bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farmers' motivation for collective action in irrigation: a statistical approach applied to the Office du Niger in Mali
Authors: Vandersypen K. , Bastiaens L. , Traoré A. , Diakon B. , Raes D. , Jamin J.‐Y.
Published: January 2008

This paper provides a statistical approach to evaluate the prospects of farmers' water management using survey data from the Office du Niger irrigation scheme in Mali. In the Office du Niger, irrigation management transfer made farmers responsible for water management at the tertiary level. This transfer was a part of broader institutional and economic reforms, which have opened up economic opportunities. Using this approach, it can be shown that farmers are diversifying their income at the expense of agricultural activities and rice farming in particular. This trend brings along an increased employment of wage labourers, who have water management among their tasks. It appears, however, that wage labourers are far less motivated to cooperate with fellow farmers, which might jeopardize the prospects for farmers' water management. Based on the analysis, some policy recommendations are formulated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐site alginate gelation for enhanced cell proliferation and uniform distribution in porous scaffolds
Authors: Li Zhensheng , Gunn Jonathan , Chen Ming‐Hong , Cooper Ashleigh , Zhang Miqin
Published: January 2008

High cell density and uniformity in a tissue‐engineered construct is essential to expedite the formation of a uniform extracellular matrix. In this study, we demonstrated an on‐site gelation approach to increase cellular population and uniformity through porous scaffolds using alginate as gelling material. The on‐site gelation was triggered during cell seeding and was shown to effectively restrain the cells in the porous scaffold during subsequent cell cultivation. The initial demonstration of the effectiveness of this system was made with chondrocyte cells, targeted at functional restoration of damaged or dysfunctional cartilage. By limiting cellular mobility, cell population increased by 89% after 7 days of cell culture in scaffolds encapsulating alginate gel as opposed to a 36% increase in scaffolds without gel. The cell distribution throughout the gelled scaffold was found to be more uniform than in the nongelled scaffold. SEM analysis revealed that the cells exhibited typical chondrocytic morphology. Improved cellular functionality was verified by low levels of collagen type I gene expression and steady gene activity levels of collagen type II over 3 weeks of cell cultivation. Alternatively, cells seeded in scaffolds with the conventional cell‐seeding method demonstrated increased levels of collagen type I gene expression, indicating the possibility of cell dedifferentiation over long‐term cell culture. Success with the chitosan–alginate scaffold model suggested that this flexible on‐site gelation method could be potentially applied to other cell and tissue types for enhanced tissue engineering development. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Corrosive effects of fluoride on titanium: Investigation by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and human epithelial cell culturing
Authors: Stájer Anette , Ungvári Krisztina , Pelsőczi István K. , Polyánka Hilda , Oszkó Albert , Mihalik Erzsébet , Rakonczay Zoltán , Radnai Márta , Kemény Lajos , Fazekas András , Turzó Kinga
Published: January 2008

High fluoride (F−) concentrations and acidic pH impair the corrosion resistance of titanium (Ti). Effects of F−‐containing caries‐preventive prophylactic rinses, and gels on Ti were investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Human epithelial cell attachment and proliferation were investigated by dimethylthiazol‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and protein content assays. Aqueous 1% NaF solution (3800 ppm F−, pH 4.5) or high (12,500 ppm) F− content gel (pH 4.8) strongly corroded the surface and modified its composition. XPS revealed formation of a strongly bound F−‐containing complex (Na2TiF6). AFM indicated an increase in roughness (Ra) of the surfaces: 10‐fold for the NaF solution and smaller for the gel or a mouthwash (250 ppm F−, pH 4.4). MTT revealed that cell attachment was significantly increased by the gel, but was not disturbed by either the mouthwash or the NaF. Cell proliferation determined by MTT decreased significantly only for the NaF‐treated samples; protein content assay experiments showed no such effect. This study indicates that epithelial cell culturing results can depend on the method used, and the adverse effects of a high F− concentration and low pH should be considered when prophylactic gels are applied by patients with Ti implants or other dental devices. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Allocation of nonbirefringent wear debris: Darkfield illumination associated with PIXE microanalysis reveals cobalt deposition in mineralized bone matrix adjacent to CoCr implants
Authors: Busse B. , Hahn M. , Niecke M. , Jobke B. , Püschel K. , Delling G. , Katzer A.
Published: January 2008

Abrasive joint replacement material that accumulates in the tissue induces reciprocal effects between prosthesis material and organism. Since the limitations of brightfield and polarized light microscopy for foreign body analysis are well known, a method was applied that ensures the detailed histological assessment of nonbirefringent particles in periprosthetic soft and hard tissue. Cemented and cementless interface regions of five selected autopsy hip implant cases (2 × Endo‐Modell Mark III, LINK, 1 × St. Georg Mark II, LINK, Germany; 2 × Spongiosa Metal II, ESKA, Germany) were viewed under darkfield illumination and subsequently analyzed with proton‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE). Eight autopsy cases without implants served as controls. Using darkfield illumination technique, metallic particles became visible as luminous points under the microscope. The majority of particles in the samples from the cemented cases were degradation products of radiopaque bone cement. There was minimal evidence of metallic alloy particles in the soft tissues. However, a considerable quantity of heavy metal cobalt (Co) was found in the periprosthetic mineralized bone tissue, which was not observed in the controls. The periprosthetic concentration of cobalt ranged from 38 to 413 ppm. The findings demonstrate a correlation between cobalt concentration, time since implantation, and distance from the implant. Darkfield microscopy associated with PIXE enables a detailed histological assessment of metal particles in the tissue. In an effort to optimize biomechanics, implant design and implantation techniques, the contamination of soft and hard tissue with heavy metal degradation products deserves similar attention in terms of alloy assortment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Cytocompatibility of aliphatic polyesters—In vitro study on fibroblasts and macrophages
Authors: Pamula Elzbieta , Dobrzynski Piotr , Szot Barbara , Kretek Magdalena , Krawciow Jolanta , Plytycz Barbara , Chadzinska Magdalena
Published: January 2008

A resorbable copolymer of glycolide and L‐lactide (PGLA), a terpolymer of glycolide, L‐lactide, and ε‐caprolactone (PGLCL), and a copolymer of glycolide and ε‐caprolactone (PGCL) were synthesized by ring opening polymerization using zirconium acetylacetonate (Zr(acac)4) as an initiator. The structure and physicochemical surface properties of the materials were studied by NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and contact angle measurements. On the basis of contact angle measurements and the Owens‐Wendt approach, the surface free energy was calculated. The effect of polymeric films produced by solvent casting on morphology and activity of L929 fibroblasts, and two types of macrophages (macrophages from peritoneal exudates and RAW 264.7 monocytes/macrophages), was analyzed. It was found that viability, adhesion, and morphology of fibroblasts on PGLA were very similar to control glass. On PGLCL more adhering cells were round, while on PGCL only single, poorly spread cells were seen, and their viability was significantly reduced. This may suggest that the interaction of fibroblasts with PGCL was due to its hydrophobicity and a very low polarity. Adhesion and viability of RAW 264.7 cells was significantly enhanced on PGLA but reduced on both PGLCL and PGCL. The increased synthesis/release of chemoattractants and metalloproteinases‐2 and ‐9 was observed in the macrophages from peritoneal exudates cultured on PGLA and PGLCL. The viability of cells decreased in the following order: PGLA > PGLCL > PGCL. It is worth noting that glass transition temperature and susceptibility to mechanical deformation of the polymeric materials also decreased in the same order. It may imply that those physical parameters should be also considered as potential factors affecting cell behavior. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Effects of sterilization on poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels
Authors: Kanjickal Deenu , Lopina Stephanie , Evancho‐Chapman M. Michelle , Schmidt Steven , Donovan Duane
Published: January 2008

The past few decades have witnessed a dramatic increase in the development of polymeric biomaterials. These biomaterials have to undergo a sterilization procedure before implantation. However, many sterilization procedures have been shown to profoundly affect polymer properties. Poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels have gained increasing importance in the controlled delivery of therapeutics and in tissue engineering. We evaluated the effect of ethylene oxide (EtO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and gamma sterilization of poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels on properties relevant to controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering. We observed that the release of cyclosporine (CyA) (an immunosuppressive drug that is effective in combating tissue rejection following organ transplantation) was significantly affected by the type of sterilization. However, that was not the case with rhodamine B, a dye. Hence, the drug release characteristics were observed to be dependent not only on the sterilization procedure but also on the type of agent that needs to be delivered. In addition, differences in the swelling ratios for the sterilized and unsterilized hydrogels were statistically significant for 1:1 crosslinked hydrogels derived from the 8000 MW polymer. Significant differences were also observed for gamma sterilization for 1:1 crosslinked hydrogels derived from the 3350 MW polymer and also the 2:1 crosslinked hydrogels derived from the 8000 MW polymer. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies revealed that the roughness parameter for the unsterilized and EtO‐sterilized PEG hydrogels remained similar. However, a statistically significant reduction of the roughness parameter was observed for the H2O2 and gamma‐sterilized samples. Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies on the unsterilized and the sterilized samples revealed the presence of the peroxy and the triphenyl methyl carbon radical in the samples. The gamma and the H2O2‐sterilized samples were observed to have a much higher concentration of the radical pecies when compared with the EtO and the unsterilized samples. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Enhanced neurite alignment on micro‐patterned poly‐L‐lactic acid films
Authors: Li Jianming , McNally Helen , Shi Riyi
Published: January 2008

The ability of the damaged central nervous system and peripheral nervous system to properly recover hinges on the regenerative mechanisms and functional reconnection to appropriate targets. Successful pathfinding of axons is controlled by a complex interplay of diffusible or substrate‐bound biochemical and electrical cues. Physical guidance has also been shown to occur in vivo and in vitro, either via cell–cell or cell‐extracellular matrix mediated contact. In the current study, we probe the role of contact guidance in facilitating neural regeneration and pathfinding. Using soft lithographic techniques, we have created thin films of poly‐L‐lactic acid polymer (PLLA) possessing periodic features approaching the nanometer regime. Rat PC‐12 cells and chick sympathetic neurons were subsequently cultured onto these substrates and parameters, such as neurite emergence and orientation angle, neurite length, and neuronal architecture are characterized. Our results reveal that both PC‐12 and chick sympathetic neurites can be effectively guided by unidirectional grooves as small as 100 nm in height and 1 μm in width. Moreover, sympathetic cells produced neurites that were longer on patterned substrata than on controls. The development of novel degradable micro/nanopatterned substrates for cell study will permit more in‐depth analysis of contact mediated guidance mechanisms in addition to having applications in neural and tissue engineering. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Nanoporesize affects complement activation
Authors: Ferraz Natalia , Nilsson Bo , Hong Jaan , Karlsson Ott Marjam
Published: January 2008

In the present study, we have shown the vast importance of biomaterial nanotexture when evaluating inflammatory response. For the first time in an in vitro whole blood system, we have proven that a small increase in nanoporesize, specifically 180 nm (from 20 to 200 nm), has a huge effect on the complement system. The study was done using nanoporous aluminiumoxide, a material that previously has been evaluated for potential implant use, showing good biocompatibility. This material can easily be manufactured with different pore sizes making it an excellent candidate to govern specific protein and cellular events at the tissue‐material interface. We performed whole blood studies, looking at complement activation after blood contact with two pore size alumina membranes (pore diameters, 20 and 200 nm). The fluid phase was analyzed for complement soluble components, C3a and sC5b‐9. In addition, surface adsorbed proteins were eluted and dot blots were performed to detect IgG, IgM, C1q, and C3. All results point to the fact that 200 nm pore size membranes are more complement activating. Significantly, higher values of complement soluble components were found after whole blood contact with 200 nm alumina and all studied proteins adsorbed more readily to this membrane than to the 20 nm pore size membrane. We hypothesize that the difference in complement activation between our two test materials is caused by the type and the amount of adsorbed proteins, as well as their conformation and orientation. The different protein patterns created on the two alumina membranes are most likely a consequence of the material topography. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Wnt signaling acts and is regulated in a human osteoblast differentiation dependent manner
Authors: Eijken M. , Meijer I.M.J. , Westbroek I. , Koedam M. , Chiba H. , Uitterlinden A.G. , Pols H.A.P. , van Leeuwen J.P.T.M.
Published: January 2008

The Wnt signaling pathway is an important regulator of cellular differentiation in a variety of cell types including osteoblasts. In this study, we investigated the impact of Wnt signaling on the function of human osteoblasts in relation to the stage of differentiation. Differentiating osteoblasts were created upon glucocorticoid (GC) treatment, whereas nondifferentiating osteoblasts were created by excluding GCs from the culture medium. GC‐induced differentiation suppressed endogenous β‐catenin levels and transcriptional activity. During GC‐induced osteoblast differentiation, activation of Wnt signaling slightly decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, but strongly suppressed matrix mineralization. In addition, mRNA expression of several Wnt signaling related genes was strongly regulated during GC‐induced osteoblast differentiation, including frizzled homolog 8, dickkopf homolog 1, and secreted frizzled‐related protein 1. In contrast, in the absence of GC‐induced differentiation, Wnt signaling acted positively by stimulating basal alkaline phosphatase activity. Interestingly, pre‐stimulation of Wnt signaling in early osteoblasts enhanced their differentiation capacity later on during the GC‐induced differentiation process. In conclusion, we showed a differentiation‐dependent effect of Wnt signaling on osteoblasts. Wnt signaling stimulated early osteoblasts in their capacity to differentiate, whereas mature osteoblasts were strongly inhibited in their capacity to induce mineralization. Moreover, osteoblast differentiation suppressed endogenous Wnt signaling and changed the expression of multiple Wnt signaling related genes. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 568–579, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metacognitive interpersonal therapy in a case of obsessive–compulsive and avoidant personality disorders
Authors: Fiore Donatella , Dimaggio Giancarlo , Nicoló Giuseppe , Semerari Antonio , Carcione Antonino
Published: January 2008

Metacognitive interpersonal therapy (MIT) for personality disorders is aimed at both improving metacognition—the ability to understand mental states—and modulating problematic interpersonal representations while building new and adaptive ones. Attention to the therapeutic relationship is basic in MIT. Clinicians recognize any dysfunctional relationships with patients and work to achieve attunement to make the latter aware of their problematic interpersonal patterns. The authors illustrate here the case of a man suffering from obsessive–compulsive and avoidant personality disorders with dependent traits. He underwent combined individual and group therapies to (a) modulate his perfectionism, (b) prevent shifts towards avoiding responsibilities to protect himself from feared negative judgments, and (c) help him acknowledge suppressed desires. We show how treatment focused on the various dysfunctional personality aspects. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64: 1–13, 2008.
Future trends of climatic belts and seasons in China
Authors: Jiang Yundi , Wang Shuyu , Yang Song , Dong Wenjie , Fu Congbin , Zhao Tianbao
Published: January 2008

In this study, the present and future climate under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) A2 scenario of CO2 emission are simulated by using the Regional Integrated Environment Modeling System (RIEMS). The simulated climatic belts, climatic seasons, and Yellow River ice phenology in China are compared between the present climate during 1975–1984 and the future climate during 2035–2044. The long‐term trends of the regional climate are also estimated.

Compared to 1975–1984, most of the climatic belts in China will shift northward in 2035–2044, by a maximum of 1.5–2° of latitude. The southern boundary of the Northern Sub‐tropical Belt (NSB) will shift northward significantly, in spite of the little change in its northern boundary. The entire Southern Sub‐tropical Belt (SSB) and the Middle Sub‐tropical Belt (MSB), as well as the northern boundary of the Warm Extra‐tropical Belt (WEB), will also shift northward by 1–2° of latitude. The starting dates of spring and summer will mostly advance, opposite to the delays in the starting dates of autumn and winter. As a whole, the summer in China will grow longer by 26.1 days, while spring, autumn, and winter will become shorter by 6.8, 7.9, and 11.4 days, respectively. In the upper reach of the Yellow River (URYR), the date for enduring sub‐zero temperatures will be delayed by 8 days and the date for enduring above‐zero temperatures will advance by 5 days. In the lower reach of the river, the date for enduring sub‐zero temperatures will be delayed by 4 days and the date for enduring above‐zero temperatures will advance by 4 days. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Magnetic resonance image analysis of meniscal translation and tibio‐menisco‐femoral contact in deep knee flexion
Authors: Yao Jiang , Lancianese Sarah L. , Hovinga Kristen R. , Lee Jordan , Lerner Amy L.
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this study was to clarify meniscal displacement and cartilage–meniscus contact behavior in a full extension position and a deep knee flexion position. We also studied whether the meniscal translation pattern correlated with the tibiofemoral cartilage contact kinematics. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were acquired at both positions for 10 subjects using a conventional MR scanner. Subjects achieved a flexion angle averaging 139° ± 3°. Both medial and lateral menisci translated posteriorly on the tibial plateau during deep knee flexion. The posterior translation of the lateral meniscus (8.2 ± 3.2 mm) was greater than the medial (3.3 ± 1.5 mm). This difference was correlated with the difference in tibiofemoral contact kinematics between medial and lateral compartments. Contact areas in deep flexion were approximately 75% those at full extension. In addition, the percentage of area in contact with menisci increased significantly due to deep flexion. Our results related to meniscal translation and tibio‐menisco‐femoral contact in deep knee flexion, in combination with information about force and pressure in the knee, may lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of meniscal degeneration and osteoarthritis associated with prolonged kneeling and squatting. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:673–684, 2008
Availability of certain nutrients in cereals reconstituted with or without enzymes for chickens
Authors: Manwar Satish J , Mandal Asit B
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND: The presence of various anti‐nutritional factors, poor digestibility of the protein and carbohydrates greatly affect the utilisation of cereal grains in birds. Therefore, in the present investigation, efforts were made to augment the availability of certain nutrients of cereal grains through reconstitution with or without added enzymes.

RESULTS: Reconstitution of grains with enzymes increased the apparent metabolisable energy‐nitrogen corrected (AMEn) values of pearl millet, sorghum, maize and wheat by 10.81, 7.39, 1.74 and 5.11% over untreated grains, while the corresponding increase for the grains reconstituted without enzymes was 8.28, 5.45, 1.95 and 0.06%, respectively. The reconstitution of cereal grains without added enzymes improved the in vitro pepsin pancreatin digestibility (IVPPD) of pearl millet, sorghum, maize and wheat by 19, 23, 20 and 11% over their respective untreated counterparts. Reconstitution with or without enzymes reduced the available carbohydrates and acid detergent fibre contents. The phytate contents were decreased significantly (P < 0.01) due to reconstitution with or without enzymes up to 48‐60% for all the grains.

CONCLUSION: It may be inferred that the reconstitution of the grains caused significant reduction in anti‐nutritional factors of the grains, which was accompanied by significant improvement in nutrient availability. Reconstitution was found to be less expensive method of feed processing and can easily be adopted under field conditions. Addition of enzymes in the process of reconstitution provided additional advantage in nutrient availability for all the cereals except maize, and the improvement was much higher in wheat. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Winter cover crops for local ecosystems: linking plant traits and ecosystem function
Authors: Wilke Brook J , Snapp Sieglinde S
Published: January 2008

Winter cover crops are capable of supplying multiple economic and environmental benefits in temperate environments of North America, but the lack of adapted populations for specific environmental and agricultural contexts has resulted in cover crops that are unreliable and perform ecosystem functions unevenly. To maximize the benefits provided by winter cover crops, we argue for trait selection by crop scientists that is cognizant of desired ecosystem functions, with the goal of providing commercially available populations that have variable functions. We illustrate this approach through a case study of a promising winter annual legume cover crop, hairy vetch (Vicia villosa). Six key traits and associated functions are considered within specific agroecological contexts. We discuss tradeoffs that may occur among desired plant traits and illustrate how over‐selection for a particular trait could negatively affect performance and overall benefits from a cover crop. Intraspecific combinations of complementary cover crops are suggested as means to achieve multiple agroecosystem functions. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Prospects for using marker‐assisted breeding to improve maize production in Africa
Authors: Stevens Robyn
Published: January 2008

Maize (Zea mays L.) production in sub‐Saharan Africa has historically been constrained by a number of biotic and abiotic factors, including drought, insects, disease, and weeds. New agricultural research involving genomics and molecular markers may assist plant breeders in developing new varieties that will benefit producers and consumers in this region. Over the past few decades, plant breeders have used molecular markers to identify numerous genomic regions affecting maize production and nutritional value. Marker‐assisted selection (MAS) presents the potential to improve the efficiency of plant breeding by allowing for the transfer of these specific genomic regions of interest and accelerating the recovery of the elite parent background. However, to this point, few examples of successful MAS in breeding programs, particularly those with benefits in Africa, have been noted. This review discusses the use of molecular markers in the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting the production and nutritional quality of maize, as well as the potential to use the results from the vast number of QTL studies that have been performed in MAS breeding programs. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Biochemical and nutritional evaluation of Jatropha protein isolate prepared by steam injection heating for reduction of toxic and antinutritional factors
Authors: Devappa Rakshit K , Swamylingappa Bhagya
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND: Jatropha kernel contains 400–600 g oil kg−1, and the cake obtained after oil extraction is rich in protein. The use of Jatropha cake/meal in food or feed is limited owing to the presence of toxic and antinutritional constituents. The main objective of the present study was to prepare protein isolates with reduced toxic and antinutritional factors and improved nutritional quality.

RESULTS: The yield of protein isolates was 70–77%, with a protein content of 955–970 g kg−1. The trypsin inhibitor activity was reduced by 90–97% and the phytate, tannin and saponin contents were reduced by 90, 85 and 98% respectively in the isolates, while phorbol esters and cyanogenic glucosides decreased to undetectable levels. The chemical scores for the meals and isolates were similar; methionine and cystine were the limiting amino acids. The in vitro digestibility and calculated nutritional indices (essential amino acid index, predicted biological value, nutritional index and computed protein efficiency ratio) of the protein isolates were higher than those of the meals. Protein quality as indicated by the protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score was 1.0.

CONCLUSION: Jatropha protein isolate prepared by steam injection has markedly reduced toxic and antinutritional constituents and hence has great potential as a rich source of protein. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Probabilistic intake assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and omega‐3 fatty acids through fish consumption
Authors: Sioen Isabelle , Bilau Maaike , Verdonck Frederik , Verbeke Wim , Willems Jan L. , De Henauw Stefaan , Van Camp John
Published: January 2008

Food intake is one of the principal exposure routes of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in humans. This study focuses on fish consumption as a PBDE exposure route. A probabilistic intake assessment of PBDEs and healthy long chain omega‐3 PUFAs (LC n‐3 PUFAs) was conducted for Belgian fish consumers in order to study the balance of the intake of LC n‐3 PUFAs and PBDEs. Based on the observed fish consumption level in the sample, the mean intake of brominated diphenyl ether (BDE)‐28, 47, 99, 100, 153, and 154 via fish was 0.85 ng/kg body weight (bw)/day and the intake of LC n‐3 PUFAs was 3.45 mg/kg bw/day, being low compared to the recommendations. Scenario analyses showed that consuming 150 g salmon twice a week is advisable to achieve the recommended LC n‐3 PUFA intake with a rather low PBDE intake. When replacing 150 g salmon by herring, the PBDE intake is higher without an increase in LC n‐3 PUFAs. In contrast, the combination of cod and salmon leads to a similar PBDE intake compared to twice a week salmon, but to a lower LC n‐3 PUFA intake. In conclusion, the methodology presented in the paper allows balancing benefits and risks related to fish consumption.
Consumption of fish from a contaminated lake strongly affects the concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane in serum
Authors: Thomsen Cathrine , Knutsen Helle K. , Liane Veronica H. , Frøshaug May , Kvalem Helen E. , Haugen Margaretha , Meltzer Helle M. , Alexander Jan , Becher Georg
Published: January 2008

Very high concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) have been reported in fish from Lake Mjøsa in Norway. This study was performed to examine the serum concentrations of PBDE and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in consumers of fish from this lake and to investigate possible relationships between serum concentrations, self‐reported fish intake and calculated total dietary PBDE exposure. Serum concentrations of the sum of the seven PBDE (BDE‐28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154 and 183) were significantly higher than those of a reference group of Norwegians eating only food with background levels of contamination (medians: 18 ng/g lipids men, 8.4 ng/g lipids women). The median dietary intake of Sum 7 PBDE was 2549 ng/day (30 ng/kg body weight/day), the highest dietary intake of PBDE reported. The contribution from fish caught from the contaminated lake comprised 98.7% of the total dietary exposure. For men, serum levels of PBDE were strongly correlated with the calculated dietary exposure, except for BDE‐209. This suggests that sources other than the diet are important for human BDE‐209 exposure. The median serum HBCD concentration was 4.1 and 2.6 ng/g lipids for men and women, respectively, and was also found to be associated with consumption of fish from Lake Mjøsa.
Curcumin in cancer management: Recent results of analogue design and clinical studies and desirable future research
Authors: Steward William P. , Gescher Andreas J.
Published: January 2008

The ability of the curry constituent curcumin to delay the onset of cancer has been the topic of extensive research for many years. Abundant literature is devoted to mechanisms by which curcumin may mediate this activity. These insights have prompted investigations in which curcumin as lead molecule serves as a scaffold for synthetic chemical attempts to optimize pharmacological potency. Among the published analogues with notable efficacy are dimethylcurcumin, 1,5‐bis(3‐pyridyl)‐1,4‐pentadien‐3‐one and 3,5‐bis‐(2‐fluorobenzylidene)‐piperidinium‐4‐one acetate. Results of a small number of clinical pilot studies conducted with curcumin at doses of up to 12 g suggest tentatively that it is safe in humans. Prevention of adenoma recurrence constitutes a clinical paradigm worthy of further investigation for curcumin. Future clinical study should include measurement of mechanism‐based pharmacodynamic parameters.
Temporal trends of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane in milk from Stockholm mothers, 1980–2004
Authors: Fängström Britta , Athanassiadis Ioannis , Odsjö Tjelvar , Norén Koidu , Bergman Åke
Published: January 2008

Environmental and human exposures to brominated flame retardants (BFR) have been of emerging concern since some BFR are persistent and bioaccumulative compounds. Among those, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) have frequently been reported in low to high ng/g concentrations in human blood around the world while hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) only occasionally has been reported and then in the low ppb concentrations in human blood. The present study concerns PBDE congener and HBCDD concentrations in human milk from Stockholm from 1980 to 2004. HBCDD concentrations has increased four to five times since 1980 until 2002 but seems to have stabilized at this concentration in the last years (2003/04). Similarly, BDE‐153 has continued to increase at least to 2001, after which it has stabilized in the mother's milk. Other PBDE congeners with four to five bromine substituents peaked 5 years earlier (1995) and are all decreasing. DecaBDE (BDE‐209) is not a suitable biomarker for time trend studies according to the present results, showing no changes over time. This is likely due to its short apparent half‐life in humans and poor transfer from blood to milk.
Optimal capacity in a coordinated supply chain
Authors: Chao Xiuli , Seshadri Sridhar , Pinedo Michael
Published: January 2008

We consider a supply chain in which a retailer faces a stochastic demand, incurs backorder and inventory holding costs and uses a periodic review system to place orders from a manufacturer. The manufacturer must fill the entire order. The manufacturer incurs costs of overtime and undertime if the order deviates from the planned production capacity. We determine the optimal capacity for the manufacturer in case there is no coordination with the retailer as well as in case there is full coordination with the retailer. When there is no coordination the optimal capacity for the manufacturer is found by solving a newsvendor problem. When there is coordination, we present a dynamic programming formulation and establish that the optimal ordering policy for the retailer is characterized by two parameters. The optimal coordinated capacity for the manufacturer can then be obtained by solving a nonlinear programming problem. We present an efficient exact algorithm and a heuristic algorithm for computing the manufacturer's capacity. We discuss the impact of coordination on the supply chain cost as well as on the manufacturer's capacity. We also identify the situations in which coordination is most beneficial. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008
Comparative proteomics and correlated signaling network of rat hippocampus in the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Liu Xin‐Yu , Yang Jin‐Liang , Chen Li‐Juan , Zhang Ying , Yang Ming‐Li , Wu Yong‐Yang , Li Fu‐Qiang , Tang Ming‐Hai , Liang Shu‐Fang , Wei Yu‐Quan
Published: January 2008

In temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), the seizure origin typically involves the hippocampal formation. The pilocarpine‐induced TLE provides a model to investigate the molecular and functional characterization of epileptogenesis by mimicking the human epileptic condition. Here, we employed a 2‐D gel‐based proteomic technique to profile proteome changes in the rat hippocampus after pilocarpine treatment. Using MALDI MS and MS/MS, 57 differentially expressed proteins were identified, which were found either up‐regulated and/or down‐regulated at the two time points 12 h (acute period; Ap) and 72 h (silent period; Sp) compared with the control. These proteins can be related to underlying mechanism of pilocarpine‐induced TLE, indicating cytoskeleton modification, altered synaptic function, mitochondrial dysfunction, changed ion channel, and chaperone. Five of the identified proteins, synaptosomal‐associated protein 25 (SNAP25), synapsin‐2 (SYN2), homer protein homolog 2 (HOMER2), α‐internexin (INA), and voltage‐dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2) were investigated by semiquantitative RT‐PCR, and SNAP25 and INA were further validated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining. Furthermore, association of these pilocarpine‐induced proteins with biological functions using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) tool showed that nucleic acid metabolism, system development, tissue and cell morphology were significantly altered. IPA of the canonical networks indicated that six membrane proteins (e.g., SNAP25, SYN2, and HOMER2) participated in three biological networks as starting proteins. Our results offer a clue to identify biomarkers for the development of pharmacological therapies targeted at epilepsy.
A mass spectrometry‐based strategy for detecting and characterizing endogenous proteinase activities in complex biological samples
Authors: Robinson Sarah , Niles Richard K. , Witkowska H. Ewa , Rittenbach Kirsten J. , Nichols Robert J. , Sargent Jonathan A. , Dixon Scott E. , Prakobphol Akraporn , Hall Steven C. , Fisher Susan J. , Hardt Markus
Published: January 2008

Endogenous proteinases in biological fluids such as human saliva produce a rich peptide repertoire that reflects a unique combination of enzymes, substrates, and inhibitors/activators. Accordingly, this subproteome is an interesting source of biomarkers for disease processes that either directly or indirectly involve proteolysis. However, the relevant proteinases, typically very low abundance molecules, are difficult to classify and identify. We hypothesized that a sensitive technique for monitoring accumulated peptide products in an unbiased, global manner would be very useful for detecting and profiling proteolytic activities in complex biological samples. Building on the longstanding use of 18O isotope‐based approaches for the classification of proteolytic and other enzymatic processes we devised a new method for evaluating endogenous proteinases. Specifically, we showed that upon ex vivo incubation endogenous proteinases in human parotid saliva introduced 18O from isotopically enriched water into the C‐terminal carboxylic groups of their peptide products. Subsequent peptide sequence determination and inhibitor profiling enabled the detection of discrete subsets of proteolytic products that were generated by different enzymes. As a proof‐of‐principle we used one of these fingerprints to identify the relevant activity as tissue kallikrein. We termed this technique PALeO. Our results suggest that PALeO is a rapid and highly sensitive method for globally assessing proteinase activities in complex biological samples.
Proteomic analysis of the pH response in the fungal pathogen Candida glabrata
Authors: Schmidt Pia , Walker Janet , Selway Laura , Stead David , Yin Zhikang , Enjalbert Brice , Weig Michael , Brown Alistair J. P.
Published: January 2008

Micro‐organisms must adapt to environmental change to survive, and this is particularly true for fungal pathogens such as Candida glabrata. C. glabrata is found both in the environment and in diverse niches in its human host. The ambient pH of these niches varies considerably, and therefore we have examined the response of C. glabrata to changes in ambient pH using a proteomic approach. Proteins expressed in C. glabrata cells growing at pH 4.0, 7.4 or 8.0 were compared by 2‐DE, and 174 spots displaying reproducible and statistically significant changes in expression level were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting, thereby extending our 2‐DE map of the C. glabrata proteome to a total of 272 identified spots. Proteins involved in glucose metabolism, the TCA cycle, respiration and protein synthesis were expressed at lower levels during growth at pH 7.4 and/or 8.0, whereas proteins involved in stress responses and protein catabolism were expressed at higher levels under these alkaline conditions. Our data suggest that C. glabrata perceives low pH as less stressful than higher pH. This contrasts with another opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans, Candida albicans
Matrix formalism for site‐specific binding of unstructured proteins to multicomponent lipid membranes
Authors: Teif Vladimir B. , Harries Daniel , Lando Dmitri Y. , Ben‐Shaul Avinoam
Published: January 2008

We describe a new approach to calculate the binding of flexible peptides and unfolded proteins to multicomponent lipid membranes. The method is based on the transfer matrix formalism of statistical mechanics recently described as a systematic tool to study DNA–protein–drug binding in gene regulation. Using the energies of interaction of the individual polymer segments with different membrane lipid species and the scaling corrections due to polymer looping, we calculate polymer adsorption characteristics and the degree of sequestration of specific membrane lipids. The method is applied to the effector domain of the MARCKS (myristoylated alanine rich C kinase substrate) protein known to be involved in signal transduction through membrane binding. The calculated binding constants of the MARCKS(151–175) peptide and a series of related peptides to mixed PC/PS/PIP2 membranes are in satisfactory agreement with in vitro experiments. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional fertility differences in Turkey: persistent high fertility in the southeast
Authors: Yüceşahin M. Murat , Özgür E. Murat
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this study is to investigate regional fertility differences in Turkey at a provincial level, with a particular focus on high fertility in the eastern and southeastern regions. Furthermore, the study discusses the reasons for fertility fluctuations in eight southeastern provinces over the past two decades. This study offers maps showing the total fertility rates of the provinces between 1980 and 2000, and probes the ways in which regional fertility differences have arisen. A multiple regression analysis is also carried out in order to explain determinants of high fertility in southeastern Turkey. The study relies on population statistics issued by the State Institute of Statistics as well as Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys. The findings of this study underline that ethnicity and cultural factors are definitive of high fertility in southeastern Turkey. The use of local languages and the dominance of traditional cultural norms in the undeveloped eastern and southeastern regions with a large Kurdish (and partially Arab) population have created linguistic and cultural barriers. Thereby, unlike other regions where Turkish is the dominant language, the eastern and southeastern regions have mainly fallen outside the social interaction process that secures the adoption by individuals of modern reproductive behaviour, and these regions have persistently maintained a high level of fertility. Recent fertility fluctuations in eight provinces of southeastern Turkey are largely a consequence of the population's reduced access to family planning services due to the conflict between Turkish security forces and separatist Kurdish groups in the region. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fragmentation study of two compounds related to 4′‐demethylepipodophyllotoxin in negative ion electrospray ionization by MSn ion‐trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Qianrong , Yan Guoquan , Ge Tiefei
Published: January 2008

High‐resolution electrospray ionization multistage tandem mass spectrometry (MS1–7) in negative ion mode was used to determine the accurate masses and fragmentation pathways of two compounds, 4′‐demethylepipodophyllotoxin and 4′‐demethyl‐4‐azido‐4‐deoxyepipodophyllotoxin, which are key intermediate compounds for the preparation of podophyllotoxin‐type anti‐cancer drugs. The deprotonated molecules [MH]− of both compounds were readily observed in the conventional single‐stage mass spectra due to the presence of the phenolic hydroxyl group in the molecules. Abundant information on the product ions was obtained from tandem mass spectra (MS2–7) in negative ion mode. Based on the exact masses acquired from 14 different tandem mass spectra, a similar MSn fragmentation pathway was proposed for both compounds. A characteristic product ion produced in the MS2–4 product ion scan experiments is the cyclohexylenetrione anion [MH2MeRH]− or [MHRH2Me]− at m/z 351 (C19H11O7) formed by the consecutive losses of two CH3 radicals at the 3′‐ and 5′‐positions and the neutral loss of RH, where R = a 4‐substituted group (OH or N3), from the [MH]− ion. This anion may be considered as diagnostic for the presence of this type of compound. The other common cleavages are the neutral losses of CO at least two times in the MS6,7 product ion spectra. The results of this work could serve as an effective tool for the detection or determination of other derivatives of 4′‐demethyl‐4β‐substituted podophyllotoxin, which are widely used as intermediates for the preparation of anti‐tumor drugs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finite element analysis of rough surfaces based on ultimate‐stress asperity concept
Authors: Abdo Jamil
Published: January 2008

An improved mathematical elastic–plastic model for the contact of rough surfaces that is based on an accurate finite element solution of a deformable single asperity and a rigid flat surface is developed to provide dimensionless expressions for the contact area and contact load. This model differs from the existing models, in that it accounts for the level of interference beyond expected failure. The finite element solution is used to define the limits at which failure occurs. A fictitious ultimate‐stress asperity is introduced to facilitate the derivation of the contact model. This model considers a realistic picture of elastic–plastic deformation where elastic, plastic and failure behaviors can occur simultaneously for an asperity. Subsequent comparison of the results for estimating contact area and load using the present model and the earlier methods shows identical results for pure elastic contacts with plasticity index values at about 0.5 but substantial difference for the net elastic–plastic contacts having plasticity index values above 0.8. When plasticity index reaches 6 and beyond, the three models predict similar total contact area and load values and that the contact is purely plastic. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of cleaning and amino‐ silanization protocols for Si wafers to be used as platforms for biochip microarrays by surface analysis (XPS, ToF‐SIMS and NEXAFS spectroscopy)
Authors: Graf Nora , Yeğen Eda , Lippitz Andreas , Treu Dieter , Wirth Thomas , Unger Wolfgang E. S.
Published: January 2008

It is known that aminosilanized Si wafers may be used as microarray platforms. Results of an XPS study of a cleaning applied to Si wafers prior to aminosilanization are presented and discussed. Furthermore, the results of an aminosilanization protocol optimized in terms of nitrogen chemistry are described. After optimization of the protocol a free amine content of 94% was reached. The surface chemistry was investigated in this study by using XPS, time of flight (ToF)‐SIMS and near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. Reference to aminosilanization protocols reported in the literature has been made. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A resonant photoelectron spectroscopy study of Sn(Ox) doped CeO2 catalysts
Authors: Matolín V. , Cabala M. , Cháb V. , Matolínová I. , Prince K. C. , Škoda M. , Šutara F. , Skála T. , Veltruská K.
Published: January 2008

The interaction of tin with cerium oxide thin film and cerium oxide nanosized powder was studied using XPS and resonant photoelectron spectroscopy (RPES) in the Ce 4d–4f photoabsorption region. A strong tin–ceria interaction led to partial Ce4+→ Ce3+ transition and Sn+ ion formation. A corresponding increase of the Ce 4f state occupancy was observed as a giant 4f resonance enhancement. In the case of powder catalyst a strong CeO2Sn interaction lead to formation of CeSnO mixed oxide system characterized by Ce3+ ion concentration enhancement and increase of Ce 4f occupation. It explains generally higher catalytic activity of the CeSnO mixed oxide catalysts when comparing with the individual oxides. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.