bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toll‐like receptor engagement stimulates anti‐snRNP autoreactive B cells for activation
Authors: Ding Chuanlin , Wang Li , AL‐Ghawi Hayma , Marroquin Jose , Mamula Mark , Yan Jun
Published: June 2006

Autoreactive B cells are the source of pathogenic autoantibodies (autoAb) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Previous studies have demonstrated that anti‐small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNP) B cells from normal background mice tolerize T cells in the periphery and do not secrete autoAb. In this study, we examined whether these anti‐snRNP B cells can be activated for autoAb production by the engagement of Toll‐like receptors (TLR). Anti‐snRNP B cells proliferated vigorously and secreted abundant anti‐snRNP autoAb upon exposure to CpG or polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid [poly (I:C)] in vitro. In addition, the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 were up‐regulated. While both anti‐snRNP B cells and wild‐type B cells produced similar levels of IL‐6 and IL‐10, anti‐snRNP B cells secreted predominately IFN‐γ in response to CpG or poly (I:C) stimulation. Furthermore, we showed that in vivo engagement of TLR stimulated immature anti‐snRNP B cells to further differentiate and produce autoAb and form germinal centers. The activated anti‐snRNP B cells became expanded and migrated into the T‐B cell interface. Moreover, TLR engagement directly or indirectly activated autoreactive B cells via a CD4 T cell‐independent manner. These results provide in vitro and in vivo evidence that BCR/TLR co‐engagement promotes the activation of anti‐snRNP B cells for autoAb production.
Early type I interferon‐mediated signals on B cells specifically enhance antiviral humoral responses
Authors: Fink Katja , Lang Karl S. , Manjarrez‐Orduno Nataly , Junt Tobias , Senn Beatrice M. , Holdener Martin , Akira Shizuo , Zinkernagel Rolf M. , Hengartner Hans
Published: June 2006

Type I interferons (IFN‐I) limit viral spread by inducing antiviral genes in infected target cells and by shaping the adaptive response through induction of additional cytokines. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) efficiently triggers the production of IFN‐I in mice, and it is suggested that IFN‐α is induced after binding of VSV to TLR7 in infected cells. Our study with virus‐specific B cell receptor‐transgenic mice demonstrates here that IFN‐I directly fuel early humoral immune responses in vivo. VSV‐specific B cells that lacked IFN‐α/β receptors were considerably impaired in plasma cell formation and in generating antiviral IgM. At low viral titers, production of IFN‐α following VSV infection was independent of TLR7‐mediated signals. Interestingly, however, TLR7 ligation in B cells increased the formation of early antiviral IgM. These findings indicate that IFN‐α‐mediated augmentation of specific B cell responses is a partially TLR7‐ and virus dose‐dependent mechanism.
New Domino Silyl Enol Ether Reactions in the Synthesis of a Tetrodecamycin Fragment
Authors: He Jing , Tchabanenko Kirill , Adlington Robert M. , Cowley Andrew R. , Baldwin Jack E.
Published: June 2006

On heating in toluene at 180 °C for four days the TMS enol ether 7 underwent a domino acid catalysed rearrangement, Diels–Alder cycloaddition and further rearrangement to give the bicyclic TMS enol ether 17, which was converted into a tetrodecamycin precursor 3 in three synthetic steps. Further, monocyclic silyl enol ethers were consecutively treated with mCPBA and bromine to give syn α‐hydroxy α′‐bromo ketones in a one‐pot reaction sequence. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
A Formal Total Synthesis of Salvadione
Authors: Maier Martin E. , Bayer Alexander
Published: June 2006

The tricyclic 6‐7‐6 core structure of the triterpene salvadione (1) was obtained in an efficient manner from the aryl bromide 16 and the alkyl iodide 35 carrying a methylenecyclohexane group at the terminus. Alkylation of the anion derived from 16 with the iodide 35 gave the tethered system 36. This compound was converted into the allylic bromide 40. Finally, a Lewis acid mediated intramolecular Friedel–Crafts alkylation furnished the target structure 13 in good overall yield. The synthesis of tricyclic compound 13 represents a formal total synthesis of salvadione (1). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Interdigitated Conductometric Immunosensor for Determination of Interleukin‐6 in Humans Based on Dendrimer G4 and Colloidal Gold Modified Composite Film
Authors: Liang Kezhong , Mu Weijun , Huang Meiying , Yu Zhongxue , Lai Qingke
Published: June 2006

A highly sensitive, fast and stable conductometric immunosensor for determination of interleukin‐6 (IL6) in humans is developed by encapsulation of horseradish peroxidase‐labeled interleukin‐6 antibody (HRP‐anti‐IL6) in poly(amidoamine) fourth‐generation dendrimer (dendrimer) and colloidal gold (nanogold) modified composite architecture. The presences of nanogold and dendrimer provided a congenial microenvironment for the immobilized biomolecules and decreased the electron transfer impedance, leading to a direct electrochemical behavior of the immobilized HRP. The formation of the antibody‐antigen complex by a simple one‐step immunoreaction between the immobilized HRP‐anti‐IL6 and IL6 in sample solution introduced a barrier of direct electrical communication between the immobilized HRP and the gold electrode surface, thus local conductivity variations could be detected by the HRP electrocatalytic reaction in 0.02 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0) containing 50 μM H2O2, 0.01 M KI and 0.15 M NaC1. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a good conductometric response to IL6 in a linear range from 30 to 300 pg/mL with a relatively low detection limit of 10 pg/mL at 3δ. The precision and reproducibility are acceptable with the intra‐assay CV of 7.3% and 5.6% at 100 and 200 pg/mL IL6, respectively. The storage stability of the proposed immunosensor is acceptable in a pH 7.0 PBS at 4 °C for 8 days. Importantly, the proposed methodology could be extended to the detection of other antigens or biocompounds.
Electrochemical Studies of Oxidation of Lomefloxacin and Interaction with Calf Thymus DNA at Nano‐SnO2/DHP Modified Electrode
Authors: Zhang Yuzhong , Cai Yuejuan , Su Shao , Ni Yonghong
Published: June 2006

A nanoparticle thin film modified electrode has been constructed using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) coated with a nano‐tin oxide/dihexadecylphosphate (nano‐SnO2/DHP). In pH 6.0 phosphate buffer solutions (PBS), lomefloxacin (LMF) appeared as an anodic peak with peak potential of 1.35 V at nano‐SnO2/DHP modified electrode. In comparison with a bare GCE or a nano‐SnO2 modified electrode, the nano‐SnO2/DHP modified electrode exhibited an enhanced effectiveness for the oxidation of LMF. Cyclic voltammetry (CVs) coupled with fluorescence and UV/vis absorbance spectra techniques were used to study the interaction of LMF with Calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) in phosphate buffer solutions (PBS). The interaction of LMF and ctDNA could result in a considerable decrease in the peak currents and positive shift in the peak potential, as well as changes of fluorescence, UV/vis adsorption spectra and gel electrophoresis. All the acquired data showed that the new adduct between LMF and ctDNA was formed. Electrochemistry coupled with spectroscopy techniques could provide a relatively easy way to obtain useful information about the molecular mechanism of LMF‐ctDNA interactions.
A new approach for the removal of protein impurities from purified biologicals using combinatorial solid‐phase ligand libraries
Authors: Fortis Frederic , Guerrier Luc , Righetti Pier Giorgio , Antonioli Paolo , Boschetti Egisto
Published: June 2006

The removal of last impurity traces from a purified protein is generally called polishing. It is an important step in downstream processing since protein impurities may generate undesirable side effects when the preparation is intended for research, diagnostic and more importantly therapeutic applications. Polishing is generally achieved by using orthogonal separation methods to previous steps, the most common being gel permeation chromatography. In spite of its polishing effectiveness, this technique suffers from a poor separation capacity and modest productivity as a result of low speed. Other approaches, for instance, based on anion exchange or on hydrophobic chromatography, that may be optimized for a given process cannot be used as generic methods. This document reports for the first time the use of a combinatorial solid‐phase peptide library as a general method for the removal of impurity traces. Several examples of impurity trace removal are reported; starting material is either a pure protein spiked with serum proteins or with Escherichia coli extracts or current purified proteins still containing a small percentage of impurities. Among polished proteins are recombinant human albumin expressed in Pichia pastoris and human transferrin purified from whole plasma. This new method is used in neutral or even physiological pH and ionic strength conditions, with a remarkable capability to remove impurities. The process is as rapid as current adsorption chromatography procedures usable for the removal of a large number of protein impurities, with each one present in small amounts, such as host cell proteins.
Studying protein‐drug interaction by microfluidic chip affinity capillary electrophoresis with indirect laser‐induced fluorescence detection
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Liu Xin , Liang Aiye , Shen Zheng , Zhang Yu , Dai Zhongpeng , Xiong Bohui , Lin Bingcheng
Published: June 2006

We developed a microfluidic chip‐affinity CE method based on indirect LIF detection to study protein‐drug interactions. The interaction between heparin and BSA was quantitatively studied, as a model system. In our method, sodium fluorescein was chosen as background, and redistilled water as marker to monitor EOF. The electrophoretic mobility changes of BSA were measured, with various concentrations of heparin added to the running buffer. Each run was completed within 80 s. The binding constant was determined to be (1.24 ± 0.05)×103 M−1, which was in good agreement with that reported in the literature.
Bioanalysis in structured microfluidic systems
Authors: Ros Alexandra , Hellmich Wibke , Regtmeier Jan , Duong Thanh Tu , Anselmetti Dario
Published: June 2006

Microfluidic and lab‐on‐a‐chip devices have attracted widespread interest in separation sciences and bioanalysis. Recent designs in microfluidic devices extend common separation concepts by exploiting new phenomena for molecular dynamics on a length scale of 10 μm and below, giving rise to novel manipulation tools and nonintuitive phenomena for microseparations. Here, we focus on three very recent developments for bioseparations based on tailored microfluidic systems: Single cell navigation, trapping and steering with subsequent on‐chip lysis, protein separation and LIF detection (Section 3.1), then we report dielectrophoretic trapping and separation of large DNA fragments in structured microfluidic devices (Section 3.2). Finally, a paradoxial migration phenomenon based on thermal fluctuations, periodically arranged microchannels and a biased alternating current electric field is presented in Section 3.3.
Capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry, an attractive tool for drug bioanalysis and biomarker discovery
Authors: Servais Anne‐Catherine , Crommen Jacques , Fillet Marianne
Published: June 2006

The coupling of CE with MS detection, a relatively recent hyphenated technique, has gained increasing respect in the field of bioanalytical applications over the past few years. The first part of this review presents CE‐MS applications dealing with drug bioanalysis, including forensic analysis and metabolism studies. Practical considerations to achieve a robust and sensitive CE‐MS coupling are also presented. It is indeed essential to strictly control some critical electrospray parameters, such as the sheath liquid composition and flow rate, the nebulizing gas pressure as well as the capillary outlet position. The second part of the review critically describes the applications of CE coupled on‐line to MS for the identification of biomarkers in body fluids for diagnostic purposes. Since the sample preparation procedures strongly differ according to the intended use (drug bioanalysis or biomarker discovery), they are discussed separately, taking into account the particular properties of plasma and urine matrices.
Glycosylation patterns of human chorionic gonadotropin revealed by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and bioinformatics
Authors: Toll Hansjörg , Berger Peter , Hofmann Andreas , Hildebrandt Andreas , Oberacher Herbert , Lenhof Hans Peter , Huber Christian G.
Published: June 2006

Due to their extensive structural heterogeneity, the elucidation of glycosylation patterns in glycoproteins such as the subunits of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), hCG‐α, and hCG‐β, remains one of the most challenging problems in the proteomic analysis of post‐translational modifications. In consequence, glycosylation is usually studied after decomposition of the intact proteins to the proteolytic peptide level. However, by this approach all information about the combination of the different glycopeptides in the intact protein is lost. In this study we have, therefore, attempted to combine the results of glycan identification after tryptic digestion with molecular mass measurements on the native starting material of the new first WHO Reference Reagents (RR) for hCG‐α (99/720) and hCG‐β (99/650). Despite the extremely high number of possible combinations of the glycans identified in the tryptic peptides by HPLC‐MS (>1000 for hCG‐α and >10 000 for hCG‐β), the mass spectra of intact hCG‐α and hCG‐β revealed only a limited number of glycoforms present in hCG preparations from pools of pregnancy urines. Peak annotations for hCG‐α were performed with the help of a bioinformatic algorithm that generated a database containing all possible modifications of the proteins, including modifications possibly introduced during sample preparation such as oxidation or truncation, for subsequent searches for combinations fitting the mass difference between the polypeptide backbone and the measured molecular masses. Fourteen different glycoforms of hCG‐α, containing biantennary, partly sialylized hybrid‐type glycans, including methionine‐oxidized and N‐terminally truncated forms, were identified. Mass spectra of high quality were also obtained for hCG‐β, however, a database search mass accuracy of ±5 Da was insufficient to unambiguously assign the possible combinations of post‐translational modifications. In summary, mass spectrometric fingerprints of intact molecules were shown to be highly useful for the characterization of glycosylation patterns of different hCG preparations such as the new first WHO RR for immunoassays and could be the first step in establishing biophysical reference methods for hCG and related molecules.
Glycoform characterization of erythropoietin combining glycan and intact protein analysis by capillary electrophoresis – electrospray – time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Balaguer Elvira , Demelbauer Uwe , Pelzing Matthias , Sanz‐Nebot Victoria , Barbosa José , Neusüß Christian
Published: June 2006

Glycosylation of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is a post‐translational process that alters biological activity, solubility and lifetime of the glycoprotein in blood, and strongly depends on the type of cell and the cell culture conditions. A fast and simple method providing extensive carbohydrate information about the glycans present in rHuEPO and other glycoproteins is needed in order to improve current methods in drug development or product quality control. Here, an improved method for intact rHuEPO glycoform characterization by CZE‐ESI‐TOF MS has been developed using a novel capillary coating and compared to a previous study. Both methods allow a fast separation in combination with accurate mass characterization of the single protein isoforms. The novel dynamic coating provides a separation at an EOF close to zero, enabling better separation. This results in an improved mass spectrometric resolution and the detection of minor isoforms. In order to assign an unequivocal carbohydrate composition to every intact glycoform, a CZE‐ESI‐MS separation method for enzymatically released underivatized N‐glycans has been developed. The TOF MS allows the correct identification of the glycans due to its high mass accuracy and resolution. Therefore, glycan modifications such as acetylation, oxidation, sulfation and even the exchange of OH by NH2 are successfully characterized. Information of the protein‐backbone molecular mass has been combined with results from peptide analysis (revealing information about O‐glycosylation) and from the glycan analysis, including the detection of as yet undescribed glycans containing four antennae and five sialic acids. This allows an unequivocal assignment of an overall glycosylation composition to the molecular masses obtained for the intact rHuEPO glycoforms.
Dating of erosion surface and terraces in the eastern Qilian Shan, northwest China
Authors: Pan Baotian , Gao Hongshan , Wu Guangjian , Li Jijun , Li Bingyuan , Ye Yuguang
Published: June 2006

The actively deformed foreland of eastern Qilian Shan (mountains) contains well‐preserved geomorphic features such as erosion surfaces, river terraces and tectonically uplifted alluvial fans, providing suitable archives for research on regional tectonic activities and palaeoclimatic changes. These geomorphic surfaces are well dated by using a combination of magnetostratigraphy, electron spin resonance, thermoluminescence, infra‐red stimulated luminescence, radiocarbon dating, and correlation with the well‐established loess–palaeosol sequences of China. Our results show that the erosion surface formed about 1·4 Ma ago, and the age of river terraces is 1·24 Ma, 820–860 ka, 780 ka, 420–440 ka, 230–250 ka, 140 ka, 60 ka and 10 ka, respectively. Valley incision rates of c. 0·09–0·25 m ka−1 have been identified. The repetitive stratigraphic and geomorphic pattern of these terraces indicates the fluvial sedimentation–incision cycles are tightly associated with the 100‐ka glacial–interglacial climatic cycles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rat choroid plexuses contain myeloid progenitors capable of differentiation toward macrophage or dendritic cell phenotypes
Authors: Nataf Serge , Strazielle Nathalie , Hatterer Eric , Mouchiroud Guy , Belin Marie‐Françoise , Ghersi‐Egea Jean‐François
Published: June 2006

The interface between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is formed by the choroid plexuses (CPs), which are specialized structures located within the brain ventricles. They are composed of a vascularized stroma surrounded by a tight epithelium that controls molecular and cellular traffic between the blood and the CSF. Cells expressing myeloid markers are present within the choroidal stroma. However, the exact identity, maturation state, and functions of these CP‐associated myeloid cells are not fully clarified. We show here that this cell population contains immature myeloid progenitors displaying a high proliferative potential. Thus, in neonate rats and, to a lesser extent, in adult rats, cultured CP stroma cells form large colonies of macrophages, in response to M‐CSF or GM‐CSF, while, under the same conditions, peripheral blood monocytes do not. In addition, under GM‐CSF treatment, free‐floating colonies of CD11c+ monocytic cells are generated which, when restimulated with GM‐CSF and IL‐4, differentiate into OX62+/MHC class II+ dendritic cells. Interestingly, in CP stroma cultures, myeloid cells are found in close association with fibroblastic‐like cells expressing the neural stem‐cell marker nestin. Similarly, in the developing brain, macrophages and nestin+ fibroblastic cells accumulate in vivo within the choroidal stroma. Taken together, these results suggest that the CP stroma represents a niche for myeloid progenitors and may serve as a reservoir for brain macrophages. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different expression of synemin isoforms in glia and neurons during nervous system development
Authors: Izmiryan A. , Cheraud Y. , Khanamiryan L. , Leterrier J. F. , Federici T. , Peltekian E. , Moura‐Neto V. , Paulin D. , Li Z. , Xue Z. G.
Published: June 2006

The synemin gene encodes proteins belonging to the intermediate filament family. These proteins confer resistance to mechanical stress and modulate cell shape. Three synemin isoforms, of 180 (H), 150 (M) and 41 (L) kDa, are produced by alternative splicing of the pre‐mRNA and are regulated differently during development. The three isoforms differ in their C‐terminal tail domains, while their IF rod domains are identical. Synemins H/M occurred together with nestin and vimentin in glial progenitors during the early differentiation of the developing mouse central nervous system. They are later found in GFAP‐labeled cells. In contrast, the L isoform appeared only in neurons, together with neurofilaments and βIII‐tubulin in the brain after birth. However, synemin L appeared from E13 in the peripheral nervous system, where it was confined to the neurons of spinal ganglia. In the meantime, the synemin H/M isoforms were found in both the neurons and Schwann cells of the sensorial ganglia from E11. Tissue fractionation and purification of IFs from adult mouse spinal cord revealed that the synemin L isoform binds to neurofilaments associated with the membrane compartment. This report describes the synthesis of the three synemin isoforms by selective cell types, and their temporal and spatial distributions. Mechanisms specific to neurons and glia probably control the splicing of the common synemin mRNA and the synthesis of each synemin isoform. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Water saving irrigation in China
Authors: Li Yuanhua
Published: June 2006

Per capita freshwater availability in China is among the lowest in the world and increasingly in short supply. Less water will be available for irrigation, which consumes the largest amount of fresh water because of the rapidly increased demands for fresh water for industrial and domestic use. To feed the increasing population under the conditions of keeping sound ecosystems and environment, there is an urgent need for China to produce more food with less water than for many other countries in the world. In recent decades China has pioneered some water saving policies and water saving irrigation (WSI) techniques, aimed at increasing water and land productivity. Policies for WSI from high level support conducive institutional development, leading to maximization of the effects of agricultural infrastructure, and of successful research on, and dissemination of, new technologies. There are many success stories about “real” water savings in China. This paper introduces the development of the WSI techniques and the impacts of WSI on society, the economy and the environment, and presents the experiences and lessons on WSI from China. Based on the analysis on the supply and demand of fresh water, the objectives and tasks for water saving from irrigated agriculture in China are discussed, and the strategies for sustainable water use and agricultural development and the main measures leading to increasing water and land productivity are mentioned. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overview of Dujiangyan Irrigation Scheme of ancient China with current theory
Authors: Li Keke , Xu Zhifang
Published: June 2006

The Dujiangyan Irrigation Scheme is located in the middle reach of the Mingjiang River in Sichuan Province. It was initiated by Li Bing, the governor of Shu Prefecture, in the Qin Dynasty in 256 BC. It is a great scheme with a long history of 2260 years in ancient China, and has been very well operated until today.

The headworks of the Dujiangyan Irrigation Scheme are composed of three major parts, i.e. Dujiang Yuzui (fish mouth), Feishayan, and Baopingkou. Dujiang Yuzui is a diversion dam, dividing the Mingjiang River water into two rivers, the Outer River and the Inner River. Feishayan is a spillway used for removing sand and excess water from the Inner River into the Outer River during flood. Baopingkou is an intake of the irrigation system, which automatically controls for a steady flow. These three parts are combined as an organic and complete whole with multiple functions of diverting water, spilling flood, releasing sediment, silt sedimentation, and automatic control of irrigation water. The whole headworks are reasonably planned and ingeniously coordinated with obvious effectiveness. In particular, this scheme has successfully treated the silt problem, therefore the possibility of being damaged by silt sedimentation is to a great extent avoided, and thus it can continue to flourish. In addition, the system of yearly maintenance also has its specialty: the construction technique is easily mastered by farmers, and all the construction materials came from local places. Therefore, the Dujiangyan Irrigation Scheme can normally be operated generation after generation. The Dujiangyan Irrigation Scheme encapsulates the scientific intelligence and civilization of Chinese nationality, and it still plays a vital role in the economic, social, ecological and environmental benefits for Sichun Province nowadays. It is a model of harmonious coexistence between mankind and nature, and is also included as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the first water project in the world. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public–private partnership in irrigation and drainage: need for a professional third party between farmers and government
Authors: Préfol B. , Tardieu H. , Vidal A. , Fernandez S. , Plantey J. , Darghouth S.
Published: June 2006

The irrigation and drainage sector (I&D) is facing a variety of issues, the most controversial being poor water efficiency, big public contribution, lack of asset maintenance, and often socio‐economic inequity. Numerous attempts have been made to try to find a way out of this vicious circle, and lately the idea of trying to involve the private sector through public–private partnership (PPP) has been growing, nurtured by encouraging “pilot” experiences.

Recent decades have shown some concern and effort to improve the performance of the sector, with the focus switching from on‐farm improvement, to farmer involvement through participatory irrigation management and irrigation management transfer, and to quality service‐oriented organisations. PPP should really be viewed as a logical sequence to these successive efforts, with a differentiated treatment of the various functions of I&D projects: private participation hoped for in investment, the governance function strictly public, OMM functions (operation, maintenance and management) wide open to private sector participation, while the agricultural production function remains entirely private.

These theoretical conclusions were tested with 21 examples of existing (15) or projected (6) PPPs in I&D, analysed and modelled in terms of demand, offer, content, contracts and risks, with the following main findings: (i) the PPP demand is mostly a government initiative wishing to reduce recurrent public subsidies; (ii) service providers are more reactive than proactive; (iii) while 2/3 of the case studies contracts concern private participation in one or more of the investment functions, 90% of the contracts concern private participation in one or more of the OMM functions; (iv) service (and management) contracts account for 13% of the total, whereas public service delegation (PSD) accounts for 81% of the contracts; and (v) while investment PPPs are understandably more sensitive to country risks (devaluation), PSD arrangements are just as understandably more averse to commercial risks (fee collection from farmers) than service or management contracts.

Last but not least, the important point is not so much to find an “absolutely private” partner but rather a professional “third party” between farmers and government, whether it be public (e.g. a reformed and financially autonomous government agency) or private (e.g. a private service provider looking for business or a WUA turning into a private corporation). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water rights and water markets: lessons from technical advisory assistance in Latin America
Authors: Solanes Miguel , Jouravlev Andrei
Published: June 2006

Water has unique features, which distinguish it from other natural resources. These characteristics usually result in legal systems in which water belongs to the public domain, but rights granted to economic agents to use it are protected under constitutional guarantee of private property. The allocation and retention of water rights are always contingent upon putting them to a socially recognized beneficial use. For an increasingly scarce resource, new demands can only be satisfied by transferring water rights from existing uses. To deal with the problem of reallocation, countries have to decide whether to use administrative mechanisms or water markets. For the sustainable and efficient functioning of water markets, it is necessary to have an institutional and legal system that is compatible with water marketing as well as with the nature of the water resource itself. A water market without regulations to protect the resource base, third parties and the environment, and to prevent monopolization, will result in uncontrolled private appropriation of a scarce resource and problems in related markets rather than in efficient resource allocation. Source: Solanes, Miguel and Jouravlev, Andrei, “Water rights and water markets: lessons from technical advisory assistance in Latin America”, paper prepared for the 19th Congress of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Santiago, Chile, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), September 2005, unpublished. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd by permission of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.
An integrated approach to land drainage
Authors: Abdel‐Dayem Safwat
Published: June 2006

It is common to define drainage as a means to enhance crop production and increase productivity. In order to meet this objective, drainage systems are designed and managed to maintain favourable moisture and salt conditions in the root zone. Examples from around the world show that drainage has done well to achieve this objective. However, lessons show that many impacts of drainage, positive and negative, have been overlooked, including those on health, built‐up settlements and infrastructure, flood management, groundwater recharge, sanitation, surface and groundwater quality, fisheries and aquatic life, and the environment in general. Thus, the single‐objective approach takes drainage out of the broader context of land and water management and diminishes the overall gains of improved drainage and ignores its full cost. It does also not allow the stakeholders from outside the farming community to be involved in the decision‐making leading to conflict of interests. It also misses an important opportunity for increasing the financing potential.

A better understanding of drainage as a practice for managing the multiple functions of land and water resources is needed in order to achieve an optimal mix of economic and social gains, sustainable natural resources management and a healthy environment. This would only be possible when an interdisciplinary and integrated approach is followed in planning and managing land drainage. The approach, called DRAINFRAME, is a framework for analysis, communication, discussion, and decision‐making by all stakeholders. It looks at the overall social, economic, and environmental productivity of the entire water management system, of which drainage is an integral part. It allows comprehensive analysis and assessment of basin‐wide social and economic impacts of drainage following a participatory planning approach. Although the methodology was developed from a drainage perspective, it is geared towards natural resources management planning in general. It can be equally used in planning irrigation, flood control or watershed management projects. The DRAINFRAME approach was applied in planning some new World Bank‐supported projects in Egypt and Pakistan with the objective of promoting the concept of integrated water resources management. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From philosophy to action: accomplishing harmonious coexistence between man and flood
Authors: Ning Liu
Published: June 2006

This paper briefly introduces the situation of flood, drought and waterlogging disasters in China. The close relations between flood control/disaster mitigation and irrigation/drainage are presented. By analysing the characteristics of flooding disasters in China, an understanding of flooding disasters is presented. Finally, in combination with current exploration and practice of new water management concepts, the philosophies and countermeasures for flood control and disaster mitigation are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Irrigating field crops in the presence of saline groundwater
Authors: Ayars James E. , Schoneman Richard A.
Published: June 2006

Irrigating crops in the presence of saline groundwater presents unique opportunities and challenges. As the world demand for water increases, it is incumbent on agriculture to maximize the use of water of all qualities. Traditional irrigation and drainage water management in saline environments was designed to provide leaching of salt from the root zone and the discharge of saline drainage water in an uncontrolled fashion. This practice is no longer acceptable and management options were developed to maximize the use of water of all qualities and to reduce the subsurface drainage discharge volume to a minimum. This paper describes the integrated management of irrigation and drainage systems in saline soil environments to reduce total drainage flow without reducing crop yields. Methods used include using saline drainage water for supplemental irrigation, increasing in‐situ crop water use of groundwater, installing control structures on a subsurface drainage system to control the water table position and reduce drainage flow. In a field without subsurface drainage crop production was sustained using subsurface drip irrigation which maintained yields and reduced deep percolation to the groundwater. Salt in the root zone is effectively managed using pre‐plant irrigation in areas with and without subsurface drains. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The scale of substratum topographic features modulates proliferation of corneal epithelial cells and corneal fibroblasts
Authors: Liliensiek S.J. , Campbell S. , Nealey P.F. , Murphy C.J.
Published: June 2006

The cornea is a complex tissue composed of different cell types, including corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes. Each of these cell types are directly exposed to rich nanoscale topography from the basement membrane or surrounding extracellular matrix. Nanoscale topography has been shown to influence cell behaviors, including orientation, alignment, differentiation, migration, and proliferation. We investigated whether proliferation of SV40‐transformed human corneal epithelial cells (SV40‐HCECs), primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs), and primary corneal fibroblasts is influenced by the scale of topographic features of the substratum. Using basement membrane feature sizes as our guide and the known dimensions of collagen fibrils of the corneal stroma (20–60 nm), we fabricated polyurethane molded substrates, which contain anisotropic feature sizes ranging from 200–2000 nm on pitches ranging from 400 to 4000 nm (pitch = ridge width + groove width). The planar regions separating each of the six patterned regions served as control surfaces. Primary corneal and SV40‐HCEC proliferation decreased in direct response to decreasing nanoscale topographies down to 200 nm. In contrast to corneal epithelial cells, corneal fibroblasts did not exhibit significantly different response to any of the topographies when compared with planar controls at 5 days. However, decreased proliferation was observed on the smallest feature sizes after 14 days in culture. Results from these experiments are relevant in understanding the potential mechanisms involved in the control of proliferation and differentiation of cells within the cornea. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Comparison of aortic valve allograft decellularization techniques in the rat
Authors: Meyer Steven R. , Chiu Brian , Churchill Thomas A. , Zhu Linfu , Lakey Jonathan R.T. , Ross David B.
Published: June 2006

Rodent models have been essential to understanding the immune‐mediated failure of aortic valve allografts (AVAs). Decellularization has been proposed to reduce the immunogenicity of AVAs. The objective of this study was to determine the most effective method to decellularize AVAs for use in a rat model. Three different decellularization techniques were compared in Lewis aortic valves. Detergent decellularization involved a series of hypotonic and hypertonic Tris buffers at 4°C for 48 h/buffer containing 0.5% Triton X‐100 followed by a 72 h washout in phosphate‐buffered saline. Osmotic decellularization was performed in similar manner to the detergent‐based technique except without the addition of Triton X‐100. Enzymatic decellularization consisted of trypsin/EDTA at 37°C for 48 h. Assessment was performed with light microscopy (H&E, Movat's pentachrome), immunohistochemistry for residual cellular elements, and hydroxyproline assays. Detergent‐based methodology effected near‐complete decellularization of both the leaflets and aortic wall in addition to preservation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Osmotic lysis was associated with preservation of ECM and moderate decellularization. Enzymatic decellularization resulted in complete decellularization but extensive degeneration and fragmentation of the ECM. When implanted into the infrarenal aorta of allogeneic rats for 1 week, valves decellularized with detergent‐based and osmotic methodology failed to stimulate an allogeneic immune response as evidenced by an absence of T cell infiltrates. Osmotic lysis protocols with low dose detergent appear to be most effective at both removing antigenic cellular elements and preserving ECM. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Using single‐walled carbon nanotubes nonwoven films as scaffolds to enhance long‐term cell proliferation in vitro
Authors: Meng Jie , Song Li , Meng Jie , Kong Hua , Zhu Guangjin , Wang Chaoying , Xu Lianghua , Xie Sishen , Xu Haiyan
Published: June 2006

Carbon nanotubes have attracted intensive interests in biomedical research in recent years. In this study, a novel type of carbon nanotubes material so called nonwoven single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with nanotopographic structure and macroscopic volume was used as cell growing scaffold. The morphology and surface chemistry of nonwoven SWNTs were observed and characterized through scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The cells were cultivated in nonwoven SWNTs and in other types of substrate as control. The cells growth behaviors including adhesion, proliferation, and cytoskeletal development was investigated by using cell viability assay and confocal observation. The experimental results indicated that nonwoven SWNTs exhibited significant enhancement to the cells adhesion and proliferation in at least 3 weeks. Numerous and highly organized cytoskeletal structures were observed when the cells were cultured in nonwoven SWNTs. Furthermore, an obvious promotional influence of the cells cultivated in nonwoven SWNTs scaffold upon the proliferation of those growing in the other kind of substrate through cell–cell communication had been found. The results obtained in this work are of significance to in vitro cell amplification in large scale, tissue regeneration, or guided repair, as well as biomedical device application. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Fracture toughness estimation for the TMJ disc
Authors: Koombua Kittisak , Pidaparti Ramana M. , Beatty Mark W.
Published: June 2006

J contour integral fracture toughness of the temporomandibular (TMJ) disc was estimated from a computational model based on fracture load data derived from experimental tests. The computational model involved a stress analysis of TMJ disc specimens with cracks oriented parallel and perpendicular to the primary collagen fiber axis within the intermediate zone of the disc. The results demonstrated differences occurred between crack orientations when an orthotropic model was used. Fracture toughness was much lower for a crack oriented parallel to the collagen fiber direction than that for a crack oriented perpendicularly. Thickness, crack size, and anisotropy ratio were observed as additional variables affecting the fracture toughness of the TMJ disc. Future model enhancements may be achieved by considering the poroviscoelastic nature of the TMJ disc. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Macrophage‐mediated biodegradation of poly(DL‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) in vitro
Authors: Xia Zhidao , Huang Yizhong , Adamopoulos Iannis E. , Walpole Andrew , Triffitt James T. , Cui Zhanfeng
Published: June 2006

Biodegradation of poly‐DL‐lactide‐co‐glycolide (PLGA) both in vitro and in vivo has been well documented. However, the roles that macrophages and their fused multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) play in this biodegradation are still unclear. The current study aimed to investigate macrophage‐mediated biodegradation of PLGA thin films and of PLGA composites with hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) ceramic powders in vitro using a murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7). The interactions were analyzed by using cell viability assays, scanning electron microscopy, and focused ion beam microscopy. The results showed that RAW 264.7 cells effectively attached and proliferated on the PLGA films and PLGA‐HA, PLGA‐TCP composites. The RAW 264.7 cells were observed to aggregate and fuse to form MNGCs. The cell processes on the membrane, or pseudopodia, penetrated into the PLGA films and evidently eroded the surface. We conclude that macrophages and fused MNGCs actively respond to PLGA films as substratum and degrade the surface of this polymer. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Host inflammatory response to NiCr, CoCr, and Ti in a soft tissue implantation model
Authors: Baldwin L. , Hunt J.A.
Published: June 2006

The inflammatory response to nickel chromium (NiCr), cobalt chromium (CoCr), and titanium (Ti) implants at 7 and 28 days was investigated using real‐time PCR analysis along with histological and immunohistochemical staining. Contrasting inflammatory profiles were found in response to the different metal compositions. The inflammatory profile induced by CoCr remained consistent and elevated during the 28‐day period with high cell counts associated with the implants and a progressive recruitment of T lymphocytes. The response to NiCr was also elevated, but with an initially low T‐lymphocyte infiltration that increased by the later time period. Ti indicated an early increased inflammatory response that had reduced by 28 days. Changes in gene expression demonstrated that Ti induced very low levels of expression of the three inflammatory cytokine genes. NiCr initiated a significant upregulation in gene expression for IL‐6 and TNF‐α. CoCr resulted in the highest upregulation of IL‐2 indicative of T‐lymphocyte activation to this material. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Cobalt and chromium ions induce nitration of proteins in human U937 macrophages in vitro
Authors: Petit Alain , Mwale Fackson , Tkaczyk Cathy , Antoniou John , Zukor David J. , Huk Olga L.
Published: June 2006

The in situ localization of nitrotyrosine, a product of the nitration of tyrosine residues by peroxynitrite, in the interface membranes from CoCrMo and TiAlV prostheses provided evidence of nitric oxide‐induced oxidative damage in the periprosthetic environment. In the present study, we compared the effects of different wear products from hip prostheses on the nitration of proteins in macrophages in vitro. Nitration of proteins was measured by Western blot using a polyclonal antibody directed against nitrotyrosines. Results showed that Co2+ and Cr3+ ions induced the nitration of a 79 ± 4 kDa protein in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Indeed, the stimulation was significant (p < 0.05) after 24 h with 10 ppm Co2+ and reached a plateau level between 48 and 72 h. With Cr3+, the stimulation was significant (p < 0.05) only after 48 and 72 h. The effect of both Co2+ and Cr3+ ions was inhibited by glutathione monoethyl‐ester that provides protection against oxidative stress. However, ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight‐polyethylene and alumina ceramic particles had no significant effect on the nitration of proteins. Finally, the results showed that nitrated proteins are mainly found in the cytoplasmic fraction of cells and are absent from the nucleus. In conclusion, our results show that Co2+ and Cr3+ ions induce the nitration of cytoplasmic proteins in human U937 macrophages, suggesting that metal ions from MM prostheses have the potential to modify protein function in the periprosthetic environment and in circulating cells. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Therapeutic alliance mediates the relationship between interpersonal problems and depression outcome in a cohort of multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Howard Isa , Turner Rebecca , Olkin Rhoda , Mohr David C.
Published: June 2006

The relationship among therapeutic alliance, psychotherapy outcomes, and interpersonal problems was examined. The present study hypothesized therapeutic alliance would mediate the relationship between interpersonal functioning and outcome among patients with multiple sclerosis entering psychotherapy for depression. Nineteen clients received 16 weeks of individual cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression as described by D. C. Mohr, A. C. Boudewyn, D. E. Goodkin, A. Bostrom, and L. Epstein (2001). Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; Beck, Ward, Mendelson, Mock, & Erbaugh, 1961), the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems‐Circumplex (IIP‐C; Alden, Wiggins, & Pincus, 1990), and the Working Alliance Inventory‐Client Form (WAI‐C; Horvath & Greenberg, 1989). The IIP‐C significantly predicted Week 16 BDI and the WAI‐C at 4 weeks. When controlling for the WAI‐C, the relationship between the IIP‐C and BDI was no longer significant, supporting the mediational hypothesis. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 62: 1197–1204, 2006.
Clinical action: Introduction to the special section on the action perspective in clinical psychology
Authors: Shahar Golan
Published: June 2006

Action theory (AT) is an emerging theoretical and empirical paradigm that is based on multiple perspectives. The common denominator of these perspectives is their depiction of the individual as actively shaping his or her interpersonal environment. The purpose of this special section is to evaluate the impact of AT on clinical psychology. To that effect, articles that focus on a broad range of topics, including stress and depression, chronic pain, child and adolescent development, clinical case formulation, psychotherapy for suicidal patients, and public mental health policy in relation to recovery from psychosis have been assembled. Presenting novel conceptualizations and data on the ways in which individuals actively shape their environment, these articles highlight the potential of AT for improving clinical science and practice. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 62: 1053–1064, 2006.