bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone and cartilage formation by skeletal muscle derived cells
Authors: Mastrogiacomo M. , Derubeis A.R. , Cancedda R. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractIn adult individuals when most tissues have progressively lost the ability to regenerate, bone maintains the potential for a continuous self remodeling. The bone marrow has been so far the main recognized source of osteoprogenitor cells that contribute to the turnover of the skeletal scaffold. The possibility though exists that a pool of osteoprogenitor cells resides within other adult tissues and in particular, as reported previously, in other connective tissues such as fat and skeletal muscle. In an attempt to identify an alternative source of osteoprogenitor cells other than bone marrow we looked into the skeletal muscle. A plastic adhering cell population, from now on referred to as skeletal muscle derived cells (SMDCs), was obtained from biopsies of human skeletal muscle. SMDCs were clonogenic and displayed a fibroblast‐like morphology. The isolated cell population had a mesenchymal origin as indicated by abundant expression of type I collagen, fibronectin, and vimentin and appeared heterogeneous. SMDCs were positive for α smooth actin, and to a lesser extent for desmin and α sarcomeric myosin, two specific markers of the myogenic phenotype. Surprisingly though SMDCs expressed early markers of an osteogenic commitment as indicated by positive staining for alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, and osteonectin. Under the appropriate stimuli, these cells deposited in vitro a mineralized bone matrix and a proteoglycan rich matrix. In addition, SMDCs cultured in the presence of low serum and insulin differentiated towards adipocytes developing abundant lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. Furthermore SMDCs formed three‐dimensional bone tissue in vivo when implanted in an immunodeficient mouse, and a mature cartilage rudiment when maintained as a pellet culture. In summary, we report the isolation and characterization of a cell population from the human skeletal muscle not only able to express in vitro specific markers of distinct mesenchymal lineages (adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic), but most importantly, able to complete the differentiation pathway leading to the formation of bone and cartilage. In this respect SMDCs resemble bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nanoscale imaging and quantification of local proteolytic activity
Authors: Kusick Stephan , Bertram Helga , Oberleithner Hans , Ludwig Thomas 
Published: March 2005

AbstractProteolytic cleavage of extracellular matrix (ECM) is a critical feature of tumor cell invasion, and affects cancer cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration. Malignant cells secrete most proteases as inactive proenzymes that undergo proteolytic cleavage for activation, and proteolytic activity is elevated in close proximity to these cells. Therefore, local activity rather than protease concentration determines ECM proteolysis. Precise quantification of local proteolytic activity, functional investigation, and high resolution imaging of morphological ECM alterations have proven difficult. In this study, we present a novel approach for measuring proteolytic activity in the microenvironment of cells by using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Amelanotic melanoma cells (A7‐clone) were seeded on fluorescent gelatin or collagen‐IV coatings. Proteolysis reduced fluorescence of these coatings. Fluorescence microscopy (FM) in combination with AFM was used to maneuver the AFM‐tip to tumor cell induced proteolytic spots. AFM enabled nanoscale volume measurement, three‐dimensional reconstruction of single proteins and demonstrated that ECM cleavage is restricted to the proteolytic microenvironment of cancer cells. This method detected significant decreases in molecular weight of protein clusters (−76.6%), matrix volume (−46.6%), and height (−38.1%) between intact and proteolyzed gelatin. Similar parameter changes were demonstrated without FM, by AFM‐scanning gelatin in close proximity to invasive cells. Furthermore, AFM depicted significantly stronger local degradation of gelatin than collagen‐IV by A7‐cells. Taken together, AFM allows specific quantification and imaging of local proteolytic processes at a nanometer level, thus providing a unique method for the functional evaluation of invasiveness and metastatic potential of tumor cells in small scale samples. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oxidative damage is a potential cause of cone cell death in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Shen JiKui , Yang Xiaoru , Dong Aling , Petters Robert M. , Peng You‐Wei , Wong Fulton , Campochiaro Peter A. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractRetinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a prevalent cause of blindness caused by a large number of different mutations in many different genes. The mutations result in rod photoreceptor cell death, but it is unknown why cones die. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that cones die from oxidative damage by performing immunohistochemical staining for biomarkers of oxidative damage in a transgenic pig model of RP. The presence of acrolein‐ and 4‐hydroxynonenal‐adducts on proteins is a specific indicator that lipid peroxidation has occurred, and there was strong immunofluorescent staining for both in cone inner segments (IS) of two 10‐month‐old transgenic pigs in which almost all rods had died, compared to faint staining in two 10‐month‐old control pig retinas. In 22‐ and 24‐month‐old transgenic pigs in which all rods and many cones had died, staining was strong in cone axons and some cell bodies as well as IS indicating progression in oxidative damage between 10 and 22 months. Biomarkers for oxidative damage to proteins and DNA also showed progressive oxidative damage to those macromolecules in cones during the course of RP. These data support the hypothesis that the death of rods results in decreased oxygen consumption and hyperoxia in the outer retina resulting in gradual cone cell death from oxidative damage. This hypothesis has important therapeutic implications and deserves rapid evaluation. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Drop size distribution in highly concentrated liquid–liquid dispersions using a light back scattering method
Authors: Lovick J , Mouza AA , Paras SV , Lye GJ , Angeli P 
Published: March 2005

AbstractNew data are presented on drop size distribution at high dispersed phase fractions of organic‐in‐water mixtures, obtained with a light back scattering technique (3 Dimensional Optical Reflectance Measurement technique, 3D ORM). The 3D ORM technique, which provides fast, in‐situ and on‐line drop distribution measurements even at high concentrations of the dispersed phase, is validated using an endoscope attached to a high‐speed video recorder. The two techniques compared favourably when used in a dispersion of oil (density (ρ) = 828 kg m−3, viscosity (µ) = 5.5 mPa s, interfacial tension (σi) = 44.7 mN m−1) in water for a range of 5–10% dispersed phase fractions. Data obtained with the ORM instrument for dispersed phase fractions up to 60% and impeller speeds 350–550 rpm showed a decrease in the maximum and the Sauter mean drop diameters with increasing impeller speed. Phase fractions did not seem to significantly affect drop size. Both techniques showed that drop size distributions could be fitted by the log‐normal distribution. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrochemical treatment of diluted cyanide aqueous wastes
Authors: Cañizares Pablo , Díaz Marly , Domínguez Jorge A , Lobato Justo , Rodrigo Manuel A 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe electrochemical oxidation of diluted cyanide aqueous wastes has been studied in a single compartment electrochemical flow cell. It has been determined that the anode material influences greatly the process's performance. Boron doped diamond and PbO2 anodes can oxidize these wastes in the presence of both sulfate or chloride anions. On the contrary, dimensional stable anodes cannot oxidize cyanide in sulfate‐containing wastewaters, and require the presence of chloride ions. The oxidation of cyanides leads to the formation of cyanate in a first step, and later to the formation of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. There is a net consumption of hydroxyl ions during the process. Energy consumptions in the range 20–70 kWh m−3 are required to decrease the initial pollutant load by 70–80%. Global current efficiencies in the range 3–8% are obtained. These low current efficiencies are justified by the low cyanide concentrations that the wastes used in this work contain. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Microbial degradation of the detoxification products of mustard from the Russian chemical weapons stockpile
Authors: Ermakova Inna T , Safrina Natalya S , Starovoitov Ivan I , Lyubun Yelena V , Shcherbakov Alexander A , Makarov Oleg E , Kosterin Paul V , Boronin Alexander M 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis work was undertaken to examine the possibility of biodegradation of the organic components of the ‘reaction masses’ (detoxification products) generated by destruction of the chemical warfare agent mustard. The composition of these components was analysed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The major components formed during chemical detoxification were identified as 1,4‐perhydrothiazine derivatives. N‐(2‐Hydroxyethyl)‐2‐methyl‐1,4‐perhydrothiazine hydrochloride and N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐3‐methyl‐1,4‐perhydrothiazine hydrochloride were predominant (about 70% of total 1,4‐perhydrothiazine derivatives). Pseudomonas putida strains that used some organic components of the mustard reaction masses as carbon sources for growth were isolated and selected. Growth cessation in this medium (with organic carbon still available) was due to the depletion of bioutilisable substrates, primarily monoethanolamine and ethylene glycol (the residual components of the detoxifying mixture). 1,4‐Perhydrothiazine derivatives were not used as carbon sources for growth of P putida strain SH1, but their concentration decreased during bacterial growth with monoethanolamine and ethylene glycol as the carbon substrates. It is suggested that 1,4‐perhydrothiazines undergo transformation by the microbial cells under these conditions. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
A new synthetic biofiltration material: poly(vinyl alcohol)/pig manure compost composite beads
Authors: Chan Wu‐Chung , Zheng Rui‐Xiang 
Published: March 2005

AbstractPoly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/pig manure compost composite beads proved suitable as a biofilter material in a biofiltration process. The composite bead is a porous spherical particle with a diameter between 2.4 and 6.0 mm and a density of 0.96 g cm−3. It contains 9.43 mg P g−1 dry solid and 12.1 mg N g−1 dry solid. The equilibrium moisture contents of the PVA/compost composite beads bed for adsorption and holding experiments are 50.5% and 54.6% by wet basis, respectively, which correspond to the optimal filter material required and could sustain the biological activity. The PVA/pig manure compost composite beads bed has higher moisture‐holding capacity and compression strength than the pig manure compost bed. The PVA/compost composite beads have buffer capacity and could keep the filter bed at pH 6.9–7.2 during operating. The percentage of ethyl acetate removed could stay at over 99% for 40 days of operation as the PVA/pig manure compost composite beads adsorbed inorganic nitrate nutrient. The maximum elimination capacity of the PVA/pig manure compost composite beads filters at the loading rate of 0.71 kg ethyl acetate m−3‐bed h−1 is 0.71 kg ethyl acetate m−3‐bed h−1. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Treatment of low turbidity water by sweep coagulation using bentonite
Authors: Shen Yun‐Hwei 
Published: March 2005

AbstractA novel strategy of sweep coagulation to treat low turbidity water is presented herein. Study findings demonstrated that an Na+‐saturated bentonite with medium cation exchange capacity (CEC) resulted in significant turbidity removal at a bentonite dosage of 30 mg dm−3. Bentonite dispersion with fully delaminated platelets tended to undergo a more porous type of coagulation with intense face‐to‐face interactions of platelets and effectively entrapped TiO2 particles in band‐type structures. This type of coagulation usually results in a large volume of settled flocs with a fluffy structure and excellent turbidity removal efficiency for sweep coagulation. The sign and magnitude of electrical charge on TiO2 particles has a minor effect on the efficiency of sweep coagulation. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Microbial uptake of diesel oil sorbed on soil and oil spill clean‐up sorbents
Authors: Biswas Subhasis , Chaudhari Sanjeev K , Mukherji Suparna 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSorbent effects in the microbial uptake of diesel oil were determined for black cotton soil (BCS) and two oil spill clean‐up sorbents, ie peat sorb and spill sorb. Biodegradation studies were conducted in mass transfer limited batch slurry microcosms using microorganisms capable of direct interfacial uptake of diesel oil. Under identical loading conditions, the amounts of diesel oil initially loaded on the various sorbents were 178, 288 and 649 mg g−1 for BCS, spill sorb and peat sorb, respectively. Total biodegradation of sorbed diesel was comparable for all the sorbents (45–52 mg), however, the biodegradation rates were significantly different. Peat sorb demonstrated a distinct initial lag phase, the biodegradation rate in spill sorb was initially slower, whereas biodegradation at a high rate commenced immediately for BCS. The maximum biodegradation rates observed for BCS, spill sorb and peat sorb microcosms were 7.9, 5, and 2.9 mg day−1, respectively. Thus, the maximum biodegradation rate increased as the diesel oil loading decreased. Our results indicate that spill clean‐up sorbents have greater bioavailability limitations compared with soils and this is linked with their significantly higher loading capacity and internal porosity. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Adenovirus binding to cultured synoviocytes triggers signaling through MAPK pathways and induces expression of cyclooxygenase‐2
Authors: Crofford Leslie J. , McDonagh Kevin T. , Guo Sutang , Mehta Hemal , Bian Huimin , Petruzelli Lilli M. , Roessler Blake J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackgroundRecombinant adenovirus can be administered in vivo to achieve transduction of a number of cell types including human synoviocytes. Immunogenicity of adenoviruses has limited their utility as vectors for gene delivery; however, specific mechanisms underlying the acute inflammatory response to adenovirus are not well understood. Activation of a number of signal transduction pathways occurs rapidly upon adenovirus binding to cell‐surface receptors. We investigated stimulated expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in human primary synovial fibroblasts to adenovirus expressing the E. coli β‐galactosidase gene.MethodsCultured rheumatoid synoviocytes were exposed to transduction‐competent Ad/RSVlacZ recombinant adenovirus or transduction‐incompetent (psoralen/UV‐irradiated) Ad/RSVlacZ. The effects on COX‐2 expression, PGE2 levels and MAPK signaling in synoviocytes were assessed using a combination of reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction amplification and immunoblotting.ResultsAdenovirus treatment of synoviocytes increased levels of COX‐2 mRNA and protein as well as PGE2. Psoralen‐treated transcriptionally inactive adenovirus was equivalent to untreated adenovirus for early COX‐2 induction suggesting that viral genes were not required. Adenovirus treatment stimulated phosphorylation of ERK‐1/‐2, p38 MAPK, and JNK. Inhibition of the ERK and p38 MAPK pathways inhibited COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production.ConclusionsTaken together, these data demonstrate that a MAPK‐dependent increase in COX‐2 results in local prostaglandin production. These findings have clinical implications for use of adenovirus as vectors for in vivo gene delivery. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of a murine secreted alkaline phosphatase as a non‐immunogenic reporter gene in mice
Authors: Mælandsmo Gunhild M. , Joel Ross P. , Pavliv Marta , Meulenbroek Robert A. , Evelegh Carole , Muruve Daniel A. , Graham Frank. L. , Parks Robin J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackgroundThe development of any vector system as a gene delivery system requires its optimization in vitro and in vivo. Preliminary studies frequently involve the use of a reporter gene, which allows for the rapid and simple assay of vector function through monitoring expression levels of the reporter gene. However, evaluation of vector efficacy can be compromised by immune responses directed against immunogenic reporter proteins.MethodsWe have cloned a murine secreted alkaline phosphatase (mSEAP), and explored its use as a reporter gene in the context of an early region 1 (E1)‐deleted adenovirus (Ad) vector. Studies involved characterization of gene expression in vitro and in vivo, and immunological responses after gene delivery to mice.ResultsIn tissue culture, we show that mSEAP is easily measured quantitatively using a sensitive, commercially available chemiluminescent assay, or visualized directly using histological staining. The level of transgene expression from AdmSEAP was similar to that observed for an Ad vector encoding the human placental secreted alkaline phosphatase (hSEAP). After intravenous administration in mice, AdmSEAP continued to express at high levels for the duration of the experiment (1 month), whereas expression from AdhSEAP declined to background levels over the course of the experiment. Although cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes were not detected against either the murine or human SEAP proteins in mice, antibodies were readily detected against the human protein. No antibodies were detected to mSEAP.ConclusionsTaken together, these data illustrate that mSEAP is a sensitive, non‐immunogenic reporter gene for preclinical mouse studies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solid tissues can be manipulated ex vivo and used as vehicles for gene therapy
Authors: Hasson E. , Slovatizky Y. , Shimoni Y. , Falk H. , Panet A. , Mitrani E. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackgroundOrgan fragments can be cultured for weeks in vitro if they are prepared of microscopic thickness and if the basic organ structure is preserved. Such organ fragments, which we termed micro‐organs (MOs), express in culture endogenous tissue‐specific gene products. We have exploited this methodology to engineer MOs ex vivo by gene transfer.MethodsMOs prepared from spleen, lung, colon and skin were infected using: herpes simplex type‐1, adeno virus, vaccinia virus and murine leukemia virus (MuLV), carrying the reporter gene β‐galactosidase.ResultsAll four viral vectors infected MOs in culture, with adeno infection giving significantly higher values. After optimization, high levels of expression (>15% positive cells), comparable to those obtained with the adeno construct, were also obtained using the MuLV construct both in vitro and after implantation into syngeneic hosts. After implantation, the engineered tissue was found to remain localized, become vascularized, and to express the transduced gene for several months.ConclusionsThe system can be used to study interactions between viruses and tissues both ex vivo and in vivo. Furthermore, the approach proposes a novel platform for ex vivo gene therapy. Such engineered structures could be used as autologous biological pumps for continuous secretion in vivo of gene products of clinical importance. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variability in starch physicochemical and functional properties of yam (Dioscorea sp) cultivated in Ivory Coast N'Guessan Georges Amani Alain Buléon Alphonse Kamenan Paul Colonna Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 84(15):2085–2096 (2004)
Authors: Georges Amani N'Guessan , Buléon Alain , Kamenan Alphonse , Colonna Paul 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 84(15):2085–2096 (2004)
Rural and agri‐tourism as a tool for reorganising rural areas in old and new member states — a comparison study of Ireland and Poland
Authors: Hegarty Cecilia , Przezborska Lucyna 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBoth assessment of the physical, economic and social impacts of enlargement and monitoring the implementation of policy directives are vital to future European Union operation. This paper investigates tourism development within relatively underdeveloped regions within Ireland and Poland, and it suggests implications for tourism operations. Comparison is made between product and service offerings in both regions. Strong similarities exist between the profiles of operators, operator motivations differ, and business diversification depends on regional resources and dependency on tourism markets. The level of diversification ultimately determines rural tourism development. The value of using Ireland as a reference model for Polish development and critical issues for tourism advisors and policy makers are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
International tourism as bricolage: an analysis of central Europe on the brink of European Union membership
Authors: Baláž Vladimír , Williams Allan M. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis paper examines the trajectory of international tourism and its economic role in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia during the post‐1989 transition, leading to their European Union (EU) accession in 2004. Although there are relatively simple, and broadly comparable, trends in all four countries in visitor and tourism flows, this is based on chaotic conceptualisation of international mobility. This apparent bricolage is explored further by considering the role of international tourism in the formal and informal economies. In general, there has been as much change as continuity in the transition period, and this provides the dominant frame of reference for understanding the likely impacts of EU membership. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tourism in Brussels, capital of the ‘New Europe’
Authors: Jansen‐Verbeke Myriam , Vandenbroucke Sylvia , Tielen Sofie 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis paper considers the potentials and pitfalls of European Union enlargement for tourism development in Brussels, and it explores the role of eurocrats in mediating Brussels as a destination. As a result of enlargement, Brussels may consolidate and eventually strengthen its position as a destination for business tourism. Eurocrats may be a major consumer group but as champions their role is tempered by a discrepancy between visitation and appreciation of the city's offer. By inspecting eurocrats' views in a framework of current marketing attempts and the politics of promotion, the paper attempts to make recommendations on how to take advantage of new opportunities accession may bring. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kaliningrad — the last piece in the Baltic jigsaw?
Authors: Worthington Barry , Sedakat Pat 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis paper explores tourism development in the Kaliningrad Oblast associated with European Union (EU) enlargement. Although politically part of the Russian Federation, Kaliningrad now exists as an exclave, distant from the Russian border and surrounded by EU territory. Situated in discourse on cross‐border tourism, this paper argues for a more active analysis of the geopolitics of tourism. Kaliningrad's future is intricately linked with the possible re‐establishment of a former tourism region along the southeastern Baltic coast which crosses several state borders. The potential for this to be achieved, however, is a function of the resolution of the strategic interests of neighbouring states and the EU. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Lid.