bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Age on Inotropic Response to Insulin and Insulin‐Like Growth Factor I in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Role of Nitric Oxide
Authors: Ren Jun , Sowers James R. , Natavio Melissa , Brown Ricardo A.
Published: November 2003

Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and insulin stimulate cardiac growth and contractility. Recent evidence suggests a relationship between essential hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and circulating IGF‐1 levels. Advanced age alters cardiac function in a manner similar to hypertension. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of IGF‐1 and insulin on the force generating capacity of cardiac muscle in hypertension and the influence of age on this response. Contractile responses to IGF‐1 and insulin were examined using papillary muscles from Wistar‐Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at 10 and 25 weeks of age. Muscles were electrically stimulated at 0.5 Hz, and contractile properties, including peak tension development (PTD), time‐to‐peak tension, time‐to‐90% relaxation, and the maximal velocities of contraction and relaxation, were evaluated. PTD was similar in WKY and SHR myocardium at both age groups. At 10 weeks of age, IGF‐1 (1–500 ng/ml) caused a dose‐dependent increase in PTD in WKY but not SHR myocardium, whereas insulin (1–500 nM) had no effect on PTD in either group. At 25 weeks of age, the positive inotropic effect of IGF‐1 was attenuated in the WKY group, and IGF‐1 exerted no inotropic action in the SHR group. Pretreatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N‐ω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, 100 μM), did not alter the IGF‐1‐induced positive inotropic response in 10‐week‐old WKY myocardium, whereas it unmasked a positive inotropic action in muscles from age‐matched SHR animals. At 25 weeks of age, L‐NAME abolished IGF‐1‐induced a positive inotropic response in WKY myocardium, and did not unmask an IGF‐induced inotropic response in SHR myocardium. Our results suggest that alterations in nitric oxide modulation of IGF‐1‐induced contraction may underlie resistance to this inotropic peptide with advancing age, and/or hypertension.
Caloric Restriction Abolishes Enhanced Metabolic Efficiency Induced by Ectopic Agouti Protein in Yellow Mice
Authors: Wolff George L. , Kodell Ralph L. , Kaput James A. , Visek Willard J.
Published: November 2003

Caloric restriction (CR), from approximately 3 months of age, at 70% of the ad libitum (AL) caloric intake prevented development of overt obesity in female “viable yellow”Avy/A (BALB/cStCrlfC3Hf/Nctr × VY/WffC3Hf/Nctr‐Avy) F1 hybrid mice. In adult yellow Avy/A mice, caloric restriction eliminated the increased metabolic efficiency associated with the presence of agouti protein in ectopic sites. At 4 weeks of age, the yellow Avy/A mice were ≈ 14% heavier and by 12 weeks of age, when caloric restriction began, they were ≈ 24% heavier than the congenic agouti A/a mice. Between 4 and 12 weeks, the yellow mice gained ≈ 63% in body weight, whereas the agouti mice gained only ≈ 44%. While the comparable AL Avy/A mice gained ≈ 128% and the AL A/a mice gained ≈ 41% between 12 and 51 weeks of age, the CR Avy/A and A/a mice gained only 16% and 15%, respectively. Mean brain weights of CR mice of both genotypes were lower than those of the comparable ad libitum‐fed (AL) groups; however, CR Avy/A mice had slightly, but significantly (P < 0.0001), higher brain weights than CR A/a mice. The larger mean brain weight and retention, during caloric restriction, of the somewhat greater prerestriction Avy/A mean body weight compared with prerestriction A/a mice were consonant with the hypothesis that ectopic agouti protein affects somatic growth directly or indirectly. This may be related to altered developmental/metabolic programming in yellow mice, indicated by greater metabolic efficiency and by an early transient increase in circulating IGF‐1 levels. The specific cellular processes modulated by the agouti protein in ectopic sites remain to be identified.
Nifedipine Does Not Impede Clenbuterol‐Stimulated Muscle Hypertrophy
Authors: Murphy René J. L. , Béliveau Louise , Gardiner Phillip F. , Calderone Angelino
Published: November 2003

The mechanism(s) responsible for β2‐adrenergic receptor‐mediated skeletal muscle and cardiac hypertrophy remains undefined. This study examined whether calcium influx through L‐type calcium channels contributed to the development of cardiac and skeletal muscle (plantaris; gastrocnemius; soleus) hypertrophy during an 8‐day treatment with the β2‐adrenergic receptor agonist clenbuterol. Concurrent blockade of L‐type calcium channels with nifedipine did not reverse the hypertrophic action of clenbuterol. Moreover, nifedipine treatment alone resulted in both cardiac and soleus muscle hypertrophy (6% and 7%, respectively), and this effect was additive to the clenbuterol‐mediated hypertrophy in the heart and soleus muscles. The hypertrophic effects of nifedipine were not associated with increases in total β‐adrenergic receptor density, nor did nifedipine reverse clenbuterol‐mediated β‐adrenergic receptor downregulation in either the left ventricle or soleus muscle. Both nifedipine and clenbuterol‐induced hypertrophy increased total protein content of the soleus and left ventricle, with no change in protein concentration. In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that β2‐adrenergic receptor agonist‐induced muscle hypertrophy is mediated by mechanisms other than calcium influx through L‐type calcium channels.
Modification of Physical Movement in Old C57BL/6 Mice by DHEA and Melatonin Supplementation
Authors: Araghi‐Niknam Mohsen , Lane Lisa , Watson Ronald R.
Published: November 2003

As old age results in reduced physical activity as well as less dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and melatonin (MLT) production, low hormone levels may be a component of inactivity. Therefore, we studied the effects of DHEA and/or MLT supplementation on movement and resting in young and old female C57 black mice. Our results showed for the first time that old female C56BL/6 mice have significantly decreased physical activity. Their average speed and resting time were significantly higher than in young mice, whereas ambulatory time, distance traveled, and body movements when stationary (stereo time) were lower. DHEA supplementation significantly increased stereo time in old mice, while decreasing ambulatory time and distance traveled. MLT supplementation of old mice decreased average speed, resting time, and stereo time compared to untreated, old mice. Supplementation with MLT or DHEA, whose production is reduced in aging, restored physical activity levels in old mice. MLT also increased ambulatory time and distance traveled while reducing body movements of young mice.
Estrogen Receptor mRNA in Uteri of Normal Estrous Cycling and Ovariectomized Rats by In Situ Hybridization
Authors: Katsuda Shin‐Ichi , Yoshida Midori , Watanabe Takao , Kuroda Hiroyuki , Ando‐Lu Jin , Takahashi Masakazu , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Maekawa Akihiko
Published: November 2003

Biological effects of estrogen are mediated via its binding to the estrogen receptor (ER), the contents of its protein and mRNA varying during the estrous cycle. In the present study, the ERα mRNA expression in different cell components of the uterus was investigated in normal estrous cycling rats using nonisotopic in situ hybridization. Additionally, ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with 17β‐estradiol (E2: 5 μg/kg, sc injection daily) were also investigated to clarify the effects of exogenous E2. At proestrus and diestrus, and especially the former, the luminal and glandular epithelial (LE and GE) cells were strongly positive, along with stromal cells beneath the luminal epithelium. At estrus, the expression was slightly diminished in LE cells, but almost completely lacking in GE cells. At metestrus, positive signals appeared again in GE cells. In the myometrium, ER mRNA was demonstrated to be constantly positive in all estrous cycle stages. OVX rat uteri underwent marked atrophy, but ER mRNA still remained in all cell types. After 2 consecutive days of E2 treatment, markedly increased intensity was observed, especially in LE and GE cells. The uteri of OVX rats treated with E2 for 14 days, however, showed slightly diminished expression, whereas the serum concentration of E2 was comparable to that in rats after 2 days. These results provide evidence that cell‐type specific patterns of ER mRNA expression characterize the uteri of both normal estrous cycling rats and OVX rats after estrogen treatment.
Isoprenoid‐Mediated Inhibition of Mevalonate Synthesis: Potential Application to Cancer
Authors: Elson Charles E. , Peffley Dennis M. , Hentosh Patricia , Mo Huanbiao
Published: November 2003

Pure and mixed isoprenoid end products of plant mevalonate metabolism trigger actions that suppress 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase activity. These actions modulate HMG CoA reductase mRNA translation and the proteolytic degradation of HMG CoA reductase. Such post‐transcriptional events, we propose, are activated directly by acyclic isoprenoids and indirectly by cyclic isoprenoids. Isoprenoids, acting secondarily to the dominant transcriptional effector of sterologenesis, modestly lower cholesterol levels, if and only if, sterologenesis is not repressed by a saturating imput of dietary cholesterol. An anomaly associated with tumor growth—a sterol feedback–resistant HMG CoA reductase activity—ensures a pool of sterologenic pathway intermediates. Such intermediates provide lipophilic anchors essential for membrane attachment and biological activity of growth hormone receptors, nuclear lamins A and B, and oncogenic ras. Tumor HMG CoA reductase retains high sensitivity to the isoprenoid‐mediated secondary regulation. Repression of mevalonate synthesis by plant‐derived isoprenoids reduces ras and lamin B processing, arrests cells in G1, and initiates cellular apoptosis. This unique tumor cell–specific sensitivity allows isoprenoids to be used for tumor therapy, an application emulating that of the statins, but one free of adverse effects. When evaluated at levels provided by a typical diet, isoprenoids individually have no impact on cholesterol synthesis and tumor growth. Nonetheless, isoprenoid‐mediated activities are additive, and, sometimes synergistic. Therefore, the combined actions of the estimated 23,000 isoprenoid constituents of plant materials, acting in concert with other chemopreventive phytochemicals, may explain the lowered cancer risk associated with a diet rich in plant products. In contrast, that lowering of cancer risk does not correspond to supplemental intake of other dietary factors associated with fruits, vegetables, and cereal grains, namely fiber, β‐carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, and only weakly to supplemental folate.
A Study of the Metabolism of Apolipoprotein B100 in Relation to Insulin Resistance in African American Males
Authors: Sumner Anne E. , Falkner Bonita , Diffenderfer Margaret R. , Barrett P. Hugh R. , Marsh Julian B.
Published: November 2003

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between insulin resistance and apoB100 metabolism in African American males. Fifteen subjects, 33 ± 7.6 years old, were divided into two groups, insulin‐resistant (IR) or insulin‐sensitive (IS), based on the sum of the plasma insulin concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test. The IR group (n = 8) differed significantly from the IS group (n = 7) with respect to body mass index (BMI) (30.1 vs 23.1 kg/m2; P = 0.0003), fasting triglycerides, (118 vs 54 mg/dl, P = 0.013), and total plasma apolipoprotein B100 (80 vs 59 mg/dl, P = 0.014). Significantly elevated apoB100 levels in the IR group were seen in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) (5.1 vs 3.4 mg/dl, P = 0.045) and intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) (18 vs 12 mg/dl, P = 0.017) but not in low density lipoprotein (LDL) (57 vs 46 mg/dl, P = 0.19). Total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), apolipoprotein A‐I, and blood pressure were not significantly different between the two groups. There was a high correlation between the sum of insulins during the oral glucose tolerance test and the BMI (ρ = 0.88, P = 0.0001).

In five IR and five IS subjects, apoB100 kinetics were determined in the fasting state using a bolus dose of deuteroleucine and multicompartmental modeling. IR subjects had significantly lower fractional catabolic rates (FCR) in the larger VLDL1 (−70%), the smaller VLDL2 (−71%), and the IDL (−53%) fractions. No significant differences in production rates were observed for any lipoprotein class. There was a significant correlation between the sum of insulins and the FCR of the apoB100 of VLDL1 (ρ = −0.65, P = 0.05) and of IDL (ρ = −0.85, P = 0.004). The correlation coefficient of the sum of insulins and the FCR of VLDL2 was −0.61 with P = 0.067. We conclude that in this population of African American males, IR is correlated with a decreased FCR of apoB100 in VLDL and IDL and elevated plasma levels of apoB and triglycerides (TG). These changes might be explained by decreased clearance of the TG‐rich lipoproteins. We postulate that this may reflect decreased lipoprotein and/or hepatic lipase activity related to insulin resistance and its association with obesity.
Episousse: Incidence of Newly Presenting Seizures in Children in the Region of Sousse, Tunisia
Authors: Dogui Mohamed , Jallon Pierre , Tamallah Jouda Ben , Sakly Ghazy , Trabelsi Mohamed Anouar , Khalifa Khaled , Yacoub Moncef , Abroug Saoussen
Published: November 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of newly presenting seizures in children in the area of Sousse, Tunisia.

Methods: From June 1, 1998, to May 31, 1999, all children aged 1 month to 15 years with first provoked and unprovoked seizures were included. Children with febrile seizures were excluded. All suspected cases were systematically referred to the Department of Functional Explorations of the Nervous System where a detailed questionnaire was filled out by a neurologist. All the patients underwent an EEG. Only 12 patients had a computed tomography (CT) scan.

Results: A total of 175 patients were included. Eighteen (10.3%) patients had acute symptomatic seizures, and 157 patients had unprovoked seizures. The incidence rate of first unprovoked seizures was 102.1/100,000. In this latter group, some epileptic syndromes were individualized on strict electroclinical criteria.

Conclusions: However, nearly 75% of the cases remained cryptogenic, one of the major reasons that no predominant risk factor was identified in this population.
Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Refractory Seizures in the Intact Immature Corticohippocampal Formation In Vitro
Authors: Quilichini Pascale Paule , Diabira Diabé , Chiron Catherine , Milh Mathieu , Ben‐Ari Yehezkel , Gozlan Henri
Published: November 2003

Summary:  Purpose: We developed a new in vitro preparation of immature rats, in which intact corticohippocampal formations (CHFs) depleted in magnesium ions become progressively epileptic. The better to characterize this model, we examined the effects of 14 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) currently used in clinical practice.

Methods: Recurrent ictal‐like seizures (ILEs, four per hour) were generated in intact CHFs of P7–8 rats, and extracellular recordings were performed in the hippocampus and neocortex. AEDs were applied at clinically relevant concentrations (at least two), during 30 min after the third ILE. Their ability to prevent or to delay the next ILE was examined.

Results: Valproic acid and benzodiazepines (clobazam and midazolam) but also phenobarbital and levetiracetam prevent the occurrence of seizures. In contrast, usual concentrations of carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin, vigabatrin, tiagabine, gabapentin, lamotrigine (LTG), topiramate, felbamate, and ethosuximide did not suppress ILEs. In addition, LTG and CBZ aggravate seizures in one third of the cases.

Conclusions: This intact in vitro preparation in immature animals appears to be quite resistant to most AEDs. Blockade of seizures was achieved with drugs acting mainly at the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A‐receptor site but not with those that increase the amount of GABA. Drugs with a broad spectrum of activity are efficient but not those preferentially used in partial seizures or absences. We suggest that this preparation may correspond to a model of epilepsy with generalized convulsive seizures and could be helpful to develop new AEDs for refractory infantile epilepsies.
Mental Tasks Induce Gamma EEG with Reduced Responsiveness in Primary Generalized Epilepsies
Authors: Willoughby John O. , Fitzgibbon Sean P. , Pope Kenneth J. , Mackenzie Lorraine , Davey Matthew , Wilcox Robert A , Clark C. Richard
Published: November 2003

Summary:  Purpose: We previously revealed an interictal increase in intensity of EEG rhythms during quiescent mental activity in the 30‐ to 100‐Hz frequency (gamma) range in primary generalized epilepsy (PGE). We have evidence that there is induction of gamma EEG in normal subjects in response to controlled mental activity. Here we test whether mental tasks further augment interictal gamma oscillations in people with PGE.

Methods: We recorded interictal EEG from patients with PGE and partial epilepsy and compared EEG power spectral responses (increases over resting) during mental tasks.

Results: In partial epilepsy, mental tasks (except for alternating checkerboard visual stimulation) induced 1.5‐ to 2.5‐fold increases in power of gamma EEG. In generalized epilepsy, generalized increases of 1.5‐fold in gamma EEG were induced by only two mental tasks (reading and subtraction), and enhancement of 1‐ to 1.5‐fold in the remaining six (checkerboard, expectancy, music, learning, recalling, and a video).

Conclusions: Gamma EEG is less responsive to mental activation in PGE than in partial epilepsy, confirming an abnormality in gamma mechanisms in PGE. Our findings also provide a possible mechanistic link between mental activity and seizures in reading‐ and arithmetic‐induced seizures.
ACCUMULATION OF DOMOIC ACID BY THE COASTAL DIATOM PSEUDO‐NITZSCHIA MULTISERIES: A POSSIBLE COPPER COMPLEXATION STRATEGY
Authors: Ladizinsky N. L. , Smith J. G.
Published: November 2003

Domoic acid (DA) is a neurotoxic amino acid produced by several members of the diatom genus Pseudo‐nitzschia. Trophic transfer of DA up the food chain has been implicated in the deaths of 100's of marine birds and marine mammals along the central California Coast. The physiological function of DA in Pseudo‐nitzschia spp. has not been defined, although some evidence indicates that elevated metal concentrations can induce DA accumulation (Subba RAO et al., 1998, P.S.Z.N. Mar. Ecol. 19:31). Although California coastal waters have experienced a decline in several heavy metals from 1977–1990, copper concentrations have increased by as much as 25% (Stephenson, M. D. & Leonard, G. H., 1994, Mar. Poll. Bull. 28:148). Many algae produce chelators, including amino acids, in response to toxic [Cu2+] (Wu et al. 1998, J. Phycol. 34: 113). Domoic acid, a tricarboxylic acid, has 4 functional groups that may readily form chelation complexes with transition metals like copper. Copper enrichment experiments indicate that while Cu2+ is toxic to Pseudo‐nitzschia multiseries at total [Cu] greater than 16.1μM (pCu 6.0), intracellular DA accumulation increases up to this point with no decline in growth rates relative to cultures grown in standard enriched seawater. These data suggest that DA may be accumulated by P. multiseries to mitigate the toxicity of elevated [Cu2+]. Chemiluminescence will be used to quantify the binding affinity (expressed as conditional stability constants, Kc) of DA for Cu2+. Defining the Cu‐DA dose response relationship in Pseudo‐nitzschia can facilitate prediction of future toxic bloom events.
Neighboring in Netville: How the Internet Supports Community and Social Capital in a Wired Suburb
Authors: Hampton Keith , Wellman Barry
Published: November 2003

What is the Internet doing to local community? Analysts have debated about whether the Internet is weakening community by leading people away from meaningful in‐person contact; transforming community by creating new forms of community online; or enhancing community by adding a new means of connecting with existing relationships. They have been especially concerned that the globe‐spanning capabilities of the Internet can limit local involvements. Survey and ethnographic data from a “wired suburb” near Toronto show that high‐speed, always‐on access to the Internet, coupled with a local online discussion group, transforms and enhances neighboring. The Internet especially supports increased contact with weaker ties. In comparison to nonwired residents of the same suburb, more neighbors are known and chatted with, and they are more geographically dispersed around the suburb. Not only did the Internet support neighboring, it also facilitated discussion and mobilization around local issues.
The Dimensions of Racial Inequality: Occupational and Residential Segregation Across Metropolitan Areas in the United States
Authors: Ovadia Seth
Published: November 2003

Residential and occupational segregation are two structural systems that perpetuate the disadvantaged status of blacks in American society. Despite extensive research on both these topics, there has been little empirical examination as to whether they are independent systems or both part of a larger monolithic system of racial inequality. An analysis of 1990 Census data for 261 metropolitan areas shows that there is a negative zero‐order correlation between the two forms of segregation. However, controlling for the size of the population accounts for the negative correlation. Net of this exogenous factor, the correlation between the two forms of segregation is not statistically significant. This suggests that for individuals, the issue of racial inequality is one of tradeoffs between forms of disadvantage as one moves from city to city. For policymakers, these results indicate that urban racial inequality is multidimensional, requiring different strategies for different manifestations.
School Violence: The Bidirectional Conflict Flow Between Neighborhood and School
Authors: Mateu‐Gelabert Pedro , Lune Howard
Published: November 2003

In this article we explore the interrelationship between school and neighborhood violence through an ethnographic study conducted over a two‐year period in a New York City middle school. This article presents a bidirectional flow of adolescent conflict by analyzing incidents taking place outside the school that originate in the school setting, and incidents of conflict occurring in the school that were initiated in the surrounding neighborhood. The research shows the effect of school and neighborhood structures on adolescent violence, concluding that school violence is a highly contextual and dynamic process. Adolescents do not choose their fights in a vacuum, but instead, in their selection of peers, allies, and conflict groups, they mirror the organizational and cultural settings of both their school and neighborhood.
Comparison of commonly used procedures, including the doubly-labelled water technique, in the estimation of total energy expenditure of women with special reference to the significance of body fatness
Authors: Lof Marie , Hannestad Ulf , Forsum Elisabet
Published: November 2003

According to the report of the World Health Organization (1985), total energy expenditure (TEE) in human subjects can be calculated as BMR×physical activity level (PAL). However, other reports have pointed out limitations in the suggested procedure related to the % body fat of the subjects. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the World Health Organization (1985) procedure in thirty-four healthy women with BMI 18–39kg/m2. BMR and TEE were measured using indirect calorimetry (BMRmeas) and the doubly-labelled water method (TEEref) respectively. When assessed using the doubly-labelled water and skinfold-thickness methods, the women had 34 (sd 8) and 33 (sd 6) % body fat respectively. On the basis of guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (1985), 1·64 was selected to represent the average PAL of the women. Furthermore, PAL was also assessed by means of an accelerometer (PALacc), heart-rate recordings (PALHR) and a questionnaire (PALq). These estimates were: PALacc 1·71 (sd 0·17), PALHR 1·76 (sd 0·24), PALq 1·86 (sd 0·27). These values were lower than TEEref/BMRref, which was 1·98 (sd 0·21). BMR assessed using equations recommended by the World Health Organization (1985) (BMRpredicted) overestimated BMR by 594 (sd 431) kJ/24h. However, when TEE was calculated as BMRpredicted×PALacc, BMRpredicted×PALHR and BMRpredicted×PALq respectively, average results were in agreement with TEEref. Furthermore, TEE values based on BMRpredicted and PALacc, PALHR, PALq as well as on PAL=1·64, minus TEEref, were significantly correlated with body fatness. When the same PAL value (1·64) was used for all subjects, this correlation was particularly strong. Thus, the World Health Organization (1985) procedure may give TEE results that are biased with respect to the body fatness of subjects.
Hepatic fatty acid metabolism in rats fed diets with different contents of C18:0, C18:1cisand C18:1transisomers
Authors: Giudetti Anna M. , Beynen Anton C. , Lemmens Arnoldina G. , Gnoni Gabriele V. , Geelen Math J. H.
Published: November 2003

In the present study the effects of some C18fatty acids on hepatic fatty acid metabolism have been compared. Male rats were fed cholesterol-free diets containing either C18:0, C18:1cisor C18:1transisomers as the variables. In accordance with previous work, oleic acid in the diet caused an increase in cholesterol concentration in the liver and in the lipoprotein fraction of density (d; kg/l)<1·006. Oleic acid also reduced the triacylglycerol:cholesterol value in this fraction. Surprisingly, the C18:1transisomers diet induced a decrease in the amount of cholesterol in total plasma as well as in the 1·019<d<1·063 lipoprotein fraction. Both oleic acid and C18:1transisomers increased the concentration of triacylglycerols in the liver. The two C18:1fatty acids differently influenced the hepatic activities of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I and 3-hydroxy-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase; both enzymes were inhibited by C18:1transisomers, while no change was induced by oleic acid. The activity of the citrate carrier was lower in the oleic acid- and C18:1transisomers-fed rats, when compared with the rats fed stearic acid. No diet effects were seen for the activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, diacylglycerol acyltransferase, citrate synthase and phosphofructokinase. The results are interpreted in that oleic acid raised liver triacylglycerol by reducing the secretion of it with thed<1·006 lipoprotein fraction whereas the C18:1transisomers enhanced liver triacylglycerol by lowering the hepatic oxidation of fatty acids.
Infant intake of fatty acids from human milk over the first year of lactation
Authors: Mitoulas Leon R. , Gurrin Lyle C. , Doherty Dorota A. , Sherriff Jillian L. , Hartmann Peter E.
Published: November 2003

Despite the importance of human milk fatty acids for infant growth and development, there are few reports describing infant intakes of individual fatty acids. We have measured volume, fat content and fatty acid composition of milk from each breast at each feed over a 24h period to determine the mean daily amounts of each fatty acid delivered to the infant from breast milk at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months of lactation in five women. Daily (24h) milk production was 336·60 (sem 26·21) and 414·49 (sem 28·39) ml and milk fat content was 36·06 (sem 1·37) and 34·97 (sem 1·50) g/l for left and right breasts respectively over the course of the first year of lactation. Fatty acid composition varied over the course of the day (mean CV 14·3 (sd 7·7) %), but did not follow a circadian rhythm. The proportions (g/100g total fatty acids) of fatty acids differed significantly between mothers (P<0·05) and over the first year of lactation (P<0·05). However, amounts (g) of most fatty acids delivered to the infant over 24h did not differ during the first year of lactation and only the amounts of 18:3n-3, 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 delivered differed between mothers (P<0·05). Mean amounts of 18:2n-6, 18:3n-3, 20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3 delivered to the infant per 24h over the first year of lactation were 2·380 (sd 0·980), 0·194 (sd 0·074), 0·093 (sd 0·031) and 0·049 (sd 0·021) g respectively. These results suggest that variation in proportions of fatty acids may not translate to variation in the amount delivered and that milk production and fat content need to be considered.
Villus height and gut development in weaned piglets receiving diets containing either glucose, lactose or starch
Authors: Vente-Spreeuwenberg M. A. M. , Verdonk J. M. A. J. , Verstegen M. W. A. , Beynen A. C.
Published: November 2003

The present study was designed to evaluate the differential effects of dietary glucose, lactose and starch on small-intestinal morphology, organ weights, pH of chyme and haptoglobin levels in blood plasma of weaned piglets. It was hypothesised that lactose consumption would ameliorate the weaning-induced decrease in gut integrity. A total of forty-two barrows were used. Piglets were weaned at 27 (sd 0·8) d of age and weighed 8·0 (sd 0·51) kg. On the day before weaning (day −1) all pigs were blocked according to body weight and randomly assigned to seven groups (n 6 per group). The groups differed in diet and day of dissection. On the day of weaning, dissection was performed on one group of six piglets. The remaining groups were fed one of three experimental diets in which glucose, lactose or starch had been iso-energetically exchanged, supplying 24% dietary energy. The piglets received a liquid diet (air-dry meal:water of 1:2, w/w). The piglets were given access to a maximum of dietary energy in order to prevent confounding between feed intake and villus architecture. The piglets were dissected and sampled on days 0, 3, or 10 post-weaning. The results show that the carbohydrate source did not affect growth performance, organ weights, villus architecture, pH of chyme and plasma haptoglobin level. The weaning transition resulted in decreased villus height and increased haptoglobin levels. In the contents of the caecum and large intestine, the pH decreased after weaning. It is concluded that at least under conditions of similar feed intake and low infectious pressure, dietary lactose does not ameliorate the weaning-induced compromise of small-intestinal integrity when compared with either glucose or starch.
The COP1–SPA1 interaction defines a critical step in phytochrome A-mediated regulation of HY5 activity
Authors: Saijo Yusuke , Sullivan James A. , Wang Haiyang , Yang Jianping , Shen Yunping , Rubio Vicente , Ma Ligeng , Hoecker Ute , Deng Xing Wang
Published: November 2003

Arabidopsis COP1 is a constitutive repressor of photomorphogenesis that interacts with photomorphogenesis-promoting factors such as HY5 to promote their proteasome-mediated degradation. SPA1 is a repressor of phytochrome A-mediated responses to far-red light. Here we report that COP1 acts as part of a large protein complex and interacts with SPA1 in a light-dependent manner. We further demonstrate the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of COP1 on HY5 in vitro and the alteration of that activity by SPA1. Thus, the COP1-SPA1 interaction defines a critical step in coordinating COP1-mediated ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of HY5 with PHYA signaling.
Negative regulation of calcineurin signaling by Hrr25p, a yeast homolog of casein kinase I
Authors: Kafadar Kimberly A. , Zhu Heng , Snyder Michael , Cyert Martha S.
Published: November 2003

Calcineurin is a Ca2+/calmodulin-regulated protein phosphatase required for Saccharomyces cerevisiae to respond to a variety of environmental stresses. Calcineurin promotes cell survival during stress by dephosphorylating and activating the Zn-finger transcription factor Crz1p/Tcn1p. Using a high-throughput assay, we screened 119 yeast kinases for their ability to phosphorylate Crz1p in vitro and identified the casein kinase I homolog Hrr25p. Here we show that Hrr25p negatively regulates Crz1p activity and nuclear localization in vivo. Hrr25p binds to and phosphorylates Crz1p in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of Hrr25p decreases Crz1p-dependent transcription and antagonizes its Ca2+-induced nuclear accumulation. In the absence of Hrr25p, activation of Crz1p by Ca2+/calcineurin is potentiated. These findings represent the first identification of a negative regulator for Crz1p, and establish a novel physiological role for Hrr25p in antagonizing calcineurin signaling.
mBtd is required to maintain signaling during murine limb development
Authors: Treichel Dieter , Schöck Frieder , Jäckle Herbert , Gruss Peter , Mansouri Ahmed
Published: November 2003

buttonhead (btd) encodes an SP1-like transcription factor required for the generation and specification of Drosophila head segments. We identified a murine btd homolog, termed mouse Btd (mBtd), which can support btd-dependent head development in transgenic fly embryos. Functional studies show that mBtd-deficient mice develop to term and die at birth. They exhibit brain malformations, posterior axial skeleton truncations, and shortened limbs. We present evidence that mBtd is required during early limb development to maintain, but not to initiate Wnt/β-catenin-dependent FGF, Shh, and BMP-mediated signaling. The data indicate that mBtd represents a novel key player mediating proximodistal outgrowth of the limb.
(±)-2-Oxocyclohexanepropionic acid: dual conformational selection and hydrogen bonding in a δ-keto acid, and a two-phase technique for crystallizing acids by contact with aqueous solutions of their salts
Authors: Lalancette Roger A. , Thompson Hugh W.
Published: November 2003

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C9H14O3, consists of two molecules having conformations that differ by 121.7 (4)° in their rotation about the equatorial substituent bond, so that the side chain extends away from the ring in different directions in the two species. The hydrogen-bonding mode is acid-to-acid dimerization. However, despite the centrosymmetric space group (P\overline 1), the dimers are asymmetric, formed by pairing molecules of identical chirality but differing conformational type [O...O = 2.681 (2) and 2.654 (2) Å, and O—H...O = 175 (3) and 176 (3)°]. Two intermolecular C—H...O=C close contacts exist, involving the ketone group of one of the molecules. A two-phase technique is described for slow reforming of crystals of a water-insoluble acid by contact with an aqueous solution of its water-soluble salt.
catena-Poly[[(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2
N,N′)copper(II)]-μ-(dihydrogen benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylato)-κ2
O
1:O
4]
Authors: Hu Mao-Lin , Xiao Hong-Ping , Wang Shun , Li Xin-Hua
Published: November 2003

In the title compound, [Cu(C10H4O8)(C12H8N2)]
n
, the CuII cation has a four-coordination environment completed by two N atoms from one 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligand and two O atoms belonging to two dihydrogen benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylate anions (H2TCB2−). There is a twofold axis passing through the CuII cation and the centre of the phen ligand. The [Cu(phen)]2+ moieties are bridged by H2TCB2− anions to form an infinite one-dimensional coordination polymer with a zigzag chain structure along the c axis. A double-chain structure is formed by hydrogen bonds between adjacent zigzag chains. Furthermore, there are π–π stacking interactions between the phen ligands, with an average distance of 3.64 Å, resulting in a two-dimensional network structure.
Influence of Cl/Br substitution on the stereochemical peculiarities of copper(I) π-complexes with the 1-allyl-2-aminopyridinium cation
Authors: Goreshnik Evgeny , Schollmeier Dieter , Mys'kiv Marian
Published: November 2003

By using alternating-current electrochemical synthesis, crystals of the CuI π-complexes bis(1-allyl-2-aminopyridinium) di-μ-chloro-bis[chlorocopper(I)], (C8H11N2)2[Cu2Cl4] or [H2NC5H4NC3H5][CuCl2], and bis(1-allyl-2-aminopyridinium) di-μ-(chloro/bromo)-bis[(chloro/bromo)copper(I)], (C8H11N2)2[Cu2Br2.2Cl1.8] or [H2NC5H4NC3H5][CuBr1.10Cl0.90], have been obtained and structurally investigated. In each of the isostructural (isomorphous) compounds, the distorted tetrahedral Cu environment involves three halide atoms and the C=C bond of the ligand. Both compounds reside on inversion centres, and the dimeric [Cu2
X
4·2H2NC5H4NC3H5] units are bonded into a three-dimensional structure by N—H...X hydrogen bonds. The Br content in the terminal X1 position is much higher than that in the bridged X2 site.
Chlorobis[N′-ethoxycarbonyl-N-(4-methylphenyl)thiourea-κS]copper(I)
Authors: Zhang You-Ming , Xian Liang , Wei Tai-Bao
Published: November 2003

The title complex, chlorobis{ethyl N-[(4-methylanilino)thiocarbonyl]carbamate-κS}copper(I), [CuCl(C11H14N2O2S)2], was synthesized by the reaction of cupric chloride with the corresponding thiourea derivative. The complex has imposed crystallographic m symmetry and the CuI coordination environment is trigonal planar, formed by two S atoms and one Cl atom. The formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds promotes the stability of the complex.
Poly[sodium(I)-μ6-hydrogen benzene-1,4-dicarboxylato]
Authors: Dale Sophie H. , Elsegood Mark R. J.
Published: November 2003

Alkali metal salts of terephthalic acid are common reagents in the preparation of metal–ligand coordination complexes containing terephthalate anions. In the title compound, sodium hydrogen terephthalate, [Na(C8H5O4)]
n
, the cations occupy crystallographic inversion centres, and each bridging anion coordinates to six octahedral cations and vice versa. As seen in the known potassium derivative [Kaduk (2000). Acta Cryst. B56, 474–485; Miyakubo, Takeda & Nakamura (1994). Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn, 67, 2301–2303], sodium hydrogen terephthalate contains short O—H...O hydrogen bonds between anions [O...O = 2.4734 (17) Å]. The structure is centrosymmetric and exhibits disorder of the H-atom position in the hydrogen bond and of the non-bridging ring C atoms in the terephthalate ion.
A one-dimensional copper coordination polymer containing both dicyanamide and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands
Authors: Wu A-Qing , Cai Li-Zhen , Chen Wen-Tong , Guo Guo-Cong , Huang Jin-Shun
Published: November 2003

The crystal structure of catena-poly[[[acetato(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2
N,N′)copper(II)]-μ-dicyanamido-κ2
N
1:N
5] trihydrate], {[Cu(C2H3O2)(C2N3)(C12H8N2)]·3H2O}
n
, consists of a zigzag chain formed by the polymer [Cu(CH3COO)(dca)(phen)]
n
(phen is 1,10-phenanthroline and dca is dicyanamide), with three water molecules per repeat unit of the polymer. The CuII atom has a slightly distorted square-pyramidal coordination environment consisting of two N atoms of the phen ligand, two nitrile N atoms of different dca ligands, one of them axial, and one O atom of the acetate anion. The compound forms a one-dimensional chain using dca as an end-to-end bridging ligand. Non-covalent interactions, π–π stacking and hydrogen bonding mediate the bundling of the polymer chains into a three-dimensional structure, with the water molecules playing an important role in the hydrogen bonding.
In‐flight tests of navigation and control system of unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Tomczyk Andrzej
Published: November 2003

In this paper, results of the flight‐testing of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight control system are presented. APC‐4 “SkyGuide” autonomous navigation and control system, designed and developed by the research team of the Department of Avionics and Control at Rzeszów University of Technology, has been tested. Properties of this flight control system, as well as selected results of the in‐flight tests conducted on board of the PZL‐110 “Koliber” aircraft, are presented. Results obtained confirm that design assumptions of the navigation and control system and research methodology have been appropriate and APC‐4 autopilot can be used on UAVs board.
Understanding trust in supply chain relationships
Authors: Sahay B.S.
Published: November 2003

The popularity of supply chain partnerships has exploded over the past few years with an increasing interest in the role of trust in facilitating the relationship. There has been a noticeable increase in the last quarter of the twentieth century of the importance of trust in partnerships and alliances in management literature. This paper deals with the nature and crucial role played by trust in long‐term relationships and tries to integrate a number of different perspectives to develop a framework along with three issues: ways the term “trust” is used, factors leading to trusting behaviour in the customer‐supplier relationship, and the effect of trust on the behaviour of a customer and a supplier. The paper presents some insights for supply chain managers from which they can examine their own partner relationships and provides supply chain managers with an in‐depth analysis of how to manage their supply chain relationships.
A comparative study on motivation for and experience with ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 certification among Far Eastern countries
Authors: Pan Jeh‐Nan
Published: November 2003

The fast evolution of management systems standards ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 worldwide, from unknown entities to well‐established management practices, represents a facet of the global marketplace in which many firms operate. Over 400,000 firms in over 150 countries have adopted ISO 9000 since it was introduced in 1986. Its successor, ISO 14000, was introduced in 1996 and has already been adopted by over 30,000 firms in over 100 countries. Reports on the results of an ISO 9000/14000 mail survey, administered in four Far eastern countries including Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan to explore and compare the similarities and differences of motivations, implementations and certification benefits among these countries. Survey data have been analyzed using the multivariate statistical methods and techniques such as factor analysis, cluster analysis, Kruskal‐Wallis test, etc. Several conclusions and suggestions are made based on the statistical analysis results.
A constraint‐based framework for strategic cost management
Authors: Lockamy Archie
Published: November 2003

Since the 1980s, firms have searched for better ways to align their cost management systems with the realities of their business environments. The advent of accelerated global competitiveness, reduced product life cycles, rapid technological advancements, and inter‐organizational supply chains have drastically increased the need for more effective approaches to cost management. In recent years, activity‐based, constraint‐based, and hybrid cost management systems have been adopted by some firms to dampen the effects of their traditional (full‐absorption) costing methodologies. However, a holistic approach is needed to facilitate strategic cost management based upon organizational objectives, organizational needs and capabilities, and customer requirements. The Theory of Constraints provides the foundation for developing cost management systems that are global, integrative, and strategic in nature. A framework is presented in this paper for using a constraint‐based approach to strategic cost management.
Action research paradigm in the field of training and development
Authors: Akdere Mesut
Published: November 2003

Action research (AR) has been used in many social science fields as a practical problem‐solving method. What makes this paradigm unique and viable is that it allows research and practice to co‐exist and co‐work simultaneously in achieving organizational goals. The implementation of the AR paradigm in the field of training and development (T&D) is not common; thus, this paper provides methods and tools to utilize AR in T&D efforts and practice. In this paper, AR and T&D are overviewed, and the possible implications of AR for T&D, using the taxonomy of performance, are examined as an avenue for analysis.
Who are we on the way to the EU? The profile of typical Cypriot employees as seen by their managers
Authors: Droussiotis Annabel
Published: November 2003

Cyprus has just been accepted to join the European Union. It is essential, therefore, for everybody in Europe to have an accurate perception of the Cypriot labor force. Employee characteristics are identified in an attempt to improve performance, reduce dissatisfaction and manage the workers more efficiently. This study attempts to describe the characteristics of typical Cypriot employees as seen through the eyes of their managers. Primary data collected from questionnaires distributed to managers of large organizations are used for the analysis. Frequency distributions, cross tabulations and factor analysis have been used to analyze the primary data collected. Female managers, older managers and public sector managers utilize similar strategies for managing their workforce. Cypriot employees have been identified to have high levels of ability/initiative, are self‐important and arrogant, highly materialistic and group oriented.
The effect of consumer perceptions of store attributes on apparel store preference
Authors: Paulins V. Ann , Geistfeld Loren V.
Published: November 2003

Consumer perceptions of retail store attributes for a set of particular stores were examined to determine their effect on store preference. Respondents rated 13 stores. Four variables were found to affect store preference using forward stepwise logistic regression: type of clothing desired in stock, outside store appearance, shopping hours, and advertising. Significance of the effect of store attributes on store preference varied by store type. In addition, associations between customer perception of store attributes, education and age were observed. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Consumer co‐design of apparel for mass customization
Authors: Ulrich Pamela V. , Jo Anderson‐Connell Lenda , Wu Weifang
Published: November 2003

Recent research suggests that consumers want individual needs met and that companies can work towards customizing products while still mass producing them. Co‐design, a consumer‐producer collaborative design endeavor, is one way to accomplish both. The purpose of this research was to explore consumers’ participation in and reaction to a CAD‐supported scenario of co‐design for mass customization. Aided by a design manager, 34 female college students co‐designed a three‐piece career outfit by choosing from a style bank of garment components. Subjects were comfortable with the process; most found it easy and were satisfied with the output. Ease of designing and satisfaction with images were positively correlated. Application of clothing involvement and innovativeness measures suggested possible characteristics of subjects who were more or less comfortable with co‐design and those who found it easier to make decisions. Results suggested the feasibility of co‐design from the consumer’s perspective and the need for further research.
The Press and its Influence on British Political Attitudes under New Labour
Authors: Gavin Neil T. , Sanders David
Published: November 2003

To explore the impact of the press in Britain during the first New Labour administration, we used aggregate-level analysis to assess the relationship between the economic content of press and changes in the public's political and economic attitudes. We examine the effects on attitudes of economic coverage in the broadsheets, ‘black top’ and tabloid newspapers. The results suggest that the broadsheets and ‘black tops’ do exert an influence on voters’ views, whereas the tabloids do not. The impact is, however, not global, but confined to particular segments of the population. The modest effects we have charted, nevertheless have important cumulative political significance in the medium- to long-term, and they put press influence into sharper and more realistic perspective than many current accounts. Methodologically our results suggest the need for further work to focus on press effects on specific groups of voters.