bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicological evaluation of an electrically heated cigarette. Part 1: Overview of technical concepts and summary of findings
Authors: Patskan G. , Reininghaus W.
Published: September 2003

This series of papers provides a description of the toxicological evaluation of an electrically heated cigarette (EHC). With this novel cigarette design the tobacco is heated by a series of electric heating elements, which allows for greater control of the available heat and results in lower temperatures and less combustion compared with conventional lit‐end cigarettes. This design was subjected to testing, including an evaluation of smoke chemistry, in vitro bacterial genotoxicity, in vitro mammalian cell cytotoxicity and a 90‐day smoke inhalation study in rats. A conventional lit‐end cigarette, the University of Kentucky Reference Cigarette 1R4F, was used as a point of comparison in these experiments. When adjusted for the yield of total particulate matter, the EHC delivered 50% lower amounts of about two‐thirds of the 69 smoke constituents measured. Mutagenic activity (Salmonella reverse mutation assay) of the particulate phase material in the presence of metabolic activation was ca. 90% lower, with a slight reduction of activity in the absence of metabolic activation. Cytotoxic activity (neutral red assay) of the particulate phase material was ca. 40% lower, with about equal activity of the gas/vapor‐phase material. Equal activity was noted between cigarette types in a whole smoke rat inhalation assay. The results from this series of tests demonstrate that the EHC produces a much different smoke — with an at least partially reduced yield of smoke constituents and biological activity — from that of a standard reference cigarette. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vitellogenin synthesis in the ovary of scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis: Control by estradiol‐17β and the central nervous system
Authors: Osada Makoto , Takamura Teruki , Sato Haruko , Mori Katsuyoshi
Published: September 2003

Elucidation of a profile of scallop vitellin formation associated with oogenesis and its endocrine control, and identification of a vitellogenin synthesizing site were immunologically undertaken by using anti‐scallop Vn serum. Vn content increased during ovarian growth and accounted for more than 80% of the watersoluble protein of the ovary at the mature stage. In vivo injection of estradiol–17β (E2) resulted in an increase in Vn content in the ovary. In vitro accumulation of Vn in the ovarian tissue was promoted with E2 and a vitellogenesis promoting factor (VPF) from cerebral plus pedal ganglion which was heat stable, less than MW 10,000 and trypsin/chymotrypsin resistant. Estrogen receptor (ER)‐like immunoreactivity was found in the growing oocyte and the auxiliary cell in close contact with growing oocytes, in which Vn immunoreactivity was also found. It is suggested that the vitellogenin synthesis occurred inside the ovary, especially in the auxiliary cell, and is controled by E2 and VPF via ER. J. Exp. Zool. 299A:172–179, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scavenger receptors facilitate protein transport in the trophotaenial placenta of the goodeid fish, Ameca splendens (Teleostei: Atheriniformes)
Authors: Schindler Joachim F.
Published: September 2003

In the goodeid placental analogue, trophotaeniae provide extraembryonic gut‐derived exchange surfaces. Ameca splendens embryos possess endocytosing trophotaeniae that are capable of absorbing a dazzling array of proteinaceous substances. The iron core protein, native ferritin (NF), and several radioiodinated proteinaceous substances were used to study ligand and binding site pathways in the trophotaenial absorptive cells (TACs). Time sequence analysis of NF trafficking indicated an exclusively lysosomal pathway. Binding to TACs of NF was completely inhibitable by proteins containing multiple lysine residues such as apoferritin, bovine serum albumin (BSA), human transferrin (HTf), fetuin, hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochrome c, ubiquitin, parvalbumin as well as the random copolymers, poly(Glu,Lys,Tyr)6:3:1 and poly(D‐Glu,D‐Lys)6:4. Peptide hormones and pepsin that contains only one lysine residue did not produce inhibitory effects. Radiolabels such as 125I‐BSA, 125I‐HTf and 125I‐poly(Glu,Lys,Tyr) bound to trophotaeniae in a specific saturable manner. Any two proteins were shown to hinder one another in getting hold of a binding site. Concentration‐dependent 125I‐BSA binding and Scatchard analysis of the data revealed both low‐ and medium‐affinity binding with apparent dissociation constants, Kds, of 3.4×10−5 M and 2×10−7 M, respectively. Binding of NF and radioiodinated proteins was inhibited in the presence of a large excess of L‐Lys, D‐Lys, and several dipeptides containing Lys. Both Ca2+‐depletion and low pH dramatically reduced the TACs' capacity to bind proteins. The effects of acidotropic agents included a reversible loss of surface protein binding sites, tremendous vacuolation, and the arrest of lysosomal degradation. Collectively, present results demonstrate that TACs bind and absorb multiple proteinaceous substances through a mechanism satisfying the criteria of receptor‐mediated endocytosis. It is concluded that scavenger protein binding sites are used to ingest proteins for lysosomal degradation, helping to meet the embryos' amino acid requirement. J. Exp. Zool. 299A:197–212, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aminopeptidases function as endocytic receptors in the trophotaenial placenta of the goodeid fish, Ameca splendens (Teleostei: Atheriniformes)
Authors: Schindler Joachim F.
Published: September 2003

Viviparity in goodeid teleosts is characterized by the elaboration of trophotaeniae, extraembryonic proctodaeal appendages facilitating maternal‐embryonic nutrient transfer. The trophotaenial absorptive cells (TACs) express aminopeptidases (APs) such as APA, APN, γ‐glutamyltransferase (γ‐GT), dipeptidyl aminopeptidase (DAP) IV, and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) as inferred from the results of cleavage experiments with, respectively, Glu‐α‐(4MβNA), Ala‐(4MβNA), Glu‐γ‐(4MβNA), Gly‐Pro‐(4MβNA), and Gl‐(Ala)3–(4MβNA). Enzyme reaction product was localized to the apical and basolateral plasma membrane as well as to some intracellular compartments. In the accompanying report (Schindler, 2003) evidence is presented that the trophotaeniae of Ameca splendens embryos randomly, yet specifically, bind and ingest proteins as well as certain copolymers of amino acids. Present results demonstrate that endocytosis is significantly inhibitable by unspecific proteinase inhibitors, such as diisopropylphosphorofluoride, phenylmethanesulfonylfluoride, antipain, 1.10–phenanthroline, and dithiothreitol. The specific microbial AP inhibitors amastatin, bestatin, and phosphoramidon suppressed protein binding to TACs more effectively when added in combination than did either agent alone. Moreover, in the presence of 4MβNA assay substrates of APs the capability of TACs to bind proteins was significantly reduced. Conversely, the rate at which 4MβNA substrates were cleaved by trophotaenial APs was modified in the presence of proteins. Depending on protein concentrations the AP‐catalyzed reactions either decreased or increased in velocity. Analysis of the enzyme kinetics by methods of linear transformation suggests that proteins bind to APs competitively, thereby adopting the role of enzyme inhibitors. On the other hand, protein binding to APs appears to be a signal to translocate enzymes from an internal pool to the surface membrane. In the presence of primaquine, the rate of AP‐catalyzed cleavage of 4MβNA substrates was significantly reduced. That can be put down to the fact that weak bases disrupt the recycling of endocytosed membrane constituents. In conclusion, there is evidence that APs in the trophotaenial placenta of A. splendens function as scavenger receptors mediating in the delivery of embryotrophic proteins for lysosomal degradation. J. Exp. Zool. 299A: 213–222, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metabolic responses to dietary cholecalciferol and phosphorus in abalone Haliotis discus hannai ino
Authors: Zhang Wenbing , mai Kangsen , Xu Wei , Ma Hongming
Published: September 2003

Metabolic responses of cholecalciferol (VD3) and minerals (Ca, P and Mg) in abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino to dietary VD3 and phosphorus (P) were investigated. Based on a 2 × 2 factorial design, four casein‐gelatin‐based diets were formulated. The basal diet was supplemented with either 0 or 2000 IU VD3/kg diet and 0 or 10 g P/kg diet. The abalone was reared in P‐free artificial seawater for 55 days. Results showed that dietary VD3 was hydroxylated to 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] and 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3] in abalone, and subsequently raised the serum levels of these two VD3 metabolites. Dietary P deficiency elevated serum 1α,25(OH)2D3 level only when the dietary VD3 supplementation was sufficient. The supplementations of either dietary VD3 or P significantly increased the levels of P in serum, mantle and hepatopancreas, and only the addition of VD3 significantly raised the concentrations of Ca in serum and mantle (P<0.05). Interaction between dietary VD3 and P was only found significant on the concentrations of P and Mg in mantle (P<0.05). The concentrations of Ca, P and Mg in muscle were not significantly influenced by these dietary treatments. Hence, the metabolic responses in serum, muscle, mantle and hepatopancreas of abalone to dietary VD3 and P were in different manners. J. Exp. Zool. 299A:110–117, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The early ontogeny of digestive and metabolic enzyme activities in two commercial strains of arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L.)
Authors: lemieux Hélène , François Nathalie R. Le , Blier Pierre U.
Published: September 2003

The extent to which growth performance is linked to digestive or energetic capacities in the early life stages of a salmonid species was investigated. We compared two strains of Arctic charr known to have different growth potentials during their early development (Fraser and Yukon gold). Trypsin, lipase, and amylase activities of whole alevins were measured at regular intervals from hatching through 65 days of development. To assess catabolic ability, we also measured five enzymes representing the following metabolic pathways: amino acid oxidation (amino aspartate transferase), fatty acid oxidation (β‐hydroxy acyl CoA‐dehydrogenase), tricarboxylic acid cycle (citrate synthase), glycolysis (pyruvate kinase), and anaerobic glycolysis (lactate dehydrogenase). The measurement of these enzyme activities in individual fish allowed a clear evaluation of digestive capacity in relation to energetic demand. We also compared triploid and diploid individuals within the Yukon gold strain. For the whole experimental period, diploid Yukon gold fish exhibited the highest growth rate (1.08±0.18% length/day) followed by triploid Yukon gold fish (1.00±0.28% length/day) and finally Fraser strain fish (0.84±0.28% length/day). When differences in enzyme activities were observed, the Fraser strain showed higher enzyme activities at a given length than the Yukon gold strain (diploid and triploid). Higher growth performance appears to be linked to lower metabolic capacity. Our results suggest that fish may have to reach an important increase in the ratio of digestive to catabolic enzyme activities or a leveling off of metabolic enzyme activities before the onset of large increases in mass. J. Exp. Zool. 299A:151–160, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
σ‐short Boolean algebras
Authors: Takahashi Makoto , Yoshinobu Yasuo
Published: September 2003

We introduce properties of Boolean algebras which are closely related to the existence of winning strategies in the Banach‐Mazur Boolean game. A σ‐short Boolean algebra is a Boolean algebra that has a dense subset in which every strictly descending sequence of length ω does not have a nonzero lower bound. We give a characterization of σ‐short Boolean algebras and study properties of σ‐short Boolean algebras. (© 2003 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On proximal convergence in uniform spaces
Authors: Vîţă Luminiţa Simona
Published: September 2003

The paper deals with proximal convergence and Leader's theorem, in the constructive theory of uniform apartness spaces. (© 2003 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A minimal pair joining to a plus cupping Turing degree
Authors: Li Dengfeng , Li Angsheng
Published: September 2003

A computably enumerable (c.e.) degree a is called nonbounding, if it bounds no minimal pair, and plus cupping, if every nonzero c.e. degree x below a is cuppable. Let NB and PC be the sets of all nonbounding and plus cupping c.e. degrees, respectively. Both NB and PC are well understood, but it has not been possible so far to distinguish between the two classes. In the present paper, we investigate the relationship between the classes NB and PC, and show that there exists a minimal pair which join to a plus cupping degree, so that PC ⊈ NB. This gives a first known difference between NB and PC. (© 2003 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On existence of complete sets for bounded reducibilities
Authors: Bulitko Valeriy , Bulitko Vadim
Published: September 2003

Classical reducibilities have complete setsUthat any recursively enumerable set can be reduced toU. This paper investigates existence of complete sets for reducibilities with limited oracle access. Three characteristics of classical complete sets are selected and a natural hierarchy of the bounds on oracle access is built. As the bounds become stricter, complete sets lose certain characteristics and eventually vanish. (© 2003 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Brauerian representation of split preorders
Authors: Došen Kosta , Petrić Zoran
Published: September 2003

Split preorders are preordering relations on a domain whose composition is defined in a particular way by splitting the domain into two disjoint subsets. These relations and the associated composition arise in categorial proof theory in connection with coherence theorems. Here split preorders are represented isomorphically in the category whose arrows are binary relations and whose composition is defined in the usual way. This representation is related to a classical result of representation theory due to Richard Brauer. (© 2003 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Failures of GCH and the level by level equivalence between strong compactness and supercompactness
Authors: Apter Arthur W.
Published: September 2003

We force and obtain three models in which level by level equivalence between strong compactness and supercompactness holds and in which, below the least supercompact cardinal, GCH fails unboundedly often. In two of these models, GCH fails on a set having measure 1 with respect to certain canonical measures. There are no restrictions in all of our models on the structure of the class of supercompact cardinals. (© 2003 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A fixed point theorem for o‐minimal structures
Authors: Wong Kam‐Chau
Published: September 2003

We prove a definable analogue to Brouwer's Fixed Point Theorem for o‐minimal structures of real closed field expansions: A continuous definable function mapping from the unit simplex into itself admits a fixed point, even though the underlying space is not necessarily topologically complete. Our proof is direct and elementary; it uses a triangulation technique for o‐minimal functions, with an application of Sperner's Lemma. (© 2003 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An asymptotic‐induced one‐dimensional model to describe fires in tunnels II: the stationary problem
Authors: Gasser Ingenuin
Published: September 2003

We study stationary solutions of a one‐dimensional low‐Mach‐number model derived in Gasser and Struckmeier (Math. Meth. Appl. Sci. 2002; 25(14): 1231) to describe fire events in long tunnels. The existence of solutions of the corresponding stationary model is shown to be equivalent to the existence of solutions of an algebraic problem. Multiple solutions are shown to be possible. The relation between different formulations of the problem is analysed. Weak and special distributional solutions are considered. Finally, numerical examples of realistic tunnel data with single and multiple solutions of the stationary problem are given. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finite element modelling of frictional instability between deformable rocks
Authors: Xing H. L. , Makinouchi A.
Published: September 2003

Earthquakes are recognized as resulting from a stick–slip frictional instability along faults. Based on the node‐to‐point contact element strategy (an arbitrarily shaped contact element strategy applied with the static‐explicit algorithm for modelling non‐linear frictional contact problems proposed by authors), a finite element code for modelling the 3‐D non‐linear friction contact between deformable bodies has been developed and extended here to analyse the non‐linear stick–slip frictional instability between deformable rocks with a rate‐ and state‐dependent friction law. A typical fault bend model is taken as an application example to be analysed here. The variations of the normal contact force, the frictional force, the transition of stick–slip instable state and the related relative slip velocity along the fault between the deformable rocks and the stress evolution in the total bodies during the different stages are investigated, respectively. The calculated results demonstrate the usefulness of this code for simulating the non‐linear frictional instability between deformable rocks. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elastic half‐space under an oblique line impulse
Authors: Ziv Moche
Published: September 2003

This paper presents transient deformation of an elastic half‐space under two types of line‐concentrated impulsive loads applied simultaneously. One load is a sustainable normal force, while the other is a momentarily applied vector shear force. For each of the two loads the author gave the respective solution in two separate papers. Here the two solutions are superimposed to determine the response of the half‐space under the combined loads. The present work is devoted to the salient wave propagation features seen in the resultant computer plots that disclose the strained half‐space. Since each critical deformation is explicitly indicated in the plots by a wave front, the interpretation of the response of the half‐space to the applied load is readily available at a glance. A comparison is then presented that identifies those deformation traits and wave fronts, among the nineteen here, that are more closely related to those found in previous works. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scaling improves stability of preconditioned CG‐like solvers for FE consolidation equations
Authors: Gambolati Giuseppe , Pini Giorgio , Ferronato Massimiliano
Published: September 2003

Preconditioned projection (or conjugate gradient like) methods are increasingly used for the accurate and efficient solution to finite element (FE) coupled consolidation equations. Theory indicates that preliminary row/column scaling does not affect the eigenspectrum of the iteration matrix controlling convergence as long as the preconditioner relies on the incomplete factorization of the FE coefficient matrix. However, computational experience with mid‐large size problems shows that the above inexpensive operation can significantly accelerate the solver convergence, and to a minor extent also improve the final accuracy, as a result of a better solver stability to the accumulation and propagation of floating point round‐off errors. This is demonstrated with the aid of the least square logarithm (LSL) scaling algorithm on FE consolidation problems of increasing size up to more than 100 000. It is shown that a major source of numerical instability rests with the sub‐matrix which couples the structural to the fluid part of the underlying mathematical model. It is concluded that for mid‐large size, possibly difficult, FE consolidation problems left/right LSL scaling is to be always recommended when the incomplete factorization is used as a preconditioning technique. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular prenatal diagnosis in a case of an X‐linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata
Authors: Whittock N. V. , Izatt L. , Simpson‐Dent S. L. , Becker K. , Wakelin S. H.
Published: September 2003

X‐linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata, (CDPX2—MIM302960) also known as Conradi–Hünermann–Happle syndrome, is a rare form of skeletal dysplasia that affects the skeleton, skin, hair, and eyes. The disorder is caused by mutations within the emopamil binding protein (Ebp) that functions as a delta(8), delta(7) sterol isomerase in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. To date, over 40 separate mutations have been reported in the Ebp gene, EBP, with no obvious correlation between the molecular defects and the severity of the clinical phenotype. We have studied a 30‐year‐old woman who presented in adulthood with skin, hair, and mild skeletal defects but no ocular abnormalities and have identified a heterozygous missense mutation within the third transmembrane domain of the protein. In addition, we have performed molecular prenatal testing on her unborn fetus. The results demonstrate inter‐familial variability for missense mutations within the emopamil binding protein and add to the molecular data for CDPX2. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal nucleated red blood cells in peripheral blood of pregnant women: detection and determination of location on a slide using laser‐scanning cytometry
Authors: Hennerbichler Simone , Kroisel Peter M , Zierler Hannelore , Pertl Barbara , Wintersteiger Reinhold , Dohr Gottfried , Sedlmayr Peter
Published: September 2003

Objective

The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility of analysis of fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) present in the maternal circulation by laser‐scanning cytometry.

Methods

CD71‐positive cells were obtained by magnetic cell sorting of peripheral blood of pregnant women after density centrifugation. Immunofluorescence for the Hbγ‐chain was combined with fluorescent staining of DNA (TO‐PRO‐3) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a Y‐chromosome specific probe. The cells were scanned on a slide using a laser‐scanning cytometer (LSC). Events double positive for Hbγ and TO‐PRO‐3 were relocated and their morphology and FISH reactivity were visually assessed. Determination of male fetal sex with LSC was compared with findings from amniocentesis.

Results

In 8/15 pregnancies with male fetuses and in 0/9 with females (apart from one case with a male/female twin pregnancy), we detected Y‐chromosome‐positive NRBC. In pregnancies with female fetuses, Y‐chromosome‐positive cells other than NRBC were found in all women who had previously given birth to male babies, whereas women with no abortion and no male babies in their history did not present with Y‐chromosome‐positive non‐NRBC.

Conclusion

On the basis of automatic relocation of once‐defined cells of fetal origin from the current pregnancy, laser‐scanning cytometry is likely to facilitate repeated (poly‐)FISH analysis and single‐cell PCR for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in fetal varicella syndrome: correlation with pathology findings
Authors: Verstraelen Hans , Vanzieleghem Bart , Defoort Paul , Vanhaesebrouck Piet , Temmerman Marleen
Published: September 2003

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic value of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in addition to prenatal ultrasound in a case of fetal varicella syndrome.

Methods

Comparison of prenatal ultrasound and MRI features obtained at 26 and 32 weeks, respectively, with neonatal imaging (ultrasound, MRI and CT) and macroscopic and microscopic pathology findings in a fatal case of varicella embryopathy.

Results

Prenatal ultrasound correlated fairly well with neonatal imaging and pathology findings. Most lesions of thoracic, abdominal and retroperitoneal viscera, limb involvement and even dermatologic features were apparent on ultrasonography. Involvement of the CNS, including cerebellar hypoplasia, was not apparent on ultrasound examination, but was clearly demonstrated by prenatal MRI.

Conclusion

If maternal seroconversion for the varicella‐zoster virus is suspected, combining prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging may document the extent of tissue damage in fetal varicella syndrome to a larger extent than has been reported until now and therefore contribute to due counselling following maternal varicella exposure. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitudes toward prenatal diagnosis, termination of pregnancy, and reproduction by parents of children with nonsyndromic oral clefts in Argentina
Authors: Wyszynski Diego F. , Perandones Claudia , Bennun Ricardo D.
Published: September 2003

Objective

To investigate the attitudes of Argentine parents of children with nonsyndromic oral clefts with respect to prenatal diagnosis, termination of pregnancy, and reproduction and to assess the variables that might influence their responses.

Design

One hundred and sixty‐five parents of children with oral clefts, ascertained from a craniofacial clinic in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, answered a 151‐item semistructured questionnaire. The questionnaire included sections covering sociodemographic information, level of religiousness, characteristics of the child's cleft, parental perception of their child's cleft, pregnancy history, recurrence risk, access to health care, attitudes in regard to abortion, and family environment.

Results

Most parents (60%) believe their child's cleft is not a serious condition. None of the respondents would terminate a pregnancy because the ultrasound reveals an oral cleft. Similarly, very few (6.1%) would terminate the pregnancy if there were an early diagnosis of Down syndrome. Half of the respondents believe that abortion should not be an option for any couple expecting a child.

Conclusions

Most respondents do not perceive oral clefts as a severe condition. Parents would not choose to terminate the pregnancy over delivery of such an affected newborn. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pitfalls in molecular diagnosis in a family with severe factor VII (FVII) deficiency—misdiagnosis by direct sequence analysis using a PCR product
Authors: Garagiola Isabella , Palla Roberta , Peyvandi Flora
Published: September 2003

Molecular diagnostic tests are becoming a routine analysis in many laboratories. These modern analyses are widely used in clinical medicine, forensic, genetic and prenatal diagnosis and also in preimplantation genetic diagnosis. The accuracy of analysis is highly dependent on the success achieved in minimising genotyping errors. The pitfalls in molecular diagnostic tests can be due to a simple technique such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used universally. This technique is routinely used for its apparent accuracy, but it is also a well‐known source of errors. We report an error introduced during PCR reaction that leads to a wrong sequence result and consequently to a ‘false’ molecular result in a next prenatal diagnosis in a family with severe factor VII (FVII) deficiency. This error was verified using an unsuitable primer design in a rich repetitive sequence of the FVII gene that leads to a false annealing and then to a wrong molecular diagnosis. It is essential to link closely molecular data with clinical and phenotype analysis in order to avoid false‐negative or false‐positive results, which is of great importance to diagnosis and molecular prevention. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global teleconnections of climate to terrestrial carbon flux
Authors: Potter C. , Klooster S. , Steinbach M. , Tan P. , Kumar V. , Shekhar S. , Nemani R. , Myneni R.
Published: September 2003

We have applied association analysis to 17 years of climate index observations and predicted net ecosystem production on land to infer short‐term (monthly to yearly) teleconnections between atmosphere‐ocean climate forcing and terrestrial carbon cycles. The analysis suggests that on a global level, climate indices can be significantly correlated to net ecosystem carbon fluxes over more than 58% of the nondesert/ice‐covered land surface, commonly with a lead period of 2–6 months. The Southern Oscillation (SO) and Arctic Oscillation (AO) indices explain nearly equal portions of these significantly correlated area carbon fluxes. These significant teleconnections detected between surface climate and seasonal carbon gain or loss in terrestrial vegetation offer important capabilities for making inferences about the variability in the terrestrial carbon cycle of natural and agricultural ecosystems worldwide.
Emplacement of long lava flows within a graben network in Radunitsa Labyrinthus, Carson quadrangle, Venus
Authors: Kortz Karen M. , Grosfils Eric B. , Sakimoto Susan E. H.
Published: September 2003

Radar bright lava flows in the Radunitsa Labyrinthus region of the Carson quadrangle on Venus traveled up to 200 km within a network of orthogonal grabens. Using a cooling model for basalt to evaluate the graben‐channelized lava flow emplacement process, we demonstrate that the lava flows would need to either be very thin (<5 m) or have a very low effusion rate (<50 m3s−1) in order to cease flow within the observed 200 km solely by cooling. Neither condition is likely given our mapping observations and what is known about long lava flow emplacement on Earth, leading us to conclude that lava flow emplacement in Radunitsa Labyrinthus was probably supply‐ rather than cooling‐limited.
Influence of adrenergic agonists on the release of amino acids from rat skeletal muscle studied by microdialysis
Authors: Rosdahl H. , Samuelsson A.‐C. , Ungerstedt U. , Henriksson J.
Published: September 2003

The microdialysis technique was used to study the effects of adrenergic agonists on the release of amino acids from rat skeletal muscle. The release was monitored indirectly by measurements of interstitial concentrations. To distinguish metabolic from vasoactive effects, the adrenaline and isoprenaline results were compared with those of vasopressin, α‐agonists and adenosine. As determined by the microdialysis ethanol technique, adrenaline, α‐agonists and vasopressin induced vasoconstriction, whereas isoprenaline and adenosine induced vasodilatation. The lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio increased fourfold with adrenaline (P < 0.001) and by 54% with isoprenaline (P < 0.05), whereas no change was observed with α‐agonists and adenosine. Vasopressin induced a fivefold increase in the lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio (P < 0.001), but with an unchanged pyruvate concentration, indicating that the effect may have been secondary to ischaemia. Adrenaline induced a twofold and vasopressin a 34% increase in the concentration of alanine (P < 0.001), whereas isoprenaline, adenosine and α‐agonists had no significant effect. Adrenaline‐perfusion induced an initial anabolic effect as evidenced by a reduced concentration of tyrosine. A significant decrease in the glutamate‐to‐glutamine ratio was observed with adrenaline and isoprenaline (22 and 27%, P < 0.01) whereas α‐agonists, vasopressin and adenosine were without effect. In conclusion, the present study showed that adrenaline, via a β‐adrenergically mediated activation of glycogenolysis, possibly further stimulated by ischaemia, induced an increased release of alanine from skeletal muscle. The study indicates a β‐adrenergic stimulation on the glutamine synthetase step and a short lasting anabolic effect of adrenaline. Differences in the magnitude of the effects of adrenaline and isoprenaline could be related to their different vasoactive properties.
Sucrose rich diet modifies thermogenic response to injection of muscimol into the posterior hypothalamus in the rat
Authors: Monda M. , Sullo A. , Luca V. De , Viggiano A.
Published: September 2003

The firing rate of the nerves innervating interscapular brown adipose tissue, temperatures of colon and interscapular brown adipose tissue, heart rate and oxygen consumption were monitored in urethane‐anaesthetized male Sprague‐Dawley rats fed with a sucrose rich diet. These variables were measured for 40 min before (baseline values) and 40 min after a 56 ng muscimol injection into the posterior hypothalamus. The same variables were monitored in other rats fed with a laboratory standard diet. Saline was injected into the posterior hypothalamus of control rats fed with sucrose or standard diet. Muscimol injection induced a decrease in firing rate, interscapular brown adipose tissue and colonic temperatures and oxygen consumption. This reduction was more evident in the rat fed with a sucrose rich diet than animals fed with standard diet. The kind of diet did not modify the decrease in heart rate induced by muscimol. These findings suggest that a sucrose rich diet modifies GABA‐ergic responses to muscimol injection into the posterior hypothalamus.
Cooling and asphyxia differentially affect augmented noradrenaline turnover in the brain of the externalized rat foetus
Authors: Ehrström M. , Pequignot J. , Pequignot J.‐M. , Lagercrantz H.
Published: September 2003

The object was to investigate the effect of various perinatal conditions particularly cooling and asphyxia on the noradrenaline (NA) turnover in the foetal rat brain. The ratios between the noradrenergic metabolite 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxy phenyl‐ethylene glycol‐sulphate (MHPG) and noradrenaline were determined as indexes of NA‐turnover in the cortex and the pons‐medulla of the foetal rat brain using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Rat foetuses were externalized by caesarean section performed on a spinally anaesthesized highly pregnant rat mother. One uterine horn was used as control while the other was exposed to externalization, simulated uterine contractions, cooling or asphyxia. Externalization per se and simulated uterine contractions did not cause any significant change in the NA‐turnover. Cooling at 25 °C for 20 min caused a significant increase in NA‐turnover in the cortex while a significant decrease was observed after 10 min of asphyxia in both the cortex and the pons‐medulla and after 15 min in the cortex. We conclude that externalization and simulated uterine contractions per se do not seem to affect the augmented NA‐turnover at birth. Cooling caused an increase suggesting a potentiating role on NA‐turnover in conjunction with the externalization. On the other hand NA‐turnover was depressed by asphyxia, suggesting that the level of oxygen is important for NA neuron activity.
Responses to noradrenaline of tail arteries in hypertensive, hypotensive and normotensive rats under different regimens of perfusion: role of the myogenic response
Authors: Machkov V. V. , Vlasova M. A. , Tarasova O. S. , Mikhaleva L. M. , Koshelev V. B. , Timin E. N. , Rodionov I. M.
Published: September 2003

The vasoconstrictor effects of noradrenaline were studied in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY), and in Wistar rats with regional hypotension (WH) compared to control Wistar rats (WC). The abdominal aorta was ligated in WH distal to the renal arteries, lowering blood pressure in the hindquarters by 41% and tail artery wall cross‐sectional area by 35% compared with WC. A cylindrical segment was dissected from the proximal part of the tail artery, cannulated at both ends and perfused with Krebs‐Henseleit solution either at constant flow starting from a pressure of 120 mmHg or at a constant pressure of 120 mmHg. The cumulative dose–response relationships for noradrenaline were determined in control conditions and subsequently in the presence of gadolinium (100 μM), a non‐specific blocker of mechanosensitive channels. Under constant‐flow perfusion noradrenaline evoked a more prominent resistance increase in SHR compared with WKY and in WC compared with WH. Similar relations were seen in the presence of gadolinium, although responses were reduced. At constant pressure perfusion the vasoconstrictor response to noradrenaline was lower in SHR compared with WKY and in WC compared with WH. Application of gadolinium under constant‐pressure perfusion reduced responses in WKY and WH, so that vasoconstriction in SHR became more pronounced than that in WKY and in WC than that in WH. It is suggested that the results can be explained by the difference in wall thickness causing different degrees of activation of the myogenic response to distension.
Role of nitric oxide in the regulation of regional blood flow and metabolism in anaesthetized pigs
Authors: Licker M. , Boussairi H. , Hohn L. , Morel D.R.
Published: September 2003

To investigate the contribution of nitric oxide in the regulation of regional blood flow and metabolism in vivo, we administered incremental doses of Nω‐L‐arginine‐methyl ester (L‐NAME 1, 3, 10, 30 and 100 mg kg−1, intravenously) in isoflurane anaesthetized pigs. The pulmonary vascular bed exhibited a greater sensitivity to the L‐NAME‐induced pressor effects compared with the systemic arterial bed as the slope of the dose–response curve was steeper (42.9 ± 4.3 vs. 24.3 ± 3.6, P < 0.05) and the dose of L‐NAME required to induce a 25% pressure increase was lower (PD25 of 6.2 ± 2.5 vs. 22.8 ± 5.2 mg kg−1, P < 0.05). L‐NAME infusion produced a dose‐dependent reduction in cardiac output that was evenly distributed among the mesenteric, femoral, hepatic and carotid arterial circulation as demonstrated by unchanged regional blood flows‐to‐cardiac output ratios, except in the kidney where the L‐NAME‐induced vasoconstriction was most pronounced (renal blood flow/cardiac output decreased from 6.2 ± 0.6 to 3.7 ± 0.7% after 100 mg kg–1 of L‐NAME, P < 0.05). After the administration of L‐NAME 30 mg kg−1, intestinal O2 uptake (Vo2) increased (+39 ± 3%, P < 0.05) whereas renal Vo2 tended to decrease (−19 ± 4%, P = 0.07) and whole body Vo2 remained unchanged. Plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline concentrations did not change significantly with L‐NAME infusion. These data demonstrate that in anaesthetized pigs, endogenous nitric oxide is most important for the regulation of pulmonary and renal blood flows and in spite of unchanged global metabolic demand, nitric oxide inhibition leads to an increase in intestinal Vo2 associated with enhanced gut motility without rise in circulating lactate levels.
Normal Anatomical and Histochemical Characteristics of the Lacrimal Glands in the American Bison and Cattle
Authors: Pinard C. L. , Weiss M. L. , Brightman A. H. , Fenwick B. W. , Davidson H. J.
Published: September 2003

Dorsal lacrimal glands, superior glands of the third eyelid and Harderian glands (deep gland of the third eyelid) from 19 bison and 18 cattle free of apparent ocular disease were examined to compare the normal anatomical properties of these glands. All glands were characterized and measured (length and width). The gross anatomy of the dorsal lacrimal glands was similar, with the exception of a bipartite gland in cattle. The bison's superior gland of the third eyelid and Harderian gland was longer as compared with cattle. A subset of the bison and cattle samples (five bison and five cattle) was sectioned for histological and histochemical analysis. The histology of the dorsal lacrimal and superior gland of the third eyelid revealed tubuloalveolar cells with basophilic vacuolated cytoplasm in bison and eosinophilic granular cytoplasm in cattle. The Harderian glands consisted of a tubuloalveolar anterior part combined with large lumens acini lined with cuboidal epithelium in the posterior part; the posterior part of the bison Harderian gland was more predominant than in cattle samples. Mucosubstance histochemistry revealed acidic and neutral glycoproteins with similar staining patterns in all glands of both species.
Intermediary Spleen Microvasculature in Canis familiaris– Morphological Evidences of a Closed and Open Type
Authors: Alexandre‐Pires G. , Pais D. , Esperança Pina J. A.
Published: September 2003

Numerous studies have been made regarding circulation via the red pulp of the spleen, and intense controversy surrounds the question as to whether or not endothelial continuity exists between arterial and venous vessels. Aware of this intense controversy, and in order to perform investigation over the spleen of dogs infected with a parasitic disease (future reports shall be done), the authors studied the vascularization of the normal dog spleen in order to define its normal pattern and evaluate the eventual changes of the circulation pattern under the parasitic condition. These studies led us to report, unequivocally, using complementary vascular replective techniques, that the normal dog's intermediary circulation is morphologically closed and of the open kind also. These findings are contrary to the thesis that defends the existence of a physiologically closed and morphologically open circulation in the dog spleen.

Lymphatic vessels in the spleen of the dog are also demonstrated.
Lymphatic Drainage on Healthy and Neoplasic Mammary Glands in Female Dogs: Can it Really be Altered?
Authors: Pereira C. T. , Rahal S. C. , de Carvalho Balieiro J. C. , Ribeiro A. A. C. M.
Published: September 2003

The purpose of this research was to study the mammary lymphatic drainage under a macroscopic and mesoscopic view, comparing the vascular pattern of healthy and neoplasic mammary glands injected with drawing ink alcoholic and fluorescein solutions, in 46 mongrel female dogs. The results pointed out that the thoracic gland is drained by the axillary lymph centre, but in mammary neoplasia either superficial cervical or ventral thoracic lymph centres can be involved. Cranial and caudal abdominal glands may be drained by the axillary, inguinofemoral and popliteal lymph centres. However, the popliteal drainage is specific for the healthy caudal abdominal mammary gland. The inguinal gland can be drained by both inguinofemoral and popliteal lymph centres in both neoplasic and healthy conditions. Regarding the mammary lymphatic communications, this research demonstrated that neoplasic glands present more types of anastomosis (40.9%), than healthy glands (33.33%), and an increase in contralateral anastomosis (50%) compared with healthy ones (33%). Given the data, the mammary neoplasia can change the lymphatic drainage pattern in terms of lymph centres and vascular arborization, thus forming new drainage channels and recruiting a larger number of lymph nodes. Lastly, some comments were made about the severity of a specific neoplasic mammary gland and conditions to be considered before making a decision in terms of the most adequate operative procedure, and suggestions for further investigations.
A Contribution to the Functional Morphology of the Femoral Chordotonal Organ in the Green Lacewing Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera)
Authors: Lipovšek S. , Devetak D. , štrus J. , Pabst M. A.
Published: September 2003

The femoral chordotonal organ (FCO) and the subgenual organ (SGO) of the green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea were examined by conventional light and confocal laser scanning microscopy in order to search for neuroactive substances which are used for neurotransmission in sensory cells of these organs. Antibodies against serotonin, histamine and choline acetyltransferase were tested immunohistochemically. In the FCO, antiserum against serotonin strongly labelled cell bodies and axons of about 16 sensory cells. In the proximal scoloparium all 12 sensory cells showed immunoreaction with antiserotonin. In the distal scoloparium only four of 40 sensory cells were immunoreactive. These results suggest that different neuroactive substances are employed as neurotransmitters in the FCO of the green lacewing and that the proximal scoloparium and the distal scoloparium are functionally differentiated. Contrary to the FCO in the locust, acetylcholine was not found as a neurotransmitter in the FCO of the green lacewing. Additionally, histamine showed a negative result in the sensory cells of the FCO. Other neuroactive substances seem to be used as transmitters in the SGO because none of the tested antibodies showed positive reaction.
Antinuclear antibody testing in a regional immunopathology laboratory
Authors: Roberts‐Thomson Peter J , Nikoloutsopoulos Tony , Cox Sally , Walker Jennifer G , Gordon Tom P
Published: September 2003

A systematic review has been undertaken of antinuclear antibody testing over a 6‐year period in a regional immunotherapy laboratory servicing a population of 400 000. Twenty‐eight per cent of the 20 205 antinuclear antibody tests performed on a hyperexpressing Ro transfected cellular substrate were positive (titre ≥ 1 : 80) with the most common immunofluorescent patterns being homogeneous (39%), speckled (20%), mixed (17%), nucleolar (8%), Ro (7%) and centromere (4%). Ro antibody as detected by immunofluorescence was strongly concordant with anti‐Ro detected by counter immunoelectrophoresis precipitation; of 261 anti‐Ro counter immunoelectrophoresis precipitation positive patients surveyed, only 15 were missed and 20 masked (with homogenous pattern) by immunofluorescence. Ro antibodies were found in patients with a variety of immune disorders, particularly connective tissue disorders, whilst a clinical survey of the anticentromere sera revealed that 67% were derived from patients with limited scleroderma. Extractable nuclear antibodies and their characterization was performed on 10 939 occasions with 12.9% being positive with anti‐Ro constituting 30.2%, anti‐Ro/La 25.7%, unidentified precipitin line 17.8%, anti‐ribo nuclear protein 12.5%, respectively, with anti‐Scl70, anti‐Jo‐1 and anti‐Sm and various combinations making up the remainder. Unidentified precipitin lines were particular prominent in patients with connective tissue disorders. DNA quantification was performed on 12 068 occasions with 11% giving elevated values, the majority from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Of these positive sera 44% also demonstrated one or more extractable nuclear antibodies and 25% anticardiolipin antibodies. Regular participation in a Quality Assurance Program revealed accurate and consistent performance of antinuclear antibody testing. In conclusion antinuclear antibody detection and characterization for systemic immune disorders can provide the clinician with useful diagnostic and prognostic information; it is important that the laboratory results are relevant, timely, accurate and precise. Systematic reviews as demonstrated in this report, can provide such evidence.
Is macrophage migration inhibitory factor a therapeutic target in systemic lupus erythematosus?
Authors: Hoi Alberta Y , Morand Eric F , Leech Michelle
Published: September 2003

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototype of a cluster of diseases that are characterized by a loss of self tolerance and chronic inflammation in organs including skin, kidney, brain and joints. Researchers have long debated the varying contributions of the components of the immune system to the pathogenesis of SLE, but the emigration of leucocytes from the microcirculation, and the subsequent tissue inflammation mediated by these inflammatory cells, are key features of chronic inflammation seen in SLE. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a broad‐spectrum pro‐inflammatory cytokine. We hypothesize that MIF is an important inflammatory mediator in the perpetuation of immune activation in SLE, via its effects on activation of T and B cells, and endothelial and effector cells. As MIF exerts anti‐apoptotic effects, it may also play a role in promoting abnormal survival of autoreactive lymphocytes, thus perpetuating autoimmune reactivity. In addition, MIF has a unique relationship with glucocorticoids, in that MIF can override the effects of glucocorticoids and may be important in steroid resistance. By virtue of its pluripotent functions, we propose that MIF may be a critical mediator of inflammation and damage in SLE, and that targeting of MIF may offer therapeutic benefits in this disease.