bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for excessive sleepiness in older adults
Authors: Pack Allan I. , Dinges David F. , Gehrman Philip R. , Staley Bethany , Pack Frances M. , Maislin Greg
Published: May 2006

Objective

To determine risk factors for excessive daytime sleepiness in older adults.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study assessing multiple risk factors for excessive daytime sleepiness in older subjects (mean age, 78 years; range 65–98 years) with (n = 149) and without (n = 144) complaints of frequent excessive daytime sleepiness. Assessment of risk factors included full in‐laboratory sleep studies.

Results

Excessive sleepiness among the elderly is multifactorial. Multivariable modeling identified the following as simultaneously significant risk factors for excessive sleepiness: severe sleep‐disordered breathing (apnea–hypopnea index, >30 episodes/hr), self‐report of poor sleep quality, increased percentage of time in rapid eye movement sleep, pain at night at least three times per week, wheezing or whistling from chest at night, and medications with sleepiness as a side effect. Male sex also was associated with increased risk, whereas alcohol use (more than seven beverages per week) reduced the risk for sleepiness. Multiple risk factors were more commonly present in those with complaints of sleepiness. The presence of periodic limb movements, which are common in older adults, was not associated with sleepiness.

Interpretation

There is a distinct differential diagnosis of excessive daytime sleepiness in older adults. Many of the risk factors that we identified are treatable. Ann Neurol 2006;59:893‐904
Frontotemporal dementia: Clinicopathological correlations
Authors: Forman Mark S. , Farmer Jennifer , Johnson Julene K. , Clark Christopher M. , Arnold Steven E. , Coslett H. Branch , Chatterjee Anjan , Hurtig Howard I. , Karlawish Jason H. , Rosen Howard J. , Van Deerlin Vivianna , Lee Virginia M.‐Y. , Miller Bruce L. , Trojanowski John Q. , Grossman Murray
Published: May 2006

Objective

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is characterized by impairments in social, behavioral, and/or language function, but postmortem studies indicate that multiple neuropathological entities lead to FTLD. This study assessed whether specific clinical features predict the underlying pathology.

Methods

A clinicopathological correlation was performed on 90 consecutive patients with a pathological diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and was compared with an additional 24 cases accrued during the same time period with a clinical diagnosis of FTLD, but with pathology not typically associated with frontotemporal dementia.

Results

Postmortem examination showed multiple pathologies including tauopathies (46%), FTLD with ubiquitin‐positive inclusions (29%), and Alzheimer's disease (17%). The pathological groups manifested some distinct demographic, clinical, and neuropsychological features, although these attributes showed only a statistical association with the underlying pathology. FTLD with ubiquitin‐positive inclusions was more likely to present with both social and language dysfunction, and motor neuron disease was more likely to emerge in these patients. Tauopathies were more commonly associated with an extrapyramidal disorder. Alzheimer's disease was associated with relatively greater deficits in memory and executive function.

Interpretation

Clinical and neuropsychological features contribute to delineating the spectrum of pathology underlying a patient diagnosed with FTLD, but biomarkers are needed that, together with the clinical phenotype, can predict the underlying neuropathology. Ann Neurol 2006;59:952‐962
Effects of neonatal dexamethasone treatment on hippocampal synaptic function
Authors: Lin Hsiao‐Ju , Huang Chiung‐Chun , Hsu Kuei‐Sen
Published: May 2006

Objective

Synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) is frequently used as a therapeutic agent to lessen the morbidity of chronic lung disease in premature infants. Surprisingly, little is known about the long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes of this therapy.

Methods

Using a schedule of tapering doses of DEX similar to that used in premature infants, we examined the consequences of neonatal DEX treatment on hippocampal synaptic plasticity of infants and associative memory later in their lives.

Results

Neonatal DEX treatment changed the direction of synaptic plasticity, favoring low‐frequency, stimulation‐induced, long‐term depression and opposing the induction of long‐term potentiation by high‐frequency stimulation in adolescent (5‐week‐old) rats, but these alterations disappeared in young adult (8‐week‐old) rats. The effects of DEX on long‐term depression and long‐term potentiation were found to correlate with an increase in the autophosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II and a decrease in the protein phosphatase 1 activity. Neonatal DEX treatment also disrupted memory retention in 5‐week‐old (but not 8‐week‐old) rats subjected to passive avoidance learning tasks.

Interpretation:

These results suggest that neonatal DEX treatment alters hippocampal synaptic plasticity and contextual fear memory formation in later life, but these impairments apparently are not permanent. Ann Neurol 2006;59:939‐951
B lineage cells in the inflammatory central nervous system environment: Migration, maintenance, local antibody production, and therapeutic modulation
Authors: Meinl Edgar , Krumbholz Markus , Hohlfeld Reinhard
Published: May 2006

B cells have long played an enigmatic role in the scenario of multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. This review summarizes recent progress in our understanding of B‐cell trafficking, survival, and differentiation in the central nervous system (CNS). We propose four possible routes of intrathecal immunoglobulin‐producing cells. The inflammatory CNS provides a unique, B‐cell–friendly environment, in which B lineage cells, notably long‐lived plasma cells, can survive for many years, perhaps even for a lifetime. These new findings offer a plausible explanation for the notorious persistence and stability of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands. Furthermore, we highlight similarities and differences of intrathecal immunoglobulin production in multiple sclerosis patients and patients with other CNS inflammatory conditions. Finally, we outline the possibly double‐edged effects of B cells and immunoglobulin in the CNS and discuss various therapeutic strategies for targeting the B‐cell response. Ann Neurol 2006;59:880‐892
Nanogels prepared by self‐assembly of oppositely charged globular proteins
Authors: Yu Shaoyong , Yao Ping , Jiang Ming , Zhang Guangzhao
Published: May 2006

Ovalbumin and lysozyme are two main proteins in hen egg white with the isoelectric points of 4.8 and 11, respectively. Herein we report the manufacture of stable, narrowly distributed nanogels (hydrodynamic radius about 100 nm) using a novel and convenient method: ovalbumin and lysozyme solutions were mixed at pH 5.3, the mixture solution was adjusted to pH 10.3, then subsequently stirred and heated. The nanogels were characterized using a combination of techniques. The nanogels have spherical shape and core‐shell structure. The core is mainly composed of lysozyme and the shell is mainly composed of ovalbumin. The proteins in the nanogels are in denatured states and they are bound by intermolecular hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds, and disulfide bonds. The charges of the nanogels can be modulated by the pH of the medium. The electrostatic repulsion of ovalbumin molecules on the nanogel surface stabilizes the nanogels in aqueous solution. The formation mechanism of the nanogels is discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83: 148–158, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Engineering Escherichia coli to improve culture performance and reduce formation of by‐products during recombinant protein production under transient intermittent anaerobic conditions
Authors: Lara Alvaro R. , Vazquez‐Limón Consuelo , Gosset Guillermo , Bolívar Francisco , López‐Munguía Agustín , Ramírez Octavio T.
Published: May 2006

Three E. coli strains, named VAL22, VAL23, and VAL24, were engineered at the level of mixed‐acid fermentation pathways to improve culture performance under transient anaerobic conditions. VAL22 is a single mutant with an inactivated poxB gene that codes for pyruvate oxidase which converts pyruvate to acetate. VAL23 is a double mutant unable to produce lactate and formate due to deletions of the ldhA and pflB genes that code for lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate‐formate lyase, respectively. VAL24 is a triple mutant with ldhA and pflB deleted and poxB inactivated. Engineered strains were cultured under oscillating dissolved oxygen tension (DOT) in a scale‐down system, to simulate gradients occurring in large‐scale bioreactors. Kinetic and stoichiometric parameters of constant (10%) and oscillating DOT cultures of the engineered strains were compared with those of the parental strain, W3110. All strains expressed recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a protein model. Mutant strains showed improved specific growth rate, reduced by‐product formation, and reduced specific glucose uptake rate compared to the parental strain, when cultured under oscillating DOT. In particular, lactate and formate production was abolished and acetate accumulation was reduced by 9–12%s. VAL24 showed the best performance, as specific growth and GFP production rates, and maximum GFP concentration were not affected by DOT gradients and were at least twofold higher than those of W3110 under constant DOT. Under oscillating DOT, VAL24 wasted about 40% less carbon into fermentation by‐products than W3110. It was demonstrated that, although E. coli responds rapidly to DOT fluctuations by deviating to fermentative metabolism, such pathways can be eliminated as they are not necessary for bacterial survival during the short circulation times typical of large‐scale cultures. The approach shown here opens new possibilities for designing metabolically engineered strains, with reduced sensitivity to DOT gradients and improved performance under typical conditions of large‐scale cultures. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance of Nozzle/Diffuser Micro‐Pumps Subject to Parallel and Series Combinations
Authors: Yang K.‐S. , Chen I.‐Y. , Wang C.‐C.
Published: May 2006

This study numerically examines the performance of micro nozzle/diffuser pumps subject to parallel and series combinations. For a single‐chamber micro nozzle/diffuser micro‐pump, four stages are identified. For dual micro‐pumps in a parallel combination, the flow field in each chamber is symmetrical about the center line of the arrangement. For in‐phase operation, the maximum flowrate is about two times higher than that of the single‐chamber. For micro‐pumps in a series combination, it is found that the overall performance is strongly related to the phase angle. The effective flowrate can be significantly increased, decreased, or even reversed. This indicates that the flowrate can be controlled within a wide span by changing the phase angles. At a phase angle of 90°, an eight‐fold increase of effective flowrate is seen relative to that of a single‐chamber operation. The significant increase of flowrate is attributed to two effects; the first effect is due to the “active valve” effect that increases the efficiency during pump mode. The second influence is attributed to the increased pressure difference that brings in more fluid during supply mode.
An Innovative Pulsed Column Applied to Solid‐Liquid Contacting the BPC Column
Authors: Brunet L. , Prat L. , Casamatta G. , Carvin P.
Published: May 2006

The innovative process presented is a novel type of pulsed column (BPC column) used as a solid‐liquid contactor. An evolution in the design of the interior and in the shape of the pulsation has been attained. The initial objectives were to achieve a reactor of greatly increased solid residence time, independent of the liquid phase. Phase contacting is carried out in a column 1.5 m in height. The liquid and solid are flowing countercurrently. The solid is fed in at the bottom of the column and flows upwardly, irrespective of the density difference between the two phases. The behavior of solid and liquid phases was investigated through the analysis of residence time distributions. The range of working conditions has been determined. Consequently, it was found that an optimal tuning of the operating conditions (pulsation parameters, flow control) may minimize the influence of the size and density of the particles as well as uncoupling the residence time of both phases. The column has been manufactured, in order to handle a large range of solid‐liquid systems (solid treatment, purification or reaction, raw materials, floating or dense particles, polydispersed particles). On the basis of the model calculations and design considerations, preliminary data is presented on the technical and economical feasibility of the various applications mentioned above. The final aim of this study is to prove that, for a fixed production rate and product quality, the new column can satisfy the specifications required and possibly even exceed them.
A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm for the Estimation of Polyesterification Kinetic Parameters
Authors: Feng G. , Li F. , Li H. , Qu H. , Cui Y.
Published: May 2006

A simple genetic algorithm (SGA) has been improved in this paper. The resulting hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) was used to estimate the kinetic parameters of polyesterification between dimer fatty acid and ethylene glycol. The acid values of product predicted by the kinetic model match well with experimental data at different material proportions and conversion ratios. The kinetic model was proven to be effective. The hybrid genetic algorithm was compared with the simple genetic algorithm, and the result indicated that the improved genetic algorithm has higher efficiency, stronger ability on local searches, better precision, and a wider search range.
Transient Cooling of Heat‐Generating Materials with Thermoelectric Coolers
Authors: Makino Y. , Maruyama T.
Published: May 2006

The transient cooling of heat‐generating materials contacted with a thermoelectric microcooler was discussed, and the operation of a fixed electric current was proposed as an alternative to the conventional operation of a variable electric current to obtain the maximum heat flux of cooling. The changes in temperature of the materials cooled by the thermoelectric cooler were obtained by numerical calculation of the unsteady one‐dimensional energy equation. The proposed operation of a fixed current was found to be a useful alternative to the conventional operation. An approximate analysis was made on the basis of the results of the numerical calculation. The results showed that the transient response of cooling of material without heat generation could be expressed by the first‐order delay. Comparisons with the numerical calculation indicated that the expression by the first‐order delay is also applicable to the cooling of material with heat generation and that the time constant decreases with increasing rate of heat generation from the material.
Formation and Growth of Crystal Bridges in Bulk Solids
Authors: Bröckel U. , Wahl M. , Kirsch R. , Feise H. J.
Published: May 2006

Solidification and caking of bulk solids often occurs during storage or while being transported to the customer. To investigate the formation and growth of solid bridges between two discrete particles, the modification of the contact region between these two particles stored in a climatic chamber is examined. The effect of load, temperature, relative humidity, and storage time on the formation of a bridge is analyzed. The objective is to describe the behavior of crystalline or salt‐like granules under real storage conditions.
Caking of Urea Prills
Authors: Wahl M. , Kirsch R. , Bröckel U. , Trapp S. , Bottlinger M.
Published: May 2006

To investigate the formation and growth of solid bridges between urea particles, the changes in the contact region between two discrete particles are measured. The work is carried out using a Double‐Particle‐System (DPS). The DPS was stored in a climatic chamber. The effect of load, temperature, relative humidity, and storage time on the formation of a bridge between these particles was analyzed. The objective was to describe the geometrical changes in the contact region and to measure the strength of the resulting interparticle bridge.
Development of an Uniaxial Caking Tester
Authors: Röck M. , Ostendorf M. , Schwedes J.
Published: May 2006

In a collaborative research project “Consumer Oriented Solid Transport Technology” (COSTT) funded by the European Union caking properties were measured. Several partners from industry and academia were involved in this project. The caking properties of the selected bulk solids coming from the industrial partners strongly depend on consolidation stress, consolidation time, temperature, and humidity. The consolidation of the samples to be tested was carried out in a climatic chamber, where the rapid attainment of equilibrium regarding temperature and humidity was an essential prerequisite. For testing, the principle of an uniaxial tester was chosen.
Analysis of electric field induced by ELF magnetic field utilizing generalized equivalent multipole‐moment method
Authors: Hamada Shoji , Yamamoto Osamu , Kobayashi Tetsuo
Published: May 2006

This paper presents a generalized equivalent multipole‐moment method for calculating three‐dimensional Laplacian fields in a multispherical system. Greengard and Rokhlin's M2M, M2L, and L2L formulas enable the multipole‐moment method to calculate the fields in general arrangement of multispheres, which involve exclusive and multilayered spherical arrangement. We applied this method to electric field calculation in biological structures induced by ELF magnetic fields. The induced electric fields in a system of three eccentric and exclusive spheres, which models the human head with two eyeballs, are calculated under the application of homogeneous and magnetic‐dipole fields. The validity of this method is successfully confirmed by comparing the calculated fields with those by the fast‐multipole surface‐charge‐simulation method. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 156(2): 1–14, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20342
A Highly Efficient and Stereocontrolled Synthesis of 2‐Deoxy‐1,5‐thioanhydro‐L‐hexitols from D‐Glycals in a Tandem Nucleophilic Displacement Reaction
Authors: Passacantilli Pietro , Centore Clara , Ciliberti Elena , Leonelli Francesca , Piancatelli Giovanni
Published: May 2006

2‐Deoxy‐1,5‐thioanhydro‐L‐hexitols have been synthesized in a concise sequence that includes: i) ring opening of glycals with aqueous mercury(II) acetate/sodium borohydride; ii) mesylation of the free hydroxy groups of the multifunctionalized open intermediates; and iii) S‐heterocyclization by treatment with sodium sulfide. The thiosugar derivatives are obtained with a 60–80 % yield. Thus, D‐glucal and D‐galactal can be converted into the corresponding 2‐deoxy‐1,5‐thioanhydro‐L‐hexitols, while L‐rhamnal gives 3,4‐di‐O‐benzyl‐2,6‐dideoxy‐1,5‐thioanhydro‐D‐xylo‐hexitol. This straightforward chemistry is shown to be useful for the synthesis of glycosyl derivatives of 2‐deoxy‐1,5‐thioanhydro‐L‐hexitol, starting from glycosyl glycals such as D‐lactal, D‐cellobial, D‐maltal, D‐melibial and D‐gentiobial, thus avoiding the usually lengthy glycosylation procedures. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
3‐Bromopropenyl Methylcarbonate in Organic Synthesis: A Straightforward Approach to 4,5‐Disubstituted 5‐Vinyl‐1,3‐dioxolan‐2‐ones
Authors: Lombardo Marco , Pasi Filippo , Trombini Claudio
Published: May 2006

The reaction of 3‐bromopropenyl methylcarbonate (2) with aliphatic or aromatic aldehydes, in the presence of indium metal in N,N‐dimethylformamide, affords cis and trans 4,5‐disubstituted 5‐vinyl‐1,3‐dioxolan‐2‐ones 4 in very high isolated yields. Reactions may be run by adopting either one‐pot Barbier conditions or a two‐step Grignard protocol. The cis‐4/trans‐4 ratio is controlled by the nature of the carbonyl compound: saturated aldehydes mainly afford cis‐4, whereas conjugated aldehydes favor the formation of trans‐4. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatographic method for the quantitative analysis of uricosuric and antigout drugs in pharmaceutical preparations
Authors: Kou Hwang‐Shang , Lin Tsai‐Pei , Chung Tang‐Chia , Wu Hsin‐Lung
Published: May 2006

A simple MEKC method is described for the separation and quantification of seven widely used uricosuric and antigout drugs, including allopurinol (AP), benzbromarone (BZB), colchicine (COL), orotic acid (OA), oxypurinol (OP), probenecid (PB), and sulfinpyrazone (SPZ). The drugs were separated in a BGE of borate buffer (45 mM; pH 9.00) with SDS (20 mM) as the micellar source and the separated drugs were directly monitored with a UV detector (214 nm). Several parameters affecting the separation and analysis of the drugs were studied. Based on the normalized peak‐area ratios of the drugs to an internal standard versus the concentration of the drugs, the method is applicable to quantify BZB, COL, and SPZ (each 5–200 μM), AP, OA, OP, and PB (each 10–200 μM) with detection limits (S/N = 3, 0.5 psi, 5 s injection) in the range of 0.6–4.0 μM. The precision (RSD; n = 5) and accuracy (relative error; n = 5) of the method for intraday and interday analyses of the analytes at three levels (30, 120, and 180 μM) are below 4% (n = 3). The method was demonstrated to be suitable for the analysis of AP and COL in commercial tablets with speed and simplicity.
Development and validation of a capillary electrophoresis method with laser‐induced fluorescence detection for the determination of captopril in human urine and pharmaceutical preparations
Authors: Pérez‐Ruiz Tomás , Martínez‐Lozano Carmen , Galera Raquel
Published: May 2006

This study describes the development of a CE method for the analysis of the antihypertensive drug captopril using LIF detection. The method is based on the derivatization of captopril with the fluorescent label 5‐iodoacetamidofluorescein. The optimization of the electrophoretic electrolyte composition together with other variables, such as applied voltage and injection time, resulted in a solution of 20 mM phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 12.0. The calibration curve for the fluorescent captopril derivative was linear in the concentration range 3.5–6000 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/mL. Intra‐ and interday precision (at a concentration of about 100 times the LOD) were less than 0.86 and 1.16%, respectively, both expressed as RSD. The assay was successfully used for quantification of captopril in some marketed pharmaceutical preparations and urine samples.
Determination of phenothiazines in pharmaceutical formulations and human urine using capillary electrophoresis with chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Lara Francisco J. , García‐Campaña Ana M. , Gámiz‐Gracia Laura , Bosque‐Sendra Juan M. , Alés‐Barrero Fermín
Published: May 2006

A CE instrument coupled with chemiluminescence (CL) detection was designed for the determination of promethazine hydrochloride (PTH) and promazine hydrochloride (PMH) in real samples. An important enhancement of the CL emission of luminol with potassium ferricyanide was observed in the presence of these phenothiazines; so this system was selected for their detection after CE separation. Parameters affecting the electrophoretic separation were optimized in a univariate way, while those affecting CL detection were optimized by means of a multivariate approach based on the use of experimental designs. Chemometrics was also employed for the study of the robustness of the factors influencing the postcolumn CL detection. The method allows the separation of the phenothiazines in less than 4 min, achieving LODs of 80 ng/mL for PMH and 334 ng/mL for PTH, using sample injection by gravity. Electrokinetic injection was used to obtain lower LODs for the determination of the compounds in biological samples. The applicability of the CE‐CL method was illustrated in the determination of PTH in pharmaceutical formulations and in the analysis of PMH in human urine, using a previous SPE procedure, achieving an LOD of 1 ng/mL and recoveries higher than 85%.
Neural basis of first and second language processing of sentence‐level linguistic prosody
Authors: Gandour Jackson , Tong Yunxia , Talavage Thomas , Wong Donald , Dzemidzic Mario , Xu Yisheng , Li Xiaojian , Lowe Mark
Published: May 2006

A fundamental question in multilingualism is whether the neural substrates are shared or segregated for the two or more languages spoken by polyglots. This study employs functional MRI to investigate the neural substrates underlying the perception of two sentence‐level prosodic phenomena that occur in both Mandarin Chinese (L1) and English (L2): sentence focus (sentence‐initial vs. ‐final position of contrastive stress) and sentence type (declarative vs. interrogative modality). Late‐onset, medium proficiency Chinese‐English bilinguals were asked to selectively attend to either sentence focus or sentence type in paired three‐word sentences in both L1 and L2 and make speeded‐response discrimination judgments. L1 and L2 elicited highly overlapping activations in frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes. Furthermore, region of interest analyses revealed that for both languages the sentence focus task elicited a leftward asymmetry in the supramarginal gyrus; both tasks elicited a rightward asymmetry in the mid‐portion of the middle frontal gyrus. A direct comparison between L1 and L2 did not show any difference in brain activation in the sentence type task. In the sentence focus task, however, greater activation for L2 than L1 occurred in the bilateral anterior insula and superior frontal sulcus. The sentence focus task also elicited a leftward asymmetry in the posterior middle temporal gyrus for L1 only. Differential activation patterns are attributed primarily to disparities between L1 and L2 in the phonetic manifestation of sentence focus. Such phonetic divergences lead to increased computational demands for processing L2. These findings support the view that L1 and L2 are mediated by a unitary neural system despite late age of acquisition, although additional neural resources may be required in task‐specific circumstances for unequal bilinguals. Hum. Brain Mapp, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of storm events on solute exports from a glaciated forested watershed in western New York, USA
Authors: Inamdar S. P. , O'Leary N. , Mitchell M. J. , Riley J. T.
Published: May 2006

This study analysed the importance of precipitation events from May 2003 to April 2004 on surface water chemistry and solute export from a 696 ha glaciated forested watershed in western New York State, USA. The specific objectives of the study were to determine: (a) the temporal patterns of solutes within individual storm events; (b) the impact of precipitation events on seasonal and annual export budgets; and (c) how solute concentrations and loads varied for precipitation events among seasons as functions of storm intensity and antecedent moisture conditions. Analysis of solute trajectories showed that NH4+, total Al and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) peaked on the hydrograph rising limb, whereas dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations peaked following the discharge peak. Sulphate and base‐cations displayed a dilution pattern with a minimum around peak discharge. End‐member mixing analysis showed that throughfall contributions were highest on the rising limb, whereas valley‐bottom riparian waters peaked following the discharge peak. The trajectories of NO3− concentrations varied with season, indicating the influence of biotic processes on the generation, and hence flux, of this solute. Storm events had the greatest impact on the annual budgets for NH4+, K+, total dissolved Al, DON and DOC. Storm events during summer had the greatest impact on seasonal solute budgets. Summer events had the highest hourly discharges and high concentrations of solutes. However, NO3− and DOC exports during a spring snowmelt event were considerably more than those observed for large events during other periods of the year. Comparisons among storms showed that season, precipitation amount, and antecedent moisture conditions affected solute concentrations and loads. Concentrations of solutes were elevated for storms that occurred after dry antecedent conditions. Seven of the largest storms accounted for only 15% of the annual discharge, but were responsible for 34%, 19%, 64%, 13%, 39% and 24% of the annual exports of NH4+, K+, Al, NO3−, DON and DOC respectively. These results suggest that the intense and infrequent storms predicted for future climate‐change scenarios will likely increase the exports of solutes like DOC, DON, NH4+, Al and K+ from watersheds. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxygen limitation in static respiration activity index test
Authors: He Pin‐Jing , Lü Fan , Shao Li‐Ming , Lee Duu‐Jong
Published: May 2006

The static respiration activity index test was designed to assess the biodegradability (or biostability) of compost samples by monitoring their oxygen consumption rate under cultivation conditions. However, as revealed in this study, the measured activity index correlated not only with the biochemical characteristics of the tested sample but also with the operational conditions, including sample quantity, sample moisture content and cultivation temperature. It was speculated that this observation could be attributed to the limited oxygen transport to the sample. Hence the oxygen transport and consumption in the tested sample were modelled using a one‐dimensional, pseudo‐steady state model to estimate the relative significance of mass transfer resistance to the bioreaction rate. A so‐called critical thickness of the sample, above which mass transfer resistance became significant, was identified and assessed under various experimental conditions. The possible oxygen limitation for the static respiration test to estimate the activity index of compost samples was critically assessed. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetic modelling of lactic acid production from whey by Lactobacillus casei (NRRL B‐441)
Authors: Altıok Duygu , Tokatlı Figen , Harsa Şebnem
Published: May 2006

The biomass growth, lactic acid production and lactose utilisation kinetics of lactic acid production from whey by Lactobacillus casei was studied. Batch fermentation experiments were performed at controlled pH and temperature with six different initial whey lactose concentrations (9‐77 g dm−3) in a 3 dm3 working volume bioreactor. Biomass growth was well described by the logistic equation with a product inhibition term. In addition, biomass and product inhibition effects were defined with corresponding power terms, which enabled adjustment of the model for low‐ and high‐substrate conditions. The Luedeking‐Piret equation defined the product formation kinetics. Substrate consumption was explained by production rate and maintenance requirements. A maximum productivity of 2.5 g dm−3 h−1 was attained with an initial lactose concentration of 35.5 g dm−3. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
A pseudo‐steady state model of the kinetics of laccase‐catalysed oxidation of aqueous phenol
Authors: Kurniawati Selvia , Nicell James A
Published: May 2006

A model has been developed to describe the kinetics of the oxidation of phenol by oxygen using laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) from Trametes versicolor as catalyst. The model incorporates an assumption, referred to as the pseudo‐steady state assumption, that at any instant during the reaction the enzyme achieves an approximate steady state distribution of its various forms around the catalytic cycle. The model was validated by comparing model predictions with experimental observations of phenol transformation and oxygen consumption over time. Excellent agreement was found between experimental data and model predictions. The pseudo‐steady state assumption had the advantage of reducing the complexity of the model equations to be solved while simultaneously maintaining the model's predictive ability. The pseudo‐steady state model was further simplified in accordance with specific initial conditions to provide a simplified method for the estimation of the model constants. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of bone formation ingrafted periosteum harvested from tibia and calvaria
Authors: Fujii Takashi , Ueno Takaaki , Kagawa Toshimasa , Sakata Yoshirou , Sugahara Toshio
Published: May 2006

Periosteum covers the bone surface and displays the potential to initiate bone formation, after injury to the bone. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the periosteum plays major roles in the healing process after bone fracture. Some reports have described that in the healing of long bone fractures, the periosteum forms new bone by intramembranous and endochondral ossification. Other researchers insist that healing of defects in membrane bone shows bone formation by intramembranous ossification. However, previous studies have not been able to clarify differences in bone formation patterns. We hypothesized that differences in bone formation pattern are associated with the periosteal potential for cell differentiation. The present study grafted periosteum, harvested from the tibia and calvaria, into the suprahyoid muscle, with the aim of interrupting release of factors from bone matrix. Bone formation, after grafting periosteum, harvested from the tibia and calvaria, was examined histologically and radiographically. Grafted tibial periosteum formed a large area of new bone by intramembranous and endochondral ossification, while grafted calvarial periosteum displayed intramembranous ossification. Grafted tibial periosteum formed a larger area of bone than grafted calvarial periosteum. Patterns of cell differentiation thus differ between grafted periosteum, harvested from the tibia and calvaria. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Migration of human and mouse primordial germ cells and colonization of the developing ovary: An ultrastructural and cytochemical study
Authors: Pereda Jaime , Zorn Telma , Soto‐Suazo Mauricio
Published: May 2006

This review is an account of the origin and migratory events of primordial germ cells until their settlement in the gonad before sexual differentiation in the human as well as mice. In this context, the morphodynamic characteristics of the migration of the primordial germ cells, the macromolecular characteristics of the extracellular matrix of the migratory pathway, and the factors involved in the germ cell guidance have been analyzed and discussed in the light of recent advances in this field, by means of immunocytochemical procedures. The events prior to gonadal morphogenesis and the origin of the somatic cell content of the human gonadal primordium have been also analyzed. In particular, evidences are presented showing that cells derived from the coelomic epithelium and mesenchyme are at the origin of the somatic components of the gonadal primordium, and that a mesonephric cell contribution to the generation of somatic cell components of the genital ridge in humans should be discarded due to the morphological stability of the different nephric structures during the period preceding the sexual differentiation of the gonad. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
From oogonia to mature oocytes: Inactivation of the maternal centrosome in humans
Authors: Sathananthan A. Henry , Selvaraj Kamala , Girijashankar M. Lakshmi , Ganesh Vijaya , Selvaraj Priya , Trounson Alan O.
Published: May 2006

The fine structure of human oogonia and growing oocytes has been reviewed in fetal and adult ovaries. Preovulatory maturation and the ultrastructure of stimulated oocytes from the germinal vesicle (GV) stage to metaphase II (MII) stage are also documented. Oogonia have large nuclei, scanty cytoplasm with complex mitochondria. During folliculogenesis, follicle cell processes establish desmosomes and deep gap junctions at the surface of growing oocytes, which are retracted during the final stages of maturation. The zona pellucida is secreted in secondary follicles. Growing oocytes have mitochondria, Golgi, rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), ribosomes, lysosomes, and lipofuscin bodies, often associated with Balbiani bodies and have nuclei with reticulated nucleoli. Oocytes from antral follicles show numerous surface microvilli and cortical granules (CGs) separated from the oolemma by a band of microfilaments. The CGs are evidently secreted by Golgi membranes. The GV oocytes have peripheral Golgi complexes associated with a single layer of CGs close to the oolemma. They have many lysosomes, and nuclei with dense compact nucleoli. GV breakdown occurs by disorganization of the nuclear envelope and the oocyte enters a transient metaphase I followed by MII, when it is arrested and ovulated. Maturation of oocytes in vitro follows the same pattern of meiosis seen in preovulatory oocytes. The general organization of the human oocyte conforms to that of most other mammals but has some unique features. The MII oocyte has the basic cellular organelles such as mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, microfilaments, and microtubules, while Golgi, RER, lysosomes, multivesicular, residual and lipofuscin bodies are very rare. It neither has yolk nor lipid inclusions. Its surface has few microvilli, and 1–3 layers of CGs, aligned beneath the oolemma. Special reference has been made to the reduction and inactivation of the maternal centrosome during oogenesis. The MII spindle, often oriented perpendicular to the oocyte surface, is barrel‐shaped, anastral and lacks centrioles. Osmiophilic centrosomes are not demonstrable in human eggs, since the maternal centrosome is nonfunctional. However, oogonia and growing oocytes have typical centrioles, similar to those of somatic cells. The sperm centrosome activates the egg and organizes the sperm aster and mitotic spindles of the embryo, after fertilization. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimizing UV laser focus profiles for improved MALDI performance
Authors: Holle Armin , Haase Andreas , Kayser Markus , Höhndorf Jens
Published: May 2006

Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) applications, such as proteomics, genomics, clinical profiling and MALDI imaging, have created a growing demand for faster instrumentation. Since the commonly used nitrogen lasers have throughput and life span limitations, diode‐pumped solid‐state lasers are an alternative. Unfortunately this type of laser shows clear performance limitations in MALDI in terms of sensitivity, resolution and ease of use, for applications such as thin‐layer sample preparations, acceptance of various matrices (e.g. DHB for glycopeptides) and MALDI imaging. While it is obvious that the MALDI process has some dependence on the characteristics of the laser used, it is unclear which features are the most critical in determining laser performance for MALDI. In this paper we show, for the first time, that a spatially structured laser beam profile in lieu of a Gaussian profile is of striking importance. This result enabled us to design diode‐pumped Nd : YAG lasers that on various critical applications perform as well for MALDI as the nitrogen lasers and in some respects even better. The modulation of the beam profile appears to be a new parameter for optimizing the MALDI process. In addition, the results trigger new questions directing us to a better understanding of the MALDI process. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Balkan endemic nephropathy: Role of ochratoxins A through biomarkers
Authors: Castegnaro Marcel , Canadas Delphine , Vrabcheva Terry , Petkova‐Bocharova Theodora , Chernozemsky Ivan N. , Pfohl‐Leszkowicz Annie
Published: May 2006

Several studies implicated mycotoxins, in endemic kidney disease geographically limited to Balkan region (Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN)). In Bulgaria, much higher prevalence of ochratoxin A (OTA), exceeding 2 μg/L, was observed in the blood of affected population. OTA is found more often in the urine of people living in BEN‐endemic villages. To confirm and quantify exposure to OTA in Vratza district, we followed up OTA intake for 1 month, OTA in blood and urine from healthy (20–30 years old) volunteers, from two villages with high risk for BEN disease. Food samples were collected daily, blood and urine at the beginning of each week. Relations between increasing OTA intake, blood concentration and elimination of OTA in urine have been studied in rats. Average weekly intake of OTA varies from 1.9 to 206 ng/kg body weight, twice tolerable weekly intake recommended by JECFA. OTA blood concentrations are in the same range as previously reported in this region with concentrations reaching 10 μg/L. Weekly OTA food intake is not directly correlated with blood and urine concentrations. Biomarkers of biological effects such as DNA adducts were detected in patients affected by urinary tract tumours (UTT) and in rat study. All these plead for the implication of OTA, in BEN and UTT.
Characterization of filamentous fungi isolated from Moroccan olive and olive cake: Toxinogenic potential of Aspergillus strains
Authors: Roussos Sevastianos , Zaouia Nabila , Salih Ghislane , Tantaoui‐Elaraki Abdelrhafour , Lamrani Khadija , Cheheb Mostafa , Hassouni Hicham , Verhé Fréderic , Perraud‐Gaime Isabelle , Augur Christopher , Ismaili‐Alaoui Mustapha
Published: May 2006

During the 2003 and 2004 olive oil production campaigns in Morocco, 136 samples from spoiled olive and olive cake were analyzed and 285 strains were isolated in pure culture. Strains included 167 mesophilic strains belonging to ten genera: Penicillium, Aspergillus, Geotrichum, Mucor, Rhizopus, Trichoderma, Alternaria, Acremonium, Humicola, Ulocladium as well as 118 thermophilic strains isolated in 2003 and 2004, mainly belonging to six species: Aspergillus fumigatus, Paecilomyces variotii, Mucor pusillus, Thermomyces lanuginosus, Humicola grisea, and Thermoascus aurantiacus. Penicillium and Aspergillus, respectively, 32.3 and 26.9% of total isolates represented the majority of mesophilic fungi isolated. When considering total strains (including thermotolerant strains) Aspergillus were the predominant strains isolated; follow‐up studies on mycotoxins therefore focused primarily on aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) from the latter strains. All isolated Aspergillus flavus strains (9) and Aspergillus niger strains (36) were studied in order to evaluate their capacity to produce AFs and OTA, respectively, when grown on starch‐based culture media. Seven of the nine tested A. flavus strains isolated from olive and olive cake produced AF B1 at concentrations between 48 and 95 μg/kg of dry rice weight. As for the A. niger strains, 27 of the 36 strains produced OTA.
Progressive nuclear factor‐κB activation resistant to inhibition by contraction and curcumin in mdx mice
Authors: Durham William J. , Arbogast Sandrine , Gerken Eric , Li Yi‐Ping , Reid Michael B.
Published: May 2006

Skeletal muscle of patients with Duchenne‐type muscular dystrophy and mdx mice exhibits elevated activity of the transcription factor NF‐κB (nuclear factor‐κB), which may play a role in muscle catabolism. We measured skeletal muscle NF‐κB activity in mdx mice at three ages (10 days, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks) to test the hypothesis that NF‐κB activity is elevated in an age‐dependent manner in these mice. In addition, we tested the hypothesis that NF‐κB activity could be reduced in mdx skeletal muscle by dietary supplementation with curcumin (1% w/v) or by fatiguing muscle contractions. We found that NF‐κB activity was elevated at 4 and 8 weeks of age but not at 10 days, and was resistant to inhibition by either fatiguing contractions or dietary curcumin. We conclude that NF‐κB activity is elevated in dystrophic skeletal muscle in an age‐related manner and is resistant to inhibition by physiological and pharmacological means. These findings are consistent with a role for NF‐κB activation in dystrophic muscle wasting but suggest that predicted interventions such as exercise or inhibitors of the early steps in the NF‐κ activation pathway may not be effective and that targeted research is needed to identify novel therapeutic strategies. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Modeling and analysis of uncertain time‐critical tasking problems
Authors: Gaver Donald P. , Jacobs Patricia A. , Samorodnitsky Gennady , Glazebrook Kevin D.
Published: May 2006

This paper describes modeling and operational analysis of a generic asymmetric service‐system situation in which (a) Red agents, potentially threatening, but in another but important interpretation, are isolated friendlies, such as downed pilots, that require assistance and “arrive” according to some partially known and potentially changing pattern in time and space; and (b) Reds have effectively limited unknown deadlines or times of availability for Blue service, i.e., detection, classification, and attack in a military setting or emergency assistance in others. We discuss various service options by Blue service agents and devise several approximations allowing one to compute efficiently those proportions of tasks of different classes that are successfully served or, more generally, if different rewards are associated with different classes of tasks, the percentage of the possible reward gained. We suggest heuristic policies for a Blue server to select the next task to perform and to decide how much time to allocate to that service. We discuss this for a number of specific examples. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2006.
No association between inhaled corticosteroids and whole body DXA in postmenopausal women
Authors: Elmståhl Sölve , Ekström Henrik , Johnell Olof , Gerhardsson de Verdier Maria , Norjavaara Ensio
Published: May 2006

Purpose

Postmenopausal women treated with corticosteroids are regarded as a high‐risk group due to the effect of both natural bone loss and possible adverse effects of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (IC).

Objective

To compare bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women exposed only to IC (IC group, n = 106) with that of BMD in women not exposed to corticosteroids (n = 124) and women exposed to oral and/or intra‐articular injections in addition to inhaled corticosteroids (OC group, n = 31). The women were recruited from a population‐based prospective cohort study.

Methods

Dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique was used to measure BMD in whole body, spine, pelvis and lower extremities. A health questionnaire and an interview about past and present medication use were used.

Results

The mean duration and dose of IC were 9.5 ± 4.5 years and 615 µg daily. Whole body BMD did not significantly differ between the IC group (1.103 g/cm2) and the unexposed group (1.087 g/cm2). Within the IC group, BMD stratified for cumulative dose of IC, duration or current dose above or below 800 µg did not differ. Z‐score BMD for tertiles did not differ when comparing the IC and OC groups.

Conclusion

No difference in BMD was noted between postmenopausal women exposed to inhaled corticosteroids and unexposed controls nor was there any dose response relationship between inhaled corticosteroid therapy and BMD. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.