bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editiorial introduction: labour migration and the family in Asia
Authors: Boyle Paul , Graham Elspeth , Yeoh Brenda
Published: December 2003

This paper introduces a special issue on ‘Labour migration and the family in Asia’. It provides a brief review of economic approaches to labour migration, including some studies that have recognised the importance of the family in migration decision‐making. Most of this work continues to be based on a broad human capital framework and we highlight some of the limitations of such a theoretical model, including their failure to deal adequately with gender roles or the deeper structures that influence migration, such as globalisation, colonialism and national and local government policies. We also consider the importance of remittances in family‐related labour migration and their value in developing economies. In summary this paper, and the other papers selected for the special issue, contribute to the debate about the limitations of the human capital model, and help us to understand labour migration and the family in the Asian context. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of wear in extensively irradiated UHMWPE cups in simulator studies
Authors: Oonishi Hironobu , Clarke Ian C , Yamamoto Kengo , Masaoka Toshinori , Fujisawa Akira , Masuda Shingo
Published: December 2003

Higher levels of UHMWPE crosslinking currently are being advocated for improved wear resistance of acetabular cups. Pioneering Japanese studies, begun in 1971, have achieved good clinical results with UHMWPE irradiated to 1000 kGy for use with a cemented‐cup design. The objective of our study was to use contemporary simulator techniques to determine the in vitro wear performance of such high‐dose irradiated cups. Extruded UHMWPE cups were processed with 500, 1000, and 1500 kGy of gamma‐radiation doses under vacuum, annealed, and machined to shape. The cups were mated with 26‐mm alumina heads and run in a multidirectional simulator with bovine serum. Over a 6‐million cycle (Mc) study, the weight loss of the nonirradiated control cups averaged 52.8 mg/Mc + 1.4% (wear = 57.2 mm3/Mc). In contrast, the irradiated wear cups had a consistent weight gain. Thus cups with irradiation of 500–1500 kGy had no detectable wear in this study. The original machining marks still were partially evident in the wear zones, along with some macrofissures in the 1000‐ and 1500‐kGy cups. Areas adjacent to the fissures showed delaminating plaques of 100–300 μm in size. It also was noted that the wear cups systematically gained more weight than their corresponding soak controls. Each 200‐kGy radiation gain increased the fluid sorption ratio by 10%. The increased fluid sorption and evidence of some surface deterioration may indicate that such high‐dose irradiated cups are more susceptible to mechanical damage. This indicates that we should take care to ensure that our desire to reduce the wear debris to a zero amount does not result in a modified UHMWPE that lacks the necessary mechanical properties for contemporary metal‐backed cup designs. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 68A: 52–60, 2004
Numerical osteobonding evaluation of electrically polarized hydroxyapatite ceramics
Authors: Nakamura Satoshi , Kobayashi Takayuki , Yamashita Kimihiro
Published: December 2003

Enhanced osteobonding abilities of electrical polarized hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramics were statistically evaluated by a bone morphometric technique. HA ceramics with an average charge of 3.9 μCcm−2 were implanted in tibial and femoral diaphyses of New Zealand white rabbits. Estimation of the affinity index, defined as the ratio of the direct bonding length to the HA ceramic length, significantly showed more active osteobonding ability with a negatively charged surface than with a positively charged surface and a nonpolarized HA 1 week after administration. The enhanced osteobonding ability attributed to the stimulated osteoids in the vicinity of the positively charged surface ranked above the nonpolarized surface. Although amounts of the newly formed bone on the HA surfaces increased with implantation period in all of the observation areas, the negatively charged surface was almost covered with bone and had the best index value of 94.0% at 4 weeks. The superior osteobonding activity of the negatively charged surfaces was statistically proven. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 68A: 90–94, 2004
In vitro assessment of bioactive coatings for neural implant applications
Authors: Massia Stephen P. , Holecko Matthew M. , Ehteshami Gholam R.
Published: December 2003

Recent efforts in our laboratory have focused on developing methods for immobilizing bioactive peptides to low cell‐adhesive dextran monolayer coatings and promoting biospecific cell adhesion for biomaterial implant applications. In the current study, this dextran‐based bioactive coating technology was developed for silicon, polyimide, and gold, the base materials utilized to fabricate our prototype neural implants. Chemical composition of all modified surfaces was verified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We observed that surface‐immobilized dextran supported very little cell adhesion in vitro (24‐h incubation with serum‐supplemented medium) on all base materials. Inactive nonadhesion‐promoting Gly‐Arg‐Ala‐Asp‐Ser‐Pro peptides immobilized on dextran‐coated materials promoted adhesion and spreading at low levels not significantly different from dextran‐coated substrates. Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) peptide‐grafted surfaces were observed to promote substantial fibroblast and glial cell adhesion with minimal PC12 (neuronal cell) adhesion. In contrast, dextran‐coated materials with surface‐grafted laminin‐based, neurite‐promoting Ile‐Lys‐Val‐Ala‐Val (IKVAV) peptide promoted substantial neuron cell adhesion and minimal fibroblast and glial cell adhesion. It was concluded that neuron‐selective substrates are feasible using dextran‐based surface chemistry strategies. The chemical surface modifications could be utilized to establish a stable neural tissue–implant interface for long‐term performance of neural prosthetic devices. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 68A: 177–186, 2004
Collagen–hydroxyapatite composite prepared by biomimetic process
Authors: Lickorish David , Ramshaw John A. M. , Werkmeister Jerome A. , Glattauer Veronica , Howlett C. Rolfe
Published: December 2003

A novel bone graft substitute comprising a porous, collagenous scaffold was biomimetically coated with hydroxyapatite using a simulated body fluid solution chemistry method. The scaffold had a porosity of approximately 85%, with pore sizes between 30 μm and 100 μm. Glutaraldehyde vapor was used to stabilize the collagenous scaffold, giving a significantly increased thermal stability over an unstabilized scaffold, as shown by differential scanning calorimetry. A thin layer (<10 μm) of crystalline hydroxyapatite was deposited onto the stabilized collagenous scaffold by soaking the collagenous construct in simulated body fluid in the presence of calcium silicate glass. The presence of crystalline hydroxyapatite was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In vitro cytotoxicity testing of the composite construct using L‐929 fibroblasts (ISO 10993‐5) and rabbit periosteal cells revealed a cytocompatible material that supported cellular attachment and proliferation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 68A: 19–27, 2004
EDTA‐induced activation of Ca‐regulated proteins in the vaginal mucosa
Authors: Sang Choe Eun , Warrier Bharat , Soo Chun Jang , Cheol Park Joo , Lee Chi H.
Published: December 2003

The effects of EDTA on the expression and topologic localization of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases (ERK, JNK, and p38), along with nitric oxide synthase (NOS), I‐KappaB, and p53 were examined to elucidate the host response provoked by the intravaginal application of a female controlled drug delivery system (FcDDS) containing a spermicidal/microbicidal agent and EDTA. Immunohistochemical and immunoblotting studies were conducted to identify and quantitate the EDTA‐inducible proteins in vaginal mucosa. The content of nitrite, which is one of the primary stable breakdown products of nitric oxide (NO), was determined to correlate the expression of NOS with NO formation in HeLa cervical carcinoma cell line. The immunohistochemical study demonstrated that the modulation of the calcium gradient by EDTA activated MAP kinases (ERK and JNK) in the rabbit vaginal mucosa. The results of Western immunoblot study demonstrated differential expression of MAP kinases (ERK and JNK) with EDTA treatment, whereas the expression of NOS and NF‐KappaB was not affected by EDTA. There was no significant difference in nitrite production in the HeLa cell line upon exposure to EDTA compared with the control, which was consistent with the results of the Western blot study. The results of this work support that the regulation of MAP kinase was affected by calcium, which is controlled by chelation activity of EDTA. The specific tissue responses exerted by the loading components of a biomaterial‐based system should be fully taken into consideration for its intravaginal application. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 68A: 159–167, 2004
Refrigeration of rainbow trout gametes and embryos
Authors: Babiak Igor , Dabrowski Konrad
Published: December 2003

Prolonged access to early embryos composed of undifferentiated, totipotent blastomeres is desirable in situations when multiple collections of gametes are not possible. The objective of the present study is to examine whether the refrigeration of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss gametes and early embryos would be a suitable, reliable, and efficient tool for prolonging the availability of early developmental stages up to the advanced blastula stage. The study was conducted continuously during fall, winter, and spring spawning seasons. In all, more than 500 experimental variants were performed involving individual samples from 26 females and 33 males derived from three strains. These strains represented three possible circumstances. In optimal one, gametes from good quality donors were obtained soon after ovulation. In the two non‐optimal sources, either donors were of poor genetic quality or gametes were collected from a distant location and transported as unfertilized gametes. A highly significant effect of variability of individual sample quality on efficiency of gamete and embryo refrigeration was revealed. The source of gametes significantly affected viability of refrigerated oocytes and embryos, but not spermatozoa. On average, oocytes from optimal source retained full fertilization viability for seven days of chilled storage, significantly longer than from non‐optimal sources. Spermatozoa, regardless of storage method, retained full fertilization ability for the first week of storage. Refrigeration of embryos at 1.4±0.4°C significantly slowed the development. Two‐ week‐old embryos were still in blastula stage. Average survival rate of embryos refrigerated for 10 days and then transferred to regular incubation temperatures of 9–14°C was 92% in optimal and 51 and 71% in non‐optimal source variants. No effect of gamete and embryo refrigeration on the occurrence of developmental abnormalities was observed. Cumulative refrigeration of oocytes and embryos resulted in an average embryo survival rate of 71% in optimal source variants after 17 days of refrigeration (7 days oocytes+10 days embryos). The study shows that both gamete and embryo refrigeration can be successfully used as an efficient tool for prolonging availability of rainbow trout embryos in early developmental stages. J. Exp. Zool. 300A:140–151, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ARNT gene multiplicity in amphibians: Characterization of arnt2 from the frog Xenopus laevis
Authors: Rowatt Ashley J. , Depowell John J. , Powell Wade H.
Published: December 2003

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) is a member of the Per‐ARNT‐Sim (PAS) protein superfamily, transcription factors that mediate the cellular responses to various developmental signals and environmental conditions. A β‐class (“partner”) PAS protein, ARNT exhibits the capacity to form transcriptionally active heterodimers with several α‐class (“sensor”) proteins, including the aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHRs), the hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs), and the Single minded (Sim) proteins. Two genes encode different forms of ARNT in mammals: ARNT1, which is widely expressed, and ARNT2, which is limited to the brain and kidneys of adults and specific neural and branchial tissues of embryos. In contrast, fish apparently express only a single ARNT gene, although in different species, this may be either ARNT1 or ARNT2. In efforts to understand the evolution of ARNT proteins throughout the vertebrate lineage, we isolated an ARNT cDNA from early life stages of the amphibian Xenopus laevis. The encoded protein binds cognate DNA sequences in concert with mouse AHR. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that this sequence is orthologous to mammalian ARNT2 and paralogous to the recently reported X. laevis ARNT1. ARNT2 mRNA expression begins later than ARNT1 (stage 22 vs. stage 8), suggesting the two proteins play distinct roles during development. Hence, in the expression of two well‐conserved ARNT paralogs with distinct expression patterns, X. laevis resembles mammals rather than fish. Diversity in the number and function of PAS proteins, including ARNT, may underlie significant species differences in developmental programming and biochemical response to environmental conditions. The identification of multiple amphibian ARNT paralogs represents an important step in the understanding of evolution and functional variation of ARNT in vertebrates. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 300B:48–57, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
One eye but no vision: Cave fish with induced eyes do not respond to light
Authors: Romero Aldemaro , Green Steven M. , Romero Andrea , Lelonek Megan M. , Stropnicky Katy C.
Published: December 2003

One of the most intriguing questions in evolutionary biology is the degree to which behavior is a necessary consequence of morphology. We explore this issue by examining phototactic behavior in epigean (eyed surface‐dwelling) and troglomorphic (blind cave) forms of the teleost Astyanax fasciatus whose eyes were modified during embryogenesis by removing one or both lens vesicles from the epigean form or by transplanting the lens vesicle from an epigean fish into the optic cup of a blind cave form. Lens removal results in eye degeneration and blindness in adult epigean fish, whereas lens transplantation stimulates growth of the eye, inducing the development of optic tissues in the normally eyeless adult cave fish. Photoresponsiveness was examined by placing fish in an aquarium with one half illuminated and the other half dark and scoring their presence in the illuminated or dark half. Both the eyeless epigean fish and cave fish with induced eyes are indifferent to the illumination whereas the surface forms are scotophilic, suggesting that optic development and phototactic behavior are decoupled. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 300B:72–79, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complete classification of tournaments having a disjoint union of directed paths as a minimum feedback arc set
Authors: Isaak Garth , Narayan Darren A.
Published: December 2003

A feedback arc set of a digraph is a set of arcs whose reversal makes the resulting digraph acyclic. Given a tournament with a disjoint union of directed paths as a feedback arc set, we present necessary and sufficient conditions for this feedback arc set to have minimum size. We will present a construction for tournaments where the difference between the size of a minimum feedback arc set and the size of the largest collection of arc disjoint cycles can be made arbitrarily large. We will also make a connection to a problem found in [Barthélemy et al., 2]. The reversing number of a digraph was defined to be $r(D)\, = |V(T)|-|V(D)|$ where T is a smallest tournament having the arc set of D as a minimum feedback arc set. As a consequence of our classification of all tournaments having a disjoint union of directed paths as a minimum feedback arc set, we will obtain a new result involving the reversing number. We obtain precise reversing numbers for all digraphs consisting of a disjoint union of directed paths. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 45: 28–47, 2004
Neutral loss of amino acid residues from protonated peptides in collision‐induced dissociation generates N‐ or C‐terminal sequence ladders
Authors: Salek Mogjiborahman , Lehmann Wolf D.
Published: December 2003

The widespread occurrence of the neutral loss of one to six amino acid residues as neutral fragments from doubly protonated tryptic peptides is documented for 23 peptides with individual sequences. Neutral loss of amino acids from the N‐terminus of doubly charged tryptic peptides results in doubly charged y‐ions, forming a ladder‐like series with the ions [M + 2H]2+ = ymax2+, ymax − 12+, ymax − 22+, etc. An internal residue such as histidine, proline, lysine or arginine appears to favor this type of fragmentation, although it was sometimes also observed for peptides without this structure. For doubly protonated non‐tryptic peptides with one of these residues at or near the N‐terminus, we observed neutral loss from the C‐terminus, resulting in a doubly charged b‐type ion ladder. The analyses were performed by Q‐TOF tandem mass spectrometry, facilitating the recognition of neutral loss ladders by their 2+ charge state and the conversion of the observed mass differences into reliable sequence information. It is shown that the neutral loss of amino acid residues requires low collision offset values, a simple mechanistic explanation based on established fragmentation rules is proposed and the utility of this neutral loss fragmentation pathway as an additional source for dependable peptide sequence information is documented. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the metal binding properties of a histidine‐rich fusogenic peptide by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Sinz Andrea , Jin Albert J. , Zschörnig Olaf
Published: December 2003

Electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI‐FTICRMS) was used to investigate metal ion interactions of the 18 amino acid peptide fragment B18 (LGLLLRHLRHHSNLLANI), derived from the membrane‐associated protein bindin. The peptide sequence B18 represents the minimal membrane‐binding motif of bindin and resembles a putative fusion peptide. The histidine‐rich peptide has been shown to self‐associate into distinct supramolecular structures, depending on the presence of Zn2+ and Cu2+. We examined the binding of B18 to the metal ions Cu2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+ and La3+. For Cu2+, we compared the metal binding affinities of the wild‐type B18 peptide with those of its mutants in which one, two or three histidine residues have been replaced by serines. Upon titration of B18 with Cu2+ ions, we found sequential binding of two Cu2+ ions with dissociation constants of ∼34 and ∼725 µM. Mutants of B18, in which one histidine residue is replaced by serine, still exhibit sequential binding of two copper ions with affinities for the first Cu2+ ion comparable to that of wild‐type B18 peptide, but with a greatly reduced affinity for the second Cu2+ ion in mutants H112S and H113S. For mutants in which two histidines are replaced by serines, the affinity for the first Cu2+ ion is reduced ∼3–10 times in comparison with B18. The mutant in which all three histidine residues are replaced by serines exhibits an ∼14‐fold lower binding for the first Cu2+ ion compared with B18. For the other metal ions under investigation (Zn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+ and La3+), a modest affinity to B18 was detected binding to the peptide in a 1 : 1 stoichiometry. Our results show a high affinity of the wild‐type fusogenic peptide B18 for Cu2+ ions whereas the Zn2+ affinity was found to be comparable to that of other di‐ and trivalent metal ions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A derivatization assay using gaschromatography/negative chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry to quantify 3‐nitrotyrosine in human plasma
Authors: Söderling Ann‐Sofi , Ryberg Henrik , Gabrielsson Anders , Lärstad Mona , Torén Kjell , Niari Sohbat , Caidahl Kenneth
Published: December 2003

Endogenous free or protein‐associated 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT) has been proposed as a biomarker of in vivo oxidative damage caused by nitrating agents. Isotopic dilution assay gaschromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) techniques have been employed to measure endogenous 3‐NT levels. However, the quantitative normal plasma values reported so far are inconsistent. The results vary between the assays; they may have been influenced by in vitro artifactual nitration of tyrosine to 3‐NT. In this study, a simple and artifact‐free derivatization method for quantifying the endogenous 3‐NT content of biological samples by GC/negative chemical ionization MS/MS is presented. The method is based on reduction of the nitro group of the molecule by dithionite, heptafluorobutyric acylation and subsequent methyl derivatization, di‐O‐methyldi‐N‐heptafluorobutyryl being the major derivative. The results showed excellent GC and MS properties, such as low background and a favorable fragmentation pattern. Endogenous 3‐NT was unequivocally quantified using collision‐induced dissociation in the selected reaction monitoring mode, whereas co‐elution of unknown compounds interfered in the selected‐ion monitoring mode. We found that tyrosine was nitrated in the presence of nitrate anions and heptafluorobutyric anhydride, but the product appeared as a di‐O‐methylmono‐N‐heptafluorobutyryl derivative. Therefore, artifactually formed 3‐NT did not contribute to the measured endogenous 3‐NT level owing to its different derivative structure. The method was applied to determine endogenous 3‐NT in human plasma and plasma proteins. A detection limit of 0.03 nM for 13C6‐labeled 3‐NT in plasma samples was established and the response was linear over a concentration range of 0–50 nM (R2 > 0.999). The endogenous free 3‐NT level (mean ± SD) in ultrafiltered plasma samples from 12 healthy adults was 0.74 ± 0.30 nM. The mean concentration of 3‐NT in their plasma total proteins was 0.60 ± 0.40 pmol mg−1. Hence, the described method is selective, eliminates the problem of artifactual nitration and is feasible for the quantification of free and protein‐associated 3‐NT in biological samples such as plasma. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐turn time‐of‐flight mass spectrometers with electrostatic sectors
Authors: Toyoda Michisato , Okumura Daisuke , Ishihara Morio , Katakuse Itsuo
Published: December 2003

The mass resolution of a time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometer is directly proportional to its total flight pathlength. Multi‐turn or multi‐passage ion optical geometries are necessary to obtain fight distances of sufficient length within reasonable size limitations. We have investigated ion optics for a multi‐turn TOF mass spectrometer with electrostatic sectors. The concept of ‘perfect’ focusing conditions is introduced. Furthermore, a new type of multi‐turn TOF mass spectrometer, the MULTUM Linear plus, was developed. It consists of four cylindrical electric sectors and 28 electric quadrupole lenses. It has a vacuum chamber 60 × 70 × 20 cm in size. Mass resolution is demonstrated to increase according to the number of ion cycles. A mass resolution of 350 000 (m/z = 28, FWHM) was achieved after 501.5 cycles. The MULTUM Linear plus analyzer is not simple, however; 28 electric quadrupole lenses are used. In order to reduce the number of ion optical parts, an improved multi‐turn TOF mass spectrometer, the MULTUM II, consisting of only four toroidal electric sectors, was also developed. The possibility of tandem mass spectrometric applications using multi‐turn TOF mass spectrometers is also discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppression of ammonia‐induced astrocyte swelling by cyclosporin A
Authors: Rama Rao K.V. , Chen M. , Simard J.M. , Norenberg M.D.
Published: December 2003

Brain edema is a serious complication of hepatic encephalopathy associated with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). A major component of the edema seems to be cytotoxic, involving astrocyte swelling. Although the mechanism of brain edema in FHF is incompletely understood, it is generally believed that ammonia is involved critically in this process. Recent studies have shown that exposure of cultured astrocytes to ammonia results in the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), a phenomenon associated with mitochondrial failure and subsequent cellular dysfunction. The present study examined the potential role of the MPT in the astrocyte swelling associated with ammonia toxicity. Treatment of cultured astrocytes with ammonia (5 mM) caused a time‐dependent increase in astrocyte cell volume (swelling), which was completely inhibited by the MPT inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA). In this study, CsA also inhibited the ammonia‐induced aquaporin 4 (AQP4) upregulation, which had been shown previously to be increased in cultured astrocytes by ammonia treatment. These findings suggest that the MPT plays a significant role in the ammonia‐induced astrocyte swelling and may contribute to the brain edema associated with FHF. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DNA microarray cluster analysis reveals tissue similarity and potential neuron‐specific genes expressed in cranial sensory ganglia
Authors: Matsumoto Ichiro , Emori Yasufumi , Nakamura Shugo , Shimizu Kentaro , Arai Soichi , Abe Keiko
Published: December 2003

Each of four cranial sensory ganglia, trigeminal, geniculate, petrosal, and nodose ganglia, contains multiple kinds of sensory neurons with different cell morphologies and neuronal properties that transmit information about sensory stimuli received peripherally. Here we analyze the complex properties of these neurons from the viewpoint of gene expression using DNA microarrays by cluster analysis. From a total of 8,740 genes, 498 genes were selected as showing tissue‐dependent expression on the microarray by hierarchical cluster analysis, and their profiles indicated that, among the four sensory ganglia, the petrosal and trigeminal ganglia are intimately related. Tissue trees of 37 subclusters containing the 498 genes showed that the profiles of gene expression and the subclusters were classified into a smaller number of groups (18 groups) when information on the amounts of expression was added. In situ hybridization analysis of 21 genes selected from 13 different groups was carried out, and the gene expression patterns were classified into eight categories. The putative profiles postulated from the microarray data were essentially consistent with the patterns of expression at the cellular level as shown by in situ hybridization. In conclusion, from the overall analyses of gene expression by DNA microarray, we can identify a number of candidate genes showing neuron type‐specific expression in the peripheral ganglia. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p38 Mitogen‐activated protein kinase modulates expression of tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand induced by interferon‐γ in fetal brain astrocytes
Authors: Lee J. , Shin J.‐S. , Park J.Y. , Kwon D. , Choi S.‐J. , Kim S.‐J. , Choi I.‐H.
Published: December 2003

This study describes the involvement of the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) during interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) signaling in fetal brain astrocytes. In some pathological conditions of brain, p38 MAPK transduces stress‐related signals, increases expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and induces cellular damage or apoptosis. In astrocytes, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) expression level was increased by IFN‐γ. AG490, a JAK inhibitor, blocked TRAIL expression induced by IFN‐γ. SB203580, a specific p38α and p38β2 MAPK inhibitor, decreased the TRAIL expression induced by IFN‐γ. The phosphorylation of the Ser727 site of STAT1, but not the Tyr701 site, was inhibited by SB203580. These results suggest that p38 MAPK modulates STAT1 phosphorylation in IFN‐γ signaling in fetal brain astrocytes. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in basal levels of CREB and NPY in nucleus accumbens regions between C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice differing in inborn alcohol drinking behavior
Authors: Misra Kaushik , Pandey Subhash C.
Published: December 2003

An increasing body of evidence suggests that genetic factors play a role in alcohol drinking behaviors. C57BL/6J (C57) mice innately consume larger amounts of alcohol compared to that consumed by DBA/2J (DBA) mice. Furthermore, alterations in cAMP‐responsive element binding (CREB) protein function in the brain have been implicated in alcohol drinking behaviors. The present investigation examined innate expression and phosphorylation of CREB in various brain structures of C57 and DBA mice. It was found that CREB expression and phosphorylation was lower, specifically in the shell structure of the nucleus accumbens, in C57 mice compared to that in DBA mice. CREB expression and phosphorylation were similar in other brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens core and the cortical, amygdaloid, hippocampal, and striatal structures of C57 and DBA mice. The expression of a cAMP‐inducible gene, neuropeptide Y (NPY), was also investigated in the nucleus accumbens region of C57 and DBA mice. It was found that in C57 mice, NPY protein levels were lower in the shell but not in the core structure of the nucleus accumbens compared to that in DBA mice. It was also found that C57 mice are not innately anxious, but they consume larger amounts of alcohol than do DBA mice. Because the shell structure of the nucleus accumbens has been implicated in reward mechanisms of alcohol, it is possible that lower CREB function in this brain structure may be in part associated with the excessive alcohol drinking behavior of C57 mice. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role for TGF‐β1, FGF‐2 and PDGF‐AA in a myelination of CNS aggregate cultures enriched with macrophages
Authors: Diemel Lara T. , Jackson Samuel J. , Cuzner M. Louise
Published: December 2003

The increase in myelin basic protein (MBP) synthesis observed in brain aggregate cultures supplemented with macrophages is reflected in elevated supernatant protein levels of the key promoters of oligodendrocyte proliferation, fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) and platelet‐derived growth factor‐AA (PDGF‐AA), during the premyelinating phase. Although supernatant levels of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), the most abundant growth factor produced at the transcriptional and translational levels by phagocytic macrophages, were reduced at this stage, it was the only growth factor for which mRNA expression was increased significantly in macrophage‐enriched cultures. TGF‐β1, which supports oligodendrocyte differentiation, was increased in the supernatant of macrophage‐enriched cultures only after the onset of myelinogenesis. Hence, standard cultures treated with TGF‐β1 during the premyelinating period reproduced effects of macrophage supplementation, inducing an increase in MBP synthesis and in PDGF‐AA and FGF‐2 bioavailability. A similar increase in MBP synthesis in PDGF‐AA treated cultures emphasises its central role in oligodendrocyte progenitor proliferation. In contrast, FGF‐2 blocked MBP synthesis in the cultures. In cultures treated with anti‐TGF‐β1 antibody before or after the first detection of MBP, supernatant levels of TGF‐β1, FGF‐2, and PDGF‐AA were reduced with resultant inhibition of myelination. Paradoxically, supraphysiological TGF‐β1 treatment after the onset of myelination had the same effect on myelin accumulation. These results indicate an enabling and regulatory role for TGF‐β1 in oligodendrocyte development and, as a source of TGF‐β1, macrophages in the inflammatory multiple sclerosis lesion, may have the potential to promote remyelination by modulating the growth factor repertoire in demyelinating disease. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quinacrine blocks PrP (106–126)‐formed channels
Authors: Farrelly Peter V. , Kenna Bronwyn L. , Laohachai Karina L. , Bahadi Randa , Salmona Mario , Forloni Gianluigi , Kourie Joseph I.
Published: December 2003

We investigated the action of the acridine derivative, quinacrine (QC), which has been shown to act as a noncompetitive channel inhibitor. The main effects of QC are voltage‐ and concentration‐dependent changes in the kinetics of the prion protein fragment (PrP[106–126])‐formed cation channels. The current–voltage relationships show that the maximal current (I) was not affected whereas the physiologically important mean current (I′) was reduced as a result of changes in channel kinetics. These findings suggest that QC acts on the open state of the channels. The half‐inhibitory concentration (IC50) for the dose‐dependent effects of [QC]cis on the kinetic parameters of the PrP(106–126)‐formed cation channel shows a reduction in the ratios Po(QC)/Po, Fo(QC)/Fo, and To(QC)/To, whereas Tc(QC)/Tc increases. Of these ratios, Po(QC)/Po was more sensitive than the others. The corresponding IC50 for these ratios were 51, 94, 86, and 250 μM QC, respectively. The QC‐induced changes in the kinetic parameters were more apparent at positive voltages. IC50 values for Po were 95, 75, and 51 μM at +20, +80, and +140 mV, respectively. The fact that QC induced changes in the kinetics of this channel, although the conductance of the channel remained unchanged, indicates that QC may bind at the mouth of the channel via a mechanism known as fast channel block. The QC‐induced changes in the kinetic parameters of this channel suggest that they are pathophysiologically significant because these channels could be the mechanisms by which amyloids induce membrane damage in vivo. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simple method to identify chickpea cultivars to be included in infant food manufacture
Authors: Rincón Francisco , Martínez Beatríz , Ibáñez M Victoria
Published: December 2003

A simple method is described for obtaining an overall view of estimated trace element bioavailability in chickpeas, in order to select chickpea cultivars for use as ingredients in infant food manufacture. The two‐phase method is based on a set of six raw variables (VRi, i = 1–6): average Fe, Cu, Zn, trypsin inhibitor, phytic acid and tannin contents. In the first phase, each VR was transformed into a VTi : VT = (VR − min) × 100/(max − min). In the second phase, using information drawn from the set of three trace elements VT, a new variable was obtained, defined as the area enclosed within a three‐axis system (TE area). A similar process was used with the data for trypsin inhibitor, phytic acid and tannin to obtain an antinutritive factor area (AF area). Four cultivars (ca2047, ca2219, ca2222 and p678) were deemed to be of particular interest as possible ingredients of an infant food formula, since they combined a high level of trace elements with a low level of antinutritive substances. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between TE and AF areas (r = 0.37, p < 0.05), showing that a high overall trace element content in chickpeas correlates with high overall antinutritive substance levels. Finally, the chickpea cultivar ca2219 is proposed as the best option, having ruled out other possibilities. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
The potential of enzymatic peeling of vegetables
Authors: Suutarinen M , Mustranta A , Autio K , Salmenkallio‐Marttila M , Ahvenainen R , Buchert J
Published: December 2003

Epiderms of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum cv Asterix), carrots (Daucus carota L), Swedish turnips (Brassica napus L) and onions (Allium cepa L) were isolated and their structure was studied by bright‐field and epifluorescence microscopy as well as by chemical analyses. The suitability of commercial cellulase and pectinase preparations for the hydrolysis of isolated peels and whole vegetables was investigated. The enzymatic pretreatment significantly enhanced the degradation of peels of carrots and onions, whereas the hydrolysis of potato and Swedish turnip peels was very limited owing to the high cutin/suberin content on the vegetable surface. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of time/temperature treatments on potato (Solanum tuberosum) starch: a comparison of isolated starch and starch in situ
Authors: Karlsson Malin E , Eliasson Ann‐Charlotte
Published: December 2003

Previously, time/temperature treatments of starch have been performed mainly on starch/water systems. In this study the same time/temperature treatments were applied to starch/water systems and to potato starch in situ. Two potato varieties (Solanum tuberosum cultivars Asterix and Bintje) were used. The effect of time/temperature treatments on gelatinisation behaviour was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A blanching process was simulated by heating samples to 74 °C and then cooling them to 6 °C. A DSC scan showed that starch was completely gelatinised after this treatment. Retrogradation of amylopectin increased during storage at 6 °C from 0 to 24 h after blanching. Annealing of starch, with the aim of altering cooking properties, was performed by heating samples to temperatures below the gelatinisation onset temperature. Treating samples at 50 °C for 24 h caused a shift in gelatinisation onset temperature of 11–12 °C for isolated starch and 7–11 °C for in situ samples. The extent of the annealing effect depended on the difference between onset and annealing temperatures, and prolonged treatment time increased the effect. Starch/water systems and tissue samples behaved similarly when exposed to time/temperature treatments. The most apparent difference was the shift of gelatinisation to higher temperatures in tissue samples. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of caking and stickiness on the retention of spray‐dried encapsulated orange peel oil
Authors: Beristain César I , Azuara Ebner , Tamayo Tsut‐Tsuy , Vernon‐Carter Eduardo J
Published: December 2003

Flavour microcapsules containing amorphous carbohydrate as wall material can undergo changes such as crystallisation, clumping, sticking and caking during handling and storage. Such physical changes may lead to the release of entrapped flavours. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of storage temperature and water activity on caking, stickiness and glass transition temperatures and to evaluate the relative degree of protection provided to orange peel oil entrapped in mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) gum by spray drying. The powders were stored at water activities (aw) ranging from 0.108 to 0.972 at 25 and 35 °C. The surface caking temperature (Tsc) and advance caking temperature (Tac) were determined by the modified ampoule and sealed glass tube methods respectively. The glass transition temperature was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Changes in the amount of encapsulated oil were determined by Clevenger hydrodistillation. As expected, both Tsc and Tac decreased with increasing storage aw. Above aw 0.628 the powders caked and collapsed during storage at 35 °C. Below aw 0.628 the capsules were not damaged and high retention levels (above 90%) were obtained. Increasing aw in the range 0.743–0.972 caused progressive dissolution of the wall polymer, and the retention level dropped sharply. The volatiles are protected and retained by mesquite gum as long as the capsule structure remains intact. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Large segment allograft survival is improved with intramedullary cement
Authors: Gerrand Craig H. , Griffin Anthony M. , Davis Aileen M. , Gross Allan E. , Bell Robert S. , Wunder Jay S.
Published: December 2003

Background and Objectives

The most common cause of failure in large segment bone allografts used for oncologic reconstruction is allograft fracture. Reinforcement with pressurized intramedullary cement may improve the mechanical properties of allografts.

Methods

We reviewed the prospectively collected records of 45 patients who underwent en bloc resection of an extremity bone tumor and reconstruction using an allograft with intramedullary cement.

Results

Seven allografts were used for arthrodesis, 20 were intercalary, and 18 were osteochondral. Twenty eight of 45 patients were alive at a mean 5.8 years (SD 1.9; range 3–11.2) with 24 allografts in situ. In these 45 patients, there were four allograft fractures and four infections. Six of these complications resulted in allograft removal. The estimated 5‐year allograft survival rate was 86% (95% confidence interval 74–98%). Seven patients required secondary autogenous bone grafting for non‐unions. Function measured by the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score and the 1987 and 1993 Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Rating Scales demonstrated a consistent pattern with worse function in patients with osteochondral allografts and best function with intercalary allografts.

Conclusions

These results suggest the addition of intramedullary cement to large segment bone allografts improves their survival by decreasing the fracture risk, particularly for allografts used for arthrodesis and intercalary reconstructions. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;84:198–208. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Malignant melanoma developing in an area of hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma (Mal De Meleda)
Authors: Mozzillo Nicola , Nunziata Carmine A. , Caracò Corrado , Fazioli Flavio , Botti Gerardo
Published: December 2003

Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) refers to a genetically heterogeneous group of skin diseases, which may be inherited in autosomal dominant or recessive fashion. We observed a case of a 74‐year‐old man with Mal de Meleda, who developed malignant melanoma inside the hyperkeratotic palmar skin of the right hand. Many authors have reported a higher incidence of cancer in cases affected by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis both for hereditary association and particularly for mechanical damage of the affected areas. The association with melanoma has already been described, but not in a true Mal de Meleda type syndrome as in the case reported in this paper. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;84:229–233. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new proposal of skin‐closure system for median sternotomy: Usefulness and cosmetic results analysis of Medizip™ surgical zipper in neoplastic immuno‐compromised patients
Authors: Brega‐Massone Pier Paolo , Lequaglie Cosimo , Magnani Barbara , Cataldo Ignazio
Published: December 2003

Background and Objectives

The authors evaluate the effectiveness and the cosmetic results obtained using the new skin closing system MEDIZIP™ Surgical Zipper in oncological immuno‐compromised patients submitted to median sternotomy.

Methods

In our Institute, from 1999 to 2002, MEDIZIP™ was used to close the sternal wounds in 45 patients undergoing median sternotomy for bilateral metastasectomy. It took about half a minute (mean time: 32.00 ± 11.48 sec) to perform the application. To evaluate the cosmetic results, a three‐level scale was conceived: level 1: very good, level 2: satisfactory, level 3: inadequate.

Results

Overall forty‐two 20 cm‐long zippers were used, two 25 cm‐long and one 30 cm‐long. MEDIZIP™ remained in situ for an average of 9.98 ± 2.23 days (median: 9 days; range: 8–13 days). The average time taken for inspection was 70.00 ± 2.48 sec (median: 70, range: 45–130) and the zipper was removed in a few seconds. No wound infections were observed. We classified 39 patients at level 1 (very good, 87%), and 6 at level 2 (satisfactory, 13%).

Conclusions

MEDIZIP™ can be considered an effective skin‐closure system which is easily and quickly handled and assures good cosmetic results with non‐invasive removal; it proves particularly useful in pediatric patients and in adults affected by neoplastic diseases and undergoing multiple combined anti‐cancer treatments. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;84:249–254. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Runoff and losses by erosion in soils amended with sewage sludge
Authors: Ojeda G. , Alcañiz J. M. , Ortiz O.
Published: December 2003

In order to promote the transformation of a burnt Mediterranean forest area into a dehesa system, 10 t ha−1 of dry matter of the same sewage sludge in three different forms: fresh, composted and thermally‐dried, were added superficially to field plots of loam and sandy soils located on a 16 per cent slope. This application is equivalent to 13ċ8 t ha−1 of composted sludge, 50 t ha−1 of fresh sludge and 11ċ3 t ha−1 of thermally‐dried sludge. The surface addition of a single application of thermally‐dried sludge resulted in a decrease in runoff and erosion in both kinds of soil. Runoff in thermally‐dried sludge plots was lower than in the control treatment (32 per cent for the loam soil and 26 per cent for the sandy soil). The addition of any type of sludge to both soil types also reduces sediment production. Significant differences between the control and sludge treatments indicate that the rapid development of plant cover and the direct protective effect of sludge on the soil are the main agents that influence soil erosion rates. Results suggest that the surface application of thermally‐dried sludge is the most efficient way to enhance soil infiltration. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Land‐use change and urbanization of Adana, Turkey
Authors: Alphan H.
Published: December 2003

This study analyses land‐use/land‐cover (LULC) changes in Adana city, Turkey, using satellite data of 1984 and 2000. Study of the expansion of the city over adjacent agricultural fields and semi‐natural areas was the major focus. The satellite images were classified using supervised classification prior to comparison of LULC on two different dates. The change map was produced by pixel‐to‐pixel comparison of the classified images. Urban and built‐up area increased by a factor of 2ċ07 during the 16 years; about 30 per cent on agricultural land and 70 per cent on previously semi‐natural land. Permanent immigration and urban development strategies were the main driving forces. Some policy perspectives are also given. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of Functional (Meth)acrylic Cross‐Linked Polymer Microparticles as Toughening Agents for Epoxy/Diamine Thermosets
Authors: Valette Ludovic , Pascault Jean‐Pierre , Magny Benoît
Published: December 2003

(Meth)acrylic cross‐linked polymer microparticles (CPM, also named microgels) were used as toughening agent for an epoxy/amine network. CPM were mainly based on butyl acrylate and consequently they were rubbery at ambient temperature. Various types of reactive groups were introduced onto the CPM: epoxy, carboxy (meth)acrylic double bonds, and epoxy + acrylic double bonds, carboxyl + methacrylic double bonds. Non functional microparticles were also used. Before any reaction, most of the CPM were soluble in the thermoset precursors. Nevertheless, the CPM functionality strongly influenced their initial miscibility in the epoxy‐amine monomers and their final dispersion in the cross‐linked matrix, as well as the mechanical properties of the network. Non‐functional CPM did not lead to a high increase of fracture toughness because of the low adhesion between microparticles and epoxy matrix. However, fracture toughness was increased with reactive CPM because of better adhesion between the microparticles and the matrix. The best toughness was obtained with microparticles containing two types of reactive groups, allowing at the same time cross‐linking reactions between CPM and chemical bonding between CPM and the epoxy matrix. In this case, fracture toughness can be greatly improved, up to 3‐times if the chemical composition of the microparticles was wisely chosen, without significantly reducing the thermal properties.

Viscoelastic properties of toughened DGEBA/MCDEA networks.

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Viscoelastic properties of toughened DGEBA/MCDEA networks.