bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Physicochemical Property Limits to Develop Rules for Identifying Chemical Substances with no Skin Irritation or Corrosion Potential
Authors: Gerner Ingrid , Schlegel Kerstin , Walker John D. , Hulzebos Etje
Published: November 2004

This is believed to be the first paper to promote the use of rules based on (quantitative) structure‐activity relationship [(Q)SAR] models for identifying chemicals that are not likely to cause a specific adverse health effect, viz., skin irritation or corrosion. The purpose of this paper is to describe limit values for specific physicochemical properties that are appropriate for identifying chemical substances that have no skin irritation or corrosion potential. These physicochemical properties include melting point, molecular weight, octanol‐water partition coefficient, surface tension, vapour pressure, aqueous solubility and lipid solubility. Based on analyses of 1833 chemicals, physicochemical properties for limits were defined to determine that when a chemical's physicochemical properties were either greater or less than these limits that these chemicals would have no skin irritation or corrosion potential. To facilitate classification and labeling, the application domains of these limits were constructed to correspond with the European Union's risk phrases for chemicals classified for skin irritation/corrosion, viz., R 34, R35 or R38. This is the second paper of four companion papers. The first paper discussed mechanisms that can lead to significant skin irritation or corrosion after acute exposures to chemicals. The third paper described the application of structural alerts to identify chemical substances with skin irritation or corrosion potential. The fourth paper described the Skin Irritation Corrosion Rules Estimation Tool (SICRET), a user‐friendly tool that allows non‐(Q)SAR experts to identify chemical substances with skin irritation or corrosion potential based on physicochemical property limits and structural alerts.
Simulation‐Based Predictions of Binding Affinities of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
Authors: Khandelwal Akash , Lukacova Viera , Kroll Daniel M. , Çömez Dogan , Raha Soumyendu , Balaz Stefan
Published: November 2004

Inhibitory potencies of 28 hydroxamate derivatives to matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) have been modeled using the Linear Response method that describes free energy of binding as a linear combination of ensemble averages of van der Waals, electrostatic, and cavity‐related terms. Individual terms are differences in the respective quantities between the bound and free ligands, which were determined using two methods: a hybrid Monte Carlo method within the frame of Surface‐generalized Born Continuum Solvation Model and Molecular Dynamics simulation. The MD simulations of ligands in the hydrated MMP‐9 active site, as well as of free ligands in water were carried out for 200 ps. The time‐averaged structures of the ligands bound with the protein and of the free ligands were collected at 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 ps. The best correlations between experimental and calculated binding energies, obtained using the training set containing 21 structurally diverse compounds, explained about 90% of experimental variance. The predicted binding affinities for the test set of 7 inhibitors were in good agreement with the experimental data (RMSE=0.944). Similar RMSE values were observed with 200 random selections of the 7‐member test set. The loss of polar and nonpolar solvent accessible surface areas upon binding was identified as the main phenomenon contributing to affinity, accompanied by the enhancement of van der Waals interactions upon binding.
Selective determination of organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers in indoor air by gas chromatography, positive‐ion chemical ionization and collision‐induced dissociation mass spectrometry
Authors: Björklund Jonas , Isetun Sindra , Nilsson Ulrika
Published: November 2004

Gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry with in‐source ionization and dissociation was used in positive‐ion chemical ionization (PICI) mode for the determination of organophosphate triesters in indoor air. These compounds are widely used as additive flame retardants and plasticizers in different types of materials and have become ubiquitous pollutants in indoor environments. When using collision‐induced dissociation in PICI mode the fragmentation of the organophosphate triesters can be performed in a more controllable way than in electron ionization (EI) mode. The developed selected‐reaction monitoring method provided high selectivity for the investigated compounds. For 8‐h air measurements (corresponding to 1.5 m3 of sampled air) the limit of detection of the method was determined to be in the range 0.1–1.4 ng m−3, which is comparable with nitrogen‐phosphorus detection and about 50‐fold lower than when using EI in selected‐ion monitoring mode. The presented method was applied to samples from three common indoor environments, in which a number of organophosphate triesters were identified and quantified. The dominating compound was found to be tris(2‐chloropropyl) phosphate, which occurred at levels up to 0.8 μg m−3. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of automated nano‐electrospray mass spectrometry in the determination of non‐covalent protein–ligand complexes
Authors: De Vriendt Kris , Sandra Koen , Desmet Tom , Nerinckx Wim , Van Beeumen Jozef , Devreese Bart
Published: November 2004

The use of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) for studying non‐covalent interactions between macromolecules and ligands is well established. ESI‐MS can be a useful tool for the determination of dissociation constants between molecules in the gas phase. We validate this method by studying the binding of the catalytic domain of cellobiohydrolase I (CBH I) from Trichoderma reesei to the disaccharide inhibitor cellobiose. The method was further applied to study two newly synthesized cellobiose derivatives (m‐iodobenzyl 2‐deoxy‐2‐azido‐β‐cellobioside and p‐benzyloxybenzyl β‐cellobioside). In a titration experiment, peak areas of different charge states of the free enzyme and the complex were summed in order to determine the dissociation constant. For cellobiose and m‐iodobenzyl 2‐deoxy‐2‐azido‐β‐cellobioside, the calculated values are in good agreement with those reported from either displacement titration or equilibrium binding experiments in solution. Due to non‐specific binding, the dissociation constant of p‐benzyloxybenzyl β‐cellobioside does not correspond with the solution‐based value. Our results indicate the need for careful interpretation of data sets when using nanoESI to study non‐covalent interactions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mobile, outdoor continuous‐flow isotope‐ratio mass spectrometer system for automated high‐frequency 13C‐ and 18O‐CO2 analysis for Keeling plot applications
Authors: Schnyder Hans , Schäufele Rudi , Wenzel Richard
Published: November 2004

A continuous‐flow isotope‐ratio mass spectrometer (CF‐IRMS, custom‐made GasBenchII and DeltaplusAdvantage, ThermoFinnigan) was installed on a grassland site and interfaced with a closed‐path infrared gas analyser (IRGA). The CF‐IRMS and IRGA were housed in an air‐conditioned travel van. Air was sampled at 1.5 m above the 0.07‐m tall grassland canopy, drawn through a 17‐m long PTFE tube at a rate of 0.25 L s−1, and fed to the IRGA and CF‐IRMS in series. The IRMS was interfaced with the IRGA via a stainless steel capillary inserted 0.5 m into the sample air outlet tube of the IRGA (forming an open split), a gas‐tight pump, and a sample loop attached to the eight‐port Valco valve of the continuous‐flow interface. Air was pumped through the 0.25‐mL sample loop at 10 mL s−1 (a flushing frequency of 40 Hz). Air samples were analysed at intervals of approx. 2.8 min. Whole system precision was tested in the field using air mixed from pure CO2 and CO2‐free air by means of mass flow controllers. The standard deviation of repeated single measurements was 0.21–0.07‰ for δ13C and 0.34–0.14‰ for δ18O of CO2 in air with mixing ratios ranging between 200–800 μmol mol−1. The CO2 peak area measured by the IRMS was proportional to the CO2 mixing ratio (r2 = 1.00), allowing estimation of sample air CO2 mixing ratio from IRMS data. A 1‐day long measurement cycle of CO2, δ13C and δ18O of air sampled above the grassland canopy was used to test the system for Keeling plot applications. δ18O exhibited a clear diurnal cycle (4‰ range), but short‐term (1‐h interval) variability was small (average SD 0.38‰). Yet, the correlation between δ18O and CO2 mixing ratio was relatively weak, and this was true for both the whole data set and 1‐h subsets. Conversely, the δ13C of all 541 samples measured during the 25.2‐h interval fitted well the Keeling regression (r2 = 0.99), yielding an intercept of −27.40‰ (±0.07‰ SE). Useful Keeling regressions (r2 > 0.9, average r2 = 0.96) also resulted from data collected over 1‐h intervals of the 12‐h long twilight and dark period. These indicated that 13C content of ecosystem respiration was approx. constant near −27.6‰. The precision of the present system is similar to that of current techniques used in ecosystem studies which employ flask sampling and a laboratory‐based CF‐IRMS. Sampling (and measurement) frequency is greatly increased relative to systems based on flask sampling, and sampling time (0.025 s per sample) is decreased. These features increase the probability for sampling the entire CO2 range which occurs in a given time window. The system obviates sample storage problems, greatly minimises handling needs, and allows extended campaigns of high frequency sampling and analysis with minimal attendance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of membranous ventricular septal aneurysms and their association with absence of atrioventricular valve ‘offsetting’
Authors: Espinoza J. , Kalache K. , Gonçalves L. F. , Lee W. , Chaiworapongsa T. , Schoen M. L. , Devers P. , Treadwell M. , Mazor M. , Romero R.
Published: November 2004

Congenital aneurysm of the membranous portion of the ventricular septum in association with absence of atrioventricular valve ‘offsetting’ was diagnosed in two fetuses at 29 and 34 weeks. In the first case the fetus had a normal karyotype and no other structural heart defects, whereas in the second case there was a partial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5 and an absent pulmonary valve syndrome. The association of absence of ‘offsetting’ with aneurysms of the membranous ventricular septum may represent spontaneous closure of ventricular septal defects initially extended to the inlet. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pDUAL, a multipurpose, multicopy vector capable of chromosomal integration in fission yeast
Authors: Matsuyama Akihisa , Shirai Atsuko , Yashiroda Yoko , Kamata Ayako , Horinouchi Sueharu , Yoshida Minoru
Published: November 2004

A novel series of plasmid vectors named pDUAL have been developed. These vectors enable one to introduce not only multicopies of genes with episomal maintenance but also a single copy with chromosomal integration into the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The multicopy plasmids can be easily converted to fragments for chromosomal integration by digestion of the plasmids with a certain restriction endonuclease before transformation of the yeast cells. The resultant fragments, lacking the autonomously replicating sequence, are designed for targeting into the chromosomal leu1 locus by homologous recombination. Whether the transformants are the results of episomal maintenance of the plasmid or homologous gene targeting can be readily checked by their requirement for uracil or leucine, or by the PCR diagnostic analysis. Furthermore, we propose the use of pDUAL derivatives for PCR‐based chromosomal tagging of a gene to introduce several tags into 5′‐terminus of a gene, employing a set of primers. Using these all‐in‐one vectors, a suitable mode of expression of a cloned gene can be selected for individual analysis without any complicated subcloning processes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Candida famata (Debaryomyces hansenii) DNA sequences containing genes involved in riboflavin synthesis
Authors: Voronovsky Andriy Y. , Abbas Charles A. , Dmytruk Kostyantyn V. , Ishchuk Olena P. , Kshanovska Barbara V. , Sybirna Kateryna A. , Gaillardin Claude , Sibirny Andriy A.
Published: November 2004

Previously cloned Candida famata (Debaryomyces hansenii) strain VKM Y‐9 genomic DNA fragments containing genes RIB1 (codes for GTP cyclohydrolase II), RIB2 (encodes specific reductase), RIB5 (codes for dimethylribityllumazine synthase), RIB6 (encodes dihydroxybutanone phosphate synthase) and RIB7 (codes for riboflavin synthase) were sequenced. The derived amino acid sequences of C. famata RIB genes showed extensive homology to the corresponding sequences of riboflavin synthesis enzymes of other yeast species. The highest identity was observed to homologues of D. hansenii CBS767, as C. famata is the anamorph of this hemiascomycetous yeast. The D. hansenii CBS767 RIB3 gene encoding specific deaminase was cloned. This gene successfully complemented riboflavin auxotrophy of the rib3 mutant of flavinogenic yeast, Pichia guilliermondii. Putative iron‐responsive elements (potential sites for binding of the transcription factors Fep1p or Aft1p and Aft2p) were found in the upstream regions of some C. famata and D. hansenii RIB genes. The sequences of C. famata RIB genes have been submitted to the EMBL data library under Accession Nos AJ810169–AJ810173. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mathematical model for mammary fatty acid synthesis and triglyceride assembly: the role of stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD)
Authors: Shorten Paul R , Pleasants Tony B , Upreti Girish C
Published: November 2004

An increase in the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in milk is considered desirable for human health. A prerequisite for the manipulation of milk fat composition is a co-ordinated understanding of the complex interactions in its biosynthesis. It has been suggested that an increase in the expression of mammary stearoyl-CoA-desaturase (SCD) would enrich mono-unsaturated fatty acids in milk, and therefore improve its nutritional properties. To investigate the potential effects of changes in expression of mammary enzymes and substrate availability on milk fat composition, we constructed, parameterized and evaluated a mechanistic mathematical model of fatty acid biosynthesis and milk-fat triglyceride assembly. The objective was to describe changes in the amount and composition of milk fat produced by bovine mammary cells due to changes in nutrition. Using the model we found that a 50% up-regulation in SCD activity increased the molar fraction of milk triglyceride 18[ratio ]1 from 0·30 to 0·33 and 16[ratio ]1 from 0·04 to 0·06. Up-regulation of SCD therefore did not appear to be the optimal method for increasing the content of unsaturated fatty acids in milk fat. The model was also used to determine the likely rate-limiting processes for the incorporation of unsaturated fatty acids into milk fat. Halving the concentration of glycerol 3-phosphate increased the molar fraction of milk triglyceride 18[ratio ]1 from 0·30 to 0·35 and decreased the molar fraction of milk triglyceride 16[ratio ]0 from 0·30 to 0·22. This achieved the desirable outcome of producing more unsaturated low-fat milk. Our model also predicted that a K232A mutation in the bovine mammary DGAT1 gene that is linked with an increase in milk fat yield would be consistent with a 120% increase in the DGAT acylation rate and also would be associated with a decrease in milk mono-unsaturated fatty acids.
Octanoate stimulates cytosolic triacylglycerol accumulation and CD36 mRNA expression but inhibits Acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase activity in primary cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Yonezawa Tomo , Yonekura Shinichi , Sanosaka Masato , Hagino Akihiko , Katoh Kazuo , Obara Yoshiaki
Published: November 2004

Mammary epithelial cells, which express and secrete leptin into milk, accumulate triacylglycerol (TAG). We examined effects on the accumulation of cytosolic TAG of addition of short- (acetate and butyrate) or medium- (octanoate) chain fatty acids to the medium bathing bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC). Octanoate stimulated the accumulation of TAG in a concentration-dependent manner from 1 to 10 mM and increased lipid droplet formation and mRNA expression of CD36 (a fatty acid translocase). Additionally, expression of a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ 2 protein that is a lipid-activated transcription factor, was increased by the addition of acetate or octanoate. However, leptin mRNA expression was significantly reduced by addition of acetate or butyrate. Both short- and medium-chain fatty acids inhibited acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) activities, which is pivotal in lipid synthesis, but elevated expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) mRNA, which is important in energy expenditure. These results suggest that octanoate induces cytosolic TAG accumulation and the formation of lipid droplets, and that acetate and butyrate inhibit leptin expression and lipid synthesis in bMEC.
Milking regimes to shorten milking duration
Authors: Clarke Timothy , Cuthbertson Elaine M , Greenall Robert K , Hannah Murray C , Jongman Ellen , Shoesmith David
Published: November 2004

Four milking regimes using automatic cluster removers (ACR) were tested over a 19-week period, from mid to late lactation. Each treatment group consisted of 16 slow-milking cows. The milking regimes used were: an ACR setting of 200 ml/min (Control); raised ACR setting from 200 to 500 in steps of 100 ml/min (Raised ACR); raised ACR as above in conjunction with pre-milking teat stimulation (Raised ACR+Stim); and terminating the milking when an ACR threshold of 200 ml/min was reached or when a predetermined maximum milking duration was reached (Timer). All incremental treatments were applied in blocks of 6 or 7 weeks duration. ACR thresholds were raised from 200 to 500 ml/min without observed loss of milk production when compared with controls. However, even up to an ACR setting of 500 ml/min there was little reduction in the group milking duration even when used with teat stimulation. In contrast, the Timer treatment resulted in a 34% reduction of the maximum milking duration for the group without significant loss of milk yield. For all groups, including Control, strip yield was occasionally very high and highly variable. Willingness of cows to enter the milking platform, behaviour during milking, teat condition and incidence of mastitis were similar for all treatment groups. The results indicated that simple truncation of milking at a predetermined maximum duration could be a most potent and inexpensive method of milking a herd more quickly. Such a method could be employed by using a simple timer in any dairy regardless of the level of sophistication of the milking system.
Decision tree analysis to evaluate dry cow strategies under UK conditions
Authors: Berry Elizabeth A , Hogeveen Henk , Hillerton J Eric
Published: November 2004

Economic decisions on animal health strategies address the cost-benefit aspect along with animal welfare and public health concerns. Decision tree analysis at an individual cow level highlighted that there is little economic difference between the use of either dry cow antibiotic or an internal teat sealant in preventing a new intramammary infection in a cow free of infection in all quarters of the mammary gland at drying off. However, a potential net loss of over £20 per cow might occur if the uninfected cow was left untreated. The only economically viable option, for a cow with one or more quarters infected at drying off, is antibiotic treatment, although a loss might still be incurred depending on the pathogen concerned and the cure rates achievable. There was a net loss for cows with quarters infected with Corynebacterium spp. at drying off, for both the teat sealant and untreated groups (£22 and £48, respectively) with only antibiotic-treated cows showing a gain.
Amino acid transamination in permeabilised cells of Lactobacillus helveticus, Lb. paracasei and Lb. danicus
Authors: Thage Birgitte Vedel , Houlberg Ulf , Ardö Ylva
Published: November 2004

Aminotransferase (AT) activity against 18 amino acids was studied in ten strains of three species of Lactobacillus. A method for permeabilisation of cells was developed using toluene and ethanol combined with mechanical treatment. It was found that the AT activities in the washed permeabilised cells (W-PC) corresponded well to that in cell-free extracts (CFE). The AT specificity pattern was species as well as strain dependant. Strains of Lb. helveticus had high specificity for aromatic amino acids (ArAA) and lower activity against branched-chain amino acids (BcAA) and Asp, while strains of Lb. paracasei subsp. paracasei degraded BcAA and Asp, but had a lower and variable specificity against ArAA. One of the Lb. paracasei strains was characterised by having very high AT activity against all three BcAA (Ile, Leu, Val) compared with any of the other Lb. paracasei strains tested. Strains of Lb. danicus, which is a newly discovered Lactobacillus species isolated from cheese, had up to about 20 times higher AT activity against Leu than Lb. paracasei and Lb. helveticus. The permeabilised cells of Lb. danicus had also considerably higher AT activity against ArAA than Lb. paracasei and Lb. helveticus strains, and also higher AT activity against Asp. All Lactobacillus strains tested had AT activity against Met, but at a much lower rate than against other amino acids. Results of this study also demonstrated a chemical reaction between α-ketoglutaric acid and Asp that was catalysed by pyridoxal-5-phosphate without any AT present.
Development and applications of wall-climbing robots with a single suction cup
Authors: Zhao Yanzheng , Fu Zhuang , Cao Qixin , Wang Yan
Published: November 2004

In this paper, wall-climbing robots with a single suction cup are studied. The robots mainly consist of three parts: A vacuum pump, a sealing mechanism and a driving mechanism. Basic conditions that the robots can adhere to and move reliably on a vertical surface are first established, then the sealing mechanism with an air spring and regulating springs is analyzed, and the synthetic rigidity formula for the sealing loop is obtained. Finally, two application examples are given: One for the ultrasonic inspection of cylindrical stainless steel nuclear storage tanks, and the other for cleaning high-rise buildings.
Letter detection for homographs with different meanings in different language texts
Authors: GREENBERG SETH N. , SAINT-AUBIN JEAN
Published: November 2004

Tests of inter-lingual homographs that have different meanings across two languages support models postulating initial non-selective access to competing language representations, e.g. Bilingual Interactive Activation (BIA) model. Most such research assessed inter-lingual homographs in the absence of connected text. Here a letter detection paradigm was used that required subjects to detect letters in words in connected text. Prior work with this paradigm suggested that readers respond to only one interpretation of an intra-lingual homograph when detecting letters. Three experiments described here indicate that letter detection patterns to inter-lingual homographs are similar, i.e. detection reflects only a context appropriate interpretation. However, the demonstration that text role, text cohesiveness and bilingual fluency affect inter-lingual letter detection (Experiments 1 and 2), and that word role affects detection even though target frequency is constant across inter-lingual meanings (Experiment 3) indicates that selectivity is in response to post-lexical processes. Thus, results are seen as compatible with tenets of the BIA model.
X rays from solar wind charge exchange at Mars: A comparison of simulations and observations
Authors: Gunell H. , Holmström M. , Kallio E. , Janhunen P. , Dennerl K.
Published: November 2004

A hybrid simulation of the solar wind‐Mars interaction and a test particle simulation of heavy ion trajectories near Mars are used to compute the contribution from solar wind charge exchange processes to the X‐ray emission from Mars. It is found that the X‐ray halo observed by the Chandra X‐ray observatory can be explained by emissions from heavy, highly charged, ions in the solar wind undergoing charge exchange collisions in the upper atmosphere of Mars.
Discontinuous change in temperature derivative of Vp in lower crustal rocks
Authors: Kono Yoshio , Ishikawa Masahiro , Arima Makoto
Published: November 2004

Compressional wave velocities (Vp) of gabbronorite, pyroxene granulite, wehrlite and websterite were measured up to 1000°C at 1 GPa during heating and cooling. The wehrlite and websterite, which contain secondary hydrous minerals, show irreversible change in temperature derivative of Vp (∂Vp/∂T). During heating, these rocks show sudden decrease in Vp when dehydration reactions took place. During cooling, the rocks show a linear increase in Vp. In contrast, the gabbronorite and pyroxene granulite, which are nearly dry crystalline assemblage, show reversible and discontinuous change in ∂Vp/∂T at around 400°C. It changes from −2.4 and −2.1 × 10−4 km s−1 °C−1 to −4.7 and −4.5 × 10−4 km s−1 °C−1. This reversible and discontinuous change in ∂Vp/∂T is difficult to explain by the previously proposed mechanisms, such as thermal cracking, dehydration reaction, and/or partial melting. The data suggest that this reversible and discontinuous change would be associated with phase transition in plagioclase.
Zircon isotope evidence for recycling of subducted continental crust in post‐collisional granitoids from the Dabie terrane in China
Authors: Zhao Zi‐Fu , Zheng Yong‐Fei , Wei Chun‐Sheng , Wu Yuan‐Bao
Published: November 2004

Recycling of subducted continental crust in continental collision belts is examined by a combined study of zircon U‐Pb dating and O isotope analysis of mineral separates from post‐collisional granitoids in the Dabie terrane, east‐central China. Although zircon U‐Pb dating give concordant ages of 121 to 131 Ma for magma crystallization, the occurrence of inherited cores is identified by CL imaging and SHRIMP dating in some zircon grains that yield older ages of 742 to 815 Ma and 222 Ma, respectively, in agreement with Neoproterozoic protolith ages of UHP metaigneous rocks and Triassic tectono‐metamorphic event in the Dabie‐Sulu orogen. All the samples have zircon δ18O values of 4.14 to 6.11‰, most of which differ from the δ18O value of 5.3±0.3‰ for the normal mantle zircon. This indicates the remelting of continental crust containing both 18O‐depleted and enriched components, with significant isotope homogenization relative to the UHP metaigneous rocks. These observations indicate the involvement of the subducted Yangtze plate in the Cretaceous granitoids and thus provide evidence for geochemical recycling of the continental crust that was thickened by the Triassic collision.
A parameterization of ocean surface albedo
Authors: Jin Zhonghai , Charlock Thomas P. , Smith William L. , Rutledge Ken
Published: November 2004

Measurements at a sea platform show that the ocean surface albedo is highly variable and is sensitive to four physical parameters: solar zenith angle, wind speed, transmission by atmospheric cloud/aerosol, and ocean chlorophyll concentration. Using a validated coupled ocean‐atmosphere radiative transfer model, an ocean albedo look up table is created in terms of these four important parameters. A code to read the table is also provided; it gives spectral albedos for a range of oceanic and atmospheric conditions specified by the user. The result is a fast and accurate parameterization of ocean surface albedo for radiative transfer and climate modeling.
Diagnostics of magnetospheric electron density and irregularities at altitudes <5000 km using whistler and Z mode echoes from radio sounding on the IMAGE satellite
Authors: Sonwalkar V. S. , Carpenter D. L. , Bell T. F. , Spasojević M. , Inan U. S. , Li J. , Chen X. , Venkatasubramanian A. , Harikumar J. , Benson R. F. , Taylor W. W. L. , Reinisch B. W.
Published: November 2004

When the Radio Plasma Imager (RPI) on the IMAGE satellite operates in the inner plasmasphere and at moderate to low altitudes over the polar regions, pulses emitted at the low end of its 3‐kHz to 3‐MHz sounding frequency range can propagate in the whistler mode and/or in the Z mode. During soundings with both 25.6‐ms pulses and 3.2‐ms pulses, whistler mode echoes have been observed in (1) “discrete,” lightning whistler–like forms and (2) diffuse, widely time spread forms suggestive of mode coupling at the boundaries of density irregularities. Discrete echoes have been observed at altitudes less than ≈5000 km both inside the plasmasphere and over the auroral and polar regions, being most common inside the plasmasphere. Diffuse echoes have also been observed at altitudes less than 5000 km, being most common poleward of the plasmasphere. Either discrete or diffuse echoes or both have been detected during one or more soundings on at least half of all IMAGE orbits. In regions poleward of the plasmasphere, diffuse Z mode echoes of a kind reported by Carpenter et al. (2003) were found to accompany both discrete and diffuse whistler mode echoes 90% of the time and were also present during 90% of the soundings when no whistler mode echoes were detected. It is proposed that the observed discrete whistler mode echoes are a consequence of RPI signal reflections at the bottom side of the ionosphere and that diffuse whistler mode echoes are a result of scattering of RPI signals by geomagnetic field‐aligned electron density irregularities located within 2000 km earthward of the satellite and in directions close to that of the field line passing through IMAGE. Diffuse Z mode echoes are believed to be due to scattering of RPI signals from electron density irregularities within 3000 km of the satellite, particularly those in the generally cross‐B direction. Consistent with previous works, our results indicate that the magnetosphere at high latitudes is highly structured, with electron density irregularities that exist over cross‐B scales ranging from 10 m to 100 km and that profoundly affect whistler mode propagation. It is demonstrated that both kinds of whistler mode echoes as well as diffuse Z mode echoes have potential for local and remote diagnostics of electron density distributions and structures.
Ambient Earth noise: A survey of the Global Seismographic Network
Authors: Berger Jonathan , Davis Peter , Ekström Göran
Published: November 2004

It has been a decade since the last comprehensive model of ambient Earth noise was published (Peterson, 1993). Since then, observations of ambient Earth noise from the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Global Seismographic Network (GSN) of widely distributed, similarly equipped, and well‐calibrated stations have become available. The broad geographic sampling of this large data set and the ease of access to waveform data provided by the IRIS Data Management System facilitate analysis of global noise samples. We have analyzed data from the 118 GSN stations operating during the year July 2001 through June 2002. On the basis of over 738,000 hourly spectral estimates computed from these stations' data, we have developed a robust noise model that exhibits significant differences from previous models both in the normal mode and body wave bands. Our analysis technique has the advantage that we do not need to search for quiet periods but can include all data where the instruments are operating correctly.
Outcome of transplantation using kidneys from controlled (Maastricht category 3) non‐heart‐beating donors
Authors: Sudhindran S , Pettigrew GJ , Drain A , Shrotri M , Watson CJE , Jamieson NV , Bradley JA
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Background:  Many renal transplant centres are reluctant to use kidneys from non‐heart‐beating (NHB) donors because of the high incidence of primary non‐function and delayed graft function reported in the literature. Here, we report our favourable experience of using kidneys from Maastricht category 3 donors (controlled NHB donors).

Materials and methods:  From January 1996 to June 2002, 42 renal transplants using kidneys from 25 controlled NHB donors were undertaken at our centre. The rates of primary non‐function, delayed graft function (DGF), rejection and long‐term graft and patient survival were compared with those of 84 recipients of grafts from heart‐beating (HB donors) transplanted contemporaneously.

Results:  Primary non‐function did not occur in recipients of grafts from NHB donors but was seen in two grafts from HB donors. DGF occurred in 21 of 42 (50%) kidneys from NHB donors and 14 of 84 (17%) kidneys from HBD donars (p < 0.001). The acute rejection rates in the two groups were similar (33% for grafts from NHB donors vs. 40% from HB donors). By 1 month after transplantation, there was no significant difference in serum creatinine concentration between the two groups. Over a median follow‐up period of 32 months (range 2–75 months), the actuarial graft survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 yr after transplantation were 84, 80 and 74% for recipients of kidneys from NHB donors, compared with 89, 85 and 80% for kidneys from HB donors.

Conclusion:  Controlled NHB donors are a valuable and under‐used source of kidneys for renal transplantation. The outcome for recipients of kidney allografts from category 3 NHB donors is similar to that seen in recipients of grafts from conventional HB cadaveric donors.
Influence of hypercholesterolemia on patient and graft survival in recipients of kidney transplants
Authors: Booth Jennifer C , Joseph John T , Jindal Rahul M
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Aim:  The aim of this retrospective, single centre study, was to study the effect of pre‐ and post‐transplant serum total cholesterol (TC) on patient and graft survival. We also sought to see whether patients who had very high TC (>8 mmol/L) had a higher incidence of graft failure and patient mortality compared with those whose cholesterol was only moderately elevated.

Methods:  Records of 935 cadaver kidney transplants between 1984 and 1998 were examined. Patients were placed into three groups based on TC level: <5.5 mmol/L (group 1), 5.5–8 mmol/L (group 2) and >8 mmol/L (group 3). The mean TC value from the first five post‐transplant years was taken to seek a correlation between TC and post‐transplant events.

Results:  The mean graft follow‐up was 66.9 ± 50.1 months, ranging from 0.1 to 191 months, while mean patient follow‐up was 83.8 ± 50.1 months, ranging from 0.5 to 191.6 months. Pre‐transplant TC was available in 201 patients (21.5%), and post‐transplant data was available (for first 5 yr) in 655 patients (70%). During the study period, 220 patients (23.5%) had died, 285 (30.5%) of the grafts had failed during the follow‐up, while 129 (13.8%) of the patients died with a functioning graft. We found significantly longer survival of patients having a pre‐transplant TC below 5.5 mmol/L vs. patients whose pre‐transplant TC was above 5.6 mmol/L (p = 0.02). We also compared patients who had very high pre‐transplant TC (>8 mmol/L) level with those whose TC was moderately elevated (5.5–8 mmol/L) and found that there was no higher incidence of graft failure (p = 0.77) nor patient mortality (p = 0.83). No difference could be found in graft survival based on pre‐transplant TC. We also did not find a detrimental influence of post‐transplant TC on the patient or graft survival. Diabetes mellitus (p = 0.006) and age over 50 yr (p = 0.007) affected patient survival, while low cyclosporine levels (p = 0.02) and acute rejection episodes (p = 0.009) affected graft survival. The mode of dialysis and time on dialysis prior to transplantation did not affect patient and graft survival.

Conclusions:  We found significantly greater survival of patients having a pre‐transplant TC below 5.5 mmol/L. No difference could be found in graft survival based on pre‐transplant TC. Post‐transplant TC did not adversely affect patient or graft survival.
Frequent salvage of ruptured renal allografts: a large single center experience
Authors: Finley David S , Roberts John P
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Our experience with 22 renal allograft ruptures (AR) in 4418 transplant recipients over a 20‐yr period was reviewed. Fourteen of the 22 ruptured allografts were repaired and eight underwent nephrectomy. All of the repaired AR functioned for 1 yr and 64% functioned at 5 yr. Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) matched and living donor cohorts were predictive factors of salvage. In this large group, renal AR was frequently rescued by primary repair with excellent long‐term outcome.
Neuropsychologic side‐effects of tacrolimus in pediatric renal transplantation
Authors: Kemper Markus J , Spartà Giuseppina , Laube Guido F , Miozzari Marco , Neuhaus Thomas J
Published: November 2004

Calcineurin inhibition with tacrolimus has been used after renal transplantation (RTPL) as rescue therapy for insufficient immunological control or if cyclosporin A (CSA) toxicity occurred. Neurologic side‐effects occur but are rare in children, usually presenting as tremor; however, serious complications, e.g. the posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome are also documented. Twenty children (10 girls) were switched to tacrolimus: 11 (55%) for immunological reasons (n = 9: steroid‐resistant rejection; n = 2: recurrent rejections) and nine for CSA side‐effects. Tacrolimus was started at a median of 8 wk (range 10 d to 8.7 yr) after RTPL and was continued for a median of 2.5 yr (range 5 wk to 4.6 yr). Renal function significantly improved over a period of 12 months following conversion to tacrolimus (glomerular filtration rate 56 ± 19 vs. 66 ± 16 mL/min/1.73 m2; p < 0.03; n = 13). Fifteen of 20 (75%) patients tolerated tacrolimus well.

The most frequent side‐effects were neuropsychological and behavioral symptoms in three children, ranging from anorexia nervosa‐like symptoms with weight loss, amenorrhea, depression and school problems to severe insomnia and to aggressive and anxious behavior in one child. Only the latter child was exposed to toxic tacrolimus blood levels. All side‐effects were fully reversible after discontinuation of tacrolimus. In conclusion, tacrolimus had a beneficial effect on renal function and was well tolerated in the majority of pediatric patients. However, neuropsychologic and behavioral side‐effects are important and maybe underrecognized in children.
Renal transplant recipient attitudes toward steroid use and steroid withdrawal
Authors: Prasad G V Ramesh , Nash Michelle M , McFarlane Philip A , Zaltzman Jeffrey S
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Although steroid avoidance and withdrawal in renal transplant recipients (RTR) are actively being evaluated by physicians, the attitudes of recipients toward steroid use have not been systematically studied in the modern era. We conducted a confidential written survey of single‐organ adult RTR pertaining to prednisone‐related side‐effects. Recipients were asked which drug they felt maximized graft life, which drug they wished to avoid if graft life was unaffected, and which drug they had most compliant with. They also rated 16 common immunosuppressive‐related side‐effects on a Likert scale with 1 meaning complete disagreement and 10 complete agreement with their own prednisone‐attributed experience. A comparison of responses based on RTR demographic characteristics was made by ANOVA or chi‐square analysis with Bonferroni correction. The questionnaire was completed by 223 recipients, of whom 93% were primary recipients, 57% were cadaveric organ recipients, and 69% were white people, 7% black people, and 23% Asian people. Age at transplant, age at survey and time since transplant were 41.5 ± 11, 47.5 ± 11 and 6.0 ± 5 yr, respectively. For the entire group, overall side‐effect profile for prednisone was rated as 6.1 ± 3 on the Likert scale, while efficacy was rated as 7.3 ± 3. If offered monotherapy, 67% preferred a calcineurin‐inhibitor (CI), 23% mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)/azathioprine (AZA), and 10% prednisone. When asked which drug they would like to discontinue, 19% chose CI, 16% MMF/AZA, and 65% prednisone. Most recipients felt that CI was the most efficacious drug (80%), followed by MMF/AZA (12%), and prednisone (8%). The side‐effects reported as most common were unacceptable weight gain (5.8 ± 3) and bone/joint disease (5.3 ± 3). The least common side‐effects were blood disorders (2.2 ± 2) and cancer (2.3 ± 2). Black people were more likely than non‐black people to report developing diabetes (p = 0.02), blood disorders (p = 0.003) and headaches (p = 0.003) as a result of prednisone use. Males reported more liver damage (p = 0.01) while females reported more body fat (p = 0.01) and fluid retention (p = 0.006). RTR >5 yr post‐transplant reported more infections (p = 0.008), skin/hair problems (p = 0.02), gastrointestinal irritation (p = 0.02), and bone disease (p = 0.02) compared with RTR <1 yr. Donor source and recipient age did not determine any responses. If given a ‘risk‐free’ choice, the majority of recipients prefer withdrawal of steroids over other agents. Demographic data may be used to predict prednisone‐related side‐effects and guide steroid use in this population. Study designs related to steroid withdrawal should account for patient preferences in this context.
Simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplantation in Jehovah's Witness patients
Authors: Figueiro Jose , Vaidya Anil , Ciancio Gaetano , Olson Les , Miller Joshua , Burke George W
Published: November 2004

Abstract: The safety and efficacy of renal and liver transplantation has been reported for Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients, with patient, and graft survival similar to that of non‐JW patients. We report our experience in five JW recipients of simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplants. None of the patients received transfusion of blood or blood products, either before or after transplant. Like the other solid organ transplants, patient, and graft survival was similar to that of the non‐JW group. Specific technical issues related to the operative procedure include the use of the cell saver until the donor duodenum is opened (enteric contamination). Post‐operatively, care should be taken to minimize drawing of blood and optimize erythrocyte synthesis with erythropoetin, folic acid, vitamin B12, and iron. Finally, it is critical that the pre‐operative evaluation demonstrates sufficient cardiac reserve to allow the JW patient to tolerate a possible temporary anemic state.
Successful transplantation of organs from a donor who died from acute cocaine intoxication
Authors: Caballero Francisco , López‐Navidad Antonio , Gómez Manuel , Solá Ricard
Published: November 2004

One to two percent of the general population of western countries are regular consumers of cocaine, 10% being sporadic consumers. This proportion increases considerably in the population age groups which are most frequently organ donors. Cocaine may directly cause brain death, or be present in those with brain death who died from other causes, especially head trauma. We present a 30‐yr‐old female donor, a regular consumer of inhaled cocaine, who died of brain anoxia after cocaine inhalation. Twenty‐five hours after cocaine inhalation, the liver and kidneys were removed for transplantation. The liver was transplanted to a patient with acute hepatocellular failure caused by isoniazids, and the kidneys to two recipients with renal polycystosis. Toxicity attributable to the cocaine was not observed in any of the three recipients. All three grafts presented immediate function, and the clinical evolution of all three recipients and the function of all three grafts were excellent during the 5 yr of follow‐up. The serum creatinines of the two kidney recipients 5 yr from transplantation were 76 and 72 μmol/L, respectively.
Localization of a non‐melanoma skin cancer susceptibility region within the major histocompatibility complex by association analysis using microsatellite markers
Authors: Oka A. , Hayashi H. , Tomizawa M. , Okamoto K. , Suyun L. , Hui J. , Kulski J.K. , Beilby J. , Tamiya G. , Inoko H.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is known to have a role in the development of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), although the genes and mechanisms involved have yet to be determined. To identify the susceptibility locus for NMSC within the MHC, we used a collection of well‐defined polymorphic microsatellite markers from the Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region for an association analysis of 150 cases with NMSC and 200 healthy controls selected from the Busselton population in Western Australia. High‐resolution mapping was undertaken using a total of 40 highly polymorphic markers located at regular intervals across the HLA region (3.6Mb). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was initially performed on pooled DNA markers to detect those markers that showed different allele profiles. Statistically significant differences in allelic frequencies (differentiating alleles) were found between cases and controls at three polymorphic microsatellite loci within a 470‐kb genomic susceptibility region ranging between 6 kb centromeric of the HLA‐B gene and intron 5 of the DDR gene. Interestingly, this genome region corresponded completely with the psoriasis‐susceptibility locus. The three differentiating alleles and another four markers outside the susceptibility region were then PCR tested by individual genotyping of cases and controls. The newly identified susceptibility locus for NMSC within the MHC was found to be significantly different between the cases and controls by comparisons of allele frequencies at the three differentiating loci estimated from DNA pools and then confirmed by individual genotyping. This is the first study using high density microsatellite markers to localize a NMSC susceptibility region within the human genome.
A novel HLA‐DRB1 allele, DRB1*0707
Authors: Frison S. , Poli F. , Longhi E. , Bianchi P. , Marc Baier D. , Scalamogna M.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  We report herein the identification of a new HLA‐DRB1 allele, DRB1*0707. This new allele was seen in a volunteer bone marrow donor (ID#118069) belonging to the German bone marrow donor registry (DKMS). HLA‐DRB1*0707 was detected while performing HLA‐DRB1 high resolution typing by sequence based typing. This novel allele differs from DRB1*070101 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 163 (C→T) in exon 2.
FcγR polymorphisms: Implications for function, disease susceptibility and immunotherapy
Authors: Van Sorge N.M. , Van Der Pol W‐L. , Van De Winkel J.G.J.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Leukocyte Fcγ receptors (FcγR) confer potent cellular effector functions to the specificity of IgG. FcγR‐induced leukocyte functions, including antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity, phagocytosis, superoxide generation, degranulation, cytokine production and regulation of antibody production, are essential for host defense and immune regulation. The efficacy of IgG‐induced FcγR function displays inter‐individual heterogeneity due to genetic polymorphisms of three FcγR subclasses, FcγRIIa (CD32a), FcγRIIIa (CD16a), and FcγRIIIb (CD16b). FcγR polymorphisms have been associated with infectious and autoimmune disease, or with disease severity. FcγR polymorphisms may furthermore serve as markers for therapeutic efficacy and side‐effects of treatment with monoclonal antibodies. In this review, FcγR function and the relevance of FcγR polymorphisms as prognostic markers for inflammatory disease and antibody‐based immunotherapy are discussed.