bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Analysis of Twaite Shad, Alosa fallax (Lacepède, 1803), in the Southern North Sea: Application of Non‐Linear Geostatistics as a Tool to Search for Special Areas of Conservation
Authors: Stelzenmüller Vanessa , Maynou Francesc , Ehrich Siegfried , Zauke Gerd‐Peter
Published: August 2004

This study aims to evaluate the suitability of non‐linear geostatistics and indicator kriging (IK) as a tool in environmental impact assessment and nature conservation, in particular to search for potential Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) for the endangered fish species twaite shad, Alosa fallax (Lacepède, 1803) within the German Exclusive Economical Zone (EEZ) of the North Sea. To analyse the spatial distribution of this fish species, data on standardised biomass index (catch per unit effort, c.p.u.e., kg × 30 min–1) from 1996 to 2001 were used, regarding the third and fourth quarters of each year, respectively. Thereby we assume that the spatial distribution can be described as a time‐invariant process. This assumption is supported by information on annual sampling effort, allocation of hauls and spatial distribution of the positive catches. All indicator variograms obtained for different c.p.u.e. cut‐off values displayed distinct spatial structures, clearly indicating that the indicator variables were spatially autocorrelated. Gaussian models were fitted by least‐squares methods and were evaluated with a goodness‐of‐fit statistic. Subsequently, IK was employed to estimate the probability of exceeding the c.p.u.e. cut‐off values for the twaite shad in the investigation area. These were highest in the Weser‐ and Elbe‐estuary, probably because of migrations of twaite shad to and from estuaries at the time of investigation due to spawning, while within the German EEZ of the North Sea no such areas with increased probabilities could be discerned. Thus, although available data did not allow to identify and implement any SAC in the German EEZ, the methods employed here can be regarded as a promising management tool in biological conservation issues. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Heliodiaptomus phuthaiorum n. sp., a New Freshwater Copepod (Calanoida, Diaptomidae) from Temporary Ponds in Northeast Thailand
Authors: Sanoamuang La‐orsri
Published: August 2004

An illustrated description of a new species, Heliodiaptomus phuthaiorum n. sp., from nine of the 456 sampled localities in northeast Thailand, is presented. Morphologically, it is closely related to the Indian H. pulcher (Gurney, 1907). The new species is characterized in the male by the prominent, spinulose knob on the inner margin of the right basis; the finely serrated inner margin of the right second exopodite‐segment; and the extraordinary large, tongue‐like projection on proximal inner margin of the left basis. In the female, the genital somite is unusually long, much longer than the other two urosomites combined. This new species is rare and has been found only in temporary ponds in Nakhon Pranom and Nong Khai Provinces. It usually co‐occurs with 1–5 other diaptomids; the most frequently co‐occurring species are Neodiaptomus blachei (Brehm, 1951), N. yangtsekiangensis Mashiko, 1951 and Eodiaptomus phuphanensis Sanoamuang, 2001. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The acrosomal vesicle of mouse sperm is a calcium store
Authors: Herrick Scott B. , Schweissinger Daniel L. , Kim Soo‐Woo , Bayan Keith R. , Mann Steven , Cardullo Richard A.
Published: August 2004

Subsequent to binding to the zona pellucida, mammalian sperm undergo a regulated sequence of events that ultimately lead to acrosomal exocytosis. Like most regulated exocytotic processes, a rise in intracellular calcium is sufficient to trigger this event although the precise mechanism of how this is achieved is still unclear. Numerous studies on mouse sperm have indicated that a voltage‐operated Ca2+ channel plays some immediate role following sperm binding to the zona pellucida glycoprotein ZP3. However, there is also evidence that the mammalian sperm acrosome contains a high density of IP3 receptors, suggesting that the exocytotic event involves the release of Ca2+ from the acrosome. The release of Ca2+ from the acrosome may directly trigger exocytosis or may activate store‐operated Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane. To test the hypothesis that the acrosome is an intracellular store we loaded mammalian sperm with the membrane permeant forms of three Ca2+‐sensitive fluorescent indicator dyes: fura‐2, indo‐1, and Calcium Green‐5N. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that the sperm were labeled in all intracellular compartments. When fura‐2 labeled sperm were treated with 150 μM MnCl2 to quench all fluorescence in the cytosol, or when the sperm were labeled with the low affinity dye Calcium Green‐5N, there was a large Ca2+ signal in the acrosome. Consistent with the acrosome serving as an intracellular Ca2+ reservoir, the addition of 20 μM thapsigargin, a potent inhibitor of the smooth endoplasmic reticular Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA), to populations of capacitated sperm resulted in nearly 100% acrosomal exocytosis within 60 min (τ1/2 ∼ 10 min), in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Additionally, treatment of sperm with 100 μM thimerosal, an IP3 receptor agonist, also resulted in acrosomal exocytosis. Taken together, these data suggest that the mouse sperm acrosome is a Ca2+ store that regulates its own exocytosis through an IP3 Ca2+ mobilization pathway. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental transcription factor slug is required for effective re‐epithelialization by adult keratinocytes
Authors: Savagner Pierre , Kusewitt Donna F. , Carver Ethan A. , Magnino Fabrice , Choi Chagsun , Gridley Thomas , Hudson Laurie G.
Published: August 2004

During re‐epithelialization of cutaneous wounds, keratinocytes recapitulate several aspects of the embryonic process of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), including migratory activity and reduced intercellular adhesion. The transcription factor Slug modulates EMT in the embryo and controls desmosome number in adult epithelial cells, therefore, we investigated Slug expression and function during cutaneous wound re‐epithelialization. Slug expression was elevated in keratinocytes bordering cutaneous wounds in mice in vivo, in keratinocytes migrating from mouse skin explants ex vivo, and in human keratinocytes at wound margins in vitro. Expression of the related transcription factor Snail was not significantly modulated in keratinocytes during re‐epithelialization in vitro. Epithelial cell outgrowth from skin explants of Slug knockout mice was severely compromised, indicating a critical role for Slug in epithelial keratinocyte migration. Overexpression of Slug in cultured human keratinocytes caused increased cell spreading and desmosomal disruption, both of which were most pronounced at wound margins. Furthermore, in vitro wound healing was markedly accelerated in keratinocytes that ectopically expressed Slug. Taken together, these findings suggest that Slug plays an important role during wound re‐epithelialization in adult skin and indicate that Slug controls some aspects of epithleial cell behavior in adult tissues as well as during embryonic development. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Film‐surface diffusion during the adsorption of acid dyes onto activated carbon
Authors: Choy KKH , Porter JF , McKay G
Published: August 2004

A mass transport model has been developed and applied to the adsorption of three acid dyes onto activated carbon in three single component systems. The mass transfer model is based on two rate controlling mass transfer steps, namely external film mass transfer and homogeneous solid‐phase surface diffusion (HSD). Almost all previous film‐HSD models have been based on numerical solutions to the diffusion equation using orthogonal collocation or Crank–Nicolson finite difference solutions. However, in the present model a semi‐analytical solution to the solid surface diffusion equation is presented, yielding a sophisticated solution of the differential equations. The solutions provide a good correlation between the experimental concentration–time decay curves by incorporating the Langmuir equilibrium isotherm to describe the solid phase surface dye concentrations. However, the surface diffusivities show a dependence on the carbon particle surface coverage and these diffusivities have been correlated using a Darken relationship. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Stability of horseradish peroxidase immobilized on different cinnamic carbohydrate esters
Authors: Rojas‐Melgarejo Francisco , Rodríguez‐López José Neptuno , García‐Cánovas Francisco , García‐Ruiz Pedro Antonio
Published: August 2004

Four types of organic polymer were used to cover 3 mm diameter glass beads for subsequent use in immobilizing horseradish peroxidase (HRP). These supports were the totally cinnamoylated derivatives of D‐glucosone (GSOCN), D‐sorbitol (SOTCN), ethyl‐D‐glucopyranoside (EGSCN) or inuline (INCN). In some assays, a partially cinnamoylated derivative, 2,3,4,6‐tetracinnamoyl‐D‐glucopyranoside (GPSTCN) (obtained from the EGSCN derivative by hydrolysis in acidic medium) was used. Polymerization and cross‐linking of the derivatives obtained initially was carried out by irradiation in the ultraviolet region, where these polymers show the greatest degree of sensitivity. The enzyme was immobilized by adsorption to the support. Immobilized enzymatic activity varied with the incubation time used (2–21 h), depending on the chemical nature of the immobilization support. The affinity of HRP for H2O2 and 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazolinesulfonic acid) (ABTS) was slightly lower in the case of the enzyme immobilized on the GSOCN, SOTCN and EGSCN derivatives than in the case of the soluble enzyme, as can be seen from the corresponding apparent kinetic constants ($K_{\rm m}^{\rm H_{2}O_{2}}$ and $K_{\rm m}^{\rm ABTS}$). However, the affinity of HRP immobilized on the INCN derivative for these substrates was higher than that shown by the enzyme in solution. In turn, the enzyme immobilized on all the supports was more resistant than the soluble form to inactivation by H2O2 and by heat at neutral pH. When the stability and durability of the immobilized HRP were analysed, the cinnamoylated derivatives prepared were seen to function as suitable supports for immobilizing peroxidase and to be suitable for industrial application of the enzyme. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Extraction of citric acid from aqueous solutions with Alamine 336: equilibrium and kinetics
Authors: Nikhade Bhaurao P , Moulijn Jacob A , Pangarkar Vishwas G
Published: August 2004

Citric acid is one of the organic acids for which the world market is growing every year. This article describes equilibria and kinetic studies for the extraction of citric acid by Alamine 336 with methyl‐iso‐butylketone (MIBK) as diluent. The theory of extraction accompanied by a chemical reaction has been used to obtain the intrinsic kinetics of extraction of citric acid by Alamine 336 in MIBK. The reaction has been found to be first order in both Alamine 336 and citric acid with a rate constant of 0.013 m3 kmol−1 s−1. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Cytoskeletal protein 4.1G is a binding partner of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 1α
Authors: Lu Dongcheng , Yan Henglin , Othman Timothy , Rivkees Scott A.
Published: August 2004

Recent evidence suggests that cytoskeletal proteins play important roles in the clustering and anchoring of glutamate receptors to the cell surface membrane. To examine further this issue, we tested for direct interactions between the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 1α (mGlu1α) and 4.1G, which is a member of the erythrocyte membrane, cytoskeletal protein 4.1 family. First, co‐localization of 4.1G and mGlu1α was observed in cultured hippocampal neurons. Second, in transiently transfected HEK 293 cells and in whole rat brain tissue, direct interactions between mGlu1α and 4.1G were observed. Third, we were able to identify the C‐terminal tail of mGlu1α as an essential region for mGlu1α–4.1G interactions. Fourth, 4.1 G influences mGlu1α‐mediated cAMP accumulation. Finally, we found that 4.1G increases the ligand‐binding ability of mGlu1α and alters its cellular distribution. These observations identify 4.1G as a novel binding partner of mGlu1α that can regulate the action of mGlu1α. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Calcineurin activation contributes to noise‐induced hearing loss
Authors: Minami Shujiro B. , Yamashita Daisuke , Schacht Jochen , Miller Josef M.
Published: August 2004

Acoustic overstimulation increases Ca2+ concentration in auditory hair cells. Because calcineurin is known to activate cell death pathways and is controlled by Ca2+ and calmodulin, this study assessed the role of calcineurin in auditory hair cell death in guinea pigs after intense noise exposure. Immediately after noise exposure (4‐kHz octave band, 120 dB, for 5 hr), a population of hair cells exhibited calcineurin immunoreactivity at the cuticular plate, with a decreasing number of positive‐stained cells on Days 1–3. By Day 7, the levels of calcineurin immunoreactivity had diminished to near control, non‐noise exposed values, concomitant with an increasing loss of hair cells. Staining of hair cell nuclei with propidium iodide (PI), restricted to calcineurin‐immunopositive cells, indicated breakdown of cell membranes symptomatic of incipient cell death. The local application of the calcineurin inhibitors, FK506 and cyclosporin A, reduced the level of noise‐induced auditory brain stem response threshold shift and hair cell death, indicating that calcineurin is a factor in noise‐induced hearing loss. The results suggest that calcineurin inhibitors are of potential therapeutic value for long‐term protection of the morphologic integrity and function of the organ of Corti against noise trauma. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonviral gene transfer to surface skin of mid‐gestational murine embryos by intraamniotic injection and subsequent electroporation
Authors: Sato Masahiro , Tanigawa Maya , Kikuchi Natsuko
Published: August 2004

The surface epithelium of mid‐gestational murine embryos is thought to be an attractive target for gene therapy in vivo, due to its visibility and accessibility from the external surface of the maternal uterus. Almost all studies of in utero gene transfer have adopted viral vectors for infection of fetal epithelium, and depended on intraamniotic introduction and simple incubation of vectors, leading to only infection of the surface layer (periderm) of fetal skin. Here we report a simple and convenient method of gene transfer of plasmid DNA into the deeper portion of surface skin of murine mid‐gestational fetus. One to two microlitres of a solution containing a lacZ expression plasmid (0.5–1 μg) and trypan blue (0.05%) were placed onto the surface of a fetus (E 14.5) near the eye by a micropipette attached to a mouthpiece. This fetus was immediately electroporated by placing it between tweezer‐type electrodes attached to a square‐pulse generator. At 1 and 4 days after gene transfer, fetuses were subjected to histochemical staining for lacZ activity in the presence of X‐Gal, a substrate for lacZ. Focal reactions were observed in the skin epidermal layers including periderm and basal layer 1 day after DNA introduction. However, lacZ‐positive cells were limited to a skin surface layer, the stratum corneum, in the samples obtained 4 days after gene transfer. Similar observation was also made in the transgenic fetuses (carrying a lacZ gene placed immediately downstream of the loxP‐flanked sequence) injected with Cre expression vector. These findings suggest rapid movement of fetal epidermal cells toward the surface during late developmental stages. This local gene transfer approach appears to be effective as a method for skin‐targeted gene transfer, enabling study of the role of genes of interest and tracing of cell lineage during fetal skin development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69: 268–277, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of Ca2+‐dependent calmodulin‐binding proteins in rat spermatogenic cells as complexes of the heat‐shock proteins
Authors: Moriya Megumi , Ochiai Masanori , Yuasa Hajime J. , Suzuki Norio , Yazawa Michio
Published: August 2004

Ca2+‐calmodulin (CaM)‐binding proteins in rat testes were characterized by assays for CaM‐binding activity using the CaM‐overlay method on transblots of electrophoresed gels and purification by gel‐filtration, ion exchange, and adsorption chromatographies. A major CaM‐binding protein complex (CaMBP) was identified and found to be comprised of three proteins with molecular masses 110, 100, and 70 kDa. Amino acid sequence analyses of lysylendopeptidase digests from these proteins indicated that all of the constituents of CaMBP are very similar to the members of the heat‐shock protein family, i.e., the 110‐kDa protein is similar to the APG‐2/94 kDa rat ischemia‐responsive protein, the 100‐kDa protein is similar to the rat counterpart of the mouse APG‐1/94 kDa osmotic stress protein, and the 70‐kDa protein is similar to the rat testis‐specific major heat‐shock protein (HSP70). Immunohistochemistry using anti‐CaMBP and anti‐CaM antibodies demonstrated that CaMBP was co‐localized with CaM in the cytoplasm of pachytene spermatocytes and nuclei of round spermatids. In addition, CaMBP, but not CaM, was localized at a high level in the residual bodies of elongated spermatids. The possible relevance of CaMBP to regulation of cell cycle progression and spermatogenesis is discussed in this paper. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69: 316–324, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of macromolecule supplementation during in vitro maturation of goat oocytes on developmental potential
Authors: Herrick J.R. , Behboodi E. , Memili E. , Blash S. , Echelard Y. , Krisher R.L.
Published: August 2004

In vitro maturation (IVM) of goat oocytes with serum‐supplemented media results in oocytes with reduced developmental potential. The objective of this study was to develop a defined medium for IVM of goat oocytes that better supports subsequent embryonic development. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COC) were matured for 18–20 hr in: Experiment (1), tissue culture medium 199 (TCM199) with 10% (v/v) goat serum or modified synthetic oviduct fluid maturation medium (mSOFmat) with 2.5, 8.0, or 20.0 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA); Experiment (2), mSOFmat with 4.0, 8.0, 12.0, or 16.0 mg/ml BSA; or Experiment (3), 1.0 mg/ml polyvinyl alcohol (PVA; control), 4.0 mg/ml BSA, 0.5 mg/ml hyaluronate plus 0.5 mM citrate, or hyaluronate, citrate, and BSA. Mature COC were coincubated for 20–22 hr with 12–15 × 106 sperm/ml in modified Brackett and Oliphant (mBO) medium. Embryos were cultured for a total of 7 days in G1/2, and evaluated for cleavage, and blastocyst development, hatching, and total cell numbers. In the first experiment, more (P < 0.05) blastocysts developed per cleaved embryo following maturation in mSOFmat with 2.5 or 8.0 mg/ml BSA than with 20.0 mg/ml BSA or TCM199 with 10% goat serum. The various concentrations of BSA used in the second experiment did not affect (P > 0.05) any of the developmental endpoints examined. In the third experiment, developmental potential of oocytes matured with PVA or hyaluronate with citrate was not different (P > 0.05) from oocytes matured in the presence of BSA. These results demonstrate that developmentally competent goat oocytes can be matured under defined conditions. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69: 338–346, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Uterine secretion of ISP1 & 2 tryptases is regulated by progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy and the endometrial cycle
Authors: O'Sullivan Colleen M. , Ungarian Jillian L.R. , Singh Kuldeep , Liu Shiying , Hance Jackie , Rancourt Derrick E.
Published: August 2004

We have described two novel implantation serine proteinase (ISP) genes that are expressed during the implantation period. The ISP1 gene may encode the embryo‐derived enzyme strypsin, which is necessary for blastocyst hatching in vitro and the initiation of invasion. The ISP2 gene, which encodes a related tryptase, is expressed in endometrial glands and is regulated by progesterone during the peri‐implantation period. Based on similarities between ISP2 gene expression and that of a progesterone‐regulated lumenal serine proteinase activity associated with lysis of the zona pellucida, we have suggested that the strypsin related protein, ISP2, may encode a zona lysin proteinase. Recently strypsin has also been found within uterine fluid, suggesting a second potential role in hatching. Consistently, we have discovered that ISP1 is also expressed in the uterine secretory gland at the time of hatching. In this study we demonstrate that both ISP1 and ISP2 are secreted together into the uterine lumen at peri‐implantation, and that the appearance of ISP protein is regulated positively at the transcriptional level by progesterone and negatively at the posttranscriptional level by estrogen. This negative regulation by estrogen may be overridden in pregnancy as ISP protein expression is restored during oil‐induced decidualization. ISP1 and ISP2 proteins are also expressed in proestrous suggesting additional roles in the endometrial cycle. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69: 252–259, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of protein interactions on protein arrays by a wavelength interrogation‐based surface plasmon resonance biosensor
Authors: Yuk Jong Seol , Jung Se‐Hui , Jung Jae‐Wan , Hong Duk‐Geun , Han Jeong‐A , Kim Young‐Myeong , Ha Kwon‐Soo
Published: August 2004

We have investigated whether surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors based on the wavelength interrogation are able to analyze protein interactions on protein arrays. The spectral SPR sensor was self‐constructed and its detection limit, expressed as the minimal refractive index variation, was calculated to be 6.6×10−5with the signal fluctuation of 1.0×10−5. The protein array surface was modified by a mixed thiol monolayer to immobilize proteins. Protein arrays were analyzed by the line‐scanning mode of the SPR sensor, which scanned every 100 μm along the central line of array spots and the scanned results were presented by color spectra from blue to red. GlutathioneS‐transferase (GST)‐rac1 caused a concentration‐dependent increase of SPR wavelength shift on protein arrays. The surface structure of the protein arrays was analyzed by atomic force microscopy. Specific interactions of antigens with antibodies were analyzed on the protein arrays by using three antibodies and eight proteins. These results suggest that the wavelength interrogation‐based SPR sensor can be used as the biosensor for the high‐throughput analysis of protein interactions on protein arrays.
In situ Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy monitoring of copper mediated living radical polymerization
Authors: Darcos Vincent , Monge Sophie , Haddleton David M.
Published: August 2004

In situ Fourier transform near infrared (FTNIR) spectroscopy was successfully used to monitor monomer conversion during copper mediated living radical polymerization with N‐(n‐propyl)‐2‐pyridylmethanimine as a ligand. The conversion of vinyl protons in methacrylic monomers (methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, and N‐hydroxysuccinimide methacrylate) to methylene protons in the polymer was monitored with an inert fiber‐optic probe. The monitoring of a poly(butyl methacrylate‐b‐methyl methacrylate‐b‐butyl methacrylate) triblock copolymer has also been reported with difunctional poly(methyl methacrylate) as a macroinitiator. In all cases FTNIR results correlated excellently with those obtained by 1H NMR. On‐line near infrared (NIR) measurement was found to be more accurate because it provided many more data points and avoided sampling during the polymerization reaction. It also allowed the determination of kinetic parameters with, for example, the calculation of an apparent first‐order rate constant. All the results suggest that FTNIR spectroscopy is a valuable tool to assess kinetic data. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 4933–4940, 2004
Theory of chemical bonds in metalloenzymes I: Analytical and hybrid‐DFT studies on oxo and hydroxo diiron cores
Authors: Shoji M. , Y. Nishiyama  , Maruno Y. , K. Koizumi  , Kitagawa Y. , Yamanaka S. , Kawakami T. , Okumura M. , Yamaguchi K.
Published: August 2004

Oxo‐ or hydroxo‐bridged diiron centers are ubiquitous in metalloenzymes such as hemerythrin (Hr), ribonucleotide reductase, methane monooxygenase, and rubrerythrin. In each enzyme the diiron core plays a central role in the highly specific reaction. To elucidate mechanisms of these reactions, many experimental studies have been carried out, and bioinorganic model compounds have also been synthesized for the purpose. In this study electronic structures of diiron centers for Hr model compounds are investigated from the viewpoint of magnetic interactions. To this end, the Hubbard model for the three‐center four‐electron bond is analytically solved to elucidate an important role of electron correlation and the resulting superexchange interaction between localized spins. The hybrid density functional theory (DFT) calculations also are performed for Hr model compounds to provide the natural orbitals and their occupation numbers, which are crucial for computations of several chemical indices, such as effective bond order, information entropy, and unpaired electron density. These indices are useful for characterization and understanding of chemical bonds in FeOFe cores. The calculated effective exchange integrals (Jab) are wholly consistent with the available experiments. The orbital interactions in the FeOFe cores are reconsidered in relation to recent work by other groups. It is found that magnetic interactions are sensitive to the hydrogen bonds in the systems and are related to effective regulation of the activity. Implications of the calculated results are discussed in relation to the nature of chemical bonds in the FeOFe cores of several biological systems. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Multiple‐stage tandem mass spectrometry for differentiation of isomeric saponins
Authors: Song Fengrui , Cui Meng , Liu Zhiqiang , Yu Biao , Liu Shuying
Published: August 2004

Four isomers of steroidal saponins were differentiated using multiple‐stage tandem mass spectrometry combined with electrospray ionization (ESI‐MSn). With the addition of lithium salt, the [M+Li]+ ions of saponins were observed in the ESI spectra. MSn spectra of these [M+Li]+ ions provided detailed structural information and allowed differentiation of the four isomeric saponins. The cross‐ring cleavage ions from the saccharide chains of the saponins could be used as diagnostic ions for information concerning the linkage of the sugar moieties of the saponins. The masses of the X, A, Y and C type fragment ions formed from [M+Li]+ ions of the isomeric saponins provided information defining the methyl group locations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation of β2‐microglobulin conformers by high‐field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) coupled to electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry
Authors: Borysik Antoni J. H. , Read Paul , Little David R. , Bateman Robert H. , Radford Sheena E. , Ashcroft Alison E.
Published: August 2004

An investigation into the use of high‐field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) coupled to electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) for the differentiation of co‐populated protein conformers has been conducted on the amyloidogenic protein β2‐microglobulin (β2m). Accumulation of β2m in vivo can result in the deposition of insoluble fibrils whose formation is thought to originate from partially folded protein conformers; hence, the folding properties of β2m are of significant interest. We have analysed β2m using ESI‐FAIMS‐MS under a range of pH conditions and have studied the effect of the ion mobility spectrometry parameters on the behaviour of the various protein conformers. The data show that different protein conformers can be detected and analysed by ESI‐FAIMS‐MS, the results being consistent with observations of pH denaturation obtained using complementary biophysical techniques. A variant of β2m with different folding characteristics has been analysed for comparison, and the distinctions observed in the data sets for the two proteins are consistent with their folding behaviour. ESI‐FAIMS‐MS offers significant opportunities for the study of the conformational properties of proteins and thus may present valuable insights into the roles that different conformers play in diseases related to protein folding. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raus aus dem Pool ‐ Innovative Captive‐ und Rent‐a‐Captive‐Konzepte
Authors: Wöhrmann Paul
Published: August 2004

Die Verhärtung der Versicherungsmärkte, wie sie in den vergangenen drei Jahren weltweit zu beobachten war, stellt Unternehmen vor große Herausforderungen. So haben sich auch die Beweggründe für das Investment in ein Risk Management fokussiert: neben den legislatorischen Gegebenheiten lassen sich steigende Preise und reduzierte Kapazitäten auf den traditionellen Versicherungsmärkten als Grund anführen. Daher werden in der Risiko‐Finanzierung vermehrt Fragen nach den Möglichkeiten der optimalen Risiko‐Bewältigung gestellt. Auch werden Risk‐Management‐Fragen vermehrt bei Finanzvorständen priorisiert.
The missing link ‐ Rating leistungswirtschaftlicher Risiken
Authors: Wildemann Horst
Published: August 2004

Untersuchungen der Insolvenzursachen von Unternehmen zeigen, dass finanzwirtschaftliche Krisensignale auf leistungswirtschaftliche Ursachen zurückzuführen sind. Die Ermittlung des Ausfallrisikos eines Kreditnehmers sollte also nicht auf finanzwirtschaftliche Aspekte beschränkt werden, sondern den Zusammenhang zu leistungswirtschaftlichen Risiken berücksichtigen.
Wir sitzen alle in einem Boot ‐ Anforderungen und praktische Ausgestaltung der Wert‐ und Risikokultur
Authors: Wolf Klaus
Published: August 2004

Im Mai 1998 wurde das Gesetz zur Kontrolle und Transparenz im Unternehmens‐bereich (KonTraG) verabschiedet. Inzwischen belegen repräsentative Industrie‐studien zwar die Erfüllung gesetzlicher Anforderungen [Wolf 2003]. Sie offenbaren jedoch auch Optimierungspotenziale. Ein betriebswirtschaftlicher Nutzen des Risikomanagement lässt sich allenfalls vereinzelt feststellen. Indiz hierfür ist bei‐spielsweise die nur rudimentär anzutreffende Einbettung des Risikomanagement in den Kontext einer wertorientierten Unternehmensführung.
Was ist die Spieltheorie?
Authors: Bieta Volker
Published: August 2004

Geschichte: Mit der Spielmetapher als zeitloser Denkfigur zum Strukturieren komplexer Zusammenhänge liegen die Wurzeln der Spieltheorie in der Antike. Das babylonische Talmud kennt Vorschriften zur Aufteilung des Vermögens von Mann und Frau. Die katholische Kirche institutionalisierte früh das Spiel von Advocatus Die/Advocatus Diaboli, um Konflikte bei der Heiligsprechung zu lösen. Ins 18. Jahrhundert datiert der Beginn mathematischer Analyse von Gesell‐schaftsspielen. Die Spieltheorie greift heute bei: (1) Entscheidungen über Preise, Mengen, Marktzutritt, Produktdesign; (2) Verhandlungssituationen; (3) Biet‐verhalten bei Auktionen; (4) strategisches Verhalten in Konflikten/Wettbewerb; (5) Kontrakt‐/Mechanismusdesign. Sie strahlt als universeller Ansatz auch in Quantenphysik und Evolutionsbiologie aus.
The ART of Risk Management
Authors: Fischer Hirs Chris , Seitz Rüdiger
Published: August 2004

Nicht erst seit dem 11. September haben Lösungen des alternativen Risikotransfers/der alternativen Risikofinanzierung stark an Bedeutung gewonnen. Wir sprachen mit Chris Fischer Hirs von Allianz Risk Transfer und Rüdiger Seitz von Allianz Global Risks über die aktuellen Entwicklungen in diesem Bereich.
The role of three‐dimensional ultrasound in visualizing the fetal cranial sutures and fontanels during the second half of pregnancy
Authors: Dikkeboom C. M. , Roelfsema N. M. , van Adrichem L. N. A. , Wladimiroff J. W.
Published: August 2004

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound in visualizing fetal cranial sutures and fontanels and to determine factors that could influence visualization and image quality.

Methods

Serial 3D ultrasound examinations were evaluated for visibility of fetal cranial sutures and fontanels, image quality and possible influencing parameters in the second half of pregnancy. Thirty fetuses were scanned at four different gestational ages providing a data set of 120 cases.

Results

Most (82–100%) cranial sutures and fontanels could be visualized with 3D ultrasound. However, the sagittal suture and posterior fontanel were visualized in only 47% and 42%, respectively. Gestational age significantly influenced the visibility of the sutures and fontanels, image quality decreasing with advancing gestational age.

Conclusions

3D ultrasound can be a reliable technique for visualizing most fetal cranial sutures and fontanels. By performing a sagittal and a transverse scan, most of the sutures and fontanels can be made visible during the second half of pregnancy. Visualization depends on gestational age. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of ceramic oxide refractories by XRF and XRD
Authors: Gazulla M. F. , Gómez M. P. , Barba A. , Jarque J. C.
Published: August 2004

The present study was undertaken to establish a methodology for characterizing ceramic oxide refractory materials, as no detailed information could be found in the literature on this point. The following refractories were analysed: two silica, one alumina, one silica–alumina, two zirconium, three chrome and three magnesia refractories. X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry was used for chemical characterization and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) for phase analysis. Phases were determined because of their influence on the end properties of refractory materials. Five analytical programmes for XRF analysis and an XRD analysis method were established. We optimized sample preparation in the form of beads for the XRF measurement by determining the most appropriate sample/flux ratio for each type of refractory. Calibration and validation standards were prepared from mixtures of reference materials, owing to the scarcity of refractory reference materials. The chemical and phase composition of different ceramic oxide refractory bricks was determined and related to the deterioration of these refractories in industrial service, because refractories with a similar chemical composition and different crystalline phases can exhibit different properties. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoelectron, Compton and characteristic x‐ray escape from an HPGe Detector in the range 8–52 keV
Authors: Yılmaz Ercan , Can Cüneyt
Published: August 2004

Escape of photoelectrons, Compton‐scattered photons and Ge x‐rays from an HPGe detector was studied as a function of energy in the range 8–52 keV. A variable‐energy source producing Cu, Rb, Mo, Ag, Ba, and Tb x‐rays was used. All three mechanisms for energy loss were observed in the same experiment for Ba and Tb, while only x‐ray and photoelectron escapes were evident in the spectra for Ag, Mo, Rb, and Cu. Spectral features and possible mechanisms for partial energy deposition were investigated. A Monte Carlo program was used to simulate the relevant interactions, and to estimate the escape probabilities. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fundamental parameters approach in tube‐excited secondary target XRF set‐ups: comparison between theory and experiment
Authors: Zarkadas Ch. , Karydas A. G.
Published: August 2004

Algorithms utilizing the fundamental parameters approach (FPA) can be applied for the calculation of sample fluorescence intensities in tube‐excited secondary target x‐ray fluorescence (STXRF) set‐ups. The results of such calculations have recently been presented in the literature for different combinations of anode materials‐secondary targets over a wide range of operational voltages. In this work, the accuracy of the FPA was thoroughly tested through the comparison of theoretical results with experimental data obtained by a series of measurements performed in an Mo anode tube–secondary target XRF assembly. The comparison shows that the FPA describes fairly accurately the dependence of experimental fluorescence intensities as a function of the operational voltage. However, the accuracy depends on the model used for the description of the tube spectral distribution and the position of the secondary target K‐absorption edge with respect to the energy of the anode characteristic lines and the high‐voltage cut‐off limit. Furthermore, our experimental data indicate that the analytical models used in this work to reproduce the Mo anode emission spectra at different operational voltages predict rather unsatisfactorily the distribution of continuum radiation near the high‐voltage cut‐off limit. The methodology adopted in this work may be considered also as an indirect way for testing the validity of x‐ray tube spectral distributions in certain energy regions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymorphism of hyaluronidase in serum from man, various mouse strains and other vertebrate species revealed by electrophoresis
Authors: Fiszer‐Szafarz Berta , Szafarz David , Vannier Patrick
Published: August 2004

Summary— Polymorphism of hyaluronidase (EC 3.2.1.35) was detected in the serum from 6 out of 20 vertebrate species by electrophoretic analysis. Electrophoresis was performed on a hyaluronan‐containing polyacrylamide gel, that visualizes hyaluronidase activity upon incubation at acid pH. No hyaluronidase activity was detected in the sera of horse, swine, cattle, goat, sheep, rabbit, chicken, Triton alpestris, Triton palmatus, Triton vulgaris, pleurodeles, axolotl, eel and dog‐fish. The 6 positive sera were from man, mouse, rat, Syrian hamster, dog and Triton cristatus. In each of these species, the electrophoretic banding pattern of hyaluronidase was different, as was the activity per unit volume of serum. Furthermore, in mice, the 12 strains analyzed could be divided into 3 groups, containing the following numbers of hyaluronidase bands; 8 (BALB/c/J, BALB/c/By, ICFW, SW, XVIInc/Z), 5 (DBA/2 Mrc Ico, DBA/2 Mrc Ico nu/nu, B10.D2/nSn), and 1 (C57B/Rho Ico, C57BL/6/By, C57BL/6/J Ico, C57BL/6/J Ico nu/nu). Human serum generally displayed only 1 band, although there was a 2nd faint band in a few cases and a 3rd in 1 case. Rat serum displayed 4 bands, Syrian hamster serum, 3, and dog and Triton cristatus serum, 1.
Developmental expression pattern of a 800 kb DNA continuum cloned from the Drosophila X chromosome 14B–15B region
Authors: Surdej Patrick , Got Claude , Miassod Raymond
Published: August 2004

Summary— The expression throughout development of a long DNA segment from the Drosophila genome was investigated. A near continuum of 800 kb DNA was cloned by extending a 90 kb previous chromosome walk, spanning the rudimentary locus (r), and by initiating 2 chromosome walks from an isolated DNA clone located next to the r locus. Hexanucleotide‐primed single strand cDNAs were synthesized from poly(A)+RNAs prepared from staged embryos, larvae, pupae, males, females, heads from adults and thoraces plus abdomens from adults. The representativity of the cDNAs with regard to the whole length and the molar abundance of a selected gene mRNA was checked. These cDNAs were then used to probe Southern transfers of the cloned DNA after digestion with combinations of restriction enzymes. The limits of the expressed parts of the cloned DNA and their developmental profiles were then deduced. Data show that, in contrast to what was known on the basis of genetic analysis, this region of the Drosophila genome is densely transcribed. Numerous parts of the cloned DNA are found to be stage‐, or sex‐or territory‐specifically expressed. Data are consistent with a view of the organization of this representative part of the Drosophila genome according to which the expressed regions tend to be clustered, whereas no tendency for transcription units displaying comparable specific spatial, temporal or sex expression patterns to be arranged in groups is noted.
Mitochondrial development during Drosophila oogenesis: distribution, density and in situ RNA hybridizations
Authors: Tourmente Sylvette , Lecher Pierre , Degroote Fabienne , Renaud Michel
Published: August 2004

Summary— The changes in distribution and density of mitochondria and the level of mitochondrial RNA during Drosophila oogenesis were studied simultaneously in the 3 cell types ie follicle cells, nurse cells and oocyte, making up the egg chamber. Up to stage 6, mitochondrial density (mitochondrial and cellular areas ratio) was elevated and increased similarly in both follicle and nurse cells. Thereafter the mitochondrial density of follicle cells continued to increase and that of the nurse cells declined markedly while the nurse cell mitochondria assembled in dense groups and decreased in size. This can be related to a transfer of nurse cell cytoplasm, including mitochondria, to the oocyte. In the oocyte from stage 4 to stage 7 we observed a significant decrease of the mitochondrial density due to the absence of mitochondrial biogenesis. Then the cytoplasm transfer caused mitochondrial density to increase up to the level found in the nurse cells at the end of oogenesis. The mature oocyte contains enough mitochondria to supply 15 000 somatic cells. Our results strongly suggest that the variations in size, distribution and density of mitochondria relate to the particular energetic requirements of the different cell types during the first half of oogenesis. Later they relate to the developmental requirements of the nurse cells and the oocyte, in particular the storage of mitochondria in the oocyte. The level of mitochondrial RNA was studied through in situ hybridization. Throughout oogenesis the follicle and nurse cell RNA evolved similarly. Up to stage 9, there was no change in RNA densities in these cells, suggesting a correlation with the cell volume and/or the nuclear DNA content. Thereafter the cellular RNA concentration declined rapidly. In the oocyte the RNA concentration evolved differently especially from stage 10 to the end, the RNA density being stabilized. This can be related to the injection of nurse cell mitochondria, followed by their assignment to reserve status. Our results suggest that the mt RNA density is under extramitochondrial control mechanisms.
Testosterone interferes with the kinetics of endocytosis in the hamster seminal vesicle
Authors: Mata Lucinda R. , David‐Ferreira JF
Published: August 2004

Summary— Endocytosis was studied in the seminal vesicle secretory cells of castrated and control hamsters in order to investigate the effect of testosterone withdrawal in the endocytic activity of these cells. Horseradish peroxidase was injected into the glands lumen after removal of their contents, and tracer distribution was qualitatively studied, and the number of labeled endocytic vesicles quantitatively analyzed, following 5, 20, 40 and 60 min incubation. The following compartments are labeled both in castrate and control cells: 1), endocytic vesicles; 2), vacuoles with or without secretory material; 3), multivesicular bodies; 4), Golgi cisternae; 5), intercellular spaces; 6), sub‐epithelial space. The pattern of labeling is lighter in castrate than in control cells and the labeling of Golgi cisternae, which correlates with a significant peak in the number of endocytic vesicles, is observed later in castrated animals than in controls: 40 min vs 20 min. Exocytosis, as evaluated through the fraction of secretory protein released in vitro, decreases following castration. Endocytosis performed in castrated, pilocarpine treated animals shows that the Golgi labeling, coinciding with numerous labeled endocytic vesicles, is advanced from 40 to 20 min after stimulation of exocytosis. The results show that, in the seminal vesicle secretory cells a) the endocytic pathway does not depend on testosterone; b) testosterone withdrawal decreases endocytosis and delays the kinetics of labeling and; c) endocytosis couples to exocytosis, probably so regulating the apical cell membrane area.
Specific effects of retinoic acid on the skeletal morphogenesis of the 11‐day mouse embryo forelimb bud in vitro
Authors: Desbiens Xavier , Meunier Lucette , Lassalle Bernard
Published: August 2004

Summary— Using our improved method for culturing 11‐day mouse forelimb buds in vitro, we have investigated the effects of a local application of all‐trans‐retinoic acid (RA) on growth, cartilaginous differentiation and skeletal patterning in the mammalian limb bud. Carrier implants of catgut impregnated with DMSO or various doses of RA in DMSO were inserted at the apex of the buds in the proximo‐distal axis just beneath the apical ectodermal ridge. After 6 days of culture, cartilaginous skeletons were stained and explants were processed for morphological analysis and quantitative study using computerized optical image analysis. Buds treated with low doses of RA exhibited stimulated growth and chondrogenesis. Moreover, hypertrophied and fused metacarpals were seen within explants treated with the lowest dose. High doses strongly inhibited growth and skeletal morphogenesis. An intermediate dose sustained cartilaginous differentiation at the same level as low doses, but concomitantly disturbed the skeletal pattern. These results are discussed considering reported RA effects on other experimental systems including avian limb bud as an in vivo model or cell cultures as an in vitro simplified model.
Transfer of immortality by transfection of genomic DNA from SV40 established cell lines into rat embryo fibroblasts
Authors: Jacquemin‐Sablon Hélène , Ganz Leonard , Feunteun Jean
Published: August 2004

Summary— The cellular immortalization activity of cloned genes can be identified either in a colony‐forming assa of transferred primary rat embryo fibroblasts or in a co‐operation assay together with ras. However the demonstration of immortalization activities carried by cellular genes has not been reported. Here we establish that SV40 early genes integrated in genomic DNAs can be stably transferred into rat embryo fibroblasts and selected via their immortalization activity. Attempts to extend this assay to the identification of dominant genes putatively involved in the immortality of several other immortal post‐crisis or tumor cells have been unsuccessful suggesting that the immortal phenotype can be brought about through different pathways.
Actin filaments responsible for the location of the nucleus in the lentil statocyte are sensitive to gravity
Authors: Lorenzi Giovanna , Perbal Gerald
Published: August 2004

Summary— The location of the nucleus in statocytes of lentil roots grown: I), at 1 g on the ground, 2), on a 1 g centrifuge in space, 3), in simulated microgravity on a slowly rotating clinostat (0.9 rmp) 4), in microgravity in space was investigated and statistically evaluated. In cells differentiated at 1 g on the ground, the nuclear membrane was almost in contact with the plasmalemma lining the proximal cell wall, whereas in statocytes of roots grown on the clinostat there was a distance of 0.47 μm horizontal clinorotation) and of 0.76 μm vertical clinorotation) between these membranes. However, in microgravity the nucleus was the most displaced, 0.87 μm from the proximal cell wall. Centrifugation of vertically grown roots in the root‐tip direction showed that the threshold of centrifugal force to detach all nuclei from the proximal cell wall was about 40 g. In statocytes developed in the presence of cytochalasin B at 1 g the nuclei were sedimented on the amyloplasts at the distal cell pole, demonstrating that the location of the nucleus depends on actin filaments. The results obtained are in agreement with the hypothesis that gravity causes a tension of actin filaments and that this part of the cytoskeleton undergoes a relaxation in microgravity.