bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigations on the influence of pore‐space geometry on concentration patterns and transportation properties of dissolved oxygen in a bioactive sandy sediment by a lattice Boltzmann automaton model
Authors: Haußels R. , Klenke Th. , Kropp J. , Ebenhöh W.
Published: August 2002

A lattice Boltzmann automaton (LBA) is used as a modelling approach to investigate the influence of pore‐space geometry on intrinsic processes and component distributions in recent tidal sediments. The simulations are performed on real pore‐space structures obtained from scanning electron photomicrographs, which document the mesoscopic geometry of bioactive sandy surface sediments. The discrete transport–reaction model for dissolved oxygen shows that in advective controlled systems oxygen concentration properties can be clearly related to the pore‐space geometry. Variability of measured high‐resolution concentration gradients can therefore can be attributed to the structural heterogeneity of pore‐space geometry. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring of drawdown pattern during pumping in an unconfined physical aquifer model
Authors: Lee Seoung‐Sup , Kim Joung‐Souk , Kim Dong‐Ju
Published: August 2002

In this study, we attempted to analyse a drawdown pattern around a pumping well in an unconfined sandy gravelly aquifer constructed in a laboratory tank by means of both experimental and numerical modelling of groundwater flow. The physical model consisted of recharge, aquifer and discharge zones. Permeability and specific yield of the aquifer material were determined by Dupuit approximation under steady‐state flow and stepwise gravitational drainage of groundwater, respectively. The drawdown of water table in pumping and neighbouring observation wells was monitored to investigate the effect of no‐flow boundary on the drawdown pattern during pumping for three different boundary conditions: (i) no recharge and no discharge with four no‐flow boundaries (Case 1); (ii) no recharge and reservoir with three no‐flow boundaries (Case 2); (iii) recharge and discharge with two no‐flow boundaries (Case 3). Based on the aquifer parameters, numerical modelling was also performed to compare the simulated drawdown with that observed. Results showed that a large difference existed between the simulated drawdown and that observed in wells for all cases. The reason for the difference could be explained by the formation of a curvilinear type water table between wells rather than a linear one due to a delayed response of water table in the capillary fringe. This phenomenon was also investigated from a mass balance study on the pumping volume. The curvilinear type of water table was further evidenced by measurement of water contents at several positions in the aquifer between wells using time domain reflectometry (TDR). This indicates that the existing groundwater flow model applicable to an unconfined aquifer lacks the capacity to describe a slow response of water table in the aquifer and care should be taken in the interpretation of water table formation in the aquifer during pumping. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the Liu model for predicting rainfall interception in forests world‐wide
Authors: Liu Shuguang
Published: August 2002

Simple but effective models are needed for the prediction of rainfall interception under a full range of environmental and management conditions. The Liu model was validated using data published in the literature and was compared with two leading models in the literature: the Rutter and the Gash models. The Liu model was tested against the Rutter model on a single‐storm basis with interception measurements observed from an old‐growth Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forest in Oregon, USA. Simulated results by the Liu model were close to the measurements and comparable to those predicted by the Rutter model. The Liu model was further tested against the Gash model on a multistorm basis. The Gash and Liu models successfully predicted long‐term interception losses from a broad range of 20 forests around the world. Results also indicated that both the Gash and the Liu models could be used to predict rainfall interception using daily rainfall data, although it was assumed in both models that there is only one storm per rain day. The sensitivity of the Liu model to stand storage capacity, canopy gap fraction and evaporation rate from wet canopy surface during rainfall was investigated. Results indicate that the Liu model has the simplest form, least data requirements and comparable accuracy for predicting rainfall interception as compared with the Rutter and the Gash models. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seepage response along an alluvial valley in a semi‐arid catchment in north‐central California
Authors: Salve Rohit , Tokunaga Tetsu K.
Published: August 2002

Over a period of 12 months, soil moisture content and potential was monitored in an annual‐grass‐dominated 20 ha catchment in order to determine flow paths leading to exfiltration at the catchment outlet. Water was found to enter the catchment valley either through flow originating in the slopes or through surface infiltration during rainfall events. Although subsurface flow from the slopes to the catchment outlet occurred throughout the year, surface recharge was restricted to a few events during the wet season. In the deeper saturated profile of the valley, flow was directed upwards along the valley edges and gradually became horizontal towards the central axis of the valley. During the peak of the rainfall season, horizontal flow close to the catchment outlet intercepted the gradually sloping surface, resulting in exfiltration. Plants influenced the hydrology of the catchment by removing moisture from the root zone during spring and early summer, resulting in evapotranspiration losses from the vadose zone. Heterogeneities within the valley soil were evident as variable‐permeability layers that resulted in a seasonally confined water table within the valley. This investigation shows that the vadose zone plays an important role in redistributing surface recharge and emphasizes the importance of accounting for effective moisture in low‐yielding catchments with ephemeral surface runoff. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rainfall‐runoff modelling of a humid tropical catchment: the TOPMODEL approach
Authors: Campling Paul , Gobin Anne , Beven Keith , Feyen Jan
Published: August 2002

TOPMODEL, a semi‐distributed, topographically based hydrological model, was applied to simulate continuously the runoff hydrograph of a medium‐sized (379 km2), humid tropical catchment. The objectives were to relate hydrological responses to runoff generation mechanisms operating in the catchment and to estimate the uncertainty associated with runoff prediction. Field observations indicated that water tables were not parallel to the surface topography, particularly at the start of the wet season. A reference topographic index λREF was therefore introduced into the TOPMODEL structure to increase the weighting of local storage deficits in upland areas. The model adaptation had the effect of deepening water tables with distance from the river channel. The generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) framework was used to assess the performance of the model with randomly selected parameter sets, and to set simulation confidence limits. The model simulated well the fast subsurface and overland flow events superimposed on the seasonal rise and fall of the baseflow. The top ranked parameter sets achieved modelling efficiencies of 0·943 and 0·849 in 1994 and 1995 respectively. The GLUE analysis showed that the exponential decay parameter m, controlling the baseflow and the local storage deficit, was the most sensitive parameter. There was increased uncertainty in the simulations of storm events during the early and late phases of the season, which was due to a combination of: errors in detecting the rainfall depths for convectional rainfall events; the treatment of rainfall as a catchment areal value; and, the strong seasonality in runoff response in the humid tropics. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of pancreatic cancer among individuals with a family history of cancer of the pancreas
Authors: Ghadirian Parviz , Liu Geoffrey , Gallinger Steven , Schmocker Beverly , Paradis Anne‐Josee , Lal Geeta , Brunet Jean‐Sebastien , Foulkes William D. , Narod Steven A.
Published: August 2002

In a hospital based case‐control study of pancreatic cancer in Ontario and Quebec, a total of 174 incident pancreatic cancer cases and 136 healthy controls were compared for their family history of cancer. Information regarding the ages and sites of cancer was taken for 966 first‐degree relatives of the cancer cases and for 903 first‐degree relatives of the controls. A total of 150 cancer cases were reported among the relatives of the cases, compared to 122 cases among the relatives of the controls (relative risk 1.15; p = 0.23). Pancreatic cancer was the only site statistically in excess in the case relatives, compared to the control relatives (relative risk = 5.0; p = 0.01). The lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer was 4.7% for the first‐degree relatives of the pancreatic cancer cases. The risk was 7.2% for relatives of cases diagnosed before age 60, and was 12.3% for relatives of patients with multiple primary cancers (all ages). These individuals comprise a high‐risk group for pancreatic cancer and might benefit from enhanced surveillance or chemoprevention. Familial site‐specific pancreatic cancer appears to be a distinct genetic entity, but contributes only modestly to the total burden of pancreatic cancer. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CD70/CD27 ligand, a member of the TNF family, is expressed in human brain tumors
Authors: Held‐Feindt Janka , Mentlein Rolf
Published: August 2002

CD70 (CD27 ligand) has been implicated in proapoptotic signals mediated by its receptor CD27 in lymphocytes as well as in proliferative effects induced by reverse signaling in CD70‐positive hematopoetic tumor cells. We were able to show that CD70 is expressed at the mRNA and protein level in human meningioma cells, glioma cells from solid human gliomas as well as glioma cell lines and 1 ependynoma. The intensity of CD70 expression varies considerably between different samples from 1 tumor type. In the U343 glioma cell line, CD70 was preferentially localized in the cell processes. Thus, our studies identify CD70 as a new marker molecule in brain tumors that are of nonhematopoetic origin. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unexpected sensitivity to radiation of fibroblasts from unaffected parents of children with hereditary retinoblastoma
Authors: Fitzek Markus M. , Dahlberg William K. , Nagasawa Hatsumi , Mukai Shizuo , Munzenrider John E. , Little John B.
Published: August 2002

The response to ionizing radiation was examined in diploid skin fibroblasts derived from 5 patients with hereditary type retinoblastoma as well as their parents. Unexpected sensitivity to cell killing, as measured by clonogenic survival, as well as enhanced radiation‐induced G1 arrest were observed in at least 1 parental fibroblast strain in all 5 families. In all cases, parental strains were equally or more radiosensitive than the probands. The mutation of the retinoblastoma gene (RB) determined in 4 of 5 probands was either absent from the parental cells, as expected from the negative family histories, or identical, in 1 father who was a known carrier. In the fifth family, the family history was negative for retinoblastoma. We hypothesize that the increased parental cell sensitivity to radiation suggests the presence of an as yet unrecognized genetic event occurring in 1 or both parents of children with retinoblastoma. Whether it increases mutability of the RB locus or other loci or interacts with RB is conjectural. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sophoranone, extracted from a traditional Chinese medicine Shan Dou Gen, induces apoptosis in human leukemia U937 cells via formation of reactive oxygen species and opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores
Authors: Kajimoto Sachiko , Takanashi Noriko , Kajimoto Tetsuya , Xu Man , Cao Judong , Masuda Yutaka , Aiuchi Toshihiro , Nakajo Shigeo , Ida Yoshiteru , Nakaya Kazuyasu
Published: August 2002

Screening of various natural products in a search for novel inducers of apoptosis in human leukemia cells led us to identify the strong apoptosis‐inducing activity in a fraction extracted with methanol from the roots of Sophora subprostrata Chun et T. Chen. We purified the compound that induced apoptosis in human leukemia cells and identified it as sophoranone. Sophoranone inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in various lines of cells from human solid tumors, with 50% inhibition of growth of human stomach cancer MKN7 cells at 1.2 ± 0.3 μM. The growth‐inhibitory and apoptosis‐inducing activities of sophoranone for leukemia U937 cells were very much stronger than those of other flavonoids, such as daidzein, genistein and quercetin. At the early stages of treatment of U937 cells with sophoranone, reactive oxygen species were formed, mitochondrial permeability pores were opened and cytochrome c was released from mitochondria. Cytochrome c was also released upon treatment of isolated mitochondria with sophoranone. Inhibitors of complexes III and IV, but not complexes I and II, of the mitochondrial respiratory chain prevented the release of cytochrome c from isolated mitochondria by sophoranone, as well as the induction of apoptosis in U937 cells in response to sophoranone. Our results indicate that sophoranone might be a unique apoptosis‐inducing anticancer agent that targets mitochondria. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved survival in both histologic types of oesophageal cancer in Sweden
Authors: Sundelöf Martin , Ye Weimin , Dickman Paul W. , Lagergren Jesper
Published: August 2002

The prognosis among patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer is poor with an overall 5‐year survival close to 5% in most countries. Improved diagnostic and surgical strategies might influence the survival, however. We investigated the observed and relative survival among all patients in Sweden diagnosed with oesophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 1,441) or squamous cell carcinoma (n = 6395) from 1961–1996 with follow‐up to December 1997. Observed survival rates were calculated by the life‐table method. Relative survival rates were computed as the ratio of the observed to the expected survival. The expected survival was inferred from the survival among the entire Swedish population in the same age, sex and calendar year strata. The 5‐year observed survival rate for adenocarcinoma increased from a stable figure close to 4% during the entire period 1961–1989 to 10.5% during 1990–1996. Similarly, the 5‐year relative survival rate was stable around 5% during 1961–1989, but during 1990–1996 the survival was increased to 13.7%. For squamous cell carcinoma, the survival improved slightly by each decade, starting with 3.8% 5‐year observed survival in 1961–1969 to 7.0% during 1990–1996. Similarly, the 5‐year relative survival improved from 5.0% to 8.9% during the study period. In conclusion, the survival rates for both oesophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have increased significantly during the 1990s compared to those in the previous 3 decades (p < 0.001). © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutational analysis of StAR gene in adrenal tumors
Authors: Stigliano Antonio , Caiola Stefania , Siniscalchi Ester , Papini Enrico , Crescenzi Anna , Monti Salvatore , Arnaldi Giorgio , Mantero Franco , Sciarra Francesco , Toscano Vincenzo
Published: August 2002

Adrenal adenomas and carcinomas are mostly monoclonal, suggesting that a genetic alteration in a progenitor cell may contribute to their development. However, the molecular pathogenesis of these tumors still remains unclear. It has been already excluded that activating mutations of the ACTH receptor or of G protein stimulator alpha sub‐units, affecting cAMP pathway, is involved in the tumorigenesis. Therefore, this work has been focused on post‐transductional (ACTH) signal alterations and in particular on the mutational analysis of the Steroid Acute Regulatory protein (StAR) gene to verify whether somatic mutations or genomic polymorphisms of this gene may be correlated with adrenal tumorigenesis. Tissue DNA was extracted from 40 functional and non‐functional adrenocortical tumors that were removed from patients aged between 17 and 72 years (mean 43 ± 4). Blood DNA was obtained from 24 patients (aged between 26 and 70 years) affected by adrenal tumors and from 100 healthy subjects without radiological and clinical evidence of adrenal masses, aged between 25–35 years (90 Caucasians and 10 Africans). The DNA was used as the template for the amplification of the StAR gene using the polymerase chain reaction. The amplified DNA of each exon of the StAR gene was purified and sequenced in automatic sequenciator. With the exception of exon 5 showing in codon 203 an homozygous missense mutation, the sequence of the other exons of the StAR gene resulted normal in all tumors studied. The same homozygous mutation (Asp203Ala) was observed in the sequence of exon 5 performed on genomic DNA of the 24 affected patients and in the control subjects. The homozigousity of the mutation observed in all patients (either in tissue or blood samples) and in control subjects, independently of their ethnic origin, led us to suggest that the Asp203Ala cannot be considered as mutation or as polymorphism, but that it must be considered as a mistake in the sequence entered in the Genbank, which needs to be modified accordingly. These data, and those up to now reported in the literature, allow us to suggest that mutations of the gene coding for the protein involved in the initial step of the steroidogenesis could not be considered as a possible cause for the development of adrenal tumors. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing inflation targeting after a decade of world experience
Authors: Corbo Vittorio , Landerretche Oscar , Schmidt‐Hebbel Klaus
Published: August 2002

Ten years of inflation targeting worldwide provide valuable lessons. Inflation targeters (Iters) have been very successful in meeting their inflation targets (Its). Industrial output sacrifice during inflation stabilization and industrial output volatility has frequently been lowered after IT adoption. ITers have consistently reduced inflation forecast errors after IT adoption. The influence of price and output shocks on the behaviour of inflation and output gaps has changed much more strongly among ITers than in non‐targeting industrial countries in the course of the 1990s. IT has played a role in strengthening the effect of forward‐looking expectations on inflation, hence weakening the weight of past inflation inertia. Central bankers' aversion to inflation is, on average, not different among ITers in comparison to NITers but has risen in emerging‐country ITers. ITers have gradually reaped a credibility gain, allowing them to achieve their targets with smaller changes in interest rates in the late 1990s than the changes that were required in the early 1990s. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional origins of Philippine overseas contract workers
Authors: Tyner James A.
Published: August 2002

International labour migration remains a staple feature of the global economy. Especially since the early 1970s, many governments throughout south and southeast Asia have embarked upon overseas employment programmes in an effort to facilitate economic growth and development. In response, a sizeable body of work has emerged to ascertain the effectiveness of overseas employment. Whereas considerable work has examined the volume and destinations of international labour migration, decidedly fewer studies have analysed the origins of migrant workers from labour‐sending states. As such, policy formulation is potentially jeopardised, as governments are ill‐prepared to specify with any certainty whether migration ameliorates or exacerbates regional inequalities. Using special data‐sets provided for the author, this paper examines the regional origins and attributes of overseas contract workers from the Philippines. In the first analysis, the relative contribution of overseas employment is examined. In the second analysis, migrant labour‐force participation rates –disaggregated by age, educational attainment and geographic region – are calculated. Findings from the first analysis suggest that regions adjacent to, and including, the National Capital Region are over‐represented in their overall contribution to international labour migration. Findings from the second analysis suggest that the labour‐absorptive capacity of the Philippines is less for those with some college education, and that the greatest impact of labour export is felt in the areas adjacent to the National Capital Region. Moreover, patterns of migrant origins are contingent upon structural, institutional and social factors. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerically robust minimal‐scan reconstruction algorithms for diffraction tomography via radon transform inversion
Authors: Anastasio Mark A. , Pan Xiaochuan
Published: August 2002

It is widely believed that measurements from a full angular range of 2π are generally required to exactly reconstruct a complex‐valued refractive index distribution in diffraction tomography (DT). In this work, we developed a new class of minimal‐scan reconstruction algorithms for DT that utilizes measurements only over the angular range 0 ≤ ϕ ≤ 3π/2 to perform an exact reconstruction. These algorithms, referred to as minimal‐scan estimate‐combination (MS‐E‐C) reconstruction algorithms, effectively operate by transforming the DT reconstruction problem into a conventional x‐ray CT reconstruction problem that requires inversion of the Radon transform. We performed computer simulations to compare the noise and numerical properties of the MS‐E‐C algorithms against existing filtered backpropagation‐based algorithms. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol 12, 84–91, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ima.10014
Diffuse tomography: Using time‐of‐flight information in a two‐dimensional model
Authors: Grünbaum F. Alberto
Published: August 2002

We show that time‐of‐flight data can be useful in a simple model of optical tomography. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 11, 283–286, 2000
Maternal self‐perceptions and reactions to infant crying among intrusive and withdrawn depressed mothers
Authors: Jones Nancy Aaron , Field Tiffany , Hart Sybil , Lundy Brenda , Davalos Marisabel
Published: August 2002

This study compared intrusive (N =15) and withdrawn (N = 10) mothers' ratings of their own interaction styles with their infants and the behaviors of videotaped models of intrusive and withdrawn mothers. Withdrawn mothers rated themselves as less withdrawn than the model withdrawn mother. Intrusive mothers viewed themselves as more intrusive than the model intrusive mother. Both groups viewed their own infants as more outgoing than the infants of the model intrusive and withdrawn mothers. The withdrawn mothers reported feeling more distressed when they observed an infant (of an intrusive or withdrawn mother) crying, suggesting that they feel more empathy than the intrusive mothers.

 © 2001 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Exploring basin‐scale salinity problems using a simplified water accounting model: the example of Zayandeh Rud basin, Iran
Authors: Droogers P. , Salemi H.R. , Mamanpoush A.R.
Published: August 2002

Water scarcity and salinization are major threats to sustainable irrigation in Iran as well as other parts of the world. Irrigation schemes are part of a basin and as such, irrigation research must be conducted in a basin context. For the Zayandeh Rud basin in central Iran, a simplified water and salinity basin model (WSBM) was developed for a quick analysis of river basin processes. First the model was calibrated and used for current and past water resources analyses. Despite the simplicity of the model, observed and simulated streamflows were similar, proving that the model could be used for scenario analyses. The first scenario was set up to analyze the effect of more efficient irrigation techniques on the basin water resources, where it was assumed that farmers would never accept lower water allocations if they invest in these more efficient techniques. As a consequence of this, return flows will decrease, resulting in less water available for downstream users. It was concluded that the effect on the downstream irrigation schemes was dramatic, with a 22% decrease in yield. Obviously, upstream yields will increase. A second scenario was defined where the effect of an increase of water extraction for the town of Esfahan was evaluated. In terms of basin‐scale water quantity aspects this increased extraction is negligible as extractions are relatively low and return flows are high. The last scenario was developed to study the additional releases required from the reservoir to provide sufficient water for expansion of the tail‐end Rudasht irrigation scheme. If no restriction is imposed on water quality, additional releases from the reservoir are limited. However, if salinity levels are not to exceed 2 dS m−1, mean annual water release requirements from the reservoir will increase from 52 to 64 m3 s−1, and peak requirements during the irrigation season will increase from 85 to 112 m3 s−1. Finally, it was concluded that the methodology and the model developed were useful for a swift and transparent analysis of past, current and future water and salt resources, and to perform scenario analyses. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rethinking an old empirical puzzle: econometric evidence on the forward discount anomaly
Authors: Maynard Alex , Phillips Peter C. B.
Published: August 2002

Using both semiparametric and parametric estimation methods, this paper corroborates earlier findings of fractionally integrated behaviour in the forward premium. Two new explanations are also proposed to help reconcile earlier conflicting empirical evidence on the time series properties of the forward premium. Traditional regression approaches used to test the forward rate unbiasedness hypothesis are then evaluated, including regression in levels, in returns (Fama's, 1984, regression), and in error‐correction format. Interesting statistical and/or interpretive implications are found in all three cases. For example, the predictions of the appropriate nonstandard limit theory are consistent with many of the standard empirical results reported from Fama's regression, including the commonly occurring, yet puzzling negative correlations between spot returns and the forward premium. It is suggested that the principal failure of unbiasedness, may be due instead to the difference in persistence between these two series. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immediate and delayed effects of lead on AChE, GSH‐T and thiols in the substantia nigra, neostriatum and cortex of the rat brain
Authors: Hernández Gallegos M. Elisabeth , Ibarra Zannatha Ma. Magdalena , García Osornio Eduardo , Sierra Sánchez Arturo , Posadas del Rio Francisco A.
Published: August 2002

We studied the effects, at 10 and 30 min, of a single dose (10 mg kg−1) of lead chloride, administered by the intraperitoneal route, on the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione transferase (GSH‐T) and on the concentrations of total and non‐protein thiols in substantia nigra compacta (SNCO) and substantia nigra reticulata (SNRE), caudate putamen (CAU) and cerebral cortex (CC) from adult male rats in comparison with the effects of this metal at 24 and 72 h. The main immediate effects of lead consisted of decreased GSH‐T activity and total and non‐protein thiol concentrations in CAU and CC 10 min after administration. These effects were reversed after 30 min but with increased GSH‐T activity in SNCO and AChE activity in SNRE along with diminished concentration of homogenate proteins in SNRE, CAU and CC. The GSH‐T activity again was increased in SNCO but the AChE activity was decreased in CC 24 h after Pb administration; total and non‐protein thiol concentrations were diminished but homogenate protein concentration was augmented in all areas. Finally, 72 h after Pb administration, AChE and GSH‐T activities were decreased in CAU and CC, accompanied by an increased concentration of precipitate and supernatant proteins; supernatant protein concentration also was augmented in SNCO and SNRE; here, again, the concentrations of total and non‐protein thiols were diminished and the homogenate protein concentration was augmented in all areas. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serological analysis of patients treated with a new surgical hemostat containing bovine proteins and autologous plasma
Authors: Nelson Patricia A. , Powers J. Noël , Estridge Trudy D. , Elder Elizabeth A. , Alea Arcie D. , Sidhu Parmjeet K. , Sehl Louis C. , DeLustro Frank A.
Published: August 2002

A randomized, controlled clinical study of the management of diffuse bleeding with CoStasis® surgical hemostat, a new hemostat containing bovine thrombin and collagen with the patient's own plasma, included patients undergoing cardiac, hepatic, iliac, and general surgery. Sera from 92 patients treated with CoStasis and 84 control patients were collected preoperatively and at a post surgical follow‐up of 8 weeks. Among the control group, 57 patients were treated with Instat® collagen sponge in noncardiac indications. Results showed that antibody responses in the CoStasis clinical study were similar to the reported literature for all antigens screened and were not associated with any adverse reactions. The bovine thrombin preparations in CoStasis and other commercially available thrombins were compared with the use of SDS‐PAGE and Western blot analyses. Within this clinical study, CoStasis was shown to be a safe and effective hemostatic product containing bovine thrombin and bovine collagen and no pooled human blood products. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res (Appl Biomater) 58: 710–719, 2001
Long‐term quantification of the release of monomers from dental resin composites and a resin‐modified glass ionomer cement
Authors: Mazzaoui S. A. , Burrow M. F. , Tyas M. J. , Rooney F. R. , Capon R. J.
Published: August 2002

This study quantified the release of monomers from polymerized specimens of four commercially available resin composites and one glass ionomer cement immersed in water:ethanol solutions. Individual standard curves were prepared from five monomers: (1) triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), (2) 2‐hydroxy‐ethyl methacrylate (HEMA), (3) urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), (4) bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate (BISGMA), and (5) bisphenol A. The concentration of the monomers was determined at Days 1, 7, 30, and 90 with the use of electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry. Data were expressed in mean μmol per mm2 surface area of specimen and analyzed with Scheffe's test (p<0.05). The following monomers were found in water: monomers (1) and (2) from Delton sealant, monomer (5) from ScotchBond Multipurpose Adhesive and Delton sealant, monomer (3) from Definite and monomer (4) from Fuji II LC, ScotchBond Multipurpose Adhesive, Synergy and Definite. All these monomers increased in concentration over time, with the exception of monomer (1) from Delton sealant. Monomers (3) and (5) were found in extracts of materials despite their absence from the manufacturer's published composition. All monomers were released in significantly higher concentrations in water:ethanol solutions than in water. The greatest release of monomers occurred in the first day. The effect of the measured concentrations of monomers (1–5) on human genes, cells, or tissues needs to be considered with the use of a biological model. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res (Appl Biomater) 63: 299–305, 2002
Superabsorbent materials from shellfish waste—A review
Authors: Dutkiewicz Jacek K.
Published: August 2002

Increasing global demand for improved absorbent materials for body fluids in disposable medical and personal‐care articles creates an incentive for new basic research and development of efficient absorbent materials and systems with additional benefits such as biodegradability or certain biomedical functions. Highly absorbing materials based on polyelectrolyte polymers can absorb up to 50 grams of body fluid per gram of dry mass. Currently available synthetic superabsorbents are not biodegradable in landfills and do not offer any value‐added functions to personal and medical‐care products. Various academic and industrial research groups have put considerable amounts of effort and resources toward development of new absorbent materials from natural polymers, which would decompose in landfills. The basic substrates in these studies have been mainly polysaccharides, particularly cellulose and starch. The most common approach has involved converting these polymers into carboxymethyl derivatives followed by structural cross‐linking. Commercial synthetic superabsorbent polymers as well as those derived from cellulose and starch are essentially polyanionic. On the other hand, polycationic absorbers seem to have potential functional advantages over the polyanionic counterparts. Chitin is the second abundant natural polymer, whose main derivative, chitosan, becomes polycationic in acid media. Currently, the main source of this polysaccharide is shellfish waste. This review provides basic information about new superabsorbent materials based on chitosan salts, their properties and preparation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res (Appl Biomater) 63: 373‐381
Correlation between the high expression of C/EBPβ protein in F442A cells and their relative resistance to antiadipogenic action of TCDD in comparison to 3T3‐L1 cells
Authors: Liu Phillip C. C. , Moreno‐Aliaga Maria J. , Dunlap Debra Y. , Hu Xiao‐ming , Denison Michael S. , Matsumura Fumio
Published: August 2002

We compared the ability of two clonally derived murine preadipocyte cell lines, 3T3‐L1(L1) and 3T3‐F442A (F442A), to differentiate after treatment by 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD), and found that the former cell line was clearly suppressed by TCDD but the latter was not. It was initially postulated that the easiest way to explain the lack of response to TCDD in F442A cells could be an alteration in aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) functionality. This hypothesis was tested first, but no differences were found in the levels or functions of AhR. To find an alternate explanation for such a differential effect of TCDD, we tested the action of several diagnostic agents on the process of adipocyte differentiation of these two cells. No differences were found between these two lines of cells in the susceptibility to the antiadipogenic action of 12‐0‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA), or to TNFα, indicating that the basic biochemical components engaged in the antiadipogenic actions of these agents in these two cell lines are similar. In contrast, F442A cells were found to be more resistant to the antiadipogenic action of EGF or TGFβ than L1 cells which were tested side by side. Based on the knowledge that TNFα preferentially affects C/EBPα and that TGFβ specifically controls C/EBPβ and δ in their antiadipogenic action, we hypothesized that the major cause for the differential response of these two similar cell lines could be the insensitivity of C/EBPβ and/or δ of F442A cells to the action of TCDD. We could obtain supporting data for this hypothesis, showing that in F442A cells, the level of C/EBPβ is already high even before the addition of adipocyte differentiation factors and that TCDD did not cause any significant changes in the titer of C/EBPβ. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 16:70–83, 2002; Published online in Wiley Interscience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.10020
Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by physostigmine analogs: Conformational mobility of cysteine loop due to the steric effect of the alkyl chain
Authors: Gavuzzo Enrico , Pomponi Massimo
Published: August 2002

The effect of a series of physostigmine analogs on acetylcholinesterase activity was investigated. The second‐order rate constant kon of the enzyme–inhibitor complex correlates with the conformational positioning of aromatic residues, especially Trp84, in the transition state complex. The van der Waals interactions are an important structural element of this conformational change. A transient mobility of the cysteine loop (Cys67–Cys94) was confined only to the presence of a significant steric effect. Even with this limitation, however, the steric effect seems to be an appropriate model for future tests on the “back door” hypothesis involving facilitated opening for faster product clearance. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 16:64–69, 2002; Published online in Wiley Interscience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.10026
Purification and characterization of rat hepatic microsomal low molecular weight fatty acid ethyl ester synthase and its relationship to carboxylesterases
Authors: Kaphalia Bhupendra S. , Ansari G. A. S.
Published: August 2002

We reported purification of a high molecular weight (HMW) (ca. 180 kD) and a low molecular weight (LMW) (ca. 60 kD) protein fractions from digitonized rat liver microsomes using ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by ion exchange and gel filtration column chromatography. Both fractions expressed fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) synthase as well as p‐nitrophenyl acetate (PNPA)–hydrolyzing (esterase) activities. The HMW fraction was found to be a trimer with subunit molecular weight ca. 60 kD and structurally and functionally similar to rat hepatic microsomal carboxylesterase (CE, pI 6.1) and adipose tissue FAEE synthase. In this article, we report further purification and characterization of the LMW (minor) fraction expressing FAEE synthase activity and its structural and functional relationship to hepatic microsomal CEs. Using isoelectric focusing (IEF) followed by gel filtration–high‐performance liquid chromatography (GF‐HPLC), five proteins were purified, which expressed FAEE synthase as well as PNPA‐hydrolyzing activity. The isoelectric point values of 6.5, 5.8, 5.6, 5.3, and 5.0 were found for the purified LMW proteins by IEF and each showed a peak corresponding to ca. 60 kD molecular weight by GF‐HPLC, which expressed FAEE synthase as well as PNPA‐hydrolyzing activity. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel elecrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) analysis of the GF‐HPLC purified LMW proteins revealed that these proteins are monomers (ca. 60 kD). All the purified LMW proteins cross‐reacted with antibodies to rat adipose tissue FAEE synthase. Coelution of PNPA‐hydrolyzing and FAEE synthase activity at each step of purification and cross‐reactivity with rat adipose tissue FAEE synthase antibodies suggest that the purified proteins are related to various hepatic microsomal CEs. This conclusion is further supported by the homology of N‐terminal amino acid sequence of the purified LMW proteins to various hepatic microsomal CEs and protease precursors. Therefore, LMW FAEE synthase activity most probably is expressed by various isozymes of hepatic microsomal CEs, which are also involved in the biotransformation of xenobiotic alcohols and amines. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 15:165–171, 2001
Characteristics of photopheresis treatments for the management of rejection in heart and lung transplant recipients
Authors: Khuu Hanh M. , Desmond Renee , Huang Shu T. , Marques Marisa B.
Published: August 2002

Photopheresis has been used in the management of rejection of heart and/or lung transplants. Although its mechanism of action remains unknown, irradiated T‐helper cell‐induced immunosuppression is the main theory. Since transplant recipients are often lymphopenic and lymphocytes are the target cells in phototherapy, we performed this study to determine which factors affect the cellular yield to undergo irradiation. We reviewed the records of all photophereses performed in our institution between July 1998 and April 2000 using the UVAR (first generation) or XTS (second generation) instruments (Therakos, Exton, PA). Our data included patient's blood volume, absolute lymphocyte count and hematocrit, catheter type, flow rate of collection cycles and centrifuge bowl size, as well as volume, hematocrit, and lymphocyte count of the cell suspension. With a mixed model multivariate analysis we sought to determine which variables predicted the lymphocyte yield. A total of 406 procedures in 25 adult patients was analyzed. There was no significant difference between the lymphocyte yield among the procedures performed with the first‐ and the second‐generation instruments. The patient's absolute lymphocyte count was the only parameter, which positively correlated with the total number of lymphocytes collected for irradiation (P < 0.0001). Indeed, based on the mixed model, the total number of lymphocytes for irradiation can be predicted from the pre‐procedure lymphocyte count. Additional studies are necessary to correlate the number of treated cells with patient outcome. J. Clin. Apheresis 17:27–32, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of CD34+ cell collection efficiency on the COBE Spectra and Fenwal CS‐3000 plus
Authors: Ford C.D. , Lehman C. , Strupp A. , Kelley L.
Published: August 2002

Optimal collections of mobilized CD34+ cells are important in terms of both patient toxicity and cost. The factors that determine CD34+ collection efficiency (CD34eff) of cell separators have not been well studied. In addition, because several cell separators are available, the type of collection device may also be a significant variable. Previous studies comparing the Baxter‐Fenwal CS3000 and the COBE Spectra have not yielded consistent conclusions. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed the collection outcomes of 163 consecutive donors with a peripheral CD34+ cell concentration (pCD34) of ≥5 cells/μl on the first collection that had been harvested on one or the other device. The CS3000 was found to yield a significantly higher CD34eff (50% vs. 39%, P = 0.006). However, donors were not balanced for several prognostic factors, which may contribute to CD34eff including mobilization with G‐CSF vs. chemotherapy+G‐CSF, average flow rate, and total volume of peripheral blood processed. When appropriate variables were included in a stepwise multiple variable analysis, cell separator type emerged as a significant independent predictive factor for CD34eff (P = 0.018). Our data indicates that the CS3000 will, on average, show a higher absolute CDeff of 8%. Furthermore, since the two devices differ in mechanism, prognostic factors may also differ. Comparisons suggest that peripheral blood WBC and hematocrit may be more important predictors for the CS3000. J. Clin. Apheresis 17:17–20, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coagulation abnormalities in serial double‐filtration plasmapheresis
Authors: Yeh Jiann‐Horng , Chiu Hou‐Chang
Published: August 2002

Intensive plasma exchange can transiently alter the hemostatic system. However, the effect of serial double filtration plasmapheresis (DFP) on the hemostatic system has not been adequately described. In this study, we sought to characterize the hemostatic effects of DFP in 32 myasthenia gravis patients who received one course of DFP treatment for five consecutive sessions within 10 days. Platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and serum levels of albumin, globulin, cholesterol, and fibrinogen were measured before and after the course of DFP. Patients were divided into mild hypofibrinogenemia (MH) and severe hypofibrinogenemia (SH) groups based on post‐plasmapheresis residual levels of fibrinogen above or below 70 mg/dl. The baseline fibrinogen level was significantly lower in the SH group (P < 0.01). After five sessions of DFP, the fibrinogen level was reduced to below 70 mg/dl in 14 patients (44%). The percentage of excessive prolongation of PT or PTT was significantly higher in the SH group. The SH group also had higher reduction rates of globulin and cholesterol (P < 0.05). Oozing in the punctured site of the central venous catheter occurred in 6 out of 26 patients, with four cases in the MH group and two in the SH group. There was no difference in the overall incidence of bleeding complications between the two groups. Only one episode of clinically overt bleeding occurred during the study after a large‐bore femoral catheter was removed soon after the patient had received five consecutive daily treatments. The bleeding stopped after transfusion of 6 units of fresh frozen plasma. In conclusion, despite the obvious reduction of fibrinogen level and the modest decrease in platelet count after an intensive course of DFP treatment, the low incidence of clinically overt bleeding confirmed the safety of DFP. J. Clin. Apheresis 16:139–142, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stop Fraud Cold with Powerful Internal Controls
Authors: Singleton Tommie
Published: August 2002

Since the Enron debacle, companies are re‐examining their internal controls. Sometimes managers see them
as an obstacle. But it doesn't have to be that way. The author shows you how to build stronger internal
controls that can enhance corporate objectives. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Internal Benchmarking: How to Be the Best—And Stay That Way
Authors: Reider Rob
Published: August 2002

Is there a formula for success? Some companies manage to succeed by dumb luck. Others use savvy
business acumen and polished methods, yet fail miserably. But you can discover your own success formula using
internal benchmarking, says the author. Here's how you do it. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals,
Inc.
Web‐Site Privacy Checklist
Authors: Shaw Paul
Published: August 2002

If you want customers to trust your Web site—and have the confidence to buy online—privacy and
security are vital. Does your Web site pass the test? © 2002 Wiley Periodicals,
Inc.
Online Commodities Trading for Business
Authors: Annunziata Vincent P.
Published: August 2002

Whether the market is up or down, corporate interest in online commodities trading continues to grow. The
author explains the issues your company needs to consider, and gives some tips on shopping for an online trading
store. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Communicating Key Business Strategies to Investors
Authors: Cole Cathy J.
Published: August 2002

Investors who understand where top management is taking the company—and how you're doing
it—are more likely to have confidence in your firm. They'll be more willing to stick with you when
times are bad. But how does your firm explain its objectives and strategies to investors? The author
discusses one method that you may have over‐looked, and includes a useful checklist. © 2001
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Staying Out of Trouble with Transfer Pricing
Authors: Martinson Otto B. , McKee Tim C.
Published: August 2002

In a wide‐ranging discussion of transfer pricing, the authors explain how it is used, some individual
country rules, current IRS rules, and how IRS rules interact with OECD guidelines. What's the secret to
staying out of trouble? The authors answer with one word: documentation. And they list the minimum
requirements. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Factoring of Receivables under SFAS‐125
Authors: Martin Dale R. , Duchac Jonathan E. , Lindley Mark F.
Published: August 2002

Statement 125 brought more stringent reporting and recognition requirements. How did this affect the
factoring of receivables? © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Managing your business as an investment: How to build shareholder value in private companies
Authors: Evans Frank C. , Bishop David M.
Published: August 2002

Shareholder value is a key concern in any merger or acquisition. But private companies neglect it in their
strategic planning—because they don't really understand what it means, or what drives it. Here's
the solution—a practical, step‐by‐step guide for measuring value and boosting it.
© 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.