq Bob , Lant Paul A , Vanrolleghem Peter A 
Published: April 2004

AbstractDue to the complexities involved with measuring activated sludge floc size distributions, this parameter has largely been ignored by wastewater researchers and practitioners. One of the major reasons has been that instruments able to measure particle size distributions were complex, expensive and only provided off‐line measurements. The Focused Beam Reflectance Method (FBRM) is one of the rare techniques able to measure the particle size distribution in situ. This paper introduces the technique for monitoring wastewater treatment systems and compares its performance with other sizing techniques. The issue of the optimal focal point is discussed, and similar conclusions as found in the literature for other particulate systems are drawn. The study also demonstrates the capabilities of the FBRM in evaluating the performance of settling tanks. Interestingly, the floc size distributions did not vary with position inside the settling tank flocculator. This was an unexpected finding, and seriously questioned the need for a flocculator in the settling tank. It is conjectured that the invariable size distributions were caused by the unique combination of high solids concentration, low shear and zeolite dosing. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of microemulsions for removal of color and dyes from textile wastewater
Authors: de Castro Dantas Tereza Neuma , Beltrame Leocadia Terezinha Cordeiro , Neto Afonso Avelino Dantas , de Alencar Moura Maria Carlenise Paiva 
Published: April 2004

AbstractOne of the major environmental problems in the textile dyeing industry is the removal of color from effluents. The present study deals with color removal from effluents using microemulsions. The wastewater used in this study was the reactive exhausted dye liquor from a dyeing house containing Procion Yellow H‐E4R (CI Reactive Yellow 84), Procion Blue H‐ERD (CI Reactive Blue 160) and Procion Red H‐E3B (CI Reactive Red 120). Color removal was determined by CIE L*a*b* (CIELAB) color space, CIE L*a*b* color difference, ΔE*ab, and absorbance. Color removal greater than 95% was achieved, attaining values lower than the consent requirements established by the Environmental Agency. It was observed that pH is an important parameter in color removal and effluent pH correction from 10.44 to 9 before extraction improved results. The results obtained were modeled using the Scheffé net method and evaluated through the construction of isoresponse diagrams by correlation graphics between experimental values and those obtained through use of model equations, providing an experimental error of less than 2%. The optimized method very efficiently removed all dyes contained in the effluent. The same microemulsion phase recovered after the extraction process can be used at least a further 14 times and all the extractions gave good color removal. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Process integration of H2O2 generation and the ammoximation of cyclohexanone
Authors: Liang Xinhua , Mi Zhentao , Wang Yaquan , Wang Li , Zhang Xiangwen , Wu Wei , Min Enze , Fu Songbao 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe possibility of the integration of the processes of H2O2 generation through isopropanol partial oxidation and ammoximation of cyclohexanone with H2O2 and NH3 TS‐1 catalysed was investigated. The ammoximation of cyclohexanone over TS‐1 with isopropanol as solvent was first studied. The results show that isopropanol can be used as solvent, and the impurities in the H2O2 solution obtained through isopropanol oxidation with only acetone needing to be separated have no harmful effects on the ammoximation of cyclohexanone, suggesting that the process of H2O2 generation through isopropanol oxidation and the ammoximation of cyclohexanone could be directly integrated. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Genetic approaches and technologies for improving the sustainability of livestock production
Authors: Bishop Stephen C , Woolliams John A 
Published: April 2004

AbstractLivestock production industries worldwide face considerable conflicting challenges and pressures. In developed countries the challenge is to remain sustainable and competitive in the face of declining prices and increasing costs, competition and public pressures. In developing countries the strong increase in demand for livestock products must be met in circumstances where infrastructure is often minimal, there are limitations on inputs and the environment places demands on management and on the adaptive fitness of the livestock. In both situations, solutions to these problems must be sustainable and appropriate, yet be technically feasible, cost‐effective and publicly acceptable. This paper summarises the impact of two technologies that will make considerable contributions to sustainable livestock production systems, namely information technology and genetic technologies that utilise naturally occurring genetic variation. Genetic technologies are inherently sustainable owing to the permanent and cumulative nature of genetic change, and range from simple to sophisticated. They include breed choice, within‐breed selection and the use of genetic markers linked to gene variants conferring favourable attributes. Breeding goals include increased output, where required, enhanced product quality and increased disease resistance. These goals are illustrated by examples for the hill sheep and pig sectors in the UK and by challenges facing animal health in developing countries. Central to all examples is the gathering, management and interpretation of information, ie information technology, which enables rational genetic and management decisions to be made. Additionally, in all sustainable livestock production systems the maintenance and utilisation of biodiversity will help manage the risks of today as well as the challenges of the future. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
A survey of the fungal contamination and presence of ochratoxin A and zearalenone on Spanish feed and raw materials
Authors: Jaimez Judith , Fente Cristina A , Franco Carlos M , Cepeda Alberto , Vázquez Beatriz I 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe incidence of fungal contamination in 91 samples of feed and raw materials used for animal feeding in Spain has been studied. Sample analysis was accomplished in a new culture medium to which a beta‐cyclodextrin had been added, and a comparison with other more usual culture media was performed. Ochratoxin A (OTA) and zearalenone (ZEA) contamination of all the samples was evaluated by RP‐HPLC with fluorescence detection. The fungal genera found, such as Penicillium and Fusarium, included mycotoxigenic strains as OTA and ZEA (33.3 and 26.4% incidence respectively). One sample of corn and another of cotton seed were contaminated with levels of OTA above the 5 and/or 10 µg kg−1 recommended by the legislation of several European countries, whereas none of the samples contaminated with ZEA surpassed the legislation limits suggested by the official agencies. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Survival of mammalian B104 cells following neurite transection at different locations depends on somal Ca2+ concentration
Authors: Yoo Soonmoon , Bottenstein Jane E. , Bittner George D. , Fishman Harvey M. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe report that cell survival after neurite transection in a mammalian neuronal model (cultured B104 cells) critically depends on somal [Ca2+]i, a novel result that reconciles separate long‐standing observations that somal survival decreases with more‐proximal axonal transections and that increased somal Ca2+ is cytotoxic. Using fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrate that extracellular Ca2+ at the site of plasmalemmal transection is necessary to form a plasmalemmal barrier, and that other divalent ions (Ba2+, Mg2+) do not play a major role. We also show that extracellular Ca2+, rather than injury per se, initiates the formation of a plasmalemmal barrier and that a transient increase in somal [Ca2+]i significantly decreases the percentage of cells that survive neurite transection. Furthermore, we show that the increased somal [Ca2+]i and decreased cell survival following proximal transections are not due to less frequent or slower plasmalemmal sealing or Ca2+ entry through plasmalemmal Na+ and Ca2+ channels. Rather, the increased somal [Ca2+]i and lethality of proximal neurite injuries may be due to the decreased path length/increased diameter for Ca2+ entering the transection site to reach the soma. A ryanodine block of Ca2+ release from internal stores before transection has no effect on cell survival; however, a ryanodine‐ or thapsigargin‐induced buildup of somal [Ca2+]i before transection markedly reduces cell survival, suggesting a minor involvement of Ca2+‐induced release from internal stores. Finally, we show that cell survival following proximal injuries can be enhanced by increasing intracellular Ca2+ buffering capacity with BAPTA to prevent the increase in somal [Ca2+]i. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 60: 137–153, 2004