bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractAn 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractWe 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

AbstractA 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

AbstractEpiderms 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

AbstractPreviously, 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

AbstractFlavour 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

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsSeven 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.ConclusionsThese 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

AbstractPalmoplantar 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

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe 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.MethodsIn 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.ResultsOverall 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%).ConclusionsMEDIZIP™ 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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractThis 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

Abstract(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.magnified imageViscoelastic properties of toughened DGEBA/MCDEA networks.
Use of Monomethyl Itaconate Grafted Poly(propylene) (PP) and Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) as Compatibilizers for PP/EPR Blends
Authors: Yazdani‐Pedram Mehrdad , Quijada Raúl , López‐Manchado Miguel A. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe use of grafted poly(propylene) (PP) and a random copolymer of ethylene and propylene (EPR) with an itaconic acid derivative, monomethyl itaconate (MMI), as compatibilizer for PP/EPR blends was analyzed. The grafting reaction was performed at 190 °C in a Brabender Plasticorder. 2,5‐Dimethyl‐2,5‐bis(tert‐butylperoxy) hexane was the radical initiator for the functionalization of PP; dicumyl peroxide was used as the radical initiator for the modification of EPR. The obtained degree of grafting was 1.5% by weight for PP and 1.2% by weight for EPR. The compatibilizing effect of modified polymers on the processability, morphology, and mechanical and thermal properties of the blends was of interest. Compatibilization substantially improved the toughness and deformation with little effect on the tensile modulus and strength. Moreover, this effect was particularly evident when both polymeric phases were grafted. Regarding compatibilization, the viscosity of the blends increased due to the high interfacial adhesion. Morphological studies showed that the particle size of the rubbery phase was reduced and the dispersion in the matrix improved by compatibilization. The grafted polymers behaved as nucleating agents, accelerating the PP crystallization.Change in complex viscosity with angular frequency at 180 °C for unmodified and MMI‐functionalized PP/EPR (70/30) blends.magnified imageChange in complex viscosity with angular frequency at 180 °C for unmodified and MMI‐functionalized PP/EPR (70/30) blends.
Influence of Catalyst Content on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resins Initiated by a Cationic Latent Thermal Catalyst at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Park Soo‐Jin , Seo Min‐Kang 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe effect of catalyst content on the thermal and mechanical properties of diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol A (DGEBA)/BPH system was investigated at elevated temperatures. The contents of the catalyst, N‐benzylpyrazinium hexafluoroantimonate (BPH), examined were 0.5, 1, and 3 wt.‐% and the elapsed heating time was varied from 0 to 1 024 h. As a result, the thermal‐oxidative resistance and mechanical properties, including flexural strength, elastic modulus in flexure, and impact strength showed a maximum value at 1 wt.‐% BPH. By increasing the elapsed time to 4 h, the thermal and mechanical properties of the specimens were also improved. These results showed that the internal structure of the epoxy system was stabilized and post‐cured as the elapsed time increased, resulting in an improvement of the thermal and mechanical properties of the specimens.Impact strength of the DGEBA/BPH system as a function of BPH content and elapsed heating time.magnified imageImpact strength of the DGEBA/BPH system as a function of BPH content and elapsed heating time.
Blown Soybean Oil Ceramer Coatings for Corrosion Protection
Authors: Teng Ganghua , Soucek Mark D. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA series of ceramer coatings were formulated using blown soybean oil as the organic phase, and sol‐gel precursors [titanium(IV) isopropoxide, titanium(IV) diisopropoxide bisacetoacetonate, and zirconium propoxide] as the inorganic phase. The corrosion resistance of the ceramer coatings was evaluated using failure‐at‐scribe and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) on aluminium after exposure in a Prohesion Chamber. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDXA) were also used to evaluate the coatings after exposure. The ceramer coatings demonstrated higher pull‐off adhesion, impedance modulus (after exposure), and lower failure‐at‐scribe than the blown soybean oil film. It was surmised that the addition of sol‐gel precursor enhanced the corrosion protective properties of the ceramer coatings via a self‐assembling layer of metal‐oxo clusters at the film substrate (aluminium) interface.Impedance modulus of TIP‐based ceramer coatings as a function of exposure time.magnified imageImpedance modulus of TIP‐based ceramer coatings as a function of exposure time.