bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freeze tolerance in the gray treefrog: Cryoprotectant mobilization and organ dehydration
Authors: Layne Jack R. , Jones Adrienne L.
Published: August 2002

Freeze tolerance in the frog Rana sylvatica is supported by nonanticipatory mobilization of cryoprotectant (glucose) and redistribution of organ water. Other freeze‐tolerant frogs may manifest these responses but differences exist. For example, the gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) accumulates mostly glycerol as opposed to glucose. The current study reports additional novel features about cryoprotection in H. versicolor. Frogs were acclimated to low temperature for 12 weeks and frozen for 3 days at –2.4°C. Some frogs were then thawed at 3°C for 4 hr. Calorimetry revealed that frozen frogs had 53.9% ± 11.1% of their body water in ice, and all frogs recovered following this procedure. Plasma glucose was low prior to the onset of freezing (1.1 ± 0.9 μmol/ml) and it was 20× higher in postfreeze frogs. Constituting nearly 30% of plasma solute, glycerol was 117.2 ± 13.6 μmol/ml prior to freezing and it remained equally high in postfreeze frogs. Liver water content was moderately lower in frozen frogs when compared to controls (62.9% ± 3.7% vs. 68.6% ± 1.7%), whereas postfreeze frogs excessively hydrated their livers (75.7% ± 2.1%). Less‐pronounced changes were seen in muscle water content. H. versicolor can mobilize its major cryoprotectant, glycerol, in response to extended cold acclimation, which is unique in comparison to other freeze‐tolerant frogs, and it experiences only moderate organ dehydration during freezing. This species conforms with other freeze‐tolerant frogs, however, by mobilizing glucose as a direct response to tissue freezing. J. Exp. Zool. 290:1–5, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oncoretroviral gene transfer to NOD/SCID repopulating cells using three different viral envelopes
Authors: Relander Thomas , Karlsson Stefan , Richter Johan
Published: August 2002

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate gene transfer to human umbilical cord blood (CB) CD34+/CD38low and NOD/SCID repopulating cells using oncoretroviral vectors and to compare the transduction efficiency using three different viral envelopes.

Methods

CB cells were transduced on Retronectin using an MSCV‐based vector with the gene for GFP (MGIN), which was packaged into three different cell lines giving different envelopes: PG13‐MGIN (GALV), 293GPG‐MGIN (VSV‐G) or AM12‐MGIN (amphotropic).

Results

Sorted CD34+/CD38low cells were efficiently transduced after 3 days of cytokine stimulation and the percentage of GFP‐positive cells was 61.8±6.6% (PG13‐MGIN), 26.9±3.5% (293GPG‐MGIN), and 39.3±4.8% (AM12‐MGIN). For transplantation experiments, CD34+ cells were pre‐stimulated for 2 days before transduction on Retronectin preloaded with vector and with the addition of 1/10th volume of viral supernatant on day 3. On day 4, the expanded equivalent of 2.5×105 cells was injected into irradiated NOD/SCID mice. All three pseudotypes transduced NOD/SCID repopulating cells (SRCs) equally well in the presence of serum, but engraftment was reduced when compared with freshly thawed cells. Simultaneous transduction with all three vector pseudotypes increased the gene transfer efficiency to SRCs but engraftment was significantly impaired. There were difficulties in producing amphotropic vectors at high titers in serum‐free medium and transduction of CD34+ cells using VSV‐G‐pseudotyped vectors under serum‐free conditions was very inefficient. In contrast, transduction with PG13‐MGIN under serum‐free conditions resulted in the maintenance of SRCs during transduction, high levels of engraftment (29.3±6.6%), and efficient gene transfer to SRCs (46.2±4.8%).

Conclusions

The best conditions for transduction and engraftment of CB SRCs were obtained with GALV‐pseudotyped vectors using serum‐free conditions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzymatic synthesis and biodistribution in mice of β‐O‐D‐galactopyranosyl‐(1,4′)‐2′‐[18F]fluoro‐2′‐deoxy‐D‐glucopyranose (2′‐[18F]fluorodeoxylactose]
Authors: Bormans G. , Verbruggen A.
Published: August 2002

We have synthesized β‐O‐D‐galactopyranosyl‐(1,4′)‐2′‐[18F]fluoro‐2′‐deoxy‐D‐glucopyranose (2′‐[18F]fluorodeoxylactose, 18FDL) using an enzymatic method starting from 18FDG in order to evaluate this compound with regard to its usefulness for in vivo visualization of the expression of the LacZ gene. Incubation of 18FDL with β‐galactosidase results in the formation of 18FDG. Biodistribution studies in normal mice showed that 18FDL is cleared by urinary excretion and is not retained in any tissue. Biodistribution in Rosa‐26 mice is identical to the biodistribution in normal mice, suggesting that 18FDL is not able to cross the cell membrane. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dorsal fin engine of the seahorse (Hippocampus sp.)
Authors: Consi T.R. , Seifert P.A. , Triantafyllou M.S. , Edelman E.R.
Published: August 2002

The muscles, fin ray joints, and supporting structures underlying the dorsal fin are described for two seahorse species: Hippocampus zosterae and Hippocampus erectus. A fan‐shaped array of cartilaginous bones, the pterigiophores, form the internal supporting structure of the dorsal fin. Each pterigiophore is composed of a proximal radial that extends from a vertebra to the dorsal side of the animal, where it fuses to a middle radial. The middle radials fuse with each other to form a dorsal ridge upon which sit the spheroidal distal radials. Each distal radial articulates with a fin ray on its dorsal side and is attached to the dorsal ridge on its ventral side by a material that has been histologically identified as elastic cartilage. Together these connections form a two‐axis joint that permits elevation, depression, and inclination of the ray. Each fin ray is actuated by two bilateral pairs of muscles, an anterior pair of inclinators, and a posterior pair of depressors. The anteriormost fin ray is actuated by three bilateral pair of muscles, the inclinators, the depressors, and a pair of elevator muscles that are positioned anterior to the inclinators. Preliminary examinations of the ray joints of the pectoral and anal fins of adult H. zostera and the pectoral fins of newborn H. erectus revealed structures similar to that seen in the dorsal fins. To further explore the structure and function of the dorsal fin gross dissections and simple functional tests were performed on H. erectus and H. barbouri and behavioral observations were made of all three species plus Hippocampus kuda. J. Morphol. 248:80–97, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accelerated coronary MRA by simultaneous acquisition of multiple 3D stacks
Authors: Manke Dirk , Böornert Peter , Nehrke Kay , Nagel Eike , Döossel Olaf
Published: August 2002

The implementation and first in vivo results of a novel coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) protocol allowing simultaneous acquisition of multiple geometrically independent 3D imaging stacks are presented. Each imaging stack is acquired in a separate cardiac phase using an individual magnetization preparation and navigator‐based gating and prospective motion correction. Each stack covers one of the main coronary vessels. Thus, an improvement of scan efficiency was achieved, which was used in this study to reduce total scan time at standard image quality. Experiments performed in healthy volunteers and in patients using a two‐stack approach yielded a total scan time reduction of 50% with an image quality equivalent to standard single‐stack coronary MRA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:478–483. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of enteroviruses ribonucleic acid sequences in endomyocardial tissue from adult patients with chronic dilated cardiomyopathy by a rapid RT‐PCR and hybridization assay
Authors: Rey Laurent , Lambert Valérie , Wattré Pierre , Andréoletti Laurent
Published: August 2002

A rapid reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and microwell capture hybridisation assay with general specificity for enteroviruses was developed and compared with an improved nested RT‐PCR for the detection of enteroviral RNA sequences in endomyocardial tissue from patients with chronic dilated cardiomyopathy. This method could detect as few as 20 genomic RNA copies per 100 mg of heart tissue homogenate and results could be obtained within 8 hours. Of the 55 biopsy specimens aseptically collected from the explanted hearts of 55 patients, 21 (38.2%) were positive by RT‐PCR microplate assay, whereas only 19 (34.5%) were positive by nested RT‐PCR assay and none were positive by classical cell culture assays. No enterovirus was detectable by RT‐PCR or classical cell culture assays in any of the 55 heart biopsy specimens taken from organ donors without any known heart disease. Moreover, the nucleotide sequences of EV nested RT‐PCR products showed greatest similarity to group B Coxsackieviruses [CVB3 (n = 12) or CVB5 (n = 3)], but also to group A Coxsackieviruses (CVA21 (n = 1) or CVA9 ( n= 3)]. The described RT‐PCR and microwell capture hybridisation assay can be applied to the virological diagnosis of human enteroviral cardiac infections. Moreover our findings suggest that group B and group A Coxsackieviruses can persist in heart tissue from patients with end‐stage chronic cardiomyopathy, supporting the hypothesis that these viruses could be implicated in the etiology of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. J. Med. Virol. 64:133–140, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiology of human sapporo‐like caliciviruses in the South West of England: Molecular characterisation of a genetically distinct isolate*
Authors: Robinson Samantha , Clarke Ian N. , Vipond I. Barry , Caul E. Owen , Lambden Paul R.
Published: August 2002

Human enteric caliciviruses have been assigned to two distinct genera: the Norwalk‐like viruses (NLVs) and the Sapporo‐like viruses (SLVs). During a 3‐year surveillance of gastroenteritis in the South West of England during November 1997–2000, a total of 27 clinical samples containing SLVs were collected. PCR amplicons covering a region of the RNA polymerase gene were obtained from 18 of the SLV samples. Sequence analysis of the PCR products indicated that the SLV isolates could be assigned to one of the two major genetic groups represented by Sapporo and London/92 caliciviruses. One of these isolates belonging to the London/92 group (Bristol/98) was subjected to a complete genome sequence analysis. The full genomic sequence of the Bristol/98 isolate was determined from RNA extracted from a single stool sample and consists of 7490 nucleotides, excluding the poly(A) tail. The genome is organised into two open reading frames (ORFs), similar to that of Manchester SLV although the small ORF overlapping the region encoding the capsid protein observed in Manchester SLV is absent in Bristol/98 SLV. The polyprotein (ORF1) of Bristol/98 SLV consists of 2,280 amino acids and, as observed in all SLVs, the structural protein is encoded in frame and contiguous with the 3′ terminus of the ORF1. Phylogenetic studies based on complete capsid sequences and genome arrangements within the SLVs indicate that the human enteric viruses within the “Sapporo‐like” virus clade should be divided into two distinct genetic groups analogous to the assignment of the Norwalk‐like viruses. J. Med. Virol. 67:282–288, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TLM method and acoustics
Authors: Portí Jorge A. , Morente Juan A.
Published: August 2002

In this paper, the application of the transmission line modelling method (TLM) to acoustic problems is considered. The formal coupling of a parallel and three series circuits is used to present a new three‐dimensional symmetrical condensed node for acoustics. Some considerations about the analogy, field excitation, and different boundary conditions are also included. Finally, examples are given demonstrating the suitability of the proposed TLM node to describe acoustic phenomena. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caspases on the brain
Authors: Troy Carol M. , Salvesen Guy S.
Published: August 2002

The basic mechanisms that underlie neurodegenerative diseases are unknown. Loss of function of specific regions of the brain is due to incapacitation of cells that constitute those regions. Cells can simply stop functioning normally (neurons may cease to transmit signals), or they may die. There is now evidence that the pathology of several neurodegenerative diseases is due to inappropriate apoptosis. This being the case, an understanding of the mediators of apoptosis, their identities, and their role in orchestrating death would be a vital step toward remedying the diseases. The central components of apoptotic pathways, proteases of the caspase family, are present in latent forms in all nucleated cells. Their activity is balanced by specific activation and inactivation events, and the molecular and biochemical controls have been well established in vitro and in model transformed cell lines. In this Mini‐Review, we consider the current status of the basic control mechanisms and how these may be subverted during neurodegeneration. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
H2O2 induces upregulation of Fas and Fas ligand expression in NGF‐differentiated PC12 cells: Modulation by cAMP
Authors: Facchinetti F. , Furegato S. , Terrazzino S. , Leon A.
Published: August 2002

Fas, (APO‐1/CD95), a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the tumor necrosis (TNF) receptor superfamily, transduces apoptotic death upon crosslinking by its cognate ligand (FasL). As upregulation of Fas/FasL expression occurs in neuropathological conditions (e.g., stroke, central nervous system [CNS] trauma and seizures) associated with oxidative damage, we questioned whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) can directly affect Fas and FasL expression in neuronal cells. Utilizing rat PC12 cells neuronally differentiated with nerve growth factor (NGF), we observed that concentrations of H2O2 inducing apoptotic cell death rapidly trigger the expression of Fas mRNA and protein as well as FasL mRNA. Although NGF‐addition to naive PC12 downregulated constitutive Fas and FasL transcription, the H2O2‐induced Fas and FasL mRNA upregulation invariably occurred either in the presence or in the absence of NGF. Similarly, phorbol 1,2‐myristate 1, 3‐acetate (PMA), a potent protein kinase C (PKC) activator, did not modify Fas and FasL mRNA upregulation subsequent to H2O2 exposure. On the contrary, forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP, which elevate intracellular cAMP by independent mechanisms, both counteracted H2O2‐induced Fas, but not FasL, mRNA upregulation and increased constitutive expression of FasL mRNA. Altogether, our data show that oxidative stress is a major stimulus in eliciting Fas and FasL expression in NGF‐differentiated PC12 cells. Moreover, we describe here for the first time the existence of cAMP‐dependent mechanism(s) modulating Fas and FasL expression. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental expression of a unique carbohydrate antigen, Tn antigen, in mouse central nervous tissues
Authors: Akita Kaoru , Fushiki Shinji , Fujimoto Takahiro , Inoue Mizue , Oguri Kayoko , Okayama Minoru , Yamashina Ikuo , Nakada Hiroshi
Published: August 2002

Using an anti‐Tn monoclonal antibody, the Tn antigen was detected immunohistochemically in prenatal and early postnatal central nervous tissues. On embryonic day 9 (E9), the antigen was distributed throughout the single neuroepithelial layer in the neocortex and then became more prominent in the preplate than in the ventricular zone along with formation of the preplate. Following division of the preplate and concomitant formation of the cortical plate, distinct labeling of the neocortex occurred in the marginal, subplate and intermediate zones, whereas in the cortical plate and ventricular zone were virtually not immunostained. It is notable that thalamocortical afferent fibers were also immunostained specifically on E14. After birth, the localization of the antigen became less noticeable and by 3 weeks after birth, the antigen had substantially disappeared. In the developing cerebellum, prominent labeling was also observed in the molecular layer and outskirts of the cerebellar nuclei on early postnatal days. To characterize the glycoprotein bearing the Tn antigen biochemically, immunoblot analysis was performed. The glycoprotein, most of which was extracted with a salt solution, migrated as a broad smeared band corresponding to a molecular weight of about 250 kDa on SDS‐PAGE. Among the various tissues examined, this glycoprotein was only detected in the brain and its amount increased until an early postnatal stage with a peak on postnatal day 3 (P3), and then decreased gradually with age. This spatially and developmentally regulated expression of the Tn antigen suggests that this antigen plays a significant role in brain development. J. Neurosci. Res. 65:595–603, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The axial coordination in subphthalocyanines: Geometrical and electronic aspects
Authors: FERRO V. R. , GARCÍA DE LA VEGA J. M. , CLAESSENS C. G. , POVEDA L. A. , GONZÁLEZ-JONTE R. H.
Published: August 2002

Theoretical calculations were performed for studying the electronic molecular structure of axial subphthalocyanine (SubPc) derivatives. The intermolecular SubPc interactions were also investigated at theoretical level using adequate models. These models represent the interaction of one Cl (OR)-SubPc with the surrounding molecules through the Cl atom as well as the interaction of the Cl -SubPc with an incoming diiminoisoindole group in the first steps of the open ring reaction. The SubPc complexes with more electronegative atoms than Cl heteroatoms in apical positions are more pyramidal than Cl -SubPc. The B–X and B–Np are the most sensitive macrocycle positions with respect to the axial substitutions in SubPcs. The B–X bond has an elevated polarity and seems to correlate with the chemical reactivity of these compounds. The theoretical calculations of the near-frontier orbitals reveal an outstanding energetic and structural homogeneity along the studied series which is in correspondence with the fact that the axial ligand has only a small influence on the position of the maximum bands in UV-vis spectra as well as in the first half-wave potentials for oxidative processes. The study of the intermolecular interactions give information about their influence on the molecular structure of the axial complexes of the SubPcs. The characterization of the interaction of one Cl -SubPc with a pyrrol containing group may be useful in the understanding of the mechanism of the ring expansion reactions. In general, the present results indicate that the apical position may be a critical reactive center both for redox and axial substitution processes.
Reactions of phthalonitriles with carbohydrates and alkali: phthalocyanine and oligomer formation
Authors: TSAI ZO-HONG , SANDMAN DANIEL J.
Published: August 2002

Reducing sugars and sodium hydroxide react with phthalonitrile and 4-methoxyphthalonitrile to form mixtures of the phthalocyanine and oligomers. The oligomers, obtained in yields up to 54%, were deduced to have a structure that is predominantly polyazine with the o-cyanophenyl group as a substituent from elemental analysis and spectral data. Since carbohydrate related compounds lacking the reducing linkage gave no products, it is suggested that the observed reactions require the α-hydroxycarbonyl grouping.
Kinetics of the reactions of OH with 3‐methyl‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one and 3,5,5‐trimethyl‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one under simulated atmospheric conditions
Authors: McQuaid James B. , Stocker David W. , Pilling Michael J.
Published: August 2002

Relative rate coefficients for the reactions of OH with 3‐methyl‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one and 3,5,5‐trimethyl‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one have been determined at 298 K and atmospheric pressure by the relative rate technique. OH radicals were generated by the photolysis of methyl nitrite in synthetic air mixtures containing ppm levels of nitric oxide together with the test and reference substrates. The concentrations of the test and reference substrates were followed by gas chromatography. Based on the value k(OH + cyclohexene) = (6.77 ± 1.35) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, rate coefficients for k(OH + 3‐methyl‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one) = (3.1 ± 1.0) × 10−11 and k(OH + 3,5,5‐trimethyl‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one) = (2.4 ± 0.7) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 were determined. To test the system we also measured k(OH + isoprene) = (1.11 ± 0.23) × 10−10 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, relative to the value k(OH + (E)‐2‐butene) = (6.4 ± 1.28) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The results are discussed in terms of structure–activity relationships, and the reactivities of cyclic ketones formed in the photo‐oxidation of monoterpene are estimated. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 7–11, 2002
Optimizing the kinetics of persulfate‐mediated oxidative coupling of phenols to 4‐aminoantipyrine
Authors: Otim Ochan
Published: August 2002

The kinetics of the persulfate oxidation of phenol, p‐ethylphenol, and 1‐naphthol in the presence of 4‐aminoantipyrine under basic condition was studied. Parallel oxidation of 4‐aminoantipyrine was observed to influence the rate law in a very complicatedway. The rate law was simplified by limiting the concentration of the phenol, and optimizing the excess persulfate and the 4‐aminoantipyrine. Under such condition, the rate law is independent of the concentration of 4‐aminoantipyrine. The order of reaction was found to be one with respect to the concentrations of a phenol or persulfate. The second order rate constant was highest for 1‐naphthol followed by phenol and p‐ethylphenol in that order. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J chem Kinet 33: 600–604, 2001
Management of customer and project knowledge: solutions and experience at SAP
Authors: Blessing Dieter , Goerk Manfred , Bach Volker
Published: August 2002

The following article describes how project knowledge can contribute to an improved relationship with the customer, looking at two related projects at the software company SAP. The first project focuses on the global utilization of project information and an early reaction to possible project risk escalations. The emphasis of the second project is on gaining previously undocumented knowledge from project experience, making it accessible to employees through role‐specific portals and subsequently to customers and partners. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid knowledge construction: a case study in corporate contingency planning using collaborative hypermedia
Authors: Selvin Albert M. , Buckingham Shum Simon J.
Published: August 2002

Many knowledge management (KM) efforts revolve around managing documents in a repository or enabling better real‐time communication. An ideal approach would combine these with the ability to create knowledge content that can be either formal or informal in nature, in a rapid, real‐time manner. We will call this Rapid Knowledge Construction (RKC). This paper describes the concepts underpinning our approach to RKC, and provides a case study of the approach in an industry context. The Compendium approach, which has been applied in projects in both industry and academic settings, facilitates the rapid creation of the content of a KM repository, by combining collaborative hypermedia, group facilitation techniques, and an analytical methodology rooted in knowledge acquisition and structured analysis. Compendium addresses key challenges for the successful introduction of KM technologies into work practice: (1) customization for different use contexts; (2) integration of formal and informal communication; (3) integration of both prescribed and ad hoc representations; (4) validation and cross‐referencing of the repository ‘on the fly’ at the point of entry; (5) conversion of organizational documents/emails into a hypertext database, and (6) conversion of hypertext databases into organizational document formats. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The contribution of stone cover to biological activity in the Negev desert, Israel
Authors: Lahav (Lavian) I. , Steinberger Y.
Published: August 2002

Ancient valley agriculture in the northern Negev highlands was based on the principle of directed collection of water and eroded material from the slopes and their consequent flow towards the valleys. The stones on these slopes were therefore removed and/or collected into piles known as ‘grape mounds’. The aim of this study was to understand the contribution of stone cover and slope‐facing to biological activity in soil. Soil samples from a depth of 0–5 mm from the soil surface were collected during the study period (December 1994–March 1996) from northern and southern hill slopes, from under limestones and between stones. Soil moisture, organic matter, chlorophyll‐a and soil respiration were determined. The results obtained in field and laboratory studies demonstrated differences between the northern and southern slopes. The stone cover on the northern slope made up 33 per cent and in the southern slope 23 per cent, stone size ranging from 15–50 cm2 and 15–35 cm2, respectively. Soil moisture content varied from 12 per cent in December 1994 on both slopes to one‐quarter of the initial value during the dry period. Organic matter content reached a maximal level of 14 per cent and 16 per cent on the northern and southern slopes, respectively. Values of chlorophyll‐a on both the northern and southern slopes were 0.38 μg g−1 dry soil during the wet season, decreasing to 0.05 μg g−1 dry soil during the dry period. Soil samples from under the stones on both slopes produced high levels of CO2, ranging between 50 and 100 μg CO2 g;−1 dry soil h−1, whereas in the control samples the levels ranged between 30 and 70 μg CO2 g−1 dry soil h−1. In conclusion, the stone cover apparently plays an important role in the maintenance of biological activity through its contribution to slope biotope stability. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First do no harm: what could be done by casinos to limit pathological gambling
Authors: Quinn Frank L.
Published: August 2002

Casinos could help inhibit the development of pathological gambling by limiting the contributions they make to the development of pathology among gamblers. Reasonable strategies for limiting pathology might include limiting the size of jackpots, decreasing the length of play, limiting access, decreasing the rate of play, decreasing the arousal of patrons, decreasing the variability of games, and decreasing the inducements to play. These strategies could be employed in the domains of accessibility, environment, game structure, promotion/marketing, education and treatment. The author argues that the implementation of these strategies would not only inhibit the development of pathological gambling, but might also benefit the casinos and society. The suggested changes in casinos offers a focal point for further research and further dialogues between clinicians and casino operators. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
China's entry to the WTO: managerial implications for foreign banks
Authors: Leung M.K. , Young T.
Published: August 2002

This paper shows that particular attributes of foreign banks, viz. size of assets, number of branches, and links to the Asian network, have significant impacts on their decision to engage in business transactions in China's domestic currency, Renminbi. Access to these markets will expand upon China's entry to the WTO and these attributes will also help the foreign bank to manage liquidity and credit risks more effectively when dealing with their Chinese customers. Other foreign banks without these attributes will have to adopt aggressive employment policies or restrict themselves to providing services to joint ventures in China. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral solution of levodopa ethylester for treatment of response fluctuations in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease
Authors: Djaldetti Ruth , Inzelberg Rivkah , Giladi Nir , Korczyn Amos D. , Peretz‐Aharon Yehudit , Rabey Martin J. , Herishano Yuval , Honigman Silvia , Badarny Sami , Melamed Eldad
Published: August 2002

Levodopa ethylester (LDEE), a highly soluble prodrug of levodopa, may overcome the impaired absorption of regular levodopa, due mainly to a combination of levodopa's poor solubility and delayed gastric emptying. We conducted a double‐blind, levodopa‐controlled, multicenter study of oral LDEE solution compared with standard levodopa–carbidopa (LD–CD) tablets. Sixty‐two patients with Parkinson's disease who had “delayed on” and “no‐on” subtypes of response fluctuations were randomly assigned for treatment with LDEE–CD or LD–CD 250/25 mg for 4 weeks (phase A). Only the first morning and first post‐lunch dose of LD were replaced. This was followed by a 2‐week extension with a supplementation of carbidopa (25 mg) to each replaced dose (phase B). Patients filled home diaries 2 weeks before and during the trial period in which times of turning on and off for the two doses were reported. In phase A, mean latency to turning on was reduced by 21% (morning dose) and 17% (post‐lunch dose) in the LDEE–CD group. Percentage of no‐on episodes after the post‐lunch dose was decreased by 21% in the LDEE–CD group but increased by 36% in the LD–CD group (P < 0.01). In phase B, LDEE–CD decreased latencies to on after the morning and post‐lunch doses and no‐on episodes after the post‐lunch dose. The beneficial effects of LDEE were supported by the pharmacokinetic data. Results indicate that LDEE solution is beneficial in ameliorating delayed on and no‐on response fluctuations. This effect of LDEE is due to more rapid levodopa absorption. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society.
Bioactive taxoids from the Japanese yew Taxus cuspidata
Authors: Kobayashi Jun'ichi , Shigemori Hideyuki
Published: August 2002

A series of new taxoids, named taxuspines A–H and J–Z (1–25) and taxezopidines A–H and J–L (26–36), have been isolated together with 37 known taxoids (37–73) including paclitaxel (53) from the Japanese yew, Taxus cuspidata Sieb. et Zucc. (Taxaceae). These new taxoids possess various skeletons containing 5/7/6, 6/10/6, 6/5/5/6, 6/8/6, or 6/12‐membered ring systems. Among the new taxoids, some non‐taxol‐type compounds remarkably reduced CaCl2‐induced depolymerization of microtubules, or increased cellular accumulation of vincristine in multidrug‐resistant tumor cells as potent as verapamil. On the other hand, chemical derivatization of taxinine (37), one of major taxoids obtained from this yew, led to the discovery of unusual reactions of taxinine derivatives. Here we describe our recent results on the isolation, structure elucidation, and bioactivity of these new and known taxoids and the formation of unexpected products of the unusual reactions of taxinine. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 22, No. 3, 305–328, 2002; Published online in wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/med.10005
Enthalpy calculations for the estimation of microwave‐assisted drying efficiency on laminar materials
Authors: Monzó‐Cabrera J. , Díaz‐Morcillo A. , Catalá‐Civera J. M. , Canós A. J. , de los Reyes E.
Published: August 2002

In this work, the efficiency of a static microwave‐assisted dryer for laminar materials is studied. Drying tests, carried out in this drier with leather samples, show that the application of the microwave energy significantly accelerates the drying rates without damaging the product. Energetic calculations allow inferring the microwave‐absorbed power without measuring the transmitted and reflected power, leading to results that agree with the literature and that demonstrate the efficiency of this drying technique and its feasibility when combined with forced airflow. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 31: 470–474, 2001.
Open‐hexagon tilted patch antenna for terrestrial digital TV reception
Authors: Mondelo Javier Yagüe , Varela Mercedes Sánchez , Cuiñas Iñigo , García Sánchez Manuel , García Pino Antonio
Published: August 2002

Some specific situations for digital TV reception need vertically polarized transmission, and so, vertically polarized antennas. This letter presents a new open‐hexagon suspended tilted patch antenna. This element provides medium gain and directivity in a compact format and small size. The proposed antenna is an open‐hexagonal patch, tilted 45° relative to the ground plane. The radiation pattern is end fire, and the polarization is orthogonal to the ground plane. This design has been analyzed, built, and measured, showing good performance for the intended use. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 56–60, 2002.
Low‐noise one‐port microwave transistor amplifier
Authors: Venguer A. P. , Medina J. L. , Chávez R. , Velázquez A.
Published: August 2002

A new type of a microwave reflection amplifier with very low noise properties is presented. The proposed amplifier consists of a circulator and a one‐port circuit with the use of a transistor operating under negative resistance conditions. An expression for estimating the noise figure for this type of amplifier is proposed. Experimental results show that such a class of amplifiers that use only one transistor provides a higher transmission gain and a smaller noise figure than a conventional single‐stage amplifier, making it interesting to operate at millimeter‐wave frequencies. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 100–104, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10236
PBG‐type microstrip filters with one‐ and two‐sided patterns
Authors: Akalin T. , Laso M. A. G. , Lopetegi T. , Vanbésien O. , Sorolla M. , Lippens D.
Published: August 2002

We report first on an experimental analysis of photonic bandgap microstrip‐type filters at microwave frequencies. The frequency‐selective structure is achieved via ground‐plane patterning. The influence of a shielding is addressed in particular. Then, we theoretically analyze the possibility of two‐sided patterning for a high dynamic broadband filtering response. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 30: 69–72, 2001.
An SOI Michelson interferometer sensor with waveguide Bragg reflective gratings for temperature monitoring
Authors: Tsao Shyh‐Lin , Peng Peng‐Chun
Published: August 2002

In this paper, we propose a novel silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) Michelson interferometer sensor with waveguide Bragg reflective gratings as a high‐sensitivity temperature sensor. Due to the SOI waveguide, the Bragg reflective grating has a larger thermal expansion coefficient than the fiber Bragg grating (FBG); the temperature sensitivity of the SOI Michelson interferometer sensor is 20 times higher than the FBG sensor. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 30: 321–322, 2001.
Complete assignment of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the tetraisoprenylated benzophenone 15‐epiclusianone
Authors: dos Santos M. H. , Nagem T. J. , Braz‐Filho R. , Lula I. S. , Speziali N. L.
Published: August 2002

An NMR study of 15‐epiclusianone, 1‐benzoyl‐6‐hydroxy‐14,14‐dimethyl‐3,5,15‐tri(3‐methyl‐2‐butenyl)‐bicyclo[3.3.1]non‐1‐ene‐4,6‐dione (1), a novel tetraisoprenylated benzophenone isolated from pericarp of fruits of Rheedia gardneriana, is described. In addition to conventional 1D NMR techniques, 2D shift‐correlated NMR experiments [1H × 1H‐COSY, 1H × 13C‐HMQC‐1J(C,H), 1H × 13C‐HMBC‐nJ(C,H) (n = 2 and 3) and 1H × 1H‐NOESY] were used for 1H and 13C chemical shift assignments of this natural product. The 1D 13C NMR spectrum of 1 in the solid state was also obtained. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Creatine phosphokinase in domestic cat epididymal spermatozoa*
Authors: AxnÉr Eva , Pukazhenthi Budhan S. , Wildt David E. , Linde‐Forsberg Catharina , Spindler Rebecca E.
Published: August 2002

Mammalian spermatozoa that have not completed final testicular sperm maturation have residual cytoplasm and increased creatine phosphokinase (CK) content. This study determined: (1) if CK could be detected by immunostaining cat spermatozoa from the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis, (2) fluctuations in the proportions of spermatozoa with mature or immature CK‐staining patterns during epididymal sperm transit, and (3) how well sperm maturity (as determined by a CK marker) correlated with testicular or epididymal dysfunctions associated with morphological sperm abnormalities. One epididymis was collected from each of 37 cats after orchiectomy and processed immediately to allow sperm morphology evaluations on a ‘regional’ basis. Sperm released from the contralateral epididymis were evaluated for motility, sperm membrane integrity, and immunostaining with CK‐B antibodies. Proportions of spermatozoa with malformed or detached heads, proximal droplets and acrosomal or midpiece abnormalities decreased (P < 0.05) from the caput to the cauda epididymis. In contrast, proportions of spermatozoa that were motile, membrane‐intact or with flagellar abnormalities or distal droplets increased (P < 0.05) from the caput to cauda region. Percentages of spermatozoa with an immature CK‐staining pattern also decreased (P < 0.05) with epididymal transit (which differs from that reported for the human and stallion). There was no correlation (P > 0.05) between sperm morphology and the CK‐staining patterns. In summary, the results reveal that some specific sperm malformations in the domestic cat are of testicular origin, whereas others develop during epididymal transit. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 62: 265–270, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunohistochemical detection of the retinoid acid receptors (RXR‐α, ‐β, ‐γ) and farnesoid X‐activated receptor (FXR) in the marbled newt along the annual cycle
Authors: Alfaro J.M. , Ricote M. , Lobo M.V.T. , Royuela M. , Fraile B. , Paniagua R. , Arenas M.I.
Published: August 2002

Retinoid acid receptors (RXR‐α, ‐β, ‐γ) and Farnesoid X‐activated receptor (FXR) expression in the testis of the marbled newt were investigated with special attention to the changes during the annual testicular cycle, using light microscopy immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The annual testicular cycle of the marbled newt (Triturus marmoratus marmoratus) comprises three periods: (a) proliferative period (germ cell proliferation from primordial germ cells to round spermatids, April–June); (b) spermiogenesis period (July–September); and (c) quiescence period (interstitial and follicular cells form the glandular tissue, October–April). In the proliferative period, primordial germ cells and primary spermatogonia immunostained intensely to the three types of RXRs and also to FXR. In the other periods, immunostaining to these antibodies was weak or absent. Secondary spermatogonia stained weakly to the four antibodies in the proliferative period, and only to FXR, also weakly, in the spermiogenesis period. Immunoreactive primary spermatocytes were weakly labeled with the RXR antibodies in the proliferative period. Spermatids and spermatozoa did not stain to any antibody in any period. Follicular cells only immunostained to RXR‐γ and only in the quiescence period when they are forming the glandular tissue, together with the interstitial cells. As follicular cells, interstitial cells only immunostained in the quiescence period; however, they immunoreacted to the three types of RXRs. These findings suggest that in the newt, RXRs and FXR are involved in spermatogenesis control by regulating the proliferation of primordial germ cells and spermatogonia. In addition, RXR‐γ seems to be also involved in the development of the glandular (steroidogenic) tissue. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 62: 216–222, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pelvic muscle activity in nulliparous volunteers
Authors: Peschers Ursula M. , Vodus̆ek David B. , Fanger Gabi , Schaer Gabriel N. , DeLancey John O.L. , Schuessler Bernhard
Published: August 2002

The aim of this study was to describe normal characteristics of spontaneous and voluntary pelvic muscle function in nulliparous healthy continent women and to assess the reaction of the pelvic floor to stress and fatigue. Ten nulliparous volunteers were recruited. Pelvic muscle strength was evaluated by palpation and perineal ultrasound. Kinesiological EMG and perineal ultrasound were performed to test for possible fatigue and to assess bladder neck mobility during coughing with a pre‐contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. Bladder neck mobility did not increase after attempts to fatigue the pelvic floor muscles. Bladder neck descent was significantly less when the women were instructed to contract the pelvic floor muscles before coughing. The contraction of the pelvic floor muscles stabilizes the vesical neck in nulliparous women. Neurourol. Urodynam. 20:269–275, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A mobility‐based clustering approach to support mobility management and multicast routing in mobile ad‐hoc wireless networks
Authors: An Beongku , Papavassiliou Symeon
Published: August 2002

In our proposed structure, mobile nodes are organized into nonoverlapping clusters which have adaptive variable‐sizes according to their respective mobility. The mobility‐based clustering (MBC) approach we are proposing uses a combination of both physical and logical partitions of the network (i.e. geographic proximity and functional relation between nodes, such as mobility pattern etc.) Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local calcium changes regulate the length of growth cone filopodia
Authors: Cheng Su , Geddis Matthew S. , Rehder Vincent
Published: August 2002

Previous studies have demonstrated that the free intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in growth cones can act as an important regulator of growth cone behavior. Here we investigated whether there is a spatial and temporal correlation between [Ca2+]i and one particular aspect of growth cone behavior, namely the regulation of growth cone filopodia. Calcium was released from the caged compound NP–EGTA (o‐nitrophenyl EGTA tetrapotassium salt) to simulate a signaling event in the form of a transient increase in [Ca2+]i. In three different experimental paradigms, we released calcium either globally (within an entire growth cone), regionally (within a small area of the lamellipodium), or locally (within a single filopodium). We demonstrate that global photolysis of NP–EGTA in growth cones caused a transient increase in [Ca2+]i throughout the growth cone and elicited subsequent filopodial elongation that was restricted to the stimulated growth cone. Pharmacological blockage of either calmodulin or the Ca2+‐dependent phosphatase, calcineurin, inhibited the effect of uncaging calcium, suggesting that these enzymes are acting downstream of calcium. Regional uncaging of calcium in the lamellipodium caused a regional increase in [Ca2+]i, but induced filopodial elongation on the entire growth cone. Elevation of [Ca2+]i locally within an individual filopodium resulted in the elongation of only the stimulated filopodium. These findings suggest that the effect of an elevation of [Ca2+]i on filopodial behavior depends on the spatial distribution of the calcium signal. In particular, calcium signals within filopodia can cause filopodial length changes that are likely a first step towards directed filopodial steering events seen during pathfinding in vivo. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 50: 263–275, 2002; DOI 10.1002/neu.10027
Heat shock‐induced thermoprotection of action potentials in the locust flight system
Authors: Wu Bernhard S. , Walker Virginia K. , Robertson R. Meldrum
Published: August 2002

There is increasing evidence that heat shock (HS) has long‐term effects on electrophysiological properties of neurons and synapses. Prior HS protects neural circuitry from a subsequent heat stress but little is known about the mechanisms that mediate this plasticity and induce thermotolerance. Exposure of Locusta migratoria to HS conditions of 45°C for 3 h results in thermotolerance to hitherto lethal temperatures. Locust flight motor patterns were recorded during tethered flight at room temperature, before and after HS. In addition, intracellular action potentials (APs) were recorded from control and HS motoneurons in a semi‐intact preparation during a heat stress. HS did not alter the timing of representative depressor or elevator muscle activity, nor did it affect the ability of the locust to generate a steering motor pattern in response to a stimulus. However, HS did increase the duration of APs recorded from neuropil segments of depressor motoneurons. Increases in AP duration were associated with protection of AP generation against failure at subsequent elevated temperatures. Failure of AP generation at high temperatures was preceded by a concomitant burst of APs and depolarization of the membrane. The protective effects of HS were mimicked by pharmacological blockade of I with tetraethylammonium (TEA). Taken together, these findings are consistent with a hypothesis that HS protects neuronal survival and function via K+ channel modulation. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 49: 188–199, 2001
A comparison in terms of accuracy and efficiency between a MBS dynamic formulation with stress analysis and a non‐linear FEA code
Authors: Cuadrado J. , Gutiérrez R. , Naya M. A. , Morer P.
Published: August 2002

To perform the mechanical design of a machine through computer‐aided techniques, at least three main different products should be used: a CAD software, to model the parts of the machine; a MBS program, to analyse the kinematics and dynamics of the whole system; and a FEA code, to determine the level of stress and strain suffered by each component. If it is true that CAD software is usually well connected with the two other tools, the same does not happen in what respects to FEA–MBS interfaces. Moreover, since both the large‐amplitude motion and the elastic deformation are coupled, they cannot be solved separately, and the usual practice consisting of first analysing the machine motion assuming rigid bodies, and then calculating stresses under the loads previously generated, is just an approximation. In order to provide mechanical designers with a tool which makes easier and shorter the design‐cycle, this paper presents a comparison between the two options that are currently available to address the mentioned problem: a dynamic MBS formulation which simultaneously solves motion and performs stress analysis by considering flexible bodies; and a non‐linear module of a FEA code, which takes into account large displacements and finite rotations. The comparison is carried out in terms of accuracy and efficiency through four examples. The results lead to the conclusion that, for similar accuracy, the first method is largely more efficient. Therefore, the interest of developing MBS commercial codes which integrate motion calculation and stress analysis through the mentioned approach is envisioned, as long as they would provide faster solutions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: association with elevated α‐fetoprotein and cystic renal changes
Authors: Chisholm Christian A. , Vavelidis Fotini , Lovell Mark A. , Sweetman Lawrence , Roe Charles R. , Roe Diane S. , Frerman Frank E. , Wilson William G.
Published: August 2002

We report the occurrence of multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) in two consecutive pregnancies in a young, Caucasian, non‐consanguineous couple. In the first pregnancy, the maternal serum α‐fetoprotein was elevated. A sonogram showed growth delay, cystic renal disease, and oligohydramnios; the parents decided to terminate the pregnancy. Postmortem examination confirmed the cystic renal disease and showed hepatic steatosis, raising the suspicion of a metabolic disorder. The diagnosis of MADD was made by immunoblot studies on cultured fibroblasts. In the subsequent pregnancy, a sonogram at 15 weeks' gestation showed an early growth delay but normal kidneys. The maternal serum and amniotic fluid concentrations of α‐fetoprotein were elevated, and the amniotic fluid acylcarnitine profile was consistent with MADD. In vitro metabolic studies on cultured amniocytes confirmed the diagnosis. A follow‐up sonogram showed cystic renal changes. These cases provide additional information regarding the evolution of renal changes in affected fetuses and show a relationship with elevated α‐fetoprotein, which may be useful in counseling the couple at risk. MADD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of elevated α‐fetoprotein and cystic renal disease. Early growth delay may be an additional feature. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.