bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Damage Behavior of Air‐Plasma‐Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings under Foreign Object Impact
Authors: Dericioglu A.F. , Zhu S. , Kagawa Y. , Kasano H.
Published: October 2003

How do thermal barrier coatings react to the impact of a foreign object? The authors examined the damage done by a projectile to an air‐plasma‐sprayed coating system. Apart from permanent deformation, chipping of the ceramic top coat around the impression sites occurs at impact velocities above 150 m s–1. At increasing impact speed, the cracks in the top coat tend to elongate and result in coating removal (see Figure for a cross‐section).
Long‐lasting fever of unknown origin preceding the diagnosis of intravascular lymphomatosis: A further case stimulates some remarks
Authors: Fozza Claudio , Bonfigli Silvana , Conti Maurizio , Dore Fausto , Longinotti Maurizio
Published: October 2003

Neurological and skin involvements usually dominate the clinical presentation of intravascular lymphomatosis (IL), while fever is the most frequent general sign. However, an onset only characterized by fever of unknown origin (FUO) has been rarely reported. We would like to describe a further case of IL, which presented a long‐lasting FUO before the diagnosis. At admission, physical examination detected hepatosplenomegaly without lymph nodes enlargement or dermatological or neurological abnormalities. Significant laboratory data included severe anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and increased serum LDH. Moreover, a chest CT evidenced bilateral multiple pulmonary infiltrates and pleural effusion. After the development of proteinuria, a diagnosis of large B‐cell intravascular lymphoma was made with a renal biopsy 10 months after the onset of the clinical manifestations. So far, more than 100 cases of IL have been reported and the diagnosis often turned out to be difficult, as clinical signs did not point to a lymphoproliferative disorder. This report confirms that FUO is not only frequently associated with IL but that it even marks the real onset of the disease. We are then tempted to conclude that undiagnosed fever is not so rare in IL and if we call it FUO, it is only because diagnosis is necessarily elusive and hence time‐consuming. Am. J. Hematol. 74:211–213, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pro CR Global: An effective screening test for thrombophilia
Authors: Gupta P.K. , Ahmed R. , Kannan M. , Dwivedi S.N. , Choudhry V.P. , Saxena R.
Published: October 2003

In the present study, the Pro CR Global test was evaluated as a screening test for estimation of the activity of the main plasma components of the anticoagulant protein C (PC) / protein S (PS) pathway; 300 patients with a history of thrombosis were investigated for Pro CR Global. It was positive in 74 patients. Tests for estimation of PC, PS, activated protein C resistance (APCR), and lupus anticoagulant (LAC) were performed in all the patients with abnormal Pro CR Global and in 10 patients with normal Pro CR Global. In all, 66 of the 74 patients had a defect in PC/PS/APCR or LAC; 18 patients had both PC and PS deficiency, 25 had PS deficiency alone, 10 had PC deficiency alone, one had APCR alone, eight had PS, PC deficiency with APCR, and four had PS deficiency with APCR. In the 10 patients who tested negative with the Pro CR Global test, PC, APCR, and LAC were negative in all. However, PS deficiency was seen in two of them. The sensitivity and specificity of Pro CR Global, calculated with respect to positivity of PC, PS, LAC, or APCR as the gold standard, were 97% and 50%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the assay was 88.1%. It is thus recommended that Pro CR Global can be used effectively as a screening test to detect abnormality in the PC/PS/APCR/LAC pathway. Am. J. Hematol. 74:208–210, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thalidomide and dexamethasone therapy of myeloma in a patient with previously untreated B‐chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Barton James C.
Published: October 2003

A 67‐year‐old woman with previously untreated lambda‐positive B‐chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) had kappa‐positive myeloma develop that was treated with daily thalidomide and intermittent dexamethasone. After 4 months, there was a marked reduction in marrow plasmacytosis, urine kappa chains, and peripheral blood and marrow lymphocytosis. She reduced her thalidomide (but not dexamethasone) doses after 6 months, because she had symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Although blood lymphocyte concentrations remained normal, she had progression of myeloma and died. Thalidomide and dexamethasone therapy similar to that administered for myeloma alone may be effective treatment for myeloma in patients with preexisting B‐CLL and may also have anti‐B‐CLL activity. Am. J. Hematol. 74:205–207, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rhinolalia as a presenting sign of pneumomediastinum complicating post peripheral blood stem cell transplantation bronchiolitis obliterans
Authors: Bitan M. , Resnick I.B. , Or R. , Rokach A. , Laxer U. , Ackerstein A. , Elad S. , Slavin S. , Shapira M.Y.
Published: October 2003

A 26‐year‐old male with graft vs. host disease (GVHD) presented with rhinolalia (a squeaky voice of nasal quality) as a presenting sign for pneumonasopharynx and pneumomediastinum secondary to bronchiolitis obliterans. The patient underwent HLA‐identical related peripheral blood stem cells transplantation 8 months before the diagnosis. Three weeks after transplantation he began to suffer from GVHD Grade III that involved the gut, liver, and skin and later on the lungs. Due to severe obstructive bronchiolitis obliterans the patient developed intensive cough evolving into pneumomediastinum and pneumonasopharynx with rhinolalia. The patient was treated conservatively with complete resolution. Although rare, pneumomediastinum and pneumonasopharynx can be a life‐threatening event, and one should be aware of the signs and symptoms on physical examination, which may be as subtle as rhinolalia alone. Am. J. Hematol. 74:182–186, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteolytic cleavage of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor and its receptor by neutrophil elastase induces growth inhibition and decreased cell surface expression of the granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor receptor
Authors: Hunter Melissa G. , Druhan Lawrence J. , Massullo Pam R. , Avalos Belinda R.
Published: October 2003

Neutrophil elastase (NE) is a serine protease stored in the primary granules of neutrophils that proteolytically cleaves multiple cytokines and cell surface proteins on release from activated neutrophils. Recent reports of mutations in the gene encoding this enzyme in some patients with neutropenic syndromes prompted us to investigate whether granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and its receptor (G‐CSFR) are also substrates for NE. To further address this, we examined the effect of NE on G‐CSF and the G‐CSFR both in solution and on intact cells. Incubation of recombinant G‐CSF or a G‐CSFR form corresponding to its extracellular domain with purified NE resulted in rapid proteolytic cleavage of both proteins. Addition of NE to tissue culture medium or pretreatment of G‐CSF with NE before its addition to media suppressed the growth of G‐CSF–responsive cells. NE also cleaved the G‐CSFR on the surface of intact cells resulting in a time‐dependent reduction in cell surface expression of the G‐CSFR. Notably, decreased G‐CSFR surface expression resulting from treatment of cells with NE was also associated with a reduction in cell viability and proliferation in response to G‐CSF. These results are the first to demonstrate that G‐CSF and G‐CSFR are proteolytically cleaved by NE and that NE‐induced degradation of these proteins correlates with a reduction in the biologic activity of the cytokine and a decrease in the signaling function of the receptor because of decreased G‐CSFR surface expression. These findings provide additional insights into mechanisms by which G‐CSF/G‐CSFR interactions may be modulated. Am. J. Hematol. 74:149–155, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Body size and shape and glycemic control among Maya women in rural Yucatán
Authors: Mclorg Penelope A.
Published: October 2003

Studies on relationships between aspects of physique and glucose physiology generally focus on clinical glucose tolerance or on fasting glucose or insulin assays showing glycemic status at the time of testing. Little work has examined the associations between body variables and glycemic control, or average past glucose levels in regular living conditions. The aim of this research was to investigate connections between body size and shape and glycemic control. The sample consists of 60 nondiabetic Maya women, ages 40–85 years, residing in 16 rural villages around Mérida, Yucatán. Body morphology was assessed through anthropometric and derived measures of size and shape, including indicators of fat distribution and general adiposity. Glycemic control was measured through microvenous samples analyzed for glycated blood proteins HbA1c and fructosamine to demonstrate average circulating glucose under customary living conditions during the previous several months and weeks. Four‐variable regression models explain 17% of the variance in HbA1c and 25% of the variance in fructosamine. Arm circumference has the largest positive effect on HbA1c, while weight has the greatest positive impact on fructosamine. The predictor with the largest negative effect on both glycated blood proteins is calf circumference. In general, variables reflecting overall adiposity and central adiposity demonstrate positive associations with HbA1c and fructosamine, whereas lean body measures exhibit negative associations. Findings support the value of glycated blood proteins and of less common anthropometric measures, such as calf circumference, in population research on morphological relations with glycemia. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:746–757, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Growth status and obesity of Hopi children
Authors: Eisenmann Joey C. , Arnall David A. , Kanuho Verdell , McArel Heather
Published: October 2003

The purpose of this study was to examine the growth status and prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity in Hopi children. Subjects were 263 (117 males, 146 females) Hopi children 6–12 years of age. Stature and mass were measured and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Body size variables were plotted relative to age‐ and sex‐specific reference data and the prevalence rates for underweight, overweight, and obesity were estimated using the BMI as the criterion. Age‐specific sex differences were compared using independent samples t‐tests. In both sexes, mean age‐specific stature appeared to be relatively stable around the 50th percentile of reference values. Mean age‐specific mass appeared to be relatively stable between the 50th and 90th percentiles of the reference values, while the mean BMI tended to fluctuate about the 85th percentile. Approximately 23% of Hopi children were classified as overweight and an additional 24% were classified as obese. Only two subjects were categorized as underweight. The results are consistent with other reports that childhood obesity is a serious public health concern among Native Americans. Further study is warranted to examine the causes of the high prevalence rates of pediatric obesity among Native Americans and the effectiveness of prevention and intervention programs. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:741–745, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enzyme polymorphisms, smoking, and human reproduction. A study of human placental alkaline phosphatase
Authors: Magrini A. , Bottini N. , Gloria‐Bottini F. , Stefanini L. , Bergamaschi A. , Cosmi E. , Bottini E.
Published: October 2003

We investigated the possible effects of placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) genotype on the deleterious action of maternal smoke on intrauterine survival and birthweight. PLAP is a highly polymorphic enzyme with several alleles associated with different enzymatic activities. PLAP is produced by the embryo and is found in maternal blood, where it is responsible for the rise of serum alkaline phosphatase during pregnancy. Two hundred and fourteen Caucasian consecutive newborn infants delivered in the Maternity Department of the University of Rome La Sapienza Hospital were studied. Infants from smoking women 28 years or older show a strong decrease of both PLAP*1/*1 and *2/*2 homozygous types and a marked deviation from Hardy‐Weinberg expectation, thus suggesting a different lethal effect of smoke depending on PLAP genotype and maternal age. In infants from smoking mothers there is a decrease of birthweight that is much less evident and statistically not significant in infants carrying the PLAP*1/*1 genotype as compared to other genotypes. The difference between PLAP genotypes concerning birthweight is more marked in women older than 28 years than in younger ones. This suggests that the effects of smoke on birthweight are also dependent on PLAP and maternal age. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:781–785, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Secular trends in variables associated with the metabolic syndrome of North American children and adolescents: A review and synthesis
Authors: Eisenmann Joey C.
Published: October 2003

The aim of this article is to summarize and critique reports from selected large‐scale population health surveys (U.S. and Canada national health surveys (e.g., National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and Canada Fitness Survey), and active research programs in preventive pediatric cardiology (i.e., Bogalusa Heart Study, Princeton Lipids Study, and Minneapolis Blood Pressure Study)) pertaining to the secular trend in variables associated with the metabolic syndrome of North American youth. These surveys were chosen since they have published peer‐reviewed articles on the topic and consist of relatively large samples. The increased body mass index and prevalence of overweight and obesity are clear, particularly over the past two decades. The secular increase in overweight and obesity cannot be linked to available self‐report data on physical activity or diet, although measurement issues need to be considered. The emergence of Type II diabetes in adolescents parallels the increase in obesity; however, subsequent changes in blood lipids and blood pressure are less clear. There is some evidence to suggest adverse changes in the blood lipid profile. Aerobic fitness, as determined by maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), has not appeared to change in youth except perhaps for adolescent females. The results suggesting the emergence of metabolic syndrome X during childhood and adolescence are discussed in the context of perturbation and dysregulation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. It can be suggested that a subsistent lifestyle consisting of increased lifestyle activity (not exercise per se), a prudent diet, adequate sleep and rest, and stress reduction be advocated to combat diseases of Western Civilization/metabolic syndrome that have affected North American children (and adults) in recent years. The results also highlight the importance of population surveillance of obesity, physical activity, and dietary intake and cardiovascular health of children into the 21st century. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:786–794, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Locus‐specific genetic diversity between human populations: An analysis of the literature
Authors: Garte Seymour
Published: October 2003

The debate over classification of the human species according to racial or continental lines has involved reports on genetic differences in allele frequencies of a number of loci with important biomedical functions. Such differences are in contrast with the fact that, for human beings, intrapopulation genetic diversity is larger than that seen between populations. In an attempt to address the hypothesis that certain genes show high interpopulation diversity due to selective pressure, the literature was surveyed to quantify such diversity using Wrights Fst statistic. The gene‐specific Fst values were then compared to pairwise population values of Fst taken over a large number of genes, which presumably reflect mostly neutral mechanisms of genetic diversity such as drift. The results showed that the majority of pairwise population values of Fst for over 30 genes of biomedical significance were either below or within the expected limits of Fst based on published values. These results do not support the idea that positive or diversifying natural selection plays an important role in increasing genetic diversity, even in genes that might be expected to be subject to selection pressure. Balancing selection, whereby the degree of genetic diversity is actually lower than that expected, appears to occur more frequently for these genes. The fact that allele frequency differences between populations might be “statistically significant” does not therefore necessarily imply a degree of genetic diversity greater than would be expected due to nonselective mechanisms. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:814–823, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urban–rural contrasts in the physical fitness of school children in Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Peña Reyes Maria Eugenia , Tan Swee Kheng , Malina Robert M.
Published: October 2003

The physical fitness of school children resident in an urban colonia and in a rural indigenous community in Oaxaca, southern Mexico, was compared. Two measures of performance‐related fitness (standing long jump, 35‐yard dash [32 m]) and four measures of health‐related fitness (grip strength, sit and reach, timed sit‐ups, distance run) were taken on 355 rural (175 boys, 184 girls) and 324 urban (163 boys, 161 girls) school children, 6–13 years of age. Urban children were significantly taller and heavier than rural children. Absolute grip strength did not consistently differ between rural and urban children, but when adjusted for age and body size, strength was greater in rural children. Explosive power (standing long jump) and abdominal strength and endurance (timed sit‐ups) were better in urban than in rural children without and with adjustment for age and body size. Urban–rural differences in running speed (dash) and flexibility (sit and reach) varied by age group and sex. Younger rural children and older urban girls performed better in the distance run, whereas older rural and urban boys did not differ in endurance. The size advantage of urban children does not necessarily translate into better levels of performance‐ and health‐related physical fitness. The observed differences may be related to activity habits associated with school physical education and lifestyle in the respective communities. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:800–813, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing the net effect of young maternal age on birthweight
Authors: Borja Judith B. , Adair Linda S.
Published: October 2003

Pregnancy during adolescence presents an increased risk for low birthweight, which is attributed not only to physiologic immaturity but also to socioeconomic and behavioral risk factors associated with adolescence. The independent effect of maternal age on birthweight is difficult to ascertain because age is closely entangled with these risks. We first examined the effect of being an adolescent mother on these risk pathways and then estimated the net effect of maternal age on birthweight (weight in grams or low birthweight (<2,500 g)) after controlling for these risks. We used data on 214 adolescent and 415 adult primiparae and their infants from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, a community‐based survey in Metro Cebu, Philippines. Consistent with findings from other studies, adolescents in this sample were more socioeconomically disadvantaged, had poorer nutritional status during pregnancy, and received less prenatal care than adults. Bivariate analyses showed that infants of adolescents had a lower mean birthweight and were more at risk of low birthweight compared to those born to older mothers. When socioeconomic, biological, and behavioral risk factors were controlled for, young maternal age ceased to have an effect on birthweight in grams but remained a significant predictor of low birthweight. The common pathways through which maternal age influenced both birthweight variables were through its effects on maternal height and weight‐for‐height during pregnancy. In the model predicting birthweight in grams the maternal age effect was further manifested through prenatal care utilization. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:733–740, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
50 Jahre Ziegler‐Katalysatoren: Werdegang und Folgen einer Erfindung
Authors: Wilke Günther
Published: October 2003

Im Oktober 1953 gelang im Max‐Planck‐Institut für Kohlenforschung in Mülheim an der Ruhr ein Experiment, das die chemische Industrie bis in die Gegenwart entscheidend geprägt hat: die katalytische Polymerisation von Ethylen unter Normaldruck mit den damals als Mülheimer Mischkatalysatoren bekannten Komponenten. Geschildert wird die Geschichte einer Entdeckung, die zum einen dem Zufall, zum anderen aber einer akribischen Analyse auch scheinbar gescheiterter Experimente zu verdanken ist.
Site Titration with Organic Bases During Catalysis: Selectivity Modifier and Structural Probe in Methanol Oxidation on Keggin Clusters
Authors: Liu Haichao , Bayat Nader , Iglesia Enrique
Published: October 2003

Die selektive und permanente Titration von Protonen mit organischen Basen (2,6‐Di‐tert‐butylpyridin oder Pyridin) liefert ein genaues Maß für die Dispersion von Keggin‐Strukturen während der katalytischen Oxidation von Methanol. Die Titration ermöglicht die systematische Steuerung der Redox‐ und Säureeigenschaften von Keggin‐Clustern der Form H3+nPVnMo12−nO40 (n=0–4) und hat eine außergewöhnliche Selektivität bezüglich der Bildung von Dimethoxymethan (>80 %) sowie hohe Ausbeuten zur Folge.
Titelbild: Die Ethylenpolymerisation mit Ziegler‐Katalysatoren 50 Jahre nach der Entdeckung (Angew. Chem. 41/2003)
Authors: Böhm Ludwig L.
Published: October 2003

Vor fünfzig Jahren entdeckten Karl Ziegler und Mitarbeiter das bald zu Berühmtheit gelangte Verfahren zur katalytischen Herstellung von Polyethylenen bei mäßig hohen Temperaturen und Drücken. Das Titelblatt der binnen kurzem angemeldeten Patentschrift weist den 18. November 1953 als Prioritätsdatum aus. Heute, 50 Jahre danach, steht ein leistungsfähiges Verfahren zur Verfügung, das auf hochaktiven Katalysatoren und einem fundierten Verständnis der Prozesse auf allen Größenskalen beruht. L. L. Böhm beschreibt in seinem Aufsatz auf S. 5162 ff. den derzeitigen Stand der Technik jenes Mülheimer Normaldruckverfahrens.
The Ethylene Polymerization with Ziegler Catalysts: Fifty Years after the Discovery
Authors: Böhm Ludwig L.
Published: October 2003

Fifty years ago, Karl Ziegler and his co‐workers discovered the synthesis of polyethylenes at low pressures and moderate high temperatures with transition‐metal catalysts of the 4th group and aluminum organic compounds as cocatalysts. The last 50 years represent a story of innovations in science and industry in the development of high‐activity catalysts and processes based on a detailed understanding of all relevant chemical and physical processes on all scales. Catalysts, technologies, and products are still under further development, which shows that the potential of this polymerization process is not fully exploited. Today's targets include achieving better product properties at lower production costs and the substitution of other materials, such as glass, paper, steel, and concrete in certain fields because polyethylenes deliver better resource‐saving solutions.
Fifty Years of Ziegler Catalysts: Consequences and Development of an Invention
Authors: Wilke Günther
Published: October 2003

In October, 1953 an experiment was carried out in the Max Planck Institut für Kohlenforschung in Mülheim an der Ruhr, that even today has a huge influence on the chemical industry: the catalytic polymerization of ethylene under normal pressure carried out with what at the time was known as the Mülheim mixed catalyst. The story of what is know known as the Ziegler catalyst reveals its discovery to be the result of the meticulous analysis of apparently failed experiments.
Site Titration with Organic Bases During Catalysis: Selectivity Modifier and Structural Probe in Methanol Oxidation on Keggin Clusters
Authors: Liu Haichao , Bayat Nader , Iglesia Enrique
Published: October 2003

The selective and permanent titration of protons with organic bases (2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridine or pyridine) provides an accurate measure of the dispersion of Keggin structures during catalytic oxidation of methanol. Titration allows the systematic control of the redox and acid properties of H3+nPVnMo12−nO40 (n=0–4) Keggin clusters and leads to unprecedented selectivity in the formation of dimethoxymethane (>80 %) and high yields.
Determination of parathion residues in rice samples using a ﬂow injection chemiluminescence method
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Du Jianxiu , Lu Jiuru
Published: October 2003

A sensitive ﬂow injection chemiluminescence method is described for the determination of parathion pesticide, based upon its direct chemiluminescence reaction with luminol and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of non‐ionic surfactant polyethylene glycol 400. Under the selected experimental conditions, the concentration of parathion is proportional to the CL intensity in the range 0.02–1.0 mg/L. The detection limit was 0.008 mg/L and the relative standard deviation was 2.8% for 0.2 mg/L parathion solution (n = 11). This method was successfully applied to the determination of parathion residue in rice samples. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of peroxynitrite–luminol chemiluminescence system for detecting peroxynitrite in cell culture solution exposed to carbon disulphide
Authors: Chen Shao L. , Jian Le , Lang Hui Q.
Published: October 2003

We established a peroxynitrite–luminol chemiluminescence system for detecting peroxynitrite in cell culture solution exposed to carbon disulphide (CS2). Three factors, including exposure time to ozone (Factor A), volume of peroxynitrite (ONOO−) solution (Factor B) and luminol concentrations (Factor C) at three levels were selected and the combinations were in accordance with orthogonal design L9 (34). Peroxynitrite was generated from the reaction of ozone and 0.01 mol/L sodium azide (NaN3) dissolved in carbonic acid buffer solution (pH 11), and it was reacted with luminol to yield chemiluminescence. The peak value, peak time and kinetic curve of the light emission were observed. The selected combination conditions were 50 s ozone, 800 µL peroxynitrite and 0.001 mol/L luminol solution. Cell culture solution with CS2 enhanced the emission intensity of chemiluminescence (F = 8.38, p = 0.018) and shortened the peak time to chemiluminescence (F = 139.00, p = 0.0001). The data demonstrated that this luminol chemiluminescence system is suitable for detecting peroxynitrite in cell culture solutions for evaluating the effect of CS2 on endothelial cells. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo monitoring of chlorophyll ﬂuorescence response to low‐dose γ‐irradiation in pumpkin (cucurbita pepo) leaves
Authors: Jovanić B. R. , Dramićanin M. D.
Published: October 2003

The effect of γ‐irradiation on the in vivo‐measured chlorophyll ﬂuorescence in a pumpkin leaves (Cucurbita pepo) has been investigated. Plants were grown in the same environment, then divided into several groups and irradiated at ambient conditions at small dose levels (up to 13.4 Gy) with 60Co γ‐rays. The post‐irradiation effect on chlorophyll status in the leaves was examined by measuring chlorophyll ﬂuorescence 2 days (48 h) after exposure. It is undoubtedly found that the value of ﬂuorescence intensity ratio (FIR) at 690 nm and 735 nm (F690/F735) depends upon the ionizing radiation dose. Even with the smallest dose of 3.35 Gy, ionizing radiation notably altered the ﬂuorescence spectra of leaves. The spectra difference was manifested by decrease of FIR due to changed chlorophyll luminescence, the possible reason for which could be increase of chlorophyll concentration during the recovery process of the plant. The potential implications of these results for plant physiological status monitoring, as well as for pollution detection and assessment, are discussed in brief. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction of clinically important human DNA topoisomerase I poison, topotecan, with double‐stranded DNA
Authors: Streltsov Sergei , Oleinikov Vladimir , Ermishov Mikhail , Mochalov Konstantin , Sukhanova Alyona , Nechipurenko Yuri , Grokhovsky Sergei , Zhuze Alexei , Pluot Michel , Nabiev Igor
Published: October 2003

Topotecan (TPT), a water‐soluble derivative of camptothecin, is a potent antitumor poison of human DNA topoisomerase I (top1) that stabilizes the cleavage complex between the enzyme and DNA. The role of the recently discovered TPT affinity to DNA remains to be defined. The aim of this work is to clarify the molecular mechanisms of the TPT‐DNA interaction and to propose the models of TPT‐DNA complexes in solution in the absence of top1. It is shown that TPT molecules form dimers with a dimerization constant of (4.0 ± 0.7) × 103M−1 and the presence of DNA provokes more than a 400‐fold increase of the effective dimerization constant. Flow linear dichroism spectroscopy accompanied by circular dichroism, fluorescence, and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering experiments provide evidence that TPT dimers are able to bind DNA by bridging different DNA molecules or distant DNA structural domains. This effect may provoke modification of the intrinsic geometry of the cruciform DNA structures, leading to the appearance of new crossover points that serve as the sites of the top1 loading position. The data presume the hypothesis of TPT‐mediated modulation of top1‐DNA recognition before ternary complex formation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy), 2003
3′‐Azido‐3′‐deoxythymidine binding to ribonuclease A: Model for drug‐protein interaction
Authors: Gaudreau S. , Novetta‐Dellen A. , Neault J. F. , Diamantoglou S. , Tajmir‐Riahi H. A.
Published: October 2003

Ribonuclease A (RNase A) with several high affinity binding sites is a possible target for many organic and inorganic molecules. 3′‐Azido‐3′‐deoxythymidine (AZT) is the first clinically effective drug for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The drug interactions with protein and nucleic acids are associated with its mechanism of action in vivo. This study was designed to examine the interaction of AZT with RNase A under physiological conditions. Reaction mixtures of constant protein concentration (2%) and different drug contents (0.0001–0.1 mM) are studied by UV‐visible, FTIR, and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods in order to determine the drug binding mode, the drug binding constant, and the effects of drug complexation on the protein and AZT conformations in aqueous solution. The spectroscopic results showed one major binding for the AZT‐RNase complexes with an overall binding constant of 5.29 × 105 M−1. An increase in the protein α helicity was observed upon AZT interaction, whereas drug sugar pucker remained in the C2′‐endo/anti conformation in the AZT‐RNase complexes. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy), 2003
Structural changes of low density lipoproteins with Cu2+ and glucose induced oxidation
Authors: Gallego‐Nicasio J. , López‐Rodríguez G. , Martínez R. , Tarancón M. J. , Fraile M. V. , Carmona P.
Published: October 2003

The compositional and structural changes of lipids and apolipoproteins during in vitro oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) are investigated in this study by IR spectroscopy. For comparison, LDL samples containing either copper or glucose at physiological or pathological concentrations are considered in order to know the separate affects of these chemical factors on LDL oxidation. The results show that the initial steps of lipid oxidation proceed through hydrogen atom loss from methylene groups, as well as loss of cholesteryl ester molecules, and later a recovering of carbonyl compounds resulting from aldehyde formation that generally occurs in autooxidation processes. Lipid oxidation is induced by copper ions, and glucose enhances metal ion induced LDL oxidation as determined by conjugated diene formation. As to the protein conformational changes, IR spectroscopy reveals for the first time that LDL oxidation involves formation of β‐sheet structures, these being more abundant in LDL samples with pathological concentrations of glucose or copper. Consequently, the LDL structural changes may contribute to the recognition of oxidized LDL particles by scavenger receptors. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 72: 514–520, 2003
Distinguishing and grading human gliomas by IR spectroscopy
Authors: Steiner Gerald , Shaw Anthony , Choo‐Smith Lin‐P'ing , Abuid Mario H. , Schackert Gabriele , Sobottka Stephan , Steller Wolfram , Salzer Reiner , Mantsch Henry H.
Published: October 2003

As a molecular probe of tissue composition, IR spectroscopy can potentially serve as an adjunct to histopathology in detecting and diagnosing disease. This study demonstrates that cancerous brain tissue (astrocytoma, glioblastoma) is distinguishable from control tissue on the basis of the IR spectra of thin tissue sections. It is further shown that the IR spectra of astrocytoma and glioblastoma affected tissue can be discriminated from one another, thus providing insight into the malignancy grade of the tissue. Both the spectra and the methods employed for their classification reveal characteristic differences in tissue composition. In particular, the nature and relative amounts of brain lipids, including both the gangliosides and phospholipids, appear to be altered in cancerous compared to control tissue. Using a genetic classification approach, classification success rates of up to 89% accuracy were obtained, depending on the number of regions included in the model. The diagnostic potential and practical applications of IR spectroscopy in brain tumor diagnosis are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy), 2003
Individual tyrosine side‐chain contributions to circular dichroism of ribonuclease
Authors: Woody A‐Young Moon , Woody Robert W.
Published: October 2003

Experimental and theoretical studies using site‐directed mutants of ribonuclease A (RNase A) offer more extensive information on the tyrosine side‐chain contributions to the circular dichroism (CD) of the enzyme. Bovine pancreatic RNase A has three exposed tyrosine residues (Tyr73, Tyr76, and Tyr115) and three buried tyrosine residues (Tyr25, Tyr92 and Tyr97). The difference CD spectra between the wild type and the mutants at pH 7.0 (Δϵ277,wt − Δϵ277,mut) show bands with more negative ΔΔϵ277 values for Y73F and Y115F than those for Y25F and Y92F and bands with positive ΔΔϵ277 values for Y76F and Y97F. The theoretical calculations are in good semiquantitative agreement for all the mutants. The pH difference spectrum (pH 11.3 − 7.0) for the wild type shows a negative band at 295 nm and an enhanced positive band at 245 nm. The three mutants at buried tyrosine sites and one mutant at an exposed tyrosine site (Y76F) exhibit pH‐difference spectra that are similar to that of the wild type. In contrast, two mutants at exposed tyrosine sites (Y73F and Y115F) exhibit diminished 295‐nm negative bands and, instead of positive bands at 245 nm, negative bands are observed. Our results indicate that Tyr73 and Tyr115, two of the exposed tyrosine residues, are the largest contributors to the 277‐ and 245‐nm CD bands of RNaseA, but the buried tyrosine residues and the one remaining exposed residue also contribute to these bands. Disulfide contributions to the 277‐ and 240‐nm bands and the peptide contribution to the 240‐nm band are confirmed theoretically. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 72: 500–513, 2003
Sulawesi: Solargetriebene Meeresnacktschnecken und wurmgleiche Sand‐Hinterkiemer
Authors: Schrödl Michael , Eheberg Dirk , Burghardt Ingo
Published: October 2003

Im Juli diesen Jahres startete eine internationale Expedition zur erstmaligen Bioinventur des Bunaken National Park bei der indonesischen Insel Sulawesi. Biologen der Zoologischen Staatssammlung München, des GeoBioCenters LMU, der Ruhr‐Uni Bochum und der Sam Ratulangi‐University Manado, Sulawesi, entdeckten dabei eine überwältigende Artenvielfalt mariner Mollusken.
Aktenzeichen Y: …gelöst
Authors: Kronberg Inge
Published: October 2003

Das menschliche Genom galt schon im April 2003 zu 99 Prozent als entschlüsselt, aber erst Monate später wurde die Sequenz des Y‐Chromosoms nachgeliefert. Der Grund: Das Y‐Chromosom gehört zu jenen Teilen des Genoms, die sich den Standard‐Techniken entziehen, weil es sich zu einem großen Teil um heterochromatische Regionen mit hochrepetitiven Sequenzen handelt.
Hummeln — Hast macht schlampig
Authors: Irsch Wilhelm
Published: October 2003

Pedanten und Schlamper gibt es auch bei Hummeln, wie Zoologen bei Untersuchungen des Lernverhaltens von Erdhummeln (Bombus terrestris) feststellten. Die sorgfältigen Tiere lassen sich bei der Futtersuche Zeit und wählen mit hoher Präzision geeignete Futterquellen aus. Schlampige Hummeln dagegen hasten von Blüte zu Blüte und machen dabei viele Fehler.
Intra‐ and intersectoral effects in environmental disclosures: evidence for legitimacy theory?
Authors: Campbell David
Published: October 2003

Environmental disclosures were recorded from the annual reports of a sample of ten UK FTSE 100 companies in five sectors between 1974 and 2000. ‘Environmental sensitivity’ was employed as a proxy for corporate vulnerability to environmental concern, and intra‐ and intersectoral differences were tested for in the belief that difference in industry response will signify differing perceptions on the need to provide voluntary disclosure and hence restore or maintain legitimacy. Intrasectoral agreements at given points in time were also taken to be evidence for legitimacy theory in that more than one company in a sector perceived a need to change disclosure behaviour at the same time. Legitimacy theory as an explicator for variability in environmental disclosure is supported. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
A critical assessment of how non‐governmental organizations use the capital markets to achieve their aims: a UK study
Authors: Waygood Steve , Wehrmeyer Walter
Published: October 2003

Non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) increasingly attempt to use the capital markets to further their aims. This paper proposes a taxonomy for such intervention that is based on two distinct strategies: a macro capital redistribution strategy and a micro investor influence strategy, both of which can be undertaken either directly or indirectly. The paper reviews empirical evidence of the success of each strategy through four case studies. It concludes by suggesting that there is some empirical evidence that the typology can be successfully applied and that there is some initial evidence that NGO capital market engagement strategies have, in certain circumstances, successfully changed business strategy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Cell type‐ and region‐specific expression of protein kinase C‐substrate mRNAs in the cerebellum of the macaque monkey
Authors: Higo Noriyuki , Oishi Takao , Yamashita Akiko , Matsuda Keiji , Hayashi Motoharu
Published: October 2003

We performed nonradioactive in situ hybridization histochemistry in the monkey cerebellum to investigate the localization of protein kinase C‐substrate (growth‐associated protein‐43 [GAP‐43], myristoylated alanine‐rich C‐kinase substrate [MARCKS], and neurogranin) mRNAs. Hybridization signals for GAP‐43 mRNA were observed in the molecular and granule cell layers of both infant and adult cerebellar cortices. Signals for MARCKS mRNA were observed in the molecular, Purkinje cell, and granule cell layers of both infant and adult cortices. Moreover, both GAP‐43 and MARCKS mRNAs were expressed in the external granule cell layer of the infant cortex. In the adult cerebellar vermis, signals for both GAP‐43 and MARCKS mRNAs were more intense in lobules I, IX, and X than in the remaining lobules. In the adult hemisphere, both mRNAs were more intense in the flocculus and the dorsal paraflocculus than in other lobules. Such lobule‐specific expressions were not prominent in the infant cerebellar cortex. Signals for neurogranin, a postsynaptic substrate for protein kinase C, were weak or not detectable in any regions of either the infant or adult cerebellar cortex. The prominent signals for MARCKS mRNA were observed in the deep cerebellar nuclei, but signals for both GAP‐43 and neurogranin mRNAs were weak or not detectable. The prominent signals for both GAP‐43 and MARCKS mRNAs were observed in the inferior olive, but signals for neurogranin were weak or not detectable. The cell type‐ and region‐specific expression of GAP‐43 and MARCKS mRNAs in the cerebellum may be related to functional specialization regarding plasticity in each type of cell and each region of the cerebellum. J. Comp. Neurol. 467:135–149, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis contributes to the modulation of hypophysiotropic corticotropin‐releasing factor cell responses to systemic interleukin‐1β
Authors: Crane James W. , Buller Kathryn M. , Day Trevor A.
Published: October 2003

Systemic infection activates the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis, and brainstem catecholamine cells have been shown to contribute to this response. However, recent work also suggests an important role for the central amygdala (CeA). Because direct connections between the CeA and the hypothalamic apex of the HPA axis are minimal, the present study investigated whether the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) might act as a relay between them. This was done by using an animal model of acute systemic infection involving intravascular delivery of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β, 1 μg/kg). Unilateral ibotenic acid lesions encompassing the ventral BNST significantly reduced both IL‐1β‐induced increases in Fos immunoreactivity in corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) cells of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and corresponding increases in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion. Similar lesions had no effect on CRF cell responses to physical restraint, suggesting that the effects of BNST lesions were not due to a nonspecific effect on stress responses. In further studies, we examined the functional connections between PVN, BNST, and CeA by combining retrograde tracing with mapping of IL‐1β‐induced increases in Fos in BNST and CeA cells. In the case of the BNST, these studies showed that systemic IL‐1β administration recruits ventral BNST cells that project directly to the PVN. In the case of the CeA, the results obtained were consistent with an arrangement whereby lateral CeA cells recruited by systemic IL‐1β could regulate the activity of medial CeA cells projecting directly to the BNST. In conclusion, the present findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the BNST acts as a relay between the CeA and PVN, thereby contributing to CeA modulation of hypophysiotropic CRF cell responses to systemic administration of IL‐1β. J. Comp. Neurol. 467:232–242, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Connections of the posterior thalamic region with the auditory ectosylvian cortex in the dog
Authors: Malinowska Monika , Kosmal Anna
Published: October 2003

The purpose of the present study was to define auditory cortical areas in the dog on the basis of thalamocortical connectivity patterns. Connections between the posterior thalamic region and auditory ectosylvian cortex were studied using axonally transported tracers: fluorochromes and biotinylated dextran amine. Cyto‐ and chemoarchitecture provided grounds for the division of the posterior thalamic region into three complexes, medial geniculate body (MGB), posterior nuclei (Po), and lateromedial and suprageniculate nuclei (LM‐Sg). Distinctive cytoarchitectonic features and the distribution of dominant thalamocortical connections (determined quantitatively) allowed us to define four ectosylvian areas: middle (EM), anterior (EA), posterior (EP), and composite (CE). We found that each area was a place of convergence for projections from five to eleven nuclei of the three thalamic complexes, with dominant projections derived from one or two nuclei. Dominant topographical projections from the ventral nucleus to area EM confirmed physiological reports that it may be considered a primary auditory area (AI). We found the anterior part of the EM to be distinct in having unique strong connections with the deep dorsal MGB nucleus. Area EA, which receives dominant projections from the lateral Po (Pol) and medial MGB nuclei, as well as area EP, which receives dominant connections from the dorsal caudal MGB nucleus, compose two parasensory areas. Area CE receives dominant projections from the extrageniculate nuclei, anterior region of the LM‐Sg, and Pol, supplemented with an input from the somatosensory VP complex, and may be considered a polymodal association area. J. Comp. Neurol. 467:185–206, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Absence of circadian clock regulation of horizontal cell gap junctional coupling reveals two dopamine systems in the goldfish retina
Authors: Ribelayga Christophe , Mangel Stuart C.
Published: October 2003

In fish and other vertebrate retinas, although dopamine release is regulated by both light and an endogenous circadian (24‐hour) clock, light increases dopamine release to a greater extent than the clock. The clock increases dopamine release during the subjective day so that D2‐like receptors are activated. It is not known, however, whether the retinal clock also activates D1 receptors, which display a much lower sensitivity to dopamine in intact tissue. Because activation of the D1 receptors on fish cone horizontal (H1) cells uncouples the gap junctions between the cells, we studied whether the clock regulates the extent of biocytin tracer coupling in the goldfish retina. Tracer coupling between H1 cells was extensive under dark‐adapted conditions (low scotopic range) and similar in the subjective day, subjective night, day, and night. An average of approximately 180 cells were coupled in each dark‐adapted condition. However, bright light stimulation or application of the D1 agonist SKF38393 (10 μM) dramatically reduced H1 cell coupling. The D2 agonist quinpirole (1 μM) or application of the D1 antagonist SCH23390 (10 μM) and/or the D2 antagonist spiperone (10 μM) had no effect on H1 cell coupling in dark‐adapted retinas. These observations demonstrate that H1 cell gap junctional coupling and thus D1 receptor activity are not affected by endogenous dopamine under dark‐adapted conditions. The results suggest that two different dopamine systems are present in the goldfish retina. One system is controlled by an endogenous clock that activates low threshold D2‐like receptors in the day, whereas the second system is controlled by light and involves activation of higher threshold D1 receptors. J. Comp. Neurol. 467:243–253, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.