bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young, adult, and old rats have similar changes in mRNA expression of many skeletal genes after fracture despite delayed healing with age
Authors: Meyer Ralph A. , Desai Bhaloo R. , Heiner Daniel E. , Fiechtl James , Porter Scott , Meyer Martha H.
Published: August 2006

Genes active in fracture healing are not well understood. Because age slows skeletal repair, the change in gene expression between animals of differing ages may illuminate novel pathways important to this healing response. To explore this, 6‐, 26‐, and 52‐week‐old female Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to mid‐diaphyseal femoral fracture with intramedullary fixation. The fracture callus was collected at 0, 0.4 (3 days), 1, 2, 4, or 6 weeks after fracture. RNA was extracted and pooled between two animals for each sample. Three samples were done for each time point for each age for a total of 54 Affymetrix U34A GeneChip microarrays. Of the 8700 genes on each array, 3300 were scored as present. Almost all of these genes were affected by femoral fracture with either upregulation or downregulation in the 6 weeks after fracture. Upregulated genes included markers for matrix genes for both cartilage and bone, osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, fibroblasts, and mast cells. Downregulated genes included genes related to blood cell synthesis. Nearly all genes presently associated with bone metabolism showed the same response to fracture healing regardless of the age of the animal. In conclusion, skeletal fracture led to similar changes in RNA expression for most skeletal genes despite the delay in the formation of bone to bridge the fracture gap in old rats. Defects in the healing of skeletal trauma in older rats may lie in systems not normally studied by skeletal biologists. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1933–1944, 2006
Wear and toughness of crosslinked polyethylene for total knee replacements: A study using a simulator and small‐punch testing
Authors: Akagi Masao , Asano Taiyo , Clarke Ian C. , Niiyama Norio , Kyomoto Masayuki , Nakamura Takashi , Hamanishi Chiaki
Published: August 2006

Severe loading and complex kinematics in total knee replacement make wear performance and toughness of the polyethylene in tibial inserts important. We investigated wear of crosslinked polyethylene using a knee simulator and measured toughness using small‐punch testing. GUR1050 rods were gamma‐irradiated in air at doses from 0 to 200 kGy, annealed in nitrogen, and machined into tibial inserts. The simulator was run to 4 million cycles, and wear rates determined from weight loss. Wear rate decreased by 54, 78, and 95% as radiation dose increased from 50 to 75 to 100 kGy, respectively. At every dose, toughness was significantly less after simulator testing, but the difference between control and wear‐tested polyethylene, considered to be due to fatigue damage accumulation, was smallest at 50 kGy. The simulator‐tested polyethylene that received 35 to 75 kGy had slightly higher toughness than equivalent material that received no irradiation. However, the toughness of simulator‐tested polyethylene that received 150 and 200 kGy was lower than that of the simulator‐tested polyethylene that received no irradiation. Our results suggest that an optimal irradiation dose may exist for crosslinked polyethylene for use in TKR and that the optimum dose would be less than the 100 kGy or more that are used in some current crosslinked polyethylene for hip replacement. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:2021–2027, 2006
Changes in lower limb kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity in subjects with functional instability of the ankle joint during a single leg drop jump
Authors: Delahunt Eamonn , Monaghan Kenneth , Caulfield Brian
Published: August 2006

The purpose of this study was to identify differences in 3D kinematics, kinetics, and ankle joint muscle activity in subjects with functional instability (FI) of the ankle joint during a drop jump. Twenty‐four subjects with the subjective complaint of FI of the ankle joint and 24 noninjured control subjects performed 10 single leg drop jumps onto a force‐plate. Timing and magnitude of kinetic data, timing of kinematic data, and integrated EMG (IEMG) activity of the rectus femoris, peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, and soleus muscles during two 200‐ms time periods either side of initial contact (IC) with the ground were analyzed and compared between groups. Subjects with FI demonstrated a significant decrease in pre‐IC peroneus longus IEMG activity, which was accompanied by a change in frontal plane movement at the ankle joint during the same time period. Following IC, FI subjects were less efficient than control group subjects in reaching the closed packed position of the ankle joint. Significant differences were seen between the groups' time‐averaged and peak vertical and sagittal components of ground reaction force. The altered pre‐IC peroneus longus IEMG and increased inversion of the ankle joint observed in FI subjects could help to explain why subjects with FI may suffer from inversion injury to their ankle joint when subjected to an unanticipated ground contact. The kinematic and kinetic differences observed in subjects with FI may lead to repeated injury and damage to the supporting structures of the ankle joint. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1991–2000, 2006
Development of partial thickness articular cartilage injury in an ovine model
Authors: Lu Yan , Markel Mark D. , Swain Carol , Kaplan Lee D.
Published: August 2006

The purpose of this study was to create a controlled partial thickness cartilage lesion in a sheep model, and to provide a foundation to study the natural history of the progression of this lesion. Twenty‐eight sheep divided into four groups (1, 12, 24, and 52 weeks, n = 7/group) were used in this study. In one stifle, a mechanical tool was used to create a 200 µm partial thickness lesion (1.5 × 1.5 cm2) on the medial femoral condyle via arthroscopy. Joint fluid was drawn presurgery and after euthanasia for analysis of collage II 3/4 C long (C2C). After euthanasia, the condyle was analyzed by gross appearance, confocal laser microscopy (CLM) for cell viability, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) for surface roughness, Artscan for cartilage stiffness, and histology for cartilage morphology. The gross appearance of the treated area appeared rough, soft, and swollen compared to untreated control over time. CLM demonstrated that the depth of cell death increased to 590 µm at 52 weeks after surgery. SEM demonstrated that the treated area became more irregular over time. Stiffness of the treated area was significantly less than control by 12 weeks after surgery. Histologic analysis demonstrated that the 12, 24, and 52 week groups had significantly poorer histologic scores than the 1 week group. Joint fluid analysis demonstrated that the treatment group at 1 week had significant higher levels of C2C than the pretreatment baseline data. The results of this study demonstrated that partial thickness injury of cartilage continued to propagate and degenerate over time in this sheep model. Options for the prevention or treatment of this lesion may be tested using this model in the future. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1974–1982, 2006
High‐resolution ultrasound analysis of subsynovial connective tissue in human cadaver carpal tunnel
Authors: Ettema Anke M. , Belohlavek Marek , Zhao Chunfeng , Oh Sang Ho , Amadio Peter C. , An Kai‐Nan
Published: August 2006

The carpal tunnel contains the median nerve, nine flexor tendons, two synovial bursae, and peritendinous subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT). Fibrosis of the SSCT is the most consistent pathological finding in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. We investigated the anatomy and gliding characteristics of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon and its adjacent SSCT with high‐resolution ultrasound (15 MHz). Our hypotheses were that tendon and SSCT are distinguishable by ultrasound and that their velocities during tendon excursion are different. Qualitative ultrasound analysis of a flexor tendon and its SSCT was performed on five cadaver wrists and correlated to respective findings after anatomical study of the same cadavers. Quantitative Doppler velocity analysis of eight cadaver wrists was done to assess the sliding movement of the tendon and its SSCT within the carpal tunnel. No significant difference was found between the thickness of SSCT measured by ultrasound and that measured directly after dissection. The SSCT moved slower than its flexor tendon. The SSCT velocities were statistically different from the tendon velocities (t‐test, p > 0.001). High‐resolution ultrasound is a very precise method to display the anatomy of the tendon and SSCT within the carpal tunnel, and their different velocities can be detected with Doppler. Noninvasive assessment of the thickness and velocity of the tenosynovium in carpal tunnel syndrome by high‐resolution sonography might be a new diagnostic tool for disorders affecting the SSCT, especially carpal tunnel syndrome. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:2011–2020, 2006
Effect of durum flour enrichment with chickpea flour on the characteristics of dough and lasagne
Authors: Sabanis Dimitrios , Makri Eleousa , Doxastakis Georgios
Published: August 2006

The ability of chickpea flour to enrich pasta products (e.g. lasagne) was studied. In addition, the influence of protein and other components upon the rheological properties of the dough and the cooking quality of the wheat–chickpea blends was determined. Supplementing lasagne with 5–20% w/w chickpea flour improves the physical characteristics of dough, which achieves optimum strength and extensible properties thus allowing the lasagne to maintain a firm and elastic form. Organoleptic properties (colour, flavour and overall acceptability) improved with a low proportion of chickpea flour, especially for 5% w/w substitution. For supplementation ≥ 30%, while the content of the total protein increased along with the level of fortification, lasagne processing, handling and cooking characteristics deteriorated proportionally. This could be attributed primarily to the gluten fraction, which decreases upon being diluted by the added chickpea protein. The rheological properties of high supplemented dough products (30–50% w/w) have low extensograph values and the lasagne obtained has a brown colour and a soft mushy taste that is unacceptable to consumers. So, durum wheat flour can carry 5–10% (w/w) of chickpea flour and still meet the specification of pasta products in terms of firmness, cooking quality and sensory evaluation. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Antifungal activity of chitosan and its application to control post‐harvest quality and fungal rotting of Tankan citrus fruit (Citrus tankan Hayata)
Authors: Chien Po‐Jung , Chou Cheng‐Chun
Published: August 2006

In this study, the antifungal activity of chitosan A (MW = 92.1 kDa) and B (MW = 357.3 kDa), with 94.2% N‐deacetylation were examined at various concentrations against fungi including Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum, Botrydiplodia lecanidion and Botrytis cinerea. The effectiveness of these chitosans to control the post‐harvest quality of Tankan fruit, a popular sub‐tropical citrus fruit, was investigated. It was found that chitosan, depending on type and concentration, caused 25.0–90.5% growth inhibition on test organisms after 5 days of cultivation at 24 °C. Chitosan treatment significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the percentage decay of Tankan fruit during storage at 24 °C. After 42 days of storage at 13 °C, chitosan‐coated Tankan fruits were firmer, exhibited less decay and weight loss, and showed higher titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, and total soluble solids than the control fruit. Weight loss of Tankan fruits decreased as the concentration of chitosan was increased. On the other hand, chitosan A, regardless of concentration tested, was found to be more effective in retaining the firmness, titratable acidity and water content, total solid content and ascorbic acid content of Tankan fruits than chitosan B. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Unravelling the conundrum of tannins in animal nutrition and health
Authors: Mueller‐Harvey Irene
Published: August 2006

This paper examines the nutritional and veterinary effects of tannins on ruminants and makes some comparisons with non‐ruminants. Tannin chemistry per se is not covered and readers are referred to several excellent reviews instead: (a) Okuda T et al. Heterocycles 30:1195–1218 (1990); (b) Ferreira D and Slade D. Nat Prod Rep 19:517–541 (2002); (c) Yoshida T et al. In Studies in Natural Product Chemistry. Elsevier Science, Amsterdam, pp. 395–453 (2000); (d) Khanbabaee K and van Ree T. Nat Prod Rep 18:641–649 (2001); (e) Okuda et al. Phytochemistry 55:513–529 (2000). The effects of tannins on rumen micro‐organisms are also not reviewed, as these have been addressed by others: (a) McSweeney CS et al. Anim Feed Sci Technol 91:83–93 (2001); (b) Smith AH and Mackie RI. Appl Environ Microbiol 70:1104–1115 (2004). This paper deals first with the nutritional effects of tannins in animal feeds, their qualitative and quantitative diversity, and the implications of tannin–protein complexation. It then summarises the known physiological and harmful effects and discusses the equivocal evidence of the bioavailability of tannins. Issues concerning tannin metabolism and systemic effects are also considered. Opportunities are presented on how to treat feeds with high tannin contents, and some lesser‐known but successful feeding strategies are highlighted. Recent research has explored the use of tannins for preventing animal deaths from bloat, for reducing intestinal parasites and for lowering gaseous ammonia and methane emissions. Finally, several tannin assays and a hypothesis are discussed that merit further investigation in order to assess their suitability for predicting animal responses. The aim is to provoke discussion and spur readers into new approaches. An attempt is made to synthesise the emerging information for relating tannin structures with their activities. Although many plants with high levels of tannins produce negative effects and require treatments, others are very useful animal feeds. Our ability to predict whether tannin‐containing feeds confer positive or negative effects will depend on interdisciplinary research between animal nutritionists and plant chemists. The elucidation of tannin structure–activity relationships presents exciting opportunities for future feeding strategies that will benefit ruminants and the environment within the contexts of extensive, semi‐intensive and some intensive agricultural systems. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
A preliminary investigation into the possible transfer of latex allergens from latex protein containing materials in contact with food
Authors: Topping Joanna R , Haines John , Kneller Sian , Patel Pradip
Published: August 2006

Commercial FITkits™ ELISAs for four major latex allergens (Hev b1, Hev b3, Hev b5 and Hev b6.02) were modified to enable semi‐quantitative measurement of the allergens at low concentrations (5–10 ng mL−1). The recovery of latex allergens from foods spiked with a latex cold seal adhesive was determined using one sample from each of the following food groups: confectionery/chocolate, fruit/vegetables, fruit juices, ice cream, cheese, meat and pastry. Cheese and pastry samples proved problematic owing to their high fat content. When these samples were excluded, the overall recovery for Hev b6.02 was 98 ± 12% (mean ± SD) and for Hev b5 80 ± 17%. In general, Hev b1 and Hev b3 allergens were difficult to extract from all the foods tested.

Of 21 food contact materials tested, the assays detected one or more latex allergen in seven of the samples. Commercial foods associated with these wrappers were tested to determine possible transfer of the allergens to the foods. Transfer of Hev b3 or Hev b5 to food was identified at low levels in three samples, with the highest level being found in a chocolate biscuit (approximately 17 ng mL−1 extract). Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
The use of non‐food crops in the UK construction industry
Authors: Yates Tim
Published: August 2006

The use of non‐food crops in construction has a long history. In addition to the use of wood as a mainstay in building housing, until recently the uses were limited to the inclusion of fibres such as wool in plasters and renders, the use of straw in ‘wattle and daub’ walling and, of course, the use of reed and straw in thatching. During the last 15 years the move toward sustainable buildings has led to a renewed interest in the use of non‐food crops, particularly straw bale construction, the use of fibres in walls and boards and the development of insulation products from wool. This review covers the development of these materials in the UK as well as looking at the demand for more traditional uses such as thatch. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Unique selective detectors for gas chromatography: Nitrogen and sulfur chemiluminescence detectors
Authors: Yan Xinwei
Published: August 2006

Many of present day's complex analyses and challenging analytical tasks demand highly selective detection techniques for GC. Universal nitrogen/sulfur chemiluminescence detection is one of the most powerful analytical tools for gas chromatographic analysis. Its strength stems from the unique and beneficial characteristics of high selectivity, sensitivity, and equimolarity. The nitrogen/sulfur chemiluminescence detection technology has provided analytical solutions unsurpassed by any other techniques to a broad range of applications in petroleum characterization, food/beverage flavor analysis, and environmental monitoring. This paper presents a general review of this unique technology, including a brief description of operating principles, an overview of detector performance, practical discussions on instrument operation, and a sizable list of applications.
Recent applications of conductivity detection in capillary and chip electrophoresis
Authors: Šolínová Veronika , Kašička Václav
Published: August 2006

The review provides a comprehensive survey of the recent applications of contact and contactless conductivity detection in capillary electrophoretic and chip electrophoretic analyses of a broad scale of compounds, from low‐molecular‐mass highly mobile small inorganic and organic ions, via medium‐molecular‐mass peptides and oligo‐ and polynucleotides up to high‐molecular‐mass biopolymers, proteins and nucleic acids fragments. The review presents also the recent developments in the construction of different types of conductivity detectors (detectors with galvanic contact of the sensing electrodes with the BGE and sample components, contactless conductivity detectors with capacitively coupled tubular and semitubular electrodes and combined conductivity/optical detectors) applied in the capillary electromigration methods performed in classical fused silica, polytetrafluorethylene, and polyetheretherketone capillaries or on glass and polymethylmethacrylate microchips. In addition, the principle and theoretical bases of conductivity detection in capillary electromigration techniques, zone electrophoresis, ITP, micellar EKC, and electrochromatography are briefly described.
A discussion of the possible ways to improve the performance of silica monoliths using a kinetic plot analysis of experimental and computational plate height data
Authors: Gzil Piotr , De Smet Jan , Desmet Gert
Published: August 2006

Using kinetic plots to analyse the performance of some of the best silica monoliths found in the literature shows that the current generation of silica monoliths outperform particulate beds only in the high plate‐number region (roughly N > 40 000). The plots also reveal the existence of a so‐called ‘forbidden region’ wherein no existing chromatographic support seems to be able to operate. To investigate several possible approaches to intrude this forbidden region, computational fluid dynamics simulations of the flow field and band‐broadening characteristics of a simplified structural mimic of real silica monoliths were made for five different porosities (ε = 0.38, 0.49, 0.60, 0.72, 0.86). It was found that entering the forbidden region will necessitate new synthesis methods, yielding either a strong improvement of the structural homogeneity (if assuming constant domain size conditions) or a decrease of the domain size (if assuming constant homogeneity conditions).
Hydrophilic interaction chromatography
Authors: Hemström Petrus , Irgum Knut
Published: August 2006

Separation of polar compounds on polar stationary phases with partly aqueous eluents is by no means a new separation mode in LC. The first HPLC applications were published more than 30 years ago, and were for a long time mostly confined to carbohydrate analysis. In the early 1990s new phases started to emerge, and the practice was given a name, hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC). Although the use of this separation mode has been relatively limited, we have seen a sudden increase in popularity over the last few years, promoted by the need to analyze polar compounds in increasingly complex mixtures. Another reason for the increase in popularity is the widespread use of MS coupled to LC. The partly aqueous eluents high in ACN with a limited need of adding salt is almost ideal for ESI. The applications now encompass most categories of polar compounds, charged as well as uncharged, although HILIC is particularly well suited for solutes lacking charge where coulombic interactions cannot be used to mediate retention. The review attempts to summarize the ongoing discussion on the separation mechanism and gives an overview of the stationary phases used and the applications addressed with this separation mode in LC.
Relating soil electrical conductivity to remote sensing and other soil properties for assessing soil salinity in northeast Thailand
Authors: Shrestha R. P.
Published: August 2006

Mapping and monitoring of soil salinity is required to establish its areal extent and also to keep track of changes in salinity in order to formulate appropriate and timely management strategies for reclamation and rehabilitation of such soils. Remote sensing data have been increasingly used in soil‐salinity studies as they are not only quicker but are also useful for making realistic predictions. A study was conducted in northeast Thailand to understand the relationship of spectral reflectance and physico‐chemical soil properties to electrical conductivity (EC) by using remote sensing data (Landsat® ETM+) and laboratory analysis of soil sample data. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between EC and spectral/soil properties and to generate several models. In the case of spectral properties, mid‐infrared band (Landsat® band 7) and near‐infrared (band 4) were found to be most correlated with the observed EC values of the surface layer of the soil. For the soil properties, chloride (Cl), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) were found to be most correlated with observed EC values. Similarly, for the subsurface layer, Cl and P were found to be significant predictors of observed EC values. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling soil erosion and sediment yield at a catchment scale: the case of Masinga catchment, Kenya
Authors: Mutua B. M. , Klik A. , Loiskandl W.
Published: August 2006

Development of improved soil erosion and sediment yield prediction technology is required to provide catchment stakeholders with the tools they need to evaluate the impact of various management strategies on soil loss and sediment yield in order to plan for the optimal use of the land. In this paper, a newly developed approach is presented to predict the sources of sediment reaching the stream network within Masinga, a large‐scale rural catchment in Kenya. The study applies the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and a developed hillslope sediment delivery distributed (HSDD) model embedded in a geographical information system (GIS). The HSDD model estimates the sediment delivery ratio (SDR) on a cell‐by‐cell basis using the concept of runoff travel time as a function of catchment characteristics. The model performance was verified by comparing predicted and measured plot runoff and sediment yield. The results show a fairly good relationship between predicted and measured sediment yield (R2=0·82). The predicted results show that the developed modelling approach can be used as a major tool to estimate spatial soil erosion and sediment yield at a catchment scale. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The contribution of landmines to land degradation
Authors: Berhe A. A.
Published: August 2006

Landmines are one of the most environmentally destructive aftermaths of war facing the world today. The barely chronicled global landmine problem has transcended both humanitarian and sociological concerns to bring about environmental damage. Disruption of land's stability, pollution and loss of biodiversity constitute major ecological repercussions of landmine crisis. This review qualitatively integrates ecological, social, economic and political variables that play a role in creating and perpetuating a serious land degradation problem in landmine‐affected regions. Through a mail survey and interview with professionals working in areas related to landmines, peace research, environmental management and law and extensive archival research this review tries to unravel the many facets and causal links in the ecological and socio‐politico‐economic problems. This paper highlights the complexity of the landmine problem and interrelationships between the issues surrounding the degradation and management of landmine‐affected environments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upland development policy, livelihood change and land degradation: interactions from a Laotian village
Authors: Lestrelin G. , Giordano M.
Published: August 2006

This study uses a local political ecology approach that examines the physical and social dimensions of land use and soil erosion and their broader political and socioeconomic environment in Ban Lak Sip, a village located in the uplands of the Luang Prabang Province in Laos. The study indicates that, despite an explicit government policy aimed at improving both socioeconomic and environmental conditions, the resulting livelihood change has in part led to a deterioration in working conditions with mixed impacts on the environment. While land degradation and economic transition appear to have driven villagers to rework the role and importance of the land in their livelihoods, this paper argues that the Laotian rural development policy has constrained the adaptation process and led to a significant intensification in labour and land use. In fact, Ban Lak Sip villagers have had to adapt both to actual land degradation processes and to a discourse on upland environmental degradation constructed by the Laotian State and international development actors. The results of this study have significant implications for the formulation of environmental policy and for land degradation research more widely. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Land use change and land degradation in China from 1991 to 2001
Authors: Zhang K. , Yu Z. , Li X. , Zhou W. , Zhang D.
Published: August 2006

China has long been experiencing intense land use/cover changes (LUCC). Undesirable land use/cover changes have resulted in widespread land degradation. This study examines the temporal and spatial dynamics of land use change and land degradation as evident from land use survey datasets (1991–2001). Six prominent land degradation processes were identified, namely: desertification, secondary salinisation, loss of agricultural use, deforestation, grassland degradation and loss of wetland. Rates of conversion were calculated and distribution patterns were mapped with the aid of GIS. The results showed that these land use changes have affected the wider environment and accelerated land degradation. It provided a more complete and up‐to‐date picture of China's land degradation which helps to develop improved conservation policies that combat land degradation and promote sustainable land management. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Land degradation assessment in Southern Africa: integrating local and scientific knowledge bases
Authors: Stringer L. C. , Reed M. S.
Published: August 2006

Recent attempts to address land degradation have seen calls for greater integration of scientific expertise with local knowledges. In this paper we investigate the potential for such combined understandings to enhance the accuracy, coverage and relevance of land degradation assessment. We followed a participatory approach, using methods from a variety of disciplines, to elicit potential land degradation indicators from communities in Botswana and Swaziland. These indicators were then assessed according to local and scientific understandings. We noted a significant overlap between scientific and local knowledges about land degradation in most instances. Where discrepancies occurred, the integrated participatory approach we used allows appropriate explanation to be reached, supporting the case that such an iterative process can lead to both accurate and relevant monitoring of land degradation. However, the incorporation of integrated knowledges into national policy has not been widespread in either country, suggesting that much greater efforts are required to institutionalise participatory land degradation assessment methodologies. Powerful, often neo‐Malthusian narratives of degradation continue to dominate policy discourse and limit the extent to which hybrid combined local and scientific knowledges can enhance land degradation assessment on a national and regional scale. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tropical alluvial forest fragmentation in the eastern lowlands of Colombia (1939–1997)
Authors: Madriñán L. F. , Etter A. , Boxall G. D. , Ortega‐Rubio A.
Published: August 2006

Alluvial forests are under high pressure from human activities because of their value as agricultural, wildlife, timber and recreational land. Despite this, spatial patterns of alluvial forest deforestation are not well known. We studied forest alterations in a 2800 ha alluvial ecosystem using aerial photographs. During the study period (1939–1997), forests with canopy heights greater than 15 m (high canopy mature forest; HCM forest) decreased by 70·4 per cent while forests with canopy heights less than 15 m (low canopy mature forest; LCM forest) forests decreased by 51 per cent, producing a highly fragmented landscape. Factors responsible for forest change included human activities and river dynamics. Although most of the deforestation was related to human disturbance, almost 27 per cent of forest losses were due to channel migration of the Meta River. HCM forests were the most affected land cover since they are easily accessed, viable for logging and occurred on fertile soils, which are valuable for agriculture. LCM forests were less affected since their soil fertilities and inundation regimes were unfavourable to human uses, and thus, less prone to anthropogenic disturbances. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changing grazing systems in central north Namibia
Authors: Verlinden A. , Kruger A. S.
Published: August 2006

Current and historical livestock movement patterns are explored in a semi‐arid communal environment in central–north Namibia, placed in context of increasing population, large‐scale enclosures, increased water supply and changing vegetation. Farmer's knowledge of movements, rangeland potential, vegetation condition and plant indicators was gathered and analysed with various methods such as Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Local rangeland units were mapped with Landsat TM imagery and analysed with a Geographical Information System (GIS). The data suggest that good grazing was previously maintained by low herbivore pressure and frequent fires in a management regime controlled by hunter‐gatherers and limited permanent water supply.

Population increase in settled areas starts migration to more fertile land units in previous prime grazing areas causing a conflict between grazing and cropping and a decrease in grazing condition triggering further migration and need for new water supply. Recent large‐scale enclosures are targeting predominantly more fertile land units with the most palatable perennial grass species and water, causing further conflict for communal farmers.

Having reached the frontier of the traditional land there is no space for further expansion, resulting in the need to adapt to uncertainty with annual grasses more dependent on rainfall. Livestock movement patterns have changed drastically for large herd owners from transhumance and migration to largely permanent cattle posts. Small herd owners face increasing longer movements between kraals, water points, depending on less suitable and decreased unfenced grazing lands. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐level laser irradiation modulates matrix metalloproteinase activity and gene expression in porcine aortic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Gavish Lilach , Perez Louise , Gertz S. David
Published: August 2006

Background and Objectives

The vascular extracellular matrix is maintained by a dynamic balance between matrix synthesis and degradation. This equilibrium is disrupted in arterial pathologies such as abdominal aortic aneurysm. Low‐level laser irradiation (LLLI) promotes wound healing. However, its effect on smooth muscle cells (SMCs), a central player in these responses, has not been established. The current study was designed to determine the effects of LLLI on arterial SMC proliferation, inflammatory markers, and matrix proteins.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Porcine primary aortic SMCs were irradiated with a 780 nm laser diode (1 and 2 J/cm2). Trypan blue exclusion assay, immunofluorescent staining for collagen I and III, Sircol assay, gelatin zymography, and RT‐PCR were used to monitor proliferation; collagen trihelix formation; collagen synthesis; matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) activity, and gene expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐2, tissue inhibitor of MMP‐1 (TIMP‐1), TIMP‐2, and IL‐1‐β, respectively.

Results

LLLI‐increased SMC proliferation by 16 and 22% (1 and 2 J/cm2, respectively) compared to non‐irradiated cells (P<0.01 and P<0.0005). Immediately after LLLI, trihelices of collagen I and III appeared as perinuclear fluorescent rings. Collagen synthesis was increased twofold (2 days after LLLI: 14.3±3.5 µg, non‐irradiated control: 6.6±0.7 µg, and TGF‐β stimulated control: 7.1±1.2 µg, P<0.05), MMP‐2 activity after LLLI was augmented (over non‐irradiated control) by 66±18% (2 J/cm2; P<0.05), and MMP‐1 gene expression upregulated. However, TIMP‐2 was upregulated, and MMP‐2 gene expression downregulated. IL‐1‐β gene expression was reduced.

Conclusions

LLLI stimulates SMC proliferation, stimulates collagen synthesis, modulates the equilibrium between regulatory matrix remodeling enzymes, and inhibits pro‐inflammatory IL‐1‐β gene expression. These findings may be of therapeutic relevance for arterial diseases such as aneurysm where SMC depletion, weakened extracellular matrix, and an increase in pro‐inflammatory markers are major pathologic components. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:779–786, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Side‐firing sealing caps for hollow optical fibers
Authors: Watanabe Tomonori , Matsuura Yuji
Published: August 2006

Background and Objectives

Hollow optical fibers are useful for delivery of high‐energy infrared laser beam such as Er:YAG lasers. We propose side‐firing optics for hollow optical fibers for laser endoscopic applications mainly in oto‐rhino‐laryngology and urology.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

To produce a circular beam, cone‐shaped caps are designed and caps with slanted end are proposed for producing a spot beam in side direction. Both types of caps are fabricated by fusing and polished Pyrex and silica glass tubes.

Results

For the both of the cone‐shaped and slanted‐end caps effectively deflect laser beam as designed and these caps show high durability for Er:YAG laser light with pulse energy higher than 100 mJ.

Conclusions

By choosing the proper shape of the cap ends, these caps deflect an input laser beam to a preferred direction at low insertion losses. By using these side‐firing optics, one can easily irradiate the inside of tubular organs. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:792–797, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel Water‐Soluble Shape‐Regulatable Luminescent Nanoparticles by Non‐Covalently Bonded Self‐Assembly
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Jian , Zheng Zhe , Qiang Liang‐Liang , Ma Zhun , Xie Shi‐Xiang , Peng Bo , Huang Wei , Wei Wei
Published: August 2006

Summary: Novel non‐covalently connected water‐soluble nanoparticles that contain poly(fluorene‐co‐phenylene) with hydroxy‐capped alkoxy side chains (PF3BOH) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) have been obtained and characterized. With different proportions of PF3BOH and PAA, the shape and size of the nanoparticles can be regulated. The nanoparticles are quite stable in water with no precipitate being observed after weeks. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic laser light scattering are used to confirm the morphology of the PF3BOH/PAA nanoparticles. Their optical properties have been investigated and show similar optoelectronic properties to a PF3BOH solid film although they do not undergo aggregation.

TEM images of the nanoparticles obtained upon varying the PAA/PF3BOH content.

magnified image

TEM images of the nanoparticles obtained upon varying the PAA/PF3BOH content.
Cysteinyl‐leukotrienes and their receptors in asthma and other inflammatory diseases: Critical update and emerging trends
Authors: Capra Valérie , Thompson Miles D. , Sala Angelo , Cole David E. , Folco Giancarlo , Rovati G. Enrico
Published: August 2006

Cysteinyl‐leukotrienes (cysteinyl‐LTs), that is, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4, trigger contractile and inflammatory responses through the specific interaction with G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) belonging to the purine receptor cluster of the rhodopsin family, and identified as CysLT receptors (CysLTRs). Cysteinyl‐LTs have a clear role in pathophysiological conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR), and have been implicated in other inflammatory conditions including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria. Molecular cloning of human CysLT1R and CysLT2R subtypes has confirmed most of the previous pharmacological characterization and identified distinct expression patterns only partially overlapping. Interestingly, recent data provide evidence for the immunomodulation of CysLTR expression, the existence of additional receptor subtypes, and of an intracellular pool of CysLTRs that may have roles different from those of plasma membrane receptors. Furthermore, genetic variants have been identified for the CysLTRs that may interact to confer risk for atopy. Finally, a crosstalk between the cysteinyl‐LT and the purine systems is being delineated. This review will summarize and attempt to integrate recent data derived from studies on the molecular pharmacology and pharmacogenetics of CysLTRs, and will consider the therapeutic opportunities arising from the new roles suggested for cysteinyl‐LTs and their receptors. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 27, No. 4, 469–527, 2007
Molecular aspects on the interaction of protoberberine, benzophenanthridine, and aristolochia group of alkaloids with nucleic acid structures and biological perspectives
Authors: Maiti Motilal , Kumar Gopinatha Suresh
Published: August 2006

Alkaloids occupy an important position in chemistry and pharmacology. Among the various alkaloids, berberine and coralyne of the protoberberine group, sanguinarine of the benzophenanthridine group, and aristololactam‐β‐d‐glucoside of the aristolochia group have potential to form molecular complexes with nucleic acid structures and have attracted recent attention for their prospective clinical and pharmacological utility. This review highlights (i) the physicochemical properties of these alkaloids under various environmental conditions, (ii) the structure and functional aspects of various forms of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (B‐form, Z‐form, HL‐form, protonated form, and triple helical form) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) (A‐form, protonated form, and triple helical form), and (iii) the interaction of these alkaloids with various polymorphic DNA and RNA structures reported by several research groups employing various analytical techniques like absorbance, fluorescence, circular dichroism, and NMR spectroscopy; electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, thermal melting, viscosity, and DNase footprinting as well as molecular modeling and thermodynamic studies to provide detailed binding mechanism at the molecular level for structure–activity relationship. Nucleic acids binding properties of these alkaloids are interpreted in relation to their biological activity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 27, No. 5, 649–695, 2007
Preparation of enzymatically active human Myc‐tagged‐NCre recombinase exhibiting immunoreactivity with anti‐Myc antibody
Authors: Watanabe Satoshi , Honma Daisuke , Furusawa Tadashi , Sakurai Takayuki , Sato Masahiro
Published: August 2006

The Cre‐loxP system has been recognized as a tool for conditional gene targeting in mice. However, most anti‐Cre antibodies fail to react with Cre expressed in vivo. In an attempt to directly detect Cre by antibodies in vivo, we constructed the tagged‐NCre (NCreMH) gene by connecting the human Myc and His tag sequences to the 3′ end of the NCre gene carrying a nuclear localizing signal (NLS) sequence. The production of NCre protein and the recombinase activity were detected after co‐transfection with pCMV‐NCreMH and pCETZ‐17 carrying the loxP‐flanked lacZ gene into NIH3T3 cells. This activity was also confirmed in vivo after gene transfer of pCMV‐NCreMH and pCRTEIL‐6 carrying loxP‐flanked HcRed1 and EGFP cDNAs, into oviductal epithelium by electroporation. Immunohistochemical staining using anti‐Myc antibody demonstrated that the area positive for enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fluorescence was immunostained with the antibody. These findings indicate that NCreMH is useful as an alternative to NCre for gene targeting. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 73: 1345–1352, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Induction of alpha‐caveolin‐1 (αCAV1) expression in bovine granulosa cells in response to an ovulatory dose of human chorionic gonadotropin
Authors: Diouf Mame Nahé , Lefebvre Réjean , Silversides David W. , Sirois Jean , Lussier Jacques G.
Published: August 2006

Caveolins are implicated in endocytosis, cholesterol trafficking and signal transduction. A cDNA fragment corresponding to caveolin‐1 (CAV1) was identified in a mRNA profiling expression study in bovine granulosa cells (GC) following human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)‐induced ovulation. Thus, we have characterized CAV1 cDNA and studied its spatio‐temporal expression pattern in bovine ovarian follicles. The full‐length bovine αCAV1 cDNA was cloned and encodes a putative 22 kDa protein. Expression of αCAV1 was studied in bovine GC obtained from follicles at different developmental stages: small follicles (SF: 2–4 mm), dominant follicles (DF), ovulatory follicles (OF: 24 hr post‐hCG), and corpus luteum (CL). Semiquantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed a 6.5‐fold increase in αCAV1 mRNA in GC of OF versus DF (P < 0.0001), whereas CAV2 mRNA was increased by only twofold (P < 0.0007). Temporal expression of αCAV1 mRNA from OF recovered at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hr after hCG injection showed an 8.5‐fold increase of αCAV1 mRNA after 24 hr compared to 0 hr (P < 0.0018) whereas no significant variation was detected for CAV2. Immunoblot demonstrated an initial increase in αCAV1 protein level 12 hr post‐hCG, reaching a maximum at 24 hr. Immunohistochemical localization of CAV1 was observed in GC of OF isolated 18 and 24 hr after hCG injection, whereas no signal was detected in GC of DF and SF. The induction of αCAV1 in GC of OF suggests that αCAV1 likely contributes to control the increase in membrane signaling that occurs at the time of ovulation and luteinization. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 73: 1353–1360, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The transcription factor CREMτ and cAMP regulate promoter activity of the Na,K‐ATPase α4 isoform
Authors: Rodova Marianna , Nguyen Anh‐Nguyet , Blanco Gustavo
Published: August 2006

The Na,K‐ATPase is an essential enzyme of the plasma membrane that plays a key role in numerous cell processes that depend on the transcellular gradients of Na+ and K+. Among the various isoforms of the catalytic subunit of the Na,K‐ATPase, α4 exhibits the most limited pattern of expression, being restricted to male germ cells. Activity of α4 is essential for sperm function, and α4 is upregulated during spermatogenesis. The present study addressed the transcriptional control of the human Na,K‐ATPase α4 gene, ATP1A4. We describe that a 5′ untranslated region of the ATP1A4 gene (designated −339/+480 based on the ATP1A4 transcription initiation site) has promoter activity in luciferase reporter assays. Computer analysis of this promoter region revealed consensus sites (CRE) for the cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element modulator (CREM). Accordingly, dibutyryl cAMP (db‐cAMP) and ectopic expression of CREMτ, a testis specific splice variant of CREM were able to activate the ATP1A4 promoter driven expression of luciferase in HEK 293 T, JEG‐3 and GC‐1 cells. Further characterization of the effect of db‐cAMP and CREMτ on deleted constructs of the ATP1A4 promoter (−339/+80, and +25/+480), and on the −339/+480 region carrying mutations in the CRE sites showed that db‐cAMP and CREMτ effect required the CRE motif located 263 bp upstream the transcription initiation site. EMSA experiments confirmed the CRE sequence as a bonafide CREMτ binding site. These results constitute the first demonstration of the transcriptional control of ATP1A4 gene expression by cAMP and by CREMτ, a transcription factor essential for male germ cell gene expression. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 73: 1435–1447, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyperactivation is the mode conversion from constant‐curvature beating to constant‐frequency beating under a constant rate of microtubule sliding
Authors: Ohmuro Junko , Ishijima Sumio
Published: August 2006

Flagellar beating of hyperactivated golden hamster spermatozoa was analyzed in detail using digital image analysis and was compared to that of nonhyperactivated (activated) spermatozoa in order to understand the change in flagellar beating during hyperactivation and the active microtubule sliding that brought about the change in flagellar beating. Hyperactivated flagellar beating, which was characterized by a sharp bend in the proximal midpiece and low beat frequency, was able to alter the waveform with little change in beat frequency (constant‐frequency beating), whereas activated flagellar beating, which was characterized by a slight bend in the proximal midpiece and high beat frequency, was able to alter beat frequency with little change in the waveform (constant‐curvature beating). These results demonstrate that flagellar beating of hyperactivated and activated spermatozoa were essentially different modes and that hyperactivation was the mode conversion from constant‐curvature beating to constant‐frequency beating. Detailed analysis of flagellar bends revealed that the increase in curvature in the proximal midpiece during hyperactivation was due to the increase in total length of microtubule sliding in a nearly straight region between bends, while the rate of microtubule sliding remained almost constant. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 73: 1412–1421, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.