bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated triglycerides and low levels of high‐density lipoprotein as markers of disease activity in association with up‐regulation of the tumor necrosis factor α/tumor necrosis factor receptor system in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Svenungsson Elisabet , Gunnarsson Iva , Fei Guo‐Zhong , Lundberg Ingrid E. , Klareskog Lars , Frostegård Johan
Published: September 2003

Objective

To investigate how blood lipid levels are related to disease activity, clinical characteristics, and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and its soluble type 1 and 2 receptors, sTNFR1 and sTNFR2, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Fasting blood samples were obtained from an unselected cohort of SLE patients at Karolinska Hospital (n = 208, mean ± SD age 45.7 ± 14.2 years). Disease activity was estimated using the SLE Disease Activity Measure (SLAM). Levels of circulating TNFα, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Blood lipid levels obtained after overnight fasting were analyzed by routine chemistry.

Results

Triglyceride (TG) levels were associated with the SLAM score (r = 0.48, P < 0.0001) and with the activities of TNFα (r = 0.29, P = 0.0001), sTNFR1 (r = 0.38, P < 0.0001), and sTNFR2 (r = 0.40, P < 0.0001). High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were negatively associated with the SLAM score (r = −0.27, P = 0.0003) and with the activities of TNFα (r = −0.15, P = 0.04) and sTNFR2 (r = −0.19, P = 0.01). High levels of TGs, total cholesterol, TNFα, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 all showed close correlations with the presence of nephritis and arterial disease (P < 0.05). In multiple logistic regression models, the TNFα activity and TG levels were independent determinants (P = 0.003 for both) of active disease (SLAM score ≥7).

Conclusion

Dyslipoproteinemia with high TG/low HDL levels correlates with disease activity in SLE, and enhanced activity in the TNFα/sTNFR system seems to be an important underlying factor. Both dyslipoproteinemia and enhanced activity of the TNFα system are closely related to cardiovascular and renal manifestations in SLE, and thus both may serve as markers of more severe disease.
The guilty mind and criminal sentencing: integrating legal and empirical inquiry as illustrated by capital sentencing
Authors: Schopp Robert F. , Patry Marc W.
Published: September 2003

We articulate an interpretation of mens rea that is broader than the traditional special sense but narrower than the traditional general sense. Mens rea in this intermediate sense addresses the guilty mind required by the sentencing criteria for specific criminal sentences for particular offenses. We advance an analytic structure for the integration of legal and empirical inquiry regarding standards of culpability that establish eligibility for capital punishment under contemporary United States legal doctrine. This structure addresses legal standards of culpability directly as well as indirectly in the form of evolving standards of decency. The general form of this analysis should be applicable more generally to sentencing provisions that address culpability as a sentencing consideration for other criminal sentences. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Voluntariness, intention, and the defence of mental disorder: toward a rational approach
Authors: McSherry Bernadette
Published: September 2003

This article addresses how mental disorder may be used in common law countries to negate the requirements of voluntariness and intention in serious criminal offences as well as to provide the basis for current versions of the insanity defence. The notion that mental disorder can cause conduct to become completely involuntary or unintentional is questionable, given current thinking in the behavioral sciences. This article argues that different forms of mental disorder should be subsumed within a separate defence of mental disorder. Providing that a range of dispositional options is available, the law in this complex area would be simplified and brought into line with current psychological notions of goal‐directed behavior. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐grade urothelial carcinoma: Reappraisal of the cytologic criteria on ThinPrep®
Authors: Xin Wei , Raab Stephen S. , Michael Claire W.
Published: September 2003

The diagnostic criteria for low‐grade urothelial lesions that have been described in the past were based on urinary specimens prepared by the cytospin method. Recognizing the recent popularity of the ThinPrep® methodology and the cytologic alterations it introduces to the cellular features, we sought to evaluate the reproducibility of these criteria in ThinPrep urinary samples. One hundred twenty‐six ThinPrep urinary specimens with a tissue diagnosis of low‐grade urothelial carcinoma (LGUC) and 45 negative controls were evaluated. Three pathologists blindly reviewed the slides separately and the consensus on each feature was used in the study. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which criteria in combination were most predictive of low‐grade urothelial carcinoma. All specimens were evaluated for the following 18 features: nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, irregular nuclear border, cytoplasm homogeneity, cell clusters, high cellularity, prominent nucleoli, granular nuclear chromatin, hyperchromasia, acute inflammation, vesicular chromatin, nuclear molding, nuclear eccentricity, elongated nuclei, necrosis, anisonucleosis, irregular bordered fragments, absent cytoplasmic collar, and peripheral palisading. High nucleus‐to‐cytoplasm ratio, irregular nuclear borders, and homogeneous cytoplasm (combination sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 100%) were the best predictive features for LGUC. Minor predictive criteria were eccentric nuclei and nuclear molding. ThinPrep provides well preserved, cleaner specimens without significantly altering the morphology. The three key criteria applied in cytospin specimens to diagnose LGUC were reproducible in ThinPrep specimens. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2003;29:125–129. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Essential oil composition of Callistemon viminalis leaves from India
Authors: Srivastava S. K. , Ahmad Ateeque , Syamsunder K. V. , Aggarwal K. K. , Khanuja S. P. S.
Published: September 2003

The leaves of Callistemon viminalis, on hydrodistillation, gave 0.45% of an oil on a fresh weight basis. GC and GC–MS analysis of the oil resulted in the identiﬁcation of 42 constituents, representing 99.5% of the oil. 1,8‐Cineole (61.7%), α‐pinene (24.2%) and menthyl acetate (5.3%) were the major components. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volatile leaf oil constituents of Lantana camara L from Nigeria
Authors: Oyedeji O. A. , Ekundayo O. , König W. A.
Published: September 2003

The composition of the volatile oil from the leaves of Lantana camara was investigated in detail by GC and GC–MS techniques. β‐Caryophyllene (24.6%), α‐humulene (19.5%), sabinene (8.8%), germacrene D (5.7%) and cubebol (5.7%) were among the principal components. A total of 56 compounds, which accounted for 91.3% of the oil, were analysed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability of hybrid combinations of marjoram (Origanum majorana L.)
Authors: Novak Johannes , Grausgruber Heinrich , Pank Friedrich , Langbehn Jan , Blüthner Wolf‐Dieter , Vender Carla , Van Niekerk Léon , Junghanns Wolfram , Franz Chlodwig
Published: September 2003

The effect of genotype by environment interaction (G × E) was studied in marjoram in an experiment using 34 genotypes and three locations. For yield, no signiﬁcant G × E was found, while for plant height, ﬂowering time and the essential oil content, the G × E was signiﬁcant. As to leaf colour, which was determined using the L*a*b* system and a sensorial score, only the coordinate a* was not signiﬁcant. Both sensorial evaluations for smell and taste revealed some genotypes to be more stable than others. Regarding the essential oil compounds, both of the ‘marjoramy’ compounds, cis‐sabinene hydrate and cis‐sabinene hydrate acetate, were extremely unstable in one hybrid combination which, however, turned out to be the most stable comparing to the total amount of these two compounds. The main sesquiterpenes, β‐caryophyllene and bicyclogermacrene, were strongly correlated in their stability, except in one case, where only bicyclogermacrene was highly unstable. The estimation of G × E allows the extrapolation of the degree of instability that is to be expected for a special trait. But, above all, when G × E is given special consideration, it is possible to select for stable genotypes that can be cultivated, e.g. in different regions with the resulting raw material being of higher homogeneity and the environmental inﬂuences minimised. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aromatic plants of tropical central Africa. Part XLII. Volatile components from Antidesma laciniatum Muell. Arg. var. laciniatum growing in Cameroon
Authors: Fekam Boyom F. , Zambo Assembe E. , Amvam Zollo P. H. , Agnaniet H. , Menut C. , Bessière J. M.
Published: September 2003

The essential oil obtained from leaves of Antidesma laciniatum Muell. Arg. var. laciniatum (Euphorbiaceae) collected in Cameroon was analysed by GC and GC–MS. The oil was found to contain a majority of terpenoids (72%), with a relatively high amount of ester derivatives (40.9%). The two major constituents were found to be esters: benzyl benzoate (19.1%), which is responsible for the sweet balsamic odour of the oil, and geranyl acetate (14.9%). This volatile extract did not reveal important radical scavenging activity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanosensing role of caveolae and caveolar constituents in human endothelial cells
Authors: Spisni Enzo , Bianco Maria Cristina , Griffoni Cristiana , Toni Mattia , D'Angelo Romina , Santi Spartaco , Riccio Massimo , Tomasi Vittorio
Published: September 2003

A variety of evidence suggests that endothelial cell functions are impaired in altered gravity conditions. Nevertheless, the effects of hypergravity on endothelial cell physiology remain unclear. In this study we cultured primary human endothelial cells under mild hypergravity conditions for 24–48 h, then we evaluated the changes in cell cycle progression, caveolin1 gene expression and in the caveolae status by confocal microscopy. Moreover, we analyzed the activity of enzymes known to be resident in caveolae such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), cycloxygenase 2 (COX‐2), and prostacyclin synthase (PGIS). Finally, we performed a three‐dimensional in vitro collagen gel test to evaluate the modification of the angiogenic responses. Results indicate that hypergravity shifts endothelial cells to G0/G1 phase of cell cycle, reducing S phase, increasing caveolin1 gene expression and causing an increased distribution of caveolae in the cell interior. Hypergravity also increases COX‐2 expression, nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2) production, and inhibits angiogenesis as evaluated by 3‐D collagen gel test, through a pathway not involving apoptosis. Thus, endothelial cell caveolae may be responsible for adaptation of endothelium to hypergravity and the mechanism of adaptation involves an increased caveolin1 gene expression coupled to upregulation of vasodilators as NO and PGI2. J. Cell. Physiol. 197: 198–204, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies on BrdU labeling of hematopoietic cells: Stem cells and cell lines
Authors: Pang Lizhen , Reddy Prem Veer , McAuliffe Christina I. , Colvin Gerald , Quesenberry Peter J.
Published: September 2003

Studies using chronic in vivo BrdU exposure, isolating primitive stem cells, and determining BrdU labeling, indicate that stem cells cycle. BrdU is also incorporated into DNA during damage/repair. DNA, which has incorporated BrdU due to cycle transit is heavier than normal, while the density of DNA with damage/repair incorporation is intermediate. DNA density of purified lineage—rhodamine low (rholow) Hoechst low (Holow) stem cells or FDC‐P1 cell line cells—was assessed in vitro, after exposure to cytokines and BrdU (cycling model) or cytokines and BrdU with bleomycin to induce strand breaks and hydroxyurea to halt cycle progression (damage/repair model). We determined DNA density using cesium chloride (CsCl) gradients and either fluorometry or dot blot chemiluminesence. DNA from BrdU labeled cycling Lin‐rholoHolo or FDC‐P1 cells was heavier than normal DNA, while damage repair DNA had an intermediate density. We then assessed BrdU labeling of Lin‐rholoHolo cells in vivo. We found that 70.9% of lin‐rholoHolo cells labeled at 5 weeks. DNA density of these cells was low, in the damage/repair range, but similar results were obtained with stem cells, which had proliferated in vivo. Dilution of BrdU in in vitro culture of proliferating FDC‐P1 cells also resulted in damage/repair density. We conclude that in vitro BrdU labeling models can distinguish between proliferation and damage/repair, but that we cannot obtain high enough in vivo levels to address this issue. All together, while we cannot absolutely exclude damage/repair as contributing to stem cell BrdU labeling, the data indicate that primitive bone marrow stem cells are probably a cycling population. J. Cell. Physiol. 197: 251–260, 2003© 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)‐3 in TGF‐β‐ and GDF‐8 (myostatin)‐induced suppression of proliferation in porcine embryonic myogenic cell cultures
Authors: Kamanga‐Sollo E. , Pampusch M.S. , White M.E. , Dayton W.R.
Published: September 2003

Both transforming growth factor (TGF‐β) and growth and development factor (GDF)‐8 (myostatin) affect muscle differentiation by suppressing proliferation and differentiation of myogenic cells. In contrast, insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs) stimulate both proliferation and differentiation of myogenic cells. In vivo, IGFs are found in association with a family of high‐affinity insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP 1–6) that affect their biological activity. Treatment of porcine embryonic myogenic cell (PEMC) cultures with either TGF‐β1 or GDF‐8 suppressed proliferation and increased production of IGFBP‐3 protein and mRNA (P < 0.005). An anti‐IGFBP‐3 antibody that neutralizes the biological activity of IGFBP‐3 reduced the ability of either TGF‐β1 or GDF‐8 to suppress PEMC proliferation (P < 0.005). However, this antibody did not affect proliferation rate in the presence of both TGF‐β1 and GDF‐8. These data show that IGFBP‐3 plays a role in mediating the activity of either TGF‐β1 or GDF‐8 alone but not when both TGF‐β1 and GDF‐8 are present. In contrast to findings in T47D breast cancer cells, treatment of PEMC cultures with IGFBP‐3 did not result in increased levels of phosphosmad‐2. Since TGF‐β and GDF‐8 are believed to play a significant role in regulating proliferation and differentiation of myogenic cells, our current data showing that IGFBP‐3 plays a role in mediating the activity of these growth factors in muscle cell cultures strongly suggest that IGFBP‐3 also may be involved in regulating these processes in myogenic cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 197: 225–231, 2003© 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of endogenous SH2 domain‐containing inositol 5‐phosphatase (SHIP2) in 3T3‐L1 and human preadipocytes
Authors: Gagnon Annemarie , Artemenko Yulia , Crapper Thet , Sorisky Alexander
Published: September 2003

The role of the inositol lipid 5‐phosphatase (SHIP2) in preadipocyte signaling is not known. Although overexpression of SHIP2 inhibited proliferation and 3H‐thymidine incorporation in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes, there was no effect on insulin‐induced adipogenesis. Insulin promoted SHIP2 tyrosine phosphorylation in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, but did not do so in preadipocytes. The absence of SHIP2 tyrosine phosphorylation suggests a potential explanation for the isolated rise in PI(3,4,5)P3, without any changes in PI(3,4)P2, previously observed following insulin treatment of these cells. Lack of SHIP2 tyrosine phosphorylation by insulin was also observed in primary cultures of human abdominal subcutaneous preadipocytes. These cells also produced PI(3,4,5)P3, but not PI(3,4)P2, in response to insulin. Comparison of insulin vs. PDGF treatment on SHIP2 tyrosine phosphorylation in 3T3‐L1 and human preadipocytes revealed that only PDGF, which stimulates the accumulation of PI(3,4,5)P3 as well as PI(3,4)P2, was active in this regard, and only PDGF promoted the association of 52 kDa form of Shc with SHIP2. Nevertheless, both insulin and PDGF were equally effective in translocating SHIP2 to the plasma membrane in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. Lack of SHIP2 tyrosine phosphorylation may account for the insulin‐specific inositol phospholipid pattern of accumulation in preadipocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 197: 243–250, 2003© 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating the costs of surgical innovations: The case for subthalamic nucleus stimulation in the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease
Authors: McIntosh Emma , Gray Alastair , Aziz Tipu
Published: September 2003

We estimated the current cost of deep brain stimulation surgery targeted on the subthalamic nucleus. The method used was a cost analysis using typical resource use patterns and unit costs from a leading surgical centre, detailed equipment costs from the manufacturer, and sensitivity analysis. Resource use was based on patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. The main outcome measure was the likely total health service costs per patient, including preoperative assessment, surgery, and postoperative management over a 5‐year period. The preoperative assessment, surgery, and discounted follow‐up costs associated with subthalamic nucleus surgery were estimated at approximately £32,526 per patient over 5 years. Almost 70% of these costs are attributable to the initial costs of the equipment and the likely follow‐up and replacement costs of the equipment. These costs will be affected mainly by future equipment costs and their replacement period and are relatively insensitive to preoperative assessment staff costs, length of hospital stay after surgery, and imaging costs. This cost estimate should be of use to researchers, health care managers, policy makers, and surgeons working in this area. Providing an estimate of the cost of this new procedure will provide a baseline for tracking future changes in costs and will assist the production of cost‐effectiveness estimates. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Botulinum toxin B reduces sialorrhea in parkinsonism
Authors: Racette Brad A. , Good Laura , Sagitto Sandy , Perlmutter Joel S.
Published: September 2003

We report on our open‐label experience with botulinum toxin B for the treatment of severe sialorrhea associated with parkinsonism. Nine adult patients with parkinsonism and medically intractable sialorrhea were treated with botulinum toxin B (1,000 units into each parotid gland using superficial landmarks). After treatment, patients experienced a 61% mean subjective improvement and a 42% mean reduction of quantitative saliva production. There were no adverse effects seen in any subjects. Mean peak benefit from injections lasted 14 weeks. We conclude that denervation of salivary glands with botulinum toxin B produces excellent reduction of excessive salivation associated with parkinsonism. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Treatment of essential blepharospasm with quetiapine
Authors: Reeves Roy R. , Liberto Vincent
Published: September 2003

A 69‐year‐old male with blepharospasm unresponsive to several medications who was successfully treated with quetiapine is described. His symptoms were largely alleviated by low doses, but he experienced sedation, which permitted him to take the medication at bedtime only. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Analysis of via discontinuity
Authors: Chen Houfei , Huang Chung‐Chi , Tsang Leung , Li Qin
Published: September 2003

A method for full‐wave modeling of the exterior structure of vertical via, which considers the actual layout of an exterior structure with pad and vertical bent into the via, is presented. This method is more accurate than simple coaxial cable feed‐in and thin‐wire approximation because it takes into account the effect of pad and vertical bent. Good results are obtained for structures and frequencies where thin‐wire approximation no longer stands. Combined with interior formulation developed in a previous paper, we illustrate the propagation characteristics of multilayered vertical via and multivia geometry. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 290–295, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11194
Improved spurious responses of a BPF using λ/4 MSL resonators with the tap‐coupling technique
Authors: Wada Kouji , Suzuki Atsushi , Hashimoto Osamu , Harada Hiroshi
Published: September 2003

The improvement of spurious responses of a λ/4 resonator bandpass filter (BPF) using a microstrip line (MSL) is carried out. Firstly, a basic mechanism for improving the resonance responses of the λ/4 resonator, under the condition that the excitation method is changed, is presented. Secondly, on the basis of the above proposal, the BPF is demonstrated as an example. It is confirmed that the λ/4 resonator using the tap‐coupling technique can improve the spurious responses of the BPF using λ/4 resonators. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 311–314, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11200
Ka‐band PHEMT MMIC VCO with wide tuning range
Authors: Ryu Seonghan , Kim Huijung , Yim Jounghyun , Im Kyounghoon , Kim Youngwoong , Han Seogtae , Kim Bumman
Published: September 2003

A Ka‐band MMIC VCO utilizing 0.15‐μm T‐gate GaAs P‐HEMT technology is presented. The VCO exhibits a low‐phase noise property with wide tuning range of up to 3 GHz. A balanced buffer amplifier is also developed to ensure that the output power is higher than 10 dBm. The best measured phase noise at 1 MHz offset is −106 dBc/Hz. By varying the bias voltage of the on‐chip varactor, the frequency can be continuously tuned from 33.3 to 36.3 GHz. In this frequency range, output power higher than 10 dBm has been measured without using the buffer amplifier. The buffer amplifier exhibits a typical gain of 5 dB with 15‐dBm output power. A Lange coupler provides good matching between the VCO and the amplifier. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 333–336, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11206
A new relation between polarization‐mode dispersion vector and output state of polarization
Authors: Ning G. X. , Aditya S. , Shum P. , Wu C. Q. , Gong Y. D.
Published: September 2003

We derive a new relation to show that, as frequency changes, the output state of polarization vector precesses around the PMD vector with a fixed angle of precession. The new relation leads to a familiar expression for pulse broadening. Based on this expression, a PMD compensator is suggested and measured results are given for a 10‐Gb/s signal. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 336–338, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11207
Improved doubly electromagnetic periodic structure (DEPS) for microwave power amplifier application
Authors: Her Man‐Long , Chiou Yi‐Chyun , Wang Yu‐Zhen , Kung Fan‐Hsi
Published: September 2003

In this paper, we propose an improved doubly electromagnetic periodic structure (DEPS) and apply it in a power amplifier for harmonic tuning. The DEPS power amplifier shows an improvement of 0.5 dB and 8% in output power and power‐added efficiency (PAE), respectively, compared with the conventional EPS power amplifier. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 342–344, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11209
Roles of antioxidants on prolonged storage of avian spermatozoa in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Bréque Christelle , Surai Peter , Brillard Jean‐Pierre
Published: September 2003

This review focuses on natural and assisted prevention against lipid peroxidation in avian spermatozoa. The presence of high levels of n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the plasma membrane creates favorable conditions for the formation of peroxidative products, a major cause of membrane damage which may ultimately impair male fertility. However, a complex antioxidant system involving vitamin C, vitamin E and GSH is naturally present in avian semen. Coupled with a battery of enzymatic defenses (e.g., SOD, GSH‐Px either Se‐ or non‐Se‐dependent), this system acts to prevent or restrict the formation and propagation of peroxides. The presence of specialized sites dedicated to prolonged sperm storage in avian females raises the question of durable protection of sperm membranes against peroxidation. Preliminary observations have revealed the presence of a specific antioxidant system at these sites in which vitamin C could exert a major role. From a practical standpoint, the extensive use of artificial insemination in poultry, along with the emergence in some species of workable techniques to cryopreserve spermatozoa, demand better control of peroxidation occurring in the plasma membrane of spermatozoa before or during storage. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E is effective in limiting lipid peroxidation of sperm plasma membranes, both in chickens and turkeys. In addition, organic Se with or without vitamin E stimulates Se‐GSH‐Px activity in seminal plasma. Preliminary observations in female chickens have also revealed the effectiveness of dietary supplementation with vitamin E, organic selenium or both to sustain fertility in aging flocks. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 66: 314–323, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relative messenger RNA abundance in bovine oocytes collected in vitro or in vivo before and 20 hr after the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge
Authors: Lonergan Patrick , Gutiérrez‐Adán Alfonso , Rizos Dimitrios , Pintado Belen , De La Fuente Julio , Boland Maurice P.
Published: September 2003

In the cyclic cow, final maturation of the ovulatory follicle is initiated by the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. During the subsequent 24 hr period, the oocyte nucleus undergoes meiotic progression to metaphase II and several changes in cytoplasmic organization take place. We have previously shown that oocytes recovered at the time of the LH peak and matured in vitro are less competent to reach the blastocyst stage than their counterparts recovered 20 hr later following in vivo maturation, despite both groups undergoing IVF and culture in parallel. The objective of this study was to compare, using real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR, the relative abundance of various developmentally important gene transcripts in these oocytes. The groups used were mature bovine oocytes originating from: (1) 2–6 mm follicles from slaughterhouse ovaries; (2) preovulatory follicles punctured by ovum pick‐up just before the LH surge (i.e., immature) and matured in vitro; or (3) preovulatory follicles punctured 20 hr later, just prior to ovulation (i.e., in vivo matured). In addition, immature oocytes from 2–6 mm follicles were examined. We examined the relative mRNA expression of five enzymes involved in protection against free oxygen radicals (mitochondrial Mn‐superoxide dismutase, MnSOD, cytosolic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, Cu/ZnSOD, γ‐glutamyl‐cysteine transferase, GCS, glutathione peroxidase, GPX, sarcosine oxidase, SOX), a transcript involved in follicular development (growth differentiation factor‐9, GDF‐9), transcripts involved in glucose metabolism (glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, G6PDH, glucose transporter type ‐1 and ‐8, Glut‐1, Glut‐8) and genes involved in cell cycle events, Cyclin A and B, and poly(A) polymerase (PAP). Transcripts for all genes were detected, irrespective of oocyte origin. While differences were not significant in all cases, variations in levels of transcript abundance between the groups were related to developmental competence. In particular, transcripts for GDF‐9 were expressed at significantly higher levels in oocytes recovered at the LH peak and matured in vitro than in those matured in vivo. The observations with GDF‐9 are interesting as this gene is believed to be essential for normal folliculogenesis and may be important in the regulation of early follicle and oocyte growth. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate differences in the relative mRNA abundance of several developmentally important gene transcripts in bovine oocytes which may be related to developmental competence. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 66: 297–305, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural investigations of isomeric oxidised forms of hyperforin by HPLC‐NMR and HPLC‐MSn
Authors: Wolfender J.‐L. , Verotta L. , Belvisi L. , Fuzzati N. , Hostettmann K.
Published: September 2003

The prenylated phloroglucinol hyperforin, thought to be an essential component for the anti‐depressant activity of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), is unstable. The facile oxidative degradation of hyperforin poses serious problems for standardisation, and may also dramatically affect the pharmacological activity of the extracts. Hyperforin was dissolved in hexane and stored at room temperature for 3 days and yielded various closely related degradation products which, although difﬁcult to isolate on the preparative scale, have been analysed by on‐ﬂow and stop‐ﬂow HPLC‐NMR and HPLC‐MS/MS. From on‐line spectroscopic data, and with the aid of complementary in‐mixture standard NMR two‐dimensional correlation experiments, the different oxidised forms of hyperforin were found to be phloroglucinol derivatives in which a hydroxy‐dihydrofuran ring is formed involving the enol OH at C‐7 or C‐9 (tautomeric form) and the prenyl chain at C‐8 of the core nucleus of hyperforin. The strategy followed for the on‐line identiﬁcation of these constituents is discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new furanoditerpenoid marker for the distinction between the seeds of two species of Caesalpinia
Authors: Jadhav Atul N. , Kaur Navneet , Bhutani K. K.
Published: September 2003

A new cassane furanoditerpene, 17‐methylvouacapane‐8(14),‐9(11)‐diene (1), has been isolated from the seed kernels of Caesalpinia crista and its structure determined by mass, IR and NMR spectrometry. The 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectra were assigned using a combination of 1H‐1H COSY, HSQC and HMBC two‐dimensional NMR experiments. An HPTLC method has been developed to quantify 1 in seed material. The furanoditerpene can serve as a marker chemically to differentiate C. crista from the synonymous C. bonduc. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbohydrate analysis of floral nectar using medium infrared
Authors: Flores Ortiz Cesar Mateo , Castro Ignacio Peñalosa , Luis Barbo Hernández Portilla  , Aranda Patricia Dolores Dávila , Arizmendi Maria del Coro
Published: September 2003

An instrumental method based on a chemometric model of the medium region of the infrared (MIR) was developed to analyse total sugar content and the proportions of glucose, fructose and sucrose. In order to construct the model, a set of 127 standard aqueous solutions of different sugars in the concentration range 0–20% (w/v) were prepared and analysed in the interval 4900–700 cm−1. The MIR was transformed by normalisation, correction of baseline using the second derivative, and suppression of the signals of water and carbon dioxide. The region between 1150 and 950 cm−1 showed the highest correlation between signal and concentration. The correlation coefﬁcient for total sugar content was 0.956, whilst those for glucose, fructose and sucrose were 0.982, 0.972 and 0.992, respectively. The method was validated using a set of 28 samples of nectar which had been assayed by chromatographic and refractometric methods. The method shows potential utility for the prediction of nectar sugar components. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Users of oral steroids are at a reduced risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Huerta Consuelo , García Rodríguez Luis Alberto , Wallander Mari‐Ann , Johansson Saga
Published: September 2003

Purpose

To study whether irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with the use of oral steroids and whether there is a dose‐ or duration‐response.

Methods

We followed up a cohort of 65 270 patients aged 20–74 years old enrolled in the General Practice Research Database in the UK with at least one prescription for steroids between 1994 and 1999. We performed a nested case‐control analysis to estimate the adjusted relative risk (RR) associated with the use of steroids using unconditional logistic regression. Cases were 466 patients with a first episode of IBS during follow‐up and controls were 5000 individuals randomly selected from the study cohort.

Results

Current users of oral steroids presented an RR of 0.6 (95%CI: 0.4–0.9) compared to non‐users. Doses greater than 10 mg of prednisolone daily were associated with an RR of 0.4 (95%CI: 0.2–0.9). When we stratified by age, no reduced risk of IBS was apparent under the age of 40 years. The reduced risk of IBS was greater among females than males.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that oral steroids can reduce the risk of a diagnosis of IBS. The apparent effect modification of age and sex deserves further research. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Living free‐radical polymerization (reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer) of 6‐[4‐(4′‐methoxyphenyl)phenoxy]hexyl methacrylate: A route to architectural control of side‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymers
Authors: Hao Xiaojuan , Heuts Johan P. A. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Davis Thomas P. , Evans Evan
Published: September 2003

Side‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymers of 6‐[4‐(4′‐methoxyphenyl)phenoxy]hexyl methacrylate with controlled molecular weights and narrow polydispersities were prepared via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization with 2‐(2‐cyanopropyl) dithiobenzoate as the RAFT agent. Differential scanning calorimetry studies showed that the polymers produced via the RAFT process had a narrower thermal stability range of the liquid‐crystalline mesophase than the polymers formed via conventional free‐radical polymerization. In addition, a chain length dependence of this stability range was found. The generated RAFT polymers displayed optical textures similar to those of polymers produced via conventional free‐radical polymerization. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2949–2963, 2003
Amphiphilic block and statistical siloxane copolymers with antimicrobial activity
Authors: Sauvet Georges , Fortuniak Witold , Kazmierski Krzysztof , Chojnowski Julian
Published: September 2003

Statistical and block all‐siloxane copolymers containing quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) groups with biocidal activity as lateral substituents were synthesized as models for the study of the effect of the arrangement of the QAS groups in the copolymer chain on their antimicrobial activity. The bioactive siloxane unit was [3‐n‐octyldimethylammoniopropyl]methylsiloxane, and the neutral unit was dimethylsiloxane. The copolymers also contained siloxane units with unreacted precursor 3‐chloropropyl or 3‐bromopropyl groups. A small number of units containing highly hydrophilic 3‐(3‐hydroxypropyl‐dimethylammonio)propyl groups were introduced to increase the solubility of the copolymers in water. The bioactive and bioneutral units were arranged in the polymer chain either in blocks or in statistical order. The block copolymers differed in the number and length of segments. The copolymers were obtained by the quaternization of tertiary amines by chloropropyl or bromopropyl groups attached to polysiloxane chains. The arrangement of the bioactive groups was controlled by the arrangement of the halogenopropyl groups in the bioactive copolymer precursor. All model siloxane copolymers showed high bactericidal activity in a water solution toward the gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli and the gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. However, no essential differences in the activities of the copolymers with block and statistical arrangements of units were detected. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2939–2948, 2003
Covalently attached self‐assembly of ultrathin films from hydroxy‐containing porphyrin and diazoresin
Authors: Zhaohui Yang , Weixiao Cao
Published: September 2003

Ultrathin films from 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐hydroxyphenyl) porphyrin (HPP) and diazoresin (DR) via a H bonding interaction were fabricated with the self‐assembly technique. Under UV irradiation, the H bonds between the layers will convert to covalent bonds following the decomposition of the diazonium group of DR. The stability of the film against the polar solvent and electrolyte aqueous solution increases a lot because of the formation of the covalent crosslinking structure. Thus, the photoelectric conversion property of DR/HPP film can be measured directly with a normal photoelectric chemical cell with potassium chloride as the electrolyte. The maximum of the anodic photocurrent was measured as 1.7 μ Å for an eight bilayer DR/HPP film deposited on an indium–tin oxide glass electrode. The action spectrum of the photocurrent generation indicated that the HPP contained in the film is responsible for the generation of the observed photocurrent. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3103–3108, 2003
Defining the linear portion of a sigmoid‐shaped curve: bend points
Authors: Sebaugh J. L. , McCray P. D.
Published: September 2003

Formulae are provided that define the ‘bend points’, the beginning and end of the essentially linear dose–response region, for the four‐parameter logistic model. The formulae are expressed in both response and dose units. The derivation of the formulae is shown in order to illustrate the general nature of the methodology. Examples are given that describe how the formulae may be used while planning and conducting bioassays. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moisture sorption in moulded fibre trays and effect on static compression strength
Authors: Sørensen Gitte , Hoffmann John
Published: September 2003

This study provides a basic understanding of moisture sorption in moulded fibre packaging for food at varying environmental temperatures and humidities, and the resultant effects on static compression strength. The Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) model is used successfully to construct moisture sorption isotherms in the range 2–25°C and 33–98% relative humidity (% r.h.) (R2 = 0.949–0.999), in which moisture content varies from 5.4 to 28.3 g/100 g dry fibre. Static compression strength (SCS) is substantially affected by changes in moisture content of moulded fibre and decreases exponentially with increasing moisture content. The results indicate a minor hysteresis effect on static compression strength. For adsorption of moisture, a relative strength measure, % SCS (experimental SCS in kg divided by a standard SCS in kg), is given by % SCS = 13.83 + 166.50 · e−0.0978 m (m is moisture content). The temperature dependence of moisture adsorption is incorporated in the GAB model by relating GAB coefficients, m0 and C, exponentially to temperature, T. By combining this with the exponential model for % SCS, static compression strength can be predicted directly from the surrounding temperature and humidity. Illustrated in a response surface plot the effects of changes in the surroundings are simple and readily accessible, e.g. for packaging designers and sales people. It is noted that an increase in humidity from 50% r.h. to 95% r.h. at constant temperature results in a drastic reduction in % SCS from 100% to 40%, whereas the temperature effect is typically less than 10% SCS when reducing temperature from 25°C to 2°C. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Checking security properties by model checking
Authors: De Francesco Nicoletta , Lettieri Giuseppe
Published: September 2003

A method is proposed for checking security properties in programs written in high‐level languages. The method is based on the model checking technique. The SMV tool is used. The representation of the program is a Kripke structure modelling the control flow graph enriched with security information. The properties considered are secure information flow and the absence of covert channels caused by program termination. The formulae expressing these security properties are given using the logic CTL. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyst‐based toxicity tests. XVIII. Application of ostracodtoxkit microbiotest in a bioremediation project of oil‐contaminated sediments: Sensitivity comparison with Hyalella azteca solid‐phase assay
Authors: Chial Belgis Z. , Persoone Guido , Blaise Christian
Published: September 2003

To further validate the scope of use of the 6‐day sediment contact microbiotest conducted with the ostracod Heterocypris incongruens, we compared the sensitivity of this small‐scale culture/maintenance‐free assay with the 14‐day solid‐phase Hyalella azteca test. The present study was undertaken within the framework of a Canadian bioremediation project on oil‐contaminated freshwater sediments along an intertidal shoreline of the Saint‐Lawrence River near the town of Sainte‐Croix, Quebec, Canada. Sediment subsamples, collected during three sampling periods over 21 weeks from five plots (each with four replicates) contaminated with different treatments, were analyzed for their toxic effects on the two test species. Sediment samples taken immediately after the plots were spread with oil were very toxic to both crustaceans (mortality between 80% and 100%), but the mortality of the amphipods was substantially lower than that of the ostracods for samples collected after 6 weeks. Fifteen weeks after the onset of the controlled oil spill experiment, the sediments of all plots were still quite toxic to Heterocypris but not to Hyalella. Statistical analysis of the mortality figures was performed by Blaise et at. (2003) and revealed a statistically significant correlation (R = 0.584 at the P = 0.001 level) between data pairs. Analysis of the precision of the two assays showed a substantially higher uniformity (lower variation coefficients between the four replicas) of the ostracod results over that of the amphipod assay. This study corroborated the findings of two previous investigations conducted in Canada and in Belgium with the same test species. All three investigations concur in pointing out the potential of the new ostracod microbiotest as a reliable and sensitive ecotoxicological test for routine and low‐cost monitoring of contaminated sediments. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 279–283, 2003.
Application of a toxicity identification evaluation for a sample of effluent discharged from a dyeing factory in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Y. K. , Wong C. K. , Hsieh D. P. H. , Ng S. P. , Lau T. K. , Wong P. K.
Published: September 2003

A first toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) was conducted in three phases using the Microtox® test to identify the major toxicant(s) in effluent discharged from a dyeing plant in Hong Kong. In Phase I toxicity characterization indicated that anions were likely to be the major toxicants for the entire effluent. In Phase II concentrations of sulfite and other anions in the original and the anion exchange resin‐treated effluent samples were determined by ion chromatography. Anions, which were found in the effluent at comparatively high concentrations and were suspected of being responsible for the toxicity to luminescent bacteria, were selected for further study in Phase III. Investigation in Phase III using the spiking and mass balance approaches confirmed that the sulfite ion was the major toxicant in the effluent. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 312–316, 2003.
Fluoride contamination of aquifers in the southeast subhumid pampa, Argentina
Authors: Paoloni J. D. , Fiorentino C. E. , Sequeira M. E.
Published: September 2003

A diagnostic survey was carried out of the groundwater in the southeast subhumid pampa of Argentina in order to determine the presence, spatial distribution, and concentration of fluoride. The area studied extends along the southeastern border of the pampa plains between latitude 38°18′ and 38°58′ S and longitude 60°43′ and 61°43′ W, covering an irregular surface area of approximately 6000 km2. The region has a large rural and suburban population that relies on this groundwater as its principal source of water for human consumption and for use in agricultural and livestock production. The variation in fluoride content in the groundwater is illustrated on maps of the area, showing that the whole region is affected by this ion contaminant. In 97.1% of the samples fluoride values exceeded the limits recommended by the Argentine Food Code for human consumption and indicated that the use of the water in livestock should be restricted. The quality of the water for irrigation purposes also was seriously affected. Critically affected zones were identified with a view to implementing public health measures to protect against this highly contaminated resource. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 317–320, 2003.
Acyl‐coenzyme A organizes laterally in membranes and is recognized specifically by acyl‐coenzyme A binding protein
Authors: Cohen Simonsen A , Bernchou Jensen U , Færgeman N.J , Knudsen J , Mouritsen O.G
Published: September 2003

Long chain acyl‐coenzyme A (acyl‐CoA) is a biochemically important amphiphilic molecule that is known to partition strongly into membranes by insertion of the acyl chain. At present, microscopically resolved evidence is lacking on how acyl‐CoA influences and organizes laterally in membranes. By atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging of membranes exposed to acyl‐CoA in μM concentrations, it is shown that aggregate formation takes place within the membrane upon long‐time exposure. It is known that acyl‐CoA is bound by acyl‐CoA binding protein (ACBP) with high affinity and specificity and that ACBP may bind and desorb membrane‐bound acyl‐CoA via a partly unknown mechanism. Following incubation with acyl‐CoA, it is shown that ACBP is able to reverse the formation of acyl‐CoA aggregates and to associate peripherally with acyl‐CoA on the membrane surface. Our microscopic results point to the role of ACBP as an intermembrane transporter of acyl‐CoA and demonstrate the ability of AFM to reveal the remodelling of membranes by surfactants and proteins.
Phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate‐1 serine 307 correlates with JNK activity in atrophic skeletal muscle
Authors: Hilder Thomas L , Tou Janet C.L , Grindeland Richard E , Wade Charles E , Graves Lee M
Published: September 2003

c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) has been shown to negatively regulate insulin signaling through serine phosphorylation of residue 307 within the insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) in adipose and liver tissue. Using a rat hindlimb suspension model for muscle disuse atrophy, we found that JNK activity was significantly elevated in atrophic soleus muscle and that IRS‐1 was phosphorylated on Ser307 prior to the degradation of the IRS‐1 protein. Moreover, we observed a corresponding reduction in Akt activity, providing biochemical evidence for the development of insulin resistance in atrophic skeletal muscle.
Diversification and evolution of L‐myo‐inositol 1‐phosphate synthase1
Authors: Majumder Arun Lahiri , Chatterjee Anirban , Ghosh Dastidar Krishnarup , Majee Manoj
Published: September 2003

L‐myo‐Inositol 1‐phosphate synthase (MIPS, EC 5.5.1.4), the key enzyme in the inositol and phosphoinositide biosynthetic pathway, is present throughout evolutionarily diverse organisms and is considered an ancient protein/gene. Analysis by multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic tree generation and comparison of newly determined crystal structures provides new insight into the origin and evolutionary relationships among the various MIPS proteins/genes. The evolution of the MIPS protein/gene among the prokaryotes seems more diverse and complex than amongst the eukaryotes. However, conservation of a ‘core catalytic structure’ among the MIPS proteins implies an essential function of the enzyme in cellular metabolism throughout the biological kingdom.