bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detachable Coils for Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in 2 Dogs
Authors: Tanaka Ryou , Hoshi Katsuichiro , Nagashima Yukiko , Fujii Yoko , Yamane Yoshihisa
Published: August 2002

Objective—To describe the use of a detachable coil for transcatheter closure (TCC) of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in 2 dogs.

Study Design—Clinical study.

Animals—Two female Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs with PDA.

Methods—Using fluoroscopic guidance, an 8‐mm‐diameter coil stent with 5 loops (detachable coils for PDA closure) was inserted via catheterization of the femoral artery. The catheter was passed through the PDA into the pulmonary artery. The coil was withdrawn so that 1.5 loops remained on the pulmonary side of the orifice of the ductus. The rest of the loops were pushed out from the catheter into the ductus. After confirming the correct placement of the coil and the effectiveness of the occlusion, the delivery wire was detached from the coil.

Results—Insertion of the coil was easily performed, even without previous experience. Immediate and marked decrease of the cardiac murmur was auscultated. Only slight residual flow was detected by angiography conducted 3 months' postoperatively. The dogs experienced quick and uneventful recovery after coil placement and required minimal postoperative care. Follow‐up evaluation of the dogs showed no functional clinical signs of PDA, and no cardiac abnormalities were detected on electrocardiographic, phonocardiographic, and echocardiographic examination. In dog 1, the residual flow had disappeared on the color‐flow Doppler echocardiographic examination at 18 months' postoperatively.

Conclusion—TCC using a detachable coil was easy, safe, and effective in 2 dogs with PDA. The minimal residual shunting observed only by echocardiography seemed hemodynamically insignificant.

Clinical Relevance—This method can be used as an alternative to traditional surgical methods.
The Effects of Ethylene Oxide and Gas‐Plasma Sterilization on Failure Strength and Failure Mode of Pre‐Tied Monofilament Ligature Loops
Authors: Trostle Steven S. , Hendrickson Dean A. , Franke Chad
Published: August 2002

Objective—To evaluate the effects of ethylene oxide and gas‐plasma sterilization on the failure strength and failure mode of pre‐tied monofilament ligature loops.

Study design—A randomized block design was used by blocking for suture (size 1 polyglyconate, size 2 polydioxanone) and sterilization technique (control, ethylene oxide, gas plasma).

Sample population—Twenty replicates of each suture‐sterilization technique combination.

Methods—Ligature loops were pre‐tied using a 4S‐modified Roeder knot then exposed to 1 of 3 treatments (control, ethylene oxide, or gas‐plasma sterilization). Ligature loops were mounted onto a mechanical testing machine to evaluate the effects of sterilization on failure strength and failure mode (disruption, untying).

Results—There were no differences between polydioxanone and polyglyconate suture materials in failure strength or mode within sterilization methods. Both sterilization methods significantly increased the likelihood that suture loops would untie compared with controls subjects. Ligature loops that disrupted had a greater breaking strength than those that untied, regardless of sterilization method or suture type.

Conclusions/clinical relevance—Sterilization with either ethylene oxide or gas plasma of pre‐tied, polyglyconate, or polydioxanone ligature loops significantly increases the in vitro likelihood of a modified Roeder knot untying. Further studies need to be conducted to determine the in vivo requirements for ligature loops.
Regulation of p21 waf1/cip1 Expression by Intracellular Redox Conditions
Authors: Esposito Franca , Russo Lucia , Chirico Giuseppa , Ammendola Rosario , Russo Tommaso , Cimino Filiberto
Published: August 2002

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been considered for a long time only as molecules for inducing oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. However, in the last few years some physiological effects of ROS have been hypothesized, consisting of the redox regulation of several biological processes, including the transduction of mitogenic signals. This means that intracellular generation of ROS could be necessary to maintain homeostasis, as well as that their formation/scavenging should be controlled processes. We developed an experimental procedure that causes redox perturbations in intact cells, based on the exposure of living cells to diethylmaleate (DEM), a GSH‐depleting agent. By this procedure we demonstrated that ROS generated following DEM treatment induces a G1 arrest, that is accompanied by several redoxdependent changes in cell cycle‐related proteins. One of these is the p53‐independent accumulation of p21 waf1/cip1, which requires the integrity of the ras ‐MAPK pathway. Accordingly, DEM treatment strongly activates ERK2. On the other hand, redox perturbations provoked by DEM induce several early phenomena, including p21 waf1/cip1 and Rb dephosphorylation.
The gendered construction of the adult education and family literacy act
Authors: Sparks Barbara
Published: August 2002

This chapter uses a feminist analysis to unpack how gender and gender arrangements are constructed and maintained through the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act.
Workplace learning as a cultural technology
Authors: Solomon Nicky
Published: August 2002

This chapter explores some of the challenges and complexities presented by the new discourses on work and workplace learning, particularly those that serve as foreground to questions of culture.
Making sense of one’s experience in the workplace
Authors: Van Stralen Suzanne
Published: August 2002

Six nursing managers learn to be more wholistic in how they manage responsibilities in a fast‐paced work environment oriented toward cost efficiency.
New α2 globin chain variant with low oxygen affinity affecting the N‐terminal residue and leading to N‐acetylation [Hb Lyon‐Bron α 1(NA1)Val→Ac‐Ala]
Authors: Lacan P. , Souillet G. , Aubry M. , Promé D. , Richelme‐David S. , Kister J. , Wajcman H. , Francina A.
Published: August 2002

Hemoglobin Lyon‐Bron was found in two members of a family of German ascent presenting with a moderate normocytic anemia. In this alpha2 globin variant, the N‐terminal valine of the chain was replaced by an alanine. Electrospray mass spectrometry of the α chain showed that, as normally, the initiator methionine was cleaved during globin processing but that the Nα‐terminal group was totally acetylated. This resulted in structural modifications of a region crucial for oxygen binding. As a consequence, hemoglobin Lyon‐Bron displayed both a reduced chloride effect and a decreased oxygen affinity, this last point explaining the apparent anemia. Am. J. Hematol. 69:214–218, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Piebaldism associated with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II (HEMPAS)
Authors: Köklü Seyfettin , Ertuğrul Derun , Onat Ahmet Mesut , Karakuş Sema , Haznedaroğlu İbrahim C. , Büyükaşık Yahya , Sayınalp Nilgün , Özcebe Osman , Dündar Semra V.
Published: August 2002

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemias (CDAs) are a group of relatively rare inherited anemias. They are characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis and classified as three major groups and a number of variants. CDA type II, also known as hereditary erythroblastic multinuclearity with a positive acidified serum test (HEMPAS), is the most frequent one. A number of associations with CDA II have been reported, although each described only one or a few patients. Here we presented a piebald woman with vaginal atresia who was tested for anemia and diagnosed as CDA type II. Piebaldism and anemia association were previously described in the mouse. Our case was the first that shows the features of both piebaldism and CDA in the same patient. This association may suggest a stem cell defect to cause both hematopoietic and cutaneous manifestations. Am. J. Hematol. 69:210–213, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autism and the X chromosome: No linkage to microsatellite loci detected using the affected sibling pair method
Authors: Schutz Chris K. , Polley Diana , Robinson Paula D. , Chalifoux Maryse , Macciardi Fabio , White Bradley N. , Holden Jeanette J.A.
Published: August 2002

The etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is poorly understood, although it is clear that genetic factors play a major role. ASDs appear to be a heterogeneous group of disorders, making genetic analysis difficult in the absence of etiologically definable subgroups. The excess of males in the affected population has led to suggestions that an X‐linked locus could play a role in the causation of autism or a related pervasive developmental disorder. To examine this, we have investigated the genotypes of 31 families with two or more affected boys, at a series of 16 highly polymorphic loci distributed along the X chromosome with an average interlocus distance of 12 cM, in order to identify regions of significantly increased concordance among pairs of affected brothers. No locus tested showed a significant increase in concordance, supporting findings by others that there are no genes of major effect located on the X chromosome that contribute to increased susceptibility to ASD. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cognitive and behavioral performance among FMR1 high‐repeat allele carriers surveyed from special education classes
Authors: Sherman S.L. , Marsteller F. , Abramowitz A.J. , Scott E. , Leslie M. , Bregman J.
Published: August 2002

The fragile X syndrome is caused by an unstable CGG repeat sequence in the 5′ untranslated region of the X‐linked, FMR1 gene. When the number of repeats exceeds 200, the region is hypermethylated and the gene is silenced. The lack of the protein produced by the FMR1 gene, FMRP, causes the fragile X syndrome. Recent evidence suggests that FMR1 alleles with unmethylated long repeat tracks (40–200 repeats) may cause a specific somatic phenotype in women, premature ovarian failure, and may cause variation in the levels of FMR1 mRNA and FMRP. Because FMR1 is known to be involved in the regulation of subset of genes expressed in the brain, we investigated the variation in cognitive and/or behavioral performance among carriers of high repeat alleles. Specifically, we administered cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive performance tests to children identified with high repeat alleles who attended special education classes in Atlanta, Georgia public schools and to those with < 40 repeats drawn from the same population. Overall, we found no significant effect of repeat size and the psychometric measures in our test battery after adjustment for multiple comparisons. All scales were found to be within 1 SD standard deviation of the mean. We did find an intriguing, albeit marginally statistically significant, association in the cognitive profile among males and not females, consistent with an X‐linked effect. After adjusting for the overall cognitive abilities score, Verbal Ability scores decreased and Nonverbal Reasoning scores increased with repeat number to a greater extent in males than females. Spatial Ability scores were not associated with repeat number. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Timing of births in sympatric brown howler monkeys (Alouatta fusca clamitans) and northern muriquis (Brachyteles arachnoides hypoxanthus)
Authors: Strier Karen B. , Mendes Sergio L. , Santos Rogerio R.
Published: August 2002

We monitored the birth patterns of sympatric brown howler monkeys (Alouatta fusca clamitans) and northern muriquis (Brachyteles arachnoides hypoxanthus) during a 4‐yr period from October 1996 to August 2000 at the Estação Biológica de Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Brown howler monkey births (n = 34) occurred throughout the year, and birth frequencies did not differ between rainy and dry season months. The aseasonal birth patterns of the howler monkeys differed significantly from the dry season concentration and dry month peak in muriqui births (n = 23). We found no effects of infant sex or the number of females on interbirth intervals (IBIs) in our 10 howler monkey study troops. IBIs of brown howler monkeys averaged 21.2 ± 2.5 mo (n = 8, median = 21.0 mo), and were significantly shorter following dry season births than rainy season births. Their IBIs and yearling survivorship (74%) were similar to those reported for other species of howler monkeys, but yearling survivorship was much lower than that of muriquis (94%), whose IBIs were more than 12 mo longer than those of the howler monkeys. Our study extends comparative knowledge of birth patterns in Alouatta to a poorly known species, and provides insights into the different ways in which diet and life history may affect the timing of births in large‐bodied platyrrhines under the same seasonal ecological conditions. Am. J. Primatol. 55:87–100, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes of urinary steroid conjugates and gonadotropin excretion in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy in the Yunnan snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti)
Authors: He Yimei , Pei Yijin , Zou Rujin , Ji Weizhi
Published: August 2002

The Yunnan snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) is one of the most endangered species in the world, and it is endemic to China. According to our knowledge, there was no information on reproduction for this species. The present study was designed to understand the characteristics of reproductive hormone secretion during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy of this species by monitoring urinary estrone conjugate (E1C), pregnanediol‐3‐glucuronide (PdG), bioactive follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). The urine samples were collected each day from four adult females for eight menstrual cycles, and once in 3 days during pregnancy (three full‐term pregnancies, one mid‐term abortion). The steroid conjugate was tested by radioimmunoassays (RIAs), and bioactive FSH and LH levels were measured in vitro by the sensitive bioassays granulosa cell aromatize bioassay (GAB) and rat interstitial cell testosterone (RICT), respectively. The results showed that: 1) E1C presented a preovulatory peak (183.9 ± 8.6 ng/mgCr) followed by a definite elevation of PdG; 2) PdG in the luteal phase (754.4 ± 30.6 ng/mgCr) was three‐ to fivefold higher than during the corresponding follicular phase (198.3 ± 11.4 ng/mgCr); 3) the peaks of bio‐LH and bio‐FSH were on the same day, while the E1C peak was 1 or 2 days before the peaks for these two hormones; 4) bio‐FSH levels were higher in the follicular phase than in the luteal phase, and bio‐LH levels elevated slightly in the luteal phase; 5) the mean cycle length was 23.6 ± 3.5 days (n = 3) based upon successive urinary LH peaks; 6) based on the interval from the day of E1C peak to the day of parturition, the gestation was 203.7 ± 2.5 days (n = 3); and 7) both E1C and PdG increased and remained high after pregnancy, with a sharp decrease in basal levels following parturition or mid‐term abortion. The results suggested that the pattern of reproductive hormones for R. bieti is similar to that of other Old World monkeys, but the concentration of the hormones is different from that of other species. This species has a longer progestation period, which may be related to its classification status. Am. J. Primatol. 55:223–232, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pattern of dental development in Hominid XVIII from the Middle Pleistocene Atapuerca‐Sima de los Huesos site (Spain)
Authors: Bermudez De Castro Jose Maria , Rosas Antonio
Published: August 2002

.

We describe the pattern of dental development of Hominid XVIII from the Middle Pleistocene Sima de los Huesos (SH) site of the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain). As expected, this pattern is similar to that of modern humans. A delay of development of the lower and upper canines was observed. In contrast, the relative advanced development of the lower second molars and, especially, the upper and lower third molars is noteworthy. This latter feature seems to be common in Pleistocene hominids, and suggests that the pattern of dental development evolved in the genus Homo during the Pleistocene. In European Middle Pleistocene hominids, this pattern probably was facilitated by the extra space available in the mandible and maxilla for developing teeth. Am J Phys Anthropol 114:325–330, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease and related neuropathies: Mutation distribution and genotype‐phenotype correlation
Authors: Boerkoel Cornelius F. , Takashima Hiroshi , Garcia Carlos A. , Olney Richard K. , Johnson John , Berry Katherine , Russo Paul , Kennedy Shelley , Teebi Ahmad S. , Scavina Mena , Williams Lowell L. , Mancias Pedro , Butler Ian J. , Krajewski Karen , Shy Michael , Lupski James R.
Published: August 2002

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder that has been associated with alterations of several proteins: peripheral myelin protein 22, myelin protein zero, connexin 32, early growth response factor 2, periaxin, myotubularin related protein 2, N‐myc downstream regulated gene 1 product, neurofilament light chain, and kinesin 1B. To determine the frequency of mutations in these genes among patients with CMT or a related peripheral neuropathy, we identified 153 unrelated patients who enrolled prior to the availability of clinical testing, 79 had a 17p12 duplication (CMT1A duplication), 11 a connexin 32 mutation, 5 a myelin protein zero mutation, 5 a peripheral myelin protein 22 mutation, 1 an early growth response factor 2 mutation, 1 a periaxin mutation, 0 a myotubularin related protein 2 mutation, 1 a neurofilament light chain mutation, and 50 had no identifiable mutation; the N‐myc downstream regulated gene 1 and the kinesin 1B gene were not screened for mutations. In the process of screening the above cohort of patients as well as other patients for CMT‐causative mutations, we identified several previously unreported mutant alleles: two for connexin 32, three for myelin protein zero, and two for peripheral myelin protein 22. The peripheral myelin protein 22 mutation W28R was associated with CMT1 and profound deafness. One patient with a CMT2 clinical phenotype had three myelin protein zero mutations (I89N+V92M+I162M). Because one‐third of the mutations we report arose de novo and thereby caused chronic sporadic neuropathy, we conclude that molecular diagnosis is a necessary adjunct for clinical diagnosis and management of inherited and sporadic neuropathy.
Electrical, physicomechanical, and X‐ray studies on ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer/polyaniline blends
Authors: Jeevananda T. , Siddaramaiah  , Somashekarappa H. , Somashekar R.
Published: August 2002

The conductive blend consisting of ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) and a polyaniline/p‐toluene sulfonic acid (PAn/TSA) complex were prepared by a thermal doping process using a Brabender plasticorder at 150°C. The conductivity, dielectric constant, dissipation factor, mechanical behavior, and structural aspects of these blends were investigated. A higher percentage of the PAn/TSA complex in the EVA matrix resulted in an increase in the electrical properties and a decrease in the mechanical properties like the tensile strength and percentage of elongation. These results were compared with the microcrystalline parameters of the blend obtained from X‐ray profile analysis. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1730–1735, 2002
Plasma‐enhanced synthesis of maltodextrin–polydimethylsiloxane graft copolymers
Authors: Ma Y. C. , Manolache S. , Sarmadi M. , Denes F.
Published: August 2002

Ether‐extracted maltodextrin (MD) powder was surface functionalized under 13.56‐MHz RF–SiCl4‐plasma conditions, and consecutively in situ aminated and grafted using dichlorodimethylsilane. Survey and high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FTIR evaluations, fluorescence‐labeling technique, SEM, and DTA/TG analyses prove the presence of a graft‐copolymer layer on the modified starch‐granule surfaces and the existence of a significantly changed surface morphology of the starch granules, as a result of the grafting reactions. The hydrophobic nature of the polydimethylsiloxane‐grafted starch and its significantly changed thermal behaviors were also evaluated. Potential applications of modified maltodextrins are discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1120–1129, 2001
Effect of recycled polypropylene on polypropylene/high‐density polyethylene blends
Authors: Bonelli Claudia M. C. , Martins Agnes F. , Mano Eloisa B. , Beatty Charles L.
Published: August 2002

The effect of recycled PP on incompatible blends of virgin polypropylene (PP) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) was studied. Recycled PP from urban solid waste was extracted with methyl ethyl ketone and the compatibilizing action of the product before and after extraction was examined. The characterization of the recycled PP was performed by FTIR, NMR, and DSC analyses. Mechanical properties of the blends were evaluated. The results showed partial compatibility of the blend components, reflected in the improvement of the tensile strength and elongation. Best results were achieved by the addition of extracted recycled PP on the 50/50 PP/HDPE blends. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1305–1311, 2001
Preparation of microcapsules composed of waste‐expanded polystyrene and paper fiber by semichemical recycle
Authors: Taguchi Yoshinari , Tanaka Masato
Published: August 2002

Microcapsules composed of waste paper fibers and plastics were prepared by semichemical recycle method. Newspaper and expanded polystyrene (EPS) for packing electric appliances were used as the raw materials of paper fiber (FB) and plastics, respectively. In this experiment, fibers were treated with a few surface treating agents prior to the encapsulation operation in order to improve the dispersability in the nonaqueous liquid phase and then in the shell of microcapsules. Microcapsules prepared thus were found to be of single‐cored type. Furthermore, it was found that the mechanical strength of microcapsules was increased by addition of fibers and there were the optimum concentrations of the surface treating agents. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 2662–2669, 2001
Polyblend systems of polyurethane (AU) and ethylene acrylic elastomer (vamac) using the sulfur cure systems
Authors: Khatua B. B. , Das C. K.
Published: August 2002

Blends of polyurethane (Vibrathane‐5008, Uniroyal Co., USA) and ethylene acrylic elastomer (vamac B‐124, du Pont, USA) prepared through three different blending techniques have been studied over the entire composition range. The processability and the aging properties of the polyurethane elastomer were improved as a result of blending with ethylene acrylic elastomer. IR spectral analysis of the (50:50) blend of the two elastomers, without any curatives, suggested that the interchain crosslinking reaction occurred between the two elastomers phases on heat treatment. The thermal stability of the blends also improved on heat treatment, before addition of curatives. Phase morphological study revealed that the extractability of the single phase by solvent was also restricted on preheating the preblends, probably due to the interchain crosslinking. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 2737–2745, 2001
Adsorption of urokinase by polypropylene films with various amine groups
Authors: Choi Seong‐Ho , Lee Kwang‐Pill , Nho Young Chang
Published: August 2002

Polypropylene films with various amine groups were prepared by radiation‐induced grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto polypropylene (PP) films and the subsequent amination of poly‐GMA graft chains were examined. The physical and chemical properties of the GMA‐grafted PP film and the aminated PP film were investigated by IR, SEM, XPS, and TGA. The adsorption of urokinase for the PP films modified with various amine groups was examined under various conditions of different amine group contents and pH values. The adsorption of urokinase increased by increasing the amine group content. In the range of amine group content from 1.0 to 2.7 mmol/g, the adsorption of urokinase by the PP films modified with six kinds of amines was in the following order: trimethylamine > diethylenetriamine > triethylenetetraamine > ethylenediamine > dimethylamine > diethyleneamine. The adsorption amounts of urokinase by the PP film with the trimethylamine and triethylenetetraamine groups at pH 7.4 were higher than those at pH 9. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 2851–2858, 2001
Polypropylene/mica composites modified by succinic anhydride–grafted atactic polypropylene: A thermal and mechanical study under dynamic conditions
Authors: García–Martínez J. MA. , Laguna O. , Areso S. , Collar E. P.
Published: August 2002

In this study the thermal and mechanical behaviors of PP/mica composites, under dynamic conditions, are discussed on the basis of the changes induced by the presence of the interfacial modifier succinic anhydride–grafted atactic polypropylene, with different degrees of grafting, prepared in our laboratories by chemical modification of a by‐product from industrial polymerization reactor. Changes in the interfacial activity, induced by the substitution of a very small amount of polymer matrix by the interfacial agent with different grafting levels, were conclusively obtained. The results obtained from either the thermal or the dynamic mechanical behavior led to the same conclusions, and agree with data obtained from macroscopic mechanical properties. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 625–636, 2001
Reactive blends of gelatinized starch and polycaprolactone‐g‐glycidyl methacrylate
Authors: Kim Chang‐Hyeon , Cho Kuk Young , Park Jung‐Ki
Published: August 2002

Blends of the modified polycaprolactone (PCL) and the gelatinized starch with glycerin were prepared. The modified PCL, PCL‐g‐glycidyl methacrylate (GPCL), was synthesized by melt reaction of PCL and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) in the presence of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in a Brabender mixer. The size of the dispersed starch in the GPCL matrix was found to be smaller than that in the PCL matrix. As the relative content of the GMA groups in the GPCL increases, the elongation at break of the blend showed the highest value at a grafted GMA content of 4.2 wt %. With the increase of the glycerin content in the starch, an abrupt change of the mechanical properties of the blend were observed between 40 and 50 wt % glycerin content based on the starch weight. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 1507–1516, 2001
Morphology of regenerated silk fibroin: Effects of freezing temperature, alcohol addition, and molecular weight
Authors: Nam Jin , Park Young Hwan
Published: August 2002

Regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) was prepared by dissolving in a CaCl2/ethanol/H2O solvent system, freezing, and lyophilization. The effect of freezing temperature, alcohol addition, and molecular weight on the morphological and conformational changes were investigated through scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. However, the addition of a small amount of methanol induced the morphological change of RSF to a fine‐particle aggregate, which resulted from the formation of a β‐sheet crystalline structure. The lower the freezing temperature was, the more the formation of aggregates was favored, and the finer powder aggregates were formed. As the amount of added hydrophilic alcohol such as methanol and ethanol increased in the silk fibroin solution, a spherical powder form was changed to fine aggregates with the enhancement of thermal stability and crystallinity. On the other hand, RSFs prepared with a hydrophobic alcohol such as 1‐butanol or 1‐octanol showed a lump‐like or sheet‐like shape of morphology without any changes in conformational transition. It is concluded that the molecular weight of the silk fibroin and the type and amount of alcohol were determining factors in the morphological features of RSF, especially the size and shape of fibroin particles. A uniform ultrafine powder of RSF with a spherical form (∼ 1 μm) can be obtained when the molecular weight and the alcohol addition to the silk fibroin solution are controlled. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 3008–3021, 2001
Study of a compatibilized ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene and polyurethane blend
Authors: Yuan Hao , Hu Ping
Published: August 2002

Ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and thermoplastic polyester‐type polyurethane (PU) were blended with polyethylene‐grafted maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MAH) added as a compatibilizer. A dual roller was used as a mixer, and all specimens were produced by the compression molding method. It was found that without compatibilizer, UHMWPE and PU were immiscible polymers and mixing PE‐g‐MAH reduced the size of the dispersed PU domains by a factor of 10 to reach 0.5–5 μm and caused a more uniform distribution of the PU phase in the UHMWPE matrix. Also, PE‐g‐MAH influenced the crystallinity of UHMWPE, increased the amorphous region in the UHMWPE phase, and improved interfacial adhesion. The threshold concentration of compatibilizer was 10 wt %, and the compatibilized UHMWPE/PU composites had improved mechanical properties and lower wear rate than the uncompatibilized composite. At some ratio points, compatibilizer composites even had better wear‐resistance properties than pure UHMWPE. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 3290–3295, 2001
Phase structure and viscoelastic properties of compatibilized blends of PET and HDPE recyclates
Authors: Pluta Mirosław , Bartczak Zbigniew , Pawlak Andrzej , Galeski Andrzej , Pracella Mariano
Published: August 2002

Immiscible blends of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (R‐PET), containing some amount of polymeric impurities, and high‐density polyethylene (R‐PE), containing admixture of other polyolefins, in weight compositions of 75 : 25 and 25 : 75 were compatibilized with selected compatibilizers: maleated styrene–ethylene/butylene–styrene block copolymer (SEBS‐g‐MA) and ethylene–glycidyl methacrylate copolymer (EGMA). The efficiency of compatibilization was investigated as a function of the compatibilizer content. The rheological properties, phase structure, thermal, and viscoelastic behavior for compatibilized and binary blends were studied. The results are discussed in terms of phase morphology and interfacial adhesion among components. It was shown that the addition of the compatibilizer to R‐PET‐rich blends and R‐PE‐rich blends increases the melt viscosity of these systems above the level characteristic for the respective binary blends. The dispersion of the minor phase improved with increasing compatibilizer content, and the largest effects were observed for blends compatibilized with EGMA. Calorimetric studies indicated that the presence of a compatibilizer had a slight affect on the crystallization behavior of the blends. The dynamic mechanical analysis provided evidence that the occurrence of interactions of the compatibilizer with blend components occurs through temperature shift and intensity change of a β‐relaxation process of the PET component. An analysis of the loss spectra behavior suggests that the optimal concentration of the compatibilizers in the considered blends is close to 5 wt %. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 1423–1436, 2001
Diffusion coefficients of additives in polymers. I. Correlation with geometric parameters
Authors: Reynier Alain , Dole Patrice , Humbel Stephane , Feigenbaum Alexandre
Published: August 2002

Diffusion coefficients of a broad range of molecules with molecular weight ranging from 100 to 800 g/mol have been measured in polypropylene, by solid/solid contact methods (without liquid contact), at 40°C. The behaviors of the different molecules are compared to those of linear alkanes. The diffusion coefficients are correlated to parameters describing size, shape, and flexibility of the molecules. The concept of weighted fractionated volume is introduced using molecular modeling. It enables the classification of the molecules according to modes of molecule displacement (crawling, jumps, or dual mode). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 2422–2433, 2001
Water transparency and health of coastal salt marshes: simple enclosure experiments on nutrient dynamics
Authors: Basset Alberto , Carlucci Domenica , Fiocca Annita , Vignes Fabio
Published: August 2002

1. In many coastal salt marshes, water transparency is decreased by the resuspension of sediments. We analyse the influence of suspended not‐photosynthetic matter on the regulation of phosphorus (P) dynamics in the water column, compared with the role of phytoplankton and sediments.

2. Field surveys and manipulative experiments of P enrichment in light and dark enclosures, open and closed at their bottom, were performed in the brackish Lake Alimini Grande (Otranto, LE, Italy).

3. Water transparency in Alimini Grande was inversely related to seston organic mass, 98.8% of which was composed of dead organic matter and heterotrophic organisms.

4. P enrichment experiments showed an increase of the phytoplankton biomass with time from the beginning of the manipulation (4.9 times) in the light enclosures, but also an exponential decrease of P concentration in all the enclosures, even in the dark one closed at the bottom.

5. The rate of P removal from the water column was not significantly affected by phytoplankton activity, even though P concentration was always lower in light than in dark enclosures, or by the activity of sediments.

6. Dead suspended organic matter with associated micro‐organisms seemed to remove nutrients very efficiently from the water column in Lake Alimini Grande, contributing significantly to control the potential risk of lake eutrophication. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the novel synthetic C‐nucleoside, 1‐(2‐deoxy‐β‐D‐ribofuranosyl)‐2,4‐difluoro‐ 5‐iodobenzene: a potential mimic of 5‐iodo‐2′‐deoxyuridine
Authors: Khalili Panteha , Naimi Ebrahim , Knaus Edward E. , Wiebe Leonard I.
Published: August 2002

1‐(2‐Deoxy‐β‐D‐ribofuranosyl)‐2,4‐difluoro‐5‐iodobenzene (5‐IDFPdR) is one of the several unnatural 1‐(2‐deoxy‐β‐D‐ribofuranosyl)‐2,4‐difluoro‐5‐substituted‐benzenes recently synthesized for evaluation as anticancer, antiviral and diagnostic imaging agents. This class of C‐nucleosides was designed to exploit several potential advantages relative to classical 5‐substituted‐2′‐deoxyuridines, including stability towards phosphorolysis by pyrimidine phosphorylase, increased lipophilicity that may alter their ability to cross the blood–brain‐barrier, and a greater resistance towards catabolism and deiodination.

The physiochemical evaluation of 5‐IDFPdR showed high lipophilicity (log P=2.8), moderately high protein binding (70–75%), stability towards phosphorolysis (e.g. no evidence of metabolic deglycosylation) by thymidine phosphorylase, and minimal microsomal metabolism in vitro. Pharmacokinetic studies of 5‐IDFPdR in rat were characterized by a short elimination half‐life (9–12 min), modest urinary elimination in pooled 0–24 h urine specimens (10–14%, including 2% as unconjugated drug) and high oral bioavailability (F=0.96). Both glucuronide and sulfate metabolites were present in urine. Glucuronidation was the predominant conjugation pathway. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One week of exposure to 50 Hz, vertical magnetic field does not reduce urinary 6‐sulphatoxymelatonin excretion of male wistar rats
Authors: Bakos József , Nagy Noémi , Thuróczy György , Szabó László D.
Published: August 2002

The effect of exposure to 100 or 50 μT, 50 Hz, vertical magnetic field on the excretion of 6‐sulphatoxymelatonin (6SM) in the nocturnal urine of rats was studied. Twelve male Wistar rats were kept under 12:12 hr light:dark conditions. The nocturnal urine of animals was collected in metabolic cages over 4 consecutive weeks. The concentration of 6SM in the rat urine was measured by 125I radioimmunoassay and normalized to creatinine concentration. After the first week of urine collection, 6 rats were exposed to 100 µT or 50 µT flux density magnetic fields (MF) for 8 hr daily for 1 week. It was found that the excretion of the primary metabolite of melatonin in the urine, 6SM, did not show statistically significant changes during and after magnetic field exposure. Bioelectromagnetics 23:245–248, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydra and Niccolo Paganini (1782–1840)—two peas in a pod? The molecular basis of extracellular matrix structure in the invertebrate, Hydra
Authors: Sarras Michael P. , Deutzmann Rainer
Published: August 2002

The body wall of Hydra is organized as an epithelial bilayer with an intervening extracellular matrix (ECM). Molecular and biochemical analyses of Hydra ECM have established that it contains components similar to those seen in more complicated vertebrates such as human. In terms of biophysical parameters, Hydra ECM is highly flexible; a property that facilitates continuous movements along the organism's longitudinal and radial axis. A more rigid ECM, as in vertebrates, would not be compatible with this degree of movement. The flexible nature of Hydra ECM can now be explained in part by the unique structure of the organism's collagens. Interestingly, some aspects of the structural features of Hydra collagens mimic what is seen in Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome, an inherited condition in humans that results in an abnormally flexible ECM that can be debilitating in extreme cases. This review will focus on structure–function relationships of the ECM of Hydra. BioEssays 23:716–724, 2001. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Bridging the gap between developmental systems theory and evolutionary developmental biology†
Authors: Robert Jason Scott , Hall Brian K. , Olson Wendy M.
Published: August 2002

Many scientists and philosophers of science are troubled by the relative isolation of developmental from evolutionary biology. Reconciling the science of development with the science of heredity preoccupied a minority of biologists for much of the twentieth century, but these efforts were not corporately successful. Mainly in the past fifteen years, however, these previously dispersed integrating programmes have been themselves synthesized and so reinvigorated. Two of these more recent synthesizing endeavours are evolutionary developmental biology (EDB, or “evo‐devo”) and developmental systems theory (DST). While the former is a bourgeoning and scientifically well‐respected biological discipline, the same cannot be said of DST, which is virtually unknown among biologists. In this review, we provide overviews of DST and EDB, summarize their key tenets, examine how they relate to one another and to the study of epigenetics, and survey the impact that DST and EDB have had (and in future should have) on biological theory and practice. BioEssays 23:954–962, 2001. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Luminescence Literature 2000
Authors: Kricka L. J.
Published: August 2002

The journal provides comprehensive literature searches on all aspects of luminescence which will be published in most issues. These lists have been produced regularly since 1986—some by year and some by specialized topic. This survey of papers on Firefly and marine bacterial bioluminescence is drawn from the 2000 literature and covers the biology of these organisms and the applications of genes and proteins from these organisms in analysis.
Dimethylsulfoxide‐stabilized conformer of guanine‐adenine repeat strand of DNA
Authors: Kypr Jaroslav , Vorlíčková Michaela
Published: August 2002

Circular dichroism spectroscopy and other methods are used to show that the addition of dimethylsulfoxide causes reversible folding of the (GA)10 strand of DNA into an ordered single‐stranded conformer. The ordered conformer melts in a cooperative way and it does not contain protonated adenine. The (TA)10, (A)20, and (G)20 are all unstable in this conformer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known ordered conformer of DNA that is stabilized by dimethylsulfoxide. This conformer might be a DNA analog of the protein α helix, which is an interesting idea for thinking about the evolution of DNA. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 62: 81–84, 2001
Structural insight into the role of the second intracellular loop of the bradykinin 2 receptor in signaling and internalization
Authors: Piserchio Andrea , Prado Gregory N. , Zhang Ran , Yu Jun , Taylor Linda , Polgar Peter , Mierke Dale F.
Published: August 2002

The second cytoplasmic loop (IC2) of the bradykinin B2 receptor plays a vital role in its dynamic life cycle including the activation, internalization, desensitization, and resensitization of this receptor. Here, we probe the structure and function of the IC2, with particular emphasis on threonine‐137, which is crucial for signal transduction and internalization. Mutation of this threonine to proline (T137P) produces wild type (WT) signaling and complete inhibition of internalization. Incorporation of aspartate (T137D) leads to a marked reduction in receptor signaling but with WT receptor uptake. The T137D mutation coupled with serine to alanine substitution of S335 and S341 within the distal C‐terminus recovers signaling, leading to an actually enhanced arachidonic acid release and phosphoinositide turnover compared to WT bradykinin B2 receptor (BKB2R). To provide a structural basis for the actions of this mutant, the conformational features of IC2 (both WT and mutant) were investigated by high‐resolution NMR. The NMR analysis illustrated two prominent α‐helices at the N‐ (L123–M138) and C‐termini (A149–I156) of the IC2 receptor domain. Incorporating these structural characteristics into a model of BKB2R, we determined that the entire N‐terminal helix of IC2 is incorporated as TM3, placing Y131 1.5 helical turns into TM3 and T137 at the membrane surface. The NMR data indicated no structural changes upon substitution of T137D. These results suggest that the altered signaling of the T137D mutant can be attributed to the introduction of a negative charge, indicating that phosphorylation of this residue takes place and participates in the life cycle of this receptor. Additionally, the return to WT signal capacity of the mutation T137D/S335A/S341A, to overcome the deleterious T137D substitution points to a functional interaction between the IC2 and the C‐terminus. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopolymers 63: 239–246, 2002; DOI 10.1002/bip.10072
Assignment of the 1511 cm−1 UV resonance Raman marker band of hemoglobin to tryptophan
Authors: Zhao Xiaojie , Chen Ruopian , Raj Vishwa , Spiro Thomas G.
Published: August 2002

New UV resonance Raman (UVRR) data provide convincing evidence that a characteristic 1511 cm−1 band in the T − R difference spectra of hemoglobin is due to the overtone of the Trp W18 fundamental at 756 cm−1. Measured isotope shifts for 2‐H and 15‐N substitution at the indole NH group are twice as large for the 1511 cm−1 band as for W18, and the 1511 cm−1 intensity scales with that of W18 in the difference spectrum. Moreover, the UVRR excitation profile of the 1511 cm−1 band tracks that of another tryptophan band, W16. Both are redshifted in hemoglobin, relative to aqueous tryptophan, reflecting H bonding within a hydrophobic environment in the protein. The 2×W18 assignment had been thrown into question by the observation of remnant 1511 cm−1 intensity in the T − R spectra of hemoglobin labeled with tryptophan‐d5, a substitution that shifts W18 over 50 cm−1. However, reexamination of the data suggests that this remnant intensity may result from a subtraction artifact arising from the downshift of another difference band, W3, from 1549 cm−1 in unlabeled protein to 1522 cm−1 in labeled protein. Restoration of the 2×W18 assignment establishes that the 1511 cm−1 difference band, which is a useful indicator of the extent of T‐state formation in hemoglobin, arises from the same residue, Trpβ37, that gives rise to essentially all of the T − R signal from tryptophan. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 62: 158–162, 2001
Femtosecond and picosecond fluorescence of native bacteriorhodopsin and a nonisomerizing analog
Authors: Haacke S. , Schenkl S. , Vinzani S. , Chergui M.
Published: August 2002

The spectrally and temporally resolved fluorescence properties of native bacteriorhodopsin (bR) and bR reconstituted with a nonisomerizing analog of the retinal Schiff base (bR5.12) are examined. The first attempt to experimentally monitor the excited state relaxation processes in both type of pigments using ultrafast fluorescence spectroscopy is reported. The fluorescence is emitted from retinal molecules in an all‐trans configuration. Substantial energy relaxation involves very fast intramolecular and intermolecular vibrational modes and these are shown to occur on a time scale faster than isomerization. The possible contribution of dielectric interaction between the retinal Schiff base and the protein environment for the excited state energy relaxation is discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 67: 306–309, 2002
GFP‐visualized immobilized enzymes: Degradation of paraoxon via organophosphorus hydrolase in a packed column
Authors: Wu Chi‐Fang , Cha Hyung Joon , Valdes James J. , Bentley William E.
Published: August 2002

A versatile gene‐fusion technique for immobilizing and visualizing biologically active enzymes which includes from the N to C‐termini, an affinity histidine tag, the green fluorescent protein (GFP), a proteolytic enzyme (enterokinase, EK) cleavage site and the enzyme of interest, were developed. Specifically, the organophosphorus hydrolase was bound to the affinity (His6)‐reporter(GFP)‐EK fusion elements. Organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) is capable of degrading a variety of pesticides and nerve agents. In the case of immobilized OPH, paraoxon was rapidly degraded when pumped through a packed column. In reaction mixtures containing CHES buffer at pH 6.9, a continual decay in OPH activity was observed and importantly, this was monitored by GFP fluorescence. This decay in activity was fully restored, along with fluorescence, upon washing with PBS buffer. Many subsequent experiments were performed at varied pH and in different background buffer solutions. In all cases when there was OPH activity there was also marked fluorescence from the GFP fusion partner. Likewise, when OPH activity was lost, so was GFP fluorescence and, importantly, both were regenerated when washed in the presence of the kosmotropic salt, phosphate. Recently, Waldo et al. (1999) showed that GFP fluorescence from whole cells indicated the extent of proper folding of normally aggregated proteins designed via directed evolution. The present work demonstrates an application wherein GFP fluorescence indicates stability and activity of its fusion partner. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 77: 212–218, 2002.