bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of lipase production by Geotrichum candidum in stirring and airlift fermenters
Authors: Burkert Janaína Fernandes de Medeiros , Maldonado Rafael Resende , Filho Francisco Maugeri , Rodrigues Maria Isabel 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe production of lipase by Geotrichum candidum in both, stirred tank and airlift bioreactors were compared. G candidum an imperfect filamentous fungus, grows well in liquid medium, and produces a lipase with specific affinity for long‐chain fatty acids with cis‐9 double bonds but, lipase production is generally not efficient because the optimum medium composition and fermentation conditions are not known. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the agitation speed (100–500 rpm) and aeration (0.2–1.8 vvm) for production of lipase by G candidum in a bench‐scale stirred fermenter. A Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) was used to optimize lipase activity and productivity. Lipase production in an airlift fermenter was also studied with aeration ranging from 1 to 3 vvm. A previously optimized culture medium containing 3.58% of peptone, 0.64% of soy oil and an initial pH of 7.0, was used in the experiments, incubating at 30°C. In the stirred reactor the optimum conditions of agitation and aeration for lipase production and productivity were 300 rpm and 1 vvm, leading to an activity of 20 U cm−3 in 54 h of fermentation and 0.3900 (U cm−3 h−1) of productivity. The best aeration condition in the airlift fermenter was 2.5 vvm, which yielded similar lipase activity after 30 h of fermentation, resulting in a productivity of 0.6423 (U cm−3 h−1). In the absence of mechanical agitation similar lipase yields were achieved but in less time, resulting in productivity, about 60% greater than in a stirred fermenter; the lower energy demand for the same lipase yield offers economic advantages. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Interior C1, γ‐regularity for weak solutions of nonlinear second orderelliptic systems
Authors: Daněček Josef , John Oldřich , Stará Jana 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe interior C0, γ‐regularity for the first gradient of a weak solution to a class of nonlinear second order elliptic systems is proved under the assumption that oscillations of coefficients are controlled by the ellipticity constant. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of roasting history and buffer composition on peanut protein extraction efficiency
Authors: Poms Roland E. , Capelletti Claudia , Anklam Elke 
Published: October 2004

AbstractPeanut is a major allergenic food. Undeclared peanut (allergens) from mis‐formulation or contamination during food processing pose a potential risk for sensitized individuals and must be avoided. Reliable detection and quantification methods for food allergens are necessary in order to ensure compliance with food labelling and to improve consumer protection. The extraction of proteins from allergenic foods and complex food products is an important step in any allergen detection method. In this study, the protein extraction efficiency of various buffers prepared in‐house and some extraction buffers included in some commercial allergen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kits for peanut determination in food products were tested. In addition, the effect of roasting history on the extractability of peanut protein was investigated by the biuret and the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assays. Elevated roasting temperatures in food processing were found to have a major impact on protein extraction efficiency by reducing protein yields of oil and dry roasted peanuts by 50–75% and 75–80%, respectively, compared with the raw material. Extraction buffers operating in the higher pH range (pH 8–11) showed best yields.
Application of NMR screening techniques for observing ligand binding with a protein receptor
Authors: Shimotakahara Sakurako , Furihata Kazuo , Tashiro Mitsuru 
Published: October 2004

AbstractWater ligand observed via gradient spectroscopy (WaterLOGSY), saturation transfer difference and NOE pumping NMR techniques were used to identify ligand binding with a receptor. Although these experiments were originally designed to observe ligands in complexes, their application is limited by the affinity of ligands towards target molecules. Here the improved WaterLOGSY pulse sequence was developed by incorporating the double pulsed field gradient spin‐echo and gradient‐tailored excitation WATERGATE sequences. The efficiency of these ligand‐observed NMR screening techniques was investigated using the ribonuclease T1‐inhibitor system. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myoelectric manifestations of fatigue during exposure to hypobaric hypoxia for 12 days
Authors: Casale Roberto , Farina Dario , Merletti Roberto , Rainoldi Alberto 
Published: October 2004

AbstractLack of oxygen, as occurs at high altitude (HA), leads to a number of adaptive processes in muscle, but their precise nature is unclear. To better understand mechanisms of adaptations of the neuromuscular system to HA, we collected surface electromyographic (EMG) signals during a 12‐day stay at 5,050 m above sea level (SL). The aim was to investigate the effect of hypobaric hypoxia on muscle‐fiber membrane and motor‐unit control properties. Surface EMG signals were recorded from the dominant biceps brachii muscle of six subjects at HA and 3 months after their return to SL. Supramaximal electrical stimuli (25 HZ) were delivered and voluntary isometric contractions at 40 and 80% of maximal voluntary torque were performed in 10 experimental sessions at HA and in 3 at SL. Maximal isometric torque was not altered at HA. Surface EMG spectral frequencies at the beginning of the voluntary contractions were greater at HA than SL. The rates of change of spectral frequencies and conduction velocity during the voluntary contractions were significantly larger at HA than SL. No differences in EMG variables were observed in the electrically elicited contractions. The maximal torque and surface EMG variables did not depend on the day of measure at HA. It was concluded that acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia does not significantly affect the muscle‐fiber membrane properties but does impact motor‐unit control properties. This provides new insights in the understanding of motor control in extreme conditions of oxygen reduction, with relevance for sport and rehabilitation medicine, and may also explain the pathophysiological adaptations of the neuromuscular system occurring in such disorders as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Muscle Nerve, 2004
Significance of β‐catenin and pRB pathway components in malignant ovarian germ cell tumours: INK4A promoter CpG island methylation is associated with cell proliferation
Authors: Kawauchi Shigeto , Liu Xiu Ping , Kawasaki Keiko , Hirakawa Toshio , Amada Satoshi , Furuya Tomoko , Oga Atsunori , Sasaki Kohsuke 
Published: October 2004

AbstractTo clarify the mechanisms underlying cell cycle promotion in malignant germ cell tumours of the ovary (MGCTOs), β‐catenin and components of the pRB pathway, cyclin D1 and p16, were analysed in relation to cell proliferation. Immunohistochemically, p16 protein was not expressed in a number of MGCTOs (9 of 42 tumours: 21.4%) and was associated with p16 gene (INK4A) promoter 5′‐CpG islands methylation. Amplification of the cyclin D1 gene (CCND1) was detected in a small number of MGCTOs (5 of 42 tumours: 13.5%). Reduced expression of p16 due to promoter methylation correlated significantly with increased cell proliferation as evidenced by Ki‐67 labelling index (p < 0.001) and mitotic index (p < 0.01). In some tumour types, nuclear localization of β‐catenin has been reported to be associated with β‐catenin gene (CTNNB1) mutation, cyclin D1 overexpression, and increased cell proliferation. Nuclear localization of β‐catenin, which was observed in MGCTOs other than dysgerminoma, was not associated with cyclin D1 expression and increased cell proliferation, but appeared to be related to tumour differentiation. Furthermore, CTNNB1 mutations were not detected in any of the MGCTOs examined. Our results suggest that reduced expression of p16 due to INK4A promoter methylation is one of the principal factors that promote cell proliferation in MGCTOs. Thus, p16 may be a novel target for gene therapies to treat MGCTOs. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in experimental post‐transplant obliterative bronchiolitis
Authors: Päiväniemi Outi E , Maasilta Paula K , Alho Hanni S , Wolff C Henrik J , Salminen Ulla‐Stina 
Published: October 2004

AbstractEpithelial cell injury, inflammation, progressive fibrosis, and airway obliteration are histological features of post‐transplant obliterative bronchiolitis (OB). Cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 is expressed in acute and chronic inflammatory responses. Our aim was to elucidate the possible role of COX‐2 in post‐transplant OB by using a heterotopic bronchial porcine model. Bronchial allografts from non‐related donors were transplanted subcutaneously into 24 random‐bred domestic pigs, each weighing about 20 kg. Groups studied had grafts, non‐treated allografts, allografts given cyclosporine A (CsA), methylprednisolone (MP), and azathioprine (Aza), and allografts given CsA, MP, and everolimus. Grafts were serially harvested during a follow‐up period of 21 days for histology (H&E) and immunohistochemistry. Immunostaining was performed with monoclonal IgG against human COX‐2 peptide, and histological alterations and immunohistochemical positivity were graded on a scale from 0 to 5. Epithelial COX‐2 index was calculated by multiplying the percentage of positive cells by grade of epithelial COX‐2 intensity. Ischaemic epithelial loss, evident in all implants, recovered rapidly in autografts, and bronchi remained patent. Epithelial loss in non‐treated allografts preceded fibroblast proliferation, resulting in total luminal obliteration. In CsA‐, MP‐, and Aza‐treated allografts epithelial destruction and luminal obliteration were delayed, and these were prevented in CsA‐, MP‐, and everolimus‐treated allografts. COX‐2 expression due to operative ischaemia was evident in all implants on day 2. Thereafter, the epithelial COX‐2 index preceded epithelial injury and obliteration. During the inflammatory response and fibroblast proliferation, COX‐2 expression occurred in macrophages and fibroblasts. In conclusion, in the early stage of OB development, COX‐2 induction occurred in airway epithelial cells prior to luminal obliteration. In addition, the observation that COX‐2 expression in macrophages and fibroblasts paralleled the onset of inflammation and fibroblast proliferation indicates a role in OB development, but the causal relationships need further study. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequent overexpression of multiple ErbB receptors by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma contrasts with rare antibody immunity in patients
Authors: Bei Roberto , Budillon Alfredo , Masuelli Laura , Cereda Vittore , Vitolo Domenico , Di Gennaro Elena , Ripavecchia Vanessa , Palumbo Camilla , Ionna Franco , Losito Simona , Modesti Andrea , Kraus Matthias H , Muraro Raffaella 
Published: October 2004

AbstractIn an effort to elucidate the role of ErbB receptors in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), expression abnormalities and subcellular localization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4 were investigated along with EGF and tenascin by immunohistochemistry in 38 carcinomas as compared to adjacent normal mucosa of 24 cases. Although tumour‐specific overexpression affected each ErbB receptor (EGFR 47%, ErbB2 29%, ErbB3 21%, ErbB4 26%), EGFR abnormalities were most prevalent. The latter, and overexpression of more than two ErbB receptors in the same tumour, which always included EGFR, correlated with metastatic disease. ErbB products were specifically detected on the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm. In contrast, ErbB4 was uniquely localized to the nucleus in 7 carcinomas and a tumour‐derived cell line, indicating a role for regulated intramembrane proteolysis resulting in nuclear ErbB4 translocation in HNSCC. Expression of prototype ligand EGF or low‐affinity stromal activator tenascin correlated significantly with EGFR overexpression, implying chronic EGFR activation. Simultaneous overexpression of additional ErbB receptors in most of these cases suggested recurrent involvement of receptor heterodimers. In spite of frequent ErbB receptor alterations, autologous ErbB serum antibodies were rare, with only 1 of 38 tumour patients exhibiting an ErbB2‐specific immune response. Based on upregulation of several known immunosuppressive molecules, scarcity of ErbB‐specific antibodies is consistent with attenuation of natural tumour‐specific immune responses in HNSCC. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytotoxic effect of root extract of Tiliacora racemosa and oil of Semecarpus anacardium nut in human tumour cells
Authors: Chakraborty Sutapa , Roy Madhumita , Taraphdar Amit K. , Bhattacharya R. K. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractTiliacora racemosa and Semecarpus anacardium, the two plants frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of cancerous diseases, have been selected to examine their action in four human tumour cell lines: acute myeloblastic leukaemia (HL‐60), chronic myelogenic leukaemia (K‐562), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7) and cervical epithelial carcinoma (HeLa). In cells grown in appropriate media the ethanol extract of T. racemosa root, the total alkaloids isolated from this organ and S. anacardium nut oil prepared according to the Ayurvedic principle were found to have cytotoxic activity. The alkaloid fraction from T. racemosa had maximum cytotoxicity and was effective against all four cell lines. S. anacardium oil was cytotoxic only in leukaemic cells. These herbal preparations were not cytotoxic towards normal human lymphocytes, suggesting their action is speciﬁc for tumour cells. On microscopic examination the cells treated with these agents exhibited characteristic morphological features of apoptosis, such as cell shrinkage, and the formation of apoptotic bodies. Fluorescent staining with propidium iodide revealed distinct chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation. The apoptotic index paralleled the cytotoxic parameters, and fragmented DNA extracted free of genomic DNA from treated cells displayed a typical ladder pattern on gel electrophoresis. Apoptosis induced by alkaloids and phenolics, the active principles present in T. racemosa and S. anacardium, respectively, was found to be mediated by the activation of caspases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flavanoid of Drynaria fortunei protects against gentamicin ototoxicity
Authors: Long Mian , Smouha Eric E. , Qiu Dan , Li Fangrong , Johnson Francis , Luft Benjamin 
Published: October 2004

AbstractA ﬂavanoid fraction (FF) from Drynaria fortunei, was investigated to see if it has the protective and ameliorative effects against gentamicin (GM) ototoxicity in guinea pigs (n = 36). Eleven (GM‐group) animals received GM 100 mg/kg/day. Eleven (GMFF‐group) animals received the same dose of GM but 2 days prior were dosed with FF (10 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks. Seven (S‐group) animals received saline and seven (FF‐group) animals received the same dose of FF as the GMFF‐group. The thresholds of tone‐burst auditory evoked response (ABR) at 2 k, 8 k, and 32 k Hz were determined to be as follows: GM‐group: 90 dB, 92 dB and 72 dB, GMFF‐group: 30 dB, 37 dB and 38 dB, FF‐group: 28 dB, 25 dB and 29 dB, S‐group: 30 dB, 28 dB and 39 dB. The GM‐group had a signiﬁcantly higher hearing threshold than the other groups (p < 0.05). The GMFF‐ and FF‐groups had hearing thresholds similar to the S‐groups (p > 0.1). Repair of damaged hair cells was observed histologically. The percentage of the damaged outer hair cells (OHC) and inner hair cells (IHC) were determined to be as follows: GM‐group: 43% and 20%, GMFF‐group: 20% and 2%, FF‐group: 9% and 2% and S‐group: 4% and 1%. The GMFF‐group showed less damage to the OHC (p > 0.05) and signiﬁcantly less damage to the IHC (p < 0.05) than the GM‐group. FF did not change the antimicrobial activity of GM and it did not show any intrinsic antibacterial effect. FF did not affect the kinetics of GM during the course of the experiment. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transvaginal sonographic diagnosis of a tumor fistula
Authors: Shen O. , Beller U. , Rabinowitz R. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractWe report on two cases of advanced pelvic cancer in women who presented with profuse vaginal watery discharge. In both cases, transvaginal ultrasound revealed a fistulous tract connecting the tumor to the apex of the vaginal vault. The differential diagnoses and a review of the literature are discussed. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonography of fetal micturition
Authors: Boopathy Vijayaraghavan S. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the sonographic visualization of fetal micturition and its role in the diagnosis of posterior urethral valves and hypospadias.MethodsThis was a prospective study of 25 male fetuses (21 with bilateral pyelectasis, one whose bladder was being studied because of ureterocele and three with hypospadias), and five female fetuses (with bilateral pyelectasis). A midline sagittal scan of the fetal pelvis, perineum and external genitalia was obtained and observed continuously during fetal micturition.ResultsIn 19 of the 21 male fetuses and the five female fetuses with bilateral pyelectasis micturition was normal, with visualization of urinary bladder contraction, slight fluid distention of the urethra and a urinary stream from the external urethral meatus. In three male fetuses, two with bilateral pyelectasis and the one with ureterocele, the posterior urethra was normal at rest and it ballooned out during micturition, diagnostic of posterior urethral valves. In the three male fetuses with hypospadias the ventral jet of the urinary stream was visualized.ConclusionFetal micturition can be visualized on sonography. It may be of value in the diagnosis of posterior urethral valves and hypospadias. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topological foundation of fuzziness
Authors: Albrecht R. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe goal of the paper is to show that fuzzy set theory and other related approaches to describe uncertainty, vagueness, similarity and proximity of objects can be represented by sound topological concepts developed by mathematicians decades earlier. In the introduction a brief survey on the principles of statistical and deterministic quantitative estimates and inclusion methods of imprecise data and results is given. Then follows a chapter on the mathematical theory of neighborhood‐ and similarity systems, their generation, their comparison, their mutual relationship and their valuations. In the last chapter, as applications, fuzzy set theory, topologized algebra, interval arithmetic and topologized logic are considered and the relationship of the statistical with the topological approach is discussed. For the reader's convenience, a glossary of some of the mathematical terms and notations used is attached.
Aggregation of evidence from random and fuzzy sets
Authors: Bernardini A. , Tonon F. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractAlternative rules for the aggregation of different sources of information are discussed in the ambit of random set theory, which gives a general framework in the field of the uncertainty measures, containing probabilistic measures, set‐based models (interval analysis or more generally convex models), fuzzy sets and possibility theory as particular extreme cases. Analogies and extensions of the corresponding rules are underlined with reference both to probabilistic procedures and to fuzzy sets operations.
Stochastic linear programming methods in limit load analysis and optimal plastic design under stochastic uncertainty
Authors: Marti K. , Stoeckl G. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe basic mechanical conditions in optimal plastic design are the convex, linear or linearized yield/strength condition and the linear equilibrium equation for the generic stress (state) vector. Moreover, based on the mechanical survival conditions, the failure costs may be represented by the minimum value of a convex and often linear program. The basic optimal plastic design problem must be replaced by an appropriate deterministic substitute problem, if stochastic variations of the model parameters (e.g. yield stresses, plastic capacities) and external loadings have to be taken into account. Then the total expected costs are minimized subject to the remaining deterministic constraints. A stochastic convex optimization problem is obtained. A &ldquo;Stochastic Linear Program (SLP) with complete fixed recourse&rdquo; results when working with linearized yield/strength conditions. In case of a discretely distributed probability distribution or after the discretization of a more general probability distribution of the random structural parameters and loadings as well as certain random cost factors one has a linear program (LP) with a so‐called “dual decomposition data” structure. Some numerical examples are considered to demonstrate the solution procedures.
Optimal decisions under complex uncertainty – basic notions and a general algorithm for data‐based decision making with partial prior knowledge described by interval probability
Authors: Augustin Th. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractA powerful application of decision theory to engineering problems often has failed: The uncertainty underlying is too complex to be modelled adequately by a (precise) probability distribution. The present paper shows how recent generalizations of the usual calculus of probability can be utilized to deal powerfully with complex uncertainty in decision problems. Basic notions of the resulting theory of generalized expected loss and generalized risk are developed and discussed. In addition to this, also a general applicable algorithm is proposed to calculate optimal decision functions by linear programming.
Uncertain structural design based on nonlinear fuzzy analysis
Authors: Beer M. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractIn this paper a comprehensive application of fuzzy set theory in structural engineering is presented. Non‐stochastic uncertainty is quantified using fuzzy values. The fuzzy structural parameters are processed on the basis of a generally applicable numerical method for arbitrary linear and nonlinear fuzzy structural analyses. This method is formulated in terms of α‐level optimization combined with a modified evolution strategy. The fuzzy structural responses are compared with permissible values and assessed using an analog to the Shannon entropy and defuzzification algorithms. Referring to permissible fuzzy structural responses uncertain structural design parameters are derived by applying a fuzzy cluster analysis to the fuzzy structural parameters. The nonlinear fuzzy structural analysis including uncertain structural design is demonstrated by way of an example.