bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular Distribution of Transcripts for Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in Human Hepatocellular Carcinomas
Authors: Nakatsukasa H , Ashida K , Higashi T , Ohguchi S , Tsuboi S , Hino N , Nouso K , Urabe Y , Kinugasa N , Yoshida K , Uematsu S , Ishizaki M , Kobayashi Y , Tsuji T
Published: November 2004

The cellular distribution of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)–1, and TIMP–2 was studied by using

in situ

hybridization in surgically removed human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and cholangiocellular carcinomas (CCCs). The purpose of this study was to characterize the protein involvement of TIMPs in the development of HCCs and CCCs. All HCCs and CCCs expressed TIMPs. The distribution of transcripts for TIMPs in the tumors was mostly homogeneous. Expression of TIMP in cancer cells was more intense than that in the surrounding noncancerous liver (either, cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, or normal), and expression of TIMP–1 was stronger than that of TIMP–2. Expression of TIMPs varied among HCC nodules, but there was no obvious association between the expression level of TIMPs and differentiation stages or invasiveness of the HCCs. Transcripts for TIMPs were clearly demonstrated in the metastatic HCC nodules in the lung. Expression of TIMP–1 CCC was strong, and small nodules of CCC were recognized in the liver. Immunohistochemical study for TIMP–1 revealed a consistent staining of the TIMP protein with the transcripts. In the peritumoral histologically normal liver, which was not infected with either hepatitis B or C virus, expression of TIMP–1 was found in various cell types, but that of TIMP–2 was weak. Expression of TIMP–1 in hepatocytes revealed clear zonal distribution. These results suggest that TIMPs may act on modulating the matrix/tumor interaction and may play an important role in growth and invasion of HCCs and CCCs. Expression of TIMP–1 can be a marker of HCC metastasis to the lung, and also that of the extent of CCC invasion. Furthermore, the consistent expression of TIMPs in many cell types of the noncancerous liver suggests some unknown functional role that must be clarified.
S –Adenosyl–L–Methionine Prevents Disruption of Canalicular Function and Pericanalicular Cytoskeleton Integrity Caused by Cyclosporin A in Isolated Rat Hepatocyte Couplets
Authors: Roman I D , Johnson G D , Coleman R
Published: November 2004

Isolated rat hepatocyte couplets were used to study the effect of S–adenosyl–L methionine (SAMe) treatment on disruption of canalicular function caused by cyclosporin A (CyA). Canalicular function was assessed by counting the percentage of couplets that were able to accumulate the fluorescent cholephile choly–lysyl–fluorescein (CLF) into the canalicular vacuole between the two cells, i.e., canalicular vacuole accumulation (CVA). Cotreatment with 1 mmol/L SAMe prevented the inhibition of canalicular vacuole accumulation caused by CyA (75 nmol/L and 100 nmol/L), whereas treatment with it after CyA was unsuccessful. SAMe prevented the dose dependent reduction caused by CyA (5 nmol/L–1 mumol/L) both on CVA and on retention of CLF preaccumulated within the canaliculus, the effect on retention being complete. No difference in intracellular content of reduced glutathione (GSH) between the control and any dose level of the immunosuppressor, with or without SAMe treatment was observed, suggesting that changes in intracellular reduced GSH levels are not involved in the effects of SAMe. F–actin was stained with fluorescein–isothiocyanate phalloidin and fluorescence measurements were performed by confocal microscopy. The ratio of the percanalicular area fluorescence/total couplet fluorescence, indicative of F–actin distribution, significantly decreased with CyA. However, cotreatment of CyA with SAMe protected the integrity of the pericanalicular cytoskeleton, suggesting that this beneficial effect on canalicular function may maintain canalicular contractions and/or preserve tight junction function. Results are discussed in relation to possible involvement of the transmethylation pathway, modifications in membrane fluidity, effects on bile acid transport, and of inhibition of uptake of CyA. They suggest that SAMe could be a good candidate for protecting against CyA–induced membrane dysfunction.
Effects of Polyamine Imbalance on the Induction of Stress Genes in Hepatocarcinoma Cells Exposed to Heat Shock
Authors: Desiderio M A , Tacchini L , Anzon E , Pogliaghi G , Radice L , Bernelli-Zazzera A
Published: November 2004

The expression of hsp70-the inducible member of the corresponding heat shock gene family–of the oxidative stress marker gene heme oxygenase (HOx), and of the immediate early response genes c–

fos

and c–

jun

has been studied in FAO hepatocarcinoma cells depleted of polyamines and exposed to heat shock. Depletion of polyamines was obtained in short– term experiments (24–48 hours) by the use of alpha difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a classical inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), or of the combination of the newly available inhibitors of ODC and S–adenosylmethionine decarboxylase, i.e., (2R,5R)–hept–6–yne–2,5–diamine (MAP) and 5′[(Z)–4–aminobut–2–enyl]methylanino–5– deoxyadeno–si ne (AbeAdo). Under our experimental conditions polyamine imbalance was realized without appreciable growth–related genes. Decreases of putrescine and spermidine 48 hours after DFMO prevented the induction of hsp70 messenger RNA (mRNA), whereas depletion spermidine and spermine obtained with MAP/AbeAdo decreased intensity and duration of post–heat shock accumulation of hsp70 mRNA. Inductions of HOx, c–

jun

and c–

fos

were also inhibited. Because MAP/AbeAdo caused also an intracelluar accumulation of putrescine, we tested the effect of exogenous putrescine, which was found to stabilize the mRNAs for hsp70 and c–

jun

. Hsp70 and HOx are thought to play a protective role, and the proteins of c–

jun

and c–

fos

constitute the transcription factor activator protein–1, which is involved in the transcription of many defensive products. Therefore, the integrity of polyamine pool seems to be a necessary permissive condition for an effective response of the cells to adverse environmental changes.
Alanine Protects Liver From Injury Caused by D–Galactosamine and Ccl4
Authors: Maezono K , Kajiwara K , Mawatari K , Shinkai A , Torii K , Maki T
Published: November 2004

The liver is the main organ involved in amino acid metabolism, and it utilizes glucogenic amino acids as substrates for glucose or adenosine triphosphate (ATP), but this process is impaired in clinical and experimental liver diseases. In this study, we administered high doses of amino acids in rats or cultured hepatocytes with experimental models of liver injury to examine whether such supplementation could attenuate liver damage. We found that the addition of alanine reduced enzyme leakage from primary cultured rat hepatocytes treated with D– galactosamine (D–gal), while other amino acids did not. A significant decrease of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage was observed when cells were cultured with > 6 from mmol/L alanine. Alanine also reduced enzyme leakage from normal hepatocytes that were not treated with d–gal. In d–gal–treated rats, constant infusion of a high dose of alanine significantly reduced the plasma transaminase and total bilirubin levels when compared with infusion of an amino acid mixture. Bolus administration of alanine significantly prevented the elevation of plasma transaminase levels and histological liver damage in CCl4– treated rats, while fructose–1,6 bisphosphate (FDP) had little effect. Alanine might promote the restoration of damaged liver in hepatotoxicant–treated rats, because significant effect was found after the elevation in plasma transaminase levels. Alanine also prevented the decrease of cellular ATP caused by d–gal and appeared to promote ATP production in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. These results indicate that alanine reduces experimental liver damage by a direct effect on hepatocytes.
Choline Transport in Rat Liver Basolateral Plasma Membrane Vesicles
Authors: Moseley R H , Takeda H , Zugger L J
Published: November 2004

Previous studies have demonstrated several pathways for the sinusoidal uptake of endogenous and exogenous organic cations, including two distinct organic cation:H+ exchanges and a separate carrier–mediated system driven by the inside–negative membrane potential. In this study, the driving force(s) for the uptake of the endogenous quaternary amine, choline, were determined in rat liver basolateral plasma membrane (blLPM) vesicles. Choline uptake into an osmotically sensitive space was not stimulated by an outwardly directed H+ or inwardly directed Na+ gradient. Instead, an inside–negative K+ diffusion potential stimulated choline uptake, suggesting the presence of a conductive pathway for choline uptake in bILPM vesicles. Conductive choline uptake was confirmed by inducing variable changes in the transmembrane potential with anions of different membrane permeability. Choline uptake in blLPM vesicles exhibitied (1) temperature dependency; (2)

trans

–stimulation; and (3) saturability, with an approximate Michaelis constant (Km) of 0.34 mmol/L and maximum velocity (Vmax) of 0.45 nmol/mg protein/15 s. Choline uptake in blLPM vesicles was cis–inhibited by the structurally similar derivative, hemicholinium–3 and acetylcholine, but not by substrates for other organic cation transport processes identified in blLPM vesicles, including thiamine, tetraethylammonium (TEA), tri–

n

–butyl–methylammonium (TBuMA), and

N

′–methylnicotinamide (NMN). These findings demonstrate an electrogenic pathway on the sinusoidal membrane for the uptake of this essential nutrient and support the existence of multiple pathways for the sinusoidal uptake of endogenous and exogenous organic cations.
Hepatotoxicity of the Herbal Medicine Germander: Metabolic Activation of Its Furano Diterpenoids by Cytochrome P450 3A Depletes Cytoskeleton–Associated Protein Thiols and Forms Plasma Membrane Blebs in Rat Hepatocytes
Authors: Lekehal M , Pessayre D , Lereau J M , Moulis C , Fourasté I , Fau D
Published: November 2004

Several herbal remedies have produced hepatitis in humans. The medicinal plant, germander, was recalled after its use as an adjuvant to slimming diets resulted in an epidemic of hepatitis in France. We studied the hepatotoxicity of germander in isolated rat hepatocytes. A crude fraction containing the diverse furano diterpenoids of germander, or the purified main constituents of this fraction, teucrin A and teuchamaedryn A, were hepatotoxic (correction for hepatototoxic), but not fractions containing more polar or lipophilic constituents. [3H]Teucrin A covalently bound to hepatocyte proteins. The furano diterpenoid fraction decreased cell glutathione and cytoskeleton– associated protein thiols, and led to formation of plasma membrane blebs and cell demise. Pretreatment of male rats with troleandomycin, an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A), slowed the depletion of glutathione and decreased toxicity, whereas dexamethasone, an inducer of CYP3A, had opposite effects. Female rat hepatocytes, which poorly express CYP3A, exhibited little toxicity, unless the animals were treated with dexamethasone. Feeding male rats with a sulfur amino acid– deficient diet decreased cell glutathione and enhanced toxicity, whereas supplementation of the standard diet with cystine had opposite effects. We conclude that the furano diterpenoids of germander are activated by CYP3A into electrophilic metabolites that deplete glutathione and cytoskeleton–associated protein thiols and form plasma membrane blebs. We suggest that studies in isolated hepatocytes be included in the preclinical assessment of herbal remedies.
The Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor Is the Major Calmodulin–Binding Protein in An Endosome Fraction From Rat Liver Enriched in Recycling Receptors
Authors: Enrich C , Jäckle S , Havel R J
Published: November 2004

Rat liver endosomes contain one major high–affinity calmodulin–binding protein (CaMBP) that now has been identified as the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). In isolated endosomes pIgR was enriched in the receptor–recycling compartment (RRC); lesser enrichment was found in ‘early' endosome (CURL) and much less in ‘late' endosome fractions (multivesicular bodies, MVB). The distribution of the major CaMBP, shown by Western blotting or by overlay with I125–calmodulin in the isolated fractions, was consistent with rapid accumulation of I125–immunoglobulin A (IgA) in RRC and CURL after intravenous injection into rats. The receptor was also found in sinusoidal plasma membranes but not in cell fractions containing apical (bile canalicular) or lateral plasma membrane domains of the hepatocyte. The interaction of pIgR with calmodulin was shown by direct binding assays and by affinity chromatography. Thus, calmodulin is the first cytoplasmic protein shown to interact with the pIgR. We postulate that calmodulin regulates pIgA trafficking in rat liver. In addition, the receptor recycling fraction emerges as an endosomal subcompartment involved in pIgA transport via pIgR.
Hypermethylation of RASSF1A and BLU tumor suppressor genes in non‐small cell lung cancer: Implications for tobacco smoking during adolescence
Authors: Marsit Carmen J. , Kim Duk‐Hwan , Liu Mei , Hinds Philip W. , Wiencke John K. , Nelson Heather H. , Kelsey Karl T.
Published: November 2004

The putative tumor suppressors RASSF1A and BLU are mapped adjacent to one another on chromosome 3p21.3, a region frequently deleted in lung cancer. These genes are often inactivated by promoter hypermethylation, but the association of this inactivation with clinical features of the disease or with carcinogen exposure has been poorly studied. Early age starting smoking has been hypothesized as an independent risk factor for lung cancer, and mechanistically, adolescence may constitute a critical period for tobacco carcinogen exposure. To study the relationship of tobacco smoke exposure with hypermethylation of RASSF1A and BLU, methylation‐specific PCR was performed on a case series study of incident, surgically resected non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the prevalence of this alteration was examined in relation to clinical and exposure information collected on the patients. Hypermethylation of the RASSF1A promoter occurred in 47% (83/178) and of the BLU promoter in 43% (68/160) of NSCLC tumors examined. There was no significant association between methylation of these 2 genes, but methylation of either of these genes tended to occur more often in the adenocarcinoma (AC) histology compared to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Controlling for pack‐years smoked, age, gender and histology, starting smoking under age 18 was significantly related to RASSF1A methylation [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1–2.3]. These results indicate that starting smoking under age 18 is an independent risk for RASSF1A hypermethylation, thus identifying a molecular alteration related to the epidemiologic effect of teenage smoking as a lung cancer risk. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frequent microsatellite instability in primary esophageal carcinoma associated with extraesophageal primary carcinoma
Authors: Kubo Naoshi , Yashiro Masakazu , Ohira Masaichi , Hori Takeshi , Fujiwara Ichiro , Hirakawa Kosei
Published: November 2004

Patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) frequently develop other primary cancers, such as gastric cancer and head and neck cancer. Details of carcinogenesis in patients with multiple primaries that include esophageal carcinoma with other primary carcinoma (ECOPC) remain uncertain. We examined microsatellite instability (MSI) status, frameshift mutation in target genes of MSI, mismatch repair protein expression and hypermethylation of the hMLH1 promoter region in ECOPC patients to better understand the underlying carcinogenic processes. High frequency MSI (MSI‐H) was found in 15 (44.1%) of 34 patients with ECOPC, but in only 6 (14.3%) of 42 patients with esophageal cancer alone (p < 0.01). Frameshift mutations in TGFβRII, BAX, MSH3 and MSH6 genes respectively were present in 4, 1, 2 and 2 of 34 ECOPC patients. Immunohistochemical study showed that 12 (80.0%) of 15 MSI‐H tumors showed loss of expression of either hMLH1 or hMSH2. In addition, 6 of 9 tumors (66.7%) that showed reduced hMLH1 expression also had hypermethylation of the hMLH1 promoter region. Our findings suggested that carcinogenesis in ECOPC was closely associated with the MSI pathway because of mismatch repair protein deficiency. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microarray‐based gene expression profiling of benign, atypical and anaplastic meningiomas identifies novel genes associated with meningioma progression
Authors: Wrobel Gunnar , Roerig Peter , Kokocinski Felix , Neben Kai , Hahn Meinhard , Reifenberger Guido , Lichter Peter
Published: November 2004

To identify gene expression profiles associated with human meningiomas of different World Health Organization (WHO) malignancy grades, we analyzed 30 tumors (13 benign meningiomas, WHO grade I; 12 atypical meningiomas, WHO grade II; 5 anaplastic meningiomas, WHO grade III) for the expression of 2,600 genes using cDNA‐microarray technology. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis with a cutoff value of 45% selection probability identified 37 genes with decreased and 27 genes with increased expression in atypical and anaplastic meningiomas, compared to benign meningiomas. Supervised classification of the tumors did not reveal specific expression patterns representative of each WHO grade. However, anaplastic meningiomas could be distinguished from benign meningiomas by differential expression of a distinct set of genes, including several ones associated with cell cycle regulation and proliferation. Investigation of potential correlations between microarray expression data and genomic aberrations, detected by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), demonstrated that losses on chromosomes 10 and 14 were associated with distinct expression profiles, including increased expression of several genes related to the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) (IGF2, IGFBP3 and AKT3) or wingless (WNT) (CTNNB1, CDK5R1, ENC1 and CCND1) pathways. Taken together, our microarray‐based expression profiling revealed interesting novel candidate genes and pathways that may contribute to meningioma progression. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Water quality aspects of optimal operation of rural water distribution systems for supply of irrigation and drinking water
Authors: Cohen Dani , Shamir Uri , Sinai Gideon
Published: November 2004

This paper considers the control of quality in rural water supply systems by means of dilution and treatment plants. Diverse quality sources can be used to supply consumers with differing quality requirements, such as irrigation of agricultural crops with differing water quality tolerance levels, domestic requirements at drinking water standards, and industrial and municipal uses. Models for optimal operations of such systems are difficult to develop due to the complexity of formulating dilution conditions at junctions as functions, for which the derivative can be calculated (because the flow directions at incident pipes change as the solution procedure progresses); strong scaling effects due to the treatment plants; and the presence of several water quality parameters.

The model presented here solves the operation problem for a single period under steady state conditions. The formulation is simplified by representing the hydraulics by a conveyance cost in each pipe with bounds on the maximum allowed discharges (the authors have also developed a model that includes the hydraulics explicitly). The model is therefore suited both to canal and pipe systems for supply of irrigation and drinking water. Improvement of water quality by treatment plants located at the supply system is also considered here. This improvement has been achieved by lowering the concentration of conservative substances (those whose concentration remain time invariant) in the water only such as in the reverse osmosis process. The applicability of the model to practical situations is demonstrated by a case study of a regional rural water supply system with 39 pipes and 37 nodes (of which 11 are source nodes with different qualities, 10 are agricultural consumers with different quality requirements, and 4 are domestic consumers requiring high quality drinking water). The model determines the optimal discharges in all pipes, values of quality parameters at consumer nodes, and removal ratios of the treatment plants. Three cases were studied: (1) a single water quality parameter (salinity) without treatment plants; (2) three quality parameters (salinity, sulphur, and magnesium) without treatment plants; and (3) three quality parameters and eight treatment plants, each located at a different source node. Water quality requirements are represented by constraints on the maximum allowable concentrations at consumer nodes, and, for the case of irrigation, a crop yield function that relates yield loss to salinity. The value of the objective function for Case 3 was 10% lower than for the other cases due to savings in yield loss at the agricultural consumers that were obtained by improvement of the quality of the irrigation water. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel covalently crosslinked gel of alginate and silane with the ability to form bone‐like apatite
Authors: Hosoya Kayo , Ohtsuki Chikara , Kawai Takahiro , Kamitakahara Masanobu , Ogata Shin‐ichi , Miyazaki Toshiki , Tanihara Masao
Published: November 2004

Hybrids consisting of bone‐like apatite and biodegradable polymers are attractive materials for bone repair. We have shown that an alginate gel crosslinked covalently with ethylenediamine (EDA) enhances the repair of skin and nerves. In this study, we report a novel method for fabrication of an apatite–alginate nanohybrid using a simulated body fluid (SBF). Alginate was reacted with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APES), which gives silanol groups after hydrolysis, and/or EDA, by dehydration condensation using water‐soluble carbodiimide to form gels. Modification of alginate with APES alone also gave a gel, because the alginate could be crosslinked by dehydration of silanol groups derived from APES. The gels obtained were soaked in a 1 mol/L CaCl2 solution and subsequently soaked in SBF. Apatite was formed on and inside the alginate gels modified with APES, whereas it was not formed on the gels without APES. Modification of alginate with silanol groups induced not only gel formation but also the apatite‐forming ability on and inside the alginate gel in SBF. Consequently, a hydroxyapatite–alginate hybrid can be produced by modification of alginate with silanol groups and subsequent soaking in CaCl2 solution and SBF. Such a material is expected to be useful in bone repair. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 71A: 596–601, 2004
Separation of benzene and deuterated benzenes by reversed‐phase and recycle liquid chromatography using monolithic capillary columns
Authors: Lim Lee Wah , Uzu Hideyuki , Takeuchi Toyohide
Published: November 2004

An alternate pumping‐recycle system utilizing a commercially available low dead‐volume switching valve was developed for microcolumn LC. The recycle system had two separation columns, and the dead volume of the recycling lines was kept to a minimum by avoiding passage of the sample through the pump chamber, sample injector, and the normal path length of a conventional UV detector. The drawback of the high total back pressure caused by the second column that is placed after the detector was overcome by on‐column detection, and this eliminated the need for a high pressure flow cell. The system was used for the separation of an authentic mixture of benzene, benzene‐1,3,5‐d3, and benzene‐d6. Baseline separation was accomplished after six cycles and the calculated theoretical plate number for benzene was 230,000. It was observed that the theoretical plate number (N) increased linearly with increasing number of cycles, and the N per unit time increased with increasing inlet pressure. The separation conditions were optimized and the separation of benzene and benzene‐d6 was accomplished within 75 min at 2.5 MPa inlet pressure.
Optimisation of gradient HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in beer using a CoulArray detector
Authors: Řehová Lucie , Škeříková Veronika , Jandera Pavel
Published: November 2004

A method was developed for simultaneous analysis of natural antioxidants in beer using multichannel electrochemical detection with a CoulArray detector, which enables selective and sensitive antioxidant detection in gradient HPLC and facilitates the identification of analytes based on the ratios of signals recorded at different potentials applied to the detection cells arranged in series. The separation conditions were optimised for 27 phenolic compounds including derivatives of benzoic and cinnamic acids, flavones, and a few related glycosides identified in beer samples. Separation selectivities of 11 columns with different stationary phase chemistries were compared, and the pH and gradient programs were optimised for the individual columns to provide best resolution and high number of resolved peaks, using the window‐diagram approach. The effects of pH on the sensitivity of electrochemical coulometric detection were considered in the optimisation approach. The optimised conditions were applied to the analysis of real beer samples.
Production of D‐Lactic Acid by Bacterial Fermentation of Rice Starch
Authors: Fukushima Kazuki , Sogo Kazuaki , Miura Shigenobu , Kimura Yoshiharu
Published: November 2004

Summary: D‐Lactic acid was synthesized by the fermentation of rice starch using microorganisms. Two species: Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Sporolactobacillus inulinus were found to be active in producing D‐lactic acid of high optical purity after an intensive screening test for D‐lactic acid bacteria using glucose as substrate. Rice powder used as the starch source was hydrolyzed with a combination of enzymes: α‐amylase, β‐amylase, and pullulanase to obtain rice saccharificate consisting of maltose as the main component. Its average gross yield was 82.5%. Of the discovered D‐lactic acid bacteria, only Lactobacillus delbrueckii could ferment both maltose and the rice saccharificate. After optimizing the fermentation of the rice saccharificate using this bacterium, pilot scale fermentation was conducted to convert the rice saccharificate into D‐lactic acid with a D‐content higher than 97.5% in a yield of 70%. With this yield, the total yield of D‐lactic acid from brown rice was estimated to be 47%, which is almost equal to the L‐lactic acid yield from corn. The efficient synthesis of D‐lactic acid can open a way to the large scale application of high‐melting poly(lactic acid) that is a stereocomplex of poly(L‐lactide) and poly(D‐lactide).

Schematic representation of the production of D‐lactic acid starting from brown rice as described here.

magnified image

Schematic representation of the production of D‐lactic acid starting from brown rice as described here.
Novel Biodegradable Copolyesters Containing Blocks of Poly(3‐hydroxyoctanoate) and Poly(ε‐caprolactone): Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Timbart Laurianne , Renard Estelle , Langlois Valérie , Guerin Philippe
Published: November 2004

Summary: Novel biodegradable polyester block copolymers have been synthesized by using well‐defined poly(3‐hydroxyoctanoate) (PHO) oligomers having a hydroxyl end group and an ester end group with $\overline M _{\rm n}$ values of 800, 2 500, 5 300, 8 000, or 20 000 as an elastomeric soft segment and poly(ε‐caprolactone) as a more crystalline segment. These PHO oligomers prepared by methanolysis were subjected to block copolymerization with ε‐caprolactone. The chemical structure of the copolymers was confirmed by 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. All the copolyesters are semi‐crystalline and two Tg were observed by differential scanning calorimetry when the molecular weight of the PHO block is about 20 000.

magnified image
Preparation of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/Poly(amino ether) Blends by means of the Addition of Poly(butylene terephthalate)
Authors: Granado Ainhoa , Eguiazábal José I. , Nazábal Jon
Published: November 2004

Summary: Blends based on poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, with poly(amino ether) (PAE) contents up to 40% were obtained by the addition of 20% poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) to the PET matrix. PBT mixed with PET led to a decrease in the Tm of the matrix that was enough to produce homogeneous blends by mixing in the melt state. Despite the presence of a single peak observed by dynamic‐mechanical analysis, the blends were biphasic, with amorphous phases in which minor amounts of the other component, both reacted and mixed, were present. This presence of minor components gave a fine morphology and significant adhesion that, together with the higher orientation of PAE in the blends, produced blends with a clear synergism in the modulus of elasticity, notched impact strength similar to that of the neat components, and high ductility up to 30% PAE.

Young's modulus of the PET‐PBT/PAE blends.

magnified image

Young's modulus of the PET‐PBT/PAE blends.
Occurrence of antibiotic‐resistant enterobacteria in agricultural foodstuffs
Authors: Boehme Sybille , Werner Guido , Klare Ingo , Reissbrodt Rolf , Witte Wolfgang
Published: November 2004

Antibiotic‐resistant bacteria or their corresponding resistance determinants are known to spread from animals to humans via the food chain. We screened 20 vegetable foods for antibiotic‐resistant coliform bacteria and enterococci. Isolates were directly selected on antibiotic‐containing selective agar (color detection). Thirteen “common vegetables” (tomato, mushrooms, salad) possessed 104–107 cfu/g vegetable of coliform bacteria including only few antibiotic‐resistant variants (0–105 cfu/g). All seven sprout samples showed a some orders of magnitude higher contamination with coliform bacteria (107–109 cfu/g) including a remarkable amount of resistant isolates (up to 107 cfu/g). Multiple resistances (up to 9) in single isolates were more common in sprout isolates. Resistant bacteria did not originate from sprout seeds. The most common genera among 92 isolates were: 25 Enterobacter spp. (19 E. cloacae), 22 Citrobacter spp. (8 C. freundii), and 21 Klebsiella spp. (9 K. pneumoniae). Most common resistance phenotypes were: tetracycline (43%), streptomycin (37%), kanamycin (26%), chloramphenicol (29%), co‐trimoxazol (9%), and gentamicin (4%). The four gentamicin‐resistant isolates were investigated in molecular details. Only three (chloramphenicol) resistant, typical plant‐associated enterococci were isolated from overnight enrichment cultures. In conclusion, a contribution of sprouts contaminated with multiresistant, Gram‐negative enterobacteria to a common gene pool among human commensal and pathogenic bacteria cannot be excluded.
Expression profiles of effector proteins SopB, SopD1, SopE1, and AvrA differ with systemic, enteric, and epidemic strains of Salmonella enterica
Authors: Streckel Wiebke , Wolff Anne‐Christin , Prager Rita , Tietze Erhard , Tschäpe Helmut
Published: November 2004

The presence and expression of sopB, sopD1, sopE1, and avrA genes encoding virulence associated effector proteins were studied comparatively in 405 Salmonella enterica strains. They belong to different serovars and clonal types (genotypes, phage types) and originated from different clinical (systemic infection, focal enteritis, enterocolitis) and epidemic sources (epidemics, sporadic cases). The sopB and sopD1 determinants were commonly prevalent, but sopE1 and avrA genes only in 55% and 80%, respectively. A correlation of this pattern of absence and presence of the respective genes to the epidemic and clinical origin could not be detected. In contrast, the expression of the respective genes appeared differently: SopB and SopE1 proteins are well produced, but SopD1 and AvrA proteins only rarely under the applied standard culture conditions. However, using a range of different environmental signals (temperature, pH, cations, etc.) some of the S. enterica nonproducer strains (e. g., S. Agona, S. Bovismorbificans, S. Virchow, etc.) begin to produce AvrA and SopD1. They turned now into an expression profile which was found typically for the epidemic strains of S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis. Also S. enterica strains from systemic infections could be characterized by their strong SopB and SopE1 expression while SopD1 and AvrA proteins were missing. Although it is premature to outline generally a correlation of these expression profiles and the clinical and epidemiological potency of Salmonellae, the reported results allow a first understanding how a fine tuning of their virulence will take place.
General Mills boosts promotion marketing creativity through pro bono consulting to nonprofits
Authors: Peterson Jeff
Published: November 2004

Spurred by the acquisition of rival Pillsbury, the General Mills promotion marketing department developed a promotion competency model, a consistent identity that reflects the value of having an in‐house promotional function aligned with the company's success factors. The most important of the model's nine competencies—and the trickiest to develop—is creativity. One of several development initiatives, the department's Good Idea program is built around service learning: Department members exercise their creative muscles by addressing the promotional and branding problems of nonprofit organizations. In this emerging form of corporate philanthropy, everybody is winning. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pay attention to subtlety: The little things are the big things
Authors: Gandossy Robert , Effron Marc
Published: November 2004

Research by Hewitt Associates has found that the top companies for developing leaders practice three fundamentals: their CEOs and boards of directors provide leadership and inspiration; they focus on the best talent; and they put in place the right programs, done right. But even with these pieces in place, these companies'ultimate success may also depend on effectively managing the more subtle aspects of the process, five “little things” important for building great leaders. © 2004 Hewitt Associates LLC
Employee health contributes to corporate financial health at Johnson & Johnson
Authors: Isaac Fikry W.
Published: November 2004

Since its inception, health care products giant Johnson & Johnson has taken the health of its employees very seriously. Over the last decade it has fully integrated its health and wellness programs, and continuously improved them; as a result, employees have reduced their health risks and adopted positive lifestyle behaviors, while the company has lowered its health care costs. © 2004 Johnson & Johnson
Hydration mechanism of polysaccharides: A comparative study
Authors: Despond S. , Espuche E. , Cartier N. , Domard A.
Published: November 2004

Water sorption was studied at 20 °C on films composed of different natural polymers. Three polysaccharides were investigated: chitosan, cellulose, and alginate. The major differences between these polymers, from a structural point of view, lay in the substitution of an OH group by an NH2 function for chitosan and by an ionic COO−Na+ group for alginate. An analysis of the experimental water sorption isotherms, expressed as the number of water molecules sorbed per repeating unit in the amorphous phase, associated with an analysis of the enthalpy profile related to the water sorption allowed us to propose a water sorption mechanism in two steps for all the polymers: water sorption on polymer‐specific sites in the first step and water clustering around the first sorbed water molecules in the second step. It was determined that two water molecules interacted with the polymer chains for cellulose and chitosan, whereas four water molecules were bonded to alginate chains. The specific sorption sites were identified as OH groups for cellulose, OH and NH2 groups for chitosan, and ionic and OH groups for alginate. A systematic reduction of the half‐sorption time was observed in the activity range corresponding to this first sorption step, and it was explained by a water plasticization effect. On the other hand, an increase in the half‐sorption time was observed in the second sorption step, at a high activity (>0.8), for chitosan and alginate. A modelization associating the Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer model and the clustering theory, applied to our systems, allowed us to relate the occurrence of this last phenomenon to the formation of water clusters containing more than two water molecules. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 48–58, 2005
Acidic derivatives of the fungicide fenpiclonil: effect of adding a methyl group to the N‐substituted chain on systemicity and fungicidal activity
Authors: Chollet Jean‐François , Rocher Françoise , Jousse Cyril , Delétage‐Grandon Céline , Bashiardes Georges , Bonnemain Jean‐Louis
Published: November 2004

A new acidic derivative of the fungicide fenpiclonil was synthesized containing a methyl group on the alpha‐position of the carboxyl function of N‐carboxymethyl‐3‐cyano‐4‐(2,3‐dichlorophenyl)pyrrole. The phloem mobility of the resulting N‐(1‐carboxyethyl)‐3‐cyano‐4‐(2,3‐dichlorophenyl)pyrrole was comparable with that of the former compound, but was higher at external pH 5.0. Unlike the derivatives previously synthesized, it was comparable with fenpiclonil in its fungicidal activity against the pathogenic fungus Eutypa lata. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Inter‐populational variation in the cost of autotomy in the metallic skink (Niveoscincus metallicus)
Authors: Chapple David G. , Swain Roy
Published: November 2004

Many species of lizard use tail autotomy to escape from potential predators. While frequency of tail loss is an unreliable indicator of predation intensity it may enable inter‐populational comparisons of predation costs. This reasoning was applied to a study of the metallic skink Niveoscincus metallicus. A total of 368 lizards was sampled from across four populations to compare the frequency and position of tail loss and ultimately to examine whether the implications of tail autotomy differ between populations. The overall frequency of tail loss was 72%, although between populations the incidence of tail autotomy varied from 61.4% (Laughing Jack Lagoon) to 78.2% (Dynnyrne). No sexual differences were observed in the frequency of tail loss; however, the incidence of autotomy increased with age. The estimated position of tail loss did not vary between the sexes, although individuals from Dynnyrne experienced more proximal tail breaks than the other populations. This resulted in the predicted energetic cost of tail loss being significantly higher in the Dynnyrne population and, when combined with a high frequency of tail loss and relatively smaller body size, suggests that this population incurs relatively high costs as a result of autotomy. Overall, measures of tail loss in N. metallicus were found to be useful for examining inter‐populational variation in the cost of tail autotomy.
Nonmethane hydrocarbon and oxy hydrocarbon measurements during the 2002 New England Air Quality Study
Authors: Goldan Paul D. , Kuster William C. , Williams Eric , Murphy Paul C. , Fehsenfeld Fred C. , Meagher James
Published: November 2004

Nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) and oxy hydrocarbons (oxy HCs) were measured aboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research vessel Ronald H. Brown during the New England Air Quality Study from 13 July to 10 August 2002 by an online dual gas chromatographic instrument with two separate analytical columns equipped, respectively, with flame ionization and mass spectrometer detectors. Measurements, taken each half hour, included C2 to C10 alkanes, C2 to C5 alkenes, alcohols and ketones, C6 to C9 aromatics, and biogenic volatile compounds including six monoterpenes, isoprene and its immediate oxidation products methacrolein and methylvinylketone. All compounds have been categorized by their contribution to the OH loss rate calculated for 298K and 1 atm. Large temporal variability was observed for all compounds. Airflow from the Providence, Rhode Island/Boston, Massachusetts, urban corridor northeast to the New Hampshire coast was usually heavily laden with NMHCs and oxy HCs of anthropogenic origin. Comparison of specific compound ratios with automotive tunnel studies suggested that these were predominantly mobile source emissions. When such flow occurred during daylight hours, these urban plumes were accompanied by increases in ozone in the 80 to 120 ppbv range. About equally as often, much less chemically mature NMHC plumes were encountered near the New Hampshire coast. Ozone was titrated out of these latter plumes, and the unusually high mixing ratios of C4 and C5 alkenes suggested that their source was partly gasoline vapor release rather than mobile source emissions. In the New England coastal region explored, in spite of the large anthropogenic NMHC input during periods of offshore flow, OH loss with hydrocarbons was frequently dominated by compounds of biogenic origin. During periods of cleaner marine air inflow the OH loss rate was dominated by reaction with methane and with oxy HCs, predominantly acetone, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde.
Potential mechanism for response of El Niño–Southern Oscillation variability to change in land surface energy budget
Authors: Hu Zeng‐Zhen , Schneider Edwin K. , Bhatt Uma S. , Kirtman Ben P.
Published: November 2004

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability was found to be sensitive to the land surface energy budget from a comparison of two integrations of the coupled general circulation model of Center for Ocean‐Land‐Atmosphere Studies, a control simulation in which global soil wetness in the three layers is predicted, and a sensitivity experiment in which deep soil moisture is specified. In contrast to the control experiment, in which the net land surface energy flux is zero, the sensitivity experiment leads to land becoming a unphysical and unexpected net energy sink. However, the comparison points toward a physically realizable mechanism by which ENSO can be influenced by changes in land surface properties. The net energy sink causes cooling tropical land surface. The cooling over tropical land is connected with the mean state changes of the coupled system, including a shift in the land/sea partitioning of precipitation toward the oceans, a more westerly wind stress over the tropical Pacific, and a more El Niño‐like mean state of the tropical Pacific with a weaker east‐west temperature contrast. Meanwhile, sea surface temperature (SST) variance decreases in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, and the ENSO becomes less energetic. A series of diagnostic simulations using an intermediate coupled model tests the impact of the simulated mean state and atmospheric noise changes on the ENSO variability. It is demonstrated that the mean state change plays a key role in determining the ENSO variance change. The mean state change in the sensitivity experiment causes a reduction in the sensitivity of ENSO SST variability to surface wind stress, and is consistent with a decrease in ENSO SST variance.
The 6.5‐day wave and its seasonal variability in the middle and upper atmosphere
Authors: Liu H.‐L. , Talaat E. R. , Roble R. G. , Lieberman R. S. , Riggin D. M. , Yee J.‐H.
Published: November 2004

The zonal wave number 1 planetary wave of period near 6.5 days is a robust feature in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region with prominent seasonal variability as revealed by ground based and satellite observations. This wave and its seasonal variability are well reproduced in a recent one model year run of the National Center for Atmospheric Research thermosphere‐ionosphere‐mesosphere‐electrodynamics general circulation model (TIME‐GCM) with its lower boundary specified according to the National Centers for Environmental Prediction analysis (year 1993). Wavelet analysis of the model output shows that in the MLT region the wave maximizes before and after the equinoxes and minimizes at solstices. The wave amplitudes at the equinoxes are smaller than the peaks before and after but are still larger than the wave amplitudes at solstices. However, at the lower boundary near 30 km the wave peaks are predominantly between fall and the following spring. By examining the episodes of maximum and minimum wave amplitude and by conducting additional control experiments using the TIME‐GCM, the structure of this planetary wave and the factors determining the wave characteristics and seasonal variability are studied in detail. It is found that the wave source, mean wind structure, instability, and the critical layers of the wave can all affect the wave response in the MLT region and can have a strong seasonal dependence. Before and after equinox, the wave follows the waveguide and propagates from the stratosphere to the summer mesosphere/mesopause, where it may amplify due to baroclinic/barotropic instability. Such instability is usually absent from the equinoctial atmosphere, so that there is no wave amplification at equinox. At solstice the wave decays significantly when propagating away from its winter source due to the strong eastward winter stratospheric jet. In the summer side the westward jet is also strong, and the meridional and vertical extension of the critical layer of the wave is large enough to enclose the instability in the summer mesosphere/mesopause at middle to high latitudes. The wave is thus reflected away and prevented from reaching and amplifying at the unstable region. The seasonal variation of the quasi‐two‐day wave, which has zonal phase speed similar to the 6.5‐day wave, is also studied using similar diagnostics. It is further shown that within certain seasonal “window” periods, the variability in the MLT, especially the summer MLT, may closely track the lower atmospheric variability associated with these waves.
Intercontinental Transport and Chemical Transformation 2002 (ITCT 2K2) and Pacific Exploration of Asian Continental Emission (PEACE) experiments: An overview of the 2002 winter and spring intensives
Authors: Parrish D. D. , Kondo Y. , Cooper O. R. , Brock C. A. , Jaffe D. A. , Trainer M. , Ogawa T. , Hübler G. , Fehsenfeld F. C.
Published: November 2004

In the winter and spring of 2002, airborne and ground‐based measurements of O3, aerosols, and their precursors were made in the eastern and western North Pacific regions. Three field studies were conducted by an international team of scientists collaborating as part of the Intercontinental Transport and Chemical Transformation (ITCT) program, an activity of the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) project of the International Geosphere‐Biosphere Program (IGBP). Previous measurements have indicated that the transport of Asian emissions across the North Pacific Ocean influences the concentrations of trace tropospheric species over the Pacific and even the west coast of North America. In this special section, the recently acquired data are used to better characterize the contribution of continental sources to the aerosol, ozone, and related trace species concentrations over the North Pacific. This overview is aimed at providing the operational and logistical context of the study and introducing the principal findings and conclusions that have been drawn from the results.