bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular‐targeted molecular imaging using functionalized polymerized vesicles
Authors: Li King C.P. , Bednarski Mark D.
Published: October 2002

In this review we will discuss the use of multivalent polymerized vesicles (PVs) combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and gamma scintigraphy to image expression of vascular molecular receptors in vivo. Specifically, we will present our data on the use of this technology to design imaging agents toward specific vascular receptors in both a mouse and rabbit tumor model and in the EAE mouse, a model for human multiple sclerosis (MS). Examples will be shown where the in vivo specificity of the targeted molecular imaging agents was validated in the animal models. Since the PVs are designed to carry either contrast or therapeutic agents or both, we can potentially use vascular‐targeted imaging for selecting patients and guiding vascular‐targeted therapies in these patients. Using this combined vascular‐targeted imaging and therapy approach, personalized treatment can potentially be delivered, maximizing efficacy and minimizing side effects. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:388–393. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Derivatization of small biomolecules for optimized matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Tholey Andreas , Wittmann Christoph , Kang Min‐Jung , Bungert Ditte , Hollemeyer Klaus , Heinzle Elmar
Published: October 2002

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) is a powerful tool for the measurement of low molecular mass compounds of biological interest. The limitations for this method are the volatility of many analytes, possible interference with matrix signals or bad ionization or desorption behavior of the compounds. We investigated the application of well‐known and straightforward one‐pot derivatization procedures to circumvent these problems. The derivatizations tested allow the measurement and the labeling of alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids, α‐ketocarboxylic acids and amines. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Open‐access liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry in a drug discovery environment
Authors: Mallis Larry M. , Sarkahian Ani B. , Kulishoff John M. , Watts William L.
Published: October 2002

The use of open‐access mass spectrometry to monitor synthetic chemistry reactions, and also the integrity and purity of new chemical entities, has been a part of the medicinal chemist's tool‐box for more than 5 years. Originally in our group at Wyeth Research there were two open‐access methods available to the chemists, flow injection analysis (FIA) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The FIA method was ∼3 min long, while the LC/MS method was ∼20 min long (including an 8 min gradient). Within the first 2 years, the total number of open‐access analyses increased by ∼125%. It is interesting, however, that the number of LC/MS analyses increased by more than 285%. This is attributed to the fact that the chemists began using the LC/MS data to monitor reactions and also to check final product integrity and purity. In addition, the number of chemists performing parallel synthesis reactions has increased; thus, individual chemists can produce sample sets of up to 100 vials. This paper describes the implementation of new methodology, which accommodates the need for much faster run times and also the ability to acquire alternating positive and negative ion spectra within the same run. In addition, the instrument has been configured to e‐mail the resulting processed data report to the submitting chemist. Several methods have been developed, including structure elucidation using in‐source collision‐induced dissociation (CID) and night‐time analysis. The LC/MS methods for this system are described herein and are applicable to both industrial and academic synthetic chemistry optimization efforts. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative analysis of the novel depsipeptide anticancer drug Kahalalide F in human plasma by high‐performance liquid chromatography under basic conditions coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Stokvis E. , Rosing H. , López‐Lázaro L. , Rodriguez I. , Jimeno J. M. , Supko J. G. , Schellens J. H. M. , Beijnen J. H.
Published: October 2002

Kahalalide F (KF) is a novel cyclic depsipeptide anticancer drug, which has shown anticancer activity both in vitro and in vivo especially against human prostate cancer cell lines. To characterize the pharmacokinetics of KF during a phase I clinical trial in patients with androgen refractory prostate cancer, a method was developed and validated for the quantitative analysis of KF in human plasma using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to positive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS). Microbore reversed‐phase liquid chromatography (LC) performed with mobile phases containing trifluoroacetic acid, an additive commonly used for separating peptides, resulted in substantial suppression of the signal for KF on ESI‐MS/MS. An alternative approach employing a basic mobile phase provided an excellent response for KF when detected in the positive ion mode. Plasma samples were prepared for LC MS/MS by solid‐phase extraction on C18 cartridges. The LC separation was performed on a Zorbax Extend C18 column (150 × 2.1 mm i.d., particle size 5 µm) with acetonitrile –10 mM aqueous ammonia (85 : 15, v/v) as the mobile phase, at a flow‐rate of 0.20 ml min−1. A butyric acid analogue of KF was used as the internal standard. The lower limit of quantitation (LLQ) using a 500 µl sample volume was 1 ng ml−1 and the linear dynamic range extended to 1000 ng ml−1. The inter‐assay accuracy of the assay was −15.1% at the LLQ and between −2.68 and −9.05% for quality control solutions ranging in concentration from 2.24 to 715 ng ml−1. The inter‐assay precision was 9.91% or better at these concentrations. The analyte was stable in plasma under all relevant conditions evaluated and for a period of 16 h after reconstituting plasma extracts for LC analysis at ambient temperature. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of circular waveguide filter using enhanced FDTD
Authors: Railton Chris J. , Paul Dominique L.
Published: October 2002

The finite difference time domain (FDTD) analysis of iris‐coupled circular waveguide filters presents several challenges because they contain curved metal surfaces and electrically small slots. In this contribution it is shown that by enhancing the basic FDTD algorithm in three ways, filters of this type may be accurately characterized without the need for a highly dense mesh. The enhancements are: (i) an existing locally conformal mesh algorithm to model the curved metal surface, (ii) novel empirical correction factors to account for the singular field behaviour near the slots and their exact position relative to the FDTD cells and (iii) compensation for the numerical dispersion in the FDTD algorithm. The calculation of the correction factors and the implementation of the technique is discussed and the extent to which each of these three enhancements contributes to the reduction of numerical error is shown. In addition, it is shown that a novel combination (i) and (ii) leads to a robust and effective method of treating metal edges which are offset from the edges of the cells. The improvement obtained for a complete filter is demonstrated by comparison to measured results. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Higher order explicit time integration schemes for Maxwell's equations
Authors: Spachmann Holger , Schuhmann Rolf , Weiland Thomas
Published: October 2002

The finite integration technique (FIT) is an efficient and universal method for solving a wide range of problems in computational electrodynamics. The conventional formulation in time‐domain (FITD) has a second‐order accuracy with respect to spatial and temporal discretization and is computationally equivalent with the well‐known finite difference time‐domain (FDTD) scheme. The dispersive character of the second‐order spatial operators and temporal integration schemes limits the problem size to electrically small structures. In contrast higher‐order approaches result not only in low‐dispersive schemes with modified stability conditions but also higher computational costs. In this paper, a general framework of explicit Runge–Kutta and leap‐frog integrators of arbitrary ordersNis derived. The powerful root‐locus method derived from general system theory forms the basis of the theoretical mainframe for analysing convergence, stability and dispersion characteristics of the proposed integrators. As it is clearly stated, the second‐ and fourth‐order leap‐frog scheme are highly preferable in comparison to any other higher order Runge–Kutta or leap‐frog scheme concerning stability, efficiency and energy conservation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FDTD, multiple‐region/FDTD, ray‐tracing/FDTD: a comparison on their applicability for human exposure evaluation
Authors: Bernardi P. , Cavagnaro M. , D'Atanasio P. , Di Palma E. , Pisa S. , Piuzzi E.
Published: October 2002

In this paper, the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD), multiple‐region/FDTD (MR/FDTD) and ray‐tracing/FDTD (RT/FDTD) techniques have been compared with reference to the study of the field scattered by and induced inside an exposed target. The three techniques have been validated on a free‐space radiation problem through a comparison with the MoM solution. Compression techniques have been implemented to obtain a reduction of the computational costs associated with MR/FDTD, performing an accurate evaluation of the associated errors. The applicability and accuracy of the three techniques have then been tested studying the exposure of a sphere to a half‐wavelength dipole. The obtained results have shown that the best computational performances are achieved employing RT/FDTD. However, this technique gives accurate results only in the radiative far‐field of the antenna. MR/FDTD, instead, gives accurate predictions of field distributions for a wide range of distances between the scatterer and the antenna and, thanks to the introduction of compression techniques, requires acceptable computational costs. Pure FDTD, finally, is the most suitable technique, among the three considered, when the scatterer is close to the antenna but its computational costs become prohibitive for large‐scale problems. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blockade by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate of elevation of activator protein‐1 binding after stress in rat adrenal gland
Authors: Hinoi Eiichi , Fujimori Sayumi , Yoneyama Masanori , Yoneda Yukio
Published: October 2002

Cold immobilization stress induced a marked elevation of expression of activator protein‐1 (AP1) complex in rat hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal, and gastric mucosa, but not in other discrete brain structures examined, when determined immediately after stress for 3 hr. Adrenal AP1 binding linearly increased with the duration of stress up to 6 hr, whereas the increase was seen in both adrenal cortex and medulla of rats stressed for 3 hr. In adrenals, the elevation exhibited decline profiles different from those of expression of cAMP response element binding protein. Western blotting revealed that stress for 3 hr induced significant increases in expression of the components of AP1 complex, c‐Fos, c‐Jun, and Jun‐B proteins, in adrenals, without markedly affecting expression of Fos‐B, Fra‐2, and Jun‐D proteins. The prior systemic administration of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) led to significant prevention of the elevation after stress for 3 hr in adrenals, whereas the NMDA antagonist dizocilpine alone induced a marked increase in adrenal AP1 binding, without altering the elevation by stress. These results suggest that stress may modulate de novo protein synthesis at the level of gene transcription by AP1 complex through a molecular mechanism associated with NMDA receptor channels in rat adrenal glands. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein mediates in PC12 cell cultures the inhibition of nerve growth factor‐promoted neurite outgrowth by pregnancy zone protein and α2‐macroglobulin
Authors: Chiabrando Gustavo A. , Sánchez María C. , Skornicka Erin L. , Koo Peter H.
Published: October 2002

Human pregnancy zone protein (PZP) is a major pregnancy‐associated plasma protein closely related to human α2‐macroglobulin (α2M). It has been demonstrated that monoamine‐activated forms of human and rat α2M and rat α1M can bind to TrkA and, respectively, inhibit and stimulate NGF‐promoted neurite outgrowth, Trk phosphorylation, and intracellular signal transduction in PC12 cells. However, the effect of PZP on neurons is unknown, and the molecular mechanism of neuroinhibition by monoamine‐activated α2M is still unclear. In this report, we show that methylamine‐activated PZP (MA‐PZP), like MA‐α2M, inhibits in a dose‐dependent way the NGF‐promoted neurite extension and TrkA phosphorylation in PC12 cells. On the other hand, normal PZP (N‐PZP) had little or no effect. In addition, the inhibitory effect of activated α‐macroglobulins (αMs) was reversible upon its removal from the cell culture. In addition, PZP, as well as α2M, is neuroinhibitory without being directly cytotoxic. It is known that the activated αMs bind to the multiligand receptor termed low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein (LRP) and that the receptor‐associated protein (RAP) specifically blocks uptake of all known LRP ligands. To investigate the potential role of LRP in neuromodulation by activated PZP/α2M, the effect of RAP on the neuroinhibitory activities of these αMs was also studied. Data presented here show that RAP blocked the neurite‐ and Trk‐inhibitory activities of both MA‐PZP and MA‐α2M, whereas RAP itself had no neuromodulatory effect. Hence, we conclude that these data suggest that the LRP receptor and its αM ligands may play a role in regulating Trk receptors. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methamphetamine activates DNA binding of specific redox‐responsive transcription factors in mouse brain
Authors: Lee Yong Woo , Son Kwang Won , Flora Govinder , Hennig Bernhard , Nath Avindra , Toborek Michal
Published: October 2002

Cellular oxidative stress and alterations in redox status can be implicated in methamphetamine (METH)‐induced neurotoxicity. To elucidate the molecular signaling pathways of METH‐induced neurotoxicity, we investigated the effects of a single intraperitoneal injection of METH (1.0, 10, or 20 mg/kg) on DNA‐binding activity of specific redox‐sensitive transcription factors in mouse brain. Transcription factors studied included activator protein‐1 (AP‐1), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), cAMP‐responsive element‐binding protein (CREB), SP‐1, and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT1 and STAT3). Significant and dose‐dependent inductions of AP‐1 and CREB DNA‐binding activities were observed in four different regions (striatum, frontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum) isolated from the brains of mice injected with METH. However, injections with METH did not affect DNA binding activities of NF‐κB, SP‐1, STAT1, and STAT3. These results suggest that METH‐induced oxidative stress may trigger the molecular signaling pathways via specific and selective activation of AP‐1 and CREB. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuroprotective effects of prostaglandin E2 or cAMP against microglial and neuronal free radical mediated toxicity associated with inflammation
Authors: Kim Eun Joo , Kwon Kyoung Ja , Park Jee‐Young , Lee Soo Hwan , Moon Chang‐Hyun , Baik Eun Joo
Published: October 2002

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a product of the cyclooxygenation of arachidonic acid released from membrane phospholipids, plays a critical role in inflammatory neurodegenerative conditions. Despite its classic role as a proinflammatory molecule, exogenous PGE2 was suggested to have protective roles against neuronal death, although the exact protective mechanisms of PGE2 are not yet defined. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of exogenous PGE2 on inflammatory neurotoxicity. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced neuronal toxicity, which was associated with terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive neuronal death with increased caspase‐3 activity. In neuron‐glial coculture, LPS markedly induced inducible nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (iNOS/NO) release from microglial cells, but not from neurons; however, LPS‐induced oxidative stress such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), measured with 2,7‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate oxidation, was increased in neurons, but not in microglial cells. Exogenous PGE2 (1 μg/ml) rescued the neurons, reducing iNOS/NO release from microglial cells and ROS formation from neurons. PGE2 has been known to increase intracelluar cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. In this study, we found that intracellular cAMP elevating agents, forskolin, and cAMP analogue, dbcAMP and 8‐Br‐cAMP, also prevented LPS‐induced neuronal death. Thus, these results indicate that exogenous PGE2 protects against LPS‐induced neuronal apoptotic cell death through the intracellular cAMP system, and is associated with the modulation of NO from microglial cells and ROS production from neurons. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in neuronal DNA damage and repair in rat brain following a transient cerebral ischemia
Authors: Yang Zeng‐Jin , Bao Wei‐Li , Qiu Mei‐Hong , Zhang Ling‐Mei , Lu Shi‐Duo , Huang Ya‐Lin , Sun Feng‐Yan
Published: October 2002

The antisense knockdown technique and confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis were used to elucidate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induction and its effect on DNA damage and repair in rat brain following a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Immunohistochemical study and in situ hybridization showed that the expression of VEGF and its mRNA was enhanced in the ischemic core and penumbra of ischemic brain. Western blot analysis further illustrated that VEGF induction was time‐dependently changed in these areas. Double‐staining analysis indicated that VEGF‐positive staining existed in the neuron, but not in the glia, and it colocalized with excision repair cross‐complementing group 6 (ERCC6) mRNA, a DNA repair factor. VEGF antisense oligodeoxynucleotide infusion reduced VEGF induction and resulted in an enlargement of infarct volume of the brain caused by ischemia. Moreover, it also increased the number of DNA damaged cells and lessened the induction of ERCC6 mRNA in ischemic brains. These results suggest that the induction of endogenous VEGF in ischemic neurons plays a neuroprotective role probably associated with the expression of ERCC6 mRNA. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myelin proteolipid protein, basic protein, the small isoform of myelin‐associated glycoprotein, and p42MAPK are associated in the Triton X‐100 extract of central nervous system myelin
Authors: Arvanitis Dina N. , Yang Wenhong , Boggs Joan M.
Published: October 2002

To further our understanding of the functions of the major myelin proteins, myelin basic protein (MBP) and proteolipid protein (PLP), and other myelin proteins, such as 2′3′‐cyclic nucleotide 3′‐phosphodiesterase (CNP) and myelin‐associated glycoprotein (MAG), bovine brain myelin was extracted with Triton X‐100, and protein complexes in the detergent‐soluble fraction were isolated by coimmunoprecipitation and sucrose density gradient sedimentation. MBP, PLP, and the small isoform of MAG (S‐MAG) were coimmunoprecipitated from the detergent‐soluble fraction by anti‐PLP, anti‐MBP or anti‐MAG monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, a 30 kDa phosphoserine‐containing protein and two phosphotyrosine‐containing proteins (Mr 30 and 42 kDa) were found in the coimmunoprecipitates. The 42 kDa protein is probably p42MAPK, in that MAPK was shown also to be present in the immunoprecipitated complex. CNP, the small PLP isoform DM20, the large MAG isoform L‐MAG, MOG, CD44, MEK, p44MAPK, and actin were not present in the immunoprecipitates, although they were present in the detergent‐soluble fraction. Lipid analysis revealed that the PLP–MBP–S‐MAG coimmunoprecipitated with some phospholipids and sulfatide but not cholesterol or galactosylceramide. However, the complex had a high density, indicating that the lipid/protein ratio is low, and it was retained on a Sepharose CL6B column, indicating that it is not a large membrane fragment. Given that MAG is localized mainly in the periaxonal region of myelin, where it interacts with axonal ligands, the PLP–MBP–S‐MAG complex may come from these regions, where it could participate in dynamic functions in the myelin sheath and myelin–axonal interactions. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SERRS of free base porphyrin in laser‐ablated colloids: evidence for three different spectral porphyrin forms
Authors: Procházka M. , Turpin P.‐Y. , Štěpánek J. , Vlčková B.
Published: October 2002

We report a new spectral form of 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(1‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl)porphyrin (H2TMPyP) observed in laser‐ablated Ag colloids. The appearance of this form can be induced by the addition of thiosulfate ions to the Ag colloid–H2TMPyP system. Factor analysis of time‐evolved SERRS spectra enabled us to extract a pure spectrum of this form that differs from previously reported SERRS spectra assigned to the free base and Ag+ metalated forms of the porphyrin. Referring to the well known ability of thiosulfate ions to remove silver cations from Ag surfaces, we tentatively attribute the new spectral form to H2TMPyP metalated by neutral silver. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of charge transfer on bandshape analysis for low‐wavenumber Raman spectra of alkali metal halide aqueous solutions
Authors: Amo Yuko , Annaka Masahiko , Tominaga Yasunori
Published: October 2002

Low‐wavenumber Raman scattering spectra of aqueous NaI solutions were measured with 488.0 and 514.5 nm excitation. The enhancement of the spectral intensity caused by I− ion does not depend on the excitation wavelength. We can apply the phenomenological analysis to the low‐wavenumber Raman spectra of alkali metal halide aqueous solutions even when the ‘pre‐resonance effect’ of proton transfer changes the mode intensity. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational spectra and surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering of palladium phthalocyanine evaporated films
Authors: Gaffo L. , Constantino C. J. L. , Moreira W. C. , Aroca R. F. , Oliveira O. N.
Published: October 2002

The vibrational spectra of palladium phthalocyanine (PdPc) evaporated thin solid films are reported, including the resonance Raman scattering, surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) and SERRS mapping of the film surface using micro‐Raman spectroscopy with 633 nm laser radiation. SERRS of PdPc was obtained by evaporating an overlayer of Ag nanoparticles on to the PdPc film on glass. The SERRS enhancement factor is estimated as ∼104 with reference to PdPc evaporated films on glass. The molecular organization of the PdPc evaporated films was probed using transmission and reflection–absorption infrared spectra. It was established that a random molecular distribution found in PdPc evaporated films is independent of temperature. No evidence of thermal degradation due to thermal annealing was found in the films. Electronic absorption and emission spectra are also discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visualisation of starch granule morphologies using confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM)
Authors: van de Velde Fred , van Riel Jan , Tromp R Hans
Published: October 2002

Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) is a powerful tool for the visualisation of starch granules from their botanical source, during processing into their final application. CSLM allows the visualisation of the starch gelatinisation process and of granule remnants in starch pastes in their original environment and without modification. In this study, CSLM has been used to study the granule morphology of starch from different botanical sources. CSLM is a suitable technique to obtain, under mild conditions, 2D and 3D images of the granules. The samples for observation by CSLM do not require complicated preparations such as drying and metal coating as in the case of electron microscopy. Moreover, the CSLM technique is not limited to the observation of native starch granules, as the gelatinisation process and the remnants of granules in starch pastes can be monitored in their original environment. In this way, starch granules can be visualised from their botanical sources to the final application with a single microscopic technique.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Factors influencing anthocyanin content in red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata L f rubra (L) Thell)
Authors: Piccaglia Roberta , Marotti Mauro , Baldoni Guido
Published: October 2002

In North and Central Italy an experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to optimise the anthocyanin yield of red cabbage. Two hybrids (‘Roxy’ and ‘Gradur’) were grown under a factorial combination of increasing rates of potassium sulphate (0, 50, 100 kg K ha−1) and superphosphate (0, 39, 78 kg P ha−1) applied before planting. Cabbages were transplanted at the beginning of August and harvested in winter. Anthocyanins were extracted from cabbage heads with HCl in methanol (1% v/v solution) and quantified by absorption spectrophotometry at 530 nm. Results showed that red cabbage can give high yields of anthocyanins (more than 90 kg ha−1) which are characterised by strong acylation and therefore, presumably, by good stability. However, differences over sites and years were marked. In the first year, yields in North Italy were reduced by a heavy infection of soft rot disease. The choice of variety, linked to a different anthocyanin content in the heads, appeared to be the major factor for a successful crop. P and K fertilisation had only a small influence. On clay soils in Central Italy the highest rates of both elements had a negative effect on the anthocyanin concentration in cabbage heads.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of muscle biochemical constituents on the meat texture of cultured yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) at different anatomical locations
Authors: Thakur Dhirendra Prasad , Morioka Katsuji , Itoh Yoshiaki , Obatake Atsushi
Published: October 2002

A study was conducted to evaluate meat texture (breaking strength), muscle proximate composition and muscle collagen content at three anatomical locations in cultured yellowtail. We report here the contribution of muscle biochemical constituents to the raw meat texture of cultured yellowtail, and the variation in muscle biochemical composition as well as meat texture with the anatomical location of the meat. Meat breaking strength decreased significantly with the anatomical location of the meat from head to tail. Muscle proximate composition also varied with anatomical location; in particular, a large variation was observed in muscle lipid content, which decreased significantly from head to tail. Muscle collagen content was significantly lower in dorsal part meat than in pre‐dorsal part and tail part meat. Meat breaking strength was correlated negatively with muscle lipid content and positively with muscle collagen content. It was concluded that muscle lipid and collagen are the two primary muscle constituents having a direct influence on the raw meat texture of cultured yellowtail. It was also demonstrated that the muscle biochemical composition and raw meat texture of cultured yellowtail vary with the anatomical location of the meat and with season.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Chlorophyll disappearance and chlorophyllase activity during ripening of Capsicum annuum L fruits
Authors: Hornero‐Méndez Dámaso , Mínguez‐Mosquera María Isabel
Published: October 2002

The disappearance of chlorophyll pigments and involvement of chlorophyllase during fruit ripening of seven Capsicum annuum cultivars (Delfin, Mana, Belrubi, NuMex, Agridulce, Bola and Negral) have been studied. Chlorophyll pigments decreased and eventually disappeared from the red cultivars during ripening. In contrast, the green cultivar Negral, a chlorophyll‐retaining variety, showed reduced disappearance of chlorophyll pigments, and the fully ripe fruits retained chlorophylls. Chlorophyllase activity followed a consistent pattern of variation in all the red cultivars which was concomitant with the disappearance of chlorophyll. In the ripe stage the six red cultivars preserved their chlorophyllase activity, reflecting a high rate of chloroplast‐to‐chromoplast transformation. The green cultivar (Negral) showed maximum chlorophyllase activity in the late stages of ripening. Thus increasing activity of chlorophyllase, a constitutive chloroplast enzyme, could be associated with a new genesis of both chloroplast (regreening) and chromoplast constituents. The coexistence of chlorophyll and a high level of chlorophyllase activity in ripe fruits of the Negral cultivar suggests that chlorophyll catabolism may be affected in several ways, eg by the presence of other chlorophyll‐degrading enzymes, by restricted chlorophyll and chlorophyllase contact or by delayed degeneration of chloroplast structures.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of carboxypeptidases on free amino acid, peptide and methylpyrazine contents of under‐fermented cocoa beans
Authors: Yusep I , Jinap S , Jamilah B , Nazamid S
Published: October 2002

A study of the action of two carboxypeptidases on free amino acids, peptides and methylpyrazines in under‐fermented cocoa beans was carried out. Carboxypeptidase B from porcine pancreas and carboxypeptidase Y from baker's yeast were used separately for digestion. Hydrophobic free amino acids (alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and tyrosine) were predominantly produced in samples digested with both carboxypeptidase B and Y. The peptide patterns of samples digested with both carboxypeptidases were similar to that of the control. The concentration of 2,3,5,6‐tetramethylpyrazine in samples with carboxypeptidase B addition was significantly higher than those of 2,5‐dimethyl‐ and 2,3,5‐trimethylpyrazine; the concentration of 2,3,5‐trimethylpyrazine was highest (1727.86 µg per 100 g) in the sample with carboxypeptidase B addition that had been incubated for 24 h. These findings indicate that carboxypeptidase B from porcine pancreas was more prominent in the formation of cocoa‐specific aroma.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Requirements for success of reforestation projects in a semiarid low‐mountain region of the Jinsha River Basin, southwestern China
Authors: Zhang J. , Tian G. , Li Y. , Lindstrom M.
Published: October 2002

Most of reforestation projects have not been successful in the low‐mountain region of the Jinsha River Basin, which has a harsh environment (high temperatures and lack of available water). Analysis of few successful reforestation cases in Yuanmou, Yunnan Province of China, a typical semiarid region of the Jinsha River Basin, reveals that a holistic approach is needed for successful reforestation in the region. Techniques of tree planting need to be taken into account to ensure normal growth during the early stages after transplanting from the nursery in such a dry and hot environment. More important are the follow‐up management of trees and the implementation of management policies in reforestation areas, of which after‐care and forest watching are important measures. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fragmentation of uric acid calculi with the holmium: YAG laser produces cyanide
Authors: Zagone Robin L. , Waldmann Todd M. , Conlin Michael J.
Published: October 2002

Background and Objectives

To independently test previously reported findings of cyanide evolution under holmium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG) (holmium) lithotripsy of uric acid calculi, determine if this occurs with other forms of intracorporeal lithotripsy, and establish if this occurs due to a photothermal, photochemical, or photoacoustic reaction.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Human uric acid calculi were fragmented in vitro through exposure to holmium, ultrasound, and electrohydraulic (EHL) energy sources. The following parameters were varied: total laser energy, individual laser pulse energy, ultrasonic energies, and EHL energies. Uric acid powder was suspended in solution and exposed to holmium laser energy in vitro. Serum and irrigant samples from a human patient were collected following intrarenal holmium lithotripsy of a uric acid calculus. All samples were analyzed for hydrogen cyanide (HCN) content.

Results

Holmium lithotripsy of solid uric acid calculi produces cyanide. The yield is linearly dependent upon total laser energy delivered. Pulse energy does not affect cyanide yield. Photothermal mechanisms coupling laser energy to the solid crystal lattice are responsible for the production of cyanide. Ultrasound and EHL lithotripsy do not produce cyanide. A clinically insignificant level of cyanide was detected in the blood of a single patient following laser lithotripsy of a uric acid calculus.

Conclusions

Our study confirms that cyanide is produced by a photothermal mechanism during holmium laser lithotripsy of uric acid calculi, and that the amount produced is clinically insignificant. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:230–232, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of experimentally induced transient cerebral ischemia with low energy laser inhibits nitric oxide synthase activity and up‐regulates the expression of transforming growth factor‐beta 1
Authors: Leung Mason C.P. , Lo Samuel C.L. , Siu Flora K.W. , So K.‐F.
Published: October 2002

Background and Objectives

Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to be neurotoxic while transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1) is neuroprotective in the stroke model. The present study investigates the effects of low energy laser on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and TGF‐β1 activities after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Cerebral ischemia was induced for 1 hour in male adult Sprague–Dawley (S.D.) rats with unilateral occlusion of middle cerebral artery (MCAO). Low energy laser irradiation was then applied to the cerebrum at different durations (1, 5, or 10 minutes). The activity of NOS and the expression of TGF‐β1 were evaluated in groups with different durations of laser irradiation.

Results

After ischemia, the activity of NOS was gradually increased from day 3, became significantly higher from day 4 to 6 (P < 0.001), but returned to the normal level after day 7. The activity and expression of the three isoforms of NOS were significantly suppressed (P < 0.001) to different extents after laser irradiation. In addition, laser irradiation was shown to trigger the expression of TGF‐β1 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Low energy laser could suppress the activity of NOS and up‐regulate the expression of TGF‐β1 after stroke in rats. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:283–288, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermal and chemical modification of dentin by 9–11‐μm CO2 laser pulses of 5–100‐μs duration
Authors: Fried Daniel , Zuerlein Michael J. , Le Charles Q. , Featherstone John D.B.
Published: October 2002

Background and Objectives

Previous studies have shown that dentin can be thermally modified by pulsed CO2 laser irradiation to form a more highly mineralized tissue. The implications are important for the potential laser modification or removal of dentinal and root caries and the transformation of dentin to a more acid resistant mineralized tissue.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Time resolved radiometry measurements with TEA CO2 laser pulses were used to determine the magnitude of the absorption coefficients of dentin at the highly absorbed CO2 laser wavelengths and to measure the temperature excursions during λ = 9.3, 9.6, 10.3, and 10.6 μm laser irradiation at irradiation intensities of 0.1–8 J/cm2 per pulse. In addition, photoacoustic and transient reflectance measurements were used to monitor the loss of water and organics and to detect the thresholds for surface modification and tissue ablation.

Results

The absorption coefficients were measured to be 5,000; 6,500; 1,200; and 800 cm−1 at λ = 9.3, 9.6, 10.3, and 10.6 μm, respectively. The surface temperatures of dentin were markedly higher than those measured on enamel for similar irradiation intensities due to the lower reflectance losses of dentin and the lower thermal diffusivity of dentin at the respective wavelengths. Hence, lower fluences are required for the thermal decomposition of dentin. Ablation typically occurred with the first few laser‐pulses during multiple pulse irradiation and eventually ceased after modification of dentin to a more highly mineralized enamel‐like tissue. The debris ejected during the initial laser pulses shielded the surface by as much as 60% at the low fluences employed in this study. Optical and electron microscopy and IR spectroscopy indicated that incident laser pulses with incident fluence as low as 0.5 J/cm2 at 9.3 and 9.6 μm wavelengths with a duration of 5–8‐μs were sufficient to induce chemical and morphological changes in dentin.

Conclusions

In this study, the laser parameters for the efficient thermal modification of dentin with minimum heat deposition at CO2 laser wavelengths were firmly established. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:275–282, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repeated administration of piribedil induces less dyskinesia than L‐dopa in MPTP‐treated common marmosets: A behavioural and biochemical investigation
Authors: Smith Lance A. , Tel Banu C. , Jackson Michael J. , Hansard Matthew J. , Braceras Rogelio , Bonhomme Céline , Chezaubernard Claire , Del Signore Susanna , Rose Sarah , Jenner Peter
Published: October 2002

Piribedil ([1‐(3,4‐methylenedioxybenzyl)‐4‐(2‐pyrimidinyl)piperazine]; S 4200) is a dopamine agonist with equal affinity for D2/D3 dopamine receptors effective in treating Parkinson's disease as monotherapy or as an adjunct to levodopa (L‐dopa). However, its ability to prime basal ganglia for the appearance of dyskinesia is unknown. We now report on the ability of repeated administration of piribedil to induce dyskinesia in drug naïve 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) ‐lesioned common marmosets compared with L‐dopa and its actions on the direct and indirect striatal outflow pathways. Administration of piribedil (4.0–5.0 mg/kg orally) or L‐dopa (12.5 mg/kg orally plus carbidopa 12.5 mg/kg orally twice daily) produced equivalent increases in locomotor activity and reversal of motor deficits over a 28‐day study period. Administration of L‐dopa resulted in the progressive development of marked dyskinesia over the period of study. In contrast, administration of piribedil produced a significantly lower degree and intensity of dyskinesia. Surprisingly, piribedil caused an increase in vigilance and alertness compared to L‐dopa, which may relate to the recently discovered α2‐noradrenergic antagonist properties of piribedil. The behavioural differences between piribedil and L‐dopa are reflected in the biochemical changes associated with the direct striatal output pathway. Administration of L‐dopa or piribedil did not reverse the MPTP‐induced up‐regulation of preproenkephalin A mRNA in rostral or caudal areas of the putamen or caudate nucleus. In contrast, administration of either piribedil or L‐dopa reversed the downregulation of preprotachykinin mRNA induced by MPTP in rostral and caudal striatum. L‐dopa, but not Piribedil, reversed the decrease in preproenkephalin B mRNA produced by MPTP treatment. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
EMG–EMG coherence in writer's cramp
Authors: Cordivari Carla , Lees Andrew J. , Misra V. Peter , Brown Peter
Published: October 2002

We investigated the extent to which oscillatory drives to muscle, believed to arise mainly from the motor cortex, are exaggerated and/or fail to react normally to peripheral stimulation in writer's cramp. We used the coherence between active forearm flexor and intrinsic hand muscles as our index of such drives before and after digital nerve stimulation of the dominant hand. The results in 8 patients with writer's cramp were compared with those in eight age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects. We found no significant difference in either the strength of intermuscular coherence or its modulation by cutaneous stimulation between patients and healthy subjects during voluntary flexion of the wrist and extension–abduction of the fingers. Therefore, we were unable to provide evidence for a pervasive disturbance of oscillatory cortical motor outflow in writer's cramp. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Phenotypic variability of DYT1‐PTD: Does the clinical spectrum include psychogenic dystonia?
Authors: Bentivoglio Anna Rita , Loi Mario , Valente Enza M. , Ialongo Tamara , Tonali Pietro , Albanese Alberto
Published: October 2002

Primary torsion dystonia (PTD) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of movement disorders, usually inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with reduced (30–40%) penetrance. The DYT1 gene on chromosome 9q34 is responsible for most cases of early limb‐onset PTD. DYT1‐PTD clinical spectrum is broad, as the disease may present with several degrees of body involvement and severity. We identified an Italian family with 4 members definitely affected by PTD, genetically diagnosed as carriers of the GAG mutation at DYT1 gene. Phenotype was homogeneous when considering the presentation at onset (limb involvement and early onset), the disease progression was variable; in the subjects of the last generation, the disease progressed to a severe, generalized PTD; in the remaining 2 subjects, dystonia presented with writer's cramp or upper body segmental dystonia of mild severity. One family member, carrier of the GAG mutation on DYT1 gene and mother of the most severely affected individual, presented with a clinically established psychogenic movement disorder resembling dystonia initially diagnosed as a severe generalized PTD. Psychogenic movement disorders are among the most controversial and challenging diseases to diagnose, in particular when the affected individual belongs to a family with an inherited movement disorder. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Microstructure of the non‐rapid eye movement sleep electroencephalogram in patients with newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease: Effects of dopaminergic treatment
Authors: Brunner Hans , Wetter Thomas C. , Hogl Birgit , Yassouridis Alexander , Trenkwalder Claudia , Friess Elisabeth
Published: October 2002

We investigated non‐rapid eye movement (non‐REM) sleep in patients with newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease (PD) who had never previously received dopaminergic medication. There were no significant differences in the conventional sleep parameters between de novo patients with PD and a healthy control group, but the length of stage 1 sleep and the number of awakenings increased significantly upon administration of dopaminergic drugs. Analyzing the quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG), we observed a significant reduction in the low‐delta frequency range and a nonsignificant increase in the sigma frequency range in de novo patients with PD. The dopaminergic medication also nonsignificantly reduced the low‐delta and sigma frequencies, the latter to the level of the controls. Possible mechanisms that may account for the observed differences are discussed. It is suggested that Parkinson's disease as well as the application of dopaminergic drugs exerts a desynchronizing effect on the sleep EEG that is reflected in a disruption of sleep continuity. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Levodopa‐induced dyskinesia in an autopsy‐proven case of progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Kim Jong‐Min , Lee Ki Hyeong , Choi Yoon‐La , Choe Gi Yeong , Jeon Beom S.
Published: October 2002

It is common for patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease to develop levodopa‐induced dyskinesia. This report provides what we believe is the first videotape presentation of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia in a patient with progressive supranuclear palsy. To our knowledge, there is only one previous report of an autopsy‐proven case of this kind. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
An asymptotic‐induced one‐dimensional model to describe fires in tunnels
Authors: Gasser Ingenuin , Struckmeier Jens
Published: October 2002

We derive a simple one‐dimensional model for the description of fire events in long vehicle tunnels, which is based on appropriate low‐Mach number asymptotics as well as on averaging procedure along the cross‐section of a tunnel. Turbulent effects are modelled using a phenomenological model. Numerical simulations based on a standard finite‐difference method show the ability of the new model to describe fires in tunnels at least qualitatively. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced coupling of light emitters to plastic optical fiber with the use of bulb‐lens antenna systems
Authors: Lazarus M. J. , Ellarby V. , Campbell D.
Published: October 2002

The Helmholtz–Lagrange principle is applied to compare two methods of plastic optical‐fiber coupling from widebeam LEDs. A novel method of improvement is analyzed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 6–9, 2002; DOI 10.1002/mop.10213
A study of microwave thermal emission from a subsurface object
Authors: Ungan Baran U. , Johnson Joel T.
Published: October 2002

A numerical study of microwave thermal emission from a finite‐size buried object is described. Results show that emission from a finite‐size object can exhibit properties similar to emission from a layered (i.e., horizontally infinite) model of the object, including an oscillatory behavior versus frequency. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 9–12, 2002; DOI 10.1002/mop.10214
Tilt angle and side‐lobe level control of microwave array antennas
Authors: Mognon Vilson Rodrigo , Artuzi Wilson Arnaldo , Descardeci Jose Ricardo
Published: October 2002

This article describes a new strategy for controlling the tilt angle and side‐lobe level of linear array antennas by using a genetic algorithm. A very simple fitness function for controlling the performance of the array was constructed and is suggested. Simulations show excellent results for directing the main lobe and side‐lobe levels. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 12–14, 2002; DOI 10.1002/mop.10215
Network model for the inverse capacitively fed microstrip element
Authors: Vandenbosch Guy A. E.
Published: October 2002

A network model is presented for the inverse capacitively fed microstrip antenna, consisting of a ground plane, a radiating patch, and a small patch on top, fed by a probe that penetrates the radiating patch. This structure has the advantage that the capacitor can be easily designed and mounted on an existing structure a posteriori. Based on the characteristics of the original antenna, capacitive coupling between the patches allows matching of this antenna. The network model gives full physical insight, is easily implemented, and allows a much faster design than full‐wave models. All formulas necessary to use the model in practice are provided. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 16–19, 2002; DOI 10.1002/mop.10217
Quasi‐static analysis of fringe capacitances for horizontal and vertical annular frills
Authors: Chao Hsueh‐Yung , Chew Weng Cho
Published: October 2002

A succinct method is proposed for deriving spectral representation of the fringe capacitances of horizontal and vertical frills. The approach enables fast and accurate calculation of the input admittances of coaxial‐fed antennas. The importance of the fringe capacitance calculation for magnetic frill sources is demonstrated by a variational formulation. Simple formulas are also provided for extracting fringe capacitances of frills with different wire radii and frill widths. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 61–64, 2002; DOI 10.1002/mop.10232