bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance tracking of transplanted bone marrow and embryonic stem cells labeled by iron oxide nanoparticles in rat brain and spinal cord
Authors: Jendelová Pavla , Herynek Vít , Urdzíková Lucia , Glogarová Kateřina , Kroupová Jana , Andersson Benita , Bryja Vítězslav , Burian Martin , Hájek Milan , Syková Eva 
Published: March 2004

AbstractNuclear magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provides a noninvasive method for studying the fate of transplanted cells in vivo. We studied, in animals with a cortical photochemical lesion or with a balloon‐induced spinal cord compression lesion, the fate of implanted rat bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) and mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Endorem). MSCs were colabeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), and ESCs were transfected with pEGFP‐C1 (eGFP ESCs). Cells were either grafted intracerebrally into the contralateral hemisphere of the adult rat brain or injected intravenously. In vivo MR imaging was used to track their fate; Prussian blue staining and electron microscopy confirmed the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles inside the cells. During the first week postimplantation, grafted cells migrated to the lesion site and populated the border zone of the lesion. Less than 3% of MSCs differentiated into neurons and none into astrocytes; 5% of eGFP ESCs differentiated into neurons, whereas 70% of eGFP ESCs became astrocytes. The implanted cells were visible on MR images as a hypointense area at the injection site, in the corpus callosum and in the lesion. The hypointense signal persisted for more than 50 days. The presence of GFP‐positive or BrdU‐positive and nanoparticle‐labeled cells was confirmed by histological staining. Our study demonstrates that both grafted MSCs and eGFP ESCs labeled with a contrast agent based on iron oxide nanoparticles migrate into the injured CNS. Iron oxide nanoparticles can therefore be used as a marker for the long‐term noninvasive MR tracking of implanted stem cells. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Base cation, aluminum, and phosphorus release potential in Danish forest soils
Authors: Callesen Ingeborg , Raulund‐Rasmussen Karsten 
Published: March 2004

AbstractLong‐term nutrient supply in forest ecosystems is due to the dissolution of primary and secondary minerals in soils. The potential of nutrient release in 19 forest soils in a cool humid climate was examined. The soil profiles are classified as Alfisols (10), Spodosols (2), Entisols (4), Ultisols (1), and Mollisols (2), thus covering a gradient in soil fertility. Short‐term and long‐term release of calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and aluminum was evaluated by a batch extraction using dilute nitric acid (0.1 M) for 2 hours, followed by 2 days (48 h), and 7 days (168 h). The solution was renewed after 2 and 50 hours extraction time. Nutrient pools expressed as g m–2 to soil depth 100 cm, and a base index (Ca2++ Mg2++ K+ (molc m–2) : Ca2+ + Mg2+ + K+ + Al3+ (molc m–2)) were interpreted in relation to soil texture classes. Subsoil texture classes: Coarse: < 5 % clay; medium 5–10 % clay or (> 5 % silt or > 50 % fine sand), or fine > 10 % clay were evaluated as an indicator of forest soil quality. Base cation and phosphorus release decreased in the order fine > medium > coarse. Texture classes explained base cation release by about 80 % of total variation, and phosphorus release by 40–50 %. The base index generally increased by extraction time for sandy soils and decreased for loamy soils. This indicated that sandy soils released accumulated reactive aluminum in the 0–2 hour extraction. Subsoil texture class is suggested as a pedotransfer function for long‐term nutrient release potential in Danish forest soils.
Modeling of the fine‐scale temperature response of arylsulfatase activity in soil
Authors: Elsgaard Lars , Vinther Finn P. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractFine‐scale (1.0–2.2 °C) temperature dependence of soil arylsulfatase activity (arylsulfate sulfohydrolase, EC 3.1.6.1) was measured at 0 to 75 °C in a Danish sandy, arable soil. Assays were done with field‐moist soil samples in the absence of toluene as plasmolytic agent – a procedure that primarily measures the extracellular enzymes. The aim was to evaluate the use of temperature models to describe the temperature response of soil arylsulfatase activity. In addition, we searched for increases in activity at high temperatures (e.g., 50–60 °C), which might be associated with unmasking (exposure) of intracellular enzymes. Arylsulfatase activities ranged from 1.1 to 60.3 μg p‐nitrophenol (g dry weight soil)–1 h–1, with an optimum temperature at 58.1 °C. The temperature response below 58.1 °C could be described by the Arrhenius equation (r2 = 0.978, n = 83) and the simple Ratkowsky equation (r2 = 0.977, n = 83). The expanded Ratkowsky equation, which covered the entire temperature range (0–75 °C), was less satisfactory (r2 = 0.958, n = 90) because the model underestimated the reaction rates near the optimum temperature. The activation energy (Ea) calculated from the Arrhenius equation was 42.2 kJ mol–1. This was higher than previously found for other soils (16.5–34.7 kJ mol–1), possibly due to the use of toluene in these studies. Further analysis of the temperature response showed that no increase in activity occurred due to potential unmasking of intracellular enzymes by disintegration of bacterial cell membranes at high temperatures. Thus, the use of high incubation temperatures did not facilitate the differentiation between intra‐ and extracellular enzyme activity.
Preconcentration of the herbicide glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA by Immobilised Metal Ion Affinity Chromatography (IMAC)
Authors: Rios Carolina , Salvadó Victòria , Hidalgo Manuela 
Published: March 2004

AbstractA method based on Immobilised Metal Ion Affinity Chromatography (IMAC) using a chelating resin (Spheron Oxine 1000) loaded with Pd(II) is evaluated for the extraction and preconcentration of glyphosate and AMPA from natural water samples. The efficiency of the metal‐loaded resin in retaining glyphosate and AMPA and the ability of different reagents to recover them is investigated. The most effective elution solution for the recovery of both analytes from the resin is found to be a mixture of 0.1 M HCl and 1 M NaCl. The effect of flow rate, analyte concentration, and sample volume is evaluated. The optimised experimental conditions are then used in the extraction of the analytes from spiked natural waters. The use of the Pd loaded resin led to recoveries ranging from 80–90% for glyphosate and 60–80% for AMPA.
Karst rocky desertification in southwestern China: geomorphology, landuse, impact and rehabilitation
Authors: Wang S.‐J. , Liu Q.‐M. , Zhang D.‐F. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractKarst rocky desertification is a process of land degradation involving serious soil erosion, extensive exposure of basement rocks, drastic decrease in soil productivity, and the appearance of a desert‐like landscape. It is caused by irrational, intensive land use on a fragile karst geo‐ecological environment. The process is expanding rapidly, and it is daily reducing the living space of residents and is the root of disasters and poverty in the karst areas of southwestern China. The tectonic, geomorphic and environmental background to karst rocky desertification is analysed. Population pressure and the intensive land use that have led to this serious land degradation are described. Although the problem concerns the Chinese Government and some profitable experience in the partial restoration or reconstruction of the ecological environment has been gained, effective remedial action has not been achieved on a large scale. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growing three aromatic grasses in different alkali soils in semi‐arid regions of northern India
Authors: Dagar J. C. , Tomar O. S. , Kumar Y. , Yadav R. K. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAlkali lands in India occupy about 3 million ha. Due to poor physical properties, excessive exchangeable sodium and high pH, most of these lands support a very poor vegetation cover. Many of the medicinal and aromatic plants are in great demand for both internal requirements and export. But since these crops are non‐conventional in nature, it is not always possible for them to be produced on fertile lands, which can be used for arable crops. The marginal lands, specifically the lands affected by salinity or sodicity problems where profitable returns are not possible from agricultural crops, could be successfully utilized for the cultivation of these high‐value crops with marginal inputs. Results reported in this paper clearly indicated that out of three aromatic grasses, palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats.) and lemon grass (C. flexuosus (Steud.) Wats.) could successfully be grown on moderatly alkali soils of pH up to 9·2 while vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash), which withstands both high pH and stagnation of water, could successfully be grown without significant yield reduction on highly alkali soils. These grasses not only produce essential oils used for industrial purposes but also ameliorate the soil. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rehabilitation of a lignite mine‐disturbed area in the Indian desert
Authors: Sharma K. D. , Kumar Praveen , Gough L. P. , Sanfilipo J. R. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractExtensive lignite mining in the Indian (Thar) Desert commenced within the past decade. Accompanying extraction of this valuable resource there have been visible, important environmental impacts. The resultant land degradation has prompted concern from both public and regulatory bodies. This research assesses the success of rehabilitation plans implemented to revegetate a lignite mine‐disturbed area, near the village of Giral in western Rajasthan State. Rehabilitation success was achieved within the environmental constraints of this northwest Indian hot‐desert ecosystem using a combination of: (1) backfilling (abandoned pits) with minespoil and of covering the backfilled‐surfaces with fresh topsoil to a thickness of about 0·30 m; (2) use of micro‐catchment rainwater harvesting (MCWH) technique; (3) soil profile modification approaches; (4) plant establishment methodologies; and (5) the selection of appropriate germplasm material (trees, shrubs and grasses). Preliminary results indicate that the resulting vegetative cover will be capable of self‐perpetuation under natural conditions while at the same time meeting the land‐use requirements of the local people. The minespoil is alkaline in nature and has high electrical conductance. The average content of organic carbon, N, P and K is lower than in the regional topsoil. However, the concentration of Ca, Mg, Na and total S in the minespoil is much higher than in the topsoil. Further, the spoil material has no biological activity. Enhanced plant growth was achieved in MCWH plots, compared to control plots, where minespoil moisture storage was improved by 18–43 per cent. The rehabilitation protocol used at the site appears to have been successful because, in addition to the planted species, desirable native invasive species have become established. This study developed methods for the rehabilitation of lignite mine‐disturbed areas and has also resulted in an understanding of rehabilitation processes in arid regions with an emphasis on the long‐term monitoring of rehabilitation success. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social and economic factors affecting the adoption of soil and water conservation in West Usambara highlands, Tanzania
Authors: Tenge A. J. , De Graaff J. , Hella J. P. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAccelerated soil erosion is one of the major constraints to agricultural production in many parts of the Tanzanian highlands. Although several soil and water conservation technologies have been developed and promoted, the adoption of many recommended measures is minimal and soil erosion continues to be a problem. This research was conducted in order to determine the social and economic factors that influence adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) measures in the West Usambara highlands, Tanzania. For this research a household survey, group discussions and transect walks were undertaken. A total of 104 households were interviewed and several fields were visited during the transect walks. Data was analysed with the use of cross‐tabulation, cluster analysis, factor analysis and chi‐squared methods. The results obtained indicate that involvement in off‐farm activities, insecure land tenure, location of fields and a lack of short‐term benefits from SWC are among the major factors that negatively influence adoption of SWC measures. Membership in farmer groups, level of education, contacts with extension agents and SWC programmes were found to be positively influencing the adoption of SWC measures. Recommendations to facilitate adoption of different SWC measures include: integration of social and economic factors into SWC plans; the creation of more awareness among farmers of soil‐erosion effects and long‐term benefits of SWC; the development of flexible SWC measures to cater for different farm patterns and a participatory approach to SWC at catchment level rather than at individual farmers' fields. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of erosion on soil microbial biomass, abundance and community diversity
Authors: Mabuhay J. A. , Nakagoshi N. , Isagi Y. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThis study aimed to determine microbial biomass carbon and microbial abundance immediately after, and two years after, forest soil erosion, so as to estimate the degree of damage, including the rate of recovery of microorganisms, in each area. It also aimed to determine the community diversity, and to establish relationships between microbial biomass, microbial abundance and the physico‐chemical properties of the soil.Three different study areas in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, were used. One undisturbed area and two eroded areas (one immediately after and one two years after erosion). The analysis of variance showed a highly significant difference in microbial biomass carbon and abundance between the study areas. The undisturbed area showed the highest value, followed by the area eroded two years ago, then lastly the area studied immediately after the erosion. The biomass carbon was highly correlated with gram positive bacteria with r2 = 0·983, p < 0·01. The biomass carbon and microbial population were shown to be significantly correlated to the soil's physico‐chemical properties, such as pH, moisture content, water‐holding capacity and CN ratio. However, CN ratio proved to be closely correlated to biomass carbon with r2 = −0·978, p < 0·01, to Gram‐positive bacteria with r2 = −0·977, p < 0·01, to Gram‐negative bacteria with r2 = −0·989, p < 0·01 and to fungi with r2 = −0·977, p < 0·01. The undisturbed area showed a highly diverse community in both of the restriction enzymes used, followed by the area affected by erosion two years ago, then the area immediately after erosion. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ste20‐like kinase SLK displays myofiber type specificity and is involved in C2C12 myoblast differentiation
Authors: Storbeck Christopher J. , Daniel Kate , Zhang Yi‐Hong , Lunde John , Scime Anthony , Asakura Atsushi , Jasmin Bernard , Korneluk Robert G. , Sabourin Luc A. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractCell growth and terminal differentiation are controlled by complex signaling cascades that regulate the expression of specific subsets of genes implicated in cell fate and morphogenic processes. We have recently cloned and characterized a novel Ste20‐like kinase termed SLK that is associated with adhesion structures during cell adhesion and spreading. However, the specific function of SLK is poorly understood. To gain further insight into the role of SLK, we have characterized its activity, expression, and distribution in skeletal muscle and during the in vitro differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts. Although SLK is expressed ubiquitously in adult tissues, our results show that it is predominantly expressed in muscle masses during development. Furthermore, SLK activity is upregulated during the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts. In addition, we have found that SLK localizes presynaptically at neuromuscular junctions and that it is preferentially expressed in types I and IIA myofibers at major myofibrillar striations. Supporting a role in myoblast function and differentiation, SLK expression is induced in Myf5‐ and Pax7‐positive activated satellite cells during regeneration and expression of dominant negative SLK in C2C12 cultures impairs myoblast fusion, suggesting a role for SLK in muscle cell differentiation. Muscle Nerve 29: 553–564, 2004
Trigeminal nerve repetitive stimulation in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Rubin Devon I. , Harper C. Michel , Auger Raymond G. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) of the trigeminal nerve in assessing patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). In 26 normal controls and 21 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), 2‐Hz repetitive stimulation of the trigeminal nerve was performed using a monopolar needle for percutaneous nerve stimulation and recording over the surface of the masseter. In the MG patients, repetitive stimulation of the ulnar, spinal accessory, and facial nerves was also performed. The mean percent decrement in the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude among the different nerves at rest were: ulnar, 4.3%; spinal accessory, 10.1%; facial, 14%; and trigeminal, 17.3%. The facial nerve demonstrated abnormal decrement in 57% of all patients, compared with the spinal accessory (48%), trigeminal (43%), and ulnar (20%) nerves. All patients tolerated trigeminal RNS better than or as well as facial RNS. The study demonstrates that trigeminal RNS is a safe, reliable, efficient, and well‐tolerated technique that provides another cranial nerve–muscle combination that can be used to supplement repetitive stimulation of other limb or cranial nerves in the evaluation of patients with bulbar or generalized MG. Muscle Nerve 29: 591–596, 2004
New technologies in radiation therapy for pediatric brain tumors: The rationale for proton radiation therapy
Authors: Kirsch David G. , Tarbell Nancy J. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBackgroundPediatric brain tumors are frequently treated with radiation therapy and often cured. The long‐term side effects of treatment with high‐energy X‐rays (photons) can be substantial. Proton radiation therapy may limit these late effects.ProcedureThe physical difference between photon and proton irradiation is compared. The clinical benefits of the superior physical properties of proton beam radiation therapy are explained for children with brain tumors.ResultsAt biologically equivalent doses, proton radiation therapy offers tumor control similar to photon radiation therapy. The superior physical properties of proton beams make this mode of radiation therapy less likely to cause late effects.ConclusionsFor many children with brain tumors, proton beam radiation therapy may limit the late effects of radiation therapy and therefore offer an advantage over techniques using photons. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Staged informed consent for a randomized clinical trial in childhood leukemia: Impact on the consent process
Authors: Angiolillo A.L. , Simon C. , Kodish E. , Lange B. , Noll R.B. , Ruccione K. , Matloub Y. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBackgroundChildren Cancer Group (CCG) 1991 is the first childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia trial within CCG that allowed the utilization of a staged approach to the consent process.MethodsOne hundred and forty subjects participated in the Project on Informed Consent which compared the primary outcome measures in the consent process of patients enrolled in CCG‐1991 with those enrolled in other CCG leukemia studies.ResultsThe parents' trust scores were higher for the CCG‐1991 compared with other protocols. Eighty percent of parents enrolled in CCG‐1991 understood the distinction between the randomized clinical trial and the standard treatment arm, compared with 62.5% in the other studies, P = 0.05. Multiple other outcome measures suggested a positive impact from staged informed consent.ConclusionsOur results suggest that a consent process with a staged approach can help investigators obtain a more truly informed consent. Future research is needed to confirm the benefits of the staged approach to the informed consent process. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunologic monitoring of maintenance therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children—preliminary report
Authors: Luczynski Wlodzimierz , Stasiak‐Barmuta Anna , Krawczuk‐Rybak Maryna 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBackgroundIn the study we evaluated immune reconstitution during maintenance therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in relation to different treatment protocols and response of the immune system to the accompanying infections.ProcedureThe study group consisted of 40 children. The BFM protocol'90 was used in the standard risk group, while the New York protocol—in the high risk group. Assessment of the immune system was based on the analysis of peripheral blood mono‐nuclear cells by flow cytometry and concentrations of immunoglobulins: G, M, A and IgE. Each patient was examined at 1–3 months' intervals.ResultsFollowing cessation of intensive therapy, the successive months of maintenance treatment showed: (1) a considerable depletion of B lymphocytes, a durable decrease in IgM, IgA and gradually increasing IgG; (2) a correlation between the time passing from the cessation of intensive therapy and increased numbers and percentage of B cells, and the helper/suppressor cell ratio. In the group of children treated according to the high risk protocol, compared to the low‐risk group patients, we found lower levels of the following parameters: IgG, % lymphocytes: B and T lymphocytes (including CD4/CD8 ratio and “naive”/“memory” ratio) and NK cells (% and count). During infection: (1) a significant increase was noted in the percentage of T cells with HLA co‐expression and monocytes with ICAM‐1 co‐expression, (2) the percentage of CD3+CD45RO+ “memory” T cells was found to increase.ConclusionsOur findings indicate quantitative and qualitative changes of the immunity in children with ALL during maintenance therapy. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.