bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of hepatic transcriptional induction of lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein by transforming‐growth‐factor β1
Authors: Hallatschek Werner , Fiedler Gesa , Kirschning Carsten J. , Creutzburg Fränzi , Lamping Norbert , Nüssler Andreas , Schumann Ralf R. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractLPS‐binding protein (LBP) is an acute‐phase protein with the ability to bind and transfer LPS of Gram‐negative bacteria, as well as cell wall compounds of other pathogenic bacteria. This soluble pattern‐recognition molecule is present in high concentrations in serum and represents an important defense mechanism of the host. Regulation of the hepatic acute‐phase response and its termination are important mechanisms for limiting systemic inflammatory activity of the host organism. We show here that TGF‐β1, in a dose‐dependent fashion, is able to inhibit LBP transcript accumulation and LBP protein synthesis induced by IL‐6, IL‐1β and dexamethasone in hepatoma cell lines. These data were confirmed employing primary human hepatocytes, where TGF‐β1 also inhibited LBP protein synthesis. We identified and analyzed several Smad‐binding sites (Smads are major regulatory elements of TGF‐β1) within the LBP promoter, and found that one of them was active. We furthermore identified an AP‐1‐binding site clearly conferring inhibitory effects of TGF‐β1 towards LBP promoter activity, shown by gel shift and promoter mutagenesis experiments. Further elucidating the mechanism of transcriptional regulation of proteins involved in innate immune responses may potentially help to develop novel intervention strategies for the acute‐phase response, sepsis, and septic shock.
Point sampling strategies for estimating coverage from benthic video transects
Authors: Ryan Daniel A. J. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPoint intercept techniques are commonly used to estimate the proportion of area covered by an organism or substrate. Although many different methods of choosing point co‐ordinates have been suggested, some more suitable than others, this article examines three common and one novel point allocation strategy in the context of estimating the proportion cover of an area which is much longer than it is wide. It was found that some commonly used methods are less efficient than the novel method and in some cases by a substantial margin. Guidelines are also presented for choosing a sampling strategy and estimating sample size requirements for sampling areas which are much longer than they are wide. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age–environment model for breast cancer
Authors: Hanayama Nobutane 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIn the field of breast cancer study, it has become accepted that crucial exposures to environmental risks might have occurred years before a malignant tumor is evident in human breasts, while age factors such as ages at menstruation have been known as risks for the disease already. To project trends in two such kinds of risks for the disease, the concept of environment effects is introduced for (age, period)‐specific breast cancer mortality rates. Also, a new model, named the age–environment (AE) model, which assumes that the logarithm of the expected rate is a linear function of environment effects and age effects, is proposed. It is shown that, although environment effects have different meanings from period effects or cohort effects, in the age–period–cohort (APC) model, the range space of the design matrix for the AE model is included in that for APC model. It is seen, however, that the AE model provides a better fit to the data for females in Japan and the four Nordic countries than does the APC model in terms of AIC. From the results of ML estimation of the parameters in the AE model based on the data obtained in Japan, we see high levels of environment effects associated with the Sino–Japanese war, World War II and the environmental pollution due to the economy in the recovery period from the defeat. Besides, from those based on the data obtained in the four Nordic countries, we see high levels of environment effects associated with the environment becoming worse after the year of Helsinki Olympics and low levels of them associated with the period including the year of ‘Miracle of the Winter War’ in Finland. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of public and private transfers in the cost‐benefit analysis of mental health programs
Authors: Brent Robert J. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis paper revisits the issue of whether to include maintenance costs in an economic evaluation in mental health. The source of these maintenance costs may be public or private transfers. The issue is discussed in terms of a formal cost‐benefit criterion. It is shown that, when transfers have productivity effects, income distribution is important, and one recognizes that public transfers have tax implications, transfers can have real resource effects and cannot be ignored. The criterion is then applied to an evaluation of three case management programs in California that sought to reduce the intensive hospitalization of the severely mentally ill. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid knowledge integration using the fuzzy genetic algorithm: prediction of the Korea stock price index
Authors: Kim Myoung Jong , Han Ingoo , Lee Kun Chang 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis paper proposes the hybrid knowledge integration mechanism using the fuzzy genetic algorithm for the optimized integration of knowledge from several sources such as machine knowledge, expert knowledge and user knowledge. This mechanism is applied to the prediction of the Korea stock price index. Machine knowledge is generated by applying neural networks to technical indicators, while expert knowledge and user knowledge are generated from the evaluations of external factors that affect the stock market. Cooperative knowledge is generated from the weighted sum of these sources using a genetic algorithm. Experimental results show that the hybrid mechanism can provide more accurate and less ambiguous results. It means that this mechanism is useful in integrating knowledge from multiple sources for an unstructured environment such as the stock market. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
p53 down‐regulates matrix metalloproteinase‐1 by targeting the communications between AP‐1 and the basal transcription complex
Authors: Sun Yubo , Zeng Xiao‐Rong , Wenger Leonor , Firestein Gary S. , Cheung Herman S. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe have previously reported that human matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP1) is a p53 target gene subject to down‐regulation (Sun et al. [1999]: J Biol Chem 274:11535–11540]. In the present study, we demonstrate that the down‐regulation of the human −83MMP1 promoter fragment by p53 was abolished when the −72AP‐1 site was eliminated and that a GAL4‐cJun‐mediated but not a GAL4‐Elk1‐mediated induction of pFR‐luci was effectively inhibited by p53 suggesting an AP‐1 dependent but AP‐1 binding independent mechanism. Results from gel mobility shift assays were consistent with an AP‐1 binding independent mechanism. We also demonstrate that both p300 and TATA box binding proteins cooperated with the transcription factor AP‐1 to induce the promoter of MMP1; however, p53 only inhibited the p300‐mediated induction of the MMP1 promoter and the inhibition was −72AP‐1 dependent. Furthermore, the down‐regulation of the MMP1 promoter and mRNA by p53 could be reversed by p300 and by a p53 binding p300 fragment that had no coactivator activity. Taken together, these results indicate that p53 down‐regulates MMP1 mainly by disrupting the communications between the transactivator AP‐1 and the basal transcriptional complex, which are partially mediated by p300. Finally, by using p53 truncated mutant constructs, we demonstrate that both the N‐terminal activation domain and the C‐terminal oligomerization domains of p53 were required for the down‐regulation of MMP1 transcription. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Semi‐continuous enzymatic synthesis of cefaclor enhanced by in situ product removal
Authors: Yang Liu , Wei Dongzhi , Zhang Yewang 
Published: April 2004

AbstractEnzymatic synthesis of cefaclor was carried out with kinetic control. The product yield was improved by the continuous removal of product from the reaction mixture via complexation of cefaclor with 1‐naphthol. The effects of pH and temperature on the enzymatic and complexing reactions were investigated. The efficiency of the enzymatic conversion of cefaclor in the complexing reaction was 80% under optimum reaction conditions. In situ product removal (ISPR) decreased product concentration in the bioreactor, consequently the yield of cefaclor increased from 57% (without ISPR) to 80% (with ISPR). The specially designed reactor allowed enzymatic reaction and product removal to be accomplished simultaneously, in which the productivity of cefaclor was improved to 65 g dm−3 by semi‐continuous operation lasting for 55 h. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Gravity drainage of activated sludge: from laboratory experiments to industrial process
Authors: Olivier J , Vaxelaire J , Ginisty P 
Published: April 2004

AbstractGravity belt thickening is commonly used for dewatering activated sludge. However, only a few results concerning this process, and the mathematical description of the drainage of residual sludges, have been published. Laboratory drainage experiments were carried out on several activated sludges to compare different published modelling approaches. Data showed a linear relationship between the infinite mass of the cake (MC) and the total mass of the dry solids in the initial sludge sample (DS):

so, an empirical equation was modified to predict the evolution of the cake dry solids content‐over time:

Two sets of empirical coefficients were derived according to the range of the initial dry solids content of the sludge (Cb < 2% or Cb > 2%). These coefficients were not significantly influenced by the origin of the activated sludge and thus can be considered as constants. Simulation results using the chosen model accord will with experiments carried out on an industrial gravity belt thickener working under field conditions. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
On possible counterexamples to Negami's planar cover conjecture
Authors: Hliněný Petr , Thomas Robin 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA simple graph H is a cover of a graph G if there exists a mapping φ from H onto G such that φ maps the neighbors of every vertex υ in H bijectively to the neighbors of φ (υ) in G. Negami conjectured in 1986 that a connected graph has a finite planar cover if and only if it embeds in the projective plane. The conjecture is still open. It follows from the results of Archdeacon, Fellows, Negami, and the first author that the conjecture holds as long as the graph K1,2,2,2 has no finite planar cover. However, those results seem to say little about counterexamples if the conjecture was not true. We show that there are, up to obvious constructions, at most 16 possible counterexamples to Negami's conjecture. Moreover, we exhibit a finite list of sets of graphs such that the set of excluded minors for the property of having finite planar cover is one of the sets in our list. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 46: 183–206, 2004
Relationships between various physicochemical, thermal and rheological properties of starches separated from different potato cultivars
Authors: Singh Narpinder , Kaur Lovedeep , Singh Jaspreet 
Published: April 2004

AbstractVarious physicochemical, thermal and rheological properties of starches separated from Indian potato cultivars were related to each other using the Pearson correlation. Amylose content, water‐binding capacity (WBC), swelling power, solubility, ash content, transmittance, syneresis and consistency coefficient (K) were determined. Amylose content was significantly correlated with swelling power (r = 0.904), transmittance (r = 0.656) and syneresis (r = 0.777) of the starches. Thermal properties such as transition temperatures (To, Tp and Tc), gelatinisation range (R), gelatinisation enthalpy (ΔHgel) and peak height index (PHI) of the starches were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). To, Tp and Tc were positively correlated with swelling power and negatively correlated with solubility and WBC. PHI was positively correlated with WBC and negatively correlated with ash content and swelling power. R had a negative correlation with WBC (r = −0.726) and PHI (r = −0.737). A positive correlation between R and Tc was observed. WBC was negatively correlated with swelling power (r = −0.749). Syneresis of potato starches was positively correlated with transmittance, ash content, swelling power and amylose content. K was positively correlated with amylose content (r = 0.587). The results showed a significant variation in various functional and thermal properties of starches separated from different potato cultivars. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of oil sources and vitamin E levels in the diet on the composition of fatty acids in rooster thigh and chest meat
Authors: Zanini Surama F , Torres Ciro Alexandre A , Bragagnolo Neura , Turatti Jane M , Silva Marta G , Zanini Marcos S 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of different oil sources and dietary supplementation with vitamin E on the composition of fatty acids in rooster meat. Two hundred and forty 30‐week‐old White Leghorn roosters were distributed in a completely randomized factorial arrangement of 5 × 2, using five oil sources (sunflower, soybean, canola, linseed and fish) and two levels of antioxidant (30 and 400 mg vitamin E kg−1 of diet). The intake of fish and canola oil in the diet reduced (P < 0.05) the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the thigh meat. Amongst the unsaturated fatty acids in the thigh, the fish and canola oil reduced (P < 0.05) the level of ω6 fatty acid, with a consequent decrease in the ratio ω6:ω3. The diet with fish oil increased (P < 0.05) the content of C22:6ω3 in the thigh meat. The use of linseed oil resulted in a significant reduction of the ratio of ω6:ω3 fatty acid in the thigh. The use of soybean oil in the diet increased (P < 0.05) the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the thigh, specifically in the content of ω6. The inclusion of vitamin E increased the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the chest meat, such as C18:3ω3, C20:5ω3 and C22:6ω3. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Studies of the fracture surface of rice grains using environmental scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Dang Jennifer MC , Copeland Les 
Published: April 2004

AbstractRaw and processed grains of rice (Oryza sativa) were examined using the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM), which allows specimens to be imaged at high resolution with minimal preparation. Images were obtained for milled rice grains that were fractured along natural transverse fracture planes. The images showed two distinct features: a smooth surface, where the fracture plane is suggested to be between endosperm cells, and a rough, more disorganised surface, which is likely to correspond to the fracture plane passing through an endosperm cell. Individual starch granules exposed in the fractured surface ranged from 3 to 11 µm in diameter. The ESEM revealed morphological differences between grains of different varieties. Parboiled rice showed a glassy fracture surface in which features of endosperm cells and starch granules were clearly recognisable but smaller than those of uncooked rice grains. Rice grains that had been heated and puffed showed a complete loss of organisational structure. The ESEM was able to capture the effect of processing treatments on the organisational structure of the grains. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Glucosinolates in isaño (Tropaeolum tuberosum) tubers: qualitative and quantitative content and changes after maturity
Authors: Ramallo Rodrigo , Wathelet Jean‐Paul , Le Boulengé Eric , Torres Elizabeth , Marlier Michel , Ledent Jean‐François , Guidi Augusto , Larondelle Yvan 
Published: April 2004

AbstractSix varieties of isaño (Tropaeolum tuberosum), an Andean edible tuber, were analysed. The aim was to characterise qualitatively and quantitatively their content of glucosinolates and to determine concentration changes of these compounds upon delayed harvest. Additionally, exploratory assays were carried out on the effect of postharvest cold storage of the tubers as well as of a drying process imposed on blanched tuber slices. Only one glucosinolate (p‐methoxybenzyl glucosinolate) was found in the six domestic varieties analysed. Its concentration varied between 36.5 and 90.0 µmol g−1 dry matter. This range is relatively high when compared with other edible glucosinolate‐containing vegetables. ‘Dark’ coloured tuber varieties showed higher levels than ‘light’ coloured tuber varieties at normal harvest time. Of the two varieties on which the effect of delayed harvest was studied, one showed increasing and then decreasing changes until 44 days after maturity, while the other did not show any significant change with time. Postharvest cold stored samples showed similar changes to tubers kept in soil, and glucosinolate levels in dried blanched tubers did not differ significantly from those in fresh samples. Taken together, the data indicate that the glucosinolate content of isaño is highly dependent on both the variety and the time of harvest. These parameters should be taken into account when considering isaño as a promising food source with medicinal properties for humans and animals, but also with possible adverse biological effects, all related to the presence of glucosinolates. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of calcium, magnesium and pH during salt curing of cod (Gadus morhua L)
Authors: Lauritzsen Kristin , Akse Leif , Gundersen Bjørn , Olsen Ragnar L 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe quality of heavily salted cod as influenced by adjusted levels of calcium, magnesium and pH in the salt was investigated. The investigation was carried out as a multivariate study consisting of two separate 23 full factorial designs. Chemical composition, water‐holding capacity, weight and protein yields, colour and firmness were used as quality indicators or responses to the salt mixtures tested. The pH of the salt was positively correlated with the muscle pH of the cured fillet. The pH of the muscle correlated negatively with the relative protein content, lightness and sensory firmness of the cured muscle. Protein yield after salt curing was also negatively correlated with muscle pH. Calcium ions increased both the lightness and firmness and magnesium ions increased the lightness of the cured fillet. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative study on the proteolytic activities and storage globulins in seeds of Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd ex Spreng) Schum and Theobroma bicolor Humb Bonpl, in relation to their potential to generate chocolate‐like aroma
Authors: Reisdorff Christoph , Rohsius Christina , Claret de Souza Aparecida das Graças , Gasparotto Luadir , Lieberei Reinhard 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe cocoa relatives T grandiflorum (cupuaçu) and T bicolor (macambo) are promising crop plants for sustainable agroforestry in the Amazon region of South America. The market for cupuaçu is expanding since the fruit flesh is utilised by the foodstuffs industry. Attempts to commercialise chocolate‐like wares from the seeds have failed so far because of unreliable product quality. It is not known whether this is due to an insufficient aroma potential of cupuaçu seeds. We therefore investigated the proteolytic enzymes and the seed storage globulins which are both decisive for the formation of aroma precursors in cocoa. We found that the activities of the aspartic endopeptidase and the carboxypeptidase in T bicolor and T grandiflorum differed slightly from those in cocoa. The specificity of the carboxypeptidase for hydrophobic amino acids was quite similar across the three species, while the optimal pH of the T grandiflorum enzyme was lower than that of the other species. The qualitative and quantitative differences between the globulins indicate a lower maximum yield of aroma precursors in T grandiflorum and a higher maximum yield of aroma precursors in T bicolor, compared to cocoa. We conclude that the quality of chocolate‐like products made from the studied cocoa relatives can be improved by adapting fermentation procedures to particular biochemical features of these seeds. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Magnetic Characteristics of Ferrimagnetic Microspheres Prepared by Dispersion Polymerization
Authors: Horák Daniel , Lednický František , Petrovský Eduard , Kapička Aleš 
Published: April 2004

AbstractSummary: A magnetite‐based colloid was obtained by chemical co‐precipitation of iron(II) and iron(III) salts in alkaline medium and stabilized with oleic acid. Magnetic micron‐size poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA)‐based latex particles of narrow size distribution were prepared by dispersion polymerization in toluene/2‐methylpropan‐1‐ol in the presence of three kinds of ferrimagnetic nanoparticles: chromium dioxide, maghemite, and magnetite. Cellulose acetate butyrate and dibenzoyl peroxide were used as the stabilizer and the initiator, respectively. The magnetic characteristics were examined with respect to behavior in the magnetic field and thermal stability. Our results show that chromium dioxide and derived PHEMA particles are magnetically stable in moderate temperatures up to about 100 °C. Maghemite particles are thermally stable up to 500 °C. Measurements of the hysteresis loops and remanent magnetization showed that embedment of magnetic particles in organic polymer has practically no effect on their magnetic hysteresis. All the samples reached magnetic saturation in fields below 0.3 T (saturation of magnetite). Regarding separation by the magnetic field, ultrafine, superparamagnetic magnetite particles show the best performance because of their magnetic susceptibility, the highest measured here, and the absence of coercive force.Scanning electron micrograph of magnetite‐containing P(HEMA‐co‐25% GMA) microspheres.imageScanning electron micrograph of magnetite‐containing P(HEMA‐co‐25% GMA) microspheres.
Thermoplastic Elastomers Derived from Scrap Rubber Powder/LLDPE Blend with LLDPE‐graft‐(Epoxidized Natural Rubber) Dual Compatibilizer
Authors: Guo Baochun , Cao Yan , Jia Demin , Qiu Qinghua 
Published: April 2004

AbstractSummary: Attempts were made to prepare thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) from scrap rubber powder (SRP) and linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) as thermoplastic polymer matrix. The solid‐phase grafted copolymer of LLDPE (LLDPE‐g‐VM) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) were used as dual compatibilizers to improve the interfacial adhesion between SRP and LLDPE. The compatibilized SRP/LLDPE blends had obviously improved the interfacial properties between SRP particles and LLDPE. Using this method, thermoplastic elastomer was prepared successfully. The mechanical properties especially elongation at break was improved significantly. SEM and TEM studies showed that the ENR/LLDPE‐g‐VM dual compatibilizer improved the distribution state of SRP particles in LLDPE and the adhesion between SRP and LLDPE. DSC results showed a distinct glass transition at 74 °C of the interfacial region. The improvement in mechanical properties was attributed to the enhanced interfacial properties of the blend.Surface of SRP particles of the composites compatibilized by the dual compatibilizer.imageSurface of SRP particles of the composites compatibilized by the dual compatibilizer.