bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Army, NEPA, and Risk Communication
Authors: Flannery Mike , Fulton Keith
Published: September 2002

In the short period of two or perhaps three days of training, you can become aware of and practice the skills
required to incorporate risk communications into your management philosophy. Risk communications training, to be
effective, must incorporate role‐playing and include the following: effective listening; a stress on
nonverbal communications; conflict handling modes; trust and credibility; dialogue; and
positional and principled negotiation.

Learning by doing is the best axiom in developing these oral communications skills. And while these skills
are related to public relations, they are very different from public affairs skills you may have been exposed to
such as dealing with media “sound bites.” Besides, most public relations are handled by the public
affairs office. Risk communications is for when you're on your own.

Seek out this training for yourself or even your entire environmental staff so that your effectiveness as an
environmental manager is enhanced. You will never be able to win emotionally charged activists over to your
position. However, by employing risk communication skills in addressing their opposition in public meetings, you
will have a positive impact on open‐minded, undecided individuals who witness this exchange.

You will most likely win them over to your position and thereby incrementally increase those who support a
reasoned, balanced, and environmentally sound decision. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The relative efficiencies of price execution between the Singapore Exchange and the Taiwan Futures Exchange
Authors: Chou Robin K. , Lee Jie‐Haun
Published: September 2002

Both the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and the Taiwan Futures Exchange (TAIFEX) offer future contracts based on Taiwan's stock‐market indices. TAIFEX reduced the transaction tax from 5 basis points to 2.5 basis points on May 1, 2000. Hence, empirical tests are performed on the differences in trading costs and information transmissions between SGX and TAIFEX for the sample periods both before and after the tax reduction. It is shown that the reduction in the transaction tax greatly improves the efficiencies of price execution. Due to the structural differences between these two markets, the trading costs and speed of information transmissions also are different. The results also provide implications for the relative efficiencies of different market structures. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 22:173–196, 2002
Estimating the costs of informal care for people with Alzheimer's disease: methodological and practical challenges
Authors: McDaid David
Published: September 2002

Although Alzheimer's disease and related disorders may have a heavy impact on informal caregivers, estimates of informal care costs have been neglected and when included in cost of illness studies, valuations have been highly variable. Although these variations are in part due to differences in samples and the difficulty in measuring caregiving time, this illustrates the need to standardise the methodology not only for valuing formal, but also informal care costs. Methods used for valuing informal care are identified, together with theoretical and practical challenges in measurement. In particular the measurement of time and it's associated satisfaction or utility is complex and valuations of time need to consider aspects of the caregiving experience which influence the marginal valuation of the time spent caring. More empirical work is required to elicit information on both the positive and negative satisfaction associated with caregiving and to incorporate this into valuations of the costs related to informal care. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unequal distribution of cognitive deficits in vascular dementia – is this a valid criterion in the ICD‐10?
Authors: Boston Paul F. , Dennis Michael S. , Jagger Carol , Jarman Maria , Lamers Carolien
Published: September 2002

Objective

To investigate the appropriateness of the ICD‐10 criterion for vascular dementia which requires unequal distribution of deficits between different domains of cognitive function.

Design

Cross‐sectional comparative study.

Setting

Referrals to a specialist memory clinic in Sheffield and a community sample of patients from a general practice population in Melton Mowbray.

Method

The CAMCOG part of the Cambridge mental disorders of the elderly examination (CAMDEX) was assessed for 131 Sheffield subjects and 396 Melton Mowbray subjects to examine both total variability and differences between individual subscale items. Depression was also examined as this was a potential confounding factor.

Results

After adjustment for age, sex and depression scores, there were no significant differences between vascular dementia subjects and Alzheimer's disease subjects at either centre for total variability of cognitive deficits and little difference between diagnoses for individual subscale items. In Sheffield, subjects with vascular dementia had significantly higher depression scores compared to those with Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusions

The usefulness of the concept of unequal deficits as a diagnostic criterion for vascular dementia in routine clinical practice is doubtful. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal lobe‐oriented CT scanning and dementia in Down's syndrome
Authors: Lawlor Brian A. , McCarron Mary , Wilson Graham , McLoughlin Martin
Published: September 2002

Background

Although individuals with Down's syndrome (DS) are uniquely at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, the diagnosis of dementia in DS is problematic because of the difficulty in detecting cognitive decline in individuals with pre‐existing learning disability.

Aim

To determine if dementia in DS is associated with Medial Temporal Lobe (MTL) atrophy as measured by temporal lobe‐oriented CT scanning.

Method

Ten individuals with DS who were experiencing functional decline had CT scans with temporal lobe‐oriented views. All individuals were assessed for the presence of dementia according to modified DSM‐IIIR criteria. The minimal thickness of the MTL, corrected for age‐related atrophy was measured using a computer calipers at the level of the mid‐brainstem by a radiologist blind to the dementia diagnosis.

Results

All six individuals who met modified DSM‐IIIR criteria for dementia showed significant MTL atrophy.

Conclusions

The utility of temporal lobe‐oriented CT scanning as an adjunct to the diagnosis of dementia in DS appears promising and warrants further study. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of cost sharing on physician utilization under favourable conditions for supplier‐induced demand
Authors: Van De Voorde Carine , Van Doorslaer Eddy , Schokkaert Erik
Published: September 2002

The effects of cost sharing on the demand for ambulatory care in experimental circumstances are well understood since the Rand Health Insurance Experiment (HIE). However, in a non‐experimental real‐world context, supplier‐induced demand of doctors might erode some of the significant negative out‐of‐pocket price elasticity identified in the HIE. Belgium is an interesting test case for this hypothesis because it has relatively high rates of patient cost sharing in its public health insurance system and a very high density of physicians, all remunerated fee‐for‐service. We have exploited the price variation generated by a substantial increase in patient co‐payment rates in 1994 to estimate out‐of‐pocket price elasticities for three groups of users, and for three types of services using a fixed‐effects model in levels and in differences. We obtain significant out‐of‐pocket price elasticities for the general population in the range from −0.39 to −0.28 for GP home visits, −0.16 to −0.12 for GP office visits and −0.10 for specialist visits. The estimates were generally lower and less significant for the groups of elderly and disabled. The differences we find in price responsiveness appear to be fairly robust and consistent with the HIE predictions. These results suggest that—at least in the short run—non‐experimental utilization effects of cost sharing are very similar to the experimental evidence, even in a situation of favourable conditions for supplier‐induced demand. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ubiquitin and malignant transformation of oral mucosa
Authors: Cheng Leo H. H.
Published: September 2002

Background

Ubiquitinylation is a cyclical process operating in all cells to target specific proteins (eg, p53) for degradation. Abnormal accumulations of ubiquitinylated proteins have been identified in colorectal carcinoma. This study investigated abnormal ubiquitinylated proteins and changes in ubiquitinylation patterns associated with malignant transformation of oral tissue.

Methods

Twenty‐three fresh specimens of normal, premalignant, oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and its adjacent normal mucosa were collected for immunohistochemistry with anti‐ubiquitin and anti‐UbcH7 (a human ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme) antibodies using light and electron microscopy and protein analysis by Western blot.

Results

Ubiquitin and UbcH7 were observed in both nucleus and cytoplasm of normal, “premalignant” and malignant tissues of oral mucosa using immunoelectron microscopy. However there was no change in their distribution pattern.

Conclusions

The lack of demonstrable difference in distribution pattern of ubiquitin enzymes indicates that at present, ubiquitin cannot be used as a diagnostic marker for malignant transformation of oral SCC. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 972–978, 2001.
MRNA differential display identification of thyroid hormone‐responsive protein (THRP) gene in association with early phase of long‐term potentiation
Authors: Tang Y.P. , Ma Y.L. , Chen S.K. , Lee E.H.Y.
Published: September 2002

The process of long‐term potentiation (LTP) consists of the early induction and late maintenance phases. Few studies have examined the cellular mechanisms underlying these two phases; their respective mRNA expression profiles have not yet been elucidated. Here we used the technique of PCR differential display to identify genes that are differentially expressed between the early and late phases of LTP in vivo. Our results indicated that the cDNA fragment corresponding to one mRNA with preferentially increased expression during the early, but not late, phase of LTP encodes the rat thyroid hormone‐responsive protein (THRP) gene. In situ hybridization analysis confirmed the results obtained from the PCR differential display. Prior NMDA receptor blockade with MK801 prevented induction of LTP and decreased THRP mRNA expression in the dentate gyrus, as assayed by quantitative RT‐PCR analysis. THRP antisense oligonucleotide treatment before tetanic stimulation also prevented induction of LTP. However, when THRP antisense oligonucleotide was administered after induction of LTP, it did not affect expression and maintenance of LTP. THRP is known to be responsive to thyroid hormone. Our results indicate that direct thyroid hormone (T3) injection into the dentate gyrus produces a long‐lasting enhancement of synaptic efficacy of these neurons. T3 injection also markedly increased THRP mRNA expression in the dentate gyrus. Taken together, our results suggest that THRP mRNA expression plays an important role in the early phase, but not the late phase, of LTP and that both THRP and thyroid hormone are involved in synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons. Hippocampus 2001;11:637–646. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in paired‐pulse facilitation and long‐term potentiation between dorsal and ventral CA1 regions in anesthetized rats
Authors: Maruki Kiyoyuki , Izaki Yoshinori , Nomura Masahiko , Yamauchi Toshio
Published: September 2002

To clarify hippocampal regional differences in synaptic plasticity, paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF, a form of short‐term plasticity), long‐term potentiation (LTP, a form of long‐term plasticity), and their interactions were studied in the dorsal and ventral hippocampal CA1 regions of anesthetized rats. Baseline PPF and post‐LTP PPF experiments were conducted at interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 20–320 ms. A general protocol (100 Hz, 1 s) and a stronger protocol (250‐Hz pulse series) were applied for LTP induction. PPF were observed in both regions; however, the degree was lower and the range of ISIs was narrower in the ventral region compared with the dorsal region. The degree of ventral LTP was lower than that of the dorsal LTP. The interaction between PPF and LTP was observed in both regions (PPF change correlated inversely with degree of baseline PPF). However, this was also different in each region. Dorsal PPF increased or decreased; in contrast, ventral PPF of short ISIs after LTP only decreased. These regional differences in short‐term and long‐term synaptic plasticity may explain a consequence of different afferent inputs and information processing. Hippocampus 2001;11:655–661. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrophysiology of regular firing cells in the rat perirhinal cortex
Authors: D'Antuono Margherita , Biagini Giuseppe , Tancredi Virginia , Avoli Massimo
Published: September 2002

The electrophysiological properties of neurons in the rat perirhinal cortex were analyzed with intracellular recordings in an in vitro slice preparation. Cells included in this study (n = 59) had resting membrane potential (RMP) = −73.9 ± 8.5 mV (mean ± SD), action potential amplitude = 95.5 ± 10.4 mV, input resistance = 36.1 ±v 15.7 MΩ, and time constant = 13.9 ± 3.4 ms. When filled with neurobiotin (n = 27) they displayed a pyramidal shape with an apical dendrite and extensive basal dendritic tree. Injection of intracellular current pulses revealed: 1) a tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 μM)‐sensitive, inward rectification in the depolarizing direction (n = 6), and 2) a time‐ and voltage‐dependent hyperpolarizing sag that was blocked by extracellular Cs+ (3 mM, n = 5) application. Prolonged (up to 3 s) depolarizing pulses made perirhinal cells discharge regular firing of fast action potentials that diminished over time in frequency and reached a steady level (i.e., adapted). Repetitive firing was followed by an afterhyperpolarization that was decreased, along with firing adaptation, by the Ca2+‐channel blocker Co2+ (2 mM, n = 6). Action potential broadening became evident during repetitive firing. This behavior, which was more pronounced when larger pulses of depolarizing current were injected (and thus when repetitive firing attained higher rates), was markedly decreased by Co2+ application. Subthreshold membrane oscillations at 5–12 Hz became apparent when cells were depolarized by 10–20 mV from RMP, and action potential clusters appeared with further depolarization. Application of glutamatergic and GABAA receptor antagonists (n = 4), Co2+ (n = 6), or Cs+ (n = 5) did not prevent the occurrence of these oscillations that were abolished by TTX (n = 6). Our results show that pyramidal‐like neurons in the perirhinal cortex are regular firing cells with electrophysiological features resembling those of other cortical pyramidal elements. The ability to generate subthreshold membrane oscillations may play a role in synaptic plasticity and thus in the mnemonic processes typical of this limbic structure. Hippocampus 2001;11:662–672. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hippocampal complex and retrieval of recent and very remote autobiographical memories: Evidence from functional magnetic resonance imaging in neurologically intact people
Authors: Ryan Lee , Nadel Lynn , Keil Katrina , Putnam Karen , Schnyer David , Trouard Theodore , Moscovitch Morris
Published: September 2002

It has been argued that the role of the hippocampus in memory is time‐limited: during a period of memory consolidation, other brain regions such as the neocortex are said to acquire the ability to support memory retention and retrieval on their own. An alternative view is that retention and retrieval of memory for autobiographical episodes depend on the hippocampal complex, regardless of the age of the memory. We examined the participation of the hippocampal complex in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study in which participants were asked to recollect autobiographical events that occurred either within the last 4 years or more than 20 years ago. We found equivalent levels of hippocampal activation in both conditions in all participants (N = 10). In addition, activation in neocortical regions did not differ as a function of the age of the memory, even though most of the recent memories recalled were less than 2 years old and the remote memories more than 35 years old. The results support the notion that the hippocampal complex participates in retention and recovery of even very old autobiographical memories, and place boundary conditions on theories of memory consolidation. Hippocampus 2001;11:707–714. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of the serotonin antagonist, metergoline, on the anxiogenic effects of carbon dioxide, and on heart rate and neuroendocrine measures, in healthy volunteers
Authors: Meiri Gal , Ben‐Zion Itzhak Z. , Greenberg Benjamin D. , Murphy Dennis L. , Benjamin Jonathan
Published: September 2002

The mechanism of action of carbon dioxide (CO2) angiogenesis is unknown; only recently have possible serotonergic (5‐HT) influences begun to be studied. In separate double‐blind challenges 1 week apart, 14 healthy volunteers received two vital capacity inhalations each of 35% CO2 and of air, once after a single capsule of placebo and once after a single capsule containing 4 mg of the 5‐HT antagonist metergoline in a randomized crossover design. The inhalations were repeated 1 and 2 days after the ingestion of capsules, to investigate possible delayed effects of metergoline, and possible tolerance to repeated CO2 after placebo. We observed increased anxiety, and a trend for increased plasma noradrenaline (NA), after CO2. CO2 anxiogenesis was significantly enhanced by metergoline. Heart rate increased after both gas mixtures following metergoline administration. Plasma prolactin levels were lower after metergoline. Responses to CO2 did not differ between the day of placebo administration and the two subsequent days; on the days following metergoline administration there were almost no delayed effects. We hypothesize that 5‐HT may function as an inhibitor of CO2 anxiogenesis, and that this is opposed by the 5‐HT antagonist, metergoline. Absence of tolerance after repeated CO2 argues against psychological explanations of tolerance after other panicogens. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The National Stream Quality Accounting Network: a flux‐based approach to monitoring the water quality of large rivers
Authors: Hooper Richard P. , Aulenbach Brent T. , Kelly Valerie J.
Published: September 2002

Estimating the annual mass flux at a network of fixed stations is one approach to characterizing water quality of large rivers. The interpretive context provided by annual flux includes identifying source and sink areas for constituents and estimating the loadings to receiving waters, such as reservoirs or the ocean. Since 1995, the US Geological Survey's National Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) has employed this approach at a network of 39 stations in four of the largest river basins of the USA: the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Colorado and the Rio Grande. In this paper, the design of NASQAN is described and its effectiveness at characterizing the water quality of these rivers is evaluated using data from the first 3 years of operation. A broad range of constituents was measured by NASQAN, including trace organic and inorganic chemicals, major ions, sediment and nutrients. Where possible, a regression model relating concentration to discharge and season was used to interpolate between chemical observations for flux estimation. For water‐quality network design, the most important finding from NASQAN was the importance of having a specific objective (that is, estimating annual mass flux) and, from that, an explicitly stated data analysis strategy, namely the use of regression models to interpolate between observations. The use of such models aided in the design of sampling strategy and provided a context for data review. The regression models essentially form null hypotheses for concentration variation that can be evaluated by the observed data. The feedback between network operation and data collection established by the hypothesis tests places the water‐quality network on a firm scientific footing. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applicability of NASQAN data for ecosystem assessments on the Missouri River
Authors: Blevins Dale , Fairchild James
Published: September 2002

The effectiveness of ecological restoration efforts on large developed rivers is often unknown because comprehensive ecological monitoring programs are often absent. Although Eulerian water‐quality monitoring programs, such as the National Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) program, are more common, they are usually not designed for ecological assessment. Therefore, this paper addresses the value of NASQAN for ecological assessments on the Missouri River and identifies potential program additions and modifications to assess certain ecological changes in physical habitat, biological structure and function, and ecotoxicity.

Five additional sites; the analysis of chlorophyll, mercury, ATP, potential endocrine disruptors, total trace elements, and selected total hydrophobic organics; and the hourly measurement of dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and temperature are recommended. Hourly measurements would require an entirely new operational aspect to NASQAN. However, the presence of data loggers and satellite transmitters in the gauging stations at all NASQAN sites substantially improves the feasibility of continuous water‐quality monitoring. The use of semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) to monitor dissolved bioaccumulating organics and trace elements, identification and enumeration of zooplankton, and characterization of the bioavailability of organic matter are also recommended.

The effect of biological processes on the conservative assumptions that are used in flux and source determinations of NASQAN constituents are also evaluated. Organic carbon, organic nitrogen, dissolved phosphate, and dissolved inorganic nitrogen are the NASQAN constituents most vulnerable to biological processes and thus violation of conservative assumptions. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics of carbon dioxide in soil profiles based on long‐term field observation
Authors: Hamada Y. , Tanaka T.
Published: September 2002

Long‐term field observation of carbon dioxide concentrations in soil air and soil temperature and moisture was conducted in a forested (oak and Japanese larch) headwater basin. The soil CO2 concentration was measured monthly from the ground surface to a depth of 2 m using gas detection tubes. The data were then averaged monthly to show general annual trends. The temporal and spatial distribution of carbon dioxide showed generally constant annual patterns of concentration increase from spring to summer and decrease from autumn to winter in response to soil temperature changes. The concentration increased exponentially with soil temperature ≥5 °C at the same depth, suggesting a close relationship between the concentration and production of carbon dioxide. From late winter to early spring a frozen layer formed at the top of the soil profile that inhibited the escape of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The soil CO2 concentrations in the oak forest were generally higher than those in the Japanese larch forest, although both soil respiration rate and soil organic carbon contents were lower in the oak forest. Considerable interannual differences in the distribution of carbon dioxide were observed with coincident differences in precipitation. Concentrations at shallow depths were relatively low in dry summers. When the frozen layer was not formed under thick snow cover, soil CO2 concentration did not increase. In deep soils, where the influence of precipitation was not significant, the interannual difference was almost always within ±20% of the monthly average. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Return migration in Andalusia, Spain
Authors: Rodríguez Vicente , Egea Carmen , Nieto José Antonio
Published: September 2002

Despite its social and geographical importance, return migration has not been properly considered in demographic research, probably due to the difficulty involved in defining and measuring it. However, it has been analysed since the 1950s with respect to returnees' features and their consequences and impacts. In Spain, the tradition of studying return has appeared intermittently in recent decades, in spite of the strong emigratory flows in the 1960s and 1970s. Now the phenomenon can be addressed from a coherent perspective by using the Residential Variation Statistics to define several types of return, depending on the place to which the emigrants return. This paper uses this information to conduct an in‐depth analysis of return migration in Andalusia in recent years in order to discover the importance of return in general and at the municipal level, the significance of return from outside and inside Andalusia, and the characteristics of the migrant population in comparison with the native population. The analysis is completed with an assessment of the conditions that prompted Andalusians to emigrate and how Andalusian municipalities are being affected by return at present. Finally, the paper seeks to gain further insight into return by using qualitative methods to appraise the importance of emigrants' reasons when they decide to return to Andalusia. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative images of antenna patterns using infrared thermography and microwave holography
Authors: Norgard John , Will John , Stubenrauch Carl
Published: September 2002

In this paper, we apply microwave holography to infrared (IR) thermal images of electromagnetic (EM) fields to measure near‐field and far‐field radiation patterns of antennas. The phase of the field is retrieved from IR thermograms (magnitude‐only thermal images of the field) measured in the near field of the antenna using microwave holography. One method to extract the phase is to use an iterative plane‐to‐plane (PTP) two‐dimensional (2D) holographic phase retrieval method. After the phase is recovered, the near‐field thermographic/holographic data can be processed to determine the complex intensity (magnitude and phase) of the field at any distance in front of the antenna under test (AUT). Of particular interest is the far‐field radiation pattern of the antenna or, especially for phased array antennas, the aperture source‐plane distribution. Numerical simulations were performed to determine the feasibility, accuracy, and sensitivity of these IR thermographic/holographic phase‐retrieval techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of the technique are also discussed. To demonstrate the feasibility of the technique, actual IR thermograms were obtained at the Air Force Research Laboratory/Rome Research Site (AFRL/RRS) in Rome, (New York) and holograms were derived from a simple planar 6 × 6 phased array patch antenna using the PTP technique. The phase‐retrieval results are presented and compared with the known results for this antenna, as measured on the near‐field range at the National Institute of Technology and Standards (NIST) using standard hard‐wired probes. The agreement between the results for this antenna is very good. Published 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 11, 210–218, 2000
Effect of dietary treatment with n‐propyl gallate or vitamin E on the survival of mice exposed to phosgene
Authors: Sciuto A. M. , Moran T. S.
Published: September 2002

Phosgene, widely used in industrial processes, can cause life‐threatening pulmonary edema and acute lung injury. One mechanism of protection against phosgene‐induced lung injury may involve the use of antioxidants. The present study focused on dietary supplementation in mice using n‐propyl gallate (nPG)—a gallate acid ester compound used infood preservation—and vitamin E. Five groups of male mice were studied: group 1, control‐fed with Purina® rodent chow 5002; group 2, fed 0.75% nPG (w/w) in 5002; group 3, fed 1.5% nPG (w/w) in 5002; group 4 fed 1% (w/w) vitamin E in 5002; and group 5, fed 2% (w/w) vitamin E also in 5002. Mice were fed for 23 days. On day 23 mice were exposed to 32 mg m−3 (8 ppm) phosgene for 20 min (640 mg · min m−3) in a whole‐body exposure chamber. Survival rates were determined at 12 and 24 h. In mice that died within 12 h, the lungs were removed and lung wet weights, dry weights, wet/dry weight ratios, lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and glutathione (GSH) were assessed. Vitamin E had no positive effect on any outcome measured. There was no significant difference between 1.5% nPG and any parameter measured or survival rate compared with 5002 + phosgene. However, dietary treatment with 0.75% nPG significantly increased survival rate (P ⩽ 0.002) and lowered TBARS (P ⩽ 0.05) compared with 5002 + phosgene at 12 h after exposure. Mice fed 0.75% nPG had a lower wet/dry wt ratio compared with those fed 1.5% nPG and a significantly increased lung tissue GSH 36%, compared with the 5002 + phosgene group. In conclusion, dietary treatment with a low level of the antioxidant nPG protected mice by decreasing lipid peroxidation and increasing lung tissue GSH. The higher level of nPG and both levels of vitamin E diets were ineffective, suggesting that a ceiling threshold level of antioxidants in lung tissue is required for survival against phosgene‐induced lung injury. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subchronic oral toxicity of a combination of insecticide (HCH) and herbicide (ISP) in male rats
Authors: Raizada R. B. , Srivastava M. K , Kaushal R. A. , Singh R. P. , Gupta K. P.
Published: September 2002

Rats were treated orally with technical hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg kg−1 day−1) and technical isoproturon (ISP 22.5. 45 and 90 mg kg−1 day−1) daily for a period of 90 days alone and in combination. Treatment with HCH alone showed mild to severe toxicity and death. Significant changes occurred in liver weight, clinical enzyme profiles, haematological parameters and pathomorphological changes. Treatment with ISP alone did not produce such changes. The combination of HCH and ISP produced changes not suggestive of synergism. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological consequences of multiple vaccine and pyridostigmine pretreatment in the guinea pig
Authors: Griffiths Gareth D. , Hornby Rebecca J. , Stevens Daniel J. , Scott Leah A. M. , Upshall David G.
Published: September 2002

An investigation of the possible interactions between combinations of vaccines and pyridostigmine bromide (PB) has been undertaken in the guinea pig. This study is part of a research programme funded by the UK Government to determine any effects of the pretreatment regimes given to UK Forces during the Persian Gulf conflict of 1990–1991.

The study was designed to simulate PB administration and to model multiple vaccination protocols that were experienced by UK Forces, modelling a ‘worst case’ situation in which all ten vaccines and PB were administered within a short period of time. Seven of the vaccines were health and hygiene (H+H) vaccines given to protect against endemic diseases and two vaccines to protect against the biological warfare agents anthrax and plague. In addition, pertussis vaccine was administered as an adjuvant to reduce the time to achieve immunity against anthrax.

Four groups of eight animals were treated with 1/20th, 1/10th or 1/5th human doses of vaccines or vehicles, respectively. The PB or saline was delivered by implanted 28 day mini‐osmotic pumps to achieve a mean red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition of around 30%. Body weight, temperature, immunological response, biochemical indices and spontaneous activity were monitored for 72 days.

Although immunological responses to bacterial vaccines were observed, there were no remarkable findings in the parameters measured other than minor changes in body weight (4.9% decrease at the 1/5th human dose of vaccines) and temperature increases in response to vaccination. Animals in all groups remained generally healthy and active without visible adverse signs throughout the study. © Crown copyright 2001. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mitogenic Gi protein‐MAP kinase signaling cascade in MC3T3‐E1 osteogenic cells: Activation by C‐terminal pentapeptide of osteogenic growth peptide [OGP(10–14)] and attenuation of activation by cAMP
Authors: Gabarin Nidal , Gavish Hanna , Muhlrad Andras , Chen Yu‐Chen , Namdar‐Attar Malka , Nissenson Robert A. , Chorev Michael , Bab Itai
Published: September 2002

In osteogenic and other cells the mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases have a key role in regulating proliferation and differentiated functions. The osteogenic growth peptide (OGP) is a 14 mer mitogen of osteogenic and fibroblastic cells that regulates bone turnover, fracture healing, and hematopoiesis, including the engraftment of bone marrow transplants. It is present in the serum and extracellular fluid either free or complexed to OGP‐binding proteins (OGPBPs). The free immunoreactive OGP consists of the full length peptide and its C‐terminal pentapeptide OGP(10–14). In the present study, designed to probe the signaling pathways triggered by OGP, we demonstrate in osteogenic MC3T3 E1 cells that mitogenic doses of OGP(10–14), but not OGP, enhance MAP kinase activity in a time‐dependent manner. The OGP(10–14)‐induced stimulation of both MAP kinase activity and DNA synthesis were abrogated by pertusis toxin, a Gi protein inhibitor. These data offer direct evidence for the occurrence in osteogenic cells of a peptide‐activated, mitogenic Gi protein‐MAP kinase‐signaling cascade. Forskolin and dBu2‐cAMP abrogated the OGP(10–14)‐stimulated proliferation, but induced only 50% inhibition of the OGP(10–14)‐mediated MAP kinase activation, suggesting additional MAP kinase‐dependent, OGP(10–14)‐regulated, cellular functions. Finally, it is demonstrated that OGP(10–14) is the active form of OGP, apparently generated proteolytically in the extracellular milieu upon dissociation of OGP–OGPBP complexes. J. Cell. Biochem. 81: 594–603, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Suppressive role of endogenous regucalcin in the regulation of protein phosphatase activity in rat renal cortex cytosol
Authors: Morooka Yoshiko , Yamaguchi Masayoshi
Published: September 2002

The role of endogenous regucalcin, which is a regulatory protein of calcium signaling, in the regulation of protein phosphatase activity in the cytosol of rat renal cortex was investigated. Protein phosphatase activity toward phosphotyrosine, phosphoserine, and phosphothreonine was found in the cytosol of kidney cortex. The addition of regucalcin (50–250 nM) in the enzyme reaction mixture caused a significant decrease in protein phosphatase activity toward three phosphoamino acids. The effect of calcium (25 μM) and calmodulin (2.5 μg/ml) in increasing protein phosphatase activity toward three phosphoamino acids was significantly decreased by the addition of regucalcin (100 nM). Protein phosphatase activity toward three phosphoamino acids was significantly increased in the presence of anti‐regucalcin monoclonal antibody (10–50 ng/ml) in the enzyme reaction mixture. The effect of antibody (25 ng/ml) in increasing the enzyme activity was significantly inhibited by cyclosporin A (10−5 M) or vanadate (10−5 M). Regucalcin in the kidney cortex cytosol was clearly decreased by the administration of saline (0.9% NaCl) for seven days in rats. Protein phosphatase activity toward three phosphoamino acids was significantly decreased by saline administration. The effect of anti‐regucalcin antibody (25 ng/ml) in increasing protein phosphatase activity toward three phosphoamino acids was not seen in the renal cortex cytocol of saline‐administered rats. The present study demonstrates that endogenous regucalcin plays a suppressive role in the regulation of protein phosphatase activity in the cytoplasm of rat kidney cortex. J. Cell. Biochem. 81: 639–646, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased mRNA expression and protein secretion of interleukin‐6 in primary human osteoblasts differentiated in vitro from rheumatoid and osteoarthritic bone
Authors: Chenoufi Henna‐Lise , Diamant Marcus , Rieneck Klaus , Lund Bjarne , Stein Gary S. , Lian Jane B.
Published: September 2002

We have investigated the expression and synthesis of potential bone‐resorbing cytokines, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in rheumatoid arthritic (RA) and osteoarthritic (OA) bone, two common diseases which are associated with bone loss. Primary human osteoblast (hOB) cultures were established to determine the temporal mRNA expression of IL‐6, IL‐1 (α and β), and TNF (α and β) in relation to osteoblast growth and phenotypic genes. IL‐6 mRNA levels were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.04) in both OA hOB (17 patients) and RA hOB (10 patients) compared to normal (NO) hOB (9 patients) and reached five‐fold increases in OA hOB and 13‐fold increases in RA hOB. Maximal levels of IL‐6 are expressed at Day 21 which corresponds to the mineralization stage reflected by decreasing collagen I (α1), osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, alkaline phosphatase mRNA levels, while osteocalcin (OC) mRNA levels increased. IL‐6 protein levels also were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in OA hOB and RA hOB compared to NO hOB. These increases were not attributable to sex or age of the donor bone. Neither the mRNA encoding IL‐1(α and β) and TNF(α and β) nor the related proteins were detectable. These results indicate that differentiated OA hOB and RA hOB within a bone tissue‐like matrix constitutively express and secrete high levels of IL‐6. This inherent property suggests that these osteoblasts, independent of local inflammatory parameters, can contribute to enhanced recruitment of osteoclast progenitors and thereby bone resorption. J. Cell. Biochem. 81: 666–678, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the effect of the BSSE on intermolecular potential energy surfaces. Comparison of a priori and a posteriori BSSE correction schemes
Authors: Salvador Pedro , Paizs Béla , Duran Miquel , Suhai Sándor
Published: September 2002

A comparative study of geometrical parameters is performed on the complexes HF–HF, H2O–H2O, and HF–H2O using 12 different basis sets at the RHF, MP2, and DFT (BLYP and B3LYP) levels of theory. The equilibrium geometries were obtained from uncorrected, a posteriori (counterpoise, CP) and a priori (Chemical Hamiltonian Approach, CHA) BSSE‐corrected potential energy surfaces. The calculation of equilibrium geometries using the CP and CHA schemes is described in details. The effect of the BSSE on various intermolecular parameters is discussed and the performance of the applied theoretical models is critically evaluated from the BSSE point of view. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 765–786, 2001
Evaluation of stratus® CS Stat fluorimetric analyser for measurement of cardiac markers Troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase MB (CK‐MB), and myoglobin
Authors: Bénéteau‐Burnat Bénédicte , Baudin Bruno , Vaubourdolle Michel
Published: September 2002

Myoglobin, CK‐MB, and Troponin I (cTnI) are cardiac muscle necrosis markers that are useful for detecting acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The Stratus® CS (Dade Behring, Inc.) is a discrete fluorimetric immunoassay analyser designed for the determination of the three cardiac markers from a single sample of whole blood or plasma. Overall analytical performances of the Stratus® CS provided by Dade Behring were evaluated according to the French Society of Clinical Biology guidelines. Within‐run imprecision (n = 20) for the three parameters at three levels gave values under 5%, whereas CVs for between‐run imprecision (n = 20) were under 6%. The sensitivities were 0.03 μg/L for cTnI and 0.4 μg/L for CK‐MB. Linearities extended from 0–50 μg/L for cTnI, 0–140 μg/L for CK‐MB, and 1–900 μg/L for myoglobin. The results, particularly those obtained on whole‐blood samples, correlated well with those obtained on Stratus® II. We did not find any interference with haemolysis, icterus, or lipemia. The system was very easy to use, and fulfills the requirements for the analysis of the three cardiac markers in patients with acute chest pain in emergency situations. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 15:314–318, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Homogenous enzyme immunoassay for cyclosporine in whole blood using the EMIT®2000 cyclosporine specific assay with the COBAS MIRA‐plus analyzer
Authors: Kimura Shigeki , Iyama Shigeru , Yamaguchi Yoshihisa , Kanakura Yuzuru
Published: September 2002

We describe the evaluation of the EMIT®2000 cyclosporine specific assay kit, an enzyme‐multiplied immunoassay for cyclosporine in whole blood, with a COBAS MIRA‐plus analyzer. The enzyme used for the assay was glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49 G6PDH) from Leuconostoc mesenteroides; the monoclonal antibody is fairly specific for cyclosporine, and is not reactive with most metabolites. The assay principle is based on competitive immunoassay with G6PDH‐labeled cyclosporine and cyclosporine in sample to the anticyclosporine mouse monoclonal antibody binding site. The within‐assay coefficient of variation (CV) of this method was 2.7–4.2% (n = 10) at the levels of 56.2–339.7 μg/L. Day‐to‐day CVs ranged from 4.2–8.1% at the levels of 47.2–350.2 μg/L. The within‐day CVs ranged from 2.0–6.4% at the levels of 43.3–330.5 μg/L. The functional detection limit was 24.9 μg/L. Samples treated with pretreatment reagent were stable at least 5 hr. Calibration was stable at least 10 days. The analytical recovery was 81–109%. The correlation between values obtained with the EMIT®2000 cyclosporine specific assay kit (y) and fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) (TDxFLx) (x) was: y = 0.880x – 13.053 μg/L (r = 0.984, Sy/x = 15.968, n = 71) with a mean difference of 31.42 ± 19.89 μg/L ((TDxFLx – EMIT®2000) ± SD); for the FPIA (AxSYM) (x): y = 0.989 – 4.144 μg/L (r = 0.981, Sy/x = 17.478, n = 71) with a mean difference of 5.56 ± 17.38 μg/L ((AxSYM – EMIT®2000) ± SD); and for the radioimmunoassay (RIA, CYCLO‐Trac SP) (x): y = 0.893 – 6.764 μg/L (r = 0.993, Sy/x = 10.582, n = 71) with a mean difference of 22.18 ± 14.98 μg/L ((RIA – EMIT®2000) ± SD) using the Bland‐Altman technique. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 15:319–323, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of the effect of physical child abuse within an ecological framework: Measurement issues
Authors: Stockhammer Tanya F. , Salzinger Suzanne , Feldman Richard S. , Mojica Elena , Primavera Louis H.
Published: September 2002

The definition and classification of maltreatment and the assessment of its effects have serious implications for child protection and intervention. The present study seeks to clarify a number of interrelated issues involved in the assessment of the effects of child maltreatment.The study tested, within the context of an ecological model, the relative utility of two sources of information about child abuse, Child Protective Services records and parent interviews, for their ability to account for child functioning. The model is based on an ecological approach that places risk factors along a proximal/distal continuum with respect to the expected impact on the child. Risk for poor child functioning was found to increase as increasingly distal as well as proximal risk factors were included. A sample of 100 physically abused schoolchildren, ages 9–11, and their families was obtained from a pool of consecutive entries onto the New York State Register for Child Abuse. Information about child physical abuse and family functioning was obtained from NYS Child Protective Services records and a structured parent interview. Child functioning was measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach, 1991a) and the Teacher Rating Form (Achenbach, 1991b). The findings suggest that for the purpose of evaluating risk factors for poor outcome in physically abused children, with the ultimate aim of improving protection and intervention, it is critical to gather information systematically from multiple sources about the abuseandthe family context in which it occurs because both are predictive of child functioning, and different information about both is contributed by the different sources. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Biotransformation of l‐menthol by soil‐borne plant pathogenic fungi (Rhizoctonia solani)
Authors: Miyazawa Mitsuo , Kawazoe Hideki , Hyakumachi Mitsuro
Published: September 2002

The biotransformation of l‐menthol was investigated by using nine isolates of Rhizoctonia solani (AG‐1‐IA Rs24, Joichi‐2, RRG97‐1; AG‐1‐IB TR22, R147, 110.4; AG‐1‐IC F‐1, F‐4 and P‐1) as a biocatalyst. In the cases of Rhizoctonia solani F‐1, F‐4 and P‐1, almost all of the substrate was consumed in 3 days and the major metabolite increased rapidly for the first of 3 days incubation. The structure of the major metabolite was elucidated on the basis of its spectral data. The major metabolite was determined to be (−)‐(1S,3R,4S,6S)‐6‐hydroxymenthol which indicated that l‐menthol was hydroxylated at the C‐6 position. From the main component analysis, the nine isolates of Rhizoctonia solani were divided into two groups based on their ability to transform l‐menthol to (−)‐(1S,3R,4S,6S)‐6‐hydroxymenthol. This is the first report on the biotransformation of l‐menthol by Rhizoctonia solani.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Esterification of n‐butyric acid with n‐butyl alcohol and transesterification of (R, S)‐phenylethanol by lipase immobilized on cellulose acetate–TiO2 gel fibre
Authors: Ikeda Yuko , Nozaki Ryu , Kurokawa Youichi
Published: September 2002

Lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) was immobilized on cellulose acetate–TiO2 gel fibre by the sol–gel method. The immobilized lipases were used for esterification of n‐butyric acid with n‐butyl alcohol and enantioselective acylation of (R, S)‐phenylethanol using vinyl acetate as an acyl donor. Compared with native lipase, the activity of the immobilized lipase was stable and relatively unaffected by the water content of the solvent and the substrate concentration. The data indicate that the lipases are immobilized on the fibre surface and that enzyme activity is influenced by bound water. However, the thermal reactivity and enantioselectivity of the immobilized lipase were less than those of native lipase. This may not reflect thermal inactivation of the enzyme but rather significant thermal contraction of the gel fibre by cellulose crystallization, resulting in liberation of bound water and a decrease in the amount of enzyme which is available for the reaction.

Copyright © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Linear rugosity concept of crystalline surfaces by using the unidirectional laser oblique illumination (ULOI) technique
Authors: Favret Eduardo Alfredo , Povolo Francisco
Published: September 2002

The study of the I(φ) curves obtained with Unidirectional Laser Oblique Illumination describes the roughness of a crystal as a combination of straight edges in different directions, which generate the concept of linear rugosity. In the present work, a model of the crystalline surface based on this concept is introduced. Diffraction gratings as well as metallic surfaces subjected to different metallographic procedures are analyzed. The theoretical results are compared with experimental values obtained in samples of Fe and Zn using an objective of 16×. Both values, theoretical and experimental, are in total concordance. Microsc. Res. Tech. 55:270–281, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.