bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin and C‐peptide levels, pancreatic beta cell function, and insulin resistance across glucose tolerance status in Thais
Authors: Chailurkit La‐or , Jongjaroenprasert Wallaya , Chanprasertyothin Suwannee , Ongphiphadhanakul Boonsong
Published: March 2007

Impaired pancreatic beta cell function and insulin sensitivity are fundamental factors in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes; however, the predominant defect appears differ among ethnic groups. We conducted a cross‐sectional study to evaluate the contribution of impaired beta cell function and insulin sensitivity at different stages of the deterioration of glucose tolerance in Thais. The study involved 420 urban Thais of both sexes, 43–84 years old. A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test was performed on all of the subjects. Indices of insulin resistance and beta cell function were calculated with the use of a homeostasis model assessment. The subjects were classified as having normal glucose tolerance (NGT), isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), combined IFG and IGT, or type 2 diabetes mellitus according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. There were no differences between groups with regard to gender and age. The percentage of obesity was significantly greatest in the diabetic group. Fasting serum insulin and C‐peptide levels progressively increased from the NGT to the diabetic subjects. Serum C‐peptide was more strongly associated with newly diagnosed diabetes than insulin, and was an independent factor associated with newly diagnosed diabetic subjects. The insulin resistance index progressively increased when the glucose tolerance stage changed from NGT through diabetic subjects. Beta cell function did not change significantly in any other group compared to the NGT group. An increase in fasting serum C‐peptide may be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Obesity and insulin resistance are the predominant features in the deterioration of glucose tolerance in Thais. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:85–90, 2007. 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypercomplementemia in adult patients with IgA nephropathy
Authors: Onda Kisara , Ohi Hiroyuki , Tamano Mariko , Ohsawa Isao , Wakabayashi Michiro , Horikoshi Satoshi , Fujita Teizo , Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: March 2007

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of chronic glomerulonephritis. Although glomerular deposition of complement components is well known, the evidence of serological complement activation in IgAN is inconclusive. We hypothesized that serum levels of complement components and regulatory proteins in patients with IgAN are correlated with its pathogenesis. In the present study we measured complement components in 50 patients with IgAN and 50 healthy volunteers. C5, C1 inhibitor, factor B, C4 binding protein, factor H, and factor I were measured with the use of single radial immunodiffusion. Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) and properdin (P) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlations among complements in the sera of patients with clinical gradings for IgAN (i.e., the good prognosis group, relatively good prognosis group, relatively poor prognosis group, and poor prognosis group) were evaluated. CH50, C4, factor B, P, factor I, and factor H were significantly higher in IgAN patients than in healthy controls. There were significant correlations between C5 and C4 binding protein, between C3 and C5, or between C4 and factor B in patients with IgAN. In the poor prognosis group, C4 binding protein was significantly higher than in the other groups of IgAN patients. hypercomplementemia occurs in IgAN and is associated with an increase in complement regulatory protein (CRP). C4 binding protein analyses can be used to predict disease prognosis. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:77–84, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age‐related changes in bone turnover markers and ovarian hormones in premenopausal and postmenopausal Indian women
Authors: Desai Meena P. , Bhanuprakash K.V. , Ikram Khatkhatay M. , Donde Uday M.
Published: March 2007

This study characterizes age‐related changes in bone turnover markers in relation to ovarian hormones. The data (N = 236) were divided into 5‐year age bands and three groups: premenopausal (Group I, N = 139), perimenopausal (Group II, N = 30), and postmenopausal (Group III, N = 67). Age‐related increases in mean parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OC), and collagen telopeptide (CTx) levels were observed. Women in Group II (N = 37) with osteopenia had lower levels of E1G (P<0.001) with normal FSH levels as compared to 50 women in the same group with normal bone mineral density (BMD). Their mean OC levels were reduced (P<0.05) and CTx levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The mean E1G levels were significantly lower (P<0.001) and mean CTx levels were significantly higher (P<0.001) in 30 perimenopausal women (Group II) compared to premenopausal women. In 28 postmenopausal women (group III) the mean BMD levels and E1G were significantly lower (P<0.001) with elevated FSH levels (P<0.001). Increased CTx levels (P<0.0001) reflected a higher rate of bone resorption. These observations suggest that perimenopausal women with low E1G, elevated FSH should be screened for osteoporosis, and it may be valid to combine simultaneous measurements of bone turnover markers with ovarian hormones when screening women at risk for osteoporosis. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:55–60, 2007. © 2007 Wileyhyphen;Liss, Inc.
Therapies for bleomycin induced lung fibrosis through regulation of TGF‐β1 induced collagen gene expression
Authors: Cutroneo Kenneth R. , White Sheryl L. , Phan Sem H. , Ehrlich H. Paul
Published: March 2007

This review describes normal and abnormal wound healing, the latter characterized by excessive fibrosis and scarring, which for lung can result in morbidity and sometimes mortality. The cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and the growth factors regulating the synthesis, degradation, and deposition of the ECM proteins will be discussed. Therapeutics with particular emphasis given to gene therapies and their effects on specific signaling pathways are described. Bleomycin (BM), a potent antineoplastic antibiotic increases TGF‐β1 transcription, TGF‐β1 gene expression, and TGF‐β protein. Like TGF‐β1, BM acts through the same distal promoter cis‐element of the COL1A1 gene causing increased COL1 synthesis and lung fibrosis. Lung fibroblasts exist as subpopulations with one subset predominately responding to fibrogenic stimuli which could be a specific cell therapeutic target for the onset and development of pulmonary fibrosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 585–589, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence that IL‐6‐type cytokine signaling in cardiomyocytes is inhibited by oxidative stress: Parthenolide targets JAK1 activation by generating ROS
Authors: Kurdi Mazen , Booz George W.
Published: March 2007

Parthenolide, an anti‐inflammatory compound, was reported to inhibit signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation by the interleukin (IL)‐6‐type cytokines by an undefined process, which was the focus of our study. Here we report that parthenolide reduced both basal and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)‐induced STAT3 tyrosine 705 (Y705) phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes in a dose‐dependent manner, but stimulated the MAP kinase signaling pathways. Activation of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) tyrosine kinase was markedly reduced by parthenolide. Pretreatment with parthenolide inhibited JAK1‐mediated phosphorylation of the LIF receptor subunits LIF receptor (LIFR) α and glycoprotein 130 (gp130), and reduced the LIF‐induced increase in JAK1 association with both components. In addition, we documented that parthenolide, over the same concentration range, does not have a direct inhibitory effect on JAK1 autophosphorylation. However, we observed that parthenolide increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pretreatment with the antioxidant, N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine, completely suppressed the effect of parthenolide on JAK1 and STAT3. From these results, we conclude ROS generation in cardiomyocytes blocks STAT3 signaling of the IL‐6‐type cytokines by targeting JAK1. The finding that signaling by the IL‐6‐type cytokine may be redox‐sensitive defines a novel mechanism of regulation that has implications for exploiting their therapeutic potential. J. Cell. Physiol. 212: 424–431, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sperm stock and mating of males in a parasitoid wasp
Authors: Bressac Christophe , Damiens David , Chevrier Claude
Published: March 2007

Hymenoptera are haplodiploid insects, consequently sex ratio depends on female's sperm management which itself arises from the reproductive capacity of neighbouring males. To study the influence of ageing on male reproductive potential, laboratory experiments were conducted on Dinarmus basalis (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae) males, a tropical wasp in which sperm counts are known to constrain sex ratio. Two groups of virgin males were compared: 1‐day and 30‐days old. Parameters recorded were sperm quantity and viability in seminal vesicles, shape of testis, mating ability in both individual and competitive situations and sperm stored by females after male multiple mating. Older males had twice as much sperm as young males, but their reproductive capacities did not differ. They were able to copulate with 20 successive virgin females in a short period. Sperm stored in spermathecae decreased with female mating order. In competition, old and young males had the same access to females. The difference between old and young males was visible at the level of reproductive tract: young males have functional testis and old males have empty non‐functional testis. Spermatozoa are kept viable in male seminal vesicles for long periods. In this species, the reproductive potential of males is not altered by ageing. At the population level this may represent an adaptation for maintaining continuous reserves of sperm at the disposal of females. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:160–166, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Involvement of dendritic cell frequency and function in virological relapse in pegylated interferon‐α and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Itose Ichiyo , Kanto Tatsuya , Inoue Michiyo , Miyazaki Masanori , Miyatake Hideki , Sakakibara Mitsuru , Yakushijin Takayuki , Oze Tsugiko , Hiramatsu Naoki , Takehara Tetsuo , Kasahara Akinori , Katayama Kazuhiro , Kato Michio , Hayashi Norio
Published: March 2007

A combination of pegylated interferon α (PEG‐IFNα) and ribavirin has been used widely. Enhancement of immune response against hepatitis C virus (HCV) is known to be involved in the efficacy of the combination therapy. The aim of the study was to elucidate whether the frequency or function of immunocompetent blood cells is related to the outcome of the therapy. Twenty‐five chronic hepatitis C patients with high viral load of HCV genotype 1 who underwent 48 weeks of PEG‐IFNα2b and ribavirin therapy were examined. During the treatment, frequencies of dendritic cell subsets, helper T cell subsets, and NK cells were phenotypically determined. In some patients, the ability of dendritic cells to stimulate allogeneic CD4+T cells was examined at the end and after the therapy. Among the 25 patients, 11 showed a sustained virological response, 11 a transient response, and 3 no response. In comparison with sustained virological responders, non‐sustained virological responders showed impaired dendritic cell function at the end and after the treatment. The transient responders showed a decline of plasmacytoid dendritic cell frequency from Weeks 1–12 and impaired dendritic cell function as well. Even in patients who attained negative serum HCV RNA at Week 12, the transient responders showed a significant decrease of plasmacytoid dendritic cell frequency and impaired dendritic cell function. In conclusion, in PEG‐IFNα and ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C patients, the early‐phase plasmacytoid dendritic cell frequency and/or end‐of‐treatment dendritic cell function are related to the virological outcome of the therapy. J. Med. Virol. 79:511–521, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of human astrovirus genotypes associated with acute gastroenteritis among children in Belém, Brazil
Authors: Gabbay Yvone B. , Linhares Alexandre C. , Cavalcante‐Pepino Elielma L. , Nakamura Liliany S. , Oliveira Darleise S. , da Silva Luciana Damascena , Mascarenhas Joana D'Arc P. , Oliveira Consuelo S. , Monteiro Talita Antônia F. , Leite José Paulo G.
Published: March 2007

Worldwide human astroviruses (HAstV) have increasingly been recognized as causative agents of viral gastroenteritis, mainly in infants and young children. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology and genotype diversity of HAstVs detected in children who participated in a trial in Belém, Brazil with the rhesus human reassortant rotavirus vaccine tetravalent (RRV‐TV). From April/1990 to August/1992, 624 diarrheic stool samples were tested by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for HAstV, with a positive rate of 4.0%. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was done in 129 samples (25 positive and 104 with twice the optical density (OD) value of negative control by EIA) being 33 positive. The overall positivity yielded by both methods was 5.4% (34/624). Genotyping of the 33 positive samples was done by type‐specific RT‐PCR and confirmed by sequence analysis. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using a 348‐bp fragment of the ORF2 region of the capsid gene. HAstV‐1 was the most prevalent, accounting for 45.5% of the isolates, followed by HAstV‐2 (27.3%), HAstV‐3 (12.1%), HAstV‐4 (12.1%), and HAstV‐6 (3.0%). The monthly distribution showed that HAstV‐1 was predominant in the first year of study (May/1990 to May/1991) with highest prevalence in January/1991. HAstV‐2 was predominant from July to November/1991 and HAstV‐4 from September to October/1990. At 24 months of age, 30.6% of children had been infected by HAstV. The clinical symptoms registered during HAstV associated‐diarrhea were usually mild. These data highlight the circulation of the different HAstV genotypes in Belém during the study period. J. Med. Virol. 79:530–538, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human bocavirus in Iranian children with acute respiratory infections
Authors: Naghipour Mohammadreza , Cuevas Luis E. , Bakhshinejad Tahereh , Dove Winifred , Hart C. Anthony
Published: March 2007

Human bocavirus (HBoV), a virus discovered in Sweden in 2005, has been associated with acute respiratory infections in young children and subsequent reports suggest that HBoV may have a worldwide distribution. This report describes the frequency and clinical presentation of HBoV in 261 Iranian children<5 years old with acute respiratory infections attending two regional hospitals in Rasht, Iran in the winter of 2003–2004. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) were used for the detection of HBoV and other respiratory pathogens from nasopharyngeal specimens. HBoV was detected in 21 (8%) children. Fifteen (12%) of these children were identified among 122 children admitted to hospital and 6 (4%) from 139 outpatients (P < 0.05). Most children with HBoV were less than 2 years (17/21, 81%) and 7 (33%) were less than 1 year old. Although HBoV was identified in all ages it affected slightly older children than the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The frequency of the virus varied from 1 (3%) in 40 patients in November to 7 (12%) of 61 in February, suggesting a seasonal pattern during the autumn and early winter. Seven children had co‐infections with RSV, adenovirus or influenza A. The relatively high frequency of HBoV suggests that the virus may contribute substantially to acute respiratory infections in children. J. Med. Virol. 79:539–543, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different transmission patterns of hepatitis A virus for two main risk groups as evidenced by molecular cluster analysis
Authors: Tjon Grace , Xiridou Maria , Coutinho Roel , Bruisten Sylvia
Published: March 2007

Men who have sex with men and traveling children are the most important risk groups for transmission of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Between these two risk groups, different HAV genotypes are found. In this study the patterns of introduction and transmission of HAV were investigated in the two groups. HAV sequences from Amsterdam patients were divided according to risk: (I) travelers and their contacts, (II) homosexual men and their contacts. The sequences in each risk group were then grouped into clusters based on the genetic distances between the sequences. Among travelers many sporadic cases were found, the clusters were small, and introduced frequently into the population, mostly in the second half of each calendar year, indicating a seasonal pattern of introduction and transmission after the summer holidays. Among men who have sex with men the clusters were bigger and remained present for a longer time; sporadic cases were few, and introduction of new strains occurred only occasionally but throughout the year. Our findings indicate that new HAV strains are frequently imported into Amsterdam by travelers, but they are limited in the extent and season of their spread. In contrast, HAV is only occasionally imported into the male homosexual and bisexual population, but remains endemic and spreads to a large number of individuals without a seasonal pattern. J. Med. Virol. 79:488–494, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical usefulness of serum EBV DNA levels of BamHI W and LMP1 for Nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ishii Hideyuki , Ogino Takeshi , Berger Christoph , Köchli‐Schmitz Nicole , Nagato Toshihiro , Takahara Miki , Nadal David , Harabuchi Yasuaki
Published: March 2007

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized to measure serum EBV DNA levels of BamHI W fragment and latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) in 20 nasal natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma patients. Both serum EBV DNAs were detected at high levels in all patients, but the levels were below the limit of detection in all healthy controls. The BamHI Z fragment, Epstein–Barr‐replication activator (ZEBRA) expression was detected in a small proportion (0.1–3%) of lymphoma cells from 10 (50%) of the patients. Patients with ZEBRA expression showed significantly higher DNA levels of BamHI W and LMP1 (P = 0.0081, P = 0.004), suggesting that EBV DNA may be caused by EBV replication from lymphoma cells. Kaplan–Meier and univariate analyses revealed that high DNA levels of BamHI W and LMP1 at pre‐treatment and high BamHI W DNA level at post‐treatment were associated with short disease‐free survival and overall survival (P < 0.05, each). Although the DNA levels of BamHI W and LMP1 correlated significantly, their dynamics were not always parallel. Patients with low pre‐treatment level of both EBV DNAs showed a favorable course, in contrast to patients with high pre‐treatment level of both EBV DNAs who showed an aggressive course (P = 0.0085). More importantly, the high pre‐treatment level of both EBV DNAs was determined as the only independent prognostic factor among various prognostic factors. These data suggest that simultaneous measurement of serum levels of both BamHI W and LMP1 DNAs may be useful for diagnosis, disease monitoring, and prediction of prognosis for nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma patients. J. Med. Virol. 79:562–572, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus types in women screened by cytology in Germany
Authors: Klug Stefanie J. , Hukelmann Meike , Hollwitz Bettina , Düzenli Nurgül , Schopp Betti , Petry Karl‐Ulrich , Iftner Thomas
Published: March 2007

Incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer are higher in Germany than in other Western European countries. Type‐specific human papillomavirus (HPV) distribution was investigated for the first time in Germany in an epidemiological study including 8,101 women. Women above the age of 30 years, self‐referring for cervical cancer screening, were enrolled in two study centers in Hannover (Northern Germany) and Tübingen (Southern Germany). Participants were screened by the Pap smear and the hybrid capture 2 (HC2) test using the high‐risk probe. All samples that were positive by the HC2 test were genotyped using the prototype PGMY09/11 PCR line blot assay. Most women in the study population had a negative Pap smear (96.7%). Prevalence of high‐risk type HPV detected by HC2 was 6.4% and prevalence of carcinogenic types detected by PGMY09/11 was 4.3%. Of the PGMY09/11 PCR‐positive women, 70.2% had a single infection, 28.1% had multiple infections and 1.7% remained uncharacterized. 32 different HPV types were detected using PGMY09/11 PCR. HPV 16, 31, 52, 51, 18, and 45 were the most common carcinogenic types in the study population. Among women with histologically confirmed high‐grade lesions HPV 16, 45, 58, 18, 31, 33, and 52 were the predominant types. These results provide valuable information for the management of HPV infections in Germany, both in terms of future strategies of screening and vaccination. J. Med. Virol. 79:616–625, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐fibrillogenic and fibril‐destabilizing activities of anti‐Parkinsonian agents for α‐synuclein fibrils in vitro
Authors: Ono Kenjiro , Hirohata Mie , Yamada Masahito
Published: March 2007

The aggregation of alpha‐synuclein (αS) in the brain has been implicated as a critical step in the development of Lewy body diseases (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Among the antioxidant strategies proposed, increasing evidence points to the possibility of achieving neuroprotection by dopamine agonists, as well as monoamine oxidase B inhibitors. We showed previously that the anti‐Parkinsonian agents dose‐dependently inhibited β‐amyloid fibrils (fAβ)(1–40) and fAβ(1–42) formation as well as destabilized preformed fAβs. Using fluorescence spectroscopy with thioflavin S, electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy, we examined the effects of anti‐Parkinsonian agents, selegiline, dopamine, pergolide, bromocriptine, and trihexyphenidyl on the formation of αS fibrils (fαS) and on preformed fαS. All molecules except for trihexyphenidyl, dose‐dependently inhibited the formation of fαS. Moreover, these molecules dose‐dependently destabilized preformed fαS. The overall activity of the molecules examined was in the order of: selegiline = dopamine > pergolide > bromocriptine. These agents and other compounds related structurally could be key molecules for the development of therapeutics for LBD and MSA. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Matrix metalloproteinases in brain development and remodeling: Synaptic functions and targets
Authors: Ethell Iryna M. , Ethell Douglas W.
Published: March 2007

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play critical roles in egg fertilization, embryonic development, wound repair, cancer, and inflammatory and neurologic diseases. This subfamily of metzincin peptidases can cleave extracellular matrix (ECM) and pericellular proteins that have profound effects on cell behavior. Among known MMP substrates are several proteins that play important roles in synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and long‐term potentiation (LTP). In this Mini‐Review we discuss how MMP‐directed cleavage of these proteins can impact the formation and function of synapses within the brain. Pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus, and other large neurons, are surrounded by perineuronal nets that are composed of brevican, tenascin‐R, and laminin, each of which is subject to proteolytic cleavage by MMPs. Tenascin‐R knockout mice show deficits in learning and memory and LTP, as do at least two MMP knockouts. Impaired LTP is also seen in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) knockout mice, which is interesting in that pro‐BDNF can be processed into mature BDNF by several MMPs and thereby regulate activation of the high‐affinity BDNF receptor TrkB. At the synaptic level, MMP substrates also include ephrins, Eph receptors, and cadherins, which are also involved in synapse development and plasticity. MMPs can also process membrane‐bound tumor necrosis factor‐α into a potent soluble cytokine that is increasingly implicated in neuron–glial signaling, particularly in neurologic disease. Finally, we discuss how the development of therapeutics to attenuate MMP activity in neurodegenerative disorders may become powerful tools for future studies of synaptic formation and function within the developing and mature brain. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The rich get richer: predicting participation in voluntary diversity training
Authors: Kulik Carol T. , Pepper Molly B. , Roberson Loriann , Parker Sharon K.
Published: March 2007

This research examined whether trainee demographics and pre‐training competence predicted participation in voluntary diversity training. Results indicate that demographic variables had no impact on interest in training (Study One) or on actual training participation (Study Two). However, pre‐training competence levels had a positive effect on both outcomes. More competent trainees expressed more interest in additional training (Study One) and were more likely to attend a voluntary training session (Study Two). The authors suggest that trainees with low competence in the diversity domain are unaware of their low competence levels and therefore are not motivated to participate in training programs designed to increase diversity competence. Implications of these findings for organizations offering voluntary diversity training are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climatic change during the last 4000 years in the southern Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, northwest China
Authors: Zhong Wei , Bin Xue Ji , Shu Qiang , Guo Wang Li
Published: March 2007

In this study, a ca. 4000 cal. yr ancient lacustrine (or wetland) sediment record at the southern margin of Tarim Basin is used to reconstruct the history of climate change. Six radiocarbon dates on organic matter were obtained. δ18O and δ13C of carbonate, pollen and sediment particle size were analysed for climate proxies. The proxies indicate that a drier climate prevailed in the area before ca. 1010 BC and during period 1010 BC–AD 500 climate then changed rapidly and continuously from dry to moist, but after about AD 500 climate generally shows dry condition. Several centennial‐scale climatic events were revealed, with the wettest spell during AD 450–550, and a relatively wetter interval between AD 930–1030. Pollen results show that regional climate may influence human agricultural activities. Spectral analysis of mean grain size (MGS) proxy reveals statistically pronounced cyclic signals, such as ca. 200 yr, ca. 120 yr, ca. 90 yr, ca. 45 yr and ca. 33 or 30 yr, which may be associated with solar activities, implying that solar variability plays an important role in the decadal‐ and centennial‐scale climate variations in the study area. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of clay on the morphology of binary blends of polyamide 6 with high density polyethylene and HDPE‐graft‐acrylic acid
Authors: Fang Zhengping , Xu Yuzhen , Tong Lifang
Published: March 2007

Polyamide 6 (PA6)/HDPE/organo‐bentonite (Oclay) and PA6/HDPE‐grafted‐acrylic acid (PEAA)/Oclay nanocomposites were prepared via melt compounding. The influence of Oclay on the morphology of composites was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy results revealed the size of the dispersed HDPE, and PEAA phase decreased with increasing Oclay content. Transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction results revealed that the Oclay was predominately intercalated with some evidence of partial exfoliation. The majority of Oclay platelets were concentrated in the PA6 phase and in the interfacial region between PA6 and HDPE (PEAA). The Oclay platelets played the role of coupling species between the two polymers, increasing the interaction of the two phases in certain extent. These results were proved by FTIR and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. Consequently, apparent emulsifying effect was induced. A schematic mechanism of the apparent compatibilization effect was presented. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:551–559, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Visualization of in‐mold shrinkage in injection molding process
Authors: Fathi S. , Behravesh A.H.
Published: March 2007

This article presents an experimental investigation on the visualization of (material/mold) separation development during the in‐mold shrinkage of injection molded parts. The purpose is to correlate the separation times with the shrinkage values. Two cavity designs were studied: (i) a simple rectangular plate (nonconstrained plate) and (ii) a rectangular plate with an obstacle pin (constrained plate). Separation development was recorded using a high speed camera on a designed and manufactured visual mold. The results indicate that although there is a meaningful correlation between shrinkage value and separation time in the nonconstrained mold, this correlation is highly disturbed in the presence of a constraint (here, an obstacle pin). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:750–756, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Mechanical and tribological behaviors of polyamide 66/ultra high molecular weight polyethylene blends
Authors: Wang Hong‐Gang , Jian Ling‐Qi , Pan Bing‐Li , Zhang Jun‐Yan , Yang Sheng‐Rong , Wang Hong‐Gang
Published: March 2007

The blends of polyamide (PA) and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were prepared by a Brabender DSE25 co‐twin screw extruder, and maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) was used as a compatibilizer. A chemical reaction between MAH group of MAH‐g‐HDPE and terminal amino group of PA was testified by FT‐IR analysis. Mechanical and tribological tests showed that the tensile and bending strength of PA decrease with the increase of UHMWPE. Besides, the mechanical strengths of PA/UHMWPE blends were improved by adding appropriate MAH‐g‐HDPE. The chemical reaction between MAH‐g‐HDPE and PA ameliorated the homogeneous dispersing ability of UHMWPE in the blend. The friction coefficient and volume wear rate of the PA/UHMWPE blends decreased apparently with the increase of UHMWPE, as was probably that UHMWPE has straight chain structure and good flexibility; therefore, a transferring film could be easily formed on the steel surface with the increase of UHMWPE. In friction process, the wear resistance of the blends was relative to the mechanical property of the blends when the amount of the transferring layer reached to a certain value. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:738–744, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Growth of needle‐like crystals of polyoxymethylene during polymerisation
Authors: Iguchi Masatoshi
Published: March 2007

Needle‐like crystals of polyoxymethylene, 5 to 20 μm long, have been obtained in the course of the polymerisation of trioxane in cyclohexane. It has been found that such crystal growth is favoured at large BF3.OEt2/H2O or BF3/H2O ratios, when the nucleation takes place fast. The needle is considered to consist of fully extended chains oriented parallel with the direction of the length. The mechanism of the needle‐type growth is briefly discussed with reference to the plate‐like growth previously found.
Ethylene‐vinyl alcohol copolymers partially modified with benzoate groups: Study of their polymorphic behavior
Authors: Sánchez‐Chaves M. , Fernández‐García M. , Cerrada M. L.
Published: March 2007

The crystalline structure exhibited by terpolymers obtained through chemical modification with benzoyl chloride from an ethylene‐vinyl alcohol copolymer with a molar fraction in vinyl alcohol of 68%, EVOH68, has been studied by either wide angle X‐ray diffraction or small angle X ray scattering experiments and differential scanning calorimetry. The type of crystal lattice developed has been found to be strongly dependent on modification degree and thermal history. A highly‐disordered crystalline lattice with very small crystallites has been found for the quenched specimen with the highest benzoate content while the rest of fast cooled samples crystallized into an orthorhombic lattice. On the other hand, a monoclinic crystal cell has been observed in the slowly cooled specimens with low benzoate incorporation. At the last given thermal treatment, this monoclinic lattice evolves and seems to be transformed into an orthorhombic‐like crystal for the terpolymer with the highest modification ratio. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1026–1036, 2007
A computational model of the inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ATPase by a new drug candidate R207910
Authors: de Jonge Marc R. , Koymans Luc H.M. , Guillemont Jérôme E.G. , Koul Anil , Andries Koen
Published: March 2007

Diarylquinolines (DARQs) are a new class of potent inhibitors of the ATPase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We have created a homology model of a binding site for this class of compounds located on the contact area of the a‐subunit (gene atpB) and c‐subunits (gene atpE) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ATPase. The binding pocket that was identified from the analysis of the homology model is formed by 4 helices of three c‐subunits and 2 helices of the a‐subunit. The lead compound of the DARQ series, R207910, was docked into the pocket using a simulated annealing, multiple conformer, docking algorithm. Different stereoisomers were treated separately. The best docking pose for each stereoisomer was optimized by molecular dynamics simulation on the 5300 atoms of the binding region and ligand. The interaction energies in the computed complexes enable us to rank the different stereoisomers in order of interaction strength with the ATPase binding pockets. We propose that the activity of R207910 against Mycobacterium tuberculosis is based on interference of the compound with the escapement geometry of the proton transfer chain. Upon binding the compound mimicks the conserved Arg‐186 residue of the a‐subunit and interacts in its place with the conserved acidic residue Glu‐61 of the c‐subunit. This mode of action is corroborated by the good agreement between the computed interaction energies and the observed pattern of stereo‐specificity in the model of the binding region. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intraoperative Fracture of a Pyrocarbon PIP Total Joint—A Case Report
Authors: Skie Martin , Gove Nicholas , Ciocanel Despina
Published: March 2007

Pain or dysfunction of the finger joints due to arthritis or traumatic injuries that fail medical management may necessitate arthroplasty or joint replacement. The goals of the finger joint implant arthroplasty are to relieve pain, to correct deformity, and to improve the function and appearance of the hand. Several prosthetic implants have been used for the replacement of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Pyrocarbon materials, a form of pyrolytic carbon, a ceramic-like material, have proven to be strong, durable, resistant to wear and nonreactive in the body. The Ascension PIP pyrocarbon total joint is a bicondylar, anatomically shaped, articulating implant that allows joint flexion–extension, while providing some restriction of adduction–abduction motion. A review of the literature of pyrocarbon PIP prosthesis reveals little clinical data. The case of a 33-year-old man with posttraumatic arthritis proximal interphalangeal joint right long finger is reported. The case was treated surgically using the Ascension PIP total joint. During the insertion of the implant, the proximal component fractured at the sub-articular collar. The component was removed, and a new implant was inserted without complication. Critical evaluation revealed that there was an inadequate resection of the volar lip resulting in a stress riser on the implant during impaction. Careful attention to this technical point will hopefully minimize the occurrence of this complication as the availability and use of these implants increases.
Evaluation of Lipophilic Antioxidant Efficacy in Vivo by the Biomarkers Hydroxyoctadecadienoic Acid and Isoprostane
Authors: Yoshida Yasukazu , Hayakawa Mieko , Habuchi Yoko , Itoh Nanako , Niki Etsuo
Published: March 2007

The evaluation of antioxidant activity in vivo is difficult. In this study, the effects of dietary natural and synthetic antioxidants on the lipid peroxidation in mice were assessed using a biomarker, total hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (tHODE). Biological samples such as plasma, erythrocytes, and tissues were first reduced and then saponified to convert various oxidation products of linoleates to tHODE. Subsequently, the absolute concentration of tHODE and its stereoisomer ratio, [9‐ and 13‐(Z,E)‐HODE)/[9‐ and 13‐(E,E)‐HODE], which is a measure of the hydrogen donor capacity of antioxidants, were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses. These were then compared with total 8‐iso‐prostaglandin F2α (t8‐iso‐PGF2α) which was also assessed after reduction and saponification. Remarkable increases in tHODE and t8‐iso‐PGF2α levels were observed in the plasma, erythrocytes, liver, and brain of mice that were fed an α‐tocopherol (αT)‐stripped (E‐free) diet for 1 month when compared with those of mice that were fed a standard diet (αT = 0.002 wt%). When mice were fed for 1 month on an E‐free diet supplemented with a lipophilic antioxidant (0.04 wt%), namely, αT, α‐tocotrienol (αT3), γ‐tocopherol (γT), or 2,3‐dihydro‐5‐hydroxy‐4,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2‐dipentylbenzofuran (BO‐653), a potent synthetic antioxidant, the increases of tHODE and t8‐iso‐PGF2α in the plasma, erythrocytes, liver, and brain were suppressed to the levels lower than those of mice fed a standard diet. The (Z,E/E,E) HODE ratio was decreased in the plasma and erythrocytes of mice fed the E‐free diet when compared with that in mice fed the standard diet. This stereo‐isomeric ratio was significantly recovered by the addition of αT and BO‐653. These results show that the tHODE level and the (Z,E/E,E) HODE ratio are useful biomarkers for the assessment of antioxidant capacity in vivo and that the antioxidant capacity decreased in the order: BO‐653 > αT3 ≧ αT, γT, as assessed by tHODE levels from blood, liver, and brain.
Spin‐Probe Investigations of Head Group Behavior in Aqueous Dispersions of a Nonionic Amphiphilic Compound
Authors: Nakagawa Kouichi
Published: March 2007

Head group behavior of nonionic amphiphilic compound, (poly(oxyethylene) hydrogenated castor oil, HCO), in aqueous dispersions were investigated by EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) in conjunction with a modern slow‐tumbling simulation. The aliphatic spin probes, 5‐doxylstearic acid (5‐DSA) and 3β‐doxyl‐5α‐cholestane (CHL), were used to obtain fluidity of the surface region of the membrane. The order parameter (S0) using the simulation for 5‐DSA and CHL in the region were approximately 0.4 and 0.2, respectively. The ordering results suggest that the head group region of the membrane is somewhat fluid. The rotational diffusion coefficients (R⊥ ≈ 1/(6τR)) for the probes were 3.4 × 107 and 7.1 × 107 s−1, respectively. Activation energies, calculated using the temperature dependence of diffusion coefficients, were 18 and 17 kJ/mol for the probes. The EPR results imply that the CHL probe in the HCO membrane has quite different behavior in comparison with that of PC (phosphatidylcholine) from egg. Thus, the present EPR analyses have provided quantitative insight into the surface region of the amphiphilic membrane.
Associations between dietary added sugar intake and micronutrient intake: a systematic review
Authors: Rennie Kirsten L. , Livingstone M. Barbara E.
Published: March 2007

There is increasing concern that high intakes of added sugars might compromise intakes of micronutrients. The objectives of this systematic review were (1) to determine whether dietary added sugar intake was associated with micronutrient intakes, and if so, whether there was evidence of micronutrient dilution as a result of higher dietary added sugar intake and (2) if micronutrient dilution was present, to determine whether there was sufficiently robust evidence to support a threshold effect above which there was a significant decline in micronutrient intake or status relative to the recommended intakes. A systematic computerised literature search was undertaken, limited to studies written in English published from 1980 onwards and further studies identified through hand searching papers. Fifteen studies that assessed associations between intakes of added sugars or non-milk extrinsic sugars and micronutrients were included. Overall, there are insufficient data and inconsistency between studies in relationships between added sugars and micronutrient intakes, with no clear evidence of micronutrient dilution or a threshold for a quantitative amount of added sugar intake for any of the micronutrients investigated. The current evidence base is considerably constrained by methodological issues. Further research is required to determine which food products high in added sugars might adversely affect micronutrient intakes by displacing other food items from the diet. Analyses should take into account the magnitude of any observed associations to determine their true biological significance.
The effect of iron fortification and de-worming on anaemia and iron status of Vietnamese schoolchildren
Authors: Le Huong Thi , Brouwer Inge D. , Nguyen Khan Cong , Burema Jan , Kok Frans J.
Published: March 2007

Previous data from Vietnam show that anaemia is highly prevalent among schoolchildren, who are considered not to be iron deficient.Trichurisinfection doubled the risk of anaemia. The present study aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that de-worming is more effective than iron fortification in an anaemic, infection-prone population. In a trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design, 425 anaemic children aged 6–8 years were randomly assigned to receive either iron-fortified noodles or placebo, and mebendazole or placebo. Outcomes considered were change in haematological indicators of iron status (Hb, serum ferritin (SF), serum transferrin receptor (TfR) and haemoglobinopathies analysis); inflammations (C-reactive protein (CRP)); parasite infection status (hookworm,TrichurisandAscarisinfection); and IgE. ANOVA and logistic regression were used to assess the effects of iron fortification and de-worming on Hb, SF, TfR, body iron and anaemia. Hb improved in all groups after 6 months of intervention. Iron fortification significantly improved Hb, SF and body iron (2·6 g/l, 16·3 μg/l and 1 mg/kg, respectively). Prevalence of elevated IgE was very high at baseline (99 %) and significantly reduced to about 75 % in all groups after intervention. De-worming unexpectedly showed no effect on Hb, iron status and IgE level. It is concluded that iron fortification slightly improved anaemia and iron status in anaemic schoolchildren in rural Vietnam that were not considered iron deficient. Chronic infection or other unidentified factors may play an important role in the seasonal reduction of anaemia seen in all treatment groups.
β-Cryptoxanthin fromCitrusjuices: assessment of bioaccessibility using anin vitrodigestion/Caco-2 cell culture model
Authors: Dhuique-Mayer Claudie , Borel Patrick , Reboul Emmanuelle , Caporiccio Bertrand , Besancon Pierre , Amiot Marie-Josèphe
Published: March 2007

β-Cryptoxanthin (β-CX), a provitaminic carotenoid of potential interest for health, is found principally inCitrusfruit in both free and esterified forms. Little is known about the intestinal absorption of β-CX especially with regard to the esterified forms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the absorption of free and esterified β-CX using simulated digestion coupled with the Caco-2 model. Bioaccessibility was investigated by measuring the transfer of carotenoids from different citrus juices into micelles using anin vitrodigestion system. Then, carotenoid uptake was evaluated by adding carotenoid-rich micelles (from thein vitrodigestion) or synthetic micelles (made from synthetic lipids and carotenoids purified from citrus juice) to human intestinal cells (Caco-2 TC7 clone). Our results showed that β-cryptoxanthin esters (β-CXE) were partially hydrolysed during thein vitrodigestion. The bioaccessibility of free β-CX measured was significantly higher (40 (sd1·05) %) than that of β-carotene (30 (sd1·9) %) and β-CXE (16 (sd1·5) %). In the same way, the incorporation of free β-CX (27 (sd1·01) %) into synthetic micelles exceeded (P < 0·05) that of β-carotene (10 (sd0·7) %) and β-CXE (8·8 (sd0·4) %). In the case of micelles fromin vitrodigestion, the uptake of β-carotene, free β-CX and β-CXE forms by Caco-2 cells was 14·3 (sd1·8), 3·9 (sd1·3), and 0·7 (sd0·08) % respectively. These results showed a preferential uptake by Caco-2 cells of β-carotene and free β-CX compared with the two esters of β-CX.
Quraysh and the Roman army: Making sense of the Meccan leather trade
Authors: Crone Patricia
Published: March 2007

This paper argues that the trade in leather and other pastoralist products, which the tradition ascribes to the Meccans, could make sense on the assumption that the goods were destined for the Roman army, which is known to have required colossal quantities of leather and hides for its equipment. The hypothesis that the Meccans were servicing the Roman military is examined and found to be impossible to prove in our current state of knowledge; it is at least compatible with the evidence, however, and also highly promising in terms the light it could throw on the political aspects of the rise of Islam.
Quasi-static crack growth for a cohesive zone model with prescribed crack path
Authors: Maso Gianni Dal , Zanini Chiara
Published: March 2007

In this paper we study the quasi-static crack growth for a cohesive zone model. We assume that the crack path is prescribed and we study the time evolution of the crack in the framework of the variational theory of rate-independent processes.
Interaction between degenerate diffusion and shape of domain
Authors: Magnanini R. , Sakaguchi S.
Published: March 2007

We consider the flow of a gas into a bounded tank Ω with smooth boundary ∂Q. Initially Ω is empty, and at all times the density of the gas is kept constant on ∂Ω. Choose a number R > 0 sufficiently small that, for any point x in Q having distance R from ∂Ω, the closed ball B with radius R centred at x intersects ∂Ω at only one point. We show that if the gas content of such balls B is constant at each given time, then the tank Ω must be a ball. In order to prove this, we derive an asymptotic estimate for gas content for short times. Similar estimates are also derived in the case of the evolution p-Laplace equation for p ⩾ 2.
Singularities of smooth mappings with patterns
Authors: Saji Kentaro , Takahashi Masatomo
Published: March 2007

We study smooth mappings with patterns which given by certain divergence diagrams of smooth mappings. The divergent diagrams of smooth mappings can be regard as smooth mappings from manifolds with singular foliations. Our concerns are generic differential topology and generic smooth mappings with patterns. We give a generic semi-local classification of surfaces with singularities and patterns as an application of singularity theory.
Transpressional tectonics and Carboniferous magmatism in the Limousin, Massif Central, France: Structural and40Ar/39Ar investigations
Authors: Gébelin Aude , Brunel Maurice , Monié Patrick , Faure Michel , Arnaud Nicolas
Published: March 2007

New structural, microstructural, and40Ar/39Ar data from the NW Massif Central (France) provide additional constraints on the timing and tectonic setting of late Variscan granite magmatism. Previous studies had emphasized the role of late orogenic extension in the emplacement of granite plutons in the Limousin region. In contrast, the new data set is consistent with syntectonic emplacement of magma in a dextral simple shear active from 350 to 300 Ma in a transpressional regime. As an alternative hypothesis to late orogenic extension, we propose that magmas migrated into tensional bridges between active P shears associated with a lithospheric shear zone comparable to a pop‐up structure. The Galician region, in the western end of the Ibero‐Armorican tectonic arc, exhibits major left‐lateral ductile shear zones which can be interpreted as conjugate structures to the Limousin and Armorican shear zones.