bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Animal Identification
Authors: Donovan John , Brown Patricia
Published: July 2006

Proper identification of animals is crucial in research, whether the animals are being used as experimental subjects, for breeding purposes, or as a source for tissues, cells, or fluids. This unit provides specific protocols for the ear punch (notch) and ear tag methods for mouse, rat and hamster; tattoos for mouse, rat and rabbit; and the correct use of a subcutaneous transponder system for all of the above species.
Parenteral Injections
Authors: Donovan John , Brown Patricia
Published: July 2006

This unit describes the techniques for the following routes of injection for mice, rats, hamsters and rabbits: intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous, intravenous, intraperitoneal, footpad, and intrathymic. Guidelines are also given regarding injection volumes and temperatures, and the use of proper restraints.
Rubidium and Rubidium Compounds
Authors: Wagner Frank S.
Published: July 2006

The article provides an overview of the properties, preparation, and chemistry of the element rubidium. Physical properties of rubidium are provided. The chemistry of the element is discussed in terms of its preparation, basic inorganic chemistry, chelating complexes, and metal–fulleride compounds. Packaging and current shipping information is included. Suppliers of rubidium metal and compounds are listed, along with pricing. Owing to the chemical reactivity of rubidium, safe handling and storage procedures for the metal are discussed. Available toxicological data are given for a number of common rubidium compounds. Although rubidium and its compounds have limited commercial application, some uses are reviewed. References to review articles, monographs, and books on rubidium and the alkali metals are also provided.
Supramolecular Chemistry
Authors: Cragg Peter J.
Published: July 2006

Supramolecular chemistry has its origins in the supermolecule, a term used by Nobel Laureate Jean‐Marie Lehn from the early 1970s when referring to a well‐defined chemical species comprising several components. The realization that supermolecules could in turn form larger molecular assemblies led to the shift in emphasis from super‐ to supramolecular in the literature to more accurately describe the complexity of systems involved. Supramolecular chemistry has since advanced to include complexes between molecules with complementary binding sites (molecular recognition), multicomponent complexes (supramolecular assemblies), the programmed interactions between large molecular assemblies (molecular tectonics), and even the directed assembly of three‐dimensional solids (crystal engineering). This article sets out the concepts and aims of supramolecular chemistry, illustrates some of the early development in the field, considers the synthesis and structures of individual supramolecular synthons as well as supramolecular assemblies, and concludes with an assessment of current and anticipated applications in materials science, medicine, the interface with biology, molecular computing, nanomaterials, and nanomachines.
Exploring Phenotypic Data at the Rat Genome Database
Authors: N. Twigger Simon , S. Smith Jennifer , Zuniga‐Meyer Angela , Bromberg Susan K.
Published: July 2006

The laboratory rat, Rattus norvegicus, is an important model of human health and disease, and experimental findings in the rat have direct relevance to human‐based research. The Rat Genome Database (RGD, http://rgd.mcw.edu) is a model‐organism database that provides access to wide variety of curated rat data such as genes and their homologs, quantitative trait loci, phenotypes, comparative mapping, and genome analysis. We present an overview of the database followed by specific examples that can be used to gain experience in employing RGD to explore the wealth of functional data available for the rat. We show how to make associations with the genome and use comparative tools to link the rat with human and mouse in order to integrate results from these three species of critical biomedical importance.
Studies Investigating Prognostic Factors: Conduct and Evaluation
Authors: Altman Douglas G.
Published: July 2006

Most types of human cancer are heterogeneous with regard to clinical features, natural course, histologic, and molecular characteristics. Better diagnostic classification systems would improve the ability to select an appropriate treatment and facilitate the development of more effective regimens. For example, accurate classification of small breast tumors with regard to metastatic potential would permit many patients to avoid systemic therapy.

The medical literature is filled with reports of prognostic factor discoveries. There are numerous inconsistencies among reports, and for many types of cancer the literature can at best be called confusing. In contrast to clinical trials, there are no standards for prognostic factor studies, and hence it is easy to publish methodologically poor studies in reputable journals. Nearly all prognostic factor studies are “exploratory studies” rather than “confirmatory studies.” Because of problems of multiple significance testing, most conclusions of exploratory analyses will not be correct. The phenomenon of “publication bias” assures that the most positive and erroneous of these studies will be published in reputable journals and receive attention.

Technological developments are likely to make the confusion in the literature of prognostic factor studies much worse. Genomics is providing huge numbers of DNA polymorphisms that can be used as prognostic factors in future studies. DNA microarrays currently permit the expression profiling of tens of thousands of genes for each tumor sample, and these expression levels are potential prognostic factors. It is therefore important for clinical investigators and clinicians to have a better understanding of the flaws of many prognostic factor studies and to establish standards for the type of evidence about a prognostic factor that we should have before accepting the factor in clinical practice. These are the objectives of this chapter.
Gastric Cancer
Authors: van Krieken J.H.J.M. , van de Velde Cornelis J.H.
Published: July 2006

The incidence of gastric cancer is decreasing worldwide, but the prognosis is still generally poor. Insight in pathogenesis (the role of Helicobacter Pylori and Epstein‐Barr virus) and molecular genetics (p53 en RAS mutations) has increased in recent years. Important new data exist on treatment: the role of local surgical treatment, extended lymphadenectomy, and chemotherapy. Outcome is clearly dependent on many factors, but complete surgical excision is still central in the treatment. This chapter deals with clinical, pathological, and genetic factors that are related to survival, especially those that can influence clinical management. An important caveat has been formulated recently: criteria to diagnose cancer of the stomach vary, clearly leading to differences in patient populations in studies. In particular, this might partially explain the higher incidence and better prognosis of gastric cancer in Japan. But then, when staged similarly using the same prognostic factors, there was no difference between the prognosis for German and Japanese patients. Where prior gastric surgery is concerned (gastric stump carcinoma) prognosis is very poor, but dependant on stage. Histology and DNA index in these cases are the same as for other upper‐third stomach cancer cases. In a retrospective study on 2654 patients from Japan, it was found that from the early 1960s to the early 1980s the percentage of proximally located tumors increased from 17% to 27% and signet‐ring‐cell carcinoma increased from 2% to 22%. Although proximally located tumors behaved more aggressive, survival was more associated with stage than with primary site in the stomach.
Extrahepatic Biliary Tract and the Ampulla of Vater Cancers
Authors: Wittekind Christian
Published: July 2006

This chapter reviews the most useful prognostic factors that are available for carcinomas arising in the gallbladder, extrahepatic bile ducts, or the ampulla of Vater. In considering these prognostic indicators, the complex anatomy of the extrahepatic biliary system and its relation to adjacent structures becomes critical. For this reason, the prognostic factors are described separately for the gallbladder, extrahepatic bile ducts, and ampulla. For all three sites, however, the single most important factor having the greatest effect on survival is the extent of tumor at the time of diagnosis. In preparing this chapter, data were reviewed from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program of the National Cancer Institute for the years 1973–1995. In the SEER Program, the extent of disease can be classified as “localized,” regional, and “distant” or by the standard TNM classification. A “localized” tumor is confined to the organ of origin without nodal involvement; “regional,” denotes regional lymph‐node involvement or direct extension to adjacent organs; and “distant” indicates that distant metastases have been found. The prognostic factors are presented as tumor‐related, host‐related, and environment‐related.
Pancreas Cancer
Authors: Ghaneh Paula , Neoptolemos John P.
Published: July 2006

Pancreatic cancer remains an important cause of death in many nations. In most patients pancreatic adenocarcinoma is diagnosed at a stage of disease that is not curable by surgery and can only be little affected by multimodality treatment options (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy). Surgery is the only curative approach, but success with resection is low and the prognosis remains extremely poor, for example, patients with completely resected tumors have a 5‐year survival rate of 15–28%. The overall 5‐year survival remains extremely low despite a slight improvement during the last few years: figures of 1–3% for all, and 5–25% for resected patients are reported.

More than 90–95% of carcinomas of the pancreas are exocrine tumors. Over 90% of these tumors, as referred to in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, are ductal adenocarcinomas, including rare types, such as mucinous noncystic, adenosquamous, anaplastic, and osteoblast‐like giant‐cell carcinoma. The mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (about 1% of all cases or 5% of resected cases) had a relatively good prognosis and a 5‐year survival rate of 54.3% in a Japanese study. Also, the uncommon intraductal papillary mucinous adenocarcinoma has a better prognosis than the common ductal adenocarcinoma. These two tumor types, as well as the carcinoma in situ, are excluded in the following review of prognostic factors.

The most important prognostic factor is the possibility of curative resection. The outcome of patients who undergo resection is definitely superior to those not undergoing resection. In the literature the resection rates for exocrine pancreatic carcinoma range from 2.6% to 30%. In contrast to patients without resection, who practically never show a long‐term survival rate, in specialized centers resected patients show a 5‐year survival rate of 20–25%. The median survival time for resected patients is 10–20 months. Therefore, the prognostic factors for those patients who have not been resected will be discussed separately in the section on treatment‐related prognostic factors.

Due to the small number of resected patients and the poor prognosis, the importance of several prognostic factors still remains unclear, because most studies are based on univariate analysis. Only a few studies with more than 100 resected patients analyzed by multivariate analysis have been published.

In the following analysis of prognostic factors, the relevant international literature will be considered. Problems in reviewing the actual literature are that often carcinomas of the head of the pancreas are not separated from those of the ampulla of Vater and the distal bile duct, which have a better prognosis. Furthermore, in 1997 the new International Union Against Cancer Tumors, Nodules, Metastases (UICC TNM) classification (5th ed.) was published this manual relates better to prognosis than does the old classification (4th ed.). Also, in the interpretation of prognostic factors, the reduction of perioperative mortality to less than 5% also has to be considered.
Osteosarcoma
Authors: Bauer Henrik C.
Published: July 2006

Primary bone tumors are rare with an incidence of 2 to 3 per million, and of these, high‐grade osteosarcoma is the most common, representing 35% of all bone sarcomas. The typical patient diagnosed with osteosarcoma is male, between the ages of 10 and 20 years, and complains of pain for one to three months. The tumor is most commonly at the metaphysis of a long bone, with a predilection to the knee region. Dramatic improvements in disease‐free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were demonstrated with the advent of doxorubicin and methotrexate chemotherapy regimes. The current standard of treatment for the patient with osteosarcoma is chemotherapy and resection of the primary tumor, most commonly preserving the limb. Despite the advances in radiological imaging, chemotherapy and surgery, 40 to 50% of patients will develop distant metastases and die of their disease.

This chapter discusses the prognostic factors of disease outcome for osteosarcoma patients, specifically disease‐ or tumor‐related factors, host‐related factors, and environment‐ or treatment‐related factors.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: O'Sullivan Brian , Catton Charles N.
Published: July 2006

Significant advances have been made over the past decade in the understanding of clinicopathologic prognostic factors for soft tissue sarcoma. Foremost among these advances is an improved ability to recognize the subset of patients at high risk for recurrent disease and tumor‐related death based on clinicopathologic data available at the time of initial presentation. Recent advances have also helped to elucidate specific molecular factors that have independent prognostic significance. This review summarizes the available data on traditional clinicopathologic, medical, and molecular prognostic factors for adult soft tissue sarcoma. Expected outcomes will be provided, drawing in particular from the results of a large series of patients managed at one center. Although there are many potential outcomes that could be assessed, the discussion will focus almost entirely on the traditional oncology outcomes of local control, metastatic risk, and survival. Other important outcomes, such as limb preservation; function, and quality of life will not be emphasized because of space limitations.

The factors will be discussed in a framework that focuses on the
tumor‐related
,
host‐related
(or patient associated), and
environment‐related
background for these factors. The review will conclude with a summary tabulation identifying strata of the importance of factors to everyday clinical practice using the principles outlined in Chapter 2. These include
essential
factors (needed for treatment decision‐making),
additional
factors (of benefit for describing a cohort of patients), and
new and promising
factors that may of benefit in the future to exploit new treatment or diagnostic strategies.
Ovarian and Fallopian Tube Cancer
Authors: Pecorelli Sergio , Pasinetti Brunella , Tisi Giancarlo , Zigliani Lucia , Odicino Franco E.
Published: July 2006

Ovarian Cancer

In both treatment and management of carcinoma of the ovary, a series of endpoints has been identified. Such endpoints are widely mentioned in the literature and will be analyzed in this chapter by following the guidelines suggested in the first part of this book, “Principles of Prognostic Factors.” Overall, the probability of cure of ovarian cancer is low, 41.6% 5‐year survival (Volume 23 of the
FIGO Annual Report on the Results of Treatment in Gynecological Cancer
), even though in the last 20 years it has increased at least by one third. The improvement of overall survival thus represents the main objective of prospective clinical research, with study designs derived from the results obtained in other fields of clinical and basic research.

The different prognostic factors are discussed according to their subdivision into
essential, additional
, and
new and promising
. Each of these factors will be cross‐referenced to
tumor‐, host‐
and
environment‐related
characteristics, although some of them cannot be strictly classified under these specific categories. Prognostic factors will be dealt with in four different
scenarios
, chosen according to the importance they have in the management of this cancer.
Penile Cancer
Authors: Horenblas Simon , Crook Juanita M.
Published: July 2006

Squamous‐cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis is a rare malignancy, accounting for less than 1% of urological cancers in males in Western countries. From all cancers affecting the penis more than 95% consists of SCC. Rare disorders like melanoma and soft tissue disease will not be considered in this summary. Most information regarding clinical course and prognostic factors has been based on relatively few series and case histories; there are no known prospective clinical trials in the field of penile cancer. Therefore bias, on the basis of referral pattern and institutional treatment preferences, cannot be ruled out. Moreover, there are only a few publications analyzing clinical data with multivariate prognostic factor analysis. For classification purposes, at least six classification systems of SCC of the penis have been proposed. Because the TNM system of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) is considered the most universal used classification, the others will not be considered here.
Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Shields Jerry A. , Shields Carol L.
Published: July 2006

The eye structures are composed of a variety of tissue types derived from ectodermal and mesodermal germinal layers. Therefore, several kinds of benign and malignant tumors arise in and around the ocular structures. The two most common primary intraocular malignancies are melanoma of the uveal tract (iris, ciliary body, and choroid) and retinoblastoma. Uveal melanoma is usually seen in adults and retinoblastoma usually manifests in children less than 5 years of age. Although both arise primarily from the intraocular structures, each of these tumors is a distinct clinical entity with unique clinical features and systemic prognosis. In this chapter, prognostic factors that influence the survival in uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma are discussed.
Incorporating Molecular Oncology into Prognosis
Authors: Liu Geoffrey G. , Zhou Wei , Wang Zhaoxi , McLeod Howard L.
Published: July 2006

In this chapter, we examine recent advances in major categories of molecular prognostic factors, address problems with integrating them into clinical practice, and describe possible remedies to the current situation. Molecular prognostic factors can be categorized based on their involvement in specific biological pathways. Molecular prognostic factors research comprises the triadic intersection of outcome research, biomarker research, and molecular biology. We will also focus on how the technological advances in the postgenomics era can be integrated into clinical practice. Molecular cancer prognostic factors interface with clinical practice in a wide variety of ways, through the use of molecular variables to identify high‐risk individuals, to detect disease in its early stages, to discover novel drugs (by identifying targets and pathways), to individualize therapy (pharmacogenomics), and to monitor patients. Effects of methylation on cancer prognosis and staging are being explored currently. Gene copy number may be one area that is ripe for integration into staging schema in the coming years. DNA repair may play dual roles in cancer prognosis. We are on the brink of the integration of molecular prognostic factors into practice. Bioinformatics will form one cornerstone of this process, as huge amounts of molecular information become available per sample. Regulatory approval is needed in order to use molecular prognostic factors in the clinical setting, a necessary and parallel step to incorporation into prognostic systems. The use of microarray technology opens new perspectives and brings the simultaneous identification of numerous DNA alterations at a grip, while microarrays or proteomic technologies help us to read the molecular signature (thousands of genes and proteins) of an individual patient's tumor. This is the promise of the future that eagerly awaits us.
The living product – using the creative nature of metaphors in the search for sustainable marketing
Authors: Mitchell Ingrid Kajzer , Saren Michael
Published: July 2006

The challenge facing marketing (and business) is letting go of old assumptions and embarking on a journey of unprecedented uncertainty towards a more sustainable marketplace. Current marketing approaches are called into question in this paper and it is argued that they fail to represent adequately – and far less to confront – our relationships with products and the natural environment. This paper challenges marketing in this respect, investigating the consequences of putting marketing into an ecological context. By using the generative and creative power of metaphors we attempt to draw the sustainability debate away from the language of the mechanistic world; where matter is regarded as inert, mute, passive and exploitable. By using the ‘living product’ metaphor as a tool for change we explore the potential for a reorientation towards organizational–environmental configurations that are dynamic and flexible and provide space for dealing with uncertainty. These concepts are then illustrated in a number of practical examples, providing an insight into the potential of marketing in our search towards a more sustainable marketplace. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Corporate sustainability accounting: a nightmare or a dream coming true?
Authors: Schaltegger Stefan , Burritt Roger L.
Published: July 2006

Corporate sustainability accounting reflects the need to draw managers into debates and actions about corporate sustainability. Four different views of the term can be discerned: a voguish buzzword; a broad umbrella term; a single monetary measure and a pragmatic decision support tool. It is argued that two paths towards the further development of sustainability accounting seem to be available – top down and stakeholder driven. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
An ecological modernist interpretation of sustainability: the case of Interface Inc.
Authors: Stubbs Wendy , Cocklin Chris
Published: July 2006

This article seeks to extend understanding of how sustainability is operationalized in firms by considering the example of Interface Inc. In particular, we assess the sustainability policy and strategies of Interface Inc. within the frame recourse of an ecological modernization (EM) perspective of sustainability. One question of particular interest is whether organizations are able to implement an EM‐aligned worldview through their own internal capabilities or whether changes to the wider socio‐economic system are required. The analysis of Interface's experiences suggests that, at this stage, an organization cannot fully adhere to an EM perspective of sustainability; its success is also dependent on changes to the wider socio‐economic system in which the firm operates. The critical factors in implementing sustainability that emerged from the Interface case study are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Implementing a corporate environmental strategy: establishing coordination and control within multinational companies
Authors: Epstein Marc J. , Roy Marie‐Josée
Published: July 2006

This article presents the results of an empirical study that investigated coordination and control within multinational companies over six key aspects of their environmental strategy. Specifically, it first examines the level of centralization of these key issues. Second, it investigates whether there is a positive relation between three variables associated with organizational complexity and the level of centralization of the environmental issues. Statistical analyses of the data obtained from a sample of 98 North American multinationals were conducted. The study's results revealed that most companies have adopted a global environmental standard to govern their worldwide business activities that is supported by strong central controls over both environmental performance evaluation of facilities and decisions regarding the development of environmental programs. Results also revealed that there are limited links between organizational complexity and most aspects of the environmental strategy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Theoretical Study of the Full Reaction Mechanism of Human Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase
Authors: Hopmann Kathrin H. , Himo Fahmi
Published: July 2006

The complete reaction mechanism of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) has been investigated by using the B3LYP density functional theory method. Epoxide hydrolases catalyze the conversion of epoxides to their corresponding vicinal diols. In our theoretical study, the sEH active site is represented by quantum‐chemical models that are based on the X‐ray crystal structure of human soluble epoxide hydrolase. The trans‐substituted epoxide (1S,2S)‐β‐methylstyrene oxide has been used as a substrate in the theoretical investigation of the sEH reaction mechanism. Both the alkylation and the hydrolytic half‐reactions have been studied in detail. We present the energetics of the reaction mechanism as well as the optimized intermediates and transition‐state structures. Full potential energy curves for the reactions involving nucleophilic attack at either the benzylic or the homo‐benzylic carbon atom of (1S,2S)‐β‐methylstyrene oxide have been computed. The regioselectivity of epoxide opening has been addressed for the two substrates (1S,2S)‐β‐methylstyrene oxide and (S)‐styrene oxide.
Synthesis of fuel additives on vegetable oil basis at laboratory scale
Authors: Hancsók Jenő , Bubálik Márk , Törő Mária , Baladincz Jenő
Published: July 2006

The aim of this work was to produce multifunctional additives on vegetable oil basis that provide not only a detergent‐dispersant effect in fuel but also other advantageous properties. Besides, the goal was to use raw materials of partly renewable origin in order to meet the biodegradability requirements. Intermediates were produced from polyisobutylene (PIB) maleic anhydride and rapeseed oil methyl ester by a radical‐initiated method. These intermediates were used to acylate polyethylene polyamines. The analytical and efficiency tests of the final products showed similar or even better DD properties compared to traditional PIB‐succinimides. The new additives also showed additional functional effects (e.g. corrosion‐inhibiting and lubricity‐improving effects).
Semiparametric variance‐component models for linkage and association analyses of censored trait data
Authors: Diao G. , Lin D.Y.
Published: July 2006

Variance‐component (VC) models are widely used for linkage and association mapping of quantitative trait loci in general human pedigrees. Traditional VC methods assume that the trait values within a family follow a multivariate normal distribution and are fully observed. These assumptions are violated if the trait data contain censored observations. When the trait pertains to age at onset of disease, censoring is inevitable because of loss to follow‐up and limited study duration. Censoring also arises when the trait assay cannot detect values below (or above) certain thresholds. The latent trait values tend to have a complex distribution. Applying traditional VC methods to censored trait data would inflate type I error and reduce power. We present valid and powerful methods for the linkage and association analyses of censored trait data. Our methods are based on a novel class of semiparametric VC models, which allows an arbitrary distribution for the latent trait values. We construct appropriate likelihood for the observed data, which may contain left or right censored observations. The maximum likelihood estimators are approximately unbiased, normally distributed, and statistically efficient. We develop stable and efficient numerical algorithms to implement the corresponding inference procedures. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed methods outperform the existing ones in practical situations. We provide an application to the age at onset of alcohol dependence data from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism. A computer program is freely available.Genet. Epidemiol. 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypermethylation of the APC promoter but lack of APC mutations in myxoid/round‐cell liposarcoma
Authors: Sievers Sonja , Fritzsch Carla , Lehnhardt Marcus , Zahn Susanne , Kutzner Nadine , Kuhnen Cornelius , Müller Oliver
Published: July 2006

The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein is a key component of the WNT signalling pathway wherein it acts as a scaffolding protein in controlling the level of the proto‐oncoprotein β‐catenin. Although APC has been shown to be genetically or epigenetically inactivated in a variety of carcinomas, little is known about its role in sarcoma. Liposarcomas (LPSs) are the second most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults. Despite different histology and malignancy, the myxoid and round‐cell LPSs belong to one tumour entity characterized by a specific chromosomal translocation. We assessed the extent of genetic and epigenetic inactivation of the APC gene in myxoid/round‐cell LPS. Sequencing of the mutation cluster region, the protein truncation test and a loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis did not reveal any genetic alterations of the APC gene in all of the liposarcoma samples. Methylation of the APC promoter was detected by methylation‐specific PCR in 9 of 20 (45%) tumours. Analysis of APC expression by semiquantitative RT‐PCR in a subset of the samples demonstrated that tumours with a methylated APC promoter showed a downregulation of the APC transcript. However, APC downregulation was not correlated with a stabilisation of the β‐catenin protein. Thus, the epigenetic regulation of the APC gene might play an important role in the pathogenesis of myxoid/round‐cell LPS. However, the impact of APC methylation on liposarcoma development is quite likely not mediated through WNT signalling. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spirulina attenuates cyclosporine‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Khan Mahmood , Shobha Jagdish Chandra , Mohan Iyyapu Krishna , Rao Naidu Madireddy Umamaheswara , Prayag Aruna , Kutala Vijay Kumar
Published: July 2006

Cyclosporine (CsA) causes a dose‐related decrease in renal function in experimental animals and humans. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in CsA‐induced nephrotoxicity. It was previously shown that Spirulina, a blue‐green algae, with antioxidant properties effectively attenuated the doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity in mice and cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity in rat. The present study investigated the nephroprotective role of Spirulina against CsA‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Spirulina (500 mg kg−1 b.w.) was administered orally for 3 days before and 14 days concurrently with CsA (50 mg kg‐1 b.w.). Rats treated with CsA showed nephrotoxicity as evidenced from a significant elevation in plasma urea, creatinine, urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (β‐NAG) and a decrease in creatinine and lithium clearance. Pretreatment with Spirulina protected the rats from CsA‐induced nephrotoxicity. The CsA‐induced rise in plasma urea and creatinine and the decrease in creatinine and lithium clearance were attenuated by Spirulina. There was a significant increase in plasma and kidney tissue MDA with CsA. Spirulina prevented the rise in plasma and kidney tissue MDA. Histopathology of the kidney from CsA‐treated rats showed severe isometric vacuolization and widening of the interstitium. However, pretreatment with Spirulina prevented such changes, and the kidney morphology was comparable to that of the control. Spirulina treatment did not alter the blood CsA levels. These results suggest that Spirulina has a protective effect against nephrotoxicity induced by CsA. This study further supports the crucial role of the antioxidant nature of Spirulina in protecting against CsA‐induced oxidative stress. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isotope‐ratio detection for gas chromatography
Authors: Sessions Alex L.
Published: July 2006

Instrumentation and methods exist for highly precise analyses of the stable‐isotopic composition of organic compounds separated by GC. The general approach combines a conventional GC, a chemical reaction interface, and a specialized isotope‐ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). Most existing GC hardware and methods are amenable to isotope‐ratio detection. The interface continuously and quantitatively converts all organic matter, including column bleed, to a common molecular form for isotopic measurement. C and N are analyzed as CO2 and N2, respectively, derived from combustion of analytes. H and O are analyzed as H2 and CO produced by pyrolysis/reduction. IRMS instruments are optimized to provide intense, highly stable ion beams, with extremely high precision realized via a system of differential measurements in which ion currents for all major isotopologs are simultaneously monitored. Calibration to an internationally recognized scale is achieved through comparison of closely spaced sample and standard peaks. Such systems are capable of measuring 13C/12C ratios with a precision approaching 0.1‰ (for values reported in the standard delta notation), four orders of magnitude better than that typically achieved by conventional “organic” mass spectrometers. Detection limits to achieve this level of precision are typically <1 nmol C (roughly 10 ng of a typical hydrocarbon) injected on‐column. Achievable precision and detection limits are correspondingly higher for N, O, and H, in that order.
Elevated temperature and temperature programming in conventional liquid chromatography – fundamentals and applications
Authors: Vanhoenacker Gerd , Sandra Pat
Published: July 2006

Temperature, as a powerful variable in conventional LC is discussed from a fundamental point of view and illustrated with applications from the author's laboratory. Emphasis is given to the influence of temperature on speed, selectivity, efficiency, detectability, and mobile phase composition (green chromatography). The problems accompanying the use of elevated temperature and temperature programming in LC are reviewed and solutions are described. The available stationary phases for high temperature operation are summarized and a brief overview of recent applications reported in the literature is given.
Lewis acid induced additions to unsaturated fatty compounds IV: Synthesis of cyclopentenones from Friedel‐ Crafts acylation products of unsaturated fatty compounds with α,β‐unsaturated acyl chlorides
Authors: Metzger Jürgen O. , Biermann Ursula
Published: July 2006

The ethylaluminium dichloride induced Friedel‐ Crafts acylation of unsaturated fatty compounds such as oleic acid (1a), methyl oleate (1b) and 10‐undecenoic acid (9b) and furthermore of 1‐octene (9a) with α,β‐unsaturated acyl chlorides e.g. crotonic acid chloride (2a) and acrylic acid chloride (2b) gave the corresponding allyl vinyl ketones. Nazarov cyclizations of the acylation products 3a/4a, 3b/4b, 10a and 10b afforded the alkyl substituted 2‐cyclopentenones 5a/6a, 5b/6b, 11a/12a and 11b/12b. Catalytic hydrogenation of 5b/6b and 11b/12b gave the respective saturated cyclic products 7b/8b and 13b/14b as diastereomeric mixtures.
A note on output hedging with cost uncertainty
Authors: Alghalith Moawia
Published: July 2006

Using a general framework and a multiple‐input technology, we thoroughly investigate the hedging and production decisions under cost uncertainty. In doing so, we show the impact of the cost risk on the optimal output, hedge and hedge ratio. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental changes in cell proliferation in the auditory midbrain of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana
Authors: Simmons Andrea Megela , Chapman Judith A. , Brown Rebecca A.
Published: July 2006

We examined patterns of cell proliferation in the auditory midbrain (torus semicircularis) of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, over larval and early postmetamorphic development, by visualizing incorporation of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) in cycling cells. At all developmental stages, BrdU‐labeled cells were concentrated around the optic ventricle. BrdU‐labeled cells also appeared within the torus semicircularis itself, in a stage‐specific manner. The mitotic index, quantified as the percent of BrdU‐positive cells outside the ventricular zone per total cells available for label, varied over larval development. Mitotic index was low in hatchling, early larval, and late larval stages, and increased significantly in deaf period, metamorphic climax, and froglet stages. Cell proliferation was higher in metamorphic climax than at other stages, suggesting increased cell proliferation in preparation for the transition from an aquatic to an amphibious existence. The change in mitotic index over development did not parallel the change in the total numbers of cells available for label. BrdU incorporation was additionally quantified by dot‐blot assay, showing that BrdU is available for label up to 72 h postinjection. The pattern of change in cell proliferation in the torus semicircularis differs from that in the auditory medulla (dorsal medullary nucleus and superior olivary nucleus), suggesting that cell proliferation in these distinct auditory nuclei is mediated by different underlying mechanisms. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 66: 1212–1224, 2006
Attitudes towards sex selection in the Western world
Authors: Van Balen Frank
Published: July 2006

It appears that in most Western countries, son preference is somewhat stronger than daughter preference. However, when one considers the preference of women it looks as though the opposite pattern is emerging. There is a considerable social acceptance of ‘light’ methods of sex selection (such as diets), even though these methods are not proven to be effective. The inclination to use sperm separation methods appears to be greater in the United States than in some European countries. There are indications that a preference for boys or for girls is associated with attitudes towards technology, child‐rearing style and the stereotyping of boys or girls. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Noninvasive detection of fetal sex: the laboratory diagnostician's view
Authors: Guetta Esther
Published: July 2006

Toward the end of the twentieth century it was discovered that cell‐free fetal DNA sequences could be detected in maternal blood plasma. Initially, Y‐chromosome sequences originating from male fetuses were targeted in cell‐free DNA extracted from maternal plasma in order to demonstrate proof of this concept towards the development of noninvasive prenatal diagnosis methods. Clinical application of this approach is now possible. Fetal sex can be detected through a procedure that is noninvasive with respect to the fetus. Specifically, the presence of Y‐chromosome sequences in maternal blood plasma indicates that the fetus is male, whereas lack of a signal will indicate that the fetus is female. Fetal sex can be detected very early, from at least the 7th week of pregnancy (and even earlier, according to several studies), about two months before this information is available through ultrasound scanning.

Although the controversial issue of fetal sexing is not new, it is expected that with the availability of an accurate noninvasive test, public interest will rise. It is therefore imperative that an authorized committee of experts in each country generates an official policy regarding application of the test. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting transmembrane β‐barrels and interstrand residue interactions from sequence
Authors: Waldispühl J. , Berger Bonnie , Clote Peter , Steyaert Jean‐Marc
Published: July 2006

Transmembrane β‐barrel (TMB) proteins are embedded in the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. The cellular location and functional diversity of β‐barrel outer membrane proteins (omps) makes them an important protein class. At the present time, very few nonhomologous TMB structures have been determined by X‐ray diffraction because of the experimental difficulty encountered in crystallizing transmembrane proteins. A novel method using pairwise interstrand residue statistical potentials derived from globular (nonouter membrane) proteins is introduced to predict the supersecondary structure of transmembrane β‐barrel proteins. The algorithm transFold employs a generalized hidden Markov model (i.e., multitape S‐attribute grammar) to describe potential β‐barrel supersecondary structures and then computes by dynamic programming the minimum free energy β‐barrel structure. Hence, the approach can be viewed as a “wrapping” component that may capture folding processes with an initiation stage followed by progressive interaction of the sequence with the already‐formed motifs. This approach differs significantly from others, which use traditional machine learning to solve this problem, because it does not require a training phase on known TMB structures and is the first to explicitly capture and predict long‐range interactions. TransFold outperforms previous programs for predicting TMBs on smaller (≤200 residues) proteins and matches their performance for straightforward recognition of longer proteins. An exception is for multimeric porins where the algorithm does perform well when an important functional motif in loops is initially identified. We verify our simulations of the folding process by comparing them with experimental data on the functional folding of TMBs. A Web server running transFold is available and outputs contact predictions and locations for sequences predicted to form TMBs. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paleoclimatic Significance of Quartz/Illite Variations in Cores from the Eastern Equatorial North Atlantic
Authors: Bowles Frederick A.
Published: July 2006

Detailed X-ray diffraction analysis of cores taken in the eastern equatorial Atlantic suggest that during approximately the last 600,000 yr a relatively constant background of clay mineral deposition has existed on which are superimposed large oscillations in quartz input (relative to illite). The quartz is transported from the Sahara Desert by the northeast trade winds and the quartz/illite oscillations appear to reflect past changes in the transporting effectiveness (intensity) of the trade winds. Comparison of the quartz/illite variations with paleotemperature variations for the northeast Atlantic suggests that major inputs of quartz correlate with cold periods and that warm periods correlate with low quartz input. The parallelism between the curves indicates a fundamental link between trade wind intensity and past climatic fluctuations, and further suggests that the changes of intensity are closely atuned to temperature fluctuations in the northern latitudes. The relationship between the quartz/illite variations and wind intensity is complicated by the fact that other climatically controlled factors may also affect quartz deposition in the equatorial Atlantic.
Diversity of Recent Planktonic Foraminifera in the Southern Indian Ocean and Late Pleistocene Paleotemperatures
Authors: Williams Douglas F. , Johnson William C.
Published: July 2006

Planktonic foraminiferal assemblages have been examined in 25 trigger core top samples and 51 piston core top samples collected between latitudes 28° S and 55° S and longitudes 79° E and 120° E from the southern Indian Ocean during cruises of the U.S.N.S. Eltanin. Samples taken from water depths exceeding 4000 m and/or showing evidence of calcium carbonate dissolution were eliminated from further analysis. The final piston core data set consists of 34 samples; the trigger core data set containing 21 samples. A close relationship exists between changes in the planktonic foraminiferal assemblages in the surface sediments and surface water temperatures. Species diversity values were computed for each of the core top assemblages using the Shannon-Wiener Index and the Brillouin Index, each of which takes into consideration the number of species and the proportionment of individuals among the species. The Shannon and Brillouin diversity values for all samples are positively correlated (correlation coefficient (r) = +.999). Regression analysis of latitude versus Shannon diversity values in the trigger core samples clearly shows a decrease in diversity with increasing latitude (r = −.979). Furthermore, a strong correlation (r = +.977) exists between decreasing species diversity (Shannon) and decreasing average summer-winter temperature of the overlying surface waters. A paleotemperature equation derived from the relationship of diversity in trigger core samples and surface water temperature was used to generate paleotemperature curves for five trigger cores and a 6 m piston core of Late Pleistocene age, located beneath the present position of the Subtropical Convergence. A 7–8° C temperature range is suggested between the interglacial and glacial episodes in this Late Pleistocene sequence, and probably reflects latitudinal shifts of the Subtropical Convergence and Australasian Front during the Late Pleistocene.
Reversal of Erosion Cycle and Climatic Change
Authors: Leopold Luna B.
Published: July 2006

Successive surveys of the cross section of ephemeral channels in New Mexico over a period of 15 years 1960–1975, show that arroyos that were actively eroding early in the century have reversed the trend and are alluviating. This appears to be associated with the worldwide cooling trend that began about 1940. If the inference proves to be correct, it is significant hydrologically, for it provides some specific knowledge of the climatic conditions associated with the alternate periods of valley erosion and valley alluviation that created the widespread terraces of the semiarid West.
Paleoecology of Marine Foraminifera in the Pluvial Estancia Valley, Central New Mexico
Authors: Bachhuber F.W. , McClellan W.A.
Published: July 2006

Two species of marine Foraminifera have been identified in the Quaternary pluvial sequence of the Estancia Valley, central New Mexico. Besides being an unusual occurrence of marine organisms in an inland body of water remote from the marine environment, the Foraminifera yield useful paleolimnological and paleoclimatological information about two major late Wisconsin pluvial lakes. In addition, the geographic location of the Estancia Valley relative to the closest marine environment requires foraminiferal introduction by avian means. Paleontologic evidence verifies the freshwater nature of the pluvial maxima of Late Lake Estancia (18,000-10,500 BP) and Lake Willard (8500-6000 BP) but early lake conditions were considerably different. The occurrence of foraminifers Cribroelphidium selseyense and Protelphidium orbiculare, both extant species, in the sediments from the early part of each pluvial stand indicates that initial lake development was characterized by a salinity range of 25 to 35‰. At these times lake depth approximated 6 m. By comparison, the freshwater maximum of Late Lake Estancia attained a minimum depth of 90 m. The modern holarctic distribution of the Foraminifera could suggest a mean August lake temperature of 10°C during the developmental stages of Late Lake Estancia and Lake Willard. Because of the shallow-water nature of the lake basins it is likely that this temperature was reflective of mean August air temperature. Therefore, a lowering of mean August air temperature of 9.7°C from that of the present is possible.