bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution, migration and radiation of late Mesozoic conchostracans in East Asia
Authors: Peiji Chen , Gang Li , Batten David J.
Published: February 2007

Late Mesozoic deposits in East Asia are mainly of continental origin and contain an abundance of conchostracans, whose rapid evolution and radiation makes them biostratigraphically useful in subdividing and classifying non‐marine strata in the region. In this paper we discuss the evolution and radiation of conchostracan faunas during the late Mesozoic in East Asia. Pseudograpta, known from Callovian deposits in north‐west Scotland, migrated to and flourished in East Asia during the early Oxfordian (Tuchengzian: early Late Jurassic), where it not only diversified into about eight species, but also led to the evolution of Monilestheria and Nestoria by adding a row of tubercles on growth lines and losing the very fine radial lirae on growth bands near the venter of carapaces, respectively. Nestoria reached the acme of its development during the Kimmeridgian (Dabeigouan: mid Late Jurassic), forming a major component of the Nestoria‐Keratestheria fauna. By the beginning of the Yixianian (Tithonian or early Cretaceous: correlation with the standard geological time scale is controversial), an Eosestheria fauna began to flourish, occupying Transbaikalia in Russia, south Mongolia, and north and north‐east China in the ancient Amur River drainage system. By the Early Cretaceous Eosestheria and Diestheria, two dominant genera of the Eosestheria fauna, evolved into Yanjiestheria and Neodiestheria respectively, through a reduction in the size of the reticulation of the carapace and an increase in the density of the radial lirae. The Yanjiestheria fauna flourished. Consisting of some 100 species in 16 genera, its distribution expanded westwards to the Junggar Basin and eastwards to coastal regions of south‐east China, and to Japan. During the Cenomanian a homogeneous Nemestheria fauna was widely distributed in East Asia. Soon after, however, this evolved into four faunas within three palaeogeographic provinces: a Euestherites fauna in the ancient Amur River‐Songhua Lake drainage system in north‐east China; Linhaiella and Tenuestheria faunas in the Yunmeng Lake system in south‐east China; and an Aglestheria fauna in the palaeo‐lakes of south‐west China. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diversification and faunal shift of Siluro‐Devonian vertebrates of China
Authors: Wen‐Jin Zhao , Min Zhu
Published: February 2007

A database including all major groups of early vertebrates in the mid‐Palaeozoic of China was analysed to unravel the diversity pattern at the generic level through this period. It was revealed that early vertebrates from China experienced six macroevolutionary intervals during the mid‐Palaeozoic. They are: (1) the origination interval lasting from the Telychian (Llandovery) to the end of the Wenlock; (2) the survival interval lasting from the Ludlow to the Přídolí; (3) the radiation interval lasting from the Lochkovian to the Emsian; (4) the decline interval lasting from the Eifelian to the Givetian; (5) the survival interval during the Frasnian and (6) the recovery interval during the Famennian. Two major evolutionary faunas, that is, the stem‐gnathostome fauna and the crown‐gnathostome fauna, can be recognized during the mid‐Palaeozoic. The stem‐gnathostome fauna included mainly endemic armoured agnathans (e.g. galeaspids and thelodonts), placoderms and acanthodians, and constituted the chief components of Chinese vertebrates during the period. Although the crown‐gnathostome fauna comprising chondrichthyans and osteichthyans only accounted for about 29% of the total vertebrate genera in the mid‐Palaeozoic of China, it ascended to the partial dominance during the period from the Lochkovian to the Frasnian, and then rapidly increased in importance during the Famennian. Two fish faunal turnovers, occurring at the end of mid‐Emsian and the end‐Devonian, respectively, facilitated the faunal shift from the stem‐gnathostome fauna to the crown‐gnathostome fauna.

The early vertebrates mainly inhabited shallow marine niches, which are sensitive to sea‐level fluctuations. The diversification of early vertebrates in the Silurian and Early Devonian of China provides an example of major morphological innovations in tropical nearshore environments. The faunal shift of early vertebrates in the mid‐Palaeozoic of China was mainly affected by sea‐level changes and biotic interactions among organisms, suggesting differential responses of two component faunas to physical environmental transitions (e.g. the removal of barriers during the Emsian). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sustained virological response to interferon-α is associated with improved outcome in HCV-related cirrhosis: A retrospective study
Authors: Bruno Savino , Stroffolini Tommaso , Colombo Massimo , Bollani Simona , Benvegnù Luisa , Mazzella Giuseppe , Ascione Antonio , Santantonio Teresa , Piccinino Felice , Andreone Pietro , Mangia Alessandra , Gaeta Giovanni B. , Persico Marcello , Fagiuoli Stefano , Almasio Piero L.
Published: February 2007

The effect of achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) following interferon-α (IFNα) treatment on the clinical outcomes of patients with HCV-related cirrhosis is unknown. In an attempt to assess the risk of liver-related complications, HCC and liver-related mortality in patients with cirrhosis according to the response to IFNα treatment, a retrospective database was developed including all consecutive patients with HCV-related, histologically proven cirrhosis treated with IFNα monotherapy between January 1992 and December 1997. SVR was an undetectable serum HCV-RNA by PCR 24 weeks after IFNα discontinuation. HCC was assessed by ultrasound every 6 months. Independent predictors of all outcomes were assessed by Cox regression analysis. Of 920 patients, 124 (13.5%) were classified as achieving a SVR. During a mean follow-up of 96.1 months (range: 6-167) the incidence rates per 100 person-years of liver-related complications, HCC and liver-related death were 0, 0.66, and 0.19 among SVR and 1.88, 2.10, and 1.44 among non-SVR (

P

< 0.001 by log-rank test). Multivariate analyses found that non-SVR was associated with a higher risk of liver-related complications (hazard ratio, HR, not applicable), HCC (HR 2.59; 95% CI 1.13-5.97) and liver-related mortality (HR 6.97; 95% CI 1.71-28.42) as compared to SVR.

Conclusion:

Thus, in patients with HCV-related, histologically proven cirrhosis, achievement of a SVR after IFNα therapy was associated with a reduction of liver-related mortality lowering both the risk of complications and HCC development. Irrespective of SVR achievement, all patients should continue surveillance because the risk of occurrence of HCC was not entirely avoided. (Hepatology 2007;45:579–587.)
Impact of aboriginal ethnicity on HCV core-induced IL-10 synthesis: Interaction with IL-10 gene polymorphisms
Authors: Aborsangaya Koko Bate , Dembinski Iga , Khatkar Suresh , Alphonse Martin Prince , Nickerson Peter , Rempel Julia D.
Published: February 2007

The host immune response is a critical determinant in viral infection outcome. Epidemiological studies indicate that North American indigenous peoples are more resistant to chronic HCV infection than other populations. Due to the prominence of IL-10 in chronic HCV infection, we investigated the genetic tendency to produce IL-10 in Caucasian (CA) and First Nation (FN) populations. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from CA subjects had a greater tendency to produce IL-10 defined by allelic polymorphisms, as well as genotypes and haplotypes, at the -1082, -819, and -592 positions of the IL-10 promoter. More importantly, we directly evaluated the influence of ethnicity on the ability of HCV core protein to induce IL-10 synthesis and found significantly higher IL-10 production by PBMCs isolated from healthy CA subjects compared with FN subjects. Further examination of the underlying relationship between core-induced IL-10 with the high, intermediate, and low phenotypes at the -1082, -819, and -592 position revealed that spontaneous and core-induced IL-10 synthesis tended to interact negatively with defined polymorphisms. This was particularly evident for the FN cohort, in which the relationship was strengthened by a stronger interaction of core with the low–IL-10–producing phenotypes. As with previous studies, concanavalin A induced IL-10 synthesis from the CA cohort positively associated with defined genetic phenotypes.

Conclusion

: Cells from FN subjects had a reduced capacity to produce IL-10 in response to HCV core protein, suggesting that reduced susceptibility of FN immunity to virally induced IL-10 synthesis might contribute to epidemiological observations of enhanced HCV clearance. (Hepatology 2007;45:623–630.)
Biomaterials for orthopedics: A roughness analysis by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Covani Ugo , Giacomelli Luca , Krajewski Adriano , Ravaglioli Antonio , Spotorno Lorenza , Loria Patrizia , Das Saradindu , Nicolini Claudio
Published: February 2007

We conducted an AFM analysis of roughness on 7 materials widely used in bone reconstruction. Roughness was evaluated by measuring Root Mean Square (RMS) values and RMS/average height (AH) ratio, in different dimensional ranges, varying from 100 microns square to a few hundreds of nanometers. The results showed that Titanium presented a lower roughness than the other materials analyzed, frequently reaching statistical significance. On the contrary, bioactive materials, such as hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioactive glasses, demonstrated an overall higher roughness. In particular, this study focuses attention on AP40 and especially RKKP, which proved to have a significant higher roughness at low dimensional ranges. This determines a large increase in surface area, which is strongly connected with osteoblast adhesion and growth and to protein absorption. Therefore, the biointegration properties of bioactive glasses can also be given as answer in terms of surface structures in which chemical composition can influence directly the biological system (e.g. with chemical exchanges and development of specific surface electrical charge) and indirectly, via the properties induced on tribological behavior that expresses itself during the smoothing of the surfaces. We also test two new bioactive glasses, RBP1 and RBP2, with a chemical composition similar to AP40, but with some significant small additions and substitutions of components, in order to make preliminary considerations on their potential role in orthopedics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2007
Dual requirements of extracellular matrix protein and chitosan for inducing adhesion contacte volution of esophageal epithelia
Authors: Feng Zhiqin , Chian Kerm Sin , Ong Wey Feng , Mhaisalka Priyadarshini S. , Chan Vincent , Ratner Buddy D.
Published: February 2007

It has been recently shown that chitosan (CHI)/collagen prostheses induced epithelization at the esophagus site of animal model. However, little is known on the biophysical mechanisms of cell adhesion on CHI‐based material pertaining to esophagus tissue engineering. In this study, the adhesion contact dynamics of porcine esophageal epithelial cells seeded on CHI surface is probed using confocal‐reflectance interference contrast microscopy in conjunction with phase‐contrast microscopy. First of all, cells fail to form any adhesion contact on either CHI or elastin (ES)‐coated surface. On CHI coated with fibronectin (CHI‐FN) or elastin (CHI‐ES), strong adhesion contact of cells evolved over time until they reached a steady‐state level. The initial cell deformation rates of cells on CHI‐FN and CHI‐ES are 0.0138 and 0.0151 min−1, respectively. Interestingly, cells on fibronectin (FN) coated substrate transiently form strong adhesion contact and eventually undergo deadhesion. Moreover, the steady‐state adhesion energy of epithelial cells on CHI‐FN is 1.73 and 148 times larger than that on CHI‐ES and FN, respectively. The actin of cells on CHI‐FN transforms from microfilament meshes at cell periphery to stress fibers throughout the cytoplasm during cell seeding. At the same time, vinculin staining demonstrated the evolution of focal adhesion complexes in cells on CHI‐FN after 130 min of seeding. Interestingly, CHI‐ES induces the formation of focal adhesion complexes in a lesser extent in cell but fails to lead to stress fiber formation. Overall, our study reveals that long‐term adhesion contact evolution of esophageal epithelia is only triggered by both extracellular matrix protein and chitosan. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
In situ growth of hydroxyapatite within electrospun poly(DL‐lactide) fibers
Authors: Cui Wenguo , Li Xiaohong , Zhou Shaobing , Weng Jie
Published: February 2007

Development of nanocomposites of hydroxyapatite (HA) and polylactic acid (PLA) is attractive, as the advantageous properties of the two types of materials can be combined to suit better the mechanical and biological demands for biomedical uses. To solve the problematic issue of agglomeration of HA crystallites in the PLA matrix, a novel method is introduced in the present study to use electrospun nanofibers as the reaction confinement for composite fabrication. Poly(DL‐lactide) ultrafine fibers with calcium nitrate entrapment were prepared by electrospinning and then incubated in phosphate solution to form in situ calcium phosphate on the polymer matrix. The formation of nonstoichiometric nanostructured HA and well dispersion of HA particles on the electrospun fibers were observed. Higher crystalline HA phase was indicated in samples after sintering at 1200°C. The formation of the calcium‐phosphate phase was dependent upon the precipitation conditions, and the effects of the incubation time, temperature, and the pH values of the incubation medium were investigated on the spontaneous precipitation and amorphous‐crystalline transformation of HA in the current study. Considering the biodegradability of matrix polymer and the crystallinity and uniform dispersal of HA, optimal conditions for composite preparation were incubating calcium‐containing ultrafine fibers at 37°C in pH 7.4 or at 25°C in pH 9.0 of diammonium hydrogen phosphate solutions for 7 days. Around 25%–34% of mineral contents can be synthesized in the resulting composites, which was higher than the theoretical value due to the nonstoichiometric HA formed in the composite, and the fiber degradation and partial calcium nitrate involved in the HA formation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Polyurethane biomaterials for fabricating 3D porous scaffolds and supporting vascular cells
Authors: Grenier Stéphanie , Sandig Martin , Mequanint Kibret
Published: February 2007

Successful tissue engineering of vascular grafts largely depends on synthetic scaffolds that support the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of seeded cells. To investigate the utility of polyurethanes for vascular tissue engineering, three‐dimensional porous polyurethane scaffolds with highly interconnected pore structures were fabricated by a pressure differential/particulate leaching technique. Ammonium chloride and paraffin porogens were prepared to fabricate the scaffolds. Grinding of ammonium chloride resulted in particulates with uniform particle sizes but irregular shapes. Paraffin particulates made by a dispersion method, on the other hand, had spherical shapes and uniform particle sizes. Polyurethane scaffolds fabricated from these particulates had open faced, highly interconnected channels that could allow cellular infiltration and nutrient delivery. Human coronary artery smooth muscle and endothelial cell interactions with polyurethane surfaces revealed these biomaterials to maintain the contractile phenotype of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells and the formation of endothelial monolayers. During longer culture times, surface modification with cell adhesive extracellular matrix (ECM) protein promoted vascular cell proliferation, maintenance of the differentiated phenotype and endothelial monolayer integrity. Our results suggest that these polyurethanes, in conjunction with cell adhesive ECM proteins, could also support vascular cells in three‐dimensional bioreactor‐based culture conditions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Enzymatic synthesis of isotopomers of tyramine labeled with deuterium and tritium
Authors: Panufnik Edyta , Kañska Marianna
Published: February 2007

The combined chemical and enzymatic methods of synthesis of five isotopomers of L‐tyrosine, L‐Tyr, and their derivatives, i.e. corresponding isotopomers of tyramine (TA), labeled with deuterium and tritium have been reported. Two‐step synthesis consists with introduction of deuterium or tritium label into intermediate L‐Tyr using isotope exchange followed by enzymatic decarboxylation using enzyme tyrosine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.25). This way five isotopomers of L‐tyrosine, i.e. [2‐2H]‐L‐, [2‐3H]‐L‐,[2‐2H/3H]‐L‐, [3′,5′‐2H2]‐L‐,[3′,5′‐3H2]‐L‐Tyr, and six isotopomers of tyramine i.e. [1S‐2H]‐, [1S‐3H]‐, [1S‐2H/3H]‐, [3′,5′‐2H2]‐, [3′,5′‐2H2]‐, [2′,6′‐2H2]‐TA were obtained. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and ex vivo evaluation of aza‐trozamicol analogs as SPECT radiotracers for exploration of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter
Authors: Assaad Thaer , Mavel Sylvie , Emond Patrick , Chalon Sylvie , Drossard Marie Laure , Vergote Jackie , Bodard Sylvie , Allouchi Hassan , Besnard Jean‐Claude , Guilloteau Denis
Published: February 2007

Several vesamicol derivatives have already been proposed for SPECT exploration of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) which is localized on the nerve endings of cholinergic neurons which are known to degenerate in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. However, most of these tracers have disadvantages such as in vivo non‐specific binding, slow brain kinetics, or high toxicity. We present in this study the synthesis, the radiolabelling and the cerebral biodistribution in rats of two enantiomeric pairs of new trozamicol derivatives, potential imaging agents for the VAChT. Radiolabelled compounds were obtained with high purity and specific radioactivity. However, after i.v. injection in rats, they distributed homogeneously throughout the brain, in contrast to the reference compound IBVM which showed in the same experimental conditions a high striatum/cerebellum fixation ratio. These results demonstrate that these new compounds are unsuitable for the in vivo imaging of the VAChT using SPECT. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance findings of osteitis pubis
Authors: Kunduracioglu Burak , Yilmaz Cengiz , Yorubulut Mehmet , Kudas Savas
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To determine the correlation of MR findings with clinical features of osteitis pubis and to look for associating injuries complicating chronic cases.

Materials and Methods

Pelvic MR images of the 22 elite athletes with groin pain were taken. Correlation analysis between the MR findings and clinical properties was carried out.

Results

Six of the MR findings had strong correlation with duration of symptoms. Subchondral bone marrow edema, fluid in symphysis pubis joint, and periarticular edema had significant correlation with acuity of the case. On the contrary, subchondral sclerosis, subchondral resorption and bony margin irregularities, and osteophytes correlated with the chronicity of the case. Associated tendon injuries correlated with the duration of symptoms; i.e., all tendon injuries were in chronic cases.

Conclusion

Subchondral bone marrow edema, fluid in symphysis pubis joint, and periarticular edema are the most reliable MRI findings of osteitis pubis that has a history of less than six months. Subchondral sclerosis, subchondral resorption and bony margin irregularities, and osteophytes (or pubic beaking) are the most reliable MRI findings of the chronic disease that has been present for more than six months. Associated pathologies, especially adductor or other tendon injuries, underlie more than half of the chronic cases of osteitis pubis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;25:535–539. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigating the effect of exchange and multicomponent T1 relaxation on the short repetition time spoiled steady‐state signal and the DESPOT1 T1 quantification method
Authors: Deoni Sean C.L. , Rutt Brian K. , Jones Derek K.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To examine the spoiled steady‐state (spoiled gradient‐recalled echo sequence [SPGR]) signal arising from two‐compartment systems and the role of experimental parameters, in particular TR for resolving signal from each compartment.

Materials and Methods

Using Bloch‐McConnell simulations, we examined the SPGR signal from two‐component systems in which T1 is much greater than the mean residence time (τm) of proton spins in each component. Specifically, we examined the role of TR on the ability to resolve each components signal, as well as the influence of experimental parameters on derived DESPOT1 T1 values.

Results

Results revealed that when TR ≤ 0.01 τm, the measured SPGR signal may be modeled as a summation of signal from each species using a no‐exchange approximation. Additionally, under this short TR condition, the driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 (DESPOT1) mapping approach provides T1 values preferentially biased toward the short or long T1 species, depending on the choice of flip angles.

Conclusion

The ability to model the SPGR signal using a no‐exchange approximation may permit the quantification multicomponent T1 relaxation in vivo. Additionally, the ability to preferentially weight the DESPOT1 T1 value toward the short or long T1 may provide a useful window into these components. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;25:570–578. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PerfTool: A software platform for investigating bolus‐tracking perfusion imaging quantification strategies
Authors: Kosior Jayme C. , Frayne Richard
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To develop a software platform, PerfTool (for perfusion tool), for the comprehensive evaluation of bolus‐tracking quantitative perfusion imaging methods and algorithms, along with a method to rapidly visualize and evaluate the performance of algorithms.

Materials and Methods

Algorithms were evaluated interactively with PerfTool using synthetic ΔR2* data sets with different perfusion parameter permutations (known as test patterns). Patient data and test patterns were used to evaluate a standard singular value deconvolution (SVD) approach (sSVD) and a reformulated implementation (rSVD) that is insensitive to arterial‐tissue delay (ATD), and to explore the effect of the SVD regularization parameter (pSVD) on CBF estimates.

Results

The CBF overestimation resulting from sensitivity to ATD in sSVD compared to rSVD was demonstrated with the patient data, and the effect was confirmed using a test pattern. The same test pattern demonstrated the CBF underestimation resulting from high pSVD thresholds.

Conclusion

PerfTool is an extensible software tool that allows perfusion measurements to be obtained by different methods, and is flexible enough to incorporate new developments and apply them to real patient data and test patterns. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;25:653–659. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study on chemical speciation in aluminum chloride solution by ESI‐Q‐MS
Authors: Urabe Tatsuya , Tanaka Miho , Kumakura Shin , Tsugoshi Takahisa
Published: February 2007

AlCl3 solution was analyzed at concentrations from 0.02 to 100 mM using an electrospray ionization quadrupole mass spectrometer (ESI‐Q‐MS), and the dissolution state of aluminum ions is discussed. Results obtained using ESI‐Q‐MS were consistent with those obtained using 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance (27Al NMR). Aluminum species existed mainly as positively charged monomeric aluminum hydroxide coordinated with several water molecules in solution. The complexation of chloride ions by aluminum ions differed between the positive and negative ion modes. Chemical reactions that partially modified chemical forms of species through ESI‐Q‐MS measurement were also observed. In the same aluminum chloride solution, using ESI‐TOF‐MS and ESI‐Q‐MS/MS studies, the disagreement of the reports is discussed. It is concluded that ESI‐TOF‐MS might show also the gas‐phase reaction in the mass spectrometer but the dissolution state of aluminum species can be shown by ESI‐Q‐MS. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in solar radiation due to clouds and aerosols, southern India, 1952–1997
Authors: Biggs Trent W. , Scott Christopher A. , Rajagopalan Balaji , Turral Hugh N.
Published: February 2007

Decadal trends in cloudiness are shown to affect incoming solar radiation (SWSFC) in the Krishna River basin (13–20°N, 72–82°E), southern India, from 1952 to 1997. Annual average cloudiness at 14 meteorological stations across the basin decreased by 0.09% of the sky per year over 1952–1997. The decreased cloudiness partly balanced the effects of aerosols on incoming solar radiation (SWSFC), resulting in a small net increase in SWSFC in monsoon months (0.1–2.9 W m−2 per decade). During the non‐monsoon, aerosol forcing dominated over trends in cloud forcing, resulting in a net decrease in SWSFC (−2.8 to − 5.5 W m−2 per decade). Monthly satellite measurements from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) covering 1983–1995 were used to screen the visual cloudiness measurements at 26 meteorological stations, which reduced the data set to 14 stations and extended the cloudiness record back to 1952. SWSFC measurements were available at only two stations, so the SWSFC record was extended in time and to the other stations using a combination of the Angstrom and Hargreaves‐Supit equations. The Hargreaves‐Supit estimates of SWSFC were then corrected for trends in aerosols using the literature values of aerosol forcing over India. Monthly values and trends in satellite measurements of SWSFC from National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) surface radiation budget (SRB) matched the aerosol‐corrected Hargreaves‐Supit estimates over 1984–1994 (RMSE = 11.9 W m−2, 5.2%). We conclude that meteorological station measurements of cloudiness, quality checked with satellite imagery and calibrated to local measurements of incoming radiation, provide an opportunity to extend radiation measurements in space and time. Reports of decreased cloudiness in other parts of continental Asia suggest that the cloud‐aerosol trade‐off observed in the Krishna basin may be widespread, particularly during the rainy seasons when changes in clouds have large effects on incoming radiation compared with aerosol forcing. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Soil‐aggregate formation as influenced by clay content and organic‐matter amendment
Authors: Wagner Stephen , Cattle Stephen R. , Scholten Thomas
Published: February 2007

Naturally occurring wetting‐and‐drying cycles often enhance aggregation and give rise to a stable soil structure. In comparatively dry regions, such as large areas of Australia, organic‐matter (OM) contents in topsoils of arable land are usually small. Therefore, the effects of wetting and drying are almost solely reliant on the clay content. To investigate the relations between wetting‐and‐drying cycles, aggregation, clay content, and OM in the Australian environment, an experiment was set up to determine the relative influence of both clay content (23%, 31%, 34%, and 38%) and OM amendments of barley straw (equivalent to 3.1 t ha–1, 6.2 t ha–1, and 12.4 t ha–1) on the development of water‐stable aggregates in agricultural soil. The aggregate stability of each of the sixteen composite soils was determined after one, three, and six wet/dry cycles and subsequent fast and slow prewetting and was then compared to the aggregate stabilities of all other composite soils.

While a single wet/dry cycle initiated soil structural evolution in all composite soils, enhancing macroaggregation, the incorporation of barley straw was most effective for the development of water‐stable aggregates in those soils with 34% and 38% clay. Repeated wetting‐and‐drying events revealed that soil aggregation is primarily based on the clay content of the soil, but that large straw additions also tend to enhance soil aggregation. Relative to untreated soil, straw additions equivalent to 3.1 t ha–1 and 12.4 t ha–1 increased soil aggregation by about 100% and 250%, respectively, after three wet/dry cycles and fast prewetting, but were of less influence with subsequent wet/dry cycles. Straw additions were even more effective in aggregating soil when combined with slow prewetting; after three wet/dry cycles, the mean weight diameters of aggregates were increased by 70% and 140% with the same OM additions and by 160% and 290% after six wet/dry cycles, compared to samples without organic amendments.

We suggest that in arable soils poor in OM and with a field texture grade of clay loam or finer, the addition of straw, which is often available from preceding crops, may be useful for improving aggregation. For a satisfactory degree of aggregate stability and an improved soil structural form, we found that straw additions of at least 6.2 t ha–1 were required. However, rapid wetting of straw‐amended soil will disrupt newly formed aggregates, and straw has only a limited ability to sustain structural improvement.
Nitrogen turnover and N2O production in the forest floor of beech stands as influenced by forest management
Authors: Dannenmann Michael , Gasche Rainer , Papen Hans
Published: February 2007

Effects of forest management (thinning) on gross ammonification, net ammonification, net nitrification, microbial biomass, and N2O production were studied in the forest floor of adjacent untreated control (“C”) and thinned (“T”) plots in three beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stands in the Swabian Jura (Southern Germany) during three intensive field campaigns in the year 2004. The investigated sites are located less than 1 km apart on the slopes of a narrow valley. Due to different exposure (southwest, northeast, northwest), the three sites are characterized by warm‐dry microclimate (southwest site, SW) and cool‐moist microclimate (northeast site, NE; and northwest site, NW). Measurements at the NW site covered the second year (13 to 20 months) after thinning, and measurements at the SW and NE sites covered the sixth year (61 to 68 months) after thinning. Mean gross ammonification varied insignificantly across the six plots (range: 37.5 � 31.2 to 51.0 � 10.5 mg N (kg dry soil)–1 d–1). The SW site was characterized by very low net nitrification and nitrate (NO$ _3^- $) concentrations that were not significantly different between control and thinned plot. In contrast, for the thinned plot at the NE site (NET), significantly increased mean net nitrification (2.3 � 1.2 mg N (kg dry soil)–1 d–1 at the NET plot vs. 0.4 � 0.2 mg N (kg dry soil)–1 d–1 at the NEC plot) and mean extractable NO$ _3^- $ concentrations (43.9 � 22.8 mg N (kg dry soil)–1 at the NET plot vs. 4.1 � 0.8 mg N (kg dry soil)–1 at the NEC plot) were observed. The differences in net nitrification and NO$ _3^- $ concentrations across the research plots were related to differences in the forest‐floor C : N ratios: net nitrification increased exponentially below a threshold C : N value of about 25. The results of this study indicate that the forest floor of the warm‐dry SW site is very resistant to N loss triggered by thinning due to high C : N ratios around 30. Under the cool‐moist microclimate of the NE site, a significantly lower C : N ratio of 22.1 at the thinned plot (control plot: 26.7) coincided with significantly increased net nitrification. Thus, different responses of net nitrification to thinning under different microclimate appear to be triggered by different C : N ratios. Nitrous oxide production was mainly governed by forest‐floor water content, and since differences in water content at adjacent control and thinned plots were low, N2O production was not significantly different between adjacent control and thinned plots.
Effects of soil water content on growth, tillering, and manganese uptake of lowland rice grown in the water‐saving ground‐cover rice‐production system (GCRPS)
Authors: Tao Hongbin , Dittert Klaus , Zhang Limeng , Lin Shan , Römheld Volker , Sattelmacher Burkhard
Published: February 2007

A 2‐year field experiment and a pot experiment were carried out to compare Mn uptake, tillering, and plant growth of lowland rice grown under different soil water conditions in the ground‐cover rice‐production system (GCRPS) in Beijing, North China. The field experiment was conducted in 2001 and 2002, including two treatments: lowland‐rice variety (Oryza sativa L. spp. japonica) grown under thin (14 μm) plastic‐film soil cover (GCRPSplastic) at 80%–90% water‐holding capacity (WHC) and traditional lowland rice (paddy control) grown with 3 cm standing‐water table. The pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with four treatments: (1) traditional lowland rice: paddy control; (2) GCRPS, water‐saturated soil: GCRPSsaturated; (3) GCRPS at 90% water‐holding capacity (WHC): GCRPS90%WHC; and (4) GCRPS at 70% WHC: GCRPS70%WHC.

Results of the field experiment showed that dry‐matter production, number of tillers, as well as N and Mn concentrations in rice shoots of GCRPS were significantly lower than in paddy control, while there was no significant difference in shoot Fe, Cu, Zn, and P concentration and nematode populations. In the pot experiment, shoot Mn concentration significantly decreased with decreasing soil water content, while soil redox potential increased. Shoot–dry matter production and tiller number of GCRPSsaturated were significantly higher than in other treatments. Significant correlations were observed between the shoot Mn concentration and tiller number at maximum tillering stage in the field and pot experiment, respectively. We therefore conclude that the limitation of Mn acquisition might contribute to the growth and yield reduction of lowland rice grown in GCRPS. The experiment provides evidence that GCRPSplastic combined with nearly water‐saturated soil conditions helps saving water and achieving optimum crop development without visual or latent Mn deficiency as observed under more aerobic conditions.
Effect of aflatoxin, ochratoxin and their combination on protein and energy utilisation in white leghorn laying hens
Authors: Verma Jeetendra , Johri Tripurari S. , Swain Bijaya K.
Published: February 2007

The effect of dietary aflatoxin B1 (AF) at levels of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg kg−1, ochratoxin A (OA) at levels of 1, 2 and 4 mg kg−1 and their corresponding combinations on protein and energy utilisation as well as energy partitioning was studied in white leghorn laying hens. Protein retention was adversely affected at all levels of AF and OA either singly or in combination, though the effect was more evident with OA and AF + OA. Minimum protein retention was recorded in hens fed the combination of toxins at their highest levels (2 mg kg−1 AF + 4 mg kg−1 OA). Aflatoxin at 1 and 2 mg kg−1 and OA and AF + OA at all levels caused a significant reduction in metabolisable energy (ME) value of the diets. The minimum ME value was recorded for the diet containing both toxins at their highest levels (2 mg kg−1 AF + 4 mg kg−1 OA). A significant depression in egg energy deposition was observed with dietary inclusion of 1 and 2 mg kg−1 AF, 2 and 4 mg kg−1 OA and all levels of AF + OA in period I. In period II the reduction in egg energy deposition was significant at all levels of toxins either singly or in combination. Body energy deposition was adversely affected in hens fed the highest levels of AF (2 mg kg−1) and OA (4 mg kg−1) and all levels of AF + OA in period I. However, in period II a significant decrease in body energy deposition was observed at all levels of toxins except 1 mg kg−1 OA. A significant increase in maintenance energy (MEm/W0.75 day−1) requirement was recorded in hens fed 2 mg kg−1 AF, 4 mg kg−1 OA and all levels of AF + OA. It is suggested that AF and OA either singly or in combination affect not only protein and energy utilisation in laying hens but also energy partitioning i.e. egg and body energy deposition and maintenance energy requirement. However, the combination of toxins (AF + OA) has more severe adverse effects on all parameters than the individual toxins because of their synergistic toxicity effect. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of irradiation and thermal processing on the immunoreactivity of shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) proteins
Authors: Zhenxing Li , Hong Lin , Limin Cao , Jamil Khalid
Published: February 2007

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of gamma radiation alone or in combination with heat on the immunoreactivity of shrimp. Peeled shrimp muscle was subjected to gamma radiation (1, 5, 10 and 15 kGy) followed by boiling (5 min, 10 min and 15 min). Shrimp protein extract (PE) and a major allergen (Pen a 1) from treated shrimp were analysed by SDS‐PAGE and immunoblot using a specific IgE antibody from patients who were allergic to shrimp. Results showed that gamma radiation + heat could significantly affect shrimp immunoreactivity. The immunoreactivity of PE and Pen a 1 was also determined by using competitive inhibition ELISA (Ci‐ELISA). The IC50 of PE and Pen a 1 from shrimp treated with gamma radiation + heat was 5‐ to 30‐fold higher than that of untreated shrimp. The immunoreactivity of gamma irradiated shrimp decreased with increasing dose of radiation. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Grape cultivar and drying method affect sensory characteristics and consumer preference of raisins
Authors: Angulo Ofelia , Fidelibus Matthew W , Heymann Hildegarde
Published: February 2007

The sensory attributes and consumer preference of raisins made from two grapevine cultivars, ‘Fiesta’ and ‘Selma Pete’, and two drying methods, dry‐on‐vine (DOV) or tray‐dry, were evaluated. Grapevine cultivar and drying method interacted to affect most of the measured flavor, texture, and appearance attributes of raisins. In general, ‘Fiesta’ DOV raisins were less spicy, less sour, more moist, less sticky and chewy, and less brown‐colored than other raisins. ‘Fiesta’ tray dried raisins were less sweet, more sticky and chewy, and less homogenous in color and in size. ‘Selma Pete’ raisins were more sour tasting and dark colored than ‘Fiesta’ raisins, especially the ‘Selma Pete’ DOV raisins. The average consumer hedonic test scores were not affected by cultivar or drying method, but further analyses identified clusters of people that clearly preferred raisins of different cultivars and drying methods. These findings suggest that raisins could be marketed on the basis of cultivar and drying method. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Elevated activities of MMP‐2 in the non‐tumorous lung tissues of curatively resected stage I NSCLC patients are associated with tumor recurrence and a poor survival
Authors: Kim Sang‐Hui , Choi Hye Young , Lee Jinseon , Son Dae‐Soon , Lee Hye‐Sook , Song In Seung , Lim Yu Sung , Hong Young‐Sook , Kim Jhingook , Choi Yong Soo
Published: February 2007

Background and Objectives

We wanted to assess whether the level of enzyme activity for a particular matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and not the amount of expressed protein, in lung tissue could be used as a reliable prognostic biomarker for tumor recurrence leading to poorer survival in a certain subgroup of patients who have undergone curative resection for stage I human NSCLC.

Methods

We determined what type of MMP was significant for tumor recurrence by using a mouse model of pulmonary metastasis with inoculating the footpad with H460 human cancer cells. We then looked for any association between tumor recurrence and the level of enzyme activities for the selected MMP in the tumor and also in the pathologically non‐tumorous tissues from 34 stage I lung cancer patients.

Results

We obtained H460/PM6 cells having a highly metastatic potential after six repeated cycles of pulmonary metastasis by using the mouse footpad inoculated with the metastasized cancer cells in the previous cycle. We started with human lung cancer cells, H460, and we found that among the tested MMPs we tested for, the level of MMP‐2 mRNA was elevated. No significant difference was seen in the level of enzyme activity of the MMP‐2 cells from the curatively resected tumor tissues of the stage I NSCLC patients who were later found with or without recurrence. However, the level of MMP‐2 enzyme activity was found to be significantly different between the non‐tumorous lung tissues from patients later found with and without recurrence, and it was associated with the 5‐year survival rate.

Conclusions

This observation suggests that the higher level of MMP‐2 enzyme activity in the non‐tumorous tissues from the patients could be used as a prognostic biomarker to predict post‐operative tumor recurrence and survival for patients with stage I NSCLC. The elevated enzyme activity of MMP‐2 in the non‐tumorous tissue resected from stage I NSCLC could be used as a prognostic indicator for post‐operative tumor recurrence and the patients' poor survival. Further, this could be an important aid for physicians' making decision on whether to subject particular patients to post‐operative adjunct chemotherapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:337–346. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐inflammatory skin involvement in breast cancer, histologically proven but without the clinical and histological T4 category features
Authors: Gueth Uwe , Wight Edward , Schoetzau Andreas , Langer Igor , Dieterich Holger , Rochlitz Christoph , Herberich Linda , Holzgreve Wolfgang , Singer Gad
Published: February 2007

Background

The study evaluates characteristics and prognostic significance of breast cancer with histologically proven non‐inflammatory skin involvement but without the clinical and histological features that are mandatory for inclusion in the T4 category.

Methods

We compared retrospectively the clinical course of 55 patients with this clinico‐pathologic entity to the outcome of a control group of 309 consecutive patients with tumors of the same size but without skin involvement. The median follow‐up time was 6.6 years in the study and 8.4 years in the control group. Two subsets were analyzed: (A) 1.1–2.0 cm (T1c); (B) 2.1–5.0 cm (T2).

Results

The distribution of TNM stages within Study Group A was: Stage I: 28.6%, Stage II: 61.9%, Stage III: 9.5%. The distribution within Study Group B was: Stage II: 67.7%, Stage III: 23.5%, and Stage IV: 8.8%. Differences in disease‐specific survival (DSS) between study and control groups were not significant. In multivariate analysis, skin involvement was not a significant variable, while lymph node involvement was found to be significant for worse outcome (Group A: HR = 3.99 [1.33–12.05], P = 0.014; Group B: HR = 2.37 [1.37–4.08], P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Breast carcinomas with histologically proven skin involvement without the clinical and histological correlate are a heterogeneous group of cases, but the majority of the patients have Stage I/II disease. While lymph node involvement had a most significant effect on DSS, skin involvement was not a significant prognostic factor. Physicians must be aware of this clinico‐pathologic entity in order not to misclassify these cases as T4 and consider them falsely as being locally advanced breast cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:291–297. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term follow‐up results of Nd: YAG laser treatment of premalignant and malignant (Stage I) squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity
Authors: Tewari Mallika , Rai Pramod , Singh Gautam Bir , Kumar Mohan , Shukla Hari S.
Published: February 2007

Background and Objectives

Only few studies (none from India) have reported the role of Neodymium Yttrium‐Aluminum‐Garnet (Nd: YAG) laser for treatment of premalignant and stage I (T1N0M0) oral cancer. This study aimed to assess the outcome of Nd: YAG laser in the said lesions after a follow‐up of 5 years. Design: Prospective study; Setting: a tertiary care hospital, North India.

Patients and Methods

Fifty biopsy proven patients of premalignant/malignant (Stage I) lesions oral cavity underwent Nd: YAG laser treatment after prior informed consent from January, 1997 to January, 2000. Patients were followed‐up for 5 years. In addition to local recurrence, patient's mucosal response to laser in terms of pain, mastication, salivation, paraesthesias, facial expressions, and speech was also recorded.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients had leukoplakia, 3 erythroplakia, 6 carcinoma in situ (CIS), and 14 stage I squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of oral cavity. Four patients required repeat laserization for residual/ recurrent lesion and 15 patients were lost to follow‐up. Recurrence free survival (RFS) at 5‐years in premalignant and stage I SCC patients was 97.2 and 78.6%, respectively. A minimal persistent edema was observed in 6 (12%) patients at the end of 7th day, rest all tolerated the procedure well.

Conclusions

The present study indicates that Nd: YAG laser is an effective and safe surgical option management of premalignant and malignant lesions of oral cavity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:281–285. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Facilitating rotationplasty
Authors: Puri Ajay , Agarwal Manish
Published: February 2007

Rotationplasty, a unique surgical procedure where the ankle is converted into the knee joint after shortening and 180 degree external rotation of the limb is a well accepted alternative to amputation in musculoskeletal oncology.

The required vascular dissection can be quite difficult as the concerned vessels lie in the posterior compartment from the distal third of the thigh downwards. The problem is compounded when rotationplasty is used as a salvage procedure after failed limb‐sparing tumor surgery because of the additional fibrosis and stiffness at the level of the prosthetic knee joint. We advocate making the femoral osteotomy at an early stage in the procedure so as to allow free rotation of the distal limb thus making the popliteal fossa and the limb distal to it face anteriorly to facilitate the neuro vascular dissection. We also describe use of a novel cutting jig to ensure a perfect horizontal cut perpendicular to the long axis of the bone while making the femoral and tibial osteotomies. This ensures maximal surface contact between the apposing femoral and tibial cut ends, promoting early bony union. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:351–354. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and biological behavior of pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumors: Report on 31 consecutive patients
Authors: Salvia Roberto , Bassi Claudio , Festa Leonardina , Falconi Massimo , Crippa Stefano , Butturini Giovanni , Brighenti Antonietta , Capelli Paola , Pederzoli Paolo
Published: February 2007

Background

Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) represent one of the most uncommon histotypes of all exocrine pancreatic neoplasms.

Aim

To delineate the clinical presentation and biological behavior of SPT and evaluate the efficacy of treatment.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 31 patients (27 female, 4 male, mean age of 34 years, (range 7–56)) who underwent surgical resection with a definitive histological diagnosis of SPT.

Results

Tumor detection was incidental in the 55% of cases. Symptoms were abdominal discomfort (n = 10), jaundice (n = 2), weight loss (n = 6), vomiting (n = 5), and a palpable abdominal mass (n = 4). The neoplasm was localized in the pancreatic head in 10 patients and in the body‐tail in 20 cases; the main diameter ranged from 2 to 20 cm (mean 5.4). At the radiological work‐up, the neoplasm was solid in 87% of cases and delimited by a capsule in 39%. An internal necrotic‐hemorrhagic area was present in 29% of cases. Calcifications were noticed in two patients and septa in one. None of the patients had metastases at the time of diagnosis. In 9 cases, pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed, while 15 patients underwent a left pancreatectomy (4 spleen preserving), 6 a middle pancreatectomy, and 1 enucleation. There was no postoperative mortality with an overall morbidity of 35%. At a median follow‐up of 58.2 months (12–229 range), all patients are alive without evidence of local recurrence, metastasis, diabetes, or exocrine insufficiency.

Conclusions

Solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) is an indolent neoplasm with low‐grade biological aggressiveness, making surgical treatment successful despite its large size. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:304–310. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.