bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro comparison of the effect of fondaparinux and enoxaparin on whole blood tissue factor-triggered thromboelastography profile
Authors: Gerotziafas Grigoris , Chakroun Tahar , Samama Meyer , Elalamy Ismail
Published: November 2004

Fondaparinux and enoxaparin are both effective and safe in preventing post-operative venous thromboembolism. However, neither of them significantly influence the conventional clotting tests. We compared the influence of clinically relevant concentrations of fondaparinux and enoxaparin on normal whole blood (WB) thromboelastographic profiles after triggering TF-pathway with minimal amount of thromboplastin. Diluted thromboplastin was added to WB samples supplemented with buffer (control), fondaparinux (0.25; 0.5; 1µg/ml), or enoxaparin (0.1; 0.5; 1anti-Xa lU/ml). Four parameters were analyzed, R: clotting time, K: time required to reach an amplitude of 20 mm, α angle: measurement reflecting clot development kinetics and MA: maximal amplitude. At concentrations used in prophylaxis, both enoxaparin (0.1 anti-Xa lU/ml) and fondaparinux (0.25 µg/ml which correspond to 0.27 anti-Xa lU/ml) significantly prolonged the R and K times, but did not significantly modify the a angle as compared to the control. At concentrations observed after administration of curative doses for the treatment of DVT (≥0.5 anti-Xa lU/ml for enoxaparin and ≥0.5 ug/ml for fondaparinux) both drugs induced a significant increase of R and K times, and a significant decrease of the α angle (p <0.05). In contrast to fondaparinux, enoxaparin at concentrations equal to or higher than 0.5 anti-Xa lU/ml significantly reduced MA. The present study provides evidence that the whole blood TF-triggered TEG assay is sensitive to the presence of clinically relevant concentrations of enoxaparin or fondaparinux. Moreover, the angle may be used in order to distinguish the effect of prophylactic and therapeutic concentrations, since it was significantly reduced by the later ones. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of whole blood TF-triggered TEG assay for the monitoring of treatment with enoxaparin or fondaparinux.
A VEGF-dependent autocrine loop mediates proliferation and capillarogenesis in bone marrow endothelial cells of patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Ria Roberto , Russo Francesca , Cirulli Teresa , Massaia Massimo , Tosi Patrizia , Cavo Michele , Guidolin Diego , Ribatti Domenico , Dammacco Franco , Vacca Angelo
Published: November 2004

The expression/function of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor 2 (VEGFR-2/KDR) in multiple myeloma (MM)-associated angiogenesis is under scrutiny. We show here that bone marrow endothelial cells (EC) from 16 patients with MM (MMEC) highly expressed VEGF-A (the main VEGF isoform) and VEGFR-2 at both mRNA and protein level, whereas EC from 14 patients with monoclonal gammopathy unassociated/unattributable (MG[u]) (MG[u]EC) and 12 human umbilical veins (HUVEC) expressed very low mRNAs and/or proteins. MMEC showed constitutive autophosphorylation in both VEGFR-2 and the associated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2 (ERK-2), whereas this was marginal in MG[u]EC and HUVEC. MMEC proliferated rapidly and formed a closely-knit capillary meshwork on Matrigel. These cell functions were reduced in the other EC. Autophosphorylation, proliferation and capillarogenesis were prevented by a neutralizing antiVEGF-A antibody, and more efficaciously by an anti-VEGFR-2 antibody. Both antibodies had no effect or were poorly effective on the other EC. These findings as a whole suggest the existence of an autocrine loop of VEGF in MMEC. Since this is very likely a mechanism for the amplification of VEGF activity in neovascularization, it would constitute an appropriate target for antiangiogenic management in MM.
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Co3O4 Nanocomposites and Its Electrochemical Performance in Lithium Storage
Authors: Shan Yan , Gao Lian
Published: November 2004

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) coated with a thick layer of Co3O4 nanocrystals were prepared through a facile and effective method for the first time, which combined the acid treatment MWNTs and in situ decomposition of Co(NO3)2 in n-hexanol solution at 140 °C. TEM images show that the MWNTs are nearly fully coated with a layer of Co3O4 with an average size of 8 nm. The coating layer is 15–20 nm in thickness. The electrochemical performance in Li+ insertion and extraction reactions shows that the MWNTs/Co3O4 composites have larger lithium storage capacities and a better cycle-ability.
Pre-heating of components in cemented total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Jafri A. A. , Green S. M. , Partington P. F. , McCaskie A. W. , Muller S. D.
Published: November 2004

Fatigue fractures which originate at stress-concentrating voids located at the implant-cement interface are a potential cause of septic loosening of cemented femoral components. Heating of the component to 44°C is known to reduce the porosity of the cement-prosthesis interface.

The temperature of the cement-bone interface was recorded intra-operatively as 32.3°C. A simulated femoral model was devised to study the effect of heating of the component on the implant-cement interface.

Heating of the implant and vacuum mixing have a synergistic effect on the porosity of the implant-cement interface, and heating also reverses the gradients of microhardness in the mantle.

Heating of the implant also reduces porosity at the interface depending on the temperature. A minimum difference in temperature between the implant and the bone of 3°C was required to produce this effect. The optimal difference was 7°C, representing a balance between maximal reduction of porosity and an increased risk of thermal injury. Using contemporary cementing techniques, heating the implant to 40°C is recommended to produce an optimum effect.
Radiological changes in second- and third-generation Zweymüller stems
Authors: Wick M. , Lester D. K.
Published: November 2004

The Alloclassic and Endoplus femoral stems have the same grit-blasted surface and are hot forged from the same titanium alloy. Only the external form of the implants differs slightly. It was our aim to examine the differences in radiographic bone response between the Alloclassic (second generation) and the Endoplus (third generation) femoral stems.

We compared 79 prostheses in 70 matched patients studied over a minimum of two years. Radiolucent lines, adaptive bone remodelling, subsidence, heterotopic bone formation and lysis were recorded in the Gruen zones.

Radiolucencies were mainly found in zones 1 and 7 but to a greater extent in the Endoplus than in the Alloclassic group (p < 0.001 in zone 1, p < 0.05 in zone 7). We found lucent lines in three or more Gruen zones in seven patients all of whom were in the Endoplus group (p < 0.05). Zones 2 and 6 had a significantly higher rate of lucencies in the Endoplus group (p < 0.001). We encountered a combination of proximal lucent lines in zones 1 and 7 with distal hypertrophy of the cortical bone in zones 2, 3, 5 and 6 in eight patients, all from the Endoplus group (p < 0.05). In other patients bone atrophy (stress shielding) in zones 2 and 6 was seen more frequently in the Endoplus than in the Alloclassic group (p < 0.001). In neither group was there radiological evidence of osteolysis. Heterotopic bone formation and subsidence occurred with similar frequency in both groups.

Our study shows that a small change in the form of the femoral implant can result in statistically significant radiological changes in bone remodelling. Whether this will result in clinical compromise is unknown. However, it seems likely that the Endoplus femoral stem will perform differently from the Alloclassic.
Two mechanical devices for prophylaxis of thromboembolism after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Lachiewicz P. F. , Kelley S. S. , Haden L. R.
Published: November 2004

The optimal characteristics of pneumatic compression for mechanical prophylaxis of thromboembolism after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are not known. Our study compared two methods of calf compression, with the hypothesis that the device which provided a larger increase in peak venous velocity would produce a lower rate of thromboembolism. We performed a prospective, randomised study on 423 patients (472 knees). Duplex ultrasonography was carried out by experienced technicians who were blinded to the device used. Overall, 206 patients (232 knees) used a rapid inflation, asymmetrical compression (RIAC) device and 217 (240 knees) a sequential circumferential compression device (SCD).

The rate of venous thromboembolism was 6.9% with the RIAC device compared with 15% for the SCD device (p = 0.007). The incidence of thrombi with unilateral primary TKA was 8.4% for the RIAC compared with 16.8% for the SCD device (p = 0.03). In 47 patients with a bilateral TKA, the incidence of thrombi was 4% for the RIAC compared with 22.7% for the SCD device (p = 0.05 per knee). There was a low rate of mortality and pulmonary embolism when using mechanical prophylaxis for thromboembolism after TKA. Our findings show that the use of rapid inflation, asymmetrical calf compression gave a significantly lower rate of thromboembolism.
Interchain crosslinking in a low‐density polyethylene/millable polyurethane elastomer blend
Authors: Mishra J. K. , Lee W.‐K. , Kim G. H. , Kim I. , Ha C.‐S.
Published: November 2004

Interchain crosslinking in a grafted low‐density polyethylene and millable polyurethane blend is reported. The interchain crosslinking was studied by torque rheometry and IR spectra. The mechanism of interchain crosslinking was suggested based on the IR spectra. Interchain crosslinking improves thermal stability, which was measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Tensile strength increased but the swelling coefficient decreased with increased interchain crosslinking. The degree of interchain crosslinking is higher for the glycidyl acrylate grafted sample than for the maleic anhydride grafted sample. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 130–136, 2005
Melt reaction in blends of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR‐50)
Authors: Lee H. K. , Ismail J. , Kammer H. W. , Bakar M. A.
Published: November 2004

Melt reaction in blends comprising immiscible biopolymer, poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), and epoxidized natural rubber with 50 mol percent level of epoxidation (ENR‐50), prepared by solvent‐casting, has been studied. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique was used to measure the heat of reaction under isothermal annealing. The heat of reaction increases with respect to PHB and ENR‐50 content as long as they constitute the dispersed phases and exhibits a maximum at about 50% PHB. A reaction mechanism comprising degradation of PHB chains to shorter chains bearing carboxyl end groups that subsequently react with epoxide group of the ENR‐50 is proposed, providing the basis for kinetic analysis and determination of parameters that characterize the melt reaction. Two‐phase morphologies, formed in the blends upon melting of PHB, transform within minutes to homogeneous phase as observed under optical polarizing microscope. The two glass transition temperatures observed at –18.4 and 1.2°C for blends are associated, respectively, with immiscible ENR‐50 and PHB phases. After annealing at 190°C an inward shift was observed, gradually closing in with increasing annealing time, and eventually merging into a single transition. This is an indication of progressive change in miscibility of the blends, as an effect of the melt reaction. FTIR spectra provide further evidence that supports the ring opening reaction of the epoxide group by the carboxyl group. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 113–129, 2005
Ionic conductivity of polymer solid electrolyte prepared from poly[epichlorohydrin‐co‐(ethylene oxide)] of high ethylene oxide content
Authors: Ikeda Y. , Masui H. , Matoba Y.
Published: November 2004

High molecular weight poly[epichlorohydrin‐co‐(ethylene oxides)] [P(EH/EO)s] composed of high ethylene oxide (EO) content were synthesized by a coordination anionic polymerization of epichlorohydrin (EH) and EO and were used as matrixes for polymer solid electrolytes. The glass‐transition temperature of P(EH/EO)s was linearly shifted to the low temperature with the increase of EO content. The melting temperature attributable to the EO crystalline phase was detected in P(EH/EO)s having EO units of >81 mol %, but their heat of fusion was small. The temperature dependence of ionic conductivity of the P(EH/EO)s doped with LiClO4 was expressed by WLF equation. P(EH/EO), whose EO content was 81 mol %, showed the highest ionic conductivity at 30°C when LiClO4 was doped in the concentration of [Li]/[–O–] = 0.05, and it was 2.2 × 10−5S/cm at 30°C. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 178–184, 2005
Small‐angle neutron scattering study of poly(vinyl alcohol) gels during melting process
Authors: Takahashi Nobuaki , Kanaya Toshiji , Nishida Koji , Kaji Keisuke
Published: November 2004

Small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements were performed on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) gels in a mixture of deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO‐d6) and D2O with volume ratio of 60/40 to see the structure changes of the crosslinking points, which are crystallites, and of the gel network during the melting process. The observed SANS intensities were fitted to the Ornstein–Zernike (OZ) formula and a power law in scattering vector Q ranges from 0.01 to 0.035 and 0.05 to 0.1 Å−1, respectively, to evaluate the correlation length ξ and the power law exponent n. It was found that the exponent n is 4 and the correlation length ξ is ∼ 150 Å below ≈70°C, suggesting that the crystallite surface is smooth and the average distance between the neighboring crystallites is ≈150Å. On the other hand, they begin to decrease >70°C. The decrease of n suggests that the surface of the crystallites becomes rougher with increasing temperature. As for the correlation length ξ, analyses in terms of distance distribution function suggested that the decrease of ξ is apparent, and the intercrystallite distance increases with temperature >70°C because the crystallites decrease in number because of melt. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 157–160, 2005
Attempts to parameterize cloud water profiles using a neural network
Authors: Michelson D. B. , Landelius T. , Jones C. G. , Collier C. G.
Published: November 2004

Atmospheric state variables from a Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model are combined with analyzed cloud base heights in a neural network, with the objective to model corresponding cloud water profiles. It was found that the neural network was incapable of resolving the inherently non‐linear vertical cloud water distributions. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Large scale in vitro experiment system for 2 GHz exposure
Authors: Iyama Takahiro , Ebara Hidetoshi , Tarusawa Yoshiaki , Uebayashi Shinji , Sekijima Masaru , Nojima Toshio , Miyakoshi Junji
Published: November 2004

A beam formed radiofrequency (RF) exposure‐incubator employing a horn antenna, a dielectric lens, and a culture case in an anechoic chamber is developed for large scale in vitro studies. The combination of an open type RF exposure source and a culture case through which RF is transmitted realizes a uniform electric field (±1.5 dB) in a 300 × 300 mm area that accommodates 49 35 mm diameter culture dishes. This large culture dish area enables simultaneous RF exposure of a large number of cells or various cell lines. The RF exposure source operates at 2142.5 MHz corresponding to the middle frequency of the downlink band of the International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT‐2000) cellular system. The dielectric lens, which has a gain of 7 dB, focuses RF energy in the direction of the culture case and provides a uniform electric field. The culture case is sealed and connected to the main unit for environmental control, located outside the anechoic chamber, via ducts. The temperature at the center of the tray, which contains the culture dishes in the culture room, is maintained at 37.0 ± 0.2 °C by air circulation. In addition, the appropriate CO2 density and humidity supplied to the culture case realizes stable long term culture conditions. Specific absorption rate (SAR) dosimetry is performed using an electric field measurement technique and the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) calculation method. The results indicate that the mean SAR of the culture fluid at the bottom of the 49 (7 × 7 array) culture dishes used in the in vitro experiments is 0.175 W/kg for an antenna input power of 1 W and the standard deviation of the SAR distribution is 59%. When only 25 culture dishes (5 × 5 array) are evaluated, the mean SAR is 0.139 W/kg for the same antenna input power and the standard deviation of the SAR distribution is 47%. The proliferation of the H4 cell line in 72 h in a pair of RF exposure‐incubators reveals that the culture conditions are equivalent to those of a common CO2 incubator. Bioelectromagnetics 25:599–606, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of genotoxic effect of low level 50 Hz magnetic fields on human blood cells using different cytogenetic assays
Authors: Testa A. , Cordelli E. , Stronati L. , Marino C. , Lovisolo G.A. , Fresegna A.M. , Conti D. , Villani Paola
Published: November 2004

The question whether extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELFMFs) may contribute to mutagenesis or carcinogenesis is of current interest. In order to evaluate the possible genotoxic effects of ELFMFs, human blood cells from four donors were exposed in vitro for 48 h to 50 Hz, 1 mT uniform magnetic field generated by a Helmholtz coil system. Comet assay (SCGE), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), chromosome aberrations (CAs), and micronucleus (MN) test were used to assess the DNA damage. ELF pretreated cells were also irradiated with 1 Gy of X‐ray to investigate the possible combined effect of ELFMFs and ionizing radiation. Furthermore, nuclear division index (NDI) and proliferation index (PRI) were evaluated. Results do not evidence any DNA damage induced by ELFMF exposure or any effect on cell proliferation. Data obtained from the combined exposure to ELFMFs and ionizing radiation do not suggest any synergistic or antagonistic effect. Bioelectromagnetics 25:613–619, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electroporation of a lipid bilayer as a chemical reaction
Authors: Bier Martin , Gowrishankar T.R. , Chen Wei , Lee Raphael C.
Published: November 2004

When a cell's transmembrane potential is increased from a physiological one to more than 370 mV, the transmembrane current increases more than hundredfold within a millisecond. This is due to the formation of conductive pores in the membrane. We construct a model in which we conceive of pore formation as a voltage sensitive chemical reaction. The model predicts the logarithm of the pore formation rate to increase proportionally to the square of the voltage. We measure currents through frog muscle cell membranes under 8 ms pulses of up to 440 mV. The experimental data appear consistent with the model. Bioelectromagnetics 25:634–637, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased rate of chondrocyte aggregation in a wavy‐walled bioreactor
Authors: Bueno Ericka M. , Bilgen Bahar , Carrier Rebecca L. , Barabino Gilda A.
Published: November 2004

A novel wavy‐walled bioreactor designed to enhance mixing at controlled shear stress levels was used to culture chondrocytes in suspension. Chondrocyte aggregation in suspensions mixed at 30, 50, and 80 rpm was characterized in the wavy‐walled bioreactor and compared with that in conventional smooth‐walled and baffled‐walled spinner flask bioreactors. Aggregation was characterized in terms of the percentage of cells that aggregated over time, and aggregate size changes over time. The kinetics of chondrocyte aggregation observed in the bioreactors was composed of two phases: early aggregation between 0 and 2 h of culture, and late aggregation between 3 and 24 h of culture. At 50 rpm, the kinetics of early aggregation in the wavy‐walled bioreactor was approximately 25% and 65% faster, respectively, than those in the smooth‐walled and baffled‐walled spinner flask bioreactors. During the late aggregation phase, the kinetics of aggregation in the wavy‐walled bioreactor were approximately 45% and 65% faster, respectively, than in the smooth‐walled and baffled‐walled spinner flasks. The observed improved kinetics of chondrocyte aggregation was obtained at no cost to the cell survival rate. Results of computerized image analysis suggest that chondrocyte aggregation occurred initially by the formation of new aggregates via cell–cell interactions and later by the joining of small aggregates into larger cell clumps. Aggregates appeared to grow for only a couple of hours in culture before reaching a steady size, possibly determined by limitations imposed by the hydrodynamic environment. These results suggest that the novel geometry of the wavy‐walled bioreactor generates a hydrodynamic environment distinct from those traditionally used to culture engineered cartilage. Such differences may be useful in studies aimed at distinguishing the effects of the hydrodynamic environment on tissue‐engineered cartilage. Characterizing the wavy‐walled bioreactor's hydrodynamic environment and its effects on cartilage cell/tissue culture can help establish direct relationships between hydrodynamic forces and engineered tissue properties. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic analysis of RSK2 and Elk‐1 interaction on the serum response element and implications for cellular engineering
Authors: Aksan Kurnaz Isil
Published: November 2004

Immediate early gene activation upon mitogenic activation occurs through the serum response element (SRE), which makes the delineation of the upstream pathways a powerful means to engineer cellular responses. The malfunctioning of this system leads to a variety of disorders, ranging from neurological disorders such as Coffin‐Lowry syndrome (RSK2 mutations) to cancer (c‐fos mutations). We therefore investigated the SRE activation mechanism in a typical mammalian cell. Mitogenic signaling uses the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) module through increased binding of the ternary complex factor (TCF), such as Elk‐1, to the promoter DNA (the SRE element) and subsequent transcriptional activation, as well as through activation of a histone kinase, such as the MAPK‐activated protein kinase (MAPKAP‐K) ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK2). This computational model uses the biochemical simulation environment GEPASI 3.30 to investigate three major models of interaction for Elk‐1 and RSK2, and to study the effect of histone acetyl transferase (HAT) recruitment in each of these models on the local chromatin modifications in the presence and absence of MAPK activation. We show that the quickest response on the chromatin can be achieved in the presence of a preformed complex of RSK2, Elk‐1 and HAT, with HAT being activated upon dissociation from the complex upon activation of the MAPK cascade. This study presents critical components in the pathway that can be targeted for engineering of specific inhibitors or activators of the system. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Engineering Chinese hamster ovary cells to maximize effector function of produced antibodies using FUT8 siRNA
Authors: Mori Katsuhiro , Kuni‐Kamochi Reiko , Yamane‐Ohnuki Naoko , Wakitani Masako , Yamano Kazuya , Imai Harue , Kanda Yutaka , Niwa Rinpei , Iida Shigeru , Uchida Kazuhisa , Shitara Kenya , Satoh Mitsuo
Published: November 2004

We explored the possibility of converting established antibody‐producing cells to cells producing high antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) antibodies. The conversion was made by constitutive expression of small interfering RNA (siRNA) against α1,6 fucosyltransferase (FUT8). We found two effective siRNAs, which reduce FUT8 mRNA expression to 20% when introduced into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)/DG44 cells. Selection for Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA)‐resistant clones after introduction of the FUT8 siRNA expression plasmids yields clones producing highly defucosylated (≈60%) antibody with over 100‐fold higher ADCC compared to antibody produced by the parental cells (≈10% defucosylated). Moreover, the selected clones remain stable, producing defucosylated antibody even in serum‐free fed‐batch culture. Our results demonstrate that constitutive FUT8 siRNA expression can control the oligosaccharide structure of recombinant antibody produced by CHO cells to yield antibodies with dramatically enhanced ADCC. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurotransmitter properties of spinal interneurons in embryonic and larval zebrafish
Authors: Higashijima Shin‐Ichi , Schaefer Michael , Fetcho Joseph R.
Published: November 2004

Many classes of spinal interneurons in zebrafish have been described based on morphology, but their transmitter phenotypes are largely unknown. Here we combine back‐filling or genetic labeling of spinal interneurons with in situ staining for markers of neurotransmitter phenotypes, including the vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT) genes for glutamatergic neurons, the neuronal glycine transporter (GLYT2) for glycinergic neurons, and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) for GABAergic neurons. Neurons positive for VGLUT include the commissural CoPA, MCoD, UCoD, and some of the CoSA neurons. The CiD interneurons, which have ipsilateral descending axons, were also VGLUT‐positive, as were the ventrally located VeMe interneurons, whose descending axonal trajectory has not been clearly revealed. Cells positive for GLYT2 include the commissural CoLAs as well as some of the CoBL and CoSA neurons. The CiA cells were the only GLYT2‐positive cells with an ipsilateral axon. Cells staining for GAD included, most notably, the dorsal longitudinal ascending (DoLA) and KA interneurons. Our approach allowed us to define the likely transmitter phenotypes of most of the known classes of spinal interneurons. These data provide a foundation for understanding the functional organization of the spinal networks in zebrafish. J. Comp. Neurol. 480:19–37, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ontogeny and innervation patterns of dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and serotonergic neurons in larval zebrafish
Authors: McLean David L. , Fetcho Joseph R.
Published: November 2004

We report the development of aminergic neurons from 0–10 days postfertilization (dpf) in zebrafish (Danio rerio). This study was prompted by the lack of information regarding patterns of spinal aminergic innervation at early stages, when the fish are accessible to optical, genetic, and electrophysiological approaches toward understanding neural circuit function. Our findings suggest that aminergic populations with descending processes are among the first to appear during development. Descending aminergic fibers, revealed by antibodies to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine; 5‐HT), innervate primarily the ventral (TH, 5‐HT), but also the dorsal (5‐HT) aspects of the spinal cord by 4 dpf, with the extent of innervation not changing markedly up to 10 dpf. By tracking the spatiotemporal expression of TH, 5‐HT, and dopamine beta hydroxylase reactivity, we determined that these fibers likely originate from neurons in the posterior tuberculum (dopamine), the raphe region (5‐HT) and, possibly, the locus coeruleus (noradrenaline). In addition, spinal neurons positive for 5‐HT emerge between 1–2 dpf, with processes that appeared to descend along the ventrolateral cord for only 1–2 muscle segments. Their overall morphology distinguished these cells from previously described “VeMe” (ventromedial) interneurons, which are also located ventromedially, but have long, multisegmental descending processes. We confirmed the distinction between spinal serotonergic and VeMe interneurons using fish genetically labeled with green fluorescent protein. Our results suggest that the major aminergic systems described in adults are in place shortly after hatching, at a time when zebrafish are accessible to a battery of techniques to test neuronal function during behavior. J. Comp. Neurol. 480:38–56, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Organization of rat vibrissa motor cortex and adjacent areas according to cytoarchitectonics, microstimulation, and intracellular stimulation of identified cells
Authors: Brecht Michael , Krauss Andreas , Muhammad Sajjad , Sinai‐Esfahani Laleh , Bellanca Sebastiano , Margrie Troy W.
Published: November 2004

The relationship between motor maps and cytoarchitectonic subdivisions in rat frontal cortex is not well understood. We use cytoarchitectonic analysis of microstimulation sites and intracellular stimulation of identified cells to develop a cell‐based partitioning scheme of rat vibrissa motor cortex and adjacent areas. The results suggest that rat primary motor cortex (M1) is composed of three cytoarchitectonic areas, the agranular medial field (AGm), the agranular lateral field (AGl), and the cingulate area 1 (Cg1), each of which represents movements of different body parts. Vibrissa motor cortex corresponds entirely and for the most part exclusively to AGm. In area AGl body/head movements can be evoked. In posterior area Cg1 periocular/eye movements and in anterior area Cg1 nose movements can be evoked. In all of these areas stimulation thresholds are very low, and together they form a complete representation of the rat's body surface. A strong myelinization and an expanded layer 5 characterize area AGm. We suggest that both the strong myelinization and the expanded layer 5 of area AGm may represent cytoarchitectonic specializations related to control of high‐speed whisking behavior. J. Comp. Neurol. 479:360–373, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of vanillin on toxicant‐induced mutation and mitotic recombination in proliferating somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sinigaglia Marialva , Reguly Maria Luíza , de Andrade Heloísa Helena Rodrigues
Published: November 2004

Vanillin (VA; C8H8O3) is a flavoring agent that in previous studies has both increased and decreased the genotoxicity of chemical agents, depending on the nature of both the agent and the genetic event measured. The ability of VA to modulate the mutagenicity and recombinogenicity of three different monoalkylating agents, N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU), N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU), and ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), and the intercalating agent bleomycin (BLEO) was examined using the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) in Drosophila melanogaster. While neither the mutagenicity nor the recombinagenicity of ENU or MNU was modified by posttreatment with VA, EMS‐induced genetic toxicity was enhanced by as much as 30%. This overall enhancement included a synergistic increase in mitotic recombination and a lesser decrease in mutation. Posttreatment with VA also produced an increase in the genotoxicity of BLEO, which was characterized by increases of 120% and 180% for 0.5% and 1% VA, respectively. This enhancement was restricted to an increase in recombinational events, since no alteration in BLEO‐induced mutation was observed. The data suggest that the major VA‐modulatory action on genotoxicity in D. melanogaster is related to its synergistic effects on somatic recombination, which has a greater consequence on overall genotoxicity than its antimutagenic effects. Since the SMART assay is specifically sensitive to mitotic crossing‐over, our data suggest that VA promotes toxicant‐induced homologous recombination, at least in the proliferative cells of Drosophila. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved gas chromatographic stereodifferentiation of chiral main constituents from different essential oils using a mixture of chiral stationary phases
Authors: Bayer Mathias , Mosandl Armin
Published: November 2004

The simultaneous enantioselective gas chromatographic differentiation of the chiral main compounds of lavender, neroli, petitgrain and bitter orange oil [limonene, linalool, linalool oxides (furanoid), linalyl acetate, (E)‐nerolidol, α‐pinene, β‐pinene, terpinen‐4‐ol and α‐terpineol] is described, using a deﬁned mixture of heptakis(2,3‐di‐O‐methyl‐6‐O‐tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin and heptakis(2,3‐di‐O‐acetyl‐6‐O‐tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin as the chiral stationary phase. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intra‐oral detection of potent odorants using a modiﬁed stir‐bar sorptive extraction system in combination with HRGC–O, known as the buccal odour screening system (BOSS)
Authors: Buettner Andrea , Welle Frank
Published: November 2004

The topic of this work was to develop a novel approach that can be used to identify potent odorants intraorally and to determine their dwell time within the oral cavity. The technique, called buccal odour screening system (BOSS), is based on a modiﬁed stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) system. It comprises the intra‐oral extraction of odour compounds at deﬁned times after food consumption under optimized in vivo sampling conditions, together with analysis via high resolution gas chromatography–olfactometry (HRGC–O). The obtained analytical data were related to timeresolved retronasal aroma evaluation. This allowed the characterization of prolongued aroma perception elicited after oral aroma application in relation to aroma concentration changes in vivo. For validation of the system, model assays were performed on important aroma compounds in aqueous solutions to ensure sufﬁcient sensitivity of the applied SBSE system under the given extraction conditions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exchange transfusion with synthetic oxygen‐carrying plasma protein “albumin‐heme” into an acute anemia rat model after seventy‐percent hemodilution
Authors: Komatsu Teruyuki , Yamamoto Hisashi , Huang Yubin , Horinouchi Hirohisa , Kobayashi Koichi , Tsuchida Eishun
Published: November 2004

Recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) incorporating the synthetic heme “albumin‐heme” is an oxygen‐carrying plasma protein that has the potential to be a red blood cell substitute. The physiological responses to a 30% exchange transfusion with two types of albumin‐heme (rHSA‐FecycP, rHSA‐FepivP) solutions after 70% isovolemic hemodilution with 5 g/dL rHSA were investigated using anesthetized rats. The circulation parameters, blood parameters, renal cortical oxygen pressure (pO2), and muscle tissue pO2 were carefully monitored for 60 min after the injection. The declined mean arterial pressure and the mixed venous partial pO2 significantly recovered to 70.8 and 91.9% of the basal values by intravenous infusion of albumin‐hemes, respectively. The lowered renal cortical pO2 also increased, indicating oxygen transport by this synthetic hemoprotein. The administration of albumin‐heme into the acute anemia rat model after hemorrhage improved the circulatory volume and resuscitated the shock state. Both rHSA‐FecycP and rHSA‐FepivP transported oxygen through the body. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 71A: 644–651, 2004
Effects of subtoxic concentrations of benzoyl peroxide on cell lipid metabolism
Authors: Datar R. , Rueggeberg Fredrick A. , Caughman G. B. , Wataha John C. , Lewis Jill , Schuster G. S.
Published: November 2004

Benzoyl peroxide (BP), a tumor promoter, has been shown to cause free‐radical–induced lipid peroxidation and membrane damage at toxic concentrations. However, its effects on lipid metabolism at concentrations that were not overtly toxic have not been investigated. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of BP and its final degradation product, benzoic acid (BA), on lipid metabolism. Two cell lines, hamster cheek pouch (HCP) and human monocytes (THP‐1), were used to determine the effects of BP, BA, and BP combined with FeCl2 on cell lipid metabolism. Cells were exposed to BP and 14C acetate for 24 h, or cells with prelabeled lipids were harvested, and the lipids were extracted and separated with the use of thin‐layer chromatography. Lipid metabolism of some neutral lipids such as triglycerides was altered for both cell types in response to BP. Also, cholesterol content was reduced in THP‐1 cells and a phospholipid, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), was reduced in HCP cells. The final degradation product of BP, BA, failed to elicit any response in lipid metabolism. Subtoxic concentrations of BP induced changes in neutral lipids such as triglycerides and cholesterol. The metabolism of major phospholipids except PE remained unchanged. The effects were related to BP and its degradation and varied with the cell type. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 71A: 685–692, 2004
Existence of non‐resolvable Steiner triple systems
Authors: Ching Li (Ben) Pak , van Rees G. H. J.
Published: November 2004

We consider two well‐known constructions for Steiner triple systems. The first construction is recursive and uses an STS(v) to produce a non‐resolvable STS(2v + 1), forv ≡ 1 (mod 6). The other construction is the Wilson construction that we specify to give a non‐resolvable STS(v), forv ≡ 3 (mod 6),v > 9. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 13: 16–24, 2005.
Kirkman packing and covering designs with spanned holes of size 2
Authors: Yin Jianxing
Published: November 2004

A Kirkman holey packing (resp. covering) design, denoted by KHPD(gu) (resp. KHCD(gu)), is a resolvable (gu, 3, 1) packing (resp. covering) design of pairs with u disjoint holes of size g, which has the maximum (resp. minimum) possible number of parallel classes. Each parallel class contains one block of size δ, while other blocks have size 3. Here δ is equal to 2, 3, and 4 when gu ≡ 2, 3, and 4 (mod 3) in turn. In this paper, the existence problem of a KHPD(2u) and a KHCD(2u) is solved with one possible exception of a KHPD(28). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response of developing cultured freshwater gill epithelia to gradual apical media dilution and hormone supplementation
Authors: Zhou Bingsheng , Kelly Scott P. , Wood Chris M.
Published: November 2004

We investigated gradual dilution of the apical medium (Leibovitz's L15 to fresh water [FW], analogous to gradual reduction in environmental salinity) and basolateral hormone support on the electrophysiological and ion‐transporting properties of “developing” FW trout gill epithelia cultured on filter inserts. Epithelia were of the double‐seeded type, containing both pavement cells and mitochondria‐rich cells. In these experiments we were able to circumvent “symmetrical development” (typically L15 apical/L15 basolateral for 6–9 days) by commencing dilution of apical media (unchanged L15 basolateral, i.e., asymmetrical conditions) at culture‐day 3, the time when transepithelial resistance (TER) and potential (TEP) would normally be increasing rapidly under symmetrical conditions. In Series 1 (without basolateral hormone support), epithelia were exposed to progressively diluted apical media (100%, 75%, 50% L15) at 24‐hr intervals, thereafter cultured in 50% L15 apical media for 4 days, and then in apical FW. In Series 2, epithelia were exposed to progressively diluted apical media (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, 12.5% L15, and FW) at 24‐hr intervals with physiologically relevant doses of cortisol (500 ng ml−1), prolactin (50 ng ml−1), or cortisol + prolactin (500 ng ml−1+50 ng ml−1, respectively) added to basolateral media (100% L15). In Series 1, TER reached a plateau phase over 25 kΩ cm2 under 50% L15/L15 culture conditions (after 4 days of culture) but fell to ∼6 kΩ cm2 after 24 hr in FW/L15 conditions. In Series 2, TER stabilized at 4–11 kΩ cm2 depending on treatment. In general, apical media dilution during epithelial development was well tolerated. Preparations exhibited continued integrity right down to apical FW, indicated by only modest increases in net ion losses (i.e., basolateral to apical movement of ions), relatively stable TER values, and the expected changeover from positive to negative TEP in FW. Cortisol was clearly beneficial to FW adaptation, promoting greater TER, reduced unidirectional and net Na+ and Cl− flux rates, and elevated Na+, K+‐ATPase activity. Prolactin also offered some support, where its actions on TER were less than but additive to those of cortisol. There was no direct evidence that prolactin limited ion movements during gradual dilution. These in vitro studies demonstrate that “developing epithelia” were able to tolerate gradual dilution of apical media, the remarkable barrier properties of gill epithelia, and the importance of cortisol and prolactin in promoting integrity of this barrier during FW adaptation. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:867–881, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Constitutive apical membrane recycling in Aplysia enterocytes
Authors: Keeton Robert Aaron , Runge Steven William , Moran William Michael
Published: November 2004

In Aplysia californica enterocytes, alanine‐stimulated Na+ absorption increases both apical membrane exocytosis and fractional capacitance (fCa; a measure of relative apical membrane surface area). These increases are thought to reduce membrane tension during periods of nutrient absorption that cause the enterocytes to swell osmotically. In the absence of alanine, exocytosis and fCa are constant. These findings imply equal rates of constitutive endocytosis and exocytosis and constitutive recycling of the apical plasma membrane. Thus, the purpose of this study was to confirm and determine the relative extent of constitutive apical membrane recycling in Aplysia enterocytes. Biotinylated lectins are commonly used to label plasma membranes and to investigate plasma membrane recycling. Of fourteen biotinylated lectins tested, biotinylated wheat germ agglutinin (bWGA) bound preferentially to the enterocytes apical surface. Therefore, we used bWGA, avidin D (which binds tightly to biotin), and the UV fluorophore 7‐amino‐4‐methylcoumarin‐3‐acetic acid (AMCA)‐conjugated avidin D to assess the extent of constitutive apical membrane recycling. A temperature‐dependent (20 vs. 4°C) experimental protocol employed the use of two tissues from each of five snails and resulted in a ˜60% difference in apical surface fluorescence intensity. Because the extent of membrane recycling is proportional to the difference in surface fluorescence intensity, this difference reveals a relatively high rate of constitutive apical membrane recycling in Aplysia enterocytes. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:857–866, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gustatory responsiveness to monosodium glutamate and sodium chloride in four species of nonhuman primates
Authors: Laska Matthias , Hernandez Salazar Laura Teresa
Published: November 2004

The taste responsiveness of six squirrel monkeys, five pigtail macaques, four olive baboons and four spider monkeys to monsodium glutamate (MSG) and to sodium chloride was assessed in two‐bottle preference tests of brief duration (2 min). When given the choice between tap water and defined concentrations of the two tastants dissolved in tap water, the animals were found to significantly discriminate concentrations of MSG as low as 2 mM (spider monkeys and olive baboons), 50 mM (pigtail macaques) and 300 mM (squirrel monkeys) from the solvent. With sodium chloride, taste preference thresholds were found to be 1 mM (spider monkeys), 20 mM (pigtail macaques), 50 mM (olive baboons), and 200 mM (squirrel monkeys), respectively. Across‐species comparisons of the degree of preference for MSG and sodium chloride displayed by the four primate species showed the same order of spider monkeys>olive baboons>pigtail macaques>squirrel monkeys. When presented with equimolar concentrations of different tastants, all four species preferred sucrose as well as a mixture of sucrose and sodium chloride over MSG, and – at least at one concentration – they preferred MSG over sodium chloride. The results support the assertion that the taste responsiveness of the four primate species to MSG and sodium chloride might reflect an evolutionary adaptation to their respective dietary habits. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:898–905, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of starvation on haemolymphatic glucose levels, glycogen contents and nucleotidase activities in different tissues of Helix aspersa (Müller, 1774) (mollusca, gastropoda)
Authors: Borges Eliane , Vuaden Fernanda Cenci , Cognato Giana De Paula , Fauth Maria Da Graça , Bonan Carla Denise , Turcato Guendalina , Rossi Isabel Cristina Da Costa , Dias Renato Dutra
Published: November 2004

In the present study, the glucose concentration in the haemolymph and glycogen levels were determined in the various body parts of the Helix aspersa snail after feeding lettuce ad libitum and after various periods of starvation. To characterize the effect of starvation on nucleotidase activity, enzyme assays were performed on membranes of the nervous ganglia and digestive gland. Results demonstrated the maintenance of the haemolymph glucose concentration for up to 30 days of starvation, probably due to the consumption of glycogen from the mantle. In the nervous ganglia, depletion of glycogen occurs progressively during the different periods of starvation. No significant changes were observed on ATP and ADP hydrolysis in the membranes of nervous ganglia and no alterations in Ca2+‐ ATPase and Mg2+‐ATPase occurred in the membranes of the digestive gland of H. aspersa during the different periods of starvation. Although there were no changes in the enzyme activities during starvation, they could be modulated by effectors in situ with concomitant changes in products/reactants during starvation. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:891–897, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Explaining organizational change in international development: the role of complexity in anti‐corruption work
Authors: Michael Bryane
Published: November 2004

What explains the rapid expansion of programmes undertaken by donor agencies which may be labelled as ‘anti‐corruption programmes’ in the 1990s? There are four schools of anti‐corruption project practice: universalistic, state‐centric, society‐centric, and critical schools of practice. Yet, none can explain the expansion of anti‐corruption projects. A ‘complexity perspective’ offers a new framework for looking at such growth. Such a complexity perspective addresses how project managers, by strategically interacting, can create emergent and evolutionary expansionary self‐organisation. Throughout the ‘first wave’ of anti‐corruption activity in the 1990s, such self‐organization was largely due to World Bank sponsored national anti‐corruption programmes. More broadly, the experience of the first wave of anti‐corruption practice sheds light on development theory and practice—helping to explain new development practice with its stress on multi‐layeredness, participation, and indigenous knowledge. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The gathering storm: AIDS policy in China
Authors: Xiaoquan Zhang Heather
Published: November 2004

This article offers an overview of the AIDS situation in China and analyses the Chinese official responses to the AIDS threat since 1985. It decomposes China's AIDS policy into two phases: a period with institutional inertia featured during the initial phase; and a recent period when the official stance on AIDS demonstrates stronger political will and commitment. The article particularly examines an unusual mode of HIV transmission in China, i.e. through unsafe, unregulated blood collection, to highlight the point that vulnerability to HIV/AIDS has been aggravated in a wider context of transition and worsening inequality. The article also compares policies for tacking AIDS with those for tackling SARS, and suggests lessons that can be learnt. It argues that despite recent positive developments, AIDS needs to be confronted more forcefully through an integrated approach that incorporates broader and fundamental development issues. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.