bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human neutrophil elastase inhibition with a novel cotton‐alginate wound dressing formulation
Authors: Edwards J. Vincent , Bopp Alvin F. , Batiste Sarah L. , Goynes Wilton R.
Published: August 2003

Occlusion and elasticity were combined in a novel cotton‐based alginate dressing containing a nontoxic elastase inhibitor. Cotton gauzes were modified with a textile finishing process for incorporating alginate to yield a dressing material that retains elasticity while enhancing absorption. The algino‐cellulose conjugates were formed through citric acid crosslinking of cellulose and alginate. The alginate‐citrate finishes were applied to cotton gauzes in various formulations containing citric acid, sodium hypophosphite, and polyethylene glycol. The modified gauzes contain a citrate conjugate of alginate and cellulose that gels upon hydration. The alginate‐citrate finishes were combined with the neutrophil elastase inhibitor, oleic acid, to demonstrate the ability of the algino‐cellulose fibers to release the inhibitor and neutralize destructively high levels of neutrophil elastase found in nonhealing and burn wounds. Four types of gauzes were examined for the effect of the algino‐cellulose finish on cotton gauze absorbency and elasticity. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of the film and alginate‐citrate finished cotton showed formation of the alginate and citrate cellulose esters. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed large areas of the yarn surface covered by the alginate film with a smooth surface on the original fibers. Wetting of the gauze surface resulted in formation of a hydrated gel on the yarns with apparent swelling of the film and the fiber‐coated alginate. Published 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 66A: 433–440, 2003
Bioactive glasses as accelerators of apatite bioactivity
Authors: Vallet‐Regí M. , Rámila A. , Padilla S. , Muñoz B.
Published: August 2003

Synthetic carbonatehydroxyapatite is the ceramic closest to the mineral component of human bone and seems, therefore, the optimum material to use in osseous implants. However,in vitroassays performed to determine its bioactivity have shown no positive results after 2 months of assay. With the aim of improving this bioactivity, a new biphasic material was synthesized composed mainly of synthetic carbonatehydroxyapatite and only 5% of a sol‐gel bioactive glass.In vitroassays were assessed to determine the bioactive behavior of this new material and revealed that the addition of a minimal amount of bioactive glass is enough to induce bioactivity on synthetic carbonatehydroxyapatites. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 66A: 580–585, 2003
Polyvinylalcohol three‐dimensional matrices for improved long‐term dynamic culture of hepatocytes
Authors: Saavedra Yascara Grisel Luna , Mateescu Mircea A. , Averill‐Bates Diana A. , Denizeau Francine
Published: August 2003

Rat hepatocytes were seeded on three‐dimensional highly porous polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and aminoethyl‐modified polyvinylalcohol (AE‐PVA) matrices. Hepatocytes were cultured under static and dynamic conditions. The three‐dimensional matrices offered an improved extracellular microenvironment for long‐term (5 days) maintenance of hepatocytes, compared to reference monolayer cultures on collagen. Cellular adhesion exceeded 80% with a viability superior to 70%. The preservation of albumin secretion after 5 days of culture was two times higher for static cultures on three‐dimensional matrices (18% on PVA, 13% on AE‐PVA) and three times higher for dynamic three‐dimensional cultures (25% PVA and AE‐PVA), compared to the static two‐dimensional culture on collagen film (8%). The biotransformation of ammonia into urea was also maintained throughout the culture period. The addition of the aminoethyl function demonstrated no toxicity for the hepatocyte cultures. This function could be suitable eventually to further improve the hepatocyte culture system by linking more specific adhesion molecules on the polymer surface. This study demonstrated the efficiency of polyvinylalcohol as a three‐dimensional matrix coupled to a perfusion culture system, which improves extracellular conditions for hepatocyte survival and promotes preservation of long‐term hepatospecific functions. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 66A: 562–570, 2003
Effect of strain and strain rate on fatigue‐accelerated biodegradation of polyurethane
Authors: Wiggins Michael J. , Anderson James M. , Hiltner Anne
Published: August 2003

A diaphragm‐type film specimen was used to study in vitro degradation of poly(etherurethane urea) (PEUU) under conditions of dynamic loading. This geometry allowed both uniaxial and biaxial loading in a single experiment. During testing, the film was exposed to a H2O2/CoCl2 solution that simulated in vivo oxidation of PEUU. The combination of dynamic loading and biaxial tensile strain accelerated oxidative degradation. The effects of biaxial strain magnitude and strain rate were examined separately by increasing the frequency of fatigue loading from 0 to 1 Hz with constant maximum biaxial strain and by changing the maximum biaxial strain while maintaining constant strain rate. In the ranges of biaxial strain energy (0.17 to 0.55 MPa) and strain rate (0 to 46% s−1) tested, the rate of degradation increased with increasing strain rate whereas strain magnitude had essentially no effect on degradation rate. Although loading conditions affected the rate of oxidative degradation, ATR‐FTIR analysis suggested that in all cases the mechanism of degradation did not change. Chemical degradation produced a brittle crosslinked surface layer marked by dimpling and pitting, as observed with scanning electron microscopy. Pits served as stress concentrators and initiated environmental stress cracks under dynamic loading but not under static (creep) loading. Small pits were sufficient to initiate cracks at higher strain rates whereas only large pits initiated cracks at lower strain rates. Consequently, a higher strain rate produced more profuse cracking. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 66A: 463–475, 2003
Repositioning of cells by mechanotaxis on surfaces with micropatterned Young's modulus
Authors: Gray Darren S. , Tien Joe , Chen Christopher S.
Published: August 2003

Adherent cells are strongly influenced by the mechanical aspects of biomaterials, but little is known about the cellular effects of spatial variations in these properties. This work describes a novel method to produce polymeric cell culture surfaces containing micrometer‐scale regions of variable stiffness. Substrates made of acrylamide or poly(dimethylsiloxane) were patterned with 100‐ or 10‐μm resolution, respectively. Cells were cultured on fibronectin‐coated acrylamide having Young's moduli of 34 kPa and 1.8 kPa, or fibronectin‐coated PDMS having moduli of 2.5 MPa and 12 kPa. Over several days, NIH/3T3 cells and bovine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells accumulated preferentially on stiffer regions of substrates. The migration, not proliferation, of cells in response to mechanical patterning (mechanotaxis) was responsible for the accumulation of cells on stiffer regions. Differential remodeling of extracellular matrix protein on stiff versus compliant regions was observed by immunofluorescence staining, and may have been responsible for the observed mechanotaxis. These results suggest that mechanically patterned substrates might provide a general means to study mechanotaxis, and a new approach to patterning cells. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 66A: 605–614, 2003
Resorption patterns of calcium‐phosphate cements in bone
Authors: Gisep A. , Wieling R. , Bohner M. , Matter S. , Schneider E. , Rahn B.
Published: August 2003

Two calcium phosphate cements, one monophasic and the other biphasic, have been used as bone void filler in a sheep model. The cements were injected into a slot defect in the proximal tibia and into a cylindrical defect in the distal femur. In this study, we focused on the resorption pattern of the two cement formulations and the subsequent biologic reaction. Bone remodeling occurred synchronously with the resorption of the implant material in a creeping substitution process. Cracks and pores in the monophasic cement were filled with osseous tissues. The biphasic cement showed faster resorption of the matrix. The more slowly resorbing granules were surrounded by newly grown bone, thus providing an inverse scaffold for cancellous bone regeneration. In highly loaded areas, the long‐term support function of the fixation appears to be critical. Because cortical bridging of the defects was seen in only one case, it can be concluded that calcium‐phosphate cements are preferentially suitable as cancellous bone substitute materials. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 66A: 532–540, 2003
TEGDMA‐induced toxicity in human fibroblasts is associated with early and drastic glutathione depletion with subsequent production of oxygen reactive species
Authors: Stanislawski Lena , Lefeuvre Mathieu , Bourd Katia , Soheili‐Majd Esmat , Goldberg Michel , Périanin Axel
Published: August 2003

Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) is a dentin‐bonding agent and a major component of various dental restorative biomaterials. TEGDMA monomers are released from dental resins and induce dental pulp inflammation and necrosis. In this study, we have investigated the mechanism of TEGDMA–induced cytotoxicity of fibroblasts. Treatment of cultured human gingival and pulpal fibroblasts with 0.1–3 mM of TEGDMA for 24 h induced a concentration–dependent and variable cytotoxic effect. Fifty percent of toxicity (TC50) was obtained with 1.2 ± 0.9 and 2.6 ± 1.1 mM of TEGDMA for gingival and pulpal fibroblasts, respectively. Moreover, TEGDMA‐induced cytotoxicity was associated with an early and drastic depletion of cellular glutathione (GSH), which started at 15–30 min and was almost complete at 4–6 h. Antioxidants, such as Trolox (0.01 mM), ascorbate (0.2 mM), and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) (5 mM) prevented the TEGDMA‐induced cytotoxicity while GSH depletion was partially inhibited. Finally, a late production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurred in fibroblasts treated with TEGDMA for 3–4 h, as determined by 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein fluorescence, and was completely inhibited by Trolox (5 μM). The data show that TEGDMA induced a drastic GSH depletion followed by production of ROS, which may contribute to the toxicity of gingival and pulpal fibroblasts. Antioxidants, such as NAC, ascorbate, and particularly Trolox, appear useful in preventing cell damage mediated by resin‐containing dental restorative materials. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 66A: 476–482, 2003
LS[7](3,5,11( exists
Authors: Eslami Ziba
Published: August 2003

In this article, we employ trades to construct an instance of an LS[7](3,5,11) which is the smallest unresolved LS[7](3,k,v) [9]. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 11: 312–316, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jcd.10021
Application of Gaschütz' Theorem to relative difference sets in non‐abelian groups
Authors: Galati John C.
Published: August 2003

Let G be a finite group other than ℤ4 and suppose that G contains a semiregular relative difference set (RDS) relative to a central subgroup U. We apply Gaschütz' Theorem from finite group theory to show that if G/U has cyclic Sylow subgroups for each prime divisor of |U|, then G splits over U. A corollary of this result is that a finite group (other than ℤ4) in which all Sylow subgroups are cyclic cannot contain a central semiregular RDS. We also include an example, originally discovered by D.L. Flannery, which shows that our main theorem is not true in general when U is a (not necessarily central) abelian normal subgroup of G. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 11: 307–311, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jcd.10041
Minimum embedding of P3‐designs into (K4—e)‐designs
Authors: Colbourn Charles J. , Ling Alan C. H. , Quattrocchi Gaetano
Published: August 2003

A (K4 − e)‐design on v + w points embeds a P3‐design on v points if there is a subset of v points on which the K4 − e blocks induce the blocks of a P3‐design. It is shown that w ≥ ¾(v − 1). When equality holds, the embedding design is easily constructed. In this paper, the next case, when w = ¾v, is settled with finitely many exceptions. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 11: 352–366, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jcd.10044
A Bose‐Burton type theorem for quadrics
Authors: Metsch Klaus
Published: August 2003

Let Q be a non‐degenerate quadric defined by a quadratic form in the finite projective space PG(d,q). Let r be the dimension of the generators of Q. For all k with 2 ≤ k < r we determine the smallest cardinality of a set B of points with the property that every subspace of dimension k that is contained in Q meets B. It turns out that the smallest examples consist of the non‐singular points of quadrics S ∩ Q for suitable subspaces S of codimension k of PG(d,q). For k = 1, the same result was known before. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 11: 317–338, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jcd.10051
On Hadamard matrices of order 2(p+1) with an automorphism of odd prime order p
Authors: Dalan Daniel B. , Harada Masaaki , Munemasa Akihiro
Published: August 2003

In this paper, we investigate Hadamard matrices of order 2(p + 1) with an automorphism of odd prime order p. In particular, the classification of such Hadamard matrices for the cases p = 19 and 23 is given. Self‐dual codes related to such Hadamard matrices are also investigated. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 11: 367–380, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jcd.10052
Partitioning a graph into two isomorphic pieces
Authors: Bonato Anthony , Nowakowski Richard
Published: August 2003

A simple graph G has the neighbour‐closed‐co‐neighbour property, or ncc property, if for all vertices x of G, the subgraph induced by the set of neighbours of x is isomorphic to the subgraph induced by the set of non‐neighbours of x. We present characterizations of graphs with the ncc property via the existence of certain perfect matchings, and thereby prove that the ncc graphs can be recognized in polynomial time. Operations preserving the ncc property are discussed, and the graphs with the ncc property that are r‐regular, where r ≤ 5, are classified. The graphs with the ncc property that are locally H, for certain graphs H are classified. Infinite graphs with the ncc property are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 44: 1–14, 2003
On covering bridged plane triangulations with balls
Authors: Chepoi Victor , Vaxès Yann
Published: August 2003

We show that every plane graph of diameter 2r in which all inner faces are triangles and all inner vertices have degree larger than 5 can be covered with two balls of radius r. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 44: 65–80, 2003
Det‐extremal cubic bipartite graphs
Authors: Funk M. , Jackson Bill , Labbate D. , Sheehan J.
Published: August 2003

Let G be a connected k–regular bipartite graph with bipartition V(G) = X ∪ Y and adjacency matrix A. We say G is det‐extremal if per (A) = |det(A)|. Det–extremal k–regular bipartite graphs exist only for k =  2 or 3. McCuaig has characterized the det‐extremal 3‐connected cubic bipartite graphs. We extend McCuaig's result by determining the structure of det‐extremal cubic bipartite graphs of connectivity two. We use our results to determine which numbers can occur as orders of det‐extremal connected cubic bipartite graphs, thus solving a problem due to H. Gropp. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 44: 50–64, 2003
The use of mechanical analyses, scanning electron microscopy and ultrasonic imaging to study the effects of high‐pressure processing on multilayer films
Authors: Caner C , Hernandez RJ , Pascall MA , Riemer J
Published: August 2003

The effects of high‐pressure processing (HPP) on the mechanical and physical characteristics of eight high‐barrier multilayer films were investigated. These films were PET/SiOx/LDPE, PET/Al2O3/LDPE, PET/PVDC/nylon/HDPE/PP, PE/nylon/EVOH/PE, PE/nylon/PE, metallised PET/EVA/LLDPE, PP/nylon/PP and PET/PVDC/EVA. In addition, PP was evaluated as a monolayer film for comparison purposes. Pouches made from these films were filled with distilled water, sealed, then pressure processed at 600 and 800 MPa for 5, 10 and 20 min at a process temperature of 45 °C. Pouches kept at atmospheric pressure were used as controls. Prior to and after HPP, all films were tested for tensile strength, percentage elongation and modulus of elasticity (at 50 cm min−1) and imaged by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and C‐mode scanning acoustic microscopy (C‐SAM). Results showed no significant changes in tensile strength, elongation and modulus of elasticity of all films after HPP. However, significant physical damage to metallised PET (MET‐PET) was identified by SEM and C‐SAM. Thus it could be concluded that MET‐PET is not suitable for batch‐type high‐pressure‐processed food packaging. It can also be concluded that the other materials investigated during this study are suitable for batch‐type high‐pressure‐processed food packaging. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Isolation and characterisation of a 21 kDa aleurone‐specific protein from rice (Oryza sativa) seed
Authors: Singh Kapildeo N , Prasad Anand Mohan , Santhanlakshmi L , Kumaran R
Published: August 2003

A protein of 21 kDa was isolated from the aleurone layer of Nootripathu rice seed. Antibodies were raised against the HPLC‐purified protein and tested by western blotting. Aleurone specificity of this protein was confirmed by immunolocalisation assay. The immunolocalisation study also confirmed the presence of a similar protein in other varieties of rice. During the developmental stage this protein is selectively expressed in rice seed, as shown by western blot analysis. Expression of this protein increases after the milky stage, as shown by protein dot blot analysis. HPLC analysis revealed that this protein is less hydrophobic than other, eg those from the endosperm. This novel protein may be a possible candidate for targeting into the endosperm to enhance the nutritional value of polished rice. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of rare earth elements on peroxidase activity in tea shoots
Authors: Wang Dongfeng , Wang Changhong , Wei Zhenggui , Qi Hongtao , Zhao Guiwen
Published: August 2003

Rare earth microelement fertiliser (REMF) can increase the yield and quality of crops and has been widely applied in Chinese agriculture. However, relatively little is known about the physiological effects of rare earth ions. In this study the effects of REMF on the biomass and peroxidase (POD) activity of tea plants were investigated. The possible inductive mechanism of POD was also analysed. The results showed that REMF could promote POD activity in tea shoots and enhance the tea shoot biomass. The POD protein in tea shoots was found to bind rare earth elements, mainly La, Nd and Ce. It was also proved that La3+ and Nd3+ increased POD activity in vitro. The POD activity induced by La3+ and Nd3+ is possibly related to partial replacement of the metals in POD by La3+ and Nd3+. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Critical study of a procedure for the assay of starch in ligneous plants
Authors: Gomez Laurent , Rubio Emilie , Lescourret Françoise
Published: August 2003

Ligneous plants offer a wide variety of matrices that interfere with the assay of starch, which is present at low levels which vary considerably depending on the tissues considered and the phenological stage. Because no reference technique is available, a critical study was developed to validate a method for the enzymatic assay of starch. Analyses were performed on 50 mg samples of plant powder obtained from different parts of peach trees. After the total elimination of soluble components (including glucose) in a water/methanol/chloroform mixture, the starch was extracted from the ligneous residue and solubilised either by autoclaving in an aqueous medium or using 4 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution (dispersion stage). After hydrolysis with amyloglucosidase, the starch content was determined indirectly by the enzymatic assay of released sugar. The precision (repeatability and reproducibility), linearity (addition of specified amounts of starch) and accuracy (high rate of starch recovery, 95%) of the method were excellent, whichever dispersion method was employed. The highly significant analogy of the results obtained using such diverse dispersion techniques (autoclaving and dissolution in KOH) was indicative of their specificity and efficacy. The reliability of the enzymatic stages was generally excellent. However, some plant matrices may, during dispersion, release soluble compounds which interfere with amyloglucosidase activity, and this may explain the incomplete recovery of starch. This moderate and unpredictable interference was, in principle, the only critical point concerning the method for the enzymatic assay of starch in ligneous plants with very low starch content, the reliability of which was clearly demonstrated. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation of the use of ram horn hydrolysate for fungal protein production
Authors: Kurbanoglu Esabi B
Published: August 2003

Production of the fungus Aspergillus niger NRRL 330 was studied in submerged fermentation with ram horn hydrolysate (RHH) as substrate. The characteristics of RHH have been reported previously. The RHH was enriched by addition of glucose and KH2PO4. The effects of kinetic parameters on the biomass yield of the fungus were investigated. The optimal conditions for growth of A niger on RHH were initial pH 6.5, temperature 30 °C, fermentation time 96 h and agitation speed 150 rpm. Under these optimal conditions the initial carbohydrate content of RHH was reduced from 1.52 to 0.2% and the biomass yield was 8.9 g l−1. The biomass contained about 48.1% protein, 5.2% fat and 9.4% ash (on a dry weight basis). The amino acid content of the biomass was compared with Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and animal feed standards. The protein produced contained all the essential amino acids for animal feed, but the amounts of these amino acids were somewhat lower than those of FAO and soybean reference protein. However, the amino acid composition of the biomass was better than that of animal feed. The results with RHH were also compared with previously reported data on fungal mycelium grown on waste liquor substrate. In conclusion, it was found that RHH could be used as a substrate in the production of fungal protein for use as animal feed. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Lipase activity in different tissues of four species of fish: rohu (Labeo rohita Hamilton), oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps Linnaeus), mullet (Liza subviridis Valenciennes) and Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta Cuvier)
Authors: Nayak Jyotiranjan , Viswanathan Nair PG , Ammu K , Mathew Suseela
Published: August 2003

Lipase activity in stomach and pyloric caeca, liver, intestine and red muscle of rohu (Labeo rohita Hamilton), oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps Linnaeus), mullet (Liza subviridis Valenciennes) and Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta Cuvier) was studied. Distinct differences in lipolytic activity in different tissues of these fish were observed. Rohu showed the highest activity in all tissues in comparison with the other three species of fish. Among the three size groups of mullet, medium‐sized mullet showed higher activity than the other two groups in all tissues except intestine. Rohu hepatopancreatic lipase exhibited more hydrolytic activity on fish oil than rohu intestinal lipase. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of microvolatiles in brandy: relationship between methylketone concentration and Cognac age
Authors: Watts Vivian A , Butzke Christian E
Published: August 2003

Headspace solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were used to identify and quantify four odd‐numbered methylketones in commercial Cognac brandies. These ketones are in part responsible for the desirable and complex characteristic called ‘rancio charentais’ or ‘Cognac rancio’ which is found in grape brandies aged in oak barrels for several decades. The ketones 2‐heptanone, 2‐nonanone, 2‐undecanone and 2‐tridecanone form through β‐oxidation and decarboxylation of long‐chain fatty acids originating from yeast metabolism. The concentrations of these ketones increased with Cognac age classification in the 42 brandies analysed, and 2‐heptanone was present at the highest concentration in most samples. The average concentrations and rates of formation decreased with increasing chain length. Total concentrations ranged from 21 to 328 µg l−1. The esters propyl octanoate and ethyl octanoate followed the same trend as the methylketones and appear to play an additional role in the formation of the rancio character. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Cloning and some properties of Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) polyphenol oxidase, and changes in browning potential during fruit maturation
Authors: Nishimura Makiyo , Fukuda Chieko , Murata Masatsune , Homma Seiichi
Published: August 2003

A PCR‐amplified genomic DNA fragment encoding Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was cloned and sequenced. The DNA appears to encode a 66 kDa precursor protein consisting of a 56 kDa mature protein and a 9.5 kDa N‐terminal transit peptide. The amino acid sequence showed high homology with apple PPO. The PPO mainly existed as a soluble fraction in cells and was limitedly proteolysed, while the mature form (56 kDa) was detected in plastids. Immature fruits showing high browning potential had high PPO activity and a high level of phenolics, while mature fruits showing little browning had high PPO activity but a low level of phenolics. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Food intake and live growth performance of pigs measured automatically and continuously from 25 to 115 kg live weight
Authors: Green Darren M , Brotherstone Susan , Schofield C Paddy , Whittemore Colin T
Published: August 2003

Continuous automatic measurement and electronic recording provided data for individual pig live weight and food intake on a daily basis for a total of 74 pigs representing three commercially available crossbred types of mixed genetic origin, which were kept under commercial farming conditions to determine practical expectations for food intake and performance characteristics over the whole of the growth range from 25 to 115 kg live weight. The pig types were named as ‘Landrace’ type, ‘Pietrain’ type and ‘Meishan’ type, having been chosen to represent ‘lean’, ‘meaty’ and ‘fatty’ types. The pigs were fed ad libitum and serially slaughtered in groups at 32, 42, 63, 82 and 112 kg live weight (W). Results are presented in the order of pig type as above. Daily live weight gains at 80 kg live weight were 0.93, 0.94 and 0.91 kg day−1 and at 100 kg were 1.04, 0.81 and 0.75 kg day−1. Food intake curves differed with respect to both position and shape, with ‘Pietrain’ type pigs showing a lower increase with increasing live weight. Significant differences were found in the levels of fatness, as measured by P2 backfat depth, of the three pig types across the weight range examined (P < 0.001), in order of fatness ‘Pietrain’ type < ‘Landrace’ type < ‘Meishan’ type. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Qualitative PCR for the detection of chicken and pork adulteration in goose and mule duck foie gras
Authors: Rodríguez Miguel A , García Teresa , González Isabel , Asensio Luis , Hernández Pablo E , Martin Rosario
Published: August 2003

Polymerase chain reaction amplification of a conserved region of the α‐actin gene has been used for specific identification of chicken (Gallus gallus) and pork (Sus scrofa domesticus) adulteration in goose (Anser anser) and mule duck (Anasplatyrhynchos × Cairinamoschata) foie gras. The design of species‐specific forward primers, together with a reverse universal primer, allowed the generation of amplicons of different lengths in each species. The different sizes of the species‐specific amplicons, separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, allowed clear identification of the presence chicken and pork in goose and mule duck foie gras with a detection limit of 0.1% (w/w). The technique could be used in inspection programmes to enforce labelling regulation of foie gras and other meat products. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of unilateral lesions of HVC on song patterns of male domesticated canaries
Authors: Halle F. , Gahr M. , Kreutzer M.
Published: August 2003

Bird song is a model for studying neural control and lateralization of a learned behavior. Adult male canary develops large and varied song repertoires. Particular features of the male are well known to stimulate the reproductive activities of the female. We report here on the effect of lesions of either the left or right HVC, a key nucleus of the descending vocal control network of songbirds, on different song parameters of common domesticated male canaries of an European outbred strain. These canaries are useful to evaluate the question of central versus peripheral lateralization because they do not show syringeal dominance for syllable production compared to the previously studied canary strains. Right‐sided lesions reduced the highest frequency and the widest frequency band. Left‐sided lesion increased the lowest frequency. The size of the left‐sided lesions correlated with the reduction of the repertoire of simple syllables, of the total repertoire and of the highest repetition rate, and with the increase of the lowest frequency. These results suggest a lateralized specialization of both left and right vocal pathways for particular features of the song, especially those that are known to elicit a great number of copulation solicitation displays (CSD). Lesions of both left and right pathways affected, however, sound amplitude of all syllables. Because this effect was more sever following left‐sided lesions, and because the syrinx morphology of canaries has a left‐right asymmetry, we suggest a peripheral mechanism for the observed lateralized specializations. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 56: 303–314, 2003
Denervation and age modify neuromuscular positional selectivity
Authors: Chadaram S.R. , Laskowski M.B.
Published: August 2003

The rostrocaudal position of neurons within the spinal motor pool maps systematically onto the surface of several muscles in mammals. In an effort to understand the mechanisms that generate such maps, we have been studying choices made by embryonic spinal cord neurons on muscle membrane substrates in the in vitro stripe assay. In this report we explore the effects of postnatal age of the muscle on neurite choice, and how prior denervation modifies this choice. Our results further differentiate rostral from caudal motor neurons in preferring one substrate to another. First, caudal neurites prefer to grow on P6 neonatal caudal over rostral membranes, but lose this ability to distinguish axial position of origin in older muscles. Rostral neurites prefer growth on rostral membranes, but this preference also diminishes with age. Second, when adult muscles have been denervated, both rostral and caudal neurites regain their positional growth selectivity. Third, caudal neurites are particularly sensitive to substrate choice. When growing on a preferred substrate (gluteus) caudal neurites prefer neonatal over adult membranes. These results support the concept of fundamental differences in the growth preferences of rostral and caudal spinal neurites. These differences will assist in the identification of molecular guidance cues that determine the formation of neuromuscular positional maps. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 56: 347–359, 2003
Progesterone receptor gene and protein expression in the anterior preoptic area and hypothalamus of defeminized rats
Authors: Arrieta Isabel , Díaz‐Ibáñez Leticia Berenice , Morales Teresa , Mendoza‐Garcés Luciano , Morimoto Sumiko , Moreno‐Mendoza Norma , Cerbón Marco A.
Published: August 2003

Progesterone receptor (PR) plays an important role during sexual differentiation of the rat brain. The objective of the present study was to determine PR protein and gene expression pattern in preoptic‐anterior hypothalamic area (POA‐AHA) and hypothalamus (HYP), after estradiol or testosterone treatment during the postnatal critical period of sexual differentiation of the rat brain (defeminized animals). Three‐day‐old female rats were subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with a single dose of 17β‐estradiol (200 μg), or testosterone enanthate (200 μg), or vehicle (corn oil). POA‐AHA and HYP were dissected 3 h, 24 h, and 14 days, as well as on the day of vaginal opening (VO) after treatments. Other animals, previously treated as above, were acutely injected with 17β‐estradiol (5 μg) on the day of VO; POA‐AHA and HYP were obtained 3 h later. Total RNA was extracted and processed for semiquantitative RT‐PCR and tissue slices were prepared for protein detection by immunohistochemistry. We observed that PR mRNA expression was increased in POA‐AHA and HYP of the animals treated with estradiol or testosterone 3 hours after treatments, compared with the vehicle‐treated control group. We also found a significant increase in PR mRNA and protein expression in POA‐AHA and HYP on the day of VO in both estradiol and testosterone defeminized rats. Interestingly, the acute administration of estradiol on the day of VO (VO + E2) did not increase PR mRNA or protein expression in POA‐AHA and HYP of either estradiol or testosterone defeminized animals, as opposed to the marked induction observed in the intact animals of the control group. The overall results suggest that estradiol and testosterone treatment during the postnatal critical period of sexual differentiation of the brain modifies the regulation of the PR mRNA and protein expression during early onset of maturity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 56: 338–346, 2003
Effect of hormones and growth factors on the proliferation of adult cricket neural progenitor cells in vitro
Authors: Malaterre Jordane , Strambi Colette , Aouane Aïcha , Strambi Alain , Rougon Geneviève , Cayre Myriam
Published: August 2003

In the adult cricket brain, a cluster of neuroblasts produces new interneurons that integrate into the mushroom body (MB), the main associative structure for multisensory information of the insect brain. In previous study we showed the antagonist role of the two morphogenetic hormones, juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysone, on the regulation of adult MB neurogenesis in vivo. In order to examine whether these hormones act directly on neural progenitor cells, we developed an organotypic culture of MB cortices. Cell proliferation was assessed by 5‐bromo, 2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. We showed that JH increased mushroom body neuroblast (MBNb) proliferation, confirming the mitogenic effect of JH observed in vivo. By contrast, ecdysone did not affect the amount of BrdU‐labeled nuclei, suggesting that the inhibitory effect observed in vivo probably proceeded from an indirect pathway. We then examined the role of growth factors known to stimulate neural stem cell/progenitor cell proliferation in vertebrates. As shown by calcium imaging, MBNb only expressed functional receptors for insulin whereas mature interneurons responded to IGF‐I and bFGF. Both insulin (10 μg/mL) and IGF‐I (10 ng/mL) enhanced MB progenitor cell proliferation in culture, although the insulin effect was more pronounced. This effect was abolished when an inhibitor of polyamine biosynthesis was present in the medium, suggesting a link between polyamines and the insulin signaling pathway. By contrast, bFGF (20–200 ng/mL) failed to stimulate MBNb proliferation. Our results point to conserved and divergent mechanisms between vertebrates and invertebrates in the regulation of adult neural progenitor cell proliferation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 56: 387–397, 2003
Sexually dimorphic neurocalcin expression in the developing zebra finch telencephalon
Authors: Veney Sean L. , Peabody Camilla , Smith George W. , Wade Juli
Published: August 2003

Differential display RT‐PCR was used on RNA isolated from the zebra finch telencephalon to identify gene products potentially involved in its development, including the sexually dimorphic nuclei responsible for song learning and production. A cDNA identified only in juvenile females was cloned and sequenced. It shares homology with neurocalcin, a calcium binding protein. Northern blots indicated three neurocalcin species. A 10.6 kb transcript was present in males and most females throughout development and in adulthood. Smaller 6.2 and 3.3 kb species were detected almost exclusively in females and primarily between posthatching days 18–25. In situ hybridization, using a probe that identified all three mRNA species, indicated a broad distribution in the telencephalon of both sexes, with particularly high levels in the song nucleus RA. Across regions examined, neurocalcin expression was enhanced in females compared to males, probably reflecting the presence of the two smaller transcripts. However, within RA, neurocalcin expression was statistically equivalent between the sexes. These data indicate that calcium signaling via neurocalcin may be involved in telencephalic development, but suggest that sexually dimorphic expression of this gene exists on a level too general to specifically regulate masculine or feminine development of song control regions. Neurocalcin might: broadly influence functional differentiation, including areas that are not morphologically distinct between the sexes; be a benign consequence of general dimorphisms, such as those due to sex chromosomes; or involve a compensatory mechanism, which allows function of the juvenile female telencephalon to equal that of males, despite fundamental physiological differences. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 56: 372–386, 2003
Role for calcium in heat shock‐mediated synaptic thermoprotection in Drosophila larvae
Authors: Barclay J.W. , Robertson R.M.
Published: August 2003

Chemical synaptic transmission is the mechanism for fast, excitation‐coupled information transfer between neurons. Previous work in larval Drosophila has shown that transmission at synaptic boutons is protected by heat shock exposure from subsequent thermal stress through pre‐ and postsynaptic modifications. This protective effect has been, at least partially, ascribed to an up‐regulation in the inducible heat shock protein, hsp70. Effects of hsp70 are correlated with changes to intracellular calcium handling, and the dynamics of intracellular calcium regulate synaptic transmission. Consistent with such a relationship, synaptic plasticity increases at locust neuromuscular junctions following heat shock, suggesting an effect of heat shock on residual presynaptic calcium. Intracellular recording from single abdominal muscle fibers of Drosophila larvae showed that prior heat shock imparts thermoprotection by increasing the upper temperature limit for synaptic transmission. Heat shock exposure enhances short‐term synaptic plasticity and increases its thermosensitivity. Increasing extracellular calcium levels eliminates the physiological differences between control and heat shock preparations; excess calcium itself induces thermoprotection at elevated concentrations. These data support the hypothesis that stress‐induced neuroprotection at the nerve terminal acts, at least partially, through an alteration to the physiological effects of residual presynaptic calcium. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 56: 360–371, 2003
The influence of production systems on self‐reported arousal, sleepiness, physical exertion and fatigue—consequences of increasing mechanization
Authors: Persson Roger , Garde Anne Helene , Hansen Åse Marie , Ørbæk Palle , Ohlsson Kerstina
Published: August 2003

The present study examined the capability of a real‐time assessment routine to sort out the individual impact of three production systems on psychological activation as measured by the Stress‐/Energy Inventory, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, Borg's CR‐10 Perceived Exertion scale, and the Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory. Sixteen women between the ages of 26 and 57 years (mean 43 years) rotated in a counterbalanced order between three production systems: A, B and C. The systems produced the same goods but clearly differed in degree of automation and ergonomic demands. The results show that work at the most automated production system, C, on average generated lower energy index scores and higher sleepiness scores compared to the oldest system, A. Clear weekly and diurnal patterns were found for most rating measures. To conclude, the increasing automation of the production systems is reflected in psychological activation by dampening feelings of positively valued high activity states and increased sleepiness. The expressions of a weekly and diurnal psychological activation, indicates that the subjects are able to unwind both during the weekend and after work, and suggest that the present method is suitable for studying the immediate psychological adaptation to the social and physical work environment. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychosocial work environments and psychological strain among Korean factory workers
Authors: Park Kyoung‐Ok , Wilson Mark G.
Published: August 2003

The purpose of the study was to examine what work factors were significantly different between a high strain group and a low strain group. The participants were 373 male factory workers at four manufacturing companies producing household appliances in Puchon, Korea. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to collect data on psychological strain, perceived job demands, relationships at work, job satisfaction, and demographic characteristics. All participants were classified to a high strain group (n = 163) or a low strain group (n = 210) in terms of their psychological strain scores. Satisfaction with work environments, relationships with coworkers, relationships with supervisors, marital status, workload, and overall job satisfaction were significantly associated with psychological strain. These six factors explained 27 per cent of variance of psychological strain. The high strain group was more likely to have low satisfaction with work environment, poor relationships with coworkers, poor relationships with supervisor, heavy workload, single marital status, and low global job satisfaction. The study found that relationships at work and job satisfaction were strong work factors affecting psychological strain. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vicarious traumatization: symptoms and predictors
Authors: Lerias Doukessa , Byrne Mitchell K.
Published: August 2003

Having to intervene in severe crises or bearing witness to human tragedy, can take its toll on the individual (Erickson, Vande Kemp, Gorsuch, Hoke & Foy, 2001; Lind, 2000; Lugris, 2000). These effects can include severe, debilitating anxiety that persists for months and sometimes even years following the event. Because these people are not directly involved in the event, their distress often goes undetected (Brady, Guy, Poelstra & Brokaw, 1999; Motta, Joseph, Rose, Suozzi & Leiderman, 1997). Support resources for people who are indirectly affected by a traumatic event are limited. To date, a history of previous trauma, previous psychological well‐being, social support, age, gender, educational achievement, socio‐economic status and styles of coping have been highlighted as mediating the effects of indirect exposure to a traumatic incident. Understanding this phenomenon and the mechanisms precipitating such distress is an important step in providing appropriate help for a large number of people indirectly affected by tragic events. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brief interventions for secondary trauma: review and recommendations
Authors: Phipps Andrew B. , Byrne Mitchell K.
Published: August 2003

Recent literature in the area of trauma has highlighted the potential for interventions to exacerbate the trauma reaction. The general rule of ‘do no harm’ should apply not only to professionals but volunteers alike. This paper reviews the literature on brief interventions for people who have been exposed to trauma at varying levels. The parameters of a single session intervention and the skill of volunteers are considered in recommending a protocol for intervention. We propose an ‘orienting’ framework to intervention that emphasizes support, normalization and self‐help strategies. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The construct validity of the ASSET stress measure
Authors: Johnson Sheena , Cooper Cary
Published: August 2003

This paper investigates the construct validity of the psychological well‐being subscale of the ASSET (An Organizational Stress Screening Tool) stress measure. The data is taken from a study looking at the stress experienced by the social workers and supporting administration workers within a social work department of a UK local authority. The results indicate that the scale has good convergent validity with an existing measure of minor psychiatric disorders, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12). It is concluded that ASSET is a comprehensive stress measurement tool with clear benefits for both research and clinical and organizational practice surrounding the experience of work‐related stress. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethnicity without groups
Authors: BRUBAKER ROGERS
Published: August 2003

This paper offers a critical analysis of ‘groupism’ and suggests alternative ways of conceptualizing ethnicity without invoking the imagery of bounded groups. Alternative conceptual strategies focus on practical categories, cultural idioms, cognitive schemas, discursive frames, organizational routines, institutional forms, political projects, and contingent events. The conceptual critique has implications for the ways in which researchers, journalists, policymakers and NGOs address ‘ethnic conflict’ and ‘ethnic violence’. The paper concludes with an analysis of an empirical case from Eastern Europe.
The sociogenesis of postmodernism
Authors: WILTERDINK NICO A.
Published: August 2003

The article purports to describe and explain the emergence and development of postmodernism as a multi-faceted cultural movement. Data on numbers of publications are presented to show the expansion of postmodernism and shifts in relative attention to various topics. The explanation focuses on processes in three interconnected cultural fields—the artistic, the intellectual and the academic—, which were influenced by wider social transformations.
Ein Modell Politischer Diskursanalyse
Authors: OTTOW RAIMUND
Published: August 2003

The author discusses the discourse-theory of the so-called ‘Cambridge School’ (Quentin Skinner, John Pocock), which is favorably compared to alternative approaches in the field of the intellectual history of political thought. Some conceptual problems of this kind of discoursetheory are discussed and some remedies proposed, resulting in the formulation of a general model, which could be applied to contemporary debates, exemplified by a short analysis of the discursive situation of modern liberalism.
Social sciences and market transitions
Authors: HOLMES LESLIE
Published: August 2003

Both of these books can be highly recommended, but for different reasons. Christopher Hann's edited collection will help to raise the profile of the social anthropological approach in post-communist studies, and our awareness of attitudes ‘on the ground’, especially in rural communities. The methodologies of the Emigh and Szelényi collection will be more familiar to most readers, but the book contains valuable new data and some welcome problematising of concepts such as poverty and underclass.