bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Purification and characterisation of carrot (Daucus carota L) pectinesterase
Authors: Alonso Jesús , Canet Wenceslao , Howell Nazlin , Alique Rafael 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA pectinesterase isoform with an alkaline isoelectric point of over 8.66 was detected in crude extracts of carrot. The enzyme was purified by ion exchange and molecular exclusion chromatography. The molecular weight of the isoform was 25 kDa, determined in native conditions by filtration through Sephadex G‐75 SF. The enzyme showed a high affinity for its substrate, with Km and Vmax values of 0.031 mg ml−1 and 6.77 units respectively for apple pectin. The pectinesterase activity exhibited an optimum around pH 7.4 and was activated by metallic ions, with optimum activities at NaCl concentrations between 130 and 330 mM and at CaCl2 concentrations between 15 and 50 mM. The enzyme was activated most by Ca2+ and exhibited a greater tolerance of high concentrations of Na+. Comparison of its heat stability with other pectinesterases of vegetable origin indicated that the purified isoform was very thermolabile, being rendered inactive by heating for 5 min at 70 °C. The enzyme was inhibited by high concentrations of polygalacturonic acid and competitively inhibited by D‐galacturonic acid, with a Ki value of 1 mM. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
A new methodology for studying the performance of products against ruminal acidosis
Authors: Zamarreño Angel M , García‐Mina Jose M , Cantera Rodrigo G 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis paper describes a new and convenient methodology for studying the performance of products used in the treatment of ruminal acidosis. The method is based on potentiometric titration of the increase in buffer capacity and acid consuming capacity after the addition of products to a suitable medium at physiological rumen pH values. The testing medium is a mixture of buffer substances (phosphate, maleate and volatile fatty acids) that mimics real ruminal fluid in chemical composition, pH and temperature, providing useful experimental results allowing easy testing of antacids. This methodology was applied to the testing of four raw materials (sodium bicarbonate, two calcium carbonates and magnesium oxide). Results in good agreement with theoretical predictions and field experience were obtained. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Epimerisation of tea polyphenols in tea drinks
Authors: Xu Jin Ze , Leung Lai Kwok , Huang Yu , Chen Zhen‐Yu 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe present study was carried out to quantify green tea epicatechin (GTE) derivatives and to investigate the origin of epicatechin epimers present in 18 selected canned or bottled tea drinks. The major GTEs present in tea are (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (−)‐epigallocatechin (EGC), (−)‐epicatechin gallate (ECG) and (−)‐epicatechin (EC). HPLC analysis showed that the content of total GTEs was lower (16.4–268.3 mg l−1) in the canned and bottled tea drinks than in tea traditionally prepared as a beverage in a cup or teapot (3–5 g l−1). The major finding was that they contained higher levels of epicatechin epimers, namely (−)‐gallocatechin gallate (GCG), (−)‐gallocatechin (GC), catechin gallate (CG) and (−)‐catechin (C), than of GTEs, ranging from 7.6 to 331.8 mg l−1. To investigate the origin of these epimers, GTEs were extracted from longjing green tea and autoclaved at various temperatures for 10–60 min. It was found that at least 50% of GTEs were epimerised to their corresponding epimers when autoclaved at 120 °C for 20 min. It is concluded that epicatechin epimers in tea drinks are not originally present in green tea leaf but are instead derived from thermal conversion of GTEs. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Prognostic value of intratumoral CD8+ T lymphocyte in extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma as essential immune response
Authors: Oshikiri Taro , Miyamoto Masaki , Shichinohe Toshiaki , Suzuoki Masato , Hiraoka Kei , Nakakubo Yoshihiro , Shinohara Toshiya , Itoh Tomoo , Kondo Satoshi , Katoh Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes form an important aspect of the host defense against an expanding neoplasm. CD8+ T cells have been identified as a prognostic factor in several cancers. Here, we investigate that the influence of CD8+ T cells on extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma (EBDC) patient survival.MethodsCD8+ T cell immunoreactivity in 58 surgically resected EBDC specimens was investigated. The relationship between CD8+ T cell immunoreactivity and clinical and histopathologic features was analyzed.ResultsThirty‐two tumors (55%) possessed intratumoral CD8+ T cells. The degree of intratumoral CD8+ T cell immunoreactivity demonstrated a significant relationship to lower numbers of lymph node metastasis, reduced venous invasion, decreased perineural invasion, and better pTNM staging. Intratumoral CD8+ T cells were also associated with increased patient survival. Multivariate analysis indicated that the presence of intratumoral CD8+ T cells was an independent prognostic factors.ConclusionsThe infiltration of a cancer cell nest by CD8+ T cells is a reliable marker predicting increased survival of patients with EBDC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;84:224–228. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Randomized trial comparing neo‐adjuvant versus adjuvant chemotherapy in operable locally advanced breast cancer (T4b N0‐2 M0)
Authors: Deo S.V.S. , Bhutani Manisha , Shukla Nootan K. , Raina Vinod , Rath Goura K. , Purkayasth Joydeep 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesLocally advanced breast cancer (LABC) remains a major problem in developing countries. While trials utilizing neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy demonstrate superior survival rates compared to historic controls, randomized studies evaluating the precise role of neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy in LABC are lacking. In the present trial, neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy was compared against adjuvant chemotherapy to assess survival advantage in operable T4b N0‐2 M0 breast cancer.MethodsA total of 101 women with operable LABC (T4b N0‐2 M0) were randomized. In arm A, 50 patients received 3 cycles of CEF chemotherapy before and 3 cycles following surgery. In arm B, 51 patients had primary surgery followed by 6 cycles of CEF chemotherapy. In both arms, loco‐regional radiotherapy was given after completion of CEF.ResultsThe response of primary tumor to neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy was 66%, complete response (CR) 14% and partial response (PR) 52%. Clinical nodal response occurred in 95% of node positive patients. Only two (4%) patients had pathologic CR both in tumor and axilla. There was a significant (P = 0.02) increase in incidence of pathologically negative nodes in arm A. At a median follow up of 25 months, there was no significant difference in overall and disease free survival (DFS) in both arms (P = 0.42 and 0.18). Patients showing a response to neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy had better DFS (P = 0.04) compared to those who had no response.ConclusionsEarly results of the study indicate no survival benefit with the inclusion of neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy in LABC (T4b N0‐2 M0). Neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy resulted in significant down staging; good responders had a better DFS compared to those who did not respond. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;84:192–197. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors influencing adoption of soil and water conservation measures in southern Mali
Authors: Bodnár F. , De Graaff J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA soil and water conservation (SWC) extension programme, promoting erosion control measures and soil fertility measures, has been going on in southern Mali since 1986. Five factors that influence farmer adoption of SWC measures were analysed: land pressure, cotton‐growing area, possession of ploughing equipment, possession of a donkey cart and farmer training in SWC. Interviews were carried out with 298 farmers and two to three fields per farmer were visited, in 30 representative villages and 30 villages with high SWC adoption. Correlation, regression and factor analysis led to the following conclusions:

Farmers in the high land‐pressure area adopt more soil fertility measures.
Farmers in the cotton‐growing area adopt less SWC measures.
Farmers with more ploughing equipment adopt more SWC measures.
Farmers with a donkey cart adopt more soil fertility measures.
Trained farmers adopt more erosion control measures.
There is a strong correlation between the adoption of erosion control measures and soil fertility measures that could not be explained by these five factors only. This suggests that there are additional factors that trigger the adoption of SWC measures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rigid‐Rod Polymers: Synthesis, Processing, Simulation, Structure, and Properties
Authors: Hu Xiao‐Dong , Jenkins Shawn E. , Min Byung G. , Polk Malcolm B. , Kumar Satish 
Published: December 2003

AbstractSynthesis, structure, and properties of rigid‐rod polymers with special emphasis on poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) and poly(p‐phenylene benzobisthiazole) (PBZT) have been reviewed. Recent studies on chemical modifications and molecular simulations have also been given. After nearly 20 years of research and development, PBO fiber was commercialized in the late 1990s. However, due to processing difficulties, the concept of the so called molecular composites has not been successful. Development of the high compressive strength M5 and dihydroxy‐PBI fibers clearly suggest that there is potential for further developing properties of this class of materials. Opto‐electronic properties have also been reviewed.Synthesis of PBZT.magnified imageSynthesis of PBZT.
Does brand name imprinting in memory increase brand information retention?
Authors: Baker William E. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis article introduces and explores the concept of brand name imprinting. Brand name imprinting is the process of creating and strengthening the brand name node in the brand memory network through brand name exposure. Brand name imprinting at a time prior to the presentation of specific brand information is posited to improve the retention of that information by strengthening the association between the brand name and brand information. The effect is proposed to be automatic and independent of other known means to strengthen memory associations (e.g., level of attention, cognitive elaboration, stimuli vividness, and stimuli distinctiveness). This research also proposes that brand names with neutral meaning better facilitate the imprinting effect, because they do not carry perceptual baggage that can interfere with the creation of new brand name–information associations. An experiment involving brand name imprinting and the learning of brand information supports these assertions. Implications for communication strategy and brand name selection are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation of highly pure and viable primordial germ cells from rainbow trout by GFP‐dependent flow cytometry
Authors: Kobayashi Terumasa , Yoshizaki Goro , Takeuchi Yutaka , Takeuchi Toshio 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA highly pure and viable primordial germ cell (PGC) population appears to be an essential tool for establishing a cell line that can differentiate into a germ cell lineage and for studying the molecular biology and biochemistry of fish PGCs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to establish a flow cytometric method for isolating highly pure and viable PGCs. As the material for PGC isolation, we used transgenic rainbow trout possessing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene driven by trout vasa‐gene regulatory sequences (pvasa‐GFP). Four independent transgenic strains were subjected to fluorescence microscopy and GFP‐dependent flow cytometric analyses. We found that some of the pvasa‐GFP transgenic strains exhibited ectopic background green fluorescence in the somatic cells aside from strong fluorescence in PGCs. Although flow cytometric analysis of genital ridge somatic cells in the four pvasa‐GFP transgenic strains revealed a wide range of GFP intensities, we proved that somatic cell contamination of the GFP‐positive cell population was markedly reduced if transgenic strains without the ectopic background green fluorescence were used. In addition, the forward light‐scattering (FS) property, which is an indication of relative cell size, and the side light‐scattering (SS) property, which is determined by cell shape and granularity, were employed to remove non‐PGC contaminants from the GFP‐positive cell population. By isolating GFP‐positive cells with high FS/SS values, we were able to effectively remove cell blebs and the apoptotic fraction. Consequently, the purities and survival rates of isolated PGCs were greatly improved compared with those using GFP intensity as a single indicator. Thus, our flow cytometric method, in combination with the selection of suitable transgenic strains without the ectopic background green fluorescence, is capable of isolating highly pure and viable PGCs from rainbow trout. By using this method in combination with cell‐cryopreservation and cell transplantation techniques, the isolated PGCs may also be used for preserving the genetic resources of endangered fish species and domesticated fish strains carrying commercially valuable traits. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 91–100, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pleiotropic effects of Hoxa10 on the functional development of peri‐implantation endometrium
Authors: Daftary Gaurang S. , Taylor Hugh S. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractHoxa10, a homeodomain transcription factor, is dynamically expressed in adult uterine endometrium where it is necessary for embryo implantation. Endometrial Hoxa10 expression is driven by estrogen and progesterone. High levels of endometrial Hoxa10 expression coincide with high progesterone levels and development of endometrial receptivity. Although, progesterone is sufficient for endometrial differentiation and implantation, the molecular mechanisms by which progesterone mediates endometrial receptivity are not known. To determine if Hoxa10 mediates the developmental effects of progesterone in the endometrial cell compartments, we performed in vivo uterine transfection using pcDNA3.1/Hoxa10 in estrogen‐primed, ovariectomized mice and compared results to mice treated with progesterone. Additional control mice were treated with either estrogen alone or empty vector pcDNA3.1. By using ovariectomized mice, we were able to determine specific developmental effects resultant from Hoxa10 treatment and distinguish them from those mediated by the regulation of multiple endogenous genes (including Hoxa10) by ovarian progesterone. Treatment with either Hoxa10 or progesterone resulted in diminished uterine weight and increased expression of characteristic cell‐type specific differentiation markers such as epithelial calcitonin and stromal prolactin, suggesting that Hoxa10 likely mediates progesterone induced functional differentiation of endometrial epithelium and stroma. However, progesterone treatment suppressed endometrial eosinophil infiltration and degranulation compared to that seen with Hoxa10 treatment. Besides mediating progestational effects, Hoxa10 may activate distinct developmental pathways leading to endometrial differentiation. Functional differentiation in regenerative adult tissues may depend on timed expression of embryonic selector genes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 8–14, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Shear stiffness estimation using intravoxel phase dispersion in magnetic resonance elastography
Authors: Glaser Kevin J. , Felmlee Joel P. , Manduca Armando , Ehman Richard L. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractDynamic MR elastography (MRE) is a phase‐contrast technique in which the periodic shear motion of an object is encoded as variations in the phase of the reconstructed images. An alternative MRE method is presented whereby waves are depicted as intensity variations in the magnitude images due to intravoxel phase dispersion (IVPD). A theoretical framework is developed to model how the IVPD magnitude data are related to the underlying shear wave motion, and how they can be used to estimate shear stiffness. The results are shown in a series of phantom experiments to demonstrate that IVPD MRE complements phase‐contrast MRE. Magn Reson Med 50:1256–1265, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of diffusing capacity and perfusion of the rat lung in a lipopolysaccaride disease model using hyperpolarized 129Xe
Authors: Månsson Sven , Wolber Jan , Driehuys Bastiaan , Wollmer Per , Golman Klaes 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe ability to quantify pulmonary diffusing capacity and perfusion using dynamic hyperpolarized 129Xe NMR spectroscopy is demonstrated. A model of alveolar gas exchange was developed, which, in conjunction with 129Xe NMR, enables quantification of average alveolar wall thickness, pulmonary perfusion, capillary diffusion length, and mean transit time. The technique was employed to compare a group of naïve rats (n = 10) with a group of rats with acute inflammatory lung injury (n = 10), caused by instillation of lipopolysaccaride (LPS). The measured structural and perfusion‐related parameters were in agreement with reported values from studies using non‐NMR methods. Significant differences between the groups were found in total diffusion length (control 8.5 ± 0.5 μm, LPS 9.9 ± 0.6 μm, P < 0.001), in capillary diffusion length (control 2.9 ± 0.4 μm, LPS 3.9 ± 1.0 μm, P < 0.05), and in pulmonary hematocrit (control 0.55 ± 0.06, LPS 0.43 ± 0.08, P < 0.01), whereas no differences were observed in alveolar wall thickness, pulmonary perfusion, and mean transit time. These results demonstrate the ability of the method to distinguish two main aspects of lung function, namely, diffusing capacity and pulmonary perfusion. Magn Reson Med 50:1170–1179, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Whole‐heart steady‐state free precession coronary artery magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Weber Oliver M. , Martin Alastair J. , Higgins Charles B. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractCurrent implementations of coronary artery magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) suffer from limited coverage of the coronary arterial system. Whole‐heart coronary MRA was implemented based on a free‐breathing steady‐state free‐precession (SSFP) technique with magnetization preparation. The technique was compared to a similar implementation of conventional, thin‐slab coronary MRA in 12 normal volunteers. Three thin‐slab volumes were prescribed: 1) a transverse slab, covering the left main (LM) artery and proximal segments of the left anterior ascending (LAD) and left circumflex (LCX) coronary arteries; 2) a double‐oblique slab covering the right coronary artery (RCA); and 3) a double‐oblique slab covering the proximal and distal segments of the LCX. The whole‐heart data set was reformatted in identical orientations. Visible vessel length, vessel sharpness, and vessel diameter were determined and compared separately for each vessel. Whole‐heart coronary MRA visualized LM/LAD (11.7 ± 3.4 cm) and LCX (6.9 ± 3.6 cm) over a significantly longer distance than the transverse volume (LM/LAD, 6.1 ± 1.1 cm, P < 0.001; LCX, 4.2 ± 1.2 cm, P < 0.05). Improvements in visible vessel length for RCA and LCX in the whole‐heart approach vs. their respective targeted volumes were not significant. It is concluded that the whole‐heart coronary MRA technique improves visible vessel length and facilitates high‐quality coronary MRA of the complete coronary artery tree in a single measurement. Magn Reson Med 50:1223–1228, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of unconstrained optimization and sensitivity analysis to calibration of a soil constitutive model
Authors: Yang Zhaohui , Elgamal Ahmed 
Published: December 2003

AbstractLarge sets of soil experimental data (field and laboratory) are becoming increasingly available for calibration of soil constitutive models. A challenging task is to calibrate a potentially large number of model parameters to satisfactorily match many data sets simultaneously. This calibration effort can be facilitated by optimization techniques. The current study aims to explore systematic approaches for exercising optimization and sensitivity analysis in the area of soil constitutive modelling. Analytical, semi‐analytical and numerical optimization techniques are employed to calibrate a multi‐surface‐plasticity sand model. Calibration is based on results from a number of drained triaxial sample tests and a dynamic centrifuge liquefaction test. The analytical and semi‐analytical approaches and associated sensitivity analysis are applied to calibrate the model non‐linear shear stress–strain response. Thereafter, model parameters controlling shear–volume coupling effects (dilatancy) are calibrated using a solid–fluid fully coupled finite element program in conjunction with an advanced numerical optimization code. A related sensitivity study reveals the challenges often encountered in optimizing highly non‐linear functions. Overall, this study demonstrates applicability and limitations of optimization techniques for constitutive model calibration. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the use of R1 and R2* for measurement of contrast agent concentration in isolated perfused rat liver
Authors: Dimicoli Jean‐Luc , Patry Jacqueline , Poupon Joël , Volk Andreas 
Published: December 2003

AbstractWe present experimental MRI protocols at 4.7 T for quantitative determination of the Dotarem® distribution volume in isolated perfused rat liver. The procedures involved either constant contrast agent (CA) concentration or bolus administration conditions. R1 and R2* effects of the CA in liver and perfusate were measured using gradient echo fast imaging (GEFI) experiments by varying either the excitation angle or the echo time. CA concentrations in liver and perfusate were also measured after MRI by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, in order to determine in situ relaxivities in the perfusate (r1=4.2±0.1 s−1mm−1, r2*=17±2 s−1mm−1) and in the liver (r1=7.2±0.2 s−1mm−1, r2*=99±5 s−1mm−1). When CA concentrations were estimated from R1 measurements and r1, the CA distribution volume estimations in liver resulting from bolus (0.31±0.01) and stationary (0.32±0.05) experiments were not significantly different. In contrast, after a bolus, CA concentrations derived from R2* and r2* were overestimated in liver and even more in perfusate. However, with R1 and R2* being measured before CA bolus administration, zero echo time signal intensities computed from multiple TE measurements during multiple boli yielded good estimations of R1 and thus correct CA concentrations in liver and in perfusate. Under these conditions, a single multi‐echo GEFI acquisition should be sufficient to determine the concentration–time curves. Consequently, this protocol should be appropriate to rapidly estimate the distribution volume in vivo when multiple boli have to be avoided. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indefinitely preconditioned conjugate gradient method for large sparse equality and inequality constrained quadratic problems
Authors: Durazzi C. , Ruggiero V. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the numerical solution of a symmetric indefinite system which is a generalization of the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker system. Following the recent approach of Lukšan and Vlček, we propose to solve this system by a preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) algorithm and we devise two indefinite preconditioners with good theoretical properties. In particular, for one of these preconditioners, the finite termination property of the PCG method is stated. The PCG method combined with a parallel version of these preconditioners is used as inner solver within an inexact Interior‐Point (IP) method for the solution of large and sparse quadratic programs. The numerical results obtained by a parallel code implementing the IP method on distributed memory multiprocessor systems enable us to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach for problems with special structure in the constraint matrix and in the objective function. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.