bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostaglandin biosynthesis by fat body from larvae of the beetle Zophobas atratus
Authors: Tunaz Hasan , Putnam Sean M. , Stanley David W.
Published: August 2002

We describe prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis by microsomal‐enriched fractions of fat body prepared from larvae of the tenebrionid beetle, Zophobas atratus. PG biosynthesis was sensitive to incubation time, temperature, pH, substrate and protein concentration. Optimal PG biosynthesis conditions of those we examined included 2 mg of microsomal‐enriched protein, incubated at 22°C for 2 min at pH 6. These preparations yielded four major PGs: PGA2, PGE2, PGD2 and PGF2α. PGA2 and PGF2α were the predominant eicosanoids produced under these conditions. Two non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, indomethacin and naproxen, effectively inhibited PG biosynthesis in low concentrations. In vitro PG biosynthetic reaction conditions, using vertebrate or invertebrate enzyme sources, usually include a cocktail of reaction co‐factors. The Z. atratus preparation similarly performs better in the presence of co‐factors. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 49:80–93, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Insect G protein‐coupled receptors and signal transduction
Authors: Broeck Jozef Vanden
Published: August 2002

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are seven‐transmembrane proteins (7‐TM) that transduce extracellular signals into cellular physiological responses through the activation of heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide binding proteins (αβγ subunits). Their general properties are remarkably well conserved during evolution. Despite this general resemblance, a large variety of different signals are mediated via this category of receptors. Several GPCR‐(sub)families have an ancient origin that is situated before the divergence of Protostomian and Deuterostomian animals. Nevertheless, an enormous diversification has occurred since then. The availability of novel sequence information is growing very rapidly as a result of molecular cloning experiments and of metazoan genome (Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, Homo sapiens) and EST (expressed sequence tags) sequencing projects. The Drosophila Genome Sequencing Project will certainly have an important impact on insect signal transduction and receptor research. In parallel, convenient expression systems and functional assay procedures will be needed to investigate insect receptor properties and to monitor the effects of natural and artificial ligands. The study of the evolutionary aspects of G protein–coupled receptors and of their signaling pathways will probably reveal insect‐specific features. More insight into these features may result in novel methods and practical applications. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 48:1–12, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recollections of Irving H. Sher 1924–1996: Polymath/information scientist extraordinaire
Authors: Garfield Eugene
Published: August 2002

Over a 35‐year period, Irving H. Sher played a critical role in the development and implementation of the Science Citation Index® and other ISI® products. Trained as a biochemist, statistician, and linguist, Sher brought a unique combination of talents to ISI as Director of Quality Control and Director of Research and Development. His talents as a teacher and mentor evoked loyalty. He was a particularly inventive but self‐taught programmer. In addition to the SCI,® Social Sciences Citation Index,® and Arts and Humanities Citation Index,® Sher was involved with the development of the first commercial SDI system, the Automatic Subject Citation Alert, now called Research Alert,® and Request‐A‐Print Cards. Together we developed the journal impact factor and the Journal Citation Reports.® Sher was also the inventor of the SYSTABAR System of coding references and Sherhand. He was involved in key reports on citation‐based historiography, forecasting Nobel prizes, and served as a referee for JASIS over a 20‐year period.
Incentive regulation and the change in productive efficiency in telecommunications in the United States
Authors: Uri Noel D.
Published: August 2002

Incentive regulation has become an important regulatory tool in the telecommunications industry in the United States. The issue explored here is whether incentive regulation has resulted in an increase in productive efficiency. After providing an overview of the nature of incentive regulation, a methodology for measuring technical inefficiency and its change is introduced. This is a stochastic frontier production function approach reflecting technical inefficiency effects. The results of implementing this methodology suggest that in the production of interLATA billed access minutes for interstate calls, there was no change in technical efficiency, something that incentive regulation was specifically designed to enhance. Finally, an assessment of technical efficiency across individual LECs in the United States indicates considerable variability. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of absorption rate of α‐human atrial natriuretic peptide from the plasma profile and diuretic effect after intranasal administration to rats
Authors: Miyamoto Misao , Tsukune Tadashi , Hori Seiichi , Hayashi Teruaki , Natsume Hideshi , Sugibayashi Kenji , Morimoto Yasuori
Published: August 2002

The absorption rate of α‐human atrial natriuretic peptide (α‐hANP) after intranasal (i.n.) administration to rats was estimated from the plasma profile and pharmacological effect (diuretic effect) using a pharmacokinetic (PK) model and a PK–pharmacodynamic (PD) model involving data obtained after intravenous (i.v.) bolus injection. The plasma concentrations of α‐hANP after i.v. administration at different doses were fitted to a two‐compartment PK model with zero‐order excretion and input of endogenous α‐rat atrial natriuretic peptide (α‐rANP) and two elimination processes represented by Michaelis–Menten and first‐order kinetics. However, the saturable process was ignored at low doses. The plasma concentrations after low doses via the i.n. route could also be expressed by this model, but with first‐order absorption, so that an absorption rate constant was calculated using a deconvolution method. In addition, the diuretic effect plotted against the i.v. dose was represented by the Hill equation and showed an anti‐clockwise hysteresis loop versus the plasma concentration. These results suggest that the diuretic effect could be estimated by a PK–PD model having an ‘effect’ compartment or a homeostatic system. Such a PK–PD model accurately expressed the diuretic effect of α‐hANP at all doses after i.v. and i.n. administrations. The resulting absorption rate constant calculated using the PK–PD model agreed closely with that obtained by the PK model alone. The absorption rate and simulated diuretic effect suggest that, for i.n. administration of α‐hANP, a higher absorption rate constant causes a more potent diuretic effect (a dramatic effect over the early period), whereas greater bioavailability is associated with a better hypotensive effect (sustained effect). Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of affinity capillary electrophoresis for characterizing pharmaceutical colloidal vehicle systems thermodynamically
Authors: Reinhard Neubert , Mrestani Yahya
Published: August 2002

This review offers a detailed discussion of the interaction between pharmaceutical compounds and vehicles using the affinity capillary electrophoresis and the microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography. Partition coefficients of drugs were calculated between a micelle and an aqueous phases from the measurement of the migration time, provided the critical micelle concentration and the phase ratio are known. Thermodynamic quantities such as enthalpy and entropy changes of micellar solubilization were calculated from the temperature dependence of the partition coefficients. Partial specific volumes were measured using dynamic light scattering. The logarithm of the partition coefficients and the capacity factor in the micellar system were correlated with the logarithm of the n‐octanol/water partition coefficients. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variations of dose and electrode spacing for rat breast cancer electrochemical treatment
Authors: Ren Ru‐Long , Vora Nayana , Yang Frank , Longmate Jeff , Wang Warner , Sun Helen , Li Jian‐Ren , Weiss Lawrence , Staud Cecil , McDougall John A. , Chou Chung‐Kwang
Published: August 2002

Electrochemical treatment (EChT) with direct current delivered through implanted electrodes has been used for local control of solid tumors in humans. This study tested the hypothesis that rat breast cancer responses to EChT are dependent on electrode spacing and dose, and explored suitable parameters for treating breast cancers with EChT. Rat breast cancers were initiated by injecting 1 × 106 MTF‐7 cells to the right mammary gland fat pad of Fisher 344 female rats. The rats were randomly divided into designated experimental groups when the tumors grew to approximately 2 × 2 × 2 cm. One hundred and thirty rats were used for a survival study and 129 for a pathology study. A 4‐channel EChT machine was used to administer coulometric doses. The survival study indicated that local tumor control rate is less than 40% in the 40 coulomb (C) and 60 C groups and more than 70% in the 80 and 100 C groups. Sixty six rats died of primary tumors, including all 10 rats in the control group. Once a rat's primary tumor was controlled, no recurrence was found. The main reason for terminating the primary tumor‐free rats (51) was lymph node metastasis. Thirteen tumor‐free rats survived for more than 6 months. The pathology study showed a significant dose effect on EChT induced tumor necrosis. At 10, 20, 40, and 80 C, the fraction showing necrosis were 39.7, 52.3, 62, and 77.7%, respectively (P ≤ 0.001). Electrodes spacing was not an important factor within a given range. At 5, 10, and 15 mm spacing, the fraction showing the necrosis were 54.1, 60.4, and 59.2%, respectively (P = 0.552). The overlap rate of necroses was similar in the 5 and 10 mm groups (82.5 and 85%) and lower in the 15 mm group (65%). We conclude that the tumor responses to EChT, local control, survival rates, and necrosis percentages were significantly increased with increasing dose. The changes in electrode spacing (3, 5, and 10 mm) did not significantly affect the tumor responses to EChT within the same dose. For a diameter of 2.0–2.5 cm rat breast cancer, EChT should be applied with 5–10 mm spacing and a minimum dosage of 80 C. Bioelectromagnetics 22:205–211, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of 50 Hz magnetic field on cell cycle kinetics and the colony forming ability of budding yeast exposed to ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Markkanen Ari , Juutilainen Jukka , Lang Sakari , Pelkonen Jukka , Rytömaa Tapio , Naarala Jonne
Published: August 2002

To investigate the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposed budding yeast, haploid yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cells of the strain SEy2101a were exposed to 50 Hz sine wave magnetic field (MF) of 120 μT with simultaneous exposure to UV radiation. Most of the UV energy was in the UVB range (280–320 nm). The biologically weighted (CIE action spectrum) dose level for the UV radiation was 175 J/m2. We examined whether 50 Hz MF affected the ability of UV irradiated yeast cells to form colonies (Colony Forming Units, CFUs). In addition, the effect of coexposure on cell cycle kinetics was investigated. Although the significant effect of MF on the cell cycle phases of UV exposed yeast cells was seen only at one time point, the overall results showed that MF exposure may influence the cell cycle kinetics at the first cycle after UV irradiation. The effect of our particular MF exposure on the colony forming ability of the UV irradiated yeast cells was statistically significant 420 min after UV irradiation. Moreover, at 240, 360, and 420 min after UV irradiation, there were fewer CFUs in every experiment in (UV+MF) exposed populations than in only UV exposed yeast populations. These results could indicate that MF exposure in conjunction with UV may have some effects on yeast cell survival or growth. Bioelectromagnetics 22:345–350, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanism of the fluorescent light induced suppression of Curly phenotype in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Pavelka Jaroslav , Jindrák Libor
Published: August 2002

A dominant mutation Curly (Cy), frequently used as a marker on the second chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster, was previously shown to be suppressed by several factors, including larval crowding, low temperature, and fluorescent light. While the first two factors affect this mutation only partially, fluorescent tube exposed flies exhibit an almost completely suppressed (wild type) phenotype. This suppressive effect is the result of a combination of the electric field and light, both factors being produced by common fluorescent tubes. In this study, experiments were carried out to clarify the basic mechanism of this unique phenomenon. Two fluorescent tube sensitive stages of Drosophila development were found in the second half of embryonic development and first half of the pupal stage. Riboflavin, which is administered to Drosophila larvae with yeast, and decomposed by light, seems to play a key role in this phenomenon. In a medium lacking riboflavin caused by light exposure, Cy expression is inhibited by the action of electric field. Positive results of experiments with lithium ions, which block the opening of Ca2+ channels, support the hypothesis that electromagnetic fields may alter ion currents during ontogenic development of Drosophila, and thus influence, expression of the Cy gene. Also, fluorescent light induces an overexpression of a specific protein in the imaginal wing disc of Cy pupae. Bioelectromagnetics 22:371–383, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of intestinal myoelectrical activity on the growth of Escherichia coli
Authors: Grzesiuk Elżbieta , Laubitz Daniel , Wójcik‐Sikora Anna , Zabielski Romuald , Pierzynowski Stefan G.
Published: August 2002

Intestinal bacteria, particularly those adhering to intestinal epithelial cells, are exposed to electric fields and currents generated by the muscular activity of the small intestine. This activity displays a regular pattern known as the myoelectrical migrating complex (MMC). In order to explore the possibility that these endogenous electric fields could affect bacterial growth, a digitised duodenal signal obtained via serosal electrodes from a healthy calf was recorded and then applied via platinum electrodes to Escherichia coli cultures. The culture tubes were placed within a Faraday shield, incubated at 37°C with shaking, and stimulated by the electric current for 5 or 8 h. The growth of E. coli stimulated by the electric current was significantly altered compared to those of non‐stimulated controls: after a period of intensive growth, inhibition of cell division was observed. This was not the case when the bacteria with lon mutation were used. Moreover, synchronic bacterial culture could not be achieved in the presence of the MMC‐related electric field. These results suggest that the myoelectrical activity of the duodenum, through action on cell membrane, can affect cell division of intestinal bacteria. Bioelectromagnetics 22:449–455, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spider flagelliform silk: lessons in protein design, gene structure, and molecular evolution
Authors: Hayashi Cheryl Y. , Lewis Randolph V.
Published: August 2002

Spiders spin multiple types of silks that are renowned for their superb mechanical properties. Flagelliform silk, used in the capture spiral of an orb‐web, is one of the few silks characterized by both cDNA and genomic DNA data. This fibroin is composed of repeating ensembles of three types of amino acid sequence motifs. The predominant subrepeat, GPGGX, likely forms a β‐turn, and tandem arrays of these turns are thought to create β‐spirals. These spring‐like helices may be critical for the exceptional ability of capture silk to stretch and recoil. Each ensemble of motifs was found to correspond to a different exon within the flagelliform gene. The pattern of sequence similarity among exons indicates intragenic concerted evolution. Surprisingly, the introns between the iterated exons are also homogenized with each other. This unusual molecular architecture in the flagelliform silk gene has implications for the evolution and maintenance of spider silk proteins. BioEssays 23:750–756, 2001. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Shaping the metaphase chromosome: coordination of cohesion and condensation
Authors: Losada Ana , Hirano Tatsuya
Published: August 2002

Recent progress in our understanding of mitotic chromosome dynamics has been accelerated by the identification of two essential protein complexes, cohesin and condensin. Cohesin is required for holding sister chromatids (duplicated chromosomes) together from S phase until the metaphase‐to‐anaphase transition. Condensin is a central player in chromosome condensation, a process that initiates at the onset of mitosis. The main focus of this review is to discuss how the mitotic metaphase chromosome is assembled and shaped by a precise balance between the cohesion and condensation machineries. We argue that, in different eukaryotic organisms, the balance of cohesion and condensation is adjusted in such a way that the size and shape of the resulting chromosomes are best suited for their accurate segregation. BioEssays 23:924–935, 2001. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluation of a participatory, competency‐based model of staff training in a community habilitative setting
Authors: Harchik Alan E. , Anderson Michele , Thomson Ron , Forde Keith , Feinberg Lyle , Rivest Stacey , Luiselli James K.
Published: August 2002

This study evaluated a participatory model of staff training within a community habilitative setting for adults with developmental disabilities. The objectives were to formulate an approach to training that was not time intensive, included multiple instructional methods, and incorporated all levels of staff involvement. Senior administrative, middle‐level supervisory, and direct‐care personnel comprised a committee that designed and implemented a training program that targeted performance and verbal report competencies required by ‘on‐line’ staff. Training consisted of corrective feedback, modeling, rehearsal, and practice procedures that were carried out with three individuals in a multiple baseline design across sets of target competencies. The training program was effective in establishing staff competencies although individual learning effects were revealed. The implications of these findings for the design of staff training programs within human service agencies are discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of lysophospholipids on the generation of reactive oxygen species by fMLP‐ and PMA‐stimulated human neutrophils
Authors: Müller Julia , Petković Marijana , Schiller Jürgen , Arnold Klaus , Reichl Sabine , Arnhold Jürgen
Published: August 2002

In this study, the effects of exogenous lysophospholipids—lysophosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine and lysophosphatidylserine—on the kinetics of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by human neutrophils are described. The ROS production by human neutrophils was monitored by luminol‐amplified chemiluminescence after cell stimulation with the chemotactic tripeptide, fMLP, or with the phorbol ester, PMA. The interaction of lysophospholipids with the membrane of human neutrophils was additionally tested by mass spectrometry. Lysophosphatidylcholine showed the most pronounced effect on the chemiluminescence pattern, as well as the intensity of the fMLP and PMA‐stimulated cells, whereas lysophosphatidic acid showed a slight priming effect when fMLP was used for stimulation. In the case of fMLP‐stimulated cells, lysophosphatidylcholine inhibited the first phase and enhanced the second phase of chemiluminescence, whereas the chemiluminescence of PMA‐stimulated neutrophils was inhibited in a concentration‐dependent manner. We conclude that lysophosphatidylcholine is able to interact with protein kinase C‐dependent signalling pathways leading to NADPH oxidase activation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Fourier transform infrared based computational method for peptide secondary structure determination. I. Description of method
Authors: Simonetti Mario , Di Bello Carlo
Published: August 2002

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) experiments in dimethylsulfoxide, a solvent incapable of H donation, demonstrate that H → D isotopic replacement on the amide side of peptide bonds involves modifications of both the position and intensity of the amide I band. The effect of the isotopic substitution is particularly significant in the 1710–1670 and 1670–1650 cm−1 regions, which are generally associated with β‐turns and α‐helices. This behavior, attributed to the existence of intramolecular H‐bonds in the polypeptide chain, is directly correlated to the presence of different secondary structures. Utilizing the effects induced by isotopic substitution, a method for the quantitative determination of the percentage of intramolecular H‐bonds and the correlated secondary structures is proposed. The method consists of three principal steps: resolution of the fine structure of the amide I band with the determination of the number and position of the different components; reconstruction of the experimentally measured amide I band as a combination of Gaussian and Lorentzian functions, centered on the wave numbers set by band‐narrowing methods, through a curve‐fitting program; and quantitative determination of the population of the H‐bonded carbonyls and the correlated secondary structures by comparison of the integrated intensities pertaining to the components with homologous wave numbers before and after isotopic exchange. The method is tested on a synthetic fragment of proocytocin that was previously analyzed by NMR techniques using the same solvent systems. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 62: 95–108, 2001
Effects of lipids on elastin's viscoelastic properties
Authors: Lillie M. A. , Gosline J. M.
Published: August 2002

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used as a model lipid to identify the molecular basis of possible lipid‐induced changes in the viscoelastic behavior of arterial elastin. The chemical composition of the elastin network and the interfibrillar space was calculated from the chemical content of the elastin sample and its swelling behavior. Viscoelastic behavior was measured in aqueous SDS and in SDS plus 1 M sucrose, a deswelling agent. Viscoelastic behavior was also measured in sucrose and potassium thiocyanate solutions to identify the effects of swelling and of changes in network composition exclusive of any direct SDS effects. The hydration of the elastin network decreased at low SDS levels and increased at higher SDS levels. The elastin was stiffer in the dehydrated network and less stiff in the hydrated network. However, once the degree of hydration exceeded that of elastin in pure water, no further decrease in stiffness was obtained despite continued increase in swelling. The stiffness of the network could be accounted for entirely by changes in network hydration. There was no evidence that SDS had any effect on elastin's conformation. We predict that arterial lipids will interact with elastin in a similar way and will have only small effects on elastin's viscoelastic behavior. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 64: 127–138, 2002
Static and dynamic light scattering approach to the hydration of hemoglobin and its supertetramers in the presence of osmolites
Authors: Arosio Daniele , Kwansa Herman E. , Gering Henry , Piszczek Grzegorz , Bucci Enrico
Published: August 2002

We used static and dynamic light scattering for comparing the mass (MW) and hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of several hemoglobin systems, namely human hemoglobin, bovine hemoglobin, human hemoglobin cross‐linked with a sebacyl residue, and bovine hemoglobin cross‐linked with an adipoyl residue. We measured the MW and Rh of these systems in 0.1M phosphate buffer at pH 7.0 in the absence and in the presence of either betaine or glycerol up to 1.7 molal concentrations. The 90° scattering was measured with a photon counting machine equipped with a diode laser at 783 nm. The Rayleigh ratio [R(θ)] of the instrument was estimated using R(θ) = 7.19E‐6 cm−1 for toluene at 783 nm. The refractive index increment of hemoglobin solutions was measured using a laser beam at 750 nm. We estimated a value dn/dc = 0.210 cm3/g in the absence and dn/dc = 0.170 in the presence of 1.7 molal osmolites. For all systems both in liganded and unliganded form, the static light scattering data showed a 16% mass increase with increasing concentration of osmolites. The hydrodynamic radii of all investigated systems in the presence and absence of osmolites were close to 3.17 nm. Assuming a partial specific volume ν = 0.739 for hemoglobin, and using spherical geometry, the estimated average hydration volume of hemoglobin was 32.6 L/mole in the absence of osmolites. It decreased to 23.5 L/mole in the presence of 1.7 molal osmolites. Assuming that the density of water in the hydration volume is D = 1.0 g/cm3, the hydration of Hb was 0.51 gH2O/gHb, with a surface density of 0.20 molH2O/Å2. The hydration decreased to 0.33 gH2O/gHb and 0.14 molH2O/Å2 in the presence of 1.7 molal osmolites. The decreased hydration was compensated by the increased mass (i.e., decreased surface area per unit volume) so that the thickness of the water shell around these proteins remained close to a single layer of water molecules. These findings indicate that the combination of static and dynamic light scattering offer unique means for investigating the relevance of water activity on the structure and function of biological macromolecules. In the case of hemoglobin, the data suggest that the decreased oxygen affinity in the presence of osmolites reported by Colombo et al. (M. F. Colombo, D. C. Rau, and V. A. Parsegian Science, 1992, Vol. 256, pp. 655–659), as due to ligand linked water binding on hemoglobin surface, is part of a complex phenomenon involving the hydration shell of hemoglobin and the formation of low affinity supertetrameric molecules. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopolymers 63: 1–11, 2002
Multiple stable states and hysteresis in continuous, oscillating cultures of budding yeast
Authors: Zamamiri Abdel‐Qader M. , Birol Gülnur , Hjortsø Martin A.
Published: August 2002

The conditions that precede the onset of autonomous oscillations in continuous yeast cultures were studied in three different types of experiments. It was found that the final state of the culture depended on the protocol used to start up the reactor. Batch cultures, switched to continuous operation at different stages of the batch growth curve, all exhibited similar dynamics—ethanol depletion followed by autonomous oscillations. Small perturbations of the distribution of states in the reactor, achieved by addition of externally grown cells, were able to quench the oscillatory dynamics. Reaching the desired operating point by slow dilution rate changes gave rise to different final states, two oscillatory states and one steady state, depending on the rate of change in dilution rate. The multiplicity of stable states at a single operating point is not explained by any current distributed model and points toward a segregated mechanism of these oscillations. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 75: 305–312, 2001.
Application of redox mediators to accelerate the transformation of reactive azo dyes in anaerobic bioreactors
Authors: van der Zee Frank P. , Bouwman Renske H. M. , Strik David P. B. T. B. , Lettinga Gatze , Field Jim A.
Published: August 2002

Azo dyes are nonspecifically reduced under anaerobic conditions but the slow rates at which reactive azo dyes are converted presents a serious problem for the application of anaerobic technology as a first stage in the complete biodegradation of these compounds. As quinones have been found to catalyze reductive transfers by acting as redox mediators, the application of anthraquinone‐2,6‐disulfonic acid (AQDS) during continuous anaerobic treatment of the reactive azo dye, Reactive Red 2 (RR2), was evaluated. A mixture of volatile fatty acids was used as the electron‐donating primary substrate. Batch experiments demonstrated that AQDS could increase the first‐order rate constant of RR2 reductive cleavage by one order of magnitude. In the continuous experiment, treatment of RR2 containing synthetic wastewater in a lab‐scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor yielded low dye removal efficiencies (<30%). Consequently, severe toxicity problems occurred, eventually resulting in almost complete inhibition of the methanogenic activity. Addition of catalytic concentrations of AQDS (19 μM) to the reactor influent caused an immediate increase in the dye removal efficiency and recovery of biological activity. Ultimately, RR2 removal efficiency stabilized at 88%, and higher AQDS loads resulted in higher RR2 removal efficiencies (up to 98% at 155 μM AQDS). Examination of the RR2 decolorizing properties of dye‐adapted reactor sludge and of nonadapted reactor seed sludge revealed that RR2 decolorization was principally a biologically driven transfer of reducing equivalents from endogenous and added substrates to the dye. Hydrogen, added in bulk, was clearly the preferred electron donor. Bacteria that couple dye decolorization to hydrogen oxidation were naturally present in seed sludge. However, enrichment was required for the utilization of electrons from volatile fatty acids for dye reduction. The stimulatory effect of AQDS on RR2 decolorization by AQDS‐unadapted sludge was mainly due to assisting the electron transfer from endogenous substrates in the sludge to the dye. The stimulatory effect of AQDS on RR2 decolorization by sludge from the AQDS‐exposed reactor was, in addition, strongly associated with the transfer of electrons from hydrogen and acetate to the dye, probably due to enrichment of specialized AQDS‐reducing bacteria. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 75:691–701, 2001.
The effect of various substrates on cell attachment and differentiation of 3T3‐F442A preadipocytes
Authors: Viravaidya Kwanchanok , Shuler Michael L.
Published: August 2002

The influence of extracellular matrix (Matrigel), collagen, and polylysine substrates on cell attachment and differentiation in 3T3‐F442A preadipocytes was investigated. In comparison to an uncoated‐polystyrene substrate, a concentrated Matrigel substrate (100 μg/cm2) markedly increased intracellular lipid level by about 30%, whereas a lower density Matrigel (10 μg/cm2) accelerated the differentiation rate but did not increase the amount of lipid 21 days after addition of adipogenic factors. Preadipocytes on the collagen surface differentiated less extensively than cells on the polystyrene. Polylysine did not effectively support attachment for either differentiated or undifferentiated cells. These results suggest that Matrigel provides the most suitable environment for both cell adhesion and differentiation for 3T3‐F442A cells. This is in contrast to a previous report that extracellular matrix (from corneal endothelial cells) was detrimental to differentiation of 3T3‐F442A cells. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 454–458, 2002.
Comparison of Bcl‐2 to a Bcl‐2 deletion mutant for mammalian cells exposed to culture insults
Authors: Figueroa Bruno , Sauerwald Tina M. , Mastrangelo Alison J. , Hardwick J. Marie , Betenbaugh Michael J.
Published: August 2002

Apoptosis has been found to occur in bioreactors as a result of environmental stresses. The overexpression of bcl‐2 is a widely used strategy to limit the induction of apoptosis in mammalian cell cultures. In this study, the effectiveness of wild‐type Bcl‐2 was compared to a Bcl‐2 mutant lacking the nonstructured loop domain in two commercially prominent cell lines, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. The generation of a DNA “ladder” and condensation of chromatin indicated that apoptosis occurred in these cell lines following Sindbis virus infection and serum deprivation. When cells were engineered to overexpress the bcl‐2 mutant, cell death due to Sindbis virus was inhibited in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, the Bcl‐2 mutant provided increased protection as compared to wild‐type Bcl‐2 following two model insults, Sindbis virus infection and serum deprivation. Total production for a heterologous protein encoded on the Sindbis virus was increased in cell lines expressing the Bcl‐2 variants compared to the parental cell line. In order to understand the reasons for the improved anti‐apoptosis properties of the mutant, wild‐type Bcl‐2 and mutant Bcl‐2 were examined by Western blot following each model insult. Wild‐type Bcl‐2 was observed to degrade into a 23 kDa fragment following both Sindbis virus infection and serum withdrawal in both cell lines, while the mutant Bcl‐2 protein was not degraded during the same period. The processing of Bcl‐2 was found to correlate with reduced cell viabilities following the two external insults to suggest that Bcl‐2 degradation may limit its ability to inhibit apoptosis. These studies indicate that the cells regulate anti‐apoptosis protein levels and these processing events can limit the effectiveness of cell death inhibition strategies in mammalian cell culture systems. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 73: 211–222, 2001.
An experimental and theoretical study of the inhibition of Escherichia coli lac operon gene expression by antigene oligonucleotides
Authors: Cheng Biao , Fournier Ronald L. , Relue Patricia A. , Schisler Jonathan
Published: August 2002

Previously, we have developed a genetically structured mathematical model to describe the inhibition of Escherichia coli lac operon gene expression by antigene oligos. Our model predicted that antigene oligos targeted to the operator region of the lac operon would have a significant inhibitory effect on β‐galactosidase production. In this investigation, the E. coli lac operon gene expression in the presence of antigene oligos was studied experimentally. A 21‐mer oligo, which was designed to form a triplex with the operator, was found to be able to specifically inhibit β‐galactosidase production in a dose‐dependent manner. In contrast to the 21‐mer triplex‐forming oligonucleotide (TFO), several control oligos showed no inhibitory effect. The ineffectiveness of the various control oligos, along with the fact that the 21‐mer oligo has no homology sequence with lacZYA, and no mRNA is transcribed from the operator, suggests that the 21‐mer oligo inhibits target gene expression by an antigene mechanism. To simulate the kinetics of lac operon gene expression in the presence of antigene oligos, a genetically structured kinetic model, which includes transport of oligo into the cell, growth of bacteria cells, and lac operon gene expression, was developed. Predictions of the kinetic model fit the experimental data quite well after adjustment of the value of the oligonucleotide transport rate constant (9.0 × 10−3 min−1) and oligo binding affinity constant (1.05 × 106 M−1). Our values for these two adjusted parameters are in the range of reported literature values. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 74: 220–229, 2001.
Lipase‐catalyzed synthesis of geranyl acetate in n‐hexane with membrane‐mediated water removal
Authors: Bartling Karsten , Thompson Judith U. S. , Pfromm Peter H. , Czermak Peter , Rezac Mary E.
Published: August 2002

The esterification of geraniol with acetic acid in n‐hexane was investigated. A commercial lipase preparation from Candida antarctica was used as catalyst. The equilibrium conversion (no water removal) was found to be 94% for the reaction of 0.1 M alcohol and 0.1 M acid in n‐hexane at 30°C. This was shown by both hydrolysis and esterification reactions. The activation energy of reaction over the temperature range 10° to 50°C was found to be 16 kJ/mol. The standard heat of reaction was −28 kJ/mol. Membrane pervaporation using a cellulose acetate/ceramic composite membrane was then employed for selective removal of water from the reaction mixture. The membrane was highly effective at removing water while retaining all reaction components. Negligible transport of the solvent n‐hexane was observed. Water removal by pervaporation increased the reaction rate by approximately 150% and increased steady‐state conversion to 100%. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 75: 676–681, 2001.
Innovation and corporate sustainability: An investigation into the process of change in the pharmaceuticals industry
Authors: Blum‐Kusterer Martina , Hussain S. Salman
Published: August 2002

Although there has been considerable research effort directed at refining the content of corporate environmental performance, e.g. corporate environmental reporting and accounting, there has been relatively little empirical investigation to date on the process of corporate eco‐change. This research reports on the quantitative and qualitative results of a survey of German and UK pharmaceuticals firms, which evaluated the significance of the various incentives, both intra‐firm and external to the organization, that have stimulated eco‐change. We find that, although the industry is one that has been characterized by voluntary agreements and proactive behaviour in the past, regulation still remains the main driver for sustainability improvements. New technology is the second most important driver. Stakeholder dialogue and inter‐firm cooperation were both revealed to be relatively weak forces for eco‐change. The study also tested the validity of the conventional neo‐classical economic world‐view of innovation in firms versus a more radical co‐evolutionary one. The former assumes that firms respond only to profit signals and do so efficiently, whereas the latter assumes that change is path dependent; i.e., the firms’ norms and routines and past experiences are influential. We find that, although the neo‐classical perspective stands up to our empirical investigation of eco‐innovation to some degree, the co‐evolutionary approach better captures the complexity of the corporate eco‐change process. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Anatomical variations of the extrahepatic biliary tree: Review of the world literature
Authors: Lamah M. , Karanjia N.D. , Dickson G.H.
Published: August 2002

The anatomy facing a surgeon during cholecystectomy involves complex relationships between the hepatic artery, extrahepatic biliary tree, and gallbladder. A sound knowledge of the normal anatomy of the extrahepatic biliary tract is thus essential in the prevention of operative injury to it. Equally important, however, is an understanding of congenital variation of biliary and vascular anatomy, as the literature abounds with reports of specific anatomical variations, and their operative implications. This article reviews the world literature on congenital variation of extrahepatic biliary anatomy. Clin. Anat. 14:167–172, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Opportunities and challenges for the new vocationalism in American community colleges
Authors: Bragg Debra D.
Published: August 2002

Vocational education assumes greater importance as community colleges expand their mission to address growing workforce, economic, and community needs. This chapter provides definitions, principles, and models to illuminate the meaning and importance of the new vocationalism in American community colleges.
Deep intubation of 8 Fr guiding catheter to deliver coronary stent graft to seal coronary perforation: A case report
Authors: Salwan Roopa , Mathur Atul , Jhamb D.K. , Seth Ashok
Published: August 2002

Coronary perforation is an uncommon complication of angioplasty and is a challenging situation to manage. We describe a case of complex multivessel coronary angioplasty complicated by coronary perforation following balloon rupture that was successfully managed with a coronary stent graft. Delivery of the stent graft to the site of vessel rupture required deep intubation of an 8 Fr guiding catheter over the shaft of an inflated balloon. In addition to the availability of covered stents, it is essential to be familiar with various skills necessary to deploy these stents. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;54:59–62. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What predicts traditional attitudes to marriage?
Authors: Flouri Eirini , Buchanan Ann
Published: August 2002

This study, using data from 5,689 cohort members of the National Child Development Study, explores the impact of both structure of parenting family and contextual factors on attitudes towards marriage at age 33. Traditional attitudes to marriage were positively related to religiosity and negatively related to high non‐verbal skills in childhood and smoking or drinking in adulthood but were unrelated to the structure or background of parental family. The results also yielded some very interesting gender differences. For example, the presence of partner at age 33 significantly predicted traditional attitudes to marriage in women but not in men. In men, by contrast, it was the presence of children at age 33, the absence of qualifications and current low socio‐economic status that were associated with traditional attitudes to marriage. The implications of these findings on future family change are discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children's involvement in their parents' divorce: implications for practice
Authors: Butler Ian , Scanlan Lesley , Robinson Margaret , Douglas Gillian , Murch Mervyn
Published: August 2002

The paper reports findings from a research study that explored children's experience of divorce. It shows that children experience parental divorce as a crisis in their lives but that they are able to mobilise internal and external resources to regain a new point of balance. In doing so, children demonstrate the degree to which they are active and competent participants in the process of family dissolution. The implications of the data are then considered in relation to engaging with children involved in divorce and in relation to some of the cultural presumptions that might militate against hearing what they have to say about their experiences. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical CD spectrum calculations of the crown‐ether aralkyl‐ammonium salt complex
Authors: Lázár Armand , Ángyán János G. , Hollósi Miklós , Huszthy Péter , Surján Péter R.
Published: August 2002

Rotatory strengths of the α‐(1‐naphtyl)‐ethylammonium perchlorate (NEA)‐phenazino‐18‐crown‐6 ether molecular complex is determined theoretically by the coupled oscillator model and using ab initio random phase approximation (RPA) to describe local excitations on the chromophores. The computational results are compared to the experimental circular dichroism (CD) spectrum published previously. The good qualitative agreement between calculated and measured optical rotatory strengths allows one to assign the CD bands of the complex in a unique manner. Chirality 14:377–385, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and stereochemical characterization of optically active 1,2‐diarylethane‐1,2‐diols: Useful chiral controllers in the ti‐mediated enantioselective sulfoxidation
Authors: Donnoli Maria Irene , Scafato Patrizia , Superchi Stefano , Rosini Carlo
Published: August 2002

The series of phenylsubstituted 1,2‐diphenylethane‐1,2‐diols 2a–h was prepared in high chemical (70–80%) and optical yields (∼90%) by Sharpless syn‐dihydroxylation of the corresponding (E)‐1,2‐diarylethenes, in turn obtained by McMurry or Wittig reactions. The enantiomeric excesses of the samples were determined by HPLC analysis using Chiralcel OD chiral stationary phase (CSP). This CSP was able to resolve all the diols, except for 2g, with α values ranging between 1.10–1.64. In all cases the (R,R) antipode was eluted first. (R,R) absolute configuration was assigned to the dextrorotatory (CHCl3) diols 2a–h by analyzing the CD spectra of their 2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxolanes 3a–h. In fact, the CD spectra of all these dioxolanes present a positive couplet (210–180 nm range) which can be nonempirically related to an (R,R) absolute configuration of the two stereocenters. Chirality 13:258–265, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Six‐membered cyclic sulfites derived from glucofuranose and 1,2,4‐butanetriol
Authors: Borsuk Katarzyna , Frelek Jadwiga , Łysek Robert , Urbańczyk‐Lipkowska Zofia , Chmielewski Marek
Published: August 2002

Six‐membered cyclic sulfites derived from glucofuranose derivatives 5, 6 and from 1‐O‐tert‐butyldimethylsilil‐1,2,4‐butanetriol 12 were synthesized and separated into pure diastereomers which were in turn subjected to the sequence of reactions leading to the introduction of the terminal vinyl ether fragment. Reactivity and applicability of cyclic sulfites as intermediates in [2+2]cycloaddition of chlorosulfonyl isocyanate (CSI) to vinyl ethers were studied. The cycloaddition to vinyl ethers 19 and 20 proceeded in low yield and low asymmetric induction, in the case of the former, and moderate yield and pronounced asymmetric induction, in the case of the latter. The 1H‐NMR spectra of sulfites 13–16 reveal a preference of the sulfite oxygen atom for the axial position. Thus, well‐defined conformation in solution for compounds 13 and 15 and a mixture of the two possible chair forms for sulfites 14 and 16 could be assigned. The stretching frequency of the S→O bond in stable conformation with an axial sulfite oxygen occurs in the range 1,160–1,210 cm−1, whereas conformationally mobile sulfites exhibit corresponding absorption above 1,220 cm−1. The absolute configuration assignments of sulfites 7, 8, 15, 16 and 25–28 were done empirically based on the combined analysis of the NMR, IR, X‐ray, and dichroic data. It was demonstrated that the sign of the Cotton effect around 194 nm correlated with the absolute stereochemistry at the sulfur atom in a sulfite chromophore. Chirality 13:533–540, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. 2001.
NMR relaxation of spin‐3/2 nuclei: Effects of structure, order, and dynamics in aqueous heterogeneous systems
Authors: Woessner Donald E.
Published: August 2002

The mathematical expressions for interpreting the results of spin‐lattice relaxation, transverse relaxation, spin‐lattice relaxation in the rotating frame, and Ostroff–Waugh multiple‐pulse sequence relaxation experiments on spin‐3/2 nuclei with electric quadrupole interaction in an isotropic environment are biexponential. A protocol for applying these expressions to investigate quadrupole interactions and ionic motions in complex aqueous heterogeneous systems such as biopolymer gels and biological tissue is described. Experimental evidence for at least two different environments for hydrated sodium ions, including an isotropic liquid aqueous phase and an anisotropic interfacial phase at the macromolecules, is reviewed. The use of the basic equations and experimental protocol are illustrated for systems of increasing complexity, ranging from simple NaCl aqueous solutions, highly concentrated agarose gels, gelatin gels, and gellan gels to xanthan gels that contain ordered macromolecules. Many different experiments on various biopolymer samples indicate a correlation time of approximately 1 ns for ions at the interface that dominates in determining spin‐lattice relaxation and also the long component of the transverse relaxation that arises from the central transitions. The transverse relaxation of the satellite transitions is dominated by much longer correlation times that may be related to the geometry of the macromolecular matrix in which the hydrated aqueous sodium ions diffuse. In the case of xanthan, the macromolecular ordering causes residual quadrupolar splitting and enables the measurement of several very long correlation times. One of these appears to agree with the Kuhn length of xanthan that was determined by light scattering experiments on dilute solutions. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson 13: 294–325, 2001