bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative binding of biotinylated neurotrophins to α2‐macroglobulin family of proteins: Relationship between cytokine‐binding and neuro‐modulatory activities of the macroglobulins
Authors: Skornicka Erin L. , Shi Xiaoqing , Koo Peter H.
Published: August 2002

Human α2‐macroglobulin (α2M), pregnancy zone protein (PZP), rat α1M and acute‐phase rat α2M belong to the α2M gene family of proteins, which can react covalently with nucleophilic monoamines to yield monoamine‐activated (MA) macroglobulins. The MA forms of human α2M, PZP and rat α2M have been demonstrated previously to inhibit various neurotrophin‐promoted neuronal activities, whereas MA‐α1M is neurostimulatory and all native macroglobulins are generally inactive. The mechanism of neuromodulation is unknown, but it has been postulated that MA macroglobulins might inhibit neurons via their binding and sequestration of neurotrophins. This study employed a novel biotinylation‐Western blot technique to compare the neurotrophin‐binding properties of the four macroglobulins, and to correlate their binding activities with their known neuro‐modulatory activities. In comparison with their respective native counterparts, human and rat MA‐α2M bound slightly more NGF, but significantly less BDNF or NT‐3. Native human α2M and PZP in general have no neuro‐modulatory activity, but native PZP bound significantly more NGF, BDNF or NT‐3 than either native α2M or MA‐α2M, which is neuro‐inhibitory. It is known that MA‐PZP is neuro‐inhibitory, but it fails to bind more NGF, BDNF, or NT‐3 than native PZP. MA‐α1M is the only macroglobulin known to stimulate NGF‐promoted neurite outgrowth, but it bound NGF with similar affinities as native α1M and rat α2M; in addition, it bound significantly less BDNF or NT‐3 than native α1M. All the bindings were non‐covalent and appeared specific. In conclusion, PZP and rat macroglobulins are versatile carriers of neurotrophins with diverse binding capacities, and the neurotrophin‐binding property does not appear to mediate the neuro‐modulatory activity of these human and rat macroglobulins. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential expression of the “C” and “T” alleles of the 5‐HT2A receptor gene in the temporal cortex of normal individuals and schizophrenics
Authors: Polesskaya Oxana O. , Sokolov Boris P.
Published: August 2002

A genetic association between schizophrenia and a silent C/T(102) polymorphism in the 5‐HT2A receptor gene (5‐HT2AR) has been previously reported; however, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unknown. Here we developed an improved quantitative assay for measurements of allele ratios, which revealed that the expression of allele “C” in the temporal cortex of normal heterozygous individuals was significantly lower than the expression of allele “T” (allele “C” to allele “T” ratio of ∼0.8, P < 0.0001). Confirming decreased expression of allele “C,” total levels of 5‐HT2AR mRNA and protein in normal individuals with the C/C genotype were lower than in individuals with the T/T genotype. Similarly to normal individuals, allele “C” to allele “T” ratio in heterozygous schizophrenics was reduced (∼0.8, P < 0001). This ratio was independent of neuroleptic treatment history. By contrast, total levels of 5‐HT2AR mRNA correlated inversely with neuroleptic free interval prior to death (r = −0.67, P < 0.001) suggesting a reversible neuroleptic effect. Total levels 5‐HT2AR mRNA in neuroleptic free (> 26 weeks) schizophrenics (n = 11) were significantly lower than in controls (P = 0.03). The data suggest that increased prevalence of allele “C” among schizophrenics may be due to intrinsically low expression of this allele, which may contribute to a deficit in 5‐HT2AR expression in some schizophrenics. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in peripheral nerve degeneration/regeneration between wild‐type and neuronal nitric oxide synthase knockout mice
Authors: Keilhoff Gerburg , Fansa Hisham , Wolf Gerald
Published: August 2002

Nitric oxide (NO), a unique biological messenger molecule, is synthesized by three isoforms of the enzyme NO synthase (NOS) and diffuses from the site of production across cellular membranes. A postulated role for NO in degeneration and regeneration of peripheral nerves has been explored in a sciatic nerve model comparing wild‐type mice and mice lacking neuronal NOS after transection and microsurgical repair. In NOS knockout mice, regenerative delay was observed, preceded by a decelerated Wallerian degeneration (WD). In the regenerated nerve, pruning of uncontrolled sprouts was disturbed, leading to an enhanced number of axons, whereas remyelination seemed to be less affected. Delayed regeneration was associated with a delayed recovery of sensor and motor function. In such a context, possible NO targets are neurofilaments and myelin sheaths of the interrupted axon, filopodia of the growth cone, newly formed neuromuscular endplates, and Schwann cells in the distal nerve stump. The results presented suggest that 1) local release of NO following peripheral nerve injury is a crucial factor in degeneration/regeneration, 2) success of fiber regeneration in the peripheral nervous system depends on a regular WD, and 3) manipulation of NO supply may offer interesting therapeutic options for treatment of peripheral nerve lesions. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure to lead elevates induction of zif268 and Arc mRNA in rats after electroconvulsive shock: The involvement of protein kinase C
Authors: Kim Kyung‐Ah , Chakraborti Tamal , Goldstein Gary , Johnston Michael , Bressler Joseph
Published: August 2002

Exposure to lead is well known to impair cognitive function in young children. Because of the importance of gene regulation for neurodevelopment, we examined the effect of lead on the induction of the mRNA of the immediate early genes zif268 and Arc. The time course for the induction of zif268 mRNA and Arc mRNA by electroconvulsant shock (ECS) was altered in the area of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in rats exposed to lead from postnatal days (PND) 1 to 28. Other areas of the hippocampus were not affected by lead. The effects on the induction of zif268 mRNA were observed at blood lead levels as low as 12 μg/dl. No change in the induction of zif268 mRNA was observed in the hippocampus of rats exposed to lead from PND 28 to PND 56. Because of the possible involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) in the effect of lead, activation of different isoforms of PKC was investigated. An increase in the amount of PKCε and PKCγ was observed at 60 min after ECS in the membrane fraction from hippocampus, indicating activation of these isoforms. The amount of PKCε in membranes was higher in rats exposed to lead than in rats not exposed to lead after ECS. Taken together, the data suggest that lead may disturb regulation of specific immediate early genes by activating PKCε. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Calcium‐dependent association of annexin VI, protein kinase Cα, and neurocalcinα on the raft fraction derived from the synaptic plasma membrane of rat brain
Authors: Orito Aya , Kumanogoh Haruko , Yasaka Kaoru , Sokawa Junko , Hidaka Hiroyoshi , Sokawa Yoshihiro , Maekawa Shohei
Published: August 2002

A membrane microdomain enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids or so called “raft” region was found to contain many signal transducing proteins such as GPI‐anchored proteins, trimeric G proteins and protein tyrosine kinases. Because brain‐derived raft contains two calmodulin‐binding proteins, GAP‐43 and NAP‐22 as the major protein components, the raft domain is assumed to be important in the Ca2+‐signaling. In this study, we analyzed protein components showing Ca2+‐dependent binding to the raft of synaptic plasma membrane from rat brain. SDS‐PAGE analysis of the protein components in the EGTA eluate from the raft prepared in the presence of Ca2+‐ions showed the elution of 80 kDa, 68 kDa, 22 kDa, and 21 kDa proteins. These proteins were identified as protein kinase Cα (80 kDa) and annexin VI (68 kDa) from the partial amino‐acid sequencing, and neurocalcinα (22 kDa) and calmodulin (21 kDa) with western blotting and electrophoretic mobilities in the presence or absence of Ca2+ ions. Further immunoblotting experiments showed the Ca2+‐dependent association of conventional, but not non‐conventional, subtypes of PKC to the raft. J. Neurosci. Res. 64:235–241, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Malonyl CoA decarboxylase deficiency: C to T transition in intron 2 of the MCD gene
Authors: Surendran Sankar , Sacksteder Katherine A. , Gould Stephen J. , Coldwell James G. , Rady Peter L. , Tyring Stephan K. , Matalon Reuben
Published: August 2002

Malonyl CoA decarboxylase (MCD) is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of fatty acids synthesis. Based on reports of MCD deficiency, this enzyme is particular important in muscle and brain metabolism. Mutations in the MCD gene result in a deficiency of MCD activity, that lead to psychomotor retardation, cardiomyopathy and neonatal death. To date however, only a few patients have been reported with defects in MCD. We report here studies of a patient with MCD deficiency, who presented with hypotonia, cardiomyopathy and psychomotor retardation. DNA sequencing of MCD revealed a homozygous intronic mutation, specifically a −5 C to T transition near the acceptor site for exon 3. RT‐PCR amplification of exons 2 and 3 revealed that although mRNA from a normal control sample yielded one major DNA band, the mutant mRNA sample resulted in two distinct DNA fragments. Sequencing of the patient's two RT‐PCR products revealed that the larger molecular weight fragments contained exons 2 and 3 as well as the intervening intronic sequence. The smaller size band from the patient contained the properly spliced exons, similar to the normal control. Western blotting analysis of the expressed protein showed only a faint band in the patient sample in contrast to a robust band in the control. In addition, the enzyme activity of the mutant protein was lower than that of the control protein. The data indicate that homozygous mutation in intron 2 disrupt normal splicing of the gene, leading to lower expression of the MCD protein and MCD deficiency. J. Neurosci. Res. 65:591–594, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of intraventricularly administered antiamyloid‐beta peptide (Aβ) antibody in the mouse brain
Authors: Chauhan Neelima B. , Siegel George J. , Lichtor Terry
Published: August 2002

There is considerable interest in utilizing the intracerebroventricular (icv) route of administration of antibodies in the brain for various studies and for the therapy of malignancies, but very little is known about the anatomic extent of distribution of the antibody in brain after injection into the third ventricle. To explore the potential for icv administration of antiamyloid‐beta peptide (Aβ) in reducing Aβ toxicity in brain in Alzheimer's disease, we first mapped the time course and path of transit of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐labeled antibody. The results show that, after a single injection into the mouse third venticle, the HRP‐labeled antibody is localized within the microvasculature, first that of the corticohippocampal region close to the site of injection at 3 hr. By 24 hr, the antibody is distributed throughout the hippocampus and frontoparietal cortex close to the injection site, as well as in the deep and outer cerebral cortex and cerebellar cortex remote from the injection site. The injected antibody is almost entirely removed by 4 days. Therefore, the antibody had diffused throughout all the brain by 24 hr, showing the feasibility of small quantities of anti‐Aβ antibody infused into the third ventricle to reach extracellular epitopes throughout the brain parenchyma rapidly. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:231–235, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perceptions of executive pay: does pay enhance a leader's aura?
Authors: Miller Janice S. , Wiseman Robert M.
Published: August 2002

This study used policy capturing to test the ‘figurehead’ assertion that executive pay level contributes to followers' perceptions of a leader's ability. Findings indicated human capital factors including promotion history, degree earned and university prestige all furnished more explanation than pay for CEO ratings. Results challenged the underlying logic of figurehead explanations for executive compensation to the rank and file. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring teamwork mental models to support training needs assessment, development, and evaluation: two empirical studies†
Authors: Smith‐Jentsch Kimberly A. , Campbell Gwendolyn E. , Milanovich Dana M. , Reynolds Angelique M.
Published: August 2002

The present paper reports data from two studies that utilized a card sorting approach to measuring mental model similarity in naturalistic training environments. Results from the first study indicated that higher ranking navy personnel held mental models of teamwork that were more similar to an empirically derived model of expert team performance than lower ranking personnel. Furthermore, comparisons of mental model similarity within groups of high and low ranking trainees and within groups of high and low experience trainees indicated greater similarity between those of higher rank and between those with greater experience. The second study tested the effects of a computer‐based training (CBT) strategy that was designed to develop teamwork mental models that were more similar to the ‘expert model’ described in Study 1. Using the same card sorting approach, positive training effects were demonstrated on similarity to the expert model, similarity to other trainees, and consistency. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal fluctuations in heat waves at Prague–Klementinum, the Czech Republic, from 1901–97, and their relationships to atmospheric circulation
Authors: Kyselý Jan
Published: August 2002

Temporal fluctuations in heat wave occurrence and severity are analysed in long‐term daily temperature series at Prague–Klementinum, the Czech Republic. Although the observations have been continuous since 1775, the period 1901–97 with the most credible data is mainly examined. Most of the warmest summers of the 20th century appeared within the periods 1943–52 and 1992–95; the temporal distribution of heat waves corresponds to this pattern and shows two maxima, in the 1940s to early 1950s and in the 1990s. A very low occurrence of heat waves was typical of the beginning of the 20th century and around 1980. The peak of heat wave severity in the 1940s–early 1950s, as well as their almost total absence in the first two decades of the 20th century, may be a common feature for a large area, as indicated by the comparison between two stations within central Europe, Prague–Klementinum and Basel (Switzerland), and by other studies. An extraordinary heat wave occurred in July and August 1994. It greatly exceeded other heat waves, mainly in the much higher cumulative temperature excess above 30°C and a record‐breaking duration of a continuous period of tropical days.

Relationships between heat wave characteristics in warm and cold decades and circulation conditions were analysed using the subjective Hess–Brezowsky catalogue of weather types (Grosswetterlagen). The link to the atmospheric circulation is evident, e.g. situations with an anticyclone or a ridge over central Europe were more (less) frequent during all the warm (cold) decades. Moreover, the occurrence of long and severe heat waves in the 1990s may reflect an enhanced persistence of the atmospheric circulation over Europe in the summer season because all groups of weather types have considerably increased residence times in 1988–97 compared with long‐term means. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society
Identification and significance of a visible, basalt‐rich Vedde Ash layer in a Late‐glacial sequence on the Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides, Scotland
Authors: Davies Siwan M. , Turney Chris S. M. , Lowe J. John
Published: August 2002

This paper reports the discovery of a visible, tephra horizon of Late‐glacial age from the site of Loch Ashik in the Isle of Skye, the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. Although the tephra shards have a bimodal geochemical composition identical to that of the Vedde Ash (a well known marker horizon within Late‐glacial sequences. The horizon at Ashik is dominated by basaltic shards and devitrified tephra shards, giving the layer its characteristic black colour. Only rhyolitic shards have previously been reported from Vedde Ash horizons in the British Isles. This new evidence raises some important questions about the factors that govern the distribution and accumulation of basaltic tephra, and about the methods used to detect ash shards in basins distal to centres of volcanic activity. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐wavenumber Raman spectra of the spin‐transition complexes [Fe(NH2 trz)3](ClO4)2 and [Fe(Htrz)3](ClO4)2
Authors: Smit Eugene , Manoun Bouchaib , Waal Danita de
Published: August 2002

Raman spectra of two spin‐transition polymers, [Fe(NH2trz)3](ClO4)2 and [Fe(Htrz)3](ClO4)2, where NH2trz=4‐NH2‐1,2,4‐triazole and Htrz=1‐H‐1,2,4‐triazole, were investigated. The low‐temperature high‐spin to low‐spin phase transition of [Fe(NH2trz)3](ClO4)2 is reported. The increasing intensity of the Fe–N stretching band, which appears in the spectrum of the low‐spin state, is plotted against temperature to obtain a representative transition curve. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic studies on interactions and microstructures in propylene carbonate—LiTFSI electrolytes
Authors: Wang Zhaoxiang , Gao Weidong , Huang Xuejie , Mo Yujun , Chen Liquan
Published: August 2002

Interactions between propylene carbonate (PC) and lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfone imide) [LiTFSI, LiN(CF3SO2)2] were studied by Fourier transform (FT) Raman and IR spectroscopy. It was found that PC interacts with the Li+ ions and the TFSI− anions through its skeletal oxygen atoms, leading to solvent‐separated ion pairs and contact ion pairs in the solution by way of the nitrogen atoms on the anion. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of gallium(III) nitrate hydrate and aqueous solutions: Raman spectroscopy and ab initio molecular orbital calculations of gallium(III) water clusters
Authors: Rudolph Wolfram W. , Pye Cory C. , Irmer Gert
Published: August 2002

Raman spectra of aqueous Ga(III) perchlorate and nitrate solutions were measured at room temperature. From Ga(ClO4)3 solutions, a strongly polarized band at 526 cm−1 and two depolarized modes at 430 and 328 cm−1 were assigned to ν1(a1g), ν2(eg) and ν5(f2g) of the hexaaquagallium(III) ion, [Ga(OH2)63+] (Oh symmetry), respectively. The infrared active mode at 555 cm−1 was assigned to ν3(f1u). The Raman spectroscopic data suggest that the hexaaquagallium(III) ion is thermodynamically stable in perchlorate solutions (no inner‐sphere complex formation). In a supersaturated solution and in concentrated Ga(NO3)3 solutions most of the gallium(III) exists in the form of an outer‐sphere ion pair, [Ga(OH2)63+NO3−], but a small amount of the gallium(III) occurs as an inner‐sphere complex, [Ga(OH2)5ONO2]2+, which could be confirmed using Raman spectroscopy. Upon dilution, the fraction of the weak inner‐sphere nitrato complex diminishes and only the outer‐sphere complex is observable. Ab initio geometry optimizations and wavenumber calculations of [Ga(OH2)63+] were carried out at the Hartree–Fock and second order Møller–Plesset levels of theory, using various basis sets up to 6–31+G*. The global minimum structure of the hexaaqua Ga(III) species corresponds to symmetry Th. The unscaled vibrational wavenumbers of the [Ga(OH2)63+] are reported. The unscaled vibrational wavenumbers of the GaO6 unit are lower than the experimental values (∼15%). Scaling the wavenumbers reproduces only partially the measured values for the GaO6 unit. The theoretical binding enthalpy for [Ga(OH2)63+] was calculated and accounts for ∼60% of the experimental single ion hydration enthalpy for Ga(III). Ab initio geometry optimizations and wavenumber calculations are also reported for a [Ga(OH2)183+] (Ga[6+12]) cluster with six water molecules in the first sphere and 12 water molecules in the second sphere. The global minimum occurs for T symmetry. Calculated wavenumbers of the gallium [6+12] cluster correspond well with the observed wavenumbers in solution. The ν1 GaO6 (unscaled) mode occurs at 524 cm−1, which is in good agreement with the experimental value. The theoretical binding enthalpy for [Ga(OH2)183+] was calculated and is slightly underestimated compared with the experimental single ion hydration enthalpy of Ga(III). The water molecules of the first sphere form strong H‐bonds with water molecules in the second hydration shell because of the strong polarizing effect of the Ga(III) ion. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The enterprise culture: understanding a misunderstood concept
Authors: Carr Patricia , Beaver Graham
Published: August 2002

This paper seeks to examine the origins and development of the enterprise culture particularly in the British context in addition to:

The role that the state plays in the creation of enterprise culture.

The impact of the enterprise culture on business life and society in general over the past two decades in the United Kingdom.

The contribution that the enterprises culture has made to enhancing the profile of entrepreneurship and small business.

Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degradation kinetics of beetroot pigment encapsulated in polymeric matrices
Authors: Serris George S , Biliaderis Costas G
Published: August 2002

Kinetic studies on the degradation of water‐soluble beetroot pigment, mainly consisting of the betalain betanin, encapsulated in three different matrices (pullulan and two maltodextrin samples differing in their molecular weight) were carried out under various water activity (aw = 0.23, 0.43, 0.64, 0.75 and 0.84) and temperature (30, 40 and 50 °C) conditions. The water sorption behaviour of these materials was also examined. Degradation of the pigment was monitored by absorbance measurements at 537 nm (λmax of betanin). The highest values of the rate constants for degradation were observed at an intermediate water activity level (aw = 0.64) for all matrices and all three storage temperatures examined. An attempt to relate the degradation kinetics to the molecular mobility of the wall material was not successful. Pigment losses were observed even at temperatures below the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymeric matrices, although degradation was largely slowed down in the glassy state. In the vicinity of the Tg zone, where all polymers go through a glass → rubber transition, there was not a distinct change in the reaction rate, which could reflect the pronounced changes in molecular mobility of the wall material. In fact, some of the lower degradation rates were observed mostly under conditions where the matrices were fully plasticised (ie rubbery) and ‘collapsed’, implying that the degradation kinetics is not governed by factors related only to the physical state of the polymeric wall material.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Dynamics of physicochemical and biological parameters during the co‐composting of chestnut burr/leaf litter with solid poultry manure
Authors: Guerra‐Rodríguez Esther , Vázquez Manuel , Diaz‐Raviña Montserrat
Published: August 2002

Dynamic parameters of the transformation of chestnut burr/leaf litter with solid poultry manure (ratio 1:3) into a fertiliser using a co‐composting process are reported in this work. Determinations of temperature, granulometric composition, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter content, nitrogen content and available potassium and phosphorus as well as biological germination tests on ryegrass (Lolium perenne), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds were performed. The loss of organic matter was only 6.27% (w/w dry weight) and the available potassium changed from 2820 to 3265 mg kg−1 in the co‐compost studied. Germination tests showed that the co‐compost was mature in 103 days.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes in the pectic fraction of bush butter (Dacryodes edulis (G Don) HJ Lam) fruit pulp during ripening
Authors: Ella Missang Crépin , Renard Cathérine M G C , Baron Alain , Drilleau Jean‐François
Published: August 2002

CDTA‐soluble polysaccharides were extracted from cell wall material (prepared as alcohol‐insoluble solids) of bush butter fruit endocarp tissue at three stages of ripeness. The amount of soluble pectins remained constant but they underwent a gradual depolymerisation during ripening. The CDTA extracts were fractionated by anion exchange and the subfractions were analysed for their sugar composition and molecular weight distribution. For all degrees of ripeness the extracts were composed of three minor peaks and two major peaks. The minor peaks appeared to be composed of xyloglucan and mannan‐type polymers for the first peak and arabinogalactan‐type polymers for the other two peaks. The two main peaks were retained on the column. The first was exclusively composed of homogalacturonan polymers and the second contained principally highly branched rhamnogalacturonan polymers. During ripening, both homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan populations were modified. Modifications in the rhamnogalacturonan fraction were principally marked by the accumulation of low‐molecular‐weight rhamnoglacturonan polymers in the course of ripening.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Preliminary studies on the influence of boron on the foliar biomass and quality of tobacco leaves subjected to $\hbox{NO}_3^-$ fertilisation
Authors: Ruiz Juan M , Lopez‐Lefebre Luis R , Sanchez Esteban , Rivero Rosa M , Garcia Pablo C , Romero Luis
Published: August 2002

The aim of the present work was to determine the influence of different B dosages on foliar biomass and quality in tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L var Tennesse 86). Tobacco plants were grown under controlled conditions and submitted to regular fertilisation with macro‐ and micronutrients. The B was applied to the nutrient solution in the form of H3BO3 at 5 µM (B1), 10 µM (B2) and 20 µM (B3). The results indicated that under the experimental conditions of this work the increased application of B favoured the growth and development of the leaves, this leading to improved biomass production in tobacco leaves. The increase in foliar biomass in treatment B3 is due largely to the stimulation of ${\bf NO_3^-}$ assimilation. However, this situation has negative consequences for tobacco quality, given that the B3 treatment augmented the ${\bf NO_3^-}$ concentration as well as the foliar concentration of nicotine, both effects being harmful for human consumption. Finally, a close and directly proportional relationship was found in our experiment between the parameters foliar biomass production, total N concentration, chlorophyll concentration and decline in quality.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of cooking on the location and concentration of oxalate in three cultivars of New Zealand‐grown oca (Oxalis tuberosa Mol)
Authors: Albihn Pernilla B E , Savage Geoffrey P
Published: August 2002

Oca (Oxalis tuberosa Mol) originates from South America but is now also grown commercially in New Zealand. It contains moderate amounts of oxalate, which is only present in its soluble form. The skin of the oca tuber is thought to contain more oxalate than the flesh. In this study the concentration of soluble oxalate was measured in the skin and outer and inner flesh and in the whole tuber of raw, boiled, baked and steamed oca. The analysis was carried out on the traditionally pinkish‐red New Zealand cultivar and on the newly introduced cultivars ‘Mellow Yellow’ and ‘Apricot Delight’. In the raw oca tuber the oxalate concentration in the skin is significantly higher than in the flesh (mean value 7.3 g kg−1 fresh weight (FW) compared to 1.7 and 1.4 g kg−1 FW in the outer and inner flesh respectively). The highest concentration was found in the skin of the pinkish‐red cultivar (10.9 ± 1.0 g kg−1 FW). All cooking methods seemed to cause a migration of oxalate from the skin to the underlying flesh. On a fresh weight basis, baking significantly increased the oxalate concentration in the whole tuber, whereas boiling decreased the concentration and steaming had no significant effect (p < 0.001). Boiling might therefore be a better way of cooking oca than baking when a low intake of oxalate is desired.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of red beet (Beta vulgaris var conditiva) varieties on the basis of their pigment components
Authors: Gasztonyi Magdolna Nagy , Daood Hussein , Hájos Maria Takács , Biacs Peter
Published: August 2002

The colour of beetroot is an important quality characteristic. This vegetable has a beneficial health effect against tumour cells, and its mineral content is high. It is also considered as a raw material for natural food colourant production. The aim of this study was to determine the pigment content of five red beet varieties, with special emphasis on the ratios of various pigment components. The red–violet and yellow pigment components of red beet were extracted and measured by HPLC. Four red–violet and two yellow components were separated in all five varieties. Data revealed the highest BC/BX ratio (2.08) in the variety ‘Rubin’, which showed good inner colour in sensory tests. The experiments proved that red beet varieties can be ranged according to their pigment content so that they can be selected for the production of food colourants.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Pragmatism and organizational knowledge management
Authors: Blosch Marcus
Published: August 2002

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in organizational knowledge and knowledge management. Much of this literature does not define what knowledge is, treating knowledge as merely a collection of facts which may be managed just as any other organizational resource. This paper argues that this approach to knowledge does not provide managers with the basis needed in order to create the knowledge based organization. Building on contemporary pragmatism this paper creates a definition of knowledge which may underpin the organization's approach to knowledge management. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil organic matter decline and compositional change associated with cereal cropping in southern Tanzania
Authors: McDonagh J. F. , Thomsen T. Birch , Magid J.
Published: August 2002

The spatial analogue method and 13C analytical techniques were used to reveal medium‐ to long‐term changes in soil organic matter (SOM) in farmers' fields under maize in southern Tanzania. Aerial photography and detailed farmer interviews were used to relate land‐use history to declines in SOM concentration and changes in composition. The research attempted to measure the rate of SOM decline and the extent to which farmers' residue management practice was allowing cereal residues to contribute to SOM. The combination of research methods employed in this study proved to be highly complementary. Results indicate that native SOM decreased by on average 50 per cent; after 25 years of cultivation. Under current residue management with cereal residues mostly grazed and burnt there is only a relatively modest contribution from cereal residues to SOM. When cereal residues are retained in the field it is likely they will contribute significantly to SOM but they are much less likely to build SOM in the medium to long term. The paper concludes that in many situations it is probably best for farmers to allow the majority of the residues to be eaten by cattle in these systems rather than attempt to build SOM or risk nitrogen immobilization in cropped fields. The greater importance of inputs of high‐quality (e.g. legume) residues for nutrient supply in the short term is highlighted, in contrast to inputs of poor‐quality (e.g. cereal) residues in an attempt to build SOM in the longer term. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using farmers' knowledge for defining criteria for land qualities in biophysical land evaluation
Authors: Messing I. , Fagerström M. H. Hoang
Published: August 2002

The objective of this paper is to present a way of complementing empirical results with farmers' perceptions in defining limiting biophysical land properties in a land suitability evaluation using the FAO framework methodology. The farmers' perceptions were identified using rapid and participatory rural appraisal (RRA/PRA) tools. The study catchment, having a semiarid continental climate and located on the Loess Plateau in northern China, covered an area of 3.5 km2. Most of the land users were dependent on subsistence agriculture. There were important topographic variations in the catchment and arable cropping on steep slopes brought about degradation of land due to water erosion. The biophysical monitoring, soil survey and RRA/PRA survey, carried out one year prior to the present investigation, supplied the data needed for identification of preliminary limiting land properties and land evaluation units. The land properties that needed further investigation in the present study were slope aspect, soil workability, flooding hazard and farmers' criteria on choice of land‐use type. The farmers were able to give a comprehensive picture of the spatial and temporal variation and the importance for land‐use options of the land properties concerned, and thereby complement the information gained from empirical results (measurements). In order to guarantee good production for dry as well as wet years, both south‐ and north‐facing sites were chosen for most crops, and the slope aspect did not need to be differentiated in the final land suitability evaluation for arable crops. Grassland, however, was considered to be more suitable than woodland on south‐facing sites. Hard soil layers were found to be important, since they affected soil workability and erosion negatively, giving slightly reduced suitability for the land units in which they occurred. Flooding events affecting crops on alluvial soils negatively were considered to occur once every 5 to 10 years, which is considered to be a low rate, so this property was therefore not included in the final suitability evaluation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ground‐level changes after wildfire and ploughing in eucalyptus and pine forests, Portugal: implications for soil microtopographical development and soil longevity
Authors: Shakesby R. A. , Coelho C. O. A. , Ferreira A. J. D. , Walsh R. P. D.
Published: August 2002

Soil level changes over four years at 50 sites in three types of post‐fire eucalyptus and pine forest management practices (natural pine seedling regeneration; eucalyptus regrowth from coppiced stumps; and deep‐(rip‐) ploughed areas planted with eucalyptus seedlings) in the Águeda Basin, Portugal are reported. Average ground lowering at regrowth sites was high during the first year after fire (up to an estimated 18 mm), declining sharply by the third year with vegetation growth and litter cover development. In the first year after rip‐ploughing, there was greater surface lowering (up to 27 mm recorded), with recovery within three–four years. This sharp post‐ploughing reduction in soil loss is attributed to stone lag development through erosion of fines. Soil erosion resulting from a wildfire—rip‐ploughing cycle is estimated to be up to 174 t ha−1, which would lead to ultimate physical degradation for typically thin soils within 50–100 years. Soil surface roughness decreased slightly or remained virtually stable for the moist Águeda Basin stony soil compared with a model of increased roughness for dry Mediterranean stony soils. This difference is attributed to moist conditions encouraging vegetation growth and rapid fermentation of organic matter together with transported sediment infilling surface indentations. The value of a ground‐level change approach, and of the soil erosion bridge in particular, in soil erosion studies is discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of laser‐induced thermotherapy (LITT) on proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cells in rat brain transplantation tumors
Authors: Schulze Paul Christian , Adams Volker , Busert Christoph , Bettag Martin , Kahn Thomas , Schober Ralf
Published: August 2002

Background and Objectives

Laser‐induced thermotherapy (LITT) is an approach to the treatment of brain tumors especially in poorly accessible regions. Its clinical applicability with tumor cell destruction has been shown in several studies. However, no data are known about specific effects on tumors cells due to LITT in the time course of the lesion.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

LITT was performed in adult Lewis rats with implanted glioma cells in the brain using a standard exposure of 3 W for 30 seconds. Before and following LITT, neoplastic lesions were monitored by MRI. Proliferation of implanted cells and gliosis were assessed by several histological techniques and immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining.

Results

Our experiments show a destruction of neoplastic cells by LITT but surviving tumor cells at the margin of the lesion. Apoptosis was detected following LITT restricted to residual neoplastic cells. Marginal survival of tumor cells lead to a secondary outgrowth into the necrotic lesion adjacent to sprouting capillaries.

Conclusions

LITT is a suitable technique for the treatment of brain neoplasms. However, further investigations are necessary to prevent tumor recurrences after LITT. Lasers Surg. Med. 30:227‐232, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histologic analysis of the effect on dental pulp of a 9.6‐μm CO2 laser*
Authors: Wigdor Harvey A. , Walsh Joseph T.
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective

Both patients and dentists would like a replacement of the dental drill. During the last decade, lasers have been investigated as a possible replacement. For lasers to be accepted, studies must show that their effect on the dental pulpal tissues is equal to or less noxious than those effects caused by the dental handpiece (drill).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

In this study, two laser systems were used; the first was a breadboard CO2 laser and the second a prototype clinical CO2 laser system both emitted 60‐μs‐long pulses of 9.6‐μm radiation. On the delivery system of both lasers, a scanner moved the focussed beam in a circular pattern and a water spray system served to cool the ablation site. Both lasers were used to create holes of similar dimensions in canine teeth. The treated teeth were then restored and harvested at either 4 days or 4 weeks. The teeth were decalcified, sectioned, and stained for examination via light microscopy.

Results

The histologic examination revealed normal pulpal tissues in the canine teeth treated with both CO2 lasers. Some histologic sections showed an increase in the predentin layer, 28 days after laser treatment. While many histologic sections showed normal pulpal architecture following handpiece treatment, some sections showed total disruption of the normal pulpal histology.

Conclusions

Histologic evaluation revealed that the lasers produced no noticeable damage to the dental pulpal tissue and appear to be a safe method for removing dental hard tissues. From this study, it appears that 9.6 μm CO2 laser does not cause damage to the dental pulpal tissues in dogs. Lasers Surg. Med. 30:261–266, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimizing free electron laser incisions at 6.45 μm with computer‐assisted surgical techniques and the utilization of a heat‐conducting template††
Authors: Robbins Jason B. , Reinisch Lou , Ellis Darrel L.
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective

We sought to optimize laser incisions by evaluating the effects of varying the slit width of a heat‐conducting template and the step size with the Computer‐Assisted Surgical Techniques (CAST) system on free electron laser (FEL) incisions at 6.45 μm.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Stainless steel calipers were used as a heat‐conducting template on human skin in vitro. The CAST system made the incisions as a series of spot ablations with set step sizes of 50 μm or 1,250 μm. At each step size, incisions were made with or without the calipers, by using varying slit widths. Histologic specimens were analyzed for lateral thermal damage over the entire depth of the incision and over the superficial 150 μm of dermis.

Results

Lateral thermal damage over the superficial 150 μm of dermis was most significantly reduced with the calipers at a slit width approximating the FEL's beam diameter (636 μm  ±  100 μm). Also, incisions made with the larger step size (1,250 μm) had significantly less lateral thermal damage over the entire depth of the incision.

Conclusions

The use of a heat‐conducting template with an aperture approximating the FEL's beam diameter and larger step size improved FEL incisions at 6.45 μm. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:162–167, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Do established antecedents of purchase decision‐making power apply to contemporary couples?
Authors: Webster Cynthia , Reiss Michelle C.
Published: August 2002

The research reported here investigated the extent to which hedonic theory explains the nature of the effects of the established antecedents of marital roles (resource theory, sex‐role orientation, least‐interested partner hypothesis, and involvement) on relative influence and strategy usage in purchase decision making for married and nontraditional couples (cohabiting heterosexual, gay, and lesbian couples). The findings reveal that hedonic theory (the effect of partners' [dis]similarity in an antecedent on that antecedent's impact of relational power) explains the majority of cases where the impact of the antecedents on power vary across couple types. In some cases, however, hedonic theory is lacking in its explanatory power, thus indicating that couple types differ other than the extent to which partners are (dis)similar demographically or socioeconomically. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
New trends in the application of electron ionization to liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry interfacing
Authors: Cappiello Achille , Famiglini Giorgio , Mangani Filippo , Palma Pierangela
Published: August 2002

I.
Introduction
88

II.
Cap‐EI Interface
90

A.   Interface Performance
92

III.
Direct‐EI Interface
93

A.   Interface Performance
97

IV.
Conclusions
103

Acknowledgments
103

References
103

Two recent approaches for coupling capillary scale liquid chromatography and electron ionization mass spectrometry are reviewed and discussed. The first one, Cap‐EI, is the latest evolution of the micro‐scale particle beam interface, in which the nebulizer has been optimized to overcome the limitations of the former approach, in terms of sensitivity and linearity. It can be easily hosted in pre‐existing instruments without major modifications and can use helium and the less‐expensive nitrogen to generate library‐matchable electron ionization spectra. The second one is a miniaturized interface for nano‐ and micro‐HPLC, in which the interfacing process takes place into a suitably modified ion source. Because the eluate from the column is completely transferred into the ion source for ionization, superior sensitivity, linearity, and reproducibility are obtained. No signs of chemical ionization are observed at flow rates up to 1.5 μL/min. These two interfaces demonstrate that electron ionization can be successfully used for the analysis of small—medium molecules of various polarities, and also at the trace level. The possibility to record library‐matchable electron ionization spectra offers the analyst a powerful tool that can be particularly useful in real‐world applications.© 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 20: 88–104, 2001
Frequent microsatellite instability in lung cancer from chromate‐exposed workers
Authors: Hirose Toshiyuki , Kondo Kazuya , Takahashi Yuji , Ishikura Hisashi , Fujino Haruhiko , Tsuyuguchi Masaru , Hashimoto Masato , Yokose Tomoyuki , Mukai Kiyoshi , Kodama Tetsurou , Monden Yasumasa
Published: August 2002

Although chromium has been the most extensively investigated metal with respect to mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, its genetic effects in humans are only partly understood. Our previous study demonstrated that lung cancer from chromate‐exposed workers infrequently (20%) displayed p53 gene mutations as well as a particular mutation pattern. In the present study, we examined the replication error (RER) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in 38 lung cancers from 28 chromate‐exposed workers (chromate lung cancer group) and in 26 lung cancer patients without chromate exposure (non‐chromate lung cancer group), using six microsatellite markers containing CA repeats: D3S647 (3p23), D3S966 (3p21.3), D3S1289 (3p21.1), D5S346 (5q21–q22), D9S161 (9p21), and TP53 (17p13.1). The RER phenotype was defined as the presence of microsatellite instability (MSI) at two or more loci. Thirty (78.9%) of 38 tumors in the chromate lung cancer group exhibited RER. In contrast, only four (15.4%) of 26 tumors in the non‐chromate lung cancer group exhibited RER. The frequency of RER in the chromate lung cancer group was significantly higher than that in the non‐chromate lung cancer group (P < 0.0001). By contrast, the frequency of LOH at 3p, 5q, 9p, and 17p loci in tumors with chromate exposure was not significantly different from that in tumors without chromate exposure. In the chromate lung cancer group, the period of chromate exposure in workers with RER (24.5 ± 6.7 yr) was significantly longer than that in workers without RER (17.0 ± 3.5 yr) (P = 0.0046). In addition, a longer period of chromate exposure was associated with a tendency toward a higher frequency of MSI. This finding suggests that MSI may play a role in chromium‐induced carcinogenesis. In addition to our previous study of p53 mutations, the present findings suggest that the carcinogenic mechanism of chromate lung cancer may differ from that of non‐chromate lung cancer. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of proliferation and expression of T1 and cyclin D1 genes by thyroid hormone in mammary epithelial cells
Authors: González‐Sancho José Manuel , Figueroa Angélica , López‐Barahona Mónica , López Eva , Beug Hartmut , Muñoz Alberto
Published: August 2002

The relationship between thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine, T3) and breast cancer is unclear. We studied the effect of the c‐erbA/TRα proto‐oncogene encoding a functional T3 receptor (TRα1), of its ligand T3, and of its retroviral, mutated counterpart, the v‐erbA oncogene, on the proliferation capacity of nontumorigenic mammary epithelial cells (EpH4). We found that EpH4 cells expressing ectopically TR (EpH4 + TRα1) or v‐erbA (EpH4 + v‐erbA) proliferated faster than parental EpH4 cells that contained low levels of endogenous TR. T3 inhibited DNA synthesis and proliferation in EpH4 + TRα1 cells but not EpH4 or EpH4 + v‐erbA cells. The study of cell‐cycle genes showed that T3 decreased cyclin D1 RNA and protein levels in EpH4 + TRα1 cells. In addition, T3 downregulated the expression of T1, a gene that is overexpressed in human breast adenocarcinomas and is induced by mitogens, serum, and several oncogenes and cytokines. Inhibition of the T1 gene by T3 required both de novo mRNA and protein synthesis. Furthermore, T3 abolished the induction of T1 by the tumor promoter 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate and inhibited the activity of an activation protein 1–dependent promoter (‐73‐Col‐CAT) in EpH4 + TRα1 cells, suggesting that interference with activation protein 1 transcription factor plays a part in the inhibition of the T1 gene. Our results showed that T3 reduced the proliferation of mammary epithelial cells and inhibited the expression of cyclin D1 and T1 genes. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.