bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of decreased muscle activity on developing axial musculature innicb107mutant zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: van der Meulen T. , Schipper H. , van Leeuwen J. L. , Kranenbarg S. 
Published: September 2005

SUMMARYThe present paper discusses the effects of decreased muscle activity (DMA)on embryonic development in the zebrafish. Wild-type zebrafish embryos become mobile around 18 h post-fertilisation, long before the axial musculature is fully differentiated. As a model for DMA, the nicb107mutant was used. In nicb107 mutant embryos, muscle fibres are mechanically intact and able to contract, but neuronal signalling is defective and the fibres are not activated, rendering the embryos immobile. Despite the immobility, distinguished slow and fast muscle fibres developed at the correct location in the axial muscles, helical muscle fibre arrangements were detected and sarcomere architecture was generated. However, in nicb107 mutant embryos the notochord is flatter and the cross-sectional body shape more rounded, also affecting muscle fibre orientation. The stacking of sarcomeres and myofibril arrangement show a less regular pattern. Finally, expression levels of several genes were changed. Together, these changes in expression indicate that muscle growth is not impeded and energy metabolism is not changed by the decrease in muscle activity but that the composition of muscle is altered. In addition, skin stiffness is affected. In conclusion, the lack of muscle fibre activity did not prevent the basal muscle components developing but influenced further organisation and differentiation of these components.
Endothelin-1 causes systemic vasodilatation in anaesthetised turtles(Trachemys scripta) through activation of ETB-receptors
Authors: Skovgaard Nini , Warren Daniel E. , Jackson Donald C. , Wang Tobias 
Published: September 2005

SUMMARYThe effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on systemic and pulmonary circulation were investigated in anaesthetised freshwater turtles (Trachemys scripta) instrumented with arterial catheters and blood flow probes. Bolus intra-arterial injections of ET-1 (0.4–400 pmol kg-1)caused a dose-dependent systemic vasodilatation that was associated with a decrease in systemic pressure (Psys) and a rise in systemic blood flow (Q̇sys),causing systemic conductance (Gsys) to increase. ET-1 had no significant effects on the pulmonary vasculature, heart rate(fh) or total stroke volume(Vstot). This response differs markedly from mammals, where ET-1 causes an initial vasodilatation that is followed by a pronounced pressor response. In mammals, the initial dilatation is caused by stimulation of ETB-receptors, while the subsequent constriction is mediated by ETA-receptors. In the turtles, infusion of the ETB-receptor agonist BQ-3020 (150 pmol kg-1) elicited haemodynamic changes that were similar to those of ET-1, and the effects of ET-1 were not affected by the ETA-antagonist BQ-610 (0.15 μmol kg-1). Conversely, all effects of ET-1 were virtually abolished after specific ETB-receptor blockade with the ETB-antagonist BQ-788 (0.15 μmol kg-1). The subsequent treatment with the general ET-receptor antagonist tezosentan (15.4μmol kg-1) did not produce effects that differed from the treatment with ETB-antagonist, and the blockade of ET-1 responses persisted. This present study indicates, therefore, that ETB-receptors are responsible for the majority of the cardiovascular responses to ET-1 in Trachemys.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lev Benjamin 
Published: September 2005

The range of books reviewed is wide, covering theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems (no software is reviewed). In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. Publishers who wish to have their books reviewed should send them to Professor Benjamin Lev. We list the books received; not all books received can be reviewed because space is limited. Those who would like to review books are urged to send me their names, addresses, and specific areas of expertise. We commission all reviews and do not accept unsolicited book reviews. Readers are encouraged to suggest books that might be reviewed or to ask publishers to send me copies of such books.The authors or editors of the books reviewed in this issue are A. G. De Kok, Stephen C. Graves, Kazuo Murota, Pablo Pedregal, and Zelda Zabinsky.
Capacity Management in Rental Businesses with Two Customer Bases
Authors: Savin Sergei V. , Cohen Morris A. , Gans Noah , Katalan Ziv 
Published: September 2005

We consider the allocation of capacity in a system in which rental equipment is accessed by two classes of customers. We formulate the problem as a continuous-time analogue of the one-shot allocation problems found in the more traditional literature on revenue management, and we analyze a queueing control model that approximates its dynamics. Our investigation yields three sets of results. First, we use dynamic programming to characterize properties of optimal capacity allocation policies. We identify conditions under which “complete sharing”—in which both classes of customers have unlimited access to the rental fleet—is optimal. Next, we develop a computationally efficient “aggregate threshold” heuristic that is based on a fluid approximation of the original stochastic model. We obtain closed-form expressions for the heuristic’s control parameters and show that the heuristic performs well in numerical experiments. The closed-form expressions also show that, in the context of the fluid approximation, revenues are concave and increasing in the fleet size. Finally, we consider the effect of the ability to allocate capacity on optimal fleet size. We show that the optimal fleet size under allocation policies may be lower, the same as, or higher than that under complete sharing. As capacity costs increase, allocation policies allow for larger relative fleet sizes. Numerical results show that, even in cases in which dollar profits under complete sharing may be close to those under allocation policies, the capacity reductions enabled by allocation schemes can help to lift profit margins significantly.
Genetically Characterized Positive Control Cell Lines Derived from Residual Clinical Blood Samples
Authors: Bernacki Susan H , Beck Jeanne C , Stankovic Ana K , Williams Laurina O , Amos Jean , Snow-Bailey Karen , Farkas Daniel H , Friez Michael J , Hantash Feras M , Matteson Karla J , Monaghan Kristin G , Muralidharan Kasinathan , Pratt Victoria M , Prior Thomas W , Richie Kristy L , Levin Barbara C , Rohlfs Elizabeth M , Schaefer Frederick V , Shrimpton Antony E , Spector Elaine B , Stolle Catherine A , Strom Charles M , Thibodeau Stephen N , Cole Eugene C , Goodman Barbara K , Stenzel Timothy T 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground: Positive control materials for clinical diagnostic molecular genetic testing are in critically short supply. High-quality DNA that closely resembles DNA isolated from patient specimens can be obtained from Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)–transformed peripheral blood lymphocyte cell lines. Here we report the development of a process to (a) recover residual blood samples with clinically important mutations detected during routine medical care, (b) select samples likely to provide viable lymphocytes for EBV transformation, (c) establish stable cell lines and confirm the reported mutation(s), and (d) validate the cell lines for use as positive controls in clinical molecular genetic testing applications.Methods: A network of 32 genetic testing laboratories was established to obtain anonymous, residual clinical samples for transformation and to validate resulting cell lines for use as positive controls. Three panel meetings with experts in molecular genetic testing were held to evaluate results and formulate a process that could function in the context of current common practices in molecular diagnostic testing.Results: Thirteen laboratories submitted a total of 113 residual clinical blood samples with mutations for 14 genetic disorders. Forty-one EBV-transformed cell lines were established. Thirty-five individual point and deletion mutations were shown to be stable after 20 population doublings in culture. Thirty-three cell lines were characterized for specific mutations and validated for use as positive controls in clinical diagnostic applications.Conclusions: A process for producing and validating positive control cell lines from residual clinical blood samples has been developed. Sustainable implementation of the process could help alleviate the current shortage of positive control materials.
Monitoring Urinary Orosomucoid in Acute Inflammation: Observations on Urinary Excretion of Orosomucoid, Albumin, α1-Microglobulin, and IgG
Authors: Magid Erik , Guldager Henrik , Hesse Dan , Christiansen Merete Skovdal 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground: Inflammation-associated proteinuria in acute, nonrenal disease is a common but poorly understood phenomenon. We performed an observational study of the urinary excretion of orosomucoid (α1-acid glycoprotein), albumin, α1-microglobulin (protein HC), and IgG to obtain quantitative and temporal data on these 4 proteins.Methods: Urine samples were collected at daily intervals for up to 23 days from 6 patients with surgery-induced inflammation and at hourly intervals for a 24-h period from 7 sepsis patients. Urinary protein concentrations were assessed by immunoturbidimetry.Results: During surgery-induced inflammation, the increase and decrease in orosomucoid excretion mirrored changes in plasma C-reactive protein. Values for all 4 urinary proteins were increased in sepsis patients. The observed maximum increases in urinary protein excretion relative to the upper reference values were 280-fold for orosomucoid, 98-fold for α1-microglobulin, 33-fold for albumin, and 26-fold for IgG.Conclusions: Orosomucoid, usually present in plasma and urine in much lower concentrations than albumin, is increased in urine to concentrations equal to or higher than albumin in proteinuria associated with acute inflammation. The pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for this markedly increased excretion are unknown. Monitoring of urinary excretion of orosomucoid and other specific proteins, expressed as protein/creatinine ratios, may provide a window for clinically relevant real-time observation of changes in acute inflammatory processes. Orosomucoid in urine may be a more informative marker than albumin for inflammation.
Cardiac Troponins and Renal Function in Nondialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Abbas Nasir A , John R Ian , Webb Michelle C , Kempson Michelle E , Potter Aisling N , Price Christopher P , Vickery Susan , Lamb Edmund J 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground: Serum cardiac troponin concentrations are commonly increased in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the absence of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The data on cardiac troponin I (cTnI) are more variable than those for cardiac troponin T (cTnT). There is little information on cardiac troponin concentrations in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who have not commenced dialysis.Methods: We studied 222 patients: 56 had stage 3 (moderate CKD); 70 stage 4 (severe CKD); and 96 stage 5 (kidney failure). Patients underwent echocardiography and were followed prospectively for a median of 19 months; all-cause mortality was recorded.Results: Overall, serum cTnT was increased above the 99th percentile reference limit in 43% of all CKD patients studied, compared with 18% for cTnI. Serum cTnT and cTnI concentrations were more commonly increased in the presence of more severe CKD (11 and 6 patients in stage 3, 27 and 8 in stage 4, and 57 and 24 in stage 5 (P &lt;0.0001 and &lt;0.02, respectively). Among 38 patients with detectable cTnI, 32 had detectable cTnT (rs = 0.67; P&lt;0.0001). There was evidence that decreasing estimated glomerular filtration rate increased the odds of having detectable cTnT (P &lt;0.001) but not cTnI (P = 0.128). There was no evidence to support an adjusted association of detectable cardiac troponins with increasing left ventricular mass index. Increased cTnT (P = 0.0097), but not cTnI, was associated with decreased survival.Conclusions: Increased cTnT and cTnI concentrations are relatively common in predialysis CKD patients, in the absence of an ACS, including among those with stage 3 disease. The presence of left ventricular hypertrophy alone does not explain these data. Detectable cTnT was a marker of decreased survival.
Temporal and Spatial Variation in Relative Abundance and Length Structure of Salmonids in Reservoirs: Implications for Monitoring
Authors: Rhea Darren T. , Hubert Wayne A. , Gangl R. Scott , Whaley Roy A. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Spatial and temporal variations in salmonid catch per unit effort (C/f) may affect monitoring efforts in lakes and reservoirs. This study evaluated the spatial and temporal variation in gill-net C/f and length structure of captured salmonids in nearshore (≤7.6-m bottom depth) and offshore (&gt;7.6-m bottom depth) areas of two Wyoming reservoirs. Floating experimental gill nets were set as nearshore and offshore pairs at 24 locations in both reservoirs during each of four sampling periods (spring, early summer, late summer, and fall). Salmonid C/f was significantly higher in nearshore areas than in offshore areas during all periods in one reservoir and during all periods except spring in the other reservoir. Mean C/f of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss was not significantly different between nearshore and offshore areas when water temperatures were 10–13°C in both reservoirs. Length structure of salmonids differed significantly between nearshore and offshore locations and among periods in both reservoirs. These patterns should be considered in both the design and analysis phases of monitoring efforts that use floating experimental gill nets and other sampling gears.
Nonparametric Regression Analysis of Longitudinal Data
Authors: Wang J. ‐L. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractNonparametric approaches have recently emerged as a flexible way to model longitudinal data. This entry reviews some of the common nonparametric approaches to incorporate time and other covariate effects for longitudinally observed response data. Smoothing procedures are invoked to estimate the associated nonparametric functions, but the choice of smoothers can vary and is often subjective. Both fixed and random effects may be included for vector or longitudinal covariates. A closely related type of data is functional data, where the prevailing approaches to model random effects are through functional principal components analysis and B‐splines. Related semiparametric regression models also play an increasingly important role.
Effect of pH on synthesis and properties of perovskite oxide via a citrate process
Authors: Wu Zhentao , Zhou Wei , Jin Wanqin , Xu Nanping 
Published: September 2005

AbstractA series of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.4Fe0.6O3‐δ (LSCF) perovskite‐type oxides were synthesized using a modified citrate process under various pH conditions (pH =1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, respectively). The effect of pH on the chelate process, crystal development, morphology, and oxygen permeability of LSCF oxides were investigated. FT‐IR analysis showed that the chelate processes for pH = 1 and 3 were different from those for pH = 5, 7, and 9. XRD and SEM observations revealed that the crystal formation and morphology of LSCF oxides were dependent on the precursors with different pH conditions. The LSCF membranes derived from the precursors with lower pH values (pH = 1 and 3) exhibited larger apparent activation energy for oxygen permeation than the other samples (pH = 5, 7, and 9) in the range of 1073‐1123K. This study indicated that properties such as crystallinity and oxygen permeability of LSCF oxide could be tailored by controlling the pH values in the synthesis process. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Preparation and characterization of a biodegradable polyester elastomer with thermal processing abilities
Authors: Liu Quanyong , Tian Ming , Ding Tao , Shi Rui , Zhang Liqun 
Published: September 2005

AbstractWe studied the condensing reaction of sebacic acid and glycerol and prepared biodegradable elastomers. Swelling experiments proved that the elastomers were crosslinked polyesters consisting of both insoluble parts (gel) and soluble parts (sol), but the content of sol was higher than gel. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that some ordered and crystallized structures existed in most of the elastomers. Differential scanning calorimetry measurement showed that there were both crystal regions and amorphous regions with low glass‐transition temperatures in the products, which indicated the elastomers had a microphase separation structure. The elastomers exhibited thermal processing abilities, such as mold‐shaping performance, and a certain elasticity, and hydroxyl, carboxyl, and ester groups in the molecular chains endowed the elastomers with good biodegradation abilities. Furthermore, by altering the molar ratio of the reactants, we were able to adjust the mechanical properties, biodegradable performance, and so on of the elastomers. Glycerol and polymers containing sebacic acid have been approved for biological medical uses by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so the elastomers we prepared would have broad application in medical fields such as implants and drug‐delivery systems. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 2033–2041, 2005
A novel method to prepare chitosan/montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Lin King‐Fu , Hsu Chi‐Yi , Huang Tzyy‐Shyan , Chiu Wen‐Yen , Lee Yuang‐Haun , Young Tai‐Horng 
Published: September 2005

AbstractWe are proposing a novel method to prepare chitosan/montmorillonite nanocomposites. The montmorillonite (MMT) clay was excavated from the mountainside of eastern Taiwan. After being purified, it was incorporated with potassium persulfate (KPS) through the intercalation process. As the KPS‐incorporated MMT was dispersed in the acidified aqueous solution of chitosan, the KPS instantly reacted with the chitosan, resulting in the cleavage of polymer chains and exfoliation of MMT as well. After removing the unexfoliated MMT, solutions were cast to form a film of chitosan/MMT nanocomposite. Interestingly, the exfoliated MMT layers were found to flatten out in parallel with the surface, which not only increased the tensile strength of the chitosan film but also hindered degradation in the vitro test. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 2042–2047, 2005
Polymers, composites, and characterization of conducting polyfuran and poly(2‐bromoaniline)
Authors: Gök Ayşegül , Sari Bekir , Talu Muzaffer 
Published: September 2005

AbstractPolyfuran (PFu), poly(2‐bromoaniline) (P2BrAn), and poly(2‐bromoaniline)/polyfuran (P2BrAn/PFu) composites were synthesized by coupling using various solvents and oxidants. 2‐Bromoaniline (2BrAn) was polymerized using FeCl3 and (NH4)2S2O8 in aqueous HCl medium. PFu was synthesized using FeCl3 and SbCl3 in anhydrous media (CHCl3, CH3CN). Furan was polymerized using both salts in CHCl3 medium, whereas it could be polymerized using only FeCl3 in CH3CN medium. The new electrically conducting composites were prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization using polyfuran synthesized with SbCl3 and poly(2‐bromoaniline). The polymers and composites were characterized using conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, infrared spectra (FTIR), UV‐Vis spectra, thermal analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. It was found that PFu(SbCl3) has the lowest thermal stability. Thus, the thermal stability of PFu was increased by preparing composites. The chemical structures of P2BrAns and composites have been found from UV‐Vis results to contain quinone‐imine units along the polymer chain. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicated that the polymers and composites were diamagnetic or paramagnetic. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 2048–2057, 2005
Witness preparation training with real and simulated criminal defendants
Authors: Boccaccini Marcus T. , Gordon Trina , Brodsky Stanley L. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractTwo studies examined the impact of witness preparation training with criminal defendants. In the first study, mock criminal defendants testified twice on videotape about minor crimes they were accused of but had not committed. Approximately half underwent witness preparation between their first and second testimony simulations. In the second study, eight public defender clients were videotaped during testimony simulations both before and after being prepared to testify. In both studies, ratings by trained evaluators indicated that witness preparation was associated with increases in the use of several testimony delivery skills, improvements in overall testimony quality, and reductions in apparent guilt. Training was also associated in both studies with an unintended decrease in expressiveness. Ratings from the mock defendant study further suggested that prepared defendants were seen as more credible than unprepared defendants because they used more effective testimony delivery skills, and as less likely to be guilty than unprepared defendants because they were perceived as being more credible. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetoresistive “Necked‐Grain” CaCuMn6O12 Ceramics Prepared by Ultrasonic Aerosol Spray Pyrolysis.
Authors: Volkova Olga S. , Goodilin Eugene A. , Chekanova Anastasiya E. , Veresov Alexander G. , Knotko Alexander V. , Vasiliev Alexander N. , Tretyakov Yuri D. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractFor Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Debromination of α‐Bromoketones and vic‐Dibromides Using Indium in the Presence of Carboxylic Acid.
Authors: Lee Seung Hwan , Cho Min Young , Nam Mi Hye , Park Young Sang , Yoo Byung Woo , Lee Chi‐Woo , Yoon Cheol Min 
Published: September 2005

AbstractFor Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Enantioselective reduction of C=N double bond by chromium(II) complexes of natural amino acids
Authors: Micskei Károly , Holczknecht Orsolya , Marchis Valér , Lévai Albert , Patonay Tamás , Zucchi Claudia , Pályi Gyula 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAsymmetric reduction of oximes was performed by chromium(II) complexes of natural amino acids in aqueous phase or in H2O/DMF (1:1) solvent. Medium‐to‐quantitative chemoselectivity (54% to >95%) and low‐to‐medium enantioselectivity (5–50% ee) were found. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Chirality 17:511–514, 2005.