bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface degradation of styrene acrylonitrile exposed to corona discharge
Authors: Handala Mohand Amokrane , Lamrous Omar
Published: July 2007

An experimental investigation of the degradation of styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) exposed to corona discharge under ambient conditions was presented. SAN specimens were subjected to a corona stress generated by two plane parallel electrodes. The surface physicochemical changes were studied using scanning electron microscope, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and surface resistance measurements.

The results showed significant damage on the specimen' surface caused by the corona discharge. Surface erosion was seen in the micrographs and colour change was observed on the aged surface.

The surface resistance dropped rapidly during the first hours of exposure to the corona discharge, then approached a saturation value asymptotically. It was established that hydrophilic hydroxyl (OH) and carbonyl (CO) groups have formed on the surface of the aged sample. Moisture adsorbed by the hydrophilic OH groups plays an important role in the decrease of the surface resistance, as, under dry conditions after removal from the corona discharge, the surface resistance increased and tended to recover its original value. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A second‐order cell‐centered Lagrangian scheme for two‐dimensional compressible flow problems
Authors: Maire Pierre‐Henri , Breil Jérôme
Published: July 2007

This paper is devoted to the simulation of two‐dimensional compressible fluid flows. We present a new second‐order cell‐centered scheme that solves the gas dynamics equations written in the Lagrangian formalism. The scheme is developed on general unstructured meshes consisting of arbitrary polygons. The robustness and accuracy of this new scheme are demonstrated through several test cases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symptoms of mental health and psychotropic drug use among old people in geriatric care, changes between 1982 and 2000
Authors: Lövheim Hugo , Sandman Per‐Olof , Kallin Kristina , Karlsson Stig , Gustafson Yngve
Published: July 2007

Background

Some major changes have occurred in the care of older people in institutions providing geriatric care from a few decades ago to today. How these changes regarding organization, diagnosis and pharmacological treatment, have affected the mental health of the population in general remains unclear.

Method

The prevalence of symptoms of mental health in two comparable cross‐sectional surveys from 1982 and 2000 were studied. The study population consisted of all the people aged 65 years or older living in geriatric care units in the county of Västerbotten, in northern Sweden. Multivariate regression was used to correct for the effect of change in demographic structure.

Results

Six out of 14 symptoms showed a significant decrease, correcting for demographical changes. These were, expressed as descriptions of behaviours, Sad (OR 0.72), Crying (OR 0.67), Fearful (OR 0.73), Disturbed and restless (OR 0.84), Lacking initiative (OR 0.67) and Does not cooperate (OR 0.67).

Two symptoms showed a significant increase, Overactive/manic (OR 1.44) and Hallucinates visually (OR 1.27). The use of antidepressants had increased from 6.3% 1982 to 39.9% 2000. The use of minor tranquillizers had increased from 13.2% to 39.2% and the prevalence of antipsychotic use had decreased from 25.1% to 20.5%.

Conclusion

This article clearly shows that the prevalence of several important symptoms and behaviours in a geriatric care population have decreased over the course of eighteen years, correcting for demographical changes. This might at least partly be accounted for by today's more widespread use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consumer channeling by health insurers: natural experiments with preferred providers in the Dutch pharmacy market
Authors: Boonen Lieke H. H. M. , Schut Frederik T. , Koolman Xander
Published: July 2007

Consumer channeling is an important element in the insurer–provider bargaining process. Health insurers can influence provider choice by offering insurance contracts with restricted provider networks. Alternatively, they can offer contracts with unrestricted access and use incentives to motivate consumers to visit preferred providers. Little is known, however, about the effectiveness of this alternative strategy of consumer channeling. Using data from two natural experiments in the Dutch pharmacy market, we examine how consumers respond to incentives used by health insurers to influence their choice of provider. We find that consumers are sensitive to rather small incentives and that temporary incentives may sort a long‐term effect on provider choice. In addition, we find that both consumer and provider characteristics determine whether consumers are willing to switch to preferred pharmacies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why we should routinely screen Asian American adults for hepatitis B
Authors: Lin Steven Y. , Chang Ellen T. , So Samuel K.
Published: July 2007

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious liver disease that, if left undiagnosed or without appropriate medical management, is associated with a 25% chance of death from cirrhosis or liver cancer. To study the demographics and prevalence of chronic HBV infection and HBV vaccination in the Asian American population, we provided free HBV serological screening and administered a survey to 3163 Asian American adult volunteers in the San Francisco Bay Area between 2001 and 2006. Of those screened, 8.9% were chronically infected with HBV. Notably, one-half to two-thirds (65.4%) of the chronically infected adults were unaware that they were infected. Of those who were not chronically infected, 44.8% lacked protective antibodies against HBV and were likely susceptible to future infection. Men were twice as likely as women to be chronically infected (12.1% versus 6.4%). Asian Americans born in East Asia, Southeast Asia, or the Pacific Islands were 19.4 times more likely to be chronically infected than those born in the United States. Self-reporting of prior vaccination was unreliable to assess protection against HBV. Among the 12% who reported having been vaccinated, 5.2% were chronically infected, and 20.3% lacked protective antibodies.

Conclusion:

Given the high prevalence of unrecognized chronic HBV infection in the Asian American population, we call for healthcare providers to routinely screen Asian adults for HBV, regardless of their vaccination status. Those who test positive should be provided with culturally appropriate information to prevent disease transmission and proper medical management to reduce their risk of liver disease. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Reversal of portal hypertension and hyperdynamic splanchnic circulation by combined vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor blockade in rats
Authors: Fernandez Mercedes , Mejias Marc , Garcia-Pras Ester , Mendez Raul , Garcia-Pagan Juan Carlos , Bosch Jaime
Published: July 2007

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) pathways are crucial to angiogenesis, a process that contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of portal hypertension. This study determined the effects of inhibition of VEGF and/or PDGF signaling on hyperdynamic splanchnic circulation and portosystemic collateralization in rats with completely established portal hypertension, thus mimicking the situation in patients. Portal vein–ligated rats were treated with rapamycin (VEGF signaling inhibitor), Gleevec (PDGF signaling inhibitor), or both simultaneously when portal hypertension was already fully developed. Hemodynamic studies were performed by transit-time flowmetry. The extent of portosystemic collaterals was measured by radioactive microspheres. The expression of angiogenesis mediators was determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Combined inhibition of VEGF and PDGF signaling significantly reduced splanchnic neovascularization (i.e., CD31 and VEGFR-2 expression) and pericyte coverage of neovessels (that is, α-smooth muscle actin and PDGFR-β expression) and translated into hemodynamic effects as marked as a 40% decrease in portal pressure, a 30% decrease in superior mesenteric artery blood flow, and a 63% increase in superior mesenteric artery resistance, yielding a significant reversal of the hemodynamic changes provoked by portal hypertension in rats. Portosystemic collateralization was reduced as well.

Conclusions:

Our results provide new insights into how angiogenesis regulates portal hypertension by demonstrating that the maintenance of increased portal pressure, hyperkinetic circulation, splanchnic neovascularization, and portosystemic collateralization is regulated by VEGF and PDGF in portal hypertensive rats. Importantly, these findings also suggest that an extended antiangiogenic strategy (that is, targeting VEGF/endothelium and PDGF/pericytes) may be a novel approach to the treatment of portal hypertension. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Effectiveness and acceptability of sertraline and citalopram in major depressive disorder: pragmatic randomized open‐label comparison
Authors: Matreja Prithpal S. , Badyal Dinesh K. , Khosla Prem , Deswal Randhir S.
Published: July 2007

Objective

Citalopram and sertraline are widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). There is no conclusive evidence to show superiority of citalopram or sertraline in terms of efficacy or tolerability. Hence this study was designed to compare short term efficacy and safety of citalopram and sertraline in major depressive disorder (MDD) in Indian patients.

Methods

In an open, randomized study, 100 patients were divided into two groups. In Group A (n = 50) patients received citalopram (20–60 mg/day) for 6 weeks. In Group B (n = 50) patients received sertraline (50–150 mg/day) for 6 weeks. Patients were evaluated at baseline and then at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks.

Results

There was significant improvement in Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS), Montgomery and Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS) and Amritsar depressive inventory (ADI) scores (p < 0.05) with both the drugs. However, the decrease in score was more with citalopram (p < 0.05). Onset of action of citalopram was earlier as compared to sertraline (p < 0.05). The number of responders and remitters was also more with citalopram (p < 0.05). No serious adverse event was reported in either of the groups.

Conclusion

Citalopram had shown better efficacy, earlier onset of action and more number of responders and remitters as compared to sertraline in MDD in Indian patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incorporating variable source area hydrology into a curve‐number‐based watershed model
Authors: Schneiderman Elliot M. , Steenhuis Tammo S. , Thongs Dominique J. , Easton Zachary M. , Zion Mark S. , Neal Andrew L. , Mendoza Guillermo F. , Todd Walter M.
Published: July 2007

Many water quality models use some form of the curve number (CN) equation developed by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS; U.S. Depart of Agriculture) to predict storm runoff from watersheds based on an infiltration‐excess response to rainfall. However, in humid, well‐vegetated areas with shallow soils, such as in the northeastern USA, the predominant runoff generating mechanism is saturation‐excess on variable source areas (VSAs). We reconceptualized the SCS–CN equation for VSAs, and incorporated it into the General Watershed Loading Function (GWLF) model. The new version of GWLF, named the Variable Source Loading Function (VSLF) model, simulates the watershed runoff response to rainfall using the standard SCS–CN equation, but spatially distributes the runoff response according to a soil wetness index. We spatially validated VSLF runoff predictions and compared VSLF to GWLF for a subwatershed of the New York City Water Supply System. The spatial distribution of runoff from VSLF is more physically realistic than the estimates from GWLF. This has important consequences for water quality modeling, and for the use of models to evaluate and guide watershed management, because correctly predicting the coincidence of runoff generation and pollutant sources is critical to simulating non‐point source (NPS) pollution transported by runoff. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical model for estimating groundwater flux from subsurface temperature profiles
Authors: Keshari Ashok K. , Koo Min‐Ho
Published: July 2007

A simple numerical model is presented for estimating vertical groundwater flux from transient subsurface temperature profiles obtained from field measurements. The model developed utilizes the MacCormack scheme, which is based on the Finite Difference Method (FDM), for solving the governing partial differential equation of convection–diffusion heat transport with appropriate initial and boundary conditions within the subsurface. In order to validate the model, numerical solutions obtained for the study area located in the Nagoka plain, Japan are compared with the published measured data and results obtained by others. Results obtained show good agreement and fit the observed data with a correlation coefficient, R2, of 0·88. The estimated groundwater flux is 1·85 × 10−7 m s−1. Sensitivity analyses were also carried out to investigate the effect of variations in groundwater fluxes, thermal properties and the annual thermal variability due to climatic changes on the transient subsurface temperature profiles and to have a better understanding of the subsurface thermal dynamics. A substantial effect of annual climatic variability is observed on the temporal distributions of temperature depth profiles, and a better estimate of thermal parameters is required to estimate vertical groundwater flux. The largest change in subsurface temperature depth profiles due to groundwater flux over a year is within ± 4 °C. The influence of groundwater flux on subsurface temperature distributions in space and time may be more pronounced in areas where the top of the saturated layer fluctuates considerably. Variation in thermal diffusivity results in temperature change up to ± 1·5% and may cause change in groundwater flux estimate by ± 18%. The model presented has merits over analytical solutions (type curve matching techniques) in terms of suitability and applicability to real field problems, and can be a good asset to hydrological models as quantifying groundwater recharge or deducing it from other quantities, such as rainfall, evapotranspiration and runoff, is often complicated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A methodology to assess the delivery of road runoff in forestry environments
Authors: Takken I. , Croke J. , Lane P.
Published: July 2007

This paper outlines a conceptual and methodological approach to evaluating the risk of road derived runoff delivery, which is based on the principle of hydrological connectivity. Three different types of runoff delivery pathways are identified (stream crossings, gullied pathways and diffuse pathways) and the volume of runoff that may reach the stream through these pathways during a one in 10 year 30 minute event is estimated. The methodology is applied to three catchments of contrasting forest use, both plantation and native. Results show that degree of connectivity of a road depends on catchment characteristics such as the topography, road placement, drain spacing and road and drainage density. Maps outlining the distribution of different delivery pathways within a catchment are used to assess the potential for runoff connectivity. In one of the selected study catchments, the Albert River, greatest potential connectivity can be isolated to a single road. The upper part of this road crosses many tributaries resulting in high connectivity via stream crossings, whereas the lower part of the road is located within the valley bottom, where the majority of drains will contribute runoff during a one in 10 year event through diffuse overland flow. The presented methodology is also used to highlight hot‐spots in terms of runoff and sediment delivery through the creation of risk assessment maps, which allows for the evaluation of different procedures for road rehabilitation. Using examples from the Albert River catchment, we demonstrate that minimizing diffuse overland flow can generally be achieved by the placement of additional road drains, whereas at highly connected road segments the relocation of the road might be the only option. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Instance‐based learning compared to other data‐driven methods in hydrological forecasting
Authors: Solomatine Dimitri P. , Maskey Mahesh , Shrestha Durga Lal
Published: July 2007

Data‐driven techniques based on machine learning algorithms are becoming popular in hydrological modelling, in particular for forecasting. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are often the first choice. The so‐called instance‐based learning (IBL) has received relatively little attention, and the present paper explores the applicability of these methods in the field of hydrological forecasting. Their performance is compared with that of ANNs, M5 model trees and conceptual hydrological models. Four short‐term flow forecasting problems were solved for two catchments. Results showed that the IBL methods often produce better results than ANNs and M5 model trees, especially if used with the Gaussian kernel function. The study showed that IBL is an effective data‐driven method that can be successfully used in hydrological forecasting. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rainfall‐runoff analysis based on competing linear impulse responses: decomposition of rainfall‐runoff processes
Authors: Yoo Chulsang , Park Jooyoung
Published: July 2007

Many recent studies have successfully used neural networks for non‐linear rainfall‐runoff modelling. Due to fundamental limitation of linear structures, approaches employing linear models have been generally considered inferior to the neural network approaches in this area. However, the authors believe that with an appropriate extension, the concept of linear impulse responses can be a viable tool since it enables one to understand underlying dynamics of rainfall‐runoff processes. In this paper, the use of competing impulse responses for rainfall‐runoff analysis is proposed. The proposed method is based on the switch over of competing linear impulse‐responses, each of which satisfies the constraints of non‐negativity and uni‐modality. The computational analyses performed for the rainfall‐runoff data in the Seolma‐Chun experimental basin, Korea showed that the proposed method can yield promising results. Considering the basin characteristics as well as the results from this study, it may be concluded that three impulse responses are enough for rainfall‐runoff analysis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of long‐term water balance in the source area of the Yellow River basin
Authors: Sato Yoshinobu , Ma Xieyao , Xu Jianqing , Matsuoka Masayuki , Zheng Hongxing , Liu Changming , Fukushima Yoshihiro
Published: July 2007

To analyse the long‐term water balance of the Yellow River basin, a new hydrological model was developed and applied to the source area of the basin. The analysis involved 41 years (1960–2000) of daily observation data from 16 meteorological stations. The model is composed of the following three sub‐models: a heat balance model, a runoff formation model and a river‐routing network model. To understand the heat and water balances more precisely, the original model was modified as follows. First, the land surface was classified into five types (bare, grassland, forest, irrigation area and water surface) using a high‐resolution land‐use map. Potential evaporation was then calculated using land‐surface temperatures estimated by the heat balance model. The maximum evapotranspiration of each land surface was calculated from potential evaporation using functions of the leaf area index (LAI). Finally, actual evapotranspiration was estimated by regulating the maximum evapotranspiration using functions of soil moisture content. The river discharge estimated by the model agreed well with the observed data in most years. However, relatively large errors, which may have been caused by the overestimation of surface flow, appeared in some summer periods. The rapid decrease of river discharge in recent years in the source area of the Yellow River basin depended primarily on the decrease in precipitation. Furthermore, the results suggested that the long‐term water balance in the source area of the Yellow River basin is influenced by land‐use changes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peat porewater chloride concentration profiles in the Everglades during wet/dry cycles from January 1996 to June 1998: field measurements and theoretical analysis
Authors: Reddy Michael M. , Reddy Micaela B. , Kipp Kenneth L. , Burman Aaron , Schuster Paul , Rawlik Jr. Peter S.
Published: July 2007

Water quality is a key aspect of the Everglades Restoration Project, the largest water reclamation and ecosystem management project proposed in the United States. Movement of nutrients and contaminants to and from Everglades peat porewater could have important consequences for Everglades water quality and ecosystem restoration activities. In a study of Everglades porewater, we observed complex, seasonally variable peat porewater chloride concentration profiles at several locations. Analyses and interpretation of these changing peat porewater chloride concentration profiles identifies processes controlling conservative solute movement at the peat–surface water interface, that is, solutes whose transport is minimally affected by chemical and biological reactions. We examine, with an advection–diffusion model, how alternating wet and dry climatic conditions in the Florida Everglades mediate movement of chloride between peat porewater and marsh surface water. Changing surface water–chloride concentrations alter gradients at the interface between peat and overlying water and hence alter chloride flux across that interface. Surface water chloride concentrations at two frequently monitored sites vary with marsh water depth, and a transfer function was developed to describe daily marsh surface water chloride concentration as a function of marsh water depth. Model results demonstrate that porewater chloride concentrations are driven by changing surface water chloride concentrations, and a sensitivity analysis suggests that inclusion of advective transport in the model improves the agreement between the calculated and the observed chloride concentration profiles. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
c‐jun‐NH2JNK mediates invasive potential and EGFR activation by regulating the expression of HB‐EGF in a urokinase‐stimulated pathway
Authors: Cáceres Mónica , Tobar Nicolás , Guerrero Javier , Smith Patricio C. , Martínez Jorge
Published: July 2007

In this study, we demonstrated that tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR and the autocrine expression of uPA and HB‐EGF depend on the activity of c‐jun amino‐terminal kinase (JNK) in human prostatic DU‐145 cells. These cells overexpress EGFR and produce a high amount of uPA. Treatment with either SP600125, a specific chemical inhibitor of JNK, or the expression of a dominant‐negative JNK form inhibited autocrine production of uPA and HB‐EGF, which block EGFR phosphorylation and mitigates invasive capacity. Our data provided evidence that in DU‐145 cells, the maintenance of the activation level of EGFR, which determines the cellular invasive potential, operates through an autocrine loop involving the JNK‐dependent production of uPA and HB‐EGF activity. Moreover, we found that exogenously added uPA stimulates autocrine production of HB‐EGF, and that blocking HB‐EGF activity curbed DU‐145 cell invasive potential. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 986–993, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for involvement of NFBP in processing of ribosomal RNA
Authors: Sweet Thersa , Yen William , Khalili Kamel , Amini Shohreh
Published: July 2007

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in vertebrates is initially transcribed as a single 47S precursor which is modified by the addition of 2′‐O‐methyl ribose moieties, pseudouridines, and methyl groups, followed by cleavage at several sites to produce the mature 28S, 18S, and 5.8S rRNAs. Cleavage of the rRNA precursor to generate the 18S rRNA is mediated by a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex termed the processome containing U3, a box C/D small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), and at least 28 cellular proteins. We previously identified a novel human RNA binding protein, NF‐κB binding protein (NFBP), which is the human homolog of Rrp5p, a protein component of the yeast U3 processome. Here, we show that NFBP colocalizes with and coprecipitates U3 in the nucleolus. We also demonstrate that NFBP is essential for the generation of 18S rRNA as maturation of the 18S rRNA is repressed in the absence of NFBP. Using Northern blot analyses, we further show that NFBP is specifically necessary for cleavages at sites A0, 1, and 2, as unprocessed intermediate forms of rRNA accumulated in the absence of NFBP. J. Cell. Physiol. 214: 381–388, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Signal transduction and cell‐type specific regulation of matrix metalloproteinase gene expression: Can MMPs be good for you?
Authors: Vincenti Matthew P. , Brinckerhoff Constance E.
Published: July 2007

An abundance of literature over the past several years indicates a growing interest in the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in normal physiology and in disease pathology. MMPs were originally defined by their ability to degrade the extracellular matrix, but it is now well documented that their substrates extend far beyond matrix components. Recent reviews discuss the structure and function of the MMP family members, as well as the promoter sequences that control gene expression. Thus, we focus on the signal transduction pathways that confer differential cell‐type expression of MMPs, as well as on some novel non‐matrix degrading functions of MMPs, particularly their intracellular location where they may contribute to apoptosis. In addition, increasing data implicate MMPs as “good guys”, protective agents in some cancers and in helping to resolve acute pathologic conditions. Despite the intricate and complicated roles of MMPs in physiology and pathology, the goal of designing therapeutics that can selectively target MMPs remains a major focus. Developing MMP inhibitors with targeted specificity will be difficult; success will depend on understanding the role of these enzymes in homeostasis and on the careful delineation of mechanisms by which this family of enzymes mediates disease pathology. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 355–364, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tissue stretch decreases soluble TGF‐β1 and type‐1 procollagen in mouse subcutaneous connective tissue: Evidence from ex vivo and in vivo models
Authors: Bouffard Nicole A. , Cutroneo Kenneth R. , Badger Gary J. , White Sheryl L. , Buttolph Thomas R. , Ehrlich H. Paul , Stevens‐Tuttle Debbie , Langevin Helene M.
Published: July 2007

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) plays a key role in connective tissue remodeling, scarring, and fibrosis. The effects of mechanical forces on TGF‐β1 and collagen deposition are not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that brief (10 min) static tissue stretch attenuates TGF‐β1‐mediated new collagen deposition in response to injury. We used two different models: (1) an ex vivo model in which excised mouse subcutaneous tissue (N = 44 animals) was kept in organ culture for 4 days and either stretched (20% strain for 10 min 1 day after excision) or not stretched; culture media was assayed by ELISA for TGF‐β1; (2) an in vivo model in which mice (N = 22 animals) underwent unilateral subcutaneous microsurgical injury on the back, then were randomized to stretch (20–30% strain for 10 min twice a day for 7 days) or no stretch; subcutaneous tissues of the back were immunohistochemically stained for Type‐1 procollagen. In the ex vivo model, TGF‐β1 protein was lower in stretched versus non‐stretched tissue (repeated measures ANOVA, P < 0.01). In the in vivo model, microinjury resulted in a significant increase in Type‐1 procollagen in the absence of stretch (P < 0.001), but not in the presence of stretch (P = 0.21). Thus, brief tissue stretch attenuated the increase in both soluble TGF‐β1 (ex vivo) and Type‐1 procollagen (in vivo) following tissue injury. These results have potential relevance to the mechanisms of treatments applying brief mechanical stretch to tissues (e.g., physical therapy, respiratory therapy, mechanical ventilation, massage, yoga, acupuncture). J. Cell. Physiol. 214: 389–395, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multipotential human adipose‐derived stromal stem cells exhibit a perivascular phenotype in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zannettino A.C.W. , Paton S. , Arthur A. , Khor F. , Itescu S. , Gimble J.M. , Gronthos S.
Published: July 2007

Mesenchymal stem‐like cells identified in different tissues reside in a perivascular niche. In the present study, we investigated the putative niche of adipose‐derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) using markers, associated with mesenchymal and perivascular cells, including STRO‐1, CD146, and 3G5. Immunofluorescence staining of human adipose tissue sections, revealed that STRO‐1 and 3G5 co‐localized with CD146 to the perivascular regions of blood vessels. FACS was used to determine the capacity of the CD146, 3G5, and STRO‐1 specific monoclonal antibodies to isolate clonogenic ASCs from disassociated human adipose tissue. Clonogenic fibroblastic colonies (CFU‐F) were found to be enriched in those cell fractions selected with either STRO‐1, CD146, or 3G5. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that cultured ASCs exhibited similar phenotypic profiles in relation to their expression of cell surface markers associated with stromal cells (CD44, CD90, CD105, CD106, CD146, CD166, STRO‐1, alkaline phosphatase), endothelial cells (CD31, CD105, CD106, CD146, CD166), haematopoietic cells (CD14, CD31, CD45), and perivascular cells (3G5, STRO‐1, CD146). The immunoselected ASCs populations maintained their characteristic multipotential properties as shown by their capacity to form Alizarin Red positive mineralized deposits, Oil Red O positive lipid droplets, and Alcian Blue positive proteoglycan‐rich matrix in vitro. Furthermore, ASCs cultures established from either STRO‐1, 3G5, or CD146 selected cell populations, were all capable of forming ectopic bone when transplanted subcutaneously into NOD/SCID mice. The findings presented here, describe a multipotential stem cell population within adult human adipose tissue, which appear to be intimately associated with perivascular cells surrounding the blood vessels. J. Cell. Physiol. 214: 413–421, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Involvement of PI3K in HCV‐related lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: Alisi Anna , Giannini Carlo , Spaziani Alessandra , Caini Patrizio , Zignego Anna L. , Balsano Clara
Published: July 2007

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein has been shown to deregulate cell growth and programmed cell death in hepatoma cells, but only minimal informations are available about its possible role on B‐lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs). The aim of our work was to analyze the biological activity of HCV core protein on B‐cell proliferation. We established Wil2‐ns and Ramos B‐cell lines that stably expressed the HCV core protein. Growth curve, thymidine incorporation analysis, as well as the expression of PCNA and activated‐ERKs demonstrated that HCV core protein induced an increased growth in both cell lines. Interestingly, the HCV core protein expression determined, in our model, a downregulation of DNp73 and an upregulation of DNp63, which was essential for the maintenance of viral‐dependent effects on cell growth. Finally, we have identified phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) as mediator of HCV core‐dependent transcriptional increase of DNp63, which in turn correlated with the increasing of lymphocyte proliferation. In primary B‐lymphocytes, derived from HCV‐related low‐grade non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma patients, consistent results were obtained. These findings provide evidence for a possible pathogenetic role played by HCV core protein in HCV‐related lymphomagenesis; it could occur through the deregulation of PI3K activity, consequent activation of Akt and overexpression of DNp63. J. Cell. Physiol. 214: 396–404, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integrin cytoplasmic domain‐associated protein‐1 (ICAP‐1) promotes migration of myoblasts and affects focal adhesions
Authors: Alvarez Belén , Stroeken Peter J.M. , Edel Michael J. , Roos Ed
Published: July 2007

Integrin Cytoplasmic domain‐Associated Protein‐1 (ICAP‐1) binds specifically to the β1 integrin subunit cytoplasmic domain. We observed that RNAi‐induced knockdown of ICAP‐1 reduced migration of C2C12 myoblasts on the β1 integrin ligand laminin and that overexpression of ICAP‐1 increased this migration. In contrast, migration on the β3 integrin ligand vitronectin was not affected. ICAP‐1 knockdown also greatly diminished migration of microvascular endothelial cells on collagen. The number of central focal adhesions in C2C12 cells on laminin was reduced by ICAP‐1 knockdown and increased by ICAP‐1 overexpression. Previously, we demonstrated that ICAP‐1 binds to the ROCK‐I kinase and translocates ROCK‐I to the plasma membrane. We show here that the ROCK kinase inhibitor Y27362 reduces migration on laminin and causes a loss of central focal adhesions, similarly as ICAP‐1 knockdown. ICAP‐1 and ROCK were co‐immune‐precipitated from C2C12 cells, and in cells that overexpressed ICAP‐1, YFP‐ROCK was translocated to membrane ruffles. These results indicate that ICAP‐1 regulates β1 integrin‐dependent cell migration by affecting the pattern of focal adhesion formation. This is likely due to ICAP‐1‐induced translocation of ROCK to β1 integrin attachment sites. J. Cell. Physiol. 214: 474–482, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dominant‐negative effects of episodic ataxia type 2 mutations involve disruption of membrane trafficking of human P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels
Authors: Jeng Chung‐Jiuan , Sun Min‐Chen , Chen Yi‐Wen , Tang Chih‐Yung
Published: July 2007

Episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) is an autosomal dominant neurological disorder associated with mutations in the gene encoding pore‐forming α1A subunits of human P/Q‐type calcium (CaV2.1) channels. The exact mechanism of how mutant channels cause such clinical EA2 features as cerebellar dysfunctions, however, remains unclear. Our previous functional studies in Xenopus oocytes support the idea that EA2 mutants may exert prominent dominant‐negative effects on wild‐type CaV2.1 channels. To further pursue the mechanism underlying this dominant‐negative effect, we examined the effects of EA2 mutants on the subcellular localization pattern of GFP‐tagged wild‐type CaV2.1 channels in HEK293T cells. In the presence of EA2 mutants, wild‐type channels displayed a significant deficiency in membrane targeting and a concurrent increase in cytoplasm retention. Moreover, the cytoplasmic fraction of wild‐type channels co‐localized with an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) marker, suggesting that a significant amount of wild‐type CaV2.1 channels was trapped in the ER. This EA2 mutant‐induced ER retention pattern was reversed by lowering the cell incubation temperature from 37 to 27°C. We also inspected the effects of untagged EA2 mutants on the functional expression of GFP‐tagged wild‐type CaV2.1 channels in HEK293T cells. Whole‐cell current density of wild‐type channels was diminished in the presence of EA2 mutants, which was also reversed by 27°C incubation. Finally, biochemical analyses indicated that EA2 mutants did not significantly affect the protein expression level of wild‐type channels. Taken together, our data suggest that EA2 mutants induce significant ER retention of their wild‐type counterparts, thereby suppressing the functional expression of CaV2.1 channels. J. Cell. Physiol. 214: 422–433, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bioinformatics
Authors: Moore Jason H.
Published: July 2007

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that blends computer science and biostatistics with biological and biomedical sciences such as biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, genomics, and physiology. An important goal of bioinformatics is to facilitate the management, analysis, and interpretation of data from biological experiments and observational studies. The goal of this review is to introduce some of the important concepts in bioinformatics that must be considered when planning and executing a modern biological research study. We review database resources as well as data mining software tools. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 365–369, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spindle orientation in animal cell mitosis: Roles of integrin in the control of spindle axis
Authors: Toyoshima Fumiko , Nishida Eisuke
Published: July 2007

The orientation of mitotic spindles, which determines the plane of cell division, is tightly regulated in polarized cells such as epithelial cells, but it has been unclear whether there is a mechanism regulating spindle orientation in non‐polarized cultured cells. In adherent cultured cells, spindles are positioned at the center of the cells and the axis of the spindle lies in the longest axis of the cell. Thus, cell geometry is thought to be one of cues for spindle orientation and positioning in cultured cells because this defines the center and the long axis of the cell. Recent work provides a new insight into the spindle orientation in cultured cells; spindles are aligned along the axis parallel to the cell‐substrate adhesion plane. Concomitantly, integrin‐mediated cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM), rather than gravitation, cell–cell adhesion or cell geometry, has shown to be essential for this mechanism of spindle orientation. Several independent lines of evidence confirm the involvement of cell‐ECM adhesion in spindle orientation in both cultured cells and in developing organisms. The important future challenge is to identify a molecular mechanism(s) that links integrin and spindles in the control of spindle axis. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 407–411, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gαq negatively regulates the Wnt‐β‐catenin pathway and dorsal embryonicXenopus laevisdevelopment
Authors: Soto Ximena , Mayor Roberto , Torrejón Marcela , Montecino Martín , Hinrichs María Victoria , Olate Juan
Published: July 2007

The non‐canonical Wnt/Ca2+signaling pathway has been implicated in the regulation of axis formation and gastrulation movements during earlyXenopus laevisembryo development, by antagonizing the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin dorsalizing pathway and specifying ventral cell fate. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in this antagonist crosstalk are not known. Since Gαq is the main regulator of Ca2+signaling in vertebrates and from this perspective probably involved in the events elicited by the non‐canonical Wnt/Ca2+pathway, we decided to study the effect of wild‐typeXenopusGq (xGαq) in dorso‐ventral axis embryo patterning. Overexpression of xGαq or its endogenous activation at the dorsal animal region ofXenopusembryo both induced a strong ventralized phenotype and inhibited the expression of dorsal‐specific mesoderm markersgoosecoidandchordin. Dorsal expression of an xGαq dominant‐negative mutant reverted the xGαq‐induced ventralized phenotype. Finally, we observed that the Wnt8‐induced secondary axis formation is reverted by endogenous xGαq activation, indicating that it is negatively regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 214: 483–490, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A study of a microbial fuel cell battery using manure sludge waste
Authors: Scott Keith , Murano Cassandro
Published: July 2007

The cell voltage and power performance of a microbial fuel cell utilising waste carbohydrate as a fuel, that does not use a mediator, catalysts or a proton exchange membrane, is reported. Tests were conducted with the cell operated essentially as a battery using manure sludge as fuel and with oxygen reduction in an aqueous solution. Using carbon cloth as both anode and cathode, the cell produced peak power of the order of 5 mW m−2. The cell performance was not greatly influenced by the quantity of fuel used and required a suitable separation between the cathode, anode and sludge/water interface. Agitation of the sludge did not adversely affect the cell performance, indicating that a continuous fuel cell system could be operated using the manure sludge. Using a platinised carbon cathode doubled the power density to over 10 mW m−2. The use of nickel as an alternative cathode catalyst was not found to be effective under the conditions of operation of the cell. The cell power performance was found to be consistent and stable over the 3 month duration of the tests, after which point over 95% consumption of carbohydrate was achieved. Examination of the carbon anodes after the tests showed consistent formation of a biofilm on the surface of the fibres. A cell stack design based on multiple pocket anodes containing the fuel sludge has also been demonstrated. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Water eutrophication in China and the combating strategies
Authors: Liu Wei , Qiu Rongliang
Published: July 2007

This paper reviews the current eutrophication status of China's lakes. Details of the most eutrophic ‘Three Lakes’, i.e. Dianchi Lake, Taihu Lake and Chaohu Lake, are given. Based on an explanation of its causes, policies and technologies currently in practice in addition to research towards combating the eutrophication are illustrated using some specific cases. Finally, some management issues and long‐term combating strategies are discussed. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Nation, demographic, and attitudinal boundary conditions on leader social rewards and punishments in local governments
Authors: Peng T. K. , Peterson Mark F.
Published: July 2007

Boundary conditions on the relationships of contingent rewards and noncontingent punishments with evaluated performance and satisfaction are sought for supervisory and professional staff in local governments in the United States and Japan. Subgroup differences in tolerance for noncontingent punishment are reflected in mean differences in its use between nations (more reported in Japan), genders (less reported by women), and regions of the United States. The effects of noncontingent punishment on outcomes were not found for U.S. police sergeants. Evidence for a national contingency is reflected in the finding that the relationship of noncontingent punishments (but not contingent rewards) with cooperation, individual effectiveness, and satisfaction was stronger in the United States than in Japan. The study adds caution to the culture‐free and contingency‐free application of the theory of performance‐contingent rewards and punishments. Implications for the theory of social rewards and punishments and for the contingencies and criteria considered in leadership research, particularly cross‐cultural leadership research, are addressed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation of methane Raman ν1 band position with fluid density and interactions at the molecular level
Authors: Lin Fang , Sum Amadeu K. , Bodnar Robert J.
Published: July 2007

The CH4 Raman ν1 symmetric stretching band position was measured at various temperatures and pressures over the range 1–600 bars and 0.3–22 °C. The ν1 symmetric stretching band shifts to lower wavenumbers with increasing pressure and/or decreasing temperature, and shows a systematic correlation with density over this same range. Ab initio calculations (MP2/aug‐cc‐pVTZ) show that the changes in peak shape and position reflect fundamental distortion of the methane structure as the density increases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composition of proteins in wheat grain streams obtained by sieve classification
Authors: Konopka Iwona , Fornal Łucja , Dziuba Marta , Czaplicki Sylwester , Nałȩcz Dorota
Published: July 2007

Sieve classification was used to prepare grain streams of distinct protein content and composition. Both reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography and two‐dimensional electrophoresis revealed differences in protein composition between large (F1), medium (F2–F3), and small (F4) kernel fractions of three Polish cultivars: Sukces and Tonacja (winter wheats) and Nawra (spring wheat). Statistical analysis indicated that grain protein composition is affected by the cultivar and kernel size, as well as by interaction of these traits. The albumin/globulin and glutenin fractions showed a tendency to decrease with diminishing kernel size. The gliadin content was affected to a greater extent by the kernel size than by the wheat genotype. The highest content of gliadins was observed in the smallest and the largest kernel fractions. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Low‐field NMR: A tool for studying protein aggregation
Authors: Indrawati Linda , Stroshine Richard L , Narsimhan Ganesan
Published: July 2007

Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin–spin relaxation (T2) measurements were used to study the denaturation and aggregation of β‐lactoglobulin (β‐LG) solutions of varying concentrations (1–80 g L−1) as they were heated at temperatures ranging from ambient up to 90 °C. For concentrations of 1–10 g L−1, the T2 of β‐LG solutions did not change, even after heating to 90 °C. A decrease in T2 was only observed when solutions having higher concentrations (20–80 g L−1) were heated. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and fluorescence tests using the dye 1‐anilino‐8‐naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) on 0.2 and 1 g L−1 solutions, respectively, indicated there were changes in the protein's secondary and tertiary conformations when the β‐LG solutions reached 70 °C and above. In addition, dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed that protein aggregation occurred only at concentrations above 10 g L−1 and for heating at 70 °C and above. The hydrodynamic radius increased as T2 decreased. When excess 2‐mercaptoethanol was added, the changes in both T2 and the hydrodynamic radius followed the same trend for all β‐LG protein concentrations between 1 and 40 g L−1. These observations led to the conclusion that the changes in T2 were due to protein aggregation, not protein unfolding. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Moisture profile determination in urea prill. I
Authors: Barneto Agustin García , Carmona J Ariza
Published: July 2007

Using Karl Fischer titration, the moisture profile along the radius in urea prill was determined. Having verified that during dissolution in methanol the urea grains diminish in radius linearly with time, it was possible to calculate that the layer with the highest water content is at a depth of one‐third of the radius. The moisture profile is linear, with the central moisture content equal to four times the global moisture content of the grain. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of vision systems, black and white, colored and visual digitalization, in natural cork stopper quality estimation
Authors: Costa Augusta , Pereira Helena
Published: July 2007

Quality classification of wine natural cork stoppers is related to presence of discontinuities in the cork tissue. Automated image analysis of stoppers based on black and white cameras is used industrially for commercial classification but recently color has been introduced in image processing. This paper compares the performance of three image vision systems regarding classification accuracy of cork stoppers of good, medium and inferior quality: black and white, three‐band RGB color and manual detection by digitalization in color image. A canonical discriminant analysis approach was used to compare the discriminating power between cork stopper quality in each vision system. Good discriminant results were obtained with the area of pores expressed either in total or as ratio, mean or maximum value. The use of color slightly enlarges the range of cork inspection systems and automated systems have a similar accuracy of classification to visual inspection. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry