bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly(L‐Lactide) microfilaments enhance peripheral nerve regeneration across extended nerve lesions
Authors: Ngo Teri‐T B. , Waggoner Paula J. , Romero Andres A. , Nelson Kevin D. , Eberhart Robert C. , Smith George M.
Published: March 2003

After injury, axonal regeneration occurs across short gaps in the peripheral nervous system, but regeneration across larger gaps remains a challenge. To improve regeneration across extended nerve defects, we have fabricated novel microfilaments with the capability for drug release to support cellular migration and guide axonal growth across a lesion. In this study, we examine the nerve repair parameters of non‐loaded filaments. To examine the influence of packing density on nerve repair, wet‐spun poly(L‐Lactide) (PLLA) microfilaments were bundled at densities of 3.75, 7.5, 15, and 30% to bridge a 1.0‐cm gap lesion in the rat sciatic nerve. After 10 weeks, nerve cable formation increased significantly in the filament bundled groups when compared to empty‐tube controls. At lower packing densities, the number of myelinated axons was more than twice that of controls or the highest packing density. In a consecutive experiment, PLLA bundles with lower filament‐packing density were examined for nerve repair across 1.4‐ and 1.8‐cm gaps. After 10 weeks, the number of successful regenerated nerves receiving filaments was more than twice that of controls. In addition, nerve cable areas for control groups were significantly less than those observed for filament groups. Axonal growth across 1.4‐ and 1.8‐cm gaps was more consistent for the filament groups than for controls. These initial results demonstrate that PLLA microfilaments enhance nerve repair and regeneration across large nerve defects, even in the absence of drug release. Ongoing studies are examining nerve regeneration using microfilaments designed to release neurotrophins or cyclic AMP. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of adjuvant chemotherapy in the long‐term outcome of patients with resected gastric cancer
Authors: Grau Juan J. , Martín Marta , Fuster José , Pera Manuel , García‐Valdecasas Juan C. , Bombí Josep A. , Bordas José M. , Alcobendas Felipe , Grande Luis , Estapé Jordi
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

We analyzed in a retrospective analysis whether adjuvant chemotherapy with mitomycin (MMC) alone or with Tegafur (TG) is associated with long‐term survival benefit in resected gastric cancer. Other prognostic factors are compared.

Methods

From 1977 to 1998, 314 consecutive totally resected gastric adenocarcinoma patients have been included in a survival study. In 151 patients no adjuvant therapy was given. In 163 patients, four courses of adjuvant chemotherapy was given, 109 of them with MMC, 10–20 mg/m2 i.v. every 6 weeks and the other 54 with MMC plus TG, 500 mg/m2 p.o. day for 42 consecutive days. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed.

Results

Survival benefit was seen in patients who had received adjuvant chemotherapy compared with the controls (52% vs. 30% alive at the end of the study, relative risk = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.33–0.62, P < 0.0001), women (52% vs. 35%, RR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.71–0.98, P = 0.0342) and increment of staging IB, II, IIIA, or IIIB (80, 56, 24 vs. 13%, respectively, RR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.42–2.35, P < 0.0001). Better prognosis of node‐negative patients was observed only in univariate analysis.

Conclusions

After curative surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy with mitomycin C, both alone or combined with Tegafur, improved the long‐term cure rate over no postoperative chemotherapy in locally advanced gastric cancer patients. This benefit was not influenced by other prognostic factors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;82:234–240. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of skip metastasis to mediastinal lymph nodes in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Prenzel Klaus L. , Mönig Stefan P. , Sinning Jan M. , Baldus Stefan E. , Gutschow Christian A. , Grass Guido , Schneider Paul M. , Hölscher Arnulf H.
Published: March 2003

Background

Skip metastasis to mediastinal lymph nodes is a well‐known phenomenon in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Little is reported in the literature about its clinical importance. It is still under discussion whether any prognostic differences exist between resected NSCLC with either skip metastases or continuous mediastinal lymph node metastases (N2).

Patients and Methods

We analyzed retrospectively the data of 45 patients with a pN2‐stage, who underwent resection for NSCLC. Seventeen of these patients (37.8%), showing no metastatic involvement of hilar (N1) lymph nodes, were compared to the remaining 28 patients with infiltration of hilar nodes (N1) as well as N2 nodes.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the skip metastasis and the continuous N2 group regarding sex, age, histology, T‐ or M‐status. The frequency of skip metastasis was higher in patients with a primary tumor in the upper lobe (n = 12, 71%) compared to the lower lobe (n = 5, 29%). This difference was not statistically significant. In patients with a non‐continuous lymph node spread, 29 out of 119 resected mediastinal lymph nodes were infiltrated (1.7 per patient, range: 1–10). Compared to 83 metastatic involved lymph nodes out of 198 resected mediastinal nodes (three per patient, range: 1–10) in patients with involvement of N1 and N2 nodes (P = 0.034, Mann–Whitney test). The 5‐year survival rate of pN2 patients with skip metastasis was 41% compared to 14% in patients with involvement of N1 and N2 nodes (P = 0.019).

Conclusions

pN2 patients with mediastinal lymph node skip metastasis have a more favorable prognosis compared to pN2 patients with continuous infiltration of the regional lymph nodes. Patients with a continuous lymph node involvement show an increased number of infiltrated mediastinal lymph nodes per patient compared to patients with a non‐continuous spread. Skip metastasis is an independent prognostic factor of survival. The presence of skip metastasis seems to be a unique subgroup of pN2 disease in NSCLC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;82:256–260. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surgery‐related shedding of breast cancer cells as determined by RT‐PCR assay
Authors: Hu Xi‐Chun , Loo Wings T.Y. , Chow Louis W.C.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

Surgery could result in the shedding of cancer cells into the circulation. These cells were investigated with reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay for cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and β‐subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG).

Patients and Methods

Peripheral blood was sampled from 49 patients with breast cancer before operation (d−1), 1 day after operation (d1), and 7 days after operation (d7). Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, followed by RT‐PCR assay. The products for β‐hCG were digested with Sty I endonuclease. The patients were followed up for a median of 33 months for signs of recurrence and metastasis.

Results

The results for CK19 at d−1, d1, and d7 were 8.2, 20.4, and 10.2%, respectively. For β‐hCG, the corresponding results were 12.2, 26.5, and 16.3%, respectively. There was a higher positive rate in d1 samples than in d−1 samples for CK19 and β‐hCG (P < 0.05 and P = 0.092, respectively). Conversions of signals from being negative to positive were found in all stages. These did not demonstrate a statistical correlation with prognostic factors associated with a poor prognosis. Only two of the five recurrence occurred in the 15 patients with the signal conversions, while the other three occurred in the patients showing no signals in all samples.

Conclusions

Cancerous breast cells that enter into the blood circulation as a result of an operation are unlikely to be involved in the formation of metastatic deposits. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;82:228–232. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of disseminated tumour cells in bone marrow of patients with isolated liver metastases from colorectal cancer
Authors: Bjørnland Kristin , Flatmark Kjersti , Mala Tom , Mathisen Øystein , Bakka Arne , Aasen Ansgar O. , Bergan Anstein , Søreide Odd , Fodstad Øystein
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

In colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, tumour recurrence is common following potentially curative surgery for liver metastases. This may be caused by occult tumour cells present at the time of surgery. Dissemination of micrometastatic cells may occur early in patients with solid cancer, and micrometastases may signify a poor prognosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of micrometastatic cells in the bone marrow of patients with potentially resectable liver metastases.

Methods

Twenty millilitres of bone marrow was aspirated from both anterior iliac crests from 48 patients. Mononuclear cells were isolated and incubated with superparamagnetic Dynabeads® coated with an anti‐epithelial monoclonal antibody (MOC31). Magnetically selected cells were identified by light microscopy as cells with bead rosettes (>5 beads/cell).

Results

Micrometastatic tumour cells were identified in four of 48 (8%) patients who all had their liver metastases surgically removed. Two of the four died after 17 and 18 months, respectively, whereas two are alive after 10 and 12 months. None of the 19 inoperable patients had micrometastases.

Conclusions

The frequency of bone marrow micrometastases in patients with clinically isolated liver metastases from CRC was low. This is biologically interesting, but bone marrow status should not affect current treatment protocols. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;82:224–227. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metastatic pattern of lymph node and surgery for gastric stump cancer
Authors: Han Shao‐Liang , Hua Ya‐Wei , Wang Cheng‐Hu , Ji She‐Qing , Zhuang Jing
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

Metastatic pattern of lymph node (LN) and surgery options for gastric stump cancer (GSC) remain controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate LN metastasis and lymphadenectomy for GSC for curative purposes.

Methods

Sixty‐seven patients with GSC were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The metastatic rates of LN were as follows: 63.3% in right cardia (No. 1), 33.3% in left cardia (No. 2), 75.0% in lesser curvature (No. 3), 53.3% in greater curvature (No. 4), 40.0% in celiac artery (No. 9), 60.0% in splenic hilus (No. 10), 72.7% in splenic artery (No. 11), 36.1% in hepatoduodenal ligament (No. 12), 8.3% in retropancreatic (No. 13), 21.4% in para‐aortic (No. 16), 50% in supra‐diaphragm (No. 111), 16.7% in LN within jejunal mesentery, respectively. All nine patients who only received simple laparotomy died within 1 year. The overall 5‐year survival rate of GSC was 17.9% (12/67), including 100% for stage I, 80.0% for stage II, 12.1% for stage III, and 0% for stage IV. Moreover, the 5‐year survival rate (36.7%, 11/30) for curative patients was significantly better than that (3.6%, 1/28) of non‐curative patients (χ2 = 7.76, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our results imply that GSC has a wide range of LN metastases, including LN within jejunal mesentery in B‐II reconstruction cases, and curable resection may obtain better results. Therefore, we suggest that radical operation for B‐I patients needs removal of gastroduodenectomy anastomosis and the above LNs, and that B‐II patients need removal of 10 cm of jejunum besides gastrojejunostomy anastomosis, and clearance of LN within its mesentery, in addition to B‐I GSC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;82:241–246. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Control of Biodegradability of Polylactide via Nanocomposite Technology
Authors: Ray Suprakas Sinha , Yamada Kazunobu , Okamoto Masami , Ueda Kazue
Published: March 2003

Polymer/layered silicate nanocomposite technology is not only suitable for the significant improvement of mechanical and various other materials properties of virgin polymers, it is also suitable to enhance the rate of biodegradation of biodegradable polymers such as polylactide. The biodegradability of polylactide in nanocomposites completely depends upon both the nature of pristine layered silicates and surfactants used for the modification of layered silicate, and we can control the biodegradability of polylactide via judicious choice of organically modified layered silicate.

Biodegradation of neat PLA and various PLA/OMLS nanocomposites recovered from compost with time.

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Biodegradation of neat PLA and various PLA/OMLS nanocomposites recovered from compost with time.
Applicability of Frozen Gels from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene and Paraffin Waxes as Shape Persistent Solid/Liquid Phase Change Materials
Authors: Beginn Uwe
Published: March 2003

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW‐PE) physically gels molten paraffin waxes (PW) at concentrations exceeding 0.5 wt.‐%. In the composites the paraffin wax crystallises without destruction of the UHME‐PE gel network. Above the melting transition of the paraffin compound the capillary forces prevent the liquid wax from free flow. The composites can be processed by melt extrusion, and injection moulding above the melting temperature of the gel at 116 °C. The thermal and mechanical properties of these UHMW‐PE/paraffin composites have been characterised regarding their applicability as shape persistent phase change materials (PCM). The UHMW‐PE/PW gels can store, and release enthalpies up to 200 J/g at the melting temperature of the PW. In the gel state the liquid alkane can leave the gel when in direct contact to porous materials, and the gels mechanical strength are lower than that of standard polymers. These drawbacks are proposed to overcome by formation of PCM/polymer, or PCM/metal laminates.

Schematic cross section of a proposed PCM laminate consisting of a polymer top‐ and bottom layer enclosing the UHMW‐PE/paraffin gel.

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Schematic cross section of a proposed PCM laminate consisting of a polymer top‐ and bottom layer enclosing the UHMW‐PE/paraffin gel.
Effect of Soft Segment Length and Chain Extender Structure on Phase Separation and Morphology in Poly(urethane urea)s
Authors: Gisselfält Katrin , Helgee Bertil
Published: March 2003

The phase separation and morphology in poly(urethane urea)s were investigated as soft segment length and chain extender structure were varied. Increases in soft segment length led to increased phase separation that resulted in greater mobility of the soft segment. This was shown by lower soft segment glass transition temperatures in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as a shift of Emax″ and tan δmax to lower temperatures. Also the structure of the chain extender affected the degree of phase separation and mixing of the soft and the hard blocks in an interphase. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to visualize the structure of the phase‐separated domains. The hard domains were in the form of spheres 5–10 nm, or long needles 5 nm thick and 50–300 nm long. As the soft segment length increased, there were more pure soft segment phase areas between the hard domains. At high hard segment content, a larger scale structure was found, consisting of both hard and soft segments.

DSC thermograms of poly(urethane urea)s containing different soft segment lengths.

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DSC thermograms of poly(urethane urea)s containing different soft segment lengths.
Oscillatory nature of human basal ganglia activity: Relationship to the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Brown Peter
Published: March 2003

Alterations of basal ganglia physiology in parkinsonism may consist of two elements, an increase in the firing rate of neurones and a change in the pattern of synchronisation of discharges between neurones. Recent findings suggest the presence of two principal modes of synchronised activity within the human subthalamo‐pallidal‐thalamo‐cortical circuit, at <30 Hz and >60 Hz. These oscillations are dynamically and systematically modulated by task, thereby suggesting a functional role in movement. More importantly, the two frequency modes are inversely affected by movement, consistent with opposing actions, and differentially expressed according to the prevailing level of dopaminergic activity. It is argued that the balance between these modes determines the effects of basal ganglia‐thalamocortical projections on the motor areas of the cortex. The lower frequency oscillations facilitate slow idling rhythms in the motor areas of the cortex, whereas synchronisation at high frequency restores dynamic task‐related cortical ensemble activity in the gamma band.© 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Efficacy of piribedil as early combination to levodopa in patients with stable Parkinson's disease: A 6‐month, randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Ziegler Marc , Castro‐Caldas Alexandre , Del Signore Susanna , Rascol Olivier
Published: March 2003

Piribedil is a non‐ergot D2/D3 agonist with a significant antagonist action on α2A and α2C adrenergic receptor subtypes. This double‐blind placebo‐controlled study was undertaken to confirm the efficacy of 150 mg/day piribedil po in improving motor symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) in nonfluctuating patients insufficiently controlled by a stable daily dose of levodopa (L‐dopa). Efficacy was assessed using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III score as primary criterion over 4 months. A second comparison was planned at 6 months, after possible adjustment of L‐dopa. At 4 months, the rate of response, defined as a 30% decrease from baseline on UPDRS III score, was significantly greater with piribedil compared with placebo (56.4% vs. 37.7%; P = 0.040). At 6 months, the better efficacy of piribedil was maintained (61.8% of responders vs. 39.6% on placebo; P = 0.020). The difference between groups on UPDRS III change from baseline reached statistical significance only at 6 months: −10.0 points in the piribedil group vs. −6.7 points in the placebo group (P = 0.037). Secondary end‐points were not significantly different. The most frequently reported adverse events were gastrointestinal symptoms (27 of 61 patients in the piribedil group vs. 13 of 54 patients in the placebo group). In conclusion, a 6‐month oral administration of 150 mg/day piribedil in combination with L‐dopa is well tolerated, except for minor gastrointestinal symptoms at the beginning of the treatment and significantly improves motor symptoms compared with placebo in PD nonfluctuating patients. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Chorea‐acanthocytosis: Clinical and genetic findings in three families from the Arabian peninsula
Authors: Bohlega Saeed , Al‐Jishi Adel , Dobson‐Stone Carol , Rampoldi Luca , Saha Parthasarathi , Murad Hatem , Kareem Abid , Roberts George , Monaco Anthony P.
Published: March 2003

Chorea‐acanthocytosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. Its characteristics are orofacial dyskinesia, hyporeflexia, seizures, aberrant behavior, atrophy of the caudate and putamen, and acanthocytes in the blood with a normal level of lipoproteins. We describe three families with chorea‐acanthocytosis. The inheritance pattern was recessive and the average age at onset was 27 years (range, 18–35 years). The presenting symptoms were seizures, aberrant behaviour, chorea, tics, and/or abnormal gait. Phase‐contrast and electron microscopy examinations of blood showed 10 to 40% acanthocytes. The lipid profile was normal except that, in one family, no prebetalipoprotein bands corresponding to the fraction of very low‐density lipoprotein were seen in high‐resolution lipoprotein electrophoresis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed marked atrophy in the caudate and putamen; 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan showed hypometabolism in the striatum. In all three families, the disease was linked to a 6‐cM region of chromosome 9q21 flanked by the recombinant markers GATA 89a11 and D9S1843. This finding strongly suggests the involvement of a single locus for this syndrome. Three different homozygous mutations of this gene have been identified. Although the clinical presentation was variable, the genetic studies on these three Saudi Arabian families with chorea‐acanthocytosis provide strong evidence for a genetic locus for chorea‐acanthocytosis at chromosome 9q21. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Alcohol‐induced paroxysmal nonkinesogenic dyskinesia after pallidal hypoxic insult
Authors: Warner Graham T.A. , McAuley John H.
Published: March 2003

We describe the first case of paroxysmal nonkinesogenic dyskinesia secondary to pallidal ischaemia, which is uniquely and specifically triggered by alcohol. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
High‐dose piracetam is effective on cerebellar ataxia in patient with cerebellar cortical atrophy
Authors: Vural Melih , Özekmekçi Sibel , Apaydin Hülya , Altinel Attila
Published: March 2003

We describe a patient with cerebellar ataxia of degenerative nature who was administered high‐dose piracetam in a single‐blind trial. Piracetam was demonstrated to be highly effective on tandem gait and gait ataxia in daily doses of 60 g. We suggest piracetam has a potential anti‐ataxic effect in human cerebellar ataxia when used in considerably higher doses than those indicated for other purposes. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
0.2‐Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has no add‐on effects as compared to a realistic sham stimulation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Okabe Shingo , Ugawa Yoshikazu , Kanazawa Ichiro
Published: March 2003

To study the efficacy of 0.2‐Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on Parkinson's disease (PD), 85 patients with PD were enrolled into three groups: 1) motor cortical, 2) occipital, and 3) sham stimulation. A round coil was centered over the vertex in motor cortical stimulation, and over the inion in occipital stimulation. In one session, 100 stimuli of 0.2‐Hz rTMS at an intensity of 1.1 times active motor threshold (AMT) were given. In sham stimulation, electric currents were given with electrodes fixed on the head to mimic the sensation in real stimulation. Each session was carried out once a week for the first 8 weeks. The Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and subjective score (visual analogue scale) were assessed. There were no significant differences in clinical features among the three groups. Total and motor score of UPDRS were improved to the same extent by rTMS over Cz, inion, and sham stimulation. HRSD was improved by rTMS over Cz and sham stimulation in the same manner. Subjective score was not significantly improved by any methods of stimulation. 0.2‐Hz rTMS at an intensity of 1.1 × AMT has only a placebo effect on PD. Our realistic sham stimulation maneuver must produce powerful placebo effects as a real stimulation. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Quantitative rest activity in ambulatory monitoring as a physiological marker of restless legs syndrome: A controlled study
Authors: Tuisku Katinka , Holi Matti Mikael , Wahlbeck Kristian , Ahlgren Aulikki Johanna , Lauerma Hannu
Published: March 2003

An objective marker of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is needed for developing diagnostic tools and monitoring symptoms. Actometric ambulatory monitoring of 15 RLS patients and 15 healthy controls was undertaken in order to differentiate between RLS‐related motor symptoms and normal motor activity. Nocturnal lower‐limb activity per minute differentiated and discriminated between groups with no overlap, whereas the periodic limb movement index and the controlled rest activity during sitting showed less discriminative power. The naturalistic recording of nocturnal activity by actometry may prove useful for assessing the severity of RLS and for finding an objective marker to support the diagnosis of RLS. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Focal myoclonus‐dystonia of the leg secondary to a lesion of the posterolateral putamen: Clinical and neurophysiological features
Authors: Mahant Neil , Cordato Dennis J. , Fung Victor S.C.
Published: March 2003

We report on a patient with spontaneous and stimulus‐sensitive myoclonic jerks and dystonia of the right leg that had been present since infancy. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a linear area of gliosis confined to the left posterolateral putamen. This is the first report of focal myoclonus‐dystonia of the lower limb secondary to a putaminal lesion. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Does the ADL part of the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale measure ADL? An evaluation in patients after pallidotomy and thalamic deep brain stimulation
Authors: Hariz Gun‐Marie , Lindberg Margareta , Hariz Marwan I. , Bergenheim A. Tommy
Published: March 2003

We evaluated the impact of pallidotomy and thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) on disability of patients with advanced Parkinson's disease and investigated whether the activities of daily living (ADL) section of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) measures disability in everyday life. Nineteen patients who had pallidotomy and 14 patients who had thalamic DBS were followed for a mean of 11 months. Evaluation tools included the UPDRS as well as a generic ADL scale, called ADL taxonomy. The 13 items belonging to the ADL part of the UPDRS were classified into two categories according to whether the items described a disability or impairment. The total scores of the UPDRS Part II (ADL) were ameliorated in both the pallidotomy and the thalamic DBS groups. When analysing separately the scores from the two categories of the ADL part of the UPDRS, i.e., disability and impairment, only patients who underwent pallidotomy showed improvement in disability‐related items. These findings were confirmed when evaluating the patients with the ADL taxonomy. The ADL part of the UPDRS contains a mixture of impairment‐ and disability‐related items. This mixture may confound results when evaluating the impact of surgery on ADL. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
p75 Neurotrophin receptor mediates neurotrophin activation of NF‐kappa B and induction of iNOS expression in P19 neurons
Authors: Burke Melanie A. , Bothwell Mark
Published: March 2003

P19 embryonic carcinoma cells can be differentiated into neurons that form synaptic connections and that produce a variety of neurotransmitters. Results of RT‐PCR indicate that P19 neurons express several neurotrophin receptors (p75NTR, trkB, and trkC, but not trkA) but they do not express any of the four neurotrophins. Consistent with the presence of trkB but not trkA, BDNF causes rapid phosphorylation of MAP kinases ERK1 and ERK2, but NGF does not. Neurotrophins induce translocation of NF‐κB into the nucleus. All four neurotrophins induce activation of NF‐κB in a biphasic manner. This effect is apparently mediated by p75NTR, because an inhibitor of trk receptors, K252a, does not inhibit activation of NF‐κB. Instead, K252a itself promotes activation of NF‐κB and this effect is additive with the effect of neurotrophins. Inhibition of reactive oxygen intermediates with PDTC completely abolishes basal activity of NF‐κB and strongly inhibits activation of NF‐κB by neurotrophins, indicating an important role of reactive oxygen intermediates in the pathway by which neurotrophins activate NF‐κB. NF‐κB is known to promote expression of the iNOS gene. We found that all four neurotrophins increased iNOS mRNA levels, resulting in increased accumulation of iNOS protein. In contrast, none of the neurotrophins stimulated nNOS mRNA or protein synthesis. PDTC abolishes constitutive and neurotrophin‐induced expression of iNOS mRNA and protein and abolishes constitutive expression of nNOS mRNA, suggesting that reactive oxygen intermediates promote expression of nNOS. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 55: 191–203, 2003
Estradiol initially enhances but subsequently suppresses (via adrenal steroids) granule cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of adult female rats
Authors: Ormerod B. K. , Lee T. T‐Y. , Galea L. A. M.
Published: March 2003

In the dentate gyrus of adult female meadow voles, a high dose of estradiol benzoate (EB) increases (within 4 h) then decreases (within 48) the number of dividing progenitor cells (Ormerod BK, Galea LAM. 2001. Reproductive status regulates cell proliferation within the dentate gyrus of the adult female meadow vole: A possible regulatory role for estradiol. Neurosci 2:169–179). We investigated whether time‐dependent EB exposure differentially influences the number of new granule cells produced in the adult female rat dentate gyrus and whether EB‐stimulated adrenal activity mediates the decrease in cell proliferation. Ovariectomized rats received either an EB (10 μg in 0.1 mL) or vehicle (0.1 mL) injection either 4 or 48 h (Experiment 1) before a BrdU injection (200 mg/kg) and were perfused 24 h later to assess the number of new cells. Relative to vehicle, the number of new cells increased following a 4 h exposure (p ≤ 0.04) but decreased following a 48 h exposure (p ≤ 0.006) to EB. In Experiment 2, the number of new cells within the dentate gyrus of ovariectomized and adrenalectomized females did not significantly differ between groups exposed to EB versus vehicle for 48 h prior to BrdU administration, suggesting the decreased number of new cells observed within the dentate gyrus of adrenal‐intact adult female rats is mediated by EB‐stimulated adrenal activity. We conclude that estradiol dynamically regulates cell proliferation within the dentate gyrus of adult female rats in the time‐dependent manner observed previously in voles and suppresses cell proliferation by influencing adrenal steroids. Investigating how estradiol dynamically regulates neurogenesis could provide insight into the mechanisms by which the proliferation of progenitor cells is controlled within the adult rodent hippocampus. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 55: 247–260, 2003
Drosophila neuromuscular synapse assembly and function require the TGF‐β type I receptor saxophone and the transcription factor Mad
Authors: Rawson Joel M. , Lee Michael , Kennedy Eric L. , Selleck Scott B.
Published: March 2003

Transforming growth factor‐βs (TGF‐β) comprise a superfamily of secreted proteins with diverse functions in patterning and cell division control. TGF‐β signaling has been implicated in synapse assembly and plasticity in both vertebrate and invertebrate systems. Recently, wishful thinking, a Drosophila gene that encodes a protein related to BMP type II receptors, has been shown to be required for the normal function and development of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). These findings suggest that a TGF‐β‐related ligand activates a signaling cascade involving type I and II receptors and the Smad family of transcription factors to orchestrate the assembly of the NMJ. Here we demonstrate that the TGF‐β type I receptor Saxophone and the downstream transcription factor Mothers against dpp (Mad) are essential for the normal structural and functional development of the Drosophila NMJ, a synapse that displays activity‐dependent plasticity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 55: 134–150, 2003
Expression of estrogen receptor and aromatase mRNAs in embryonic and posthatch zebra finch brain
Authors: Perlman William R. , Arnold Arthur P.
Published: March 2003

Male zebra finches sing and females normally do not. This sexually dimorphic behavior is mediated by a sexually dimorphic series of interconnected nuclei that are larger and more developed in males. Estradiol administered to females as early as the day of hatching (P1) causes profound masculinization of this song system. The exact timing of estrogen action is unknown, and there is little information concerning the times and sites of expression of estrogen receptors and aromatase before P5. We measured the expression of mRNAs encoding these proteins in brain during late embryogenesis and on P1 to determine if estrogen synthesis or receptor‐mediated actions on the song system, as part of the program of sexual differentiation, might be possible during this period. Using highly sensitive and specific in situ hybridization procedures for mRNAs encoding ERα, ERβ, and aromatase, we detected mRNA for ERs in archistriatal regions as early as embryonic stage 34, and in diencephalic regions as early as embryonic stage 30. ERα mRNA was also detected in the dorsal mesencephalon at P1. Aromatase mRNA expression was present as early as embryonic stage 30 in diencephalic and mesencephalic regions. No obvious sex differences in the spatio‐temporal pattern of mRNA expression were detected. Our results suggest that estrogen can influence cell growth and differentiation in zebra finch brain well before hatching and into posthatching life. The results fail to provide support for the hypothesis that sexual differentiation of the song system is mediated by sex differences in the expression of these mRNAs at these ages. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 55: 204–219, 2003
Localization of KCNC1 (Kv3.1) potassium channel subunits in the avian auditory nucleus magnocellularis and nucleus laminaris during development
Authors: Parameshwaran‐Iyer Suchitra , Carr Catherine E. , Perney Teresa M.
Published: March 2003

The KCNC1 (previously Kv3.1) potassium channel, a delayed rectifier with a high threshold of activation, is highly expressed in the time coding nuclei of the adult chicken and barn owl auditory brainstem. The proposed role of KCNC1 currents in auditory neurons is to reduce the width of the action potential and enable neurons to transmit high frequency temporal information with little jitter. Because developmental changes in potassium currents are critical for the maturation of the shape of the action potential, we used immunohistochemical methods to examine the developmental expression of KCNC1 subunits in the avian auditory brainstem. The KCNC1 gene gives rise to two splice variants, a longer KCNC1b and a shorter KCNC1a that differ at the carboxy termini. Two antibodies were used: an antibody to the N‐terminus that does not distinguish between KCNC1a and b isoforms, denoted as panKCNC1, and another antibody that specifically recognizes the C terminus of KCNC1b. A comparison of the staining patterns observed with the panKCNC1 and the KCNC1b specific antibodies suggests that KCNC1a and KCNC1b splice variants are differentially regulated during development. Although panKCNC1 immunoreactivity is observed from the earliest time examined in the chicken (E10), a subcellular redistribution of the immunoproduct was apparent over the course of development. KCNC1b specific staining has a late onset with immunostaining first appearing in the regions that map high frequencies in nucleus magnocellularis (NM) and nucleus laminaris (NL). The expression of KCNC1b protein begins around E14 in the chicken and after E21 in the barn owl, relatively late during ontogeny and at the time that synaptic connections mature morphologically and functionally. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 55: 165–178, 2003
Differential expression of methyl CpG‐binding domain containing factor MBD3 in the developing and adult rat brain
Authors: Jung Benjamin P. , Zhang Guangming , Nitsch Romy , Trogadis Judy , Nag Sukriti , Eubanks James H.
Published: March 2003

Using subtractive hybridization screening, the methyl CpG‐binding domain containing protein MBD3 was identified as being more prevalently expressed in the embryonic brain than in the adult. In this report, we present the mRNA and protein expression patterns of MBD3 in the developing brain. MBD3 expression was detected in neuroepithelial cells of the developing forebrain, and in peripheral tissues such as liver and intestine during late embryogenesis. This is in contrast to its related family member MBD2, which displayed only minimal expression in the embryonic brain. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the levels of both MBD3 splice forms decrease in the maturing postnatal hippocampus and cortex, although the two forms do not decline at equivalent rates. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong MBD3 immunostaining in principal neurons of the hippocampus and cortex, but weak or nondetectable immunostaining in outer cortical layer cells. MBD3 was also selectively expressed in the adult retina, where strong immunoreactivity was detected in cells of the inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers, but no immunoreactivity was detected in cells of the outer nuclear layer. Taken together, these results illustrate that MBD3 displays a selective spatial and temporal pattern of expression in the embryonic and adult brain, thereby strengthening the possibility of MBD3 playing an important role in neuronal development. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 55: 220–232, 2003
Targeted expression of tetanus toxin reveals sets of neurons involved in larval locomotion in Drosophila
Authors: Suster Maximiliano L. , Martin Jean‐Rene , Sung Carl , Robinow Steven
Published: March 2003

The Drosophila larva is widely used for studies of neuronal development and function, yet little is known about the neuronal basis of locomotion in this model organism. Drosophila larvae crawl over a plain substrate by performing repetitive waves of forward peristalsis alternated by brief episodes of head swinging and turning. To identify sets of central and peripheral neurons required for the spatial or temporal pattern of larval locomotion, we blocked neurotransmitter release from defined populations of neurons by targeted expression of tetanus toxin light chain (TeTxLC) with the GAL4/UAS system. One hundred fifty GAL4 lines were crossed to a UAS‐TeTxLC strain and a motion‐analysis system was used to identify larvae with abnormal movement patterns. Five lines were selected that show discrete locomotor defects (i.e., increased turning and pausing) and these defects are correlated with diverse sets of central neurons. One line, 4C‐GAL4, caused an unusual circling behavior that is correlated with approximately 200 neurons, including dopaminergic and peptidergic interneurons. Expression of TeTxLC in all dopaminergic and serotonergic but not in peptidergic neurons, caused turning deficits that are similar to those of 4C‐GAL4/TeTxLC larvae. The results presented here provide a basis for future genetic studies of motor control in the Drosophila larva. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 55: 233–246, 2003
School‐based health centers: Strategies for meeting the physical and mental health needs of children and families
Authors: Brown Michael B. , Bolen Larry M.
Published: March 2003

School‐based health centers are fast becoming a part of mainstream health care in the United States. The centers provide enhanced access to comprehensive physical and mental health services for children and families. Although originally established in urban areas, they can also have a significant impact on service delivery for children in rural and suburban areas. This manuscript describes the role and primary functions of school‐based health centers, describes several important issues in developing and implementing the centers, and reviews the effectiveness of services provided through school‐based health centers. School psychologists are in an excellent position to provide leadership for the establishment of school‐based health centers. Participation in school‐based health services delivery enables school psychologists to expand their role and broadens both their client population and the range of services. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 40: 279–287, 2003.
Implementing a school‐based health center: The Winston‐Salem/Forsyth County experience
Authors: Trivette Paul S. , Thompson‐Drew Corliss
Published: March 2003

This article traces the inception and implementation of school‐based health centers in the Winston‐Salem/Forsyth County (NC) school system. The challenges that arose during implementation are discussed, along with the opportunities that SBHCs provide to enhance the provision of comprehensive services for children. The involvement of the several school psychologists in the initial planning, organization and implementation of these centers is delineated as an example for other school psychologists who are interested in working with school‐based health centers. School‐based health centers represent an opportunity for school psychologists to assume a leadership role in the delivery of enhanced health and mental health services for children and families. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 40: 289–296, 2003.
Integrating expanded school mental health programs and school‐based health centers
Authors: Weist Mark D. , Goldstein Amy , Morris Leslie , Bryant Tanya
Published: March 2003

This article provides background on national movements toward expanded school mental health (ESMH) programs and school‐based health centers (SBHCs), and presents advantages and challenges of joining these two systems of child and adolescent health care. Delivering ESMH through SBHCs promotes an interdisciplinary approach, health–mental health care integration, and benefits including enhancing referral bases, improving screening of problems, and enhanced confidentiality and privacy. But this integrated approach also presents challenges including managing referrals and significant needs, handling crises, building a focus on prevention and mental health promotion, handling administrative demands, and coping with limited resources. These challenges, ideas for overcoming them, and future directions for this promising service delivery approach are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 40: 297–308, 2003.
Evaluation in school‐based health centers
Authors: Nabors Laura A.
Published: March 2003

School‐Based Health Centers (SBHCs) are ideal primary care settings for improving children's access to and utilization of health care services. In this era of shrinking funding for social service programs, SBHCs may provide services to youth from low‐income families, who otherwise might lack access to health care services. However, the growth of SBHCs has outpaced evaluation efforts. More information is needed about what services are being provided, and for whom services are effective. This article reviews information that will assist in the development of evaluation efforts for SBHCs. A review of evaluation theory, ideas for evaluation in SBHCs, challenges to implementing research in schools, and future directions for evaluation efforts are presented. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 40: 309–320, 2003.
Electronic properties of new quasi‐two‐dimensional organic conductors (BEDO‐TTF)5[MHg(SCN)4]2 (M = Rb, Cs) studied by IR reflectance spectroscopy at temperatures down to 10 K
Authors: Drichko N. V. , Vlasova R. M. , Semkin V. N. , Bogdanova O. A. , Zhilyaeva E. I. , Lyubovskaya R. N. , Lyubovskii R. B. , Graja A.
Published: March 2003

Polarized reflectivity and optical conductivity spectra of new quasi‐two‐dimensional organic conductors (BEDO‐TTF)5[MHg(SCN)4]2, where M = Rb, Cs, are studied over the spectral range 700–6500 cm–1 at temperatures between 10 and 300 K. The Rb salt shows metallic behavior over the whole measured spectral and temperature range. For the Cs salt an unusual anisotropy of changes in the spectra of the conducting plane is observed with decreasing temperature. At low temperature this salt exhibits metallic behavior in the direction perpendicular to the BEDO‐TTF stacks, but non‐metallic behavior in the direction parallel to the stacks. This anisotropy is confirmed by dc conductivity measurements. It is supposed that the non‐metallic behavior is due to a dimerization of the BEDO‐TTF molecules in the stacks at low temperature. The appearance of new bands in the vibrational spectra gives evidence for this interpretation. The ordered structure of the anion layers of the Cs salt is a reasonable cause of the dimerization.
The spectral luminescence characteristicsof RbPbCl3 : Cs crystals in the 4–20 eV region
Authors: Voloshinovskii A. , Myagkota S. , Gloskovskii A. , Garapyn I.
Published: March 2003

Investigations of luminescence kinetics properties of CsPbCl3 microcrystals dispersed in RbPbCl3 matrices have been carried out under excitation with synchrotron radiation in the energy region Eexc = 4–20 eV. Different time components are registered in the decay kinetics of CsPbCl3 microcrystals, appearing due to the direct excitation of the microcrystals or reabsorption of the intrinsic emission of the RbPbCl3 matrix. A shortening of the luminescence decay time of the CsPbCl3 microcrystals with respect to that observed for a CsPbCl3 single crystal can be explained as evidence of the quantum size effect.
ZrAg and Zr2Ag phases studiedby perturbed angular correlation with 181Ta probes
Authors: Wodniecki P. , Wodniecka B. , Kulińska A.
Published: March 2003

The electric quadrupole hyperfine interactions for 181Hf/181Ta probes in polycrystalline ZrAg and Zr2Ag were measured in the temperature range 24–1100 K and compared with the results of previous experiments on isostructural Hf–Ag compounds. For both phases one unique quadrupole frequency νQ with asymmetry parameter η = 0 was observed in accordance with the B11 and C11b structures of the ZrAg and Zr2Ag phases, respectively. On the basis of the chemical similarities of Zr and Hf, the 181Hf probes can be considered as the constituent atoms in Zr–Ag alloys. In both matrices they were found to substitute the Zr site.
On the influence of non‐nearest neighbor interactions and anharmonicity on the atomic properties of a crystal surface: one‐dimensional model
Authors: Rabelo J. N. T. , Zubov V. I. , da Silva A. L. C.
Published: March 2003

We describe self‐consistently the effects of non‐nearest neighbor interactions and anharmonicity on the atomic properties of a crystal surface. An approach is developed based on the unsymmetrized self‐consistent field approximation (USF). The structural dynamical and thermodynamic properties of a semi‐infinite linear chain are studied in the classical limit. Expressions for the lattice relaxation in the vicinity of the surface the mean‐squared atomic displacements and for the surface energy and free energy are obtained. Quantitative estimates were made using the Lennard–Jones 6–12 interatomic potential.
Solid‐phase precipitation of CdTe nanoparticles in glass
Authors: Yükselici M. H. , Allahverdi Ç.
Published: March 2003

Growth of CdTe nanoparticles in glass is studied through the analysis of optical absorption spectroscopy with the help of a quantized state effective mass model. Glass includes nanoparticles with an initial size of ∼1.6 nm on cooling to room temperature from the melt at ∼1000 °C. Particles form by heterogeneous nucleation followed by diffusion‐limited growth. The narrowest particle size dispersion of 15% is obtained for an average radius of ∼2.28 nm at the end of heat treatment at 600 °C for 4.5 h. The magnitude of the absorption related to the number of particles is low due to the oxidation of Te. A combinative use of Arrhenius plots and the model yields an activation energy for diffusion of ∼170 kJ mol–1.
Effective conductivity in a lattice model for binary disordered media with complex distributions of grain sizes
Authors: Piasecki R.
Published: March 2003

Using numerical simulations and analytical approximations we study a modified version of the two‐dimensional lattice model [R. Piasecki, phys. stat. sol. (b) 209, 403 (1998)] for random pH : (1–p) L systems consisting of grains of high (low) conductivity for the H‐(L‐)phase, respectively. The modification reduces a spectrum of model bond conductivities to the two pure ones and the mixed one. The latter value explicitly depends on the average concentration γ(p) of the H‐component per model cell. The effective conductivity as a function of content p of the H‐phase in such systems can be modelled making use of three model parameters that are sensitive to both grain size distributions, GSD(H) and GSD(L). However, to incorporate into the model information directly connected with a given GSD, a computer simulation of the geometrical arrangement of grains is necessary. By controlling the polydispersity in grain sizes and their relative area frequencies, the effective conductivity could be raised or decreased and correlated with γ(p). When the phases are interchanged, a hysteresis‐loop‐like behaviour of the effective conductivity, characteristic of dual media, is found. We also show that the topological non‐equivalence of the system's microstructure accompanies some GSDs, and it can be detected by the entropic measure of the spatial inhomogeneity of model cells.