bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved retroviral vector design results in sustained expression after adult gene therapy in mucopolysaccharidosis I mice
Authors: Sedaghat Herati Ramin , Ma Xiucui , Tittiger Mindy , Ohlemiller Kevin K. , Kovacs Attila , Ponder Katherine P.
Published: July 2008

Background

Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disease due to α‐L‐iduronidase (IDUA) deficiency that results in the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). Gene therapy can reduce most clinical manifestations, but mice that receive transfer as adults lose expression unless they receive immunosuppression. Increasing liver specificity of transgene expression has reduced immune responses to other genes.

Methods

A gamma retroviral vector was generated with a liver‐specific human α1‐antitrypsin promoter and the canine IDUA cDNA inverted relative to the retroviral long‐terminal repeat. Adult MPS I mice received the vector intravenously at 6 weeks of age and were assessed for expression via serial serum IDUA assays. Functional testing and organ analysis were performed at 8 months.

Results

This vector resulted in high specificity of expression in liver, and serum IDUA activity was stable in 90% of animals. Although the average serum IDUA activity was relatively low at 12.6 ± 8.1 units/ml in mice with stable expression, a relatively high percentage of enzyme contained the mannose 6‐phosphorylation necessary for uptake by other cells. At 6.5 months after transduction, most organs had high IDUA activity and normalized GAG levels. There was complete correction of hearing and vision abnormalities and significant improvements in bone, although the aorta was refractory to treatment.

Conclusions

Stable expression of IDUA in adult MPS I mice can be achieved without immunosuppression by modifying the vector to reduce expression in the spleen. This approach may be effective in patients with MPS I or other lysosomal storage diseases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new red fluorescent protein that allows efficient marking of murine hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Sanuki Seiko , Hamanaka Sanae , Kaneko Shin , Otsu Makoto , Karasawa Satoshi , Miyawaki Atsushi , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Nagasawa Toshiro , Onodera Masafumi
Published: July 2008

Background

Genetic marking of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with multiple fluorescent proteins (FPs) would allow analysis of their features, including interaction with adjacent cells. However, there are few red FPs that are comparable to green FPs in terms of low toxicity and high fluorescent intensity. This study has evaluated the usefulness of Kusabira Orange (KO) originated from the coral stone Fungia concinna as a red FP for marking of HSCs

Methods

A vector used was the MSCV‐type retroviral vector, DΔNsap that has the PCC4 cell‐passaged myeloproliferative sarcoma virus derived long terminal repeat devoid of a binding site for YY1 and the primer‐binding site derived from the dl587rev, respectively. The vector was cloned with the codon‐optimized KO cDNA for higher expression in mammalian cells (huKO) and converted to the corresponding retroviruses pseudotyped with the vesicular stomatitis virus G envelope protein, then transduced into c‐KIT+Sca‐1+Lineage− cells obtained from C57BL/6 (Ly5.1) mice followed by transplantation into lethally irradiated Ly5.2 mice.

Results

Approximately 70% of donor‐derived cells highly expressed huKO at 16 weeks post‐transplantation. Furthermore, the high expression of huKO was also detected in serially transplanted mice, suggesting that expression of huKO per se had little deleterious effect on murine hematopoiesis. In double marking experiments, huKO‐expressing hematopoietic cells were easily distinguished from those expressing EGFP by flow cytometery and fluorescent microscope analysis.

Conclusions

Overall, the results obtained from the present study suggest that huKO can be used as a valuable and versatile red fluorescent marker for HSCs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internationalisation and firm performance: Evidence from estimates of efficiency in banking in Namibia and Tanzania
Authors: Okeahalam Charles C.
Published: July 2008

This paper assesses and compares the impact of internationalisation on the economic performance of firms in the banking sector in Namibia and Tanzania. With the aid of financial ratios and econometric analysis, measures of efficiency are used as proxies for overall economic performance and comparisons are made. In Namibia, the market is more concentrated than in Tanzania, all the foreign banks are from one country, and they have had a presence in the country for a long time. In Tanzania, the market is less concentrated than in Namibia, foreign entry is from a number of countries and has been more recent. The study finds that in Namibia, all the foreign banks are larger but more inefficient than domestically owned banks. In Tanzania, foreign banks are more efficient than domestic banks. These results suggest that the generation of foreign entry and industry structure are significant determinants of positive spillovers of internationalisation. They also indicate that the type of foreign entrant, not, just foreign entry determines the impact on efficiency and the competitive landscape. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Has private participation in water and sewerage improved coverage? Empirical evidence from Latin America
Authors: Clarke George R.G. , Kosec Katrina , Wallsten Scott
Published: July 2008

Introducing private sector participation (PSP) into the water and sewerage sectors is difficult and controversial. Empirical studies on its effects are scant and generally inconclusive. Case studies tend to find improvements following privatisation, but they suffer from selection bias and it is difficult to generalise their results. To explore empirically the effects of private sector participation on coverage, we assemble a new dataset of connections to water and sewerage services at the city and province level based on household surveys in Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil. The household surveys, conducted over a number of years, allow us to compile data before and after the introduction of private sector participation as well as from similar (control) regions did not privatise. Our analysis reveals that, in general, the share of households connected to piped water and sewerage improved following the introduction of private sector participation, consistent with the case study literature. We also find, however, that the share of households connected similarly improved in the control regions, suggesting that private sector participation,per se, may not have been responsible for those improvements. Results are similar when looking only at the poorest households. The share of poor households connected to piped water and sewerage increased similarly in areas both with and without private sector participation, suggesting that—in terms of connections at least—private sector participation did not harm the poor. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Memantine leads to behavioral improvement and amyloid reduction in Alzheimer's‐disease‐model transgenic mice shown as by micromagnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Scholtzova Henrieta , Wadghiri Youssef Z. , Douadi Moustafa , Sigurdsson Einar M. , Li Yong‐Sheng , Quartermain David , Banerjee Pradeep , Wisniewski Thomas
Published: July 2008

Memantine, an N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has been shown to improve learning and memory in several preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Memantine has also been shown to reduce the levels of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides in human neuroblastoma cells as well as to inhibit Aβ oligomer‐induced synaptic loss. In this study, we assessed whether NMDA receptor inhibition by memantine in transgenic mice expressing human amyloid‐beta precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 (PS1) is associated with cognitive benefit and amyloid burden reduction by using object recognition, micromagnetic resonance imaging (μMRI), and histology. APP/PS1 Tg mice were treated either with memantine or with vehicle for a period of 4 months starting at 3 months of age. After treatment, the mice were subjected to an object recognition test and analyzed by ex vivo μMRI, and histological examination of amyloid burden. μMRI was performed following injection with gadolinium‐DTPA‐Aβ1–40. We found that memantine‐treated Tg mice performed the same as wild‐type control mice, whereas the performance of vehicle‐treated Tg mice was significantly impaired (P = 0.0081, one‐way ANOVA). Compared with vehicle‐treated animals, memantine‐treated Tg mice had a reduced plaque burden, as determined both histologically and by μMRI. This reduction in amyloid burden correlates with an improvement in cognitive performance. Thus, our findings provide further evidence of the potential role of NMDA receptor antagonists in ameliorating AD‐related pathology. In addition, our study shows, for the first time, the utility of μMRI in conjunction with gadolinium‐labeled Aβ labeling agents to monitor the therapeutic response to amyloid‐reducing agents. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional contribution of α3L8′ to the neuronal nicotinic α3 receptor
Authors: Nieves‐Cintrón Madeline , Caballero‐Rivera Daniel , Silva Walter I. , Navedo Manuel F. , Lasalde‐Dominicci José A.
Published: July 2008

The role of position L8′, located in transmembrane domain 1 of the neuronal nicotinic α3 subunit, was characterized by using two‐electrode voltage clamp inXenopusoocytes. Four amino acids (Ala, Ser, Phe, and Tyr) were inserted at this conserved position, and the mutant subunit was coexpressed with either wild‐type β2 or β4 subunits. These substitutions led to significant alterations in the pharmacodynamic parameters of cholinergic agents, resulting in loss of function. Ala and Ser substitutions resulted in losses in agonist (ACh, nicotine, and DMPP) potency and intrinsic activity at both α3β2 and α3β4 receptors. Similarly, significant changes in antagonist potency were produced by the Ala and Ser substitutions. Phe and Tyr mutations did not alter the receptor's EC50for ACh or nicotine but reduced the EC50for DMPP at both receptors. The Phe mutation also reduced the intrinsic activity of all agonists tested at both receptors. The Tyr mutation, though, led to a decrease in intrinsic activity for all agonists at the α3β2 receptor, yet resulted in no changes for DMPP, a decrease for nicotine, and an increase for ACh at the α3β4 receptor. The most dramatic changes in the receptor's functional properties were produced by substitutions that introduced the largest changes in amino acid volume. Additional replacements (Gly, Thr, and Val) suggested an inverse correlation between amino acid volume at position α3L8′ and EC50for α3β4 nAChRs; however, α3β2 nAChRs displayed a nonlinear correlation. These data demonstrate that structural alterations at position α3L8′ could propagate to the agonist‐binding site. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pyramidal cell responses to γ‐aminobutyric acid differ in type I and type II cortical dysplasia
Authors: André Véronique M. , Cepeda Carlos , Vinters Harry V. , Huynh My , Mathern Gary W. , Levine Michael S.
Published: July 2008

Abnormalities in the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic system could be responsible for seizures in cortical dysplasia (CD). We examined responses of pyramidal neurons to exogenous application of GABA, as well as alterations of GABAergic interneuron number and size in pediatric epilepsy surgery patients with non‐CD, type I CD, and type II CD pathologies. We used the dissociated cell preparation for electrophysiology along with immunohistochemistry to identify number and size of GABAergic cells. Pyramidal neurons from type I CD tissue showed increased EC50and faster kinetics compared with cells from non‐CD and type II CD tissue. Cytomegalic pyramidal neurons showed increased GABA peak currents and decreased peak current densities, longer kinetics, and decreased sensitivity to zolpidem and zinc compared with normal pyramidal cells from non‐CD and type I CD. There were fewer but larger glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)‐containing cells in type II CD tissue with cytomegalic neurons compared with non‐CD, type I CD, and type II CD without cytomegalic neurons. In addition, GABA transporters (VGAT and GAT‐1) showed increased staining surrounding cytomegalic neurons in type II CD tissue. These results indicate that there are differences in GABAAreceptor‐mediated pyramidal cell responses in type I and type II CD. Alterations in zolpidem and zinc sensitivities also suggest that cytomegalic neurons have altered GABAAreceptor subunit composition. These findings support the hypothesis that patients with type I and type II CD will respond differently to GABA‐mediated antiepileptic drugs and that cytomegalic neurons have features similar to immature neurons with prolonged GABAAreceptor open channel times. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative study of the influence of Thy1 deficiency and dietary iron deficiency on dopaminergic profiles in the mouse striatum
Authors: Connor James R. , Wang Xin‐Sheng , Neely Elizabeth B. , Ponnuru Padmavathi , Morita Hokuto , Beard John
Published: July 2008

Thy‐1, a glycosyl‐phosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐linked integral membrane protein, may play a role in stabilizing synapses. Thy1 was identified in a gene expression analysis as iron responsive, and subsequent cell culture and animal models of iron deficiency expanded this finding to the protein. The importance of Thy1 in influencing neurotransmitter feedback mechanisms led to this study to determine the relative effects of Thy1 deficiency and dietary iron deficiency on the dopaminergic system in the mouse striatum. The model for this analysis was the Thy1 null mutant mouse in the presence or absence of dietary iron deficiency. The results revealed significant differences in dopaminergic profiles associated with Thy1 and iron deficiency and also a sex effect. For example, both iron deficiency and the absence of Thy1 are associated with increased dopamine in both sexes, but the dopamine transporter is increased in these experimental groups only in female mice. In male mice, the increase in dopamine transporter is found only in the Thy1 null mutants. Increases in vesicular monoamine transporter and phosphorylated tyrosine hydroxlyase are found only in iron‐deficient mice. In contrast decreased release of dopamine from synaptosomes is found only in the Thy1 null mutant animals. In general, these results indicate that a loss of Thy1 can influence the dopaminergic profile in the striatum. Furthermore, the results reveal consistent differences in the dopaminergic profile in Thy1 knockout mice compared with iron‐deficient mice, indicating that the effects of iron deficiency are not due only to a change in Thy1 expression. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduced brain injury in CD18‐deficient mice after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Titova Elena , Ostrowski Robert P. , Kevil Christopher G. , Tong Wenni , Rojas Hugo , Sowers Lawrence C. , Zhang John H. , Tang Jiping
Published: July 2008

Many studies have indicated leukocytes are a major contributor to brain injuries caused by intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Leukocyte‐expressed CD18 is important for neutrophil–endothelial interactions in the vasculature, and CD18 deficiency protects against ischemia‐reperfusion injury. We investigated whether CD18 deficiency provides protection against ICH‐induced brain injury. Male wild‐type (WT) CD18+/+ mice and CD18−/−‐knockout mice were used in this study. ICH was induced by a collagenase injection. Mortality, neurological function, brain edema, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity as well as tissue expression of nitrotyrosine and MPO were evaluated 24 hr after ICH. We discovered significantly reduced brain edema and diminished mortality with a concomitant decrease in MPO and nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity in brains of CD18‐knockout mice. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Opposing effects of P2X7and P2Y purine/pyrimidine‐preferring receptors on proliferation of astrocytes induced by fibroblast growth factor‐2: Implications for CNS development, injury, and repair
Authors: Neary Joseph T. , Shi You‐Fang , Kang Yuan , Tran Minh D.
Published: July 2008

Extracellular nucleotides play important trophic roles in development and central nervous system (CNS) injury, but the functions of distinct purinergic receptors and related signaling pathways have not been fully elucidated. In the present study we identified opposing effects of P2X and P2Y receptors on the ability of FGF2 to induce proliferation in primary cultures of rat cortical astrocytes. Low concentrations of ATP enhanced DNA synthesis induced by FGF2, whereas high concentrations inhibited FGF2‐induced proliferation. Comparison of concentration–response experiments with ATP and 2′,3′‐O‐(4‐benzoyl)‐benzoyl‐ATP (BzATP) indicated that the inhibitory effect was mediated by P2X7receptors. Interestingly, activation of P2X7receptors led to a state of reversible growth arrest rather than cell death. Selectivity studies showed that proliferation evoked by epidermal growth factor and platelet‐derived growth factor was also inhibited by P2X7receptors, but P2X1or P2X3receptors did not inhibit proliferation induced by FGF2. A marker of mitosis, phosphohistone‐3, was reduced by BzATP and increased by UTP, suggesting that the enhancing effect of ATP on FGF2‐induced proliferation was mediated by P2 purine/pyrimidine receptors. Phosphorylation of the growth arrest–related protein kinases p38/MAPK and SAPK/JNK was strongly increased by BzATP but only weakly affected by UTP. We conclude that P2Y purine/pyrimidine receptors enhance proliferation induced by FGF2 in astrocytes, whereas stimulation of P2X7receptors inhibits proliferation by shifting cells to a state of reversible growth arrest that may be mediated by protein kinase signaling. These trophic actions of P2X7and P2Y purine/pyrimidine receptors may contribute to the regulation of CNS development, adult neurogenesis, and the response of astrocytes to injury. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peripheral nerve regeneration is delayed in neuropilin 2–deficient mice
Authors: Bannerman Peter , Ara Jahan , Hahn Ashleigh , Hong Lindy , McCauley Erica , Friesen Katie , Pleasure David
Published: July 2008

Peripheral nerve transection or crush induces expression of class 3 semaphorins by epineurial and perineurial cells at the injury site and of the neuropilins neuropilin‐1 and neuropilin‐2 by Schwann and perineurial cells in the nerve segment distal to the injury. Neuropilin‐dependent class 3 semaphorin signaling guides axons during neural development, but the significance of this signaling system for regeneration of adult peripheral nerves is not known. To test the hypothesis that neuropilin‐2 facilitates peripheral‐nerve axonal regeneration, we crushed sciatic nerves of adult neuropilin‐2‐deficient and littermate control mice. Axonal regeneration through the crush site and into the distal nerve segment, repression by the regenerating axons of Schwann cell p75 neurotrophin receptor expression, remyelination of the regenerating axons, and recovery of normal gait were all significantly slower in the neuropilin‐2‐deficient mice than in the control mice. Thus, neuropilin‐2 facilitates peripheral‐nerve axonal regeneration. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of chronic gestational treatment with the adenosine A1receptor agonist R‐phenylisopropyladenosine on metabotropic glutamate receptors/phospholipase C pathway in maternal and fetal brain
Authors: León David A. , Albasanz José L. , Castillo Carlos A. , Iglesias Inmaculada , Martín Mairena
Published: July 2008

Pregnant Wistar rats were orally treated with the adenosine receptor agonist R‐phenylisopropyladenosine (R‐PIA) throughout the gestational period, and the status of the metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor/phospholipase C transduction pathway from maternal and fetal brain was analyzed. In mothers' brains, radioligand binding assays revealed a significant decrease in the Bmax value, without any significant alteration in Kd value. Similar results were observed in the steady‐state level of mGlu1and mGlu5receptors assayed by Western blot, suggesting that both receptor subtypes were modulated by chronic R‐PIA treatment. mRNA coding mGlu1or mGlu5receptors was not altered, suggesting a posttranscriptional modulation as a possible mechanism of the loss of mGlu1and mGlu5receptors at the membrane surface. Moreover, phospholipase C stimulated by (R,S)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), a selective agonist of group I mGlu receptors, was also significantly decreased after R‐PIA treatment, suggesting a heterologous desensitization of group I mGlu/PLC pathway in maternal brain. Western blot and RT‐PCR assays showed that neither αGq/11nor PLCβ1was affected by R‐PIA treatment. In fetal brain, no significant differences in mGlu receptors/PLC transduction pathway were observed after R‐PIA treatment. These results suggest that chronic R‐PIA intake during pregnancy modulates group I mGlu receptor signalling pathway in maternal brain, promoting a down‐regulation of mGlu1and mGlu5receptors and a heterologous desensitization of the mGlu/PLC system. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationships between autumn precipitation anomalies in southeastern South America and El Niño event classification
Authors: Antico P. L.
Published: July 2008

The classification of El Niño events was performed based on the time evolution of sea surface warming in the tropical Pacific Ocean during the period 1950–2000. Two sets of events were constructed: one in which the warming core migrates eastward along the tropical Pacific until April–June of the following year, and another one in which it evolves westward until November–January. The first type has associated positive precipitation anomalies over southeastern South America during April–June. It results from a favourable combination of cyclonic vorticity advection and humidity convergence. At high levels, cyclonic vorticity advection is explained in terms of an eastward extension of the subtropical jet. Enhanced humidity advection takes place by an increased low‐level northwesterly flow to the east of the Andes. It provides enough moisture availability that, in combination with the upper‐level cyclonic vorticity advection, supports heavy precipitation during April–June. The second type of event exhibits slight negative or near‐normal precipitation anomalies over the same region. Both low and high‐level circulation anomalies are also weaker in this case. The 1997–1998 El Niño is analysed separately because it cannot be classified into any of the previously described event types.

The observed distribution of both types of events along the analysed period changes after the 1970s. Comparison with other authors' results suggests the influence of low‐frequency processes such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Negative ridge regression parameters for improving the covariance structure of multivariate linear downscaling models
Authors: Cannon Alex J.
Published: July 2008

A downscaling model for multivariate data, e.g. weather elements recorded at multiple sites, should not only be able to fit each of the observed series well, but it should also be able to reproduce observed relationships between the variables. In a linear sense, this means accurately simulating the observed covariance matrix. Multivariate ridge regression with negative ridge parameters is introduced as a means of accomplishing this goal. The procedure is conceptually similar to expanded downscaling: both force the covariance structure of the predictions to match that of observations. Unlike expanded downscaling, an explicit constraint on the covariance matrix is not added to the regression cost function. Instead, regression coefficients are estimated directly via a matrix equation, while ridge parameters, which are free to take positive or negative values, are adjusted iteratively such that the discrepancy between modelled and observed covariance matrices is minimized. Results from multi‐site temperature and precipitation data suggest that the proposed method is capable of constraining the predicted covariance matrix to closely match the observed. © Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Variation of the chemical composition of tomato cultivars (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) according to resistance against the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV)
Authors: Suárez Marcos Hernández , Pallarés Jordi Rull , Mesa Domingo Ríos , Rodríguez Elena Rodríguez , Romero Carlos Díaz
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Tomato producers are looking for alternatives to protect their crops against the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), including replacement of cultivars with other more resistant ones. Major chemical components, sugars, mineral composition, organic acids, lycopene, total phenols and hydroxycinnamic acids were determined in six tomato cultivars, three of them (Boludo, Dorothy and Tyna) resistant, and the other three (Daniela, Dominique and Thomas), non‐resistant against TYLCV.

RESULTS: The Daniela cultivar showed the greatest difference with respect to the others, mostly due to the higher content of soluble solids. The major significant differences between the mean values according to the cultivar and resistance against the TYLCV were observed for total soluble solids, pH, ascorbic acid, total phenols and hydroxycinnamic acids. High coefficients of correlation were found between glucose and fructose, and among ferulic, caffeic and p‐coumaric acids.

CONCLUSION: Linear discriminant analysis made it possible to differentiate tomato samples according to the cultivar. A clear varietal influence on the chemical composition was observed; however, resistance or non‐resistance against TYLCV does not seem to influence the chemical composition. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes of mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of the lactic fermented soymilk after exposure to acid, bile salt and heating
Authors: Hsieh Meng‐Li , Lo Pei‐Ren , Yu Roch‐Chui , Chou Cheng‐Chun
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Fermented soymilk, prepared with co‐culture of Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium infantis, possessed enhanced antioxidant and antimutagenic activities. Considering the possible alternation in functional properties, the mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of the prepared fermented soymilk against 4‐nitroquinoline‐N‐oxide (4‐NQO) and 3,2′‐dimethyl‐4‐aminobiphenyl (DMAB) as influenced by acid (pH 2.0), bile salt and heat treatments were investigated using the Ames test.

RESULTS: Untreated‐ and treated‐fermented soymilk showed no mutagenic activity. After exposure to a pH of 2.0 for 20 or 60 min, the antimutagenicity of the fermented soymilk on 4‐NQO and DMAB decreased, while still possessing ca 25.9–33.9% and 61.8–67.9%, respectively, of its original activity. Exposure of fermented soymilk to 1% bile salt resulted in a 10.8% reduction, and no reduction of antimutagenicity, against 4‐NQO and DMAB, respectively. Heating the fermented soymilk at 55 °C or higher for 10 min caused a significant reduction in antimutagenicity on DMAB, while the antimutagenicity against 4‐NQO remained stable until the temperature was raised to 65 °C.

CONCLUSION: The fermented soymilk still possessed antimutagenicity after exposure to all the treatments examined. This further demonstrates the potential utilization of fermented soymilk as an ingredient in the preparation of healthy foods. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of cyprodinil and fludioxonil in the fermentative process of must by high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection
Authors: Vaquero‐Fernández Luis , Sáenz‐Hernáez Ana , Sanz‐Asensio Jesús , Fernández‐Zurbano Purificación , Sainz‐Ramírez Miguel , Pons‐Jubera Begoña , López‐Alonso Miguel , Epifanio‐Fernández Sara‐Isabel , Martínez‐Soria María‐Teresa
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: A quantitative, selective and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatographic method is described for the analysis of new fungicides cyprodinil, fludioxonil and their commercial formulation Switch in model solutions of must and wine, as well as samples during alcoholic fermentation. A study of the dissipation of residues was carried out.

RESULTS: The proposed method is based on liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography and diode array detection. Dichloromethane was the most appropriate solvent for extracting cyprodinil and fludioxonil in samples. Quality parameters of the proposed method presented good recovery (ca. 97% for almost all compounds) and precision (between 4.8% and 5.4%), and limits of quantification were lower than maximum residue limits (MRLs) in grapes.

CONCLUSIONS: There is no matrix effect in the analysis of cyprodinil and fludioxonil. The application of the fermentative process on cyprodinil and fludioxonil fungicides causes a decrease in the concentrations of these compounds. This decrease is slightly higher, the higher the initial concentration, without observing the appearance of any product in degradation. Fludioxonil shows a higher reduction when the compounds are presented together in Switch. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Protected Designation of Origin in beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): towards an objective approach based on sensory and agromorphological properties
Authors: del Castillo Roser Romero , Almirall Antoni , Valero Jordi , Casañas Francesc
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: The concession of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) often depends more on historical criteria rather than on objective descriptions of the products to be protected. Only in a few cases (e.g., wines) are the characteristics that justify the concession of PDO starting to be scientifically documented. The present study aimed to determine whether sensory and commercial differences in beans could be used to objectively define PDOs. As a model we studied beans from two areas in Catalonia that market similar products and that are applying for PDO recognition (‘Mongetes del Ganxet Vallès‐Maresme’ and ‘Fesols de Santa Pau’).

RESULTS: Sensory panel studies and agronomical measurements showed that beans from the two PDO candidates can be clearly differentiated both on appearance and sensory qualities. Furthermore, some sensory differences related to soil variation were detected within the PDO ‘Mongetes del Ganxet Vallès‐Maresme’, the larger and more heterogeneous of the two PDOs. This would enable commercial differentiation within the PDO according to the different gastronomical properties of the product.

CONCLUSION: An objective approach based on sensory and agromorphological traits can be used to objectively delimitate PDOs in beans and better protect their markets. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Tribological performance of distilled biomass oil from rice straw by pyrolysis process
Authors: Hu Xianguo , Xu Yufu , Wang Qiongjie , Jiang Shaotong , Zhu Xifeng
Published: July 2008

The biomass oil pyrolysed from rice straw was refined through distillation process under one atmosphere pressure. Four distilled fractions were obtained in the temperature ranges of 54–64, 72–80, 84–92 and 96–100 °C respectively. Their chemical components and special group structures were analysed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The tribological performances of the prepared fractions were evaluated by MQ‐800 four‐ball tribometer as well. The results showed that both density and acid number of the biomass oil increased with the distillation temperature and that the total distillation yield was 55.7%. Every distillation fraction had different anti‐wear and friction reduction. Their average friction coefficients were 0.185, 0.227, 0.179 and 0.293 in 30 minutes, and the average wear scar diameters were 1.035, 0.958, 0.870 and 0.983 mm under a rotation speed of 1450 rpm respectively. It was found that the fraction distilled in the temperature range of 84–92 °C showed better friction reduction and wear resistance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the oxidative properties of vegetable oils as base stocks for industrial lubricants using spectroscopic and thermogravimetric analyses
Authors: Jayadas N. H.
Published: July 2008

This paper presents the study of the oxidative behaviour of vegetable oils using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic methods and thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) techniques. The properties of vegetable oils were determined by their fatty acid (FA) composition. A high content of polyunsaturated FAs, like linoleic and linolenic acids, decreases thermal‐oxidative stability. FTIR spectroscopy can be used as a quick method to measure the degree of unsaturation in vegetable oils in a qualitative manner. NMR spectroscopy can be used to quantitatively evaluate the degree of unsaturation in vegetable oils. TGA/DTA techniques were used to evaluate the oxidative properties of vegetable oils. In the present study, TGA/DTA analyses was performed on different vegetable oils under isothermal conditions at 150 °C for 3 hours. TGA/DTA thermograms showed weight changes and thermal activities in terms of exothermic or endothermic heat flows during the oxidative reactions. The oxidative degradation was evaluated in terms of the weight gain by the respective vegetable oils under the test conditions, due to the formation of oxidative polymerization products and the value of exothermic peaks as obtained from the DTA. The comparative study of the oxidative performance of different vegetable oils showed that the higher the degrees of unsaturation, the higher are the weight gains and the exothermic peaks. The evaluation of the effect of a chosen antioxidant showed marked improvement on the oxidative stability of vegetable oils. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of T and N stage on long‐term survival of rectal cancer patients in the community
Authors: Kozak Kevin R. , Moody John S.
Published: July 2008

Background and Objectives

Use of the TNM staging system has been encouraged for rectal cancer patients. This study examined the impact of T and N stages on long‐term survival as well as the performance of associated risk classification systems.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgery for rectal adenocarcinoma from 1988 to 2004 were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed for subgroups of patients defined by T and N stage.

Results

For the overall population of 30,826 patients, both T and N stage significantly impacted overall survival (P < 0.001). N stage variably affected survival for subgroups of patients based on T stage, whereas T stage significantly affected survival regardless of N stage. A previously developed risk classification system that assigns one of four risk levels outperformed AJCC group staging in this cohort. Based on long‐term outcomes, a modified risk classification system was constructed which was highly prognostic for long‐term overall survival (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Rectal cancer patients experience widely varying survival rates based on extent of disease. A new risk classification system is proposed that provides better prognostic information than AJCC group staging, suggesting current rectal cancer staging systems may be improved with appropriate revisions. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:161–166. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advances in optical angular momentum
Authors: Franke‐Arnold S. , Allen L. , Padgett M.
Published: July 2008

Some 16 years ago, Allen et al. [Phys. Rev. A45, 8185 (1992)] recognised that laser beams which carried an angular momentum additional to photon spin, could be realized in the laboratory. Such beams have helical phase fronts and so have an azimuthal component to the Poynting vector, which results in angular momentum along the beam axis. This orbital angular momentum, very often combined with spin to make optical angular momentum, has given rise to many developments. These range from optical spanners for driving micro‐machines to high dimensional quantum entanglement and new opportunities in quantum information processing. The concept of orbital angular momentum is now leading to new understanding of a wide range of phenomena, including fundamental processes in Bose‐Einstein condensates, while the associated technologies have led to new applications in optical tweezing and microscopy.
Correlation between Chemical and Solid‐State Structures and Enzymatic Hydrolysis in Novel Biodegradable Polyesters. The Case of Poly(propylene alkanedicarboxylate)s
Authors: Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Papageorgiou George Z. , Giliopoulos Dimitrios J. , Stergiou Charalampos A.
Published: July 2008

A series of seven fast‐biodegrading aliphatic polyesters were prepared from 1,3‐propanediol and aliphatic diacids with increasing number of methylene units (x). Melting points decreased from PPSu to PPAd and then increased again to PPAz and PPSeb. Crystallization rates and thermal stability increased steadily with increasing x. Glass transition temperatures decreased steadily to PPPim and subsequently increased. Enzymatic degradation of the polymers in the presence of a mixture of Rhizopus delemar and Pseudomonas cepacia lipases was much faster than that of poly(ε‐caprolactone). All the polyester specimens were almost disintegrated within 36 h. PPSub exhibited the fastest enzymatic hydrolysis rates, PPAd and PPSuc the slowest.

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Nanocomposites of Genipin‐Crosslinked Chitosan/Silver Nanoparticles ‐ Structural Reinforcement and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Liu Bai‐Shuan , Huang Tsung‐Bin
Published: July 2008

This study investigates the feasibility of a novel nanocomposite (GC/Ag) of a genipin‐crosslinked chitosan (GC) film in which was embedded various amounts of Ag nanoparticles for wound‐dressing applications. In situ UV‐vis results revealed that adding chitosan solution did not affect the characteristics of Ag nanoparticles. The water uptake ratios and surface hydrophilicity of the GC/Ag nanocomposite were better and the degradation rates slightly lower than those of the pure GC film. The presence of Ag nanoparticles enhanced L929 cell attachment and growth. Its function as an anti‐microbial agent in a GC/Ag nanocomposite was assessed for Ag contents of over 100 ppm. In conclusion, silver ions had dual functions ‐ structural reinforcement and provision of antimicrobial properties to a biocompatible polymer.

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Synthesis of New Cellobiose‐Based Glycopolysiloxanes and their Use as Polymer Stabilizers in Miniemulsion Polymerisation
Authors: Berson Solenn , Viet D. , Halila Sami , Driguez Hugues , Fleury Etienne , Hamaide Thierry
Published: July 2008

New glycopolysiloxanes were synthesized from cellobiose and commercially available reactive silicone oils or MD′M precursors. Their synthesis is based on the hydrosilylation of allyl‐functionalized cellobiose onto the reactive silicone oil, after protection of the hydroxyl functions. The subsequent deprotection step leads to a redistribution of the silicon chain to yield oligomers with around 5 or 6 silicon atoms. Two water‐dispersible glycosiloxanes were used for the steric stabilisation of vinyl acetate (VAc) miniemulsion polymerisation with up to 10% Miglyol® as the hydrophobic component. The best performances were obtained by using a mixture of non‐ionic triblock copolymer and glycopolysiloxane. Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) latex with particle sizes around 200 nm were obtained, displaying colloidal stabilisation upon long‐time storage.

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2‐Naphthoxymethyl‐Substituted Polystyrenes for Homeotropic Liquid‐Crystal Alignment Layers
Authors: Kang Hyo , Park Jin Seol , Kang Daeseung , Lee Jong‐Chan
Published: July 2008

A series of 2‐naphthoxymethyl‐substituted polystyrenes (P2NAP) were prepared by the reaction of poly(chloromethylstyrene) with different amounts of 2‐naphthol to investigate the liquid‐crystal (LC) alignment properties of these polymer films. P2NAP with only 2‐naphthoxymethyl side groups (100% conversion of chloromethyl to 2‐naphthoxymethyl) was obtained when 180 mol‐% of naphthol was used in the reaction at 80 °C for 12 h. LC cells fabricated with unrubbed P2NAP films exhibited a homeotropic LC alignment behavior with a pretilt angle of approximately 90°. The homeotropic LC alignment behavior of the unrubbed LC cell of the P2NAP film was ascribed to the head‐on type incorporation of a nonpolar bulky 2‐naphthoxymethyl group into the phenyl side group of the polystyrene.

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Gender‐related changes in increase of dopaminergic neurons in the olfactory bulb of Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Huisman Evelien , Uylings Harry B.M. , Hoogland Piet V.
Published: July 2008

Gender differences in dopaminergic related neurodegenerative diseases have hardly been studied until now. It is generally accepted that more men than women suffer from Parkinson's disease. One of the most prevalent symptoms in Parkinson's patients, hyposmia, does not show gender differences, while normally the sense of smell is better developed in females. Whether the change in dopamine in the olfactory bulb contributes equally to hyposmia in male and female Parkinson's patients is the subject of the present study. In a stereological study the total number of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons in the olfactory bulbs of male and female Parkinson's patients and age‐matched controls has been estimated. The present stereological study shows that the number of tyrosine hydroxylase positive cells in control females is significantly lower than those in control males. The number of dopaminergic cells in the olfactory bulbs of both male and female Parkinson's patients equals that of healthy males of the same age group. We therefore conclude that the hyposmia in Parkinson's disease patients cannot simply be ascribed to dopamine in the olfactory bulb. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Forecast of daily mean, maximum and minimum temperature time series by three artificial neural network methods
Authors: Ustaoglu B. , Cigizoglu H. K. , Karaca M.
Published: July 2008

Temperature forecasting has been one of the most important factors considered in climate impact studies on sectors of agriculture, vegetation, water resources and tourism. The main purpose of this study is to forecast daily mean, maximum and minimum temperature time series employing three different artificial neural network (ANN) methods and provide the best‐fit prediction with the observed actual data using ANN algorithms.

The geographical location considered is one of Turkey's most important areas of agricultural production, the Geyve and Sakarya basin, located in the south‐east of the Marmara region (40°N and 30°E). The methods chosen in this study are: (1) feed‐forward back propagation (FFBP), (2) radial basis function (RBF) and, (3) generalized regression neural network (GRNN). Additionally, predictions with a multiple linear regression (MLR) model were compared to those of the ANN methods. All three different ANN methods provide satisfactory predictions in terms of the selected performance criteria; correlation coefficient (R), root mean square error (RMSE), index of agreement (IA) and the results compared well with the conventional MLR method. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Thoracoscopic approach of the internal mammary artery (IMA): A training model in pigs
Authors: Jiga Lucian P. , Cristian Horia , Blidisel Alexandru , Sandra Flavius , Nistor Alexandru , Hoinoiu Bogdan , Dornean Vlad , Ionac Mihai
Published: July 2008

Endoscopic internal mammary artery (IMA) approach represents a well‐established procedure in coronary bypass surgery. However, such techniques require highly trained skills that need to be mastered in experimental models before taken into the clinic. To attain such skills, our aim was to develop a training model of thoracoscopic approach for harvesting of the IMA in pig. Ten pigs of either sex, weighing 20–28 kg, were used. The thoracic cavity was accessed with the animal in a lateral decubit position, through two ports of 10 mm and 1 of 5 mm, inserted on the anterior and posterior axillary lines immediately below the infrascapular angle into the pleural cavity, and a 30° Hopkins II telescope. The internal mammary artery (IMA) was identified and dissected from its origin in the subclavian artery until its distal part where it becomes the deep superior epigastric artery. Afterward, the arterial segment was clipped and harvested. The mean operative time was 73 min. Postoperative survival at 72 hours was 100% and 90% at 4 weeks. A mean length of 3.2 cm of IMA graft was obtained (2.8–4 cm). The pig IMA has no intercostal branches; thus, the mobilization of the vessel being greatly facilitated. The procedure has two critical steps: the proper trocar insertion and the dissection of the middle one‐third of the IMA. Endoscopic‐assisted IMA, harvesting in pigs, represents a useful tool for training in minimally invasive heart surgery and supports further development toward other clinical applications. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Facial pain and headache associated with brachial plexus compression in the thoracic inlet
Authors: Zhang Zijie , Dellon A. Lee
Published: July 2008

Among the sources for confusion related to brachial plexus compression in the thoracic inlet are the name for this clinical entity (thoracic outlet syndrome) and the fact that some of its associated symptoms occur outside the upper extremity, such as face and neck pain (FP) and occipital headaches (OH). With the realization that scalenus anticus (SA) contraction is the primary source of brachial plexus compression, it is possible to understand the occurrence of both FP and OH in this syndrome. It was hypothesized that SA contraction compresses the cervical plexus as it exits deep to this muscle. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that tension on the origin of this muscle from the transverse cervical processes causes compression of the occipital nerves. To evaluate this, a consecutive series of 32 patients who had resection of the SA between January 2004 and December 2007 were evaluated to determine prevalence of FP and OH, and the extent to which these symptoms were relieved postoperatively after SA resection. It was found that 25% of the patients had FP and that 50% had OH. Postoperatively, for those patients with neck pain, with or without facial pain, 75% were completely relieved, 18% were partially relieved. OH was completely relieved in 81% and partially relieved in 13% of the patients. In conclusion, symptoms of FP and OH associated with brachial plexus compression is due to cervical plexus compression by SA muscle, and symptoms can be relieved by resection of the SA. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.