bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of the wavelet transform to the low‐bit‐rate speech coding system
Authors: Moriai Shogo , Hanazaki Izumi 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIn the analysis‐synthesis coding of speech signals, realization of high quality in the low‐bit‐rate coding depends on the extraction of its characteristic parameters in the preprocessing. The precise extraction of the fundamental frequency, one of the parameters of the source information, guarantees quality in speech synthesis. But its extraction is difficult because of the influence of the consonant, nonperiodicity of vocal cord vibrations, the wide range of the fundamental frequency, and so on. In this paper we propose a new fundamental frequency extraction with the criterion based on its harmonics structure and low‐bit‐rate speech coding system using the wavelet transform. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 148(3): 62–71, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10309
A method of coding LSP residual signals using wavelets for speech synthesis
Authors: Shimizu Tadaaki , Kimoto Masaya , Yoshimura Hiroki , Isu Naoki , Sugata Kazuhiro 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThis paper presents a method of using wavelet analysis for speech coding and synthesis by rule. It is a coding system where LSP residual signal is transformed into wave‐let coefficients. As wavelet analysis is implemented effectively by filter banks, our method requires less computation than multipulse coding and others where complicated prediction procedures are essential. To achieve good‐quality speech at low bit rates, we verified allocation of different bits onto the wavelet coefficients, with more bits in lower frequencies, and less in higher. The synthesized speech by Haar wavelet with 16.538 kbit/s has nearly the same perceptual quality with 6 bits µlog PCM (66.15 kbit/s). We are convinced that the coding method of LSP residual signals using wavelet analysis is an effective approach to synthesize speech. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 148(3): 54–61, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10326
Proof‐of‐principle experiment on control of ion flow and ion heating during magnetic reconnection
Authors: Murata Yukihiro , Ono Yasushi 
Published: June 2004

AbstractMagnetic reconnection of two merging toroids was used to accelerate and heat plasma particles in a TS‐3 device. External application of an electric field by an ohmic heating coil, which was located along the center axis of the device, to the reconnection area was found to be useful for varying the ion speed from zero to 20 km/s and the ion heating from 10 to 90 eV. The preferential ion acceleration/heating of reconnection enables us to produce new processing plasma with an arbitrary ion temperature. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 148(3): 1–6, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10336
Influence of output power out of a synchronous generator installed in a customer system on current limiting effects due to a fault current limiter
Authors: Iioka Daisuke , Shimizu Hirotaka , Yokomizu Yasunobu , Goto Masuo , Matsumura Toshiro 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIn this paper, it was assumed that a synchronous generator in a customer system was connected to a distribution system via the fault current limiter (FCL). We theoretically investigated the influence of the output power of the generator on the limiting effect of the fault current when a three‐phase short‐circuit fault occurs. It was shown that the fault current out of the customer system, limited by the FCL, rises with the output power of the generator. It was found that the larger the output, the higher the fault current at the fault point is when the limiting resistance is less than 15 Ω in the case of the resistive‐type FCL. On the other hand, the fault current at the fault point decreases with an increase in the output power for a limiting resistance more than 15 Ω. In contrast, it was found that the suppressing effect on the fault current at the fault point due to the inductive‐type FCL hardly depends on the output power. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 148(3): 15–24, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10357
Pre‐exposure to sub‐saturating concentrations of HLA class I antibodies confers resistance to endothelial cells against antibody complement‐mediated lysis by regulating Bad through the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt pathway
Authors: Narayanan Kishore , Jaramillo Andrés , Phelan Donna L. , Mohanakumar T. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAllografts transplanted across HLA‐sensitization results in an antibody‐mediated rejection known as hyperacute rejection. Depleting anti‐graft antibodies from the recipient by plasmapheresis prior to transplantation can prevent this rejection. We developed an in vitro model using polyclonal HLA class I antibodies obtained from highly sensitized patients awaiting transplantation,and analyzed their ability to provide signals following binding to human aortic endothelial cells (EC). Using this model, we show that EC undergo caspase 3‐dependent cell death by apoptosis upon exposure to saturating concentrations of HLA class I antibodies and complement accompanied by loss of Akt activation and phosphorylation of Bad. In contrast, exposure of EC to sub‐saturating concentrations of HLA class I antibodies conferred resistance towards antibody/complement‐mediated lysis termed accommodation. Accommodated EC exhibited reduction in the expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 and a significant increase in the expression of anti‐apoptotic genes Bcl‐xL, Bcl‐2 and heme oxygenase‐1. Further, induction of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) and Akt activities thatfacilitate the phosphorylation of Bad were also noted. In conclusion, exposure of sub‐saturating concentrations of HLA class I antibodies results in the induction of PI3K/Akt pathway that confers resistance to endothelial cells against antibody/complement‐mediated cell death.
Functional expression of CD134 by neutrophils
Authors: Baumann Ralf , Yousefi Shida , Simon Dagmar , Russmann Stefan , Mueller Christoph , Simon Hans‐Uwe 
Published: June 2004

AbstractCD134 (OX40) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily expressed on activated T cells. Here, we show that human peripheral blood neutrophils express CD134. Activationof CD134 by soluble CD134 ligand (OX40 ligand/gp34) resulted in delayed caspase‐3 activation and consequently in delayed neutrophil apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, CD134 ligand, like G‐CSF, maintained anti‐apoptotic Mcl‐1 levels and inhibited cleavage of the pro‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family members Bid and Bax in these cells, suggesting that CD134‐mediated signals block apoptosis pathways proximal to mitochondria activation. In conclusion, CD134 regulates neutrophil survival, suggesting that this molecule does not only contribute to adaptive but also to innate immune responses.
A peptide inhibitor of vascular adhesion protein‐1 (VAP‐1) blocks leukocyte–endothelium interactions under shear stress
Authors: Yegutkin Gennady G. , Salminen Tiina , Koskinen Kaisa , Kurtis Christian , McPherson Michael J. , Jalkanen Sirpa , Salmi Marko 
Published: June 2004

AbstractVascular adhesion protein‐1 (VAP‐1) is an endothelial adhesion molecule mediating leukocyte interactions with blood vessels during leukocyte extravasation. Molecularly VAP‐1 is a cell‐surface‐expressed ecto‐enzyme belonging to the group of semicarbazide‐sensitive amine oxidases (SSAO; EC 2.4.6.3), which deaminate primary amines. Here we asked whether peptides displaying a suitable free amine group could be a substrate or inhibitor of SSAO and thus regulate VAP‐1‐mediated leukocyte adhesion. On the basis of a molecular model of VAP‐1, we designed synthetic peptides that fit to the substrate channel of VAP‐1. One of these lysine‐containing peptides effectively inhibits VAP‐1‐dependent lymphocyte rolling and firm adhesion to primary endothelial cells under physiologically relevant shear conditions. The same peptide inhibits the SSAO activity of endothelial and recombinant VAP‐1 in a selective and long‐lasting manner. We also show that all enzymatically active VAP‐1 is displayed on the cell surface. Our results suggest that, in addition to soluble amines, specific cell‐surface‐bound molecules containing free NH2 groups in a suitable position may modulate the enzymaticactivity of SSAO. Moreover, the inhibitory peptide diminishes leukocyte interactions with endothelial cells under conditions of shear, and thus it may be useful to treat inflammatory conditions.
Knockdown of C‐terminal Src kinase by siRNA‐mediated RNA interference augments T cell receptor signaling in mature T cells
Authors: Vang Torkel , Abrahamsen Hilde , Myklebust Sondre , Enserink Jorrit , Prydz Hans , Mustelin Tomas , Amarzguioui Mohammed , Tasken Kjetil 
Published: June 2004

AbstractC‐terminal Src kinase (Csk) controls the Src family kinase Lck, which is essential for T cell antigen receptor (TCR)‐mediated signaling. For the first time, we here report the effects of acuteelimination of Csk in Jurkat T cells and primary T cells using short interfering (si) RNA. In both cell types, 70–85% knockdown of Csk was achieved within 48 h. No alterations in surface expressionof CD3, CD4 or CD8, or in Lck protein level were observed. Phosphorylation of Y505 in Lck was markedly reduced and a concomitant 4–5‐fold increase in Lck Y394 phosphorylation was observed both in normal and Jurkat T cells. Kinase assays revealed 2–3‐fold higher Lck activity. In Jurkat cells, basal levels of ζ chain phosphorylation were elevated, and spontaneous NFAT‐AP‐1 activation occurred, indicating aberrant Lck kinase activity. After TCR triggering, Csk knockdown cells revealed faster and stronger, but not sustained, phosphorylation of Lck Y394 and ζ chains compared to control. TCR‐induced activation of NFAT‐AP‐1 and TCR/CD28‐stimulated IL‐2 secretion occurred at weaker stimuli and with augmented responses in Csk knockdown Jurkat and primary T cells, respectively. Altogether, these data suggest that acute elimination of Csk in T cells without evolution of compensatory mechanisms results in aberrant Lck activity and augmented TCR‐stimulated responses.
Macrophage colony‐stimulating factor‐, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor‐, or IL‐3‐dependent survival of macrophages, but not proliferation, requires the expression of p21Waf1 through the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt pathway
Authors: Comalada Mònica , Xaus Jordi , Sánchez Ester , Valledor Annabel F. , Celada Antonio 
Published: June 2004

AbstractMouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages proliferate in the presence of macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF), granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, or IL‐3, but undergo apoptosis in their absence. Inhibition of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK)‐1/2 blocks growth factor‐dependent proliferation but not survival, indicating that the two processes require independent signaling pathways. Although M‐CSF induces the activation of other kinase pathways, such as c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, p38, and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI‐3K), these pathways are not required for proliferation. However, PI‐3K is the only one necessary for the induction of survival, as demonstrated using the inhibitors LY294002 and Wortmannin. Growth factors also activate Akt kinase and a transient expression of the cdk inhibitor p21Waf1, which inhibits apoptosis but is not required for proliferation. PI‐3K inhibitors also block growth factor‐dependent expression of p21Waf1 and the activation of Akt. Moreover, the survival induced by cyclosporin A or decorin is also dependent on the PI‐3K/Akt kinases and p21Waf1. These findings demonstrate that the induction of p21Waf1 through the PI‐3K/Akt pathway is a general survival response of macrophages. Our results show that growth factors in macrophages use two pathways: one for proliferation, mediated by ERK, and the other for survival, which requires the PI‐3K/Akt kinases and p21Waf1.
Commentary: Sorting the wheat from the chaff: identifying demyelinating components of the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)‐specific autoantibody repertoire
Authors: Mathey Emily , Breithaupt Constanze , Schubart Anna S. , Linington Christopher 
Published: June 2004

AbstractMyelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is the only myelin protein known to initiate a demyelinating autoantibody response in EAE, an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS). The pathophysiological significance of MOG‐specific autoantibodies in MS is, however, controversial, as high titer antibody responses to MOG are also found in many patients with non‐demyelinating neurological diseases. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, von Büdingen et al. demonstrate that demyelination in a primate model of MOG‐induced EAE is mediated by MOG‐specific antibodies directed against discontinuous, rather than linear, MOG epitopes. This functional segregation of pathogenic vs. non‐pathogenic autoantibodies in terms of epitope specificity may be crucial to understand the relevance of MOG‐specific responses in human disease. This commentary discusses these findings in the context of the structure and immunobiology of MOG, and their implications with respect to antibody‐mediated demyelination in MS.See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200425050
Binary Neodymium Alkoxide/Dialkylmagnesium Polymerization Systems: Studies on the Nature of the Reaction Intermediates and Active Species
Authors: Gromada Jérôme , Mortreux André , Nowogrocki Guy , Leising Frédéric , Mathivet Thomas , Carpentier Jean‐François 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAttempts to identify the intermediates and/or active species generated from binary combinations of a lanthanide alk(aryl)oxide with a dialkylmagnesium reagent, which behave as efficient olefin polymerization systems, are reported. The well‐defined trinuclear complex [Nd3(μ3‐OtBu)2(μ2‐OtBu)3(μ‐OtBu)4(THF)2] (1) and the monomeric precursor [Nd(OC6H2tBu2‐2,6‐Me‐4)3(THF)] (2) were used in association with [Mg(CH2SiMe3)2(Et2O)] (3). The new heterodimetallic complex [(THF)Nd(μ3‐OtBu)2(μ2‐OtBu)2(OtBu)Mg2(CH2TMS)2] (4) and the alkyllanthanide complex [Nd(OC6H2tBu2‐2,6‐Me‐4)2(CH2SiMe3)(THF)2] (5) have been isolated and characterized in the solid state and in solution. Complex 4 is proposed to be a reaction intermediate in the active species formation, while complex 5 is the first alkyllanthanide species isolated from an “Ln(OR)3”/MgR2 mixture, consistent with the observed behavior of these combinations in olefin polymerization. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Ruthenium Nitrosyl Complexes of Bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)methane Oxyanions
Authors: Ortiz Mayreli , Díaz Alicia , Cao Roberto , Suardíaz Reynier , Otero Antonio , Antiñolo Antonio , Fernández‐Baeza Juan 
Published: June 2004

AbstractNew ruthenium(II) mononitrosyl complexes of general composition [Ru(NO)LCl2], [Ru(NO)L(en)]Cl2 and [Ru(NO)L2]Cl have been obtained upon treating Ru(NO)Cl3 with potential κ3‐N,N,O ligands bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)methanesulfonate (bdmpzsa) and bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)acetate (bdmpza) in 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios. These mononitrosyl complexes have a sharp, intense νNO band in the IR spectra within 1874−1851 cm−1, indicating a linear Ru−NO+ coordination. For both [Ru(NO)L2]Cl compounds, a dynamic switch on‐off process occurs between the oxyanionic moieties on the apical position trans to NO+ and the pyrazolic ligands on the equatorial plane. A dynamic 1H NMR experiment of this process gave ΔG#= 46−48 kJ·mol−1 at 218−228 K for the acetate derivative. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Determination of Cr(VI) by Catalytic Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry with Application of Nitrilotriacetic Acid as a Masking Agent
Authors: Grabarczyk Malgorzata , Kaczmarek Lukasz , Korolczuk Mieczyslaw 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA selective and sensitive method for determination of traces of Cr(VI) in the presence of a large excess of Cr(III) by differential pulse catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetry is presented. For minimization of Cr(III) interference nitrilotriacetic acid was used as a masking agent. The determinations were performed in a flow system. The calibration plot was linear from 1×10−10 to 1×10−8 mol L−1 for accumulation time 60 s. The relative standard deviation for 3×10−9 mol L−1 Cr(VI) was 4.1% (n=5). The detection limit for an accumulation time of 60 s was 4×10−11 mol L−1. The influence of common foreign ions is also presented. The performance of the method was verified by analysis of certified reference material for Cr(VI) and comparing the results of analyses of natural water samples with those obtained by another accepted electrochemical method.
Novel Anion Exchangers for Electrodes with Improved Selectivity to Divalent Anions
Authors: Egorov Vladimir , Rakhman'ko Evgeni , Okaev Evgeni , Nazarov Valentin , Pomelyenok Ekaterina , Pavlova Tatyana 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIt has been found that replacing of several long‐chain alkyl substituents at the nitrogen atom of lipophilic quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) by methyls results in a dramatic increase of the potentiometric selectivity of ion‐selective electrodes (ISE) with QAS‐based plasticized PVC membranes to some divalent anions against the monovalent ones. The discussed effect of QAS cation nature on the potentiometric selectivity is also partly retained for ISE with neutral carrier‐based membranes doped with QAS to provide anion permselectivity. This opens up new possibilities to control the potentiometric selectivity of ISE for divalent anions by the appropriate selection of the anion exchanger.
Amperometric Nitrite Sensor Based on PVP‐Os Entrapped in Titania Sol‐Gel Matrix
Authors: Li Yancai , Zhang Suxia , Li Yazhuo , Sun Changqing 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA novel nitrite sensor was developed based on the immobilization of a partially quaternized poly(4‐vinylpyridine) complexed with [Os(bpy)2Cl]+/2+ (PVP‐Os) in a porous TiO2 sol‐gel matrix by a vapor deposition method. The preparation process simplified the traditional sol‐gel process and prevented the cracking of conventional sol‐gel derived glasses. Electrochemical behavior of the sensor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and shows excellent electrocatalytic response for the reduction of nitrite. Effect of operating potential on electrochemical responses of the sensor was explored for optimum analytical performance by using the amperometric method. The stability of the sensor was also evaluated.
Electrocatalytic Properties of Heme Proteins in Layer‐by‐Layer Films Assembled with SiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: He Pingli , Hu Naifei 
Published: June 2004

AbstractElectrochemical and electrocatalytic properties of heme proteins, including myoglobin (Mb), hemoglobin (Hb), and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), in layer‐by‐layer films assembled with SiO2 nanoparticles were investigated at pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes. The stable layer‐by‐layer {SiO2/protein}n films showed a pair of well‐defined, nearly reversible cyclic voltammetric peaks at about −0.25 V (vs. SCE) at pH 5.5, characteristic of the protein heme FeIII/FeII redox couples. The proteins in the films displayed good electrocatalytic activities toward various substrates such as oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, trichloroacetic acid, and nitrite, and showed a potential applicability in fabricating the new kind of biosensors without using mediators. Electrochemical parameters of the protein films such as apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (ks) and formal potential (E°′) were estimated by square‐wave voltammetry and nonlinear regression analysis. The influencing factors like the number of bilayer and the pH of external solution were also investigated.
Membrane Electrodes for Protein and Enzyme Electrochemistry
Authors: Lojou É. , Bianco P. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThis review presents a new strategy for the electrochemical study of proteins and enzymes based on the use of membrane‐modified electrodes. In this approach, a thin layer of biological material is trapped between the electrode surface and a dialysis membrane. The advantages of such a procedure are underlined, including easiness, low cost, need of only small amounts of biological products, ability to study a large range of external parameters. The direct electrochemistry of various proteins is achieved via this technology. Applications of the membrane electrodes to the catalytic reduction of metals by bacterial cytochromes open an avenue to the use of sulfate‐reducing bacteria in the bioremediation of contaminated environmental. The membrane electrode technology has been used for determining the enzymatic activity of whole bacterial cells, allowing new insight in energetic metabolism of these bacteria to be achieved.
Electrocatalytic Reactions at Hydrogenase‐Modified Electrodes and Their Applications to Biosensors: From the Isolated Enzymes to the Whole Cells
Authors: Lojou É. , Bianco P. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractHydrogenases are involved in a series of key reactions which can have great potentiality in a large range of practical applications. In this review, the electrochemical behavior and the kinetic properties of hydrogenases from various sulfate‐reducing bacteria as enzymes involved in electron‐transfer chains are examined. Different approaches based on the modification of electrodes with either hydrogenases alone or whole cells are described, thus opening new avenues for further applications to biosensor area.
Telomerase activity measurement in magnetically captured epithelial cells: Comparison of slab‐gel and capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Hess Jennifer L. , Atha Donald H. , Xu Jing‐fan , Highsmith W. Edward 
Published: June 2004

AbstractWe have compared telomerase activity measurements by slab‐gel and capillary electrophoresis in cultured cells (A549 and H125 human cancer cell lines) and in cells isolated from clinical peripheral blood specimens epithelial cells of patients with lung and esophageal cancer. Telomerase activity was determined using the telomerase repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay with phosphoimager scanning of slab‐gels and by laser‐induced fluorescence capillary electrophoresis (LIF‐CE). Experiments using A549 and H125 cells were performed to determine the reproducibility of each method and to identify the contribution of each stage of the TRAP/polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to the variability. In these experiments, it was found that more than half of the overall variability (coefficient of variation, CV = 35%) of the slab‐gel method and almost all of the overall variability (CV = 20%) of the CE method was due to the PCR stage of the TRAP assay. In the clinical samples, classification as positive or negative was by visual inspection of the slab‐gel and CE electropherograms for the presence of the characteristic 6 base‐pair TRAP ladder and by GeneScan analysis of the CE. We examined several criteria including the use of 3, 4, or 5 TRAP bands as the definition of a positive test. Using the slab‐gel method, the 5‐band criterion gave 40% sensitivity with 100% specificity (no false positives in inactive controls). The CE method yielded a comparable 38% sensitivity and 100% specificity using this criterion. These data indicate that detection of telomerase activity in epithelial cells isolated from peripheral blood has a useful level of sensitivity and specificity and may be useful in the detection and monitoring of aerodigestive cancers. However, analysis by slab‐gel is cumbersome and the precision is poor (inter‐replicate CV = 20%) compared to LIF‐CE (CV = 5%). A high‐throughput CE‐LIF detection platform will be indispensable for validation studies of telomerase activity measurements.