bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcription and immunolocalization of Runx2/Cbfa1/Pebp2αA in developing rodent and human craniofacial tissues: Further evidence suggesting osteoclasts phagocytose osteocytes
Authors: Bronckers Antonius L.J.J. , Sasaguri Kenichi , Engelse Marten A.
Published: July 2003

Runx2/Cbfa1 is a transcription factor, essential for the osteogenic/chondrogenic and odontogenic lineage. Three isoforms of Cbfa1 have been identified, type I (Pebp2αA isoform), type II (til‐1 isoform), and type III (Osf2 isoform). Here we examined the expression of the Runx2/Cbfa1 during intramembranous and enchondral bone formation in the craniofacial tissues of neonatal rodents (hamster, rat, mouse) and the human fetus. We used a monoclonal antibody raised against the Pebp2αA portion and thus potentially recognizing all three isoforms of Runx2/Cbaf1. We report Cbfa1 at the mRNA and protein level in periosteum, preosteoblasts, osteoblasts, young osteocytes, perichondrium, resting and hypertrophic chondrocytes. During active bone remodeling, almost one third of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive multinuclear cells identified as osteoclasts were also stained with anti‐Pebp2αA antibodies. Osteoclasts, however, did not express mRNA transcripts of the Pebp2αA gene. Some of the immunopositive structures within these osteoclasts resembled (ingested) cells. TRAP‐positive mononuclear cells not attached to bone surfaces did not stain with anti‐Pebp2αA antibodies. We concluded that the tissue distribution of Runx2/Cbaf1/Pebp2αA in ossifying bones of the human fetus is similar to that in neonatal rodent tissues. Osteoclasts do not transcribe the Runx2/Cbfa1 gene but become immunostained by phagocytosing and digesting osteocytes/hypertrophic chondrocytes. The substantial number of osteoclasts involved in phagocytosis of Runx2/Cbfa1 immunopositive cells suggests that phagocytosis is a major way of removing osteocytes/hypertrophic chondrocytes during resorption of bone and cartilage. Finally, the data indicate that positive immunostaining of osteoclasts for typical osteogenic/chondrogenic markers has to be interpreted with caution due to the phagocytosing capacity of these cells. Microsc. Res. Tech. 61:540–548, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sri Lanka's plantation sector: a before‐and‐after privatization comparison
Authors: Loh Ai Tee , Kam Booi Hon , Jackson John T.
Published: July 2003

Sri Lanka's plantation sector was privatized in 1992. By comparing the performance of the State Corporations prior to 1992 and that of the transformed privatized entities post‐1992, this paper examines whether the operational efficiency of the sector has improved since privatization using six major efficiency indicators. While the results tend to favor the interpretation of an improvement in operational efficiency, data deficiency has made it difficult to identify possible causes for such an improvement. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BRCA1 expression in leukoplakia and carcinoma of the tongue
Authors: Vora Hemangini H. , Shah Neelam G. , Patel Devendra D. , Trivedi Trupti I. , Choksi Tejal J.
Published: July 2003

Background and Objectives

Expression of BRCA1 was examined in patients with leukoplakia and carcinoma of the tongue. Its prognostic value was evaluated in patients with tongue cancer.

Methods

Expression of BRCA1 was studied by immunohistochemical localization. Cytoplasmic staining of BRCA1 was observed in both leukoplakia and carcinoma of the tongue.

Results

In leukoplakia, 61% and 39% of the patients expressed BRCA1 expression with a staining intensity of 1+ and 2+, respectively. In patients with hyperplasia (67%), BRCA1 expression with a staining intensity of 1+ was 67%; BRCA1 expression with a staining intensity of 2+ was 33%. In patients with dysplasia (33%; mild and moderate), BRCA1 expression with a staining intensity of 1+ and 2+ was 50% each. In carcinoma of the tongue, only 34% of the patients showed BRCA1 expression. In this group, 33% of the tumors exhibited 1+ staining, and only 1% of the tumors expressed 2+ staining. Moreover, BRCA1 expression with a staining intensity of 2+ was significantly higher in patients with dysplasia (50%) than in those with hyperplasia (33%), followed by patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (1%). The percentage positivity of BRCA1 expression in tongue cancer patients was significantly lower (34%), as compared with patients with leukoplakia (100%; P = 0.000001). A significant positive correlation was noted between BRCA1 and c‐myc (P = 0.012). Univariate survival analysis by log‐rank test and multivariate survival analysis by Cox regression showed that BRCA1 expression was the most significant prognostic factor predicting relapse‐free survival of early‐stage patients.

Conclusions

Subcellular localization of the BRCA1 gene product provided evidence of its involvement in the pathogenesis of tongue tumors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:232–240. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of MUC1 and MUC5AC expressions as prognostic indicators in gastric carcinomas
Authors: Wang Jaw‐Yuan , Chang Chiao‐Tang , Hsieh Jan‐Sing , Lee Li‐Wei , Huang Tsung‐Jen , Chai Chee‐Yin , Lin Shiu‐Ru
Published: July 2003

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between the expression of MUC1 and MUC5AC mucins and the clinicopathological features in human gastric carcinomas using the mouse monoclonal antibodies VU‐4H5 and Clone 45M1, respectively. Furthermore, the possibility of using phenotypes (MUC1+/MUC5AC+, MUC1+/MUC5AC−, MUC1−/MUC5AC−, MUC1−/MUC5AC+) to predict prognosis of the patients is evaluated.

Methods

Formalin‐fixed, paraffin wax‐embedded tissues from 76 cases of gastric cancer were examined for the expression of MUC1 and MUC5AC mucin antigens immunohistochemically using the avidin–biotin‐peroxidase method.

Results

Of the 76 cases, MUC1 and MUC5AC immunoreactivities were observed in 49 (64.5%) and in 32 (42.1%) of gastric carcinoma tissues, respectively. MUC1 expression was significantly correlated to the depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, peritoneal dissemination, and tumor stage. On the other hand, MUC5AC was inversely associated with depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, liver metastasis, and tumor stage. Multivariate analyses indicated that tumor stage and MUC1 mucin expression were independently correlated with overall survival. The patients with MUC1+/MUC5AC− antigen staining in carcinoma tissues showed the lowest survival rate among four phenotypes. In contrast, the patients with MUC1−/MUC5AC+ antigen staining in carcinoma tissues showed the highest survival rate.

Conclusions

Altogether these data suggest that combined evaluation of MUC1 and MUC5AC mucin staining may be clinically helpful to predict outcome in patients with gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:253–260. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gallbladder cancer invading the perimuscular connective tissue: Results of reresection after prior non‐curative operation
Authors: Muratore Andrea , Amisano Marco , Viganò Luca , Massucco Paolo , Capussotti Lorenzo
Published: July 2003

Background and Objectives

Most T2 gallbladder cancers are diagnosed at final pathology after cholecystectomy. Reoperations including liver resection and regional lymph node dissection are needed to achieve better long‐term results. The aim of this study is to evaluate long‐term results of reresections after prior non‐curative surgery for T2 carcinomas.

Methods

Retrospective study from January 1985 to July 2001. Twelve out of 14 pT2 cancers were found postoperatively. All but one underwent reresection: these 11 patients are the basis of our series.

Results

The in‐hospital mortality rate was 0%. Overall 5‐year survival was 63.5% with a median survival of 25 months. Median and 5‐year survival of the eight cases without preoperative signs of disease (Group A) were 46.7 months and 100%. These results were significantly better than those obtained in the subset (Group B: three cases) with preoperative signs of disease (P = 0.01): all these patients died of recurrence within 25 months from the reoperation. Mean time between cholecystectomy and reresection was 2.2 and 11.3 months in the Group A and B (P = 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions

T2 cancers discovered incidentally after simple cholecystectomy should be reoperated on as soon as possible, as the appearance, before reoperation, of a recurrence is significantly related to a dismal prognosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:212–215. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic implication of cyclin E expression and its relationship with cyclin D1 and p27Kip1 expression on tissue microarrays of node negative breast cancer
Authors: Han Sehwan , Park Kyeongmee , Bae Byung‐Noe , Kim Ki Hwan , Kim Hong‐Joo , Kim Young‐Duck , Kim Hong‐Yong
Published: July 2003

Background and Objectives

Altered expression of cell‐cycle regulators is prevalent in clinical breast cancer. This study was performed to analyze the impact of cyclin E expression to the outcome of breast cancer together with cyclin D1 and p27Kip1.

Methods

The correlation between cyclin D1/E and p27Kip1 expression was analyzed in tissue arrays of 175 node‐negative breast cancers treated by the same chemotherapy composed of fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate. Data from the immunohistochemical assays of three molecules were correlated and were analyzed with clinical outcome of the patients.

Results

Cyclin E expression was observed in 48 (27.4%) of 175 breast carcinomas. Cyclin E expression was significantly increased in young age patients and poorly differentiate tumors. Expression of cyclin E was significantly increased in cyclin D1 expressing tumors (P = 0.034). p27Kip1 expression was preserved above the 50% level in 87 tumors (49.7%) and was inversely correlated with cyclin E expression (P = 0.042). Ki67 labeling index was significantly increased in cyclin E–expressing tumors (P = 0.033) and was inversely related with p27Kip1 expression. In multivariate survival analysis, cyclin E expression was significant for the prediction of poor survival of the patients.

Conclusions

Cyclin E expression was associated with poor prognosis and intimately correlated with the expression of cyclin D1 and p27Kip1. Integration of TMA technology allowed a high‐throughput analysis for correlating molecular in situ findings with clinico‐pathologic information. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:241–247. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum interleukin‐6 levels reflect the disease status of colorectal cancer
Authors: Chung Yuan‐Chang , Chang Ya‐Fen
Published: July 2003

Background and Objectives

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) has been shown to be associated with cancer development. However, its role in the progression of colorectal cancer has never been elucidated. Our intention was to investigate this role and identify its prognostic significance.

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐four consecutive colorectal cancer patients, whose local lesions were resected, were selected. The preoperative serum IL‐6 levels were measured and the relationships between the elevation of IL‐6 and both the clinicopathological factors and prognosis of patients were investigated.

Results

Median IL‐6 level was significantly higher in patients with colorectal cancer than in normal controls. High levels of serum IL‐6 (>12 pg/ml) were correlated with larger tumor size, elevated serum CRP levels, and liver metastases (P < 0.05). IL‐6 levels also increased in a stage‐related manner (P < 0.01). Although serum IL‐6 correlated with survival, it is not an independent prognostic indicator.

Conclusions

Serum IL‐6 levels correlated with disease status of colorectal cancer but could not be regarded as an independent predictor for prognosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:222–226. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Total abdominal colectomy, pelvic peritonectomy, and end‐ileostomy for the surgical palliation of mucinous peritoneal carcinomatosis from non‐gynecologic cancer
Authors: Stamou Konstantinos M. , Karakozis Stavros , Sugarbaker Paul H.
Published: July 2003

Background and Objectives

The optimal management of symptomatic advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis of non‐gynecologic origin is not defined. Historic controls of surgical efforts report high postoperative mortality and morbidity rates with equivocal palliation. Novel surgical procedures need to be tested in terms of the impact on survival and quality of life.

Study Design

We studied 46 consecutive patients who underwent total abdominal colectomy, pelvic peritonectomy with construction of an end‐ileostomy for palliation of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Results

Total abdominal colectomy, pelvic peritonectomy, and end‐ileostomy was successfully performed in 46 patients of median age of 54.4 years. Overall median survival was 10.7 months, with a mean follow‐up period of 12 months. Patients with appendiceal malignancy had a median survival of 19.7 months. Prognosis was poorer for patients with colon cancer, who had a median survival of 7.0 months, while patients with primary peritoneal carcinomatosis had a median of 7.8 months. Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 19.5 and 8.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

Total abdominal colectomy, pelvic peritonectomy, and end‐ileostomy is a technically feasible procedure and is advocated for the palliation of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of appendiceal origin. It is not clear if the procedure should be advocated for more invasive gastrointestinal malignancies. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:197–203. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recovery of upper limb function after axillary dissection
Authors: Gosselink Rik , Rouffaer Lieven , Vanhelden Peter , Piot Wim , Troosters Thierry , Christiaens Marie‐Rose
Published: July 2003

Background and Objectives

After surgery for breast cancer, data on the long‐term impairment of upper limb activities of daily living (ADL) are scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short‐ and long‐term recovery of upper limb ADL function after surgery for breast cancer.

Methods

Seventy‐six patients, who underwent either a breast‐conserving procedure with axillary dissection (BCP, n = 45) or a modified radical mastectomy (MRM, n = 31), were included. The patients were assessed on the fourth postoperative day, after 3 weeks, and after 3 months. Shoulder mobility, arm circumference, and upper limb ADL (score from 1 to 7) were evaluated.

Results

In the early postoperative phase, a considerable decrease in shoulder mobility and the ability to perform upper limb ADL were observed. After 3 months, MRM patients had more limitations in shoulder mobility than BCP patients (shoulder flexion: 150° vs. 126°, respectively, P = 0.0001). In addition, upper limb ADL was still significantly impaired: MRM patients suffered from greater functional disabilities than BCP patients, ADL score 2.7 and 1.8, respectively (P = 0.037). Patients with axillary radiation experienced greater disability of shoulder mobility and ADL.

Conclusions

Three months after surgery for breast cancer, impaired shoulder mobility, and ADL persisted in a substantial number of patients. Type of surgery and axillary irradiation contributed significantly to upper limb recovery. This observation warrants considering continuation of physiotherapy aiming to improve restoration of upper limb function. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:204–211. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Color multiplex polymerase chain reaction for quantitative analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor genes in colorectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Layfield Lester J. , Bernard Philip S. , Goldstein Neil S.
Published: July 2003

Background and Objectives

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a 170‐kDa transmembrane cell surface receptor, which belongs to the c‐erbB family of tyrosine kinases. Chimeric anti‐EGFR monoclonal antibody is an investigational therapy for advanced adenocarcinoma of the colon. Anti‐EGFR is believed to be most effective against those neoplasms with elevated EGFR levels. Possible mechanisms for over expression of EGFR include gene amplification, transcriptional upregulation, or decreased degredation of the EGFR protein.

Methods

We analyzed a series of 36 specimens of colonic adenocarcinoma with known levels of EGFR protein expression for amplification of the gene sequence of EGFR. Carcinomas were considered positive for EGFR expression when greater than 10% of the neoplastic cells stained at a level of 2+ or 3+. Foci of adenocarcinoma were microdissected from paraffin sections and quantitative real‐time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) performed using a thermal cycler with real time fluorescence capability (Light cyclerTM, Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN). A relative quantitation assay comparing the EGFR gene to the control albumin gene was performed by 2‐color multiplexing.

Results

Usable data on gene amplification status were obtained in 31 of the 36 samples. The average EGFR/albumin gene copy number ratio for the 31 samples of colon adenocarcinoma in which PCR results were obtained was 1.13 ± 0.55 with a range of 0.26–2.29. The average EGFR/albumin gene copy number ratio obtained for 16 normal DNA leukocyte samples used to establish the efficiency curves was 1.03 ± 0.31 with a range of 0.49–1.51.

Conclusions

EGFR protein is overexpressed in a significant percentage of colonic adenocarcinomas. As with Her‐2/neu overexpression, overexpression of EGFR serves as a basis for specific antibody therapy in a subset of carcinomas. Unlike Her‐2/neu, where most overexpression is secondary to gene amplification, overexpression of EGFR appears to be unrelated to gene amplification. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:227–231. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elevation of preoperative serum C‐reactive protein level is related to poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shimada Hideaki , Nabeya Yoshihiro , Okazumi Shin‐Ichi , Matsubara Hisahiro , Shiratori Tooru , Aoki Taito , Sugaya Makoto , Miyazawa Yukimasa , Hayashi Hideki , Miyazaki Shin‐Ichi , Ochiai Takenori
Published: July 2003

Background and Objectives

An increased serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) level was found in patients with various malignant tumors and was associated with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinicopathological significance and the prognostic value of preoperative CRP levels in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinomas.

Patients and Methods

The preoperative CRP level was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 150 patients with primary esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. All patients underwent radical surgery without any preoperative therapy. The patients were divided into two groups using a cut‐off value of 1.0 mg/dl. The pathological classifications of the tumor were examined according to the TNM/UICC classification. The associations between the clinicopathological factors and CRP level were determined. The prognostic value of CRP was determined using Cox's proportional hazards model.

Results

Thirty‐five patients (23%) showed high CRP levels (more than 1.0 mg/dl). Statistically significant differences in CRP levels were observed depending on tumor depth (P = 0.022) and TNM/UICC stage (P = 0.001). A high CRP level was associated with poor survival (P = 0.005) and was confirmed by multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

A high CRP level is associated with tumor progression and poor survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:248–252. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors for multicentric occurrence of carcinoma in the upper aerodigestive tract—analysis with a serial histologic evaluation of the whole resected‐esophagus including carcinoma
Authors: Morita Masaru , Araki Koshi , Saeki Hiroshi , Sakaguchi Yoshihisa , Baba Hideo , Sugimachi Keizo , Yano Koichi , Sugio Kenji , Yasumoto Kosei
Published: July 2003

Background and Objectives

We have reported that both lifestyle and family history might be related to multiplicity of carcinoma in the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT). The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between the number of carcinomas and risk factors.

Methods

A serial histologic evaluation of the entire non‐irradiated esophagus was performed in 114 males with esophageal cancer who were divided into three groups (group I: 88 cases with solitary cancer, group II: 11 with double cancers, group III: 15 with three or more cancers). As controls, 228 males with benign diseases were selected.

Results

Among group III patients, both the incidence of heavy smoking and that of heavy drinking were 67% and 60%, which were significantly higher than those of group I (28% and 30%) and control subjects (14% and 10%, respectively). Heavy drinkers who were also heavy smokers were observed in 2, 10, 27, and 47% in control subjects, groups I, II, and III, respectively. Regarding family history, 27% of group III had a close relative with UADT or lung cancer, while the incidence was 7% in the control.

Conclusions

These findings strongly support the hypothesis that heavy smoking and heavy drinking, as well as a family history of both UADT and lung cancer, might be risk factors for multicentric occurrence of UADT cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:216–221. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Qualitative and quantitative determination of halogenated derivatives in wastewater from coking plant
Authors: Czaplicka Marianna
Published: July 2003

This paper describes a modification of the EPA 625 method for determination of chlorobenzenes and chlorophenols in wastewater containing pyridine bases. The method modification consists in introduction of an additional liquid/liquid extraction step for isolation, from the samples under investigation, of pyridine and quinoline bases, and also fractions consisting of benzene, its homologues, and its halogenated derivatives. The modified method has been used to determine the concentrations of chlorobenzenes and chlorophenols present in coking wastewater.
Household level tree planting and its implications for environmental management in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia: a case study in the Chemoga watershed, Blue Nile basin
Authors: Bewket W.
Published: July 2003

The unsustainable exploitation and destruction of forests is a serious environmental concern in the developing countries of Africa. One of its main driving forces is the growing population causing a growing demand for fuelwood. In Ethiopia, as in many developing countries, there is a heavy dependence on and a growing demand for fuelwood. This dependence has been contributing to a widescale deforestation, as stated in various reports. Contrary to these reports, a study in the Chemoga watershed found a slightly increased forest cover during the past four decades, which was ascribed to households' tree planting practices. The objective of this study was to examine household level tree planting activities in reference to biofuel consumption patterns in four sample villages in the watershed. The results indicate that fuelwood and cattle dung accounted for nearly 100 per cent of the domestic energy consumption, with cattle dung contributing 34 per cent of the total. Fuelwood and dung combined, per capita biofuel consumption was estimated at 511 kg yr−1, but with variations between the villages and socio‐economic groups. Supply appears to have influenced the quantity of biofuels used. The scarcity of wood for fuel and other uses has forced households to plant trees. This has contributed to the increased forest cover of the watershed at the present as compared to that four decades ago. Number of trees planted showed variation between the villages and socio‐economic groups, which is attributable to physical and human factors. In promoting tree planting, agroforesters and environmental management planners should therefore take into account local level biophysical and socio‐economic realities. This agroforestry practice is a good short‐term solution to the problem of fuelwood shortage, and also has many positive implications for environmental management and agricultural production. Thus, it has to be encouraged. Spatially aggregated, local level agroforestry practices contribute positively towards global ecosystem health. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validating erosion rate estimates provided by caesium‐137 measurements for two small forested catchments in Calabria, southern Italy
Authors: Porto Paolo , Walling Des E. , Ferro Vito , di Stefano Costanza
Published: July 2003

Increasing concern for problems of soil degradation and the off‐site impacts of accelerated erosion has generated a need for improved methods of estimating rates and patterns of soil erosion by water. The use of environmental radionuclides, particularly 137Cs, to estimate erosion rates has attracted increased attention and the approach has been shown to possess several important advantages. However, the use of 137Cs measurements to estimate erosion rates introduces one important uncertainty, namely, the need to employ a conversion model or relationship to convert the measured reduction in the 137Cs inventory to an estimate of the erosion rate. There have been few attempts to validate these theoretical conversion models and the resulting erosion rate estimates. However, there is an important need for such validation, if the 137Cs approach is to be more widely applied and reliance is to be placed on the results obtained. This paper reports the results of a study aimed at validating the use of two theoretical conversion models, namely the exponential depth distribution model and the diffusion and migration model, that have been used in several recent studies to convert measurements of 137Cs inventories on uncultivated soils to estimates of soil erosion rates. The study is based on data assembled for two small catchments (1.38 and 1.65 ha) in Calabria, southern Italy, for which measurements of sediment output are available for the catchment outlet. The two catchments differ in terms of the steepness of their terrain, and this difference is reflected by their sediment yields. Because there is no evidence of significant deposition within the two catchments, sediment delivery ratios close to 1.0 can be assumed. It is therefore possible to make a direct comparison between the estimates of the mean annual erosion rates within the two catchments derived from 137Cs measurements and the measured sediment outputs. The results of the comparison show that the erosion rate estimates provided by both models are reasonably consistent with the measured sediment yields at the catchment outlets. However, more detailed assessment of the results shows that the validity of the erosion rate estimates is influenced by the magnitude of the erosion rates within the catchment. The exponential depth distribution model appears to perform better for the catchment with higher erosion rates and to overestimate erosion rates in the other catchment. Similarly, the basic migration and diffusion model performs better for the catchment with lower erosion rates and overestimates erosion rates in the other catchment. However, the improved migration and diffusion model appears to perform satisfactorily for both catchments. There is a need for further studies to extend such independent validation of the 137Cs technique to other environments, including cultivated soils, and to other conversion models and procedures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved method for determination of Holocene coastline changes around two ancient settlements in southern Anatolia: a geoarchaeological approach to historical land degradation studies
Authors: Bal Y. , Kelling G. , Kapur S. , Akça E. , Çetin H. , Erol O.
Published: July 2003

Two well‐known ancient sites in southern Anatolia were selected to investigate and quantify the impact of historical land degradation on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. These sites are the Luwian settlements of Kelenderis (modern Aydıncık) and nearby Nagidos (Bozyazı), both in Mersin Province and both occupied since around 4000 BP. Changes in local climatic conditions over this period have produced variations in the rates of fluvial transport of sediment/soil from the hinterland into the relevant deltaic regions, thus influencing rates of coastal progradation and aggradation. In addition, both eustatic and neotectonic movements have contributed to deltaic subsidence and/or hinterland uplift, with consequential impact on coastal evolution (positive or negative). The novel geoarchaeological methodology adopted in this study involves the creation of a graphical archive from detailed and standardised measurements taken from rectified mono‐ and stereoscopic aerial photographs. These archival data were then integrated with data from several types of historical map and field measurements in order to develop a geographical information system (GIS) database that could be interrogated, enabling graphical models of past coastal change to be constructed and calculations then made of the coastal configurations at successive historical periods.

These calculations reveal that over the past 6000 years there has been only limited erosion/degradation in the karstic hinterland supplying the sediment to these two study sites (contrary to some previous statements concerning the high degradation risk of Mediterranean karst terrains). Furthermore, rates of progradation in each delta appear to have become diminished or even reversed in the past several decades as a result of both natural and anthropogenic factors. The precise contribution ofneotectonic movements in this seismically active zone remains unquantified and is a topic requiring further interdisciplinary study. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formalizing expert judgements in land degradation assessment: a case study for Ethiopia
Authors: Sonneveld B. G. J. S.
Published: July 2003

Expert judgements are potentially a valuable source of information in land degradation assessment, especially in areas where data paucity impedes the use of quantitative models. However, expert opinions are also much disputed because they are not tested for consistency, abstain from formal documentation, while their quantitative interpretation is inherently unidentifiable. This paper evaluates and formalizes the use of expert judgements to conduct a nationwide water erosion hazard assessment in Ethiopia. We, therefore, test the experts' judgement for consistency, its correlation with quantitative measurements on soil loss and its reproducibility. The study uses an Ethiopian and an international dataset for which experts gave qualitative judgements on water erosion hazard, for well‐described sites under different types of land uses. Experts show a high consistency in their judgements on land degradation, but a comparison with quantitative soil losses from runoff plots reveals that boundaries of middle classes vary widely between experts, while they tend to overestimate soil loss. Reproducing expert opinions with an ordered logit model shows a reasonable accuracy in predicting presence or absence of erosion, yet the model is less precise in distinguishing between higher erosion classes. In 58 per cent of the cases, the model gives a similar classification as the experts, in 19 per cent the model estimates higher and, more seriously, in 23 per cent a lower erosion class. Mapping the model results for Ethiopia demonstrates a high erosion hazard for land under annual crop cultivation, while erosion under perennial crops, rangeland and forest is absent or moderate. The likelihood of the model to select the correct hazard class for rangeland is relatively high but medium to low probabilities prevail for erosion classes of other land uses. The model needs a further justification to give adequate results for arid areas. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving agroforestry in sandy subhumid northwestern Shandong, China
Authors: Zhang H. , Shao X.
Published: July 2003

A highly productive sustainable agroforestry system was established on degraded sandy soils in Gaotang County in the northwestern region of Shandong Province. Five pre‐existing types of land use were compared. Of these, cropping without forest protection would not be sustainable because of wind erosion, while the benefits from extensive forest stretches are extremely low. Sandy soils in this region could be effectively used by agroforestry systems. The profitability and sustainability of the system depends on proportions and arrangements of trees and crops. The locally developed agroforestry was dramatically improved. In the improved system, tree areas were considerably reduced and intercropping of fruit‐tree‐crop and crop‐crop were increased. The locally developed agroforestry is already ten times more profitable than extensive forest stretches offering minimum shading and root competition, or eight times more than extensive forest stretches offering maximum shading and root competition. Profit from the improved agroforestry is about threefold that of the locally developed agroforestry system. Other sandy regions in China and elsewhere in Asia and Africa could profit from a similar integrated approach, as described here. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Black soil degradation by rainfall erosion in Jilin, China
Authors: Yang X. M. , Zhang X. P. , Deng W. , Fang H. J.
Published: July 2003

Black soils, originally characterized by a deep, dark A‐horizon, are widespread in the Northeast Plain of China and have been one of the most fertile agricultural resources in the country. However, more than a half‐century of intensified management degraded its productivity, mainly with the loss of the dark‐coloured A‐horizon by rainfall erosion. Using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), the rainfall erosion losses of black soils in YuShu and DeHui counties of Jilin Province were estimated. The rate of loss of thickness of the A‐horizon of black soils and the time over which the A‐horizons of some black soils in the region might be lost were evaluated. The results showed that about 4–45 t ha−1 topsoil could have been lost each year under corn (Zea mays L.) production. Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) production would double the losses. Soil losses were directly related to soil type, tillage practices and crop grain yields. The thickness of the A‐horizon of black soils in the region decreased at rates of 0ċ5–4ċ5 mm yr−1, depending on soil type and management practices. Corn production may have resulted in an annual loss of 8ċ3 million tonnes of topsoil from black soils alone in Jilin Province; soybean production could have greatly increased this loss. Traditional intensified farming can accelerate the degradation of black soils; conservation tillage has great potential to prevent rainfall erosion losses for the same soils. Accordingly, to preserve and restore the productivity of black soils, conservation tillage is appropriate and should be adopted in Jilin. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Poly(propylene) Fibre‐Matrix Composites
Authors: Houshyar Shadi , Shanks Robert A.
Published: July 2003

Preparation and properties of poly(propylene)‐poly(propylene) composites have been investigated. Poly(propylene) fibres of varying diameter have been incorporated in a random ethyleneco‐poly(propylene). The composites prepared from the same semi‐crystalline polymer in the matrix and reinforcement have lead to inherently strong interfacial bonding between the two phases of the same polymer. The composites demonstrated enhanced stiffness, which increased with fibre diameter. The structure, thermal, static and mechanical properties of poly(propylene) long fibre reinforced randomco‐poly(propylene) composites have been studied with reference to the fibre diameter. The matrix and fibre components retained their separate melting temperatures. After melting, the two phases remained separate and showed their individual crystallization temperatures on cooling, and melting temperatures on a second heating. The melting temperature of the poly(propylene) fibres increased after formation of the composites. The compression molding of the composites at a temperature below the melting temperature of the fibres caused annealing of the fibre crystals. By incorporation of long poly(propylene) fibre into randomco‐poly(propylene), the glass transition, storage and static modulus have been found to be increasing and composite with the largest fibre diameter shows better properties. Transcrystallization of the matrix poly(propylene) was observed.

Optical microscopy of composites with fibre diameter 68 μm.

magnified image

Optical microscopy of composites with fibre diameter 68 μm.
Monomers for Adhesive Polymers, 4
Authors: Moszner Norbert , Zeuner Frank , Angermann Jörg , Fischer Urs Karl , Rheinberger Volker
Published: July 2003

Hydrolytically stable, crosslinking bis(acrylamide)s 1a–1l or bis(methacrylamide)s 2a–2c were synthesized by reaction of acryloyl or methacryloyl chloride using primary or secondary amines. In addition, monomers 3a and 3b were obtained by amidation of 2,6‐dimethylene‐4‐oxaheptane‐1,7‐dicarboxylic acid (DMOHDA) with propylamine and diethylamine, respectively. The structures of the monomers were characterized by IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. All monomers containing N,N′‐monosubstituted carbamide groups were solids. Those containing N,N′‐disubstituted carbamide groups were water‐soluble liquids. Water‐soluble bis(acrylamide) 1d (N,N′‐diethyl‐1,3‐bis(acrylamido)propane) shows a radical polymerization reactivity in the presence of 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AMPAHC) similar to that of glycerol dimethacrylate, as revealed by gelation experiments in water. 1d is hydrolytically stable in 20 wt.‐% phosphoric acid and can be used to substitute dimethacrylates in self‐etching dentin adhesives. Furthermore, this monomer was also suitable as a reactive diluent in composites.

magnified image
Mass spectrometry in grape and wine chemistry. Part I: Polyphenols
Authors: Flamini Riccardo
Published: July 2003

I.
Introduction
218

   II.
Quality Improvement
219

  III.
Grape and Wine Polyphenols
220

  IV.
Mass Spectrometry in the Study of Polyphenols and Procyanidins
222

   V.
Mass Spectrometry in the Study of Anthocyanins and their Derivatives
229

  VI.
Mass Spectrometry in the Study of Structures Formed by Polymerization of Anthocyanins and Flavan‐3‐ols
234

 VII.
Mass Spectrometry and Grape and Wine Resveratrol
240

VIII.
Application of MALDI in the Study of Polyphenols
243

  IX.
Mass Spectrometry Applied to the Study of Wine Polyphenols from Cork Bottle Stoppers and Oak Barrels
245

   X.
Conclusions
246

References
247

Mass spectrometry, had and still has, a very important role for research and quality control in the viticulture and enology field, and its analytical power is relevant for structural studies on aroma and polyphenolic compounds. Polyphenols are responsible for the taste and color of wine, and confer astringency and structure to the beverage. The knowledge of the anthocyanic structure is very important to predict the aging attitude of wine, and to attempt to resolve problems about color stability. Moreover, polyphenols are the main compounds related to the benefits of wine consumption in the diet, because of their properties in the treatment of circulatory disorders such as capillary fragility, peripheral chronic venous insufficiency, and microangiopathy of the retina. Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry (LC‐MS) techniques are nowadays the best analytical approach to study polyphenols in grape extracts and wine, and are the most effective tool in the study of the structure of anthocyanins. The MS/MS approach is a very powerful tool that permits anthocyanin aglycone and sugar moiety characterization. LC‐MS allows the characterization of complex structures of grape polyphenols, such as procyanidins, proanthocyanidins, prodelphinidins, and tannins, and provides experimental evidence for structures that were previously only hypothesized. The matrix‐assisted‐laser‐desorption‐ionization‐time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) technique is suitable to determine the presence of molecules of higher molecular weight with high accuracy, and it has been applied with success to study procyanidin oligomers up to heptamers in the reflectron mode, and up to nonamers in the linear mode. The levels of resveratrol in wine, an important polyphenol well‐known for its beneficial effects, have been determined by SPME and LC‐MS, and the former approach led to the best results in terms of sensitivity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 22:218–250, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mas.10052
Atmospherically relevant ion chemistry of ozone and its cation
Authors: de Petris Giulia
Published: July 2003

I.
Introduction
251

  II.
Positive‐Ion Chemistry of Ozone
253

A.  The Reactivity of O3+ and O3
254

A.  Ozone and Oxygen
256

C.  Ozone and Nitrogen
257

D.  Ozone and Carbonyl Sulfide
258

E.  Ozone and HFCFs–HFCs
260

F.  Ozone and NOx
262

III.
Links Between Neutral and Ionic Atmospheric Chemistry
265

A.  An Ionic Route to N2O
265

B.  An Ionic Route to O3
267

C.  A New Sulfur Oxide
269

References
269

The importance of ionic processes that occur in terrestrial, planetary, and stellar atmospheres is receiving increasing recognition. Actually, ions play important, often crucial, roles in a variety of atmospheric processes throughout the universe, and a strong link with the neutral chemistry is also apparent. In the terrestrial atmosphere, the ionic reactions are most relevant in those transient and fleeting events, e.g., lightning, coronas (in thunderstorm clouds and along power lines), where the local ion density is much higher than in unperturbed air, and the chemical systems are typically far from equilibrium. In such cases, ozone, a key molecule for the terrestrial atmosphere, is also present in high local concentrations; it is formed from O2 by the same transient event. Accordingly, this review provides a survey of the positive ion chemistry of ozone with several of the most important “atmospheric” species: the reactions, the products, and the importance of the examined processes are discussed also in the light of the local thermodynamic disequilibrium (LTD) approach to the chemistry of transient atmospheric events. In all such studies, mass spectrometry is traditionally, and remains today, the experimental technique of choice. The novel application of mass spectrometry to the study of neutral species (NRMS), highly successful for the preparation and positive detection of long‐sought, otherwise inaccessible, short‐lived neutrals, makes mass spectrometry the most powerful tool now available for the study of the species and processes that are relevant to atmospheric chemistry. Selected examples of the interlink between the neutral and the ionic chemistry are also illustrated. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 22:251–271, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mas.10053
Assessment of protein expression by means of 2‐D gel electrophoresis with and without mass spectrometry
Authors: Hamdan Mahmoud , Righetti Pier Giorgio
Published: July 2003

I.
Introduction
272

A.  Dynamic Range of 2‐D PAGE
274

B.  Solubilization Medium
275

C.  Pre‐Fractionation
275

D.  Electrophoretic Approaches
276

E.  Multi‐Compartment Electrolyzer
277

F.  Representative Examples
278

    1.  Proteomic Expression of a Model Breast Cancer Cell System
278

    2.  Two‐Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis of Mantle‐Cell Lymphoma
278

    3.  Monitoring Protein Synthesis/Expression Following Cellular Perturbation
280

    4.  Monitoring the Effect of Drugs on Tumor Cell Lines
281

II.
Concluding Remarks
282

Acknowledgments
282

References
282

Careful examination of current literature, particularly over the last 5 years, reveals a wide range of approaches for the relative quantification of protein expression in cells, tissues, and body fluids. In view of such an observation, it is reasonable to ask whether researchers need new methods, or whether it is more productive to optimize and tune already existing ones. It is generally agreed that none of the existing methodologies on its own can give a full account of protein expression in a complex medium; this limitation, however, has not prevented the use of existing methods to provide valuable information on a wide range of proteins, where their expression has been correlated to certain pathologies and/or to pharmacological, genetic, or environmental factors. In the present work, an attempt is made to review the application of one of these methodologies, namely two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis on its own or in conjunction with mass spectrometry, to assess protein expression, particularly when such expression can be correlated to certain pathologies. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 22:272–284, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mas.10056
Diffusion‐weighted MR imaging of the liver of hepatitis C patients
Authors: Boulanger Yvan , Amara Mourad , Lepanto Luigi , Beaudoin Gilles , Nguyen Bich N. , Allaire Guy , Poliquin Marc , Nicolet Viviane
Published: July 2003

Magnetic resonance diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of the liver was investigated to determine whether this method could be used to differentiate between the stages of fibrosis and inflammation for hepatitis C viral infection. DWI data were recorded for 18 hepatitis C patients and 10 control subjects using a modified pulse sequence allowing a 52 ms echo time delay. Acquisitions were performed with breath holding using five different b gradient factor values ranging between 50 and 250 s/mm2 and in the three axes. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured from a 5.7 cm2 area in the central region of the liver. The inflammation and fibrosis grades were evaluated histologically on a biopsy sample. The mean ADC values were 2.30 ± 1.28 × 10−3 and 1.79 ± 0.25 × 10−3 mm2/s for hepatitis C patients and control subjects, respectively. Using our technique, no correlation could be found between the ADC values and the inflammation or fibrosis scores, indicating that tissue changes produced by hepatitis C do not appear to be quantifiable by DWI. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved spatial localization based on flow‐moment‐nulled and intra‐voxel incoherent motion‐weighted fMRI
Authors: Song Allen W. , Li Tianlu
Published: July 2003

Functional MRI signal based on the blood oxygenation level‐dependent contrast can reveal brain vascular activities secondary to neuronal activation. It could, however, arise from vascular compartments of all sizes, and in particular, be largely influenced by contributions of large vein origins that are distant from the neuronal activities. Alternative contrasts can be generated based on the cerebral blood flow or volume changes that would provide complementary information to help achieve more accurate localization to the small vessel origins. Recent reports also indicated that apparent diffusion coefficient‐based contrast using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) weighting could be used to efficiently detect synchronized signal changes with the functional activities. It was found that this contrast has significant arterial contribution where flow changes are more dominant. In this study, a refined approach was proposed that incorporated the flow‐moment‐nulling (FMN) strategy to study signal changes from the brain activation. The results were then compared with those from conventional IVIM‐ and BOLD‐weighted acquisitions. It was shown that the activated region using the new acquisition strategy had smaller spatial extent, which was contained within the activated areas from the other two methods. Based on the known characteristics of the conventional IVIM and BOLD contrasts, it was inferred that the FMN–IVIM acquisition had improved selective sensitivity towards smaller vessels where volume changes were prevalent. Therefore, such an acquisition method may provide more specific spatial localization closely coupled to the true neuronal activities. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.